FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2014
THE WOODSIDE HERALD
PAGE 1
SERVING SUNNYSIDE-WOODSIDE AND LONG ISLAND CITY VOL. 81, NO. 52
WOODSIDE, L.I.C., N.Y. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2014
FREE
“Great Son”
Of Western Queens Gets Honored In Renaming Of School Saving The Heart Of Sunnyside by Crystal Wolfe
“Sunnyside Center Cinemas is loved by many in the neighborhood, and I support efforts in the community to keep the theater here,” said NYC Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer. “Local business is an essential part of
what makes a community strong. Losing the Cinema would be a loss for our neighborhood.” On Sunday, the week before Christmas, on a frigidly cold winter’s day, over 300 people of all ages and demographics showed up to attend the rally to preserve the business of the Sunnyside Center Cinemas on Queens Blvd and 43rd Street. The petition and rally was initiated by Ty Sullivan, Director of Marketing and Social Media, Pastor Jon Storck of the Grace Fellowship
Church and Patricia Dorfman, Interim Marketing Director, Sunnyside Chamber and founder of Sunnyside Artists. When asked what prompted Sullivan to lead the rally to save the Cinemas he said, “Somehow I always get involved. I’m a community organizer here in Sunnyside and get very Mr. Smith Goes to Washington when I hear of things that are not making sense in the community. (continued on page 5)
Celebrating The Holidays
In The 40’s
by Crystal Wolfe
On Friday December 18th, the PS 343 Elementary School, located at 46-45 42nd Street, held an event, which included a concert and ribbon cutting, to dedicate and rename the new Sunnyside School after former Council Member Walter McCaffrey. McCaffrey was considered a “great advocate” and beloved member of the community. McCaffrey died last year at 64-years-young and was born, raised, and served all his life in his beloved Woodside Community. He started as a chair of CB2, the Community Board 2 and then become a councilman of the 26th District from 1985-2001 as a Democrat, representing Woodside, Sunnyside and Long Island City. While in the City Council, he served as chair of the Franchises and Zoning Subcommittee, and was on the Public Safety, Finance, Transportation and Land Use Committees. Among his successful legislations he was able to ban and restrict entertainment venues from resi-
UNITED FORTIES
by Crystal Wolfe
On Wednesday, December 17th at the St Raphael’s Church on Greenpoint Avenue, the United Forties Civic Association held their yearly holiday event. After a rundown by Captain Travaglia of the 108th precinct’s diligent efforts to lower crime rates in the community, Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer swore in the United 40s officers for their board positions for next two years: Don McCallian, President, Carol Burch and Elizabeth Montenegro as Vice Presidents, Eileen Walsh and Bob Burch as secretaries, Mike Stemmer as Treasurer, Joe Gurrado and Paul Salow as the Sergeants at Arms,
and Photos on Page 8 since its incorporation in 1997. Joe Bertie as the beautification Story di- done (More Photos on page 8) rector, and Eileen Flynn as Membership Coordinator. Some local merchants contributed door prizes for the attendees of the event and a delicious buffet was served provided by Bliss Station Restaurant. As always, UFCA collects toys for the holiday season. Approximately 150 toys have been or will be delivered to groups in the area, including the children in the Metro Shelter on Queens Blvd and one of the churches in Sunnyside. United 40s will continue to participate in many community events and efforts with particular emphasis on providing clothing, toiletries, etc. to the Borden Avenue Veteran’s Residence, and fetal blankets and clothing to Elmhurst Hospital and will continue clean-ups and participation in other community efforts as To Advertise E-mail SSabba@WoodsideHerald.com or call 718-729-3772
dential areas and wrote legislation mandating security cameras at automated teller machines for the public’s protection. Earlier this year in May, residents, community leaders and local politicians, honored McCaffrey’s life in a ceremony, which renamed 61st Street on Woodside Avenue as the “Walter McCaffrey Place.” The former PS 343 School, which opened up its doors in September, now the Walter McCaffrey Campus is a 75,000 sq foot school. Its capacity is 430 students ranging from prekindergarten to 5th grade. The campus features 20 classrooms, art and science rooms, a library, gymnasium, and a rooftop playing area. Reportedly, McCaffrey held a great fondness for Sunnyside and wanted to see the site serve as a location for the school, so the renaming of it as the Walter McCaffrey Campus is a particularly fine way to honor a man officials and residents called the “great son” of the western Queens neighborhood.