The Forum West 48 2013

VOL. 12 • NUMBER 47 • NOVEMBER 28, 2013

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER

Hundreds of people kicked off the holiday season with Santa, elves and much merriment at the annual tree lighting ceremony at Atlas Park Saturday evening.

The New Face of Hunger in Queens Page 4

Pols Strut Their Stuff on Stage Page 12 and 20

See coverage on page 34

Martin Luther Wrestling Team Prepares for Success Page 16

Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013 | 1

2 2 | THE THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013 FORUM NEWSGROUP • October 25, 2012

Queens College to Study Impact of Rockaway Beach Rail Line Proposals

By Anna Gustafson Proposals for the abandoned Rockaway Beach Rail Line, including reactivating the train service and turning the space into a park similar to Manhattan’s High Line, will land further scrutiny in a soon to be launched study by Queens College, school officials and state Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway) announced Monday.

The study, which will be conducted by graduate and undergraduate students in Queens College’s Department of Urban Studies, will begin this spring and will assess the community impact of the different options proposed for the rail line, which once ran from Rockaway to Rego Park before being abandoned about 50 years ago.

“The key to our success as a borough, and city, is to expand our public transportation infrastructure,” said Goldfeder, who has long been a proponent of reactivating the rail line. “...

Who better to talk about what’s in the best interest of our community than our own Queens experts?”

Queens College representatives stressed that the study would look at the impact of reactivating the line, as well as the park, known as the QueensWay, that would transform 3.5 miles of the abandoned line into green space. Other residents have been opposed to both proposals as they stand, including Neil Giannelli,

Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup

Queens College President James Muyskens, left, Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder, and Department of Urban Studies Chairman Leonard Rodberg announced Monday that the college will soon launch a study on proposals for the abandoned Rockaway Beach Rail Line.

founder of the group No Way QueensWay. Giannelli, a Woodhaven resident, and others living near him on 98th Street, have said they harbor serious concerns about security and decreased property values with any kind of development on the tracks.

“We will look at them all - and look at them objectively,” Leonard Rodberg, chair of Queens College’s Department of Urban Studies, said of the proposals.

The study will be primarily overseen by Scott Larson, a lecturer in the Department of Urban Studies, who said students will begin the project in the spring and potentially wrap it up

by the end of the summer. Rodberg noted that the students will look at existing data, including U.S. Census numbers, as well as gather new data to assess the proposals.

Goldfeder said he may be able to allocate $50,000 to $100,000 from the state for the study. “ We’re always thrilled when expertise of our faculty can be used to solve problems for the people of Queens,” Queens College President James Muyskens said.

The line, which, in addition to Rockaway and Rego Park, traveled through Forest Hills, Middle Village, Woodhaven, Ozone Park, and How-

ard Beach, was once owned and operated by the Long Island Rail Road but was sold to the city in 1962. The city abandoned it, and, over the past five decades, the line has fallen into disrepair, its tracks covered by unruly weeds and graffiti.

Both supports of the QueensWay and reactivating the line have said their respective proposals would benefit residents throughout the borough. Park proponents often cite there being about 250,000 residents in the area surrounding the proposed 3.5-mile line whose quality of life would be boosted by the green space, while those who want the line reacti-

vated have said it would bring crucial economic development to South Queens and the Rockaways - areas that are underser ved by mass transportation.

There is another study being done on the area, though it is solely on the QueensWay proposal. In August, the Trust for Public Land and Friends of the QueensWay announced that a $467,000 grant from the state’s Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation would help to pay for a year-long study on how to transform the area scarred with litter and weeds into a spot some are calling the borough’s High Line.

“The QueensWay is going to be New York’s next great park,” Marc Matsil, the New York state director for The Trust for Public Land, said when the study was launched.

But Phil McManus, a public transportation advocate and Rockaway resident, said at Monday’s announcement at Queens College that a new rail line would bring much-needed economic growth to a Rockaway that has long been hit by financial burdens - and now even more so in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

“I love this,” McManus said of the Queens College study. “...This’ll educate the public - most people don’t know about this.”

“If our population was declining, I’d say we’ll never get this, the rail line, but our population [in Queens] is increasing,” McManus continued.

Precinct Pioneers at the 112

Community Council to host online town hall meetings

By Patricia Adams It’s been in the works for months now, but the long awaited debut of an innovative concept to raise awareness in the 112th Precinct is on the verge of its premier.

On Monday night December 2, at 7:30 p.m. the 112th precinct Community Council will sponsor it’s first online Town Hall meeting.

Commanding Officer of the 112, Captain Thomas Conforti says the idea came from a combination of occurrences.

When a rash of burglaries broke out in the precinct months ago, they dealt with it by putting together a multi-prong strategy.

Getting the public involved, was one of the key components, in addition to focusing on crime prevention by encouraging the installation of cameras, keeping lights on and of course keeping doors and windows locked at all times.

In addition, the precinct put together a Town Hall meeting held at the beginning of April, where there were more than 400 residents in attendance.

“After the meeting, several arrests were made,” Conforti said, “and the burglaries decreased but were still occurring.”

It was actually at a burglary that took place over the Labor Day holiday that put Conforti on a more determined path than ever to find a way to reach more people. “I personally responded to this call and I was shocked to learn from the victim of the crime that they had no knowledge that the pattern was going on.”

Conforti explained to the resident that there had been a number of meetings to keep community members aware of the situation and others like it, but the victim responded that even if they

Patricia Adams/ The Forum Newsgroup

Captain Thomas Conforti says the new plan for online meetings is a way to open lines of communication and give residents access to information that is vital especially to quality of life and safety concerns without having to leave their homes.

knew about the meetings, it would just be too difficult with everyone working in their house to get to a meeting.

Most of the people he asked afterward also said that they would not be able to commit to the meetings. So the Captain and the president of the precinct council, Heidi Harrison Chain

sat down together to develop a strategy that included the possibility of utilizing a web site known as spreecast.com––a social video platform that connects people through video conversation.

“Spreecast is a way for people to simply sign on to their computer, log in to the forum and either to go on as a guest or just to watch and listen.

The site is extremely easy to use. You have the option to just sign on and watch but there is a feature that allows you to sign in and participate in the meeting and ask questions if you wish to.

“That’s the beauty of it,” Conforti said. “You can get involved or just listen, either way you have access to vital information without leaving your home.”

You can sign in through Facebook, Twitter or any of the social media site. For those who don’t have those accounts they can use an e-mail address.

So after months of testing, planning and setting up the system, the precinct will host the opening meeting on Monday night at 7:30 p.m.

The Precinct Council asks that you send questions in prior to the meeting to council112@yahoo.com The link to sign in at the meeting is: http://www.spreecast. com/events/n112th-precinct-council-meeting-dec-2013 The Precinct Community Council asks that you please join them in launching what looks to be a promising addition to involving the public in the fight against crime and the preservation of the quality of life. See you Monday. Be there. You can get involved right from home. All participation can remain anonymous.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013 | 3

In South Queens, Seeing ‘The Face of Hunger’ Change Richmond Hill’s River Fund hands out 1,000 turkeys to residents in need

WINNING START TO YOUR NEW YEAR! @

Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup

A small fire broke out in the River Fund's garage before the nonprofit was set to hand out 1,000 Thanksgiving turkeys on Saturday, damaging some non-food items, including supplies like paper towels that volunteers often give out to those coming to the food pantry each week.

By Anna Gustafson For hours, they stood in line, shivering in the cold that has descended upon November.

Patiently, they - the young and the old, the employed and the jobless - waited to make their way to the front of a modest looking house in Richmond Hill, where they filled carts with a Thanksgiving turkey, fresh vegetables, bread, and more.

They were veterans, retired teachers, school children. Those standing in line - some silently, their eyes downcast and hands shoved deep into coat pockets, others laughing and waving hello to neighbors as their children played endless games of tag - were grandparents, spouses, sons and daughters.

Whatever their story, the approximately 1,000 families that came for food at the nonprofit River Fund food pantry at 89-11 Lefferts Blvd. in Richmond Hill on Saturday all shared one thing in common: They needed help.

“The face of hunger in our country has changed,” said River Fund Executive Director Swami Durga Das. “We have families coming to us with two working parents. A lot of our clients work. We have an 88-year-old veteran coming to us for food. We’re the last resort for most of these families.”

Every Saturday, the River Fund gives out free food to about 800 families at their Richmond Hill pantry, and they also serve about 2,000 more families through their mobile programs and satellite sites that have operated in the Rockaways and Coney Island since. Last Saturday, however, there was a special occasion - in honor of Thanksgiving, the pantry handed out 1,000 turkeys that were donated to the nonprofit from the Katie Couric show.

Those who received the birds said they incredibly grateful, particularly in light of the federal food stamp reductions that went into effect at the beginning of this month. Many in line said they would have had no money to pay for the often expensive Thanksgiving turkeys.

“My food stamps got cut a little bit, so it’s hard,” said Howard, a South Queens resident who came to the Richmond Hill pantry for the first time Saturday morning. “I used to volunteer at places like this, and it’s really helpful to know I can go here and other people can help me.”

Howard, who did not wish to give his last name, said he had been receiving $200 a month as part of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - often referred to as food stamps

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

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FORUM CRIME

Queens Congresswoman Attacked, Robbed Concerns that it may be part of ‘knockout’ crime

By Anna Gustafson If U.S. Rep. Grace Meng’s (D-Queens) performance in a parody musical performed at Queens College over the weekend is any indication, she is definitely on the mend after being attacked and robbed in Washington D.C. last week.

Just days before Meng sang in the “Legislative Acts” performance - including the spoof song, “There’s No Business Like Small Business” - she had been struck in the back of the head. As she fell to the ground during the attack that happened as she was walking towards her Washington apartment after having dinFile Photo ner at a D.C. restaurant on the evening of Nov. 19, the U.S. Rep. Grace Meng was attacked and robbed while perpetrator stole her handbag and then fled on foot. walking home after dinner in Washington D.C. last week.

“While this was a frightening ordeal, I fortu-

nately was not seriously injured,” Meng said. “Obviously things could have been much worse. I think the U.S. Capitol Police and the District of Columbia Police for responding quickly and professionally.”

Meng, a freshman lawmaker who used to represent Flushing in the City Council, suffered a bruise on her chin and underwent a CAT scan at George Washington University Hospital.

While the congresswoman has said she is not sure that the incident was part of what is being called “knockout” crimes, during which perpetrators, often teens, will attempt to render a person unconscious with a single blow, Meng does consider it a possibility.

“It’s something that’s going on around the country, and we need to send a strong message that this

type of behavior is not funny, is not acceptable, and is criminal,” Meng said in a television interview.

“I encourage [the perpetrators] to view the people they are knocking down,” she continued. “It’s not funny at all. These are human beings; these are your fellow Americans. These victims could easily be your family or friends.”

While reports of the “knockout” crime have surfaced in cities across the country, including New York, police and other security experts are cautioning people to not grow hysterical over the trend, saying it is likely too early to tell whether this is real or an urban myth. While the attacks, of course, are very real, it has been argued that it may just be crime, and not teenagers or other individuals attempting to knock someone out as part of a violent game.

Multi Million Dollar Counterfeiting Ring Cracked

By Samantha Geary If you’d been wondering how your friend could have afforded a pair of $400 True Religion jeans and you couldn’t, odds are it’s because they might not have been the genuine article. Two corporations and twenty-six individuals have been arrested at the end of a three-year undercover operation into the manufacture and sale of counterfeit designer items and cigarettes. Authorities say the ring had ties across the United States and as far reaching as China.

Along with True Religion other targeted brands included, Polo By Ralph Lauren, The North Face, Nike, and Timberland. Other items alleged to have been produced were watches, headphones, and unstamped counterfeit cigarettes.

This week, District Attorney Richard Brown and Police Commissioner Ray Kelley announced that four of the rings, based in Queens and elsewhere have been dismantled. Business was conducted, according to authorities, in self-storage facilities and generated approximately $10 million in combined gross annual revenue.

The ring was a complex, well- organized hierar-

chy, typical of such trademark counterfeiting enterprises was comprised of bosses, investors, importers, manufacturing/production people, shippers and money agents and wholesale buyers. It catered to wholesale buyers in at least 21 different states and the U.S. Virgin Islands interested in purchasing counterfeit products of major brands for resale.

Among several other Queens residents arrested was Samantha Defreitas, 26, of 86-13 89 Street in Woodhaven, Queens, who is charged with thirddegree trademark counterfeiting. DeFreitas was identified as a wholesale buyer in the operation who purchased finished products from members of the enterprise and then re-sold that merchandise either to another wholesale buyer or to individual customers in storefronts or flea-market-style venues. De Freitas was release on her own recognizance.

The defendants have been charged with enterprise corruption, first-, second- and third-degree trademark counterfeiting and fourth- and fifth-degree conspiracy. Some will face up to 25 years in prison with others facing up to seven if convicted. In the case of a corporation, a felony is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 or double the amount of the illegal gain.

Father and Son Charged With Half-Mil In Tax Theft

By Samantha Geary Used auto dealerships to profit and report A father and son team operating two used car dealerships in Hollis Queens has been charged with $500,000 state sales tax for failing to report sales and neglecting to turn over funds collected as sales tax.

The defendants were identified as Yunas Khan, 52, and his son, Tabraiz Khan, 27 and are both being held pending arraignment in Queens Criminal Court.

Yunas has been charged with two counts of second-degree grand larceny, two counts of second degree criminal tax fraud, 26 counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, one count of first degree scheme to defraud and one count of second degree scheme to defraud. If convicted he faces up to 15 years.

Tabriz Kahn was charged with one count of second-degree grand larceny, two counts of third degree grand larceny, two counts of third degree criminal tax fraud, four counts of first-degree falsifying business records, four counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, one count of first-degree scheme to defraud. If convicted he faces up to 15 years in prison instrument for filing, one count of first degree scheme to defraud and one

count of second degree scheme to defraud. If convicted he faces up to 15 years in prison.

According to the criminal complaint filed against Yunas Khan and Horse Power Horse Power Auto Sales Inc. between December 1, 2007, and November 30, 2010, the defendants, then located at 249-15 Jamaica Avenue (Horse Power Auto Sales in Hollis), allegedly reported sales totaling $2,867,283 with a tax liability of $243,145. A review of records from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, however, show Horse Power Auto Sales reportedly had taxable sales of at least $8,203,582 with a true tax liability of at least $703,932. Consequently, a difference of at least $460,786 in taxes were allegedly collected and not remitted to New York State.

Further complaints against Tabraiz Kahn and Car Palace Inc., between September 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011 show the defendants, currently now operating at 91-35 183rd street in Hollis allegedly reported sales totaling $248,835 with a tax liability of $21, 484. A review of records from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicle however shows Car palace Inc. reported taxable sales of at least 41,102,742 with a true tax liability of $97,784 in taxes were actually collected and not remitted to New York State.

Photo Courtesy Queens District Attorney

Police and prosecutors join Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown and New York City Police Captain Donald Boller (center), of the NYPD’s Trademark Infringement Unit, in announcing that four organized trademark counterfeiting rings that grossed $10 million annually have been successfully dismantled following the indictment of twenty-six individuals and two corporations for allegedly importing and selling counterfeit brand name apparel and other items from China to wholesale buyers throughout the United States and the Virgin Islands.

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Giving Thanks, Having Hope Dear Editor: This year we will give thanks for restoration of our badly flooded basements and the loss of many important items stored there. We also are most thankful for our politicians in the City Council, State Assembly and Senate, U.S. Senators and Congressman who have been very helpful in getting funds on all levels of government to help rebuild and compensate for severe losses from last year's Super Storm. More help is needed for the hardest hit victims of Sandy.

With so many scandals cropping up daily of legislators' wrongdoings, the enormous greed and stinginess of our Congress, people are so bitter about bad politicians that they don't even vote in primaries and elections–a huge mistake!

The outcome of this year's election is a hopeful sign that our city may have more equity for the struggling majority and more responsibility from the very well-to-do. We give thanks for a chance to be better off, healthier, and better for kids from pre-K to grad school.

B. K. Brumberg Howard Beach

Work Hard For Your (Own) Money Dear Editor: This is written fifty years to the day after the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

I look back with a certain amount of regret and shame at what has happened in this country the last half century.

Kennedy's mantra of, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country," seems to be a philosophy long gone.

Today it is, "Ask not what you can do for your country, ask what social or government program you can apply to in order to get something free."

Fifty years ago, Americans subscribed to the belief that they were accountable for their lives. They took responsibility for their and their family's support, livelihood, educations and futures. If

you were to bring a child into the world, you were responsible for raising that child. Today the illegitimate birth rate for both white and black babies is three to four times the rate it was in 1963.

But no need to worry, today the government assumes responsibility.

In 2013, the gimme-gimmegimme ethos rules; the belief that someone else is responsible, and the wealthy owe something. In 1963 only a very small percentage of citizens were drawing from the public till. During the 2012 presidential race, it was stated that roughly 47% of the population receives some sort of government assistance. From the direction the country is going, that number is surely to rise. As the number of people supporting those on assistance rises, and the number whose taxes rise to support them decreases, eventually the well runs dry. Or to use the words of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the only problem with socialism is eventually you run out of other people's money.

Instead of responsibility and self-support being the guides which control one's destiny, today it is the credos of resentment, envy and greed. The wealthy, also known as the "1%", who pay 86% of taxes and create jobs, are now seen as another source of support. Since their money can't be taken from them illegally, now it is the principle that "they must pay their fair share of taxes".

Or to put it another way, the Robin Hood practice. Take from them and give to the socalled "poor," not as a temporary measure, but forever, simply to give to those who have been dumbed down by the socialist society into thinking that it is perfectly alright to expect others to support them.

Finally, we have lost all our anonymity and privacy.

How and where you bank, books you borrow from the library, food you shop for at the supermarket, are all on computer records and can be accessed with little difficulty.

It puts more fear into me than I sometimes am willing to admit, especially when envisioning what this country will be like in another fifty years.

While I won't be here to see it, who I really feel sorry for are children of 2013. They

6 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013

will be burdened with taxes, bills, government intrusion, little privacy and freedom of movement, a monumental national debt and a huge class of citizens who have been raised with the belief that the "haves" must support the "give mes".

Edward Riecks Howard Beach

Support Small Businesses Dear Editor: Please support small retailers by joining your neighbors on Third Annual National Small Business Saturday, this coming November 30. Do the same as often as possible during the other 364 days a year. Skip the national chain stores annual Black Friday madness, which now starts early Thursday at most large retail stores. Only PC Richards is closed. They allow their employees to stay home with family. Take a pass on Cyber Monday for those who want to shop on the Internet.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal. Get a good night’s sleep and come out and support small business by shopping local. In these difficult economic times, it is especially important to patronize your neighborhood businesses.

There are so many great options. These people are our neighbors. They work long hours, pay taxes and provide local employment without the support of government subsidies at taxpayer’s expense. If we don't patronize our local community stores and restaurants to shop and eat, they don't eat either.

Please join me and your neighbors in continuing to support our Forum South and Forum West. Patronize their advertisers; they provide the necessary revenues to help keep them in business. Let them know you saw their ad. This helps keep our neighbors employed and the local economy growing.

Larry Penner Great Neck

My Thoughts on Recent Events Dear Editor: Long Island Fireman Charles Bruce was shot and

killed on a hunting trip when a friend mistook him for a deer after he "saw a tree move and fired." Otsego County District Attorney John Muehl said his office will review the case for "possible charges of negligent or reckless conduct." You think? A man is dead because his friend saw a tree move! I'm sure the NRA will come out and blame the Forest Reserve Act of 1891.

Citizens in Washington state voted against initiative 522, which would've required warning labels for foods with Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO). Why? Because the previous record for donations against any government initiative was "shattered" by large chemical corporations Monsanto, DuPont, Dow, and Bayer CropScience. Thank goodness what we're putting in our mouths is none of our business. Over 60 countries require GMOs to be labeled.

The U.S. does not. Why?

Because corporations like Monsanto own the government, and say it would be too expensive to label each and every poison we're ingesting.

So just open wide and enjoy a big bite of "Soylent Green."

How about the blizzard in Chicago that forced a football game to be delayed for 2 hours? What? It wasn't a blizzard? Oh that's right it was a tornado! In Chicago.

In late November. Global warming–still a hoax?

Not long ago a letter writer praised Walmart, calling the company a cure all for American workers and the answer to our economy.

In Canton, Ohio, Walmart recently demonstrated the company's compassion by holding a food drive—for its own employees! A sign read, “Please donate food items so associates in need can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner."

That Walmart would have the audacity to ask workers to

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EDITORIAL Helping the Hungry in Queens

By the time The Forum got to the River Fund’s food pantry in Richmond Hill around 10 a.m. last Saturday, the line of people waiting to receive food for a Thanksgiving meal stretched around the corner, people of all ages and backgrounds almost disappearing into the horizon.

Coming from neighborhoods throughout South Queens - including Richmond Hill, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, and Howard Beach - they stood in the bitter cold, waiting with carts by their side to collect items like turkeys and fresh vegetables.

About 1,000 families came to the food pantry last Saturday to receive a free turkey, among other food items - a number that is truly staggering when you see it.

Speaking to individuals in line - a 10-year-old girl who wants to be a doctor, a father who had recently lost his job, a single mother who can’t afford the food she needs for herself and her son on her minimum-wage job - the stories were striking. As the executive director of the River Fund told us, they are the “new face of hunger.”

In other words: There is no “type” of person who goes to a food pantry. They are like you and me, but they have just

lost a job. Or have gotten injured and can no longer work. Or they are on a fixed income - like an 88-year-old veteran who goes weekly to the Richmond Hill food pantry. Or, perhaps, they are you.

The more than 800 people who seek help from the River Fund’s food pantry

each Saturday New York City are emblematic of so many stories in a book that can seem chaotic and daunting. It can be difficult to put faces to problems - and sometimes it seems easier not to. Sometimes, it’s easier to sit with our family and our friends and

eat the turkey we were able to afford.

But there are so many people in our own neighborhoods who need us to look them in the eye and be there for them - if only to give them a little bit of food, or assurance that you are not going to avert your eyes when you notice someone who’s hungry.

And, according to a report on hunger that was released Wednesday, one in six New Yorkers face “food insecurity,” meaning they do not know where their next meal is going to come from. Food pantries throughout the five boroughs have experienced an average of a 10 percent increase in clients over the past year.

To find out how to help, here is a list of contact information for organizations that battle hunger in the city, beginning with Richmond Hill’s own River Fund.

The River Fund: (718) 441-1125 or http://www.riverfund-ny.org.

Masbia of Queens: (718) 972-4446 or www.masbiaregopark.org.

City Harvest: (646) 412-0738 or http://www.cityharvest.org.

New York Coalition Against Hunger: (212) 825-0028 or http://www.nyccah. org.

Letters Cont'd donate food to other workers is outrageous. A Walmart spokesman said, Iit proves that employees care about each other." Thank God they care about their fellow workers because Walmart certainly doesn’t. Workers earn an average of $17,000 a year, well below the national poverty line.

The company reduces workers hours from 40 to 32 so they don't have to give them medical coverage. Guess who picks up the tab? We do! How can Walmart resolve this problem?

How about paying their workers a living wage? But then the 6 heirs to the Walmart empire wouldn't have more wealth than the bottom 1/3 of all Americans combined. Let’s hear someone defend Walmart now. And I haven't even mentioned the shelves of toxic products from China.

Robert La Rosa Whitestone

Necessity of CPR Dear Editor: Cardiac arrest kills approximately 360,000 people in our country every year. In 2001, my husband was one of them. Joel Drillings was only 56 years old when he died from cardiac arrest at his local health club. No one did CPR before EMS arrived with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). CPR is important because it keeps blood and oxygen circulating to the brain before an AED is used to

restart the heart.

Nationally the cardiac arrest survival rate is less than 10%. However, if given quickly, bystander CPR can double or triple the survival rate!

Since 80% of cardiac arrests happen outside a hospital, bystander CPR is essential for saving lives. This week at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions, research was presented showing that even one minute of CPR video training can improve bystander responsiveness and CPR quality. New Yorkers have the chance to increase the survival rate in our state by supporting “CPR in Schools” legislation that would ensure there is a whole generation of bystanders who know CPR. This legislation would not require students to become certified in CPR; they would learn the basic skills, making it is easy and affordable. Think of how many lives could be saved if thousands of students learn CPR! You would think that NYS lawmakers wouldn’t object to schools taking minutes out of the school year to teach CPR, but this legislation hasn’t passed yet. I’m thrilled my representatives, Assemblyman Hevesi and Senator Addabbo, support this important legislation. Take a moment to let yours know you support teaching CPR in School at http://www. supportcprinschools.org/. Your action can save someone’s life.

Wendy Mono Forest Hills

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Call 646-670-0849 THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013 | 7

Once Home to Mae West and ‘Goodfellas’ Stars, Historic Neir’s Now Plays Host to Indie Filmmakers

By Zainab Akande

the neighborhood come out to support the arts here,” he said.

“I want to see more Woodhavenites,” Gordon continued.

To combat the lack of locals and to increase film viewer turnout, Gordon said he recently obtained a marketing director that will help give the indie event more exposure. He is also working with Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association.

“You want an event to be successful,” Gordon said. “I’m taking my time finding in finding the right mix of people from the neighborhood who would come out to the event.”

Mauricio “Mo” Zapata is the main organizer behind Neir’s Indie Short Film Event and founder of My Final Shot Production, an independent film production company started in 2010.

A man with grey, curly hair and square glasses, Zapata understands the unique advantage of Neir’s history – which includes being a stomping grounds for legendary actress Mae West and the spot where the classic Martin Scorsese film “Goodfellas” was filmed.

“This place has always lent itself to films,” he said.

Zapata, 49, was able to cinch the space needed to host the event, replac“It’s a bittersweet burden I don’t ing Neir’s previous tradition of holding mind carrying for another 184 years,” a poetry event organized by Gordon’s said Loycent “Loy” Gordon, 34, on wife that lasted for two and a half years. recently becoming the sole owner of The Indie Short Film Event deQueen’s historic Neir’s Tavern. buted in April 2013. Zapata usually Neir’s, located on 77th Street and curates short films that were not able to 88th Avenue in Woodhaven, is one of make it to the Indie Festival Film Cirthe oldest bars in the country, originally cuit - or lack the funds to. founded as The Blue Pump Room in “This event is all about networking October 1829. Tucked away in a quiet and like-minds meeting,” Zapata said. corner near the Queens-Brooklyn borLori Martini, an actress and direcder, Neir’s sturdy exterior stood out tor, traveled from Middle Village to with its dazzling lights on the night of Neir’s for the event - it was her secNov. 19. ond time in attendance. Her short film On that Tuesday evening, a pro“Caught” was one of the many played jector sat on a table located within the during the evening.

“There’s comedy mixed in with back parlor area of the bar with a large music videos and spoofs,” she said white screen hanging on a wall a few about the films typically shown. feet away. A black speaker box sat on “They makes you laugh, cry, whatever. each side of the projector and a small They’re eclectic.” group of movie lovers, friends, actors “You also meet other filmmakers, and directors sat gathered underneath you see what they’re doing and you low lights, waiting for Neir’s monthly think, ‘Oh, I want to work with them,’” independent short film viewing and she added. networking event to commence.

William Ruiz, who ran in the Despite its popularity, Gordon Democratic primary for the 32nd City finds one aspect of event dismaying.

Council District, was also in atten“It’s a shame that people outside of dance.

“Mo and I go way back,” he said of Zapata. “He’s been into film, so I’m here to support him.”

Films weren’t the only creative outlet dominating at Neir’s that night, and Zapata, a fan of poetry, had a spoken word artist speak verses in between film showings.

“Apologies From The Heart,” was the title of one of James McClory’s poems performed. He said that it was centered around self-doubt. A former Woodhaven resident, McClory, 43, Raun Brunet, left, Mauricio Zapata , Loycent Gordon and William Ruiz gather at an evening currently resides in the Bronx. He has of independent films and spoken word at Neir's Tavern in Woodhaven last week. been doing spoken word performances

Zainab Akande/The Forum Newsgroup

A group of actors, directors and other artists gathered at Neir's last week, including Jowanda Durham, left, Ed Trucco, Lori Martini, James McClory, and Mauricio Zapata.

for three and a half years. Although McClory appreciates Zapata’s mix of poetry and film, he said it would be hard to be a regular at the indie event since a poet only has so many verses he or she can deliver.

“I think it’s important to bring in different voices,” he said, adding that a variety of poet guests would be refreshing.

The films showcased for the night included two family dramas - one titled “Su Sueño” about sisters in high school getting through harsh realities of life, comedies like “Kill A Cockroach,” and one film that addressed the subject of post-traumatic stress disorder after the Iraq War, titled “Road to Esperanza.”

Ed Trucco, who wrote, directed and acted in the piece, stressed that the film addressed the serious issue of rape against women in the military.

“If I have one person go back home and look up ‘rape in the military,’ I’ve done my job,” he said on his inspiration to shoot the film.

Trucco, along with other actors and directors present at the indie event, spoke about their films and the indie film industry as a whole in a question

and answer session lead by Zapata after the film viewings.

“At the end of the day, this is show business,” Zapata said, also discussing the importance of marketing and promotion.

Gordon responded by saying he found the question and answer session the most important part of the night.

A lover of the arts, and someone who knows the field well given his own background in deejaying , Gordon said that support and constructive criticism would help filmmakers get better and grow together.

At the end of the day, Gordon has notable aspirations for Neir’s.

“I’m trying to invigorate the tavern,” he said.

He finds that hosting events, such as ones dedicated to indie films, is his way of giving back to both the community – locally, as well as creatively.

“We usually get a pretty nice turnout,” said Nadine Jagessar, 44, a bartender at Neir’s since March 2013.

“Films are welcomed by the locals and Mo’s crowd that comes in. But here, you never know—they also really like changing things up.”

Faced With Unthinkable Disaster, Richmond Hill Church Raises Funds for Typhoon Victims

By Anna Gustafson When Pastor Reuben Cedino and members of his Richmond Hill church - many of whom are from the Philippines and still have family and friends there - started seeing images of the utter devastation Typhoon Haiyan wreaked upon their home country earlier this month, it was hard to believe any of it was real: The place where many of them grew up now looked like a war zone.

As Queens’ numerous Filipino residents many of whom live in Woodside, though there is a growing population in Richmond Hill - frantically tried to get a hold of people they knew on the Philippines’ six island hit by the typhoon, the news about situation on the ground became frighteningly worse. The deadliest typhoon to ever hit the Southeast Asian island nation, which sits to the south of Taiwan and east of Vietnam, the storm killed more than 5,000 people - and with about 1,600 people listed as missing, that number could grow, according to the Filipino government.

“Looking at the pictures, the devastation is beyond me,” said Cedino, who lived in the Filipino city of Cagayan de Oro until 2006, when the

raise about a quarter of a million dollars to aid those in the Philippines.

“We can rise up,” Cedino said in an interview with Arise Television. “...We’re a poor country, and we know what suffering is all about, but we laugh - we don’t surrender easily.”

The pastor said he has also been trying to help Filipino-Americans attempting to locate family.

“Some people still haven’t heard from family or friends, and that is very difficult,” Cedino said.

“I have a friend who I went to college with, and I am still waiting to hear about him. His last Facebook post was about waiting for Typhoon Haiyan, and then there has been nothing since then.”

Following the tragic disaster, Cedino said there is nothing to ask but: “What can we do Pastor Reuben Cedino, of the Filipino-American United Church of Christ in Richmond Hill, spoke on Arise Television now?”

For the pastor and his church members, that about the need to raise money for typhoon victims in the Philippines. means raising money for the victims and hoping pastor moved from his home country to Queens caused by the typhoon - which wrought the most someday they will see photos of a home country to lead the Filipino-American United Church of heavy destruction on the country’s island of Leyte that they, once again, recognize.

Christ at 102-35 89th Ave. in Richmond Hill. “I - Cedino and his congregation began collecting know it will take years to build this back, and I funds for the typhoon’s victims who are beginning To donate or for more information, visit hope people will help us.” the daunting task of piecing together their lives. http://www.filamuccny.org/3/donate.htm or Immediately after learning of the destruction United Church of Christ members are hoping to call the church at (646) 894-9430.

8 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013

Small Business Saturday 2013

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30

Shop Woodhaven’s Jamaica Avenue “The Everything” Avenue

From Dexter Court to 100th Street Shop Locally and Keep Your Money In Our Stores and Businesses That Care For Discounted Prices • 2 Hour Parking For Your Shopping Convenience!

Clean • Extra Security • Specialized "Small Town" Shopping ATTORNEYS James F. Rooney, Esq8................................ 86-07 Marianne Gonzales Esq ............................... 95-07 Joseph T. Schmidt Esq ................................. 95-29 AWARDS Capo’s Awards.............................................. 79-13 BANK Queens County Savings Bank.............80-35, 93-22 Chase Bank .................................................. 84-01a Community Federal Savings Bank ............... 89-07 Chase Bank .................................................. 90-14 BAKERY Pan Ugo Bakery ........................................... 84-42 La Gitana Bakery.......................................... 90-12 Paneorama ................................................... 95-20 BEAUTY SUPPLY Sumi Eyebrows ............................................ 79-17 Mehak Beauty Salon .................................... 87-12 Pretty Beauty Supply.................................... 87-16 Coco Nail and Spa ....................................... 87-24 Miss Nails ..................................................... 90-22 I Stars Beauty Supply................................... 91-05

CLOTHING - ATHLETIC Sports Lane .................................................. 85-15 Pro Trend Sneaker Store.............................. 92-13 DRIVING SCHOOL Trama's Auto School..................................... 79-10

MEN’S Valerie’s Men & Women’s............................. 80-17 R.S. Army/Navy............................................ 91-13

MARKET C-Town ......................................................... 74-39 Compare....................................................... 77-20 Sam’s Deli .................................................... 80-01 Fish Store ..................................................... 84-30 Gratia Market................................................ 84-31 Scaturro’s ..................................................... 84-39 Harry’s Grocery Store................................... 86-06 Sam’s Deli ................................................... 87-08 Jamaica Gourmet Deli .................................. 89-02 Pioneer ......................................................... 90-03 Minimarket .................................................... 95-13 C-Town Bravo ............................................... 98-02

MULTISERVICES Woodhaven Multiservices............................. 87-09

HEALTH Health Store Vitamins................................... 84-09

CONFECTIONERY Schmidt’s Candy........................................... 94-15

INSURANCE State Farm Insurance ................................... 79-22 Allstate.......................................................... 84-15 Ohlert & Ruggiere......................................... 89-11

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BUTCHER - MARKET La Palma Meat Market ................................. 84-25

CRAFT STORE Smiley Yarn .................................................. 92-06

CATERING HALL Woodhaven Manor ...................................... 96-01

FLORIST Park Place Florist ......................................... 88-16 Lands Flowers .............................................. 92-03 Forever Flowers ........................................... 92-18

CARPETING F&J Carpeting .............................................. 89-18 CELLULAR & PHONE RELATED STORES Universal Multi-Services Inc ......................... 76-08 Verizon Wireless........................................... 80-05 A-One Electronic Cellular Phone & Jewelry. 85-07 Sprint PCS.................................................... 90-24 Radio Shack ................................................. 92-11 CPR Wireless ............................................... 93-29 Cellular Explosion......................................... 95-07 CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS Woodhaven/Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance ................................... 78-15 WBID/Greater Woodhaven Development Corp. ...................................... 84-01b Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association.... 84-20b CLEANERS Wash & Dry Round the Clock Laundromat... 78-07 H.M.Y. Laundry............................................. 84-14 Spirare French Cleaners...............................84-20A Florence Cleaners ........................................ 84-29 Montana Cleaners ........................................ 85-06

LIQUOR STORES Rich Haven Liquors ...................................... 85-11 Liquor Store ................................................. 89-21 Deegan’s Wine & Liquors ............................. 95-19

FOOT CARE Podiatry ........................................................ 86-12 Podiatrist Doctor........................................... 87-24 Woodhaven Footcare ................................... 95-11 FURNITURE J&L Furniture ................................................ 78-19 The Home Furnishing Center ....................... 80-38

JEWELRY Prime ............................................................ 91-04 PARTY STORE Paola’s Party Land ....................................... 89-06 PHARMACY Health Max ................................................... 80-09 Duane Reade ............................................... 80-30 Woodhaven Pharmacy ................................. 86-22 Rite Aid ......................................................... 89-10 Medex Pharmacy ......................................... 96-02 FRAMES Woodrich Glass & Mirror .............................. 86-11

ICE CREAM Baskin Robbins ............................................ 84-13 Baskin Robbins ............................................ 92-17

SHOES KMC Othopedic Shoes ................................. 86-20 Payless Shoe Store ...................................... 89-22

INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES LaBella Investigations .................................. 84-01

PIZZERIAS Lane Pizzeria................................................ 75-19 Domino’s Pizza............................................. 78-02 A Taste of Italy .............................................. 84-07 Sal’s Pizzeria ................................................ 85-07 DeAleo’s Pizzeria ......................................... 90-10 Carlos Pizzeria ............................................. 92-15 Jeebo’s Pizza and Pasta .............................. 95-08

OPTICAL Woodhaven Optical ...................................... 89-21 Evan David Optician ..................................... 90-08 Price Optical ................................................. 93-01

PRINTING Beat the Clock .............................................. 97-13 RESTAURANTS May May Kitchen (Chinese Food) ................ 74-22 Fried Chicken Restaurant............................. 74-38 King Wok Chinese Food............................... 79-09 Shanghai Kitchen ......................................... 80-11 Subway......................................................... 80-28 Frank’s.......................................................... 80-29 Fresco Tortillas ............................................. 84-17 Palace Fried Chicken ................................... 84-50 Japanese/Sushi ............................................ 85-18 The New Pops .............................................. 85-22 Thai Restaurant ............................................ 86-05 Kentucky Fried Chicken ............................... 87-17 Tropical Restaurant ...................................... 88-18 Ho Wan Take-Out ......................................... 88-22 McDonald’s................................................... 91-01 Avenue Diner (Formerly Forest View Restaurant) .............. 91-06 Carnival House (Chinese) ............................ 92-09 Dunkin’ Donuts ............................................. 92-17 Dunkin’ Donuts ............................................. 84-13 Popeye’s Chicken......................................... 92-20 Hetmans Polish Deli ..................................... 94-18 Manor German Deli ..................................... 94-12 Mama Meena’s – Filipino.............................. 94-20 Dumpling House ........................................... 95-12 Cheung King................................................. 97-17 El Anzualo .................................................... 98-01 UPHOLSTERY Polo’s Upholstery.......................................... 77-09 Imperial Upholstering ................................... 86-08 VARIETY Melanie’s Gift Shop ...................................... 79-17 Gift Shop ...................................................... 79-16 99¢ Store ...................................................... 80-16 Dee ‘n Dee ................................................... 80-19 GEM ............................................................. 84-33 Variety Store ................................................. 85-08 Hallmark Cards............................................. 86-03 Jembro ......................................................... 90-34 Discount Express ........................................ 91-04 Priceless ....................................................... 91-07 $5 And Up-Deals .......................................... 96-01 VIDEO STORE Tyler’s Video ................................................. 79-24 AND MANY MORE!

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013 | 9

YOU ARE INVITED!

THE LITTLE NORTH POLE An annual holiday event hosted by Joe Mure to benefit JDRF

Saturday, December 7, 2013 Pre-show and music and 5:30pm sharp Show 6:00 pm sharp 144-03 Neponsit Avenue • Neponsit Beach, NY

Live Entertainment, Food, Drinks and Toys for All! Emcee Goumba Johnny & Joe Causi • Tony Sirico–The Sopranos American Bombshells • Lucas Prata • Carol Douglas • Angelo Venuto Christopher Macchio • LaSara • Special surprise guest Drawing for 2014 Mercedes Benz CLA-250–24 Month Lease Rain Date: Sunday, December 8th at 5:00pm sharp

10 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013

Woodhaven Boulevard Project Picks Up Speed

By Kerry Goleski Woodhaven Boulevard proves to be a cause for concern among Queens residents, with its high volume of traffic and above average accident rates. Over the past five years, the city Department of Transportation has researched and implemented methods to decongest the boulevard.

The study revealed that there were more than 400 accidents between 2004 and 2006, along with average speeds as low as 12.9 miles per hour during peak hours in the 3.2 mile stretch that spans from Queens Boulevard south to Rockaway Boulevard.

Some locations have already benefited from improvements made between November 2011 and April 2012 during the Woodhaven Boulevard Congested Corridor project. Now the project has regained attention from the DOT with last Wednesday’s public meeting, during which officials gave an update on the project.

I think that these things take a very long time,” said Community Board 9 member Andrea Crawford, who sits on the board’s transportation committee.

“We are just happy it is finally being studied, looking towards some solutions.”

Community Board 6 District Manager Frank Gulluscio stressed the importance of addressing traffic along Woodhaven Boulevard.

“It definitely needs attention - the service road, the bus routes, the bike lanes,” he said. “It’s a major project, and if affects people from Rockaways to Rego Park.”

Vinny Arcuri, chairman of Community Board 5, attended Wednesday’s meeting and noted that members of the DOT “were very responsive to what we have suggested.”

He continued to say that there are still a few problems that need to be addressed, including looking at where the service road and main road come together at the northbound Park Lane South.

Although the boulevard runs through four different districts, members from each area have similar concerns about the flow of traffic throughout the boulevard.

“We are concerned about the whole boulevard,” Arcuri said. “It is the secondary road to the Van Wyke Expressway. It is at capacity already.”

Jim Coccovillo, chairman of Community Board 9, stressed that, “it is a really big project that has ben going on for years.”

“It is a tough situation…it is not like there is room for the road to be widened,” Coccovillo continued.

Gulluscio said the length of the project has been “a disgrace…I thought this would be attended to in a timely manner.”

Among a variety of wishes residents have for Woodhaven Boulevard, one proposal that carries much weight amongst

civic leaders, and legislators, is bringing select bus service to the boulevard. The service would change the way bus passengers pay for their fare – they would use MetroCards at curbside kiosks to pay for their bus trip, instead of paying on the bus. MTA officials and residents have said this could significantly cut down on travel time, as well as traffic along the roadway.

“I think that select bus service on Woodhaven Boulevard would be fantastic,” Crawford said. “The whole idea is that we need to move people better on Woodhaven Boulevard.”

Coccovillo said “better signage to keep the traffic flowing in the two lanes,” would help.

“The problem is the left hand lanes are being slowed down by these turns,” he said.

The presentation highlighted some of the improvements that have already been implemented. It shows that at the Union Turnpike intersections, with the implementation of a must turn right lane in one direction and a service lane that changed from one to two roads, total crashes decreased by 29 percent.

A final design will be prepared and brought to the community boards for implementation in 2014.

To see the presentation given by the DOT at the meeting, visit http://www.

Photo Courtesy the City Department of Transportation nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/ The city is studying how to alleviate traffic congestion on Woodhaven Boulevard from woodhavenblvd.shtml.

Queens Boulevard to Rockaway Boulevard.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013 | 11

In Afro Wigs and Boas, Boro Pols Take to the Stage Legislators sing and dance to raise money for Queens’ underserved

By Anna Gustafson Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder in a sparkly gold jacket - and a rainbow Afro wig, in honor of the now famous hairstyle of Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio’s son, Dante? Check.

Borough President-elect Melinda Katz sporting a cowboy hat? Yes indeed.

Former Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer donning an orange boa? Roger that.

Legislators from throughout Queens landed many a laugh in the “Legislative Acts” satirical revue at Queens College Saturday night that included everything from politicians poking fun at de Blasio - and each other, Assemblyman Michael DenDekker stopping and frisking colleagues, Comptroller John Liu zipping around the stage on a skateboard, and former Borough President Claire Shulman and former Council Speaker Peter Vallone Sr. dressing up as Wonder Woman and Superman.

Queens College’s LeFrak Concert Hall was packed for the sold-out event, which raised money for two of the college’s initiatives that assist underserved populations: Big Buddy, which pairs homeless, at-risk children with college student mentors; and Women and Work, which

Assemblyman Phil Golder dons a rainbow Afro wig in honor of Mayorelect Bill de Blasio's son's hairstyle that assumed a starring role in de Blasio's mayoral bid.

They call him Goldfeder. Phil Goldfeder. Glenn Riddell, left, Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder, and former Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer perform a spoof on the James Bond "Goldfinger" movie with an act titled "Goldfeder."

prepares victims of domestic or family violence, single mothers, immigrants, and downsized workers to secure sustainable employment.

Directed by Queens College’s Kevin Free and produced by Jeffrey Rosenstock, the show’s actors and actresses performed parodies of Broadway songs, classic movies, and well-known television series - all of which were

painted with a Queens flair.

Katz, for example, belted out a Queensified version of “On My Own” from Les Miserables after a scene in which she asks for advice from outgoing Borough President Helen Marshall and the first female borough president in Queens, Claire Shulman.

“All I see is Queens and me, forever and

True, former Council Speaker Peter Vallone Sr. and former Borough President Claire Shulman may not be faster than speeding bullets any longer, but they did receive some of the evening's loudest applause in their skit, "Save the World!"

forever,” Katz sang as the audience erupted into laughter.

A gold suit jacket-wearing Goldfeder, Pheffer and Pheffer’s husband, Glenn Riddell, meanwhile, elicited much knee-slapping when they acted out a spoof of the James Bond “Goldfinger” movie; Liu asked “whoever thought Bill [de Blasio] would win ‘til Primary Day” while singing a version of the Beatles’ “Ticket to Ride;” and Council members Leroy Comrie and Karen Koslowitz lamented a time when there once were no Council term limits in a rendition of “Those Were the Days.” Peals of laughter could be heard when Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, after squeezing U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks’ bicep and asking if had been working out, urged the congressman not to “take selfies” at the gym - a reference to the now infamous cell phone photos from former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner.

And while the audience spent much of the evening guffawing, there did seem to be consensus among audience members following the show: Legislators, you probably want to hang onto your day jobs.

Photos by Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup

More photos on page 20

Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer, third from left, and other performers got many a chuckle while flinging their boas around while dancing.

Borough President-elect Melinda Katz launched the evening's repertoire with a Queensified version of "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning!" from the Broadway show "Oklahoma."

12 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013

Legislators from throughout the borough came together for an evening of song, dance and comedy to raise money for two Queens College programs benefiting Queens' underserved populations, including homeless children and domestic violence victims.

Appeals Court Will Not Overturn Stop-and-Frisk Ruling

File Photo

A federal appeals court rejected the city's request that Judge Shira Scheindlin's findings that the NYPD's use of stop and frisk was unconstitutional be thrown out.

A federal appeals court rejected the city’s request to throw out Judge Shira Scheindlin’s controversial ruling that the NYPD’s use of stop-and-frisk is unconstitutional and that the police department must undergo a series of changes, including the implementation of a monitor who would oversee reforms.

The same court also denied Scheindlin’s bid to be able to address the court and defend herself after the federal appeals court kicked her off the stop-and-frisk case, questioning her impartiality on the matter.

The three-judge panel from the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals issued

its five-page decision last Friday, which comes after a federal appeals court’s ruling about one month ago that halted planned reforms to the NYPD and booted Scheindlin from the case.

While an appeals process is still ongoing, that appeal is expected to be withdrawn when Mayor Bloomberg leaves office and Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio takes over in January. If the appeal is withdrawn, that would likely translate to Scheindlin’s demands for NYPD reforms becoming reality. Alongside the request for a monitor, the federal judge had also ordered that officers across the city

should wear cameras to record street encounters.

Scheindlin in August had lambasted the stop-and-frisk policy, in which cops will pat down individuals they believe could be carrying weapons - a tactic that Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said has driven down crime to historic lows but which other legislators said overwhelmingly targets minorities and has driven a wedge between the NYPD and minority communities.

“I find that the city is liable for violating plaintiffs’ Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights,” Scheindlin wrote in her decision, which did not force the city to halt its practice but aimed to bring increased scrutiny.

“The city acted with deliberate indifference toward the NYPD’s practice of making unconstitutional stops and conducting unconstitutional frisks.”

Queens legislators have been split on the issue of stop-and-frisk, with some supporting and some not.

Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) and Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) have, for example, thrown their support behind the tactic, while others, including Councilman Mark Weprin (D-Little Neck) and Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), have lambasted the procedure.

CK Students in the Spirit of Giving

Photo Courtesy Christ the King HS

Students at Christ the King High School celebrated their annual Thanksgiving Mass, which was officiated by CK Campus Chaplain and fellow Alumnus, Father Frank Spacek (Class of ’88).

Sister Elizabeth Graham, CSJ, Christ the King Campus Minister, announced at mass that the student body had collected approximately $600, which will be donated to three organizations: Immaculate Conception Parish in Culion, Philippines, for

those who were affected by the typhoon; St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital; and the St. Matthias Food Pantry, which also received cartons of canned food from Christ the King.

Principal Peter Mannarino stated, “We at Christ the King High School are very proud of our student body’s effort to raise money for these three worthy causes. Christ the King students once again show how they are becoming the moral leaders of tomorrow.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013 | 13

Creating A More Flood-Resistant Jamaica Bay

By Anna Gustafson A little more than a year after Hurricane Sandy hit Jamaica Bay - and the surrounding area incredibly hard, the City College of New York has landed a $250,000 Rockefeller Foundation grant that will allow it to develop design strategies and improve resiliency in coastal zones subject to flooding. The CCNY project will particularly focus on crafting proposals for Jamaica Bay, a 10,000 acre nature preserve straddling Queens and Brooklyn.

The research conducted by the college will help to supplement the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ North Atlantic Coast Comprehensive Study to examine risk reduction strategies for vulnerable coastal communities. Catherine Seavitt, an associate professor of landscape architecture at the City College’s Spitzer School of Architecture, is the principal investigator on the grant.

“As sea levels rise and the risk of storm surge and flooding from hurricanes and other storms increase, the vast scale of Jamaica Bay allows this region of the city to be recast and restructured as an impactful ecological, infrastructural and community asset that can ehnhance the region’s resiliency,” said Nordenson, whose research focuses on design adaption to sea level rise in urban coastal environments and rethinking landscape Hurricane Sandy devastated Jamaica Bay and the surrounding area, restoration strategies to adapt to cli- causing flooding to wreak havoc on neighborhoods near the waterway. mate change. that the bay needs new management strategies When Hurricane Sandy hit the city at the end of October last year, it severely to contain the loss of fragile marsh islands and impacted Jamaica Bay and the surrounding ar- nourish the sediment-starved bay.

Princteon University is coordinating the eas, including much of South Queens and the Rockaway Peninsula. While the area’s natural multi-university effort with a planning and enwetlands and beaches provided some protec- gineering team. The City College grant, which tion against the storm surge - which rose to as will provide $250,000 over 14 months, will be high as 12 feet in Howard Beach and 16 feet in developed in three phases, each concluding other areas of the city - urban development had with an interim review from City College peers, compromised the region’s protective capacity. other CUNY institutions, and various invited Consequently, environmentalists have stressed guests.

File Photos

A $250,000 grant will allow a team from CUNY to study how to better mitigate flooding around Jamaica Bay.

In addition, Princeton will organize public workshops that will include representatives from the other institutions receiving Rockefeller grants - University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University and Princeton - and a panel of expert advisors.

At the end of each phase, the City College team will produce a report with a narrative and documentation of that phase’s research, studies, analyses, maps, and resilient design proposals.

The final phase will conclude with the preparation of a final summary report and public exhibition.

Jamaica Bay has also become a testing ground for how to best mitigate the effects of storms and rising sea levels as part of another initiative: the recently created Jamaica Bay Science and Resilience Institute.

Announced by Mayor Bloomberg, U.S.

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell in the Rockaways in August, the institute has become home to an ambitious team of scientists from the City University of New York, as well as other leading scholars, who are integrating research from across the natural and social sciences and draw upon the studies of climate science, engineering and sustainability to create a program to revitalize and restore Jamaica Bay. Donovan has stressed that research at Jamaica Bay will help to prepare communities “for impacts of climate change and help them build in a way that makes them stronger, more economically competitive and better able to withstand future storms.”

To follow Nordenson and her team, visit their blog at http://microbenthos.tumblr.com.

Wishing everybody a Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful holiday season

Happy Hanukkah Merry Christmas

Photo Courtesy CUNY

Professor Catherine Seavitt Nordenson, front, with members of her research team: Eli Sands, left, Danae Alessi, and Kjirsten Alexander.

Follow The Forum Online Too! WESBITE: www.theforumnewsgroup.com TWITTER: @forumnewsqueens FACEBOOK: facebook.com/TheForumNewsgroup

14 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013 | 15

For Martin Luther's Wrestling Team, Hard Work Paves the Way to Success

Thomas McLoughlin, Martin Luther School's wrestling team captain, wrestles assistant coach Kenneth McLoughlin.

By Michael Florio Martin Luther School’s wrestling coach Matt Moran has high hopes heading into his first year on the job.

Moran, who has served as the assistant coach for years at the Maspeth school, has replaced the institution’s principal and athletic director, and longtime wrestling coach James Regan.

The Cougars – Martin Luther’s wrestling team - finished fifth at states last year and will look to improve on that this season. Moran hopes that his team can build off of previous success and finish in the top three this season.

“That would be a great accomplishment for us,” he said.

Martin Luther is at a disadvantage being such

a small school; they do not have a full roster and are forced to sit out certain weight classes.

Moran and the Cougars will rely heavily on their senior captain, Thomas McLoughlin. He was the team’s Most Valuable Player last season and made it all the way to nationals, where he went 2-2. If he won two more matches he would have placed in the top eight and qualified as an All-American, which his coach believes he will accomplish this season.

“A goal of mine as a coach is to have an AllAmerican on one of my teams,” Moran said.

“Luckily I have that opportunity in my first season with Tommy [McLoughlin].”

Moran will also rely on senior Kyle Morrissey and junior Nate Glosson. He also is expecting to get contributions from the team’s underclassmen, who have gained valuable

Head coach Matt Moran oversees two of his wrestlers.

experience.

The Cougars also hope to snap the trend of losing the Private School Athletic Association (PSAA) to Long Island Lutheran High School.

Moran says that in recent history the league has always come down to these two schools. The Cougars have seen Long Island Lutheran take home the title every year since 2011. Moran admits that it will be very challenging for his team to beat the talented Long Island Lutheran team.

“Kyle [Morrissey] has a nemesis on Lu High [Long Island Lutheran]. That one’s tough,” he said. “Tommy [McLoughlin] will destroy anyone they throw at him.”

Moran is not the only one that thinks the Cougars wrestling team will improve from last season.

“We have a lot of potential,” said assistant

Michael Florio/The Forum Newsgroup

coach Kenneth McLoughlin. “I think we have a good chance to perform really well in the city this year. We are expecting a lot of good things.”

“One hundred percent I think we will do better then last season,” he continued.

One goal for the Cougars is to make sure that no team outworks them. This is evident by the team’s practice regiments. Moran makes his wrestlers push themselves, and the teammates do the same, providing encouragement whenever someone thinks they have to stop.

“People tell you that you can’t teach heart. I don’t believe that,” said Moran. “I honestly believe that if you find a kid and people say he has no heart, if you keep pressing and you keep telling him, he will fight and show heart.”

The team makes this clear by ending practice by screaming ‘hard work.’

Forest Hills Foster Care Nonprofit Lands Boost from Charity Run A team from the largest and oldGenerosity NYC is part of the est foster care nonprofit in Queens, nationwide Generosity Series that is Forestdale, participated in the Gen- taking place in 10 cities in 2013 to erosity NYC 5K charity run/walk 2014. The series is designed to Nov. 17 and raised thousands of showcase, and raise funds for, chariFile Photo dollars for youth fitness and health ties of all sizes and causes. Every parForestdale, a foster care nonprofit in Forest Hills, raised thousands of dollars for its youth fitness and health programs by participating in a 5K programs for the families the non- ticipant in each Generosity event charity run/walk. The funds will go towards fitness and health programs at Forestdale, pictured here during its back to school festival. profit supports in the borough. will be running or walking to raise Twenty-three people joined For- funds and awareness for their favorestdale’s team for the evening, ite charity. including staff, youth and other supThose running and walking for porters. Five youth from Forestdale Forestdale said they were thrilled to Students in grades three through 12 who love noth- testants may submit one story or work of creative non- which is located in Forest Hills - do so. Forestdale provides assistance ing more than putting pen to paper - or perhaps fin- fiction on any topic. There is a limit of 5,000 words. had never participated in a 5K race to about 1,000 families in the borgers to keyboards - it is your chance to make your Contestants may submit up to three poems in the before and immediately jumped at ough each year. The organization poetry category; there is no word limit. mark in the literary world. the chance to do so. offers a number of services, includ“Newtown Literary,” a semi-annual journal, is First place winners will be published in the literary “This was a new and exciting ing its foster care program that aims sponsoring a “Queens Young Authors & Poet” contest journal’s Spring/Summer 2014 issue, as well as on the experience for me,” said Jose, who to reunite families, its Fathering Iniand is welcoming submissions from fledgling writers publication’s website. did not want his last name used and tiative that includes a 12-week through Dec. 20.

Those who receive second and third place and honwho was overjoyed after crossing course covering such topics as posiThe contest will award prizes for best prose and orable mention will be published online. the finish line and receiving his tive discipline and communication best poetry in three grade categories: third through All winners will be invited to read their work at the medal. “This was a new and exciting skills, and preventative services that fifth, sixth through eighth, and ninth through twelfth. Queens Youth Authors & Poets awards ceremony in experience for me. I’m already look- help families address such chronic There is no entry fee, but the journal requests that June 2014. ing forward to the 5K next year and problems as long-term unemployFor more information, and to enter the contest, contestants limit themselves to one entry in either the thinking about how I can improve ment and homelessness - which are prose or poetry category. For the prose category, con- visit http://newtownliterary.org/qyap. my time.” risk factors for foster care removal.

16 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013

Attention Young Writers!

The Forum will be featuring a special Pet Section next month:

Dressing Up Your Pet On Thursday, December 12

READERS: Send us in a picture of your pet dressed up for the holiday season. We will be featuring some of your photos in our special section. Please include your pet’s name. Email forumsouth@gmail.com with subject line: Dressing Up Your Pet. ADVERTISERS: If you would like the opportunity to feature your store or business in our section, call 646-670-0849 for more information.

Because we know how much you love them…

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With Song and Dance, Queens Pols Poke Fun at City Politics FULL STORY ON PAGE 12

Show raises money for domestic violence victims, homeless children

Councilman Mark Weprin proved he could do more than legislate Saturday night.

Councilman Eric Ulrich, left, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng and Assemblyman Ron Kim show off their song and dance skills in the "Brotherhood in Queens" act.

City Comptroller John Liu, left, showed off the skateboarding skills that were so frequently referenced during his mayoral bid.

20 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013

Councilman Leroy Comrie, left, Deputy Borough President Barry Grodenchik, and Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz landed laughs lamenting term limits in "Those Were the Days."

After soliciting advice on her new post from outgoing Borough President Helen Marshall and former Borough President Claire Shulman, Borough President-elect Melinda Katz belts out a version of "On My Own" from "Les Miserables."

City Comptroller John Liu, left, showed off the skateboarding skills that were so frequently referenced during his mayoral bid.

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22 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013

For the Hungry, A Haven in Richmond Hill

Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup The number of people seeking help from the pantry has increased to more than 800

The line of people waiting to receive food from River Fund's pantry in Richmond Hill stretched out for blocks Saturday morning.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 - but that was cut by $11 beginning this month, which he said “really hurt me.”

“There are a lot of people going through this,” Howard said. “It’s nothing to be embarrassed of.

This is New York; times are hard. People are losing their jobs.”

Stories like Howard’s were relayed time and again on Saturday, when Borough President-elect Melinda Katz, Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) and former mayoral candidate and ex-U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner gathered to help pass out food, as well as speak with nonprofit leaders about the impact food stamp cuts have had on the River Fund’s clientele.

“People think the 29th Council District is a rich district, but it’s not,” said Koslowitz, whose district includes the site where the River Fund is located. “All year long the River Fund gives food out. We have soup kitchens; we have synagogues

families each week. About 1,000 families received free Thanksgiving turkeys this past Saturday.

and churches that give out food. People need help here.”

As he hurried between massive bags of carrots and stacks of onions, Durga Das said he was relieved to be able to give turkeys, and the myriad other items, to the families - though he stressed how overwhelming it is to see how many people are hungry in Queens.

“The cases are getting so much more serious - people are behind on rent, on electricity; they have to choose between paying for food or paying for medicine,” Durga Das said.

The River Fund’s pantry was filled with volunteers last week, many of whom arrived before the sun rose on Saturday. The day, which should have began with preparing the massive amounts of food about to be given out, was instead commenced with a fire in the nonprofit’s garage that wiped out a number of non-food items, such as baby supplies and paper towels.

“It appears to have been an electrical fire,”

River Fund volunteers help to hand out numerous food items to residents, including canned goods, pasta, and more.

Durga Das said. “I could have cried and been depressed about it, but I had a truck with 1,000 turkeys - that’s what I thought about,” Durga Das said.

When the River Fund first launched its food pantry a little less than a decade ago, it served 37 people. That number began to increase, particularly when the housing bubble burst and the economy sank in 2009, and the number of families seeking help from River Fund jumped to about 500 two years ago. Now, there are routinely more than 800 people who stand in line each Saturday to receive things like fresh vegetables and bread.

The nonprofit’s executive director noted that the number has increased, and will likely continue to do so, in part because of the cuts to the food stamp program. The reduction in SNAP has impacted more than 47 million people across the country and is the largest cut to food stamps since Congress first passed the 1964 Food Stamps Act.

“We’re seeing new people every week,” Durga Das said. “The people in line here, people would say they’re the working poor - that phrase to me is insane. People who’ve paid taxes, who are seniors and put into the system for years, are falling off the cliff. We’re facing an epidemic.”

Dassy Jadan, of Ozone Park, volunteers at the River Fund food pantry. Jadan, a senior at the Humanities and the Arts High School in Cambria Heights, said volunteering at the site has prompted her to see "how important is is to help people in many different ways."

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013 | 23

A Simple Thank You It’s that time of year again… the holidays are upon us. It’s such a blessing to spend these times with family and friends, making new memories to look back on in years to come. However, with Black Friday this and Cyber Monday that – it becomes easy to get bogged down with a materialistic mind set. We must remind ourselves, though, that the holidays are about so much more than gifts. And we must relay that message to all the children in our life, so that they, too, know what to appreciate during this time of year. It is so important to teach them how to be grateful.

Below is a cutout of a little thank you note. Cut this out for your son, daughter, niece, nephew, grandchild, or whoever it may be, and let them write a simple thank you.

This is a great way to teach them appreciation as well as create a lovely keepsake for the recipient. Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank you ______________________

for ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ Love, x _________________ 24 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013

The staff at The Forum extends our best wishes for a joy filled Thanksgiving and a Happy Hanukkah to all of our readers.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013 | 25

26 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013

FORUM FUN & GAMES ACROSS 1. Dandruff manufacturer 6. Third degree 9. Mop 13. Spot for boutonniere 14. Oahu greeting gift 15. Boxer's move 16. Gladiators' battlefield 17. *Yours, when texting 18. Village V.I.P. 19. *As opposed to calling 21. *Following dial tone 23. Lennon's wife 24. *It's spoken 25. *E-mail was invented by this school's alum 28. Marvel Comics hammer wielder 30. Building material 35. Can be strong on those not bathed 37. Wading bird 39. Sign up again 40. Hindu princess 41. Clan emblem 43. Like top-notch accommodations 44. Seven days postmortem 46. Largest volcano in Europe 47. Test choice 48. Between Paleocene and Oligocene 50. *Do it to email before sending?

52. "C'___ la vie!"

53. Start of some scotch names 55. Petting spot 57. *Raised dots 61. *Bottled on water 65. Jousting pole 66. Bit of sunshine 68. Comparative of hale 69. Weasel's aquatic cousin 70. Lodge 71. Augmenting 72. Turned to the right, as in horse 73. Pilot's estimate 74. Makes full

DOWN 1. Fence part 2. C in TLC 3. Kilimanjaro top, e.g.

4. Slow, musically speaking 5. Lamentation 6. Blatant promotion 7. ___ Royal Highness 8. ABBA's genre 9. Auction off 10. Dry riverbed 11. Bread maker 12. Ship wrecker 15. Torch holder 20. Result of pitcher's dominance 22. Pendulum's path 24. *Type of words less commonthese days 25. *Dots and dashes code 26. Popular potato 27. Gin's partner 29. Symphony member 31. Patty ____ 32. Accustom 33. "Sexus" and "Plexus" partner 34. *It's character-limited 36. Gauche or Droite in Paris 38. *Email button 42. Grain of Mesoamerica 45. Hook, line and sinker person 49. Building addition 51. Comedian Daniel and reggae musician Peter 54. Chill-inducing 56. Japanese port 57. *It features postings 58. First-____ 59. Pot contribution 60. Coffee choice 61. Mimicking bird 62. Came down 63. Type of pool 64. Units of work 67. Colony-living insect

CROSSWORD

SOLUTIONS FROM LAST WEEK'S PUZZLE

SUDOKU

TRIVIA

1. Which word is in 1200 languages without any change?

2. In Italian, what word means swank?

3. In English, what word has the most synonyms?

4. A tailor does what with his plonker?

5. What is a paradiddle?

Answers from Last Week: 1: Massive power outage. 2: The previous one retired. 3: Hugo Chavez. 4: Argo. 5: Fun. THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013 | 27

THE HAPPENINGS Friday, Nov. 29

A Dog’s Life: A Rowlf Restrospective

Sunday, Dec. 1

Hanukah Celebration

Tuesday, Dec. 3

Chess Club

Flushing Town Hall Howard Beach Library 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

92-06 156th Avenue 4 p.m.

Celebrate Hanukah, the Festival of Lights, with the Join fellow chess players each Tuesday at the Howard award-winning storyteller Robin Brady as she shares Beach Library. All ages and levels are welcome.

For more information, call (718) 641-7086. her favorite stories and songs of miracles, menorahs, dreidels, and potato latkes with accompaniment by alt-rock violinist Deni Bonet.

Tickets are $10.

For information, visit www.flushingtownhall.org.

Wednesday, Dec. 4

Monday, Dec. 2

Game Day in Howard Beach

Tree Lighting at Richmond Hill Library

Museum of the Moving Image 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria 1 p.m.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the premiere of “The Jimmy Dean Show,” which catapulted Rowlf the Dog to superstardom. In honor of this milestone, the Museum of the Moving Image celebrates Rowlf’s greatest moments - and Jim Henson’s greatest performances - from commercials, industrial films, variety shows, and “The Muppet Show.”

For more information, visit www.movingimage.us.

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

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.

118-14 Hillside Ave., Richmond Hill 4:30 p.m.

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

All are invited to celebrate the holiday season with the annual tree lighting ceremony at the Richmond Hill Library.

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

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.

Toddler Time

Author Discusses Book on Caring for Loved Ones

Friday, Dec. 6

Broad Channel Craft Fair 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. American Legion Post 1404 209 Cross Bay Blvd., Broad Channel The Broad Channel Crafters will hold their annual craft fair on Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the American Legion Post 1404 Rebuilding Fund. There will be homemade crafts, baked goods, chocolates, holiday gifts, and raffles. The kitchen will be open, so Central Queens Y come on down and have a bite to eat to help support 67-09 108th St., Forest Hills 1:30 p.m. this worthy cause.

Letty Cottin Pogrebin, an author and journalist who coFor information, call the Post at (718) 474-5029. founded Ms. Magazine alongside Gloria Steinem will discuss her new book, “How to Be a Friend to a Friend Who is Sick.” There is a $7 suggested donation.

For more information, visit www.cqy.org.

Tai Chi in Howard Beach

Festival of Lessons and Carols

Our Lady of Hope Church Eliot Avenue and 71st Street, Middle Village Howard Beach Senior Center Howard Beach Senior Center 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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

155-55 Cross Bay Blvd. 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

All seniors, ages 60 and over, are welcome to attend All seniors, ages 60 and over, are welcome to attend All are welcome to attend the Festival of Lessons and Carols, a great Advent celebration that is not yoga with Charlie Roemer every Friday morning. the tai chi classes, taught by Elaine Fleischman. to be missed. Hosted by the St. Padre Pio Group, For information, call the center at (718) 738-8100.

For more information, the festival is an evening that will be inspirational call the center at (718) 738-8100. and entertaining and will include readings, carols, prayers, and many surprises.

Saturday, Nov. 30

Prime Time Jokes

Howard Beach Chair Aerobics

Saturday, Dec. 7

Holiday Fair and Flea Market

8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Laughing Devil Comedy Club Howard Beach Senior Center 47-38 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City Greg Warren, most recently seen on “Comedy 155-55 Cross Bay Blvd. 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Central Presents,” “The Late Late Show,” and “Last All seniors, ages 60 and over, are welcome to attend 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Our Lady of Hope chair aerobics with Charlie Roemer.

Comic Standing,” will perform as part of a stand-up Eliot Avenue at 71st St., Middle Village For more information, showcase. Tickets are $10.

More than 80 vendors selling various items at great call the center at (718) 738-8100.

For more information, visit www.laughingdevil.com.

28 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013

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

Enjoy your community. prices will be at Our Lady of Hope. Ample parking is 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Queens Botanical Garden available in the church lot, the kitchen will be open all 43-50 Main St., Flushing day, and there will be raffles.

Get into the holiday spirit with an afternoon of family fun, including a winter garden tour, botanical crafts, live musical performances, and a holiday marketplace.

From 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., photos with Santa will be available. A tour of the winter garden will run from Church of the Resurrection 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., botanical crafts will be available from 85-09 118 St., Richmond Hill 6:30 p.m.

Come join the Church of the Resurrection for an 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and there will be a concert by the evening of fun and enjoyment. The event is open Rough Dozen a cappella group performing seasonal to the community and will include a St. Nick prayer songs from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony service at 6:30 p.m. in the church. At 7 p.m., there and sing-along will occur from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. will be food, fun, music, and a visit from St. Nick with For information, visit www.queensbotanical.org. gifts in the parish center. There is no admission fee.

To make reservations or for more information, please call (718) 847-2649.

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 3456 107th St. in Corona.

Advance all-access tickets are $10 and provide admission to all seven sites. These tickets can be purchased online at HolidayHouseTour2013. eventbrite.com or from the Queens Historical Society.

Tickets will be sold at the door on Dec. 8 for $12.

A complimentary trolley service from each site is included with all tour tickets.

American Martyrs Church For more information about the tours, 79-43 Bell Blvd., Bayside 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. American Legion Post 1404 contact the Queens Historical Society at More than 80 vendors selling various items at great 209 Cross Bay Blvd., Broad Channel (718) 939-0647 prices will be on site for this holiday fair and flea or email info@queenshistoricalsociety.org.

The Broad Channel Crafters will hold their annual market. There is parking in the church’s lot, and the craft fair, and all proceeds will benefit the American kitchen will be open all day.

Legion Post 1404 Rebuilding Fund. There will be homemade crafts, baked goods, chocolates, holiday gifts, and raffles. The kitchen will be open, so come on down and have a bite to eat to help support this worthy cause.

For more information, Maspeth High School call the Post at (718) 474-5029.

54-40 74th St., Maspeth 7 p.m.

The much beloved Nutcracker Ballet will be performed at Maspeth High School. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show will begin at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and children.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gottscheer Hall

St. Nicholas Day Celebration

Broad Channel Craft Fair

Holiday Fair and Flea Market

Queens Holiday Historic House Tour

Friday, Dec. 20

The Nutcracker Ballet at Maspeth HS

Sunday, Dec. 8

Ridgewood Market

657 Fairview Ave., Ridgewood More than 40 independent and local artisan vendors will be at the Ridgewood Market’s holiday event.

Local, artisan and vintage gifts will be available for purchase, and there will be food, pastries, and brunch. Vendors are welcome to reserve space by going to www.ridgewoodmarket.com/sell-here.

For more information, email contact@ridgewoodmarket.com, call (347) 460-7549, or visit www.fb.com/ridgewoodmarket 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. or www.ridgewoodmarket.com.

The Queens Historical Society will kick off the holiday This event will be held again on Sunday, Dec. 15, at season by offering its 26th annual holiday historic the same time and place. house tour, during which 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 tour: The Kingsland Homestead, Voelker Orth Museum, Bird Sanctuary and Victorian Garden, Lewis H. Latimer House Museum, Friends Meeting House, Flushing Town Hall, the Bowne House, and, new this year, the Louis Armstrong House Museum.

The Kingsland Homestead, which will feature musical 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 3441 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

Winter Solstice Celebration and Tree Lighting Ceremony

Saturday, Dec. 21

The Nutcracker Ballet at Maspeth HS Maspeth High School 54-40 74th St., Maspeth 7 p.m.

The much beloved Nutcracker Ballet will be performed at Maspeth High School. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show will begin at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and children.

Friday, Dec. 27

Thai Rock Benefit Concert

Thai Rock 375 Beach 92 St., Rockaway Beach 8:30 p.m.

Queens band Plastic Soul will play a benefit concert at Thai Rock, which was devastated by Hurricane Sandy. Thai Rock’s owner, Robert Kaskel, also had 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 by the restaurant.

For more information, call the restaurant at (646) 455-3991.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013 | 29

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30 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013

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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.

ROCKWOOD PARK 1 bedroom, all new, EIK, dining room, terrace, high hats, granite countertops, porcelain tiled wood floors $1450 LINDENWOOD 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, includes water, hardwood floors, pets ok $1750 OLD HOWARD 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, pay gas and electric $1600

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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: 21715 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 11-11 CLIFFS, LLC, a domestic LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/14/2013.

Office location: QUEENS County.

SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 16741 147TH AVENUE JAMAICA NY 11434. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

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 28, 2013 | 31

HOWARD BEACH Hi Ranch 60x100. All new 4 bedrooms, 3 baths. MUST SEE!

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32 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013

Where perfection is not an accident…

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

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

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

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

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Phone: 718-738-6721 • Fax: 718-846-7755 THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013 | 33

From Santa in a Caddy to Elves on Stilts, The Holiday Season Kicks Off in Glendale Hundreds of people gathered at the Shops of Atlas Park in Glendale Saturday evening to kick off the holiday season with a Christmas tree lighting, elves on stilts, and, of course, a much-anticipated, and cheered, appearance from Santa Clause.

Children and families from throughout the neighborhood, and beyond, partook in the revelry while listening to holiday tunes and waving sparkly wands given to them by the shopping center at 80-00 Cooper Avenue.

The crowd began to gather around 5 p.m. and thickened until St. Nicholas arrived, stylishly, in a white Cadillac. After issuing a holiday greeting at a stage set up in the center, Santa led the children and families to the massive tree perched in the middle of the shopping site's center green. After Mr. Clause led a countdown, cheers rang out through the crowd as the tree lit up, its multi-colored lights shining into the cold evening.

Photos by Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup

Selena Rivera, 4, of Middle Village checks out the hours when Santa will be at Atlas Park this season.

Santa arrived less traditionally, and more stylishly, in a white Cadillac this year.

Photo Courtesy Atlas Park Shops

Jordan, 10, left; Keith, 8; Sydney, 4; and Brandi Gibbons, of Fresh Meadows, said they were thrilled Juliana, 4, and Matthew, 6, were, like many of the children who gathered for the tree lighting, bundled up for a cold - but fun - evening. to spend some time with Santa Saturday night.

Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley wished the crowd a happy holiday season at the tree lighting ceremony.

Two "elves" on stilts entertained the crowd for hours.

Families from throughout Queens gathered to watch as the Christmas tree in Atlas Park was lit Saturday evening.

34 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013

Jacob, 2, left, Erik; Justin, 5; and Tracy, of Middle Village, spend time together before Santa arrived.

Let the

Cross Bay Diner

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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 28, 2013 | 35

36 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • November 28, 2013