The Forum West 47 2013

VOL. 12 • NUMBER 47 • NOVEMBER 21, 2013

Brawl at Maspeth HS Ends in Teen's Arrest Page 3

At Forest Hills Y, Coping with Illness Page 12

CRIME TALK

Capt. Christopher Manson, commanding officer of the 104th Precinct, said police are working hard to address uptick in crime, including an increase in deli robberies and identity theft.

See Story on Page 14

CB 9 Plagued by More Turmoil Page 22

Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013 | 1

2 2 | THE THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013 FORUM NEWSGROUP • October 25, 2012

DEP’s Bioswale Program Causes Stir in Forest Hills But city says it will help with sewer runoff

By Kerry Goleski Community Board 6, which encompasses Forest Hills and Rego Park, is a high yield area for combined sewer runoff into Flushing Bay. The city Department of Environmental Protection is installing green infrastructure in areas where combined sewer water runoff affects the water quality in local waterways.

Mikelle Adgate, project manager at the city DEP, presented information about green infrastructure in the CB6 area during the board’s last meeting on Nov. 13.

“In terms of Community Board 6, every time it rains in this community board, the rain mixes with sanitary flow from our homes and buildings,” Adgate told board members and residents at the meeting.

That mixture is known as combined sewer runoff, which Adgate said, “discharges into Flushing Bay.” They are looking to improve water quality by installing different types of green infrastructure, including rightof-way (ROW) bioswales and stormwater greenstreets. The infrastructure is put in place to be able to collect rainwater without it flowing into the streets where it can combine with sanitary run-off and pollute the water as combined sewer overflow, CSO. A ROW bioswale is a planted area constructed on the sidewalk between the roadway and the private property line that collects rainwater to prevent the rainwater from going into the combine sewer system.

Stormwater greenstreets similarly collect rainwater to prevent CSO but are usually constructed in the roadway

Mikelle Adgate, a project manager at the city Department of Environmental Protection, presented information about bioswales at last week's Community Board 6 meeting.

and are larger than ROW bioswales.

They both look like planted areas with a deeper soil and a more complex drainage system so they can hold more water than a regular planted area.

Forest Hills and Rego Park residents are experiencing the beginning phase of the installation. A small number of infrastructure projects are installed and being maintained already while they are starting to map out other potential locations.

Despite the potential positive environmental effects, there are concerns from the public about the construction, installation and existence of these structures in the local community.

CB 6 Chairman Joseph Hennessy voiced concern about who is designated to maintain the bioswale but Adgate said there will be Parks Depart-

ment workers that specialize in bioswale maintenance and each bioswale will be checked on at least once a week.

Other residents echoed the concern about the maintenance and also mentioned that they were worried about the potential of the structures becoming a parking hazard.

Two Forest Hills families attended the meeting to voice their concern about the potential bioswales in front of their property. Mary Bartlotto lives on 75th Avenue and said the DEP chose a location in front of her house as a potential spot for a bioswale. In the process of choosing where the bioswale can go, they took a soil sample.

“They showed up to our property one morning and they let behind an indent on my lawn,” she said. “They

Brawl Outside Maspeth HS Ends in Arrest

Photo Courtesy The City Department of Education

A group of students from Brooklyn and pupils from Maspeth HS clashed outside the Queens school last week, according to police.

By Anna Gustafson A 15 year old was arrested after he allegedly smashed another boy in the head with a wrench during a fight that broke near Maspeth High School last Wednesday, police said.

According to Capt. Christopher Manson, commanding officer of the 104th Precinct, students from anoth-

er school came to Maspeth High School last Wednesday afternoon, after which a brawl ensued. After originally clashing outside the school, the teenagers moved to Elmhurst Park, located near the Long Island Expressway service road and 57th Avenue.

Police did not say what prompted the altercation.

Kerry Goleski/The Forum Newsgroup

Residents at the Community Board 6 meeting said they were concerned about the impact of bioswales in the Forest Hills and Rego Park area.

“It got out of hand,” Manson said during a meeting with reporters at the precinct last Friday.

The student who was attacked by the teen with a wrench was not seriously injured, according to police.

Detective Thomas Bell, of the 104th Precinct, informed area civic leaders that the individuals not from Maspeth HS hailed from the Grand Street Educational Campus in Brooklyn. According to Comet Civic Association President Rose Daraio, Bell told her and others that the Grand Street teens assaulted some students at Maspeth. While one arrest has been made, police said the investigation is ongoing and Manson noted that there has been “chitter c hatter o n Faceb o o k ab o u t retribution.”

“We’re keeping an eye on it,” Manson said.

“It’s stupid teenage stuff that got out of hand,” the captain continued.

should give the homeowner a fair warning.”

She raised another concern about mosquitos.

“I know in Oregon they have these but they are infested with mosquitos.”

DEP’s Shane Ojar said that they will drain before 72 hours and that it takes mosquitos that long to begin to breed.

He said, “The water drains from 12-24 hours. We will make sure you can live symbiotically with the bioswales.”

The Allen family, who live across the street from Bartlotto, raised concerns about the safety, the parking and practically of choosing the location in front of their home.

“We respectfully suggest a location other than in front of our home,” said Forest Hills resident William Allen.

They are concerned that the side-

walk space is not the standard five feet necessary for a bioswale, that people will cause safety issues, and that they will have to take away two parking spots.

As of now, DEP has identified potential spaces for the green infrastructure but that does not mean there will definitely be a bioswale constructed in that location. It is being considered based on soil sampling and surveying.

Adgate said, “We will know when locations will be final, next spring. We will send updated maps to the community board. We will notify nearby property owners 30 days ahead of time.”

Hennessy said the board will advise the DEP to take both families off of the potential bioswale list.

112th Warns Residents of Typhoon Scamps The 112th Precinct Community ing that following disasters, it is Council stressed to its members, common for scam artists to imperand the general public, this week sonate charities to get money or prithat the federal government has vate information from well-intenraised red flags over possible scams tioned taxpayers. Such schemes relating to the relief of the victims of may involve contact by telephone, the typhoon that killed thousands social media, email, or in-person of people in the Philippines about solicitations. two weeks ago.

The IRS said residents should After Typhoon Haiyan made follow these tips: Donate to recoglandfall in the Philippines on Nov. nized charities and don’t give out 8, bringing with it a barrage of personal financial information to wind and heavy rains that caused anyone who solicits a contribution.

The IRS website at IRS.gov has a flooding and landslides, the rest of the world has watched in horror search feature called “exempt orgaas the death toll continued to nizations select check,” through climb and now hovers around which individuals may find quali4,000 victims. The island country fied charities. Legitimate charities located in Southeast Asia will long may also be found on the Federal need help, but the Internal Reve- Emergency Management Agency nue Service is warning residents website at fema.gov.

Taxpayers suspecting disasterto make sure they know where their money is going before they related frauds should visit IRS.gov and search for the keywords, “report give it away.

The IRS issued a statement say- phishing.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013 | 3

NY Fed Reserve President Says Queens Economy on Mend After Sandy William Dudley visits Queens College, boro business leaders

Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup

William Dudley, president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, said the Queens economy is healing well after Hurricane Sandy.

By Anna Gustafson While much of the city’s economy has recovered after its initial struggles following the havoc Hurricane Sandy wreaked throughout the area, residents in South Queens and Rockaway continue to need help as they face the daunting challenges of piecing together their lives after the storm, Federal Reserve Bank of New York President William Dudley said during a speech at Queens College this week.

“The good news is that a little more than one year later, there has been a significant rebound in employment and economic activity across the five boroughs,” Dudley told the more than 100 Queens College students and professors who gathered at the Flushing campus to hear one of the Federal Reserve’s top officials speak Monday afternoon. “New York City has continued to see pretty solid job creation throughout this past summer, and, in stark contrast with past economic expansions, this is happening without any direct contribution from the securities industry - or, more colloquially, Wall Street.”

However, Dudley, who spent much of Monday meeting with borough business leaders - including those from the Queens Chamber of Commerce, stressed that much of South Queens and Rockaway are “still struggling to recover” and said his office is routinely in touch with residents and small businesses to determine what shop owners and residents most need to thrive once more.

“Still, Queens as a whole showed strong resilience - employment bounced back from Sandy fairly quickly, and as of early 2013 it had already surpassed its pre-Sandy level,” said Dudley, a former chief economist at Goldman Sachs who replaced now U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner to lead New York’s Federal Reserve in 2009.

To further inspire economic growth in the borough, Dudley said he believes colleges could better partner with area businesses to ensure

that their students are studying topics that will land them jobs upon graduating.

Stressing that the New York Federal Reserve - which encompasses not only New York but parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands and is one of 12 Federal Reserve banks in the country - is closely monitoring student debt, Dudley did assure students that their education, regardless of the financial burden that may come with it, will be worth it in the end.

“The Great Recession and sluggish recovery that has followed has made it difficult for people to find jobs, and I’m sure you may be wondering about whether going to college will turn out to be a good investment, especially if faced with the burden of student student,” said Dudley, prompting nervous laughter from students. “Although the labor market has been challenging for college graduates in recent years, I am confident that most will find work and transition into higher skilled jobs as they gain experience and as the labor market improves.”

Still, student debt is something that Queens students - and pupils across the nation - are struggling with. Last month, the student loan ombudsman at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Rohit Chopra, said that pupils’ debt is contributing to a lag in the housing market - something Dudley also mentioned in an interview with The Forum following his speech.

“If you’re burdened by student loan debt, you can’t buy a home,” Dudley told The Forum.

“Student loan debt has gone up rapidly in the last decade.”

But, unlike something like the housing bubble that burst following a proliferation of predatory lending and subprime loans, there is not a student loan bubble, Dudley said, because people aren’t able to “walk away from” the debt.

In other words, if an individual declares bankruptcy, they are unable to wipe their student loan debt from their record.

“It’ll follow people around for a long time it’s not a bubble, it’s a burden,” he said.

Nationally, Dudley said the country is likely on the financial mend.

“I have to admit that I am getting more hopeful,” Dudley said of a recovery following the Great Recession, which began in 2008 and during which unemployment spiked from 5 percent just before the crisis to 10 percent in late 2009. Unemployment now hovers at around 7.3 percent.

Dudley did emphasize, however, that federal unemployment statistics do not account for the underemployed, or those who have given up on looking for jobs.

“If the unemployment rate is declining because people are dropping out of the labor force, that’s not a good sign,” he said.

Regardless, for Queens residents - and those across the country - who have for years dealt with a floundering economy, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, according to Dudley.

“I’m not fearful there will be another financial crisis ahead,” he said.

4 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013

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FORUM CRIME

Viscious Beating of Off-Duty Cop in Richmond Hill NYPD veteran fights for life, attacker could face 25 years in prison

By Patricia Adams An off-duty NYPD sergeant out with his wife for the night on Saturday, is being treated for multiple facial lacerations as well as hemorrhaging on the brain in a medically induced coma at Jamaica Hospital after he was brutally beaten over the weekend.

The incident took place outside the St. John’s Express Diner on Liberty Avenue just off Lefferts Boulevard in Richmond Hill around 4:40 a.m. on Sunday morning.

Unconfirmed sources say that the incident began earlier at the Maracas Lounge on Jamaica Avenue, less than a mile away.

It is alleged that Sgt. Mohammed Deen, an 18-year-veteran of the NYPD, got into a scuffle with Hayden Holder, 29 of Jamaica after there was some type of bumping incident between the men.

Although details of what led to the attack are very sketchy, the posting on Facebook of a video of the entire incident leaves no question about the brutality of the beating.

Facebook user “Errol Johnson”

Facebook Robert Stridiron/The Forum Newsgroup Hayden Holder is led away form the 106th

Police gathered outside St. John's Express Diner on Liberty Avenue, trying to piece together what exactly happened in an incident that left Sgt. Mohammed Deen, 40, in a medically induced coma.

posted the horrific video on his page, underneath it he wrote, “Just left the club in Queens n—a get knocked out for bumping another man.

MUST WATCH THIS I caught it all worldstar.”

Adding to what can be described as nothing less than despicable, Johnson is heard laughing throughout the video. As Holder approaches Sgt. Deen to strike him, the videographer shouts words of encouragement–

The picture of the shattered pews of Howard Beach Assembly of God carried in the October 31 Forum reminded me of how dark things were a year ago. It jarred a memory that had faded just a bit and forced me to pause and look back. I, and you, and all who live in this region must never forget how far we have come from the destruction in which Hurricane Sandy left us.

I could have lost my job, my home, and even my life, but today I am alive and well, my loved ones are too, and my church is up and running again. I intend to make this year’s Thanksgiving a great celebration of the mercy and provision of the Lord.

Because my memory is frail, I needed to see the picture in The Forum and to attend the anniversary remembrances in both Hamilton Beach and at St. Helen’s Church to prevent me from committing the sin of ingratitude.

–“Knock his ass out.” At that point Holder is seen bending over the motionless body of Sgt. Deen repeatedly punching him about the head and face, kicking him in the side of the face and lifting his head and repeatedly smashing it against the ground.

The video then shows the attacker suddenly stands away from his victim and heads for a nearby white BMW 525i. Holder repeatedly punched his bare fist into the glass

Precinct for his arraignment in at Queens Criminal Court.

in an attempt to get inside the car where the terrified wife of Sgt. Deen had locked herself in.

But when Holder was unable to gain entrance to the car and smash the window, he returned to beat on his victim some more.

Holder was busted as he tried to run away from the scene.

He was taken to the 106th precinct where police sources say he confessed to the attack but maintained

that he did not know Deen was a cop.

Holder was arraigned on Monday morning on charges of second degree attempted murder, and first and second-degree assault before Queens Criminal Court Judge Suzanne Melendez, who ordered the defendant held without bail until his return court date on December 2.

He has previous arrests for criminal possession of stolen property, pot possession and graffiti.

In fact, my world is filled with visible reminders of the many storms through which the Lord has brought me. The maple bookshelf that my wife’s uncle built for us reminds me of when we could not afford to buy furniture. The diploma conferred by the seminary reminds me of the final exams that scared me into thinking that I might not graduate. God fills our lives with such memory-joggers to keep us from forgetting His blessings.

This Thanksgiving, I am grateful that He has helped me to remain grateful and that I can celebrate His goodness in the midst of community that will be doing the same.

STEPHEN ROSER is pastor of Howard Beach Assembly of God 158-31 99th Street, Howard Beach

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013 | 5

All About the Money Dear Editor: I am one of the people who walked out of church soon after hearing the statement read during mass that attacked Christ the King High School. It was bad enough that the statement was included in the bulletin. But to actually have the priest read it out loud was beyond appalling.

It was a weekend where thousands lost their lives in the Philippines. Our thoughts and prayers should have been with them, as well as with the veterans to whom we owe so much.

But the diocese believed it was more important to notify everyone that they have decided to sue one of their own schools. It seems they tried to make Christ the King look bad. What they really did was make themselves look pathetic. And as with almost everything involving the Catholic Church - it's all about the money.

It is occurrences such as this one that make people turn away from the church. And, by the way, our envelopes go with us.

Cathy Constantine Ridgewood

We're All Sinners Dear Editor: After reading two letters in the Nov. 14 issue of The Forum which were reviling Republicans and the Tea Party, my reaction was to both laugh and wonder simultaneously. But to use the words of the good witch from "The Wizard of Oz", my words to both writers are, "Are you forgetting the ruby slippers"?

Obamacare has become the biggest boondoggle and failure of this administration, and there have been many: A defective website, people losing coverage, and only a minute number of citizens enrolling.

My employer has already advised workers that the program is too costly for him and he is very likely going to have to let some of us go. Last week I was in a supermarket in Howard Beach and asked why there were only three checkouts of nine manned for shoppers to pay. The three lines each had a minimum of nine shoppers waiting. The answer I received was that two employees called in sick, but the major reason is that due to Obamacare, the

company had to reduce hours.

So I suppose that while we may not have full time jobs, those of us affected can instead apply for unemployment. Either way we have Uncle Sam supporting us, unemployment rises and the economy suffers.

One writer mentioned that the GOP uses voter ID laws in North Carolina to suppress non-White votes. Pardon me, but since the 1960s, no party has utilized race baiting, cultural appeal, demographic factors, redistribution of wealth, and the lure of government dependence more than the Democrats.

As for former President George W. Bush lying about weapons of mass destruction, has the writer forgotten that former President Bill Clinton lied about his relationship with a certain intern? Whether dishonest about military weapons or extramarital affairs, a lie is a lie. Both reflect on the character and integrity of the officeholder. Regardless of party, one thing reprehensible is politicians being dishonest. They are role models and leaders, and yes, I do expect a certain level of integrity and propriety from them more than the average Joe. While I am a Republican, I am perfectly willing to acknowledge where they have done wrong. Readers have discerned that over the years I have condemned both parties, or their members, to that effect. What I don't do is week after week engage in endless, relentless, ad hominem, schoolyard attacks against one party while overlooking transgressions of another. All that shows is blind bias one has against a political party without admitting any fault for the party the writer adheres to and complete lack of objectivity.

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

Edward Riecks Howard Beach

In My Defense Dear Editor:

I would like to address what has been very disparaging remarks that have been made about me and clear up what has happened and transpired over the last 6 months on Community Board 9. In March of 2013 Community Board 9 had an election and elected Jim Coccovillo as chair. I have known Jim for almost 20 years and had a great working relationship with him, up to that point.

6 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013

But something happened with him after he was elected and his first order of business was to fire our longtime District Manager Mary Ann Carey. He did so without the knowledge of any other members of the board, except the executive board - of which he had handpicked 10 because the other 3 we also elected. We, the board, were shocked, to say the least, and we reacted.

In June, when he wanted to present a vote to fire Carey, we the board, got together before the meeting to have an impromptu meeting to discuss the matter at hand.

At this impromptu meeting, which was called and organized by myself and attended by every board member except for five, I ordered dinner and paid for dinner for everyone because I knew that we were not going to get out of there until after 11 or 12, and I felt that the least I could do was offer dinner to everyone in exchange for their attendance. I also paid for a kosher spread for the Jewish members. Three members of the board came in already angry and started making a scene inside the hall that we did not get kosher food. I was told that this was not “Kosher enough for them because it was made at Ben’s Kosher Deli and they are open on Saturdays.” I explained to them that I had a CB 9 staff member order the food, and she ordered it from Ben’s Kosher Deli for me, because I did not know where to go.

One of the three yelled out for everyone to hear, that, “this is why we need to get rid of these girls and this is one of the many reasons why they all need to be fired,” which shocked me. I had not a clue what they meant but wanted to calm the situation down. I then had them call a different kosher place and order the food – for which I also paid. While a friend was out getting the food, one of the three members called CB 9 member Rabbi Daniel Pollack on the cell phone and was overheard by many complaining that they were sitting there like three idiots watching everyone else eating in front of them.

After a few days I really was insulted, not only by the way the three of them acted, as children, but by the accusations made. Never once did any of the three thank me for the original attempt to get them kosher food or the second attempt to get them kosher food.

Yes I did send one - and only one - email out to the three of them - because I was angry. I felt that they should be exam-

ples of the very religion they are professing to be part of. I never gave that letter to anyone else on the board. No one else was involved. I also am the one that wanted this held in the public forum, as they wanted it in an executive session, because I have nothing to hide.

The vote was 34-10 for me to remain on the board and the 10 votes against me were all executive board members - minus four who crossed lines to support me because they knew this was not true about me. I am indebted to them forever because that was not an easy thing for them to do and I am really grateful to them.

It is a shame that these three individuals have caused such a dissension amongst what was a great community board before the March election. I have never been nor am I nor will I ever be anti-Semitic. It makes me wonder why they really started this in the first place - was it because they think I am anti-Semitic or they wanted me off the board so that they had a clear path to fire Mary Ann Carey?

I want to say to everyone that I have served on this board on and off since 1988. I have delivered some great changes to all our communities and thank you to all the CB 9 members who have had to put up with this madness and supported me and believed in me.

I hope that in a few months this board will be brought back to normalcy. In the meantime, please accept my apologies for the circus atmosphere you have experienced.

In closing, it is a shame that people today live by the adage “What have you done for me lately?” and you are only as good or as bad as the last thing people want to remember rather than everything that a person has accomplished in their whole life. No one remembers what you did for them 5 or 10 years ago, or sometimes even last year - it is what have you done lately. It is a shame that we have resorted to these kinds of tactics. I hope this clears up everything for everyone.

Sam Esposito Community Board 9 Member

PUBLISHER Patricia L. Adams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Anna Gustafson PRODUCTION Marisa Pilato EDITOR REPORTERS Alan Krawitz Samantha Geary CONTRIBUTING Hannah Sheehan REPORTERS Kerry Goleski Kate Bubacz Michael Florio Ben Kleine DIRECTOR OF Donna DeCarolis MARKETING PHOTOGRAPHERS Robert Stridiron Richard York _____________________________________________ THE FORUM NEWSGROUP 155-19 Lahn Street, Howard Beach, NY 11414 phone • 718-845-3221 | fax • 718-738-7645 e-mail • forumsouth@gmail.com site • theforumnewsgroup.com THE FORUM NEWSGROUP publishes every Thursday. Ad space reservations by Monday, 12 noon, preceding date of publication. Editorial submission must be made by Monday, 3 P.M., preceding date of publication.

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EDITORIAL Giving and Forgiving We have two things we would like to bring to your attention in this editorial: One of them, we hope, will make you feel festive and happy to be a part of a community in which residents look out for one another. Another one is, well, a more than disappointing reminder of how far those in charge can fall - and how residents can do nothing but hope the debris created in the wake of the plummet doesn’t entirely block their way.

Let’s start on an upbeat note: The holiday season is, somehow, already upon us - which means there are many opportunities to give throughout Queens. The police precincts are holding coat drives, the 104th civilian patrol is collecting canned goods and other items to stock the often bare shelves of a food pantry, elected officials are also collecting toys and food for the all too many people in need in this borough - and throughout the city.

While there are plenty of places to give to, our paper wrote this week about a Broad Channel college student who has raised thousands of dollars to boost her community’s spirits as a reminder that, after being completely devastated by Hurricane Sandy, it is, once again, a bustling place filled with residents who always want to call the area

home - and no force of nature will take that away.

Stephanie Wagner has already raised $8,500 to place Christmas lights along Cross Bay Boulevard in Broad Channel - and she needs just $2,000 more to finish stringing them up and down both sides of the road. True, it may not be food that you’re giving - but it is a chance to send some hope to so many who have only recently returned to their homes - or who haven’t even gotten a

LEGALLY SPEAKING

As Thanksgiving is right around the corner and the holiday season is upon us, I want to digress slightly from the normal legal discussion in order to give thanks.

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” –Melody Beattie I am first and foremost thankful for my husband, my children, my family and my friends, and continue to wish them all good luck and good health for the future. I am thankful to be living in a country where freedom still exists, and while we may not always agree with each other’s politics, we have a right to express our opinions without fear of incarceration or reprisal from our government.

I am thankful that my two brothers, both first responders to the World Trade Center attacks, are still “mostly” unaffected (at least at this

date) by many of the more serious maladies associated with working on the “pile”. After the tragedy that personally affected so many of us, the State was quick to enact legislation and pass initiatives that allowed many widows, widowers, children and parents to obtain Workers’ Compensation benefits without having to go through many of the hurdles normally needed to prove a claim.

Unfortunately, the full impact of illnesses affecting thousands of people so far into the future was not fully comprehendible 12 years ago.

During this time, so many have become ill due to the effects of working at the World Trade Center site, at the Staten Island landfill, or at related sites. In September 2012, federal health authorities added 58 types of cancer to the list of covered illnesses for people who were exposed to toxins at the site of the World Trade Center in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. About 1,140 Americans have been diagnosed with cancers that resulted from this exposure, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Workers at the 9/11 site and related areas have been given another opportunity to sign onto an important Workers’ Compensation and disability retirement registry that will in essence “reserve” a spot for you down the road if you should need to file a claim after becoming ill. The form to file with the registry, known as the WTC-12 in Worker's

chance to go back - and who continue to struggle with the overwhelming financial burden that came with Sandy. Let’s remind our neighbors in Broad Channel that we haven’t forgotten them we want them to have as happy a holiday season as everyone else. To find out more, check out our article on page 8.

Now, for the not so good news. Community Board 9 - what has happened to you? We know so

Comp, or the Notice of Participation-WTC for certain pension systems (such as NYCERS or the NYCPPF) – preserves your ability to file a claim in the future should certain illnesses related to 9/11 appear later in life. Additionally, the law now allows for vested members of eligible pension systems who otherwise qualified and subsequently left service to now submit to the registry as well. The new open period for filing will extend through SEPTEMBER 11, 2014.

All workers are urged to register even if there is no current sign of illness. Please don’t wait – protect yourself, your future and your family and again thank you for your service to our City. To all of our readers, I wish you and your families a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

Catherine M. Stanton is a senior partner in the law firm of Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP. She focuses on the area of Workers’ Compensation, having helped thousands of injured workers navigate a highly complex system and obtain all the benefits to which they were entitled.

Ms. Stanton has been honored as a New York Super Lawyer, is the past president of the New York Workers’ Compensation Bar Association, the immediate past president of the Workers’ Injury Law and Advocacy Group, and is an officer in several organizations dedicated to injured workers and their families. She can be reached at 800.692.3717.

many of the members are incredibly hardworking volunteers who would stop at nothing to see the best for their communities. But, recently, the board has completely fallen apart because of internal strife - and members need to get it together and work with one another to do what they’ve been appointed to do: Help the community.

At the last meeting, business owners sat for hours - much of it listening to board members erupt at one another - before they were able to address the group about what they had come to meeting for. It’s a complete embarrassment to the community.

So, to the board members: It’s time to stop the bickering, mend the wounds and talk to one another. There will always be personality clashes - but at what other board do you see members so focused on ousting others? Why aren’t you working on items of consequence - on the disastrous plans the city has for Richmond Hill High School, or the need to address crime on commercial hubs like Liberty Avenue - or essentially anything but the tedious fights that dominate so much of the public’s time at the meetings?

Get a grip, CB 9 - and give us some community leaders of whom we can be proud.

Community Corner

Remembering Sid Bernstein, The Fifth Beatle

Sid Bernstein, the legendary music producer and promoter who was instrumental in bringing the Beatles to the U.S., spends time with Howard Beach musician Steve Misuraca at a concert of Misuraca's band, Plastic Soul.

By Steve Misuraca As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Beatles coming to America (later known as the beginning of the “British Invasion”), I like to recall my encounter with one of the men instrumental in bringing the “Fab Four” to this country, Sid Bernstein.

Most likely, only the biggest of Beatles fans know Sid Bernstein as the man who brought the Beatles to Shea Stadium back in August 1965. He had the vision and the awareness of the growing popularity of rock and roll and the mass hysteria the Beatles created to know that these four lads from Liverpool had the drawing power to fill a stadium. He was right. Sid hired the popular deejay, Murray the K, as emcee, and asked Ed Sullivan to introduce the Beatles. As they took the stage in their Neru jackets to a capacity crowd of 55,000 screaming fans, both the Beatles

and their devotees could barely hear a note played through the archaic stadium’s public address system. Upon completing their set, they left promptly through the back stage of Shea in an armored car and into rock and roll history.

In February 1964, nearly 50 years ago, Sid contacted their visionary manager, Brian Epstein, and the Beatles arrived at Carnegie Hall shortly after appearing to an audience of screaming fans on The Ed Sullivan Show. Sid’s busy life as a manager, agent and promoter exposed him to a number of other well-known celebrities, such as: Judy Garland, Tony Bennett, Rolling Stones, Jimmy Hendrix, the Young Rascals and countless others.

He was instrumental in bringing 11 of the 13 British invasion bands to the U.S., filling venues such as Carnegie Hall, hotels in the Catskills’ “borscht belt,” the Newport Jazz Festival and the Paramount.

Continued on page 22

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013 | 7

Annual Toy Run Brings Joy to Kids East Coast Car Club hosts 17th Annual Toys for Tots Run

Vincent O’Hare was honored by the club at the event for his outstanding efforts in capturing all the club’s events on film. Vinny has shot thousands of photos for the organization all as his personal donation.

By Patricia Adams The East Coast Car Club held their 15th annual Toys for Tots Run starting at Forest Park on Sunday where 125 cars and dozens of bikers lined up to form a cavalcade of charity. Each year the procession of cars and bikes bearing gifts makes its way to St. Mary’s Healthcare System in Bayside.

The organization began the runs back in 1999 when former president Ed Walters started it as a way to give back some of the help he had been given while raising his two daughters, Melissa and Terryann, who suffered from

Lupus.

Lou Buglione, now Vice President of the club explained how things really got kicked into gear. “Ed started things up in 1999. Eventually, we saw how much he was doing on his own and started to give him a hand.”

“We all stepped in when we saw how much Ed was doing on his own,” Widdows said. “It was just too much for one guy to handle. “ In 2007 when Ed Passed away, Widdows assumed the role of the presidency and along with the rest of the executive board and the active membership, they keep Ed’s dream alive.

The yearly drive doesn’t provide toys exclusively. This year, the organization presented checks and cash totaling over $10,000.

Throughout the year the group hosts Crusie Nights, on Tuesdays and Saturdays as well as car shows and the toy run, all to benefit St. Mary’s. The group helps out and participates in local efforts in Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ridgewood, Woodhaven, Forest Hills, ozone park, Howard beach and surrounding communities.

They are a 501C3 Not for Profit 100% Volunteer Organization.

Broad Channel Lights Illuminate Return to Vibrancy Resident raising money for Christmas lights on Cross Bay

So far, Wagner has, with the help of area residents and others, raised about $8,500 in about a month, allowing for colorful lights to line much of Cross Bay. The Broad Channel resident hopes to land a total of $10,500, which would allow lights to be placed on both side of the boulevard.

Over the past month, Wagner has held a raffle and a fundraiser at Rockaway’s Bungalow Bar, where she works while also studying business management at Molloy College in Long Island. As part of the fundraising efforts, Wagner was able to raffle off two roundtrip JetBlue tickets, which were given to her by a Broad Channel firefighter, Leo Chavanne.

Wagner’s efforts to raise money this holiday season has even landed attention from some high profile individuals, including former Jets player Wesley Walker, who attended the event at the Bungalow Bar. For more information about donating for the Photos Courtesy Vinny O'Hare/Camerawe.com lights, please visit https://www.wepay.com/donaBroad Channel resident Stephanie Wagner is hoping to raise $10,500 to place Christmas lights on both sides of Cross tions/bc.christmaslights.

Bay Boulevard in Broad Channel this holiday season.

By Anna Gustafson For Stephanie Wagner, the Christmas lights that now adorn Cross Bay Boulevard in Broad Channel do more than remind residents of the holiday season - they cast a welcome glow on homes and businesses that are, once again, brimming with life a year after Hurricane Sandy devastated the neighborhood.

The shimmering lights shaped like trees, stars and bows are, for Broad Channel residents who lost almost everything in the storm and were displaced for months, or more - a reminder of just how far the area has come in 365 days - and send a message that life is, finally, returning to normal, said Wagner, who has spearheaded the effort to raise thousands of dollars to put up the holiday bulbs.

Wagner, a fifth-generation Broad Channel resident who knows the neighborhood better than most of us know the back of our own hand, also raised money to put up Christmas lights last year in the immediate aftermath of Sandy - and now hopes it will become an annual tradition that will last long after the memories of the hurricane fade.

“After the storm, people were so upset,” Wagner said. “I wasn’t living at home - many people weren’t living at home - and when you’d drive through Broad Channel, it felt like a ghost town. It definitely didn’t feel like Christmas, so I wanted to do something to pick up people’s spirits and show we’re going to come back from this. They were a symbol last year that we’re going to get through this. It ended up making everybody so happy that I wanted to keep it going - it’s a symbol of how far we’ve come.”

8 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013

Patricia Adams/The Forum Newsgroup

Joey O’Dell shows off his grandfathers '48 Dodge Fluid Drive and looks forward to being behind the wheel

One of the Hurricane Sandy stars is emblazoned with a message that Broad Channel residents said is embodied in the Christmas lights now adorning Cross Bay Boulevard: Never lose hope.

To learn how you can get involved and become a volunteer, contact Lou Buglione at 917-682-5362 or e-mail at Louss68@yahoo.com For more information about upcoming events, check the Events Schedule at www.eccatoysfortots.org/

Howard Beach Medical Office to Collect

Toys for Children in Need

Cross Bay Physical Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Foot Care Center have partnered with Toys for Tots, a national charitable organization that collects toys to give to needy children. They will serve as an official Toys For Tots collection center. Residents of Howard Beach and the surrounding area are invited to donate toys any time between Nov. 14 and Dec. 12. The U.S. Marine Corps will come

by Dec. 13 to pick up the donated toys for local distribution. The office asks that toys are new, unwrapped, and remain in their original packaging. Toys for children ages 0 to 2 and 12 to 13 of either gender are in the most demand. Some examples of appropriate toys for the 0 to 2 range are teething rings, plush toys, ring towers or anything that would stimulate their senses.

For the 12 to 13 range, appropriate toys include board games, books, jewelry, and anything to prepare them for their teenage years.

The office is also organizing a food and supply drive for emergency relief in the Philippines. Please bring in toiletries, baby care items, and canned foods for donation. Items will be sent to the Philippines to help those hurt by this terrible disaster. When you donate both a toy and a relief item, you can fill out a chance to win an iPod. For more information about making a donation call the office at (718) 835-0100, or visit the office between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday or 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays. The office is located at 157-02 Cross Bay Boulevard, Suite 202, in Howard Beach.

FORUM CRIME

Woodhaven Man’s Killer Could Face Just Months Behind Bars The driver who pleaded guilty to driving drunk and killing a 76-year-old Woodhaven man, described by family as “the sweetest man you could ever know,” may face nowhere near the maximum 15 years he could have spent behind bars, according to published reports.

Viveshdyal Thakoordyal, 46, admitted he was liquored up when he struck, and killed, John Eberling, as the elderly man crossed Jamaica Avenue near 80th Street around 4:30 p.m. in late February, but the driver could reportedly receive just months in prison because of a plea deal.

Thakoordyal, who was charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated, was scheduled to be sen-

tenced last week, but the date has been pushed back to Nov. 26.

Thakoordyal was behind the wheel of a Nissan Pathfinder when the accident occurred - and when police got to the scene and administered a breathalyzer test, discovering the driver had been boozing.

Eberling, an avid reader and hiker, was a retired warehouse manager who was described in published reports by his niece, Diana Freeman, as “the sweetest man you could ever know.”

Freeman told reporters that her uncle had stepped in when her own father died and became like a surrogate father to her.

“He gave me away at my wedding,” she said.

Woodhaven resident John Eberling was an avid reader and hiker. He was 76 years old when he was killed by a drunk driver in February.

Ozone Park Man Kills Wife With Pocketknife

By Patricia Adams It was about 2 a.m. on Saturday morning when a fight broke out between Adalberto Sanchez, 50, and his 41-yearold wife Josefa in their Ozone Park apartment after he accused her of cheating on him.

Their three children who were at home, fled the apartment, located on 80th Street near Liberty Avenue, and one of them called the police.

Cops arrived to find Josefa dead, facedown in her bed with multiple stab wounds. Police say her husband attempted to kill himself with the same pocketknife used in the attack by plunging it into his abdomen but his wound was not life threatening and he was treated at Jamaica Hospital.

Rockaway Rapist Pleads Guilty in Sex Assault Rapes 62-year-old woman

Robert Stridiron/The Forum Newsgroup

A crew from the city Medical Examiners office removed the body of 41-year-old Josefa Sanchez early Saturday morning.

Rapist Gets 100 Years Rapes two women in two days

A 34-year-old Queens man has been sentenced to 100 years in prison following his conviction on first-degree rape and other charges for the gunpoint sexual assault of two women inside of his car on two consecutive days. According to the District Attorney, the defendant as Leaman King, 34, of 175-02 139 Road.

King was convicted earlier this

File Photos

Viveshdyal Thakoordyal, pictured here being given a breathalyzer test at the intersection where he struck John Eberling.

month of two counts each of first-degree rape, first-degree criminal sexual assault, second-degree kidnapping, and second and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon following a jury trial before Queens Supreme Court Justice Deborah Stevens Modica, who today sentenced the defendant to consecutive sentences totaling 100 years in prison.

According to trial testimony, shortly after midnight on October 29, 2005, the first victim was walking down Springfield Boulevard when she was abducted at gunpoint by the defendant and forced into his vehicle. Once inside the vehicle, the defendant raped and sodomized her.

On the following day, October 30, 2005, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the second victim was walking down Eveleth Road when she was abducted by the defendant at gunpoint and forced into his vehicle where he raped and sodomized her.

A Rockaway Beach man plead guilty to first-degree rape in connection with his attack on a 62-yearold woman in Rockaway last year.

The defendant identified as Samuel Doctor, 24, of Beach 96 Street, plead guilty to first-degree rape before Queens Supreme Court Justice Kenneth C. Holder. The judge further indicated that he would sentence Doctor to a determinate term of 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on January 14, 2014.

According to the guilty plea, the 62-year-old female victim was in the vicinity of 91 Street and Rockaway Beach Boulevard at around 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 10, 2012, when Doctor grabbed her and shoved her into a metal barrier. As the woman screamed, Doctor put his fingers inside her mouth and yanked on her lower lip.

He then demanded that the woman

give him money, put his hand under her dress, and ripped off her underwear.

The victim managed to break free from the defendant and attempted to get assistance but Doctor again approached her and, grabbing and pulling her by the hair, pushed her against the rear passenger side of a parked car and sexually assaulted her while telling her that he had a knife and threatened to hurt her if she screamed. Doctor then fled on foot. He was arrested after DNA taken from the victim following the attack was matched to a DNA profile of Doctor that was in the DNA data bank as a result of a previous conviction. The defendant’s fingerprint was also recovered from the metal barrier and was matched to fingerprints of his that were on file with the NYPD. If convicted, Doctor faces up to 20 years behind bars.

Husband Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter

Man Kills Girlfriends Toddler Daughter

Kills stepdaughter, tries to kill estranged wife

Child died as a result of blunt impact injuries to head and torso

A 54-year-old Queens man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter for fatally shooting his stepdaughter and critically wounding his estranged wife in December 2011. The assaults took place on the day the defendant and his wife’s divorce trial was scheduled to begin.

Guerino M. Annarumma, of Long Island City pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter, second- degree attempted murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon before Queens Supreme Court Justice Gregory L. Lasak who indicated that he would sentence the defendant to 30 years in prison at his sentencing on December 18, 2013.

According to the criminal charges and the statements the defendant made to police, Annarumma rented a car with New Jersey plates on the morning of Monday, December 5, 2011, and drove to the 38 Street residence of

his estranged wife, Olga Annarumma, 57, and sat waiting for her, armed with a .380 semi automatic handgun. When Mrs. Annarumma stepped out to walk her dog sometime before 9:00 a.m., the defendant confronted her and threw her to the ground and kicked her in the face. He then dragged Mrs. Annarumma to her door and rang the bell. When Mrs. Annarumma’s daughter Valeria Kuzmina Lowery, aged 22, opened the door, the defendant stepped inside and shot both women – striking Mrs. Annarumma in the head and Ms. Lowery in both the head and body. Annarumma then fled and disposed of his weapon by putting it in a trash bag at the curb on 35 Avenue.

Both women were taken to a local Queens hospital where Ms. Lowery later died from her wounds.

A 31-year-old man will spend the next 25 years to life in prison for killing his girlfriend’s toddler daughter a little over three years ago.

Allen T. Shannon, 31, of 272 Pennsylvania Avenue in East New York section of Brooklyn has been held without bail since his March 2010 arrest, and last month was convicted of second-degree murder before Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael B. Aloise who also imposed the indeterminate sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

According to trial testimony, Candice Jones, then 22, went o work and left her daughter, 19-month-old Anniyah Levant, in the care of Shannon at about 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24, 2010. Early the following morning, Jones received a phone call from Shannon stating that something was wrong with the baby and that she did not look well.

When Jones returned to her apartment on

103rd Street in Queens, she found her daughter in deteriorating condition and took her to Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan.

The toddler was admitted and later died as a result of blunt impact injuries to the head and torso. The Medical Examiner’s Officer determined that the infant suffered fractures and internal injuries, including brain injury, a broken jaw, broken ribs, a lacerated liver and spleen, bruising on her face and internal abdominal bleeding.

After dropping Jones and her daughter at the hospital, Shannon went to a friend’s residence and asked her to tell police that he had been at her residence since Tuesday, March 22, 2010. When the friend asked why, Shannon responded that he had hit Candice and the baby fell to the floor and became seriously injured.

Jones told detectives that Shannon had not hit her nor did she drop her daughter.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013 | 9

At QueensWay Meeting, Tensions Run High

By Michael Florio QueensWay, a community-based planning initiative, held a meeting last Wednesday at Emanuel Christ Church in Woodhaven to provide information on their project that aims to transform a former rail line that runs through Forest Hills, Rego Park Woodhaven, Richmond Hill and Ozone Park, into a 3.5-mile green space.

Emotions ran high before the QueensWay representatives even began their presentation, as supporters and opponents traded barbs. One resident against QueensWay even stormed out before the presentation commenced.

“The idea is that there is an opportunity to turn this abandoned three and a half mile railroad into a linear park or a greenway,” said Andy Stone of the Trust for Public Land organization. “Since we have this opportunity we want to get people’s ideas and concerns before our consultants generate any kind of alternative designs or even designs principles.”

“Are we going to have community gardens?” Stone continued. “How many access points are there? What are the sensitivities about safety and security? These are issues we want to get peoples input on.”

Many of the residents in atten-

Michael Florio/The Forum Newsgroup

Residents give their input on the QueensWay project.

dance opposed this proposition for various reasons.

“We have a lot that parks 93 cars.

If we lose that, there is no way we can accommodate 93 cars,” said Rosemary Hadlow, president of Forest View Crescent, an apartment complex located on Union Turn Pike that is home to about 240 families. “We are 100 percent against this. Not one person in those buildings that are for this [project].”

Residents are also worried about the effect that this park would have on the value and safety of their homes and possessions. A path would overlook some backyards, and residents fear that would

Presenters Adam Lubinsky, with the WXY Planning and Designing firm, and Susannah Drake, with dland studio, speak at a meeting meant to inform residents about the proposed QueensWay project.

“It’s going to have an adverse impact on my property value. It’s going to have a detrimental effect on my quality of life and it threatens the safety of my family and my possessions,” said Neil Giannelli, who leads the NoWayQueensWay group.

Those in favor of the project believe that it would prove to a boon for the area.

“I’ve grown up here and I see changes in the neighborhoods and they aren’t great,” said QueensWay volunteer Ruben Ramales. “I think this would reinvigorate the lifestyle of the neighborhoods.”

A lot of talk about the project in-

volved the opening up of cafes and art shops. Current business owners in the area have a fear that this new project will drive them out of business because they may not fit in.

“This project would put me out of business,” said Cosmo Ferro, a car service owner right along the path of the park. “If they tell us to move, where would I put my business? That is a nice industrial area and it works for our business.”

“It would create more havoc,” said business owner Arthur Incomecta.

Both business owners also worried that it gives other residents, specifically children, easier access to see

into their yards.

Some in attendance would support the project, as long as all the concerns of the communities are met.

“A lot of people who are proposing this view the opposition as people who merely don’t want others going through their back yards, but the truth of the matter is there are a lot of very valid concerns,” said Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association.

“I’d like to see them use the roadway in Forest Park [Brooklyn-Queens Greenway] as their experiment. Show us what you can do, build some trust, then come back to us,” he said.

Council Speaker Race Picks Up Steam Many in boro backing Weprin for powerful spot

By Alan Krawitz As Council Speaker Christine Quinn’s (D-Manhattan) tenure in office nears its end, behind-the-scenes political campaigning and maneuvering has heated up, both in Queens and across the city.

The speaker, as the head of the city council, is the second most powerful public servant in the city, behind the mayor. The basic duties of the speaker include setting the council’s agenda, presiding over meetings and acting as a conduit for council-proposed legislation.

Despite the fact that the speaker will be elected solely by the 51-member council itself, and not by city voters, the speaker candidates have been going borough to borough, appearing at public forums in an effort to drum up support among fellow council members and party leaders.

Quinn’s term as speaker will end officially on Dec. 31, and the council is set to elect a new speaker in early January.

In Queens, support for longtime progressive Councilman Mark Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens), a leading contender for the speaker spot, is strong.

“Mark Weprin would be a good choice for speaker,” said Bob Holden, president of the Juniper Park Civic Association, which largely backed Republican Joe Lhota for mayor.

“Queens has long been treated like a stepchild under the leadership of Christine Quinn,” he said. “I believe Mark Weprin would be fairer when it comes to allocating funds to Queens.”

At a recent speaker candidates' forum in Jack-

Councilman Mark Weprin is in the running to be the next Council speaker

son Heights, Weprin, along with fellow candidates Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito (DManhattan) and Councilman Dan Garodnick (D-Manhattan) supported ending the speaker’s power to determine discretionary funding for all council members. Political insiders said Quinn often used the power in a punitive fashion - something about which Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Maspeth) has long complained.

Other speaker candidates include Councilman James Vacca (D-Bronx), Councilwoman Annabel Palma (D-Bronx), and Councilwoman Inez Dickens (D-Manhattan).

Queens’ Council members Karen Koslow-

10 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013

File Photo

itz (D-Forest Hills) and Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) declined to comment on the race.

However, Koslowitz recently commented to Capital New York, regarding a past controversy surrounding Mark-Viverito and her recent refusal to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of council meetings.

Controversy centered upon whether or not Mark-Viverito was not reciting the pledge as a form of protest for Puerto Rican independence or if the councilwoman was simply, as she stated, “unfamiliar” with the pledge because she grew up in Puerto Rico, where they do not recite it.

In addition, Koslowitz recently told Crain’s Insider, a political blog, that Mark-Viverito’s re-

fusal to recite the pledge was “ideological” and not unfamiliarity.

Queens’ College Political Science Professor Michael Krasner weighed in with his thoughts on what a Queens-based council speaker might mean.

“Well, to state the obvious, it’s a good thing for Queens if Weprin gets the job,” Krasner said.

“It would mean that the interests of the borough had the strongest possible spokesperson short of the mayor and that Queens’ concerns would be represented automatically instead of having to be plead at one remove.” Asked about the speaker’s power to allocate discretionary funding for the 51 Council Members, Krasner was decisive.

“It’s clearly too much power in the hands of the speaker to determine discretionary funding,” he said. “I’m not in favor of doing away with it completely because I think, contrary to the stereotype, that the great bulk of it is spent for good purposes such as after school programs and senior centers,” Krasner added.

“Maybe a system in which some is guaranteed and some is at the discretion of the speaker is a reasonable compromise,” Krasner continued.

Community Board 6 District Manager Frank Gulluscio was cautious in showing partisanship for any speaker candidate, though he did express a preference for Weprin.

“I’d love to have somebody who’s homegrown. Queens would have a little bit of a leg-up,” said Gulluscio, whose board covers Forest Hills and Rego Park.

“It’s only normal to expect someone who lives in your borough to have the area’s best interests at heart," he continued.

Forest Park Cameras, iPhone Robbery Tops Talk at 102nd Meeting

By Anna Gustafson While police said they are following numerous leads that they hope will bring them to the man who raped a 69-year-old jogger in Forest Park at the end of August, the perpetrator remains on the loose - and Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) said this week that he hopes to bring security cameras to the area to bring residents some peace of mind.

Miller told residents gathered at the 102nd Precinct Community Council meeting Tuesday night at the Richmond Hill Library that he has allocated $250,000 for cameras but is waiting on a commitment from

102nd officers Jose Cotto, fifth from left, and Vianka Schuman, fourth from right, were honored by the 102nd Community Council and NYPD leaders at the council's meeting for tracking down and arresting a man who robbed a woman at knifepoint.

Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup

the NYPD that the security devices will definitely go to Forest Park.

“I don’t want to put the money out and have them say, ‘Well, we needed them here or there,’” Miller said of the police.

Since the end of August, police have been searching for a stun-gun wielding man who they say raped the elderly jogger around 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 26 in the section of the park near 72nd Street and Union Turnpike.

Police believe the individual is also linked to at least five other sexual assaults in the area since 2011 - inFile Photo Police are still looking for this man, who they cluding attempting to rape a 13-yearold girl walking near Park Lane South say is wanted in connection with the rape of an elderly jogger in Forest Park. and Myrtle Avenue.

The attacker is described as a white man who is between the ages of 30- and 40-years-old, stand at about 5-foot-10 with a thin build, and has short hair, according to police.

Anyone with information should contact the NYPD at (800) 577-TIPS. Also at the council meeting, two officers from the 102nd were honored for tracking down and arresting a man who had robbed a woman at knifepoint in Woodhaven.

Officers Vianka Schuman and Jose Cotto were commended for their work after they received a call at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 28 that there was a robbery in progress. The complainant

reported she was sitting on the J line train that was stopped at 85th Street and Jamaica Avenue when a perpetrator displayed a knife, snatched her iPhone from her hands, and proceeded to run away, Capt. Matt Hanrahan, executive officer at the 102nd, said.

The officers located the phone using the “Find my iPhone” application and discovered the perpetrator had, within minutes of stealing it, sold the device to a corner deli for $45. The two cops were then able to apprehend the man and arrest him.

One resident attending the 102nd meeting asked Hanrahan why crime statistics were up in the precinct and if that indicated a borough-

After Two Children Beaten to Death, State Looks to Better Protection

Genovese Killer Denied Parole for 16th Time

Hevesi holds hearing on effectiveness of New York's policies

By Anna Gustafson Eain Brooks loved Halloween and Christmas. He loved playing with his best friend. He loved dinosaurs and eating at McDonald’s. He was a normal 5-year-old boy - and one who should have gotten the chance to grow up.

Instead, Eain Brooks died in September after police said his mother’s boyfriend beat him to death in Buffalo.

Eain’s death, as well as the murder of 10-year-old Abdifatah Mohamud, who was killed in 2012 when police said his step-father struck him more than 70 times on the head with a baker’s rolling pin in Buffalo, prompted a hearing led by Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills) on the effectiveness of state policies that are supposed to protect children like Eain and Abdifatah.

Child Protective Services, or CPS, had been involved with Eain and Abdifatah before their deaths.

The hearing, held last week in Albany, was an attempt to assess the effectiveness of CPS policies and the Office of Child and Family Service oversight practices, Hevesi said.

“This was a particularly emotional hearing,” said Hevesi, who is chairman of the Assembly’s Oversight, Analysis and Investigations Committee. “It is my hope that as we move forward, all of the stakeholders involved at OCFS, and within Child Protective Services

plagued by problems, which may be addressed in the coming legislative session.

During the hearing, Laura Velez, deputy commissioner of child welfare and community services for the OCFS, reported that an internal investigation of her office found that county caseworkers have closed cases in less than half the time - 60 days - permitted by state law to finish an investigation. Another internal assessment discovered that insufficient documentation of whether proper Photo Courtesy NYS Assembly safety assessments had been conAssemblyman Andrew Hevesi, second from left, co-chaired a hearing to review the effectiveness ducted in upstate cases plagued the office. of Child Protective Services policies and the Office of Child and Family oversight practices. systems across the state, will be able to identify and achieve reforms within the organization where possible. Children in the protective service system, being some of the most vulnerable members of our state, deserve the utmost attention to ensure their wellbeing.”

Hevesi co-hosted the five-hour public hearing with Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Binghamton), who serves as chairwoman of the Children and Families Committee in the Assembly. The hearing aimed to ascertain the role current administrative and statutory policies play in ensuring proper care of participants in the Children Protective Services, both in Erie County - where there deaths of Eain and Ab-

or city-wide trend.

“There’s a spike because the numbers are compared to last year, when they were down because of Hurricane Sandy,” Hanrahan said. “It’s not so much that we had an increase but a return to normalcy.”

The number of crimes overall has risen in the 102nd since last year, including a spike in felony assaults and grand larcenies.

There have been 279 felony assaults reported in the precinct so far this year, compared to 213 at the same time last year, according to city statistics. The number of grand larceny reports has jumped from 371 at this time last year to 408 this year.

difatah occurred - as well as throughout New York state.

Hevesi and Lupardo received testimony on CPS’s procedural practices to examine how complaints are handled, and hearing participants included agency leaders, caseworkers, advocates, and residents who have had experience with the CPS system.

Legislators and participants reviewed challenges faced within the OCFS and CPS, as well as discussed potential regulatory reforms and whether changes in state law are necessary to improve CPS case management throughout the state. Hevesi stressed Facebook that the hearing provided valuable in- Eain Brooks, 5, died after police said his sight into potential fixes to a system mother's boyfriend beat him to death.

The man convicted of killing Kew Gardens bartender Kitty Genovese in a notorious 1964 crime that captivated the nation's attention was, yet again, denied parole.

Winston Moseley, 78, was last week denied his request to leave prison by the state Division of Parole for the 16th time since beginning to serve his life sentence 49 years ago.

Moseley was found guilty of repeatedly stabbing the 28-year-old Genovese outside her apartment on Austin Street when she was returning from her job at a nearby bar.

The murder originally grabbed headlines when it was reported that about 30 residents heard Genovese's screams for help but did nothing - prompting even psychology students to study what became known as the "Kitty Genovese Syndrome," or big city residents' resistance to helping during crimes.

The notion that numerous people could have done something but opted not to has since been challenged, with a number of critics saying the New York Times reporter who wrote about the witnesses who allegedly did nothing exaggerated.

A New York City native, Genovese had decided to remain in Queens when her family moved to Connecticut in the mid 1950s. She was working as a manager at Ev's Eleventh Hour Bar on Jamaica Avenue and 193rd Street at the time of her murder.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013 | 11

How Does South Queens Protect Itself from the Next Sandy?

Co-chairs of Howard Beach's New York Rising Community Reconstruction Program committee John Calcagnile and Frances Scarantino at PS 207 Monday night.

By Anna Gustafson Settling into the slightly creaky wooden seats lining the auditorium of Howard Beach’s PS 207, South Queens residents spent hours Monday night absorbing colorful maps and lists of demographics in an effort to craft a plan that, by doing everything from raising street levels to better protecting vulnerable coastline, translates into residents never again facing the kind of damage wrought by Hurricane Sandy.

“We are building back - stronger, smarter,” Frances Scarantino, cochair of Howard Beach’s New York Rising Community Reconstruction Program, said at the group’s Monday meeting that drew people from throughout the neighborhood.

More than 60 residents gathered for the meeting of Gov. Cuomo’s New York Rising program that will give communities across the state, including Howard Beach and Broad Channel, funding to create and at least partially implement a plan that aims to protect areas from devastating natural disasters - like Sandy.

Howard Beach is slated to receive at least $18.3 million from the state as part of the program, and the neighborhood’s New York Rising committee has been meeting since the summer to come up with ideas that could result in flooding relief, among other things, for residents who have seen enough water in the past year to last a lifetime.

The committee’s second public meeting, Monday night was an ef-

Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup

Numerous South Queens residents gathered to discuss plans that could better protect the community during natural disasters.

fort to disperse information that the all-volunteer committee has created with the help of input from other area residents and consultants partnering with the state, as well as land more feedback from area individuals.

John Calcagnile, an architect from Howard Beach and a committee co-chair, began the evening’s discussion with a focus on developing a strategy to protect area power stations so residents will not have to face weeks without powers, as they did after last year’s hurricane.

There are three substations in Howard Beach, at least two of which were taken out by floodwaters - and all three now sit within the high-risk zone in the area.

Frank Lombardi, a civil engineer

and committee member, stressed that permanent storm surge barriers must be erected. During Sandy, Howard Beach was hit with a storm surge of about 12 feet.

“We need to build barriers and protect coastal communities,” Lombardi said.

A 77-year resident of Hamilton Beach, committee member John Fazio stressed that access to isolated sections of the community - particularly his neck of the woods - needs to be increased. Additionally, he said streets should be raised in the area.

“Even during a normal moon tide, we get 6 to 8 inches of water that’s ridiculous,” Fazio said.

The area’s vulnerable populations - such as seniors or the dis-

abled - must be better accounted for during disasters, Community Board 10 Chairwoman Betty Braton, also a committee members, emphasized.

“Knowing where people were and what people needed was difficult in Sandy,” Braton said.

Another major problem during Sandy was a lack of information about everything from where to get food to locating loved ones - and Scarantino said this must change in the next disaster.

“We should create a central location that could have heat, food, clothes, electricity, gas, and information,” she said.

For more information about New York Rising, visit www.stormrecovery. ny.gov/community-reconstruction-program.

When A Friend Falls Sick, What is There to Say? Renowned author to speak about new book at Forest Hills Y

By Anna Gustafson When Letty Cottin Pogrebin - a Queens native who co-founded Ms. Magazine alongside Gloria Steinem - was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, she was amazed, and sometimes horrified, at the reactions she received from friends and family.

“Some were pitch perfect and some seemed tone deaf,” said Pogrebin, a renowned author and journalist who will speak at the Central Queens YM & YWHA in Forest Hills on Monday, Dec. 2 at 1:30 p.m. “Some of them way too close and were intrusive and constantly asking questions, and others retreated as if they could catch cancer. Some people knew exactly how long to stay and others overstayed, really badly.”

Inspired by her own experiences, Pogrebin decided to pen her 10th book - this time about how friends and family can best respond to the news that someone they love is sick or suffering. In “How to Be a Friend to a Friend Who’s Sick,” Pogrebin weaves her own narrative, as well as the stories of numerous other veterans of serious illness and chronic conditions, into a book that delves into questions every person will, at some point in their life, have to deal with: What do you say, and do, when told the

Photo Courtesy Central Queens YM & YWHA

Letty Cottin Pogrebin, who co-founded Ms. Magazine, will speak about her new book, "How to Be A Friend to a Friend Who is Sick," at the Central Queens Y in Forest Hills next Monday, Dec. 2 at 1:30 p.m.

words no one wants to hear: I am sick. I have been diagnosed with cancer. My child died.

“Everyone’s well-intentioned, but we just don’t know what to do or what to say,” said Pogrebin, who grew up in Jamaica, Queens and graduated from Jamaica High School at the age of 16 before launching a career of journalism and social justice activism. “We retreat into

12 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013

platitudes and cliches and a completely dysfunctional etiquette.”

After receiving her own diagnosis, Pogrebin quickly learned what reactions helped her - and which ones did not.

“Please don’t assume we need a tuna casserole - maybe we already have three,” she said.

“Get to the point of absolute honest as fast as

you can so that both parties know what to do.”

This means, she said, asking the following: “Tell me what’s helpful and what’s not. Tell me when you want to be alone and when you want company. Tell me what to bring and when to leave.”

“If you do that as a friend, you will never go wrong,” Pogrebin continued. “You’ve given your sick friend permission to ask for what your sick friend truly needs.”

In a country that hates talking about death, Pogrebin said it is not surprising we, as a society, do not know how to deal with issues that affect us all.

“Whether it’s with death or with illness, we identify with that person,” she said. “It allows us our own sense of mortality or vulnerability or existential shock, and we distance ourselves sometimes from that because it’s not openly discussed… If we could normalize our feelings a little more and not taper them over with these platitudes, we’d be doing each other a big service.”

The talk at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 is open to the public, and a $7 donation is suggested. The Central Queens Y is located at 67-09 108 St. in Forest Hills.

For more information, call (718) 268-5011 ext. 151 or visit www.cqy.org.

PLACES YOU HAVEN’T GONE TO BUT SHOULD

Enzo's : AKA There's No Reason For You to Cook on Sundays

Enzo’s Pizzeria 8102 Rockaway Blvd.

Ozone Park, NY 11416

718-296-0880

By Patricia Adams Although it may seem a bit unusual to start a restaurant review out with the next statement, we’re going to do it anyway.

The food at Enzo’s Pizzeria and Restaurant is not good. Yes, you heard me right. The food at Enzo’s is not good .

The food at Enzo’s is great.

Tucked away in it’s own little niche on Rockaway Boulevard near where it meets Atlantic Avenue, the Italian eatery sits on a triangle it shares with the Colonie Car Wash.

We are running it as a Hidden Gem because despite it being in our own backyard, it managed to stay out from under our radar for far too long. I don’t even know exactly when Enzo’s opened--but I am very grateful I know now.

Having no expectations about the ambiance we were pleasantly surprised with the to find immediate evidence of the detail that was paid to decor. Walls, floors, ceilings and fixtures combine here to make for a very relaxed, comfortable and stylish atmosphere.

The meal began with a trio of appetizers that included mozzarella in carrozza served with a hearty marinara for dipping, grilled calamari and baked clams.

My eye went immediately to what looked like the best looking mozzarella in carrozza I had ever seen. I reached for it first-- fearing the competition at the table might be too fierce if it were found to taste as good as it

Patricia Adams/The Forum Newsgroup

Breaking tradition by not making Sunday sauce is, in some circles, considered almost sinful but at Enzo's it turned into a blessing.

looked. It was. I took two with no hesitation.

The petite little fried cheese triangles surpassed so many expectations. A true testament to the perfectly grilled calamari was it required no knife. Making our way through the appetizers, the half dozen baked clams that remained ware the only thing that stood between us and the next course. We put them down quickly.

Next a platter with three carefully chosen pastas arrived --green and white fettuccine smothered in a delicious bolognese sat next to rigatoni dressed in plump tomatoes and accompanied by baked eggplant, topped with a mound of riccotta and finished with fresh basil. Last but not least there was black linguine smothered in Arrabiata sauce that was honestly not to be compared.

The pasta was followed by two entree’s off the special menu, pork osso bucco and jumbo shrimp Luciano, piled on a tower of creamy risotto, not overshadowed by just the right touch of garlic and freshly chopped parsley.

(I sincerely hope you’re not reading this in the middle of the night because that would mean the restaurant is closed, and right now--you’re hungry).

Although owners Frank and Francesca

Mozzarella en Carrozza, delicately grilled calamari and baked clams made a prefect trio to begin the meal.

call their place Enzo’s Pizzeria Restaurant-this ‘aint no pizza joint.

Bottom line on this place is if you don’t live nearby, travel. If you’re one of those people who won’t eat a meatball out, have no fear. If you were raised to think its sinful not to make sauce on Sunday for your family-your salvation is to bring them here. Your choice of pasta with Enzo’s signature Sunday Sauce--meatballs, ribs, bracciloe and

sausage all included.

Honestly, enough cannot be said about this place. The quality of the ingredients, the culinary skill of Chef Luciano, the family atmosphere, the great service and unbelievable prices are all in addition to some of the best Italian food we have eaten.

We really could have saved ink and done a one word review about Enzo’s–– Mangia!

A presentation that is truly dressed for dinner, Jumbo shrimp rests on a bed of creamy risotto with a hint of garlic and the overtones of fresh parsley.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013 | 13

104th Police Battle Increase in Identity Theft Captain also says robbers increasingly hitting delis

Identity theft, phone snatches, deli robberies, and scams have recently plagued the 104th Precinct, and police are working diligently to address the crime throughout the area, Capt.

Christopher Manson said in a sit-down interview last week.

“We’ve seen a huge increase in identity theft perps opening checking accounts, opening cell phone and credit card accounts,” said Manson, the commanding officer of the 104th, which covers Ridgewood, Glendale, Middle Village, and Maspeth. “We’ve also seen a large increase in snatches of cell phones on the street.”

A new - and disconcerting - trend, Manson said, is the robberies of delicatessens in the area.

As of the meeting with the commanding officer last Friday, three delis had recently been robbed at gunpoint.

During the first such incident, which occurred Nov. 1 at 6:15 p.m. at a deli on Eliot Avenue, a man wearing a bandana and wielding a knife demanded cash - but fled with nothing, Manson said. On the evening of Nov. 5, another man attempted to rob the 1 Neighborhood Deli on Onderdonk Avenue but he, too, ran off with nothing, according to the captain. Two men with masks and guns hit the Middle Village Deli on 67th Drive on Nov. 12 at about 8:50 p.m.

This time, Manson said the perpetrators did manage to make off with some cash - about $1,500.

Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup

Capt. Christopher Manson, commanding officer of the 104th Precinct, said the precinct will be working hard to prevent the crime that tends to increase during the holiday season.

“These are troubling to us,” Manson said of the deli robberies. “We’re talking to every bodega about actions to take - get the best description they can and have surveillance inside and out of the location.”

Police are also searching for two perpetrators who committed two robberies in the 104th two Sundays ago - and likely robbed someone in the 112th precinct, Manson said.

The robberies in the 104th were committed by the same two people - one at 2:30 a.m. the

Sunday before last and the other at 6:30 a.m. on the same day. The two individuals were driving a beige minivan and displayed firearms when they robbed the two individuals on the street.

Yet another series of robberies have been committed by three to six men, all around the age of 18, on bicycles, the captain noted.

“They’ll engage people - say, ‘Do you have a cigarette,’ or, ‘Do you have the time,’” Manson said. “Then they’ll usually demand their phone.”

These robberies began on Halloween night,

and the last one was reported at about 12:30 a.m. on Nov. 10. The incidents have taken place on Onderdonk and Fresh Pond Road and Eliot Avenue. “ We have some robbery issues - we’re addressing them,” said Manson, who said he was especially pleased his officers arrested a man, Juan Pavor, 40, who robbed a woman of her cell phone by “putting his arms around her neck and choking her.”

The 104th captain stressed residents need to be especially vigilant about a rash of recent scams - including one of the most popular recent ones known as the “green dot scam.” As part of this scam, a perpetrator will tell a victim that they owe money - often to a government agency like the Internal Revenue Services - and that they will be arrested or deported if they do not pay. The victim will be told to pay something like $1,500 for a green dot card - which is essentially a debit card that can then be used when the perpetrator is told the card’s numbers.

“Don’t ever give anyone a dime,” Manson said.

The captain stressed that police are doing their best to address crime in the area - and he said the precinct was particularly thrilled that they were recently assigned nine new officers and a new sergeant - all of whom will be in a new unit working on robberies and violent crime.

State Vows to Heed Pols' Concerns About Trash Train consideration.”

Since 2008, One World Recycling has had a state permit that allows the co-mingling of commercial waste, which can be, for example, food pieces, used diapers and pet feces essentially the parts of garbage that smell - in their cars traveling through the borough.

Residents said the garbage smell and debris has resulted in a wide variety of problems,

from residents being unable to open their windows during the summer because of the stench to children having problems with asthma.

“Continuing operation or expansion of this facility without mitigating the impacts on our communities would be detrimental,” said Mary Parisen, chairwoman of the Civics United for Railroad Environmental Solutions.

CTK Students of the Month

File Photo

Residents have long complained about the stench emanating from rail cars carrying garbage through Middle Village, Ridgewood, and Glendale.

By Anna Gustafson State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joseph Martens recently penned a letter to Queens elected officials vowing to carefully assess numerous concerns aired about a company’s application to nearly triple the amount of garbage it exports daily through Middle, Village, Ridgewood and Glendale.

Martens’ letters to 10 Queens legislators followed on the heels of the same politicians alerting the commissioner to a slew of concerns they had about the application from One World Recycling - a company that processes the garbage in Lindenhurst, Long Island that then travels through Queens by rail cars operated by New York & Atlantic - to the state DEC to increase its daily garbage output from about 370 tons to approximately

1,100 tons. The proposal drew outrage from residents and legislators who have for years complained about the rail cars that leave a pervasive stench throughout the area.

“DEC is sensitive to the concerns of both the Lindenhurst community, and those who reside near the Fresh Pond Rail Yard in Glendale, Queens,” Martens wrote. “We have communicated directly with the Village of Lindenhurst officials and local emergency responders about issues of concern related to the proposed permit modification.

“We will also closely evaluate issues regarding the capability of the facility to accommodate the increased waste volume proposed, and have advised the applicant accordingly,” Martens continued. “As the application review process moves forward, DEC intends to take steps to ensure that the other issues raised in your letter are also taken into

14 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013

Photo Courtesy Christ the King HS

Christ the King High School honored the following students as Students of the Month for their grades. They were recognized for their hard work and dedication to their education.

Joined by Principal Peter Mannarino; Freshman Dean, Joanne Castellino; Sophomore Dean, Steven Giusto; Senior Dean, Veronica Arbitello; and Teacher of the Month, Pat McDermott along with the following students: Ashley Caporal, Alison Maciocia, Alysha Khan, Robert Stallone, Brittany DeLuca, Krisza Phanartzis, Anmol Deep, and Kinmel Williams.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013 | 15

Pumpkin Icebox Pie Recipe tom and up sides of a 9-inch square baking dish. Bake until crust is deep golden brown and fragrant, 20 minutes.

Let cool completely in baking dish on a INGREDIENTS wire rack.

FOR THE CRUST: Meanwhile, make filling: Place 1/4 • 16 cinnamon graham crackers, broken cup cold water in a small bowl. into large pieces Sprinkle gelatin on top and let stand 5 • 1 tablespoon dark-brown sugar minutes. In a large bowl, whisk together • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt pumpkin puree and cream cheese until • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted smooth. In a small saucepan, combine and cooled evaporated milk, brown sugar, cinnaFOR THE FILLING AND TOPPING: mon, nutmeg, and salt; bring to a sim• 3 tsp unflavored powdered gelatin mer over medium. Add gelatin mixture (from 2 packets) and stir until completely dissolved. Pour • 1 can (29 oz) pure pumpkin puree milk mixture into pumpkin mixture and • 4 oz cream cheese, room temp. whisk until completely smooth.

• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk Pour filling into cooled crust and • 1 cup packed dark-brown sugar refrigerate until chilled and com• 3/4 to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon pletely set, about 3 hours (or wrap tight• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus ly with plastic and refrigerate, up to 2 more for garnish days). To serve, whip cream with confec• 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt tioners' sugar until soft peaks form. Top • 1 cup heavy cream pie with whipped cream and sprinkle • 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar with nutmeg.

PREP: 30 mins TOTAL TIME: 4 hours SERVES: 12

2.

3.

DIRECTIONS Make crust: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a food processor, combine graham crackers, sugar, and salt; process until fine crumbs form. With machine running, slowly pour butter through feed tube and process until mixture resembles wet sand. Press crumbs in bot-

1.

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164-49 Cross Bay Blvd. | Howard Beach, NY 11414 16 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013

Let the

Cross Bay Diner

Family

718-848-9401 • 160-31 Cross Bay Blvd., Howard Beach

Give Your Family A Wonderful Thanksgiving Busy Schedule? No time to prepare for the holiday?

Let Cross Bay Diner take the stress out of this year´s Thanksgiving Dinner!

Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner To Go Serves 10 people • 18 lb. Roasted Tom Turkey • Chestnut Stuffing • Choice of Potato: Baked, Sweet, Mashed, French Fries, Candied Yams • Choice of Vegetable: String Beans, Corn on the Cob, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Butternut Squash, Mashed Turnips • Cranberry Sauce • Fresh Challah Rolls • Tossed or Greek Salad (Choice of Dressing) ders our Or Y e c • Choice of One Pie: Apple, Pumpkin, Cherry, Blueberry, a l P . 22nd

by Nov Coconut Custard available for $10 extra

Only 5 $199.9

Our Thanksgiving Dinner Menu All dinners include a Glass of Wine, Choice of Appetizer, Cup of Soup, Choice of Caeser, Tossed or Greek Salad, Potato, Fresh Vegetable, Coffee, Tea or Soda and Dessert.

Appetizers

• Fried Calamari • Stuffed Clams • Fresh Fruit Salad • Buffalo Wings

• Zucchini Sticks • Stuffed Mushrooms • Mozzarella Sticks • Shrimp Cocktail $5.95 extra

Entrees

• Roast Turkey

White and Dark Meat over Apple and Chestnut Stuffing covered with Creamy Giblet Gravy ..............................................$26.95

• Roasted Leg of Lamb .....................................................$26.95 • Roast Loin of Pork..........................................................$25.95 • Roast Prime Rib of Beef.................................................$30.95 • Virginia Ham Steak Hawaiian Style ...............................$25.95

Seafood

• Broiled Filet of Sole .......................................................$28.95 • Broiled Scrod..................................................................$28.95 • Broiled Whole Flounder.................................................$28.95 • Broiled Twin Lobster Tails (8 oz.)..................................$45.95 • Broiled Filet of Tilapia ...................................................$27.95 • Broiled or Poached Filet of Salmon ...............................$26.95 • Broiled Deep Sea Scallops .............................................$28.95 • Broiled Jumbo Shrimp Scampi.......................................$27.95

Pasta & Sautee Dishes • Chicken Tortellini

Sautéed Chicken Breast with Mushrooms Cheese Tortellini in a Cream Sauce .............................................$26.45

• Chicken Francaise

Breast of Chicken in White Wine Sauce

• Chicken Marsala

........................................$26.45

Sautéed Breast of Chicken with Fresh Sliced Mushrooms in a Marsala Wine Sauce ..............................................................$26.45

• Chicken Cordon Bleu

Breast of Chicken with Imported Prociutto, Swiss Cheese Sautéed in a Creamy White Wine Sauce ......................$26.45

• Chicken Teriyaki

Breast of Chicken with Onions, Peppers, Zucchini, Broccoli, Watercress, Baby Corn, Sliced Carrots in a Teriyaki Sauce ................$26.45

• Veal Marsala

Sautéed Veal with Mushrooms in a Marsala Sauce ..........................$27.95

• Veal Bruschetta

Sauteed Veal with Diced Red Onions and Tomatoes in a Balsamic Vinegar Sauce......................................................$27.95

• Veal Piccata

Sautéed Veal with Artichokes, Capers in a White Wine Sauce .............$27.95

• Seafood Fra Diavlo

Sautéed Shrimps, Scallops, Mussels and Calamari in a Spicy Red Sauce...................................................$32.95

• Filet of Sole Francaise

Sautéed in a Lemon Butter White Wine Sauce

Steaks & Chops

• Certified Angus Broiled NY Cut Sirloin Steak .....................................................$32.95 • Certified Angus Rib Eye Steak.................................................................$34.95 • Certified Angus Porterhouse Steak...........................................................$35.95 • Certified Angus Char-Broiled Roumanian Steak .....................................$30.95 • Broiled Pork Chops (2)...................................................$24.95 • Char-Broiled Spring Lamb Chops (3)..................................................$32.95

• Lobster Tails (2)

................................$28.95

Fra Diablo in a Spicy Red Sauce, over your choice of Pasta ..............$45.95

– Whole Wheat Pasta Available –

Children’s Menu

Roast Turkey, Burger w/Fries, Chicken Fingers w/Fries, Grilled Cheese w/Fries, Spaghetti w/Meatball, Hot Dog w/French Fries, Roast Turkey or Roast Beef w/Mashed Potatoes.

All Children’s menu items include Small Beverage and Choice of Any Dessert.......... $12.95

Open 24 Hours • We Delivery We Accept All Major Credit Cards • Plenty of Free Parking

All Baking Done on Premises • Corporate Accounts Welcomed • Private Party Catering THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013 | 17

The Ragtime Family wishes you and your family a Thanksgiving filled with health, happiness and prosperity and our best wishes for a Happy Hanukkah.

We continue to give thanks to all our loyal customers.

157-48 Cross Bay Blvd.

Howard Beach Phone 718-845-4582 Fax 718-843-2202 Visit our website www.ragtimegourmet.com 18 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013

Come in today and order your fresh turkeys with all the trimmings.

Time is running out!

$199

Serves 8-10 people 18 lb. to 20 lb. Freshly Killed Turkey (cooked), .

Sausage Stuffing, Yams, Steamed Broccoli, Cranberry Sauce and Gravy. Apple and Pumpkin Pie. Three loaves of Italian Bread. 1 Dozen Rolls. 2-pound Cookie Tray.

Stuffed Mushrooms .............................$69.00 full pan Candied Yams .....................................$39.99 full pan Stuffing ................................................$49.00 full pan with Sausage ....................................$59.00 full pan String Bean Almondine .......................$49.95 full pan Roasted Potatoes Garlic & Oil ............$49.95 full pan Cream Corn Medley .............................$49.99 full pan Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes .............$49.99 full pan Steamed Broccoli with Garlic ......................... $49.99 Sweet Potato Mash .......................................... $49.99 Lasagna ...............................................$79.00 full pan Baked Ziti ............................................$70.00 full pan

Stuffed Shells ......................................$70.00 full pan Manicotti .............................................$70.00 full pan Large Stuffed Artichokes .................................................$5.99 each Cranberry Sauce ................................................ $9.99 Sausage Bread .................................................. $7.99 Cookie Trays (2 pounds and up) ......................... $8.99

per pound

Sliced Platters of Fruit Small $39 Medium $59 Large $89

All Turkeys are Bell & Evans organically raised:

16-18 lb. Cooked Turkey $69.95 & 20-24 lb. Cooked Turkey $89.95

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013 | 19

20 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013

Skipping Out on the Stuffing Healthy replacements for calorie-laden Thanksgiving foods

Many people count their blessings on Thanksgiving. Few, however, count their calories.

Overindulging at the dinner table is a Thanksgiving tradition, and often paves the way for a season of poor nutritional habits with long-lasting ramifications.

The American Council on Exercise says that the average adult consumes 3,000 calories and 229 grams of fat at a typical Thanksgiving meal. That is well above the USDA-recommended guidelines of 2,000 calories and 65 grams of fat that most

adults should consume in an entire day.

With so many options available on the Thanksgiving buffet table, it is easy to see how overeating is commonplace. Rather than wearing elastic-waisted pants and succumbing to too many fattening foods, individuals can make smart food substitutions that won't compromise taste but will cut calorie intake.

• Fill up on lean protein. Turkey is the cornerstone of the Thanksgiving meal and is a lower-fat, lean source of filling protein. Rather than indulge in too many starchy side dishes, have turkey be the bulk of your Thanksgiving dinner. When preparing turkey, use fresh herbs and low-

fat vegetable stock to keep the meat moist and flavorful, avoiding butter and oils, which just tack on extra calories.

• Serve steamed veggies. Rather than sweet potatoes covered in butter and marshmallows or breaded and fried vegetables that are unrecognizable, serve produce lightly steamed so it retains its nutritional value and flavor.

• Swap out white starches for whole grains. Stuffing is a popular side dish on Thanksgiving. But stuffing can be full of empty calories. Instead of serving white rice or bread stuffing, make your own using brown rice and whole grain breads.

Add protein-rich nuts and dried fruits to add flavor and fiber as well.

• Skip double-crust pies. Two-crust pies with a bottom crust and a top layer have more calories than ones with just a crust on the bottom. Opt for low-calorie pumpkin pie or add a little gelatin to pie fruit filling and skip the top crust on traditional two-crust pies. Dessert also can be pared down to fresh fruit tarts or low-fat gelatin trifles.

• Cut down on courses. Having an excess of food is not only unhealthy but wasteful. Trim courses from the Thanksgiving meal to save time, money and calories. Does anyone really show up for the cheese and crackers appetizers? Focus on the main course and chances are no one will miss the extra food. Plus, their waistlines won't miss it either.

Instead of covering your sweet potato side dish in marshmallows, try a healthier alternative. Simply bake the potatoes then mash them together, along with olive oil, sea salt and freshly ground pepper for a flavorful side dish without the added saturated fat.

• Dilute ciders and juices. Liquid calories quickly add up. Offer plenty of fresh water and keep sugary drinks to a minimum. When serving apple juice or cider, dilute it with water, which will stretch it out further and cut down on the calories.

• Take frequent breaks. It can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes for the body to register that it is full. Failure to give the stomach time to send messages to the brain that you are full could mean you eat more than is necessary.

Thanksgiving is a time of family, friends and often overeating. Making a few changes to favorite foods can make the holiday more healthy.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013 | 21

Vet Chat:

M

It’s Not All About Vaccines!

any pet owners have the misconceived notion that by vaccinating their pets once a year, they are taking care of them and keeping them healthy.

While vaccinating your pet is extremely important, it’s not the whole picture. Imagine never going to see your own doctor and going to a pharmacy just to get vaccines once a year. This probably sounds crazy to you… as it should. An extremely important part of keeping your pet healthy is their annual or biannual exam depending on their age.

Unfortunately, pets age at a much faster rate than we do which makes their examinations that much more important.

During your pets comprehensive examination, your veterinarian will check their eyes, ears, nose, throat, teeth, listen to their heart and lungs, palpate their abdomen for any organ enlargement or changes, check for any new growths or changes to their skin

or hair coat, examine their joints and perform a rectal exam to check the colon, anal glands and prostate in males. An annual exam for young animals and biannual exam for senior pets in very important because your veterinarian can find and address any abnormalities at an early stage which could make all the difference in your pet’s health.

An important part of taking care of your pet is preventative care. Preventative care includes your pet’s examination as well as other diagnostics depending on their age.

Most veterinarians at a minimal will recommend a fecal analysis and heartworm testing. A fecal analysis checks for common worms and protozoans that can be harmful to your pet as well as contagious to other animals and in some case Zoonotic- contagious to humans. Heartworm testing checks for a parasite transmitted by mosquitoes that can cause congestive heart failure. Most veteri-

narians will also recommend routine blood work once or twice yearly on your pet…the same as your physician would. This usually includes a CBC and Chemistry panel. A CBC or complete blood count is a measure of your pet’s red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. A Chemistry panel measures your pets liver enzymes, kidney values, protein levels, electrolytes and minerals. As you pet ages, your veterinarian will also recommend routine thyroid screening and a urinalysis. These tests can help identify problems at an early stage which often gives a much better prognosis.

When you bought or adopted your pet, you took an oath to take care of them. An important part of taking care of them is taking them to their veterinarian for their exam and preventative tests. Talk to your veterinarian about what you can to do help your pet live a long and happy life.

This series is sponsored by Dr. Theresa Paoloni and the staff at Veterinary Care Unlimited.

CB 9 Chair Says There will be Re-Vote on Ousting Member But another member says it will never happen

By Anna Gustafson After Community Board 9 members voted at their meeting last week to retain one individual who had faced being ousted as part of the organization, the group’s chairman said another vote must be taken at next month’s meeting because they did not properly follow the board’s bylaws before saying yea or nay on the matter.

CB 9 Chairman Jim Coccovillo said in a press release issued via Twitter Monday night that the board would have to weigh in again as to whether or not member Sam Esposito could remain part of the organization because there had

been no public discussion prior to last week’s vote. Last week’s vote on the longtime member’s tenure came to be after several board members told Coccovillo that Esposito had sent them an email with anti-Semitic remarks - something which Esposito said made him extremely offended, and which he stressed was untrue.

Esposito said he believes the vote occurred because Coccovillo wants him off the board after Esposito supported CB 9 District Manager Mary Ann Carey after some members, including the chairman, had wanted to remove her earlier this year. Coccovillo, meanwhile, said there were concerns over Esposito’s conduct on the board,

Community Corner CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 Sid was born in Harlem and spent his childhood in the Bronx where his father owned a successful tailor shop where Sid would often help out. While serving in the Army during World War II, he was stationed at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park before being deployed overseas. Army food being what it was, prompted Sid and some military buddies to scale the fences at night looking for a good roast beef sandwich or a Nathan’s hot dog in Coney Island and washing it down with a Brooklyn egg cream. Throughout his exciting lifetime, Sid could always identify the neighborhood he was in by the restaurants he once enjoyed.

I first met Sid at a Rain concert being held

at Manhattan’s Town Hall where Sid was introduced to the audience by this new and very impressive Beatles look-alike band. At the end of the concert, my wife, Sue, and I approached him for an autograph, which he graciously offered.

He took an immediate liking to us, engaging us in easy conversation. He seemed to be in no rush to dismiss us even though he was expected to meet backstage with Rain. We said our goodbyes and believe it or not, ran into Sid again a short time later at the Annual Fest for Beatles Fans at the Crowne Plaza in New Jersey. Sid was there as a guest of the event’s promoter. When we approached him this second time, I reminded him of our encounter at the Rain concert the previous year. He remembered that and indicated he

22 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013

including being absent from meetings.

Following the board’s vote last week, CB 9 member Wallace Bock, one of three members who said Esposito had made anti-Semitic remarks, walked out of the meeting and said he was resigning, though the Queens Borough President’s office has not yet received a letter of resignation from Bock, according to Coccovillo.

The CB 9 chairman said that he conferred with Barry Grodenchik, director of community boards, and Hugh Weinberg, general counsel in the borough president’s office, and determined that, “the procedures for removal, as described in the Community Board 9 by-laws, require that

those bringing the demand, as well as any other board members who wish to speak on the matter, be heard before the vote to remove can be taken.”

Esposito, however, said he does not believe a vote will be taken at the next meeting.

“From what I understand, the executive board is taking a vote next Tuesday on whether or not to actually put the re-vote on the agenda,” Esposito said.

“He’s attacking me personally because he doesn’t like who I am,” he continued. “...I think it’ll never appear on the agenda, and Jim will eat his words,” he continued.

was doing some consulting work for Rain. Sue mentioned that I had a band called Plastic Soul (a name derived from the Beatles’ 1965 groundbreaking album, “Rubber Soul”) that played ‘60s and ‘70s music, but was partial to the Beatles. Sid remarked that he would love to hear us play some time and said to call him.

Having nothing to lose, I waited until we had an appropriate gig to invite him to. I called him and was surprised that he answered the phone himself, not really believing this busy man who rubbed noses with likes of the Beatles, Judy Garland and Tony Bennett would have the time to attend a performance by a “garage band,” let alone spend time talking to me at length on the phone, but he did - and seemed more interested in who I was than in talking about himself.

I reminded Sid of his promise to come and see us play and he replied that I was to call him when the gig neared and that if his overprotective family would allow him, he would attend just as long as he got a lift to and from the venue. During our conversation and being told many of our gigs took place in Brooklyn and Queens, he asked if the Brooklyn roast beef restaurant, Brennan and Carr, was still in business. He was very pleased to learn that one of his favorite eateries was still going strong in the same location. Several months later I told Sid we were going to perform at a club in Staten Island. Although he recently had minor surgery, he called back a couple of days later and said he was fine to go and would meet our keyboard player downstairs at his eastside apartment building for his ride to the gig.

Although the night of the event turned out to be stormy, it did not deter Sid from attending.

Once he was seated he called me over, pointed his finger at me, and said that I was a better promoter than he since I was able to get him out at 11 p.m. on a stormy night to Staten Island. Before Plastic Soul began to play, Sid was introduced to the crowd and received a warm welcome. Sid’s 90th birthday, celebrated three days prior, was honored with Plastic Soul’s rendition of the Beatles tune “Birthday.”

After graciously taking some photos with the band, my wife offered to drive him back to the city. As they drove along, Sid fondly reminisced about his associations with various celebrities, especially Judy Garland and Tony Bennet. When they arrived at his apartment building, Sid asked Sue to wait downstairs as he wanted to give her something. Several minutes later he came down with a duplicate of the famous poster from that 1965 history- making event at Shea that he signed and stated in his harried hand what a great time he had listening to our band, Plastic Soul.

We were all sad to learn that Sid Bernstein passed away peacefully in his sleep this past August. He is survived by his wife Geraldine, six children and grandchildren. Several years prior to his death, Sid entered the studio and cut his first album of favorite songs, something he had long-wanted to achieve. At his funeral in Manhattan, they played his rendition of “Imagine” by John Lennon, bringing a tear to all those fondly remembering this gracious gentleman who treated everyone with equal interest and respect.

FORUM FUN & GAMES ACROSS 1. "The buck _____ here" 6. Augment 9. Like a jury unable to agree 13. Orca, e.g.

14. *Photographs in text messages 15. Wiser 16. Buddhist who has attained nirvana 17. Australian runner 18. Sign of life 19. *Movie host 21. *Like popular TV genre 23. Hot springs resort 24. Ski lift 25. Sensitive subject to some 28. Delhi wrap 30. Boredom 35. "____ Free" (1966) 37. *What a judge does on "Top Chef" 39. Straight muscles 40. Continental currency 41. Iron Age priest 43. Churn 44. Make more attractive 46. Major European river 47. "Fool me ____, shame on you" 48. Rodent and name of outdoor gear maker 50. Fungal spore sacs 52. Articulate 53. Coffin along with stand 55. Mozart's "L'___ del Cairo" 57. *One Direction, e.g.

61. *Modern book 65. Architectural projection 66. Jelly-like stuff 68. *"Say Yes to the Dress" target 69. Calyx part 70. Emergency responder 71. Saint _____ of Rome 72. *American Idol's Ryan Seacrest 73. Unidentified John 74. City in Belgium

DOWN 1. Go to and fro 2. Through, to a poet 3. Pearl Harbor location 4. Surveyor's maps 5. Arrangements 6. D'Artagnan's weapon of choice 7. *Kourtney and Khloe's sister 8. Beyond suburbs 9. Drag 10. Tangerine and grapefruit hybrid 11. Egg holder 12. *Multi-shaded Christian 15. Merciful one 20. Talked like a sheep 22. *"The Biggest Loser" isn't supposed to do it a lot 24. Like a noble dignitary 25. At right angles to ship or plane 26. Known for its common red casing 27. Computer message 29. Like pink steak 31. Audition tape 32. *They're on an iPhone screen 33. Carthage's ancient neighbor 34. *From Disney to pop star 36. "Cheers" regular 38. *The Jonas bros 42. Interior designer's focus 45. Cricket penalty 49. Sn, on periodic table 51. First-aid item 54. Bordered 56. Frustration, in print 57. *One of Miami Heat's "Big Three" 58. Filling treat 59. Pitiful puppy cries 60. *"Teen ____" mag (1967-2007) 61. Besides 62. Have supper 63. Original garden?

64. R in RIP 67. Rock music style

CROSSWORD

SOLUTIONS FROM LAST WEEK'S PUZZLE

SUDOKU

TRIVIA 1. What unexpected event happened at the 2013 Superbowl?

2. Why was a new pope selected?

3. Which political leader died in March of 2013?

4. Which movie won an Oscar for 'Best Picture?'

5. Who won a Grammy for 'Best New Artist?'

Answers from Last Week: 1: Gimbel's. 2: Mayflower. 3: October. 4: Wishbone.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013 | 23

THE HAPPENINGS Thursday, Nov. 21

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.

Friday, Nov. 22

Richmond Hill Historical Society Meeting

Saturday, Nov. 23

Atlas Park Tree Lighting Ceremony The Shops at Atlas Park 80-00 Cooper Ave., Glendale 5 p.m.

A live dee-jay, stilt walkers, carolers, and Santa Claus will join residents to celebrate the annual treelighting ceremony at Atlas Park. Santa is expected to arrive just before 6 p.m.

Admission is free.

For more information, visit www.shopatlaspark.com.

Book Extravaganza Fundraiser

Leonard Center 86-13 112th St., Richmond Hill 7:30 p.m.

Greater Astoria Historical Society Join the Richmond Hill Historical Society for a lecture, 35-20 Broadway, Astoria 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Celebrating the Manteo Sicilian Marionette Tradition Peruse a large selection of new and used books at this in New York,” and video presented by Tony De Nonno. event that is free and open to the public.

Experience the legacy of puppeteers Mike and Aida For more information, visit www.astorialic.org.

Manteo, their children and grandchildren - a family bound together by a Sicilian folk tradition that spans a century in New York. Since 1908, five generations of the Manteo family have performed episodes from “Un Alley Pond Environmental Center Aventura d’Orlando Furioso,” the epic adventures of a 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston 1 p.m. knight in defense of Charlemagne’s empire, with life- Ever wonder what makes a popcorn kernel pop? Join sized marionettes. some hands-on experiments and get a brief history of Admission is free, and refreshments will be served. popcorn. Admission is $24.

For more information, visit www.alleypond.org.

Scientifically Speaking

The Hendrik Meurkens Samba Jazz Quartet

Flushing Town Hall 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing 8 p.m.

Harmonica and vibraharp virtuoso Hendrik Meurkens and his jazz quartet play Brazilian jazz by such influential composers as Djavan, Gal Costa and Lenny Andrade.

Tickets are $15.

For more information, visit www.flushingtownhall.org.

Howard Beach Senior Center Bridge 155-55 Crossbay Blvd.

The Howard Beach Senior Center offers a variety of bridge playing experiences. There is supervised bridge on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and duplicate bridge is offered on 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.

Yoga in Howard Beach

Sunday, Nov. 24

Free Turkey Giveaway

coins, leather goods, antiques, jewelry, toys, crafts, magazines, household items, VCR tapes and DVDs, crafts, and more.

There will be a snack bar, and there will be raffle tickets to win a $25 Pathmark gift certificate.

To rent a table at the event, call Marge Colace at (718) 843-4680.

Latin American Cultural Center Thanksgiving

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

The Latin American Cultural Center of Queens invites all to participate in their Thanksgiving celebration, which will include dance and Latin American music. The event is free and open to the general public. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited; please reserve a spot by calling (718) 261-7664 or emailing laccq@aol.com.

The Little Engine That Could

Queens Theatre 14 United Nations Avenue South, Flushing Meadows Corona Park 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Adapted from the famous children’s book, this musical follows The Little Blue Engine, who dreams of pulling the Piney Vale Express like her best friend, Rusty.

Little Blue seems too small to make it up the big hill, but when the train’s fate suddenly depends on her, she finds out hwo much she can accomplish with a little self confidence. Tickets are $14.

For more information, visit www.queenstheatre.org.

Broadway’s Next H!t Musical!

Queensborough Performing Arts Center 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside 3 p.m.

In this fully improvised musical comedy, every lyric, melody and “jazz hand” choreography is made up on the spot to create a show that is spot on, energetic and absolutely hilarious. Tickets are $25.

For more information, visit www.visitqpac.org.

Book Talk Signing at Kingsland Kingsland Homestead 143-35 37th Ave., Flushing 2:30 p.m.

Sabrina Jones, who has illustrated numerous graphic novels about history and contemporary social justice issues, will discuss her new book, “Social Justice According to the Gospels.”

Queens Tabernacle 86-03 96 St., Woodhaven Free, but please RSVP to (718) 939-0647, Queens Tabernacle is giving away free turkeys at two as seating is limited. services - one at 8 a.m. and one at 11 a.m. Residents For more information, must attend one of the services to be eligible for the visit www.queenshistoricalsociety.org. free turkey.

For more information, call (718) 846-7575.

Flea Market at Nativity Church

Monday, Nov. 25

Tai Chi in Howard Beach

Howard Beach Senior Center Howard Beach Senior Center Nativity Church Hall 101-41 91st St., Ozone Park 155-55 Cross Bay Blvd. 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

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

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All seniors, ages 60 and over, are welcome to attend All seniors, ages 60 and over, are welcome to attend A giant indoor flea market will be held, rain or shine, the tai chi classes, taught by Elaine Fleischman. yoga with Charlie Roemer every Friday morning. at Nativity Church Hall. There will be a wide variety For more information, For more information, of items for sale, including records, books, games, call the center at (718) 738-8100. call the center at (718) 738-8100.

24 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013

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

Enjoy your community.

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.

Tuesday, Nov. 26

Chess Club

Howard Beach Library 92-06 156th Avenue 4 p.m.

Join fellow chess players each Tuesday at the Howard Beach Library. All ages and levels are welcome.

For more information, call (718) 641-7086.

Wednesday, Nov. 27

QueensWay Workshop

Ozone Park Senior Center 103-02 101st Ave., Ozone Park 7 p.m.

This meeting will discuss the proposed QueensWay, an initiative to turn 3.5 miles of former rail line into a 55acre park through Forest Hills, Rego Park, Glendale, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, and Ozone Park. The workshop is an opportunity for community input.

The event is free, but please RSVP to shelma@ hesterstreet.org.

Game Day in Howard Beach

Howard Beach Library 92-06 156th Avenue 4 p.m.

Every Wednesday, teens are welcome to enjoy friendly competition with a variety of board games, including Monopoly, checkers, Scrabble, and more.

For more information, call (718) 641-7086.

Toddler Time

Howard Beach Library 1:30 p.m. 92-06 156th Avenue Join us for stories and fun for children ages 12 months to 36 months and their caregivers.

For more information, call (718) 641-7086.

Thursday, Nov. 28

Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association

7:30 p.m. Emanuel United Church of Christ Corner of Woodhaven Boulevard and 91st Avenue All members of the public are welcome to attend the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association’s monthly meeting, at which issues impacting the neighborhood will be discussed.

available in the church lot, the kitchen will be open all tour, during which day, and there will be raffles. individuals will be able to get a glimpse into what life was like in the borough more than a century ago.

Seven sites are participating in the Gottscheer Hall 657 Fairview Ave., Ridgewood tour: The Kingsland 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More than 40 independent and local artisan vendors Homestead, Voelker will be at the Ridgewood Market’s holiday event. Local, Orth Museum, Bird and artisan and vintage gifts will be available for purchase, Sanctuary Garden, and there will be food, pastries, and brunch.Vendors Victorian are welcome to reserve space by going to www. Lewis H. Latimer House Museum, ridgewoodmarket.com/sell-here.

Friends Meeting For more information, House, Flushing Town email contact@ridgewoodmarket.com, Hall, the Bowne House, call (347) 460-7549, or visit and, new this year, www.fb.com/ridgewoodmarket the Louis Armstrong or www.ridgewoodmarket.com.

House Museum.

This event will be held again on Sunday, Dec. 15, at the The Kingsland Homestead, which will feature musical same time and place. performances and a special holiday gift shop sale of local history books, is located at 143-35 37th Ave. in Flushing. Piano performances and a special gift and plant sale will be held at the Voelker Orth Museum, located at 149-19 38th Ave. in Flushing. The Lewis H. Latimer House Museum will offer house tours and traditional holiday refreshments and is located at 34-41 137th St. in Flushing. The Friends Meeting House will feature performances by the John Scardinia Musical Ensemble, will be open for tours all day, and is located at 137-16 Northern Blvd. in Flushing. The Bowne House is under restoration, but its parlor will be decorated for the holidays and open to visitors. Beginning at 1:30 p.m., there will be a talk on traditional American Christmas customs at the Bowne House, located at 37-01 Bowne St. in Flushing. The Louis Armstrong House will feature rare audio clips from the musician’s personal recordings, and visitors will get to hear Satchmo’s magical voice reading “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” and other seasonal recordings. The Armstrong museum is located at 34-56 107th St. in Corona.

Advance all-access tickets are $10 and provide Queens Botanical Garden 43-50 Main St., Flushing admission to all seven sites. These tickets can be 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Get into the holiday spirit with an afternoon of family purchased online at HolidayHouseTour2013.eventbrite. fun, including a winter garden tour, botanical crafts, live com or from the Queens Historical Society. Tickets will be sold at the door on Dec. 8 for $12. musical performances, and a holiday marketplace.

From 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., photos with Santa will A complimentary trolley service from each site is included with all tour tickets. be available. A tour of the winter garden will run from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., botanical crafts will be available from 2 For more information about the tours, contact the p.m. to 4 p.m., and there will be a concert by the Rough Queens Historical Society at (718) 939-0647 or email info@queenshistoricalsociety.org.

Dozen a cappella group performing seasonal songs from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony and sing-along will occur from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.queensbotanical.org.

Sunday, Dec. 8

Ridgewood Market

Winter Solstice Celebration and Tree Lighting Ceremony

Friday, Dec. 27

Holiday Fair and Flea Market

Thai Rock Benefit Concert

Thai Rock 375 Beach 92 St., American Martyrs Church 79-43 Bell Blvd., Bayside Rockaway Beach 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

More than 80 vendors selling various items at great Queens band Plastic Soul will play a benefit concert prices will be on site for this holiday fair and flea market. at Thai Rock, which was devastated by Hurricane There is parking in the church’s lot, and the kitchen will Sandy. Thai Rock’s owner, Robert Kaskel, also had be open all day. extensive damage sustained to his home, which is still uninhabitable. He and his wife currently live upstairs from Thai Rock, which recently reopened. All are welcome to come support Thai Rock with classic rock tunes from the 1960s and 70s, as well cuisine prepared 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. by the restaurant.

More than 80 vendors selling various items at great The Queens Historical Society will kick off the holiday For more information, prices will be at Our Lady of Hope. Ample parking is season by offering its 26th annual holiday historic house call the restaurant at (646) 455-3991.

Saturday, Dec. 7

Holiday Fair and Flea Market

Queens Holiday Historic House Tour

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013 | 25

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Legal Notices 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.

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.

GREEN TARA INFINITY, LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 06/07/13.

Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: 13235 41 Road, Apt. 2D, Flushing, NY 11355. General Purposes.

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.

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Legal Notices 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.

Notice is hereby given a license, number (PENDING) for Catering onpremises Liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 47-01 111th Street, Corona, NY 11368 for on premises consumption.

JKDELLA SALES DIMENSIONS, INC D/B/A DELISH BY AMERIVENTS 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 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.

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 CAPOEIRA TRAINING CENTER, LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/18/2013. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC 30-06 29th Street, Astoria, NY 11102. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NO CAP LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 10/23/13.

Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: P Samant 2323 33rd Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11106. General Purposes.

FE & MW LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 9/10/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Georges Wolecki, 240 Alameda Ave., Douglaston, NY 11362.

General Purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: NY QUEENS DEVELOPMENT LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/25/13. 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, 58-32 218th Street, Oakland Gardens, New York 11364.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Legal Notices Notice of Formation of JOHN H. JOSEPH PLLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/19/2013. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC 71-53 Nansen Street, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of formation of GREEK CONCERT STATUS, LLC. Art. Of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/5/2012. Office in Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 19664 49th Avenue Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of NY SKYLINE ASSOCIATES LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/11/2013. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Kamil Grabowski 110-31 73 Road, Ste 2H, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

444 MIDDLE NECK RD LLC Art. Of Org. Filed Sec. of State of NY 04/26/2013. Off. Loc.: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY to mail copy of process to The LLC, 4 Sands Court, Great Neck, NY 11023. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

90-08 Queens LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 10/8/13. Office: Queens County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: 118 Eldridge St, #8, NY, NY 10002.

General Purposes.

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.

PRIORITY REALTY CAPITAL, LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 9/3/13. 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, 3523 30th Ave., Astoria, NY 11103.

General Purpose.

Notice of formation of HOM CITY LIVING LLC. Art. Of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 6/13/2013. Office in Kings County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 3258 31st St Flr 2 Queens, NY 11106. Purpose: Real Estate Notice of Qualification of Black Box Productions, LLC. Authority filed with NY Dept. of State on 10/18/13.

Office location: Queens County.

Princ. bus. addr.: ­­­­­6464 Sunset Blvd., Ste. 800, Los Angeles, CA 90028.

LLC formed in DE on 7/11/13. NY Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o CT Corporation System, 111 8th Ave., NY, NY 10011, regd. agent upon whom process may be served.

DE addr. of LLC: 1209 Orange St., Wilmington, DE 19801. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Sec. of State, 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901.

Purpose: all lawful purposes.

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.

Majestic Realty Prestigious Homes And Estates LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/5/12. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to 71-27 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, NY 11385.

Purpose: General.

Notice of Formation of P&R ASTORIA, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) Touchstone Clinical Research on 11/06/13. Office location: LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec Queens County. Princ. office of of State (SSNY) on 04/22/13. Office: LLC: 154-50 12th Rd., Whitestone, Queens County. SSNY designated NY 11357. SSNY designated as as agent of LLC upon whom agent of LLC upon whom process process may be served. SSNY shall against it may be served. SSNY mail process to: Touchstone Clinical shall mail process to the LLC at the Research LLC 203 42 27th Avenue, addr. of its princ. office. Purpose: Bayside, NY 11360. General Any lawful activity.

Purposes.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013 | 27

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28 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 21, 2013 | 29

911 Needs 911

City ambulance takes 45 minutes to respond to collapse of elderly man in Richmond Hill

Robert Stridiron/The Forum Newsgroup

EMS workers administered oxygen to the unidentified male, who was unconscious for several minutes according to witnesses who say the man turned blue and at one point appeared to have stopped breathing.

By Patricia Adams Despite frantic calls from police and several bystanders at the scene, it took a city ambulance more than half an hour to respond to a case in which an elderly man suffered a seizure, collapsed on a Richmond Hill street and turned blue.

According to 911 logs, it was Monday afternoon at 1540 hours, 3:40 p.m., when the first call went into the system, and 1615 hours--35 minutes later, when an ambulance arrived at the scene.

The 102 Precinct School Sergeant was one of those who called, describing the severity of the situation to a dispatcher and asking for a rush on an ambulance–– but his call into the city’s

recently overhauled $88 million 911 call taking system did not produce desired results.

“I seen the guy fall on the floor,” said eyewitness Jonathan Hernandez, who lives nearby. He was one of several witnesses who used their cell phones to call 911 and report the collapse of the elderly man between 113th and 114th streets on Jamaica Avenue. “He was turning blue and not breathing,” the Good Samaritan said.

Hernandez say police at the scene stayed with the man, trying their best to do what they could, but it seemed like forever for an ambulance to finally reach the scene.

And he explained, this was not the

first time he was involved in a similar set of circumstances. “This has been happening so much around here,” said Hernandez. “The same thing happened to my neighbor, the guy died in my apartment building because the ambulance took over 30 minutes to get to him.”

In addition to the calls delivered directly to the CAD, tow truck drivers, news desks and other police scanner devotees heard repeated and borderline frantic requests from police at the scene to get an ambulance to the scene, as the man’s condition grew graver by the minute.

It was as recently as late August when The Forum reported on computer glitches in NYC’s 911 call taking system. Produced by an Atlanta based company, Intergraph, the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) had been experiencing difficulties and was responsible for the city’s system dropping calls and causing delays in fire, police and EMS response and giving rise to serious, and in some cases deadly consequences.

But a spokesperson from the company told The Forum back in August since going live on the new ICAD system on May 29th, it has “successfully processed over 1,000,000 emergency responses by the NYPD and FDNY and has proven highly reliable,” the spokesman said.

South Ozone Park Man Found Tied Up, Beaten To Death Investigation is open

Robert Stridiron/The Forum Newsgroup

By Patricia Adams Police made a grizzly discovery inside a South Ozone Park home around 5 a.m. on Tuesday morning when where they found the body of a man tied up and apparently dead from blunt force trauma wounds caused by being beaten with a brick about the head.

The victim remains unidentified as of yet and was found in the basement apartment of a house at 120-46 131 Street.

In addition to the head trauma, he had been tied up and stabbed multiple times Detectives investigate a homicide at in the Ozone Park section of Queens where a male was found tied up and beaten and stabbed to death in an apartment at the home.

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