Volume 14 Issue No. 43 Oct. 25-31, 2013
Bill de Blasio, Joe Lhota Discuss Mayoral Campaigns Page 8
PRESS Photos by Ira Cohen
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Officials commemorated the 100th anniversary of the opening of Jamaica Station on Wednesday. By Natalia Kozikowska ‌ Page 3.
Online at www.QueensPress.com
Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 25-31, 2013
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Oct. 25-31, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3
Presstime
Jamaica LIRR Station Celebrates 100 Years On Oct. 23, hundreds of New Yorkers from Queens and Long Island gathered at the Jamaica Long Island Rail Road station to celebrate the station’s 100th anniversary. As part of the ceremony, the historic transportation hub was memorialized by Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, who officially marked Oct. 23 as “Jamaica Station Day.” “Jamaica Station has been a staple in this community for 100 years and is a major hub of the Long Island Rail Road, with all but one of its branches stopping at the station,” Marshall said. “Jamaica Station has contributed tremendously to the economic growth and quality of life in our area.” The Jamaica LIRR station first opened for business in 1913. Today, the redesigned station is a historic transportation hub used by 150,000 commuters every day and is a transfer point for 10 of the 11 LIRR branches. “The MTA’s commitment to downtown Jamaica has never wavered,” said MTA CEO Thomas Predergast in a statement. “A decade ago, we completed a major rehabilitation of Jamaica Station in conjunction with the construction of the Air Train Terminal by the Port Authority. As the
Photo by Ira Cohen
BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA
Hundreds of New Yorkers gathered at the Jamaica LIRR station to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The transportation hub was memorialized by Helen Marshall, who officially marked Oct 23 as “Jamaica Station Day.”
Long Island Rail Road looks to the future, Jamaica Station will remain its nerve center and our Jamaica Capacity Improvements project will mean more than $300 million in infrastructure upgrades to keep the LIRR running smoothly.” The Jamaica Capacity Improvements project encompasses design and construct in support of East Side access – a new path to Manhattan that will efficiently bring LIRR riders to Grand Central Terminal and East Midtown for the first time ever. The work includes the construction of a new platform specifically
dedicated to scoot service between Jamaica and Atlantic Terminal, Brooklyn, the removal and installation of switches, realignment of track, reconfiguration of the Johnson Avenue Train Yard, construction of a freight train bypass track and modifications to the existing signal system. For much of last year, the MTA and LIRR have been working with organizations like the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation to improve conditions and infrastructure at Jamaica Station. As part of its restoration efforts, LIRR em-
ployees have labored on building elements that have significantly deteriorated over the years. The ticket office and customer waiting area was refurbished, the ceilings have been cleaned, brighter lighting was installed, there are new seating areas and multiple beautification projects have been completed. MTA and LIRR board members touted Jamaica Station’s role in improving and maintaining Downtown Jamaica’s effort to evolve as a major commercial district. “We are proud to be a part of Greater Jamaica,” said LIRR president Helena Williams in a statement. “Our headquarters and Jamaica Station has been an anchor in this neighborhood for 100 years, bringing tens of thousands of travelers to Jamaica annually. We hope, with this restoration, to be here at least another 100 years.” During the ceremony, the landmark Jamaica Station was memorialized with a musical selection by the Oyster Bay High School Wind Ensemble. Under the direction of Matthew Sisia, the students performed a rendition of the song, “Change at Jamaica,” composed by Paul Moravec as a tribute to the Jamaica Station. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ nkozikowska
Leroy Challenges Wills In the General Election BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA
Photo provided by Mirielle Leroy
Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica) may have defeated his closest contender, Hettie Powell, in the Democratic Primaries last month, but he must still face another challenger in the Nov. 5 General Election – Mireille Leroy. Leroy, a ‘committed Democrat’ running on the Unity line, has garnered enough signatures to make it on the ballot to challenge Wills. This is not the first time she has made a bid for the 28th Council seat, however. Leroy first threw her hat in the race four years ago to challenge then-Councilman Thomas White, but a technical error knocked her off the ballot. Having finally made the ballot this year, Leroy, a Haitian immigrant, veteran and community activist, hopes to build her platform on the premise of change. “I am not one to stand by and see things happen without making an attempt to do something about it. Right
now, I feel, as a concerned citizen, I If elected to the Council, Leroy should be able to make a difference,” said her primary focus would be to she said. “I feel my comimprove conditions for munity has not been the youth in the disserved as it should be trict. served. There are things “I watched the kids that are happening that here during the summerare unacceptable.” time. All they do is go For far too long, Leup and down the street roy said she has watched on a skateboard – idly, her community detewith nothing to do,” she riorate and hopes that said. “I also feel if you her campaign will jump want to stop someone start a positive change from doing something, in the district. you better be ready to “We need a really con- Mirielle Leroy, a Hai- give them something cerned chaperone. We tian immigrant, veteran else to do. Otherwise, need someone who is not and community activ- it will be a paper cup in going to do something ist will be challenging the wind.” for selfish reasons, but incumbent Councilman “The kids are not do something where you Ruben Wills (D-Jamai- getting the education know others will benefit. ca) in the Nov. 5 Gen- they deserve,” she addIf you do anything and eral Election. ed. “They are not being the benefit is more yours, trained like they should you are doing something be. We do not have any wrong,” she explained. “I want this vocational schools in our area – and community to be united. We need to we need to do that. Not everyone is see things together and fix it together.” cut out for universities and going to
college, some might be better off going to a trade school.” Leroy also hopes to improve conditions for the many senior citizens living in her district. “I see seniors walking around with nothing to do,” she said. “We need to give them the resources they need because they make up so much of this community. There is not enough for them over here.” Leroy, who has long been an active member of the Southeast Queens community, is also a humanitarian. Following the 2010 Haitian earthquake, she founded a nonprofit, Yes We Can for Progress, to help her home country. She hopes to bring that same compassion and energy with her to her new home in Southeast Queens. “I will see to it that we have solutions. My theme is no more Band-Aid solutions,” she said. “I want to keep it real, no more sugarcoating.” Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @nkozikowska
Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 25-31, 2013
autistic Teen From LiC still Missing By Trisha sakhuja
Photo by Trisha sakhuja
As the search continues to find the missing autistic teenager, it has been a grueling two and a half weeks for the parents of Avonte Oquendo. He was last seen on a surveillance camera walking out of the Center Boulevard School in Long Island City on Oct. 4. According to Detective Marc Nell, Avonte is five-foot-three-inches and weighs 125 pounds. Nell said the reward for Avonte’s safe return has gone up from $70,000 to $85,000. Hundreds of police officers and volunteers have joined the search to find the 14-year-old boy who is unable to verbally communicate and requires adult supervision. He was last seen wearing a white Polo shirt with gray horizontal stripes, dark blue pants and solid-black Jordan basketball sneakers. With hundreds of flyers posted on train stations and bus stops across the City, the New York Police Department has been scouring the subways, Central Park and rooftops. They have been conducting air and water surveys with helicopters and scuba divers, and even reaching out to psychics for help. Avonte’s brother Daniel Oquendo,
a flyer of missing autistic teenager avonte Oquendo was found on the corner of 14th avenue and Clintonville street. 26, recently left the City to return to his job in Orlando, but he said as the family continues to pray and support each other, they are thankful for the outpouring of support they have received from the City and the volunteers. “There is not much we can do right now, except wait and hope there
is some kind of lead that helps find my brother,” Daniel said. David Perecman, the Oquendo family’s attorney, said they have filed a “notice of claim” with the City, in the first step in filing a lawsuit. “His parents are more upset everyday,” Perecman said.
He said “this is a dangerous case” against the school because the school’s security guard and teachers should have better supervised Avonte during his transition from class to class. When Avonte approached the front door of his school, the security guard told him to go back upstairs, but Avonte walked down the hall and exited the building from a side door, Perecman said. Perecman added that the school should not have waited 45 minutes before calling the police to report the missing teenager. According to reports, on Monday NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly said if no headway is made in the search for Avonte within the next few days, the NYPD may start to scale back in their efforts. So far, the police have received more than 200 tips and searched 60 registered sex offenders in Long Island City. Anybody with any information is asked to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS. You can also visit the Crime Stoppers website or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and enter TIP577. Reach Reporter Trisha Sakhuja at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, tsakhuja@ queenstribune.com, or @Tsakhuja13.
Oct. 25-31, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5
Photo by Ira Cohen
HAUNTED LIVE PERFORMANCES BY First responders arrive in Howard Beach to assist in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. Some communities are still recovering from the storm almost a year later.
A Year After Sandy: Rebuilding Continues By Luis Gronda It has been almost a full calendar year since Superstorm Sandy and many Queens residents are still rebuilding their damaged businesses and homes. Oct. 29 will mark the storm’s oneyear anniversary. Its powerful surge flooded several coastal communities in the City, including Howard Beach, the Rockaways and part of Long Island City in Queens, destroyed thousands of businesses and properties and changed many lives forever. In the year since the storm, the rebuilding effort has been a mixed bag. Many in the affected areas have been able to get back on their feet, while others are still struggling to put the pieces back together. Sapienza’s Deli, a Howard Beach eatery known for its pastrami sandwiches, reopened in the neighborhood shortly before Sandy hit. The deli was closed for two years before reopening at its current location on Cross Bay Boulevard, close to the Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge. But for Sapienza’s, as was the case for many businesses in the neighborhood, Sandy forced them to strip down what was a brand new storefront and start over again. The store’s co-owner, Anthony Calore, said everything that was in the store had to be thrown away because of the damage its equipment took on from the storm’s flood waters. “Nothing could be salvaged because that water was acid. It wasn’t water,” Calore said. “I don’t care if it didn’t get wet; it was still in the room. It had to go in the garbage.” He said the deli took on about $40,000 in damage and was closed for one month and two weeks following the storm before reopening once again. Calore also said Howard Beach is not quite the same as it was before the storm because there is not as much foot traffic on Cross Bay Boulevard, which has led to less profits for the
small businesses on the thoroughfare. “It’s not as busy as it was, Sandy definitely did some damage to this neighborhood,” he said. The story is similar for the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Long Island City. The hotel was open for six months before Sandy and was closed for two months following the storm to repair damages. Jeffrey Reich-Hale, director of sales and marketing at the Wyndham Garden, said the hotel was hit with a 14foot surge of water through the first floor that led to extensive amounts of damage and lost revenue. “Once we reopened, we started trickling back into business,” ReichHale said. “There was a lot of revenue lost, but there is nothing we can do besides put more sandbags.” Reich-Hale said local hotels were very supportive during the storm because they were liable to relocate about 80 guests. Even though things are inching closer to normalcy in these areas, community leaders and elected officials still believe more needs to be done to quicken the recovery for residents that are still reeling. Betty Braton, Chairperson for Community Board 10, which represents Howard Beach, said many residents cannot rebuild as quickly as they would like because they do not know when they will receive much-needed repair money from the federal government. “If there is one word to describe the situation, its ‘uncertainty,’” she said. The changes to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps serves as another potential delay in rebuilding, Braton said, because building requirements for their property might be affected depending on what changes are made to that map. Staff Writer Trisha Sakhuja contributed to the reporting. Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127, lgronda@ queenstribune.com, or @luisgronda.
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Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 25-31, 2013
OF SOUTHEAST QUEENS 150-50 14th Road Whitestone, NY 11357 (voice) (718) 357-7400 fax (718) 357-9417 email news@queenspress.com The PRESS of Southeast Queens Editor-in-Chief:
Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:
Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:
Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor
Editorial Looking Back On Sandy Just about a year ago, Superstorm Sandy slammed the City, causing millions of dollars in damage and countless problems for an unprepared infrastructure. Twelve months later, despite discussions and plans, we are no closer to being prepared for a strong storm than we were before Sandy hit our shores. yes, we have identified problem areas and we have noted what should be done to alleviate concerns, but those minor steps would undoubtedly be a small comfort should we be hit with another storm. City and State agencies continue to bicker over whose jurisdiction certain fixes would fall and while the government decides who gets to wield the red tape, residents of Queens are left waiting, hoping that Mother Nature grants us a reprieve until everything is settled. With a new Mayor, a new Borough President and several new City Councilmembers being sworn in this January, we hope that protecting the interests of those who have suffered since Superstorm Sandy takes a priority, and is not just being used for political gain. We also hope that we are not recovering from another storm by the time that happens.
Regina Vogel
Letters
Photo Editor: Ira Cohen
Reporters: Natalia Kozikowska Joe Marvilli Luis Gronda Trisha Sakhuja
Art Dept:
Rhonda Leefoon Lianne Procanyn Barbara Townsend Alan Goldsher Director of Marketing Maureen Coppola Advertising Administrator Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie Shari Strongin Wazeer Ali
A Queens Tribune Publication © Copyright 2013 Tribco, LLC
Michael Nussbaum Publisher Ria McPherson Comptroller
Time To Move Forward After Gov’t. Shutdown
To The Editor: It is long overdue, but the federal government is open and the debt ceiling is raised. This is a welcome development for our country, but the damage
caused is irreversible and was completely unnecessary. Without repealing, delaying, or defunding the Affordable Care Act, reasonable elected officials were able to avert a crisis that would have plunged the U.S. into another economic abyss, possibly worse than the Great Recession. We’ve ended
Letters the nightmare that took an enormous toll on millions of Americans, and I hope those who led us there will never do so again. Furloughed federal employees can get back to work, and mothers, children, veterans and seniors will once again receive vital services that should have never been so callously taken away. I hope the resolution to this shutdown is representative of the progress Democrats and Republicans will be able to make during the upcoming budget negotiations. We can solve the great problems facing our country, but we must resist the political extremists who will undoubtedly attempt to hijack the process again. Politics is the art of compromise, and rather than waging futile battles, both parties need to come together for the good of our country. The deal that we passed should have been approved by September 30. But now that the shutdown is over and default has been avoided, we must get back to conducting the business of the American people, and solving the many important problems Americans need us to fix. I’m just glad that we can finally move forward and
put this sad and unnecessary chapter behind us. U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, Ny 6th District
Start Protesting Jet Noise
To The Editor: Protesting LaGuardia jet danger and noise, “It’s about Rallies, Protests and Street Demonstrations!” The only way the United States Citizens of Northeast Queens are going to get results from the new assault of danger and noise from the aviation industry is to start immediately protesting in front of the FAA’s offices and other Govt. Buildings like Queens Borough Hall and City Hall. Those dangerous airplanes should only be taking off on the relatively safer Whitestone Climb, over Flushing Meadows Park, for an extra margin of safety, not over the densely populated bedroom communities of Northeast Queens. Bang your pots and pans and make some noise of your own outside the offices of the administrators and politicians. Your health and real estate wealth is at stake!
Joe Fabio, Whitestone
Blacks Still Treated With Suspicion In Stores A Personal Perspective By MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE A local college student recently proved the saying, “the more things change, the more they stay the same,” as he shopped at one of our City’s most prestigious stores. The young college freshman saved up from his New York City College of Technology campus job to buy a belt he had seen worn by one of his favorite rappers. The young Black man went to Barney’s in Manhattan for the $350 splurge and was arrested by undercover officers as he left the store. Supposedly, the cashier assumed that a Black teenager could not possibly afford the budget-busting accessory and called the cops. The clerk had already checked his ID when he presented his debit card for the purchase.
“Shopping while Black” is still a reality all over this nation. The young man, Trayon Christian, found that out when he purchased the Feragamo budget-buster. Officers took him to the precinct where, despite producing his receipt, debit card and identification, they still kept him. Allegedly, someone finally called Chase, the issuer of the debit card, for verification that the card had indeed been issued to Christian. The only mistake this young man made, if you can call it that, was to buy a $350 belt. That money could have been spent more wisely than that. But the fact is he worked for the money and had a right to spend it however he chose. Unfortunately, he chose a store, where despite the owners’ claim that they respect all customers and their “human rights,” he ended up being treated like a common thief.
He had no prior arrests and from the look of it, he had been making all the right moves to grow into a responsible adult. We all want our kids to go to college and we want them to want to work. But someone bought into the negative stereotype toward that customer and followed through to this bitter outcome. Now Christian, who wisely returned the belt to the store and took back his money, is suing the store, the NYPD and the City. That is not a surprise. He was humiliated and his civil rights violated. It is ridiculous that even now Blacks are treated like they couldn’t possibly shop in an expensive store. There’s a Black man in the White House and yet a Black man can’t shop at Barney’s without suspicion. It’s incredible and yet not so incredible! The officers, in the Barney’s case by acting on behalf
of the store based on a hunch, have caused this suit against the City. The irony is that teenagers have more disposable income than their parents do because the parents are picking up the tab for all their needs while they get to shop for their “wants.” That means the kids can afford to spend whatever little money they make, on whatever they desire. I believe 18 year-olds should be allowed to make frivolous purchases without being treated like criminals. I am not going to condemn an entire store chain because one clerk allegedly acted like an idiot. But I believe they should be held accountable to train their employees to treat all customers with dignity without regard for ethnicity. We are now in the 21st century and we are still being viewed through the prism of race. It has to stop.
Oct. 25-31, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7
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Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 25-31, 2013
Bill de Blasio Sits down With PRESS Staff Last Friday, Democratic Mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio met with the PRESS staff to discuss his platforms and ideas for the City, highlighting the many ways his administration would differ from Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration. De Blasio, New York City’s Public Advocate and a Brooklyn resident, said that he was inspired to run because he felt as though there were many inequalities in the City that he felt were unacceptable. “I thought they were growing. I thought the status quo was unsupportable in many perspectives. As a Brooklynite, I felt City government was overly concerned with Manhattan and not as much the other boroughs,” de Blasio said. “I thought this manifested in small business policy, school co-locations [and a] lack of focus of creating economic opportunity for outer borough folks who were struggling.” As a public school parent, the highly-favored candidate said that he felt that these inequalities are particularly noticeable in the New York City school system. When asked if there were any particular policies of Bloomberg’s he would seek to over-
Photo by Luis Gronda
BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA
democratic candidate for Mayor Bill de Blasio discusses his views with the PRESS staff.
ministration’s progress on education as a “mixed bag,” also noted that if he were elected, he would like to hire a completely different Schools Chancellor, although he does not yet have someone in mind. “[I would elect a] different chancellor [with] different policies on co-locations [and] different policies on standardized testing,” he said. “I want to move away substantially from the Mayor’s orientation there and go down the list.” Although de Blasio criticized the administration’s attempt to pile so many co-locations and closures just months before Bloomberg’s 12-year
turn, de Blasio focused on the recent co-location proposals. “Clearly, with more school closures, co-locations and truncations, I think that process has been done without meaningful parental involvement. I think that is wrong on its face and likely to yield bad results in terms of the outcomes of the co-locations and closures,” he explained. “But I also think it’s wrong because it undermines the possibility of meaningful parental engagement with our children, our schools, because they are being shoved to the side in the process of making decisions.” De Blasio, who referred to the ad-
term comes to an end, he did highlight some of the administration’s positive impacts. “I think they started propitiously,” he explained. “I think they started strongly with Mayoral Control of education – which I do not like the way they implemented it at all, but I think the achievement of Mayoral Control is necessary and important.” Other key points during the interview included development in the Borough, particularly the development proposal at Willets Point. De Blasio, who voted for the original plan, said he saw progress, but that it was not enough. “What we hoped for didn’t happen, in terms of time and impact on affordable housing,” he said. “I don’t think this has been a very appealing process or set outcome so far and I think community leaders and elected officials did a good job trying to force the issue and get more into the project, which I commend them for. I still am not happy with what I see as far as how long it is going to take for affordable housing alone.” Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ nkozikowska.
BY JOE MARVILLI Republican Mayoral candidate Joe Lhota said that due to a lengthy Democratic primary battle, the positions of his opponent, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, are more widely known than his throughout the City. To help get his own policies and ideas out there, Lhota sat down for an indepth interview with the PRESS editorial board. Going over problems in Queens with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, development, Stop and Frisk and education, the candidate outlined his vision for the City’s post-Bloomberg years under his administration. Having served as the chairman of the MTA, Lhota said that expanding the system in the outer boroughs has to be a top priority. During his time with the transit agency, Lhota said he reversed half of the budget cuts made by his predecessor, Jay Walder. This reversal was supplemented with the expansion of bus service in Little Neck and Douglaston. “There are numerous subway lines which we need to seriously consider extending. As Jamaica has become a larger employment sector of the Borough, we also need to be able to get
bus service there,” he said. “Our services need to be changed to fit where people live, where they work.” Any such expansion would need funding, which the MTA does not have past 2014, since that is when its latest five-year capital plan ends. While Lhota would do what he could to fund the system as Mayor, he said Albany must get involved. While he talked about building up City transit, Lhota also discussed more traditional development in Queens, touching on controversial issues like Willets Point. He said he does not approve of the constantly shifting nature of that project. “It keeps changing every time I look at it. It’s too confusing,” he said. “I do believe [Willets Point] needs to be reclaimed and cleaned and renovated. The people who have businesses there need to be paid. The idea of all the changing plans is not helpful.” Lhota also brought up a key difference between himself and de Blasio in terms of plans for more affordable housing in the City. Lhota would like to make developers dedicate at least 20 percent of their units to affordable housing if they ask for a variance from the City. He said de Blasio’s idea takes it a step too far.
Photo by Luis Gronda
Joe Lhota discusses Transit, Housing Policies
Joe Lhota, the Republican candidate for Mayor, met with the PRESS editorial board to outline his vision for the City.
“Bill wants to go one step further, and basically say that anything that’s built in the City of New York will have affordable housing. I am of the point-of-view that that is taking of one’s property,” Lhota said. Stop and Frisk has been another hot-button issue in this year’s mayoral race. While de Blasio wants to completely overhaul the policing tactic, Lhota said changes have already been made. He said stops have been reduced by 40 percent and the training for police officers has changed
three times to make sure they do not overstep their bounds. “There’s been an enormous amount of work done there. They’re not talking about it and I don’t understand that. It’s about enhanced communication. We need more of it in New York City, not less,” he said. The candidate strongly criticized the City’s education policy, saying that he believes in Mayoral Control but thinks the students are getting a subpar learning experience. The two main reasons for this problem, he said, are a lack of communication from the Dept. of Education and a lack of training for public school teachers. He mentioned that charter schools require teachers to have professional development and training three to five hours every week of the school year, while public school teachers only have four hours of the same training per year. This is one of the biggest education statistics Lhota wants to change. Another one is the fact that 81 percent of students who wanted to go to community colleges were deemed incapable of doing college-level work, a number he found unacceptable. Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@ queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.
Oct. 25-31, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9
Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 25-31, 2013
Amendment seeks Judicial Age Extension
BY JOE MARVILLI On Election Day, Queens voters will help determine if New York State judges can serve in the courts longer, increasing the maximum age to 80. New York is one of 15 states in the nation that has a retirement age for judges, ending in their mid-70s at the latest. A proposed amendment to the State’s Constitution may adjust the standard though, giving justices of the State Supreme Court and judges of the Court of Appeals the opportunity to add more terms until they are 80 years old. A Justice of the Supreme Court would be eligible for five additional two-year terms after the present retirement age of 70, instead of the currently-allowed three additional terms. Therefore, Supreme Court judges would have to retire at the age of 80, rather than 76. A judge of the Court of Appeals would be permitted to remain on the Court for up to 10 years beyond the present retirement age of 70, in order to complete the term to which that judge was appointed. Each judge in
the Court of Appeals must retire on the last day of December in the year he or she turns 80. The governor would not be able to appoint a judge who has reached the last day of December in the year which he or she hits the age of 70. As part of applying for an extension, the justices would have to pass a health review and would be subject to hearings and testimonies from people who had dealt with them in the court recently. There are hopes that increasing the age limit would help to mitigate the 31,000 cases pending in the State Supreme Court alone. According to the Hon. Jeremy Weinstein, administrative judge of the Queens County Supreme Court’s civil division, the Office of Court Administration requires courts to hear cases within 15 months from their filing date. Court filings have increased 56 percent in the last three decades. “The volume we deal with is staggering. And having the ability to deal with it is more of a challenge with fewer resources,” Weinstein said. According to the Office of Court Administration, around 40 judges
who would be forced to retire in the next four years will be able to stay on the job if the amendment passes. The number of cases in family courts has skyrocketed since a similar proposal to this one failed to pass in 1983. If judges are able to stay on longer, Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman would dedicate the added manpower towards those cases, according to Dennis Hawkins, executive director of the Fund for Modern Courts. Citizens Union, a nonprofit good government group, said this is not a sufficient way to deal with the overcrowding of family courts though, saying new judicial seats are needed, not transfers that include Supreme Court judges. While it may seem like having more judges staying on the job longer would put pressure on an already tightly-funded system, Hawkins said the increase in payroll would come to about $10 million, equal to .06 percent of Lippman’s budget. “If the only increase is .06, it really is not something that will break the bank,” Hawkins said. While New York prohibited man-
datory retirement in the private and public sectors in the 1980s, judges were left out of that ruling; a situation Hawkins said is unfair due to the lack of similar limits on the other branches of government. “There’s no mandatory retirement age for the governor. There’s no mandatory retirement age for the legislatures,” he said. “There’s no reason why individuals in their late 70s who are capable can’t continue to operate in their judicial capacity.” Citizens Union took the position that the changes actually do not go far enough, saying that the amendment is too selective in whose retirement age gets raised. New Yorkers will vote on the proposal, along with five other referenda, during this year’s General Election on Nov. 5. “The benefit of this is not to the judges and not to the attorney, but to the public,” Hawkins said. “When your case can be handled quickly and with fewer delays, you’ll be handed the justice you deserve.” Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@ queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.
new York To Vote On Casino Proposition BY LuIs GROndA Voters will soon decide whether or not full-scale table gaming will be allowed in New York State. The casino amendment is one of six propositions residents will cast their ballot on during the Nov. 5 elections. The proposition would allow full table gaming in casinos in New York State, which would open the door for sit-down gambling games like blackjack, craps and poker offered at casino havens like Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Earlier this year, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced his plan to bring seven casinos to New York. Four of those casinos would be allocated to upstate New York. Under his plan, upstate New York would be divided into six regions and four of those areas would get a casino. Each region would not have more than one casino. If the proposition passes, these future casinos would be allowed to have full gaming from the time they open. “Our state has a unique opportunity to revitalize the local economies of communities in upstate New York and create thousands of new jobs where they are needed most,” Gov. Cuomo said in May. “For years, neighboring states like Connecticut and New Jersey have benefited from
New Yorkers leaving our state to visit their gaming facilities. We want to reverse this trend by putting new resort destinations in upstate New York.” The news of Cuomo’s plan was not music to the ears of City legislators. As part of his casino plan, there could be more casinos coming to New York City, but only after a seven-year waiting period. The remaining three proposed casinos would be allocated after that waiting period. Both State Sen. Joe Addabbo (DHoward Beach) and Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Ozone Park) have championed for Resorts World Casino to get full gaming because they say Resorts World is a proven community partner and it would benefit the City’s economy. The pair both expressed concern about whether or not the proposition will pass. When asked about its chances, Addabbo said it is “50-50” that it will pass because interest in a proposition is generally lower than voting on an election for elected office. This might also apply to voters upstate, according to Addabbo, as turnout might be lower as there are not as many contested seats up for grabs, compared to the City, which has Mayor, Public Advocate and several City Council seats. Goldfeder said, based on the
A proposed amendment could allow full-table gaming at casinos like Resorts World, if passed by voters next month.
number of people he has spoken to in his district, he does not think it will pass because many are concerned about Resorts World and the City being a part of its immediate plans for table gaming. “I think the voters here feel left out and they’re going to show that on Nov. 5,” he said. One group, the Coalition Against Gambling in New York, opposes the casino proposition and gambling in the State as a whole. The group’s chairperson, Stephen Shafer, said voting for the amendment would open the door for more people in New York to become ad-
dicted to gambling, which can be a prominent problem for a small number of people who frequent casinos. He said that gambling addiction can ruin their lives and those around them because they crave money to satisfy their addiction. “They ran out of their own money long ago and they are using someone else’s instead,” Shafer said. He believes the State government should invest in helping people with a gambling addiction and promoting tourism to New York as well. Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127, lgronda@ queenstribune.com, or @luisgronda
Oct. 25-31, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11
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Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 25-31, 2013
Police Blotter paint on canvass. It was housed in a wooden frame gold in color. It depicts a man in a row boat wearing a yellow slicker holding a fishing pole. It was painted in 1939 and is signed by Rockwell on the lower right side.
106th Precinct
Criminal Sexual act
The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance identifying and locating the individual wanted in connection to a criminal sex act. At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 13, the suspect approached a 12-year-old female near the corner of Lincoln Street and 116th AvePolice are looking for information on nue outside of his vehicle, engaged this painting, which was discovered missher in conversation and had her ing from the 104th Precinct. enter his vehicle. Upon doing so, the suspect drove to a nearby location, where he exposed himself to the victim and committed a criminal sex act. The victim then exited the vehiGrand Larceny The NYPD is seeking the public’s cle and ran to a friend’s house nearassistance locating the following by, where someone then called 911. painting removed from within the The victim was removed to a nearby hospital where she was treated and confines of the 104th Precinct. At approximately 7 p.m. on Sept. released. The suspect is described as a Black 13 inside of 58-60 Grand Ave., Welpak Art Moving and Storage, male in his 20s, about 6-foot, 200 lbs. a Norman Rockwell painting titled with black hair, brown eyes and a scruffy beard. He was last seen wearing blue “SPORT” was discovered missing. The painting is approximately jeans, a white undershirt, red jacket, red 22-inches by 28-inches and is oil sneakers, a red and white baseball cap
104th Precinct
and a silver chain hanging to his waist. The vehicle is described as a silver four-door SUV. Video of the incident is available at DCPI.
108th Precinct
Homicide
The NYPD has re-released information regarding the Oct. 20, 2012 attack of Lou Rispoli of Sunnyside, who was attacked by three suspects at the corner of 42nd Street and Queens Boulevard. Rispoli died at Elmhurst Hospital on Oct. 25, 2012. The incident is being investigated as a bias attack. Three suspects are still at large in the case, the first described as a white male in his 20s, the second an Hispanic male in his 30s. There is no released description of the third suspect. A $22,000 reward has been offered leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible. Of that, $10,000 has been offered from the NYPD for arrest and conviction; $2,000 has been offered from Crime Stoppers for arrest and indictment; $10,000 from the Mayor’s office for arrest and conviction.
112th Precinct
Grand Larceny
The NYPD is asking the public’s
these suspects are being sought in connection to the oct. 20 attack on Lou rispoli. assistance identifying the following suspects wanted for a grand larceny. At 1 p.m. on Oct. 2, the victim, a 54-year-old female, was exiting Astoria Federal Savings Bank, located at 63-72 108th St., when the two female suspects distracted the victim by talking about her baby while the third removed an undetermined amount of money from the victim’s pocketbook. The suspects then fled the bank. There were no reported injuries. The first female suspect is described as white, 25 years old, 5-foot6 and weighing 130 lbs. The second female suspect is described as a 25-year-old female. The third suspect is described as a light-skinned male in his early 20s.
OP-ED
Casino: an anchor For our Community By Betty Braton It wasn’t so long ago when the opening of the Aqueduct racetrack was delayed by… pigeon poop. One official was quoted in a City newspaper in 2011, saying “There were pigeon droppings everywhere — on the floors, ceilings, walls, on every surface.” Think about how far we’ve come, as this month Resorts World Casino New York City celebrates a remarkable second anniversary. This milestone is an incredible achievement, and on behalf of Community Board 10, I would like to congratulate Resorts World and Genting for two years of notable success that has made the casino a leader in its industry and an integral part of our community instead of an eyesore and embarrassment for our residents. Today, I can confidently say that
Resorts World’s arrival in Queens is one of the best things to happen to our community, City and State. Right off the bat, seven out of every 10 dollars that the casino brings in heads directly to the State in taxes, most of which are used to support education. Through the construction of its facility alone, the casino has transformed the once decaying Aqueduct site into a newly developed Racino with state-of-the-art facilities that have revamped the area’s landscape. This redevelopment initiative also includes the recent construction of a new MTA subway station that makes the neighborhood surrounding the casino more accessible to each borough. Furthermore, as the Chair of Community Board 10, it is important to me that any community member or business is conscious of the needs
and concerns of community residents. Despite initial apprehension around the casino’s arrival, in Resorts World we found a cooperative and mindful partner willing to communicate with members of the community and elected officials. Over the years, representatives of Resorts World have attended many community meetings and have always made an effort to answer questions and alleviate concerns in an honest fashion. Thanks to the casino’s commitment to hiring a local workforce, the Queens community has benefited from the creation of quality permanent jobs. Every dollar earned by local workers at the casino also benefits the economy in the area. Paychecks go towards paying rents and mortgages, buying local goods and services, and supporting our community’s families. Resorts
World enables an anchor for our community and provides opportunity for continual growth in the local economy. In addition, Resorts World plays a very direct role in helping the local economy by giving local businesses the opportunity to partner with the casino for events and promotions. Nothing should be more important to us than the continued revitalization of our borough’s infrastructure and economy. Resorts World’s willingness to collaborate with our neighborhood, coupled with the enormous boost that the casino provides our local economy and its residents has made it a vital member of the Queens community and one whose partnership we will continue to value in the years to come. Betty Braton is the chair of Community Board 10.
Oct. 25-31, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13
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Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 25-31, 2013
Members of the Chowdhury family, visiting from Bangladesh, pose in front of the entrance to the 12th annual Harvest Festival, sponsored by the GJDC outside the Jamaica Market.
Photos by Walter Karling
Greater Jamaica Gala
Photos by Walter Karling
pix
Harvest Festival
Greater Jamaica Development Corp. held its annual gala Monday night at espace in Manhattan. Pictured (from left) are honoree Thomas Prendergast, chairman and CEO of the MTA; Dr. Marcia Keizs, president of York College, who received a special acknowledgement; Borough President Helen Marshall, who was honored with a tribute as her term comes to an end; and honoree Robert Koar, president of Citi’s US Commercial Banking Group, eastern region.
Professor Sparkle cradles a freshly pulled from his hat rabbit amongst the audience from his show at the Harvest Festival.
Borough Beat
Dromm Proposes a New Public holiday By Trisha sakhuja As the major candidates for Mayor have come out in favor of adding two Islamic holidays to the academic calendar, Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) is pushing to add another holiday to the mix. Diwali celebrants across the world will light lanterns to symbolize the inner light to dispel ignorance and darkness on Sunday. But next year, the holiday falls on a Thursday and in 2015, on Wednesday, so thousands of public school students across the City will have to make a choice, whether to attend school or celebrate with their families at home. Diwali or Deepwali, known as the festival of lights, is a five-day holiday celebrated across the world by millions practicing Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism. Dromm held a press conference on Oct. 17 in Jackson Heights, along with State Sen. Toby Stavisky (DFlushing) and community leaders, to announce the Diwali School Holiday resolution he filed in July. Since then, 15 council members have voiced their support for the res-
olution. Dromm is hopeful the Dept. of Education will make Diwali an official day off for public school students in time for next year’s Diwali. While adding Diwali to the academic calendar is currently in the works, Ranju Batra, chair of the Di-
wali stamp project and former President of the Association of Indians in America-NY, along with the support of U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Astoria) and many other elected officials, have urged the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee to issue
a commemorative Diwali stamp. “Holiday stamps are a message of peace,” Batra said. Reach Reporter Trisha Sakhuja at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, tsakhuja@queenstribune.com, or @Tsakhuja13.
Book Looks at storm Problems By Luis GroNDa An award-winning journalist discussed how hospitals reacted to two recent hurricanes and if they are prepared for a future storm. Sheri Fink hosted a discussion on her new book, “Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a StormRavaged Hospital” at the Central Queens Y in Forest Hills Monday afternoon. Fink won a Pulitzer Prize in 2010 for reporting and publishing an article on which this book is based. The book examines the different dilemmas hospitals face when caring for people during natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and Super-
storm Sandy. This includes determining who is prioritized in terms of care and who should be evacuated first if patients in the hospital are trapped due to the high flood waters. Specifically, it focuses on troubles faced at New Orleans Memorial Medical Hospital and similar problems at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan. In New Orleans, flooding from Katrina stranded many patients, forcing them to live on limited supplies while the city recovered in the aftermath of the hurricane. As the flood waters rapidly grew, helicopters and boats came to the hospital to rescue the stranded patients. But a dilemma was created after realizing that the structures
could only fit a limited number of people. The question then became, who should be rescued first? Fink said many of the same problems affecting New Orleans and its facilities also applies to Superstorm Sandy and how New York’s infrastructure was unprepared for a storm of that magnitude. “It was horrible to see some of the same kinds of problems playing out,” she said. “We saw that vital parts of the infrastructure were not protected and therefore the most vulnerable in our society were not protected from the effects of the storm.” Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127, lgronda@ queenstribune.com, or @luisgronda
Oct. 25-31, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15
A&E
Astoria restaurateur Partners With Progresso By TriSHA SAkHujA Just in time for the New York City Wine and Food Festival, Joe Bastianich, restaurateur, vineyard owner and author, partnered with Progresso as they expand their line of soups with the introduction of Artisan Soups. Bastianich said he spent a lot of time in the kitchen with his family while growing up in Queens. “We grew up in a middle-class neighborhood, first Astoria and then Bayside,” Bastianich said. “We had a garden in the back, where we grew tomatoes and made wine in the garage,” he said. “We had a little slice of Italy in Queens.” He is the son of restaurateurs Felice and Lidia Bastianich. His mother is a selfmade cook, turned culinary celebrity. “Food has been the guiding light
in my life,” Bastianich said. Bastianich and partner Mario Batali own eateries in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Singapore. They most recently opened Eataly in 2010 in the City, which consists of seven restaurants into one. Along with many tasteful eateries, he has established three wineries. “On the Italian table, wine and food together are a part of the complete meal,” Bastianich said. “It is part of the culture.” Since embarking with Progresso’s Artisan soup line that consists of vegetable bisque and hearty soup varieties, Bastianich said the partnership ties very well into his upbringing in an Italian-American family. “Progresso has been around the house and in my life for as long as I can remember,” Bastianich said.
Restaurant Review
A Simple Pizza Slice Of Heaven PizzA CLuB 25-71 Francis Lewis Blvd., Flushing (718) 281-0444 HOurS: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week CuiSine: Pizzeria CrediT CArdS: yes deLivery: yes TAke-OuT: yes CATerinG: yes Sometimes, the best food and the best deals can be found in the simplest places. This is the case for Pizza Club, a Flushing pizzeria that offers delicious, filling food for a great price. The cozy establishment is perfect for either grabbing a slice on the go or sitting down for a quick lunch. It has the look of a traditional pizzeria, with a brick-oven in the back and several courses on display at the counter, but the food is far above ordinary. The specialty slices stand head and shoulders above the usual suspects. How about trying a white Ricotta cheese pie? Maybe pizza alla vodka (pizza made with vodka sauce) is more to your liking? These options and more are available. I knew I could not limit myself to just one type of slice. I ordered a buffalo chicken slice, a cheese ravi-
oli slice and a regular slice, along with an order of garlic knots, to get a nice overview of their wares. When the food was ready, I was not disappointed. It turns out that ravioli, with its cheesy interior, makes for a fantastic pizza topping. The ravioli was an excellent extra layer that felt like a nice surprise after each bite. The buffalo chicken was somehow even better than the ravioli. The slice felt weighed down from the amount of chicken, making this mouthwatering slice a meal in itself. The regular slice and the garlic knots did not disappoint either, proving that old favorites could still impress. Besides the excellent food, Pizza Club has some amazing deals as well. If you want to order pizza and it happens to be a Monday, then Pizza Club should be the first phone call you make. If you call between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. and order a large cheese pizza pie, the price you pay matches the time when you ordered! So if you are ever walking down Francis Lewis Boulevard and you are in the mood for great pizza, head to Pizza Club. No matter what slice or toppings you choose, you will leave feeling satisfyingly full. — joe Marvilli
He said it reminds him of an Italian grandma using Progresso beans to make her pasta fagioli or minestrone. “There is a lot of trust around that brand,” Bastianich said. “The Italian immigrant story is the Progresso story.” Bastianich said his kids like the Creamy Tomato Soup with the roasted red peppers and he likes the Masala Curry Butternut Squash with roasted butternut squash enhanced with warm curry spices, coconut milk and a small restaurateur joe Bastianich has partnered with kick of cayenne. Progresso’s line of Artisan soups. Bastianich said he recognizes the growth in the dered why not Queens and finally its number of restaurants opening in Astoria and Long Island happening in Queens too. I think it’s about time.” City. “And everyone knows Queens “When I was growing up, those were abandoned neighborhoods. has the best bagels in the world,” he The young population is fueling added. Reach Reporter Trisha Sakhuja at the demand for all the restaurants,” Bastianich said. “It shouldn’t all be (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, tsakhuja@ in Brooklyn and I have always won- queenstribune.com, or @Tsakhuja13.
restaurant Week is Planned For Forest Hills By LuiS GrOndA Several restaurants along Austin Street and other areas will get to showcase its delicious food next month. The first-ever Forest Hills Restaurant Week will take place between Nov. 3 and Nov. 9. It will be hosted by the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce and the PRESS of Southeast Queens. During that week, establishments will offer special three-course, pricefixed lunch and dinner meals to its customers. Nine restaurants will take part in the festivities, including 5 Burro Café, Exo Café and Bareburger. Leslie Brown, Executive Director of the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce, said many restaurants have opened in the neighborhood in the last 18 months and this event gives them, along with the more established eateries in the area, a chance to showcase what they have to offer. “It’s becoming more and more of a restaurant destination,” Brown said. “We’re hoping they will want to come back and visit more often.”
Prices for the restaurant week vary depending on the time of day. According to Brown, the three-course dinner meal will cost $25 to $35, depending on the restaurant. If you prefer a cheaper option, the three-course lunch meal will cost $15. Brown added that restaurants will choose which of the meals they will take part in. Some will offer both lunch and dinner, while others may choose to only serve one of those meals as part of the event. Brown said they hope to host the event multiple times in the future if this year’s showcase is considered a success. The other six restaurants participating in the event are 718 Hookah Lounge, Forest Hills Station House, Banter Irish Restaurant, Mr. Vino’s Cucina, Fuji Japanese Cuisine and Portofino Ristorante. For more information, please contact the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce at (718) 268-6565. Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127, lgronda@ queenstribune.com, or @luisgronda
Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 25-31, 2013
Profile
Democrat Lew Simon Talks Council Run Lew Simon says he has the heart to be a City Councilman. Simon, who is running for the 32nd District City Council seat against incumbent Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), pulled no punches in criticizing his Republican opponent during his sit-down with the PRESS editorial staff earlier this week. He claims Ulrich was nowhere to be found in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy and many D32 residents complained to him that the Councilman was difficult to reach when they needed help recovering from the storm. “I cannot understand how you can get a paycheck and not respond to your constituents. We didn’t see him,” Simon said. According to Simon, he made his decision to run for the seat after an exchange he had with Ulrich regarding the proposed revival of the Rock-
Photo by Luis Gronda
BY LUIS GRONDA
Lew Simon, candidate for 32nd District Council seat.
away Beach Rail Line. He said the Councilman gave him a “stupid” answer after Simon asked him why the City is spending money on the Second Avenue Subway project instead of spending that on transportation in the district. “I said ‘you know what, he’s a
little, arrogant snip’ and I decided to run,” he said. Two issues Simon said he would concentrate on if elected is transportation and parks. He supports reactivating the defunct train line going from the Rockaways to Rego Park because it would improve transportation options for those living in southern Queens and streamline their travel time to central Queens or Manhattan if they travel there. Simon also wants to create a HOV lane during peak hours running between Cross Bay Boulevard and Queens Boulevard to create a faster commute for drivers traveling between both thoroughfares during rush hour. He also disagreed with Ulrich’s idea to bring Select Bus Service to southern Queens because it would create more car traffic on Cross Bay and Woodhaven Boulevards. Parks are another central focus of
his campaign. Simon says he wants to create more parkland in the Borough and throughout the City as well as protect the parkland that currently exists. He hopes to chair the City Council’s committee on Parks and Recreation, if elected. When asked where specifically the parkland would be placed, Simon said there are several vacant lots in the Borough that can be converted into a park and he would identify them as soon as he takes office. Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127, lgronda@ queenstribune.com, or @luisgronda.
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People Chutney Pride will host its annual HalloQueen social from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. Oct. 26 at Naresa Palace, 116-14 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park. Tickets cost $15 in advance, $20 at the door. For information, call (917) 853-7262 or email info@chutneypride.org. Local students received degrees during summer 2013 commencement ceremonies at Bingamton University. They include: Addisleigh Park: Jane Ikezi, Masters in Business Administration degree. Breezy Point: Kaila Pfister, Bachelor of Arts degree in history. Broad Channel: Nicole Wilps, Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Far Rockaway: Anika Michel, Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature. Hollis: Brian Lee, Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy, politics and law; Clarice Hampton, Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. Hollis Hills: Matthew O’Grady, Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. Laurelton: Llyod Backus, Masters of Business Administration degree; Astrid Beza, Bachelor of Arts degree
in political science; Olukolapo Alli, Bachelor of Arts degree in history. Jamaica: Stanley Ikezi, Masters in Business Administration degree; Rushni Shaikh, Bachelor of Arts degree in biological sciences; Jonathan Whitfield, Bachelor of Arts degree in medieval studies; Andrew Eng, Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. Queens Village: Swagato Bhattacharyya, Bachelor of Science degree in integrated neuro molecular track; Elie Woolf, Bachelor of Science degree in accounting; Nayan Jaishri Naidoo, Bachelor of Science degree in industrial systems engineering. Richmond Hill: Stephanie Diaz, Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering; Yulong Wang, Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. Rockaway: Georgia Tsamasiros, Bachelor of Science degree in human development. Rosedale: Ralph Monfort, Bachelor of Science degree in history; Shannon Green, Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Saint Albans: Kristina Smith, Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. South Richmond Hill: Sheena Kapoor: Bachelor of Arts degree in bio-
logical sciences; Stephanie Michael, Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy, politics and law. The American-Italian Cancer Foundation’s mobile no-cost breast cancer screening program has four upcoming dates in Queens. They include: Oct. 27: Holy Child Jesus School, 111-02 86th Ave., Richmond Hill. Oct. 30: Queens Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica. Nov. 1: Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center, 6200 Beach Channel Drive, Arverne. Nov. 2: Cityview Pharmacy, 23-07 Astoria Blvd., Astoria. To schedule an appointment, call (877) 628-9090. The USTA Training Center will hold open tryouts on Nov. 16 for aspiring boys and girls tennis players ages 9-13 for acceptance into its afterschool feeder training program. Tryouts will be held at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. To apply, visit www.usta.com/about-usta/ training-centers. Upcoming Queens Halloween events include: Haunted Lantern Tour, 6:30 p.m.
on Oct. 25-26, Fort Totten, 212th Street and Bell Boulevard, Bayside. Halloween Haunted House, 4-7 p.m. Oct. 25-27, Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park. Cost is $4. Halloween Pet Parade, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26, Windmuller Park, 52nd Avenue and 39th Drive, Woodside. Canine Costumes Carnival, noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 26, Freeway Dog Park, 83-02 Beach Channel Drive, Rockaway. Boo at the Zoo, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 26-27, Queens Zoo, 53-51 111th St., Corona. Cost is $8 for adults, free for children in costume accompanied by adult. For more Halloween events, visit www.itsinqueens.com/festivals/halloween. Marielle Burnett of Ridgewood, a freshman at SUNY Geneseo, has been named an Edgar Fellow at the college. The South Queens Democratic Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at NYFAC, 164-14 Crossbay Blvd., Howard Beach. Melinda Katz, Borough President candidate, and Scott Stringer, candidate for Comptroller, have been invited to speak.
Oct. 25-31, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17
Faith
CUCE Celebrates 29 Years Of Service BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA
boroughs of New York City; that the empowerment might be faith-centered as its base of operation,” said deputy director of CUCE LaTonja Richardson. One way in which CUCE helps the community is through providing intervention services. These services provide risk reduction education for people at risk of transmitting HIV. HIV testing is available for residents. The HIV test involves no needles and results are given in 20 minutes. For the patients that test positive, CUCE assists them in finding a primary care provider. For those who test negative, they will receive individual intervention sessions to address the risky behavior that led them to being tested. Other important free health services offered by CUCE include domestic violence education, which offers pre-
This month, the Jamaica nonprofit Clergy United for Church Empowerment will celebrate 29 years of service with an anniversary dinner, honoring their dedication to the community. The influential clergy group, which began in 1984, has more than 100 members today, and has become a critical part of Southeast Queens – not only for the free health services it provides, but for the heavy role it has come to play in politics. “[The goal of CUCE is] to bring about the broadest clergy and partnership network possible for the empowerment of the community, to provide a vehicle for growth, development and sharing of concerns regarding the agenda of the Communities of Color within the five
vention and intervention techniques that will assist individuals with how to identify being in an abusive relationship; and the infant mortality reduction initiative, a program that aims to prevent and reduce the rate of infant mortality in New York City. Perhaps equally as important, CUCE also seeks to educate community residents about the political landscape. “This organization started really because we were endorsing Jessie Jackson for president. We came together as clergy in the community to encourage people to support their candidate,” the Rev. Chuck Norris said. “Then, when we saw how effective we were working together, even though Jessie Jackson did not win, we decided to stay together as an organization.” “We do get involved in the political structure and we endorse candidates
and we encourage people to get out and vote for the candidate of their choice,” Norris added. “We have a lot to say about what is going on because we talk about the people who are elected. We endorse from Mayor on down to people working for the state and borough president. We are intricately involved and encourage people to get out and vote.” Clergy United for Community Empowerment will be celebrating their anniversary with a special dinner catered by Thomasina’s at the Robert Ross Johnson Family Life Center on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $75. The Robert Ross Johnson Family Life Center is located at 172-17 Linden Blvd. For more information, call the CUCE at (718) 297-0720. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @nkozikowska
Notebook
Van Buren High School
Van Buren Rally Shows Split On Co-Location Last week, hundreds of kids turned out to scream, hold up signs and march outside of Martin Van Buren High School, protesting a proposed co-location for their school. “MVB don’t want to share! Mayor Bloomberg, he don’t care!” students and faculty shouted, holding up signs as they surrounded the elected officials who had turned out for the rally, including its organizer, State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside). The Dept. of Education is working to put a Career and Technical Education early college and career high school (also known as P-Tech) inside the walls of Martin Van Buren. A couple of students were given the chance to speak at the press conference during the rally, where they strongly expressed their desire for MVB to stay the same. “We’re going to lose almost 20 percent of our good teachers,” Bree Boojraj said. “We’re not going to have the high-tech things that we want. The other school is going to have it and we’re not going to have it.” But not all parts of the community are against the idea. Civic leaders from the Bellerose
Photo by Joe Marvilli
BY JOE MARVILLI
While the release praised the work principal Sam Sochet had been doing since he came to the school in July 2012, it said that the change is not happening fast enough and the co-location may help with it. “Decades of failure have transformed MVB from a school having deep community roots into one where 96 percent of its student population comes from outside Students and faculty march in front of Martin Van of the local community. Buren High School, protesting a proposed co-loca- The P-Tech co-location tion by the DOE. initiative attempts to fast-track the turnaround Commonwealth Civic Association, of MVB,” the statement said. “Local Bell Park Manor Terrace Co-op, parents and their children simply don’t Lost Community Civic Association, have the luxury to wait more years for Queens Colony Civic Association, MVB to transform” Avella disagreed, saying that the Royal Ranch Homeowners Association, Bellerose Hillside Civic Asso- co-located school would take students ciation, Glen Oaks Village Co-op, from all over the City, increasing the North Bellerose Civic Association overcrowding in the neighborhood. “There’s no guarantee the local kids and Queens Village Civic Association voted unanimously in support of the will benefit from this program. It’ll worsco-location, saying it would help local en the overcrowding instead of helping children go to a school near where it,” he said. “While I understand their wish that this is something for the local they live.
neighborhood, it will not be.” The high school’s student population is around 2,200. About 25 percent of student enrollment will be reduced if the co-location goes into effect. “This P-Tech school might be a great program to put in Martin Van Buren High School, under the leadership of Sam Sochet,” Councilman Mark Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens) said. “But the DOE doesn’t talk to us, they don’t talk to the community.” The co-location is one of many that Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the DOE are attempting to push through in the administration’s final months. The co-location would take place for the 2014-2015 school year and will be voted on at the Oct. 30 meeting of the Panel for Education Policy. “Across the City, we’ve transformed the landscape with our new school options – and we’ve been nationally recognized by President Obama for our visionary offerings,” DOE spokesman Harry Hartfield said. “This will be a new option that will deliver great outcomes for children, and we’re confident it will be in very high demand.” Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.
Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 25-31, 2013
Queens today
FRIDay 10/25
bRian wooDRuFF’S oKb tRio
Flushing Town Hall will present drummer Brian Woodruff, pianist Oscar Perez and bassist Kuriko Tsugawa for a musical performance at 8 p.m. Listen to the band groove through the Great American Songbook as well as Brazilian and Latin standards. Admission costs $15 for the general audience and $10 for members and students. For more information, call (718) 463-7700.
Cells. Visit the Poppenhusen Cemetery for a real scare. The house is open from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and will also be held on Saturday, Oct. 25 and Thursday, Oct. 31. Admission is $8 per person and $5 for children 5 and under. To learn more, email poppenhusen@juno. com or call (718) 358-0067.
She-Devil ComeDy FeStival
Join the fun at the Laughing Devil Comedy Club every night from Oct. 25-27 to honor female stand-ups from around the world competing for prizes, along with some hilarious celebrity guests. The Club is located at 47-38 Vernon Blvd. in Long Island City. For information and show times, visit www.laughingdevil.com/calendar.cfm.
saTURDay 10/26 Dog Run halloween ConteSt
“the gRaDuate”
Queens Theatre will hold a performance of the cult classic, “The Graduate.” First published as a novel by Charles Webb in 1963, it found a large audience when it was adopted into a film starring Dustin Hoffman. “The Graduate” tells the story of Benjamin Braddock, a young man trying to figure out what to do with his life when he has an affair with the older Mrs. Robinson, the wife of his father’s business partner. This theater adaptation will take place on Oct. 26 and 27 as well. Ticket prices range from $25 to $42.
PoPPS haunteD houSe
The haunted house at the Poppenhusen Institute in College Point is said to be the “scariest in Queens.” Find out what happened to the caretaker of 1901, who disappeared and was never seen again. Come across the ghosts of the Old Village Jail
The annual dog costume contest will take place at the Forest Park Dog Run, 85th Street and Park Lane South in Woodhaven from 12:30 to 3 p.m. The judging for the contest begins at 2 p.m. If you want to enter your dog into the contest, there is a $5 entrance fee for non-members of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association. Donations of blankets and supplies for pets will also be accepted at the event.
PubliC SaFety FaiR
The 112th Precinct and the community council will host a harvest public safety fair at PS 144, at 93-02 69th Ave., from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Attendees will get safety tips from the 112th Precinct’s officers. They will also provide information on the child ID program, bicycle and cell phone registration. Children going to the event are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes for the costume contest. Other activities like rock wall climbing and a puppet show will also occur.
sUNDay 10/27 ChilDRen’S Fall FeStival
Queens County Farm Museum will hold its annual Children’s Fall Festival
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
saTURDay 10/26 DeaD oR alive
The New York Hall of Science will kick of f its two-weekend celebration of both Halloween and the Day of the Dead. There will be pumpkin chucking, live wolves and bats and Frankenstein-esque projections. The pumpkin chucking will involve using the science center’s catapult to launch them into the air. Attendees will also have the chance to meet Atka, an Artic grey wolf from the Wolf Conservation Center, at 2 p.m. That exhibit costs an extra $6 on top of NYSCI’s cost of admission. The festival continues on Sunday, Oct. 27. For more information, call (718) 699-0005.
from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5. Feel free to wear a costume for the celebration. The Haunted House, recommended for ages 6 to 12, will be open from noon to 7 p.m. at the cost of $4. There will also be live country western music, hayrides, bouncy houses, cartoon character lookalikes and a pie-eating contest. The farm museum is located at 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy, Floral Park. For information, call (718) 347-3276.
noguChi muSeum: Diy CoStumeS FoR FamilieS If your kids have not made or bought a costume for Halloween yet, join the DIY costume-making fun at the Noguchi Museum at 9-01 33rd Rd. in Long Island City at 10:30 a.m. The Art for Families program is for children ages five to 11. Advanced registration is required. For information, visit www.noguchi.org/programs/education/families.
moNDay 10/28
Powell “ChuCK e. baby”
Leonard & Miz E of “The Kong Show on TV” presents “A Spooktacular Night” a one-hour pre-Halloween show featuring comedy, music and magic at the Cronin & Phelan’s Little Theatre in the Back Garden at 7 p.m. Stand-up Comedy Magic Irish Dave Cremin, Magic Rene Clement, and
a surprise guest comedian will also be there. Plus, get ready for a special appearance of the Rockin’ duo of Kevin “Bocko” Corrigan and Shane O’Connor and their rowdy band Begorrah! Wear a costume if you dare, for a chance to win fun prizes. Cronin & Phelan’s Bar & Restaurant is located at 38-14 Broadway, Astoria. No cover for entrance. For information, visit www.weheartastoria.com/astoria-eventscalendar/#sthash.gRVR0oub. dpuf.
authoR talK
Authors Yuval Elizur and Lawrence Malkin will discuss their book, “The War Within,” at the Forest Hills Central Queens Y which examines the conflict between Israel’s modern Orthodox citizens and the emerging ultraOrthodox population in that country. The talk will start at 1:30 p.m. A $4 minimum donation to the Central Queens Y is suggested for the event. It is located at 6709 108th St., Forest Hills.
WEDNEsDay 10/30
52nD StReet PeRFoRmS
52nd Street, a Billy Joel cover band, will play Resorts World Casino starting at 8 p.m.. Come see the band perform Billy Joel classics such as “Piano Man,” “Captain Jack” and “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant.” Resorts World Casino is located at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park.
THURsDay 10/31
halloween FeSt-onmall Betty the Witch invites
you to pick up a bag of treats, make a mask, listen to a story, meet Scarlton the Scarecrow, see the Jack-o-lantern get lit and watch all the trick-ortreaters wander around. The event, which is for kids and adults, will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on the grass mall at 208th Street and 42nd Avenue in Bayside.
it’S gReeK (anD Roman) to me
The Adult Education Committee of Hillcrest Jewish Center and Rabbi Manes Kogan will present “It’s Greek (and Roman) to Me,” a program on Jewish life under the Greeks and Romans. Liora Ben-Harari will discuss this period of Jewish history, going over topics like Alexander the Great, the Hasmoneans, Herod, the Bar Kokhba Revolt, the start of Christianity and the origins of rabbinic Judaism. The event is free, starts at 7:30 p.m. and takes place at 183-02 Union Tpke., Fresh Meadows.
the QuizmaSteRS PReSentS: Quiz-o-ween!
Come by to test out your costume at the Irish Rover at 37-18 28th Ave. in Astoria at 7 p.m. before the weekend, while trying to win some prizes, some cash or maybe just some respect. (Actual zombies may or may not be present.) It is free to stop by and $10 to play. For more information, visit www. weheartastoria.com/astoriaevents-calendar/#sthash. TU0h06nk.dpuf.
got eventS?
send all information to editor@queenstribune.com or mail to: 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, Ny 11357
Oct. 25-31, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19
What’s Up OCt. 25 Low Impact Zumba As part of its new health series, the EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care Center in Cambria Heights will hold a free low impact zumba class for all community residents. The free program will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the center, located at 206-20 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights. For more information, call (866) 539-0999 or visit www.ehnc.com.
Learning about Healthcare Reform The EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care Center in Cambria Heights will host a series of free programs to help you get healthy. In this program, you will get to learn about the new healthcare reform laws and how it will affect you. The free program will be held at 2 p.m. at the center, located at 206-20 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights. For more information, call (866) 539-0999 or visit www.ehnc.com.
CUCE Celebrates 29 Years of Service This month, the Jamaica nonprofit, Clergy United for Church Empowerment will celebrate 29 years of service with an anniversary dinner, honoring their dedication to the community. The dinner will be held at the Robert Ross Johnson Family Life Center at 7 p.m. Tickets are $75. The Robert Ross Johnson Family Life Center is located at 172-17 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. For more information, call the CUCE at (718) 297-0720.
OCt. 26 Kickers Soccer Club Registration Boys and girls ages 4-18, with or without skills, are encouraged to register for the free Kickers Junior Soccer Club of Southeast Queens. The kids will not only receive great training in the game, but they will also have the opportunity to engage in cultural and educational activities. Kickers offers a year-round program including indoor and outdoor seasons. Travel team opportunities are available. Experienced 12 to 13 yearolds interested in the travel program are being sought. Kickers coaches have received special training to work with youngsters and look forward to meeting you and your children. To register, parents should bring two passport size photos and a copy of the young person’s birth certificate, or other documents, as proof of date of birth of participant. For addi-
tional information, contact: Fritz Casimir (718) 496-5013; Wilfrid Compere (718) 282-2291; Neville Barrett (718) 664-5187; Leslie Bourjolly (347) 279-4458; and Price Olivier (718) 723-0541. Registration will begin on Oct. 26 at 11 a.m. at Montbellier Park, located at Springfield Boulevard and 139th Avenue.
Healthy Living Diabetes Class
Christ Church International will hold a pink ballon release.
As part of its new health series, the EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care Center in Cambria Heights will hold a free program educating community residents about diabetes. The free program will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the center, located at 206-20 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights. For more information, call (866) 539-0999 or visit www.ehnc. com.
Sculpture Workshop Artist Catherine Murray will present the art of Joseph Cornell and other mixed-media artists, then will lead a class in crafting small sculptures from found objects and recycled materials. Each participant will receive one 8 x 10 shadowbox. Other materials will be provided, or participants may bring their own small objects. Space is limited; preregistration is required online or by calling 718-990-0728. This workshop is free and will be held at the Queens Central Library at 2:30 p.m.
Fall Fitness Workout As part of its new health series, the EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care Center in Cambria Heights will hold a free workout program. The free program will be held at 3 p.m. at the center, located at 206-20 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights. For more information, call (866) 539-0999 or visit www.ehnc.com.
Sickle Cell Awareness Foundation Fundraiser The Sickle Cell Awareness Foundation Corp International will present its annual dinner fundraiser featuring the play “Smell the Power” — written by Levy Lee Simon and directed by Bette Howard. The dinner will provide the opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding community service and commitment of Pastor Doris Johnson of the Holy Upper Room Filling Station
Ministry, Inc. on her 10 year pastoral anniversary. Menu will include Swedish meatballs, vegetable pasta primavera, curry chicken with roti, and Spanish rice. For additional call (718) 657-3173. For tickets call Merlene at (917) 373-8434; Molino at (347) 233-1069; Pastor Doris Johnson at (718) 791-1183; or Christine at (347) 463-8793. Dinner at 6:30 pm. Showtime at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $49. The fundraiser will be held at the Black Spectrum Theatre located at the intersection of Baisley Boulevard and 177th Street.
OCt. 27 UN Peacekeepers: Who Are they? One of the most misunderstood jobs of the United Nations is peacekeeping, the “blue hats” of which are currently involved in 15 operations in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Kieran Dwyer, Chief of Public Affairs and principal spokesperson for the UN Departments of Peacekeeping and Field Support, will discuss the organization and the job it does at the Queens Central Library at 1 p.m. The program and discussion is free.
OCt. 28 Sitting Exercise As part of its new health series, the EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care Center in Cambria Heights will hold a free workout program. The free sitting exercise program will be held at noon at the center, located at 206-20 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights. For more information, call (866) 539-0999 or visit www. ehnc.com.
Pink Balloon Release In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Christ Church International of Jamaica will hold its second annual pink balloon release
in remembrance of loved ones who have lost their lives and to express hope for all survivors. The pink balloon release will be held at Christ Church International on Oct. 27 at 1 p.m. It is free to attend and all are welcome to join. Christ Church International is located at 122-21 Merrill St., Jamaica. For more information about the event, you may call the church office at (718) 276-2799.
National Alliance of Mental Illnesses As part of its new health series, the EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care Center in Cambria Heights will hold a free workshop on mental illnesses for all community residents. The free program will be held at 4:30 p.m. at the center, located at 206-20 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights. For more information, call (866) 5390999 or visit www.ehnc.com.
OCt. 30 Free Digital Mammograms Early detection of breast cancer can save lives. Free digital mammograms are available for any woman age 50 and older who has not had a mammogram in the last 12 months. An appointment is necessary. Call 877-628-9090 to schedule one. The screenings will be held at Queens Central Library from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
OCt. 31 Halloween Party for Kids The EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care Center in Cambria Heights will hold a free Halloween Party for children ages 2-10. The free party will be held at 4 p.m. at the center, located at 206-20 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights. For more information, call (866) 539-0999 or visit www.ehnc.com.
ONgOINg: Early Exposure to tennis tryouts Youth and Tennis Inc. will present their “Early Exposure to Tennis Program” for children ages 4-8. The tryouts will be held at the Roy Wilkins Tennis Courts located at the intersection of 177th Street and Baisley Boulevard. Scholarships and partial scholarships will be available for the talented youth. For more information, call (718) 658-6728.
Page 20 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 25-31, 2013
Queens Today Section editor: reGinA VoGeL
Send announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 150-50 14 Road, Whitestone NY 11357. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina or email to queenstoday@ queenstribune.com Yearly schedules and advanced notices welcome!
tALK Un PeAceKeePerS Sunday, october 27 Central library at 1. ArcHitectUre Monday, october 28 at 6:30 at the Flushing library. HoWArd BeAcH Monday, october 28 “The Language of Flowers” discussed at 5:30. SteinWAY Monday, october 28 “Quiet: The Power of Introverts” at 6:30. BooK diScUSSion thursday, october 31 at 11 at the East Flushing library.
SeniorS WeLLneSS cLASS Pomonok Senior Center 591-3377. StAr Senior Theater Acting Repertory is looking for seniors interested in performing short, classical scenes for upcoming performances. 776-0529. deFenSiVe driVinG M o n d a y, o c t o b e r 2 8 Rosedale library. Register. cLeArVieW SeniorS M o n d a y, o c t o b e r 2 8 d a n c e a e ro b i c s a t 1 0 . Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 224-7888. coed Line dAnce Beginning october 29 at the Robert Couche Adult Center in Springfield Gardens. 646229-0242 information. BASic coMPUter tuesdays through november 26 South Ozone Park library at 11. Peer SUPPort Wednesdays at 1 at the Pomonok Senior Center, 67-09 Kissena Blvd., Flushing. 591-3377. YoGA t h u r s d ay, o c to b e r 3 1 Flushing library at 1. Free LeGAL SerVice every other Friday 9-12 at the Pomonok Senior Center. 591-3377.
FLeA MArKetS
teenS HoMeWorK HeLP Saturdays through November 30 volunteer to help children at 10 at the Bayside library. Pre-Ged cLASS Saturdays through November 30 Cambria Heights library. 480-4300. cHeSS cLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2. Wii GAMeS Mondays and Fridays McGoldrick library at 5:30. teen Zone Monday-thursday Queens Village library at 3. Register. FAMiLY MoVie M o n d a y, o c t o b e r 2 8 South Ozone Park library at 5:45. HALLoWeen PArtY Wednesday, oc tober 30 Queens Village library at 4. HALLoWeen nAiL Art Wednesday, oc tober 30 South Ozone Park library at 4.
BoArd GAMeS Wednesdays 5:30 McGoldrick library. ScrABBLe cLUB thursdays through november 26 East Flushing library at 3:30. Wii GAMeS thursday, october 31 5:30 at the McGoldrick library. ScAVenGer HUnt t h u r s d ay, o c to b e r 3 1 Central library t 4. MAnGA drAWinG thursdays South Ozone Park library at 4. cHeSS cLUB thursdays through november 21 East Flushing library at 4:30. cHeSS cLUB thursdays Rochdale Village library 4:30. MAGic tricKS Friday, november 1 Mitchell-Linden library. Register. BooK BUddieS Fridays through november 22 Bayside library at 4. teen HAPPY HoUr Fridays through november 29 Flushing library at 4.
entertAinMent HAUnted HoUSe Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, oc tober 25-27 4-7. $4. Queens Count y Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park. 347-FARM. tHe GrAdUAte october 25-27 at Queens Theatre in the Park. 7600064. BoBBY Vinton S a t u r d ay, o c t o b e r 2 6 Colden Auditorium at 8. 793-8080. iMMiGrAnt VoiceS S a t u r d ay, o c t o b e r 2 6 “Trials with Brownies” at Queens Theatre in the Park. 760-0064 for free tickets. concert Saturday, october 26 Brittany Maier at the Flushing library at 5. KidS FALL FeSt Sunday, october 27 11-4. $5. Costumes, games, pony rides, petting zoo, vendors. Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park. 347FARM. iMMiGrAnt riGHtS
Sunday, october 27 “Immigrant Rights and Immigrants Wronged” at the Queens Historical Society. 939-0647. cABAret Monday, october 28 From Paris to America at 2 at the Auburndale library. triBUte tuesday, october 29 tribute to Sinatra, Manilow, Sedaka and more at the Rego Park library at 2:30. BinGo tuesdays 7:15 American Martyrs Church in Bayside. 464-4582. tuesdays 7:15 (doors open 6) Rego Park Jewish Center. 459-1000. $3 admission. AQUedUct cASino thursday, october 31 St. Josaphat’s Leisure Club trip. $25. 917-921-7631. nU UrBAn cAFÉ Fridays live jazz and r&b 9-midnight. Free. 188-36 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. 917-817-8653. GAMe dAY Fridays 4:30 Woodhaven library.
HeALtH ZUMBA Mondays, oc tober 28, november 4, 11, 18, 25 Bayside library at 6:30. ZUMBA Monday, october 28 Corona library. Register. orGAnic nUtrition M o n d a y, o c t o b e r 2 8 Broadway library at 3. cPr trAininG
Monday, october 28 Laurelton library at 5:30. MedicAL PLAnS tu e s d a y, o c t o b e r 2 9 Queens Village library at 2. PiLAteS tuesdays, oc tober 29, november 5, 12, 19, 26 Queens Village library at 5:45.
QUeenS LiBrArieS M a ny b ra n c h e s o f t h e Queensborough Library offer toddler and pre-school programs and more. Contact local branches. cHeSS cLUB
Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2. FAMiLY MoVie Monday, october 28 5:45 at the South Ozone Park library. crAFt tiMe
Mondays, oc tober 28, november 4, 11, 18, 25 Steinway library at 11. BABY And Me Mondays, october 28, november 4, 18, 25 Bayside library at 11.
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
S U P P L E M E N TA L S U M MONS Index No.: 3885/10 D/O/F: 3/8/2010 THE BASIS OF VENUE IS THAT THE PROPERTY IS SITUATED IN SAID COUNTY Block: 10380 Lot: 0026 SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS NYC TL 2009-A TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN FOR THE NYCTL 2009-A TRUST, Plaintiffs, -against- BUNDO ASSOCIATES, INC; DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK; GRAZE COMPANY, INC.; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; “JOHN DOE No. 1” through “JOHN DOE No. 100” inclusive, the name of the last 100 defendants being fictitious, the true names of said defendants being unknown to plaintiff, it being intended to designate fee owners, tenants or occupants of the liened premises and/or persons or parties having or claiming an interest in or a lien upon the liened premises, if the aforesaid individual defendants are living, and if any or all of said individual defendants be dead, their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, committees, devisees, legatees, and assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest of them and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, through, or against the said defendants named as a class, of any right, title, or interest in or lien upon the premises described in the complaint herein, Defendants. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your Answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiffs’ Attorneys within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, where service
is made by delivery upon you personally within the State, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner, and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. YOU ARE HEREBY PUT ON NOTICE THAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. The present amount of the debt as of the date of this summons: $33,145.28 consisting of principal balance of $27,851.04 plus interest of $3,969.24, and miscellaneous charges of $ 0.00; attorney fee $775.00 and title search $550.00. Because of interest and other charges that may vary from day to day, the amount due on the day you pay may be greater. Hence, if you pay the amount shown above, an adjustment may be necessary after we receive the check, in which event we will inform you. The name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed: NYCTL 2009-A TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN FOR THE NYCTL 2009-A TRUST, Unless you dispute the validity of the debt, or any portion thereof, within thirty (30) days after receipt hereof, the debt will be assumed to be valid by the herein debt collector. If you notify the herein debt collector in writing within thirty (30) days after your receipt hereof that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, we will obtain verification of the debt or a copy of any judgment against you representing the debt and a copy of such verification or judgment will be mailed to you by the herein debt collector. Upon your written request within 30 days after receipt of this notice, the herein debt collector will provide you with the name and address of the original creditor if different from the current creditor. Note: Your time to respond to the summons and complaint differs from your
time to dispute the validity of the debt or to request the name and address of the original creditor. Although you have as few as 20 days to respond to the summons and complaint, depending on the manner of service, you still have 30 days from receipt of this summons to dispute the validity of the debt and to request the name and address of the original creditor. TO THE DEFENDANTS: BUNDO ASSOCIATES, INC: If you have obtained an order of discharge from the Bankruptcy court, which includes this lien, and you have not reaffirmed your liability for this lien, this law firm is not alleging that you have any personal liability for this lien and does not seek a money judgment against you. Even if a discharge has been obtained, this lawsuit to foreclose the lien will continue and we will seek a judgment authorizing the sale of the premises. Dated: March 4, 2010 Jason Kalmar, Esq. ROSICKI, ROSICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff Main Office 51 E Bethpage Road Plainview, NY 11803 Phone: 516-741-2585 Help For Homeowners In Foreclosure New York State Law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully. Mortgage foreclosure is a complex process. Some people may approach you about “saving” your home. You should be extremely careful about any such promises. The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. There are government agencies, legal aid entities and other non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about foreclosure while you are working with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Banking Department at 1-877BANKNYS (1-877-226-5697) or visit the Department’s website at www.banking. state.ny.us. The State does not guarantee the advice of these agencies.
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Ballroom Jacks
While brothers may argue and their personalities can appear to be miles apart, they often comprehend each other better than most people. When that sense of understanding is used to work towards the same goal, those individuals have a distinct advantage. This is the case for Ballroom Jacks. Ballroom Jacks is an alternative rock and roll band based in Astoria. The group is composed of Will Arland (singer/guitarist), Ben Arland (bass) and Conor McGlone (drums). While the two Arlands have been writing together for a few years, the addition of McGlone helped the band to really come together. “I had been writing songs since I was 17, then Ben and I started playing in our parents’ garage in high school,” Will said. “Ben and I started playing with Conor
Queens Speed Demons Drivers in the Borough are seemingly treating the roads like they are competing in a NASCAR race lately. According to police, the NYPD issued 736 summonses for speeding last week during a citywide crackdown last Friday through Sunday. Queens received the most speeding tickets out of the five boroughs, where authorities wrote 266 summonses in total. The Bronx had the second most with 213. The tickets left Queens drivers reeling at the wallet as well, as the tickets ranged from $90 to $600 according to the NYPD. The crackdown is a part of the City’s effort to slow down drivers all over the City. Law enforcement has established 14 neighborhood slow zones and will approve 15 more in the near future. The slow zones promote safer driving including lower the speed limit in the area that it is established. Hop ef u l ly, dr ivers in Queens will take note of the crackdown and pump the brakes a little while driving. After all, this isn’t the Daytona 500 or anything like that.
in 2009, but we started calling ourselves Ballroom Jacks after a month of playing in the garage in 2006.” While being in a band with a sibling is tough sometimes, Will said their work is helped out by the fact that all three of the band members have the same vision for their music. “It has ups and downs, we argue constantly, but at the same time, we are really on the same wavelength, all three of us are actually,” he said. “But with all the back and forth, it allows you not to have to tip-toe around each other so our work can develop in a way that’s uninhibited.” That work has developed into a sound similar to the band’s influences, a mix of 1980s new wave, 1960s girl groups and Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound. Whether it is in the studio or onstage, the band enjoys the process of sharing these tunes with their audience. “We really look forward to
playing our music for people who are right in front of us, that's the feeling we chase after,” Will said. “But it’s really romantic to think that what you are recording will be experienced by someone on their headphones when they are going to work, or in their bedrooms.” Based in Astoria, the neighborhood is where Ballroom Jacks finished its first EP, giving the band members a strong connection with the area. As they are immersed in the community, Will said it is tough to tell what impact it has had on the band, but at the very least, it has offered them the opportunity to play showcases like the CMJ Music Marathon. “We feel really lucky to have two showcases and that so many people come out to see rock and roll music and everything else,” Will said. Ballroom Jacks will be playing at Arlene’s Grocery in Manhattan on Oct. 25 and Meade’s Pub on Oct. 29. Keep an eye out for a new EP and possibly a Christmas song in the coming months.
Not Everyone a Fan of Banksy
Famous British-based street artist Banksy put his mark on the side of a building in Woodside, but a day later, his artwork was defaced with slur words, like “F*** You Banksy.” Banksy has tagged many spots in Manhattan and Brooklyn for the past month, but he traveled to Queens on Monday
to splash the side of a building at 38th Avenue and 69th Street with color. He painted a man holding a bucket in one hand and a sponge in the other. The sketched man was shown trying to scrub off graffiti from the wall that said, “What we do in life echoes in Eternity,” a line from the 2000
movie, “Gladiator.” By Tuesday, the work was vandalized with red and black graffiti. Surprisingly, street artists weren’t too thrilled with his work. However, unsurprisingly, Mayor Michael Bloomberg did not appreciate Banksy defacing someone else’s private property. Earlier last week, Bloomberg said at a press conference, even though he is a big supporter of the arts, graffiti is not his definition of art, or it may be art, but it should be permitted. What surprises us the most is why Banksy didn’t go to 5Pointz in Long Island City to mark his territory, because it would have been considered “legal graffiti.”
Couple Battles Uninvited Guests One Springfield Gardens couple has been living with seven uninvited guests – and they are not the seven dwarfs. Patricia and Lavanda Gilbert say that a family of raccoons has been tormenting them for more than five months. And on Oct. 11, one ballsy 15 to 20 pound raccoon made quite an entrance into the Gilberts’ home – he fell through the roof of their bedroom at about 6 a.m.,
scattering pieces of sheetrock over the couple’s bed. Even after the chubby raccoon unexpectedly dropped by, the Gilberts still have not been able to get rid of the intruders, who make their way back to their nest in the attic every day at around 5 a.m. The landlord has still not fixed the ceiling, and ASPCA and the NYPD have offered little assistance to the family.
Q
CONFIDENTIAL
Musicians OF QuEEns
Got Talent?
Do you sing or paint? Like to cook, write or tell jokes? We want to hear from you! Talented individuals of all kinds should email editor@ queenstribune.com for inclusion in a future edition. QConf is edited by: Steven J. Ferrari Contributors: Luis Gronda, Natalia Kozikowska, Joe Marvilli, Marcia Moxom Comrie, Michael Nussbaum, Trisha Sakhuja, Michael Schenkler.
Oct. 25-31, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 23
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