Vol. 40, No. 48 Dec. 2-8, 2010
PAGE 42
.%6%2 &/2'%4
Tribune Photo by Ira Cohen
Students, administrators and officials paid their respects when the AIDS Memorial Quilt came to Queens College this week – its largest showing in the Northeast all year – in honor of World AIDS Day. By Jessica Ablamsky…Page 20
Q S
INSIDE
F
H
Hunger Report Shows Shortage In Boro Aid
Queens School One Of A Dozen Named U.S. Best
Black Spectrum Celebrates 40th Anniversary
J
PAGE 3
PAGE 15
PAGE 25
B E
W A
Deadline...................................................................3 Editorial ...................................................................6 Not 4 Publication ....................................................8 This Week ..............................................................10 Closeup .................................................................13 Focus .....................................................................14 Police Blotter ........................................................16 Leisure ...................................................................25 Queens Today .......................................................26 Classifieds.............................................................31 Trib Pix...................................................................40 Confidential ...........................................................42
h thttpt p : /:// w un nee..ccoom m / wwww w. .qquueeeen nss tt r i b u
Visit us on the Wo r l d W i d e W e b
Page 2 Tribune Dec. 2-8, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com
LEGAL NOTICE ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF BlueRite LLC Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law FIRST. The name of the limited liability company is BlueRite LLC. SECOND. The county within this state in which the limited liability company is to be located is Queens. THIRD: The secretary of state is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process accepted on behalf of the limited liability company served upon him or her is: 241-06 137 th Ave., Rosedale, New York 11422. 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: Raul Wagner, 241-06 137 th Ave., Rosedale, New York 11422. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed these Articles of Organization on the date below. Date: August 9, 2010 LegalZoom.com, Inc., Organizer /s/Imelda Vasquez By: Imelda Vasquez, Assistant Secretary 7083 Hollywood Blvd., suite 180 Los Angeles, CA 90028 _______________________________________________________________ Haley’s Management Services, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/15/10. Ofc in Queens Cty. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Tessa Dawes, 2946 Falcon Ave, Far Rockaway, NY 11691. Purpose: General. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of Big Eng Realty LLC, Art. of Org. filed Sec’y of State (SSNY) 9/ 15/10. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Bob Eng, 84-63 Kneelnad Ave., Elmhurst, NY 11373. Purpose: any lawful activities. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of YANCUI’S LAUNDROMAT L.L.C., a domestic LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/16/2010. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 41-96 Gleane Street, Apt #A-5, Elmhurst, NY 11373. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. ________________________________________________________________ ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF ENMA, LLC (Insert name of Limited Liability Company) Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law FIRST: The name of the limited liability company is: ENMA, LLC SECOND: The county within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is: Queens THIRD: The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process
LEGAL NOTICE against it may be served. The address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: c/o H. GERSTEN, CPA 108-18 QUEENS BLVD. 8 th FL, STE 6 FOREST HILLS, NY 11375 Natalya Malakova (signature of organizer) Natalya Malakova (print or type name of organizer ________________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: CHENG FAT LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/25/10. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 59-45 54 th Street, Maspeth, New York 11354. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: MJR REAL ESTATE, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/20/09. 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, 97-37 63 rd Road, Suite 10 K, Rego Park, New York 11374. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF S & D International Wholesale LLC (Insert name of Limited Liability Company) Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law FIRST: The name of the limited liability company is: S & D International Wholesale LLC SECOND: The county, within this state, in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is: Queens THIRD: The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: Kandzhanov/Boris Mikhail 97-30 57 th Ave 3B Corona, NY 11368 USA Boris Mikhail (print or type name of organizer) _______________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF K. FERRONE LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/11/2010. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to the LLC at 67-19 218 th Street, Bayside, NY 11364. Purpose: any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX NO. 7622/2010 DATE FILED: 3-26-10 SUMMONS NYCTL
LEGAL NOTICE 2009-A TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN FOR NYCTL 2009-A TRUST, Plaintiffs, against- XIAO ZHANG; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; BOARD OF MANAGERS OF FLUSHING TOWER CONDOMINIUM; EMPIRE PORTFOLIOS INC.; CITY OF NEW YORK ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; CITY OF NEW YORK PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; “JOHN DOE # 1” through “JOHN DOE # 100”, the last 100 names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiffs, the persons or parties intended being the owners, tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, and if any of the aforesaid individual captioned defendants, if any, be dead, their respective heirsat-law, next of kin, executors, administrators, trustees, divisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, or through any of the aforesaid individual captioned defendants, if any, if they be dead, whether by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, including any right, title or interest in and to the real property described in the complaint herein, all of who and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiffs; Defendants.TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action, to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with the summons, to serve notice of appearance, on the plaintiffs’ attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the date of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York), and in case of failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. Plaintiffs designate Queens County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the subject property. Dated: March 24, 2010 LEVY & LEVY Attorneys for Plaintiffs 12 Tulip Drive Great Neck, NY 11021 (516) 487-6655 BY: JOSHUA LEVY, ESQ. File No.: 1382736 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. James J. Golia, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Queens County, dated Oct. 1, 2010 and amended order of publication dated Nov. 1, 2010 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Queens County Clerk’s Office, Jamaica, NY. The object of the action is to foreclose a tax lien and to recover the amount of the tax lien
LEGAL NOTICE and all of the interest, penalties, additions and expenses to real property k/a Block 4946, Lot 1132. Dated: Nov. 2, 2010. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. For Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY #79305 _______________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of Fine Edge, LLC (“LLC”). Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on 10/15/ 2010. Office location is Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it maybe served. SSNY shall mail a copy of such process to the LLC to 101-36 133 rd Street, Richmond Hill, NY 11419. Purpose: any lawful purpose. _______________________________________________________________ ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF JOSHUA HOME IMPROVEMENTS LLC (Insert company name) Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability company Law of the State of New York THE UNDERSIGNED, being a natural person of at least eighteen (18) years of age and acting as the organizer of the limited liability company (the “Company”) hereby being formed under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law of the State of New York (the “LLCL”), certifies that: FIRST: The name of the Company is: JOSHUA HOME IMPROVEMENTS LLC. SECOND: The county within the State of New York in which the principal office of the Company is to be located is: QUEENS. THIRD: The Secretary of State is designated as the agent of the Company upon whom process against the Company may be served. The post office address within or without the State of New York to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the Company served upon such Secretary of State is C/O THE LLC, 9304 207 TH QUEENS VILLAGE NY 11428. FOURTH: The Company shall be managed by one or more members IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have subscribed these Articles of Organization and do hereby affirm the foregoing as true under penalties of perjury, this 26 th day of March 2004. Mohan Sawh Sole Organizer 90-35 202 nd Street Hollis, NY 11423 Tel: (718) 217-5119 _______________________________________________________________ Law Office of Anthony Clemenza PLLC Notice of the formation of the above named Professional Limited Liability Company (“PLLC”) Articles of Organization filed with the Department of State of NY on 7/26/2010. Office Location: County of Queens. . The Secretary of State of NY (“SSNY”) has been designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any such process served to: 61-11 Queens Blvd., Woodside NY 11377. Purpose: to practice the profession of Law. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation of 65-43 REALTY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/08/10. Office location: Queens County.
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Princ. office of LLC: 65-05 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, NY 11385. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/ o Cyruli Shanks Hart & Zizmor LLP, 420 Lexington Ave., NY, N.Y. 10170. Purpose: Any lawful activity. ________________________________________________________________ Notice of Qualification of JMDH REAL ESTATE OF HUNTS POINT, LLC. Authority filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/04/10. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 11/03/10. Princ. office of LLC: 15-24 132nd St., College Point, NY 11356. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the princ. office of the LLC. DE addr. of LLC: 1220 N. Market St., Ste. 806, Wilmington, DE 19801. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of DE, Div. of Corps., State of DE, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity. ________________________________________________________________ KTR REALTY GROUP, LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), filed with the Sec of State of NY on 10/ 1/10. 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, 178-15 Eveleth Rd., Jamaica, NY 11434. General Purposes. ________________________________________________________________ M & J HOSPITALITY GROUP LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), filed with the Sec of State of NY on 9/29/10. 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, 39-27 Bell Blvd., 2 nd Fl., Bayside, NY 11361. General Purposes. _______________________________________________________________ SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS FINANCIAL FREEDOM ACQUISITION LLC Plaintiff, -AgainstUNKNOWN HEIRS TO THE ESTATE OF MARIE ROY, if they be living and if they be dead, the respective heirsat-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 inheritance, any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the complaint, GREGORY L. ROY, AS TRUSTEE OF THE CARSON ROY FAMILY IRREVOCABLE EQUITY HOLDING TRUST, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, NEW YORK CITY ENVIROMENTAL CONTROL BOARD, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
URBAN DEVELOMENT, GREGORY L. ROY, JR Defendants. Index No.: 10213/10 Date Filed: 10/19/2010 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S): You are hereby summoned to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the plaintiff’s attorney 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 or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE MORTGAGE COMPANY WHO FILED THIS FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT, A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AND YOU CAN LOSE YOUR HOME. SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY OR GO TO THE COURT WHERE YOUR CASE IS PENDING FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO ANSWER THE SUMMONS AND PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY. SENDING A PAYMENT TO YOUR MORTGAGE COMPANY WILL NOT STOP THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF MARIE ROY The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Diccia T. PinedaKirwan, Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, QUEENS County, dated the 7 th day of October, 2010, and filed with the complaint and other papers in the office of the Clerk of the County of QUEENS, New York. This action is for final judgment of foreclosure and sale of the premises known as and by 103-29 177 th Street, Jamaica, NY 11433, Signed Pursuant to 22 NYCRR §1301.1-A New Rochelle, New York Dated: October 18, 2010 Jason E. Brooks, Esq. McCabe, Weisberg & Conway Attorneys for Plaintiff 145 Huguenot Street, Suite 499 New Rochelle, New York 10801 Tel. 914.636.8900
To Place Your Legal Advertisement, Call the Tribune at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 149 or E-Mail Your Copy to the Tribune at: legals@queenstribune.com
Queens Deadline Black Friday Protest:
Newtown Students Fight To Survive The school is home to immigrants and children of immigrants from dozens of countries in Asia, South America and Eastern Europe, and students at the school speak more than 40 languages. Newtown High School opened its doors in 1897 and has a diverse laundr y list of famous graduates, including cosmetics-icon
before at tending Ne wtown, was concerned about others like her. Because of Newtown, she said, she was able to learn English and plans to at tend college. "What will others who were in my position do?" she asked. The flyers asked passers-by to contact the school's DOE representative, demanding the school remain open. "What a shame," said one woman looking at the flyers. She promised the students her help. The DOE pondered closing the school earlier this year after it received a "C" on a 2009 progress report, and the school's graduation rate slipped to around 50 percent. Students, parents and school officials say the problem is not with the school, but rather with statewide standards, which do not work for Newtown High School, where 40 percent of students were recently-arrived immigrants, most of whom do not speak fluent English. Though many high schools will not accept teenage immigrants who are not English-proficient, Newtown does, and though these students do not graduate on time, they do eventually. That, according to the school's adminisStudent outside of Queens Center Mall protest tration, is what affects the graduathe possible closing of Newtown High School. tion rate.
Willets Point Eviction Causes New Friction
"[Stimulus funds] were only a one-time payment," said Robb. "I don't see how we're going to be able to continue if things don't change. I don't see how we can go on." Currently $10,000 over budget, the pantr y does not know where additional funding is going to come from, which will inevitably lead to significant cuts - cuts that will lead to the pantry decreasing services to seniors and t he disabled, limiting pantr y pick-ups to families, the distribution of less food and disallowing anyone from becoming a member of the pantry itself. Robb is unsure her program can survive on the resources provided by grants and federal programs. "Even though we've been fiscally conservative and have kept a tight leash on our budget, it's still going to catch up to us," said Robb. "With food prices going up, we don't have the resources to do what we need to do." A star tling 45 percent of agencie s in Queens reported similar issue s, stating that they have either been forced to turn away hungry borough residents, cut portion sizes or cut their hours of operation. Despite increases in federal funding, The AIDS Center of Queens County has cutback services and is experiencing from dramatic increases in demand at their food pantries in Jamaica and Far Rockaway. "We have exhausted ways to keep the food pantr y stocked. Due to the high rate of unemployment, we are seeing individuals we never saw before," said Rosemar y Lopez, Director of Program Services. "Our communit y members need help now. When children come in and prefer food to a toy, you know the situation is critical." Reach Intern Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.
"This is exactly what the City does - they lie," said Jake Bono, one of WPU's more vocal members and scion of Willets Point staple Bono Sawdust Supply. "They're going to try to get the tenant businesses' leases. A lot of these guys don't know their rights." The EDC and HPD vehemently denied the negative claims, saying Koralashvili declined to extend his lease. "The tenants who received the 30-day notices have leases that have expired and have not contacted the City to renegotiate a new lease," the agencies said in a joint statement. "HPD is serving notice that as previously agreed upon, they must vacate the property by that date." The agencies said though Koralashvili turned down the opportunity for relocation assistance, he neglected to mention tenant businesses still on the property. For the time being, HPD said it will square away lingering issues with Koralashvili, then negotiate a new lease with the businesses currently on the property. EDC said the E.T. shops may be eligible for their piece of the $3 million set aside to help tenant businesses relocate, should they request it. Bono claimed the move revealed a more sinister intention to dupe many tenants and property owners into rolling over to the City's demands. "They're doing it in a fashion where they're trying to feel out who you are, what knowledge do you have of your rights," he said. The confusion reveals a larger issue - how exactly, in the myriad of over 100 lease backs HPD handles, can the EDC ensure all tenant businesses are informed of their chance at relocation assistance, especially if their original landlords have kept them in the dark? It is a problem the EDC said it will handle on a case-by-case basis. Which brings us back to Rich and the E.T. shops, now temporary tenants of the City. When asked about the prospect of relocation, Rich chuckled. Where will the shop move? "Where I find the cheaper rent," he responded. Reach Reporter Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.
The businesses at Willets Point all must eventually move out, though the process has become slow and confusing for many shops on the site.
www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 2-8, 2010 Tribune Page 3
By JOSEPH OROVIC Call it a case of misplaced rage, or waking a sleeping dragon, but the City inadvertently drew some unneeded attention to the oftcontentious Willets Point redevelopment when the Dept. of Housing Preservation and Development sent out quasi-eviction notices to two former landowners in the Iron Triangle, whose leases with the City had expired months ago. The confusion, approaching a resolution as of printing, caused an uproar among long-time opponents of the redevelopment, leaving the City's Economic Development Corporation and HPD saddled with a public relations snafu. The scenario took nearly two years to arise. According to the EDC, Rafi Koralashvili, owner of a plot of land at 126-93 Willets Point Blvd., agreed to sell his chunk of the Iron Triangle to the City for $3.8 million in early 2009. He then rented the commercial property back from the City through its de facto property management wing, HPD, at a rate of $1 a month. The one-year lease was signed in March 2009. In a letter from HPD dated Oct. 5, 2010, Koralashvili and any other persons on the property were ordered to vacate the site by Nov. 30. A similar letter was reportedly sent to another "lease back" tenant. The uproar began when it was discovered Koralashvili was still leasing his property to tenants E.T. Auto Parts and E.T. Tire Shop. The notice sent to the owner applied to any John and Jane Does also on the property - in this instance, the shops, which had not been offered relocation assistance as the EDC promised during the plan's approval process. The Tribune was unable to contact Koralashvili. A visit to the shops revealed little. After agreeing in Spanish to keep mum on the subject amongst themselves, the employees said they had no recollection of receiving any sort of eviction letter. One employee of E.T. Tire, who identified himself as Rich, said all issues with the City had been resolved. Opponents of the plan, who have banded together to form Willets Point United, decried the move, saying it was indicative of an empty promise to help tenant businesses relocate.
Fight To Feed Hungry Being Lost In Queens By JASON BANREY From the Great Depression to the Great Recession, the city's soup kitchens and food pantries have tried to keep up with the steady increase in demand. In 2010 in Queens, 89 percent of soup kitchens and food pantries saw an increase in demand, with almost 60 percent unable to meet the demand, according to the New York Cit y Coalit ion Against Hunger's annual Hunger Survey. It highlighted many issues that one local food pantry is experiencing this holiday season. Christy Robb, Food Pantr y and Community Outreach Coordinator for Hour Children Community Outreach, serves 450 people a week at the Long Island City food pantr y. Robb is finding it difficult to keep up with demands due to the decline in grant funding from private and public donors which help keep the pantr y stocked. "Some grants are the either the same, gett ing smaller or just disappearing altogether," said Robb. "There have always been steady increases in the demand for food, but now we're seeing significant increases - and it has become unsustainable." Despite increasing in demand, many New Yorkers were able to get by due to federal stimulus funds for emergency food and boosts to the SNAP/Food Stamp Program. Although the SNAP/Food Stamp Program, and other state and federal funding programs, directly provide funding to food pantries throughout Queens, Robb said the resources she receives have flat-lined, making it difficult to maintain the proper services to cater to the borough's increasing demands. Even after receiving stimulus funds, Robb found it difficult to make it through 2010.
Estee Lauder, former New York Stock Exchange chairman Richard Grasso, actors Carroll O'Conner and Zoe Saldana, State Sen. Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose) and former Mets General Manager Omar Minaya. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
Tribune Photo by Ira Cohen
Photo by Scott Alnwick
By DOMENICK RAFTER With the Dept. of Education eyeing their school for possible closure, dozens of students from Newtown High School in Elmhurst implored Black Friday shoppers at Queens Center Mall, only a few blocks from the school, to help save their 113-year-old home. "Where will we go?" asked one student, standing in front of the mall entrance, handing out flyers. Another group of students stood along 57th Avenue in front of the Newtown athletic fields, the iconic green cupola of the school in the background. Another student, who said she immigrated to Elmhurst from Ecuador only a year
Residents Call Maurice Ave. A Drag By RYAN HANDY Maurice Avenue, the dividing line between Maspeth and Woodside, is wide and newly repaved. It runs along the expansive Mt. Zion cemetery, through a neighborhood that is part residential, part industrial. By day, it appears unremarkable. But come night, it's a hotspot for drag racers from around the city. Maurice Avenue has been a drag strip for nearly 30 years - a long time for residents to endure the noise and danger the late-night races pose, according to COMET (Communities of Maspeth and Elmhurst Together) President Rosemarie Daraio. She and other residents have been waiting for years for police and the City Dept. of Transportation to do something to stop the racing. Last Monday, Daraio and other Maurice Avenue residents got the attention of New York City Council members Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) and Liz Crowley (DMiddle Village), who held a press conference in front of a crowd of 20 residents on a corner of Maurice and Tyler Avenues, condemning the racing and demanding that something be done. Van Bramer was adamant that the DOT help make Maurice Avenue less friendly to drag racers by putting in speed bumps and installing cameras. "People deserve to go to sleep and stay asleep and not get woken up at two in the morning by the screeching of tires on Maurice Avenue," Van Bramer said. The council members took action after Van Bramer was sent a YouTube clip by resident Armand Czapkowski. Czapkowski, 34, found the clip showcasing a recent drag race on Maurice Avenue. Czapkowski sent it to Van Bramer and began
Jimmy Van Bramer (c.) is f lanked by Liz Crowley (l.) and Assemblywoman Marge Markey (r.), as well as residents, to decr y the use of Maurice Avenue as a drag strip. collecting signatures to petition the councilman to take action. Although summer is the prime time for racing, Czapkowski said that races typically take place every Friday and Saturday night, around 2 a.m. "I can't sleep; it's really bothering me. Now with the new pavement, yeah, it's very
inviting," Czapkowski said, explaining that the races have increased in recent months after the road was repaved. "The Dept. of Transportation needs to take the bull by the horns. I'm not even going to blame the precincts - they're short on manpower," Daraio said. DOT spokesman Scott Gastel said the
department is reviewing a request for speed bumps at two Maurice Avenue locations. A further problem with curtailing the racing is that Maurice Avenue forms the dividing line between two police precincts, the 104th and 108th. Madeleine O'Boyle, a Maurice Avenue resident since 1986, said she lives across the street from the usual drag-race start. On weekends, she often calls the police, but they are slow to respond, she said. "Neither precinct knows which is responsible," she said. Both the 104th and 108th Precinct stations are far away from Maurice Avenue. Juan Toro, 108th Precinct Community Affairs, was present at the press conference, but did not offer comment. On weekends, O'Boyle said she is frequently woken up at 1:45 a.m. by the sound of engines revving. By the time the police arrive, however, the racers quickly leave. "When the police show up with lights and sirens, they all scatter like cockroaches when you turn on the light," she said. George Kraft, an elderly resident who has lived in the Maspeth area his whole life, said Maurice Avenue has always been an ideal drag race spot. "Back in the 1980s, my God, it used to happen every night," Kraft said, adding that the races do not bother him too much. Kraft, like police and residents, suspected that racers are mostly from other boroughs. Maurice Avenue retains a dedicated following, despite public outcry. A Facebook group dedicated to Maurice Avenue - "The Drag Racing Days" - welcomes all to join "who spent their Thursday nights at Maurice Avenue drag racing and have a good old time talking about their cars."
www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 2-8, 2010 Tribune Page 5
Edit Page In Our Opinion:
Lest We Forget The AIDS epidemic is still real. Yes, the fear may have died down and drug cocktails have given way to better medicine that helps people who are HIV-positive lead longer lives. But the truth is that HIV, for all the science and progress, is still life-changing – and eventually a life-ender. With the AIDS Memorial Quilt coming to Queens College this week in honor of World AIDS Day, it brings back home the message that this is a disease that tears apart families, striking down people from every walk of life. AIDS kills, and that must never be forgotten. Organizers of the Queens College event decried the lackadaisical attitude of a younger generation that fails to practice safe sex, which puts itself at risk for catching this horrible disease. Until there is a cure, there must be caution exercised by all. New York City still has an infection rate three times the national average, and unless we all are wise about our choices, that number will continue to rise. We must all – gay or straight, men or women – take the necessary precautions to stop the transmission of this deadly disease. To learn more or if you think you may be HIV-positive, call the AIDS Center of Queens County (718) 896-2500 or go to acqc.org.
In Your Opinion:
Page 6 Tribune Dec. 2-8, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com
Preser ve Our Jewel To The Editor: Recently in Woodhaven, there was much activity with filming at our Forest Park jewel, the Forest Park Carousel. Being filmed there was the comedy “The Sitter.” It was sad knowing that after seeing the Carousel and its regal horses for the first time in two years unshuttered, we knew that after this filming, the gates would come down, again it will go unused and unavailable to our communities and children. It is time for the Dept. of Parks and Recreation to treat this Forest Park Carousel as the treasure it is. It is time to engage a professional artisan for its care and repair; also, to have someone with a passion for carousels to be the concessionaire. In this way, they will create an atmosphere that will preserve this carousel and make it a financial success as well as an enjoyable and entertaining destination for Queens and New York City. To do this, the “lowest bidder” procedure has to be waived. This procedure will only lead to an abusive uncaring individual winning this bid, as we have seen in the past. This is not just another plastic MerryGo- Round; this is a historic treasure, our Forest Park Carousel, our jewel. The Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation has been trying for the last 15 years for it to be designated a Historic Landmark,
and we have submitted all the necessary documentation so that this may be accomplished. In this way, it could be protected and preserved for future generations. I hope Commissioner Robert B. Tierney is reading this letter, for now is the time. Maria A. Thomson, Executive Director Greater Woodhaven Development Corp.
Thanks, Gar y To The Editor: Open Letter to U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman It is with great appreciation and thanks that I am sending you this email. Your promised planting along the Grand Central Parkway service roads (as it passes through Jamaica Estates) has finally taken place. It has exceeded all of our expectations. You have walked the area with me in the rain and snow. You have worked to get the wording of the bill changed to include trees, from the original wording approving funds for a sound barrier wall. You have held meetings in your office with Parks, Highways and the JEA. You have called me from your car on the way to Washington. You and your staff (Moya and Megan) have patiently put up with my years of impatient calls. Gary, thank you for your extreme efforts concerning this matter. In years to come, people will
Michael Schenkler Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
enjoy the beauty of the many hundreds of trees and shrubs as they continue to grow to maturity. Michael Bookbinder, Jamaica Estates Assoc.
Awful Legacy To The Editor: Notwithstanding Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s promise to relocate many of the Willets Point small businesses, he has now owned up to the fact it was all a charade. As a holiday present, notices have been sent to many of the businesses requiring them to vacate the area by Nov. 30, effectively making them all unemployed. This should come as no surprise since Bloomberg has made it clear he has no mayoral interest in the poor; no interest in the middle class; and no interest in small businesses. His constituency is limited to the rich and fat cat real estate moguls. In passing, it should be noted Bloomberg has been Mayor for about nine years. Can anyone point to a half a dozen things he has accomplished in that period of time that has significantly improved the lives of the poor, the middle class and the small business person? I doubt it and in my opinion history will not judge him kindly, justifiably so. Benjamin M. Haber, Flushing
So Long, Scobee To The Editor: It was a sad day for Queens when the Scobee Diner in Little Neck closed its doors for the very last time Sunday night. Growing up in the neighborhood during the late 1960s and early 1970s, Scobee was part of my life and of many others. Sixteen years ago, I met my wife on a blind date at a booth in Scobee. We have returned every year on the anniversary of our first meeting. My wife and I made our final visit this past Sunday. On very cold winter nights or hot summer days, rather than eat at home we would walk a few blocks over to Scobee. Over time, we have gotten to know many of the staff on a first name basis. Eating at Scobee was more like joining your family for a good homecooked meal. Frequently, the portions were so generous that we had a doggy bag to take home providing a second meal the next day. Larry & Wendy Penner, Great Neck
Ethical Move To The Editor: Councilman Dan Halloran did something very rare and unusual for an elected official last week. After signing on to a hastily drawn Marcia Moxam Comrie, Contributing Editor Reporters: Sasha Austrie, Harley Benson, Joseph Orovic, Domenick Rafter, Jessica Ablamsky
Queens County's Weekly Newspaper Group
Brian M. Rafferty, Executive Editor
Founded in 1970 by Gary Ackerman Published Weekly Copyright © 2010 Tribco, LLC
Editorial Interns: Angy Altamirano, Jason Banrey, Terry Chao
Shiek Mohamed, Production Manager
Photographers: Ira Cohen, Michael Fischthal, Lee Katzman
Ira Cohen, Photo Editor
Contributors: Tom Allon, Melissa Hom, Michael VonDerLieth, Barbara Arnstein
Queens Tribune (718) 357-7400 E-mail Address: news@queenstribune.com 150-50 14th Road Whitestone, NY 11357 www.queenstribune.com
Regina Vogel Queens Today Editor
Art Department: Sara Gold, Rhonda Leefoon, Candice Lolier, Barbara Townsend Webmaster: Shiek Mohamed
Michael Nussbaum Executive V.P./Associate Publisher
Assistant to the Publisher: Ria MacPherson
City Council resolution opposing Cathy Black as the new School Chancellor, he realized he had made a mistake. What is so astounding and rare is that he admitted it in public calling it, “a rush to judgment,” and then “asking that my name be removed from that resolution” – a sequence of events that rarely if ever happens today in politics. Councilman Dan Halloran sets the tone for ethical and honest governance in the City Council. Many other legislators, notorious for straddling the fence on controversial issues, were busy checking with lobbyists and special interests before crafting their public position papers. Playing both sides of the issue by putting out generic press releases makes Councilman Halloran’s decision even more remarkable. With a school system still in crisis, it’s unfortunate that the kneejerk reaction of so many local officials was to shut the door on Black’s suitability to be the next schools Chancellor, even before she was given a chance to be heard. Shame on CDEC 26 Chairman, Rob Caloras and Queens Civic Congress President Pat Dolan for jumping on the same opposition bandwagon. Their harsh reaction does a disservice to parents and students, who deserve prudent judgment and thoughtful consideration regarding such an important decision. Bob Friedrich, Glen Oaks
Tax On Sugar To The Editor: A tax on sugar-sweetened beverages can benefit New Yorkers by reducing consumption of empty calories – which could help fight obesity and generate much needed revenue. The November report from the Bipartisan Policy Center called for the state to impose an excise tax of 1 cent / ounce on these beverages to reduce obesity-related healthcare costs. Reports from the American Heart Association in 2009 and 2010 called for controlling excess calories by reducing the contribution of added sugars. Sugar-sweetened beverages are the leading source of added sugars in Americans’ diet. An additional report by the USDA estimated that a 20 percent price increase on sweetened beverages could cause a reduction of 37 calories per day, or 3.8 pounds of body weight over a year, for adults and 43 calories per day, or 4.5 pounds over a year, for children. As New York struggles to balance its budget, the legislature must Alan J. Goldsher Advertising Director Shelly Cookson Corporate & Legal Advertising Account Executives Tony Nicodemo Joanne Naumann Earl Steinman Larry Stewart Shari Strongin
Merlene Carnegie Madalena Conti Tom Eisenhauer Donna Lawlor
Maureen Coppola, Advertising Administrator Accounting: Leticia Chen, Phyllis Wilson
consider skyrocketing healthcare costs related to obesity. The NYS Health Foundation concludes that imposing a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages could potentially save $5.6 billion in spending on chronic illnesses related to obesity and overweight. Almost 60 percent of New Yorkers are overweight, and 25 percent are obese. The obesity epidemic is a national crisis with obesity rates and sugar-sweetened beverage intake being particularly high among low-income groups. This disparity may be related to the beverage pricing. At 99 cents for a two liter bottle, soda is cheaper than bottled water. I encourage our decision-makers to approve a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages as soon as possible. Judith Wylie-Rosett, Queens
Medicare Worries To The Editor: At the stroke of midnight on Dec. 31, doctors who treat Medicare patients are scheduled to absorb a 25 percent pay cut – a cut that threatens the ability of seniors to see their physicians and receive the care they need. It is up to Congress to stop this pay cut and ensure that doctors are not driven out of Medicare. On behalf of the more than 2.3 million AARP members in New York State and all seniors who have earned their Medicare benefits by working hard and paying into the system, I am calling on Congress to take responsibility and act to ensure that older Americans have access to the doctors they trust. AARP is not alone in believing that the Medicare payment system is broken and requires a permanent fix. But it isn’t the flawed physician payment system that concerns so many of our members here in New York and elsewhere. It is, rather, the prospect of suddenly being without a physician. According to a recent AARP poll, more than 80 percent of AARP members are concerned that a Medicare pay cut will threaten access to their doctors. As people age, they face increasing health issues, so a trusted relationship with their physician becomes increasingly important. They are also less likely to be able to travel long distances for care. As the New Year approaches, there is one resolution that Medicare patients would like to see made by Congress: honor the commitment to Medicare patients and the physicians who care for them. Marilyn Pinsky AARP NY State President Mitch Kronenfeld: Classified Manager Elizabeth Mance: Administrative Assistant Classified Ad Representatives: Nadia Hack, Peggie Henderson, Fran Gordon, Marty Lieberman, Chris Preasha, Lorraine Shaw, Sheila Scholder, Lillian Saar
An Award Winning Newspaper
New York Press Association National Newspaper Association The Tribune is not responsible for typographical errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the advertisement.
The Queens Tribune (USPS 964-480) is published weekly every Thursday for $12 per year by Tribco, LLC, 150-50 14th Road, Whitestone, NY 11357. Periodical Postage Paid at Flushing, NY. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Queens Tribune, 150-50 14th Road, Whitestone NY 11357.
CLINICAL TRIAL FOR MEN WITH PROSTATE CANCER The North Shore-LIJ Health System’s Department of Radiation Medicine is pleased to offer a clinical trial for men with prostate cancer to receive Robotic Stereotactic Radiosurgery. If it is determined that you are eligible for the trial and you consent, you will receive five radiation treatments. Follow up will include physical exams and blood tests (PSA’s) on a regular schedule. For more information about this clinical trial, please call (718) 470-7190, Ext. 66773, or visit us online at northshorelij.com/radmed. Clinical NSLIJ 0839 sponsored by North Shore-LIJ Health System.
13439c-10-10
www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 2-8, 2010 Tribune Page 7
Close Insider Term Limit Loophole By HENRY STERN The Charter Revision Commission was intended, when it was appointed, to offer the public the opportunity to decide the matter of term limits, by offering the choice of a two-term or three-term limit. The Commission did offer that choice, but added a poison pill provision that the two-term limit not take effect until 2021, ten years into the uncertain future. The effect of delaying the date by a decade was to create a loophole in the system, which would allow every incumbent elected official who is not now on their third term to be eligible for one. In all, this means that 34 City Council incumbents will again wriggle free from the two-term restriction that was thrice approved by the voters (in 1993, 1996 and 2010). A group of New Yorkers has organized with the goal of closing this loophole and securing “Term Limits Now.” To do this, the Charter must be amended to eliminate the provision which appears in the Commission’s abstract as: “The new law would affect City officials elected after the general election in November, 2010 so that current elected officials
would remain subject to the present three-term limit.” We believe there is no valid reason to exempt incumbents from the two-term limit. Indeed, they are the principal individuals the referendum was intended to affect in the first place. Of course, it is entirely logical and predictable that these people want to stay in office as long as they can. We are in a period of high unemployment and many of the legislators’ prior experience is as neighborhood activists, rather than as practitioners of more established professions. The t wo-ter m standar d is simple and direct. It is part of the Constitution of the United States. A two-term limit for governors is the law in 36 states. Without extended discussion of the advantages of term limits, one stands to mind that is rarely mentioned. If there is a defined limit, candidates arise to run for the seat that will be open. If there is no limit, the incumbent is likely to r un unt il he lose s to a challenger, who may not be the best person to succeed him. For example, when Ed Koch ran for a fourth term, he lost to
David Dinkins. When Mario Cuomo ran for a fourth term, he lost to George Pataki. If term limits had been in effect, others could have competed without attacking the incumbent. The principal reason for the petition drive, however, is not the difference between two and three terms. The motive is to protest the subversion of the public’s vote for two terms, first by the self-serving Council vote in 2008, in which the incumbents extended their own eligibility, and the poison pill in the 2010 charter revision, in which the two-term alternative presented to the people was saddled with a ten-year delay in implementation. Twice the insiders have frustrated the public’s desire, expressed at the polls, for a two-term limit. Too often in recent years, governments have expressed their disregard for the public by imposing new regulations and restrictions, while exempting themselves from compliance. There is a national sense that government is growing larger and increasingly less representative of the people and more beholden to the elites and lobbyists, whether on the left or the right. We are not, however, embark-
ing on an ideological crusade. We also recognize that there are more important issues out there to resolve. We simply want to right a wrong in a situation where we believe that insiders have overstepped, placing their personal interest above the will of the public. One of the seven founding members of the coalition to enact term limits now is Councilman Eric Ulrich of Queens. Ulrich, a 25year-old reformer, has signed on in support of our referendum, despite that fact that he is one of the 34 incumbents who are the beneficiaries of this loophole. “No one is indispensable, including yours truly,” said Councilman Ulrich at the press conference announcing our public referendum on the steps of City Hall. “To suggest that I need to be on the City Council for 12 years or the sky is going to fall is ridiculous.” When was the last time you heard a politician talk like that? The Term Limits Now coalition will reach out to you and every other voter in the City of New York to gat her suppor t for t his public referendum. If we receive it, the issue will be on the ballot and the public will have the opportu-
Henry Stern nity to see that its will is carried out. This effort will not be easy. In order to get the referendum on the ballot, we will need 30,000 signatures in the first round of petitioning and 15,000 in the second. If we succeed, it will be only the second public referendum brought before the people in New York City history, after Ronald Lauder’s 1993 initiative that initially established term limits. However, we are optimistic that the more New Yorkers who learn how they have been duped, the more will join us in righting this wrong. We are optimistic that with your help signing our petition, collecting signatures, and spreading the word to all of your fellow New Yorkers that we will surmount the daunting odds and succeed in our undertaking to restore a little bit of faith in the power of the voter and the rule of law. StarQuest@NYCivic.org
Page 8 Tribune Dec. 2-8, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com
Petition to Seek Term Limits Now, No Delay to 2021 By HENRY STERN An effort to restore the twoterm limit for elected city officials this year was launched last week at a news conference on the steps of City Hall. Speaking as one of the “launchers,” we hope the cause will be joined by tens of thousands of New Yorkers. It is intended to bring about a referendum in November 2011, on whether the t wo-term limit, adopted by a 74-26 last month, will go into effect at the next Council election, in 2013, or will be delayed eight years. If it is, the people who voted to extend their own eligibility will enjoy the fruits of their self-interested tampering with the Charter. We believe that t wo terms means just that, eight years, and that the will of the public should take effect as soon as practical, at the next election. The incumbents want it postponed eight years, so they will have time to fiddle with the rule and seek its reversal. A lastminute machination on the Charter Revision Commission added the eight-year delay. Our purpose is to secure a referendum, so that the people will have a chance to vote on whether or not they want the restoration of the t wo-term limit to take effect promptly. Although the principle s involved are simple: fair play and rule by the people, the machinations of the insiders who consider their own incumbency the ultimate public good have given the struggle a lengthy and convoluted h istory.
For those patient souls who are interested in the background, here it is. The tale begins in 1993, when Ronald Lauder, who had been a mayoral candidate in 1989, funded a petition drive for a referendum on whether elected city officials (the three who run city wide, the five borough pre sidents and t he 51 councilmembers) should be subject to a two-term limit. Lauder’s proposal was approved by the voters, 59 to 41 percent to become effective in 2001. In 1996, the Cit y Council, concerned with the approaching deadline, placed a referendum on the ballot proposing that the limit of two terms be extended to three terms. Their proposal was defeated at the polls, by a 54-46 margin. In 2001, the two-term limit took effect. Thirty-seven of the 51 councilmembers were newly elected. Many were chosen only because the t wo-term limit had removed their predecessors. The new members were elected under a City Char ter provision under wh ich they could serve just two terms. The Charter provides that it can be amended by vote of the people in referendum. The mayor has the power to appoint a Charter Revision Commission, which has the authorit y to submit proposals to the public in a referendum. The mayor and the city council can also propose referenda to amend the charter. But they also have the power to change the Charter themselves, without a ref-
erendum, as long as the change doe s not affect their powers or other immutable provisions. In 2007, Mayor Bloomberg promised publicly that he would appoint a Charter Revision Commission in the next year to conduct a broad review of city operations and structure. Whatever proposals they made were supposed to go to referendum in 2008, in time to apply to the 2009 elections, at which time term limits could be reconsidered, extended, or modified, if that were the wish of the voters. However, after it was too late for anything to be put on the ballot, a councilmember, by request of Mayor Bloomberg, introduced legislation into the City Council which would amend the charter to allow elected city officials to serve three terms instead of two. Ever yone whose tenure was supposed to end in 2009 would then be able to serve through 2013. The Mayor argued that the fiscal crisis that New York City was facing prompted his change of heart, and that his business experience uniquely qualified him to lead in what admittedly were difficult times. They still are. The mandatory public hearings were held on the Char ter amendment, with a huge majorit y of sp eaker s opposi ng t he change. The Council passed the bill and the mayor signed it on November 3, 2008. At the time, the mayor said that the issue of term limits would be taken up by
a new Charter commission. The 2010 commission, headed by CUN Y Chancel lor Mat the w Goldstein, was appointed by the Mayor. It recommended a number of minor improvements. The most controversial issue, term limits, proved difficult to resolve. In the end, the Commission adopted Charter amendments, including sending to the public a proposal to change the term limit for cit y elected officials from the three that had been added to the Charter by the mayor and council in 2008, under which the 2009 election had been conducted, to two, as the voters had decided in
1993 and 1996. However, a kicker was added to the draft Charter relatively late in the process. The effective date of the t wo term limit was postponed to 2021, a political lifetime for a generation of candidates. All the councilmembers who voted to extend their own terms in 2008 were made eligible to seek a third term. Those newly elected in 2009 would also be able to serve twelve years. Reformers suppor ted the new Char ter because, if it were defeated, members could serve for three terms forever. This brings us to today. StarQuest@NYCivic.org
Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato
Work Begins To Replace Iconic Spire
Page 10 Tribune Dec. 2-8, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com
Few were around when the iconic 160year-old spire atop St. George's Church in Flushing tumbled down into the middle of Main Street two months ago. The tornado that cut a gash across the borough claimed the church's octagonal apex as one of its victims. In comparison to the barren street that afternoon, good Samaritans, including a nonprofit and Flushing-raised architect, have come out of the woodwork to help return the spire to its former glory. Rebuilding efforts began in earnest within days of the storm, when the New York Landmarks Conservancy reached out to St. George's, offering referrals to reputable architects who could help do the job. Pastor Shawn Duncan, who was less than a week into his interim role leading the parish, called back immediately, saying the church would take any help it could get. In early October, the church created a Spire Restoration Fund, soliciting donations from any and all willing to help. The Conservancy jumped in, providing $5,000 in fiscal aid through its Sacred Sites Consulting Grant, which helps cover consulting services and architectural fees. According to Conservancy Grants Manager Colleen Heemeyer, the group typically helps buildings designated as historic at some level - city, state or federal - offering any referrals or guidance they can. Money is a little harder to come by. As a matter of policy, the Conservancy only gives grants to houses of worship that require exterior restoration work. "We're a bit strapped since funding is not easy to come by," Heemeyer said. Arguably, the Conservancy's greatest contribution was a referral to architect Kai Woo, whose credits include work done for the Friends Meeting House and St. Saviour's. Woo, who spent his childhood in Flushing and only recently moved to Long Beach, remembers the spire's looming presence over the skyline. "It is our neighborhood church," he said. "It was pretty incredible. I think it's a miracle that nobody got hurt." Woo did some reverse-architectural sleuthing to determine how the spire came off when he first visited the church after the storm. Noticing the breaking of interior connections on 60 foot posts running inside the tower, through the belfry and up into the spire, Woo realized the storm first lifted, then flung, the church's conical top.
"It's kind of like 'The Wizard of Oz,' when the tornado sucked the whole house up," he said. The spire gives Woo a rather long to-do list, but his goal at the moment is to stop a leak. The spire's demise left a gaping hole at the top of the tower, one which causes water to seep into the belfry, which causes the damage over time. Arguably the most difficult aspect of Woo's job is figuring out how to design a new spire true to its original form. There were no real paper graphics or design specs for the tower on hand. The task is doubly difficult when considering the original design, which saw four corner posts within the tower taper at just the right angle to meet a point within the spire's tip. Also, decorative elements were switched at some point. The specifics are beguiling Woo at the moment, as he is essentially working from photographs and what little of the spire was salvaged. "There's quite a bit of research to be done," Woo said, keen to his understatement. Reach Reporter Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127. —Joseph Orovic
Mixed Emotions Flow Over Sage Shuffle The new sixth grade honors class at Russell Sage Junior High School transformed learning into a battleground, after classes were restructured two months into the year to accommodate the change. Proponents and opponents agree that at the beginning of the school year, the nascent sixth grade had no honors class, just two overcrowded classrooms and a third populated by a handful of ESL students. Before enrolling, parents were told that there would be no honors class. On Friday, Nov. 12, students were handed a memo informing parents that, effective that coming Monday, children would have new classroom assignments. "At the close of the first marking period we have reviewed the state testing scores, teachers' recommendations and report card grades to assist in the leveling of our sixth grade classes," the memo read. "This has resulted in the formation of an SP (honors) class and two enrichment classes." To avoid repercussion for their children,
Friends From Overseas:
Queens Borough President Helen Marshall met at Borough Hall Nov. 10 with a delegation from the Dongcheng Distric t of Beijing, China. She and the delegation exchanged information about the workings of local governments, economic development, culture and tourism.
Tribune Photo by Joseph Orovic
Queens This Week
The spire (shown in its original glor y, inset) lies shattered on the ground in front of the church after the storm. parents who jablamsky@queenstribune.com or (718) spoke to the 357-7400, Ext. 124. Queens Tri—Jessica Ablamsky bune asked to remain anonyHelp Make mous. They agreed that at A Difference least one teacher explained the new assignTwo Catholic parishes in South Queens ments by telling students that 601 is for - Holy Child Jesus in Richmond Hill and St. bright kids, 602 is for average students and Mary Gate of Heaven in Ozone Park - have 603 is for those who need improvement. teamed up with Austin Ale House in Kew "Come Nov. 12, and my kids come home, Gardens this year to co-sponsor the "Make one of them crying, sobbing, 'They called us A Difference Christmas Party," aimed at dumb. They called us dummies,'" said one benefiting children in need during the holiparent, who saw other kids walking out of days. school in tears. The event, the 12th annual, will be held There should have been more notice and Saturday, Dec. 4, from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 discussion, according to the parent. a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Center, "Gross negligence is what I call it," she 72-00 Douglaston Pkwy. in Douglaston. said. Guests re asked to bring an unwrapped toy The last-minute decision was an attempt for a child in need and enjoy a full bar, buffet by Principal Marilyn Grant to attract more and dancing. students to the school next year, some of Last year's event brought out more than which have parents that would prefer a school 200 people and helped a "record breaking" with an honors class, said another parent. number of children, according to orga"In other words, she instated honors mid- nizer Thomas Flood. The toys go to chilyear, reshuffling classes, disrupting friend- dren in need in the Dioceses of Brooklyn ships and shaming kids, in order to attract and Rockvllle Centre, which cover an area new students - at our kids expense," the from Brooklyn to the East End of Long mother said. Island. The administration made a mistake, said The party is dedicated in honor of the Kathryn Thome, a member of the Commu- late Thomas Heaphy, Sr., who was a deanity Education Council for District 28. con at St. Mary Gate of Heaven parish. "Parents don't get upset when they know Heaphy, who passed away in 2006, is the what's going on," she said. "When they feel father of co-organizer Ann Turner. Turner that decisions are being made without dis- said as children, her family would help cussion, then they feel bombarded." other in need children within St. Mary Gate Thome heard at least one complaint from of Heaven parish, where Turner and her a distraught parent whose son was not in the siblings went to grammar school. Over honors program. time, that branched out to other parishes in "He felt demoted, almost," she said. the community and eventually diocese-wide Grant did not return calls by press time, until it reached across Brooklyn and but others defended the change. Queens, as well as Nassau and Suffolk A member of the school's parent associa- Counties. tion said that although there have been mixed Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at feelings about the way the honors class was drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357created, overall people are happy. 7400, Ext. 125. "It's now smaller class sizes," she said. "It —Domenick Rafter went from approximately 35-36 kids, to approximately 25 kids in each class." Grant had to do something because the classes were overcrowded, said J.R. Nocerino, vice president of the Forest Hills Civic Association, who had two kids that attended Sage. "People were complaining in those classes that the classes were too full," he said. "She was over city charter." Something should probably have been done by early September or October, but she acted as quickly as she could, he said. "If she did it again, then I'd be annoyed," he said, "because now you've got to be smart. But I don't think that'll ever happen." Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at
Send Queens This Week News and Photos to: Queens Tribune 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357
Boro Classic Theater Joins NYS Corridor By JASON BANREY In recent years, many of Queens' oncefamous historical movie theaters have fallen victim to what some property developers like to call urban renewal. Preservationists view t h is rede velopment as an unnece ssar y scheme to demolish an architectural past. Recently, the Ridgewood Theatre partially lost its preservation battle when it was announced it would stop showing movies. Though the theater's interior may become a grocer y store, its façade is protected by its landmark status. Although some preservationists feel the battle was not a complete loss, they continually find themselves defending the borough's relics. The New York State Movie Theater Corridor (NYSMTC) initiat ive was created to emphasize the importance of historic theaters to communities throughout New York State. Creating a path from New York City to Buffalo, "this trail will begin a cultural draw to these historic sites," said Edward Summer, creator of the NYSMTC. "The se theaters are unlike any other theaters you will see in the rest of the world." The initiative's pilot program will kick
off in early 2011 with the naming of the participating theaters. Membership will open to prospective theaters throughout the year. Summer shares an enthusiastic approach towards preservation and believes this project will reinvigorate the economies of communities that house these architectural gems. "This project will not only benefit towns throughout New York State, but Queens specifically," said Summer. "It's impor tant that communities begin to see that these theaters are impor tant components of economic development." Karen Noonan, President of the Theatre Historical Society of America, said she believes preservation of these historical spaces will generate economic growth within the state. "It's a tool communities can utilize. There is histor y sit ting on all these pieces of land," she said. "It's not just a theatre. All types of enthusiasts can take a lot from this. What we have now is who we are. We have the things that make us unique. This is a per fect oppor tunit y." Reach Intern Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.
50 Years Strong:
GET GIFTED Get Gifted every Friday through December 17 with gift card giveaways.* Plus you’ll have a chance to unwrap holiday rap ra ap ho h oli l da d y pprizes.** rizess. ri The T he fi first 100 ashoppers to line up at 11AM on ow ow Level, M cyy s Wing, and request a number Lower Macy*s willl re receive ec iv a $10 10 gift card and special offers.
Unwrapping a for Holiday Prizes lid Four Fo our sh shoppers hop ho op will be chosen at random to unwrap mall gift cards amongst a pile of wrapped gifts, Lower Level, Macy*s Wing at 12PM.
Queens DA Richard Brown was honored by the Assistant District Attorney’s Association of Queens County for reaching his 50-year milestone of public service and becoming the longest serving district attorney in Queens County history. Attorney Todd Greenberg, the ADA Association president and former assistant district attorney, presented the award to DA Brown at the association’s Holiday Dinner and Meeting, held Nov. 18 at the Douglaston Club in Douglas Manor.
Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. Must be at least 18 years of age and a legal resident of United States. See Guest Services for Giveaway Terms and Conditions and Sweepstakes Official Rules. *One offer per person, per Friday. All offers while supplies last. Terms and conditions, including expiration dates, may apply to prizes.**One entry per person per sweepstakes. One sweepstakes will be conducted each Friday. Entries will not be carried over from sweepstakes to sweepstakes. Last entry at 11:59 am. on the day of the sweepstakes. Must be present at Lower Level, Macy*s Wing at 12 p.m. on the day of the sweepstakes to win.
www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 2-8, 2010 Tribune Page 11
MACY*S, JCPENNEY, AND AN MORE M THAN AN 150 SPECIALTY A STORES AND A RESTAURANTS QUEENS & WOODHAVEN BOULEVARDS 718.592.3900 | WWW.SHOPQUEENSCENTER.COM
Cemetery Emerges From Dense Cover By DOMENICK RAFTER For decades, nature has been reclaiming Bayside Cemetery, a nearly century and a half-old Jewish cemetery in Ozone Park. Situated between Liberty Avenue and Pitkin Avenue, between 84th and 80th Streets, Bayside Cemetery was distinct from two adjacent cemeteries because it looked more like a forest than a graveyard. Overgrown trees and brush have drowned out the gravestones, and the cemetery has also been a target for vandals, with some mausoleums having been opened. The dilapidated cemetery, the final resting place for more than 35,000 people, had become part of the lore of the neighborhood. Local children would tell stories of ghosts haunting the grounds, and the sur-
rounding neighborhood. Efforts to get the cemetery's owner, Congregation Shaare Zedek on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, to clean up the site had failed. Despite being sued by the grandson of two people buried in the cemetery, where burials continued through the 1980s, the synagogue said it did not have the money for maintenance. Now, thanks to the Community Association for Jewish At-Risk Cemeteries (CAJAC), a Westchester County-based group that helps clean and maintain Jewish cemeteries in the Greater New York area, an army of volunteers have been making progress over the past year, turning the neglected site back into a place to remember lost loved ones. Now, gravestones, monuments and mausoleums, hidden for years by the overgrowth, are reappearing, the stones glistening to riders passing on the train. "When I first went out there this past summer, the task seemed Sisyphean, it now seems merely Herculean," wrote Peter Kaufman, a volunteer from Brooklyn who has been helping clear the cemetery on his blog InkLake. Kaufman said he first noticed the cemetery while taking the A Once hidden by overgrown weeds and brush, historic Bayside train to JFK and was Cemeter y is slowly being cleaned up. disgusted by it. He
FOR HOME OR OFFICE
om you lun ch fr S ending h best wis hes B en’s w it lida ys. En joy!! for the Ho
Roasted Turkey for 10 ......... $109.99 15 lbs. Carved Turkey CHOICE OF 2 SIDE SALADS: Sugar Free Israeli Salad Homemade Potato Salad Freshly Cut Cole Slaw Macaroni Salad 1 Dozen Assorted Rolls
Party Platter Plus for 10 ...... $129.90 2 Dozen Mini Potato Knishes 2 Dozen Mini Franks-In-Jackets 3.5 lbs. Assorted Prime Cold Cuts CHOICE OF 2 SIDE SALADS: Cucumber Salad Homemade Potato Salad Freshly Cut Cole Slaw Macaroni Salad
Rotisserie Chicken for 10 .... $109.99 Raw Vegetable Platter with Dip 4 Rotisserie Chickens (cut in eighths) Warmed Pasta & Spinach
Larger Parties and Customized Orders Cheerfully Accommodated. Servers Available. Delivery Anywhere Gladly Arranged.
Traditional ................... $229.99 Serves 15 People 3 lbs. Warmed Brisket of Beef with Natural Gravy 3 lbs. Warmed Breast of Turkey with Natural Gravy Rice Pilaf with Vegetables Vegetable Medley Assorted Dinner Rolls Rye Bread
Assorted Dinner Rolls
Kosher Luau .................. $299.99 Serves 15 People 2 lbs. Hawaiian Chicken Salad Mold CHOICE OF 2 ENTRÉES: Hawaiian Chicken Beef or Chicken Broccoli Chicken, Beef or Vegetable Lo Mein Polynesian Fruit Display 2 lbs. Almond Cookies & 2 Boxes Fortune Cookies
Get More Ideas At
Catering Hotline
www.bensdeli.net
1-800-344-BENS
Send A Gift Card!
ORDER ONLINE
© 2010 Ronald M. Dragoon
Page 12 Tribune Dec. 2-8, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com
Rye Bread & Assorted Pickle Tray Add $1 per person for sandwich platters.
found some information on the internet and joined CAJAC to help clean it up. "We want to make the cemetery a place where people can go to remember their loved
ones and not feel sick," he said. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
Ackerman: Vote, Or Be A HIPA-CRIT By DOMENICK RAFTER Taking on the incoming Republican House majority - of which many members ran on promising to repeal the healthcare bill passed earlier this year - U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Bayside) said he would introduce a series of bills aimed at forcing the GOP to vote to repeal the most popular provisions of the law. Ackerman, who voted for the healthcare bill, will introduce six bills, all titled the Health Insurance Protects America-Can't Repeal It Act, or HIPA-CRIT. The bills would repeal six provisions of what detractors have labeled "Obamacare" that have polled positively with the public. The bills have little chance of passing, but Ackerman said he wanted to force the GOP to vote on those specific provisions which would put them in a bind; vote for them and risk the ire of the public that supports them, or vote against the bills and look like a hypocrite. "There's been a lot of tough talk recently about repealing the health-care insurance reform law. Now, it's time to put up, or sit down. So, you want to repeal the health care law? Here's six shots at it," wrote Ackerman in a letter aimed to Republican members of Con-
gress who campaigned on repealing the bill. The specific items that Ackerman is taunting the GOP to "man up" to include: a ban on rescissions, or when insurance companies cancel coverage for enrollees when they get sick; the ban on lifetime and annual limits in insurance policies; the ban on discrimination against adults and children with preexisting conditions; and the requirement that insurance companies cover enrollee dependants until age 26. Healthcare returned to the spotlight after last month's election when GOP Rep.-elect Andy Harris of Maryland, who campaigned on repealing the law, was quoted questioning why his government-administrated healthcare plan does not take effect immediately when he takes office. Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) pounced, demanding Republican members of Congress who campaigned against the healthcare law refuse government-administrated plans given to Congress members. Some incoming Republican representative-elects have, but most have not. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
Queens CLOSEUP CPR Class A free CPR class will be taught by FDNY EMS members on Dec. 2 at 153-37 Cross Island Pkwy., Whitestone. To learn more call (718) 747-4653
Holiday Fair A giant Holiday Fair/Flea Market will be held Saturday, Dec. 4, and Sunday, Dec. 5, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Flushing House, 38-20 Bowne St., Flushing. The Flea Market will be held in the Large Game Room on the ground floor of Flushing House. A huge variety of goods will be on sale, including jewelry, arts and crafts, collectibles, new and gently used clothing, white elephant items, etc. Admission is free. A portion of the proceeds support the Flushing House activities fund, which pays for many of the programs enjoyed by the residents who live there. To learn more call (718) 762-3198 or go to flushinghouse.com.
Clinton Dems On Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m., the Clinton Democratic Club will meet at Vallone & Vallone LLP, 25-59 Francis Lewis Blvd., Flushing. Call (718) 428-7285 to learn more.
Camera Club The Flushing Camera Club is celebrating its 40th season of serving all of Queens, Long Island and New York City. The club meets at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Flushing Hospital, on the first, third and fifth Wednesday of the month, at 146-01 45th Ave., enter at 45th Avenue and Burling Street. Come and spend an evening with us to learn about good photography and to enjoy excellent photography related programs. Validated free parking is available. For more information call (718) 749-0643 or go to flushingcameraclub.org.
Educational Rock The quasi-educational rock band the Deedle-Dees from Brooklyn performs a set of funky family tunes at the brand new Sky View Center in Flushing Dec. 4. Some of the tunes are about historical figures such as John Brown, Nellie Bly, Aaron Burr and more. The band will perform songs such as “Obedience School” and “Vegetarian Tyrannosaurus Rex” for families that come on down. The event is Free and opened to all ages. Sky View Center is located at 40-24 College Point Blvd, Flushing.
A Christmas Fair and Baked Goods Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 4 at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 44-10 192nd St., Flushing. Call (718) 463-4292.
Feel The HEAT The Minority Association for Premed Students and the Student National Medical Association present a Health Equity Advocacy Tour (HEAT). The HEAT is a national grassroots movement aimed at raising awareness on different social determinants of health that contribute to health inequities and discussing what can be done about them. The HEAT event will be held at Queens College in Flushing, Saturday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the SU Ballroom. The event will be a town hall meeting on the topic of “Education as a Social Determinant of Health.. The purpose of the town hall meeting is to discuss how education in youth has implications on the health of individuals as adults and why it is more important than ever
Willow Lake Tour With the new gates unveiled at Willow Lake and a massive revitalization underway, Willow Lake will have controlled access with tours by the Urban Park Rangers this fall. Sun, Dec. 19, 10 a.m., Duck, Duck, Goose - tour about the various species of waterfowl that use the lake each winter.
Drug Aid Narcotics Anonymous hold meetings throughout Queens every day. For the helpline, call (718) 932-6244. You can also visit them online at westernqueensna.org.
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.
Fresh Meadows Camera The Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets every Tuesday at 7:45 p.m. They have critiques, Photoshop classes, competitions, and assorted shoots in their own facility. Call Joe at (917) 612-3463 or Richie at (646) 831-5962 for information and directions.
Special Needs Group The Samuel Field Y is pleased to offer Project Child, an after-school program for children ages 5-15 with ADD, ADHD, Asperger’s syndrome, learning disabilities and high-functioning children on the Autism Spectrum. Project Child operates during the school year and is located in Bayside at the Bay Terrace Center of the Samuel Field Y. Project Child offers high child-to-staff ratios and includes programming specifically designed to meet the needs of children with learning differences and special needs. Homework help and snack are provided daily, as well as educational and recreational activities. Project Child operates from 2:30-6 p.m. daily when school is in session. For more information, including fees and registration, contact Meredith Guberman at (718) 423-6111, Ext. 228 or email MGuberman@sfy.org.
Menorah Lighting The Rockwood Park Jewish Center in Howard Beach will hold a Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Dinner, to which the community is invited, on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m. in the Green Room of the Jewish Center. Please enter through the glass doors in the Center’s parking lot located at 157th Avenue and 85th Street. The cost is $20 per person which includes traditional Chanukah food. For information and reservations call (718) 641-5822.
Leonard Lopate Popular talk show host Leonard Lopate will top the bill at the 15th Annual Author’s Cafe of the Central Queens Y in Forest Hills on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m. Host of one of the most popular talk shows on public radio
in NYC, Lopate will moderate a panel discussion of Jewish novelists and filmmakers.] On the panel are bestselling author Tova Mirvis, author of The Ladies’ Auxiliary, and filmmaker Pearl Gluck, whose films draw on her rich Hasidic heritage. Winner of the first Yiddish Fulbright, Pearl Gluck’s films have shown at international film festivals. A scion of leading Hasidic dynasties, novelist Joshua Halberstam has appeared on both Oprah & National Public Radio. In addition to his radio show, Leonard Lopate also appears regularly at cultural venues in the city, including the 92st Street Y and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Tickets to the Café, which includes a kosher dessert buffet, begin at $36. The Author’s Café is an Emergency Fundraiser for the Hevesi Jewish Heritage Library. This fall drastic funding cuts have put the library at jeopardy. Ticket information is available through the library or on the Y Web site. For more information, call (718) 268-5011, ext. 151, or email pkurtz@centralqueensy.org or visit our website at www.centralqueensy.org.
World Of Opera Tom Newby will deliver another lecture in his series “The World of Opera & Broadway” at a meeting of Horizons, a club for those 55 and over, on Thursday, Dec. 16, at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112th St. Newby, a retired English teacher, performs concerts as a singer and is active in community theater as a director and choreographer. Attendees are invited to bring lunch. A charge of $3 will include coffee and cake. For further information, call the Temple at (718)261-2900.
Autism Aid Borders Book Store in the Shops at Atlas Park, Glendale, will hold a stuffed animal, book drive to benefit New York Families for Autistic Children, located in Ozone Park. The book drive/stuffed animal drive is already underway and can be placed at the cash wrap area, said Laura Fraraccio, sales manager of the store. Borders will collect these items until Thursday, Dec. 16, when NYFAC will pick up the items for its annual Holiday Party on Sunday, Dec. 19. You must be a family member of NYFAC by Dec. 1 to be eligible to attend the party, which draws more than 500 people annually. This year’s party will be held at RomaView catering, 160th Avenue and Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Be A Hero The Forest Hills Jewish Center will be having a gala “Be a Hero” Auction on Dec. 18. We are asking our local business friends and neighbors to “Be a Hero” and help support our mission. By donating a gift or a gift certificate for use as an auction item or raffle prize you can become one of our heroes. And we always remember our heroes. Since 1930, Forest Hills Jewish Center has been serving the needs of the Forest Hills community by providing early childhood education through its nursery program, as well as religious and adult education, programs for seniors, social programs, and youth activities. Our membership of over 600 families lives in our community and patronizes your business. Our senior center operates six days a week and serves approximately 150 seniors. Over two hundred and fifty students participate in our early childhood and religious schools. Many of our young parents shop at your stores while waiting for their
children to be dismissed from school. Any way that you can help will be truly appreciated. All donations will be acknowledged in the event program and are tax deductible to the extent of the law. Let your merchants know about this event and the opportunity they have to “get their message out” to a substantial audience, through this auction. For more information, please contact Debbie Gregor, Exec. Director of the Forest Hills Jewish Center, (718) 263-7000, Ext. 293.
Friday Dinner On Friday, Dec. 10 at 5 p.m., Havurat Yisrael is hosting a Friday night dinner. Everyone is invited: singles, couples, families – all ages. Let’s spend an evening celebrating what unifies all Jews – Shabbat. Newcomers to Havurat Yisrael $10, others $25. Please RSVP by Dec. 8 at Havurat House, 108-11 69th Rd., Forest Hills. Call (718) 2615500 or e-mail hyoffice@nyc.rr.com.
Chanukah Stor y Time Congregation Machane Chodosh is proud to invite you to Chanukah Story Time at Barnes & Noble in Forest Hills at 70-00 Austin St. Thursday, Dec. 2 at 3:15 p.m. This event is open for all ages children, and there is no charge, featuring Chanukah stories, songs and treats. For more info. email MushkyMendelson@gmail.com.
Musica Reginae Event Join Musica Reginae Dec. 5 as they celebrate the holiday season with an afternoon and evening of sing-a-longs, great food, raffles, nice people and a visit from Santa. This is Musica Reginae’s most popular event of the year, with fun for the adults and gifts for the children. Adults, $65, children 12 and under $15. The event will be held Sunday, from 47:30 p.m. at the Community House at Church-in-the-Gardens, 15 Borage Place, Forest Hills. To learn more call (718) 8942178.
Toy Drive Our Neighbors Civic Association is hosting a toy drive this holiday season to benefit local children. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off Council Member Eric Ulrich’s Ozone Park district office, located at 93-06 101st Ave., on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Wed., Dec.15. Please call Sal Simonetti at (718) 7381083 during business hours with any questions.
Castorina & Rose On Monday, Dec. 6, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m, the Howard Beach Senior Center will be celebrating the upcoming holidays with a holiday performance given by “Castorina and Rose.” All are invited. The Howard Beach Senior Center is located at 156-45 84th St., Howard Beach (entrance on 85th Street.).
Blood & Marrow Christ the King Regional High School will hold a community blood and bone marrow drive on Saturday, Dec. 18, in honor of Carly Rose Nieves, a 14-year old girl currently suffering from a relapse of leukemia. Healthy individuals are encouraged to donate blood between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the 68-02 Metropolitan Ave., Main Level Cafeteria, Middle Village.
www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 2-8, 2010 Tribune Page 13
Christmas Fair
to ensure that our communities have adequate educational systems and facilities in place. We will have a multi-disciplinary panel of speakers that will engage our audience on this topic from their perspective fields. There will be workshops, community service events, a town hall meeting, free food and giveaways.
Queens Focus PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . . PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE ...PEOPLE . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE.. PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE . . .PEOPLE...
Sen. Stavisky (l. to r.), New York State Acupuncture Society President Katherine Taromina.
Page 14 Tribune Dec. 2-8, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com
The New York State Acupuncture Society presented Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky with a legislative leadership award honoring her “diligent service to the citizens of New York and her support of improved care for acupuncture patients.” The New York State Acupuncture Society presented the Senator with a plaque on behalf of the Acupuncture Society of New York, the American Traditional Chinese Medicine Society and the United Alliance of New York State Licensed Acupuncturists. Maspeth Federal Savings donated $5,000 to Our Lady of Hope School in Middle Village and St. Stanislaus Kostka School in Maspeth. Currently both schools participate in the bank’s Young Savers Program, which allows the students to open bank accounts through the school. The students deposit weekly into the accounts and the bank sends employees to pick up and drop off the deposits for the students. Kenneth Rudzewick, President and Chief Executive Officer of Maspeth Federal presented the schools with the checks on Friday. “At Maspeth Federal, we strongly believe in education and supporting the children of our community. It’s a special time for them and their family, and we just want to give back in the best way we see possible.” At Our Lady of Hope, the school used the donation for a Smart Board for their third grade class. Smart Boards look like large screens that resemble a white chalk board,
but they are actually monitors hooked into an internet-connected computer that the teacher can use just as someone uses a desktop or laptop computer. The screens are interactive, using touch-screen technology, and programs, lessons, internet searches and much more can be done right in front of the class. “The Our Lady of Hope School Community wishes to thank Maspeth Federal Savings for their unending support and generosity. The Smart Board is a wonderful tool to help us enhance the students’ interests and grasp their attention in a way they understand given today’s technological world,” said Michele Krebs, Principal of Our Lady of Hope School. At St. Stanislaus Kostka, they plan to continue to provide Smart Board Technology in their classrooms and to upgrade and increase the number of our school laptops used by the children for classroom research. “St. Stanislaus Kostka School thanks Mr. Rudzewick and Maspeth Federal Savings for ‘giving back’ to our children while, at the same time, helping them to learn the value of investing and saving money through the bank’s Young Savers Program,” said Sister Rose Torma, Principal of St. Stanislaus Kostka School. Army National Guard Pvt. Jillian M. DeMarco has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises. She is the daughter of Daniel and Tracey DeMarco of Bellmore Road, Bellmore. She is the granddaughter of Pat O’Donnell of Whitestone. DeMarco graduated in 2008 from Mepham High School, Bellmore. The New York Lottery announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning ticket from one of the Lottery’s recent live drawings. The following winners each received a cash prize valued at
$10,000 or more. Clifford Johnson of Queens Village who won $38,556 on the Take Five drawing of Oct. 12. Johnson’s winning ticket was purchased at the Roslyn Car Care Center at 1087 Northern Blvd. in Roslyn. Susan Haiss of Middle Village who won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing of Oct. 19. Haiss’s winning ticket was purchased at the Optimo Candy & Grocery Store at 74-29 Metropolitan Ave. in Middle Village. Sandra Brown of Rosedale who won $250,000 on the Mega Millions drawing of Oct. 19. Brown’s winning ticket was purchased at the Dutch Broadway Pharmacy at 1785 Dutch Broadway in Elmont. Felipe Sandoval of Queens who won $10,000 on the Win 4 drawing of Oct. 25. Sandoval’s winning ticket was purchased at the Metro Mini Market at 54-01 Metropolitan Ave. in Ridgewood. Marilyn Ghiotti of Flushing who won $10,000 on the Powerball drawing of Oct.30. Ghiotti’s winning ticket was purchased at the Lucky 21 Convenience at 192-21 Union Tpke. in Flushing. Carol Carson of East Elmhurst who won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing of Oct. 29. Carson’s winning ticket was purchased at the 7-Eleven at 246-15 Northern Blvd. in Little Neck. Daniel Sepi of Sunnyside who won $10,002 on the Mega Millions drawing of Oct. 29. Sepi’s winning ticket was purchased at the Wendy Stewart at Newsstand/ Front Of 396 6th Ave. in New York. Ruidong Xu of Rego Park who won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing of Oct. 15. Xu’s winning ticket was purchased at the Zuni Trading at 93-23 63rd Drive in Rego Park. Frankie Tarpley of Jamaica who won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing of Nov. 2. Tarpley’s winning ticket was purchased at the Krishna News at 105-13 Cross Bay Blvd. in Ozone Park. Myo Wai of Woodside who won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing of Nov. 2. Wai’s winning ticket was purchased at the Global Mart at 77-16 Woodside Ave. in Elmhurst. Jaime Gonzalez of Bayside who won $250,002 on the Mega Millions drawing of Nov. 2. Gonzalez’s winning ticket was purchased at the Jackson Heights Stationery at 75-23 31st Ave. in Jackson Heights. Mu Han of Bayside who won $10,003 on the Powerball drawing of Oct. 2. Han’s winning ticket was purchased at the W Sweet Aliza at 73-24 Bell Blvd. in Bayside. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Wei Huang, son of Cai Qiono of Flushing, and Hong Sheng Huang, of Flushing, alongside ap-
proximately 1, 200 fellow Sailors and Marines assigned to amphibious transport dock ship USS Dubuque (LPD-8) homeported in Naval Base San Diego, Calif. recently reached the mid-way point of their deployment in support of anti-piracy in the Pacific region. Dubuque is attached to Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (PEL ARG) which consist of, amphibious assault ship USS Peliliu (LHA 5), amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15 MEU) and various different squadrons and assault craft units. Dubuque has assisted in many different missions since deploying earlier this year, to include relief efforts in Pakistan after flooding by providing supplies by means of helicopter support, anti-piracy operations and exercises in both the Fifth and Seventh Fleet countries. Huang joined the Navy in June 2006. New York State Assemblywoman Ann Margaret Carrozza, New York State Assemblymember Rory Lancman, City C o u n c i l m e m b e r Dan Halloran , C i t y Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer, Queens Library CEO Thomas W. Galante and members of the community celebrated the re-opening of Queens Library at Auburndale today. The library reopened to the public recently following a full interior makeover. In keeping with Queens Library’s mission to provide the highest quality educational services to its customers, the newly upgraded facility now includes a teen area and new furnishings for the adult and children’s areas, new lighting and carpeting, and all new laptop counters. Additional technology upgrades are forthcoming. They include the installation of fast RFID technology for self check-in and self check-out of library materials. These new customer service upgrades will help reduce wait times for customers, as well free up library staff to assist more customers. The total investment in Queens Library at Auburndale was $680,000. Thanks to the generous support of Carrozza and the entire Queens Delegation to the State Assembly as well as to City Councilman Dan Halloran and the Queens delegation to the New York City Council, Mayor Michael Bloomberg for the upcoming improvements, the patrons of Queens Library at Auburndale now have a fantastic new facility, fully equipped to meet the community’s growing needs.
Send your people news to: Queens Focus, Queens Tribune 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357
Maspeth Federal Savings officials join students and staff at both schools to celebrate the donations.
Boro School Is One Of Nation’s Best By DOMENICK RAFTER Nestled in between the chaos of the Belt Parkway and the teeming vastness of JFK Airpor t, one public school sits mostly isolated from the neighborhood it serves. PS 124, the Osmond Church School, on 150th Avenue in South Ozone Park, is easily seen from cars going by on the Belt, or from planes landing at JFK, but inside the walls of this strangely-placed school is a unique way of learning that observers say will place its students ahead of many of their peers. The uniqueness of the school is profiled in the book "On Purpose: How Great School Cultures Form Strong Character" by Samuel Casey Car ter, the aut hor of the 2000 book "No Excuses: Lessons from 21 High-Performing, High-Pover ty Schools." PS 124 is one of 12 schools nationwide profiled by Carter for what he sees as a successful alternative way of learning. "This book is meant to remind people across the country what a great school looks like," the author said. Carter said he looked at more than 3,500 schools nationwide and funneled the list down to a few dozen. He visited 39 schools before narrowing the list to the 12 from very different par ts of the countr y. "These schools are as a geographically, demographically, programmatically diverse as any 12 schools in America," Car ter explained. PS 124 was one of them. There, Car ter learned about the school's "Core Vir tues" program, which engages the kids on a personal level. "He was taken aback," said PS 124 Principal Valerie Lewis. "He became encha nted by the school."
The "Core Vir tues" program at PS 124, spearheaded by Lewis more than a decade ago, focuses on the strengths and interests of the individual students. There are no textbooks at the school; studies focus on ar t, social studies and sciences; and the students are taught to respect and revere different cultures. The focus is on individual student happiness, which takes precedence over testing. In doing that, teachers give each student special attention, examining his or her strengths and weaknesses and use them to create a learning environment. The school has more than 1,200 students, much more than it was built to handle; 94 percent of students are from what are deemed "low income" households, 8 percent reside in foster homes, and another 8 percent live in homeless shelters. The school is almost equally split between Asian (mostly from the
Indian subcontinent), Hispanic and black answer is any thing other than 'It's a place students, with a handful of white students as for children to see who they are and make well. It also has a significant special needs them happy,' you end up with results you don't want" population. Those results, he said, "A lot of schools can't are going to be imporhandle this type of diver- "All of the children in for the next generasit y," Carter said. America are now going tant tion of Americans, who But PS 124 can, and will now have to compete does. Lewis said despite the to be competing for in a different world. stigma of schools with low- jobs on a global scale. "All of the children in income students leading to PS 124 is a perfect America are now going to students who do not learn, be competing for jobs on many students who gradu- example of a global a global scale," Car ter ate from her school go on community." to finish high school with — Casey Carter, Author said. "PS 124 is a per fect example of a global comexcellent grades. Some munity." have even finished high Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at school in two years. "I think this really answers the question drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357'What is a school for?'" Carter said. "If the 7400, Ext. 125.
Off-Duty Cop Arrested In Shooting By DOMENICK RAFTER A veteran New York Cit y Police Department detective w ill stand trial next year, accused of shooting an unarmed man during a confrontation in South Jamaica last month. Leopold McLean, 46, who has been a member of t he NYPD for 17 year s, was arraigned on Monday in Queens Criminal Cour t and charged with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree criminal use of a firearm, first- and second-degree assault and first-degree reckless endangerment. According to the charges, McLean approached Lepaul Gammons, 39, in the vicinity of 119th Road and 153rd Street near
Baisley Pond Park at approximately 12:40 a.m. on Nov. 15 and demanded Gammons explain why he was at the home of a woman who is known to both men. McLean then allegedly pointed a large black handgun at Gammons, who asked if McLean was going to shoot him. McLean allegedly said that he "had something" for Gammons, and lowered the black handgun and reached down toward his ankle. As Gammons ran from the location, he heard gunshots coming from where McLean had been standing; as he ran down 119th Road toward Sutphin Boulevard, he sustained a gunshot that entered and exited his
rear end. The incident only ended only after Gammons climbed over a fence and hid behind a residence. Gammons was subsequently taken to Jamaica Hospital for treatment. A bullet was recovered from the fence post located at 11926 153rd St. A ballistics test determined the bullet came from a gun registered to McLean. McLean was ordered held on $25,000 bond or $10,000 cash bail and to return to court on Jan. 5. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 2-8, 2010 Tribune Page 15
Compiled by DOMENICK RAFTER
Page 16 Tribune Dec. 2-8, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com
105th Precinct TWO MEN SHOT: On Monday, Nov. 29, at approximately 3:58 p.m., police responded to a 911 call reporting a man shot at 144-35 224th St. in Springfield Gardens. Upon arrival police determined that two individuals were shot at the location. Both victims were taken to Jamaica Hospital, where the first, a 30year-old black man, shot multiple times in the torso, was pronounced The NYPD is looking for these men who robbed dead on arrival. The second, a 28- the New Happy Deli Grocery. year-old black man, was shot in the chest and taken to Jamaica Hospital where he which took place Saturday, Nov. 20, at approximately 10:22 p.m. inside of the New was listed in critical condition. Happy Deli Grocery, 32-02 36th Ave. in Astoria. The four suspects entered the location and 106th Precinct DRAG RACE DEATH: On Monday, Nov. got into a dispute with a worker about pur29, at approximately 10:16 a.m., on North chasing beer. The first suspect then pulled a Conduit Avenue between 78th and 79th Streets knife, went behind the counter and removed in Ozone Park, a black 2003 Nissan Maxima money from the register. All four fled on foot. The first suspect is described as a white traveling westbound on North Conduit collided with a light pole and turned upside down. man, around 18, 5-foot-8, last seen wearing One occupant, Geraud Gray, 24, of 286 black jeans, a black sweatshirt and mustard E. 55th St., Brooklyn, was pronounced dead yellow sneakers. The second suspect is described as white at the scene by EMS. An 18-year-old occupant was transported to Brookdale Hospital man, around 18, 5-foot-8, last seen wearing in stable condition. There were no other a Yankees hat (with sticker on the brim) blue jeans, a grey hooded sweatshirt and white injuries. The investigation was ongoing. sneakers with red tips. The third suspect is described as white 112th Precinct STRUCK TWICE: On Saturday, Nov. 27, man, 18, 5-foot-10, last seen wearing a black at approximately 10:30 p.m., police responded baseball hat with the letter A on the front to a 911 call of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle (sticker on the brim), a black hooded jacket, at 63rd Road and 108th Street in Forest Hills. blue jeans and black sneakers. The fourth suspect is described as white Upon arrival, police determined that a 31year-old man was crossing the street at the man, 18, 5-foot-9, last seen wearing a black intersection and was struck by a 2010 Nissan hat (sticker on the brim), a black hooded Rogue traveling southbound on 108th Street, jacket, blue jeans and black sneakers Anyone with information is asked to call which did not remain at the scene. A 1998 Nissan Maxima, traveling northbound on Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The 108th Street, then struck the victim. That public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers Web site at vehicle did remain at the scene. EMS responded and transported the vic- nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips tim to New York Hospital Queens where he to CRIMES (274637), then entering TIP577. was listed in critical condition. During the 115th Precinct course of the investigation, the operator of DOUBLE STABBING: On Sunday, Nov. the first vehicle, Avraham Mullokandov, 17, of 61-35 98th St., was subsequently arrested 28, at approximately 5 a.m., police responded and charged with vehicular assault, leaving to a 911 call of two people stabbed at 98th the scene of an accident and a license restric- Street and 37th Avenue in Corona. When tion violation. There were no charges against police arrived, they discovered two Hispanic males with multiple stab wounds. the operator of the second vehicle. EMS responded and transported both victims to Elmhurst Hospital where one was pronounced 114th Precinct ROBBERY SUSPECTS SOUGHT: The dead on arrival. There were no arrests at this time. NYPD is seeking the public's assistance in The investigation was ongoing. Identification of identifying four men wanted for a robbery, the deceased is pending family notification.
An Explosion of Feeling!! Diallo - Bell - W. Virginia mine disaster Tribute to Gil Noble - The forgotten Heroine Romantic Interludes - much, much more
Your holiday gifting solved!
Definitely Not Your Father’s
POETRY S.O. Beckles, Jr.
A Projected NY Metro Area Bestseller Available at Amazon.com - Barnes & Noble In Hardcover, $19.95+ $5.00 S&H or for special gift discounts call 718-658-7195 now! Take $5 off each order of 3 or more copies. Send check or m/o to Shogun Book & Fun Distrs. Rochdale Station, Box 340302, Jamaica, NY 11434 Allow 10 Days for Delivery
Business, Banking & Real Estate
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Celebrating 30 Years Independent dependence was developed as a model to allow disabled individuals with the ability to choose their own care givers and personally dictate their own home care services. Referred to as the Consumer Directed Personnel Assistance Program (CDPAP), clients hire their own personal assistants after conducting their own interviews, allowing them to personally select an assistant that best fits their needs.
Yves Dupiton is a personal assistant with Concepts of Independence and spent 10 years with one of her clients. As a result, she was taken in as one of the family. "When you spend so many years with [a client], you build a family relationship. All their family knows you," Dupiton said. Dupiton has been serving clients for more than 25 years. Over that period of time, she has learned to believe in the
importance of independence and the major role it plays in allowing individuals with disabilities to live their own lives. She no longer sees her position as an occupation and enjoys helping. "You're working, but at the same time you're doing a good thing," she said. Reach Intern Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128.
New To The Neighborhood: Apple-Metro, the New York Metro Area Applebee’s franchisee, opened its 33rd Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar location on Monday, Nov. 22, on Jamaica Avenue and 161st Street. This Applebee’s is the third of four set to open locally in 2010, as the franchisee recently opened a location in Yonkers on Executive Boulevard and plans to open an additional location at Sky View Center in Flushing Queens by mid December. The Jamaica YMCA received $10,000 on Applebee’s opening day, representing 100 percent of the proceeds from the VIP Grand Opening Party, which took place Nov. 20. The restaurant’s regular business hours will be Sunday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to midnight.
Photo by Ira Cohen
By JASON BANREY For three decades, Concepts of Independence has made its mission to administer and advocate for the independence of the chronically ill or physically disabled individuals in the New York City area. Celebrating 30 years of independence, the non-profit organization held a gala at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows on Nov. 15 to honor all the clients and personal assistants who have been with them since the beginning. One of the non-profit organization's most loyal clients is Theresa Parker of Howard Beach. Parker suffers from cerebral palsy, but has never let it hold her back. The 72-year-old was amazed when she found out she was receiving an award. "I never thought I'd receive an award like this. I can't believe it. I'm extremely happy," she said. As a client of Concepts of Independence, Parker has taken advantage of their services for the last 30 years. She acknowledges the independence that was given back to her after being diagnosed with her disability. "I love the feeling that I can hire who I want and get the exact service I need; I've been able to live a normal life and that's the concept," Parker said. Pioneered by a group of individuals with severe disabilities in 1973, Concepts of In-
*
Earn an Associate Degree in COURT REPORTING! • Job Placement Assistance • Accredited by ACCSC
Approved by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA)
516
CLASSES START JANUARY 10TH!
561-0050
134 South Central Avenue • Valley Stream, NY
www.thecollegeforbusiness.com (Ideally located for Nassau/Queens residents – near the Green Acres Mall) *AOS
©2010 New York Community Bank. Member FDIC
www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 2-8, 2010 Tribune Page 17
• Financial Aid, if you qualify • Court Reporters Can Choose to Work F/T or P/T • Small Classes “Court Reporters…earn an average • Internship Included of more than $60,000 a year”, according to the NCRA website.
By SASHA AUSTRIE For 10 years, Nur Ul Islam has been operating behind the scenes. “It really started as a magazine, as literature to educate and update about what’s going on in the community,” said the magazine’s president Ahmid Hamid. Though the magazine was making its way to its audience, it lacked the desired effect. Two years ago, members of Nur Ul Islam decided to branch out. Hamid said Nur Ul Islam has a broad purpose unlike many Muslim organizations that are concerned mainly with general religious issues. “They confine their activities to the Muslim communities,” he said. “They are highly limited.” Hamid said Nur Ul Islam is extending its reach by delving into issues that stretch beyond religion. “Right now, we are concerned with social services,” he said. Hamid said the organization advises on education, health care, women’s issues, youth leadership, political involvement and assimilation to American culture. To espouse Nur Ul Islam’s message, he hosts a radio program on WEE Radio 87.7 FM from 7-8 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. On the radio broadcasts, Hamid discusses the mounting pressure students face to succeed in the educational system. He said the stress is driven by the structure, along with peers and teachers. Hamid is in the process of organizing SAT prep classes at a discounted rate. To touch on the medical needs of the community, the organization is host-
Photo by Sasha Austrie
Biz, Banking & Real Estate Page 18 Tribune Dec. 2-8, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com
Extending Reach Far Beyond Islam
Mohamed Hack and Ahmid Hamid’s Nur Ul Islam reaches beyond the bounds of Muslim teachings in the hopes of reaching a broader community. ing a health care outreach event from 2-6 p.m. on Nov. 28, at the Al Ihsan Academy, located at 130-08 Rockaway Blvd. On his radio broadcast, which has a wide audience, he also discuses the importance of women in Islam. Hamid said contrary to popular belief, Islam dictates that women are treated as equals. Muslim society has categorized women as second class citizens, he said, but Islamic teachings hail women as tantamount to men. Hamid said currently Muslim women do not have the same free-
doms as their male counterparts. “There is no opportunity for women to be in the forefront,” he said. “We are concentrating on women. We are going to take care of our women.” He also addresses youth leadership, saying elders are entrenched in their post at times and refuse to relinquish power to spur the new generation. “The cliché that youth are the leaders of tomorrow is true,” he said. “What are we doing to push them in the forefront? We need educated people to run our affairs and that can be found
with the youth.” Where politics is concerned, Hamid said people need to attach themselves to a politician “because you need their influence in certain areas.” The organization has even taken to feeding the hungry in its community. Hamid said 152 food hampers were distributed to participating masjids in Queens. The organization wants to further its reach into the community. Hamid said every year Muslims send thousands of dollars to their native land, but what of the Muslims here who are struggling? “The money could be used here,” he said. “Why are you taking money away from Muslims in New York?” He said the organization is looking to create a trust fund to help the poor and needy. “Charity begins at home,” he said. Though Hamid concedes that Nur Ul Islam footprints are most noticeable in the Islamic community, its purpose is to reach beyond the parameters of religion and be all inclusive. To that end, all are welcome to the organization’s events, such as an Evening of Islamic Songs on Dec. 4 and a sporting event on Dec. 18. For information regarding upcoming events or Nur Ul Islam, call (646) 807-2359 or visit nur-ul-islam.org. “Part of our reaching out is interacting with everyone,” said Mohamed Hack, a member of Nur Ul Islam. Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenstribune.com, or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.
Panels Of Hope:
By JESSICA ABLAMSKY It was the eve of World AIDS Day when organizer John Carlson made a surprise announcement. “As a person living with HIV, I take heart that I am not just a statistic,” he said, telling people for the first time of his condition. “Since my diagnosis, I often find myself in a dark and lonely place. Since this project began, I find myself there much less.” The camaraderie among activists and volunteers was palpable at the VIP presentation of the AIDS Memorial Quilt at Queens College. The moving revelation prompted spontaneous hugs, tears and words of encouragement, to Carlson’s relief. “You’re so brave,” was heard more than once. The revelation was a risk he had to take. A reservations manager at the student union, Carlson was asked by students to help bring The Quilt to Queens College without them realizing his status. Although he is very open with friends and family, that he is HIV positive was known to few on campus. “To share my personal story here at Queens College is very liberating,” he said. “It makes me feel more connected to the community.”
Celebration Of Hope
Page 20 Tribune Dec. 2-8, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com
The love and acceptance Carlson found should not be surprising. After all, that is what the event was about. More than a solemn remembrance, The Quilt is a celebration of life. Started in 1987 by long-time San Francisco gay rights activist Cleve Jones, today The Quilt is more than 44,000 panels strong, sewn together by friends, family and lovers in memory of those who have died of AIDS. In honor of World AIDS Day, Queens College hosted the largest display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt in the Northeast, the result of more than six months of work by a dedicated group of students, and college staff. It was sponsored by a hodgepodge of student groups, including the Catholic Newman Center at Queens College, Hillel at Queens College and the Gay
Tribune Photos by Jessica Ablamsky
Queens College Honors AIDS Day With Memorial Quilt Presentation
Most of the room on the fourth floor of the Student Union Building at Queens College was draped in The Quilt, which documents more than 92,000 people who have lost their lives to AIDS. Lesbian and Straight Alliance at Queens College.
A Symbol Of Remembrance “I could have been on one of those panels,” said Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside), one of numerous speakers at the VIP presentation. Although the panels represent lives cut short, Van Bramer explained that he gets a lot of joy from looking at them. “These are really fun panels, and it reminds us that these were really fun people,” he said. “I think it is really important for people to see these panels. A number can only tell so much of the story.” The Quilt filled the fourth-floor ballroom of the Student Union from floor to ceiling, in a display that inspired a feeling of reverence. Without being asked, viewers brought their voices down to a whisper. The churchlike atmosphere was a jarring contrast against The Quilt’s bright colors, and the ballroom’s ultra-modern lighting. Against those colors, it was hard to remember the scope of the tragedy rep-
Greek Orthodox Priest Anthony Gavalos and his family look at the panel he presented to be added to The Quilt on the eve of World AIDS Day.
A student pauses to reflect as she scans the names and faces on the AIDS Memorial Quilt.
resented – 92,000 lives lost to AIDS. With The Quilt as a background, Anthony Gavalos, Greek Orthodox priest, presented a panel in memory of his friend, known throughout the Orthodox world as “My John.” “Such was his empathy for all of mankind that I was very proud to call him my friend,” Gavalos said. “As I present this quilt, it does not have very much of the beauty you see here. But what it does have is our hearts.”
An Important Reminder For veteran organizer James Robinson, it was his second time bringing The Quilt to Queens College. “I felt it was very important for the next generation to see the AIDS Memorial Quilt for a couple of reasons,” he said. “Young people have become promiscuous again, and they are not practicing safe sex.” As Robinson pointed out, New York City is still the U.S. epicenter of AIDS. More than 100,000 New Yorkers are infected with HIV, and the AIDS case rate is nearly three times the national average, according to the City Dept. of Health. HIV is the third leading cause of death for City residents ages 35-54. “If we can make one young person
Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer examinesThe Quilt and reflects on the memories of the people he knew who lost their lives to AIDS. think about their choices, then we have probably saved their life,” Robinson said. “That is why we are doing this.” Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at jablamsky@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 124.
The mood was somber and quiet as these members of Queens College’s Hilel group scanned The Quilt.
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
SUMMONS AND NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX NO. 30592/09 NYCTL 2008A TRUST, AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN FOR THE NYCTL 2008A TRUST, Plaintiffs –againstHAROLD M. WEINBERG AND “JOHN DOE No. 1” through “JOHN DOE No. 100” inclusive, the names of the last 100 defendants being fictitious, the true names of said defendants being unknown to plaintiff, it being intended to designate fee owners, tenants or occupants of the liened premises and/ or persons or parties having or claiming an interest in or a lien upon the liened premises, if the aforesaid individual defendants are living, and if any or all of said individual defendants be dead, 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. ADDRESS: Vacant Land, 171st Street, Jamaica Estates, New York BLOCK: 9826 LOT: 63 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFEN-
DANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action within twenty days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service or within thirty days after service is completed if the summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHTTHE 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 15 th day of July, 2008 and bearing County Register File Number 2008000280711 covering premises described as follows: ADDRESS: Vacant Land, 171st Street, Jamaica Estates, New York BLOCK: 9826 LOT: 63 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. WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE
USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Dated: November 22, 2010 New York, New York WINDELS MARX LANE & MITTENDORF LLP MICHAEL H. RESNIKOFF, ESQ. ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS 156 W E S T 5 6 TH S T R E E T N E W YORK, NEW YORK 10019 PHONE: (212) 237-1102 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Court dated SEPTEMBER 27, 2010 and filed along with the supporting papers in the QUEENS County Clerk’s Office. This is an action to foreclose a tax lien. SCHEDULE A – DESCRIPTION ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land with the building and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Queens, City and State of New York, designated on the Tax Map of the City of New York for the Borough of Queens as Section 43, Block 9826, Lot 63. _______________________________________________________________ File No.: 2009-2810/A CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK BY THE GRACE OF GOD, FREE AND INDEPENDENT To: Sonia Davies, Kilnyo Kim, Attorney General of the State of New York The unknown distributees, legatees, devisees, heirs at law and assignees of JOHN MICHAEL DAVIES, deceased, or their estates, if any there be, whose names, places of residence
and post office addresses are unknown to the petitioner and cannot with due diligence be ascertained. Being the persons interested as creditors, legatees, distributees or otherwise in the Estate of JOHN MICHAEL DAVIES, deceased, who at the time of death was a resident of 35-30 73rd Street, Jackson Heights, in the County of Queens, State of New York. SEND GREETING: Upon the petition of LOIS M. ROSENBLATT, Public Administrator of Queens County, who maintains her office at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, Queens County, New York 11435, as Administrator of the Estate of JOHN MICHAEL DAVIES, deceased, you and each of you are hereby cited to show cause before the Surrogate at the Surrogate’s Court of the County of Queens, to be held at the Queens General Courthouse, 6 th Floor, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, City and State of New York, on the 13th day of January, 2011 at 9:30 o’clock in the forenoon, why the Account of Proceedings of the Public Administrator of Queens County, as Administrator of the Estate of said deceased, a copy of which is attached, should not be judicially settled, and why the Surrogate should not fix and allow a reasonable amount of compensation to GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ., for legal services rendered to peti-
tioner herein in the amount of $8,278.40 and that the Court fix the fair and reasonable additional fee for any services to be rendered by GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ., hereafter in connection with proceedings on kinship, claims etc., prior to entry of a final Decree on this accounting in the amount of 6% of assets or income collected after the date of the within accounting; and why the Surrogate should not fix and allow an amount equal to one percent on said Schedules of the total assets on Schedules A, A1, and A2 plus any additional monies received subsequent to the date of this account, as the fair and reasonable amount payable to the Office of the Public Administrator for the expenses of said office pursuant to S.C.P.A. §1106(4); and why the claim from Kilnyo Kim in the amount of $27,000.00 should not be paid and should she fail to appear to collect said funds, said funds should be deposited with the Commissioner of Finance on her behalf; and
why each of you claiming to be a distributee of the decedent should not establish proof of your kinship; and why the balance of said funds should not be paid to said alleged distributees upon proof of kinship, or deposited with the Commissioner of Finance of the City of New York should said alleged distributees default herein, or fail to establish proof of kinship, Dated, Attested and Sealed 16th day of November, 2010 HON. ROBERT L. NAHMAN Surrogate, Queens County Margaret M. Gribbon Clerk of the Surrogate’s Court GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ. (718) 4599000 95-25 Queens Boulevard 11 th Floor Rego Park, New York 11374 This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not obliged to appear in person. If you fail to appear it will be assumed that you do not object to the relief requested unless you file formal legal, verified objections. You have a right to have an attorney-atlaw appear for you. Accounting Citation
To Place Your Legal Advertisement, E-Mail Your Legal Copy to legals@queenstribune.com
www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 2-8, 2010 Tribune Page 21
THERE’S A QUEENS LIBRARY LOCATED NEAR YOU ADDRESS 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica 11432 312 Beach 54 Street, Arverne 11692 14-01 Astoria Boulevard, Astoria 11102 25-55 Francis Lewis Boulevard, Flushing 11358 117-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica 11436 18-36 Bell Boulevard, Bayside 11360 214-20 Northern Boulevard, Bayside 11361 250-06 Hillside Avenue, Bellerose 11426 85-12 Main Street, Briarwood 11435 16-26 Cross Bay Boulevard, Broad Channel 11693 40-20 Broadway, Long Island City 11103 218-13 Linden Boulevard, Cambria Heights 11411 38-23 104 Street, Corona 11368 25-01 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City 11101 249-01 Northern Boulevard, Little Neck 11363 95-06 Astoria Boulevard, East Elmhurst 11369 196-36 Northern Boulevard, Flushing 11358 86-01 Broadway, Elmhurst 11373 1637 Central Avenue, Far Rockaway 11691 41-17 Main Street, Flushing 11355 108-19 71 Avenue, Forest Hills 11375 193-20 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows 11365 256-04 Union Turnpike, Glen Oaks 11004 78-60 73 Place, Glendale 11385 187-05 Union Turnpike, Flushing 11366 202-05 Hillside Avenue, Hollis 11423 92-06 156 Avenue, Howard Beach 11414 35-51 81 Street, Jackson Heights 11372 72-33 Vleigh Place, Flushing 11367 100-01 Northern Boulevard, Corona 11368 134-26 225 Street, Laurelton 11413 103-34 Lefferts Boulevard, Richmond Hill 11419 98-30 57th Avenue, Corona 11368 37-44 21 Street, Long Island City 11101 69-70 Grand Avenue, Maspeth 11378 155-06 Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing 11354 - off Northern Blvd. 72-31 Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village 11379 29-42 Union Street, Flushing 11354 98-27 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills 11375 57-04 Marathon Parkway, Little Neck 11362 92-24 Rockaway Boulevard, Ozone Park 11417 92-25 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Rockaway Beach 11693 158-21 Jewel Avenue, Flushing 11365 121-23 14 Avenue, College Point 11356 94-11 217 Street, Queens Village 11428 60-05 Main Street, Flushing 11355 91-41 63 Drive, Rego Park 11374 118-14 Hillside Avenue, Richmond Hill 11418 20-12 Madison Street, Ridgewood 11385 169-09 137 Avenue, Jamaica 11434 144-20 243 Street, Rosedale 11422 191-05 Linden Boulevard, St. Albans 11412 116-15 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Rockaway Park 11694 204-01 Hollis Avenue, South Hollis 11412 108-41 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard, Jamaica 11433 128-16 Rockaway Boulevard, South Ozone Park 11420 21-45 31 Street, Astoria 11105 43-06 Greenpoint Avenue, Long Island City 11104 151-10 14 Road, Whitestone 11357 79-50 Bell Boulevard, Bayside 11364 85-41 Forest Parkway, Woodhaven 11421 54-22 Skillman Avenue, Woodside 11377
* Transportation routes subject to change without notice
Mobility Accessible
PHONE (718) *PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION = subway = bus 990-0700 F Across from the Jamaica bus terminal 634-4784 A Q22 278-2220 N, Q Q18, Q19, Q69, Q102, Q103 352-2027 Q16, Q76, Q31 529-1590 Q6 Alternates: Q40, Q7 423-7004 Q13, Q28 229-1834 Q12, Q13, Q31, LIRR 831-8644 Q43 658-1680 F Q20A, Q20B, Q44, Q60 318-4943 A Q21, Q53 721-2462 M, R Q101, Q104 528-3535 Q4, Q27, Q77 426-2844 7 Q23, Q48 937-2790 E, M, 7 B61, Q39, Q69 225-8414 LIRR Q12, N20/21 424-2619 Q19, Q49, Q72 357-6643 Q12, Q13, Q76 271-1020 M, R Q29, Q53, Q58, Q59, Q60 327-2549 A N31, N32, N33, Q22, Q113 661-1200 7, LIRR Q12, Q17, Q19, Q25, Q27, Q34, Q44, Q66, QBx1 268-7934 E, F, M, R Q23, Q60, Q64 454-7272 Q17, Q30, Q88 831-8636 Q46 821-4980 Q55 454-2786 Q17, Q46 465-7355 Q1, Q36, Q43, Q77 641-7086 Q11, Q21, Q41, Q53 899-2500 7 Q19, Q32, Q33, Q66 261-6654 Q20A, Q20B, Q44, Q64 651-1100 7 Q23, Q66, Q72 528-2822 Q5 843-5950 A Q8, Q10, Q112 592-7677 M, R Q38, Q72, Q88, QM10, QM11 752-3700 F Q66, Q69, Q101, Q102, Q103 639-5228 Q18, Q58, Q59, Q67 461-1616 Q13, Q28 326-1390 M Q29, Q38, Q54 539-2330 Q16, Q20A/Q20B, Q44 261-5512 Q23, Q54 225-3550 Q30 845-3127 A Q7, Q8, Q11, Q41, Q53, Q112 634-1110 A Shuttle Q21, Q22, Q53 591-4343 Q25, Q64, Q65 359-1102 Q20A, Q20B, Q25, Q65 776-6800 Q1, Q27, Q36, Q88, LIRR 359-8332 Q20A, Q20B, Q44, Q74, Q88 459-5140 M, R Q11, Q38, Q53, Q60, Q72 849-7150 J, Z Q10, Q55, Q56 821-4770 M B13, B20, Q39, Q58 723-4440 Q3, Q85, Q111, Q113 528-8490 Q85, Q111 528-8196 Q3, Q4 634-1876 A, S Q21, Q22, Q35, Q53 465-6779 Q2, Q77 739-4088 Q111, Q113 529-1660 Q7, Q9, Q10 728-1965 N, Q Q19, M60, Q69, Q101 784-3033 7 B24, Q32, Q39, Q60 767-8010 Q15A, Q76 468-8300 Q46 849-1010 J Q56 429-4700 7 Q18, Q32, Q60
Partially Mobility Accessible
Free Wireless Internet Access
1472trib-8/10
www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 2-8, 2010 Tribune Page 23
LIBRARY Central Library Arverne Astoria Auburndale Baisley Park Bay Terrace Bayside Bellerose Briarwood Broad Channel Broadway Cambria Heights Corona Court Square Douglaston/Little Neck East Elmhurst East Flushing Elmhurst Far Rockaway Flushing Forest Hills Fresh Meadows Glen Oaks Glendale Hillcrest Hollis Howard Beach Jackson Heights Kew Gardens Hills Langston Hughes Laurelton Lefferts Lefrak City Long Island City Maspeth McGoldrick Middle Village Mitchell-Linden North Forest Park North Hills Ozone Park Peninsula Pomonok Poppenhusen Queens Village Queensboro Hill Rego Park Richmond Hill Ridgewood Rochdale Village Rosedale St. Albans Seaside South Hollis South Jamaica South Ozone Park Steinway Sunnyside Whitestone Windsor Park Woodhaven Woodside
Leisure
Ax-Man Shreds His Way To The Top of the competition. He said he tells himself to “just keep doing fine, get bet ter and always tr y to be the best. “I feel more confident with the suppor t. If it wasn’t for ever yone pushing me and helping me out, I would feel very lost,” he added. “If it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t be able to play guitar let alone play at all; and if it wasn’t for my sister’s fiancé, I wouldn’t even have the guitar.” Currently, Vergara is invested in winning the competition. “I want to try to w in the contest, make a Vic tor Vergara, 19, of Elmhurst, is the Queens name for myself, keep going. You champion of Sam Ash’s, “Shred Steve Vai” con- never know what can happen in the test. future,” he said. And how many hours a day does he pracplayer. Steve Vai was always a great i nfluence on me, and he is well known as one of tice? “24/7,” he says with a laugh. “No, just the best guitar players in the world. In my kidding, my parents would kill me. I do it opinion, you just have to listen to him play for maybe three to fours hours a day.” and you get sucked in to the music. God bless Randy Rhoads.” Was it hard for Vergara to initially learn how to play? “Ye s it was, actually! It was a great challenge and a lot of fun. Even though it’s really hard, I always enjoy doing it.” He credits his success to his friends and family. “Every t ime I play, my inspiration is By ANGY ALTAMIRANO my family, my father, my older sister. I have Ever y star begins some where, and for a great suppor t system at home and good friends. They are the reason why I play and many African American performers, a blast why I am the great guitar player I am now.” of good luck that launched their careers came After completing the store finals and be- from a theatre that through 40 years has c o m i n g t h e s t o r e b o r o u g h c h a m p i o n , flourished in cultivat ing the ar t of the perVergara is off to compete for regionals and forming. The Black Spectrum Theatre in Jamaica then – he hopes – nationals as the final level started in 1970 in the basement of Carl Clay, executive producer of the theatre, when he was just a teenager. It began with the inspiration of a group of highly motivated young people who wanted to say what was going on in the late 1960s, especially concerning erous amount of lemon I squeezed all over Captain Luna’s Seafood Bar African Americans in the United States. the clams. The stuffing wasn’t packed into 158-35 Cross Bay Blvd., Howard The theatre began as a summer workshop a giant chunk, and held its shape as I pulled Beach program and moved around through the away with the fork. No danger of having (718) 659-0935 years. For 10 years, it was located in a conthe stuffing fall out all over my plate, leavcaptainlunasmar ina.com ver ted drugstore on Linden Boulevard in HOURS: 4 pm to 2 am Mon-Fr i; 3 pm ing me to feel like a buffoon. I appreciate Jamaica, and since 1986 has been in its curto 2 am Sat; 1 pm to 2 am Sun; Kitchen food that doesn’t embarrass me. rent location in Roy Wilkins Park on Merrick Next was “Crabmeat Chunks-a-Luna,” closes at midnight Boulevard in Jamaica. It grew from a small a palate-refreshing serving of cold crab meat CUISINE: Seafood theatre group to a community based theatre served with your choice of but ter garlic or CREDIT CARDS: All Major institution. cocktail sauce. The meat was chilled, but PA RKING: Lot The theatre set and most of the second the flavor remained true, and the chunks DELIV ERY: No floor, where the theatre is located, was redetender enough to slip off my fork. signed when the Black Spectrum Theatre Captain Luna’s also offers a range of A gazebo-like bar is lined with football came to the facility. The theatre now holds paraphernalia; an adjacent patio has tables; shrimp, crab, lobster and fish dishes. And 325 seats and produces and puts on theatre, music pumps while the briny comfor t food as you eat, one thing becomes clear: This films and videos that examine the issues confamily-owned and run spot knows of seafarers covers your plate; and cerning the African American community, its seafood. They have a marina the friendly staff is quick to learn mainly aimed toward youth. RESTAURANT and bait and tackle shop right your name. “Black Love” was the title of the theatre’s next door to prove it. No, this isn’t your average first production, and it provided the comShould you not be a fish gourNew York Cit y seafood spot. munity with food for thought. At the time mand, there’s a landlubber menu You’re more likely to find there were images on TV and the movies offering diner-style fare – clones of Captain Luna’s Seafood that por trayed African Americans in a negaburgers, wings, grilled cheese, Bar in Long Island’s seaside tive light. “The film took people from tears fries and mozzarella sticks. It’s the towns and lining the New Ento a smile,” Clay said. safe route in a seafood place, but gland coastline. But people there Clay, along with all those who are involved it’s also worthwhile. tend to be gracious nearly to the in the theatre, hold an optimistic look on It’s easy to be underwhelmed point of the absurd. the future, with a focus on aiding the comby the menu upon first glance. A Who wouldn’t want that? Sit munity that surrounds them. “We want to white-tablecloth joint, it is not. But that’s down, eat, and laugh. preserve the tradition of live theatre,” he The menu largely consists of quickly not the point. Spots like Captain Luna’s said. “It is unique to maintain and preserve made, hearty dishes you could find at most are treasured for their atmosphere. Loud live theatre a nd the h istor y and legacy of clam bars. Captain Luna’s differentiates it- but serene, throbbing with life but relaxAfrican American legacy,” said Clay. self with quality, freshness and atmosphere. ing. It’s the type of place where a family of The Black Spectrum now serves as a theWith a beer (though the bar has more to four can peacefully devour crabs at one table atre for productions; a children/youth instioffer), I dove into the “Clamsalicious,” a as bikers and leather-skinned fishermen tute; works with four public schools in New textbook preparation of stuffed clams, down beers at the bar. York; and has had 25 films, based on issues No, not ever y borough has the luxur y above average because of freshness and riaffecting urban teens, produced and distribdiculous port ions. The accompanying gar- of a joint like Captain Luna’s. uted in South America and Africa. Their — Joseph Orov ic lic-but ter sauce adequately tamed the genSummer Theatre Camp has been running
By TERRY CHAO Few people can claim to simply pick up a guitar and become one of the youngest contenders to beat in borough-wide regional contest. Yet Victor Vergara, a 19-year old college student from Elmhurst, can proudly own up to this lit tle-known fact. Since he picked up his sister’s neglected electric guitar some four years ago, he has gone on to make a name for himself by entering and winning Sam Ash’s “Shred Steve Vai” contest on a whim. “I had no idea about the contest until my friend Brian, who works at the [Sam Ash] store as a doorman texted me,” Vergara said. “He said there was a new contest going around and t hat I should try to sign up. At first I was a little scared because I knew there were a lot of good players in the Bay Area, but then I star ted to grow into the music and the guitar playing. “I star ted listeni ng to various t ype s of music at an early age with things like salsa. My dad used to be in a band and there was always a guitar around the house. My sister played a lit tle, but it wasn’t a serious thing,” he added. “One day I picked up her guitar, messed around w ith it a nd actually star ted to like it. The first two months was just a hobby for me, it looked cool and sounded cool. Then I saw people doing auditions who were from my old high school and I got really into the scene. I star ted taking it more seriously. I think I express myself a lot better through music and guitar.” Vergara has quite a few influence s and inspirations. “I love the music of B.B. King, John Mayer, Carlos Santana and ‘80s Slash Metal. Frank Zappa is an amazing guitar
Check Out The Captain
Theatre Thriving After Four Decades Of Shows for 15 years and takes in 7-12 year olds who are then trained in theatre arts and hold production performances at the end of the summer. The theatre puts on productions of new plays, African American classics such as “Raisin in the Sun” and some original company collaborative works. The theatre also has two mobile stages that get used throughout the tri-state area in parks and street fairs, providing outdoor shows free to the public. “When people can’t come to theatre, we bring the theatre to them,” Clay said. These mobile stages also help the per formers get a taste of a different audience, and encourages them to tr y to hold audiences, e specially in a free per formance. Clay won the 2003 Producer of the Year award at the National Black Theatre Festival, an event held in North Carolina every two years to honor African American performers from around the world. His first feature film, “Let’s Get Bizzee,” featured performer s like Doug E. Fre sh and Starletta DuPois, and was shot in Southeast Queens. The theatre has succeeded throughout the years w ith help from Bob Law, their Chairperson, and local politicians such as Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica), U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica) and many others. “They have been very supportive and we enjoy the good relationship with them,” Clay said. Many famous names have come in and out of the theatre, some as students and others as admirers of the product ions. Per formers like LL Cool J, Ella Joyce and Lisa Nicole Carson have been involved in the theatre. The theatre has also seen productions by screenwriters such as Lev y Lee Simon and Richard Wesley. The Black Spectrum theatre will hold its 40th Anniversar y on Dec. 11, with per formances, awards and recognitions of all those who have helped and been involved in the theatre throughout the years. The Black Spectrum theatre is located at 119-07 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica at Roy Wilkins Park. For more information and for f u t u re s h o w s o r p e r fo r ma n c e s , go t o blackspectrum.com. Reach Intern Angy Altamirano at aaltamirano@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128.
www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 2-8, 2010 Tribune Page 25
REVIEW
He is taking time off from school to care for his father, who is of ill health at the moment. Vergara is focused on his future too. “This is my life. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life,” he said. “My back up plan is to do teaching, make YouTube videos and become a studio engineer, a person that works with this and that. My main focus is to hopefully become a professional musician who gets to see the world. I want to show the world what I have to give, show people what I have and inspire people the way my idols have inspired me.” You can view Victor Vergara’s YouTube channel under the name “a7xfiends6661,” which is named after the band Avenged Sevenfold, which he says is “one of the reasons I play.” Re a c h I n t e r n Te r r y C h a o a t tchao@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL
Send typed announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 174-15 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina. IF YOUR ORGANIZATION MEETS ON A REGULAR BASIS, SEND ALL DATES FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR.
SINGLES SINGLES SOCIAL & DANCE Sunday, December 12 singles social and dance from 2-6. $10. Over 45. Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd., Rego Park. 459-1000.
TALKS WOLF OF KREMLIN Sunday, December 5 Michael Kahan speaks on “Lazar Kagonovich, “The Wolf of the Kremlin: The Jews and Stalin During WWII” at 1. Sunday, January 9 “Escaping From the DP Camps of Europe: The Bricha, The Secret Operation to Smuggle Jews Out of Europe at the End of WWII Into Israel” with Steve Berger, Holocaust survivor at 1. Kupferberg Holocaust Center and Archives at Queensborough Communit y College. $5 donation. 281-5770. TRAVEL & HEALTH Tuesday, December 7 Karl Neumann will speak on Travel and Health at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112 th Street at 8:30. Free. 261-2900.
Page 26 Tribune Dec. 2-8, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com
THEATER SHAKESPEARE Through December 10 “Words, Words, Words,” a collection of scenes and monologues from the Bard’s comedies will be presented at t Queensborough Commun i t y C o l l e ge . $ 1 0 , $ 5 s e niors, QCC facult y and students $3, Wednesday matinee $1. 631-6311. IRMA VEP Through December 12 the Greek Cultural Center presents the comedy “The Mystery of Irma Vep” in Astoria. $20 adults, $15 children and seniors. 726-7329. THE BIKINIS Through December 12 The Bikinis, a new musical beach part y, will be performed at Queens Theatre in the Park. 760-0064. I_NY Saturday, December 18 lives of immigrant NYers intersect at Queens Theatre in the Park at 8. Free tickets; reservations required. 7600064.
FLEA MARKETS WINTER SALE Saturday, December 4 from 10-2 at the Ladies Guild of Steinway Reformed Church, Ditmars Blvd. and 41st Street. CHRISTMAS FLEA Saturday, December 4 from 9:30-4:30 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 36-01 Bell Blvd., Bayside. HOLIDAY GIFT SALE Saturday, December 4 from
RELIGIOUS REFORM TEMPLE Friday, December 3 Chanukah dinner served at 6, followed by holiday service. $25 adults, $15 child ren 3-12. Register. Tuesday, December 7 Karl Neumann will speak on Travel and Health at 8:30. Free. Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112 th Street. 261-2900. BELLEROSE JC Saturday, December 4 Club Chanukah Cabaret at 7. $12 includes light refreshments. Advance registration needed. Saturday, December 11 Winter Celebration from 8-midnight. $22 includes DJ, light supper, door prizes. Reservations needed. Tuesdays at 7:30 “Journeys in Judaism.” Bellerose Jewish Center, 254-04 Union Turnpike, Floral Park. 343-9001. ST. THOMAS Sundays, December 5, 12, 1 9 S u n g Ve s p e r s d u r i n g Advent. St. Thomas the Apostle, 87-19 88 th Avenue, Woodhaven.
SENIORS STAY WELL Mondays at 10 at the Central library. Tuesdays at 2 at the Flushing library and Wednesdays at 10 at the East Elmhurst library. Special exercises and relaxation techniques. AARP 1405 Monday, December 6, 20 Flushing AARP 1405 meets at the Bowne Street Communit y Church, 143-11 Roosevelt Avenue at 1. AARP 3698 Wednesday, December 8 AARP 3698 meets at the Zion Episcopal Church, 24301 Northern Blvd., Douglaston at 1. Refreshments and social hour at noon. New members welcome. AARP DRIVING CLASS Thursday, December 9 at the Forest Hills library at 1. STAR Friday, December 10 Senior Theatre Acting Repertory at the Queens Village library at 10. AARP 4158 Tu e s d a y, D e c e m b e r 1 4 North Flushing AARP chapter 4158 meets at noon at Church on the Hill, 167-07 35 th Avenue, Flushing. FREE LUNCH Saturday, December 18 at All Saints Church in Richmond Hill. 849-2352 reservations.
5:30-6:30pm and Sunday, December 5 from 8:30-2:00 at St. Clare’s School Auditorium, 241 st Street between 1 3 7 th a n d 1 3 8 th A v e n u e s , Rosedale. CHRISTMAS FAIR Saturday, December 4 from 10-6 and Sunday, December 5 from 9-4 at American Mart yrs Church, Union Turnpike and Bell Blvd., Bayside. THRIFT SHOP Tuesday, December 7 from 9-2 at the Jewish Center of Kew Gardens Hills, 71-25 Main street, Flushing. FLEA MARKET Saturday and Sunday, December 11, 12 at St. Thomas the Apostle, 87-19 88 th Avenue, Woodhaven. HOLIDAY GIFT SHOP Sunday, December 12 from 1-5 at Flushing Town Hall. 463-7700, ext. 222. BAZAAR Sunday, December 12 from 10:30-3:00 at the Bay Terrace Jewish Center, 13-00 209 th street, Bayside.
MISCELLANEOUS PEARL HARBOR Tuesday, December 7 Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony at the memorial field, 149 th street and 15 th Avenue, Whitestone at 10. Sponsored by the Whitestone Vets Memorial Association.
DINNER WASSAIL PART Y Sunday, December 5 the Communit y House at Church in the Gardens in Forest Hills will celebrate. $65 adults, $15 children. 894-2178. Join Musica Reginae with music, raffle prizes, visit from Santa. Dress in Victorian garb for the costume contest. 4-7:30.
DANCE COUNTRY WESTERN Saturday, December 11 Gunsmoke performs at the Christmas Dance. The NY Metropolitan Country Music Association. $12. Glendale Memorial Bldg, 72-02 Myrtle Avenue at 7:30. 763-4328.
EXHIBIT NO. IRELAND Through December 23 “Voices Envisioned: Memories Made in Northern Ireland,” at the Queens College Art Center. 997-3770. AMER. CIVIL RIGHTS Through December “Marching the Dream: American Civil Rights” with American photographer Dan Budnik. Through Januar y “A Journey I Stone and Wood,” sculptures by Gladys Thompson Roth. QCC Art Gallery. 6316396. HOLIDAY ART Through January 1 at the National Art League, 44-21 Douglaston Parkway. Free.
YOUTH Wednesday, December 8 at the Flushing librar y. Register. CRAFTS Wednesday, December 8 at the Steinway library at 11. CHESS Wednesdays at the Queens Village library at 3:30. MATH THRU ART Wednesday, December 8 at the LIC library. Register. VOCABULARY Wednesday, December 8 vocabulary and writing workshop at the Ridgewood library. Register. BOYS & GIRLS CLUB Thursday, December 9 at the Astoria library at 4:45. KIDS CLUB Thursday, December 9 at the Hillcrest library at 4. IMPROVISATION
Thursday, December 9 a t the Hollis library. Register. BOOK BUDDIES Friday, December 10 at the Bayside library at 4. CRAFT Friday, December 10 at the Broad Channel library at 3:30. First come, first served. GAME DAY Friday, December 10 at the Queensboro Hill library at 3. FLASH FRIDAY Friday, December 10 at the Ozone Park library at 3:30. GAME PLAYERS CLUB Friday, December 10 at the Hillcrest library at 4. HOLIDAY CARDS Sunday, December 19 Making Holiday Cards with Korean Painting at Flushing Town Hall. 463-7700, ext. 222. $7.
TEENS CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library at 4. DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Monday, December 6 at the Baisley Park library. Register. HOLIDAY ART Monday, December 6 at the Steinway library at 5. HOLIDAY TRIVIA Monday, December 6 at the Steinway library at 6. VOCABULARY Tuesday, December 7 at the Briarwood and Sunnyside libraries. Writing and Vocabulary Building Workshops. Register. CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library. POETRY CLUB Wednesday, December 8 poetry club for teen girls at the Langston Hughes library. VOCABULARY Wednesday, December 8 Wr i t i n g a n d Vo c a b u l a r y Building Workshops at the Ridgewood library. Register. CRAZY CROCHET Thursday, December 9 at the Laurelton library at 3:45. TEEN NIGHT Thursday, December 9 at the Arverne library at 5:15. B’NAI B’RITH YOUTH Thursdays for high school s t u d e n t s a t Te m p l e B e t h S h o l o m , 1 7 2 nd S t r e e t a n d Northern Blvd., Flushing at 7:30. GAME DAY Friday, December 10 at the Bellerose library at 4. WII SPORTS Friday, December 10 at the Lefrak Cit y library at 4:30. GAME PLAYERS Fridays at the Hillcrest library at 2. OPEN MIC Sunday, December 12 at the Central library at 2. ACQC SUPPORT AC Q C Te e n Pe e r S u p p o r t Group - information, support, skills development training for those “touched by HIV/AIDS.” Ages 14-16. 8962500. ART CLASSES Fridays the Alliance of Queens Artists in Forest Hills
offers teen workshops. 5209842. BOY SCOUTS 138 Thursdays Boy Scout Troop 138 meets at 7:30 at 19215C 64 th Circle, basement, Fresh Meadows. For those up to 17. 454-2391. BUKHARIAN LOUNGE Bukharian Teen Lounge, for those 15-18, at the Central Queens YM-YWHA in Forest Hills. 268-5011, ext. 202. CATALPA YMCA Saturdays recreation, Weight room and fitness center available. 69-02 64 th Street, Ridgewood. 8216271. COUNSELING Call 592-5757 for free counseling at the Forest Hills Communit y House. DROP IN CENTER Mondays-Thursday from 47 the Queens Rainbow Comm u n i t y C e n t e r, 3 0 - 3 7 4 Steinway Street, 2 nd floor, Astoria, holds a Drop-In Center for LGBTQQ youth up to 22. 204-5955. EMPLOYMENT SERVICE Sunnyside Communit y Services Youth Employment Services available. 784-6173, ext. 129. GAY GROUP Mondays the AIDS Center of Queens Count y has a Gay/ B i / L e s b i a n Yo u t h G r o u p (ages 16-21) meeting designed to support young people in exploring feelings about sexualit y and other issues. 896-2500. GENERATION Q The Queens Lesbian, Gay, B i s e x u a l a n d Tra n s ge n d e r Pride Communit y Center hold a Generation Q Youth Service program. Call GAY2300. POMONOK TEENS Teen Council addresses teen i s s u e s i n th e c o m m u n i t y. 591-6060. SAMUEL FIELD Y Basketball, SAT Prep, more at the Samuel Field Y’s Teen Center at PS169. 423-6111. SCOUTING The Rego Park Jewish Center will offer boy and girl scouting. 516-526-2492. SCOUTING Join Scouting in Queens. 212-651-2897.
www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 2-8, 2010 Tribune Page 27
QUEENS LIBRARIES Many branches of the Queensborough Library offer toddler and pre-school programs. Contact your local branch for dates. ALLEY POND Alley Pond Environmental center in Douglaston presents Sunny Bunnies for those 3-4, Wee Sprouts for those 18-23 months, Toddler Time for those 24-35 months and Fledglings for those 3-4 Through December. Call 229-4000 for exact schedule. LEARN TO DANCE Saturday, December 4 Taylor 101 and 102 at Flushing Town Hall. 463-7700, ext. 222. $6 and $12. CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2. S TORY TIMES Saturdays at 11 and Tuesdays at 10:30 weekly story times at 7 at Barnes & Noble, 1 7 6 - 6 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i ke , 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. SEWING CLUB Monday, December 6 at the LIC library. Register. CROCHET Monday, December 6 at the Rosedale library at 4. TWEEN TIME Monday, December 6 at the Arverne library at 4:15. DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Monday, December 6 at the Baisley Park library. Register. LITTLE TOT Monday, December 6 at the Hillcrest library at 4. HOLIDAY ART Monday, December 6 at the Steinway library at 5. HOLIDAY TRIVIA Monday, December 6 at the Steinway library at 6. POND POWER Tuesday, December 7 at the Central library. Register. YOGA FOR KIDS Tuesday, December 7 at the Bellerose librar y. Register. HOLIDAY CRAFT Tuesday, December 7 at the LIC library. Register. ARTS & CRAFTS Tuesday, December 7 at the Auburndale library at 4. POWER OF THE PEN Tuesday, December 7 writing and vocabulary workshops at the Briarwood and Sunnyside libraries. Register. MATH THRU ART Tu e s d a y, We d n e s d ay a n d Thursday, December 7, 8, 9 at the Pomonok library. Register. STORY TIME Wednesday, December 8 at the Steinway library at 10:30. STORIES & CRAFT Wednesday, December 8 for toddlers at the Bay Terrace library at 10:30. STORY TIME Wednesday, December 8 at the Broad Channel library at noon. HOLIDAY ORNAMENT Wednesday, December 8 at the Cambria Heights library at 3:30. BIRDS OF A FEATHER
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Queens Today
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT Page 28 Tribune Dec. 2-8, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com
Queens Today HEALTH NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS 7 days a week. 932-6244. www.westernqueensna.org. REDUCE STRESS Saturday, December 4 at the Poppenhusen Institute. Tea and talk. 358-0067. WAITANKUNG Sundays at 2. Waitankung is a great total-body workout. Join these ancient Chinese exercise classes in the Flushing Hospital/Medical Center auditorium on 45 th Avenue between Parsons and Burling. Free. Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156 information. TAI CHI Mondays and Thursdays at 11 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695. $5 a class. CANCER SUPPORT Monday, December 6 Franklin Hospital’s Cancer Support Group meets at 2 in the Cafeteria. 516-2566478. PARKINSON Monday, December 6 at the Re fo r m Te m p l e o f F o r e st Hills. 440-4200. DANCE FOR HEALTH Monday, December 6 at the Baisley Park library at 6. Nutrition education and Zumba dance class. CANCER ACTION Monday, December 6 Baisley Park Cancer Action Council at the library at 6. EZ YOGA Monday, December 6 at the Flushing library. Register. ZUMBA Monday, December 6 at the Hollis librar y. Register. YOGA DANCE Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1948. $10 class. CAREGIVERS SUPPORT E ve r y Tu e s d a y We ste r n Queens Caregiver Network in Sunnyside. 784-6173, ext. 431. CHAIR YOGA Tu e s d a y s , D e c e m b e r 7 , January 4 at the East Elmhurst library. Register. ZUMBA Tu e s d a y m o r n i n g s a n d Wednesday evenings through December 8 at the Bay Terrace Jewish Center. $8 members, $10 others. 428-6363. PARKINSON Wednesday, December 8 Parkinson Support Group at Peninsula Hospital. 7342876. WELL SPOUSES Wednesday, December 8 Well Spouses or Partners of the Chronically Ill and Disabled at St. Charles Rehab Center, 201 IU Willets Road, Albertson. Free. 516-8298740. PROSTATE CANCER Wednesday, December 8 “Man to Man” program in Flushing. 1-800-ACS-2345. OA Thursdays at the Howard Beach library at 10:30. CAREGIVERS Friday, December 10 Caregivers Workshop at 11 at the Peninsula library. VISUAL IMPAIRMENT Friday, December 10 signs and symptoms of vision loss at 1:30 at the Rego Park li-
brary. MEMORY LOSS Fridays Couples with one partner experiencing memory loss meet at the Samuel Field Y. 225-6750, ext. 236. OA Fridays 6:30-8:30 at Unit y Center of Flushing, 42-11 1 5 5 th S t r e e t . S a t u r d a y s
10:30-noon at Resurrection Ascension, Feely Hall, 85-18 61 st Road, Rego Park. Beginners meeting except the last Friday of each month, which is a writing meeting. CO-DEPENDENTS ANON. Fridays 10-11:45 at Resurrection Ascension Pastoral C e n t e r , 8 5 - 1 8 6 1 st R o a d , Rego Park. Women only.
MEETINGS SIBLINGS BEREAVEMENT Monday, December 6 St. Adalbert’s bereavement group for the loss of a sibling in Elmhurst. 429-2005. FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tuesdays the Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets. 917-612-3463. ADVANCED WRITERS Tuesdays at 6:30 at the Terrace Diner at Bay Terrace Shopping Center and also t h e l a s t Tu e s d ay o f t h e month in the Communit y Room in Panera Bread at Bay Terrace Shopping. HAM RADIO CLUB Tuesday, December 7 the Emergency Communications Service meets in Briarwood. 357-6851. TALK OF THE TOWN Tuesdays, December 7, 21 learn the art of public speaking in St. Albans. 527-5889. AMERICAN LEGION Tuesdays, December 7, 21 Edward McKee Post 131 meets in Whitestone. 7674323. COMM. BD. 6 Wednesday, December 8 CB6 meets in Forest Hills. 263-9250. COMM. BD. 6 Wednesday, December 8 Communit y Board 6 meets at 80-02 Kew Gardens Road at 7:45. PARENTS BEREAVEMENT Thursday, December 9 St. Adalbert’s bereavement group for the loss of a parent in Elmhurst. 429-2005. STAMP CLUB Thursday, December 9 the Long Island Stamp Club meets at 5:45 at the Forest Hills library. QUEENS CENTRAL ROTARY Thursdays 6:30-8:30 Come learn if Rotary is for you. 465-2914; me1nc@aol.com CIVIL AIR PATROL Fridays 6-10 at Vaughn College of Aeronautics, 86-01 23 rd Avenue, East Elmhurst. Academy WOMAN’S GROUP Fridays the Woman’s Group of Jamaica Estates meets at noon. Call 461-3193. ILION AREA BLOCK Friday, December 10 Ilion Area Block Association meeting in St. Albans. 454-0947. POETS Saturday, December 11 the Fresh Meadow Poets meet at the Forest Hills library at 10 to discuss/critique poetry. AMER. LEG. AUX. Saturday, December 11 Leonard Unit 422 American Legion Auxiliary meets in Flushing. 463-2798. TOASTMASTERS Mondays, December 13, 20 learn communication and
leadership skills in Kew Gardens. 646-269-1577. VFW 4787 Mondays, December 13, 27 Whitestone VFW Community Post meets; ladies auxiliary meets the 2 nd Monday. 746-0540. TOASTMASTERS Mondays, December 13, 27 learn the art and science of Public Speaking in Queens. 525-6830. CATHOLIC VETS Monday, December 13 American Mart yrs Catholic Wa r Ve t e r a n s Po s t 1 7 7 2 meets in Bayside. 468-9351. AMERICAN LEGION Monday, December 13 American Legion Post 510 meets at St. Robert Bellamine in Bayside Hills. 428-2895. WATCH Monday, December 13 Woman at the Chapel Hall (WATCH) meets at the Communit y Church of Little Neck. 229-2534. LIONS CLUB Tu e s d a y, D e c e m b e r 1 4 Ravenswood Lions Club meets at Riccardo’s by the Bridge, 21-01 21 st Avenue, Astoria at 6:30. FH CIVIC Tuesday, December 14 Forest Hills Communit y and Civic Association meets. 9977014. COMM. BD. 9 Tuesday, December 14 CB9 meets. 286-2686. TELEPHONE PION. Tuesday, December 14 Telephone Pioneers of America meet in College Point. 4634535. TOASTMASTERS Wednesday, December 15 learn the art of public speaking at the Voices of Rochdale To a s t m a s t e r s C l u b i n J a maica. 978-0732. FLUSHING CAMERA Wednesday, December 15 Flushing Hospital. 441-6210. KNIGHTS OF PY THIAS Wednesday, December 15 Queensview Lodge 433 in Whitestone. 746-4428. DINING FOR WOMEN Thursday, December 16 Dining For Women, a group that supports women in povert y areas, meets for dinner and friendship at 7 in Flushing. 516-770-1704. REPUBLICAN WOMEN Thursday, December 16 Women’s Republican Club meets in Glendale. 5263987. P-FLAG Sunday, December 19 PFLAG, a support group for parents, families and friends of lesbians and gays, meet in Forest Hills. 271-6663.
ENTERTAINMENT MESSIAH Saturday, December 11 at Colden Center, Queens College. $20, $18 seniors, students, alumni, $5 students with valid QCID. 793-8080. OPEN MIC Sunday, December 12 open reading at the Central library at 2. DINO ROSI Sunday, December 12 Dino Rosi, the Voice of Napoli, performs at 1 at the North Hills Country Club, 200 LI Expressway, Manhasset for a “Christmas in Italy” concert. 516-627-8380. NUTCRACKER
Sundays, December 12, 19 at Flushing Town Hall. 4637700, ext. 222. $16. FH SYMPHONY Sunday, December 12 the Forest Hills Symphony Orchestra performs at 2 at the FH Jewish Center, 106-06 Queens Blvd. $5 adults. HISTORIC HOUSE TOUR Sunday, December 12 tour Flushing’s historic sites. 9390647, ext. 17. $10, children under 12 free. WINTER CONCERT Sunday, December 12 Children’s Orchestra Societ y performs at 4 at Queens College. 516-869-9696 ticket information.
EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS SCRABBLE CLUB Saturdays at 10 at Count Basie Jr. HS, 132 nd Street and Guy R. Brewer Blvd. 8865236. KNIT AND CROCHET Saturdays at the Seaside library at 2:30. PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, December 4, 18 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-436-7940. HOLIDAY CARDS Sunday, December 5 Making Holiday Cards with Korean Painting for adults at F l u s h i n g To w n H a l l . 4 6 3 7700, ext. 222. $12. PET OWNERS Sundays (not on holidays) from 1-4 free workshops on pet behavior at Crocheron Park in Bayside (weather permitting). 454-5800. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at 4 at the Douglaston/Little Neck library, 249-01 Northern Blvd. INSTRUCTION & DANCE Mondays and Fridays 7:158:00 dance lessons, dance from 8-11. Italian Charities of America, 83-20 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst. $10. ADULT CHESS Mondays at 6 at the Queens Village library. DANCE CLASSES Mondays through Decemb e r 2 7 Ta p f ro m 6 - 7 : 3 0 , Partnering (including aspects of Jazz) 7:30-8:30. $15 per session at the Astoria Center of Israel. 278-2680. LIC CRAFT CLUB Monday, December 6 at the LIC library at 1. JOB INFORMATION Monday, December 6 at the Middle Village library at 4. HOLIDAY ART Monday, December 6 at the Steinway library at 5. JEWELRY MAKING Monday, December 6 at the LIC library. Register. BEGIN CROCHET Monday, December 6 at the Rosedale library at 6. Bring yarn and hook. SEARCH FOR JOBS Monday, December 6 How to Search the Internet to Find a Job at the Central library at 6:30. BALLROOM DANCING Monday, December 6 at the Forest Hills library at 6:30. OPEN BRIDGE Tuesdays at 8 at the Forest
Hills Jewish Center. Call 2637000 for fees. CHAIR YOGA Tu e s d a y s , D e c e m b e r 7 , January 4 at the East Elmhurst library. Register. BASIC COMPUTER Tuesday, December 7 at the LIC library at 10. INTRO EXCEL Tuesday, December 7 at the McGoldrick library. Register. BEGIN COMPUTERS Tuesday, December 7 at the Astoria library at 11. BEGIN COMPUTERS Tuesday, December 7 South Jamaica library. Register. DUPLICATE BRIDGE Wednesdays 10:30-3:00 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills. $12 session, includes light lunch. 261-2900. WATERCOLOR CL ASS Wednesdays at 9:30 at NAL. Traditional and contemporary, all levels. 969-1128. INDOOR SOCCER – DADS Wednesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000. BUSINESS SUCCESS Wednesday, December 8 Business Success Series at 6 at the Flushing library. INTERMEDIATE COMP. Thursday, December 9 at the LIC library at 10. DISCOVER CAREER Thursday, December 9 at the Central library at 11. SCRABBLE/CHESS Thursdays at 4 at the Windsor Park library, 79-50 Bell Blvd., Bayside. QUILTING CLASSES Thursdays 10-2 Maria Rose Doll Museum in St. Albans. 917-817-8653 to register. KNIT/CROCHET Thursdays (not holidays) at 6 and Fridays at 10:30 at the Fresh Meadows library. QUILTERS Thursdays at 1:30 at the East Elmhurst library. ADULT CHESS Thursdays at 6 at the Queens Village library. OPEN BRIDGE Thursdays from 8-10pm at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. $12. 275-6615 register. COMPUTERS Friday, December 10 at the Ozone Park library. Register. DEFENSIVE DRIVING Saturday, December 11 at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Bayside. 631-3609720.
www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 2-8, 2010 Tribune Page 29
ENSEMBLE Saturday, December 4 Songs of the Season with the St. Luke Contemporary Ensemble at 2 at the Flushing library. PINEY FORK PRESS Saturday, December 4 a Holiday Afternoon with the Piney Fork Press Theater as they present 3 new comedies at the Forest Hills library at 2. AMER. SONGBOOK Saturday, December 4 Naomi Zeitlin and the Great American Songbook at the Hillcrest library at 2:30. HOLIDAY MUSIC Saturday, December 4 at the Bayside library at 3 with soprano Teresa Mazzilli. HOLIDAY CONCERT Saturday, December 4 at the Sunnyside library at 3 with Linda Ipanema. RED BARAAT Sunday, December 5 comprised of dhol, percussion and horns, Red Baraat plays traditional Punjabi songs and Bollywood numbers at 3 at the Central library. SACRED MUSIC Sunday, December 5 the Sacred Music Chorale of Richmond Hill performs their Holiday Concert at 3 at St. John’s Lutheran in Richmond Hill. $15 adults, seniors/students $12. 86-20 114th Street, between Myrtle and Jamaica Avenues. ALICIA SVIGALS TRIO Sunday, December 5 a Klezmer Hanukkah Part y at 2 at Flushing Town Hall. 4637700, ext. 222. $16. HOLIDAY TRIVIA Monday, December 6 at the Steinway library at 6. 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. DANCE CONCERT D e c e m b e r 9 - 1 2 Fa c u l t y Dance Concert at the Performance Space, Rathaus Hall, M-11, Queens College. $14, $12 senior and QCID. 793-8080. LIVE JAZZ Fridays through December 24 live jazz at 180-25 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. 347262-1169. LATIN JAZZ COALITION Friday, December 10 AfroCuban fire, spiritual oil and Greek cookin’ at 8 at Flushi n g Tow n H a l l . 4 6 3 - 7 7 0 0 , ext. 222. $15. BRASS CONCERT Saturday, December 11 performance/workshop Bring on the Brass at 1 at the Forest Hills library. Also at the Sunnyside library at 3. HOLIDAY CONCERT Saturday, December 11 U n c l e Ya o ’ s C h o r u s a n d United Star of America Chorus performs at 2 at the Flushing librar y. HOLIDAY MUSIC Saturday, December 11 at the Jackson Heights library at 3.
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Queens Today
Page 30 Tribune Dec. 2-8, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com
Tribune Professional Guide
To reserve your space call 357-7400
Latino Law Honors
U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley and Administrative Judge Jeremy Weinstein were honored by the Latino Lawyer’s Association of Queens County on Friday, Oct. 15. Pictured l. to r.: Queens Civil Court Judge Carmen Velasquez, Administrative Judge Jeremy S. Weinstein, Congressman Joseph Crowley and Latino Lawyer’s Association President Nestor Diaz.
Flushing Lighting
Meet The Met
Against Hatred
The New York Mets introduced Terry Collins as the new team manager at Citi Field last Tuesday. Photo by Ira Cohen
The Center for Jewish Studies at Queens College held a “Commemorating Kristallnacht and Combating AntiSemitism and Hatred” special event Nov. 21, sponsored by The Resnick Family and Sinai Chapels as part of Sinai Chapel’s Community Service Initiative. Pictured l. to r.: Professor Mark Rosenblum, Director of Jewish Studies & The Center for Ethnic and Racial Tolerance at Queens College; Rabbi Michael Strasberg, Director of Pastoral Services at Sinai Chapels; Debra Resnick & Michael Resnick, President of Sinai Chapels of Fresh Meadows.
pix
Bayside BID Tree
Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson
Korean Services
Page 40 Tribune Dec. 2-8, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com
Above: Flushing officials gather in front of the Queens Library’s Flushing branch to light the Flushing Christmas tree. Below: Local students sing carols in front of the tree. Photos by Ira Cohen
Assemblyman Rory Lancman with Kwang Kim, President of Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, at the 37th anniversary dinner for the community service organization Nov. 18.
Black Friday
The sales were great and the crowd crazy – but organized – as Black Friday descended onto the Queens Center Mall. Photo by Ira Cohen
Above: Frank Skala, dressed in full Santa regalia, stands in front of the lighted tree on 41st Road near the Bayside LIRR station. Below: Bayside BID Executive Director Gregg Sullivan welcomes officials and neighbors to the BID’s tree lighting. Photos by Ira Cohen
Fran’s Tawk Audiences in New York and five other lucky cities across the country are getting treated to one of the most… uh… unique voices in entertainment, as Queens native Fran Drescher takes to the airwaves with “The Fran Drescher Tawk Show,” signed on for a threeweek test run. The cancer survivor and outspoken liberal plans to pull no punches, have a great time and bring up hard-hitting issues. “It’s gonna be a little bit of everything, I’m gonna come out and do a monologue. I’ll do a little Q&A. I’ll have my Fran Brand. I’m gonna have family and friends as peripheral characters and guests,” she told Entertainment Weekly. “I wanna have experts on. I wanna make the audience laugh and cry and grow and be moved and inspired.”
Drawn To It Models A graduate of Art & Design High School, Nathalie Gonzalez Of began posing for photography projects while in school, and has kept her eye on the modeling busi- Queens
Flushing's Fran Drescher And yes, she said gonna, wanna and tawk. The show kicked off on Black Friday, and can be found on Fox in New York at noon weekdays. Let’s just hope she’s better than Chevy Chase.
The Dog Wins The board of a Middle Village condo learned you don’t mess with dogs the hard way, when it tried to kick out an adorable Teacup Yorkie named Charlie. His owner Donata Forman took the case to court, and initially lost. But an appellate court ruled in Charlie’s favor, saying the condo’s bylaws prohibit pets that are a nuisance – a term that does not fit this doggone resident. Not only is Charlie allowed to stay, but the condo board lost $100,000 fighting the case, a bill which will be footed by all residents in the building. Let this be a warning to all: Charles is always in charge.
Donata Forman and her Teacup Yorkie Charlie.
ness ever since. “I started with drawing, but then people would ask sometimes Nathalie Gonzalez if I could help them with a project,” Home: Astoria she said. That was about five years Age: 19 ago, and she’s been enjoying her time in front of the lens ever since. Height: 5’ 2" She’ll also be the first to admit Weight: 135 lbs that modeling is not where her Stats: 34-31-40 truest passion lies. As a cartoonist and illustrator, she has always had a fascination with how color and shading work, and what better canvas on which to work, but the human face? Yes, she’s into makeup. Nathalie is currently unemployed but looking for a job so she can afford to put herself through cosmetology school in hopes of someday working at a Fifth Avenue salon. Though she’s lived all over the City and calls Astoria home, Nathalie admits that ever since high school she has found herself more drawn to Manhattan rather than staying in Queens, though she definitely is enjoying hanging out with her neighborhood friends. A fan of the girly stuff – be- ent fashions, into ideas for her a bit of a secret most don’t know about her. sides makeup – Nathalie has future as a stylist. “I just think {the dolls] are so Your secret’s safe with us… turned a love for dolls, and the ability to dress them up in differ- pretty,” she said, noting that it’s or not.
QConfidential: Who We Are QConfidential, a selection of local celebrity, politics and gossip edited by Michael Schenkler. Contributors: Jessica Ablamsky, Sasha Austrie, Marcia Moxom Comrie, Mike Nussbaum, Joseph Orovic, Brian Rafferty, Domenick Rafter. You can reach us by email at Conf@QueensTribune.com
Today’s Special
Page 42 Tribune Dec. 2-8, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com
We have always known Queens is special, and it’s time the rest of you got the memo. To aid in the spread of Queens love is a new movie set in Jackson Heights. The movie, “Today’s Special,” tells the story of a Manhattan chef taking over his dad’s Indian restaurant. Though the script was written in 2000, the movie was released two weeks ago. Capturing perfection takes time. (Left) Aasif Mandvi stars as Samir in “Today’s Special,” which could only be set in Jackson Heights.
Drive
You’ve seen those commercials for Hillside Honda, the one featuring the dude with the really thick Brooklyn accent and the Snooki-wannabe who shop for cars at Hillside Honda’s Web site and tell the audience about the car dealer’s great prices while flirting with each other. Well you’ll see more of them soon. The Brooklyn duo, Bryan Ecock and Michelle Rabbani, will be featured in at least three new commercials for the dealership that may feature the two getting married and having a baby. If you remember, the two characters met in the first commercial where Ecock found Rabbani standing outside the dealership’s Jamaica showroom in the rain before dawn holding her laptop (who hasn’t done this?). Though the conversation gets flirty, the commercial ends with Ecock more interested in Hillside Honda’s deals than Rabbani’s phone number. Further commercials revealed the two characters did get together, and continued their relationship
Buying cars or is there more to Bryan and Michelle? with the car dealership. Joe Shuster, the general manager of Hillside Honda said the characters have “branded” his store and improved business, so the characters’ storylines will continue. Look on the bright side, at least we’ll have something to entertain us during Mets and Giants games.
Leo Is Caught Just in time for the holiday season, Canada Geese around the borough have reason to celebrate. Birds are off the hook for the engine failure that caused a Moscow-bound plane to make an emergency landing at JFK two weekends ago. A special QConf thanks goes out to the pilot DiCaprio didn't have trouble flying in "Catch and flight crew for preserving the plane’s preMe If You Can." cious cargo – Leonardo DiCaprio. To prove no good deed goes unpunished, the aging heartthrob was on his way to a Tiger Summit in St. Petersburg. Perhaps he could convince federal agents to grant a special pardon to the geese in Alley Pond Park.
Confidentially, New York . . .
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF OBJECT OF ACTION ACTION TO FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF QUEENS WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, vs. ANTHONY PUEBLA, LENA WATERSPUEBLA, ET, AL. Defendant(s). TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT: INDEX NO.: 30450/ 09 MORTGAGED PREMISES: 221-15 130TH AVENUE A/K/A 2115 130TH AVENUE SPRINGFIELD GARDENS, NY11413 SBL #: BLOCK 12825 LOT 504 You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Queens. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. Dated this 1st day of November, 2010, TO: ANTHONY PUEBLA and LENA WATERSPUEBLA, Defendant(s) In this Action. The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. JAIME A. RIOS of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, dated the 22 nd day of October, 2010 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Queens County Clerk, in the City of Jamaica. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by ANTHONY PUEBLA and LENA WATERS-PUEBLA dated the 24th day of September, 2008, to secure the sum of $433,683.85, and recorded at Instrument No. 2009000104564 in the Office of the City Register of the City of New York, on the 9 th day of April, 2009; The property in question is described as follows: 221-15 130TH AVENUE A/K/A 2115 130TH AVENUE, SPRINGFIELD GARDENS, NY 11413 SEE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION Block 12825 and Lot 504 ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the Northerly side of 130 th Avenue, distant 1127.38 feet Westerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the Westerly side of 226 th Street with the Northerly side of 130 th Avenue as said Street and Avenue are shown and
laid out on final topographical map of the City of New York for the Borough of Queans; RUNNING THENCE Westerly along the Northerly side of 130 th Avenue, 40 feet; THENCE Northerly at right angles to the Northerly side of 130 th Avenue, 99.59 feet to the land or late of Montefiore Cemetery; THENCE Easterly along said lands North of land of Montefiore Cemetery, 40.01 feet; THENCE Southerly and again at right angles to the Northerly side of 130 th Avenue, 100.51 feet to the Northerly side of 130 th Avenue at the point or place of BEGINNING. Premises known as 22115 130 th Avenue, Springfield Gardens, New York HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The state encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Banking Department at 1-877-BANK-NYS (1-877-226-5697) or visit the department’s website at WWW.BANKING.STATE.NY.US. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303 NOTICE NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and
filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: November 1, 2010 Steven J. Baum, P.C., Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s), 220 Northpointe Parkway Suite G , Amherst, NY 14228 The law firm of Steven J. Baum, P.C. and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. _______________________________________________________________ SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF OBJECT OF ACTION STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF QUEENS ACTION TO FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE INDEX NO.: 5383/09 WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, vs. ANDREA MURRAY AKA ANDREA N. MURRAY, Defendant(s). MORTGAGED PREMISES: ET, AL. 309 BEACH 88TH STREET FAR ROCKAWAY, NY 11693 SBL #: BLOCK 16122 LOT 63, FKA P/O LOT 3 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Queens. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. Dated this 1st day of November, 2010, TO: ANDREA MURRAY AKA ANDREA N. MURRAY, Defendant(s) In this Action. The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. JOSEPH G. GOLIA of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, dated the 26th day of October, 2010 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Queens County Clerk, in the City of Jamaica. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by ANDREA MURRAY AKA ANDREA N. MURRAY dated the 13th day of June, 2008, to secure the
sum of $413,250.00, and recorded at Instrument No. 2008000280411 in the Office of the City Register of the City of New York, on the 15th day of July, 2008; The property in question is described as follows: 309 BEACH 88TH STREET, FAR ROCKAWAY, NY 11693 SEE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION Block 16122 and Lot 63 (f/k/ a p/o lot 3) ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, and bounded and, described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the Westerly side of Beach 88 th Street distant 44.25 feet Northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the Northerly side of Gull Court and the Westerly side of Beach 8 8 th S t r e e t ; R U N N I N G THENCE Westerly at interior angle of 114 degrees 40 minutes 45 seconds and parallel with the Northerly side of Gull Court, 18.94 feet; THENCE Northerly at right angles to the last mentioned course and parallel with the Westerly side of Beach 88 th Street, 40 feet; THENCE Easterly at right angles to the last mentioned course and parallel with Northerly side of Gull Court 37.32 feet to the Westerly side or Beach 88 th Street, THENCE Southerly at an interior angle of 65 degrees 19 minutes 15 seconds along the Westerly side of 88 th Street, 44.02 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING. TOGETHER with the benefits and subject to the burdens of an easement for ingress and egress as shown on a survey dated May 11, 2007 by Montrose Surveying Co., LLP affecting Block 16122 Lots 3, 66, 65, 64, and 63. Premises known as 309 Beach 88 th Street, Far Rockaway, New York HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The state encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free
helpline maintained by the New York State Banking Department at 1-877-BANK-NYS (1-877-226-5697) or visit the department’s website at WWW.BANKING.STATE.NY.US. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303 NOTICE NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: November 1, 2010 Steven J. Baum, P.C., Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s), 220 Northpointe Parkway Suite G, Amherst, NY 14228 The law firm of Steven J. Baum, P.C. and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. _______________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 11/4/10, bearing Index Number NC-001084-10/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, grants me the right to: Assume the name of (First) Xenofontas-Hermes (Last) Apollon My present name is (First) Hermes-Xenofontas (Last) Xirogiannis (infant) My present address is 65-17 242 nd Street, Apt #7E, Douglaston, NY 11362 My place of birth is North Hempstead, NY My date of birth is October 01, 2003 _______________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 11/5/10, bearing Index Number NC-001083-10/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk,
located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, grants me the right to: Assume the name of (First) Benny (Last) Baik My present name is (First) Banny (Last) Baik (infant) My present address is 189-29 43 rd Road, 1 st Floor, Flushing, NY 11358 My place of birth is Queens, NY My date of birth is July 14, 2007 _______________________________________________________________ Dupont Street Associates LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 6/27/02. Ofc in Queens Cty. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 79-63 68 th Rd, Middle Village, NY 11379. Purpose: General. _______________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The NYC Board of Standards and Appeals has scheduled a public hearing on the following application: Variance (§72-21) to permit the addition of a third floor to an existing two-story school building contrary to §24-36 (rear yard) & §24-551 (setback). R3-2 zoning district. Address: 250-10 Grand Central Parkway, south side of Grand Parkway service road, between Little Neck Parkway and Commonwealth Boulevard, Block 8401, Lot 7501, Borough of Queens. Applicant: Sheldon Lobel, P.C., for Yeshiva Har Torah, owner. Community Board No.: 13Q This application, Cal. No.: 190-10-BZ, has been calendared for Public Hearing on Tuesday, December 14, 2010, 1:30 P.M., session, 40 Rector Street, 6 th floor Hearing Room ”E”, Borough of Manhattan. Interested persons or associations may appear at the hearing to present testimony regarding this application. This application can be reviewed at the Board offices, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. This notice is published by the applicant in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the Board of Standards and Appeals. Dated: November 23, 2010 Sheldon Lobel PC, Applicant _______________________________________________________________ Notice of formation of King Home Inspections, LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC). Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY on October 22, 2010 New York office location: Queens County. The Secretary of State is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/ her to c/o King Home Inspections, LLC, 8419 51 Avenue, #3A, Elmhurst, NY 11373. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.
To Place Your Legal Advertisement, Call the Tribune at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 149 or E-Mail Your Copy to the Tribune at: legals@queenstribune.com
www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 2-8, 2010 Tribune Page 43
LEGAL NOTICE