Vol. 41, No. 9 March 3-9, 2011
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An exclusive, backstage look at the RKO Keith’s site in Flushing highlights the extensive and time-consuming work that will go into the restoration of the aging structure and its transformation into a residential hub. By Joseph Orovic and Domenick Rafter… Page 18
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Boro’s New Jobs Helping Keep Residents Home
‘Civic Virtue’ Under Attack At Borough Hall
On Civil Rights: Bond In Queens To Honor Forman
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Deadline...................................................................3 Editorial ...................................................................6 This Week ................................................................7 Not 4 Publication ....................................................8 Closeup .................................................................10 Focus .....................................................................12 Police Blotter ........................................................13 Leisure ...................................................................20 Queens Today .......................................................22 Classifieds.............................................................24 Trib Pix...................................................................33 Confidential ...........................................................34
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LEGAL NOTICE 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 (signature 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)
LEGAL NOTICE 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 members 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 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 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 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
LEGAL NOTICE 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) ________________________________________________________________ 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. ________________________________________________________________ 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. ________________________________________________________________ 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
LEGAL NOTICE 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. ____________________________________________________ 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 of formation of SJ Capital LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on January 13, 2011. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to 213-02 73 rd Avenue Apt 2C, Bayside NY, 11364. Purpose: any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ “Notice is hereby given that License Number 1251677 for an On-Premises Retail Liquor License has been applied for by New Tandoori Hut, Inc. located at 119-08 94 th Avenue, S. Richmond Hill, NY 11419 for the sale of liquor at retail price.” ________________________________________________________________ PROBATE CITATION File No. 2009-1073/A SURROGATE’S COURT – QUEENS COUNTY CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO: MARY F. DIORIO and CHARLES N. DIORIO if living and if dead, to her/his heirs at law, next of kin and distributees whose names and places of residence are unknown and if she/he died subsequent to the decedent herein, to her/ his executors, administrators, legatees, devisees, assignees and successors in interest whose name and places of residence are unknown and to all other heirs at law, next of kin and d i s t r i b u t ees of M A R IE C . DIORIO, the decedent herein, whose names and places of residence are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained Christina Diorio A/K/A Christina Bates A petition having been duly filed by RAE C. MONTEVERDI who is domiciled at 32 – 27 166th Street, Flushing, Queens, NY YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Queens County, at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York, on the 31st day of March, 2011 at 9:30 A.M. of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of MARIE C. DIORIO lately domiciled at 110 – 20 71st Road, Forest Hills, Queens, NY admitting to probate a Will dated November 15, 1997, a copy of which is attached, as the Will of MARIE C. DIORIO
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deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that Letters Testamentary issue to: RAE C. MONTEVERDI HON. PETER J. KELLY Surrogate MARGARET M. GRIBBON Chief Clerk FEB 07 2011 (Seal) JOHN J. CASLIN, JR. Attorney for Petitioner 212 - 681 – 0800 Telephone Number 99 Park Avenue, 3rd Fl. New York, NY 10016 Address of Attorney [Note: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you.] ________________________________________________________________ ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF E-File With Ease LLC Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law FIRST: The name of the limited liability company is: E-File With Ease 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: E-File With Ease 163-10 Northern Blvd Suite 310 Flushing, NY 11358 USA Cristian Stanescu (signature of organizer) ________________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: RIGHTEOUS CONVICTION MANAGEMENT, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/25/11. 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 Kate Chan, 8446 56th Avenue, Elmhurst, New York 11373-4814. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF Bottom Line Construction & Development LLC Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law FIRST. The name of the limited liability company is Bottom Line Construction & Development 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: 255 West 148 th Street, #5B, New York, New York 10039. FOURTH: The name and address in this state of the registered agent upon whom and at which process against
the limited liability company may be served is: Alexis McSween, 255 West 148 th Street, #5B, New York, New York 10039. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed these Articles of Organization on the date below. Date: November 22, 2010 LegalZoom.com, Inc., Organizer /s/ Imelda Vasquez By: Imelda Vasquez, Assistant Secretary 101 N. Brand Blvd., 10 th Floor Glendale, CA 91203 ________________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 2/ 7/11, bearing Index Number NC-001329-10/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) Tricia Marie (Middle) Nagrampa (Last) Deocampo My present name is (First) Tricia Marie (Middle) Conde (Last) Deocampo aka Tricia M. Nagrampa, aka Tricia Marie Conde Nagrampa My present address is 58-45 186 th Street, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 My place of birth is Philippines My date of birth is September 24, 1980 ________________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 1/ 26/11, bearing Index Number NC-000030-11/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) David (Middle) Arman (Last) Nikoyan My present name is (First) David (Middle) Arman (Last) Nikoghosyan (infant) My present address is 7709 Eliot Ave., Middle Village, NY 11379 My place of birth is Queens, NY My date of birth is October 08, 2007 ________________________________________________________________ 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 12/1/10, bearing Index Number NC-001123-10/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) Casey (Middle) D. (Last) Mullin Mergen My present name is (First) Casey (Middle) D. (Last) Mergen My present address is 135 Beach 124 th Street, Belle Harbor, NY 11694 My place of birth is Ft. Monmouth, NJ My date of birth is September 18, 1972
Queens Deadline Independent Redistricting:
Heroes, Enemies Line Up In Fight By DOMENICK RAFTER The push to overhaul the way legislative districts are drawn has led to the creation of a list of "Heroes" and "Enemies" of reform. In Queens, state legislators have 6 heroes to 1 enemy in the Senate, and 10 heroes to 8 enemies in the Assembly. Gov. Andrew Cuomo submitted a bill last month to overhaul the state's system to redraw legislative districts on the federal and state level, a major issue among reform advocates, and it is getting mixed reviews in the state legislature. The governor's bill to call for an independent, bipartisan commission has gotten the strong support of Democrats in the State Senate, who are seeking to force a vote on the bill over the objections of the Republican leadership, who have bottled up the legisla-
tion in the Rules Committee. Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch blamed Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos for trying to "derail" independent redistricting. Koch said Skelos wanted to change redistricting through a Constitutional amendment, which would mean reform would have to pass two consecutive legislative sessions and would not be in place until after the 2020 Census. Koch has led a group called New York Uprising, which has put together "Heroes of Reform" and "Enemies of Reform" lists. From Queens, the only Senator who has not pledged from the beginning to support independent redistricting is Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Jamaica), who remains uncommitted for or against. Queens' Assembly delegation has not endorsed the governor's bill. Though Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside) signed a
Study: Residents Follow Jobs Back To Borough
cratic lean. In 2010, even though Republicans took a narrow 32-30 majority in the State Senate, Democrats still won more votes statewide in Senate contests than Republicans. Independent redistricting could cost Democrats some seats in the State Assembly, especially in the suburbs, where Democrats enjoy a 48-seat majority, albeit their smallest in a decade. "From what I hear it sounds like a fair proposal," said Braunstein, who said he would possibly support a plan like the governor's. He added that Assembly Democrats would meet as a caucus and hash out all, if any, issues they have with it, such as the power of the executive branch in redistricting. A bill modeled after the governor's bill has been introduced in the Assembly by Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn). "As a caucus, we will meet and go over the proposal," Braunstein said. "We don't want a plan that is overly dominated by the governor." Gianaris said a bill would have to be passed this legislative session, which ends in June, otherwise there would not be enough time to put a reformed system in place before redistricting is done next year. He said Cuomo's involvement made him feel more optimistic a reform bill will pass. "I'm a lot more hopeful after the governor weighed in on it," he said. If no reform plan is passed, Cuomo has threatened to veto next year's new district lines, forcing redistricting into the courts. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
Willets Foes Plan Suit Over Eminent Domain By JOSEPH OROVIC The NYC Economic Development Corp. held a public hearing regarding the use of eminent domain to assume control of some land in Willets Point on Wednesday. Though the Tribune's printing schedule conflicted with its ability to cover the hearing in this issue, opponents of the plan have revealed their next move. In what promises to be a protracted legal battle, attorneys representing the projects' naysayers will file petitions with the state appellate court, challenging the EDC's adherence to the Eminent Domain Procedure Law. Their legal challenges, which they plan to file days after the agency responds to public concerns regarding the plan, represent a push into murky and somewhat uncharted legal waters. Michael Rikon, the lead attorney in the planned case, claimed the City has intentionally subverted or ignored crucial procedures that would have provided oversight of the redevelopment of the Iron Triangle, as well as a fair shake for all landowners. "Everything [the EDC] has done is wrong and it has made promises it would not go forward," he said. "It's rewriting the book." The EDC responded with a brief statement: "We will review the lawsuit when it is filed and look forward to resolving it so that we can continue to make progress on this project." According to Rikon, the City has not met the essential litmus test of public use, saying the condemnation is merely speculative until a defined project and developer are named. Joining Rikon in the suit is attorney Michael Gerrard, the tandem's environmental guru who is best known for touting the
now-ubiquitous "Van Wyck ramps" defense. His part in the proceedings includes the City's flawed initial Environmental Impact Statement, which was rejected by the State Dept. of Transportation. Gerrard said the EDC's promise to sort out ramps off the Van Wyck expressway before condemnation proceedings was the lynchpin to a Judge's decision to throw out a previous Article 78 filed against the City. In the time since, the EDC has revised its process, with a technical memo in tow, changing their condemnation proceedings to a phased system, addressing the 62-acre Iron Triangle's redevelopment in chunks. Phase 1 of the project does not include an area that mandates ramps, the City contends, and therefore does not require a DOT-approved ramp plan. Gerrard sees the claim as a means to circumvent the court's decision and procedure. And the technical memo does not meet the standard of a revised EIS when major changes to initially proposed plan are made, Gerrard said. In addition to Gerrard's case, Rikon plans to argue against the EDC's handling of property buy-outs. The process, which Rikon said should be numerically equitable in terms of price per square foot, has been stilted in favor of larger property owners - ones Rikon claims the City targeted in order to quickly reach its greater-than-50-percent target of ownership. Rikon said the petitions would be filed after the eminent domain hearing runs its procedural course, which is several months away. Reach Deputy Editor Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.
www.queenstribune.com • March 3-9, 2011 Tribune Page 3
By DOMENICK RAFTER A new study released by the Center for Urban Future outlined massive changes in the way Queens residents commute and suggested improvements and changes in the borough's public transportation system in order to accommodate the new reality. In the last decade, every borough except for Manhattan saw job growth. Queens saw a growth of more than 11,500 jobs, with colleges like Queensboro Community and St. John's University, Growing numbers of Queens residents are comJFK Airport, and industrial com- muting within the borough to their jobs, rather than panies based in Maspeth and to Manhattan, increasing auto traffic on many borCollege Point leading the way. ough thoroughfares like Northern Boulevard. This has led to a significant change in commuting patterns among city residents. Between 1990 and land City and Jamaica with areas with the 2008, the number of Queens residents who greatest job growth like Bayside, College commuted to work within the borough in- Point, Maspeth and JFK Airport. creased by 19 percent, nearly double the BRT lines would dedicate a lane in each growth of commuters from Queens to Man- direction specifically for buses, keeping them hattan. More than 200,000 people who live free of existing road traffic, allowing them to and work in Queens commute by car, only a move more freely. In the study, the Center for fraction of them carpooling; another 120,000 Urban Future discovered that New York City or so commute from Queens to surrounding buses move slower than buses in other cities. counties. BRT would allow buses to run faster since Meanwhile, the number of people who they would be kept separate from regular commuted to surrounding counties like road traffic. Brooklyn, Bronx and Nassau increased by 13 Multiple problems exist in implementing a percent. Further, the number of Brooklyn BRT however. One issue is the lack of space and Bronx residents commuting to Queens on area roads. Dedicating one lane to buses exploded over that time frame, by 32 and 38 along some routes like Main Street or Myrtle percent respectively. The report states that Avenue would be a challenge because the 160,000 people now cross the Brooklyn/ streets are already have a narrow right-ofQueens border every day for work. way and are heavily congested. On streets Though there are multiple subway and where the BRT could work, like Northern bus lines connecting Brooklyn to Queens, Boulevard, Woodhaven Boulevard and Atthe report indicates that many commuters lantic Avenue, the problem would be taking who move between the boroughs do so by away parking. car, adding to the congestion on interborThe MTA had planned to implement a ough roads. The report cautions that accord- BRT along Merrick Boulevard between ing to the MTA's own estimates on car com- Laurelton and Downtown Jamaica, but local muters and projected population growth, merchants and property owners fought the there could be as many as 114,000 new car plan after it was revealed it would eliminate trips on Queens roads by 2030. metered parking spots along the route. Among the recommendations the report The NYC Dept. of Transportation had no suggested is for state and city officials to first comment on the report other than to note take the MTA out of its financial hole and that it was "reviewing its findings." then explore establishing Bus Rapid Transit Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at (BRT) lines along major thoroughfares con- drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357necting major hubs like Flushing, Long Is- 7400, Ext. 125.
pledge to reform prior to his election as a freshman in November, and earned the "Hero" badge, he has not committed to supporting the bill. He shares this dual status with William Scarborough (D-Jamaica). Assemblywoman Barbara Clark (DQueens Village) did not sign the pledge prior to the election, but does support independent redistricting. In Koch's eyes, that makes her a "Hero." She shares that status - lack of support prior but in agreement now - with Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest) and Nettie Mayersohn (D-Flushing). Those who have not supported the pledge and are still undecided on the bill - "Enemies" - include Marge Markey (D-Maspeth), Michelle Titus (D-South Ozone Park), Vivian Cook (D-Jamaica), Michael DenDekker (D-Jackson Heights), Jeff Aubry (D-Corona) and Cathy Nolan (D-Sunnyside) "I'm anxious to see it move through the legislative process," said State Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria), a longtime supporter of independent redistricting. Gianaris said Cuomo's bill is a lot like the bill he supported as an Assemblyman in the last few sessions. Gianaris noted that the bill has strong support on both sides of the aisle, including from the entire Queens delegation, and blamed the Republican leadership for keeping the bill off the floor. "It would take all of a day to get it done," he said. Political conventional wisdom is that independent redistricting would cost the Republicans their slim majority in the State Senate because of the state's overwhelmingly Demo-
By JOSEPH OROV IC Civic Virtue leads a troubled life in Queens. The ancient Greek principle's 20-foot marble personification, "The Triumph of Civic Virtue," languishes alongside Borough Hall under a thick coat of dirt and soot, its condition deteriorating from seven decades of neglect. Now two elected officials want to banish the statue from the borough altogether. U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (DKew Gardens) and Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst) held a tongue-in-cheek press conference damning the artwork as sexist and insensitive to women, calling for its sale via Craigslist. "It's ugly and offensive today and we want it out of Queens," Weiner said. "It represents an eyesore. This statue is neither civil nor virtuous - and it's time for it to go." But defenders of the statue lambasted the electeds' claims, criticizing their misinterpretation of an artistic work. More than differing interpretations, some outlined a notable point: after having laced history books with notorious surThe names like Donald Manes, Alan Hevesi, Brian McLaughlin, Anthony Seminerio and Hiram Monserrate, maybe a sculpted rock is the closest Queens can come to actual civic virtue. The work depicts a cherub-faced, nearlynaked man who oddly resembles actor Matt Damon standing victorious over vice and corruption, as embodied by two strange siren/mermaid hybrids, their faces and bodies crumpled in visible agony. The man represents the ancient Greek concept of civic virtue, which espoused a life geared towards the improvement of society, forsaking personal desires to abide by the law. While few decried the statue's inspiration, the sirens' gender was the focus of all the negative attention. Why did two negative traits have to be depicted as women? And why, more importantly, were they so ruthlessly conquered by a man? "This is an allegory based on sexism," Weiner said. The statue presents a daunting welcome to many women headed to the Queens Family Justice Center just down the street, according to Ferreras. "It depicts women as weak and inferior to men - which is far from the truth - the statue has no place in a public space," she said. "This should not be the first thing women see when getting out of the subway. I'm sure there's a wonderful estate that would love this statue." But the statue's defenders said the elected officials are taking their politically correct tendencies too far, pointing to the statue's allegorical meaning. "This sculpture is totally unique in Queens," said Glenn Urbanas, who interrupted the press conference several times. The architect and statue buff knows the work better than most. Designed by Brooklyn-native Frederick MacMonnies, the statue stood in City Hall Park for 19 years. Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia grew tired of staring at Civic Virtue's rear end and tasked Robert Moses with finding it a new home, eventually settling on a small park alongside Queens' then-new Borough Hall. "Civic Virtue" was among MacMonnies' last major commissions. The artist was well-
Tribune Photo by Ira Cohen
Page 4 Tribune March 3-9, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Weiner, Ferreras Decry 'Misogynist' City Relic
statue at the center of the storm. respected within his time, and was among the first American sculptors to sell miniature versions of his work to supplement his income. The statue's dismal condition alone has made it an eyesore for many, including Borough President Helen Marshall, who has vocally stated her dislike for the figure. "We're looking at the possible closing of more senior centers, firehouses and other proposed reductions that are higher on our priority list than the restoration of this statue, which does not look favorably on the portrayal of women," she said. The question of restoration brings up a thorny issue: Who exactly is in charge of the statue? Three agencies have roles in the statue's life: the Parks Dept. is charged with the statue's upkeep; it rests on Dept. of Transportation property; and is ultimately overseen by the Dept. of Citywide Administrative Services, making it the arbiter of the statue's fate. DCAS said it was reviewing Weiner's idea to sell. In the time since the press conference, the Congressman's office received several inquiries into the statue's sale, according to spokesman Dave Arnold. Weiner himself was quick to point out pigeons defecating on the statue during the press conference. And while the posting on Craigslist at the very least proved a cheeky point, Weiner was serious about fielding offers and acting as an intermediary between the City and any interested buyer. "I hope to have that problem," he said. And as Weiner potentially negotiates the sale or removal of the statue, he can stare out his office window and catch "The Triumph of Civic Virtue" mockingly resting across the street, irritating him like it did LaGuardia seven decades before. One could call the connection almost poetic, given Weiner's unabashed mayoral aspirations. But that might delve into the realm of allegory. Must be a coincidence. Reach Deputy Editor Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com, or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.
Once Left For Dead, Y Lives Again The new YMCA will include a variety of programs for adults and children that will "make people feel they all belong and allow them to connect with other people," said Caitlin Moonesar, membership and healthy lifestyles director at the Ridgewood Y. Besides the Marshall Center, the YMCA has a large fitness center with new state-of-the-art equipment, a new basketball court in what used to be a courtroom, a dance studio on the second floor, event space in the basement and youth and family sports programs. The Y will also offer personal fitness programs where a member can have their own personal trainer. Weiner admitted he was initially skeptical about whether or not the Ridgewood Y could be saved, but said the dedication of the com-
munity and local officials is what eventually brought the center back from the dead. That dedication, he said, made it important that the community promote and utilize the YMCA. "It's up to us to make sure kids come here instead of street corners," Weiner said. Councilwoman Crowley (D-Middle Village) warned the need for the YMCA is so great, the organization should consider other places in her district for another building. "Word is getting out," Crowley said, "It's only a matter of time before you're not going to be able to handle all the families who want to congregate here. You should look into other areas." Moonesar confirmed that membership at the Y has been growing steadily since it
A former courthouse, the Ridgewood YMCA has a new lease on life.
Tribune Photo by Domenick Rafter
By DOMENICK RAFTER Eight years after the Ridgewood YMCA, languishing on life support, seemed nearly dead, local civic leaders, YMCA staff and the community gathered to cut the ribbon on the brand new Ridgewood branch of the YMCA, telling the neighborhood "we're here for good." U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Kew Gardens), Borough President Helen Marshall, and Councilmembers Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) and Diana Reyna (D-Ridgewood) were all on hand for the ceremonial grand opening on Feb. 25. "There isn't a greater feeling for me than when we get to open a new Y, unlock the doors and turn on the lights," said Jack Lund, president and CEO of New York City YMCA. In 2003, the Ridgewood YMCA, then called the Catalpa Y, announced it would close because of lack of money, but a Save The Catalpa Y campaign led by local elected officials convinced the YMCA to reverse its decision. In 2007, the YMCA announced it would renovate the historic structure at 69-02 64th St. The center officially opened in November. The 22,000-square-foot YMCA building at the corner of 64th Street and Catalpa Avenue, directly across the street from the 104th Precinct, was built in 1930 as a Queens County Courthouse. It was sold to the YMCA in 1965. "There could be a co-op here. There could be a supermarket," said Borough President Helen Marshall, who allocated $1 million for the renovation, "but instead there's a YMCA." For her role in saving the center, the YMCA named the education center for toddlers and young children in the basement of the building after Marshall. The Helen Marshall Early Children Education Center will serve children ages 3 to 5 when it opens in June. It will have its own private entrance in the back of the building.
reopened in November. "There has been a great response from the community," she said. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
Teacher Layoff Numbers Laid Out By JOSEPH OROV IC The Dept. of Education has rolled out potential cuts in teaching staff should they be faced with a combination of budget cuts and no change in the state's Last In, First Out policy. The release Sunday of the list of more than 4,500 teachers who would potentially lose their jobs provoked a collective gasp from parents across the borough, but according to sources, the figures were most likely released as a ploy to build public opposition against LIFO, the policy that removes the newest hires first when enforcing teacher layoffs. The policy has been unpopular with Mayor Mike Bloomberg, who is making a concerted but difficult push to have it reformed on a State level. "Right now, there is a law on the books that says merit doesn't matter-the last teachers hired are the first to be laid off, period," said DOE Spokeswoman Natalie Ravitz. "This arbitrary
standard means that some schools will lose up to half of their teachers, just because they have chosen to hire teachers new to the profession. There is a better way to do this - we can change the law and keep the best teachers for our kids." An effort to make those changes is underway, but for some it is not the right change. A Senate bill passed on Monday that would negate LIFO, but the replacement structure it sets up is flawed, according to State Sen. Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach). "We cannot discard the flawed LIFO process if the replacement process is just as flawed and creates legal issues," he said. "We must have a process that evaluates the teachers fairly and logically." The new process would look at teachers' ratings, lateness and even criminal histories in determining who gets laid off. A companion bill has been sent to the Assembly. While other schools across the borough
faced overall low levels of possible cuts, schools at the Metropolitan Campus came to represent the DOE's flagship revival of smaller schools with a more focused curriculum, innovative curriculum - exactly the sort of institution that attracts fresh-faced college graduates. As a result, if LIFO were to remain, both the Queens Metropolitan High School and Expeditionary Learning School at the Metro Campus could lose 35 percent of their teaching staff. "Laying off teachers will have a devastating effect on the lives of students," said Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills). "As we make tough choices, we can't do it off the backs of our kids. I will fight tooth and nail against teacher layoffs to ensure that our students can achieve their highest potential." Reach Deputy Editor Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.
www.queenstribune.com • March 3-9, 2011 Tribune Page 5
Edit Page In Our Opinion:
A Call For Preservation The road to recovery for our borough’s artifacts must not stop at the RKO Keith’s in Flushing. The process to bring some portion of the aging relic back to life has stopped and started a handful of times before. The theater has been the victim of an unscrupulous developer, vandals, squatters and thieves. While the rest of Flushing has been transformed in a Renaissance of growth and development, the RKO has sat and deteriorated. The palace at the end of the 7 train line will see a slight rebirth – not to the grandeur it once held, and to some, not to the esteem it deserves. Private development has repurposed this iconic structure that is such a large part of the public domain, but the list of private and public sites in need of aid grows daily. Where is the fix for the crumbling New York State Pavilion in Flushing Meadows? Why is the Civic Virtue statue, bedeviled in this edition as misogynistic, in such disrepair? Why does St. Saviour’s Church sit in boxes in a warehouse? We need a commitment to preserve our history, our artifacts, our borough icons. Yes, public funding needs to aid our children – our future, but it also needs to help preserve our past, encourage our arts and spur our aesthetic growth. We call upon our elected officials to find a solution.
In Your Opinion:
Page 6 Tribune March 3-9, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Wave Of Freedom To The Editor: Like so many Americans, I have been simultaneously amazed at the courage and determination of the Libyan people to recover their freedom and disgusted by the vicious and barbaric efforts by Qaddafi and his allies to preserve their tyranny by waging war against the Libyan people. The Obama Administration has rightfully come out for Qaddafi's immediate departure from power and has worked aggressively with international partners to impose tough financial sanctions, to provide humanitarian relief and to safeguard American citizens who were in Libya. I applaud the steps taken by the Administration and by the UN Security Council to hold Qaddafi and his regime accountable for the utterly inexcusable and criminal acts they have perpetrated against the Libyan people. A wave of freedom is blowing through the Middle East and the United States must stand with the people of the region who are demanding nothing more than the political and civil rights we Americans enjoy every day: the right to free speech and assembly, equality before the law and a government accountable to the people who elect it. We cannot know how this wave of change will reshape the region. All we can do is to embrace the
challenge of rapid change, stay true to the timeless values on which our country was founded and reach out with an open hand to people who are throwing off the yoke of autocracy and tyranny. U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman, Bayside
Kelo Klarification To The Editor: Re: your Feb. 24 letter from Lenny Rodin; Firstly, eminent domain was not invented or first introduced at the June 2005, Kelo v. City of New London ruling by the Supreme Court. It was written by James Madison, a Democratic Republican, and included as the Fifth Amendment to the U.S Constitution in 1771 with the Taking Clause insuring just compensation. Secondly, the Supreme Court at the time of the 2005 Kelo case consisted of seven Republicans and two Democratic Justices. Mr. Rodin concludes that since four of the seven Republican Justices voted against the eminent domain case, it therefore proves that it was Republicans, "who were actually trying to protect the little guys against powerful interests." That three Republicans voted in favor seems to be inconsequential. A bent conclusion at best and, as Mr. Rodin ironically concludes, "another case of the facts not matching the political rhetoric."
Michael Schenkler Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
The three Justices in the majority were Stevens (Ford), Souter (G.W. Bush) and Kennedy (Reagan). The two Democratic Justices in the majority were Ginsburg and Breyer, Clinton appointees. Indeed, it was Republican Justice Stevens writing for the majority citing the particulars leading to the decision. When all is said and done, I also am conflicted as to the concept of eminent domain and why, how and when it is applied, weighing the positives and negatives. Nevertheless, Republicans protecting the little guys against special interests is an oxymoron if ever there was one. Not to say that the Supreme Court isn't tainted; it certainly is. The politically motivated 5-4 Supreme Court ruling that Corporations and Unions can contribute freely in elections as a "person" is certainly one example of powerful interests driving the decision of the Supreme Court. Its ultimate purpose is presently being made ever more clear as it is being played out in Wisconsin where Gov. Scott Walker is trying desperately to kill the unions. That would leave only one gigantic "person" left with endless funds to buy our future elections; a sad day for our country and a sad day for the integrity of our neutral Supreme Court. And especially a sad day for those unprotected little guys against those powerful interests. Nicholas Zizelis, Bayside
The Cannots To The Editor: Imagine my delight when I read the letters column in your Feb. 24 issue and discovered that a writer has at last come up with a "lasting solution" to the nation's fiscal problems - it seems that we need a system of progressive taxation (excuse me, I thought we had that already) that would force "the wealthy to step up in this time of crisis and do their part to keep the society afloat." Brilliant! Why hasn't anyone else come up with this notion of sharing the (other guy's) wealth? He then implies that we need a new FDR because this is "precisely" what was done to get us out of the Great Depression. In actual fact, it is now generally accepted that the fiscal policies of that era (yes, even Hoover's) prolonged and exacerbated the depression and that only the advent of WWII finally ended it. We could tax the wealthy right down to their skivvies and the resultant monies would only amount to the proverbial drop in a bucket. This solution would not only not solve anything but rather make matters worse because those nasty, Marcia Moxam Comrie, Contributing Editor Reporters: Sasha Austrie, Harley Benson, Joseph Orovic, Domenick Rafter, Jessica Ablamsky
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awful, selfish wealthy people are the source of the investment capital needed to revive the economy and generate jobs (need I point out the obvious fact that the recent government stimulus has failed miserably?). I recently came across a list of "Ten Cannots" attributed to Lincoln. Whether he is the actual author is not really important, but the gist is as true today as it was in his day. Let me share just a few of them with your readership. You cannot: help the poor by destroying the rich; lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer; strengthen the weak by weakening the strong; or further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred. Incidently, I myself am not a member of the so-called wealthy class, but I don't believe that gives me the right to thrust my hands (via the government) into the pockets of those who are. Edward Christman, Elmhurst
What Support? To The Editor: Concerning the proposed Willets Point project, Queens Tribune reporter Joseph Orovic in the Feb. 24 edition makes reference to the City's Economic Development Corporation's (EDC) claim the plan is "Rife With Support." Other than support from real estate moguls, the Queens Chamber of Commerce and a few misguided politicians, the claim does not stand up to scrutiny. There is no support from the poor, the middle class or small businesses - all of whom are the backbone of this city. The EDC hides the fact they are engaged in dismantling the more than a century old understanding that eminent domain deals with taking private property for a public purpose and not for a private developer. The EDC, complicit with its boss Mayor Bloomberg, has kept secret the taxpayer cost the developer will reap. If the sordid history of the influence politically and financially possessed by real estate interests is any indication, the taxpayer bill for direct and indirect aid will be enormous. State Sen. Toby Stavisky is quoted as saying people speed up on the highway so as not to look at Willets Point. She is confused. What they do not look at is the proliferation of ecologically damaging advertising signs on the top of the Mets stadium. Stavisky also claims she "cringes" when she looks at Willets Point. She apparently does not cringe when looking in the mirror and seeing a politician who for many years on the public payroll consisJames Mammarella Advertising Director Shelly Cookson Corporate & Legal Advertising Account Executives Tony Nicodemo Joanne Naumann Earl Steinman Larry Stewart Shari Strongin
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tently defaulted in an obligation to correct the city's blatant failure to repair the Willets Point site. She does not cringe over the fact the proposed project will have destroyed hundreds of small businesses with thousands of their employees and dependents. She does not cringe over the fact she favors fat cat real estate interests over the little people. She does not cringe over the fact she has exhibited a complete lack of understanding of the time-honored concept that eminent domain should not be exercised for the benefit of private real estate interests, something a third grade elementary school civics class does understand. Stavisky's support does not say much for this ill-advised taxpayer rip-off project. Benjamin M. Haber, Flushing,
He Doesn't Get It To The Editor: With an ongoing recession and a civil war brewing in Libya, it was unbelievable to see my local congressman grandstanding before the press to remove "Triumph of Civic Virtue," the famed but neglected nude sculpture, from the lawn of Borough Hall. If Anthony Weiner had some appreciation of art history, he would understand that the image is an allegory, and not an endorsement of chauvinism. It is shameful enough to live in a borough where history is paved over by development and crumbling away in neglect. Now, we have the forces of political correctness working to destroy our borough's history. The fact that the statue was designed by Frederick MacMonnies, sculpted by the Piccirilli brothers, and funded by a woman named Angelina Crane does not deter Weiner. Neither does the fact that my mother, who happens to be a woman and a voter, finds no offense with the statue, and is more offended by the ongoing recession and rising gas prices. As an art educator, I tell my students that a monument serves as a physical link to the past, its ideas and its imagery. Even fascist, communist and Confederate monuments have much to teach us about the societies they represented, as opposed to a society that only cares about its own moment in the sun. Perhaps some elected officials would prefer a rootless Queens, where a Flushing film palace is collapsing, space-age towers from the 1964 World's Fair are rusting, and an allegorical statue that condemns corruption is crumbling. I pray that Queens will be saved for future generations to cherish. Sergey Kadinsky, Rego Park 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
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Queens This Week St. Kevin's Parish, and Flushing community in general, lost one of its most active members. Sandra Lombardi, 59, lost her life Sunday, Feb. 13, after a long post-surgical hospitalization. Born and raised on the Lower East Side of Manhattan with her parents and brother, the family moved to the Flushing section of St. Kevin's parish in the 1960s. Lombardi attended Francis Lewis High School, met her husband on a blind date in her 20s and they went on to marry at St. Kevin's and raise their family in the parish. Lombardi spent more than two decades of service to St. Kevin's parish in a myriad of roles: as a Care and Share volunteer, where she mentored community children; as a CYO Softball Coach; and as Director of the Youth Guild's Softball program. During her tenure, she expanded the softball program by 50 percent and brought the joy of the sport to hundreds of young Flushing girls. Lombardi also gave numerous hours in her role as Girl Scout leader for more than a decade, making sure her troop learned the important values associated with scouting, including love of country and reverence for the great outdoors. Despite many physical limitations, Lombardi neither ran out of time or energy for her parish and the children of her community. She was a beacon of light in the lives of all she encountered, and will be remembered mostly for her devotion as a mother, for her commitment to her parish and Flushing community, for her infectious smile and her enormous love of life. In lieu of donations, the family is asking friends and loved ones of Lombardi to volunteer and give back to their communities. She is survived by her husband of 27 years Bernie, her son Adam, 25, and daughter Courtney, 23. Sandra is also survived by her brother Salvatore Salamone, his partner Lynn, his son Thomas, his daughter Tara and their respective children: Sonny, Ben, Luca and Julian. Both of Lombardi's children attended St. Kevin's School; Adam went on to St. Francis Prep and St. John's University where he earned a Masters in Government and Politics. Courtney attended St. Mary's of Manhasset and earned a Bachelor's of Psychology from Molloy. —Maureen Rossi
QC Alumni, Staff Share Their Poetry
New Push For Bikes On Queens Blvd. Looking out despondently across the carefully choreographed chaos, rumbling along Queens Boulevard, Lizi Rahman mourns the death of her first born son, Asif. On Monday, three years ago to the date, at exactly 3:15 p.m., Rahman's son was run over and killed by a freight truck while riding his bike home from work in downtown Manhattan. Since her son's death, Rahman has been tirelessly campaigning for bike lanes to be installed along the busy corridor, in an effort to make the notoriously dubbed "Boulevard of Death" safer for cyclists. "I'm frustrated," said Rahman as she decorated the memorial ghost bike that now sits on Queens Boulevard between 55th Rd. and 55th St., where her son was killed. "Do we have to wait for more deaths to put up bike lanes?" Although Queens Boulevard was not included into the citywide network of bike lanes, one advocacy group has promised to renew the fight in favor of safer streets, in honor of the slain cyclist. Transportation Alternatives, a commuter advocacy group, has already begun developing an innovative model that proposes to adapt additional space for lanes along the corridor. By highlighting various spaces along Queens Boulevard, a 3-D model intends to adapt extra room for proposed bike lanes by shifting the major thoroughfare's alreadyexisting multiple lanes.
Aja Hazelhoff, bicycle advocate for the TA, said she believes the model will provide city officials with a virtual image that will not only make the introduction of bike lanes along Queens Boulevard seem practical but also turn it into reality. "The model serves all modes of transportation and will advocate for bike lanes along the entire east-to-west connection," said Hazelhoff. "It'll definitely be feasible." TA hopes to complete the unique model by this spring and plans to work with elected officials who represent districts along the boulevard to help champion the effort for change. Despite the development of an innovative model, Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills), who represents neighborhoods along Queens Boulevard, said she will not believe it until she actually sees it. "I'm always open to changing my mind," said Koslowitz. "But at the moment I can't imagine The family of slain bicyclist Asif Rahman lays fresh any kind of plan that would be flowers at the "Ghost Bike," which marks the spot safe for [bike lanes]." of his death three years ago. The advocacy group has been drawing attention to the need for bike lanes small, short on two sides and would place the since 2008 by having a monthly bike pool new house too close to the existing home by along Queens Boulevard in an effort to highthe current zoning definition. light the need for safer cycling for commuters "If you allow this and say, 'well, it's only traveling along the boulevard. a couple of square feet,' what would stop TA hopes additional support from comanother developer from tearing down a munity boards and elected officials after the house and trying to squeeze three onto the presentation of their model will give the lot?" asked Jerry Iannece, chairman of Comcause the extra push needed to introduce munity Board 11. "To me it's a slippery bike lanes along the hazardous corridor. slope." After sending numerous letters out to city Iannece will have a chance to vote on the officials and local politicians, Rahman's cause matter at the CB 11 hearing on March 7, but gained the attention of some local politicians the board's decision is only a recommendain 2008. tion, one that is often ignored by the allWithin the year of her son's death, U.S. powerful City Board of Standards and ApRep. Anthony Weiner (D-Kew Gardens), as peals. well as then-Councilmen John Liu and Tony The lot is owned by Denis Forde of Avella, took up the cause and began writing Rockchapel Realty, LLC, which Councilman letters to the Dept. of Transportation urging Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone) said was purthe necessity of a bike lane that was separated chased with the intention of obtaining a from regular traffic by a barrier. variance from the tone deaf BSA. Avella, who is now in the State Senate, At a CB 11 sub-committee meeting on received a letter in response to his request to Jan. 25, Paul Bonfilio, Forde's architect, look into possibility of adding bike lanes in argued that the proposed house meets all the May 2009. BSA requirements for a variance. His appliIn the letter, Queens DOT Commissioner cation points out the triangular shaped lot, Maura McCarthy wrote that Queens Boulemodest size of the proposed house and its invard was not included in the city's Bicycle character design. Master Plan which was created in 1997 and "We'll probably lose," said Michael Feiner, that the request for bike lanes "conflicted president of the Bayside Hills Civic Associawith [DOT's] goals for continued safety imtion, who is against what he calls a characterprovements for [Queens Blvd.]. We do not changing house. "Everybody says that we envision including [Queens Bouelvard in to don't have a chance to win this battle even the Master Plan] in the near future." though we are going to pack the auditoSome, most notably Lizi Rahman, are rium." hoping TA's plan can change her mind. The developer will be able to make enough Reach Intern Jason Banrey at of an argument that the BSA might approve jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 357the project, Halloran said. 7400, Ext. 128. "The BSA is in many ways arbitrary and —Jason Banrey capricious," he said. Forde could not be reached by press time. Willing To Fight Despite Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at jablamsky@queenstribune.com or (718) The Odds 357-7400, Ext. 124. Peace has been shattered in the normally —Jessica Ablamsky quiet neighborhood of Bayside Hills, where the community is in an uproar over a local developer's plans to build a house on a tooSend Queens This Week small lot. News and Photos to: "Across the board it's an eyesore," said Birgitta Karow, who has lived near the parcel Queens Tribune in question since 1970. "There's no more 150-50 14th Rd. trees. There's no more grass. This used to be a beautiful neighborhood. Now they're getWhitestone, NY ting greedy." Bayside's rezoning was approved in April 11357 2005; the lot in question is 63-square feet too
www.queenstribune.com • March 3-9, 2011 Tribune Page 7
The Central branch of the Queens Borough Public Library and Queens College have united to bring Queens College faculty and alumni poets and writers to the library's monthly reading series. The Central Library in Jamaica held its monthly "Open Mic for Poets" this past Sunday, where local poets and writers came in to share their work to a listening audience. Some 15 people, ranging in ages from young to old, got on stage and shared their personal poems. One young poet, Amir Muhammed, 23, sat nervously waiting for his first time reading his poems to a crowd. "I just want to go up there," said Muhammed before taking the stage to read "Poem Glimpse of Passion" and receiving warm applause. Among the poets, Peter Vanderberg, an alumni of Queens College who earned an MFA in Creative Writing, got up to address the audience and share his pieces. Vanderberg served as an officer in the U.S. Navy and is currently a high school teacher in Astoria. He read some of his poems like "Rip Tide," which delves into his military life spent so close to water, and "Landscape
under snow," which was an ode to his children. "What I love about writing is that there is no age limit," he said. "The older you get the more you have to say." The purpose of the collaboration between the college and the library is all about expression. "We've really wanted to engage borough residents in the MFA program's work and this is a wonderful opportunity to exchange poems, ideas and perspectives," said Nicole Cooley director of the Queens College MFA in Creative Writing Program. When Vanderberg stepped off the stage, a string of speakers took their turn to present works in rhyme, verse and, in one case, lyrics, from a song titled "Stop the Guns, Stop the Violence." The new partnership between Queens College and the Library will continue on for the next few months and will feature readings and presentations by Queens College professors and alumni of the college's MFA Program in Creative Writing and Literary Translation. In April Michael Alpiner, alum of the program, will teach a poetry workshop during National Poetry Month. "We look forward to this new partnership - something we did not have a chance to do in the past - and also invite all Queens College students to read their poetry or come just to enjoy the programs," said Jean Rene, Central Library assistant division manager for literature and languages. The open mic is held in the Auditorium of the Central Library, located at 89-11 Merrick Blvd. in Jamaica. Readings begin at 2 p.m., with doors opening at 1:30 p.m. From 3-4 p.m. the featured reader takes the stage sharing his or her work and engaging in a Q & A session. The next open mic will take place March 20 and will include Nicole Cooley, a professor at Queens College, as a featured reader. For more information visit queenslibrary.org. Reach Intern Angy Altamirano at aaltamirano@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128. —Angy Altamirano
Photo by Jason Banrey
St. Kevin's Mour ns A Loss
Facebook: Or How We May Get Our News Tomorrow By MICHAEL SCHENKLER News via Facebook: • Yes, not about budgets, it’s about elections. (Wisconson) • $3.79 a gallon - and its not milk I’m talkin’ bout • And one political consultant asked: “I’m 28. How did I get all this gray?” His friends responded with his boss’s name: “ Dan Halloran. :)” • Listening to Yankee baseball on t he radio and ma n doe s it sound good! • Taxes!!!! ugh!!!! • Pizza for lunch and spring training games up next!!! • Pro-Gadhafi Gangs Open Fire on Protesters in Tripoli, Libya. • OK, just in case you didn’t get the memo, we have been asked to change our profile pictures to our pets in honor of animal abuse awareness until Mon the 28th. :-) • Needs flash on her Ipad! • . . .and the Cat in the Hat celebrate NE A’s “Read Across America” and Dr. Seuss’s Birthday
at the NYPL! Residents Oppose Cell Tower The Donald craves media attention • Happy Saturday to me -- all the dashboard lights were on. Get to the corner it stalls, restar t & went around the corner to Danny (my gas station) -- opens the hood -- wires are chewed up. Raccoons! • A week with the family, precious memories with your children, wish it didn’t have to end....and no homework! Lol • Opening Day - 34 Days for Mets n 33 Days for Yankees • US Will Be the World’s Third Largest Economy: Citi (China overtakes us in 2020; India in 2050) • Just saw a commercial for Bloomingdales Fur Sale... it makes me sick, ashamed, and sad to see people still supporting this insanely barbaric and cruel industry. • Needs more than one Saturday per week • Hate doesn’t belong on the
• •
air....this is not right wing or left wing..its the wrong wing (about Glen Beck).
•
Basketball Saturday- my son has 2 game s to day — he just turned 10. • Fine print in red...very difficult to read. Absolutely intentional attempt to mislead the public (LIRR) • Hundreds rallied outside City Hall to show their support for government employee unions in Wisconsin • GA Representative Seeking to
Make Miscarriages “Prenatal Murder” I should have skipped class and gone to the rally (Planned Parenthood) • Government usually is the problem • Que viva la Republica Dominicana • We don’t have the money to pay teachers, invest in green technology, or build high-speed rail systems, but apparently we’re talking about sending troops to Libya • The last of the snow in our backyard melted this morning. Maybe spring really is almost here. • I heard an ad on the radio from a public employees’ union protesting a proposed change that would make them have to wait until age 65 to collect their pension. Okay. Except my tax dollars will be paying for that pension; I’m self-employed and never had one with a pension! And I’ll be lucky if I even GET to retire when I’m 65! • Not a good idea to cut federal
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budget while unemployment is high and economy weak • Tea Party Patriots Warn Congressional Republicans • I adore beautiful books. Great collections inspire me. I don’t imagine e-books will ever be prized in this way. • Albany pols’ pals net free taxpayer-funded medical care despite barely working • Sign of the times: I had the NY Times spread out in bed reading when my 3 yr old walked in and said, “Daddy, are you going to paint?” • For Wayne Barrett, the Digging for Dirt Hasn’t Stopped • Is it just me but hasn’t anyone else noticed that as each day passes, another crisis of the human or natural kind is bringing us closer to a devilish end here on earth—or is it really hell in disguise? • I think I’ll just go have some pudding. • Spring I hope!! MSchenkler@QueensTribune.com
Page 8 Tribune March 3-9, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
2013 Mayoral Sweepstakes: Field of Five Is Hot to Trot By HENRY J. STERN Polit ics is usual ly more about the next election than the last one. So it is not surprising that the Republican candidates for t he pre sidenc y in 2012 are off and running. The ca ndidate s for the New York City mayoralty in 2013 are close behind. Henry Considering political campaigns as conducted on a fouryear cycle, we are now in the second lap of the race to succeed Mayor Mike Bloomberg. The winner will become our 109th mayor (the first, listed in the Green Book, was Thomas Willett, in 1665). To go to more recent history, Fiorello Henrico LaGuardia, regarded by some as the city’s greatest mayor, was the 99th. The interjacent eight mayors, and the number of years the y ser ved, are O’Dw yer-5, Impellitteri-3, Wagner-12, Lindsay8, Beame-4, Koch-12, Dinkins-4 and Giuliani-8. The most notable aspect of this list is that, in an overwhelmingly Democrat ic cit y, where Democratic candidates for comptroller, public advocate, borough president (except Staten Island), and the great majority of state legislators and city councilmembers (currently 46 out of 51) are Democrats, it is the candidate running on the Republican Party line who has won the last FIVE mayoral elections. The five Democratic losers, in chronological order, were David Dinkins, Ruth Messinger, Mark Green, Fernando Ferrer and Bill Thompson. As you can see, they represented varied ethnicities and both genders. The race will be determined
either by the Democratic primar y in September 2013 or in the election that follows in November. Fund raising is well under way, because in the absence of actual results, who is the front runner is determined by standing in the polls and the Stern amount of money that has been raised. It is human nature to want to identify with future winners, both for financial advantage for individuals and their businesses, many of which involve decisions to be made by city officials (on the merits, of course), or for their personal satisfaction in identifying themselves with public officials and believing themselves to be instrumental in the success of those they have favored. Invitations to Gracie Mansion don’t hurt, either. To fi nd prospect ive candidates, the logical place to begin is with other citywide elected officials and former officials. A brief rundown of the current field: 1. Comptroller John Liu holds the office most often used as a springboard for a mayoral race. Six out of the last seven comptrollers were defeated when they ran for mayor (Gerosa, Beame, Procaccino, Goldin, Hevesi and Thompson). Beame won on h is second try, eight years later. Hevesi was subsequently elected State Comptroller, but was unable to complete his second term because of legal issues. 2. Public Advocate (formerly City Council President, and before that President of t he Boar d of Aldermen) Bill de Blasio will surely be a candidate. Five of his prede-
cessors lost bids for the mayoralty: Newbold Morris, Paul Screvane, Paul O’Dwyer, Carol Bellamy and Andrew Stein (who ran for a year but withdrew before petitioning). One won, Vincent Impellitteri in 1950, who became Acting Mayor after William O’Dw yer’s sudden departure for Mexico, a country beyond the reach of subpoenas, to which President Truman had suddenly appointed him as U.S. Ambassador. His younger brother, Paul O’Dw yer, was elected Council President eight years after he lost for mayor in 1965. 3. One Council President ran second to Nelson Rockefeller for governor, Frank O’Connor, who had been district at torne y of Queens County. We recall Rule 26S: “Second place is the first loser.” But there is a bright spot - the man who was handily defeated by O’Connor in the 1965 Democratic primary ended up as a four-term United States Senator from New York: Daniel Patrick Moynihan. 4. Borough Presidents: Two recent mayors have been Manhattan BPs : Wagner and Dinkins. Three MBPs have lost mayoral races: Stein, Ruth Messinger and Virginia Fields. Crossing the bridges, Bronx BPs Herman Badillo and Fernando Ferrer were both defeated in numerous races for mayor, but Seth Low, former mayor of Brooklyn and president of Columbia Univer sit y, was elected mayor in 1901. He served one twoyear term. 5. Council Speaker: 0 for 2 Peter Vallone lost a mayoral challenge in 2001, and his successor as speaker, Gifford Miller, lost in 2005. Both were impelled to run by term limits, which prohibited
their re-election. Vallone refused to over-ride term limits without a referendum. When the vote was taken in 1996, term limits were upheld. 6. Other elected mayoral springboards: William O’Dwyer was district attorney of Kings County when he was elected mayor in 1945. Ed Koch was a Congressman from Manhattan, and had previously been a City Council member, when he was elected mayor in 1977. John Lindsay was a Congressman from Manhat tan, from the same district that Koch was later to represent, when he was elected mayor in 1965. Lindsay subsequently came in third (behind Liz Holtzman and Bess Myerson) in a Democratic primary for the United States Senate seat in 1980 that was won by Al D’Amato. Five potential, probably pre-
sumpt ive, candidates who as of today have filed with the campaign finance board for the 2013 election cycle are Public Advocate Bill de Blasio ($346,541), NYC Comptroller John Liu ($513,471), Manhat tan Borough President Scot t Stringer ($1,018,081), Council Speaker Christine Quinn ($3,134,698), and Congressman Anthony Weiner ($4,871,539). This article deals with the fortunes and misfortunes of previous mayoral candidates, and provides a brief look at their current campaign treasuries. It does not discuss the merits of the candidates. The point we make is that, whether you know it or not, the race is well under way. And there are only t wo year s a nd se ven months before the primary. StarQuest@NYCivic.org
Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato
One Man's Treasures: Everyone's Trash By DOMENICK RAFTER The garage and headquarters of DiMola Brothers Rubbish Removal in Ridgewood could also double as one of the city's most interesting museums. Antique license plates and signs paper the walls. Surrounding his desk and the desks of his employees, owner Nick DiMola's cabinets are full of antique toy cars, matchbooks, trading cards and other collectables. He has covered nearly every inch of his office and garage on Summerfield Street with historic items, nearly all of which he found on the job. A Queens native, though he now lives on Long Island, DiMola said he started collecting his antiques from the time he was a child. "You never know what you're going to find in someone else's garbage," DiMola said. Now, DiMola is showing off his extensive collection on his blog: Trash Treasures of
New York (welovegarbage.wordpress.com), which he updates fairly often with new finds. DiMola's collection is more than just vintage campaign buttons, old books, money and other antique knick-knacks. It includes letters postmarked from the 1940s, newspapers dating back to that same time period (including an authentic Daily News from July 21, 1969, the day after Apollo 11 landed on the moon) and even a gold tooth. Also in his collection, an antique barber's chair, an old Coca-Cola vending machine - empty bottles included, 1939 and 1964 World Fair memorabilia - including an original record of "It's A Small World," an old cigarette vending machine, a Bingo board, a classic taxicab fare machine and a bus fare collection box dated to when bus fare was only $1. "We went to clean out the apartment of a bus
Nick DiMola's desk is surrounded by antiques many of his customers saw as garbage.
driver after he died and we found it," he said. DiMola's company does rubbish removal and interior demolition work in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Bronx. They do work in both residential and commercial properties and even worked on demolition at the Guggenheim Museum last winter. He said he finds treasures and antiques in almost every job he goes on. "There's always something worth keeping," he said. "What someone considered trash is a treasure to someone else." In the back of his garage, DiMola still has some of his findings boxed up, waiting to be shown off. As to what he plans on doing with his collection, he has no plans to move it out of the
An antique barber's chair sits in the corner of DiMola's office.
office, but anyone interested can follow his finds on his blog. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
An antique bus fare collec tion box stands near the entrance to Nick DiMola's Ridgewood office came from the apartment of a bus driver.
www.queenstribune.com • March 3-9, 2011 Tribune Page 9
Queens CLOSEUP Oratorio Karaoke Join with OSQ singers for just one night! Last year, we had so much fun at our Karaoke fund-raiser, and this year, we’re stepping it up a level with the Table Sing-Off. Yup, we’re going to compete for prizes. So, gather your friends and pick a good song and prepare to knock our socks off! The event will be held Sunday, March 27, 4 p.m., at the Community House, 15 Borage Place, Forest Hills. Call (718) 279-3006 for tickets or e-mail info@queensoratorio.org. There will be all kinds of music, raffles, a supper buffet, desserts available for purchase. Bring the beverage of your choice (soda, wine, beer, etc.). $50 per person
Heart Health The National Association of University of Women Flushing-North Shore Branch presents The Dr. Hilda A. Davis Education Series, March 5 in Queens. Jennifer Mieres, M.D. co-author of “Heart Smart for Black Women and Latinas: A 5Week Program for Living a Heart Healthy Lifestyle,” will visit the Langston Hughes Community Library & Cultural Center located at 100-01 Northern Blvd., Corona, on March 5, to present a seminar on cardiovascular health. Heart Healthy Living, a seminar on cardiovascular health, is designed to provide information on preventing heart disease and learning to live with heart disease. The event will start at 11 a.m. and is open to the public. Admission is free. The Dr. Hilda A. Davis Education Series, which is sponsored by the Flushing-North Shore Branch of the National Association of University Women, is designed to sponsor and promote education in Northern Queens with the hope of addressing the community’s socioeconomic needs. For more information on the seminar email nauwfns@yahoo.com or visit our group page on Facebook (National Association of University Women-Flushing-North Shore).
Page 10 Tribune March 3-9, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Celebrate Shabbat On March 4, hundreds of synagogues across the continent will take part in an historic national Jewish event to celebrate that which unites all Jews: Shabbat. Everyone is invited to Temple Beth Sholom, 171-39 Northern Blvd., Flushing, to attend this special Shabbat. Let’s celebrate together. Join us for a Shabbat Pot Luck dinner at 6:15 p.m. (reservations appreciated), followed by Shabbat Family Services at 7:30 p.m. and a joyous special Oneg following Services with singing and dancing. Call Fay Schildkraut at (718) 631-3868 to reserve for dinner. Call the Temple office at (718) 463-4143 for further information.
Defensive Driv ing A defensive driving course for insurance and point reduction will be given at Holy Family Church in Flushing, on Saturday, March 26, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For information and registration call (631)3609720. The cost is $45.
Incredible Acrobats Kupferberg Center Performances is pleased to welcome back The Incredible Acrobats of China on Saturday, March 6, at 3 p.m. with a spectacular production of circus art in Colden Auditorium. Founded in 1951 as the Shanghai Acrobatic Theatre, The New Shanghai Circus has won more Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals in domestic and international circus competitions to date than any other Chinese acrobatic company. Regarded internationally as
the top troupe of acrobats in the People’s Republic of China, these phenomenal performers have toured extensively throughout Europe and North America. Breathtaking and polished to perfection, the singular skills performed by The New Shanghai Circus have their roots in everyday lives of the village peasants, farmers and craftsman of the Han Dynasty. Enhanced by high-tech lighting, fabulous choreography, exotic costumes and dramatic music, these astounding contortionists, awesome acrobats, masterful jugglers and clever comedians “reach literally breathtaking heights of skill.” (The New York Times) Tickets for The Incredible Acrobats Of China are still available at $18; $12 children 12 and under. Orders may be charged online at KupferbergCenterArts.org, by phone at (718) 793-8080, or purchased at the Colden Auditorium Box Office.
Music In Hell Professional Jewish musicians, adept at chamber music, jazz, cabaret and classical music, often played during the Holocaust whether it was for Nazi entertainment, ridicule or to keep hope alive and soothe their own despair. Beginning on March 17, the Harriet and Kenneth Kupferberg Holocaust Resource Center and Archives will offer an Exhibit featuring historic narratives and musical pieces presented via iPad apps as well as related poignant and disturbing images on wall panels. “It is inconceivable to imagine a full orchestra playing a symphony in the crowded Terezin concentration camp or a jazz show in the doomed Warsaw ghetto,” said Dr. Arthur Flug, Executive Director of the Kupferberg Holocaust Center. “And yet it happened.” The opening of the Exhibit, curated and written by Rabbi Isidoro Aizenberg, scholarin-residence of the Kupferberg Holocaust Center added, “Music in Hell illustrates the indomitable will of the Holocaust victims in a world surrounded by death.” The exhibit will open Thursday, March 17, at 7 p.m. at the Harriet and Kenneth Kupferberg Holocaust Resource Center and Archives, Queensborough Community College, 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside.
Othello Students of the Speech Communication and Theatre Arts Department at Queensborough Community College will present “Othello,” by William Shakespeare, and directed by Liisa Yonker, Assistant Professor, Speech Communication and Theatre Arts, beginning March 4 at 7:30 p.m. in Queensborough’s Humanities Theatre. Once sold into slavery, Othello struggled to free himself and through sheer determination rose to become the respected General of the Venetian forces. However, his evil, jealous advisor, Iago, is determined to destroy both Othello and his beautiful new bride, Desdemona, leading them both into an unstoppable downward spiral to a bloody and disastrous end. The Bard’s tragedy will be presented Fridays, March 4 and 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, March 5 and 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, March 10, at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and with a special $1 matinee Wednesday, March 9 at 1:15 p.m. Tickets are: $10 for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for students and faculty. For more information, call (718) 631-6311.
Queens Development According to Queens Borough President Helen Marshall’s 2011 state-of-the borough address this past January, Five of the borough’s leading civic lead-
ers will talk about current projects in a panel discussion on “The Future of the Development of Queens” at Queens College on Friday, March 4. The free breakfast forum will begin at 8 a.m. in the fourth floor ballroom of Queens College’s Student Union. The panelists will include: Kevin Alexander, Executive Director, Rockaway Revitalization & Development Corp.; Gayle Baron, President, Long Island City Business Development Corp.; Ted Renz, Executive Director, Ridgewood LDC/Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District; Claire Shulman, Chief Executive & President, Flushing, Willets Point, Corona Development Corp.; and Carlisle Towery, President, Greater Jamaica Development Corp. The QC Business Forum is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. To register, call (718) 997-2920 or e-mail business.forum@qc.cuny.edu. Complimentary parking is available. For directions, go to: qc.cuny.edu.
Hall Of Science 1001 Inventions, Through April 24: Uncover 1,000 years of science & technology. The “dark ages” were a golden age! Discover a forgotten history of science and scholarship in this hands-on exhibition. The New York Hall of Science hosts the U.S. premiere of 1001 Inventions, which opens December 4. Free with general admission. 1001 Inventions is sponsored by ALJ Community Initiatives. Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition, through Feb. 27: The oldest and most respected competition of its kind, Nikon Small World has become the top forum for showing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through the light microscope. It honors the world’s best photomicrographers who capture vibrant images that represent the intersection of science and art. This year’s winner is Jonas King who took a photo of a mosquito heart magnified 100 times, and using fluorescence technology. King’s image, along with the other winners, will be showcased at NYSCI. Free with general NYSCI admission. The New York Hall of Science, in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, is open Tuesday - Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $11, $8 for ages 2-17 and seniors. To learn more go to nysci.org or call (718) 699-0005.
Friday Night Fights New Legend Boxing will hold its first “Professional Boxing” show Friday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the Cordon Bleu, 96-01 Jamaica Ave., Woodhaven. The fight card will feature some talented, “up and coming” boxers from our local community that will be given an opportunity showcase their skills. Scheduled to compete are Joel Castillo, Mike Ruiz, Juan Dominguez, Patricia Alcivar, Vinny Celentano, Jonathan Cuba, George Santiago, Rafael Vasquez, Edward Valdez and Angel Torres.
Rotar y Events The Rotary Club of Southwest Queens Communities has a very full schedule. Please mark your calendars so you can be a part all of the exciting events that are being planned. If you have any questions or need details, call (718) 845-1429. March 8, PKD Presentation at Prima Pasta March 20, Fundraiser: Pancake Breakfast at OLG (158-20 101st Street, Howard Beach) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $10 per person, $7 per child, $25 per family. March 22, Trial run presentation for Social Networking Seminar at Prima Pasta March 29, End of the month dinner at
Strawberry’s Bar & Grill (42-15 235 Street, Douglaston). Free Happy Hour from 7-8 p.m., dinner at 8 p.m. We meet every Tuesday evening at 7:15 pm (except last Tuesday of the month) at Prima Pasta, located at 161-50 Crossbay Blvd., in Howard Beach, unless otherwise noted.
GWDC Meetings The next meeting of the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation will take place on Tuesday, March 22, at St. Thomas the Apostle School 87-49 87th Street First Floor (87th Street, one block south near 88th Avenue-building adjacent to the church, Woodhaven at 7:30 p.m.
Fashion Show The St. Francis Preparatory School Mothers’ Guild presents The 37th Annual Fashion Show & Dinner to be held on Thursday, March 31, 7-11 p.m. at the Floral Terrace. Dinner, fashions, raffles, student performances, dancing make an enjoyable evening for all who attend. $60 per guest. Contact Susie at (646) 239-9584 or email sfpmothersguild@gmail.com for ticket information.
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.
Purim Par ty On Saturday, March 19, at 2 p.m., the Queens Community for Cultural Judaism will host its annual Purim Party, presenting a reading of a very witty version of the Purim Story with lots of laughs! Costumes are encouraged for a prize. We’ll schmooze over deliciously, light refreshments, music. Admission is $5. The event will be held at Queens Unitarian Congregation, Ash Avenue, corner of 149th Street, Flushing. Call (718) 380-5362.
Bye Bye Birdie Marathon Little Theatre Group, located at 245-37 60th Ave., Little Neck, is proud to present the ever popular musical comedy “Bye Bye Birdie” Performances will be held Saturdays March 12 and 26 at 8:30 p.m. and Sundays, March 13, 20 and 27 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for seniors over 65 and children under 12. For more information call (718) 229-4644 or (718) 428-1580 or visit marathontheatergroup.com.
Arbor Day The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced that the Long Island Arboricultural Association will host its annual Arbor Day event at Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay. This event is a collaborative effort between New York State Parks, The Planting Fields Foundation, and LIAA. The Arbor Day event will take place on Saturday, March 26, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. This one day volunteer effort includes pruning and general cleanup of the historic trees and shrubs at the Carshalton Gates, Main Drive, and Taxus Field located on the south west side of the arboretum off Chicken Valley Road. The work also includes the removal of hazardous trees in these areas culminating with the planting of a new tree. For more information please contact Planting Fields at (516) 922-8601 or LIAA at (631) 415- 4535.
Civil Rights Titan Bond Looks Back By JESSICA ABLAMSKY "It is difficult to tell people you used to sit in the back of the bus," said Julian Bond, a civil rights leader whose lifelong activism has inspired generations. His name is not often uttered without mention of the seminal Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee he helped found. SNCC - pronounced SNICK - is the 1960s-era group whose members, at great personal risk, organized lunch counter sit-ins, freedom rides and the Mississippi Freedom Summer. It is a time in his life for which Bond hopes he will always be remembered. "I'm quite proud of that," he said. "That's not the only thing I've done that I'm proud of, but I'm proud of that and I'm happy to be remembered for that." The author, activist, professor and subject of several biographies, with 20 years in the Georgia State Legislature under his belt, serves on the boards of organizations ranging from the NAACP to the Southern Law Poverty Center. He recently spoke at Queens College, in honor of a new addition to the Civil Rights Archive. "I have retired a couple of times from my teaching jobs, but they kept on making me an offer I couldn't refuse," he said. The Politics of Compromise The 71-year-old said he has yet to accomplish what he is most proud of. It will be many years before freedom and justice become a reality across America, said Bond, discussing a realization that came many years ago. "When I started out in the movement when I was 18, I and countless others thought
Queens College student Jennifer Meza with Bond during his Feb. 17 visit to the school. these things would be settled pretty quickly," he said. "I think most of us now realize that we are still in it for the long haul and it is not likely to reach total solutions in our lifetimes. We'll have to keep plugging away, and those who come after us will keep plugging away. "All of the peoples of the country who are denied their rights have to be included in this. I have special interest in peoples of color because I am one of them, but I don't think I stand ahead of any of them in who gets their rights first." Among those rights are gay marriage and abortion, for which Bond has provided outspoken and sometimes controversial support. "You don't have to respect idiocy," he said. "You don't have to respect wrongheadedness. If you think that gay people shouldn't marry in your church, that's okay with me."
But marriage is as much a right as it is a rite, he explained, adding, "if you don't like abortion, don't have one." When viewed through the lens of a society whose black and white populations were once separated by a seemingly insurmountable chasm, Bond does not think Americans are more polarized today. The current political environment is "harder because I can't remember any time in my lifetime that we've had one political party determined to say 'no' to everything," he said. "If that is going to be the case, you can't get anything done." Compromise is a virtue he learned to appreciate over time. "If you and I are having an argument, I will compromise up to my principles," he said. "But I won't compromise my principles. If you can't find some common ground with me, we can't get anyplace." The James Forman Library Bond's lecture celebrated Queens College's recent acquisition of James Forman's personal library and recordings. Bond worked closely with Forman, SNCC's executive secretary. Forman was a principal 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. The Forman library consists of approximately 2,000 books, over 2,100 pamphlets, academic journals and printed ephemera as well as a variety of audio and moving image material - a major addition to the history of Civil Rights in America. This contribution
Tribune Professional Guide
by the Forman family is the latest acquisition in the college's expanding archive of original materials from the Civil Rights era. The Spark That Lit Based on a by-the-numbers comparison, Bond said the current generation's quest for equality comes up lacking; his was the last to work towards social justice, work that was done particularly, but not exclusively, by African Americans. "We marched and organized and we sustained that for 10 years," he said. "I think part of the reason is that people who are my age who lived through this sometimes didn't want their children to know about it. This was a bad time, and if you thought that you could protect your children by separating them from it, you did." The history teacher believes that another problem is a high school curriculum that does not emphasize the civil rights movement. This complicated piece of history teaches a lesson that still resonates: when people work together they can win. "When Rosa Parks sat down on the bus by herself, she prompted others to do what she did," he said. "She could not do it by herself." For Bond, it does not seem so long ago that he was forced to sit in the back of the bus. "I've thought when I die I want to have a double-sided tombstone," he said. "On one side, it will say, 'Race man.' Meaning, I didn't put my race above other races but I thought it equaled other races. On the other side it would say, 'Easily amused.'" Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at jablamsky@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 124.
To reserve your space call 357-7400
www.queenstribune.com • March 3-9, 2011 Tribune Page 11
Queens Focus PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE Respect For All: PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE...PEOPLE..PEOPLE...
Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz and Bukharian Teen Lounge intern Simkha Khavasov.
Page 12 Tribune March 3-9, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
On Feb. 7, Jewish Child Care Association’s (JCCA) Bukharian Teen Lounge held their closing ceremony for Kavod: JCCA’s Internship Graduation 201011. Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz also joined in the celebration. JCCA’s Bukharian Teen Lounge has been providing teenagers in Queens with meaningful paid internships for more than a decade. This winter, first and second generation young immigrants were given unique opportunities to explore careers of their own choosing and to get exposure, often for the first time, to new careers that they may not have previously considered. The group placed 12 immigrant teenagers in paid winter internships, including the office of New York City Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz, The Central Queens Y, Kaykov Media, and Forest View Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. During the ceremony, teens and their supervisors spoke of the significant role the internship experience can have as the youth embark on their journey of selfdiscovery. Air Force Airman Joheb I. Khan graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eightweek program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. He is the brother of Jawad Khan of Long Island City. Khan graduated in 2007 from Richmond Hill High School. Air Force Airman Joseph J. Balasar graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eightweek program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. He is the son of Dookrajie Abrams of Ozone Park. Balasar graduated in 2010 from John Adams High School. The New York Lottery announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning ticket from one of the Lottery’s live drawings Feb. 6-12, 2011. The following winners each received a cash prize valued at
$10,000 or more. Betty Huguley of Springfield Gardens who won $25,042 on the Take Five drawing of Feb. 7. Huguley’s winning ticket was purchased at the 145 Food Center at 145-44 Farmers Blvd. in Jamaica. Mohammed Shabbir of Ozone Park who won $10,000 on the Win 4 drawing of Nov. 25. Shabbir’s winning ticket was purchased at the Queen Bee Food Store at 43-82 162nd St. in Flushing. Anna Rosario of College Point who won $10,000 on the Powerball drawing of Aug. 18. Rosario’s winning ticket was purchased at the Dhara News & Grocery at 15-23 College Point Blvd. in College Point. Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Metropolitan Campus, located in Teaneck and Hackensack, N.J., has announced the names of students who qualified for the Dean’s List for the Fall 2010 Semester. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must carry a 3.2 or better grade point average out of a possible 4.0 and be enrolled in a minimum of 12 lettergraded hours (four courses). The following students were named: Ashley Davis of Cambria Heights, Gila Bendelstein of Far Rockaway, Michael Glikman of Flushing and Alyssa Negron of Woodhaven. Army Pvt. Jennifer A. Uquillas has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises. She is the daughter of Maria Uquillas of Woodhaven. Uquillas graduated in 2005 from Washington Irving High School. Several area residents have been named to the President’s and Deans’ lists for the fall semester at SUNY Oswego. Showing academic achievement, with their major and honor in parentheses, are: Hannah M. McHale of Belle Harbor, a sophomore (history, Deans’ List). Anthony Aggrey of Floral Park, a freshman (biology, Deans’ List). Yan Chen of Flushing, a sophomore (finance, President’s List). Elaine Wu of Fresh Meadows, a junior (public relations, Deans’ List). Shannon M. Hatton of Glendale, a senior (elementary education, Deans’ List). Emmanuel Ezenwa of Hollis, a senior (psychology, Deans’ List). Elizabeth Reytblat of Jackson Heights, a senior (human development, Deans’ List). Castelli Laflotte of Jamaica, a junior (biology, Deans’ List). Ezeleni Herrera of Long Island City, a freshman (sociology, Deans’ List). Shuave L. Jackson of Long Island City, a freshman (elementary education, Deans’ List). Stephanie Leung of Maspeth, a freshman (undeclared, Deans’ List). Brittany L. Mischner of Oakland Gardens, a junior (elementary education, Deans’ List).
On Feb. 10, Assemblyman Ed Braunstein attended PS 193’s “Respect for All Anti-Bullying Assembly.” He is pictured here with Principal Joyce E. Bush, PS 193 student performers at the Respect For All Assembly, and PS 193 staff. Antonio J. Troina of Oakland Gardens, a senior (biology, Deans’ List). Rebecca A. Laghezza of Oakland Gardens, a sophomore (secondary education, Deans’ List). Annibel A. Tejada of Ozone Park, a freshman (psychology, President’s List). Esthefania Rodriguez of Ozone Park, a sophomore (human development, Deans’ List). Anant K. Rangan of Rego Park, a senior (political science, President’s List). Kevin G. Leonard of Rockaway Park, a senior (English, Deans’ List). Brianna K. Daley of Rosedale, a sophomore (broadcasting and mass communication, Deans’ List). Nadia D. Misir of South Ozone Park, a freshman (global and international studies, President’s List). Steffi N. Salazar of Woodside, a junior (psychology, Deans’ List). John Valencia of Woodside, a sophomore (operations management and information systems, management information systems, Dean’s List). Queens Assembly Members Rory Lancman and David Weprin presented Yeshiva University High School For Girls students Rachel Shapiro, Ayelet Abelow and Helene Sonenberg with New York State Assembly citations commending them on being named Regional Semifinalists in the national Siemens Competition in Science, Math and Technology. This annual competition awards high school students who show extraordinary talent in science research. The Yeshiva University High School For Girls is located in Holliswood, Queens. “We are enormously proud of these students, and we need more young leaders like them who are passionate about the sciences to lead our country and economy forward with innovative new technologies,” said Assemblyman Lancman. “I am happy to present these joint proclamations with Assemblyman Lancman recognizing the hard work and accomplishments these young women have achieved in science. I wish them continued success,” said Assemblyman Weprin. The following students were recently awarded degrees from the School of Management at Binghamton University, State Uni-
versity of New York: Saif Rifat of Astoria, BS, Management Finance; Pei Yi Gao of Flushing, BS, Management Marketing; and Dias Malayev of Forest Hills, BS, Management Finance. The following students were recently awarded degrees by the College of Community and Public Affairs at Binghamton University, State University of New York:. Lauren Huynh of Bayside, BS, Human Development; and Gersende N. Chan of Rego Park, BS, Human Development Kyaw Htay of Woodside is known as the gentle man who gives his time to Amsterdam Nursing Home residents, accompanying them to family reunions. Who will sit and hold their hands when they are upset. Who treats everyone with respect and kindness. Fellow staff member use words like “intelligent…supremely skilled…efficient and positive” to describe Htay. And on Tuesday, Jan. 18, Htay was honored at Amsterdam Nursing Home, located on Amsterdam Avenue at 112th Street by receiving the Long Term Care Employee of Distinction award from the New York Association of Homes & Services for the Aging (NYAHSA). Presenting the award was Daniel J. Heim, Interim President and CEO of NYAHSA. NYAHSA represents not-for-profit, continuing care providers for the elderly in New York State, and annually honors 18 caregivers for the award. The award is particularly distinctive considering the fact that NYAHSA represents 150,000 front line caregivers from among 600 elder care organizations. “It’s an honor to receive this award,” said Htay, “I would like to thank Ms. Flor Nebres (VP, Nursing) for nominating me, and the rest of the staff here for making Amsterdam such a warm and nurturing place.” When he isn’t working with residents at the nursing home, he counsels, mentors and assists other Burmese immigrants with immigration applications and work authorizations. “Kyaw is a natural care giver. You can tell he loves his job by the way he throws himself into it. He embodies the empathy, skill and enthusiasm we ask of our staff members here at Amsterdam,” remarks James Davis, President and CEO, Amsterdam Nursing Home.
Compiled by DOMENICK RAFTER
102nd Precinct TRAIN SUICIDE: On Monday, Feb. 28, at approximately 3:30 p.m., police and emergency officials responded to the Kew Gardens/Union Turnpike subway station at Queens Boulevard and Union Turnpike in Kew Gardens in response to a call of a man hit by a subway train. Upon arrival, they discovered a man was struck and killed by a subway train. Police say the man jumped in front of the train in an apparent suicide attempt. The name and description of the deceased had not been released as of press time. 112th Precinct ROBBERS SOUGHT: The NYPD is seeking the public's assistance with the identity and whereabouts of the following three individuals wanted in connection with a commercial robbery in Forest Hills. On Monday, Feb. 21, at approximately 6:25 p.m., two Hispanic men and one black man entered 101-22 Queens Blvd., at which time the black man displayed a knife while one of the other suspects walked behind the counter and removed cash from the register. The third suspect simulated having a gun in his pocket. All three suspects fled the location on foot in an unknown direction. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting
their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are kept strictly confidential. From the DA BINGO SCAM: Three individuals and a corporation who used a licensed church bingo hall in Queens as a front to steal approximately $830,000 from Greek Orthodox Church charities have pleaded guilty and will make full restitution to the Church. Spiros Moshopoulos, 62, of 52-21 Brownvale Lane., Little Neck, and his corporation, Spimos Enterprises Inc., of 82-18 Northern Blvd., Jackson Heights; Tommy Skiada, 49, of 23-18 35th St., Astoria; and Daniella Radulescu, 46, of 25-27 23rd St., Astoria pleaded guilty to second degree grand larceny on Feb. 28. The defendants admitted to operating a bingo hall located at 82-18 Northern Blvd. in Jackson Heights in the name of various inactive charities under the umbrella of the Romanian Orthodox Church of Sts. Constantine and Helen, located at 25-27 23rd St. in Astoria, which is under the direct canonical supervision of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The defendants obtained the licenses illegally and used the charities as a front to siphon monies from the gaming for their own profit. Bingo games were conducted daily at the location by people posing as members of various charities. In addition to defrauding the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America of approxi-
mately $830,000, the defendants cheated the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs out of approximately $20,000 in fees. The fraud was caught by investigators from the State Racing and Wagering Board who referred the case to the state police. DA Richard Brown said Moshopoulos acted as president of Spimos Enterprises Inc., Radulescu was a church officer and Skiada was a security officer of Spimos Enterprises Inc. Sentencing is set for April 6. They face three-year conditional discharges. As part of the conditions of the plea, Moshopoulos forfeited a total of $1 million ($830,000 to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America as restitution for the stolen charitable bingo funds and an additional $170,000 as statutory forfeiture), agreed to a lifetime ban from any licensed bingo activity, and will dissolve his corporation prior to sentencing. Moshopoulos and the other three defendants - and any entities controlled by or used by them - will also surrender their bingo licenses. Any violation of the conditions of the plea could result in the defendants being re-sentenced to up to 15 years in prison. SHABAZZ CHARGED: Slain Civil Rights activist Malcolm X's youngest daughter Malikah Shabazz was charged with defrauding the 70-year-old Queens widow of one of her father's bodyguards between August 2006 and November 2007. Shabazz, 44, who was apprehended in Mars Hills, N.C., on Feb. 18 on a New York arrest warrant - issued on Oct. 16, 2009 - charging her with the crimes of third-degree grand larceny, third-degree criminal possession of stolen property, second-degree forgery, second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, first-degree identity theft, first-degree falsifying business records, first-de-
gree scheme to defraud and third-degree unlawful possession of personal identification information. According to the underlying criminal charges, Queens resident Khaula Bakr, the widow of a bodyguard who was with Malcolm X when he was assassinated, received a letter from Wells Fargo Bank informing her that she had a credit account with them that was past due in the amount of $28,789.38. Transactions on the account included charges to Bell South, Bank of America, GE, Lowe's Capital One, Discover Card, Midnight Velvet, AT&T and Wells Fargo. Ms. Bakr, who never opened such an account nor authorized anyone else to do so in her name, ran three credit reports on herself and discovered that the reports listed her address as a South Carolina one allegedly belonging to Shabazz. It is further alleged that two additional credit card accounts were discovered in Ms. Bakr's name coupled with Shabazz's South Carolina address. Records allegedly listed amounts of $8,382.84 and $18,712.06 being owed on the accounts. In addition, a third credit card account allegedly doing business as "All Day and All Night Markets" listed Ms. Bakr's name and Shabazz as an authorized user. Account records contained a letter allegedly from Ms. Bakr with her signature, as well as Shabazz as a cosigner of the letter, requesting a re-issue of credit cards and checks with a new account and pin number. Finally, it is alleged that Shabazz obtained Ms. Bakr's personal identification information under the pretext of needing the information for paperwork involving a child care power of attorney. After Ms. Bakr provided the information, she allegedly never received any child care documents from Shabazz. Shabazz waived extradition and arrived in New York on March 2 to be arraigned in Queens Criminal Court.
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Chamber Polls Members On Hot Topics The Queens Chamber of Commerce announced the results of a short policy survey sent out to its members and other Queens business people, with questions focused on three current issues in the news; Wal-Mart, Congestion Pricing and the re-naming of the Queensborough Bridge. The first question sought opinions on what Queens Chamber members and local business people thought about the prospects of Wal-Mart moving into New York City. Results were split with a plurality (41.7 percent)
of the respondents having no problem with it, 29 percent having real problems with it and the remaining 29.3 percent saying it would depend on circumstances. Comments included concerns about location, wages paid and reported discriminatory practices. The second question sought opinions on congestion pricing, currently being touted as "traffic pricing." Half of the respondents opposed this type of plan while a little over a quarter were in favor and a little less than a quar-
ter had no opinion or required additional information. When asked about how they feel about the Queensborough Bridge being re-named for former Mayor Ed Koch, a full 70 percent of respondents were opposed to such an idea. A little more than a quarter supported the idea and only a couple of people had no opinion. Most comments questioned why Ed Koch was chosen for this honor and not a Queens icon, and others questioned why we there would be any attempt at all to change the name from the Queensborough Bridge. One respondent stated, "They would never dare to change the name of the Brooklyn Bridge." The survey was published on Feb. 22 and results were collected Feb. 28. The Queens Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its centennial celebration this year, marking 100 years of serving and advocating for businesses in Queens or doing business in Queens. As part of a recent strategic planning initiative, the Chamber is making more of an effort to poll their membership in determining what the sentiments are of business people on business related issues. The poll results are not a reflection of the Chamber's official position on any of these topics.
Boro Biz Group Reaches Women
Technical Leap:
Technical Digital Services' newest facility and state-of-the-art digital printing plant opened in January in Woodside. An opening ceremony and tour was part of an open house sponsored by Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce and Queens Chamber of Commerce. Pictured l. to r.: Ira Greenberg, Sunnyside Chamber President; Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer; William Sanchez, CEO Technical Digital Services; Sophia Ganosis, Chief of Operations, Queens Chamber of Commerce.
www.queenstribune.com • March 3-9, 2011 Tribune Page 15
In recognition of Women's History Month, the Queens Women's Business Center of the Queens Economic Development Corporation released its Women Excel in Business lineup of training courses which focus on women's entrepreneurial development. As part of QEDC's Business Blueprint Series, these workshops are aimed at helping women business owner's address commonly cited stumbling blocks on their road to greater business success. Workshops are one-night, seminar style classes providing concise information geared to small business owners and emerging entrepreneurs alike. All are taught by professionals in their field, each of whom have years of practical experience. The workshops take place at Queens Borough Hall, Kew Gardens which is conveniently located near major train and bus routes. Though addressing the needs of women entrepreneurs, men are welcomed to attend these workshops. On March 30, the QWBC is commemorating 10 years of services to Queens women with an event that recognizes women in the business community who are leaving their market on neighborhoods across the borough. To learn more about the Queens Women's Business Center, these events or other QEDC's program visit queensny.org or call (718) 263-0546.
Biz, Banking & Real Estate Page 16 Tribune March 3-9, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Queens Bus Company Eyes Low Emissions Vallo Transportation, an independent that date back to 1997 and 1998. The school bus company serving families total cost of these buses is $904,825; of throughout Queens, announced that it which 25 percent would be funded by has applied for a fedthe grant. eral grant that will let the In a further ecologicompany buy seven cal benefit, the new new buses with adbuses will be equipped vanced low-emissions with interior heaters intechnology. dependent from the "Engine manufacturmain engine, which will ers and oil refiners minimize unnecessary have made tremendous idling time during the progress creating winter. equipment and fuel that Vallo wants to show that not all "Every little bit helps cause much lower school buses are created equal. when it comes to proemissions than in the tecting the environpast," said company President Linda ment," DeSabato said. "Diesel technolDeSabato. ogy is constantly evolving, and we're "The new equipment is very expen- committed to keeping pace. It's good for sive, though, which is why we haven't our community." been able to introduce it to our fleet as The grants are available under the quickly as we would have liked," said National Clean Diesel Funding AssisDeSabato, whose family-owned com- tance Program, a federal program inpany has served Queens schoolchildren tended to reduce air pollution. A decifor about 30 years. "The federal grant sion is expected to be announced in the we hope to receive will make the new spring. buses affordable and let us bring addiVallo operates a fleet of more than 50 tional low-emissions buses to Queens buses that carry children living in Queens and the Bronx. This will benefit the chil- to private schools and magnet schools in dren who ride our buses and the entire Manhattan and the Bronx, such as the community." Bronx High School of Science and the The grant, if approved, will be used High School of American Studies at to help Vallo purchase seven 2012 In- Lehman College, two of the nation's most ternational school buses equipped with respected schools. Summer service is Maxx Force DT 466 engines. The en- available for most routes. Charter service gines comply with latest federal emis- is offered for field trips, community orgasion standards. They will replace buses nizations and other events.
By ALAN PLAFKER Is your home insured for damage that may result from flooding caused by a hurricane or other storm? Not necessarily. Generally, coverage provided by a standard home or business policy does not include damage caused by flooding or mudslides. It is important to note this type of damage could be extremely destructive to your property and without insurance you could be devastated financially. How can I get insurance coverage so I'm protected for flood damage from a natural disaster? First, contact our agency. We have access to comprehensive information and we can help you determine if you need flood insurance. Throughout the United States, more than 20,000 communities participate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Flood Insurance Program, which offers flood insurance. An NFIP policy typically includes coverage for: removing contents; sandbagging (to reduce damage); repairing flood damage and rebuilding; clearing away debris and mud; and compensating for personal belongings and business inventories. How much protection can I get? You can obtain flood coverage up to $250,000 on your home, $100,000 on its contents and $500,000 for businesses. Is flood insurance really necessary? That is a question you should discuss with our agency. However, you should know that lending institutions
may require flood insurance as a condition of securing a mortgage, home improvement loan, home equity loan, commercial loan, etc. Flood insurance also is a prerequisite for receiving federal disaster assistance when property is located in a special hazard area. It is important to note that not only high-risk areas are prone to flooding. Flooding can occur anytime and anywhere. One-quarter of NFIP claims come from outside high-risk flood areas. Can I buy flood insurance at any time? Yes, but in most cases, there is a 30day waiting period between the time flood insurance is purchased and the time coverage is in force. How can I prepare for a catastrophe such as flooding? Along with obtaining flood insurance protection, you should heed storm warnings and follow evacuation procedures such as boarding up windows and storing outside items inside; shutting off utilities; and preparing an emergency kit that contains food and water, a portable can opener, clothing, blankets, flashlights, first-aid supplies and a battery-operated radio. Also, maintain a current household or business inventory of your property and possessions and keep it in a safe place such as a safe-deposit box. An upto-date inventory will prove useful when filing your insurance claim.
Flood facts On the East Coast of the United
States, flooding occurs mainly during hurricane season, which runs primarily from June through October. Hurricanes affect coastal and inland areas. These areas can be inundated by torrential rains that result in widespread flooding. The FEMA estimates that 75 percent of households located in federally designated special flood hazard areas carry no flood insurance. Call your insurance agent now for a Flood Insurance quote. It is usually in-
expensive and affordable. Remember, it usually takes 30 days for coverage to be effective so don't delay. Insure your future, start planning now, before it is too late! Alan Plafker is President of Member Brokerage Service LLC, a Melrose Credit Union Service Organization. You can reach him in his Briarwood, Queens office at (718) 523-1300, Ext. 1082, or visit the website at memberbrokerage.com.
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Flood Damage Facts: Are You Covered?
Go Green In Queens The Queens Chamber of Commerce will celebrate green right around St. Patrick's Day, but the mission is less about honoring the Irish and more about saving the environment. The Third Annual Green Business Summit & Luncheon will be held Wednesday, March 16, starting at 9 a.m. with an expo running until noon and a luncheon to follow at Terrace on the Park, 52-11 111th St. A variety of sponsorship opportunities still exist, including: Four Leaf Clover, $7,500 - Exclusive - includes 20 luncheon tickets and remarks, one EXPO table, sponsorship of Breakout Session with speaker/panelist opportunity and a seat on the Dais; Leprechaun, $5,000, includes 10 luncheon tickets, one EXPO table with speaker/panelist opportunity, a seat on the dais; Shamrock, $2,500, includes five lun-
cheon tickets, one EXPO table with speaker/panelist opportunity, a seat on the dais; Entertainment, $1,250, includes two luncheon tickets, one EXPO table with speaker/panelist opportunity, a seat on the dais; Luncheon Table of Ten, $700; Luncheon Single Ticket, $75; and Green Summit Vendor Tables, $360, which include a covered, 6-foot exhibit table and two chairs. The above rates are for full tables. If you require space next to a wall (for free standing exhibits only) and/ or an electrical outlet, you must let us know at the time you make your reservation. There is a $50 access fee for an electrical outlet. There is no additional fee for space next to a wall. To learn more about the expo, call (718) 898-8500 or go to queenschamber.org.
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Reclaiming The Past:
Process Of Baby Steps, Research To Restore RKO Lobby To Its Glory
Page 18 Tribune March 3-9, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
A Look Inside Inside, the treasures are hidden in the dark. Without a flashlight, it is impossible to see an inch in front of you. The cathedral-like ceiling and decorative columns that outline the balcony overlook a mess of damp plywood haphazardly organized into makeshift rooms that break up the grandeur of the historic lobby. The rooms are piled with crud, a broken television and abandoned office equipment that can almost date how long it has been since the RKO saw its last screening. Despite this, the colorful treasures of the lobby, reminiscent of eighteenth century opera houses of Southern Europe, remain relatively untouched by time. The swirling columns along the balcony overlooking the main lobby are intact. The RKO’s famous ceiling, designed like a night sky with twinkling stars, still sparkles when a light shines on it. The lobby’s two grand staircases still stand, almost completely intact, but lead to nowhere. At the end of the lobby is just a great open space where the theater once was. Blankets and food scraps hint at squatters that appear to have left, at least on this specific morning. Daylight seeps in a r o u n d t h e s t a g e a n d t h e mu f f l e d sounds of traffic on Northern Boulevard, water dripping, or vermin scurrying can be heard. The scent of mildew, though not overwhelming, is apparent. Before any work can be done on the building, the cleanup alone will be a Herculean task.
Tribune Photos by Ira Cohen
By JOSEPH OROVIC and DOMENICK RAFTER From the sidewalk on Northern Boulevard, where a historical marker tells the story of the RKO Keith’s Theater, it is hard to believe this was once a jewel of Flushing. Its marquee is long gone and blue wood panes line the theater’s front, attempting to keep away animals and the homeless from calling the site home. The façade overlooking the busy intersection of Main Street and Northern Boulevard resembles a Roman ruin, but this is far from Flushing’s Colosseum. Cement blocks fill in the gaps left by large windows. Some sections of the walls are gone, letting only tiny specks of light inside and offering a ledge for pigeons and crows to perch on. The Queens Tribune got an exclusive look behind the exterior, at what is left of a once-mighty jewel. The interior’s lobby, a very small but highly contentious piece of real estate in a neighborhood full of land use ballyhoos, constitutes a major undertaking by developer Patrick Thompson. If done right – “if” being the key word, given the theater’s long list of ownership disasters – the plans could restore one of the borough’s sorely missed treasures. But that final revelation is potentially years away, and the road there is rife with red tape and still pending approval by the Board of Standards and Appeals and Landmarks Preservation Commission.
A Delicate Process Construction, by its nature and definition, is a rather simple task. Build something out of disparate parts, creating a greater whole. Restoration shares its conceptual simplicity – fix it until it is like new. But combining the two processes creates all manner of complications, with over lapping timelines but disparate goals. The difference between achieving new and “like-new” is rather large. According to project architect Jay Valgora of Studio V, the restoration of the lobby and creation of its mixed-use 17story counterpart will involve dueling processes. Given the rather messy business, with potential for all sorts of accidents, the first step in the construction would be to build a new cage or support structures around the lobby, in essence a shell within a building. Once the new supports are up, the old will be stripped away and protective sensors put in place to monitor conditions such as humidity and motion within the lobby. Valgora’s firm researched the historic lobby’s previous state. By taking a complete photographic sur vey, alongside original drawings, he was able to create a visual record of the Keith’s varying states. That level of detail requires a step beyond photos, as the Keith’s lobby was part of the atmospheric theater trend, when indoor spaces were designed to feel like the outdoors (hence the cavernous, starry-night ceiling). That level of detail required a microscopic study of the varying paint layers to determine the precise color of the lobby’s first coat. “Much of it was similar to the original color,” Valgora said of the findings. “A lot of that work was intricate plaster with layers of special paint on it.”
Missing Pieces & Measuring Tape The state of the lobby only pushes back the process, adding more items to the restorative to-do list. “The previous neglect has not been helpful,” Valgora said. “It has made our jobs more difficult.” Among the more difficult aspects will be replacing some missing pieces. Ac-
The ornate treasures of the RKO Keith’s landmarked lobby remain, though hidden away from the world.
cording to the LPC’s exacting standards, the developer must create the closest attainable version of the original as possible. In the Keith’s case, that means replacing a fountain that once stood at the lobby’s center, but mysteriously went missing. According to Valgora, rumors place the fountain in a New Jersey dentist’s office. The LPC also requires all areas visible from the historic area be “appropriate,” a code word for not wildly deviating from the character of the lobby. The goal is to create areas of transition that lead into the newer parts of the structure.
Agency Oversight Looming large over all the proceedings are LPC, who hold final sway over any changes made to the lobby. Valgora and company must make very
specific proposals for any move they make, with a full justification for their necessity. This goes beyond the replacement of a fountain, to even a minor touchup. “Owners of landmark properties must get a permit from the Commission before they start work on a project,” said LPC spokeswoman Lisi de Bourbon. “The reason we require a permit is to ensure that proposed work has minimal impact on a landmarked site. It’s a straightforward process.” Valgora is familiar with the process, and said he is ready to work with the LPC. “We have the same goals in mind; we both want to figure out the most effective way to bring this back.” Reach Deputy Editor Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127.
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www.queenstribune.com • March 3-9, 2011 Tribune Page 19
CANNOT BE DESCRIBED – ONLY EXPERIENCED!
Leisure
Film Festival In Boro This Weekend By JESSICA ABLAMSKY After the long-running Queens International Film Festival went bust due to a money stealing scandal by founder Marie Castaldo, Don and Katha Cato took matters into their own hands. “Don and I sat down and said, ‘If she could keep this up for seven years and be dishonorable, think what we could do,’” said Katha Cato, co-founder of the first, and what she hopes will become annual, Queens World Film Festival, which runs Thursday, March 3, through Sunday, March 6. Active volunteers in the defunct International festival, the Catos lost a substantial amount of money paying vendors on Castaldo’s behalf, but never recouped the money because they did not have a contract with her. “It was a bad deal and it really broke our heart s,” Cato said. “We spent a lot of time lett ing people know that this is clean.” To prove their g oo d i ntent ions, t he Queens World Film Festival is being financed 100 percent by the Catos, with hopes of forming a non-profit in the future. Playing host to the 120-film festival is the beautifully restored Jackson Heights Cinema, and the Renaissance Char ter School. Organized into blocks with similar themes, topics range from the family friendly “Kids Short Stack” to senior-centered “Old Spice.” Adrenaline junkies should look out for
“Vampire s, Zombies and Psychos,” wh ich we can only assume will delight fellow lovers of gore. Burned out after a Valentine’s Day gone wrong? “Love and Other Dangerous Games” might hit the spot. At $6 per person per block, $3 for adults and the 18-and-under set or $36 for a festival pass, prices cannot be beat. Not included is opening night, a fundraiser for veterans, for which tickets are $10 per person. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the Jackson Heights Cinema, with announcements and special guests speaking at 7 p.m. Showtime is 7:15 p.m. The opening night highlight will be “Shepherds of Helmand,” a documentar y about a group of 17 volunteers from the Oregon National Guard deployed to Afghanistan, one of the most decorated units in Oregon National Guard History. “We’re not making a political statement at all,” Cato said. “We were just so moved by this story. The filmmaker and some of those men are going to be there.” Making his directorial debut is Queens native Bill Sorice with his film “Vinni Vino,” a dark comedy about a trigger happy crime boss. Thus far, the 10-minute flick has been a success, chosen for 11 festivals around the country and w inning awards for Comedy
Page 20 Tribune March 3-9, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Middle Eastern Classic NY FALAFEL BAR warm, fluffy fresh pita. This must be tried. 72-32 Austin St., Forest Hills Unlike some establishments, the sauces (718) 268-9500 are made from scratch, with huge vats of C U I S I N E : G l a t t K o s h e r I s r a e l i / chickpeas boiling overnight before being Middle Easter n ground to a tasty paste, a fact I was glad to HOURS: Sun-Thu 11 am-9 pm, Fri 11 learn. There’s no other way to make falafel. am to 2 hours before Shabbat Next up was the Shawarma, which feaPARK ING: Street tures tender morsels of baby chicken, served DELIV ERY: Yes with a mango pickle sauce, a culinar y conCREDIT CARDS: All Major coction that tastes like a spicy pickle. Situated on Austin Street’s busy comThe Spicy Schnitzel, strips of breaded mercial strip, NY Falafel Bar is a standard chicken flecked with a generous amount of take-out sized space, with bar-style seat- red pepper flakes, was not too spicy for my ing, smart brick walls and decidedly non- heat loving palate, and we liked it best withfalafel music on a recent Friday out any sauce. afternoon. Four-piece Moroccan Cigars RESTAURANT With Michael Jackson’s “Billy find a crunchy taquito-like roll Jean” blasting, a guest and I pestuffed with beef and served with rused the menu, a comfortable mix tahini. Yummy with or without the of the familiar and exotic. Favorsauce, would that I had no guest I ing paper menus over the neatly would have finished them on my printed chalkboard on display own. Hmmph. Stupid guest. above the counter, we settled on a Kube, bulgar stuffed with variety of mostly new-to-us treats. ground beef and also served with Waiting for our meal, which tahini, is a fragrant, savory sweet was quickly placed and served, we delight. noticed that the counter features a dazzling For the less adventurous, NY Falafel array of sauces and spreads, and overlooks Bar offers up the usual American lunchthe comfort ingly clean kitchen. time stock, curly fries – which we tried A f a l a fe l s n o b , I h a d t o t r y t he and enjoyed – beef burger and hot pasrestaurant’s namesake, a crisp, bite size trami sandwiches, which we did not order affair that was well spiced, with a hint of and trust them to do right. the cumin and lemon I love. New to what I Though well-stuffed, I made room for have long considered a delicacy, my guest dessert. quickly finished them off. Requesting the baklava, I was delighted Along with our falafel was a plate of to discover they offer a variety. Forgive dipping sauces: hot sauce, hummus, baba my ignorance, but I had not realized bakghanoush and more, all of which we used lava comes with a choice. Not content with to top our falafel. The hot sauce was suit- just one kind, I tried them all, a decision I ably hot. In the words of my guest, “the would recommend. Fresh and dripping hot sauce says, ‘Yeah, I’m here.’” T he with honey, yet not overpoweringly sweet. hummus had a subtle flavor that did not With prices that range from $3.95 for overpower the chickpeas. an appet izer to $13.95 for a plat ter, N Y About the baba ghanoush: creamy, Falafel Bar is wor th the trip. eggplanty goodness that was perfect with the —-Jessica Ablamsky
REVIEW
Shor t at the eighth annual Global Ar t Film Festival in Sacramento, Calif. and Audience Favorite at the third annual GIA A Film Fest ival in New York. Paying homage to the mobster movies we all know and love, and poking gentile fun at Italian American stereotypes, one of his goals was, “to see how much violence I could possibly condense into 10 minutes, and make it a comedy.” Festival perks include nightly specials at local restaurants, including 20 percent off at La Pequena Columbia and NOVO. Free panels include “So Your Child Wants To Be A Filmmaker… DON’T PANIC” on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Renaissance Charter School, followed by “Film Finance in the New Market,” at noon. “If you are an ar t ist, you have to be an
art ist,” Cato said. “There really is no other way around it. I just want to make sure that familie s support their kids and understand that they will be okay. They’ll be okay.” Married to a filmmaker herself, Cato should know. “We just want to make this right, and we want to have a great time,” she said. “We just feel that Queens can support a film festival.” The two are hoping for 3,000 to 5,000 at tendee s. Wit h openi ng night fast approaching, we will find out soon. For more information about the Queens World Film Festival, go to queensworldfilmfestival.com or email kcato@queensworldfilmfestival.com. Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at jablamsky@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 124.
Red-Headed Orphan Comes To Bay Terrace By DOMENICK RAFTER You don’t need to hop a train to the Great White Way to catch an enjoyable night of theater. Instead, head over to Bay Ter race during March. For three March weekends, the community theater group Theater By The Bay in Bay Terrace w ill put on it s p e r f o r ma n c e o f t he musical about the optimistic redheaded Lit tle Orphan Annie at the B ay Te r race Je w ish Center. Annie will star Isabel Robin in the title role and Jean Ann Directed b y Kump as Ms. Hannigan. Lawrence Bloom, the per forma nce will star some of the theater company’s most heralded Theater By The Bay in last fall’s performance performers: John Canning, a Nassau County of “Mame,” which star ted Kump in the title law yer by day, will play the role of “Daddy role. But for Kump, who has worked on a Warbucks” while Middle Village’s Jean Ann half dozen shows with Bloom, the role of Ku m p w i l l p o r t r a y t he w re t c h e d M s . Ms. Hannigan is more difficult because of Hannigan. Isabel Robin, 11, of Bayside will her callousness. “You really have to get the kids to hate don a red wig as “Annie.” Bloom, who has been involved in local you,” she said, noting that it’s difficult beproductions for decades, said the people cause of the good relationship she has with involved are what really makes community them. “That helps them develop their acting skills bet ter.” theater. Canning, who in his long community “It’s the variety of people who come to give up their time and their energy,” he said. theater career has played roles in “42nd Street” and “The Music Man,” said working “That’s ver y gratifying.” For the show’s young star, an honor stu- with children is a pleasure because of their dent at MS 294 in Bayside, taking the stage dedication. On Feb. 22, the cast visited St. Mar y’s is both exciting and nerve-wracking. The role of “Annie” was so coveted, she said, Children Hospital a nd per formed a fe w because it’s one of the few starring roles scenes from “Annie” for the children there. Robin described the experience as “excitthat require an actress of her age. “There aren’t a lot of roles for 11-year- ing” and “fulfilling.” The visit led to NY1 naming them “Queens People of the Week.” olds,” she said. “All of [these kids] wanted to meet Annie,” Robin said balancing schoolwork and rehearsals is difficult, but the production Robin said with a smile. Per formance s w ill take place on Saturschedule makes it easier on her. Rehearsals began in December and were held ever y days March 5, 12, and 26 at 8:30 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday night until the final Sundays March 6, 13, 20 and 207 at 3 p.m. week; from that point forward rehearsals are at the Bay Terrace Jewish Center, 13-00 every night. The “coolest thing” about play- 209th St., Bay Terrace. Tickets are $20 for ing “Annie,” she added, was that people adults, $18 for seniors and children. For tickcome to you and call you the name of the ets and information call (718) 428-6363. Reach Repor ter Domenick Rafter at character. Robin said she is learning a lot from her drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357adult castmates. She made her debut with 7400, Ext. 125.
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
www.queenstribune.com • March 3-9, 2011 Tribune Page 21
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.
SINGLES SINGLES SOCIAL & DANCE Sundays, March 13, March 27, April 10, June 12 singles social and dance from 2-6. $10. Over 45. Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens B lv d., Rego Park. 459-1000.
Page 22 Tribune March 3-9, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
SENIORS TAI CHI CLASSES Mondays at 9 Pomonok Senior Center, 67-09 Kissena Blvd, Flushing. 591-3377. DEFENSIVE DRIVING Monday, March 7 Rockaway Blvd. Senior Center. 657-6752. TAX HELP Mondays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 f o r l o w - i n c o m e o l d e r adults at 1 at the Sunnyside library. AARP 4158 Tuesdays, March 8, April 12 AARP Chapter 4158 at Church on the Hill, 167-07 3 5 th A v e n u e , F l u s h i n g a t noon. TAX HELP Tuesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29 at 1 at the Bayside lib ra r y. A l s o o n Tu e s d a y s , March 8, 15, 22 at the Hollis library at 1. STAY WELL Wednesdays at 10:15 at the East Elmhurst library for exercise and other health related programs. WOMANSPACE Wednesdays 1-3 at the Great Neck Senior Center, 80 Grace Avenue. AARP 3698 Wednesdays, March 9, April 13 AARP Chapter 3698 meets at the Zion Episcopal Church, 243-01 Northern Blvd., Douglaston. Social hour at noon, meeting at 1, program at 2. TAX HELP Wednesdays, March 9, 23, 30 for low and middle incomes at the Broad Channel library at 1. TAX HELP Thursdays, March 10, 17, 24, 31 for low-income older adults at 1 Fresh Meadows library. AARP 29 Thursday, March 10 AARP Chapter 29 meets at Grace House, 155-02 90 th Avenue, Jamaica at noon. STARS Fridays, March 11, 18, 25 at 10:30 at the Queens Village library. Senior Theater Acting Repertory meets.
Queens Today YOUTH
TEENS FUTURE WRITERS Saturdays, March 5, 12, 26 book club LIC library at 11. CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2. TEEN TUTORING Saturdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26 Bayside library at 10. TEEN TUTORING Mondays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 Bayside library at 3:30. COLLEGE BOUND Monday, March 7 College Bound Club for Teens at 4 at the Central library. DO IT YOURSELF PROM Monday, March 7 at the Flushing library at 4. LAPTOPS FOR TEENS Mondays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 at the Hollis library at 4. THE RIGHT HS COURSES Monday, March 7 Selecting the Right High School Courses at 5 Pomonok library. TEEN CHESS Mondays, March 7, 14, 28 at the Bayside library at 6. CHESS CLUB Mondays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 Lefferts library at 6. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library at 4. SKILLS OF STAGE Tuesday, March 8 learn dramatic moves at 3:30 at the Bay Terrace library. BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29 Hillcrest library at 3:30. BEADING Tuesday, March 8 learn how to make earrings and more Briarwood library at 4. LAPTOPS FOR TEENS Tuesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29 at the Hollis library at 4. MINI TABLE TENNIS Tuesdays, March 8, 22 come play table tennis at 4 at the LIC library. TEEN GAME DAY Tuesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29 at the Rochdale Village library at 4. DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Tuesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29 at the Baisley Park librar y. Register. MARDI GRAS MASK Tuesday, March 8 at t he Flushing library at 4:30. CHESS & CHECKERS Wednesdays, March 9, 15, 22, 29 Woodside library at 3. CROCHET Wednesday, March 9 at the Astoria library at 4. CROCHETING Wednesday, March 9 at the Bayside library at 4 for those through age 16. TEEN GAMES Wednesdays, March 9, 15, 22, 29 Central library at 4. LEARN MAGIC Wednesday, March 9 at the Fresh Meadows library at 4. LAPTOPS FOR TEENS Wednesdays, March 9, 15, 22, 29 Hollis library at 4. COMING ATTRACTIONS Wednesdays, March 9, 15 book club/movie making class for those through 15. Register Woodhaven library. CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library. DRAMA POSSE Thursdays, March 10, 17, 24 at the Hillcrest library at 3. MANGA CLUB
Thursday, March 10 at the Flushing library at 4. LAPTOPS FOR TEENS Thursdays, March 10, 17, 24, 31 Hollis library at 4. SHSAT PRACTICE Thursday, March 10 practice test with Kaplan at the Lefferts library at 4. GAME DAY Fridays, March 11, 18, 25, April 1 at the Bay Terrace library at 2:30. TEEN BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, March 11, 18, 25 Briarwood library at 3. GAME CHALLENGE Friday, March 11 at the East Elmhurst library at 3. TEEN HAPPY HOUR Fridays, March 11, 18, 25, April 1 Flushing library at 3. CHESS CLUB Fridays, March 11, 18, 25 Auburndale library at 3:30. BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, March 11, 18, 25 at the Bayside library at 4. TEEN ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays, March 11, 18,2 5 Briarwood library at 4. MAKE OWN TREND Fridays, March 11, 18, 25 Make Your Own Trend fashion design workshop for those through 14 at the Corona library. Register. BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, March 11, 18,2 5 Fresh Meadows library at 4. INTERGEN. PLANT Friday, March 11 plants, memories and writing at the Hollis librar y. Register. HORROR & FANTASY Saturday, March 12 author readings and short films, dinosaur expo and a meeting with the staff of “Blood Moon Rising Horror Magazine” at noon at the Flushing library. SHSAT PRACTICE Saturday, March 12 at the Fresh Meadows library at 3.
TALKS RELIGIOUS SITES Sunday, March 6 History of Religious Sites in Flushing lecture 2:30-4:30 at the Queens Historical Societ y. $8, $5 members. 939-0647. WINDSOR PARK Monday, March 7 “Shanghai Girls” Windsor Park library. HILLCREST Tuesday, March 8 “Running the Books: The Adventures of an Accidental Prison Librarian” at 2 Hillcrest library. FRESH MEADOWS Wednesday, March 9 “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” at 2:30 at the Fresh Meadows library. FREEDOM TO CHANGE Thursday, March 10 learn and share life experiences. 1:30 at the Central library. LIFE COACHING Thursday, March 10 Discover the Life You Want: A Life-Coaching Seminar for Adults at 6:30 at the Auburndale library. GLENDALE Thursday, March 10 “Gone With The Wind” at 6:30 at the Glendale library. WINDSOR PARK Thursday, March 10 “Remarkable Creatures”at 6:30 at the Windsor Park library.
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 Sunnyside library. S TORY T I M E Saturday, March 5 at the Flushing library at 11. NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY Saturday, March 5 starts a two week workshop for those 6-11 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 2294000 to register. S TORY T I M E Saturdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2 at the Ridgewood library at 11. ART FOR FAMIIES Saturdays, March 5, April 23 for families with children 5-11 at the Noguchi Museum. 204-7088 to register. TEEN TUTORING Saturdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26 Bayside library at 10. MATH HELP Saturdays Flushing library at 10. SCIENCE LAB Saturdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2 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. FAMILY DANCE Sunday, March 6 Make a Family Dance at the Noguchi Museum. 204-7088. 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. AFTERSCHOOL TIME Mondays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 Arverne library at 3. CRAFT KIDS Mondays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 Flushing library at 3. HOMEWORK HELP Mondays, March 7, 14, 21 with BOOST LIC library at 3. TEEN TUTORING Mondays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 Bayside library at 3:30. CUDDLE-UP TIME Mondays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 Russian Cuddle-Up Story Time Forest Hills library at 3:30. ORIGAMI Monday, March 7 at the Ridgewood library at 4. CHESS CLUB Mondays, March 7, 21, 28 at the Lefferts library at 6. CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Tuesdays, March 8, 22, 29 Glen Oaks library at 11. HOMEWORK HELP Tuesdays, March 8, 22 with BOOST LIC library at 3. ST. PAT’S CRAFT Tu e s d a y, M a r c h 8 Fre s h Meadows library at 3:30. BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29 Hillcrest library at 3:30. BEADING Tuesday, March 8 learn how to make earrings and more Briarwood library at 4. CUDDLE-UP TIME
Tuesday, March 8 Por tuguese Cuddle-Up Time at the Forest Hills library at 4. WATERCOLOR PORTR AIT Tuesday, March 8 at t he Rosedale library. Register. DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Tuesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29 at the Baisley Park library. Register. NUTRITION WORKSHOP Tuesdays, March 8, 15, 22 a t t h e R i d gewo o d l i b ra r y. Register. READING CLUB Tuesdays, March 8, 29 with BOOST at the McGoldrick library at 5. CHESS Wednesdays at the Queens Village library at 3:30. STORIES & CRAFTS Wednesday, March 9 for toddlers at the Bay Terrace library at 10:30. FAMILY STORY TIME Wednesdays, March 9, 23, 30 at the Queensboro Hill library at 11. CRAFTS Wednesdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Steinway library at 11. First come, first served. MORNING STORY TIMES Wednesday, March 9 Kew Gardens Hills library at 11:15. FAMILY COLORING Wednesdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Queensboro Hill library at 11:15. S TORY T I M E Wednesdays, March 9, 23 at t h e E a st E l m h u r st l i b r a r y. Register. BABY CRAWL Wednesdays, March 9, 23, 30 Forest Hills library at 1:30. PRESCHOOL STORY TIME Wednesday, March 9 at the Maspeth library at 1:30. ELA PREP Wednesdays, March 9, 30 6 th Grade ELA preparation workshop at the Cambria Heights library. Register. HOMEWORK HELP Wednesdays, March 9, 16, 23 with BOOST LIC library at 3. CHESS & CHECKERS Wednesdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Woodside library at 3. FUN READING Wednesdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Bay Terrace library at 3:30. MINI BACKPACK Wednesday, March 9 design a mini backpack at the C a m b r i a H e i g h t s l i b ra r y. Register. CROCHETING Wednesdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Bayside library. Register. POT OF GOLD CRAFT Wednesday, March 9 East Flushing library. Register. CHESS CLUB Wednesdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30 Ridgewood library at 4. COMING ATTRACTIONS Wednesday, March 9 book club/movie making class at the Woodhaven library. Register. MATH ACTIVITY Wednesdays, March 9, 16, 30 with BOOST at the McGoldrick library at 5. AFTERNOON STORY
Thursday, March 10 Kew Gardens Hills library at 2. AFTERSCHOOL TIME Thursdays, March 10, 24, 31 at the Arverne library at 3. HOMEWORK HELP Thursdays, March 10, 17, 24 with BOOST LIC library at 3. ARTS & CRAFTS Thursdays, March 10, 17, 24 Auburndale library at 4. KIDS CLUB Thursday, March 10 at the Hillcrest library at 4:30. DISCOVER SCIENCE Thursdays, March 10, 24, 31 with BOOST at the McGoldrick library at 5. 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 Hillcrest library at 4. GAME TIME Fridays at the Windsor Park library at 4. CHESS CLUB Fridays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library. Register. ACTIVITY TIME Fridays at the Briarwood library at 3:30. RAISING READERS Fridays, March 11, 18, 25 Peninsula library at 10:30. FAMILY STORY TIME Fridays, March 11, 18, 25, April 1 at the Seaside library at 11. PRESCHOOL CRAFTS Fridays, March 11, 25 at the Sunnyside library. Register. GAME DAYS Fridays, March 11, 25, April 1 at the Bay Terrace library at 2:30. READ TO ME Fridays, March 11, 25 at the Briarwood library at 3. HOMEWORK HELP Fridays, March 11, 18, 25 with BOOST LIC library at 3. BRACE GIRLS Friday, March 11 Queensboro Hill library. Register. BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, March 11, 18, 25 at the Bayside library at 4. ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays, March 11, 18, 25 Briarwood library at 4. ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays, March 11, 18, 25 at the East Flushing library. Register. BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, March 11, 18, 25 Fresh Meadows library at 4. PLANT PROJECT Friday, March 11 Intergenerational Plant Project at the Hollis library. Register. CRAFTERNOONS Fridays, March 11, 18, 25, April 1 at the Ridgewood library. Register. WATERCOLOR PORTR AIT Friday, March 11 Paint Your Watercolor Portrait at the St. Albans librar y. Register. ST. PAT’S CRAFT Friday, March 11 at the McGoldrick library. Register. ANIMAL HOMES Saturdays, March 12, 19 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000. ART FOR FAMILIES Sundays, March 13, 20 for families with children 5-11 at the Noguchi Museum. 204-7088.
EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS BECOME A CITIZEN Saturdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26 at the LIC library. CRAFT CLASSES Saturdays 11-3 at Maria Rose International Doll Museum in St. Albans. 2763454. SCRABBLE CLUB Saturdays at 10 at Count Basie Jr. HS, 132 nd Street and Guy R. Brewer Blvd. 8865236. PET OWNERS Sundays (not on holidays) from 1-4 free workshops on pet behavior at Crocheron Park in Bayside (weather permitting). 454-5800. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library at 4. DRAWING CLASS Mondays at the National Art League in Douglaston. 3610628. ADULT CHESS Mondays and Thursdays 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. RESME WRITING Monday, March 7 at the Flushing library at 6. BALLROOM DANCE Mondays, March 7, 14, 21,
28 Ballroom Dancing with Jing Chen at the Forest Hills library at 6:30. POETRY WRITING Monday, March 7 poetry writing workshops Woodhaven library. Register. ENGLISH CONVERSATION Mondays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 at the LeFrak Cit y library at 10:30. BEGIN COMPUTERS Monday, March 7 intro to Microsoft Excel Langston Hughes library at 11. CHESS CLUB Mondays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 Lefferts library at 6. POLISH RESUME Monday, March 7 polish your resume at the Central library. Register. BASIC COMPUTER Tuesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29 at the Astoria, LIC and Glendale libraries. Register. INTRO WORD Tuesday, March 8 at the Central library. Register. 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. COMPUTER CLASS Tuesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29 Arverne library at 10. INTRO COMPUTERS
Tuesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29 at the Peninsula library. Register. INTERNET & EMAIL Tuesday, March 8 at t he McGoldrick library. Register. ADVANCED COMPUTERS Tuesday, March 8 Microsoft Office at the Steinway librar y. Register. INTRO MICROSOFT Tuesday, March 8 at t he Maspeth library at 1. INTRODUCTION WORD Tuesday, March 8 at t he Central library. Register. GET YOUR YARNS OUT! Tuesdays after evening Minyan at 8, knitters, crocheters, needlepointers, and others
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.
meet at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000, ext. 200. DUPLICATE BRIDGE Wednesdays 10:30-3:00 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills. $12 session, includes light lunch. 261-2900. WATERCOLOR CL ASS Wednesdays at 9:30 at NAL. Traditional and contemporary, all levels. 969-1128. INDOOR SOCCER – DADS
Wednesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000. INTRO INTERNET Wednesday, March 9 at the Central library at 10. COMPUTER BASICS Wednesday, March 9 at the Windsor Park library. Register. SCRABBLE Wednesdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Forest Hills li-
brary at 2. 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. COMPUTER CLASS Thursdays Queensboro Hill library. Register.
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Queens Today
HEALTH ZUMBA Saturday, March 5 at the LIC library at 4:30. ZUMBA Saturdays, March 5, 12, 19 at the Langston Hughes library. Register. CHAIR YOGA Mondays, March 7, 14, 21 at the Rosedale library. Register. CANCER SUPPORT Mondays, March 7, April 4 Franklin Hospital’s Cancer Support Group meets 2-4 in the cafeteria. 516-2566478. ALZHEIMERS Tu e s d ay s , M a r c h 8 , 2 2 s : Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills. 592-5757, ext. 237. CHAIR YOGA Tuesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29 at the Woodhaven li-
brary. Register. 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. SECOND HAND SMOKE Wednesday, March 9 at the Flushing library at 2. WELL SPOUSES Wednesday, March 9 Well Spouses or Partners of the Chronically Ill and Disabled meet at 7 at St. Charles Rehab Center, 201 IU Willets Road, Albertson. Donation. 516-829-8740.
OA Thursdays at the Howard Beach library at 10:30. ZUMBA Thursdays, March 10, 17, 24 at the Corona library. Register. CANCER 101 Thursday, March 10 at the Peninsula Hospital Executive Cafeteria, 51-15 Beach Channel Drive, Far Rockaway at 6. HATHA YOGA Thursdays, March 10, 17, 24, 31 Queensboro Hill library at 6. Bring mat and wear comfortable clothing. CHAIR YOGA Thursdays, March 10, 17, 24 at the Howard Beach library. Register. ZUMBA Fridays, March 11, 18, 25 at the Astoria library. Register.
www.queenstribune.com • March 3-9, 2011 Tribune Page 23
Bam! Emeril! Yum!
Chinese Books Donated To Library
Queens Library received a large donation of Chinese books and DVDs from the China Overseas Exchange Association. Pictured l. to r.: Councilman Peter Koo; Dale McNeill, Queens Library’s Director of Public Library Services; Rupei Ma, Deputy Director General of the China
Overseas Exchange Association; Keyu Peng, Consul General (Ambassador) of the People’s Republic of China in New York; Bing Li, Vice President of Asian Cultural Media Group; and Catherine Lee, Queens Library Foundation Board member. Photo by Ira Cohen
JC Penney Gives
Celebrity Chef Emeril Lagasse came to King Yum Restaurant on Union Turnpike in Fresh Meadows to film for a new show focusing on restaurants across the country that have longevity. Above and below, you can see the TV and culinary star talking with customers as the cameras roll. Photos by Ira Cohen
pix
Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson
Aldi Arrives The JC Penney After School Program donated $10,000 to the LeFrak City Youth Association in a ceremony held at the company’s Queens Center Mall site. Photo by Ira Cohen
NYHQ Celebrates
FDR Democrats
Assemblyman Ed Braunstein spoke at the FDR Democratic Club, describing his committee assignments and his experiences as a freshman legislator. Picture l. to r.: FDR Democratic Club President Judith Abbot, Assemblyman Ed Braunstein, Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky.
Above: Officials cut the ribbon at the first Aldi Supermarket in the five boroughs, located at the Rego Center Mall at Junction Boulevard in Rego Park. Below: Visitors sample the off-brand goods that are made in the same plants as name-brand counterparts. Photos by Ira Cohen
The Lunar New Year celebration continued last week at New York Hospital Queens with performances of Chinese and Korean culture in the hospital’s cafeteria. Photos by Ira Cohen
Material Girl Like it or not, you’re going to be seeing a lot more of Ozzy Osbourne progeny Kelly Osbourne. Chosen as the face of Material Girl— the clothing line designed by one-time Queens girl Madonna and daughter Lourdes. Recently unveiled ads feature an unmistakably bombshell blonde Kelly sporting the edgy couture that’s keeping the 80s alive. “Kelly represents a true Material Girl,” Madge told Us Magazine. “She is edgy, cool and has a unique sense of style that Lola and I love.” Intrigued? The young, or young at heart, can get Kelly Osbourne for Madonna's clothing line. the goods at Macy’s.
Is She?
Page 34 Tribune March 3-9, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
License To…
Kew Gardens Age: 23 Height: 5’ 9"
Out Of Place Somebody made a wrong turn at Al-
Not Great Odds We’re not sure how to feel about this one. For the last 10 years an American Indian tribe had been working to jump through all the hoops necessary to get a full-fledged casino in the Catskill Mountains, somewhere in Sullivan County. During that same time, the State of New York had been working to get a video lottery terminal facility set up at Aqueduct – similar in concept only that both would be legal gambling. The tribe would run table games and keep considerably a larger percent of the money. Last year, both plans got approval. We’ve always thought that the competition from the tribe would end up forcing the state’s hand, bringing a full-fledged casino to Aqueduct (or somewhere nearby), but recently the feds nixed the tribe’s land deal, effectively putting the kibosh on the casino – leaving Aqueduct the only horse in this race. So where does this leave us? We’ll still be able to get our fix for video slots close to home
Victoria Martini
Models Of Queens
The rumor mill is swirling and churning out gossip that Lakers star Queens kid, Lamar Odom and his wife, Khloe Kardashian, are expecting a bundle of joy. “In Touch Weekly” reported that Kardashian dropped $16,000 on a new crib, breast pump and nursery furnishings. Though the Queens native and his wife never said they were not pregnant, Kardashian denied the purchases via Twitter. It’s time to fess up, Lamar. Don’t make us send Ron Artest to beat it out of you. This pic (right) from Celebridoodle.com highlights the alleged baby bump, though maybe it’s just the lighting.
Victoria
Born and raised in Germany, Victoria moved to the U.S. at age 18, settling in Manhattan but eventually moving to Kew Gardens. “Coming to New York City was my dream since I was a little girl,” she said. “When I was 18, I went ahead to pursue my dreams.” In her homeland, Victoria got bitten by the performing bug when she appeared on a show called “Pop Stars,” a German equivalent to “American Idol.” She has developed into a pop and R&B singer who also works on films and as a print model. Victoria is earning a living at her craft and is now trying to branch out into acting and music. “I will perform at showcases all over New York City next month, and I’m also going to be shooting a short movie that I wrote.” “Kew Gardens reminds me of Germany, with the nice, quiet streets, the park is right here; it has a really European feel. Manhattan can get a little crazy sometimes.” When she misses her homeland, Victoria goes to Glendale’s Zum Stammtisch, which she labeled entire authentic. In her downtime, Victoria enjoys going to the park or beach, working out, and reading. She also hangs out singing karaoke at Austin Ale House. Making the transition to the U.S., Victoria would love to have the chance to sing our National Anthem at a local sporting event, and was thrilled to hear that the Mets tend to hold open auditions for singers. “That would be a dream come true,” she said. “When you really work hard and have the drive and are determined, you can make any dream come true,” she said.
buquerque. While walking through Ozone Park after a recent ice storm, we found a state license plate on an SUV that left us scratching our head. In front of the SUV was a Hawaii license plate which read: ALOHA. We’re still trying to figure out how a car could have come from an island chain thousands of miles from anywhere. And while we’re at it, why would whoever was driving that would rather be on icy Queens streets the middle of winter than a beach in Oahu?
Confidentially, New York . . . Don’t expect this kind of action near us any time soon. – beats driving to Empire City in Yonkers – but we may have to wait a while before we can slap down a chunk of change on a craps table near the hood. On the other hand, we do need to find some extra revenue in the state if we want to pay for all those teachers, right?
Mistakes can happen, but I guess in this day and age, you want to be careful,” he told This time of year could be a the New York Post. fiscal boon for most accounThe GSA has reportedly tants. But Queens numberdeveloped a knack for cruncher Antonio Guadagnino mislabeling packages full of hit a different kind of jackpot when the federal General Ser- More than 30 official federal licese plates “official” plates. They’re lucky Guadagnino had the decency vices Administration sent him were mistakenly sent to an honest hand them over. Others are Queens accountant. nearly three dozen official govnot so noble, and we… errr, ernment license plates. access to all sorts of secure locaMarked “U.S. Government – tions – and essentially free reign they… eagerly hope to be on the receiving end of the next GSA For Official Use Only,” the plates to park anywhere. would have given Guadagnino “I don’t know how it happened. goof.
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the Civil Court of the City of New York, County of Queens, on January 7, 2011, bearing Index No. 1253/10, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 89-11 Sutphin Blvd., Queens, N.Y., grants me the right to assume the name Helen Skurowitz. My present address is 84-08 253 rd Street, Bellerose, New York11426; The date of my birth is August 18, 1921; My place of birth is New York, New York My present name is Hannah Skurowitz a/k/a Helen Skurowitz a/k/a Hannah Falkowitz. ________________________________________________________________ NORDIC-UBS LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 2/11/2011. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 56-01 Maspeth Ave., Maspeth, NY 11378, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF Arbor Close Rental LLC Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law FIRST. The name of the limited liability company is Arbor Close Rental 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 desig-
nated 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 111 14 75 th Ave., Forest Hills, New York 11375. 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: Mary T. Brown, 111-14 75 th Ave., Forest Hills, New York 11375. ________________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION of STRATEGIC PHYSICAL THERAPY, PLLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/14/2011. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as an agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. The address to which SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC is to: Strategic Physical Therapy PLLC, 84-54 250 th Street, Bellerose, NY 11426. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. ________________________________________________________________ ISTS Brains LLC. Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 2/15/11. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy
of process to: 29-17 34 th Avenue, Apt. 4A, Long Island City, NY 11106. Purpose: Any lawful activity. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of Zervoudis Associates, LLC, Art. of Org. filed Sec’y of State (SSNY) 12/16/10. 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 Vasiliki Troianos, 5-30 150th St., Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: any lawful activities. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of 149 Place Condominium LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/8/ 11. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o Seungho Kim, 43-01 37 th St., Long Island City, NY 11101. 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-000028-11/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) Akeeb (Middle) Vahid (Last) Chokshi My present name is (First) Mohammed Akeeb
(Middle) Vahid (Last) Chokshi My present address is 143-30 Sanford Avenue, Apt 6E, Flushing, NY 11355 My place of birth is Queens, NY My date of birth is April 27, 1992 ________________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 1/ 20/11, bearing Index Number NC-001321-10/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) Visnja (Last) Protic My present name is (First) Visnja (Last) Kreiser aka Visnja
Protic, aka Visnja Protic Kreiser My present address is 3221 35 Street, Astoria, NY 11106 My place of birth is Serbia My date of birth is October 29, 1976 ________________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 1/ 20/11, bearing Index Number NC-000004-10/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) Yasmine (Last) Ali My present name is (First) Yasmeen (Last) Ali aka Yasmeen J. Singh aka
Yasmeen J. Graeber aka Yasmeen Jagnandan Singh My present address is 110-20 71 st Street, Apt. #431, Forest Hills, NY 11375 My place of birth is Trinidad My date of birth is August 13, 1954
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 • March 3-9, 2011 Tribune Page 35