Vol. 42, No. 10 March 8-14, 2012
Ramp Worries Continue at Willets Point Page 3
Judge Rules Mets To Pay $83M To Victim
Danger Zone
Page 34
Page 4
Judge Issues New Congress District Lines Q
Page 16
F B E H
A J W
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I N S I D E This Week.................................................................2 Deadline....................................................................3 Editorial....................................................................6 Not 4 Publication.....................................................8 Police Blotter.........................................................12 Focus......................................................................17 Leisure....................................................................19 Queens Today........................................................20 Classifieds..............................................................24 Trib Pix....................................................................33 Confidential............................................................34
Queens This Week
A concept rendering of the new Long Island Railroad station in Flushing.
Page 2 Tribune March 8-14, 2012 • www.queenstribune.com
LIRR Stop To Get New Lift Elected officials gathered with Long Island Rail Road President Helena Williams to announce the plans for two elevator installations at the Flushing Main Street Long Island Rail Road station. Contracts for the elevator will be awarded this year, with design completion expected in the second quarter of 2013. Construction is forecasted to begin in the fourth quarter of 2013, and will cost approximately $8.5 million. State Sen. Toby Stavisky (DFlushing) and Assemblywoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing) hailed the construction as a much-needed upgrade, and they were joined by former Borough President Claire Shulman, now president of Flushing Corona Willets Point Local Development Corporation. Stavisky said she has been asking for elevators and improvements to the Flushing station since at least 2002. "The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990 and yet this station is still not accessible," Stavisky said. "Flushing has had tremendous growth during this period." The funding will also go towards an upgrade of the station's electrical service. Platform lighting and railings will be replaced, and tactile warning strips will be installed on the platform edges. New security cameras will also be installed. Wheelchair access present at many other LIRR stations will now come to Flushing. "Flushing is literally the third busiest intersection in all of New York City," Meng said. "I think it's only right we do everything in our power to increase the efficiency of
the mass transportation system here in downtown Flushing." Williams hopes the addition of new elevators will attract more riders at the station, which is a roughly 21-minute commute to Penn Station. "There's tremendous shopping and dining opportunities in Flushing," Williams said. "People come from all over to shop and for very authentic cuisine. We want them to know the railroad is here." Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127. -Ross Barkan
Work Continues On J/Z Subway 'El' They say Rome wasn't built in a day. That may be true, but it is probably also true that Rome wasn't renovated in a day as well. For most of us, we are too young to know what it was like when many of the borough's important structures, like highways and trains, were built. But as these structures age, we have learned what it's like to endure their renovations. Since last summer, the neighborhoods of Woodhaven and Richmond Hill have been dealing with the painting of its rustic elevated subway line, which carries the J and Z trains over the neighborhoods' main commercial strip, Jamaica Avenue. The line, which was built during the First World War, was in need of an overhaul. The decades-old paint chipped away at the columns and the trestle over busy Jamaica Avenue. Last year, the MTA undertook a repainting of the entire structure between the Brooklyn border and the 102nd Street Station in Richmond Hill. Some businesses in
Woodhaven complained they have lost money as many parking spots along Jamaica Avenue were blocked by work equipment. Similar problems occurred along Liberty Avenue in Ozone Park when the elevated line there was worked on a few years earlier. The Woodhaven section of the project is finished, according to the MTA, except for the section immediately above the busy intersection of Woodhaven Boulevard and Jamaica Avenue. That location, which is one of the mezzanine sections of the Woodhaven Boulevard station, will not be worked on until new deck installation is completed. The line, which continues as an elevated line through Brooklyn to the Williamsburg Bridge, once ended at Jamaica Avenue and 168th Street in Downtown Jamaica, but the "el" east of 129th Street was demolished in the 1970s and 1980s and the J and Z trains was rerouted underground to Jamaica Center. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400 Ext. 125. -Domenick Rafter
As Closure Nears, Br yant Morale Low To say that teacher morale at William Cullen Bryant High School is low would be the understatement of the year. “Morale is rock-bottom,” said Sam Lazarus, the school’s union representative. That is because despite months of pleading by elected officials, parents, teachers and staff, the Long Island City school is still on track to be closed as part of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s school improvement plan. If the proposal is approved, the school will close after this year and will reopen as what the City is currently calling “New School.” According to a statement, the Dept. of Education said it strives to ensure that all students in New York City have access to a high-quality education at every stage of their development. By closing Bryant and replacing it with New School, the DOE is seeking to expeditiously improve educational quality on the Bryant campus. “The Mayor’s policy is to take good schools and make them into bad schools,” Lazarus said. The statement continues by saying that if the plan is approved, New School will develop rigorous, school-specific competencies to measure and screen prospective staff — this plan calls for a possible overhauling of 50 percent of the faculty — including Bryant staffers who apply to work at New School.
Lazarus said despite the cloud of uncertainty hanging over the faculty because most of the teachers do not know where they will be working next school year, other teachers are more confident in their position. “The truth is, there are people that have a sense, for one reason or another, like having a good relationship with [Principal Namita Dwarka], they have a good sense that they will be here next year,” Lazarus said. “But for the vast majority, they either recognize that they won’t be or they are very uncertain if they will be.” Closing Bryant is part of the Mayor’s plan to replace the lowestperforming teachers in 33 of the City’s most struggling schools. Bryant is designated as a transformation model, which would change the school by overhauling instructional and support services by creating new incentive and teacher evaluation systems. In a letter to Queens’ high school superintendent Juan Mendez, Bryant social studies teacher Barbara Tutino said that Bryant will be deemed a “turnaround” school by April 26 if teachers do not agree on what she called an unfair evaluation system as well as agree to accept money from the State and federal government that is tied to unattainable standards. The letter goes on to say that Tutino does not see how a datadriven evaluation system is possible, particularly based on a formula that professional statisticians claim is flawed. Elected officials in the community have stood by the teachers and parents against the Mayor’s proposal. “The DOE has once again ignored the voices of western Queens’ students, parents and community leaders by moving forward with its proposal,” Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas (D-Astoria) said. “The plan to dramatically overhaul Bryant is a blatant attempt to impose an overreaching and disruptive agenda on this neighborhood institution with little regard for our local students’ best interests.” Lazarus and Physical Education teacher Paul Hornstein both said that even the students are feeling a sense of uncertainty, and wondered if that could be a good environment for learning. State Sen. Mike Gianaris (DAstoria) said that the interests of the students should come first. “These schools work. We must ensure that students remain our priority,” Gianaris said. “Children’s education should supersede political posturing, and the City must
keep the interests of our children at the forefront of their minds and reconsider this invasive proposal.” The Mayor’s Office and DOE did not return messages seeking comment. The elected officials, parents, students, faculty and administration hope that the DOE and the Mayor will listen to their overwhelmingly loud message that this plan is wrong. Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside), a graduate of Bryant, said that the community will fight the plan until the very last day. “Bryant is improving and the DOE needs to let [Bryant] keep improving,” Van Bramer said. “The school means a lot to a lot of people. It’s not just a name, it’s the history of our neighborhood. You lose so much when you close a school like that.” Reach Reporter Jason Pafundi at jpafundi@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128. —Jason Pafundi
Intersection To Get New Traffic Light The Dept. of Transportation recently announced a new traffic signal has been approved for the intersection of 81st Avenue and Commonwealth Boulevard. State Sen. Tony Avella (DBayside) hailed the traffic signal as a much-needed addition to the neighborhood. Motorists have been known to speed along Commonwealth Boulevard, providing impetus for the means to slow down traffic, according to Avella and Lourdes Hartrick, a civic leader. "I am extremely pleased that I was able to work with the DOT to gain a new stop light at this intersection," said Avella in a statement. "This intersection is located two blocks away from PS 23 at the Queens Children's Center and a signal will serve to decrease the speed of traffic and make it safer for the large number of students that commute to this campus on foot." A DOT spokeswoman said that at the request of Avella, the intersection was studied and met the criteria for installation, though she did not specify what criteria. It is expected to be completed by the summer. Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127. —Ross Barkan Send news to: Queens This Week, Queens Tribune 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357
Queens Deadline
Willets Worries Over Ramps Continue and Jonathan McDade, both of FHWA. “The call is to discuss the latest issues the NY Econ. Develop. Corp [sic] is having w ith the Van Wyck Expressway. The Congressman’s office said they have heard that the approval process has slowed and that they need approval from FHWA on the environmental assessment, and other matters to move forward.” Dave Har t, an FHWA Senior Operations Engineer, differed w ith Crowley’s assessment one day later, writing in an email to Walker that, “I do not believe the review/approval approval [sic] process has slowed as we are completing our due diligence.” Crowley did not comment on his contact w ith FHWA officials. “A revitalized Willets Point is vital to the overall economic revitalization of Queens. Not only will it create a vibrant area for all New Yorkers to enjoy, but it will also help create thousands of muchneeded jobs for our community,” he said in a statement. The FHWA did not return calls for comment as of press time. Advocate s of the Willets Point development crave a swifter approval process because the City’s Economic Development Corporation had promised a judge that they
Tribune Photo by Ira Cohen
By ROSS BARK AN The ultimate fate of any development at Willets Point may hinge on something seemingly banal: expressway ramps. Like automobiles that need those inelegant ramps to begin their cross-city journeys, the controversial dream of a 62-acre Wi l l e t s Po i n t s a n s a u to b o dy shops—and with hotels, a convention center, and retail outlets—may not be possible without new Van Wyck Expressway ramps. And the future of such ramps depends on an evaluation from the Federal Highway Administration. According to emails obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by Willets Po i n t U n i t e d , a c o l l e c t i v e o f Wi llet s Poi nt proper t y ow ner s opposed to the development plans, U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (DJackson Heights) contacted the FHWA in Januar y because he believed the ramp approval process had slowed. Crowley, like most local elected officials, openly suppor t s the proposed Willet s Poi nt development. “Rep Joe Crowley [sic] will be talking to [Federal Highway Administrator] Victor [Mendez] via telephone on Thursday,” reads an email sent on Jan. 3 from Cheryl Walker of FHWA to Michael Davies
A development battle rages at Willets Point. would not invoke eminent domain to take t he Iron Triangle properties until a ramp plan was fully approved—this meant any land acquisition would be tied to approvals from the New York State Dept. of Transpor tat ion and FHWA. WPU and other opponents of the development hope the agencies strike down any ramp plans because of a traffic explosion that would, in their eyes, inevitably result from any large-scale development. Claire Shulman, president of the City-sponsored Flushing Willets Point Corona LDC, said that
all questions about the expressway ramps should be directed to the EDC. According to EDC spokeswoman Jennifer Friedberg, the ramps are not included in Phase 1 of the development. Phase 1, which will be adjacent to Citi Field, will take up 12.7 acres and is scheduled to have a developer named in the next few months. For subsequent phases, the approval of expressway ramps will be more relevant, she said. “Stop wor r yi ng about jobs. Star t worrying about the se ramps and highways and how many
people are going to die and get injured from all these extra cars,” said WPU pre sident Jer r y Antonacci. “Where are all these people going to go?” Actual traffic numbers are elusive, depending on which repor t one reads a nd who actually calculates them. WPU’s transportation engineer Brian Ketcham— he helped slay Westway, a Kochera West Side Highway proposal—has maintained that a Wi l let s Poi nt development w i ll lead to automobile congestion that is hazardous and unsustainable. The interchange between the Grand Central Parkway and t he W h ite stone a nd Va n Wyck Expressways is cited as an especially troubling traffic spot. The EDC has prepared an environmental assessment that shows how potent ial Willet s Point auto traffic would utilize a third of the Van Wyck Expressway, as opposed to half as reported in a 2008 Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement that gained City Council approval. If the ramps are eventually approved, WPU has indicated they would appeal the decision. Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127.
Store Helps Recover Stolen Sacred Items Congregants knew the stolen silver was worth even more than simple dollars-the silver crowns had been inscribed with the names of families who had donated them to honor their deceased. While Efram Sanders, 28, of Flushing was arrested and charged with burglary, grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property, the story of how Sanders was caught is surprisingly simple.
Degel Israel’s stolen silver was sold to The Gold Standard in Forest Hills.
Sanders tried to sell the stolen silver in Forest Hills and the buyer, Scott Simon, director of operations at The Gold Standard, turned him in after a worker told him of news reports about missing items that matched the descriptions of those he had recently purchased. Sanders had apparently fed Simon a credible alibi. "He came over the course of several days," Simon said. "His story was that he was a religious person, orthodox, and these were items he had inherited. He said he was going through financial difficulties and needed to sell the items." Simon said the items were worth up to "thousands of dollars," but would not give an exact amount. A congregant familiar with the torah items estimated $15,000. Either way, Simon said The Gold Standard, a jewelry and gold buying business with locations in Queens and Long Island, always initially asks if the items actually belong to the person selling them to The Gold Standard. The torah items, though worth more than the valuables that
typically pass through the store, did not arouse too much suspicion because rare items are often brought in to be sold. Simon said that he has seen Egyptian tablets before. Sanders had come to The Gold Standard a little over a week before he was arrested. Having always dealt closely with police in Forest Hills, Simon contacted a sergeant with whom he had previously worked when he realized the items purchased might not belong to Sanders. Unfortunately for Simon, he does not get back the money that he paid to Sanders. "I was almost thankful we purchased it," he said. "If it was sold to a less reputable place, the stuff would've been melted. I come from a Jewish family, I realize how important the stuff is." Rabbi David Z. Sheinfeld of Congregation Degel Israel said he is glad the torah items have been returned, but was hesitant to explain his feelings in any great detail. "We are very grateful to the police department for their profes-
sional work and dedication to helping finding these items," he said. "They're obviously very religious and sentimental." Extra precautionary measures will be put in place to prevent another theft, Sheinfeld said. He did not elaborate on those measures. Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127.
Spring Ahead
Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour this Sunday, March 11, at 2 a.m., Eastern Standard Time.
www.queenstribune.com • March 8-14, 2012 Tribune Page 3
By ROSS BARK AN Devastation turned to joy at Congregation Degel Israel when the thousands of dollars in silver religious items that had been pilfered from their synagogue were found by police on Feb. 29. The Kew Gardens Hill synagogue had as much as $15,000 worth of silver stolen from their torah, including three torah crowns and three torah breastplates.
Peninsula Announces 200-Plus Layoffs By V ERONICA LEWIN In an at tempt to change the hospital’s condition from “critical” to “stable,” more than 200 Peninsula Hospital Center employees will undergo shor t-term layoffs. Employees were notified about the upcoming layoffs on March 1. In a statement, the hospital said temporary staff cuts are being implemented as a way to save money while Peninsula is “on diversion.” Councilman James Sanders Jr. (D-Laurelton), who repre sent s the area surrounding the hospital, expressed concern with
Peninsula’s decision. “Let me be clear: the laying off of more than 200 workers in the midst of a sluggish economy is a crisis unto itself, and will only serve to further undermine the growth and revitalization of both Peninsula Hospital and the Rockaway peninsula,” Sanders said in a statement. The announcement of temporary layoffs is the latest snag in what has been a suspenseful eight months for Peninsula staff. Each employee received a Warn Act notice last July, which contained an outline of employee rights, contact
information, job retraining options and benefits employees are entitled to in the event of a closure. On Aug. 1, the hospital submit ted a draft closure plan to the State Dept. of Healt h. T h ree weeks later, MediSys, which operates Flushing Hospital Medical Center and Jamaica Hospital Center, ended it s affiliation w ith Peninsula. Revival Home Health Care saved the hospital in September 2011, allowing employees to feel some sense of comfor t. This past Ja nuary, Peninsula reached an agreement with 1199 SEIU, the
hospital’s largest employee union. The union will receive $10 million over the next three years, half of the money that was owed before the hospital declared bankruptcy in 2011. Things appeared to be moving forward, until Peninsula’s clinical lab was shut down last month. On Feb. 23, the State Dept. of Health suspended the clinical laboratory for 30 days following a failed state inspection. While the lab is closed, other services at Peninsula Hospital Center remain open. According to the hospital, patients can still acce ss the health center, spe-
Mets Ordered To Pay, Stand Trial
Page 4 Tribune March 8-14, 2012 • www.queenstribune.com
By JASON PAFUNDI U.S. District Court Judge Jed Rakoff issued a four-page ruling Monday stating that the owners of the New York Mets must pay back up to $83.3 million to Irving Picard, the trustee trying to recover funds lost in the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme. The judge also said that the parties will go to trial March 19 over an additional $303 million that Picard is trying to recover. Attorneys for the Mets’ owners
filed for the case to be dismissed entirely, claiming that Picard was not entitled to any more money, but the judge rejected that request, thus forcing the team’s principal owners to stand trial just 17 days before the Mets open the 2012 season April 5 against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. In his ruling, Rakoff said that in the upcoming trial, Picard’s lawyers must prove that the Fred Wilpon and his co-defendants willfully blinded themselves to Madoff’s scheme.
Rakoff wrote that he is concerned that “much of the evidence that the parties proffered on summary judgment” is not admissible at trial. “Conclusions are no substitute for facts, and too much of what the parties characterized as bombshells proved to be nothing more than bombast,” Rakoff said in his ruling. And despite his rejection of the motion to dismiss the case, Rakoff said he remains skeptical that the trustee can ultimately rebut the defen-
dants’ showing of good faith, let alone impute bad faith to all the defendants.” Picard originally filed suit against the Mets’ owners claiming that they knew Madoff was breaking the law. The suit claimed the Mets received $83.3 in fictitious profits and an additional $303 million in principal in the two years before Madoff filed for bankruptcy. Reach Reporter Jason Pafundi at jpafundi@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128.
cialty clinics and dental care. The emergency room is open to walkins. If Peninsula is unable to provide care, the patient will then be transferred to another hospital. Accordi ng to CEO To dd Miller, Peninsula officials have been working “around the clock” to bring the lab up to snuff in less than 30 days. “Al l elements in t he Dept. of Health’s survey of the lab are expected to be addressed by the hospital by week’s end,” Miller said in a statement. De s p i t e Pe n i n s u l a ’s p u b l i c struggle, hospital officials are optimistic the Far Rockaway facility w ill survive. According to Peninsula, the hospital anticipates no longer being bankrupt by mid-May. In the meantime, hospital employees are left wondering how temporary the hospital layoffs will be. “The workers of Peninsula have been the ultimate team players during this crisis, taking on cuts in payment and benefits in order to keep the hospital running smoothly,” Sanders said. “I expect their loyalty and dedication to be rewarded.” R e a c h Re p o r t e r Ve r o n i c a Lewin at vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.
By DOMENICK RAFTER On March 2, police responded to the scene of a car accident at the intersection of 61st Street and Laurel Hill Boulevard under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in Woodside. The accident was minor and no one was seriously injured, but the crash at the busy intersection near expressway ramps has reignited an ongoing neighborhood fight over how children in a nearby housing complex get to school. The intersection sits between the Big Six towers in Woodside and a less dense residential part of Maspeth. Children who live in the Big Six towers attend school at PS 229 in that part of Maspeth, meaning they are required to go past the busy intersection every day. The school and the apartment complex are less than a mile away which, according to Dept. of Education rules, is too short a distance for yellow bus service or student MetroCards to be given to the students. Bus service for all students was cut by the DOE in September 2010. On Feb. 29, two days before the accident, Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) blasted
Tribune Photos by Ira Cohen
Between Home & School, A Danger For Kids
The intersec tion of 61st Street and Laurel Hill Boulevard in Woodside is a dangerous one for walking to school. the DOE during a District 24 Community Education Council meeting at PS 229. “I refuse to sit idly by awaiting a tragedy while the DOE puts the safety of our children at risk,” Van Bramer said. “We must find a solution to this busing situation immediately and I am dedicated toward working with both the parents of PS 229 and the DOE ensure this happens.” In January, Dmytro Fedkowskyj, the Queens repre-
sentative appointed by Borough President Helen Marshall to the Panel for Education Policy, proposed a change in the way the DOE allocates bus service and MetroCard distribution to be more transparent in how they decide who gets bus service and who gets a “hazard variance.” Many students receive these variances, or exemptions, because of hazards along their short commute, which some members of District 24’s CEC believe Laurel
Hill Boulevard, essentially a service road for the BQE, to be. Between January 2010 and September 2011, 42 percent of all variance applications to the DOE came from Queens. Less than 10 percent of those were approved. Fedkowskyj’s proposal would be comprised of identifiable road hazards with each hazard assigned a point value. Points would also be allocated depending on lack of public transportation. The points would be added to a final score that will
determine if the variance is needed and the score would differ by grade level. The proposal was defeated at a February PEP meeting with the five members appointed by borough presidents supporting it and the eight appointed by the mayor opposing it. Van Bramer called the decision “reckless” and said he would appeal personally to Schools Chancellor Dennis Wolcott to reconsider “Dept. of Education and PEP members who voted against this decision are kids wrong,” he said. “The accidents put a spotlight on just how dangerous that intersection is. How many of these do we have to witness before we do something?” Van Bramer said he did not believe financial issues were the main reason a variance was not given to the students from Big Six, rather the city had simply judged the route to not be dangerous. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400 Ext. 125
www.queenstribune.com • March 8-14, 2012 Tribune Page 5
Edit Page In Our Opinion:
A Map for the Future The redistricting process in New York finally has some forward momentum, no thanks to the members of the Legislature tasked with redrawing district lines. The movement has almost everything to do with Magistrate Judge Roanne Mann, who released her rulings just over half a day after she presided over a public hearing to discuss Congressional district lines in New York State. After watching the Legislature’s created commission, LATFOR drag its feet for so long on redrawing Congressional district lines, Judge Mann took less than one day to offer a proposal to the three-judge panel. There was no partisan bickering; there were no backdoor deals to protect either side of the political spectrum. Judge Mann’s ruling was as close as we’re likely to get to an independent authority redrawing the lines. The speedy turn-around this week is simply more proof that the state needs a new method of redrawing district lines this time around and in the future. The process used for State Senate and Assembly lines is clearly flawed – no one seems happy about the proposals on the table and Gov. Cuomo continues to claim that he will veto the lines as they stand. Perhaps Judge Mann is free to give the Senate and Assembly lines a quick once over?
In Your Opinion:
Page 6 Tribune March 8-14, 2012 • www.queenstribune.com
Convention Naysayer To The Editor: I am one of the “naysayers” albeit from Queens and not Manhattan - Jack Friedman, executive director of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, talked about, who believes a mega-convention center in Queens is a bad idea. (“If You Build It, They Will Come,” Queens Tribune March 1-7). It is difficult to give serious credence to Mr. Friedman, since his article is lacking in any substance to support his position. With due respect, it is clear Mr. Friedman has not done his homework on the subject, or if he did, he received a failing grade. So the record is clear Mr. Friedman, please be advised of the following. In its Jan. 18, 2005 edition, the New York Times article “Report
Finds A Glut in Space For Meetings,” references a Brookings Institution report that raised serious questions about convention hall space. The report stated, “You’ve got cities around the country building new or expanded convention space at very rapid rate in a market that is already glutted and over supplied … in an environment where every major center around the country is sharply discounting rental rates or is giving space away and throwing in incentives, the likelihood of any succeeding is remarkably dim.” University of Texas at San Antonio economics professor Haywood Sanders pointed out that overall convention center attendance has dropped since the early 1990s. Notwithstanding the above, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Borough President Helen Marshall in the case
Michael Schenkler Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
of convention hall space appear to be living in Alice in Wonderland fantasy. Ignoring the existence of the Javits Center in Manhattan and taxpayer funded hundreds of millions of dollars to upgrade it and make it more competitive, Cuomo proposes a mega convention center in the boondocks of outer Queens, where convention users will be far removed from the glamour and entertainment of Manhattan. To compound this foolishness, Cuomo proposes that after the millions spent on the Javits Center, it be demolished. So as not to be excluded from this Mad Hatter party, Bloomberg and Marshall have included in the Willets Point, Queens ill conceived development plan yet another convention center, albeit much smaller, which Ms. Marshall claims will “ complement” the megacenter. I do not know why Mr. Friedman has a problem about Manhattan. The last I heard it was a part of New York City and the substantial revenues it produces are part of New York City’s general fund. His prediction “build it, they will come” is a pie in the sky fairy tale, not reality. Benjamin M. Haber, Flushing
Unconstitutional Monitor ing To The Editor: The Dept. of Homeland Security’s Media Monitoring Initiative gives federal agents the power to gather, store, analyze and disseminate data on millions of users of social media including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. This is unconstitutional, as it violates the Fourth Amendment and its prohibition on warrantless searches. It also violates our right to free speech. This is another instance of the federal government slowly taking away our liberties. We can only hope that in 2012, an educated electorate will select candidates for election to Congress who will pass a law permanently revoking the Dept. of Homeland Security’s power to carry out the
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A Deadly Habit To The Editor: There is a killer in our communities hiding in plain sight! Tobacco kills more New Yorkers each year than AIDS, drugs, homicide and suicide combined, according to the Dept. of Health Statistics. The youth of Queens are under attack from tobacco companies’ advertising and propaganda, designed to ensure a continued supply of future tobacco consumers. Tobacco companies spend $12.5 billion annually – 90 percent of that is spent on marketing. Tobacco companies have turned to point of sale advertising by plastering stores with highly-lit displays and bright ads specifically designed to target young teens. What is the answer to this? How do we fight against companies with such large amounts of money at their disposal? The answer is to start talking. To get the conversation started, in October the NYC Coalition for a Smoke-Free City and the American Lung Association in NY partnered with a group of youth from all five boroughs to provide a tour for decision-makers of tobacco advertising in their neighborhoods. This tour provided decision-makers with a chance to see the advertising through the youth’s eyes and to walk in their shoes – looking at the images they see every day as they walk through their neighborhood. Research studies show that tobacco marketing does influence a teen’s decision to smoke. About 17,000 youth in NYC are smoking; roughly a third of these children will die prematurely from smoking. Parents should be encouraged to talk to their children about what the ads are trying to accomplish, talk to policymakers about limiting advertising rights for tobacco companies and start talking to your local businesses that place these ads in plain sight of young children. We
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need to get our message across: It’s not just a bad habit – it’s a deadly habit. We all have a part to play in keeping our nation’s youth safe. Let’s all join efforts spearheaded by Mayor Bloomberg and countless public health organizations to put the health of our children ahead of the bottom line of tobacco industry. Jennifer Levy, Health Educator, North Shore-LIJ Health System
Mad As Hell To The Editor: As a consumer, and one who depends on driving to get to work, I am appalled how I and others are being ripped off at the pump. Now, I am not an expert about the reasons for the spike at the pumps, but I feel the reasons are most troubling. There is the threat from Iran and then there is the Democratic policies that do little to stop the rising costs at the pump. Then there are Wall Street speculators who make profits when the price of oil is forced up and all at the consumers expense. Now we have the Democrats and Republicans who have different approaches, which do little to keep the price at the pump down. The Democrats answer is more fuel-efficient cars that will take years to accomplish. Then you have the Republicans’ answer, which is “drill, drill, drill,” which might help in the long run but not in the short term. Now let’s talk about the oil companies through all this. They are alive and well and will make millions. I don’t know the answer, but I think the silent majority needs to rise up and say, “Enough is enough, for we are mad as hell and won’t take it anymore.” One way is to write numerous letters to our elected representatives and ask them to do something and not to lie to us or we the people will remember them when we vote this coming Election Day. Remember we have the power and we will be listened to! Frederick R. Bedell Jr., Glen Oaks Village
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8101 Flatlands LCL. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/13/11. Office in Queens County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to10210 Metropolitan Ave Ste 200, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: General ___________________________________ 141-22 ROCKAWAY BOULEVARD LLC, a domestic LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/21/11. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Helen Sanders, 579 S. Main St., Freeport, NY 11520. General Purposes. ___________________________________ J Coco Realty LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/7/11. Office in Queens County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 28-60 31 st St, Astoria, NY11102. Purpose: General. ___________________________________ Notice of Formation of Common Sky LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY SSNY on 1/24/2012. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: 3545 32 nd ST. #1F, Long Island City, NY, 11106 SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Common Skky, LLC at the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity. ___________________________________ SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Index No.: 18835/11 D/O/F: February 2, 2012 Block: 09299 Lot: 0033 SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF Queens NYCTL 2010-A TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN FOR THE NYCTL 2010A TRUST, Plaintiffs, -againstANTHONY LAINO; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANACE; UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF THE LATE PHYLLIS LAINO, IF THEY BE LIVING OR DEAD, THEIR SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES OF
RESIDENCE ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, if living, or if either or all be dead, their wives, husbands, heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, assignees, lienors and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF THE LATE PHYLLIS LAINO, IF THEY BE LIVING OR DEAD, THEIR SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES OF RESIDENCE ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and the respective husbands, wives, widow or widowers of them, if any, all of whose names are unknown to plaintiff; “JOHN DOES” and “JANE DOES”, said names being fictitious, parties intended being possible tenants or occupants of premises, and corporations, other entities or persons who claim, or may claim, a lien against the premises, Defendants. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Amended Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your Answer, or, if the Amended Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiffs’ Attorneys within twenty (20) days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service, where service is made by delivery upon you personally within the State, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner, and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Amended Complaint. YOU ARE HEREBY PUT ON NOTICE THAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THE PURPOSE. TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Honorable Diccia T. Pineda-Kirwan of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, signed on January 11, 2012, and filed with supporting papers
in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens, State of New York. The nature of this action is to foreclose a tax lien certificate recorded against said premises. The Tax Lien Certificate was dated August 5, 2010 and recorded on August 12, 2010 as CRFN: 2010000272817. Said premises being known as and by 87-87 109TH STREET, RICHMOND HILL, NY 11427, which is more fully described as Block: 09299; Lot: 0033. Dated: November 18, 2011 Batavia, New York Virginia Grapensteter, Esq. ROSICKI, ROSICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiffs Batavia Office 26 Harvester Avenue Batavia, NY 14020 585.815.0288 Help For Homeowners In Foreclosure New York State Law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully. Mortgage foreclosure is a complex process. Some people may approach you about “saving” your home. You should be extremely careful about any such promises. The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. There are government agencies, legal aid entities and other non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about foreclosure while you are working with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Banking Department at 1-877BANKNYS (1-877-226-5697) or visit the Department’s website at www.banking.state.ny.us. The State does not guarantee the advice of these agencies. ___________________________________ NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: QUEENS COUNTY Astoria Federal Savings and Loan: Plaintiff(s) vs. ABDUL RAHIM GURMOHAMED A/ K/A ABDUL R. GURMOHAMED; et al; Defendant(s) Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s): ROSICKI, ROSICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 2 Summit Court, Suite 301, Fishkill, New York, 12524, 845.897.1600 Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on or about May 23, 2011, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder at Queens County Supreme Court located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, in room #25, Jamaica, NY 11435. On March 30, 2012 at 11:00 AM Premises known as 92-32 213 STREET, QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11428 Block: 10625 Lot: 15 All that certain lot piece or parcel of
land with the building and improvements thereon erected situated, lying and being at Queens in the Fourth Ward of the Borough of Queens of the City of New York County of Queens and State of New York. As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale. Sold subject to all of the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale. Approximate amount of judgment $71,968.54 plus interest and costs. INDEX NO. 7903/09 Joseph J. Risi, Esq., REFEREE ___________________________________ NOTICE OF SALE OF COOPERATIVE APARTMENT matter of Renee Hadida, an Incapacitated Person. Pursuant to an Order of this Court dated February 9, 2012, by Hon. Lawrence V. Cullen, A Justice of this Court. An application to sell 461 shares of stock of LANE TOWERS OWNERS CORP, together with all right, title and interest in and to a Proprietary Lease between said Corporation and Renee Hadida for apartment 16D in the building known as 107-40 Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills, New York, together with all fixtures and articles of personal property now or hereafter affixed to or used in connection with said apartment will me made March 20, 2012, at 9:30 A.M., at an I.A.S. Part 25G, Courtroom 44A of the Supreme Court at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York 11435. Apartment is sold AS IS and subject to the consent if necessary of LANE TOWERS OWNERS CORP. The purchase for the Shares and Lease of the Apartment is presently under Contract, subject to the approval of the Court, for the price of $250,000. Contact VIVIA L. JOSEPH, ESQ., Attorney for Guardian at 22922 Linden Boulevard, Cambria Heights, New York 11411 (718) 977-4132. ___________________________________ CRESPO MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING SERVICE PLLC, a Prof. LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/13/2011. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 70-18 57th Dr., Apt 1, Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: To Practice The Profession Of Lic. Mental Health Counselor. __________________________________ File No.: 2010-4392/A SUPPLEMENTAL CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK BY THE GRACE OF GOD, FREE AND INDEPENDENT To: Pamela
Roberts Harold Wilson, Jr. Leslie Richard Wilson Mary Elizabeth Fulton Carolyn White Attorney General of the State of New York The unknown distributees, legatees, devisees, heirs at law and assignees of JAMES KEYE, deceased, or their estates, if any there be, whose names, places of residence and post office addresses are unknown to the petitioner and cannot with due diligence be ascertained. Being the persons interested as creditors, legatees, distributees or otherwise in the Estate of JAMES KEYE, deceased, who at the time of death was a resident of 11401 127 Street, S. Ozone Park, NY 11420, in the County of Queens, State of New York. SEND GREETING: Upon the petition of LOIS M. ROSENBLATT, Public Administrator of Queens County, who maintains her office at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, Queens County, New York 11435, as Administrator of the Estate of JAMES KEYE, deceased, you and each of you are hereby cited to show cause before the Surrogate at the Surrogate’s Court of the County of Queens, to be held at the Queens General Courthouse, 6 th Floor, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, City and State of New York, on the 29 th day of March, 2012 at 9:30 o’clock in the forenoon, why the Account of Proceedings of the Public Administrator of Queens County, as Administrator of the Estate of said deceased, a copy of which is attached, should not be judicially settled, and why the Surrogate should not fix and allow a reasonable amount of compensation to GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ., for legal services rendered to petitioner herein in the amount of $10,627.04 and that the Court fix the fair and reasonable additional fee for any services to be rendered by GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ., hereafter in connection with proceedings on kinship, claims etc., prior to entry of a final Decree on this accounting in the amount of 6% of assets or income collected after the date of the within accounting; and why the Surrogate should not fix and allow an amount equal to one percent on said Schedules of the total assets on Schedules A, A1, and A2 plus any additional monies received subsequent to the date of this account, as the fair and reasonable amount payable to the Office of the Public Administrator for the
expenses of said office pursuant to S.C.P.A. §1106(4); and why each of you claiming to be a distributee of the decedent should not establish proof of your kinship; and why the balance of said funds should not be paid to said alleged distributees upon proof of kinship, or deposited with the Commissioner of Finance of the City of New York should said alleged distributees default herein, or fail to establish proof of kinship, Dated, Attested and Sealed 16th day of February, 2012 HON. PETER J. KELLY Surrogate, Queens County Margaret M. Gribbon Clerk of the Surrogate’s Court GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ. (718) 4599000 95-25 Queens Boulevard 11 th Floor Rego Park, New York 11374 This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not obliged to appear in person. If you fail to appear it will be assumed that you do not object to the relief requested unless you file formal legal, verified objections. You have a right to have an attorney-at-law appear for you. Accounting Citation ___________________________________ “Notice of Formation of The Tejas Group LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY SSNY on 1/3/2012. Office Location: Queens County. Princ. Office of LLC: 87-52 108 th Street, Richmond Hill, NY 11418. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o The Tejas Group LLC c/o Deepan Bajwa, Esq. at the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity.” ___________________________________ POST NATURE ART, LLC, a domestic LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/ 28/2011. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Marica Cooper, 104-20 68th Dr #B37, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. ___________________________________ Notice of Formation of Amapola, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY SSNY on1/13/2012. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: 102-25 46 th Ave., Corona, NY 11368. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Amapola, LLC at the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
www.queenstribune.com • March 8-14, 2012 Tribune Page 7
LEGAL NOTICE
What Comes After The John Liu Legacy?
Page 8 Tribune March 8-14, 2012 • www.queenstribune.com
A driven achiever with political instincts and appetite, at times it appeared like there was no stopping John Liu. Wikipedia reports that: “At the age of five, he moved with his family to the United States from Taiwan. Chang F. Liu, his father, was a Master of Busi ne ss Administration student and bank teller who worked 12 hour days. In honor of John F. Kennedy, Liu’s father changed his sons’ names to John, Robert, and Edward, and his own name to Joseph.” Ethnic politics in our city is a well-won and respectable heritage and John has played the game with precision and inspiration. He was destined to become synonymous with Asian city politics. He was on the fast track to becoming the next Mayor. And then it all began to un-
John Liu, the Queens Tribune “Person Of The Year” in 2009
ravel. Some insiders blame it on a Chinese cultural influence where political fundraising doesn’t adhere to the rules. But whether it is cultural, with his knowledge or not, if a conviction comes from the two indictments to date, or if the Federal investigation lays blame at the doorstep of John himself, it appears that the dream is unraveling quickly – very quickly. To me, John is still a friend. He stopped by our Whitestone office last August. His visits have been the subject of this column since 2001. That visit of last summer never made it to a column – apparently t he 9 t h Congre ssional District Special Election had priority. But John and I have had an hour or so to talk many times over the past decade – usually over bagel and lox – John is a pro at ethnic politics. But sadly, the John Liu era may be coming to an end. It appears campaign fundraising scandals may be his downfall. His potential frontrunner status in the 2013 Mayoral race seems over. The likelihood of him making that race is rapidly fading. The damage caused John by his apparent inability to keep his campaign finances on the up and up will likely cause further damage. Political insiders are already whispering the names of the next New York City Comptroller – and they are betting the selection will be long before the next scheduled election in 2013. Should John Liu be forced to or decide to step down this year, as a result of the Comptroller Campaign Fundraising scandal, a nonpartisan special election will be held approximately 45 days later, according to the City Charter. To the best of my recollection, t h is Char ter prov ision of a Cit y wide non-par tisan (no party de signation) elect ion has never been utilized. Pundits can only guess how it will play out. Some basic assumptions: 1) turn out will matter; 2) money will matter and; 3) name recognition could matter. While organizational help – including political par ties which will not be permitted to designate a candidate or have a line on the ballot – will be important, pulling voters for a special election where only comptroller appears on the ballot will be a challenge. Even the
lize his Council Finance sophisticated union orgaChair and be Brooklyn’s fanizations will find turnout vorite son. anemic at best. Others: Forty-five days is not Rory Lancman -- if he enough time to raise and can’t find a Congressional spend money. So look to seat to run for, what the someone who has “cit y hey? Lancman seems to be election eligible” money in ready to try for anything if the bank. it provides an exit from AlName recognition is bany. a chal lenge city wide. If Ruben Diaz, Jr. – the you have it now, it’ll cost Bronx Beep is in an off year less to acquire. and could try to emerge as So, who are the posthe citywide Latino leader. sibilities for this non-exScot t Str inger – it istent race? makes the most sense for Consider those who the Manhat tan BP who is lost to John Liu 3 years an announced candidate for ago: Mayor. He will likely be the David Yassky, who best funded Comptroller canis now par t of t he didate and the only one who Bloomberg Administrarepresents a constituency as tion, came the closest to large as the entire borough Liu. While he has been an of Manahattan and the preeffective Chairman of the sumed frontrunner. New York City Taxi and Unless Brooklyn Beep Limousine Commission, Marty Markowitz decides the position is not high to play and then if he could profile and does not build sell the electorate on the fact or maintain political suphe’s serious, he could be the port. front runner. Melinda Katz — priNo, John Liu is not vate practice and motherhood has taken Melinda Trib Publisher Mike Schenkler and John Liu at the dead. No, John Liu has not out of politics and the pub- Trib office, top 2011, bottom 2001. lic eye. former Bronx Beep has returned been indicted. No, John Liu has not anDavid Weprin works his dis- from Washington to consider a trict as Assemblyman and tried to Mayoral run but could be one of nounced a resignation. As a matter of fact, we’d love play to a wider audience with his the frontrunners in this race. pathetic effort trying to keep AnJessica Lappin could aban- to have the opportunity to interthony Weiner’s seat in the blue col- don a Manhattan Borough Presi- view and consider Mayoral Candiumn. That sad campaign effort dent shot for an off-year special date John Liu. But, we’re not betting on it. coupled with a last place finish in election. the four-way Comptroller race in Dominick Reccia could uti- MSchenkler@QueensTribune.com ’09 should tell David something – we doubt it will. Look for Weprin to try to raise money and get the Queens Dem Organization behind him. Dubious. There are those who have been banking money in anticipation of their next race – for something other than Comptroller. Peter Vallone, Jr. has been stashing away the cash and sits with good name recognition Citywide as a law and order guy which can convert to fiscal watchdog. He could jump in rather than wait for the Queens Beep race against a Queens Dem County candidate. Dan Garodnick with his ambition and fundraising, this may just be a case of right place, right time. Adolfo Car r ion – the Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato Photos by Ira Cohen
By MICHAEL SCHENKLER John Liu, who I have known for more than a decade, has trailblazed the New York City political landscape, becoming the first Asian-American to achieve Citywide elective office by capturing the position of Comptroller in 2009 after a hotly contested fourway Democratic Primary. John has inspired a generation of Asian Americans to par ticipate in the system.
www.queenstribune.com • March 8-14, 2012 Tribune Page 9
Forum Seeks Safety For Bike Riders
Page 10 Tribune March 8-14, 2012 • www.queenstribune.com
By JASON PAFUNDI With gas prices increasing by the day and bike use among residents of the City increasing as well, it would seem as though communities would have gotten together with the Dept. of Transportation to talk about bicycling in the City. On March 3, the DOT met with borough residents at the Sunnyside Community Services center in what was called the first-ever Queens Bike Forum. Sponsored by Community Board 2 and Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside), residents listened to a presentation by the DOT’s Bike Program staff before breaking into groups. According to the presentation by Hayes Lord, a bicycle program director for the DOT, CB2 — which includes Sunnyside, Woodside and the Hunter’s Point area in Long Island City — had 1.45 lane miles in 2007. That number increased to 13 lane miles in 2011 and is expected to increase even more in the coming years. Included in the increase is bike traffic across the Queensboro Bridge, and residents expressed concern that when they exit the bridge in Manhattan, it is “very scary.”
“With the way gas prices are going, I have been biking more and more, especially into Manhattan,” Sunnyside resident Thomas Walter said. “Going across the bridge is a smooth ride until getting into Manhattan. It’s very nerve-wracking and it’s something the DOT needs to address.”
Lord said Queens has seen a huge increase in cycling over the last few years, and with the increase in riders comes the need to improve bike lanes and bike safety. Lord said that the DOT will review the concerns raised by those in attendance. The DOT is planning on meeting with other community
boards to gather information on biking issues in those areas, as well, before implementing changes and making improvements. Van Bramer, an avid biker, said that bike safety and bike riding improvements are always important to the community. “Cycling makes the most sense
because it’s healthy, and it is good for the environment,” he said. “And from the pocket book, you are saving money, and as the gas prices go up, why not take the bike if you can?” Reach Reporter Jason Pafundi at jpafundi@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128.
Queens Tourism Council Revamped By JASON PAFUNDI Since being founded in 1980s, the Queens Tourism Council had promoted the borough as a place to stay, eat, experience culture, enjoy nature and have fun. But it was more a name than an actual working organization. Until now. The new 23-member QTC, a diverse coalition of hotels, entertainment venues, restaurants and cultural institutions, held its firstever meeting on Feb. 27 at Long Island City’s Z Hotel. Since it was the first meeting, it started with members going around the room and introducing themselves. The group set up an executive committee with Steve Hofstetter, Laughing Devil comedy club; Doris Del Valle, Borough Excursions;
Carrie Kwok, New York Mets; Jennifer Matthews, USTA-National Tennis Center; Debbie Van Cura, Greater Astoria Historical Society; Jeffrey Reich-Hale, Wyndham Garden Long Island City Manhattan View; and Lisa Gneo, Z Hotel NYC. According to Rob MacKay, the Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Tourism for the Queens Economic Development Corporation, the new executive board met last week to brainstorm ideas that will be presented to the full membership during the March meeting. Attendees discussed cross-promotional activities that members will undertake to make sure that Queens residents know what is available in their communities and so that outof-towners know what the Boro has
to offer. They also discussed producing a promotional video, establishing a greater internet presence and improving transportation options between venues. “Local tourism here in Queens provides entertainment for visitors and jobs for our local economy,” Borough President Helen Marshall said. “The QTC will help boost the number of tourists who not only want to see the U.S. Open or [the Mets], but also those who want a taste with international flavor, whether it be in music, dance or the visual arts.” City records show that in 2010, more than seven millions visitors spent more than $3 billion in the borough, and the travel sector supports roughly 16 percent of the jobs in Queens. There are more than 80 hotels in
Queens with more than 8,000 rooms. “Not long ago, there were very few hotels I would have recommended to a friend,” said Seth Bornstein, executive director of the QEDC. “Now we have quality hotels with sweeping views, and all of them are $150-$300 cheaper per night than in Manhattan. Add countless activities at great museums, theaters and stadiums and you have a tremendous borough.” The QEDC promotes the borough through the “Discover Queens” brand, including managing the website discoverqueens.info and the Discover Queens Visitor Center at Queens Center Mall. Reach Reporter Jason Pafundi at jpafundi@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128.
Harkless Named Big East ROY By JASON PAFUNDI St. John’s freshman forward Maurice “Moe” Harkless was named the 2011-12 Big East Conference Rookie of the Year after the team’s opening-round loss to Pitt in the conference tournament at Madison Square Garden. Despite the storied history of the St. John’s program, Harkless, from Jamaica, is only the second Red Storm player to win the award (David Russell won it in 1979-80). “This award means a lot to me,” Harkless said. “I would like to credit my teammates and coaches for this award. As a team with so many new players and five freshmen starting, we held together and did a good job this year.” Harkless, who played high school basketball in Forest Hills before transferring to a school in Connecticut, averaged 15.2 points per game — ninth in the nation among rookies — and 8.6 rebounds. In January, he had is standout game — a 30-point, 13-rebound effort at Cameron Indoor Stadium versus Duke. After Tuesday’s presentation, Harkless opened up to reporters
about the possibility of him leaving St. John’s for the NBA. “I’m going to sit down and talk to my coaches about it,” he said, “as well as talk to my family and my teammates, and we’ll come up with a conclusion.” According to ESPN’s Chad Ford, Harkless is the No. 34 ranked
prospect, and with 30 teams in the league, that puts him as a borderline first round pick. He said playing close to home was a big reason he came to St. John’s and said that it will be a part of his decision on whether or not to stay. “It’s easy because you feel more
comfortable playing around your family and friends every game.” Harkless was the best player on the floor almost every night for St. John’s (13-19), and that was the case in the loss to Pitt that ended their season Tuesday afternoon. While the Red Storm are disap-
pointed that the season is over, the focus on next season has already begun. “I’m excited,” Harrison said. “I want to get out there and play right now.” Reach Reporter Jason Pafundi at jpafundi@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128.
Arrested Taxi Drivers Released By ROSS BARK AN The Yes Taxi Service saga took another turn when two former drivers, Lin Guo and Hong Xian Liu, were released from jail on Feb. 23. Guo and Liu were drivers for the Flushing-based Yes Taxi Service who were jailed, along with Bi Sheng Liu, on Jan. 23 and charged with conspiring to improperly collect unemployment insurance. The three drivers came forward in 2009 to accuse their boss, Tony Luo, of beating, harassing, and exhorting money from them. Drivers at Yes Car Service have said they were forced to work 16-hour
days with no overtime pay and hand over a “protection fee” to Luo, which could be as much as $400 a week. A State Dept. of Labor investigation determined that despite Luo’s claim, Xian Liu was an employee of the company and not an independent contractor, and therefore entitled to unemployment insurance when Luo dismissed him. In a strange twist, the U.S. Dept. of Labor arrested the three drivers for trying to defraud the government. The drivers had claimed federal agents were harassing them up until the time of their arrest, pressing them for false confessions. In April of 2011, Xian
Liu said he was detained for 12 hours by federal agents and told he had to say Luo did not commit abusive labor practices. He alleges that the federal agents told him he would be imprisoned or deported if he did not do what they said. “The prosecutor chose not to continue the case,” said Josephine Lee, an organizer with the Justice Will Be Served! Campaign, an advocacy group sponsored by the Chinese Staff & Workers Association and National Mobilization Against Sweatshops. “They can still be picked up again and arrested again on the same charges. We
were told there was insufficient evidence.” Lee said she worries that Guo and Liu can still face legal action. Bi Sheng Liu remains in jail. On March 1, the Justice Will Be Served Campaign! held a protest outside of 26 Federal Plaza, urging U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to investigate the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s alleged abuse of the justice system. Robert Nardoza, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of New York, confirmed the case was dismissed but did not offer any additional details. Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127.
www.queenstribune.com • March 8-14, 2012 Tribune Page 11
Compiled by JASON PAFUNDI
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105th Precinct FATAL ACCIDENT: On March 4 at 4:06 a.m., police responded to a motor vehicle accident on Rockaway Boulevard between Brookville Boulevard and Guy R. Brewer Boulevard. Upon arrival, police determined that a white Nissan Maxima (vehicle No. 1) was traveling southbound on Rockaway Boulevard in the middle lane when it rear-ended a white Mitsubishi box truck (vehicle No. 2), also traveling southbound in the middle lane of Rockaway Boulevard. EMS responded and pronounced the driver of vehicle No. 1, 29-year-old Joseph Brown, dead at the scene. EMS also transported the three passengers of vehicle No. 1, a 29-year-old female, a 22-year-old female and a 21-year-old female, to Jamaica Hospital where they are listed in stable condition. The driver of vehicle No. 2, a 39-year-old male, was also transported to Jamaica Hospital by EMS and is also listed in stable condition at this time. No criminality is suspected and the investigation is ongoing. 107th Precinct WOMAN ASSAULTED: The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect wanted for a sexual assault. On Feb. 27, at 2 p.m., the victim, a 67year-old female, was entering her apartment when the suspect came up behind her and asked her for a glass of water. The victim invited the suspect into her apartment, and once inside, he sexually assaulted her at knife point. The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 45-65 years old, 5-foot 9inches tall and weighing 160 pounds. The suspect has a thin build, dark complexion and was wearing black rimmed glasses. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stopper’s website and at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential. 109th Precinct MISSING TEENAGER: The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Dominique Ben-David. She was last seen on March 2, at approximately 8 a.m. at her residence located at 144-46 38th Ave. She was wearing a black-hooded sweatshirt and pink pants. She has black hair, last seen in a pony tail with a pink bow and is approximately 5foot 1 and 110lbs. She is in good physical and mental health. Anyone with information in regard to this missing is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1800-577-TIPS (5477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at nypdcrimestoppers.com
or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential. 111th Precinct PEDESTRIAN KILLED: On Feb. 29 at 5:53 p.m., at the intersection of Springfield Boulevard and Union Turnpike, police responded to a 911 call of a pedestrian struck. Upon arrival, responding officers discovered the victim, a 40-year-old male, unconscious. EMS also responded the scene and transported the victim to North Shore Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival A preliminary investigation determined that the victim was crossing over Union Turnpike, from the north side to the south side, when he was struck by a 2000 Volkswagen driven by a 24-year-old Hispanic woman, that was traveling west bound on Union Turnpike. There is no criminality suspected at this time and the investigation is ongoing. The identity of the victim has not been released. 112th Precinct: THIEF WANTED: The police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating an individual wanted for a grand larceny. On Feb. 21 at approximately 5 p.m., the individual removed the victim’s bag from the floor inside of 97-22 Queens Blvd. while she was looking around the store. The individual then fled in an unknown direction. The suspect is described as a black man, between 5-foot-9 and 6-foot tall and 45 to 50 years old. He was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, black hat, black pants and wearing eyeglasses. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stopper’s website and at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential. ROBBERS WANTED: The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in identifying the two suspects wanted for grand larceny. On Feb. 9 at 12:15 a.m., two suspects entered the Sprint store located at 65-07 Woodhaven Blvd. and, while being shown two iPhones, grabbed them out of the salesperson’s hand and fled. There were no reported injuries. Suspect No. 1 is described as a 6-foot tall black man. Suspect No.2 is described as being 5-foot 6-inches, white with a grey beard. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stopper’s website and at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
TIPS TO MANAGE FRUSTRATION OF DEMENTIA
Care giving presents countless challenges, and when a loved one suffers from dementia or another illness that causes memory loss, these challenges often increase as the family member loses capacity to function. Managing the frustration that can build when your loved one asks the same question over the course of a day—or during a single conversation—can be particularly frustrating, but there are some adjustments that can help reduce the stress. “While several of the members I care for live alone, many have family caregivers or friends who live nearby or check in on them regularly,” registered nurse Frantzie Agnant said. Agnant is a nurse care manager with Visiting Nurse Service of New York. “We know that if we can help the family caregivers cope with the stress, it can make a big difference in the well-being of our members too. Managing the
stress when someone you love has memory issues or early stage Alzheimer’s or dementia can really be a challenge.” Here are some things to keep in mind if you are a family caregiver or friend of someone who struggles with forgetfulness and memory issues.
Educate Yourself If memory loss is a recent development in your loved one’s illness, find the time to educate yourself about it. “Understanding that memory loss is a symptom and that repeated questions are an early sign of cognitive impairment can be helpful when it comes to alleviating your frustration,” Agnant said.
Reach Out Communicate with others and tap into a supportive network. Your loved one’s physician can be a source of help both for information about memory loss and
for coping strategies. Support groups for caregivers are also an excellent source of tools to manage the condition as it progresses.
Look After Yourself Perhaps the biggest and most
effective way to manage the frustration: “Nourish and nurture yourself,” Agnant said. “Take care of yourself. Getting enough sleep and getting the time you need to attend to your own needs can work wonders when it comes
to easing your frustration.” For information about VNSNY CHOICE Health Plans from the not-for-profit Visiting Nurse Service of New York, call (855) 282-4642 or visit www.vnsnychoice.org.
CENTENARIANS CAN L EAVE L ASTING L EGACY Living to 100 years old is a remarkable feat, but now 100 centenarians will have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy that could radically change medical care for generations to come. The X PRIZE Foundation and Medco Health Solutions Inc. are searching for the Medco 100 Over 100 - a group of 100 vital centenarians whose genes could unlock the secrets of healthy aging and improve the way we prevent and treat disease. These “genomic pioneers” will donate their DNA by way of a simple blood test to the Archon Genomics X PRIZE, presented by Medco - a $10 million competition that pits world-class teams in a race to rapidly, accurately
and inexpensively sequence the genomes of the Medco 100 Over 100. The results could identify rare genes that protect against disease and provide valuable clues to health and longevity. “The Medco 100 Over 100 will represent a very special group of people who have lived an unusually long life and somehow beaten the odds against the common diseases of aging that substantially impact quality of life and longevity,” says Felix Frueh, president of the Medco Research Institute. “Discovering what makes them different from the rest of us could lead to important advances in prevention and treatment of disease - that’s quite a gift to give by participating in
this research effort.” The search for the Medco 100 Over 100 will span the globe looking for centenarians and “supercentenarians” (age 110 and older) to participate in this historic initiative. Anyone 100 years or older who is cognizant, currently without any serious disease and willing to share their story can be nominated to join the Medco 100 Over 100. While good health is important, special consideration will be given to supercentenarians, whose extreme longevity challenges the normal notions of aging. Centenarian nominations can be submitted at www.genomics.xprize.org/ medco-100-over-100 and will be accepted through May.
www.queenstribune.com • March 8-14, 2012 Tribune Page 13
The American baby boomer generation isn’t content sitting still - they live full lives working, traveling and pursuing their favorite hobbies. Age is only a number for this determined group whose population is pushing an estimated 78 million. If you are one of the many active baby boomers, you understand your health is a prior-
ity, but that doesn’t mean you want to spend long hours each day making sure you stay well. Luckily some of the best things you can do for yourself only take a matter of minutes each day. Dr. Wendy Bazilian (wendybazilian.com) a registered dietitian and author of “The SuperFoodsRx Diet: Lose Weight with the Power of SuperNutrients,” knows the importance of optimizing health for baby boomers. Simple healthy activities, when done on a daily basis, can have a huge cumulative effect on health and wellness. Here are four big-impact health activities from Dr. Bazilian that you can do in 15 minutes or less:
Gentle Stretches Stretching might seem like a basic physical activity, but its positive effects can be substantial. Especially for Quick bursts of activity can keep you boomers, stretching for healthy. up to 15 minutes each
day can help keep muscles and joints flexible, and help increase overall body health. Plus as you age, stretching can help maintain your mobility levels and decrease the risks of falls. Try gentle stretches to get your blood flowing in the morning or before you take a walk. Want to try something different? Yoga blends stretching and strength for a wonderful workout for people of all ages. Time requirement: 15 minutes or less
A Kitchen Oil Change The right kind of oils can benefit your health and wellness, and the wrong ones can put you at risk for high cholesterol, heart disease and even cancer. Cooking healthy means stocking your pantry with the right kinds of oils so you can enjoy the foods you love the right way. Two to keep on hand are extra virgin olive oil and organic grapeseed oil. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats which can help boost healthy HDL cholesterol while at the same time help to reduce unhealthy LDL cholesterol levels.
Lower cooking temperatures or cool/room temperature usage is best. Organic grapeseed oil has a more neutral flavor and a high smoke point, allowing for higher temperature cooking while using a lighter hand in measures with this healthier cooking oil. Time requirement: five minutes or less
Omega-3 Supplement Recently, there’s been a lot of talk about omega-3 essential fatty acids and their ability to prevent common disease as well as benefit brain and overall health. Because you can only get these essential fats through what you eat, Americans often don’t get as much as they need. Include food sources like wild salmon and sardines, as well as plant sources like walnuts and flaxseeds. Luckily, you can fill a nutritional gap by incorporating a high-quality fish oil supplement into your daily routine. A high-quality supplement can mean more benefit to your health; Ultimate Omega-D3 from Nordic Naturals is a good
example and great option. Time requirement: two minutes or less
Fresh Fruits And Veggies Few foods can provide the high levels of nutrients your body needs than fresh produce, yet more than 80 percent of us are not getting enough. It’s important to aim to make half your plate fruits and vegetables at meals every day. And try to incorporate fresh fruits and veggies daily, and don’t forget about frozen and dried options without added sugars or preservatives. They’re super nutrient-rich, too. The tasty options are endless from berries, apples, bananas, and cherries to broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, and kale. Be adventurous and try a new recipe that features a veggie you’ve never had before. Or, taste local flavors by visiting your neighborhood farmers market. Whether for a snack or with a meal, fresh produce is great for any baby boomer’s diet. Time requirement: five minutes or less.
PLUS Lifestyles
BIG-IMPACT HEALTH ACTIVITIES IN 15 MINUTES
50
www.queenstribune.com • March 8-14, 2012 Tribune Page 15
Quick Draw:
Judge Issues New District Lines By DOMENICK RAFTER What the state legislature could not accomplish in a year, a federal judge did in less than 24 hours. The fight over new district lines found a battlefield in a Brooklyn courthouse on Monday and by Tuesday morning, the “special master,” Magistrate Judge Roanne Mann, appointed by the court to preside over the drawing of new Congressional districts, had released her rulings. At Monday’s public hearing, lawyers representing Assembly Democrats, Senate Republicans and various other groups who submitted plans to redraw New York State’s 27 congressional districts argued their points before Judge Mann, chosen by a panel of three federal judges to preside over the redistricting process. A little more than 12 hours after Judge Mann called a recess, she released her mapsalmost a week early, speeding up a process that is already many months late.
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The Hearing Much of the Monday’s hearing focused on whether or not incumbency protection is a viable argument for mapmaking, an argument Judge Mann did not seem warm to. She pointed out that the State Constitution makes no mention of incumbency when outlining redistricting. The hearing also focused on the recent U.S. Supreme Court case Perez v. Perry, which overturned court-drawn Congressional lines in Texas. Anthony Geremia, a lawyer for the Senate Republicans, argued that incumbency should be taken into account because not to do so “risked losing [a combined] hundreds of years of seniority.” Daniel Chill, lawyer for the Assembly Democrats, agreed to an extent with Geremia’s arguments, noting that incumbency has been taken as a major factor in redistricting in the state for decades.
cluding her own set of maps, were released to the public just as the sun rose Tuesday morning. Her new maps axed the district of U.S. Rep. Bob Turner (R-Middle Village). However, much of Turner’s Queens portion of his district; including Middle Village, Forest Hills, Ke w G a r d e n s H i l l s, a n d Electchester were combined with Downtown Flushing and Bayside - taken from the dist r i c t o f U. S . R e p . G a r y Ackerman (D-Bayside - to create a new Central Queens district numbered the 6th. Turner’s home was moved into the Jamaica-based district of U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica), renumbered the 5th, that will now include all of the Rockaway Peninsula, Jamaica Estates and Elmont in Nassau County. The district remains a minority-majority, with 55 percent of its voting age population identifying as black. The district of U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Jackson Heights)
looks mostly similar and will continue to include Woodside, Jackson Heights and College Point, as well as the East Bronx, and will also pick up Corona. The district, now numbered the 7th, is renumbered the 14th. U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney’s (DAstoria) Manhattan-based district, renumbered the 12th, will continue to include most of Astoria - except the Steinway section - as well as Long Island City and Sunnyside. Maloney’s district will also gain Greenpoint and Williamsburg in Brooklyn, which she had represented in the 1990s. The neighborhoods of W h i t e s t o n e , B ay Te r r a c e , Douglaston, Little Neck and Bellerose would be placed in the 3rd district which stretches across the nor ther n half of L o n g I s l a n d t o S m i t h t ow n . Woodhaven, Ozone Park and Howard Beach are thrown into two Brooklyn-based districts with the latter two in the East New Yor k-based 8th distr ict and Woodhaven in U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez’s (D-Brooklyn) district renumbered the 7th. Upstate, the district represented by retir ing U.S. Rep Maurice Hinchey (D-Hudson Valley) was eliminated.
expected by March 15. If the maps hold, they will become law pending Voting Rights Act clearance by the Dept. of Justice. If the maps are not approved by the court, the process could start all over, jeopardizing the scheduled Congressional primaries in late June. Ballot petitioning for the primary election
is to begin in less than two weeks. The court maps could also be thrown out if Assembly Democrats and Senate Republicans strike a deal and pass their own maps in the next few weeks. Reach Repor ter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400 Ext. 125.
What’s Next? Judge Mann’s map will now go before a panel of three judges from the Eastern District of New York for final approval,
Proposed Congressional District 14
The Map Judge Mann had until March 12 to release her own map, but to the surprise of almost everyone, her recommendations, in-
Proposed Congressional District 5
Proposed Congressional District 6
Queens Focus PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE...PEOPLE..PEOPLE... Ying Yuan of Flushing received a Master of Science in Administrative Studies during winter 2012 commencement ceremonies at Boston University in Boston, Mass. The following local students are spending the fall semester studying abroad through a program run by the International Programs office at Marist College in Poughkeepsie. Nicolas Davis of Flushing is studying in Cork, Ireland. Alex Gobright of Woodhaven is studying in Prague. Courtney Klopfer of Glendale is studying in Florence, Italy. Ryan Moyles of Bayside is studying in Florence, Italy. Nicole O’Loughlin of Far Rockaway is studying in Florence, Italy. Nicole Livaditis of Flushing was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester at the College of St. Rose in Albany.
Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Conn. They include: Flushing: Michael Ballesty, Ashley Churchill. Whitestone: Jillian Delaney, Samantha Viscovich. Kayla Peikes of Flushing received a Bachelor of Arts during fall 2011 commencement ceremonies at Excelsior College in Albany. Sofia Villacreses of Flushing has been selected to represent New York as a National Youth Delegate at the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester at Boston
Renee Chen and Alexander Liu, both of College Point, were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester at Boston University in Boston, Mass. Joseph Li of Flushing was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Mich. George Mirisis of Malba was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ. Alec Wong of Bayside was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in Lincoln, Neb. The following local students graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology during fall 2011 commencement ceremonies: Jillian Newman of Bayside earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in professional photographic illustration – fine art. Minhao Shi of Bayside earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in industrial design. The following local students graduated from Binghamton University during fall 2011 commencement ceremonies: Brian J. Song of Bayside earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in math actuarial. Brian S. Kil of Bayside earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature and rhetoric. Caroline K. Couch of Bayside was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester at Drew University in Madison, NJ. The combined Queens AllianceQueens Kiwanis Baseball League invites youth teams to register now for the 2012 season. Divisions of play include 12&U, 14&U, 16&U and 18&U. For information, call Mike Rizzo at (718) 366-7717 or (718) 821-4487 or Bill Bellas at (917) 751-2682. 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. 26-March 3. The following winners each received a cash prize valued at $10,000 or more.
Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester at Cornell University in Ithaca. They include: Bayside: Andrew Huang, Andrew Kim, Dennis Lee, Ping Hua Wang. 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. 19-25. The following winners each received a cash prize valued at $10,000 or more. Steven Levy of Bayside won $18,851 on the Take Five drawing Feb. 18. Levy’s winning ticket was purchased at the Garden City Super Pumper in Garden City. Claudette Coltoff of Springfield Gardens won $38,046 on the Take Five drawing Feb. 11. Coltoff’s winning ticket was purchased at Estevez Mini Market, 223-14 S. Conduit Ave., Springfield Gardens. Eric Clay of Jamaica won $38,046 on the Take Five drawing Feb. 11. Clay’s winning ticket was purchased at Around The Clock Deli Stop 1, 170-01 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica. The following local students graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology during fall 2011 commencement ceremonies: Prasanna Khatri Chhetri of Rego Park earned a Master of Science degree in industrial engineering. Smiha Sayal of Forest Hills earned a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering.
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 1/ 9/12, bearing Index Number NC-001228-11/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) Thandi (Middle) Vanessa Grace (Last) Zwana My present name is (First) Vanessa (Middle) Grace (Last) Zwana aka Vanessa Grace Germany, aka Vanessa G. Germany, aka Vanessa G. Zwana, aka Vanessa Zwana, aka Vanesssa G. Zwana, aka V. Zwana, aka Vanessa Thandi Zwana, aka Vanessa T. Zwana, aka Thandi Vanessa Zwana, aka Thandi V. Zwana, aka Thandi Vanessa V. Zwana, aka Thandizwana, aka T. My present address is 148-05 133 rd Ave., Jamaica, NY 11436 My place of birth is Birmingham, Alabama My date of birth is December 29, 1949 __________________________________ NOTICE of formation of Triple Win Healthcare Management, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with Secy of State of NY SSNY on January 30, 2012. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/ o 133-18 41 Road, Suite 1R,
Flushing, NY 11354. Triple Win Healthcare Management at the princ. office of LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity. __________________________________ JANUS ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC, a domestic LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/14/2012. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 144-42 Jewel Ave, Flushing, NY 11367. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. __________________________________ Notice of formation of Kerosene Studios LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on December 16, 2011. County: Queens. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served, SSNY shall mail copy of process toKerosene Studios LLC, 4705 Center Blvd #1904, Long Island City, NY 11109. Purpose: to engage in any and all business for which LLC’s maybe formed under the New York LLC Law. __________________________________ YALGAM ASSOCIATES, LLC, a domestic LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 2/7/ 12. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 76-33 167th
St., Fresh Meadows, NY 11366. General Purposes. __________________________________ BZ CONSTRUCTION OF NY LLC, a domestic LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 1/12/12. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 75-15 35th Ave., Jackson Heights, NY 11372. General Purposes. __________________________________ Notice of Formation of Career Outcomes Matter, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY SSNY on January 24, 2012. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: 25-70 37 th Street, Long Island City, New York 11103. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Career Outcomes Matter, LLC at the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity. __________________________________ 221-75 BRADDOCK AVENUE LLC a domestic LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 1/24/12. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Law Offices of Marvin Evan Schiff, P.C., 1 Country Rd., Ste. 125, Carle Place, NY 11514. General Purposes.
www.queenstribune.com • March 8-14, 2012 Tribune Page 17
The New York Lottery announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning scratch-off ticket Feb. 12-18 and received a cash prize valued at $10,000 or more. Timothy Powell of Jamaica won $25,000 on the Triple Million scratch-off game. Powell’s winning ticket was purchased at Turnpike Enterprises One, 315 Rockaway Tpke., Lawrence. Mohammad Uddin of Ozone Park won $25,000 on the Bonus Spot Cash scratchoff game. Uddin’s winning ticket was purchased at Fortune Hut, 76-11 101 Ave., Ozone Park. Lillian Leslie of Jamaica won $100,000 on the Double Triple Cashword scratch-off game. Leslie’s winning ticket was purchased at Star 7, 2258 3rd Ave., New York.
University in Boston, Mass. They include: Flushing: Carol Chan, Jennie W. Chan, Carol E. Funes, Christina A. Lupoli, Keiko Okuda, Emily H. Siu, Zhen L. Zhu.
Alex Villagran of Rego Park won $10,000 on the Win 4 drawing Feb. 27. Villagran’s winning ticket was purchased at Get Liquor From Us, 47-31 Junction Blvd., Corona. Izdehar Alghazali of Ridgewood won $25,000 on the Win 4 drawing Feb. 27. Alghazali’s winning ticket was purchased at Yasmin’s Deli, 818 Onderdonk Ave., Ridgewood. William Chang of Woodside won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing Feb. 24. Chang’s winning ticket was purchased at the Rockville Centre Newsstand, 40 Front St., Rockville Centre. Christopher Reese of Long Island City won $10,000 on the Quick Draw drawing March 1. Reese’s winning ticket was purchased at Resorts World Casino NYC in Jamaica.
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Leisure
Poets Bring Literary Rep To Boro By ROSS BARK AN While many consider Brooklyn to be hogging the literary spotlight these days - writers f l o c k to Pa rk S l op e a n d Fo r t Greene like pigeons to breadcrumbs, hoping the good vibes and soaring rents and pleasant architecture will provide the proper concoction for a best-selling novel – Brooklyn does not, in fact, have it all. Brooklyn does not have the Fresh Meadows Poets. Founded in 1986, and now led by George Nort hr up, the Fresh Meadows Poets are a poetry col-
lective unique to Queens. Per forming poetry readings across the borough, the Fresh Meadows Poet s are not, despite their name, confined to bucolic Fresh Meadows. This past Saturday, members read their poetry at the Queens Botanical Gardens. Their goal is straightforward enough: promote the ar t of poetry in a borough with many potential poets, Queens. “Poets aren’t inspired necessarily by where they live, unless it’s somewhere spectacular like Big Sur,” Northr up said, referring to the sublime region off the coast of California where writers like Henry
A Filling Menu
REVIEW
points of Manhat tan and Nassau County. T he Fre sh Meadows Poet s, nearly 30 i n number, hop e to change that perception. They have read at Queens Borough Hall, libraries, and senior centers around the borough, and sponsor two poetry contests for Queens high school students. For Northrup, a psychologist by trade, poetry is an art that should be as accessible to as many people as possible. When reading his own poetr y in public, he opts for the more humorous and straightforward poems in his oeuvre. “One advantage of poetry is that you can keep the scope limited,” Nor thrup said. “Even a haiku is only 17 syllables. It’s possible to get a sense of completion.” Though he does not like to generalize about the state of poetry,
he believes poets in the world of academia are writing more for select audiences than a larger readership that may want to embrace poetr y. The public, Nor thrup argues, are still enamored with more tradit ional forms of poetry that are rhymed and metered. He points to popular music as a prime example— most songs deemed “catchy” usually rhyme. “If we want to make work accessible to large audiences, we need to make it so a person does not have to read a poem four to five times to understand it. If it has to be read twice, that’s okay. A poem at least has to be interesting. Some people assume their lives are interesting.” Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127.
Author Seeks Changes In Environment Thinking By JOANNA GONZALEZ Originally from Flushing, author Kendra Pierre-Louis was raised in Bayside and graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Ar t s degree in Economics. While studying at Cornell, she was inevitably drawn to the lush, rich, and diverse ambience of Ithaca and thus began to focus on environmental studies. That focus led to her recentlyreleased book, “Green Washed: Why We Can’t Buy Our Way to a Green Planet.” “I realize that the environment is the basic need for the human species to even survive,” Pierre-Louis said, She said that this is a fundamental basis of her philosophy, pointing out that while our society fights for political rights, environmental rights should be first, because without them, we would not have the privilege to car ry out any of the others mentioned before. “I want people to think about the environment in a community sense instead of an individual sense,” Pierre-Louis said, noting a change and choice she feels our current society must make to induce any form of “green” effect. While small effor ts by individu-
Kendra Pierre-Louis als are appreciated, she said, people need to do more than pushing others to “go green” by not purchasing water bot tle s or encouraging the use of eco-friendly shopping bags rather than plastic ones. For Pierre-Louis, one paramount communal way of improving the cit y of New York would be to reshape the mass transit system. Pierre-Louis said that the transit system should focus on easy-acce ss transportat ion in Queens and other boroughs aside from Manhattan. Since sometimes it is simply quicker to just drive to another borough instead of redundantly traveling, a frequent transit pattern es-
pecially found on bus lines, commuters are forced to use their cars or sometimes even buy one due to the inconvenience, which eventually, she said, “trickles down into a whole bunch of other issues, such as get t ing the roads paved, car maintenance, etcetera.” Despite Queens’ reconstruction, Pierre-Louis acknowledges that there are still some refreshing and relaxing green areas in Queens, some of her favorites include Al ley Pond Park and Oakland Lake in Flushing, and Cunningham Park in Fresh Meadows. Today, she works at the New Yo rk Bota nical Gar den i n t he Bronx, where she happily educates and explains others on the functions of the reputable, highly acclaimed garden; she also informs the general public on simple useful natural resources and introduces and advocates new approaches to a healt hier, improved, and finer way of life. Pierre-Louis will sign copies of her book from 6-8 p.m. March 13 at Wix Lounge, 10 W. 18th St. in Manhat tan. For more information, visit w w w.w ixlounge.com. Reach Intern Joanna Gonzalez at intern@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 124.
www.queenstribune.com • March 8-14, 2012 Tribune Page 19
– enough to savor but still keep you wanting more. We each took bites from each other’s plates. For an entrée, I went with the chicken korma – chicken in a almond and cashew nut sauce, with yogur t and coconut. Pouring the dish over the rice on my plate, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to handle the dish. When the waiter asked me if I wanted I said yes, withI’ve never been advenRESTAURANT spicy, out thinking about turous when it comes to how I normally can’t food, so I was a bit hesihandle food that is tant when my girlfriend too spicy. Thankfully, suggested going out to an the chicken korma Indian restaurant for dinwas milder than I was ner. A friend recommended expecting, the spice Seva, in Astoria, and she highlighting the flawas intrigued enough by vor of the dish. Bethe description that she fore long, I had wanted to tr y it. Couldn’t cleared my plate. we go out for pizza, I thought. My girlfriend, a vegetarian, had I’m glad I decided to listen to a more limited selection. But when her. It was a Saturday night, so the her Baigan Bharta – roasted and place was pret t y busy, but we mashed eggplant, baby green peas, were still seated as soon as we onions and tomato – came out, she walked t hrough the door. As we was happy with her choice. For dessert, we each chose the looked over the menu, we shared an order of garlic nan, leavened kheer, rice pudding w ith vanilla soft flat bread, baked in a clay and nuts. After the filling appeoven. The bread was fantastic and tizers and entrees, we were both set the stage for an amazing meal. unsure of whether we could even Seva offers a prix fix dinner spe- touch de sser t, but t he kheer cial, where diners can chose an ap- looked so good. Once I had a petizer, an entrée and dessert for taste, I couldn’t stop and before I $13.50. The entrée comes with knew it, it was all gone. Seva may not have been my Basmati rice. We decided to each go with the prix fix special. For an first choice for dinner, but it cerappetizer, I had the Masala crab cake tainly worked out in the end. I’m while my girlfriend had the veg- looking forward to making more etable samosa. When paired with trips to the restaurant so I can tr y the prix fix menu, the appetizers some of their other dishes. -Steven J. Ferrar i offer one large piece of each item Seva 30-07 34th St., Astor ia (718) 626-4440 www.sevaindianrestaurant.com CUISINE: Indian DELIV ERY: Yes HOURS: Noon to 10:30 p.m. ever yday CREDIT CARDS: Yes, all major.
Miller and Jack Kerouac (who himself lived for a decade in Queens while writing On the Road) drew inspirat ion. “With poetr y, people dig into their lives to write. That’s where they draw inspirat ion.” Nor thr up, who live s in Ne w Hyde Park, is originally from Western New York and has lived in New York Cit y since 1969. He admit s that compared to boroughs like Manhat tan and Brooklyn, Queens lacks a glamorous literary past. The poet Hart Crane never wrote a poem about the Queensboro Bridge. Walt Whitman did not exult in a Queens ferr y crossing the East River. At first glance, Queens’ literary legacy seems limited to F. Scot t Fitzgerald’s descript ion of Flushing as a “valley of ashes” in The Great Gatsby, an acrid purgator y bet ween t he glimmeri ng
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Queens Today “Enjoy Corned Beef At Ben’s…” SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL
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Page 20 Tribune March 8-14, 2012 • www.queenstribune.com
IF YOUR ORGANIZATION MEETS ON A REGULAR BASIS, SEND ALL DATES FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR.
HOWARD BEACH Tuesday, March 13 “Fa l l Prevention” at 10:30. 15645 84 th Street. 738-8100. TAX HELP Tuesdays, March 13, 20 at the Hollis library. 465-7355. AARP 4158 Tuesday, March 13 North Flushing chapter 4158 meets at noon at the Church on the Hill, 167-07 35th Avenue, Flushing. New members and visitors welcome. DRIVER SAFETY Thursday, March 15 AARP defensive driving class at the Auburndale library. 6413911 to register. TAX HELP Thursdays, March 15, 22, 29 tax counseling for low-income older adults at the Fresh Meadows library at 1. STARS Fridays, March 16, 23, 30 Senior Theater Acting Repertory meets at the Queens Village library at 10:30. KEW GARDENS Friday, March 16 Coping With Aging workshop at 1. Kew G a rd e n s C o m m u n i t y Center, 80-02 Kew Gardens Road, suite 202. ELDER LAW Sunday, March 18 “Elder Law for Yourself and Your Parents” at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 7111 112 th Street at 1`0:30. Light breakfast served.
THEATER FUNNY THING M a r c h 1 0 - 2 5 “A F u n n y Thing Happened On The Way to the Forum” in Little Neck. $18 adults. 229-4644. AUDITIONS Sunday, March 11 at 2 and Monday, March 12 at 8. Parkside Players “Done to Death” in Forest Hills. 516520-9474.
ENTERTAINMENT
TANGO Through March 18 world premiere musical at Thalia Spanish Theatre in Sunnyside. 729-3880. GARDEN FAMILY DAY Saturday, March 10 at the Queens Botanical Gardens, 43-50 Main Street, Flushing. 886-3800. ORGAN RECITAL Saturday, March 10 at 6:15 at St. Josaphat in Bayside. Free. 229-1663. CHINESE ENTERTAIN Saturday, March 10 Nai-Ni Chen and Ahn Trio perform dance and music at 8 at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center. $15 advance, $20 at the door. 482-5151. LIVE JAZZ & R&B Sundays, March 11, 18, 25 live jazz and r&b 6-10 at Déjà vu, 180-25 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. OPEN MIC POETRY Monday, March 12 Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows at 7:30. BINGO Tu e s d a y s 7 : 1 5 A m e r i c a n Mart yrs Church in Bayside. 4 6 4 - 4 5 8 2 . Tu e s d a y s 7 : 1 5 (doors open 6) Rego Park J e w i s h C e n t e r . 4 5 9 -1 0 0 0 . $3 admission includes 12
DINNER AWARDS Saturday, March 10 East Elmhurst-Corona Civic Association luncheon and awards ceremony in Jackson Heights. 426-3147. EMPTY BOWLS Sunday, March 18 at the New Homestead Home in Kew Gardens. 441-6614. Includes silent auction and more. REPUBLICANS Tuesday, March 20 Rego Hills Republican Club will hold their Annual Dinner at Portofino in Forest Hills. 275-6005. IAAP Saturday, March 24 Queens chapter of International Association of Administrative Professionals meet. 516-437-7038 evenings. ITALIAN LECTURE Sunday, April 24 “Leonard Covello” lecture at St. John’s starting at noon. $15. Reserve by April 20 th . QUEENS TASTE 2012 Tuesday, May 1 at Caesars Club at Citifield. Contact disco erqueens.info/ queenstaste. ELMHURST HOSPITAL Thursday, May 17 180 Years celebrating women’s health.maerkerj@nychhc.org.
games. SCRABBLE Tuesdays Fresh Meadows library at 1 and East Flushing library at 3:30. CHESS Tuesdays 4:30 Rosedale library and 4 at LIC library. YIDDISH THEATER Wednesday, March 14 Story of the Yiddish Theatre at the Forest Hills library at 6. PROSODY 400 Friday-Tuesday, March 1620 spoken word with live band at York College. $7. 262-2412. GAME DAY Fridays 4:30 Woodhaven library. BANANAGRAM/SCRABBLE Fridays Windsor Park library at 2. GAME PLAYERS CLUB Fridays 2 Hillcrest library. BLUES BROTHERS REVUE Saturday, March 17 at Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6311. THOUSAND LAUGHS Saturday, March 17 Thousand Laughs at the little Neck Jewish Center. 224-0404. CON BRIO ENSEMBLE Saturday, March 17 at the Langston Hughes library at 2:30. EMPTY BOWLS Sunday, March 18 at the New Homestead Home in Kew Gardens. 441-6614. Includes silent auction and more.
FLEA MARKETS FLEA MARKET Sunday, March 11 flea market and ethnic Polish bake sale 9-4 at St. Josaphat’s RC C h u r c h , 3 5 th A v e n u e a n d 210 th Street, Bayside. SPRING FAIR Saturday, March 24 9-3 at UUCQ, 147-54 Ash Avenue, Flushing. Crafts, vendors, kids’ room, flea market, food and more. FLEA/YARD SALE Saturday, April 28 (raindate April 29). Greater Ridgewood Historical Societ y’s outdoor flea market and communit y yard sale at the Onderdonk House, 1820 Flushing Avenue, Ridgewood. INDOORFLEA MARKET S a t u r d a y s 9 - 5 a t Tr i n i t y United Methodist Church, 1 0 8 th S t r e e t a n d 8 6 th A v enue, Jamaica. THRIFT SHOPS Saturdays 11-4 at Bargain Boutique Thrift Shop, Queens Baptist Church, 9323 217 th Street, Queens Village.465-2504.
EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS VICTORIAN FLOWER Sunday, March 11 “The Art of Drying Flowers.” $15. Sunday, March 18 “Dried Pressed Art.” Sunday, March 25 “The Victorian Bouquet and the Language of Flowers.” $20. Bayside H i s to r i c a l Societ y in Bayside. 352-1548 to register. BALLROOM DANCING
SINGLES SINGLES Wednesday, March 14 New member open house and “Make New Frie4nds & Keep The Old.” Wednesday Night Singles Group of the Samuel Field Y in Little Neck. 7-9. $7 Adult Center members, $9 others. Hot beverages and bagels. 225-6750, ext. 236. SIMCHA SINGLES Friday, March 16 for those 40-60+ at the Little Neck Jewish Center, 49-10 Little Neck Parkway at 8. Services followed by discussion: “Jewish Humor: Its Place in Jewish History and Its Role in our Contemporary Lives.” 516-487-0674.
TALKS
Central library. 990-5102. CHESS & CHECKERS Fridays, March 16, 23, 30 at the Astoria library at 3:30. CHESS CLUB Fridays Auburndale library at 3:30.Tutorial Woodside library at 4. BEGIN COMPUTERS Fridays Poppenhusen and Middle Village libraries. Register. COMPUTER LAB Fridays practice time at the Arverne library at noon. KNITTING CLUB Fridays Maspeth library at 10. KNIT & CROCHET Fridays Fresh Meadows library at 10:30. COMPUTER COURSE Every Friday Ozone Park library. Register. JOB SEARCH Saturday, March 17 job search boot camp at the Central library. Register. PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, March 17, 31, April 7, 21 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-436-7940.
RELIGIOUS REFORM TEMPLE Sunday, March 11 “The Glee Spiel” sing-a-long Purim at 10. Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112 th Street. WOMEN’S SEDER Sunday, March 25 at Te m p l e T i k va h . 5 1 6 - 7 4 6 1120.
MISCELLANEOUS TAX PREP DAY Friday, March 16 at Majestic Marquise in Ozone Park. 738-1111 information. COMMUNITY SINGERS Community Singers of Queens, Inc. rehearses at Messiah Lutheran Church. New members welcome. 658-1021. BARBERSHOP Wednesdays Barbershop Harmony Societ y meets in Flushing. 381-8689. FH VAC The Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps needs volunteers. 793-2055. FH SYMPHONY Wednesdays rehearsals at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 374-1627. GLEE CLUB Tuesdays the Bayside Men’s Glee Club rehearses. 4245769. ST. MEL’S CHOIR Wednesdays 7:30-9:00 rehearsals at St. Mel’s in Flushing. 393-7580.
www.queenstribune.com • March 8-14, 2012 Tribune Page 21
SEASIDE BOOK Monday, March 12 “Forever” discussed at 6:30 at the Seaside library. HILLCREST Tuesday, March 13 “A Farewell to Arms” discussed at 2 at the Hillcrest library. TURKISH LANGUAGE Wednesday, March 14 How a Language Migrated from Central Asia to the Mediterranean at Campbell Dome, Queens College at 12:15. 997-5597. SELLING CRAFTS Wednesdays, March 14, 21, 28 learn how to sell your handicrafts online at the Central library. 990-5102. CALLIGRAPHY Thursdays, March 15, 22, 29 appreciation of classical Chinese calligraphy at the Flushing library at 6:30. LITERARY SOUP Thursday, March 15 Literary Soup Adult Book Club at the Queens Village library at 6:30. Check library for March’s title. ELDER LAW Sunday, March 18 “Elder L aw for Yourself and Your Parents” at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 7111 112 th Street at 1`0:30. Light breakfast served.
Mondays, March 12, 19, 26 at the Forest Hills library at 6:30. INTRO POWERPOINT Monday, March 12 at the Central library. 990-5102. LI CRAFT CLUB Mondays, March 12, 26 at the Long Island Cit y library at 1. JOB SEARCH Mondays, March 12, 26 at the South Jamaica library at 2. JOB INFORMATION Monday, March 12 at the Middle Village library at 4. JOB INTERVIEW PREP Monday, March 12 at the Central library. 990-5102. RESUME WORKSHOP Tuesday, March 13 at the LIC library at 1:30. RESUMES Wednesdays, March 14, 28 at the Central library. 9900700 register. INTERNET SEARCHING Wednesday, March 14 at t h e W i n d s o r Pa r k l i b ra r y. Register. LEARNING LABS Wednesdays at the LIC library at 1:30. KNITTING CLUB Wednesdays Bayside library. Register. INTRO COMPUTERS Wednesdays Central library. Register. OIL PAINTING CLASS Wednesdays Grace Lutheran Church in Forest Hills. 472-4055. CIVIL SERVICE JOB Thursday, March 15 learn about the nature and t ypes of state and cit y job applications at the Central library. 990-5102. LEARN TO DANCE Thursdays ballroom smooth and Latin dances at the Samuel Field Adult Center in Little Neck. 225-6750, ext. 236. BOOT CAMP Thursdays learn computer programs at the Arverne library at 10:30. COMPUTERS Thursdays Glen Oaks library. Register. Rosedale library at 6. QUILTING CLASS Thursdays 10-2 Maria Rose Doll Museum in St. Albans. 276-3454 East Elmhurst library at 12:30. . COMPUTER CLASS Thursdays Queensboro Hill library. Register. KNIT & CROCHET Thursdays Fresh Meadows library at 6. Crochet at the South Hollis library at 6:30. BOOT CAMP Fridays through March 30 at the LIC library at 2. INTRO MICROSOFT EXCEL Friday, March 16 a t t h e
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Queens Today
Page 22 Tribune March 8-14, 2012 • www.queenstribune.com
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Formation of 15055 14 ROAD LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/26/12. Off. loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 12-40 Clintonville St., Lower Level, Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. ___________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF PRINCESS NEHA, LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/30/ 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: PRINCESS NEHA, LLC-34-33 75 th Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. ___________________________________ Notice of Formation of WTDF Now, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/24/12. Off. loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: National Corporate Research, Ltd., 10 E. 40 th St., 10 th Fl., NY, NY 10016. Purpose: any lawful activity. ___________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: MUGA LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/13/12. The latest date of dissolution is 12/31/2112. 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, 147-04 8th Avenue, Whitestone, New York 11357. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. __________________________________ Notice of formation of AURALNATION LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 11/25/ 2011. Office located in QUEENS. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 11554 220 STREET QUEENS NY 11411. Purpose: any lawful purpose. ___________________________________ Notice of formation of THE H U M M I N G B I R D RISTORANTE LLC Articles of Organization filed with the
Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 03/28/2011. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to 34-75 Carey Lane, Baldwin, New York, 11510. Purpose: any lawful purpose. ___________________________________ Notice of Formation of Jamaican Website LLC. Arts of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY SSNY on 12/08/2011. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: 13752 174 th Street, Springfield gardens, NY 11434 SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/ o Jamaican Website, LLC. At the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 411 (718) 977-4132. ___________________________________ 85-10 123 RD ST LLC a domestic LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/9/11. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 85-08 123 rd St., Richmond Hill, NY 11418. General Purposes. ___________________________________ Notice of formation of WM BILLING CONSULTANTS LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 8/13/10. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC. 31-16 87 th st. Jackson Heights NY 11369. Purpose: any lawful purpose. ___________________________________ Notice of Formation, Basicroot LLC. Arts of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/19/2011 Office loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copies of process served against LLC to: Basicroot LLC c/o Business Filings Incorporated, 187 Wolf Road, Suite 101, Albany, New York 12205 Purpose: all lawful activities. __________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 2/ 10/12, bearing Index Number NC-000064-12/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) Elisa (Middle) Rosa (Last) Valenti My present name is (First) Alisa (Middle) Rosa (Last) Valenti aka Elisa Rosa Valenti,
aka Alisa R. Valenti, aka Alisa Valenti, aka Elisa R. Valenti My present address is 91-02 78th Street, Woodhaven, NY 11421 My place of birth is Queens, NY My date of birth is January 11, 1982 __________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 2/8/12, bearing Index Number NC-000047-12/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) Brendy (Middle) Janin (Last) Moreira Hernandez My present name is (First) Brendy (Middle) Janin (Last) Hernandes Moreira (infant) My present address is 10606 Waltham St., Jamaica, NY 11435 My place of birth is Queens, NY My date of birth is June 17, 2004 __________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on the 17th day of January 2012 bearing Index Number NC-1259/ 11, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk located at 89-17 Sutphin Bouevard, Jamaica, NY, in room 357, grants me the right to assume the name of Donna (First) Jhagwanti (Middle) Roopnarine (Last); my present name is Jhagwanti Roopnarine a.k.a Jhagwanti; my present address is 111-21 113th Street, South Ozone Park, New York 11420-1122; my place of birth is Guyana; my date of birth is November 16, 1964. __________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 11/17/11, bearing Index Number NC-001092-11/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) Corky (Last) Lee My present name is (First) Young (Middle) Kok (Last) Lee aka Corky Lee My present address is 92-31 57th Ave., Apt. 4M, Elmhurst, NY 11373 My place of birth is Queens, NY My date of birth is September 05, 1947 __________________________________ Notice is hereby given that a license, number 1259642 for wine and beer has been applied for by the undersigned to sell wine and beer at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 39-07 Prince Street, #1A & MA, Flushing, NY 11354 for on-premises consumption, JD Restaurant (NY) Inc. d/b/a A Taste of Shanghai.
Queens Today HEALTH WAITANKUNG Sundays at 2. Total-body workout. Flushing Hospital/ Medical Center. Free. Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156. CHAIR YOGA Monday, March 12 introduction to chair yoga at the South Jamaica library. Register. TAI CHI Mondays and Thursdays at 11 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695. $5. ALZHEIMERS Tu e s d ay s , M a r c h 1 3 , 2 7 , April 10, 24 Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills. 592-5757, ext. 237. CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Tuesdays Western Queens Caregiver Network in Sunnyside. 5:30-6:30. 7846173, ext. 431. Also, 3:304:30 Selfhelp Clearview Sen i o r C e n t e r , 2 0 8 - 1 1 2 6 th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886. AUTISM Tuesdays Qualit y Services for the Autism Communit y holds workshops for families and friends of autistic children and adults. 7-AUTISM, ext. 1219. DAY TOP Tuesdays support for family and friends of those affected by substance abuse. 1-8002Daytop. WELL SPOUSES Wednesdays, March 14, April 11, May 9 Well Spouses or Partners of the Chronically Ill and Disabled meet at the St. Charles Rehab Center, 201 IU Willets Road, Albertson at 7. Free. 516-829-8740. ZUMBA Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695. $10 class. CO-DEPENDENTS ANON. Fridays 10-11:45 at Resurrection Ascension Pastoral C e n t e r , 8 5 - 1 8 6 1 st R o a d , Rego Park. Women only. CANCER ACTION Monday, March 19 Northern Queens Regional Cancer Action Council at the Langston Hughes library at 1. 990-5197 info. WILLING HEARTS Monday, March 19 at the South Jamaica library at 5. Saturday, March 24 at the Cambria Heights library at 3. Wednesday, March 28 at the Douglaston/Little Neck library at 2. Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands workshop show how to provide your elderly fair loved ones with the care needed. SUPPORT GROUPS Alcohol, drugs, domestic violence, martial issues, de-
p ression, anxiet y, phobia, etc. Woodside Clinic. 7791234. ALZHEIMERS 1-212-983-0700. DOMESTIC VIOL. 24 hour Domestic Violence Hotline. 657-0424. WOODSIDE MENTAL Woodside Mental Health Clinic. 779-1234. 12 STEP PROGRAMS AA Tu e s d a y s a t 8 a t G ra c e Lutheran Church in Astoria. 520-5021. Also, 520-5021 24 hours, 7 days a week. AL-ANON 457-1511. DEBTORS ANON.
212-969-8111. FAMILIES ANON. 343-2018. GAM-ANON 1-877-664-2469. MARIJUANA ANON. Sundays 7-8:30 at Zion Episcopal Church, 143-01 Northern Blvd., entrance on 44 th Avenue, room 5, Little Neck. NAR-ANON 1-800-984-0066. NICOTINE ANON. Mondays 6:45-8:00 at the Center for Tobacco Control, 225 Communit y Drive, Great Neck. 516-510-7826. Fridays in Forest Hills. 631665-0527.
MEETINGS CAMBRIA HTS LIB. Saturdays, March 10, April 14 Friends Board of Directors of Queens Library at Cambria Heights meet 45:15. 528-3535. CATHOLIC VETS Monday, March 12 American Mart yrs Catholic War Ve t e r a n s P o s t 1 7 7 2 i n Bayside. 468-9351. BD. OF TRUSTEES Monday, March 12 Central Queens Academy Charter School will hold a Board of Trustees meeting 7-9 at the Renaissance Charter School, 35-59 81 st S t r e e t , Jackson Heights. 803-0060 to register. QUEENS PRIDE Monday, March 12 Queens Pride Lions Club meets at the Queens Pride House in Jackson Heights 7-9. 4295309. WHITESTONE VFW 4787 Monday, March 12 Whitestone VFW Post 4787 meets at 8 at 19-12 149 th Street. 746-0540. CIVIL AIR PATROL Mondays Falcon Senior Squadron at 7 at JFK Airport. 781-2359. COMM. BD. 9 Tuesdays, March 13, April 10, May 8 Communit y Board 9 meets at 7:45. 2862686 for location. LIONS CLUB Tuesday, March 13 Lions Club of Ravenswood at 6:30 at Riccardo’s by the Bridge, 21-01 21 st Avenue, Astoria. MEN’S CLUB SOCCER Tu e s d a y e ve n i n g s F o r e st Hills Jewish Center 8-9:30. 263-7000. FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tu e s d ay s Fre s h M e a d ow s Camera Club. 917-6123463. ADVANCED WRITERS Tuesdays Advanced Bayside
Writers’ Group meets at 6:30 in the Terrace Diner, 212-97 26 th Avenue, upper level. BARBERSHOP Wednesdays Jamaica Chapter of the Societ y for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet in Flushing. 468-8416. MEN’S PRIDE GROUP Thursday, March 15 Queens Pride House Men’s group 7-9. 429-5309. FDR DEMOCRATS Thursdays, March 15, April 19, May 17 the FDR Democratic Association meets at 7:30 at the Chabad Center, Avenue, 212-12 2 6 th Bayside. 460-8285. CIVIL AIR PATROL Thursdays at 3 at August Martin HS, 156-10 Baisley Blvd., Jamaica. 525-6925. LEADD CLUB Thursday evenings and one Saturday afternoon. Recreation Socialization Program for Learning Disabled Adults. 18+, able to travel on public transportation. Arn310@aol.com information. WOMEN’S GROUP Fridays Woman’s Group of Jamaica Estates meets at noon. 461-3193. GOLD COAST ROTARY Fridays 516-466-3636. CLUTTERERS ANON. Fridays Learn how to gain control of your life by eliminating your clutter. 7127656. PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, March 17, 31 learn how to communicate e f f e c t i ve l y. 1 0 - 1 2 : 1 5 a t Elmhurst Hospital. 424-9754. P-FLAG Sunday, March 18 P-FLAG, a support group for parents, families and friends of lesbians and gays, meet in Forest Hills. 271-6663.
Queens Today YOUTH 3D ECO ART Thursday, March 15 at the Glendale library. Register. KIDS CLUB Thursday, March 15 at the Hillcrest library at 5. CRAFT TIME Thursdays 3:30 Ozone Park library. KIDS COLORING Fridays, March 16, 23, 30 at the Queensboro Hill library at 11. KIDS ACTIVITY Fridays, March 16, 23 at the Briarwood library at 3:30. LIBRARY BUDDIES Fridays, March 16, 2, 30 at 4 at the Auburndale library.
ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays, March 16, 23, 30 at the Briarwood library at 4. DANCE & LITERACY Fridays, March 16, 23, 30 at the Ridgewood library at 4. WII GAMING Fridays, March 16, 23, 30 at the Astoria library at 4:30. TWEEN ZONE Fridays LIC library at 2:30 for those in grades 5-8. ST. PAT’S STORY TIME Saturday, March 17 at 11 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Un i o n Tu r n p i ke , F re s h Meadows. Craft at 11:30.
TEENS CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2. TEEN STUDY Mondays through Thursdays at the Lefrak Cit y library at 4. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays Douglaston/Little Neck library at 4. TEEN CHESS Mondays at 6 Bayside library. HOMEWORK & GAMES Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays homework help and teen gaming at the Fresh Meadows library at 4. TEEN JEOPARDY Tuesday, March 13 at the Flushing library at 4. 3D ECO ART Tu e s d a y s , M a r c h 1 3 , 2 0 create an environmentally themed painting at the Middle Village library. Register. DANCE & LITERACY Tuesdays, March 13, 20 interactive workshops using literacy to explore the roots of contemporary culture. Cambria Heights and LIC library at 4. Wednesdays, March 14, 21 at the Ridgewood library at 4.Thursdays, March 15, 22, 29 at the Cambria Heights library and the LIC library at 4. Fridays, March 16, 23, 30 at the Ridgewood library at 4. LIC CHESS CLUB Tuesdays LIC library at 4. BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays Windsor Park library at 4. RESUME WRITING Wednesdays 4 Arverne library. GAME DAY Wednesdays Howard Beach and St. Albans libraries at 4. CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 Queens Village library.
KNIT & CROCHET Wednesdays South Ozone Park library at 1. Knit at the Bayside library. Register. KNITTING CLUB Wednesdays at the Bayside library. Register. 3D ECO ART Thursday, March 15 create an environmentally themed painting at the Glendale library. Register. DANCE & LITERARY Thursday, March 15, Tuesday, March 20, Thursday, March 22, Thursday, March 29 Dance and Literary Workshop at the LIC library at 4. TEEN THURSDAYS T h u r s d ay s Bay Te r ra c e l i brary at 3. WII GAMING Fridays, March 16, 23, 30 wii gaming at the Astoria library at 4:30. DANCE & LITERACY Friday, March 16, Wednesday, March 21, Fridays, March 23, 30 at the Ridgewood library at 4. TEEN HAPPY HOUR Fridays at 4 Flushing library. CHESS CLUB Fridays Auburndale library a t 3 : 3 0 . Tu to r i a l a t t h e Woodside library at 4. ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays Briarwood library at 4. GAME DAY Fridays Woodhaven library at 4:30. GAME PLAYERS CLUB Every Friday at 4 Hillcrest librar y. TEEN FRIDAYS Fridays Seaside library at 4. ACT TEST Saturday, March 17 take an AC T p ra c t i c e t e s t a t t h e F l u s h i n g l i b ra ry. 800-2738439 register. JOB SEARCH Saturday, March 17 at the Central library at 10:30.
www.queenstribune.com • March 8-14, 2012 Tribune Page 23
SCIENCE LAB Saturdays Central library at 11. MATH HELP Saturdays Flushing library at 10. HOMEWORK HELP Saturdays 10-noon Bayside library. CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2. S TORY TIMES Saturdays at 11 and Tuesdays at 10:30 weekly story times at Barnes & Noble, 1 7 6 - 6 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i k e , Fresh Meadows. LEGO BUILDERS Mondays, March 12, 19, 26 at the LIC library at 6:15. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at 4 Douglaston/ Little Neck library. HOMEWORK HELP Mondays 3:30-5:00 Bayside library. BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays, March 13, 20, 27 at the Hillcrest library at 3:30. DANCE & LITERACY Tuesdays, March 13, 20 at the Cambria Heights and LIC library at 4. 3D ECO ART Tuesdays, March 13, 20 at the Middle Village librar y. Register. CHESS CLUB Tuesdays LIC library at 4 and Rosedale library at 4:30. HAPPY HAPPY STORY Wednesdays, March 14, 21, 28 at the LIC library at 10:30. S TORY T I M E Wednesdays, March 14, 21, 28 East Elmhurst Storytime at 11:30 at the library. LIBRARY BUDDIES Wednesdays, March 14, 21, 28 at the Auburndale library at 4. DANCE & LITERACY Wednesdays, March 14, 21 at the Ridgewood library at 4. KNITTING Wednesdays Bayside library at 4. KNIT & CROCHET Wednesdays at the South Ozone Park library at 1. GAME DAY Wednesdays Poppenhusen library at 4. DRAMA POSSE Thursdays, March 15, 22 at the Hillcrest library. Register. LITTLE KIDS Thursday, March 15 at the Howard Beach library at 3:30. Through age 12. DANCE & LITERACY Thursdays, March 15, 22, 29 at the Cambria Heights library and the LIC library at 4.
Faith And Begorrah!
Community members and elected officials came out to celebrate during the St. Pat’s For All parade in Sunnyside and Woodside Sunday. Mayor Mike Bloomberg salutes the crowd at the event.
Carrying the official banner of the parade (from left) are parade cofounder and co-chair Brendan Fay, co-grand marshal and political Pictured at the St. Pat’s For All parade (from left) are State historian Peter Quinn, Quinn Brosnahan and his mother, co-grand Sen. Mike Gianaris, Councilwoman Liz Crowley, Manhattan marshal Mary Brosnahan, executive director of the Coalition for the Borough President Scott Stringer, Councilwoman Karen Ko- Homeless; and Kathleen Lynch, Irish Minister of State for Disability, slowitz and Assemblyman Michael DenDekker. Equality, Mental Health and Older People. Photos by Walter Karling.
Olympic Event The Samuel Field Y held a Purim Olympics Festival on Sunday, as hundreds of community members came out to participate in an afternoon filled with carnival games, prizes, crafts, food and giveaways. Community members also donated several shopping carts worth of canned and non-perishable food items. Pictured at the event (from left) are staff member Julie DeLorenzo, Corey Bearak, chairman of Northeast Queens Community Council; Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside), Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Little Neck) and Steve Goodman, executive vice president and CEO of the Samuel Field Y.
Leaders Honored
Councilman Daniel Dromm (center) was presented with the “Spirit of Queens” Community Leader Award at a ceremony held last week on the opening night of the second annual Queens World Film Festival at the Museum of the Moving Image. He is pictured with festival founders Don and Katha Cato.
Councilman Peter Koo recently honored local community leaders with a City Council proclamation in recognition of Black History Month. Pictured (from left) are Sherrell M. Jordan, Michaiah Jordan, Al Rankins, Catherine Williams, Koo, John Byas Sr. and Florence Salgado.
Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson
Call To Service
Queens Borough President Helen Marshall (left) honored Ozone Park resident Jacob Berelowitz with a Presidential Call To Service award for his volunteer work with the mentally ill and his Talk Therapy television program, broadcast on public access.
www.queenstribune.com • March 8-14, 2012 Tribune Page 33
Spirit Of Queens
pix
Hoping For Broadway
Whitney Rae Grandell Home: Astoria Age: 24 Height: 5’ 7" Weight: 125 lbs Stats: 34-27-33
Modeling may not have been what Whitney set out to do when she moved to New York, but she’s certainly taken to it quite easily. The California girl works consistently in showrooms in Manhattan, modeling women’s fashion. “It’s not something I actively pursued as my passion,” she said. “But it’s really worked out for me.” Whitney came to New York in 2007 to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, where she began to learn the acting craft. Since she’s been in the Big Apple, Whitney has done some theater – “Broadway is something I’d love to do,” she said – and hopes to parlay her experience into film roles. “I would love to have a role in an episodic TV show,” she said. “That’s my real dream.” She knows what she wants, and Whitney said she was willing to work hard to get it. “It takes a long time for people to conquer their dreams,” she said. “But I think I’ve done pretty well for myself.” When she’s not showing off in a showroom, Whitney said she enjoys going out for some fine dining or drinks in Astoria. As spring approaches, she said she’s looking forward to sitting outside with some coffee at some of her favorite places on 30th Avenue. “There’s a lot of nice outside dining opportunities in Astoria,” she said.
The Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge can do some damage.
A Few Screws Loose?
The Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge is one of the great places to get a glimpse of the Manhattan skyline. That is, unless the bridge itself obstructs your view. Andrew Campbell of New Jersey was heading to a game in Jackson Heights when a large screw and a piece of metal shattered the windshield of his car on the bridge’s lower level. “I was stunned, it sounded like a gunshot when it hit the windshield,” Campbell said. “It was totally unexpected. I was very shocked. I’m grateful I’m okay.” Recently, some have begun to think that Ed Koch may have a few screws loose. We just didn’t think they would end up on cars.
Lighting Up The Sky
Models Of Queens
Characters First
Page 34 Tribune March 8-14, 2012 • www.queenstribune.com
Judd Apatow has been making people laugh since he was a teenager. Now, the film and TV writer is being honored for it. The Flushing native was given the Herb Sargent Award For Comedy Excellence at the Writer’s Guild of America East gala, held last month at BB King’s in Manhattan. He was presented with the award by his “Bridesmaids” star Kristen Wiig. Known for his character-driven comedies, perhaps Apatow’s next project should take on the New York State Senate and Assembly’s redistricting efforts. There would be a lot of crazy characters in that flick.
Twitter Patter This week, a special sort of article appeared on the Mets.com homepage. It was titled, “Twitter a Polarizing Topic in the Mets Clubhouse” and concerned the efforts of lovable ginger infielder Justin Turner’s efforts to recruit fellow Mets to Twitter. While pitcher R.A. Dickey has embraced Twitter, fellow Met Josh Thole, he of the weak pop ups to short, and mental Mike Pelfrey think Twitter is for twits. Said Thole of Twitter, “Everybody’s like, ‘Oh, it’s great.’ OK. Go 0-for-12 and lose the game for the team and see how great it is.” With all the pundits picking the Mets to finish in the NL East basement, maybe Thole has a point. Twitter can be a rough place for a famous person who fails in the spotlight.
The Northern Lights as seen over Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Could they be coming soon to Queens? For Queens denizens, the New York . . . “northern lights” are merely whatever lights dot the apartment buildings across the East River in the Bronx. But some scientists are saying the REAL Northern Lights may be coming to Queens. According to the Space Weather journal, there is a chance that we’ll be able to see the aurora borealis right here in New York City in the next 10 years. The last time that happened, slavery was still legal. The northern lights were last visible in Queens in a rare event in 1859. But don’t plan your aurora borealis parties just yet, there is only a 12 percent chance we’ll see them in the next decade. Nevertheless, it would be exciting to see lights that aren’t police helicopters circling or the glow of the Empire State Building in a layer of smog for a change.
Flushing native Judd Apatow
Confidentially,
Mets catcher Josh Thole thinks Twitter is for the birds. Based on pre-season ticket sales, Mets players shouldn’t have to worry too much about joining Twitter. If followers equal tickets sold, Josh Thole will be tweeting to his mom, girlfriend, a random man trying to sell apartments in Flushing, and a porn star.
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