Vol. 41, No. 1 Jan. 6-12, 2011
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Tribune Photo by Ira Cohen
Students at the new schools within the Jamaica High School building have more guidance, a better student-teacher ratio and more opportunity than the students of the building’s namesake school, which faces ‘closure.’ By Sasha Austrie & Jessica Ablamsky… Page 3
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INSIDE
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Sanitation Staff Rebuke Alleged Slowdown Plan
Newest Electeds Head Up North To Tackle Albany
A Look Back At 2010’s News That Mattered
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Deadline...................................................................3 Editorial ...................................................................6 Not 4 Publication ....................................................8 This Week ..............................................................10 Closeup ................................................................. 11 Police Blotter ........................................................16 Trib Pix...................................................................18 Leisure ...................................................................23 Queens Today .......................................................24 Classifieds.............................................................28 Focus .....................................................................31 Confidential ...........................................................38
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Adding Quality Time to Life
Queens Deadline
Inequality Reigns On Gothic Drive currently offers sixth, ninth, and 10th grades. The school opened in September 2008 and has more than 300 students. Collegiate has two AP classes and plans to add three more next year. Though Collegiate has only one guidance counselor and a counseling intern, its smaller student population allows its 30 staffers to host an advisory program, with a ratio of 15 students to each administrator. Occupying one hallway of the sprawling building is the Hillside Academy of Arts and Letters, in its first year. Its philosophy is that art fosters academic achievement. With classes in session, all that can be heard from the hall is a softly echoing chatter. Hillside’s 90 students have access to one guidance counselor, and meet weekly in groups of 16 for sessions with an advisory teacher. Jamaica High School, with considerably fewer resources in comparison, has four guidance counselors for its 1,200 students. A catch-22, the school is proposed for closure due to poor performance, but the inadequate guidance staff makes it tough to boost graduation rates. Also in its first year, the High School for Community Leadership was designed to develop civic-minded critical thinkers. In partnership with local organizations, students perform nine-week, resume-boosting internships. Like the most elite private schools, you will not find single desks at Leadership. Classes are set up to encourage dialogue, with students seated around brand-new tables. Though the school can afford a computer for each student, administrators
capped their purchase at one computer for every two students. Some classes have as few as 10 students enrolled. “Each new school gets start-up funding for supplies and many chose to invest in technology,” said DOE Spokesman Jack Zarin-Rosenfeld. “Struggling schools like Jamaica see decreased enrollment because parents are choosing better options for their kids, and smaller schools naturally have smaller budgets.” After a walk through of the Jamaica High School The students who occupy the Jamaica High School buildbuilding, State Sen. Tony ing may be separate, but they are certainly not granted Avella (D-Bayside) Coun- equal opportunities. cil members Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) and Danny Dromm maica High School. The electeds promised (D-Jackson Heights) and Queens clergy met. to attend the public hearings to staunch the They expressed their concern with the lack of closure of the school and explore legal opresources for Jamaica High School and the tions, including a lawsuit with the United bounty of assets at the other schools. Federation of Teachers, if necessary. “Jamaica High School students are sec“How can we stand here and watch our ond-class citizens,” said Avella. children be neglected?” Koslowitz asked. Koslowitz said Jamaica students are forced Both Dromm and Koslowitz feared to learn in an environment that promotes Newtown and Richmond Hill high schools “psychological hindrance.” would be next on the chopping block, and “It’s like seeing a group of kids with a their students would meet a similar fate. Gucci bag and you are holding a paper bag,” Reach the Queens Tribune newsroom she said. at editor@queenstribune.com or (718) Avella vowed to fight the closure of Ja- 357-7400.
Tribune Photo by Ira Cohen
By SASHA AUSTRIE and JESSICA ABLAMSKY In what could be a sad end to its illustrious 100-year history, Jamaica High School leaves its students walking the halls with kids that have more. Never meant to be a campus, the Jamaica High School building on Gothic Drive just north of Hillside Avenue is home to four schools – segregated into different floors and wings – that share gyms, labs, a lunch room and auditorium. Coordinating shared facilities is a challenge that requires careful coordination and what some feel is too much of a compromise. Though the cafeteria was designed to hold 200 students, for safety’s sake, no more than 150 were assigned to each lunch period in the past. Today, students start eating before 10 a.m., and each lunch period sees students filling the room to its maximum capacity. Maximum capacity is the new normal for students at Jamaica High School. The average class has 34 students crammed into each room. With a dwindling population of 1,200 students, Jamaica’s resources are quickly evaporating, and the effects manifest as a graduation rate that hovers between 52 and 53 percent. The Advanced Placement program at Jamaica High School is not what it used to be. In 2007, the school offered six or seven college level courses. Today, they can only afford one. While Jamaica has been slated for phase out, Queens Collegiate, one of the co-located schools in the same building, has plans to expand. Housed on the third floor of the Jamaica High School building, Collegiate
Sanit Staff Deny Slow Snow Scheme Photo by Nick Beneduce
Plows made it to some major thoroughfares in the early hours of the blizzard, but were quickly overwhelmed, according to Sanitation employees. Danny McCormick worked the night shift around Flushing and Bayside the night of the storm. He said get t ing to work from his home in Nassau County was uncharacteristically difficult because of cars stuck on the roads. He denied there was any purposeful slowdown. “There was absolutely no work slowdown,” McCormick said. “Everyone takes the snow seriously. Even if there are disgruntled supervisors get ting demoted, there was no discussion on that at all.” McCormick said he and his colleagues were ordered to st ick to primar y roads on the first night and no one was sent to secondar y route s, which was uncommon, but
was done because the primar y roads were abnormally difficult to clear. “I’m not management, so I don’t know how they position trucks,” he said. “But I noticed this was the most difficult storm I’ve experienced.” He said many trucks, including his own, got stuck in the snow, especially the day after, which had also never happened before. “I just think it was a combination of many factors,” he said. Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone) said the workers who came to Halloran’s office to confess to an organized slowdown represented only a small portion of the DOS, and he had never implied that the slowdown
was a cit y wide problem. “Only a small number of DSNY supervisors were behind the slowdown. The vast majority of workers did their jobs, and they should be commended,” said Halloran. “They are rightly outraged, but they should be mad at their colleagues who put personal grudges over their obligations to New Yorkers.” Halloran spokesman Steven Stites said videos showing plows driving up streets with their plows raised and pictures of sleeping Sanitation workers in trucks that didn’t appear to be stuck in the snow generate anecdotal buzz, but don’t prove any thing. Last week, State Sen. Tony Avella (DBayside) filed Freedom of Information requests to access communications between the Mayor’s office, the DOS and other City agencies during the blizzard. “New Yorkers lives were put in jeopardy following this storm,” Avella said. “We must make sure that this doe s not happen again.” Unplowed streets are being blamed for delaying emergency help to people in the hours and days after the blizzard. Fire Department officials had to dig their way through snowcovered Elmhurst streets to get to a five-alarm fire the day after the storm. A Corona woman, Yvonne Freeman, died, and a Corona newborn is currently on life support after emergency aid was delayed in getting to them. “I don’t know of another area in the city where the consequences of failing to plow streets in a timely manner were as devastating as in my district,” said State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-Corona). The City Council will hold hearings on blizzard cleanup on Jan. 10. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
www.queenstribune.com • Jan. 6-12, 2011 Tribune Page 3
By DOMENICK RAFTER Sanitation workers are pushing back against accusations that DOS supervisors purposely ordered their workers to slow down snow cleanup after last month’s blizzard in protest of Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s budget cuts. Federal and local prosecutors have, at the same time, opened criminal investigations into the alleged slowdowns. The office of U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch in Brooklyn opened a criminal probe into the response, as did the DAs of Brooklyn and Queens, to investigate if any criminal activity occurred in the accused slowdown, even as Sanitation workers continue to deny it occurred. “It’s not true. There was no work slowdown” said Tony DiLeonardo, a Sanitation worker from Bellerose. He said many of his coworkers who were caught sitting in snowplows the day after the blizzard were there because their trucks got stuck in the snow, forcing them to wait for long periods of time for rescue vehicles to come – sometimes hours. “We couldn’t even see [while working],” he said. While plowing the LIE between the Nassau County border and Lefrak City, conditions were so bad that DiLeonardo said he couldn’t see a few feet in front of him. He said cars t hat had got ten stuck during the blizzard blocked plows from moving all over Queens, including on the LIE. DiLeonardo, who worked long hours during the blizzard, said the storm’s strength, as well staff strength, were issues for DOS. He said the agency did not have the emergency personnel list they normally had during past blizzards and instead had to rely on a Sunday list, which left the department understaffed. “The city sent us out 12 hours too late,” he added.
Queens Babies Dominate New Year
Page 4 Tribune Jan. 6-12, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Parents Ting Li and Richard Wong with their new born baby Selina, the first Queens-born baby of 2011.
who originally hails from South China. More than eight miles away, in Manhattan, Maspeth parents embraced, possibly what may be Queens' first resident born in 2011. Born 57 seconds after the clock struck midnight, Jacek and Marta Kozlowski, welcomed Kacper, the city's first-born baby boy as New Year's revelers kissed 2011 into existence. Originally due Dec. 30, Marta began to grow worried as it took several days for the
city's sanitation plows to reach their family's street after last weeks blizzard paralyzed the city with 20 inches of snow. Nonetheless, the 7-lbs., 14-oz., little "treasure" held on, deciding to reveal himself during the city's New Year's celebration. Nervously awaiting the arrival of his son as he watched the clock, Kacper's father waited outside the delivery room wondering what year his son would be born in.
"I waiting outside and I was so nervous and I looking at the watch and what's going on - is it going to be 2010 or 2011?" said the new father. No matter when it happened, the experience was amazing either way, Marta said. "All the attention makes it more exciting and surreal," the proud mom said. "It wasn't up to me. Things happen for a reason and it sort of happened like this."
Aging Relic’s Base Studied By JOSEPH OROV IC The New York State Pavilion is getting a once-over by the City. The Parks Dept. awarded a contract to study the stability of the foundations of the borough's iconic structures, as well as an assessment of the observation towers' soundness. The agency expects work to begin in March and is expected to last four months. The results of the study, paired with a 2009 study of the Tent of Tomorrow, will provide Parks with a better understanding of the work necessary to stabilize, or perhaps fully restore the landmark buildings, as well as provide an estimate for the cost of the work, according to an agency spokesman. The study's announcement was met with open arms by park advocate Greg Godfrey. Riding the high of two landmark designations for the Pavilion on the State and Federal level, Godfrey hopes this study will be a step towards solidifying the former World's Fair site's place as a City landmark, as well as lead to its full restoration. "My hopes for the structure are that the
foundation is sound, that the overall rehabilitation is economically viable," he said, acknowledging spending millions on the site's restoration would reflect a disconnect with reality. "Obviously we're right now at a time when people's mortgages are at stake," Godfrey said. "You have to put this in context of a very, very harsh time." Instead, he suggests the restoration of the structures could be part of a larger, pub- A Parks Dept. study will determine the stabilit y and lic works-style stimulus plan. potential future of the iconic towers of the New York "If there's another round State Pavilion in Flushing Meadows. of stimulus money, this is caring about Queens more," he said. "It's an another perfect project," Godfrey said. He also hopes the City will ultimately outright crime that the site is not a city landmark the building, and wondered why landmark." Reach Reporter Joseph Orovic at the Landmarks Preservation Commission has jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 357shuffled its feet on the designation. "LPC has to get its act together with 7400, Ext. 127.
Tribune Photo by Brian M. Rafferty
By JASON BANREY Queens parents are boasting their first born babies as the city's first of 2011. Two families that call the borough home have given birth to the first babies born in the city this year. In a special moment, which the family already believed to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for them all, the Wong family of Fresh Meadows welcomed Selina as the New Year's first girl. Entering the world at one minute into the New Year, the 7-lbs, 12-oz, bundle of joy greeted her proud parents for the first time as the borough celebrated a new decade. After checking into New York Hospital Queens at around 9 a.m. on Dec. 31, parents Richard and Ting Li spent just more than 15 hours in the delivery room awaiting their first baby. Despite the exhaustive natural delivery, both parents retained enough energy to express their excitement after sharing an "unbelievable" experience together. "I never thought I would have one of the first babies of the New Year," said Ting Li,
Newest Servants Head Up To Albany By DOMENICK RAFTER As the new session of the state legislature begins, Queens' new representatives in Albany are get t ing to work and aiming to restore the tarnished reputation of an institution that has become synonymous with dysfunction. State Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria), who was elected to the Senate after five terms in the State Assembly, said there was "no time to waste" in transitioning. "We're busy right out of the box," he said. Gianaris said going from the Assembly, where he was in the majority and one of 150, to the State Senate, where he is in the minority and one of 62, is "a very different experience." "Regardless of who is in control of the Senate, the majority is so slim, every Senator counts," he said. "My influence mat ters and I'm seeing that already." His key issue in the first weeks and months is independent redistricting, which he championed in the Assembly. He said 53 of the 62 Senate members suppor t it, including the Republican leadership. "It's very rare we have that kind of overwhelming agreement in the Senate," he said. "We stand ready to pass it tomor row." Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights), who won the Assembly seat vacated by Stat e Sen. Jose Peralta (DCorona) early last year, said put t i ng together his staff was t he easie st par t of transition; get ting office space has proven more difficult. "We're waiting to get the office approved," he said. If and when that does happen, Moya will have his office located in the same Jackson Heights site his predecessor occupied at 82-
Albany newcomers Aravella Simotas (l. to r.), Ed Braunstein and Francisco Moya are going to get a quick lesson in Albany politics as they approach the new budget. 11 37th Ave. He said he hopes to be in the office in the next few weeks. Moya said his main focus in that time would be quality of life issues, including gang violence, and unemployment, both of which he described as "major problems" for his district. He said the state government is going to have to work with banks to get them to lend to local small businesses because that is how the jobs lost would come back. "Small businesses employ locally," he said. Moya said despite the transition and lack of office space, he and his staff have made themselves accessible to the community. "We haven't stopped working since we won," he said. For Assembly woman Aravella Simotas (DAstoria), her job as representative of her community star ted the moment her office doors opened Monday. "We had a couple of constituents come in
already," she said, including one whom she spoke to before she took office. Simotas told the constituent to come in on the first day her office opened, and she did. Simotas, who occupies the Assembly seat vacated by Gianaris, said the first few days are mostly "administrative stuff," but vowed to tackle her main issues, including education and reform, once the session gets into full swing. "We need to make sure schools get adequate funding so school programs are not cut," she said, calling herself "an advocate for students" She said her top priority on the educat ion front w ill be to protect ar ts programs, which she credited for giving her a leg up academically as a student growing up in Astoria. On reform, Simotas said the state legislature has to rebuild its constituents' trust and
get people to "look up to government again." She said she would be a strong advocate in ethics reform and fair redistricting. "We have to surprise people," she said. With the help of former Assembly woman Ann-Margaret Carrozza, transitioning into office has been a breeze for Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside). "I'm excited about the swearing in," he said in a phone interview on his way up to Albany. "I'm looking forward to becoming 'official.'" With a $9-$10 billion deficit projected for the next budget cycle, his first month in office will probably be focused on cut t ing spending. "From what I hear, it's going to be a very painful, difficult budget," he said. "It's just the reality of the situation. We're in a terrible economy. I don't think the state is going to be get ting as much federal mone y as we have in the past." Though he was elected to a state-level position, Braunstein is looking forward to working on local issues like education and quality of life. Despite a tough election season that saw the ousting of longtime State Sen. Frank Padavan in favor of Tony Avel la, a former councilman, Braunstein is confident that he can work with both Republican Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone) and Democrat Avella. "Absolutely, I think I can work with both of them," Braunstein said. "I t hink everybody is going to get together and put the constituents first." Jessica Ablamsky contributed. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
www.queenstribune.com • Jan. 6-12, 2011 Tribune Page 5
Edit Page In Our Opinion:
More Snow Coming There certainly are conflicting reports about what happened to the clean-up of the snow that fell Dec. 26 and 27 across the City. In Queens, there are allegations of a deliberate slowdown as a result of staff layoffs at Sanitation. Some Sanitation employees allegedly confessed to taking direct orders from supervisors to sit and wait rather than plow. If this is indeed true, and any loss of life or property can be attributed to the ordered inaction of the Sanitation Department, criminal charges should be filed. However, we cannot rush to judgment of an entire city department because of the potential misdeeds of what may have been a select few. There will be investigation at the City Council level, and prosecutors at the county and federal level are already looking into the situation. Let us be patient and await review before rushing to hasty criticism. That said, we’re expecting more snow this weekend. The people of Queens expect and demand clean streets. It’s time for the Dept. of Sanitation to step up and show this borough what a good job it can do.
In Your Opinion: An A? Really? To The Editor: It is clear from anyone who lives in Queens that the Sanitation Department failed miserably in last week’s snow storm and did not follow its own operating procedures for snow removal as it has done in other large snow storms of the past. The residents of Queens saw the absence of snow plows for two days or more after the storm ended and now must listen to Sanitation Commissioner John Doherty telling the media that he gives his department an “A” for snow removal. It’s unimaginable what a “D” would be in Doherty’s fantasy world. We do indeed live in an “Alice-inWonderland” world where fantasy is reality. Will Doherty tell us that the sky is red or the moon is made of cheese? At least we can be thankful that Bloomberg did not choose him as our School Chancellor. Bob Friedrich, Glen Oaks
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Union’s Fault To The Editor: The performance of the Sanitation Dept. during the recent blizzard shows us how greedy unions and spineless politicians beholden to those unions have conspired to saddle the working, tax-paying citizens of New York City with an unsustainable pension system based not on salary but on overtime. Perhaps the only way out of this
mess is to let all City-funded pension plans declare bankruptcy. Then, under court direction, a system of wages and pensions could be developed in keeping with New York’s shrinking population and reduced tax base. If something is not done, and soon, New York’s population will be reduced to those who either are already on welfare or going on welfare, all feeding at the soon-to-beempty public trough. David Rivkin, Jamaica
Answers Needed To The Editor: If it is indeed true that there was a deliberate job slowdown by Sanitation workers during the recent devastating blizzard because they were angry about layoffs and budget cuts to their department, there needs to be a thorough investigation as to why this was permitted. Certainly, the workers have a right to be upset about layoffs and budget cuts – they have families to support and bills to pay. However, we all have to pay bills and support families in this city. There is absolutely no valid or logical reason for the Sanitation workers to deliberately slow down plowing of streets and roadways. There were so many streets that were not plowed right after the storm, all over the area, and this caused very serious problems for the fire department, police department, emergency services and
Michael Schenkler Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
the MTA, with hundreds of buses and other vehicles, including ambulances and some fire trucks trapped in the snow. Yes, this was a very powerful storm, with blinding, blowing snow falling at the rate of 2-3 inches per hour, accompanied by 50-60 mph winds, thunder and lightning. Certainly it made plowing by the Sanitation Department very difficult. However, you cannot take out your frustrations at the mayor for not doing the job of plowing the streets and roadways, which is your responsibility. If this was the case, then it is an absolute disgrace! Commissioner Doherty needs to conduct an internal investigation as to why this occurred. What will happen when the next storm comes along? After all, this was only the end of December, and we have January, February and March to get through. John Amato, Fresh Meadows
On Sage Shuffle To The Editor: A response to the article “Mixed Emotions Flow Over Sage Shuffle,” Dec. 2, 2010. The school’s approach to this important change in their educational approach baffles me: Why was it done in secrecy? Why was nothing mentioned, neither orally nor in writing, to the parents? Can the principal of Russell Sage, Marilyn Grant, change the “contract” in midyear? And if so, on what grounds? What is still unclear to me is why the school has changed the sixth grade class allocation, two and a half months into the school year? Regardless, I was appalled by the way the school administration announced the change in class allocation. The parents were notified through their children after the announcement was already made in class. Parents were not given any advance warning, so that they could prepare their children for this significant change, not only with regards to the children’s newly formed peer attachments, but also with regards to being placed in one of the two lower level classes. Regardless, again, of whether I agree with the school’s approach to class allocation, I believe that the school administration acted callously, in terms of neglecting to consider the impact of their decision on the children’s self-image and self-esteem, and deceivingly, in terms of presenting the parents with a ‘fait accompli.’ Why were parents not notified at the beginning of the school year that the sixth grade students may be divided into levels based on their
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fifth grade state test scores? Especially when the state test results were already known. If I had known that the school may change its approach to class allocation midyear, I (and probably many other parents), would not have sent my child to Russell Sage. When the decision is made after the children are already adjusted to the new school and other schools are closed for enrollment, I am literally forced to keep my child at a school against my husband’s, and my own, educational beliefs for our child. After the announcement was made, I was confused, since there was no clear indication from the school administration as to how they determined the SP (honors) class placement. What were their criteria? Only after I asked for written criteria, and five days later, the school was kind enough to send an email specifying it. I also do not understand why the school administration did not simply divide more evenly the two overcrowded classes and the third one populated by a handful of ESL students, from the beginning of the year. However, two and a half months into the school year, there was no need to divide the students based on their state test scores. A simple reallocation of students to the three classes, if absolutely necessary, would have sufficed (albeit not desired for the already settled children). My feeling is that the “overcrowded classes” excuse was used to justify a much more radical change in the school educational approach. I also would like to know why, when asked specifically about the possibility of having a sixth grade SP class, I was told by Mrs. Marilyn Grant, the Russell Sage principal, that there was no plan to instate an SP class in the sixth grade. In response to my question about this particular issue in recent days, both Mrs. Grant, the Principal and Mrs. Laurence, the Assistant Principal, said, “It was the furthest thing from our minds. We had other things to deal with.” I find it hard to believe that the school administration had no idea that this significant change might take place, especially when they admitted to having some parents voicing their requests for an SP class for this year’s (as well as last year’s) sixth grade. I was then told that the school administration did not know in advance how many of their newlyenrolled students would fit the SP class criteria. I can understand that, but that still doesn’t explain why the school administration did not indicate at the beginning of the year that they may consider instating an
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SP class if the right circumstances presented themselves. At this time, the sixth grade in Russell Sage consists of three classes. Some English-speaking children are now placed in the ESL class, which was renamed an “enrichment” class. From first-hand information, I know that the curriculum in this class was not modified to accommodate the English-speaking students, which has probably affected their scholastic learning. Is the academic success of those students less important than the academic success of the SP class students? I would be surprised if the parents of those children are part of the group of “overall people (that) are happy with this change,” as one PA member put it. In fact, I know parents of at least four students who raised their voices so loud that the principal took those very angry parents’ children out of that “enrichment” class and put them back where they more appropriately belonged. Anne Alexander, Forest Hills
Bus Solution To The Editor: It is no surprise that the Q79 van operator has suspended service “Bus Woes” (Letter to the Editor by Bob Friedrich, Dec. 30). Why not make this service more attractive for customers and financially viable for the van operator so they can stay in business? The van operator must survive on sufficient riders providing farebox revenues as there is no City subsidy. NYC Taxi and Limousine Commissioner David Yassky, State Sen. Tony Avella, State Assemblyman David Weprin along with New York City Councilmen Mark Weprin and Dan Halloran should negotiate with the Village of Floral Park. Any of these elected officials could also offer to allocate a small portion of their respective individual member item budget allocations to help subsidize this service. Extending this service three blocks beyond Jericho Turnpike to the Floral Park Long Island Rail Road station would provide connections to Jamaica and Flatbush Avenue Brooklyn not available on the Port Washington branch. This would offer patrons additional options attracting other users. In the past, residents of Floral Park practiced the NIMBY philosophy refusing to grant permission extending the Q79 to their LIRR Station. Floral Park residents didn’t want large 40 foot New York City Transit buses on their streets. Perhaps they will accept smaller commuter vans. Larry Penner, Great Neck
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www.queenstribune.com • Jan. 6-12, 2011 Tribune Page 7
Cuomo Takes The Helm Of A Troubled Ship Of State By MICHAEL SCHENKLER I am writing this as Andrew Cuomo prepares to take the oath of office as New York State’s 56th governor. We anticipate calls for reform, budget restraint, no new taxes and an attack on the multiple levels of mini governments throughout the state.
And while, like most such speeches, we expect few specifics, we do expect the ambitious and driven Governor to make reforming the dysfunctional State Government a priority. Naturally, he will offer to do so in partnership with a Legislature which is responsible for a continuous decline since Andrew first lived in the Executive Mansion with his father, Governor Mario.
Corruption, uncontrolled spending, off-the-books debt, personal and patronage excess, member item abuses and catering to special i nterest s have been t he shibboleths by which the legislature has functioned. Cuomo now has the near-impossible task of governing with the same legislature that has brought New York to the brink of bankruptcy while catering to its own needs and those of the special interests which support them. He is not the first to be elected with the pledge and mission of reforming State Government. Only four years ago, Eliot Spitzer came charging in on a white stallion with an overwhelming mandate to reform State Government. Well, the Spitzer steamroller ran into the Bruno buzz saw and it did not take long for the uncompromising Sherriff of Wall Street to be isolated as the a man who could not work with others. And as soon as his first misstep occurred, the powers that be pounced upon his personal (and legal) indiscretion and Client 9 was forced from office. He was followed by a reform-
minded David Paterson, who in spite of years of legislative leadership, proved inept at achieving meaningful reform. Sheldon Silver’s Assembly and now Dean Skelos’ Senate have been created on a diet of serving themselves. Insuring their reelection, delivering the bacon to their supporters at home, legislating to the wishes of the special interests which support and fund them are patterns that seem impossible to break. You see, the people have tolerated it. In spite of the general acceptance that New York State’s Legislature is the most dysfunctional in the nation, the voters rarely if ever blame their local legislators for the problem. And year after year, the hordes of go-alongto-get-along legislators are returned to office to continue the patterns of dysfunction. Andrew Cuomo must bring change. Cuomo has a state to run. A state buried in debt, mired in dysfunction and so ethically challenged that indictments are more commonplace than heroics among public servants. We site for examples
several that made us take note: Alan Hevesi, Pedro Espada, Tony Seminario, Joe Bruno, Brian McLaughlin. Cuomo also has the legislature to work with. And that will be the challenge. He has the mandate for reform but needs the votes to achieve it. He can work with the legislature or challenge them. The double edged option is likely to wound even the most skilled politician. The tests will not be in this weekend’s speeche s but in t he early months to come in 2011. We look first to the budget process. Will cutbacks be real? Will fiscal prudence trump special interests? Will member items be severely curtailed, with larger grants awarded competitively and monitored ethically? Will off-the books authorities be brought under control and their debts be acknowledged by the State? Will a truly balanced budget be approved and still allow for effective governance? Will the budget be on time? Test number t wo will come when the redistricting process is defined. Cuomo and a majority of
the legislator s have commit ted themselves to a non-par tisan, independent redistricting process. Commitment aside, we find it difficult to believe that the legislature that has disappointed us so frequently in the past will live up to the commitment they have made. It is just too easy for Skelos’ Republicans to draw the Senate lines while Silver’s Dems draw the Assembly line s, insuring ten more years of comfort for the incumbents and a best case scenario for their par tie s. A gubernatorial veto – or perhaps the threat of one – could force the legislature to do the right thing or throw the entire process to a cour t-appointed master. Unless there is truly independent and nonpar t isa n redistr ict ing, Andre w Cuomo will never earn his stripes as a good government reformer. Should he produce an ontime, effective balanced budget and achieve independent redistricting, Andrew will quickly become the most talked-about Democrat on the national scene. And become our hero. MSchenkler@QueensTribune.com
Page 8 Tribune Jan. 6-12, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Bloomberg Beleaguered By Medley of Mishaps By HENRY STERN The flood of personal criticism leveled at Mayor Bloomberg because of the cit y’s poor re sponse to the blizzard is somewhat over the top. Many factors contributed to the city’s failure to clean the streets, and Henry there is likely to be at least one investigation to explore the sequence of events and offer proposals to prevent or mitigate a recurrence. Actually, the last two major snowfal ls had been wel lhandled, which led to the public’s expectation that this storm would be dealt with promptly and professionally. The Mayor attracted criticism because of his initial attitude toward the storm, treating it as a nuisance rather than as a serious blow to ot her s, whose home s could not be reached by ambulance s or were unable to get to work. As the crisis continued, the Mayor changed his stance and took the situation much more seriously. Actually, the MTA response to the storm appears to have been far worse than the Department of Sanitation’s, judging from the length of time that lines were out of service. We have not previously associated the unpopular MTA with failure to respond to snowstorms which blocked the tracks, but they sure messed up this time. With all the city’s faults, we believe that the concentration of blame on Mayor Bloomberg is unjustified. It seems to us as if the
media and the people finally have found a plausible reason to express their dissatisfaction at a number of unpopular decisions made by the Mayor over the last few years. First, and most important, was the 2008 Stern reversal of his long-held public position on his own tenure, when he decided to seek re-election by using his puppets on the City Council to rush through a law extending eligibility from two to three terms. T he unfairne ss of changing the rules in the middle of a conflict runs up against people’s ideas of fair play. A number of other mat ters have chewed at the Mayor’s reputation. The repeated indications of pre-Presidential activities, travels and speeches, and the formation of nation-wide organizations and coalitions for various good cause s, coupled w ith t he same denials Bloomberg made repeatedly when he was asked whether he would run for a third term, tug a bit at the credibility of the non-candidate. Of course he is not running today, but if circumstances warrant a change of heart, there is no reason why he should not run. It was once seen as possible that he would be a more moderate and effective President than either Mr. Obama or Ms. Pali n, assuming they were to be the major parties nominees. On Nov. 9, Mayor Bloomberg
suddenly announced the appointment of Cathie Black as Schools Chancellor. Ms. Black had absolutely no experience in education, but is an engaging and attractive member of the mayor’s circle of acquainta nce s. She required a waiver of State legal requirements, which was obligingly granted by the State Education Commissioner. Then, on Dec. 12, the Mayor confe ssed on NBCs Meet t he Pre ss t hat he wa nt s to go out having a reputation as a very good, maybe the greatest, mayor ever. Although the context of the statement may have been a denial of Pre sident ial ambit ions, t he words were criticized as overly selfreferential. As luck would have it, on Dec. 15, the first (and hopefully the last) major scandal of the administration broke, with $80 million reported stolen and uncounted millions wasted in a computer fraud. Although the Mayor was obviously unaware of the thiever y going on, and expressed zero tolerance for such behavior, the question at once arises as to who, under him, was in charge of the CityTime project. We hope that the curse of the third term worked itself out this year, and that the remaining three years will be happy and peaceful one s for t he cit y and for it s Mayor. The problem is that substantial budget cuts lie ahead, which will lead to reduced services and increased unemployment. These are hard times for anyone who governs. Mayor
Bloomberg knew that. In fact, he said on Oct. 2, 2008 at the press conference announcing his intention to seek a third term, that handling this financial crisis while strengthening the essent ial services such as education and public safety is a challenge he wants to take on for the people of New York. As the year 2010 comes to a merciful end, we hope that 2011 will be as good as it can be under the circumstances. Rough times lie ahead for all governments, but out of the three sovereignties: federal, state and local, it is the City of New York that has been most financially responsible for the last decade.
We have a decent, honorable and intelligent mayor. His personality appeals to some, and not to others. A problem he will face in his tenth year in office is that after a while the people get tired of you. It happened to LaGuardia, Wagner and Koch, all now highly regarded mayors. The Mayor should try to do as much good as he can in a climate of reduced sustenance for the City and lowering clouds for himself. We par ticularly recommend that he “be kind to man and beast.” We wish all of you good health and good will in the new year. StarQuest@NYCivic.org
Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato
LEGAL NOTICE
complete as provided by law. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. If you do not serve an answer to the attached complaint within the applicable time limitation stated above, a judgment may be entered against you, by default, for the relief demanded in the complaint, without further notice to you. The action is brought in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, in and for the County of QUEENS because the Mortgaged Premises is located in QUEENS County. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an action has been commenced and is now pending in the SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS upon the Complaint of LASALLE BANK N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR MERRILL LYNCH FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2007-5, MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 20075, holder of a mortgage that was executed, acknowledged and delivered by KAMRUL HASAN TO MERS AS NOMINEE FOR FIRST FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORP., AN OP. SUB. OF MLB&T CO., FSB, IN THE AMOUNT OF $650,000.00, DATED JUNE 28, 2007, AND RECORDED ON JULY 23, 2007, WITH CRFN 2007000376239 Please take notice that you may obtain a copy of the Complaint from the Plaintiff’s counsel, Doonan, Graves & Longoria, LLC, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 225D, Beverly, MA 01915 AND THAT YOU MUST RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE BY FILING AN ANSWER TO THE COMPLAINT WITH THE CLERK OF THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS AND BY SERVING A COPY ON PLAINTIFF’S COUNSEL WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF THE LAST DAY OF THE PUBLICATION OR DEFAULT JUDGMENT WILL BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU. DOONAN, GRAVES & LONGORIA, LLC ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF RENEAU J. LONGORIA, ESQ. STEPHEN M. VALENTE, ESQ KEVIN GRAVES, ESQ. *100 CUMMINGS CENTER, SUITE 225D BEVERLY, MA 01915 978-921-2670 35 Old Tarrytown Road White Plains, NY 10603 914-9498373 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing summons and notice are served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Court dated NOVEMBER 12, 2010 and filed along with the supporting papers in the QUEENS County Clerk’s Office. This is an action to foreclose a mortgage. HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE New York State Law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully. Mortgage foreclosure is a complex process. Some people may approach you about “saving” your
LEGAL NOTICE home. You should be extremely careful about any such promises. The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. There are government agencies, legal aid entities and other non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about foreclosure while you are working with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Banking Department at 1-877-BANK-NYS (1-877-2265697) or visit the Department’s website at www.banking.state.ny.us/ The State does not guarantee the advice of these agencies. SCHEDULE 1 - DESCRIPTION ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the easterly side of 88 th Street (60 feet wide) distant 126.34 feet northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the easterly side of 88 th Street with the northerly side of 30th Avenue (80 feet wide); Running thence easterly and at right angles to the easterly side of 88 th Street, and part of the distance through a party wall, 100.00 feet; Thence northerly and parallel with t h e e a s t e r l y s i d e o f 8 8th Street, 18.00 feet; Thence westerly and again at right angles the easterly side of 88 th Street, and part of the distance through a party wall, 100.00 feet to the easterly side of 88 th Street; Thence southerly along the easterly side of 88 th Street, 18.00 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING. ______________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: PATRIOT (2010) LLC. Application for Authority was filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/17/10. The LLC was originally filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware on 11/05/10. 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, 2 Galasso Place, Maspeth, New York 11378. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. _______________________________________________________________ Notice of formation of LET GROUP LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on July 30, 2010. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 15-24 201 ST Bayside, NY 11360. Purpose: any lawful purpose ________________________________________________________________ SEVENTY TWO EQUITIES LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 11/26/ 2010. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 80-74 209th St.,
LEGAL NOTICE Queens Village, NY 11427, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. _______________________________________________________________ SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF QUEENS, Sonam Gyalpo, Plaintiff – against- Phuntsok Dolma, Defendant. Index No. 15616/ 2010. Date Summons filed: June 18, 2010. Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of the trial. The basis of venue is: Plaintiff’s residence. SUMMONS WITH NOTICE Plaintiff resides at: 85-39 58 th Avenue, 1 st Floor, Elmhurst, NY 11373, County of Queens. ACTION FOR DIVORCE to the above named Defendant: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State or New York); and in case of your failure to appear, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the notice set forth below. Dated: June 17, 2010. Attorneys for Plaintiff: Yoon & Hong, Address: 75-21 Broadway, 3rd Floor, Elmhurst, New York 11373 Phone No.: (718) 5331111. NOTICE: the nature of this action is to dissolve the marriage between the parties on the following grounds: DRL 170 subd. 2 – Abandonment in accordance with DRL 170(2). The relief sought is a Judgment of Absolute Divorce in favor of the Plaintiff dissolving the marriage between the parties in this action. The nature of the ancillary relief demanded is: a) Granting to Defendant leave to resume use of her premarital or former surname, to wit: “Dolma”; b) Such other and further relief as to the court seems just and proper. ________________________________________________________________ P&F Sheetmetal Works, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 10/5/2010 as P&F Mechanical, LLC. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 58-33 57 th Dr., Maspeth, NY 11378, which is also the address of the registered agent of the LLC, Douglas Drogalis, upon whom process against the LLC may be served. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ PROBATE CITATION File No. 2009-5054/B SURROGATE’S COURT – QUEENS COUNTY CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO the heirs at law, next of kin, and distributees of MAXINE PLANKARD SMITH, Deceased, if living, and if any of them be dead, their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, legatees, executors, administrators, assignees and successors in interest whose names are unknown and cannot be ascertained after due
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
diligence, and JEANNE BASSETT PIROUTEK, RAE McHENRY RANDALL, MARY CASTILLO, *JOHN NOEL BRENNAND,* and QUEENS COUNTY PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR *adversely affected by codicil A petition having been duly filed by Edward L. Smith, who is domiciled at 34-20 79 th Street, Jackson Heights, New York 11372 YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Queens County, at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York, on February 17 2011, at 9:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of Maxine Plankard Smith lately domiciled at 342 1 7 8 th S t r e e t , J a c k s o n Heights, New York, admitting to probate a Will dated August 28, 2007, (a Codicil dated August 21, 2009), a copy of which is attached, as the Will of Maxine Plankard Smith deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that (x) Letters testamentary issue to: Edward L. Smith (State any further relief requested) Dated, Attested and Sealed DEC 16 2010 HON. ROBERT L. NAHMAN Surrogate MARGARET M. GRIBBON Chief Clerk Edward L. Smith Attorney for Petitioner (212) 4903340 Telephone Number Rockett & Smith LLP, 521 Fifth Avenue-17 th Floor, New York, New York 10175 Address of Attorney [NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you.] ________________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 12/3/10, bearing Index Number NC-001175-10/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, grants me the right to: Assume the name of (First) Wai (Middle) Kwong (Last) Chan My present name is (First) Benny (Middle) Wai Kwong (Last) Chan aka Wai Kwong Chan My present address is 145-29 2 2 nd Avenue, Whitestone, NY 11357 My place of birth is China My date of birth is August 04, 1959 ________________________________________________________________ At an IAS Term Part 2 of the Supreme Court of the State of New York held in and for the County of Queens at the Supreme Courthouse at 8811 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on the 15 day of December 2010 INDEX NO: 28170/10 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE PRESENT: HON. ALLAN B. WEISS ANA M. CALIO, Plaintiff, -againstSAMUEL BREITER & CO., INC. and WANDA CLEMONS, CITY REGISTER QUEENS COUNTY Defendants. Upon reading and filing the annexed affirmation of Thomas E. Lee dated November 5, 2010, together with all prior papers and pro-
ceedings in this action and sufficient cause appearing, LET Defendants named in the above caption show cause before this Court at an IAS Part 2 to be assigned before the Honorable Justice Allan B. Weiss to be held at the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Queens County, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on the 23 day of Feb 2011 at 9:30 a.m. or as soon thereafter as counsel can be heard why an Order pursuant to CPLR 316 should not be entered directing service of the Summons and Complaint herein upon Samuel Breiter & Co., Inc. by publication. LET service of a copy of this Order to Show Cause upon the Defendant, Samuel Breiter & Co., Inc. be made on or before 2/15/11 by publication pursuant to CPLR 316 in the Queens Tribune & Queens Ledger ENTER J.S.C. 12/15/10 ________________________________________________________________ SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS DATE FILED: 11/15/10 INDEX NO. 28170/10 SUMMONS PLAINTIFF DESIGNATES QUEENS COUNTY AS THE PLACE OF TRIAL The basis of venue is County where real property subject matter is located Plaintiff resides at 9442 134th Avenue Ozone Park, New York ANA M. CALIO, Plaintiff, -againstSAMUEL BREITER & CO. INC. and WANDA CLEMONS, CITY REGISTER QUEENS COUNTY Defendants. YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your Answer, or if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiff's Attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons exclusive of the date of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any manner other than by personal service within the State of New York. In case of your failure to appear, or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. Venue is based upon the County in which the premises are situated. Dated: New York, New York October 27, 2010 LEE & KANE, P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff 2175 Flatbush Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11234 (718) 252-4467 The object of this action is to discharge of record a mortgage between Anna Calio and Samuel Breiter & Co. Inc. dated 9/ 20/89 in the amount of $78,000 and recorded on 9/ 20/89 in Reel 2876, Page 0149 with the NYC Register, Queens County which is a lien on the premises 94-42 134th Avenue, Ozone Park, New York, Block 11494, Lot 28 pursuant to RPAPL 1501(4)
You Can E-Mail Your Legal Copy to legals@queenstribune.com
www.queenstribune.com • Jan. 6-12, 2011 Tribune Page 9
Dupont Street Associates LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 6/27/02. Ofc in Queens Cty. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 79-63 68 th Rd, Middle Village, NY 11379. Purpose: General. ________________________________________________________________ SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX # 10847/2008 U.S. BANK, N.A. AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR MERRILL LYNCH FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE LOAN ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-5, PLAINTIFF AGAINST KAMRUL HASAN, ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; “JOHN DOE #1-10” AND “JANE DOE #110”, THE NAMES JOHN DOE AND JANE DOE BEING FICTITIOUS, THEIR IDENTITIES BEING UNKNOWN TO THE PLAINTIFFS, IT BEING THE INTENTION OF PLAINTIFF TO DESIGNATE ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE TENANTS, OCCUPANTS, CORPORATIONS, AND JUDGMENT CREDITORS, IF ANY, HOLDING OR CLAIMING SOME RIGHT, TITLE, INTEREST OR LIEN IN OR TO THE MORTGAGED PREMISES HEREIN DEFENDANTS. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 25-51 8 8 TH STREET, EAST ELMHURST, NY 11369 NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to serve upon plaintiff’s attorney, at the address stated below, an answer to the attached complaint. If this summons was personally served upon you in the State of New York, the answer must be served within twenty days after such service of the summons, excluding the date of service. If the summons was not personally delivered to you within the State of New York, the answer must be served within thirty days after service of the summons is
LEGAL NOTICE
Queens This Week Join In To Aid Soup Kitchen Mitzvah How many mitzvahs can one 11-year-old rack up? Or better yet, how much moolah can a sixth-grader raise for a non-profit? If young Abby Hofstetter is any sort of example: the answer to both questions is a pretty big number. The volunteer and charitable soul has gone viral and raised $11,300 for the whitetablecloth Kosher soup kitchen Masbia in a matter of months. Abby's first visit a few weeks ago to Masbia's Rego Park location, at 98-08 Queens Blvd., was merely as a volunteer. But the urge to do something more struck during her visit. "I was thinking, 'this is the place; I have to help them,'" she said of her reaction to her visit. "I was thinking these people are so poor, they really needed help." Abby's mother Sarah told Masbia Executive Director Alexander Rapaport her daughter may want to help in a bigger way. "I thought alright, that's nice, what can an 11-year-old do?" Rapaport said. "I thought she'd do a nice bake sale." Abby's Bat Mitzvah was approaching, and she felt the need to give something back to the organization. "Abby really just kind of got attached to it and thought it was a really important organization," said her mother. "It was part of accepting responsibilities with becoming a Jewish adult." Abby's fundraising efforts began with a recyclables collection, soliciting bottles and cans from relatives. At $7, it was not exactly a decent start. Next came a bake sale, which saw Abby peddling red velvet cupcakes, blondies and other cookies, made with the help of her mom. It helped raise another $170, but Abby dreamed bigger. How about $10,000? The duo had an idea to help raise funds for Masbia by making a YouTube video about the organization to be played at Abby's Bat Mitzvah. "She's always been a very empathetic kid," Sarah said. "She has always been more entrepreneurial than charitable." With Abby's script in tow, and her mother's on-the-fly slideshow skills, the two made a video pleading Masbia's case. The two posted the video, and hopped on board to fundraising Web site crowdrise.com. Sarah's parents passed the video along to their friends. Within weeks, the two met their
goal - six months before Abby's Bat Mitzvah. The results stunned Rapaport and taught him a valuable lesson about low-cost fundraising. "Start your own page, start your own effort, do your own YouTube clip," he said. "That's the lesson here; and that's ultimately what is going to keep our doors open." Abby set her sights higher - to the tune of $100,000. Mom tempered her expectations, bringing her down to a more "realistic" $25,000. The donations have come in droves, from complete strangers, which Abby finds generous but unnerving. "It feels great and it also feels really weird because I don't know these people at all," she said. With six months to go, Abby feels her goal is attainable. "Right now I'm thinking anything is possible," she said. To help with Abby's efforts, visit crowdrise.com/abbymasbia. Reach Reporter Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127. —Joseph Orovic
Block Captains Sought For Fresh Info When the plows didn't come to Woodhaven after last month's blizzard, Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association, talked with elected officials like Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) about cleanup. When Miller asked Wendell what streets needed to be plowed, Wendell took to Facebook to try to get information. It proved, however, not to be the best method. "Although we heard back from many residents, this was a haphazard and spotty way of determining just how bad the situation was in our community," he said. In response, Wendell is asking residents in Woodhaven to resurrect a long-abandoned program aimed at quickly gathering information neighborhood-wide. He is asking residents to volunteer to become "block captains." During the blizzard, he said he asked residents on Facebook to give him updates on the situation in their areas "as far as they can reasonably see from their porch," but he said he would like to make those areas even smaller. "I'd prefer to break it down closer than
Photo by Nick Beneduce
Page 10 Tribune Jan. 6-12, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
For A Cause:
Bayside HS Key Blub President Stanley Kang prepares to have his head shaved. With the help of the Ozone Park Kiwanis Club, the Key Club was able to raise more than $4,500 for UNICEF during the holiday season.
The Woodhaven Residents Block Association is looking for "block captains" to help gather information on unplowed streets like this one when the next blizzard hits. that," he said. He could see for about four blocks from his front porch, but would like a few "block captains" in that radius. When a storm hits the neighborhood, the "block captains" would all pass information to the WRBA. "I want to be able to gather that information and be able to put it in a spreadsheet within an hour or so to give to our elected officials," he said. The blizzard isn't the only time when "block captains" could be utilized, he said, noting that in the past year, his neighborhood suffered from two blizzards, a serious windstorm last March and the tornado and microburst in September which grazed the neighborhood and knocked down a few trees and power lines. "An orderly, grassroots gathering of information will greatly assist our community when dealing with the next storm, whether it be a blizzard, a tornado, or a blackout," he
DOT Examining Traffic Plan Results Half a year after its implementation, the trial period for Flushing's revamped Downtown Traffic Plan will come to an end Jan. 17, followed by an assessment of the new traffic flow's effectiveness. The Dept. of Transportation has spent the better part of the last six months compiling data, including counts of turning movements, speeding and pedestrian levels, according to spokesman Monty Dean. The figures will be juxtaposed against pre-pattern change levels to gauge the effectiveness of the new pattern. The agency will then provide a report summarizing the results. "We will look at the impact the plan has on the safety of all street users as well as traffic operations," Dean said, adding the early data points to improved conditions overall. Councilman Peter Koo's (R-Flushing) office has not received a flurry of complaints about the new plan, according to his Chief of Staff James McClelland. "Not to say that there haven't been problems," he added. Koo will wait until the DOT provides its final numbers before making any recommendations going forward. The relatively hiccup-free transition to the new flow, and the unusually low number of complaints, caught the plan's early naysayers off guard, according to Community Board 7 Chairman Gene Kelty. "I should be happy to the point that it worked, that it proved us wrong," he said. The plan came as a surprise to members
of the Board, who had spent an exorbitant amount of energy working with the DOT on a previous project for several years, a nowdefunct dual one-way plan. The original $6 million plan would have seen Main Street, one of the area's most heavily traveled passageways, change to only allowing northbound traffic on two lanes from Sanford Avenue to Northern Boulevard, while buses would get one designated lane on each side for their regular routes. Union Street, which runs parallel to Main, would have taken on strictly southbound car traffic and also keep its bus routes going in each direction. The original proposal also intended to mitigate congestion by adding more bus stops. Other proposed changes included making Sanford Avenue a two-way street, cutting sidewalks, adding delivery truck restrictions and the loss of nearly 200 metered parking spaces along Main and Union Streets, Roosevelt and Sanford Avenues and Northern Boulevard. The revised plan was met with much skepticism when it was suddenly unveiled in late February 2010. The current traffic flow prohibits left turns from Northern Boulevard onto Main Street for all vehicles except buses; prohibits left turns from Union Street onto Northern Boulevard; prohibits all turns from Main Street onto Roosevelt Avenue; prohibits left turns from Main Street onto 37th Avenue for all vehicles except buses; and enforces "No Standing Any Time" regulations at corners of Main Street and 37th and 38th Avenues. The plan also added curb extensions to the northwest and southeast corners of Main Street and Roosevelt Avenue and the northwest corner of Union Street and Northern Boulevard. Kelty said the early results and lack of complaints called in to the Community Board are all welcome signs, but expressed doubts the good news will be permanent. With the monolithic Flushing Commons' construction looming on the horizon, as well as work on the RKO Keith's theater site being planned, Kelty imagines the good vibes may dissipate eventually. "This is fine and dandy when there's not construction going on," he said, adding when work begins "all of a sudden you'll see a lot of things popping up where they weren't before." And the chance to voice displeasure may have passed. "Those people who haven't said anything until now, it's too late," Kelty said. Reach Reporter Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127. —Joseph Orovic
Queens CLOSEUP Meetings Moved The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association has moved its’ Winter Town Hall Meetings to the second Saturday of each month. The next meetings are Jan. 8 and Feb. 12. The meetings start at 1 p.m. and are held at the Woodhaven Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 78-15 Jamaica Ave. “During the cold, dark winter months many of our residents don’t like going out to evening meetings. On a Saturday afternoon, they can fit our meeting in with their shopping,” said WRBA President Edward Wendell. The monthly meetings were held on a Saturday last year as an experiment and proved very popular. Among the topics expected to be discussed at the next meeting: the Forest Park Carousel, graffiti in the neighborhood, and the proposed rezoning of Woodhaven. For more information on the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, call (718) 2963735, or visit them online at woodhaven-nycorg.
Forest Hills Shabbat On Jan. 28, at 6 p.m., Havurat Yisrael will host a Shabbat across Forest Hills. Let’s spend an evening celebrating what unifies all Jews … Shabbat! Everyone is invited… singles, couples, families... all ages. Newcomers at Havurat Yisrael $12 , others $25. To reserve a space call Havurat Yisrael at (718) 2615500 or email hyoffice@nyc.rr.com.
Twilight Concer t Series Church-in-the-Gardens, 50 Ascan Ave., presents the Con Brio Ensemble, which will give a Twilight Concert on Sunday, Jan. 16, at 4:30 p.m. There will be works for violin and piano including; Beethoven’s “Kreutzer” Sonata opus 47; selections by Szymanowski and Wieniawski; works for oboe and piano by Mozart, Still, Godard, and Colin. Tickets are $12; $10 for seniors and students
Defensive Driv ing The Forest Hills Jewish Center, 106-06 Queens Blvd., will host a Defensive Driving Course sponsored by the National Safety Council on Sunday, Jan. 30, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For information and/or registration, call (718) 263-7000.
A Benefit Concer t
Folk Influences Musica Reginae will come to the Churchin-the-Gardens, 50 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills, on Sunday, Jan. 30, 5 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Experience musical cultures from all over the world. Join Musica Reginae Chamber Artists as they explore dance rhythms from Spain, the gypsy inflections of Romania, the marching bands of America, and folk singers from Czechoslovakia. Program will include Dvorak’s masterful Piano Quintet.
Children’s Photos The LIRR speeding away from the Kew Gardens station, inside and outside looking at the snow covering familiar streets, younger
Founders’ Week The 17th annual observance of Founders’ Week on the campuses of St. John’s University will commence Jan. 23 and run through Jan. 29. The week coincides with the anniversary of the founding of the Congregation of the Mission, by St. Vincent de Paul, on Jan. 25, the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. The University dedicates this week to deepening knowledge and appreciation of the Vincentian heritage of St. Vincent de Paul. Several events and activities are planned for the celebration which includes: Founder’s Masses at the University’s Staten Island (Jan. 24, 1:30 p.m.) Campus Center, and Queens (Jan. 25, 12:15 p.m.), St. Thomas More Church) campuses. Alumni Panel “Career Choices and Networking” Wednesday, Jan. 26, 3 p.m., St. Vincent Lounge, Queens campus) Academic Lecture Series: “Compassionate People: The Core of Global Justice and Peace.” Deogratias Niyizonkiza, a refugee from the war-torn African country of Burundi, will speak on Friday, Jan. 28, in the Little Theatre on the Queens campus at 3 p.m. and on Staten Island at 10 a.m. in the Campus Center Upper Level. Deogratias left his homeland in 1993 and returned in 2006 to start Village Health Works. His story is the subject of the book Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder. The Vincentian Chair of Social Justice Lecture, Jan. 27, 4 p.m. in St. Thomas More Church (Queens), given by Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M., J.C.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton. Many other activities for students, faculty
and administrators will be held throughout the week at all St. John’s University locations (Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, and Oakdale, NY as well as Rome, Italy, Paris, France). The task of the Vincentian University is to make tomorrow’s leaders more fully human. St. John’s University looks to St. Vincent as a role model of leadership in our times. To “Be Vincentian”, one must know Vincent from an intellectual perspective, accept his way in their hearts and live the core values of truth, love, respect, excellence, opportunity and service. For more information please contact Mary Ann Dantuono, Associate Director, Vincentian Center, St. John’s University at dantuonom@stjohns.edu or visit the web site at stjohns/edu/foundersweek.
Fresh Meadows Camera The Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets every Tuesday at 7:45 p.m. They have critiques, Photoshop classes, competitions, and assorted shoots in their own facility. Call Joe at (917) 612-3463 or Richie at (646) 8315962 for information and directions.
Restaurant Boot Camp The Queens Chamber of Commerce is starting 2011 with The Restaurant Boot Camp, a full calendar of events dedicated to the 5,067 restaurants in our borough. Most of them are small family owned businesses, and they will face new requirements by the City of New York, which will post letter grades that correspond to evaluation scores resulting from sanitary inspections. To run a successful restaurant, one must know how to manage employees and expenses, as well as decipher which licenses are required. This Restaurant Boot Camp will help clarify all the basic requirements to get a restaurant up and running in New York City. Today restaurants are facing serious business challenges. The Restaurant Boot Camp will be free of charge, offered by the Queens Chamber of Commerce and NYC Business Solutions. It is the ideal place to learn how to avoid large fines by knowing the regulations regarding minimum wage, overtime vs. shift pay, uniforms, and worker’s compensation. The first Restaurant Boot Camp seminar of 2011 will be held on Thursday, Jan. 13, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Bulova Corporate Center in conjunction with The NYC Business Solutions. The workshop will cover topics of interest for both the first-time and experienced food business owners, like how to apply for the right licenses and permits or how to use a new online license information system in your business. If you are already running your restaurant, do not miss this opportunity to learn valuable information to upgrade your business and comply with the grade (or grade pending) card implemented in July 2010 by New York City Health Department. The second Restaurant Boot Camp will be in Spanish on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 10 a.m. at Natives Theater and Restaurant. The last workshop of the trimester will be in March in Chinese in conjunction with The Flushing Chinese Business Association.
Hall Of Science 1001 Inventions, Through April 24: Uncover 1,000 years of science & technology. The “dark ages” were a golden age! Discover a forgotten history of science and scholarship in this hands-on exhibition. The New York Hall of Science hosts the U.S. premiere of 1001 Inventions, which opens December 4. Free with general admission. 1001 Inventions is sponsored by
ALJ Community Initiatives. Design Squad Nation Family Day, Jan. 15, noon to 5 p.m.: Engage your creative and inventive side with tabletop design challenges, just like the PBS Kids! show Design Squad Nation! In addition to hands-on activity challenges, you can view clips from upcoming episodes of Design Squad Nation, participate in trivia time with Design Squad hosts, get photos and autographs with the show’s hosts, and cheer on a large scale, design challenge. Best for kids ages 7 – 14. Free with general NYSCI admission. Digital’10: Planet Earth, Through Jan. 30: The digital prints in this exhibition are the result of the 12th annual juried, international competition organized by Art & Science Collaborations, Inc. The exhibition’s purpose is to demonstrate how digital technology is enabling new aesthetic imaging possibilities and conceptual statements. For Digital’10, artists and scientists were invited to submit original digital prints that reflect their perceptions of our planet. Free with general NYSCI admission. The New York Hall of Science, in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, is open Tuesday - Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $11, $8 for ages 2-17 and seniors. To learn more go to nysci.org or call (718) 699-0005.
Rappopor t Returns The Jewish Center of Oak Hills in Oakland Gardens, Bayside, is pleased to announce that once again, on Wednesday evening, Jan. 19, at 8 p.m., we can all share a special evening with Rabbi Jeffrey Rappoport. Back by popular demand, we are featuring “Stump the Rabbi.” All questions for the Rabbi are fair game, and the Rabbi will try to give the answers. The Center is located at 50-35 Cloverdale Blvd., and is handicap-accessible, with an elevator to all floors. Admission is free. For travel directions, call the center office at (718) 631-0100.
Musical Theater Workshops FSF Community Theatre Group, 41-60 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, is offering two workshops in acting, singing and dance for 10-19 year olds. Starting in January they will offer “Learning the Basics” for beginners and “Beyond the Basics” for intermediate students, all of whom will be in the May Musical Revue, May 14, 21, 22. To learn more call (516) 521-5500. The cost is $150 for both classes, and includes t-shirt, costumes and a party. For non-members there is an additional $20 registration fee. Classes begin January 2011.
Special Needs Group The Samuel Field Y is pleased to offer Project Child, an after-school program for children ages 5-15 with ADD, ADHD, Asperger’s syndrome, learning disabilities and high-functioning children on the Autism Spectrum. Project Child operates during the school year and is located in Bayside, NY at the Bay Terrace Center of the Samuel Field Y. Project Child offers high child-to-staff ratios and includes programming specifically designed to meet the needs of children with learning differences and special needs. Homework help and snack are provided daily, as well as educational and recreational activities. Project Child operates from 2:30-6 p.m. daily when school is in session. For more information, including fees and registration, contact Meredith Guberman at (718) 4236111, Ext. 228 or email MGuberman@sfy.org
www.queenstribune.com • Jan. 6-12, 2011 Tribune Page 11
The Church-in-the-Gardens, 50 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills, presents Betina Hershey Russo and the Garden Players, who will perform a one-hour concert Jan. 23 at 5 p.m. in the Sanctuary of Church-in-the-Gardens to benefit the carol Hershey Memorial Fund which benefits the Garden Players. There will be special guests. Suggested donation is $20, but please come, donate whatever you can, and enjoy the music. There will be a selection of jazz, r&b, originals, and a heavy sprinkling of Beatles songs.
sister under a big umbrella, the playground without any children, mom rushing along Queens Boulevard, the quietness of Maple Grove Cemetery, the beauty of the neighborhood architecture when the sun is going down. To view these photographs and many others taken by Kew Gardens children, K-6 grade, please join us at the Kew Gardens Children’s Photo Show at the Q Gardens Gallery, 80-61 Lefferts Blvd., Kew Gardens, (347) 494-5704, qgardensgallery.com. This dynamic group show will be on view Jan. 14 to Feb. 5. A gala opening reception, with a kid-friendly menu, will be held Friday, Jan. 14, 4-8 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 15, 3-7 p.m. Photographs hold an honored place in our homes, family albums, and help to comprise our history. It is a rare opportunity for children to photograph their community and then to have their photos professionally displayed in a gallery. The photos say as much about them as about what they photographed, from their own point of view. Ron Marzlock, supporter of the arts and owner of the Q Gardens Gallery, immediately embraced the project because it was “an opportunity for children to look at their community, to capture their special moments photographically and to possibly discover talents that they didn’t know they had.” The mission of the project seems to have been accomplished. In the words of Shana Block, one of the participating photographers, “If you look at things closely they can be beautiful even though you might not have thought so at first. I found it easier to take still life photos over moving objects. Squirrels move too fast! I picked photos that had feeling and an interesting composition.“ Sponsored by a New Yorkers for Better Neighborhoods Grant awarded by the Citizens Committee for New York City to the Kew Gardens Improvement Association, Inc, over 40 photos will be enlarged and displayed and … each one has a story to tell.
Legislative Update For All Boroughs On Jan. 10, the NYC City Council will be holding a hearing on the delayed response in snow removal. Once again the outer boroughs such as Queens are being excluded. The City needs to remember that residents from all five boroughs experienced massive delays in the clearing of streets and sidewalks following the blizzard. Assemblywoman Grace Meng’s (D-Flushing) office received close to 60 complaints about the city’s snow removal efforts. Constituents throughout Queens called repeatedly informing the office that while most of the main roads have been cleared, many of the side streets remain buried underneath the snow. Assemblywoman Meng stated, “to get an accurate complete overview of how severely the City’s residents were affected, a hearing should be held in every borough, preferably during the evening hours so that our constituents can testify. The very people who were stranded on buses and trains, forced to suffer delayed responses in emergency services are owed the right to give accounts of what happened so that we can prevent it from ever happening again.”
Kosher Kutbacks
Page 12 Tribune Jan. 6-12, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Governor David Paterson laid off 898 state employees as his term came to and end last week. Included on these layoffs were the last remaining kosher food inspectors, formerly employed by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The department once had 11 kosher inspectors. The elimination of the jobs will save an
estimated $1 million a year in salary, benefits and services, such as computers and cars, according the department. “The loss of kosher food inspectors in New York State is devastating, particularly for the communities that rely on kosher certification in their religious observances and daily life. The lack of oversight in this industry makes these communities vulnerable to the fraud and abuse this division was originally created to fight against. While the budget crisis New York State faces is daunting, it is my hope that we can restore at least a few of these positions to the Department of Agriculture and Markets to ensure that this industry is held to the right standard,” said Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills).
Free Forum Councilman Mark Weprin (D- Oakland Gardens) and The Alliance of Condo and Coop Owners are sponsoring a free informational forum for co-op shareholders and condo unit owners. It will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m. at PS 186, 252-12 72 nd Ave., Bellerose. A panel of experts will speak about the role of the board, the role of management, shareholders’ rights, and owners’ rights. “Co-ops and condos make up a considerable portion of the housing in Eastern Queens,” said Weprin. “Co-op shareholders and condo unit owners need to know their rights.” The panelists will include attorneys Lucas A. Ferrara and Steven Dobkin as well as Larry Simms, President, Alliance of Condo and Co-op Owners.
Bad Idea With GOP Congressional leaders planning to bring a bill to repeal health care reform to the floor this week, U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Kew Gardens) released the following statement: “Republicans want another debate about health care reform? Well, so should Democrats. They beat is in round one with lies and scare tactics – we welcome a second shot.” “By planning to introduce a bill to repeal health care reform the first week of the 112 th Congress, Republicans have made it very clear what direction they intend to take the country – backwards.” “Republicans are against a lot of things, but they are for kicking young Americans off their parents’ insurance plans, for reinstating copayments for preventive measures like cancer screenings, and for denying children coverage based on preexisting conditions.” “This is a dangerously misguided interpretation of what Americans voted for in November.”
Lead On Lead Council Members Elizabeth Crowley (DMiddle Village) and James Vacca (D-Bronx), along with a legion of city workers, rallied outside the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) headquarters at 347 Madison Avenue in New York in advance of the MTA board meeting to call on the MTA to commit to a higher standard for lead abatement on capital projects to protect the air quality and the health of workers and the health from lead poisoning.
In March 2007, a judge in New York County Supreme Court ruled that the MTA was responsible for the health problems of several workers, who were exposed to large amounts of lead dust during the renovation of Grand Central Terminal but the MTA has not committed to a higher standard since that ruling. “It’s no secret to the MTA that the irresponsible removal of lead paint from structural steel projects is hazardous to the health of all New Yorkers— we need look no further than the 2007 New York Supreme Court ruling that exposed the MTA as responsible for the health problems of several workers during the renovation of the Grand Central Terminal,” Crowley said. “Given this irresponsible and preventable exposure to large amounts of lead dust, the MTA has still not committed to a higher standard since that ruling. MTA: Let’s keep our workers, our residents and our city safe. Let’s protect New York against lead paint.” The Society for Protective Coating (SSPC) was established to set the standards and minimize the risk of construction and renovation projects. The SSPC certifies contractors through their “Painting Contractor Certification Program,” a nationally recognized independent contractor evaluation program, developed by a diverse committee of industry professionals. Any agency can require that a successful bidder for one their projects be certified by the SSPC to help assure that a contract is awarded to an experienced, responsible contractor. While the New York City Transit Authority requires SSPC certification on their bridge and maintenance of way projects, they do not require it in their Capital Projects RFP process.
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Formation 494 Broadway, LLC art. of org. filed Secy. of State NY (SSNY) 6/18/04. Off. Loc. In Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 4211 Northern Blvd, Queens, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation Camp Highlight LLC art. of org. filed Secy. of State NY (SSNY) 8/ 23/10. Off. Loc. In Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: PO Box 5173, Astoria, NY 11105. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ SUMMONS: JONES V JONES SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF QUEENS, INDEX NO. 20747/10; CYNTHIA JONES, Plaintiff, —
against- QUENTIN LAVAR JONES, Defendant, Summons and Notice in divorce action, venue based upon Plaintiff’s residence, cause of action is abandonment. You are summoned to appear in this action by serving a Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiff’s attorney, Thomas P. McNulty, Esq., 347 5 th Avenue, Suite 310, New York, NY 10016 (212) 344-0272 within 30 days after service is completed and if you fail to appear, judgment will be taken against you by default. To the above named Defendant, this Summons is served upon you by publication by Order of Hon. Thomas D. Raffaele, a justice of this court, granted on December 6, 2010. The nature of the ancillary relief demanded is: The Plaintiff may resume use of her maiden name, Cynthia McClough, or any other former surname. The Family Court shall have concurrent
jurisdiction with the Supreme Court with respect to any future issues of maintenance and support. The provisions of DRL Section 236 Part B Section 2, and DRL Section 255 shall apply. The Court may grant such other and further relief as it may deem just and proper. The relief sought is a Judgment of Divorce. ________________________________________________________________ EURO CRAFT DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION LLC, Articles of Org. filed N.Y. Sec. of State (SSNY) 8 th day of October 2010. Office in Queens Co. at 30-72 37 th Street, Astoria, New York 11103. SSNY desig. agt. Upon whom process maybe served. SSNY shall mail copy o f p r o c e s s t o 3 0 - 7 2 3 7 th Street, Astoria, New York 11103. Reg. Agt. Upon whom process may be served: Spiegel & Utrera, P.A., P.C. 1 Maiden Lane, NYC 10038 1 800 576-1100. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: EASTERN REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/03/10. The latest date of dissolution is 12/31/2110. 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, 37-08 Main Street, Suite 301, Flushing, New York 11354. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of formation of Connect Global, LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on October 29, 2010. Office Located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to c/o the LLC to 41-25 Kissena Boulevard, Suite 119, Flushing, NY 11355-3150. ________________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 12/14/10, bearing Index Number NC-001231-10/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, grants me the right to: Assume the name of (First) Crystal (Middle) Caryn (Last) Finardo My present name is (First) Crystal (Middle) Caryn (Last) Mayol aka Crystal C. Mayol My present address is 66-08 102 nd Street, Apt #2E, Rego Park, NY 11374 My place of birth is Brooklyn, NY My date of birth is January 16, 1991 ________________________________________________________________ 1059 Manhattan Avenue, LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), filed with the Sec of State of NY on
9/27/10. NY Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her to The LLC, 60-43 Maspeth Ave., Maspeth, NY 11378. General Purposes. ________________________________________________________________ Name: M 309, LLC Art. Of Org. Filed Sec. Of State of NY 01/02/2003. 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, 20-74 Steinway Street, Astoria, NY 11105. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity. ________________________________________________________________
INGS, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/18/10. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, c/o Catherine Romano, 147-19 8 th Avenue, Whitestone, New York 11357. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________
To Place Your Legal Advertisement, Call the Tribune at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 149 or E-Mail Your Copy to legals@queenstribune.com
Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 10/28/10, bearing Index Number NC-001050-10/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, grants me the right to: Assume the name of (First) Darren (Last) Hardyal My present name is (First) Sahindra (Last) Hardyal My present address is 5301 32 nd Ave, Apt 1N, Woodside, NY 11377 My place of birth is Queens, NY My date of birth is June 21, 1992 ________________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: LCR 90 HOLD-
Notice of Formation of SPARTAN GREEN LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/07/10. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: 128-15 26th Ave., Flushing, NY 11354. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Lowenstein Sandler PC, Attn: Daniel J. Barkin, Esq., 65 Livingston Ave., Roseland, NJ 07068-1791. Purpose: Any lawful activity. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of formation G.W. ACCOUNTING, LLC. Art of Org. filed with SSNY on 08/ 27/2008 Off. Loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC 135-30 Roosevelt Ave., Ste 202, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: any lawful activity.
Spike Lee, Health Dept. Urge Quitting smoking rates fell by nearly 6 percent, or 350,000 fewer smokers, according to a new report from the DOH. When they do smoke, fewer are doing it at home. Over the same period of time, smoking at home fell by 9 percent. The bad news is that more nonsmokers in the City are exposed to secondhand smoke than nationally. In 2004, 57 percent of smokers in the City, versus 45 percent nationally, had elevated levels of a chemical that indicates recent tobacco exposure, possibly due to New York City's h igh housing density. The DOH estimates that: 1.5 million New Yorkers allow smoking at home, 150,000 with children in the house - nearly 60 percent of smokers allow smoking at home; Female smokers are more likely to allow smoking at home, and among them, 65 percent allow smoking in the home, while only 53 percent of men do the same; Black smokers are more likely than other races to allow smoking at home; U.S.-born smokers are more likely to allow smoking in the home than foreign-born residents; Smokers from Queens are more likely to disallow-in home smoking half of all smokers in Queens allow smoking in the house, compared to 54 percent in Brooklyn and 68 percent in The Bronx and Manhat tan; Our youngest adults are more likely to be exposed to smoking at home - among 18-24 year-old nonsmokers, 28 percent are exposed to secondhand smoke at home, comIn one of the new commercials, a young child pared to 16 percent of the 25 and up crowd; warily eyes the cigarette held by an adult.
By JESSICA ABLAMSKY Just in time for those New Year's resolutions, the City Dept.of Health unveiled a new series of anti-smoking television ads, directed by Spike Lee, that warn parents of the short- and long-term health effects of secondhand smoke on children: asthma, bronchit is, ear infect ions and cancer. "More t han half of Ne w York Cit y nonsmokers are still inhaling noxious chemicals from other p eople's cigarettes," said Dr. Thomas Farle y, New York Cit y Health Commissioner. "No one should have to breathe secondhand smoke - whether at home or in a public recreation area. If you haven't quit smoking, protect yourself as well as your loved ones by quit t ing today. If you haven't made your home smoke-free, now is the time. Choose health, for yourself and your family." The good news is that fewer adults in the City are smoking. Between 2002 and 2008,
Black and Asian nonsmokers report more secondhand smoke exposer than whites, 21 percent versus 15 percent.
Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at jablamsky@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 124.
Making Ballots Easier To Read By DOMENICK RAFTER Citing what he called "the most common complaint" with the new voting machines this past election, State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) is introducing legislation that would make the font on the ballots bigger and easier to read. "Current election law does not contain any requirements as to ballot readability or usability, and only requires candidates' names to appear in all capital bold-type letters with no minimum type size, which made many ballot s used in New York Cit y and elsewhere ver y difficult and fr ustrat ing for voters to read and to use," Addabbo said. The bill would require ballots to be printed in "simple, easy-to-read type," such as Arial and Universe style font. It would also mandate that candidates' names, their office titles and political designations, as well as the reading form of all ballot questions submit ted, w ill be printed in capital let ters followed by lower case letters of at least 12point bold type. The bill would also require that State and City Board of Elections, as well as Erie, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties, have a full-time staff member
trained in ballot use and design. "Exper t ise in ballot design and usability is lacking within our boards of elections," Addabbo said. During the September primary and November general elections last year, voters complained that the font size on the ballot was too small and cramped, complicating their ability to read names and discern between different races. One problem with the 2010 ballot was the number of races. There were five statewide races, plus two state legislative races and any local elections, as well as ballot issues, which all had to fit on one ballot. As a solution, Addabbo said the State Board of Elections suggested a two-sided ballot, which Addabbo does not favor because it could lead to voters missing races on the reverse side. Instead, his position is for a longer ballot sheet. "I want to discuss this in commit tee and I want to do it soon," said Addabbo, who was chair of the Senate Elections Committee last year until Republicans took control of the Senate. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
www.queenstribune.com • Jan. 6-12, 2011 Tribune Page 13
Business, Banking & Real Estate
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Food Stamps Bring Farms’ Freshness By JASON BANREY In 2010, low-income Queens residents used Food Stamps at greenmarkets more than ever before – and experts expect that number to grow. Residents receiving benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program spent $66,197 at seven Greenmarket locations in Queens, nearly double the 2009 total of $37,276. Since 2007, the city has helped put $1.3 million of Council funds into purchasing wireless terminal equipment for market vendors, helping markets process Electronic Benefits Transfer swipe cards. Witnessing an increase in Food Stamp usage and the development of a loyal customer base in the borough, Greenmarket Regional Coordinator for Queens Margaret Hoffman said the yearround market in Jackson Heights is benefitting from the increase, while providing low-income residents within the diverse community with a broad spectrum of products. “We see new customers using EBT at the Jackson Heights market every
scanners at all Greenmarket locations in Queens. Using their EBT card, Food Stamp recipients are able to purchase fresh, locally-sourced products that include artisanal cheeses, fruits, vegetables, beef and local seafood. Although all Greenmarkets in the borough are not open year-round, some locations did see signifiAt a Greenmarket in Jackson Heights, where Food Stamp cant increases in the usage of Food Stamps. usage is on the rise. Within six months at week,” said Hoffman. “Our EBT custom- the Greenmarket location in Elmhurst, ers have also come to appreciate the near Elmhurst Hospital, residents spent diversity of products available at the more than $10,000 in Food Stamps at market and are using their Food Stamps the new site. Greenmarket operator GrowNYC beat the market for more and more of their gan the open-air market initiative in grocery shopping.” Through the introduction of EBT tech- 1976. By promoting regional agriculture, nology, farmers are able to easily pro- the non-profit organization provides cess Food Stamp benefits through swipe small family farms the opportunity to sell their products locally, giving New Yorkers access to nutritious food. According to GrowNYC, some farmers working in low-income neighborhoods have seen as much as a 35 percent of their sales in Food Stamps.
Page 14 Tribune Jan. 6-12, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Dollars And Dreams Don’t Equal Winnings By JESSICA ABLAMSKY Fortunes were made after the Mega Millions drawing on Jan. 4 for a $355 million jackpot – but not anywhere near here. Two winning tickets were purchased in Idaho and Washington State by parties that have not yet come forward. Closer to home, Queens residents gave into lotto fever, on the chance of beating odds that are no less than one in 176 million. Whitestone resident John Peluso has been buying lotto tickets based on his late father’s numbers since 1982. “Every other year his birthday comes up,” Peluso said. Like many, if he won the big jackpot, he’d retire. “I think I’d go back to school,” he said, adding that he would also buy an
apartment in Manhattan and a house upstate. “First I’d figure out a way to cash it without ever yone knowing,” he said. “Suddenly everyone would be your friend.” Liz Wild, also from Whitestone, is not a lottery regular. “I don’t play it all the time, just when it gets big,” she said. “I’d take care of my family and give to the charities. Life to me is all about who you can help.” Though there was no big winner in Queens, New York Lottery retailers raked in big bucks over the last week or so as the jackpot spiraled up wildly. Better luck next time, New York players. Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at jablamsky@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 124.
Court Holds Fate For Developers’ Futures By JOSEPH OROVIC Real estate barons like the Related Companies and Muss Developers will be walking on egg shells starting Jan. 10, when a federal appeals court starts hearing a case that could allow buyers to back out of contracts on luxury condominiums around the city. A group of buyers is challenging the developers, under a 42-year-old law, in the hopes of recouping hundreds of thousands of dollars in up-front payments on units they no longer want. The law demands developers be transparent in key details of their projects to buyers. Some wary buyers tried to challenge
their contracts at One Hunters Point in Long Island City, but lost. The law requires developers register their projects with the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development and disclosure certain information to buyers before they sign contracts. The case being heard this month could set the tone for up to 40 new developments around the city, including Sky View Parc in Flushing, which reportedly has 100 buyers unwilling to close on their contracts, looking to back out of buying instead. Reach Reporter Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com, or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127.
In the past year, open-air markets at more than 40 locations throughout the city have experienced an increase in the amount of Food Stamps that are spent on items eligible under the federal Food Stamp program. EBT customers receive $2 in Health Bucks when swiping $5 in Food Stamps, an incentive created by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which allows Food Stamp customers to potentially increase their value of Food Stamps by 40-80 percent. Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (DSunnyside) said he believes it is essential for low-income families to have access to healthy and organic produce. With two greenmarkets located in his district, Van Bramer urges more Food Stamp recipients to take advantage of fresh food options available in their area. “It’s important for people using Food Stamps to stop at these markets to provide themselves with healthier food options,” said Van Bramer. “It’s great that green markets support Food Stamp usage.” For more information about Greenmarket locations throughout Queens go to grownyc.org. Reach Intern Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128.
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Page 16 Tribune Jan. 6-12, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
102nd Precinct FIRST 2011 MURDER: On Saturday, Jan. 1, at approximately 5:34 a.m., police responded to 127th Street and 94th Avenue in Richmond Hill after hearing shots fired. Upon arrival, Dwayne Haughton, 29, of 13215 156th St., South Jamaica, was found lying on the ground with gunshot wounds to his neck and chest. EMS responded and transported Haughton to Jamaica Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. There were no arrests and the investigation was ongoing.
He is described as a Hispanic man, 5-foot10, 175 lbs, of light complexion and wearing a hooded sweatshirt. Anyone with information in regards is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
103rd Precinct FINAL 2010 MURDER? On Friday, BURGLAR SOUGHT: Detectives from the 102nd Precinct are requesting the public’s Dec. 31, at approximately 11:36 p.m., police assistance in locating a suspect wanted in two responded to a call of shots fired at the corner of Merrick Boulevard and 109th Avenue in residential burglaries in Woodhaven. The first incident occurred Aug. 13 be- South Jamaica. Upon arrival, responding officers discovtween 7:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. at 94-31 Park Lane South in Woodhaven. The second inci- ered Jamal West, 26, of 160-18 107th Ave. in dent occurred Sept. 3 between 8 a.m. and South Jamaica, shot numerous times in the back. EMS also re9:45 p.m. at 76-50 85th sponded to the scene and Dr. in Woodhaven. pronounced him dead. The suspect, Matthew There were no arrests and Misla, 32, allegedly enthe investigation was ontered via the rear of the going. locations; once inside he removed money, jewelry 104th Precinct and electronic equipCOPS SHOOT: On ment. He is described as Wednesday Dec. 22, at a Hispanic man, 6-feet, 9:36 p.m., inside of 64180 lbs, with brown 49 Shaler Ave in eyes, black hair and a Ridgewood, police regoatee. sponded to a 911 call of a Anyone with informaman with a knife. Upon tion in regards is asked to arrival, uniformed police call the NYPD’s Crime officers were confronted Stoppers Hotline at (800) by Zach Bingert, 21, 577-TIPS. The public can armed with a knife. also submit their tips by The officers dislogging onto the Crime charged their firearms, Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com Police are looking for Matthew striking Bingert several times about the body. or texting their tips to Misla. EMS responded to the 274637(CRIMES) then scene and pronounced him dead at the scene. entering TIP577. The officers were removed to Jamaica HosLAUNDRY THIEF: Police are asking for pital for trauma and minor injuries. the public’s assistance in locating a suspect wanted in connection with a commercial burglary in Woodhaven. The burglary occurred at around 5:48 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5, at 78-07 Jamaica Ave., a laundromat, in Woodhaven. The suspect broke the front windows at YOU DON'T HAVE TO REVEAL the location, entered the building and unYOUR IDENTITY TO HELP successfully attempted to pry open a change SOLVE A CRIME. machine. The establishment was closed at the time.
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Stavisky & FDR
Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky and two leaders of the United Federation of Teachers, District 25 Representative Joseph Kessler and Queens Borough Representative Rona Freiser, spoke at the December meeting of the FDR Democratic Association. Pictured l. to r.: Stavisky, Kessler, Freiser, FDR Democratic Assn. President Judith Abbot.
Children’s Christmas
pix
Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson
So Long, Frank Padavan
A Childen’s Christmas Show sponsored by Youths International was held Sunday, Dec. 19, at Saint Paul’s Parish Hall in Corona. About 200 kids and their families celebrated with singing carols and receiving holiday gifts.
Crowley Christmas
Mayor Mike Bloomberg greets outgoing 38-year veteran Sen. Frank Padavan at a special farewell party hosted on his behalf at Leonard’s of Great Neck last Wednesday.
Page 18 Tribune Jan. 6-12, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Left: Well-wishers raise a glass to Padavan and thank him for his decades of service to the people of Queens and New York. Below, right: Queens DA Richard Brown presents a citation to Padavan, thanking him for his service.
Councilwoman Liz Crowley, together with the Glendale community groups, students of PS 113, Sacred Heart Girl Scout Troops and the Sacred Heart Children’s Choir hosted the Glendale Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Frederick Haller, Jr. Triangle on the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Union Turnpike.
Ulrich’s Holiday
Below, left: The three remaining Republican officials from Queens, Councilmen Eric Ulrich (l. to r.), Peter Koo and Dan Halloran, thank Frank Padavan for his work. Photos by Ira Cohen
Councilman Eric Ulrich visited the Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services Ozone Park Senior Center to wish its members a happy holiday. As part of the festivities, Ulrich donated a gift basket featuring wine, candles, candy and a $25 Pathmark gift card for the center’s lunch raffle. Pictured: Ulrich and Site Manager Rosemary Heggers are joined by seniors (front row, l. to r.) Hazel Monteleone, Joanne D’Antuono, Madge Bucchio and members of the Staples Development Team.
Year In Review:
2010:
A Look Back At Our News
By QUEENS TRIBUNE STAFF A monster tornado, a new casino and political upheaval were some of the biggest stories to dominate the Queens Tribune headlines and front pages for 2010. Join us as we take a look back at the news that touched our lives and our hearts in 2010.
Tornado Alley
Photo by Domenick Rafter
St. George’s Church in Flushing lost its historic steeple to the tornado. City, state and Genting officials swing hammers to symbolically break ground at the Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct Racetrack.
played out across a swath of Queens running from Ridgewood to Middle Village and Rego Park, Forest Hills, Flushing, Fresh Meadows, Auburndale and Bayside before exiting at Little Bay. Each location felt the force of the storm for no more than 2 or 3 minutes. The final verdict: an 80-mph tor nado that started in Brooklyn cut into Ridgewood and flattened out to a nearly five-mile-wide “macroburst” as it slammed into Middle Village and Rego Park at 125 mph. From that burst a new tor nado formed, tearing through the borough at 100 mph, but entire sections of the borough – Astor ia and Jackson Nearly every tree in Forest Hills’ MacDonald Park was Heights in the Nor thshredded by the tornado that touched down at the park west, Jamaica and Flonear the intersection of Queens Boulevard and ral Park in the South Yellowstone Boulevard. and East – never felt it.
In the blink of an eye thousands of trees were uprooted or ripped apart. In the first 24 hours alone the Parks Dept. reported 3,931 residential trees damaged – that number does not even bear in mind the ones inside Forest, Juniper Valley, MacDonald, Flushing Meadows, Kissena, Bowne or Crocheron parks. In the days since the tornado, help was easier to come by for some. There was a limit to the number of tree specialists, insurance adjusters, contractors and city workers who could handle the load. Progress in some fringe areas that were not as hard hit – along Parsons Boulevard in Flushing and on Calamus Avenue in Maspeth – had been slow. In Forest Hills, communities came together to clean up. From the unaffected neighbors who have offered food and shelter to those displaced to the volunteers who cleared out dozens of fallen trees at a local little league, the tales of generosity are widespread. But so, too, were the tales of woe. Poor insurance, questions over individual vs. city responsibility and the shock of the scale of the damage have been hard to swallow for some. There were very few injuries reported as a direct result of the tornado, though there was one death. A 30-year-old Pennsylvania woman was crushed by a tree that fell on her car when she pulled over on the Grand Central Parkway at the height of the storm. Eventually, President Barack Obama declared Queens a disaster area, freeing up millions of federal dollars to help repay the city – and some home owners – for their expenses related to the cleanup.
process, new bidders were sought and, though six ponied up the $1 million entry cost to vie for the prize, only one team, Genting New York, ended up in the race. In July, Genting came to Community Board 10 to pitch its merits. There was a noticeable whiff of skepticism in the room, but local elected officials, many having been through this process before, tried to inject some optimism into the crowd. Genting took the opportunity to introduce to the community the Malaysiabased company and the principals involved in the bid, including JCJ Construction and Tutor-Perini contractors, who worked on the AirTrain and the recent JFK r unway rehabilitation project. Genting’s management team, including Michael Speller, who is a former CEO of Foxwoods and helped develop the Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls, also introduced themselves to the community members. “We’re always sensitive to community issues,” Speller said. “I can assure you that’s what we’ll do here.” In August, the New York Lottery made Genting’s win official, and ground was
Seen from atop Terrace on the Park, the tornado whips its way across Forest Hills and toward Flushing.
In January, after weeks of delay, Gov. David Paterson chose AEG to operate video lotter y terminals at Aqueduct. Within weeks, AEG was under criminal investigation, the lottery called the company unlicensable and the whole plan was on the verge of collapse. In May, promising a more transparent
Photo by Ira Cohen
Casino Royale Photo by Ira Cohen
Page 20 Tribune Jan. 6-12, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Photo by Brian M. Rafferty
Photo by Ira Cohen
It was a typical Thursday afternoon in Queens on Sept. 16. Rush hour had hit; the highways were filled with cars carrying people home. Most school buses had delivered their charges; kids were doing homework, playing with friends and helping get dinner ready. The sky turned gray, then black. Wind swirled, buffeting the commuters, shaking children in their houses. An ominous sound bore down from overhead as the sky turned green, lightning dancing across the sky. To see it was disorienting; rain seemed to lift from the ground, trees that had swayed now flew across the highway, over cars and into homes. The crash of debris blended with the smashing of the rain until the sound became deafening. And then it was gone. For about 15 minutes this scene
Councilman Thomas White Jr. died of cancer in August. He was replaced in a special election by Ruben Wills.
Year In Review:
2010:
A Loo Look k Back At At Our News
Political Change One long-time public servant was ousted by the voters in 2010, and another passed on, as Sen. Frank Padavan, the 38-year veteran was defeated and Councilman Tom White Jr. died. After two consecutive close races for the seat held by Sen. Frank Padavan (RBellerose) for the last 38 years, former Councilman Tony Avella threw the knockout punch, defeating the borough’s last GOP state legislator 54-46 percent. Celebrating at Sullivan’s in Bayside on election night, Avella was joined by Sen.-elect Mike Gianaris, who gave up his Assembly seat to run for the post vacated by retiring George Onorato (D-Astoria). They were joined by Sens. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing) and Jose Peralta (D-Corona), as well as Assemblywoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing). The rhetoric of the “Queens Coalition”
Photo by Ira Cohen
broken in October for Resorts World New York, the casino at Aqueduct Racetrack that will have 4,500 video lottery terminals.
was focused on bringing true reform and transparency to the most dysfunctional state legislature in the country. Later in the evening, Avella spoke of bringing “democracy with a lower-case ‘d” back to New York. Councilman Tom White Jr. (D-South Ozone Park) died Aug. 27 at North Shore LIJ Hospital at the age of 71, after a long battle with lung cancer. “He did very well representing his community,” said Adjoa Gzifa, Community Board 12’s chairwoman. “He was very much a person who cared about his constituents.” White served a combined 15-year tenure in the City Council, beginning with a 10-year stint in the 1990s. After being term limited out in 2001, he regained the 28th District’s Councilmanic seat in 2005. “Today, Southeast Queens lost an iconic advocate, and I lost a dear friend,” said State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-St. Albans). “City Councilman Thomas White Jr. served his community with great pride and distinction for over three decades, fighting to keep our streets safe and drug free, and improve the quality of life for seniors, children and small business owners.” Councilman James Sanders (DLaurelton) said that White was an “inspiration” to both his colleagues and constituents. “Tom served his community, his constituency and his City with pride and distinction, and his voice will be sorely missed in City Hall,” Sanders said. “New York City has lost a great public servant; working people have lost a tireless champion and fearless advocate; and I have lost a dear friend.” White is survived by his mother, two children and two grandchildren. As chair of the Council’s Economic
Former Councilman Tony Avella, shown here with his wife at his victory party, knocked 38-year Sen. Frank Padavan out of his seat. Development Committee, White was praised for his prowess in bringing home funds to Queens and his district. Smith said White’s support of women and minority-owned businesses, along with the revitalization of economically distressed areas, have created “countless jobs and helped families struggling to get by put food on their tables and pay their bills.” “He searched for ways to break the cycle of pover ty and violence,” said Council Speaker Christine Quinn (DManhattan). “He fought for job training and placement programs, and investments in long-term economic growth. He had a particular soft spot for women and minority business owners, pushing for additional resources to help them stay
afloat and create good jobs for their neighbors.” Councilman Leroy Comr ie (D-St. Albans) said White championed and secured funds for seniors, educational, social services, youth programs and economic development projects, all while encouraging beneficial zoning changes. “His tenure as chair of the Council’s Economic Development Committee was marked by his unrelenting pressure on the City to ensure that minority and women- owned businesses received their fair share of contracts,” he said. “Council Member Thomas White was a quiet leader and community servant who will be missed tremendously. I mourn his passing and will miss my friend.”
Best Wishes for a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year!
©2011 New York Community Bank. Member FDIC
www.queenstribune.com • Jan. 6-12, 2011 Tribune Page 21
From our Family to Yours
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Leisure
An Ode To Our ‘Forgotten Borough’ By DOMENICK RAFTER Nicole Steinberg is a child of Queens. She grew up in Jackson Heights near Junction and Northern Boulevards, went to school in Bayside, Whitestone and Flushing and even had her first date at Bay Terrace. But when she talked to people from elsewhere about her home borough, she realized just how little they knew about Queens.
Jackson Heights native Nicole Steinberg’s “Forgotten Borough.”
"People didn't know any thing about the borough," she said. That inspired her to put together a book of stories that would really tell the tale of Queens. The result is an anthology of anecdotes and poems about her home borough published by SUN Y Press w ith a t itle that many borough residents would agree with, especially after the recent blizzard clean-up: "Forgot ten Borough." "I want to generate interest and excitement in the borough," Steinberg said. In the book's introduction, Steinberg, who said she has "a lot of Queens pride," opens with the infamous quote about the 7 train by former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker in 2000 that required him to enter Shea Stadium with extra security. She then explains how Queens, unlike the other boroughs, does not have a reputation of its own. "People tend to forget about Queens," she writes. "They're surprised to hear culture exists here too, as if some kind of force field exists on the right hand side of the East River." For the next 200 pages, more than two dozen stories, poems and even Queensthemed haikus take a reader on a cultural tour of the borough, stopping in neighborhoods from Astoria to the Rockaway Peninsula, giving readers a thorough taste of the densely-populated piece of land they might only know for being what's outside their vehicle's windows when they're stuck in traffic. Some of the stories revolved around reallife events, such as the 2003 blackout and the demolition of the Maspeth gas tanks in 2001.
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editing the book "rewarding, but ver y, very difficult." She said she put her own poetr y on hiatus for the book and hopes to focus on that in the future, but left often the possibility of more Queens anthologies if this one proves to be successful. "There was a lot of stuff I didn't cover that I could have the first time around," she said. "Forgotten Borough" will be released next month, and can be pre-ordered at sunypre ss.edu/p-5156-forgot tenborough.aspx Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
Love Oozes Its Way Onto Boro Poet’s Page By ANGY ALTAMIRANO Romance is in the air this New Year as the poet Valentinno brings his readers a book filled with words to soothe our hear ts and spark the romance in all of us. "A Romant ic's Passion: The Tenth Muse" is a modern-day love story told in several different styles. The book is a collection of prose poems, love let ters, essays, extended verse and intimate photos, with quotes under each photograph to enhance the beauty. The story is of a poet who is deeply in love with his muse; she becomes his life's work and for the rest of his life, his poetr y is based on her. Aside from the various styles used in the book, it also serves as an example of how a woman should be treated, said the poet. "The muse is reflected as all women; they should be loved as God says - the most beautiful creation," Valentinno said. After spending time researching and reading poetr y and books writ ten in classic styles, Valentinno brings his readers back to the Romant ics, getting inspiration from poets Lord Byron, Percy Shel ley and John Keats. He said the language brings more beauty and meaning rather than the modern language of contemporary poet s. Valent inno, 36, was born, raised and still live s in Glendale. He bega n writing poetr y at 14 and has not stopped since. He has won two awards at the CNU Writers' Conference, has been nominated for best book award and the Dickinson Award. He has been credited w ith more than 60 literar y honors and was inducted into the "Who's Who of Poets." Through his years of writing, he has written a poem for Queen Elizabeth II and has worked w it h Tony Blair, former Br it ish Prime Minister, in writing and collaborat ing with 20 authors from 20 different nations for The Millennium Movement, fighting against malaria. "Poet Valentinno is a romantic in the best sense of the word. He captures the divine
Valentino’s latest poetry collec tion will be released later this year. romance of life through his brilliant prose," said William McDonald, President of the American Authors Association. "One can almost feel this inner joy and 'light' he projects with images from his words and phrasing." "I like that when I write something, the reader could feel the same exact emotions that I feel. They will cr y or t hey will smile. That's the ultimate thing for a writer; if you could make that person feel the same you did, then you have done your job," said Valentinno. S e t fo r re l e a s e l a t e r t h i s y e a r, " A Romantic's Passion: The Tenth Muse" w ill be found on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. For more information on the book and the poet, visit valentinno.com.
Mets Fans Give Blood The New York Mets w ill host their annual Winter Blood Drive in partnership with the New York Blood Center this Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Caesar's Club. On Jan. 6, fans donating blood will receive a voucher redeemable for one pair of tickets to a select Mets game in April 2011. In addition, fans can show their voucher at the Mets Team Store at Citi Field to receive
15 percent-off regularly-priced merchandise. Season Ticket Holders who give blood can show their voucher and ID card to get 20 percent off regularly-priced items. The discount will only be honored Thursday, Jan. 6. Fans may park in Lot G on 126th Street between the Right Field Gate and Roosevelt Avenue, and enter in the first base VIP, named for Mets legend Gil Hodges.
www.queenstribune.com • Jan. 6-12, 2011 Tribune Page 23
ian, the way your grandmother used to make it, accompanied by dollops of ricotta cheese. If you’re brave enough to tackle spicy food (and who isn’t up for such a challenge?) tr y the Buffalo Ch icken Pizza. One bite and you’ll forget what spicy Buffalo chicken tastes like when not piled on top of a pizza. These slices cannot be eaten the tradiIt’s impossible to live in Queens – or t ional New York way, folding them in half any where in the New York Metro area for like a paper airplane and chomping down, that mat ter – and not have a favorite local stuffing your mouth with as much pie as pizzeria. You don’t have to descend from a possible. Instead they must be eaten like they Mediterranean ethnicity to enjoy a good are in Europe, with a fork and knife, saslice of pizza; just be hungr y. In Fresh vored piece by piece. For those who aren’t Meadows, a new favorite local pizzeria is that adventurous and prefer traditional pepserving the traditional Italian dish with peroni or mushroom, Fat Boys has it, as well as a wide array of more some unusual trimmings. When one orders pizza, the RESTAURANT American-style food like hamburgers, French fries, and Buffalo most popular toppings are obviwings (not on a pizza). Fat Boy’s ous; pepperoni, sausage, meatalso does not forget its owners’ balls, mushrooms – but the favorGreek heritage; the traditional ites of the customers at Fat Boys, Greek gyro is on the menu as well. which opened on Utopia ParkFat Boy’s puts its own perway, one block south of the sonal touch in their pizzas and Horace Harding Expressway, in nearly every thing on their menu. 2009, are not any of the above. All their dough and breads are One of their most popular slices, homemade, baked on site. especially among the local stuUntil about 6 p.m., Fat Boys caters to dents from Francis Lewis High School who frequent the establishment before and after its student crowd. Downstairs from the their classes, is the Philly Cheesesteak Pizza. main restaurant is a game room, with two Imagine a pizza topped with crispy green billiards tables frequented by students durpeppers, melted cheese, onions and juicy ing the day that doubles as a par ty room or slices of steak. The recipe for the pizza catering hall. After the students go home came from owner Nick Vorrais’ grandfa- for the evening, Fat Boys gets its regular ther back in Greece, who recently passed. locals, who enjoy a delicious meal. Don’t feel like going outside? Fat Boy’s Another favorite, especially among Fat Boy’s older crowd, is the Baked Ziti Pizza. delivers, and also does curbside pickup, so This is Fat Boy’s traditional cheese pizza you don’t have to worr y about finding that topped with a generous helping of baked ziti parking spot on your way home from work. —Domenick Rafter pasta cooked to perfection, or if you’re ItalFAT BOYS PIZZA 61-07 Utopia Pkw y., Fresh Meadows (718) 321-0694 CUISINE: Pizzer ia HOURS: Mon-Fr i 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., weekends 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. CREDIT CARDS: Yes DELIV ERY: Yes
"I was looking for stories on different perspectives on living there and on neighborhoods," she said. That led to some neighborhoods being the setting for more than one stor y, but with a different theme, she said. Steinberg began working on the book when she was living in Sunnyside, but while put ting it toget her, she moved to Ph iladelphia, where she currently works at The Pew Center for Ar ts & Heritage. "It was pret ty bit tersweet," she said of editing the book after having moved out of the borough. A poet by trade, Steinberg said she found
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL
Send typed announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 174-15 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina. IF YOUR ORGANIZATION MEETS ON A REGULAR BASIS, SEND ALL DATES FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR.
DANCE ISRAELI FOLK Mondays 7:30-10:00 at Hillcrest Jewish Center, 18202 Union Turnpike. $10 session. 380-4145. LINE DANCING Mondays 6:30-9:30 at Kowalinski Post 4, 61-57 Maspeth Avenue. $7. Cake and coffee. 565-2259.
FLEA MARKETS THRIFT SHOPS Saturdays 11-4 at Bargain Boutique Thrift Shop, Queens Baptist Church, 9323 217 th Street, Queens Village.465-2504.
Page 24 Tribune Jan. 6-12, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
TALKS WINDSOR PARK Monday, January 10 “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” will be discussed at 2 at the Windsor Park library. NYS LABOR LAWS Monday, January 10 Understanding NY State Labor Law at 6:30 at the Jackson Heights library. SEASIDE Monday, January 10 “Island Beneath the Sea” will be discussed at 6:30 at the Seaside library. WHITESTONE Tuesday, January 11 “Olive Kitteridge” will be discussed at 1 at the Whitestone library. HILLCREST Tuesday, Januar y 11 “The Assistant” will be discussed at 2 at the Hillcrest library. GLENDALE Thursday, January 13 “The Awakening” will be discussed at 6:30 at the Glendale library. WINDSOR PARK Thursday, January 13 “The Discomfort Zone: A Personal History” will be discussed at 6:30 at the Windsor Park library. MYSTERY BOOK Saturday, January 15 Paranormal/Mystery Book Club meets at the LIC library at 3:30. MOVIES & MUSIC Monday, January 17 book discussion focused on titles with strong ties to music and movies. “Love Is A Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time” will be discussed at 7:30 at Barnes & Noble, 1766 0 U n i o n Tu r n p i ke , F re s h Meadows.
ENTERTAINMENT SYMPHONY 101 Saturday, January 8 at 1 at the Forest Hills and at 3 at the Sunnyside library. Performance/workshop about the different instruments in the traditional symphonic orchestra. For the entire family. KAISSA Sunday, January 9 African, reggae, jazz, R&B, makossa and Brazilian fusion music by Kaissa at 3 at the Central library. MOVIE & TALK Mondays the Friends of Pomonok present a movie and discussion. Bring lunch. 1 at the Pomonok library. TROUBLED WATER Monday, January 10 showing of the film “Troubled Water” with English subtitles and discussion at 2 at the Fresh Meadows library. OPEN MIC POETRY Mondays, January 10, February 14, March 14 at 7:30 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows. FAMILY GAME NIGHT Monday, January 10 at the South Jamaica library at 6. BINGO Tuesdays at 7:15 at American Mart yrs Church, church basement, 216-01 Union Tu r n p i k e , B a y s i d e . 4 6 4 4 5 8 2 . Tu e s d ay s at 7:15 (doors open 6) at the Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd. 459-1000.$3 admission includes 12 games. DINO ROSI Tuesday, Januar y 11 concert of international songs with Dino Rosi at the Auburndale library at 3. KIDS’ CHOIR Thursday, January 13 NY Hospital Queens will host the St. Francis Prep Children’s Choir from 3-4 in the Lang Auditorium for a free concert. 670-1211 to register. ZOMBIE! Thursday, January 13 use of zombies in literature, media and film at the Pomonok library at 6. MLK JR. Friday, January 14 A Communit y Conversation about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Langston Hughes library at 7. MLK JR. Saturday, Januar y 15 TriBoro Intergenerational Services of Jamaica invites all to an afternoon of reflections and entertainment at their annual celebration dedicated to the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at 2 at the Merrick Park Baptist Church, 120-02 Bishop Curtis G. Norton, Sr. Drive (Marsden Street), Jamaica. 276-5039 information. Free will offering. CON BRIO ENSEMBLE Saturday, January 15 at the Flushing library at 2., ASTRONOMY Saturday, January 15 from 7-9 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000 to register. $12 adult, $7 children. LAS POSADAS Saturday, January 15 Ra-
dio Jarocho celebrates Las Posadas at 3 at the Elmhurst library. AMERICAN HEARTLAND Saturday, January 15 Claremont Strings presents Music of the American Heartland at 3 at the Jackson Heights library. OPEN MIC Sunday, January 16 at the Central library at 2. MLK JR. Sunday, January 16 Clergy United for Communit y Empowerment, Inc. presents a celebration service of commemoration for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 5 at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 202-03 Hollis Avenue. CON BRIO ENSEMBLE Sunday, January 16 at 4:30 at Church in the Gardens, 50 Ascan Avenue, Forest Hills. $12. GUITAR NIGHT Sunday, January 16 International Guitar Night at Queens Theatre in the Park. 760-0064 tickets. CON BRIO ENSEMBLE Saturday, January 22 at 2 at the Langston Hughes library. CONCERTI Sunday, January 23 young virtuosi take the stage to perform a program of concerti with orchestra. All ages. 997-3888. GOLDILOCKS Saturday, January 29 Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Queens Theatre in the Park. 760-0064. BACK TO THE 60S Saturday, January 29 Ron Dante, Sonny Geraci and Dennis Tu fano per form at Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6311. COFFEEHOUSE February 5 at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000. TANGO BUENOS AIRES Sunday, February 20 at Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6311.
SENIORS AARP 1405 Mondays, January 10, 24 Flushing AARP Chapter 1405 meets at the Bowne Street Communit y Church, 143-11 Roosevelt Avenue at 1. New members welcome. STARS Wednesday, January 12 at 10:30 at the Hollis library and Friday, January 14 at 10:30 at the Queens Village library. Senior Theater Acting Repertory meets. WOMANSPACE Wednesdays Womanspace, a discussion group devoted to issues concerning women, meets 1-3 at the Great Neck Senior Center, 80 Grace Avenue. New members welcome. AARP 29 Thursdays, January 13, February 10, March 10 AARP Chapter 29 meets at Grace House, 155-02 90 th Avenue, Jamaica at noon. FREE LUNCH Saturdays, January 15, February 19, March 19 at All Saints Church in Richmond Hill. 849-2352 reservations.
EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS QUILTING CLASSES Thursdays 10-2 at the Maria Rose Doll Museum in St. Albans. 276-3454 or 917817-8653 to register. CHESS CLUB Thursdays at the East Flushing library. Register. KNIT & CROCHET Thursdays at the Fresh Meadows library at 6. WRITER’S WORKSHOP Thursday, January 13 at the Bayside library. Register. SIGN LANGUAGE Thursday, January 13 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000 to register. For the entire family. KNITTING CLUB Fridays at the Maspeth library at 10. KNIT & CROCHET Fridays at the Fresh Meadows library at 10:30. COMPUTER CLASS Friday, January 14 at the Middle Village librar y. Register. SCRABBLE
Fridays Bananagrams and Scrabble at the Windsor Park library at 2:30. JIC JOB INFO Saturday, January 15 at the Central library at 11. POETRY WRITING Tu e s d a y, J a n u a r y 1 8 a t Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows at 7:30. NOOK NIGHT Wednesday, January 19 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows at 7. DEFENSIVE DRIVING Saturday, January 22 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Franklin Square. 516-872-8062. DEFENSIVE DRIVING Sunday, January 30 from 93:30 at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. $50. 263-7000 to register. JH ART CLUB Classes in all art forms days and evenings for children and adults. 899-0065.
HEALTH NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS 7 days a week. 932-6244. WAITANKUNG Sundays at 2. Waitankung is a great total-body workout. Join these ancient Chinese exercise classes in the Flushing Hospital/Medical Center auditorium on 45 th Avenue between Parsons and Burling. Free. Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156 information. BLOOD DRIVE Sunday, January 9 blood drive from 9:30-1:30 at Temple Tikvah, 3315 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park. OBESITY & AGING Monday, January 10 R e serving the #1 Cause of Illness: Obesit y & Accelerated Aging at 6 at the Flushing library. ZUMBA EXERCISE Monday, January 10 at the Lefrak Cit y library at 6. TAI CHI Mondays and Thursdays at 11 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695. $5 a class. CAREGIVERS SUPPORT E ve r y Tu e s d a y We ste r n Queens Caregiver Network in Sunnyside. 5:30-6:30. 784-6173, ext. 431. ALZHEIMERS Tuesdays, Januar y 11, 25, February 8, 22, March 8, 22 Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills. 592-5757, ext. 237. YOGA Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 6701695. $10 class. CAREGIVERS WORKSHOP Wednesday, January 12 topics include caregiver burnout, resources, more. Flushing library at 10:30. WELL SPOUSES Wednesdays, January 12, February 9, March 9 Well Spouses or Partners of the Chronically Ill and Disabled meet at 7 at St. Charles Rehab Center, 201 IU Willets Road, Albertson. Donation. 516-829-8740.
SELF DEFENSE Thursday, January 13 Self Defense Workshop for women and Girls at the Sunnyside library at 4. OA Thursdays at the Howard Beach library at 10:30. OA Fridays 6:30-8:30 at Unit y Center of Flushing, 42-11 1 5 5 th S t r e e t . S a t u r d a y s 10:30-noon at Resurrection Ascension, Feely Hall, 85-18 61 st Road, Rego Park. Beginners meeting except the last Friday of each month, which is a writing meeting. CO-DEPENDENTS ANON. Fridays 10-11:45 at Resurrection Ascension Pastoral C e n t e r , 8 5 - 1 8 6 1 st R o a d , Rego Park. Women only.
RELIGIOUS FOREST HILLS Sunday, January 9 Shiva Minyan Breakfast at 9, after morning Minyan. $10. RSVP by January 6. Thursdays Talmud Class following Morning Minyan. $10 non-members. Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000, ext. 200. MLK JR. Sunday, January 16 Clergy United for Communit y Empowerment, Inc. presents a celebration service of commemoration for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 5 at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 202-03 Hollis Avenue.
MISCELLANEOUS CANNED FOOD DRIVE Through Saturday, January 8 at the Hillcrest library. EDUCATOR APPRECIATE Saturday, January 15 through Sunday, January 23 pre-K to grade 12 educators will enjoy special discounts at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows.
www.queenstribune.com • Jan. 6-12, 2011 Tribune Page 25
FM POETS Saturday, January 8 Fresh Meadows Poets meet to discuss their work at 10 at the Forest Hills library. RESUME WRITING Saturday, January 8 at the LIC library at 10:30. CAREER POTENTIAL Saturday, January 8 at the Central library at 2. PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, January 8, 15, 29, February 5, 19 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-4367940. SCRABBLE CLUB Saturdays at 10 at Count Basie Jr. HS, 132 nd Street and Guy R. Brewer Blvd. 8865236. PET OWNERS Sundays (not on holidays) from 1-4 free workshops on pet behavior at Crocheron Park in Bayside (weather permitting). 454-5800. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library at 4. ENGLISH CONV. Monday, January 10 English Conversation Groups at the Bellerose librar y. Register. ADULT CHESS Mondays and Thursdays at the Queens Village library at 5:30. COMPUTER CLASS Monday, January 10 at the Fresh Meadows library. Register. JOB INFO SERVICES Monday, January 10 at the Middle Village librar y. Register. CRAFT CLUB Monday, January 10 at the LIC library at 6. BALLROOM DANCING Monday, January 10 at the Forest Hills library at 6:30. INTRO E-MAIL Tuesday, Januar y 11 at the Queens Village library. Register. COMPUTER CLASS Tuesday, Januar y 11 at the Arverne library at 10. COMPUTER CLASS Tuesday, Januar y 11 at the Sunnyside library. Register. ADULT SCRABBLE Tuesday, Januar y 11 at the Fresh Meadows library at 1. KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays at the Windsor Park library at 2. SCRABBLE CLUB Tuesdays at the East Flushing library at 3:30. GET YOUR YARNS OUT! Tuesdays after evening Minyan at 8, knitters, crocheters, needlepointers, and others meet at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000, ext. 200. DUPLICATE BRIDGE Wednesdays 10:30-3:00 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills. $12 session, includes light lunch. 261-2900. WATERCOLOR CL ASS Wednesdays at 9:30 at NAL. Traditional and contemporary, all levels. 969-1128. INDOOR SOCCER – DADS Wednesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000. US CITIZENSHIP Thursday, January 13 Pathway to US Citizenship at the Elmhurst library at 5:30.
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Queens Today
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Queens Today TEENS CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library at 4. MANGA CLUB Monday, January 10 at the Peninsula library at 4. LAPTOPS FOR TEENS Monday-Friday, January 1014 at the Hollis library at 4:30. TEEN TUTORING Monday, January 10 at 3:30 at the Bayside library. RESUME WRITING Monday, January 10 at 3:30
Page 26 Tribune Jan. 6-12, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
MEETINGS BEREAVEMENT New bereavement group forming at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000, ext. 223 for information. CATHOLIC VETS Mondays, January 10, February 14, March 14 American Mart yrs Catholic War Veterans Post 1772 meets in Bayside. 468-9351. VFW 4787 Mondays, January 10, 24, February 14, 28, March 14, 28 Whitestone VFW Comm u n i t y Po s t m e e t s . 7 4 6 0540. FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tuesdays the Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets. 917-612-3463. COMM. BD. 9 Tuesday, January 11 Communit y Board 9 meets at Punjabi Palace. 286-2686. LIONS CLUB Tuesdays, Januar y 11, February 8, March 8 the Lions Club of Ravenswood meets at 6:30 at Riccardo’s by the Bridge, 21-01 21 st Avenue, Astoria. WOMANSPACE Wednesdays Womanspace, a discussion group devoted to issues concerning women, meets 1-3 at the Great Neck Senior Center, 80 Grace Avenue. New members welcome. QUEENS CENTRAL ROTARY Thursdays 6:30-8:30 Come learn if Rotary is for you. 465-2914. UNITED 40S Thursday, January 13 United Forties Civic Association, Inc. meets at St. Teresa P a r i s h C e n t e r , 5 0 - 2 2 4 5th Street, Woodside. ADVANCED TOASTMASTER Thursdays, January 13, 27, February 24, March 17, 31 learn the art and science of public speaking in Queens. 525-6830. CIVIL AIR PATROL Fridays 6-10 at Vaughn College of Aeronautics, 86-01 23 rd Avenue, East Elmhurst. Academy WOMAN’S GROUP Fridays the Woman’s Group of Jamaica Estates meets at noon. Call 461-3193 for information. P-FLAG Sundays, January 16, February 20, March 20 PFLAG, a support group for parents, families and friends of lesbians and gays, meet in Forest Hills. 271-6663.
at the Broadway library. TEEN ADVISORY BD. Monday, January 10 at the Central library at 4. CHESS CLUB Monday, January 10 at the Bayside library at 6. CRAFT CLUB Monday, January 10 at the LIC library at 6. FAMILY GAME NIGHT Monday, January 10 at the South Jamaica library at 6. GRAPHIC NOVELIST Tuesday, January 11 at 4 at t h e B a y Te r r a c e l i b r a r y. Thursday, January 13 at 4 at the Richmond Hill library. Meet and learn from graphic novelist and children^:’s book author Neil Numberman in this art workshop. WINTER CRAFT Tuesday, Januar y 11 at the Queens Village library at 4:30. DRAWING MANGA Tuesday, Januar y 11 at the Seaside library at 4:30. BOOK BUDDIES Tuesday, Januar y 11 at the Hillcrest library at 3:30. CHESS & CHECKERS Tuesday, January 11 at 4 at the LIC library DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Tuesday, Januar y 11 at the Baisley Park library. Register. CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library. TEEN GAMES Wednesday, January 12 at the Central library at 4. GAME DAY Wednesday, January 12 at the St. Albans library at 4. TEEN GAME DAY Wednesday, January 12 at the Kew Gardens Hills library at 4:30. LEARN MAGIC Wednesday, January 12 at the Queens Village library at 4. HISTORY OF CINEMA Wednesday, January 12 History of Cinema for Young Adults at 4 at the Steinway library. DRAMA POSSE Thursday, January 13 at the Hillcrest library. Register. PRACTICE SAT Thursday, January 13 at the Astoria library at 4. DRUMS Thursday, January 13 find your rhythm at the Lefferts library at 4. SELF DEFENSE GIRLS Thursday, January 13 at 4 at the Sunnyside library. WII TOURNAMENT Thursday, January 13 at the Windsor Park library. Register. ZOMBIE! Thursday, January 13 zombies in literature, media and film at 6 at the Pomonok library. INTERNET SAFETY Thursday, January 13 at the Ridgewood library Register. HAPPY HOUR Friday, January 14 at the Flushing library at 3. BOOK BUDDIES Friday, January 14 at the Fresh Meadows library at 4. GAME PLAYERS Fridays at the Hillcrest library at 2.
BOOK BUDDIES Friday, January 14 at the Bayside library at 4. MLK JR. Friday, January 14 Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – A Community Conversation at 7 at the Langston Hughes library TEEN TUTORING Saturday, January 15 at the Bayside library at 10. SCIENCE FAIR HOW TO Saturday, January 15 at the Ridgewood library at 1. MYSTERY BOOK CLUB Saturday, January 15 at the LIC library. Register. OPEN MIC Saturday, January 16 at the Central library at 2. ACQC SUPPORT AC Q C Te e n Pe e r S u p p o r t Group - information, support, skills development training for those “touched by HIV/AIDS.” Ages 14-16. 8962500. ART CLASSES Fridays the Alliance of Queens Artists in Forest Hills offers teen workshops. 5209842. BOY SCOUTS 138 Thursdays Boy Scout Troop 138 meets at 7:30 at 19215C 64 th Circle, basement, Fresh Meadows. For those up to 17. 454-2391. BUKHARIAN LOUNGE Bukharian Teen Lounge, for those 15-18, at the Central Queens YM-YWHA in Forest Hills. 268-5011, ext. 202. CATALPA YMCA Saturdays recreation, Weight room and fitness center available. 69-02 64 th Street, Ridgewood. 8216271. COUNSELING Call 592-5757 for free counseling at the Forest Hills Communit y House. DROP IN CENTER Mondays-Thursday from 47 the Queens Rainbow Comm u n i t y C e n t e r, 3 0 - 3 7 4 Steinway Street, 2 nd floor, Astoria, holds a Drop-In Center for LGBTQQ youth up to 22. 204-5955. EMPLOYMENT SERVICE Sunnyside Communit y Services Youth Employment Services available. 784-6173, ext. 129. GAY GROUP Mondays the AIDS Center of Queens Count y has a Gay/ B i / L e s b i a n Yo u t h G r o u p (ages 16-21) meeting designed to support young people in exploring feelings about sexualit y and other issues. 896-2500. SCOUTING The Rego Park Jewish Center will offer boy and girl scouting. 516-526-2492. SCOUTING Join Scouting in Queens. 212-651-2897. VAC YOUTH SQUAD T h e G l e n O a k s Vo l u n te e r A m b u l a n c e C o r p s Yo u t h Squad is looking for new members 14-18. 347-1637. YOUTH GROUP Friday s the Communit y Church of Little Neck will hold their Communit y Youth Group from 7-9. 461 6 L i t t l e N e c k P a r k w a y. 229-2534.
EXTENDED THROUGH FEBRUARY 5
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basement at 192-15C 64 Circle, Fresh Meadows. For those 11 and older. 4542391. CUB SCOUTS 351 Fridays at St. Nicholas of Tolentine school cafeteria, Parsons Blvd. and Union Turnpike. Boys in grades 15. 820-0015. CUB/TROOP SCOUTS Fridays from September through June Pack 357 and Tr o o p 3 5 7 m e e t s i n t h e S c o u t R o o m , 6 9 - 1 6 1 6 4th Street, Flushing. 591-9514 Cubs, 279-9085 Scouts. SCOUTING Join Scouting in Queens. 212-651-2897. SHABBAT SCOUTS Sundays Shomer Shabbat Boy Scout Troop 613 meets from 6-7:30 at Young Israel of Windsor Park. 969-1571.
COLIN QUINN CONQUERS BROADWAY
“HILARIOUS!�
New York Times
“BRISK AND SEINFELDIAN.� New York Magazine
EXHIBIT QUEENS HISTORICAL Tu e s d a y s , S a t u r d a y s a n d Sundays 2:30-4:30 new exhibit “For Love of the Games: A History of Sports in Queens,� with other exhibits, “Unraveling History: Using Textiles to Date the Past,� “Kingsland: From Homestead to House Museum,� “Persistence: A Celebration of Landmarks in Queens – Past, Present, Future,� and “ T h e C i v i l Wa r ’ s L a s t i n g Memory.� Queens Historical Societ y at Kingsland Homestead, 144-35 37 th avenue, Flushing. 939-0647, ext. 17. $2 seniors and students, $3 adults. AMER. CIVIL RIGHTS Through January “A Journey I Stone and Wood,� sculptures by Gladys Thompson Roth. February through April “Bindu Masks from the Imperato Collection.� February through June “QCC Art Gallery: 20 Years of Collecting.� May through June “Department of Art and Design’s Juried Student Exhibition.� QCC Art Galler y. 631-6396. AFGHANISTAN Through January 13 “Windows and Mirrors: The War in Afghanistan� at the Godwin-Ternbach Museum at Queens College. NAL STUDENTS January 3-29 National Art League Students’ Art Exhibition at the league, 44-21 Douglaston Parkway. Monday through Thursday 1-4 and weekends 1-3. Free. NY REGIONAL AESTHETICS January 29 through June 30 “ E x p re s s : L o c a l / N ew Yo r k Regional Aesthetics� at the Queens College Art Center. 997-3770. FLUSHING COUNCIL Through September 2011 “Within the Emperor’s Gard e n : � T h e Te n T h o u s a n d Springs Pavilion.� Permanent displays include “Jazz Live!�, “Flushing Town Hall:� Fact or Folklore,� an historical exhibition on Flushing Town Hall and its place in history, “Legends of the Queens Jazz Trail� 463-7700.
“HILARIOUS!�
New York Post
“COLIN QUINN NAILS IT. STATE OF THE ART.� Time Magazine
“HILARIOUS!�
Variety
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Mon 8; Tue 7; Wed 8; Thu 8; Fri 8; Sat 2, 5, 8
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ColinQuinn.com |
www.queenstribune.com • Jan. 6-12, 2011 Tribune Page 27
Wednesday, January 12 at the St. Albans library at 4. S TORY T I M E Wednesday, January 12 at t h e E a st E l m h u r st l i b r a r y. Register. PRESCHOOL CRAFT Wednesday, January 12 at t h e W i n d s o r Pa r k l i b ra r y. Register. PICTURE BOOK TIME Wednesday, January 12 at the Rego Park library at 3:30. SKATEBOARD Wednesday, January 12 Personalize your own skateboard at the Lefrak Cit y library at 4. ANNIE THE DOG Thursday, January 13 at the Queens Village library at 4. PUZZLE PROJECTS Thursday, January 13 at the Hillcrest library at 4:30. WII TOURNAMENT Thursday, January 13 at the Windsor Park library. Register. CHESS CLUB Friday, January 14 at the Poppenhusen library at 3:30. GAME DAY Fridays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library. ARTS & CRAFTS Friday, January 14 at the East Flushing library. Register. GAME PLAYERS CLUB Fridays at the Hillcrest library at 4. GAME TIME Fridays at the Windsor Park library at 4. CHESS CLUB Fridays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library. Register. FAMILY STORY TIME Friday, January 14 at the Seaside library at 11. MLK JR. Friday, January 14 celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday at the Bay Terrace library. Register. BOOK BUDDIES Friday, January 14 at the Bayside library at 4. MLK JR. Friday, January 14 at the East Elmhurst library at 4. ARTS & CRAFTS Friday, January 14 at the Peninsula library at 4. MLK JR. Friday, January 14 at the Langston Hughes library at 7. TEEN TUTORING Saturday, January 15 at the Bayside library at 10. ANIMAL CARE Saturday, January 15 and Sunday, January 23 for those 8-12 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 2294000 to register. STORY TIME Saturday, January 15 story time featuring books that celebrate each person’s uniqueness and show how important it is to be a good friend at 11 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows. MLK JR. Saturday, January 15 program at the Central library beginning at 11:30. SCIENCE FAIR HOW TO Saturday, January 15 at the Ridgewood library at 1. BOY SCOUT 138 Thursdays Boy Scout Troop 138 meets at 7:30 in the
Time Out New York
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QUEENS LIBRARIES Many branches of the Queensborough Library offer toddler and pre-school programs. Contact your local branch for dates. MATH HELP Saturday at the Flushing library. MAD SCIENTIST Saturday, January 8 at Alley Pond Environmental Center for those 8-12. 2294000 to register. SCIENCE LAB Saturdays, January 8, 15 at the Central library at 11. FOOTPRINTS IN SNOW Saturday, January 8 for those 3-4 and Saturday, January 22 for those 5-6 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000 to register. SYMPHONY 101 Saturday, January 8 at 1 at the Forest Hills library and at 3 at the Sunnyside library. Performance/workshop about the different instruments in the traditional symphonic orchestra. CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2. S TORY TIMES Saturdays at 11 and Tuesdays at 10:30 weekly story times at 7 at Barnes & Noble, 1 7 6 - 6 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i k e , Fresh Meadows. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at 4 at the Douglaston/Little Neck lib ra r y. B r i n g n e e d l e s a n d yarn. HOMEWORK HELP Monday-Friday, January 1014 at the Lefrak Cit y library at 3. LITTLE TOT TIME Monday, January 10 at the Hillcrest library at 4. AFTERSCHOOL TIME Monday, January 10 at 3 at the Arverne library. TEEN TUTORING Monday, January 10 at the Bayside library at 3:30. WINTER CRAFT Monday, January 10 at the Queens Village library at 4. FAMILY GAME NIGHT Monday, January 10 at the South Jamaica library at 6. PJ STORY TIME Monday, January 10 at the Pomonok library at 7. NUTRITION WORKSHOP Tu e s d ay, J a n u a r y 1 1 fo r those 11-14 at the LIC library. Register. Also at the LIC library on Thursday, January 13. Register. ACTING WORKSHOP Tu e s d ay, J a n u a r y 1 1 fo r those 10-14 at the Peninsula library,. Register. BOOK BUDDIES Tuesday, Januar y 11 at 3:30 at the Hillcrest library. CHESS & CHECKERS Tuesday, Januar y 11 at the LIC library at 4. DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Tuesday, Januar y 11 at the Baisley Park library. Register. CHESS Wednesdays at the Queens Village library at 3:30. CRAFTS Wednesday, January 12 at the Steinway library. Register. GAME DAY
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Queens Today
Queens Focus PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE FDR Democratic Assoc.: PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE...PEOPLE..PEOPLE... Army National Guard Pvt. Gustavo A. Avenia has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman. He is the son of Adela Caviedes of Flushing. Maspeth Federal Savings donated $5,000 to Our Lady of Hope School in Middle Village and St. Stanislaus Kostka School in Maspeth. Currently both schools participate in the bank’s Young Savers Program, which allows the students to open bank accounts through the school. The students deposit weekly into the accounts and the bank sends employees to pick up and drop off the deposits for the students. Kenneth Rudzewick, President & Chief Executive Officer of Maspeth Federal presented the schools with the checks on Friday. “At Maspeth Federal, we strongly believe in education and supporting the children of our
community. It’s a special time for them and their family, and we just want to give back in the best way we see possible” At Our Lady of Hope, the school used the donation for a Smart Board for their 3rd Grade class. Smart Boards look like large screens that resemble a white chalk board, but they are actually monitors hooked into an internet-connected computer that the teacher can use just as someone uses a desktop or laptop computer. The screens are interactive, using touch-screen technology, and programs, lessons, internet searches and much more can be done right in front of the class. “The Our Lady of Hope School Community wishes to thank Maspeth Federal Savings for their unending support and generosity. The Smart Board is a wonderful tool to help us enhance the students’ interests and grasp their attention in a way they understand given today’s technological world.” Said Ms. Michele Krebs, Principal of Our Lady of Hope School. At St. Stanislaus Kostka, they plan to continue to provide Smart Board Technology in their classrooms and to upgrade and increase the number of our school laptops used by the children for classroom research. “St. Stanislaus Kostka School thanks Mr. Rudzewick and Maspeth Federal Savings for
Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky and two leaders of the United Federation of Teachers, District 25 Representative Joseph Kessler and Queens Borough Representative Rona Freiser, spoke at the December meeting of the FDR Democratic Association. Pictured l. to r. Sen. Stavisky, Kessler, Freiser, FDR Democratic Assn. President Judith Abbot. ‘giving back’ to our children while, at the same time, helping them to learn the value of investing and saving money through the bank’s Young Savers Program.” Said Sister Rose Torma, Principal of St. Stanislaus Kostka School. St. John’s has appointed Joseph M. Mattone, Sr., Chairman of the Board of Mattone Group, LLC., to the University’s Board of Trustees. Mattone, a St. John’s University Law School Alumnus (‘55, ‘94HON), was unanimously elected by his
peers this past September. He will serve in his first capacity as St. John’s Board Trustee during a full meeting of the board at the University’s Queens campus this month. He had previously served as a founding member of St. John’s University’s Board of Governors. Mattone has been involved in real estate development since 1955, both individually and under the Mattone Group banner. He is a Senior Partner in the law firm of Mattone, Mattone, Mattone, Mattone, Mattone, Megna and Todd, a full service Queens-based law firm.
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Many people think Jerry Seinfeld walked away from a goldmine when “Seinfeld” ended, but they have no idea the paper he is commanding now. The Queens comedian will garner a payday of £1 million ($1.5 million) for a 90 minute show in London on June 3. We know it’s not anything compared to the sum he pulled for an episode of Seinfeld, but consider this, there is no George, Kramer, Newman or Elaine with her psychotic dancing. The only personality he has to deal with is his own. This Queens College alum Hey Jerr, this is the season of per- certainly isn’t worried about petual hope. Why not share? his next paycheck.
Astoria Tiffany’s
Call the number if your tiara is missing.
Did you lose a bag full of Tiffany merchandise in Astoria recently? If you did, did you think you’d ever get it back? Well someone in Astoria found your bag of Tiffany’s goodies and didn’t sell them on eBay for a nice profit or give their special someone a free Christmas present. Instead the good samaritan posted flyers across the neighborhood with a phone number to call to claim the bag. The flyers note that there is jewelry inside. Depending on who you talk to, the person who found the bag is either an incredibly sincere, honest and selfless individual, or stupid. You decide.
His Spider Sense Is Tingling
Math Major Lindsay Curtis fell into modeling almost by accident. While helping her friend Venus with makeup and photo shoots for models, she was eventually convinced to step in front of the camera. The 18-year-old Woodhaven college student said it isn’t going to be a career choice for her, but rather a “side project.” “I actually really enjoy it,” she said, “I do plan on continuing to model.” A side project to her desired career, math teacher, Lindsay is studying at Queens College and hopes to teach math when she graduates. “I really enjoy math,” she said. A graduate of George Washington Carver High School in Springfield Gardens, she involved herself in math classes and math challenges while there and was inspired by her math teacher to become one herself. Whatever free time Lindsay has, which she admits isn’t often, she spends with her friends. “We don’t really do much,” she said. “We just sit at home and watch movies.” Lately, she said, she’s been watching a lot of war movies, but her taste for movies and music is very eclectic. “My iPod is very random,” she said, with everything from The Beatles to hip-hop.
The show must go on… unless Assemblyman Rory Lancman has anything to say about it. Perhaps the most highly anticipated disaster in Broadway history, “Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark,” based on the story of our Forest Hills web-slinger, has delighted and terrified audiences alike during a preview run in which four actors were injured – one with a concussion and another with broken ribs and internal bleeding. “Several actors have been injured during the show’s short preview season, and the danger to actors, theater employees and audience members seems to have reached unacceptable levels,” said Lancman in a letter to producer Michael Cohl, complete with “Turn Off The Dark” is feeling pressure threats to hold hearings. to turn off the lights. For now, new safety protocols seem to have satisfied local electeds. Nobody say break a leg to that Seth Bornstein, the Executive Director of Queens Economic Develcast or crew! opment, needs a vacation. For many of us, when we have toiled away at our jobs for too long without a break, we get kinda punchy, and it shows. Seth, with apologies to every poet who has ever lived, decided to send out an e-mail blast that we couldn’t help but share with those not fortunate enough to be on his list. This is his poem, folks – unedited:
Page 38 Tribune Jan. 6-12, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Ode To Queens 2010
Google Queens
Every year Google, the do-noevil internet giant that is taking over the world, puts together its zeitgeist list of the top searches by city or region, and this year, for New York City, the Queens Library made the Top 10 – at No. 10. Joining the ranks of such searches as Streeteasy, CUNY Portal and IKEA Brooklyn (the top three), our borough’s library ascended to the chart – the only listing that was uniquely Queens. Sure, Hopstop, NYC Weather, MTA and nyc.gov made the list as well, but we don’t see the New York Public Library or the New York Yankees on the list either. It just goes to show, if it’s out there, it’s in the Queens Library. Congratulations, and let’s shoot for the top next year.
As we bid farewell to 2010 It’s time to look back and “remember when.” So turn off the computer and take out a pen It’s less techie and provides a few moments of zen Here at QEDC we’ve been busy as bees Our alphabet programs meet so many needs: EAP, WBC and Avenue NYC help small businesses lead, And Restaurant Week is a borough-wide feed They’re packed in at Citi Field for the Taste, And we’re really in love with the Entrepreneur’s Space. Business Blueprint seminars help all win the race And Discovering Queens – oh, what a place! Gotham Center is making Long Island City look snazzier, And JetBlue’s presence will make Queens Plaza classier. Shop at Skyview Center, drink bubble tea with tapioca lather The exhibits at NY Sci and MMI help increase your brain matter Downtown Jamaica has Applebee’s and sleek apartments at Moda, In the new Rockaway Stop & Shop there’ll be black cherry soda. At expanded Kaufman Studios you may spy Ray Liotta But Costco Rego Park toilet-paper packs outsize a Toyota Seth, why don’t you take a day off?
Lindsay Curtis Home: Woodhaven Age: 18 Height: 5’ 2" Weight: 135 lbs Stats: 34-29-42 NYPhotoByNick
Models Of Queens
Still Filthy Rich
Snowed In Calling 311 won’t help this situation. While the rest of the City was digging their cars out of last week’s blizzard, one unlucky QConf staffer had to dig the blizzard out of his car. Armed with ice scraper in hand, he came to find his Jeep Wrangler virtually free of any snow on the Inside the staffer’s clunker. outside. But the poor chump was not as lucky as he originally thought. He opened his car to find a nice coating of snow on the inside. Fortunately, it was on the passenger side. We’re not sure if the Dept. of Sanitation does car detailing, but after four nightmarish years of dealing with this junker, the QConf staffer wished a garbage truck would just plow the damned thing away already. Say it ain’t so, Joe.
Confidentially, New York . . .