Queens Tribune Epaper by Michael Nussbaum

Vol. 40, No. 51 Dec. 23-29, 2010

PAGE 42

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Gloria D’Amico, Boro Court Clerk Dies At 83 By Domenick Rafter…Page 3

Though Congress failed to pass a bill that would have granted a path to citizenship for children illegally living in the U.S., Queens immigrant groups and advocates have vowed to continue to seek the equal opportunity that the DREAM Act would have granted. By Jason Banrey…Page 3

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Deadline...................................................................3 Editorial ...................................................................6 Not 4 Publication ....................................................8 This Week ..............................................................10 Closeup .................................................................13 Police Blotter ........................................................18 Trib Pix...................................................................22 Leisure ...................................................................25 Queens Today .......................................................26 Focus .....................................................................32 Classifieds.............................................................32 Confidential ...........................................................42

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Queens Deadline

DREAM Dies, But Dreams Live On By JASON BANREY The DREAM Act failed to pass the U.S. Senate last weekend, and Queens legislators are now seeking a temporary solution to help undocumented residents in the borough. Assemblywoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing) wrote U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services New York District Office Director Andrea J. Quarantillo, urging her to grant "deferred action" status to New York's undocumented youth. Deferred action status would temporarily allow undocumented immigrants under the age of 16 to have vaild identificaton, work lawfully and earn fair wages and go to college. "With the DREAM Act having failed to achieve the necessary amount of votes in the Senate, deferred action now remains our students' only chance to fulfilling their dreams," said Meng. Among other portions of the bill, the DREAM Act would have granted minors brought to the country illegally the opportunity to take a path toward citizenship through education and public service initiatives. U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Bayside)

and City Comptroller John Liu both supported the bill and believed its passage would benefit both thousands of students and the economy. "It would have helped the City of New York and the rest of our nation remain competitive in the global marketplace with skilled and talented individuals achieving higher education," Liu said. "Humane, comprehensive immigration reform remains long overdue and desperately needed." Despite the legislators' efforts, some undocumented students are vowing to continue on the same path they have paved for themselves, even if it is without the help of politicians or legislation. Angy Rivera came to the U.S. when she was 3 years old and now lives in Flushing. As a member of the New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC) and an undocumented immigrant herself, Rivera spent months advocating for the passage of the DREAM Act. "When it didn't pass, I was blank," Rivera said. "It angers me that they didn't give us a try. They don't know the people who are affected by this like us."

Currently enrolled at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Rivera promises to continue to play an active role in advocating for immigration legislation that would give her and thousands of other undocumented immigrant youth in the U.S. conditional permanent residency. "Although you put a lot of effort into [advocating], expecting a return, nothing comes from your hard work," said Rivera. "Our lives still go on even though the DREAM Act isn't there for us." Although Rivera's status does not allow her to work, she will continue attending college to earn a degree as she works with the NYSYLC to develop a mentoring program that will aid other undocumented youth with their situations. "It is difficult to live undocumented," said Rivera. "We are not going to stop fighting." After receiving a B.A. in Math and an M.A. in Secondary Education, Juan Carlos of Ozone Park has found a way to build his resume as a professional despite his undocumented status. When Carlos finished college, he began

volunteering for New Immigrant Community Empowerment, a Queens-based nonprofit organization that assists the immigrant community. As a volunteer, Carlos uses the skills he obtained throughout his education to assist in the mentoring and development of teachers at the organization. Although the DREAM Act did not pass, he is "optimistic and hopeful that something will come out of the DREAM movement." Carlos regularly visits the International High School in Long Island City, which he attended when he was younger. During his time there he speaks to students who are facing the same situation he did when he was their age. He stresses to students that it is important to follow your dreams, encouraging them to continue their education despite their status. "If it's your passion, you have to make things happen while you wait for things to change," Carlos tells students. "Even though it didn't pass, as a movement we still need to keep pushing forward." Reach Intern Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.

Pioneering Boro Clerk D'Amico Dies By DOMENICK RAFTER Gloria D. D'Amico, the first woman to serve as Queens County Clerk, died Tuesday of cancer at her home in Astoria at the age of 83. A longtime fixture in the Democratic Party, D'Amico became a Democratic district leader in 1970, alongside Ralph De Marco and later outgoing State Sen. George Onorato. D'Amico was chief clerk of the Queens County Board of Election and later treasurer of the Queens Democratic Organization. She served as a New York delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1980. In 1984, she ran for the Democratic nomination for the 9th Congressional District, which at the time covered most of West and Northwest Queens from Astoria to Richmond Hill. The seat was being vacated by Geraldine

Ferraro, who had been chosen to run for Vice President. D'Amico came in last in a field of four, behind the winner Tom Manton, Assemblyman Clifford Wilson of Ridgewood and Walter Crowley of Middle Village, father of Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley and uncle of U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley. After her loss, she threw her support behind Manton and helped him win a narrow victory over future State Sen. Serphin Maltese. Former City Council Speaker Peter Vallone Sr., who represented Astoria in the City Council from 1974 to 2001, called her a "close friend and political ally" of his since he was 18 years old. "She was one of the most highly intelligent, loyal and brave women I have ever met," Vallone said. "She rose to be one of the most

Major Homes, a fourth-generation home improvement company in Bayside, in operation since 1919, is partnering with the Queens Tribune to award one family in Queens their own version of "Extreme Makeover." The Queens Tribune's Major Homes Makeover will award one lucky winning family new windows, roofing or siding at absolutely no cost, courtesy of Major Homes. The contest is simple. Readers can submit themselves or somebody they know into the contest by writing a note and mailing or emailing it to the Queens Tribune by Dec. 31. The note should, in less than 250 words, explain the need and reason why the entrant deserves the service. Initial entries will be judged by Major Homes and the Queens Tribune based on the most compelling factors - economic need, a person who does good deeds for others and the urgency of the improvement. From the first round, three finalists will be selected. The Queens Tribune will interview each of

the finalists and print their stories, along with their entries, in the Jan. 13, 2011 edition of the Queens Tribune. Readers will have an opportunity to vote via mail and e-mail to choose the winner. Voting will end on Jan. 26, 2011, and the winner will be announced in our Feb. 3, 2011 edition. To learn more about Major Homes, visit them on the Web at majorhomes.net or call (718) 229-5741. Contest entries can be e-mailed to editor@queenstribune.com or sent via U.S. mail to Queens Tribune's Major Homes Makeover, 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY, 11357. Entries must be received at the Queens Tribune by 5 p.m. Dec. 31, 2010. Entries received after the deadline cannot be considered. Finalists agree to participate in a story about their need, including follow-up articles and photos, as well as the use of their names and likenesses in both print editions and online.

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powerful women in the Democratic Party. She will be greatly missed." D'Amico was appointed county clerk in 1991 and held the position until her death. As county clerk, she was responsible for creating and maintaining the records of all documents filed in the Supreme Court of Queens from initial filing through to final judgment. Under her tenure, she oversaw her office's transition to computerization. Queens became the first county to initiate microfilming of records off site under her leadership. Her role as county clerk also made her Commissioner of Jurors, and in that position, Gloria Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amico Queens County Clerk, earlier this year she oversaw the call-in system with Gov-elec t Andrew Cuomo. for jurors, which Queens pioneered. She saw Division's Second Department, which inthe relocation of the jury commission to the cludes judges from Queens, Brooklyn, Staten new Civil Courts building on Sutphin Bou- Island, Long Island and the Hudson Valley. levard in Downtown Jamaica where her of- The presiding judge, who will officially make fice was located. the appointment, is the Hon. A. Gail "Gloria was a longtime friend and col- Prudenti. Prudenti's office did not return a league in government who served with dis- call for comment on a potential timeline for tinction for almost a generation as County an appointment. Clerk. She worked hard to improve the In 2005, when Brooklyn's county clerk conditions for the thousands of jurors who Wilbur Levin died, his replacement Nancy report for duty in Queens County and was Sunshine was not officially appointed until very effective in bringing about change and eight months later. improved the environment for those who D'Amico's wake was scheduled to be held served," said Borough President Helen at Farangas Funeral Home at 38-08 Ditmars Marshall. Blvd. in Astoria on Wednesday and Thursday D'Amico was diagnosed with cancer in from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Her funeral is September 2009, but continued to work scheduled for Friday morning at Immaculate until about two months ago when she be- Conception Church, 29th Street and Ditmars came gravely ill, six months after her can- Boulevard in Astoria, at 9:45 a.m. cer relapsed. She is survived by her two In lieu of flowers, the family asks that sons, Louis and Leonard, four grandchil- donations be made in the name of Gloria dren and two great-grandchildren. Her D'Amico to Shareing & Careing, Inc., 45-02 husband, Leonard, passed away in 2005. Ditmars Blvd., Suite 1016, Astoria, NY, Queens, along with the four other bor- 11105; or to the Variety Boys & Girls Club oughs, does not elect its county clerk, as the of Queens, 21-12 30th Rd., Astoria, NY, other counties in New York State outside the 11102. five boroughs do. D'Amico's replacement Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at will officially be appointed by the judges on drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357the Supreme Court of New York Appellate 7400, Ext. 125.

Page 4 Tribune Dec. 23-29, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

LEGAL NOTICE 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. ________________________________________________________________ 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. _______________________________________________________________ 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 formation of King Home Inspections, LLC, a

LEGAL NOTICE 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. _______________________________________________________________ PROBATE CITATION File No. 2004-4105/A SURROGATE’S COURT – QUEENS COUNTY CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO: To Eustacia Green, Tammy Beckham, Robert Beckham Williams, Erik Johnson*, if living and if dead, to [his/her] heirs at law, next of kin and distributees whose names and places of residence are unknown and if [he/she] died subsequent to the decedent herein, to [his/her] executors, administrators, legatees, devisees, assignees and successors in interest whose name and places of residence are unknown and to all other heirs at law, next of kin and distributees of Matthew Beckham a/k/a Mathew Beckham, the decedent herein, whose names and places of residence are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained, and to *as the heir of the postdeceased distributee Luela Beckham Washington Avis Jestine Adams, Darnell L. Adams, Sanders Adams Shawn Antoine Adams, Pleshette Adams, Thelma Beckham, Natasha Denise Hill, Hanif Walton, Akil Walton, and to Tamika Beckum, Abdul Jamar Beckum Johnelle Beckham and Levone Beckham as the heirs of the post-deceased distributee Sandra Beckum, Enid Washington as the heir of the post-deceased distributee Luelle Beckham Washington, Norman Green and Richard Green as the heirs of the post deceased distributee Luella Beckham Green, and Michael Green, Veeraniqica Green, Rochelle Reaves Porter, Michelle Owen, and Robert Terrence Green III as heirs of the predeceased children of the postdeceased distributee Luella Beckham Green A petition having been duly filed by Richard Green, who is domiciled at 107-15 Watson Place, Jamaica, New York 11433 YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CASUE before the Surrogate’s Court, Queens County, at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York, on 20th day of January, 2011 at 9:30 A.M. of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of Mathew Beckham a/k/a Matthew Beckham lately domiciled at 131-15 230 th Street, Jamaica, New York 11413 admitting to probate a Will dated February 12, 2003, a copy of which is attached, as the Will

LEGAL NOTICE of Mathew Beckham a/k/a Matthew Beckham deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that [X] Letters Testamentary issue to: Richard Green (State any further relief requested) NOV 04 2010 (Seal) HON. ROBERT L. NAHMAN Surrogate MARGARET M. GRIBBON Chief Clerk Ann C. Northern, Esq. Attorney for Petitioner 718-596-5168 Telephone Number 26 Court Street, Ste. 1603, Brooklyn, New York 11242 Address of Attorney [Note: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you.] _______________________________________________________________ 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 DEFENDANTS: 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 cover-

LEGAL NOTICE ing 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. ________________________________________________________________ SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX # 10847/2008 U.S. BANK, N.A. AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR MERRILL LYNCH FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE LOAN ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-5, PLAINTIFF AGAINST KAMRUL HASAN, ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; “JOHN DOE #1-10” AND “JANE DOE #110”, THE NAMES JOHN DOE AND JANE DOE BEING FICTITIOUS, THEIR IDENTITIES BEING UNKNOWN TO THE PLAINTIFFS, IT BEING THE INTENTION OF PLAINTIFF TO DESIGNATE ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE TENANTS, OCCUPANTS, CORPORATIONS, AND JUDGMENT CREDITORS, IF ANY, HOLDING OR CLAIMING SOME RIGHT, TITLE, INTEREST OR LIEN IN OR TO THE MORTGAGED PREMISES HEREIN DEFENDANTS. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 25-51 8 8 TH STREET, EAST ELMHURST, NY 11369 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

LEGAL NOTICE

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 THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to serve upon plaintiff’s attorney, at the address stated below, an answer to the attached complaint. If this summons was personally served upon you in the State of New York, the answer must be served within twenty days after such service of the summons, excluding the date of service. If the summons was not personally delivered to you within the State of New York, the answer must be served within thirty days after service of the summons is complete as provided by law. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. If you do not serve an answer to the attached complaint within the applicable time limitation stated above, a judgment may be entered against you, by default, for the relief demanded in the complaint, without further notice to you. The action is brought in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, in and for the County of QUEENS because the Mortgaged Premises is located in QUEENS County. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an action has been commenced and is now pending in the SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS upon the Complaint of LASALLE BANK N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR MERRILL LYNCH FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2007-5, MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-5, holder of a mortgage that was executed, acknowledged and delivered by KAMRUL HASAN TO MERS AS NOMINEE FOR FIRST FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORP., AN OP. SUB. OF MLB&T CO., FSB, IN THE AMOUNT OF $650,000.00, DATED JUNE 28, 2007, AND RECORDED ON JULY 23, 2007, WITH CRFN 2007000376239 Please take notice that you may obtain a copy of the Complaint from the Plaintiff’s counsel, Doonan, Graves & Longoria, LLC, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 225D, Beverly, MA 01915 AND THAT YOU MUST RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE BY FILING AN ANSWER TO THE

COMPLAINT WITH THE CLERK OF THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS AND BY SERVING A COPY ON PLAINTIFF’S COUNSEL WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF THE LAST DAY OF THE PUBLICATION OR DEFAULT JUDGMENT WILL BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU. DOONAN, GRAVES & LONGORIA, LLC ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF RENEAU J. LONGORIA, ESQ. STEPHEN M. VALENTE, ESQ KEVIN GRAVES, ESQ. *100 CUMMINGS CENTER, SUITE 225D BEVERLY, MA 01915 978-921-2670 35 Old Tarrytown Road White Plains, NY 10603 914-9498373 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing summons and notice are served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Court dated NOVEMBER 12, 2010 and filed along with the supporting papers in the QUEENS County Clerk’s Office. This is an action to foreclose a mortgage. HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE New York State Law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully. Mortgage foreclosure is a complex process. Some people may approach you about “saving” your home. You should be extremely careful about any such promises. The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. There are government agencies, legal aid entities and other non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about foreclosure while you are working with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Banking Department at 1-877-BANK-NYS (1-877-2265697) or visit the Department’s website at www.banking.state.ny.us/ The State does not guarantee the advice of these agencies. SCHEDULE 1 - DESCRIPTION ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, 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 easterly side of 88 th Street (60 feet wide) distant 126.34 feet northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the easterly side of 88 th Street with the northerly side of 30th Avenue (80 feet wide); Running thence easterly and at right angles to the easterly side of 88 th Street, and part of the distance through a party wall, 100.00 feet; Thence northerly and parallel with t h e e a s t e r l y s i d e o f 8 8th Street, 18.00 feet; Thence westerly and again at right angles the easterly side of 88 th Street, and part of the distance through a party wall, 100.00 feet to the easterly side of 88 th Street; Thence southerly along the easterly side of 88 th Street, 18.00 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING.

Gianaris Gets Plum Senate Dem Role By DOMENICK RAFTER State Sen.-elect Michael Gianaris (DAstoria) received a quick promotion in Senate leadership this week. The five-term Assemblyman, who won the seat being vacated by State Sen. George Onorato, has been appointed chairman of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, putting him in charge of 2012 Democratic Senate campaigns across the state. Gianaris said it was "neither common nor uncommon" for a freshman member of the body to be appointed to such an important position. He said he has extensive experience with campaigning and fundraising during his time in the Assembly. He was state finance chair for the Democratic Party in the 2006 elections. "I know what it takes to raise the resources needed for a campaign," he said. Gianaris replaces State Sen. Jeff Klein (DBronx), who oversaw the 2010 campaigns that cost the Democrats control of the body. Though Klein has been criticized for focusing on mainly upstate races, where Democrats were badly defeated, Gianaris praised his leadership. "Jeff Klein did well in a very tough environment," he said. Democrats were able to convert two seats they had not previously touched, including Tony Avella's defeat of 38-year incumbent Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose), as well as victories in a Republican-held seat in Rockland County, and win a hard-fought race in a Democratic-held seat in Buffalo. In that seat, Democratic candidate Tim Kennedy defeated the son of a popular former Congressman, even with incumbent Bill Stachowski, whom Kennedy defeated in a primary, on the ballot as the Working Families Party nominee. Gianaris said those victories came in part

because Klein was able to recruit "terrific candidates" like Avella for the races. Gianaris said his focus will be "on districts where [Democrats] will be more successful," but said it was too early to point them out. "First we have to have a leaner organization. We need to tear down expenses; that's what we will do in 2011," Gianaris said. "From there, we will look at competitive districts. Republicans won some elections this past year that they have no business maintaining." Among the seats Republicans won was the

seat of Buffalo Democrat Antoine Thompson where President Barack Obama won 77 percent of the vote in 2008. Gianaris also said incumbents who won this year, and those who survived tough elections like State Sen. Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach), would be on "the top of the list" to protect, but he said their victories this year made them "stronger than [in] previous campaigns." Gianaris said he wasn't concerned about redistricting affecting the Democratic campaign in 2012, when candidates will run in

new district boundaries. He was critical of Republicans, whom he said have "made an art form out of political gerrymandering" and he endorsed independent redistricting. "We all tripped over each other to call ourselves heroes of reform during the campaign," he said. "Independent redistricting should be one of the first things we take up in Albany next year." Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queentribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.

NYS To Lose Two Congressmen By DOMENICK RAFTER New U.S. Census numbers released Tuesday show New York State will lose two Congressional seats in reapportionment. New York State's population grew at a tepid 2.1 percent rate since 2000, while other states in the South and West grew at well over 10 percent, necessitating the reapportionment of seats from New York to elsewhere. Nearby states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Massachusetts also lost seats, while Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Nevada gained seats. Texas will add four seats to its delegation. "We are disappointed that New York will lose two congressional districts as a result of the 2010 Census. This must serve as a wakeup call to state government to improve our economy and grow New York's population, especially upstate and in Western New York," said Senate Democratic leader John Sampson. Actual local population numbers will not be released until the end of February. Those numbers will pinpoint exactly where the state has lost population and which House seats

will need to be eliminated. Early Census estimates say New York has been bleeding population upstate, especially around Buffalo and Rochester, in the congressional districts of Brian Higgins (D-Buffalo) and Louise Slaughter (D-Rochester), as well as the Central New York district, won last month by businessman Richard Hanna, centered in Utica and Cortland. However, when New York has lost multiple seats in reapportionment in the past, districts were eliminated both upstate and downstate, with upstate districts being redrawn larger to encompass more people. In 2000, New York also lost two seats. In a deal made between Republican State Senate leaders and Assembly Democratic leaders, redistricting led to the elimination of one Democratic seat - the Niagara Falls-area disrict of U.S. Rep. John LaFalce - and one Republican seat, the Rockland County-based district of U.S. Rep. Benjamin Gilman. They both retired rather than face another representative in a primary or general election.

With Republicans in control of the State Senate, it's possible a similar deal could be struck again, but Democratic leaders called on incoming Majority Leader Dean Skelos to endorse independent redistricting. "Senators truly committed to reform should support both an independent redistricting process and new district lines that will fairly represent all New Yorkers without bias or partisan advantage that disenfranchises key regions of the state and in diverse communities," said Sampson. Senate Republicans want to protect their State Senate majority and the eight GOP House members from New York, six of whom are from upstate. Democrats want to pick up some of the seats they lost last month in 2012, when President Barack Obama will be on top of the ticket, a feat, according to one Queens State Senator, they believe will be made easier if districts are not drawn to protect the GOP incumbents, Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queentribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.

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Happy Holidays! As we publish our 51st edition of this year’s Queens Tribune, we would like to take a moment to thank the people of Queens for supporting this newspaper throughout the year. From the readers, letter writers, contributors and news contacts to the advertisers, institutions and businesses that support and carry our newspaper, we wish you all a healthy and happy holiday, hoping that the coming New Year brings new hope, new prosperity and good news for all. Whatever you celebrate, we wish our readers and friends in Queens a joyful holiday season, continue to look for peace in the world and look forward to a thriving 2011. Thank you.

In Your Opinion: Out With Old To The Editor: Sending the money-losing NYC Off Track Betting Corporation to the glue factory (“No OTB Rescue, Parlors Shut Down,” Dec. 10) is a winning bet for taxpayers. Gambling is not an essential function of government. OTB has never turned a profit and takes money from those who can least afford it. With a $60 billion municipal debt, many public opinion surveys reveal that New Yorkers would prefer City Hall and Albany cut our losses by selling off OTB today. OTB now joins GOP Queens Sen. Frank Padavan in the losers circle. Besides campaigning for Padavan and other Senators, did OTB Employees Local 2021 ASFCM also make any campaign contributions their campaigns? Was Padavan’s vote to save OTB his last thank you as a lame duck Senator for their past support? How ironic, since Padavan has been a leading critic of gambling for decades. Larry Penner Great Neck

Page 6 Tribune Dec. 23-29, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

Kissinger To The Editor: In recently released tapes of a discussion between former President Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger, Nixon made derogatory remarks about Jews. In response, Kissinger said that emigration of Soviet Jews should not be an objective of American foreign policy and then gratuitously added that putting Soviet Jews into gas chambers, while a humanitarian concern, should not be an American concern. One can debate whether at the time in question emigration of Soviet Jews, while laudable, should or

should not be an objective of American foreign policy. What is not debatable is that putting Jews or any other ethnic minority into gas chambers, is not simply a humanitarian concern, but should be an American concern indeed worthy of being a part of American foreign policy. That Henry Kissinger, not just because he is a Jew and one to whom emigration to America saved from a fate of gas chambers, failed to recognize the distinction between emigration and extinction, says very little about him as a human being and his supposed diplomatic skills. Benjamin M. Haber. Flushing

Voting Flaws To The Editor: Since this past year’s election, much has been written and discussed regarding both the new vote process and New York’s drastically low turnout. Such issues have appeared in the Queens Tribune, other local newspapers, and as well as publications throughout the city, region and state. A lot was blamed on the new voting process and state laws – small print on ballots, unfamiliarity, advance time to register, and whether ballots could be marked at home and brought to the polls on Election Day. Certainly, these concerns are plausible. I myself found the small print difficult to read. But those are only a small part of the reason for low voter turnout and dissatisfaction with the process. New York’s state government has been called the most dysfunctional of the 50. We need only look at events of the last few years – a governor’s resignation due to a sex scandal, and his less than stellar successor. In 2009 two politicians caused a stalemate that virtually shut down the govern-

Michael Schenkler Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

ment for nearly two months. There have been countless cases of politicians involved with corruption: stealing from non-profits, sexual harassment, using taxpayer funds for their own purposes and the Aqueduct racino selection fiasco. From several local Queens politicians to Charles Rangel at the federal level, one ponders if there are any politicians we can trust and which others yet uncaught are engaging in shenanigans. Next, is the structure of the party system. The Democrats have a virtual stranglehold on state politics, and Republicans make little effort to appeal to the electorate or finance their party. Regardless of how voters mark their ballots, they are entitled to choices of various candidates and parties, but the system offers little of it. District lines are drawn to unjustly favor Democrats. Former Mayor Ed Koch is correct in recommending that a non-partisan committee draw district lines. This will be necessary, as New York will lose two congressional seats as a result of the 2010 Census. Under the current state of affairs, does any New Yorker seriously think the state will ever again have a Republican governor or senator? Then there is the smugness of many local politicians. Most of them are far left-wing Democrats. I have approached a number of them over the years to discuss political topics. Every one of them, to various degrees of rudeness, made it clear to me that they are unwilling to consider any point of view other than their own. Finally, there are the voters themselves. The overwhelming majority of New Yorkers will not consider any candidate other than a Democrat. They complain, but without a balanced media, more than one option, weak opposition, a system that brilliantly favors incumbents, and the cockiness of those in office, many do not seem to comprehend that their voting patterns are often the reasons for their troubles. I recall well the Reagan years when my taxes were lower and I had more disposable income. As we saw in 2010, in other parts of the country, most notably Massachusetts, many voters were willing to discern that their past voting patterns had hurt them and were willing to cross over. Sadly, New York, a combination of stubborn party loyalty and the fact that in much of the state people vote for cultural, racial, ethnic or religious reasons means they do not show any indication of looking at the entire political picture. I am not saying that New Yorkers must stop voting Democratic and the solution is to choose RepubliMarcia Moxam Comrie, Contributing Editor Reporters: Sasha Austrie, Harley Benson, Joseph Orovic, Domenick Rafter, Jessica Ablamsky

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cans. Undoubtedly, if the GOP was in control, most of those involved in corruption and scandal would be Republican. The only reason several seats in the Empire State delegation were won by Republicans was due to dissatisfaction with the Obama agenda of steady unemployment, big government, reckless spending, taxes, an unpopular health plan and inaction on immigration. In light of all this, is it any real wonder why so many New Yorkers don’t bother to vote? Edward Riecks, Howard Beach

Still A Danger To The Editor: The Cross With Care article in the Edit Page this summer prompts this letter. You point out that “any steps we can take to help bring sanity to the otherwise crazed conditions our pedestrians face is a step in the right direction.” You warn to look both ways, cross at the green, etc. This is not enough; we must do something concrete to slow cars down in areas of high pedestrian traffic. A crossing like 53rd Avenue here in Bayside where PS 162 is located is one such Avenue. Besides the crossing of students daily, our residents must cross to access the mailbox, to vote or enjoy the wonderful playground in the area on 56th Avenue. On June 4, at 9 a.m., a car speeding east on 53rd Avenue and 202nd Street mowed down a young mother after she crossed her son to PS 162. As a result, she died shortly afterward. The driver said he didn’t see her – in spite of the crossing guard frantically waving and screaming for him to stop. This mother was crossing at the corner. After this tragedy our group, the Bayside Beautification Group, petitioned the DOT, Community Board 11 and our public officials to help prevent another tragedy on this avenue by having speed bumps installed on the two blocks near PS 162. On July 13, Maura McCarthy, Queens Borough Commissioner, met with our group on 53rd Avenue to observe this dangerous area. As the cars sped by at 40-45 miles per hour, McCarthy informed us that speed bumps could not be installed on this avenue because of driveways. We strongly disagree with McCarthy. Our members have canvassed the Queens area and have found several blocks where speed bumps are in place. All these thoroughfares have houses with driveways and, since they are all in Queens, have the same plot size as our Bayside homes. Instead of installing speed bumps, the only proven way to slow speedAlan 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

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ing drivers, DOT has installed 15 signs on 53rd Avenue – some with icons, others with decreased speed and other signs where the speed limits apply only to school days and at certain hours. All of these measures are worthless. There is no enforcement of these rules. Drivers do not obey the signs. DOT wants to install a flashing yellow light on this dangerous Avenue. As the residents of this area, we observe daily that drivers do not obey any signs – stop signs, speed signs, yield to pedestrian in the crosswalk signs, etc. Another “passive” device (flashing light) would be meaningless. Drivers speed up on this very dangerous area – the five blocks on 53rd Avenue between Francis Lewis Boulevard on the west and the Clearview Expressway on the east. Why would Ms. McCarthy think a flashing light would slow cars when these newly installed signs have in no way decreased the speed of cars? Beatrice Gallagher, Bayside

Perfect Christmas To The Editor: Christmas is almost here, and there is much for most of us to do – gifts to buy and to wrap, more cards to send, even a few more decorations to hang. It’s also a time to reflect on the troubles in the world, our nation at war and the loss of so many lives. The message of this season is “peace on earth and good will towards men.” Yet where is it? This is when a lot of us reflect on the gentler times of our past. I find myself thinking about a Christmas when I was young and America was not so troubled. It was 1957, in the Cold War, but didn’t much understand or care about such things. I was 8 years old, living in a corner house in Queens Village with my mother and father and two blind boarders my mother cared for. We didn’t have much money but we always had a good Christmas, full of love and sharing and plenty of music, which my mother would say was tonic for the soul. Kindness and love seemed to bounce from house to house in those days, and neighbors greeted one another with a “Merry Christmas,” as carolers sang from house to house. Churches were beaming with worshippers. Christmas meant a lot back then, and I just can’t but wonder if that kind of Christmas will ever return. The picture-perfect Christmases of our memories may have been laced with imperfections, but I still think they are better than the frenzied days we have now. Frederick Bedell, Jr., Glen Oaks Mitch Kronenfeld: Classified Manager Elizabeth Mance: Administrative Assistant Classified Ad Representatives: Nadia Hack, Peggie Henderson, Fran Gordon, Marty Lieberman, Chris Preasha, Lorraine Shaw, Sheila Scholder, Lillian Saar

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Mister District Attorney, Forever? Gloria D’Amico 1927-2010 Gloria D’Amico began her political career the same year this newspaper published its first edition. And for the next 40 years, we watched the talented lady from Astoria blaze trails across the landscape of Queens. Although we’ve used the phrase before, this is one of those rare t imes that we sadly report the passing of one of the true Queens of Queens. Gloria D. D’Amico, county clerk for Queens County, NY, for the past 19 years and the first woman ever to hold the position, died on Tuesday, December 21, at home with her family at her side. The Tribune extends its condolences to the family of this proud lady who broke the glass ceiling long before it became fashionable to do so.

By MICHAEL SCHENKLER When the District Attorne y makes a point, you listen. When the Queens DA says something, follows it up with email, punctuates it in person and then hands it to you in writing, you better get the point. Queens Count y’s District Attorney for the past two decades

reacted to my column of two weeks ago, containing my fanciful political predictions, one of which read: “Queens DA Richard Brown will announce that he will not seek a fifth term and retire after 20-plus years as DA and a 50-plus year career of public service. Brown will be saluted by the entire community, for his exemplary service with rec-

ognition from the Mayor, the Governor, Congress and more. Contrary to speculation, Brown will not step down early to permit the appointment of an insider to replace him. Instead September 2011 will witness an exciting political mad scramble for this coveted position. The speculation will include: Peter Vallone Jr, Mark Weprin, Mike Gianaris, Melinda Katz, Eric Gioia, and Grace Meng; on the Republican side, Dan Halloran will be the GOP’s clear choice. The Dem Primary will be between Vallone Jr., Katz, and Gioia. Vallone, campaigning as ‘The People’s Lawyer,’ will win and go on to beat an energized effort by Dan Halloran to be elected as Queens DA.” DA Richard Brown arrived at the Trib holiday party last week, walking up to me in Douglaston Manor with a paper in hand containing an email he had sent to me earlier. He immediately sought me out, handed me the paper, pointed to it and turned and smiled

for the camera. Judge Brown, as he is stilled called in deference to his prior position on the bench, had written: “Mike: Thx for your kind words but rumors to the contrar y not w it hstanding, I’m not going any where. My goal is to surpass Bob Morgenthau’s record for longevity in office. That means I’ve got at least another 15 years to go. I’ll see you tomorrow nite at your Holiday Party. Regards. RAB.” And apparently Judge Brown has been receiving At the Tribune holiday party (L. to R.): phone calls since the pub- Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone, Trib Publisher Mike Schenkler and Queens DA lishing of my column, comRichard Brown. menting on his impending retirement. Now Brown, well into That no one i nclude s me a nd his seventies, has reminded us of Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. And so I say to Judge Brown: Morgenthau who served as Manhattan DA for 35 years, retiring last I agree w ith ever ything you say, and will be following you for the year at the age of 90. No one is going to argue with next 15 years. Now where is my this giant of a man who commands get-out-of-jail free card? the borough’s law enforcement. MSchenkler@QueensTribune.com

Page 8 Tribune Dec. 23-29, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

How Did a Rogue Agency Escape Detection So Long? By HENRY STERN Swift action followed the report of the indictment of six people accused of an $80 million fraud against the City of New York. The Daily News, which has been repor ting for over a year on Henry CityTime and its derelictions, ran a story with the lede: “Inve st igator s probi ng t he massive Cit yTime payroll scandal seized $850,000 in cash yesterday from safe deposit boxes linked to consultants accused of stealing $80 million. “One of the six defendants even showed up at a Long Island bank with a large duffel bag but was turned away, a source told the Daily News.” The Times repor ted on City Hall’s response to the indictments in a story: “The official in charge of the New York City agency at the heart of the $80 million information technology fraud scheme was suspended on Thursday without pay by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Comptroller John C. Liu. “The official, Joel Bondy, was chosen by Mr. Bloomberg to be the executive director of the Office of Payroll Administration in April 2004. But the payroll agency has been repeatedly criticized for its handling of the CityTime project, an automated system designed to streamline employee timekeeping, which has been dogged by delays and enormous cost overruns. “On Wednesday, Federal prosecutors accused several CityTime

consultants - at least one of them a longtime associate of Mr. Bondy - of being involved in a scheme that manipulated the city into steering expensive contracts to businesses that they controlled and of redirecting some of that money for Stern their own enrichment. But the scandal has become one of the most serious that the Bloomberg administration has faced. And by casting a pall over an initiative that the mayor had championed as a hallmark of efficient, computerized management, the case also shines a harsh light on the administrations outsourcing practices.” The Post covered the bank incident: “Now that’s timing. “A defendant in the $80 million CityTime payroll office scandal arrived at a bank with a large duffel bag yesterday to clear out money allegedly stolen from city taxpayers - but investigators got to it first, officials said. The Post ran a harsh editorial: It’s Mike’s Mess. The Post is generally supportive of the mayor, but this editorial alludes to grievances that may have accumulated over time. One thing overlooked on Day One was the significant role of the City’s Department of Investigation in exposing the fraud. U.S. Attorney Preet Shahara said: “I want to praise Commissioner Rose Gill Hearn and her DOI team for their exceptionally quick and diligent work in this matter. Working with

our partners, we will continue to ferret out public corruption and prosecute those responsible to the full extent of the law.” Commissioner Hearn said: “The shame is that a project to save time and money on the City payroll fell prey in part to the accused swindlers who cost the taxpayers a stunning $80 million and counting. T he supposed exper ts hired and paid well to protect the city’s interests were exposed as the fox guarding the hen house, secretly pocketing millions and purchasing expensive homes and cars, it is charged. Ironically, when CityTime’s hand scanners got in their way, they even resorted to fudging paper timesheets, according to the Complaint. One per son who de ser ve s great credit for his work on this case is Juan Gonzalez of the Daily News. A sad aspect of this case is how long his repeated warnings, published in the News, were not acted upon. Councilmember Letitia James of Brooklyn held hearings on the subject, but her complaints may or may not have reached Speaker Christine Quinn, the public official to whom the administration is most likely to be responsive. There should be an inquir y into the city’s handling of this fraud during the six-year period over which the conspiracy is said to have operated. We should also remember that this is not the first time that hone st people have been duped by unprincipled swindlers. What is unusual here is the period of years over which the fraud occurred, its magnitude, and

the apparent complete lack of oversight over Joel Bondy and the OPA. Similar events have occurred in prior administrations, where honest mayors are betrayed by corrupt subordinates, of whose ver y existence they were barely aware. Part of the problem here may be that since OPA was a twoheaded agency, responsible to both the Mayor and the Comptrol ler, neither provided the close supervision that now appears to have been badly needed. Another aspect of the case is that since the project itself was opposed by the unions who had no interest in accurate timekeeping, critics of the contract may have been dismissed as naysayers, even though they

were right about the contract. We also learn t he le sson again that it doesn’t matter how many oversight agencies exist, the system often relies on individuals being honest and doing their jobs responsibly. When people lack integrity, the cost can exceed even the $80 million which is reportedly missing. As an individual and a ta xpayer, I would want those convicted to remain in prison until all the money is returned. They stole from all of us. The perpetrators should receive plenty of time to make the acquaintance of Mr. Madoff, with whom t he y could trade note s. Their enablers should consider less demanding employment. StarQuest@NYCivic.org

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

Queens This Week Still Time Left For Holiday Toy Drive

Page 10 Tribune Dec. 23-29, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

A Change Measured In Meters Come January, it should be a little bit easier to go out to eat or do some shopping on Bell Boulevard - without the perpetual fear of getting a parking ticket. Meters and signs on Bell from 35th Avenue through 39th Avenue were recently changed by the City Dept. of Transportation from one hour to two hours. Although Community Board 11 has not had an update from the DOT, the transformation of Bell Boulevard should be complete sometime in January, with two-hour meters from 39th Avenue to Northern Boulevard, said Gregg Sullivan, executive director of the Bayside Business Improvement District. "You can't go into Bell Boulevard without worry about parking tickets," he said. "I want to take the worry out." The two-hour meter initiative originated with the BID, said CB11 Chairman Jerry Iannece. There was some initial opposition within the board, but most people are now supportive. "Most people would be glad to put a little extra money in to have a little extra cushion," he said. "For an hour to go to lunch

Docs Warn Against Tourist Surger y China offers plenty for eager tourists: the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Shanghai, Hong Kong - the list is endless. But flights to Beijing - and numerous other cities worldwide - are not just filled with sightseers. Some are on their way to buying improved bodies. Their trip may also leave them feeling like total boobs. Every year, Americans travel overseas for cheap plastic surgery, to sometimes disastrous results. The Long Island Plastic Surgical Group opened an office in Flushing, at 136-20 38th Ave., in an effort to stymie the booming plastic surgical tourism trade. The group's efforts embody a recent push across the country to keep Americans from endangering their own health and bottom lines by undergoing cosmetic surgery abroad. "It is a no man's land out there, and it varies from country to country," said Dr. Phil Haeck, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The plastic surgery tourism trade has several draws, purporting to offer the same procedures offered in the States for a fraction of the price. Web sites tout doctors ready to perform a variety of "-plasties," from tummy tucks to breast enhancements, in an exotic

setting for a fraction of the cost. According to Long Island Plastic Surgical's Dr. Jerry Chang, the savings could be fivefold in China. Medical tourism also promises the opportunity to vacation abroad, presenting the surgical procedure as an easy, on-the-go, distraction. According to Haeck, that's rarely the case. Patients most often spend their trip in a bed, recovering from surgery. By the time their weeklong stay ends, they're back on a plane. "It's appealing because they think they're going to get the same surgery they'll get in the States for much cheaper, and then they're going to get some extra time for tourism," Haeck said. "It's not really tourism. You're going to be Dr. Jerry Chang and Dr. Thomas Davenport of bruised and uncomfortable for Long Island Plastic Surgical Group. most of your stay." According to Chang, many travelers also After 100 Years, simply want to be in a familiar setting, putting the comfort of their home nation above It Owns The Street all else. Long Island Plastic Surgical Group's Capping off the parish's 100th year in location represents an effort to eliminate that Richmond Hill, the intersection of 112th rationale by providing services in many im- Street and 86th Avenue in Richmond Hill, at migrants' backyard. the southeast corner of Holy Child Jesus "This population is underserved when it Church, was co-named The Church of Holy comes to culturally-sensitive treatment," Child Jesus Plaza last weekend. Chang said. Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (DThe drawbacks of plastic surgery excur- Middle Village) joined Community Board 9 sions, according to Long Island Plastic chairman Ivan Mrakovcic, the Most Rev. Surgical's Dr. Thomas Davenport, far out- Octavio Cisneros, Holy Child Jesus pastor weigh the benefits. and Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of BrookDoctors, if they can be called that in some lyn and parishioners on Dec. 19 to unveil the cases, sometimes employ unorthodox prac- street's new co-name. The sign was officially tices leading to dubious results. unveiled by Millie Bello, who has lived in According to Haeck, surgical snafus run Richmond Hill for a century. the gamut from improperly placed breast "The co-naming of this plaza is in recogimplants to infections due to lackluster ster- nition of the 100 years of service the Holy ilization methods. Child Jesus Church has provided to the In fact, most unwanted results from pro- Richmond Hill community and the City of cedures typically stem from poor practices New York," Crowley said. and improper training, according to DavenThe timing of the co-naming coincides port. Overseas doctors are not beholden to with the actual centennial of the parish, which the regulatory and certification practices of celebrated its first mass on the top floor of a American doctors, who must pass nearly a building on 116th Street and Jamaica Avdecade of strict training at high standards in enue, four blocks from the church's current order to receive professional recognition - location, on Christmas Day, 1910, 100 years and a license. ago this weekend. "There, you don't even know what the The parish opened after the population of extent of the training is," Davenport said. nearby St. Benedict Joseph Labre parish a And an improper result could lead to quarter of a mile to the south, became too further surgery, usually back in the U.S. It large, necessitating another Roman Catholic leaves doctors with a mess of unknowns in church in the neighborhood. The current the operating room, leading them to treat the church building, which towers above the first surgery's maladies before correcting the neighborhood and can be seen for blocks, mistakes. opened in 1931. "When you go back in on these folks, it's The City Council passed the resolution kind of a crap shoot," Haeck said, recount- mandating the street co-naming last month. ing instances of infections and dead tissue Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at removals before even considering another drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357attempt at a procedure. 7400 Ext. 125. The redoes can be so costly they eliminate —Domenick Rafter the original savings and then some, according to Davenport. Many patients also miss out on the extended level of care they'd experience in the U.S. Follow-up visits and continued treatment are impossible. "If something happens to you in China, you don't have that support system," Chang said. The key, all three doctors agreed, is diligent research and continued consultation with a doctor. "We want to promote patient education," Chang said. "There aren't any small procedures." Reach Reporter Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127. — Joseph Orovic

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Photo by Joseph Orovic

A small tower of toys is stacked up in a corner of the Allergy & Asthma Family Care Center's office in downtown Bayside - dolls, trucks and games of all kinds - for Assemblywoman Ann-Margaret Carrozza's (D-Bayside) 14th annual toy drive. "This has been the most successful it has ever been," she said, referring to the 500 toys that were collected. "So many more families in our community have economic needs this year, so it's wonderful they will have something to open." More than 90 percent of the toys collected stay in Queens, handed out to children through nearly a dozen charities and institutions, including Cohen Children's Medical Center, Queens Children's Psychiatric Center and St. Mary's Hospital for Children. "Since we've been able to collect so many toys this year, we've been able to expand who we give toys to," said David Fischer, deputy chief of staff for Carrozza. Dr. Robert Mittman was asked to sponsor the toy drive 10 years ago, and has been helping out ever since. Distribution was accomplished with help from local students at Summit High School in Queens, who also dressed up as Santa. "What's interesting is that the news reports were saying donations were down, but we collected more than ever," he said. "I think people are being generous." Carrozza's gift drive for veterans netted more than 1,000 items, including clothes, decks of cards, puzzles and toiletries for veterans at the New York State Veterans Home at St. Albans and the St. Albans Community Living Center of the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System. With Assemblyman-elect Ed Braunstein slated to soon take over Carrozza's seat, the assemblywoman has no plans to terminate her charitable activities once she is out of office. "She's already getting ready for her Valentine's for Veterans," Fischer said. For those who would like to make a donation, children's toys will be collected at the Allergy & Asthma Family Care Center at 38-21 Bell Blvd. in Bayside until 6 p.m. on Dec. 24. Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at jablamsky@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 124. —Jessica Ablamsky

is a little bit tight." Sullivan hoped that all of the meters would be changed in time for the holiday shopping season. "The one-hour meter was a source of revenue for [the City], but it hurt the local economy," he said. "It hurt us to not have them changed during the shopping season. It prevented people who might have stayed longer to shop." To make up for the loss of revenue from parking tickets, Sullivan predicts that when the DOT reprograms the rest of the meters from one hour to two hours, the length of time they run will be extended from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Harkening back to Downtown Bayside's heyday in the 50s and 60s, when families could be found strolling the Boulevard, Sullivan wants to bring back the pedestrian traffic, which he said that two-hour meters will help make a reality. "We have enough restaurants and bars," he said. "Your first date, it's a great place for that." With seven empty retail spaces that range from 1,000-3,000 square feet, Sullivan is actively seeking more retail, such as book, card and clothing stores. It is a vision that Iannece supports, but one that could be difficult to achieve. "These small retailers are going to have difficulty competing with nearby Bay Terrace, which has ample parking, and they are going to have trouble competing with big box stores," he said. The problem is cost-prohibitive rent, and taxes and fees from the City, which make it difficult for businesses without high markup, or high turnover, Iannece said. "You can only mark up your goods so much or they'll drive to Bay Terrace or the mall," he said. "I think that's why you're seeing a lot more restaurants and bars. Even those establishments are finding it difficult, because people aren't going out as much, and aren't drinking as much." In the end, Iannece will welcome any establishment that is good for the community, and is a good neighbor. Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at jablamsky@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 124. —Jessica Ablamsky

Fight To Save Center For Dementia Patients By JASON BANREY Queens seniors braved the cold weather last Thursday to protest the Department of Health's proposed elimination of funding that would "wipe out" a program that has served Jamaica for nearly four decades. As part of the city's effort to eliminate the budget gap, the City Health Dept. is making cuts to agencies that provide mental health services to the public throughout the city. Many of the cuts are aimed at recoveryoriented services such as social clubs and peer programs throughout the city, and are part of a larger budget cut mandated by the Bloomberg administration that is just under $6 million.

Under the proposed cuts, Jamaica Service Program for Older Adults (JSPOA) is expected to shut down over the next two years its mental health program that operates within the center. Serving nearly 100 seniors and elderly participants who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and dementia, the Friendship Center is expected to lose $147,781 in funding by Feb. 28 and $443,343 in 2012. Although the center receives part of its funding from the Dept. for the Aging, "this cut will wipe this program," said Carol Hunt, Executive Director of JSPOA, who said she feels the cuts are unnecessary. "Not only will services be cut, but Friendship Center staff will lose their jobs."

A Taxi For Your Chair By JESSICA ABLAMSKY A new initiative from the City Taxi and Limousine Commission should make it easier for the estimated 60,000 wheelchair-bound New Yorkers to catch a cab at the regular fare. The beginning of what could be a yearlong process, the TLC is establishing a centralized dispatch system for wheelchair accessible taxis and car services, known as forhire vehicles in TLC-speak. It would be funded in a to-be-determined way by the taxi and livery industry. Of the City's more than 13,200 taxis, 240 are accessible. Akin to looking for a needle in a haystack, there is no coordinated way for wheelchair users to use them. "This proposal is intended to offer wheelchair users better, speedier service than that which is available currently from Access-A-

Ride," said TLC Commissioner David Yassky, "provided that they are willing to pay the going rate for a taxi or car service, which are higher than the cost of mass transit." The initiative is the result of a two-year pilot program, funded by City Council with a $1 million grant, which allowed wheelchair users to call 311 to request a taxi. Problems included low demand and low compliance by drivers to calls and city regulations. The pilot program provided more than 5,800 trips. Wary of any new taxes or fees, the Greater New York Taxi Association and the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade offered cautious support for the centralized dispatch system. Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at jablamsky@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 124.

Gathering outside the Friendship Center, seniors voiced their opinions about the proposed cuts. Yvette Clarke's 86year-old husband Leslie has been a member of the Friendship Center for five years and suffers from dementia. The center has been a source of strength and support for Clarke and her husband. "If the center closes, I don't know what I'll do," said Clarke. "[My husband] will have no place to go." Although there are a few similar services available to patients Friendship Center clients and supporters rally to save the who qualify for Medic- center's dementia program from city budget cuts. aid, only 22 patients who benefit from the program's services at (D-South Ozone Park), whose grandmother once attended the Friendship Center, supthe center are eligible. The Health Dept. called the cuts "painful," ported the seniors rallying against the probut said budget constraints have forced it to posed cuts. Wills witnessed how his grandmother make cuts to programs that are generally socially benefited from the center's program performing well. In recent years, Borough President and urged the Bloomberg administration to Helen Marshall, State Sen. Shirley Hunt- reconsider the proposed cuts. "The Friendship Center and these types of ley (D-Jamaica), Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) and Councilman programs are something that our community James Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows) pro- cannot live without," said Wills. "This is not vided more than $2 million to build a just an ordinary center, it is something we space for the Friendship Center and need to keep." Reach Intern Jason Banrey at JSPOA offices in the newly renovated jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 357courthouse in Jamaica. Newly-elected Councilman Ruben Wills 7400, Ext. 128.

www.queenstribune.com â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 23-29, 2010 Tribune Page 11

Queens CLOSEUP 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) 8315962 for information and directions.

Mail A Book Queens Library Mail A Book brings library materials and socialization to the borough’s homebound library customers. This year, they will bring a little New Year’s cheer, as well. Mail A Book will hold a special New Year’s eve “chat-by-phone” program and another on New Year’s Day. Homebound customers must pre-register by phoning (718) 7766800. The program is free. Customers are then provided with a toll-free phone number, and will have the opportunity to spend some quality time with old and new friends for the holiday. Mail A Book Coordinator Madlyn Schneider said, “I came up with the idea when some of my call-in customers talked about how lonely they are during the holidays and that the New Year is particularly hard for them.” As an adjunct to delivering library books and videos, Mail A Book holds quality programs twice a week for homebound customers. They include a weekly Friday morning chat, where library customers can socialize and share with others who share similar lifestyles and limitations. Special speakers add enrichment. Recently, the Metropolitan Museum of Art conducted a three-session lecture series. Artwork was photographed and sent to participants ahead of time so they could all view the artwork together. The executive director of Louis Latimer House and the executive director of the Holocaust Resource Center from Queens Borough Community College were also recent guest speakers. Other times, the group plays bingo and trivia games and has book discussions. Customers can also phone in to hear concerts or drama programs being held at the library. For library users who are not mobile, loneliness and lack of mental stimulation can be a terrible challenge; live, interactive programs make a tremendous difference. Queens Library’s Mail A Book service and live programs are available free to anyone who lives, works, goes to school or owns property anywhere in New York State. To register, phone (718) 776-6800.

Narcotics Anonymous hold meetings throughout Queens every day. For the helpline, call (718) 932-6244. You can also visit them online at westernqueensna.org.

Benefit Concer t There will be a benefit concert at Colonial Church of Bayside featuring Award Winning Pianist Esther Shin and Soprano Kyungsook Lee, with music by Beethoven, Chopin, Albeniz, Hymns and Testimony on Sunday, Jan. 9, at 1 p.m. The cost is $12 per person. Colonial Church of Bayside is located at 54-02 217th St. For more information and reservations, call (718) 224-3899/3997.

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

New Year Par ty

Musical Theater Workshops

Meetings Moved

FSF Community Theatre Group, 41-60 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, is offering two workshops in acting, singing and dance for 10-19 year olds. Starting in January they will offer “Learning the Basics” for beginners and “Beyond the Basics” for intermediate students, all of whom will be in the May Musical Revue, May 14, 21, 22. To learn more call (516) 521-5500. The cost is $150 for both classes, and includes t-shirt, costumes and a party. For non-members there is an additional $20 registration fee. Classes begin January 2011.

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.

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.

Senior Dance The Howard Beach Senior Center, located at 156-45 84th St., is featuring “Latin Dance” Lessons and Exercise Program every Friday afternoon at 1 p.m. Sara will be teaching mambo, salsa, cha-cha, meringue and other Latin dances to interested seniors.

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.

Yoga Instr uctor Jamie Ehrenthal, a certified instructor of yoga, a system for balancing mind, body, and emotions which originated in India, will speak at The Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112th Street, on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at 8:30 p.m. She will discuss and demonstrate exercises for relieving stress. This event, sponsored by the Temple’s Sisterhood, is open to the general public at no charge.

On Tuesday, Dec. 28, at 1 p.m., the Howard Beach Senior Center will be conducting their annual New Year’s Eve Party. Lunch will be served at noon, followed by dancing to DJ Rich. Party hats and horns will be distributed and refreshments will be served. All are welcome. The Howard Beach Senior Center is located at 156-45 84th St. (Entrance on 85th Street). The center is funded under contract to the New York City Department For The Aging and is open to anyone age 60 and over.

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association has moved its’ Winter Town Hall Meetings to the second Saturday of each month. The next meetings are Jan. 8 and Feb. 12. The meetings start at 1 p.m. and are held at the Woodhaven Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 78-15 Jamaica Ave. “During the cold, dark winter months many of our residents don’t like going out to evening meetings. On a Saturday afternoon, they can fit our meeting in with their shopping,” said WRBA President Edward Wendell. The monthly meetings were held on a Saturday last year as an experiment and proved very popular. Among the topics expected to be discussed at the next meeting: the Forest Park Carousel, graffiti in the neighborhood, and the proposed rezoning of Woodhaven. For more information on the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, call (718) 2963735, or visit them online at woodhaven-nycorg.

Feathered Friends Feathered Friends Parrot Adoption Services, Inc. (FFPAS), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit parrot adoption and rescue organization located in Maspeth, will conduct the final lecture for 2010, on Thursday, Dec. 23, at the Maspeth Library, 69-70 Grand Ave., at 6:30 p.m. The seminar topic will be on “How to Choose the Right Companion Parrot.” This important lecture will help you to decide what species is the perfect parrot for your home and family.

Havdalah And A Movie “Havdalah And A Movie” kicks off with rare TV movie filmed at Astoria Center Of Israel Jan. 8, 2011, 7 p.m., $5 suggested donation: Following havdalah service, our new series of monthly sat night movie events kicks off with the rare TV movie “Rivkin: Bounty Hunter” starring Rob Liebman, with scenes filmed in our historic sanctuary. Refreshments for sale. Rabbi Jonathan and Mrs. Judy Pearl will provide an introduction, and a raffle will be held for a copy of their scholarly book, “The Chosen Image: Television’s Portrayal Of Jewish Themes And Characters.” 27-35 Crescent Street, Astoria, Call (718) 278-2680.

Winter Classes LaGuardia Community College’s College for Children is offering its winter children’s program for K-5th grade students beginning Saturday, January 8. Popular classes include English Language Arts reading and writing,

math, ESL, theater, art, guitar, Mandarin and Spanish. Classes will be held in the college’s main building at 31-10 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City. Registration is now taking place. Limited family discounts are available. Those who are interested in attending may call (718) 482-5334 or register online at peopleware.net/ace.

Test Prep To help high school students prepare for spring SAT exams (March 12, May 7 and June 4) LaGuardia Community College’s Teen Academy offers intensive SAT test prep. These Saturday courses prepare students for both sections of the test: Critical Reading/Writing and Math. Intensives run through May. FREE college planning workshops on careers, choosing a major, financial aid and scholarships are included. Classes will be held in the college’s main building at 31-10 Thomson Ave., Long Island City and take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration is now taking place. Limited family discounts are available. Those who are interested in attending may call (718) 482-5334 or register online at peopleware.net/ace.

Interfaith Forum In response to the recent Ground Zero mosque controversy and in the spirit of community building, the Astoria Presbyterian Church will host an interfaith forum series titled: Exploring Our Neighbors’ Spirituality. The series continues on the first Sunday of each month through spring 2011. A wide-range of religions and spiritual disciplines including Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Eastern Orthodox and Jainism will be explored. Leaders from the various faiths will be invited to speak in an open forum format, where questions from the public will be encouraged. “Astoria is such a diverse community, and we have people worshiping in very different ways living side by side, but how much can we really say we know about our neighbor’s religion?,” said The Rev. Don Olinger, pastor of the Astoria Presbyterian Church. “The forum seemed like the perfect way to bring people together and encourage constructive conversation.” The Astoria Presbyterian Church is located at 23-35 Broadway, Astoria.

Winter Teen Academy To help middle and high school students score higher on New York State, Regents and SAT exams; improve basic skills; gain academic confidence; and prepare for college, LaGuardia Community College’s Teen Academy is offering a full range of Saturday classes, beginning Jan. 8. Offered are classes in Regents and SAT test prep; free college admission workshops; and classes in reading, writing, ESL and math. Teen Academy also offers affordable private tutoring. Classes will be held in the college’s main building at 31-10 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City. Registration is now taking place. Family discounts are available. Those who are interested in attending may call (718) 482-5334 or register online at peopleware.net/ace. Course descriptions can be found at ace.laguardia.edu/TNA.

Send Queens Closeup News and Photos to: Queens Tribune 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357

www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 23-29, 2010 Tribune Page 13

Drug Aid

school year and is located in Bayside, NY 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

SJU Gets Holiday Gift In MSG Tourney Win THE PERFECT FIT. THE RIGHT STYLE.

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By DAN MILLER 15 (26.7 percent) from three-point range The St. John's Red Storm cruised to compared to their damaging 6 of 12(50 victory at the annual Holiday Festival at percent) in the first half. Madison Square Garden this week, though The championship victory at the 2010 from their first half performance on opening Holiday Festival was the first festival champinight, many may have thought the team and onship for Lavin with the Red Storm, the first its fans would walk away disappointed. for St. John's since 2005 and their 15th On Monday night, the Red Storm of St. overall in 45 appearances. John's University (6-3) faced Davidson UniSt. John's won this championship on outversity in the first round of standing defense, out-rethe Madison Square Garden bounding Northwestern 2010 Holiday Festival. Fol35-29, which led to many lowing the tournament fast breaks and control of opener, in which Northwestthe ball and the game. ern destroyed Brooklyn's St. On the offense, Francis College, St. John's Northwestern's Shurna led entered the greatest arena all scorers with 28 points, in the world, to a standing but it was St. John's that ovation - and they did not had five players in double disappoint their fans. figures, with Dwight While both teams looked Hardy, 24, and Justin shaky in the first half, the Brownlee with a career Red Storm trailed Davidson high 21. Justin Burrell by 3 points at the half. St. scored 17, D.J. Kennedy John's came out swinging hit for 13 and Dwayne in the second half and Polee sunk for 10. outscored Davidson to win The Red Storm hit for the game 62-57. 80 percent from the floor The Monday night win in the second half of the in Round 1 entitled St. D.J. Kennedy extends the lead closer to run away with the John's (6-3) to face unde- for St. John’s over Davidson game, as Northwestern's feated Northwestern (8-0) in in first round of the 2010 leading scorers were shut the championship game on Holiday Festival Tournament down by stellar defense. Tuesday night. Following the game, Coach at Madison Square Garden. Both teams showed signs Lavin was all smiles. of outstanding defense in the first half and "It is rare to shoot 80 percent in a half," he Northwestern left the court leading by 3 said. "It was an indication of sharing the ball." points at the intermission. Malik Boothe, the team's captain, who had In the first half of Tuesday night's cham- been a standout at Christ the King High pionship game, Northwestern players Drew School in Glendale, led a trio of players for St. Crawford and John Shurna did most of the John's with 4 assists each; Kennedy and Jusdamage to the Red Storm with each hitting tin Brownlee were the others. one three-pointer, one after the other, with St. John's came into the Holiday Festival nothing to stop them but the buzzer, end- with two straight losses to St. Bonaventure ing the first half with Northwestern leading and Fordham, where they blew double digit 40-37. leads in both games. The first round 62-57 The second half, like the night before, win over Davidson and the championship was a different story. Coach Steve Lavin, victory over the previously undefeated Northjust off his first Garden win in Round 1 the western Wildcats made those losses feel like night before, had to do something to change history. the tide. Lavin switched up his defensive Coach Lavin, who spent the last seven strategy against Shurna and Crawford, and years as a television analyst after coaching at it paid off, shutting down the three-point UCLA, earned his first win over a Big Ten horse and donkey show. In the second half, team since an 87-82 win over Purdue a dethe duo was held in check, hitting only 4 of cade ago in December 2000.

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The annual yuletide toy drive by the Office of Queens DA Richard Brown has set a new record – the donation of approximately 400 toys that will be distributed to less fortunate children. “This is the largest number of toys the office has collec ted since it began the annual toy drive – nearly doubling the amount of toys collec ted in each of the prior five years,” he said. “I am proud of our generous and thoughtful staff members who – in spite of these tough economic times – always remember to donate a brand-new toy so that needy children can share in the spirit of the season. Their giving and sharing during the holidays is a bright and shining reflec tion of their devotion to public service.”

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www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 23-29, 2010 Tribune Page 15

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Flushing House Gal Gets State Honor Nancy Rojas, Residency Director of Flushing House, received the New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging 2010 Employee Of Distinction Award on Tuesday, Dec. 21, at a ceremony at Flushing House. NYAHSA Interim President Daniel Heim attended the ceremony a nd presented the award to Rojas. Also present was Rev. Douglas Kurtz, President of Flushing House, who earlier this year submitted her name in nomination for the award. Nominations were sought for NYAHSA's

10th annual Employee of Distinction Awards to recognize the extraordinary dedication of front-line staff from member facilities. Members of the New York State Legislature, state regulator y agencies, advocacy agencies and other groups served on the awards commit tee to review the nominat ions. A check for $100 was presented to Rojas and to each of the 18 award winners - two each from the Capital, Central Hudson Valley, Northern, Southern Tier, Rochester and Western regions; in addition to two from New York Cit y and two from Long Island. She also received a cer t ificate from the State Legislature, which recognizes each of the award winners for their extraordinar y dedicat ion to serving older adults. Rojas, in her role as residency director, considers herself more of an advocate for older adults than a salesperson. She knows what Flushing House has to offer, and builds relationships of trust with prospects and family, listening carefully and finding out if Flushing House would be a "good fit" for each older adult. Her goal is to help older adults remain active and independent, for as long as possible. Daniel Heim, NYAHSA Interim President (l.), presents the During her nine Employee Of Distinc tion Award to Flushing House Resi- years as a dedicated and compassionate member denc y Direc tor Nanc y Rojas.

of marketing, she was responsible for helping over 500 seniors become residents of Flushing House, which is located at 38-20

Bowne St., and is the largest, not-for-profit, independent living retirement residence in New York State.

Helping Doctors Aid Patients The Parker Jewish Institute for Health cision support tool. The transfer form and Care and Rehabilitation and Long Island clinical decision support services are provided over the Internet Jewish Medical Center have through a secure and enimplemented the first eleccrypted data connection. tronic medical transfer usThis approach allows coming a new system designed munication between instito help doctors better untutions through their curderstand patient needs rently existing communiwhen transfers are made to cation and computer sysand from acute care and tems, optimizing ease of extended living facilities. adoption. The Continuum of Care CCITI NY received a Improvement Through InNew York State HEAL 5 formation-New York Elecgrant to develop an electronic Transfer Form Systronic and automatic comtem, a significant step for munication system that improving patient care and r e d u c i n g u n n e c e s s a r y Pictured l. to r.: Dr. Conn Foley, identifies potentially danmedical costs associated C h a i r m a n , D e p a r t m e n t o f gerous drug interactions during care transitions with the transfer of patients Medicine, Parker Jewish Instiacross the continuum of tute for Health Care and Reha- between health care setcare, handles transfers to bilitation; Dr. Benjamin Stein, tings, such as nursing homes, hospitals, home an acute care facility from President and CEO, LIPIX, and health care agencies, and a nursing home, and trans- ER Physician, LIJ. ambulatory care centers. fers to a nursing home from The pilot project encompasses four nursing an acute care hospital. The CCITI NY project combines the homes and four acute care facilities. For strength of a standardized electronic transfer more information on CCITI NY members form process with an automated clinical de- and the project, visit ccitiny.org.

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www.queenstribune.com â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 23-29, 2010 Tribune Page 17

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108th Precinct BANK ROBBER: The NYPD is seeking the public's assistance in finding and identifying a man wanted in connection with a Sunnyside bank robbery. On Monday, Dec. 20, at approximately 11 a.m., a man entered the Chase Bank located at 47-11 Queens Blvd. in Sunnyside, approached the teller armed with a handgun in his waist band and passed a demand note. The teller complied and handed the suspect an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect fled the location in an unknown direction. The suspect is described as a white man, approximately 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-10, 180200 lbs, wearing a light brown waist length jacket and dark blue pants, armed with a semiautomatic pistol, black and silver in color. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential. MURDER FOR HIRE: A thug who was trying to have the witnesses against him killed while he sat in Rikers Island, awaiting trial, confessed to the deed and will spend a long time in jail. Gino Florencia, 32, formerly of 41-45 54th St. in Woodside, pleaded guilty to firstdegree manslaughter, first-degree assault and two counts of second-degree conspiracy to commit murder. According to the indictment, the DA's office learned that Florencia had put out word from his Rikers Island cell that he wanted to kill

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two witnesses scheduled to testify against him in a pending murder case. As part of its investigation, the DA's office met with police officers assigned to the NYPD's Internal Affairs Bureau and set up a sting operation. Between Sept. 17 and Oct. 3, Florencia spoke several times - both in person and on the telephone - with an undercover police officer posing as a hit man and agreed to pay him $2,000 to kill the two witnesses - $1,000 before the job was done and $1,000 afterward. Florencia provided the undercover officer with detailed personal information about the witnesses, including their names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, height and weight. He also provided the undercover with photographs of people who resemble the witnesses and photographs of locations frequented by the witnesses. Finally, Florencia arranged for a partial payment of $500 to the undercover, which was paid by a third party. 113th Precinct SHOT DEAD: On Friday, Dec. 17, at approximately 4:55 p.m., police responded to 205-49 Linden Blvd. in St. Albans for a call of a man shot. Upon arrival, officers observed Marquis Walker, 19, of 95-02 Ave. L, 2nd floor, Brooklyn, with a gunshot wound to the chest and leg. EMS responded and transported the victim to Queens Hospital Center where he was pronounced dead. The investigation was ongoing.

384 Years For Shooter By DOMENICK RAFTER An unemployed Woodhaven bricklayer was sentenced to 384 years to life in prison after being convicted of a wild shooting spree in August 2006 that left a Long Island man dead and several others injured across the borough. Matthew Coletta, 39, of 85-26 98th St. in Woodhaven, was convicted Nov. 22 of one count of second-degree murder, 13 counts of second-degree attempted murder, one count of first-degree assault, two counts of seconddegree assault, two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and one count of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Coletta was driving a 1992 green four-door Cadillac SDS on the Cross Island Parkway near Bell Boulevard on the evening of Aug. 25, 2006, when he fired a silver 9-mm Ruger semiautomatic pistol several times at a red Toyota minivan adjacent to his car. One of the shots hit Todd Upton, 51, who was riding in the front passenger seat of the minivan, in the neck. The victim's wife, Mary Upton, 49, who was driving the minivan, and their daughter, Erin, 19, who was in the back seat, were uninjured. Todd Upton was taken in critical condition to New York Hospital Medical Center of Queens, where he died hours later. Coletta went on a shooting spree all across Queens where he shot a number of people including Andrzej Leonik, 46, who was walking his dog at the intersection of 59th Place and 56th Drive in Maspeth, striking him in the right knee. Coletta also shot at: A black livery cab being driven by Sukdev Ghotra in the vicinity of 31-10 48th Ave., Long Island City at approximately 8:10 p.m., shooting out the car windshield but narrowly missing the driver;

Khemnarine Udai, 22, of Hempstead, and Vincent Singh, who were standing outside a Chinese restaurant, located at 114th Street and Liberty Avenue in Richmond Hill, around 9:30 p.m., striking Udai in the left leg; Luis Villiava, 22, and his sister, Ana Villiava, 25, who were driving near Park Lane South and 101st Street in Forest Park at approximately 10:22 p.m. looking for a parking space; A red minivan on the Whitestone Expressway, near 20th Avenue, approximately a half hour after the previous incident. The shots shattered one of the minivan's windows and narrowly missed Ramsammy Veerapen, 30, and Adesh Polwah, 29, who was injured by flying glass; A 2006 black Audi being driven by 39year-old Jeffrey Cuff, of Westport, Conn., southbound on the Van Wyck Expressway near the College Point Boulevard exit, shattering the driver's side window but leaving the driver uninjured; A red Toyota RAV4 being driven by Deshan Chen in the vicinity of Booth Memorial Avenue and 136th Street in Queensboro Hill at approximately 11:24 a.m., shattering the car window but leaving the driver unscathed; and A red minivan being driven by off-duty NYPD Lieutenant Arnaldo. That incident occurred at 1:30 a.m. at Woodhaven Boulevard and Metropolitan Avenue in Rego Park. Coletta was finally apprehended at approximately 1:45 a.m. near Forest Park at 105th Street and Park Lane South in Richmond Hill. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.

LEGAL NOTICE

File No. 2009-4813/A CITATION SURROGATE’S COURT, Queens COUNTY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO: Mildred Siewers; Harry Von Oehsen; Public Administrator, Queens County; To the heirs-at-law, next-of-kin and distributees of GIESELA AHLERS, deceased, if living, and if any of them be dead to their heirs-at-law, next-of-kin, distributees, legatees, executors, administrators, assignees and successors in interest whose names are unknown and cannot be ascertained after due diligence. A petition having been duly filed by KARIN RANA who is/are domiciled at73-38 – 199 th Street, Fresh Meadows, New York 11366, United States YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Queens County, at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York, on January 13, 2011, at 09:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of GIESELA AHLERS lately domiciled at 73-38 – 199 th Street, Fresh Meadows, New York 11366 United States admitting to probate a Will dated February 11, 1999, (and Codicil(s), if any, dated) a copy of which is attached, as the Will of GIESELA AHLERS deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that: X Letters Testamentary issue to KARIN RANA Dated, Attested and Sealed, NOV 16 2010 Seal HON. Robert L. Nahman Surrogate MARGARET M. GRIBBON Chief Clerk Ira Levine, Esq. Print Name of Attorney Ira Levine, Esq. Firm (516) 829-7911 Tel. No. 320 Northern Boulevard, Suite 14, Great Neck, New York 11021 Address NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you. ________________________________________________________________

ignated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 2 Galasso Place, Maspeth, New York 11378. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________.

Hecht, Plf’s Atty, 1270 Ave. of the Americas, NY, NY 10020 (212) 245-5556 ________________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The NYC Board of Standards and Appeals has scheduled a public hearing on the following application: Variance (§72-21) to allow for a commercial building, contrary to use (§22-00), lot coverage (§23-141), front yard (§23-45), side yard (§23-464), rear yard (§33-283), height (§23-631) and location of uses within a building (§32-431) regulations. C1-2/R6, C2-3/ R6, C1-2/R7A, R5 zoning districts. Address: 85-15 Queens Boulevard aka 51-35 Reeder Street, north side of Queens Boulevard, between Broadway and Reeder Street, Block 1549, Lot 28, 41, Borough of Queens. Applicant: Eric Palatnik, P.C., for 85-15 Queens Realty, LLC, owner. Community Board No.: 4Q This application, Cal. No.: 31-10-BZ, has been calendared for Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 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. If this notice is received by the business office of a cooperative or condominium, please notify all tenants of the cooperative or condominium in the office’s customary manner and post the hearing notice in the common areas. 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: December 6, 2010 Eric Palatnik, Applicant ________________________________________________________________

uled time and date. 4. You have a right to be represented by counsel. 5. If you fail to appear at the hearing, the Court may still conduct the hearing and grant appropriate relief, including taking permanent custody of the child/ren named in the Petition. WITNESS, the Honorable Judge Pearson Judge of District Court BY: Heidi B Court Administrator _______________________________________________________________ Notice of Formation 494 Broadway, LLC art. of org. filed Secy. of State NY (SSNY) 6/18/04. Off. Loc. In Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 4211 Northern Blvd, Queens, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________.

tion. The nature of the ancillary relief demanded is: a) Granting to Defendant leave to resume use of her premarital or former surname, to wit: “Dolma”; b) Such other and further relief as to the court seems just and proper. Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 12/14/10, bearing Index Number NC-001225-10/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) Alice (Middle) Psirakis (Last) Diacosavvas My present name is (First) Alice (Last) Diacosavvas aka Alice Psirakis My present address is 86-15 Midland Parkway, Jamaica Estates, NY 11432 My place of birth is Queens, NY My date of birth is July 16, 1976 ________________________________________________________________.

whom process against the LLC may be served. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________. PROBATE CITATION File No. 2009-5054/B SURROGATE’S COURT – QUEENS COUNTY CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO the heirs at law, next of kin, and distributees of MAXINE PLANKARD SMITH, Deceased, if living, and if any of them be dead, their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, legatees, executors, administrators, assignees and successors in interest whose names are unknown and cannot be ascertained after due diligence, and JEANNE BASSETT PIROUTEK, RAE McHENRY RANDALL, MARY CASTILLO, *JOHN NOEL BRENNAND,* and QUEENS COUNTY PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR *adversely affected by codicil A petition having been duly filed by Edward L. Smith, who is domiciled at 34-20 79 th Street, Jackson Heights, New York 11372 YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Queens County, at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York, on February 17 2011, at 9:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of Maxine Plankard Smith lately domiciled at 342 1 7 8 th S t r e e t , J a c k s o n Heights, New York, admitting to probate a Will dated August 28, 2007, (a Codicil dated August 21, 2009), a copy of which is attached, as the Will of Maxine Plankard Smith deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that (x) Letters testamentary issue to: Edward L. Smith (State any further relief requested) Dated, Attested and Sealed DEC 16 2010 HON. ROBERT L. NAHMAN Surrogate MARGARET M. GRIBBON Chief Clerk Edward L. Smith Attorney for Petitioner (212) 4903340 Telephone Number Rockett & Smith LLP, 521 Fifth Avenue-17 th Floor, New York, New York 10175 Address of Attorney [NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you.]

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. ______________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: PATRIOT (2010) LLC. Application for Authority was filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/17/10. The LLC was originally filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware on 11/05/10. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been des-

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. _______________________________________________________________ Notice of formation of LET GROUP LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on July 30, 2010. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 15-24 201 ST Bayside, NY 11360. Purpose: any lawful purpose ________________________________________________________________ Notice is hereby given that a license, serial number 1249777 for beer has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer at retail in a delicatessen under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 119-17 101 st Ave., Richmond Hill, NY 11419 for onpremises consumption; A Z Grocery & Meat Inc. ________________________________________________________________ SEVENTY TWO EQUITIES LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 11/26/ 2010. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 80-74 209th St., Queens Village, NY 11427, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________ Legal Notice Sup Ct St of NY Co of Queens Index 26083/ 2010 JORGE ORTEGA, Plf v RACHELLE YVETTE HARRELL, Def Summons with Notice in Divorce Action based on abandonment Basis of venue and trial Sec. 509 CPLR you are summoned to appear in this action by serving a notice of appearance on plf’s atty within 30 days after service is complete and if you fail to appear, judgment will be taken against you by default. To the above named def: this summons is served upon you by publication by order of Hon. Bernice D. Siegal, a Justice of this Court, dated December 1, 2010 on file in the Queens County Clk’s off. Thomas T.

State of Minnesota Stearns County District Court Judicial District: Seventh Court File Number: 73-JV-JV-109307 Case Type: Juvenile In the Matter of the Welfare of the Child(ren) of: Beth Ann Brown X Parent Prince Roy Sylvester (alleged Father) Summons and Notice Child in Need of Protection or Services Matter NOTICE TO: Prince Roy Sylvester, abovenamed parent(s) or legal custodian(s). 1. A Child In Need of Protection or Services Petition has been filed in the Office of the Clerk of Juvenile Court located at 725 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud, Minnesota, alleging that the child(ren) of the above-named parent(s) or legal custodian(s) is/are in need of protection or services. 2. Notice is hereby given that the matter of said Child In Need of Protection or Services Petition will be called for hearing before the Juvenile Court located at 725 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud, Minnesota, on February 4, 2011 at 9:00 A.M. or as soon after as the Matter can be heard. 3. YOU ARE ORDERED to appear before the Juvenile Court at the sched-

Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 12/10/10, bearing Index Number NC-001193-10/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) Stavriani (Last) Tzanetakos My present name is (First) Stephanie (Last) Tanasoglu aka Stephanie Zanetakos My present address is 21-32 Crescent Street, D2, Astoria, NY 11105 My place of birth is Greece My date of birth is August 26, 1945 ________________________________________________________________. SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF QUEENS, Sonam Gyalpo, Plaintiff – against- Phuntsok Dolma, Defendant. Index No. 15616/ 2010. Date Summons filed: June 18, 2010. Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of the trial. The basis of venue is: Plaintiff’s residence. SUMMONS WITH NOTICE Plaintiff resides at: 85-39 58 th Avenue, 1 st Floor, Elmhurst, NY 11373, County of Queens. ACTION FOR DIVORCE to the above named Defendant: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) 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 or New York); and in case of your failure to appear, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the notice set forth below. Dated: June 17, 2010. Attorneys for Plaintiff: Yoon & Hong, Address: 75-21 Broadway, 3rd Floor, Elmhurst, New York 11373 Phone No.: (718) 5331111. NOTICE: the nature of this action is to dissolve the marriage between the parties on the following grounds: DRL 170 subd. 2 – Abandonment in accordance with DRL 170(2). The relief sought is a Judgment of Absolute Divorce in favor of the Plaintiff dissolving the marriage between the parties in this ac-

Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 12/10/10, bearing Index Number NC-001206-10/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) Sarah (Middle) Israel (Last) Abirian My present name is (First) Patricia (Middle) Ann (Last) Abirian aka Patricia A. Abirian aka Patricia Ann Tomblin My present address is 144-14 69 th Road, Flushing, NY 11367 My place of birth is Bronx, NY My date of birth is July 23, 1966 ________________________________________________________________. Notice of Formation Camp Highlight LLC art. of org. filed Secy. of State NY (SSNY) 8/ 23/10. Off. Loc. In Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: PO Box 5173, Astoria, NY 11105. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. ________________________________________________________________. P&F Sheetmetal Works, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 10/5/2010 as P&F Mechanical, LLC. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 58-33 57 th Dr., Maspeth, NY 11378, which is also the address of the registered agent of the LLC, Douglas Drogalis, upon

Our Office Will Be Closed On Friday, Dec. 31, 2010 Deadline For Acceptance Of Legal Documents Will Be Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010

www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 23-29, 2010 Tribune Page 19

LEGAL NOTICE

Runaway Chef:

Culinary Expert Invites Foodies To Join Him, Sample The Exotic

Page 20 Tribune Dec. 23-29, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

Approaching The Show “I’ve been flirting with the idea of doing television on and off for a long time,” Ginor said from a table at Lola last Friday, as his fresh-faced staff was prepping for the night’s dinner crowd. “I’ve been approached many times. I just never wanted to do it because I love the travel, I love the education – I just don’t love the other parts that come along with it.” He’s talking specifically about the commercialization of chefs, many of whom he has known since they would work the line together back in the 1980s. “I played basketball with Bobby Flay,” he said, adding the Iron Chef to a slew of celebrity and lesser-known star chefs with whom he has cooked. “I like what it did for some of them; I don’t like what it did for others.” “I was very well known in the field, but not very well known to the general public, and that was nice. I enjoyed being known by my peers, like being a good doctor that other doctors know as opposed to being a celebrity on the street. That, to me, I just shied away from for a long time.” But it was after doing a few guest appearances on “Food Tour with Todd English” that a palatable version of a food show began to take hold in Ginor’s mind. While in Thailand, the show’s producers approached Ginor about doing a show that would take advantage of his body of food knowledge, to help bring exotic cuisine into American homes. “I’ve been offered all kinds of stuff that

Tribune Photos by Brian M. Rafferty

By Brian M. Rafferty For a guy whose first real career was on Wall Street, Michael Ginor knows a thing or two about food. The owner and Executive Chef of Lola, on Middle Neck Road in Great Neck, Ginor worked at a young age in restaurants, earned his MBA from NYU and, after being the youngest Senior Vice President of David Lerner and Associates at 23, decided to make a change in his life. He set off to Israel to join the military, and stumbled across the food that would soon change his life: foie gras. Coming back to the States, Michael and partners set up Hudson Valley Foie Gras, which today is world-renowned for its production of the duck liver that is adored by gastronomes and reviled by animal rights activists. Over the years he branched out, expanding his culinary knowledge to all corners of the globe, working behind the scenes in the food world as consultant to food giants such as the Four Seasons, hotel chains and even Disney. He has organized culinary events across the world and is as fluent in ingredients as a biblical scholar is in the gospel. With incredible food knowledge, a chef Rolodex that would make even the most novice foodie drool and a wealth of experience in the kitchen and on the road, Ginor is hoping to bring his love for food to the masses via a new PBS television show, “Runaway Chef,” which blends his love for street food with his gourmet panache.

Lola Executive Chef Michael Ginor (c.) stands flanked by his dedicated kitchen crew. tains blood, broth, a variety of animal parts and several “touches.” Often, when a chef applies “touches” to a dish, whether its final seasoning, garnish or a last minute ingredient, you rarely see more than six “touches.” In this dish, Ginor points out that the street vendor had placed an astonishing 12 “touches” on the dish, each bringing a unique taste, texture or new ingrediA sampling of the premiere gala menu. ent. Clockwise from lop left: Red Curry of His observations swing from the Duck with Pineapple and Pumpkin; Rab- first-class kitchen of the aforemenbit Galanaga Coconut Soup with Chant- tioned Nahm to the vendors who sell erelle Mushrooms; Tapioca Coconut Milk wares at train stops along his trek toPudding with Passion Fruit Coriander ward some of Thailand’s most desolate Syrup; and Grilled Chinese Sausage regions. Salad. The grand sum is that the show can make even the most squeamish eater is just rejectable right off the bat,” Ginor curious about the food, as well as the said. “What happens in television is culture that enjoys it. some show does well, and then every Sometimes, Ginor feels he needs to network comes up with their adaptation retrain himself in front of the camera. “I have to curtail myself from showing of it. But there’s only one show I want to do, and one show I’m willing to do. my knowledge, because that’s not the “I love cooking, and I don’t mind do- point,” he said. “You have to let the people ing a cooking show, and I’d do a decent who are your guests on the show, who job with it, but it’s not really what’s inter- are more knowledgeable about the esting to me,” he added. “What I want to place than you are, shine. “Ultimately, a show like that is comdo is bring my knowledge of international food, international flavor, street food, pared to Anthony Bourdain or Andrew high-end – the mix. When I go to Thai- Zimmer, because that’s what’s out there,” land I’ll have David Thompson opening he added. “The way the show is different Nahm for one minute, but the next minute from those is that he’s Anthony, he’s Anwe’re on the street eating street food drew, and I’m me. I don’t have the philosophical stuff that [Bourdain] does, bethat’s the real deal.” And that, in essence, is “Runaway cause some of that I find very surface and somewhat fake. I don’t like the Chef.” waste. If I’m in Thailand and the show is 30 minutes or 60 minutes, I want food Behind The Scenes Shot on a budget of about $90,000, and I want to explore what there is. I don’t using funds raised by sponsors such as want to spend a minute on mock phithe Thailand tourism board, the show is losophy or thinking I’m 007.” an exploration of the widest range possible of food from Thailand. Ginor turned to five local experts, “sages” of Thai cuisine who help define its histor y, its nouveau cuisine, its street food, its markets and its ingredients. Ginor asks the right questions and speaks fluently in discussion of ingredients. In one particular scene a woman prepares a soup, the base of which con-

The Show’s Future As with anything that airs on television, people need to watch it in order for it to succeed. Executives at PBS, where the show premiered on Channel 13 this past Sunday and will have its Channel 21 premiere this coming Monday, have already said they are interested in a full 13 episode run.

Ginor said PBS will likely shop the show around to other stations at a coming convention, and there is always the possibility that some other network may express interest in picking it up. Staying with PBS would be great, he said, because he thinks his show is a perfect match for their viewers, but it is now up to the production company to raise nearly $900,000 to be able to send Ginor and a crew across the globe in search of other culinary destinations. “I’m fortunate to be in the position where the money, to me, doesn’t mean anything. I have all that I want, I don’t need any more. And all that I have I share with the people around me,” he said. “My biggest goal for the show is to do something I love and to provide a livelihood for everybody around me – and that’s a lot of people now.” Besides, he really does have hopes that this show can teach people about the cultures he visits and the foods they love. “First, I want to encourage those who can to get out and go. Second, for those who can’t because of life and the issues that presents, to kind of get a sense of what it’s like,” he said. “There’s nothing I like more than sitting on a stool with some friends in some godforsaken places and enjoying great food. If I can at least get viewers to see what that feels like, what that tastes like, how exciting it is, then I’ve done something good.”

Back In Town At Lola, which has been open for just over a year, Ginor shared his love for Thai cuisine with guests at a special screening of the show this past Sunday evening. The menu was a departure from Thai tradition in some ways, with Ginor adding his own influences, showing of his mastery of ingredients. Tossing a Pineapple Hudson Valley Foie Gras Torchon on the menu beside Nam fer mented Thai Sausage and Chicken Cracklings, the menu exploded in a swirl of tastes, colors, spice and flavor. Each dish carried its own take on classic Thai, a few of which were similar to those featured in “Runaway Chef.” Using ingredients such as galanaga, papaya, coconut, Thai eggplant and basil, tapioca and duck, Ginor composed 11 dishes, each telling its own story and brining a different piece of history to the table. Lola received a rave review in the New York Times this past weekend, and has developed a steady stream of regulars and the adventurous, both of whom seek to let Ginor’s creativity run free. “I’m in a position where most chefs would walk away from cooking every day. They’ve accomplished what they want to accomplish,’ he said. “I’m sort of the other way. I’ve accomplished a lot of other stuff, but I’m really excited about the dayto-day cooking.” “Runaway Chef ” will air Monday, Dec. 27, at 8 p.m. on WLIW21. To learn more, go to runawaychef.net. Reach Editor Brian M. Rafferty at brafferty@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 122.

Bob Weitzner

Frank Skala

Queens Tribune Holiday Party

Bob Fonti, Michael Nussbaum, Frank Petrone, Mike Schenkler, Peter Florey, Eric Alexander

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Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson Barry Grodenchik

Brian Simon

Richard Brown

Barbara Townsend

Tony Avella, Frank Petrone, Mark Weprin

Page 22 Tribune Dec. 23-29, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ www.queenstribune.com

Ron Shafran

Malcolm Smith

Sam Chen & Fred Fu

Leticia Chen

Karen Koslowitz

Shelly Cookson

James Muyskens

Shiek Mohamed

Terri Thomson

Peter Koo

Nettie Mayersohn

The Queens Tribune celebrated its successful 2010 with a gala celebration for staff and guests at Douglaston Manor. Photos by Ira Cohen

Gregg Sullivan

Ria MacPherson

Brian Rafferty & Tom McCarthy

Domenick Rafter

Candice Lolier

David Weprin

Rory Lancman

Steven Chen

Anna Bullock, Lee Katzman, Lil, Mike and Alison Schenkler

Regina Vogel

Ira Cohen

Patricia Dolan

Leisure

Zombies Take Over Public Television By JESSICA ABLAMSKY Zombie lovers have a new reason to watch public access television: it's the end of the world as we know it. Watch The Hunters defend themselves against growing hordes of the undead that have overtaken New York City. Overrun by the undead's mindless desire to consume human flesh, this post-zombiepocalyptic world will leave you at the edge of your seat and loving it. Queens Tribune disclaimer: this is going to get geeky. Directed by lifelong Queens resident Patrick Devaney, "Zombie Hunters: City of the Dead" has been on the air since late 2007, to the delight of a growing fan base. A lifelong horror devotee, like many zombie junkies, Devaney and his friends often

wondered what would happen if the undead took over the Big Apple. Realizing that nobody had ever done a zombie TV show, in 2006 the accountant/ bookkeeper gathered his film school graduate friends and started writing. The seven or eight month process saw 24 finished scripts, the first eight of which have already aired. No fast moving, fast talking zombies, à la "28 Days Later" and "Shaun of the Dead," for Devaney. Purists will appreciate his traditional, slow moving monster - complete with real blood. "We don't do [digital] CGI blood effects," he said. "If we shoot somebody, they're really gett ing real blood splashed out of them. Even if we have to rig somebody up for hours, we show the real thing. Horror fans really appreciate this."

Need one more reason to watch? "Most of the zombie hunters are teachers or are involved in education," he said. "Most of the zombies are law yers." A small army has made "Zombie Hunters" a reality, more than 200 people since the show's inception. "It does tend to be prett y expensive," he said. "I had an original investor who gave me enough to set up lighting and some of the other equipment. My wife and I set up a production company in 2008, and we've been paying for every thing else since." The feedback from fans and critics has made it wor th it. Advert ising online and at

horror conventions, he has sold nearly 1,000 DVDs. "We even have waiting lists to come on and be zombies now," he said. "Zombie Hunters: City of the Dead" airs on Queens Public Television at 11:30 p.m. on Time Warner Cable on t he four th Sunday and Monday of every month. Watch the first three episodes uncut at vimeo.com, look for clips on YouTube or find them on Facebook at facebook.com/ ZombieHuntersCityoftheDead. Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at jablamsky@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 124.

Best Of Goldberg Cheer Tong's Dynasty Hits Store Shelves

REVIEW

By BARBARA ARNSTEIN wedding covers, Goldberg said. "I know the "When I'm drawing comics, I'm doing personalities of the characters so well; I know every job that's listed in movie credits ex- what they would say about something, and I cept the screenwriter's," said Stan Goldberg, know how they would react to something. a ver y ver sat ile ar t ist a nd a resident of So, for example, on the cover of issue No. Whitestone. "I'm the cinematographer, I'm 603, when Arch ie is proposing to Bet t y at the costumer, and I'm the director." Pop's Chocklit Shoppe, I show Pop cr ying "Archie: The Best of Stan Goldberg," a because he's so happy." new book from IDW Publishing, is a wonIn early December, he signed countless derfully joyous and colorful collection of sto- copies of this book for a crowd at the Book ries from several comic books featuring sin- Review bookstore in Huntington. You can cere Arch ie, sweet B e t t y a nd spoi led see him drawing Archie characters (as well Veronica, teenage Riverdale High students as his studio and the panoramic view from who are some of America's most popular it) in a video available for viewing through pop culture characters and who form the schoolism.com. "I draw pages, explaining three sides of a love triangle. why I'm doing what I'm doing," said "I enjoy what I do and I have fun with it," Goldberg. said Goldberg, and it shows in every panel, "A friend once asked me, 'What's the best as the three experience adventures with their job you could ever have?" said Goldberg. friends - food-loving Jughead and egotisti- "I've always been an ar t ist and I always cal Reggie - as well as parents, teachers and wanted to be one," he said. other residents of fictitious Riverdale. Goldberg has been one of the main Archie ar tists for 40 years, always bringing to the characters uniquely exaggerated expressiveness and always-at tract ive but ever-wholesome qualities. The included stories, published from the 1970s to the 1990s in "Archie," "Life with Archie" and other comic books published by Archie Publications, range from outer space to the nation's capitol, from ancient Rome to a lively disco. As a special bonus, there are pages and pages showcasing sketches of blonde Bet t y and br unet te Ver onica's fash ions, and reproductions of the original sketches for the covers of the recent best-selling series of comics, exploring dual possible futures in which redhaired Archie marries both girls. Stan Goldberg’s work for “Archie” comics is now collec ted Speaking about the in a “Best of” book.

www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 23-29, 2010 Tribune Page 25

also used in herbal medicine), in a thin broth that featured seaweed, bok choy, shrimp flakes and thin strips of egg. Our bowls of soup were placed without the usual offering of crunchy noodles, but I am willing to overlook it. By now, I put my faith in Mr. Tong's, and eagerly await our next selection. Perhaps the highlight of the night, the It looks like any-Chinese-restaurant, Peking duck w ith crepe, is served with USA. Long and nar row, with a mir rored hoisin sauce and scallion. The crispy duck wall and waist-high wood paneling, simple and sweet hoisin sauce are sheer pleasure white table settings and round-bellied Bud- when the thick stalk of scallion is reached. When you order this one, and you dha overlooking t he dining room, Mr. Tong's is a total sur prise. Only four years should, be sure to ask Mr. Tong about it. A recipe that was handed down by his faold, the eater y is doing something right. Comfor table and non-pretentious, it's ther, who probably got it from his father, not a first-date haven, but perfect for a finds thin strips of duck dipped in honey casual night of dining out with your steady water. A t wist on the tradit ional hang-outdate or friends and family. Not your usual side-to-dry method - a New York Cit y winter is nothing like China - the Chinese restaurant, the tradiof the restaurant sports tional Mandarin-Shanghai cookRESTAURANT basement rows of duck, dr ying w ith the ing has us hooked. aid of a fan. On a Tuesday at dinner time, Ever the gracious host, when the restaurant was mostly empty; a woman dining alone mentioned my guest and I are quickly seated her love of duck and asked if the at the table of our choice. A sedish could be ordered for one, lection of their best fare has been Mr. Tong prepared her a roll and pre-selected for our enjoyment, handed it right over, expecting saving us the trouble of perusnothing in return. ing the extensive menu. At this point, I am full and my First up is the wonton in spicy guest is in overstuffed. However, peanut sauce. The delicately folded wonton is served in a thin broth we put on brave faces and power through that lives up to its name. Different than the rest of the meal. It was only half over. Among the most popular dishes served, any thing I have tried before, I can only describe the dish by borrowing the words ginger lovers will salivate over the jumbo shrimp Peking st yle, while fruit lovers will of my guest: "I'd have it again." Next up is the noodle with meat sauce. appreciate the messy goodness of the The taste is reminiscent of lo mein, but jumbo shrimp in a creamy citrus sauce. The cube steak with peppercorn sauce the brown sauce is thicker and slightly sweeter, without the usual grease of lo is tender a nd slightly sweet, w ith a ver y strong taste of the pepper after which it is mein. Simply scrumptious, the sautéed hot named, but without the expected bite. Wupeppers with Chinese crepe are spoon- xi style spare ribs are fall-off-the-bone tenrolled, to the delight of this germaphobe. der, more savor y than the usual Chinese Wor th ordering for the taste as much as spare ribs and less sweet than they appear. My own personal dim sum favorite, I for the spoon-rolling spectacle, the minced pork, shrimp, minced bean curd, hot pep- squealed from happiness when the dr y pers and black bean smelled at first too sautéed string bean with meat was brought to the table. I will again rely on the words of strongly of fish. My nose was wrong. Instead, it was my ever-eloquent guest. "Generally speakspicy, with a strong taste of soy sauce and ing I hate string beans, but this is really good." Make sure to eat your string bean a decent bite. "I don't even know what I'm tasting, and meat in one yummy mouthful. Mmm. With prices that range from a couple of but I like it," said my guest. dollars for an appetizer, to $10 or $15 for I concur. The Shanghai-style wonton soup fea- an entrée, make Mr. Tong's your regular tures thin-skinned wontons filled with place. — Jessica Ablamsky pork and shepherd's purse (a weed that is MR. TONG'S 97-20 Queens Blvd., Rego Park (718) 897-8202 CUISINE: Chinese HOURS: Mon-Sun noon-11 p.m. PA RKING: Street RESERVATIONS: Accepted CREDIT CA RDS: Yes

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.

TEENS

Page 26 Tribune Dec. 23-29, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2. OPEN MIC Monday, December 27 at the East Elmhurst library at 6. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library at 4. CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library. 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 PLAYERS

TEENS Fridays at the Hillcrest library at 2. GAME DAY Friday, December 31 at the Bellerose library at 4. 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/Bi/Lesbian Yo u t h Group (ages 16-21) meeting designed to support young people in exploring feelings about sexuality and other issues. 8962500. 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. 516-5262492. SCOUTING Join Scouting in Queens. 212-651-2897.

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS

RELIGIOUS LUTHERAN REDEEMER December 24 Christmas Eve Service with Caroling at 7:10, service with candles at 7:30. December 25 Christmas Day Service at 10. December 31 New Year’s Eve Service at 7:30. Sundays regular worship service with Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:30. Sunday School, Adult Bible Class and Friendship Hour at 9:30. Youth Group at 12:30. Wednesday prayer group and Bible Study at 7. Lutheran Church of the Red e e m e r , 1 5 7 - 1 6 6 5th A v enue, Flushing. 358-2744. ST. THOMAS Friday, December 24

SINGLES SINGLES SOCIAL & DANCE Sundays, January 2, 30, February 13, 27 singles social and dance from 2-6. $10. Over 45. Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd., Rego Park. 459-1000.

TALKS TIME TRAVEL Tuesday, December 28 explore time travel, fact and fiction at 4 at the Hillcrest librar y.

Christmas Eve Concerts in the church. St. Thomas the Apostle, 87-19 88 th Avenue, Woodhaven. EMANUEL UNITED Friday, December 24 at 8 and Sunday, December 26 at 10:45 Emanuel United Church of Christ, Woodhaven Blvd. and 91 st

Avenue, will hold a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service and Sunday morning worship service. CANDLELIGHT SERVICE Friday, December 24 Christmas eve Candlelight Service at 7:30 at Hollis Presbyterian Church, 100-50 196th Street, Hollis.

YOUTH QUEENS LIBRARIES Many branches of the Queensborough Library offer toddler and pre-school programs. Contact your local branch for dates. 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. TODDLERS Wednesday, December 29 stories and crafts for toddlers at 10:30 at the Bay Terrace librar y. CRAFTS Wednesday, December 29

at the Steinway library at 11. MAGIC SHOW Wednesday, December 29 Illuzzionz Magic Show at 1:30 at the Bayside library. FLASH FRIDAY Friday, December 31 at the Ozone Park library at 3:30. BOY SCOUT 138 Thursdays Boy Scout Troop 138 meets at 7:30 in the basement at 192-15C 64 th Circle, Fresh Meadows. For those 11 and older. 4542391. CUB SCOUTS 351 Fridays at St. Nicholas of Tolentine school cafeteria, Parsons Blvd. and Union Turnpike. Boys in grades 15. 820-0015. SHABBAT SCOUTS Sundays Shomer Shabbat B o y S c o u t Tr o o p 6 1 3 meets from 6-7:30 at Young Israel of Windsor Park. 969-1571.

OPEN BRIDGE Thursdays from 8-10pm at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. $12 per player. 2756615 to register. WRITER’S WORKSHOP Thursday, December 30 at the Bayside library. Register. COMPUTERS Friday, December 31 at the Ozone Park library. Register. CHAIR YOGA Tuesday, Januar y 4 at the East Elmhurst library. Register. JH ART CLUB Classes in all art forms days and evenings for children and adults. 899-0065. WOMEN’S NETWORK The Queens Women’s Network can help with resume assistance, t yping and Microsoft tutorials, job search, interviewing techniques, GED and ESL classes, referrals to training programs. 657-6200. BAY VIEW BRIDGE Tuesday s (except July and August) Bayview Bridge Club meets at 6 at the Church of the Resurrection, 100-17 32nd Avenue, East Elmhurst. ART CLASSES Children, adults, day, evening, Mon.- Sat. Contact for info 926-9821. www.jacksonheightsartclub.org

DANCE ISRAELI FOLK Mondays 7:15-10:00 at Hillcrest Jewish Center, 18202 Union Turnpike. $10 session. 380-4145. Mondays 7:30-9:30 at Kowalinski Post 4, 61-57 Maspeth Avenue. $5. Cake and coffee. 5652259. Wednesdays 7:309:00 at ANIBIC Center, 21212 26 th Avenue, Bayside (Bay Te r r a c e S h o p p i n g C e n te r upper level). 939-4936. Thursdays 7-9 in the basement of Ascension Church, 55 th Avenue and Van Horn, Elmhurst. $5. 848-482-0153.

SENIORS FREE LUNCH Saturday, December 25 at Church of the Resurrection in Kew Gardens. 847-2649 reservations. 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. CLEARVIEW Monday, December 27 Music Appreciation at 12:30. Thursday, December 30 Stay Well As You Age talk at 10:15. Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 224-7888. WOMANSPACE Wednesdays Womanspace, a discussion group devoted to issues concerning women, meets 1-3 at the Great Neck Senior Center, 80 Grace Avenue. New members welcome.

STAMP SHOW Sunday, December 26 Bayside Stamp Show at the Ramada Hotel, 220-33 Northern Blvd., Bayside 10-4:30. 645-7659. THE NUTCRACKER Sunday, December 26 at Colden Center, Queens College. $18, $12 children 12 and under. The RussianAmerican Ballet Company performs. 793-8080. OPEN MIC Monday, December 27East Elmhurst 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. THE NUTCRACKER Tu e s d a y, We d n e s d ay a n d Thursday, December 28, 29, 30 “The Nutcracker” will be performed at Queens Theatre in the Park. 760-0064.

PARENTS BOARD OF TRUSTEES January 5, February 2, May 4, June 1 the Renaissance Charter School’s Board of Trustees meet at 6:30. 8030060. ADHD OR PDD Daily after school programs to meet the needs of elementary school aged children who have learning disabilities and ADHD or PDD at the Bay Terrace Center, 212-00 23 rd Avenue, Bayside from 2:30-6:00. 225-6750, ext. 266. ANIBIC Association for Neurologically Impaired Brain Injured Children, Inc. sponsors programs including Saturday Play Group (5-17), Tutorial (5 to adult), Weekend Respite (17+), Young Adult Program (17+) and Adult Respite Program (21+). 423-9550, ext. 243. KIDS KORNER After School Center is at the Central Queens YM-YWHA in Forest Hills. 268-5011, ext. 201. Extended hours. PLAYGROUP The CUMC Playgroup is accepting registration for its preschool parents’ cooperative program in Middle Village. Children 18 months to 4 years are eligible. 8942293. SCHOOL HELP Free school help for students of all ages, parents and teachers. FreeSchoolHelp.com SPECIAL NEEDS Day Camp Program for children with special needs, including autism and mental retardation at the Samuel Field Y in Little Neck. 2256750, ext. 259. TOUGH LOVE Tu e s d a y s at 7:30 p.m. Toughlove International Parent Support Group for parents of out-of-control children (teens, pre-teens and adult children) meet at IS158 in Bayside. 393-7788.

www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 23-29, 2010 Tribune Page 27

SATURDAY ASTORIA Saturdays Your Communit y Center in Astoria holds classes in Civics Preparation, Computer Skills and ESL. 205-8225. 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. 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. BALLROOM DANCING Monday, December 27 at the Forest Hills library at 6:30. GET YOUR YARNS OUT! Tuesdays after evening Minyan at 8, knitters, crocheters, needlepointers, and others meet at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000, ext. 200. OPEN BRIDGE Tuesdays at 8 at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. Call 2637000 for fees. INTRO INTERNET Tuesday, December 28 a t the Queens Village library. Register. PRACTICE TESTS Tu e s d a y, D e c e m b e r 2 8 LSAT, MCAT and GRE Practice Test Prep at the Central library. 5-8:45. 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. SCRABBLE/CHESS Thursdays at 4 at the Windsor Park library, 79-50 Bell Blvd., Bayside. QUILTING CLASSES Thursdays 10-2 at the 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.

ENTERTAINMENT

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Queens Today

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Queens Today MEETINGS JEWISH VETS Sunday, December 26 Jewish War Veterans of the USA Lipsky/Blum Post meet at the Garden Jewish Center. 4634742. VFW 4787 Monday, December 27 Whitestone VFW Community Post meets; ladies auxiliary meets the 2 nd Monday. 746-0540. TOASTMASTERS Monday, December 27 learn the art and science of Public Speaking in Queens. 525-6830. 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. WOMANSPACE Wednesdays Womanspace, a discussion group devoted to issues concerning women, meets 1-3 at the Great Neck Senior Center, 80 Grace Avenue. New members welcome. QUEENS CENTRAL ROTARY Thursdays 6:30-8:30 Come learn if Rotary is for you. 465-2914; me1nc@aol.com TOASTMASTERS Thursday, December 30 at

Page 28 Tribune Dec. 23-29, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

FLEA MARKETS THRIFT SHOPS Saturdays and Sundays 104 at St. Fidelis Mother & Child Residence, 124-15 14 th Avenue, College Point. 353-4749. Saturdays 11-4 at Bargain Boutique Thrift Shop, Baptist Church, 93-23 2 1 7 th S t r e e t , Q u e e n s V i l lage. 527-2132. Mondays 10-3 at the Free Synagogue of Flushing, 41-60 Kissena Blvd. Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30-1:30 at Te m p l e S h o l o m o f F l o r a l Park, 263 rd Street and Union Tu r n p i k e . Tu e s d a y s a n d Wednesdays from 2-5 at Church-in-the-Gardens, 50 Ascan Avenue, Forest Hills. 268-6704. First and third Wednesday (September through June) from 10:302:30 at Grace Episcopal C h u r c h , 1 4 th A v e n u e a n d Clintonville Street. Wednesdays at Grace Church, 15117 14 th Road, Whitestone. Wednesdays and Saturdays 9-2 at the Floral Park United Methodist Church, 35 Verbena Avenue, Floral Park. 354-4969. Thursdays from 10-1 at All Saints’ Church, 2 1 5 th S t r e e t b e t w e e n 3 9 th and 40 th Avenues, Bayside. 229-5631. Fridays through June from 11-3 at the Maspeth United Methodist Church, 66-35 58 th Avenue. JUDAICA SHOPS Daily and by appointment the Forest Hills Jewish Center’s Judaic Gift Store is open. 263-7000. Sundays from 9-11:30 at the Bay Terrace Jewish Center, 13-00 209 th Street. 428-6363.

6:30 at the Whitestone library. Toast of Queens Toastmasters Club, District 46, Club 4242. TOASTMASTERS Thursday, December 30 at the Briarwood library at 5:45. BEREAVEMENT Thursday, December 30 St. Adalbert’s Bethany General Bereavement Group in Elmhurst. 429-2005. 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 for information. DEBTORS ANON. Saturdays at 11:30 and Mondays at 7:30 Debtors Anonymous meets at Our Lady of Mercy, school auditorium in Forest Hills. 212-969-8111. CIVIL AIR PATROL Saturdays Art & Business High School Cadet Squadron at 8 a.m. at the school, 10525 Horace Harding Expressway, Corona. ssgdmp@yahoo.com CIVIL AIR PATROL Mondays Falcon Senior Squadron at 7 at JFK Airport, Federal Express, Building 260, Jamaica. Falcon Senior Squadron. 781-2359. FM CAMERA Tuesdays at 7:45 the Fresh Meadows Camera Club

meets. 917-363-6720. QUEENS PRIDE Wednesdays Spanish and English Club (conversational level). Thursdays Movie Night. Fridays Café Social. Saturday Art Club. Queens Pride House. 429-5309 information. BARBERSHOP Wednesdays a t 8 t h e J a maica Chapter of the Societ y for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America meets in Mahoney Hall in Flushing. 468-8416 or 381-8689. CIVIL AIR PATROL Thursdays at 3 at August Martin HS, 156-10 Baisley Blvd., Jamaica. August Martin Cadet Squadron. 5256925 or 835-6862. GOLD COAST ROTARY Fridays the Gold Coast Rotary Club meets from 8-9 am at the Nor th Shore Towers Restaurant, 272-48 Grand Central Parkway. 516-4663636. CLUTTERERS ANON. Fridays A Cluttered home makes a cluttered life. Learn how to gain control of your life by eliminating your clutter. 7:30-9:00 at Pastoral Care Center, Resurrection Ascension Church, 85-18 61 st Road, Rego Park. 7127656. QUEENS PRIDE Call for meeting information for Queens Lesbian, Gay, B i s e x u a l a n d Tra n s ge n d e r Pride

MISCELLANEOUS CHRISTMAS DINNER Saturday, December 25 at St. Mary Gate of Heaven Church basement, 103-02 101 st Avenue, Ozone Park f r o m 1 0 - 2 . Vo l u n t e e r s needed. 847-9200. ADOPTION DAY Saturdays 11-2 Adoption Day for Cats and Kittens at Pet Edibles, 254-07 Northern Blvd., Little Neck. ADOPTION DAY Sundays 11-4 Adopt a homeless dog, cat or kitten at the Animal Center of Queens, a no-kill organization at 89-10 Eliot Avenue, Rego Park. www.acq.pet finder.com ADULT CHOIR Most Fridays the Adult Choir o f Te m p l e B e t h S h o l o m meets at 7. 172 nd Street and Northern Blvd., Flushing. AUXILIARY OFF. The 105 th Precinct Community Council invites all interested in becoming an Auxiliary Police Officer to contact 776-9268. BARBERSHOP Wednesdays the Que e n s chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Societ y meets at the school hall, 175-20 74 th Avenue, Flushing. 381-8689. COMMUNITY SINGERS Mondays through May the Communit y Singers of Queens, Inc. rehearses at Messiah Lutheran Church, 42-15 165 th Street, Flushing. New members welcome. 658-1021.

DOG WALKERS NEEDED Sundays For Our Friends, an animal rescue organization in Queens, meets at the Great Neck Hospital, 660 Northern Blvd. Wednesdays walk dogs around noon. 4454597, 595-2161. FOOD PANTRY Fridays Grace Episcopal Church, 14-15 Clintonville Street, Whitestone, from 1011. 767-6305. FH VAC The Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps needs volunteers. They will sponsor you for a NYS EMT course at no cost to you once you qualif y. 793-2055. Monetary donations also needed PO Box 750617, Forest Hills 11375. FH SYMPHONY Wednesdays the Forest Hills Symphony Orchestra will rehearse at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 374-1627. FREE FLAGS The Lipsky-Blum Post #764 of the Jewish War Veterans offers free flags to all families of deceased veterans for use at cemeteries. 4634742. GLEE CLUB Tuesdays the Bayside Men’s Glee Club rehearses at 8 at All Saints Church, 214-33 40th Avenue. 424-5769. MEMORY LOSS? Caregivers need a break? 631-1886.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

LUNCH 11:30AM - 3:30PM | $17.95 DINNER 5:30PM - 10PM | $28.95

WEEKENDS (FRI-SUN) LUNCH 11:30AM - 3:30PM | $21.95 DINNER 5:30PM - 10PM | $31.95 231-10 NORTHERN BLVD. DOUGLASTON, NY 11362 718.229.8686 | MIZUMI-NY.COM

www.queenstribune.com • Dec. 23-29, 2010 Tribune Page 29

WEEKDAYS (MON-THUR)

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Queens Today

“We’re Open Christmas Day!!” Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve & January 1st, too!!

HEALTH

Serving Lunch and Dinner Dine-In Takeout PERFECT FOR NEW YEAR’S 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 Rye Bread & Assorted Pickle Tray Add $1 per person for sandwich platters.

ALL LOCATIONS OPEN! Our Manhattan store (38th St. off 7th Ave.) is just 4 blocks from Times Square! Stop in!

Page 30 Tribune Dec. 23-29, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

Catering Hotline: 1-800-344-BENS

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS 7 days a week. 932-6244. www.westernqueensna.org. 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 ACTION Monday, December 27 Corona Cancer Action Council Meeting at the Corona library at 6. Work with the c o m m u n i t y a n d o rg a n i z a tions, improve access to cancer prevention, screening and treatment, address health needs of Corona and more. FEMALE CANCER Monday, December 27 “Look Good, Feel Better” program for women undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy in Flushing. 1-800-ACS-2345. MS SELF-HELP Tu e s d a y, D e c e m b e r 2 8 Multiple Sclerosis Self-help group to share a common life experience for support, education and mutual aid 12:30 at the Howard Beach library. ALZHEIMERS Tu e s d a y, D e c e m b e r 2 8 Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills. 592-5757, ext. 237. 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. OA Thursdays at the Howard Beach library at 10:30. 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. CHAIR YOGA Tuesday, Januar y 4 at the East Elmhurst library. Register. CO-DEPENDENCE ANON. Saturdays the Bellerose chapter of Co-Dependence Anonymous, a fellowship of men and women seeking healthy relationships with themselves and others, meet at St. Thomas Episcopal

Church, 6 Commonwealth Avenue. Beginners 9:15, Open 10:30. 229-2113. ALZHEIMERS Saturdays caregivers, friends and relatives of those with Alzheimer’s Disease meet at the Sunnyside Communit y Services. 784-6173, ext. 137. SCHIZOPHRENICS Sundays Schizophrenics Anonymous self-help support group meets at LI Consultation in Rego Park. 896-3400. SOS (Significant Others of Schizophrenics) also meets. SMART RECOVERY Sundays LI Consultation Center in Rego Park. Free self help group based on cognitive behavioral concepts dedicated to assisting individuals in overcoming all t ypes of addictive behavior problems. 212-631-1198 or check the web at www.smartrecovery.org AL-ANON Sundays 7-8:15 pm at Sacred Heart School, 216 th Street and 38 th Avenue. Tuesdays at 8:30 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 82 nd Street and 3 4 th Avenue, Jackson Heights. 2 nd floor of the Parish House. 335-7379. AA Sundays from 6-7:30 Total Freedom AA Group meets at Pride Communit y Center in Corona. GAY-2300 for info. PARTNER ABUSE Sundays Partner Abuse Counseling Program for women who experience all t ypes of abuse. 225-6750, ext. 248. EPILEPSY Sundays Epilepsy support group meets in Queens. 212-633-2930. QI GONG Sundays free Qi Gong classes at the Zen & Kung Fu Association’s Healing Center in Corona. 651-3752. TAI CHI Mondays St. John’s Hospital. 558-1198 to register. GLAUCOMA Mondays and Thursdays free glaucoma screenings at Flushing Hospital. 670-5719 ALZHEIMERS Mondays to Fridays Samuel Field YM-YWHA in Little Neck offers a day care and family respite program. 2256750, ext. 221. TAI CHI CLASS Mondays and Wednesdays the NY Hospital Queens Cardiac Center offers tai chi in Fresh Meadows. $5 per person. 670-1695. FOOD ADDICTS Tu e s d a y s F o o d Ad d i c t s Anonymous, a fellowship who abstain from sugar, flour and wheat in Oakland Gardens. 465-1774 or 917403-1818. PARTNER ABUSE Tu e s d ay s P r i d e o f J u d e a Communit y Services in Douglaston holds a “Partner Abuse Trauma Group.” 4236200, ext. 202. QSAC Tuesdays Qualit y Services for the Autism Communit y holds workshops for families and friends of autistic children and adults. 7-AUTISM,

ext. 1219. AL-ANON Tuesday s Al-Anon, a selfhelp support group for anyone affected by a loved one’s use of alcohol at 7:30 at Resurrection Ascension Pastoral Center, 85-18 61 st Road, Rego Park. 212-9410094. Also at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, corner 82 nd Street and 34 th Avenue, on the 2 nd floor of the Parish House at 8:30. 457-1511. GAM-ANON Tuesdays Free Synagogue of Flushing and Zion Episcopal Church. Wednesdays All Saints Episcopal Church in Bayside, First Presbyterian Church in Forest Hills, Church on the Hill in Flushing and United Methodist Church in Middle Village. Thursdays Free Synagogue of Flushing and Zion Episcopal Church. Call 1-877-6442469. DAY TOP Tuesdays support for family and friends of those affected by substance abuse. 1-8002Daytop. AA Tu e s d a y s a t 8 a t G r a c e Lutheran Church in Astoria. 520-5021. INSTABILIT Y Tuesdays and Fridays day activit y program for people who experience mood instabilit y and depression. Woodside Clinic. 779-1234. EARLY ALZHEIMERS Tu e s d a y s a n d T h u r s d a y s Samuel Field YM-YWHA in Little Neck offers an Early Stage Alzheimers and Dementia Care program. 2256750, ext. 331. NAR-ANON Wednesdays at 7:30 at Church in the Gardens, room 204, 50 Ascan Avenue, Forest Hills. 1-800-984-0066. Also available on Thursdays from 7:30-9:00 at the VFW, 19-12 149th Street, Whitestone. Self-help support group for anyone affected by a loved one’s use/ abuse of drugs. TAI CHI Wednesdays at MS172 in Floral Park. 347-3270 to register. HIV/AIDS Wednesdays J-CAP Living Proof holds weekly HIV/ AIDS support groups in Jamaica. 658-2464. SEXUAL COMPUL. Wednesdays Sexual Compulsives Anonymous at Pride Communit y Center in Corona. GAY-2300. OUTREACH SERVICES Thursdays Intervention and educational group sessions on HIV/AIDS in Jamaica. 297-0720, ext. 112. MS Thursdays the National Multiple Sclerosis Societ y meets at NY Hospital Medical Center of Queens in Fresh Meadows. 212-463-7787, ext. 3057 to register. NICOTINE ANON. Fridays at 7 at North Shore Universit y Hospital in Forest Hills.631-665-0527. DOMESTIC VIOL. 24 hour Domestic Violence Hotline. 657-0424.

Queens Focus PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE New Fields: PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE PEOPLE. . .PEOPLE...PEOPLE..PEOPLE... The New York Lottery announced Joyce Bocchino of Flushing won $30,000 on the Lottery’s Holiday Tripler instant game. Bocchino’s winning ticket was purchased at the Kunal & Runhit at 25-23 Parsons Blvd. in Flushing.

Page 32 Tribune Dec. 23-29, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

Major General Patrick A. Murphy, the Adjutant General, announces the recent reenlistment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard. Sergeant 1st Class Jaggan Mithu from Richmond Hill has reenlisted to continue service with the 1156th Engineer Company Vertical; and Staff Sergeant Mark Agard from South Richmond Hill has reenlisted to continue service with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 369th Sustainment Brigade. “Over the past three years the New York Army National Guard has come from far below authorized strength to 100 percent strength,” Murphy said in remarks to the force. “Our priority is to provide ready forces for both state and federal missions and readiness starts with maintaining our strength.” This year New York Hospital Queens reached a milestone in an annual presentation of toys to representatives from the U.S. Army at the eighth FreeMat (The Freedom Medical Aid Team) ceremony. The number of toys distributed to children of those soldiers who are stationed overseas at holiday time has now reached over 10,000 in the eight years the hospital has held the collection. Brigadeer General Cornelius from the 800 MP Division accepted the toys on behalf of the men and women who are serving overseas at this time. NYC Comptroller John Liu has participated in the initiative since its inception in 2002 and this year Senator Toby Stavisky, Senator-elect Tony Avella, Assemblywoman Grace Meng, Councilmembers Peter Koo and Dan Halloran were also involved. Stephen S. Mills, President and Chief Executive Officer, NYHQ expressed gratitude to those who donated toys and to the men and women who are serving in the military. Many other community and business organzations participated such as Community Board 7, the Flushing Rotary Club, NYPD, Flushing

Chinese Business Association, NYHQ Womens’ Auxiliary, Italian American Democratic Association, Boy Scouts Troop 1 and Macy’s Department Store. Founder of FreeMAT Peter Kwiath, Asst. Supervisor of EMS at the hospital, stated he would like to continue this program “until every man and woman serving in the military returns home.” He thanked the children and the teachers at PS 24 in Flushing, St. Luke’s Church Grammar School in Whitestone, St. Mel’s Church Grammar School in Flushing and St. Francis Prep HS in Fresh Meadows for their participation. Vallo Transportation, an independent school-bus company serving families throughout Queens, has been named Bus Contractor of the Year by the New York State Bus Contractors Association (NYSBCA). The award recognizes Vallo Transportation for its outstanding safety record, ontime performance of nearly 98 percent, superior maintenance, training programs and legacy of community outreach. “We’re extremely honored to be recognized for our commitment to providing safe, reliable bus service for children throughout Queens,” said Vallo Transportation Ltd. President Linda DeSabato. “Everyone working at Vallo Transportation had a role in winning this award, from the drivers who safely carry hundreds of children to and from school every day to the mechanics that keep the buses on the road and the office staff that makes sure all of our customers’ needs are addressed,” DeSabato said. “It takes a team effort to provide the outstanding customer service Vallo Transportation is known for and I think we have the best team in the industry.” Vallo operates a fleet of more than 50 buses that carry children living in Queens to private schools and magnet schools in Manhattan and the Bronx, such as the Bronx High School of Science, one of the nation’s most respected schools. Summer service is available for most routes. Charter service is offered for field trips, community organizations and other events. Vallo Transportation’s commitment to providing superior service and responding to the community’s needs was vividly demonstrated after a competitor’s fleet of buses was recently destroyed by a fire. Vallo’s management jumped into action and assessed the

Senator-elect Tony Avella (l. to r.), Assemblywoman Grace Meng, Senator Toby Stavisky, Councilman Peter Koo, Stephen S. Mills, President & CEO, NYHQ, Peter Kwiath, Founder of FreeMat, Debra Pagano Cohen, Dir., Community & Government, NYHQ and members of the U.S. Army.

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall (c) helps cut the ribbon to officially open baseball field and cricket pitch at Southern Fields at North Conduit Avenue near 114th Street Nov. 10. Among those on hand were Queens Park Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski (l. of c.) and Betty Braton (r. of c.),chair of Community Board 10. Marshall provided $2 million and the Bloomberg Administration another $40,000 for the fields. company’s ability to provide additional bus routes for the displaced students. The company’s offices were open on a Sunday – less than 48 hours after the fire – to register new students, and on Monday morning the new routes started service. “The students didn’t miss a day of bus service, which is remarkable considering how little time we had to organize the new routes,” DeSabato said. “But the parents were counting on us to get their children to school. People were literally lined up outside our door Sunday morning waiting for us to open because they were so worried about arranging transportation for their children. You could tell they knew we’d come through for them during that crisis. Parents know they can rely on Vallo to be there when they need us.” Four LaGuardia Community College students received top awards for their poster presentations based on their scientific research at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. Taking top honors in a national competition, which attracted over 2,000 community and senior college students, were Wendkuune Zinkone, Andres Perez, Layla Quinones and Laura Aguilera. “Our students were competing against science students from hundreds of colleges around the nation,” said Professor Clara Wu. “They were successful on that national stage because they had conducted competitive, original research and effectively presented it to the audience and judges there.” To capture the top prize, the students had to present to the judges a logical hypothesis, a thorough explanation of their choice of methods, substantial amounts of high quality data and a reasonable conclusion that was strongly supported with evidence. Wendkuune described her research on how sex hormones influence macrophages’ response to infectious diseases. Andres explained his research on the neural basis of vocal learning in songbirds, which can help researchers gain insight into how human babies learn language. And Layla and Laura took the judges through their study on Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a rare disease that results in fragile bones. Layla and Laura explained that performing their research at the Hospital for Special Surgery set their work apart from their competitors. “While other students did their research in academic institutions, we did ours at a facility where we worked with top-notch machines that provided us with specific data,” said Laura. “And to top it off our work will be published because it will make a substantial contribution to the treatment of this bone disease.” “The reason our presentation went so well was because of the significance of the re-

search,” added Layla. “We captivated the judges with the amazing results of the data that will be useful to physicians who treat patients with this disease.” Wendkunne said that she also impressed the judges with the way she clearly explained her very complex research project on macrophages. “One of the judges told me that she wants to see me next year so that I can give her an update on my research,” she said. The four research scholars are participants in LaGuardia’s NIH-Bridges program, which, since 1993, has been encouraging under-represented minority students who are interested in the sciences to pursue a career in the sciences. Under the comprehensive program, students engage in challenging hands-on, faculty-supervised research in fields of biology, chemistry, behavioral sciences, mathematics and bioengineering. Andres plans on pursuing a MD/Ph.D. in neuroscience. With those credentials he is planning on doing research on people with psychotic conditions. “I would like to find ways where people with schizophrenia and other mental disorders will be able to function in society,” he said. “I believe that I can apply the research I am doing on songbird communication with how to reach people with mental illness.” “For the past 17 years, LaGuardia science faculty have been successful in presenting the world of medical and basic sciences to promising science students and leading them to a degree and, for many, a career in their field of study,” said Peter Katopes, the Interim President. “These students’ achievements are a true testament to LaGuardia faculty’s commitment to our students.” ABRCMS, established in 2001, is the largest professional conference for biomedical and behavior students, including mathematics. Its goal is to encourage undergraduate, post baccalaureate and graduate underrepresented-minority students to pursue advanced training in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, including mathematics. Air Force Airman Cesar A. Mardirossian graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eightweek program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. He is the son of Blanca Trujillo of Jackson Heights, and Cesar Mardirossian of Coral Springs, Fla. Mardirossian graduated in 2010 from Aviation High School, Long Island City.

Season's Greetings

Tyrone “Caliber” Simmons wants some of what 50 Cent’s holding in his hand.

Wants Money As quickly as 50 Cent makes his money is as quickly as his baby mama – or a rapper claiming that Fiddy stole the copyright to a hit song – have their hands in his pocket. 50 Cent has recently seen his wallet grow thanks to his investment in a digital eyewear performance company, Gunnar Optiks. No sooner does that news break than Tyrone “Caliber” Simmons, an up and coming rapper, sues the South Jamaica native for copyright infringement in Fiddy’s hit song “I Get Money.” Simmons’ lawsuit states that he purchased the license to the instrumental version of the song, which cannot be used without his permission. The lawsuit over “I Get Money” should probably be titled “I Want To Get Your Money.”

Patricia Delarosa used to be the woman we all love to hate – the insurance claims employee who denies payment for your medical bill. “I was getting frustrated,” she said. “The schedule didn’t allow me to be absent and go to any auditions. I said, ‘I need to accomplish my dream, I need to start from somewhere.’” This married model went online and looked for auditions through online site craigslist. That was a year and a half ago. Since then, she’s done promotional events for various brands and products, Patricia Delarosa such as Dove and Latina Bella Home: Woodside Cosmetics, some runway modeling and has been an exAge: 30 tra in a music video. Height: 5’5" “I’m not working,” she Weight: 127 said. “That’s my part time Stats: 34-26-39 job right now.” NYPhotoByNick Delarosa is fine with that. “I’m okay with what I’m doing right now,” she said. “I do okay with promotional. If I get a job, it will be something flexible, part-time.” As for her success, she gives a lot of credit to her husband. “If I wasn’t married, I would have to get a full-time job,” she said. “Thank God that I have a husband who supports me financially, emotionally. Thank God I have him.” When she’s not cruising craigslist for jobs, you might find the Woodside resident shopping, or patronizing her favorite restaurant, Pop Diner in Elmhurst. “I go there every weekend,” she said. “They have the most variety of food, the service is excellent, they are very fast, and the food is delicious. When they cook a Spanish dish, it really tastes Spanish.”

Hot Party

P. Diddy’s release party for his latest album this week, which featured guests like Queens’ own Miss USA Rima Fakih, was a hot time…literally. During the party, one scantThe model in the hot tub is really hot. ily-clad model, who was swimming around in a hot tub for the enjoyment of the nearby men, suffered a rather embarrassing Queens is king when it comes to immigration. It has held its title of the accident when a candle she was most ethnically diverse county in the country – and perhaps in the world leaning over set her hair aflame. The FDNY showed up at the – for years. Our Kings County neighbors to the west appear to be party, held in the penthouse of challenging us for the title. That’s right; those guys over in Brooklyn are apparently fleeing the the London NYC hotel in Midcounty in droves only to be replaced by immigrants – and in greater town where it was discovered numbers than those who have bid adieu to their Bensonhurst and Coney that Diddy’s guest list was 10 times larger than what he had Island habitats. According to a recent New York Magazine article, the city’s chief told the hotel. As for the model, we learned demographer has been counting the slow rise of the immigrant in Brooklyn, and is excited to see a new borough crowned… well… king. her name is Miyoki and she lives Sure, Brooklyn may have an increased immigrant population, the in NYC. Where exactly we don’t second greatest density of Jews and Muslims living in close proximity to know, but if she’s reading this one another short of Jerusalem, and a massive swell in its South Asian and lives in Queens, give us a population. But do dese bums really think they can take away the crown buzz…you may well become our most famous Model of Queens. that Queens has held for so long? Or at least the hottest! Fuggedaboutit!

Far From Normal

Photo by Ira Cohen

Page 42 Tribune Dec. 23-29, 2010 • www.queenstribune.com

Immigrant Kings

A mounted officer dispenses a parking ticket on Normal Road.

Something strange is ahoof on Normal Road. More commonly seen conducting crowd control in Manhattan, two mounted police officers were wandering the hill after which Hillcrest High School is named. With no parades nearby, and obviously finding themselves with nothing better to do, the officers tag-team ticketed a wayward SUV for parking during posted street cleaning hours, and then rode off into the sunset. If only they could do something about the traffic by the Queens Center Mall.

Hirsute Hevesi We’re all for manly men taking up legislative seats in Albany. The place could use a few tough guys. But Assemblyman Andy Hevesi, with his boyish looks and quick smile, doesn’t exactly fit the mold. The still-too-young-to-begrizzled Hevesi has recently been spotted trying to grow a beard. We’d like to emphasize the word “trying.” The tennis fuzz on his chin isn’t exactly filling in properly. Hevesi joked at a press conferAndy Hevesi sports his latest look ence that after the tornado last fall he realized his district could use some lumberjacks. Not really Andy, but we all could use a couple of reps with the cajones to stand up and shout for Albany reform. That could earn you some significant growth.

Confidentially, New York . . .

Happy Holidays

ÂŠ2010 New York Community Bank. Member FDIC