The Forum West 04 2014

VOL. 12 • NUMBER 4 • JANUARY 23, 2014

TIME FOR THE DEATHS TO STOP

A 68-year-old woman was killed after being struck by an SUV while she was crossing Grand Avenue near 69th Place on Saturday, and police charged Abel Tinoco, pictured at the scene, with aggravated driving without a license, the NYPD said. Following the death, residents are calling for changes to the intersection - as well as a comprehensive approach See story on page 10 to making life safer for pedestrians. photos by Robert Stridiron

Forest Hills HS 'Confessions' Page Shut Down Page 4

Pols, Airport Workers Spend MLK Day In Handcuffs Pages 14

Avonte Oquendo Remains Identified Page 29

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014 | 1

2 2 | THE THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014 FORUM NEWSGROUP • October 25, 2012

Katz Makes First Cop Stop As BP

By Phil Corso For the first time since she was elected, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz made a stop at her neighborhood police precinct’s community council meeting in Forest Hills, where she fielded questions and connected with constituents.

Katz, a Forest Hills native, was the featured speaker at the monthly meeting inside the 112th Precinct on Austin Street and said the future was looking up for the borough under Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration. In her address, the borough president cited de Blasio’s pedestrian safety press conference held in Woodside last week as evidence that Queens was on the new mayor’s radar.

“He has proven to me that a mayor can get to this borough without a GPS,” Katz said.

“Mayor de Blasio has committed to being visible in Queens. It seems that this new administration is going to get it.”

Katz said the mayor’s proposed “Vision Zero” initiative to help curb pedestrian deaths throughout the city was related to an issue near and dear to the hearts of all Queens residents that would help create a better working relationship with each local precinct.

The borough president was warmly welcomed at the meeting, and Assistant Chief

photo by Phil Corso

Assistant Chief Diana Pizzuti, the commanding officer of Patrol Borough Queens North, and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz speak at last week's 112th Precinct Community Council meeting.

Officer Diana Pizzuti took the floor to thank Katz for making the 112th Precinct her first stop since being elected.

“We know she’s a neighborhood person and she’s going to fight for this area,” Pizzuti said. “We have very supportive elected officials. Everybody works together.”

In a question-and-answer session with

constituents, Katz was asked if she had a plan to establish a new co-op and condo council out of Borough Hall in Kew Gardens. She said she would begin working on establishing the body in February with community representatives to tackle tax issues.

One resident urged the new borough president to keep the fight against mosquitos at

the top of her agenda after a summer season in which many Forest Hills natives could barely step outside their homes without being bitten. Katz said she knew how severe mosquito swarms could get in the area as she has lived there for years.

“I will be a fierce advocate for getting rid of the mosquitos before it gets out of hand,” she said. “There really was a big problem last summer.”

In his monthly crime updates, Capt.

Thomas Conforti, the commanding officer of the 112th, told Forest Hills residents to be wary of scammers looking to snag personal information, whether it is by phone, mail or in person. While most crime statistics were down to historic levels by the end of 2013, the captain said burglaries were still a top concern.

The precinct’s latest crime numbers showed burglaries recorded the greatest uptick over the past year, while six of the remaining major categories either stayed the same or dropped. He also said he hoped to breathe new life into the 112th’s Block Watcher program to make sure the numbers are kept under control.

“The telephone scams are back,” he said.

“The best line of defense is for everyone to discuss these crimes. The more we get this out, the less of a target audience these thieves will have.”

Concert Series To Help Restore Historic Elmhurst Church

Early English settlers founded the First Presbyterian Church of Newtown in 1652, but its Elmhurst home is its fifth building since the congregation was established. The current church, built in 1895, has become most known for its stained glass windows.

By Phil Corso Michael Perlman of the Rego-Forest Preservation Council is all about protecting Queens’ storied past, which is why he found it a no-brainer to help launch a concert series to protect one of the borough’s oldest buildings.

Perlman teamed up with the First Presbyterian Church of Newtown in Elmhurst and invited award-winning harpist Tomina Parvanova to perform over the weekend, kicking off a series of events that would help raise money to restore it. Together, he said they hoped to undo some of the damage Superstorm Sandy left behind to the roof and windows of the historic church near the corner of Queens Boulevard and 54th Avenue.

“The church is still experiencing some leaks,” Perlman said. “Also, some of the origi-

Harpist Tomina Parvanova, left, Sira Melikian, church historian Marjorie Melikian,

photos courtesy Michael Perlman and Michael Perlman of the Rego-Forest Preservation Council, at Sunday's concert

The concert held Sunday was the first in a series of events that will raise money to help repair portions of the Elmhurst church that were damaged during Superstorm Sandy.

nally designed windows are buckling and they need to be either replaced or cleaned.”

For years, church historian Marjorie Melikian has been working with the western Queens community to secure innovative ways of raising money to keep the historic building standing strong. Perlman said Melikian was more than receptive to the idea of a concert series.

The group’s plan, Perlman said, was to hold a different concert featuring area artists every few months with all proceeds dedicated to repairing and maintaining the building.

Its opening weekend was promising and generated an inspiring amount of money, the church said.

Early English settlers founded the First Presbyterian Church of Newtown in 1652, but its Elmhurst home is its fifth building since the congregation was established. The current church, built in 1895, has become

that helped raise funds for the restoration of the historic First Presbyterian Church of Newtown in Elmhurst.

most known for its stained glass windows made by British craftsmen Sellers & Ashley, Perlman said.

“It’s very rare walking or driving along Queens Boulevard and seeing a 19th century church with 17th century roots,” Perlman said. “It’s still going strong, but if you’re not funding it on a timely basis, then the architectural features will continue to fall into a state of disarray.”

The Landmarks Conservancy chose the building as one of the city’s most storied and sacred sites last year and put its architecture on full display for a weekend-long open house in May. Its name was included among the ranks of Ridgewood’s St. Matthias Roman Catholic Church, at 58-15 Catalpa Ave. “Religious art and architecture is perhaps our greatest creative achievement,” said Peg Breen, president of the Landmarks

Conser vancy, in a statement last year.

“Nowhere in the United States is this better demonstrated than right here in New York with its rich diversity of religions and ecclesiastical buildings.”

The program helped channel some money towards the church for restoration and technical assistance, but Perlman said there is never enough funding when it comes to a building as old and historic as this one.

Since being recognized by the Landmarks Conservancy, the church was also placed on the National Register of Historic Places with help from Brooklyn native and preservationist Jonathan Taylor. It was only another stepping-stone in what Perlman called an ongoing effort to keep the history alive in the present.

“I feel that time is of the essence,” Perlman said. “I commend the church on its interests in generating funds in creative ways.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014 | 3

Anonymous Facebook Page Shut Down For Forest Hills HS

Michael Perlman/Rego-Forest Preservation Council

A Facebook page that was dedicated to Forest Hills High School students' "confessions" was taken after a threat was posted last week.

By Phil Corso A student-run gossip page focused on life at Forest Hills High School ended almost as mysteriously as it began.

The anonymous “Forest Hills HS Confessions” Facebook page was once home to an array of in the know and off-the-cuff remarks about student life at the school. But after making news last week when one anonymous post alluded to violent threats at the school, the online bulletin board has been taken down.

Saul Gootnick, principal of Forest Hills High, did not comment, and members of the Forest Hills-based Community Education Council 28 said they did not know who was behind the page.

Facebook’s online policy said pages could only be removed by those who created it, and not by third parties. A spokeswoman for the city’s Education Department said Gootnick had worked with the police and his administration to have the page taken down, but did not know who made the final click.

The last straw came when one post last Tues-

4 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014

day alerted the authorities to what could have been a dangerous day at the school.

“Seriously, don’t come to school, unless you want to be in the news,” the post read.

Police were investigating hard by the early morning hours of Wednesday, but later said the posts had no base in reality.

“Someone had posted a message alluding to the fact that something would happen in the school,” a spokesman for the NYPD said last week. “The investigation came back with negative results.”

The threats did little to spook the actual students who followed the page, however. The two threatening posts were then followed with sarcastic responses ranging anywhere from, “Who cares,” to “Oh boy, I’m guessing senior prank.”

Aside from the apparent threat, Forest Hills HS Confessions was also home to a less obvious, but perhaps more dangerous kind of dialogue. By the time the page was taken down, it had become the gossip headquarters for the students who followed it.

Students used the anonymous forum to personally attack one another over things like their weight or status within the school. It had been live for several months before the one post suggesting violent acts inside the school brought it to the attention of parents and cops.

It was not the school’s first time in the spotlight of the news cycle. Students there found themselves at the forefront of another Internet trend in early 2013 when they staged a gigantic flash mob dance of the Harlem Shake in the school’s main lobby, resulting in some students being suspended or even arrested.

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FORUM CRIME

Already Serving Life Behind Bars, Timoshenko Killer Lands More Prison Time The former Far Rockaway man currently serving life in prison for shooting and killing NYPD Officer Russel Timoshenko was sentenced to another 25 years to life in prison for the attempted murder and robbery of a Queens man in 2007, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said last week.

The shooting for which Dexter Bostic, 40, was just sentenced occurred less than 20 hours before he fatally shot Timoshenko in Brooklyn, the DA noted.

“Today’s sentence ensures that the defendant - a dangerous predator who has been convicted of shooting an unarmed man and an on-duty police officer within 24 hours - will spend the rest of his life in prison and never again see the light of day,” Brown said in a prepared statement.

Last week’s sentencing by Queens Supreme Court Justice Gregory La-

sak followed a four-week jury trial and Bostic’s conviction in July of attempted murder, assault, robbery, criminal possession of a weapon, and criminal possession of stolen property.

According to trial testimony, Carl Field, who was 20 years old at the time, was talking to a friend at the corner of Sutphin Boulevard and 109th Drive just before 5 a.m. on July 8, 2007, when a gray Porsche Cayenne being driven by Robert Ellis, 40, also of Far Rockaway, stopped at the intersection and exited the vehicle, holding a silver .45-caliber handgun, and began shooting, the DA said. Field attempted to run but was shot file photos once in the leg, and the bullet shattered Dexter Bostic, formerly of Far Rockaway, his femur and caused him to collapse to was already serving a sentence of life in the ground, according to Brown. prison without parole for the fatal shooting of Bostic then approached Field and NYPD Officer Russel Timoshenko when he demanded money. Field handed over was sentenced last week to another 25 years to life in prison for attempted murder. $1,800 in cash, a chain and the keys to

his vehicle. Bostic and Ellic then fled in the Porsche, the DA said.

Ellis, who was convicted of the same criminal charges as Bostic following a jury trial, was sentenced this past July to 25 years in prison. The sentence was ordered to be served consecutive to the 15-year prison sentence he was already serving for a weapons possession conviction stemming from the killing of Timoshenko.

In that case, the stolen black BMW sports utility vehicle in which Ellis, Bostic and another individual were riding in was pulled over by Timoshenko, 23, and Officer Herman Yan 27, when it was noticed that the license plate on the car had been reported stolen. As the two officers approached the vehicle, they were shot at multiple times - including by the gun used the day before to shoot Field, the DA said.

Russel Timoshenko was a 23-year-old NYPD officer when he was shot after pulling over a stolen car in Brooklyn. He died five days after the shooting.

Timoshenko died five days later from the wounds he suffered in the attack. Yan, who was also severely hit, survived.

Mother And Two Young Children Stabbed To Death At Jamaica Home

By Anna Gustafson Deisy Garcia loved her daughters.

The 21-year-old mother had just celebrated the first birthday of her youngest daughter, Yoselin, and the baby and her 2-year-old, Daniela, were, friends and family said, her pride and joy. On Facebook, she shared photo after photo of her little ones - in tiny red red dresses and matching shoes, cupping hands to smiling faces, in their mother’s lap.

There should have been many more photos, friends said - of birthdays and school dances and weddings. But there will never again be a photo taken of Deisy Garcia, Yoselin, and Daniela: The three were murdered at their Jamaica home last Saturday, when her husband allegedly used at least four knives to stab his wife and two children to death, according to police. The 21-year-old woman, a native of Guatemala who met her husband, Miguel Mejia-

Facebook photos

Deisy Garcia and daughters: Deisy Garcia and her two daughters, Daniela, left, and Yoselin, right, were stabbed to death last weekend, police said.

Ramos, a 28-year-old originally from Mexico, when the two were living in the United States.

“Deisy was beautiful; she was a really good dancer,” a friend, who did not wish to be identified, said through a translator. “She was a great mother.

Deisy Garcia, 21, was remembered as a devoted mother who would do anything for her children.

The girls were everything to her.”

Mejia-Ramos, who lived with Garcia and his two daughters, as well as other family members, in an apartment on Sutphin Boulevard, was arrested in Texas Monday night, the NYPD said. According to police,

he was driving a 2001 Chevrolet van with New York plates in Texas when he was stopped by the U.S. Marshals Service.

The man, who reportedly had self-inflicted stab wounds, was taken to a hospital in Texas for treatment

Richmond Hill Woman Pleads Guilty To Stabbing Boyfriend To Death

By Phil Corso A Richmond Hill woman admitted to stabbing her boyfriend to death inside their 112th Street apartment last April, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said last week.

Shirley Forbes, 64, pleaded guilty to a manslaughter charge nearly nine months after cops initially brought her in for questioning regarding the April 16 stabbing of her 55-year-old boyfriend, Lee Burrison, once in the chest, the DA said. Justice Dorothy Chin-Brandt, who will

oversee her sentencing next month, said Forbes would face five years in prison and a subsequent three years under post-release supervision.

The impending sentence was a far better deal than the maximum of 25 years behind bars Forbes originally faced when she was arrested, according to the DA. A criminal complaint released when Forbes was arrested April 17 detailed a seemingly routine evening at the couple’s shared residence that quickly escalated into a deadly encounter.

Forbes was cooking dinner when she and

and was arraigned Tuesday. He was being held without bail and is expected to be extradited to New York, authorities said.

The bodies of Garcia, who was a member of a dance group at her church in Jamaica and a student at York College, Yoselin, and Daniela were discovered by Garcia’s 12-yearold nephew, the NYPD said. Garcia was found on the floor, and her children were discovered wrapped in blankets on their beds, officials said.

Other published reports stated that Garcia had told friends that her husband had abused her. According to the same reports, police said they responded to two domestic violence calls at the family’s home, but no arrests were made in connection to those incidents.

Garcia’s uncle told the New York Times that Mejia-Ramos had seemed like a “‘normal’” guy but said that over the past few months “‘something happened with the husband.’”

have occurred in this case cannot be tolerated, as a result the defendant faces serious consequences for her alleged actions.”

Neighbors living nearby, who did not want to be identified, described Forbes and Burrison as a low-key couple who seemingly kept to Burrison started arguing, leading the woman to themselves. But the April stabbing was not their wield a knife, police said. Burrison had tried to first run-in with the law, the criminal complaint take the knife out of his girlfriend’s hand before said. she stabbed him around 10:30 p.m. Cops later Burrison had actually filed a two-year orfound the man lying face-up in the apartment der of protection in November 2012, ordering living room bleeding from his chest, authorities Forbes to refrain from assaulting, harassing or said. He was taken to nearby Jamaica Hospital, committing any other criminal offenses against where he died. him. Police also said they responded to at least “The defendant in this case is alleged to have four domestic dispute calls involving the couple, stabbed her boyfriend once in the chest, killing and that Forbes had already racked up a list of him,” Brown said at the time of Forbes’ arrest in previous arrests relating to drugs and burglary, April. “Violence such as that which is alleged to with incidents dating as far back as 1966.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014 | 5

Following Typhoon, Maspeth HS Students Pitch In To Help Devastated Philippines

photo courtesy Jessica Anderson/Maspeth High School

The classes of Maspeth High School history teachers Peter Casey, left, and Gabrielle Baker raised the most money for a drive to benefit typhoon victims in the Philippines - and students were rewarded by getting to see their instructors covered with whipped cream pie during a school comedy night.

for the nearly 40-student Key Club, helped organize the benefit.

Her group, along with the school’s Red Cross Club, teamed up in the late months of 2013 to do whatever they could to help out.

“These students are a really creative bunch,” Anderson said.

“Whenever we come up with events, it tends to be mostly student-led. They are well rounded students and I’m glad to see their generosity and leadership rubbing off on others around them.”

Both clubs came together to

form a video slideshow of the after effects of December’s devastating typhoon in the Philippines, which claimed more than 6,000 lives, to raise awareness throughout the school. The kids then placed containers in each classroom for teachers to collect donations and promised a pie for whoever raised the most.

Anderson said the Key Club was organized with community service in mind, actively pushing students to host projects and fundraisers for the greater good.

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An organization dedicated to using technology to help students with their homework will be holding an introductory seminar at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30 at the Avenue Diner, located at 91-06 Jamaica Ave. in Woodhaven.

The group, Homework Help Heroes (HHH), aims to provide Internet-based help through the use of a tablet or touch enabled computer to all students who needhelp and have Internet access. This help is free.

HHH's goal is to recruit teachers to log on to their tablets on a volunteer basis from the comfort of their homes and provide free assistance to students in need. They don't have to leave their homes, spend money for gas or brave the elements of winter. And teachers that spend time volunteering with HHH get a tax deduction because of the group’s nonprofit status.

They say the biggest obstacle to to overcome is the idea of using a tablet for instruction. HHH is currently recruiting volunteers. Those with an interest can contact them via email at info@homeworkhelpheroes.org or by telephone at (347) 693-8308.

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For these students, the incentive was good enough: pitch in, and pie your teacher in the face.

Two clubs of students at Maspeth High School took it upon themselves to raise money to benefit typhoon victims in the Philippines after a devastating natural disaster left the region in ruins in November. They collected coins over several weeks leading into the beginning of December, and their efforts paid off - they managed to land $1,346.45.

The lucky teachers whose classes raised the most were rewarded with a whipped cream pie to the head. Those winning teachers both came from the school’s history department: Peter Casey and Gabrielle Baker. The two faced the pies at a school comedy night held in the middle of December.

But they did not stop there.

The school operations manager Mario Matos, Jr. took it one step further and threw in an additional $500 on behalf of the Maspeth Municipal Credit Union, bringing the total to $1,846.45.

Jessica Anderson, an 11th grade Latin teacher and advisor

Most initiatives, including the typhoon relief effort, formed organically from the bottom-up with the young teens leading the way, she said.

“Right after the Philippines got hit, some of our students sprung right into action,” she said.

“They wanted to raise awareness and do whatever they can to help.”

Students from both her Key Club and the service-oriented Red Cross club, led by Latin teacher Alexandra Hensel, found they had a shared interest in mobilizing for the benefit of others in need. The rest, Anderson said, came easy to the active group of kids.

“It was amazing to see the kids really step up,” she said. “The sophomores and juniors took the freshmen students under their wing and took on that leadership position.”

Looking ahead, Anderson said the Key Club would be working with the Maspeth High School dance company to put on “Maspethon,” a dance competition fund-raising event where the kids will collect sponsors for however long they can dance.

The proceeds from that event will go towards a charity to be determined, she said.

Arm: 312

By Phil Corso

HOMEWORK HELP GROUP

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EDITORIAL

A Family Moruns, The City Must Answer When the news came at the end of last week that remains that may be Avonte Oquendo’s were found in College Point, it almost seemed as if the entire city held its breath, hoping against all odds that the 14-year-old boy with autism whose face had plastered posters in shops across the five boroughs was still alive. On Internet message boards and inside small corner bodegas, people were saying much of the same: Maybe it’s not him. Maybe he can still come home.

But, on Tuesday the city Medical Examiner confirmed it: Avonte Oquendo, the boy who could not speak and somehow managed to leave his Long Island City school without anyone stopping him, was dead.

How did this happen? How is it that a student who was supposed to be on what was essentially non-stop watch managed to walk out of his school building with absolutely no one stopping him? A boy with autism who could not speak? And then, according to other reports, school officials waited 45 minutes to one hour before they reported the absence to the police?

What happened in those minutes? Certainly is does not seem far off to speculate that it could have made a massive difference in the outcome had it been reported much sooner.

The city is not being forthcoming whatsoever with information about the disappearance - so much so that

Avonte’s mother has gone to court to try to get the NYPD to turn over internal documents about her son. The school too has issued conflicting statements and limited information.

The city needs to stop giving the Oquendo family, and the general public, lip service about how they are assessing security policies and doing their “best” to address

problems. Because of whatever happened at the school, a child who should be hanging out with his brother and continuing his fascination with trains is dead. And the city needs to answer why that is.

Not only that, they need to explain what they are doing to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

A family has just lost their son and brother. They have spent months sleepless, waiting for Avonte to reappear, to climb into his mother’s arms as if nothing had ever happened. This, Avonte’s brother Danny wrote just before Thanksgiving, is something no family should have to go through - ever.

“Each day that passes without Avonte being found is more devastating than the previous,” Danny Oquendo wrote in November. “...I wish this upon no family ever.

Our lives will never be the same. Miss and love you Avonte.”

Across the city, countless residents have expressed not just devastation but outrage over this. If this happened to Avonte, who’s to say it wouldn’t happen to somebody else? Who’s to say another school official will wait precious minutes before confessing to the police that a child has gone missing?

It’s time for the city to stop talking about what a tragedy this is - though it is, of course, very much that - and start providing information about an astounding failure.

Letters to the Editor Tackling the City's Debt Dear Editor: Mayor Bill de Blasio calling for a fair share of financial

assistance from Washington is the same tired old rhetoric from decades ago that has grown stale over time. Mayor de Blasio's reference to the late United States Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan concerning his analysis that New York sends more taxes to Washington than it receives back in aid is true. The same argument could be made by each of the five boroughs and 59 community planning boards. You could take this analysis down to the census track level. Other cities and states can make similar arguments and have done so.

With a municipal budget of $70 billion and growing, how will Mayor de Blasio will manage his existing city, state and federal resources? The city’s municipal budget is greater than most states and even many nations.

How has the city managed the $20 billion plus post 9/11 aid, as well as the billions of other dollars from Washington every year? This also applies to billions in yearly state assistance from Albany, along with billions in locally generated tax revenues. Does the city submit grant applications on time? Are current federal and state funded programs being completed on time and within budget? What is the justification

for carrying over unspent funds year after year? Is there waste, fraud or abuse? Are all change orders for construction projects fair, reasonable and documented?

Will Mayor de Blasio insist that NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer implement his proposed municipal tracker system to monitor the expenditures of Hurricane Sandy relief funds that he promised during the Democratic Party primary race for NYC Comptroller? There are billions of federal Hurricane Sandy relief funds already available with billions more on the way.

Remember the municipal scandal involving $1 billion in federal aid unspent by the city Housing Authority? How will Mayor de Blasio insure that this will not take place again under his administration?

It is difficult to convince Washington for more money when the country is currently running annual budget deficits close to $1 trillion accompanied by long term debt exceeding $17 trillion and growing. Ditto for Albany with a long term debt approaching $70 billion.

The city’s municipal debt was $43 billion in 2001. In 2013, it reached $70 billion with each resident’s portion of this debt going from $5,300 in 2001 to over $8,000 today. This per resident capital debt makes the Big Apple number one nationally. This is nothing to be proud about. Each year a greater percentage of the city’s budget goes toward debt payments rather than funding

essentials such as police, fire, sanitation, education and other social services. No elected official has stepped forward to develop any plans to reduce this long term debt. Debt service payments now represent 16 percent of the municipal budget. How will the Mayor elect deal with this growing crisis?

Larry Penner Great Neck

What is the truth?

Dear Editor, None of us know exactly what happened, however we do know that Gov. Christie took it upon himself to apologize for the George Washington Bridge lane closures, and he also held accountable and fired the people who were involved in arranging this ploy. Stating that you take responsibility and not acting on it is something we have seen time and time again from President Obama and his administration. If it is found to be true that Christie was involved or had prior knowledge,l then he deserves whatever comes his way. I find it remarkable that the federal government is investigating this issue, yet sees no rush to find the truth about other issues I will further discuss in this letter. Considering Christie's background as United States

Attorney for New Jersey, as well as his political ambitions, I would be very surprised if he was involved in this in any way.

So, lets get started on the "accountability" and "setting a so called environment" chart, shall we? Our president and his administration is a good place to start, don't you think? Our economy is in the "excrement" thanks to Obama's policies. Obama has spent and wasted trillions of tax payer dollars playing "green/shovel ready jobs, stimulus package stock broker" from the Oval Office, while getting millions of tax dollars back in the form of campaign contributions and donations from the same companies he threw tax dollars at. If he were privately employed he would have been fired and possible arrested for fraud.

Many people don't know that a good portion of our tax dollars funded jobs and business overseas.

Let's talk about Obamacare, or as he and the rest of the "cover up crew" like to call it now, "the affordable care act." Why the name change? I guess this lie of affordability and its colossal failure to actually help those who cannot afford healthcare is a good reason to remove your name from what may go down as the biggest domestic policy failure in American history.

Paul Parrinello Jr. Howard Beach

PUBLISHER Patricia L. Adams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Anna Gustafson

PRODUCTION EDITOR Marisa Pilato REPORTERS Phil Corso Alan Krawitz Samantha Geary CONTRIBUTING REPORTERS PHOTOGRAPHERS Robert Stridiron Richard York _______________________

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014 | 7

With Eye On Assembly Seat, Fedkowskyj Considers Bid Against Markey

By Anna Gustafson Following five years of marathon city meetings that often dragged on into the early morning hours and intense negotiations with Mayor Bloomberg’s administration over school closures and co-locations, Middle Village native Dmytro Fedkowskyj is looking to potentially take his experience on the city Panel for Educational Policy about 150 mile north - to Albany.

Fedkowskyj, who served for a little more than five years as Queens Borough President Helen Marshall’s appointee on the PEP, a decisionmaking group that votes on education plans for the city’s public schools, said he is considering launching a bid for Assemblywoman Marge Markey’s (D-Maspeth) seat representing the 30th Assembly District.

“I’ve been a Queens resident my entire life, and I’m excited about the opportunity to serve in the Assembly district where I’ve lived since childhood,” Fedkowskyj said in a statement. “I’m still exploring all possible options and will make a decision relatively soon.”

The district, previously represented by U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, Bronx) until 1998, covers Maspeth, Woodside, and parts of Middle Village, Long Island City, Astoria, and Sunnyside. Markey has represented the area for 15 years and has been challenged by Republican Anthony Nunziato but has consistently defeated him. She landed close to 70 percent of the vote in the 2012 general election. If Fedkowskyj decides to jump in the race, he would face Markey in the 2014 Democratic primary.

Mike Armstrong, a spokesman for Markey, did not comment directly on Fedkowskyj, but did say that if there is a primary election, “Marge will certainly be running for reelection.”

In addition to his time on the PEP, Fedkowskyj currently serves on Community Board 5, for which he sits on the Land Use and Education committees, and was previously a member of Community District Education Council 24 - which covers schools in mid-Queens neighborhoods.

Bill Kregler, who served on CEC 24 with Fedkowskyj - and continues to do so, described the Middle Village

photo courtesy Dominick Totino

Dmytro Fedkowskyj, a Middle Village native who served as the Queens borough president's appointee on the city Panel for Educational Policy, is considering a primary run against Assemblywoman Marge Markey.

native as being “extremely educated in the field of education and extremely dedicated to the children of Queens.”

“Dmytro has a way of working with people to get things done,” he

104th Collars Five Suspected Of Multiple Rooftop Robberies

file photo

Capt. Christopher Manson, commanding officer of the 104th Precinct, celebrated the arrests of five men accused of stealing cash from commercial outlets.

By Phil Corso It was their consistency that ended up costing this group of Queens burglars, cops said.

Capt. Christopher Manson, commanding officer of the 104th Precinct, told the community in December to watch out for thieves who were hitting commercial storefronts through the roof and breaking through the walls to steal cash. Nearly one month later, the captain celebrated the arrests of five men suspected of the crimes, citing their familiar pattern of apparent thefts recorded throughout the borough.

The 107th Precinct made the arrests around 3 a.m. on Jan. 3 after catching five trying to steal money

from the JK Deli at the corner of 71st Avenue and Kissena Boulevard in Kew Gardens, the NYPD said. When it was all over, officers had arrested Christopher Aulet, 21, of Ozone Park, brothers Robert Martin, 27, and Sean Martin, 19, of Ozone Park, Jose Rosario, 25, of Woodhaven and a 15-year-old whose name was withheld because he is a minor.

All five were charged with thirddegree burglary and possession of burglar’s tools, the NYPD said.

A spokesman for the NYPD said cops were called to the scene and found a hole in the roof of the deli and its ATM damaged. Cops spotted the suspects, who then tried to get away before they were apprehended along

8 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014

with $12,000 in cash, over 3,000 scratch-off lottery tickets, cigarettes; boxes of cigars and tools.

Manson said officers took note of the group’s style, keeping an eye on when they hit and where. Cops finally zeroed in on the thieves and caught them in the act at the deli, the department said.

“That’s when they hit,” Manson said. “That’s their normal M.O.” Similar burglaries were recorded throughout the borough, including the 103rd and 113th Precincts, before the five were arrested – with several of which coming out of the Ridgewood area, Manson said. He recalled one incident in late September and another in early December in which a group of burglars broke into storefronts and stole cash from their ATMs and cash registers.

On Sept. 21, police said an unknown number of burglars busted into the San Remo Pizzeria at 56-01 Myrtle Ave. in Ridgewood before going through the wall and into a furniture store next-door and taking roughly $9,500 in cash.

A similar crime was recorded Dec. 17 in Middle Village, when police said the suspects broke into Andy’s Deli on 82-17 Eliot Ave. through the roof and hit the ATM before breaking through the wall and into the neighboring D&P Convenience Store. In that incident, Manson said suspects walked away with more than $600 in cash from the register alone.

said. “He understands the field of politics… I think he’d be a great advocate for the community: He’s young, he’s a family man, and he has a background in accounting. I’d love to see him in a field like that - it’d be a breath of fresh air.”

Angela O’Hehir, the past Parent Teacher Association at PS 58 in Maspeth, too threw her support behind Fedkowskyj, with whom she worked to get the Maspeth High School built.

“He was really an advocate for the parents,” she said. “We found the building where Maspeth High School is now and he worked very closely with us. He put us through a hard battle, and we won.”

Advocates of building the new high school had faced opposition in the community, with some residents airing concerns that the facility would draw a flood of commuters.

“He pointed out that it’s good for the people in the community,” O’Hehir said of Fedkowskyj. “...It was a big job. We had to go through many meetings - he was always very diplomatic.”

Should Fedkowskyj opt to run, and if he won, he would face a politi-

cal landscape in Albany that has grown increasingly weary of the power wielded by New York City’s mayor. For example, while many legislators have said they would not entirely overhaul mayoral control of public schools - a power which state lawmakers handed to former Mayor Bloomberg in 2002 - a number of them have lambasted Bloomberg over everything from his emphasis on standardized testing to a focus on closing large community high schools and replacing them with smaller, more niche schools. And while there is a new mayoral administration, lawmakers have continued to argue that the mayor holds too much power when it comes to decisions regarding public schools.

To address these concerns, Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens) is sponsoring a bill that would change the makeup of the PEP, which is dominated by mayoral appointees and had been seen as a r ubber stamp for Bloomberg.

Weprin’s bill would keep the number of appointees at 13, but the mayor would no longer have the majority of appointments.

Elderly Woman Struck

By MTA Bus In FH

By Phil Corso An elderly woman may lose both her legs after a city bus struck her in Forest Hills, the Police Department said.

Cops said the 85-year-old was trying to cross Queens Boulevard near 108th Street on Jan. 15 when the Q64 MTA bus hit her as it was making a right turn onto the hectic multi-lane roadway, according to officials. She was immediately taken to Bellevue Hospital to be treated for severe – but not life-threatening – injuries to her lower legs.

Marisa Baldeo, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, said the bus was in service at the time of the incident and a fullon investigation has been launched.

The incident occurred the same day Mayor Bill de Blasio was in nearby Woodside to announce a new city initiative geared towards curbing pedestrian deaths. He stood beside Police Commissioner Bill Bratton to announce the program, dubbed “Vision Zero,” as the city’s road map to eliminate deadly crashes for drivers

and pedestrians.

“We will be just as aggressive in preventing a deadly crash on our streets as we are in preventing a deadly shooting,” Bratton said. “Our police are going to enforce the laws on our streets consistently and effectively.”

The mayor’s plan, he said, was to compile a report that sets out to reduce pedestrian deaths to zero within the next 10 years. Up to this point, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reported being struck by a car as the leading cause of injury-related deaths for children younger than 14, and the second leading cause for senior citizens.

“This will be a top-to-bottom effort to take on dangerous streets and dangerous driving. We aren’t going to wait and lose a son, a daughter, a parent or a grandparent in another senseless and painful tragedy,” de Blasio said in a statement.

“Our top responsibility is protecting the health and safety of our people.

From tougher enforcement to more safely-designed streets and stronger laws, we’ll confront this problem from every side—and it starts today.”

Dr. Evangelos Gizis Named Interim President Of Queens College Replaces long-time leader James Muyskens

By Alan Krawitz Since the first of the year, Queens College has had a new, albeit interim president, at the helm.

Dr. Evangelos J. Gizis, who had previously served the college in a variety of executive roles, replaced James Muyskens, who retired after more than a decade of service to the Flushing school that is often referred to as the crown jewel in the CUNY system.

“I feel honored to be appointed interim president of Queens College, and I accept this responsibility knowing the challenges the college will face this spring,” Gizis said in a prepared statement.

“And I applaud President Muyskens for enhancing the academic experience of our students, with the result that the college is now nationally recognized as a leader in quality education,” he continued.

A native of Greece, Gizis departed his homeland in 1960 with his sights set on graduate school in the United States.

Following earning an MS and PhD in food science and biochemistry at Oregon State University, Gizis launched a 50 year career in research and academia that took him across the nation.

“I started my career doing research on Vitamin B12 binders in blood and milk and I also worked as a researcher at Michigan State University, the Mellon Institute of Carnegie Mellon University, the Queens Hospital/ Long Island Jewish Hospital Affiliation and as a collaborator at the Brookhaven Lab, and the VA Hospital at Brooklyn,” Gizis recalled.

But, his record of service in the CUNY System is equally impressive.

Gizis, whose previous positions

photo courtesy Queens College

Dr. Evangelos Gizis is serving as Queens College's interim president following the departure of the school's former leader, James Muyskens.

at QC include vice president for college affairs, planning, and information systems in 1986; interim provost in 2001 and provost in 2003, also spent time as an administrator

at Manhattan’s Hunter College from 1996 to 2001.

However, as an officially retired full-time employee of CUNY, Gizis said he is not interested in becoming the college’s permanent president, noting that he accepted to serve as interim president as “a service to the university and the college.”

Asked about specific initiatives he plans to focus on, Gizis said that most of his plans revolve around student recruitment.

“I will work to implement the financial aid segment of the City University of New York integrated resources and services system (CUNY first) and develop high-demand academic programs, especially at the master's level,” he said.

In addition, he said that other priorities include the planning of QC’s offering of doctoral degrees in the sciences in a consortium with other CUNY colleges as well as maintain-

ing momentum at the school while a search for a permanent president moves forward.

Regarding the current numbers of students involved in the tech field, Gizis said that although we’re making progress, we are not there yet.

“We need more students in technical fields,” he said. “The new technologies result in ‘creative destruction’ of many jobs but the new jobs that are created require technical skills.”

Gizis temporarily replaces Muyskens, 71, who retired after a tenure that included hiring more than 300 faculty members and building the college’s first residence hall.

Muyskens, who got his start in academia as a philosophy professor, left the college in order to spend more time with his family.

The CUNY Board of Trustees expects to appoint a new president before the fall 2014 semester.

Ridgewood Poetry Reading To Fuse Old School With New

By Phil Corso Charles Bernstein has already given hundreds of poetry readings throughout his career that has spanned decades. But an upcoming event in Ridgewood, he said, “will have its own unique blend of how the art form has evolved over time.”

“I’m very pleased to be a part of this. The people reading are mostly in their 20s or 30s,” the 63-year-old said. “There is going to be a big age gap and that is always very nice to see.”

Some of the work already under Bernstein’s belt include such books as “Recalculating,” “Attack of the Difficult Poems: Essays and Inventions,” and others. He has also worked as a professor at the University of Pennsylvania for years.

The first Sacred Wood Series reading is slated for Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. at the Queens Tavern on Fresh Pond Road with three poets from very different backgrounds. Josef Kaplan, author of “Kill List” and “Democracy is Not for People” will kick it all off, followed by Jennifer Tamayo, author of poems like “Poems are the Only Real Bodies,” before Bernstein himself takes the spotlight.

some time, but for one reason or another, I hadn’t found the right space or collaborators,” Tripp said. “I guess the idea is just to present what we see as the cutting edge in contemporary poetry in an informal atmosphere.”

The bar has already hosted a slew of other artcentric events like “bring your own vinyl” nights since it was transformed from Caskey’s Tavern in September. The poetry reading, however, will be the first of its kind, Tripp said.

Bernstein spent most of his life as a denizen of the Upper West Side but recently moved to Brooklyn just near the border of Ridgewood. Part of why he left, he said, was to follow the arts as it migrated eastward.

“I am very much interested in the way the activists in poetry have moved to Brooklyn and Queens as well as the entire visual arts scene,” Photo by Joel Kuszai Bernstein said. “I think it’s great to have a readPoet Charles Bernstein reads at the Queens Museum on Dec. 7. He will be one of three to read from his work at the ing like this out in Queens and moving that area Queens Tavern in Ridgewood on Saturday. more to the center of things.”

Admission to hear the three poets speak Emcee Benjamin Tripp said ownership at Ridgewood resident, he said this was a great opcomes with a $5 donation as well as special looks The Queens Tavern has become more interest- portunity to make a mark on the changing arts at their new work, Tripp said. For more informaed in bringing art and music events to the 6869 scene in the borough. tion, the bar can be reached at (718) 821-9337.

“I’ve been wanting to start a reading series for Fresh Pond Rd. pub from the local level. And as a

Woodhaven Tutor Headed To Prison For Child Porn, DA Says A 31-year-old Woodhaven tutor who admitted to sharing child pornography - including more than 100 “disturbing” videos and 1,770 iimages - on the Internet was sentenced to one to three years in prison, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown announced last week.

Robert Edele, 31, who worked as a tutor and holds a New York teaching certificate to instruct first through sixth grades, appeared last Thursday before Queens Acting Supreme Court Justice Dorothy Chin-Brandt and was sentenced to prison following his guilty plea in September to promoting a sexual performance by a child. As part of his plea, Edele agreed to surrender his teaching certificate and must register as a sex offender upon completion of his prison sentence.

Police had executed a court-authorized search

warrant at Edele’s Woodhaven home on Oct. 15, 2012 and recovered his desktop computer. A forensic preview of the computer revealed videos and photos of boys and girls under the age of 12 depicted in a sexual manner, and the tutor admitted to downloading and sharing the files on a peer-to-peer network, according to Brown.

A peer-to-peer network is a group of personal computers that allows individuals to directly exchange files and emails with one another. Each computer can access any of the other computers on the network, although access can be restricted to those files that a computer’s user chooses to make available.

In the same announcement about Edele, the DA noted that a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer was sentenced to jail for attempting to meet for sexual relations with a person he had

met online and believed to be a 14-year-old girl According to the charges in the Carle case, a fro Queens. Instead, that girl turned out to be an NYPD Vice detective was operating in his underundercover NYPD detective assigned to its Vice cover persona as a 14-year-old girl from Queens Enforcement Division. between July 29, 2011 and Aug. 10, 2011, dur“These two cases clearly illustrate the dark ing which time he received numerous instant side of the Internet, which aids in fueling the messages - which were allegedly sexual in nature deviant behavior of sexual predators trolling for - from Carle, who was using the screen name ROunderage victims,” Brown said in a prepared state- BONS172, Brown said. ment.

Carle was arrested on Aug. 10, 2011, when he Robert Carle, 49, of Staten Island worked as appeared at a pre-arranged Queens location for a supervisory U.S. Customs and Border Protec- what he allegedly believed would be a sexual ention officer and appeared last Thursday before counter with the 14-year-old he had been instant Queens Acting Supreme Court Justice Barry messaging, according to the DA. He was taken Kron. He was sentenced to 60 days in jail and 10 into custody after a female undercover police offiyears’ probation following his Ocdt. 15 guilty plea cer waiting at the location approached Carle, who to second-degree attempted rape. A Sex Offender had previously emailed a photo of himself, and he Registration Act hearing will be held prior to his identified himself as the person with whom she release from jail, the DA said. had been supposedly conversing online.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014 | 9

By Anna Gustafson

After Pedestrian's Death In Maspeth, Residents Cry Out For Change

Following the death of a 68-year-old woman on her way to play bingo in Maspeth last Saturday, area civic leaders are calling on the city to take a hard look at an intersection that residents said has long been problematic.

Angela Hurtado was fatally struck by a driver of an SUV who police said was making an illegal left turn from 69th Place onto Grand Avenue around 11 a.m. Saturday morning. The driver, Richmond Hill resident Abel Tinoco, 28, has been charged with aggravated driving without a license.

“I’ve lost count of how many near misses I’ve seen there,” said Nancy Carbone, a member of the civic organization Communities of Maspeth and Elmhurst Together. “It’s happened to me as I’m crossing the street - and also if I’m a passenger in the car. Each time we’re waiting for the light, someone always makes the illegal turn.”

Drivers on 69th Place are only permitted to turn right, but residents such as Carbone say that law is routinely flouted.

The COMET member said there are a number of different ideas being aired as to what could be done to make the intersection safer for pedestrians.

“I don’t think the current sign that’s there - the one with the left-hand turn mark, is all that obvious or visible to people,” Carbone said. “There’s just a blatant disregard for following traffic rules in general. Grand Avenue itself suffers from a lot of illegal U-turns, which makes it hazardous.”

Dmytro Fedkowskyj, a Middle Village resident who was at the scene of the accident almost immediately after it occurred, said it was a heartbreaking scenario - and one which should never have happened.

“The scene was difficult to view, and my heart

Robert Stridiron/The Forum Newsgroup Abel Tinoco, who police said hit a 68-year-old woman after he made an illegal left-hand turn

Civic leaders and residents say changes need to be made on Grand Avenue to make life safer for pedestrians.

went out to her as she laid unconscious on the street,” he said. “My sincere condolences to the family for their loss.”

Fedkowskyj too said the city needs to make changes at the intersection.

“It’s wider than a normal one-way street,” he said of 69th Place. “The width of the block contributes to the opportunity to making a left.”

A member of Community Board 5 - which covers the area where the accident was, Fedkowskyj said he plans on speaking to the group about advocating for a number of changes there, including extending the sidewalk with barriers, create head-in parking, and force traffic to the right.

“More law enforcement would help too,” Fed-

from 69th place onto Grand Avenue in Maspeth, was taken into custody by police at the scene and later charged with aggravated driving without a license.

kowskyj said.

The death of Hurtado, who was reportedly heading to spend time with friends at the Maspeth Bingo Hall on 69th Place, was one of four pedestrian fatalities just last weekend. Such a number is, residents said, an alarming trend throughout the city - and particularly in Queens, where the number of pedestrian deaths has climbed in recent years, according to doctors at a recent pedestrian safety convention at Elmhurst Hospital.

A little before 7 a.m. in Glen Oaks, police said a homeless man was hit and killed by an SUV driver on Union Turnpike near the Cross Island Expressway. Two pedestrians were hit and killed in Manhattan.

PS 11 Parents, Electeds Urge City To Reconsider Plan To Bus Students Across District Say proposal to send young pupils nearly three miles away from their home school would be major burden on families

By Anna Gustafson After the city decided to postpone a vote on a proposal to bus hundreds of kindergarten students from PS 11 in Woodside to a building on the opposite side of the district in Astoria, parents, educational leaders, and elected officials are urging the new mayoral administration to work with them to craft a more suitable plan.

“It makes no sense,” said Martin Connolly, who has a son currently in kindergarten at the school and will have another son going into kindergarten next school year. “The way [the city Department of Education] handled this is disgraceful. In a school of 1,300 kids, you’re talking about 20 percent of the school being bussed out of the area to the furthest side of District 30.”

In an attempt to address the serious overcrowding problems that have long plagued the school at 54-25 Skillman Ave., the city is adding 300 seats in an annex at PS 11 in a construction project slated to begin in the summer of 2014. But, because the city has to remove a little more than a couple hundred seats at PS 211 in order to build the annex, about 230 kindergarten students are expected to be bussed about 2.5 miles to PS 171 in Astoria every day for class.

The city Panel for Educational Policy has to greenlight this plan before it can move forward, and the PEP has delayed its vote on the matter until at least the February meeting - relieving parents and others who are asking that the DOE consider placing the kindergarten students at the closer PS 313 in Sunnyside.

“There’s no perfect solution here,” said Isaac Carmignani, the chairman of the Community Education Council District 30 zoning committee. “We have to get new seats, but we’d love to find a way to reduce the bussing. The school 313 is closer and would potentially have the seats. We requested we get those seats instead of bussing to the west side of the district.”

Dmytro Fedkowskyj, the Queens borough president’s former appointee on the PEP, too encouraged the city to rethink its plan.

“While the proposal calls for the removal of trailers in exchange for a mini-building, which nobody can argue shouldn’t happen, it also proposes to displace the youngest students from PS 11 for two to three years,” Fedkowskyj said. “Since this business has been tabled for now, I’m hopeful the new administration will engage CEC 30 and concerned parents and fine tune the proposal. This proactive approach could ease the anxiety of parents and build back much needed trust with the school

10 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014

community.”

U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, Bronx), state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) and Assembly members Catherine Nolan (D-Ridgewood) and Marge Markey (D-Maspeth) this week penned a letter to City Schools

Such tragedies happened just days after Mayor de Blasio unveiled his “Vision Zero” initiative - an ambitious plan to reduce citywide traffic deaths to zero within a decade. As part of the proposal, the mayor called for greater enforcement of reckless drivers and lowering speed limits, among numerous other ideas.

“This will be a top-to-bottom effort to take on dangerous streets and dangerous driving,” de Blasio said outside PS 152 in Woodside - the school to where 8-year-old Noshat Nahian was walking at the end of December when he was hit and killed by a truck driver on Northern Boulevard.

“We aren’t going to wait and lose a son, a daughter, a parent, or a grandparent in another senseless and painful tragedy.”

Chancellor Carmen Fariña urging the DOE to reconsider.

“While the expansion of P.S. 11 in Woodside is a necessary investment in our children’s education, we need to ensure that its construction is as least disruptive as possible to our families,” Crowley said in a prepared statement.

Markey stressed similar points.

“A three-mile bus ride at rush hour is no way for children to begin their first year in school,” Markey said in the same statement. “The entire school community is delighted that the DOE is finally moving forward with this long-awaited construction, but there must be a better alternative location for these kindergartners.”

Christ the King Trains Future Forensic Scientists

Christ the King High School’s Forensic Science class participated in Locard’s Principle Activity, where students spent a day wearing white t-shirts, then performing forensic tests and analysis. The Locard Principle applies the theory that anytime two objects come into contact, there is always a transfer of evidence from one object to another.

Pictured from left clockwise: Kristina DeSena, Nestor Espinoza, Christopher Cabrera and Valentina Nunez.

Queens Pols, Airport Workers Mark MLK Day In Cuffs

By Phil Corso They called for justice, and cops brought out the handcuffs.

An act of civil disobedience outside of Queens’ LaGuardia Airport landed several elected officials, community leaders and airport workers in the back of a police truck after they called for equality in remembrance of Martin Luther King, Jr. The group held a booming rally Monday morning centered on poor working conditions and unfair wages near the airport and then marched down the nearby 94th Street bridge to block traffic, where the arrests followed.

Some of those handcuffed included U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel (D-Manhattan), City Council members Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) and Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica) along with 29 others, the Jackson Heights 115th Precinct said.

“The City Council stands untied to support you, airport workers, in your demands for dignified work and respect,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito alongside colleagues Councilmen Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria), I. Daneek Miller (D-Jamaica) and Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton). “We have seen a mobilization across this nation of fast food workers, car wash workers and now airport workers. We will ensure that we stand with you.”

The protests were in support of the service workers union 32BJ SEIU, which organized pe-

Forum photo Phil Corso

Employees from LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International Airports protested what they described as unjust working conditions at a rally on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

titions signed by more than 2,000 workers demanding MLK Day become a paid holiday, but to no avail. Union President Hector Figueroa, who was also arrested, said the airlines and Port Authority have refused to listen to workers’ pleas for the simplest of perks, such as paid sick days and wages above $8 an hour.

“The work of Dr. King is not yet finished,” he shouted at the rally, filled with enraged workers and determined elected officials. “We want a living wage. We are people. We deserve better.”

The Port Authority did not return requests seeking comment, as its press office was closed in observance of the national holiday. Air Serv, Aviation Safeguards and PrimeFlight - the companies that employ many of the airport employees who protested - also did not comment.

Andrew Loyd, a cabin cleaner at John F. Kennedy International Airport, said he found it nonsense to be a full-time employee but still require public assistance to get by without the luxury of paid sick days or vacation time.

“We are tired of what we are going through.

We don’t deserve what we are going through,” he said, echoing the sentiments of many other workers who took to the podium to speak. “We are asking for respect. This is unity. This is a day of reckoning.”

In support of the workers, Rangel plugged the city’s newest administration under Mayor Bill de Blasio, instilling hope into the enthusiastic crowd for a better tomorrow, adding he was certain the mayor would spearhead the fight for decent wages.

“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. did not die just for us to sit on our fannies,” Rangel said. “We don’t have to die for our freedom, but we have to make sure everyone is included.”

City Public Advocate Letitia James delivered a passionate address, pausing in between each phrase to yell, “No justice,” to which the protestors replied, “No peace.” James, who opted against joining the others in civil disobedience, also made sure to note better days were ahead under the new administration.

“The dream for Dr. King has unfortunately become a nightmare for too many airport workers,” James said. “The new day has come in the city of New York, and it is consistent with the dream of Dr. King to lift all people out of poverty.”

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was deemed a national holiday under President Ronald Reagan in 1983 and has since been celebrated on the third Monday of every January.

Queens First Baseball Convention Draws Hundreds Of Fans - As Well As Big Sports Names

Forum photos Brian Mangan

Mets great Ron Darling, seated at right, signs autographs for fans at the first ever Queens Baseball Convention.

By Brian Mangan Hundreds of loyal baseball fans gathered at McFadden's Citi Field on Saturday afternoon for the first ever Queens Baseball Convention, a midwinter celebration of Mets baseball intended to be part Comic-Con, part fan fest, and part baseball extravaganza.

The QBC, organized by Shannon Shark of the Mets Police and Darren Meenan of the Metscentric clothing line The 7 Line was the first of its kind – a convention dreamed up “by the fans, for the fans.”

Baseball enthusiasts filled McFadden's wallto-wall for the all-day convention for an event that included panels, presentations, autograph signings, individual vendors selling art and memorabilia, food and even mascots.

“I'm thrilled at how well received it was,” said organizer Shannon Shark. “Folks really seemed to have a good time.”

Undoubtedly, the main attraction of the day for most fans were the special guests - namely, former Mets greats Ron Darling and Ed Kranepool. Both Darling and Kranepool took part in extended question and answer sessions with the fans, and stayed for lengthy autograph signings afterward.

One of the most interesting panels of the day was led by Paul Lukas of ESPN's Uni Watch in which the panelists discussed the Mets uniforms and their history. Among the topics discussed were the the process of assigning numbers and the merits of the different jerseys that the Mets have used over the years (a show of hands at the panel revealed, for instance, that Mets fans greatly prefer jerseys with player names on the back rather than numbers only).

The Mets organization itself even got into the act, providing a panel of executives from the New York Mets Marketing Department who discussed the team and its various marketing initiatives.

Mets fans are interviewed about the first ever Queens Baseball Convention at Citi Field last Saturday.

They confirmed that Mrs. Met “is back” and that the retirement of Mike Piazza's #31 is under discussion.

There were also a few games and competitions that took place during the day that were less academic. Fans played Mets-related versions of “Let's Make a Deal” and “Family Feud,” but the highlight was undoubtedly the Mets-version of “The Dating Game.” The help of the lovely 7 Line calendar girls was enlisted for the game.

Although it was held at a bar, the Queens Baseball Convention was most definitely a familyfriendly event as well, with special events included for children such as face painting, a dunk tank, and a drawing contest for the younger attendees.

The event concluded with the “Mazzy Awards,” which range from the serious to the silly and are voted on by the fan community. Awards included “Mets Executive of the Year,” won by the Mets’ vice president of media relations; “Best First Impression,” won by Mets' rookie Zack Wheeler;

and even “Best Looking” blogger.

All in all, the Queens Baseball Convention was exactly what fans needed to get their baseball fix in the middle of a cold, bleak winter. Mets fans are notoriously active and notoriously loyal, so many devotees said an event like this was sorely overdue.

One fan in attendance, Andrew Damato, agreed with that sentiment, saying, “any reason in the middle of January to come here and pretend it's summer is a win for us.”

The organizers have said that they will be holding the convention again next year, and the organizers have an even bigger vision for next year.

“I hope to do it again next year, and now having established the brand and concept it should allow for staring the process earlier which should lead to bigger and better,” Shark said.

Given the success of this year’s convention, it looks like Mets fans will have a lot to look forward to.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014 | 11

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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 FORUM NEWSGROUP •• January 12 || THE THE FORUM NEWSGROUP January 16, 23, 2014 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

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

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014 | 13

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

14 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014

Where perfection is not an accident…

And at Sonny’s Collision Specialists, that’s what we offer our customers – perfection.

We know how stressful it can be when you are without your vehicle.

At Sonny’s, you will never be dissatisfied – in fact, we’re so sure that we offer you a rental vehicle at our expense if you’re not completely satisfied with out work when we return your vehicle.

OUR LIFETIME GUARANTEE IS UNLIMITED • Free computerized estimates • Computerized color matching • Laser measured unibody straightening • Full down draft European heated spray booth • Free 24 hour towing with any collision repair • Your vehicle will be delivered to your door when the job is completed • Sonny’s only uses original factory authorized parts • Rental cars are available • Paintless dent removal AT SONNY’S, NO JOB IS TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL! OUR FULL TIME STAFF INSURANCE ADJUSTERS WILL REPORT YOUR CLAIMS AND HELP YOU SETTLE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

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Phone: 718-738-6721 • Fax: 718-846-7755 THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014 | 15

Because we know how much you love them…

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At Veterinary Care Unlimited, our practice is centered around compassion. Our doctors and nurses are committed to excellence and constantly avail themselves to changes in technology, equipment, medications, therapies and nutrition.

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How To Be An Eco-Conscious Pet Owner Owning a pet is often a rewarding responsibility.

Pets make for loyal friends, and for every late night walk in the cold pet owners must endure, their pets repay those gestures in spades.

While the greatest responsibility pet owners have to their pets is to ensure their furry friends live as comfortable and healthy a life as possible, pet owners also have a responsibility to the planet. Eco-conscious pet ownership can have a positive and substantial impact on the environment, and the following are a few simple ways for pet owners to care for their pets and protect the planet at the same time. * Say so long to plastic bags. Picking up pet waste is arguably the worst part of owning a pet, and some pet owners simply want to pick up the waste without giving it a second thought. But how pet owners pick up their pets' waste can impact the environment. Using plastic grocery bags leftover from trips to the store is bad for the planet, as research has shown that such bags can take as long as 1,000 years to degrade. That means that plastic bag full of pet waste might still be around come the dawn of the next millenium. Instead of using plastic bags to pick up their pets' waste, pet owners can use biodegradable waste bags made from materials other than plastic. Such bags might not make the task of picking up pet waste more enjoyable, but they are certainly more eco-friendly, taking far less time to degrade than plastic bags. * Embrace organic pet foods. Pet foods have evolved considerably over the last several decades, and pet owners now have more healthy options at their disposal. Organic pet foods make for healthier alternatives for pets, eliminating the buildup of residues of chemical additives, pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides in pets. Such residues have been shown to have an adverse effect on pet health. In addition, a Many pet products, including leashes, are made from eco-friendly recycled materials.

study funded by the European Union found that organic fruits and vegetables have up to 40 percent more antioxidants than nonorganic alternatives, adding to the nutritional value of organic pet foods. Organic pet foods also are produced without the use of conventional pesticides or artificial fertilizers, benefitting the planet as a result. Before altering their pets' diets, pet owners should consult their veterinarian for advice and tips on how to make the transition from traditional foods to organic alternatives as smooth as possible. * Look for products made from recycled materials. More and more pet products are being made from recycled materials, and pet owners can encourage manufacturers to keep that trend going strong by purchasing such products whenever the opportunity to do so presents itself. Leashes, bowls, toys, and scratching posts for cats are just a few of the many pet products made from recycled materials. Before buying pet products, pet owners should read labels to determine if a given product is made from recycled materials. * Clean green. Like their human counterparts, pets need to bathe. While they might not bathe every day like their owners, pets such as cats and dogs need to be shampooed and cleaned every so often. When buying cleaning products, pet owners should look for nontoxic products. Many traditional pet shampoos or pet beauty products are laced with chemicals, and such ingredients can have an adverse effect on pet health while also harming the environment. Nontoxic grooming products can still give pets' coats a beautiful shine, but they do so without taking a toll on the planet or the animal's health.

Pet ownership is a significant responsibility, and pet owners should recognize that part of that responsibility involves caring for their pets in an ecofriendly way.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014 | 17

18 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014

A Local Guide :

Sure Bets on

SUPER SUNDAY February 2, 2014 We can't tell you if Peyton & Denver will cover two, or if the Seahawks D will hold the score under ...

But we can help you pick some real winners...

The Forum's local advertising guide has everything you need to make sure your appetite scores big on

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Turn the pages to some super choices--guaranteed to make your game day great! ***By the way, if we were forced to pick ...Denver -2 and Under 42 1/2 THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014 | 19

20 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014 | 21

THROW A SENSATIONAL SUPER BOWL PARTY The culmination of the American football season is on the horizon. Millions of people will tune in to watch two teams battle for the title of champion. While the teams may be busy prepping their last-minute offensive and defensive strategies, sports fans across the country are doing their own strategizing by planning the perfect game-day party.

The first AFL-NFL World Championship Game in professional American football, later known as Super Bowl I, was played on January 15, 1967 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs. Since that day, ardent fans and novices alike have been celebrating football by hosting their own viewing parties at home.

These parties present yet another way for friends to get together.

As the opening kickoff draws closer, here are some keys to Super Bowl party success.

* KNOW YOUR PLAYING FIELD

Your home is only so big, and that means you will have to limit the number of people you can invite.

Crowding too many people into the house can be uncomfortable and dangerous, never mind trying to talk and hear above the cacophony of too many people. Take inventory of how many you can seat comfortably. You may need to move out larger furniture and move in folding chairs if you plan to accommodate more guests. If you live in a warmer climate, you may be able to hook up the television outside and host an outdoor event in the yard. This will enable even more people to attend.

* SIZE UP YOUR COMPETITION

Super Bowl Sunday is a oncea-year event. There will be thousands of like-minded individuals planning their own parties and utilizing the same services in your local area. Those who need to rent tables and chairs and rely on a caterer (or the services of the nearest pizza joint) should plan early. If you would like to have a football gathering, start laying the groundwork a few months in advance. This way you can leave deposits for any vendors and be secure in knowing you will have what you need come gameday.

* WATCH THE CLOCK

*ESTABLISH YOUR PLAY BOOK

Will this be a chipsand-dips type of party or will you be offering more substantial fare?

Is it adults-only or are guests able to bring their kids along? Make a list of questions that need to be answered and set up the party parameters. This way you will know what to stock up on in advance.

Consider allocating a separate room in the house for kids' play or for adults who are there for the social aspect of the party and will not necessarily be glued to the television.

* CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT

What is the Super Bo wl without a means to watch the game? Retailers often offer the best deals on new tel evisions this time of year beca use they know sports fans wa nt to upgrade their televisio ns for the big game. If your TV has seen better days or do esn't have the Hi-Def quali ty you've come to expect, this may be the time to cash in ho liday gift cards for a new flat-s creen. If buying new isn't a po ssibility at this time, there are centers that will rent electron ics.

're the one Take this tip to heart: if you ing coordiryth eve t tha sure serving, make . In the game a nates with the game's timing you party it will delay can bring penalties, at n penalties. bring hungry fans--worse tha ore kickoff p Do the bulk of food pre bef l up befue and gle and allow guests to min ds and foo er fing ve Ser fore the game starts. when ble essi acc ily eas are t other snacks tha breaktime and the game starts. Halftime is will appreciate your "charged up fan-guests" another room. the buffet you have set up in pass around In addition you keep those foods going. nt of the Never let them miss a mome On! It g game to get food. Brin

* DON'T RUN INTERFERENCE There's not much entertainment that needs to be scheduled on game day apart from the game itself. Ensure that the TV is situated so nobody's view is obstruced and that people moving in and out of the room need not cross in front of the TV to get food or use the restroom. While it may be customary to decorate your home with a few decorations, ensure any decorations do not obstruct views of the game. To make things comfortable for the largest number of people, consider having two TVs tuned into the game running in separate rooms. This way, guests can mingle and not be tied to one area.

85,000 people will brave likely freezing temperatures at MET Life Stadium when the Broncos and the Seahawks meet for Super Bowl XLVIII. Ticket prices range from $500 to $1 million.

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718-323-4011 www.sapienzahb.com THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014 | 23

MUST-HAVES FOR ANY SUPER BOWL PARTY The Super Bowl, the annual championship game of the National Football League, has become a global event. According to Nielsen, a ratings measurement firm, the 2013 game, which pitted the Baltimore Ravens against the San Francisco 49ers, drew an average of 108 million viewers, peaking at 113.9 million during the final 17 minutes of the broadcast, when the Ravens withstood a furious rally from the 49ers, ultimately winning the game 34-31.

Fans and non-fans alike typically spend at least some time watching the big game, and many people do so at parties geared around the game itself.

A good Super Bowl party can make the game that much more enjoyable, and the following are some must-have items no Super Bowl party host should forget. * SNACKS: Snacks play an integral role on Super Bowl Sunday. Unlike other popular gatherings, Super Bowl parties do not typically feature a sit-down meal as part of the festivities. Though it's customary for hosts to make one large dish or order pizzas for guests, it's still necessary to stock up on snacks to keep guests from getting hungry as the party progresses. The game itself often lasts three hours or more, and many guests will begin to arrive an hour before kickoff, if not earlier. So be sure to have snacks like potato chips and pretzels as well as some healthier fare, like vegetable trays, on hand for guests. * DIPS: Of course, snacks always taste better when guests have something to dip them into. When choosing dips for the party, encourage guests with culinary skills to make their own homemade dips and bring them to the party, and make some of your own as well. Hosts hesitant to try their hands at making dips can always buy some from the store, just be sure to choose popu-

lar dips like onion- or cheese-flavored dips and even some salsa. * NACHOS: Certain foods have become synonymous with Super Bowl parties, and nachos certainly fall into that category. If hosts and guests all eat meat, cook up some homemade nachos with tortilla chips, ground beef (or even ground chicken), green peppers, red peppers, jalapeno peppers, shredded cheese, and salsa, be it homemade or store-bought. Exclude beef or chicken when hosting guests who abstain from eating meat or poultry. Nachos can be made in a snap, so hosts might want to wait until just before the game starts to whip up some homemade nachos. * BEVERAGES: Beverages are another important must-have when hosting a Super Bowl party.

According to Nielsen estimates from 2011, Americans consumed roughly 50 million cases of beer in the two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl (the NFL conference championship games, which determine who will play in the Super Bowl, occur two weeks prior to the big game), a significant portion of which is consumed on Super Bowl Sunday. So hosts should anticipate guests wanting to enjoy a beer or two during their Super Bowl parties. But beer isn't the only beverage hosts must stock up on. Have plenty of water on hand, as well as some beverages like iced tea and soda for kids and adults guests who do not drink alcohol. Hosts also should monitor guests' alcohol consumption to ensure no guests overdo it. * CHICKEN WINGS: Like nachos, chicken wings have become synonymous with the Super Bowl.

Hosts who want to try their hands at homemade wings can consider the following recipe for "Baked Jerk Chicken Wings" from Helen Willinsky's "Jerk From Jamaica".

BAKED JERK CHICKEN WINGS

Serves 4 as an appetizer

the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.

18 whole chicken wings, Preheat the oven to 350 F. Place the or 12 drumsticks chicken in a greased baking dish. Bake 11/2 cups jerk marinade for 40 to 45 minutes, basting twice 11/2 cups tamarind-apricot sauce with the reserved 1/2 cup of marinade.

1/4 cup soy sauce When done, the juices will run clear when the chicken is pierced with a In a baking dish, combine the knife. chicken and 1 cup of the marinade.

Prepare a dipping sauce by comCover and refrigerate for at least 11/2 bining the tamarind-apricot sauce with hours or up to 4 hours, turning occa- the soy sauce. Serve the chicken hot or sionally. The longer the chicken mari- at room temperature, with the dipping nates, the hotter it becomes. Remove sauce.

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24 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014

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64-21 53rd Drive • (718) 672-9696 THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014 | 25

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Mayor Announces Major Expansion Of Paid Sick Leave Companies with five or more employees would have to participate

By Anna Gustafson Following Mayor de Blasio’s announcement at the end of last week that he wants a major overhaul of the way paid sick leave is conducted throughout the city, the City Council has already acted on it and introduced legislation Wednesday that would expand the benefit to 500,000 workers in the five boroughs.

“For far too long, thousands of New Yorkers have been forced to choose between taking a sick day or earning a paycheck,” de Blasio said in a statement Wednesday. “The expansion of paid sick leave will improve the lives of thousands of this city’s working people and their families, and I am proud to fight for this critical progressive reform.”

In an about face from the years of tense debate over paid sick leave during the Bloomberg administration, de Blasio and Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-Manhattan) said they want to see businesses with five or more employees provide five days of paid sick time.

Bloomberg had long been opposed to the measure, which he said would financially burden small businesses. A bill ultimately passed that mandated businesses with 15 or more employees offer at least five sick days per year.

That legislation was poised to go into effect in April, though it would become moot if the new bill is passed, which it is expected to do.

“It’s time for our laws to live up to our values,” Mark-Viverito said. “...We are going to make sure that no one is thrown into crisis and insecurity just because they get sick. This

photo courtesy NYC Mayor's Office

Mayor de Blasio, left, and Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, second from left, speak with workers about a plan to expand paid sick leave for about 500,000 workers in the city.

is the culmination of a movement and coalition that has put the rights and needs of families at the center of our agenda.”

The expanded paid sick leave legislation will cover an additional 355,000 New Yorkers - more than 200,000 of whom do not currently receive the benefit, de Blasio said. It would also eliminate the phase-in that was called for in the bill passed during Bloomberg’s tenure, which would have delayed coverage to workers at businesses between 15 and 20 employees.

GAME TIME DECISION...

CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA?

This, the mayor said, means 140,000 people who would have waited until mid-2015 under the existing bill will have coverage come April.

Additionally, the new bill would remove exemptions for the manufacturing sector, extending paid sick leave coverage to 76,000 workers - half of whom do not currently have the benefit.

The new legislation adds grandparents, grandchildren and siblings to the definition of family members workers can legally care

for using paid sick time.

For Leonardo Hernando, a car-wash worker in Queens, the new bill, he said, will make a huge difference in his life.

“I have lived and worked in this country for nine years,” he said. “In all that time, I’ve never once had a job that provided paid sick days. With four kids to support, I can’t afford a day off, even when I’m sick. That meant going to work with a fever and with the flu. But all that will change with this new law.”

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014 | 27

State Budget Builds On Success, Cuomo Says

By Phil Corso Gov. Andrew Cuomo rolled out this year’s budget while bashing the government policies of yesterday.

He also committed to a state-funded universal prekindergarten program, which put his agenda at odds with that of Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“This year we propose universal full day pre-K statewide, period,” Cuomo said during his address in Albany Tuesday afternoon. “All the educators will tell you this is the single most advantageous reform that a state can make. That the younger you get children into school the more open and accessible their brain, the more they can take in earlier. Incredibly, New York will become just the fourth state in the nation to offer statewide universal full day pre-K.” Cuomo said the 2014-2015 executive budget would reduce spending over the next two years by about $2 billion, and the money saved would be funneled into programs including $1.5 billion for a fully funded universal full-day prekindergarten program, $720 million for an after-school program over five years and a $2 billion Smart Schools bond act.

And though that is much of the

State lawmakers listen to Gov. Cuomo's budget address in Albany on Tuesday afternoon.

same campaign platform on which de Blasio campaigned on, the new mayor opposed the method to Cuomo’s solutions. Rather than using excess funds to make universal prekindergarten a reality, de Blasio’s stance has consistently been to raise taxes on the city’s most wealthy residents to make for a more sustainable base for the program.

The state Afterschool Network applauded Cuomo’s commitment to universal prekindergarten as well as after-school programs and used words like “bold” to describe the

coming year’s budget. The group said the governor’s proposal would initially almost triple the state’s current investment in afterschool programs and promises to continue to grow support for these crucial programs over five years.

“New York has a tremendous foundation of high-quality programs that can be quickly scaled up under the governor’s proposal to reach more than 100,000 students who currently have no access to afterschool experiences,” said NYSAN’s Executive Director, Nora Niedzielski-Eichner.

photo courtesy NYS Governor's Office

“These new programs have the potential to change lives for children all across the state as they have the opportunity to explore new interests, develop healthy relationships, and receive academic support—all components of high-quality programs that have been shown to increase the chances that students will stay in school and out of trouble.”

But Make the Road New York, a Latino-focused working class advocacy group, said Cuomo’s budget address failed to include key immigration issues they have been fighting for,

including a commitment to the state DREAM Act. "Perhaps the central challenge of our time is income inequality and the struggle to make New York a state for all of us,” said Make the Road New York Co-Executive Director Deborah Axt. “The battle against inequality demands, at the very least, education, decent jobs, affordable housing, and fair taxes for all of us. We are concerned that the portion of Governor Cuomo's budget proposals falls short.”

The governor also used his address to applaud the state’s accomplishments over recent years, which included turning a $10 billion deficit into the now $2 billion surplus. He told stories of years past when the state struggled to come to terms on budgets on a more routine basis.

“Thirty years, 23 late budgets, and not a little late, 50 days. And then you wonder why the people in the State of New York thought the government wasn’t working,” Cuomo said.

“New York state government was gridlock on steroids. And the budget was manipulated by special interest pressures, which drove spending ever higher.”

New York Lands 'C' On Emergency Room Report Card Physicians group cites long wait times and few ER departments tion about specific hospitals, Queens elected officials have long said that the borough is severely underbedded at its hospitals, and new Queens Borough President Melinda Katz has vowed to increase health care services in the borough.

Over the past five years, the borough has hemorrhaged beds with the closures of four hospitals - Parkway Hospital in Forest Hills, St. John’s in Elmhurst, Mary Immaculate in Jamaica and Peninsula Hospital in Far Rockaway.

Parkway closed in 2008, and St. John’s and Mary Immaculate filed for bankruptcy protection in February 2009 and began the process of liquidating their assets within weeks.

New York has the country's fourth longest average emergency department wait times and the highest hospital occupancy rate in the nation, according to a new report by the American College of Emergency Physicians.

file photo

emergency physicians since 2009. At the same time, the state had the fourth fewest emerWhile a group of emergency physicians gency departments per capita - eight per one that annually releases a report on the nation’s million people - and the number of staffed inhospital’s said that New York saw improve- patient beds has decreased since 2009, all of ments in access to emergency care, it also which contributes to emergency department faced long wait times in emergency depart- boarding and crowding.

"New York ranks among the top five states ments and has the unenviable position of having the highest hospital occupancy rate in the in the nation for its disaster preparedness policies, but we have a lot of work to do to reduce nation.

Such issues led the American College of the wait times in our emergency departments," Emergency Physicians, or ACEP, to dole out said Dr. Daniel Murphy, president of the New an average ‘C’ on its recently released emer- York Chapter of ACEP. "We also have one of the worse medical liability environments in gency care environment “report card.”

According to the document released last the country, which affects people's access to week, New York increased the number of reg- emergency care."

While the report does not give informaistered nurses, specialists and board-certified 28 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014

By Anna Gustafson

By that April, Queens had lost 600 beds because of the closures of Mary Immaculate, St. John’s and Parkway Hospital. When Peninsula shuttered, the borough lost another 175 beds - and left the Rockaways with just one hospital, also named St. John’s.

“We’re losing a hospital every time we wake up,” Katz said during her inauguration speech two weeks ago.

According to the physicians’ report, the state received an F in the category of Medical Liability Environment related to having the highest number of malpractice award payments in the country - about 6 per 100,000 people, which represents a two-fold increase since the 2009 report card.

Miller Kicks Off Valentine's Day Drive For Veterans Assemblyman Michael Miller (D-Woodhaven) is working with the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion Post 118 in Woodhaven to hold a “Valentines for Veterans” drive.

The legislator's office is collecting cards, candy, sugar-free snacks, toiletries, and new clothes for veterans hospitalized at St. Albans VA Hospital and the NYS Veterans Nursing Home.

Items may be donated to Miller’s office at 83-91 Woodhaven Blvd. until Tuesday, Feb. 12.

Miller will then donate the gifts to the veterans on Valentine's Day.

For more information, please call Miller’s office at (718) 805-09

After Avonte Oquendo's Remains Are Identified, A City Mourns - And Questions School Safety

By Anna Gustafson

ily that, since Oct. 4, did not know where their boy was.

Thousands of volunteers flocked to an impromptu command center set up in Long Island City and joined the family to search and search. And they refused to give up hope - until Tuesday, when police told the Oquendo family, who live in Rego Park, that their son, who had autism, was dead. His remains were found in College Point and the DNA matched that of the 14-year-old, who managed to leave his Long Island City school unsupervised on Oct. 4.

“Avonte’s family searched, really searched,” David Perecman, a lawyer for the Oquendo family, told reporters.

“The people of the city of New York searched.”

The teen, who was unable to speak, was last seen on surveillance video

For months, they searched.

They - family members, friends, complete strangers - went to train station after train station, hoping the son and brother would be there, admiring the locomotives with which he was so enamored. They went through every single one of the city’s subway stations, as well as parks and back yards and coastlines throughout what became a dauntingly large city. They hovered in helicopters, hoping to catch a glimpse of the 14-year-old boy whose name everyone now knows: Avonte Oquendo. His mother recorded her voice to broadcast into empty space, hoping the boy would recognize it and come running back into the arms of a fam

School, located on 51st Avenue, according to police. His disappearance launched a massive search effort, with the NYPD shutting down the entire subway system and people from around the world flooding the family with requests to help.

But, with Tuesday’s news, a stunned and saddened public now must ask: How did this happen? How did a 14-year-old with autism manage to flee his school with no one stopFile photo ping him? Who is to blame? And how Avonte Oquendo's remains were discovered in can this be prevented from happening College Point last week. The Rego Park teen, again? who had autism, went missing after leaving The Oquendo family is seeking anhis school in Long Island City without being swers to such questions, and the teen’s stopped by anyone. mother, Vanessa Fontaine, is suing the city to force them to show her the NYPD’s files on her son’s disappearrunning out of the Center Boulevard ance. The city had previously denied

her request to see such internal documents.

According to other reports, school officials waited at least 45 minutes before notifying the NYPD of the disappearance - time that the teen’s family wonders if it could have made all the difference in the world.

Perecman has said he expects to file a $25 million lawsuit on behalf of the family against the city.

The family has asked that if you would like to send condolences to the Oquendo family, please mail them to: The Perecman Firm Attn: The Oquendo Family 250 West 57th Street 4th Floor New York, NY 10107

Miller Bill Takes Aim At Out-Of-State License Plates Hopes legislation will free up parking for residents

By Anna Gustafson Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) has a message for drivers wielding out-of-state license plates who are hogging parking spaces on the street: Your time is up.

The lawmaker is introducing a bill this week in Albany that aims to “stop the abuse of the registration of out-of-state vehicles in all our communities.”

The bill, which Miller expects to soon have corresponding legislation in the state Senate, would prohibit vehicles with out-of-state license plates to park on the street between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. daily.

“We know some people are fortunate to own homes out of state, so there’ll be exemptions for them, and you’ll be able to get a pass for families from out of state,” Miller said “We don’t want to

“parking is difficult and we all pay for that privilege,” Miller said he believes the bill will help residents find the often elusive street parking - as well as ensure that the state receives money it deserves from registrations.

“There are a lot of cars with out-of-state plates,” Miller said. “Out of every 50 cars, I’m sure you have five or six cars that have them.”

Queens residents, particularly individuals in Woodhaven, have long been fed up with this problem. Several years ago, members of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association began tracking cars without New York license plates and reported them to their home states if the photo by Anna vehicles remained there for long periods of time.

Assemblyman Mike Miller is introducing legislation in Albany this week that aims to drive cars with out-of-state Miller noted that the states that seem to most license plates from congested streets in an effort to free up parking. frequently pop up on the non-New York plates curtail tourists from coming in, so people can the DMV.” include Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, buy a pass for a specific period of time through Saying that the idea behind the bill is that Massachusetts, Vermont, Maryland, and others.

At WRBA, Velazquez Talks Congress' New Spending Bill, Struggling Economy

By Anna Gustafson Praising the approximate $1 trillion funding bill passed

by Congress last week, U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez (DQueens, Brooklyn, Manhattan) told Queens residents on Saturday that the measure will send millions of dollars to New York for early childhood education and veterans.

“Congress saw the light, and we passed the omnibus bill,” Velazquez said at the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association meeting. “...New York alone will get $500 million for early childhood education. We restored funding for the military, especially for disabled veterans.”

The bipartisan legislation - a massive document totaling 1,582 pages that is often referred to as the “omnibus bill” - greenlights government spending through September, ensuring there will not be another shutdown as there was last year.

Among numerous initiatives, it gives all federal workers a 1 percent raise and restores cuts to medical research and job training programs. The spending bill does not include tens of billions of dollars for which President Obama and Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup some Congressional Democrats had asked.

U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez spoke at the WRBA meeting last Saturday, addressing a While Velazquez said she was pleased about the budget variety of topics from the passage of the so-called omnibus bill to concerns about the deal, she also noted that the economy is not where she and economy. other lawmakers would like it to be.

“The economy continues to struggle, and we have 2.3 million people looking for jobs,” Velazquez said at the meeting.

And, she stressed that while lawmakers did manage to work with their colleagues from across the aisle, she said she hopes for a far more functional Washington D.C. “I’d hope we’d work together in a more bipartisan way - the country is tired of this bickering in Washington,” she said, noting that she wants lawmakers to work together on a variety of big-name topics, including immigration, education and the economy.

The congresswoman, along with other elected officials at the meeting, praised Ed Wendell, the WRBA’s former president who recently stepped down from his position and was replaced by Martin Colberg, the group’s first Latino president in its 42-year history.

“Ed, you were able to tackle some of the most important issues,” Velazquez said. “Martin, you have big shoes to fill but we’ll all be working together.”

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) said Wendell “made Woodhaven a better place,” and Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) said the former president “really built up this block association.”

“He has set the bar so high,” Ulrich said of Wendell.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014 | 29

FORUM FUN & GAMES ACROSS 1. What John Wilkes Booth did 6. *Montana used it to throw 11 Super Bowl TDs 9. Manufactured 13. With ample space 14. Waikiki garland 15. Policeman's shocker 16. Spritelike 17. Egg cells 18. Shamu and such 19. *The coldest Super Bowl venue todate 21. *2014 Super Bowl stadium name holder 23. Australian runner 24. Fries, e.g.

25. Actor's domain 28. Trans-Siberian Railroad city 30. *Last year's power ______ 35. Younger sister to Katniss 37. Larger-than-life 39. Tolerate 40. Milano moolah 41. India bigwig 43. Network of nerves 44. Like a lemon 46. Cough syrup balsam 47. Inevitable occurrence 48. Tip of lion's tail 50. Shipping hazard 52. Bell and Barker 53. Swerves 55. Orinoco or Grande 57. *Type of Super Bowl venue 61. Kool & the Gang's 1983 hit 64. Boston hockey player 65. 34th pres.

67. Haley to Manny on "Modern Family" 69. Moved like Argo 70. *It's raised for field goals 71. Mauritanian village, Boeir _____ 72. The Benevolent and Protective Order of ___ 73. Fossil fuel 74. Sound like Wilbur

DOWN 1. "___ we there yet?"

2. *Manning in 2006 3. Soybean curd 4. Novelist _____ Zola 5. Go-getter 6. Medicinal succulent 7. R in rpm 8. *Frequent Super Bowl host, but not this year 9. Lime-rich soil 10. American Society for Clinical Investigation 11. Like Beethoven 12. Gaelic 15. Come up with a sum 20. Divine presence 22. Tokyo, once 24. Bicycles on skis 25. Water balloon sound 26. "All My Children" vixen 27. Firestone ware, pl.

29. Quarrel 31. *It's artificial at this year's Super Bowl 32. Elite military unit 33. _____-percha tree 34. The Three Musketeers' swords 36. *Halftime entertainer 38. His was a merry old soul 42. Donkey in Latin America 45. "Above and ______" 49. ___ Tzu of "Tao Te Ching" fame 51. *They play at host venue 54. Between wash and dry 56. Tear jerker 57. Double reed woodwind 58. Europe/Asia mountain divide 59. Ottoman man 60. "Tomorrow Never ____" 61. *They also play at host venue 62. Infamous Roman 63. Maple, to a botanist 66. New Zealander parrot 68. *Super Bowl begins at 6:25 pm in this zone

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32 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014

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: 132-35 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.

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.

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 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 of P&R ASTORIA, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on

11/06/13. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: 15450 12th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357.

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.

ZIPY INTERNATIONAL LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY)

on 12/18/13. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to : C/O United States Corporaton, INC., 7014 13TH Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: General.

Notice of Formation DEM NY-NC 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. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/06/13. 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 Vasiliki Vagenas, 147-34 7th Avenue, Whitestone, New York 11357.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Legal Notices

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 95-25 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.

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 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.

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 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 108-54 Ditmars Blvd., N. Beach, NY 11369.

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.

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.

Rockaway Adult Social Center LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy.

of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/27/13.

Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 1858 Cornaga Ave, Queens, NY 11691. Purpose: General.

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.

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 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.

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 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, 56-02 Maspeth Ave., Maspeth, NY 11378.

General Purpose.

Calling New York’s Finest Restaurants Your Best Cooks for a Good Cause New York restaurants are invited to participate in City Harvest’s Mid- Winter Taste event on February 26th.

Thirty restaurants will showcase their best dishes to food enthusiasts, while supporting the fight against hunger.

Mid-Winter Taste f City Harvest

or

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.

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 (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

Proceeds Benefit

REGISTRATION IS FREE: register by 1/31/14 info@rwnewyork.com • 718-215-2983 Resorts World Casino New York City 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. Jamaica, NY THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014 | 33

THE HAPPENINGS Through Jan. 26 Little Makers

Co-Dependents Anonymous Meeting for Women

Resurrection Ascention Pastoral Center New York Hall of Science 47-01 111th St., Corona 85-18 61st Rd., Rego Park 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Children are invited to create electrifying experiments, design Women are welcome to this self-help meeting every Friday. The snow globes, make bubble-blowing tools, and more. Activities gathering is for women only and those participating will remain anonymous. vary by the week. Admission is $8.

Through March 30

Señor Satchmo

Louis Armstrong House Museum 34-56 107th St., Corona Records, magazinevs, and unpublished photographs tell the tale of Satchmo’s 65 concerts in five countries during his first South American tour.

Saturday, Jan. 25

Poetry Reading at Queens Tavern

6869 Fresh Pond Rd., Ridgewood 8 p.m.

Queens Tavern will host poetry readings by Josef Kaplan, Jennifer Tamayo, and Charles Bernstein. Kaplan is the author of “Kill List” and “Democracy is Not for the People;” Tamayo is 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 be found at www.jennifertamayo.com. Bernstein is the author of “Recalculating,” “Attack of the Difficult Poems: Essays and 155-55 Crossbay Blvd.

The Howard Beach Senior Center offers a variety of bridge Inventions,” and “All the Whiskey in Heaven: Selected Poems.” playing experiences. There is supervised bridge on Fridays He teaches at the University of Pennsylvania. More information on him can be found at epc.buffalo.edu. from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and duplicate bridge is offered on There is a $5 suggested donation for the event.

Fridays from 12:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

The Howard Beach Senior Center is now located across from Waldbaums on Cross Bay Boulevard and is open to anyone 60 or older.

For more information, call (718) 738-8100.

Howard Beach Senior Center Bridge

Chamber Classics with a Modern Spin

Yoga in Howard Beach

Thursday, Jan. 23

Howard Beach Senior Center Art Class

155-55 Crossbay Blvd.

The Howard Beach Senior Center will offer art classes with a certified teacher from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., as well as from 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 Waldbaums. For more information, call (718) 738-8100.

Akoko Nante Ensemble

Queens Central Library 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica 3 p.m.

This Queens-based, Pan-African percussion and vocal ensemble presents music harvested from the palaces of Ghana, the groves of Haiti, and the seaside shanties of Cuba. Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit www.queenslibrary.org.

Exercise at Ridgewood Older Adult Center

Howard Beach Senior Center 59-14 70th Ave., Ridgewood 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

155-55 Cross Bay Blvd. 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Seniors age 60 and older are welcome to attend the one-hour All seniors, ages 60 and over, are welcome to attend yoga with Richard Simmons exercise activity each Thursday beginning at Charlie Roemer every Friday morning.

10:30 a.m.

For more information, For more information, call the center at (718) 738-8100. please call Karen at the center at (718) 456-2000.

Writing Club

The Church-in-the-Gardens 50 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills 7:30 p.m.

Musica Reginae Productions presents PUBLIQuartet, a hot string quartet, with a program featuring works by Haydn, Ligeti, David Soldier, Howie Kenty, and Jessie Montgomery. At least one of the living composers is expected to attend the concert and reception.

Tickets are $12 to $22, with free admission for children under the age of 13 who are accompanied by an adult.

For more information, visit www.musicareginae.org.

Yoga at Ridgewood Older Adult Center

Queens Library at Seaside 92-25 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

59-14 70th Ave., Ridgewood 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

12 p.m.

Seniors age 60 and older are welcome to attend a yoga class The writing group at the with Rosemarie Augoustatos every Friday.

Seaside Library meets every For more information, please Thursday at noon. call Karen at the center at (718) 456-2000.

For more information, call (718) 990-8502.

Blue Suede Birthday: The Elvis Bash

Queensborough Performing Arts Center 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside 8 p.m.

Master performers Scot Bruce and Mike Albert deliver an Elvis experience with superb reverence and a purity that will give you chills. Bruce opens by performing his renditions of the early hits, and Albert takes over the look of the later years. Tickets are $40.

For more information, go to www.visitqpac.org.

A Tribute to Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, and Sammy Davis, Jr.

Jackson Heights Library 35-51 81st St. 3 p.m.

Thom Mitchell serenades with such classics as “The Lady is a Tramp” and “Mack the Knife.” The event is free and open to the public.

Queens Library at Ridgewood 20-12 Madison St. Queens Library at Ozone Park For more information, visit www.queenslibrary.org.

Are you having a tough time finding a job? Do you need help 92-24 Rockaway Blvd.

All adults are welcome to attend the free computer courses: formatting your resume, creating an email account, deciding introduction to computers, Microsoft Word, the internet, and which jobs to apply for, or filling out job applications online? Visit email. Space is limited, and preregistration is required. To the library during drop-in hours for individual assistance. Drop-in register or for more information, please call (718) 845-3127. hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays.

Preregistration is required at jobmap.queenslibrary.org.

Please call (718) 990-8625 for more information.

Computers for Beginners

Job Search Help and Computer Training

Sunday, Jan. 26

Friday, Jan. 24

Alex Blake Quartet

Lunar New Year Family Celebration

Dance Fitness for Adults

Queens Library at Richmond Hill Flushing Town Hall 118-14 Hillside Ave. 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing 8 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

Alex Blake is a modern bass virtuoso recognized for his mastery of the classical upright bass and the electric bass. From classical Instructor Narupa Deonarine teaches easy-to-follow dance steps fingering and guitar-like strumming of intricate melodic patterns to increase cardiovascular fitness and tone your body. Space is limited, and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. to resounding slapping and vibrant staccatos, he produces a full For more information, range of harmonies and rhythms. Tickets are $15. please call (718) 849-7150.

For more information, visit www.flushingtownhall.org.

34 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014 34 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014

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

Enjoy your community.

Queens Museum Flushing Meadows-Corona Park 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Celebrate this popular Chinese holiday with costumed folk dances, Lion Dance and traditional paper cutting and calligraphy.

Tuesday, Jan. 28

Afternoon Bingo in Rego Park

Sunday, Feb. 2

Super Bowl Party for Veterans

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 El Paraiso Tropical afternoon in January and February. There are cash prizes and 102-11 42nd Ave., Corona 2:30 p.m.

The Latin American Cultural Center of Queens warms up winter friendly games. Everyone age 18 and over is welcome. Doors with a variety of Latin American rhythms interpreted by musician 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 Francisco Cantilo. The event is free and open to the public. games.

For more information, call (718) 261-7664.

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 19-12 149th St., Whitestone 4 p.m. or less numbers, and bonus ball games. A food concession is The Vietnam Veterans of America Queens, New York Chapter available, and there is no smoking.

For more information, call the center at (718) 459-1000. #32 will host a Super Bowl party that is open to all veterans and their families free of charge. There will be food, water and soft Queens Library at Ridgewood 20-12 Madison St. drinks.

Are you having a tough time finding a job? Do you need help Those planning on attending must RSVP by Jan. 28 to formatting your resume, creating an email account, deciding vvachapter32@aol.com or eravet24@aol.com. which jobs to apply for, or filling out job applications online? Visit the library during drop-in hours for individual assistance. Drop-in hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays.

Knights of Columbus Hall Preregistration is required at jobmap.queenslibrary.org.

135-45 Lefferts Blvd., South Ozone Park 7:30 p.m.

Please call (718) 990-8625 for more information.

The monthly meeting of the Richmond Hill South Civic Association will include a Chinese auction. Refreshments will be served.

Winter Dance Party

Monday, Jan. 27

Job Search Help and Computer Training

Wednesday, Jan. 29

Richmond Hill South Civic Association Meeting

Exercise at Ridgewood Older Adult Center

59-14 70th Ave., Ridgewood 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Seniors age 60 and older are welcome to attend the one-hour Richard Simmons exercise activity each Monday beginning at 10:30 a.m.

For more information, please call Karen at the center at (718) 456-2000.

Thursday, Feb. 6

An Evening with Bill Cosby and Frank Savage

Meet and Greet with Queens Artists

Jewelry Making in Ridgewood

Ridgewood Older Adult Center 59-14 70th Ave., Ridgewood 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Seniors age 60 and older are welcome to attend a jewelry making class every Monday.

For more information, please call Karen at the center at (718) 456-2000.

Computer Class for Seniors

Ridgewood Older Adult Center 59-14 70th Ave., Ridgewood 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Seniors age 60 and older are welcome to attend a computer class every Monday.

For more information, please call Karen at the center at (718) 456-2000.

Tai Chi in Howard Beach

Howard Beach Senior Center 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.

Howard Beach Chair Aerobics

Howard Beach Senior Center 155-55 Cross Bay Blvd. 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

All seniors, ages 60 and over, are welcome to attend chair aerobics with Charlie Roemer.

For more information, call the center at (718) 738-8100.

Bill Cosby Milton G. Bassin Performing Arts Center at York College 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

York College is kicking off the year with a visit from two distinguished individuals in honor of Black History Month and the African-American tradition, Read-In. The college will host “An Evening with Bill Cosby and Frank Savage,” during which the two accomplished individuals will discuss their respective books, career paths, and advice for the next generation of learners and Queens Council on the Arts leaders.

37-11 35th Ave., Astoria 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Cosby’s latest book, “I Didn’t Ask to be Born (But I’m Glad I was)” The Queens Council on the Arts will host an Open House to is a hilarious collection of observations from America’s favorite celebrate the 2014 Queens Arts Fund and Seniors Partnering dad. Savage’s book, “The Savage Way,” details a journey to the with Artists Citywide.

American Dream that will be discussed at length.

This year, the QCA announced that the Queens Arts Fund will distribute more than $175,000 to 31 Queens artists and 47 arts organizations in the disciplines of visual arts, film, theater, multi-media, literary arts, dance, and music. Eleven artists were selected to partner with senior centers through a competitive application process and evaluated by representatives from the QCA, the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Department for the Aging, and the senior center at which they were eventually Queens College, LeFrak Concert Hall selected to be in residence.

62-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing This annual event brings together many of the finest 3 p.m. representatives of the borough’s ever-growing arts community to Come and hear Victoria Bond’s lively new score for the wonderful celebrate their performances and exhibitions that will take place tale, The Frog Prince. Paired with Prokofiev’s timeless introduction in Queens. 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 Resorts World Casino New York City instruments.

110-00 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park 8 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children age 13 and under, R&B superstar and Billboard award-winning musician Mario will and $10 for adults over the age of 65. Tickets may be purchased perform live in concert at Resorts World Casino New York City. online at www.kupferbergcenter.org, by phone at (718) 793-8080, Tickets run between $39.99 and $99.99. or in person at the Kupferberg Center for the Arts boro office For more information, visit www.rwnewyork.com. located in the Colden Auditorium.

Sunday, Feb. 9

The Frog Prince & Peter and the Wolf

Friday, Jan. 31

Game Night at Richmond Hill Library Main Man Mario Live in Concert

118-14 Hillside Ave., Richmond Hill 5 p.m.

Children ages 6 to 12 and their families are invited to the Richmond Hill Library’s game night htat is held every Monday evening. There will be board games, puzzles and Legos.

For more information, call the library at (718) 849-7150.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014 | 35 THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014 | 35

Enzo’s Pizzeria Enzo’s Pizza

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36 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • January 23, 2014