Vol. 41, No. 35 Sept. 1-7, 2011
Page 42
Irene’s Tempest
Queens was spared from devastation as Hurricane Irene crashed into our shores, weakened by having slapped states to our South, yet finding a surge to destroy counties north of us.
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See Coverage Inside: Electeds Praise Response…Page 3 Flood Waters Surge…Page 3 Not All Are Spared…Page 3 Visit
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A Street Of Devastation…Page 4 Opinion Split On Preparation…Page 5 Shelters Put To Use…Page 11 Tracking The Storm’s Tale…Page 14
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LEGAL NOTICE “THE UNBAKERY LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) Nov. 09, 2009. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 6714 108 ST, F O R E S T H I L L S , N Y. P u r pose: Any lawful purpose.” _____________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: M.G. CARDIOLOGY PLLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/28/11. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the PLLC, 79-23 Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village, New York 11379. Purpose: For the practice of the profession of Medicine. _____________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of 224650 THIRD AVENUE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 6/24/ 11. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/ o Gloria LoSchiavo, 138-22 11 th Ave., Whitestone, NY 11357. Pur _____________________________________________________________ Forever Fortune LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 05/ 11/11. Office Location: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 58-77 Maurice Ave., Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act. _____________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: SANFORD A. SCHWARTZ, Ph.D., PSYCHOLOGIST LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/24/11. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, c/o Mordente Law Firm, LLC, 160-29 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, New York 11366. Purpose: For the practice of the profession of Psychology. _____________________________________________________________ New York Home Care Agency LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/24/11. Office in Queens County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Nancy Martinez, 1032 Beach 20 St, Far Rockaway, NY 11691. Purpose: General. _____________________________________________________________ PGL Billz LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 6/21/11. Office in Queens County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 99-32 66 Rd Ste
LEGAL NOTICE 3X, Rego Park, NY 11374. Purpose: General. _____________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of EVERYTHING CABLES ASSOCIATES LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/28/2011. 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: 4208 248 TH STREET, LITTLE NECK, NY 11363 Purpose: any lawful act or activity. _____________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: WINK REALTY LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York(SSNY) on 07/18/11. 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, 320 38th Road, Douglaston, New York 11363. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. _____________________________________________________________ BARCS LAUNDRY LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), filed with the Sec of State of NY on 5/12/11. 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, 18-35 130 th St., College Point, NY 11356. General Purposes. _____________________________________________________________ File #: 2010/2457/B THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK BY THE GRACE OF GOD, FREE AND INDEPENDENT. TO: Ronald E. Karpavich, Mary Ellen Karpavich, Jane Karpavich, The heirs at law, next of kin, and distributes of Casimira Genevich, deceased, if living, and if any of them be dead to their heirs at law, next of kin, distributes, legatees, executors, administrators, assignees and successors in interest whose names are unknown and cannot be ascertained after due diligence. Public Administrator of the County of Queens A petition having been duly filed by John. V. Janusas, who is domiciled at Three Maple Street, P.O. Box 71, Liberty, New York 12754 YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Queens County at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York on September 29, 2011, at 9:30am in the forenoon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the Estate of Casimira Genevich lately domiciled at 86-15 Broadway, Apt. 16E, Elmhurst, New York 11373, United States admitting to probate a Will dated May 5, 2006 (and Codicil(s), if any, dated a copy of which is attached, as the Will of Casimira Genevich, deceased, relating to real and
LEGAL NOTICE personal property, and directing that: Letters Testamentary issue to John V. Janusas Dated, Attested and Sealed Jul 28 2011 Hon. Peter J. Kelly, Surrogate, Margaret M. Gribbon, Chief Clerk. Name of Attorney: I. Peter Rayo Address of Attorney: 26 Court Street – Suite 2114, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Telephone Number of Attorney: 718-858-0702 NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not obliged to appear in person. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you. If you fail to appear it will be assumed that you do not object to the relief requested. ___________________________________________________________ SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS AND NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX NO. 6718/2011 NYCTL 2010-A TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN, Plaintiffs –against- STACEY SKINNER, if living, and if she be dead, her representative heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendants who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the amended complaint herein, MICHAEL L. DORSEY, if living, and if he be dead, his representative heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendants who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the amended complaint herein, MERS as Nominee for RESAME MORTGAGE CORPORATION, CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, CITY OF NEW YORK PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU, CITY OF NEW YORK ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION & FINANCE, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICES, and “John Doe No. 1” through “John Doe No. 100” inclusive, the names of the last 100 defendants being unknown to plaintiff, it being intended to designate fee owners, tenants or occupants of the tax lien premises and/ or persons or parties having or claiming an interest in or a lien upon the subject property, if the aforesaid individual defendants are living, and if any or all of said individual defendants be dead,
LEGAL NOTICE their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, committees, devisees, legatees, and the assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest of them, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, through, or against the said defendants named as a class, of any right, title, or interest in or lien upon the premises described in the complaint herein, Defendants. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1793 8 1 4 3 rd R O A D , I N T H E COUNTY OF QUEENS IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK; BLOCK 13074, LOT 23. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above entitled action is to foreclose a tax lien for the amount due and interest, recorded in the office of the Register/Clerk of the County of Queens on the 12 th day of August, 2010 and bearing City Register File Number 2010000272817 covering premises described as follows: A D D R E S S : 1 7 9 - 3 8 1 4 3 rd ROAD BLOCK: 13074 LOT: 23 COUNTY: QUEENS The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the tax lien described above. Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the county where the Property being foreclosed upon is located. 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 PLAINTIFF WHO FILED THIS FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT, A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AND YOU MAY 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 PLAINTIFF WILL NOT
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
STOP THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Dated: July23, 2011 New York, New York THE LAW OFFICES OF THOMAS P. MALONE, PLLC THOMAS P. MALONE, ESQ. ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS 60 EAST 42 ND STREET, SUITE 1540 NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10165 PHONE: (212) 867-0500 FAX: (212) 867-0511 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing supplemental summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Court dated JULY 6, 2011 and filed along with the supporting papers in the QUEENS County Clerk’s Office. This is an action to foreclose a tax lien. SCHEDULE 1 - DESCRIPTION ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the County of QUEENS, Borough of QUEENS, City and State of New York, known and designated on the City of New York Tax Map as BLOCK 13074, LOT 23. _____________________________________________________________ Notice of formation of AAJM Enterprises, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 6/15/2011. 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 6500 Chestnut Grove Lane Charlotte, NC 28210. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. _____________________________________________________________ Notice of formation of A p p l a u d M e . c o m LLC. Articles of Org filed with the Secretary of State of NY SSNY on 07/ 07/11. Office located in Queens, NY. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 11555 205 Street St. Albans, NY 11412. Purpose: any lawful purpose. _____________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that a License, Number 1256799 has been applied for by Ross Flavor Lounge Corp, to sell liquor, beer and wine at retail in a bar under the Alcohol Beverage Control Law at 11703 Hillside Avenue, Richmond Hill, NY 11418 for onpremises consumption. _____________________________________________________________ ARTICLES OF ORGAINIZATION OF Omega General Contracting, LLC. Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law. FIRST. The name of the limited liability company is
Omega General Contracting, LCC SECOND. The county within this state in which the limited liability company is to be located is Queens. THIRD: The secretary of state is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process accepted on behalf of the limited liability company served upon him or her is: 48-57 207 th Street, Bayside, New York 11364. 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 Jonathan Christ, 48-57 207 th Street, Bayside, New York 11364. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed these Articles of Organization on the date below. LegalZoom.com, Inc., Organizer Date: July 20, 2011 /s/Imelda Vasquez By: Imelda Vasquez, Assistant Secretary 101 N. Brand Blvd., 11 th Floor Glendale, CA 91203 _____________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 8/ 4/11, bearing Index Number NC-000533-11/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 (us) the right to: Assume the name of (First) MARIA ZUZZETTE (Middle) VALENCIA (Last) AGOPIAN. My present name is (First) MARIA ZUZZETTE (Middle) VERSOZA (Last) VALENCIA AKA MARIA ZV VALENCIA, AKA MARIA ZV AGOPIAN. My present address is 9017 55 Avenue, Elmhurst, NY 11373. My place of birth is PHILLIPPINES. My date of birth is October 26, 1970. _____________________________________________________________ ERRA REALTY LLC, a domestic LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/22/ 2010. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 37-35 21st St, Long Island City, NY 11106. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. _____________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of Whitney Ave Unit 3B Realty LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State on 7/14/ 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: P.O. Box 962, NY, NY 10002. Purpose: any lawful activity. __________________________________________________ You Can E-Mail Your Legal Copy to legals@queenstribune.com To Place Your Legal Advertisement or call the Tribune at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 149
Queens Deadline
Boro Dodges Brunt Of Irene's Fury the Mayor's Office of Emergency Management, Con Edison, and the Parks Dept. for the swift response to the felled trees in the borough, and customers left without electricity. As of printing, Hurricane Irene had knocked down more than 2,000 trees citywide, with 70 percent cleared, according to the Mayor's office. Half of the trees knocked down were in Queens. "I think we did dodge a bullet," said Councilman Mark Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens), whose district was among the worst hit - the National Weather Service reported a tornado cut through Cunningham Park, a feat hard to discern in a hurricane. Councilman Jim Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows) also applauded the City's response, though the hurricane knocked down trees around his district like bowling pins. "I was really worrying about the devastation that had been wrought by the storm, that we would still be in a very bad state of affairs right now," he said. "I had no expectation that on Tuesday afternoon at 5 o'clock I would be happy." Some civic leaders and activists, how-
Powerful Storm Surge Enters, Exits Quickly Tribune Photo by Domenick Rafter
Best Efforts Fall Short At Famed Restaurant By JASON BANREY On Aug. 26, as Hurricane Irene coursed its way towards New York City, many Long Island City residents and business owners had two choices: stay or leave. Making that decision was not as easy for some as it was for others. On Friday, the Waterfront Crab House was still serving up seafood to its regular customers. "We saw some customers in here, but we were constantly listening to weather reports to see whether or not to close," said Manager Tony Mazzarella. "By Saturday, we made the decision to close." Preparing for potential flooding, employees built makeshift wooden stands to place much of the restaurant's heavy equipment in the basement off the floor. Produce as well as much of establishment's inventory was well above one foot off the ground - well above a flood's touch, they thought. After the tropical storm passed on Sunday, Mazzarella returned to see how the seafood restaurant had fared through the storm's whip lashing winds and surge of the East River. "I couldn't even get into the basement," Mazzarella said of the flooding, which overlapped from the Hunts Point South Project onto his property. "There was nearly 4 feet of water down there." Gathering together workers to get the restaurant up for service, Mazzarella made do with the only water pump they had available and got to work. Within one room, much of the heavy
appliances had shifted off of the wooden lifts and made their way into one of the corners. An ice machine was completely inoperable and the two washers that sat next it had not been tested yet. With their best effort, they had managed to purge much of the water with minimal damage to the edible inventory. It was too early to assess the electrical damage. On Monday, as construction continued on the Hunts Point South Project across the street, Mazzarella returned, once again, ready to reopen for business. After taking a complete walkthrough of the restaurant, from top to bottom, Mazzarella, walked out of the main entrance and lit a cigarette. "The basement was ruined," he said taking a long pull, looking over the corner of Borden Avenue and Second Street, which the day before was overrun with water. Workers looked confused. Most of them had never seen that type of damage before. While walking through the lower level, Mazzarella directed his employees to salvage any produce which had not already perished as he took photos of all the damage that occurred. "It's for the insurance people," he said, scratching his head while wiping the sweat off his brow. "I wonder how long it's going to take them to handle this one." Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.
www.queenstribune.com • Sept. 1-7, 2011 Tribune Page 3
By DOMENICK RAFTER While some inland were wondering what the fuss was about, closer to shore Hurricane Irene's effects were definitely felt. As the eye of the storm made landfall over Coney Island Sunday morning, the storm surge pushed onshore and into Jamaica Bay, inundating the communities there, but the waters receded just as fast. Broad Channel appeared to bear the brunt of the storm damage in the borough. Two bungalows in the neighborhood were destroyed; one on West 12th Road was smashed to bits. The neighborhood was completely cut off during the storm as A Howard Beach construc tion site was both the Addabbo Bridge to Howard transformed into a wading pool by HurriBeach and Cross Bay Bridge to Rockaway cane Irene. were closed. On the Rockaway Peninsula, those who Hawtreek and Shellbank Basins over their stayed behind witnessed the full force of banks, flooding Cross Bay Boulevard for a Hurricane Irene. Jessica Glennon sent her short time around 161st Avenue. First Street two kids out of town with her father, who in Hamilton Beach bore the brunt of the lives close to the beach, and rode out the floodwaters and the streets around Coleman storm in her Beach 92nd Street apartment. Square and the Howard Beach subway staAt daybreak Sunday, with Irene about to tion were also flooded. State Sen. Joe make landfall just to the west, her first floor Addabbo Jr.'s (D-Howard Beach) office on hallway began filling up with water. The 102nd Street experienced some flooding, storm surge left about a foot of water in the but there was no damage. front hallway and about two feet of water in Elsewhere in the neighborhood, the bigthe middle of Rockaway Beach Boulevard, gest problems appeared to be fallen tree but to her surprise, her parent's home near limbs and toppled basketball hoops. A comthe beach was untouched. mon sight Sunday was hoses snaking out of "We got lucky," she said. Her concern on homes, pumping water out of flooded baseMonday morning moved from the effects in ments. Rockaway to the status of her mother, who Ozone Park was spared a storm surge, but evacuated to the Catskills where flash flooding some wondered if a tornado came down in from Irene has wiped out entire towns. She's the neighborhood. A large fallen tree blocked been in contact with her, but all the roadways Sutter Avenue near Cross Bay Boulevard and off the mountain her mother is staying on near a tree came down on 98th Street near Engine Hunter are blocked or washed away. 285/Ladder 142 and took down a series of Rockaway was not left completely un- telephone poles with it, snapping them like scathed. The storm surge did a noticeable twigs. A huge tree crashed down into a amount of damage to the boardwalk, smash- garage on Woodhaven Boulevard just south ing the ramps onto the beach and lifting an of Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven, obliteratentire section up. The surge left sand cover- ing it and the car inside, narrowly missing the ing the handball courts at Beach 92nd Street house. and frothy sea foam in the streets even after Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at the waters receded. drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357In Howard Beach, storm surge pushed 7400, Ext. 125.
ever, would rather give the Mayor and his agencies a Bronx salute. West Cunningham Park Civic Association First Vice President Elaine Young grew anxious Monday afternoon, as some houses still propped up fallen trees, and roads remained blocked. "It really is very typical of the City's response to this borough in any major emergency," she said, questioning the Parks Dept. prioritization in reChildren play in the flooded Unisphere just hours after moving trees. At a Monday morning the rain stopped but while winds were still whipping press conference, Parks through Queens. Commissioner Adrian Benepe asked for time. "Homeowners, be and largely flooded, generally lauded the City's patient and please bear with us," he said. preparation for the hurricane, but demanded "This was one of the storms of the century, so a swift response to downed trees and power it's going to take us time to clear these streets lines, one of which already caused a fire. "The danger is very real," he said, calling up." Glen Oaks Village President Bob Friedrich on the City to "expedite the removal of these also decried the City's response to the outer trees, which are creating an unacceptably borough's eastern edge - and his co-op in dangerous situation for all my constituents, and residents throughout the City." particular. Various Community Board District Man"I have yet to see one Parks Dept. vehicle," he said late Monday afternoon. "I know there agers preached patience to callers who complained of downed trees and a loss of power. have been a lot of those in Manhattan." Friedrich said the co-op would skip wait- Clearing 100-year-old trees takes time. Some were understanding of specific ing on the Parks Dept. and foot the tree complaints. removal bill on its own. "I can't criticize the city's response," Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone) faced 4,500 constituents without power on Weprin said. "But then again, I don't have a Sunday morning. By Monday that figure tree on top of my house." Reach Deputy Editor Joseph Orovic at dropped to 200. Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton), jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 357whose district was nearly entirely evacuated 7400, Ext. 127.
Tribune Photo by Joseph Orovic
By JOSEPH OROV IC By Sunday night, for most in Queens, Irene was already relegated to the memories of large-scale weather events of the past. People always talk about Gloria, the '77 Blackout, the 1996 January Nor'easter. Irene has joined their ranks. Not everybody walked away unscathed; this tropical lady left a distinct mark on our borough. Trees were felled (some rested atop houses), homes were flooded or washed away, Cross Bay Boulevard went aquatic, and thousands of residents were left without power but things could have been worse. The borough's death toll stood at zero, and Citywide registered only one as of printing. In the days since, many eyes have monitored the City's response. Which would it be? The City that a year ago had done a largely admirable job clearing the disaster left behind by a tornado, or the lackluster response to a winter's blizzard, which left a distinct sense that the Bloomberg administration had lost touch with New Yorkers? The verdict given down by elected officials in the parts of the borough hardest hit is largely positive. Local electeds applauded
A Street Shredded By The Hurricane
Tribune photo by Jason Banrey
By JASON BANREY As of Sunday, after much of Hurricane Irene had already passed, Con Edison had reported 40,523 customers in Queens were facing power outages. By Wednesday, the energy company was still reporting hundreds of outages in the borough and some 17,000 statewide - down 92 percent from Sunday. On Tuesday in East Elmhurst, approximately 40 homes were still without power after seeing a tree four stories high knock out a block and a half of power lines only two days before.
Workers cut through the wreckage on Ericsson Street where crushed cars, downed power lines, lampposts and trees dot the landscape.
On Sunday, at approximately 6 a.m., residents living along Ericsson Street between 24th and 27th Avenues suddenly awoke with no power and live power lines brightly bobbling on some of their front porches. "There was panic," said Lynda McDougald, president the East Elmhurst Corona Civic Association. "It's astonishing, the damage that's happened. I've never seen two blocks go down like that before." As daylight broke the same morning, McDougald's daughter, who wished not to be named, decided to get her family out. With the downed power lines still live, sparking and lighting up the entire block, she quickly grabbed her daughters as they stared out the window at the chaos beneath them, trembling. "Those poor girls were terrified," McDougald said. "They had never seen anything like that before." With her two granddaughters in tow and a goldfish in one of their arms, McDougald's daughter scaled the next door neighbor's fence, past the thick brush blowing wildly in the tropical storm's winds, through a prickly rose bush before safely finding themselves on 27th Avenue back to her mother's house a few blocks away. "It was literally the great escape," McDougald said of her daughter's effort to get her children to safety. "They would have blown over if they didn't hold on to each other." On Monday, the Parks Dept. was on hand with Con Edison, clearing up the downed tree, power lines and the five power poles it had toppled over. "Homeowners be patient and please bear with us," said Adrian Benepe, Parks Com-
missioner who was overseeing the clean up on Ericsson Street as a Prentice loader clawed the tall tree off the face off a home. "This was one of the storms of the century so it's going to take us time to clear these streets up." According to Benepe, the City estimated receiving 1,500 calls about downed trees throughout the city. Of those, 1,000 came from Queens as half of the city's trees are in the borough, Benepe said. "This has been a big job for us," Benepe said, as 900 emergency workers, nearly 60 teams of foresters and Parks Dept. crew members had already tackled some 450 downed trees throughout the City. "We hope
to have all city streets open by the end of the week." Despite the damage and abundant power outages, McDougald was sure the community of East Elmhurst would rally around each other and get through yet another one of Mother Nature's natural disasters that have occurred within the year. "The next step is to put it all back together again," McDougald said. "We got through last December's blizzard. I'm pretty sure we'll make it through this." Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.
Page 4 Tribune Sept. 1-7, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
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Continuing Education PEOPLE, CHANGING
Opinions Split On Severity Of Hurricane
Tribune photo by Jason Banrey
By JASON BANREY On Monday, Queens slowly came back to life. At 9 a.m., along Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City, restaurants and shops were receiving their regularly scheduled deliveries while residents slowly hobbled towards the 7 train to begin their work week. As a slice of the western half of the borough was ordered to evacuate, some remained divided about Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s order while others applauded his initiative. “[Bloomberg] made the wrong call,” said Andrew P. who fled his apartment in Long Island City. “He made it seem like it was the end of the world and nothing really happened.” After succumbing to the serious nature of the Mayor’s message at his press conference on Friday, Andrew grabbed his bulldog and headed for higher ground at his girlfriend’s place on 64th Street in Manhattan. Though the evacuation was mandatory for his neighborhood, he would have rather stayed on his side of the East River than making the trek west. “He inconvenienced me again,” Andrew said, still bitter about the Mayor’s botched snow job after last December’s blizzard. “What a disappointment.” Gerardo Delgado stayed put with his wife in their seventth floor apartment overlooking the city as the storm neared. “We weren’t worried at all,” said the three-year Long Island City resident. “Hurricane Gloria was worse.” In Astoria Park, all major flooding subsided and all major debris was already cleared. Runners, tennis players, skaters and walkers
A t wo-stor y tree in Jackson Heights was among a handful of larger trees that were knocked over in Western Queens. filled the 65-acre park, flooding the track, tennis courts and skate park. On the northern side of the RFK Triborough Bridge, Parks Dept. crews and lifeguards worked steadily to remove the leaves and limbs that rustled free from overhead trees and fell into the crystal clear water of the Astoria Pool during the hurricane’s pass. “All we got was a bit of leaves here and there,” said one Parks official who was help-
ing coordinate clean-up efforts at the 75-yearold pool, which reopened Tuesday. “We’re ready to go now it’s too bad we can’t.” In Jackson Heights, Irene Javors surveyed her neighborhood’s streets for damage while walking down 80th Street past 35th Avenue. “This hurricane was far worse than Gloria in 1985,” said the 27-year resident. She stopped next to a two-story tree that had toppled over the day before. “Besides this, I
think our neighborhood did fairly well.” Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) echoed his constituent’s analysis of the storm’s damage and applauded the Mayor. “As opposed to the blizzard last December, this was a different situation,” said Dromm of the Mayor’s efforts. “This time around, Bloomberg and city’s officials should be commended for their efforts.” Across Northern Boulevard in East Elmhurst, one resident sat on his porch waiting for his power to be fully restored at his house on 102nd Street after a tree knocked power lines down two blocks away. After spending nearly 24 hours with only partial power, Howard Cunningham joked about the hurricane’s lack of intensity. “What hurricane,” asked the former Navy officer while staring off at planes taking off and landing at LaGuardia Airport. “Listen, I’ve seen some big time hurricanes in my life and that was not one of them.” Despite Cunningham’s reaction, Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst) took the hurricane very seriously as it approached. She cancelled her scheduled trip to Washington D.C. for the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial. Comforting constituents who were without power, Ferreras handed out dry ice and bottled water. “We were able to preserve lives,” Ferreras said of the City Council’s reaction to the hurricane, which began as early as Friday morning. “Although not all of Queens was in Zone A, we were able to make everyone in the borough understand how serious this could get.” Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.
www.queenstribune.com • Sept. 1-7, 2011 Tribune Page 5
Edit Page In Our Opinion:
We Were Lucky Looking at the devastation and damage Hurricane Irene caused in the Catskills, it is dismaying to hear the voices of some who contend that we overreacted or over-prepared for Hurricane Irene. We did exactly what we should have done. We were just lucky. Our Mayor, our city and our people took the necessary precautions. Sure, most of us didn’t need to stock up like it was the Apocalypse, and some went overboard, but just ask the people who today still don’t have power whether or not they needed all those batteries. Ask the people who were evacuated from their homes and returned to find them submerged if the evacuations were necessary. The storm wasn’t a big deal for most of us because we prepared for it. We applaud the mayor – clearly on the hook for the failure of the Dec. 26 blizzard – for stepping up, staying in town and making sure that the city was ready for our unfriendly guest from the tropics. We may not have been dealt the catastrophe that was possible, but we did show our ability to be ready the next time.
Good For Everybody One of the most important functions in an emergency – such as either the earthquake or hurricane of the past week – is communication. We need to know that not just for the everyday, but in all emergencies, we have a reliable cellular network that is able to handle the demand of the evergrowing customer base. That is why we are in support of the merger with AT&T and T-Mobile. The benefit to customers on both networks, new subscribers, emergency personnel and to our City as a whole is sure to be enormous. Though we are often leery when we see the merger of larger companies, we recognize that the pooling of resources in this case will result in a beneficial outcome for Queens and beyond. As more of us come to rely on cellular networks for phone and data service, it is good to know that companies are growing and expanding to meet our demand. We support the merger and look forward to the expanded service it will provide.
In Your Opinion:
Page 6 Tribune Sept. 1-7, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Redistr icting To The Editor: Across the state this summer, a little-known entity, the Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment, or LATFOR, has been conducting public hearings on redistricting reform. The Queens hearing will take place on Sept. 7 at Borough Hall. Redistricting is a once-in-a-decade process in which district boundaries for state legislative and congressional seats are redrawn to reflect changes in population so they are equal or nearly equal in the number of people. Decade after decade LATFOR has drawn maps with one primary aim: ensuring incumbent legisla-
Best Of Queens tors from the dominant party get re-elected. And it has been dramatically successful. Since 1999, incumbents in the state legislature have had a 96 percent re-election rate. Only 53 incumbents since 1982 have lost a general election because districts are drawn in a way that results in discouraging competition. The New York State Senate has been controlled by the Republican Party every year but two since 1965 and the Assembly has been run by Democrats every year since 1974. To establish their incumbents’ protection program LATFOR carves competitors’ homes out of the district. They draw weirdly shaped districts while dividing communities and diminishing their ability to advocate for their interests. And they
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marginalize growing minority groups to protect the old guard. Here in Queens, the most ethnically diverse county in America, it took until 2000 for the first Latino to be elected to the state Senate and it was not until 2004 that the first Asian American was elected to the Assembly. But Queens and the rest of New York have spoken loud and clear on the drawing of district lines. The public wants an independent commission - not the partisan, legislature-controlled LATFOR - to draw state legislative and congressional district boundaries according to fair and objective criteria while allowing for robust public input into the process. The Queens Civic Congress is part of a diverse redistricting reform campaign, ReShapeNY, consisting of 37 different organizations, including civic, issueadvocacy, labor and business groups united behind creating a more independent redistricting process. Of the state legislature’s 212 members, 184 including most Queens lawmakers, pledged or cosponsored bills that would change the state’s rigged process for drawing district lines. Lawmakers need to return to Albany during a special legislative session to end partisan gerrymandering and enact redistricting reform by passing legislation to form an independent commission to draw impartial legislative and congressional lines. Redistricting can’t wait until next year, which means next decade. Queens and the rest of New York deserve better than ten more years of delay. Patricia Dolan, President, Queens Civic Congress
To The Editor: Thank you, thank you, Queens Tribune for the really great issue (Aug. 25-31), chronicling the “Best of Queens!” Whether we agree or disagree with some of the chosen places, food, or people, it was certainly a fine idea to list all these choices for the very diverse population of Queens! I am certain that all the information was much appreciated! Leonore Brooks, Whitestone
His Real Agenda To The Editor: There was even more to your excellent coverage of “Koo Backs Dem, Debate Turns Ugly” (Aug. Deputy Editor: Joseph Orovic
Regina Vogel Queens Today Editor
Michael Nussbaum Executive V.P./Associate Publisher
Looking Back To The Editor: As we are in the process of remembering the events of 9/11, which is now at its 10th anniversary, I, like many of my fellow Americans, am in the act of reflecting on that year that was. We look back on where we were when this nefarious and egregious act of aggression took place. I for one remember that at 8:46 a.m. at Northeast Plumbing in Great Neck where we received a phone call from Peter, a co-worker who was at home and was on the internet and told us the North Tower of the World Trade James Mammarella
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25). Former NYC Council Finance Committee Chairperson, current State Assembly member and 24th Assembly District Democratic Party State Committee member and District leader David Weprin’s claims that he disagrees about supporting President Obama on Israel lacks any credibility. Weprin is a loyal member in good standing with his own 24th State Assembly District club house, Queens County and New York State Democratic Party. Since being elected to the New York City Council in November 2001, in every primary and general election, Weprin has faithfully worked for each and every NYC Council, Queens Borough President, Queens District Attorney, NYC Public Advocate, NYC Comptroller, State Assembly, State Senate, State Attorney General, State Comptroller, Governor, Congress member, Senator and Presidential candidate endorsed by the Queens County regular Democratic Party organization. The one lone exception is when he had the rug pulled from under him in June 2009. At the 11th hour, his Queens County Democratic Party organization selected thenCouncilman John Liu for NYC Comptroller for the September 2009 Democratic Party. Weprin stayed in a four way race coming in dead last with only 6 percent of the vote. Regardless if Weprin wins or loses the 9th CD Special Election, it is a sure bet after procrastinating in attempting to obtain the support of Jewish and pro-Israel supporters who are not enamored with Obama, he will endorse and enthusiastically support President Obama for re-election in 2012. Weprin doesn’t want to alienate Obama supporters within the 9th CD and NYC. He will need their support in the 2013 Democratic Primary for NYC Comptroller. This could be his real agenda. Larry Penner, Great Neck
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Center was hit by a plane; we thought at first it was an accident. Later we heard on the radio that at 9:03 that the South Tower was hit by another plane. We knew then we were under attack and at war. We also heard that the Pentagon was hit as well. Then we also heard a plane went down in Shanksville, Penn. We all, at this point, knew we were at war with a unknown enemy. We felt great fear and anxiety traveling through our veins. It truly has been a time that tried men’s souls. It was also a time when strangers became friends as we bonded together to fight a common foe. I remember that a few days after the attack, St. Anastasia Parish in Douglaston held a interfaith prayer service by Msgr. Cantley. We would pray for the lost and for those who died at a spot later known as Ground Zero. At the service, I remember a woman who came up to me and asked where to place the prayer cards. A week later, I heard that her husband was a retired captain in the FDNY and was found at Ground Zero. I felt very sad and my heart went out to this woman who lost so much as many others did on this day of infamy. I also remember, weeks later, another event that touched my heart as I was headed towards the LIRR in Little Neck. There was this young woman who was jogging towards the gate as it was coming down. A policeman stopped her until it was safe. She told me the policeman was right for she did not want to die because her husband had died in the towers. I was struck by her statement and wished I had said something to comfort her but I was lost for words for her grief. As Americans, we have gone through a lot but we did survive. When things were at their very worst, we found as Americans we were at our very best. We found a renewed spirit and a deeper sense of spirituality and patriotism – and a determination to do what was necessary to fight the evil in our day. Remember this: we are one nation under God. So may God bless America and to help us with the troubles we are faced with today. Frederick Bedell Jr., Glen Oaks
Correction In the Aug. 25 edition of the Queens Tribune, an article on Page 33 titled “Mental Health Seen Through Poet’s Eyes” incorrectly identified Professor Nina Bannett as a student in the first line of the fourth paragraph. We apologize for the error.
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We Have the Power To Take Back Our Government By ED KOCH Money has taken over our political system in a way that is simply horrifying. Special interest groups in particular corporations, unions, Wall Streeters and bankers dominate our politics. They have devastated this country economically, yet they have gotten away with it because they choose and finance our candidates for low and high public office. We complain but do nothing about this situation and feel helpless. But we are not helpless. Because of our numbers, we have in our power the ability to amend the Constitution of the United States to vastly limit the power of money to manipulate and control the electoral process. Let’s do it. Those in our society who unfairly use the power of money to oppress us do not have to prevail. They are vastly outnumbered by the backbone of our nation, the middle class, and by others who are similarly outraged by the power of money to oppress us.
Whenever commentators talk about a possible political candidate running for high office, particularly for president, their first observation will be, does he/she have the capacity to raise the money needed to fund the campaign? President Obama, seen as a reformer to his supporters, surprised many when he announced he would be raising a billion dollars for his 2012 reelection campaign. He expects the Republicans will be raising at least that much and probably more. The U.S. Supreme Court in a host of decisions has made clear that it interprets the Constitution as allowing the broadest freedom in spending money on a campaign for public office. The case which set the tone for the cases to follow was Valeo v. Buckley in 1976. It established that candidates for public office who agreed not to take public funding could spend as much of their own money as they wanted to on their own
campaigns, federal, state and local. The most recent of the U.S. Supreme Court decisions on this issue, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission in 2010, went further and stated that the government may not ban political spending by corporations in candidate elections. Rules are imposed by the Federal Campaign Finance Board on federal campaigns. Localities like New York City have their own monitoring agencies. Candidates are required to make a host of public filings on amounts collected, monies spent, and provide the names of contributors to the different campaigns, both those administered by the candidates directly and those administered independently of the candidates but supporting candidates or public issues. The rules are many and campaigns employ lawyers and accountants to follow them. Many candidates fail to file all the information required or to observe all the regulations
and are subject to major fines. The greatest expenditure for most campaigns is the cost of television and radio commercials, the former far outweighing any other media. The television licenses provided by the government could require as they do in some other countries that the station provide the candidates with free time and remove that enormous financial burden from the campaign. Regrettably, that has not happened in our country. The television industry is far too powerful to permit such free access. The television industry is one of the special interests dominating the Congress. This past weekend there was a front-page article in The New York Times addressing the issue of campaign finance. The Times and other newspapers and opinion makers have addressed that issue in the past, but apparently for the most part, those articles and the inherent warnings have fallen on deaf ears. Neither the Congress nor
Page 8 Tribune Sept. 1-7, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Debt Threatens U.S. Prosperity Although my opinions are my actual beliefs, and this column is serious, I do not suggest that you buy or sell any investment on the basis of my observations. By HENRY STERN Apart from the falling stock market, which appears to be a worldwide condition, Henry public opinion is trending to concern that America may be headed for a new recession. The anticipated decline is not particularly the fault of American banks or irresponsible lending policies, although unsound business practices have weakened the economy. European nations as well appear to have spent more than they have, and the result of their overspending has undermined the euro and threatens the economies of other countries in the zone. The allegedly offending nations are Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Spain. As luck would have it, the acronym for the quartet is PIGS. The problem of spending is however global. It results from people’s natural desire to enjoy goods and services which they cannot afford to purchase with their current earnings, which come from jobs that may or may not exist next year. The issue of debt affects individuals, families, small and large businesses, and governments on the municipal, state and national levels. Our democracy has served us for 235 years, and the United States has not yet been bankrupted. The country has weathered wars, panics, recessions and depressions. Individuals have been wiped out financially, and too many are today unable to find work. Yet America moves forward, with its people enjoying a generally high standard of living by comparison with other countries. Nonetheless, with our unemployment rate stubbornly above nine per cent, and with many additional millions of people underemployed, or so discouraged that they have left the labor mar-
ket, the economic state of the nation is not healthy for more than twenty million Americans. The rate may be 9 percent, but if you are one of the 9 percent, the rate is 100 percent. Some problems are fairly obvious. If goods can be manufactured or asStern sembled in China or in any number of third world countries, at a far lower cost of production than in the United States or most European nations, why should any business organized to earn a profit for its shareholders and wealth for its officers manufacture products anywhere else? The decline and fall of tariff barriers in international trade has generally been regarded by moderates as a good thing. Its effect was supposed to be to increased wages and improved working conditions in the poorer countries, without adverse effects on the wealthier nations. Unfortunately, political and economic issues sometimes work out in ways that were not expected. We do not have the ability or expertise to tell at what level, if any, tariffs should be imposed. President Obama’s actions to turn the economic tide have been ridiculed by his political opponents, who have directed a constant stream of attacks on whatever he does or says. This is comparable in some ways to the Democrat s’ assault on George W. Bush. Obama has been scorned by both the right and the far left, although with the Congress as it was in 2009, it is not clear what more Obama could have accomplished. One thing we have learned by living through enough business cycles is that, in general, the result of repeated rises and falls is a rise in the indexes. That is not true of specific stocks, bonds or real or personal property, which may become worthless as time goes by. Although present eco-
nomic conditions will eventually improve, possibly sooner than later, a great deal of damage will have been done to people who will not be in a position to benefit from the recovery. When he came to office in January 2009, in the wake of the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September and the forced sale in March of Bear Stearns to J.P.Morgan for $10 a share (it had sold for $133.20 within a year before) Obama and his new cabinet were faced with the risk of a rapidly deteriorating economy. President Bush and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulsen (former head of Goldman Sachs) had secured the first bailout legislation from Congress, which Bush signed on Oct. 3, 2008. When asked why he supported and signed the bailout when all his life he had been a supporter of free enterprise and generally opposed to government intervention (interference is the pejorative synonym), Bush replied that he did not want to go down in history as the President who watched the economy go to pieces and did nothing about it. Are the federal remedies for unemployment and the credit freeze working today? Certainly not as well as we would like. Is there anything more that could be done? The idea that keeps recurring is putting the unemployed to work on the infrastructure, as President Roosevelt did during the Great Depression. Unbelievable as it may seem today, at one time in the ’30s there were 1800 architects and engineers working for the New York City Parks Department under Commissioner Robert Moses paid by the federal government. They built or renovated over six hundred parks, playgrounds, swimming pools and beaches. Part of my underlying liberalism is the opinion that people who are capable and willing to work hard should have the opportunity to do so, perhaps not in the field or at the level they prefer, but they should be enabled to support them-
selves and their families. How to do this within a free enterprise system is a challenge. The economic situation today is unsatisfactory for tens of millions of Americans. The President is likely to be judged on how he deals with the economy. But little as he may have been able to do, his political opponents offer less equity and new innovation. The idea that everything will get better if it is made easier for people to exploit the less fortunate is hard to believe and not supported by evidence or experience. We will see how it resonates with the American people. In 2010, they voted by a substantial margin to replace incumbents. Who will they blame if conditions do not improve by 2012? These are the views of a self-proclaimed liberal with sanity. Some may challenge that characterization, but these are the differences in opinion to which, as part of their certain inalienable rights, all men and women are entitled, dare one say, by their Creator. StarQuest@NYCivic.org
the public has responded with action. On Aug. 28, The Times reported on an independent committee raising mone y for Republican Gov. Mit t Romney’s campaign for president. The reporter, Nicholas Confessore, wrote: “Mr. Romney’s appearance underscored the increasingly blurry line between presidential candidates and the so-called Super PACs that have proliferated since a 2010 Supreme Court ruling allowed independent groups to raise unlimited amounts to promote candidates.” The article went on: “Increasingly, the new Super PACs are taking on tasks that in previous years were handled – and paid for – by the candidates themselves. But instead of using money raised in the $2,500 increments that federal law imposes on candidates, the Super PACs can accept donations of unlimited amounts. (The groups must disclose their donors, though some Super PACs, including Priorities USA and the Karl Rove-founded American Crossroads, have affiliated nonprofit arms that do not have to disclose donors.)” What is so absurd is that there is a remedy: a constitutional amendment. Yes, it is difficult to pass a constitutional amendment and rightfully so. The Constitution shouldn’t be easily amended. But this situation is so awful, I have no doubt that Democrats, Republicans, Independents and others would flock to the cause. Around the world many times through violence and non-violence, as was just illustrated in India, through an act of pacifism by one person and his willingness to engage in a hunger strike, the people in all their majesty win. Why don’t the good government groups in our country convene a meeting to discuss how best to proceed with a constitutional amendment limiting the amounts of money that can be raised from any one individual, corporation or union and spent in any election for public office by candidates and their supporters? We currently have no greater need than that of protecting our democratic system of government. Ed Koch was the Mayor of New York City from 1978-1989.
Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato
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www.queenstribune.com • Sept. 1-7, 2011 Tribune Page 9
Queens This Week Applications Open For Senior Apts
have a problem with the new building. One resident, Thadme Wormly-Herndon, Despite a recent perceived uptick in vio- who has lived in Pomonok lence at the Pomonok Houses in South Flush- since 1970, said she knew ing, people still have the desire to move there. about the building because With the construction of a new, low-income NYCHA held a meeting a apartment building Council Towers VI al- few years ago informing the most done, seniors in Queens are getting residents about it. Senior citizens are wise ready to call the new construction home. Residents eligible to live there have to be and careful and will make 62 or older, earning less than 50 percent of sure to stay out of harm's the area's median income, which is approxi- way, she said. "A lot of crime mately $27,750 for a one-person household that goes on in this CB8 is and $31,700 for a two-person household. never spoken about," she Sen. Tony Avella and homeowner Linda Ferrone assess The homes are Section 8, meaning the resi- said. the sidewalk repair made by the DOT in May 2010. Wormly-Herndon said dents will pay no more than 30 percent of their income for rent. A total of 19 units will her only objection to the building is the loss Construction to repair the sidewalk in front be set aside for NYCHA residents and first of parking spaces. The construction demol- of her home. priority for housing will be given to Pomonok ished part of a parking lot where there were Ferrone said when she and her family originally 90 spots, leaving only 37 for moved into the home three years ago, the seniors. The building will be an eight-story, 78- Pomonok residents. But, the lot was never sidewalk looked fine. One day last year, she unit residence located at 71st Avenue be- full, so it was not a total loss, she said. walked out of her home and saw the DDC According to NYCHA, the demolition of marking the sidewalk with paint. When she tween Kissena and Parsons Boulevards. It will include a community room and outdoor the parking lot will not prevent Pomonok asked what they were doing, she said they seating area, video cameras, security guards, residents from having an adequate amount of told her they would be repairing the sidewalk video intercoms, grab bars, emergency pull- parking spaces. The Jewel Avenue and soon because of an outstanding violation. cords, closed-circuit TV cameras, fully acces- Kissena Blvd parking lots will each have three The violation stated that 56 square feet of sible entrances and handicapped adaptabil- additional handicapped spaces to replace the the sidewalk needed to be repaired, but the ity. There will also be 18 parking spaces for six handicapped parking spaces in the de- whole sidewalk in front of the property on molished section. tenants in the new building. 219-36 Stewart Road in Hollis Hills was The plans to build new housing at redone in May 2010. Though the violation Gary Gutterman, the director of Housing for the Metropolitan Jewish Council on Pov- Pomonok are part of Mayor Mike Bloomberg's was issued 11 years before she and her family erty, said finding adequate land for a project New Housing Marketplace Plan. The land moved in, Ferrone said she was still advised is always difficult and with the help of NYCHA was provided by the New York City Housing to pay the bill in full to avoid interest charges. they were able to find a good area to provide Authority and received funding from the "I think it's inherently unfair for the City a new home for seniors. Due to the large Metropolitan Jewish Council on Poverty, to require homeowners to repair sidewalks amount of seniors living in Queens, this was U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Develop- that they don't own," State Sen. Tony Avella ment, New York City Housing Development (D-Bayside) said. a perfect opportunity, he said. "We managed to bridge HUD and Corporation, NYC Dept. of Housing PreserCity law leaves homeowners responsible vation and Development, and the Federal for maintaining the sidewalk in front of their NYCHA," Gutterman said. Through advertisements in newspapers, Home Loan Bank of New York, with federal home, and homeowners are expected to know people were able to find out about the Coun- low-income housing tax credits through En- of any existing violations before purchasing cil Towers building. Gutterman said applica- terprise. a home. To get an application for residence in tions to live in the building were sent out at "A routine records search at the time of the beginning of the month and are due back Council Towers VI, call (917) 281-6810, or the purchase of the house would have turned at the end of the month. They will then do a reach out to Councilman Jim Gennaro (D- up an existing sidewalk violation, which lottery where people will be selected to live in Fresh Meadows) or Community Board 8. becomes the responsibility of the new prop— Jason Cohen erty owner," said Monty Dean, Dept. of Transthe building. The location of Pomonok and a recent portation spokesman. increase in violence did not affect the amount Wr o n g "I had no reason to know why this was O w n e r B i l l e d of applications, Gutterman said. When there charged to me because I got no notice in the In14-Year Fix is housing, people will apply. mail saying there was a violation," Ferrone "People will live anywhere," he said. "It is Linda Ferrone was surprised when her said. She tried to call the Dept. of Finance to going to be safe building. It's a great benefit annual property tax bill was much higher dispute the charges, but the attempts were for them to be living there." than she expected. The bill included a charge unsuccessful. Ferrone then reached out to Residents of Pomonok do not seem to of $1,122.48 from the Dept. of Design and Avella. The senator's office sent a letter to the DOF inquiring about the situation. The DOF's response letter states an inspection was made Aug. 5, 1995, which determined the sidewalk had been patched and 56 square feet needed to be repaired. The previous owner, Rafael Diaz, was given notice that he had 45 days to make the repairs himself. In 1996, the DOT certified the repair had not been done and the City scheduled to make the repair itself, which was completed last year. Ferrone and Avella said the City never came back to re-inspect and see if the previous owner repaired the sidewalk between 1996 and 2010. "How do they know the sidewalk wasn't fixed in 14 years?" Avella asked. Avella stressed the City should have followed up again before repairing the sidewalk and billing Ferrone. "I think the City should own up to its responsibility. They failed to follow normal procedure," Avella said. The DOT said it made proper notifications before the sidewalk reconstruction and had not heard any concerns about the May 2010 repair until last month. Dean said the sidewalk had trip hazards and other defects; it needed to be repaired for the safety of everyone who uses the sidewalk. The cost of Some 20 students from as far away as California, Washington, and even Hawaii the repair rate is competitive with what prispent part of their summer as participants in a week-long, intensive Summer vate contractors would charge, Dean added. Institute developed by the Asian/American Center at Queens College. Avella is working with Ferrone to have the
Page 10 Tribune Sept. 1-7, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Asian Studies:
family reimbursed for the sidewalk repair. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123. — Veronica Lewin
Fu r r y Fr i e n d s D o d g e Hurricane’s Full Fur y When Hurricane Irene aimed her fury at our Atlantic coast, calls of mandatory evacuations of neighborhoods close to the shore both in Queens and on Long Island included Freeport, home to the large animal shelter run by Bobbi Giordano of Glendale's "Bobbi and the Strays." The shelter, acquired by Bobbi in March, sits in an area of Freeport vulnerable to a hurricane storm surge. It is across the street from the main waterway that runs through Freeport near the famous "Nautical Mile," home to popular restaurants and bars. When Nassau County officials called for the evacuation of the area, the pets at Bobbi's shelter were in jeopardy; she had to get the pets living there to Queens before Irene hit. "It was rough," Bobbi said of the evacuation. She was forced to remove the pets from her location at JFK Airport as well. She gives a lot of credit to the volunteers, many pet owners who adopted pets from her in the past, for helping move the dogs and cats to Queens, as well as the Shops at Atlas Park, which Bobbi said was accommodating. "They were wonderful," Bobbi said, "They let me use the back areas to hold the pets." Other organizations also helped out; the Long Island Veterinarian Specialists in Plainview housed 19 cats and North Shore Animal League took 40 animals, picking them up and bringing them home themselves. The ASPCA also helped out, lending Bobbi crates, giving food for the pets and using their Animal Transport Trailer, a custom-built 60-foot vehicle to transport more than 100 cats and dogs back to Freeport from Atlas Park on Monday. "They reached out to us. We received a request to help out in transporting the animals from the Freeport shelter to Queens," said Bret Hopman, a spokesman for the ASPCA. "We have six to eight members of our Field Investigation and Response team helping with loading, unloading and driving the transport vehicle." The Freeport shelter was hit by the storm surge. Though there was no structural damage, it left behind a mess. "The water came up to the door," she said. "The office and the laundry room had water in it. It was pretty bad." The shelter at the airport was also affected; the back of the building at JFK was flooded, but the building itself suffered no damage. During the storm, a group of volunteers stayed with the pets in Atlas Park through the night to take care of them. Some of the ill pets got the medicine they needed, and though a few had to pay the vet a visit, none were seriously affected by the hurricane. Bobbi said she was most thankful for all who got involved and the volunteers who helped make the situation as stress-free as possible for the animals. "Because of the people that we had, we got through it," she said. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125. — Domenick Rafter
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Evacuation Was Seamless, Smooth
Photo by Domenick Rafter
Rockaway residents file in to the shelter set up at John Adams High School in Ozone Park.
in Sunnyside - mostly evacuees from riverfront parts of Williamsburg and Greenpoint in Brooklyn - and about two dozen in Flushing High School. Closer to the evacuation zone however, more than 500 people were sheltered at John Adams High School in Ozone Park. The evacuees, mostly from Rockaway and Broad Channel, spent the night on cots in the school's cafeteria and auditorium and were, for the most part, in good spirits. Jennifer Montano, who lives on Beach 29th Street in Far Rockaway, came to the shelter at John Adams with her children. She said she would have probably ridden out the storm at home if not for the kids, but wanted to get them to a safe place. She knew of a few who stayed on the peninsula during the storm. "Some did stay," she said. "But most of my area left." Montano said she lives only feet from the boardwalk and the beach. Some evacuees, mostly from New York City Housing Authority houses in the Rockaways, came in buses and vans. One Rockaway resident, who lives in Hammel Houses, said she was not worried so much about the hurricane as she was about the possibility of looting if power was cut to the peninsula. "If people are being evacuated, doesn't that mean cops will be, too?" she said. Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), who represents most of the Rockaways, said some emergency services and law enforcement stayed behind because the peninsula would likely be on their own during the storm and perhaps after. All the bridges to Rockaway were shut down at the height of the hurricane.
Bob Turner, the Republican candidate for the open 9th Congressional seat, was also forced to leave his Breezy Point home. Turner visited evacuees at John Adams with Ulrich on Saturday afternoon before he and his wife took shelter at his brother's home in Richmond Hill. Evacuees at John Adams were treated with a catered dinner Saturday night courtesy of George Russo, owner of Villa Russo in Richmond Hill and Russo's on the Bay in Howard Beach. Rockaway also houses a number of senior citizen homes and High waters ran down the streets in the Rockaway nursing homes that also needed Peninsula. to be evacuated. A number of them were evacuated to safety by Parker were Haven evacuated to inland care centers like Manor, Resort Nursing Home, St. Joachim Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center in Crown a n d A n n e R e s i d e n c e N u r s i n g H o m e , Heights, which took in dozens of acute-care Seacrest Nursing Home and Shorefront and high-need patients from nursing homes Nursing Home. Parker also helped move people to and from Holliswood Care Cenin the Rockaways. Among the many responders was the staff ter, the shelters at John Jay College and of the Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care Hunter College and facilities on Long Isand Rehabilitation, in New Hyde Park, and land. When the evacuation order was lifted on the Institute's medical transportation diviSunday afternoon, a fleet of MTA buses sion, Lakeville Ambulette. "The remarkable teamwork, courage and headed back to the Rockaway Peninsula to expertise of Parker's staff, in the face of the be put in service also carried evacuees back powerful and dangerous Hurricane helped to their homes. The caravan drove down ensure the safety and well-being of Parker's Cross Bay Boulevard, with their LCD screens residents and patients, as well as the elderly reading "Hurricane Shelter." All evacuees had returned home by 5:30 who were evacuated from nursing homes in low-lying 'Zone A' areas," said Parker Presi- p.m. on Monday. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at dent and CEO, Michael Rosenblut. Among the Rockaway Peninsula nursing drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357homes to and from which residents were 7400, Ext. 125.
Photo by Jessica Glennon
By DOMENICK RAFTER When Mayor Mike Bloomberg ordered the first mandatory evacuation in New York City history ahead of Hurricane Irene, more than 300,000 New Yorkers were faced with the reality of having to leave their homes in advance of a possible impending disaster. Among them, the more than 100,000 people living on the Rockaway Peninsula and in Broad Channel. Though not all of the Rockaway Peninsula was in Zone A, the mayor ordered everyone out anyway as the risk of storm surge threatened to inundate the entire peninsula. The mass evacuation, the largest in city history, also displaced people in other densely populated parts of the city, including Coney Island and Red Hook in Brooklyn, Battery Park City and the Lower East Side of Manhattan as well as large parts of coastal Staten Island. More than 9,500 people stayed in 91 emergency shelters around the city on Saturday night, though most in Queens housed only a few; about 30 in Aviation High School
Making a Home for Wildlife
To learn more, visit www.thinkgreen.com.
www.queenstribune.com • Sept. 1-7, 2011 Tribune Page 11
Waste Management is committed to protecting the environment and preserving natural resources. That commitment extends to our efforts to restore wildlife habitat around our facilities nationwide. Working with the Wildlife Habitat Council and local conservation groups, we have set aside over 25,000 acres for wildlife at 100 Waste Management sites – including one right here in New York City.
Compiled by DOMENICK RAFTER
103rd Precinct MISSING MAN:The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing Jamaica man. Mohammed Saleem, 24, of 9060 179th Place, Jamaica, was last seen on Friday Aug. 26, at around 6:40 p.m. in front of 253-06 Hillside Ave. in Bellerose. He was last seen wearing a long sleeve black t-shirt, blue jeans and black boots. Anyone with information 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 12 Tribune Sept. 1-7, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
CRIME SPREE: The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect wanted for commercial robberies across the borough. The suspect robbed a Pathmark Supermarket at 134-40 Springfield Blvd. in Springfield Gardens on Tuesday, July 26 at 4:22 a.m.; a T-Mobile store at 205-20 Jamaica Ave. in Queens Village on Thursday, July 28 at 5:25 p.m.; a Walgreens at 119-02 Rockaway Blvd. in South Ozone Park and a 7-11 at 21801 Northern Blvd. in Bayside on Monday, Aug. 1 at 3:38 a.m. and 3:45 a.m.; a Shell gas station at 185-25 North Conduit Ave. in Springfield Gardens on Monday, Aug. 22 at 2:50 a.m.; and a Family Dollar at 199-09 Jamaica Ave. in Hollis on Wednesday, Aug. 24 at 11 p.m. In all the incidents, the suspect enters the location armed with a gun, demands money and flees the location. There were no reported injuries. The suspect was wearing beige shorts, black t-shirt, tan work boots, and a black baseball hat with a t-shirt hanging from underneath it. Anyone with information 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 POPEYE’S ROBBERY: The NYPD is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a man wanted for committing an armed robbery in St. Albans. On Sunday, July 31, at approximately 10:05 p.m., the suspect entered the Popeye’s
Police are looking for the public’s help in locating Mohammed Saleem, who has gone missing. restaurant located at 117-25 Farmers Blvd. in St. Albans. He approached the counter, displayed a silver-colored firearm and demanded that the employee hand over money from the cash register. When handed a bag containing cash, the suspect fled on foot northbound on Farmers Boulevard toward Linden Boulevard. No injuries were reported. The suspect is described as a black man in his 20s, heavy set, wearing a gray T-shirt and tan slacks. Anyone with information 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. 115th Precinct KILLED ON NORTHERN: On Aug. 27, at around 12:30 a.m., police responded to a 911 call of a pedestrian struck at Northern Boulevard and 101st Street in Corona. Upon arrival, police determined that a 1988 Chrysler traveling eastbound on Northern Boulevard struck an unidentified black woman who was crossing 101st Street. The victim was taken to Elmhurst Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene. No criminality was suspected.
Queens CLOSEUP Blood Drive The St. Sylvester Knights of Columbus No. 6194 will hold a blood drive this Saturday, Sept. 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 101-18 101st Ave. in Ozone Park. Your donation will help to save up to three lives. Bring photo ID, eat well, have no tattoos for last 12 months. Minimum weight 110 lbs., Age 16-76 eligible. For more information or to schedule an appointment call Joey Papaccio at (347) 400-4200 or e-mail joey240@verizon.net.
National Anthem The Choirs of Martin Luther School, Maspeth, will sing the National Anthem at CitiField in September. The performance will take place just before the first pitch of the Mets vs. Reds game on Tuesday, September 27. The Martin Luther School Concert Choir is under the direction of Mrs. Katie Luekens Chan Chee, currently in her fourth year at MLS. The group performs in three concerts each year: the Christmas Concert, The Sacred Concert and the Café Concert. Earlier in 2011, the Concert Choir was featured on Fox 5's Good Day New York as part of their Glee Club segment. They also performed in the Bronx Zoo's Sing! For Wildlife competition and sang America the Beautiful at a New York Islanders game. Mrs. Chan Chee plans to take the Concert Choir to the World Choir Games in Ohio next summer. Tickets for the NY Mets game are available by calling MLS at (718) 894-4000 x133, or by sending an e-mail to info@MartinLutherNYC.org.
Alumni Day
Time To Sing Summer is over and The Oratorio Society of Queens (OSQ), under the artistic direction of Maestro David Close, is coming together to prepare for their Annual Holiday Concert scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 18. If you sing and would like to join us onstage, and look out at a packed and exuberant audience, make plans now to attend our first rehearsal of the Fall season on Monday, Sept. 12. The OSQ performance this year will consist of Part I of Handel's "Messiah," Randol Bass' "Gloria" plus many favorite traditional Christmas carols and Chanukah songs. OSQ rehearses every Monday evening (Fall and Spring), from 7:45 to 10 p.m. in Temple Beth Sholom (in the FSG Room) at 172nd Street and Northern Blvd. in Flushing. As for the chorus, even with over 120 members, OSQ is eager to add to its roster of altos, sopranos, tenors, and bass singers each year. We are a diverse group of men and
World Maker Faire A family fun festival to make, create, learn, invent, craft, recycle, build, think, play and be inspired by celebrating arts, crafts, engineering, food, music, science and technology, Sept. 17-18. Admission requires purchase of a World Maker Faire ticket. Single Day Tickets: Adult $25, Children (ages 2-17) $10; Student $15, Senior $20; Weekend Pass: Adult $50, Children (ages 2-17) $20, Student $30, Senior $40. At the New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona. Call (718) 699-0005.
12-Step Program Nar-Anon Never Alone is a 12-Step support group for anyone affected by a loved one's use and/or abuse of drugs. There are no dues or fees. Meetings are held at the VFW Hall in Whitestone, 19-12 149 St., every Thursday from 7:30-9 p.m. Newcomers are welcome. For further information, please contact Norma at (718) 217-0364.
Diver's Ed Martin Luther School, Maspeth, Queens, will hold Driver Education Registration for the Fall Session on Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 2-4:30 p.m. at MLS, located at 60-02 Maspeth Ave., Maspeth. For more information, or to receive a registration form, please contact Martin Luther School at (718) 8944000. Students can also register by mail or by calling the school prior to the in-person registration date. This Driver Education course is open to any students who will reach the age of 16 by July 11, 2011. The course is taught by New York State certified instructors, and is approved by the NYS Education Department. The course consists of 24 hours of classroom instruction and 24 hours of road training in a late model, dual controlled, airconditioned car. A small class size ensures personal attention. The tuition for the course is $575.00.
Pre-K Openings The Samuel Field Y, a multi-service community organization serving Queens and western Nassau County, provides a diverse array of programs and services designed to
meet the needs of children of all ages, stages and ability levels Offering innovative educational programming, academic enrichment and exceptional sensitivity to the needs of young children and their families, The Early Childhood Programs of the Samuel Field Y, at both the Little Neck site and at the Bay Terrace Center, are now accepting enrollment for fall 2011. Programs include Parenting and Toddler Programs, Nursery School, UPK and Full Day Child Care. For children currently in kindergarten through 7th grade, the Y's after school day care programs offer safe, stimulating, educationally based programs led by outstanding professionals. The Y provides transportation from a number of local schools. There are also a wide variety of after school programs for children with special learning needs. Contact the Samuel Field Y in Little Neck, 718-225-6750, The Bay Terrace Center, (718) 423-6111 or, sfy.org for further information.
Get Ready To Sing The Queens College Choral Society is seeking new members for its fall 2011-12 concert season, which will feature Handel's "Judas Maccabaeus" and Brahms's "Requiem," two extraordinary works for chorus and orchestra. "Judas Maccabaeus" is a powerful drama, filled with magnificent choruses and arias, which tells the story behind the celebration of Hanukkah. Brahms's "Requiem" transcends cultural boundaries through music that is majestic, uplifting and deeply moving. Auditions for new members will take place on the following Wednesdays in Room 246 of the Music Building at Queens College: Sept. 7, 15, and 21, 6-7 p.m. Rehearsals are held from 7:30-9:45 p.m. Wednesdays at Queens College, and will begin on Sept. 7. A new member welcome party will be held Sept. 21. Auditions consist of basic singing skills - no preparation is necessary. For further information, visit qcchoralsociety.org. To schedule an audition contact James John, Music Director, at (718) 997-3818 or jmsjhn@aol.com.
Revealing the Source Members of FCCA who are visual artists show their work in 2011 Member Exhibition, on display July 10-Sept. 11. This year's theme, Revealing the Source, hopes to illuminate the unique paths that individual artists take in their careers, showcasing works of art that typify members' "signature" work. Many art works are for sale and a portion of the proceeds benefits FCCA's Visual Arts programs. (718) 463-7700.
Community House Relax, improve your health with meditation, every Thursday at 10 a.m. with Ronnie at the Queens Community House Kew Gardens, 80-02 Kew Gardens Road, Suite 202.
store design in [CITY} is one of over 400 being opened across the country this year. The new store features some of the area's most inspiring success stories who are now helping their community members develop healthier habits through the most innovative program from Weight Watchers in more than a decade. POINTSPLUS® uses the latest scientific research to create a program that goes far beyond traditional calorie counting to give people the edge they need to lose weight and keep it off in a fundamentally healthier way. "We are thrilled to deliver the POINTSPLUS® program in such a contemporary and convenient setting to support area residents in their efforts in making smart, healthy and satisfying choices to lose weight," says local Weight Watchers Territory Manager, [NAME]. "Meetings continue to be an important part of how Weight Watchers helps members reach their goals. In fact, people who attend meetings lose three times more weight than those who try to lose weight on their own. We welcome people to stop in anytime for a tour of our new location or to visit a meeting for free".
Science Farmers Market Through Nov. 13, Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., fresh food and fresh ideas to help New Yorkers improve their quality of life and understanding of produce. Free, at the New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona. Call (718) 699-0005.
Investigative Repor ter When veteran investigative reporter Snigdha Prakash received rare backstage access in a sensational trial against corporate giant Merck, she was shocked by what she found, despite years of reporting on corporate fraud. On Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 1:30 p.m., Snigdha Prakash will speak on her new book, "All the Justice Money Can Buy," at the Central Queens YM & YWHA in Forest Hills. What shocked Snigdha Prakash was the extent of scientific manipulation and the degree to which money and business interests ruled, even in a courtroom. Snigdha Prakash's talk, which is open to the public, with a $6 donation suggested, will be at the Central Queens Y, at 67-09 108th Street in Forest Hills. An award-winning investigative journalist, Prakash was a longtime reporter for National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" and "Morning Edition." Her talk is one event in Fall Author Programs presented by the Hevesi Jewish Heritage Library of the Central Queens YM & YWHA. For more information, call (718) 268-5011, Ext. 151, or email pkurtz@centralqueensy.org.
Temple Open House
Got a drug problem? Call the Narcotics Anonymous helpline at (718) 962-6244 or go to westernqueensna.com
The Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112th St., will hold an open house Wednesday, Sept. 7, from 6-8 pm. Representatives of the Temple's Membership Committee will be on hand to provide a tour of the building and describe the many and varied activities available for Temple members. Information will be provided about the Temple's Religious School. Refreshments will be served.
New Office
KISS In Queens
Weight Watchers is unveiling a newly designed store in Bayside at 210-27 26th Ave. It will be open during regular retail hours, so people can stop in anytime to learn more about Weight Watchers, ask questions, purchase memberships, or simply shop for Weight Watchers products designed to support a healthier lifestyle. Members can also weigh in at their convenience in a way that is more discrete than ever before. This new
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.
NA Can Help
www.queenstribune.com • Sept. 1-7, 2011 Tribune Page 13
Martin Luther School, Maspeth, will be hosting Alumni Day for all graduates - and especially for the members of the Classes of 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001 and 2006 on Saturday, Sept. 24. A series of events are scheduled throughout the day, including a continental breakfast; athletic competitions; a Second Generation Luncheon, focusing on those families with multiple Martin Luther grads and a dinner reception with incredible views of the NYC skyline. Alumni will also have the opportunity to enter a drawing to win a threeday, two-night trip to the Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino in Puerto Rico. The invitation with all of the details for the day is available on the Alumni page of the Martin Luther website, MartinLutherNYC.org. Graduates interested in attending are asked to RSVP by calling MLS at (718) 894-4000 x133, or by sending an e-mail to alumni@MartinLutherNYC.org.
women, young and old, of varied backgrounds and differing levels of singing ability-from sight-readers to those who learn by ear and doing. According to Maestro Close, "Chorus singing, and especially OSQ, gives each individual the chance to get involved and take part in an activity that artistically enhances their skills, brings satisfaction, and results in a product of great beauty…People who love to sing are encouraged to join OSQ," said Mr. Close. "Most of our members began singing in a church or temple choir or in a high school chorus or college glee club." We hope you'll join us. The Oratorio Society of Queens sponsors a Choral Scholarship Program that offers talented high school and college students the opportunity to sing and perform with OSQ. The Oratorio Society of Queens is opening their 85th Anniversary Season of Singing and is one of the oldest cultural organizations in Queens. The Annual Holiday Concert is performed with a professional orchestra and soloists in the Queensborough Performing Arts Center at Queensborough Community College. Maestro David Close is the Conductor and host of this venerable Queens tradition. For additional information on rehearsals and concerts, call (718) 279-3006 or visit queensoratorio.org
Hurricane Irene:
For The Dogs Hunkering down during the hurricane was the plan for one resident and business owner in Long Island City. As Irene approached Friday night, Bruce Barlin, owner of Pooches Sport and Spa, located just a block from the East River, ignored the city's first-ever mandatory evacuation of some of the city's low-lying and coastal areas. "I wasn't worried about the East River overflowing its banks," he said. "It never has and it never will." But as the Category 2 hurricane steadily loomed closer Saturday, Barlin
Photo by Ira Cohen
By QUEENS TRIBUNE STAFF Last Wednesday night, worry warts, tough guys and chatterbugs began spreading the same gossip. Weather reports, social media and everyone short of the odd hermetic neighbor were awash in predictions the City could get hit by a cruel mistress named Hurricane Irene over the coming weekend. The forecast was grueling, and prospects seemed dim. A Category Two. Possibly. Flooding, 100 mph wind gusts and days spent without electricity. Maybe. Mayor Mike Bloomberg took early action, popping into Laurelton Thursday morning to tout the city's preparedness. "The City has already seen the power of Mother Nature once this week," he said, referencing an earthquake that shook the city last Tuesday. "Mother Nature may not be done with us yet." A very New York perspective took hold. First an earthquake, now this? As if we did not have enough problems. Plans for an evacuation of low-lying areas were being drawn up, as the Mayor repeated a mantra of taking every precaution necessary. So while Hurricane Irene was still crawling towards North Carolina at 14 mph, New Yorkers were getting a crash course on the contents of a "go bag." By Thursday afternoon, meteorological models predicted Hurricane Irene would take on a romp up the eastern seaboard, before hitting the City and dispersing over New England. Fr iday morning's forecasts made Hurricane Irene's arrival a matter of when - and how big of a wallop she would pack. The Mayor, in what the City claims was a first, ordered the evacuation of low-lying areas. Supermarkets and department stores could not stock enough supplies. Looking for D batteries and bottled water? Get in line. Order remained, and precautions were taken. Rationality and civility thankfully did not evacuate ahead of Irene's arrival. By the time the MTA shut down all service at noon on Saturday, overcast skies already began letting out periodic rains, windless and without any force. The calm before this storm was particularly soggy. By the time Irene's nastier facets appeared, she had been worn down to a Category 1, making a thorough mess of everything between North Carolina and Staten Island in the process. She began her onslaught on the borough at around 9 p.m. Saturday, nearly a full day ahead of initial forecasts, and did not let up for 12 hours, until her eye peered down upon Coney Island at around 9 a.m. Sunday.
lake adjacent to the Grand Central Parkway while the Flushing Meadows boathouse on the northeastern end of the lake alongside the Van Wyck Expressway is being renovated. TASCA President Jim Jordan said the entire compound is flooded in eight inches of water and the entrance to the Cherry pickers stand at the ready in Jamaica Estates to dock, which is lorepair downed power lines. cated next to the jogbegan to rethink his original plan of stay- ging path about 100 feet from the makeing put with 25 canines boarding at his shift boathouse, is under two feet of wadoggy day-care facility. ter, but no equipment was damaged and In haste, the Long Island City resi- none of the club's sailboats capsized or dent began to reach out to all his clients, suffered damage. making them aware of Irene's advance. This is the third time TASCA has been "I had to call them," Barlin said. "I've forced to cancel class during the sumbeen doing this for 15 years; I under- mer session. The July heat wave forced stand how people feel about their pets. I the cancellation of one Saturday class had to make sure they understood the and floods caused the cancellation of situation." class on Aug. 14. After successfully contacting 22 cliThe area around Meadow Lake is ents, one by one, dog owners who can- very vulnerable to flooding and is lacelled their weekend getaways came to beled as part of "Zone B" in the city's pick up their precious pooches, to take hurricane risk map. The flooding around them out of potential harm's way. Meadow Lake did not affect the U.S. Erring on the side of caution, while Open tennis tournament at Flushing deciding to give up a chunk of his rev- Meadows Corona Park which started on enue, Barlin told clients in Manhattan Monday, though Arthur Ashe Kids Day he would come to them, and made a set for Saturday was cancelled. move, transporting three dogs across the river. Nobody Was Immune "It had to be done," Barlin said. Elected officials were destined to By dusk on Saturday, with thick gray make speeches and take positions folclouds of the hurricane's outer ring con- lowing Irene's hit, but politicians, it aptinuing to accumulate overhead, Barlin pears, are not immune to freaking out found himself with three dogs still in his about a hurricane and care. One he gave to an employee to the headaches that foltake home for the night and the others low. stayed on-site as the hurricane rolled At a press conferoverhead. ence held on Sunday, "They had a ball," Barlin said of the a visibly drowsy Countwo dogs he overnighted with during the cilman Peter Koo (Rhurricane. "They had the whole place to Flushing) admitted to themselves." not exactly getting a By the time she passed through New good night's sleep. His York Sunday morning, Irene had already district and home in been downgraded to a tropical storm, particular were among and the waters surged up within a foot those Irene let off easy. of the pier at Gantry Plaza State Park - But no worries - Koo but went no further. paid his dues. "As far as the rest of the neighbor"Everyone was afhood, we didn't have a puddle," Barlin fected," he said. "My wife said. "It ended up not being too bad over didn't get to sleep until 3 here." or 4 in the morning."
More Water, Anyone? Hurricane Irene's wrath made the city's largest lake even larger. The area of Flushing Meadows Corona Park around Meadow Lake was completely underwater and Meadow Lake expanded by over 150 feet. In some parts of the park, the water flooded the road that circles the lake and the jogging path was almost completely submerged. The American Small Craft Association (TASCA) was forced to cancel their summer basic sailing classes on Monday and Tuesday due to the flooding at its compound on Meadow Lake. TASCA is currently operating out of a makeshift boathouse on the southeast shore of the
For Councilman Mark Weprin (DOakland Gardens), Hurricane Irene provided a chance to have mom over for the night. But her presence did not sooth nervousness caused by an oncoming hurricane. "I spent my night mostly pacing between the attic and the basement," he said. "I can't say I chilled out. It was anxiety-filled and the wind… as it started to get strong… you never know." And while the borough thankfully suffered no human casualties, Councilman Jim Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows) laid to rest, with great sadness, cannolis he bought at Lulu's Bakery. As of Tuesday, his Jamaica Estates home was still without power. As with all perpetually-off refrigerators, something had to give. "I didn't mean throw the cannolis out; that really hurt," he said. "And shame on me. Shame on me for letting them go bad." Gennaro paused and added, "Truth be told, there was a fair amount that did get eaten."
Aftermath
Early Sunday afternoon, as Irene's eye rested over the heart of the borough, Flushing Meadows Corona Park burst to life, appearing indistinguishable from nearly any other summer weekend. Children raced around the Unisphere, enjoying a playful game of tag. Some plowed bikes through a waistdeep ring of water at the base of the behemoth. The path leading away from the borough icon was still slick with rain, keeping crowds off. A father and son took the opportunity to use the barren steps for a game of pass with a soccer ball. And futbol was still the primary past time - jerseys of club and country still scattered across both official and makeshift fields. Wives played goalie for their husbands, backpacks serving as goalposts. And the reflecting pools, for the first in seemingly uncountable years, actually had water in them. Queens residents dove back into the little pleasures of life as soon as nature let them, and few retreated when Irene whipped a tail of misty rain and wind at them later that afternoon. In the neighboring As then-Tropical district, Councilman Storm Irene dissipated Dan Halloran (R- On Sunday, Flushing Meadows over New England, one Whitestone) got his was still partially under water, could see this generastaff soggy during an but it didn’t keep visitors away tion, buzzing about overnight stay man- for long. hours after a hurricane ning the district office. The basement flooded, at a time when tore through town, could add its volumipower outages plagued the rest of the nous list of "Big Deal" stories - from terdistrict. But at least Halloran remained rorist attacks, to blizzards, blackouts and connected, unlike another unfortunate tornados. Now we can all start a sentence with legislator. Press and staff alike had a difficult "I remember this one time we got hit by a time getting a hold of U.S. Rep. Gary hurricane… called Irene." Jason Banrey and Domenick Rafter Ackerman (D-Bayside). Quite frankly, everyone did. It turns out even Congress- contributed. men can lose power - but only for an Reach Deputy Editor Joseph Orovic hour. He was still without cable (and at jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) internet) as of Monday though. 357-7400, Ext. 127. Photo By Joseph Orovic
Page 14 Tribune Sept. 1-7, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Borough Dodges Date With Disaster
SEP T.
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www.queenstribune.com • Sept. 1-7, 2011 Tribune Page 15
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Queens Focus PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . . PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE ...PEOPLE . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE.. PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE . . .PEOPLE... Jiaying Song of Flushing earned Law degree from Pace Law School this past spring. The Commencement ceremony took place on Sunday, May 8 at Pace Law School in White Plains, NY. Army National Guard Pvt. Rafael A. Csukardi has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman. He is the son of Violet Csukardi of Whitestone. Csukardi graduated in 2010 from Bayside High School.
Page 16 Tribune Sept. 1-7, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Major General Patrick A. Murphy, the Adjutant General, announces the recent reenlistment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard. Specialist Jose Hernandez from College Point has reenlisted to continue service with the 719 Transportation Company(Medium Truck). Specialist Joe Lee from Flushing has reenlisted to continue service with the Company A, 2-108th Infantry. Sergeant David You from Flushing has reenlisted to continue service with the Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1-258th Field Artillery. The State University of New York at Potsdam recently honored students who excelled academically in the Spring 2011 semester, by naming 880 students to the President’s List. SUNY Potsdam President Dr. John F. Schwaller honored the students for maintaining the high grades necessary to make the list. The students included: Lyndsey Creed, a Psychology major from Flushing; Ashlie Klepper, a Speech Communication major from Fresh Meadows; Paul Capobianco, a Student Init. Interdept. major from Middle Village; and Jessica Pena, a Student Init. Interdept. major from Ridgewood. One of the biggest charitable tennis tour-
naments in the Chinese community the New York area – Tennis for Life – was held at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center to benefit the American Cancer Society – Asian Initiatives 2011 Relay for Life, the official sponsor of more birthdays. With almost 100 tennis player’s registration fee and donation, this event has raised more than $4,000 to help support American Cancer Society efforts in the Asian community that help people stay well, get well, that find cures and fight back against cancer. Tennis for Life is co-organized by the Chinese American Tennis Society of New York (CATSNY), Hugh Jr. Mo and Douglas Mo. Hugh and Douglas are two rising tennis stars with top 25 ranking at high schools in the East coast. Hugh Jr. Mo said, “It means a lot to me that I can leverage my skills and give back to the Society.” Byron Yu, Vice President of CATSNY, also proudly said, “This is the first time that CATSNY has organized a charitable event. We not only want to take this chance to further promote tennis to the community, but also to encourage everyone join together and give back to the community.” Tennis for Life has been strongly supported by multiple sponsors, including United States Tennis Association, Advantage Tennis, Sportime, New Yung Wah Trading Inc. and The Law Firm of Hugh H. Mo, P.C. Together with millions of supporters, the American Cancer Society saves lives and creates more birthdays by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back. For 24-hour cancer information, call toll free 1-800227-2345 or visit cancer.org. U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Queens/ L.I.) announced today that seven students from Queens have been accepted to the United States Service Academies after the Congressman nominated them to attend the prestigious institutions. The U.S. Service Academies include the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut. The students and the academies they will attend are as follows: Military Academy at West Point: Gloria Consiglieri of Bayside, John Lim of Flushing and Lauren Ng of Flushing.
Participants in the Tennis For Life Tournament.
Congressman Ackerman’s Queens nominees who were accepted to the U.S. Service Academies. L. to r.: John Lim of Flushing (West Point), Lauren Ng of Flushing (West Point), Lian Hsu of Flushing (Merchant Marine Academy) and Albert Shen of Bayside (Air Force Academy). Not pictured Gloria Consiglieri of Bayside (West Point), Christopher Cannon of Flushing (Naval Academy) and Conrad Chen of Bayside (Naval Academy). Naval Academy at Annapolis: Christopher Cannon of Flushing and Conrad Chen of Bayside. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs: Albert Shen of Bayside. Merchant Marine Academy: Lian Hsu of Flushing. All of the students graduated from area high schools last month. Also accepted were five students from Nassau County including Virginia Brodie of Manhasset (Naval Academy), Alec Eiber of Albertson (Naval Academy), Ian Tello of Great Neck (Naval Academy), Isaiah Levy of Great Neck (West Point) and Sara Giraldo of Port Washington (Naval Academy Preparatory School). The U.S. Service Academies are fouryear post-secondary institutions that combine educational excellence with officer training (for the United States armed forces). They accept students from nominations received by Members of Congress from across the nation. Ackerman is assisted in the nomination process by his Academy Review Board, a diverse panel of community leaders from Queens and Long Island. Students nominated by Ackerman compete against students from throughout the country and must meet the highly competitive educational, physical and extracurricular standards set by the individual institutions. “Each year, it is an honor to nominate the young leaders of our community to attend America’s elite service academies,” said Ackerman. “All of the students accepted this year are exceptional individuals. I congratulate each and every one of them who will no doubt make Queens and the United States extremely proud.” The following students were named to the Honor List of Oxford College, the twoyear liberal arts division of Emory University located in Oxford, Georgia, for the 2011 spring semester. Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or
higher to be named to the Honor List. Anna Gordan of Rego Park, daughter of Sofia Gordan of Rego Park, and Avraham Sieler of Rego Park; and Yufei Ge of Oakland Gardens, son of Renshan Ge and Yingying Li. The following students were named to the Merit List of Oxford College, the twoyear liberal arts division of Emory University located in Oxford, Ga., for the 2011 spring semester. Students must earn a grade point average of 3.0 or higher during the previous semester to be named to the Merit List. Kimberly David of Woodhaven, daughter of Mahindranauth David and Sumintra Persaud; Jonathan Kim of Bayside, son of Bo Y. Kim; Paul Kim of Tenafly, N.J. son of Kwang Il Kim and Si Seon Kim of Flushing; and Jeffrey Shiau of Flushing, son of Charles Shiau-Kuo Shiau and Daisy Hsiao-Yen Shiau. Saquette Myers of Fresh Meadows has been named to the School of Natural and Social Sciences spring 2011 dean’s list at Buffalo State College. Myers is the daughter of Audrey Myers. To qualify, students must earn a minimum term GPA of 3.5 and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours. Founded in 1871, Buffalo State is the largest comprehensive college in the SUNY system. Buffalo State offers more than 165 undergraduate and 62 graduate programs in the arts, sciences, professions, and education. Each year nearly 12,000 students choose Buffalo State for its superb academic programs, applied learning opportunities, affordable tuition, and metropolitan location. Send your people news to: Queens Focus, Queens Tribune 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357
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www.queenstribune.com â&#x20AC;˘ Sept. 1-7, 2011 Tribune Page 17
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Unions Help Form Housing In Boro Labor unions still have a very strong members occupied 90 percent of role in the creation of housing in Queens. Electchester's units. Today, the number Though the borough has seen a progres- has dwindled, as about 50 percent are sive drop in the presence of wholesale electricians, though another 10 percent of union housing compared to residents have a family conthe mid-20th century, the nection to the union. Stanbond of a strong labor union dards have changed in can still be felt in many of the Electchester union housing Salute To borough's villages. as all applicants must now Mayor Mike Bloomberg pay a $25 fee and are subject has vowed to keep labor to income verification and unions relevant in the com- 2 0 1 1 credit checks, in contrast to a ing years. "The reason I have letter of recommendation or always used union labor is just plain and a casual reference, which was the case in the simple - it's the best," he said. "It is the best past. Its clientele has also changed as apartway to get the job done safely and to get ment officials have begun to court nonthe best quality work. We want workers in electricians actively in order to bring in this city that are well trained." younger families and decrease turnover. The location most synonymous with Another housing area that serves as a labor union housing is Electchester. haven for union workers is the Big Six Electchester was established in 1949, when Towers in Woodside. Big Six, located on famed labor leader Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Queens Boulevard, was a complex much worked with the Joint Industry Board of more renowned for housing members of the Electrical Industry to purchase 103 the printer's union because it was sponacres of a former country club and build sored by the New York Typographical apartments. Now Electchester consists of Union, Local Six. Though immigrants of nearly 5,500 residents living in 38 apart- Asia and Latin America have changed the ment buildings. demographics in recent years, the core of When Electchester was created, the the complex and the community as a whole union provided a major portion of the still consists largely of Irish-American famimortgage, and the state offered tax lies that have known each other for genabatements. Electchester was classified erations. as a limited dividend nonprofit, subject The Big Six Towers are noted for to state regulations similar to the ones replacing some of the old-style houses governing Mitchell-Lama projects today. that were common in Woodside before It is still considered a good bargain and World War II. These houses served as consists of an equity down payment of the spawn of the establishment of a trol$1,000 per room, and monthly carrying ley line in 1895, which was then extended charges of $140. in 1917. As a result of the trolley line, As recently as two decades ago, Local 3 population in Woodside rose from 1,355
LABOR
THANK YOU To the men and women of Organized Labor Who helped to Build this Great Nation
in 1875 to 3,878 in 1900. These days, labor unions usually have more to do with funding for low income housing in apartment complexes throughout Queens. The Opal in Kew Gardens is a 388-unit house that was funded by the AFL-CIO Building Investment Trust, which is a $2 billion pooled real estate fund serving pension plans with union beneficiaries. The Trust's mission is to provide returns for its par-
By the Numbers Look At Labor Day In 2011 The first observance of Labor Day is believed to have been a parade of 10,000 workers on Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City, organized by Peter J. McGuire, a Carpenters and Joiners Union secretary. By 1893, more than half the states were observing "Labor Day" on one day or another, and Congress passed a bill to establish a federal holiday in 1894. President Grover Cleveland signed the bill soon afterward, designating the first Monday in September as Labor Day. 153.2 million: Number of people 16 and older in the nation's labor force in July 2011. 26.2 million: Number of female workers 16 and older in management, professional and related occupations. Among male workers, 16 and older, 24 million were employed in management, professional and related occupations. 16.5 million: Number of commuters who leave for work between midnight and 5:59 a.m. They represent 12.4 percent of all commuters. 8.1 million: Number who worked from home exclusively in 2005, an increase from 6.7 million in 1999. 5.9 million: The number of people who work from home. 3.2 million: Number of workers who face extreme commutes to work of 90 or more minutes each day. $47,127 and $36,278: The 2009 real median earnings for male and female fulltime, year-round workers, respectively.
Page 18 Tribune Sept. 1-7, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
ticipants through its investments in commercial real estate, while promoting economic development and creating union jobs. A similar union-funded housing project was created in Long Island City more than a decade ago. Citylights, a 42-story cooperative building with 522 apartments, was created with the help of a $4.5 billion housing trust from the AFL-CIO.
25.1 minutes: The average time it takes people in the nation to commute to work. New York and Maryland had the most time-consuming commutes, averaging 31.4 and 31.3 minutes. (They are not significantly different from each another.) 11+ hours: About 11 percent of those who worked at home for some or all of their workweek reported working 11 or more hours in a typical day in 2005. Only about 7 percent of workers who worked outside the home reported doing so. 84.7%: Percentage of full-time workers 18 to 64 covered by health insurance during all or part of 2009. 53%: Projected percentage growth from 2008 to 2018 in the number of network systems and data communication analysts. Forecasters expect this occupation to grow at a faster rate than any other. Meanwhile, the occupation expected to add more positions over this period than any other is registered nurses (581,500). 5.2%: Percentage change in Elkhart County, Ind., between December 2009 and December 2010, the largest increase in employment among the 326 largest counties. New York County had the highest level increase of 37,500 jobs. 0.9%: Percentage change in employment in the United States between December 2009 and December 2010. Employment increased in 220 of the 326 largest counties (large counties are defined as having employment levels of 75,000 or more).
“Council Member Koslowitz Wishes You A Happy and Safe Labor Day, 2011” NYC Council Member
Karen Koslowitz Congressman GARY ACKERMAN Labor Day 2011 Paid for by Ackerman for Congress Bob Barnett treasurer
29th District
118-35 Queens Boulevard, 17th Floor Forest Hills, NY 11375 (718) 544-8800
Koslowitz@council.nyc.gov Paid for by Re-Elect Koslowitz 2013
SALUTE TO
LABOR DAY
The United Federation of Teachers
11
Proud to serve the children and families of New York City
Michael Mulgrew President 52 Broadway, New York 10004 www.uft.org
Rona Freiser Queens Borough Representative 97-77 Queens Boulevard, Rego Park, NY 11374 www.uft.org/boroughs/queens www.queenstribune.com â&#x20AC;˘ Sept. 1-7, 2011 Tribune Page 19
Page 20 Tribune Sept. 1-7, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ www.queenstribune.com
Business, Banking & Real Estate
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Gillibrand Pushes For Minority Jobs By JASON BANREY Queens politicians are backing federal legislation that would connect at-risk youth with job opportunities. Standing with the support of local elected officials, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand continued her fight to pass the Urban Jobs Act of 2011 (UJA).
The federal legislation, co-sponsored by Gillibrand, would initially provide $20 million in grants to national nonprofit organizations for educational support and job training and an additional $10 million per year until 2016. The legislation is aimed at increasing employment among at-risk youth who have dropped out of high
school or have been previously subjected to the criminal justice process throughout the nation’s inner cities. “Supporting education and training for our Queens youth is a smart investment that will help rebuild our local economy and pay dividends over the long term,” Gillibrand said to a room filled with black and Latino youth. “Helping our youth compete in this difficult economy will have a lasting, positive impact on our community.” Gillibrand’s visit was part of a three-borough tour pushing for critical federal resources she believes much of the city‘s youth would benefit from. Borough politicians thanked Gillibrand for her commitment toward dealing with a problem which State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) says has “condemned generations of minority families to a perpetual cycle of dependence and poverty.” As a product of both Washington Heights and East Elmhurst himself, Peralta knows first hand the many difficulties young students are still facing today. Overcrowding, the lack of resources and support systems have plagued much of the borough’s youth for decades, causing many to drop out and take menial jobs. “The consequences of dropping out are devastating,” Peralta said. “[The UJA] takes a comprehensive approach to helping at-risk youth.” According to Gillibrand, in July the average unemployment rate for minority youth in urban communities in the nation was approximately 39 percent for African Americans and 36 percent for Hispanic youth. In the city, the same ethnic groups were found twice as likely to drop out of school and make up more than 80 percent of the city’s detention centers. By providing the support services to those in school, Peralta believes the UJA will help keep students on track to graduate, equipping them with both the job and life skills necessary to succeed in the workplace. One of those local affiliates that would benefit from the federal funding is Make the Road New York, a youth advocacy group based in Jackson Heights. Despite those who criticize that the potential funds seem to be only “a drop in the bucket” to address a widespread national issue, Anna Maria Archila, co-executive director of MRNY says the funding, if received, “would provide us with another injection of hope.” “Our communities cannot afford to sit on the sidelines as our young people fall through the cracks of disillusion and neglect,” Archila said. “Our schools and the economy have failed them again and again. It’s our job to make sure this doesn’t happen again.” Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128.
Last month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo launched 10 Regional Economic Development Councils within New York State, charged with developing a plan for local development. Among the local luminaries selected for this post is Carol Conslato, who is President of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “The Regional Councils will be best equipped to take advantage of state resources, share best practices, and rebuild New York,” Cuomo said. The New York City regional Council will be chaired by CUNY Chancellor Matthew Goldstein and American Express Chairman and CEO Kenneth Chenault. Other members include: Gary LaBarbera, President, New York City Building and Constructions Trade; Dr. Marcia V. Keizs, President, York College; Francine Y. Delgado, Senior Vice President, Seedco; Nick Lugo, President, New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Stuart Applebaum, President, RWDSU; Mike Fishman, President, 32BJ SEIU; and Peter Ward, President, Hotel & Motel Trades Council.
www.queenstribune.com • Sept. 1-7, 2011 Tribune Page 21
Local Leaders To Aid Growth
By JOSEPH OROVIC An estimated $1.2 trillion in idle corporate capital held by U.S. companies is sitting overseas, and U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Bayside) is proposing legislation that would put it to use – to fix the housing market. With Congress set to reconvene after Labor Day, Ackerman will introduce “Homestead: Act 2,” a bill that would use the tax revenue from the repatriated $1 trillion overseas to help homeowners buy the current glut of 3 million unoccupied homes clogging in the market. The plan would most obviously affect Southeast Queens, which has had foreclosure signs pop up like lawn weeds over the last three years. Local elected officials from the community largely applauded Ackerman’s legislation, but said more needs to be done to fix the housing market. The plan works in three parts. First, it would provide the first 2 million potential live-in homeowners with a $20,000 subsidy for a down-payment on the purchase of a vacant single-family home. The government would forgive 20 percent of the loan every year for the first five years if the owner continues to live in the home. Secondly, 1 million future landlords would enjoy 10 years free of rental income taxes on single-family homes bought to generate revenue. Ackerman kept the program revenueneutral, as it would use cash gathered from the repatriated overseas funds at a reduced tax rate of 10 percent, lower than the 35 percent tax rate currently on the books.
Photo by Ira Cohen
Biz, Banking & Real Estate Page 22 Tribune Sept. 1-7, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Ackerman Eyes New Homestead Act venture is based on recaptured dollars,” said Jonathan Miller, principal of Miller Samuel, a real estate appraisal firm that produces reports on the state of the housing market. “I don’t see this as a singular solution to the housing malaise. It’s certainly creative and useful proposal.” Miller said the bill does not address two other factors keeping the housing market down: tight credit and unemployment. Leaders in Southeast Queens echoed Miller’s concerns over several aspects of the bill. “It’s admirable in terms of the intent to jumpstart the housing Homestead Act 2 would encourage lending market,” said State. Sen. Malcolm for the purchase of vacant homes. Smith (D-St. Albans). But lenders simply are not lending out money, “Clearly, ‘Homestead: Act 2’ would he added. “Unless you get the banks to buy into help to eliminate quickly the overhang glut of the housing market,” Ackerman the programs, you’re still going to be said. “This would clear the way for new challenged,” Smith said. “If the banks are housing starts, and put millions of Ameri- not required to participate, I don’t see cans back to work. It would incentivize how it’s going to work. The partnership corporations to bring their cash cheaply that existed between the lender and the back into the United States. In addition, buyer does not exist anymore.” State Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jathe newly emancipated billions would fur ther spur the economy. Ever ybody maica) said the definition of “credit-worthy” could be a major sticking point. wins.” “Potential first time buyers don’t buy The plan was met with a mix of plaudits and skepticism by elected officials because they’re not credit worthy,” she and experts. Most characterized said. “What income level are we talking Ackerman’s plan as innovative, and a about?” City Councilman Leroy Comrie (Dgood foundation for a blueprint to fixing St. Albans) said the bill misses out on the nation’s housing woes. “I think at face value it sounds like a helping current homeowners struggling good idea because the funding of the to pay their bills.
“I think what we need more is assistance for folks that are under water,” he said. “I understand what he’s trying to do. We need to make sure that the existing mortgages can be lowered. If a property is vacant that means someone went through pain and suffering.” Ackerman was largely unconcerned with the stingy credit market. “There are more than enough Americans out there looking to buy a home who would qualify for a mortgage,” he said. The Congressman likened the proposal to “Cash For Clunkers,” a program run during the first year after President Barack Obama’s election that gave potential car buyers government cash for their old cars if put towards a new, more fuel efficient vehicle. The plan was largely credited with helping the auto industry and boosting spending at a time when the economy floundered. But much like the auto industry did not recover solely from Cash For Clunkers, Miller believes “Homestead: Act 2” would only be part of the solution. “My observation is that coming out of Washington there is very little understanding what needs to be done about housing,” he said. “The take away is that everything that has been done up until now has hurt housing. There is no comprehensive strategy. We have these sort of disconnected solutions all over the place. There is no sort of theme to the solution other than saying, ‘Let’s throw more money at the problem.’” Reach Deputy Editor Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127.
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US Open Returns To Flushing Meadows
The annual fun and fighting at Flushing Meadows Corona Park returned this week as the US Open tennis tournament kicked off. Above: Mardy Fish plays in the first round. Below: A view of the stadium.
Above: A violinist wails during the opening ceremony Monday. Below: The Stars and Stripes are on display.
Family Fun
Above: The opening ceremony is capped with a fireworks display. Below: Serena Williams speaks with reporters. Photos by Ira Cohen
For Her Service
pix
Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson
Veterans Barbecue
Young Tennis Stars
VLTs Arrive
The first video lottery terminals are loaded in through the construction zone at Aqueduct’s Resorts World New York. The casino is expected to open in two months.
Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski (c.) was honored by the USTA and American Express “Fresh Court” program for her service to the Queens tennis community. She was presented the award by tennis legend Chris Evert (l.) and rising tennis star Victoria Arazenka at Astoria Park.
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr., welcomed more than 100 veterans and their families to his third annual Veterans’ BBQ held outside his Howard Beach district office and VFW Post 2565, under the leadership of Mr. Pat Connolly. The veterans and their families were served hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage and peppers, ice cream and soda by the Senator’s staff and local volunteers, while they enjoyed camaraderie and the comedy and music of Rock ’n’ Randy and Johnny Christ. For a third consecutive year, food, drinks, ice and condiments were donated by local merchants Ragtime Deli, Russo’s on the Bay, Sal’s Meat Market, Old Howard Dairy, Brothers Deli, Sugar Bun Bakery and Carvel Ice Cream.
Councilman Jim Gennaro raises his racket with kids participating in the New York Junior Tennis League on Aug. 22 at Pomonok Park. The councilman sponsored the free program, which is the largest tennis and educationthemed community organization in the United States, serving more than 100,000 youth from ages 6 to 18 in all five boroughs.
www.queenstribune.com • Sept. 1-7, 2011 Tribune Page 25
Craig Kinsey discusses neighborhood concerns with Councilman Peter Koo, Assemblywoman Grace Meng and Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky at the Bland Houses Family Fun Day. Pictured l. to r.: Kinsey, president of the James A. Bland Neighborhood Tenants Association; Aida Morel, intern for Assemblywoman Grace Meng; Councilman Peter Koo; Assemblywoman Grace Meng; Sen. Stavisky.
Leisure
On The Set, On The Street In Queens
Real Italian In Corona own garden. The subtle mix of unique flaIL TRIANGOLO RISTORANTE vors gave away why it’s considered a treat. 96-01 Corona Ave., Corona Next came the business of pasta – ey, (718) 271-1250 this is Italian! Homemade gnocchi with CUISINE: Italian HOURS: 11:30 am to 10 pm Tue-Thur pesto, a delicious take on an Italian staple, & Sun; 11:30 am to 11 pm Fr i & Sat made with fre sh basil. Also Fet tucini Alla Triangolo – a n absurdly delicious combiDELIV ERY: Yes nation of parmesan cheese, peas, onions, PARK ING: On Site a nd prosciut to i n a gorgonzola cream CREDIT CARDS: All Major There are many benefits to having an sauce. For our main course, Angelo suggested Italian buddy – loyalty, kinship, a deeper understanding of “The Go dfather.” But his favorite – Vitello Mario’s Style – veal arguably the most underrated is grandma’s with pancet ta, peas and fre sh tomatoe s. cooking. Those of us blessed w ith a Tony, The meat was per fectly cut and swimming Vinny or Mikey in our lives know the de- in a sauce bordering on the divine. The light in being invited to Nonna’s Sunday pancet ta lent flavor with gusto wh ile the feasts, where every uncle, aunt, cousin and peas rounded out a playful texture. It was family pet gathers to get a big helping of the most down-to-earth yet delicious veal the good stuff from the Old Countr y, as I’ve had in a long time. Thanks, Angelo. Along the way, Mario kept our glasses Padre Pio inevitably watches on from the full of his homemade wine, made from mantle. cabernet sauvignon and merlot It is as much a rite of passage grapes with some sweet white as any omer ta oath, and make s you realize the slew of “Italian” RESTAURANT grapes. Sweet but still bringing some late heat, the drink is danristorantes spread around our gerous. After a quick dance on borough are faking it all the way. the palate, the wine slides down But the search for Nonna’s best with incredible ease. I’d lie if I is what keeps us tr yi ng ne w said I left able to easily pass a places. sobriety test. Good thing I wasn’t Well look no fur ther, for risdriving. ing above all the cookie-cut ter For desser t, I had t iramisu Italian joints comes Mario while my guest enjoyed some Gigliotti’s Il Triangolo Ristorante. cheesecake with fruit atop. The In an era when hotshot young chefs in Manhattan experiment fusing Ital- desser ts, unlike their Americanized counian with Far East cuisine, Gigliott i keeps terpart s, provided a fantastic cap with flait old school. Il Triangolo presents a triple vorful but not over powering sweetne ss. Alas, Mario put me over the top with a threat – fresh, homemade and delicious. The ambiance perfectly mimics the best glass of his homemade Limoncello, a dantrat torias in the boot-shaped homeland. gerously delicious aperitif. As the meals kept coming, one couldn’t Dark woods and modern chic give the setting an edge over the old-school, dusty help but feel like guests in the Gigliot t i chandelier places, where the only things household. Mario, ever the gracious host, older-looking than the furniture are the chatted up patrons, laughed, shook hands. With A M-radio qualit y scratchy Italian waiters. Mario, like any true Italian, takes fam- music playing in the background, I peered ily seriously – so much so he employs his down by the bar to see him gyrating, twistown. You can find daughter Josephina at ing his torso and waving his hands, enjoythe bar, son Angelo wait ing tables and wife ing a robust tarantella as much as any boy Pierina baki ng Il Tr ia ngolo’s delicious in Napoli. Il Triangolo follows the Italian tradition bread and desserts. And the feeling of family permeate s ever y thing the restaurant of making great food feel, taste and seem simple. It’s a trick – these meals border on does – including the scope of meals. My guest and I began our meal with religious, a communal rite passed down some wonder ful sautéed eggplant w ith for generations. It’s almost too generous marinara sauce, fresh-baked bread with a for anyone to share this food outside their black olive and anchov y spread, prosciut to home, for strangers no less. But Italy, in and figs. The antipasti – hot, cold, sweet, spirit, has been nothing if not generous to tangy, sour – prepped the palate for the the world. Sit. Mangia! Ever y Nonna would be onslaught to come. First came a zucchini flower stuffed with spinach and goat proud. –Joseph Orov ic cheese – a delicacy picked from Gigliott i’s
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REVIEW
the house, called “the Smiths’ house” in the script. “Silence for the rehearsal,” someone called, and just then, a plane flew overhead. Soon after the rehearsal concluded, a brief, unexpected ear thquake suddenly shook the ground in the neighborhood (and the rest of New York, and several adjoining state s) but, as the saying goes, the show must go on, and it did, after a lunch break at 3 p.m. “When the earthquake hit, I felt like I was in L.A. but I’m in New York,” someone commented. Right after lunch, it was time for the final rehearsal. One of the actors suggested a change to the action in the scene, having to do with the direction a character would be walking, and a new line of dialogue to explain it, about checking a baby monitor. His sugge stions were approved, and information about the change in plan was transmitted to the crew members filming the scene. After that, identical twin boys, about 2 years old, who were scheduled to per form in the scene playing one lit tle boy, appeared. (Whenever a small child is needed for a scene, identical twins are hired, because union rules only allow young children to work for a cer tain limited number of hours). The actor sat down to talk to them, while their mother watched. “I’m going to pick you up and I want you to put your head on my shoulder and pretend you’re asleep”, he said to one. “Can you do that? Show me you can do that.” The child was uncooperative at first, but soon did what he was asked. Meanwhile, his twin brother gleefully raced
The stage is set for indoor filming at a home in Beechhurst. “Unforgettable” star Poppy Montgomer y walks outside the house with a member of the crew. around the lawn, and a moment later, his sibling followed his lead. Several people conferred about what toys would be in the scene, and several small toy ducks were brought out. A huge truck containing a generator parked in front of the house to supply the energy for the filming, and a while later, the scene was filmed. The episode will air in late September or early October. The name of the episode at press time (it may be changed) is “Checkout Time”. For a sneak peek at a clip from “Unforgettable,” go to ht tp://w w w.cbs.com/ shows/unforget table/video.
Devotees Pay Tribute With Record-Breaking By DOMENICK RAFTER A world record was broken in Queens last week, and it had nothing to do with Hurricane Irene. The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, led by Ashrita Furman, holder of more than 130 world records, went for yet another world record last week, this time arraigning the world’s longest floral garland. The garland of 80,000 multicolored carnations ended up being over 2.1 miles long and completely encircled Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The garland was put together by more than 170 volunteers from all over the world to celebrate the 80th birthday of Sri Chinmoy, the spiritual leader who was born in what is now Bangladesh and lived in Jamaica until his death in 2007. The volunteers gathered in the parking lot on the nor th side of Meadow L ake near the LIE and began putt ing the garland together early Friday morning. Teams of volunteers placed the flowers along roughly fivefoot strings, loaded them into boxes and then into vans where they were driven out to far ends of the lake and laid side by side. By 10 a.m., the thin garland, consisting of different colored flowers from farms in South America stretched across the lawn, over a bridge and along the shore of Meadow Lake. Some volunteers rode bikes out to the far end of the lake and patiently pieced the strings together, connecting them all the way around. After the garland was completed, a shor t ceremony was at tended by Councilman Jim Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows), a friend of the late spiritual leader who helped put the last piece of garland together.
Photo by Domenick Rafter
ing blocks, which were staked off with traffic cones. The notes said that an area of several blocks would be used by the company, mostly for parking, between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. The next morning, tremendous trucks gradually began arriving and by afternoon, the normally quiet streets were filled with trucks, trailers, technical equipment, and dozens of scur r ying crew members unloading and set t ing up equipment. Scaffolding was put up on both sides of the house to hold lights, wires ran along the sidewalk in front of it, and a “cherry picker” was parked out front. A table holding snacks for the cast and crew was set up in the street, under a tent. By 2 p.m., actors were rehearsing inside
A volunteer works to adjust the garland around Meadow Lake to honor spiritual leader Sri Chinmoy. Furman, who has broken numerous other records, including bouncing the fastest mile on a kangaroo ball on the Great Wall of China and longest juggling duration underwater, spoke about Sri Chinmoy’s influence on him, the group and their practice of breaking world records. “My friends and I have a tradition to express our gratitude to Sri Chinmoy as he inspires us to discover inner peace, joy and strength through meditation,” he said. “On the occasion of Sri Chinmoy’s 80th birthday anniversary we wanted to do something special. The huge garland expresses the deep gratitude we feel. There was a great feeling of oneness and harmony because people from 35 countries were connected by the garland in a circle symbolizing planet ear th.” Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
Photos by Barbara Arnstein
By BARBARA ARNSTEIN On Aug. 23, a scene for the new fall drama “Unforget table,” was filmed inside a detached house on 157th Street and 10th Avenue in Beechhurst. The show, which premieres Tue sday, Sept. 20, on CBS, at 10 p.m., stars Poppy Montgomer y (best known for playing FBI agent Samantha Spade on the TV show “Without a Trace”) and Dylan Walsh (best known for his starring role on “Nip/Tuck”). Montgomer y plays Car r ie Wells, a police officer whose perfect memory is a great help to her police work, and she was in the scene. The day before, notes about the filming and permit not ices were at tached to trees, street signs and light poles in the surround-
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
www.queenstribune.com • Sept. 1-7, 2011 Tribune Page 27
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, 150-50 14 Road, Whitestone NY 11357. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina. IF YOUR ORGANIZATION MEETS ON A REGULAR BASIS, SEND ALL DATES FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR.
ALUMNI MARTIN LUTHER HS Saturday, September 24 Martin Luther HS in Maspeth will host an Alumni Day for all grades. 894-4000. THOMAS JEFFERSON Sunday, January 15 class of 1961 will meet in Florida. Tjhs1961@aol.com
DANCE COUNTRY WESTERN Saturday, September 10 Patience and the Cowboy Angels. $12. Saturday, October 15 San Antones and Halloween Costume contest. $12. Glendale Memorial Building, 72-02 Myrtle Avenue at 7:30. 763-4328. LINE DANCING Saturdays 2-4 at Holy Family RC Parish Church, Msgr. Mahoney Hall, 175-20 74 th Avenue, Fresh Meadows. Light refreshments. Bring friends! ISRAELI FOLK Mondays 7:15-9:45 at Hillcrest Jewish Center, 18202 Union Turnpike. $10 session. 380-4145.
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ENVIRONMENT COMPOSTING Tuesdays, September 6, 13, 20, 27 waste food drop off at the Steinway library at 4. GREEN FAIR Saturday, September 10 Western Queens Green Resources Fair at the Broadway library at 2. Eco-crafts, giveaways, exhibitors, more.
MISCELLANEOUS COMMUNITY SINGERS Starting Monday, September 5 the Communit y Singers of Queens rehearses for their winter concert at 8 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 42-15 165 th Street, Flushing. 658-1021. NEVER FORGET 9/11 Friday, September 9 Conversation Group about 9/11 at the LIC library at 1:30. MINI GOLF Through December 31 Rocket Park Mini-Golf 10-6 weekends, 2-5 Fridays at the Hall of Science. $6 adults, $5 children plus general NYSCI admission.
YOUTH QUEENS LIBRARIES Many branches of the Queensborough Library offer toddler and pre-school programs. Contact your local branch for dates. SCIENCE PLAYGROUND Weekends through December 31 10-6 and 2-5 Fridays at the Hall of Science. $4 plus general NYSCI admission. SCULPTURE PARK Saturdays through September 24 the Socrates Sculpture Park will hold drop-in workshops for families. STORY BOOK LADY Saturdays 12:30-1:30 reading enrichment program for 6-9 year olds at Maria Rose International Doll Museum, 187-11 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. $7.50. 276-3454. MATH HELP Saturdays at the Flushing library at 10. CHESS CLUB Every Saturday 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. CRAFT Saturday, September 3 Back to school craft at 11:30 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at 4 at the Douglaston/Little Neck lib ra r y. B r i n g n e e d l e s a n d yarn. BOOST Monday, September 5 Communit y Word Project at the Central library at 5:30. CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Tuesday, September 6 a t the Glen Oaks library at 11. For those 3-5. LI CHESS CLUB Tuesday, September 6 a t the LIC library at 4. BOOST Tuesday, September 6 Mixing in Math at the Central library at 4:30. STORY TIME Wednesday, September 7 at the Hollis library at 10:30. HAPPY STORY TIME Wednesday, September 7 at the LIC library at 10:30. FAMILY STORY TIME Wednesday, September 7 at the Seaside library at 11. S TORY T I M E Wednesday, September 7 at the East Elmhurst library at 11:30. BOOST SCIENCE Wednesday, September 7 at the Central library at 4:30. READING BUDDIES Wednesday, September 7 at the McGoldrick library at 5. CHESS Wednesdays at the Queens Village library at 3:30. KNITTING Every Wednesdays at the Bayside library at 4. TOPS TRUMP CARD Every Wednesday tournament at the LIC library at 4. PICTURE BOOK Thursday, September 8 at the Queens Village library at 1:30. PUPPY TALES
Thursday, September 8 at the Hillcrest library at 4. MAKE A BEAR Thursday, September 8 at the Windsor Park library at 4. BOOST Thursday, September 8 International Library Day at the Central library at 4:30. BOOST HEALTH SCI. Thursday, September 8 at the McGoldrick library at 5. PRINCESS & FROG Thursday, September 8 at the Whitestone library at 6. CRAFT TIME Every Thursday at 3:30 at the Ozone Park library. BOY SCOUTS Thursdays Boy Scout Troop 138 meets at 7:30 in the basement at 192-15C 64 th Circle, Fresh Meadows. For those 11 and older. 4542391. STORY TIME Friday, September 9 at the Hollis library at 10:30. ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays at 2 at the Queens Village library. ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays at the LIC library at 2. GAME DAY Fridays at the Queens Village library at 2. FLASH FRIDAYS Every Friday at 3 at the Ozone Park library. CHESS CLUB Fridays, September 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Auburndale library at 3:30. GAME DAY Friday, September 9 at the Bay Terrace library at 2:30. GAME PLAYERS Every Friday at the Hillcrest library at 4. CRAFTS Friday, September 9 at the Seaside library at 4. GAME TIME Friday, September 9 at the Windsor Park library at 4. BOOST CRAFT Friday, September 9 at the McGoldrick library at 5. CUB SCOUTS 351 Fridays at St. Nicholas of Tolentine school cafeteria, Parsons Blvd. and Union Turnpike. Boys in grades 15. 820-0015. FLUSHING FLYERS Saturday, September 10 at 8, Monday, September 12 at 5 and Tuesday, September 13 at 5. The Flushing YMCA Flyers will hold tryouts for its swim teams for those 5-18 at the YMCA, 138-46 Northern Blvd. 961-6880 information. SCIENCE LAB Saturday, September 10 at the Central library at 11. NATURE PHOTO. Sundays, September 11, 18 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000.
THEATER 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. The Killing Company performs mystery dinner shows. 1-888SHOOT-EM for information.
SENIORS BRIDGE INSTRUCTOR Bridge instructor needed at SNAP Bell Park Senior Center. 740-3906. AARP CHORUS Like to sing? The AARP Queens Chorus holds practice rehearsals for performances at nursing homes, rehab and senior centers. 523-1330. AARP 3654 Tu e s d a y s , S e p t e m b e r 6 , O c t o b e r 4 , N ove m b e r 1 AARP chapter 2654 meets in Bayside. 423-4237. BAYSIDE CENTER Tuesdays line dancing 9:30 and Thursdays 10:00. Fridays ballroom instruction at 10:15, ballroom and social dancing 1-3. Bayside Center for classes in movie, ping pong, bridge instruction, healthy lifest yle, card games, Wii bowling, painting, ESL, computer, exercise, dance,
TEENS
PARENTS SAMUEL FIELD Y Diverse array of program and services for the needs of children of all ages, stages and abilit y levels. 225-6750. ADHD OR PDD Daily after school programs to meet the needs of elementary school aged children who have learning disabilities and ADHD or PDD at the Bay Terrace Center, 212-00 23 rd Avenue, Bayside from 2:30-6:00. 225-6750, ext. 266. ANIBIC Association for Neurologically Impaired Brain Injured Children, Inc. sponsors programs including Saturday Play Group (5-17), Tutorial (5 to adult), Weekend Respite (17+), Young Adult Program (17+) and Adult Respite Program (21+). 423-9550, ext. 243. KIDS KORNER After School Center is at the Central Queens YM-YWHA in Forest Hills. 268-5011, ext. 201. Extended hours. PLAYGROUP The CUMC Playgroup is accepting registration for its preschool parents’ cooperative program in Middle Village. Children 18 months to 4 years are eligible. 8942293. TOUGH LOVE Tu e s d a y s at 7:30 p.m. Toughlove International Parent Support Group for parents of out-of-control children (teens, pre-teens and adult children) meet at IS158 in Bayside. 393-7788.
Monday, September 12 CVS Diabetes Clinic. Monday, Oc tober 3 flu shots 92 . M o n d a y, O c to b e r 1 0 blood pressure screening. SNAP Bell Park. 740-3906. DEFENSIVE DRIVING Friday, September 9 one day class at the Laurelton library. Register in advance. STARS Fridays, September 9, 16. 23, 30 Senior Theater Acting Repertory at the Queens Village library at 10:30. 7760529.
TALKS QUESTIONS OF LIFE Wednesday, September 7 ART Answers the Questions of Your Life. Wednesday, September 14 What Are Yo u Lo o k i n g F o r i n Love? Wednesday, September 21 Welcoming the Unknown. Flushing library at 7. LAWYER COMPLAINT Thursday, September 8 How to File a Complaint Against a Lawyer at 6 at the Flushing library. BOOK TALK Thursday, September 8 “That Old Cape Magic” will be discussed at 6:30 at the Glendale librar y. NIGHT BOOK CLUB Thursday, September 8 “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival Resilience and Redemption” will be discussed at 6:30 at the Windsor Park library. NEVER FORGET 9/11 Friday, September 9 Conversation Group about 9/11 at the LIC library at 1:30. FUNDRAISING PLANNING Friday, September 9 at the Central library at 2. AUTHOR TALK Saturday, September 10 book signing with Sister Betty Dopson at the Langston Hughes library at 3.
RELIGIOUS MESSIAH LECTURES Through September 14 series of lectures about the Messiah with Rabbi Gerald Solomon from 10:30-noon at the Flushing-Fresh Meadows Jewish Center, 193-10 Peck Avenue, Flushing. 357-5100. REFORM TEMPLE Wednesday, September 7 the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112 th Street, will hold an open house from 6-8. JESSE TERRY Saturday, September 10 Jesse Terr y will perform at 7:30 at Temple Tikvah in New Hyde Park. $20 advance, $25 at the door. 516-746-1120. LUTHERAN REDEEMER Sunday, September 11 memorial service at 9:30. Regular service begins September 18 at 8:30. Sundays regular worship service with Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:30. Sunday School, Adult Bible Class and Friendship Hour at 9:30. Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 157-16 65 th Avenue, Flushing. 358-2744.
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CHESS CLUB Every Saturday at the Flushing library at 2. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library at 4. 9/11 Tu e s d a y, S e p te m b e r 6 teens remember 9/11 at the Laurelton library at 3. LI CHESS CLUB Tuesday, September 6 at 4 at the LIC library. CHESS TIME Tuesday, September 6 a t the Seaside library at 4. SUMMER READING Tuesday, September 6 a t the Woodside library at 4. RESUME WRITING Wednesday, September 7 at the Arverne library at 4. GAME DAY Every Wednesday at the Howard Beach library at 4. CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library. MANGA CLUB Thursday, September 8 at the Flushing library at 4. TEEN THURSDAYS Every Thursday at the Bay Terrace library at 3. CHESS CLUB Every Thursday 4-5:30 at the Douglaston/Little Neck library. CHESS CLUB Fridays, September 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Auburndale library at 3:30. GAME PLAYERS CLUB Every Friday at 4 at the Hillcrest library. YOUNG REFORMERS Friday, September 9, 16, 23, 30 America’s Young Reformers meet at the Laurelton library. Register. FLUSHING FLYERS Saturday, September 10 at 8, Monday, September 12 at 5 and Tuesday, September 13 at 5. The Flushing YMCA Flyers will hold tryouts for its swim teams for those 5-18 at the YMCA, 138-46 Northern Blvd. 961-6880 information. SAT STRATEGIES Saturday, September 10 at the Ridgewood library. Reservations 800-273-8439.
wellness workshops, etc. Lunch at 11:30. 225-1144. CAREGIVERS Ever y Tuesday Caregivers Support group at 3:30-4:30 at the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886. STAY WELL Wednesdays at 10:15 at the East Elmhurst library for exercise and other health related programs. WOMANSPACE Wednesdays Womanspace, a discussion group devoted to issues concerning women, meets 1-3 at the Great Neck Senior Center, 80 Grace Avenue. New members welcome. MAMMOGRAMS Thursday, September 8 and Saturday, November 19 nocost mammograms with Communit y Board 6. Appointment needed. 7381111. HORIZONS CLUB Thursday, September 8 Horizons, a club for those 55 and over, meets at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 7 1 - 1 1 1 1 2 th s t r e e t . $ 3 i n cludes coffee and cake. AARP 29 Thursdays, September 8, Oc tober 13, November 10, December 8 at Grace House, 155-02 90 th Avenue, Jamaica. SNAP BELL PARK Friday, September 8 Sept e m b e r 1 1 t h Tr i b u te D a y.
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Queens Today
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT Page 30 Tribune Sept. 1-7, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Queens Today
Queens Today
ENTERTAINMENT MOVING IMAGE Through September 4 The Films of Frank Sinatra. September 9-30 Gus Van Sant. Through January 16 Jim Henson Screenings and Programs. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 th Avenue, Astoria. 777-6800. $15. FISHING Saturday, September 3 freshwater fishing with Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000 to register. FM POETS Saturday, September 3 the Fresh Meadows Poets meet to discuss their work at 10 at the Fresh Meadows library. GREEK FILMS Saturday, September 3 “A Face in the Crowd.” Sunday, September 4 Greek American Filmmakers. Films in Greek. Greek Cultural Center in Astoria at 6. 26-80 30 th Street. Free. LIVE JAZZ Sundays through December 18 at 180-25 Linden Blvd., St. Albans from 5-9. $5 donation. 347-262-1169. 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. SCRABBLE Tuesday, September 6 a t the Fresh Meadows library at 1. EID Thursday, September 8 at the Pomonok library at 6:30. Celebrate EID with music and dance from Afghanistan. LIVE JAZZ Fridays through December 13 at 180-25 Linden Blvd.., St. Albans. 347-262-1169 ticket information. BANANAGRAM/SCRABBLE Fridays at the Windsor Park library at 2. GAME PLAYERS CLUB Every Friday at 2 at the Hillcrest library. ARTIST TALK Saturday, September 10 46 artist talk for “Going Green” exhibit at Crossing A r t , 1 3 6 - 1 7 3 9 th A v e n u e , ground floor, Flushing. JESSE TERRY Saturday, September 10 Jesse Terr y will perform at 7:30 at Temple Tikvah in New Hyde Park. $20 advance, $25 at the door. 516-746-1120. CELEBRATE EID Saturday, September 10 celebration with the music and crafts of Pakistan at noon at the Langston Hughes library. 12, 1 and 2pm. REGGAE CONCERT Saturday, September 10 Timmy Love and the Reflex Band perform at 2 at the Flushing library. DOCUMENTARY Saturday, September 10 “ Tr i b a l W i ve s ” a t t h e Steinway library at 2. EDDIE LEE ISAAC Saturday, September 10 music of Elvis, Cash, Lewis and Perkins at the Peninsula
library at 2:30. SUNDAY CONCERT Sunday, September 11 Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts at 3 at the Central library. MOTORCYCLE SHOW Sunday, September 11 31st Annual Antique Motorcycle Show at the Queens Count y Farm Museum 11-4. $5. 7350 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park. SUMMER FUN Sunday, September 11 September 11 th tribute. Sunday, September 25 Jackson Heights Green Alliance End-
EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS ing Celebration. 5pm at the 78 th Street Play Street, 78 th Street between Northern Blvd. And 34 th Avenue, Jackson Heights. STAMP SHOW Sundays, September 11, Oc tober 23, November 20, December 18 Bayside Stamp Show at the Ramada Inn, 220-33 Northern Blvd., Bayside 10-4:30. Free admission. MUSIC IN GARDENS Sunday, September 11 Music in the Garden, resented with Bang on a Can at Socrates Sculpture Park at 3.
HEALTH 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. 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. CANCER SUPPORT Mondays, September 5, Oc tober 3 Fr a n k l i n Hospital’s Cancer Support Group meets 2-4 in the cafeteria. 516-256-6478. ZUMBA Wednesday, September 7 at 11 at the Howard Beach library. TAI CHI Thursdays, September 8, 15, 22, 29 at the Forest Hills library. Register. MAMMOGRAMS Thursday, September 8 and Satuarday, November 19 no-cost mammograms with
Communit y Board 6. Appointment needed. 7381111. TAI CHI Thursday, September 8 basic principles and steps of t’ai chi at the Forest Hills library. Register. CHAIR YOGA Thursday, September 8 at t h e W i n d s o r Pa r k l i b ra r y. Register. ZUMBA Thursday, September 8 at the Queens Village library. Register. YOGA Thursday, September 8 free yoga class/beginners hatha yoga class at the Queensboro Hill library at 6:30. LONG TERM CARE Thursday, September 8 long term care information at 6:30 at the Sunnyside library. ZUMBA Saturday, September 10 at the Fresh Meadows library. Register. CHAIR YOGA Saturday, September 10 at the Elmhurst library. Register.
MEETINGS TALK OF THE TOWN Tuesdays, September 6, 20 learn the art of public speaking in St. Albans at 7:15. 6407092. HAM RADIO CLU B Tu e s d a y s , S e p t e m b e r 6 , Oc tober 4, Emergency Communications Service meets in Briarwood. 357-6851. 111 TH PRECINCT Tu e s d a y s , S e p t e m b e r 6 , Oc tober 4 111 th Precinct Council meeting at 7:30 in the precinct meeting room, 45-06 215th Street, Bayside. TOASTMASTERS Wednesdays, September 7, 21 learn the art of public speaking at t he Voices of Rochdale Toastmasters Club in Jamaica. 978-0732. FLUSHING CAMERA Wednesdays, September 7, 21 Flushing Camera Club meets at Flushing Hospital. 479-0643. LIONS CLUB Wednesday, September 7 Bayside-Whitestone Lions Club meets at Vallone and Vallone LLP, 25-59 Francis Lewis Blvd., Flushing at 7.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT Wednesdays, September 7, Oc tober 5, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 175-20 174 th Street, Fresh Meadows at 7:30. KNIGHTS OF PY THIAS Wednesdays, September 7, 21, Queensview Lodge 433 meets in Whitestone. 917754-3093. UNITED 40S Thursday, September 8 United Forties Civic Association meets at St. Teresa Parish Center, 50-22 45 th Street, Woodside at 7. DEMOCRATIC CLUB Thursday, September 8 Jefferson Democratic Club meets at the Clearview Gold Course Clubhouse at 7:30. STAMP CLUB Thursday, September 8 Queens Stamp Club meets at the Forest Hills library at 5:45. ILION BLOCK ASSN. Friday, September 9 Ilion Area Block Association meets at the African Center for Communit y Empowerment, 111-92A Farmers Blvd., St. Albans at 7:30.
KAYAKING Week e n d s t h r o u g h O c to ber 9 (weather permitting) kayaking from Socrates Sculpture Park Beach at Hallets Cove. 228-9214. LANDSCAPE/FLORAL Charcoal and pen and ink classes. 969-1128. JH ART CLUB Classes in all art forms days and evenings for children and adults. 454-0813. WOODBLOCK PRINTING Easy method in full color at the National Art League. 969-1128. PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, September 3, 17 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-436-7940. SEWING 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. SCULPTURE WORKSHOP Saturdays through September 24 children and families at the Socrates Sculpture Museum. 956-1819. 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. BRIDGE CLUB Mondays except holidays 12-4 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. KNITTING CIRCLE Mondays at Alley Pond Environmental Center. Register 229-4000. ADULT CHESS Mondays and Thursdays at the Queens Village library at 5:30. BALLROOM DANCING Thursday, September 8 ballroom dancing for beginners at the Woodside library at 6:30. BASIC COMPUTERS Tuesday, September 6 a t the Arverne library at 10:30. POWERPOINT Tuesday, September 6 a t the McGoldrick library at 10:30. COMPUTER CLASS Tuesday, September 6 a t the Sunnyside library at 10:30. SCRABBLE CLUB Tuesdays at the East Flushing library at 3:30. KNIT & CROCHET Tuesday, September 6 a t the Windsor Park library at 2. COMPUTER LAB Tuesday, September 6 computer practice lab for your
personal needs at the Far Rockaway library at 4. LI CHESS CLUB Tuesday, September 6 at 4 at the LIC library. 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. LANGUAGE CLASS Wednesdays Conversational Hebrew 2:30-3:30 and Torah Stories in Yiddish 3:30-4:30 at the Bayside Jewish Center. 352-7900. TANGO CLASS Wednesdays, September 7, 14, 21, 28 at Buenos Aires Tango in Forest Hills. 347642-4705. INTRO COMPUTERS Wednesday, September 7 at 10 at the Central library. JOB SEARCH SKILLS Wednesday, September 7 at the Far Rockaway library at 10:30. BASIC COMPUTER Wednesday, September 7 at the Woodside library at 10:30. TAX WORKSHOP Wednesday, September 7 for those starting a new business, established entrepreneurs, freelancers and independent contractors. Flushing library at 6:30. 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. BALLROOM DANCING Thursday, September 8 ballroom dancing for beginners at the Woodside library at 6:30. INTRO COMPUTERS Thursday, September 8 at the Pomonok library. Register. COMPUTER BOOT CAMP Thursday, September 8 at the Arverne library at 10:30. WRITER’S WORKSHOP Thursday, September 8 at the Bayside library. Register. BALLROOM DANCING Thursday, September 8 at the Woodside library at 6:30. QUILTING CLASS 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 Every Thursday at the Queensboro Hill library. Register. KNIT & CROCHET Thursdays at the Fresh Meadows library at 6.
KNITTING CLUB Fridays at the Maspeth library at 10. KNIT & CROCHET Fridays at the Fresh Meadows library at 10:30. COMPUTER COURSE Every Friday at the Ozone Park library. Register. CHESS CLUB Fridays, September 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Auburndale library at 3. BEGIN COMPUTERS Friday, September 9 at the Middle Village librar y. Register. COMPUTER LAB Friday, September 9 computer practice lab time at noon at the Arverne library. MICROSOFT EXCEL Friday, September 9 at the Far Rockaway library at 4. POETS Saturday, September 10 the Fresh Meadows Poets meet to discuss their work at the Forest Hills library at 10. MICROSOFT EXCEL Saturday, September 10 at the LIC library at 2. OPEN HOUSE Saturday, September 10 Open House at Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning from 12-5. Live DJ, arts & crafts, raffle free classes, face painting, refreshments and more. 658-7400. 161-04 Jamaica Avenue.
FLEA MARKETS FLEA MARKET Saturdays and Sundays through Oc tober 1 at Faith Mission, 114-40 Van Wyck Expressway. RUMMAGE SALE Saturday, September 3 in the church parking lot, 43rd Street and Skillman Avenue 10-3. Queen of Angels Church. FLEA & DRIVE Thursday, September 8 flea market and Friends Membership Drive starting at 11 at the Windsor Park library. YARD SALE Saturday, September 10 10-3 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 246-55 87 th Avenue, Bellerose. TRASH & TREASURE Saturday, September 17 93 at All Saints Church, 21435 40th Avenue.
EXHIBIT HALL OF SCIENCE Through September 4 Circus! Science Under the Big To p . T h r o u g h J a n u a r y 15 Wild Minds: What Animals Really Think. Through February 5 Digital 11: The Alchemy of Change. Adults $11, children 2017 $8, college students with ID $8 and seniors $8. 699-0005. GOING GREEN Through September 11 “Going Green” at Crossing Art, 136-17 39 th Avenue, ground floor, Flushing. DIANE LIEBERMAN Through September 15 exhibit at Flushing Town Hall. 969-1128.
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For help, call 311 or search NYC QUITS on nyc.gov. Made possible by funding from the Department of Health and Human Services and the New York State Department of Health.
Michael R. Bloomberg Mayor
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www.queenstribune.com â&#x20AC;˘ Sept. 1-7, 2011 Tribune Page 41
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Queens Olympians
Page 42 Tribune Sept. 1-7, 2011 • www.queenstribune.com
Olympic gold medalist and record-breaking track and field star of South Jamaica Bob Beamon has been named chief executive officer for Art of the Olympians Museum and Gallery at the Al Oerter Center for Excellence in Fort Myers, Fla. The center is named for four-time Olympic gold medalist from Astoria. Oerter and Beamon both won Gold at the 1968 Olympics. A businessman, philanthropist and author, Beamon is best known for his long-standing world record in the long jump at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, which remained unchallenged for 23 years. He has since been elected into the USA Track & Field and U.S. Olympic hall of fames. “It is a tremendous honor to
Al Orter, Bob Beamon and Gertrude Ederle, three Olympic champions who came from Queens. carry on the legacy of the great Al Oerter, the legendary four-time Olympic gold medal discus thrower,” Beamon said. Now if there were some way to get Gertrude Ederle into the mix, we could have the Queens Olympic trifecta.
Laura Aguinaga was a boy once. It’s not what you think. The Woodside native played a male character in a high school play while attending John Bowne High School. It was then that the acting bug bit her, and she put aside her early dream of being a veterinarian to study acting. By age 17 she began modeling, after her sister, who was involved in the fashion industry, needed models. She took the opportunity to network. “I stayed in touch with the people I worked with,” she said. “They gave me the opportunity to build my portfolio.” Since then, Laura, who graduated from Hunter College with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in theater, has found herself in front of the movie camera. She had a role in a movie called “Blue Knight,” which won awards at the L.A. Cinema Festival of Hollywood. She also had a role in an episode of “Law & Order: SVU” alongside Mischa Barton. Now she’s starring in “S.E.A.L.S.,” where she’ll be playing an underground mixed martial arts fighter. Modeling allowed Laura to pose in a variety of different characters and convince filmmakers of her ability to play a wide range of roles. “It was all thanks to modeling that I was actually able to portray these characters,” Laura said. “S.E.A.L.S.” will be featured at this year’s Comic Con in October, where Laura will take part. It’s
Laura Aguinaga
Models Of Queens
Home: Woodside Age: 28 Height: 5’ 5" Weight: 125 lbs Stats: 34-26-34
Lovely Laura exciting for her because she said she loved Comic Con when she was younger. It’s a genre, she said, that fits her profile. “I’m a gamer,” she added. “I love this genre.”
And gaming is how she spends a lot of her free time. But you may not find her with a brand new Wii, Laura is nostalgic about her games. Her current favorite is Final Fantasy 3, which was released in 1990.
Lost Your Shirt?
On The Search
iSteal
Need a cover for your new iPad? How about something from Bernie Madoff’s closet? Frederick James, a designer who has created numerous unique cases for iPads made out of clothes, has added pieces of Madoff’s pants to its collection that includes plaid hunting clothes and Hawaiian shirts. The pants were obtained by James at an auction. For $350, probably less money than Madoff carried in the back pocket, you can have a piece of his khakis. But hurry, there is only a limited number and his Banana Republic chinos are already gone. The disgraced Ponzi schemer who If you lost your shirt to Bernie Madoff, you can get his pants grew up in Far Rockaway is serving -- for your iPad. multiple life sentences for swindling his clients out of billions of dollars, so the only pants he’ll be needing is of the orange jumpsuit variety.
Even at home, the Mets can’t get no love. According to HopStop.com, a Website that gives directions via transit, Yankee Stadium is much more popular than Citi Field, even in Queens. The Web site says residents of at least four Queens neighborhoods, have asked for directions to Yankee Stadium more often than Citi Field. But not all Queens folks are traitors. The most popular searches for Citi Field come from Pomonok and Southeast Queens, including Far Rockaway. True Mets fans know how to get to Citi Field. Yankee Stadium on the other hand…well no one wants to risk getting lost in THAT borough.
Talk about bad reception. A Queens UPS driver was caught pilfering iPhones, re-routing the hot commodities to his home. According to the New York Post, brown khaki cowboy Alfonso Suarez was caught in a sting by cops, who put GPS tracking devices in two packages containing 45 iPhones. Suarez allegedly relabeled the boxes to his house. As far as we know, there is no app that can solve the grand larceny charge Suarez faces.
What Park?
Sen. Mike Gianaris and others were actually in Windmuller Park. Photo by Ira Cohen
Okay, so last Tuesday’s earthquake didn’t really do any measurable damage here in New York, but some of us were certainly a little off for the rest of the day. Anna Adams-Sarthou, State Sen. Michael Gianaris’ new Communications Director, was one of those people. She sent out photos from a ribboncutting at Windmuller Park in Woodside held earlier in the day. The email, however, included a statement from Sen. Gianaris that identified the park as Windhull Park. She quickly sent out a secondary email correcting her mistake. “Sorry, the name of the park is Windmuller Park. Earthquake must have distracted me,” the email said. We confess, even we were looking for Windhull Park on Google Earth, so don’t feel bad Anna, the quake scrambled all of our brains.
Confidentially, New York . . .
LEGAL NOTICE
business, for customary and usual household expenses or for a reasonable attorney’s fee in connection with this action. (2) Neither party shall transfer, encumber, assign, remove, withdraw or in any way dispose of any tax deferred funds, stocks or other assets held in any individual retirement accounts, 401k accounts, profit sharing plans, Keogh accounts, or any other pension or retirement account, and the parties shall further refrain from applying for or requesting the payment of retirement benefits or annuity payments of any kind, without the consent of the other party in writing, or upon further order of the court; except that any party who is already in pay status may continue to receive such payments thereunder. (3) Neither party shall incur unreasonable debts hereafter, including, but not limited to, further borrowing against any credit line secured by the family residences, further encumbrancing any assets, or unreasonably using credit cards or cash advances against credit cards, except in the usual course of business or for customary or usual housing expense, or for reasonable attorney's fee in connection with his action. (4) Neither party shall cause the other party or the children of the marriage to be removed from any existing medical, hospital and dental insurance coverage, and each party shall maintain the existing medical, hospital and dental insurance coverage in full force and effect. (5) Neither party shall change the beneficiaries of any existing life insurance policies, and each party shall maintain the existing life insurance, automobile insurance, homeowners and renters insurance policies in full force and effect. DRL 255 Notice. Please be advised that once the judgment of divorce is signed in this action, both parties must be aware that he or she will no longer be covered by the other party’s health insurance plan and that each party shall be responsible for his or her own health insurance coverage, and may be entitled to purchase health insurance on his or her own through a COBRA option, if available. To the Defendant: The forgoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Hon. Thomas D. Raffaele, Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Queens Cty dated the 19th day of July, 2011. _____________________________________________________________ PROBATE CITATION. FILE NO. 2011-2654 SURROGATE’S COURTQUEENS 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 AUREL VILAIA, a/k/a AUREL I. VILAIA, DECEASED, if living, and if any of them be
LEGAL NOTICE 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 ADMINSTRATOR OF QUEENS COUNTY; and ATTORNEY GENERAL OF NEW YORK STATE. A petition having been duly filed by George W. Klein, Esq., who is domiciled at 7136 172 Street, Flushing, New York 11365. YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Queens County, at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York, on October 13, 2011, at 9:30 o’clock in the AM noon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of AUREL VILAIA, a/k/a/ AUREL I. VILAIA, lately d o m i c i l e d a t 7 2 - 8 1 1 1 3 th Street, Apt. 5H, Forest Hills, N.Y. 11375 admitting to probate a Will dated January 13, 2009, a copy of which is attached, as the Will of AUREL VILAIA, a/k/a AUREL I. VILAIA, deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that Letters Testamentary issue to: George W. Klein. Dated Attested and Sealed Aug 10, 2011 Seal Hon. PETER J. KELLY Surrogate MARGARET M. GRIBBON Chief Clerk Address of Attorney George W. Klein Attorney for Petitioner 718-575-3373 Telephone Number 70-09 Austin St., Suite 204, Forest Hills, N.Y. 11375 [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 the right to have an attorney appear for you.] P-5 (10-96) _____________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of 60-56 59TH DRIVE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/1/11. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 59-65 57th Drive, Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: any lawful activity. _____________________________________________________________ New York State Department of Transportation Office of Right of Away Notice of Appropriation of Property In the Bed or Beds of a Stream, Lake, Street, Road, Highway, or Right of Way Project: Van Wyck Expressway, I 678 Kew Gardens Contract 2A County: Queens Map No. 22 Parcel NO. 38, 39 Take Notice That Pursuants To Eminent Domain Procedure Law Notice is hereby given that there were filed in the office of the Department of Transportation on the 7th day of June, 2011, description and original tracing of map, together with
LEGAL NOTICE a certificate as to the accuracy thereof, of property which the Commissioner of Transportation deemed necessary to be acquired immediately for purposes connected with the project identified above that; there was filed in the office of the Queens County Clerk on the 28th day of July 2011, a copy of such description and map, whereupon the appropriation by the State of the property described in such description and map became complete and the title to such property vested in the People of the State of New York. Description and map of property which the Commissioner of Transportation deems necessary to be acquired by appropriation in the name of the People of the State of New York in fee for purposes connected with the highway system of the State of New York pursuant to Section 30 of the Highway Law and the Eminent Domain Procedure Law. There is expected from this appropriation all the right, title and interest, if any, of the United States of America, in or to said property. That the following is a description of such property, to wit: All these pieces of property hereinafter designated as Parcel Nos. 38 and 39, situate in the City of New York, County of Queens, State of New York and described as follows: Parcel NO. 38 Beginning at a point on the proposed boundary line between the Bed of Union Turnpike on the north, and the Bed of Grand Central Parkway on the south, said point being 10.818 meters distant westerly measured at right angles, from station 11+747.390 of the hereinafter described survey baseline for the reconstruction of a portion of the Bed of the Van Wyck Expressway, thence through the Bed of the Grand Central Parkway the following twenty four (24) courses and distances: (1) easterly along a curve to the right having a radius of 173.485 meters a distance of 27.539 meters to a point 15.605 meters distant easterly, measured at right angles from station 11+755.048 of said baseline, (2) North 82° -07’ -30” East 47.015 meters to a point 61.651 meters distant easterly, measured at right angles from station 11+764.546 of said baseline, (3) North 83° -44’ 06” East 35.516 meters to a point 96.622 meters distant easterly, measured at right angles from station 11+770. 742 of said baseline; (4) North 83° -52’ -55” East 73.423 meters to a point 168.952 meters distant easterly, measured at righ angles from station 11+783.363 of said baseline; (5) North 84° -52’ 03” East 11.750 meters to a point 180.561 meters distant easterly, measured at right angles from station 11+785.181 of said baseline; (6) North 86° -57’ -18” East 47.944 meters to a point 228.165 meters distant easterly, measured at right angles from station 11+790.878 of said baseline; (7) easterly along a curve to the right having a radius of 160.000 meters a distance of 18.635 meters to a
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
point 246. 754 meters distant easterly, measured at right angles from station 11+792.012 of said baseline, (8) South 19° -49’ -10” East 113.624 meters to a point 280. 328 meters distant northeasterly, measured at right angles from station 11+437.002 of said baseline; (9) South 75° 05’ -38” West 2.378 meters to a point 278.282 meters distant northeasterly, measured at right angles from station 11+438.214 of said baseline, (10) South 73° -24’ -42” West 6.536 meters to a point 272.564 meters distant northeasterly, measured at right angles from station 11+441.380 of said baseline; (11) South 72° -01’ -18” West 22.758 meters to a point 250.349 meters distant easterly, measured at right angles from station 11+630.591 of said baseline; (12) South 71° 45’ -16” West 95.762 meters to a point 156.617 meters distant easterly, measured at right angles from station 11+610.978 of said baseline; (13) South 71° -04’ -13” West 34.522 meters to a point 122.914 meters distant easterly, measured at right angles from station 11+603.505 of said baseline; (14) South 69° 26’ -20” West 72.551 meters to a point 52.559 meters distant easterly, measured at right angles from station 11+585.789 of said baseline; (15) South 71° -50’ -10” West 55.821 meters to a point 2.095 meters distant westerly, measured at right angles from station 11+574.434 of said baseline; (16) North 19° -32’ 08” West 5.099 meters to a point 3.251 meters distant westerly, measured at right angles from station 11+579.401 of said baseline; (17) South 70° -39’ -40” West 12.143 meters to a point 15.087 meters distant westerly, measured at right angles from station 11+576.687 of said baseline, (18) South 67° 15’ -59” West 42.213 meters to a point 55.602 meters distant westerly, measured at right angles from station 11+564.835 of said baseline; (19) South 69° -40’ -26” West 22.255 meters to a point 77.205 meters distant westerly measured at right angles from station 11+559.489 of said baseline; (20) South 72° 03’ -43” West 44.537 meters to a point 120.846 meters distant westerly, measured at right angles from station 11+550.602 of said baseline; (21) North 17° -46’ -23” West 28.704 meters to a point 126.493 meters distant westerly, measured at right angles from station 11+578.744 of said baseline; (22) northeasterly along a curve to the left having a radius of 156.721 meters a distance of 77.993 meters to a point 60.483 meters distant westerly, measured at right angles from station 11+618.758 of said baseline; (23) northeasterly along a curve to the left having a radius of 141.000 meters a distance of 71.935 meters to a point 25.007 meters distant westerly, measured at right angles from a station 11+680.441 of said baseline; and (24) North 08° -51 -43” East 70.990 meters to the point of beginning, be-
ing 48, 125.3± square meters more or less. Parcel NO. 39 Beginning at a point on the northerly boundary of Grand Central Parkway, at its intersection with the easterly boundary of the Van Wyck Expressway, said point being 97.4± meters distant westerly measured at right angles, from station 11+733.8± of the hereinafter described survey baseline for the reconstruction of a portion of the Bed of the Van Wyck Expressway; thence along the last mentioned easterly boundary of the Van Wyck Expressway the following two (2) directions and distances: (1) easterly along a curve to right having a radius of 259.081 meters a distance of 112.9± meters to a point 4.7± meters distant easterly, measured at right angles from station 11+779.8± of said baseline; and (2) easterly 81.5± meters to a point 84.5± meters distant easterly, measured at right angles from station 11+796.5± of said baseline; thence through the Bed of the Grand Central Parkway the following five (5) courses and distances: (1) South 04° -05’ 15” East 16.8± meters to a point 86.762 meters distant easterly, measured at right angles from station 11+779.856 of said baseline; (2) South 81° -31’ -49” West 27.688 meters to a point 59.705 meters distant easterly, measured at right angles from station 11+773.982 of said baseline; (3) South 82° -07’ 30” West 47.015 meters to a point 13.659 meters distant easterly, measured at right angles from station 11+764.483 of said baseline; (4) southwesterly along a curve to the left having a radius of 183.119 meters a distance of 95.811 meters to a point 71.032 meters distant westerly, measured at right angles from station 11+722.063 of the Fore Tangent Produce Back of said baseline; and (5) North 62° -16’ -00” West 28.9± meters to the point of beginning; being 3,431.6± square meters more or less. The above mentioned survey baseline is a portion of the 2009 survey baseline (NAD 83/CORS 96) for the reconstruction of a portion of the Bed of Van Wyck Expressway and described as fellows: Beginning at station 11+538.381, thence North 06° -25’ -38” West to station 11+722.793, thence North 03° -46’ -50” East to station 11+874.059 All bearings referred to True North at the 74° -00’ Meridian of West Longitude. Map of property which the Commissioner of Transportation deems necessary to be acquired by appropriation in the name of the People of the State of New York in fee, without right of access to and from abutting property, for purposes connected with the highway system of the State of New York pursuant to Section 30 of the Highway Law and the Eminent Domain Procedure Law. Commissioner of Transportation By: /S/James Cellery Office of Right of Way Dated: July 29, 2011
www.queenstribune.com • Sept. 1-7, 2011 Tribune Page 43
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS. Index No. 15628/11 Date Summons Filed: July 1, 2011. Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is Plaintiff’s residence. SUMMONS WITH NOTICE, RUKHSANA REHMAN, Plaintiff, against SHAFIQ UR REHMAN, Defendant. ACTION FOR DIVORCE YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorneys within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the notice set forth below. Dated: June 13, 2011 Annie Ma, Esq. Fine, Olin & Anderman, LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 39 Broadway, Suite 1910 New York, New York 10006 212-267-1650 NOTICE: The nature of this action is to dissolve the marriage between the parties, on the grounds: DRL Section 170 subd. (2) – the constructive abandonment of the Plaintiff by the Defendant for a period of more than one year. The relief sought is a judgment of absolute divorce in favor of the Plaintiff dissolving the marriage between the parties in this action. The nature of any ancillary or additional relief demanded is: That the Family Court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the Supreme Court with respect to any future issues of maintenance and support. That the Plaintiff may resume use of her maiden name, MIRZA. That the Court grant such other and further relief as the Court may deem just and proper. The parties have divided up the marital property, and no claim will be made by either party under equitable distribution. NOTICE OF AUTOMATIC ORDERS. Pursuant to Domestic Relations Law Section 236 Part B, Sec. 2, the parties are bound by certain automatic orders which shall remain in full force and effect during the pendency of the action. For further details you should contact the clerk of the matrimonial part, Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11435 Tel (718)298-1012. (1) Neither party shall sell, transfer, encumber, conceal, assign, remove or in any way dispose of, without the consent of the other party in writing, or by order of the court, any property (including, but not limited to, real estate, personal property, cash accounts, stocks, mutual funds, bank accounts, cars and boats) individually or jointly held by the parties, except in the usual course of
LEGAL NOTICE