Merchants and Pols Celebrate Tree Lighting at
Transcription
Merchants and Pols Celebrate Tree Lighting at
T I MES QUEENS Published for the Borough of Queens VOLUME 17, NO. 51 T V/Radio Host THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012 Support Our Troops Wear Blue Every Friday May all our readers remember the beautiful children and the bravest teachers that lost their lives in the horrible Newtown tragedy. Please remember them in your prayers Undercover Operation Leads To Arrest Of Five Individuals For Gun Trafficking In Southeast Queen Joining District Attorney Brown in the one photo are members of the NYPD’s Queens District Attorney’s Squad and the NYPD’s Firearms Investigations Unit, as well as Queens prosecutors. Among those pictures are (third from the left) Captain John M. Zanfardino, commander of the NYPD QDA Squad, Assistant District Attorney Philip D. Anderson (behind D.A. Brown) and (second from right) NYPD Lieutenant Keith Gallagher, who is assigned to the QDA Squad. (12.12.2012) See story on page 9. 25 CENTS Merchants and Pols Celebrate Tree Lighting at Diversity Plaza Pictured from l to r: Jackson Heights Bangladeshi Business Association President Mohammed Pier, Jackson Heights Indian Merchants Association President Shiv Dass, NYS Assemblyman Francisco Moya, Congressman Joseph Crowley, SUKHI NY Founder Agha Saleh, SUKHI NY President Shazia Kausar, SUKHI NY Member Dr. Mohammed Shabaz, NYS Senator Toby Stavisky and NYC Council Member Daniel Dromm (front row). See story on page 2 Clinton Democratic Club Holds Holiday Party Pictured, L to R: Public Safety Chairman/Candidate for Queens Borough President Peter F. Vallone, Jr.; CDC Past President John Dorsa; CCDC President Paul Vallone; Assemblymember-Elect Ron Kim; and Former Speaker of New York City Council Peter F. Vallone. Not pictured: AsssemblymemberElect Nily Rozic; Candidate for Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. See story on page 2. One Edition for ALL of Queens! Visit our website at www.queenstimes.com THE QUEENS TIMES PAGE 2 Leo‘s Latticini Fresh Mozzerella Daily “Mama’s” 718-898-6069 46-02 104th St., Corona Heights, N.Y. Join The Order Sons Of Italy Joseph Lisa Lodge 2762 Corona Heights Queens New York 718-606-8202 Subscribe to the Queens Times Your Local Newspaper-One Edition for All Of Queens Just $28.50 per year... and have the paper delivered to your door by US Mail Please Enter my Subscription For One Year Name .............................................................................. Address .......................................................................... City..................................................Zip........................... Please make check payable to: Queens Times and mail to 48-08 111th St., Corona Heights, NY 11368 Published every week by C.T. Publishing Corp. 48-08 111th Street • Corona Heights, New York 11368 Phone (718) 592-2196 • FAX (718) 592-2174 Web Site: www.queenstimes.com email: editor@queenstimes.com James C. Lisa .............................................. Publisher/Editor Lew Scala .............................. Associate Publisher/Webmaster Joseph V. Dorsa ..............Assistant Editor/Photo Journalist Lou Duro . ............................... International Correspondent Merle Exit ....................................Arts/Entertainment Editor Robert Elkin ....................................................... Sports Editor Nicole Rescigno................................................Office Manager The Queens Times is published weekly by C T Publications, Inc. for an annual subscription charge of $28.50, mail subscription request to Queens Times, 48-08 111th St., Corona Heights, NY 11368. Send address changes to Queens Times at 48-08 111th St., Corona Heights, NY 11368. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012 State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky And Assemblyman Ed Braunstein Applaud Governor And Speaker’s Commitment To Pass Retroactive Co-Op Tax Abatement Last June, the Senate and Assembly ended their legislative session without extending the vital New York City co-op tax abatement for another four years. At the time, legislative leaders, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Governor Andrew Cuomo reached a deal to pass a new improved co-op tax abatement, proposed by Assemblyman Braunstein, which would increase benefits to middle-class co-op owners. Under the agreement, the legislature expected to return to Albany after the November elections to pass the co-op bill. The Mayor’s office agreed to continue to issue tax bills at a lower rate with the expectation that any new tax abatement would be implemented retroactively. Due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy, the Governor decided that a special legislative session would not be held so that lawmakers and state officials could focus their efforts on the recovery. Understandably, many co-op owners became concerned about the fate of the tax abatement legislation. Today, Assemblyman Braunstein and Senator Stavisky announced that they have received assurances from Governor Cuomo and Speaker Silver that they are committed to extending the co-op tax abatement retroactively with the changes proposed by Assemblyman Braunstein. Governor Cuomo said: “The Assembly, Senate and Governor Cuomo reached an agreement, at the end of Session last June, on tax relief legislation they have all stated will be taken up when legislators return to Albany. When the legislation is signed into law, the tax abatement will be retroactive and condo and co-op owners will be held harmless.” Speaker Silver said: “At the end of session we reached an agreement on a comprehensive bill that will cut taxes for the vast majority of condo and co-op owners who pay a disproportionate share of the city’s property tax burden. The city has indicated that it will issue tax bills based on these new tax rates, and we will pass the bill when we return to Albany.” Senator Stavisky said: “I appreciate the Governor and Speaker’s support for the co-op share holders and condo unit owners,” said Senator Stavisky. “People are terrified that their maintenance fees will increase and their strong statement should allay these fears. While nothing is ever absolute in Albany, the Governor and Speaker have given their commitment to resolving this problem and I thank them.” Assemblyman Braunstein said: “Many co-op owners in Northeast Queens have contacted my office to express their concern regarding the extension of the co-op tax abatement,” said Assemblyman Braunstein. “They are nervous that they will see a substantial increase in their maintenance costs if the abatement is allowed to expire. Therefore, it is reassuring to receive a commitment from the Governor and the Speaker to pass an extension retroactively. I want to thank Governor Cuomo and Speaker Silver for their leadership on this issue.” Merchants and Pols Celebrate Tree Lighting at Diversity Plaza (Continued from page 1) At ceremony held on Friday, Congressman Joseph Crowley, NYC Council Member Daniel Dromm, NYS Senator Toby Stavisky and Assembly Members Francisco Moya and Michael DenDekker joined 37th Road Diversity Plaza Partner SUKHI NY in celebrating the first-ever Christmas tree lighting at the plaza. The 14’ tree was an in-kind donation of an 80 yr. old Muslim woman who wished to remain anonymous. Prior to lighting the tree, organizers along with elected officials and the 37th Road merchants, held a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting which took place earlier in the day. The event, which included Christmas music performed by local Mariachi band, Mariachi Internacional de Marlo Ponce, marked the culmination of a yearlong effort to bring programming reflective of the neighborhood’s diversity to the plaza. Earlier this year, organizers held a 5-day Eid bazaar, a candlelight vigil in observance of 9/11, four presidential debate watch parties and an election victory celebration. In all, thousands have been drawn to the plaza helping to patronize the merchants on 37th Road, increase civic engagement within the community, and even offer local artists a much needed space to showcase their work. Through their commitment to ensuring the plaza’s success, SUKHI NY has added a great level of vibrancy to the neighborhood. Clinton Democratic Club Holds Holiday Party (Continued from page 1) The Clinton Democratic Club held its Holiday Party on Wednesday, December 12 at Patrizia’s of Bayside. The festive atmosphere was topped off with the spirit of giving. A small mountain of toys was once again collected for FreeMAT (Freedom Medical Aid Team), an organization that collects toys for children who have parents from our area currently serving our country. Councilman Peter F. Vallone, Jr., Candidate for Queens Borough President outlined his distinguished career in public safety and community service as the cornerstones for his campaign. Also in attendance were Assemblymember-Elect Nily Rozic and AssemblymemberElect Ron Kim.. Both thanked the Club for all their help in their hard fought victories and wished everyone a happy holiday. President Paul Vallone gave the Year-in-Review, distributed poinsettia plants to all, and told everyone to join him for a major announcement at his New Year’s Party on January 8 at Verdi’s. The Club also celebrated Hon. Peter Valone’s 78th Birthday as well as Clinton Democratic Club Board Member Joe DiMartino’s 75th Birthday. President Vallone also wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a healthy, blessed New Year. City Council Creates Transparency Within Property Tax System On December 10th, the City Council passed legislation cosponsored by Council Member Peter F. Vallone Jr. which requires the Department of Finance to create a brochure explaining the New York City Property Tax System. The brochure will include a timeline of deadlines, a description of how the department determines market value and assesses value for all class one and two properties, and a description of how property tax exemptions and abatements are decided, among other information. It will be written in plain English and be published on the department’s website starting on January 15th, 2013. “People need to know why the heck the amount they pay in property taxes goes up year after year despite the fact that the Council hasn’t raised taxes. This is due to state law and state regulations regarding assessments, which need to be changed,” said Council Member Vallone. “The first step toward changing our ever-rising taxes is to understand what is going on.” Council Member Vincent Ignizio said, “In order to understand our property tax bills, we must understand the system behind it.” Visit Our Website : www.queenstimes.com THE QUEENS TIMES THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012 Retirement Plan Limits Increase in 2013 By Jason Alderman When it comes to making New Year’s resolutions, getting into good shape financially ranks right up there with losing weight and eating healthier. All three goals require discipline and planning; and, as you’ve no doubt experienced, it’s not unusual to encounter setbacks along the way. Don’t let losing a minor battle here or there convince you to surrender on the bigger war. You’ll probably have more success if you start out taking small steps, learning from your mistakes and gaining momentum as you go. Here are a few suggestions for better managing your personal finances in the New Year: The first step on the road to financial health is to create a budget you can live with. If you’re new to budgeting or haven’t been successful in the past, start slowly. For a few months write down every cent you spend: mortgage/rent, utilities, food, gas, medical copayments, credit card interest – the works. You’ll be surprised where you money goes. At the same time, compare money coming in (income) to money going out (expenses). If you’re just breaking even or losing money each month, you need to boost your income and/or aggressively trim spending. Try these strategies: • Pay bills on time and send at least the minimum amount due. You’ll avoid late fees and related interest rate increases; plus, you’ll improve your credit score. • Balance your checking account regularly and use in-network ATMs to avoid overdrafts and fees. • If your employer offers flexible spending accounts, use them to pay health and dependent care expenses with pretax dollars. • Raise insurance deductibles and shop around for better rates. Once you start reducing expenses, use the savings to pay down debts more quickly. Try making a table of all outstanding credit card and loan balances and their corresponding interest rates. Then, each month pay the minimum amount due on each – except pay as much as possible on the account with the highest interest rate. Once that one’s paid off, move to the next-highest rate account and so on. Another smart move is to have an emergency fund in case of financial upheaval (layoff, medical emergency, unexpected car repairs, etc.) Ideally you should save enough to cover six months’ of expenses, but don’t be discouraged if that sounds insurmountable: Start slowly by saving a few dollars each week. You won’t miss it and your little nest egg might just save you from needing an expensive short-term loan to cover an unplanned bill. If something terrible happened to you, would your family be protected financially? Make sure you have a valid will, durable power of attorney, health care proxy and living will. Numerous books, online articles and sample forms are available if you want to draft them yourself, but you should probably review your documents with a financial advisor or attorney to avoid potential legal problems. Also, make sure you have adequate life and disability insurance. It’s debatable how much Social Security will be able to contribute toward your retirement income in coming decades, so if you’re not already participating in your employer’s 401(k) plan or an IRA, make that one of your top financial resolutions. Sticking to resolutions is never easy – if it were, we’d already be doing them. But striving to improve your financial situation now will pay off big-time down the road. PAGE 3 F O R E S T (718) 271-9887 H I l L S Beer Distributors 45-20 108th Street Corona Heights, NY Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ PracticalMoney. It’s In Queens! (Dec. 20 through Dec. 26) Christmas is here, and aficionados of Judaism are in for a treat. An Astoria eatery will hold its second annual feast/entertainment extravaganza featuring Jewish and Chinese cuisine and culture on Dec. 24. Those looking for more traditional Yuletide activities can attend Nutcracker and Scrooge performances, eat breakfast with Santa Claus and attend a hip hop event with the Jolly Man in Red. Here’s the rundown. • Dec. 20, Lilith: Mother of Dreams, 7 pm. Called “a modern American suitcase opera,” this is the debut project of four long-time colleagues. Spaneas, the artist-inresidence at the Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts, is an award-winning, globe-trotting composer, multi-wind soloist and Fullbright specialist. Honigsberg is an award-winning poet, philosopher and active multi-instrumentalist. Rohm is a much sought after dramatic soprano, and Siranovich is a well-noted opera and symphony conductor and pianist. $10 suggested donation. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., (718) 463-7700, schoi@flushingtownhall. org, www.flushingtownhall.org. • Dec. 21, Irish Movie Night, 7:30 pm. Two Emerald Isle flicks will be screened. The Dead (1987), John Huston’s last film, is an adaptation of James Joyce’s love letter to the land of his ancestors and the country where his children grew up. Cluck (2011) is a comedy short about a feathered friend who upsets a family’s pecking order. $11/$6 seniors, students, unemployed/free for anyone displaced by Hurricane Sandy and members of the press. Pre-show discounted bar until 8:10 pm; showtime at 8:15 pm. New York Irish Center, 10-40 Jackson Ave., Long Island City, (718) 482-0909, www.newyorkirishcenter.org. • Dec. 21, The Prodigal Scrooge: A Holiday Gospel Faith Musical, 7 pm. Ozone Park’s New Life Apostolic Church presents Ebenezer Scrooge as an arrogant, wealthy casino owner who lives a lavish lifestyle on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Though once a faithful servant of Christ, he allows his determination for success to overshadow all aspects of his life. On Christmas Eve, three messengers from God visit Scrooge. He soon finds himself revisiting his abusive childhood and lost love from years past. This unique musical fuses the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol with the New Testament parable of the The Prodigal Son. $15-$20. Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave., (718) 618-6170, info@jamaicaperformingartscenter.org, www. jamaica-performingartscenter.org. • Dec. 22, The Nutcracker: A Christmas Celebration, 1 pm & 3 pm. Tchaikovsky’s classic music comes to life and introduces children to the story of Clara’s Nutcracker. Visit the Enchanted Forest with its magical, dancing snowflakes and the wondrously beautiful Sugarplum Fairy in the Kingdom of the Sweets. $16/$12 members, children/$10 member children. Flushing Town Hall, 13735 Northern Blvd., (718) 463-7700, schoi@flushingtownhall.org, www. flushingtownhall.org. • Dec. 22, Breakfast with Santa, 8:30 am – 10 am. Guests get a Polaroid photo with Santa Claus and a buffet including scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausage, pancakes, bacon, toast, orange juice and coffee or tea. Proceeds from the breakfasts will go to the Rockaway Waterfront Alliance’s relief efforts related to Hurricane Sandy. Four Applebee’s restaurants: Bayside, 213-29 26th Ave.; Rego Park, 95-25 Queens Blvd.; Astoria, 38-01 35th Ave; and Fresh Meadows, 61-48 188th St. To buy tickets or make a reservation, contact Rob MacKay from the Queens Economic Development Corporation at (718) 263-0546, ext. 12, or rmackay@queensny.org. • Dec. 24, Woks and Lox, 8 pm. A Jewish/Chinese nosh party! Celebrated chef Chichi Wang takes care of the menu, but there will also be Mah Jong, a Bar Mitzvah-esque sign-in board, a Chinese auction with prizes and other forms of Jewish and Chinese-inspired fun. (Auction proceeds will go to Jews for Racial & Economic Justice and the Committee Against Anti-Asian Violence.) $28. The Queens Kickshaw, 40-17 Broadway, Astoria. 718.777.0913, info@thequeenskickshaw.com,www.thequeenskickshaw.com. • Dec. 26, The Finest Christmas Ever, 7 pm. Have a hip hop holiday with Santa Claus. Performers include Queenz Finest, ESOTA, Elite Ladies, Epitome of Dance, Ballet International Africans, Kira and the Soca Sirens, Nukstar, Mayo Bass and Ayo Da Don. $20. Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave., (718) 618-6170, info@ jamaica-performingartscenter.org, www.jamaica-performingartscenter.org. The “It’s In Queens” column is produced by the Queens Tourism Council with the hope that readers will enjoy the borough’s wonderful attractions. GUARDIAN ANGEL Bathroom Safety Professional Installers of Assistant SAFETY RAILS 718-314-7474 GuardianAngelSaftey@gmail.com THE QUEENS TIMES PAGE 4 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012 Gino A. Orrino Principal License Representative LET’S KILL GRANDMA AFTER MUMMENSCHANZ by Merle Exit Let’s Kill Grandma This Christmas. Is it a mystery or comedy? There’s really no mystery, it’s just plain SICK! Ya gotta have that sense of humor to enjoy this witty play aka “The Other F**king Christmas Story”. Present time, Christmas Eve. A dingy dilapidated great room of Grandma Cathy’s (Roxie Lucas) rundown Victorian home. Furniture is completely outdated and a big picture of a Native American chief hangs crookedly next to the entrance to the kitchen. Get the idea? A wooden table sits in the center of the stage with several chairs around it. Brett (Kevin O’Donnell) is relaxed on the couch nest to a small stack of Christmas gifts. This is the house of Jen’s (Brandi Nicole Wilson) grandma, who is married to Brett. We learn immediately that according to granny’s will, she will inherit the house and is not really thrilled with the idea, since her sister Leigh (Katie Webber) is due to inherit two million dollars. Leigh is married to Carl (James Wirt) a wimpy, nerdy guy. One more character is Ray (Adam Mucci) a wheelchair bound exmarine whose disability stems from the Vietnam War. He is the brother of Brett. Everyone wants to get their inheritance as quick as possible and the solution is to off grandma. From the moment grandma Cathy enters, we get that she has a “potty” mouth and personality to match. The question is, who is going to do the deed? Well, why not have the stronger grandson-inlaw persuade the nerdy grandsonin-law to kill her off? Especially when you have a funny character to boot? But then there is a hitch. It appears that grandma is a cougar. Ray and her fall in love, set to marry and now the will gets changed. Perhaps grandma should be offed before the wedding? So, that’s the story. Roxie Lucas and James Wirt get the funniest characters and that’s what stands out in this outrageous play written by Brian Gianci and produced by Robert Nicotra and John Dapolito. I attended the opening night performance with another writer, Mark Lord who wrote: “Here’s my take on “Let’s Kill Grandma This Christmas:” Overall, I enjoyed it quite a lot. But I thought the play had a hard time deciding what it was supposed to be: a comedy, a satire, a commentary on the state of the world today? Regardless, it did keep the laughs coming and maintained interest because of its many twists and turns. Certain aspects were predictable, such as the ultimate fate of Grandma Cathy. Other developments were really far-fetched, most particularly the relationship that develops between Cathy and Ray. The performances were uniformly good, most notably those of Roxie Lucas as the potty-mouthed Cathy and James Wirt as the nerdy, abused Carl. The set was quite realistic and benefited from great details.” Let’s Kill Grandma This Christmas is being performed at the Theatre at St. Clement’s, 423 W. 46th St. until January 6th. In a nut shell...you need a twisted mind like mine to enjoy the humor. www.letskillgrandmatheplay.com MUMMENSCHANZ is celebrating their 40th anniversary with a show at the NYU venue of Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. Trying to describe the type of performance is almost like giving a verbal description of how to tie your shoelaces. To make it easier I will give you their description. “The ordinary becomes extraordinary as common materials of everyday objects - wires, tubes, fabrics and different shapes spring to life as fantastic characters”. You will see 30 sketches of playful, colorful creatures. Non-verbal mime-masque theatrics with a cast of four includes Floriana Frasseto, the co-founder, who has been with the company since it originally performed in Paris in 1972. We all wish we were able to move that well as we age. How they do it is the awesome part of this and you can’t help but laugh as well. The actors are clad in black as about half of the sketches focus on the lit up costumes. You will view the creatures, characters, or whatnot going across the stage so it appears that there are no actors with them. At other times actors are inside the “creature” and move about to create the sketch. Okay, as an example...each of two actors were onstage “dressed” to focus more on their head than the rest of the body. Why? The eyes and other parts of their head were tubes of toilet paper. This captured a love scene between the two by using the toilet paper. As I said, it’s difficult to describe....you know...like...”you had to be there”. There are even times when the “character” comes off the stage and into the audience. One of the funniest was this huge “ball” that kept approaching the edge of the stage with some reluctance and then simply rolled into the audience and on top of a few folks. What is so fabulous about Mummenschanz is that it’s not limited to any type of audience. All of the kids in the audience were awe struck....you could hear them. Standing ovations and a few curtain calls. Mummenschanz is a masquerade of pure joy. Performances will be running until January 6, 2013. Check it out at www.mummenschanznyc.com On a whole other note. Do you have a sports fan that you’re looking to buy a gift for? Take, for instance, that they’re into the Brooklyn Nets. You can go to the NBA store in Manhattan, check out the “store” on the Brooklyn Nets’ website or you may get a better bargain by going to a website called, Fanatics as in www. fanatics.com. You don’t have to worry as to whether they are the real thing. I checked. What’s even greater is that they have gear for a slew of teams and of various sports, including the Olympics, which is perfect for either nostalgia, a fan of a foreign team or a college supporter of his or her team. Much clothing and collectibles as well. Check out: www.youtube.com/user/whirlwithmerle my blog on www.merleswhirls.blogspot.com CM Peter Koo Joins Colleagues and New Yorkers for Local Approval of Casinos in Support of Local Decision Making Concerning the effort now underway to amend New York’s constitution to allow up to seven full-scale privately owned casinos, Councilman Peter Koo joins other elected officials and New Yorkers for Local Approval of Casinos in supporting also a controlling local referendum or vote of the NYC Council to decide whether or not a casino should be built in any of the five boroughs of New York City. Councilman Peter Koo stated, “It is important that local representatives and residents are afforded the opportunity to approve whether or not a casino should be built in their neighborhood. Any large scale development can provide local benefits as well as create local problems. Therefore, it is important there is transparency and local input to maximize benefits and mitigate any problems associated with casinos.” “For something as consequential and impactful as the siting of a commercial casino, local approval either by the voters or their local legislative body is fundamentally fair and democratic. Our State Assembly members and Senators, and the Governor, should not proceed with amending the state constitution to allow casinos in New York until local approval has been included in the process.”-Michael Tobman, New Yorkers for Local Approval of Casinos. Multiple Markets with Competitive Rates Orrino Capital Services, LLC 46-13 104th St.,Orrino Plaza Corona Heights, NY 11368 718-606-0293 or 718-606-0294 Fax: 718-606-0295 All Forms of Insurance INCOME TAXES PREPARED COMPUTERIZED . . . Fast Service Electronic Filing - “Quick Refunds” For appointment call (718) 606-0293 or (718) 606-0294 or stop in. Open: Monday-Friday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm BIAGGI AND BIAGGI ATTORNEYS AT LAW SPECIALIZING IN PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION, REAL ESTATE AND ESTATE PRACTICE MARIO BIAGGI JR RICHARD BIAGGI 220 FIFTH AVENUE - SUITE 1702 NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10001 212-233-8000 EMAIL - MBIAGGI@220LAW.COM MELVYN K. ROTH Criminal Law - State & Federal Courts 516-683-8400 Fax: 516-683-8410 666 Old Country Road, Suite 501 Garden City, NY 11530-2004 The Bay Terrace Center Early Childhood Program Family Day Open House! Join us on Thursday, December 27 from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm for our Winter Family Day Open House. Meet new friends and engage in Fabulous Games, Music, Story Time and a Healthy Snack. Now is the perfect time to be a part of the wonderful things going on in this current school year. The Bay Terrace Center of the Samuel Field Y offers a dynamic early childhood program for children ages 2-5. Find out what many other families already know; that is your child was enrolled at the Bay Terrace Center of the Samuel Field Y, he or she could be sharing stories about his or her life, gaining independence, learning how to make choices, sharing, socializing and growing, learning how to use shapes, making new friends that will last a lifetime, learning skills such as retelling, comparing, describing, and questioning and enhancing his or her ever-growing vocabulary. Registration is ongoing! Contact Bradley Richman, Director of the Early Childhood Program to learn more and schedule a tour of the facility. The Bay Terrace Center of the Samuel Field Y, 212-00 23rd Avenue, Bayside, NY 11360. (718) 423-6111. The Bay Terrace Early Childhood Center: Building an educational community one family at a time. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012 THE QUEENS TIMES Queens Times Weekly ... Poets Corner HOROSCOPE For the Week of ... 12/20/12 - 12/26/12 For Entertainment Purposes Only ARIES (Mar. 21 - April 20) You should not give too much to your children. You must organize all your personal documents. Your lucky numbers are: 4,2,9. LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) You can win points with children if you take the time to show interest in their accomplishments. Your lucky numbers are: 7,1,9. TAURUS (Apr. 21 - May 21) Property investments, stock transactions or inheritance should bring you financial gains. Take some time to change your house around. Your lucky numbers are: 1,7,5. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Your need to obtain additional details will lead you into strange topics of conversation. Don’t v a c i l l a t e a b o u t a s k i n g fo r assistance. Your lucky numbers are 2,5,7. GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) You’ll look guilty if you don’t lay your cards on the table. Either way, you’re up for a passionate encounter with someone special. Your lucky numbers are: 2,9,1. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You can make major decisions regarding your professional direction. Your investments may not look so good now, but wait a little longer. Your lucky numbers are: 1,5,6. CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Try and get a quiet restful day in bed or catching up on reading. Opportunities for new friendships will develop soon. Your lucky numbers are: 5,1,6. LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) Be sure not to reveal private information to the wrong individuals. Be sure to find out all you can before you commit to anything. Your lucky numbers are: 1,7,3. VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Be prepared to neutralize any threats. Talk to an older, established individual about your present situation. Deal with the needs of children. Your lucky numbers are: 8,3,2. CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan. 20) Be very careful while in transit or while traveling in foreign countries. Travel will be in your best interest. Your lucky numbers are: 8,3,1. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) You may want to take a look at courses offered at a local institute. Don’t let someone try to bully you into doing things their way. Your lucky numbers are: 4,6,5. PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Your best gains will come through helping others emotionally. Drastic changes regarding your personal attitude are evident. Your lucky numbers are: 9,1,7. Did you know ...? If the Nile River were stretched across the United States, it would run just about from New York to Los Angeles. The thumbnail grows the slowest; the middle nail grows the fastest. PAGE 5 I See Christmas by Susan Varo Do you see Christmas everywhere This will just take a moment let me share So many things filled with merriment and mirth Like goodness in people and peace on earth Do you see Christmas in the eye Of those without hope who start to cry They need a Christmas right from the start That fills their hopes and their heart I see Christmas everywhere In acts of kindness of those who care More than just giving gifts away Let’s all light a love display Do you see Christmas somehow Not just today but tomorrow like now So many needing more to live So many having none to give I see Christmas anyway Just like I saw it yesterday No gift on Christmas is fine with me Just love underneath my tree Do you believe in Christmas everyday More than a moment but here to stay Within ourselves let us find Christmas to be a frame of mind Do you see Christmas at last Safety for children life’s storms have passed Where everyone can live and be free This is how it should just be I see Christmas everyone Let’s all rejoice when all this is done This is no time to live in fear I see Christmas everywhere The road to knowledge begins with the turn of the page To read our paper on your iphone or Android device Scan the QR Barcode with any FREE QR reader app Classified Drivers: Home Weekends. .44 cpm NE Dedicated. Chromed out trucks w/APU’s 70% Drop & Hook CDL-A, 6mos Exp. 888-406-9046 Visit us on Facebook : www.Facebook.com / Queenstimes TRY AND FIND HAPPY NEW YEAR A rat can last longer without water than a camel. Answer to Last Weeks “Try and Find It! Answer to Last Weeks “Sudoku” Acquaintance Band Bells Celebrate Cheer Entertain Festive Fireworks First Floats Football Friends Gregorian Happy Healthy Horn January Kindness Midnight New Noise Parade Party Prosperous Renewal Resolution Revelry Ring Start Success Wishes Year THE QUEENS TIMES PAGE 6 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012 Queens Assistant District Attorney Donna Aldea Awarded Prestigious New York City Bar Association Thomas E. Dewey Medal For Outstanding Work Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown announced that Queens Assistant District Attorney Donna Aldea, Counsel for Special Litigation in the District Attorney’s Legal Affairs Division, is the Queens County recipient of the eighth annual New York City Bar Association Thomas E. Dewey Medal. The Thomas E. Dewey Medal is awarded each year by the Association of the Bar of the City of New York to an outstanding assistant district attorney in each of the City’s five District Attorney’s offices and in the Office of the City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor. Special Litigation Counsel Donna Aldea accepted the award at a ceremony at the Association’s headquarters in Manhattan on Wednesday evening, December 12, 2012, which was attended by many of her colleagues. Ms. Aldea has worked in the Queens District Attorney’s Office for the past fourteen years, serving all of that time in the District Attorney’s Appeals Bureau. Her keen mind and sharp analytic ability has enabled her to handle some of the most difficult and challenging legal issues that the office has faced. Over the years, she has briefed, argued and edited more than two hundred and fifty criminal appeals and federal habeas corpus motions, including more than fifty homicide cases, as both Appellant and Respondent, in state and federal appellate courts. Many of the cases that she has litigated in a variety of areas have become the seminal cases in the field and shaped and changed the landscape of New York law. In one such case, Ms Aldea served on the Capital Litigation team and was the lead counsel in briefing Focusing on Foreclose Defense - Credit Card Defense Elder Law - Debt Relief Mention this Ad for a Free Consultation and oral argument of People v. John Taylor in the New York State Court of Appeals, relating to the constitutionality of New York’s death penalty statute. Another significant aspect of Ms. Aldea’s work has been her participation, from arrest through trial and appeal, as legal advisor in some of the office’s most important criminal prosecutions. A prime example was her involvement in People v. Mazoltuv Borukhova, a first degree murder case resulting in the conviction of the defendant for hiring her cousin to kill her husband in front of their four-year-old daughter. Ms. Aldea worked directly with the trial team from the outset through the preparation and conduct of the trial itself, as well as being responsible for drafting and arguing the many points of law raised before and during the trial. Ms. Aldea also successfully handled the appeal of the case. Remarkably, this was only one of several recent major prosecutions where Ms. Aldea acted in such a capacity. She has also been involved in three other complex and challenging homicide prosecutions in which she actively participated at trial and then took responsibility for the briefs and argument of the cases on appeal. The Thomas E. Dewey Medal was first awarded on November 29, 2005. Previous recipients of the award in Queens include: Julie Trivedi, Senior Assistant District Attorney, Narcotics Investigations Bureau (2011), Kristen Kane, Chief of the Elder Fraud Unit (2010), Marjory D. Fisher, Chief of the Special Victims Bureau (2009), James C. Quinn, Senior Executive Assistant District Attorney for Trials (2008), Johnette Trail, Deputy Chief of the Appeals Bureau (2007), Anthony Communiello, Chief of the Special Proceedings Bureau (2006) and Scott Kessler, Chief of the Domestic Violence Bureau (2005). Gifts for the Heart and Homes 79-24 37th Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Tel: 718.457.6970 fax: 718.457.6907 104th Street 2nd Annual Tree Lighting Anthony M. Battisti Attorney at Law Assemblyman Francisco Moya is pictured presenting gifts to the children that attended the 104th Street 2nd Annual Tree Lighting. In attendance joining in on the holiday spirit was Vijay Chaudhuri representing Congressman Joseph Crowley, James C. Lisa Community Mayor of Corona, and (not pictured) Council Members Julissa Ferreras, Council Member Daniel Dromm and CB#4Q Members. A special thanks goes to Al Perna for all his assistance in making this even so successful. 87-13 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385 Tel: 718-846-5843 Fax: 718-8466363 Bpr: 917-298-2729 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012 THE QUEENS TIMES Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! PAGE 7 Queens’ Finest Italian Restaurant Park Side Restaurant 107-01 Corona Ave. Corona Heights, NY (718) 271-9274 • (718) 271-9871 - Reservations Suggested - Congressman Joe Crowley 14th Congressional District Paid for by Crowley for Congress 150-07 14th Road Whitestone NY 11357 718-747-1111 Villaggio A New Family Restaurant with Old World Taste THE QUEENS TIMES PAGE 8 Expert: No Link Between Autism and Premeditated Violence As the nation looks for answers to why a gunman killed 26 people at a Connecticut elementary school, there’s speculation that he had Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism. But experts say it’s important to point out that there is no connection between the disorder and planned violence. Denise Sawan Caruso of the Autism Society of America says any suggestion that autism might have had an effect on the mindset that led to the shootings is harmful to the more than 1.5 million lawabiding, non-violent individuals who live with autism each day. “Having somebody do something as terrible as this and then saying across the board people with autism should be feared, especially with the number of individuals who are diagnosed with autism, could have terrible impact on treatment, awareness, understanding of the disability.” The shooter has been described as shy, socially awkward and anxious, which Sawan Caruso says are traits of autism, but also of many other disorders. “ (contd.) Podcast and entire story available: http://www. newsservice.org/index.php SBA Assistance for Condo and Co-op Owners Basic Facts for Homeowner Association Unit Owners This information applies to SBA disaster loans for individual unit owners of Homeowner Associations (HOAs), Planned Unit Developments (PUDs), condominiums and other common-interest developments. Types of Disaster Loans Available to Qualified Applicants SBA disaster loans of up to $200,000 are available to individual unit owners to repair or replace disaster damages not fully covered by insurance or other disaster recoveries. Individuals may also borrow up to $40,000 to replace damaged or destroyed personal property not covered by insurance, etc. Individuals may not borrow money to repair common areas that are the responsibility of the association. If the development will not be repaired or rebuilt, individual unit owners may apply to SBA for relocation assistance. This means you may have eligibility for the full replacement value of your unit and your share of the common area minus any disaster recoveries you have received, up to our lending limits. You must submit a relocation plan to SBA for approval. If you don’t participate in the rebuilding of your association and you voluntarily relocate, you may borrow only the amount equal to your uncompensated losses. If you own a unit and it is a qualified rental property, you may apply to SBA for a disaster business loan. Assessments Unit owners may borrow funds to cover a one time assessment by the association for the repair of common areas. Any assessment amount is added to the amount you may borrow for unit repairs. The combined amount may not exceed $200,000 plus up to $40,000 for personal property. Basic Facts for Associations This information applies to SBA disaster loans for Homeowner Associations (HOA), Planned Unit Developments (PUD), co-ops, condominium and other common interest developments. Types of Disaster Loans Available to Qualified Applicants SBA disaster business loans of up to $2 million are available to associations to repair or replace disaster-damaged common elements not fully covered by insurance or other disaster recoveries. If the development will not be repaired or rebuilt, the Association is not eligible for any SBA disaster assistance. However, unit owners may still apply to SBA for assistance. Use of Loans SBA disaster loans must be used only to pay for disaster-related repairs. They cannot be used to pay for deferred maintenance items or any upgrades to the property, unless such upgrades are code required. Should You Close Your Credit Card? Non-profit credit counseling agency Take Charge America offers consumers guidelines on when to close a credit card, and when not to To close a credit card, or not to a close a credit card? It’s a question most consumers ask from time to time, but often don’t know the answer. “Many people don’t realize closing a credit card can damage their credit scores, especially if it’s been open for more than three years,” said Mike Sullivan, chief education officer for Take Charge America, a national non-profit credit counseling agency in Phoenix. “Canceling a credit card simply because you aren’t using it can be a bad move. However, life circumstances or a deep-rooted desire to ‘charge it’ may outweigh the blip on your credit score.” Sullivan offers these guidelines to help consumers determine whether closing a credit card is the right move: When to Close a Credit Card • Spending problem: If you have a hard time controlling your spending – and you know “cutting your card” won’t curb the problem – close the account to avoid falling deeper into debt. • High fees: If you are required to pay steep fees, consider paying the balance down and canceling the card. You can also transfer the remaining balance to a credit card with a lower interest rate and fewer fees (and commit to no further spending on the account as it’s paid off). Also keep in mind there may be a fee to transfer the balance, too. • Potential fraud: If your credit card is compromised and you don’t think freezing the account will protect you from fraud, consider closing the account. • Joint account: If a joint account needs to be separated, as in a divorce, consider canceling your card. • Balance transfer on newer cards: If you transferred a balance to a lower-interest card, consider closing the high-interest credit card, especially if you’ve had the account for less than three years. Conversely, if you have a long history with the card, or if there are hefty cancelation penalties in the fine print, it may be smarter to simply put it away or cut it up. When Not to Close a Credit Card • Lack of use: Rethink canceling your credit card just because you aren’t using it. If you want to remove the temptation to spend, consider cutting or storing the card while keeping the account open. Canceling the account can drop your credit score, more so if the account has been open for more than three years. • Making payments: Finance charges accrue when there’s a balance on the card, whether or not you close the account. Your debt-to-credit ratio will improve as your balance is paid down, but only if the account is open. • Loan approval: Do not cancel a card if you’re planning to purchase a house or a car in the next year, as this can impact your credit score and prevent you from qualifying for a loan, or qualifying for a loan at your desired interest rate. For more financial tips, visit www.takechargeamerica.org. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012 A & F Auto Repairs, Inc. General Auto Repairs (Foreingn and Domestic) Accessories • Tires • Batteries • Electronic Tune-ups • Inspection Station • Towing ARIS & FRANK 43-05 111th Street • Corona Heights, NY Greek, Spanish and Italian Spoken (718) 592-7470 (718) 699-2499 Finz & Finz Millions Won In Verdicts & Settlements In All Types Of Injury Cases Auto Accidents • Birth Injuries • Construction Site Injuries • Medical Malpractice Scaffold & Ladder Accidents • Defective Machinery • Lead Poisoning • Slip & Fall Fires & Explosions • Injured Children • Product Liability • Wrongful Death Our Aggressive Attorneys Will Fight For You To Maximize Your Recovery Free Consultation • No Fee Unless We Win Clients Treated With Dignity and Respect Free Home & Hospital Visits Quick Settlements - Large Recoveries Hablamos Espanol A Serious Injury Needs A Serious Law Firm - Talk To A Lawyer - It’s Free 1-877-FinzFirm • (1-877-346-9347) • 516-433-3000 • 212-513-1000 www.FinzFirm.com Come and Celebrate Fly Me To The Moon Week December 26th – 31st at the Cradle of Aviation Museum The Cradle of Aviation Museum will be celebrating “Fly Me To The Moon Week”, December 26th through the 31st. This year marks the 40th Anniversary of Apollo 17, the last manned mission to the moon and the Cradle will be celebrating the Apollo 17 mission plus NASA’s plans for future manned flight through a variety of activities focused on the ORION Project. You’ll learn about NASA’s innovations for future human space flight and “connect the dots” to reveal your own Orion astronaut. Then you’ll practice your flight and landing skills by landing the museum’s Orion spacecraft models on a lunar surface target. Once you’ve completed your f lights you’ll be able to take home your own Orion spacecraft model. And your trip to moon continues in the new JetBlue Sky Theater Planetarium where all shows will feature a special guided show that will take you to the Apollo (Continued on page 11) TUTORING AVAILABLE Ph.D. Provides Outstanding Tutoring in Math, English, Special Exams. All levels. Study skills taught. Dr. Liss. (718) 767-0233. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012 THE QUEENS TIMES Undercover Operation Leads To Arrest Of Five Individuals For Gun Trafficking In Southeast Queen (Continued From Page 1) Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown, joined by Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, announced today that four individuals have been indicted and one other summarily arrested in connection with illegal firearms trafficking in Southeast Queens over the past three years. The price allegedly paid for each of the 20 weapons that were purchased ranged from $500 to $2,400, with most weapons typically going for about $1,000. Some of the defendants are also charged with selling cocaine on multiple occasions. District Attorney Brown said, “With few exceptions, the weapon sales were brazenly conducted in broad daylight between the hours of noon and 5:00 p.m., and in some cases, the transactions occurred in public places such as street corners and store parking lots. We must remain vigilant in our efforts to keep illegal firearms out of the hands of criminals and off of the streets of Queens.” Police Commissioner Kelly said, “One year ago, Det. Peter Figoski was killed by a suspect who wielded an illegal firearm. It is in his legacy and on behalf of New Yorkers’ safety that NYPD investigators work tirelessly to prevent other families from suffering the same fate. Through strategic enforcement, vigilance, and this and other partnerships with the Queens District Attorney, including joint gun buy-back programs, New York City police are doing everything they can to keep guns out of criminal hands.” Council Member Elizabeth Crowley Reports Accelerated Schedule For Sewer Infrastructure Upgrades In Glendale And Middle Village First step in Council Member Crowley’s plan to alleviate flooding in the area. Council Member Elizabeth S. Crowley (CD-30, Queens) announced today that the City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) have agreed to accelerate the installation of new combined sewers in Penelope Avenue to 2014. The project (SEQ002693) was slated to begin in fiscal year 2015, but following two major rainstorms that caused extensive flooding and damage to residents’ homes, Council Member Crowley requested an accelerated timetable to help prevent future flooding as soon as possible. In a letter, DDC Commissioner David Burney agreed to accelerate the project and informed the Council Member that a street survey to begin the design is already underway. Projected construction will start in spring 2014. “The storms in August and September showed that this area’s sewers are not equipped to handle major storms. It was simply unacceptable to ask residents to continue waiting before something was done,” said Council Member Crowley. “I want to thank DDC Commissioner David Burney and DEP Commissioner Carter Strickland for working with me and other community groups to move this project forward and find other solutions to prevent future flooding.” The acceleration of the Penelope Avenue project ensures construction will overlap with the installation of sewers on Calamus Avenue, which will begin this summer. Both sewer lines are part of a main system that drains at LaGuardia Airport, and completion of both projects will increase sewer capacity around Penelope Avenue by as much as 80 percent. Council Member Crowley will continue to push for more infrastructure improvements for the district’s sewers as well as the installation of more catch basins and permeable surfaces to prevent flooding. Mark Weprin Helps HS Students Facing Bus Delays Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will add additional trips to the Q1 bus route and make adjustments to the schedule of the Q43 bus (both along Hillside Avenue) to reduce overcrowding and improve service reliability for students, as requested by Council Member Mark Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens). Earlier this school year, Martin Van Buren High School Principal Sam Sochet contacted Council Member Weprin to report that students were experiencing difficulty in boarding MTA buses to travel to school in the morning because of overcrowding; some students were regularly late to class as a result. Council Member Weprin PAGE 9 Bipartisan Coalition Announces Legislation to Assist Hurricane Sandy Victims Reps. Crowley, DeLauro, Grimm, Larson, LoBiondo, Pascrell, Rangel, Runyan, Smith Discuss Legislation to Provide Tax Relief to Struggling Families & Businesses To help families and businesses (R-NY) and Jon Runyan (R-NJ). The legislation will compliment struggling to rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, U.S. Reps. the federal government’s relief Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Rosa and recovery efforts by providing DeLauro (D-CT), Michael Grimm additional tax relief to businesses, (R-NY), John Larson (D-CT), individuals and municipalities Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), Bill affected by Hurricane Sandy, Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ), Charles B. including: Rangel (D-NY), Jon Runyan (R- Individual Assistance: NJ) and Chris Smith (R-NJ) today • Waiver of Adjusted Gross announced legislation to provide Income limitation for theft/loss tax relief to the victims of the dev- deduction, so individuals can deastating storm that caused wide- duct the cost of uninsured losses. spread destruction throughout the • Increase the limitation on chariNortheast. The Hurricane Sandy table contributions for disaster Tax Relief Act of 2012, modeled relief. after a similar bill passed into law • Look-back Provision for Child in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Tax Credit and Earned Income is aimed at providing tax relief for Tax Credit, to allow a family in victims of Hurricane Sandy in ar- the affected region to opt to use eas designated as Federal Disaster their previous year’s earnings to calculate their Child Tax Credit Areas by the President. “As we continue to rebuild and Earned Income Tax Credit. in the wake of one of the worst • Allow taxpayers whose prinnatural disasters to hit our region cipal place of residence is in the in generations, we must ensure Hurricane Sandy Disaster Area that our communities have the and who suffered a loss from Hurresources they need to begin to ricane Sandy, to take distributions put their lives together,” said Reps. from retirement savings accounts Crowley, DeLauro, Grimm, Lar- with no tax penalty, provided such son, LoBiondo, Pascrell, Rangel, amount is repaid within three Runyan and Smith. “This bill is a years. crucial first step in bringing much Business Assistance: needed tax relief to help families, • Allowing businesses to expense communities and business in our the cost of disaster recovery. region get back on track. We urge • Allowing businesses to use Net our colleagues on both sides of Operating Loss to recover past the aisle to support this legisla- tax payments or reduce future tax tion to help in rebuilding the lives payments, if they are operating that have been devastated by this with no tax liability during the prescribed period. historic storm.” The Hurricane Sandy Tax • Increase in new markets tax Relief Act of 2012 is sponsored credit for investments in commuby Rep. Pascrell Bill Pascrell, nity development entities serving Jr. (D-NJ) and co-sponsored by Hurricane Sandy disaster areas. Reps. Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), • Allowing public utilities to Chris Smith (R-NJ), Frank Pallone reduce their tax liability when (D-NJ), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), rebuilding or replacing assets Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), Rodney damaged in the storm. Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), Joe Crow- • Work Opportunity Tax Credits ley (D-NY), Jon Larson (D-CT), for displaced workers. Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Leonard Lance (R-NJ), Michael Grimm (Continued on page 10) AM Miller Attends Christ Tabernacle’s Christmas Party reported the issue to President Thomas Prendergast, MTA New York City Transit, who responded with adjustments to accommodate the students. “Traveling to school should not be such a challenge, and the MTA has responded appropriately to improve commuting for local students,” said Council Member Mark Weprin. Changes in the Q1 and Q43 will take effect in January 2013, and the MTA will continue to monitor the operation of both routes to ensure that the problematic conditions do not recur. Mark Weprin’s Participatory Budgeting Enters Second Phase Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a new process in which eight City Council Members have each allocated one million dollars of capital discretionary spending that the community will decide how to spend. Council Member Mark Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens) is one of the eight participants and has brought PB to Eastern Queens. In September and October, Council Member Weprin held a series of public meetings, Neighborhood Assemblies, for community members to offer their project ideas. PB has now entered a new phase, in which community members who have volunteered to serve as budget delegates are working to turn ideas into specific project proposals. Once projects are developed into full proposals and (Continued on page 10) Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Queens) attended Christ Tabernacle’s Christmas party for children with special needs. The party was complete with indoor snow, pictures with Santa, toy giveaways, and much more. The effort was led by Christ Tabernacle’s Champion Club.. Pictured are Assemblyman Mike Miller, Santa Claus, and Rev. Michael Durso- Christ Tabernacle Senior Pastor. THE QUEENS TIMES PAGE 10 Queens Sports by Robert Elkin Prep Loses To Ford in Basketball Turning the clock back a number of years ago, Charlie Jones was the topic of the basketball world first for the Brooklyn based Bishop Ford Falcons and later for the Long Island University basketball team. His offense was the talk of the entire city and his double figure scoring was just tremendous While at LIU, he was ranked nationally on a continued basis. He was just an all-around player . Since his college days, he wanted to coach on some level whether it be on a high school or college level. Well k nown in New York City hoop scene, he took his skills overseas and continued on playing professionally until he decided to return to Brooklyn and coach at his high school alma mater. He is currently an assistant to head coach Denis Nolan at Bishop Ford. In the last Catholic High Schools Athletic Association league encounter at press time, last Friday evening, St. Francis Prep of Fresh Meadows battled back after trailing by a huge margin and eventually sent the game into over time against Ford. During the last four minutes of the overtime session, Ford got some good offensive performances, and won the game. Members of the St. Francis P rep athletic department were sitting in the stands and felt confident that the Terriers could pull it out, but the hosts proved to be a little too much for them. The Terriers couldn’t contain the tallest player on Ford , 6-4 senior forward Joshua Blagrave, who exploded for 22 points for the Falcons while on the other end of the court, Michael Fields , a junior guard from Hollis, netted 13 points, three more than sophomore guard Shane Herrity of Glendale and Brian Haggerty, a junior forward from Bayside. Through the Terriers first five games, they sport a 1-4 record. Youth is the word around on the Terriers. There are three seniors and the rest are underclassmen on a roster of 13 players. They lost 11 players from last year’s team. “Although small, the Terriers wil need to use their speed and quickness to their advantage,” said Tim Leary, in his 38th year as head coach, and who entered this season with 585 career victories. The Terriers will try their best to rebound from a 9-18 overall record of last year. “One of the players we may get back,” said Leary. “He is injured right now. We have a junior who is a good player who hasn’t played yet. We are young and small, but we compete. We’re making shots. We’ll give some people (other teams) some trouble. They work hard.” Fields, a junior guard, is the top scorer on the team. “He played last year as a sophomore, started all t he games and is averaging 16 points a game,” the coach went on. “He’s very quick. We need some bigger guys.” The tallest players are senior forward Marcus Nazairie of South Jamaica and Haggerty. Both stand 6-4. The team competes in the same division against front runners Christ The King, and Archbishop Molloy. Holy Cross has a new head coach. And then there are Brooklyn’s Bishop Loughlin and Xaverian. Meanwhile in the stands watching a tremendous game was Brother Robert Kent who took in some basketball. He comes from a sports family. His topic of discussion was base ball, as he coaches the Terriers’ varsity baseball team in the spring and for an abbreviated schedule in the fall. He has been coaching for 37 years. “We have a young team with a lot of sophomores and juniors,” Kent assessed about the baseball team. “Since we have a lot of pitching, we hope to stay in the games with pitching and defense.” Kent’s team captured their last Catholic High Schools Athletic Association title in 2007. “I’m looking forward to take another championship,” he said. “But Molloy and Xaverian are always good in our league.” Mark Weprin’s Participatory Budgeting Enters Second Phase (Continued from page 9) have gone through the vetting process by City agencies, the budget delegates will hold project expos to present the projects to the community. During the spring, a number of projects will appear on a ballot and community residents will vote to decide which projects will be funded. The projects that receive the most votes, up to one million dollars, will be part of next year’s City budget. “Participatory Budgeting gives the community a hands-on budgeting experience and a chance to really learn how City government works,” said Council Member Mark Weprin. Bipartisan Coalition Announces ... (Continued from page 9) Public and Municipal Assistance: • A new state-by-state private activity bond allocation for Sandy-affected areas to rebuild docks and wharfs, commuting facilities, certain housing, water, sewage, and solid waste infrastructure, and facilities used to provide electric energy or gas. Housing Assistance: • Increased allocation of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit for declared disaster areas. • Waiver of certain mortgage revenue bond requirements, easing access to capital. SHOPPING FOR SPORTS GEAR Do you have a sports fan that you’re looking to buy a gift for? Take, for instance, that they’re into the Brooklyn Nets. You can go to the NBA store in Manhattan, check out the “store” on the Brooklyn Nets’ website or you may get a better bargain by going to a website called, Fanatics as in www. fanatics.com. You don’t have to worry as to whether they are the real thing. I checked. What’s even great is that they have gear for a slew of teams and of various sports, including the Olympics, which is perfect for either nostalgia, a fan of a foreign team or a college supporter of his or her team. Much clothing and collectibles as well. y Merle Exit THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012 Stars Come Out for Louis Armstrong House Museum Gala On Tuesday, Dec. 4th the Manhattan Penthouse was swinging as Louis Ar mstrong lovers from around the world gathered to celebrate Armstrong’s legacy and raise funds for the Louis Armstrong House Museum. The Museum honored Stanley Crouch, distinguished author and President of the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation; Jimmy Heath, saxophonist, composer, arranger, and Queens College Professor Emeritus; and George Wein, legendary jazz impresario and Chairman of the Newport Festivals Foundation, for their pioneering work to preserve and promote the cultural legacy of Louis Armstrong. Each honoree received a “Louie” award. The great Wynton Marsalis surprised the crowd joining the festivities to introduce Stanley Crouch. After the awards ceremony, David Ostwald’s Louis Armstrong Centennial Band gave a performance that had the crowd cheering. Jimmy Heath sat-in on soprano saxophone and performed “What a Wonderful World.” The Louis Armstrong House Museum is the perfectly preserved home of Louis and Lucille Armstrong in Corona, Queens. The Museum’s programs feature house tours, jazz concerts, educational events and community outreach. It is a National Historic Landmark and New York City Landmark; and what was once a stack of 72 shipping cartons of “Satchmo’s stuff” has grown to become the largest research archives in the world for any jazz musician. More information about the Louis A r mst rong House Museum can be found online at www.LouisArmstrongHouse.org or by calling the Museum at 718.478.8274. The Museum is located at 34-56 107th Street in Corona, Queens. Thanks to the vision and funding of the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, the Louis Armstrong House Museum welcomes visitors from all over the world, six days per week, 52 weeks per year. Vallone: “All Kids Deserve Equal Protection!” Council Member Peter F. Vallone Jr. is urging the City Council to pass legislation he introduced in 2010 that would provide nonpublic schools with security from the NYPD equal to that in public schools. Vallone has been strongly pushing the bill during the past several months, and given the recent, tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut, is once again calling on his colleagues to provide equal protection for all students in New York City. Council Member Fernando Cabrera has also been working with Vallone on this issue. For a number of reasons, including a decrease in enrollment and increased costs, many nonpublic schools have been forced to make budget cuts, including in security – making help from the City all the more vital. Recently, the Archdiocese of New York announced that it may close another 27 schools. Security services provided by the NYPD would include an assessment of the security needs of the school, placement of school safety officers and the use of video cameras or metal detectors, among others. The City currently provides nurses for nonpublic schools, because health is deemed important, but Vallone believes school security is even more important. “All our kids are created equal, so they all deserve to be provided equal protection in school,” said Council Member Vallone. “The City cannot ignore the safety of thousands of kids based solely on the type of school they attend.” Tenth Annual NYHQ FreeMAT Toy Drive Collects More Than 500 Gifts for Children of U.S. Military The Freedom Medical A id Tea m ( Fre eM AT ) of New York Hospit al Queens (NYHQ) collected more than 500 toys to distribute to children of deployed military personnel from Fort Totten in Queens and from other local reserve bases in the region. Many who are cu r rently st at ioned i n Afghanistan. This is the tenth consecutive year that FreeMAT has organized the toy drive. Since the drive began in 2002, more than 13,000 toys have been distributed to children. Br iga d ier Gener al Douglas R. Satterf ield and other U.S Army representatives visited NYHQ to accept these gifts on behalf of their colleagues. This year, FreeMAT partnered with New York City Compt roller Joh n Liu, local schools, Community Bd. #7, Senators Toby Elected officials, members of New York Hospital Queens administration, and community leaders gathered with U.S. Army representatives and Brigadier General Douglas R. Satterfield (sixth from left) at a presentation of more than 500 donated toys collected by the Freedom Medical Aid Team for children of deployed military personnel. Stavisky and Tony Avella, C o n g r e s s wo m a n - ele c t Grace Meng, Assembly Members Rory Lancman and Edward Braunstein, Council Members Peter Koo and Dan Halloran, and the Bayside-Whitestone Lions Club to gather donations. For more information on New York Hospit al Queens, visit www.nyhq. org. New York Hospital Queens is a member of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System and affiliated with the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012 THE QUEENS TIMES PAGE 11 LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES Purple Phoenix International Enterprises, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/13/12. Office in Queens County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Fengyun Zhang, 26-23 29th St., Astoria, NY 11102. Purpose: General. 11/15,22,29,12/6,13&20/2012 Notice of Formation of WRV 37th St LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 9/30/10. Office loc: Queens. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 151-01 14th Ave., Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: any lawful activity. 11/22,29,12/6,13,20&27/2012 admitting to probate a Will dated January 26, 2011 (and Codicil(s), if any, dated ), a copy of which is attached, as the Will of Alfred Stuart deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that: [X] Letters Testamentary issue to Norman Miller and Ana Paolini [ ] Letters of Trusteeship issue to [ ] Letters of Administration c.t.a. issue to [ ] Further relief sought (if any): Dated, Attested and Sealed NOV 27 2012 Seal HON. Peter J. Kelly Surrogate MARGARET M. GRIBBON Chief Clerk Michael D. Lissner, Esq. Attorney Lissner & Lissner LLP Firm 250 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10107 Address (212) 307-1499 Telephone 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 appear for you. 12/6,13,20&27/2012 WAGBAER REALTY LLC, a domestic LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/11/12. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 85-29 67th Dr., Rego Park, NY 11374. General Purposes. 12/6,13,20,27/2012,1/3&10/2013 SUPREME COURT OF THE STAT E O F N E W YO R K , COUNTY OF QUEENS Index No.: 12497/08 Date Purch.: 5/19/08 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS RAYMOND D. LOWMAN Plaintiff, -againstTHE HEIRS OF JAMES E. LOWMAN; JAMES E. LOWMAN, JR.; REGINALD LOWM A N ; D E B O R A H LOWM A N ; K I M B E R LY LOWMAN if said defendant(s) be living or dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, general or specific lien upon the real property described m this action such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely; spouse(s), widow(s), heirsatlaw, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assigns of such deceased, any and all persons deriving any interest in, or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under said d e f e n d a n t (s) r e s p e c t i v e wives, widows, husbands, w i d o w e r s , h e i r s - a t l a w, next of kin, descendant(s), executors, administrators devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA N E W Y O R K S T A T E DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE Defendants. ----X TO THE A BOVE- NA MED DEFENDANTS: You are hereby summoned and required to swrve upon plaintiff’s attorney an answer to the complaint in this action within twenty days after the service of this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York. In case of your failure to answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. This is an action to determine a claim to real property and as such, basis for the venue designated is the County in which the subject premises is situated. Dated: December 1, 2011 Bellrose, New York SOMEKH & ASSOCIATES Lori R. Somekh, Esq. 247-67 Jericho Tpke. Bellerose, NY 11426 (718) 740-3300 (7180 343-6295 - FAX 8/2,8/9,16&23/2012 Not Jus Southern, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/6/12. Office in Queens County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Annie Taylor, 122-08 Irwin Place, Jamaica, NY 11434. Purpose: any lawful Purpose. 11/15,22,29,12/6,13&20/2012 Notice of Formation of BHCC LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/05/12. Office location: Queens County. Princ. Office of LLC: 133-37 129th St., S. Ozone Park, NY 11420. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 11/15,22,29,12/6,13&20/2012 Notice of formation of Iconix Realty LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretar y of State of New York SSNY on August 27th, 2012. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for ser vice of p r o c e s s . S S N Y s h a l l mail copy of any process served against the LLC at 318 56th Avenue, Fresh M e a d o w s , N Y 11 3 6 5 . Purpose: any lawful purpose 11/15,22,29,12/6,13&20/2012 Notice of formation of On The Level Service Group, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the Secy. of State of NY SSNY on 03/30/2011. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 69-09 168 St.,#105, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: any purpose. 11/29,12/6,13,20,27/2012&1/3/2013 NOTICE OF FORMATION of CLAIRE FILMS LLC. Art. of Org. filed w/Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) 3/22/12. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent for service of process. SSNY shall mail process to 33-45 90 St. #2H, Jackson Hts., NY 11372. Purpose: Any lawful activity 11/29,12/6,13,20,27/2012&1/3/2013 Cinco Sanitation, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/22/04. Office in Queens County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 213-19 99th Ave, Queens Village, NY 11429. Purpose: General. 12/6,13,20,27/2012,1/3&10/2013 Notice of Qualification of PPRT Solar LLC. Authority filed with NY Dept. of State on 11/9/12. Office location: Queens County. Princ. bus. addr.: 401 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 700, Santa Monica, CA 90401. LLC formed in DE on 8/30/12. NY Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o CT Corporation System, 111 8th Ave., NY, NY 10011. DE addr. of LLC: c/o The Corporation Trust Co., 1209 Orange St., Wilmington, DE 19801. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Sec. of State, P.O. Box 898, Dover, DE 19903. Purpose: all lawful purposes. 11/29,12/6,13,20,27/2012&1/3/2013 ASTORIA HOSPITALITY, LLC, a domestic LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 8/7/12. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 39-25 48th St., Sunnyside, NY 11104. General Purposes. 12/6,13,20,27/2012,1/3&10/2013 CITATION File No. 2012-2234 S U R RO G AT E’ S C O U RT, Queens COUNTY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO: Barbara Gutowsky Haim Tzegel, if living and if dead, to his heirs at law, next of kin and distributees whose names and places of residence are unknown and if he died subsequent to the decedent herein, to his executors, administrators, legatees, devisees, assignees and successors in interest whose name and places of residence are unknown and to all other heirs at law, next of kin and distributees of Alfred Stuart, the decedent herein, whose names and places of residence are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained. A petition having been duly filed by Norman Miller and Ana Paolini who is/are domiciled at 76-37 172nd Street, Flushing, New York 11366 and 76-38 172nd Street, Flushing, New York 11366 YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Queens County, at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Queens , New York, on January 17, 2013, at 9:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of Alfred Stuart lately domiciled at 76-30 172nd Street, Fresh Meadows, New York 11366, United States Grand Cooper LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/31/12. Office in Queens County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 2750 27th St, Astoria, NY 11102. Purpose: General. 12/6,13,20,27/2012,1/3&10/2013 WOUND PHYSICIAN PLLC, a domestic PLLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/2/12. Office location: Queens. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the PLLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The PLLC, 132-59 41 Rd., #CB, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: Medicine. 12/6,13,20,27/2012,1/3&10/2013 Notice of formation of EMMCO TOWER, L.P. Cert. of Limited Partnership filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/10/11. Office in Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LP upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LP, 136-20 38th Ave, Ste 10F. Latest date to dissolve is 06/08/2040. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 12/13,20,27/2012,1/3,10&17/2013 Notice of Formation of MARRA LANDSCAPING LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with Secy. Of State of NY SSNY on 11/27/2012. Office location: Queens County. Princ. Office of LLC: 17016 Pidgeon Meadow Road, Fresh Meadows, New York 11365-1144. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o MARRA L ANDSCAPING LLC , of the princ. Office of the LLC. Purpose: Any Lawful Activity. 12/13,20,27/2012,1/3,10&17/2013. SAHMBA, LLC, a domestic LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 9/25/12. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Rosanna Lake, 2-17 51st Ave., Apt. 1110, Long Island City, NY 111015873. General Purposes. 12/6,13,20,27/2012,1/3&10/2013 SL Common LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 5/1/12. Office: Q u e e n s C o u n t y. S S N Y designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 45-40 Bell Blvd, Bayside, NY 11361. General Purposes 12/13,20,27/2012,1/3,10&17/2013. F & J RENTAL, LLC , a domestic LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/23/12. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 65-19 Fresh Pond Rd., Ridgewood, NY 11385. General Purposes. 12/13,20,27/2012,1/3,10&17/2013 Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 3/10/11, bearing Index Number NC-000129-11/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 the right to: Assume the name of (first) Kerri (middle) Ann (Last) Baldassaro My present address is 13236 Booth Memorial Avenue, Flushing, NY 11355. My place of birth is Queens, NY. My date of birth is March 09, 1978.” 12/20/2012 Notice of Formation of 35-28 UNION STREET, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/06/12. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 570 Sierra Vista Ave., San Marino, CA 91108. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 12/20,27/2012,1/3,10,17&24/2013 21-13 36th Street LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/2/12. Office in Queens County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 147-32 28th Ave, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: General. 12/20,27/2012,1/3,10,17&24/2013 Orchard Plaza LLC. Ar ts. of Org. filed with Secy. of S t a t e o f N Y (S S N Y ) o n 8/5/05. Of f ice in Queens County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be ser ved. SSNY shall mail process to 188-30 Jamaica Av e , H o l l i s , N Y 114 2 3 2512. Pur pose: G eneral. 12/20,27/2012,1/3,10,17&24/2013 Come and Celebrate (Continued from page 8) 17 landing site and show you images from NASA’s LRO( Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) and LCROSS (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite). The JetBlue Sky Theater Planetarium features three new planetarium shows: “One World, One Sky, Big Bird’s Adventure”, “We Are Astronomers” and the Tom Hank’s narrated, “Passport to the Universe”. All “Fly Me To The Moon” activities are free with museum admission and area available, December 26th through the 31st from 12noon till 4pm. The Cradle of Aviation Museum is home to over 75 air and spacecraft and the new state of the art digital JetBlue Sky Theater Planetarium. The Cradle is located on Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Museum Row in the Garden City/ Uniondale area. For more information, call 516-572-4111 or log onto www.cradleofaviation.org. Vallone Removes Piles Of Dangerous Debris From Playground On December 14th, Council Member Peter F. Vallone Jr. and his staff removed over a thousand pounds of garbage from Sean’s Place Playground in Astoria. An alley next to the neighborhood park has been a constant target of litterers, and some of the trash has remained there for decades. Among the debris were wooden planks with rusty nails, glass bottles and needles. Located a few blocks away from Steinway Street, the park is frequented by many neighborhood children. Previously, the area behind Sean’s Place was closed off by a fence and could not be accessed to perform a cleanup. However, the Department of Transportation recently replaced the fence with a gate that could be opened and locked with a key, allowing for regular maintenance of the area. The Department of Sanitation also aided with the cleanup by providing tools and picking up the trash afterwards. Sean’s Place was named after police officer Sean McDonald, who was killed in 1994 while disrupting a robbery in progress. McDonald, 26 at the time of his death, moved to Astoria from Ireland as a child. THE QUEENS TIMES PAGE 12 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012 I wish you and your family a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Remember to shop at our local small businesses this holiday season. Julissa Ferreras District 21 - Council Member P.S. 85 Students Harvest Funds For Sandy Relief On December 12th, P.S. 85 students visited the offices of Council Member Peter F. Vallone Jr. as part of their Hurricane Harvest program – an initiative aimed at raising money for Hurricane Sandy relief. The school also recently held a supplies drive, after which members of the Parent Association drove the collections directly to the Rockaways. For over a decade, children of P.S. 85 have organized Penny Harvest, during which they collect pennies for donation to various local charities. Read the Queens Times on any phone or tablet Scan the QR Barcode with any FREE QR reader on your iPhone, iPad, or any Android tablet, or phone.
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