VOL. 12 • NUMBER 3 • JANUARY 16, 2014
AT INAUGURATION, A FOCUS ON SANDY Howard Beach Mourns Phil Mayer Page 21
Joe Abbracciamento Restaurant Closing
Borough President Melinda Katz celebrated her inauguration last week, when she promised Queens residents that she would prioritize helping neighborhoods and individuals See Story on Page 15 devastated by Hurricane Sandy.
Page 6
Beach Channel HS Lands Big Money For Sandy Repairs Page 30
Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014 | 1
2 2 | THE THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014 FORUM NEWSGROUP • October 25, 2012
Howard Beach Clothing Company Sets Sights On Charity By Anna Gustafson When two die-hard New York Knicks fans - one from Howard Beach and another from upstate - connected because of their love for the basketball team, they had no idea what was in store for them. Now, Angelo Pellegrino, of Howard Beach, and Vincent Puleo, of New Windsor, do: Last basketball season, the two launched a clothing company, BringIt2NY, solely dedicate to Knicks gear and creating a community for basketball fans. The business - for which they design such merchandise as hats and tee-shirts - has quickly grown, and Puleo and Pellegrino are hoping to launch the charitable arm of their organization. “We really want to focus on making this a community, so we’re asking people to send us old sports gear that’s still in good shape but that they don’t want anymore,” Puleo said. “Send it to us, and we’ll send you a gift.” As part of what they are calling their “Great Tape Charity,” the two will donate the items they collect to a charitable group. So far, they have
photo courtesy Vincent Puleo
Howard Beach resident Angelo Pellegrino, who co-owns the Knicks clothing company BringIt2NY, shows off the type of merchandise he typically sells. The company, which just launched last year, announced this week that it will send Knicks gear to individuals who send in old sports gear that the company plans to donate to charity.
yet to decide on the organization, but expect the goods to go to a charity working with children. Items that the two are accepting include sports jerseys, sports hats,
shorts, and such equipment as basketballs and footballs. Depending on what an individual sends in, Puleo and Pellegrino will mail them something from their busi-
ness in return. The two business owners originally met because Puleo, a graphic designer, saw Pellegrino’s blog dedicated to the Knicks. Together, they formed
an instagram bearing the name that became their company’s: BringIt2NY. Each week, the two would come out with a new Knicks design and ask for feedback from their followers - something the two still insist upon doing. “We like to involve our customers and fans,” Puleo said. “We want to make something all of us can like. We’ll say, ‘This design, what do you think of it?’” Ultimately, Puleo said, it’s less about making money and more about creating a solid network of sports fans who want to change the world for the better. “I’ve never seen anything like this before,” he said. “I’ve gone around to see if there are other people doing this with other teams, and I haven’t found anything. For us, this is a community.” Those who wish to donate items to the Great Tape Charity may send them to: 26 Old Hemlock Dr., New Windsor, NY 12553. Please write “Attention: The Great Tape Charity” on the package. For more information about the charitable drive, visit: http://www. bringit2newyork.com.
NYPD: Help Us Find Elderly Woman
photo courtesy NYPD
Forum Photos /Richard York
Explosion Causes Partial Home Collapse in South Ozone Park Firefighters rushed to the scene of what officials described as a “house explosion” in South Ozone Park last Saturday. A fire, which was declared suspicious, tore through the home at 129-13 135th Pl., causing “major structural damage,” according to the FDNY. A large portion of the home collapsed, leaving it uninhabitable. It is not known how many people were living
in the home, located just off Sutter Avenue, but, according to officials, the building was vacant at the time of the blaze. Firefighters arrived at the scene at about 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, and the fire was under control by 5 p.m., according to authorities. A large crowd of neighbors gathered as firefighters extinguished the blaze, exclaiming how devastating the situation was.
The 106th Precinct is asking for the public's help in finding a missing 70-year-old woman who was last seen leaving the Resorts World Casino at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. in South Ozone Park early Sunday morning. Wol-Ja Song was captured on surveillance footage leaving the gambling facility around 5 a.m. and was heading eastbound on Rockaway Boulevard. She is 5-foot-4-inches tall, about 115 pounds, and has black and white hair, according to the NYPD. She is Asian and was last seen wearing a blue knee-length winter coat and blue pants. Song is in good physical condition but suffers from dementia. Anyone with information regarding the missing please notify the 106th Precinct Detective Squad at (718) 845-2260 or the Detective Borough Queens South at (718) 520-9200.
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014 | 3
From Universal Pre-K to Sandy Aid, Cuomo's Address Boosts Hope for Change in Queens
9PM SATURDAY JANUARY 18, 2014
Gov. Andrew Cuomo gives his 2014 State of the State address in Albany last week.
By Phil Corso Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s annual remarks have some of Queens’ influential voices cautiously optimistic for the days ahead. State Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) referred to the governor’s 2014 State of the State address as a loose roadmap for legislators across New York and said this year’s trail may lead to progress. For more than an hour, the governor detailed a robust agenda for the new year, touching on economic reforms, government corruption and bettering the state’s education standing. Cuomo said the high points of his 2014 agenda including transforming a $10 billion state deficit into a $2 billion surplus, reducing unemployment, creating nearly 400,000 new private sector jobs, improving the state’s credit standing with all three rating agencies and increasing exports by 15 percent. “This one was very interesting,” Addabbo said. “There are things that I’ll certainly take and agree with, like cleaning up Albany, ethics reform and universal pre-k. They are all very important to many of my constituents.” The southern Queens senator said he often refers to the annual State of the State address come June when the legislative session is preparing to wrap up so he can track the state’s progress. When asked about the governor’s execution of his 2013 agenda, Addabbo said there were some bright spots – sweeping reforms to gun laws – and dark spots - progress in women’s rights. Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan (D-Ridgewood) echoed the senator’s sentiments, throwing her support behind the governor’s education agenda. “As chair of the Assembly Education Com-
courtesy NYS Governor's Office
mittee, we need sustainable and effective universal pre-k and after-school programs in New York,” she said in a statement. “As the only member of the assembly appointed to the governor’s education reform task force I participated in hearings around our state, I know every child deserves a good education, and parents should have support in being able to effectively balance work and family.” Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway Beach) said the governor’s remarks on Superstorm Sandy were particularly important to him. In his address, Cuomo recognized the changing climate and vowed to continue supporting relief efforts as well as a more proactive approach to devastating storms. “The governor spent a lot of time talking about Sandy recovery,” Goldfeder said. “I’m excited about the infusion of new state resources to make sure our families get back on their feet.” But on the community level, the reactions to Cuomo’s promises were met with a bit more caution. Community Board 6 District Manager Frank Gulluscio of the Forest Hills-Rego Park area said the governor’s enthusiasm and ambitions were made apparent in his address, but actions speak louder than words. “I hope that his energy comes all the way down to the local community,” the district manager said. “We’re all for economic growth and a strong tax base and strong schools.” Northeast Queens native Susan Shoshana has been an active and vocal opponent of increased noise pollution coming out of Queens’ two major airports and took to Twitter to applaud Cuomo’s intentions of addressing the issue. “My [favorite] part was when the governor demoted the Port Authority on airport construction projects,” she said via Twitter.
4 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014
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Fund for Fallen Police Officers Recognizes Queens Widows
photos courtesy the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund
Martha Williams, left, a New Jersey resident and wife of fallen fireman Johnnie Williams; Arielle Lenza Di Ciolla, director of development for the Benefit Fund; Marcela Leahy, a Staten Island resident and wife of fallen Police Officer James Leahy; and Glendale resident Carmen Suarez, the wife of fallen Police Officer Ramone Suarez, gather for the Benefit Fund's event honoring the group's volunteers.
By Anna Gustafson Two Queens women, one from Glendale and another from Astoria, were recognized at the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund’s second annual volunteer party last month, when the families of fallen first responders gathered to celebrate the dedication of the group’s volunteers. Special guests honored at the event included Carmen Suarez, of Glendale, whose husband, Police Officer Ramone Suarez, was killed in the line of duty on Sept. 11, 2001, and Margaret Mosomillo, an Astoria resident who was the wife of fallen NYPD Officer Anthony Mosomillo. The New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund was created in 1985 by former New York Mets player Rusty Staub and then New York Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association Vice President Paddy Burns. Since its inception, the nonprofit has given more than $114 million to the families of city police and fire personnel killed in the line of duty. “This evening, we would like to extend our
deepest gratitude to the extraordinary volunteers who are always there to answer the call, making it possible for the Benefit Fund to provide financial assistance to the families of fallen New York City police officers, firefighters, Port Authority police, and EMS personnel,” Arielle Lenza Di Ciolla, director of development for the benefit fund, said at the event held at Palantir Technologies in Manhattan. “We can’t thank you enough for your commitment to our organization and to our beneficiary families.” At the event, Di Ciolla presented the 2013 Volunteer of the Year Award to Chloe Ching, director of client engagement marketing at Deutsche Bank; and Brian Cassidy, vice president of client promotion at Deutsche Bank. “Chloe and Brian have shown unwavering support over the past years,” Di Ciolla said. “They have been a blessing to our organization, showing all of us what it really means to give back to those who keep us and our city safe.” Alongside Suarez and Mosomillo, other family members of fallen police officers recognized at the event were Marcela Leahy, a Staten Island resident and widow of Officer James Lea-
Arielle Lenza Di Ciolla, left, director of development for the Benefit Fund; Astoria resident Margaret Mosomillo, wife of fallen NYPD Officer Anthony Mosomillo; Lindenhurst resident Patricia Gillespie, wife of fallen NYPD Officer Kevin Gillespie, gather at the party honoring the nonprofit's volunteers.
hy, who died Sept. 11, 2001; and Lindenhurst resident Patricia Gillespie, whose husband was NYPD Officer Kevin Gillespie. Martha Williams, of Teaneck, New Jersey, who lost her husband, FDNY member Johnnie Williams, in 1974, has been a beneficiary for nearly 30 years and was also present at the event. Suarez and Leahy did not know each other before they lost their husbands, but they have since become incredibly close and even vacation together with their families. The women said that meeting one another after their husbands’ deaths has brought them important support from others who understand the trials through which they are going. Gillespie and Mosomillo, for example, said they have formed an inseparable bond and have counted on one another for years.
The women also stressed the role the benefit fund has played in their lives. “Even though it has been 15 years, it still brings tears to my eyes every time I receive a check from the benefit fund,” Mosomillo said. “It is not about the amount, but just that they remember us; it’s a symbol that we are not forgotten.” The benefit fund currently serves more than 600 families. Last year, the group distributed more than $2.5 million to the families of first responders - and organization officials noted that the need for help has grown. “The benefit fund takes pride in answering the call, as our heroes have done to protect our city, courageously sacrificing their lives so we can live and work in a safer community,” the group stated.
Corrections Officer Turns Himself In After Having Sex With Teenage Girl, DA Says By Phil Corso A Corrections Department officer capped off a string of alleged bad deeds, including sleeping with a teenage girl, by turning himself to police in Forest Hills, the NYPD said. Giovanny Campos, 41, surrendered to the 112th Precinct last week and was later arraigned Jan. 8 on charges accusing him of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said. The nineyear veteran officer met the unidentified girl at a Christmas Eve party and allegedly proceeded to hold inappropriate trysts with her, Brown said. A criminal complaint outlined the timeline from which Campos went from an acquaintance at a party to the alleged behind closed doors sexual encounter. The report said the two met at a Christmas Eve party at the teenager’s Ozone Park home where they danced and she gave Campos her number, to which the officer proceeded to send text messages asking to meet. They then got together on Christmas day, sitting down at a restaurant before Campos alleg-
edly inappropriately touched the girl’s thigh in his car, the complaint said. The two met again the next day after exchanging more texts planning on having the officer drive them both to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, the DA said. They later traveled to a car wash near LaGuardia Airport, where they kissed, records showed. The next day, Dec. 27, Campos drove the girl to a sweet 16 party and later picked her up at 1 a.m. and drove her to his apartment, where he allegedly took the lead in inappropriate and explicit sexual behavior, the DA said. Campos was charged with sexual abuse in the third degree and endangering the welfare of a child, according to a criminal complaint. He was also suspended by the Corrections Department after he turned himself into police, the NYPD said. He faces up to one year in jail if convicted, the DA said, with his next court date set for Feb. 3. It was not Campos’ first run-in with the law, either, police said. According to the NYPD, Campos had been arrested several times in the past – but those records were sealed at the time of press.
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014 | 5
A Final Farewell
After 65 years of being a community mainstay, Joe Abbracciamento Restaurant to close its doors By Anna Gustafson
When Joe Abbracciamento returned to Queens after serving in World War II, it was only natural that he would open a restaurant. After all, he had spent most of his life enamored by cooking - and just before he launched the eatery at 62-96 Woodhaven Blvd. the master sergeant in the U.S. Army had frequently served up breakfast, lunch and dinner for thousands of military members during the war. Thus, from a passion for food and cooking, and that which typically accompanies such things - family and never-ending conversations and laughter that makes a stomach hurt - the Joe Abbracciamento Restaurant was born in 1948. Over the past 65 years, the spot has grown into what residents said can only be described as a cultural landmark in Queens - a place that has attracted high-profile politicians from both sides of the aisle, from Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro to former Republican Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and has been the gathering site for generations of residents celebrating the kind of life milestones that call for heaping plates of food: Engagements, weddings, birthdays. But, after more than six and a half decades of countless plates of baked clams and fried calamari and chicken parmigiana, the owners said this week that the restaurant will serve its last meal on March 2. “It’s overwhelming, the outpouring from people,” John Abbraciamento, the founder’s son, said of the patrons who essentially have not stopped calling the restaurant upon finding out that its last day will soon be upon them. “It’s a bittersweet situation - we’ll miss everyone. We’ve been here so long. Hopefully we’ve done a great service for people in the area.” John Abbraciamento, who, along with his
photo courtesy Michael Perlman/Rego-Forest Preservation Council
Joe Abbracciamento Restaurant on Woodhaven Boulevard in Rego Park will serve its last meal on March 2
brother Joe and wife Marie, took the reigns of operation from their father and mother, Connie, said it is time for the three of them to “sit back and relax” after the nonstop work that comes from running a restaurant. “You never know what the future may bring; I just need to relax a little bit,” John Abbraciamento laughed. Patrons, of course, are crossing their fingers that the family takes, say, a day off and returns, and many have said the news of the closure marks the end of an era for Queens. Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, who grew up in Forest Hills, called the restaurant a treasured “establishment that has provided generations of Queens residents and visitors from across the country and around the globe with outstanding Italian cuisine.”
“I have been going there since I was a child and have a particular fondness for the family that founded this Queens institution,” Katz said. “The restaurant is also notable for being a popular gathering place for Queens elected officials, including the trailblazing Geraldine Ferraro.” The new borough president went on to say that she was “very sorry to hear that Abbracciamento’s will be closing, but I wish John, Joe and Marie a happy and healthy retirement and best of luck in all their future endeavors.” Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) called the restaurant “a Queens icon” that will be “remembered as one of the best Italian restaurants in the borough.” “It’s truly sad to see it close after so many wonderful years,” Ulrich continued. “I wish the entire Abbracciamento family good health, happiness
and a well-deserved retirement. They will be sorely missed.” The list of people who heaped praise on the restaurant is an exhaustive one - and certainly not all of which this article could possibly include - and spans the gamut from 112th Community Council President Heidi Harrison Chain to Woodhaven civic leader Ed Wendell and Breezy Point resident Bill Campione. Chain said the site had “wonderful food and excellent service, whether you went to a party there or went to have dinner.” “To me, it was always the go-to place for great Italian food,” said Wendell, who grew up in Woodhaven. “You could always count on it for a great meal - those kinds of places are unique.” Deeming it a “mainstay of the community,” Wendell said, “it’s a shame to see a place that’s been around so long go.” “As restaurant-goers, we’re very selfish; we want them to stay for another 40 years,” he laughed. Campione, who held fundraisers for a scholarship in memory of his later mother for years, said the restaurant owners have “been incredibly accommodating, treating us like family.” “I’ll never find another restaurant that will give us that same experience that Marie, the Abbracciamento family, and their wonderful staff have given us,” Campione said. And while the Abbracciamentos - who lived most of their lives in Middle Village - are certainly feeling the bitter-sweet pangs of saying goodbye, they also noted that there are years upon years of good memories to draw upon. “I took a very big pride in our food - I’m the chef; I’ve been cooking here for 40 years,” John Abbraciamento said. “I’ve worked here with my father all the way through until his last day in 1999. I’ve been working here since I was 12. We’ve been in this area of Queens when Queens was Queens.”
Home Sales On The Rise In Queens, New Report Says By Phil Corso The real estate market throughout Queens – including the borough’s southern neighborhoods - enjoyed a lucrative end to 2013 with record-setting numbers, a Douglas Elliman report said. The group’s quarterly survey of residential sales throughout the borough showed 2013’s inventory and absorption rates fell to the lowest level since that information was tracked in mid-2005, while sales skyrocketed when compared to the same time in the year prior. “With the surge in sales, the absorption rate - the number of months to sell all inventory at the current pace of sales - fell to 4.7 months, the fastest pace since 2005 when the metric was first tracked,” the real estate report said. “After falling to a recent low in A three bedroom apartment on Queens Boulevard in Forest Hills is being sold for $1.35 the prior year quarter, sales activity contin- million. This Forest Hills home at 20 Norden Rd. is on the market for $2.2 million. ued to climb over the next four quarters, but remained 45.5 percent below the level seen sales continued its trend upwards to 3,344 Ozone Park, a total of 545 sales in the last $367,547, respectively, the number of of total compared to 3,251 the quarter before quarter of 2013 made for a 31.3 percent in- sales in the quarter more than doubled over in the same period a decade ago.” In other words, things have been look- and only 1,914 during the same quarter of crease from the same period in 2013. As for last year’s figures. There were 945 sales in the the west, 565 sales capped off a huge 75.5 last quarter. ing up for home sales in Queens and buy- 2012, the report said. That same good news extended into percent increase when compared to the The average sales price of a home in ers have been snatching up property much southern and western Queens, the report same time last year. South Queens by the end of 2013 was faster than in years past. said, with overall sales numbers trending While in the borough’s central neigh$361,630, the report said, compared to an The average sales price of a home in upward in the double digits. In the southborhoods, such as Middle Village and Masaverage price of $431,210 in the west during Queens during the fourth quarter of 2013 ern part of the borough, which includes peth, the median and average sales prices for the same period. was $431,241, compared to $417,838 just one quarter earlier. The actual number of such neighborhoods as Howard Beach and real estate dipped to about $292,500 and 6 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014
From Richmond Hill, Stories Of What It Means To Be An Afghan Woman By Bianca Fortis One writer had a simple request: for women to be able to drive cars, taxis and buses. Another wrote about how she felt she had lost her freedom once she hit adolescence. And another told of her struggles of wearing a burqa: she believed if she did not wear it, she would be stoned. Queens residents gathered Monday at the Richmond Hill library to hear the firsthand accounts of life in Afghanistan by women who live there. Friends of the Richmond Hill Library hosted guests from the Afghan Women’s Writing Project, an organization through which American writers mentor aspiring women writers from the Middle Eastern country. The writers’ work is published by the AWWP in its online magazine. The essays and poems were read by guests from Afghanistan, as well as AWWP staff members and audience volunteers. Some of the writers use their words to describe their dreams and goals in life. One was a conversation with God; it asked, “God, if you were an Afghan woman, would you be sorry?” Other stories are more graphic: one writer told the story of a 24-year-old woman named Tahera, who was starved, beaten and burned alive by her family members after she had been seen riding on a motorcycle with a boy. The event featured novelist and AWWP
photo by Bianca Fortis
Masha Hamilton, the founder of the Afghan Women’s Writing Project, reads from her work at the Richmond Hill library.
founder Masha Hamilton, who read a passage from her most recently published book, “What Changes Everything,” part of which is set in Afghanistan. Hamilton previously worked in Afghanistan as the director of communications and public diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy. She said some women choose to write about violence, the Taliban, and the American occupation of their country. Many others, though, write about the marginalization of women and the struggles they face in their
own lives. “By and large they tend to write about what is most personal and closest to them,” she said. Hamilton, a former journalist, was inspired to start the organization as a tribute to a woman named Zarmeena, who was executed by the Taliban in a stadium in 1999. Initially, Hamilton taught an online writing course as a personal dedication to Zarmeena, but soon saw how meaningful the class was for her students. She reached out to other
published authors and friends and formed the mentorship program. Since April 2010, AWWP has published more than 900 poems and essays by more than 170 Afghan writers. In 2012 the organization opened a women-only internet cafe in Kabul at which participants can practice their trade. Hamilton said the front of the cafe is not marked, in order to protect the women’s safety, but that the AWWP is “pretty well known in Kabul.” She said of the Afghan writers keep their writing a secret either because their relatives are opposed to their participation in the project or because family members worry for the women’s safety. One writer, who would make the trek from her home by foot to submit her poems, was killed in an explosion, Hamilton said. But other family members are proud. “There are men and fathers who are extremely supportive,” Hamilton said. “We do have men who know their daughters are writing and they think it’s great.” “I’d like to say we’ve reached a tipping point for women [in urban areas], but not in the villages,” she continued. For more information about the Friends of the Richmond Hill library as well as its book readings, visit richmondhillny.com/library.frhl.html. For more information about the Afghan Women’s Writing Project, visit awwproject.org.
Lawmakers Pass Religious Garb Bill To Protect Workers Against Discrimination By Anna Gustafson From a Jewish NYPD candidate prohibited from becoming an officer because of the length of his beard to a Sikh train officer honored for his acts of bravery during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks being told to remove his turban or be fired, lawmakers said there are countless instances of individuals facing discrimination because of their religious garb. However, lawmakers said that will hopefully change following the Assembly passing on Tuesday a bill sponsored by Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows) that would prohibit discrimination in the workplace against attire that is work for a religious purpose. State Sen. James Sanders (D-Jamaica) has proposed equivalent legislation in the Senate but it has not yet been voted on. “Through the passing of the religious garb bill in the New York State Assembly, we celebrate our state’s longstanding commitment to promoting religious freedom and equality for all people,” Weprin said. “People should not have to make a choice between working to provide for their families or observing their religion. It is unacceptable that workers have faced discrimination for wearing their religious attire or facial hair because it is an infringement on their civil liberties.” Weprin, who represents communities with large numbers of individuals of numerous different religions, crafted the legislation in re-
Sikh train officer who, after being honored for his heroism during Sept. 11, 2001 for providing people transportation out of lower Manhattan, was told to either remove his turban or be fired. The bill would amend state law to protect the rights of both uniformed employees - and all New Yorkers -f rom discrimination by allowing them to dress according to their religious customs. It will also protect workers against discrimination for wearing any type of religiously motivated or mandated garb, including beards, as long as the garb does not pose a hazard to the individual or the public. “We enthusiastically support the religious garb bill calling for equal employment opportunities for all New Yorkers regardless of religious attire and facial grooming,” Rabbi Israel Rubin, regional director of Chabad of the Capital District, said. “This religious observance photo courtesy NYS Assembly issues confronts many Orthodox Jewish New Assemblyman David Weprin, left, and members of Sikh and other religious organizations gather in Albany to discuss Yorkers, who ought to be protected against the need to protect employees from religious discrimination in the workplace. Alongside Weprin, Assemblywoman discrimination at their worksites. We strongly Michaelle Solages (D-Valley Stream) and members of the Sikh Cultural Society, the Sikh Association of the Capital urge all NYS legislators to enable the passage District, and the Chabad of the Capital District attended the press conference. of this vital bill.” sponse to a series of cases and concerns from re- ership and service in our communities and busiGurden Singh Kang, president of the Sikh ligious communities throughout the state who nesses.” Cultural Society, agreed. had faced discrimination. The lost of documented cases of discrimina“New York state prides itself in being a place “I’m very proud that we passed this bill to tion is a long one, ranging from Fishel Litzman, that embraces diversity in which all people are ensure that all New Yorkers will be able to freely a Jewish NYPD candidate who was prohibited treated equally under the law, regardless of their wear religious garments in the workplace, such from becoming an officer because of the length race, religion or ethnicity,” he said. “We urge all as hijabs, turbans, kippahs, and beards without of his beard - despite the fact that he had passed of our state lawmakers to support [the bill] so fear of persecution,” Weprin said. “Let us be a all of the exams and was at the top of his class that New York state can continue to lead the state that continues to promote diversity, lead- during cade training, to Kevin Harrington, a way for religious and racial tolerance.” THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014 | 7
The Fish Stinks from the Head Down
during his press conference. Christie even joked that he was one of the workers who put out the traffic cones. Pathetic.
Dear Editor: Well there it is plain as day. The difference between a president like Obama who tries to work with republicans while they spit in his face, and a republican presidential wannabe who punishes the people that don't vote for him. Hey Chris Christie, see that puff of smoke in the distance? It's your dreams of the White House going up in smoke! What a disgrace! First responders delayed for hours while trying to get to fires and medical emergencies (Florence Genova died after it took the responding ambulance twice as long to get to her home). Citizens trying to get to work or home. Families unable to get their kids to school on time (for days) and parents getting to work late as a result. All for political retribution! And Christie claims he is innocent. One of two things is true. Either Christie is lying and he should be brought up on charges or he is telling the truth, and is an inept "leader" that has no clue what his staff is up to. "Man of the people, straight shooter"?More like Criminal or clueless. Take your pick. Christie goes on to say that he's not a bully. Really? Christie took over as governor in 2010. The prior governor was Richard Codey. An $800,000 program to help women with mental problems (Codey's wife helped launch the initiative) was removed from the states $30 billion budget. After the program was restored by a Senate committee Christie took it out with a veto! Later Christie removed the state trooper assigned to Codey, fired Codey's former chief of staff from a state job in Trenton and Codey's cousin lost his job at the Port Authority. All on the same day. Coincidence? Or the acts of a vindictive, spiteful bully? And of course, FOX news and Republicans commending him for the way he handled himself 8 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP •
Robert LaRosa Whitestone
Neither Rain Nor Snow Nor Amazon? Dear Editor:
The Post Office is entering into a joint business venture with Amazon to start Sunday delivery. This could be the start of something big. Using underutlized assets and facilities on Sunday could generate badly needed revenues. This could assist in developing alternatives another increase in the cost of a first class stamp after the Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe's raising the price of a first class stamp from 46 to 49 cents effective January 26th. Give him full credit for reducing the post offices annual deficit from $16 billion last year to $6 billion this year. Why not consider going after other available untapped potential revenue streams? Consider these untapped sources to reduce operating deficits and perhaps even turn a small profit. The US Postal Service could sell advertising space on the sides of mailboxes, inside and outside the post offices along with the small jeeps, regular trucks and heavy-duty long-haul trucks. Sell off some of the valuable real estate and move to less expensive locations. Why not join banks and fastfood restaurants that sublet space at Wal-Mart and other big box stores to open smaller post offices? Generate both revenue and customers by subletting excess capacity at underutilized post offices to other city, state or federal agencies along with private sector businesses. License corporations to sponsor stamps for a fee. Have members of Congress, State Senate, State Assembly, NYC Council and other January 16, 2014
elected officials pay the real, full costs for their annoying frequent bulk rate mailings to constituents. They are nothing more than free reelection campaign brochures subsidized by taxpayers. Charge the full price for all junk mail. Future increases in the price of stamps should be directly tied to inflation. The Post Office should apply free-enterprise solutions including working with Amazon to provide a more cost-effective product, reduce deficits and prevent more branches from closing? , Larry Penner Great Neck
A Cover Up Is Coming
Hailing from Benevento, Italy,on his maternal side, perhaps de Blasio is just typical of his ancestral past from, the real Latin name of his city, Maleventum, "bad news." Further, had I not known de Blasio is an NYU and Columbia Alumnus, I would have thought he was a bona fide Yale man from reading of the diet of Keynesian collectivism its students were fed by their Liberal professorial charlatans as documented by William Buckley, Jr. in his God and Man at Yale: The Superstitions of "Academic Freedom." Read through his lines very carefully, as even his pre-K agenda is a scam since, for de Blasio, "the redistribution of income is a sacred goal" (ibid,, 55),
without any need for economic or ethical sets of reasons, other than a philosophical militancy against individualism. Sic semper tyrannis (Latin: As always with tyrants). Joseph N. Manago Briarwood
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Dear Editor: Folks, it looks like the Jersey Fox outdid himself ! His top aides releasssed a flow of toxic water under his "CC" bridge. overnor Chris Christie is following (Tricky Dicky) Nixon's footsteps. Both leaders had their re-election in the bag. Yet they displayed viscious political retaliatory behavior to auure them of a second term. Christie Suporters are sayin (This isolated incident will blow away). I think not. The New Jersey State Assembly will launch an investigation. Governor, your " cover-up" will likely result in your White House bid to become a bridge too far! Anthony Pilla Forest Hills
Mamaluke Mayor Dear Editor: The simplest explanation of de Blasio's publicity stunt of fork-and-knife pizza is that he's a mamaluke, an ItalianAmerican slang for someone who did something foolish or silly. Etiquette is irrelevant.
PUBLISHER Patricia L. Adams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Anna Gustafson PRODUCTION Marisa Pilato EDITOR REPORTERS Alan Krawitz Samantha Geary CONTRIBUTING Hannah Sheehan REPORTERS Kerry Goleski Kate Bubacz Michael Florio Ben Kleine DIRECTOR OF Donna DeCarolis MARKETING PHOTOGRAPHERS Robert Stridiron Richard York _____________________________________________ THE FORUM NEWSGROUP 155-19 Lahn Street, Howard Beach, NY 11414 phone • 718-845-3221 | fax • 718-738-7645 e-mail • forumsouth@gmail.com site • theforumnewsgroup.com THE FORUM NEWSGROUP publishes every Thursday. Ad space reservations by Monday, 12 noon, preceding date of publication. Editorial submission must be made by Monday, 3 P.M., preceding date of publication. All letters to THE FORUM NEWSGROUP should be brief and are subject to editing. Writers should include a full address and home / office telephone number. Anonymous letters are not printed. Name withheld on request. No such ad or any part thereof may be reproduced without permission of THE FORUM NEWSGROUP. The publisher will not be responsible for any error in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Errors must be reported to THE FORUM NEWSGROUP within five days of publication. Ad position cannot be guaranteed unless paid prior to publication. Genesis Print Media & Consultation assumes no liability for the content or reply to any ads. The advertiser assumes all liability for the content of and all replies. The advertiser agrees to hold THE FORUM NEWSGROUP and its employees harmless from all costs, expenses, liabilities, and damages resulting from or caused by the publication placed by the advertiser or any reply to any such advertisement.
oops... Last week we inadvertently sent the newspaper to press without replacing "dummy copy" inserted as a place holder for actual stories. The result was a very embarrassing printing of The Forum for which we apologize profusely. The corrected versions of all the stories involved are available online at THEFORUMNEWSGROUP. COM and in our e-Forum online as well. This week we have reprinted all the stories in their entirety. We would also like to take this opportunity to say how overwhelmed we were by the amount of calls that we received asking for the English version of the stories-Thank you for calling and letting us know you're faithfully reading the paper and that you look forward to it each week. We would also like to clear up what has been an issue of debate for many callers. The language that the dummy copy is written in is not Spanish or Russian––it is Latin. Stories re-run due to the error can be found on page 11 and page 25.
LEGALLY SPEAKING
In my most recent article, I discussedoccupational claims repetitive stress injuries. These types of claims can include carpal tunnel syndrome claims for those who use their hands in repetitive motions or lung claims for tunnel and construction workers. Today I will specifically address claims for hearing loss. In the United States alone, 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise on the job, with construction workers being 3.5 times more likely to be exposed than workers in other industries. If you work in a noisy environment and have been exposed to noise during a period of time, you currently may be suffering from, or may later develop, a loss of hearing. As we get older, it is normal for most of us to lose some of our hearing due to the aging process. The New York State Workers’ Compensation system uses a formula to determine loss of hearing caused solely by noise exposure on the job and subtracts hearing loss due to age. Under New York Workers’ Compensation law, cash awards are made for permanent loss of hearing. The value of the award is based upon the severity of the hearing loss. For example, a 10 percent
loss of hearing at the 2013 maximum rate of $802.21 is worth more than $12,000. The insurance carrier also would be responsible for payment of hearing aids. This award is tax free. There are many signs of hearing loss, which may be so gradual that you don’t even notice. Your spouse might complain to you that the TV is on too loud or you may constantly be asking people to repeat what they said. Some notice a ringing of their ears, called tinnitus, which may be a symptom of overexposure to loud noise. There is only one way to definitely determine a compensable loss of hearing and that is to be examined by a certified audiometric technician, audiologist, otolaryngologist or physician. Not every hearing loss claim should be filed immediately, however. If you are working and still exposed to loud noises, your claim is not considered “ripe” because there is continuing exposure. You can make a claim for hearing loss only when you stop working around noise, retire or otherwise are removed from the noise environment for at least three months. However you may even make a claim if you are working if you can prove that you have been wearing hearing protection for at least 90 days. In most construction trades and other work environments with constant noise, it is difficult -- if not impossible -- to wear proper ear protection all the time when you are on the job. Therefore, it might be more realistic to wait until you retire or move to a new job where there is no further noise exposure before filing a claim. If you are not working more than three months due to
some other illness or injury, whether work related or not, you also would be eligible to file for a hearing loss at that time. This 90day period is considered a “waiting period”. There are time limitations in which to file a hearing loss claim, though. You have an additional two years from the last date of the 90-day waiting period in which to file a claim for Workers’ Compensation benefits. However, you may file a claim at any time, even years after you last worked, if you have a recent exam that reveals a loss of hearing you did not previously know about. This is a very small window – it is 90 days from when you knew or should have known your hearing loss was as a result of your work. It is extremely important to know your rights, your time restrictions and the benefits you may be entitled to before the time comes in which to file a claim.
Catherine M. Stanton is a senior partner in the law firm of Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP. She focuses on the area of Workers’ Compensation, having helped thousands of injured workers navigate a highly complex system and obtain all the benefits to which they were entitled. Ms. Stanton has been honored as a New York Super Lawyer, is the past president of the New York Workers’ Compensation Bar Association, the immediate past president of the Workers’ Injury Law and Advocacy Group, and is an officer in several organizations dedicated to injured workers and their families. She can be reached at 800.692.3717.
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014 | 9
House votes to delay increases in some flood insurance premiums By Anna Gustafson After months of Queens residents pleading with federal officials to send some financial relief their way after it looked as if their insurance premium rates were going to skyrocket, potentially driving them from their homes, the U.S. House of Representative voted 359-67 Wednesday for a $1.1 trillion spending bill that will delay some of the premium hikes - but only through this coming September. The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on similar legislation this week. Other legislation that would prevent the increases, which are a result from the 2012 Biggert-Waters Act,for four years to allow for an affordability study to be conducted has yet to be voted on. Under the House bill passed Wednesday, only homes that were purchased before the Biggert-Waters Act took effect in July 2012 will be eligible for the lower insurance premium rates. The Biggert-Waters Act phases out some subsidized insurance rates and allows for premium rate increases of about 20 to
25 percent each year until properties reach actuarial status. In some situation, that could mean a jump from residents paying several hundred dollars for premiums to as much as $12,000. While supporters of the act have said the bill was meant to make a debt-ridden National Flood Insurance Program more fiscally stable, as it has been hemorrhaging money, homeowners in Queens and other coastal communities across the city and nation have said the rates would force individuals from their homes because they would not be able to afford the increases - particularly after so many shelled out significant amounts of money to rebuild following Hurricane Sandy. “Residents are still recovering from the destructive force of Superstorm Sandy, and they should not be forced to pay unaffordable premiums as they attempt to rebuild - especially because FEMA has not come close to completing the required affordability study,” U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said at file photo The House of Representatives and the Senate are expected to vote this week on a press conference on this topic last week. “We cannot in good conscience raise flood insurance rates before we determine legislation that could bring some financial relief for homeowners in the form how homeowners can afford to pay them. of delayed flood insurance premium increases.
After Pedestrian Deaths Plague Queens, Mayor Launches Traffic Plan By Anna Gustafson With pedestrian fatalities on the rise in Queens - and much of the city, including the death of an 8-year-old boy who was struck and killed by a truck while walking to school in Woodside, elected officials said Wednesday that they have one goal in mind: Reduce citywide traffic deaths to zero within 10 years. Mayor de Blasio, NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton, Borough President Melinda Katz, and other elected officials joined the families of individuals who died while merely trying to live their lives walking to school, to the store, to their home - at PS 152 in Woodside to announce the mayor’s “Vision Zero” plan to prevent traffic fatalities. De Blasio charged the NYPD, city Department of Transportation, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and Taxi & Limousine Commission with developing a comprehensive roadmap to eliminate deadly crashes, especially
photo courtesy Queens Borough President's Office
Mayor de Blasio, at podium, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, second from right, and Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, right, joined other officials at PS 152 in Woodside on Wednesday to announce the city's "Vision Zero" initiative, which aims to reduce the number of traffic fatalities to zero with the next decade.
those involving pedestrians. So far this year, there have been 11 New Yorkers killed in traffic, with seven of them being pedestrians. According to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, being struck by a car is the lead-
ing cause of injury-related death for children younger than 14, and the second leading cause of injuryrelated death for seniors. “This will be a top-to-bottom effort to take on dangerous streets and dangerous driving,” de Blasio said
outside PS 152. “We weren’t going to wait and lose a son, a daughter, a parent, or a grandparent in another senseless and painful tragedy.” The initiative will include tougher NYPD enforcement efforts, the implementation of im-
provements in at least 50 corridors and intersections per year citywide, and an expansion in the number of 20 miles-per-hour zones. “My mother was killed by a drunk driver, so I take traffic safety issues very personally,” Katz said. “That’s why I am so impressed with the mayor’s ‘Vision Zero’ plan and am optimistic that its goal of reducing the number of traffic deaths to zero will become a welcome reality.” Wednesday’s press conference was held near the corner of Northern Boulevard and 61st Street, the intersection where 8-year-old Noshan Nahian was struck and killed while walking to school with his 11-year-old sister. Bratton too threw his support behind the plan. “We will be just as aggressive in preventing a deadly crash on our streets as we are in preventing a deadly shooting,” he said. “Our police are going to enforce the laws on our streets consistently and effectively.”
Cops Dismiss Posts Threatening Forest Hills HS By Phil Corso A string of threatening posts left anonymously on a Forest Hills High School confessional Facebook page sparked a police investigation through Wednesday morning, authorities said. Police discovered two suspicious posts on the student-run Facebook page “Forest Hills HS Confessions” warning others not to come to school on Wednesday. One statement posted on page said, "Seriously don't come to school, unless you want to be in the news.” The initial police response came soon after midnight Wednesday morning and produced "negative results," the NYPD said. “Someone had posted a message alluding to the fact that something would happen in the school,” a spokesman for the NYPD said. “The investigation came back with negative results.” The NYPD said it also investigated a potential bomb threat
10 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014
at the school just in case, though none of the posts specifically mentioned such a threat. The school did not return calls seeking comment. All three posts came from the Facebook page late Tuesday night and were met mostly with sarcastic responses from other students at the high school. “I’m coming! Time to be famous,” one student wrote. Another student speculated, “Oh boy, I’m guessing senior prank?” One student even saw the anonymous threats as a humorous attempt to recreate the last time Forest Hills High School made the news when its students caused an uproar participating in the Harlem Shake flash dance trend in early 2013. “Oh no...another idiot wants to preform for the whole first floor some new 30 second dance,” Rafael Musayev posted on the thresat. “Just saying, good luck!”
photo courtesy Michael Perlman
Police investigated threatening posts left on a Forest Hills High School Facebook page early Wednesday morning. Officials also investigated a potential bomb threat at the school. Neither the Facebook threats nor the bomb threat held any credibility, according to authorities.
Man With Ties To 50 Cent Gunned Down In Springfield Gardens
Council Elects Melissa Mark-Viverito As Next Speaker
courtesy facebook
Mazaradi Fox, a Jamaica native who was reportedly close to the rapper 50 cent, died after being gunned down at Farmers Boulevard and 134th Avenue last Friday, according to police and other published reports.
By Anna Gustafson A Jamaica rapper with ties to 50 Cent was killed after being gunned down in Springfield Gardens last Friday afternoon, according to authorities. Jamal Green, 42, whose stage name is Mazaradi Fox, was shot and killed, and another man was seriously wounded, in the incident, according to police. The NYPD said four people were in an SUV parked at 133rd Avenue and Farmers Boulevard when an unknown male assailant began shooting at them. Green, who had recently gotten out of prison after serving a two-year sentence for attempted assault, was shot in the torso; a 21-year-old man sustained a gunshot
wound to his neck and shoulder; a 22-year-old male was reportedly wounded in the leg; and a 32-year-old female was wounded in her neck, according to police. All were taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Centerl, and the 21-year-old was listed in critical condition. Green, who was convicted of attempted murder in 1998, was reportedly a childhood friend of 50 Cent - a rapper who grew up in South Jamaica. “Saddened by the news of Mazaradi’s tragic passing,” 50 Cent tweeted. “My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.” Green also, according to other published reports, helped to raise D’A ja Robinson, the 14-year-old girl who was shot and killed on a public bus in Jamaica last May.
Off-Duty Cop Arrested For Stealing At Rego Park Mall
file photo
A 10-year NYPD veteran was nabbed for allegedly stealing clothing at the Century 21 in Rego Park, according to officials.
By Anna Gustafson A 10-year veteran of the NYPD was nabbed for allegedly trying to make off with stolen clothes from a shop in the Rego Center Mall on Dec. 30, officials said. Jessica Mayorga, 30, who was off duty at the time of her arrest, allegedly was attempting to steal $244 worth of clothing from the Century 21 store in the mall that is bordered by the Long
Island Expressway, Junction Boulevard, Queens Boulevard, 63rd Drive, and 99th Street, police said. The woman who has been in the NYPD for about a decade was working in the 48th Precinct in the Bronx. She was charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property and will appear in Queens Criminal Court this month, according to authorities.
photo by Anna Gustafson
Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito was elected last week as the City Council's newest speaker.
By Bianca Fortis In a unanimous vote by the City Council, Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito (DManhattan) was elected last week to be the body’s new speaker, replacing former Councilwoman and failed mayoral candidate Christine Quinn. The legislator, who is Puerto Rican, is the first Latino member of the Council to hold the position. She joined the Council in 2006. After the vote was completed, Mark-Viverito told lawmakers that she looks forward to working hand in hand with them in their districts, communities and neighborhoods. “You all have a friend and an ally in the Speaker’s office and my door will always be open,” she said. “We will work together because that is what New Yorkers expect and that is what New Yorkers deserve.” Mark-Viverito represents the city’s 8th District, which covers neighborhoods in northern Manhattan and part of the Bronx The Jan. 8 victory followed a seemingly public campaign - though only the Council votes on the position, not the general public - during which Councilman Dan Garodnick (D-Manhattan), Councilman Mark Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens), and Councilman Jumaane Williams (D-Brooklyn), among others, too had vied for the coveted spot. Weprin, who represents neighborhoods in northern Queens and whose father held the speaker position, said in December that he would vote for Mark-Viverito. As he did, he gave a brief but impassioned speech about the need for reform in the Council, an issue he campaigned on during his run for speaker. “We need to work as a body,” Weprin told the Council. “I’ve said that all along. We need to be a united unit working together. We can get things done. One of the things I talked about is we shouldn’t be afraid of dissent. We shouldn’t be afraid of debate, of discussion.
There’s really nothing wrong with that, that’s democracy.” Weprin also noted that the Council must work for oversight of the mayor’s agencies and to be an independent body. Lastly, he congratulated Mark-Viverito and said he looks forward to working with her. Garodnick formally conceded during the Council vote. “In the spirit of strengthening the Council, which animated my candidacy from the start, I want to formally concede to the next speaker of the City Council, my colleague, Melissa Mark-Viverito,” Garodnick said in a televised statement that landed him a standing ovation from fellow lawmakers. Mark-Viverito’s campaign for speaker was not without controversy, and a number of veterans in Queens had lobbied against her after she reportedly was reluctant to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. While originally Ulrich had criticized Mark-Viverito over the pledge issue, he said he ultimately decided to throw his support behind her because she vowed to honor the pledge - as well as the fact that the legislator said he can count on the new speaker to work with him on important issues in his district covering parts of South Queens and the Rockaways. “Many of my constituents are unemployed, still recovering from Hurricane Sandy or finding it harder than ever to simply make ends meet,” Ulrich said. “I will make sure that these issues and the plight of the middle class are a top priority for the new Speaker and Council. Like every decision I make, I do so based upon what I think is right for the people I represent, and this is no exception.” Born in Puerto Rico, Mark-Viverito moved to New York to attend college and earned her Bachelor’s from Columbia University and a Master’s degree from Baruch College. Formerly a member of Manhattan’s Community Board 11, the new speaker worked as a union organizer prior to her election to the Council.
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014 | 11
CELEBRATING COMMUNITIES OF FAITH, KNOWLEDGE AND SERVICE
Scholarships Available
Seeing is Believing… St. Thomas the Apostle School has so much to offer... Come and see for yourself! • • • • • • • • • • •
Art and Music Classes Computer/Technology Classes K-8; 2 computer labs AIS/Remediation/Resource Room for IEP Accommodations Full Time Nurse (NYC Department of Health) Guidance Counselor Homework-On-Line (visit us at www.stawoodhaven.com) School Band Spanish Title I NYC Board of Education Services for Math and ELA Computers in every classroom with Internet access Parish Junior Choir and CYO teams
Early Drop Off and After School Programs offered at affordable rates. Free 2 ½ hour Universal Pre-K program available *****SMALL CLASS SIZES WITH INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION*****
Please join us for our Catholic Schools Week festivities! Open House: Sunday, January 26, 2014 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Classroom Visits & Tours: Tuesday, January 28, 2014 9:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Thursday, January 30, 2014 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Please call the office for personal tours!
Doubting Thomases may call for an appointment for a personal tour at:
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2
12 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014
St. Thomas the Apostle School 87-49 87 Street Woodhaven, NY 11421 (718) 847-3904 www.stawoodhaven.com Accredited by the Middle States Association Se Habla Español
In Queens, A Focus On Early Childhood Education
Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup
Students who attend the Our Saviour Early Childhood programs in Rego Park participate in a wide variety of activities, from art to music.
By Anna Gustafson With research showing that students who attend school prior to kindergarten have significant advantages over those who do not, educators and policymakers across the country are calling for increased access to early childhood education, including in New York City. Both Mayor de Blasio and Gov. Cuomo have said they want to implement universal pre-kindergarten, though the two differ as far as how to fund the program, and the new emphasis on early childhood education has galvanized advocates throughout the five boroughs - and
beyond. In Queens, the impact of early childhood education can be felt in neighborhoods across the borough, and school administrators and teachers are stressing the importance of the programs that researchers say pave the way to higher rates for high school graduation and home ownership. “In our nursery program, we are providing social, physical and emotional development in addition to school readiness,” said Warren Castellani, director of the Our Saviour Early Childhood in Rego Park. “Early childhood programs help the child develop in a timely fashion, and
Students who participate in early childhood programs, such as the one pictured at Our Saviour Early Childhood in Rego Park, have a big advantage over those who do not, according to educators, researchers and policymakers.
it’s also important for their developmental milestones. You’ll have a 3-year-old who can tell stories, create circles and triangle, and throw balls. They’re starting to know who they are.” And, Castellani said, there is a dramatic difference in a child - academically and behaviorally - who has attended an early childhood program and one who has not. “They understand how the school environment functions, they’re used to homework, and they have many more social skills,” said Castellani, whose school offers nursery, universal pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs. Our Saviour Early Childhood has both a private
Christian program and the public universal prekindergarten program. As part of the Rego Park site’s programs, students are taught how to play the violin in kindergarten - something that Castellani stressed helps to build their mathematical skills and selfconfidence. Both the private and public programs have extended days, with the private program going on for about an hour longer than typical public schools and the pre-k program also running longer than other public schools. “We use that for things public school can’t use it for - music, gym, art,” Castellani said.
Nursery Classroom
64-33 Woodhaven Blvd. | Rego Park, NY 11374 web | www.osnyec.org tel | 718.897.4343
OUR SAVIOUR | EARLY CHILDHOOD is a wonderful school with high qualified teachers that focuses on school readiness, mutual respect, empathy for each other and learning through play. Please call or stop by for a visit and find out more about our school. We are sure you will love what you see.
Nursery
New Furniture, Supplies & Equipment
UPK Classroom
UPK
Our classroom is filled with love and a joy We offer part-time (am or pm), program for for learning along with a safe environment. free to any student who was born in 2010. All children must be three years old by You can also extend your day to full-time if December 31, 2014 to join our program. you desire, which most of our parents do, as an We offer part-time (am or pm), a three day week option for further learning. and full-time (7:30am to 3pm).
Kindergarten
New Instructional Materials
Kindergarten Classroom
We focus on the common core but have seen growth and success due to a great staff and a smaller class size (1:12) where the teacher has time to devote to every student. We also use iPads to reinforce our curriculum and learn the violin to increase self esteem and teamwork. Beautiful Environments
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014 | 13
EXCELLENCE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION Accredited Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Ave Maria Catholic Academy (Formerly Our Lady of Grace School) 158-20 101 Street Howard Beach, NY 11414 718-848-7440 www.amcahb.org
Open House Sunday January 26, 2014 Please join us for Mass at 12 Noon in Our Lady of Grace Church (100-05 159th Ave. – Howard Beach)
Open House to follow 1:15 – 3:00 PM Serving the Howard Beach community and surrounding areas since 1925 EARLY MORNING DROP - OFF AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
FULL & MORNING PROGRAMS AVAILABLE FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD 3 and 4 yr. Olds th
CATHOLIC ACADEMY MISSION STATEMENT Inspired by the faithfulness of the Blessed Mother, Ave Maria Catholic Academy exists to provide an everlasting spiritual foundation and superior academic background for all of our students, who in time, will strengthen, enlighten and better our community, our Church, and our world.
Features of our Early Childhood – 8 Grade Program: Strong Catholic Identity with Faith Formation Weekly Class Masses & Religious Instruction th
Integrated Algebra I Regents course for 8 Graders Curriculum aligned with Common Core Learning Standards Math Consultant Working to Enhance Math Program Comprehensive Italian Language Study for Grades 1 – 8 Art, Music and Physical Education classes Solely dedicated Science Lab and Media Center Technology incorporated into all areas of study Preparation for TACHS exam and NY State testing Annual TerraNova assessment of student progress Upper / Lower School “Buddy Program” Hot Lunch Program Beyond the Bell After School Enrichment Programs Homework assistance/tutoring by teachers and after school staff Affiliated with CYO Sports Tuition assistance available APPLICATIONS FOR NEW ADMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON AN ON-GOING BASIS ***TUITION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE*
14 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014
At Inauguration Ceremony, Katz Vows Help For Sandy Victims, Focus On Education By Anna Gustafson While Borough President Melinda Katz’s inauguration ceremony included the expected parade of high-profile politicians, including U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, Bronx), Mayor de Blasio, and U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), there were moments when the festivities gave way to something less flashy and more policydriven: An agenda that, according to Queens’ new leader, will emphasize help for Sandy victims, a focus on education, and improving health care. At the inauguration ceremony held last Thursday at Queens College, Katz, a Forest Hills native who replaces former Borough President Helen Marshall, announced that her administration will form a Storm Relief Task Force in Borough Hall so those impacted by Hurricane Sandy can connect with government officials to “figure out how to make things happen and get people the money they’re owed.” Many residents in South Queens and the Rockaways are, nearly 15 months after last year’s hurricane, still struggling to access funding that had been promised to them in the wake of the storm. Numerous individuals have not been able to move back into their homes and others are facing the possibility that their flood insurance premium rates could skyrocket so high because of federal legislation that they would be forced to move. Additionally, Katz, during her inaugural speech to the hundreds of people filling Queens College’s LeFrak Concert Hall in Flushing, said she would reinstate an education “war room”
Mayor de Blasio, right, administers the oath of office to Melinda Katz during Katz's inauguration as Queens' 19th borough president. Holding the Old Testament used for the swearing-in was U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley, chairman of the Queens County Democratic Organization. The copy of the Old Testament they used had been given to Katz's late father, David Katz, founder of the Queens Symphony Orchestra, by former Queens County District Attorney Frank O'Connor.
to monitor school construction projects, track classroom overcrowding, and ensure that arts, culture and science are included in the curricula of all Queens schools. “We will figure out how to build schools... how to make sure the traditions of every single child are respected,” Katz said. Katz - as well as de Blasio, who swore the new borough president into office - face an educational system rocked by deep-seated resentment for City Hall amongst many parents and teachers who have said that the Bloomberg administration wiped art, music and foreign
Melinda Katz with her father, David Katz. She dedicated the evening's festivities to both her parents, David and Jeanne Katz. David Katz was the founder of the Queens Symphony Orchestra and Jeanne Katz founded the Queens Council on the Arts.
language programs from schools. Additionally, there is widespread criticism, from parents to such elected officials as Councilman Mark Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens) and his brother, Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Little Neck), that the mayoral administration and the city Department of Education - which is, after the passage of the mayoral control legislation, essentially an extension of the mayor’s policies - have overemphasized standardized testing and driven teachers from the profession thanks to a preoccupation with data. Additionally, the new borough president
Melinda Katz is raising her two children, Carter and Hunter, with her partner, Curtis Sliwa.
The Francis Lewis High School Junior ROTC Honor Guard performed during the ceremony.
said she hopes to improve healthcare in Queens by expanding access to preventative care, investing in primary and urgent health services, and fighting to reopen the hospitals that have closed in Queens. Since 2008, Parkway Hospital in Forest Hills, St. John’s Hospital in Elmhurst, Mary Immaculate Medical Center in Jamaica, and Peninsula Hospital in the Rockaways have shuttered. “We’re losing a hospital every time we wake up,” Katz said. Alongside these initiatives, Katz spelled out far-reaching plans for the borough that essentially amounted to molding Queens into a thriving hub for arts, culture, education, and business. She said she envisioned a borough where all residents had the opportunity to make a living and doe everything they need to live and raise families “without having to cross over a bridge or go through a tunnel.” All of the evening’s speakers heaped praise on Katz - and the long lineup of names like de Blasio, Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-Manhattan), City Comptroller Scott Stringer, and Public Advocate Letitia James show a kind of support that Queens did not have during the tenure of Marshall - who was working with a mayor who was accused of attempting to wipe all the power from the borough presidents’ offices, through such measures as slashing funding for their offices. “I want to support you in all you do,” de Blasio told Katz. “...My door will always be open to Melinda because you don’t say no to Melinda Katz.”
Leroy Comrie, a former councilman and now deputy borough president, looks on as newly inaugurated Borough President Melinda Katz speaks. Comrie, who left his Council position after being term-limited, was a candidate for borough president before he dropped out in July.
Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, left, and Borough President Melinda Katz at the inauguration ceremony.
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014 | 15
FREE HOME DELIVERY SALE STARTS 1/16/14
LaValle Ground Peeled Tomatoes 28 oz. can ................. $1.99 Canada Dry All Varieties 2 liter........................................ $1.69 (Tax & Deposit)
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Not Responsible for Typographical Errors
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16 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014
Together With Rockaway Beach Crossfit, Presents -
CrossFit 4 A Cause A Friendly Fitness Competition DATE: January 19, 2013 Time: 10AM There will be
$ Cash Prizes $ for Men’s & Women’s Rx & Men’s & Women’s Scaled LOCATION: Ave Maria Catholic Academy
158-20 101st St, Howard Beach, NY 11414
REGISTRATION Before 1/12 - $40
Proceeds will go to
The Juvenile Diabeties Research Foundation as well as Relay 4 Life –Cancer Research
Late Registration (After 1/13) - $50 Spectators Fee $10
Contact: John McGuire Howard Beach CrossFit to register HBCFit@gmail.com THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014 | 17
The Board of Trustees of
Christ the King High School
along with the Administration & Faculty is proud to announce over
$544,000 in scholarships
have been awarded to the Class of 2018
Congratulations!
Lucia Araya • Robert H. Goddard Middle School Arielle Avril • SS. Joachim & Anne School Philippe Bernardin • Irwin Altman Middle School Anthony Bruhert • Scholars’ Academy Christian Cabello • Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cath Acad Ryan Cantoral • Our Lady’s Catholic Academy Christian Cardus • St. Nicholas of Tolentine School Angelo Carpinone • PS 146, The Howard Beach School Netanya Catimbang • St. Bartholomew School Gabriela Cid • Our World Neighborhood Charter School Victoria Cid • Our World Neighborhood Charter School D’Avian Clayton • PS 208 Christina Cruz • Holy Child Jesus School T’Challah Evans II • Eugenio Maria De Hostos School Kipp Garrett • Sacred Heart Catholic Academy Joseph Hoch • Ave Maria Catholic Academy Christopher Iovino • PS 87, Middle Village School Imanuel Jones • Excellence Boys Charter School Rasheed Kelly • Sacred Heart Catholic Academy Maximilian Korda • IS 119, The Glendale School Emily Lara • St. Brigid Catholic Academy
Julianna Lignowski • Our Lady of Hope School Philip Lowery • St. Helen School Valentina Manciameli • Our Lady of Hope School Nicole Mangaroo • St. Luke School - Manhattan William Meaney • Lorraine Tuzzo, Juniper Valley School Jade Moore • Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Academy Michael Morena • Lorraine Tuzzo, Juniper Valley School Marvin Mujko • Notre Dame Catholic Academy Kevin Nunez • Robert H. Goddard Middle School Tatiana Ortega • St. Elizabeth Catholic Academy Lukasz Paul • St. Matthias School Matthew Pezzulich • Our Lady of Hope School Christina Shenouda • St. Matthias School Desponia Sparakis • William Spyropoulos School Damon Stuart-Wilson • Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Academy Michael Tammaro • St. Helen School Abie Tanusantoso • Holy Child Jesus School Nicholas Tumolo • St. Pancras School Melanie Vera • St. Brigid Catholic Academy Kristin Villafuerte • Sacred Heart School - Glendale Nicole Wengert • Anthony J. Pranzo School
Thomas V. Ognibene, Chairman, CK Scholarship Committee
If you missed the TACHS exam, take the CK Admission Test Exam Date: Monday, February 10th • 6PM
To register for exam call ext. 240 Cost
$50
Limited Space Available for Upper Classman Transfers
CK REGISTRATION Jan. 15th thru Feb.12th
Serphin R. Maltese, Chairman Michael W. Michel, President • Peter J. Mannarino, Principal
CK CAMPUS
718• 366•7400
68-02 Metropolitan Avenue • Middle Village, NY 11379 18 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014
At Ozone Park School, Remembering Roman Pirozek With Memorial Scholarship By Anna Gustafson
Anyone who knew Roman Pirozek, Jr. understood that to say he loved flying was an understatement. The Woodhaven teen rarely went a day without operating a remote-control helicopter - and he frequently spoke about ultimately immersing himself in a career flying a plane. His world, it seemed, belonged in the air. After Pirozek died at the age of 19 in September, when he was struck by a remote-control helicopter in Calvert Vaux Park in Gravesend, Brooklyn, those who knew him immediately wanted to honor him and his passion for flying. The question was, how do you do that? Now, teachers at the High School for Construction Trades, Engineering and Architecture in Ozone Park - where Pirozek was a student - have created a memorial scholarship in his name, and they plan on using all of that which he loved - flying, construction, and reading, for example - to create the foundation for scholarship’s criteria. In November, teachers began raising money for the Roman Pirozek Memorial Scholarship, and they hope to raise about $5,000 to present to a graduating senior this spring. “He was a great person - a great young man who was enjoying life and doing what he loved to do,” said Brad Shenkman, who taught Pirozek in a class on U.S. history. “We’re trying to memorialize someone who was great for our school community.”
“It was a bonding experience,” he said. “It was a really great time.” After Pirozek’s death, there was an outpouring of grief, with family and friends describing the teen as someone who was dedicated to those he loved, as well as to his helicopter hobby. “Although we lost Roman doing what he loved to do best, Heaven has gained an angel who will be missed here on Earth,” Debbie Weber Gamble, who knew Pirozek for much of his life, said in September. A graduate of St. Thomas the Apostle in Woodhaven, the helicopter enthusiast was well known throughout the neighborhood as someone who was a “bright, fun, respectful, responsible young person,” Gamble said. “I can emphatically say that Roman was a good person,” she continued. “He would always make sure that if I saw him in the neighborhood, he would stop and say hello and ask how my son and I were doing. He didn’t have to, as a 19-year-old, but I have known him since he was in third grade and that’s the way he was raised by his parents - and he held onto those good file photo qualities.” The High School for Construction Trades, Engineering and Architecture is Shenkman and others in the high school community plan now raising money for the Roman Pirozek Memorial Scholarship, which was recently created to honor a teenager from Woodhaven who was killed in on holding a fundraiser on March 28 at Roma View at 160-05 September when a remote-control helicopter flew into him. Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach. The event, which will run Shenkman knew Pirozek well, especially after he was one from 8 p.m. to midnight, will include raffles and other activiof three teachers who accompanied a group of high school stu- ties. Those interested in donating to the scholarship fund may dents, including Pirozek and Pirozek’s sister, Amy, to Paris in also go to gofundme.com/51b2bg. 2012.
Law And Order In IfHoward Beach you thought you saw Ice-T strolling down
Cross Bay Boulevard on Monday afternoon, you probably did. One of the stars of TV's wildly popular Law & Order:Special Victims Unit, Ice dropped into Crossbay Chemist to shoot a scene from the show's upcoming season. Cross Bay Chemist owner Frank Pantina said he agreed to do it because the show's director allowed customers wih "emergencies" to come into the store during shooting. As long as it didn't interfere with customer service Pantina said, "we're very excited to be the one pharmacy chosen. It's an exciting way to start the New Year. It is not currently known when the episode will air Could Ice -T be attempting to get a pharmacist onto the investigative team at L&W? ––Watch out, we bet Frank's but watch The Forum for details. The episode is #14 and is entitled "Wednesday's Child" . up to the task.
Fighting To Save The Rockaway Ferry Members of the Committee to Save the Rockaway Ferry are continuing their efforts to make the ferry that travels from the Rockaway peninsula to Manhattan a permanent service, and the group plans to hold a rally and press conference on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 5 p.m. at Pier 11 in Manhattan. The ferry, which costs $2 for the 35-minute trip from Rockaway to Manhattan and vice-versa, was re-established after Hurricane Sandy destroyed the A-subway line and left Rockaway residents with few options for mass transportation.
Former Mayor Bloomberg said that the service, which is much faster than the 90-minute trip on the A subway line from Rockaway to Manhattan, would run through the end of January - but elected officials, including Borough President Melinda Katz, said they will fight to make the ferry a permanent service. Maintaining a permanent ferry, residents have said, would give the Rockaways a needed economic boost, allowing people to much more easily access the peninsula and its beaches and shops.
In Jamaica Bay, Looking Through The Polar Vortex Photos by Dan Mundy
While last week's polar vortex definitely brought some unwelcome weather, it also inspired Dan Mundy, of the Jamaica Bay EcoWatchers, to snap photos of a beautiful, though incredibly cold-looking, Jamaica Bay.
Portions of the bay became frozen, and boats could be seen traversing the icy bay during the polar vortex that sent temperatures plummeting. Individuals - and creatures living at the bay, too - faced record-setting wind chills that are, thankfully, in the past.
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014 | 19
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101-70 Lefferts Boulevard Richmond Hill, NY 11419 718-739-8550
In Loving Memory of
Phil Mayer Oct. 22, 1960 - Jan. 13, 2014
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of the wonderful Phil Mayer. Phil has been a life-long member of the Howard Beach community. His work and dedication to his family, his faith and his community will continue to live on for many, many years to come. Phil was an active member of the Howard Beach Assembly of God Church where he reached into the hearts and lives of the youth in the neighborhood with his leadership and participation in many ministries, such as, Royal Rangers, Vacation Bible School, and Sunday School. He was one of the founders of the Friends of Philly, a fund dedicated to helping children affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy. He will be greatly missed by his wife Angela, and his children; Andrew, Joseph, Ashley, and Philly, and countless family members and friends. We are comforted by the truth that Phil is happy and free of life’s pains and that we will see him again one day in heaven. Viewing will be held on Thursday at the Howard Beach Assembly of God 158-31 99th St, Thursday, January 16 from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Services on Friday 10 a.m. at the church. The Forum wishes to extend our condolences to the Mayer family and to Phil's congregation at the Howard Beach Assembly of God.
The Mayers, Phil (center) and Angela , with their children Josph. Andrew, Ashley and Philly
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014 | 21
THE HAPPENINGS Through Jan. 19 Queens International
Friday, Jan. 17
Co-Dependents Anonymous Meeting for Women
Queens Museum Flushing Meadows Corona Park Queens International is a biennial that showcases the borough’s Resurrection Ascention Pastoral Center vibrancy and diversity via artists who live and work in Queens. 85-18 61st Rd., Rego Park 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. The exhibit celebrates the museum’s grand reopening and Women are welcome to this self-help meeting every Friday. expansion and is curated by Meiya Chang and Hitomi Iwasaki. For the first time in the biennial’s history, the exhibit welcomed The gathering is for women only and those participating will remain anonymous. artists from all genres to submit their proposals. For more information, call (718) 592-9700.
Through Jan. 26 Little Makers
Howard Beach Senior Center Bridge
155-55 Crossbay Blvd. The Howard Beach Senior Center offers a variety of bridge New York Hall of Science 47-01 111th St., Corona playing experiences. There is supervised bridge on Fridays Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and duplicate bridge is offered on Children are invited to create electrifying experiments, design Fridays from 12:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. snow globes, make bubble-blowing tools, and more. Activities The Howard Beach Senior Center is now located across from vary by the week. Admission is $8. Waldbaums on Cross Bay Boulevard and is open to anyone 60 or older. For more information, call (718) 738-8100.
Through March 30
Señor Satchmo
Yoga in Howard Beach
Louis Armstrong House Museum 34-56 107th St., Corona Records, magazines, and unpublished photographs tell the tale of Satchmo’s 65 concerts in five countries during his first South American tour.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Queens Baseball Convention
McFadden’s in Citi Field 24-2 126th St., Flushing 12 p.m. The first ever Queens Baseball Convention is described by organizers as a combination of Fan Fest, Comic Con and The Hofstra Conference that was about the Mets a few years ago. The spirit of the day is for fans to get together and celebrate baseball in Queens. Events will include discussions with local sports reporters and bloggers, Mets trivia, and a question and answer session with SNY broadcaster Ron Darling - a member of the 1986 World Series team. Darline and Ed Kranepool, who played on the 1969 World Series team, will sign autographs for fans. Tickets for the convention are $35 for adults and $10 for children under the age of 12. Special $45 tickets include a t-shirt designed by the 7 line. For more information, visit www.queensbaseballconvention.com.
Heavenly Angels Animal Rescue Benefit
Mike's Tavern 88-14 Liberty Ave., Ozone Park 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. A benefit for the Heavenly Angels Animal Rescue will feature raffle prizes, a buffet, and live music at 8 p.m. by the band Landslide. For more information, please email HArescue1@aol.com.
Bear Necessities
Alley Pond Environmental Center 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. What is necessary for polar bears to live in the ice and snow? Children are invited to study polar bears and find out. We will Howard Beach Senior Center learn bear facts through story time, experiments, a craft, and 155-55 Cross Bay Blvd. 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. more. This program includes a snack, live animals, and a nature All seniors, ages 60 and over, are welcome to attend yoga with walk - weather permitting. Limited to 12 participants. The program Charlie Roemer every Friday morning. 155-55 Crossbay Blvd. is for children ages 5 to 6 years old. The cost is $21 per child. For more information, call the center at (718) 738-8100. The Howard Beach Senior Center will offer art classes with a Pre-registration is required. To pre-register, call (718) 229certified teacher from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., as well as from 4000. For more information, visit www.alleypond.com. 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. All individuals age 60 and older are welcome to attend. The center is located on Crossbay Boulevard across from Alley Pond Environmental Center Waldbaums. For more information, call (718) 738-8100. 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 59-14 70th Ave., Ridgewood 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Seniors age 60 and older are welcome to attend a yoga class Join professor and astronomer Mark Freilich for an exciting evening of star gazing. See the moon up close, learn about and with Rosemarie Augoustatos every Friday. view the Orion Nebular, the Pleiades Star Cluster, and Deep For more information, Space Phenomenon. This program includes an indoor interactive please call Karen at the center at (718) 456-2000. 59-14 70th Ave., Ridgewood 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. question and answer session on basic astronomy, followed by an Seniors age 60 and older are welcome to attend the one-hour outdoor viewing using a professional telescope. Richard Simmons exercise activity each Thursday beginning at Adults and children ages 9 and up - who are accompanied by 10:30 a.m. For more information, please an adult- are welcome. Participants are invited to bring their own call Karen at the center at (718) 456-2000. telescopes and binoculars. Please dress warmly. The cost is $16 per person, and pre-registration is required. Queens Library at Ridgewood 20-12 Madison St. Please pre-register by calilng (718) 229-4000. Are you having a tough time finding a job? Do you need help
Thursday, Jan. 16
Howard Beach Senior Center Art Class
Yoga at Ridgewood Older Adult Center
January Star Safari
Exercise at Ridgewood Older Adult Center
Job Search Help and Computer Training
Writing Club
Queens Library at Seaside 92-25 Rockaway Beach Blvd. 12 p.m. The writing group at the Seaside Library meets every Thursday at noon. For more information, call (718) 990-8502.
formatting your resume, creating an email account, deciding which jobs to apply for, or filling out job applications online? Visit the library during drop-in hours for individual assistance. Drop-in Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Broad Channel 2 p.m. hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and from 11 a.m. to Learn about the art of origami and create paper versions of 3 p.m. on Fridays. Jamaica Bay animals. This event will be held again at 2 p.m. on Preregistration is required at jobmap.queenslibrary.org. Jan. 19 at the same time. Please call (718) 990-8625 for more information. For more information, visit www.nyharborparks.org.
Jamaica Bay Origami
Dance Fitness for Adults
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Discussion
Queens Library at Richmond Hill 118-14 Hillside Ave. 5:30 p.m. Kingsland Homestead 143-35 37th Ave., Flushing Instructor Narupa Deonarine teaches easy-to-follow dance steps 2 p.m. The New York Council for the Humanities’ “Conversations Queens Library at Ozone Park 92-24 Rockaway Blvd. All adults are welcome to attend the free computer courses: to increase cardiovascular fitness and tone your body. Space is with Kids” program will discuss Doreen Rappaport’s book, limited, and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. introduction to computers, Microsoft Word, the internet, and “Martin’s Big Words,” about one of the world’s most influential For more information, email. Space is limited, and preregistration is required. To civil rights leaders, Martin Luther King, Jr. please call (718) 849-7150. register or for more information, please call (718) 845-3127. For more information, visit www.queenshistoricalsociety.org.
Computers for Beginners
22 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014
We'll show you how to have a good time... Enjoy your community.
Sunday, Jan. 19
Queens World Film Festival
Jewelry Making in Ridgewood
Saturday, Jan. 25
Poetry Reading at Queens Tavern
Ridgewood Older Adult Center 59-14 70th Ave., Ridgewood 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 6869 Fresh Pond Rd., Ridgewood 8 p.m. Seniors age 60 and older are welcome to attend a jewelry making Queens Tavern will host poetry readings by Josef Kaplan, class every Monday. Jennifer Tamayo, and Charles Bernstein. Kaplan is the author For more information, of “Kill List” and “Democracy is Not for the People;” Tamayo is please call Karen at the center at (718) 456-2000. the author of the hybrid collection of art and poems, “Red Missed Aches Read Missed Aches Red Mistakes Read Mistakes” and “Poems are the Only Real Bodies.” More information on her can Ridgewood Older Adult Center be found at www.jennifertamayo.com. Bernstein is the author 59-14 70th Ave., Ridgewood 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. of “Recalculating,” “Attack of the Difficult Poems: Essays and Seniors age 60 and older are welcome to attend a computer Inventions,” and “All the Whiskey in Heaven: Selected Poems.” class every Monday. He teaches at the University of Pennsylvania. More information For more information, on him can be found at epc.buffalo.edu. please call Karen at the center at (718) 456-2000. Queens Museum Flushing Meadows-Corona Park 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. There is a $5 suggested donation for the event. The Queens World Film Festival joins the Queens Museum with short films from Taiwan, Italy, Wales, Iran, and Queens. Tickets are $4 to $8. For more information, Howard Beach Senior Center visit www.queensworldfilmfestival.com. 155-55 Cross Bay Blvd. 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. All seniors, ages 60 and over, are welcome to attend the tai chi classes, taught by Elaine Fleischman. For more information, call the center at (718) 738-8100. Queens Museum Flushing Meadows-Corona Park 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Using the Queens Museum’s panorama as an investigative space, Joseph Heathcott will take visitors on a journey through Howard Beach Senior Center Brooklyn-Queens borderlands. Along the way, participants will 155-55 Cross Bay Blvd. 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. consider the nature, form, and meaning of the border as it threads All seniors, ages 60 and over, are welcome to attend chair through the life of the boroughs. aerobics with Charlie Roemer. No registration is necessary. For further information, please For more information, call the center at (718) 738-8100. contact exhibitions@queensmuseum.org.
Computer Class for Seniors
Tai Chi in Howard Beach
Sunday, Jan. 26
Lunar New Year Family Celebration
Brooklyn-Queens Borderlands: Virtual Walking Tour of Panorama
Howard Beach Chair Aerobics
Laughing Devil Short Film Fest
Game Night at Richmond Hill Library
Queens Museum Flushing Meadows-Corona Park 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Laughing Devil Comedy Club Celebrate this popular Chinese holiday with costumed folk 118-14 Hillside Ave., Richmond Hill 5 p.m. 47-38 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City 8 p.m. dances, Lion Dance and traditional paper cutting and calligraphy. Children ages 6 to 12 and their families are invited to the A screening of five to 15 short films, interspersed with Q&As with their creators - will be held and followed by a cocktail party where Richmond Hill Library’s game night htat is held every Monday evening. There will be board games, puzzles and Legos. you can meet the filmmakers. Tickets are $10. For more information, call the library at (718) 849-7150. For more information, visit www.laughingdevil.com.
Tuesday, Jan. 28
Monday, Jan. 20
Oratorio Society of Queens Auditions
Temple Beth Sholom 172nd Street and Northern Boulevard, Flushing 6:50 p.m. Auditions for membership for the Oratorio Society of Queens will consist of singing scales, matching pitches, and singing a prepared piece. This prepared piece can be sung a cappella or with piano accompaniment. If piano accompaniment is required, you must bring the music for the pianist. Please not that if you are accepted as a member, you will go right into rehearsals that evening. All auditions will take place at the Oratorio Society’s rehearsal space. Latecomers will not be accommodated. You must register for your audition by sending an email to info@ queensoratorio.org with your name, phone number and email address. Someone will then contact you.
Job Search Help and Computer Training
Tuesday, Jan. 21
Afternoon Bingo in Rego Park
Rego Park Jewish Center 97-30 Queens Blvd., between 64th and 65th roads 1:30 p.m. Come play bingo at the Rego Park Jewish Center every Tuesday afternoon in January and February. There are cash prizes and friendly games. Everyone age 18 and over is welcome. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., the early bird game is held at 2 p.m., and regular games begin at 2:15 p.m. A $4 admission includes 12 games. There are also special games, including Jackpot, Early Bird Share the Wealth game, Diamond Share the Wealth game, and Tri-color game, for an additional charge. They are all paper games. There is a progressive jackpot bonus - win the jackpot in 55 or less numbers, and bonus ball games. A food concession is available, and there is no smoking. For more information, call the center at (718) 459-1000.
Broad Channel Civic Association Meeting
Queens Library at Ridgewood 20-12 Madison St. American Legion Hall 7 p.m. Are you having a tough time finding a job? Do you need help At the Broad Channel Civic’s monthly meeting, the city formatting your resume, creating an email account, deciding Department of Transportation and city Department of Design which jobs to apply for, or filling out job applications online? Visit and Construction will provide an update on the pending flood the library during drop-in hours for individual assistance. Dropmitigation project for West 11th, 12th and 13th roads. in hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and from 11 The meeting is open to the general public. a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays. Preregistration is required at jobmap. queenslibrary.org. Please call (718) 990-8625 for more information.
Howard Beach/Lindenwood Civic Meeting
St. Helen's Cafeteria 83-09 157th Ave., Howard Beach 7:30 p.m. The first meeting of the newly merged Lindenwood Alliance and Howard Beach Civic Association will meet every last Tuesday of the month. All members of the public are welcome to attend.
Friday, Jan. 31
Main Man Mario Live in Concert
Resorts World Casino New York City 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park 8 p.m. R&B superstar and Billboard award-winning musician Mario will perform live in concert at Resorts World Casino New York City. Tickets run between $39.99 and $99.99. For more information, visit www.rwnewyork.com.
Saturday, Feb. 9
The Frog Prince & Peter and the Wolf
Queens College, LeFrak Concert Hall 62-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing 3 p.m. Come and hear Victoria Bond’s lively new score for the wonderful tale, The Frog Prince. Paired with Prokofiev’s timeless introduction to the instruments, Peter and the Wolf, these two classic tales will be brought to life by the Queens Symphony Orchestra and are sure to resonate with the young and young at heart alike. Additionally, join the musicians in the concert hall atrium at 2 p.m. as they warm up for the afternoon concert. There will be the opportunity to meet the musicians and try out some of the instruments. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children age 13 and under, 59-14 70th Ave., Ridgewood 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and $10 for adults over the age of 65. Tickets may be purchased Knights of Columbus Hall Seniors age 60 and older are welcome to attend the one-hour online at www.kupferbergcenter.org, by phone at (718) 793-8080, 135-45 Lefferts Blvd., South Ozone Park 7:30 p.m. Richard Simmons exercise activity each Monday beginning at The monthly meeting of the Richmond Hill South Civic Association or in person at the Kupferberg Center for the Arts boro office 10:30 a.m. For more information, located in the Colden Auditorium. will include a Chinese auction. Refreshments will be served. please call Karen at the center at (718) 456-2000.
Exercise at Ridgewood Older Adult Center
Wednesday, Jan. 22
Richmond Hill South Civic Association Meeting
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014 | 23
Community Outraged After St. Mary Gate Of Heaven Blessed Mary Statue Is Beheaded By Anna Gustafson Tucked away in the yard of an Ozone Park church that has been in the community for more than 100 years, St. Mary Gate of Heaven, a stone statue of the Blessed Mary was, for decades, a welcome site, its peaceful hand perpetually outstretched to those who needed it. The four-foot statue had been the site of many a communion photo, a place where residents - young and old, from Queens and from countries from all corners of the world - would go when they needed a break from the chaos of life. And it was always there, in the church’s garden, for years and years. It was a symbol, for those who moved out of the neighborhood and those who remained, of continuity. From those who donned bell bottoms to those who swayed to the sounds emanating from headphones, the statue has been a constant presence - and, often, a reminder of their childhood in South Queens. Sometimes, people who grew up attending the St. Mary Gate of Heaven Church or School but moved away from the neighborhood as adults would return just so they could pray by Mary. This, residents said, is why they do not consider the decapitation of the statue, which was discovered without its head the morning of Jan. 6, just a crime. To them, it was an act filled with hate and spite against a religious community that has done nothing but work to help the neighborhood for the past century. “The fact that anybody can desecrate a religious symbol is a disgrace,” said Frank Gulluscio, a longtime member of the church on 101st Avenue and 103rd Street in Ozone Park. “St. Mary Gate of Heaven has been there for over 100 years. It’s well known throughout the city and neighborhood, and it’s well respected. “At the end of the day, it’s scary,” Gulluscio continued. “What do you tell the kids at the school?” Officials from the church and the school did not respond to requests for comment.
courtesy photo
A beloved statue of the Blessed Mary was recently desecrated at St. Mary Gate of Heaven Church in Ozone Park, devastating the surrounding community.
The 102nd Precinct is investigating the matter, and Gulluscio said he believes the cops will “do their due diligence” and track down the perpetrator - or perpetrators. “As a Roman Catholic, I am outraged,” said Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park). “Whoever is responsible for this act of desecration should be brought to justice. Churches and other houses of worship are holy places, and anyone who vandalizes statues or other religious objects should be held accountable.” Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach) agreed. “It’s an absolute disgrace,” he said. “No crime should be tolerated, particularly when it’s committed against our religious institutions. There’s no room for hate of any kind in our community, and
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149-16 80th Street, Howard Beach 24 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014
I’ll do whatever I can to ensure it never happens again.” Mary Burrier, who grew up attending the parish, said she cried when she saw the photos. “I am horrified that someone would do something like this to a statue that has been there since I was 4-years-old, which is 42 years,” Burrier said. She went on to say that when the criminal “purposely cut off the head of the Blessed Mary statue that is the symbol for both the church and the school, that’s a little deeper than discrimination that’s pure hate.” Like many of those who know the church well, Burrier stressed how important it has been to parishioners to lend a hand - throughout their community and beyond. “We are all out on this earth to help people, and when you do something that has no rhyme or reason you have a real problem,” she said. “I went to SMGH. I cried when I saw the picture. That there is a person out there who has such hatred inside of them to do this is beyond me. I wish that the church had a surveillance system, and they knew who did it because they should be made an example of.” According to those in the area, there are no nearby security cameras, and residents have said they would like to see St. Mary Gate of Heaven, as well as other area religious institutions, equipped with better security in order to prevent something like this. Goldfeder noted that there is federal funding through the Urban Areas Security Initiative Nonprofit Security Grant Program for religious institutions. “A nonprofit can get a grant of up to $75,000 to help it improve its infrastructure,” he said. “It’s open every year.” No matter what happens - with security, with the perpetrators - residents said they hope to remember, that even now, even in the worst of times, Mary’s hand is still there, reaching out to them. An awful crime was committed, but the church community remains, reminding everyone that while hate can destroy, it runs away. Love is what stays.
After Operating Without Liquor License And Filing For Bankruptcy, La Bella Vita Closes Doors By Anna Gustafson After more than 30 years in business, La Bella Vita - a well-known catering hall in Ozone Park, closed its doors last month after allegedly being nailed for operating without a liquor license, according to individuals with knowledge of the situation. Additionally, the well-known catering and dining facility had filed for bankruptcy protection in May, according to documents from the New York Eastern Bankruptcy Court. While La Bella Vita’s owner, Tony Modica, could not be reached for comment, individuals who did not want to be named but who have inside information, said he had to shut down after the state called him out for operating without a liquor license. According to information from the State Liquor Authority, the catering hall’s most recent liquor license expired in September 2012. Modica is reportedly in the process of reapplying for a license, after which it is expected the hall that is popular for everything from communion parties and bar and bat mitzvahs to weddings will reopen. On La Bella Vita’s Facebook page, there have been no postings about the closure, and the last message from the restaurant was written in early October. Modica, who has owned La Bella Vita, located at 106-09 Rockaway Blvd., since 1985, is well known in the community for what he called his “pizza dance,” - a form of entertainment that the owner would often perform at events at La Bella
photo courtesy yelp
La Bella Vita in Ozone Park closed its doors last month after operating in the community for more than 30 years.
Vita that entails dancing while miming making a pizza. Modica’s life, which involves moving from Casteldaccia, Italy at the age of 12 to New York, inspired a book titled “Little Tony and the Pizza Dance.” The book tells the story of an elementary-school student who finds himself drawing strength from his classmates’ diversity after moving from Italy to the United States. The owner would often donate food to various events and causes in the neighborhood and was recently praised by New York Families for Autistic Children Founder and President Andrew Baumann for providing food for his nonprofit’s holiday party in December.
FORUM FUN & GAMES ACROSS 1. Abstains from food 6. Female sib 9. Like Homer Simpson's head 13. Freeze 14. Notable time 15. Andrea Bocelli, e.g. 16. Third rock from the sun 17. "I thee ___" 18. Loosen laces, e.g. 19. *Number of participating Olympic sport 21. *Kerrigan's nemesis 23. Nest egg 24. Poacher's trophy 25. A small amount of liquid 28. Shining armor 30. Ultra bookworm 35. Viewer's appreciation 37. Riyadh native 39. Yokel's holler 40. Kournikova or Karenina 41. Nostrils 43. German mister 44. From center to perimeter of circle, pl. 46. Ricci of fashion 47. Nonclerical 48. *First Winter Olympics host 50. Solid part of wall 52. Code word 53. Mosque V.I.P. 55. Party bowlful 57. *Olympic athlete of yesteryear 61. *It happened on ice, 1980 65. Computer woe 66. Cowboy's heel prod 68. Trial and _____ 69. Unable to move 70. Funerary vase 71. More then one crocus 72. *Gold winning ice dancers, Torvill and ____ 73. Pilot's announcement, acr. 74. Exemplary
DOWN 1. Medieval domain 2. Popular smoothie berry 3. #1 Down laborer 4. Little Richard's "_____ Frutti" 5. Orb shape 6. Fastened stitches 7. Rage 8. Ascetic holy Hindu 9. Form a curve 10. Opposed to 11. Tender cut 12. Small amount of residue 15. *Eurasian winner of 88 medals but no winter one 20. *Only Olympian to win Gold in summer and winter 22. Nile viper 24. Government system in pre-revolutionary Russia 25. *Keeps neck warm in Sochi? 26. Of an arm bone 27. Chinese bear 29. Persia 31. "Matilda" author 32. Beforehand 33. Waterwheel 34. *Relayed flame 36. Sacrifice for gain 38. Out of shape 42. Saudi Arabia native 45. Most frozen 49. Down Under runner 51. Do like Tarantino 54. Lock horns 56. Avoid an attack 57. Zealous 58. Collier's office 59. A particular region 60. *Speed skaters often touch the ice making on 61. Madonna's 2012 release 62. Field yield 63. Centers of activity 64. *American speed skating great 67. You know it when you see it?
SOLUTIONS FROM LAST WEEK'S PUZZLE
SUDOKU
TRIVIA 1. In ancient Turkey you could be executed for drinking what? 2. In Atlanta Georgia, what is it illegal to tie a giraffe to?
3. 52% of American citizens would prefer to spend a week in jail than be what? 4.Nelson Mandela spent 19 of 27 years in what prison? Answers from Last Week: 1: George. H.W. Bush 2: J Paul Getty 3:A Goatee 4: January THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014 | 25
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Notice of Qualification of 41-25 CASE STREET, LLC Authority filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/13/13. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 09/11/13. Princ. office of LLC: c/o A & E Real Estate Holdings, LLC, 1065 Ave. of the Americas, NY, NY 10018. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Douglas F. Eisenberg at the princ. office of the LLC. DE addr. of LLC: Corporation Service Co., 2711 Centerville Rd., Ste. 400, Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, Purpose: Any lawful activity.
SUSAN SEEFIN LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 11/26/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to The LLC, 39-32 44th St., Sunnyside, NY 11104. General Purpose.
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Legal Notices
Notice of Formation (LLC). Name: JC 48 AVENUE LLC Articles of Organization filed with NY Dept. of State on 09/04/09. 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: The LLC, 47-09 48 Ave., Woodside, NY 11377. Purpose: Any lawful activity
Notice is hereby given that a license, number 1275092 for beer and wine has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer and wine at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 53-16 Roosevelt Ave Woodside, NY 11377 Queens County for on premises consumption. T Pizza Plus Corp.
Notice of Formation (LLC). Name: LIU Pavilion Gallery, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/26/13. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 7310 41st Ave, Woodside, NY 11377. Purpose: General.
Notice of Formation (LLC). Name: WHOLE HEALTH FAMILY MEDICAL PLLC Articles of Organization filed with NY Dept. of State on 08/07/13. Office location: Queens COUNTY. NY DOS shall mail copy of process to: 178-21 DALNY ROAD, JAMAICA, NY, 11432 Purpose: Any lawful activity
26 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014
Notice of Formation of 155 UTICA LAUNDROMAT, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/27/13. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: c/o 9525 Queens Blvd., 10th Fl., Rego Park, NY 11374. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Laundry Capital Co., LLC at the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity. BROADWAY 37, LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 12/9/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to The LLC, 42-04 Berrian Blvd., Astoria, NY 11105. General Purpose.
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Legal Notices 1446 Gates LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 05/02/13. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC: P.O. Box 640691, Oakland Gardens, NY 11364. General Purposes. GREEN TARA INFINITY, LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 06/07/13. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 13235 41 Road, Apt. 2D, Flushing, NY 11355. General Purposes. Astoria Distilling Company LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 09/10/12. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: P.O. Box 6410, 2117 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106. General Purposes.
Notice of Formation (LLC). Name: PHACIENT LLC Articles of Organization filed with NY Dept. of State on 01/02/14. Office location: Queens COUNTY. NY DOS shall mail copy of process to: 20-01 23RD STREET, ASTORIA, NY, 11105 Purpose: Any lawful activity Communikate Media, LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 09/05/13. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC: 133-43 85th Street, Ozone Park, NY 11417. General Purposes. Parsons Plaza Development LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 07/22/13. Office Location: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 37-20 Prince St., #4A, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: to engage in amy lawful act.
MWB PROPERTIES, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/30/05. 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, 32-75 Steinway St., Ste. 212, Astoria, NY 11103. Purpose: any lawful activity.
TZORTZATOS LAW PLLC, a Prof. LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/13/2013. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Dimitra Tzortzatos, 277 Broadway, Ste 510, NY, NY 10007. Purpose: To Practice the profession of Law.
Notice of Formation of SOCIETE RACINE LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 05/01/13. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC at 110-06 72nd Avenue, Apt #2A, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of ADVANCE ALARM ASSOCIATES, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/13/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: any lawful activity.
Legal Notices Notice of Formation. Name: UNPLUG KIDS LLC Articles of Organization filed with NY Dept. of State on 10/29/13. Office location: Queens COUNTY. NY DOS shall mail copy of process to: The LLC 3908 44th Street, Sunnyside, NY 11104. Purpose: Any lawful activity. KTG NYC LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 11/14/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Todd V. Lamb, Esq., 424 W. 49th St., Ste. 4B, NY, NY 10019. General Purpose. Tani’s Group Family Day Care Limited Liability Company Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/4/13. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 101-15 34th Ave, Corona, NY 113681116. Purpose: General. NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: SAYEED DEVELOPMENT I LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/24/13. 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, c/o BraunsteinTurkish LLP, 7600 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 402, Woodbury, New York 11797, ATT: Harry Braunstein. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. Name of LLC: 37-66 72nd Street, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State: 11/22/13. Office loc.: Queens Co. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: Omar Lopera, Esq., 37-21 75th St., 2nd Fl., Jackson Heights, NY 11372, regd. agt. upon whom process may be served. Purpose: any lawful act. Notice of Formation AUGUSTINE GOLD CPA PLLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/29/13. 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: 153 Oakwood Road, Huntington, NY 11743. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation DEM NYNC ASSOCIATES LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/09/13. 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: 217-15 136 Road, Springfield Gardens, NY 11413. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. Notice of Formation of 118-12 101 LLC, a domestic LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/03/2013. Office location: QUEENS County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLCmay be served. SSNY shall mail acopy of process to: 81-15 138th Street, Briarwood, NY 11435. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. Notice of Formation of MAY SQUARED REAL ESTATE LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 4/24/13. Office: Queens. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to The LLC, 255-07 61st Avenue, 1st Floor, Little Neck, NY 11362. Purpose: any lawful activity. DATE WRITE LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 8/28/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: James Swierczewski, 79-17 Pitkin Ave., Ozone Park, NY 11417. General Purposes. Notice of Formation of C & D JIAN LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/3/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 43-18 Main Street, 1/F, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of 1128 DECATUR STREET, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/05/13. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: 210 Hollywood Ave., Douglaston, NY 11363. 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 LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: VAGAST HOLDING I LLC. Notice of Formation of P&R Articles of Organization were filed ASTORIA, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of New with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on York (SSNY) on 11/06/13. Office 11/06/13. Office location: Queens location: Queens County. SSNY has County. Princ. office of LLC: 154been designated as agent of the 50 12th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357. LLC upon whom process against SSNY designated as agent of LLC it may be served. SSNY shall mail upon whom process against it may a copy of process to the LLC, c/o be served. SSNY shall mail process Vasiliki Vagenas, 147-34 7th Avenue, to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. Whitestone, New York 11357. office. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014 | 27
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FREEMAN SOLUTIONS, LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 11/06/2013. Office location: QUEENS County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to The LLC, 9049 171st street, apt1, Jamaica, NY 11432. General Purpose. Notice of Formation (LLC). Name: TRADITIONAL HANDICRAFTS LLC Articles of Organization filed with NY Dept. of State on 01/02/14. Office location: Queens COUNTY. NY DOS shall mail copy of process to: 40-70 CASE STREET 2ND FLR ELMHURST, NY 11373 Purpose: Any lawful activity
28 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014
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Notice of Formation (LLC). Name: Gray’s 30th Avenue Anatomy LLC Articles of Organization filed with NY Dept. of State on 2/14/13. Office location: c/o 36-13 30th Ave., Astoria, NY 11103. NYSS designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. NYSS shall mail copy of process of LLC, to: Carriero & Associates, PLLC 10854 Ditmars Blvd., N. Beach, NY 11369. Purpose: Any lawful activity 108 CALYER STREET LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 12/11/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to The LLC, 5602 Maspeth Ave., Maspeth, NY 11378. General Purpose.
Vet Chat:
Dental Health
Did you know: • That oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed disease in pets • By the time most pets are 3 years old they already are showing signs of oral disease • Oral disease begins with a build-up of plaque and bacteria which develops into the calcified tartar visible on the teeth • Chronic infection can spread to your pets major organs, like the kidneys and heart We can all help our furry friends by having them routinely checked for dental disease. Pet owners should practice a regular dental care regimen at home which includes brushing, chewing and rinsing with an AVDS (American Veterinary Dental Society) approved dental product. Here at Veterinary Care Unlimited Dr. Theresa Paoloni has a special interest in veterinary dentistry and on a regular basis performs prophylaxis, as well as filling cavities, intra-oral radiology, periodontal treatments, endodontics and crown restoration. Please allow us to help you and your furry family member enjoy fresh breath and good health. This series is sponsored by Dr. Theresa Paoloni and the staff at Veterinary Care Unlimited.
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Beach Channel HS Lands $5M for Sandy Repairs By Anna Gustafson Located a stone’s throw from the Jamaica Bay shoreline, Beach Channel High School was devastated by the waters that came rushing into the Rockaway institution during Hurricane Sandy. Rendered unusable for months after the storm, more than 1,000 students had to be bussed miles away to Franklin K. Lane High School on the Woodhaven-Brooklyn border until Beach Channel could reopen in the beginning of January 2013. The school sustained all sorts of damage, and more than eight feet of water that flooded the facility caused 30,000 gallons of oil to leak into the building’s basement and seep out into Jamaica Bay. After such a deluge of bad news, the school has finally received some welcome positive information: close to $5 million in federal funds is headed its way. U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder last week announced that $4.9 million in federal funds has been slated for the city School Construction Authority. The SCA will use the money for major Sandy-related repairs and emergency protective measures at the high school, as well as for environmental clean-
photo courtesy NYC Department of Education
Close to $5 million in federal funding will help to pay for repairs made to the school following Hurricane Sandy.
up in Jamaica Bay. The funding, which comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will reimburse 90 percent of the post-Sandy costs the SCA undertook. “These federal funds will be a tremendous help to Beach Channel High School, and the en-
Single Election Primary Day would save millions, pol says
tire Rockaway Park community, in their ongoing efforts to put the pieces back together in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy,” Schumer said in a prepared statement. “Beach Channel High School was hit very hard by the hurricane, and tremendous environmental damage was caused as a result of floodwater and heavy winds. This
grant goes a long way towards helping defray the costs of repairs and will enable the school to get back to educating our youth.” Gillibrand echoed Schumer’s sentiments. “Federal investment is vital to help cleanup and restore Jamaica Bay and give our schools the tools they need to rebuild,” Gillibrand said. Goldfeder, who lives in Rockaway, noted that Beach Channel was one of dozens of schools across South Queens and the peninsula that were left reeling after Sandy. “This new funding will go a long way in helping Beach Channel High School move forward with their recovery and ensure our children continue to receive the quality education they deserve,” Goldfeder said. Beach Channel HIgh School, which has served students since 1973, sustained significant damage during the hurricane, and FEMA estimates that repairs at the school are just over 80 percent complete. The measures that will be paid for as part of the $4.9 million include: Cleaning up an oil spill caused by bursting boiler tanks that leaked into Jamaica Bay, rental and installation of temporary power generation - including the staging of 27 generator rentals for other area schools, various fire safety installations, and other items.
Inaugural Holiday Concert Fills MS 202 With Joy
New York should hold single election primary day, pol urges
file photo
Some state lawmakers want to consolidate New York's election calendar to ensure state and federal primaries are held on the same day.
By Anna Gustafson State legislators, including Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach), are urging the state Senate and Gov. Cuomo to support legislation that would move New York’s primary to June - an effort lawmakers say will save the state big bucks and increase voter participation. The legislation - Assembly bill 8198 - would consolidate the election calendar to ensure state and federal primaries are held on the same day, which lawmakers said would allow New York to keep about $50 million in its coffers. Additionally, Goldfeder and his colleagues argued that it would bring more voters to the polls and allow military personnel overseas enough time to cast absentee ballots. “Protecting one’s right to vote and increas-
ing participation in elections is the key to sustaining our democracy,” Goldfeder said. “Every voice deserves to be heard, every vote deserves to be counted, and every citizen - including those who serve our country in the military should have an equal opportunity to participate in elections.” In 2009, the U.S. Congress passed the federal Military and Overseas Vote Empowerment Act - which, in an attempt to get absentee ballots in the hands of overseas military personnel 45 days prior to a general election - forced New York to move its 2012 Congressional primaries to June. State primaries, however, continue to be held in September. “If the state fails to act, then we will once again be required to have multiple primary election days for various offices,” Goldfeder said. “Holding a single June primary day would encourage voter participation, save taxpayers almost $50 million and make sure our troops have ample time to return to their absentee ballots.” Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan), one of the bill’s authors, called the legislation a “common sense solution.” The bill “not only lifts an unnecessary financial burden off of both local municipalities and taxpayers, it also ensure that more New Yorkers have a chance to participate in the Election Day process,” Silver said in a prepared statement. The bill has landed support among numerous Assembly members, including Ways and Means Committee Chairman Herman Farrell, Jr. (D-Manhattan). “At a time when local governments are struggling financially, this is a sensible move that will provide significant savings for taxpayers,” he said in a prepared statement.
30 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014
MS 202 students in Ozone Park performed their first ever holiday concert last month.
On the evening of Dec. 18, there was a feeling of Christmas and the holidays all throughout the Middle School 202 building in Ozone Park. The fine arts departments presented their inaugural holiday concert to a packed house. Parents, guardians, family, friends and neighbors were treated to a variety of genres of entertainment. The drama department, under the direction of Helen Sanders, put on a series of vignettes from Scrooge. The students also performed Scrooge to the entire school during their grade assemblies. The sixth grade chorus, co-directed by Michelle Brier, opened the evening’s festivities with Joni Mitchell’s “Circle Game,” the “Little Drummer Boy” and other holiday favorites. The next portion of the evening was made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation and Little Kids Rock organization. Under the direction
Photo courtesy MS 202
of the school’s music teacher, Justin Wolf, the audience was treated to a variety of instrumental pieces by the sixth grade percussion ensemble, Little Kids Rock band, the seventh grade concert band, and the eighth grade symphonic band. The finale combined the Little Kids Rock band and the chorus performing Katy Perry’s “Roar” and John Lennon’s “Happy ChristmasWar is Over.” The school’s halls and auditorium were beautifully decorated by the art department under the direction of Dawn Woods and Mark Foster, as well as the school’s parent coordinator, Judy Rea. Their colorful life size props, décor, and concert program added a special touch of holiday warmth. The PTA offered hot cocoa, candy canes and cookies to everyone that attended. The evening was a magical holiday celebration that was enjoyed by all.
Borrow a Google Nexus Tablet at Queens Library!
FREE! Easy to use, for beginners and experienced users. Available at: Queens Library at Arverne 312 Beach 54 Street Queens Library at Broad Channel 16-26 Cross Bay Boulevard Queens Library at Far Rockaway 1637 Central Avenue
Take it home.
Queens Library at Howard Beach 92-06 156th Avenue
Discover! Explore!
Queens Library at Seaside 116-15 Rockaway Beach Boulevard Queens Library for Teens 2002 Cornaga Avenue Queens Library at Peninsula 92-25 Rockaway Beach Boulevard
Thank you Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, the New York Department of State and Google Inc. for donating Google Tablets to Queens Library for customers to borrow.
www.queenslibrary.org Queens Library is an independent, not-for-profit corporation and is not affiliated with any other library system.
7174-12/13
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014 | 31
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32 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 16, 2014
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