Rockaway Times JUNE 26, 2014

COMPLIMENTARY – PLEASE TAKE ONLY ONE

VOL. 1 • NUMBER 1 • JUNE 26, 2014

IT'S TIME...

HELLO ROCKAWAY See page 11

Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014 | 1

Bills Boost de Blasio’s Vision for Safer Streets

By Phil Corso Mayor Bill de Blasio gave a huge boost to his Vision Zero initiative Monday, signing 11 bills to make city streets safer.

De Blasio sat near the same Woodside intersection where 8-year-old Noshat Nahian was killed in December, showing that change was made to prevent any more loss of life there. The new package of legislation included reforms to major agencies, including the Department of Transportation and Taxi and Limousine Commission.

“We have promised the people of this city that we will use every tool we have to make streets safer,” de Blasio said. “Today is another step on our path to fulfilling that promise, and sparing more families the pain of losing a son, a daughter, or a parent in a senseless tragedy.”

Standing beside the mayor were members of the DOT and City Council, all of whom have been working together for months in mulling over the Vision Zero mindset, which set out to reduce traffic-related deaths in New York City to zero over 10

Photo courtesy NYC Mayor’s Office

Mayor Bill de Blasio pens 11 pieces of traffic legislation into law near a busy intersection in

years. De Blasio said one of the most noteworthy reforms to come out of the 11 bills signed Monday included lowering the city’s default speed limit from 30 to 25 miles per hour.

De Blasio picked the intersection in Woodside because it was the same site where Nahian was hit and killed at 61st Street and Northern Boulevard in while he was walking with his sister to PS 152. That

intersection has since been transformed with two new pedestrian islands, new crosswalks and parking regulation changes.

“There is much more work ahead, both here in the five boroughs and up in Albany,” he said.

“But today, we thank the families, advocates, and City Council members who have taken up this cause and helped us better protect our fellow New Yorkers,” The legislation also included requirements for the city DOT to repair traffic signals within one day of being notified and install seven Neighborhood Slow Zones this year and next year while lowering speeds to 15-20 miles per hour near 50 schools each year.

City Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows) was only one of several Queens lawmakers to sponsor parts of the legislation package, including one that required the city to fix broken traffic signals within a day of them being reported.

“Vision Zero means making our roadways safe not just for those who walk, ride and drive on them, but for those who work on them, as well,” Lancman said.

State Legislation Passed to Save Mute Swans

By Debbie Cohen On the same day that state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) passed his state legislative bill establishing a two-year moratorium on the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) plan to eradicate all wild mute swans in the state by 2025, two mute swans were shot dead in the middle of the day at Black River Bay in Jefferson County.

Avella said he feels this was a deplorable act on June 18, which prompted him two days later to send a stern letter to DEC Commissioner Joseph Martens asking to halt all killings.

“I think it is now quite clear that DEC’s careless plan to eradicate the entire mute swan species entailed too many questions and not enough answers,” Avella said in a statement.

The same version of the senator’s bill passed earlier last month in the Assembly, which Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz spearheaded. The bill will now be delivered to Gov-

File Photo

Elected officials and animal rights advocates are calling for a moratorium on the state’s plan to eradicate all 2,200 wild mute swans by the year 2025.

ernor Andrew Cuomo for his signature, which can take up to several weeks.

The bill also requires the DEC demonstrates that actual damage to the environment or other species have been caused by the mute swan

population across the state.

Edita Birnkrant, state campaign director for the nonprofit Friends of Animals, had some stern words of her own to say about what the DEC chooses to do to the swans.

“There are only 2,200 mute

swans in the entire state and they have been around for decades. And now the DEC decides to kill them just because they are a non-native species and they consume too much vegetation,” Birnkrant said. “We will not stand for the extinction of this most beloved species of water fowl.”

She said most New Yorkers enjoy the swans and look forward to seeing them in scenic places around the borough like Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and Flushing Meadows Park.

Peter Muller, chairman of the League of Humane Voters, said the DEC was following their own protocol despite what the law said.

“The DEC claims that the mute swans are non-native, but the same can be said about people who are non-native and from different parts of the country,” Muller said. “So why pick on the swans? There are many environment organizations and people that are against these killings. I just hope the governor realizes how important this is and he signs the bill.”

Kew Gardens Bodega Owner Convicted on Gun, Narcotics Charges

There was nothing “Mom and Pop” about a former Queens bodega owner convicted this week of conspiring to sell cocaine and possessing illegal firearms.

According to the District Attorney’s office, the defendant, Jaime Corchado, used his Kew Gardens grocery store as a front to traffic in narcotics. This joint investigation by the Queens DA’s Office

and the New York City Police Department.

The 37-year-old, who resides in Baldwin, was convicted on various charges for sale of a contolled substance and weapons possession.

He faces up to fifteen years in prison for weapons possession and nine years for sale of a controlled substance.

According to trial testimony, Corchado was meeting a narcotics buyer in order to sell him an “eight ball,” of cocaine.

Police observed the transaction between the buyer and Corchado. Between November 2010 and August 2011, Corchado was overheard engaging in hundreds of narcotics-related communications on his cell phone. A search warrant was ex-

ecuted at Corchado’s convenience store, where police recovered two plastic bags containing cocaine, two plastic bags containing marijuana and a scale.

Another search warrant was executed at his residence where police recovered several guns, magazines and approximately 100 rounds of various caliber ammunition.

Ferry Needs Budget Lifeline July 1 Is Sink Or Swim

Photo by Bianca Fortis

Rockaway residents have said it loud and clear: they want the ferry to stay!

By Bianca Fortis The boat hasn’t left the dock just yet.

Although New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and the City Council announced an agreement on the city’s budget on June 20, there has been no confirmation as to whether the 2014-2015 fiscal budget will include funding to maintain the Rockaway ferry.

The ferry has operated between Rocka-

way, Brooklyn Army Terminal and Manhattan since November of 2012 when Hurricane Sandy wiped out service on the A Train. Train service has long since been reactivated, but Rockaway residents want to keep the ferry because travel time to and from the city is much faster and efficient. Ferry service is currently scheduled to end in October.

Together with elected officials, Rockaway residents held two press conferences

during the past two weeks, one in front of City Hall and one at the Rockaway ferry landing. About 100 people attended the Rockaway event. Not only did they ask the mayor and the City Council to keep the ferry, but they said they would like to expand it as well.

“Providing a ferry to the Rockaways is really a life line,” Borough President Melinda Katz said during the City Hall press event. “For me the issue is really about economic development. A number of businesses rely upon that ferry, need to create access to the residents of Rockaway.

Elected officials from other boroughs have joined in support as well.

“Manhattanites want the ferry to the Rockaways,” Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer said. “And I love the Rockaways.”

On June 19, Community Board 14 submitted a letter to de Blasio again asking him to keep the ferry. In the letter, District Manager Jonathan Gaska pointed out that Staten Island has had a completely free ferry for decades.

“All we ask is that you include funding in this upcoming year’s fiscal budget to continue the subsidy that has been offered so the ferry can continue to operate,” he said. “Our economic stability and survival is in your hands.”

The new fiscal budget goes into effect July 1.

The following elected officials signed their name to a letter asking Mayor Bill de Blasio to provide permanent Rockaway ferry service: Queens Borough President Melinda Katz Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica) State Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) State Sen. James Sanders (D-South Ozone Park) State Sen. Diane Savino (D-Staten Island) Assemblyman Phillip Goldfeder (D-Rockaway Beach) City Councilman (D-Laurelton) Donovan Richards City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) City Councilman Carlos Menchaca (D-Brooklyn)

Goldfeder: Banks Tidy Up Vacant Homes

By Bianca Fortis and Anna Gustafson After living in a hotel for months, Joyce Zoller was able to move back into her Neponsit home in February 2013, months after Hurricane Sandy had forced her out.

Now she may have to leave a second time, again a victim of the 2012 storm.

Zoller, 58, noticed that after she returned home, she had trouble breathing and frequently felt light-headed. She later learned it was a result of the house next to her; owned by HSBC Bank, it has become a breeding ground for mold and vermin. Zoller’s doctors have since advised her to move.

“I walk around with a mask on inside because it’s so bad,” Zoller, a cancer survivor, said at a press conference earlier this month. “Tell me, is that normal?

And now I have to leave my own home.”

Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway Park) said his office is aware of about 60 sites in south Queens and Rockaway that have been left decaying since the storm. He unveiled this month a

The sign says it all about the house at 145-08 Neponsit Avenue.

three-point plan to address the abandoned and vacant properties blighting the communities torn apart by Sandy.

And the first piece of the plan is to target the banks.

Goldfeder sponsored the Abandoned Property Neighborhood Relief Act, legislation drafted by State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, that requires banks to maintain properties no later than three months after they have become vacant. Currently banks often wait until the end of a lengthy foreclosure process to worry about upkeep of the

properties.

Goldfeder said that beyond being a health concern, the homes can also invite crime and lower neighborhood property values. “This legislation will create a balanced measure that will help protect our neighborhoods by identifying and ensuring maintenance of properties before they become a community hazard,” Goldfeder said in a statement. “Banks often play games during foreclosure proceedings to delay responsibility and it is simply unacceptable."

The second piece of Gold-

Photo by Anna Gustafson

feder’s plan is to call on the New York City Council to pass legislation that would allow the Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the Department of Buildings to inspect and remediate mold growth in vacant properties. Mortgage holders would be responsible for the cost.

Last summer Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) proposed a bill that would give the city Department of Health similar authorization, but that bill has not yet passed.

“The last thing a homeowner

should have to worry about while they’re rebuilding is the property next door,” Goldfeder said. “The proposed state laws would clarify ownership and responsibility, while the city council’s legislation will allow agencies to intervene when banks or homeowners are unresponsive.”

Finally, Goldfeder sent a letter to Police Commissioner Bratton requesting the NYPD develop a registry to help local precincts monitor abandoned and vacant properties for illegal activity.

Abandoned homes can attract squatters or other criminal activity, according to Goldfeder.

“These vacant and abandoned Sandy-damaged properties can cause serious health issues in our communities,” Danny Ruscillo, president of the 100th Precinct Community Council, said last week. “Who knows what was left behind in them from Superstorm Sandy? Mold, chemicals dangerous debris -- this can all cause serious health problems to our young and our elderly.”

Homeowners can call Goldfeder’s office at 718-945-9550 for additional information or help in dealing with foreclosure prevention.

Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014 | 3

Topless Is Another Word For Art Duo Transforms Office Space

Brent Birnbaum and Jenni Crain stand outside the transformed office, now an art exhibit.

By Bianca Fortis Rockaway artist Brent Birnbaum had been mulling over the idea of opening an art gallery since he moved to the peninsula last spring. He thought opening the space in an abandoned storefront could be a creative way to offer a “different type of relief” for local residents.

“I wanted to do what I could for the community to bring my knowledge as someone who’s been in that scene for a decade,” Birnbaum, 36, said. “It’s a resource that I could share with the community.”

Birnbaum joined forces in

April with another New York City artist, Jenni Crain, to open “Topless,” a small gallery on Rockaway Beach Boulevard and Beach 91st Street.

The name — “Topless” — was chosen to be provocative and tongue-in-cheek. “I wanted to signify that our gallery is different. Our rules are different,” Birnbaum said. “I wanted to be a little humorous and I wanted something that nobody will forget. If there’s a little controversy, that’s good. The point of a gallery is to stir up conversations.”

Crain, 23, said the building that houses the gallery was built in 1912 and originally housed a

Photos by Toples

Walk through the old office and come upon surprising art.

law library and attorneys lived in the upstairs apartments. Later, the building had been occupied by various professionals including some elected officials. And then Sandy happened and the building sat vacant.

Birnbaum and Crain had to clear debris and renovate it to propel its transformation into a gallery. Although the water line from the flood is still visible along the walls inside, sunlight now streams in through large glass windows into the space, onto the artwork as well as the gallery’s white walls and original brick flooring.

“We’re not trying to move a

Chelsea gallery into this white box,” Crain said. “It’s important for us to keep the soul of the building.”

Crain explained “Topless” is different from some Manhattan and Brooklyn galleries, which may tend to emphasize commercialism and selling artwork. This gallery is also something of an experimental, alternative art space.

“We just like having the opportunity to pursue a creative project, to bring people together, to expose people to the Rockaways,” Crain said.

Both Crain and Birnbaum said they are overwhelmed by the support of the local community, a fac-

tor Crain said is actually a significant difference between operating a gallery in Rockaway and somewhere like Chelsea.

“Topless” will feature new artists every three weeks during the summer. The current show, “Party is Over” runs through July 4 and features three Brooklynbased artists, Caroline Wells Chandler, Cindy Ji Hye Kim and Andy Cross. It opened Saturday, June 14th and the opening reception was attended by about 100 people, Crain said.

Crain and Baumbaum chose these specific artists — all painters who approach the medium in an unorthodox way — because they “gelled together,” Birnbaum explained.

“Party is Over” is also the name of a video installation by Kim. Crain said the gallery will close at the end of the summer, but the duo plans to return next year, most likely in a new space. “Our lifestyle will be a bit nomadic,” she said. “But I’m definitely going to shed a few tears at the end of the summer because we couldn’t have asked for a better space.”

The next opening reception will take place on July 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. The gallery, located at 9020 Rockaway Beach Blvd., is open on Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 8 p.m. It is also open by appointment.

For more information, visit rockawaytopless.com

Dylan Smith Paddle Out Now one of the great Rockaway traditions, hundreds gathered on the shore while dozens paddled out on surfboards on Monday to remember Dylan Smith, the young hero who died shortly after saving neighbors the night Sandy struck.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRUNCH Served with a Bloody Mary, Screwdriver or Mimosa Tim Smith, Dylan’s father, leads the paddle out.

Photos by Pete Brady

Try one of our Classic American Breakfast Selections served with Home Fries, Toast, and your choice of coffee or tea.

Brunch Special is available from 9am to 3 pm

“Watch the Beautiful Sunsets” at Rockaway’s Restaurant on the Bay

THE WHARF BAR & RESTAURANT

416 Beach 116th Street Rockaway Park, NY 11694 Bobby and Alf get ready to honor Dylan Smith.

4 | Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014

Telephone: 474-8807 • Hours: Sun-Thurs 9am–10pm, Fri & Sat 9am–Midnight Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Rockaway! Meets the Big Time Art Show And More At Fort Tilden

Photos courtesy of MoMA PS1

The chapel at Fort Tilden will be turned into an audio art installation.

By Bianca Fortis Rockaway gets to be a brand new canvas.Sunday marks the arrival of Rockaway! an arts festival sure to attract visitors from around the world.

Rockaway! — exclamation point and all – comes via an unprecedented collaboration. The Rockaway Artists Alliance, MoMA PS1, the National Park Service, the Honolulu Biennial and the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) joined together to launch the summertime festival.

“These are all groups that are really interested in supporting the Rockaways,” Jackie Snyder, the executive director of the JBRPC, said. “They’re all working to support the communities out there, working to improve public park lands and make it a destination for other New Yorkers who maybe don’t know how spectacular the Rockaways are.”

Rockaway! will feature artists both

international and local, including rock star Patti Smith, who helped developed the idea for the show, alongside Rockaway resident Klaus Biesenbach, the director of MoMA PS1 and a Rockaway resident, himself.

Smith’s work in the show will include an outdoor installation, titled “The Resilience of the Dreamer.” Inside a rundown abandoned building she will install a four-post bed and linens. The bed will deteriorate over time, a representation of the fortitude of Rockaway and its relationship with the elements.

Smith’s work will also include an exhibition of photographs of objects that held significance for their well-known owners: Virginia Woolf’s bed and Frida Kahlo’s corset are among the photos.

Within the military chapel at Fort Tilden will be a sound installation from the MoMA collection, “The Forty Piece Motet” by Janet Cardiff,” which was previously on display at the Cloisters.

A couple of Rockaway people, Klaus Biesenbach and Patti Smith, have been dreaming up Rockaway! for months.

There will be a third solo project, by the Argentinian artist Adrian Villar Rojas. Throughout Fort Tilden, the artists will have on display small sculptures inspired by birds nests created by Argentinian birds called “horneros.”

The Rockaway Beach Surf Club, on Beach 87th Street, will host a group exhibition of local and international artists whose work is beach-inspired and surf-related. The Surf Club, which was recently restored, operated as a relief center immediately after Hurricane Sandy.

The show will support the reopening of Fort Tilden and other post-Sandy recovery efforts. It’s also a way to introduce Rockaway to individuals from outside of the peninsula and allow them to experience the incredible view at the Harris battery, Snyder said.

“We’re interested in getting people from outside of the community who may or may not go the Rockaways or

with any frequency and give them a reason to go out,” she said. “People who aren’t so familiar with it can see what a great place it is, as well as support the economy and help Rockaway do great things.”

The exhibit, which is free, begins June 29 and will run until September 1.

Schedule of events for Sunday, June 29 Noon - 8 p.m.: Exhibitions on view at Fort Tilden Family-friend activities 7 p.m.: Spoken word performance

by Patti Smith Poetry reading by James Franco 8 p.m. - midnight: After party at Rockaway Beach Surf Club

Cowabunga! Rockstock Surf Festival Is Saturday

By Bianca Fortis It’s a Rockaway thing.And a New York thing.

Rain or shine, the eighth annual Rockstock and Barrel Festival, a surfing celebration, takes place Saturday, June 28.The fun kicks off at 10 a.m. at Beach 90th street, The first Rockstock took place in 2006 and was the brainchild of Steve Stathis, of Boarders Surf Shop, Jimmy Dowd of St. James Clothing, and Walker Hornung of Invisible Sun Book Agency and Into the Whip Records.

The “beginning of the summer” party, as Stathis refers to it, will feature a surfing competition, live music, a skate competition, food, games and vendors.

“People describe it as a California scene in New York,” Stathis said. “I describe it as a New York scene in New York. It’s our venue, we surf, we have summer,” he continued. “I don’t really think it’s a California thing, it’s a New

Photo courtesy of Jimmy Dowd

Want to catch some wave action? Check out Rock Stock and Barrels.

York scene.”

According to the website, “This year, in particular, celebrates the recovery of a community that stayed together, prayed together and rebuilt together after Superstorm Sandy.”

The mission of the event, according to the site, is to be a launchpad for

Rockaway.Proceeds from the event will go to the non-for profit Rockaway Beach Surf Club. Those funds will be used to further develop the skatepark, build a new skatepark in Jacob Riis park, create a free surf camp for inner-city children, design and build a stage that will be used for the Rockaway Waterfront Alliance,

beautify Rockaway Beach and give back to the community in other ways, according to the site.

In past years, bands set up on the boardwalk. Stathis said this is the first year the event will feature dedicated stages for the 17 different musical acts that will perform.

Opening up the on the main stage is Rockaway native Matthew Kiss, who plays at 11 a.m.Music on the second stage will begin at 10:30 a.m.Last year the event saw 8,000 people in attendance.

Stathis said the yearly crowd comes from around the city, not just from Rockaway.

“Now they look forward to it,” he said.

“They call up the shop and say, ‘When are you having that party? When’s the party on the beach?’ It’s a great opportunity to go out surfing and listen to music while you’re out there.”

For more information about Rockstock and Barrel, visit rockstocknyc.com Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014 | 5

Tubular Views

A Surf Intro

dangerous water conditions be- that community. cause of the lack of ocean knowl--Surfenomics will be a sepaIn this column I will be writing edge by the Parks Department. rate article where I will point out about many surf and community --I will also be explaining what the benefits that surf breaks bring related issues around our beloved beach that are current and also po- the surfing rules are so hopefully to communities. There is a for and out-of-towners or DFD’s (down for against that many don’t consider tential future issues. the day) will hopefully read this col- and I hope to lay bare these issues.

--It won’t be a bitch fest but I umn and get it right and start being --Surfing is called many things, do want to discuss with the com- polite to the locals. some call it an art form, like dancmunity what we see as OUR qual--In one column I will explain ing on a wave, some simply call it ity of life issues and not the government’s concept of this, such as surfing maneuvers so that all the a sport. Captain Goodvibes surfings beach access to the ocean waters people who enjoy the beach and patron saint once said about surfwatch the surfers will know what ing “a combination of water torpast 6pm. the technical terms are that surfers ture and simulated womb regression practiced by masochists and --I also strongly encourage you are performing. misfits”. But to many of us surfers all to write in and connect with us --Another topic to be discussed who have been hooked since birth explaining some of the issues you is the lack of infrastructure here or even those that started later, we see and your solutions. and how this is a main reason that know it as a “way of life”. As such --Some of the topics I intend to many extremely large surfing con- we are passionate and work tocover are crowd issues and why this tests have gone to Long Beach, giv- wards improving the environment is such a problem, not only surfing ing that city boat loads of money all around us, including the ocean. wise but also people swimming in and attention that can only help

By Alex Karinsky

HOLLYWOOD on the BOARDWALK (EMPIRE)

Photos by Kevin Boyle

Too bad the folks from Boardwalk Empire aren’t in charge of the boardwalk reconstruction. They put hotels and stores and arcades up in no time. This whole stretch of seaside attractions is around Beach 35th Street.

YOGA ON THE BEACH Beach 108th Street Boardwalk at 8 a.m. through Sept. 6 Parks presents yoga on the beach with Helen Kilgallen from Elaine’s Dance School in this beginner hatha yoga class. Bring mat, large towel or blanket.

6 | Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014

-- I’ve been quoted in some surf movies and magazines that New York City is the cultural capital of the world, it’s only fitting that it too includes surfing and beach culture to its long list.

--Rockaway is the diamond in the rough and what a gem she is.

So many people have flocked to these shores to start their life here because of the beach and surfing, I am so stoked that the Rockaway Times is giving us a voice where we can discuss many things related to the beach and our way of life.

--Oh…and jetties :)

Alex is Manhattan born and raised in Sydney, Australia at the famous Bondi Beach. Alex moved back to NYC in 1990 and set up home in Rockaway 2001 with his wife and 2 surf groms.

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Borough Leaders Celebrate City Budget Victories

By Phil Corso The city should not have any trouble adopting its budget for Fiscal Year 2015 on Tuesday.

Queens lawmakers celebrated the early budget agreement along with officials throughout the city, championing funding for key topics like the Department of Correction and Superstorm Sandy relief.

Mayor Bill de Blasio boasted the agreement as one of the earliest in history, settling a $75 billion budget he said was in line with his progressive agenda.

“A budget agreement is where rhetoric meets the road – and we’ve delivered a fiscally responsible, progressive and honest budget that will have an enormous impact on New Yorkers across the five boroughs, while protecting our city’s fiscal health,” de Blasio said in a statement. “This is one of the earliest agreements in recent history – a result of the productive dynamic we’ve developed with the Council that ends the cynical budget dance and delivers results for New Yorkers.”

The term, “budget dance” has been the buzzword every budget season in the city for years and lawmakers largely lauded de Blasio for keeping this year’s discussion civil. City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Maspeth) said she was proud to see the agreement usher in some of the key issues she helped fight for this year.

“After years of counterproductive

Photo courtesy NYC Mayor's Office

Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (c.) Mayor Bill de blasio celebrates an early, balanced budget in the company of City Council officials.

‘budget dances’ under the previous administration, our city has produced a budget deal that reflects the priorities of everyday New Yorkers,” Crowley said.

“I am proud to have worked with my colleagues in the Council on a historic budget that is early and addresses public safety, employment opportunities, education, health and infrastructure in meaningful and responsible ways.”

Crowley, who chairs the Council’s Committee on Fire and Criminal Justice Services, said one of her highlight concessions in the budget came in the form of de Blasio’s commitment of $32.5 million to fund the city Department of

Correction to fight violence and mental illness on Rikers Island. The lawmaker said she was a staunch advocate for reform in the system since the recent deaths of mentally ill inmates at Rikers over the past year.

“With skyrocketing overtime costs and a growing mentally ill inmate population that requires very specialized care, we still have a lot of work ahead of us,” she said. “But we have undoubtedly taken a huge step in moving DOC and our city back in the right direction.”

Lawmakers celebrated budgetary victories like $6.2 million to hire 200 Police Department administrative aides,

extending free school lunch to middle schoolers throughout the city, $5 million to increase city Parks maintenance and more.

City Public Advocate Letitia James said she had been one of the leaders in the battle cry to bring universal school lunch to the city in order to address nutrition and classroom performance. The program will begin in September, which she said was a step in the right direction for city schools.

“In February, I supported a campaign to bring universal school lunch to New York City, because I know that students who aren’t battling hunger are more attentive and perform better in their classes,” she said. “Thanks to the hard work of the Lunch 4 Learning campaign, today we take the first step towards universal school lunch.

Some lawmakers expressed concern over the budget when it was proposed last month, arguing it did not do enough for Superstorm Sandy victims. City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), chairman of the Council’s Committee on Veterans, said the mayor needed to step up to the plate for storm relief.

“The needs and concerns of veterans must be a priority for this administration,” he said. “The executive budget proposed last week ignores the Council’s request to increase funding for the mayor’s Office of Veteran Affairs, as well as many other desperately needed veterans’ initiatives.”

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Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014 | 7

The ShoreLine • A Little of This And That The Rockaway Times will have a weekly feature called Back In The Day. Anita Ruderman, who many know through Hot Yoga, leads us off this week. Send us your classic photos that capture a long-ago time. Beehive hairdos, men’s full one piece bathing suits, now out-of-style mustaches, regrettable prom outfits, something that brings us back. If Rockaway is in the background so much the better. Send to news@rockawaytimes.com * * * Speaking of yesteryears, Emil Lucev, Rockaway’s unofficial historian who wrote the popular Historical Views column, called last week to wish us well. Emil lives upstate now, in an undisclosed location, and resists the whole email thing. His daughter, Katie, promises to send us some of Emil’s treasures. Emil, who just turned 80, is missed by many. * * * Construction continues on a new hotel on Beach 43rd Street. There is a sign posted that says it will be a La Quinta Inn, a hotel chain with more that 800 hotels in the US and Canada.

Although there was some community opposition a couple years back be-

cause of understandable fear that it might be “one of those hotels,” the plans are quite impressive. It is supposed to have 100 rooms, a business center, restaurant, and fitness center.

Visitors can get there by subway (from JFK) and walk to the ocean. With Rockaway starving for a place for people to stay, it might just be a real asset.

A spokesman says they’re shooting for it to be fully operational in October or November, 2014. * * * Not too long ago Rockaway beaches were described by a local observer this way: “If you see little kids in underpants, it’s a Puerto Rican beach, if you see grown men in their underpants, it’s the Russian beach.” With people coming from all over the city, and the world, now it’s harder to pigeonhole particular beaches. * * * The Far Rockaway High School Class of 1965 is gearing up for its 50th Reunion celebration on April 18, 2015.

Go to farrockaway.com for more information. * * * You never know. Andrew Cuomo is governor because of Elliot Spitzer; Bill

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de Blasio is mayor because of Anthony Weiner. * * * Battle Rock, a sanctioned Muay Thai bout, was such a huge success in May, they’re doing it again this Saturday, June 28 at Beach Channel High School. The bouts start at 7 pm. Brandon Dougherty faces off with Daryl Garnier in the main event. It’s action packed fun! We hope this becomes a regular series. Do check it out! Tickets in advance can be bought at battlerock.com * * * We’re working on our headline for next week: The Rockaway Times: Publishing Continuously Since June 26, 2014. * * * We caught some advertisers by surprise with our opening and now can’t wait to see their ads next week (like Susan Lavin’s and Neponsit Realty’s!) * * * The Rockaway vibe travels. Thanks to some creative locals, the Rockaway Mermaid Brigade received 1st prize for best motorized float in the Coney Island classic parade. * * *

Wondering what happened to the St. Francis Summer Classic? Although the Women’s and Men’s Open have just started ,the youngsters get going July 7th. There were some worries that the storied basketball league wouldn’t happen at all which would have been a been a terrible blow to summer fun for so many. * * * Rockaway! The art spectacle at Fort Tilden will be something of a minor miracle. Lots of groups have been frustrated with the National Parks Service through the years. This time, NPS seems ready and engaged (Gateway is called a “recreation” area, after all).

Resident and super fan of all things Rockaway, Klaus Biesenbach, is making magic happen with Patti Smith, James Franco and other artists. It’s sure to be an event unlike any other. Hats off to all – including the Jamaica Bay Rockaway Parks Conservancy which assumed the most important role: forking over the necessary funds to make it happen.

The Conservancy hasn’t gotten the ink it deserves but, watch out, this group is walking the walk. They said they wanted to promote Jamaica Bay and its environs, well, this is a helluva start.

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Battle Rock Returns to Rockaway Back By Popular Demand

By Bianca Fortis Following a knockout performance in May Battle Rock is back.

Battle Rock, a showcase of amateur Muay Thai fighting, will return this week to again entertain spectators, just a little more than a month after its inaugural event. The first Battle Rock was held last month and drew a crowd of about 500 people, according to Chris Romulo, owner of Crom Martial Training, the fitness group presenting the event. He expects to have an even bigger audience on Saturday.

The national sport of Thailand, Muay Thai fighting is a combat sport similar to kickboxing, but allows participants to kick and throw punches, as well as use their knees and elbows to fight. Fighters, both men and women, who range in age from 16 to 35, will come from around the tri-state region to compete. And there’s local flavor, too, as a couple of Rockaway participants will compete.

A representative from the Thai Consulate will attend in order to present an award to two fighters from the last Battle Rock event for “most exciting fight of the night,” Romulo said.

Romulo, 39, said Crom Martial Training has a goal of promoting the art of Muay Thai, so he hopes the event will attract a large audience of

Photo courtesy of Sara Romulo

Thai exhibitions have also been seen on the boardwalk in front of great crowds.

people willing to come out and experience what the sport is about. “We want them to see that it’s not just about fighting, but there’s also a great tradition and respectfulness behind the art of Muay Thai,” he said.

Romulo, who teaches the martial art and has fought in Muay Thai bouts, said what draws him to the sport is its straightforwardness. While skill can

be a factor in who wins a fight, the physical shape of the contestants is very important, he said.

“To the general fan, it may look like something fancy,” he said about the sport. “But it really just comes down to who’s the person in better shape, who prepares more. I’ve worked out my whole life, and training in this style has always been challenging.”

Romulo said Battle Rock is also an opportunity to share Asian traditions, including wai khru, a ceremonial dance that takes place before a bout, in which fighters show respect for their trainers, family and other supporters.

Romulo said some of the more experienced fighters will likely perform this dance during Battle Rock.

The event will also feature local vendors, including Sweet Serenity Cupcakes, Thai Kitchen By the Sea and DiCosmo’s Italian Ice, who will sell food.

The Crom Martial Training fitness center had made national headlines when it was completely destroyed by Hurricane Sandy.

But Romulo said the business had worked hard to rebuild and eventually moved into a spot just across the street from their old building. Aside from Muay Thai, the gym also offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, CrossFit and boxing classes for children and adults.

“We’re definitely back,” he said.

Battle Rock II will take place on Saturday, June 28 at Beach Channel High School. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.

Front-row seats cost $60, rows 2 through 4 cost $50 and general admission costs $35.

Tickets are available for purchase at Battle-Rock.com

Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014 | 9

The Rockaway Times would love to hear from you!

Please Revive Rockaway Dear Voice of the People:

I read a news article today regarding a new beach in Manhattan.

Is that where the extra money goes when you don't have full lifeguard staffing in Rockaway Beach, Queens? This past Friday, 29 beaches in Rockaway were open to swimming. 111 beaches were closed for some pathetic and dishonest excuse.

Please Mr. Mayor, investigate and audit the City Parks Department. Why take the Queens Rockaway Ferry or go to a Rockaway restaurant or shop if our beaches are closed to swimming? Are we being set up to fail? Thirty-two days since Memorial Day Weekend without a full staff of lifeguards?

This is unacceptable.

Our beach is our protection, recreation and a major source of revenue. Please help us.

Philip McManus Rockaway Park

Rockaway Ferry Dear Editor:

The answer to "Queens Leaders Rally to Save Rockaway Ferry" (June 19) will be found buried in the soon to be adopted new municipal budget for the period July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015. Will additional funding be included in this budget to support ferry service for the Rockaways? The proof will be in the fine print.

Ferry services are the wave of the future. Our waterways are an underutilized natural asset which can offer significant transportation alternatives for thousands of New Yorkers.

Most of our existing public transportation and roadways are already operating at or above capacity. New ferry services can be implemented far more quickly than construction of new subway, commuter rail or highways.

Consider the idea for resumption of service on the old White Pot Junction Long Island Rail Road branch abandoned in the early 1960's.

This and others can take years or even decades until completion of environmental reviews, planning, design, engineering, real estate acquisition, permits, procurements and actual construction before reaching beneficial use. Completing all of the above along with finding

funding for ferry boats, docks and parking with costs in the millions may be easier than finding the billions of dollars necessary for construction of new or extended subway, commuter rail or highways.

Utilization of ferry boats equipped with modern fuel efficient engines can make a positive contribution to air quality.

In April 1967, the old Jersey Central Rail Road ended ferry service between Liberty Street and Pavonia, New Jersey.

Later that year, in November 1967, the old Erie Lackawana Rail Road suspended ferry service between Barclay Street and Hoboken. Fast forward to today. Thousands of daily commuters use ferries from Hoboken, New Jersey to the World Financial Center in downtown Manhattan. There are also 66,000 daily patrons of the Staten Island Ferry System which connects St. George, Staten Island with the Whitehall Street Ferry Terminal. Unlike the other four boroughs, 500,000 Richmond County residents have no direct subway or commuter rail system linking them with the rest of NYC. Over two years ago, thousands of riders began utilizing the East River ferry connecting various waterfront neighborhoods including Long Island City, East 34th Street, Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Wall Street and Governors Island.

Residents in Bayside and other northeast Queens neighborhoods are lobbying for new ferry service.

Who would not want to enjoy the fresh air and breeze that only waterborne transportation can provide.

Riding a ferry can be less stressful than being packed in a subway car like sardines in a can. There are thousands of residents in the Rockaways and adjacent neighborhoods who would welcome the opportunity on a year around basis.

Larry Penner Great Neck

How Much Is Enough?

Dr. Frame, As you may be aware, the U.S. Department of Agriculture-APHIS-Wildlife Services has begun their sixth year of roundups and killing

10 | Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014

of the resident Canada geese population in New York City.

Yesterday, Inwood Park in upper Manhattan became one of their first roundup sites.

Wildlife Services has been observed by animal watch groups setting up shop in the past week at the Fountain Avenue Landfill in Brooklyn near Gateway Plaza (Erskine St. exit; Fountain Ave. & Seaview Ave.).

Wildlife Services is notorious nationwide for the mass slaughter of America’s wildlife.

There are also reports that another cull--the third consecutive slaughter--of the resident geese at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge has been approved by Gateway Superintendent Jennifer Nersesian, and will begin soon.

Several National Parks Service employees have confirmed this.

Can you please explain why this will transpire?

Will Gateway allow the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to exterminate every resident geese from the “Refuge”? How much is enough, enough? And will the slaughter of Jamaica Bay’s Mute swan population by USDA-Wildlife Services (Draft Supplement Environmental Impact Statement-Gull Hazard Reduction Program, JFK) follow soon also, along with the other bird species classified as ”hazards” to airplanes?

Coincidental with Gateway’s Lalsienew Management Plan for the twenty-first century, perhaps we can look forward to “future generations’ “ enthused watching of airplanes fly over the refuge, in place of birds.

Thank you for your attention to this dire situation.

some local input and direction.

Since then a petition has been circulating to make sure that any decision made for this property is decided by the community at large. No back door meetings and hopefully no "divine intervention" from City Hall. Do we really need City Hall calling the shots?

It was recently suggested that a "participatory vote" of sorts takes place. I personally think that's the way to go. Real community input perhaps available via a web page, town hall or a simple ballot. Maybe all of the above to insure the voices of the community get heard. Most of the people I have spoken with would like to see something that will benefit everyone. Some have suggested a family entertainment center, some have said a school for the west end kids or perhaps some sort of attraction to help put Rockaway back on the map.

Stay tuned! As soon as the petition reaches its goal it will be presented to our elected officials, our local news outlets and the Community Board.

Then the fun starts.....Let's make something happen before t h e

Putting Your Best Paper Forward Dear Editor, Congratulations Kevin and Pat on the first issue of The Rockaway Times!

I’m looking forward to your usual mix of humorous, informative and hard-hitting articles along with stories on the events and people that make Rockaway the unique place it is.

I am especially looking forward to your reporting on the many failures of DOT including their latest boondoggle known as Vision Zero. “Zero Vision” would have been a better name.

Instead of lowering the speed limit to 25 MPH and installing speed cameras, why not repair the roads with something other

CO-PUBLISHERS Patricia L. Adams Kevin Boyle EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kevin Boyle EXECUTIVE EDITOR Patricia Adams REPORTERS Bianca Fortis Phil Corso

Jeffrey Kramer Queens

SALES Fred Marino Kathleen Lalsie

Vote On The Neponsit Home Dear Editor: We have all heard of the "Battle of Gettysburg" and the "Battle of the Bulge." Now we have the 'Battle of Neponsit Home." The Neponsit home has sat at the west end of our peninsula rotting since then Mayor Giuliani closed it over 15 years ago.

The building was vandalized and destroyed before Sandy got her hands on it. Now that Sandy has put the final nail in the coffin, it’s time for the community to utilize this property to its benefit. A few months back, our State Senator Joe Addabbo asked for

city plays "nanny" and we get spanked.

Go Rockaway!!!

John P. Larkin

PHOTOGRAPHERS Robert Stridiron Richard York THE

ROCKAWAY TIMES 114-04 Beach Channel Drive, Rockaway Park, NY 11694 phone • 718-634-3030 | e-mail • news@rockawaytimes.com

THE ROCKAWAY TIMES publishes every Thursday. Ad space reservations by Monday, 12 noon, preceding date of publication. Editorial submission must be made by Monday, 3 P.M., preceding date of publication.

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Writers should include a full address and home / office telephone number. Anonymous letters are not printed. Name withheld on request.

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THE ROCKAWAY TIMES assumes no liability for the content or reply to any ads. The advertiser assumes all liability for the content of and all replies. The advertiser agrees to hold THE ROCKAWAY TIMES and its employees harmless from all costs, expenses, liabilities, and damages resulting from or caused by the publication placed by the advertiser or any reply to any such advertisement.

EDITORIAL It's Time

With so much going on, it’s time for Rockaway to be more than a onehorse town. It’s time for something fresh and free. Welcome to The Rockaway Times.

The Rockaway Times is a joint venture between Kevin Boyle and Patricia Adams.

Boyle, comes from The Wave where he was an award-winning editor and columnist. Adams is the longtime publisher of The Forum, a much-honored powerhouse newspaper in Howard Beach.

This is also a joint venture with YOU. We recognize that we’ll only be as strong as our readers. Your voice, your concerns, your interests will find a home in The Rockaway Times.

We’ll look to inform and aim to entertain. We’ve enlisted the services of some homegrown talent who will contribute stories and columns with Rockaway flair and perspective.

We’ll be launching an internet radio station and a podcast available on iTunes.

Competition is what makes Rockaway go ‘round. We believe there is strength in numbers and in this case, two is better than one. The Rockaway Times will be another advocate for Rockaway, another voice helping Rockaway get the attention of govern-

ment officials.

There will be much to cover, much for you to know. New flood maps will soon be adopted by the city. Flood insurance will become a hot topic again as the National Flood Insurance Program seeks reauthorization. New building and zoning codes will address economic development and resiliency. The word resilience means so many things.

The Rockaway Times aims to be your source for information and analysis.

The future is uncertain yet exciting. We know change is coming. But we should all have a say in that change.

If we do our job, Rockaway will be a stronger, more informed, more engaged community.

We’re sure to stumble and suffer some growing pains but we can’t worry about that. We’ll just keep at it until we get things right.

The Rockaway Times is like Rockaway itself. We’re a little bit of a secret and we’re a bit of an underdog. But, look out, we’ve got great potential. And we’re hoping you help us realize that potential.

Opening a new business here demonstrates one indisputable fact: we believe in Rockaway.

In this, our inaugural edition, we have one main editorial position we want to make clear: We love Rockaway!

The Rockaway Times Is Born

By Kevin Boyle and Patricia Adams The Rockaway Times is born.

Patricia Adams, longtime publisher of The Forum in Howard Beach, had been eyeing Rockaway with interest for some time. Adams recognized Rockaway’s growth, its new buzz, and potential. She knew it could use another newspaper. But she knew a Rockaway newspaper needed a Rockaway voice. Enter Kevin Boyle.

Adams heard through the publishing grapevine that Boyle was exiting The Wave and got in touch. How about a partnership?

Boyle hadn’t planned on starting a new weekly but the chance to team up with an established paper and veteran of the news business was too appealing to turn away from. The idea was a good one, they both agreed, but the nuts and bolts of launching The Rockaway Times before the summer season was fully underway would be (and still is!) a daunting challenge.

Although The Forum could lend its support in printing, design, and distribution, a Rockaway newspaper would need an office, reporters, sales people, columnists and a million other things. And so, the journey started.

A tiny but visible office was opened on Beach Channel Drive and Beach 114th Street.

Boyle reached out to Fred Marino a retired salesman he knew since the days Boyle operated The Brooklyn Dodger Sport Bar in the late 1980’s.

In a reversal of roles, Boyle sold Fred to get back in the sales game.

Adams knew a roster of talented reporters and suggested Bianca Fortis as the person to best cover Rockaway.

Forum reporters would assist with stories as well.

Kathleen Lalsie, an ad rep known all over Rockaway, contacted Boyle through Facebook and offered to help with sales.

The team was coming together.

A sign went up on the office. Stories were filed; columnists contributed.

Local advertisers were willing to give the paper a try – sight unseen!

And then we published.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! than bubble gum and install smart traffic lights so we can get where we’re YOU LIKE US going sooner and safer?

YOU LOVE US of luck!

YOU HATEBest US Rick Horan TELL US

Write to the Editor at

THE ROCKAWAY TIMES Email news@ rockawaytimes.com Address 114-04 Beach Channel Drive, Rockaway Park, NY 11694 We welcome letters on any topic of interest. Please limit them to 500 words.

We reserve the right to edit letters for length or clarity.

Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014 | 11

Parents Invite All To Family Community Day

Family Community Day is sure to be fun for all.

By Bianca Fortis Looking for something to do Saturday, June 28?

The Parents Association of PS/MS 183 is expecting a record turnout for its annual Family Community Day, but the group is still in need of donations to ensure the event is a success.

In past years the day has featured bounce houses, face painting, carnival games, individuals dressed as characters, arts and crafts and a variety of food.

The first Family Community Day began in 2011 as a means of entertainment for the school community.

“The kids needed something,” Della Jackson, the Parents Association treasurer, said. “They deserved it. They need

12 | Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014

Back In The Day

Anita Ruderman hasn’t changed a bit since she pushed a stroller along the boardwalk in 1958.

Photo courtesy of Lisa Johnson Cooper

something to do in this community.”

Most of the funds have traditionally come from a photo day fundraiser, but there are fewer kids in the school now than in past years because families have chosen to relocate, Jackson said. And with the community still recovering from a weakened economy and working against budget shortfalls, funds for this year’s Family Community Day have come up short.

“We were blessed enough to be able to do this for the children,” Jackson said.

“We’re just struggling this year to make ends meet.”

Jackson said the group wants to make this year’s event “bigger and better.” But they can’t do that without help from the community. About 300 people attended last year, costing the Parents Association

about $4,000. Lisa Johnson-Cooper, the Parent Teacher Association president, said she expects 400 or 500 people in attendance this year because a student talent show is taking place at the school on the same day. All are welcome to attend.

“We can’t imagine saying to anyone, ‘No, you don’t go to school here -- you can’t eat a hamburger,’” Johnson-Cooper said.

Donations will be welcome at the school until Friday, June 27, the day before the event, she said. The Association is in need of food, water, juice, napkins, plates, cups and other supplies.

The Association also has a gofundme.

com campaign set up as well that allows them to receive monetary donations online at www.gofundme.com/87xmcs.

Johnson-Cooper and Jackson also expressed gratitude toward area businesses, including local banks, Checker’s and Dunkin’ Donuts who have contributed to the event. “We are getting some help this year, so we can relax a little bit, insteading of standing on the corner trying to sell cupcakes or lemonade to scrape together the money,” Jackson said.

The event will take place on June 28 at 11 a.m. The first 50 children to arrive will receive a free T-shirt. PS/MS 183 is located at 245 Beach 79th Street.

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Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014 | 13

No Yoga Experience? Perfect!

Never took a hot yoga class? We want you!

Leron holds the big catch. The photo was snapped by an employee at Big Ron’s.

By Matt Whalen Ahoy! Rockaway Times readers!

Jamaica Bay: Tom's Wave service station on Beach Channel Drive in Rockaway Park told us about some very BIG fluke that were caught in Jamaica bay recently.

Some fish weighed in at 11 pounds (yes, 11 pounds)! Tom also said that he has heard of some striped bass and blue fish around the Rockaway Inlet area but, has not seen anything solid yet.

East end: Pauly T. was drifting his boat for fluke on Sunday at the Wantagh bridges, as well as Meadowbrook bridges #1, #2 and “big M" and caught a nice-sized 4 pound fluke, and then another 3-3/4 pound fluke as well. Paul was also fishing the smaller outflow marsh drainage channels with good results.

Reynold's channel: (Beach 9th Street to Lido Golf course). Bernie Matzen of Oceanside checked in with us and reported that there are many fluke hitting the

lines in Reynold's channel (especially off of the Lido golf course) but, the fluke are on the short side (under the legal 18"). Bernie said that there are larger fluke on the outside (ocean) at the wrecks, and the Atlantic Beach reef.

Speaking of the "outside" Bern also told us that he had heard of some striped bass that were being taken (trolling umbrella rigs and bunker spoons in 40 to 60 feet of water) off the beach between Deb's Inlet and Jones Inlet.

Big Ron's Bait and Tackle in Howard Beach tells us of some really BIG news!

Last weekend Leron from Queens and his son Jay were fishing off Rockaway reef last weekend. The father and son team played for keeps as they came up with some really BIG striped bass ! The two anglers landed TWO striped bass that weighed in at 44 and 45 POUNDS...YIKES !

The bass were landed using bunker.

Here is a picture of the fish taken in front of the "Capt. Mike" out of Howard Beach.

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Local Realtor Made History; Sees Bright Future

By Bianca Fortis While many individuals struggle to decide what they want to do with their lives, Lisa Jackson knew from the age of 15 that she wanted to be a real estate agent and own her own agency.

The Canarsie native, 43, has gone on to set real estate records for properties she has sold in Rockaway.

In 2011, she sold the most expensive property in Queens for the year, a $3.2 million home located on Beach 139th Street.The following year, she was the listing agent for the most expensive property to sell in all of Queens history, a $5.1 million home in Neponsit.

“I love everything about it,” she said about working in real estate. “I love seeing the different style houses, I love working with customers, I love getting to know people.”

Jackson, the owner of Rockaway Properties, had secured her real estate license by the age of 25. She initially spent about 10 years working on Wall Street as an office manager for an insurance company. In 2007 she moved with her husband from Staten Island to the peninsula, where his grandparents were already living.

In 2010 she started working in real estate part-time; that evolved into what is now Rockaway Properties and has a staff size of seven.

Jackson said the real estate market has remained consistent during her time in the community; only Hurricane Sandy really had an effect on the area.When local schools closed, Jackson moved with her family to the Carroll Gardens neighborhood in Brooklyn. She’d also thought that local property values had tanked.

But six weeks later, she was receiving calls from would-be investors looking to flip distressed properties. While some investors came from other boroughs, many came from within Rockaway itself, she said.

Traditionally Rockaway Properties has sold homes located only on the peninsula — primarily waterfront homes — but the group is branching out to properties in Howard Beach as well, Jackson said.

The agency’s website, rockaprop.com, shows listings for land, houses, co-ops and condominiums, ranging in price from below $100,000 to well into the millions.

There isn’t any one type of home that all would-be buyers look for, Jackson said.

Some want fixer-uppers so they can do their own renovation work. Others just want to buy land on which to build. And others, who don’t want to do any work, want a home that’s ready to live in.

But there is one feature that everyone wants: “The closer to the beach, the better,” Jackson said.

She said the rumors that Rockaway is on its way to a revival seem to be true.

Change is indeed happening, she said.

The peninsula, particularly the area around Beach 90th Street, is becoming trendy, with Downtown Brooklynites investing in property and opening new restaurants.“They’re revamping the whole neighborhood,” Jackson said.

“Which is fantastic.”

And for those house-hunting individuals who maybe don’t have Rockaway in mind for their new home? “I would want them to come here and just spend one day with me and I’ll show them around,” she said. “I’m pretty much going to guarantee that they’re going to fall in love.”

Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014 | 15

JDRF Advances Diabetes Research Through Local Efforts

Joe DeCandia (left) and Joe Mure seem to have several (thousand) people following in their footsteps and what they hope will lead to a

By Debbie Cohen For the sixth year in a row, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) took its fight against juvenile diabetes to Howard Beach and raised nearly $75,000 in the process.

Now, the group said it would return the favor.

The May 31 6th JDRF Howard Beach Walk to Cure Diabetes drew hundreds in the foundation’s ongoing efforts to combat diabetes, organizers said. The group, established in 1970, said it would use the money to help fund research, according to Jessica Burns, development coordinator at

File Photos

JDRF. A letter was sent out the beginning of June thanking all participants in the Howard Beach Walk and said JDRF agreed to sponsor more than $530 million in research around the world because of the generosity of local supporters.

Do you recognize any of these symptoms?

• Extreme thirst • Frequent urination • Drowsiness, lethargy • Sugar in urine • Sudden vision changes • Increased appetite • Sudden weight loss • Fruity, sweet, or wine-like odor on breath • Heavy, labored breathing • Stupor, unconsciousness These symptoms may come on suddenly. Consult a physician at once.

16 | Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014

Burns announced two additional walks organized for the same cause, including a Queens Walk on Oct. 5 in Flushing Meadows Park and another on the same day in Staten Island starting at 8:30 a.m.

Juvenile diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone needed to get energy from food, according to JDRF. Also known as type-1 diabetes, the disease affects both children and adults and lasts a lifetime.

Joe DeCandia, a JDRF New York chapter board member, said he kept up the fight for his 14-year-old son, who has type1 diabetes. DeCandia referred to the ongoing fight as a worthwhile cause that he hopes can help contribute to finding a cure.

“The Howard Beach walk netted approximately $500,000 over the past six years,” DeCandia said. “The money raised at these events goes to facilities that help children, like St. Jude and the Ronald McDonald House. This Queens walk is a main event to raise money locally and my wife and I are thrilled to participate. I believe in our lifetime we will see a cure for this.”

Joe Mure, another board member, said each of these local events came at no expense to the organization and funneled all money directly to research efforts.

“None of these events would be possible if it wasn’t for people in our neighborhood,” Mure said. “Research is moving rapidly now over the last few years because of money raised due to successful neighborhood events.”

According to Mure, there are two exciting types of treat-

ments that are being spearheaded by JDRF and are currently in the trial stage. One is the artificial pancreas, where a small machine attaches to the body with an insulin pump and can stay on 24 hours a day, he said. The other is called encapsulation, which is an implantable device that provides beta cell replacement and restores insulin independence without the need for intensive immune suppression, Mure said.

“Pancreatic transplants are rare and some are not successful,” Mure said. “The insulin used today is much better than 20 years ago, but it does not work fast enough and scientists are working on ways to speed up absorption.”

Restoration is a biologic cure for type-1 diabetes that JDRF is still working on, according to the group’s fact sheet. With this treatment, the body’s cell function is restored and the autoimmune attack is halted.

Another research plan JDRF is looking into is called smart insulin, which circulates in the bloodstream and turns on when needed, the sheet said.

Since JDRF’s founding in 1970, its cumulative research funding totaled over $1.8 billion, which has gone on to fund over 50 human clinical trials.

Mure said another huge fundraiser was scheduled for Dec. 6 at 6 p,m. The event, dubbed “Little North Pole,” first started 19 years ago at 14403 Neponsit Ave. in Rockaway and has not stopped since.

“The yearly fundraiser draws thousands of people and a huge amount is raised for JDRF. It’s really a fun, seasonal event,” Mure said. “I am very excited about all the advancements, and eventually, a cure for type-1 diabetes.”

The Beef Chip with Team Cyclops

I Crush Therefore I Am You might think I’m just a bartender. But what I like to pour is wisdom.

Things are not as they appear. For anyone that has been living under a rock the last few years, the NYC Dept of Health has a success story rivaled only by the Dapper Don himself. I use the Don reference loosely, as they both have similarly amassed fortunes by the practice of promising protection for a small ongoing fee. They are both guilty of intimidation and bullying, this practice is also commonly known as extortion. However, and rightly so, the Don served time in Federal Prison for this illicit and illegal activity. And while NYC reels in its catch off the backs of hard working small business owners with zero ramifications, legally, the general public remains grossly misinformed on what an inspection really has to do with your health.

Like a swarm of bees, every day inspectors are sent on patrol to bring home the honey to the hive. And while the new Queen Bee’s campaign strategy promised overhauls to his predecessors jaded letter grade system, we have yet to see any major changes to the status quo.

What we have seen is clear evidence that a quota does exist on every inspection. The de Blasio administration “projects” only $30 million in fines from restaurants in this year’s preliminary budget, down from 34.1 million to date so far this year.

Wait Beefchip, what does this all mean? I’m glad you asked. In a joint press conference City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Dept of Health Commish Mary Basset announced that restaurants would not be fined for structural blemishes, such as cracked tiles and ceilings or leaky faucets. The mere fact that any monetary revenue was disclosed at all is insulting, and a clear admission that the city targets restaurants In the name of “health” to close budget gaps.

Well, one good source, Big Daddy, whispered that this concession of reduced fines is a “bait and switch”, a maneuver that will require restaurants to provide paid sick leave for employees, most likely written into law at 11:59 PM and covered under some facade story like who Dante and Chiara went clubbing with the night before.

This, of course, is only my opinion. But we are familiar with the NYC government’s timing of a story. And as an investor and betting man, I wouldn’t short the Dept. Of Health’s stock just yet. And here’s why.

It was recently acknowledged by NY Post critic Steve Couzzo that the Dept. of of Health sends 19 times more inspectors to restaurants than the dept of buildings sends out to construction sites. And while public sentiment has been manipulated into thinking a ‘B’ letter grade will kill you, your precious life is in far graver danger when you happen to walk by a crane on your way to work. Violations such as “cold food held over 41 degrees” or “hot food held under 141 degrees” defy all logic and all reason.

It takes time to bring food to temperature Mr. Inspector, this is a craftsman’s sport of which you wouldn’t make the practice squad.

Now I know what you’re thinking as your reading this. But Beef Chip, what about the ‘C’ grade I saw in such and such restaurant. They sure are dirty, right Beef?

WRONG. While you may have a kitchen premises that the Pope would be proud to sit on, small non-health, non-hygiene violations quickly make your A into a B and further on into a C. While we all have seen some filthy restaurants in our time, it only proves my point of a broken system, as they proudly display their ‘A’ in a plexiglass encasement from which you place your order.

It’s time to wake up people. You should be irate, you should be mad, you should be angry. Your city government is extorting it’s job creators and dreamers, legally. “Oh Beefstick, you don’t know anything.” No I know, and I now I know you know.

PS Mr. Mayor, I know your progressive agenda doesn’t have room for people who take a shot in this life, but try to remember the innovators of the largest industry at 11:58 PM on the day you sign the sick leave law.

Believe it or not some establishments scrape nickels to make ends meet, even before the legalized mafia that is NYC Health Dept takes their taste.

I’m making you an offer you can’t refuse Bill, act now or “we’re going to the mattresses.” Not to worry, the fishes will be below 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014 | 17

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Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014 | 19

Broad Channel • Between the Bridges

Three Burning Questions

By Peter Mahon Congratulations! You have picked up a copy a The Rockaway Times and you are reading it - great start! You are reading this column so you have obviously turned a few pages and are (hopefully) enjoying the content...so far so good!

That brings you to "Broad Channel Between the Bridges by Peter Mahon".

Right about now I know there are three questions that have you scratching your head that you would like to see answered. So let's use this first column and get those out of the way before we go any further.

1

Who are you?...Originally from Woodside, I have resided in Broad Channel since 1994 and presently live on W12thRd with my lovely wife Graceanne and my 2 daughters, Amy and Victoria. Our neighbors, Sophie and Lenny DeVirgilio and their daughter Louise, also live with us until their house, which was destroyed by Sandy, is rebuilt. Yep...they are waiting for "Build It Back" to, well, build it back! Our household also includes a dog, 4 cats, 2 guinea pigs, 2 turtles and a rabbit... all rescues! Our neighbors refer to our home as the "Hotel California" but that's

20 | Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014

a story for another time. 64 years young with a body held together with duct tape and a mind (according to my wife) of a teenager I am presently retired after 2 enlistments with the United States Marine Corps back in the late 60's and early 70's and then 31 years of city service with the N.Y.C. Police Dept.and Dept. of Correction (including a stint with the Dept. of Juvenile Justice), followed up with several years in the private security industry. Hopefully that puts question #1 to rest. Let's move on.

2

How did you wind up writing a column about Broad Channel in The Rockaway Times? For some time now I have shared an "email" relationship with Kevin Boyle as a result of his outstanding coverage of all the post-Sandy issues that have plagued our community. I also thoroughly enjoy Kevin's Boyleing Points column which I am happy to report has, not unlike the Phoenix, risen again right here in The Rockaway Times. Some months back Kevin referred to the weekly obituaries column as the Irish Comics and my 97-year old mother (still alive and going strong in Woodside) was immediately hooked on his column also. Then, a few weeks ago, Kevin told me about

his pending involvement with the publication of our area's newest newspaper, The Rockaway Times, and asked if I would be interested in contributing a "Broad Channel" column.

Perhaps it was serendipitous that I received Kevin's email while I was attending our Grand Matriarch's (aka: She Who Must be Obeyed) birthday party in Woodside. At the time Mom had noticed that her favorite column had gone missing and asked me about the status of the "...that young man Kevin who thinks Irish wakes are comical and writes the nutty columns about boiling water...".

Her words, not mine. Knowing that she has never met Kevin or saw his picture I asked her why she would describe him as a young man. She looked at me as if had two heads while responding "You're all here for my 97th birthday... if you can't figure that out for yourself then I truly have raised an idiot!"

Rightfully chastised, I told Mom about Kevin's offer about this column and she immediately asked me what I would be paid for my efforts. I explained that Kevin had offered "a pat on the back and maybe a T-shirt." She thought about that for about 2 seconds and then offered me the following sage advice. "Go for it...tell him to forget the

pat on the back, it will only go to your head, but make sure you get the T-shirt.

If you make an ass out of yourself they can fire your behind right away before you become a total embarrassment to the nice man and you will at least get a T-shirt out of the deal." And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, is how I wound up here in The Rockaway Times. Two down... one to go.

3

What will the column be about?

Assuming this first column does not "go down in flames" and I am summarily sent packing, t-shirt in hand, Between the Bridges will celebrate the community of Broad Channel. Starting next week you can expect some informative human interest stories which I hope will help strengthen our already strong sense of unique community identity and pride shared by all of us who live in this wonderful island on the bay, a snapshot of life here in Broad Channel, if you will.

Now that you know who I am, how I got here and what I will be doing each week, I look forward to meeting you all again next week "Between the Bridges" and we will get this thing started!

Comments? rtbetweenthebridges@gmail.com

Judge Declares Mistrial in Smith Case

By Phil Corso A federal judge declared a mistrial in a federal corruption case involving state Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Hollis), pushing it back to January.

Smith had asked to have start the trial over after new information was brought to the table ealier this month.

He was charged along with co-defendant and former Queens Republican vice chairman Vincent Tabone with bribery and corruption in an attempt to have his name appear on the mayoral ballot as a Republican.

Former City Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone), who was also part of the elaborate scheme to allegedly get Smith’s name into the mayoral race last year, opted to have his trial continue this week, his lawyer Vinoo Verghese said.

Court records showed prosecutors brought new evidence to light earlier this month, including recorded conversations and text messages in Yiddish.

The defense attorneys argued the new information was issued too late into the process, making it difficult for them to field an appropriate response when trial time arrived.

The attorney representing Tabone filed documents in court saying his opening statement would have been different if he had only known what

Former City Councilman Dan Halloran expects his trial to start this week.

kinds of evidence the prosecution would be including.

But Halloran’s lawyer said he did not want to seek a mistrial after waiting more than one year since his April 2013 arrest for his day in court. His court date was scheduled to proceed June 25, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in White Plains.

Halloran attempted to delay his initial court date last month on the grounds of insanity, arguing that brain surgery he underwent in 2012 rendered him unable to comprehend the nature of his actions. Judge Kenneth Karas dismissed that motion earlier this month.

Malcolm Smith faces a mistrial after being accused of scheming with other Queens elected officials to get his name onto the mayoral ballot as a Republican.

Prosecutors accused Halloran of helping Smith handle nearly $500,000 in taxpayer dollars to fund a fake real estate project in order to fund his political campaign. Halloran reportedly received at least $60,000 in exchange for his assistance, documents said.

Smith was looking for GOP support to get him on the mayoral ballot as a Republican, prosecutors said. Tabone has been charged with receiving roughly $25,000 in helping Smith in his efforts of gaining the GOP line on

Former GOP Vice Chair Vincent Tabone is charged as part of the elaborate corruption and bribery scandal to get Malcolm Smith’s name onto the mayoral ballot as a Republican.

the mayoral ballot, documents showed Former Republican county chairman from the Bronx Joseph Savino was also arrested in the alleged scheme and pleaded guilty in November to bribery, conspiracy and wire fraud for accepting nearly $15,000. Joseph Desmaret, a former deputy mayor from Spring Valley, also pleaded guilty in January to accepting $10,500 in bribes to sell village land in connection to the scheme.

File Photos

Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014 | 21

Boyleing Points

I’m On Rockaway Times

By Kevin Boyle Sheesh, I feel like the Rockaway Catwoman with all these lives.I was at that other paper in town a million years ago, wrote very occasional columns through the years, then went back full-time after Sandy until the last adios a few weeks ago.

I’m apologizing once to all the people who had their hopes up that I was gone for good.

See, I know when to quit; I just don’t when to give up.

It’s that kind of deep thought you get around here. Deep and cheap. The Rockaway Times is free. (You can give me fifty cents on the side once in a while.

I mean you’ll be saving the fifty cents

when you stop buying the other paper soon enough. (oooooh, zing).

So what happened? How’d I end up here? Long story short: I was trying to buy The Wave and after months and months of negotiating, the deal went off the rails.One thing was said on Friday, another thing on Monday. It was time to go.

That’s the short version. And I’ll leave it at that unless rumors bug me enough that I have to write a book and make a movie. (I already have the name: Another Rockaway Documentary).

Anyway, on my way out the door, Patricia Adams, the publisher of The Forum in Howard Beach, contacted me. She said Rockaway needed a second newspaper. Hmmm, I had to think about it.I

NYC PARKS Offers Beach Update From The New York Parks Department (always to be taken with a grain of sand) as of Wednesday, June 25: The US Army Corps of Engineers is currently pumping sand through large pipes to restore Rockaway Beach and

22 | Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014

create berms that will help to protect the beach from flooding. As the Corps moves along the beach, they move these pipes and the heavy equipment needed to complete their work. And, as they complete a section of the beach,

mean Rockaway is like Noah’s Ark. Two bridges, two Thai restaurants, two city council districts, two Breezy Dogs, and too many nail salons to count.

Competition is good, right? If the Parks Department had competition, we’d have a boardwalk by now.

Come on, come on, do it, that little devil on my shoulder said.Rockaway has too much going on, too many nuts to ignore. When the ferry runs aground, that’s material, that’s the stuff you’ve got to write about.The good angel on my other shoulder said, hold on. With some of those people onboard, you would’ve jumped off long before the ferry ever hit the sand bar. You really want to engage the nuts again?

The answer was yes.They’re nuts but

they’re my nuts, so to speak.

So that’s it: Boyleing Points is back and I’m on Rockaway Times. * * * My mother is doing the proffreeding so if you’ve got komplaints you know who to contact. * * * As for other mistakes and growing pains, I’m only making one guarantee.

We’ll have this right before the jetties get here. * * * For all of you who’ve pledged your help and support (thanks!) please ask your favorite newspaper place to carry The RT. And one more shameless plea: please support our advertisers!Tell them you saw their ad in The Rockaway Times.

the sand needs to be graded to allow pedestrian access and sand ramps need to be built over any remaining pipes. We cannot safely allow swimming where the Corps is moving equipment or where access has not yet been created.

Open without pipe: B149 to B113.

Open with shore pipe: B113 to B68.

Closed for active construction: B68 to B62.

The following sections are open for swimming: B. 9,13,15,17,18 B. 29-30; B. 58-59; B. 84,85; B.97,98,99; B.106,107,108; B. 115-119 B.120-129; B.131-139; B.141-148.

Sanitation Worker Killed in Maspeth: NYPD

By Debbie Cohen

was unresponsive and taken to a nearby hospital, where A city sanitation worker was he was pronounced dead on killed in Maspeth on Saturarrival.

“We are deeply saddened day after he was accidentally to learn of the loss of New struck and pinned down by a York’s strongest while he was mechanical street sweeper, ofon the job in service of our ficials said.

Steven Frosch, 43, was city,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said working on his sweeper in a in a statement.

DSNY garage around 1 p.m. on Frosch, a 15-year veteran Photo courtesy DSNY 48th Street in Maspeth when Steven Frosch with the Sanitation Departa 33-year-old co-worker was ment, leaves behind a wife and driving forward and struck Frosch, pin- four children. ning him between both sweepers, authoriOfficials said an investigation is ongoties said. Emergency responders said he ing.

Queens Man Convicted of Menacing on Sandy Gas Line A St. Albans man was convicted of wielding a weapon to cut in front of a long gas line in the days following Superstorm Sandy, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.

Sean M. Bailey, 37, or 204th Street, pulled up to a gas station at the intersection of Astoria Boulevard and 43rd Street around 2:30 a.m. on Nov. 1, 2012 as a passenger in a white 2010 BMW and tried cutting the line in front of a 29-yearold man, Brown said. When the man complained, Bailey left the car, walked up to the man and showed his .25 caliber

Phoenix Ravel pistol.

“If you don’t pull back, you are not getting gas tonight,” he allegedly told the man, Brown said.

The man then backed off and called the police, who arrived soon after and arrested Bailey.

Bailey was convicted of second and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and second-degree menacing after a nine-day trial in Queens Supreme Court, the district attorney said. He now faces a minimum of seven years and a maximum of 15 years in prison, Brown said.

Best Wishes To The Rockaway Times

From Greg Mocker From PIX 11 He’s Looking For You On Rockaway Beach You Will See Him On PIX 11 News

Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014 | 23

SURF SHOP

192 B. 92 St., Rockaway Beach, NYC | 718-318-7997

Congratulates and extends our best wishes to KEVIN BOYLE Rockaway Times

Thanks for everything you did for our community post-Sandy. Looking forward to reading your witty words in the future! Rockaway is lucky to have you looking out for us as we continue to rebuild.

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24 | Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014

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Best of Luck to the Rockaway Times Peter Galvin, MD 120-05 Newport Avenue Rockaway Park, NY

Serving the people of Rockaway since 1983

Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014 | 25

Between The Groins

One Ugly Backside

Neponsit Home’s Beachside A Real Disgrace

The Beach and Hometown Pride

By John Cori As long as we live on this peninsula with the mighty Atlantic ocean at our doorstep beach issues will be part of our lives. By “beach issues,” I mean sand replenishment, jetties, boardwalk construction, lifeguard shortages, beach access, law enforcement, and more! Some of these are life and death issues. I hope you’ll follow this column which will have news and opinion about these ongoing matters. And I hope you’ll help me. If you see something or learn something, please contact me at the email address below.

In this introductory column I wanted to give a shout out to the peninsula as a whole. A question often raised in many neighborhoods is “what is the greatest challenge facing a particular neighborhood?” When asking the question on the challenges of the Rockaway peninsula, people often respond as if “Rockaway” is a simply another neighborhood in Southern Queens. We often hear the

Rockaway peninsula referred to as The Rockaways, Rockaway Beach or Far Rockaway, especially in the media!

How many times have you sat down to watch the evening news and the reporter says “I’m here reporting live in the Far Rockaway. . .” yet it is clear to anyone who lives on the Rockaway peninsula, the reporter is reporting live from Fort Tilden!

We rarely see a reporter say they are in Chinatown while reporting from Bay Ridge!

The Rockaway peninsula’s greatest challenges is our geographic location, (although I will admit it is also or greatest asset). But another challenge is expressing our community individuality. Who are we? Too often, as large a potentially powerful collective of eleven great neighborhoods, we are referred to simply as “The Rockaways,” relegating us to obscurity by a name that fails to show how big and diverse really we are. We should be proud of who we are as a wonderful collection of

Photo by Kevin Boyle

The City spends more than a quarter of a million dollars a year on maintenance and security on the abandoned Neponsit Healthcare Facility. It appears none of the money is going to the backside of the building.Broken windows are the norm.

neighborhoods on The Rockaway Peninsula and our close neighbor of Broad Channel!

Our individualities are our greatest strengths. We can do nothing about our shape or our location on a map, but we can promote our individualities. We can shout out from each individual neighborhood. Shout out I am Bayswater, I am Far Rockaway, I am Edgemere, I am Arverne, I am Rockaway Beach, I am Broad Channel, I am

Rockaway Park, I am Belle Harbor, I am Neponsit, I am Roxbury and I am Breezy Point Together.

WE ARE ROCKAWAY and our time has come!!! (You can reach me by email at SeaTheNight@aol.com).

John Cori is a Rockaway Beach resident, Community Board member, president of the Friends of Rockaway Beach, fulltime and longtime beach advocate.

GOOD LUCK TO ROCKAWAY TIMES AND KEVIN BOYLE WE ARE HAPPY YOUR VOICE WILL CONTINUE TO BE HEARD FOR ROCKAWAY THE GOLDBERG FAMILY 26 | Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014

WALSH Properties, Inc. R C

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each th St. nd loor hone or ax www.waslhproperties.com www.facebook.com alsh roperties nc

FOR SALE BELLE HARBOR LOT – BEACH 131 ST x and ready to build $490K. Make an offer!

BELLE HARBOR – NEW TO THE MARKET ne family on x . Center hall with four bedrooms. LR R enclosed porch beautiful yard. Close to all and very convenient. $700's

basement

BELLE HARBOR – 80 x 100 Two family home on x . wner has four bedrooms and finished basement.

Tenant s apartment is one bedroom with office. Separate entrances. arage pvt drive and gorgeous backyard. $800's NEW TO THE MARKET - BELLE HARBOR Let the house pay for itself! Three bedrooms two baths over the same. ach apartment is almost s uare feet. lus a fabulous finished basement with kitchenette and bathroom. ouble car garage and driveway. reat investment. $700's NEPONSIT – NEW TO THE MARKET Split-level ranch on x in good condition. Three bedrooms two baths basement and family room. Spacious backyard and outdoor shower. erfect pool area. Tons of parking. $700's BELLE HARBOR – NEW TO THE MARKET Two family with three bedrooms over walk-in two bedrooms. vt drive and lovely yard.

Convenient to all. erfect mother daughter or extended family. $785K

CONDO FOR SALE Ocean Grand Two bedrooms two baths w terrace CO-OP FOR SALE each St ceanfront

ampton ouse

............... . $475K

ne bedroom w terrace ........$235K

APARTMENTS FOR RENT Beach 66 St Three bedroom .............................................................. $1,500 Beach 97 St and SFP Two bedrooms terrace overlooking beach ............. $1,850 Beach 118 St uplex two bedroom ....................................................... $1,500 Beach 121 St Studio .............................................................................$900 Beach 121 St Three bdrom duples terraces ..............................$1,800 no fee Beach 121 St - ne bdrm ...................................................$1,300 no fee Beach 123 St alk-in one bedroom ...................................................$1,250 Beach 123 St ceanviews abulous one bedroom w office .................$1,500 Beach 124 St ne bdrm .................................................................... $950 Beach 124 St ll new one bedroom C C walk-in pkg ............ .$1,400 COMMERCIAL SPACE – FOR SALE Rockaway Beach Two buildings back to back. Store plus apartment plus four additional units. ach unit has its own boiler and hot water heater. reat investment .................................................................................................$800's Beach 100 St x . erfect for residential development. ll offers considered.

Beach 116 St area ft ...................................................................... $300K SUMMER RENTALS BUNGALOW – Beach 109 St .............................. $5,000 for season Beach 97 St Three bedrooms two baths parking ............ $20,000 season Beach 97 St Two bedrooms terrace ............................. $14,000 season

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N N C R . aye o o t oo .

Lord hold our troops in your hands. rotect them as they protect us. less them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. men.

Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014 | 27

THE HAPPENINGS Sandy Sessions

Through Nov. 12

Opening of World’s Fair Photo Exhibit

Russian-Speaking Caregivers Education Group

1526 Central Ave. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Every Wednesday, NHJS will be offering Sandy case management services and grants, connecting people with the various Air Train JFK Jamaica and Howard Beach Stations 108-25 62nd Drive programs available to help in the ongoing efforts of recovery. Call A photo exhibit, “Moving the World to the 1964 World’s Fair” will Forest Hills, NY 11375 (718) 291-7400 for more information. be on display at the AirTrain JFK Jamaica and Howard Beach 1 p.m. to 2:30 pm stations until Nov. 12.

This is Russian-speaking group for caregivers. Information and resources about caregiving are provided. For more information and registration, please contact Larisa Raziyeva at (718) 5925757 x247.

101st Precinct Community Council

Beth Abraham Health Serices 1821 Cornaga Ave. 6:30 p.m.

Every third Wednesday of the month, members of the 101st Precinct Community Council gather to talk about the latest issues facing the community. Members of the precinct will be in attendance to discuss the latest crime trends and how to keep the community safe.

Thursday, June 26

Whale and Dolphin Watching

Saturday, June 28

Walking Tour of Richmond Hill

Through June 30

Celebrate the World’s Fair at Queens Library Queens Library at Central 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica Various times, see below Queens Library invites the community to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1964 New York World’s Fair with a look at the fanfare, the global participation, the excitement, the ambition, and the long shadow cast by the historic event held at Flushing Rockaway Point Boulevard at Heinzelman Road, Breezy Point Noon to 4 p.m.

Meadows Corona Park. See the story of the fair told through Search for beautiful mammals on an adventurous, yet relaxing, news clips, sheet music, memorabilia, promotional items, phocruise with your friends and family.

Adults pay $45, seniors pay tographs and other authentic material from the fair preserved by $35 and children pay $25. For more information, go to Americanthe Archives at Queens Library.

PrincessCruises.com.

Admission is free.

Exhibits last for two weeks and include: The Vision of Robert Moses (Tuesday, June 3 to Monday, June 16) Farewell to the Fair (Tuesday, June 17 to Monday, June 30) The library is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Astoria Park Festival 2014

Through Aug. 27

Meet at 121st and Jamaica Avenue 12 p.m.

Kevin Walsh, who runs the “Forgotten New York” website, will host a walking tour of Richmond Hill. Those interested in going should meet at 121st and Jamaica Avenue, and the tour will end at Woodhaven Boulevard and Park Lane South around 3:30 p.m.

Rockstock and Barrels Festival

Free Zumba Beach 108th Street Hockey Rink 7:30 p.m.

Get in shape with this popular form of exercise and dance that combines Latin and African dance steps. Classes will be free of charge and open to all.

Through Aug. 31

Be a Bird Detective/ Observe Ospreys Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 10 a.m.

Learn to use binoculars and a bird detective checklist. Binoculars and guides will be available to share. Hear stories of osprey’s annual long-distance migrations and their recovery in the U.S. Dress for the weather.

Boardwalk at Beach 90th Street, Rockaway Beach 10 a.m. to nighttime Two stages of musical performances, plus beach games and a surf contest at 8 a.m. Bands include Grim Pickens, Symptom 7 and Indaculture. Free of charge. Fore more information, go to RockstockNYC.com.

Through Sept. 6

Disco Inferno

Yoga on the Beach

Resorts World Casino Astoria Park Parking Lot 110-00 Rockaway Blvd.

4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Featuring Melba Moore, Ms. Yvonne Elliman, Maxine NightinBeach 108th Street Boardwalk 8 a.m.

Times vary as the festival continues through the weekend. Come gale and more. Fees range from $20 to $75 depending on which Parks presents yoga on the beach with Helen Kilgallen from enjoy more than 20 rides, games, food, live entertainment, family events you attend. For more information, go to RWNewYork.com.

Elaine’s Dance School in this beginner hatha yoga class. Bring fun and much more. Open 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on June 27, noon to mat, large towel or blanket.

11 p.m. on June 28, and noon to 10 p.m. on June 29. Free with fees for attractions. For more information, go to CentralAstoria.org.

28 | Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014

We'll show you how to have a good time...

Enjoy your community.

Sunday, June 29

Sunday to Remember in Corona El Paraiso Tropical 102-11 42nd Ave. 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Latin American Cultural Center of Queens invites the community to join in the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Sunday to Remember Program. Come enjoy a fun afternoon with dance, raffles, and other entertainment for the whole family.

The special festivity will feature Latin American music interpreted by pianist Francisco Cantilo.

Sunday to Remember is a cultural, recreational, and supportive program for families and seniors. The program provides members with the opportunity to network, make new friends, and establish a support group while celebrating culture and traditional holidays. Through this program, the center also provides work for talented artists.

The program is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome. Space is limited, so please reserve a spot early by calling (718) 261-7664 or emailing LACCQ@aol.com. For more information, visit www.laccq.org.

A Jazz Soirée with Catherine Russell Louis Armstrong House Museim 34-56 107th St., Corona 4 p.m.

Concert with Grammy-winning vocalist Catherine Russell and the unveiling of rare photographs of Satchmo at the World’s Fair in 1964. For more information, visit Satchmo.net.

A Pint of the Past: Beer & Home Brewing in 19th Century New York

Monday, June 30

Queens Symphony Orchestra

Shore Boulevard between Hell Gate Bridge and the Pool King Manor Museum 7:30 p.m.

150-03 Jamaica The orchestra plays popular music and classical favorites beAve., Jamaica fore a fireworks show in an annual Independence Day CelebraIn this 90-minute, tion in Astoria Park. Free of charge. For more information, visit interactive program, QueensSymphony.org.

Mark and Tess Szamatulski explain how to brew and appreciate beer. They also discuss beer styles and local beer history. Learn everything from beer ingredients, such as hops, grain, water and yeast, to the brewing process, including fermentation and sanitization. Free, but reservations required via programs@ kingmanor.org or (718) 206-0545 x13. For more information, visit www.kingmanor.org.

Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13

Flying Fish 101

Rockaway! Opening Day Ongoing through Labor Day Gateway National Recreation Area’s Fort Tilden and at Rockaway Beach Surf Club A concert by Patti Smith concludes launch of a large-scale, free public contemporary art festival that runs from June 29 through Labor Day at Gateway National Recreation Area’s Fort Tilden and at Rockaway Beach Surf Club. The event, which involves existing and new, site-specific works by local and internationAlley Pond Environmental Center, ally acclaimed artists, celebrates the re-opening of Fort Tilden 228-06 Northern Blvd. Douglaston and the recovery of the Rockaway. For more information, contact 10 a.m. to noon joshua_laird@nps.gov.

Learn the secrets of fly fishing, including equipment, casting, knots and rigging, from a seasoned veteran. Pre-register by calling (718) 229-4000. Cost for adults if $21 and children between eight and 12 pay $7. For more information, visit AlleyPond.com.

The Louis Armstrong International Music Festival

A Sunday to Remember

Groovin’ in the Park

Sunset Sessions at Vetro Restaurant and Lounge

German American Festival Plattduetsche Park 1132 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square Gates open at 12 p.m.

The two-day German American Festival includes fun for the whole family, including live music, German food and beer, a queen and princess contest, Bavarian dancing, children’s games, a magic act performance, and much more.

Admission is $10, and children under the age of 12 are free. For more information, call (516) 354-3131.

Sunday, July 20

Victorian Strawberry Social

El Paraiso Tropical Flushing Meadows Corona Park 102-11 42nd Ave. Corona 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Multi Grammy-winning Cuban salsa singer Albita headlines the Francisco Cantilo plays Latin American music on piano during show. Other scheduled performers are the Jon Faddis Quartet, an afternoon of dance in a welcoming environment. For more led by trumpeter Jon Faddis; Junoon with Salman Ahmad; and information, visit Laccq.org.

Forest Park Carousel David Ostwald’s Louis Armstrong Eternity Band. Free vent. For Forest Park more information, visit www.kupferbergcenter.org.

2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Enjoy strawberry desserts, unlimited carousel rides, enterRoy Wilkins Park 164-49 Cross Bay Blvd. Howard Beach tainment and more, 117-01 Baisley Blvd. Jamaica 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. including a barberReggae hit machines Beres Hammond joins Australian soft pop Divine Productions Presents Sunset Sessions with DJ Danny shop quartet. duo Air Supply as headline acts. Fee to get in is $59.99. For Testa Resident TAO, NYC and opening set by Shawn Duncan. Don’t forget your Vicmore information, go to GroovinInThePark.com.

Ladies Drink Free from 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Beer, Wine, Chamtorian hats. pagne) Full Bar Menu & Oyster Bar, Complimentary Valet Park- RSVP is required. Members pay $8 and non-members pay $10 ing. Never a cover- Dress to Impress! for admission. For more information, call (718) 704-9317 or email Richmond.hill.historical@gmail.com.

Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014 | 29

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30 | Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014

Forum Fun & Games Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve

CLUES ACROSS 1. Coneless craters 6. Pullulate 10. Six (Spanish) 14. Cricket frog 15. Deliberately subverted 17. McCullough's 2nd book 19. Body of water 20. Plural of 22 down 21. To get up 22. They __ 23. Expression of sorrow 24. Turfs 26. Door beam 29. Arabian sultanate 31. Corn dough 32. Soft infant food 34. Famous movie pig 35. "Oleanna" playwright 37. One point E of SE 38. Cool down 39. Surrender 40. WWII war criminal Rudolph 41. Artificial 43. Drains 45. Woods component 46. Unit of time (abbr.)

47. 1955-77 regional defense org.

49. Local area network 50. 1/3 tablespoon (abbr.)

53. Breathe excessively 57. Dilapidated ships 58. Goes it alone 59. Jap. women pearl divers 60. Television tube 61. (Prev. Portuguese) S. China seaport

CLUES DOWN 1. Tangles 2. Dull pain 3. Length x width = 4. Fishing gear 5. Small Chevrolet truck 6. 18th Hebrew letter (alt. sp.)

7. Ingests 8. Decline 9. Martinet 10. Cruel deviant 11. Hen products 12. Technology firm 13. 40th US state 16. Albanian capital 18. Sensory receptors 22. Publicity 23. A winglike part 24. Sword with a curved blade 25. Single 27. Fencing swords 28. Research workplaces 29. Japanese sash 30. Nutmeg covering spice 31. Woman (French) 33. Foot (Latin) 35. Fast rise to fame 36. Used to cut and shape wood 37. Shaft horsepower (abbr.)

39. A consortium of companies 42. Stirrup bone 43. Transmitted 44. Carrier's invention 46. Without (French) 47. Noah's oldest son (Bible) 48. Jaguarundi 49. Former Cowboy Leon 50. Powder mineral 51. Greek colonnade 52. Mexican monetary unit 54. Preceeded the DVD 55. Doctrine suffix 56. Mauna __, HI, volcano 57. Public prosecutor

Good Luck Please find the solutions to THIS WEEK's puzzles below. Come back every week for more puzzles and brain teasers.

Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014 | 31

By Hank Iori The Belle Harbor Property Owners Association’s mission statement reads, “to protect and enhance the quality of life in our community”. Prior to Hurricane Sandy we focused on issues that residents voiced at our monthly meetings. The precinct commander, Park’s administrator, guest speakers and elected officials all came to discuss the latest issues. The word community in our mission statement, for the most part, related to our association’s geographical boundaries. I suspect most community organizations prior to Hurricane Sandy worked the same way.

As a result of Hurricane Sandy the meaning of community has broadened for us. It brought us together with a greater understanding of just how interdependent we all are in the Rockaway Peninsula and Broad Channel. Hurricane Sandy was an equal opportunity storm. People across our communities lost homes or experienced severe damage to their homes. Sandy caused many of our community residents to be put under severe emotional and financial stress.

Nineteen months since the storm there are many outstanding issues that need to be addressed and resolved. The collaboration and open communication with federal, state and city agencies is essential if we are to revitalize our community. As a civic organization we are spending the majority of our time trying to get answers related to the rebuilding of our community.

Protection for the entire Rockaway and Broad channel community remains the top priority. A comprehensive plan developed by the Army Corps, EDC and other agencies needs our community’s input so that our goal of protecting our community can be achieved.

Additional issues that need to be addressed are:

Working with Build it Back to see that their system becomes more responsive to our community’s needs.

Improving Transportation – A permanent Ferry Service and the restoration of the Long Island Railroad line.

Repair sidewalks, streets and other structures damaged or destroyed by the storm.

Sick houses – Mold ridden - there are a number of homes throughout our communities that have not been taken care of properly since Sandy. These include bank-foreclosed homes, owner homes abandoned or homes that owners simply could not afford proper remediation.

Tree removal – the Parks Department is working on removing dead trees on sidewalks. Replacement with salt tolerant trees will take time.

We need to replace temporary heating systems with permanent heating systems for high-rise buildings and schools.

Improved hospital service for our community.

No doubt many more items could be listed.

In 1860, Abraham Lincoln gave a Speech at Cooper Union in New York that was the turning point in his campaign to be president. In his speech he said, “ Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it”.

Hurricane Sandy has not only brought this community closer but it has brought people from numerous affected communities together. Rallies, gatherings and Board 14 meetings have made us aware that we are all in this together.

We all need to join together to continue to fight and do our duty, as we understand it, for our Rockaway Community.

(Civics Corner will be a regular feature with rotating columnists. Hank Iori is the President of the Belle Harbor Property Owners Association).

Sandy Sessions 1526 Central Ave. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Every Wednesday,

NHJS will be offering Sandy case management services and grants, connecting people with the various programs available to help in the ongoing efforts of recovery.

Call (718) 291-7400 for more information.

32 | Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014

CONGRATULATIONS

to Kevin Boyle and The Rockaway Times, A Great New Voice for Rockaway

Best of luck, The Fecund Clown Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014 | 33

Be Well, Be Happy

By Helen Kilgallen As I settle down to write my first column on health and wellness, I am smiling to myself, thinking I have come a long way to find this healthy lifestyle that took me over 40 years to fully understand.

So it is my hope to share this knowledge with all of you. There are times you may disagree; everyone is different and I fully respect your decisions to best fit your lifestyle. All I ask is that you take a moment to reflect on the thoughts and ideas – they may strike a chord!

Summer time is my favorite time of the year as we spend more times outdoors in our beautiful environment, in fact, I never like to leave during this time. Our beach in Rockapulco is the finest in New York. As we rebuild Rockaway, be patient and positive. For every negative thought, replace it with a positive and see how your outlook may shift. I believe in positive energy.

You can choose to be happy or grumpy.

Completely up to you!!

Perhaps you will find yourself on 108th Street beach at 8 am on Saturday morning practicing free yoga. This service is provided by the Parks Department which provides many activities and programs to promote overall health for everyone. Yoga is dear to my heart and I believe everyone can benefit

from this amazing form of exercise. My entire life I swam, ran, biked and lifted weights. For me nothing quite compares to yoga. First you are not competing with anyone, this practice allows you to drop your brain and go within your body, find your breath and move like yourself. We believe aligning the body helps to heal inner workings. Calm the body and the mind will follow. Breathe into your heart and you will peel the layers away, opening to a blissful state.

Yoga is a way of life. You will begin to eat better simply by becoming more aware of what you are putting into your body. The biggest factor is just arriving on the mat the rest is easy.

Walking, running, swimming, spinning indoors or riding a bike are very important to add to your exercise program to bring your heart rate up. Yoga can do this in a vinyasa style yoga moving with your breath but you must be very familiar with the poses to be alignment as you move. Yoga will help you to breathe when you walk, run, swim or bike. Aerobic exercise is a great way to keep your weight down, burning calories as you move.

When exercising outside be sure to use waterproof sunscreen. As much as we love the sun, the rays can be dangerous to your skin. Wear a hat, sunglasses and cover your body. Being a life-goddess for many years, I am aware of the damage

30 years later. Besides preventing skin cancer, you will have less wrinkles, looking more radiant as you age. Trust me, I wish I had this advice when I was sunbathing in my teenage years.

For your overall health this summer, go outside, enjoy our natural resources and take precautions when necessary to protect yourself from the elements.

Helen Kilgallen, born and raised in Park Slope, moved to Rockaway in 1983. Former NYC lifeguard, triathlete and yoga instructor. Established Ocean Bliss Yoga in 2009 and continues to teach yoga in Rockaway at Mrs. Elaine’s Dance Studio.

Pipeline Company Gives Grant $$ To Local Groups The company that is installing the Rockaway pipeline, Williams Transco, announced the recipients of their Rockaway Community Grant Program.

The company will award more than $108,000 to 15 organizations that reside in, and/or provide services to the Rockaway and Broad Channel.

The project has caused occasional Flatbush avenue traffic nightmares and triggered protests from environmental groups who have called into question the safety record of Williams Transco.

According to Williams, the grant program is “designed to benefit the environment and local communities within the NYC areas affected by the

Rockaway Lateral project.”

2014 Grant Recipients: · _$13,121 to the People’s Assoc. of Roxbury, Breezy Point, NY for the Jamaica Bay Beachfront Access Project · _$10,000 to the Rockaway Artists Alliance for the Studio 6 Gallery Repair and Reopening · _$14,000 to the Rockaway Waterfront Alliance for the Rockaway Dune Preserve Restoration Project and the Literacy Through Art & Technology program · _$15,000 to the Brooklyn Public Library for their Outreach Services Capacity Building project that serves the area where the Rockaway Lateral

Citizen Rick Slows Drivers And City Cash Cow Rick Horan objects to the City’s push for a 25 mph speed limit and he doesn’t like the City making money on unsuspecting drivers who pass the speed camera on Beach Channel Drive and Beach 106th Street.

Photo by Kevin Boyle

Horan wants drivers to be on the lookout for the car with the camera on its roof.

34 | Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014

enters Brooklyn and Floyd Bennett Field · _$5000 to the Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corp for the Far Rockaway Healthy Foods Community Program · _$5,000 to the Rockaway Point Yacht Club to repair the Yacht Club benefitting the surrounding community in conjunction with Jamaica Bay project · _$4,600 to Chaverim of Five Towns and Rockaway to replace equipment lost in Hurricane Sandy (HS) · _$4,500 to the Beach 116th Street Partnership for city benches along the commercial corridor

· _$10,000 to the Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department & Ambulance Corps for the Communications Project · _$9,000 to the Broad Channel Athletic Club to repair fields due to damage from HS · _$8,000 to the Rockaway Rockies for scoreboard, building and storage repair due to HS damage · _$5,000 to Rockaway Little League for field renovation · _$5,000 to Rockaway Youth Task Force for the Urban Garden project · _$750 to the Rockaway Point Association for the youth “Bay Race” swimming program

Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014 | 35

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36 | Rockaway Times • June 26, 2014

Parking Available