VOL. 12 • NUMBER 36 • SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
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2 2 | THE THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013 FORUM NEWSGROUP • October 25, 2012
From The Fresh Pond Crematory To Ridgewood Spies, A Childhood Marked By A Tumultuous World Author of memoir detailing life in Queens in the 1930s and 40s will speak at the Ridgewood Library
Photos Courtesy Robert McNally
Robert McNally, left, his mother Hazel, and his sister Judy, sit in front of their house situated on the grounds of the Fresh Pond Crematory in the 1930s.
By Anna Gustafson Growing up in the shadow of a Middle Village spot that cremated Yankee star Lou Gehrig and Bruno Hauptman, the man found guilty for kidnapping the Lindbergh baby, Robert McNally experienced the devastating lows of the Great Depression - which forced his family to move from Connecticut to Queens in search of work and which regularly brought gypsies, hobos and beggars to the shack where he lived with his father, mother and older sister. And it was there, in Queens - specifically in a Ridgewood apartment building he moved to after living next to the Fresh Pond Crematory that McNally, 80, witnessed federal agents drag a Nazi spy out of the building, never to be heard from again. His was a childhood marked by tumultuous, world-changing events -
and one that McNally spent years processing. For decades, he worked on memoirs - and the days and nights spent furiously scribbling paid off. Last year, McNally, who now lives in Floral Park with his wife, published the first of three books about his life, and the author will speak about “I Had Jelly On My Nose And A Hole In My Breeches” at the Ridgewood Library on Monday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. The library is located at 20-12 Madison Street. “I want people to get enjoyment from this - it’s a book we can all relate to because we’ve all shared growing up and the stories that come with that,” McNally said of the memoir that covers the time period from about 1935 through the end of World War II in 1945. “I’ve heard people say it makes them recall things in their life that they’ve forgotten all about.” Born in Bridgeport, Conn. in 1932, McNally’s family was forced
Promotional material for Fresh Pond Crematory, for which Robert McNally's great-aunt was president.
Robert McNally and his sister, Judy, in Forest Park in 1941.
to seek greener financial pastures during the Great Depression - a time that, at its worst, left one-quarter of the country’s potential workers unemployed - and moved to Middle Village, where his father labored at the crematory for which his great-aunt was the president. “We lived on this house on the property of the crematory, and it was kind of an exciting life, in a way, for a little child,” McNally said of his parents and sister, who was a year and nine months older than him. “There was all this crematory business going on, and across the street I’d hear gunshots and bugles for funerals… I would see people come by - gypsies, beggars and hobos. I had a playmate, Rosemary, who lived on Eliot Avenue, but otherwise those - the gypsies, beggars and hobos - were really the only people we’d see.” By 1936, McNally and his family moved away from the crematory to Maspeth and then to Metropolitan Avenue, not far from St. John’s Cemetery in Middle Village. During part of World War II, the family lived in Ridgewood. “In Ridgewood there were a lot of spies, and one spy lived in my building,” he said. “He would go up on the roof with a short wave radio. One night, the FBI came to our door and knocked on it. They asked, ‘ W here does O’Brien live?’ My mother told them upstairs, and they dragged him, punching him, to him out. We heard they shot him the next morning.” Beginning writing his memoirs at the age of 34, McNally penned his stories on 1,004 loose-leaf pages of paper. Ten years ago, he said he
Robert McNally's father, Robert, and his brother, Ed, stand at the top of Crematory Hill.
“really finished,” but spent the following decade revising the work that he broke up into three books two of which have not yet been published.
“My two children, when they were small, would see me writing and say, ‘Tell us a story dad, tell us a story,’” he said. “I love it - I love telling people stories.”
Foster Care Children and Families Bond During Back to School Fest
Photo Courtesy Forestdale
Children from throughout the borough celebrated the beginning of the school year with a variety of games and other activities at Forestdale last week.
Queens' oldest foster care organization - Forestdale in Forest Hills - hosted its annual Back to School Fair for families last Thursday. More than 500 people attended the event that aims to celebrate the beginning of the academic year, as well as to connect children with their foster and biological families. Each year children and families come together to enjoy a barbeque, bouncy house, face painting, balloon animals and raffle prizes. Information booths sponsored by health and community organizations were in attendance to hand out literature and offer advice to families. Most importantly, every child received a new
backpack filled with school supplies thanks to donations from community supporters including Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, UNO Chicago Grill, Minuteman Press and many more. When Associate Executive Director at Forestdale, Rosemarie Ewing-James, asked the youth in attendance if they were excited to go back to school, cheers filled the group's campus. The nonprofit annually helps more than 1,000 families become more increasingly independent by offering tutoring resources to hundreds of foster care youth, including tutoring, SAT prep and college application workshops.
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013 | 3
City’s Mayoral Candidates Take Parting Shots
Kick off A Great Season!
Photo Courtesy NYC Campaign Finance Board Candidates sqaured off for the final Democratic mayoral debate sponsored by the NYC Campaign Finance Board, on Tuesday night. By Alan Krawitz Labor Day has come and gone but with the primaries less than a week away, the city’s major candidates for the coveted office of mayor took no break from increasingly pointed attacks on one another - online, in print, as well as in-person. l At the recent West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn, both City Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan) and former City Comptroller Bill Thompson took turns attacking Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, who is currently leading in the polls. Quinn slammed de Blasio over a recent New York Times story that raised questions about the Brooklyn native amending his signature proposal to fund universal pre-K services. “We also saw this past week that the public advocate in his signature proposal to improve education for children had his math wrong … If you’re mayor, you’ve got to make sure you’re overseeing the city’s money in an ethical, competent way–and that you know how to add,” Quinn said. Thompson, in between mingling with supporters at the parade on Labor Day, took the opportunity to point out how de Blasio has seemingly flip-flopped on the issue of term limits. “Bill de Blasio continues to say one thing and do something else… politically-expedient for him,” Thompson said. “It isn’t anything new. It goes back to looking at a Bill de Blasio that supported the term limit change by the City Council, back to the same Bill de Blasio that was in favor of member items when he was a member of the City Council, but against it later.” And, following Tuesday’s Democratic mayoral debate, where the front-running de Blasio was again attacked by his opponents, state Sens. Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan) and James Sanders Jr. (D-Laurelton), as well as Council Member Melissa Mark Viverito (D-Manhattan) issued the following response: "Despite his opponents' desperate and misleading attacks, tonight Bill de Blasio proved once again that he is the only candidate in the race who will bring progressive change to New York City. As mayor, de Blasio will fight for middle and working-class New Yorkers by ending the overuse and abuse of stop-and-frisk, and providing universal pre-K and expanded after school programs by asking the rich to pay a little more in taxes.” In the past, de Blasio has frequently attacked Quinn for her close ties and support of Bloomberg policies, including the controversial stop-
and-frisk, which she has criticized but has not sought to eliminate. De Blasio has also recently blasted Quinn, claiming she has simultaneously accepted campaign contributions from major fast food companies, such as McDonald’s and KFC, while also publicly declaring her support to help increase wages and overall living conditions for fast food workers. The council speaker was recently booed at a living wage rally for fast food workers. And, while City Comptroller John Liu has not engaged in overly aggressive attacks on other candidates, he has made statements declaring that since stop-and-frisk was ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge last month, that the Bloomberg administration should “stop fighting” the ruling and proceed with implementing community policing. Liu has pledged that if elected, he would completely end stopand-frisk in the city. Republican candidate John Catsimatidis, the successful businessman behind the Red Apple Group, a diversified corporation with holdings in the energy, aviation, retail and real estate sectors that employs approximately 2000 people here in the city, has positioned himself as a contender who “gives back,” and is also a strong supporter of small businesses in the city. Most recently, Catsimatidis jumped onto the attack bandwagon when he highlighted a recent statement by fellow Republican candidate Joe Lhota, the former chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and a former budget director with the Giuliani administration. Lhota was widely quoted - and vilified - in the New York Post and Daily News as saying he would not have stopped city subway trains for some kittens which were loose recently on the tracks in the subway system. On Twitter, Catsimatidis repeatedly referred to himself as the “cat-friendly” candidate. Former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner, who was at one time ahead in the polls, may have been irreparably damaged by his “sexting” scandal that forced him from office in 2011 and continued to plague his campaign for mayor up until very recently, when one of the women he had exchanged racy pictures and messages with stepped forward, rekindling his transgressions anew. Weiner, who continues to emphasize his issues-based campaign focusing on education and helping the middle class, is currently hovering in last place in the most recent Quinnipiac University poll, taken following Tuesday’s Democratic mayoral debate.
4 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013
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Rapist Uses Stun Gun to Attack Senior Citizen in Forest Park, NYPD Says By Anna Gustafson The rape of a 69-year-old female jogger in the Forest Hills’ section of Forest Park last week has left police leading a manhunt for the stun gun-wielding perpetrator, as well as residents calling on the city to repair lights that civic leaders say are desperately needed in light of this attack and another similar incident last spring. According to the NYPD, the assailant used a black stun gun to attack the woman who was running inside the park near 72nd Street and Union Turnpike around 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 26. The perpetrator is described as a white man who is between the ages of 30and 40-years-old, stands at about 5-foot-10 with a thin build, and has short hair, police said. The NYPD also said the individual was wearing black sweat pants and a black teeshirt. There is a $22,000 reward for the arrest, indictment and conviction of the person responsible, cops said. This is the second incident involving a man with a stun gun and a jogger in Forest Park this year. A 23-year-old woman was tasered in March by a man with a stun gun, but he ran from the scene after being spotted by a couple walking their dog, according to police. Richard Kassebaum, of Howard Beach, was arrested for the attempted rape at the end of March, but the Queens District Attorney’s office did not prosecute him for the crime. Police have not said if the two incidents are connected. “Wherever you are, if you are going to go jogging in a secluded area, do not go alone,” Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association President Ed Wendell wrote. “If you were going to go hiking in upstate New York, you would not go alone - do not do so in a city park.” Wendell also noted that a “secluded area” can mean spots that are not far from a roadway. “For example, as you go along Union Turnpike in Forest Hills, if you step inside
NYPD
Police released this sketch of the man they said raped a 69-year-old woman in Forest Park on Aug. 26.
the park and into the horse trails, you can see Union Turnpike from there but people on Union Turnpike will not be able to see you.” Civic leaders also said there are a dangerous number of lights out throughout the Forest Park area. Wendell noted that there are lights out from Park Lane South to Myrtle Avenue along Forest Park Drive. He said that the condition was reported to 311 and that the Department of Transportation looked into it and, “unbelievably, they closed the 311 after inspecting it.” Another “long, dark stretch” occurs along Myrtle Avenue from Woodhaven Boulevard to Park Lane South, Wendell said. While residents are discouraged about the lights, they did say they welcome the increased police presence in Forest Park following the attack.
Caught on camera stealing cash, valuables from passenger luggage By Samantha Geary
A Richmond Hill man is one of seven arrested for stealing thousands of dollars worth of cash and valuables from passengers traveling to and from JFK Airport. UdhooDoodnauth, 27, was working as a contract baggage handler along with six other defendants, for El Al Airlines when authorities say they were caught on video surveillance systems rifling through the luggage of customers and removing items. The cameras were installed by the airline when suspicions arose after complaints from customers missing jewelry, cash, i-Pads, phones and other items of value. The investigation was ongoing for instances that occurred between April 1 and August 28. In some cases items were actually removed during the loading and unloading of baggage. DA Brown commended El Al Airlines on seeing that the suspects were punished by the law. “When air travelers check their luggage with an airline, there is an implicit trust that their bags and their contents will meet them at their destination. It is always disheartening as a traveler to find that trust to be broken,” said Brown. “I applaud El Al Airlines for taking its customer complaints seriously and helping to bring the defendants to justice.” It was on a regular flight, aboard one of the airlines 747s, which flies regularly to Israel from
JFK, that the baggage handlers were observed opening passenger luggage—often while wearing gloves—and going through the bags. The handlers were taped placing cash, jewelry, watches, computers and other items in their pockets and down their pants. The seven defendants were arraigned last week in Queens Criminal Court on separate complaints and were variously charged with third- and fourth degree grand larceny, third-, fourth- and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, fourth-degree criminal mischief, petit larceny and attempted petit larceny. Port Authority detectives conducted interviews with the defendants in which they admitted stealing from the passenger’s luggage. Thousands of dollars in goods were retrieved from their homes and cars after search warrants were executed. The recovered cache included a $5,000 Seiko watch, a Cartier watch, bottles of cologne, Valentino sunglasses, 13 additional watches, 2 Sony Playstations, an iPad mini, three iPhones, an iPad, three gold rings, a gold chain with a pendant, a pair of silver earrings, 2 Canon Powershot cameras, a SonyCybershot, a Nikon Cool Pix along with cash. Five of the defendants including Doodnath, were held on $1,000 bail while two were released without bail. They have been ordered to return to court on separate dates between September 18 and 24th.
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Anyone with information about the attack should contact the NYPD at (800) 577-TIPS.
NYPD: Be Wary of Bike Bandit Grabbing Phones Police from the 104th Precinct are urging the public to keep an eye out for a man who has been riding his bicycle around the community and snatching phones from distracted victims. The most recent event occurred on Friday, Aug. 30 on 65th Place in Glendale. The victim was texting on her phone when a man who was described as black or Hispanic, 5-foot-8 and about 180 pounds rode up to her on a black and silver bike and snatched her iPhone from her hands, the NYPD said. The victim was not injured. “We ask no matter where you are at, please be aware of your surroundings at all times - especially when you are using one of these highpriced phones or devices,” the 104th Precinct
Baggage Handlers Nabbed at JFK
said in a prepared statement. “If a perpetrator sees that you are distracted while using one of these devices, they can make you a target.” Additionally, the 104th Precinct has taken multiple reports from victims after they were contacted via phone from an unknown individual demanding money under the threat that they would harm a family member. The number from which the perpetrator calls differs. If anyone is contacted by someone demanding money under the threat of force, police ask that 911 be called immediately. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline at (800) 577-TIPS.
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Restore Our Republic Dear Editor: In baseball the saying goes, “three strikes and you’re out!” I find it hard to believe that Republican leaders are about to do just that. The “I” word is on the lips of several congressional, radical, Tea Party Republicans. Impeachment of a president has been achieved by the GOP twice. First, in 1867 against Andrew Johnson and then in 1998 against Bill Clinton. However, the Constitution requires a 2/3 vote in the Senate to convict and remove a president from office. I am pleased to report this has never happened. My sincere advice to the wise, senior GOP leaders is to nip this ill-conceived Obamaphobia in the bud. Our nation is still in a long struggle fighting its way out of the worst recession in American history. What is really needed is a bipartisan team to put its energy to constructive use and fight this recession. American voters gave both political parties power to conduct our nation’s urgent business. “These are the time that try men’s souls,” so said Thomas Paine in 1776. Leaders in both parties need to focus on the task necessary to restore our economy to the level of the Clinton years. For the sake of our republic, congressional leaders must put aside their selfish, greedy agenda and earn their salary! Anthony Pilla Forest Hills
From Crayons to Crosses Dear Editor: I am writing to express my heartfelt sympathies to the family, Roman Catholic clergy, friends and parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church upon the passing of Monsignor Reverend Joseph Funaro. I never personally knew Monsignor Funaro but may have received Holy Communion from his hands, since sometimes I attended mass there around the Catholic holidays. As a child I was interested in the arts, particularly in staging puppet shows with marionettes, and drawing cartoon characters such as in Hanna-Barbera's Flintstones 6 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP •
animation. I grew up in the early days of television and loved the cartoons such as Casper the friendly ghost and Little Audrey. I admired the artwork of these seemingly real and technicolor characters. It wasn’t until last week that I discovered Monsignor Funaro is Joe Funaro, a professional animator for Paramount Pictures. I know nothing of Monsignor's Funaro's pastoral work as a priest, but I do know that I am pleased to have enjoyed my childhood watching all these wonderfully colorful cartoons he animated. I never knew Monsignor Funaro, but I knew adorable Casper and the pathos of his life as a friendly ghost, as well as sweet Little Audrey; through them I knew Joe Funaro my whole life. May he rest in eternal peace as the saint for every child who ever colors with crayons. Joseph N. Manago Briarwood
'When?' is the Question Dear Editor: It may be a long time before restoration of Long Island Rail Road service on the old LIRR Rockaway Beach branch line can become a reality. Restoration of service along this corridor, also known as the White Pot Junction Line that was abandoned in the 1950s, has been periodically discussed over time. This route started off as a spur from the LIRR mainline east of Woodside at Rego Park running to Ozone Park connecting to the "A" line subway near Aqueduct Racetrack. There are local community divisions along this route, between those wanting to convert this corridor to a permanent park with hiking trails versus restoration of LIRR service. Any expansion of LIRR service between Penn Station to Jamaica or restoration of the old Rockaway Beach branch has other issues to contend with. There is little room to run additional trains into or out of Penn Station during either AM or PM rush hours. Three of four tunnels running inbound AM and outbound PM rush hours have very tight spacing between trains. One tunnel is shared by the LIRR, New Jersey Transit and Amtrak for reverse train movements with equally tight spacing during rush hours. September 5, 2013
Estimated costs for this type of proposed project would be based upon planning feasibility studies and or environmental documents with little design and engineering efforts necessary to validate any actual construction costs. Is anyone aware of any recent planning feasibility studies or environmental documents recently completed to support this proposed project? This work would have to be refined, as the project progressed beyond the planning and environmental phases into real and final design efforts. Value engineering which is a process used to reduce costs would be used during the final design phase. Unfortunately, history has shown that estimated costs, for construction usually trend upwards as projects mature toward 100% final design. Progression of final design refines the detailed scope of work necessary to support construction. The anticipated final potential cost for this project will never be known until completion. Costs will be further refined by award of construction contracts followed by any unforeseen site conditions and change orders to the base contracts during the course of construction. History has told us that construction of most major new transportation system expansion projects, or restoration of service on any abandoned corridor such as this, can take years or even decades between the time of all the feasibility studies, environmental reviews, planning, design, engineering, real estate acquisition, permits, procurements, construction, budgeting, identifying and securing funding to pay for all of the above. It is difficult for anyone at this point to really predict when we will see a shovel in the ground for this new proposal, followed years later by beneficial use of the project supporting opening day revenue service or the final price tag to taxpayers. Larry Penner Great Neck
McCain Loves His Apps Dear Editor: John McCain was caught playing poker on his phone during the recent Senate Foreign Relations Committee meeting. He tried to laugh it off, tweeting "Scandal–caught playing iPhone game at a 3+
hour Senate hearing–worst of all, I lost." The decision on wether or not to send our troops to Syria (where some would surely loose their lives) is being discussed and this fool is bored? I once considered McCain a great man, a true hero. But after he bent over backwards in his attempt
to win over the teabaggers and religious right wing folks (while running for president), I've concluded it's time for him to get to Florida and sign up for the next shuffleboard tournament. Robert La Rosa Whitestone
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No Excuses: Go Vote What’s important to you? Affordable housing? Education? Senior programs? Maybe preserving historic buildings or environmental concerns? Whatever it is - there’s one major way to make an impact: Vote. We cannot say this loudly enough: When next Tuesday, Sept. 10 rolls around, go cast your ballot in the primary. We know it can be a hassle - we know there are lines or you have to wake up earlier than normal. Maybe you feel like you don’t know enough about the candidates or your voice just doesn’t matter. You know what? You have time to get caught up on the candidates (for starters, take a peak at our primary election guide) and, as for your voice, it does matter. It matters because the candidates have very real differences on everything from the way they would run the police department to how they’d like to shape the education system - and you, at the very least, get to choose someone who best aligns with your values. In a city of 8 million people - a city that is an
EDITORIAL
international player in politics and culture we apparently have one of the worst voter turnout rates in the entire country. The last time there was a general election for mayor in 2009, fewer than one in five New Yorkers of voting age cast a ballot - to be specific, 18.4 percent of the population, according to a report released by New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service. In the November 2010 federal midterm and New York state election, the turnout was at about 28 percent. Statewide, that number was at 53 percent and nationally 46 percent. Fewer New Yorkers vote than in places like Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia. What are we doing wrong, New York? How can we fix this? For one, we can start becoming involved. You vote. You read a newspaper. (Hopefully not in that order.) You start to really understand the ins and outs of a political system that will only be changed by people who care - and, from a troubling high school dropout rate to about 20 percent of city residents saying they don’t know where their next meal is going to come from - there are plenty of reasons to care about change.
And - no matter how old you are (well, as long as you’re 18 or older), there are reasons to roll out of bed a little earlier so you can head to the polls before work. Those of you in the 18 to 29 age bracket? Yeah, we’re talking to you. You are apparently the worst ones at showing up on election day. And why? Elections impact everyone, of course, but you, hopefully, will be living longer than those in the other age brackets. You should care. Because, apparently, according to the Wagner study, only 4 percent of you cared enough to vote in the 2009 mayoral election. Four percent? That’s embarrassing. Thirty-year-olds to 64-year-olds fared better, with about 19 percent of men and women voting, while those above the age of 65 did the best job out of all of us at caring about what happens to our city. About 38 percent of women and 41 percent of men showed up to cast their
ballots in 2009. So think about what you want to see for yourself and your family, for your neighborhood, for your city. We deserve to live in a place that is representative of just how amazing this city is - but that won’t happen until we all start caring enough to make a difference. It's time to stop pulling the lever on apathy.
Primary Picks—Actually Quite Elementary Well, well, well. It’s that time again. Yes it’s an election year and this time around we’ve got plenty to think about. Perhaps more than usual. And as we approach primary day, next Tuesday , Democrats are faced the possibility of winding up in a runoff unless one of them captures 40% of the vote needed to prevent it. You won’t exactly find an endorsement here for the Democratic primary, but we will help you sift through to the probability of what we believe will happen. Let’s start with ladies first. We’re not sure what happened to Christine Quinn—it was a little while ago when she regained her position as the frontrunner in the race among the Dems, after being briefly displaced by some type of lunacy that overtook New Yorkers for 5 minutes when they rocketed the sexting ex-congressman, Anthony a.k.a. “Carlos Danger” Weiner, to head of the class. It seems in roughly 40 days, the brazen, brash Speaker of the New York City Council has fallen rapidly from grace to a dismal third place in the polls. Remember, she is not only the first woman to run for mayor of the city of New York, but also is the first openly gay person to run for mayor here. As we see it, that’s two big hooks to hang your respective hat on one would think, but, from that cornucopia of voters at her doorstep she instead finds herself having been catapulted from a comfortable lead, into a distant third behind the two “Bills.” Christine Quinn’s time seems to have passed her up. But rest easy supporters, she’ll be back.
Now let’s get back to the “Bills”--the taller of the two, de Blasio, has a lead in the polls proportionate to those in his legs. But if we’re talking about the legs of experience, the other “Bill,” Thompson that is, we believe should not be counted out of this race despite a lack of showing in the polls. If experience counted for anything, Bill Thompson would have a distinct advantage. None of the candidates in his race approach the measure of credentials he has and that which would contribute and facilitate the duties of New York’s mayor. Thompson served as the comptroller, president of the Board of Elections for 5 years and most recently ran the more than 16 million square feet of space known as the Hugh Carey Battery Park City Authority. Despite the experience we hope New Yorkers don’t see him as their best choice. Rounding out the field we have John Liu, the city’s present comptroller, a job he will return to on Wednesday morning. Enough said. And finally there’s Huma's husband—we don’t even want to repeat his name here. There are many adjectives that have been placed before this candidacy but the best one we can think of is sad. In fact, in our opinion, it best describes both the candidate and any voter who would support him. It looks like Democrats in the city have a lot to think about. Republicans on the other hand will have a very easy time of it. Just go to the polls and vote for Joe Lhota. At the end of the day, if you do that, we think you’ll have penciled in the little oval circle
for the man who will be the new mayor of New York City. The race for mayor is one which has serious consequences for all of us. We need a level headed, no nonsense candidate with a balance of government and business experience that comes into play in the design of turning this city around. Joe Lhota is the only candidate in this race with that type of balance. We agree he’s not a personality dynamo and after the primary he must avail himself all over this city. We predict he will enter this race, very likely against Bill de Blasio as an underdog, but will emerge the winner. Moving along let’s make one more stop in Manhattan—at the comptroller’s office— where Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer is in the race against a man, who promised ethics and integrity would be the hallmarks of his administration while serving as the governor of New York State, and who instead violated the very essence of each of those terms, breaking the law and disgracing the highest political office in the state. Eliot Spitzer has no business in this race or in any public office. He is a liar and an ego-maniac whose performance as governor was abysmal. He is not fit to serve the people of New York, not now and not in the future. Unbelievable as it may seem, the polls in this race are hovering at near even. Let’s hope everyone wake with a clear head on Tuesday and hears one name in their head, Scott Stringer. Okay so let’s close out this primary picker with one good old fashioned endorsement. In the race for Queens Borough President,
we have some very strong feelings. Let’s talk about the office itself to begin with. We believe our borough has been underserved for a long time. Queens is continually treated as a stepchild of the city; allocations are continually denied, cuts to programs, loss of services—the list is endless. The remedy remains absent. Queens is at a place where it needs to be led into the years ahead with intricate knowledge of the workings of the office itself, a plan for economic development and the delivery of jobs, a concern for developing and expanding education and the arts—these are the things that describe what must accompany Queens into a successful future. Only one candidate is armed with the skill and the determination to do that. Her name is Melinda Katz. Katz remains the only candidate with experience aimed at correcting what has not been addressed in our borough for years. Her familiarity with the office of the borough president having served as the Director of Community Boards under Claire Schulman is invaluable, her experience in government as a state assembly member and as a New York City Councilwoman along with her familial ties to culture and the arts, make her exceedingly well suited for the job. We feel Melinda Katz can take this borough in the road it needs to travel down in order to thrive and assume its role in the city as a viable and enthusiastic alternative to Manhattan. So don’t think twice about this one, it’s a no brainer for Queens.
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013 | 7
A Guide To The Primary Candidates
What Democrats and Republicans are touting for the Sept. 10 election
Queens Borough President Candidates:
EVERLY BROWN, a Democratic candidate for Queens borough president, is a developer, foreclosure consultant, financial consultant, investor, and community organizer. He has previously run for state Assembly, the City Council and the state Senate. He cites reforming the transparency of the borough president's administration, creating a task force for education to evaluate and propose changes for Queens schools, and increasing funding allocated for community clean-up as some of his top priorities. MELINDA KATZ, a Democratic candidate for Queens borough president, previously served in the City Council from 2002 to 2009, was the director of community boards in the Queens Borough President Claire Shulman's office from 1999 to 2002, and served in the state Assembly from 1994 to 1998. An attorney, Katz was the chair of the Council's Land Use Committee. She has cited job creation, revitalizing vacant industrial areas, improving schools and affordable housing for seniors and families as some of her top priorities. PETER VALLONE, a Democratic candidate for Queens borough president, is a City Council member representing District 22 and the Chairman of the Council's Public Safety Committee. He has served on the Council since 2001 and was formerly a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney's office. He has been affiliated with the Tamiment Democratic Club, Astoria Civic Association, and Sharing & Caring. Vallone has emphasized crime prevention, increasing the number of police, reducing fines on small businesses, and fighting increases to property taxes and water rates as some of his top priorities.
Mayoral Candidates: SAL ALBANESE, a Democratic candidate for mayor, is an attorney, former public school teacher, adjunct professor of criminal justice at John Jay College, and a former City Councilman who represented parts of South Brooklyn. Albanese has said living wage jobs, access to early education and increased accessbility to mass transportation in all five boroughs are some of his top priorities. The candidate said he would, as mayor, hire more police officers, focus on campaign and election reform, and fight to keep hospitals, libraries, parks and community centers open. BILL DE BLASIO, a Democratic candidate for mayor, is the city Public Advocate and a former City Councilman representing parts of Brooklyn. He previously was a campaign manager
for Hillary Clinton's bid for the U.S. Senate, the regional director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and an aide to Mayor Dinkins. De Blasio has cited addressing economic inequality through strengthening the education system, expanding and protecting affordable housing, and creating strong jobs access in the five boroughs as one of his top priorities. The candidate has also said he would create a universal early education and after-school programs, reform the NYPD's Stop and Frisk programs, and support legislation to ban racial profiling. JOHN LIU, a Democratic candidate for mayor, is the city Comptroller who represented Flushing in the City Council from 2002 to 2009. An actuary and management consultant by trade, Liu has said economic recovery is one of his top priorities and said he would grow small businesses and entrepreneurship and fund youth development and job training programs. The candidate said he would reform the personal income tax so those who make more than $500,000 annually pay slightly higher rates and those making less receive a reduction. As mayor, Liu said he would eliminate Stop and Frisk and implement community policing measures. CHRISTINE QUINN, a Democratic candidate for mayor, is the City Council Speaker who has represented parts of Manhattan in the Council since 1999. She has been the executive director of the NYC Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, chief of staff for Tom Duane and a tenant organizer. Quinn said some of her top priorities include creating new manufacturing, technology and green jobs in all five boroughs, strengthening the public school system, decreasing a focus on "teaching to the test," and expanding affordable housing. She also said she would work with the NYPD to improve relations between the police and communities. BILL THOMPSON, a Democratic candidate for mayor, previously served as the city Comptroller for eight years, was a mayoral candidate in 2009, led one of the nation's minority-owned municipal investment firms, was the chairman of Gov. Cuomo's task force on Minority and Women Owned Business, and was the president of the now-defunct city Board of Education. He has named his top priorities as strengthening the education system, establishing a school-to-jobs pipeline that creates long-term, good-paying jobs, and expanding affordable housing. The candidate has also said he would increase the number of police on the streets and would work to bridge the gap between communities and the NYPD. ANTHONY WEINER, a Democratic candidate for mayor, represented parts of Queens and Brooklyn in the U.S. House of Representatives for 12 years, served in the City Council for six years and was an aide to then-U.S. Rep. Chuck Schumer. Weiner said, as mayor, he would focus on training teachers and
8 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013
increasing their salaries, increase access to early education, cut income taxes by 10 percent for those making $150,000 or less a year, reduce red tape for small businesses by fighting fines and fees, create a single-payer healthcare system in the city, and mandate that at least 20 percent of all new housing is for the middle class and another 20 percent is for those living in poverty. JOHN CATSIMATI DIS, a Republican candidate for mayor, is the chief executive officer of the Red Apple Group, has been a board member of the Police Athletic League for nearly 30 years, and has been affiliated with the Board of Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, the Hellenic Times Scholarship Fund, and the St. Francis Food Pantries. He serves as a member of the Pension Board of Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW. Catsimatidis said he would focus on supporting the NYPD, job creation and strengthening schools. The candidate said he plans to cut the city's dropout rate by increasing vocational programs, among other initiatives. JOE LHOTA, a Republican candidate for mayor, has formerly served as the chairman and chief executive officer of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and as the deputy mayorand budget director for Mayor Giuliani's administration. He has also been the executive vice president of Madison Square Garden and Cablevision and was an investment banker. He has cited job creation, supporting emerging industries, and reducing taxes, regulations and fines for small businesses as some of his top priorities. The candidate also said he would focus on reforming government and supporting the NYPD.
City Comptroller Candidates: ELIOT SPITZER, a Democrat running for comptroller, was the former governor of New York who has also served as the state's attorney general and as a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney's office. Spitzer said he would most like to focus on ensuring a vigorous oversight of the city's finances and providing financial stability for its long-term economic health, as well as using the city's financial power as a way to take on special interests. He said he would focus on responsible corporate governance and reducing CEO pay. SCOTT STRINGER, a Democrat running for comptroller, has been the Manhattan borough president from 2006 until the present. Previously, he represented parts of Manhattan in the state Assembly from 1992 to 2005. Stringer said he would use the office to examine city spending to root out waste and inefficiency and would work to grow pension funds through responsible investments. The candidate also said he would emphasize strengthening oversight of city contracts to prevent fraud and abuse and would work to create jobs.
Five Dems Vie For Public Advocate Five Democrats are running for public advocate in the primary: Catherine Guerriero, Letitia James, ReshmaSaujani, Daniel Squadron, and SidiqueWai. Guerriero, a professor of education and politics at Columbia University's Teachers' College, said she would focus on job creation, affordable housing and strengthening the school system. The Staten Island resident, who previously served as director of strategic planning for the Archdiocese of New York and director of government relations for Catholic Charities, said she would also focus on protecting union members and small business owners. James, a councilwoman representing parts of Brooklyn, said her top priority would be education and emphasized that she would focus on college-preparedness. The candidate, who was previously a public defender with the Legal Aid Society, said she would also fight the emphasis on standardized tests in public schools, as well as focus on jobs with fair wages and benefits, affordable housing, consumer protections, and access to health care and public safety. Saujani, who served as the deputy public advocate under current Public Advocate and mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio, said she would prioritize education - including increased resources for teachers and schools. The founder of the national nonprofit Girls Who Code, Saujani said she would create the state's first-ever advocate for seniors, provide free legal housing services to protect tenants and help families avoid foreclosure, and designate a women's advocate to fight for equality pay and combat sex trafficking. Additionally, she said she would focus on expanding the small business, technology and manufacturing sectors by appointing a jobs and economy advocate. Squadron, a state Senator representing Manhattan, said he would fight to make the city more livable and affordable. The candidate said he would focus on increased funding for and accountability in public schools, strengthening parents' roles in the public school system, and protecting foster children. Squadron said he would work to remove illegal guns from the streets and ensure the city is prepared for the next hurricane. Wai, the administrative staff analyst and advisor to the city Police Commissioner, said he would focus on creating affordable housing, specifically so police officers, teachers and other city employees could afford to live in the neighborhoods where they work. The candidate said he would support local businesses and create jobs by building new transportation and infrastructure through advancing green technology. Additionally, Wai said his priorities include increasing access to health care.
Queens Could Play Big Role in Determining Next Mayor By Anna Gustafson and Will Sammon Queens may be considered the scrappy underdog when it comes to city politics - and while many of the mayoral candidates have adopted a Manhattan-centric approach to their campaigns, this borough dominated by middle-class families shouldn’t be discredited when it comes to ushering in the city’s next head honcho. Politicians in the past, including former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, have said they would have never landed in the city’s highest office had it not been for Queens - a borough that, with its solidly working- and middle-class families, as well as a graying population and an influx of immigrants, has proven to be a boost for candidates on both sides of the aisle. And, in a city with historically low voter turnout, according to a report issued last year by the city Campaign Finance Board, the fact that Queens residents tend to turn up at the polls more than their counterparts in other boroughs means the region could play a significant role in this year’s election. A number of political insiders have predicted that, in a city more than 8 million people - and about 4 million active voters - fewer than one million people may turn out to vote in this non-Presidential election year. This means a neighborhood like Forest Hills, which has one of the highest rates of primary voters, hovering around 40 percent, could give a big boost to whoever wins the Sept. 10 election.
File Photo
Mayoral candidates have sought support from Queens residents and groups before the Sept. 10 primary, and Sal Albanese, pictured at right, has landed the backing of Rockaway residents, including Queens Public Transit Committee Founder Phil McManus, pictured at left.
“Queens is a very populous borough and has a lot of Democratic voters,” said Queens College Political Science Professor Michael Krasner. “So it really comes down to the general election. We’ve obviously had kind of a run by the Republican Party, from Giuliani through Bloomberg, so Queens voters have
been more responsive to the more conservative appeals.” While the mayoral candidates have held more official campaign events in Manhattan than in any other boroughs, except for Sal Albanese, who has spent more time in his home area of Brooklyn than elsewhere, Queens has still
ranked for those vying to replace Bloomberg. Liu, a former Councilman who represented Flushing and still lives in the neighborhood, has visited Queens more times for official campaign events - 207, to be exact - than any of the other candidates. Quinn comes in second for the number of Queens campaign events at 74. The candidates have landed various support from Queens officials and civic leaders, from a number of Rockaways groups, including the Queens Public Transit Committee, backing Albanese; to Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) endorsing Joe Lhota; and Juniper Park Civic Association President Bob Holden saying at a previous meeting that he is backing Bill Thompson, as is the influential Rev. Floyd Flake of southeastern Queens. Liu, despite his legal troubles, still seems to have plenty of support in his home base of Flushing. Still, it is de Blasio who seems to have captured Queens, at least according to recent polls. “De Blasio has significant double-digit leads in Brooklyn and Queens, where Thompson is in second place,” said Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg. Krasner said Weiner, who once lived in, and represented in Congress, Forest Hills, cannot bank on the area backing the disgraced politician in the election. “It’s hard for a candidate to gain that trust back from the public,” the Queens College professor said. “It’s just really hard.”
Celebrity Look-A-Likes This week let’s take a look at some of the candidates that will face-off in Tuesday's primary…
Melinda Katz
Jodie Foster
We think Melinda will be the only "CATS" standing after this election. If we remember correctly her look-alike Jodie Foster was more concerned with "LAMBS."
Christine Quinn
Raven the Queen
Yes Raven, the wicked Queen who tried to foil Snow White. We think perhaps Quinn's allegiance to Mayor Bloomberg may have cost her the top spot in the polls…
Anthony Weiner
Mr. Jack Ass .
If nothing else, Anthony Weiner provides voters with some comic relief –he's a real joke.
John Catsimatidis
Gargoyle
.
Opponents say the supermarket king might have turned many of his customers to stone after sucking their blood out by gouging milk prices in his stores.
Bill de Blasio
Jolly Green Giant
Voters are forced to look up to the Public Advocate who towers over everyone but will his height reach the top of the polls as predicted on Tuesday? We think so... THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013 | 9
10 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013 | 11
RALLY
TO PROTEST MASSIVE FLOOD INSURANCE PREMIUM HIKES
TURNOUT PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY VALUES WHAT:
Rally to protest the outrageous flood insurance premium hike increases
WHERE: American Legion Hall in Broad Channel 209 Cross Bay Boulevard WHEN: Saturday, September 28 at 12pm WHY:
Due to recent legislation, all homeowners in the recently mapped flood zones will see dramatic impacts to their home values and the premiums they will have to pay.
GOAL:
Demand that our elected officials seek legislative changes to this unfair law that threatens all coastal and river front communities across the country.
12 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013
STOP FEMA NOW!
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013 | 13
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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013 | 15
The Beginning of Bike Routes in Central Queens
File Photo
CB 5 members and other area residents gathered at Maspeth High School in May to discuss where they would like to see bike lanes implemented. Officials are expected to soon inform the board how feasible the residents' suggestions are following a study by the Department of City Planning.
By Kerry Goleski Community Board 5 is making moves towards implementing bike infrastructure, such as bike routes and bike racks, in Central Queens, namely Maspeth, Middle Village, Glendale, and Ridgewood, a noticeable dead zone when looking at a city map in regards to bike infrastructure. Right now the New York Department of City Planning is in the process of measuring the routes that were suggested by citizen at the bike forum that was held last spring. Some of the suggested routes that are currently being researched include Onderdonk Avenue and Woodward Avenue in Ridgewood, said Gary Giordano, District Manager of CB 5. “I think they have a better chance because they are one way streets,” Giordano said. He mentioned another suggestion that would run up 69th Street from Metropolitan Avenue. The district manager also said that there was no real opposition for the bike lanes during the forum, mostly just suggestions
from citizens about where the bike routes could be implemented. He did say that the turnout was lighter than expected. John Maier, a CB 5 member who sits on the group’s transportation committee, said that a presentation of fact finding and recommendation of treatment from the Department of City Planning will hopefully come in the next month or month and a half. “By early 2014 they want to have a plan for bike route infrastructure and by late 2014 have some actual infrastructure implemented,” Maier said. He stressed that the infrastructure may not be actual bike lanes but sharrows, which means shared lane markings for easier accessibility for bicyclist, bike routes and bike racks. Giordano iterated the same notion, saying “I doubt any of them will have a fully segregated bike lane.” They are looking for options that will suit the roads and neighborhoods in the community board’s area. Peter Beadle, a member of Community Board 6 and a volunteer for Transportation Alternatives, bikes to his work in Midtown at least weekly. He said, “I bike through Community Board 5 and it takes about four miles before I reach my first bike lane in Sunnyside.” He hopes that progress will be made in the region and then he can implement similar changes in his board’s area, which includes Forest Hills and Rego Park. Similarly, Maier said that hopefully other community boards will follow suit so there can be a unified system throughout Queens. Although neighborhoods like Maspeth, Middle Village, Ridgewood and Glendale are lacking the infrastructure now, he said they are not behind other parts of the city. “It doesn’t lag anymore more than parts of Bronx and parts of Brooklyn,” Maier said. Maier noted that CB 2 - which covers such neighborhoods as Long Island City, Woodside and Maspeth - and CB 5 are actually early adapters when it comes to bike infrastructure and other planning implementation. Miller Nuttle, manager of campaigns and organizing at the nonprofit Transportation Alternatives said that with political will from local politicians and resources from the Department of Transportation, traffic safety in Queens can be achieved.
From Pies to Art, Ridgewood Market Offers A Taste of Something Different
The Greater Ridgewood Youth Council held its pop-up artisan flea market at 59-03 Summerfield St. last Saturday and Sunday, drawing a crowd who perused everything from handcrafted beer to home decor. Most of the items at the event were crafted by artists hailing from throughout Queens - and beyond. Area businesses and artists featured at the market included Bits and Books, which sells hand painted tomes; the Maspethbased Bridge and Tunnel Brewery - which has been brewing for about a decade but just went commercial in 2012; and Maggie Weber - an art teacher living in Ridgewood whose artwork and artisan craft greeting cards are influenced by her students. Photo Courtesy Neil Myers and Sarah Feldman
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16 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013
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It's That Time:
Back To School! It's hard to believe that the summer came and went so quickly but with Labor Day behind us, the school year is officially here. For kids it's time to settle down to homework, school sports and other activities for after school. For parents the juggling act
begins between dance school, karate, soccer, piano lessons, tutoring–you name it. It seems there are a thousand different directions to go in. But one thing is for sure: our children need to be in good shape mentally and physically to cope with the challenges of
academics while enjoying their social time with friends as well. This week we'd like to offer you a few tips to make nutrition a little easier by looking at some quick and easy snacks you can prepare to keep your kids well fed and healthy. We'll also take a look at how to head off some of the
stress that can put a damper on you and your children if not kept in check. Look for us next week when we let you know what back to school can mean for moms as we explore some of the things you can do to make the transition from summer to fall and the upcoming holiday season.
Back to School, Snacks to School
You’ve heard it a million times before — “timing is everything in life,” and given the hectic weekday schedules of just about every member of today’s typical family, it’s difficult enough to get a healthful dinner on the table, much less worry about what kids are eating for snacks. Try loading a shelf in the fridge, preferably a low one with easy access to kids, with a five-day supply of healthy choice snacks for after school. If you leave it right there, kids don’t have to search or call you at the office to lodge a hunger complaint.
door!
Fruit Kebobs
Chicken and Waffles
This is definitely one way to
top with thinly sliced ham. Roll up the tortilla and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Send these on a cool day or leave them home for after make sure the little guys get the school in the fridge. They’re a big fruit they need and that they learn favorite—you can also substitute, about the different types of sugars turkey, chicken or roast beef. in their diets. Assemble chunks of their favorites on water-soaked skewers (to prevent splintering) Here are some suggestions and serve with the fruit dip. Spread peanut butter on the for the “snack shelf.” • Ants on a log (celery sticks filled with peanut butter topped 1-cup low-fat sour cream with raisins) and 2 tablespoons each brown • Carrot sticks, with ranch dip sugar and lime juice; sprinkle in a small Tupperware container, with cinnamon sugar. Thread fruit • Edamame onto skewers; serve with the fruit • Bags of apple slices kebobs. • Melon wedges • Grapes • Blueberries Toss 3 cups Chex cereal, 2 cups • String cheese top few inches of pretzel rods. • Mini low fat yogurts Roll in chopped peanuts and/ • Dried peaches or dried fruit. Easy to send off to • Individual bags of raisins or school, these give a little salt and dried cranberries a little sweet. • Individual bags of trail mix
Nutty Pretzel Wands
Fruit Dip Mix
Cheesy Chex Mix
These snacks require a little more effort—ok so you have to cook some of them, but you can make some of these ahead and pack them up to go in the lunch box! We’re sure they will bring on smiles and definitely encourage some food trading to take place among friends. WARNING! Do not make these snacks if you don’t want other kids lining up at your front
down. Kids love the textures and Jack or Cheddar cheese taste of this healthy combination. 1 ½ tsp. dried Italian seasoning 30 Keebler Town House Original crackers (crushed to 1 cup) Mix chicken salad with some ¼ tsp. coarsely ground pepper 2 eggs 24 Keebler Town House Original crackers ½ cup marinara sauce DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat grill. Place heavyduty foil on grill rack. 2. Cut cheese into twentyfour little sticks. In a shallow dish sliced grapes and chopped combine cracker crumbs, Italian walnuts. Spoon onto toasted mini seasoning and pepper. In another whole-wheat waffles. shallow dish slightly beat eggs. Who says you have to go to 3. Line baking sheet with wax IHOP? You can create this treat paper. Dip cheese pieces in egg. and send your student off with a Roll in crumb mixture. Place on big smile. prepared baking sheet. 4. Place cheese pieces on foil-covered grill rack. Cover and grill over medium heat for 2 to 4 If there’s one thing we know minutes or until cheese melts, after reading through about 1,500 turning once. Serve with whole snacks it’s this — KIDS LOVE crackers and marinara sauce. SAUCE AND CHEESE! We NOTE: To cook cheese sticks guarantee they’ll love this version: in skillet, lightly brush heavy Preparation Time: 20 Mins. skillet with olive oil. In skillet Total Time to Serve: 25 Mins. cook cheese pieces, a few at a Servings: 12 time, over medium heat for 2 to 4 INGREDIENTS minutes or until browned, turning 6 oz. mozzarella, Monterey once.
Grilled Cheese Marinara
Apple Moons
mini pretzels and 1 cup cheese crackers with 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 stick melted butter and a pinch of garlic powder. Spread on a baking sheet and bake 15 minutes at 325 degrees Fº, stirring.Bag these up in individual baggies after cooling down.
Slice an apple into crescents.
Ham Pinwheels
Spread with peanut or almond Spread scallion cream cheese butter and press granola on top. on a sun-dried-tomato tortilla and These will not get turned
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013 | 17
‘Heading’ Back to School By Patricia Adams Almost without exception, every back-toschool conversation leads back to the importance of startng the school year off in tip top physical shape. But let’s not forget that physical condition has a partner in making us feeling good – sound mental health. There’s no disputing that education and the development of strong social skills are major contributors of success in traditional fashion, but they are essential building blocks of our entire lives. But the hectic pace abounding in today’s society leaves us with some very important considerations for kids and parents, especially moms, who are dealing with the pressures of meeting all kinds of timelines and sceduleing conflicts. When plunging into the new school year, mental health is equally as important in contributingto overall well being and success as is being in good physical shape. For the kids getting back to school is exciting and stressful. There are new teachers, classrooms – maybe a whole new builidng – and let’s not forget homework, getting on a team, making a club – for kids of all ages this time can be overwhelming and cause serious bouts with nervousness. For some students, facing major transitions, like starting out in elementary or middle school, the emotional and mental burden can be overbearing. Now while our little people can certainly feel stress, they don’t always recognize it for what it is and can have reactionary behavior, that
among other things, creates stress for parents and the rest of the household. Cut down on the stress for you and your children by taking a few no nonsense steps to alleviate stress, sometimes before it even arrives. If this doesn’t work, we’ll come over and babysit… • Establish a routine immediately – Having a plan to follow makes everyone’s life much easier. Children can feel a sense of reward, even relief as they complete different routines during the day. • Eat right – Very simply, what you put in is of extreme importance. Many studies show a direct correlation between good physical health and academic success and proper nutrition – they’re not lying. • Sleep – Yes we know that sometimes they’re so cute you hate to force them to go to bed. DO it anyway. • Get excited – This is a great time to show them you’re interested in what they’re doing. Homework, projects, clubs, teams – ask about it all. You won’t believe the responses you get and the confidence you’re building. • Set goals – be careful with this one. Make sure you have the right parameters. Sometimes parents don’t realize that some goals are not realistic. A parent knows how to move on from that but a child can be left behind, trapped and feeling like they failed – not a good place to lead them and very stressful to you. Get the picture? • You talked, now listen – you will find, virtually without fail, that if there’s something you want or need to know, listen and they will tell you. Often it is sandwiched in between a barrage of other thoughts but the information is always
there. • If you know your way around your child's school, that’s great but if you’re not, JUMP ON IN. If this is your first time at the school, make sure you and your child know what the inside of the school looks like. Can’t get in before the first day? Go on the website together and look at the pictures of classrooms, bathrooms, cafeteria, gym, schoolyard, etc. If you know where your child is in the building at any time, you can let them know that you can locate them at any time. If you think it doesn’t cross young minds that someone may come into their classroom with harmful intentions, you’re wrong. Children interviewed after each national incident of classroom violence show concern about similar situations occurring in their schools. • At the end of the day, spend some time asking about how everything went. It is in these conversations that you will learn of anything you might need to be aware of. Watch for excitement when talking about classmates and teachers – get to know your “school friends.” This is what should be the greatest time in your kid’s life. It’s also the time when you can really contribute to the development of strong character foundations. LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN. • Praise and encourage your child to become involved with school activities and to try new things. • Attend school functions and stay involved in your child's education and engaged with school staff. Children whose parents are more involved with their education have higher achievement, are better adjusted and are less likely to drop out of school.
• Be proactive in learning about how your child is developing not just physically, but socially and emotionally, as well. If you are aware of what's typical behavior and thoughts for your child's stage of life, you will be able to tell more readily when things may not be right. • One of the leading causes of stress in the classroom and school environment is bullying. Bullying can wear many masks and take many routes. Know the signs-- pushing, kicking, taunting, name-calling, destroying belongings – all easily identifiable direct signs. But indirect actions can be equally as harmful – devastating-- leaving someone out of a group, spreading rumors and cyber bullying are all examples of such behaviors. Watch for any signs of this behavior – whether on the giving or receiving end, bullying must be reckoned with as quickly as possible and professional help may be required. Remember that it’s definitely going to happen. Your child is going be nervous – some much more so than others. Your job is not only to deal with their reaction but also to determine where the problem comes from and how to quickly eliminate it. Then you can work on relieving your own stress. Join us next week when we tell parents how to relax and get on the road to switching gears between summer and school. Mom’s Quick Fix: It Works! Take deep cleansing breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth – this will help you focus. Then take a nice long stretch – it will reduce the tension in your muscles and almost instantly help you to relax. Try stretching before the bus comes – get the blood flowing to your muscles and start your day stress free.
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Back to School Reading - For You and Your Kids By Anna Gustafson While September’s grind may already have you heaving kids from school to soccer practice, it is important to carve out some time to relax this autumn - and there is no better way to do that than with a book or, if you must, an e-reader. For the moms and dads out there, psychologists note that taking just 20 minutes before bed to flip a few pages can do wonders for your mental health - and researchers emphasize how crucial it is to delve into the imaginary
worlds of literature with your child. For adults, Queens Library has compiled a helpful list of suggestions that can be found at queenslibrary.org. A couple from that list include: “The Obituary Writer” by Ann Hood details the life of a woman who searches for her missing lover at the turn of the 20th century, and links her story to a woman considering leaving a loveless marriage in 1963. “Out of Order” by Sandra Day O’Connor is a collection of stories about the history of the Supreme Court - for which O’Connor was the first female justice. O’Connor covers everything from how the court has changed since its inception to the roles of various U.S.
Photo Courtesy Wikimedia Left: When polled, teachers and librarians across the country list "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," which the author Betty Smith wrote in Woodhaven, as one of the top books for children, teens, and, yes, even adults.
presidents, including Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman, in the formation of the courts. “Murder Below Montparnasse” by
Cara Black is the 13th installment of the beloved author’s series about Parisian private investigator Aimee Leduc. In this book, fans will encounter a beleaguered private eye who receives a phone call from a Russian man who wants her to track down a lost painting and claims to have known the main character’s mother who vanished long ago. As for those of you who will be reading to children, there are a number of books that librarians recommend,
from new favorites to old classics. Queens Library staff suggest “I’m Telling You, Dex, Kindergarten Rocks” by Katie Davis, for the little ones who are embarking on a new, and sometimes scary, chapter of their lives. As for the older children, the American Library Association says you can never go wrong with such books as: “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” (and, literary perk: Fans can go see the Woodhaven house where Betty Smith wrote the much-acclaimed novel), “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “The Birchbark House,” which is the first young adult piece by National Book Award-winning author Louise Erdrich, and “The All-ofa-Kind Family” series by Sydney Taylor.
From Standardized Testing To Sex Education, Concerns Over Upcoming School Year
By Anna Gustafson With the new school year for public students beginning this Monday, Sept. 9, parents said they are bracing themselves for the continued roller-coaster ride on the Bloomberg administration’s education policies. From concerns over last year’s plummeting test scores that were released this summer to worries about sex education, Queens residents said they are not necessarily breathing easy about their little ones heading back to school. “There’s so much emphasis on the tests, and there has been for a long time now, that it’s just ridiculous,” said Anya Tuminello, a Richmond Hill parent whose child is in seventh grade. “They get packets and packets of take-home work just to prepare for the test. When are they supposed to be learning
things that don’t involve how to best guess on an answer?” Members of area community education councils echoed Tuminello, blasting Bloomberg, schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott and other members of the administration for education policies they said has resulted in parents feeling as though they have no say in the school system and children consistently believing themselves failures if they don’t perform well on the standardized tests. Many of the mayoral candidates too have criticized the emphasis on testing and have said they would decrease the role it plays in the life of a student. “It’s been 10 years of the destruction of an entire school system, of taking away the voice of the parents,” CEC 24 President Nick Comaianni said at a recent council meeting
in reference to the mayor’s tenure. Test scores dropped dramatically last year - which critics said is indicative of a failing system under Bloomberg. The mayor said the dip in numbers was expected because the standardized tests were recently revamped to align with the standards of what is known as the Common Core - curricula officials say is more academically intensive and emphasizes deep analysis and problemsolving over short answers and memorization. Additionally, parents said they have been concerned about sex education in the school system. About two years ago, the city, for the first time in approximately two decades, began mandating that middle and high school students take sex education. City officials stressed they were doing this
in order to decrease the number of teenage pregnancies. Some parents agree, though others said they’d feel more comfortable teaching their students about sex at home. “New York City public schools teaching sex education are required to send letters home with students outlining what parents need to do to opt their children out of these programs, including the controversial emergency contraception initiative,” NYC Parents’ Choice Coalition President Michael Benjamin said in a prepared statement. “New York City is a culturally and religiously diverse place, and we have to respect the rights of parents to decide what’s best for their children.” Benjamin noted that schools will be sending home letters with students containing information about opting out of sex education programs.
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Gift Certificates Available! THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013 | 19
Mumford & Sons Concert Marks the Revival of the Forest Hills Stadium By Kerry Goleski The Mumford and Sons concert last Wednesday night meant the revival of a historic stadium, people trekking from relatively far-flung locales to see the English folk rock band perform, and an economic surge for local Forest Hills businesses. The concert was the first to be held in 15 years at the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium. Fans filed into the restored 17,000-seat stadium for its revival concert. Many of those concertgoers also filled the streets, bars and restaurants of Forest Hills. The Flying Pig, a bar and restaurant that opened up this past May, held a function for the promoters beforehand and then an after party with live music. Owner Declan Morrison said The Flying Pig was at capacity, filled with a “hipster-y” type that wasn’t too rambunctious. He said, “it’s just great for the neighborhood,” because of the influx of business for local shops. The Station House’s manager, Bobby Burns, said that, “all of a sudden Austin Street looked like the Lower East Side.” The Station House was busier than it has ever been, with a great crowd of people. The bar catered to the band’s fan base with craft
The Grammy award-winning Mumford and Sons filled the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium last Wednesday.
beers specials and dark and stormy mixed drinks, he said. He added that they have started getting customers coming from Bushwick on a regular night - a potential indication that the social landscape of Forest Hills is changing. The main complaint from nearby residents included parking and traffic flow problems. Cathy Elia lives near the stadium and said residents were going six blocks out of their way to get to their own homes and the people who lived on Burns Street were not allowed to park there for the evening. Still, Elia noted that, “It wasn’t the disaster I thought it would be.” It wasn’t too loud for her, and she said the crowd didn’t seem to be a nuisance.
20 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013
The 17,000-seat stadium was jammed with Mumford and Sons fans last week.
“Overall it was tolerable and great for business,” she said. “…But maybe it’s good it will only be six times per year.” The concert is part of a collaborative effort between the owners of the stadium, the West Side Tennis Club, and a concert promoter to bring music to the historic stadium that once attracted such names as The Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix. The plan is after the one concert this summer, there will be six carefully picked musical acts every summer. Area residents said they hope the WSTC and the concert promoter have learned a number lessons from the Mumford and Sons concert particularly because show goers said
the stadium was overcrowded, some ticket-holders weren’t able to get in at all, and hundreds of people who had left the venue to go to the bathroom were not allowed to get back in to see the rest of the act. The WSTC wrote a letter to its patrons acknowledging the problems. “As many of you know, this was the first show in many years at the stadium, and we collectively experienced the growing pains that come with reopening a new venue,” the WSTC wrote in its letter the day after the concert. “We hope you enjoyed the show, but we will gladly offer full refunds to those of you who did not have an optimal experience at the stadium. Fans who want to inquire
about a refund can email info@frontgatetickets.com. For years the stadium was run down and ignored, but in 2010, when it was almost sold to a developer, the Rego-Forest Preservation Council decided to make an effort to preserve the stadium, according to Michael Perlman, the council’s founder. “It was in danger because they were thinking of selling it to a condo developer,” Perlman said. “They were going to demolish and put an out of context condo.” After getting the community behind the cause with a Facebook page and petitions, along with meetings with local politicians and the West Side Tennis Club, it was decided the stadium would be restored and used for cultural events. The restoration included replacing seating and refurbishing the architecture. The concert producers put in about $1.5 million for the restoration, Perlman said. Perlman also attended the concert and said, “When the Mumford and Sons concert finally occurred, it was a miraculous experience. It was also a very spiritual experience because I stood center stage and imagined the concerts from the 50, 60s, 70s. I felt very close to the past greats.” Photos Courtesy Michael Perlman
Fun & Games ACROSS
1. Dads 6. Common inquiries 9. *You can place a football one in Vegas 13. Throat dangler 14. Australian runner 15. Man with a mission 16. Sans-_____ font 17. Day ___ 18. Deserving of respect? 19. Rains and snows together 21. *Start of the game 23. Greatest possible 24. Hit the road 25. Hair raiser 28. Affirmative 30. *A ______ defense uses five defensive backs 35. Smell 37. "____ the night before Christmas..." 39. Ronald Reagan's wife 40. Formerly Persia 41. Certain saxes 43. Cow sounds 44. Goes great with onions 46. *Most players must be still until this 47. Whimper 48. Wiggle room 50. Moonfish 52. "___ the season ..." 53. Chapter 11 issue 55. Mutt 57. *Final destination 61. Like Anthony Kiedis's group 64. Refined woman 65. Caustic chemical 67. Star in Cygnus 69. Cell phone bill item 70. *Received when deplaning to attend the Pro Bowl? 71. Dough or cabbage 72. Simon does this 73. Grass bristle 74. Correct
DOWN
FOOTBALL
1. It causes inflammation 2. They go north and south in NYC 3. Opposite of knit 4. Venusian, e.g. 5. *Defensive score 6. Come clean, with "up" 7. It increases strength of signals 8. San Francisco's 1906 event 9. Pitcher's illegal move 10. Taro plant 11. Not kosher 12. Feudal laborer 15. Jelly ingredient 20. Kappa Alpha _____ 22. Wayside stop 24. Knickknackery 25. *Tailgating staple? 26. Creepy 27. Furlough 29. Hole-making tools 31. *Where football training happens 32. Flogger's tool 33. Food safety threat 34. Plural of lysis 36. Was aware of 38. Cleaning bar 42. Elbow room 45. Radar + dome 49. Japanese capital 51. *Only 11 allowed here 54. Isabella Swan of "Twilight" 56. Watery discharge of the eyes 57. Plural of #14 Across 58. Org. with a mission 59. Normandy landing 60. Opposite of zigs 61. Bit attachment 62. In one case 63. Seaside bird 66. Coniferous tree 68. Made in the morning?
CROSSWORD
SOLUTIONS FROM LAST WEEK'S PUZZLE
SUDOKU
TRIVIA
1. What yard line must a football team drive to, to reach the "red zone"? 2. How many points was a touchdown worth in 1911? 3. Who said life's three important things were "family, religion and the Green Bay Packers?"
4. What sportscaster posted an NFL coaching record of 103-22-7?
5. What were NFL players required to wear in games for the first time in 1943? Answers from Last Week: 1: Nine. 2: William McKinley. 3: George H. Bush. 4: Madonna. 5: Tornadoes. THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013 | 21
THE HAPPENINGS Thursday, Sept. 5
Fresh Pond Road Street Festival
Rockaway Honey Festival Audition for the Oratorio Society of Queens
Sept. 5 through Sept. 8 Fresh Pond Road between Woodbine and Menahan The annual Fresh Pond Road festival will run from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. from Sept. 5 through Sept. 7, and from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 8. The festivities will include Italian food, including zepoles with powdered sugar, sausage and peppers, fried oreos and more. There will be rides and other activities for families and The third annual honey festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7. children. For more information, call (718) 366-9077 86th Street Boardwalk, Rockaway Beach
Temple Beth Sholom 171-39 Northern Blvd., Flushing 7 p.m. All are welcome to audition to join a chorus with about 120 members. OSQ is eager to add to its roster of altos, sopranos, tenors, and bass singers. OSQ is a diverse group of men and women, young and old, of varied backgrounds and differing levels of singing ability, right sight-readers to those who learn by ear. For more information, visit www.queensoratorio.org.
Tuesday, Sept. 10
10 a.m. to sunset The third annual New York City Honey Fest will include a wide variety of vendors selling everything from local honey to honey-inspired desserts and beeswax-based candles and cosmetics. There will be activities for famRusso’s on the Bay ilies and children, including face-painting, costume135-45 LeffertsBlvd., South Ozone Park 7:45 p.m. 162-45 Cross Bay Blvd., Howard Beach making, puppetry, a movie on the beach, observational Community Board 10 will hold its first meeting followA luncheon will be held to celebrate two remarkable hives, and introductory beekeeping classes. ing the summer break. Members of the public are welmilestones: The 50th anniversary of naming the John The event is free and open to the public. come to attend. The board covers the neighborhoods For more information, visit www.nychoneyfest.com. F. Kennedy International Airport and the achievement of Howard Beach, Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, of 50 million passengers to travel through JFK in 2013. Richmond Hill, Tudor Village, and Lindenwood. For more information, contact Rudy Auslander at (917) 945-8888 or email jfkcoc@jfkny.com.
Community Board 10 Meeting
Friday, Sept. 6
Rockaway Civic Beach Flix Beach 86th St., Rockaway Beach 8:30 p.m. The Rockaway Civic Association will present “Willy Wonka& The Chocolate Factory” as part of its movie series. The event is free and open to the public. Picnics are welcome, but alcoholic beverages and smoking are not permitted. For more information, visit www.rockawaybeachflix.com.
Saturday, Sept. 7
Forest Hills to Corona Tour
Sunday, Sept. 8
Sept. 11 Memorial Service
Monday, Sept. 9
Book Signing in Ridgewood
Weight Management Program at NYHQ
22 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013
Community Board 9 Meeting
Dry Harbor Playground Myrtle Avenue and 80th Street, Glendale On Sept, 11, 2001, 42 people from the communities of Glendale, Middle Village, Ridgewood and Woodhaven lost their lives in the World Trade Center attack. The The Villa Russo Il Palazzo annual memorial service for the local victims will be 101-12 LeffertsBlvd., Richmond Hill 7:45 p.m. held at the 9/11 Memorial Garden in Forest Park’s Dry All members of the public are welcome to attend ComHarbor Playground. munity Board 9’s first meeting after the summer hiatus. For more information, email Harold Mecabe at har- CB 9 covers Richmond Hill, Woodhaven, Ozone Park, oldmecabe@msn.com or DoriCpace at capaced@ and Kew Gardens. aol.com. Additional information is also at Facebook.com/911MemorialGarden.
Meet at Forest Hills Coffee Shop, 96-07 Metropolitan Ridgewod Public Library Ave., Forest Hills 4 p.m. 20-12 Madison Street 6 p.m. This tour with urban geographer and Queens Borough The Ridgewood library will host a book signing for RobHistorian Jack Eichenbaum explores how topography ert McNally’s memoir “I Had Jelly On My Nose and a stratifies social class in the city's most diverse bor- Hole in My Breeches,” a humorous and poignant memoir ough. New Yorkers primarily from the Dominican Re- about growing up in Ridgewood in the 1930s and 40s. public, Ecuador and Mexico compete for commercial space in Corona while South Americans surround the venerable Little Italy in Corona Heights and Bukharan Jews succeed Russian Jews in Rego Park. How did it all happen? Found out on this tour examining the finegrained diversity in Queens. Be prepared to walk at a Cardiac Health Center, New York Hospital Queens brisk pace. 174-03 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows The cost is $20 per person. 6 p.m. To register, visit www.mas.org/tours. Participants of the Weight Management Program will learn how to eat healthier, receive workout guidance from exercise experts and be supported by a team of professionals, including a doctor, dieticians, nurses and exercise physiologists. Alley Pond Park - 76th Avenue and Springfield BouleOrientation is mandatory and will be held Monday, vard, Oakland Gardens Beat the stress of returning to school with an afternoon Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. The official program begins Monday, of fun activities and shopping opportunities. The event Oct. 7. The cost is $397.27 and pre-payment is required. To register, call (718) 670-1695. is free and open to the public.
Back to School Festival
Celebrating 50 Years of JFK
Thursday, Sept. 12
Community Board 6 Meeting
80-02 Kew Gardens Rd., Suite 202 7:45 p.m. All members of the public are invited to attend the CB 6 meeting. The board covers the neighborhoods of Forest Hills and Rego Park.
Sunday, Sept. 15
Myrtle Avenue Fall Street Festival
Myrtle Avenue from Fresh Pond Road to Wyckoff Avenue 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District is sponsoring its annual fall festival, which will include more than 200 merchants, rides and game booths. There will be performances by Joe Fuoco’s Music Center and the Banjo Rascals, as well as vintage buses presented in cooperation with the MTA. An array of antique and custom cars will be shown from the East Coast Car and Riviera Owners. For more information, call 646-230-0489.
.. e. m ti d o go a ve ha to w ho u yo w We'll sho Enjoy your community. Monday, Sept. 16
Oysterfest at London Lennie’s
London Lennie's will host its annual Oysterfest from Sept. 16 through Sept. 27.
63-88 Woodhaven Blvd.,Rego Park Sept. 16 through Sept. 27 London Lennie’s is hosting its fourth annual Oysterfest festival, during which the restaurant will offer an oyster-packed menu featuring between 10 to 15 different kinds of oysters. The menu will include everything from oyster po’boys to fried oysters and oyster-infused specialty cocktails. An oyster party will be held Sept. 20 and will feature live music and a slurp-off competitions, during which participants will eat oysters with their hands tied behind their backs. The winner will get a $500 prize and will be crowned King or Queen of the Slurp.
Tuesday, Sept. 17
Ozone Park Civic Association Meeting 97-14 135th Dr., Ozone Park 7:30 p.m. The Ozone Park Civic Association monthly meeting will featured the certified financial planner Eric S. Tom as the guest speaker. He will discuss retirement planning and decisions. Those planning to attend should use the entrance at Centreville Street and 149th Avenue, by the ballfield parking lot. For more information, email ozpkcivic@gmail.com or call (646) 298-7575.
Friday, Sept. 20
Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association Annual Fundraiser Joe Abbracciamento Restaurant 62-96 Woodhaven Blvd., Rego Park The WRBA’s annual fundraiser will honor the American Legion Pos 118 as Organization of the Year, Paul Rudolph of Walker Funeral Home as Man of the Year, St. Thomas the Apostle teacher Patti Eggers as Woman of the Year, and the Woodhaven firm Ohlert-Ruggiere as the Hall of Fame inductee. The annual event celebrates the civic group’s work and history, and this year participants have a chance to also purchase a ticket for a neighborhood veteran. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit woodhaven-nyc.org.
Sunday, Sept. 22
Kew Gardens Community Arts Day 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come celebrate Queens artists at the Kew Gardens Community Arts Day, when the neighborhood will be transformed into an art experience. An outdoor art show, “Art in the Kew Gardens Cinemas Park,” will be held on Austin Street off of Lefferts Boulevard. The event’s organizers, a small group of local artists, had a vision for Kew Gardens: Bring together talented Queens painters, photographers, glassmakers, potters, jewelry artists, illustrators and fiber artists for a professional art show with a small town feel. Those who come will be able to watch sidewalk chalk artists transform city concrete into wild works of art and can learn how culture influences art from demonstrations by multicultural artists. There will also be crafts for children, and a recently published comic book writer and illustrator will be on hand to speak to the public at The Comic Den. Live music will feature Broadway tunes, musical standards and beautiful Spanish melodies. The day’s finale will be a poetry and prose readings by the REZ Reading Group at the Odradeks Coffee House at 82-60 Austin St. beginning at 5 p.m. For more information, email kewgardensarts@ gmail.com or call (917) 881-3358.
Tuesday, Sept. 24
Colum McCann with Leonard Lopate at Queens College
Celebrated author Colum McCann will read and be interviewed by WNYC's Leonard Lopate at Queens College.
LeFrak Concert Hall, Queens College 65-30 KissenaBlvd., Flushing 7 p.m. National Book Award-winning author Colum McCann will read his work and be interviewed by WNYC’s Leonard Lopate at Queens College’s LeFrak Concert Hall. McCann is the author of such novels as “This Side of Brightness,” “Dancer,” “Zoli,” “Let the Great World Spin,” and, most recently, “TransAtlantic.” McCann’s work has been celebrated across the globe and described by critics as masterful and profoundly moving. Tickets to individual readings can be purchased for $20 at the door at 6:45 p.m. on the evening of the event. Visit www.qcreadings.org for more information.
Thursday, Sept. 26
Richmond Hill South Civic Association Meeting Knights of Columbus Hall 135-45 LeffertsBlvd., South Ozone Park 7:30 p.m.
All members of the community are welcome to attend the civic meeting. September’s event will feature Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder as the guest speaker.
Saturday, Sept. 28
Jamaica Bay Sunset Tour vIndividuals will get a chance to glimpse great egrets, and many other forms of wildlife, during a three-hour narrated sunset tour of Jamaica Bay on Sept. 28.
3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to a special three-hour narrated sunset tour of Jamaica Bay aboard the Golden Sunshine ship. As part of the event, you will learn about the history and ecology of the bay and see nesting and migrating hawks, peregrine falcons, oystercatchers, ospreys, herons, egrets, Ibis, shorebirds and waterfowl. The tour will be led by Don Riepe, Guardian of Jamaica Bay and noted local naturalist. The tour is $55 per person and includes wine, cheese, fruit and snacks. It will depart from Sheepshead Bay’s Pier 4 at Emmons Avenue and Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. To purchase tickets by credit card, go tohttp://cruiseseptember28th.eventbrite.com/ Individuals may also send a check for $55 per person to the American Littoral Society, c/o Don Riepe, 28 West 9th Road, Broad Channel, NY 11693. The cruise is a cooperative program with the American Littoral Society, Gateway National Park Service, NYC Audubon, and NYC Sierra Club. For more information, visitwww.littoralsociety.org, call (718) 474-0896, or email donriepe@gmail.com
The Great Woodhaven Yard Sale 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association and community members are holding the Great Woodhaven Yard Sale at various locations throughout the neighborhood on Sept. 28. A large number of residents are expected to participate in the event, and a wide variety of merchandise will be available during the community event. The WRBA will distribute a map showing the location of the participating households. Households who want to sell merchandise can be a part of the event by registering with the WRBA by Sept. 13. Register by visiting woodhaven-nyc.org or calling (718) 296-3735
IF YOU HAV E AN EVENT you would like to includ e in The Foru m's Happen ings please ema il informati , on and photos to forumsouth @gmail.co m or call
(718) 845-3
221.
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013 | 23
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TO ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE OR BUSINESS, CALL THE FORUM TO RESERVE SPACE TODAY! 718-845-3221 Legal Notices SUMMONS, NOTICE AND BRIEF STATEMENT OF NATURE OF ACTION CONSUMER CREDIT TRANSACTION SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS Index No. 3803/2013 M&T BANK, Plaintiff, -against- DANIEL CHONG a/k/a DANIEL D. CHONG a/k/a DANNY CHONG; JORGE CHONG a/k/a JORGE W. CHONG; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; RAB PERFORMANCE RECOVERIES; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; “JOHN DOE #1- #50” and “MARY ROE #1- #50”, the last two names being fictitious, said parties intended being tenants or occupants, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises described in the complaint, Defendants. DANIEL CHONG A/K/A DANIEL D. CHONG A/K/A DANNY CHONG and JORGE CHONG A/K/A JORGE W. CHONG: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to serve upon plaintiff’s attorneys an answer to the complaint in this action within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if the Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to answer, judgment will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. Trial is desired in the County of Queens. The basis of venue designated above is that the real property, which is the sub-
ject matter of this action, is located in the County of Queens, New York. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE MORTGAGE COMPANY WHO FILED THIS FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AND YOU CAN LOSE YOUR HOME. SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY OR GO TO THE COURT WHERE YOUR CASE IS PENDING FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO ANSWER THE SUMMONS AND PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY. SENDING A PAYMENT TO YOUR MORTGAGE COMPANY WILL NOT STOP THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE New York State Law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully. Summon and Complaint You are in danger of losing your home. If you fail to respond to the summons and complaint in this foreclosure action, you may lose your home. Please read the summons and complaint carefully. You should immediately contact an attorney or local legal aid office to obtain advice on how to protect yourself. Source of Information and Assistance The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there
24 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013
are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at to 1-800-269-0990 visit the Department`s website at www. dfs.ny.gov. Foreclosure rescue scams Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of Honorable Augustus C. Agate, Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, signed on the 31st day of July, 2013, in Queens, New York and to be duly entered in the Queens County Clerk’s Office, in Queens, New York. The Nature of this action pertains to a note and mortgage held by Plaintiff on real property owned by the defendants, Daniel Chong a/k/a Daniel D. Chong a/k/a Danny Chong and Jorge Chong a/k/a Jorge W. Chong. The said defendants have defaulted on the note and mortgage and the plaintiff commenced a foreclosure action. Plaintiff is seeking a judgment foreclosing its mortgage against the
real property and premises which situates in the Neighborhood of Woodhaven, County of Queens and State of New York and is commonly known as 97-28 95th Street, Ozone Park, New York 11416 and all other relief as to the Court may seem just and equitable. DATED: August 28, 2013 SCHILLER & KNAPP, LLP BY: WILLIAM B. SCHILLER, ESQ. Attorneys for Plaintiff 950 New Loudon Road Latham, New York 12110 Telephone: (518) 786-9069
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Legal Notices NOTICE OF FORMATION OF MEITAI PROPERTIES LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/21/2013. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process may be serviced and shall mail copy of process against LLC to: 39-01 MAIN ST., STE 203, FLUSHING, NY 11354. Principal business address: 64-27 229TH ST., STE 101, BAYSIDE, NY 11364. Purpose: any lawful act. Pritpal Kaur LLC Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 8/14/13. Office: Queens. SSNY is design. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served and shall mail process to 162-03 84th Dr. Flr 1 Jamaica, NY 11432. Purpose: any lawful activity.
133 47 LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 7/24/13. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC, 13631 41st Avenue, Suite 5A, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice is hereby given that license #1273054 has been applied by the undersigned to sell alcoholic beverages at retail in a bar under the alcoholic beverage control law at 80-14 Roosevelt Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 for on-premises consumption. EL AVENTURERO BAR RESTAURANT CORP d/b/a EL AVENTURERO
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Legal Notices NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: 3168 35th STREET LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/04/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, P.O. Box 575042, Whitestone, New York 11357. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. GRAND APTS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/19/2013. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: the LLC, 6548 174th Street, Flushing, NY 11365. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. ENNOID LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 7/17/13. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC, 2800 Coyle Street, Apt. 121, Brooklyn, NY 11235. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 48-03 30th Avenue LLC Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 8/1/13. Office:Queens Co. SSNY is design. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served and shall mail process to 48-21 30th Ave. Astoria, NY 11103. Purpose: any lawful activity. NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: 242-01 JAMAICA AVE LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/11/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 242-01 Jamaica Avenue, Bellerose, New York 11426. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. ESMEE LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 7/29/13. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Revonia King-Asonye, 123-42 Irwin, Saint Albans, NY 11434. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of SCOTT AVE PARTNERS LLC Arts. of Org. filedwith Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on08/19/13. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: 63-23Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village, NY 11379. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Notice of Formation of 579 92nd Street LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State on 8/2/13. Office location: Queens County. Princ. bus. addr.: 616 Lowell Rd., Concord, MA 01742. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o Mark B. Elefante, Hemenway & Barnes LLP, 60 State St., Boston, MA 02109. Purpose: all lawful purposes. Notice of Formation of PVF Supply. com, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/2/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 3542 41st St., Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: any lawful activities. Notice of Formation of GOMMA, LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/11/2013. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Carlos M Roman II at 41-34 Crescent Street, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of ARVERNE CONSTRUCTION CO. LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/04/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 190 Beach 68th St., Arverne, NY 11692. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of 89-65 216 ST LLC, Art. of Org. filed Sec’y of State (SSNY) 5/24/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to c/o Dhanpaul Naraine, 22029 Jamaica Ave., Queens Village, NY 11428. Purpose: any lawful activities. EASTGENE REALTY LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 6/20/12. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to C/O Libo Qiu & Ruliang Xu 43-20 214th Pl 1st Fl Bayside, NY 11361. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PHYSICIAN, PLLC. Art. of Org. filed NY Sec’y of State (SSNY) 07/22/13. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. as process agt. Process service address: 7211 Austin St, #372, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: Any lawful purpose or activity.
Notice of Formation of MAY SQUARED REAL ESTATE LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on Ac Cab LLC Arts of Org. filed with 4/24/13. Office: Queens. SSNY is desNY Secy of State (SSNY) on 6/3/13. ignated as agent of LLC upon whom Office:Queens. SSNY is design. as process against it may be served and agent of LLC upon whom process shall mail process to The LLC, 255-07 may be served and shall mail process 61st Avenue, 1st Floor, Little Neck, NY to 14220 Franklin Ave. #5Z Flushing, 11362. Purpose: any lawful activity. NY 11355. Purpose: any lawful activity. THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013 | 25
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26 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013 | 27
With Food and Fun, Raising Awareness About Autism By Anna Gustafson Children and families from throughout Queens gathered at St. Margaret’s Church in Middle Village last Saturday for a day of games, art and food in the name of spreading awareness about autism. The nonprofit Play4Autism, which is based in Middle Village but works with children from all over, sponsored the event, which included everything from a bouncy castle to miniature golf and a disc jockey. The funds raised during the day of festivities will benefit the nonprofit, Youla Efthimiou, left, Thanos Kombaogiannis and Play4Autism Founder Greg Vasicek which was founded by Middle Village resident attend a day of festivities in Middle Village last weekend to raise awareness about autism. Oliva Guzman, 2 1/2, of Middle Village, works on an art project inside St. Margaret's. Greg Vasicek in 2011. The group provides a number of free support services and activities for children with autism, from hockey games - Vasicek was a professional hockey player in Great Britain, Germany and France - to programs designed to help individuals with self-esteem and communication skills. Individuals on the autism spectrum can face difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. “The community has been so supportive of us and awareness has really spread,” Vasicek said. The nonprofit has planned a number of upcoming benefits, including a “Zombie Walk” in Middle Village on Oct. 13. For more information about the events, or about the group in general, visit www. play4autism.org, email info@play4autism. Anthony Caruana, left, and Robert Mikol, from the org, or call (718) 894-3400. Photos by Anna Gustafson
Sebastian Caracci, 6, showed off his miniature golf skills at the fundraiser.
28 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013
Original Carlo's Pizza, which has been in Middle Village since 1966, handed out slices during the festivities.
Children from throughout the neighborhood, and beyond, had fun playing on the bouncy slides.
An upbeat, exciting time of singing with special prayer for each child, asking for:
Protection from accident Protection from sickness Protection from drugs Protection from evil influences
Sunday, September 8, 6:30 p.m. at
158-31 99th Street
718-641-6785
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013 | 29
Community Protests Proposal To Bring Homeless Shelter To Glendale
Residents say they would rather see senior housing
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Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup Fabio Dimaria, one of the owners of Saverio's, center, joined Councilman Peter Vallone, third from right, and Juniper Park Civic Association President Bob Holden, second from right, among other residents and civic leaders, to denounce a proposal to operate a homeless shelter on the border of Glendale and Middle Village.
By Anna Gustafson Civic leaders, business owners and an elected official rallied last week against a proposal to operate a 125-family homeless shelter in a former airplane factory on the border of Glendale and Middle Village, saying the plan would overburden already crowded classrooms and could drive away customers from shops that have recently opened nearby. “If you place a homeless shelter with 125 families here, where’s the transportation?” Juniper Park Civic Association President Robert Holden asked at the rally held last Friday outside the site of the proposed shelter, which is now an abandoned factory at 78-16 Cooper Ave. in Glendale. “There are no subways near here… It’s an environmental nightmare - it needs remediation and it’s going to cost a lot. “Why not put senior housing there?” Holden continued. “Instead we get this shoved down our throat?” Samaritan Village, a nonprofit, sent a letter last month to Community Board 5 Chairman Vincent Arcuri to notify members that it had submitted a proposal to the city Department of Homeless Services to operate “transitional housing” at the former factory. “As you know, recent years have seen an increase in the number of families requiring transitional housing, despite the significant strides that have been made to increase the availability of affordable housing for New Yorkers,” Samaritan Village’s letter said. The document went on to say that such facilities are especially necessary in Queens, which has about 25.6 percent of its rental units priced at less than $1,000 a month whereas the citywide average is 37 percent. Additionally, home foreclosure starts increased by 24 percent in 2012 compared to 2011, and the poverty rate in Queens was 15.8 percent in 2011, compared to 12.2 percent in 2006. Under the proposal, which is now being reviewed by the DHS and must receive the stamp of approval from the department and Mayor Bloomberg, Samaritan Village would “provide an array of on-site services and off-
site service linkages to provide 125 families with the needed assistance to return to, and maintain, independent living.” According to the plan, the nonprofit would provide on-site security around the clock, every day of the week, and there would be access control, visitation and curfew policies. But residents, civic leaders and elected officials have long been opposed to the homeless shelter, and Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) and Glendale Civic Association President Kathy Masi collected more than 4,000 petition signatures against the facility last year. “This community has been taking care of the homeless for a long time - in small shelters in churches and other places,” Councilman Peter Vallone (D-Astoria), who helped to organize the rally, said. “No neighborhood can absorb 125 homeless families.” Such an influx of children would overwhelm the three nearby schools - one public and two private - residents said. “Our schools are overcrowded,” said area activist Tony Nunziato. “We have no trains, and our buses are overcrowded. We need something that will bring in jobs to the neighborhood.” Holden and Vallone suggested that the exfactory instead be turned into senior housing. “They deserve to be here,” Vallone said of the neighborhood’s elderly residents. “If they can remediate this, they should put seniors there.” If DHS approves the proposal, the city would pay for remediation costs - which is why some have said the owner wants to work with the city instead of with the private companies that have expressed interest in renting the space. The property owner, Michael Wilner, could not be reached for comment. Fabio Dimaria, one of three people who owns Saverio’s Bistro and Artistic Stitch, both of which are located next to what could become the shelter, said he worried the site would drive away customers. “We’ve put everything we have - our lives - into this,” said Dimaria, a Middle Village native who still lives in the neighborhood. “It would hurt us. A lot of people won’t come to a restaurant next to a homeless shelter.”
30 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • September 5, 2013
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Queens needs a fighter who believes in the rights of all her citizens—one who believes that the diversity of the borough is an asset, not a flaw. Someone who sees Queens as a mecca for immigrants to come and make a life for themselves and their families, while embracing those who have lived in Queens for generation after generation.
Melinda Katz is that candidate, and that is why we are endorsing her for Queens borough president.
Melinda Katz has earned the trust and endorsement of leaders from every corner of Queens because she’s the only candidate who shares our values and can get the job done. • • • • • •
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Passed laws to expand womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health care Will fight for funds for our schools and smaller class size Passed legislation to lock up sexual predators Fighting for an immediate moratorium on Hospital Closures Will deliver for our Senior Centers Supports tougher laws to get guns off our streets
Democrat for Queens Borough President 2013
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