Vol. 41, No. 24 June 16-22, 2011
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Senate To Vote On Gay Marriage; Bill May Pass
Queens Student Jailed In Egypt Accused As Spy
Highway Ramps Source Of Worry At Willets Point
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Deadline...................................................................3 Editorial ...................................................................6 Not 4 Publication ....................................................8 This Week ..............................................................10 Closeup .................................................................10 Focus ..................................................................... 11 Police Blotter ........................................................16 Trib Pix...................................................................20 Leisure ...................................................................23 Queens Today .......................................................24 Classifieds.............................................................28 Confidential ...........................................................38
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Page 2 Tribune June 16-22, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
LEGAL NOTICE ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF UBU Property, LLC Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law FIRST: The name of the limited liability company is: UBU Property, LLC SECOND: The county within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is: Queens County. THIRD: The Secretary of State is designated as agent the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company serviced upon him or her is: 37-21 60 th Street, Woodside, New York 11377 FOURTH: The names and residence addresses of all individuals who are to be the original members and the original managers, if any, are: 1. Doris DeDemonico (name) Member/Mgr (title) 100% (perc e n t i n t e r e s t ) 3 7 - 2 1 6 0th Street, Woodside, New York 11377 (residential address Doris DeDemenico (signature of organizer) Doris DeDemonico (print or type name of organizer) Filed By: Michael A. Gallan, Esq. (name) 224 Whitehall Boulevard (mailing address) Garden City, New York 11530 (City, State and ZIP code) ______________________________________________________________ NARGENTINO DISUNNO NARGENTINO LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), filed with the Sec of State of NY on 3/24/11. NY Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/ her to The LLC, 167 Tulip Ave., Floral Park, NY 11001. General Purposes. _____________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: 29-03 HUNTERS POINT AVENUE, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/30/11. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 213-19 99th Avenue, Queens Village, New York 11429. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. _____________________________________________________________ ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF OAE INTERNATIONAL, LLC Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law FIRST: The name of the limited liability company is: OAE INTERNATIONAL, LLC SECOND: The county within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is: Queens THIRD: The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process
LEGAL NOTICE against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: NAOKI OKAI, 80-59 LEFFERTS BLVD. KEW GARDENS, NY 11415 NAOKI OKAI (signature of organizer) NAOKI OKAI (print or type of organizer) ______________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of DATAR CAB LLC, a domestic LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/22/2011. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: Jaspreet Singh, 133-48 123 Street 2 nd Fl, Jamaica, NY 11420. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. ______________________________________________________________ SUPREME COURT – QUEENS COUNTY MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF GAIL AND GLENDA FRANK, AS CO-CONSERVATORS AND CO-TRUSTEES OF THE PROPERTY OF DAVID FRANK, A CONSERVATEE PURSUANT TO AN ORDER/ JUDGMENT OF THIS COURT DATED, APRIL 28, 2011 BY HON. LEE A. MAYERSON, A JUSTICE OF THIS COURT AN APPLICATION TO SELL PREMISES 448 B E A C H 1 3 6 TH S T R E E T , ROCKAWAY PARK, NY 11694, BEING A PLOT 60 X 100 IN DIMENSION, WILL BE MADE ON THE 23 RD DAY OF JUNE, 2011, AT 9:30 A.M., AT I.A. PART 20 OF THE SUPREME COURT AT 88-11 SUTPHIN BOULEVARD, JAMAICA, N.Y. 11345 SAID PROPERTY IS PRESENTLY UNDER CONTRACT, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE COURT, FOR THE PRICE OF $585,000.00. CONTACT HEIDI J. HENLE ESQ. OF THE LAW OFFICES OF HEIDI J. HENLE, PLLC, ATTORNEY FOR THE CO-CONSERVATORS AT 42-40 BELL BOULEVARD, SUITE 301, BAYSIDE, NEW YORK 11361, TEL: (718) 766-9427. ______________________________________________________________ CITATION File No. 20093098/A SURROGATE’S COURT, Queens COUNTY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO: The heirs at law, next of kin and distributees of ANNABELLE DAVIS, deceased, if living, and if any of them be dead, to their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, legatees, executors, administrators, assignees, and successors in interest whose names are unknown and cannot be ascertained after due diligence, Queens County Public Administrator. A petition having been duly filed by Hazel Smith f/k/a Hazel Smith-Mann who is/are domiciled at 100 West 92 nd Street, Apt. 7A, New York 10025, United States YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Queens County, at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York, New York on June 23, 2011, at 9:30 o’clock in the Fore noon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of ANNABELLE DAVIS lately domiciled at 123-35 Inwood
LEGAL NOTICE Street, South Ozone Park, New York 11436 United States admitting to probate a Will dated July 1, 2003 a copy of which is attached, as the Will of ANNABELLE DAVIS deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that: Letters Testamentary issue to Hazel Smith Dated, Attested and Sealed, APR 21 2011 Seal HON. PETER J. KELLY Surrogate MARGARET M. GRIBBON Chief Clerk Lamont R. Bailey Print Name of Attorney Bailey & Bailey, LLC Firm 123-20 82nd Avenue, Kew Gardens, New York 11415 Address (718) 701-5915 Tel. No. NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you. ______________________________________________________________ SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX NO.: 28929/2010 DATE FILED 11-17-10 SUMMONS NYCTL 2009-A TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN FOR NYCTL 2009-A TRUST, Plaintiffs, against- GANGAPERSAD MAHARAJH; BARBARA BLACKMAN; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; GREEN TREE CREDIT LLC; THE CIT GROUP/CONSUMER FINANCE INC.; CITY OF NEW YORK ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; CITY OF NEW YORK PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #100”, the last 100 names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiffs, the persons or parties intended being the owners, tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, and if any of the aforesaid individual captioned defendants, if any, be dead, their respective heirsat-law, next of kin, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, or through any of the aforesaid individual captioned defendants, if any, if they be dead, whether by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, including any right, title or interest in and to the real property described in the complaint herein, all of who and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiffs, Defendants. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action, to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with the summons, to serve notice of appearance, on the plaintiffs’ attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the date of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this summons is not per-
LEGAL NOTICE sonally delivered to you within the State of New York), and in case of failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. Plaintiffs designate Queens County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the subject property. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the tax lien holder who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the tax lien holder will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (TAX LIEN HOLDER) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: November 10, 2010 LEVY & LEVY Attorneys for Plaintiffs 12 Tulip Drive Great Neck, NY 11021 (516) 487-6655 by: JOSHUA LEVY, ESQ. File No.: 1383001 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Joseph G. Golia, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Queens County dated May 10, 2011 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Queens County Clerk’s Office, Jamaica, NY. The object of the action is to foreclose a tax lien and to recover the amount of the tax lien and all of the interest, penalties, additions and expenses, to real property k/a Block 11600, Lot 35. Dated: May 25, 2011. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. For Pltf. #79921 HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE New York State Law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully. Summons and Complaint You are in danger of losing your home. If you fail to respond to the summons and complaint in this foreclosure action, you may lose your home. Please read the summons and complaint carefully. You should immediately contact an attorney or your local legal aid office to obtain advice on how to protect yourself. Sources of Information and Assistance The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies, and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Banking Department at 1-877-
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
BANK-NYS or visit the Department’s website at www.banking.state.ny.us. Foreclosure rescue scams Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. ______________________________________________________________
SSNY shall mail process to: 213 Beach 88th Street, Rockaway Beach NY 116931605. Purpose: any lawful act. ______________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of JC Tax & Accounting LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of the State of New York (SSNY) on 02/ 08/2011. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to: 151-68 7 th Avenue Whitestone, NY 11357 Purpose: any lawful act or activity. ______________________________________________________________
Notice of formation of C.R.Donald Group, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 3/30/ 2011. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to: 90-59 56 th Avenue #2M, Elmhurst, NY. Purpose: any lawful purpose. ______________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of RL 32 Ave Property LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State on 4/4/11. Office location: Queens County. Sec. of State designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to the principal business addr.: 132-24 3 2 nd A v e . , F l u s h i n g , N Y 11354. Purpose: any lawful activity. ______________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: BREAD THEATRE LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/11/11. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 35-20 9 th Street, Long Island City, New York 11106. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. ______________________________________________________________ LEVEL 3 MEDIA, LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), filed with the Sec of State of NY on 4/25/11. NY Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/ her to The LLC, 84-15 108 St., Richmond Hill, NY 11418. General Purposes. ______________________________________________________________ Notice of formation of 35TH HARCO LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/1/2011. Office location, County of Queens. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.
Name: 357-361 HENRY STREET DEVELOPMENT LLC Art. Of Org. Filed Sec. Of State of NY 03/31/2011. Off Loc.: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY to mail copy of process to the LLC C/O, Ginsburg & Misk, Esqs. 21548 Jamaica Avenue, Queens Village, NY 11428. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity. ______________________________________________________________ Action for divorce: Seung Ho Choi v. Un Ju Pak You are hereby summoned to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or to serve a notice of appearance on plaintiff’s attorney within thirty (30) days after the publication and in case of your failure to answer appear, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the notice set forth below in the complaint. The object of this action is to obtain a judgement of divorce dissolving the marriage between the parties on the grounds that are in accordance with Sub (2) of the Sec 170 of the Domestic Relations law. Hong Kyung Choi, Esq. Attorney for plaintiff 141-25 Northern Blvd. #A30, Flushing, NY 11354 ______________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation JYA Realty LLC art. of org. filed Secy. of State NY (SSNY) 12/23/ 10. Off. Loc. in Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 37-39 30 th St, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. _____________________________________________________________ Supreme Court, Queens County, Matter of Juanita Watkins a.k.a. Juanita E. Watkins an incapacitated person, pursuant to Court Order dated June 1, 2011, of Hon. Howard G. Lane, JSC, for application to sell premises 135-58 223 rd Street, Jamaica, New York 11413 on July 12, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. In IAS Part MGM, Supreme Court – Queens County 8811 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York 11432 under contract subject to court approval for $275,000.00 call Zenith T. Taylor, Esq. (718) 268-1300 for info
Queens Deadline
Dems Turn Backs On Scandalized Rep. By JOSEPH OROV IC U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner’s (D-Kew Gardens) fortunes took a dive into oblivion, as calls for his resignation by members of his own party reached the heights of the Oval Office. Few have come to the Rep’s side in the last week, as President Barack Obama and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-California) both suggested Weiner step down. “I can tell you that if it was me, I would resign,” Obama said in an interview with NBC. “I think he’s embarrassed himself. He’s acknowledged that. He embarrassed his wife and his family. Ultimately, there’s going to be a decision for him and his constituents.” The comments came on the heels of Congress granting Weiner a two-week leave of
absence to seek treatment at an undisclosed location. A week ago, Weiner tearfully admitted to engaging in raunchy online conversations with at least six women, sending them photos of himself. The announcement came after 10 days of Weiner denying he posted a photo of his bulging underpants on Twitter, aimed at a college co-ed. In the time since, support for Weiner has crumbled, with a demonstration being held outside of his office, and other members of the Queens delegation refusing to defend him. “I agree with Nancy Pelosi that he should step down,” said U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (DBayside). “Sadly, it’s time. He’s become a distraction to the Democratic agenda. I feel for him and his family. He should get the help he needs.”
Huma Abedin’s pregnancy. Various reports state the congressman, often known for his combative style, has become disoriented, gaunt and uncertain of his political future. Various sources have told media outlets his resignation may come in a matter of days. Should Weiner push through the controversy and keep his office, his future remains in jeopardy. As a result of the 2010 Census, New York State stands to lose two congressional seats. Political oddsmakers claim the losses will be shared upstate and downstate, and Weiner’s plight makes his district ripe for the ravages of redistricting. Reach Deputy Editor Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.
U.S. Reps Carolyn Maloney (D-Astoria) and Joe Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) passed on the chance to defend Weiner. “Weiner’s behavior is sad and disappointing,” Maloney said. “My heart goes out to him and his family. I’m concerned about his health, and am glad he’s seeking treatment. If it were me, I would resign. But it’s not up to me. This is up to him, and ultimately up to his constituents.” More photos sent by Weiner were attained by gossip site TMZ. They show the Congressman in various states of near-nudity in the gym reserved for Congress members and staff. An action figure lampooning the Weiner’s situation has also hit the market. Perhaps one lone bright spot for the congressman was the announcement of his wife
Protesters Clash Over Weiner’s Political Fate Photo by Ira Cohen
By DAN MILLER On Sunday the Juniper Park Civic Association held a rally in front of the Queens office of embat tled U.S. Rep. Ant hony Weiner (D-Kew Gardens) demanding that the veteran lawmaker resign because of his lewd texting and naked pictures he sent electronically to people he had never met. “We have three wars going on, we have a debt ceiling that needs to be fixed, and I’ve got my Congressman taking shots of his genitals,” said Kevin Hiltunen, 47, of Bergen Beach, Brooklyn. “That’s what’s importa nt to Anthony Weiner. It ai n’t about potholes. It’s about his genitals, and this is absolutely disgust ing. Ever ybody in th is district a nd th is countr y should be outraged. But no, let’s cover it up like he’s got a problem.” The rally had been called prior to the most recent photos being unveiled, nude selfportraits Weiner took of himself in the locker room of the U.S. Capitol’s gym, but was held after. “He’s got a serious psychological problem,” Hiltunen added. “No normal middle aged man does this kind of stuff. Resign today, get rehab tomor row. Get your head right and get on with your life, but you can’t represent the Ninth District.”
The majorit y of protesters outside Anthony Weiner’s of fice called for him to step down. While The Juniper protestors demanded Weiner step down, a second group stood fast, showing their suppor t for Weiner. Arlene Broad, 77, was accompanied by her daughter Dale Ganner, 52, to suppor t Weiner, explaining that he has done a good job as their congressman and that he de-
serves a chance to remain in office. They stood in the minority but still held up signs in opposition to the signs carried by dozens of other community members demanding that Weiner resign. At more than one point in the dueling rally it seemed the shouting match would
come to blows, as outraged protestors verbally sparred on the issue. While protesters used bullhorns to chant “Re sign now,” a counter protester cupped his hands in front of his mouth chanting “hell no!” He had to smack away the sign of a protester who had placed her placard in front of him in an effor t to block his voice. “Congressman Weiner has disgraced himself,” said Judi Sobel, an Orthodox Jewish woman from Kew Gardens. “Elected officials must respect women, non shame them as Mr. Wiener has done. He is a sick depraved man who is not fit to hold office any longer.” “Here’s an elected official – a national public figure – sending pornographic images of himself over a long period of time across the nation,” said Juniper Park Civic Association President Bob Holden. “It’s very reckless to do that.” As to the lies Weiner initially told to cover up the scandal, one protester defended Weiner for his response when backed into a corner. “Anybody would panic in that situat ion,” the protester said. “Does everybody forget all that he has done for the city? The middle class is bet ter off because of him.” —Brian Rafferty contributed.
Addabbo, Huntley Flip As Vote Nears Senate’s 30 Democrats, including all seven Queens S enators, are now in suppor t of the bill, with only Sen. Ruben Diaz (DBronx) in opposition. They were joined by two Upstate Republicans, Sen. Jim Alesi (R-Rochester) and Sen. Roy McDonald (RSaratoga Springs) leaving the measure just one vote shy of passing as of Wednesday. The bill was expected to pass the Assembly some time Wednesday. Gov. Andrew Cuomo met w ith Republicans on Monday to push the bill. “I believe the votes will be there for marriage equality,” Gov. Cuomo said. But some potential “yes” votes from the GOP side are already gone. Long Island Republicans Chuck Fuschillo, Jack Mar t ins and Kemp Hannon have announced they would oppose t he bill, as has Sen. Bet t y Lit tle (R-Glens Fal ls), and fre shman Sen. Greg Bal l (R-Hudson Valley). T he other potential “yes” votes, Andrew Lanza (RStaten Island), Steven Saland (RPoughkeepsie), a nd Mark Gristani (R-Buffalo), who repre sents a ver y Democrat ic district, were still undecided as of Wednesday. Advocates in favor of marriage equal-
ity who have been tallying votes say there are any where from three to seven Republicans still on the fence. Republicans are feeling the heat from the state’s powerful Conservative Part y, whose ballot lines Republicans often need to win elections. State Conservative Party chairman Michael Long has warned he would pull his par t y’s suppor t for any Republican who voted for the bill, but that feeling hasn’t been echoed by some Conservative Party count y chairs, who will ultimately have control over who gets par ty suppor t next year. Also, the anti-gay-marriage group New Yorkers For Constitutional Freedoms is threatening Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos with potential third-party general election challenges if he even brings the bill up for a vote. Archbishop Timothy Dolan spoke in staunch opposition on Tuesday, comparing same-sex marriage to government intervention into families in totalitarian countries. “Last time I consulted an atlas, it is clear we are livi ng in New York, in the United State s of America – not in China or Nor t h Korea,” he said. “In those countries, government presumes daily to ‘redefine’
rights, relationships, values, and natural law.” In the meantime, activists are continuing the push, with same-sex marriage supporters like New York Ranger Sean Avery and actress Cynthia Nixon headed to Albany to lobby the final undecided votes, and organizations like New York Young Democrats holding phone banks to keep public pressure on the undecided legislators. Pro-marriage equalit y clergy held a rally Tuesday in Roche ster, in Sen. Ale si’s district, to offer him support. Should it pass, New York would be the sixth state to legalize same-sex marriage and the largest. It would also mark the first time such a bill passed a Republican-controlled legislative chamber. Marriage equality is one of the major pieces of legislation Albany is tackling in the final days of the session. The legislature is also working on reauthorizing rent regulat ions and passing a propert y ta x cap, a major priority of Senate Republicans. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
www.queenstribune.com • June 16-22, 2011 Tribune Page 3
By DOMENICK RAFTER All of Queens’ State Senators are in support of mar riage equalit y and a final vote is expected before the end of the week as activists on both sides jockey to lobby the final undecided Senators. State Sens. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica) and Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) who both voted “no” in 2009 have switched their vote in suppor t, along with fellow Democrat Carl Kruger (D-Brooklyn), another 2009 “no” vote. Huntley and Addabbo both said there were significant shift s in suppor t among constituents in their districts. “The numbers have changed,” Huntley said at a Monday press conference announcing her suppor t. Her district, she said, is 60/40 in favor. Addabbo said more than 6,000 constituents wrote or called his office on the issue. Of those, more than 4,800 of them were in support. Both have said their “no” votes in 2009 were based on surveys of their districts that showed their constituents against, but that has changed. Their votes mean 29 of the State
Student Accused Of Spying In Egypt By DOMENICK RAFTER A Queens native who served in the Israeli Defense Forces is under arrest in Egypt, accused of being a spy for Israel. Ilan Grapel, 27, originally from Hollis Hills, is accused of being an agent of the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad. Grapel, an Emory University Law Student and graduate of Johns Hopkins University, went to Egypt earlier this year on his American passport to work with an non-governmental organization on a legal aid program dealing with the resettlement of African refugees. But in the wake of the revolution that overthrew former president Hosni Mubarak earlier this year, Egyptian concern over pos-
sible attempts by Israel to influence the country's post-Mubarak transition may have led them to target Grapel, who fought in the Israeli Defense Forces during the Second Lebanon War in 2006, where he was wounded. U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Bayside), Grapel's congressman and the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Middle East subcommittee, said he was working to get Grapel released. "This was an unfortunate mistake that we're trying to straighten out," Ackerman said, adding that he was "assured by the highest levels in Israel" that Grapel was not involved in espionage for the country. Grapel, who attended PS 188 in Hollis Hills
and is a graduate of Bronx High School of Science, interned for Ackerman in the summer of 2002 in his Bayside office and the congressman said he has been in contact with his family in Hollis Hills. He described Grapel as an "Arabist" and "very sympathetic to that culture and philosophy." "He was interested very much in the Middle East," Ackerman said. Though born in America, Grapel is a dual citizen of the United States and Israel. As a law student, he interned with an Israeli Supreme Court justice in 2009 and has often visited Egypt. He was in the country working with an NGO on a legal aid program for African refugees. While in Egypt, Grapel took pictures of himself in his Israeli uniform and posted
them on his personal Facebook page. Ackerman said that behavior should make it obvious that he's not involved in espionage. "That is not what a spy does," he said. Ackerman said the Egyptians have been treating Grapel well and Grapel has had contact with U.S. embassy officials in Cairo. He said there has been no word on when he could be released. Egyptian and Israeli newspapers alike are calling the arrest a sham and likening it to the pre-revolution stance Mubarak had taken on allegations of Israeli spying that had no merit. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
Manning Phones To Save Fire Houses
Page 4 Tribune June 16-22, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
By JASON COHEN Last Thursday, Bayside residents took time from their protests and rallies to do something different to try to save their firehouse - and 19 others across the City slated for closure in Mayor Mike Bloomberg's budget. Under the leadership of Community Board 11 member Tom Meara, residents and firefighters of Engine 306 in Bayside held a phone bank at Bourbon Street Restaurant on Bell Boulevard; volunteers used their own cell phones to call residents and tell them how to voice their concerns about the proposed closures. Each volunteer and firefighter at the event was given a list of names to call and a sheet of paper briefly explaining what to say when they call. It is a very simple process that only takes about three minutes, Meara explained. If they were able to get in touch with a
resident, they were told to tell them to call 311, select the language preference and press 0 when the recording starts to list specific services, which will transfer them to a live operator. Then tell the operator "you want to register your concerns over the closing of the 20 firehouses specifically, Engine 306." "It is unfortunate that people can't reach the mayor," he said. If Engine 306 is closed, then response time for local emergencies would increase by two minutes, he said. In a area where many senior citizens live, it is imperative to have firefighters available at all times, Meara said. "Is it really worth $2 million in a $60 billion budget," he asked. "He's a mayor that's out of touch." People that will be affected firsthand are the firefighters. Two firefighters of Engine
306 who wished to remain anonymous, said they are infuriated that their house along with 19 others could possibly be closed. They said they found about the planned cuts the same day the news broke to everyone in New York. If a decision is made to close any of the houses, the firefighters will be notified by July 1, and then they will submit a list of where they would like to be transferred to and have 45 days until the firehouse is closed. The firefighters explained that it is important to understand that no one is losing their jobs, but the community will lose a firehouse. "I think it's ridiculous," one the firefighters said. Instead of adding bike lanes, the mayor needs to focus on more important things like keeping firehouses, they said. They also explained that the City primarily wants to get rid of one truck per firehouse, but Engine
306 only has one company, therefore the whole building could be closed. Lorcan Malone of Bayside was at Bourbon Street making phone calls. "I definitely think it's important to come out and help the cause," Malone said. Bay Terrace resident, Mike Klubok echoed Meara's sentiment. Klubok, who attended previous rallies outside the firehouse, said one of the mayor's jobs is to provide his constituents with safety and service; by cutting 20 firehouses, he is doing the exact opposite. "What about raising taxes on people who can afford to pay it," he said. "We cannot afford to lose these people." Reach Intern Jason Cohen at jcohen@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 124.
Commuting Along Our Waterways Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Manhat tan Borough Pre sident Scott Stringer. Less than five minutes later, ever yone arrived in Manhat tan. The ferry, operated by New York Waterway, which runs successful ferries along the Hudson River and from New Jersey, makes six stops along the East River. Its southern terminus is Pier 11 at Wall Street, where ferries from New Jersey also dock. On its way uptown, it makes a series of stops in Brooklyn; first in DUMBO at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Schafer Landing in South Williamsburg, North Sixth Street in North Williamsburg and India Street in Greenpoint followed by its single stop in Queens at Hunters Point. The ferry then makes the quick trip across the river to East 34th Street where commuters can take buses to Herald Square and Rockefeller Center. The entire trip from Pier 11 to East 34th Street only takes about a half hour. On the weekends and on Friday nights throughout the summer, the ferr y will add a leg from Pier 11 to Governors Island. The ferry r uns ever y 20-30 minutes (20-60 minutes in the winter), from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the weekdays and 9 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. The double-decker boats, capable of carrying 149 passengers, also has a bike rack in the front of the boat for two-wheeled commuters. Two hours after the inaugural trip, three commuters waited for the uptown ferr y at Wall Street. It left at 8:40 a.m., its passenger totals doubling at each stop in Brooklyn. Most of the passengers gathered in the The boat navigates its way out of Hunters Point. small open-air section on the second
Photos by Domenick Rafter
By DOMENICK RAFTER The clouds that socked in the city last week were beginning to break shor tly after 7 a.m. Monday as a half dozen people gathered on a dock in Hunters Point, wait ing for the inaugural East River Ferr y to make its way uptown from Wall Street and take them across the river to East 34th Street. Among those gathered on the dock were Gayle Baron, President of the Long Island City Partnership, and a handful of commuters from Long Island City who decided to try out crossing on the river, rather than under it on the crowded 7 train. "It's good to have options," Baron said as the 74-foot ferr y boat appeared heading nor t h f r o m B ro o k l y n . W he n t he b o a t docked, the Queens commuters were greeted by U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (DA s to r i a ) a n d C o u n c i l m a n J i m my Va n Bramer (D-Sunnyside) who were joined on the first cruise by Mayor Mike Bloomberg,
Riders from Queens and Brooklyn disembark after docking in Manhattan. floor of the boat, taking pictures of the Manhat tan skyline, while others stayed indoors, relaxing on the velour, cushioned seats, reading the paper or checking their emails. "There's free coffee by the way," announced a female passenger who boarded in Nor th Williamsburg, taking advantage of the perks of the ferr y's first day, "You won't find that on the L train." There were still some first-day kinks to work out. When the uptown ferry arrived in Greenpoint, the downtown ferry was parked in the slip, leaving the boat to idle in the river for about two minutes. "Nothing in this city is without its delays," joked a male passenger from DUMBO. By the time the boat arrived in Hunters Point shortly after 9 a.m., about three dozen people were aboard. A few more boarded as
it left for Midtown. The one downside to the ferr y's Hunters Point locat ion is it s distance from residential areas; the dock is three blocks south of the Queens West development on Second Street, in the middle of the Hunters Point South construction site - but there is a $5-a day parking lot. Baron said she hopes the dock will be moved to Gantr y Plaza State Park, which would be more convenient for those living in Queens West. The ferr y is free through June 24, and will be $4 one-way after that. There will be a $1 surcharge for bikes. For more information, including a full schedule, go to eastriver ferr y.com Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
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Holding Our Breath First and foremost – we thank and congratulate Sens. Shirley Huntley and Joe Addabbo for changing their position on gay marriage. The two were the only remaining Queens Democrats who had previously voted against gay marriage; this week they said they changed their minds. Yes, we recognize that they perceived the issue to be in opposition of their constituents, and we are glad to see that the people they represent spoke up in great numbers to convince them to change their position. We certainly realize that this is not a fait accompli. As of printing, there were only 31 Senators committed to voting in favor of granting members of the LGBT community the right to marry one another; 32 are needed, and a vote was expected by Friday. This newspaper has taken great pride in championing what we feel is the basic equality of civil rights for all New Yorkers. If, indeed, the measure does pass, it will be a historic day in New York – and one of celebration here in Queens, home to one of the largest organized gay communities on the East Coast. We patiently await the vote of the Senate. Do the right thing. We all should be equal.
In Your Opinion: Resign Now
Page 6 Tribune June 16-22, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
To The Editor: I write with sadness not anger. The congressman from Forest Hills Gardens has become a national laughing stock. The tabloid newspapers have published unsavory disgusting photos of female friends of Anthony Weiner on Twitter. In the early 1980s, Nita Lowey represented us who lived here in Parkway Village. On a snowy Sunday morning in January, her congressional staff set up a table in our supermarket on Union Turnpike. Her staff asked her constituents what help was needed. Anthony Weiner does not reply to a letter. I had Joe Crowley’s staff send a letter to Weiner’s staff just to please get an answer on questions of veterans’ entitlement. As a registered Democrat in Queens for 40 years, I demand Weiner resign. Let him run in a special election to vindicate himself. Ryan Hayes, Jamaica
More Reasons To The Editor: Like many newspapers, the Queens Tribune did cover the scandal surrounding Representative Anthony Weiner. I have been acquainted with the congressman for many years and have attended many community events at which he appeared. Weiner is a far-left wing liberal, and makes
no secret of it. He is so left-wing it’s a shock he doesn’t topple over. Weiner is certainly entitled to his political views. What he is not entitled to is voting and making decisions based solely on his own views. The job of a congressman is to vote the views and interests of his or her constituents, not one’s own. Over the years, I tried numerous times to have an honest and open discussion with Weiner about important issues facing his district and the country – health care, unemployment, the economy, big government, immigration. Not one time was he in any way courteous or patient. As my views conflicted with his, he made it clear that he was only interested in citizens who shared his views and were to the left of the political spectrum. This is not the way an elected official is supposed to behave. In addition to lying and disgracing his office, Weiner should also resign for not representing his constituents fairly. He has not been an effective and unbiased representative, unless one is far to the left as he is. Edward Riecks, Howard Beach
Betrayed To The Editor: We have learned a lot about Congressman Anthony Weiner over the past few weeks. While it troubles me to see a human being publicly humiliated over a self-imposed scan-
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dal, the issues here go well beyond what Weiner does in his private life. The core problem is repeated dishonesty and shameless hypocrisy. Putting aside the creepiness of his actions, Congressman Weiner has shown himself to be untrustworthy and therefore unfit to serve. Weiner betrayed his trust and lied to the media and his constituents. Only after his clear involvement was exposed, did he confess and claim to accept responsibility. However, he continued to lie, claiming he did not use government resources in the scandal, or coach anyone else to lie. New evidence suggests he did indeed coach a woman on how to mislead the press and even offered the assistance of a Congressional staff PR expert. General House Ethics Rules state that all members of the House must conduct themselves at all times in a manner that reflects credibility on the House. It also states that members should not in any way use their office for private gain. Nor should they attempt to circumvent any House rule or standard of conduct. When it became apparent in Washington that Weiner’s violations of House rules are significant, Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic leadership team began calling for his resignation. Once a representative has lost the confidence of his own party leaders, he is no longer capable of serving the best interests of his constituents, regardless of the situation. Many people have argued that although Weiner lied and broke house rules, he is not guilty of breaking the law. But let’s consider the scandal in this way… any private citizen would be fired from their position if they behaved in a similar way. Shouldn’t our elected officials be held to the same standards of behavior as ordinary citizens? Congressman Weiner is a tragic example of how power corrupts. When a leader is willing to cheat, lie, blame and mislead people in order to hold onto power, then that individual’s power does not serve the people and his power must be revoked. The issue is not whether forgiveness can be offered to someone who has erred in the public eye. But I believe Weiner has betrayed the public trust past the point of being able to function in this position. Congressman Weiner must resign. Bob Turner, Howard Beach
We Get the Picture To The Editor: As a native New Yorker, and someone who has lived “inside the Beltway” for over 30 years, I find Congressman Weiner’s current situDeputy Editor: Joseph Orovic
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Really, Trib? To The Editor: I was saddened, but not surprised at your defense of Anthony Weiner. Surely there must come a time when a person is judged on his character not his voting record. As to your assertion that he can still represent his congressional district, how? He is not well-liked even among his fellow Democrats, he is a loner in the House, he has never introduced a name bill during his career and I have personal knowledge that he has had to resort to non-Congressional, non-staff individuals to communicate with his fellow representatives because he is afraid to approach other House members directly. Now all of us have witnessed his chutzpah by illegally using Congressional facilities to satisfy his sexual compulsions. Do you really subscribe to the notion that liberal-progressives are to be judged by standards different from the rest of us? David Rivkin, Jamaica James Mammarella
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ation unsurprising. Both jurisdictions live by the mantra “Anything Goes.” And while I don’t condone his Facebook and Twitter misbehavior by a long shot, perhaps this should now come to an end. We get the picture, no pun intended. He is supposedly checking himself into rehab and taking a leave of absence from his official duties, thus removing himself as a distraction from the pursuit of pressing legislative business. (Time to find another excuse.) He has most likely paid a high personal price for attempting to cover up what was probably a mistaken pressing of the wrong letter, after all “f” and “t” are close to each other on a keyboard, making matters worse for himself than they might have been had he owned up to the original incident immediately. (When will they learn!) He has definitely found out he had few real friends among his colleagues, because their responses on his predicament have been professionalized and heartless as they scurry to distance themselves as far as they can from him. With a baby on the way, let’s hope his marriage was based on more than political power and leave him and his wife alone to heal and decide their future. Look on the bright side. This disclosure may have happened for a reason and just in the nick of time. And who among us, particularly on Capitol Hill, is not human and in a position to judge. Karen Ann DeLuca, Alexandria, Va.
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Weiner Virtue To The Editor: In view of the Congressman Anthony Weiner fiasco, I would like to retract my earlier proposal to remove the Civic Virtue sculpture at Queens Borough Hall (in accord with Mr. Weiner’s public relations stunt thereof) and to erect a monument at that site to the world’s greatest entertainer, Al Jolson. I believe that Civic Virtue should be renamed Weiner Virtue, restored, and made anatomically correct for the dimensions of Mr. Weiner’s weiner or wiener (from the German, weinerwurst, for Vienna sausage)! A more appropriate monument for Al Jolson would be Westbeth Center for the Arts in the West Village, New York City, site of the old Bell Laboratories where the soundtrack for Warner Brothers’ talkie, “The Jazz Singer,” was synchronized. As soon as we know Mr. Weiner’s anatomical specifications, we could circulate the petitions for Weiner Virtue in his gerrymandered district before the State expunges this monstrosity of Senator Schumer’s protégé. Joseph N. Manago, Briarwood
Shameless To The Editor: We have had quite a few men in the political arena who have acted poorly both in their private and public lives. Congressman Weiner was only the tip of the iceberg. There has been a history of transgressions of men we have looked up to who acted in immoral ways: President Bill Clinton, Eliot Spitzer, John Edwards, Mark Sanford, Arnold Schwarzenegger… and the list goes on. Some of these men claim sexual addiction like Congressman Weiner has done to save his job in Congress. Then there are others who say they are sorry, but maybe that is because they were caught. On the political front, we elect these men to properly represent the people and believe they have qualities like good judgment, moral values and the ability to be trustworthy. It is a shame some of these men have not lived up to these qualities and have been shameless. The American people deserve much more from our elected representatives. Fred Bedell Jr., Glen Oaks
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Sorry, I Can’t Resist: Weiner No Longer Cocky time to heal himself and his and our country is justice and family, seek therapy, all while equality. I want standards that he gets back to work. He apply to him to apply to should be allowed to continue Charlie Rangel and every other his impressive fight for those member of Congress. things progressives of this naI do not want to see the tion believe in. puritanical roots of this nation And his party should not in the far-off Midwest dictate to buckle under the pressure of my County, my City that you the right wing of the Republican’t deviate slightly from accan Party, but should stand up ceptable sexual mores or sexual and demand: let he who is behavior without resigning, but without sin cast the first stone. criminal misconduct doesn’t rise Damn, if we were getting to the same heights. At the rid of every imperfect member moment, Carl Kruger, a corrupt of Congress (especially those indicted State Senator, sits in who lied about their imperfecoffice. As I recall, popular U.S. tion), Joe Crowley would find Rep. Dan Rostenkowski, who the halls of the Capitol a very represented a poor working Congressman Anthony Weiner and Trib rant Almond, in Bridgehampton is class district in Chicago from lonely place. Publisher Mike Schenkler during better On the advice front, my one of my favorite places to dine. 1958 to 1995 and served 13 times for Weiner. position has not changed and If suppor ting Anthony through years as chairman of the Ways this crisis would get me a table and Mea ns Commit tee, was alMinority Leader Nancy Pelosi, I wish I had written this and Anwithout a rezzy in the summer, I lowed to remain in office although my friend Democratic Campaign thony read it when the story first may be able to be bought. And if he re signed h is chair ma nsh ip, Congressional Commit tee chair broke. I now offer Anthony the bro Jason brings back the Satur- while under Federal indictment on Steve Israel of Long Island, and following advice – I wish he could day night five-course tasting menu, mail fraud charges. Rosty lost his Democratic National chair Debbie have taken it before the lying beI’m in. seat when the voters refused to Wasserman-Schultz in a coordi- gan. Finally, all I want for Anthony reelect him. nated effor t have cal led for Anthony should acknowledge Weiner’s re signat ion – for t he his personal failings, explain wrong reasons. Their concern is sexting as an addiction – an illness, not good government. Their con- and obtain professional help. Yes, cern is that the Republicans will Anthony has an ego that has preutilize Anthony’s insane online vented him from resorting to the conduct and contrast it with the “illness” explanation. But come on quick resignation of upstate bare- — putting a likely Mayoralt y in chested emailing Congre ssman jeopardy for a couple of online matches what I saw as I levard project and Chris Lee to point out that the thrills is a sickness. walked the site and spoke the arrival of an- Democrats do not hold their memAdmit it. Get treatment. Rewith countle ss men and other accredited bers (excuse me) to the same stan- build the confidence of your wife. women of African descent college, Technical dards as the Republicans. And heal yourself. in particular. Career Institute Our nation is a very forgiving Now, I am not defending or If Re sor ts World’s (TCI). condoning Anthony’s behavior. I lot. Bill Clinton is still our idol. commitment to diversity To be clear, as condemn it. However, this aberrant I returned Saturday night, afin its construction the pastor of one of behavior is a personal failing and ter writing this column, from a day workforce is any indicathe largest Baptist as long as it is not criminal, he out and dinner at Almond, to find tion of what its permachurches in Queens should and can remain in office. Ul- that Anthony had asked for a short nent staff will be like, I am and a leader in the timately, his constituents should leave to seek professional treatver y confident t hat the N YS Progre ssive make the decision. ment to become “a better husband chronic unemployment Baptist Convention His district should not be the and healthier person.” Dr. Calvin Rice and lack of economic forI do not in any way target of the map-drawers when He’s on the right road. tune that has plagued us support gambling because I have the anti-good-government political Now, Anthony, can you get for so long will star t to wane. seen some of the negative effects redistricting process takes place. me that table at Almond? With the 1,150 permanent posi- it has had on some who become Anthony should be given the MSchenkler@QueensTribune.com tions that will be available at the obsessed with greed and lose their facility, and the countless spillover life savings. jobs that will be created in the Our great challenge will be to community as a result of Resorts gain the benefits of employment, World’s arrival, this is a project and enjoy the family friendly aspects with economic benefits that will of the project such as the dining stretch far beyond the grounds of and enter tainment features that the Aqueduct Racetrack. And, this have been carefully isolated from is a project that is presenting eco- the casino which is in the center nomic oppor tunit ie s t hat we of the facility and leave the gamwould be ill-advised to overlook. ing which is the profitability of the As a community, we have to project to the tourist and those meet this t ype of commitment who can best afford it. with a cooperative spirit, sending Resorts World has informed a message to others contemplat- me that they are working with the ing making the type of investment New York Council on Problem GamResorts World has that Queens is bling to train their staff on probopen for business, and that we lem gambling, and to provide ashave the talent pool right here in sistance for anyone with a gambling South Queens to make any ven- problem. ture succe ssful. T he Re sor t s Rev. Dr. Calvin Rice is pastor World project can be the model at the New Jerusalem Baptist project, leading the way for oth- Church in Jamaica, Queens and the ers such as the Delta project, the First Vice President of the New continued revitalization of Down- York State Progressive Baptist Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato town Jamaica, the Sutphin Bou- Convention. spent with Anthony but never really developed a friendship as I have with others who have been in the political game for a long time. Secondly, his brother’s restau-
Resorts World:
Page 8 Tribune June 16-22, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
The Right Partner for Queens By Rev. Dr. CALVIN RICE Our communities here have been devastated by unemployment and home foreclosures. The abandoned storefronts and crowded employment services centers are constant reminders of Queens’ harsh economic climate. At a time when our residents are facing such tremendous economic peril, we need all the help we can get, par ticularly when we have seen few indications that our economic situation is changing for the better. Therefore when someone makes the decision to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in our communit y like Re sor t s World Casino New York has done, we should be fair and considerate; even when it goes against our personal ideology, political and religious beliefs. Throughout the years I’ve watched numerous developers promise to fairly distribute jobs to local minority and women workers, only to be disappointed when all that talk failed to amount to any real action. Thankfully, the same ca nnot be said about Re sor ts World. I say this because on a recent site visit I saw firsthand the reality of their commitment to subcontracting Minority Women Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE’s) and having a diverse staff at the facility. In fact, when Resorts World claims that 25% of subcontracts or MWBE’s and that minorities and women make up more than half of the work force for the project it
Photo by Ira Cohen
By MICHAEL SCHENKLER Wow! I’d love to utilize the near-tragic situation of Congressman Anthony Weiner to get some chuckles – and I’m sure I will occasionally veer from my serious message – but from the time the news of Weinergate first broke to this moment, there are serious consequences for our nation wrapped up in this small Congressional member and his inappropriate adventures. First, a disclosure. I’ve known Anthony Weiner since he was a Brooklyn Councilman running to succeed Chuck Schumer in his Brooklyn-Queens congre ssional seat some 13 years ago. I’ve interviewed him several times; sat and talked to him one-on-one a small handful of times and enter tained him (and a couple of hundred other friends) at the Trib Holiday party. I found on most occasions that we would spar – a good-natured intellectual challenging about small degrees of difference. I always enjoyed the time I
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ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF Renart Products LLC Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law FIRST. The name of the limited liability company is Renart Products LLC SECOND. The county within this state in which the limited liability company is to be located is Queens. THIRD. The secretary or state is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process accepted on behalf of the limited liability company served upon him or her is: 39-06 Corporal Stone Street, Bayside, New York 11361. FOURTH: The name and street address in this state of the registered agent upon whom and at which process against the limited liability company may be served is: Sheila Mullervy, 39-06 Corporal Stone Street, Bayside, New York 11361. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed these Articles of Organization on the date below. LegalZoom.com, Inc., Organizer Date: March 30, 2011 /s/ Sandra Bryant By: Sandra Bryant, Assistant Secretary 101 N. Brand Blvd., 11 th Floor Glendale, CA 91203 _____________________________________________________________ PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, PURSUANT TO LAW, that the NYC De-
partment of Consumer Affairs will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at 66 John Street, 11 th floor, on a petition from Old Vienna Café LLC to establish, maintain, and operate an unenclosed sidewalk café at 108-22 Queens Blvd in the Borough of Queens for a term of two years. REQUESTS FOR COPIES OF THE PROPOSED REVOCABLE CONSENT AGREEMENT MAY BE ADDRESSED TO: DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, ATTN: FOIL OFFICER, 42 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, NY 10004. _____________________________________________________________ PROBATE CITATION File No. 2011-1473 SURROGATE’S COURT – QUEENS COUNTY CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO THE HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN AND DISTRIBUTEES OF RUTH RAUCH, DECEASED, if living, and if any of them be dead to their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, legatees, executors, administrators, assignees, and successors in interest whose names are unknown and cannot be ascertained after due diligence and to the PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE COUNTY OF QUEENS A petition having been duly filed by STEVEN FRANK, who is domiciled at 6215 Stoneham Road, Bethesda, MD. 208171758 YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE be-
fore the Surrogate’s Court, Queens County, at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY, on July 7 2011, at 9:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of RUTH RAUCH, a/k/a RUTH FRANZISKA RAUCH, lately domiciled at 100-25 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11375, admitting to probate a Will dated January 20,1999, a copy of which is attached, as the Will of RUTH RAUCH, a/k/a RUTH FRANZISKA RAUCH deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that Letters Testamentary issue to: Steven Frank Dated, Attested and Sealed MAY 11 2011 HON. PETER J. KELLY Surrogate MARGARET M. GRIBBON Chief Clerk Attorney for Petitioner: JUDITH H. WEIL Firm Name: EPSTEIN & WEIL Tel No.: 212 732 4888 Address of Attorney: 225 BROADWAY, SUITE 1203, NY NY 10007 [NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you.] _____________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation Cherry Manor 888 LLC art. of org. filed Secy. of State NY (SSNY) 9/9/10. Off. Loc. in Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY
shall mail copy of process to: 150-41 11 th Ave, Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. _____________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: GAMMA LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/19/11. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 3129 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City, New York 11106. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. _____________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: B5 LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/19/11. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 3129 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City, New York 11106. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. ____________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 6/ 7/11, bearing Index Number NC-000438-11/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) Jimmy (Middle) Jiayuan (Last) Ji My present name is (First) Jiayuan (Last) Ji (infant) My present address is 82-38 62 nd Avenue, Middle Village, NY 11379 My place of birth is China My date of birth is September 30, 1995 _____________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation Castelbuono LLC art. of org. filed Secy. of State NY (SSNY) 4/18/11. Off. Loc. in Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 21-64 29 th St, Astoria, NY 11105. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. _____________________________________________________________ ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF Bushburg LLC Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law FIRST. The name of the limited liability company is Bushburg LLC SECOND. The name of the Limited Liability Company translates in English to/means a nickname for an area in Brooklyn, NY between Williamsburg & Bushwick THIRD. The county within this state in which the limited liability company is to be located is Queens. FOURTH: The secretary of state is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process accepted on behalf of the limited liability company
served upon him or her is: c/ o United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13 th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. FIFTH: The name and street address in this state of the registered agent upon whom and at which process against the limited liability company may be served is: United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13 th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed these Articles of Organization on the date below. LegalZoom.com, Inc., Organizer Date: February 8, 2011 /s/ Matt Pfleging By: Matt Pfleging, Assistant Secretary 101 N. Brand Blvd, 11 th Floor Glendale, CA 91203 _____________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of OCEAN COAST CRUISES LLC, a domestic LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/17/2011. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: Leia Kotick, 31-12 45th St. Ste 4, Astoria, NY 11103. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. _____________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of MAHAVIR CAB LLC, a domestic LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/06/ 2011. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: Anshu Gaba, 94-30 58th Ave., 1 FL, Elmhurst, NY 11373. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. _____________________________________________________________ 28-59 45 TH STREET LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), filed with the Sec of State of NY on 4/ 22/11. NY Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her to The LLC, 4408 30 th Ave., Astoria, NY 11103. General Purposes. _____________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION of Union Street Bakery LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY on 1/25/11. 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: The LLC, 38-05 Main St. Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: To engage in any lawful activity. _____________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 6/ 1/11, bearing Index Number NC-000419-11/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) Lyla (Middle) Adel (Last) Najjar My present name is (First) Lula (Middle) Adel (Last) Najjar aka Lyla Adel Najjar
aka Lyla Najjar My present address is 89-20 127 th Street, Richmond Hill, NY 11418 My place of birth is Bronx, NY My date of birth is September 03, 1992 _____________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Scaffold Training Institute LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 02/07/11. NY Office location: 37-15 Hunters Point Avenue, Long Island City, New York 11101, 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 the process to: (John P. Mastropietro, c/o Mastropietro-Frade, LLC, The Chancery, 190 Willis Avenue, Mineola, New York 11501. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity _____________________________________________________________ FELPPONDD ENTERPRISES, LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), filed with the Sec of State of NY on 5/2/11. NY Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her to The LLC, 6421 Booth St #2A, Rego Park, NY 11374. General Purposes. _____________________________________________________________
Notice of formation of SAYRA’S WINE BAR, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York. SSNY on March 3, 2011. Office located in Queens County. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 9216 Rockaway Beach Blvd, 11693. Purpose: any lawful purpose. _____________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of RENAISSANCE GROUP U.S., LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of N.Y. (SSNY) on 6/3/11. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Gleason & Koatz, LLP, 122 E. 42 nd St., Ste. 518, New York, NY 10168. Purpose: any lawful activity.
www.queenstribune.com • June 16-22, 2011 Tribune Page 9
Notice of Formation of OB (NY) HOLDINGS, LLC, a domestic LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/17/ 2011. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: 162-27 73rd Ave., Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. Notice of Formation Castelbuono LLC art. of org. filed Secy. of State NY (SSNY) 4/18/11. Off. Loc. in Queens Co. SSNY designated as agentof LLC upon whom process maybe served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 21-64 29 th St, Astoria, NY 11105. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. _____________________________________________________________
Queens This Week
Members Vow To Fight Meter Hike Less than six months after the City Council defeated a plan to raise parking meter rates, they are regrouping to do it again. The Dept. of Transportation quietly announced last week that it would seek to raise parking meters from 75 cents an hour to $1 an hour outside of Manhattan. The rate hike is part of Mayor Mike Bloomberg's budget plan released last month. The announcement led outer-borough Council members like Karen Koslowitz (DForest Hills) to slam the plan that would affect
hundreds of parking meters in her district, which includes commercial strips like Jamaica Avenue, Austin Street and Yellowstone Boulevard. "It is unconscionable," Koslowtiz said. Small businesses in Forest Hills, Kew Gardens and Elmhurst rely on customers who park their cars at meters. She said she feared increasing the price of meters will drive people away from Austin Street and Queens Boulevard to shopping malls on Long Island. The plan to raise parking meter rates for
this past January was met with stiff opposition from members of the City Council and business owners in neighborhoods where businesses rely on shoppers who park along the street. If the rates increase, it would affect hundreds of meters in Astoria, Flushing, Bayside, Jackson Heights, Forest Hills, Ridgewood, Woodhaven, Jamaica and Fresh Meadows. Koslowitz and Council Transportation Committee chairman James Vacca (DBronx) both promised to kill the planned
increase a second time. Both were instrumental in killing the planned increase in December. Vacca noted that the increase was likely not necessary, as the amount of money the city would raise with rates at the current level would far exceed the city's projected portion of the DOT budget in 2012. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125. —Domenick Rafter
Century-Old Temple Gets Facelift One of the borough's oldest synagogues will be getting a facelift for its birthday. Celebrating its 100th birthday, Congregation Tifereth Israel, a rare surviving ver-
Congregation Tifereth Israel will get a new life for its second centur y.
nacular synagogue in Corona, will receive a $1.6 million restoration. Borough President Helen Marshall helped allocate $1.1 million in New York City capital funding to help restore the synagogue. She said the restoration, which coincides with the synagogue's centennial, "is indeed worthy of a celebration." "Its refurbished exterior and doors will now open to a new generation that will cherish it for many years to come," Marshall said. "I am delighted to have supported the restoration of our county's oldest synagogue." Marshall's allocation will be augmented by a $200,000 restoration grant from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund with an additional $360,000 provided by various philanthropists, foundations and nonprofit organizations.
Although the synagogue has been revitalized in recent years, the significant sum will attempt to return the century-old synagogue to its original appearance. The present stucco coating will be removed and the original wood clapboard siding, windows and doors will be restored along with the Moorish-style metal domes and finials which will be rejuvenated with a fresh coat of paint, returning one of Queens oldest historic structures back to its former glory. "This synagogue is an important piece of Queens history," said Peg Breen, president of the New York Landmarks Conservancy. "We are grateful to the borough president and other donors who recognize its significance." The two-story, wood-frame synagogue once primarily served a congregation of Jews who had moved to Queens from neighbor-
hoods in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The structure's design mimicked other synagogues in Manhattan and served 20,000 Jewish residents living in Queens. In February 2008, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the structure a city landmark. For more than a decade, the New York Landmarks Conservancy has worked with the synagogue, providing $30,000 in direct grants for preservation and restoration projects. The groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. June 22 at 109-18 54th Ave., Corona, where the synagogue has sat since 1911. Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128. —Jason Banrey
patients for their courage and strength in triumphing over cancer and our dedicated team of physicians and staff for their skill and compassion in treating our patients. All of us has a great deal to be proud of at this event as we count our successes—in lives saved and perhaps equally important, in maintaining the quality of life of those who come to us for care.” Lunch will be served immediately following the program. Seating is limited and it is necessary to RSVP by calling (800) 2826684.
Garden at (718) 886-3800 or visit them at queensbotanical.org/.
Queens CLOSEUP
Page 10 Tribune June 16-22, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Queens Job Fair Queens Center has partnered with Queens Borough President Helen Marshall to host an employment and recruitment fair at Queens Center on Thursday, June 23, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event will provide eligible job seekers with the opportunity to be pre-screened and interviewed for local and city-wide job opportunities. There will also be workshops open to the entire public that will cover interview skills preparation, resume writing, employment rights and other job readiness topics. Immigrant service agencies specializing in employment counseling and placement will be on hand to assist immigrant workers, regardless of status. To be considered for employment opportunities, applicants are required to register at the event, bring photo ID and multiple copies of their resume. Applicants must also be in proper interview attire. All job seekers are welcome, regardless of their immigration status. The event will take place at Queens Center, Level 2, JCPenney Wing (across from Guest Services). For more information and to RSVP, logon to ShopQueensCenter.com or call Terry at (718) 592-3901.
Flea Market A big Summer Flea Market will be held Saturday, June 25, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Flushing House, 38-20 Bowne St., Flushing. Call (718) 762-3198. The Flea Market will be held in the Large Game Room on the ground floor of Flushing House. A variety of goods will be sold, in-
cluding jewelry, arts and crafts, collectibles, new and gently used clothing, lots of white elephant items, etc. Admission is free.
Sur vivor Stor ies In recognition of national cancer survivor’s month, New York Hospital Queens is inviting the public to a program that will be both motivational and inspirational. Survivors will tell their stories and renowned physicians and leaders in the field of oncology will present information about advances in the treatment of cancer. The event will take place on Friday, June 17, at 10:30 a.m. at the hospital located at 5645 Main St. in Flushing. The program will take place in the Theresa and Eugene M. Lang Center for Research and Education. New York City Comptroller John C. Liu is scheduled to be the guest speaker. The National Cancer Institute’s latest statistics indicate that the number of cancer survivors in the United States has increased from 9.8 million in 2001 to 11.7 million in 2007. The Cancer Center at NYHQ provides a comprehensive program of cancer services in a comfortable environment that is close to home for Queens residents. As a result, more patients in Queens are choosing to come to NYHQ for their care. When David Kreitzer; attorney, cancer survivor and former New York Hospital Queens patient, speaks about being a survivor he says, “Hope is the spirit of the soul, the intangible source of healing.” Dattatreyudu Nori, M.D., Chairman, Department of Radiation Oncology says, “The ‘Celebration of Life’ is the most rewarding event that we organize because it honors our
Quintet Performs The Quintet of the Americas will perform Summer Solstice, a special concert on Sunday, June 26, at 2:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing. The event is presented in cooperation with the Latin American Cultural Center of Queens. The program will feature music from the Quintet’s Sounds of Brazil CD. Special guest will be organic percussionist and composer Thiago de Mello, who will join the quintet in a number of works that reflect his fusion of Brazilian rhythms and jazz influence. The concert will also include two premieres, Little Polka by Douglaston-resident composer James Cohn and Water Run from Kukulkan III by David Dzubay. Also on the program - Shout Chorus by Kenji Bunch, Sfumato by Yao Chen, and Azalea by Duke Ellington. The June 26 concert is free and open to the public with Garden admission. For more event information, call the Queens Botanical
Flushing Camera Club The Flushing Camera Club is celebrating its 40th season of serving all of Queens, Long Island and New York City. The club meets at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Flushing Hospital; enter at 45th Avenue and Burling Street. Meetings are on the first, third and fifth Wednesday of the month. Come and spend an evening with us to learn about good photography and to enjoy excellent photography related programs. Validated free parking is available. For more information call (718) 749-0643 or go to flushingcameraclub.org.
KISS In Queens Music writer Ken Sharp is working with KISS on an official book about their early days circa 1972-1975. In the book, there’s a chapter about Coventry, site of their first live show. We’re in need of an exterior photo of Coventry as well as images of KISS performing at the club. The club was located in Queens on 47-03 Queens Blvd., Long Island City from 1973 to 1976. If you can help, please email sharpk@aol.com.
Send Queens Closeup News and Photos to: Queens Tribune 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357
Queens Focus PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE Finally Spring: PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE...PEOPLE..PEOPLE...
Nicholas C. Mohr Air Force Airman Nicholas C. Mohr graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eightweek program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. He is the brother of Lauren Mohr of Rockaway Beach. Mohr graduated in 2008 from St. Edmonds High School, Brooklyn.
Megan Dolan of Belle Harbor, New York received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Educational Psychology.Marist is an independent comprehensive liberal arts college with an enrollment of 4,500 full-time undergraduate students from 37 states and 17 countries.
Pictured (l. to r.) at the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation’s 32nd Anniversary “Finally Spring” Dinner Dance: Mathew Xenakis, Pres., Woodhaven BID; Stephen Esposito, Pres., Greater Woodhaven Development Corp.; Honoree Binder Vasuden, owner Cordon Bleu, Business Owner of the Year 2011; Honoree Margie Schmidt, Schmidt’s Confectionery, Woman of the Year 2011; Honoree Dep. Insp. Armando DeLeon, Commanding Officer, 102nd Pct, Special Recognition Award 2011; Honoree Dominick Brienza, owner, Sal’s Pizzeria, Businessman of the Year 2011; Honoree James Rooney, Man of the Year 2011; Dr. Dennis Pazos, Dir., Greater Woodhaven Development Corp.; Assemblyman Mike Miller; and Maria Thomson, Exec. Dir., Greater Woodhaven Development Corp. USTA Serves, the National Charitable Foundation of the United States Tennis Association, announced recently that it has awarded 33 year-end grants totaling $420,650. Among the organizations recognized with a grant in the amount of $15,000 was the New York Junior Tennis League in Woodside. The number of program grants awarded in 2010 was 59, for a total amount of $855,150. Combined with scholarship awards, USTA Serves distributed more than $1 million in 2010. The bi-annual grant process, a national initiative of USTA Serves, was developed to provide disadvantaged, at-risk children in underserved communities, as well as people with disabilities, the opportunity to learn to play tennis and improve their academic skills in a structured format, and also to help combat childhood obesity by promoting healthy lifestyles. To date, USTA Serves has disbursed more than $10 million in grants to a variety of programs that share those aims. At funded program sites, children between the ages of 5-18 learn about healthy nutrition and lifestyles, responsible citizenship, study skills, and computer literacy. The grant recipients are chosen by a Grant Proposal Review Committee comprised of Foundation Board Members and USTA National staff, with important input from USTA Sections. They are awarded to programs that successfully combine tennis and education and help children pursue their goals and highest dreams by leading healthier lives, succeeding in school and becoming healthier citizens. New for 2010, USTA Serves has begun granting money to programs for children of deployed military personnel who are at particular risk for emotional and behavioral difficulties. Adrian Breda, a full time student at Genesee Community College and resident of Ozone Park, was among the 612 students named to Genesee’s Dean’s List for the Fall 2010 semester. All full- and part-time students honored on the Dean’s List have earned a quality point index of 3.50 - 3.74.
Darryl Strawberry, two-time colon cancer survivor and New York baseball great, joins fellow cancer survivors Jacqueline Burris of Great Neck, Jeff Dena of Commack, and North Shore-LIJ Health System Chairman Richard Goldstein.
The following residents graduated from Marist College the weekend of May 21: Joanna Flores of Woodhaven received a Master of Public Administration degree; Patrick Gaines of Kew Gardens received a Master of Public Administration degree; Georgianna Herbin of Jamaica received a Master of Public Administration degree; Luddy Quintero of Douglaston received a Master
of Public Administration degree; Nicolette Rabadi of Astoria received a Master of Public Administration degree; Keith Ross of Glen Oaks received a Master of Public Administration degree; and Michael Telfer of Jamaica received a Master of Public Administration degree. Skidmore College celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2011 at the college’s 100th Commencement exercises held Saturday, May 21, at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. A total of 652 students in the Class of 2011 were recognized. In addition 30 students in the college’s University Without Walls for non-traditional learners earned their bachelor’s degrees. Ten master of arts in liberal studies degrees also were awarded. The following local students received a degree: Wendy Rodriguez of Glen Oaks received a BA degree; Gabriela Bermudez of Astoria received a BA degree; Karen Granados of East Elmhurst received a BS degree; Alexandra Stark of Forest Hills received a BA degree; Yizhou Wang of Woodside received a BA degree Magna Cum Laude; and Gregory Morales of Ridgewood received a BA degree. Hampton University’s 141st Annual Commencement ceremony was held on May 8, 2011 at Armstrong Stadium. Actor/comedian Bill Cosby served as the commencement speaker. The following local residents graduated from Hampton University during the ceremony. Malynda Washington of Glen Oaks, Ianandra Booker of Flushing, Jasmine Butler of Oakland Gardens, Antoinette Brown of Cambria Heights, Shanel McMillian of Cambria Heights, Tiffany Edwards of St. Albans, Shanise Johnson of St. Albans, Kirsten Jones of Laurelton, Jonathan Petersen of Springfield Gardens, Yampu Freeman of Rosedale, Simone Lomax of Jamaica, Natalie Bennett of Jamaica, Shanae Cole of Jamaica, Kacia Hunter of Jamaica, Sahlia Joseph-Pauline of Jamaica, King Imasuen of Jamaica and Dominique Harris of Far Rockaway.
Send your people news to: Queens Focus, Queens Tribune 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357
www.queenstribune.com • June 16-22, 2011 Tribune Page 11
Darryl Strawberry, a baseball legend in New York who won four world championships with both the Mets and the Yankees, was the keynote speaker at North Shore University Hospital’s and LIJ Medical Center’s Fifth Annual Cancer Survivors’ Day, held Saturday outside the Monter Cancer Center in Lake Success. A record crowd of more than 3,000 cancer survivors and their guests attended the event, where they enjoyed music, dancing, toasts and inspiring personal stories under a football field-sized tent. While Strawberry enjoyed a 17-year playing career, was voted to the All-Star Game eight times and won World Series rings with the Mets in 1986 and the Yankees in 1996, 1998 and 1999, his greatest win of all was as a two-time colon cancer survivor. The huge gathering listened attentively as
Strawberry spoke about getting the word from his doctors that he, a world-class athlete, had colon cancer. He described what he went through in overcoming the dreaded disease in 1998, only to find out two years later that it had reappeared, once again taking over his life. Strawberry’s cancer recovery and other personal ups and downs are chronicled in his New York Times’ best-selling autobiography, “Straw: Finding My Way.” He is also a staunch advocate for children with autism and their families – he and his wife Tracy started the Darryl Strawberry Foundation, based in St. Louis, Missouri, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about autism issues. He also works to generate funds needed for specialized facilities and educational programs that provide hope for individuals and groups in need. For instance, he speaks to young people in juvenile correctional facilities in the hope that he can help them find a way to end self-destructive behavior, make the right decisions in life and not to give up on themselves. Strawberry signed autographs for hundreds of attendees after speaking for more than a half-hour. Among others greeting the gathering of patients, family, friends and clinicians were Michael Dowling, president and chief executive officer of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, and Richard Goldstein, chairman of North Shore-LIJ, who introduced Strawberry and presented him with the gift of a special lab coat embroidered with his name, making him an honorary member of the North Shore-LIJ clinical faculty. Also speaking were two local cancer survivors who discussed their own inspiring, personal battles with cancer and how they overcame the disease: Jacqueline Burris of Great Neck, a uterine cancer survivor, and Jeff Dena of Commack, a survivor of throat cancer – even though he never smoked. . Candice Clark of Belle Harbor was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree from Connecticut College at the 93rd commencement ceremony on May 22.
Legislative Update 30 percent in 2018. Abuse Victims “We all know the historic streets of New The New York State SenYork need a little refurbishing ate, with strong advocacy from every once in a while and using Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, readily-available recycled material passed a package of bills that just makes sense,” Councilman will strengthen and expand proGennaro said. “As chair of the tections for New York’s most City Council’s Environmental Provulnerable individuals, includtection Committee, I am constantly Prescription Safety ing abuse victims and senior amazed at the new sustainable techcitizens. When enacted into law, Assemblyman Michael DenDekker has signology coming out and I’m proud the three bills will increase pennaled his support for recently-introduced legto work for a city that strives to alties for stalking, provide real islation that would improve the safety of lessen its impact on the environtime notification to crime vicprescription medicines by requiring that pharment and the economy every time Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein serv- macies and other prescription providers make tims on protection orders, and Councilman Jim it can.” i n g a d e l i c i o u s l u n c h o f c h i c k e n several changes to the labels used on prescripdevelop and promote senior Gennaro Each year, five percent of New parmigiana, pasta and carrots at SNAP tion medicines. Among the proposed changes center based domestic violence York City’s streets are resurfaced of Eastern Queens. programs. is a requirement that labels used on prescripby removing about one million tons of asphalt “Protecting our vulnerable citizens is one tion bottles are printed in one of the top seven and reapplying another one million tons. of government’s most important duties,” said languages present spoken in New York State, this process, asphalt plants can reAssess Senior Programs and in accordance with the needs of the Through Senator Stavisky. “These bills make current use a considerable amount of recycled asphalt laws stronger and also take the appropriate consumer. Assemblyman Ed Braunstein announced pavement when creating new asphalt. By steps to expand on existing programs to The legislation, A. 7342, is sponsored by that the Assembly unanimously passed legisincreasing the use of recycled asphalt paveensure they work efficiently for those who Assemblymember Richard lation he introduced which ment, the City will prevent a significant need our help. Most importantly, this set of Gottfried (D-Manhattan). If requires that the New York amount of waste that would otherwise enter bills makes our communities approved by the New York State Office of the Aging landfills and, in addition, decrease safer for all citizens throughState Legislature, it would (SOFA) assess the programs carbon emitted by using and transout the state.” amend the Public Health law offered by all senior centers porting non-recycled material. The legislative package into include a section that would across the state in order to Currently, the City’s Departcludes bills expanding the auallow prescribers to indicate make improvements to the ment of Transportation uses about tomated victim notification whether an individual is of vital services offered to the 40 percent recycled asphalt pavesystem to include protective limited proficiency in Enelderly (A.6733). This legisment in the materials that it mixes orders, increasing penalties glish, and if so, the preferred lation also requires that SOFA on its own but the City’s privately for stalking, and directing the language of the patient. The report on the quality of life of owned asphalt plants do not conOffice for the Prevention of legislation would further rethe elderly who attend senior sistently achieve this same level of Domestic Violence to develop quire chain and mail order centers as opposed to those recycled material. and promote senior center pharmacies to provide free, who do not, which is imporThe bill would not apply to based domestic violence procompetent oral interpretatant in light of recent attempts federal/state projects that have Assemblyman State Sen. tection programs. tion services to all limited to close senior centers in New other requirements. Senator Stavisky said, English proficient individuMichael DenDekker Toby Stavisky York City. These reports “Access to information is a als, particularly during the would be added to the ongovital and important concern ing assessments that SOFA already performs process of medication counseling, and when Crime Profits obtaining information needed to establish a State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. helped obtain for crime victims, and sadly history has shown on programs that serve the elderly. passage in the Senate of a measure that would just how important the dissemination of in“One of my main focuses since I took patient’s medication profile. “This is legislation whose time has come,” strengthen a law designed to prevent crimi- formation concerning criminals is.” In 1993, office has been to protect the quality of life of nals from profiting from their a young woman was murdered by her former the elderly in my district. I am proud that my Assemblymember DenDekker crimes. Previously cited as boyfriend because she did not know he had first bill to pass the Assembly is one that assists said. “Each year, thousands the “Son of Sam” law, the been released from jail. This led to the cresenior citizens, especially when 22 senior of people in New York State bill (S.4393) amends the law ation of the automated victim notification centers in NYC were outrageously threat- suffer adverse drug events beto include criminals who system. The senator continued, “Unfortuened with closure. From hot meals and social cause many residents are unwere found to be mentally nately, orders of protection are currently not interaction, to transportation and case man- able to understand the dosing afflicted also will be pre- included in the system, which is now remagement, many seniors would be left alone information contained on prevented from profiting from edied as we ensure the system is comprehenand live in isolation were it not for the senior scription drug labels, or have commercial exploitation of sive in its mission to protect victims.” centers in their communities. I will remain difficulty reading them, beThe other two bills seek to prevent crimes their stories. vigilant in protecting our most vulnerable cause they don’t fully understand English. This often reBefore the “Son of Sam” from ever being committed by increasing citizens,” said Assemblyman Braunstein. sults in visits to the emerlaw was implemented in re- stalking penalties and developing a domestic gency room, and in some exsponse to a string of mur- violence prevention program for seniors. Smoking In Cars treme cases, even fatalities. I ders of young women in Senator Stavisky said, “Stalking is a seriAssemblyman David Weprin held a press believe this legislation will not New York during the sum- ous crime that is both intentional and unpreState Sen. conference along other legislators, represen- only make it safer for users of mer of 1977, criminals dictable, and making penalties harsher for Joe Addabbo tatives from the American Academy of Pedi- prescription medicines, but were offered huge sums of stalkers should help in the effort to prevent atrics District II New York State, and other l e s s e x p e n s i v e f o r t h e money for the rights to their stories. Sena- harassment.” She was especially strong in her organizations to discuss the unhealthcare system in general.” tor Addabbo disagreed with this rationale. support of this bill because one of her conacceptable practice of smoking By requiring interpretation Explained Addabbo, “Surviving spouses of stituents was murdered by a man against in cars which children are services and the translation of the victims of heinous acts of murder should whom she had multiple orders of protection. present and advocate for smokestandardized medication and not be subjected to any glorification of He was arrested and slated to be deported, free home environments. prescription l a b e l s , notorious prisoners, nor profiling of a loved but instead was released and returned to Bill 7285 would prohibit Assemblymember DenDekker one’s murder. On top of this, to be finanFlushing to stalk and eventually kill her. smoking in private passenger concluded, “New York State cially exploited and not to receive any monThe third bill addresses the growing convehicles where a minor less can significantly reduce po- ies for the wrongful actions inflicted upon cern regarding elder abuse in New York. than 14 years of age is a pastentially harmful errors, as well their close ones, is absurd.” Seniors are often reluctant to come forward senger. Those found smoking as reduce healthcare costs.” The federal government and 40 states have when it comes to being victims of abuse. in a car with a child would be If passed, A. 7342 would implemented an assortment of “Son of Sam” Senior centers are a great location to implefined up to $100 by any law require that prescription and laws to address this pressing issue. By voting enforcement officer. medication warning and in- in favor of a technical correction to the pre- ment domestic violence protection programs so that this population may be informed of “It is of utmost importance structions labels be provided vailing success of New York State law, SenaAssemblyman their rights. to protect our children, whose i n S p a n i s h , M a n d a r i n , tor Addabbo is placing another barrier beDavid Weprin These bills now go to the Assembly. bodies are still developing and Cantonese, Russian, Korean, fore all criminals, to prevent them profiting who often do not have a voice of their own” Haitian Creole, and Bengali. It also provides from their crimes. stated Assemblyman Weprin. Send Legislative for the professional discipline of any pharmaThe bill passed the Senate in May and Exposure to secondhand smoke as a cist who violates its provisions. is yet to be introduced in the New York Up dates child has been linked to an increased risk of State Assembly. “Our first priority must sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), sebe protecting and keeping victims’ famiReleases to: vere respiratory infections, such as bron- Recycled Roads lies from public access. These incidents Councilman Jim Gennaro introduced a chitis and pneumonia, an increased numQueens Tr ibune, are privacy matters where respect for loved ber of asthma attacks, and ear infections. bill May 26 that would require city agencies ones and their families is warranted,” 150-50 14th Rd. Smoking by parents causes breathing prob- to lay asphalt containing at least 20 percent of said Addabbo. lems and slows lung growth in their chil- recycled material by 2012. The percentage Whitestone, N Y 11357 would increase to 25 percent in 2014 and to dren.
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Six other states and Puerto Rico have passed similar legislation that would protect our children from the dangers of secondhand smoke. “It is time New York joins these states in doing what is right for our kids.” stated Mr. Weprin.
Stone Controversy Slowly Grinds On nity in search of its original identity. To others they are a significant link to the borough's past, which tells a tale of how Queens once was. George Stamatiades, executive director of the Dutch Kills Civic Association, found himself in the middle of the millstone controversy. "No one here wanted a piece of our history to be moved from where they were," Stamatiades said. "The millstones are part of [Dutch Kills] history and that is very important to us." At the helm of the Greater Astoria Historical Society preservation efforts was executive director Bob Singleton. Concerned about the future of the stones, the society saw itself as the leading authority on the millstones' historical significance, which ignited a feud between the two organizations. Although both men initially disagreed about where the stones should be provisionally placed in the past, they shared one common connection: William Payntar, a direct
descendant of the gristmill-owning family. As the controversy began to bubble, Payntar weighed in. In July 2010, Payntar wrote a letter to Councilmen Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) and Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) stating the historical importance the millstones to the borough. His ultimate proposal was set in the letter. "It is my hope that our family's millstones will find a home with the Greater Astoria Historical Society," Payntar stated in the letter to the councilmen. "They care about history and you should too." Both Stamatiades and Singleton spoke with Payntar before his untimely death two months ago and said they conveyed their devotion toward preserving the stones, a sentiment the three shared deeply. Both Singleton and Stamatiades also lobbied for the stones to be temporarily moved to their current location at the Queens Library's 21st Street branch in Long Island City.
One of the Payntar millstones is moved for transit.
Photo courtesy licmillstones.wordpress.com
By JASON BANREY A clash between two Queens community organizations which steadily brewed over the past two years is slowly simmering to a standstill. On opposite ends of the quarrel, originally splitting two neighborhoods in Western Queens apart, were the Greater Astoria Historical Society and the Dutch Kills Civic Association. At the center of the dispute was the fate of two 17th-century millstones which are believed to be the oldest surviving European artifacts currently in Queens. Once buried in a traffic island at Queens Plaza, the millstones were unearthed as the area experienced an infrastructure overhaul, altering the terrain which once housed the gristmill owned by the Payntar family, whose ancestors are recorded among the first settlers of Queens. To some, the colonial-era millstones represent the historical importance of a commu-
"I assured [Payntar] of the Association's position," Stamatiades said. "The stones would be displayed in a safer environment and given the public exposure they deserved." A move which Singleton called a "clear victory for the community, which would have pleased Payntar. Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.
Quake Memorial In Boro Cemetery By JING CHEN Local residents who lost their loved ones in the devastat ing Haitian earthquake that took more than 300,000 lives on Jan. 12, 2010 may finally get closure. The Board of Directors of Maple Grove Cemeter y in Kew Gardens has approved the construction of a permanent memorial for those who died in the disaster and did not get a proper burial. The Kew Gardens location will serve as a local and common place of remembrance and celebration of the deceased's life for families
and friends. The convenience of the cemeter y to nearby Jamaica, Springfield Gardens, Queens Village and Cambria Heights, home to large Haitian populations, makes it an appropriate location for the memorial. Despite a decent Haitian diaspora in Queens, Bonnie Dixon, executive vice-president and general manager of Maple Grove Cemeter y, hope s that the memorial w ill prompt cemeteries in other communities to do the same, especially in Brooklyn, where there is a far larger Haitian population.
The memorial will be at no cost to the loved ones. The plan is still in its initial stages a nd Maple Grove Cemeter y is worki ng closely with U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica) and several prominent Haitian representatives to get the word out to the Haitian community about this project. Dixon said that though details about the memorial are uncertain, including the size and structure, she hopes to have it completed by the second anniversary of the earthquake, seven months from now.
Queens residents who wish to memorialize a life lost in the devastating event are encouraged to fill out the information form on Maple Grove Cemeter y's Web sit e, maplegrovecenter.org, and click on "Haitian Memorial" or contact the cemetery directly at (718) 709-0390 for a form. Forms are available in English and Creole, one of Haiti's official languages. Reach Intern Jing Chen at jchen@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 124.
www.queenstribune.com • June 16-22, 2011 Tribune Page 13
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ASPCA Opens Spay Clinic In Queens By JASON COHEN Dog and cat owners in Queens now have a new place to bring their beloved animals for help - and to help keep the stray and unwanted animal population in check. The ASPCA opened a Spay and Neuter Clinic in Glendale last month, providing animals with a better future, in addition to making sure they don't reproduce. The facility, located at 70-25 83rd Street, was formerly a veterinarian's office and was abandoned for the past two years until the ASPCA renovated the building. It is an interim office that will operate until the construction of a permanent spay-neuter clinic in its Manhattan headquarters is complete in 2012. Dr. Carolyn Brown explained the importance for members of the community to know about the clinic. In the long term it benefits cats and dogs to be spayed and neutered because it helps prevent breast cancer in females and testicular and prostate cancer in males. "When animals are spayed and neutered, they have better lives," Brown said. "It is better for their health." The facility is projected to increase surgery capabilities by 10,000 animals per year - in addition to the 30,000 already performed in the mobile unit - with a goal of performing 40,000 surgeries in 2011. The ASPCA performs the majority of its surgeries on large mobile trucks that canvass the City. The new facility will assist the trucks and allow more cats and dogs to be spayed and neutered. "It allows us to do more work for rescue organizations," she said. Each day about 40 to 70 animals are brought to the facility and the goal is to eventually have 80 to 100 animals brought in daily, Brown said. The animals are picked up
from shelters and are divided into feral and friendly. The unfriendly animals, which are free roaming, are either abandoned or have always lived outside. They are placed in large cages, while the friendly animals are in smaller plastic carriers. The animals arrive early in the morning and are usually returned to the shelter that they came from at 5 p.m. The building has two rooms where the animals are kept before and after surgery and each room is divided for feral and friendly cats and dogs. New York City does not have many feral dogs, so that isn't much of an
issue, Brown explained. There is a prep room where the animals are shaved and prepared for surgery and then there are four tables where each animal is given an anesthetic and spayed or neutered. Ultimately, the new office will prevent animal homelessness and benefit many cats and dogs throughout the five boroughs, Brown said. "It's a good thing for everyone," she said. R e a c h I n t e r n J a s o n C o h e n a t Dr. Robin O’Neal, Staff Veterinarian, perjcohen@queenstribune.com or (718) 357- forms a sur ger y at the newly opened 7400, Ext. 124. ASPCA stationar y spay/neuter clinic
Free Wi-Fi In Queens Parks By JASON BANREY Queens parks will soon be connected. In an effort to keep borough residents surfing the net, Wi-Fi service will be introduced to multiple City Parks, including three in Queens. On June 9, Mayor Mike Bloomberg and AT&T Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson announced a five-year initiative to provide Wi-Fi service at 26 locations in 20 City parks throughout the five boroughs. "We're pleased to join Mayor Bloomberg and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to bring the convenience and benefits of Wi-Fi to many of the city's worldrenowned parks," Stephenson said. The three borough parks scheduled to be serviced by Wi-Fi are Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Astoria Park and MacDonald Park in Forest Hills.
"Park visitors will now have more options to surf the net while enjoying the great outdoors of New York City's open spaces," said Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe, who said he was pleased with the partnership's five-borough reach. The introduction of Wi-Fi service to New York City parks is part of Road Map for the Digital City, Bloomberg's comprehensive strategy to make the Big Apple the nation's leading digital city. The initiative also aims to enhance the City's engagement with New Yorkers by increasing their access to new technologies, the intention is to make government information and services more transparent while promoting the tech industry. "New York City has the greatest network of public parks in the world," Bloomberg said. "We've invested heavily to
expand and enhance them." Stephenson assured users that the service will be "reliable and very dependable." Although free Wi-Fi service has been introduced throughout the city in the past at various commercial locations, such as Starbucks and McDonalds, this initiative is free to all city residents who own laptop computers, smartphones and tablets. Hotspot locations will be marked by signs. Users will not have to register and will only have to agree to the term and conditions of the AT&T service. Although there is no specific date schedule for connection, the Wi-Fi service is expected to be installed at the Queens locations this summer. Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.
www.queenstribune.com • June 16-22, 2011 Tribune Page 15
Compiled by DOMENICK RAFTER
101st Precinct SHOT IN HEAD: On Sunday, June 12, at approximately 2:52 p.m., police responded to a 911 call reporting a man shot at 364 Beach 56th St. in Arverne. Upon arrival, police discovered Yommaine Hunter, 23, who lived at the location in apartment 4C, lying in the fourth floor hallway after being shot twice in the head. EMS also responded to the location and pronounced the victim dead at the scene There were no arrests and the investigation was ongoing. 105th Precinct ANOTHER SHOT: On Wednesday, June 8, at approximately 2:50 p.m., police responded to a report of a person shot in the vicinity of 111th Road and Francis Lewis Boulevard in St. Albans. Upon arrival, police discovered Jimmolt Gonsalves, 26, of 111-08 Francis Lewis Blvd., St. Albans, lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to his head. EMS also responded to the location and pronounced him dead at the scene. There were no arrests and the investigation was ongoing. 110th Precinct BURGLAR SOUGHT: The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the following man wanted in connection with a burglary that occurred in Elmhurst On Tuesday, May 3, at approximately 4:30 p.m., a Hispanic man, 40-45 years old, 5-foot10, 220 lbs., entered an apartment at of 78-36 46th Ave. in Elmhurst and removed a safe, containing an unknown amount of cash and jewelry, before fleeing. The suspect was last seen wearing a beige shirt with black pants. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
Page 16 Tribune June 16-22, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
112th Precinct GAS HOLDUP: The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a man wanted in connection with a robbery in Rego Park. On Wednesday, June 1, at approximately
6 p.m., inside a Getty gas station of 75-41 Yellowstone Blvd., Rego Park, a white man, 25-30 years old, 5-foot-10 to 6-feet, walked in and displayed a knife while demanding money. The attendant complied and handed the suspect an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect then fled in an unknown direction and was last seen wearing a dark jacket vest with white t-shirt, dark jeans and black baseball hat. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential. 113th Precinct VICTIM DRAGGED: The NYPD is asking for the public’s assistance in locating two men wanted in connection with a robbery that occurred in St. Albans. On Monday, June 6, at around 6:50 p.m., the two men walked into the GBA Computer store located at 110-32 Farmers Blvd. in St. Albans and walked out with a laptop computer without paying. A store employee followed both suspects out of the store and confronted them. The men then assaulted the victim causing injuries. Both suspects then entered a blue Honda Civic and attempted to flee. As they began to drive away, the victim hung onto the vehicle and the suspects dragged him, resulting in him sustaining multiple lacerations to his arm. The victim was able to let go of the vehicle and both suspects drove off northbound on Farmers Boulevard toward 109th Avenue. Both suspects are black men in their 20s, 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-10. One suspect was wearing dark pants and a dark colored zippered vest, while the other was wearing a dark baseball hat, white t-shirt and grey jogging pants with black stripes on the side of the legs. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
Boro DA Says Mejias Cleared Of Charges By BRIAN M. RAFFERTY The Queens DA’s office has dropped the final charge against former Democratic Nassau County Legislator Dave Mejias who was arrested last year after allegedly threatening an ex-girlfriend. On Sept. 1, 2010, while in the heat of a Senate race against Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City), Mejias was accused of menacing, reckless endangerment and stalking after an alleged incident. He had been accused of tailgating a former girlfriend, causing her to pull off the road. When both cars were pulled over, he allegedly slammed his fist onto her car hood and yelled at her in obscenity-laden language. Due to Mejias’ connection to the Nassau County political infrastructure, the prosecution for the case was handled by Queens DA Richard Brown. The menacing and stalking charges were officially dropped in December 2010, but well after the political damage had been done. Mejias pulled himself out of the Senate race.
Last Friday, the Queens DA’s office dismissed the final charge, and sealed the case. From the beginning Mejias had contended that the incident did not go down the way his ex had described it, and he characterized what happened as a business dispute that turned into a roadside argument. According to court papers, the woman had called and text messaged Mejias more than 200 times in the month prior to the incident, including five times earlier on the day of the incident and three times as the incident was happening. Oscar Michelen, an attorney for Mejias, characterized the incident as “an argument between adults,’ and said that it at no point crossed the line into criminality. Mejias said that he no longer intends to seek elected office. Reach Editor Brian Rafferty at brafferty@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 122.
Where Are The Cars?
Willets Point Foes, City EDC Square Off Over Ramp Data By Joseph Orovic The battle over Willets Point’s redevelopment reached its highest technical peak at a public hearing regarding the plan’s oft-lambasted ramps leading to and from the Van Wyck Expressway. The roadway additions have driven the case against the project for more than a year. The hearing, held last Wednesday, was most notable for what it lacked: attendance was sparse, about 50 people in total; passions were tempered; and a somewhat subdued tone overtook most of the project’s adamant opponents. It was a far cry from last winter’s hearing regarding Phase 1 of the redevelopment, which brought out workers and landowners opposing the project with red-faced anger, damning the New York City Economic Development Corp. and its planned use of eminent domain. Last weeks’ hearing, held in the Flushing Library, offered a second chance at more salvos against the NYCEDC and its plans. Yet most involved have seemingly resigned themselves to letting courtrooms, agency approvals and legal filings be the stage for the battle. The fate of Willets Point may ultimately, and without much fanfare, rest in the hands of number-crunching traffic gurus.
Attorney Michael Gerrard speaks as opponents of the Willets Point Redevelopment Plan’s ramps rally before a public hearing. march to redevelopment without the ramps’ approval, while also questioning the legality of the project as a whole. WPU’s plans took a second hit when t h e r a m p s m a d e i t p a s t t h e D OT. Though lacking the state agency’s final endorsement, the plan was sent out for public review. EDC welcomed the move as a signal of the ramps’ imminent approval. WPU contended the DOT’s new commissioner and former EDC Transpor tation Vice President Joan McDonald was returning favors to her former employer. Part of the pending approval process requires an environmental assessment, a draft of which EDC put together in March. The repor t addresses the impact on surrounding highways. It concludes, “The proposed access modification project would be necessary to prevent significant congestion on these freeway segments within the study area.” That draft EA, held alongside the FGEIS, provided a morphing depiction of the ramps’ impact, according to WPU. The group enlisted Brian Ketcham, a Brooklyn-based transportation engineer with a history of being a pain in the City’s bac kside (he effectively killed Westway, the Koch era’s massive West Side Highway proposal). Ketcham’s number crunching and colorful assertions have become the dogma behind WPU’s opposition. His reports, the most recent a 286-page rebuttal of the draft EA, amount to the group’s sacred text.
Same Math, Different Results Should the redevelopment of Willets Point go through as planned, all roads within a two-mile radius would become a hellhole of steady brake lights, honking horns and an incapacitated mass transit system, according to Ketcham.
Ace Up Their Sleeve Ketcham’s latest rebuttal to a Cityproduced report will play a major role in any lawsuits challenging the planned ramps, including a case returning to Judge Madden’s court. “If the court rules [it] does have jurisdiction and that we should litigate the merits of the traffic impact, Ketcham’s report would definitely be integral,” said Michael Gerrard, WPU’s attorney for the case. Gerrard also hopes Ketcham’s findings will encourage the Federal Highway Administration to undertake a Federal Environmental Impact Statement, which would most closely mirror WPU’s desire for a non-partisan third party to assess the traffic impact of the plan. Meanwhile, the EDC is currently gathering responses to its recent Request For Proposals for Phase 1. It has consistently reiterated its belief that the ramps’ approval is coming. The next move in the ongoing chess match appears to be the July 20 oral arguments both parties will present, once again, to Judge Madden. Reach Deputy Editor Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127.
www.queenstribune.com • June 16-22, 2011 Tribune Page 17
the ramp plan was fully approved, marrying the controversial land acquisition technique to the State Dept. of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration’s OK. It was as good an The Road To The Ramps The lead-up to Wednesday’s hearing outcome as WPU could hope for. The provides an abject lesson in the density, group steadfastly believed the ramps scope and epic mountain of red tape were a fool’s errand, the EDC’s figures required to slap new ramps around were flawed at best, and no state agency Flushing Bay. It’s a three-year odyssey would ever approve the plan. Initially, the gambit appeared to work. of competing reports, varying math formulas and legal gamesmanship. What Emails acquired by WPU through freeemerges is a veritable chess match, with dom of information requests showed leading opposition group Willets Point State DOT’s engineers were skeptical United and the EDC playing an exhaust- about the ramps’ traffic-saving ability. ing series of countermoves based on the WPU felt assured the ramps’ lack of approval could keep the ramps. project tied up in agency As the plan to redevelop offices and red tape, effecWillets Point wound its way “These folks tively leaving eminent dothrough the Uniform Land main off the table for the Use Review Procedure in are playing foreseeable future. But 2008, the City Council’s games with EDC screwed their hopes ultimate stamp of approval cross-eyed when it segincluded the plan’s Final the numbers.” Generic Environmental —Brian Ketcham mented the project into phases. Impact Statement (FGEIS). The first chunk to be The report mapped out the potential traffic impact of the project, as redeveloped fell outside the auspices of well as the ramps’ role in easing any con- the proposed ramps, the agency argued, and therefore did not require DOT apgestion. At the outset, WPU latched onto the proval. The 22-acre chunk of land, with ramps as the potential linchpin to any nine landowners still not selling to the challenges of the project. The interchange City, began a public review process rebetween the Grand Central Parkway and quired for the use of eminent domain. WPU contended the fragmented apthe Whitestone and Van Wyck Expressways already presented a nightmare of proach was meant to sidestep EDC’s congestion at peak rush hours. The City promises to Judge Madden while lendpresented a bleak picture of the ramps’ ing the redevelopment an air of inevitaability to ease traffic in the surrounding bility. The agency said the switch was a local roads, WPU argued, with the added byproduct of a rough financial climate, congestion of a planned monolithic making a singular developer undertakmixed-use redevelopment of the 62-acre ing the entire mammoth project difficult, Iron Triangle. The City Council approved despite receiving 29 responses to its initial Request for Qualifications for the the plan regardless. A subsequent legal challenge initi- project. The initiation of the public review proated by WPU lived a short life in court but still achieved some success. The cess opened a door for legal challenges, EDC promised Judge Joan Madden it and WPU charged through it, with two would not employ eminent domain until lawsuits aimed at halting the EDC’s
“They’re essentially proposing the largest shopping mall in the city,” he said. “The impact on the surrounding local access roads is so horrendous. They lowballed the traffic, they have overstated the impact of transit. These folks are playing games with the numbers.” Ketcham’s point lies in the differences between gridlocked hell depicted in 2008’s FGEIS and smooth driving portrayed in the draft EA, both prepared by engineering firm AKRF. According to Ketcham’s submission, the latter hides many of the flaws laid bare in the FGEIS, underreporting the estimated car trips by as much as 100 percent. The gulf between the FGEIS and draft EA can easily be explained by competing formulas, according to the EDC’s dense, three-paragraph response to Ketcham’s assertions “[The draft EA], which is more regional in its approach, and focused on highway systems, uses different modeling procedures for forecasting future traffic volumes,” the agency said. “In contrast, the FGEIS analysis conservatively assigned vehicles according to the most direct route between their origins and destinations. Both approaches are appropriate and represent industry-standard protocol for evaluating traffic.” While the FGEIS states half of the Iron Triangle’s auto traffic would use the Van Wyck Expressway, the latest EA lowers the figure to one third. An estimated 2,000 cars were not reassigned to local roads in the report, according to Ketcham, showing “operating conditions on local roads that are better than reported in the FGEIS despite carrying 26 percent more Willets Point trips. More trips, lower impacts: it is mysterious why EDC thinks anyone will believe this.” Ketcham claims the EDC’s repor ts willfully ignore the ongoing development within Downtown Flushing, with the likes of Flushing Commons, the RKO Keith’s, Skyview Parc and other big ticket projects adding to traffic congestion. “They just don’t complete all the calculations,” he said. “My analysis does. The frustration for someone like me is where is the planning? Where is the upfront analysis? They will build it and nobody will come because they can’t get into or out of it. Or the whole area will be gridlocked.”
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THERE’S A QUEENS LIBRARY LOCATED NEAR YOU ADDRESS 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica 11432 312 Beach 54 Street, Arverne 11692 14-01 Astoria Boulevard, Astoria 11102 25-55 Francis Lewis Boulevard, Flushing 11358 117-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica 11436 18-36 Bell Boulevard, Bayside 11360 214-20 Northern Boulevard, Bayside 11361 250-06 Hillside Avenue, Bellerose 11426 85-12 Main Street, Briarwood 11435 16-26 Cross Bay Boulevard, Broad Channel 11693 40-20 Broadway, Long Island City 11103 218-13 Linden Boulevard, Cambria Heights 11411 38-23 104 Street, Corona 11368 25-01 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City 11101 249-01 Northern Boulevard, Little Neck 11363 95-06 Astoria Boulevard, East Elmhurst 11369 196-36 Northern Boulevard, Flushing 11358 86-01 Broadway, Elmhurst 11373 1637 Central Avenue, Far Rockaway 11691 41-17 Main Street, Flushing 11355 108-19 71 Avenue, Forest Hills 11375 193-20 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows 11365 256-04 Union Turnpike, Glen Oaks 11004 78-60 73 Place, Glendale 11385 187-05 Union Turnpike, Flushing 11366 202-05 Hillside Avenue, Hollis 11423 92-06 156 Avenue, Howard Beach 11414 35-51 81 Street, Jackson Heights 11372 72-33 Vleigh Place, Flushing 11367 100-01 Northern Boulevard, Corona 11368 134-26 225 Street, Laurelton 11413 103-34 Lefferts Boulevard, Richmond Hill 11419 98-30 57th Avenue, Corona 11368 37-44 21 Street, Long Island City 11101 69-70 Grand Avenue, Maspeth 11378 155-06 Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing 11354 - off Northern Blvd. 72-31 Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village 11379 29-42 Union Street, Flushing 11354 98-27 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills 11375 57-04 Marathon Parkway, Little Neck 11362 92-24 Rockaway Boulevard, Ozone Park 11417 92-25 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Rockaway Beach 11693 158-21 Jewel Avenue, Flushing 11365 121-23 14 Avenue, College Point 11356 94-11 217 Street, Queens Village 11428 60-05 Main Street, Flushing 11355 91-41 63 Drive, Rego Park 11374 118-14 Hillside Avenue, Richmond Hill 11418 20-12 Madison Street, Ridgewood 11385 169-09 137 Avenue, Jamaica 11434 144-20 243 Street, Rosedale 11422 191-05 Linden Boulevard, St. Albans 11412 116-15 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Rockaway Park 11694 204-01 Hollis Avenue, South Hollis 11412 108-41 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard, Jamaica 11433 128-16 Rockaway Boulevard, South Ozone Park 11420 21-45 31 Street, Astoria 11105 43-06 Greenpoint Avenue, Long Island City 11104 151-10 14 Road, Whitestone 11357 79-50 Bell Boulevard, Bayside 11364 85-41 Forest Parkway, Woodhaven 11421 54-22 Skillman Avenue, Woodside 11377
* Transportation routes subject to change without notice
Mobility Accessible
PHONE (718) *PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION = subway = bus 990-0700 F Across from the Jamaica bus terminal 634-4784 A Q22 278-2220 N, Q Q18, Q19, Q69, Q102, Q103 352-2027 Q16, Q76, Q31 529-1590 Q6 Alternates: Q40, Q7 423-7004 Q13, Q28 229-1834 Q12, Q13, Q31, LIRR 831-8644 Q43 658-1680 F Q20A, Q20B, Q44, Q60 318-4943 A Q21, Q53 721-2462 M, R Q101, Q104 528-3535 Q4, Q27, Q77 426-2844 7 Q23, Q48 937-2790 E, M, 7 B61, Q39, Q69 225-8414 LIRR Q12, N20/21 424-2619 Q19, Q49, Q72 357-6643 Q12, Q13, Q76 271-1020 M, R Q29, Q53, Q58, Q59, Q60 327-2549 A N31, N32, N33, Q22, Q113 661-1200 7, LIRR Q12, Q17, Q19, Q25, Q27, Q34, Q44, Q66, QBx1 268-7934 E, F, M, R Q23, Q60, Q64 454-7272 Q17, Q30, Q88 831-8636 Q46 821-4980 Q55 454-2786 Q17, Q46 465-7355 Q1, Q36, Q43, Q77 641-7086 Q11, Q21, Q41, Q53 899-2500 7 Q19, Q32, Q33, Q66 261-6654 Q20A, Q20B, Q44, Q64 651-1100 7 Q23, Q66, Q72 528-2822 Q5 843-5950 A Q8, Q10, Q112 592-7677 M, R Q38, Q72, Q88, QM10, QM11 752-3700 F Q66, Q69, Q101, Q102, Q103 639-5228 Q18, Q58, Q59, Q67 461-1616 Q13, Q28 326-1390 M Q29, Q38, Q54 539-2330 Q16, Q20A/Q20B, Q44 261-5512 Q23, Q54 225-3550 Q30 845-3127 A Q7, Q8, Q11, Q41, Q53, Q112 634-1110 A Shuttle Q21, Q22, Q53 591-4343 Q25, Q64, Q65 359-1102 Q20A, Q20B, Q25, Q65 776-6800 Q1, Q27, Q36, Q88, LIRR 359-8332 Q20A, Q20B, Q44, Q74, Q88 459-5140 M, R Q11, Q38, Q53, Q60, Q72 849-7150 J, Z Q10, Q55, Q56 821-4770 M B13, B20, Q39, Q58 723-4440 Q3, Q85, Q111, Q113 528-8490 Q85, Q111 528-8196 Q3, Q4 634-1876 A, S Q21, Q22, Q35, Q53 465-6779 Q2, Q77 739-4088 Q111, Q113 529-1660 Q7, Q9, Q10 728-1965 N, Q Q19, M60, Q69, Q101 784-3033 7 B24, Q32, Q39, Q60 767-8010 Q15A, Q76 468-8300 Q46 849-1010 J Q56 429-4700 7 Q18, Q32, Q60
Partially Mobility Accessible
Free Wireless Internet Access
1472trib-8/10
www.queenstribune.com • June 16-22, 2011 Tribune Page 19
LIBRARY Central Library Arverne Astoria Auburndale Baisley Park Bay Terrace Bayside Bellerose Briarwood Broad Channel Broadway Cambria Heights Corona Court Square Douglaston/Little Neck East Elmhurst East Flushing Elmhurst Far Rockaway Flushing Forest Hills Fresh Meadows Glen Oaks Glendale Hillcrest Hollis Howard Beach Jackson Heights Kew Gardens Hills Langston Hughes Laurelton Lefferts Lefrak City Long Island City Maspeth McGoldrick Middle Village Mitchell-Linden North Forest Park North Hills Ozone Park Peninsula Pomonok Poppenhusen Queens Village Queensboro Hill Rego Park Richmond Hill Ridgewood Rochdale Village Rosedale St. Albans Seaside South Hollis South Jamaica South Ozone Park Steinway Sunnyside Whitestone Windsor Park Woodhaven Woodside
Brown Honored
Queens DA Richard Brown is presented with the Fund for Modern Courts Public Service Award in recognition of his more than 50 years of public service by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr.
Linakis Leaders
Paulina Kulesza (l. to r.), Derek Hanson and Hanchun Hou are among 16 Queens College students who received Linakis Leaders scholarships for outstanding academic achievement and community service.
QCH Rallies
pix
WIC Ribbon Cut
Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens celebrated the opening of its two new WIC Programs in Woodside and Jamaica with commemorative ribbon-cutting ceremony at both locations. Pictured at the Woodside ribbon cutting (l. to r.): WIC participant and child; Pastor Noel Moynihan, BVM, Help of Christians Parish; Robert Siebel, CEO, Catholic Charities; Lynn Perton, Dir., Division of Nutrition, State DOH; WIC Participant and Child; Risa Kaiser, Dir., Queens WIC Programs, Catholic Charities; Gladys Rodriguez, VP, Catholic Charities; Winshell Casseus, Breastfeeding Coordinator, Queens WIC Programs; Cherrise Lewis, Peer Counselor, Queens WIC Programs. Back row (l. to r.): Mary Hurson, Administrator, Family Services, and WIC participants and children.
Wildlife Puppet Show
Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson
110th CO Awarded More than 100 supporters of Queens Community House marched from South Street Seaport to Battery Park, joining 20,000 other New Yorkers to stand up for a city budget that preserves and strengthens the safety net by continuing to fund human services, education, affordable housing and transportation.
Nursery students of Resurrection Ascension School in Rego Park attended a puppet show presented by the New York Wildlife Conservation Society. Rangers from the Central Park Zoo entertained the children with songs, dances and interesting facts about animal life.
Page 20 Tribune June 16-22, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Court Square
Justich Renaming Deputy Inspector Richard Napolitano from the 110th Precinct in Elmhurst was honored with the PCT Award presented by Mayor Mike Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly Tuesday, June 14. Napolitano and his wife Elizabeth are pictured with Executive Officers Thomas Conforti, Jason Huerta and PO Hee-Jin ParkDance. Photo by Dan Miller
Tech Support
Riders of the 7 and G trains can now stay inside when switching from one train to the next thanks to the Court Square connector that opened in Long Island City earlier this month.
Sen. Toby Stavisky works on a computer central processing unit under the guidance of members of Edison High School’s MOUSE Team, who visited Albany. MOUSE is a New York City-based nonprofit organization that trains students to be their school’s tech support team.
On June 12, Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. honored Queens Sanitation worker Frank Justich with a street in Astoria co-named in his memory. Justich, an 11-year veteran based out of the Queens North 1 garage serving Astoria, was struck and killed by a truck along his route on the corner of 35th Street and Ditmars Boulevard on Jan. 26, 2010. Vallone was joined by DSNY Commissioner John Doherty, members of the Justich family including his wife Stacy, mother Patricia and two young daughters, Assembly Member Aravella Simotas and dozens of Astoria residents who all knew Mr. Justich from his route on Ditmars Boulevard. Picture l. to r.: Simotas, Frank’s mother Patricia; Vallone; Frank’s wife Stacy and two daughters; Commissioner Doherty; Ed Baber of U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney’s office; and a member of the DSNY.
www.queenstribune.com • June 16-22, 2011 Tribune Page 21
Page 22 Tribune June 16-22, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Leisure
Comedic Novel Steps Back In Time By JASON BANREY Judging a book by its cover is the worse cliché any enthusiastic reader would want to find themselves under. According to Jack Newcastle, author of “The Fine Art Of Mixing Girls,” his debut novel may look deceiving, but leaves it to the readers to not oversimplify. “It’s unfor tunate if anyone judges this book by its cover,” said Newcastle w ith a subtle chuckle. “[Mixing Girls] is definitely more t han what seems to be.”
Author Jack Newcastle’s new book not only oozes 1950’s st yle, so does his wardrobe.
Set in the 1950s, this quick-wit ted comedy tells the tale of Roosevelt P. Lane, a New York Cit y enter tainment columnist w ith a nose for news in the nightlife of a town brimming with dubious debutantes, cunning Commies and lackadaisical lushes. Torn between two love s – an unassuming salacious starlet and a pragmatic, progressive ar ts editor – Lane struggle s to not only decide who to be with, but which one is the “right one” to be seen with. With each night that passes, Lane finds himself in dodgy dilemmas. Whether it’s saddling up to a song and dance at The Stork over a mart ini, or taking the gents up on a drinking contest at Father Doyle’s hole in the wall, Lane never finds himself without enough material to muster up and rattle out of his typewriter each morning at the Daily Mail. Just when the book’s main character believes he sees a bit of light at the end of the tunnel, Newcastle pulls the rug out from under him, which he feels is a comedic catharsis Lane needed to experience before making his final decision on who to be with as the book climaxes. “It was important that [Lane] looked back and said to himself ‘Could I have done something differently,’” Newcastle said about the book’s conclusion. “The ending will make my readers think – something I wanted to achieve.”
Go Visit Red House
REVIEW
media and smar tphones never existed. Nonetheless, Newcastle stresses the fact that his novel is a complete comedy while acknowledging his at tempts to paint a time which is completely different than today; a time where the fate of opinions of one another rested solely on actions rather than the frequency of Facebook status updates. Whatever way you see it, it is a comedy, Newcastle confesses. “It is a comedy. Till it isn’t.” Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 124.
Local Restaurant Week Returns To Jackson Hts The second annual “June in Jackson Heights” initiative, sponsored by Councilman Danny Dromm, is in full swing with art shows, per formances, films and historic tours. Now, residents and visitors will be able to sample cuisine from around the world during Jackson Heights Restaurant Week, Monday, June 20, through Saturday, June 25. This year, more than 20 restaurants will offer specially priced menus during the week-long event. Many restaurants were happy to be included again, including Natives Restaurant (82-22 Northern Blvd.), which offers a shell salad filled with grilled chicken, shrimp or salmon and a glass of wine for only $15. Also par ticipating once again is La Pequeña Colombia (83-27 Roosevelt Ave.), offering a choice of appetizer and a selected entree with soda or juice for $20. Delicious entrees from Nepal can be found at Mustang Thakali Kitchen (74-14 37th Ave.) where a 10 percent discount off any thing on the menu is available for the entire week and Desi Chinese newcomer Himalayan Hut (75-18 37th Ave.) has a grand deal for two: soup and one special entrée with rice and tea for just $14.95. Delhi Heights (37-66 74th St.) which has received an outstanding Michelin rating, offers a fresh and authentic home-style Indian cuisine with a buffet that runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for only $10 or 15 percent off their delectable dinner menu. Mehfil (76-05 37th Ave.) is also on the list again where a vegetable samosa, an a la carte entrée, naan, rice and soda will cost $20. City Coffee (77-17 37th Ave.) will offer a small Greek salad with moussaka for $10
while at Espresso 77 (35-57 77th St.) an entrée and a glass of wine for two will run $20 and an entrée and a glass of wine for one will cost $10. Ricky’s Café (75-02 37th Ave.), a local favorite, has a great lunch special for just $7. Japanese Restaurant, Tomo (86-12 37th Ave.), will provide any three regular rolls for $10 and a la carte sushi and sashimi for $1 apiece. Happy Kitchen (80-12 37th Ave.) meanwhile, is offering the aptly named Jackson Heights Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, and California Roll for $10. For Italian cuisine, head over to Armondo’s Italian Restaurant (74-27 37th Ave.), which will offer 10 percent off. Head to El Coyote (80-16 Northern Blvd.) for Mexican done right at $20 for three courses. For Greek food, Plaka (75-61 31st Ave.) is an excellent choice with a great menu at 20 percent off. If you like steak, restaurants that hail from countries in South America like La Por teña, La Boina Roja, Novo and Cafe La Nueva, have the best cuts at the best prices. Of course, we cannot forget American dining. For a Texas BBQ walk over to Legends (7104 35th Ave.) with a “buy one get one free” signature BBQ sandwich. To promote the event, organizers have created a website, juneinjacksonheights.com, containing a full list of all the June activities, as well as all of the restaurants par ticipating in Jackson Heights Restaurant Week. Additionally, local web sites like jacksonheightslife.com will be working to promote June in Jackson Heights throughout the month.
Kutsher’s Fundraiser To Aid Israeli Helpers By JING CHEN American Red Magen David for Israel will host its annual fundraiser weekend July 1518 at Kutsher’s Country Club in Monticello. ARMDI is the sole support arm in the United States of Magen David Adom, Israel’s official Red Cross service. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward blood, medical supplies, ambulatory services and ambulances in Israel. Patrons will enjoy a fun-filled four days and three nights of entertainment and three meals day, which are included in the fee. Payments must be made in full and price varies on the room. Rooms in The Marquis
go for $395 for members and $405 for nonmembers; rooms in The Tower go for $385 for members and $395 non-members, rooms in the 600 Section go for $375 for members and $385 for non-members. Entertainment for the weekend include s dancing, golfing, mountain biking, barbequing, indoor ice-skating, and among others. ARMDI holds monthly fundraising events. Events are opened to members and nonmembers alike. For more information, to book tickets or to find out how to become an ARMDI member, call Natalie Uleis at (718) 224-7989 after 11 a.m.
www.queenstribune.com • June 16-22, 2011 Tribune Page 23
avocado, along with a dusting of sesame seeds. Skeptical of the plate’s combination, my guest looked across at me and took the first bite. As I hesitated, her eyes rolled into the back of her head with satisfaction. I immediately followed her move and placed the triangular treat on my tongue and crunched it back which fully pleased my belly’s longing for something differIn only eight months, Red House has ent. Salaciously savored by our taste buds, done more than just attract neighborhood each bite brought on different flavors an locals and borough residents to feast on its experience no culinary aficionado should miss. delicacies from the Far East. Next we order from the ChiWord has it, Red House’s clien- RESTAURANT nese menu. Keeping along with tele extend all the way out to the “tr y something ne w” mot if, Brooklyn, Long Island and as far we asked for the steamed tiny as Washington D.C. buns with pork and the Triple If people were willing to travel Delight with Scallions. nearly 250 miles from the U.S. Opening the warm bamboo capital just to get a taste of one steamer revealed the delicately of our borough’s hidden gems, rolled dough which enveloped a my companion and I decided to generous port ion of pork that take a shor t trek to see what al l laid stewing in a warm tangy the fuss was about. Located only 10 minutes away from broth. Nibbling off the tip of the bun gave Queens Boulevard, the authentic Asian fu- us access to the juices within, a temperate sion restaurant finds itself at the foot of transition for what was to come next. The sound of the Triple Delight w ith Cunningham Park’s forested trails. On entr y, we were graciously welcomed by the Scallions echoed the glut tonous passion warm staff and slowly soothed to our booth we had already embraced. Sliced beef, by the restaurant’s tranquil Asian music chicken and shrimp sautéed in an auburn sauce specially prepared by the chef which crafted a gentle atmosphere. Initially, we sifted through the menus seemed like the way to end our date. The glazed plump shrimp, intermingled filled with a variety of options of both fine Japanese and Chinese cuisine. Looking within the tenderly cooked meats, was a over the menu we immediately noticed the per fect seductive sampling. The slightly Sashimi Pizza dish. Intrigued by the un- sweet sauce along with shoots of scallions conventional combination of raw fish brought silence over the table. Throughout spread over a fried scallion crispy pancake, the entire experience we realized we barely uttered a word to each other and the realwe ordered away. At a quick glance the dish gives off a ization of Red House restaurant’s widely culinary kaleidoscope of colors. A mixture renowned recognition reigned over us. We will be back. of tuna and salmon is sprinkled on a pan—Jason Banrey cake among sodden seaweed and sliced RED HOUSE 192-03 Union Tpke., Fresh Meadows (718) 468-0888 CUISINE: Chinese & Japanese HOURS: Mon-Thu: 11:30 am-10 pm; Fri.-Sat 11:30 am-11 pm; Sun noon to 10 pm CREDIT CARDS: All Major DELIV ERY: Yes
The Astoria author assures his readers that Lane is strictly a fictional character, who is in no way near based on himself – despite their mutual disdain for vodka, ‘that national drink of Mother Russia’ and a spirit which finds it self at the hear t of Lane’s lovely dilemma. The fast banter and rhy thmically placed dialouge carr y Lane from chapter to chapter, creating a recipe for disaster, unfolding a plot that only a 1950’s savant could concoct. Compared to today, Newcastle admits it was not easy recreating a world where social
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL
Send typed announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 174-15 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina. IF YOUR ORGANIZATION MEETS ON A REGULAR BASIS, SEND ALL DATES FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR.
DANCE COUNTRY WESTERN Saturday, June 18 White Lightening performs at the Fathers Day Dance. $12. Glendale Memorial Building, 72-02 Myrtle Avenue at 7:30. 763-4328. ISRAELI FOLK Mondays 7:15-9:45 at Hillcrest Jewish Center, 18202 Union Turnpike. $10 session. 380-4145. LINE DANCING Mondays 6:30-9:30 at Kowalinski Post 4, 61-57 Maspeth Avenue. $7. Cake and coffee. 565-2259.
RELIGIOUS BUKHARIAN MUSIC Tuesday, June 21 at 1:30 at the Central Queens YMYWHA, 67-09 108 th Street, Forest Hills. $6 donation. HISTORY OF ZIONISM June 23 at Temple Tikvah, 3315 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park. $10 non-members.. 8pm.
Page 24 Tribune June 16-22, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
MISCELLANEOUS DOG/CAT VACCINE Through July 30 Petland Discount locations offer low cost dog and cat vaccinations. Contact your local store. HOUSING EXPO Saturday, June 11 9-4 at Queens College Student Union Ballroom. 298-6505. GOLF CLASSIC June 20 23 rd Annual American Heart Association Golf Classic. 516-450-9129. EXHIBIT June 22 unique program of local artists at the Kew Gardens Communit y Center, 8002 Kew Gardens Road 11-7. WALK & RUN September 25 Long Island Heart Walk and 5K Run. 516450-9126. ORATORIO SOCIETY Mondays through April the Oratorio Society of Queens rehearses at the North Presbyterian Church. 279-3006. COMMUNITY SINGERS Mondays through May the Communit y Singers of Queens, Inc. rehearses at Messiah Lutheran Church, 42-15 165 th Street, Flushing. New members welcome. 658-1021.
EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS WOODBLOCK PRINTING Easy method in full color at the National Art League. 969-1128. JH ART CLUB Classes in all art forms days and evenings for children and adults. 454-0813. PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturday, June 18 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-4367940. CRAFT CLASSES Saturdays 11-3 at Maria Rose International Doll Museum in St. Albans. 2763454. SCRABBLE CLUB Saturdays at 10 at Count Basie Jr. HS, 132 nd Street and Guy R. Brewer Blvd. 8865236. PET OWNERS Saturdays (not on holiday weekends) from 1-4 free Doggie Boot Camp at Crocheron Park in Bayside (weather permitting). 4545800. Reservations required. Donations accepted. BALLROOM DANCE Mondays, June 20, 27 ballroom dancing at 6:30 at the Forest Hills library. BRIDGE CLUB Mondays except holidays 124 at Pride of Judea in Douglaston. Lesson & play $10. Partners arranged. 4236200. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library at 4. DRAWING CLASS Mondays at the National Art League in Douglaston. 3610628. LINE DANCE Mondays beginner to intermediate lessons 6-9 in Bayside. 917-886-0519. ADULT CHESS Mondays and Thursdays at the Queens Village library at 5:30. BEGIN ENGLISH Mondays and Wednesdays free Beginners English Classes 10-11:30 at the Pomonok Senior Center, 6709 Kissena Blvd., Flushing. 591-3377. CAREER POTENTIAL Monday, June 20 and Thursday, June 23 discover your career potential at the Central library. POETRY WRITING Tuesdays, June 21, July 19 budding poets are invited to a constructive feedback in a personalized setting at 7:30 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows. SCRABBLE CLUB Tuesdays at the East Flushing library at 3:30. GET YOUR YARNS OUT! Tuesdays after evening Minyan at 8, knitters, crocheters, needlepointers, and others meet at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000, ext. 200. TANGO CLASS Wednesdays, June 22, 29 at Buenos Aires Tango in Forest Hills. 347-642-4705. NOOK NIGHT Wednesday, June 22 at 7 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows. DUPLICATE BRIDGE
Wednesdays 10:30-3:00 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills. $12 session, includes light lunch. 261-2900 INDOOR SOCCER – DADS Wednesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000. OIL PAINTING CLASS Wednesdays 6-8 adult classes, all levels. Grace Lutheran Church in Forest Hills. 472-4055. WATERCOLOR CL ASS Wednesdays at 9:30 at NAL. Traditional and contemporary, all levels. 969-1128. CHINESE LANGUAGE Wednesdays, June 22, 29 at the Laurelton library. Register. QUILTING CLASSES Thursdays 10-2 at the Maria Rose Doll Museum in St. Albans. 276-3454 or 917817-8653 to register. QUILTERS Thursdays at the East Elmhurst library at 12:30. CHESS CLUB Thursdays at the East Flushing library. Register. COMPUTER CLASS Thursdays at the Queensboro Hill library. Register. KNIT & CROCHET Thursdays at the Fresh Meadows library at 6. BALLROOM DANCING Thursdays, June 23, 30 at the Woodside library at 6:30. PAINTING WORKSHOP Fridays through June 24 N e w C re a t i v i t y a n d A d vanced Painting Workshop at National Art League. 1-646546-2296. KNITTING CLUB Fridays at the Maspeth library at 10. KNIT & CROCHET Fridays at the Fresh Meadows library at 10:30. BAKERS & SHAKERS Starting Sunday, June 26 4 course class for the family. Star ting Tuesday, June 28 8 session course for adults. Central Queens Y. 268-5011, ext. 482. JOB INFORMATION Thursday, June 30 Job Information Center at 7 at the Central library.
DINNER DINNER CRUISE Thursday, June 30 1 st annual charit y dinner dance cruise for Bobbi and the Strays. JEWISH WOMEN Tuesday, June 21 luncheon by the NY section of the National Council of Jewish Women. 1-800-829-NCJW. CENTENNIAL 2011 September 24 Queens Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the Centennial at Terrace on the Park.
ENVIRONMENT SPRING BIRD WALKS Sunday, June 19 APEC. $5 members, $7 others. 2294000. ENVIRONMENTAL FILMS Thursday, June 23 “Homo Toxicus” Idlewild Park Science Learning Center. 347824-2301 to register.
ENTERTAINMENT ASTORIA PARK CONCERT Thursday, June 30 at 7:30. Free. Astoria Symphony performs. OPEN MIC Monday, July 11 Open Mic Poetry Night at 7:30 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 U n i o n Tu r n p i k e , F r e s h
Meadows. WORLD MAKER FAIRE September 17-18 family fun festival to make, create, learn, invent and more by celebrating arts, crafts, engineering, food, music, science and technology. Hall of Science.
EXHIBIT QUEENS HISTORICAL Tu e s d ay s , S a t u r d ay s a n d Sundays 2:30-4:30 new exhibit “For Love of the Games: A History of Sports in Queens,” with other exhibits, “Unraveling History: Using Textiles to Date the Past,” “Kingsland: From Homestead to House Museum,” “Persistence: A Celebration of Landmarks in Queens – Past, Present, Future,” and “The Civil War’s La sting Memory.” Queens H i s to r i c a l Societ y at Kingsland Homestead, 1443 5 3 7 th a v e n u e , F l u s h i n g . 939-0647, ext. 17. $2 seniors and students, $3 adults. MOVING IMAGE Through June 12 “Real Virtualit y.” Through July 17 “Cit y Glow.” Museum of the Moving Image, 35 th Avenue and 37 th Street, Astoria. $10 adults. 777-6888. AMER. CIVIL RIGHTS Through June “QCC Art Gallery: 20 Years of Collecting.” May through June “Department of Art and Design’s Juried Student Exhibition.” QCC Art Gallery. 631-6396. NY REGIONAL AESTHETICS Through June 30 “Express: L o c a l / N ew Yo r k Re g i o n a l Aesthetics” at the Queens College Art Center. 9973770. SOCRATES SCULPTURE Through August 7 “Vista” at Socrates Sculpture Park, intersection of Broadway and Vernon Blvd., LIC. 956-1819. FLUSHING COUNCIL Through September 2011 “Within the Emperor’s Gard e n : ” T h e Te n T h o u s a n d Springs Pavilion.” Through November 14 “Endangered Art/ists: China.” November 19 through January 7 “Korean Painting Exhibition: A Walk Through Nature.” Permanent displays include “Jazz Live!”, “Flushing Town Hall:” Fact or Folklore,” an historical exhibition on Flushing Town Hall and its place in history, “Legends of the Queens Jazz Trail” 463-7700. DOLL MUSEUM Wednesday through Saturdays 12:30-4:30 the Maria Rose Doll Museum in St. Albans. 276-3454. BAYSIDE HISTORICAL “The Castle,” “Native Bayside/Native Voice,” “If The Hat Fits,” “The Women of Bayside” and “Bayside Life” On the Edge of Modernity” are on display at the Bayside Historical Societ y, 352-1548. Tuesday-Sunday 11-4. $3 donation. LOUIS ARMSTRONG Guided tours at the Corona museum. $8 adults, $6 seniors, students, groups. 4788274.
ANTHROPOLOGY The Anthropology Museum of the People of New York and the Armenian Cultural Educational Resource Center Gallery are open at Queens College. 428-5650 to visit. LI ARCHIVES L aGuardia and Wagner Archives display various exhibits exploring the history of NYC. LaGuardia Communit y College. 482-5709. Free. ALLEY POND C TR. Va r i e t y o f e x h i b i t s a n d a chance to see nature upclose in the mini-zoo and aquarium. 229-4000 for a current program guide. KING MANOR Pre-Hampton 19th century get-away Village, Jamaica Village, is recaptured at King Manor Museum, in the middle of King Park. $2 adults, $1 children. Limited winter hours, by appointment only. 206-0545. ONDERDONK Self-guided tours of the national landmark building, built circa 1709. School programs, craft courses, horticultural activities and historical slide shows. Greater Ridgewood Historical Societ y, 1820 Flushing Avenue, Ridgewood. 456-1776. BOWNE HOUSE Original 17th, 18th and 19th century furnishings. 37-01 Bowne Street, Flushing. 3590528. $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 students and children. POPPENHUSEN Visit the kindergarten room, Victorian Hall, old village jail cells and current exhibits, including the “September 11 Memorial,” “College Point Then and Now” and the “Native American Exhibit.” 10-2. 358-0067. BOTANICAL GARDEN 38 acre garden provides recreation, formal and informal educational opportunities. Queens Botanical Gardens, 43-50 Main Street, Flushing. 886-3880. COUNT Y FARM Tours available of historic Adriance Farmhouse, which dates back to 1772. Queens Count y Farm Museum, 7350 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park. 347-FARM. HALL OF SCIENCE Adults $7.50, children 4-15 and seniors $5. 699-0005. FISHER LANDAU The Fisher Landau Center for Art, 38-27 30 th Street, LIC. 937-0727. Free. Recent acquisitions and core holdings in photography, painting and sculpture. ISAMU NOGUCHI Noguchi Museum, 32-37 Ve r n o n B l vd . , L I C . $ 1 0 adults, $5 seniors and students. 204-7088.
www.queenstribune.com • June 16-22, 2011 Tribune Page 25
MOVING IMAGE Museum of the Moving Image, 35 th Avenue and 37 th Street, Astoria. $10 adults. 777-6888. SOAP BOX DERBY Saturday, June 18 in East Elmhurst. 468-5144. HOT JAZZ Saturday, June 18 the Bria Akonberg Quartet at 2 at the Louis Armstrong Garden. $10. 478-8274. APOLLO Saturday, June 18 From Havana to Harlem at Queens Theater in the Park. 7600064. ASTRONOMY NIGHT Saturday, June 18 Evening with the Stars from 8-10 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000. $10 adults. ASTORIA HISTORICAL Saturday, June 18 History R o u n d Ta b l e w i t h t h e events of t he Civil War in 1861 at 1. $5. Greater Astoria Historical Societ y, 35-20 Broadway, 4^: th floor. 278-0700. JAMAICA BAY CRUISE Saturday, June 18 Jamaica Bay Cruise 4-7 from Brooklyn. 318-9344. SPRING CONCERT Sunday, June 19 Children’s Orchestra Societ y presents t h e i r 4 2 nd A n n u a l S p r i n g Concert at 5 at Queensborough Communit y College. 516-869-9696. BINGO Tuesdays at 7:15 at American Mart yrs Church, church basement, 216-01 Union Tu r n p i k e , B a y s i d e . 4 6 4 4 5 8 2 . Tu e s d ay s at 7:15 (doors open 6) at the Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd. 459-1000.$3 admission includes 12 games. OPEN MIC Thursday, June 23 at the East Elmhurst library at 6. OPEN MIC Thursday, June 23 Open Mic: An Urban Love Story at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center. LIVE JAZZ Fridays through December 13 at 180-25 Linden Blvd.., St. Albans. 347-262-1169 ticket information. STAMP SHOW Sunday, June 26 Bayside Stamp Show at the Ramada Inn in Bayside. 10-4:30. Free. CONCERT Sunday, June 26 Quintet of the Americas performs at 2:30 at the Queens Botanical Gardens. Free. CONCERT Sunday, June 26 concert on the lawn in Fort Totten Park at 6. JAZZ Sunday, June 26 Hot Jazz/ Cool Garden, a July 4th birthday celebration for Louis Armstrong. July 30 Gordon Au and the Grand Street Stompers. August 4 Jazzmobile in front of the museum at 7. August 20 Baby Soda Jazz Band. Armstrong House Museum. 478-8274. DANCE ODYSSEY Monday, June 27 at the Flushing library at 6:40.
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Queens Today
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT Page 26 Tribune June 16-22, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Queens Today HEALTH YOGA CLASSES Saturdays 10-11 and Sundays 9:30-10:30 workshops on Yoga. Other classes include meditation, Ayurvedic, yoga philosophy, Sanskirt language. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Jackson Heights. 646-912-1885. YOGA IN THE PARK Saturdays through September 24 at Socrates Sculpture Park. 956-1819. CAPOEIRA IN THE PARK Saturdays through September at Socrates Sculpture Park. 956-1819. NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS 7 days a week. 962-6244. Flushing. PILATES IN THE PARK Sundays through September 25 at Socrates Sculpture Park. 956-1819. TAI CHI IN THE PARK Sundays through September 25 at Socrates Sculpture Park.956-1819. WAITANKUNG Sundays at 2. Waitankung is a great total-body workout. Join these ancient Chinese exercise classes in the Flushing Hospital/Medical Center auditorium on 45 th Avenue between Parsons and Burling. Free. Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156 information. VISUAL IMPAIRMENT Monday, June 20 signs and symptoms of vision loss at the Broadway library at 10:30. VISUAL IMPAIRMENT Thursday, June 30 signs and symptoms of vision loss at the Middle Village library at 2. NICOTINE ANONYMOUS Mondays 6:45-8:00 at the Center for Tobacco Control, 2 2 5 C o m m u n i t y D r i ve , Great Neck. 516-510-7826. TAI CHI Mondays and Thursdays at 11 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695. $5 a class. GAM-ANON Tuesdays Free Synagogue of Flushing and Zion Episcopal Church. Wednesdays All Saints Episcopal Church in Bayside, First Presbyterian Church in Forest Hills, Church on the Hill in Flushing and United Methodist Church in Middle Village. Thursdays Free Synagogue of Flushing and Zion Episcopal Church. Call 1-877-6642469. CAREGIVERS SUPPORT E ve r y Tu e s d a y We ste r n Queens Caregiver Network in Sunnyside. 5:30-6:30. 784-6173, ext. 431. CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Every Tuesday 3:30-4:30 at the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886. PROSTATE CANCER Wednesday, June 22 Franklin Hospital in Valley Stream 8-10:30. Thursday, June 23 at the Smith Institute for Urology in New Hyde Park 7-9. Saturday, June 25 at the Specialt y Medical Center in Forest Hills 1-5. Free prostate cancer screenings. 516-4652500. ZUMBA Wednesdays the Sisterhood
of Bay Terrace Jewish Cent e r , 1 3 - 0 0 2 0 9 th S t r e e t , Bayside, will hold Zumba Fitness classes from 7:30-8:30. $8 members, $10 others. 428-6363. YOGA Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 6701695. $10 class. OA Thursdays at the Howard Beach library at 10:30. OA Fridays 6:30-8:30 at Unit y Center of Flushing, 42-11 1 5 5 th S t r e e t . S a t u r d a y s 10:30-noon at Resurrection
Ascension, Feely Hall, 85-18 61 st Road, Rego Park. Beginners meeting except the last Friday of each month, which is a writing meeting. CO-DEPENDENTS ANON. Fridays 10-11:45 at Resurrection Ascension Pastoral C e n t e r , 8 5 - 1 8 6 1 st R o a d , Rego Park. Women only. ALZHEIMERS Tuesday s, July 12, 26 Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills. 592-5757, ext. 237. CANCER SUPPORT Monday, August 1 Franklin Hospital’s Cancer Support Group meets 2-4 in the cafeteria. 516-256-6478.
MEETINGS TOASTMASTERS Monday, June 20 True Potential Toastmasters meet at 7:10. 646-269-1577. AMERICAN LEGION 131 Tuesday, June 21 the American Legion, Post 131, meets at 8 at 10-20 Clintonville Street, Whitestone. 7674323. BEREAVEMENT Tuesday, June 21 Bereavement Support group at Holy Family Fresh Meadows at 7:30. 969-2448. TALK OF THE TOWN Tuesday s, June 21, July 5, 19 learn the art of public speaking in St. Albans at 7:15. 640-7092. MEN’S CLUB SOCCER Tuesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 2637000. FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tuesdays the Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets. 917-612-3463. FH VAC Wednesdays, June 22, July 27 Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corp meets. 793-2055. WOMANSPACE Wednesdays Womanspace, a discussion group devoted to issues concerning women, meets 1-3 at the Great Neck Senior Center, 80 Grace Avenue. New members welcome. QUEENS CENTRAL ROTARY Thursdays 6:30-8:30 Come learn if Rotary is for you. 465-2914.
FLEA MARKETS SWAP & SHOP Saturday, June 18 at the LIC library. 752-3700. FLEA MARKET Saturday, June 18 9-4 at B ow n e Str e e t C o m m u n i t y Church, Bowne and Roosevelt Avenue. RUMMAGE SALE Saturday, June 18 9:30-4:00 at Redeemer Lutheran, 4601 Bell Blvd., Bayside. FLEA MARKET Saturday, June 25 at Flushing House, 38-20 Bowne Street 10-4. THRIFT SHOPS Saturdays 11-4 at Bargain Boutique Thrift Shop, Queens Baptist Church, 9323 217 th Street, Queens Village.465-2504.
HORIZONS CLUB Thursday, June 23 Horizons, for those 55 and over, meet at noon at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112th Street. $3 includes coffee and cake. WOMAN’S GROUP Fridays the Woman’s Group of Jamaica Estates meets at noon. Call 461-3193 for information. JEWISH VETS Sunday, June 26 Jewish War Veterans of the USA Lipsky/ Blum Post meet at the Garden Jewish Center. 4634742. ST. ALBANS CIVIC Sunday, June 26 St. Albans Civic Improvement Association meets at 1:30 at St. Albans Lutheran Church, 200 th Street and 119 th Avenue in the undercroft. 2764263. VFW 4787 Mondays, June 27, July 11, 25 Whitestone VFW Comm u n i t y Po s t m e e t s . 7 4 6 0540. JEWISH WOMEN Monday, June 27 National Council of Jewish Women, Lakeville Section, meets at the Recreation Center in New Hyde Park’s Clinton Park at noon. FLUSHING CAMERA Wednesday, June 29, Flushing Camera Club meets at Flushing Hospital. 479-0643. ADVANCED TOASTMASTER Monday, June 30 learn the art and science of public speaking in Queens. 5256830. TOASTMASTERS Wednesdays, July 6, 20 learn the art of public speaking at the Voices of Rochdale in Jamaica. 978-0732. CATHOLIC VETS Mondays, July 11 American Mart yrs Catholic War Veterans Post 1772 meets in Bayside. 468-9351.
THEATER AUDITIONS Thursday, June 23 the Bayswater Players will audition for “Rumors” at 7. 4717771. KILLING KOMPANY Friday, September 23 “The Re a l i t y T V M u r d e r s ” a t Riccardo’s in Astoria. 1-888SHOOT-EM for information.
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
www.queenstribune.com • June 16-22, 2011 Tribune Page 27
Queens Today YOUTH
Page 28 Tribune June 16-22, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
QUEENS LIBRARIES Many branches of the Queensborough Library offer toddler and pre-school programs. Contact your local branch for dates. CELEBRATE DADS Saturday, June 18 dads storytime at 11 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows. KIDS CRAFT Saturday, June 18 father’s day children’s craft at 11:30 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows. Supplies limited. SCULPTURE PARK Saturdays through September 24 the Socrates Sculpture Park will hold drop-in workshops for families. MATH HELP Saturdays at the Flushing library at 10. CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2. S TORY TIMES Saturdays at 11 and Tuesdays at 10:30 weekly story times at Barnes & Noble, 1766 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i ke , Fre s h Meadows. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at 4 at the Douglaston/Little Neck li-
brary. Bring needles and yarn. BALLOON ANIMALS Monday, June 20 at 3:30 at t h e D o u g l a s t o n l i b r a r y. Space limited. MAGIC SHOW Monday, June 20 at 4 at the Baisley Park library Limited space. MAGIC SHOW Tuesday, June 21 at 3:30 at the Astoria library. GAMING FUN Wednesdays, June 22, 29 and Thursdays, June 23, 30 at 3:30 at the Lefrak Cit y library. CHESS Wednesdays at the Queens Village library at 3:30. MAGIC SHOW Wednesday, June 22 at 3:30 at the North Forest library. Space limited. PICTURE BOOK Wednesday, June 22 at 3:30 at the Rego Park library. T WILIGHT TALES Thursdays, June 23, 30 at the Douglaston library. Register. MAGIC SHOW Thursday, June 23 at 4 at the Queens Village library. BOY SCOUT 138 Thursdays Boy Scout Troop 138 meets at 7:30 in the basement at 192-15C 64th Circle,
TEENS Fresh Meadows. For those 11 and older. 454-2391. GAME DAY Friday, June 24 at the Arverne library at 3. MAGIC SHOW Friday, June 24 at 3 at the Woodside library. Space limited. CHESS CLUB Fridays at the Poppenhusen library at 3:30. YU-GI-OH Friday, June 24 at the Queensboro library at 4. GO GREEN Friday, June 24 at the Jackson Heights library at 4. GAME DAY Fridays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library. CUB SCOUTS 351 Fridays at St. Nicholas of Tolentine school cafeteria, Parsons Blvd. and Union Turnpike. Boys in grades 15. 820-0015. READING LUAU Saturday, June 25 at 11 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows. For those in grades 1-6. CRAFT PROGRAMS July 10 basic embroidery 13. August 14 introduction to quilting 1-4. Queens Historical Societ y. 939-0647, ext. 17.
REGENTS REVIEW In June Maspeth Town Hall offers Regents Review Classes. $80. 335-6049. CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2. CHAMP PROGRAM Monday, June 20 at the L a n g s to n H u g h e s l i b r a r y. Register. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library at 4. CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library. WII WORLD Thursday, June 23 at the Peninsula library at 4. HAPPY HOUR Friday, June 24 at the Flushing library at 3. SUMMER READING Monday, June 27 summer reading kick off at the Arverne library at 1. KNIT & CROCHET Wednesday, June 29 at 1 at the South Ozone Park library. TEEN WRAP AROUNDS Thursday, June 30 at the Lefrak Cit y library at 4. ACQC SUPPORT AC Q C Te e n Pe e r S u p p o r t Group - information, sup-
port, skills development training for those “touched by HIV/AIDS.” Ages 14-16. 8962500. ART CLASSES Fridays the Alliance of Queens Artists in Forest Hills offers teen workshops. 5209842. BOY SCOUTS 138 Thursdays Boy Scout Troop 138 meets at 7:30 at 19215C 64 th Circle, basement, Fresh Meadows. For those up to 17. 454-2391. BUKHARIAN LOUNGE Bukharian Teen Lounge, for those 15-18, at the Central Queens YM-YWHA in Forest Hills. 268-5011, ext. 202. CATALPA YMCA Saturdays recreation, Weight room and fitness center available. 69-02 64 th Street, Ridgewood. 8216271. GAY GROUP Mondays the AIDS Center of Queens Count y has a Gay/Bi/Lesbian Yo u t h Group (ages 16-21) meeting designed to support young people in exploring feelings about sexuality and other issues. 8962500.
SENIORS AARP CHORUS Like to sing? The AARP Queens Chorus holds practice rehearsals for performances at nursing homes, rehab and senior centers. 523-1330. ELDER LAW Saturdays, June 18 2:304:00 at Flushing House. 347532-3025 to register. FREE LUNCH Saturday, June 18 a t A l l Saints Church in Richmond Hill. 849-2352 reservations. SENIOR SINGLES Tu e s d ay, J u n e 2 1 S e n i o r S i n g l e s t r i p t o Te m p l e Emanuel in NY. 343-9029. CAREGIVERS Ever y Tuesday Caregivers Support group at 3:30-4:30 at the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center. 631-1886. DEFENSIVE DRIVING Wednesday, June 22 at the Queens Village library. Register 468-8643. STAY WELL Wednesdays at 10:15 at the East Elmhurst library for exercise and other health related programs. STARS Wednesdays, June 22, 29 at 10:30 at the Hollis library. Senior Theater Acting Repertory meets.
Models Of Queens
Elle Elle Santangelo Location: Astoria Height: 5’ 9" Weight: 115 lbs Age: 25 Stats: 32-24-33
Comrade Chris Who better to grace the cover
Lenny Dykstra back in the day
Page 38 Tribune June 16-22, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Still Wild After being a member of the Mets from 1985 to 1989, helping lead the team to two World Series, including the victorious year of 1986, Lenny Dykstra’s life has changed greatly. The Mets of 1986 were known to party hard, but Dykstra apparently hasn’t stopped. Last Monday in Los Angeles, he was charged with 23 felony counts and two misdemeanor charges. He was charged with grand theft auto, identity theft and possession of cocaine, ecstasy and synthetic human growth hormone. He was also charged with bank fraud by federal authorities in May. Dykstra failed to make his $500,000 bail and could face up to 12 years in prison if convicted. Portrayed in the Mets 1986 post-season video as a “Wild Boy,” it would seem the moniker may not have been that far off.
of Russia’s latest issue of “Esquire” than Astoria native Christopher Walken? Ever the professional, Walken manned up for the role and posed for the creepiest, most depressing shot of him ever taken. What could be more appropriate for the land of Siberia, gulags and the KGB? Though we’re sad to see him aging, we’re proud he’s wearing his wrinkles with flair. Now if only he can reprise a role along the lines of “Deer Hunter.”
Every now and then, we at QConf like to take a look back at one of our favorite models, and check in to see how things are going. It turns out that Elle Santangelo, who first appeared on our page six years ago, is about to have a small featured role in a movie that has been in the works for about four years. “Bamboo Shark” is a film about a handful of MIT students who drop out of college to make a movie – but no company will finance it because there are no celebrities in the film. So the guys take it upon themselves to impersonate celebrities, ranging from Michael Jackson to Arnold Schwarzenegger and even Judge Judy. Though Elle’s part is small, as Lingerie Girl No. 3, we think she will probably steal whatever scenes she is in. A New Jersey native, Elle was living in Astoria when we last spoke to her. She had already enjoyed a few good photo shoots under her belt, and was spending plenty of time enjoying work on student films and getting her foot in the door as an actor. Hopefully this will be the time that she gets noticed. We look forward to seeing more of her… er… seeing her more.
Ladies Still Love Him
Lately, LL Cool J has immersed himself in his acting career. We almost believed that he had abandoned his first love – music, but last Thursday he was a special guest at a free Black Eyed Peas concert held in Central Park. To those who didn’t get a chance to hear the Queens emcee rock the mic, there is a possibility that LL will get a chance to spit fire on an upcoming “NCIS LA” episode. LL is cast on the television series as former Navy SEAL and undercover agent, Sam Hanna. If he can give us a little of “Mama Said Knock You Out” and “Doing It,” we will be happy campers.
McDonald’s Ad
Councilmember Jim Gennaro
Ringmaster Jim When the Big Apple Circus comes to town, it offers folks in Queens relief from the political sideshows that seem to pop up daily. Of course when you throw a City Council member into the mix, you’re sure to have the best of both worlds. Here, Councilman Jim Gennaro steps into the ring to welcome kids from PS 82 who all got to go free thanks to an allocation from Ringmaster Jim. Part circus, part sideshow, all Queens.
Confidentially, New York . . .
Ron Artest
Peacemaker? Queensbridge native baller Ron Artest showed why he has gained respect lately (following some unfortunate incidents a few years back), when after leaving a club he broke up a fight between a drunk woman and a man without having to throw a punch. People in Detroit and Indiana may be wondering where this guy was when he played for their teams.
Queens since birth, LL Cool J
How many times have you fallen asleep on the train and woken up way past your expected destination? We admit that for some of us at QConf, it has happened more often than it should. In an attempt to keep Queens and Brooklyn commuters up while riding the rails, McDonald’s introduced 1,000 subway ads to the city trains, promoting their ice cold java. The poster depicts a shot of an iced cup of McCafe raised up to a slogan that reads, “To not falling asleep and ending up in Far Rockaway. (Unless, of course, you live there.)” Cheers to that! But when Councilman James Sanders, who represents Far Rock, “refused to be the butt of a cheap joke,” Ronald agreed to take them all down. Thanks James; but how else are we going to remember to stay awake now? Guess we’ll have to fight the urge of nodding off after a late night in Brooklyn. (Wait… did we just publicly admit we hang out in Brooklyn?!) Somebody’s not paying attention to the ad.
Who We Are QConfidential, a selection of local celebrity, politics and gossip edited by Michael Schenkler. Contributors: Sasha Austrie, Jason Banrey, Marcia Moxom Comrie, Mike Nussbaum, Joe Orovic, Brian Rafferty, Domenick Rafter.
You can reach us by email at Conf@QueensTribune.com
www.queenstribune.com • June 16-22, 2011 Tribune Page 39
Queens Center in association with Borough President Helen Marshall Presents
assessment and recruitment
Queens Center I Level 2 I JCPenney Wing I Across from Guest Services 90-15 Queens Blvd. I Elmhurst, NY 11373 Thursday, June 23rd I 10am - 7pm Registration I 10am - 12pm & 4pm - 6pm Employment Assessment and Interviews I 10am - 7pm Workshops will be offered I 10:30am - 5:30pm The event will provide eligible job seekers with the opportunity to be pre-screened and interviewed for local and city-wide job opportunities. There will also be workshops and agency services on hand to assist immigrant workers regardless of their status. All participants must register. Please bring photo ID and multiple copies of your resume. Applicant must be in proper interview attire.
— Workshop Schedule — 10:30AM and 2PM Interviewing Skills (English) 11:00AM and 4PM Resume Writing (English) 11:30AM and 4:30PM Resume Writing (Spanish) 12:30PM and 2:30PM Interviewing Skills (Spanish) 1:00PM and 5PM Career Planning Seminar 1:30PM Starting a Small Business 3:00PM Employment Rights 5:30PM Introduction to Queens Workforce1 The following companies will be participating in the Job Fair: A|X Armani Exchange
Executive Cellular
Skechers
Aéropostale
Swissport
Afaze
Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffees
The Body Shop
Aldo Shoes
Liberty Travel
The Children’s Place
Allied Barton
Things Remembered
Bare Escentuals
Macy*s OTG Management
Bath & Body Works
Resort World New York
Universal Survey
Citibank Easy Spirit
Rockport
Victoria’s Secret
Sherwin Williams
Time Warner Cable
Partner Organizations: Catholic Charities of Brooklyn & Queens CIANA (Center for the Integration and Advancement of New Americans) Council for Airport Opportunity Day Labor Organizing Project Job Corp New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE) NEW-Nontraditional Employment for Women NYC Human Resource Administration Queens Workforce1 Career Center Upwardly Global Vesid
For more information and to R.S.V.P. visit Guest Services, logon to www.shopqueenscenter.com or call Terry at 718.592.3901
MACY*S, JCPENNEY, AND MORE THAN 150 SPECIALTY STORES AND RESTAURANTS | QUEENS & WOODHAVEN BOULEVARDS | 718.592.3900 | WWW.SHOPQUEENSCENTER.COM