Vol. 41, No. 7 Feb. 17-23, 2011
PAGE 38
*/9 Tribune Photo by Ira Cohen
/. 34%).7!9 342%%4
Q
Dozens of supporters of the Egyptian Revolution took to the streets of Astoria to celebrate the peaceful overthrow of longtime dictator Hosni Mubarak. By Domenick Rafter…Page 14
F
INSIDE
B
S
CB7 Gives OK To RKO Keith’s Next Chapter
Seniors Shut Out As Boro Garden Hikes Its Fees
Co-Op Owners: New Assessment ‘Too Damn High’
A
PAGE 3
PAGE 3
PAGE 5
E H
J Visit
us
on
Deadline...................................................................3 Editorial ...................................................................6 Not 4 Publication ....................................................8 Police Blotter ........................................................12 This Week ..............................................................13 Trib Pix...................................................................18 Leisure ...................................................................22 Queens Today .......................................................24 Closeup .................................................................28 Classifieds.............................................................29 Focus .....................................................................33 Confidential ...........................................................38
hh t tt p : /: / /w tp ww ww w..qqu ue ee e n s t rriibbuunnee. .ccoo mm
the
W Wo r l d W i d e W e b
Queens Deadline RKO Keiths:
Mixed Review, But Still Approved By JOSEPH OROV IC One must assume the RKO Keith’s theater in Flushing holds a special place in Community Board 7’s heart. Its members approved the landmark theater’s planned redevelopment on Valentine’s Day – twice. On Monday night, the board approved developer Patrick Thompson’s new plans by a vote of 24-10. The proposal modifies a variance for the mixed commercial-residential building by including more residential units and parking spaces, among other changes form the plans approved six years ago. The measure will move on to the Board of Standards and Appeals for final approval. The derelict theater has been an eyesore in the community for two decades, squatting at the intersection of Main Street and Northern Boulevard, far removed from its glory days as a cultural hub. “This is a very emotional topic, a very emotional site,” said CB 7 Vice Chair Chuck Apelian. The BSA variance asks for the modification of the maximum number of apartments from 200 to 357, and adds 156 parking
spaces, giving it a total of 385. It also increases the floor space for commercial spaces to 17,460 from 10,957. The plan would create a 17-story structure with a mix of commercial, rental apartments and community space while also restoring the site’s landmark lobby and grand staircase. Discussion of the plan lasted nearly two hours, with emotions hardly registering far from the middle. The board had, for all intents and purposes, done the heavier lifting for the project on Valentine’s Day six years ago. Then-developer Shaya Boymelgreen’s plan to transform the theater into a 200-unit, high-end condominium was met with cautious approval. The plan presented to the board on Monday night looked aesthetically the same. In fact, the same architect, Jay Valgora of Studio V Architecture, matter-offactly skimmed through his presentation of the exterior. “It’s been a missing tooth in the smile of the neighborhood,” Valgora said. Board members initially focused on a
familiar refrain: parking. Arlene Fleishman and Selma Moses called for a return of the one-to-one ratio of apartments to parking originally agreed upon. Valgora said residents would likely use mass transit instead of cars, adding the .91 parking-to-apartment ratio was well above the required .7-1 ratio. Also, Thompson squeezed an additional 25 spots within the last month in an effort to address the CB’s concerns. The public comment period notably featured the blessing of two champions of the theater’s restoration. Jerry Rotundi, founder and leader of the Committee to Save the RKO Keith’s Theater, lambasted former Borough President Claire Schulman’s alleged part in the RKO’s demise. He conceded the full restoration to a functioning arts venue was impossible, but suggested the inclusion of a museum element as a reminder of the site’s history. Ed Tracey, founder of netroots group the Friends of the RKO Keith’s Flushing, said, “To see something like this project, it does my heart good.”
The board’s discussion included its two most prominent figures pulling their support from the project. Chairmen Gene Kelty and Apelian said the density of the project made it impossible to support. “I’d be remiss if I voted for the project,” Kelty said. Apelian drew comparisons to other new developments within the neighborhood, pointing to Flushing Commons, which would have almost twice as many apartments, but on a lot that is five times larger. “I’m not quite sure whether the character of the neighborhood will be affected,” he said. Ultimately, the board voted in favor of the project. Thompson, who said this was his first time before any community board, welcomed the result and said he tried his best to calm their concerns. “I think we address them in a positive fashion,” he said. Reach Reporter Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com, or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.
Seniors Decry Loss Of Botanical Home By JASON BANREY Seniors who enjoy the use of Queens Botanical Garden for planting vegetables and flowers believe they are being “financially extorted,” after being told they will now have to pay $150 for plots that were always free. “This is financial extortion,” said Joseph Siegel, 71, of Forest Hills, who has been a member of the Senior Garden for a decade and helped construct the plots. In January, QBG notified Senior Garden members of the introduction of the annual fee to use plots which were free to them for 45 years. In addition to the new fee, seniors will also have to pay a membership fee which increased from $30 to $45 as well as $1 for parking each time they use the garden’s lot. Siegel refuses to pay the combination of fees that he says will amount to over $200 a
year just to utilize the garden’s facilities. After finding out about the new costs, Siegel declined to extend his membership at the garden and called the QBG’s decision to increase fees “illegal.” QBG Executive Director Susan Lacerte calls the introduction of an annual fee for plots and the increase in the cost of membership fair, especially during a time when the garden has seen their budget fall from $3.2 million to $2.9 million. “We’ve been making salary cuts, imposing furloughs on our own staff,” said Lacerte. “Seniors aren’t the only ones feeling the effects of our financial woes.” Lacerte has worked with members of the Senior Garden for 16 years, subsidizing the private group and, in collaboration with seniors, trying to develop fundraisers to alleviate QBG’s financial woes.
By DOMENICK RAFTER Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) is not feelin’ groovy about renaming the Queensboro Bridge after former Mayor Ed Koch. “I think Mayor Koch is a great mayor and a personal friend of mine, which makes it so tough, but the Queensboro Bridge is named for the borough of Queens,” Vallone said. “You wouldn’t rename the Brooklyn Bridge the Brooklyn-Koch Bridge; the Queensboro Bridge should be owed the same respect.” Mayor Mike Bloomberg put forward the idea of naming the bridge for the former mayor late last year. Many politicians, including Borough President Helen Marshall, spoke in favor of the idea, but there has been a growing whisper of discontent with the idea. Vallone said he came out against the renaming when it became clear a vote on it
would be imminent. He is the first member of the City Council to speak publicly against the renaming, but said many of his constituents and other members of the Council have also quietly expressed opposition. “I think a lot of people in Queens took it as a slight against them,” he said. Despite his opposition to the renaming, Vallone praised Koch as a mayor and said Koch, who was mayor of New York City from 1978-1989 and a Congressman representing Manhattan from 1969-1977, should have a City site renamed in his honor, just not the bridge. “I do think he’s deserving of an honor like this,” Vallone said, suggesting Gracie Mansion, where Koch lived during his mayoralty, as a better venue for such an honor. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
The Senior Garden is pricing out some of its members and is soon to be permanently replaced. said Lola McLinden, 91, former chairwoman of the senior garden for almost 10 years. “They’ve always put pressure on us to raise money,” said McLinden. “This is an act of desperation and they’re not going to get any more money out of us.” McLinden will stay on at the Senior Garden for its final year and pay $195, the combination of the membership and fee for her plot, a luxury only a few seniors can afford. “It’s insulting in a way,” said McLinden. “We use to be a program that was considered an asset to QBG now some of us will never be here again.” Reach Intern Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.
www.queenstribune.com • Feb. 16 - 23, 2011 Tribune Page 3
Vallone Takes Stand Against Koch Bridge
Over the years the garden has not been able to keep up with city and state budget cuts and began to charge visitors and members under an agreement with the city, an authority they have as a non-profit group. Lacerte stressed that Senior Garden members still have options that will help them pay for the annual fees and urged them to take advantage of them. In exchange for volunteering four hours a week from April 1 to June 30 as a greeter, seniors will receive a reduced rate of $50 instead of $150. Seniors can also apply for a scholarship established by the garden to help pay their annual fees. Although the Senior Garden will be phased out over the next year, QBG Deputy Director Patty Kleinberg said seniors are more than welcome to join the Family Garden, which will debut in 2012. Ultimately, the Garden is not trying to get rid of seniors, added Kleinberg, but rather is trying to expand the use of the garden to a broader range of people in the community. “Since QBG funding has been cut from 40 to 50 percent since 2000, we have had to learn to survive on our own,” said Kleinberg. “We’ve been getting requests about having access to the land from various community groups.” Kleinberg also asserted that once QBG transitions the Senior Garden into the Family Garden, the non-profit group will be eligible for various additional federal grants that will help it develop programs for more members of the community. Despite the open invitation to be apart of the Family Garden, many senior members says they will not be able to meet QBG financial demands. “A lot of us come from modest financial backgrounds,” said Senior Garden Chairman Alfred Rosenblatt, 73. “This is their way of trying to get rid of us.” On several occasions over the years, seniors have helped provide the garden with donations of money, time and equipment. After last year’s tornado destroyed a substantial swath of the foliage in the garden, members pulled together more than $1,000
BETTER WAYS TO GET AN AUTO LOAN
RATES AS LOW AS
% 2.99 APR*
Count on Sovereign for great rates! Celebrate President’s Day all month long with great Auto Loan rates as low as 2.99% APR.* Whether you’re buying a new or used car, or refinancing your current vehicle at a lower interest rate, Sovereign has the loan you need. Plus, we have “no down payment” plans, terms up to 72 months, and you can borrow up to $75,000 for a new or used vehicle.
Limited-time offer. To apply, call 1.877.4.SOV.LOAN (1.877.476.8562), visit sovereignbank.com/auto, or stop by a Sovereign Branch, and see
Page 4 Tribune Feb. 17-23, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
what better borrowing can mean to you!
Sovereign Bank is a Member FDIC and a wholly owned subsidiary of Banco Santander, S.A. © 2011 Sovereign Bank | Sovereign and Santander and its logo are registered trademarks of Sovereign Bank and Santander, respectively, or their affiliates or subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. *To get the Sovereign Bank automobile loan APR shown, you must apply between 1/22/11 and 4/4/11, must reside in MA, RI, CT, NH, NJ, PA, NY, MD, DE, ME, VT or DC, must have or open a Sovereign checking account or money market savings account, and authorize automatic payment from the qualifying account. The APR and payment on your loan may increase if automatic payment from the qualifying account is discontinued. The advertised rate is one of our best rates. The rate for which you qualify will be based on your credit history, vehicle age, down payment (if any), loan amount as a percentage of vehicle value, loan term and the payment option you select. Minimum loan amount is $5,000. Maximum loan amount is $75,000. Loans are available to finance up to 100% of the value of the vehicle offered as collateral. The monthly payment amount on a $25,000 loan secured by a new vehicle with a 60-month term, 80% LTV and 2.99% APR is $449.11. Sixty-month terms on used vehicle loans are available on loans secured by 2005 through 2010 model year vehicles. Seventy-two month terms are available only on loans secured by new vehicles (2010 or 2011 model year vehicles with 5,000 or fewer miles) and do not qualify for our lowest standard rates. Older vehicles require shorter loan terms. Rates and other terms accurate as of 1/22/11 and may change thereafter. Applications subject to approval. Please stop by any Sovereign Bank branch, call 1.877.4.SOV.LOAN (1.877.476.8562) or visit sovereignbank.com/auto for details. M8744
Co-Op Values ‘Are Too Damn High’ By JOSEPH OROV IC Co-op owners looking to sell should perhaps consider offering their apartments to the City, which has valued their properties at well above what many think is market rate. State Sens. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing) and Tony Avella (D-Bayside) joined co-op residents last week to decry the City Dept. of Finance’s increased valuation of co-op and condo properties throughout the borough, despite actual market values stagnating or falling in recent years. The increases, some to the tune of 60 to 100 percent, would lead to a property tax hike for the 2011 fiscal year, one which many contend property owners cannot afford. “People are selling their co-ops for less than they sold for several years ago when prices were higher,” Stavisky said. “How can you justify assessment increases of greater than 50 percent when sale prices are down?” The Dept. of Finance did not respond to requests for comments. Most were at a loss as to how the City agency arrived at its figures. Stavisky said her request for an explanation remained unanswered after three weeks. Avella speculated the higher valuations were an underhanded attempt at generating revenue during fiscally tough times. “It’s a sad commentary when workingclass and the senior citizens in this City can’t afford to stay in their homes because of the skyrocketing property taxes caused by these assessed valuations, yet they cannot sell their homes either because of the low market value,” he said. Warren Schreiber, president of the Bay Terrace Community Alliance, said he believes the increases target the “last bastion of
middle class housing in the City.” “Increasing the assessments represents a back door tax on owners of cooperative and condominium apartments, while at the same time the sale price of apartments has decreased,” he said. Stavisky herself has an interest in the
valuations coming down; the Dept. of Finance slapped her own condo, Cryder Point, with a 147 percent increase in value. Both Senators decried the method of alleviation, which requires home owners to employ an attorney specializing in tax certiorari proceedings, which typically get
paid on a contingency basis. Stavisky proposed the City pay for the attorney expenses should the valuation be found too high. Reach Reporter Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.
Eyeing Buckeye Safety Issues By JOSEPH OROV IC More than a year has passed since 500 gallons of jet fuel spilled onto Skillman Avenue in Sunnyside, but the Buckeye Pipeline that delivers the caustic compound to our borough’s two airports is again on the mind of elected officials. In light of recent dangerous pipeline ruptures in Pennsylvania, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) and Assemblywoman Cathie Nolan (D-Sunnyside) are introducing bills that would increase safety procedures surrounding the jet fuel and gas pipelines coursing beneath the borough. “We have seen tragedies unfold all across the country,” Van Bramer said as he stood next to a white and orange-capped pole designating the Buckeye Pipeline below. “We need to make sure these pipelines are not a danger.” The Buckeye Pipeline, which distributes jet fuel from New Jersey, has been a particular point of contention, with activists calling it a sitting duck awaiting a terrorist attack. In fact, a misguided plan to blow up jet fuel stores at JFK that was diffused by local authorities two years ago used the Buckeye Pipeline as a key target.
Van Bramer’s legislation, and Nolan’s Assembly counterpart, would mandate notification of local emergency services of any work being done near pipelines, Buckeye or otherwise, while giving teeth to the Dig Safety Hotline by fining contractors that do not check in with the federal 811 service a minimum of $2,500. Community Board 1 Chairman Joe Conley welcomed the legislation as a response to years of fruitless attempts at addressing a looming safety hazard. “Time and time again, we’ve called for attention to the Buckeye Pipeline,” he said. Van Bramer was quick to point out the issue cannot be addressed solely through Council action. Pipeline safety requires the coordination of federal, state and local efforts. U.S. Sens. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) recently introduced pipeline safety bills on a national level. Van Bramer welcomed the legislation, but believes companies doing work locally should bear some responsibility for the safety of their work site and the neighborhood. “It is incumbent upon [contractors] to
A street marker for the Buckeye Pipeline. make sure there are no tragedies and nobody dies,” he said. Reach Reporter Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.
www.queenstribune.com • Feb. 17-23, 2011 Tribune Page 5
Edit Page In Our Opinion:
Hands Off Our Bridge Mayor Ed Koch worked wonders for New York City and for Queens. He is a dedicated public servant, often on the right side of whichever fight he chooses. We specifically applaud his current effort to try to push the State Legislature to get its act together on a slew of reform issues – not the least of which is the effort to hold enact non-partisan, sensible redistricting when New York State gets its updated Census numbers. He is credited for saving New York from its financial morass of the 1970s; that alone ought to ensure that he is memorialized with the name of a bridge or some other honor. But what honor and which bridge has become a point of contention raised by Astoria Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., and rightfully so. Vallone opined this week that to rename the Queensboro Bridge after Hizzoner would be a slap in the face to our borough. It is an identifying icon for Queens, despite the Manhattan-centric nickname as the 59th Street Bridge. Would anybody dare consider renaming the Brooklyn Bridge, he asked. We think not. We support whole-heartedly giving our long-time Queens Tribune movie reviewer and larger-than-life ex-mayor the honors he deserves, but don’t do it by selling our borough short, taking away one of the few icons that is not just ours in spirit, but in name as well. We urge the Queens members of the Council – and all other members as well – to reject the renaming of the Queensboro Bridge, and to find a more suitable site for Koch’s name to endure.
In Your Opinion:
Page 6 Tribune Feb. 17 - 23, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Fluor idation? Yes! To The Editor: The CDC has called fluoridation of drinking water one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th Century. Yet Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., with a rant the Queens Tribune recently published, has joined the pseudoscientific anti-fluoridation fringe. The astute observer will notice that there is one thing missing from the anti’s collective noise: a scientifically-confirmed example of any human being who has ever been harmed by drinking properly fluoridated community water. Vallone challenges the well-established benefits of fluoridation and focuses on questionable “studies” asserting harm from fluoride. As an example, he cites a study linking fluoride exposure to lower IQ in children. Perhaps he doesn’t know that this study was withdrawn by the journal that published it because it was found to be a copy of a study previously published in a magazine that is not a recognized scientific, peer-reviewed journal and that has many on its editorial board
with professed anti-fluoridation philosophies. Moreover, that study, which has not been replicated, was done in China and has been criticized for design and procedure. He cites “the many doctors, scientists, Nobel Prize winners and countries who support my position.” The great majority of the handful of Nobel Prize winners that had expressed reservations about fluoridation were awarded their prizes from 1929-58, before much was known about the program. And his implication that Europe has banned fluoridation is false. Many European countries, not having a central water supply, have opted for other mechanisms to fluoridate: adding it to salt, for example. It’s fluoridation, just a different way. Now the anti-fluoridation fringe, desperate for ammunition for their feeble agenda, has recently embraced a rare and harmless cosmetic defect called fluorosis as an argument, and Vallone sheepishly goes along. But dental fluorosis does not damage teeth, is rare, and even when present is generally barely detectable. In a half-century of dental practice, I cannot recall a case of
Michael Schenkler Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
fluorosis in a New York City resident that required correction. Aside from this trivial example I repeat: in all these years no one has ever been shown to have been hurt by the appropriate fluoridation of community water supplies. Not one person. Not one single validated case, despite the many billions of gallons of fluoridated water that have been consumed worldwide. One might think that Vallone could pay notice to this fact. Vallone mentions that he relies on Paul Connett for much of his information. Connett has made a career of anti-fluoridation; his assertions and conclusions are often contradicted by the world-wide scientific consensus. The ADA lists 125 major national and international scientific organizations that recognize the public benefit of fluoridation. Vallone might have considered consulting any of these recognized and accepted authorities before he wrote this article (and before he introduced anti-fluoridation legislation to the City Council). Vallone approvingly cites the “precautionary principle” as a guide to follow. The precautionary principle asserts that a substance must not be used if, at any dosage, however massive, the substance experimentally demonstrates even slight toxicity. This is New Age nonsense that contradicts an essential scientific tenet: only the dose makes the poison. Virtually any substance can be shown to be toxic at certain dosage levels. It is distressing that public officials can be elected who are ignorant of a fundamental scientific principle. Dr. Marvin J. Schissel, Roslyn
Fluoridation? No! To The Editor: Thank you, Queens Tribune, on behalf of all our Queens members for publishing Councilman Peter Vallone’s Feb. 3 article. Our organization is in full support of NYC Bill Int 463 that Councilman Vallone introduced that would halt fluoridation, a horrendous medical, dental and environmental mistake made in 1965 and continuing to this day. City residents have this opportunity to end this fluoridation health hazard by contacting their own City Councilmember and as many more as possible: phoning, emailing, faxing and visiting their offices. Urge them to sponsor the Vallone bill. Now that the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council (NAS/NRC) three-year Fluoride Review has been released
Marcia Moxam Comrie, Contributing Editor Reporters: Sasha Austrie, Harley Benson, Joseph Orovic, Domenick Rafter, Jessica Ablamsky
Queens County's Weekly Newspaper Group
Brian M. Rafferty, Executive Editor
Founded in 1970 by Gary Ackerman Published Weekly Copyright © 2011 Tribco, LLC
Editorial Interns: Angy Altamirano, Jason Banrey, Terry Chao
Shiek Mohamed, Production Manager
Photographers: Ira Cohen, Michael Fischthal, Lee Katzman
Ira Cohen, Photo Editor
Contributors: Tom Allon, Melissa Hom, Michael VonDerLieth, Barbara Arnstein
Queens Tribune (718) 357-7400 E-mail Address: news@queenstribune.com 150-50 14th Road Whitestone, NY 11357 www.queenstribune.com
Regina Vogel Queens Today Editor
Art Department: Sara Gold, Rhonda Leefoon, Candice Lolier, Barbara Townsend Webmaster: Shiek Mohamed
Michael Nussbaum Executive V.P./Associate Publisher
Assistant to the Publisher: Ria MacPherson
(March 2006), legislators should discontinue all consideration of water fluoridation. The NRC Report reveals fluoridation to be harmful to the health and well being of a great many Americans. The NRC Fluoride Report was ordered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Their 12-member expert panel unanimously concluded, after studying the relevant research published since 1993, that the maximum allowable level of fluoride in drinking water is not safe and should be lowered. They also reported new health concerns regarding fluoridation, such as: thyroid dysfunction, bone damage, kidney impairment, lowered IQ in children, dental fluorosis, and more. It should also be known, and emphasized, that the American Dental Association in November 2006 and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control in December 2006 advises that infant formula and foods for infants be made with non-fluoridated water. These cautions alone should require the cessation of water fluoridation. It should also be noted that 11 unions of the U.S. EPA representing 7,000 scientists and other professionals, are calling for the discontinuance of fluoridation, on behalf of the health and welfare of the public. Does fluoridation really reduce tooth decay? Contrary to repeated beliefs, the CDC reported the findings that the predominant effect of fluoride is topical, not systemic (swallowing). The CDC should pay attention to its own information. Children, who are considered the primary beneficiaries of fluoride, are actually one of the highrisk groups, since fluoride is stored in their bodies at even higher levels than in adults, because of their rapid skeletal growth. Undernourished children from poor areas are even more at risk. Although the issue of health and safety far exceeds all other considerations, there is also the risk of acute fluoride poisonings in fluoridated water supplies, due to accidents, machinery malfunctions, fluoride overfeeds, spills, leaks, human error, etc., as well as fluoridation’s occupational hazards. Paul S. Beeber, New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation, Old Bethpage
Tenure-B ased To The Editor: I think Mayor Mike Bloomberg is right and if a teacher is to be laid off, their job should not be saved based on tenure but based on merit
Alan J. Goldsher Advertising Director Shelly Cookson Corporate & Legal Advertising Account Executives Tony Nicodemo Joanne Naumann Earl Steinman Larry Stewart Shari Strongin
Merlene Carnegie Madalena Conti Tom Eisenhauer Donna Lawlor
Maureen Coppola, Advertising Administrator Accounting: Leticia Chen, Phyllis Wilson
and achievement. Our New York City teachers have a duty to the children they teach. It is not how long one is teaching but how well they perform and how they get the student to be the best they can be. We should not lay off those teachers who are truly concerned with a student’s progress and not just holding on to a job. The children of this great city of ours represent the future. Frederick Bedell, Jr., Glen Oaks
Anthem Blues To The Editor: The media is alive with comments about Christina Aguilera forgetting the words of our National Anthem. To forget the words is human and forgivable, but beyond forgetting the words, stylizing the National Anthem is what is really wrong. What many popular singers are doing with the National Anthem today shows their ignorance as to what it is really all about. Maybe it’s about the dumbing down of America or re-writing history to destroy Patriotism and the love of our founders. It is not a pretty song; it is not supposed to be entertaining; it is a song telling the story of one of the most important events in our history – the terrible battle of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812, a battle that brave Americans fought and died and some were mutilated to defend a young, free America. It’s about the tenacity of its defenders and their refusal to surrender and possibly give the British a beachhead in the center of the 13 states that could have meant the defeating of the American dream of freedom and a Government By the People. This was a battle of Americans against a large fleet of the British navy who were, “the rulers of the seas.” The battle saw our flag hit many times, which was then held up by piling dead bodies of its defenders around its shaft to keep it flying. After the British ran out of cannonballs they sailed off, not understanding how the Americans could hold out against such a terrible bombardment. The British were subjects of a king, the Americans were free men defending their freedom – and that was the difference and what they the British could not understand. Our National Anthem is symbolic of our country and should always be sung in reverence and sung in a manner that emphases’ the description of that battle. To jazz it up is like jazzing up the Lord’s Prayer. John Procida, Flushing
Mitch Kronenfeld: Classified Manager Elizabeth Mance: Administrative Assistant Classified Ad Representatives: Nadia Hack, Peggie Henderson, Fran Gordon, Marty Lieberman, Chris Preasha, Lorraine Shaw, Sheila Scholder, Lillian Saar
An Award Winning Newspaper
New York Press Association National Newspaper Association The Tribune is not responsible for typographical errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the advertisement.
The Queens Tribune (USPS 964-480) is published weekly every Thursday for $12 per year by Tribco, LLC, 150-50 14th Road, Whitestone, NY 11357. Periodical Postage Paid at Flushing, NY. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Queens Tribune, 150-50 14th Road, Whitestone NY 11357.
BETTER WAYS TO BORROW
30-YEAR MORTGAGE NO POINTS SAVE UP TO $5,000 OR MORE DISCOUNT OF
0.125% ON A NEW MORTGAGE WITH E-PAY*
HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT INTRODUCTORY FIXED RATE FOR FIRST 6 BILLING CYCLES
2.74% 4.49% APR**
APR**
VARIABLE RATE THEREAFTER
LIMITED-TIME OFFER
Sovereign Bank is a Member FDIC and a wholly owned subsidiary of Banco Santander, S.A. © 2011 Sovereign Bank | Sovereign and Santander, its logo and FlexLock are registered trademarks of Sovereign Bank and Santander, respectively, or their affiliates or subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. *Savings estimate based on a $200,000, 30-year mortgage with an interest rate of 4.875% which corresponds to an APR of 5.068% (after 0.125% mortgage discount is applied) with a loan to value of less than 80% and a monthly payment of principal and interest (excluding taxes and insurance) of $1058.42 . Interest rate used is for savings estimate only and may not reflect current available interest rate. Savings estimate assumes that loan is outstanding for 30 years, which is not typical. Average length of a Sovereign loan is 67 months. The estimated savings for an average Sovereign mortgage customer who pays off his/her mortgage loan in 67 months will be about $1273.80 Individual savings will vary depending on the amount and length of your loan. The e-pay discount is available for some adjustable rate mortgages but the discount is only available during the initial interest rate period. All applications are subject to credit approval. To receive the 0.125% e-pay discount, you must apply for a new mortgage loan, including a refinancing loan, before 2/28/11, must have or open any Sovereign checking account (within 12 days of loan settlement) and must request and maintain automatic payment of the monthly payment due on your Sovereign mortgage from that account. The checking account must remain open while your mortgage loan is outstanding with sufficient funds to pay your monthly payment or the rate discount will be terminated. One discount per loan. Cannot be combined with other offers. Mortgage must close within 90 days. Available on property in CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI and VT. Offer is limited; certain loan programs are excluded. Contact your Mortgage Development Officer for details. **To get the FlexLock Home Equity Line of Credit Fixed Introductory APR and variable “go to” APR shown, you must apply between 1/1/11 and 3/31/11, must have or open a Sovereign checking or money market savings account, and use automatic payment from the qualifying account. The introductory APR will apply only during the first 6 billing cycles after your FlexLock line is opened. Thereafter, the APR, including the APR on any existing balance, will convert to the applicable variable “go to” APR. “Go to” APR on FlexLock line may vary monthly based on the latest U.S. Prime Rate as published in The Wall Street Journal as of the first business day of the month, plus a margin of 1.24% for lines of $100,000 - $750,000 (now 4.49% APR). Other APRs available on other line amounts. Maximum APR is 18%. Minimum APR is 3.24%. The variable APR may also increase if automatic payment from the qualifying account is discontinued. All APRs assume that your total mortgage loans, including your FlexLock line, do not exceed 80% of the value of your 1 - 4 family owner-occupied home in NY. Other rates and terms apply to co-ops. There is a $450 termination fee if you close the line within 36 months. An annual fee, if any, will be charged during the Draw Period, and will be $0, $25 or $50, depending on the Sovereign deposit account you maintain, and may change if you change the deposit account. The annual fee will equal $0 as long as you maintain a Sovereign Premier, Business Owner Premier, Premier Partnership, Team Member Private or Team Member Checking Account or Premier Money Market Savings Account. An annual fee of $25 will be charged as long as you maintain a Sovereign Preferred or Preferred Partnership Checking Account or Preferred Money Market Savings Account. An annual fee of $50 will be charged if you do not maintain one of the above deposit accounts. A $175 non-refundable fee will be charged if your property is held in trust. Mortgage recording tax will be paid by Sovereign, but must be reimbursed if the line is closed within 36 months. The $50 fixed rate lock fee for each lock-in request is waived through 3/31/11. Property insurance is, and flood insurance may be, required. FlexLock account use is subject to the terms of the Sovereign Home Equity Line of Credit Agreement, including terms that permit lines to be suspended, reduced or terminated in certain circumstances. Maximum line amount is $750,000. If your home is on the market for sale at the time of application, you are not eligible for this offer. Offer not available if you have received an introductory rate on a FlexLock line within 12 months of your application date. APRs and other terms accurate as of 2/3/11 and may change thereafter. Applications subject to approval. M8738NY
www.queenstribune.com • Feb. 17-23, 2011 Tribune Page 7
Give us a call at 1.877.4.SOV.LOAN, stop by one of our Sovereign Branches, or visit sovereignbank.com, and find out what better borrowing can mean to you!
Tea Party Dogs, Hosni Mubarak & Same Sex Marriage By MICHAEL SCHENKLER
TEA PARTY ANIMALS I may be wrong – it happens occasionally – or far from thorough in trying to understand the dynamics of the Republican Party, but it seems to me that the Tea Party folks seem to be the tail wagging the dog. Now to avoid the let ters of complaint, I like dogs, the tail-wagging analogy is not intended as offensive and if I was looking to make a metaphorical point, the Tea Party would have been the dog
stuff the Republicans stepped in. To clarify – and I admit to being no expert — the Tea Party is a grassroots movement whose members share core principles supporting the United States Constitution as they believe the Founders intended, specifically: limited federal government; individual freedoms; personal responsibility; free markets; returning political power to the states and the people. Now I always viewed them as a rather vocal group of Conservative Republicans who felt demonstrating loudly in front of opponents would drive them from office or to change their position. Sarah Palin typified their manner, style and charm to me. Read t hat line any way you want; even if we don’t agree on Palin or the Tea Party, we likely agree on mutualities. As I read of the Congressional Republicans caucusing, it appears to me that the Tea Partiers are driving the bus or wagging the dog. Clearly, they are
fiscally to the right of traditional Republicans and are looking to cut spending to such an extreme, reducing the size of the federal government to a point where the traditional GOP may not be able to find it. But as I watch and read, it looks like the Tea Party is aggressively dragging the GOP to the right and it’s not quite clear which side of the dog the head is really on. And sadly, I don’t think Democratic donkeys play well with twoheaded dogs. SNOW JOB So far, New York Cit y has gone through almost $39 million this winter clearing snow from the streets. The entire budget is gone prematurely, and all we can do is dream of spring. POWER TO THE PEOPLE If one million Egyptian people taking to the streets can drive Hosni Mubarak from Cairo and out
of office after 30 years, I wonder what it will take to drive the members of the New York State Legislature out of office and Albany, which has been mired with their ever-increasing dysfunction for perhaps 30 years. Oppressed people throughout the world should take heart at the almost bloodless revolution which just occurred in Egypt. Such human efforts expressing freedom are infectious and there’s no telling where it may spread. SAME SEX MARRIAGE Last week, speaking at Hofstra, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that he intends to ask the New York State Legislature to take up the legalization of samesex marriage. The measure, which he will be working ver y hard to pass, has and will pass the overwhelmingly Democratic Assembly, but went down in the State Sen-
ate by a vote of 38-24 just a little over a year ago. At that time, the Dems controlled the Senate – or at least had a majority. Now, with a majority of Republicans, the task could prove impossible even with a popular Governor. The Republican Senate Majorit y Leader, Long Island’s Dean Skelos, opposes the measure but has indicated he will allow a vote. With a significant majority of New Yorkers in favor of the measure, cer tain Assembly approval, can Cuomo work magic in the Senate, which failed on the measure so pitifully way back when the Dems were in control – last year? And finally, should we be surprised that the Governor would add such a controversial test for himself with so many legislative hurdles ahead: budget, ethics, reapportionment and more? Watching Albany is going to be fun this year. MSchenkler@QueensTribune.com
Page 8 Tribune Feb. 17-23, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Crime Down Over the Years; Ignorance Holds Steady By HENRY STERN Twenty year s ago, cr ime was Ne w York Cit y’s most ser ious problem. In the year 1990, the first year of the Dinkins mayoralt y, the number of homicides recorded in the five boroughs was 2,245, an historic high. The murder total declined by about 10 Henry percent during the remaining three years of the Dinkins administration, and fell sharply (about 50 percent) under the eight years that Giuliani was mayor. It fell slightly during Bloomberg’s first eight years, although there was a slight rise in year nine (2010). Statistics for other crime s over the past t wo decade s compi led by COMPSTAT show substantial decline s, par t icularly auto thef t, which fell from 187,591 in 1990 to 21,870 in 2009. There is no doubt that people feel much safer in New York City tha n they did t went y or t hir t y years ago, and that many neighborhoods previously regarded as dangerous are now considered safe. While total crime, particularly street crime, has been substantially reduced, men still murder their girlfriends or exes despite orders of protection from the cour ts, and children are still hit by stray bullets. The general public, however, has le ss fear of family violence than of external assault, because they feel their own relatives are unlikely to injure them. Our public safety comes at a high price; the budget for the Police Department is $4.4 billion. Crime will always be a problem, with contributing factors like poverty, addiction, abandonment,
broken families, unemployment, gang warfare, terrorism and violence resulting from mental illness. New Yorkers, however, have seen massive efforts by law enforcement in the last twenty years which have reduced the fear of crime and the limitations on cit izens’ dai ly live s Stern wh ich re sulted from their legitimate fears of physical da nger. Commissioner s Bi l l Bratton (under Mayor Giuliani) and Ray Kelly (under Mayors Dinkins and Bloomberg) were particularly effective. A TOUGHER NUT TO CRACK The city’s success in dealing w it h cr ime has not, howe ver, been matched by progress in education. One reason is that crime statistics are relatively reliable. To number murders, you count bodies. Other crime data is based on witnesses’ and victims’ accounts, precinct repor ts, and court convictions. In the schools, although there are now frequent tests to evaluate student performance, serious doubts remain about the value of the tests, the method by which they are scored, the alteration of te st re sult s, t he sta ndar ds required for passing the test, and the effect of testing and the consequent ‘teaching to the test’ on ot her par ts of t he cur riculum. Educat ional testing is more susceptible to manipulation than counting corpses. New Yorkers have been subjected over the years to a barrage of misleading information about test outcomes, some, but by no means all, coming from the New
York Cit y Department of Educat ion. Recently, cit y te st scores were challenged by the New York State Depar tment of Education, which conducted its own study of test results at the request of the State Board of Regents. In the past, the State Education Department has been complicit in the misinterpretation of test results, because, to put it directly, they wanted as many people as possible to pass. Years ago, we blamed school administrators for educational failures, and 110 Livingston St. became an address of ill repute. Although some public officials proposed in jest that the building be blown up, it was Mayor Bloomberg who sold it off for private condos and moved the educrats to the old Tweed Courthouse on Chambers Street, a symbol of corruption when it was built (over a century ago), and a symbol of futility as a new wave of bean counters rushed in to turn the old system inside out, and then undo what they had just done. The mystery to us is how so many intelligent people could have been involved in a massive effort that has produced so little in the way of positive results. How many billions of ta x dollars have been spent on new construction, renovation and substantial salary increases with major pension consequences, but without a major effect on student outcomes? The bottom line is that the people running the system really do not know what the best strategies are, and it is too late in the administration for them to admit it. It is understandable that the mayor wanted a new Chancellor — the two-term limit makes sense
there as well. Bloomberg put his money where his mouth was in providing amply for education over the years. Sadly, money was no panacea. Today, the teachers have become scapegoats, as they were in Ocean Hill-Brownsville in 1968. We know there are good ones and bad ones, and teachers should be dealt with on the merits as individuals, not as if they were all cut from t he same cloth. Teachers should not be fired by arbitrary formulas (LIFO) without regard to their abilities. But unless there is justifiable confidence in the executives who would make the decisions as to who shall go and who shall stay, there is little likelihood that they will be given absolute authority over others. But that is a long way from giving them no
authority, and protecting mediocrity and incompetence in the classroom. Who thought that, over twenty years, crime would prove a far easier problem to deal with than education? But that is the way it has turned out to be. Perhaps Mayor Bloomberg should appoint Ray Kelly as Schools Chancel lor. He has no background in education, but neither does Black. He has graduate degrees from St. John’s (J.D.), NYU (LL.M.) and Harvard (M.P.A.). Kelly has been one of the mayor’s best appointees; he knows what to say and what not to say, how to lead a major organization, and how to get people to do their best. His good example may encourage the children to do better. StarQuest@NYCivic.org
Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato
A Personal Perspective
Hoorray For Teachers Who Can ‘Connect’ By MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE Only connect! That was the whole of her sermon. Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted, and human love will be seen at its height. Live in fragments no longer. Only connect.... - E.M. Forster (1879-1970), Howards End, Ch. 22 As the Forster quote above from his 1910 novel suggests, we are all the better for connecting as we journey through life. I have seen it in my own journey and noted it in others as well. My son came home looking a bit sad the other day, and when I asked why, he told me his math teacher had left that day. We did not know that this new favorite teacher, Mr. Williams, was only filling in for the permanent teacher out on leave for the last several months. My son, who only last year was disengaged in math class, was now fully engaged and sharing with me what he was learning each day. Mr. Williams is an amazing teacher
who knows how to connect of professions in our city for with students. My son plugged decades and the last thing we into that and excelled in the need is to see layoffs in this class. most impor tant area of our I’m talking about this beeconomy and the future of our cause of the proposed “lastcity, state and nation. hired-first-fired” proposal for But it seems there are no our public schools. Like so sacred cows. The recession is many others, I tend to disagree hit ting ever y profession and with this. Teachers are special, every industry in some way or I always say. But some are exanother. Welcome to our nighttra special. mare. Marcia Moxam Comrie Those who connect with Nonetheless, if it must be, their students and those who inspire con- then those who make the decisions need to nection are an inspiration. You can’t buy be more strategic as they poise the a xe. that sort of thing. First-hired-first-fired is draconian. The meaIt would be a shame to lay off outstand- sure of a professional should be more than ing teachers regardless of how long they about time in. Commitment, accomplishhave served. I have the highest respect for ment and the value-added he or she offers – the people who teach and inspire our chil- such as the ability to connect – ought to be dren. Those who work hard and those who important considerations as well. have a special knack for connecting should Each of us has had a special teacher be looked upon with singular favor when its who has made a difference in our lives. time to make decisions about layoffs. Teachers have inordinate power to make or I would hope that no one gets the axe. break a person in the formative years. I am Teaching has been among the most stable glad that I had some of the great one s
throughout my formal education. To be sure, I also had my share of the less-than-wonderful ones as well. But the good ones helped to offset the bad. We know that some kids – my own included – will come home after the first few days of a new school year to report dramatically, “My teacher hates me.” Or the more common, “My teacher is a meanie.” Sometimes it is true and other times it is because the kid is not living up to his or her end of the student/teacher arrangement. In either case it has to be monitored and corrected where necessary. But Mr. Williams is definitely one of the good ones. He knows how to connect and we need more of his kind teaching in fulltime, permanent positions. The city, the state and the Education officials need to use caution as they negotiate this new reality. We hope that the layoffs get put off, but if they don’t, then proceed with common sense. Thank you, Mr. Williams for connecting and making a difference in our children’s lives.
Gennaro: Beware The Anti-Fluoride Charlatans Chairman of the City Council Committee on Environmental Protection, which has legislative oversight over the city’s drinking water reservoirs and drinking water distribution system, I can attest to you that our city has drinking water quality that is the envy of the entire country. We have that distinction because of the dedicated professionals from the city’s Department of Environmental Protection who protect, test, and deliver our water, and because of the worldclass physicians from the city’s Department of Health who set public health policy for the entire city, including the city’s policy to fluoridate drinking water, a policy instituted by the city in 1965 and maintained to this day. The overwhelming success of the city’s water fluoridation policy in preventing tooth decay is consistent with its success throughout the country. As of the most recent national statistics from the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 2008, 195.5 million people in the country on a public water system received optimally fluoridated water, up from 184 million people in 2006. Water fluoridation has been so successful that the CDC has recognized it as one of the 10 great public health achieve-
ment s of t he 20t h Centur y, pliers should not deviate from the along with other achievements .7 ml/liter “target” fluoride amount such as decline in deaths from by more than .1 ml/liter below the coronar y hear t disease a nd .7 target (i.e., water suppliers stroke, advance s in motor-veshould not go below .6 ml/liter of hicle safety, recognition of tofluoride or risk losing proven tooth bacco as a health hazard, and decay prevention benefits), and control of infect ious diseases. also specifies that water suppliers Last year, the CDC’s Division of should not deviate by more than Oral Health formally honored .5 ml/liter above the .7 target (i.e., this country’s 65-year history of water suppliers should not go community water fluoridation for above 1.2 ml/liter in order to miniJim Gennaro its outstanding contribution to mize the possibility of a non-harmpublic health. ful, strictly cosmetic white staining on teeth, The federal government has continued a phenomenon known as dental fluorosis). to research fluoride’s effect ivene ss and This proposed change is not yet final, and safety, with major national studies of fluori- the EPA and HHS are accepting public comdation conducted by the National Research ments from medical professionals and the Council (NRC) in 1993 and 2006. The 2006 public on this change. And, although this NRC study prompted the U.S. Environmen- study and new proposed rule may or may tal Protection Agency (EPA), in conjunction not lead to a miniscule change in the amount with the U.S. Department of Health and of fluoride added to our city’s drinking water, Human Services (HHS) to study community this comprehensive study represents the latwater systems that contain fluoride natu- est validation of fluoride’s effectiveness and rally (fluoride occurs naturally in most water safety using the latest science available and systems), but at levels much higher than that the federal government’s commitment to recommended by the federal government. making one of our country’s greatest public (This does not apply to New York City’s health successes even better. water – our water supply does not contain At the announcement of this study and extraordinarily high amounts of natural fluo- the proposed rule change last month on ride). The EPA/HHS study also reviewed the Jan. 7, 2011, HHS Assistant Secretary for current level of fluoride that the federal gov- Health Howard Koh, MD, MPH summed up ernment recommends be added by local what is almost assuredly the sentiment of water providers, which is currently set as a the medical professionals that you trust to range between .7 milligrams of fluoride per care for you and your family: “Today’s anliter (ml/liter) of water up to 1.2 ml/liter. nouncement is part of our ongoing support New York City, like most public water sys- of appropriate fluoridation for community tems, fluoridates the water supply to a level water systems, and its effectiveness in prein the middle of the recommended range – venting tooth decay throughout one’s life1.0 ml/liter. The EPA/HHC study has re- time.” But go ahead and ask your doctor sulted in a proposal to replace the current and dentist – I’m betting they’re in agreerecommended range of .7 to 1.2 ml/liter ment with the CDC, EPA, HHS, and every with an optimal “target” fluoride level of .7 respected medical and dental organization ml/liter, the low end of the current recom- in the country on the benefits of fluoride. mended range. James Gennaro is a New York City The study also specifies that water sup- Councilman representing the 24th District.
www.queenstribune.com • Feb. 17-23, 2011 Tribune Page 9
By JAMES F. GENNARO Two weeks ago in the Queens Tribune, a City Council colleague of mine wrote a piece entitled “Fluoride -- If In Dloubt, Keep It Out.” My colleague believes that the New York City drinking water supply should no longer be fluoridated, and this Council Member has introduced a bill in the City Council to discontinue fluoridation. And, in the course of trying to make the case and advance this bill, my colleague has made all kinds of absolutely preposterous statements – taken right out of the antifluoride zealots’ talking points – about “the government putting toxic chemicals in our water,” referred to fluoride as “poison,” and stated that fluoridation is the government “force-medicating” the public, and “requiring every man, woman and child in America to ingest it (fluoride) borders on criminal behavior…” I could go on and on, but I’ll spare you. You get the idea. However, I am compelled to set the record straight and give people the correct and up-to-date information on fluoride. Fortunately for the consumers of New York City’s excellent quality drinking water, none of my colleague’s statements are valid. As a trained environmental scientist and
Willets Pt. Group Gains Allies In Fight
Page 10 Tribune Feb. 17-23, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
By JOSEPH OROV IC Opponents of the use of eminent domain in Willets Point’s redevelopment have begun rolling out their political and legal heavy artillery as the City’s Economic Development Corp. began condemnation proceedings that would strip a small group of property owners of their land. State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) joined members of Willets Point United in decrying the City’s approach to the matter at a rally on Thursday. “Once again, the Economic Development Corp. has lied,” he said. “It has lied to these business owners, lied to elected officials and lied to the people of this city.” “We’re here today, as we have been for the past couple of years, to say, ‘Mike Bloomberg and EDC, we’re going to fight you until the bitter end.’” The gathering sought to highlight inconsistencies between the EDC’s past statements in courts and its contradictory actions in seeking the condemnation proceedings that would eventually lead to the takeover of property via eminent domain. WPU contends the City promised to keep the controversial land acquisition tool off the table until the state approves its proposed ramps off the Van Wyck Expressway. The City has not provided a viable plan for ramps, but contends its new phased approach to developments means they do not need one. “The City’s mantra is ‘my way or the highway,’ and in this case, we don’t even get the highway,” said WPU spokesman Dr. Richard Lipsky. “If there are no ramps, all of the local roadways will be inundated with traffic and that’s a real concern.” Lipsky also reached out to local elected
officials, namely City Council members, calling for a hearing into the EDC’s dealings with Willets Point. “Despite representations to the contrary before the council, EDC has failed to negotiate in good faith and is now commencing an eminent domain proceeding against the remaining 52 property owners – something it told the Council (and the court) that it wouldn’t do before gaining approval of two crucial ramps off of the Van Wyck,” Lipsky wrote in an email to various members of the council. The contentious nature of the ramps and the EDC’s exact intentions have led to a groundswell of confusion, according to Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst). “The people at Willets Point clearly are
upset and confused,” she said. “I think the EDC has to do a bit of a better job to get accurate information out.” Ferreras has sought to act as an intermediary between all parties throughout the process. She said she may call a hearing into the EDC’s handling of Willets Point, though has not decided entirely. “I am very strongly leaning towards a hearing if it’s going to answer some questions,” Ferreras said. “But there may not be any need if the questions are answered prior.” WPU also enlisted the services of attorney Michael Rikon, who said this attempt to stop condemnation proceedings will succeed where others failed. Whereas past challenges have debated the
definitions of “blight” and “public use,” Rikon said Willets Point’s case calls into question the City’s whole method since Day One. “The entire process that has been obliged in this particular case has been contrary of the law,” he said. “It’s an absolute of violation of the eminent domain procedure of the law, the constitution and every other basic fundamental right.” But according to Avella, all this effort surrounds a moot point. “This development is never going get built,” he said. “We’ve been down this road before.” Reach Reporter Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.
Cops, DA Put Brakes On Theft Ring By DOMENICK RAFTER Police busted an auto theft ring allegedly responsible for stealing 17 cars from around Queens in the last year and reselling them on Craigslist or to family and friends. The bust came after a 16-month investigation, which DA Richard Brown described as a “tag team,” by the NYPD’s Auto Crime Division and the Queens DA’s Organized Crime and Rackets Bureau. The defendants, ranging from age 18 to 34, have been indicted on multiple counts of, among other crimes, enterprise corruption under New York State’s Organized Crime Control Act. They are accused of stealing approximately 17 automobiles – including expensive models such as an Audi Q7, a BMW and a Subaru – mostly from Queens, but also elsewhere in the metropolitan area.
In one instance, it is alleged, the defendants stole a 1987 Buick Grand National GNX valued at $50,000 from a man three hours after it was sold to him. The owner hadn’t yet registered his name with the car. They then sold them on Craigslist, as well as to friends and family and sometimes keeping the cars for their own use. The crew is accused of stealing and changing the vehicle identification number (VIN), or “tagging” the cars. “The suspects gave ‘All In The Family’ a new connotation in Queens by relying on family and friends to steal cars there,” said NYC Police Commissioner Ray Kelly. The DA said the “tag team” used courtapproved wiretaps on the suspects, and conducted surveillance of the suspects for a while before their arrests. Officers also gathered information through undercover police work.
Though most of the suspects are from Brooklyn, the alleged ringleader is from Queens. Clayton Delgado, 23, of 1805 Norman St., Ridgewood, was arrested after his house was raided by police Feb. 9. Investigators found around 100 vehicle identification number plates and federal stickers, eight cell phones, keys, a key making kit and vehicle titles. The NYPD also suspect Delgado was bleaching dollar bills and using his printer to make counterfeit $100 bills. One other suspect is from Queens; Ashley Soto, 21, of 89-25 Albert Rd. in Ozone Park. If convicted, the six defendants charged with enterprise corruption face up to 25 years in prison. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
Don’t Leave Your Retirement Planning to Chance
Now, more than ever, you need to plan for a secure financial future. By putting your hard earned dollars into an FDIC-insured IRA today you can rest assured knowing that your money will be growing SAFELY and SECURELY.
TAX TIP:
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE GREAT BENEFITS: •Up to $5,000 contribution per individual for 2011 •Contributions may be TAX DEDUCTIBLE† •Catch-up contributions of $1,000 per individual taxpayer 50 years of age or older for 2010 and 2011 tax years
So stop in today and let one of our IRA Specialists help you get started.
The 2010 IRA Contribution deadline is April 18, 2011. Why not consider using a portion of your 2010 Tax Refund to fund your 2010 or 2011 IRA?
For more information call 718-448-7272 or visit www.myNYCB.com
†
© 2011 New York Community Bank. Member FDIC
Contact your tax advisor for more information.
www.queenstribune.com • Feb. 17-23, 2011 Tribune Page 11
•Up to $5,000 contribution per individual for 2010 •Earnings grow TAX-DEFERRED
Page 12 Tribune Feb. 17-23, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Compiled by DOMENICK RAFTER
transported the victim to New York Hospital 106th Precinct MISSING TEEN: The NYPD is seeking Queens where he was pronounced dead on the public’s assistance in locating a missing arrival. There was no criminality suspected, and the investigation was ongoing. Howard Beach woman. Bianca Langone, 16, of 158114th Precinct 22 90th St., Howard Beach, MURDER SUICIDE: On was last seen on Tuesday, Jan. Thursday, Feb. 10, at approxi18, at approximately 6:30 a.m. mately 3:46 p.m., inside of leaving her home to go to Crescent Chemists at 24-12 school. 34th Ave., in Astoria, police She is approximately 5-footresponded to a 911 call of a 3, 125 lbs with blue eyes and woman shot. Upon arrival, rebrown hair. She was in good sponding officers discovered physical but poor mental condithe victim, Guimmia Villia, 32, tion. of 67-11 Kissena Blvd. in FlushAnyone with information is ing, unconscious and unreasked to call Crime Stoppers at sponsive with a gunshot (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips Police are looking for wound to her head. EMS also responded to the by logging onto the Crime Stop- Bianca Langone, misslocation and transported Villia pers Web site a t ing since Jan. 18. to Mt. Sinai Hospital where nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then she was pronounced dead on arrival. A preentering TIP577. All calls are strictly confi- liminary investigation determined that the victim and suspect, Alex Figueroa, 38, of 14dential. 01 36th Ave., Ravenswood, were known to KILLED IN CAR: On Saturday, Feb.12, each other and were involved in a conversaat approximately 11:22 p.m., at the corner of tion when the suspect shot her and then fled 120th Avenue and 135th Street, in South the scene. Figueroa was later found inside of Ozone Park, police responded to a 911 call his apartment with a gunshot to his head. The of an unconscious man in a parked white suspect was pronounced dead on the scene. Volvo. ROBBER SOUGHT: The NYPD is seekUpon arrival, police found Anthony Dehaney, 45, of 131-10 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., ing the public’s assistance in identifying a man wanted in connection with Rochdale, in the driver’s side a robbery in Woodside. of the vehicle, unresponsive. On Thursday, Feb. 10, at EMS took him to Jamaica Hosapproximately 3:30 p.m., inside pital where it was determined of 30-81 54th St. in Woodside, that he had suffered a gunshot the suspect grabbed money from wound to the back of the head the hand of the victim, a 96-yearand was pronounced dead on old white man, and pushed him arrival. The investigation was to the ground. The victim was ongoing. uninjured in this incident. The suspect fled in an unknown di107th Precinct rection. HIT BY CAR: On Monday, The suspect is described as a Feb. 14, at approximately 9:03 black man in his 40s or 50s, p.m. police responded to a 911 call reporting a pedestrian Police are looking for approx. 5-foot-4 to 5-foot-5, wearing a black parka jacket, struck at Kissena Boulevard and this elevator robber. black knitted ski cap, black the Long Island Expressway in Flushing. Upon arrival police determined gloves and black pants. Anyone with information is asked to call that Fan Meng, 77, of 142-02 Horace Harding Expy., Flushing, was crossing the Horace Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). Harding Expressway from the south side to The public can also submit their tips by the north side when he was struck by a 1993 logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their Toyota traveling eastbound. The car was operated by a 54-year-old tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering man. EMS responded to the location and TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
Queens This Week Check out the page at facebook.com/ pizzagarden. The half-century-old site is located at 171-01 Northern Blvd. —Angy Altamirano
tion on grade point average, teacher recommendation and a tryout. It seems to be working. In their recent competition, Cardozo tied Stuyvesant for the most medals in individual events. Pointing out that the DOE gave Cardozo a B on its most recent progress report, assistant coach and physics teacher Joshua Glasel said, "If we can come in first, it proves how accurate that grade is." Graduating from Cardozo in 1996, Glasel is a former Olympiad himself. "Once we made it to the states is, I think, when everybody started taking it more seriously," he said. Cardozo has made it to the states for the last four years. The top five schools send their teams to states. "Every year we do better," said head coach and physics teacher Mark Siega. Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at jablamsky@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 124. —Jessica Ablamsky
Cardozo Beats Best To Land On Top
Bowne Whoops City Science Icons
Pizza Garden Stays On Digital Edge This is the iGeneration, where anything can be found in a quick search and all the information we need is at our fingertips. So what about the classic places we love? Will they be forgotten in favor of the next place to post on Groupon or to have a fan page on Facebook? The answer is… well… maybe. No wonder Pizza Garden in Flushing took a giant digital leap when it decided to create a Facebook page to keep in contact with its loyal customers. In the past year, Pizza Garden, a family owned business that celebrated its 50 year anniversary this past December, entered into the social networking world. Owner Richard Ejnes started the pizzeria's Facebook page and sees it as a "good way of getting a hold of people." This site has allowed the pizzeria to maintain strong through the changing environment around it and the difficult economic times. The page brings its fans and customers news, special events, surveys, photos of the old and new and other "normal fun stuff," said Ejnes. The site let its customers know when and if they were opening up during one of the many recent snow storms. Since the page went up, Pizza Garden has seen a younger crowd come in, and Ejnes recognizes the future of most businesses will be through the internet and network chatter. "It's an easy, inexpensive way to reach out to the customers," Ejnes said. The site has introduced some deals along the way to its customers. For example, Ejnes posted that whoever brought in a 12-inch snowman would get a free pie. To his surprise, within an hour there was a snowman on his counter. "Someone actually brought one in." A slew of other "silly suggestions" have been made via the Facebook page in an effort to increase interaction with the customers, and Ejnes said he is amazed to actually see customer response. "It's nice to see the many people reading and following," said Ejnes. Various apps allow customers to "check in" via their smartphones, a trend that has also helped the business by getting the customers to indirectly advertise the pizzeria through their many friends that follow them. Ejnes hopes to continue using Facebook to keep in touch with Pizza Garden's customers and followers and even hopes to one day tweet to the public. You can find the Facebook link to the pizzeria's page on the pizza boxes delivered to customers at their homes and on the menus.
Carousel May Have A Future Visitors to Forest Park this coming summer may get to ride the historic carousel that has been shuttered for the past few years. The City is due to release a Request for Proposals to find a vendor for the carousel as well as the carousel in Flushing Meadows Corona Park next month. The Forest Park Carousel, located just steps from Woodhaven Boulevard, was shuttered in 2008 after the former vendor, New York One LLC, let the carousel deteriorate. New York One also operates the carousel at Flushing Meadow Corona Park. That contract expires next year. In 2008, the carousel was closed and it has been locked up behind a tall chain-linked fence ever since. Local civic associations like the Woodhaven Residents Block Association made a push to get the City to find a new vendor for the carousel. The City has had a tough time trying to find a vendor because the carousel in the past has not been a major moneymaker. It sits adjacent to the Seuffert Bandshell which was just completely renovated last summer. "I'm happy they're trying a different approach," said Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association. "We're very cautiously optimistic. We hope that it works." Wendell said if and when it opens, his organization would promote it to help bring customers. "We will try to absolutely spread the word and get the business for it," he said. A carousel has existed on the site for more than 100 years. In the late 1960s, the original carousel burned down and was replaced by one brought to the park from Massachusetts a decade later. It was renovated in 1989. Last fall, the carousel was used as filming location for the upcoming movie "The Sitter." Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125. —Domenick Rafter
Locals are hopeful that the Forest Park Carousel will again come to life this summer.
www.queenstribune.com • Feb. 17-23, 2011 Tribune Page 13
On Feb. 6, students in John Bowne High School's Doshi program faced off against heavyweights like Brooklyn Tech, Bronx High School of Science and Stuyvesant High School in the citywide Science Olympiad held at Grover Cleveland High School in Ridgewood. Though they did not win the competition, their team ranked 13 out of 44 citywide, higher than teams from Brooklyn Tech and Bronx Science, and defeated in direct competition some of those heavyweights. "We were only two schools away from going to state," said teacher Felicia Bifulco, who coached her team of freshman, sophomores and juniors. "We did this well without any seniors." The seniors were not part of the group as they were preparing for a competition called "Intel Talent Search," in which seniors who had been part of the 12-year-old Doshi program compete. The Doshi Difference Science Research Program, established in 1999 at John Bowne, allows students with at least an 85 average to specialize in research in the sciences. The program is named for its sponsor, Dr. Leena Doshi, who runs a chain of diagnostic clinics around the borough. The Science Olympiad, which was won by Benjamin Cardozo High School, allowed the John Bowne team to compete against schools like Brooklyn Tech and Bronx High School of Science, whose teams Bowne defeated in over 20 different competitions. They also defeated a team from Stuyvesant High School in seven different individual events. The competition included two types of events: academic, where students study and take a test; and engineering, where they build a device. Students from John Bowne built a helicopter and a robot as part of the engineering portion. Glenn Spencer, a junior from Flushing, competed on the team. "Its hard work, I'm not going to lie," he said. "There's studying, there's building, there's sawdust flying." Spencer, who has a 97 grade average and is eyeing MIT for college, said competing can be stressful, but once the preparations are over, it's like "a weight lifted off your shoulders." He credited his teachers at John Bowne for preparing him and his fellow students on the team. "The teachers really help us prepare," he said. "If it weren't for them pushing us to do better, we wouldn't even compete." Spencer said he expects to compete next year as a senior, even as he prepares for the Intel Talent Search. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at
drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125. —Domenick Rafter
Tribune Photo by Ira Cohen
Tyler Bianco (l.) prepares his projec t for competition.
Benjamin N. Cardozo High School may not top the City Dept. of Education's list of favorite schools, but with its Science Olympiads fresh off a first-place win, students, teachers and administrators have reason to celebrate. A national science competition that features events ranging from anatomy to engineering, the citywide round of the Olympiad competition pits students from the best schools in the city against one another. Already beating teams from the Bronx High School of Science, Stuyvesant High School and Townsend Harris to come in first place citywide, in the upcoming state competition Cardozo hopes to top last year's 20th place. "If you come away with anything, it doesn't mean that kids are any dumber just because you go to a non-specialized school," said Ike Lee, a senior. "It's good to feel justice." While some schools have more resources and a dedicated class for their Olympiad program, Cardozo's students are fueled by passion, and it shows. A recent Thursday finds their basement headquarters buzzing. Dozens of students meet in twos and threes, working quietly or debating concepts that the reporter has forgotten-or never understood. Team captains Tyler Bianco and Marcos Zelaya are popular competitors in Mission Possible - an event that, like the Mouse Trap board game, uses a quarter to set off a complicated series of events. More difficult tasks are worth more points. Points are lost if the student has to touch anything. "We've been planning for a couple of months," Bianco said. "Most of the work is planning. Construction is the easy part." The two are working hard to remove the bugs from their system, after having to touch it several times during the competition. "That's basically what everyone is doing right now," Zelaya said. A future engineer who has his fingers crossed for Brown University, Bianco said, "I didn't know that I would like this at all. It's incredible how you can find what you love just by doing it." That feeling was echoed by students whose devotion is to a variety of disciplines. Along with the thrill of competition, Lee loves being able to delve deeply into a subject rather than skimming the surface like most of the high school curriculum. Competing in the test-based events of anatomy and disease detectives is senior Priyasha Chadha, who plans to be a doctor. Anatomy finds her learning inside and out how the body functions, for a timed test. "It's one of the events I didn't mind studying for," she said. "It gives me a little bit of perspective of what I would be studying in med school." Fellow senior Sophia Lobo is competing in three events: optics, where students use mirrors and a laser to hit a target blocked by a barrier; helicopter, which tests time aloft of rickety looking balsa wood, paper and rubber band contraptions (her record is 21 seconds); and towers, which tests the strength of balsawood towers. "I'm happy this year I got more physics," said Lobo, who is thinking about a career in engineering. Schools can have as many Science Olympiad teams as they want. With space an issue, Cardozo always fields two of the 15 person teams. There was no lack of interest from students this year. With fewer spots than potential teammates, the captains based their selec-
‘Little Egypt’ Celebrates:
Dancing In Astoria’s Streets For Revolution A World Away Tribune Photos by Ira Cohen
By DOMENICK RAFTER Since protestors took to the streets of Egyptian cities on Jan. 25, EgyptianAmericans in Astoria’s “Little Egypt” had joined them, expressing a range of emotions from anger to frustration, concern to fear. On Feb. 11, when news broke that Hosni Mubarak would step down as President of Egypt after 30 years in office, leaving the military in charge of the country as it works to transition into a free democracy, the mood on Steinway Street was jubilant.
Some took their children to be a part of the celebration.
What’s Next?
Page 14 Tribune Feb. 17 - 23, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Reaction on Steinway Street Immediately after news broke that Mubarak left Cairo for the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula and resigned the presidency, leaving the country in military hands, the dozens of Egyptian-Amer icans who spent the previous two weeks joining their brothers and sisters in Egypt took again to the streets of Astoria. A collective cheer erupted from the coffee shops and hookah lounges that line “Little Egypt.” “1, 2, 3, 4, Mubarak is no more! 1, 2, 3, Egypt is Free!” shouted celebrators, easily number ing more than 100 on Steinway Street and 28th Avenue last Friday. They waved Egyptian flags, some with words in Arabic and English as they chanted and sang in both languages. People carried posters showing caricatures of the former President. “I couldn’t believe it,” said EgyptianAmerican Mohamed Abdelmejid. “I’m so proud of this.” Celebrators, at times forcing the closure of Steinway Street, chanted President Barack Obama’s now-famous campaign slogan “Yes We Can.” Leaning on a bus shelter, one man wiped away his tears. “I never thought I’d see this day,” he said. Hoda, a mother of two, helped translate the chants in Arabic for English speaking spectators. “They are saying ‘we are not Chris-
Demonstrators carried signs with photos and caricatures of the deposed Egyptian President. tian Egyptians and Muslim Egyptians, we are just Egyptians,’” she explained. She said freedom of religion was one of the things protestors wanted to see in a new government. Though Egypt is mostly a Muslim country, it has a large population of Coptic Christians who co-exist with the Islamic majority. “I am very happy to see this,” Hoda said of Mubarak’s fall as she joined in with the crowd, singing the Egyptian national anthem.
Beyond Cairo One man joined in with the protestors waving a Tunisian flag. Another woman, a Moroccan, said she wanted to show solidarity with her “Egyptian cousins.” Other protestors arrived chanting “Gaza will be next.” Their appearance not only
Egyptian-Americans and other demonstrators shut down Steinway Street in Astoria for a time on Feb. 11 when news broke that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak had resigned.
showed the unity among the diverse Arab population in “Little Egypt,” but also the reality that the revolution in Egypt didn’t start there, nor may it end there. The revolution that took down Mubarak in the most populous Arab country was actually triggered by events a few hundred miles west in the tiny North African country of Tunisia, where a revolution in early January toppled the 24year regime of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Some hope, and others even fear, Egypt’s revolution will do to the governments of the Arab world what the French Revolution did to the monarchies of Western Europe – force them to democratize, or take them down. Since Mubarak’s fall, protestors in Algeria, Bahrain, Iran, Jordan, Morocco, West Bank and Yemen have taken to the streets. The effect of the Egyptian revolution led Jordan’s King Abdullah to fire his entire government, the President of Yemen to announce his intention to step down in two years after more than 30 years in power and the Palestinian Authority to announce October elections in the West Bank and Gaza. Algeria and Yemen called up their military to prepare to quash protestors they feared would shut down cities, inspired by the success of the Egyptians. Protests in Iran have been ramping up in recent days, leading some authorities to call for the execution of opposition leaders.
Abdelmejid said he was confident democracy can come to Egypt and that he, and fellow Egyptians in America will be behind them. “Egyptian people have spoken,” he said. “Egyptian people know what they want: freedom and democracy.” Egypt’s military government dissolved parliament and suspended the country’s constitution over the weekend. They announced elections would be held within six months. Amendments to the country’s constitution that could allow more political parties to run in par liamentar y and presidential elections will be proposed by a committee in the new few weeks. Hoda said she’s not worried about the militar y being in charge because they sided with the people during the revolution. “They want what we want,” she said, “Fair and free elections, and a free society. They’re on our side.” Not all were convinced through. Smoking a cigarette outside a barber shop on Steinway Street, Alexandrianative Mohammed Reda was more worried than excited to see Mubarak leave. “I hope people know how to use this revolution for the good of the country,” Reda said. Admitting that Mubarak wasn’t necessarily a “good guy,” Reda said the toppled leader gave stability to Egypt and kept the country from suffering the same civil strife some of its neighbors have had to deal with. He said he is also concerned with the Muslim Brotherhood, the pro-Islamic political group that has said it will seek to form a political party and run candidates for parliament under a new constitution. Reda said the Muslim Brotherhood has enough support to win enough seats in parliament to be part of a government. “There are 25 million supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt,” Reda said. “If they win enough votes, they could end up having a hand in governing.” The Muslim Brotherhood opposes the country’s 32-year-old peace treaty with Israel, Egypt’s neighbor to the east. “I don’t want my country to devolve into a civil war, or another war with Israel,” Reda said. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125.
City App Project Aims To Help All Tribune Photo by Ira Cohen
www.queenstribune.com • Feb. 17-23, 2011 Tribune Page 15
By JESSICA ABLAMSKY Wish you knew your subway train was delayed before you left the office, or where to find the cheapest Ugg boots in Queens? Some very clever techies may have the answer. Using data sets from more than 40 city agencies and commissions, the BigApps 2.0 Competition features phone, text and web apps from developers who hope to score cash, wide exposure and a meeting with Mayor Mike Bloomberg. Sponsored by the City Want to know when that next train is coming? There’s E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p m e n t an app for that. Corp., the contest boasts categories that range from Best Overall Applica- City to Jewish Arrival in Lower Manhattan, tion to Student Award, and include two maybe you’ll finally find out whom that horse popular choice winners chosen by public and rider in Central Park is honoring. vote. With a dizzying seven pages of apps to Goodzer review, here are a few of our favorites. This “I don’t know how I lived without it” Web site might not change your life, but it CiviGuard could make your shopping trips a little easier. Stay safe with CiviGuard. Need folding chairs, but don’t know who When there’s an emergency in your area, the app lets you know. It monitors news sells them cheapest? Go to goodzer.com, sources and social media sites for breaking type in your product and zip code and it will news, and lets a grab bag of agencies send out come back with a list of who’s selling them. alerts. If you’re lost, trapped or just fine, the Searchable by relevance, price and distance. Watch your back, Amazon. app lets you report back to authorities and loved ones with one click. Available for iPhone, SubwayArrival iPad and Android devices, with text and email Transportation apps were quite the popuavailable for non-smart and PDA mobiles. lar feature, but our headache-sparing favorite was SubwayArrival. An elegant solution Clean Plates Looking for the perfect grass-fed steak, to a confounding problem, this iPhone app gourmet vegetarian dinner or naturally sweet- maps in real time the location and arrival time ened dessert? This print, mobile and Web of all City subways. Best of all, you don’t have guide has the answer. Satisfy your gluten- to do anything. Using the cell phone’s own free friend with a list of restaurants evaluated technology, the application automatically on criteria that include atmosphere, taste, detects when the user leaves a train. No, it’s not magic. To detect your train’s type of cuisine, healthfulness and quality of location, the app tracks the way your cell ingredients. phone changes base stations, periods of no reception and your proximity to a subway cultureNOW Experience Manhattan in the most re- exit. But the app needs users to work – warding way possible – for free. This Mu- 10,000 of them, so get it now for free on the seum Without Walls app is a self-guided tour iPhone app store. Coming soon to an Anof Downtown art and architecture, complete droid and Blackberry phone near you. Voting is open until 5 p.m. March 9. To with maps, podcasts and insights from the artists, architects and historians who have vote, go to nycbigapps.com. Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at shaped the borough we love to hate. Featuring 1,000 sites and six walking tours, jablamsky@queenstribune.com or (718) from Revolutionary War Sites in New York 357-7400, Ext. 124.
Building Blocks Help Students Learn By ANGY ALTAMIRANO If you build it, they will come. That is a philosophy the people at Robo Mind Tech have followed from Day One, and it continues to push their students to follow that mantra each time they build masterpieces out of everyone’s favorite building blocks – LEGOs. Robo Mind Tech is a LEGO-based program housed in Fresh Meadows that introduces children to science and technology concept, through the use of the LEGO building blocks. “When I went to China, the LEGO China CEO showed me the education aspect of LEGOs,” said Dennis Chan, Managing Director of Robo Mind Tech. The CEO inspired him to start the program here in New York. Robo Mind Tech progressed as a community club and holds a “great
community initiative,” said Chan. The program creates numerous opportunities for children ages six to 14, in part by creating in- and after-school LEGO-based workshops for children during the school year and in the summer. The company offers a stimulating environment that allows children to both play and learn. Robo Mind Tech’s overall mission is to “provide the best Minds-on and Handson STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) learning using the fun and accessible LEGO Robotics platform.” The program starts with training children about the technical side of using LEGO for construction and robotics, moving on to a more aesthetic aspect – LEGO as art. For example, when children make a LEGO amusement park, they are mentored in LEGO construction, robotics and theme-based research, as well as visual design concepts. The group has spawned various LEGO robotics team coaches and mentors, ex-robotics game veterans, with different specializations. After training begins, a select number of children and teams are selected for national and international competitions. Robo Mind Tech sponsors robotics teams for the Junior First LEGO League (JFLL) and First LEGO League (FLL) Robotics Competition. The JFLL team includes children from
'11
EDUCATION
Page 16 Tribune Feb. 17-23, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
A robot is sent to perform a task – in this case, climbing up an incline.
ages six to nine and introduces them to the exciting world of science and technology, with emphasis on building teamwork and gaining confidence. The FLL Team, for ages nine to 14, gets to work on “realworld engineering challenges,” allowing the older children to engage in “hands-on robotics challenges that require skill and strategic thinking,” Chan said. Robo Mind Tech has a summer and winter camp for any children interested in going beyond the lines with LEGOs. For more information on the program and possible enrollment, visit robomindtech.com or call (917) 202-3442.
Students piece together their robots out of LEGO blocks and bits. Reach Intern Angy Altamirano at aaltamirano@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128.
SJU Seeks To Expand Help To Needy
By JESSICA ABLAMSKY For the thousands of children in New York City exposed to physical, sexual or domestic violence, effects range from anxiety to depression and juvenile delinquency. Those consequences are all the more tragic because modern psychologists know what works, said St. John’s University Professor Dr. Elissa Brown, founder and executive director of the PARTNERS program, which treats survivors of violence ages four to 17. Located in Queens since 2004, PARTNERS treats 100-120 kids each year, a number that could double with the aid of a four-year, $1 million federal grant. With overhead provided by St. John’s, every dollar that PARTNERS takes in goes directly toward services for survivors. Staff provide free therapy; train mental health students and professionals; help community leaders recognize signs of trauma and make appropriate mental health referrals; and consult with family violence centers to help them incorporate evaluation of their own services into their repertoire. Patients arrive at PARTNERS through a variety of referral methods, including from the City Administration for Children’s Services, the Legal Aid Society, the Queens Child Advocacy Center – or even selfreferral. “We try to make ourselves as accessible as possible,” she said. Brown started the program in 2001 to aid the thousands of children exposed to trauma who are never treated. People need access to treatment, but people who
serve survivors need to know what treatment methods work best, she said. “There are a lot of people who are very dedicated to serving victims of violence,” she said. “The field needs more evaluation. We know what works, but we are having trouble disseminating it to everybody who really wants to do it.” Using a short-term treatment that has been around for about 60 years, cognitive behavioral therapy, PARTNERS helps clients reduce trauma symptoms. The approach gives clients the tools to change their own negative thought patterns and the way they react to anxiety. Unfortunately, most studies on cognitive-behavioral therapy are based on lower to middle class, white families. “In the literature, there had not been as many studies certainly for multicultural communities, however the ones that have been done have not only shown good outcomes,” she said. With a new infusion of federal money, Brown hopes to learn more about treating people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds. “The community has been so gracious in educating us,” Brown said. “I can’t tell you how much we appreciate it. And we have learned from both community leadership, and also from patients we serve.” To find out more information about PARTNERS or fill out a referral form, go to stjohns.edu/partners or call Beth Cory at (718) 990-2367. Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at jablamsky@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 124.
Feb. Is Heart Health Month At NYHQ
February is Heart Month across the United States, and the need for awareness and action is especially significant in Queens, where heart disease is the No. 1 killer and death rates are higher than the national average. According to the most current available statistics, Queens has an average death rate due to heart disease of 288 per 100,000, compared to the national average of 217 per 100,000 people. To help area residents learn more about risk factors and the steps necessary to manage heart disease, the Heart
& Vascular Center of New York Hospital Queens (NYHQ) is sponsoring a monthlong series of free, public Healthy Heart presentations, screenings and demonstrations. “We are committed to helping make Queens a ‘Heart Healthy’ community,” said Chong H. Park, M.D., director, Division of Cardiology, “and so our physicians, nurses and rehab therapists will be out in the community throughout
s Queen
HEALTH & FITNESS GUIDE
Jamaica Opens Hospice Unit Jamaica Hospital, in collaboration with the Hospice of New York, recently opened its much-needed hospice unit. The four-bed inpatient unit, managed by the hospital’s Palliative Care Program, provides interdisciplinary care to patients with terminal illnesses. The unit consists of a team of physicians, nurses, social workers, and dieticians, who offer pain management services, skilled nursing care, medical social services, medical supplies, and counseling to hospice patients. In addition, they provide spiritual support and bereavement services to the families of patients. The more than two dozen-member hospice care team received comprehensive re-training, equipping them with the knowledge and experience needed to provide patients with the very best care. “The goal of the unit is to ensure that end of life patients receive comfort care,”
February, to promote awareness and educate residents about risk factors so they can take steps to avoid heart disease.” The following presentations are among the educational events that are free and open to the public: Todd Kerwin, M.D., director of Non-Invasive Cardiology, will present, “Risk Factors and Cardiac Disease; What You Need To Know And Do” at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24 at the hospital’s Lang Auditorium; Kurtis Kim, M.D.,vascular surgeon, will present, “Endovascular Disease and Information about the New York Hospital
said Dr. Alan Roth, Chairman of Jamaica Hospital’s Department of Family Medicine and Palliative Care Medicine. “We offer our patients a home-like environment that addresses their medical and spiritual needs; as well as the emotional needs of their families.” To ensure that patients and their families are at peace during their stay, the hospice unit boasts extra large private patient rooms with brand new furniture and amenities. The unit also includes a family meeting room and lounge. Overnight accommodations and meals are also available for family members of hospice patients. Individuals who meet the following criteria are eligible for admission into the hospice unit: have less than two weeks to live; whose medical needs cannot be cared for at home; and/or can be medically stabilized to continue care at home.
Queens’ Endovascular Program and Hybrid Operating Room” at the Flushing YMCA on Friday, Feb. 18 at 9 a.m.; and The hospital’s Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows will present an array of classes including Yoga, Strength, Balance and Flexibility classes, and Meditation postures. Additionally, the Center will present lectures entitled, “Heart and Stroke Prevention” and “Wellness Lifestyle” as well as a “Vegetarian Cooking Demonstration” and a traditional “Chinese Tea Ceremony.” For a full calendar of community events and information about reservations and locations visit the hospital’s website at nyhq.org or call (718) 6702000.
All Dressed In Red: Councilman Jim Gennaro helps promote the American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day on Feb. 4, in an effort to raise awareness of the No. 1 killer of women – cardiovascular disease. Groups of women from Hillcrest Senior Center and Centro Hispano Cuzcatlán helped the councilman spread the word. Pictured l. to r.: Zoila Mora, Marian O’Brien, Gladys Villareal, Maria Pangol, Fabiola Iziart-Cearo, Gennaro, Alicia Campos, Rosa Anilleo, Gloria Pulido, Patricia Pimentel and Mariana Ortiz.
Fall in love with your legs and fall in love with life! G
Your active lifestyle depends on the health of your legs. Varicose Veins can slow you down, while Spider Veins can keep you in hiding. Don’t trust your Vein Treatment to just any doctor!
G
G G
© 2007 CoolTouch Inc. CoolTouch CTEV is a trademark of CoolTouch Inc. All rights reserved.
Mark Schwartz, MD, FACS, RPVI
www.NorthShoreVein.com
Board Certified in Vascular Surgery
1 Hollow Lane | Suite 210 | Lake Success, NY 11042
www.queenstribune.com • Feb. 17-23, 2011 Tribune Page 17
Free Vein Screening Event! Tues., March 3rd: 4-8pm 516-869-VEIN (8346) Appointment Required!
G
Insurance accepted for most procedures State-of-the-art CoolTouch CTEV® laser treatments for varicose veins State-of-the-art VeinGogh® laser treatments for spider veins Minimal downtime In-office procedures
Lunar New Year In Flushing
Honoring Black History
Queens DA Richard Brown presents Queens Borough President Helen Marshall with the 10th annual William Tucker Garvin Public Service Award in celebration of Black History Month. Pictured l. to r.: the Borough President’s daughter, Agnes Marie Marshall, Borough President Marshall, DA Brown and the Borough President’s husband, Donald Marshall.
pix
Page 18 Tribune Feb. 17-23, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson
Hundreds of celebrants flooded the streets of Flushing on Saturday to watch the annual Lunar New Year Parade as it made its way through the neighborhood in honor of the Year of the Rabbit. Photos by Ira Cohen
LEGAL NOTICE
CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, ITT SMALL BUSINESS FINANCE CORPORATION, LONG ISLAND JEWISH MEDICAL CENTER, MIDLAND FUNDING, LLC, NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD, NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU, NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, THE BROOKLYN UNION GAS COMPANY, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING THROUGH THE IRS JOHN DOE (Said name being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, and any parties, corporations or entities, if any having or claiming an interest or lien upon the mortgaged prem dated to secure the sum of $187,100.00 and recorded at The property in question is described as follows: 89-66 210TH PLACE QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11427 SEE ATTACHED DESCRIPTION DATED: the 18th day of January, 2011. PILLAR PROCESSING, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff(s), P.O. Box 1291 Buffalo, NY 14240-1291 HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURENEW 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 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 NONPROFIT 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 1-877BANK-NYS OR 1-877-2265697 OR VISIT THE DEPARTMENT’S WEB SITE AT WWW.BANKING.STATE.NY.US. THE STATE DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ADVICE OF THESE AGENCIES. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of 3636 MAIN LLC. Arts. of Org. was filed with SSNY on 12/3/10. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC whom process against may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o The L L C , 2 1 5 - 0 6 4 9 th A v e , Bayside, NY 11364. Purpose: all lawful activities. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of Experienced Care Staffing, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State on 11/29/10. Office location: Queens County. Sec. of State desig-
LEGAL NOTICE nated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to the principal business addr.: c/o Elaine Vinitsky, 7137 147th St., Flushing, NY 11367. Purpose: any lawful activity. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of BH Seven LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization was filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 8/9/2010. 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 any process served against the LLC to: 160-20 79 Ave, Flushing, NY 11367. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of Sparklize U LLC, a limited liability company, d/b/a EMMIE’S. Articles of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/6/10. 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 any process served against the LLC to: 111-74 42 nd Ave., Corona, NY 11368. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. ________________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION, Book of Numbers LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of N.Y. (SSNY) on 12/ 03/2010. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copies of any process served against the LLC to c/o: Book of Numbers LLC, 74-33 45 th Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373. Purpose: any lawful activity. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of Casa Borghesi LLC, Art. of Org. filed Sec’y of State (SSNY) 11/10/10. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 183 Beach 141st St., Belic Harbor, NY 11694. Purpose: any lawful activities. ________________________________________________________________ ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF Eclipse Photography L.L.C. (Insert name of Limited Liability Company) Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law FIRST: The name of the limited liability company is: Eclipse Photography L.L.C SECOND: The county, within this state, in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is: Queens THIRD: The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: Eclipse Photography 162-10 Powells cove Blvd Unit 4B Beechhurst, NY 11357 USA Yury A. La Fontaine (signa-
LEGAL NOTICE ture of organizer) Yury A. La Fontaine (print or type name of organizer) ________________________________________________________________ Notice of formation of Therapeutic Nutrition, LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY(SSNY) on 10/04/10. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of process served against LLC: 12-06 36 th Ave Apt 2B, Long Island City, NY 11106. Purpose: any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: PELAGOS LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/13/10. 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 John Giovanis, 33-21 21 st Street, Long Island City, New York 11106. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ 3076 43 STREET LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 1/10/2011. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 36-01 30th Ave., Astoria, NY 11103, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of formation of PEACHTREE 50 DAYCARE, LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on July 30, 2010. Office location: Queens. Secretary of State of New York has been designated for service of process. Secretary of State of New York shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to PEACHTREE 50 DAYCARE, LLC, at 12215 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica, New York 11434. Purpose: any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of DAVIDA REALTY HOLDINGS LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/10/10. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: 82-40 217TH St., Hollis Hills, NY 11427. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Cyruli Shanks Hart & Zizmor LLP, 420 Lexington Ave., NY, NY 10170. Purpose: Any lawful activity. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation PGE Metrony Realty LLC art. of org. filed Secy. of State NY (SSNY) 11/4/10. Off. loc. in Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 23-35 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11105. Purpose: Any lawful purpose ________________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF MEETING: Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of the mem-
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
bers of FLUSHING CEMETERY ASSOCIATION will be held at the office of the Cemetery, 163-06 46 th Avenue, Flushing, Queens County, New York on Friday, March 18, 2011, at 11:30A.M. for the purpose of electing Trustees, approving the renewal of its policy of indemnification insurance for its Trustees, Officers and Employees and the transaction of other business as may properly be brought before the meeting. Dated: February 1, 2011 JOAN H. CORBISIERO, Secretary ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation MJ Optometry, PLLC art. of org. filed Secy. of State NY (SSNY) 11/29/10. Off. Loc. in Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: Martin S. Kim, 79-04 37 th Ave., Jackson Hts, NY 11372. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation Wu Global Opportunities, LLC art. of org. filed Secy. of State NY (SSNY) 9/29/10. Off. Loc. in Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 41-50 Main St, Ste 209, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of LOGIC DATA INFORMATION, LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization was filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/18/2011. 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 any process against the LLC to: 84-15 124 th Street, Apt. 2, Kew Gardens, NY 11415. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of LI GAS STATION, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/18/11. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: 3100 47th Ave., Long Island City, NY 11101. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Ekmel Anda at the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity. ________________________________________________________________ ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF Thai Rock LLC (Insert name of Limited Liability Company) Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law FIRST: The name of the limited liability company is; Thai Rock LLC SECOND: The county, within this state, in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is: Queens THIRD: The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company
served upon him or her is: Robert M. Kaskel 101-02 Shore Front Parkway 1 st Floor Rockaway Park, NY 11694 USA (Scott Weddle, Mgr of EZonlineFiling (signature of organizer) Scott Weddle, Mgr of EzonlineFiling (print or type name of organizer) ________________________________________________________________ ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF Kimmy Ma ArtStudio LLC Under Section 204 of the Limited Liability Company Law FIRST. The name of the limited liability company is Kimmy Ma ArtStudio LLC SECOND. The county within this state in which the limited liability company is to be located is Queens. THIRD. The secretary of state is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process accepted on behalf of the limited liability company served upon him or her is: c/o United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13 th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. FOURTH: The name and street address in this state of the registered agent upon whom and at which process against the limited liability company may be served is: United State Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13 th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. ________________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The NYC Board of Standards and Appeals has scheduled a public hearing on the following application: Variance (§72-21) to allow a one story commercial building (UG 6); contrary to use regulations (§22-00). R3X zoning district. Address: 40-38 216 th Street, between 215 th Place and 216 th Street, 200’ south of 40 th Avenue, Block 6290, Lot 70, Borough of Queens. Applicant: Rothkrug Rothkrug & Spector, LLP, for For Our Children, Incorporated, owner. Community Board No.: 11Q This application, Cal. No.: 201-08-BZ, has been calendared for Public Hearing on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, 1:30 P.M., session, 40 Rector Street, 6 th floor Hearing Room “E”, Borough of Manhattan. Interested persons or associations may appear at the hearing to present testimony regarding this application. This application can be reviewed at the Board offices, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. This notice is published by the applicant in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the Board of Standards and Appeals. Dated: 2/2/11 Rothkrug Rothkrug & Spector LLP, Applicant
To Place Your Legal Advertisement, Call the Tribune at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 149 or E-Mail Your Copy to the Tribune at: legals@queenstribune.com
www.queenstribune.com • Feb. 17-23, 2011 Tribune Page 19
SUMMONS AND NOTICE OBJECT OF ACTION STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF QUEENS ACTION TO FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE INDEX NO.: 52/10 Mortgaged Premises: 89-66 210TH PLACE QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11427 SBL #: Block 10575 Lot 73 WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, vs. ALFRED WILLIAMS, KAREN ANDERSON, SHEILA WILLIAMS, ASSET ACCEPTANCE LLC, CLOVER COMMERCIAL CORP., CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, ITT SMALL BUSINESS FINANCE CORPORATION, LONG ISLAND JEWISH MEDICAL CENTER, MIDLAND FUNDING, LLC, NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD, NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU, NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, THE BROOKLYN UNION GAS COMPANY, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING THROUGH THE IRS JOHN DOE (Said name being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, and any parties, corporations or entities, if any having or claiming an interest or lien upon the mortgaged prem, Defendant(s) TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT: 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(s) within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or to answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office or business in the County of Queens. Trial to be held in the County of Queens. The basis of the venue designated above is the Location of the Mortgage Premises. Dated the 18th day of January, 2011, Pillar Processing, LLC, Attorney(s) for Plaintiff(s), P.O. Box 1291 Buffalo, NY 14240-1291 TO: ALFRED WILLIAMS, KAREN ANDER, Defendant(s) In this Action. The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of , a of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, dated 12/23/2010 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Queens County Clerk, in City of Jamaica. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by ALFRED WILLIAMS, KAREN ANDERSON, SHEILA WILLIAMS, ASSET ACCEPTANCE LLC, CLOVER COMMERCIAL CORP.,
LEGAL NOTICE
Leisure
Year Of The Rabbit Hops Into Queens dressed in a Playboy Bunny-like oufit. A man in a curly rainbow wig applied makeup to children’s faces w ith an ar tistic hand, transforming each child into one of the animals of the Chine se Zodiac. Mr. Met was watching as the artist drew dragon whiskers on a girl’s face, while a boy already transformed into a tiger said “Rowrrr!” to his mother and made her laugh. Also in that room, a man carefully brushed the characters of traditional Ne w Year wishes onto posters, while another sold his papercuts of traditional symbols. In the adjoining room, decorated with helium-filled rabbit balloons (one of them Bugs Bunny), two men in traditional monkey costumes per formed entertainingly, followed by a group of elderly women who danced and waved fans gracefully. The exuberant emcee, who mostly spoke Chinese, commented in English about the women that “they say their ages are between 65 and 85
but that’s all they’ll say.” Fol lowing their performance, a young girl in a black dress sang two Chinese songs, and later raffle numbers were read. Most raffle winners won a container holding a tasty lit tle lunch, complete w ith a juicebox. Ancient tradition and modern times meet and merge often at the mall. One of the items sold at the mall’s variety store is a kit with papers and instructions about how to use them and traditional paper-folding tech-
niques to make origami cheeseburgers. Just inside the entrance, where glass figurines made using pop music. One ladies’ room is adorned with elegant paintings of white flowers with a small box on its door displaying a doll-sized traditional jacket. A few blocks away, a store door displayed a decoration featuring a traditional Lunar New Year prosperity figure with a very modern difference: it was depicted holding a bundle of $100 bills. Tribune Photo by Ira Cohen
By BARBARA ARNSTEIN It’s the Year of t he Rabbit, so in addition to the usual wagging dragons, flipping fans and confet t i cascading into the crowds, the Flushing Lunar Ne w Year Parade Feb. 12 included marchers in bunny suits. Dozens of Korean drummers drummed, stylized lions danced, and the Francis Lewis High School and NYPD marching bands per fo r med. One f loat featured figure s (formed from balloons) representing a couple in traditional Korean clothing, while another carried a Wells Fargo stagecoach. Afterwards, the celebrating continued with per formances and activit ies in two rooms at the Queens Crossing Mall. In the first room, technology met tradition, as people pressed a laptop screen to tr y their luck at winning yoyos, purses or tote bags in the traditional goo d-fortune color of red. Another blend of the old and the new was the traditional zodiac rabbit… in the form of a blonde girl
Page 22 Tribune Feb. 17-23, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Mizumi: Fresh, Fun MIZUMI SUSHI & SEAFOOD BUFFET but ter. I went back for seconds. Mizumi has an array of rolls. My per231-10 Nor thern Blvd., Douglaston sonal favorites were the fried tuna roll and (718) 229-8686 HOURS: Lunch 11:30 am-3:30 pm; the tuna lover’s roll, a spicy tuna roll topped with a piece of fresh tuna sushi. I would dinner 5:30-10 pm, 7 days also recommend the Tai (snapper), Taki PARK ING: Lot RESERVATIONS: Accepted for large (octopus), and the Kani (crab meat). Don’t worry about the sushi’s quality: you’d be parties hard-pressed to find this qualit y in Tokyo. CREDIT CARDS: All major Back at your table, your friendly and For the last decade or so, my best friend and I have been traveling the City, and the at tentive wait staff will have your soy sauce world, looking for good sushi, so when and chopsticks ready when you return with the Mizumi Sushi and Seafood Buffet your treats. Mizumi offers a wide-variety of cuisine opened its doors in Douglaston, it seemed like a logical stop, and one that did not beyond raw fish. The raw bar is a delightful treat with raw clams, oysters and snow disappoint. Mizumi, located at the former site of crab legs. Crackers are left at your table P&B Seville Diner at 231-10 Nor thern for the snow crab legs, which are filled to Blvd. in Douglaston, right in the heart of the brim with fresh crab meat. The buffet Alle y Pond Park, has only been opened also offers a choice of soups. I recommend for a couple of months, but owner Ken the miso, one of the best I’ve ever tasted. The buffet seems endless. I went back said the restaurant has been gaining a steady flow of customers for lunch and din- for four different courses, my friend for ner seatings. There is only one rule when five. I sampled the Chilean Sea Bass with you come here: come hungr y. So no Miso Glaze; a tender explosion of taste. I snacking before; you’re going to need had quite a few servings of that. Don’t pass up the pork gyoza, yakitori or shrimp every last inch of your stomach. shumai. For the daring, I suggest When we arrived, we were promptly seated in one of the RESTAURANT the grilled squid salad. For the diet-conscious, tr y the Japanese two dining rooms, separated Caesar salad for a unique treat from the buffet tables with Eastfull of flavor. You’ll wish you had ern-inspired fencing that seemed gone for more. to rise from rock gardens outThen of course there’s the lining the dining area. The aura dessert. Be sure to leave room for of the restaurant seemed to mesh it. The soft-serve ice cream is Eastern culture with Western uniquely satisfying. My friend and design. There are two dedicated I had the green tea variety, which dining areas: one faci ng Northtasted like freshly brewed tea ern Boulevard, the other facing east into the parking lot. At the corner of when it melted on your tongue. Also, don’t the restaurant is a dedicated party area for forget Mizumi’s wide-array of fruits. Their selection of cakes is inviting. Each slice is large events. Immediately after arriving at the table, cut into bite-sized pieces that simply won’t our waitress took our drink orders. All be enough to satisfy your taste buds, so non-alcoholic beverages have free refills, take a few. My suggestion: go with the red so enjoy your never-ending cup of tea or velvet and the green-tea cake. Both are per fect endings to this epic meal. Diet Coke. For the price (the lunch buffet is $17.95 Now it’s time for the piece de resistance, the buffet itself. Roughly a quar ter Mon-Fri, $21.95 on the weekend, while of the entire buffet is sushi and sashimi. the dinner buffet is $28.95 during the week Each piece of sashimi is served in a tiny and $31.95 on the weekends), this is an bowl. The classics are all there: salmon, excellent selection of food. As long as you tuna, fluke and yellowtail. The fish is come hungr y and w ith a diverse palate, it chilled and very fresh. Sushi chefs are con- is more than wor th it. For more informastantly replenishing the supply with notice- tion and a list of the full menu, go to ably fresh cuts of fish. My personal favor- mizumi-ny.com. —Domenick Rafter ite, unagi, or eel, melted in my mouth like
REVIEW
Traditional dancers helped mark the Year of the Rabbit inside Queens Crossing after the parade.
Civil Rights Pioneer To Speak In Queens When long-time civil rights leader Julian Bond comes to speak at the Queens College library on Thursday, Feb. 17, he’ll be focusing on the legacy of another civil rights pioneer – James Forman (1928-2005). Crediting Forman as having had an enormous influence on him personally and on the entire civil rights movement, Bond calls him “one of the under-appreciated figures of the modern civil rights movement…His autobiography, ‘The Making of Black Revolutionarie s,’ is a classic.” Bond’s lecture, which is free and open to the public, will celebrate the college’s recent acquisition of Forman’s personal librar y and recordings. As one of the founders of the influential Student Nonviolent Coordinating Commit tee (SNCC) in the 1960s, Bond worked closely with Forman, SNCC’s executive secretar y. After SNCC, Bond became the first president of the Southern Pover ty Law Center. He served in the Georgia state legislature for two decades. From 1998 to 2010, he was chairman of the National Association for t he Advancement of Colored People (NA ACP). Forman was a principle organizer of the 1963 March on Washington and the Freedom Rides, and the key framer of the “Black Manifesto,” which demanded reparations to African Americans in payment for the hardships of slavery. He remained active in promoting the cause of blacks throughout his career, including traveling to Africa a nd Europe on behalf of the Black Panther party. The Forman library consists of approxi-
mately 2,000 books, more than 2,100 pamphlets, academic journals and printed ephemera as well as a variety of audio and moving image material – a major addition to the histor y of civil rights in America. This contribution by the Forman family, who will be present Feb. 17, is the latest acquisition in the college’s expanding archive of original materials from the civil rights era. These materials are being organized and catalogued, with selections digitized by QC faculty and graduate students for permanent use by the campus community, researchers and the general public. The Queens College Civil Rights Archive, begun with donations from a significant number of alumni who were involved in the movement, has generated considerable interest among historians and scholars. One of the college’s civil activists was student Andrew Goodman, who was slain in Mississippi in 1964 with two other young men; all three were “Freedom Summer” volunteers trying to register African Americans to vote in the South. The Chaney-GoodmanSchwerner Clock Tower of Rosenthal Librar y, a highly visible borough landmark, is named in their honor. The Bond lecture will take place from 57 p.m. at the Rosenthal Librar y, Room 230. All Black Histor y Month events are co-sponsored by the Africana Studies Program, Special Collections & Archives of the Queens College Libraries, the SEEK Program, and several student organizations. For directions to the campus, go to qc.cuny.edu/?id=9KTF.
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
www.queenstribune.com • Feb. 17-23, 2011 Tribune Page 23
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.
ALUMNI ST. JOHN’S PREP Saturday, March 26 for the classes of 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001. 721-7200, ext. 686. ST. AGNES Saturday, April 16 St. Agnes Academic HS in College point for all years, especially those ending in 1 or 6. 3536276.
DANCE COUNTRY WESTERN Saturday, March 12 St. Patrick’s Dance. The NY Metropolitan Country Music Association. $12. Glendale Memorial Building, 72-02 Myrtle Avenue at 7:30. 7634328. 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.
ENVIRONMENT
Page 24 Tribune Feb. 17-23, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
GLOBAL WARMING 101 Saturdays, February 26 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000. Explore and understand the phenomenon of Global Warming.
MISCELLANEOUS FREE TAX PREP Saturdays, February 19, 26 at the Langston Hughes library at 11. 651-1100. ORATORIO SOCIETY Mondays through April the Oratorio Society of Queens rehearses at the North Presbyterian Church. 279-3006. AUXILIARY OFF. The 105 th Precinct Community Council invites all interested in becoming an Auxiliary Police Officer to contact 776-9268. BARBERSHOP Wednesdays t h e Q u een s chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Societ y meets at the school hall, 175-20 74 th Avenue, Flushing. 381-8689. COMMUNITY SINGERS Mondays through May Communit y Singers of Queens rehearses at Messiah Lutheran Church in Flushing. 658-1021.
ENTERTAINMENT INKSPOTS Saturday, February 19 Bill Godwin’s Ink Spots: A Concert of Hits That Span the Decades at the Central library at 2. TANGO BUENOS AIRES Sunday, February 20 at Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6311. MOVIE & TALK Mondays the Friends of Pomonok present a movie and discussion. Bring lunch. 1 at the Pomonok library. 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. OPEN MIC Thursday, February 24 at the East Elmhurst library at 6. LIVE JAZZ Fridays through December 13 at 180-25 Linden Blvd.., St. Albans. 347-262-1169 ticket information. PHAT LITERATURE Saturday, February 26 starting at 10 at the Langston Hughes library. CHARLES MOORE Saturday, February 26 Charles Moore Dance Theater: Across the African Diaspora at the Flushing library at 2. SATCHMO Saturday, February 26 at 1
and 3 Louis Armstrong & Race will be explored at the Louis Armstrong House. 4788274 reservations. POSTCARD MOROCCO Saturday and Sunday, February 26, 27 “Postcard From Morocco” at the LeFrak Concert Hall at Queens College. 793-8080. YOUNG ARTISTS Sunday, February 27 Young Artists of Tomorrow at 5 at Church in the Gardens in Forest Hills. $20. 894-2178. BEAUTY OF BALLET Sunday, February 27 at 1 and 3 at Queens Theatre in the Park. Reservations 7600064. STAMP SHOW Sundays, February 27, March 27 at the Ramada Inn, 220-33 Northern Blvd., Bayside. Free. 10-4:30. MOVIE BASED ON BOOK Friday, March 4 “The Painted Veil.” Friday, April 1 “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Watch a movie based on a book at 2 at the Flushing library. GERI ALLEN Saturday, March 5 at York College at 7. $20, $10 students and seniors. 262-3750. INCREDIBLE ACROBATS Saturday, March 6 Incredible Acrobats of China perform at the Kupferberg Center at Queens College. $18, $12 children 12 and under. 793-8080. OPEN MIC POETRY Monday, March 14 at 7:30 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows.
EXHIBIT QUEENS HISTORICAL Tu e s d ay s , S a t u r d ay 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 “The Civil War’s La sting Memory.” Queens H i s to r i c a l Societ y at Kingsland Homestead, 1443 5 3 7 th a v e n u e , F l u s h i n g . 939-0647, ext. 17. $2 seniors and students, $3 adults. AMER. CIVIL RIGHTS 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 Gallery. 631-6396. SMALL WORKS Through February 26 at the National Art League, 33-21 Douglaston Parkway. Monday-Thursday and Saturday 14. Free. CULTURAL BLENDING Through March 31 “Culture Blending in Ceramic Arts” at F l u s h i n g To w n H a l l . 4 6 3 7700, ext. 222 ISAMU NOGUCHI
Through April 24 “On Becoming An Artist: Isamu Noguchi and His Contemporaries: 1922-1960” at the Noguchi Museum, 32-37 Ve r n o n B l vd . , L I C . $ 1 0 adults, $5 seniors and students. 204-7088. MANSHENG WANG Through May 27 “Mansheng Wang: Art and Artlessness” a t t h e G o d w i n - Te r n b a c h Museum. 997-4747. NY REGIONAL AESTHETICS Through June 30 “Express: L o c a l / N ew Yo r k Re g i o n a l Aesthetics” at the Queens College Art Center. 9973770. 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.” Through November 14 “Endangered Art/ists: China.” November 19 through January 7 “Korean Painting Exhibition: A Walk Through Nature.” 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. DOLL MUSEUM Wednesday through Saturdays 12:30-4:30 the Maria Rose Doll Museum in St. Albans. 276-3454. “”Love Connects Us All” and international doll collection.
EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS AWARENESS One-on-one discussion on Awareness Building (Get Back to Work ASAP) with the C Network in Forest Hills. 263-3501. CRAFT CLASSES Saturdays 11-3 at Maria Rose International Doll Museum in St. Albans. 2763454. INTERACT WITH ART Saturdays, February 19, 26 Interact with Art: Create, Lecture, Trip at the Flushing library. Register. SCRABBLE CLUB Saturdays at 10 at Count Basie Jr. HS, 132 nd Street and Guy R. Brewer Blvd. 8865236. PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturday, February 19 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646436-7940. BOATING SAFELY Sunday, February 20 the About Boating Safely class will be taught by qualified US Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors from Flotilla 12-01 at Fort Totten, Bayside. 917952-7014 to register. 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. DRAWING CLASS Mondays at the National Art League in Douglaston. 3610628. ADULT CHESS Mondays and Thursdays at the Queens Village library at 5:30. BEGIN ENGLISH Mondays and Wednesdays free Beginners English Classes 10-11:30 at the Pomonok Senior Center, 6709 Kissena Blvd., Flushing. 591-3377. COMPUTER CLASS Tuesday, February 22 at the Arverne library at 10. COMPUTER CLASS Tuesdays at the Sunnyside library. Register. 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. CRAFT CLUB Tuesday, Februar y 22 LIC Craft Club at 1 at the LIC library. DUPLICATE BRIDGE Wednesdays 10:30-3:00 at the Reform Temple of For-
est 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. 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. CAREER POTENTIAL Thursday, February 24 at 7 a t t h e C e n t ra l l i b r a r y. Learn to choose a career based on interests and experience. WRITER’S WORKSHOP Thursday, February 24 at the Bayside library. Register. KNITTING CLUB Fridays at the Maspeth library at 10. KNIT & CROCHET Fridays at the Fresh Meadows library at 10:30. SCRABBLE Fridays Bananagrams and Scrabble at the Windsor Park library at 2:30. DEFENSIVE DRIVING Saturday, February 26 at
HEALTH the Knights of Columbus in Valley Stream. 341-0452. POETS Saturday, February 26 the Fresh Meadows Poets meet to discuss and critique their work at 10 at the Forest Hills library. JIC ORIENTATION Saturday, February 26 career resources, assistance with job searching and more at 1 at the Central library. BALLROOM DANCE Monday, February 28 st: Ballroom Dancing with Jing Chen at the Forest Hills library at 6:30. CRAFT CLUB Monday, February 28 Craft Club at the LIC library at 6. POETRY WRITING Tuesdays, March 15, April 19 Poetry Writing workshop at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows at 7:30. JH ART CLUB Classes in all art forms days and evenings for children and adults. 899-0065.
FLEA MARKETS THRIFT SHOPS Saturdays 11-4 at Bargain Boutique Thrift Shop, Queens Baptist Church, 9323 217 th Street, Queens Village.465-2504.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT Queens Communit y House at 268-5960, ext. 226. Counseling, support groups, education, respite services, referral services, more. 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 710pm 347-2156 information. NICOTINE ANONYMOUS Mondays 6:45-8:00 at the C e n te r f o r To b a c c o C o n t rol, 225 Communit y Drive, Great Neck. 516510-7826. 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. CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Every Tuesday 3:30-4:30 at the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886. ALZHEIMERS Tu e s d a y s , F e b r u a r y 2 2 ,
March 8, 22 Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills. 592-5757, ext. 237. ZUMBA Wednesdays the Sisterhood of Bay Terrace Jewish Cent e r , 1 3 - 0 0 2 0 9 th S t r e e t , bayside, will hold Zumba Fitness classes from 7:30-8:30. $8 members, $10 others. 428-6363. YOGA Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 6701695. $10 class. OA Thursdays at the Howard Beach library at 10:30.
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Queens Today
RELIGIOUS REGO PARK Saturday, February 19 Parashat and Haftarat Club at the Rego Park Jewish Center at 12:30. 97-30 Queens Blvd., Rego Park. 459-1000. CULTURAL JUDAISM Saturday, February 19 at 2 the Queens communit y for Cultural Judaism will present a DVD of Rabbi Sherwin Wine lecturing on Secular Humanistic Judaism at the Unitarian Congregation of Q u e e n s , 1 4 9 th S t r e e t a n d Ash Avenue, Flushing. $5 includes dessert and coffee. 380-5362.
www.queenstribune.com • Feb. 17-23, 2011 Tribune Page 25
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT Page 26 Tribune Feb. 17-23, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Queens Today
Queens Today
MEETINGS BEREAVEMENT New bereavement group forming at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000, ext. 223 for information. P-FLAG Sundays, February 20, March 20 PFLAG, a support group for parents, families and friends of lesbians and gays, meet in Forest Hills. 271-6663. FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tuesdays the Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets. 917-612-3463. FH VAC Wednesdays, February 23, March 23, April 27 Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corp meets. 793-2055. 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. FRIENDS OF RH Thursday, February 24 Friends of the Library meet at 6:15 at the Richmond Hill library. LA LECHE LEAGUE Thursday, February 24 at the Forest Hills library at 5:30. ADVANCED TOASTMASTER Thursdays, February 24, March 17, 31 learn the art and science of public speaking in Queens. 525-6830. WOMAN’S GROUP Fridays the Woman’s Group of Jamaica Estates meets at noon. Call 461-3193 for information. ST. ALBANS CIVIC Sundays, February 27, March 27 St. Albans Civic Improvement Association meets at St. Albans Lutheran C h u r c h , 2 0 0 th S t r e e t a n d 1 9 9 th A v e n u e in the undercroft at 1:30. JEWISH VETS Sundays, February 27, March 27 Jewish War Veterans of the USA Lipsky/Blum Post meet at the Garden Jewish Center. 463-4742. JEWISH WOMEN Sunday, February 27 the National Council of Jewish Women will meet at the Palace Diner in Flushing. Free vouchers for a Queens College concert available. 3439029. VFW 4787 Mondays, February 28, March 14, 28 Whitestone V F W C o m m u n i t y Po s t meets. 746-0540. AMERICAN LEGION Tuesdays, March 1, 15 Edward McKee Post 131 meets in Whitestone. 767-4323. FLUSHING CAMERA Wednesdays, March 2, 16, 30 F l u s h i n g C a m e r a C l u b meets at Flushing Hospital at 7:15. 479-0643. TOASTMASTERS Wednesdays, March 2, 16 learn the art of public speaking at the Voices of Rochdale To a s t m a s t e r s C l u b i n J a maica. 978-0732. KNIGHTS OF PY THIAS Wednesdays, March 2, 16
TEENS
Queensview Lodge 433 meets in Whitestone. 917754-3093. LIONS CLUB Tuesday, March 8 the Lions Club of Ravenswood meets at 6:30 at Riccardo’s by the Bridge, 21-01 21 st Avenue, Astoria. COMM. BD 6 Wednesdays, March 9, April 13, May 11, Thursday, June 16 at 80-02 Kew Gardens Road at 7:45. JEFFERSON DEMS Thursdays, March 10, April 14 the Jefferson Democratic Club meets at the Clearview Golf Course Clubhouse at 7:30. 202-12 Willets Point Blvd., Bayside. ILION BLOCK Fridays, March 11, April 8 Ilion Area Block Association, Inc. will hold a general membership meeting at the African Center for Communit y
Empowerment, 111-92A Farmers Blvd., St. Albans at 7:30. CATHOLIC VETS Mondays, March 14, April 11 American Mart yrs Catholic War Veterans Post 1771 meets in Bayside. 468-9351. AMERICAN LEGION Mondays, March 14, April 11 American Legion Post 510 meets at St. Robert Bellamine in Bayside Hills. 428-2895. AUBURNDALE Tu e s d a y, M a r c h 1 5 t h e Auburndale Improvement Association meets at St. Kevin’s Church, 45-21 194 th Street. Enter through parking lot. Meet neighbors and a d d re s s c o m m u n i t y c o n cerns. BELLA ITALIA MIA Sundays, March 20, April 10 Bella Italia Mia will meet.4574816.
SENIORS AARP CHORUS Like to sing? The AARP Queens Chorus holds practice rehearsals for performances at nursing homes, rehab and senior centers. 523-1330. COMPUTER CLASSES The Selfhelp Benjamin Rosenthal-Prince Street Senior Center in Flushing is offering a series of computer classes. 445-3864 for information. FREE LUNCH Saturdays, February 19, March 19 at All Saints Church in Richmond Hill. 849-2352 reservations. TAI CHI CLASSES Mondays at 9 at the Pomonok Senior Center, 6709 Kissena Blvd, Flushing. 591-3377. CAREGIVERS Ever y Tuesday Caregivers Support group at 3:30-4:30 at the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886. STARS Wednesday, February 23 at 10:30 at the Hollis library and Friday, February 25 at 10:30 at the Queens Village library. Senior Theater Acting Repertory meets. STAY WELL Wednesdays at 10:15 at the East Elmhurst library for exercise and other health related programs. 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. CLEARVIEW Thursday, February 24 shopping trip to Trader Joe’s at 9:30 and “Foods That Help Your Dige stion” at 10:15. Friday, February 25 “Up in the Air” movie at 12:45. Monday, February 28 Music Appreciation at 12:45. Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 224-7888. FREE LUNCH Saturdays, February 26,
March 26 at Church of the Resurrection in Kew Gardens. 847-2649 reservations. AARP 3654 Tuesdays, March 1, April 5, May 3 AARP chapter 3654 meets in Bayside. 423-4237. AARP 4158 Tuesdays, March 8, April 12 AARP Chapter 4158 meets at Church on the Hill, 16707 35 th Avenue, Flushing at noon. AARP 29 Thursday, March 10 AARP Chapter 29 meets at Grace House, 155-02 90 th Avenue, Jamaica at noon. AARP 4977 Wednesday, March 16 the Corona/E. Elmhurst AARP 4977 meets at 1:30 at Corona Congregational Church h a l l , 1 0 2 - 1 8 3 4th a v e n u e . 458-7429.
SINGLES SINGLES SOCIAL & DANCE Sunday, February 27 singles social and dance from 2-6. $10. Over 45. Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Q u een s B l v d . , R eg o P a r k . 459-1000.
TALKS GEORGE WASHINGTON Saturday, February 19 “George Washington’s Long Island Spy Ring” will be discussed at 10 at the Poppenhusen Institute in College Point. 358-0067 to register. PARANORMAL Saturday, February 19 the Paranormal/Mystery Book Club meets at the LIC library at 3:30. JEWISH WOMEN Monday, February 21 the National Council of Jewish Women will discuss “The Zoo Keepers Wife.” 4548362. RICHMOND HILL Thursday, February 24 book club at the Richmond Hill library at 3.
CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2. TEEN TUTORING Saturdays, February 19, 26 at the Bayside library at 10. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library at 4. TEEN TUESDAY Tuesday, February 22 at the Hillcrest library at 4. BOOK BUDDIES Tuesday, February 22 at the Hillcrest library at 3:30. DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Tuesday, February 22 at the Baisley Park library. Register. CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library. DRAMA POSSE Thursday, February 24 at the Hillcrest library at 3. LAPTOPS Thursday, February 24 learn how to use a laptop at 4:30 at the Hollis library. HAPPY HOUR Friday, February 25 at the Flushing library at 3. GAME PLAYERS Fridays at the Hillcrest library at 2. TALENT SHOW Friday, February 25 at the East Elmhurst library. Register. PHAT LITERATURE Saturday, February 26 at the Langston Hughes library at 10. DANCE THEATER Saturday, February 26 Charles Moore Dance Theater: Across the African Diaspora at 2 at the Flushing library. TEEN TUTORING Monday, February 28 at the Bayside library at 3:30. TEEN CHESS CLUB Monday, February 28 at the Bayside library at 6. INTERPRET Friday, March 4 teen-created videos about the Noguchi Museum at the Museum. 204-7088. PORTFOLIO Saturday, April 2 Portfolio Development Workshop for
THEATER INDEPENDENCE Fridays and Saturdays, February 25, 26, March 4, 5 at 8 and Sunday, February 27 and Saturday, March 5 at 2. The Douglaston Commun i t y T h e a t re p re s e n t s t h e drama “Independence” at the Zion Episcopal Church in Douglaston. $15. 4823332 reservations. OTHELLO March 4-12 at Queensborough Community College. 631-6284. $10, seniors $5, facult y and students $3. IN ARABIA May 6-13 “In Arabia We’d All Be Kings” by Stephen Adly Guirgis at Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6284. $10, seniors $4, facult y and students $3. KILLING KOMPANY The Killing Company performs mystery dinner shows. 1-888-SHOOT-EM for information.
teen artists at the Noguchi Museum. 204-7088. CAREERS IN THE ARTS Saturday, April 9 Careers in the Arts Fair at the Brooklyn Preparatory HS at Harry Van Arsdale Campus with the Noguchi Museum. 2047088. ART CLASSES Fridays the Alliance of Queens Artists in Forest Hills
offers teen workshops. 5209842. 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.
YOUTH QUEENS LIBRARIES Many branches of the Queensborough Library offer toddler and pre-school programs. Contact your local branch for dates. KIDS’ THEATER Through Saturday, April 9 LaMicro Children’s Theater Workshop at the Sunnyside library. Register. TEEN TUTORING Saturdays, February 19, 26 at the Bayside library at 10. MATH HELP Saturdays at the Flushing library at 10. SCIENCE LAB Saturdays, February 19, 26 at the Central library at 11. 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. ANIMAL CARE TRAINEE Saturday, February 19 for those 8-12 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 2294000. ART FOR TOTS Saturdays, February 19, March 19, April 16, Sundays, February 27, March 27, April 10 am: Art for Tots 2-4 at the Noguchi Museum. 204-7088. ART FOR FAMILIES Sundays, February 20, March 13, 20 for families with children 5-11 at the Noguchi Museum. 2047088. RECESS – POPPENHUSEN Monday and Tuesday, February 21, 22 “Let Your Fingers Do The Walking,” an introduction to Sign Language through storytelling. Wednesday, February 23 “Crafting a Collage.” Friday, February 25 “Freedom Quilts by the LI Children’s Museum.” Register 3580067. Poppenhusen Institute in College Point. 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 Weekdays at the Lefrak Cit y library at 3. Call 592-7677 to confirm. BOOK BUDDIES Tu e s d ay, F e b r u a r y 2 2 a t 3:30 at the Hillcrest library. DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Tuesday, February 22 at the Baisley Park library. Register. CHESS Wednesdays at the Queens Village library at 3:30. AFR. AMER. SONGS
Wednesday, February 23 at the Central library at 2. ORIGAMI FUN Wednesday, February 23 at the East Flushing library. Register. AFR. AMER. DANCE Wednesday, February 23 at the Laurelton library at 4. ORIGAMI FUN Thursday, February 24 at the Steinway library. Register. BOOK TALK Thursday, February 24 at the Poppenhusen library at 3:30. ARTS & CRAFTS Thursday, February 24 at the Auburndale library. AFTERSCHOOL TIME Thursday, February 24 at 3 at the Arverne library. NUTRITION WORKSHOP Thursday, February 24 at the Cambria Heights library. Register. CHESS CLUB Fridays at the Poppenhusen library at 3:30. GAME DAY Fridays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library. 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. TALENT SHOW Friday, February 25 at the East Elmhurst library. Register. PHAT LITERATURE Saturday, February 26 at the Langston Hughes library starting at 10. TEEN TUTORING Monday, February 28 at the Bayside library at 3:30. PJ STORY TIME Monday, February 28 at the Pomonok library at 7. AFTERSCHOOL TIME Monday, February 28 at the Arverne library for those 7 and over. ART FOR FAMIIES Saturdays, March 5, April 23 for families with children 5-11 at the Noguchi Museum. 204-7088 to register. FAMILY DANCE Sunday, March 6 Make a Family Dance at the Noguchi Museum. 204-7088. SCIENCE Sunday, April 3 Science and Structures at the Noguchi Museum. 204-7088. DESIGN Sunday, May 1 Noguchi Museum. 204-7088. SCOUTING Join Scouting in Queens. 212-651-2897.
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
www.queenstribune.com • Feb. 17-23, 2011 Tribune Page 27
Queens CLOSEUP Black Histor y Trip The Arms of Love is sponsoring a Black History Month Trip to the great “Blacks in Wax Museum” located in Baltimore on Saturday, Feb. 21. Do not miss this educational opportunity. It is sure to be a life changing experience. The trip includes round-trip transportation and admission to America’s first and only wax museum dedicated to AfricanAmerican history and culture. The museum houses more than 100 life-size, wax figures in dramatic historical settings. While in Baltimore, travelers will browse Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor and dine at an all-youcan-eat buffet. Two buses are being planned; one to depart Jamaica and a second departing Brooklyn. Tickets are $90 for adults and $75 for children under 15. A $20 non-refundable deposit is due immediately to make your reservation. The balance will be due by Feb. 18. Payment plans are available upon request. If you are unable to go on the trip, please consider making a donation to help sponsor a child. Remember, it takes a community to raise a child. For additional details, contact: The Arms of Love Community Outreach, (646) 7702382 or TheArmsOfLoveNY@aol.com.
GWDC Meetings
Page 28 Tribune Feb. 17-23, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
The Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation Meetings is cancelled for Feb. 22, and will commence again in March. This is because of the prevalent inclement weather during these two months. The next meeting of the Greater Woodhaven Devel-
opment Corporation will take place on Tuesday, March 22, at St. Thomas the Apostle School 87-49 87th St., First Floor (87th Street, one block south near 88th Avenue-building adjacent to the church, Woodhaven at 7:30 p.m.
Senior Dance The Howard Beach Senior Center, located at 156-45 84th St., is featuring “Latin Dance” Lessons and Exercise Program every Friday afternoon at 1 p.m. Sara will be teaching mambo, salsa, cha-cha, meringue and other Latin dances to interested seniors.
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.
Meetings Moved The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association has moved its’ Winter Town Hall Meetings to the second Saturday of each month. The next meeting is March 12. 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.
Bedbug Workshop On Thursday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m., NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. and Assemblyman Michael Miller are sponsoring a free seminar providing important information from the experts on how to prevent, identify, or get rid of, the spreading problem of bedbug infestations. If you or someone you know is concerned with the issues of bedbugs, come to the event at Emanuel United Church of Christ, 93-12 91st Ave. in Woodhaven (off Woodhaven Boulevard, near Atlantic Avenue), featuring speakers from the NYC Department of Health, NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and local pest control business owner, William Puricelli of Advanced Pest Management Services. Addabbo notes, “I want to thank these experts for providing timely information to my constituents — homeowners, tenants or landlords — who are afraid that the city’s bedbug plague will hit their buildings.” The Senator points out that it has been reported that the city had logged 12,768 bedbug complaints for 2009, with bedbug violations
issued by HPD inspectors exploding from 82 in 2004 to 4,808 in that same year. In 2010, exterminators were extremely busy, as the nasty critters temporarily shut down businesses, forced residents to move, and left beleaguered New Yorkers suffering from red welts and bites. Some local movie theaters, offices and hotels also reported being visited by the bugs. Added Miller, “The citywide fight against bed bugs will be won one home at a time. Winning the battle can save you thousands of dollars, and information is your best weapon.” According to local certified entomologists and exterminators, bedbug removal is one of the most difficult and costly tasks in the pest control industry. Landlords have been known to spend up to $80,000 to get large buildings bedbug free. Adding to landlords’ woes of dealing with these pests is the “Bedbug Disclosure Act,” a new citywide law that took effect Aug. 30, 2010, which requires landlords to notify prospective tenants about any infestations in the building within the previous year. The law’s stated goal is to suppress the bedbug epidemic by giving “landlords an incentive to comply with their legal obligations to eradicate” infestations. However, the disclosure act fails to include any legal or financial penalties for landlords who do not comply. For more information about this free local event, please call Senator Addabbo’s Howard Beach district office at (718) 7381111; his Middle Village satellite district office at (718) 497-1630; or Assemblyman Miller’s Woodhaven district office at (718) 805-0950
Queens Focus PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE...PEOPLE..PEOPLE... Vallo Transportation, an independent school-bus company serving families throughout Queens, recently donated $5,000 to Flushing Town Hall, an arts and education center in Flushing. The donation will help support operating expenses of the education department at Flushing Town Hall, which, like many nonprofit organizations, has seen government aid and charitable donations decline sharply during the past two years because of the recession. “Organizations like Flushing Town Hall make New York City such a great place to live and raise children,” said Vallo Transportation Ltd. President Linda DeSabato. “I’m very pleased to be able to support the Town Hall’s arts and educational programs, especially during these difficult economic times,” De Sabato said. “It’s more important than ever for people to try to give something back to their community.” Ellen Kodadek, Flushing Town Hall’s executive and artistic director, said Vallo Transportation’s donation is especially helpful because it will support essential operating expenses. “Linda’s donation is important because it will provide operating support for our education department, which is the most difficult type of financing to secure,” Kodadek said. “Vallo’s contribution will go toward the
education department salaries, supplies and maintenance that make the programs possible,” Kodadek said. “Donations to the operating fund are essential. We appreciate it very much.” At the year’s first City Council meeting in Manhattan, traditionally called the “charter meeting,” Council Member Dan Halloran proudly introduced a local rabbi, Yossi Blesofsky, to perform the ceremonial invocation and prayer. Each year, the Council Speaker appoints one Member to choose the religious leader for this unique honor. “Rabbi Blesofksy has been a spiritual leader in Northeast Queens for over two decades,” Halloran said. “I appreciate his leadership and guidance for thousands of my constituents, and I am proud to call him a friend.” Blesofksy grew up in Australia. He came to the United States to further his rabbinical studies in 1987 and was ordained as a rabbi in 1990. The next year, he moved to Bayside and founded the Chabad of Northeast Queens. The Chabad House is a Jewish social outreach program that provides services to Northeast Queens residents of all colors, faiths, and backgrounds. Its services include a summer camp, soup kitchen, lending library, senior programs, family coun-
seling and much more. “What began in a rental apartment in Bayside has blossomed into a full community service center with an early learning center and academy with 130 students,” Halloran said. Later in the meeting, Rabbi Blesofsky led a prayer for several victims of FALN (Fuerzas Armadas de Liberacion National), a terrorist organization that shocked Americans with hundreds of bombings in the ‘70s and ‘80s. The victims, including a widow who lost her husband in a terror attack, were on hand at Halloran’s invitation, along with members of the NYPD and officers of the Detectives Endowment Association, including President Michael Palladino. Among the victims on hand was Detective Anthony Senft, whose family hails from College Point in Halloran’s district. Senft was badly injured by a FALN bombing at One Police Plaza in Manhattan on New Year’s Eve 1982. “I want to thank Speaker Quinn for presenting me, a freshman Council Member of the other political party, with this opportunity,” said Halloran. “Most of all, I am proud to give Rabbi Blesofksy this opportunity. His poignant words and commitment to faith were the perfect way for the Council to begin the year 2011.” Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Lisy M. Au, daughter of Ligia and Rene Au of Flushing, recently completed the Marine Aviation Maintenance Administration Course. During the course with Marine Aviation Training Support Squadron One, Marine Aviation Support Training Support Group 21, Meridian, Miss., Au receive training on security of classified information, aeronautic
technical publications and the Navy Airlift maintenance program. Studies also include training on aircraft accounting systems and procedures, aircraft log books and Navy correspondence and directive systems. Au is a 1993 graduate of Francis Lewis High School of Fresh Meadows, and joined the Marine Corps in May 2008. She is a 1997 graduate of Boston University. with a BS degree. The New York Lottery today announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning instant game ticket Jan. 2-8, and received a cash prize valued at $10,000 or more. The past week’s winners include: Noriel Deuz of Jackson Heights who won $10,000 on the Cashword Doubler instant game. Deuz’s winning ticket was purchased at the Jackson Heights Stationery at 75-23 31st Ave. in Jackson Heights. You-Sun Liu of Flushing who won $50,000 on the Set For Life instant game. Liu’s winning ticket was purchased at the United Fashion Gift Shop NY at 41-17 Kissena Blvd. in Flushing. Noel Mcleod of Springfield Gardens who won $21,000 on the 7-11-21 instant game. Mcleod’s winning ticket was purchased at the LR Liquor Store at 131-18 Merrick Blvd. in Jamaica. Manuel Pastuizaca-Yauri of Corona who won $10,000 on the Loose Change Doubler instant game. Pastuizaca-Yauri’s winning ticket was purchased at the Franklin Grocery at 40 Nostrand Ave. in Brooklyn. Hyon Baek of Flushing who won $10,000 on the Cashword Doubler instant game. Baek’s winning ticket was purchased at the Pramukh 162 at 162-20 Northern Blvd. in Flushing.
Home Services floor services
floor services
gutter services
VE O ALL B A
gutter services
Gutter Service
We Specialize in: 5” and 6” Seamless Gutters & All Repair Work Commercial & Residential
FREE ESTIMATES!
Everything Bagged & Flushed
Gutter Cleaning
516-431-0799 FLOOR COMPANY
J&S FLOOR SERVICE •Scraping •Polyurethane •Staining •Bleaching White Floors •Waxing •Stripping •Repairs & Installation We also do Painting, Wallpaper Removal, Tiling & Dry Wall Reasonable Prices • Free Estimates
718 -464 -453 5 917 -459 -242 1 WOOD FLOORS
www.aboveallgutters.com
• WOOD STYLE •
ALL ALUMINUM GUTTERS
MICHAEL J. MARRA FREE ESTIMATES Professional Installation
COMPETITIVE
• Gutter Cleanings ALL WORK PRICES & • Gutters Screened GUARANTEED LICENSED INSURED • Copper Gutters Available Proudly serving Queens For Over 3 Decades License # NYC 1269837
1-800-719-1299 home improvement home improvement
Specialist skills including all aspects of wooden flooring: • SANDING • SCREENING • BLEACHING • STAINING
INSTALLING & RESTORING OLD FLOORS & STAIRS.
NO MATTER HOW SMALL THE TASK!! NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE!! WE COVER ALL FIVE BOROUGHS!!
CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
347-668-8795
www.woodstyleny.com
home repairs
89¢sq.ft.
Windows & Doors Installed, Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Sheetrock, All types of construction work. Free Estimates Call John
718-926-4621
646-648-3141
Sanding & Refinishing
Lic./Ins.#: 1300239
gutter services
home repairs WASHERS, DRYERS, DISHWASHERS, Refrigerators,Ranges,Windows,Locks,Heating, Plumbing & Electric. $10 for service call. (718) 279-9640; (917) 369-0221.
Your Ad Could Be Here.
718-357-7400
Mr. G’s Home Improvements
Bathrooms • Carpentry • Kitchens Painting • Decks • Windows Doors • Tiles • Wallpaper • Free Estimates No Job Too Small • Lic. 1035048
718-762-1442
Your Ad Could Be Here.
718-357-7400
www.queenstribune.com • Feb. 17-23, 2011 Tribune Page 33
Now Servicing the Borough of Queens
gutter services
It's Fun & It's Art This gal may have been raised with Cali-
Chef Ramsay (l.) lights into Chef Eric shortly before giving him the ax.
Ramsay Grills Queens sponsibility for the place, and their smart-aleck “Chef” Eric giving the “It’s not me, it’s you” defense for his awful food. Ramsay turned the place around – or at least tried – by canning Eric and transforming the place into PJ’s Grill. But unlike most fairy tales in Queens, this one ended with Joe and Madalyn pulling out of the restaurant business and going back into construction. We guess they took Ramsay’s kicker of a line to heart? But maybe he was right. PJ’s, it seems, did stand for “Pathetic Joke.”
Ice To See You When Brooklyn State Sen. Martin Malavé Dilan introduced legislation that would require New Yorkers to clean the snow, sleet and hail off the roof of their vehicles, we chuckled – until a giant chunk ice went flying off an SUV and turned one of our reporters’ windshields into a spider web of cracks. A quick call to her insurance company (no waiting on hold, thanks GEICO – someone sell them an ad) revealed that someone forgot to check off the proverbial “full glass” box before purchasing the policy. Oops. Luckily, other than her windshield, no one was hurt. But, to the
Guess Who? on the money.
The spider web of a windshield. guy in the silver SUV, next time you hit the road, please remove the ice from your roof. New York State legislators, this hurts us more than it hurts you. Let’s follow… sigh… New Jersey’s lead and pass a “clean the snow off your vehicle” bill.
If we told you a Queens-bornand-raised billionaire casino and real estate mogul who has filed for bankruptcy on a number of occasions, has two ex-wives and a serious comb over coif was thinking of running for president, who would come to mind? If you thought our very own “Donald Trump,” you’d be right
Cosmo Likes New Black Page 38 Tribune Feb. 17-23, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Models Of Queens
Within the borough, we like to think our restaurateurs take pride. But leave it to celebrity chef and food industry irritant Gordon Ramsay to find one of the more fatally flawed eateries in Queens. In the most recent episode of “Kitchen Nightmares,” the British chef stopped by PJ’s Steakhouse in Forest Hills, which had been saddled by mismanagement, complaints and a ton of debt. Inside, he found a decent decor with food not worth feeding to a cat. The restaurant, it turns out, was rotting from within, with owners Joe and Madalyn dodging re-
fornia dreams, but she’s found her New York state of mind right here in Queens, and can’t imagine her life in the U.S. anywhere else. Growing up in Los Angeles, this Guyanese Indian gal always got grief for being “too skinny.” “People tease you or put you down for being too skinny,” she said. “Modeling and acting are industries where if you’re skinny it’s good.” This past May, Vanima finished her Masters in Social Work from Columbia University and has been looking for a job in her field ever since. She’s alVanima ready a nurse, and Home: Rego Park just does the modelAge: 27 ing for fun. “It’s not about Height: 5’ 3" getting big,” she Weight: 110 lbs said. “It’s fun and it’s Stats: 32-25-35 art. I’ve developed a great relationship with some photographers, and you meet great people who work hard.” “Something I like about both acting and modeling is the positive – these are people who seem to take care of themselves,” she said. Having come to Queens at the age of 18 to attend Hofstra, Vanima has fallen in love with our borough and enjoys the diverse cultures – as well as the ones that remind her of her Guyanese and Indian roots. “I love when I can connect with another Guyanese or Indian person,’ she said. “There’s a bond.” In her free time, especially in good weather, Vanima loves to bike around Forest Hills and take in the beauty of some of the neighborhood homes. “It’s gorgeous,” she said.
Sitting down to peruse this month’s skin-tillating edition of “Cosmopolitan,” featuring such thought provoking fodder as The Sex Quiz and 25 Fun Ways to Go Nude, we were surprised to read a shout out to new Schools Chancellor Cathie Black. Well, maybe not so surprised. Cosmo is a proud publication of Hearst Magazines, and Black its former chairwoman. The effusive
congratulation proves, if nothing else, the relationship between Hearst and Black is rosy as ever. Perhaps Hearst is unaware of the protests and boos that follow Black wherever she goes in Queens. Congratulate that, Cosmo. (Right): Cathie Black may be admired by pols, but supporters of Queens schools being closed have let her know how they feel.
Jon Stewart loves the Mets.
Jon Stewart may have gone to William & Mary in Virginia, he may host a wildly successful talk/comedy show out of Manhattan’s West side, and he may have been a roommate of Queens Congressman Anthony Weiner, but despite his Manhattan birth and New Jersey upbringing, it’s pleasing to see that his heart is in the right place. As he visited Zonko’s Joke
The Donald told Fox News, “For the first time in my life, I’m actually thinking about it.” Trump is hoping to unseat Barack Obama in 2012. He said if there were impressive Republican candidates in the field, he would not consider a White house bid. Well, Sarah Palin and Mitt Romney, you’re fired. Trump said he will make his decision in June.
Mr. President?
Confidentially, New York . . .
Muggles Mad For Mets Shop, part of Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with his three sons, Stewart was sure to show all the other muggles (non-magic people) on hand which team he supports. Yes, we’re talking about baseball, not Quiddich. And yes, we’re talking about the Mets, not their crosstown rivals. So, a tip of our cap – and our wand – for you Mr. Stewart, from all us non-magic folk in Queens.
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF OBJECT OF ACTION STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF QUEENS ACTION TO FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE INDEX NO.: 6700/10 PNC MORTGAGE, A DIVISION OF PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO NATIONAL CITY MORTGAGE, A DIVISION OF NATIONAL CITY BANK Plaintiff, vs. ZHAOQIN JIANG, MIN HUA CHENG, ET, AL. Defendant(s). MORTGAGED PREMISES: 139-39 35TH AVENUE # 4H A/K/A 13939 35TH AVENUE # 4H FLUSHING, NY 11354 SBL #: BLOCK 4994 LOT 1422 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT: 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(s) within twenty days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you 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. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Queens. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. Dated this 3rd day of February, 2011, TO: MIN HUA CHENG, Defendant(s) In this Action. The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. JAIME A. RIOS of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, dated the 24 th day of January, 2011 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Queens County Clerk, in the City of Jamaica. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by MIN HUA CHENG and ZHAOQIN JIANG dated the 3rd day of November, 2008, to secure the sum of $220,000.00, and recorded at Instrument No. 2008000462991 in the Office of the City Register of the City of New York, on the
3rd day of December, 2008; The property in question is described as follows: 139-39 35TH AVENUE # 4H A/K/A 13939 35TH AVENUE # 4H, FLUSHING, NY 11354 SEE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION Block 4994 and Lot 1422 ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Unit known as Unit No. 4H (the “Unit”) in the premises known as and by State Manor Condominium and located at 139-39 35 th Avenue, Flushing, New York, Queens County, City and State of New York, designated and described as Unit 4H in the Declaration establishing a plan for condominium ownership of the Buildings and the Land on which it is erected (hereinafter called the “Property”), made by State Ave. Realty, LLC under the Condominium Act of the State of New York (Article 9-B of the Real Property Law of the State of New York), dated July 14, 2008, recorded in the Office of the Register of the City of New York, Queens County on the 25 th day of September, 2008 in CRFN No. 2008000381828 (hereinafter called the “Declaration”), and designated as Tax Lot 1422 in Block 4994 of the Tax Map, County of Queens, City and State of New York. TOGETHER with an undivided 2.7748 percent interest in the common elements of the Property (hereinafter called the “common elements”). Premises known as 13939 35 th Avenue, Unit 4H, Flushing, New York HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF
INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The state encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work 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 (1-877-226-5697) or visit the department’s website at WWW.BANKING.STATE.NY.US. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303 NOTICE 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. DATED: February 3, 2011 Steven J. Baum, P.C., Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s), 220 Northpointe Parkway Suite G, Amherst, NY 14228
The law firm of Steven J. Baum, P.C. and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. ________________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 2/ 7/11, bearing Index Number NC-000031-11/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) Hamida (Middle) Abdul (Last) Latif My present name is (First) Hamida (Middle) Banoo (Last) Abdul Latif aka Hamida Banoo Lathif Abdul aka Hamida B Abdul-Latif aka Hamida Banoo Abdul My present address is 87-80 168 th Place, Floor 2, Jamaica, NY 11432 My place of birth is Bombay, Maharashtra, India My date of birth is July 01, 1944 ________________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 1/ 20/11, bearing Index Number NC-001339-10/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) Nicole (Last) Qiao My present name is (First) Miko (Last) Qiao aka Tong Qiao My present address is 152-48 Jewel Avenue, Apt #104B, Flushing, NY 11367 My place of birth is China My date of birth is May 02, 1985 ________________________________________________________________ The NYC Board of Standards and Appeals has scheduled a public hearing on Tuesday, March 1, 2011, 1:30 P.M. 40 Rector Street, Manhattan, 6 th floor, Hearing Room “E” for Calendar# 90-10 BZ. This variance (ZR 72-21) application is to permit a house of worship located at 58-06 Springfield Boulevard, Queens, in an R2A zoning district, contrary to the front (ZR 24-34), side( ZR 24-35) and rear yards (ZR 24-36). This notice is published by James Chin & Associates, LLC (applicant) in accordance with the Rules and Procedures of the NYC Board of Standard and Appeals. ________________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 1/ 26/11, bearing Index Number NC-000041-11/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) Marta (Last) Ludvik My present name is (First) Marat (Last) Ludvik My present address is 98-41 65 th Avenue, Apt. #1D, Rego Park, NY 11374 My place of birth is Ukraine My date of birth is April 23, 1974 ________________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 1/ 27/11, bearing Index Number NC-000015-11/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) Wala (Middle) Idris (Last) Osman My present name is (First) Wala (Middle) I (Last) Osman aka Wala Idris Osman Ashmaig aka Wala Idris Osman My present address is 107-47 120 th Street, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419 My place of birth is Khartoum, Sudan My date of birth is January 07, 1986 ________________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 1/ 20/11, bearing Index Number NC-001325-10/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) Chiu (Middle) Sik (Last) Szeto My present name is (First) Sik (Middle) Chiu (Last) Szeto aka Chiu Sik Szeto aka Chiu Szeto My present address is 79-26 Elks Road, Elmhurst, NY 11373 My place of birth is Hong Kong, China My date of birth is September 06, 1965 ________________________________________________________________ Name: 3-D KIDS, LLC Art. Of Org. Filed Sec. Of State of NY 01/12/2011. Off. Loc.: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY to mail copy of process to THE LLC, C/O Eric A. Lichtenstein, M.D., 192 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity. ________________________________________________________________ NAME: INTERIORS BY FRANCESCA LLC Art. Of Org. Filed Sec. Of State of NY 01/03/2011. Off. Loc.: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY to mail copy of process to THE LLC, C/O Frances Herrera, 9945 67th Rd., #520, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity. ________________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 2/ 3/11, bearing Index Number NC-000009-11/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) Airy (Middle) Kyoko (Last) Yeh My present name is (First) Kyoko (Last) Endo aka Kyungja Yeh (infant) My present address is 65-28 Parsons Boulevard, Apt. 2D, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 My place of birth is Japan My date of birth is November 04, 1993 ________________________________________________________________ “Hillcrest Jewish Center, a nonprofit organization, is seeking quotes for equipment, materials, and subcontractor services under New York State Office of Homeland Security FY2010 Funding. Work includes: (1) removal, design and replacement of existing doors with blast and forced entry resistant door assembly, (includ-
ing frames and locks), to be integrated with existing Security System, (2) installation of bollards and planters, (3) installation of security laminate on existing windows and doors. (4) replacing existing perimeter lighting. Specifications and bid requirements can be obtained and reviewed at our office located at 183-02 Union Turnpike, Flushing, NY, from February 18, 2011 to February 22, 2011, 9 AM – 5 PM. Office telephone number is 718380-4145. All interested parties will be required to sign for the proposal documents and provide primary contact, telephone, fax, business address, email address, and a photo ID. A facility walkthrough and pre-bid conference is scheduled for February 23, 2011 at 10 AM. Bid response is required by February 28, 2011 at noon.” ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of URI Total Care Management LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State on 11/13/ 07. Office location: Queens County. Princ. bus. addr.: 35-05 Farrington St., Flushing, NY 11354. Sec. of State designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: 1 Maiden Lane, 5th Fl., NY, NY 10038, Attn: Spiegel & Utrera, P.A., P.C., regd. agent upon whom process may be served. Purpose: any lawful activity. ________________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 1/ 26/11, bearing Index Number NC-000044-11/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) Jamie (Middle) Jeehyun (Last) Kwon My present name is (First) Jee (Middle) Hyun (Last) Kwon aka Jeehyun Jamie Kwon aka Jeehyun Kwon My present address is 189-04 64 th Ave., Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 My place of birth is Seoul, South Korea, Asia My date of birth is January 12, 1989 ________________________________________________________________ BY VIRTUE OF A DEFAULT IN A SECURITY AGREEMENT MADE BY K & S MEAT CORP. TO KRASDALE FOODS, INC., ALPHA I MARKETING CORP. AND CONSOLIDATED SUPERMARKET SUPPLY, LLC, AND ASSIGNED TO ADK FOOD CORP. I HEREBY FORECLOSE UPON AND SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION SALE ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2011 AT 1:30 P.M. AT 455 SUTTER AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11212, THE CHATTELS OF THE AFOREMENTIONED SECURITY AGREEMENT CONSISTING OF THE FIXTURES, INVENTORY, EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES OF A SUPERMARKET BUSINESS. THE SECURED PARTY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO BID AND/OR PURCHASE AT THIS U.C.C. FORECLOSURE AUCTION SALE. ELIOT B. MILLMAN CO. AUCTRS. LLC AUCTIONEERS AS AGENTS FOR THE SECURED PARTY 718-327-7697
www.queenstribune.com • Feb. 17-23, 2011 Tribune Page 39
LEGAL NOTICE