South 12 08 16small by Queens Chronicle

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

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER VOL. XXXIX

NO. 49

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

QCHRON.COM

PROTECTING THE CHILDREN School, NYPD and DOT talk safety on Cross Bay

LIGHTS CAMERA, ACTION

PAGE 6

TV crew to follow Eric Ulrich

PAGE 4

OLIDAY SHOPPING & DINING GUIDE Great gifts and fine food, all here in Queens

WONDERFUL! Chain Theatre stages a Christmas treasure, radio-style

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PHOTO BY ANTHONY Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;REILLY

PAGES 23-32

Joseph Brigeles, principal of the Robert H. Goddard High School, right, discusses safety proposals ls for Cross Bay Boulevard and 149th Avenue following the October death of one of his students, s s, Jazmine Marin, who was hit and killed by a car at the intersection.

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Queens residents jeer MTA fare hikes Critics of $3 MetroCard proposal say economic impact would be serious by Michael Gannon Editor

bout two dozen Queens residents and a handful of public officials spoke out Monday night against some or all of the proposals for transit fare and toll hikes being proposed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The public hearing took place at York College in Jamaica before members of the MTA Board, including Chairman and CEO Thomas Prendergast. It was the only public hearing scheduled for the borough of Queens on a pair of proposals designed to increase MTA revenue by 4 percent over the next two years. One proposal would keep the standard MetroCard fare at $2.75 for bus and subway rides but would reduce the bonus for advance purchases and raise the threshold for bonuses to kick in. Paratransit fares would remain at $2.75. The second option would increase basic MetroCard fares to $3 per swipe, but increase the bonus for advanced purchases, while raising the minimum threshold before a bonus purchase kicks in. Paratransit fares would go up to $3. In either case, cash tolls on the Throgs Neck, Whitestone and Triborough-RFK bridges would increase 50 cents to $8.50, as would

Gajtana Simonovski of Forest Hills told the MTA Board on Monday night that it should not balance its books on the backs of riders — many of whom are living on low or fixed incomes — by PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON imposing a $3 base fare for subways and buses. tolls at the Queens Midtown and Hugh L. Carey tunnels. E-Z Pass tolls would increase 22 cents to $5.76. Proposed increases to 30-day ($121 up from $116.50) and 7-day ($32 up from $31) MetroCards also are the same in both proposals. Most of the residents who spoke said

either they or their neighbors are having enough trouble meeting the current fare even without an increase. Most also said the service they receive is lacking even at the current rate. Whatever package is approved will go into effect on March 19.

“A fare hike affects the people who will be hurt the most,” Forest Hills resident Gajtana Simonovski said, referring to lower-income residents who are unemployed or marginally employed. She said they, for example, are less likely to be able to take advantage of things like pre-tax savings from their employer for transportation funds. Frederick Wells of Laurelton was one of a handful of residents who said many residents from Queens must pay two fares when taking a trip for which one free transfer is insufficient, such as to the Bronx. He also said that a lack of available transit options in eastern parts of Queens often forces residents to have to backtrack in order to reach their destinations. Donald Miller of Ozone Park said while he personally would not be greatly harmed by an increase, that is not so for many Queens residents. “Three dollars is not affordable for them,” he said. Miller said Option 1, with the MetroCard swipe remaining at $2.75, would be the least harmful. Christine Moore of Howard Beach said she remembers having to duck under turnstiles as a little girl when her parents could not afford everyone’s fare, something she thought she had left behind when she was continued on page 37

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016 Page 4

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Creating a more resilient South Qns. City planning releases zoning plans for Hamilton Beach, Broad Channel by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

In an effort to make South Queens more resilient against future storms, the Department of City Planning is proposing that only smaller developments be built in lowlying, coastal communities. In a report released on Thursday, Dec. 8, — but provided to the Queens Chronicle ahead of time — the DCP proposed limiting future residential developments in Hamilton Beach and Broad Channel to one-family houses only with the possibility of two-family homes on lots wider than 40 feet in the former. In Broad Channel, new developments will be singlefamily only and the construction of community facilities with sleeping accommodations will be prohibited. The planned zoning changes would allow for more resilient homes in the two communities, in addition to keeping future construction in character with the areas. The Uniform Land Use Review Procedure is expected to kick off within the next few weeks. “I know that not only am I happy, but most of the community is happy about this as well,” Roger Gendron, president of the New Hamilton Beach Civic Association, said of the proposals. “This is exactly what they voted for earlier this year.” In January, members of the community — with only a handful dissenting — voted to only allow detached oneor two-family homes to be built in the neighborhood and prohibit the future construction of multifamily semidetached buildings. This would allow homeowners to construct more resilient st r uct u res while limiting densit y in the

neighborhoods. Developers still have the opportunity to build semidetached dwellings under the existing zoning. Such projects could be stopped, however, if they don’t have the foundation put in for a new development by the time the zoning proposals are adopted by the City Council and signed into law by the mayor. Gendron said there are more than 50 lots in Hamilton Beach that are either vacant or could be merged to accommodate semi-detached dwellings, though some will never be built on due to a number of regulations. “What you’re probably going to see is a rush of building applications coming in,” the civic president said. The city is also looking to help the commercial strip on the old side of Howard Beach become more resilient. Under the proposal, the businesses in Coleman Square would no longer be required to provide the off-street parking mandated in the existing zoning regulations, which have hindered business owners from retrofitting their stores to withstand future storms. In addition to using zoning to better protect the areas from natural disasters such as Superstorm Sandy, the city will be exploring land use options to foster resiliency. Those proposals, which will not be a part of the ULURP, include: • assessing vacant and city-owned lots in Hamilton Beach and Broad Channel to identify suitable future uses; • studying the possibility of street-end bulkheads on the old side of Howard Beach; and • reassessing waterfront access regulations for busiQ nesses on Cross Bay Boulevard.

This map shows some of the proposals to foster resiliency in Hamilton Beach, part of an initiative by the Department of City Planning that also MAP COURTESY NYC includes Broad Channel and Old Howard Beach.

Councilman Ulrich, the TV star? Cameras to follow him around for possible documentary by Anthony O’Reilly

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Associate Editor

Cameras may soon be following Councilman Eric Ulrich’s every PHOTO BY ANTHONY O’REILLY move.

TV executive Banks Tarver, co-president of Left/Right, never takes on a project unless he’s 100 percent confident it’s going to do well, independent producer Brad Trackman said. Tarver had that feeling when he met with Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) to discuss the possibility of filming a documentary series on the South Queens legislator. “Banks turned to me after we left the meeting and he said ‘Do you know who that guy is?’” Trackman recalled, the two of them speaking about Ulrich. “He’s a star.” Over the next few weeks, Ulrich’s constituents will see him followed by cameras as he goes about his everyday life solving district issues, working in City Hall and meeting with different civic associations. That material will be edited into a five-minute package, which will then be shopped out to TV networks in the hopes of one of them picking up the series. If that gets done quickly, the show could

start airing in the spring. “I’m going to have a lot of fun doing it,” the councilman told the Chronicle. “It could be beneficial to show the country how hard everyday people like me work.” Trackman, along with his partner, Johnny Russo, got the idea after Left/ Right wrapped up its highly-acclaimed series “The Circus,” which gave viewers a behind the scenes look at the 2016 presidential campaign. “We knew there had to be something on the political lines to fill that void,” Russo said. Ulrich has teased challenging Mayor de Blasio next year and the show could offer viewers a look into his campaign. But even if he just decides to run again for his seat, Ulrich believes the show will be just as entertaining. “I’m a 31-year-old Republican who gets elected in the big blue city,” he said. “I have a lot of quirky friends.” “There’s a lot of stuff that goes on in everyday life that’s perfect for reality TV,” Trackman said. “He’s someone who carries enormous weight in a very diverse

community and is making an impact as a councilman.” For Ulrich, the show is also an opportunity to introduce the people of America to his district. “I’m proud of my constituents,” he said. “I’m going to take them to my barber, my favorite pizza places. We’re not going to stage anything.” When The New York Times first reported online Sunday the possibility of a show following Ulrich’s moves, people immediately drew comparisons to another Queens native Republican who was once on reality TV. That man is now the president-elect. “I don’t think it’s the right comparison,” Ulrich responded. “I’m born and raised in Queens, I’m still in Queens. It’s a different dynamic. I think it’s an interesting parallel.” The councilman added he’s heard only good things about the idea of doing the show. “I’ve been hearing from people who I haven’t heard from in years who want to Q make cameos,” he said.

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

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

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

Could This Noninvasive, Natural Treatment Be the Answer to Your Knee Pain? For 10 days only, I’m running a very special offer where you can find out if you are a candidate for cold laser therapy. What does this offer include? Everything I normally do in my “Knee Pain Evaluation.” Just call before December 18, 2016 and here’s what you’ll get… • An in-depth consultation about your problem where I will listen … really listen … to the details of your case. • A complete neuromuscular examination. • A full set of specialized X-rays to determine if arthritis is contributing to your pain (if necessary). (If you have films please bring them for evaluation). • A thorough analysis of your exam and X-ray findings so we can start mapping out your plan to being pain free. • You’ll see everything firsthand and find out if this amazing treatment will be your pain solution, as it has been for so many other patients. Until December 18th, you can get everything I’ve listed here for only $37. The normal price for this type of evaluation including X-rays is $250, so you’re saving a considerable amount by taking me up on this offer. Remember what it was like before you had knee problems – when you were pain free and could enjoy everything life had to offer. It can be that way again. Don’t neglect your problem any longer – don’t wait until it’s too late.

A new treatment is helping patients with knee pain live a happier, more active lifestyle. Here’s what to do now: Due to the expected demand for this special offer, I urge you to call our office at once. The phone number is 718-845-2323. Call today and we can get started with your consultation, exam and X-rays (if necessary) as soon as there’s an opening in the schedule. Our office is called Gucciardo Specific Chiropractic and Natural Health Center and you can fi nd us at 162-07 91st Street in Howard Beach. Tell the receptionist you’d like to come in for the Knee Evaluation before December 18th. Sincerely, Dr. Robert F. Gucciardo, D.C. P.S. Now you might be wondering…

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

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

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

It Promotes Rapid Healing of the Injured Tissues.

Page 5 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016

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

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016 Page 6

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How do we protect the schoolchildren? MS 202, DOT and NYPD officials gather to discuss safety proposals by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

Standing at the corner of Cross Bay Boulevard and 149th Avenue, Capt. Brian Bohannon admitted that his idea to put fences across the corridor’s island wouldn’t prevent everyone from crossing at the middle of the road. “Of course, you’re going to have teenagers trying to jump over it,” said Bohannon, commanding officer of the 106th Precinct. “But you got to start somewhere.” Bohannon and others members of the 106th Precinct were joined by officials from MS 202 and its sister school, the Robert H. Goddard High School, the Department of Transportation, the NYPD’s School Safety Division and representatives from area elected officials on a site visit to the intersection where Jazmine Marin was hit and killed by a car on Oct. 24. Marin’s death was not the first near the intersection, principals at the two schools noted. “Is there nothing we can do considering the deaths we’ve had on Cross Bay Boulevard?” asked Joseph Birgeles, principal of the high school. DOT officials present at the site visit told the principal the entire corridor is slated to be upgraded as part of its Select Bus Service plan. Several parts of Woodhaven and Cross Bay boulevards will receive extended islands in the middle of the road to provide safer crossings for pedestrians, the intersection of Cross Bay and 149th Avenue being one of them. That construction is expected to start sometime next year. Bohannon’s fence idea was also discussed as a possibility. Birgeles and William Fitzgerald, the

William Fitzgerald, second from right, discusses safety concerns near MS 202 with NYPD and Department of Transportation officials on Tuesday. The group also talked about improving safety PHOTO BY ANTHONY O’REILLY at Cross Bay Boulevard and 149th Avenue. middle school’s principal, asked the DOT if there could be additional signage alerting motorists of the schools’ presence just off Cross Bay Boulevard, but those with the agency said such notices are put closer to the building. The same response was provided when the two educators asked about a crossing guard at the intersection — which Commun it y Educat ion Cou ncil 27 for mally requested at its month ly meet i ng i n November. “I understand the technicalities and everything but when a child is hit and

killed, that should really trump everything,” Birgeles told the agency officials. Additionally, the principals requested a red light camera be placed at the intersection to penalize motorists who disobey the traffic light. The DOT responded that it only has a specific number of red light cameras, which is allocated by the state. Birgeles and Fitzgerald asked a representative of state Sen. Joe Add abbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) to have the senator lobby for additional ones. Although Cross Bay Boulevard and

149th Avenue was a focal point of the visit, it wasn’t the only site the group visited. Another major concern for the two principals was the Conduit and the plethora of issues on it, one of the most prevalent being commercial and recreational vehicles parking on the road for days — sometimes weeks — at a time. But the problem isn’t necessarily the vehicle’s presence, so much as who’s driving them, one of the educators said. “This is about who is in these 18-wheelers and what they’re doing to this school community,” Fitzgerald said. “There was a rumor at one point of a prostitute servicing the people driving the 18-wheelers. It’s just the element of the people who are driving these things sometimes.” The middle school principal theorized the problem may be originating from two nearby hotels that the people in the vehicles may be staying in. Fitzgerald requested a ban on commercial vehicles parking on the Conduit during school hours, but DOT officials told him no such regulation exists. Ban ning park ing altogether du r ing school hours would not work, Fitzgerald and Birgeles said, because many of the schools’ teachers park there. Returning to the issue of abandoned vehicles on the road, both principals pointed out vehicles that have been there for days despite calls to 311 from them and teachers to have the vehicles towed. At the corner of Lafayette Street and 149th Avenue, right by the school, motorists often ignore a no-left turn regulation during drop-off and pickup hours. The two principals requested additional Q enforcement at the intersection.

Brooklyn thieves are being brought in Watch out for white Crown Victoria by Anthony O’Reilly For the latest news visit qchron.com

Associate Editor

One of Brooklyn’s exports to Queens may be trying to steal from your car. Capt. Brian Bohannon, commanding officer of the 106th Precinct, told Community Board 10 last Thursday that people from just over the Queens-Brooklyn border are being picked up in an older-model white Crown Victoria and dropped off into Howard Beach and Lindenwood to check the streets for unlocked cars, which they then go into to take any valuable items they may find. “It’s not so much a rampant problem, it’s just so easy to do,” Bohannon said at the board’s annual holiday party. The captain told the Chronicle on Tuesday that police are still looking for the vehicle. O f f ic e r s f r o m t h e 10 6 t h P r e c i n c t

discovered the scheme when they arrested one of the men who would walk the streets of the two communities looking for valuables, who later revealed the details to investigators. Police ask anyone who sees a white Crown Victoria — the same model once used for NYPD squad cars — acting suspiciously in the area to alert the authorities as soon as possible. Bohannon urged board members to lock their car doors and not leave any valuables in sight while away from their vehicle. He added that items such as a cell phone charger or backpack put people at risk of having their car broken into. While the captain is warning people of the burglary pattern, overall cases of personal property being stolen are down in the precinct, according to NYPD statistics. As of Nov. 20, there have been 189

Beware of any suspicious older-model white Crown Victoria, as one is transporting people from Brooklyn to break into unlocked cars and steal valuables, according to the commanding officer PHOTOS BY IFCAR VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS of the 106th Precinct. reported cases in the command, according to CompStat, compared to 197 at the same time in 2015. T he 28- d ay per iod shows a slig ht

increase, with 13 reported cases in the past four weeks this year compared to 11 during the same time period last year, accordQ ing to CompStat’s statistics

C M SQ page 7 Y K

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016 Page 8

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P Is Ulrich ready for prime time? Yes! EDITORIAL

AGE

ow, where on Earth would a Republican from Queens get the idea that starring in a reality TV show might help him get elected to a high public office? Hmmm. Tough one. We’re just kidding. South Queens City Councilman Eric Ulrich has just about nothing in common with President-elect Donald Trump beyond having grown up in our fair borough. For one thing, unlike Trump, Ulrich has stayed true to his roots and stayed here. He did not support the bombastic tycoon and “Apprentice” star for president, either. (And no, we weren’t the first to draw the comparison — The New York Times was. Who wouldn’t?) But now Ulrich is hoping to become the lead in a reality show, one that would show him at home, at work, on the streets dealing with constituent concerns and at the civic meetings where he gets to learn about new problems people in his district are facing. So expect to see cameras following the 31-year-old lawmaker around. A crew will be compiling footage in the hope that a network will be willing to pick up the series. The people behind the idea, an independent producer and a production company called Left/Right, are confident one will. “Do you know who that guy is?” one of them said to the other after meeting with Ulrich about the concept. “He’s a star.”

Maybe so. And he’s someone considering a run against Mayor de Blasio (if, of course, some other Democrat doesn’t knock hizzoner out in a primary and Ulrich has to battle it out with that person instead). But as one of 51 Council members, and one of only three Republicans, Ulrich is certainly at a disadvantage on name recognition. A TV show obviously could make a tremendous difference there. And it could be very positive for his district. Too many people have associated Howard Beach solely with one tragic incident 30 years ago for far too long. And Ozone Park has always been much more than the place where John Gotti ran his operations. Then there’s Broad Channel, Rockaway, Woodhaven and all the other nooks and crannies of the 32nd Council District. They’re all full of interesting people and places that would draw the interest of viewers across the country. It also could be beneficial if more people saw that four years after Superstorm Sandy, many South Queens and Rockaway homes remain unrepaired under the city’s mess of a Build it Back program. Exposure could very well help prod the city to finally get the work done. So keep your fingers crossed that an Eric Ulrich show will become reality. He’d have a ball, and so would the rest of us.

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Dear Editor: Last week’s timely article on the Woodhaven Corridor, better known to residents as Jamaica Avenue, was nicely “chronicled” by Mark Lord, and touched upon the evolving status of business survival for this busy district (“Some ideas on how to help Jamaica Ave.,” South Queens edition). As a resident of Woodhaven for 44 years, I have seen the gradual changes that have shaped such development. Unfortunately, one major area was not addressed, and it is the vital nerve that can mean the difference of success or failure for all shops. The unrelenting deployment of traffic agents over a span of years has done immeasurable harm to both the provider and the consumer. Michael Bloomberg was angered by having his bid to introduce Sundays to meter parking regulations rightfully rejected by the City Council. He then reduced the 25-cent, 30-minute timetable to 20 minutes, and then when that wasn’t enough, slashed the time to 15 minutes. It is impossible to get a prescription filled in that time, so it becomes necessary to be on the safe side and go for the 50-cent, 30-minute window. This becomes a surcharge, for that quart of milk at the supermarket, the bagel and coffee at the bakery, or even a Lotto ticket at the deli. Over these last five years, an army of white caps have invaded Jamaica Avenue, with as many as four to five agents in a six-block © Copyright 2016 by MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. All rights reserved. Neither this newspaper nor any part thereof may be reproduced, copied, or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, microfilming, recording or by any information retrieval system without the express written permission of the publishers. This copyright is extended to the design and text created for advertisements. Reproduction of said advertisement or any part thereof without the express written permission of MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. is strictly prohibited. This publication will not be responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Bylined articles represent the sole opinion of the writer and are not necessarily in accordance with the views of the QUEENS CHRONICLE. This Publication reserves the right to limit or refuse advertising it deems objectionable. The Queens Chronicle is published weekly by Mark I Publications, Inc. at a subscription rate of $19 per year and out of state, $25 per year. Periodicals Postage Paid (USPS0013-572) at Flushing, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mark I Publications, Inc., 62-33 Woodhaven Boulevard, Rego Park, N.Y. 11374-7769.

E DITOR

stretch. One senior walked halfway up the avenue to purchase a meter receipt at the vendor machine only to find a summons already attached to his vehicle upon his return. One such agent complained that every day his supervisor wants more, more, more. In the years prior to the new millennium, Lewis’ of Woodhaven reigned, and shoppers were able to browse his variety store without the threat of hounding by traffic agents. Nothing has fractured business as badly as the nervousness of would-be consumers to step out of their vehicle, if only to buy a newspaper. On Thanksgiving Day, with meters suspended, there were still three agents prowling the corridor, for other minor infractions. The ideas outlined in last week’s Chronicle are meaningless, unless there are changes at the root causes of traffic agent abuse. If this is not addressed quickly, would-be shoppers will continue to go elsewhere, for their needs, to avoid the nonstop harassment. Before finding solutions to bolster business on the Woodhaven corridor, first give consumers a break, and shopkeepers a fair chance at

Shop, eat local

es, we had Small Business Saturday just after Thanksgiving, and it looks like Queens momand-pop shops did pretty well, at least in some areas. But supporting them isn’t a one-day thing. Make sure you visit them the rest of this holiday season too. If you could use some ideas on where to go or what to get, check out our Holiday Shopping & Dining Guide in this week’s editions of the Chronicle. You might even learn about some neat products made right here in Queens that you didn’t know existed. And you’ll find some great options for dining out, along with a handful of recipes for those evenings you don’t. Be sure to tell your merchant or restaurateur you “saw it in the Chronicle!” Keeping our small businesses strong keeps Queens strong and, yes, our newspaper too. Everyone wins. Be a part of it.

business, and put back the 30-minute meter for 25 cents. Resolve the seed of diminishing crowds by checkmating summonsing practices. For every five agents, the city could hire three police officers, walking the beat, and exercising discretionary decisions! Robert W. Rice Woodhaven

AirTrain to LGA? Ha ha. Dear Editor: There is more to “Getting to JFK, LaGuardia faster” (by Anthony O’Reilly, Dec. 1, multiple editions). Gov. Cuomo is overly optimistic concerning building a train to the plane for LaGuardia Airport. Success for this project is dependent upon the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and MTA working well together. Fifteen years after 9/11, the Cortland Street World Trade Center No. 1 IRT subway station is still several years away from being back in service. If there are no new delays, perhaps the station will reopen by December 2018. The

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Dear Editor: Donald Trump is unfit to be president. Absurdly, unbelievably unfit. He is the definition of a demagogue — someone who seeks support by appealing to prejudices rather than rational argument. Luckily, our Founding Fathers planned for this. With the Electoral College, they essentially built a failsafe into the Constitution. By voting their conscience, electors can protect the citizens of this country from the demagogue our Founding Fathers warned us about. Call it what you want — faithless electors, faithful electors, conscientious electors or Hamilton electors — these are the people who can save us.

Cowardly killer cop Dear Editor: So, former South Carolina Police Officer Michael Slager “feared for his life.” That’s why he shot Walter Scott five times, in the back, as Scott was running away! It’s a good thing Slager doesn’t run in marathons; he would give new meaning to the term “mass shooting”! Slager lied about the incident, planted the Taser next to Scott and performed no life-saving actions. But he did have the presence of mind to handcuff the dying man. Perhaps he still felt threatened. After all, Slager might have slipped on the spreading puddle of Scott’s blood. Oh, Scott’s offense? A broken taillight. Robert LaRosa Whitestone

Palm oil hurts the world Dear Editor: People are cutting down trees in the forest. They are planting palm trees, replacing the others. They are hurting the animals and their habitats. People are not caring and running trucks over the animals. It also affects us when we use products that have palm oil. The oil is bad. There are a few products that have palm oil: some food, some chocolate, some shampoo and some toothpaste. Do not use products with palm oil. We have to protect our animals! Find a way to make today a better day! Alyssa Longo Howard Beach The writer, 8, included insightful drawings of happy animals and a girl rejecting the use of palm oil with her letter.

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Elector votes are anonymous, so those granted this power need not worry about facing repercussions. Also, no elector in history has ever been prosecuted for failing to vote as pledged. This is not an insurmountable task. In order to make this happen, concerned citizens must make their case to the electors. Participation in government isn’t only for Election Day. There are several ways to help. Sign the petition at electoralcollegepetition.com and the many other similar petitions floating around. If you happen to know one of the electors personally, or know someone who does, arrange a meeting to discuss your concerns and wishes. Contact information for all electors in red states can be found at makedemocracymatter. org and elsewhere. Call their offices, send letters and emails to plead your case politely. Most importantly, encourage electors to encourage their colleagues to reconsider what their pledge to the American people really means. Finally, spread the word to everyone you know that the election is not over until electors vote on Dec. 19. This is not about politics. It is about humanity. It is about our future. I encourage all readers to do their part to prevent a dangerously unqualified individual from holding the highest office in this country. Make no mistake — the majority of Americans do not want this man to be president. The Founding Fathers would not only approve of taking action, they would insist. John Garfield East Meadow, LI

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PANYNJ and MTA fought for years over budget, funding sources, scope and schedule. Construction for the MTA portion of the project just started in 2015. Everyone has long forgotten that the successful PANYNJ AirTrain, which runs between the LIRR Jamaica Station and Kennedy Airport, was supposed to continue proceeding north along the Van Wyck Expressway and con nect with LaGuardia Air por t. The PANYNJ did not have sufficient funding to complete the original full scope of the project. This extension to LaGuardia Airport could also have connected with the LIRR and No. 7 subway line at the Mets-Willets Point Station. Construction primarily within existing highway right of way would have eased any community opposition from those who owned homes and or businesses adjacent to the route. Too bad the PANYNJ choose to spend billions in nontransportation investments instead of completing the AirTrain to LaGuardia Airport. The estimated cost of $450 million for construction of a LaGuardia AirTrain is just a concept based upon a planning feasibility study. Twenty-one months have passed since Cuomo announced this project with little progress to date. There are no environmental documents or any preliminary design and engineering efforts necessary to validate any actual construction costs. The anticipated final potential cost for a LaGuardia AirTrain could end up several hundred million dollars above Cuomo’s estimated figure of $450 million. There will be significant conflicts if the LaGuardia AirTrain is built with connections to both the Mets-Willets Point subway and LIRR stations. Why would any LaGuardia Airportbound travelers with luggage attempt to squeeze on already packed rush-hour subway and LIRR trains? Cuomo apparently never considered how this issue would be resolved when contemplating this project. Cuomo in 2014 promised that the LaGuardia AirTrain would be up and running within 5 years by 2019. Now he has said this will occur by 2021. To build a train to the plane from the MetsWillets subway and LIRR station to LaGuardia Airport within five years for $450 million as promised by Cuomo is a planner’s dream. In reality it will be a nightmare for both taxpayers and riders. You can count on cost overruns in the hundreds of millions and multiyear delays in construction before reaching beneficial use. Larry Penner Great Neck, LI

DITOR

Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016

LETTERS TO THE

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016 Page 10

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A merry Hamilton Christmas

Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer has introduced legislation to open City Hall, whose rotunda is seen here, on the weekends. The legislation is co-sponsored by Councilman Paul Vallone. PHOTO BY STEVE FISHER

JVB bill calls for City Hall weekend access Council members express concerns with money and security for idea by Ryan Brady

PHOTOS BY ANTHONY O’REILLY

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Associate Editor

It’s certainly beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Hamilton Beach — especially after the community lit its tree at the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department last Saturday. Along with the help of jolly old St. Nick, as seen at top, the New Hamilton Beach Civic Association and elected officials illuminated the tree for the fifth year in a row. Before the countdown to the tree’s lighting, the audience heard some classic Christmas

carols from The Our Lady of Grace Youth Choir, center. State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach), above, was just one of the elected officials to thank civic president Roger Gendron, above right, for his work in planning the event and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), Assemblywoman-elect Stacey Pheffer Amato and Borough President Melinda Katz also attended.

Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) introduced legislation to make City Hall open to the public on weekends on Nov. 29. “City Hall is owned by the people of the City of New York — they should be allowed inside,” Van Bramer said in a prepared statement. “Municipalities all over the world have their seat of government open to the public, and New York City should do the same. City Hall is one of the most historically and architecturally significant buildings in the city, and by opening it to visitors, we signal our commitment to transparency and make this landmark accessible to all.” The majority leader added that the building, which is used as the Mayor’s Office and the Council chambers, is landmarked and has a large art collection. “The rot u nda is a g reat space, retired architect Steve Fisher of Middle Village told the Chronicle. “It would be terrific if the public got to see it in addition to the chamber itself ... I would wholeheartedly support the idea of making it open to the public.” “I think it’s a great idea and I think it’s long overdue,” said Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park). “City Hall belongs to the people, not the politicians.” The building is open for anyone to watch the Council have hearings and meetings. City Hall’s art collection, which has more than 100 paintings, includes portraits of the Marquis de Lafayette by Samuel Morse, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry by John

Wesley Garvis and George Washington by John Trumbull. “I think it’s a very intriguing idea,” Councilman Barry Grodenchik (D-Oakland Gardens) said. “I feel sometimes bad that more people don’t get to see City Hall but of course, there are major security concerns as you might imagine.” Simiar concerns were expressed by Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills). “There are many people that don’t get a chance to see it, they work during the week and they don’t get a chance to see a really historical building and beautiful paintings,” Koslowitz said. “So, yes, I could go along with that as long as there’s security and there’s money for it to be done.” Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) is co-sponsoring the bill, which is also supported by Councilmen Jimmy Vacca (D-Bronx), Mark Levine (D-Manhattan) and Rafael Espinal (D-Brooklyn). “Increasing City Hall’s public access will allow our children and families to enrich their knowledge on our great city’s history,” Vallone said in a prepared statement. “Touring the seat of New York City government only expands civic engagement.” The de Blasio administration, Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Glendale) and Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton) did not immediately return requests for comment, while Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows) declined to comment. Van Bramer spokeswoman Arielle Swernoff did not immediately respond when asked Q how much the legislation would cost.

C M SQ page 11 Y K (Across The Street)

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Still time to embrace the spirit of giving The Chronicle needs your help to brighten homeless children’s holidays by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

The Queens Chronicle’s office has some toys crowding its hallway, but we’re hoping for more. While a box full of toys from state Sen. Joe Addabbo’s Howard Beach office has brought many items that homeless children will certainly enjoy, we haven’t seen as many people drop items off at our Rego Park office compared to prior years. The holiday season is a time of giving and while we appreciate what’s been brought to us so far, we’d greatly appreciate to see more of you here in the coming weeks. With that said, we do want to give thanks to the following people who took the time to hop in their sleigh and drop some gifts in our chimney: Josephine from Rego Park, Mary Jacob from Ozone Park, Anthony Como from Middle Village, Marie Parisi from Flushing and Louis Massari Sr. from Glendale. Remember, these items will be donated to children living in Queens homeless shelters, who otherwise would have nothing to open on Dec. 25. All year, this paper and other media outlets have put the spotlight on the homelessness crisis in New York City, with more than 60,000 people in the system right now. According to the Department of Homeless

Services, there are 13,189 families and 23,788 children living in shelters in the f ive boroughs. Now, it’s time to lend a helping hand to those who are less fortunate than we are. Many of the good girls and boys have taken time to tell Santa what they want this holiday season. Popular items such as the Doc McStuffins and Baby Alive dolls are at the top of several lists, in addition to action f igures, remote control cars, Easy Bake ovens, coloring books and crayons, other art supplies, sports equipment — such as balls — tablets, Kindles, headphones, journals, Lego sets, MP3 players, remote control cars and trains and more. Many of the children have asked for toys with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Spiderman, Batman, Star Wars, Peppa Pig and other popular characters on them. Some parents have written in asking for necessities such as diapers and wipes. They’re also requesting play mats for infants, plush toys, Fisher Price learning toys, learning blocks and books and more. New items of clothing, for infants up to children aged 17, will also be accepted.

We cannot accept any used items of clothing. We cannot accept bikes, scooters, Heelys, skateboards, hoverboards, drones or violent toys. The gifts will go to children in four city homeless shelters: the Kings Inn Family Center in East Elmhurst, the Boulevard Family Residence in Elmhurst, the Metro Family Residence in East Elmhurst and the Saratoga Family Inn in Springfield Gardens, as well as Dove House, an emergency shelter for battered women or men and their children in eastern Queens. Gifts can be dropped off at the Chronicle office, at 62-33 Woodhaven Blvd. in Rego Park, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you can’t deliver gifts during regular office hours, you can leave them at Barosa Brick Oven Pizza, next door at 62-37. A number of elected officials also let their offices be used as drop-off points. They are: • Councilman Daniel Dromm, at 37-32 75 St., 1st floor, in Jackson Heights; • Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, at 47-01 Queens Blvd. in Sunnyside;

• Councilman Donovan Richards, at 23426A Merrick Blvd. in Laurelton; • Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (who collects for other drives as well as ours), at 21333 39 Ave., suite 238, in Bayside; • state Sen. Leroy Comrie, at 113-43 Farmers Blvd. in St. Albans; • Assemblyman Mike Miller, at 83-91 Woodhaven Blvd. in Woodhaven; and • Addabbo’s district offices, at both 159-53 102 St. in Howard Beach and 66-85 73 Place in Middle Village. We’d also like to announce that Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) has volunteered his Ozone Park district office, 93-06 101 Ave., as a drop-off point. In the weeks leading up to the toy drive, we will be highlighting some of the items the children are asking for in addition to thanking those who come by our office to drop off the toys. So while you’re out at the stores looking for good deals for all the people on your list, take some time to think of those who won’t be as comfortable come Christmas morning. The least you can do is help put a smile on their face. We thank you in advance, and if you have any questions, please visit the Queens Chronicle office during business hours or call us at Q (718) 205-8000.

ConEd battery system approved by CB 10 Initiative to help power Queens homes by Anthony O’Reilly

PHOTO BY NICK THEODOROU

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Associate Editor

Kris Kringle in Woodhaven St. Nicholas paid a visit to Woodhaven over the weekend. Santa Claus visited the neighborhood on Friday as the Greater Woodhaven Development Corp. hosted its annual tree and

menorah lighting. The following day, he was formally welcomed to the area during the GWDC-sponsored “Welcome Santa to Woodhaven Parade.”

The construction of a battery system meant to help ensure the delivery of electricity to Brooklyn and Queens homes du r i ng p ea k dem a nd mont h s wa s approved by Community Board 10 last Thursday. The system will be added onto the ConEd substation in Lindenwood, located at the corner of 151st Avenue and 79th Street and is part of the utility’s BrooklynQueens Demand Management program. Construction is scheduled to start sometime next year. The battery system will serve as a backup source of power during summer months, when the demand for electricity is at its highest. It was proposed after ConEd discovered the need for electricity may exceed its capabilities by 2018. The batteries can run for approximately 12 hours before needing to recharge, ConEd officials told CB 10 members at the meeting. A 10-foot wall will be built around

ConEd is looking to keep the power flowing FILE IMAGE in Queens and Brooklyn. the battery system to ensure nearby residents are not subject to ambient noise. Several board members brought up the possibility of the batteries malfunctioning, resulting in an explosion or some other type of catastrophe. ConEd officials told them the system is protected by a sprinkler system that’s meant to extinguish any fires. They can also be Q turned off remotely.

C M SQ page 13 Y K

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Key Interchange phase wrapping up Queens Boulevard Bridge, new pedestrian plazas nearly finished by Christopher Barca

plazas, still in skeletal form. Those canopy-covered spaces — two of which are on the north side of Queens Boulevard with the third on the south side — should also open to the public by the end of the year. The near completion of Contract 1 comes 10 months after Contract 2A of the job was finished. That $104 million phase — which was completed two months ahead of schedule — included, among other things, the widening of the Van Wyck between Hoover and 72nd avenues, the creation of a three-lane viaduct and the construction of a two-lane ramp connecting the eastbound Jackie Robinson Parkway and Union Turnpike with the northbound Van Wyck. The final phase, Contract 2B, has gone out for bidding, according to Park. That $130 million aspect of the project involves the replacing of the Van Wyck’s two-lane southbound viaduct with a threelane viaduct. The Briarwood Community Association cheered the wrapping up of work on Contract 1 in its December newsletter while also thanking the state DOT for being cooperative and receptive to its concerns. “You are reading this correct,” the newsQ letter reads. “For Briarwood, it’s over.”

Associate Editor

Completion of a major phase of the sprawling, labor-intensive Kew Gardens Interchange Project in Briarwood should be “substantially completed” within the next few weeks, according to the state Department of Transportation. “Contract 1 for approximately $159 million is scheduled to be substantially completed by the end of 2016,” DOT spokeswoman Diane Park said in an email, “with weathersensitive finishing work taking place next spring, such as asphalt paving, plantings and the installation of stone planters.” Infrastructure improvements with Contract 1, which began six years ago, include: • reconstructing and widening the Van Wyck Expressway between 82nd and Hillside avenues; • constructing five new bridges over the Van Wyck, including the Queens Boulevard Bridge; • constructing auxiliary lanes on the Van Wyck in each direction; • providing a dedicated exit lane southbound to Hillside Avenue; • constructing an eastbound Queens Boulevard exit ramp; • building an elevator at the Briarwood subway station; and

One of the Kew Gardens Interchange Project’s most labor-intensive phases is nearly complete, according to the state Department of Transportation. These workers spent Tuesday morning sealPHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BARCA ing pavement on the Queens Boulevard Bridge. • constructing three pedestrian plazas along the Queens Boulevard Bridge over the Van Wyck. Contract 1’s original budget was $146.5 million, with a completion date of Jan. 30, 2015. According to Park, delays and overbudgeting resulted from aspects of the project, like the Queens Boulevard Bridge, being more difficult and labor-intensive than originally anticipated.

The state also ran into trouble when it came to work inside the Briarwood subway station. “Lead paint was found in the tunnel,” Park said. “It had to be removed and the tunnel made safe before work could proceed.” On Tuesday, dozens of construction workers could be seen placing concrete and sealing pavement on the Queens Boulevard Bridge and building the trio of pedestrian

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$ LIP LI IP IN INJECTIONS NJ 450

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YOUR LIPS

C M SQ page 15 Y K 7 to 10-oz. pkg., Any Variety (Excluding Natural Slices, Cuts and 6 to 8-oz., Cheese Sticks)

133-11 20th Ave., College Point • 718-353-3705 • OPEN 6am to 11 pm 7 Days a Week

SALE STARTS SUN

MON

DECEMBER 2016 TUE WED THU

FRI

SAT

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Limit 4

Per Variety Juice) Any Variety, 64-oz. btl. (Excluding 100% Grapefruit Drink, Pact Fruit Infusions Drink, Cran-Lemonade or

Cook’s Shank Half Ham

Limit 4

Per Variety

1.99 lb. -1.00 lb.

Limit 1-pkg.

Ham & Water Product, Reduced Sodium, Select Brands or

.99

2.09 lb. -1.00 lb.

ShopRite Sale Price:

Cook’s Butt Half Ham

Limit 1-pkg.

lb.

2.49 lb. -1.00 lb.

Limit 1-pkg.

Limit 4 Offers

5 $5 for

Limit 4 Per Variety

.99

MUST BUY

10 10

Additional or lesser quantities will scan at 1.83 ea.

8 to 11.4-oz. bag, Any Variety (Where Available, While Supplies

Your Choice!

.53

Limit 4

Per Variety

397

Banquet Brown ‘N Serve Sausage

199

Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops

Bottom Round Roast

lb.

Certified Angus Beef Bottom Round Roast ®

31 to 40-ct./lb., Frozen, Raw, Peeled & Deveined

• 2-lb. Bag Cape Gourmet Large Cleaned Shrimp

ON ANY

2-lb. Bag or more

16 to 20-ct./lb., Frozen, Raw, Cape Gourmet

• 2-lb. Bag Extra Jumbo EZ Peel Shrimp Limit 4

Per Variety

2 Off 00

Shrimp

98 2.00

With your Price Plus® club card. Limit 4.

SSARY. NO COUPON NECE

FINAL COST

lb.

Limit 4-lbs.

Limit 2

Limit 4

Per Variety

U.S. #1

Limit 1

249

Anjou or Bosc

• Organic Pears

Limit 4-lbs.

1.79 lb. -.30 lb.

FINAL COST

149

lb.

4-lb. bag, Florida Oranges or California

Navel Oranges 4-lb. Bag Limit 1

99 1.00

Super Coupon Present This Coupon at Time of Purchase, Order, Pickup or Delivery to Receive Discount 405.6-oz. tot. wt. btls. (Plus Dep. or Fee Where Req.) 16.9-oz. Bottles

Poland Spring Water 24-Pack 0

018610

ShopRite Evaporated Milk

Galbani Mozzarella

Limit 4 Per Variety

MUST BUY 3

3 $10

.69

599

2.60

199 288

Limit 4 Per Variety

2 5 $

Limit 4 Offers

for

3,696 to 4,560-tot. sht. ct. pkg., Comfort or Clean Care, Bath Tissue

Limit 4

1.30

Per Variety

Limit 4 Per Variety

.99

1.20

477

Limit 4 Per Variety

1.42

.99

612-tot. sht. ct. pkg., Equals 9 Regular Rolls, Choose-A-Size

•Scott Towels Mega 6-Pack 234 to 336-tot. sht. ct. pkg., Value Roll, Choose-A-Size

•Cottonelle Double Roll 24-Pack Your Choice!

Additional or lesser quantities will scan at 3.69 ea.

Ronzoni Lasagna

ShopRite Vegetables

•Scott Bath Tissue 20-Pack

MUST BUY

8-oz. box, Manicotti or Oven Ready Lasagna, 12-oz., Healthy Harvest Lasagna or Jumbo Shells or 1-lb.

10 to 12-oz. pkg., Any Variety, Steam In Bag

8,000-tot. sht. ct. pkg., Extra Soft or 20,000-tot. sht. ct., 1-Ply

.41

Wesson Corn Oil

DiGiorno Pizza

.31

.80

48-oz. btl., Canola or

17.26 to 34.2-oz. pkg., Any Variety (Excluding Ultimate & Stuffed Crust)

ShopRite Pasta

for

With this coupon. Limit one per family. Void if reproduced, sold or transferred. Cash value 1/100 cent. Good at any ShopRite® store. © 2016 Wakefern Food Corp. Effective Sun., Dec. 11 thru Sat., Dec. 17, 2016.

Limit 4

.50

Thru Saturday, Dec. 31st, 2016. 2

99 1.61 299

Per Variety

) Any Variety, Luigi 1-lb. bag (Excluding Organic ing Gluten Free) Vitelli Pasta or 1-lb. box (Exclud i, Ziti Rigati, Ziti, Penne, Elbow Macaroni, Rigaton , Linguini Fini, Angel Pennette, Spirals, Rotelle ine, Penne Rigate, Hair, Ditalini, Linguine, Fettucc or Vermicelli Spaghetti,Thin Spaghetti

Limit 4

28 to 32-oz. cont., Part Skim, Whole Milk or Low Fat

Per Variety

Limit 4

Per Variety

.88

3.11

Galbani Ricotta

99 1.00

• Organic Apples Your Choice!

Maxwell House Ground Coffee

16-oz. pkg., Part Skim or Whole Milk (Excluding 12-oz., Fresh or Sliced Mozzarella)

1.00

See Page 10 For Free Milano Cookies Offer

Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream 12-oz. can, Regular or Fat Free

Limit 4

.99

14-oz. cont., Any Variety

22 to 30.6-oz. can, Any Variety

Per Variety

Sweet Potatoes 5-lb. Box

1.20

Limit 4 Per Variety

Starbucks Coffee

Friendly’s Ice Cream

1.00

1.72

11 to 12-oz. bag, Any Variety, Ground or 3.4 to 10.3-oz. box, 6 to 10-ct., K-Cups

48-oz. cont., Any Variety, Dairy Dessert or

LOW PRICES

31 to 40-ct./lb., Frozen, Cleaned, No Antibiotics Ever

Fuji, Gala or Granny Smith

ShopRite Sale Price:

599

.80

88 5.11

•Viva Vantage Towels 6-Pack Your Choice! Limit 4 Per Variety

488

2.11

Prices, andpromotions promotions effective Sun., Dec. 11 thru Dec. 17,in2016 in ShopRite in Gateway Plaza, Brooklyn, NY.Avenue, Sunday sales subject local blue laws. Noblue sales made to other retailers wholesalers. We reserve the right limittopurchases of any Prices, programs programs and effective Sun., Dec. 11 thru Sat., Sat., Dec. 17, 2016 ShopRite® Stores®inStores Gateway Plaza, Brooklyn, NY. and 20th Queens. Sundayto sales subject to local laws. No sales made to otherorretailers or wholesalers. We reserve thetoright limit purchases of sale any sale item item to (4) four (4) purchases, per item, per household, per day, except wherenoted. otherwise noted. Minimumpurchase or additional purchase requirements noted for any advertised item exclude the purchase of prescription giftpostage cards, gift certificates, postage stamps, money orders, to four purchases, per item, per household, per day, except where otherwise Minimum or additional requirements noted for any advertised item exclude the purchase of prescription medications, gift cards,medications, gift certificates, stamps, money orders, money transfers, lottery tickets, money transfers, lottery tickets, fuel cigarettes, and Metrotobacco passes,products, as well as milk, cigarettes, products, alcoholic by beverages any other itemscoupon prohibited law. Only oneand manufacturer coupon may bemanufacturer used per item and we reserve the toidentical limit manufacturer bus tickets, fuel and Metrotickets, passes,bus as well as milk, alcoholic beveragestobacco or any other items prohibited law. Onlyor one manufacturer may by be used per item we reserve the right to limit coupon redemptions to right four (4) coupons percoupon household redemptions tootherwise four (4) identical coupons per household per day,Sales unless or further by manufacturer. Sales taxcoupon is applied toWe theare netrequired retail ofbyany itemtax oron any We are required bythat lawistodiscounted charge sales price of any per day, unless noted or further restricted by manufacturer. taxotherwise is applied noted to the net retail of restricted any discounted item or any ShopRite® item. lawdiscounted to charge sales theShopRite full price®ofcoupon any itemitem. or any portion of an item withtax theon usethe of afull manufacturer ® item or any of an sponsored item that is(or discounted with theClub® use ofcard a manufacturer or a for manufacturer sponsored (or funded) Price Plus Club card discount. Not itresponsible typographical errors. Artwork does notCorp., necessarily represent items on sale; it is for display purposes GLAG-070872 coupon or a portion manufacturer funded) Price Plus discount. Notcoupon responsible typographical errors. Artwork does not necessarily represent items on sale; is for displayfor purposes only. Copyright© Wakefern Food 2016. All rights reserved.

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Fresh Blueberries

SEE PAGE 10 FOR MORE SAVINGS!

• 2-lb. Bag ShopRite Premium Large Cooked Shrimp 2.00

6-oz. cont.

299

• 2-lb. Bag ShopRite Premium Cleaned Jumbo Shrimp

Wild Caught Sockeye Salmon Fillet 10.99 lb. -2.00 lb.

lb.

21 to 25-ct./lb., Frozen, Raw, Peeled & Deveined, No Antibiotics Ever

Responsibly Raised, No Antibiotics Ever, Grade A, Fresh Norwegian Steelhead Trout Fillet or Previously Frozen, Boneless, Grade A

ShopRite Sale Price:

Limit 4

Per Variety

Boneless Beef (Sold As Roast Only)

Per Variety

Chock Full o’ Nuts Coffee K-Cups

USDA CHOICE BEEF

Limit 4

Chock Full o’ Nuts Ground 23 to 26-oz. can, Any Variety, s 12-ct., Any Variety, Hills Brother Coffee or 3.8 to 8.4-oz. box, Cappuccino, Kauai or

lb.

Boneless Beef (Sold As Roast Only)

Florida’s Natural Premium Juice

Price on package reflects Sale Retail

Family Pack, Pork Loin, Regular or Tender Choice

Limit 4 Per Variety

99 2.00 199

59-oz. cont., Any Variety, Fit & Delicious or

Sale Prices: .59 lb. to 5.39 ea.

349

Limit 4 Per Variety

6.4-oz. pkg., Any Variety, Beef Link or

General Mills Cereal

Regular Prices: .99 lb. to 8.99 ea.

Last)

• M&M’s Christmas Candies

20.25-oz. box, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, 20.9-oz. Cocoa Puffs, 23.5-oz. Golden Grahams, 20.5-oz. Lucky Charms, 22.9-oz. Reese’s Peanut Butter Puffs, 21.6-oz. Honey Nut Cheerios or 18-oz. Multi Grain Cheerios

(Excluding Rotisserie, Fully Cooked Wings, IQF Wings, IQF Boneless Breast, IQF Tenders, Frozen Cornish Hens and 10-lb. Leg Quarters)

Last)

Oscar Mayer Bacon

lb.

Tyson Poultry

1.30

12-oz. to 1-lb. pkg., Any Variety, Thick Slice, Center Cut or (Excluding Super Thick and Turkey Bacon)

$ for

149

Additional or lesser quantities will scan at 5.79 ea.

599

Limit 2 Per Variety

MUST BUY

• Hershey’s Christmas Chocolates

Dannon Greek Yogurt

FINAL COST

10.00

(excluding fuel and items prohibited by law)

9 to 11-oz. bag, Christmas Only (Where Available, While Supplies

6-oz. cont., vers, Fage Greek Yogurt, 4 to 7-oz. cont., Fage Crosso Greek 100, to 5.3-oz. cont., Yoplait Greek, Almond Dream Yogurt, 4 ing Flips) 100 or Chobani Greek (Exclud or 4 to Whips, 2% Greek, Simply Drinks n Oikos or Light & Fit Danno , Variety Any cont., 7-oz. Mousse or Triple Zero Greek, Fit & Light Oikos, 5.3-oz. cont.,

Cook’s Spiral Sliced Ham

for

Offers

Additional Purchase Required

Snapple Iced Tea 12-Pack

Canada Dry Ginger Ale 2-Liter

Bone-In, Natural Juice, Smoked, Honey Glazed Packet Included

ShopRite Sale Price:

btl. (Plus Dep. or Fee Where Req.) A&W, Sunkist, 7-Up, Sun Drop or

FINAL COST

3 4

Additional or lesser quantities will scan at 3.32 ea.

Limit 4

192-oz. tot. wt. glass btls., 16-oz. Glass Bottles, Any Variety, Drinks or

Pepsi 2-Liter

lb.

MUST BUY

for

Offers

Coke Cans 12-Pack

btl. (Plus Dep. or Fee Where Req.) Crush, Mug, Lipton, Schweppes, Mist Twst, Mtn Dew or Any Variety

FINAL COST

3 $5

Limit 4

96-oz. tot wt. btls. (Plus Dep. or Fee Where Req.) 12-oz. Bottles, Dr Pepper, Sprite or Any Variety, Coke Bottles 8-Pack or 144-oz. tot. wt. cans, 12-oz. Cans, Seagram’s, Minute Maid, Sprite, Barq’s, Fuze, Mello Yello, Fanta, Dr Pepper or Any Variety

Ham & Water Product, Reduced Sodium, Select Brands or

Nabisco Snack Crackers

.50

Ocean Spray Cranberry Drink

ShopRite Sale Price:

6 to 13.7-oz. box, Any Variety , Ritz Crackers or 3.5 to 9.5-oz. (Excluding Stoned Wheat Thins) Any Variety

Cracker Barrel Chunk Cheese

ShopRite of 20th Ave.

Page 15 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016

ShopRite of Gateway Center

590 Gateway Drive, Gateway North Shopping Center at Erskine Street • 718-647-2423

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016 Page 16

C M SQ page 16 Y K

Rally set for site of So. Jamaica hotel Residents believe spate of hotel approvals could foretell of shelters by Michael Gannon Editor

Opponents of a hotel that is in the preliminary stages of construction on 115th Avenue will be staging a protest rally this coming Saturday to make their displeasure known to the property owner — and city homeless officials. The property at 163-18 115 Ave. is on the southeast corner of the intersection with Guy R. Brewer Boulevard. And more than 40 people gathered just up the street Tuesday night to plan the march, scheduled for between 12:30 and 2 p.m. “We can’t sit in meetings and ask ‘Why?’ anymore,” said Michele Keller, a member of Community Board 12 who led the meeting at the South Queens Multi-Service Center. Southeast Queens has seen a marked increase in the number of hotels approved for construction. But residents, civic and elected officials believe those correspond only too well with increases in the city’s homeless population, and the city’s propensity to place supportive housing in CB 12’s area. The district has more than half of the homeless shelters in the borough, and between 30 and 40 percent of its homeless population. The South Jamaica residents had support in the room Tuesday night from Anthony Rivers and Donnie Whitehead from People from the Neighborhood in St. Albans; Phil Wong and

Michele Keller of Community Board 12 discusses the plans for a rally on Dec. 12 at the site of a hotel under construction on 115th Avenue in South Jamaica. Residents fear it will become yet PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON another homeless shelter. Tom Lai of Elmhurst United; and Christina Wilkinson and Kim Caruana of the MaspethMiddle Village Task Force. All three organizations have fought or delayed homeless hotels and shelters with varying degrees of success in the last two years.

Caruana and Wilkinson’s group has led protests outside the Brooklyn home of city Human Resources Commissioner Steve Banks, the most recent one this past Saturday [see related story in some editions]. Keller and her group believe that even if the property begins as a hotel, it would be a short

step from the owner believing he could make more money by offering it to the city as a shelter. The other groups said that is not an unfounded fear, as all three of them were hit with shelters overnight with no notice. All have accused the city of lying and using strong-arm tactics. “You’ll be told you hate the homeless,” Wong said. “You’ll be told you’re racists,” he said to the overwhelmingly African-American crowd. Caruana said some of their members will attend Saturday’s protest. “We have to stick together,” she said. Rivers, whose group was able to obtain a court injunction and delay a shelter on Hollis Avenue for months, said signs are perfectly legal if not attached to sticks or poles. “You can also use a bullhorn,” he said. Rivers also pointed out that once homeless veterans were in place, their pickets stopped, as it was city policy and not veterans in need whom they considered the problem. Keller reminded Jamaica residents while the support is gratefully appreciated, ultimately any progress will come only from local residents keeping the pressure on. “This is our neighborhood,” she said. This is our fight.” That aspect has not been neglected. continued on page 37

Could this DNA test Town hall on Ozone find Vetrano’s killer? Park shelter this Sat. Petition asks DOJ to consider method

For the latest news visit qchron.com

by Anthony O’Reilly

Event to be held at nearby high school by Anthony O’Reilly

Associate Editor

Four months after Howard Beach jogger Karina Vetrano was brutally murdered and sexually assaulted in Spring Creek, thousands are now asking the U.S. Department of Justice to consider a new method in finding her still-on-the-loose killer. A petition on Change.org, titled “Familial DNA Testing For Identifying Killer in New York Murder/Rape Cases” asks the DOJ to use the method to identify a suspect. “Familial DNA testing can identify relatives of the suspect in the state and national DNA database,” the petition, which at press time had more than 8,000 signatures, read. “This can allow the police to then narrow down the investigation and identify potential suspects.” As the petition states, familial DNA testing is a process in which investigators use a sample found at a crime scene to determine if it matches that of anyone’s close relative who already is in state and federal databases. While it has been used in other states, as well as the United Kingdom and the Netherlands,

A town hall on the proposed transitional and drop-in homeless shelter in Ozone Park will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the nearby high school, according to a flier texted to a Queens Chronicle reporter. The flier offered no information on who is hosting the town hall and calls to the person who sent the picture were not returned by press time. The f lier only states that the topic of discussion will be the proposed shelter and that it will take place at the High School for Construction, Trades, Engineering and Architecture, located at 94-06 104 St., less than 200 feet from the shelter. Residents have been anxious over the proposed center, located at 100-32 Atlantic Ave., the former home of Dallis Bros. Coffee Inc., due to the possibility of sex offenders staying there. Breaking Ground, the proposed operator, promised last month that it would screen for offenders after originally stating it wouldn’t.

Karina Vetrano’s murder is still unsolved, though some believe they may have found a FILE PHOTO way to further the probe. some claim it violates the Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches and seizures. Investigators found strands of DNA near Vetrano’s corpse when she was found dead on Aug. 2 but it matches nobody in any Q criminal databases.

A town hall will be held to discuss the proFILE PHOTO posed transitional home. The drop-in center would not be a permanent place of residence, but rather a place for homeless people on the street to go to take a shower or get something to eat. The proposal is also opposed by area Q elected officials.

C M SQ page 17 Y K Page 17 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016 Pirouette® Window Shadings

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016 Page 18

C M SQ page 18 Y K

NYCHA welcomes HUD smoking ban Cigarettes, pipes, cigars to be barred from public housing units by mid-2018 by Michael Gannon Editor

Where there’s smoke, there could be a heck of a bat tle in the cit y’s public housing. On Nov. 30, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretar y Julian Castro announced that most federally funded public housing units will be required to be smoke-free by mid 2018. The ban applies to lit tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars and pipes, and will bar just about all residents of the New York City Housing Administration from lighting up in their homes. But opponents are threatening to go to court if the rule is not overturned by the Tr u mp ad minist ration af ter he takes office on Jan. 20. City leaders and health advocates are cheering the news, though none would comment as to how they believe it will be en forced w it h t hose who ref u se t o comply. “NYCHA is fully committed to providing an environment that promotes resident health as part of our vision of safe, clean and connected communities,” a spokesman for the agency told the Chronicle in an email. “We are currently reviewing HUD’s rule and will work with our residents to implement a smoke-free policy aimed at reducing exposure to secondhand smoke and improving the quality of life of our residents.” Cou nci l m a n Donova n R ich a rd s (D-Laurelton) is the former chairman of the Council’s Environmental Committee. He called HUD’s ruling a breath of fresh air for NYCHA residents who have been dealing with neighbors’ second hand

The smoking of cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco will be prohibited in NYCHA housing units by mid-2018 should a U.S. Housing and Urban Development ban be kept in place by the Trump FILE PHOTO administration and possibly the federal courts. smoke — and the related health issues for far too long. “We need to do more to protect the health and well-being of our public housing residents, especially innocent children who suffer from asthma and other chronic illnesses that can be caused by secondhand smoke,” Richards said in a statement issued by his office. Richards has a bill pending to ban smoking in all city-financed housing as well. Patrick Kwan, director of NYC SmokeFree at the group Public Health Solutions, said in a press release that the HUD rule will positively affect more than 400,000 city residents.

“In New York City, luxury condos, coops and rentals are increasingly smokefree,” Kwan said. He also said that NYCHA residents are twice as likely to report having asthma as the average adult city resident; and that more than one-third of all NYCHA residents report having at least one child with asthma. A summary of the rule on HUD’s website said enforcement will begin with a smoke-free requirement contained in any new lease. It also says public housing authorities such as NYCHA should have a policy of instructing residents what they should do if they see or smell a neighbor smoking.

HUD is expected to issue an assessment early next year of existing enforcement policies that already are in force around the country to offer guidelines on what it determines to be best policy. But the federal policy also states that eviction is possible for those who continually disregard the rule following escalated warnings. But Audrey Silk, a New York City resident and founder of NYC Citizens Lobbying Against Smoker Harassment, said such a blanket ban is unenforceable. “Look at how they want to enforce it,” she told the Chronicle in a telephone i nter v iew. “T h is w ill not be police enforcement — this will be neighbors informing on neighbors. You know the last time that happened.” Silk and NYC CLASH are openly calling on Trump to rescind the rule after he is sworn in. “This is not a ‘right to smoke’ case as HUD and its rule supporters assert to pull the wool over our eyes,” CLASH said in a statement dated Dec. 2. “At stake is the right of U.S. citizens to be left alone to engage in a legal activity in the privacy of one’s own home.” HUD and city officials were quick to poi nt out that residents will not be required to quit smoking, but would have to do so outside and more than 25 feet away from any building. HUD also is encouraging PHAs to work with their state and mu nicipal health departments and groups such as the American Lung Association to offer assistance in quitting. NYCHA’s spokesman said the agency is working with the ALA and is increasQ ing its smoking cessation programs.

New playground is coming to MS 226 Project to be finished by spring 2018 by Anthony O’Reilly For the latest news visit qchron.com

Associate Editor

The cracked pavement and decrepit basketball hoops at JHS 226, The Virgil I. Grissom School’s playground, won’t be around for much longer. Last Friday, the South Ozone Park school held a ceremonial groundbreaking to kick off the renovation of its playground. “This is going to be phenomenal,” said Rushell White, principal at JHS 226. The $3.96 million project — paid for by funds secured by the School Construction Authority, C o u n c i l m a n R u b e n Wi l l s (D-South Jamaica) and Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) — will upgrade the poorly main-

tained space into a state-of-theart playground with two half basketball courts, a tennis/volleyball court, a garden, stage and a garden study area. It is expected to be completed in the spring of 2018, according to the SCA. Right now, the playground just has blacktop with some basketball hoops, most of which are in poor condition. Along with the upgraded playground, a transpor table classroom unit will be removed from the premises with the students being taught there right now going into the main school building. The public announcement system will also be upgraded. White said the project has

been years in the making and is finally coming to fruition due to the hard work of her staff, along with Wills and Ulrich. But Wills, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, said White also deserves credit for getting the ball rolling. “She fought for you guys,” t he cou ncil ma n t old t he students. Wills said White wanted the recreational area to be even bigger than already planned, having requested a skating rink on numerous occasions. When she couldn’t get that, she tried to secure a pond that would freeze over in the winter and turn into a skating rink for Q the children to enjoy.

Students and officials from MS 226 in South Ozone Park take part in a ceremonial PHOTO BY ANTHONY O’REILLY groundbreaking for a new playground at the school.

C M SQ page 19 Y K Page 19 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016

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Best Sicilian $16.00

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016 Page 20

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Mele used funds from settlement acct. A Woodhaven mother who stole more than $65,000 from her daughter’s malpractice lawsuit settlement and used the money to go to Disneyland just booked her next trip — a six-month stay in the slammer. Megan Mele, 31, pleaded guilty to taking the money meant to be awarded to her daughter after her 18th birthday and using it for personal uses, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown announced last Thursday. In addition to being incarcerated for half a year, she’ll spend five years on probation. “Instead of safeguarding her daughter’s malpractice award — money set aside for the disabled youngster’s future — the defendant admittedly dipped into the account to finance a Disneyland trip, cosmetic surgery, online shopping and other splurges,” Brown said in a statement. Mele pleaded guilty to second-degree grand larceny in September and was sentenced on Nov. 30. She was facing 15 years in prison.

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Brown said that Mele’s daughter was born in November 2004 and diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury to her right arm, a condition that inhibits movement in that limb. It is sometimes caused during childbirth, resulting in settlements issued to the sufferer, as was the case with Mele’s daughter. The girl was supposed to start receiving payments after her 18th birthday in 2022 from an account at Cross County Federal Savings Bank, the DA said. Brown said her mother in March 2015 submitted a forged court order to withdraw $47,000 out of the account so the child could undergo surgery at a San Diego hospital. A judge had actually denied her request. Mele admitted to using that money to fund a trip to Disneyland and pay for liposuction, airline tickets, Amazon.com purchases and goods bought at retail stores. Brown further states she withdrew another $19,500 out of the account between June and August of last year. Q

Man killed his wife on OP street, cops say

Quual aliit ity heallthh cov o erragge. e. Itt’’s Our Our M Ou Miissssio ionn..

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Rampersaud tried beheading vic: reports A Jamaica resident who reportedly tried to decapitate his common-law wife after allegedly stabbing her to death on an Ozone Park street just after midnight on Monday could spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted of all the charges. Prem Rampersaud, 50, a resident of Guyana temporarily living on 116th Drive in Jamaica, faces second-degree murder and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon charges, according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown and the NYPD. The top charge carries a sentence of 25 years to life in prison. “This was an especially violent crime in which the defendant is accused of viciously taking the life of the woman he purportedly loved by repeatedly stabbing her following a heated verbal argument,” Brown said in a prepared statement issued on Monday. “If convicted, her brutal and senseless death merits serious punishment.” Rampersaud met his common-law wife, Rajwantie Baldeo, 46, outside her

place of employment in Ozone Park. The two later got into a verbal argument, according to the district attorney. When they got to the corner of 124th Street and 103rd Avenue, Rampersaud allegedly stabbed Baldeo multiple times in the neck and torso, the police and Brown said. According to published reports, Rampersaud then knelt over the victim’s body and began sawing at her neck with the knife he stabbed her with. Two witnesses allegedly saw Rampersaud sawing at Baldeo’s neck and asked what was going on and if he needed any help before alerting the authorities. When cops from the 106th Precinct arrived to the scene at 12:15 a.m., they found Baldeo with knife wounds and took her to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. According to the New York Post, the couple lived in Guyana until last year. Rampersaud reportedly gave Baldeo $9,000 to move to the United States and Q followed her shortly after.

C M SQ page 21 Y K Page 21 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016

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Manor Oktoberfest Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary

Back to Banks’ house the protesters go Queens residents continue to rally against hotel-to-shelter conversions by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

By Patricia Gatt oday, December 8th, will specialize in a wide array of domestic mark the ten year anniver- and imported cold cuts, hot and cold sary of Manor Oktoberfest homemade takeout lunches and dinrestaurant located at 80-28 Cooper ners and catering for all occasions. Avenue in The Shops At Atlas Park in New specials are available every day. Glendale. The anniversary is some- Hours of operation are Monday 7 a.m. what of a milestone for the mall as well to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Friday 7 as the restaurant because Manor has a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to stood the test of time by being one of 7 p.m. The deli is closed on Sundays. the few original tenants at Atlas Park The phone number is 718-849-2836 — a loud testament to Manor’s deli- and website is manordeli.com. cious food and its popularity. Lastly, Manor Oktoberfest located The Atlas location was the second at 73-11 Yellowstone Blvd. in Forest of three very popular and successful Hills is the largest and most formal of food-based businesses Mark Gallagh- the three establishments and features er owns in Queens. Gallagher focuses a beautiful party room for meetings, mainly on delicious German-Amer- parties and any special occasion. Its ican cuisine and specialties includ- bar is a local favorite every evening ing a wide selection of German craft with its large selection of fi ne wines, beers and hot, overstuffed pastrami liquors, beers and an amiable ambisandwiches with authentic German ence that is second to none. Lovers of horseradish mustard and German authentic German cuisine will surely potato salad that have been called the mark this restaurant at the top of their restaurantbest in all of Queens! In favorites list both for its outstandaddition, the is a very popular loca- ing food and its elegant yet casually tion for funeral luncheons and din- friendly atmosphere. Customers can ners due to its short proximity to lo- immerse themselves in the Bavarcal cemeteries. It is open seven days ian atmosphere while sampling the a week. Hours are Sunday through expanded menu. Hours are Sunday Thursday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Fri- through Thursday from noon to 11 day and Saturday 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. p.m. (kitchen closes at 9:30 p.m.) and (kitchen closes at 11 p.m.). Friday and Saturday from noon to 2 Manor’s two other locations are a.m. (kitchen closes at 11 p.m.). The not far away. Manor Deli, the first of restaurant is closed on Mondays. They the three and a neighborhood staple can be reached at 718 544-2400. More for over 75 years, is located at 94-12 information can be found on their Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven. They website at manoroktoberfest.com. – ADVERTORIAL –

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Residents f rom Maspeth and other Queens neighborhoods once again made their way to Brooklyn to protest outside the home of Human Resources Administration Commissioner Steve Banks last Saturday. But as opposed to September’s raucous rally outside his Sherman Street home in Windsor Terrace, the latest demonstration was much more subdued. Despite being promoted by the coalition of civic voices known as the Maspeth-Middle Village Task Force in the days prior to the protest, only about 45 people braved the cold weather and made the trip to Brooklyn. Unlike September, when more than 300 furious Queens residents showed up, protesters only outnumbered the number of police officers on site 2 to 1. But those who did attend certainly made their voices heard. For the better part of an hour, they slammed Mayor de Blasio, whom they dubbed “the dope from Park Slope” and the “corrupt” Banks with chants, signs and passionate speeches opposing their handling of the city’s homelessness crisis. Guardian Angels founder and potential 2017 mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa gave the most powerful address, calling Banks a “puppet of the mayor.” “Shove your propaganda up where the sun doesn’t shine,” Sliwa said of a pair of videos the city made slamming the shelter protesters earlier this year. “Let’s get rid of this dope from Park Slope once and for all.” For months, countless Maspeth residents

have protested nightly against the conversion of the 55th Road Holiday Inn Express, owned by Harshad Patel, into a 110-room homeless shelter for adult families. That plan was altered in October, with 30 homeless single men being moved into rooms rented by the city on Columbus Day. In response, Patel’s landlord sued him, saying housing the undomiciled at the facility violates the hotel’s lease. But the protesters have tailored their message in recent months to a more general slamming of how the city handles homelessness instead of focusing on just one shelter. Instead of rallying in its own neighborhood, the task force announced last Friday that protests will no longer be held outside the Holiday Inn Express. “We realized that we were keeping paying customers away from the hotel, which in turn freed up more rooms for the Department of Homeless Services to rent,” Juniper Park Civic Association Bob Holden said in a statement. “By bringing the protests to the doorsteps of Harshad Patel and his cronies, we will let them know that we are not backing down until they end their relationship with the city and Acacia Network at the Maspeth Holiday Inn Express.” The demonstration outside Banks’ house, the task force says, is just the first of many that will occur outside the homes of those people responsible for the Maspeth plan and the rise in homelessness citywide. The next rally will take place on Sunday at 12 p.m., when protesters will demonstrate Q outside Patel’s Floral Park home.

Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa chastises Human Resources Administration Commissioner Steve Banks outside the city official’s Brooklyn home during last Saturday’s protest against how PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BARCA the administration is handling the homelessness crisis.

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Not just locally sold but locally made Some shopping can be all about Queens by Victoria Zunitch Chronicle Contributor

Give the gift of Queens products this holiday season! Artists and makers of clothing, food and more abound in the world’s borough, and there are several places where you can pick up their wares. The “buy local” trend is popular because it lets you pour your money straight into your own local economy and eliminates the environmental impact of long-distance shipping. The Made in Queens store in Long Island City and the gift shops at the Queens County Farm Museum and the Queens Museum are dense wellsprings of local goods. Every product mentioned here is grown, handcrafted or otherwise produced in Queens, where many of their creators also live. Most also take web orders.

The Made in Queens store The first stop for any local shopper could be the Made in Queens store at 27-24 Queens Plaza South in Long Island City, which will close after the holidays and return in some form in 2017, possibly as pop-ups. Food gifts are great for “the person who has everything,” and they’re among the offerings at MiQ. You can also wrap up special food items for last-minute guests or those you might have forgotten. If the gifts remain after the holiday, chow down. Made in Queens stocks Biggie’s Crack Toffee at $8.99 a bag. The brand’s $50 “Biggie’s Tower of Toffee” made Oprah’s Favorite Things 2016. The tower isn’t sold at Made in Queens, but the toffee is the same. “Sweetcicles” makes plant-based soft chews for $6 a bag in several flavors, including Meyer Lemon, Peach with a Hint of Elderflower

This sharp skateboard emblazoned with the 7 Train is suitable for either getting some air or as an eye-catching decoration. Genuine Cotswold sheep wool shorn at the Queens Farm is spun in upstate Greenwich and then shipped PHOTOS BY VICTORIA ZUNITCH back to Floral Park for dyeing. Queens sweatshirt and both brands offer Queens-themed baby onesies. The Queens Thread brand emblazons “QNS NYC” on gray short-cut shirts that go for $25. The company’s graffiti-style “Queens” logo black baseball caps are $35. 44th Road sells women’s capes in versions ranging from light indoor accessories to outerwear, priced from $30 to $85, along with a few T-shirts. Fashion and home converge in the Sandra Smith brand of cloth and leather containers and pop-in-yourpurse bags with positive-thinking slogans such as “Choose to be happy” and “It’s a beautiful day to save lives,” starting at $24. Jamie Clawson creates leather technology accessories, such as Apple laptop covers at $60, bracelets for $44 and skateboards that also make fine wall decorations emblazoned with Queens scenes such as the 7 train at $218. He also does custom work. Made in Queens, sponsored by the Queens Economic Development Corp., is open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and from noon until 5 p.m. on weekends. It’s easily accessible by car, subway or bus.

Queens County Farm Museum Some of the Queens County Farm Museum’s products are made right on the Floral Park site from

its own goods. Buy knitters’ and crocheters’ yarn made from the wool of the farm’s Cotswold sheep. The wool is sheared in the spring, briefly shipped upstate for spinning, and then returned to Queens for hand-dyeing with coloring made from the farm’s plants. The skeins go for $24 for 140 yards. The far m’s caretaker, Steve Eftimiades, carves incredibly beautiful wooden pens and bottle stoppers in a variety of dark, light and multicolored woods, each a unique work of utilitarian art. The bottle stoppers are $29.95 and the pens are $19.95. Coffee beans roasted by Long Island City’s Native Coffee Roasters are $12.99 a bag, and Sweetcicles candy is available at the same $6 price charged at MiQ. Surprise the gourmet who deeply appreciates fresh food with vegetables from the farm’s weekend popup farm stand, running until first frost, and fresh eggs. The eggs are available at noon on Wednesdays through Sundays, first-come, firstserved. Try to line up before 11:30 to guarantee yourself a purchase. The eggs have a far softer texture and cake-ier yolks than even freerange store-bought eggs. Be warned: Mass-produced eggs will forever taste bland and rubbery by comparison. A dozen are $6, or you can buy a half-dozen for $3. The farm gift shop’s current hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with the hours likely to shorten in January.

Queens Museum gift shop

Everything from “The Queens Coloring Book” to ladies’ capes to whole-grain smoothies in various flavors are made PHOTOS BY VICTORIA ZUNITCH EXCEPT CENTER, BY MIMI FRAUST right here in the borough.

The gift shop at the Queens Museum is selling two books written by Queens authors. “Q is for Queens” by Amol Sarva is an alphabet book adults would appreciate, while “The Queens Coloring Book” by a husband-and-wife team is suit-

able for elementary-age children or any enthusiastic artist. Hipsters might enjoy the “Periodic Table of NYC Trash,” a large poster produced by the museum in conjunction with its exhibition of Mierle Laderman Ukeles’ “Maintenance Art” installation, on view now through Feb. 12, 2017. It’s a takeoff on the chemistry world’s Periodic Table of the Elements, with common trash items substituted for the elements: a “Reese’s Pieces” wrapper under the symbol Re instead of the element rhenium, an empty Colt 45 beer can under “Co” instead of cobalt. Unified Queens makes T-shirts and canvas bags commemorating the 1964-65 World’s Fair with a graphic displaying the monorail zooming past the Unisphere. If you want to cheat, the shop sells a lot of Queens-centric items that weren’t necessarily produced here. “Subway Astoria” refrigerator magnets, Queens-shaped key fobs labeled “home,” and Queens photo postcards suitable for framing could be tossed into one of the Museum’s “Queens” coffee mugs and wrapped for out-of-towners. The Queens Museum gift shop is open when the Flushing Meadows museum is open, Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. It’s near the museum’s parkside entrance and next to its cafe, both of which can be visited without paying an entrance fee. The museum shop is operated by the Queens chain of Lockwood gift shops. On its website, lockwood shop.com, the store highlights some additional locally made items: baby bibs for $15, onesies for $24.95, toddler T-shirts for $28, an Astoria key fob for $7.50 and Cocktail Crate Craft Mixers from Long Island City Q for $13.50.

Holiday Shopping & Dining Section • 2016 For the latest news visit qchron.com

and Apple with a Touch of Maple. The store has attractively packaged desserts suitable for gift baskets. Sexy Batch cookies go for $3 each, and Sweet Muse brownies are available for $4. NYC Bundts sells small bundt cakes for $5 each. Schmidt’s of Woodhaven, founded in 1925, has stocked MiQ’s refrigerator with $5 batches of wrapped or bowed boxes of candy in several varieties. Silly Chilly hot sauce is available in jars or bottles priced at $8 to $10. Uji whole-grain smoothies are $5. Home-based mixologists might like the “3 Ingredient Cocktail” concept promoted by Ash Apothecary. Combine the flavored simple syrups, $13 a bottle, with liquor and juice. For a Lavenderita, mix Ash Apothecary Lavender Bud with lime juice and tequila. If you k now someone well enough to dress them, try clothing. Local Color NYC sells handmade caps for $36 and infinity scarves for $45, both in chunky knits. For the fashion-forward gentleman, Cecilia by Cecilia Motwani makes one-of-a-kind ties and bow ties starting at $30. Sport your pride in The World’s Borough with a Queens-themed T-shirt for $25 to $30 from Wear LIC or at $22-$24 from Dutch Kills Klotheing. Wear LIC also sells a $40

Page 23 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016

Holiday Shopping & Dining Guide

Holiday & Dining • 2016 For the Shopping latest news visit Section qchron.com

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016 Page 24

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Holiday Shopping & Dining Guide

You name it, your neighborhood has it Find unique gifts, great deals in your hometown business district this year by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

No matter how long you look at the mall or how hard you hunt online, there are some holiday gifts the big box stores just don’t have. The only place you’re going to find those cute little cookie cutters for your friend who loves to bake or that tie with the crazy design for your eccentric brother is that small business down the block. “T here’s an element that’s important to shoppers. They want to get something unique. They want their gift to stand out,” said S u n ny s i d e S h i n e s B u s i n e s s Improvement District Executive Director Rachel Thieme in a Monday interview. “And those really unique gifts are normally only available at a local level.” Here at the Chronicle, we’re not telling you to put away your laptop or skip that trip to the mall. After all, that’s where many of us will do at least some of our shopping this holiday season. But at the end of the day, avoiding the long lines at the chain stores or the extra charge for twoday shipping in favor of shopping at you r local small busi ness doesn’t sound like a bad idea. “Small bu si nesses a re t he engine of this country,” Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District Executive Director Ted Renz said last Friday, “and we want people to support their local commercial strip.” With the holiday shopping season about half over, Thieme said she’s seen encou raging sig ns across Sunnyside that business is good this year. Specifically, she’s gotten posit ive fe e d ba ck on Su n nyside Shines’ new holiday passport, a booklet containing deals from 19 neighborhood businesses. Shoppers get their “passport” stamped after purchasing items at each store. After earning three stamps, consumers may return their passports to any participating business for a chance to win cash prizes totaling $500. “I think it’s been going well,” she said. “We’ll certainly do an assessment of the holiday passport after the year ends, but from speaking with owners, they’ve seen a number of people coming in and getting stamps.” The initiative has been very popu la r w it h bu si nesses, a s Thieme said owners were jockey-

If the Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District’s festive banner is any indication, the Ridgewood strip is ready PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BARCA for the holidays. Business leaders across the borough are hoping for a good season. ing for each of the 19 spots once it was announced. One of the enterprises one can get a passport stamped at is Sugar Room, a baking supply store at 44-21 Queens Blvd. that Thieme highlighted as one of the best places to check out as the holidays approach. “It’s a wonderful baking supply store that’s chock full of different kinds of sprinkles, cookie cutters and kitchen gadgets,” she said. “But in the basement, they have classes on baking and cake design. There’s an opportunity there, if someone on your list is into baking and cooking. There’s so many creative possibilities.” In Forest Hills, neighborhood chamber of commerce president Leslie Brown is just as excited about what her area has to offer. “People are out and about supporting their neighborhood places here,” Brown said in a Monday interview. “We’re optimistic it’s going be a good season. People might be reeling a little from what’s going on in politics but they want to rebound and have a nice holiday.” About 500 people turned out for the group’s annual Holiday Celebration on Nov. 28, a level of excitement she hopes will carry over through the end of the year. “We have so many u nique shops,” Brow n said. “People should come out and do something different than just shopping on Amazon.”

If you’re looking to pick up a new bag for that special lady in your life, Brown said shoppers should look no further than Instant Replay, the popular 72-20 Austin St. store. “Instant Replay sells vintage designer handbags and jewelry you won’t find anywhere else,” she said. “It’s great stuff.” In Bayside, Karma Boutique should be a required stop this holiday season for similar reasons, according to Bayside Village Business Improvement District Executive Director Lyle Sclair. “A lot of people don’t realize how many great merchants we have here in Bayside,” Sclair said Monday. “For example, Karma Boutique partnered with a local photographer to create these custom leggings for women. It’s Queens-made, Queens-designed and available only in Bayside.” To boost business this year, Sclair’s group mailed a holiday coupon book a few weeks ago to everyone living in the 11361 ZIP code. And while he said it’s too early to predict how well the initiative will go, Sclair said he’s seen some positive signs. “I haven’t gotten a pulse yet from a lot of our members,” he said, “but they’ve already started to see some responses on the coupon book.” The early signs are positive on Myrtle Avenue in Ridgewood, too, as Renz said he’s seen a fair

amount of excitement in his BID so far. “We just came off our Small Business Saturday event and it went very well,” he said. But while the holiday shopping season seems to start earlier and earlier every year, Renz said the final two weeks are always the jackpot for area small business districts like the one he runs. “What we’ve been noticing is that a lot of shopping happens within the last two weeks,” he said. “Many people go to the malls and if they don’t find what they want there, they will come back to their local commercial strip and find what they need.” And more times than not, Renz said, the experience of shopping in one’s neighborhood, especially in Ridgewood, is a much more pleasant one anyway. “We’re trying to encourage people to shop all the time on their local strip,” he said. “There’s less lines, we have festive music and holiday lights. We have it all.” Sure, decorated trees, menorahs and Coldplay’s “Christmas Lights” playing over neighborhood loudspeakers undoubtedly put shoppers on Myrtle Avenue in the gift-giving spirit last Friday, as this reporter walked the strip. But according to one expert, a huge inf luence on what kind of gifts they spend their hard-earned money has nothing to do with a shop’s festive decorations or the holiday song being played on the

radio behind the counter. According to Paul Walsh, the director of cognitive strategies and vice president of weather analytics at The Weather Company, it all comes down to how cold it is and whether the white stuff is falling from the sky or not. “Weather doesn’t really change how much people spend. It changes what they buy,” Walsh said in an interview last Thursday. “When the weather conditions dictate you need a jacket, you buy a jacket. But when it’s warmer, maybe you go to The Home Depot and buy outdoor gardening equipment.” Last December was by far the warmest December in New York City since record keeping began in 1869, as the average temperature in Central Park was 50.8 degrees, more than 13 degrees warmer than normal. Last Christmas Eve, the mercury soared to a balmy 72 degrees — 31 degrees warmer than average — while the temperature topped out at 66 on Christmas Day, another record high. In comparison, it was only three days warmer on the Fourth of July — 75 degrees — than it was on Dec. 24 last year. The weeks prior to the holidays were also unseasonably warm, as daily temperature records were smashed from Dec. 13 to 15. Walsh said the warm weather’s impact on business, not just in New York but nationwide, was obvious. “Macy’s missed their Quarter 4 numbers, and they said 80 percent of the reason why was because it was too darn warm,” he said. “But in the same quarter, The Home Depot’s numbers were up. The takeaway from this is that the we at he r is a lways go o d for someone.” While the tail end of 2016 has been much cooler than last year — a trend Walsh believes should continue through Christmas — peak shopping weather has eluded the area so far, as rain has plagued the five boroughs over the last few weeks. “Ideal holiday weather is slightly colder than normal temperatures and relatively dr y, with maybe a snowflake or two in the air,” he said. “The retailers want that perfect weather.” This weekend should be a dry but chilly one, with temperatures in the 30s. Sounds like a great time to do some local shopping! Q

C M SQ page 25 Y K Page 25 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016

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Holiday Shopping & Dining Guide

Don’t want to go out to eat? Cook at home These recipes take little to no time by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

While there are plenty of noteworthy Queens restaurants to get delicious grub from this holiday season, let’s not forget that it’s just as easy to create a festive feast at home. No need to worry about spending all your time over a hot stove away from the family, these recipes can be prepared hours — or days — in advance and cooked the day of your party. And with the kids home from school, you can get them involved with the process as well. Spinach and Artichoke Dip Ingredients: • Eight ounces of softened cream cheese • 1/4 cup of mayonnaise • 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese • 1/4 cup of grated Romano cheese • 1 minced clove of garlic • 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil • 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder • 14 ounces chopped artichoke hearts • 1/2 cup of chopped spinach • 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese Instructions: • In a medium bowl, combine everything except the artichokes, spinach and mozza-

rella until it forms a smooth mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste. Then, gently fold in your artichoke and spinach. • Transfer mixture into a greased baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until it’s bubbly. Serve warm. Marinated Roast Pork Tenderloin Ingredients: • 1/4 cup of olive oil • 1/4 cup of soy sauce • 1 clove of garlic • 3 tablespoons of dijon honey mustard • Salt and pepper to taste • 2-pound pork tenderloin Instructions: • Whisk the olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, mustard, salt and pepper in a bowl. • Place the tenderloin in a large, resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Make sure the loin is coated with the marinade. • Place the loin in the refrigerator for an hour, or overnight. • Cook at 350 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the center reaches 145 degrees. • Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Marinated pork tenderloin and chocolate chip cookies are just two simple, but scrumptious, recipes PHOTOS BY SARA GOLDSMITH, LEFT, AND KIMBERLY VARDEMAN VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS to whip up. Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients: • 1 stick of unsalted butter • 3/4 cup of dark brown sugar • 3/4 cup of white sugar • 2 eggs • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract • 12 ounces of semisweet chocolate chips • 2 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour • 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda • 1 teaspoon of salt

Instructions: • Melt butter in microwave and whisk with both sugars, eggs and vanilla until smooth. • In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. Freeze mixture for an hour. • With an ice cream scoop, put mixture onto greased baking pans, spacing each cookie two inches apar t. Bake at 375 degrees until golden brown. Eat warm or put on a table with a glass of milk for Santa. Q

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WISHING YOU JOY & PEACE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

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Holiday Shopping & Dining Guide

Enjoying Chanukah, the Festival of Lights by Mark Lord Chronicle Contributor

“Chanukah, for me, growing up in Laurelton, was really the only holiday celebrated in the neighborhood since it was all Jewish,” explained Candee Sheppard, who was raised there in the mid-1950s. “We always celebrated with all the cousins on my mother’s side,” Sheppard said. “We had a beautiful fireplace, with the presents stacked in front. “Grandma and my mom made stuffed cabbage and latkes, which I now make for my family. We each light a menorah and will give my grandson a gift each night along with Chanukah gelt and dreidels.” In other words, the Sheppard family celebrates the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights that commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in a fairly traditional way: with typical foods like potato pancakes, the kindling of a ninebranched candelabrum, the bestowing of real cash or chocolate money wrapped in gold foil, and the playing of games with foursided spinning tops. Of course, singing songs like “Maoz Tsur” (“Rock of Ages”) and “Sevivon” (“Spinning Top”) adds to the festive spirit. But, much like Christmas, the holiday, with origins dating back to around 165 B.C., is marked most commonly with the giving and receiving of gifts. The Reform Temple of Forest Hills, for instance, is sponsoring a holiday toy drive which, Rabbi Mark Kaiserman points out, will benefit all children, not just those of Jewish persuasion. It’s part of the accessibility of Chanukah, Kaiserman said. “Whether religious or totally secular, whether a traditional family or a reform inter-faith family, there are still reasons to celebrate. We celebrate on every level: religious, but also with food,

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Giving to those in need is one component of Chanukah for many, including Rabbi Mark Kaiserman, right, and cantor Deborah Jacobson of the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, which is sponsoring a holiday toy drive. Judy Vincent and her daughter, Kyla, donated to the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots drive at Villaggio resCOURTESY PHOTO, ABOVE; PHOTO BY MARK LORD taurant in Whitestone. songs, games and social action. All of it is part of our celebration, which makes it so much richer.” A special performance, “Chanukah Rocks!,” billed as a “concert, food and fun” event, is set for Dec. 18 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the temple, at 171-11 112 St. Admission is $10 in advance; $15 at the door; children 13 and under are free. Included will be a latke competition. Call (718) 261-2900 for more information. Shana Aborn, of Middle Village, and her husband, John, an inter-faith couple, along with their children, 13 and 11, observe both Christmas and Chanukah, as more and more families do. “We put up a tree and light our collection of menorahs,”

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Aborn said. “We exchange gifts — small tchotchkes for Chanukah, larger ones for Christmas. For the past few years, we’ve also had fun baking batches of cookies and leaving them on friends’ doorsteps on Christmas Eve.” Aborn correctly describes Chanukah as being “a relatively minor holiday in Judaism,” one that lacks the religious restrictions imposed by some other holidays and the Sabbath. “My parents never felt they had to compete with our continued on page 30

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Holiday Shopping & Dining Guide

Queens eateries get in the holiday spirit Santa sightings, seasonal specials available throughout borough by Ryan Brady Associate Editor

Throughout Queens, all kinds of eateries are getting into the holiday spirit with specials, music and decorations. Wherever you live in the borough, you’re likely to find a restaurant, deli or catering hall that matches your preferences and does not disappoint. You might even get to see Santa Claus himself. You don’t have to get on a plane for great Italian food on Christmas or New Year’s Eve, but maybe the Van Wyck or the Belt Parkway. If you have a big group, one place where you can reser ve Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties is Matteo’s on Cross Bay Boulevard in Howard Beach, which offers a five-course meal, a DJ and an open bar. “Inside, all three floors are decorated and we are playing holiday music,” Mike Davanzo, the restaurant’s owner, said. Russo’s On the Bay on Cross Bay Boulevard in Howard Beach, a catering hall owned by a South Queens food dynasty family, is having a “Flashback to the ’80s” New Year’s Eve celebration for the venue’s 30th Anniversary. It will have appetizers with pasta, a full

Venetian table with breakfast, an open bar, cocktail hour with clams and lobsters and 11-choice entree. Call the restaurant for tickets and information. Santa Claus will also be stopping by the Howard Beach catering hall on Dec. 20 from noon to 5 p.m. To get free tickets, you can log onto Russo’s website. Wood haven Manor, a huge catering hall on Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven, is hosting Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties and offering 25 percent off its usual package for corporate holiday events. “We can host from 80 to 900 guests, offer free food, music, lighting and a photo booth,” marketing officer Kieffer Ramirez said. Villaggio on 14th Road in Whitestone is also celebrating the Christmas season with lighting and music inside the restaurant. Of course there’s plenty out there for those who celebrate Chanukah as well. Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen and Restaurant on 26th Avenue in Bayside is offering some wonderful kosher specials, and will be open on Christmas, the first full day of Chanukah and New Year’s Day.

For the Shopping latest news visit Section qchron.com Holiday & Dining • 2016

Matteo’s in Howard Beach and the Gyro Grill in Rego Park are getting into spirit of the season with decorations. PHOTOS BY STEVE FISHER, LEFT, AND RYAN BRADY

The Flagship Diner in Briarwood is filled with holiday decorations, as are many other eateries throughout Queens. PHOTO BY STEVE FISHER Santa Claus will be visiting the diner on Dec. 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “We got some great specials,” Hal Simon, the store’s general manager, told the Chronicle. “First of all for Chanukah we do a lot of latkas. We call it ‘Lots of latkas’ — we have different flavors; spinach, zucchini, sweet potato and potato, and when you buy three dozen, you get a fourth dozen.” The deli also does family and office dinners. Terrace on the Park, the Flushing Meadows Corona Park wedding hall that recently completed a multimillion dollar renovation, is also having an extravagant New Year’s Eve celebration. You can check out beautiful views of the city skyline as the ball drops at the event, which will feature dinner, a cocktail hour, live music and a live Times Square video of the ball dropping. Fontana on Northern Boulevard in Bayside, which is decorated for the holidays with reindeer, Santa

Eight days of celebration continued from page 28

neighbors going overboard with decorating and huge gifts,” she said. “When I was growing up, you couldn’t even find any Chanukah decorations in the stores.” Aborn said that in her own family, “We try to keep Christmas and Chanukah separate even though we celebrate both. We approach them for their own sake rather than trying to do a holiday mash-up.” Alex Mermelstein, 35, grew up in Flushing, where, he recalled, while discussing Chanukah, he would make scarce reference to its religious significance. “I mostly kept (that) in Hebrew school and didn’t talk

about it at home much.” But spinning a dreidel — upside down, no less, in a version, perhaps, of his own invention — is something he still enjoys. “I’ve got to teach my son how to play when he’s old enough to understand,” he said of the boy who is six months old. When longtime Whitestone resident Judy Vincent was little, “My family was not very religious,” she recalled. “However, my family got me eight gifts” for Chanukah. “Some were small and one very big. The tradition was that on the first night, the menorah was surrounded by these gifts. I was allowed to choose which gift I wanted to open, so it was

Claus and a menorah, has some great Greek chicken, pita bread, souvlaki and pizza. It also has some terrific ice cream and baklava that you can get for dessert. For a different Christmas flavor, G’s on 243rd Street in Rosedale offers ox tail, jerk pork, curry chicken or another one of the restaurant’s top sellers while listening to traditional Jamaican holiday music. The Flagship Diner in Briarwood offers great broiled salmon, veal marsala and fried shrimp dishes, and is decked out for the holidays. Santa Claus will also be visiting the diner on Dec. 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “We have a guy come in who takes pictures with Santa for free and he has a machine to make the pictures right there,” Vincent Pupplo, co-owner of the diner, said. “We started it last year and it was very successful and we’re doing it

again this year.” Hooters on 190th Street in Fresh Meadows, which is celebrating with holiday music and decorations, also has a special deal on its gift cards. “We’re doing a gift card special: for every 25 dollars that you buy on the gift card, you get 5 Santa bucks back,” the proudly racy restaurantbar’s general manager Andrew Gervais said. Gyro Grill on Woodhaven Boulevard in Rego Park, which has a great selection of Mediterranean sandwiches, is decked out for the holidays with a wreath and tree branches with ornaments on them. The Bagel Cafe on Cross Bay Boulevard in Howard Beach is also getting into the holiday spirit. The eatery, which has a terrific collection of cold cuts and bagels, is “really Christmas-y” with decorations, according to owner Mickey Kumar. Q

cool. I now do the same with many others, Chanukah, Kyla,” her daughter, who is 12. like Christmas, brings the Stories behind the origins of hope that “comes with the holiday have often been sending light into winter called into question. According darkness,” and represents to many believers, when the “the warmth and love of Jews recaptured the Temple celebrating with family during the Maccabean revolt, and friends and the joy of there was only enough oil to giving.” keep the eternal flame lit for While Chanukah falls on one day, but it miraculously One of menorahs available at the same date every year on lasted eight days, accounting Gif t Plus, Inc. on 108th the Jewish calendar, beginfor the length of the holiday. Street in Forest Hills. ning on the 25th day of the PHOTO BY MARK LORD Jewish month of Kislev, the Other versions of its origins make no specific mention of date varies on the secular the miracle of the oil and regard the story as calendar. This year, the first night coincides nothing more than legend. with Christmas Eve. Q And so the traditions live on. No matter. For Aborn, and no doubt for

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Stefani Lineva was a star tennis player at Forest Hills High School by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

Middle Village, Forest Hills and Binghamton University are all in mourning this week after Queens resident Stefani Lineva, a tennis player at the school, was killed in what may have been a hit-and-run last weekend. According to police, Lineva was found crumpled up against a concrete median a few miles from campus on Route 434 in Binghamton, NY shortly after 2 a.m. on Saturday, suffering from severe injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. The 20-year-old junior was pronounced dead soon after at a nearby hospital. Lineva, a graduate of Forest Hills High School, was in her first semester at Binghamton after transferring from Adelphi University earlier this year. “The loss of someone so young and talented is almost impossible to imagine and impacts our entire community,” university President Harvey Stenger said in a Sunday statement. “We will miss Stefani’s spirit, passion and engagement with everyone she touched on our campus.” It is unclear why Lineva was on the roadway and, as of press time, no suspects have been identified or arrested. The tennis star’s mother, Dr. Daniela Atanassova-Lineva, doesn’t believe her daugh-

ter was killed by a car, however. She told NBC this week that Stefani was without her cell phone and identification when her body was discovered, leading her to believe her daughter was murdered. “I think it’s a homicide, definitely a homicide,” said Atanassova-Lineva, a pediatrician who operates a practice in Rego Park. “There are a lot of facts missing and we will pursue it.” Born in Bulgaria, Lineva moved to Middle Village with her family as a young child, attending elementary school at St. Margaret’s on 80th Street. She went on to become one of the best youth tennis players in the city during her time at Forest Hills High School, qualifying for the Public School Athletic League women’s singles championship match as a senior. At Adelphi, the psychology major continued to dominate, winning conference rookie of the year honors as a freshman and leading her team to a conference title as a sophomore. Binghamton tennis coach Libby McGovern said in a statement that the team is “heartbroken” over her death. “She loved being at practice with her friends and was always the first one to volunteer when we performed community service,” McGovern said. “She had very high aspirations of making a difference in the world and doing great things for other people. We are heartbroken.”

A $19,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the capture of Lineva’s killer, with the school and city of Binghamton each contributing $5,000 and individuals and area businesses donating the rest. “Somebody knows something,” Stenger said at a Sunday press conference announcing the reward. “And other people might have seen something that caught their eye but don’t know what it was.” In Forest Hills, Lineva will be remembered at a private memorial service on Friday afternoon at the West Side Tennis Club, where the sports star and her family are members. Queens mourners took to social media to express their condolences this week, with one woman remembering the girl as a gentle soul. “I’m heartbroken for her family, she was such a sweet girl,” Margaret Varuzzi wrote on the Juniper Park Civic Association’s Facebook page on Sunday. “She attended St. Margaret’s with my son. Such a horrible tragedy.” “Stefani was a smart and friendly little girl,” poster Kate Beirne added. “She grew to be a competitive tennis athlete and a gorgeous young woman.” The site where Lineva was killed has long been studied as a possible location for a 2.5mile pedestrian pathway connecting the university to downtown Binghamton — where the tennis star lived — in order to prevent such

Page 33 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016

MidVille coed killed in possible hit-and-run

Binghamton University student and Middle Village native Stefani Lineva was killed possibly by a hit-and-run driver on Saturday, just a few FACEBOOK PHOTO miles from the school. incidents like last weekend’s collision. According to reports, officials hope to complete the $16 million pedestrian and bicycle Q trail in 2018.

Theater coming to Downtown Flushing Movie place planned as part of large Tangram development by Ryan Brady Associate Editor

PHOTO COURTESY F&T GROUP

I’m seeing people about to get run over.” Building for the Tangram development has already begun at 133-27 39 Ave. according to the Commercial Observer. Movie theaters have not been doing well in recent years. Earlier this year, the iconic Ziegfeld theater in Manhattan closed, and other movie houses throughout the city have faced the same fate, as consumers use Netf lix and Hulu to watch movies. But given that Flushing has no movie theater and its population is dense and increasing, it is easy to see why the neighborhood would be an exception to the trend. The F&T Group did not immediately return a request for comment and SCG America could not be reached for comment. The development used to be called Two Fulton Square, a sequel to One Fulton Square, another giant mixed-use project by F&T Group that has a ninestory Hyatt hotel and a 12-story building with an underground parking lot, condos and stores. Q

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Construction is underway on the Tangram development in Downtown Flushing, a project by F&T Group and Shanghai Construction Group America that will include a movie theater, which the neighborhood has not had for 30 years.

A movie theater is planned to be built in Downtown Flushing as part of F&T Group and Shanghai Construction Group America’s Tangram development, a mixed-use project on the block surrounded by 39th and 37th avenues, Prince Street and College Point Boulevard. The neighborhood has not had a movie theater in 30 years, since the now-derelict RKO Keith’s on Northern Boulevard closed down. The Tangram development will have a 225,000-square-foot, twolevel retail podium. A three-level parking garage, a hotel, offices and condominiums are also planned for the site throughout different buildings. “Flushing is ready for Tangram,” said Geoffrey Bailey of SCG Retail, the project’s exclusive retail broker. “The demographic shift in Flushing is more dramatic than anywhere in the five boroughs and its existing retail and entertainment options have not evolved to meet the needs of this demographic. From

this perspective, Tangram checks all the boxes.” “I think that’s a great thing for Flushing and it’s something that we should have had all these years,” Flushing resident Susan Carroll told the Chronicle, adding that “it’s a shame it could not be the RKO.” A s s e m bly m a n Ro n K i m (D-Flushing) is also glad about the theater. “I think they’re doing the best to meet the demand of the people who are moving to that region of Flushing and people who are visiting the area,” he said. “There’s tremendous growth there.” But, he added, the news of the development is a reminder of how infrastructure investment has not kept up with the population growth in the densely populated neighborhood. “However, I also think it’s another opportunity for us to understand as a local government, we’re not keeping up with the pace of the growth and the congestion,” he said, referring to the area that the theater is planned for. “Every time I’m down there,

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016 Page 34

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More trash pickup for southwest Qns. Funding will help keep major strips across District 30 neat and tidy by Christopher Barca

matter of public health.” With the additional day of service, comThe neighborhoods of Maspeth, Middle bined with trash collection already sponsored Village, Ridgewood and Glendale should start by the Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District, garbage will now be picked up along to look a little tidier soon. Cou nci lwom a n El i z ab et h Crowley Myrtle seven days a week. With the allocation, the aforementioned (D-Glendale) announced in Ridgewood last Friday that she allocated $28,000 to the Sani- stretch of Metropolitan Avenue with be receivtation Department to create an extra day of ing extra service for the first time. “No one is happier than me that we’re talktrash basket pickup along four major corridors ing trash today,” Councilman Antonio Reynothroughout the district. so (D -Brook ly n, Those streets R id gewo o d) s a id . include Fresh Pond “Unfortunately, over Road between Metrothe last couple of politan and Myrtle o one is happier than years, we’ve seen a avenues on the Ridgeneed for more wood-Glendale borme that we’re talking service.” der, Myrtle Avenue trash today.” The request for between Fresh Pond extra trash bin service Road and 80th Street — Councilman Antonio Reynoso for the southwest in Glendale, MetroQueens commercial p o l i t a n Av e n u e between 80th Street and 73rd Place in Middle strips — as part of the city’s CleaNYC proVillage and Grand Avenue between 61st and gram — was originally made in April and approved by Sanitation soon after. 74th streets in Maspeth. “This is the sign of how busy Myrtle Ave“Our commercial corridors are the lifelines that keep our communities thriving and it’s nue is and the economic activity here,” DSNY important we make their success a priority,” Commissioner Kathryn Garcia said of sevenCrowley said. “People have a right to be con- day trash pickup along the well-trafficked corcerned because when garbage is piling up, it’s ridor connecting Ridgewood and Glendale. not only disruptive for businesses, it’s also a “We think this will go a long way to keeping Associate Editor

“N

this particular area of Queens clean.” Myrtle Avenue BID Executive Director Ted Renz said the street he loves will undoubtedly benefit from the additional pickup, as not only will the strip be cleaner, it will prove a more attractive option for

shoppers this holiday season. “A lot of the time, they will give it to nonprofits,” Renz said of the allocation to Sanitation. “I said, “I will like to see it used to get extra basket service, which is so important Q to keeping the street clean.’”

Douglaston Macy’s to close next year

CB4 committee hears DOT’s 111 St. pitch

Area residents not surprised by news

More parking spaces for Corona Ave.

by Bryant Rodriguez Chronicle Contributor

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Elected officials and southwest Queens community leaders gathered in Ridgewood last Friday to announce an extra day of trash pickup along major district corridors like Fresh Pond Road and PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BARCA Myrtle, Grand and Metropolitan avenues.

After experiencing numerous losses in earnings, Macy’s has announced the closure of 100 stores, including its Douglaston Plaza location. Expected to close in early 2017, the Douglaston store is surrounded by a Toys “R” Us and a Fairway supermarket. Although it has not been confirmed sources say a Lowe’s hardware store is expected to take over the space when Macy’s leaves. The announcement of the store closing did not surprise some. “It’s too bad, but a lot of people were expecting this because even in holiday seasons past, it was never too crowded,” said Eliott Socci of the Douglaston Civic Association. “If Macy’s couldn’t make it, then I don’t see any other store making it.” Community Board 11 District Manager Susan Seinfeld calls the situation a “mixed bag.” “What I’ve heard is that [residents] certainly liked the idea that Macy’s was there; it was convenient and close by,” she said.

“People understood that it wasn’t always busy.” Socci expressed concern over the possibility of Lowe’s taking over. “I’m worried about what it’s going to do to the hardware stores in the immediate area,” he said. Considering the distance from other large hardware stores, Seinfeld believes that some would be “very happy” with a Lowe’s at the space, since most residents travel to Long Island or College Point when they need hardware supplies. Queens Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tom Grech understands the reasons for the closure, calling it an effect of the current retail market. “It’s a terrible loss, especially for a New York institution like Macy’s,” he said. “Brick-and-mortar stores are under assault because of online businesses.” “There are stores where the real estate is more valuable than the operation itself,” he said. “I think that all big-box retailers are having trouble. ... It’s a lot easier to shop from the comfort of your couch than to Q drive out.”

by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

The city Department of Transportation presented its recently tweaked proposal for safety changes on 111th Street in Corona to Community Board 4’s Transportation Committee last week, but came away without receiving a thumbs up or down from the group. In October, the DOT announced it had revamped its proposal — which originally eliminated one northbound travel lane and two southbound lanes — which now calls for the removal of just one southbound lane. The initial plan for the southern tip of Corona Avenue, which runs for a block between 111th Street and the Long Island Expressway service road, was also altered. The DOT originally wished to create an eight-foot-wide two-way bike lane on the northbound side of the street and a pair of angled parking lanes in the center of the street. Vehicular traffic would use a 20-foot travel lane going north and a 29-foot travel lane going south.

The agency’s most recent proposal now calls for just a 17.5-foot-wide angled parking lane on the southbound side with an eight-foot buffer in the middle. Next to the buffer on the northbound side will be a nine-foot regular parking lane, an 11-foot travel lane and another nine-foot parking lane. The agency said the street will gain a total of 10 parking spaces thanks to the alteration. The bike lane portion of the plan for Corona Avenue remains unchanged. According to Community Board 4 District Manager Christian Cassagnol, the Transportation Committee declined to vote on the tweaked proposal because a number of the skeptical members’ questions went unanswered at the meeting. However, 111th Street will be a topic of discussion when the full board meets Dec. 13 at VFW Post #150 at 51-11 108 St. in Corona at 7:30 p.m. Cassagnol declined to give an official comment about the DOT’s plan prior to the Q board meeting.

C M SQ page 35 Y K Page 35 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016

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Challenger’s claim: Vallone favors donors Graziano alleges councilman treating people who give him money as clients by Ryan Brady Associate Editor

Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) has been accused of doing a series of favors for campaign donors by his 2017 primary opponent, land use expert Paul Graziano. “A council member is supposed to represent the interests and well-being of the residents and constituents of the Council District — all 160,000 of them,” Graziano said in an emailed statement after focusing on the allegations during a sitdown interview with the Chronicle. “Unfortunately, Paul Vallone has seemed to only be representing the interests of a selected group of his ‘clients’ since his election to City Council in 2013.” Vallone declined repeated requests for comment on the allegations beyond a statement his office issued about one of the claims and none of the donors could be reached for comment. In one case, the planning consultant said, Vallone opposed the extension of the Douglas Manor Historic District because of donations he received from a resident of the proposed area who is against it. Frank White opposed the extension and gave $500 donations to Vallone each year for the past three years. In a letter to Landmarks Preservation Commission Chairwoman Meekahshi Srinivasan, the councilman says that “landmark status imposes undue restrictions on the rights of homeowners to renovate, modify, or sell their properties as they wish.” He also notes that 12 of the 17 households in the area proposed for the expansion opposed it, and Community Board 11 had rejected it. Graziano criticized Vallone’s remarks about landmarking in the letter to the commission chairwoman. “If it were that case, why are so many neighborhoods desperate to be landmarked?” the planning consultant said, mentioning Broadway-Flushing as an example. “Because they want to protect their neighborhood from being destroyed by terrible development.” Vallone did support two smaller landmarkings in his district that were opposed by the people who own the affected buildings, the Hawthorne Court Apartments and the Ahles House, both in Bayside. There is no record of either owner making any donation to Vallone. “He voted for both with absolute owner opposition,” Graziano said. In another area controversy, Vallone was initially supportive of the proposed high school at the Bayside Jewish Center site, which Graziano says is because last year he received a $250 donation — the maximum for people who do business with the city — from Stephen Aiello, the husband of School Construction Authority head Lorraine Grillo, and a $300 donation from Christine Colligan, the JHS 189 parent coordinator, who supported the project and spoke in favor of it at a Community Board 11 meeting. The councilman later said he opposed the plan. A third example dates to 2009, when Val-

Councilman Paul Vallone, left, has been accused of doing favors for his campaign donors by FILE PHOTOS planning consultant Paul Graziano, right, who will face the incumbent in a primary. lone was first running for Council and accepted a donation of $500 from developer Paul Rifino, who also donated the same amount this year and last year. “Rifino started building a construction fence and cinderblocks around this house and filed plans to build an eight-unit apartment building,” Graziano said. People were living in the house that the building was happening around, Graziano claimed, but Rifino said he had already torn it down on his building application, which caused the Board of Standards and Appeals to deny his plan. Shortly after the plan was filed, the zoning for the area was supposed to change from R4 with commercial overlay, a multifamily designation, to R2, a more restrictive zoning. Northeast Flushing Civic Association President Peter Brancazio asked Vallone, who was doing legal work at that time, what could be done to block Rifino’s building plan, which by then had its construction stopped by the Department of Buildings. “He did advise us that we were wasting our time which was not an unreasonable thing to say,” Brancazio said, adding that Vallone said the BSA would likely approve the project. Although Graziano says that Vallone declined to help them because of the donation, the civic activist disagrees. “It had nothing to do with the donation,” Brancazio said. Real estate broker Paul Luciano donated $500 to Vallone in 2013 and 2014. He was trying to remove a variance provision on his family’s firm, Utopia Real Estate in Auburndale. The clause says “there shall be no change in ownership or operating control without prior application to and approval from the Board.” Luciano needed the variance to run the business and wanted to make it never-ending. Vallone’s office sent a representative to the Community Board 7 committee meeting about the renewal, according to Graziano and Station Road Civic Association President Rhea O’Gorman. While the civic activists say that a representative was there, one is not listed on the CB 7 committee report about the meeting. O’Gorman says that the councilman was

doing a favor for Luciano by sending a representative to the meeting. “Are you there because you support overdevelopment or are you there because you’re doing a favor for somebody who gave you campaign money?” O’Gorman, who will support Graziano against Vallone, said. Vallone originally supported the request to remove the clause on ownership change, according to Graziano and O’Gorman, but the board did not accept it though it voted to renew the variance for 10 years. The councilman then sent a letter to the BSA in support of that decision after the meeting. “Council Member Vallone has followed and supported the decisions of both Community Board 7 and 11 since the day he took office and this application was no different,” Vallone spokesman Lionel Morales said in a prepared statement. “He is a steadfast leader on behalf of our community and civic associations.” Steve Chon, a developer who donated $2,000 to Vallone in 2014 and $2,500 in 2015, met with Graziano and other civic leaders last year to discuss his plan to tear down the Reception House banquet hall in Auburndale and build at the space. “His plans were to tear down Reception House, build a giant commercial building, have his offices for his entire real estate empire on the second floor, 15 storefronts, professional offices in the back, 70 parking

spaces, and the parking lot across the street would be another two-story building for retail and a dental office for his daughter, with another 30 parking spaces,” Graziano said. “So I said to him, ‘sounds like a great plan.’ But your zoning is R2A” — which would not allow that. According to Graziano, Chon had a fix to the problem in mind, saying that Vallone had told him that the commercial zone next to Reception House — which lies within the only single-family section of Northern Boulevard — could be expanded. However, due to a Rickert-Finlay Covenant on the property allowing only singlefamily homes to be built, Chon could not go through with the plans anyway, according to Graziano. When the Council addressed raising its own salaries but banning most kinds of outside income, Vallone was opposed. He wanted an amendment that would have kept allowing outside income, which was limited to 15 percent of members’ salaries, according to a report in the Daily News. The Council approved a raise from $112,500 a year to $148,500, with the ban on most outside income included. Vallone voted no. “While the amendment failed, it reveals one of two things: Either Paul Vallone thinks that making almost $150,000 per year of public taxpayer funds is not enough — an amount more than what 95 percent of families in his district make annually — or his push for allowing the continuation of outside income was for a more nefarious purpose, which would be to allow him to mix public service with private gain through steering individuals to his private law firm from his City Council office,” Graziano claimed. “If Paul Vallone wants to continue to represent developers and other special interests in northeast Queens, he can go back to his previous job of being a real estate lobbyist and attorney in private practice after I defeat him in the 2017 election,” Graziano said. Graziano ran against Vallone once before, in the 2013 primary, along with several other candidates. Vallone won with 31.1 percent of the vote, while Graziano received Q 17.6 percent.

Live entertainment at Vetro Vetro’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, located at 164-49 Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach, is offering live entertainment on Thursdays and Fridays for its patrons. On Thursdays, there will be live music by guitarist Paolo Altieri from 7 to 10 p.m. The Friday shows, from 9 p.m. to midnight, will host a variety of musicians. Here are some of the scheduled performances: Dec. 9: Ida Mae and Carl Alfino will play classic ’70s R&B, dance, jazz and blues hits; Dec. 16: Lori Costello will perform jazz standards to Motown, classic hits to

latest tunes; Jan. 13: Michael Tesler, guitarist, will be playing top 40 music; Jan. 20: guitarist Kurt Borst will be playing everything from top 40 hits to the classics; and Jan. 27: Doc and JC Friday will play soft acoustic rock songs of the ’60s, ’70s and beyond. Doors open at 4 p.m. on both nights. Free valet parking is offered for anyone driving to and from the shows. For more information, call (718) 843Q 8387 or visit vetronyc.com.

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continued from page 2 working in the finance field. “Then came 2012 and I lost my job,” she said. “I remember heading to an interview in a new dress and realized I had $1.74 on my MetroCard. I had to crawl on the floor beneath the turnstile again because I didn’t have another dime. ... I’m okay now, but a lot of people are not like me or you.” A handful of residents said the city and state should be able to find a way for lowerincome residents to receive discounted fares, such as those offered to students, the elderly and the handicapped. But David Kupferberg, a student at Queens College, and Gary Yeung, a student who lives in Elmhurst, said that even student fares are challenging for those on strict budgets. “And I can’t use it on weekends,” Yeung said. Elected officials addressing the board were about as subtle as sledge hammers. “I hope you enjoyed your subway ride here,” state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) quipped in his allotted time. “Did you see the stations at Sutphin Boulevard and Parsons Boulevard/Archer Avenue? Those stations need a lot of work, because they are some of the busiest in the city.” Comrie said he will introduce a bill to push an effort by Councilman Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans) and others to allow city residents to board Long Island Rail Road

Page 37 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016

Queens jeers MTA fare hikes

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trains at city stations for the price of a MetroCard. Comrie said, for example, that many LIRR trains pass through stations in places like Hollis and others without stopping. Miller said the stops would increase transit options for residents and bring the LIRR fare money that it is now passing up. “Every penny they would make is a bonus,” Miller said. A former MTA bus operator and union president, Miller knows far better than most that the MTA needs to adequately fund its operations and infrastructure. But he too said residents in his district are not getting what they pay for. State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) said the MTA board should look first to tighten its own belt and secure other dedicated streams of revenue before pursuing a fare hike. “While I fully understand that the MTA is facing a severe budget shortfall, I am strongly opposed to placing the financial burden of closing the gap on New Yorkers and especially on those who are least able to pay for fare and toll increases.” Avella and Samuel Santaella, an Elmhurst resident and member of the Riders Alliance, said the state must come up with dedicated streams of revenue that long have been promised in Albany. “I would say to the governor’s appointees, tell him to keep his promise,” SanQ taella said.

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Homeless hotel continued from page 16 Since a meeting last month, neighborhood residents have researched the property owner, Harjinder Singh, using the corporate name Hillside Ave Hotel LLC. Wong and Lai said once a hotel becomes a homeless shelter it is not going anywhere, and that it drives down nearby residential property values. Rafael Vargas, who lives near the site, had not neglected that aspect, presenting some research he has done on real estate in the area surrounding the property. He said residents of South Jamaica have

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more of an economic stake — and more economic power — than they might realize. “There are 250 homes on the streets near there that have a value of $120 million,” he said. “If the average home is worth $500,000, and your value drops 1 percent, you lose $5,000; 5 percent and you lose $25,000. Twenty percent and you lose $100,000. ... We need to use our economic power.” A former Rochdale Village resident, Vargas said residents of the housing complex are a model for how more than 5,000 people can unite for a common economic and civic interest. “[Politicians] campaign in Rochdale Q because it’s a large block,” he said.

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Hate-free zone march rallies Jackson Hts. Speakers say community should protect itself, others from bigotry by Kari Lindberg Chronicle Contributor

Cries of “hate-free zone” rang out from a crowd of over 400 at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights on Dec. 2 at a community-wide rally and march. The event was arranged by the DRUMSouth Asian Organizing Center, an organization that mobilizes and builds leadersh ip w ith i n low-i ncome South Asia n communities. The aim is to bring the communities together and to take a stance that the racism, xenophobia, and bigotry — conditions many feel have been exacerbated by some of the rhetoric during the campaign of President-elect Donald Trump — will not be tolerated. Launched in Jackson Heights, one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city, the community defense initiative already has strong suppor t, with more than 80 co-sponsoring organizations and the support of numerous area businesses. The multigenerational audience held signs declaring love, solidarity and support for immigrant and LGBTQ communities. Members of the crowd carried f lags of LGBTQ organizations, Veteran for Peace and others. Throughout the rally the over 400-plus crowd chanted “Stand up, fight back” and repeated cries of “hate-free zone,” signaling a community ready to organize and defend itself against attacks many anticipate may occur following Trump’s inauguration in January. At the rally, several speakers f rom organizations that endorsed and co-sponsored the community defense and hatefree zone spoke specifically about their community, their needs and their fears and their own experiences. Chelo Silva Speech, a t ra nsgender immigrant and part of the Queer Detainee Empowerment Project, spoke of his traumatic experiences in a New Jersey detention center, where denial of medical care led him to contract multiple infections.

Simone Jhingoor addresses the crowd at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights at a Dec. 2. Organizers of the rally aimed to create a hate-free zone to combat bigotry and intolerance in the community. PHOTO BY KARI LINDBERG

“We should not remain with our arms crossed,” he said. “We must seek help, trust in organizations such as QDEP so that our rights are respected. “United we are stronger,” Speech said, echoing one of the crowd’s mantras. Deb Lolai of Jews for Racial and Economic Justice spoke with emotional pull, of the persecution and violence to which Jewish communities had been subjected before, directly addressing why a community-based defense is essential. “History supports the need for these hate-free zones,” she said. “History has proven that we cannot depend on the state to keep us safe; and history has proven that any power we give to the criminal legal system will always harm communities of color.”

W hile several different notes were struck by the speakers, they were all crystal clear that the hate-free zone signified that no community would be picked and torn apart without a fight. Ana Liza Caballes, deputy director of DRUM, for merly Desis Rising Up and Moving, emphasized the concrete plan to establish hate-free zones is contingent on the organizations and supporters talking to members of their own community and making it work. “It’s an organizing tool and we are looking to have the 100 organizations that are endorsing this campaign to implement it in their communities — to talk person to person, block by block, business to business, institution by institution, to promote

this culture that we will not live in fear, we will not tolerate hate and any act of hate is an act of hate on all of us,” she said. After the hour-long rally, DRUM memb e r s st a r t e d of f t he m a rch wa l k i ng towards 61st Street Woodside and then head towards Corona at 90th Street. T here were spor a d ic f re e -f low i ng chants of “Not my president” and “We are here and not going,” stated in Spanish. Marchers came from all over the city. One, a member of Iranian Refugee Alliance, came all the way from Brooklyn to show support. Marchers themselves often found out about the rally through various community connections. “A f r iend of mine lives in Jackson Heights and she has a Queens friend’s email list and so they told me about it,” Madhury Ray said. Ray added that the march, unlike some in Manhattan, “definitely has a very community feel towards it. I feels like a community coming together.” The march came to a stop right at the 90th Street No. 7 train station, ending with marchers and organizers lin king a r m s a n d r e p e a t i n g a m e s s a g e of solidarity. “I think it went pretty successful,” said Poonam Dass, an undocumented DRUM Youth Leader, who said more needs to be done. As someone exempted from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which Trump has spoken of doing away with once in office, she said she knows how much is at stake. “I’m just nervous,” Dass said. “This might be the last two months with my family.” Mayor de Blasio’s declarations that New York is a sanctuary city have not eased her emotions. “It’s admirable to know that he declared it as a sanctuary city, but it’s really up to us to come together and fight,” she said. Q

Woman indicted on animal abuse charges by Nicholas Theodorou Chronicle Contributor

A Jackson Heights woman was indicted last Thursday on aggravated cruelty, a felony, to animals and numerous other charges, the District Attorney’s office said in a press release. Elizabeth Grant, 48, was arraigned on a 138-count indictment including four counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, 66 counts of overdriving, torturing or injuring an animal and 66 counts of failure to provide proper food and drink to an impounded animal. Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said the charges involved 67 animals. One dog, Dorothy, was in such bad health she had to be put to rest. She was allegedly covered in feces and was vomiting along with diarrhea related to chronic kidney

and liver disease. Brown said the conditions were so bad in Grant’s 82nd Street home in Jackson Heights that the ASPCA rescue workers had to wear respirators to breathe. “No person or animal should live in such wretched conditions,” Brown added. Last January a crime prevention officer went to the defendant’s home to meet with Grant’s mother, an elderly crime victim. There was no answer at the door but the officer saw numerous animals in the filthy residence, Brown said. A few weeks later the officer returned to the home with the ASPCA representatives and noticed excessive amounts of feces, fur and the smell of urine throughout the main floor. Brown also said the home appeared to be filled with

clutter and trash along with the ceiling peeling and rotting. After a search warrant was obtained, the ASPCA rescued 55 cats, 12 dogs and two turtles. The ASPCA forensic science unit discovered the animals had dental diseases, ear mites and respiratory infections, as well as pain and discomfort from other ailments. Howard Lawrence, vice president of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement, said providing medical and behavioral care for these animals has been a top priority over the past year. “Our staff, partners and network of dedicated foster volunteers are grateful for the opportunity to give them the treatment they deserve. We commend the NYPD for their investigation and the Queens District Attorney’s Office for its pursuit of this case,” Lawrence said in a Q statement.

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December 8, 2016

Page 39 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016

ARTS, CULTURE C ULTURE & LIVING IVING by Mark Lord

Continued on page ge

Chain Theatre stages

a Christmas treasure, radio-style

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For Greg Cicchino, like so many others, the film version of “It’s a Wonderful Life” was a childhood staple, and he estimates that by now, at the age of 33, he has seen the perennial holiday fantasy favorite somewhere around 50 times. It comes a s no surpr ise then that Cicchino, managing director of The Chain Theatre, an independent company that first saw the light in 2009, should have felt inspired to adapt it for the stage. His rendition, which he is also directing, will be performed by the troupe for the second year in a row, with several of the original cast members making return appearances. He began to work on the story — an inspiring tale whose protagonist, George Bailey, learns through the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence, how different life in his small-town community would have been if he had never been born — in January of last year, finishing it in time for its debut during the last winter holiday season. “We had done another version,” he explained in a recent telephone conversation. “I had a few areas I wanted to explore.” So, he gave the tale a “gentle massaging to make it a little more relevant,” though the tweaks might hardly be discernible, he said. Perhaps the biggest change, Cicchino explained, concerns the depiction of Mary, the love of George’s life. In one scene in the film, George gets rather violent with her as they are falling in love, turning the otherwise strong young woman into what Cicchino described as “a complete damsel, out of character for her, though not for the 1940s.” In Cicchino’s version, she becomes a more “proactive participant in her own life.” Sharp-eyed fans might also pick up on the he juxtaposition of a scene between George and nd another young woman, Violet, which, h, according to Cicchino, establishes moree clearly that “Mary is the only one forr George.” While such changes are few, it is thee telling of the story that should prove thee main attraction here: It will follow the stylee of a live radio broadcast, complete with music sic and sound effects. Minimal settings will be involved and Cicchino said the c o s t u m e s w i l l b e “s e a s o n a l l y a n d period-suggestive.” continued on page 43

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016 Page 40

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W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G MUSIC

“Toys & Games from the Attic and Beyond,” with more than 150 items including Queens-born Mr. Machine, Hess trucks, Lionel trains, Beanie Babies and more, with info on their histories. Tue., Sat., Sun., 2:30-4:30 p.m. or by appointment, thru June 2017, Queens Historical Society, 143-35 37 Ave., Flushing. $5; $3 seniors, students; under 12 free. Info: (718) 939-0647, queenshistoricalsociety.org.

Holiday Jubilee, with carols and works by 18thcentury composers, performed by all-female group Filigree Baroque on flute, cello and harpsichord. Fri., Dec. 9, 6:30-8 p.m., King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica. $25 advance; $30 at door. Info: (718) 206-0545, kingmanor.org. Queens College Choral Society Winter Concert, performing Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and works by Brahms, with college Choir and Orchestra and guest conductor Maurice Peress. Sat., Dec. 10, 8 p.m., Colden Auditorium, Queens College, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing. $20. Info/tickets: (718) 7938080, kupferbergcenter.org, qcchoralsociety.org. Christmas Concert, by Sacred Music Society and Oratorio Society of Queens, with highlights of Handel’s “Messiah” and singalong of Christmas carols. Sun., Dec. 11, 4 p.m., Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Roman Catholic Church, 110-06 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills. $30; $10 kids under 13. Info: (718) 268-6251. Queensboro Symphony Orchestra, performing Grieg’s legendary Piano Concerto and Brahms’ monumental Fourth Symphony. Sun., Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m., Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd. Free-will offering. Info/RSVP: (718) 463-7700, facebook.com/ QueensboroSymphonyOrchestra.

“Another Land: After Noguchi,” astrophotography-like works by Leah Raintree, considering the microcosms in Isamu Noguchi’s sculptures. Thru Jan. 8, Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33 Road, Long Island City. $10; $5 seniors, students; NYC HS students, kids under 12 free. Info: (718) 204-7088, noguchi.org.

Members of the Paul Taylor Dance Co. including Eran Brugge, above, will take flight on the Queens Theatre stage for three performances Dec. 17 and 18. See Dance. PHOTO BY JAMES HOUSTON Dec. 9-Thu., Dec. 22, varying dates and times, Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Flushing Meadows Corona Park. $18 (discount with code ITSINQUEENS16). Info: (718) 760-0064, queenstheatre.org.

FILM India Kaleidoscope Film Festival, starting with “India in a Day,” a 2016 documentary about the everyday lives of thousands of Indian people. First film Thu., Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m., others thru Sun., Dec. 11, varying times, Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 Ave., Astoria. $30; $22 students first film; others $15; $11 students, seniors; $7 kids up to 17. Info: (718) 777-6888, movingimage.us.

“Let It Snow!,” a “wondrous holiday ride” with the Astoria Symphony Orchestra, ballet dancers, singers, storytellers, video and more, including holiday hits from “Silver Bells” to “The Nutcracker.” Sat., Dec. 10, 3 p.m., LaGuardia Performing Arts Center, 31-10 Thomson Ave., Long Island City. $30. Info: (917) 300-8695, astoriamusic.org. COURTESY PHOTO

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THEATRE “A Christmas Carol,” Dickens’ classic holiday tale of greed and redemption, by the North Country Center for the Arts National Touring Co. Fri., Dec. 9, 7 p.m., Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56 Ave., Bayside. Tickets: $35-$45. Info: (718) 631-6311, visitqpac.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS

ticipant wants: Louis Armstrong House Museum, Bowne House, Flushing Town Hall, Friends Quaker Meeting House, Kingsland Homestead, Lewis H. Latimer House Museum, and Voelker Orth House. Sun., Dec. 11, 1-5 p.m., starting at any of the locations. $15 advance; $20 at door; $5 kids under 12. Info/tickets: facebook.com/QueensHistoricalSociety.

“Maintenance Art,” photos and more celebrating the importance of cleaning and other work, by longtime Sanitation Department artist-inresidence Mierle Laderman Ukeles. Thru Feb. 19, Queens Museum, Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Suggested $8 admission; $4 seniors; free students, children. Info: (718) 592-9700, queensmuseum.org.

EXHIBITS “Q100: photographing the city bus to Riker’s Island,” highlighting the loved ones of people detained in the city jail. Thru Sun., Jan. 15; opening reception with poet Miles Hodges, musician Miranda Maxwell, Sat., Dec. 10, 6:30-10 p.m., Qns Collective, 36-27 36 St., Long Island City. Free. Info: queenscouncilarts.org.

“Read My Lips,” prints, paintings, sculptures and video examining the fluidity of bodily forms and referencing the history of queer abstraction. Thru Sun., Dec. 18, Thu.-Fri., 5-9 p.m.; Sat.Sun., 2-8 p.m., Knockdown Center, 52-19 Flushing Ave., Maspeth. Free. Info: knockdown.center. PHOTO BY NEIL CHIRAGDIN

Family Magic Show, with music and comedy too, for adults and kids, by Queens-based Jazzman“S” (Steve Palmore), to benefit the YMCA, part of Holiday Bazaar Extravaganza. Sat., Dec. 10, 1-2 p.m., Cross Island YMCA, 238-10 Hillside Ave. Bellerose. $5. Info: (718) 551-9300, ymcanyc.org/crossisland.

“GingerBread Lane,” the 2013-15 world record holder for largest gingerbread village, with edible, homemade houses by chef Jon Lovitch. Thru Sun., Jan. 15; with gingerbread house-building workshops Dec. 10, 17, 28, 29, 1 and 3 p.m., New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111 St., Corona. Free with admission; workshops $10 per kit. Info: (718) 699-0005, nysci.org.

Winter Bazaar, with free performances, food, drinks, gifts to buy and more. Fri., Dec. 16, 5-8 p.m., Salvatore LaRussa Dance Theatre-The Academy, 66-85 73 Place, Middle Village. Free. Info: (347) 263-7538.

DANCE Borne Dance Co., exploring human nature and interaction, inspired by our culture and daily lives. Fri.-Sat., Dec. 9-10, 8 p.m., Green Space, 37-24 24 St., Long Island City. $17. Info/tickets: (718) 956-3037, greenspacestudio.org.

TOURS

“The Tempest,” Shakespeare’s story of a shipwreck on an exiled wizard’s island prison and his diabolical mission of revenge, by Theatre of the Living Word. Fri.-Sat., Dec. 9-10, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 4, 11, 3 p.m., Presbyterian Church of St. Albans, 190-04 119 Ave. $20. Info: (718) 528-2495, tlwshow@gmail.com.

Winter Wildlife Viewing, a walk around Willow Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, led by an urban park ranger. Sat., Dec. 10, 9-10:30 a.m., meeting at Albert Mauro Playground, Park Drive E. and 73 Terrace. Free. Info: (718) 352-1769, on.nyc.gov/2gR1tWj.

“A Christmas Carol,” Dickens’ classic holiday tale of greed and redemption, by the Titan Theatre Co. Fri.,

Holiday Historic House Tour, the 29th annual, visiting as many of the following as each par-

“Life Reimagined,” more than two dozen paintings in various styles by residents of the Pomonok Senior Center in Flushing. Thru Dec. 31, Resorts World Casino Red Wall Art Gallery, 11000 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park. Free. Info: rwnewyork.com.

“Martin Scorsese,” on the iconic New Yorker and director’s intertwined career and life, with production material, childhood artifacts, behindthe-scenes images, film retrospective and more. Sun., Dec. 11-Apr. 23, 2017, Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 Ave., Astoria. $15; $11 seniors, students; $7 kids 3-17. Info: (718) 777-6888, movingimage.us. PHOTO COURTESY MOMI

Paul Taylor Dance Co., performing “Airs,” “Lines of Loss” and “Black Tuesday” under dancemaker The New York Times called “the greatest choreographer alive.” Sat., Dec. 17, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 18, 3 p.m., Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Flushing Meadows Corona Park. $25-$42. Info: (718) 760-0064, queenstheatre.org. continued on page 44

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

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is AlliĂŠâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third time curating, and she described the process of putting the show together with Touron as very organic. One in black robes holds fast to a rosary. Another gazes â&#x20AC;&#x153;[Touron] brought some artists, I brought some artists â&#x20AC;Ś down toward an American flag barely held in the tips of the as we went on, things became more defined,â&#x20AC;? said AlliĂŠ. The artists translated the central concept into a variety of fingers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; as if ready to drop it. They walk, stumble, stand and sit, but always their faces are obscured. There are trac- media including paintings, photographs, sculpture, collage es of personalities among them, but the viewers are able to and even miniaturized video work for this show. The commonality between them all is a figure that is just slightly out read themselves into the work. These figures are part of a collage created by Fanny AlliĂŠ, of place. In AlliĂŠâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own work for this exhibition, she has created a who in addition to contributing work has co-curated an exhibition at RadiatorArts in Long Island City called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nei- version of her â&#x20AC;&#x153;Creaturesâ&#x20AC;? series of collages. In these, her ther Here Nor There.â&#x20AC;? The exhibit, conceived by her co- figures, with faces obscured, effect evocative poses. On the curator, Nicolas Touron, brings together eight artists of whole, they fit the texture of an urban environment, so French extraction now living in America. Central to the while none of them individually interacts with another, they showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme is a special and shared sense of figurative iso- create a rhythm as a whole. Her process for creating the lation among these ex-pats. Part of this idea is alienation, figures has its own rhythm as well: Fabrics and textiles not along any specific cultural lines or explicitly experi- spread out before her, she will mix and match, pose, trace enced, but nonetheless felt on some metaphysical level â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a and re-pose the figures, all the while considering how the canvas as a whole will interact sense of belonging, or not. with the other artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pieces in the The venue â&#x20AC;&#x153;is a curatorial platgallery. form,â&#x20AC;? said Tamas Veszi, founder In Marilia Destotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gowanus of RadiatorArts (a name which When: Fri., 3-6 p.m.; Sun., 1-6 p.m. or Danceâ&#x20AC;? photograph series, a comes from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Radical Mediator for by appointment, through Jan. 20 woman is frozen mid-stride repeatthe Arts), â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Ś and we really like for Where: RadiatorArts, 10-61 Jackson Ave., edly. Her poses are disjointed but artist-curated shows to work.â&#x20AC;? The Long Island City dancer-like, and the composition space functions as an outlet for Entry: Free. info@radiatorarts.com of the images distorts the viewerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emerging curators or artist-curaperception of the location in which tors to form their own shows. This

by Neil Chiragdin qboro contributor

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Neither Here Nor Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Page 41 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016

Individuals isolated by their dual identities

A photo in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gowanus Danceâ&#x20AC;? series by Marilia PHOTO BY NEIL CHIRAGDIN Destot. an image is shot â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the same sidewalk space appears to elongate with each image. The framing of the photos in the gallery cleverly reflects this disjointedness, using the venueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s layout to its advantage by mounting the photos on different planes. Jeanne Verdouxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s monotypes also make use of motion in still images. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a sense of playfulness or perhaps impending danger. They are an endeavor steeped in fragmentation, ambiguity and dual states. In one image, a continued on page 45

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You bet it’s quality art by Peter C. Mastrosimone editor-in-chief

Amidst the lights and sounds of gaming machines, the chatter of diners and the roar of concert crowds at Resorts World Casino lies one place of serenity: the Red Wall Art Gallery. And that may never have been more true than it is now and will be through the end of this month, thanks to an exhibit entitled “Life Reimagined.” The display is made up of paintings done by 14 seasoned citizens at the Pomonok Senior Center in Flushing, which is serviced by Queens Community House. Landscapes, portraits, exotic buildings — the subjects of the paintings run the gamut. But they all appear to have one thing in common: a serenity that perhaps reflects

‘Life Reimagined’ When: Through Dec. 31 Where: Resorts World Casino, 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park Entry: Free. rwnewyork.com

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the outlook of their creators. “Artistic activities are an important means of expression and can also be therapeutic during times of illness, stress, and loneliness,” Queens Community House Executive Director Ben Thomases said in an announcement of the exhibit. “Our Pomonok Senior Center’s art classes have proven that our older adults have enormous talent and much to share of themselves through their artwork.” “I’ve been coming to the Pomonok Senior Center for 31 years,” said artist Kulwant Bains. “I came specifically for the art classes. I never did any art before this. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to do real art, but now I’ve made more than 100 paintings. I kept coming back to the center because I really love this place. Nothing matters — not color, not your nationality. We just have a good time. I don’t know what I’d do without this place; it’s like my family.” Michelle Stoddart, director of public venue and community development at Resorts World, said the venue is “honored” to display the paintings in a space that she said “enables the community to get to know Q each other through art and creativity.”

BEAT

Ces says yes by Lloyd Carroll

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Chronicle Contributor

“This is the third time that we have acquired Yoenis in the last 17 months. It appears that two legal separations have only strengthened the marriage,” Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson stated in his opening remarks at last Wednesday’s Citi Field press conference announcing that the Amazin’s had re-signed slugging outfielder Yoenis Cespedes to a fouryear, $110 million contract. This year’s negotiations with Cespedes did not have the Sturm und Drang for Mets fans that last year’s did. At the end of 2015, the conventional wisdom was that the Mets would not pony up for a long-term deal with him and that other teams would pounce for his services. The marketplace was not as favorable as his agents were hoping and Cespedes signed a three-year, $75 million deal with the Mets that gave him an opt-out clause after the 2016 season. While the deal that he signed in Queens last year did offer security for Cespedes, it did have risks as well, particularly if he wanted a longterm contract that would probably take him to the end of his career. He knew that he would have to produce in 2016. In spite of some leg injuries, Cespedes had a very good year and elected to try free agency again. This time though, he truly wanted to stay with the Mets and the feeling was mutual and

thus the drama was minimal. While Mets management is rightfully being applauded by their fans for digging deep into their pockets for him, Cespedes does have liabilities. Like all power hitters, he strikes out a lot. Cespedes, in spite of having received a Gold Glove Award, has shown a tendency to be a little too nonchalant in the outfield as he has dropped fly balls trying to catch them with one hand as well as taking his time retrieving balls that he has booted in the outfield as Mets fans witnessed in the 2015 World Series. It will be interesting to see whether Cespedes will assume the role of mentor and leader in the clubhouse for Hispanic players that pitcher Bartolo Colon, who recently signed a lucrative deal with the Atlanta Braves, had been. Cespedes was born in Cuba in 1985 and attended a state-run academy where he concentrated on baseball. He was the starting centerfielder on the 2009 Cuban team that played in the World Baseball Classic. He defected in the summer of 2011 by escaping to the Dominican Republic and in 2012 he signed a four-year, $36 million contract with the Oakland Athletics. Cespedes was asked about the death of Fidel Castro. Since he still has family in Cuba, where Fidel’s brother, Raul, rules with an iron fist, he Q understandably declined to comment. See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com.

These serene visions of a walkway near a shoreline, by Lijuan Kazanis, and of camels cresting a dune, by Jenny Lee, are among the paintings now on display at Resorts PHOTOS COURTESY RESORTS WORLD World Casino in South Ozone Park.

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Rapoport’s short-lived landmark in Forest Hills by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

Harry Rapoport (1893-1967) opened a restaurant at 93 Second Avenue on the Lower East Side with 20 tables. It was a “Dairy Restaurant.” Jews who are kosher are not supposed to serve dairy and meat together. Harry originated dishes like vegetable cutlets, mock Rapoport’s Dairy Restaurant, 98-14 Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills, summer 1967, shortly after opening. turkey and mushroom cutlets. Harry survived the Depression and the business grew eventually to the ladies to make the blintzes themselves almost 500 tables. His son Ray “Rappy” the way they wanted. Despite the huge Jewish population the Rapoport (1923-2006) worked there as a waiter after World War II but soon opened business failed and he closed the doors fora kosher catering business for synagogues ever in 1970. He went to work for his in Los Angeles. In 1965, when Harry brother Van who was married to Meyer became ill, he asked Ray to return to New Lansky’s daughter and reportedly owned Spindletop’s, a steakhouse in the heart of York and run his business. He returned. Upon Harry’s death in 1967 he decided the theater district on West 47th Street. He to close the restaurant because the area later retired from cooking in 1974 and was becoming part of the East Village and retired to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., passing could not support a kosher restaurant. He away at age 83 in Pompano Beach in 2006. Today where kosher food was once decided to move immediately to 98-14 Queens Blvd. in Forest Hills. You could served, they are now selling furniture at Q not miss the turquoise facade. He allowed Moda furniture at the location.

C M SQ page j 43 Y K

continued from page 39

It’s a “lean and mean seasonal piece, something magical. The spirit of the holidays lends itself well” to the format, Cicchino said. The group’s artistic director Kirk Gostkowski will be appearing as Bailey, a role immortalized by James Stewart. He will be joined by other Chain veterans including Alexandra Kopko, who played multiple small roles last year, as Mary; Nick Fondulis as Clarence; and Patrick Pizzolorusso, who is flying in from Los Angeles to rejoin the company, playing several roles. For Cicchino, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is the “quintessential American tale” — “a

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ When: Thurs.-Sat., Dec. 15-17, 8 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 18, 2 p.m. Where: RWS Studios, 37-12 35 St., Long Island City Tickets: $10; kids under 11 free; (646) 580-6003, chaintheatre.org

story about redemption.” Of its main character, he said, “This is a man who saves the town which, in turn, saves him. He looks after his fellow man. While God is never overtly mentioned, He has a clear presence.” Although the film is strongly associated with Christmas, Cicchino said there is no direct tie-in to the holiday other than the fact that the main action takes place at Christmastime. “Hopefully, the qualities [exemplified by George] are not confined to the holiday season,”Cicchino said. Rather, he suggested, the story “epitomizes the American dream. If you work hard and you are selfless, in a moment of need, the community will save you. It’s important to act as a member of the community and lift others up.” To a large extent, its popularity stems from its belief in the power of faith, a trait it shares with the theater group itself. In its seven years, the troupe has been bounced around from one home base to another; as of last year, it became the victim of soaring rents in Long Island City, where it had been operating out of

Page 43 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016

A story we’ve loved since the day it was born

George, top, Mary, Clarence, Violet and more will be brought to life again this season in a radio play of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” one of America’s most beloved Christmas RKO RADIO PICTURES movies. On the cover: a key moment for Mary and George. a black box space in a converted chain factory, whence came its name. The group has continued to produce shows since then, having to venture out o f t h e b o r o ug h f o r s o m e o f i t s performances. Still, the company hasn’t given up hope of finding a new — and permanent — home, preferably somewhere in Queens.

“We’ve been looking all over the place,” said Cicchino, who lives in Astoria. “We’re exploring all our options. The real estate market is difficult, especially for artists.” As the search for a new home goes on, it’s likely he and his colleagues at The Chain are hoping for just such a helping hand as George Bailey found he needed. Q

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The History of Salsa, with award-winning Colombian dance co. Cali Salsa Pal Mundo performing the genre’s “intoxicating rhythm and mesmerizing moves.” Thru Dec. 11; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 4 p.m., Thalia Hispanic Theatre, 41-17 Greenpoint Ave., Sunnyside. $40; $37 students, seniors; special group rates too. Info: (718) 729-3880, thaliatheatre.org. COURTESY PHOTO

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“Hooks & Needles” Crochet & Knit Club, with participants bringing their own projects, hooks, needles and yarn, or working on charity projects, for entire meeting or just dropping in. Every Thu., 6:30-9 p.m., Big 6 Shopping Center, 60-10 Queens Blvd., Woodside (entrance inside shopping center, up one flight, down hall to left of 99-cent store). Info: Lorraine, (917) 817-4037. Queens County Bird Club “Calibirdication,” with Arie Gilbert and Lisa Scheppke describing their birding trip to California. Wed., Dec. 14, 8-9:30 p.m., Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston. Free. Info: qcbirdclub.org.

FLEA MARKETS Giant Indoor Holiday Flea Market, with more than 75 vendors, held by St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Sat.-Sun., Dec. 10-11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mulz Hall, Jamaica Ave. and 88 St., Woodhaven. Info: (718) 847-1353. Italian Charities of America, with food and beverages, tables still available for $25. Sat., Dec. 10, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 83-20 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst. Info: (718) 478-3100. PS/IS 49 Holiday Vendor Market, with gifts, food, raffles and more. Sat., Dec. 17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 63-60 80 St., Middle Village. Info: (718) 326-2111. Richmond Hill, 117-09 Hillside Ave., every Sun., 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Largest flea market in Queens. Info: (347) 709-7661, richmondhillfleamarket.com.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Spelling Bee, weekly for kids in grades 1-6. Most Thu. thru Dec. 29. Ridgewood Library, 20-12 Madison St., 3:30 p.m. No registration req’d, but parent or guardian must be present. Info: (718) 821-4770, queenslibrary.org.

Overeaters Anonymous, for people who want to lose weight or have any eating disorder. Every Tue., 7:30-9 p.m., Holy Child Jesus Outreach Center, 112-06 86 Ave., Richmond Hill; every Thu., 12:15-1:40 p.m., Rego Park Library, 91-41 63 Ave. Info: (718) 564-7027 (Richmond Hill); (718) 8964756, (718) 459-5140 (Rego Park).

Friday Kids Club, with board games, knitting, arts and crafts, Legos and more, for kids 5-12 and parents, grandparents, other caregivers. Every Fri. thru Dec. 30, 3-4:30 p.m., Glen Oaks Library, 256-04 Union Tpke. Free. Info: (718) 831-8636, queenslibrary.org.

Bereavement groups for assistance dealing with loss and the process towards healing, with others experiencing similar situations. Central Queens YM & YWHA, 67-09 108 St., Forest Hills. Registration req’d. Info: (718) 268-5011, ext. 160, olderadults@cgy.org.

Family Maker Club, a learning environment with children and families tinkering, designing and creating things from everyday materials. Each Mon. thru Feb. 27, 3:45-5 p.m., Middle Village Library, 72-31 Metropolitan Ave. Info: Susan Paredes, (718) 326-1390, susan.paredes@queenslibrary.org.

Gam-Anon is a 12-step program for families of someone with a gambling problem. Call hot line (212) 606-8177.

CLUBS Queens Dinner Club, meeting monthly to enjoy the borough’s many cuisines at a discount, with Tibetan on this month’s menu. Mon., Dec. 12, 7 p.m., Phayul restaurant, 89-17 Northern Blvd., Jackson Heights. $45. Info: facebook.com/queensdinnerclub, queensdinnerclub@gmail.com.

GRASP (Grief Recovery After Substance Passing): Find peer-lead grief support for those who have lost a loved one to substance abuse. Meetings held once a month. Info on date, times and location: nycmetrograsp@gmail.com. PTSD for veterans and service members: Reach out to a anonymous support group in your area. Info: 1 (800) 273-TALK. Alcoholics Anonymous, daily meetings around Queens for those with a drinking problem. Info: (718) 520-5021, queensaa.org.

C M SQ page 45 Y K

King Crossword Puzzle

Radiator exhibition continued from page 41 silhouette might be falling, but at the same time another may be lifting her up. In several of them, limbs float away and appear to become detached from their primary body. In some of the work, the figure is suggested, but absent. Anne Mourier’s sculptures use miniature models of recognizable

ACROSS 1 Smell 5 U.K. fliers 8 Teen’s skin woe 12 One of the Three Bears 13 Conclusion 14 TV’s Dr. McGraw 15 Mideast port 16 Wrestling hold 18 Tetanus 20 Lassoes 21 High tennis shot 22 Jewel 23 Jaunty topper 26 Samson’s weapon against the Philistines 30 Altar affirmative 31 London forecast 32 Hive dweller 33 Arid 36 Playwright Henrik 38 Noon, in a way 39 High card 40 Squabble 43 Plaster-fiberboard mix 47 Home entertainment piece 49 Vicinity 50 Oodles 51 Billboards 52 One-named supermodel 53 Some evergreens 54 Lad 55 Harp’s cousin

domestic objects. In one, a six-inch-long bed is cut in half and a long trail of pots (29 in all) fills the long, narrow display case. The last pot, left open, implies some mystery, but also action: Who opened the pot, and why this one? The exhibition will host a live performance on Sunday, Dec. 11 starting at 5 p.m. “Embody” by Shani Ha “blurs the boundaries between sculpture, bodies and representation,” Radiator Arts says. Audience members, performers and dancers interact with the piece in this series. For Sunday’s event, Ha has invited performance Q artist Amélie Gaudier-Brody.

Crossword Answers

DOWN 1 October birthstone 2 Pedestal part 3 Oil cartel 4 Irritate 5 Betty Ford Center program 6 From the start 7 Govt. Rx watchdog 8 Self-assurance 9 Hew 10 Pleasant 11 BPOE members

17 Sketched 19 Make marginalia 22 Choke 23 Lobster eater’s aid 24 Tokyo’s old name 25 Director Howard 26 Cohort of Whoopi and Sherri 27 Outdated, as a wd. 28 Born 29 Hallow ender 31 Calendar abbr. 34 Rejoices

35 God, in Grenoble 36 Aloof 37 Lament 39 Pretentious 40 Vacationing 41 Bronchial sound 42 Radiate 43 Prank 44 Host 45 Mad king of literature 46 Highway division 48 Arrest

Answers at right

Page 45 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016

boro

Artist and co-curator Fanny Allié with her work “Four Clowns.” PHOTO BY NEIL CHIRAGDIN

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Page 47 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016

REPAIRS

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016 Page 48

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Help Wanted

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Notice of Formation of 41-16 49 ST LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/24/16. 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 The LLC, 53-42 Metropolitan Avenue, Ridgewood, N Y 113 8 5. Purpose: any lawful activity.

6704 Myrtle LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 9/15/16. 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, 62-68 Dry Harbor Rd., Middle Village, NY 11379. General purpose.

616 Seagirt, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/03/16. 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: 616 Seagirt, LLC, 536 Oak Dr., Far Rockaway, NY 11691 Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

79TH STREET HB, LLC Art. Of Org. Filed Sec. of State of NY 09/12/2013. Off. Loc.:Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY to mail copy of process to The LLC, 185-07 80th Drive, Jamaica Estates, NY 11432. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

ESTABLISHED TRANSPORTATION COMPANY LOCATED IN QUEENS, NY IS SEEKING AN INDIVIDUAL W/5 TO 10 YRS EXPERIENCE IN PAYROLL OPERATIONS. Qualified applicants must have experience processing electronic/computerized time & attendance & payroll, detail oriented & possess the ability to work in a fast paced environment. Must be able to handle confidential information w/ discretion at all times & work well with others. Responsibilities include assisting in the processing of non-exempt payroll weekly, generating & calculating union remittances, supporting 3rd party payroll audits & other ad hoc projects as requested. Proficiency in Excel a must & attention to detail & accuracy are imperative. Competitive salary commensurate w/your experience.

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- APPLY IN PERSON -

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IF YOU USED THE BLOOD THINNER XARELTO and suffered internal bleeding, hemorrhaging, required hospitalization or a loved one died while taking Xarelto between 2011 and the present time, you may be entitled to comLOOKING TO BUY Estates, gold, pensation. Call Attorney Charles costume jewelry, old & mod furn, H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727 records, silver, coins, art, toys, oriental items. Call George, 718-386-1104 or 917-775-3048

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1819 Cornelia Street LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10 / 03/16. 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: Bipin Mathew, 16-92 Linden Street, Apartment #3, Ridgewood, NY 11385 Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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C M SQ page 49 Y K To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Legal Notices

Real Estate

Alicia’s Candles LLC Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 9/7/16. Off. Loc.: Queens Co. SSNY desig. as agt. upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 23-20 36th St #3F, Astoria, NY 11105. General Purposes.

Perez & Company LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/25/16. 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, 11105 110th St., South Ozone Park, NY 11420. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

T R E E H O U S E DEVELOPMENT LLC, Art. of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/27/2016. Office: Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail process to The LLC, 41-14B Main Street #L5, Flushing, NY 11355. General Purposes.

Briggs 1671 LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 10/28/16. Office location: Queens C o u n t y. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Joseph Sultana, 21441 42 Ave., Bayside, NY 11361. General purpose.

SHERPA ASSOCIATES LLC Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/01/2016 Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Sherpa Associates LLC, 2071 28th Street, Astoria, NY 11105. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

VERNALEO LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/23/16. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 214-36 27th Avenue, Bayside, NY 11360. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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

Coriolanus Capital Management LLC, a foreign LLC, filed with the SSNY on 10/18/16. 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, P.O. Box 2614, NY, NY 10163. General purpose.

Sherpa Venture Partners LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/28/16. 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: Sherpa Venture Partners LLC 2071 28th Street, Astoria, NY 11105. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

VINCENZO & ELISA LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/19/16. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 163-54 Willets Point Boulevard, Whitestone, NY 11375. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

GENERAL REALTY GROUP LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/07/2016. 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, 80-22 210th St., Queens Village, NY 11427 Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

SUNNYSIDE AUTO REPAIR, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/19/16 (amended 11/17/16). 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: c/o United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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Mortgages

Houses For Sale

Real Estate Misc.

Apts. For Rent Howard Beach, studio, all new. A/C, own thermostat, no pets/ smoking, utils incl. $1,150/mo. 516-445-4960 Ozone Park, studio, no pets/smoking, utils incl. $1,200/mo, 1 mo sec. Call 718-738-6124

Woodhaven, 2 BR, 1 bath, close to all. $2,000/mo. Call for details. Howard Beach, all new totally Mike 917-446-9834 @ Realty redone in 2016, stone front, sidConnect USA ing, windows, roof, new kit with S/S appli, granite, 4 BR, 3 full baths, $659K. Connexion I RE, 718-845-1136 1 BR needed immediately for 2 mature women to share. Pet- Howard Beach, waterfront, 2 famifriendly optional. No brokers! Call ly, 12 rms, 5 BR, 5 baths, 4 terraces, all redone! Howard Beach 718-986-0912. Realty. 718-641-6800

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Open House Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Sun, 12/11, 12:30-2pm, 180 72 St, Apt 335. Co-ops for sale Flagg Court. Totally renov 1 BR, 20% down payment, no board approval. C21 Amiable II, 718-835-4700 Elmhurst, Sun, 12/11, 12:30-2:00 PM, 30-29 84 St. Lg brick attached home in Jackson Heights /East Elmhurst. C-21 Amiable II, 718-835-4700 Lindenwood, Sat 12/10, 12:30-2:00PM, 79-09 153rd Ave. Legal 4 family. Lindenwood, Sun 12/11, 12:00-2:00PM, 151-40 88th St. 2D. Lovely 2 BR. C 21 Amiable II, 718-835-4700

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LENDER ORDERED SALE! 39 acres—assessed value—$95,700 Available now for $89,900! Catskill Mountain views, woods, Beautiful Greentree Condo, corner fields, apple trees, great hunting! top floor unit, skylight in kitchen, 3 hrs NY City! Owner terms! 2 lg balconies, one over looking 888-479-3394 courtyard, updated kit & bath, gar, pvt dvwy, low maintenance. Our Classifieds Reach Over Asking $419K. Connexion I RE, 400,000 Readers. Call 718-205718-845-1136 8000 to advertise.

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MLNNNYC, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/09/16. 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: c/o United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228 Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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Mortgages

Page 49 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016 Page 50

C M SQ page 50 Y K Fact: No one overreacts to struggles and successes like New York sports fans. Yankees fans, Mets fans, Jets and Giants fans: They all do it. And as a St. John’s alum who wants to see the Red Storm succeed, I can admit that kind of behavior happens with Queens hoops too. So as expected, with the Red Storm struggling these last few weeks, the headlines, blog posts and tweets fretting over the future have come fast and furious. Over the water cooler in this office, I and other employees ponder how long second-year head coach Chris Mullin’s leash should be, if he’s got the right stuff to lead the program forward or if he’s just a famous alum masquerading as a coach. I get the frustration throughout Johnnies Nation. I really do. Even when St. John’s (4-5) racks up wins, like they did over the last week, it never seems to be pretty or easy. But I spent all last season writing column after column telling Red Storm fans to have patience, to trust the process. And while this St. John’s team has certainly annoyed me this year — look no further than last week’s atrocity of a home defeat to Delaware State, one of the 10 most abysmal college hoops teams in the country — I haven’t had a change of heart just yet. A few reasons why could be found in last Friday’s 95-75 blowout road win over Tulane, a game in which the Johnnies tied a school record with 16 three-pointers. Finally, for the first time this year, we saw players not named Marcus LoVett and Shamorie Ponds pick up the slack. Sophomore guard Federico Mussini, last year’s top offensive threat, and highly touted transfer forward Bashir

by Christopher Barca

Ahmed both broke out for 17 points, with the two combining for seven made threes. Tulane stinks. Destroying a 1-7 team isn’t something to write home about. But to me, the biggest story of the year has been the relative lack of help LoVett — who predictably scored a game-high 18 points — has gotten from his teammates. So it was such a relief to see the redshirt freshman not have to play Superman in order for the Johnnies to win. What worries me is what if LoVett has an off night or misses a game, like he did Monday at home against Cal State Northridge? What happens then? With LoVett and the minor ankle sprain he suffered in practice on the bench against the 3-6 Matadors, it was Ponds who needed to play superhero to allow the Johnnies to escape with a 76-70 victory — a contest that was much closer than the final score indicated. I’ve seen Ponds blow the doors off good teams in his days at Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, and he did just that against Cal, dropping 25 points and dishing five assists. But as good as Ponds is — trust me, the kid’s

Thomas J. LaVecchia,

137-05 Cross Bay Blvd

Broker/Owner 718-641-6800

Ozone Park, NY 11417

List with us for only

a stud — you can’t rely on a true freshman to have games like that every night, especially in a conference as tough as the Big East. All offseason, we’ve heard how good Ahmed, a junior college standout, could be. Mussini was electric at times last year. Centers Yankuba Sima and Kassoum Yakwe showed promise in their freshman years. If St. John’s is going to finish with a .500 record this year, these guys are going to have to start stepping up and quick, as Big East conference play is fast approaching. Mullin isn’t worried, though, telling the New York Post last week he still feels confident in his squad. “If you’re looking for panic, you’re looking in the wrong place,” Mullin said. “I’ve got total confidence we’ll turn it around.” On paper, this team has talent. LoVett’s looking more and more like a star every day. Ponds is a stone cold killer on the floor. Ahmed has the physical skills to be dominant, as do shot blocking specialists Sima and Yakwe. Point guard Malik Ellison is one of the smartest players on the floor.

Reserve point guard Malik Ellison, filling in for injured starter Marcus LoVett, calls out a play PHOTO COURTESY ST. JOHN’S ATHLETICS on Monday. And on the bench, Mullin put this squad together with the help of recruiting ace Matt Abdelmassih, who works harder than just about any coach in the country in terms of courting high school talent. The pieces are here, Red Storm fans. The foundation is built. Yes, the Delaware State lose was brutal, but just have some patience. The pace may be slower than we’d like, but the Q Johnnies are pushing down the right path.

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CALL NOW!

OPEN HOUSE • Marion of Amiable II Sun. 12/11 • 12:30-2 pm • 30-29 84th St.

• Lindenwood • Exclusive to Century 21 Amiable II Studio for rent, completely mint renovated with a terrace. Call Janice for private showing 718-490-8023

Brooklyn Bay Ridge

UCE

RED

• Old Howard Beach • • Elmhurst • Large Brick Attached Home in desirable Jackson Heights/East Elmhurst. Featuring brand new roof!, new electric!, new hot water and new heating system! Renovated kitchen, bathrooms, beautiful wood floors! Too much to list!! Must See!!

1 Family Ranch - 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, living room, dining room, EIK, full open basement, excellent condition, new shingles, new hot water and gas unit, wood burning fi replace, private driveway, back porch

OPEN HOUSE • Joann & Michael of Amiable II OPEN HOUSE • Lee Ann of Amiable II Sun. 12/11 • 12-2 pm • 151-40 88th St. 2D Sat. 12/10 • 12:30-2 pm • 79-09 153rd Ave.

180 72nd Street, Apt 335

For the latest news visit qchron.com

RM WARNING

Howard Beach Realty, Inc.

www.howardbeachrealty.com

OCEANSIDE

HOWARD BEACH

Det Colonial, new construction, 3 available, 11 rms, 4 bedrms, 2 baths, gas fire pl, lg lot,

Condo 3.5 rms, 1 bedrm, central air, stainless appl, granite countertops, mod kit and bath, mint cond.

CALL NOW!

RICHMOND HILL 1 fam, 7 rms, 3 bedrms, det, pvt drive, and gar, full bsmt

CALL NOW!

• Lindenwood • • Lindenwood • Lovely 2 Bedroom - 2 baths, with terrace. Large rooms, lots of closets, movein condition, near all shopping, schools and transportation.

Legal 4 Family - Great investment property, yearly rental income is $61,800, not market value, no mandatory flood insurance required, side driveway with 35 foot easement. 3 balconies, new heating system and hot water heater, windows replaced #HC5FE8

C M SQ page 51 Y K Celebrating our 28th Anniversary

REAL ESTATE SERVICES INC.

Get Your House

SOLD!

OPEN 7 DAYS!

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

718-845-1136

ARLENE PACCHIANO

LAJJA P. MARFATIA

Broker/Owner

CALL OUR FULL-TIME REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS

FOR A FREE MARKET EVALUATION

www.ConnexionRealEstate.com RICHMOND HILL NORTH

HOWARD BEACH

1 Family in the heart of Richmond Hill North, 3 BRs & walk-up attic room, 2 full baths, unfinished basement, 1/2 block from school, few houses down to J train. Asking $695K

List with Us!

Only CALL FOR DETAILS

BEAUTIFUL GREENTREE CONDO (Corner) Top floor unit, skylight in kitchen, 2 large balconies – one overlooking courtyard, updated kitchen and bath, garage, private driveway, low maintenance. Asking $419K

Very unique 2 family, 3 floors, renovated fully, 5 BRs, 3 full baths, 2 half baths, porch. A must see! REDUCED $749K

Thinking Of Selling? Now Is The Time! Call us for a FREE Market Evaluation

718-845-1136

HOWARD BEACH/ LINDENWOOD CO-OP

HOWARD BEACH

One-of-a-kind, two units combined, 2 master size BRs, 2 full baths,laundry room, dogs allowed, updated throughout.

All new totally redone in 2016, stone front, siding, windows, roof. New kitchen w/SS appliances, granite, 4 BRs, 3 full baths.

Asking $659K

ROCKAWAY BEACH

Asking $263,999

HOWARD BEACH/ LINDENWOOD Hi-rise 2 BR / 1 bath Co-op w/terrace renov $219K Beautiful garden Co-op. Custom island, 2 BR, 1 bath, HW fls, top fl. courtyard $225K Dogs OK

HOWARD BEACH/ HAMILTON BEACH

Very close to beach, hi-rise, Coral House Condo, beautiful large and sunny 1 bedroom featuring updated open kitchen and bath, hardwood fls., terrace, rec room, BBQ area. Can be sublet.

Brand new mint, 3 BR/2 Bath, 2 stories, detached, granite countertop w/stainless steel appliances.

HOWARD BEACH

Reduced $399K

Large Ranch (65x27 on 80x100 lot) 3 lg BRs/2 full baths, living room, large dining room, new roof, new appliances, beautiful hardwood fl oors, lg attic, pvt driveway. Owner motivated .

Asking $209K

HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK

Asking $679K

HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK

Lovely Cape on 50x100 lot, 4 BRs / 2 baths, large yard / needs TLC

CLO

RICHMOND HILL NORTH

D SE

Colonial/stucco corner, 1 family on 100x40 lot. Setup now is doctor’s office on 1st floor – 4 exam rooms + reception area, 2nd floor – 2 Bedroom apt + extra room + 3.5 baths, private driveway, CAC

Asking $489,900

Asking $689K

HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK SE

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For the latest news visit qchron.com

Lovely det. Colonial/ Original molding, fireplace and banister. 4 BR, 2 full baths, near train

Asking $599K

CLO

Page 51 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016

Connexion I

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 8, 2016 Page 52

C M SQ page 52 Y K “The Original”

Adrian & Rocky’s Caterers Presents A

Christmas Eve Special Package Antipasto or Fresh Mozzarella & Tomatoes Penne Marinara or Linguini & Clam Sauce Choice of: “SEAFOOD DELIGHT”

329

plus tax & gratuities

Mussels, Clams, Shrimp, Calamari & Scungilli

OPEN Y CHRISTMAS DA

Serves 15 people

or “FRIED FISH ROYALE”

Fried Filet, Fried Shrimp, Fried Scallops & Fried Calamari, Broccoli Sauté and Roasted Potatoes, Fresh Semolina Bread

Christmas Eve Menu PASTA

Half Tray

SEAFOOD

Half Tray

Linguini Clam Sauce............... $40.00 Fried Calamari ........................ $45.00 Penne Marinara ...................... $40.00 Fried Filet ............................... $50.00 Penne Vodka........................... $40.00 Shrimp Marinara .................... $45.00 Seafood Combo Fra Diavolo ... $50.00 Fettuccini w/Shrimp Sauce ... $50.00 Mussels .................................. $30.00 Linguini Garlic & Oil ................ $40.00 Fried Scallops..................$16.00 doz. Shrimp Scampi (2 doz.) ........... $45.00 Lobster Tails (per tail).............. $20.00

APPETIZERS

MEATS

VEGETABLES

Baked Clams ...................$16.00 doz. Stuffed Mushrooms.........$12.00 doz. Seafood Salad (regular tray) .... $39.00 Shrimp Cocktail (XL) .......$22.00 doz. Mini Rice Balls .................$15.00 doz. Potato Croquettes ...........$15.00 doz. Sm. Tuscany Antipasto........... $49.00 Fried Smelts (regular tray) ....... $35.00

Chicken Francese ................... $45.00 Broccoli Rabe ......................... $40.00

Half Tray

Chicken Marsala..................... $45.00 Broccoli Sauté or Salad...........$15.00 Chicken Parmigiana ............... $45.00 Roasted Potatoes ................... $20.00 Eggplant Parmigiana .............. $35.00 Gorgonzola Salad (10” Bowl) ... $20.00 Eggplant Rollatini ................... $40.00 Tossed Salad (10” Bowl) ...........$15.00 Sausage & Peppers ................ $35.00

Christmas Day Menu PASTA - Half Tray

ENTRÉES - Half Tray

• • • •

Stuffed Shells........................................................................ $45.00 Lasagna ................................................................................. $45.00 Penne Vodka ......................................................................... $40.00 Rigatoni Filetto ..................................................................... $40.00

• • • • • • •

Tuscany Antipasto ............................................................... $49.00 Baked Clams (Doz) ................................................................$16.00 Stuffed Mushrooms (Doz) .....................................................$12.00 Mini Rice Balls (Doz) .............................................................$15.00 Potato Croquettes (Doz) ........................................................$15.00 Mozzarella & Tomato ........................................................... $35.00 Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail (XLG) (Doz)................................... $22.00

For the latest news visit qchron.com

APPETIZERS

DESSERT • Fresh Fruit Bowl ................................................................... $45.00 • Cheesecake ........................................................................... $35.00 • Mini Cannoli (Doz) ................................................................$15.00

All Major Credit Cards Accepted We Can Customize Our Menu To Any Theme!

• • • • • • • • • •

Chicken Francese ................................................................. $50.00 Chicken Marsala ................................................................... $50.00 Filet Mignon (Serves 16) .....................................................$175.00 Bracciole, Meatballs & Sausages ......................................... $65.00 Spiral Ham ............................................................................ $89.00 Roast Beef ............................................................................. $50.00 Whole Turkey (18-20 Lbs.) ................................................... $89.00 Roasted Chicken w/Potatoes................................................ $50.00 Veal Francese or Marsala ..................................................... $75.00 Grilled Lamb Chops (Doz) ......................................................... M/P ALL ENTRÉES SERVED WITH BREAD

SIDES - Half-Size Trays • • • • •

Eggplant Parmigiana ............................................................ $45.00 Roasted Potatoes .................................................................. $25.00 String Beans Almondine ...................................................... $25.00 Broccoli Rabe ........................................................................ $45.00 Broccoli ................................................................................. $25.00

Adrians1@verizon.net Call 718-845-5525

132-08 CROSS BAY BLVD., OZONE PARK

Visit our website: www.AdriansCaterers.com