FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2016
THE WOODSIDE HERALD
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SERVING SUNNYSIDE-WOODSIDE AND LONG ISLAND CITY VOL. 83, NO. 10
WOODSIDE, L.I.C., N.Y. FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2016
BASKETBALL COURTS & PLAY AREA GET $500K RENOVATION
CROWLEY’S
Photo Credit: Dominick Totino
Majority Leader Van Bramer, with Annie Cotton-Morris on his right & Geraldine Venson on his left On Friday, March 4th, Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer, Annie Cotton-Morris, President of the Woodside Tenants Association, community members, and youth broke ground on the nearly $500,000 improvement of basketball courts and play area at the Woodside Houses in Queens. After being poorly maintained for many years, the courts became deteriorated and uneven, posing safety hazards to the young people who play basketball and other sports on the court, as well as community residents. An integral out-
door space, the basketball courts at Woodside Houses host the annual Woodside Classics, a youth basketball tournament that draws hundreds of sports fans from around the City to the neighborhood. “The residents of Woodside Houses deserve a modern basketball court and play area, not one that has fallen into disrepair,” said Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer. “I’m proud to have secured half a million dollars to get the project done for youth, seniors, and residents in this community.” (continued from page 2)
FREE
SUNNYSIDE CELEBRATION by Patricia Dorfman
High-spirited guests were elbow to elbow at Sidetracks Bar and Restaurant on Queens Boulevard in Sunnyside at Joseph Crowley’s annual St. Patrick’s Day party. Congressman Joe spent the day in Sunnyside, greeting breakfast attendees at the Anoroc Club on 47 th Street near Greenpoint, speaking and marching the Skillman St. Pat’s for All parade on Skillman Avenue, and
then hosting his own popular event. As he often does, Joe played Irish favorites to an appreciative audience on the guitar as part of a band, and welcomed guest vocalist Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, as well as Public Advocate Letitia James who showed her ballroom dancing skills. Waiters and barkeeps worked like soldiers. Mary Sullivan, Sidetracks Manager warmly greeted all, as did Crowley staffers includ-
To Advertise E-mail SSabba@WoodsideHerald.com or call 718-729-3772
ing Sunnysider Ricky Chawla, and Angela Dendekker handed out green necklaces to eager partygoers. If one wanted to find out the inside political news of the Democratic persuasion, converse with the elected movers and shakers of Queens or their staffers, or just get started in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, this two-hour gathering was the time and place to convene. (continued on page 4)
THE WOODSIDE HERALD
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FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2016
(continued from front page)
$500K WOODSIDE RENOVATION
“We’ve been working to get repairs for this basketball court since 1985,” said Annie Cotton-Morris, President of the Woodside Tenants Association. “This is more than just a basketball court—it’s an important axis and gathering place for our community. I’m glad that we can finally break ground on improvements that will make these
courts up to date.” Barshea Brown and Malik Campell, participants in the Woodside Classics Basketball Tournament, also spoke about their own experiences playing basketball in the community, and importance of the court as a community hub and space for youth to learn healthy life skills. This groundbreaking is just
one of many efforts undertaken by Majority Leader Van Bramer to improve conditions, especially outdoor spaces, for NYCHA residents. Other victories have included working with the Administration to secure $87 million in funds for roof replacements at Queensbridge and the nearly $6 million to restore the Queensbridge Seawall and park house.
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43-15 46TH ST. SUNNYSIDE, N.Y.
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Weekday, Evening and Saturday Hours by Appointment
FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2016
THE WOODSIDE HERALD
COMMERCIAL CYCLIST
SAFETY BILL
On March 9th, 2016, Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer and Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Chair of Committee on Transportation, introduced a bill to ensure that all businesses that employ commercial cyclists follow the same regulations to ensure people who make deliveries by bike. The bill expands upon Majority Leader Van Bramer’s Local Law 52 of 2012. Local Law 52 was part of a package of bills, which require that businesses that employ commercial cyclists must provide their cyclist with a bell, reflective vests, reflectors for bike wheels, and a bike helmet. Companies must also give cyclists a sign identifying the business they work for and a cyclist ID card. The businesses must also maintain a roster of commercial cyclists and provide information in the workplace about safe cycling. Under current laws governing commercial cyclists, only businesses that work with commercial cyclists as employees are
required to follow these rules. The new bill closes the loophole so that companies such as Amazon.com, UberEATs, and Seamless, who employ commercial cyclists as independent contractors, must also conform to the law. The bill also requires that all businesses who employ commercial cyclists conduct a safety training, which companies that employ independent contractors, such as Amazon and UberEATS, are not currently required to do. “It shouldn’t matter if a commercial cyclist is working for a mom-and-pop pizza parlor or UberEATS—both types of businesses must follow the same laws to keep cyclists and pedestrians safe,” said Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer. “Working as an independent contractor shouldn’t mean working in unsafe conditions. My bill guarantees all commercial cyclists the same safety protections, such as helmets and reflective vests, and requires that all businesses follow the rules.” “This bill brings common sense safety parity for anyone riding a bike to make deliveries,” said Transportation Committee Chair Ydanis Rodriguez. “If a business is employing cyclists in New York City, they should adequately provide for the safety of these often vulnerable workers. I am proud to co-sponsor this bill with my colleague Majority Leader Van Bramer as the safety of our city’s workforce will be made stronger with its passage, as well as the safety of all who use our streets.”
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THE WOODSIDE HERALD
(continued from front page)
FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2016 Photo Credit: Pat Dorfman
CROWLEY’S SUNNYSIDE CELEBRATION The large population of those of Irish descent in Sunnyside and Woodside, from long ago or recent, make this time of year festive for all, young and old, and the Congressman entertained and showed all who came a very good time.
To Advertise E-mail SSabba@WoodsideHerald.com or call 718-729-3772
FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2016 (continued from front page)
The New York City Fire Department Pipe Band led the way, their pipes echoing down our brick-walled streets in much the same way they haunted the highlands of Scotland and Ireland. At least 30 different groups followed their lead up the long slope up to 52nd Street then down again into the heart of Woodside. Local ranks included Sunnyside Community Services, SUDDs Mutts, Kiwanis, Swim Strong Foundations, the LIC Boathouse, Star of the Sea Cadet Corp of Queens and the Bronx. Sympathetic groups from around the city included the the Lavender and Green Alliance, Jackson Heights Beautification Group, Shannon Gaels G.A.A., Transportation Alternatives, at least four Pride groups, the Broad Channel Fire Department and Catholic Workers. Standouts included the Rude Mechanical Orchestra, a NYC-based 30 piece marching band organized specifically to support events organized in the cause of social justice. The Marching Cobras, a NYC-based group that involves youth in socially positive activities sent their Drumline and their Sapphire Dancers, both
THE WOODSIDE HERALD Photo Credit: Pat Dorfman
of whom impressed the local crowds with their precision performances. Preparations began months in advance. Brendan Fay and Kathleen Walsh D’Arcy lead almost 30 members of the St. Patrick’s for All organization to recruit grand marshals, lay the groundwork administer the details and bring in sponsors in order to make it all happen. The celebration officially begins in Manhattan with a concert at the Irish Arts Center on Friday night, Last minute details settle all through Saturday. Locally, supporting members of the Queens Democratic party offer a complimentary breakfast at the Anorac Democratic Club on 47th St. Claret wine bar on 46th St. host the Grand Marshalls, this year Loretta Brennan Glucksman and Colum McCann, and other parade dignitaries so they can meet and greet members of the press. Malachy McCourt, brother to Frank who wrote Angel’s Ashes, patiently answered many queries before taking his seat in a carriage drawn by Samson, the horse who has represented the carriage horse industry by parading through the neighborhood in years past. To Advertise E-mail SSabba@WoodsideHerald.com or call 718-729-3772
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THE WOODSIDE HERALD
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FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2016
RDC MEETING FRIDAY, MARCH 11TH @7PM Celebrating Irish-American Heritage Month with Guest Speaker: Ian McGowan, Historian Learn about the Irish-American Athletic Club of Sunnyside/Woodside. This presentation will include a brief history of the organization as well as a slide show of rare and historic photos. Ridgewood Democratic Club, 6070 Putnam Avenue, Ridgewood For more information call: David Aglialoro - (917) 574-7867
LEGAL NOTICE • LEGAL NOTICE • LEGAL NOTICE • LEGAL NOTICE • LEGAL NOTICE • LEGAL NOTICE • LEGAL NOTICE File No.: 2015-530/A CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK BY THE GRACE OF GOD, FREE AND INDEPENDENT TO: Nancy Crosby, Susan Bonotto, Stephanie Fay, Attorney General of the State of New York The unknown distributees, legatees, devisees, heirs at law and assignees of Joan Zois, deceased, or their estates, if any there be, whose names, places of residence and post office addresses are unknown to the petitioner and cannot with due diligence be ascertained. Being the persons interested as creditors, legatees, distributees or otherwise in the Estate of Joan Zois, deceased, who at the time of death was a resident of 45-35 46th Street, 3F, Woodside, NY 11377, in the County of Queens, State of New York. SEND GREETING: Upon the petition of LOIS M. ROSENBLATT, Public Administrator of Queens County, who maintains her office at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, Queens County, New York 11435, as Administrator of the Estate of Joan Zois, deceased, you and each of you are hereby cited to show cause before the Surrogate at the Surrogate’s Court of the County of Queens, to be held at the Queens General Courthouse, 6th Floor, 8811 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, City and State of New York, on the 28th day of April, 2016 at 9:30 o’clock in the forenoon, why the Account of Proceedings of the Public Administrator of Queens County, as Administrator of the Estate of said deceased, a copy of which is attached, should not be judicially settled, and why the Surrogate should not fix and allow a reasonable amount of
compensation to GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ., for legal services rendered to petitioner herein in the amount of $22,267.28 and that the Court fix the fair and reasonable additional fee for any services to be rendered by GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ., hereafter in connection with proceedings on kinship, claims etc., prior to entry of a final Decree on this accounting in the amount of 6% of assets or income collected after the date of the within accounting; and why the Surrogate should not fix and allow an amount equal to one percent on said Schedules of the total assets on Schedules A, A1, and A2 plus any additional monies received subsequent to the date of this account, as the fair and reasonable amount payable to the Office of the Public Administrator for the expenses of said office pursuant to S.C.P.A. §1106(4); and why each of you claiming to be a distributee of the decedent should not establish proof of your kinship; and why the balance of said funds should not be paid to said alleged distributees upon proof of kinship, or deposited with the Commissioner of Finance of the City of New York should said alleged distributees default herein, or fail to establish proof of kinship, Dated, Attested and Sealed 29th day of February, 2016 HON. PETER J. KELLY Surrogate, Queens County, Margaret M. Gribbon Clerk of the Surrogate’s Court GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ. (718) 4599000, 95-25 Queens Boulevard, 11th Floor, Rego Park, New York 11374 This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not obliged to appear in person. If you fail to appear it will be assumed that you do not object to the relief requested unless you file formal legal, verified objections. You have a right to have an
attorney-at-law appear for you. Accounting Citation 3/11/16, 3/ 18/16, 3/25/16, 4/1/16 ADMINISTRATION CITATION FILE NO.: 2015-4127 SURROGATE’S COURT Queens COUNTY CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO: The heirs at law, next of kin, and distributes of Rowena Alston, deceased, if living, and if any of them be dead to their heirs at law, next of kin, distributes, legatees, executors, administrators, assignees and successors in interest whose names are unknown and cannot be ascertained after due diligence. Queens County Public Administrator Kate Smith A petition having been duly filed by Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc., who is domiciled at 2727 Spring Creek Drive, Spring, TX, 77373. YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Queens County at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York on April 14, 2016, at 9:30 a.m. in the forenoon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of Rowena Alston Lately domiciled at 11211 168th Street, Jamaica, NY 11433 In the County of Queens, New York, granting Letters of Limited Administration upon the estate of the decedent to Kate Smith and if she defaults then to The Queens County Public Administrator, and if they are permitted to renounce then to petitioners nominee, Scott Gordon, Esq. upon duly qualifying. That the authority of the representative under the foregoing letters be limited as follows:
To represent the estate of the decedent in a foreclosure action on property located at 112-11 168th Street, Jamaica, NY 11433 which action was commenced by the filing of a summons and complaint on May 24, 2013, under Index Number 701910/2013. HON. PETER J. KELLY SURROGATE Margaret M. Gribbon Chief Clerk Dated, Attested and Sealed February 17, 2016 (SEAL) Name of Attorney for Petitioner Linda P. Manfredi, Esq. Frenkel, Lambert, Weiss, Weisman & Gordon, LLP Address for Attorney 53 Gibson Street, Bayshore, NY 11706 Tele. No. 631-969-3100 NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney-at-law appear for you. 3/4/16, 3/11/16, 3/18/16, 3/ 25/16 NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: QUEENS COUNTY. NYCTL 2014-A TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN FOR NYCTL 2014-A TRUST, Pltf. vs. JOSEPH VELLA, et al, Defts. Index #703729/2015. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale dated Feb. 11, 2016, I will sell at public auction in Courtroom #25 of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY on Apr. 15, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. prem. k/a Block 743, Lot 16. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. CHRISTINA CLINE, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY. #87980 3/11/16, 3/18/ 16, 3/25/16, 4/1/16
To Advertise E-mail SSabba@WoodsideHerald.com or call 718-729-3772
Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on JAN 13, 2016, bearing Index Number NC000943-15/QU a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, grants me (us) the right to: Assume the name of (First) NYIMA (Last) DHONDUP My present name is (First) LOBSANG (Middle) DHONDUP (Last) GYADATSANG (infant) My present address is 35-33 64 th Street, Apt. #3F, Woodside, NY 113772338 My place of birth is QUEENS, NY My date of birth is February 28, 2010
Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on JAN 13 2016, bearing Index Number NC000916-15/QU a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, grants me (us) the right to: Assume the name of (First) SHIRIN (Last) HIJAB My present name is (First) CHRISTOPHER (Middle) DAVID (Last) JOHNSON AKA CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, AKA CHRISTOPHER D. JOHNSON My present address is 53-01 32 nd Avenue, Apt. #2D, Woodside, NY 11377-1901 My place of birth is PROVIDENCE, RI My date of birth is January 23, 1993
Woodside Herald Public Legal Notices For More Information Please Email Sherilyn Sabba at ssabba@woodsideherald.com Phone: (718) 729-3772
FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2016
THE WOODSIDE HERALD
SAYING GOODBYE
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Photo Credit:
Kenny Medrano, Jason Banrey, Jimmy Van Bramer by Patricia Dorfman
Community Board 2 and attendees wished Jason Banrey well as he said farewell at the March 3 public meeting at Sunnyside Community Services in Sunnyside. Barney is joining the staff of Department of Transportation. Banrey was Deputy Chief of Staff and Media Public Policy Director for Councilmember Majority Leader
FREE GENEALOGICAL WORKSHOP Hosted by National Daughters of the American Revolution
Patricia Dorfman
Jimmy Van Bramer and he represented Van Bramer at the monthly meetings. CB2 chairman Pat O’Brien congratulated Jason, who said he very much-respected Community Board 2. Van Bramer also introduced new staffer Kenny Medrano who would be his new liaison at the board’s meetings. Medrano is well known in the community for
his work with the Boys and Girl’s Club. ((Arielle Swernoff had already stepped in as Communications Director of Van Bramer’s staff, taking Banrey’s place.((Van Bramer got a big laugh during the announcement of the transition of personnel at CB2 meetings, when he noted, “I thank Jason and I think we can safely say we will be calling more on the D.O.T.”
Sunday, March 13th at the Sunnyside Community Services located at 43-31 39th Street, Sunnyside, New York 11104 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The workshop is open to anyone interested in working on their family tree. Women wishing to join DAR will find assistance especially useful. No registration is required. For Information Contact: Leslie Wickham darqueens@gmail.com
ER TE N LU VO
The River Fund New York is a client choice food pantry and social service organization. We serve all of Queens and Brooklyn. Our pantry serves anywhere between 800-1000 families every Saturday. We’re partnering with Rock and Wrap it Up for their Mardi Bra initiative. FemiTo Advertise E-mail SSabba@WoodsideHerald.com or call 718-729-3772
nine hygiene products are expensive and necessary; and not covered by Food Stamps. Girls/ladies who need food from our pantry cannot afford feminine products. We, here at The River Fund will be a drop off site and also a donation site. We’re looking for other sites to hold their own Mardi Bra initiatives. Won’t you, your office, your organization, your restaurant please consider being a drop off site or holding a drive? Donations can be collected thru 2/9 and we will gladly come and pick up the donations sometime after Mardi Gras. We can provide posters and receptacles. Please call kris at 646-552-8165 for more information.
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THE WOODSIDE HERALD
FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2016
Continued From Page 5
by David Rosasco
As the long continuity of the mission of the youth to assemble and power the revival of an entire United States zip code now forces their seemingly limitless desire to extend their area of operations, each moment they gather themselves brings new youth to the forefront of this actual miracle, summed up best by Deeba Adil, 7th grade student as IS 126, stating “I never thought fixing Woodside would be so much fun until I had the chance to paint over graffiti.” In another long day of civic minded service with purpose was launched on Saturday, March 5, the youth and missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in significant numbers, starting with a large-scale mulching of street trees along 65th Place between Woodside and Roosevelt Avenues, a total of 28 tree beds mulched with 25 bags of natural cedar mulch procured from NY Garden World funded yet again by Mustafa Arshad, owner of Sign Media International. The task included a detailed cleaning effort along this same long street. With the daylight just beginning to extend into later hours, the youth again reassembled to perform another vast graffiti removal and cleaning operations heading south to 69th Street To Advertise E-mail SSabba@WoodsideHerald.com or call 718-729-3772
and Queens Boulevard, heading southeast towards the very southeastern border with Maspeth at 72nd Street and 48th Avenue close to St. Mary’s Parish, the youth subdividing themselves across a three-block radius performing individual assignments. Having recovered an unexpected volume of litter, and with nightfall approaching over the horizon, but with the youth still expected to earn a triumph even if it meant retiring under darkness, large remaining elements moved north to 47th Avenue at 69th Street then east until this road disappears into the south side of Queens Boulevard, then east once more, crossing over the border into Elmhurst, absorbing new areas of this neighboring community. This triumph of having completed three major projects in a single day was made more historic as the youth arrived at the terminal end of the work for the day being 76th Street and Queens Boulevard, removing more graffiti and repainting everything in their path. Jackie Alvarez, 11th grade student at the Dominican Academy and a leader among the youth over many months of selfless service, observed, as operations ceased “That was an amazing experience that is creating a new generation of young people who want to be together and serve.”