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Nov. 6–12, 2015 Your Neighborhood — Your News® 75 cents THE NEWSPAPER OF FLUSHING, AUBURNDALE, KEW GARDENS HILLS & FRESH MEADOWS Bus services Grodenchik wins election to be changed Democratic candidate to continue Mark Weprin’s City Council term in NE Queens BY TOM MOMBERG
BY MADINA TOURE CELEBRATE THE LIGHT Democrat Barry Groden- chik will now represent east- A new pilot program to cre- ern Queens in the City Council ate limited-zone bus service, following a competitive race in as well as other short- and which he defeated Republican long-term improvements, are contender Joe Concannon. among the recommendations With about 99 percent of the unveiled as part of the North- poll stations reporting in the east Queens Bus Study funded 23rd Council District, Groden- by state Sen. Tony Avella (D- chik had 55 percent of the vote Bayside). with The $500,000, 130-pag- See related 5,898 estudy, money allocated in the coverage Page 6 bal- state executive budget, looks lots at service primarily in the cast. Concannon got 38.1 per- neighborhoods of Flushing, cent of the vote with 4,080— Whitestone, Bay Terrace, Bay- more than he did the last time side, College Point, Oakland he ran for the seat on the Inde- Gardens, Douglaston, Glen pendent Party line. And Work- Oaks, Fresh Meadows and ing Families Party candidate Little Neck. Rebecca Lynch got 6.9 percent The limited-zone bus with 742 votes. route—the first of its kind— The district runs from Bay- combines features of limited side Hills, Oakland Gardens and express service that could and parts of Queens Village, benefit the Q17, Q27, Q43 and east to the county line. Q46, according to the study. About 24,700 votes were cast The limited-zone bus route for the Council seat in the 2009 would function as a cross be- general election, and about tween local and limited ser- 20,000 in 2013 — both of which vice lines, stopping only a few were held at the same time as a blocks apart in some areas, city mayoral election. For this while traveling across non- week’s general election, the stop sections, according to vote count was 10,720. Avella. Grodenchik will be step- The Q12 and the Q88 are Moments before going on stage at the Queens Museum's Celebration of Deepavali, a children's group ping up in the next few weeks currently being studied to par- from the Hindu Temple Society of North America get some last-minute direction. The festival marks to replace Mark Weprin, who ticipate in the pilot program the victory of light over darkness. Photo by Michael Shain resigned in May when he was Continued on Page 58 Continued on Page 58 CB11 opposes high school proposal
BY TOM MOMBERG $114 million project. Other concerns about the The board’s Education proposal involve the site of the Community Board 11 voted Committee unanimously re- Bayside Jewish Center, which 31-1 against the School Con- jected the proposal the week is under contract to to be sold struction Authority’s proposal before, citing concerns that following environmental im- to build a new high school on 32nd Avenue is too narrow and pact studies and a City Coun- Community Board 11's chairwoman asks all those present at its November 32nd Avenue in Bayside Mon- has too much traffic to allow cil vote. meeting to stand if they are in opposition to the proposed high school day, going along with strong for the increase in students, Nearby residents are wor- community opposition to the buses and cars. Continued on Page 58 on 32nd Avenue. Photo by Tom Momberg A CNG Publication Vol. 24 No. 45 64 total pages Grocery store in limbo Whitestone mom, 55, missing since Sept. 5 Whitestone Waldbaum’s future unclear after bankruptcy fi ling BY MADINA TOURE antique shops. The woman’s accent and appearance were BY MADINA TOURE Despite using a variety of similar to Maria’s. investigative tools to find a But she turned out to be a State Sen. Tony Avella (D- Whitestone woman who dis- Polish woman (Maria has a Bayside) said the future of the appeared two months ago, the Bavarian accent). Peter Bra- Waldbaum’s store in Whites- lead investigator in the case bazon met the woman and tone is not yet known, despite said it still has not located confirmed she was not Ma- its sale being approved by the her. The NYPD and her fam- ria. U.S. Bankruptcy Court. ily have also come up empty- The firm also put out Na- In July, Great Atlantic & handed in the search. tional Crime Information Pacific Tea Company, which Maria Brabazon, 55, was Center alerts and enlisted owns Pathmark and Wald- last seen Sept. 5 at 2:54 p.m. the help of police in Nassau baum’s, said it agreed to sell when she was observed by County and the Massapequa- 120 stores for about $600 mil- a neighbor’s home surveil- Amityville area, also post- lion. The company secured lance camera walking on ing missing person fliers in financing of $100 million and 14th Avenue toward the inter- those areas. voluntarily filed for Chapter section with 152nd Street in Peter Brabazon said that 11 bankruptcy protection. Whitestone. Nov. 5 marks two months since An A&P spokesman de- The 109th Precinct Detec- Maria went missing. “We have clined to comment. tive Squad and the NYPD’s the video of her turning the Although the bankruptcy Missing Persons Unit corner and we have nothing court has approved the sale of launched an investigation further,” he said. the Waldbaum’s store at 153-01 for Brabazon in collaboration The morning that Braba- 10th Ave., it is unclear wheth- with Beau Dietl & Associates, zon disappeared, Beau Dietl er the facility will reopen as a private investigators firm discovered that she had re- a grocery store, according to in Manhattan. ceived a parking summons The future of the Waldbaum's store in Whitestone is unknown. Avella, who said the store did Mark Pucci, executive on 202nd Street in the area of Google Earth not attract as much business vice president of Beau Di- 19th and 21st avenues for an as other supermarkets in his their money back,” Avella mark at 31-06 Farrington St. in etl, said it was using three expired inspection. district. said. Flushing were to be converted separate dog teams, a com- She then visited a gas sta- “I was always worried Avella is waiting to hear into Stop & Shop stores. bination of cadaver dogs and tion on Utopia Parkway to about the Waldbaum’s on 10th back from Robinson Brog Avella said that because regular search dogs as part of have her vehicle inspected, Avenue in Whitestone because Leinwand Greene Genovese he has met with union repre- the search. went to a BJ’s Warehouse in it’s probably the least active,” & Gluck but has been unable sentatives from Local 338 and Investigators were alert- Whitestone and checked out he said. to track down the lawyer for Local 1500, both of which have ed to a woman suspected at around 11:17 a.m., based on The property was trans- East 11th Holding. It is unclear members working at A&P and of being Maria at a store in surveillance footage. ferred to Feil Whitestone how much of the property each Waldbaum’s stores , he can now the Amityville-Massapequa Since then Beau Dietl LLC—which already owns company owns. confirm the approved sale of area, where Maria often fre- has conducted an extensive part of the property of the In early September, Avella the locations to the respective quented thrift stores and search of the public and park Whitestone Shopping Center— provided his constituents and buyers. He will be hosting a areas in the vicinity of the and East 11th Holding LLC, a other affected individuals with link to the union’s list of each Throgs Neck Bridge, includ- group of real estate entities, an opportunity to register on a affected supermarket’s status ing Little Bay Park, Clear Avella said. mailing list for updates on the on his Senate website. Bay Park Golf Course and Robinson Brog Leinwand status of stores affected by the He also confirmed the auc- open areas next to Fort Tot- Greene Genovese & Gluck, A&P bankruptcy. tion of the Waldbaum’s store ten. the law firm representing Feil He said preliminary infor- at 133-11 20th Ave. in College Brabazon has been de- Whitestone, declined to com- mation he cross-referenced Point to Wakefern Food Corp. scribed by police as 5-foot-5- ment. at the time showed that the and the Waldbaum’s store at inches, weighing 125 pounds, Bankruptcy documents Waldbaum’s at 35-09 Francis 258-17 Union Turnpike in Glen with blonde hair and blue show that one of the reasons Lewis Blvd. in Bayside and the Oaks to Key Food. eyes. She was last seen wear- Feil Whitestone may have Waldbaum’s at 196-35 Horace ing black leggings and a bought the store’s lease is be- Harding Expressway in Fresh Reach reporter Madina white shirt. cause Waldbaum’s owed them Meadows were slated to be- Toure by e-mail at mtoure@cn- State Sen. Tony Avella (D- $111,000. come Key Food stores. glocal.com or by phone at (718) Bayside) held a news confer- “It could be that they were He also discovered that the 260–4566. ence last month about Braba- just protecting their interests Waldbaum’s at 213-15 26th Ave. MARIA BRABAZON zon. He plans to follow up on in making sure that they get in Bay Terrace and the Path- the case. IN THIS ISSUE HOW TO REACH US Police Blotter...... 10 Elder Care...... 37-39 MAIL: 41-02 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11361 Editorials and Letters...... 12-13 QGuide...... 41-49 PHONE: Display Advertising: (718) 260-4521 — Editorial: (718) 260-4545 Rhymes with Crazy...... 14 Sports...... 53-57 FAX: Advertising: (718) 224-5821 — Classified: (718) 260-2549 On Point...... 14 Classifieds...... 59-63 Editorial (718) 224-2934 E-MAIL: Editorial: [email protected] Boro Beat...... 34 Display Advertising: [email protected] Classified: [email protected] TO SUBSCRIBE: Call (718) 260-4521 Copyright©2015 Queens Publishing Corp. FLUSHING TIMES (USPS#03925) is published weekly by News Community Newspaper Holdings Inc., 41-02 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY.11361, (718) 229-0300. The entire contents of this publication are copyright 2015. All rights reserved. The newspaper will not be liable for errors appearing in any advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Periodicals postage paid at Flushing, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the FLUSHING TIMES C/O News Community Newspaper Holdings Inc. 41-02 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, N.Y. 11361 2 TIMESLEDGER, NOV. 6–12, 2015 FT TIMESLEDGER.COM Queens College tackles domestic violence issue Women & Work program honored for its support to victims and survivors during ceremony
BY MADINA TOURE were lost during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and that the Queens College held a cer- number of women murdered emony last week for Domestic in the United States during Violence Awareness Month that same 12-year period was featuring survivors, students close to 12,000. and Queens legislators in soli- “Probably the majority darity with survivors. were murdered by someone The event, which took place they knew—and someone they in the Rosenthal Library Ro- knew well—and someone they tunda of the college at 65-30 trusted,” Rodriguez said. Kissena Blvd. in Kew Gardens Carmella Marrone, Women Hills, included participants & Work’s director, emphasized from Queens College’s Women the concept of “intimate ter- & Work program, a free, 15- rorism,” the use of physical week course that empowers abuse and other tactics to keep participants living at or below control over an individual in a the federal poverty level to re- relationship. build lives that have been shat- “Make no mistake: they tered by domestic violence. (women), too, are casualties of The program has helped more war,” Marrone said. than 3,000 women. Queens Borough President The participants sat in the Melinda Katz pointed to sig- first two rows, carrying post- nificant steps, such as the pas- A group of women carrying slogans against domestic violence listen during the Queens College ceremony. ers with slogans such as “Pro- sage of the Domestic Violence Photo by Madina Toure tect women and children” and Intervention Act of 1994 and “Domestic violence is an epi- legislation she passed in the the day, it’s about power and sponsor of a package of bills provides trauma-informed demic in the USA.” City Council that extended the making your own trail for you that seek to increase domestic therapy to families that have Queens College President statute of limitations for sexu- and your children,” Katz said. violence reporting, provided experienced violence, $5,000 to Félix Matos Rodríguez noted al abuse of children to age 18. City Councilman Rory $5,000 to St. John’s University the Korean American Family that more than 6,500 lives “I know that at the end of Lancman (D-Hillcrest), a co- for Project Connect, which Continued on Page 58
Baseball for Boys and The LARGEST and Girls ages 4-17 BEST Little League in Town Veteran’s Day Tribute Softball for Girls ages 7-12
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On Veteran’s Day, let us take time to 2016 Registration honor them all - with gratitude for at the Little League Club House their service. 25-32 168th Street in the lower concourse REGISTRATION DATES: Every Monday evening 7pm – 8pm ALL The Greater Whitestone Every Saturday 12 noon – 1pm FORMS through November 7th, 2015 MUST BE Taxpayers Civic Association TYPED Please bring proof of age and residency. We accept checks, money orders and charge cards. NO CASH. Register early! Don’t miss out playing for the best!
G.W.T.C.A., P.O. BOX 570426 Phone: (718) 767-1562 For Fees & Registration Forms Whitestone, NY 11357 E-mail: [email protected] visit www.BaysideLittleLeague.com
TIMESLEDGER.COM BT TIMESLEDGER, NOV. 6–12, 2015 3 Ex-Queens Library CEO sues system Thomas Galante says institution fi red him without valid reason to avoid paying severance
BY MADINA TOURE said in a statement. In September, Galante was Former Queens Library placed on indefinite leave as CEO Thomas Galante is seek- he was being investigated by ing more than $2 million in the FBI, federal prosecutors severance compensation to and the city Department of In- “set the record straight” after vestigation for allegedly mis- he was ousted from his posi- using funds. tion in December 2014. An audit by City Comptrol- He contends the library ler Scott Stringer uncovered fired him without a valid expensive furniture and lav- cause. ish meals, among other inap- Galante filed the lawsuit propriate purchases, in his against the Queens Borough expense accounts. Public Library and trustees As a sign of Galante’s com- Haeda Mihaltses and Judith petence, Rohback pointed out Bergtraum in Brooklyn fed- the board of directors would eral court Monday, his lawyer, unanimously renew Galante’s Tom Rohback, a partner at contract on a regular basis Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider, and vote on and approve his said. compensation which was veri- According to the suit, the fied by outside consultants. library had the right to termi- The lawsuit accuses Bor- nate Galante’s employment, ough President Melinda Katz but it was contractually re- of orchestrating the passage of quired to pay him severance Former Queens Library CEO Thomas Galante is suing the Queens Library for more than $2 million. a bill introduced by state Sen. of more than $2 million unless Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) it was terminating him “for In a statement, Galante said winds changed overnight and ante’s accusations. and state Assemblyman Jef- cause.” the library has been “overrun my name was dragged through “After reviewing the com- frion Aubry (D-Corona) to The lawsuit maintains the with a political gang.” the mud,” he said. “I’m filing plaint brought by Mr. Galante, give her and the mayor the au- library falsely claimed to ter- “After giving 27 years of this lawsuit to set the record we believe his claims are with- thority to remove the trustees minate Galante for a legiti- my life to the Queens Library straight.” out merit and our actions to since she could not convince a mate reason to avoid paying and raising millions of dollars The Queens Library’s remove him were completely majority of the board to vote in the severance. to make it better, the political board of trustees denied Gal- justified,” the current board Continued on Page 52 MSG’s plan for music festival Day of the Dead fete in Flushing concerns BP Katz celebrated in Corona BY MADINA TOURE way to create the tradition re- BY BILL PARRY cutting off public access to our specting that diversity of how treasured parks like Flushing The third annual Mexican people do it,” she said. Madison Square Garden Meadows Corona Park, which Day of the Dead celebration at Day of the Dead, known as announced Monday that it is is enjoyed by thousands of Corona Plaza featured a mix- Día de los Muertos in Span- seeking to host a three-day families and residents every ture of food, music and danc- ish, is particularly popular in music festival at Flushing week in the summer months,” ing as participants mourned central and southern Mexico. Meadows Corona Park in June Katz said. “Doing so without a the dead and victims of police Observers of the holiday be- that would have a world-class public review process would brutality. lieve that heaven’s gates open lineup of talent and serve as a fly in the face of the very prin- At least 80 residents came at midnight Oct. 31 and that showcase for the culture and ciple behind our public parks, out to the event at the plaza the spirits of deceased chil- diversity of the city. which is space designated for on 103rd Street and Roosevelt dren can reunite with their The proposal comes one public access and equity.” Avenue. The Queens Mu- families for 24 hours. month after industry gi- MSG made a commitment seum, Corona residents and On Nov. 2, the spirits of ant AEG Live approached to minimizing the proposed Immigrant Movement Inter- the adults come down to en- the city Parks Department Signs point to a battle between festival’s impact on park oper- national organized the event. joy the festivities prepared about bringing a large-scale the borough president and MSG ations, as well as to assuring a Corona has a mixture for them. Coachella-style music festival over the proper use of Fushing positive and lasting impact on of people from Spanish- The stage at the event to the same park in the same Meadows Corona Park. the community. The sports and speaking countries in the featured an altar created in month. Photo by Michael Shain entertainment giant promised Caribbean, Central America collaboration with Shellyne Borough President Me- that all of the park’s soccer and South America, each of Rodriguez, a Harlem-based linda Katz quickly raised the something she said has never fields would remain entirely which celebrates the holiday multidisciplinary artist. caution flag about for-profit happened in Queens before. operational both leading up differently, Prerana Reddy, The altar had the faces of organizations shutting down “While public events of any to and during the festival, and the museum’s director of pub- some of the deceased such as major portions of the park to scale that enhance our bor- the schedule would not con- lic programs and community Mexican painter Frida Kahlo the public in order to accom- ough are encouraged, I take is- flict with Mets home games at engagement, said. and Osman Hernandez, a modate paid-admission events, sue when it is at the expense of Continued on Page 52 “We were trying to find a Continued on Page 52 4 TIMESLEDGER, NOV. 6–12, 2015 BT TIMESLEDGER.COM Unions rally in favor Schools required to report of Cosmos stadium hours spent in gym classes BY TOM MOMBERG poration has not provided any clear answers to Elmont BY GABRIEL ROM than 400,000 students in New Around 200 supporters of homeowners or businesses York City public schools that the New York Cosmos soccer on the redevelopment of the The City Council has unan- don’t have access to a “full-time, team’s plans to build a new Belmont property,” Elmont imously passed legislation certified PE teacher,” “attend a stadium on the Queens-Nas- School Board President Mi- introduced by Councilwoman school without a physical fit- sau county border joined la- chael Jaime said at the Oct. Elizabeth Crowley (D-Glen- ness space” or “attend a school bor leaders at a rally to grab 30 rally at the site. “This dale) to further ensure that that does not have access to an the state’s attention on the property needs to be elevated city children receive state- outdoor school yard or nearby matter. to a world-renowned sporting mandated physical education. yard.” The $40-million proposal and entertainment complex “Comprehensive, quality New York state law re- for a new 25,000-seat stadium to spur economic rebirth in PE during the school day has quires that students in middle on what is currently state this region. A parking lot to been shown to improve chil- school and high school have a land also includes plans for local car dealers will no lon- dren’s health, focus and aca- certified physical education a hotel, public park, commu- ger be tolerated.” demic performance. This bill teacher. nity center and retail park at The Cosmos’ proposal is about fairness. By know- “The bill passed this week the site. has been met with both lo- ing which schools are falling Elizabeth Crowley and Daniel is a major step toward greater The Cosmos’ proposal is cal support and local opposi- short, we can provide resourc- Drommat a rally outside City Hall accountability and transpar- one of four bids submitted tion, which legislators have es to help them meet the state’s Tuesday. ency that will allow parents for a large parcel of vacant recognized, but they are still standards,” Crowley said. Courtesy of Elizabeth Crowley and advocates to determine asphalt south of the Belmont urging the economic develop- “Currently, the Department of which schools have appropri- Racetrack in Elmont, follow- ment agency to make a deci- Education does not report on gym class with test prep and ate physical education ser- ing the Empire State Develop- sion. whether schools comply with sadly I have heard worse sto- vices, and which are lacking,” ment Corporation’s request State Assemblywoman the minimum standards for ries from parents—their chil- Stringer said last week. for proposals on the site. Michaelle Solages (D-Elmont) physical education.” dren are without a PE teacher, “A l l young people deser ve Nearly three years later, and her brother, a Nassau The bill, which passed 45-0 class space or simply just the a robust physical education the team announced in July it County legislator, have been last week, will require the time for physical education,” taught by licensed profession- would start looking for other against the project, citing a DOE to report the number of Crowley said. als in a gymnasium or other sites in Long Island, Queens, greater need in the area for a minutes and frequency of PE The bill came after City large space suitable for physi- Brooklyn, Westchester Coun- grocery store or more afford- at all grade levels, as well as Comptroller Scott Stringer re- cal activity,” said Councilman ty or New Jersey if the state able housing. the number of full-time and leased a report in May, based on Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson does not make a decision State Sen. Jack Martins, part-time certified instructors studies conducted by his office Heights), chairman of the soon. who has for the most part at each school. The DOE will and the Phys Ed 4 All Coalition, Education Committee and co- But the state still has not been in support of Cosmos’ then be required to submit which found that hundreds of sponsor of the legislation. “Our awarded the parcel to any plan under the presump- data to the City Council speak- thousands of public school stu- city has failed to meet the basic of the bidders. And because tion it would bring needed er, which must be posted on its dents are without quality PE, physical education needs of our the Cosmos have committed economic revitalization to website, allowing the public to and 60 percent of schools city- public school students, thereby to using union labor to con- Nassau County and east- view how much PE is given at wide only offer PE one to two violating state education law.” struct the new athletic facil- ern Queens, said the ESDC NYC public schools. times a week. Stringer’s report The first report will be re- ity, the unions are leading seems to be stalling. He has “As a public school par- said a third of schools had no leased by Aug. 31, 2016 and will the effort to demand the state been urging the state entity ent, I was frustrated when full-time certified gym teacher. reflect the conditions for this come back with an answer, or to make a decision so further my son’s school substituted He also said there were more school year. at least give an expected date planning and construction for when it might do so. can begin. The Empire State Devel- opment Corporation did not Reach reporter Tom respond to requests for com- Momberg by e-mail at ment. [email protected] or Zadroga cuts angers Maloney “The development cor- by phone at (718) 260–4573. BY BILL PARRY permanent and fully funded. We must continue providing 9/11 first responders and high-quality health care to the survivors once again made heroes and heroines of 9/11. the trip to Ground Zero Mon- And we must provide the full day to join U.S. Rep. Carolyn compensation we promised. Maloney (D-Astoria) and other We cannot tell those who have congressional leaders to rally already lost so much that the in support of a permanent and compensation they were prom- fully funded Zadroga Health ised will be cut by more than and Compensation Act exten- half.” sion. Maloney’s bill to fully fund Speaker after speaker and permanently extend the voiced their objection to new health and compensation pro- proposals by House Republi- U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney voic- gram has broad, bipartisan cans that would make 60 per- es her opposition to propos- report, with 241 House co- cent cuts to health care and als made by House Republicans sponsors, a clear majority. U.S. compensation and only tempo- that would slash health care Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D- rarily extend the World Trade for 9/11 first responders. NY) said the bill has 61 Senate Center Health program for Photo courtesy Maloney's office co-sponsors, a filibuster-proof Long Island and Queens labor groups are pushing the Empire State five years. majority. Development Corp. to accept the New York Cosmos' bid for vacant “The cancers suffered by who introduced the reautho- “These House committee space south of the Belmont Race Track for a new soccer stadium. 9/11 responders aren’t five- rization. “Five years of health proposals fall woefully short Courtesy of New York Cosmos year cancers,” said Maloney, care won’t do. It should be Continued on Page 52 TIMESLEDGER.COM BT TIMESLEDGER, NOV. 6–12, 2015 5 Alicia Hyndman wins race for Assembly seat
BY SADEF ALI KULLY
In a clean sweep, Democrat Alicia Hyndman took home the votes Tuesday night against Republican contender Scherie Murray in an off-year election for the state Assembly seat formerly held by William Scarborough. When you’re ready It was the first time in the history of the district that two women had run to feel better, for the Assembly seat . The last time a woman candidate held a seat in the dis- trict was back in 1982, when Cynthia we’re right around Jenkins became the assemblywoman and the first African-American female the corner. elected to a public office in the bor- Gastroenterology and Advanced Endoscopy from ough. The votes came in low and slow, Palmadessa & Brodsky according to the unofficial city Board of Elections results. With 99 percent Call us at (718) 461-0163 tallied, Hyndman won 3,820 votes and Murray had 279 votes. or visit QueensGastroDoc.com The unofficial number of votes re- ported at 99 percent was 4,170, includ- Democrat Alicia Hyndman defeated ing write-ins -- the lowest voter turnout Republican candidate Scherie Murray in the history of the district. in a landslide victory for the 29th State The lowest voter turnout for the Assembly District in an off-year election. 29th Assembly District up until now Photo by Nat Valentine was in 2014 when 17,226 votes were cast 241-02 Northern Blvd #1, Douglaston, NY 11362 for Scarborough, when he ran unop- Hyndman voted earlier in the morn- posed on the ballot. ing with her two daughters, 16-year old The 29th Assembly District 29 seat Nia and 5-year old Nyla Hyndman by —which covers Hollis, Jamaica, St. Al- her side. bans, Laurelton and Rosedale—opened Republican and Reform Party can- up in May when Scarborough resigned didate Scherie Murray, a member of after pleading guilty to state and feder- the Republican State Committee, was al corruption charges. endorsed by both parties. He had held the seat for She founded the Esemel 20 years. Group Inc., a television The total population production and advertis- of the 29th State Assem- ing company. Murray bly District is 124,000 has contended in debates people and an estimated against Hyndman that 80 percent of the popula- the district needed a posi- tion is of voting age, according to CU- tive change in leadership due to a cor- NY’s Center for Urban Research. rupt Democratic regime in southeast HEATING OIL Based on 2010 U.S. Census data, Queens. almost 50 percent of the citizen vot- There was no primary election be- SAVE NOW ing age group are African American. cause each candidate was unopposed While both Asians and whites are esti- in her own party. mated at 11 percent among the citizens Southeast Queens has a rich, di- of voting age, Hispanics are the third verse political history. In the middle of • Oil prices at largest at 9 percent in the district. the national civil rights movement and near 5-year lows* The victory party took place at a major push by the NAACP Jamaica Island Taste Bar & Grill at Merrick branch, the district became the fourth • Ultra Low Sulfur Boulevard in Rosedale with dozens city borough to elect a black assembly- of supporters, family and friends con- man, Justice Kenneth Brown, in 1964. Bioheat/Fuel gratulating Hyndman. He eventually left the Assembly seat • 24/7 service and Hyndman was a member and presi- to become the first African-American dent of District 29 Community Educa- judge in Queens County. support in any weather tion Council for almost a decade. She announced her campaign in June and Reach Reporter Sadef Ali Kully by was endorsed by major Democratic e-mailFor at [email protected] hyper-local or by Call for special offers! 877.358.2186 elected officials and district leaders, phone at (718) 260–4546. including drawing strong support Queens news on your Oil | Heating | Cooling | Duct Cleaning from former City Councilman Archie Spigner. computer, smartphone, Her platform mainly focused on or iPad, visit petro.com petro mobile connect on education, but she has spoken out on police community, criminal justice, *Oil prices as of August 2015. Additional terms and conditions may apply. TimesLedger.com. NYC Lic. No. 1314079. ©2015 Petro. P_15550 the foreclosure crisis, job security and development in Jamaica. 6 TIMESLEDGER, NOV. 6–12, 2015 BT TIMESLEDGER.COM AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES @ THE SAMUEL FIELD Y 58-20 Little Neck Parkway, Little Neck, NY 11362 PROGRAM OFFERINGS Still INCLUDE: Time to Register! Lego Engineering Basketball Comic Storytelling Hip Hop Jewelry Making Mixed Media Arts Soccer Clinics Cooking Performing Arts Video Making Music and more! 10 week sessions Grades K-2, 3-6 Classes begin week of October 19
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8 TIMESLEDGER, NOV. 6–12, 2015 BT TIMESLEDGER.COM Yellow cabs need help Nun does 30 on Rikers in new reality: Crowley Sister Margaret McCabe passes milestone as chaplain
BY BILL PARRY ers, disruption for depositors, potential taxpayer exposure BY BILL PARRY U.S. Rep. Joseph Crow- and the loss of good-paying ley (D-Jackson Heights) has jobs for hardworking people,” A Catholic nun who was grown so alarmed about the Crowley warned. raised on Crescent Street in new reality facing the taxi Meanwhile, Crowley Astoria and still lives in a con- industry in the city, specifi- kicked off a free workshop for vent on Ditmars Boulevard cally the declining value of more than 250 small business has spent the last 30 years on licensed taxicab medallions, owners at the Queens Cham- Rikers Island, and she’s look- that he fired off a letter to ber of Commerce in Flushing ing forward to more. Mayor Bill de Blasio last Monday. The event, called Sister Margaret McCabe, week urging action. Facebook’s Boost Your Busi- 75, is the chaplain of the Rob- The rise of Uber and ness seminar, helped connect ert N. Davoren Complex, one other companies providing small business with the so- of nine prisons on the island, competition for yellow cabs cial media giant. which houses more than 1,300 has caused scrutiny and du- Facebook small business male prisoners, most of them ress for multiple New York expert Ana Martinez shared adolescents. credit unions which have the latest practices and strat- “I walk the corridor every lent against these collateral egies for success, pointing day. I tour the jail and the assets for decades, Crowley out that more than 45 million clinics to make sure everyone warned. small businesses use Face- knows who I am,” McCabe “A New York City medal- book to connect with custom- said. “I see them in my office lion has long been consid- ers. Nearly eight in 10 people and counsel them one-on-one, ered a tangible collateral in the United States are con- and without being judgmental asset for lending purposes. nected to at least one small I try to draw out of them what In fact, such medallions not business on Facebook. put them in the situation that only held, but increased Indoor Extreme Sports put them here. I challenge their value over a period of founder Peter Fermoselle them to make their future bet- more than 50 years,” Crow- shared how Facebook has ter. I want to be a caring spirit ley wrote. “However, in the helped build a following for in their lives.” past two years, the value of his paint ball and laser-tag She looks after every in- these medallions has dimin- venue at 47-11 Van Dam St. in mate, not just the Catholics, ished substantially and—by Long Island City. and she cares about each Cor- extension—has devalued the “We use Facebook to let rection officer as well. earning power of their own- people know the exciting “These officers do double ers. The result has been an stuff that we have at Indoor shifts all the time,” McCabe increase in the number of Extreme Sports,” Fermoselle said. “I ask about them and delinquencies on medallion said. “We want to make our I care about them and their loans increasing at credit customers look like super- personal problems as well.” unions that largely lend stars. If we have a photo of She was honored last month against taxi medallions.” someone running around at a roll call/plaque ceremony Sister Margaret McCabe receives a plaque from DOC Commissioner Crowley urged the mayor playing archery tag looking celebrating her 30 years of ser- Joseph Ponte for her 30 years of service at Rikers. to find legal or financial solu- like Rambo, we are going to vice and dedication. Speeches tions to assist the yellow-cab use that. We are going to post were delivered by Department decided a long time ago that the ongoing reform movement industry and its lenders as and promote that and it gen- of Correction Commissioner I didn’t get them arrested, I undertaken by Ponte and man- they make the transition to erates a conversation on the Joseph Ponte and several can’t get them released and dated by Mayor Bill de Blasio, a world with more for-hire post. It generates a conversa- chiefs and wardens. I’m not their mother. I can’t she would say she feels safe transportation options, as tion and a buzz.” A number of Correction of- undo what’s gone on in their there. well as rapidly changing ficers shared heartfelt experi- lives when they were 16, 17, 18 “Not only does the staff market conditions. Reach reporter Bill Parry ences they had had with the years old, but I can be a caring look after me, but the inmates “Without swift action, by e-mail at bparry@cnglo- chaplain. spirit in their lives.” do as well,” she said. “Even if this situation is only going to cal.com or by phone at (718) “Sister Margaret is well- She is also touchable and they’re mopping the floor, they escalate and lead to a further 260–4538. loved by her entire staff at approachable. The nun re- go out of their way to make demise of taxi medallion lend- RDNC as she goes from office members a tall and slender sure I don’t slip.” to office, from area to area young man who used to cope The nun is in no hurry to each morning giving hugs to with his mother’s mental ill- end her time at Rikers Island, each staff member she passes ness by smoking marijuana either . in the corridor,” RNDC War- and stealing cars. “Catholic sisters don’t re- den Karen Collins said. “She “After I listened to his story tire while they’re well,” Mc- has been a matriarch to every- I asked him what else I could Cabe said. “I see myself still one for three decades, giving do,” McCabe recalled. “He told doing this for another five staff years of unconditional me a hug would do and it did. years, when I’m 80. Besides, I support and guidance.” Every time I saw him in the still have a lot of work to do. I McCabe was offered three corridor I would give him a think that if they would all be positions at the Department of hug and the officers allowed good Catholics and not come Correction in 1985. She chose it. The memory brings tears back, well, I would have quit RNDC because of her 13-year to my eyes. Some of these in- years ago.” background working with ad- mates are very good people, olescents, many of whom were they just didn’t start out with Reach reporter Bill Parry by troubled. a good moral compass.” e-mail at [email protected] U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley fires off a warning to Mayor de Blasio that “I come in quite handy While McCabe would not or by phone at (718) 260–4538. yellow cab drivers may face financial ruin as ride-share companies as someone who will listen talk about the high level of grow. Photo courtesy Crowley's office to people,” McCabe said. “I violence at Rikers Island or TIMESLEDGER.COM BT TIMESLEDGER, NOV. 6–12, 2015 9 HOUSEHOUSE SERVING QUEENS SAME DAY TOP $ PAID AND THE ENTIRE SERVICE FOR JUDAICA POLICE CALLSCALLS TRI-STATE AREA AVAILABLE COLLECTIBLES ANTIQUESANTIQUES && ESTATEESTATE BUYERSBUYERS We Pay $CASH$ For Blotter Paintings, Clocks, Watches, Thief hits Flushing office: NYPD Estate Jewelry & Fine China, From Single Items FLUSHING — Police were looking for a man who reportedly stole money to Entire Estates! and electronics from a Flushing office s Coin & Stamp Collections last week. s Costume Jewelry At about 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28, a suspect entered an office at 132-15 41st Ave. s Antique Furniture s Lamps through the rear window and stole a s Bronzes s Paintings s Prints computer, iPhone and about $300 from MOVING or the desk in the office’s reception area, s Chinese & Japanese DOWNSIZING? according to the police. Artwork & Porcelain CALL The office was unoccupied at the US! Military s Sports Collectibles time of incident and there were no re- Collections ported injuries, police said. Wanted s Comic Books s Old Toys s Records The suspect fled on foot in an un- Swords, known direction, officials said. Knives, s Cameras s Sterling Flatware Sets Helmets, etc. HUMMELS & LLADROS Police described the suspect as a man in his 40s who was last seen wear- ing a hooded sweatshirt, black head SEE OUR AD IN THE SUNDAY POST Top $ Paid cover and sweatpants. Cops were looking for this man in con- for Antique No arrests have been made and the nection with a rear-window burglary in Sterling! 516-974-6528516-974-6528 investigation was ongoing, according Whitestone of a computer and cell phone. ASK FOR CHRISTOPHER to a police spokesman. NYPD ANTIQUE & ESTATE BUYERS WILL TRAVEL We buy anything old. One piece or house full. ENTIRE WILL TRAVEL.WILL TRAVEL. WE MAKE HOUSE HOUSE CALLS. CALLS. FREE Man flashes gun at restaurant workers: Cops TRI-STATE! 173 N. WELLWOOD AVENUE, LINDENHURST, N.Y. Estimates! RICHMOND HILL — Police were searching for a suspect who threat- ened employees of an eatery in Rich- mond Hill with a firearm, according to police officials. After 8:30 p.m. Oct. 22, at the Rong Hua Chinese food restaurant at 131-19 Jamaica Ave., a verbal argument took place between a 39-year-old restau- rant worker and a young man over the C.O.D. cost of an order, police said. The young man showed his fire- In the surveillance video from the restau- arm putting the restaurant worker but rant, Police said the suspect brandished a no one was injured and no property weapon during a verbal argument over the was taken, the police reported. price of his order. NYPD Photo Police describe the suspect as a (718) 354-3834 black man in his mid-20s, between gold grill on his top teeth, black jeans, 5-feet-9 and 5-feet-11, and weighing a black hooded-sweatshirt and a black around 140 pounds. baseball cap with an orange San Fran- In the surveillance video from the cisco Giants logo on it. # #" !&$"# ! restaurant, the suspect was wearing a &( $ ( $! # $"# !!!% # ) # ) ! ! ( $!'# !! Astoria man reported missing ASTORIA — The NYPD was looking for an elderly man who was last seen on Oct. 24 at around 9 p.m. PAY C.O.D. PRICES & SAVE!!* The man, Frank Ramlall, was last seen at his home on 38-17 28th St. in Astoria. Police described Ramlall as 5-feet-9, weighing *À«ÌÊ iÛiÀÞÊUÊ >ÃÞÊ"iÊ"À`iÀ} around 125 pounds with brown eyes and a black afro. Ramlall is known to frequent Dutch Kills Park, iÌiÀi`Ê iÛiÀÞÊUÊ*ÀiÕÊi>Ì}Ê" which is located Crescent Street and 36th Avenue, as well as Trade Fair Supermarket located at 22-20, 36th Ave., police said. www.CODOIL.com Ramlall was still missing as of Wednesday after- *Cannot combine with any other offers. noon, according to a police spokesman. FRANK RAMLALL Lic. #74-1810078
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TIMESLEDGER.COM BT TIMESLEDGER, NOV. 6–12, 2015 11 EDITORIALS PRICING OUT FANS
Bringing the World Series to the world’s borough, despite its heartbreaking conclusion, is something that can give everyone in Queens a sense of pride and accomplishment—from the team’s stellar roster of young pitchers to the legions of fans who have sup- ported the Mets in good times and bad. But while the enthusiasm of that diverse fan base has played a big factor in the success of this year’s National League champs, the ability of those fans to share in their team’s biggest moment met an all-too- predictable roadblock: the inflated cost of World Se- ries tickets. The $17,553 per seat price that two people paid for their Game 3 seats on StubHub, according to a CNN report, may be an extreme example. However, it is undeniable that the 2015 World Series, especially for the games played at Citi Field, reached a new high in terms of ticket prices. Much of that price spike was a result of the ever- expanding secondary market, in which online ticket buyers can quickly send the cost of a seat into tech- stock territory. At ticket search engine TipIQ, for example, tickets for Series games at Citi Field were going for an average of $1,600. But even fans who got their tickets the old-fashioned way had to deal with sticker shock. The face value of tickets to Series OTHER VOICES games at Citi Field started at a hefty $125 and went sharply up from there. According to Chicago-based Team Marketing Report, the average price paid for a Mets ticket during the regular season was $25.30. To put that into context, for a family of four to get Thanks for an Amazin’ season to the stadium, pay for their seats and indulge in hot dogs, popcorn and soda, they’d likely have to spend Thanks to the New York almost as much as they did on last month’s rent. Mets for this Amazin’ season, Even Gov. Mario Cuomo tried, to truncated effect, which produced a well-de- to get in on the bonanza that soaring ticket prices served National League cham- produced. A plan to sell individual seats for Games pionship as a result of their 3 and 4 at $5,500 a pop as a fund-raiser was scrapped excellent play and the smart after it set off a firestorm of criticism from both the mid-season trades made by the media and the fans. team’s front office. The problem of high ticket prices has not escaped Although losing in the the attention of borough politicians, however. State World Series is hard, we can Sen. José Peralta (D-East Elmhurst), whose district take pride in the fact that the includes Citi Field, is the co-sponsor of a bill that Mets played with heart and de- would limit ticket resellers to a 20 percent profit on termination and represented resold tickets. Queens and all of New York In the folklore of New York City, it has always been City in an exceptional man- the Yankees who were the big-money behemoths, ner. The team also has a bright while the Mets have held on to an image as the kind future ahead of it with its out- of hardscrabble guys who have a natural appeal for standing young pitching staff. the hardworking, multi-cultural borough they call We’ll get ’em next year! home. It’s in everyone’s interest that something be done to keep these Queens heroes within reach of Melinda Katz their many fans. In the stands, ticket in hand, at Game 5 of the World Series. Photo by Rich Scarpitta Queens Borough President
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12 TIMESLEDGER, NOV. 6–12, 2015 BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER.COM FLIP READERS WRITE Another Bayside school is a bad solution
The Auburndale Improve- The board subsequently voted schools are perceived by many cided siting of an elementary ty center. Whatever goes there ment Association’s boundar- against it almost unanimous- as inferior and/or unsafe. school on the Keil property has to be presented to and ap- ies overlap with the Northwest ly. It was democracy in action. The Department of Education in Bayside underscores this proved by the local residents. Bayside Civic Association in There are many reasons should be concentrating on perception. Instead of meet- We urge local residents to the area where the proposed why a high school on the Bay- ensuring that all high schools ing with local residents, civic continue to express their con- new high school is located, on side Jewish Center site is the are excellent and safe schools groups and others and discuss- cerns against the project by the site of the Bayside Jewish wrong choice. 32nd Avenue rather than putting the bur- ing what type of school would contacting Councilman Paul Center. We support the civic is already a busy street, what den on our three local public be built in terms of programs Vallone, sending in written and the surrounding commu- with all of the other schools high schools. and appearance, and how po- comments to the SCA by Nov. nity near the site in opposing in the immediate area and the But perhaps the most im- tential problems would be ad- 20, and attending and testify- the construction of this pro- vehicular and bus traffic. The portant reason why this is dressed, the SCA just decided ing at the City Council hear- posed high school. site itself is too small to support not the correct place for a new to go ahead with the project ing regarding this project At its monthly November a high school of over 700 stu- high school is because the lo- with little public input. This whenever it is conducted. It is meeting, Community Board 11 dents. And parking for teachers cal residents just do not want a time, there was a little more important, as was mentioned heard overwhelmingly from and other staff members is a building of this potential mag- effort to contact the commu- by several civic leaders at the the residents near the site that very pressing problem. nitude in their neighborhood. nity around the Bayside Jew- community board meeting, to they strongly oppose this new And then there is the ques- They fear the impact that such ish Center site. However, that follow through on objections building. Sen. Avella spoke el- tion of enrollment figures. Stu- a school would have on their effort is still insufficient. to this project. oquently against this project. dents from outside the commu- community and on their qual- What should go at this pro- Congresswoman Grace Meng nity choose and are accepted ity of life as well as the prop- posed site? A lot of good alter- Terri Pouymari, President and Assemblyman Ed Braun- to attend our local three over- erty values of their homes. natives were suggested at the Henry Euler, First Vice stein have sent in a joint letter crowded public high schools The SCA has long been re- community board meeting. President to the School Construction Au- (Bayside, Cardozo, Francis garded as an agency that does This community needs a se- Auburndale Improvement thority opposing the project. Lewis) because their own high as it pleases. The recently de- nior center and/or a communi- Association, Inc.
New York needs new ferries ALL EYES ON JAMAICA “Ferry not due till ’17” (Oct. cluding Long Island City, East funding. New York state also 30) is disappointing news for a 34th Street, Greenpoint, Wil- provides operating assistance lot of New Yorkers. The ferry liamsburg, Brooklyn Bridge for transportation systems. program is funded out of May- Park, Wall Street and Gover- All of these proposed ferry or Bill de Blasio’s ongoing $55 nors Island. Over the next four services will require similar million program to support the years under Mayor de Blasio’s subsidies. Mayor de Blasio’s creation of new ferry services proposal, ferry service could proposal for a fare structure around the five boroughs. And expand to serve Soundview of $2.75 per ride to match that while many Staten Island resi- in the Bronx; Astoria, Long of NYC Transit buses and sub- dents feel they are the forgot- Island City and Rockaway in ways will require a significant ten borough when it comes to Queens; East 90th Street, East operating subsidy. transportation improvements 62nd Street, East 23rd Street Thousands of NYC resi- and options, some Rockaway and Grand Street in Manhat- dents elect to pay $6.50 for residents feel they are the tan; and Fulton Street Land- express bus service. It might forgotten Queens community ing, Atlantic Avenue Pier 6, make more sense for new ferry when it comes to the same. Brooklyn Army Terminal and services to charge a fare at Our waterways continue Bay Ridge in Brooklyn. Rock- some price between $6.50 and to be an underutilized natu- away residents would benefit $2.75. Riders could purchase ral asset which can offer sig- from proposed new service weekly or monthly passes for nificant transportation alter- which could connect with stops discounted fares. These could Cutting the ribbon at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for the open- natives. New ferry services at 34th Street and Wall Street. be supplemented by using ing of a state-of-the-art Ophthalmology Center, the latest addition can be implemented far more Numerous past private TransitCheks. to TJH’s specialty physician group, is (l-r) state Sen. Joe Adabbo, quickly than construction of ferry operators have come and Who would not want to en- City Council member Rory Lancman, Assemblyman David Weprin, new subways, commuter rail gone. They could not survive joy the fresh air and breeze Dr. Cono Grasso, chairman of the Opthalmology Dept., Bruce Flanz, lines or highways. based upon farebox revenue that only waterborne trans- CEO of Jamaica Hospital, Melissa Morales and Pauline Mars, also of Several thousand riders on alone without some sort of gov- portation can provide? a daily basis utilize the East ernment subsidy. New York Jamaica Hospital. The center is expected to treat up to 25,000 pa- River ferry connecting vari- City can apply for state and fed- Larry Penner tients a year. Photo by Nat Valentine ous waterfront locations in- eral capital grants to assist in Great Neck
Contact the newsroom: CORRECTION The editorial in the Oct. 30-Nov. 5 issue should have said Officer Randolph Holder immigrated to Far 718-260-4545 • [email protected] Rockaway 12 years ago. The error was caught during the editing process but did not make it into the print version.
TIMESLEDGER.COM BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER, NOV. 6–12, 2015 13 COLUMNS In today’s world, everyone’s a health nut
good ol’ milk-drinking, Won- of mine (they’re all turning!) The soy-milk folks are get- Lenore der-loving, candy gobblers now “cheats” by eating chia ting into butter. The pescatar- Skenazy like me behind. Folks who still pudding! How is it ians are trying pork. The Nu- ■ eat hot dogs, if you can believe Cheats on what? Gently traSweet crowd is swearing that, despite WNYC reporting sautéed pine needles? Liver cheating to eat by Stevia. And I wasn’t going Rhymes for 36 hours straight last week: smoothies? How is it cheating to mention kale, but it is the with Crazy “The World Health Organiza- to eat something so healthy something so elephant in the kitchen. tion says processed meat is that it still grosses at least a “It’s an aspirational veg- bad for you. Bad, bad, bad, portion of the population out? healthy that it still etable,” explains Nancy Mc- bad, bad, bad! Donate now, be- “Marcy!” I typed at her. grosses at least Dermott, an independent re- “Where’s the milk?” I asked fore you drop dead.” “You were the one who intro- searcher and advisor to Park my best friend from high Simply by standing in duced me to the food that is a portion of the Slope Parents. “It’s also very school, Gigi, as I peered into place, I’d become abnormal, totally worth cheating with: pretty. I saw a nice kale tattoo her fridge. like a gal still wild about Earth Hostess Fruit Pies. What hap- population out? on Facebook the other day. But “It’s right there!” Shoes. Or Pet Rocks. Or Jeb. pened?” eating it, preparing it, is dif- “Where?” Everyone else today is eat- She typed back (where ficult. I hate having to cut out “There!” ing or juicing something they would we be, friend-wise, with- convinced her to eat them for the stalks, and then rolling the But, as Gertrude Stein never thought they’d even con- out Facebook?): “Chia pudding good luck and she gave them leaves and cutting them. And would have said—if she need- sider food. A guy I know (who is made with chia seeds, al- an open-minded nibble. Now as for bruising it, I think you’d ed something to pour in her was briefly a pro football play- mond milk, cacao (or, for those Sue’s a beet-nik, and I worry have to sleep with it under the coffee and was still alive— er!) just mentioned he is into who still speak English, co- that the vegetable is a gateway mattress to make it tender “There’s no ‘there’ there, only hemp hearts. coa), maple syrup, and vanilla to hemp hearts! enough to eat.” almond milk.” Hemp has a heart? It’s legal extract. As the seeds soak, they And others are opening up By the time we are sleeping Gigi shrugged. to eat? He says he mixes the become tapioca-like. Makes a to celery root. All those an- with our kale, all bets are off. “That’s what we drink.” hearts into cheesy eggs, which yummy pudding. Hostess Fruit cient grains are taking over, It’s driving me to drink. And therein lies a tale. sounds somewhere between Pies?! I forgot about those.” too. Not for nothing do they But not kombucha with al- There was no cow milk in Gi- revolting and felonious. Forgot? call it Faro. mond milk. gi’s fridge, no white bread in But hemp is just one of those I know, I know—people’s The problem is not that peo- her bread box, and no peanut things that people say, “I’m tastes change, and change is ple’s tastes are shifting. They Lenore Skenazy is host of butter in her cabinets—only into now.” Like Kombucha— good. My friend Sue is eating always do. It is that they seem the reality show “World’s Worst almond butter. Without even the stuff in bottles that looks beets now. She used to spit to be lurching. Mom” on the Discovery Life realizing it, Gigi had become like pond water. And chia! If them out back when beets “I got all into trying to go Channel. She is also a public what we used to call a health chia can go from pet to food, were on everyone’s shelf— vegan, then I got into paleo— speaker and author and found- nut, but is now apparently a what hope is there for puppies? sometimes for years—in a huge shift, I know,” I read a er of the book and blog Free- health mainstreamer, leaving Another high-school friend can. Then recently someone mom confess online. Range Kids. Denying representation to District 23 residents
resignation of a New York ment advantage over the Re- partisan election for a lengthy voters, line up union support Bob City councilman. The Special publicans, the Queens County primary and general election and select a party loyalist as “non-partisan” Election as Democratic organization process, giving it more time their candidate. The strategy Friedrich outlined in the City Charter knew that it needed more than and the advantage needed to succeeded for the party, but ■ was designed to bypass a time- 60 days to galvanize its base of retain its power and win the deprived the community of On Point consuming primary process hardcore party voters and pro- election. representation for more than and to expeditiously fill the mote their selected candidate For more than a month half a year. vacant seat, so communities to maximize their chances of after Weprin publicly an- Being treated like pawns I’m delighted to be resum- are not left without civic rep- winning. nounced his resignation and in a game of chess where pow- ing my On Point column for resentation and an advocate in A little-known clause in already began working for the erful career politicians ma- the TimesLedger papers. I had their city government for long the Election Law would al- governor, he was repeatedly nipulate the board pieces to taken a hiatus in order to run periods of time. A “non-parti- low them to do just that. If asked by the press and civic retain power is just the type of for the New York City Council san” election is one in which an incumbent’s “official” res- leaders when he was going to scheme that creates cynicism seat left vacant by the sud- candidates do not run under a ignation takes place within a “officially” resign. His answer among voters. These maneu- den departure of Councilman Democrat or Republican ban- certain period of time prior to was always that the “vetting vers routinely occur behind Mark Weprin in May of this ner and every registered voter a scheduled primary and gen- process” for his new position the scenes and all too often year. I placed second in the is eligible to vote. The winner eral election cycle, then the with Gov. Cuomo’s office was not exposed to the public as is Democratic primary, losing by of this shortened election cycle speedy non-partisan election taking longer than expected. being done here. By the time 300 votes out of approximately immediately becomes the next is bypassed in favor of the pri- By a surprising coincidence this column is published, the 7,000 cast. council member. mary and general election. in timing, Mark Weprin’s “of- 23rd Council District will Unfortunately for those of Unfortunately, the City This could only be accom- ficial” resignation was sub- have voted for its new Coun- us who live in the 23rd Coun- Charter’s process to quickly plished by engineering a deal mitted almost to the day that cil member. That person will cil District, we have now been fill the vacant City Council to have Councilman Mark We- permitted the cancellation of either be Democrat Barry without representation for seat for the benefit of the com- prin “officially” postpone sub- the non-partisan election— Grodenchik or Republican Jo- almost six months. It didn’t munity was preempted by mitting his resignation until reverting to a delayed normal seph Concannon. Both men have to be this way. The City the powerful Queens County the designated target date. By election cycle. This maneuver are good, but the process that Charter calls for an expedi- Democratic organization in doing so, the party organiza- now gave the Queens County got us here is not. tious Special Election to take a clever and strategic ploy to tion could manipulate the sys- Democratic Organization the place within 60 days of the retain power. With an enroll- tem to bypass the speedy non- time it needed to galvanize its 14 TIMESLEDGER, NOV. 6–12, 2015 BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER.COM Christ the King High School 68-02 Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village, New York 11379 (718) 366-7400 THE Christ the King Students Welcomes New Board Members LOWEST Christ the King High School’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Serphin R. Maltese, welcomed the school’s COST newest Board Members, William Steinmann, Daniel O’Connor, Daniel Austin, Sr., Clara Sarrocco, Maureen Health Engesser and Ronald Valinotti. Serf Maltese, Chairman of the Board of Trustees said, “I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome PLAN Christ the King’s newest Board Mem- bers and to thank them for their ser- Pictured left to right: William Steinmann vice to our school. I look forward (CK ’67); Daniel O’Connor (CK ’92); Dan- iel Austin, Sr; Serf Maltese, CK Board of ONLINE? to working with each of them in our Trustees Chairman; Clara Sarrocco; and continued efforts to keep Christ the Maureen Engesser. King High School at the forefront of (Not pictured, Ronald Valinotti (CK ’93)) academic excellence while maintain- ing an atmosphere where each child can attain their fullest potential.”
About Christ the King Regional High School Christ the King Regional High School is a private, co-educational Catholic High School with a 4-year college preparatory curriculum. Located in Middle Village, Queens, Christ the King Regional High School draws students from all areas. The school is accredited by The Board of Regents of the State of New York and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Christ the King’s current enrollment is approximately 900 students. The faculty numbers 45. Christ the King High School is governed by its Board of Trustees: Serphin R. Maltese, Chairman; Thomas V. Ognibene, Vice Chairman; Robert A. Normandia, Vice Chairman; Bernard G. Helldorfer, Counsel/Trustee; Anthony Como, Esq., Treasurer; Brenda Evans, Trustee; Dolores St. Louis, Trustee; Peter J. Mannarino, Principal; Michael W. Michel, President; Arthur Spanarkel, Financial Advisor; and Veronica Cokley, Executive Assistant. More information is available http://www.ctkny.org/. Find Christ the King on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CKCampus.
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TIMESLEDGER.COM BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER, NOV. 6–12, 2015 15 Wiseman fl ick is hit
welcomes Cathy Hui Liu Luk ‘In Jackson Heights’ and Smitha Lukose-Khan BY BILL PARRY The grand master of American doc- umentary filmmaking sat on a metal Cathy Hui Liu Luk folding chair in the cafeteria at PS 69 in Jackson Heights and reflected on what made him choose this particular neighborhood as the subject of his 41st Cathy Hui Liu Luk recently joined movie. Flushing Bank as Vice President, Frederick Wiseman, 85, the son of a Branch Manager at the Forest Hills Russian immigrant, wanted to explore Branch. Prior to joining Flushing one of the most diverse communities on the planet, where 167 different lan- Bank, Cathy had more than fifteen guages are spoken within a mile of years of experience working as a Roosevelt Avenue. Vice President, Senior Premier Re- “I am completely fascinated by the lationship Manager at HSBC and as immigrant experience and I knew there was enough material here for a a Financial Consultant for AXA Advi- film,” Wiseman said. “I was interested sors, LLC. Her extensive financial services experience includes in the new immigrants because, after developing, managing and expanding Premier client relationships all, we are a nation of immigrants. I at service levels that exceeded goals and expectations. During had been to Jackson Heights only twice Documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman her career, Cathy has distinguished herself as an active member in my life, visiting a friend in 2007 and explores the diversity among the people in again in 2014. The diversity is un- Jackson Heights. Photo by John Ewing in Sales Excellence & Leadership clubs and through her efforts matched. It reminded me of what the has consistently received recognition awards such as “Premier Lower East Side must have been like at because they provide substantial help Relationship Manager of the Year.” the turn of the last century.” to the immigrants,” Wiseman said. “I Cathy Hui Liu Luk has an MBA degree in Finance from the Wiseman screened his film, “In found them to be skilled community Jackson Heights,” at PS 69 10 days be- leaders trying to help people in these University of Colorado and a Bachelor of Science in Business fore its theatrical premiere at the Film new surroundings. The issues that are Administration from the University of Economics and Business Forum in Manhattan Wednesday . He presented in those scenes are faced by at Beijing, China. She is fully licensed with Series 7, 65, 63 wanted the community to see how he immigrants everywhere in the West.” License and Life & Health Insurance License (New York State). saw their world during nine weeks of Wiseman and his crew recorded shooting in the summer of 2014. many meetings between activists from Cathy moved to New York fifteen years ago from China with her “He really captured the essence of Queens Neighborhoods United and husband and daughter. what Jackson Heights is now,” Queens small business owners discussing their World Film Festival co-founder Don opposition to the 82nd Street Partner- Smitha Lukose-Khan Cato said. “He lets the people tell the ship. The Jackson Heights Business story with no narration. He allows the Improvement District’s impending people to explain and that is the beauty expansion into Corona is portrayed as behind this film and it’s what makes extreme gentrification, an end to the Flushing Bank welcomes Smitha this particular filmmaker incompa- mom-and-pop stores and vendors along Lukose-Khan as Branch Manager of rable. At 85 years old, the man is a pow- Roosevelt Avenue. the Astoria Branch. Smitha has 17 erhouse.” “We appreciated him coming to our years of banking experience and is For 12 hours a day, Wiseman would meetings and providing such a plat- hold a boom mike near his subject, form,” community organizer Tania passionate about delivering an ex- from City Councilman Daniel Dromm Mattos said. “It was almost like he ceptional experience to her custom- and his staff to an LGBT group discuss- wasn’t even there and he offered no ers and ensuring that her team brings ing whether they should stay in Jack- judgments.” value to the communities that they son Heights after their usual meeting Wiseman did not present the other place was lost in the Bruson Building side of the story but he did attempt to serve. For the past four and a half fire. His camera follows Colombian reach Seth Taylor, the BID’s executive years, she was a Financial Center Manager at Bank of America soccer fans as they watch their nation- director in 2014. serving the Queens and Brooklyn markets. Smitha was responsi- al team play at the World Cup and then “I tried to get a hold of Seth Tay- ble for managing vastly complex centers with high transaction vol- celebrate a victory on Northern Boule- lor on several occasions but he didn’t umes and a diverse clientele. She is a transformational leader who vard as police move in. seemed interested,” Wiseman said There is a 98-year-old woman in with a shrug. “Besides, I had plenty of coaches her teams to successfully deliver financial solutions to a senior center admitting that she other material to work with.” customers and to build strong alliances with business partners. wouldn’t mind having a boyfriend. The veteran director had 140 hours Smitha began her banking career at Astoria Federal Bank in There is a disturbing scene inside a of content that took him 11 months 1998 and grew through the leadership ranks within the company. Halal butcher as an assortment of live to edit into the 190-minute film. His fowl nervously await their slaughter. fly-on-the-wall style holds up with- In 2006, she relocated to Florida and became a Branch Man- There is a hysterical scene inside out voice-overs or talking head inter- ager at SunTrust Bank in Orlando, which achieved top accolades a class full of want-to-be cabdrivers, views. in Community Market development. She is an active member in from all over the planet. Several scenes “I try to cut it in a way that makes it the community, volunteering with Financial Literacy programs for are shot at Make the Road New York, all self-explanatory,” Wiseman said. including a Mexican woman giving a children and young adults. Smitha currently resides in her home- harrowing account of her struggle to Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail town of Queens with her husband and two daughters. bring her daughter across the border. at [email protected] or by phone at “I found Make the Road fascinating (718) 260–4538. 16 TIMESLEDGER, NOV. 6–12, 2015 BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER.COM ? c ? $100 REBATE* ON ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PURCHASES:
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TIMESLEDGER.COM BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER, NOV. 6–12, 2015 17 Rockaway residents remember Hurricane Sandy Sanders hosts workshop, holds memorial for peninsula devastated by 2012 superstorm
BY SADEF ALI KULLY walked down Beach 73 Street Around 4 p.m., Sanders to the boardwalk with Sand- then walked to the beach with Dozens of Rockaway resi- ers, who recalled the mo- the community. dents marched to the beach ments before the storm began “This was when the winds last week to mark the third an- to intensify. “This was when really started to pick up. By 6 niversary of Hurricane Sandy. it started getting worse,” he p.m. we lost power and that’s It was part of a memorial event said. when everything got real,” he at the Rockaway YMCA com- “The dramatic thing was said. “Everything was down memorating lost loved ones when I saw the boardwalk—it for the count.” and neighbors as well as sur- was gone,” Sanders said to the Federal Emergency Man- vivors. crowd. agement Agency director of The events included all-day He asked who had lost the Sandy Recovery office in workshops with representa- neighbors or loved ones and Forest Hills, John Covell said tive from the U.S. Department a few raised their arms, then the repairs of the boardwalk of Housing and Urban Devel- he asked how many had spent cost an estimated $480 million opment on disaster financial thousands to rebuild and all of in federal and state grants. relief and the state’s Empire them raised their hands. “The boardwalk sustained State Development Corpora- “The Rockaways are more significant storm damage— tion on opportunities for busi- together than ever—Sandy this new boardwalk is much, nesses owned by minorities really brought us together,” much more resilient,” he said. and women. Community Board 14 District The memorial ended back The workshops and memo- Manager Jonathan Gaska on the boardwalk with a rial event were sponsored by said. prayer led by Sanders. The Rockaway resident state Sen. Gaska said the Rockaway prayer spoke to the commu- James Sanders (D-Rockaway), community has always been a nity, reflecting the obstacles Borough President Melinda community that rallies during they had overcome, those who Katz, state Sen. Joseph Add- difficult times. had come together in a time of abbo (D-Howard Beach) and “When the Rockaways get need and peace for those who City Councilman Donovan together, we score victory. We had lost their lives during State Sen. James Sanders (2nd from r) walks along Beach 73 St. with Richards (D-Laurelton). should not forget and encour- Hurricane Sandy. Rockaway residents during a memorial march to mark the devastation After 2 p.m., residents age everyone,” he said. of Hurricane Sandy. Photo by Sadef Kully
NCC Student Government President 2015-16
18 TIMESLEDGER, NOV. 6–12, 2015 BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER.COM udent St s of D SPONSORED BY istinction
Victoria Castellano on how she can improve. She is also socially aware and well-respected and loved by her November 2015 peers.” St. Agnes Academic Faculty and staff call upon Victoria to help at High School almost every event: open house, orientation, and College Point, New York information night among many others. She also helps at other schools, such as St. Luke’s Septem- Teachers and Administrators at St. Agnes ber recruitment and St. Johns High School’s Fair. all sing the praises of Victoria Castellano, this Lisa Mendolia, Guidance Counselor, states month’s Student of Distinction. What are the that what sets Victoria apart from her peers qualities that have caused such resounding ac- is her heart. “Victoria is dedicated to helping claim? Lauded as an exemplary student, Victoria wherever she can,” she explains. “Over the is intelligent, hardworking, inquisitive, thoughtful, years, Victoria has become not only someone organized, responsible, and respectful. we can depend on, but someone whom we can Assistant Principal Kimberly Daly states, “At fully trust to represent our school in the best way St. Agnes Academic High School, we pride our- possible. Victoria is morally discerning, caring selves on graduating young women of integrity about others, and above all, she is a woman of and truth. Victoria Castellano, a future graduate, integrity.” is a fi ne example to which we hope our students Integrity is a key aspect of Victoria’s commit- can aspire. Victoria sets an excellent example ment to the Church. She is a member of Domini- for her peers.” can Youth Preachers, a youth ministry club that She is a constant presence on the school promotes Catholicism within school and in the honor roll and a member of various departmen- community. tal honor societies. Victoria was inducted into the Among other extracurricular activities Victoria National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Soci- engages in are UNICEF, Cooking Club, VERITAS ety, Science Honor Society, and English Honor Victoria Castellano (the school newspaper) and Drama Club. She Society and has earned the Perfect Attendance Award. She is also a proud member of Rho also participates in Interact, a club that raises money for charitable organizations. All proceeds Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, selected to be in AP Studio Art this year. and Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics When asked about Victoria’s marked charac- raised from Interact Club’s 3-day bake sale are Honor Society. teristics and talents, Ms. Daly was quick to reply, given to St. Mary’s Hospital for Children. Victoria has been a participant in SUNY Al- “While she is an excellent student all around, As track and cross country team manager, bany Science Research Program since Freshman Victoria’s true gift is public speaking. Whether Victoria is relied upon to organize team mem- year. Through the program, participants commit it is giving her opinion in class, speaking to her bers, help motivate the team, and keep track to research a topic three days each week. Stu- peers about her experiences with Dominican of timing during races. Assistant Principal Daly dents have a mentor through SUNY Albany and, Youth Preachers, or presenting her fi ndings at says, “This year, she serves as my cross country in their senior year, students are are eligible to the Science Research Symposium, her demeanor team manager and has been a mature, respon- earn up to 12 college credits. and presentation is prepared, poised, and sible, and supportive teammate on whom I rely Victoria has consistently taken the school’s impressive.” tremendously.” most rigorous curriculum. In her junior year, she John Vincent Castaldo, Social Studies Teach- Although she is held in high esteem, Victoria challenged herself by taking AP U.S. History and er, taught Victoria in both AP U.S. Government remains modest and is a quiet leader. Assistant AP English Literature. Through these classes, she and Politics and Molloy College Introduction to Principal Daly believes “Victoria is someone who developed her writing skills and analytical abili- American Jurisprudence. Mr. Castaldo states “It is too humble to realize the infl uence she has ties, preparing her for the demands that come is evident that she cares deeply about the quality over her teammates and classmates. I can’t wait with acceptance into AP Government in her of her work by frequently asking questions and to see what the future holds for Victoria.” senior year. She is also a talented artist who was submitting drafts of assignments, seeking advice And neither can we!
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TIMESLEDGER.COM BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER, NOV. 6–12, 2015 19 Shore Boulevard future discussed in Astoria
BY BILL PARRY dance broke into work groups to pinpoint ideas and locations Some 80 members of the As- where they wanted to see safe- toria community joined City ty improvements made. Some Councilman Costa Constan- of the ideas included adding tinides (D-Astoria) and state traffic lights, crosswalks, four- Assemblywoman Aravella way stop signs, speed bumps, Simotas (D-Astoria) to discuss speed cameras and protected traffic safety improvements bike lanes. Eight DOT engi- on the streets surrounding As- neers were on hand and joined toria Park last week. in the discussions. Following the hit-and-run Simotas’ proposal to turn death of 21-year-old Betty Jean Shore Boulevard into a car- DiBiasio at the northeast cor- free street, which was sup- ner of the park June 27, Con- ported by Constantinides, was stantinides petitioned the city discussed at length through- Department of Transportation out the public meeting. More for safety improvements in than 1,200 people have signed the Old Astoria neighborhood, a change.org petition opposing where five people have died the closure of the popular, and and more than a hundred have scenic, half-mile stretch of riv- been injured since 2009. erfront roadway. Councilman Costa Constantinides listens as Astoria residents discuss traffic safety ideas with a DOT engi- “Since long before the re- “The meeting was about all neer. Photo courtesy Constantinides' office cent car crash the streets sur- the streets not just Shore Bou- rounding Astoria Park have levard, but yes, I heard plenty in the common goal of making prehensive traffic safety plan connecting the Greenpoint been unsafe for pedestrians,” of strong feelings on both sides the park safer with enhanced for Astoria Park that will best Avenue Bridge bike lanes, Constantinides said. “It was of that issue,” Simotas said. “I access for everyone.” serve the needs of all Astori- which were installed earlier clear that the community heard a lot of thoughtful ideas Simotas said the DOT en- ans,” Simotas said. The DOT this year, to the newly finished needed to work together to- about making the streets safer gineers will put their heads will bring its proposal to Com- bike path on Queens Boule- wards productive solutions. for our children, our seniors, together and formulate solu- munity Board 1 within a few vard. Officials said work has Seeing everyone exchange and the working class people tions. months, according to an agen- also begun on the Honeywell their ideas in a collaborative that enjoy the park, The notion “I look forward to working cy spokesman. Avenue Bridge bike path that way was very rewarding.” that nothing needs to change is with residents, my colleagues Elsewhere in western will connect Long Island City Using maps, those in atten- not rational. We’re all united and the DOT towards a com- Queens, DOT workers are with Sunnyside.
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The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information, contact the plan. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Fidelis Care is a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the New York State Department of Health Medicaid program. Enrollment in Fidelis Care depends on contract renewal. Fidelis Care is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Fidelis Care depends on contract renewal. H3328_FC 15127 Accepted
TIMESLEDGER.COM BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER, NOV. 6–12, 2015 21 This Veteran’s Day, we honor all the brave men and women in uniform City wants foam ban who have fought and continue to fight on behalf The city Law Department has filed by a group of restaurants, recycling of us and the greatest country in the world. a motion with the State Supreme Court advocates and manufactures that ar- Thank you to all for your bravery and courage! to appeal a Manhattan judge’s Sep- gued the city never gave them a fair tember ruling striking down former chance to prove the material could be Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s ban on recycled. polystyrene container use in the res- Dart Container Director of Recy- taurant industry. cling Michael Westerfield, who helped The ban on plastic foam, also known lead the recycling argument, started a by the brand name Styrofoam, went pilot recycling program in the city last into effect in July for city businesses year. that use the products to hold food and He, along with the lawyer for the beverages. A grace period was in effect group of foam advocates, Randy Mas- giving businesses until Jan. 1, 2016 to tro, said recycling polystyrene has comply. come a long way and the company But many small businesses and would like to work with the city to even major companies like Dunkin’ start implementing a program. Donuts had already started the switch The Law Department has called to more costly food and beverage con- Chan’s ruling arbitrary and capri- tainer alternatives in New York. cious. The agency said the environmen- When Manhattan Judge Marga- tal benefits and protections intended ret Chan overturned the law, which by the Council when it passed the ban was passed by City Council in early need to be considered by the court in summer, she was acknowledging a its appeals process. challenge brought up against the law — Tom Momberg Chamber honors architect A Bayside-based architect is being mixed-use building design. recognized for the second time by the At his home and office, Hao kept the Queens Chamber of Commerce for his facade and matched an exposed steel Paid for by We Support Paul Vallone designs. beam running through the rear exten- Tim Hao of HCD Architect, who was sion to the existing Tudor style, sink- honored by the chamber in 2013 for a ing his office entry underground with couple of rehabilitation projects, will rear access. be back at the annual Chamber Build- Hao said he wanted to build a green, ing Awards in December to pick up sustainable and energy-efficient struc- prizes in two categories. He has won ture while maintaining it within Bay- first place in the category of single- side’s character. family residence extension for his own Too often, he said, mini mansions Tudor-style Bayside home and office, are replacing single-family homes that and first place for interior design in an have yards, a particularly unattractive office building for the work he did on phenomenon, to most Baysiders. Manhattan-based Gramercy Health- “It’s important to keep within the care Management’s Kew Gardens Hills character of the neighborhood,” he offices at 59-25 Kissena Blvd. said. “I see a lot of new development re- Hao founded his architecture firm ally angers the community.” in Forest Hills in 2004, after emigrat- Hao said his home, like many of his ing from China. Hao’s firm, which is projects throughout the borough, is based both in China and now in Bay- kept within the architectural style and side at 45-29 215th Place, specializes charm of the surrounding structures. in office, hotel, dense residential and ~Tom Momberg You can call him Judge Vallone Now he is Judge Vallone. a passion for justice at every job I’ve Former City Councilman Peter Val- held.” BY GIVING JUST A FEW HOURS OF MY DAY lone Jr. was elected to fill a vacancy in After his swearing in, Vallone will the 3rd Municipal Civil Court District, take his seat at the Queens Civil Court- which covers Middle Village, Maspeth, house, which is dedicated to his grand- Ridgewood, Ozone Park and Howard father, Judge Charles Vallone, the Beach. family patriarch who died in his Kew A LIFETIME OF LEARNING Vallone, who ran unopposed, was Gardens chambers in 1967. nominated by the Queens Democratic “I know my father is celebrating in Party with the endorsement of the Re- heaven that his first grandson is fol- publican and Conservative party orga- lowing in his footsteps,” former Coun- GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. LIVE UNITED nizations. cil Speaker Peter Vallone Sr. said. “And “I have a lot of experience in crimi- I’m sure he’s hoping my son would be +* +)! !) '(* & %!* .)&% &!% -&(" *& !$'(&, * +*!&% !%&$ % #* & &+( &$$+%!*!)&!%&+* &-.&+% #'(*&''&(*+%!*!)&(**(#!&(##,!)!*LIVEUNITED.ORG nal justice so this is a natural progres- as great a jurist as my dad was.” sion for me,” Vallone said. “I’ve had —Bill Parry
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