• JAMAICA TIMES • ASTORIA TIMES • FOREST HILLS LEDGER • LAURELTON TIMES LARGEST AUDITED • QUEENS VILLAGE TIMES COMMUNITY • RIDGEWOOD LEDGER NEWSPAPER • HOWARD BEACH TIMES IN QUEENS • RICHMOND HILL TIMES Dec. 11–17, 2015 Your Neighborhood — Your News® FREE ALSO COVERING ELMHURST, JACKSON HEIGHTS, LONG ISLAND CITY, MASPETH, MIDDLE VILLAGE, REGO PARK, SUNNYSIDE Jewish school Forest Hills still burning proposal riles City authorities meet with Bukharian leaders to discuss boosting security Cambria folks BY GABRIEL ROM
BY SADEF ALI KULLY After six weeks of fear and uncertainty as an arson- Almost a hundred Cambria ist targets homes being built Heights residents, including by Bukharian Jews, city au- civic association and elected thorities are stepping up foot officials, collectively spoke patrols and surveillance mea- out against a proposed reli- sures throughout the besei- gious school for the Chabad- ged Forest Hills community. Lubavitch community in Cam- Community leaders met bria Heights Dec. 3 during a Tuesday morning with Bor- land use hearing at Borough ough President Melinda Katz, Hall in Kew Gardens. NYPD Chief of Detectives Rob- A Chabad-Lubavitch entity, ert Boyce and a host of other a sect of the Hasidic Jewish city lawmakers. Packed into community, proposed con- The Bukharian Jewish Com- struct a four-story religious munity Center in Forest Hills, school and dormitory which they offered what reassurance would cater to over 300 stu- they could. dents not including the 64 that “This is something that we would be living on the premis- take extremely seriously and es. The school, covering three the community stands togeth- properties 224-12 and 224-20 er in making sure that we find Francis Lewis Blvd., would be this arsonist that is out there next door to one of the holiest destroying not only people’s sites for the Chabad-Lubavitch homes, but people’s lives and in North America, the Ohel people’s dreams,” Katz said at Chabad-Lubavitch, the burial a news conference following site of the famed Rebbe Men- the meeting. achem Schneerson at the Mon- On Monday, the NYPD tefiore Cemetery. added two fire sites to the list The proposal requires a of suspected arsons that now variance to allow a construc- stretches back to Oct. 20. All tion of such a large size in of them have targeted Jewish- an R2A zoned neighborhood. owned homes under construc- R2A, is a residential zoning tion in the heavily Bukharian district, which allows for the neighborhood of Cord Meyer. expansion of existing homes, NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce emerges from a meeting with leaders at the Bukharian Jewish After Tuesday’s meeting, but the facade has to be consis- Center after the seventh arson incident in the neighorhood. Borough President Melinda Katz (r) and the ar- civic and religious leaders Continued on Page 54 ea's City Council member Karen Koslowitz arranged the meeting. Photo by Micahel Shain Continued on Page 54 Muslim man attacked in Astoria BY SADEF KULLY AND BILL Precinct. there, at no point did he men- PARRY The suspect in the attack tion there was a religious was arrested and charged with epithet,” NYPD Capt. Peter The NYPD’s investigation assault and criminal mischief, Fortune said. “Maybe he was into Saturday’s beating of a but after a second interview in shock or there was a lan- Muslim shopkeeper in Astoria with 53-year-old Sarker Haque, guage barrier, but since then has been reclassified as a pos- the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Unit the victim has mentioned ‘I The NYPD reclassifies Sarker Haque's beating as a hate crime in- sible hate crime, according to was notified. kill Muslims.’ Once that came vestigation after a second interview with the Astoria shopkeeper. the commander of the 114th “When my guys first got Continued on Page 54 Photo by Bill Parry A CNG Publication Vol. 3 No. 50 60 total pages Jamaica residents list gripes at transit forum
BY SADEF ALI KULLY area for 63 years, came with a prepared letter addressed The city Department of to each of her elected officials Transportation’s first pub- in her district as well as the lic meeting on the Jamai- borough president. ca Transportation Study “I not a community activ- brought in a full house of ist or anything. I am a regu- community members and lar citizen who is concerned,” elected officials’ representa- Linder said. “My mama left tives with a long list of com- me this home and I want to plaints. leave it to my daughter when The traffic study is de- my time comes. But if this signed to examine how to area continues to go down- LaGuardia Community College student veterans celebrate a $20,000 gift from NYSID to establish a new Battle regulate congestion in the hill, she won’t want our fam- Buddy Center at the school. Photo courtesy LaGuardia Community College busy transit hub. ily home.” The study consists of three Linder wanted a larger po- parts focused on neighbor- lice presence at both transit hoods in and around South hubs, Parsons Boulevard and Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Sutphin Boulevard stations, Student vets get center Jamaica, Hollis, St. Albans as well as more police atten- and Rochdale Village. tion to such issues as vehicles The Dec. 2 public forum parked in the bus lane, illegal was called to identify issues dollar cabs, double-parked LaGuardia CC given grant to set up Battle Buddy facility such as pedestrian and bicy- commuter vans and criminal clist safety, traffic and con- activity. gestion, parking, truck move- Each table was devoted to BY BILL PARRY Guardia Community College the state, but it is its first one ment and loading, transit, a transportation issue, such President Gail Mellow said. in Queens. “Battle Buddy” is a quality of life and environ- as traffic, pedestrian safety LaGuardia Community “Since we opened our doors military concept that partners mental factors. and trucks, where a designat- College has received a $20,000 over 40 years ago, LaGuardia soldiers to assist each other “Jamaica has always been ed DOT representative would grant from the New York State Community College has pro- both in and out of combat and recognized as a growth cen- sit with community members Industries for the Disabled, vided veterans with education, it offers activities to encour- ter and the input we receive and pinpoints problem sites Inc. to establish a Battle Bud- training and services they age camaraderie and foster tonight will literally write on a large map. dy Center for student veterans. need as they transition.” veterans to give and receive the next chapter of this study Michael Griffith, who is The new center will replace There are currently more mutual support. phase,” Department of Trans- leading the study, said all the and expand the Veterans Ser- than 350 veterans enrolled at “NYSID supports LaGuar- portation Borough Commis- information gathered from vices Center that has been at the college. Each served an av- dia Community College and sioner Nicole Garcia said. the community will help the Long Island City college erage of six years in the mili- its veterans services office in Hollis resident Sharon identify problems. The data since shortly after it opened tary. assisting veterans to achieve Linder, who has lived in the Continued on Page 6 in 1971. LaGuardia student Rick success personally, academi- The Battle Buddy Center Malone, a U.S. Coast Guard cally and professionally,” NY- will be a one-stop comprehen- veteran and vice president of SID President and CEO Ron sive service and recreation the Student Veterans Club, Romano said. “NYSID sup- facility for veterans transi- spoke of the importance of ports job creation efforts for tioning from military service having a dedicated facility for a diverse group of New York- to student life, according to veterans during the presenta- ers with disabilities through school officials. Resources will tion of the grant last week. our member agencies and as- include registration guidance, “We know firsthand how sists with veteran’s support benefits assistance, career ad- difficult things can seem programs, promoting quality vising, peer mentoring, com- shortly after leaving the high- of life for veterans as they re- puter resources, and opportu- ly disciplined world of the mil- connect to the New York state nities to meet other veterans itary,” he said. “And we hope workforce.” enrolled at the college. this new center will help make “We are committed to pro- the transition to civilian life Reach reporter Bill Parry viding our veterans with the as easy as possible.” by e-mail at bparry@cnglo- support they need to have a The Battle Buddy Center is cal.com or by phone at (718) Joe Moretti (c), a Jamaica blogger, points out to DOT officials the area smooth path towards college NYSID’s 10th facility created 260–4538. in his neighborhood where large trucks are a nuisance. and earning a degree,” La- since 2011 in colleges around Photo by Sadef Kully IN THIS ISSUE HOW TO REACH US Police Blotter...... 10 Gift Guide...... 29-32 MAIL: 41-02 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11361 Editorials and Letters...... 12-13 Focus on Education...... 38-39 PHONE: Display Advertising: (718) 260-4521 — Editorial: (718) 260-4545 Rhymes with Crazy...... 14 QGuide...... 41-48 FAX: Advertising: (718) 224-5821 — Classified: (718) 260-2549 Mayoral Spin Cycle...... 14 Sports...... 51-53 Editorial (718) 224-2934 E-MAIL: Editorial: [email protected] Queens Line...... 15 Classifieds...... 55-59 Display Advertising: [email protected] Political Action...... 15 Classified: [email protected] TO SUBSCRIBE: Call (718) 260-4521 Copyright©2015 Queens Publishing Corp. TIMESLEDGER 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 TimesLedger C/O News Community Newspaper Holdings Inc. 41-02 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, N.Y. 11361. 2 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 TL TIMESLEDGER.COM Rego Park soup kitchen looking for new home Masbia Food Pantry, which serves kosher meals to underprivileged, may close doors
BY GABRIEL ROM “When some brokers hear that we are a food bank, they A Rego Park food pantry run away, they would prefer a and soup kitchen that helps bank. But we are trying. Ev- the homeless, among others, erything is in flux.” may soon be homeless itself. Since 2005 Masbia has According to Alexander served as a refuge for the city’s Rapaport, co-founder and ex- hungry residents who follow ecutive director of the Mas- kosher dietary restrictions. bia network of kosher soup The non-profit, which has kitchens and food pantries, three locations in Brooklyn, the group’s lease on its current opened in Rego Park in 2010 location at 98-08 Queens Blvd. and now serves hot dinners has already expired and they five nights a week. may be forced to vacate within “Hopefully, we will never the next few weeks. get to the point where we have “Our landlord wants to de- to close,” Rapaport concluded. velop the site and we are really Government funds account having trouble finding a new for less than 40 percent of Mas- location,” Rapaport said. “We bia’s budget, Rapaport told the have known for a long time TimesLedger in 2014. This in- that at some point we would cluded $105,000 from the City need to move.” Council in fiscal year 2015. Rapaport pointed out that The remaining amount of when looking for new real es- Masbia’s funding comes from tate in the area, Masbia car- private donations, he added. ries a certain stigma because of the service it. Reach reporter Gabriel Rom “There are vacant store- by e-mail at grom@cnglocal. fronts on our block that don’t com or by phone at (718) 260– Masbia, a kosher soup kitchen, has served over one million meals to the needy in Queens. want to sell to us,” he said. 4564.
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TIMESLEDGER.COM TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 3 Move NY toll plan splits Queens Electeds, community leaders divided over proposal to impose fee on East River bridge crossings
for expenses such as sanita- BY MADINA TOURE tion, police, fire and transpor- tation. Lawmakers and commu- “It’s going to disproportion- nity leaders are divided over ately affect Queens residents Move NY’s proposed tolling and it’s going to disprortion- plan for East River bridges. ately affect small businesses Over the weekend, state and low- and moderate-income Assemblyman David Weprin people that can’t afford it,” he (D-Fresh Meadows), state Sen. said. Tony Avella (D-Bayside), City Alex Matthiessen, Move Councilman Barry Groden- NY’s campaign director, said chik, Assemblywoman Alicia the proposal caps the number Hyndman and others rallied of tolls for commercial busi- against the proposal, which nesses or vehicles at one round- calls for the addition of a $5.54 trip toll per day and that it will cashless toll on the four East create a $350 million dedicated River bridges—the Ed Koch road and bridge fund. Queensboro, Williamsburg, “The system we’ve got is Manhattan and Brooklyn completely broken and these Bridges — if drivers use E- guys (Avella, Weprin) know ZPass or an $8 cash toll. There that and we’ve got a plan that’s would only be electronic toll- been five years in the making ing. and which reflects the input The tolls would be em- of hundreds of thousands of ployed to reduce traffic in the stakeholders,” Matthiessen city and lower transit costs said. for New Yorkers. The plan State Assemblyman David Weprin (l.) and state Sen. Tony Avella (r.) have led the opposition to Move NY's toll- He said Move NY is plan- also would reduce tolls on the ing proposal. Photo by Ellis Kaplan ning to introduce legislation Henry Hudson, Cross Bay, some time during the next leg- Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Weprin has introduced bridges. Avella has sponsored commuter tax on workers who islative session in 2016 and is Memorial, RFK/Triborough, legislation in the Assembly legislation in the Senate. do not live in the city, half of in the process of drafting the Whitestone, Throgs Neck and that would ban the city from Weprin’s alternative is which will go to the MTA and bill. Verrazano-Narrows Bridges. placing tolls on the East River bringing back the 1 percent the other half toward the city Continued on Page 49 Mayor joins boro Muslims NYPD investigates to denounce Calif. attacks homegrown terrorists BY SADEF ALI KULLY call for the NYPD. BY SADEF ALI KULLY In the past year, Queens The NYPD counterterror- has been home to five ac- Less than 24 hours after ism unit for Patrol Borough cused terrorists and their Mayor Bill de Blasio spoke Queens North spoke Tuesday failed plots. All of the sus- about the Muslim community with district managers for pects in those plots have been as an ally, Sarker Haque, a Queens community boards arrested. If convicted, they Muslim grocery store owner at Borough Hall about new are facing life sentences in in Astoria, was reading the tactical training and gather- federal prison. news in the middle of a slow ing intelligence on would-be “There are no cred- afternoon moments when he terrorists. ible threats but that does not was attacked by a 50-year old The attacks in San Berna- mean we stop doing our jobs,” Florida man, police said. dino, Calif., and Paris have Lt.Thomas Loeffel from the Haque, who has lived in local, federal and interna- Patrol Borough Queens North the city for 16 years, said his tional authorities following Counterterrorism Unit said. attacker said he would kill up on intelligence and look- Loeffel said the Paris at- Muslims while punching him ing for clues to thwart future tack changed the way the several times. He was scared At the Jamaica Muslim Center on 168th St., members of the congregation- attacks. NYPD was looking at possi- for his life. The married couple in ble terrorist assaults. Rather welcome the mayor and condemn the recent attack in California. While federal authorities California who fatally shot 14 than just focusing on hard Photo by Sadef Kully in California pieced together people gave no hints of radi- targets, such as tourist at- the reasons behind the fa- the attacks. criticism as terrorist assaults calization until federal in- tractions, police will also tal shooting that left 14 dead Hundreds of members of on innocent lives in the name vestigators delved deep into focus on softer targets such in San Bernadino, de Blasio the congregation, the young of their religion grab media their social media accounts. as busy areas similar to the joined the Muslim communi- and old, gathered to welcome headlines. In New York, the Paris cafés that were attacked in ty last Friday at the Jamaica the mayor at a time when After Queens’ Muslim lead- and California onslaughts Paris. Muslim Center to condemn Muslims across the world face Continued on Page 49have become a real wake-up Continued on Page 54 4 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 TL TIMESLEDGER.COM New parks initiative NYCHA to be updated looks for fresh ideas Agency CEO outlines progress and challenges in Queens BY TOM MOMBERG initiative’s funds have been allocated for new improve- BY TOM MOMBERG The city Department ment projects at eight exist- of Parks and Recreation is ing parks. Silver guaranteed New York City Hous- asking residents to help it each borough at least one ing Authority Chairwoman find ways to improve parks project. Shola Olatoye faces a unique throughout the city by mak- Once the projects are se- challenge in the city and in ing suggestions about how lected based on community Queens: updating an outdated some of the $50 million input, the department said it model for public housing while from Mayor Bill de Blasio’s would adhere to the typical also trying to make up revenue OneNYC plan should be al- capital design process, which lost because of cuts in federal located. requires community board funding. Parks Commissioner input. Olatoye visited the Editors Mitchell Silver presented the As Silver stressed the im- Roundtable at the Community Parks Without Borders ini- portance of lowering fences News Group’s Brooklyn of- tiative to Borough President and shrubs to open up and fices last week to outline the Melinda Katz and the Queens connect parks with neighbor- progress she has made since Borough Board Monday, hop- hoods to serve as centers of being appointed by Mayor Bill ing community board leaders communities, borough board de Blasio in February 2014. would encourage their neigh- members had concerns for She said that over two- borhoods to take part. the potential impact on thirds of NYCHA’s housing The department launched crime, particularly in larger stock is more than 60 years old, a web page in mid-November parks where visibility is lim- which leaves the agency with where people can make sug- ited. $17 billion in capital needs. gestions on a map. The page, “We’ve been asking for “Our plan is based around http://www.nycgovparks. additional park enforcement updating our funding model org/planning-and-building/ officers and a mounted unit and operating model—and planning/parks-without-bor- to cover Highland Park and underlining this effort is the ders, will only be live for a set Forest Park,” Community question of how we interact period of time, closing to the Board 5 Chairman Vincent with our residents,” Olatoye public after Feb. 28. Arcuri said. “We’ve spent said. “This is the first time tons of money on the (Ridge- A lack of funding is one of we have asked New Yorkers wood) Reservoir, which is not the biggest issues, which has NYCHA Chairwoman aShola Olatoye briefs the editors of throughout the city where really accessible. We need our resulted in tangible neglect of Community News Group on some of the agency's new initiatives. they think we should be mak- parks to be accessible, but we public housing in every corner Photo by Stefano Giovannini ing park improvements,” also need security.” of the city. disrepair. homes in areas like Jamaica Parks Deputy Director of Silver said each project In Queens, the result of Olatoye said NYCHA is in past decades, when blocks Planning Steve Leonard said. would deal with specific con- funding cuts can be seen in standing ready to work on of housing were neglected and “Not only can you suggest in- cerns, working with the com- the many single-family homes those houses with state Homes attracted little interest from dividual parks, but you can munity before considering owned and operated by NY- and Community Renewal zoom in on the park and tell keeping gates unlocked and CHA, which whether occupied pending federal approval. The us exactly what you want, ex- removing fences. or abandoned, have fallen into city bought up many of those Continued on Page 49 actly where you want it.” “This is voluntary,” Silver The initiative specifically said. “If people have discom- aims to improve accessibil- fort about the program to ei- ity and visibility in parks ther lower, eliminate or open throughout the city to make up (fences) and the edges (of Rail line passes fi rst CB5 vote them more inviting and to en- parks), we have thousands courage more use and stron- of choices and if there isn’t ger care for the urban green- a level of public support, we BY GABRIEL ROM City on the LIRR Lower Mon- mile from the nearest subway spaces. will not proceed.” tauk line, which carried pas- station. “It seems like a slam About $40 million of the Continued on Page 49 Community Board 5’s Trans- senger service until the late dunk.” portation and Public Transit 1990s and is currently lightly Crowley anticipates a rail committees narrowly recom- used to transport freight. car to cost about $3 million. The mended Councilwoman Eliza- The plan would create new tracks and the right-of-way— beth Crowley’s (D-Glendale) passenger stations at the Atlas two of the most expensive proposed commuter-rail plan Park Mall in Glendale, the M pieces—have been secured for from Glendale to Long Island train station at Metropolitan the future project, according City at a meeting last week. Avenue in Middle Village, the to a Crowley spokeswoman. John Maier, co-chair of the abandoned Fresh Pond Road Bob Holden, a committee mem- Transportation Services Com- station beneath the Metropoli- ber, said the plan would only mittee, drafted a resolution for tan Avenue overpass, Flush- be feasible if it went to Jamai- both committees to vote on in ing Avenue in Maspeth and ca and was connected to the support of Crowley’s concept the Hunters Point Terminal in Rockaway Line, which he said during the committees’ joint Long Island City. would alleviate many commut- meeting. “We have an elected offi- ing problems on Woodhaven The committees voted 7-5 cial who has spoken to agen- Boulevard. in favor of the resolution, with cies trying to get resources “They need a transporta- one non-vote and one absten- invested in a part of the city tion master plan,” he said. Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver (l.) and his deputy director of tion. that doesn’t have many re- “The plan is not really a plan, planning, Steve Leonard, answer questions from the Queens Borough Crowley hopes to establish sources for mass transit,” said it’s just an idea.” Board regarding the new Parks Without Borders initiative. a rail commuter service line Toby Sheppard Bloch, a CB 5 See full story on Timesleger.com Photo by Tom Momberg from Glendale to Long Island member who lives more than a TIMESLEDGER.COM TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 5 Mayor’s stats wrong on Rikers: Seabrook
BY BILL PARRY
The rift between the head of the prison guards’ union and City Hall over safety at Rikers Island is growing wider. During a graduation ceremony for nearly 600 new correction officers last Friday, Mayor Bill de Blasio and De- partment of Correction Commissioner Joseph Ponte highlighted the reduc- tion in serious assaults on staff and the city’s unprecedented investments of nearly $200 million in new staff, equip- ment, training, technology and repairs for correction officer safety. They said that inmate assaults on staff with serious injury have dropped 11 percent this year, and uses of force with serious injuries are down 17 per- cent department-wide during the same period. “We know the challenges of this job, and this is why we are deploying Union President Norman Seabrook rips every tool we have to fulfill our obliga- Mayor de Blasio for selectively choosing tion to protect New York’s Boldest,” de statistics to show a decline of violence at Blasio said. “For too long, Rikers was Rikers Island. Courtesy of COBA an unsafe island for both officers and inmates, but through sustained invest- After Ponte’s comments when the ments and dedicated leadership, we are mayor had departed, the president of rewriting the tale of Rikers and trans- the Correction Officers’ Benevolent forming it into an island of safety, fair- Association Norman Seabrook, went ness and rehabilitation.” ballistic on the statistics. The graduates will play a key role “You are entitled to your own opin- in Ponte’s 14-point anti-violence agen- ion but not your own facts,” Seabrook da, rolled out earlier this year, which said. “Selectively choosing statistics to includes new strategies to keep weap- show a reduction in violence directed ons and drugs out of the jails, control at jail staff is simply disingenuous. house inmates more effectively to re- Just look at what happened to Officer duce violence, bring comprehensive Calderon, who was slashed within an camera coverage to DOC facilities and inch of his life only last month, and it’s implement educational opportunities clear the jails are not getting safer for to keep inmates meaningfully occu- staff.” pied. Correction Officer Raymond Cal- “Our 14-point anti-violence reform deron, 31, was in the graduation audi- agenda is creating safer jails,” Ponte ence. He needed 26 stitches to close said. “It has taken some time, but now wounds he received on his head, face the statistics are beginning to catch and hands in a slashing attack by two up to the innovations. We cannot re- inmates on Rikers Island. The union turn to the failed methods of the past, conteds that this year, through the end and we will continue our push until a of November, there have been 280 seri- culture of safety reigns in the Depart- ous injuries to correction officers, in- ment. DOC will once again command cluding fractures, stitches, slashes and its rightful place as a national leader more. That is compared to 216 injuries in the field of correction.” last year, they said.
a range of issues they wanted to see Transit addressed, but the biggest issue for Continued from Page 2 Moretti is large trucks and private waste trucks coming down his street will be collected and then observed by at all hours of the day. DOT officials at the specific site over “Instead of the trucks going around several months before the conclusion on Hillside and traveling down a main of the study, which is tentatively sched- street to get to Jamaica Avenue, they uled for the spring of 2017. take shortcuts into residential streets Residents like Joe Moretti, founder where they have no business being, ” of Cleanup Jamaica Now blog, had he said. 6 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 TL TIMESLEDGER.COM ENROLL NOW IN A MEDICAL CAREER! 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UNLIMITED BEER AND HOUSE WINE $90 per ticket 718-885-2570 To buy tickers, call 718-885-2570 or email [email protected] *A small convenience fee will be charge to all tickets to cover the tax and service. 101 CITY ISLAND AVENUE | BRONX, NY 10464 | TELEPHONE: 347-680-3865 | EMAIL: [email protected] 8 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 TL TIMESLEDGER.COM Cadillac Man gets a place of his own After decades on Astoria streets, homeless veteran lands an apartment with help of friends BY BILL PARRY neighborhood had become his family and he really didn’t Cadillac Man has come in want to leave them.” from the cold. Thomas Wag- Branca left Cadillac Man ner, perhaps the most famous that morning because she had homeless person in the bor- a business lunch set up with ough, moved into his own John Napolitano, the director one-bedroom apartment after of community development spending most of the last 21 and planning at HANAC, Inc., years living on the streets of the owners of three senior Astoria. assisted-living centers in As- After fumbling with the toria. lock of his new home in the “I told John about Cadillac George T. Douris Tower, Man and he said he just hap- Wagner entered his immacu- pened to have a vacancy in the late, freshly painted and sun- Douris Tower,” Branca said. splashed new home Friday The 184-unit senior living fa- with members of his support cility, with support services, group known as the “Cadillac 24-hour security, senior cen- Care Team,” several people ter, library and rooftop terrace who spent years trying to get had one more thing: a vacant the 65-year-old homeless vet- one-bedroom apartment that eran off the streets for good. was set aside for homeless vet- Known as Cadillac Man, erans. after he claimed he was struck The “Cadillac Care Team” by several of them during a six- swung into action procuring a week stretch nearly 15 years Section 8 subsidy for veterans ago, Wagner became a cause Cadillac Man toasts the first day in his new home after spending most of the last 21 years living on the streets paid for by the federal govern- celebre in literary circles after of Astoria. Photo by Bill Parry ment. penning his memoir, “Land Last Friday, Cadillac Man, of Lost Souls: My Life on the Branca, his friend Cynthia Streets,” which was published Stuart, administrators from in 2009. HANAC and Commissioner After reading Wagner’s Loree Sutton, of the Mayor’s self-described survivors guide Office of Veterans Affairs, to homelessness, film actor stood in a circle in his new liv- Richard Gere was inspired to ing room, toasting him with portray a vagrant in the hit sparkling cider. movie “Time Out of Mind” “This is absolutely mind- last year. Wagner and his girl- boggling, it’s like a dream friend Carol Vogel were Gere’s come true,” Cadillac Man said, guests of honor at the film’s his voice cracking with emo- premiere at the Brooklyn tion. “These people right here Academy of Music. all know how much I love As- “Richard is a real friend toria and now I have a million of mine, we talk often,” Wag- dollar view of it.” ner said in the warmth of his Thomas Wagner sees the 33rd Street viaduct (above) of the Hell Gate He was given a bag full of new home. “He once asked me Bridge, where he used to live, from his new apartment. Cadillac Man can towels, sheets and a welcome how much would I need to get now look out on the streets that once were his home from his 12th-floor mat with a capitol C as a house off the street and I said nah. apartment in the George T. Douris Tower. Photos by Bill Parry warming gift. The man who I couldn’t take money from a wrote of “scattering peanut friend.” die out there. I tried living in The collapse of his second shells” around himself before And so he stayed home- a shelter, but I had a bad ex- marriage soon followed and presence - he’s a beefy 6-foot-1 going to sleep so he would hear less, living mostly in the 33rd perience there. Everyone has Wagner found himself home- with an intense, wind-chapped intruders approach out on the Street viaduct of the Hell Gate a horror story from the shel- less and depressed living in face - many stop and chat.” streets was awaiting the deliv- Bridge, which he can see from ters.” each borough except for Staten A decade later Cadillac was ery of his new bed — the first his living room on the 12th He would not go into specif- Island. In 2001 he stepped off still so much in love with the one he would own since 1994. floor of the Douris Tower, ics as to what he experienced the N train at the Ditmars Av- neighborhood, he refused to “The little things you take the affordable housing for se- but remembered life on the enue station, and he fell in love leave when he had a chance. for granted are luxuries for niors building on Hoyt Avenue streets during the Giuliani ad- with Astoria. Nicole Branca, an assistant street people like me,” Cadillac South. Wagner shared a small ministration. TimesLedger reporter Mat- commissioner at the Mayor’s Man said. “You make do with apartment in East Elmhurst “Whenever it got danger- thew Monks introduced Cadil- Office of Veterans Affairs met what you’ve got - like sleeping for a brief period last year be- ously cold they would give lac Man to Queens readers in with Cadillac Man in Septem- in a cemetery - who’s going to fore the landlord sold the prop- you the choice: shelter or jail,” 2005. After several interviews ber, when she presented him bother you there? Now I’ll be erty. Wagner said. “Many chose with him, Monks wrote: “Ca- with several housing options able to sleep without keeping “I’ve been out there 24/7 jail.” dillac knows hundreds of local that were available to him be- one eye open and when I close with no shelter, living on Cadillac Man began his life residents by name and cherish- cause he served in the Amy my eyes for the last time, I’ll be trains, in factories, even in the in the streets in 1994 after los- es his role as the block’s street between 1968 to 1971. closing them here in Astoria.” mausoleums at St. Michael’s ing several jobs in New Jersey. dwelling concierge. He spends “The apartments that be- Cemetery over on Astoria He was arrested for shoplift- hours each morning greeting came available weren’t any- Reach reporter Bill Parry by Boulevard,” Wagner said. “I ing, which made employment people on their way to work. where near Astoria,” Branca e-mail at [email protected] was convinced I was going to harder to find. Despite the man’s imposing recalled. “The people in the or by phone at (718) 260–4538. TIMESLEDGER.COM TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 9 Christ the King High School POLICE 68-02 Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village, New York 11379 (718) 366-7400 Christ the King Community Kicks Off 2015 Blotter Christmas Season with Tree Lighting Ceremony Off-duty cop kills alleged robber: Police Christ the King Community kicked off the 2015 Christmas Season at their Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony last Friday. More than 300 people within the community joined in the festivities. Santa was on hand for pictures SPRINGFIELD GARDENS — An and families enjoyed an indoor Winter Wonderland filled with games, activities, off-duty transit cop who responded to bouncy castles, and hot chocolate. CK’s Musical Theater Group was also on a Craigslist ad about a white BMW for hand, singing Christmas carols, along with performances by the CK Drum Band and Choir. Fun was had by all! sale, Monday night shot and killed an armed robber in Springfield Gardens, police said. The off-duty NYPD transit cop, Me- hbubur Rahaman, told police officials both men tried to take his wallet at gunpoint at which point he drew his weapon and fired several rounds at the suspect with his gun, according to po- lice. Police said a gun was found at the scene Police said the off-duty cop struck one of the suspects, 30-year-old Devon of where an off-duty cop fatally shot Holder from Brooklyn, in the torso and two suspects who he accused of rob- left leg. Emergency responders took bing him in Springfield Gardens. Holder to Jamaica Hospital where he Courtesy of NYPD was pronounced dead. Officers from the 105th Precinct answered a 911 call after 10:30 p.m. from an off-duty NYPD officer in need of assistance near 145th Avenue in Springfield Gardens, according to police. The off-duty cop informed the responding officers he was confronted by two 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 men, one of whom had a gun, according to police officials. 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 Police said the off-duty officer was taken to Long Island Jewish Hospital for faculty numbers 45. treatment and observation. 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; According to police officials, the second suspect fled the scene in a white Peter J. Mannarino, Principal; Michael W. Michel, President; Arthur Spanarkel, Financial Advisor; and Veronica Cokley, Executive Assistant. BMW and was still at large as of Wednesday afternoon. More information is available http://www.ctkny.org/. Find Christ the King on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CKCampus. Police said the investigation was being conducted as a crime against the vic- tim of a robbery incident. Police said a black air pistol was recovered at the scene after the incident. QUALITY FOOT CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY: Robbery suspect hits man with gun: NYPD PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY SPORTS JAMAICA — Police were looking for a suspect MEDICINE in a robbery outside a storage facility in South Ja- AND FOOT maica Nov. 29. INJURIES Police said after 2 p.m. an unidentified man en- tered Ace Moving and Storage on 95th Avenue alleg- HOUSE edly armed with a handgun. He demanded money CALLS from a 46-year-old male employee, police said. The employee said there was no cash and the suspect struck him with the firearm, according to DIABETIC police officials. AND Officials said the suspect left in a beige-colored GERIATRIC Ford Windstar, driven by an unidentified individ- FOOT CARE ual. Medicare Police said the employee suffered injuries to the CHILDREN’S Diabetic back of his head and was taken to Jamaica Hospital FOOT Shoe Provider by emergency responders for evaluation. PROBLEMS Police described the suspect as a black male Police say the robbery sus- wearing a black baseball cap, eyeglasses, a black pect (pictured here) fled jacket over a dark-color hoodie, blue jeans and in a beige-colored Ford white sneakers. Windstar, driven by an un- Anyone with information in regards to this in- identified individual who is MARC J. FEDERBUSCH, DPM cident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS. wanted for questioning. Board Certified in Podiatric Orthopedics Courtesy of NYPD 65-34 MYRTLE AVENUE, GLENDALE SATURDAY HOURS HOURS BY APPOINTMENT 718-366-FEET / 718-366-3338 For more hyper-local Queens news on your computer, smartphone, or iPad, visit TimesLedger.com. MOST INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED 10 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 TL TIMESLEDGER.COM 1 2 3 1557 Ralph Ave. 158-18 Cross Bay Blvd. Brooklyn, NY 11236 Howard Beach, NY 11414 Contact us for even more ideas 718.451.3344 718.848.3344 that work for your business. 1357 Fulton St. 133-22 Springfield Blvd. Brooklyn, NY 11216 Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 718.622.3344 718.528.3344 Relieve Pain. Regain Your Life. ONE ON ONE PATIENT CARE @]pflËm\Y\\e`eali\[`eXepXZZ`[\ek# n\Xi\_\i\kf_\cg% FLIJ TIMESLEDGER.COM TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 11 EDITORIALS HATE STRIKES OUT Queens, which prides itself on its diversity, has been the scene of several suspected hate crimes tar- geting Hindus and Bukharian Jews. Fire was the weapon of choice in the torching of Hindu religious flags outside a house in Woodhaven and in the burning of several large houses under construction for Bukharians in nearby Forest Hills. Add to this mix the shadow of terrorism as the ripple effect from the San Bernadino, Calif., attack reached Queens, creating widespread unease in the Muslim community that it could be held accountable for the actions of two radicals. The borough is the epicenter of ethnic integration in this country and tolerance, although not always evident here, has generally been practiced when cul- tures meet in school, work and government. Singling out one religious group as prey sends a shudder through Queens, which has been a safe ha- ven for immigrants seeking freedom from discrimi- nation and persecution for many years. Elected officials gathered last Friday for a “We Are One Rally” on the corner of 89th Avenue and 90th Street to protest the desecration of 40 Hindu flags on Thanksgiving morning. Police described the suspect as a man in a baseball cap who fled the scene. OTHER VOICES After the seventh fire in six weeks destroyed an- other Bukharian building site, community leaders met Sunday and lambasted authorities and the media for not drawing more attention to the serial arsons. The last fire was set early Sunday morning at the The city needs to rethink rezoning future home of a Bukharian rabbi, which was the scene of another suspicious blaze Nov. 15. The Department of City Plan- ers could construct buildings sion hearing mentioned above Members of the insular Bukharian community ning will be holding a public with increased height and bulk will be held Dec. 16 at 9 a.m., believe they have been marked because of growing hearing on Mayor de Blasio’s two in many different zoning areas. at the National Museum of the dissatisfaction in the neighborhood over their quest proposals to increase the number Parking requirements would be American Indian, at One Bowling to build opulent houses, where more modest homes of affordable housing units and reduced or eliminated for senior Green, Manhattan, near Battery once stood. They also fear possible anti-Semitism. senior housing units to be con- housing units in certain areas. Park. People from all over the city Police have identified the arsonist as a man in a structed in our city. The propos- There are other serious problems are encouraged to attend and tes- hoodie, but the NYPD and the FDNY have only be- als, known as “Zoning for Quality with the two proposals as well. tify, or send an opposition letter to gun to add special patrols. and Affordability” and the “Man- It is important for all concerned Carl Weisbrod, Chair, City Plan- At least one Bukharian official was miffed that datory Inclusionary Housing” New Yorkers to let their elected of- ning Commission, 120 Broadway, Mayor Bill de Blasio had gone to the Jamaica Mus- text amendment, have come under ficials know that these proposals 31st Floor, NY, NY 10271. lim Center Friday night to reassure the community much well-deserved criticism. must be withdrawn and re-eval- Let’s hope that the City Coun- they were the city’s allies in the fight against terror Most everyone understands uated with input from all stake- cil, which has the last word on but had not contacted the Forest Hills fire victims. the need for affordable and senior holders. My civic organization, these two proposals, will vote The mosque was jammed with hundreds of wor- housing units in our city. These the Auburndale Improvement them down and follow the lead of ried congregation members and a number of lawmak- two proposals, however, would Association, has garnered almost the majority of community boards ers as GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump undermine the contextual rezon- 300 petition signatures from local and borough presidents in our ramped up his rhetoric against Muslims. ings that have been accomplished residents opposing these propos- city who have already rejected Queens is an imperfect experiment in mixing cul- over the past several years that als, and has sent those petitions to these two misguided proposals. tures and resolving ethnic differences. Any hate act help protect our communities elected officials and appropriate is a strike against the world’s borough and will not from reckless overdevelopment. city agencies. Henry Euler be allowed to divert our mission. Under these proposals, develop- The City Planning Commis- Bayside BRIAN RICE EDITORIAL STAFF ART & PRODUCTION ADVERTISING CEO: Publisher Reporters: Bill Parry, Art Director: Leah Mitch Senior Account Executive: Les Goodstein Madina Toure, Sadef Kully, Kathy Wenk ROZ LISTON Layout Manager: PRESIDENT Tom Momberg, Gabriel Rom Yvonne Farley Account Executives: Jennifer Goodstein ASTORIA TIMES ■ BAYSIDE TIMES Editor Photographers: Nat Valentine, David Strauss FLUSHING TIMES ■ FOREST HILLS LEDGER Designer: Earl Ferrer KEVIN ZIMMERMAN Ellis Kaplan, Norm Harris, Sherri Rossi CLASSIFIED FRESH MEADOWS TIMES Layout: Rod Ivey Suzanne Green News Editor Maria Lopez, Ken Maldonado, Classified Director: JACKSON HEIGHTS TIMES ■ JAMAICA TIMES Yinghao Luo, Caroll Alvarado, Cartoonist: Tip Sempliner Lebert McBean ■ Amanda Tarley LAURELTON TIMES LITTLE NECK LEDGER MICHAEL SHAIN William Thomas, Robert Cole Enid Rodriguez QUEENS VILLAGE TIMES ■ RIDGEWOOD LEDGER Classified Sales Photo Editor Copy/Production Editor: WHITESTONE TIMES OFFICE MANAGER Manager: JOSEPH STASZEWSKI Steven Barnes Linda Lindenauer Eugena Pechenaya Sports Editor Contributing Writers/Columnists: 41-02 Bell Boulevard Bob Harris, Kenneth Kowald, CIRCULATION Bayside, New York 11361 RALPH D’ONOFRIO Suzanne Parker, Ronald B. Roberto Palacios Main: (718) 260-4545 V.P. of Advertising Hellman, William Lewis, Prem Sales: (718) 260-4521 Calvin Prashad www.TimesLedger.com PROUD MEMBER OF NEW YORK PRESS ASSOCIATION 12 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER.COM READERS WRITE One fare for all commuters won’t work The proposed New York cost of any New York City ing Main Street No. 7 station ily out of service, the result is is little room for new riders City Council bill that would Transit or MTA Express Bus decide to become regular daily numerous delays and cancel- who might want to take advan- allow New York City residents Service from $6.50 to $2.75 as LIRR customers. What if you lation of trains. Nothing will tage of a free commuter-rail to to pay the same $2.75 fare on well. There are already al- add potentially even more new change until East Side Access subway transfer. If offered, the Long Island Rail Road or most 100,000 NYC residents riders attempting to board to Grand Central Terminal is there are thousands of city Metro North Rail Road as they who travel on weekdays to and a LIRR train at Woodside? open for revenue service. The residents already riding the do to ride the subway sounds from work paying extra to ride There is no way existing Port anticipated revenue service LIRR and Metro North who great on paper, but look at the LIRR, Metro North, MTA Washington branch rush-hour date has slipped on numerous would also want the same free the details. It could have sig- Express Bus or New York City service could accommodate occasions. The MTA sched- transfer. nificant adverse impacts on Transit Express Bus. All are 5,000 to potentially 10,000 and ule calls for a December 2022 The $70 million estimated Queens residents who are al- aware that they are paying for more new Queens customers opening day. Based upon the cost for a $2.75 fare for all ready daily LIRR commuters. a premium service. without adding more trains. previous history of delays and trips for residents within NYC This holds true for offering Existing scheduled LIRR Part of the problem is the recovery schedules, adding up riding on both the LIRR and the same riders a free transfer trains serving Little Neck, cost of $2 million or more per to 11 years’ worth of broken Metro North is just a guess. from either the LIRR or Metro Douglaston, Bayside, Auburn- car or $20 million per ten-car promises, don’t be surprised It is not based upon any con- North to the subway. The bill dale, Broadway and Murray train set. Between design, en- if the first day of revenue ser- crete data. The cost could introduced by Councilman Hill on the Port Washington gineering, procurement, con- vice occurs in 2023, 2024—or easily be $100 million to $200 Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans) branch might be able to ac- struction and delivery, along later. million—or even more. The and supported by Transpor- commodate 1,000 to 2,000 new with inspection and accep- Miller and Rodriguez also MTA had to cut $5 billion out tation Committee Chairman riders if they are spread out tance, it could easily take five want to offer new LIRR and of the pending 2015-2019 Capi- Ydanis Rodriguez clearly over the 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. morn- years for the LIRR to acquire Metro North riders a free tal Program. The MTA has illustrates their lack of un- ing rush and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. additional rolling stock. The transfer to the subway. Ob- no surplus operating dollars derstanding concerning how evening rush-hour trains. LIRR also needs additional viously neither has traveled available to cover these costs. transportation works. Few will have seats. maintenance and storage ca- through either Grand Central Will Miller and Rodriguez Those city residents who Don’t forget that several pacity for any significant fleet Terminal or Penn Station dur- convince Mayor Bill de Blasio already utilize either the hundred to a thousand more expansion. ing rush hours. Both the East to increase NYC’s level of op- LIRR, Metro North, MTA Bus customers may be attempt- In addition, there is no room Side 4, 5, and 6 subway lines or erating assistance to pay for or NYC Transit Express Bus ing to board when the new to run additional trains in or the West Side 1, 2, and 3 sub- this? Don’t count on it. are aware the cost is more Elmhurst LIRR Station opens out of Penn Station during ei- way lines are already operat- than either the bus or sub- in 2018. Can you even imag- ther a.m. or p.m. rush hours. ing at or above capacity. The Larry Penner way. If you agree and follow ine the crowds if only several Penn Station is currently op- same is true to a lesser extent Great Neck the logic of Council members thousand of the daily 66,000 erating at 100 percent capacity for Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn Miller and Rodriguez, there New York City Transit subway during rush hours. If one of Station travelers attempting should be a reduction in the riders who utilize the Flush- the four tunnels is temporar- to access subway lines. There For the NYPD, this has been a terrible year Can New York City be tainly think so. It’s been a ter- murdered. As Lou Turco, up to government officials to those who are sworn to protect harmful to your health? rible year. president of the Lieutenant’s provide a path and various the public, have only embold- Not one year ago, elected But what about us? The Benevolent Association ex- methods for all to engage and ened the criminal element in officials from all levels of gov- murder rate the city is now plained, the hypocrisy is just better their plight in life, unit- our society. Patrick Lynch, ernment were flaunting the up, and shooting incidents too rich. The progressive left ing our citizens and not divid- president of the Patrolmen’s progressive left’s notion that and victims are bountiful. has made it more difficult for ing them. In unity there is Benevolent Association, was police officers were not to be Communities across this city police officers to do their job great strength. Police officers sickened by the tone of the trusted. Whether it was Presi- are sick and tired of seeing po- and in the same vein, caused provide the security frame- rhetoric as he stood shoulder dent Obama, former Attorney lice funerals. Poor judgment a segment of the public to dis- work which allows those in- to shoulder with police officers General Holder or Mayor de and irresponsible, dangerous trust the very people who are dividuals the hope that they mourning the assassination of Blasio, they didn’t miss a beat rhetoric do matter and elected sworn to protect them, thus too can succeed. Crushing the Police Officers Liu and Ramos to bang hard on the drum with officials should take heed in proving that New York City hope of the poor in our city by and then Moore and then Hold- great indignation, fueling dis- all venues and circumstances. can in fact be harmful to your alienating them from their er. Too many deaths lay at the respect for law enforcement And now…they dare to lec- health. protectors is disgraceful and feet of elected officials. in every corner of our nation. ture us on political discourse The city has never been dishonest. Can this type of dangerous in regard to the Planned Par- Shangri-La to those strug- However, elected officials Joseph R. Concannon rhetoric be harmful to your enthood clinic attack where gling, those seeking to build who are sowing the seeds of Retired NYPD Captain health? Police officers cer- another police officer was their way out of poverty. It is discontent and disrespect for Bellerose LETTERS POLICY Contact the newsroom: Letters should be typed or neatly handwritten, and those longer than 300 words may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters must include the writer’s name and phone number for verification. Names may be 718-260-4545 • [email protected] withheld from publication if requested, but anonymously sent letters will not be printed. Letters must be received by Thursday noon to appear in the next week’s paper. All letters become the property of Queens Publishing Corporation and may be republished in any format. TIMESLEDGER.COM BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 13 COLUMNS Have we let our fears run away with us? But what about this very 15-year-old. Lenore instant? Isn’t crime suddenly The parents who responded Skenazy “surging,” as the headlines In New York City, crime peaked around sounded even more terrified. suggest? They wrote things like, “The ■ The Brennan Center for 1993 and has been going down pretty oldest of my three children is Rhymes Justice at the New York Uni- in kindergarten. They have versity School of Law crunched steadily since then. In 1990, there were lockdown drills. I imagine with Crazy the numbers we’re hearing the fear and chaos of a school about. It found that while the 2,245 murders in the city. Last year shooting. The children, my murder rate is projected to go the number here was 333. son, the life and love that can ave we really all be- up 11 percent in America’s 30 be taken away. How will I live come convinced that largest cities this year—a stat with myself if something hap- we are under constant that does sound alarming— pens to them? I’m so scared.” Hterrorist threat? the numbers are still far lower murders per 100,000 residents,” that simply by stepping out of And another: The New York Times seems than 10 or even five years ago. according to the report, which your home—or, god forbid, let- “Is this the day? Will a to think so. In the wake of the Here in New York, the project- cited FBI and police statistics. ting your child step out of the shooter pick my daughter’s San Bernardino shootings, it ed number of murders by year- “In 2000, there were 13.8 mur- home—death beckons. school because it only has one ran an article titled, “ ‘I Think end is 357. ders per 100,000. Now there are The Times chose to rein- access road? What will she be About It Daily’: Life in a Time That is sad, of course. But 9.9 per 100,000.” force the idea that not only are thinking as she cowers in a of Mass Shootings.” as the report notes, “in abso- So while “Murder Rate we all panicking about mass closet? Or under a desk? Will But is this true? lute terms, murder rates are Up!” makes for a paper-selling shootings, but that this dread she be crying for me?” Seems to me that since 9/11, so low in many cities now that headline, “Americans Far Saf- is normal and perhaps even But the odds overwhelm- we’ve learned we’re made of, if even an increase or decrease er Than They Were 20, 10 and sensible after the California ingly say she will simply go not sterner stuff, then at least of just a few occurrences can Even Five Years Ago!” is just and Colorado murders. It did about her day and take her more rational stuff: We know cause a large change in per- as true. this by surveying the public math test. that violence is random and centage terms.” During the 14 years I spent with an online question: “How Crime is at historic lows. rare. For instance: If one person at the New York Daily News, often, if ever, do you think We are lucky to be living in Yes, rare. Especially here. in a million dies from a deadly my editor would sometimes re- about the possibility of a shoot- such safe times. Until we em- Let’s talk about local crime spider bite and the next year mind me that people read the ing in your daily life?” brace reality instead of the for a sec. two people die this weird, icky paper because “they want to Naturally, the people who headlines, we will not be able In New York City, as in most way, that’s a 100 percent in- know what can kill them.” answered are those for whom to enjoy life or let our kids out- of the country, crime peaked crease. But it’s not as if deadly But that isn’t precisely the this question resonates— side. around 1993 and has been go- spiders are taking over Amer- case. No one is writing thumb- many of them apparently crip- That is a tragedy. ing down pretty steadily since ica. (Yet!) suckers about the fear of heart pled by an all-consuming fear then. In 1990, there were 2,245 The picture gets clearer if disease. Only the most shock- of random violence. Lenore Skenazy is a keynote murders in the city. Last year we think in terms of deaths ing and unpredictable deaths “I would say I think about speaker and the author and the number here was 333. per 100,000. get this kind of treatment. the possibility of a shooting in founder of the book and blog That’s an amazing drop. “In 1990, there were 29.3 And these reinforce the idea my life regularly,” wrote one Free-Range Kids. Don’t play politics with the lives of carriage horses “Neigh!” to their redemption? Should a horse have no access tarian issue. In 2013, de Blasio than 200 to about 70. Kfd We’re going to make a to pastures, have a nine-hour repeatedly and emphatically Just to be sure, the Coun- 8ccfe naughty list below. These workday, ride between SUV’s said he would solve this issue. cil members must once again N council members should only and taxis honking and blow- De Blasio blames the Coun- hear our voices — we do care Mayoral get coal in their stockings this ing exhaust fumes in their cil. Well, he’s partially right, for all beings. holiday season because they faces? Should animals that get because he does need their So we’re naming the City Spin Cycle are standing in the way of hu- “spooked” by loud sounds be votes to ban this industry, Council “Neighsayer.” Let’s mane treatment of our horses. the victims of an industry that but it seems that if he pushed pressure them for this new pro- tella, Caesar, Blondie, But first, here’s some context. insists upon their backbreak- harder he could have secured posal, which is not perfect but Chris, Doreen, Charlie, In 2013, when candidate ing work so that they can the 26 votes needed to pass the a heck of a lot more humane. Pumpkin, Tickles and Bill de Blasio was running for make a living? law to ban the horse-drawn In Brooklyn: Robert Cor- SOreo are just some of mayor, he vowed to ban horse- There are other ways for carriages in New York City. negy; Rafael Espinal; Daneek the names of New York horses drawn carriages in New York them to make a living, and But good news may be on Miller; Jumaane Williams. that have been killed or in- City. On “Day One,” he said. NYClass, an animal rights or- the way. On Nov. 25, de Bla- In Queens: Costa Con- jured while working. Well, now it’s past “Day 700.” ganization, has come up with a sio proposed a compromise stantinides; Elizabeth Crow- Working, really? That New York has the highest healthy alternative to the ugly that would limit the carriage ley; Karen Koslowitz; Rory would imply choice, right? It’s carriage-horse accident rate and cruel industry. Electric horses to Central Park, keep- Lancman. really no different than an el- in the country. Other cities, cars. Awesome, fancy, cool- ing them off the city’s streets. In Manhattan: Corey ephant in chains in the circus. like Palm Beach, Santa Fe, looking electric that cars can He has also proposed building Johnson. Like the decorated elephant, Las Vegas, Toronto and Salt take tourists on rides through stables inside the park so that In the Bronx: Andy King carriage horses have more Lake City have banned this Central Park and the congest- the horses don’t have to walk Like Mahatma Gandhi pain than pomp in their day. antiquated practice. ed streets of Manhattan. the one to two miles back to said: “The greatness of a na- And why is politics getting Sure, it was lovely to have a The big problem in all of their stables in Hell’s Kitchen. tion and its moral progress in the way of their release from horse take you for a ride when this is that we have political And finally, this compromise can be judged by the way its this prolonged bondage? Which we needed the transportation. gamesmanship interfering suggests reducing the number animals are treated.” Council members are saying But why is it necessary now? with what is really a humani- of working horses from more 14 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER.COM COLUMNS How Queens marked the holidays in 1959 the South. He was one of the 1 deadline for “tombstone” talking traffic signal installed last Americans to leave North promotions, where those re- in Flushing at Main Street and Vietnam as he officially closed tiring are boosted one rank, Roosevelt Avenue. The talking the ICA office there in May because he didn’t think “being signal, a tape recording syn- 1955. called ‘Admiral’ was that im- chronized with the visual traf- n The last veteran of the portant.” He was the first Jew- fic signal, announced the be- Civil War, Walter Washington ish officer to achieve the rank ginning of the flashing “Don’t Williams, died in Texas at the of ‘Captain.’ Walk” period and cautioned In conjunction with the was president of the Neptune age of 117. His body, dressed in The spirit of Christmas pedestrians of the dangers of Greater Astoria Historical So- Engine Company of 25-38 31st a Confederate general’s uni- turned in a twinkle when De- jaywalking during the steady ciety, the TimesLedger newspa- Ave., which manufactured form lay in state in a blue and tective Edward Egan complet- “Don’t Walk” period. Traffic per presents noteworthy events generators and electronics grey casket draped with the ed the transformation from commissioner T. T. Wiley said in the borough’s history equipment. He had gone to Confederate flag. Across the Santa Claus to detective. Egan, the messages were well-heed- Havana to seek patents for an world, American flags flew at who dressed in a standard ed by pedestrians, and that n December 1959, the Board invention which he described half staff, and President Eisen- Santa Claus costume, arrested the audio devices were being of Education was re-evalu- as “the only brushless genera- hower proclaimed a period of 17 persons in four days. Most of tried at crowded intersections ating its school fallout shel- tor in the world.” The Cuban national mourning until Wil- the arrests were in Harlem for before the decision to install Iter program to determine government’s charges against liams’ burial. narcotics violations, including them permanently. whether better—or closer— him were never made public. The first rabbi to volun- a 35-year-old man posing as a Queens moviegoers could shelter accommodations had After hearing the evidence in teer as a Navy chaplain after woman and having 30 bags of enjoy “Anatomy of a Murder,” become available to students. a trial which lasted only five the attack on Pearl Harbor in heroin in his possession. (And starring James Stewart; “A The Board reported that thou- hours, the Cuban military 1941, Captain Joshua L. Gold- they claim the 1950s was a bor- Hole in the Head,” starring sands of Queens students in court sentenced Martino to a berg, rabbi-emeritus of the As- ing conformist decade!) Frank Sinatra, Edward G. 49 school buildings in Queens 13-year prison term. His attor- toria Center of Israel, was to The Christmas season in Robinson and Eleanor Parker; would be without adequate neys planned an appeal. retire from the Navy on Jan. Queens saw bright lights up in “The Mummy,” starring Peter protection in the event of an Mr. and Mrs. Norman 1, 1960. He had made over 87 most shopping districts on the Cushing; “The Bat,” starring atomic attack on the city. Poulin returned from Saigon, crossings of the Atlantic and North Shore. Santa Claus made Vincent Price; and “Pillow About half of the students Vietnam, to Forest Hills. traveled throughout Asia and many appearances. Christmas Talk,” starring Doris Day and would have had to be trans- Poulin was an official with Africa. The rabbi thought that lights lit trees in the yards of Rock Hudson. ported to a suitable location the International Coopera- the main threat to America one- and two- family homes That’s the way it was in De- not more than 20 minutes tion Administration. He was was “softness” of discipline throughout the borough. A gi- cember 1959! away. active in many American Aid at home—in the moral fiber ant 35-foot Christmas tree in Astorian John Martino programs and helped carry of business, in human rela- front of Borough Hall was lit For further information, faced 20 years in prison in out the world-famous “Opera- tions and in general attitude. by Borough President John T. contact the Greater Astoria His- Cuba on charges that he had tion Exodus” in which almost His retirement was caused by Clancey on Dec. 15. torical Society at 718-278-0700 plotted to smuggle refugees a million refugees from North the 64-year age limit. He didn’t “Jaywalking is against the or visit their website at www. out of that nation. Martino Vietnam were transported to bother to do so before the Nov. law,” boomed the voice of a astorialic.org. A presidential race that is breaking all the rules in the past. The question is, won the nomination and then William will this primary, with two won the two presidential elec- Lewis levels of candidates appearing tions after that. Today we face In Great Britain, national elections for debates, lead to a political a new challenge in the Repub- n atmosphere that is less than lican Party with more differ- by law run for three weeks. I am not Political effective? ent factions vying for power Action Since World War II, it has within party circles. saying that we should adopt that system been the Democratic Party In Congress there are nu- that has been looked upon as merous Republican factions, but the process could be improved. s we observe the 2016 divisive and fractionalized. but they all agreed to compro- presidential campaign That was certainly true in mise thanks to House Speaker at this time, it is cer- 1948 when the Democratic Paul Ryan. system should be worked out During the election cycle every Atainly an unusual Party ran as three different Usually when there are so that the number of candi- four years, the most interest in campaign. In the Democratic political parties with three three or four parties running dates would be more manage- politics is generated. That will Party, Hillary Clinton seems different presidential candi- in a national election, these able. be true next year and the inter- to have the nomination sewed dates. The organization candi- parties have broken off from In addition to this we really est will be put into the election up, as her two opponents seem date, Harry Truman, won the the two major parties, as oc- need a shorter campaign both by the voters. to have no chance of making race by a narrow margin. The curred in 1948 in the Demo- for the primary and general We have a strong democra- significant gains in the polls Democratic Party also had a cratic Party and in 1912 when election. These things could cy in our country, but there is high enough to seriously chal- significant number of candi- a third party emerged, led by contribute to a more effective always room for improvement lenge her. dates competing for the party Theodore Roosevelt. However, election process. as we move forward in the 21st In the Republican Party we nomination in 1972 and 1976. after these campaigns ended In Great Britain, national century. Let us hope that the started out with 17 candidates, The Republican Party dur- the major party candidates elections by law run for three national election next year although a number of them ing the years leading up to won. weeks. I am not saying that we will bring us the best govern- have dropped out. This type 1980 had many, many candi- When choosing party nom- should adopt that system but ment in 2017. of situation has not occurred dates. In 1980 Ronald Reagan inees, some type of democratic the process could be improved. TIMESLEDGER.COM BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 15 Queens’ Cannibal Cop Home fully aquitted by court Sweet Home BY GABRIEL ROM A disgraced former Forest Hills cop JUST GOT A LITTLE SWEETER had his acquittal on charges of conspir- ing to kidnap, kill and eat women up- held by the U.S. Second Circuit Court 30 YEAR FIXED RATE of appeals in a decision last week. Gilberto Valle—known as the Can- % % nibal Cop—was arrested in 2012 after 3.625 Rate 3.847APR* his wife discovered Valle’s online cor- respondences in which he mused over plots to kidnap and cook his wife and other women. Valle was convicted of the kidnapping conspiracy in March GILBERTO VALLE 2013 after prosecutors revealed chat- room discussions in which he talked and fantasies are his own and beyond about his cannibalism fetish. After the reach of the government.’” serving 21 months in prison, his sen- Valle’s lawyers lauded the decision tence was overturned by Judge Paul as both a victory for Valle and civil Gardephe in Manhattan federal court rights. in 2014. But prosecutors from the U.S. “The court’s decision today con- Attorney’s Office in the Southern Dis- firms what we have said from the out- trict appealed Gardephe’s decision, ar- set of this prosecution: fantasies, no guing that Valle’s fantasies could have matter how repugnant, are not crimes,” led to real violence. Valle’s lawyers said in a statement. The 31-year-old was an officer for “This ruling is a very important vic- the NYPD, but he was fired from the tory not just for Mr. Valle, who has now force after he was charged with kid- been cleared of all criminal charges, napping conspiracy. but for an open society that treasures A Manhattan federal judge over- freedom of thought and expression.” turned the guilty verdict in July 2014, Circuit Judge Chester Straub criti- saying that Valle’s plot was just a fan- cized his colleagues’ opinion in his dis- tasy. sent. Prosecutors had appealed, but Dec. “This is not a case about govern- 3 two of three appellate judges review- mental intrusion on one’s personal ing the case upheld the acquittal, say- inclinations and fantasies nor is it a ing Valle’s fantasies did not cross the case about governmental punishment line into criminal intent. of one’s thoughts,” he wrote. “Although it is increasingly chal- “It is, instead jury’s determination lenging to identify that line in the In- of guilt for a conspiracy based on defin- ternet age,” Circuit Judge Barrington itive conduct... a police officer’s use of D. Parker wrote, “it still exists and it the official database to obtain, outside must be rationally discernible in order the boundaries of his official duties, to ensure that ‘a person’s inclinations data about a woman whom he knew.” Apply for an MCU Mortgage today! 212-238-3521 | nymcu.org/mortgages Redesign of Principe Park Use promo code: BST raises sport safety concerns BY GABRIEL ROM “If you allow the kids to hit toward the soccer field, you have problems,” Community members are not yet said Gary Giordano, district manager fully sold on a proposed redesign of of Community Board 5. “But if you face Maspeth’s Frank Principe Park, which the fields towards Maurice Avenue, some say would create safety risks. you will have the issue of balls going * 360 monthly payments of $4.56 per $1,000 borrowed. This APR (Annual The original design from the city over and hitting vehicles.” Department of Parks and Recreation Community Board 5 Parks Commit- was presented during a session held tee Chairman Steve Fiedler presented the APR and monthly payment term will be higher due to PMI (Private Mortgage Dec. 2 by the Parks Department and an alternative plan which he said would Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D- have the softball fields face away from Insurance). Rates in effect as of 12/03/2015. Rates and terms may change Glendale). the soccer fields, eliminating safety The proposed design provides for risks. On his own time Fiedler met located in New York and New Jersey. Loans and interest rates are two fully functioning softball fields with a private architect and drew up subject to credit approval. FNMA limits apply. Membership is required. and a soccer field, but safety concerns his own proposal, which, according to arose at the meeting over the proxim- Crowley’s spokeswoman is essentially ity of the two fields. Continued on Page 49 16 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER.COM Renewing Struggling Schools by Michael Mulgrew The city’s new Renewal program, created with coaches, social workers and other professionals, President, input from stakeholders, is designed to focus on along with professional development for the staff United Federation of Teachers some of the neediest schools in the system. Early on the skills necessary to work with children fac- returns show that many of these schools have sta- ing these challenges. Cities and school bilized and in some cases are started on the road While in 2013-14 nearly one-third failed to meet districts across the to improvement. country have tried a targets for student achievement, the 2014-2015 range of strategies Students in these schools start out with deficits. School Quality Report shows that now 87 percent to deal with the Nearly 20 percent are English Language Learners of the renewal schools are moving in the right problems of poor and almost a quarter are classified as special edu- direction, measured by better attendance, more children and strug- cation. Thousands live in shelters or are doubled family involvement and other criteria. As a group, gling schools. Under former Mayor Bloomberg, up with relatives. Many are hungry, lack winter they showed gains in both reading and math on New York City relied on a “shutdown” strategy, clothes, or have medical needs, including glasses state tests. and hearing aids. Many have parents who are eventually closing 150 schools, including some Many of these schools have a long way to go. unemployed or who work long hours at minimum- that the Bloomberg administration itself had cre- Turning them around is difficult, particularly in wage jobs. ated. the face of years of cutbacks and systemic indif- While Bloomberg’s cheerleaders lauded his Teachers at these schools see these problems ference. These schools will require a multi-year approach, the fact is that many of our schools not as excuses, but as issues that need to be strategic intervention built on sound education – both older ones and those started during addressed to ensure that all kids have an equal practice, including custom-tailored supports for Bloomberg’s tenure – continue to struggle. opportunity to learn. each school’s particular needs. With its Renewal program, New York City is taking on tough work Renewal schools are being paired with non-profit In contrast, the de Blasio administration has that no one in the country has attempted before agencies to deliver services like health care and listened to teachers and members of school com- on this scale. munities. We know that it is difficult, but strug- counseling to students and their families. What’s gling schools can succeed – if provided the proper more, the nearly $400 million the administration support and resources, and a team approach that is investing in these schools over the next three years includes funds for hiring teachers, academic United Federation of Teachers brings all a school’s stakeholders together. A Union of Professionals SAT December 12 & SUN December 13 FREE adoptions Adoption (for all approved adopters) Special 10am - 1pm North Shore Animal League America has HUNDREDS of Mutt-i-grees® to choose from - Puppies, Kittens, Dogs and Cats! MIXED-BREEDS, PUREBREDS, SMALL BREEDS TOO! May the Festival of Lights bring you peace and joy. SPECIAL HOLIDAY HOURS: Christmas Eve: 9am - 8pm Christmas Day: CLOSED Happy Hanukkah New Year’s Eve: 10am - 8pm New Year’s Day: CLOSED FOLLOW US: 25 Davis Avenue • Port Washington, NY 516.883.7575 • animalleague.org TIMESLEDGER.COM BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 17 New Year’s Eve Rosedale girl competes AT THE in Miss Teen pageant DOUGLASTON MANOR BY TOM MOMBERG Thursday, December 31st, Nyah Stevens, 15, of Rosedale is preparing for her first beauty pageant 2015 7:30pm – 1:30am in January, hoping to go from there to representing the state as Miss New York at the National 2016 Miss Teen USA pageant. Stevens is a freshman at Bayside High School, where she maintains a strong academic standing and com- petes on the track and field team. She says pageantry is something she is looking forward to. “I always wanted to do this since I was a little girl,” Stevens said. “It kind of developed from there as I got older. I developed some independence and re- alized I would have to put in the work myself to achieve my goals.” And Stevens has pushed herself as she gets ready to compete in the pag- eant the weekend of Jan. 15 at the Pur- chase College Performing Arts Cen- ter—something she said has helped her gain a sense of responsibility and Nyah Stevens of Rosedale is competing in self-respect. her first pageant for Miss Teen New York in The Miss New York Teen USA pag- January. Courtesy of Sarahdine Stevens eant pushes teenage girls to have poise. NEW YEAR’S EVE MENU It is supposed to be less about compet- needs is sponsors. Her sponsorship s 3#25-04)/53 #/#+4!), (/52 ing with talent and ability, and more fee of $1,500 goes toward pageant fees, about exhibiting strong personality, room, food and board for the weekend s (/4 "5&&%4 #/,$ $)30,!9 creativity and beauty. of the event. s &%!452).' /52 &!-/53 453#!. 4!",% “I don’t look up to celebrities as Stevens already has the support of much as I look up to my mom and my her family, but the state directors of the s &/,,/7%$ "9 !. %815)3)4% &/52 #/523% $)..%2 other family members,” Stevens said pageant urge contestants to connect when asked what has encouraged her. with and ask community businesses $125 Per Person All Inclusive “Many of my immediate family mem- and leaders to make small contribu- bers are immigrants, and I’ve seen tions to help them on their way. $80 Kids 10 yrs & younger how the women have pushed and Business sponsors can promote worked hard to be where they are… It’s their brands when they become spon- V.I.P Private Room is available min. 75 person guarantee all about how you present yourself to sors, and they are represented as such others as a woman and how you define during the weekend of the pageant. s &)234 #/523% s 3%#/.$ #/523% your own success.” Potential sponsors can reach out to Absolute Penne A La Vodka Pear & Gorgonzola Salad Stevens said her group of friends Stevens’ parents, Sarahdine and Ty- have been very supportive of her ef- rone Stevens, at [email protected], s %.42% s $%33%24 forts to get involved with the pageant. or donate directly at . Filet Mignon & Succulent Chocolate “Symphony” She is currently picking out dresses Prawn Shrimp and practicing public speech in prepa- Reach reporter Tom Momberg by e- s /0%. "!2 s $* 4/ 02/6)$% -53)# ration for the event. mail at [email protected] or by s #(!-0!'.% 4/!34 s "!,,//. $2/0 !4 -)$.)'(4 But one thing the young woman still phone at (718) 260–4573. s 7!4#( #/5.4 $/7. ,)6% &2/- 4)-% 315!2% SEAN CASEY ANIMAL RESCUE & NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA 63-20 Commonwealth Blvd. & Adopt A Pet Marathon Pkwy., Douglaston, NY 11363 thedouglastonmanor.com WesPaw Pets Call for reservations: 718-224-8787 44-05 Queens Blvd. Sunnyside, NY Photos By Ellen Dunn *OIN US FOR OUR AMAZING SAT DEC 12 • 12 PM – 5 PM Bridal Showcase Home of the Mutt-i-gree® FOLLOWF US ON animalleague.org • 516.883.7575 *AN s PM PM 25 Davis Avenue • Port Washington, NY 18 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER.COM ! " # !" #$ % & ' ( ')%* *+,, , - % . . . // ) & 0 TIMESLEDGER.COM BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 19 nyrr.org/openrun Astoria Blvd. unsafe BY BILL PARRY Some 40 residents of Astoria and East Elmhurst joined elected leaders and officials from the city Department of Transportation to discuss traffic safety improvements along a danger- ous stretch of Astoria Boulevard be- tween 77th to 92nd streets. Since 2010, there have been three fatalities and almost 200 injuries, eight of them serious, along the roadway, ac- cording to the DOT. 3 Nearly 60 percent of vehicles were found speeding in a recent study of the area that normally carries 2,000 GET MOVING IN ASTORIA PARK cars during a normal rush hour. There are only six crosswalks over these 16 Everyone is welcome at Open Run blocks, so pedestrians must walk up to 1,000 feet between each crossing before they can get across the street. East Elmhurst and Astoria res- Free runs and walks every Saturday at 9 a.m. In addition, Astoria Boulevard is idents join Councilman Costa Meet us next to the restrooms at the track. 100 feet wide, making crossings very Constantinides for a workshop on traf- long for seniors or pedestrians with fic safety along Astoria Boulevard. disabilities to navigate in the time al- Photo courtesy Constantinides' office lotted. The area also contains several multi-legged intersections with con- Questions, or looking for more information about volunteering? fusing lane designations. man Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria) Contact [email protected] or check out our website, nyrr.org/openrun. “This workshop provided an oppor- said. “Suggestions will be taken into tunity for residents to collaborate and consideration as a comprehensive traf- exchange ideas about traffic safety im- fic safety plan along Astoria Boulevard This program is in collaboration with provements in this area,” City Council- is designed.” NYC Parks’ Community Parks Initiative. #NYRROpenRun Copyright ©2015 by New York Road Runners. All rights reserved. #OR_AstoriaPark Do you know a Student of Distinction? Ridgewood loses shop BY GABRIEL ROM sold for around $7 million. TimesLedger Newspapers and Community Newspaper Group “We’re looking for other locations, A store with over 70 years of history but it’s pretty difficult,” he said. “The invite your school to participate in our feature highlighting in Ridgewood will be forced to close rent is astronomical and this type of young people who are excellent students as well as this January. thing has happened to other stores in The 1/2 Price Kids shop must have the area.” role models for their younger peers. everything out of its 60-84 Myrtle Ave. Straddling the border with Brook- building, which was recently sold, by lyn, Ridgewood has experienced a Nomination requirements are: Jan. 1. The 13,000-square-foot store, in wave of mostly younger people fleeing its last month of its lease, sells brand- Bushwick’s rising rental costs for the A) That the student excel in academics in addition to name baby gear at discount prices. comparatively cheaper rates just over participation in extra-curricular school activities. “It’s not an easy thing to digest,” the border in Queens. said store manager Ely Kairey. A note was been posted on the win- “We are a family store and we grew dow of 1/2 Price Kids declaring “Hello B) A nominating letter from your school’s guidance up alongside the children. Everyone is Unemployment. Goodbye Ridgewood.” counselor and instructors describing the student’s abilities choked up.” The message has since been taken The children’s clothing and acces- town, but Kairey said the idea behind and why they would be worthy of this recognition. sory store, owned by Robert Elbaz and it remains true. his family, has been at its current loca- “My employees are not fly-by-night, C) Please make sure that the student’s bio and a recent tion in Ridgewood for 17 years. Prior to they have been here for years,” he said. that, the Elbazes had owned the Won- “They tell me that their rents are also photo are included with the nomination. derland Youth Center, also on Myrtle going up, that they may have to leave Avenue. Ridgewood, too.” D) Categories are: In a show of gratitude to the neigh- While disheartened, Kairey hopes 1) Middle School 2) High School 3) College borhood, the store is selling its remain- to stay near the community that he has ing stock at 50 percent off. known for so long. “We’ve had a strong relationship “There is an expression I keep re- with this neighborhood and it is a way minding myself,” Kairey concluded. Please send nominations and information to: of giving back,” he said. “We know peo- “‘When one door closes, another [email protected], or mail to: ple on a first-name basis, we tell them opens.’” they can always come in to the store if Even though 1/2 Price Kids will S. Rossi – 41-02 Bell Blvd., 2nd Floor, Bayside, NY 11361 they are in trouble. But now, the neigh- be closing its Ridgewood location, borhood is in disbelief,” Kairey said. they have two other locations—one in If you have any questions, you may contact me at: “People are coming in asking ‘How Brooklyn and one in Mount Vernon— did this happen?’ ‘Where are you going as well as a website where customers 718-260-4522 next?’” can continue to shop. Kairey says that the property was 20 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 TL TIMESLEDGER.COM 40 Years of Experience & Reliability WINDOW TREATMENTS CUSTOM DRAPERIES, UPHOLSTERY & MORE Oaa Kqn B]jp]ope_ @eolh]uo kb Aranu Sej`ks Pna]piajp =p Kqn B]^qhkqo Odksnkki BEAUTIFUL WINDOW TREATMENTS THAT MAKE A HOUSE A HOME BY HUNTER DOUGLAS s #USTOM 6ERTICAL "LINDS BY (UNTER $OUGLAS Somner® Custom Vertical Blinds Cadence® The New Dimension in Verticals Crosswinds® Wood Verticals s 3HADINGS BY (UNTER $OUGLAS Silhouette® Window shadings Silhouette® with PowerRise® Vignette® Window shadings Vignette® Accents by the Yard™ s (ONEYCOMB 3HADES BY (UNTER $OUGLAS Duette® Classic Duette® with Simplicity™ Duette® with EasyRise™ Duette® with Vertiglide™ Duette® Opalessence™ Applause® Honeycomb Shades Applause® with EasyRise™ Applause® with Simplicity™ Applause® with Vertiglide™ s (ORIZONTAL "LINDS BY (UNTER $OUGLAS Modern Precious Metals® Celebrity® Modern Precious Metals® 2” Aluminum Shades s 7INDOW 3HADES BY (UNTER $OUGLAS s 7OOD "LINDS BY (UNTER $OUGLAS Provenance® Woven Woods EverWood® s 3HUTTERS BY (UNTER $OUGLAS Heritance® Palm Beach™ s 0RIVACY 3HEERS Luminette® with PowerGlide® s ,ITE2ISE¸ Duette® with LiteRise® Décor® with LiteRise® s #USTOM $RAPERIES Balloon Shades, Roman Shades, Austrian Shades Cornices, Custom Valances, Custom Reupholstery Custom Bedspreads, Custom Slipcovers Foam Rubber, Foam Cushion Replacement Plastic Slipcovers &2%% 0!0%2 3(!$%3 &2%% 2%-/4% #/.6%.)%.4 7IDE 6ARIETY OF For Your Added Convenience 7E 0ROVIDE $RY #LEANING #/-0,)-%.4!29 3LIPCOVERS AND 7ASHING AND 2EHANGING OF 3(/0 !4 (/-% 2EUPHOLSTERY &ABRICS 9OUR $RAPERIES ONLINE AT: WWW.KARLINDECORATORS.HDWFG.COM 17-18 154th Street Receive a free estimate. 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Our Shop-At-Home Service is only a phone call away Not a Hunter Douglas Gallery TIMESLEDGER.COM BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 21 Council approves private school security fund BY TOM MOMBERG vide school security agents for as many of the city’s over 600 The City Council passed a private schools as wanted to bill Monday that would estab- take part. lish a program to reimburse Councilman Daniel Dromm private schools for costs for (D-Jackson Heights), chair- security guards—allowing man of the Council’s Educa- Catholic schools, yeshivas and tion Committee and a former other private schools to pro- teacher, has publicly been in vide strong security for their opposition to any program students. that would put taxpayer mon- The measure passed 43 to 4, ey toward security at private with bipartisan support, and institutions. He cast one of the now awaits Mayor Bill de Bla- four nay votes on the bill. sio’s signature to go into effect Dromm could not be in the next school year. reached for comment on the The bill outlining the recent Council vote on the bill, $20-million-a-year program to but has said previously the city reimburse up to 300 private should not put funding toward and religious schools with private schools at a time when more than 300 students for hir- so many public schools are in ing private security agencies need of additional money. listed as qualified providers The bill was one of the first was introduced shortly after pieces of legislation Council- Thanksgiving. man Barry Grodenchik (D- The bill picked up 45 Coun- Oakland Gardens) got to vote A bill that passed City Council this week replaced a stronger bill that would have funded NYPD school safety cil sponsors, though some of on since being inaugurated officers at all private schools. those sponsors were absent into the Council. He said the when it came time to vote. legislation and bipartisan The legislation that passed support on the bill reflected “Private schools or schools this city are our children and Reach reporter Tom was a compromise on a pre- growing public concerns that of any other denomination they need to be protected,” Momberg by e-mail at vious $50-million proposal, religious institutions may be will be able to apply for fund- Grodenchik said. “We live in [email protected] or by which would have funded and a target for terror or other vio- ing to provide security on the uncertain times.” phone at (718) 260–4573. mandated the NYPD to pro- lent acts. basis that all the children in Honoring Your Loved Ones Guiding Your Family With Compassion Sinai Chapels respects all Jewish traditions and customs, has a compassionate staff that is second to none, and has three generations of experience serving New York’s Jewish families. 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TEXT CONCIERGE 718.690.3222 | Download our FREE App TIMESLEDGER.COM BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 23 Sights and sounds of the season In Woodhaven, the organizers handed out Santa hats to the youngsters who turned out in the unsually warm weather for the tree lighting right off Jamaica Avenue. Photo by Micahel Shain In Bayside Hills, the civic association first lit up a king-sized menorah for the first night of Hannukah before the Christmas tree lights were switched on. Photo by Michael Shain In Bayside Hills, the accordionists from music teacher Linda Holcomb's class at PS 203 play Hanukkah songs as well as Christrmas carols as the sun went down. Photo by Michael Shain City Council Member Daniel Dromm (c) helps with the Christmas tree lighting duty at Regal Heights The Queens Botanical Garden crowns a daylong holiday celebration Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Jackson Heights. Students from IS 230 and their teacher, Lisa in Flushing with its own tree lighting, tastefully done in green. Mesulam (left of Dromm), provide the music. Courtesy of Council Member Dromm Courtesy of QBG/Anne Tan-Detchkov 24 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER.COM Come to Bay Terrace for the following free events throughout the Holiday Season! !"#!"# Saturday,Saturday, DecemberDecember 5 5 10:00 10:00 am am – 5:00 – 5:00 pm pm Sunday,Sunday,Visits December Decemberwith Santa 6 6 & His Elf: 10:00 10:00 am am – 5:00 – 5:00 pm pm Saturday,Saturday,Saturday, DecemberDecember December 12 12 12 10:00 10:00 10:00am am – am5:00 – 5:00 – pm 5:00 pm pm Sunday,Sunday,Sunday, DecemberDecember December 13 13 13 10:00 10:00 10:00am am – am5:00 – 5:00 – pm 5:00 pm pm Saturday,Saturday, DecemberDecember 19 19 10:00 10:00 am am – 5:00 – 5:00 pm pm Sunday,Saturday, December December 20 19 10:00 10:00 am am – 5:00 – 5:00 pm pm Sunday, December 20 10:00 am – 5:00 pm $ %& & Sunday, December 6 6:00 pm Horse & Buggy Rides: Sunday, &&' # December 13 10:00 am – 4 pm Sunday,Sunday, December December 6 20 10:00 10:00 am am – 4 –pm 4 pm Sunday, December 13 10:00 am – 4 pm Sunday, December 20 10:00 am – 4 pm # TIMESLEDGER.COM BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 25 Feline heroics earn 104th national recognition After rescuing a cat from a burning home in Glendale, NYPD receives award from PETA BY GABRIEL ROM of the 104th, saving animals is part and parcel of being a New After rescuing Kit Kat, an York City cop. injured cat, from a burning “To be recognized by an or- home in Glendale, the 104th ganization as large as PETA is Police Precinct is getting na- good for the precinct and good tional recognition from an un- for the department,” he said. likely place. “It’s not all about cops and rob- Last week, PETA, a na- bers all the time. We are here tional animal advocacy orga- to help everybody, from the lit- nization, bestowed the men tlest cat to whoever else is in and women of the 104th with distress.” the Compassionate Police De- A picture of the distressed partment Award. As a further feline receiving oxygen from token of the group’s apprecia- an officer from the 104th went tion, a box of vegan cookies is viral on Twitter, showing a also in the mail. gentler side to daily police “We hope your team’s effort work. will inspire others to come to “A lot of people like cats ap- the aid of animals in need,” parently,” Wachter said. the letter from PETA Presi- Wachter announced the Kit Kat, who was rescued from a Glendale house fire in November, has been restored to health and is back at dent Ingrid Newkirk read. award at the precinct’s daily home with her owner. “Thank you again for your roll call and said that especial- compassion.” ly around the holiday season, sponded to the fire at 88th a special oxygen chamber and next to a TV set. A third fam- The award also comes after the rescue story boosted offi- Street, near 81st Avenue, but rushed to a veterinary hospi- ily cat, Bo, was found dead in the 104th rescued another cat cer morale. no other injuries were report- tal, along with another feline a bathroom. stuck in a sewer main earlier “It shows the officers that ed. Firefighters were able to survivor, Jinx. The two cats are in good in November. Officers opened the small actions that we do resuscitate Kit Kat with small One of the cats was saved health and have been reunited the main and found the cat, can have a real positive ef- breathing units on the side- after being spotted under a with their owner, officials at a which was hidden from sight. fect,” he said. walk after she passed out from pile of moving laundry, while BluePearl Veterinary hospital For Mark Wachter, captain Some 60 firefighters re- smoke. Kit Kat was then put in the other was found huddled in Forest Hills confirmed. “When it came to the end of my mother’s life, we had prayed for death with dignity. Thanks to Calvary’s unparalleled care, our prayers were answered.” “How does one cure an incurable disease? Physically, you can’t. But emotionally and spiritually, Calvary’s Home Hospice proves that you can. It is a perfect healing that your magnificent program provided to Mother in her final year. The expert staff of Calvary@Home alleviated her physical pain, as well as the mental anguish through which our family was suffering. Particularly Father. In fact, your staff cared as much for 94-yeart-old Father as you did for Mother. Your nurse, social worker, and rabbi made sure that Mother and all of us, her family, were granted peace and serenity, free from pain, stress, and anxiety. It was a perfect healing that combined compassion and care. We witnessed firsthand how Calvary truly is Where Life Continues.” - Leon Metzger For more information on Calvary@Home call 718-518-2465, or visit www.calvaryhospital.org 1740 Eastchester Road, Bronx NY 10461 • (718) 518-2300 • www.calvaryhospital.org Brooklyn Satellite at Lutheran Medical Center • Calvary@Home (Home Care/Hospice) The Dawn Greene Hospice at Mary Manning Walsh Home in Manhattan Center for Curative and Palliative Wound Care (Calvary@Home programs are Medicare-certified and contract with most major insurances) 26 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER.COM THE LOWEST HEATING OIL COST SAVE NOW Health • Oil prices at PLAN near 5-year lows* • Ultra Low Sulfur ONLINE? Bioheat/Fuel • 24/7 service and support in any weather Call for special offers! 877.358.2186 Oil | Heating | Cooling | Duct Cleaning petro.com petro mobile connect on *Oil prices as of August 2015. Additional terms and conditions may apply. NYC Lic. No. 1314079. ©2015 Petro. 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Bankruptcies and liens must be discharged. **Vehicle must be in safe operating condition, dealer not responsible for excess wear and tear. Some exclusions may apply, see dealer for details. Offers cannot be combined. NYC DCA#200342, DMV#711789. Publication date: 12/11/2015. Offers expire 48 hours after publication. 28 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER.COM 2015 Gift shopping with an artistic touch Queens Museum gets heated this weekend with its Warming Up Winter Holiday Market BY TAMMY SCILEPPI ing in the land of ice and snow. Miki must now be the family Shopping, live performanc- provider, and must persevere es and art form a seasonal against the North Wind. trifecta when the Queens Mu- Other acts on tap include a seum holds its Warming Up concert by the Corona Youth Winter Holiday Market this Music Project and perfor- weekend. mances by the children’s ma- More than 65 vendors will riachi group, Academia De be on hand hawking artwork, Mariachi Nuevo Amanecer, handmade crafts, books and and by the Ecuadorian youth other one-of-a-kind gifts. dance group, Ñukanchik Llak- “This is a time to connect ta Wawa Kuna. with artists and artisans in “As a museum, we feel this borough. To celebrate the committed to Queens and the joy of making and creating,” people in this borough, and we Silvia Juliana Mantilla Ortiz, know first-hand, the amazing Queens Museum artist servic- creative and cultural produc- es coordinator, said. “We have tion that in all shapes and professional artists, as well as forms enriches our neighbor- folks from our communities hood,” Ortiz said. “Let the fes- who make beautiful things in tivities begin.” their spare time. We invite you to support them and get unique gifts for the holiday season.” IF YOU GO The market is divided into Warming Up Winter Holiday eight areas sorted by category. Members of the children’s mariachi group, Academic De Mariachi Nuevo Amanecer (middle Market In “A Little Bit of Every- row), will perform as part of the Queens Museum Warming Up Winter Holiday Market this weekend. thing,” shoppers will find Photo illustration courtesy Queens Museum When: Sunday, Dec. 13, from 1 baked goods, CDs, jewelry and pm–5 pm even pickled vegetables. Other artist Susan Varo and her My second year in the holiday ping till you drop, or just in Where: Queens Museum, New spots will be dedicated to home Works of Art, LLC. market. need of a quick break, the York City Building, Flushing goods, clothing, jewelry, skin She will be selling original The popular all-things- museum has plenty of family- Meadows Corona Park care, books and paintings. hand-painted holiday cards, Queens website featuring por- friendly, live performances Cost: $8/adults (suggested), A section labeled “Curiosi- art-inspired notebooks and traits of locals, will be launch- Younger audience mem- $4/seniors (suggested), Free/ ties” will offer the out-of-the- acrylic paintings in various ing several new products at bers will probably get a kick children 18 and under ordinary items, like henna sizes, as well as 6-inch-by-6- the market and selling “a out of the Queens College Pup- Contact: (718) 592-9700 tattoos. inch original oil paintings. limited supply of everything” peteers performing “Miki and Website: www. In the books, cards and Flushing-based QNS MADE from their online shop: hats, T- the North Wind.” The story queensmuseum.org print section, shoppers will creator Amy Wu and her staff shirts, pins, bags and more. revolves around young Miki, find Elmhurst-based visual are looking forward to their When you are done shop- whose father has gone miss- TIMESLEDGER.COM BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 29 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Give the gift of relaxation from Blue Bungalow Wrap up the holidays with everything from facials to massages at Rockaway Park spa BY TAMMY SCILEPPI a full circuit of non-invasive make fun of me because I get cosmetic treatments, with the so excited when I find some- High-tech gadgets, design- latest technology, along with thing new,” she said. er handbags, sparkly jewelry pure and active natural skin- For 23 years, Rorke had a and name-brand items make care ingredients. It strength- successful design career, but awesome gifts, but as stress ens the muscles in your face, at age 50 or so, she decided it levels rise, some New Yorkers and enhances the skin’s natu- was time for a change to rein- are opting for a relaxing expe- ral glow. vent herself, so she went back rience over stuff this holiday Blue Bungalow Spa’s mas- to school and got her esthetics season. sage therapists are some of license. Blue Bungalow Spa & Well- the best in the city and have “I’ve always loved making ness at Beach 116th Street quite a list of clientele. All are people happy and feel good in Rockaway Park is a great New York state licensed and about themselves, and this place to relax, de-stress and certified. And all therapists type of work is like therapy rejuvenate. are now trained in different for me also. We all have things Clients enjoy much-needed forms of energy healing to en- to deal with in life, and some- down time in a serene envi- hance the treatment. times, it’s quite difficult…this ronment, while benefiting “In between your treat- journey we are on. If we can from cutting-edge technology. ments of a facial or massage, just take a little bit of time out And specials abound. you can use our Infrared to take care of ourselves, we “You can buy a shirt, scarf Sauna, and I could go on and can handle the stresses in life or any gift…anywhere, any- on about the benefits,” Rorke a little easier,” she said. time. But to give someone the said. And everyone on her team gift of one hour in a place to to- Blue Bungalow Spa owner Patricia Rorke (front, r) and her staff photo- Prices for treatments start is like family. tally relax and feel good about graphed at the Rockaway Park spa. Photo courtesy Blue Bungalow Spa at $60, and budget-friendly “Our staff is mostly local themselves, is priceless,” package pricing is offered. and some of the therapists owner and lead esthetician, some, holistically wonderful also developed her own skin “Every product we sell is have worked at prestigious Patricia Rorke, said. “We are workshops to our clients.” fitness program, designed to something I have used and so thrilled to offer some awe- The creative spa owner has target all layers of the skin. It’s fallen in love with. 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American Eagle Outfitters, Santa & His Elf Ann Taylor LOFT, Bath & Body Works, Saturday, December 12th and 19th Claire’s, Tess Morgan, Lane Bryant, Sunday, December 13th and 20th The Children’s Place, Yankee Candle 10:00 am to 5:00 pm BRING YOUR CAMERA! Co. and many other fine stores to find the perfect gift. Free Horse & Buggy Rides Stumped on a gift? Sunday, December 13th and 20th Get a gift certificate 10:00 am to 4:00pm from one of our great restaurants the best fro Enjoy m mor e tha n 50 p ainment venus remier ntert , profe shops, e ssio fi ne rest nal se aurants, rvices and ple nty of fre e parking. Cord Meyer Development LLC 26th Ave. & Bell Blvd., Bayside VISIT US AT: http://www.bayterrace.com TIMESLEDGER.COM BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 31 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Let Us Cater Your Next Party Delicious Homemade Italian Food Select a gift to tantalize !LL SERVED WITH YOUR CHOICE OF !NTIPASTO Your Party Catered 'ARDEN 3ALAD OR #AESAR 3ALAD 0LUS )TALIAN BREAD At Our Restaurant s 3TUFFED 3HELLS their senses this season BUFFET $28.95 DELIVERED s 4ORTELLINI W -EAT 3AUCE (min 25 people) (Choose 5) TO YOUR s 2AVIOLI s "AKED :ITI his elegant Swedish Ten-Minute HOME/OFFICE s %GGPLANT 0ARMIGIANA Any 5 Items s 3AUSAGE 0EPPERS ▪Stuffed Shells ▪Veal Marsala Trifle makes a great dessert, pp $19.95 s "ROILED #HICKEN ▪Tortellini w/ ▪Pasta with especially for berry lovers. Swe- (min 15 people) s 3MALL -EATBALLS Meat Sauce Broccoli den, home of the smorgasbord, a (any 5 items) ▪Cheese Ravioli ▪Chicken s ,INGUINI W 2ED OR ▪ T Baked Ziti Pizzaiola, tempting spread of sweet and savory ▪ 7HITE #LAM SAUCE Eggplant Parmigiana, dishes, is a rich source of healthy, de- s 0ASTA W "ROCCOLI 'ARLIC /IL Parmigiana Francaise or ▪ PLUS PARTY DECOR s #HICKEN 0ARMIGIANA Sausage & Marsala licious, special occasion recipes for Peppers ▪Veal Broiled s #HICKEN &RANCAISE home entertaining. FOR HOME OR OFFICE! ▪Broiled Chicken or Marsala s "ALLOONS PIECE s #HICKEN -ARSALA ▪Small ▪Tortellini One of their secrets: Sweden’s for- table weight) s #HICKEN 0IZZAIOLA Meatballs Alfredo s 3PECIALTY PAPER GOODS ests are full of tart-sweet lingonberries, s 6EAL #UTLET 0ARMIGIANA ▪Linguini, w/ ▪Penne s #UTLERY Clam Sauce Broccoli picked and served with everything s4RAY SUPPORTS STANDS s 0ENNE 6ODKA Lingonberries create the base for this trifle. and stereo s 4ORTELLINI !LFREDO ASK ABOUT OUR INDIVIDUAL TRAYS from waffles and pastry to Swedish PRIVATE PARTY ROOM meatballs. The lingonberry was featured on Ten-Minute Trifle SIT DOWN DINNER $32.95 “The Dr. Oz Show” as a superberry, VEAL CUTLET loaded with antioxidants and bursting 8-10 ginger biscuits (or biscuits of Picatta s Parmigiana with juicy flavor. your own choice), crushed ITALIAN RESTAURANT CHICKEN Marsala s Parmigiana s Francaise 2/3 cup Felix Lingonberries Good Food At A Price You Can Afford The next time the party’s at your FISH place, take a tip from Swedish home 1 cup whipping cream, whipped /PEN $AYS .OON TO PM Filet of Sole s Broiled s Parmigiana 718-225-4700 Tilapia Oreganata cooks: You can serve lingonberry jam 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar www.AuntBellasRestaurant.com PASTA COURSE 46-19 Marathon Pkwy., Little Neck 4OMATO s -ARINARA s Vodka Sauce with ham or turkey instead of cranber- Crumble some ginger biscuits, put- ry sauce, or use it as a topping on pan- ting half in the bottom of a glass. 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TIMESLEDGER.COM BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 33 Man dies after colliding SPECIAL with bus near St. John’s BY MADINA TOURE The 44-year-old male operator of the bus was taken to Elmhurst Gen- 20 Month CD A 60-year-old man driving the eral Hospital with minor injuries and wrong way on a Hillcrest street in a 64-year-old female passenger on the front of St. John’s University died after bus was taken to Queens General Hos- he crashed into an MTA bus Monday pital with minor injuries, police said. night, police said. The bus driver and A preliminary investigation re- a female passenger on the bus suffered vealed that the Ford was traveling injuries. westbound on Union Turnpike when At about 8:30 p.m., police responded it veered into the eastbound lanes and to a call of a motor vehicle accident at collided head-on with the bus, which % the intersection of Union Turnpike and was traveling eastbound in the right 174th Street, according to the police. lane on Union Turnpike east of East The accident involved a 2004 Ford 174th Street, police said. Sedan and a 2011 MTA New York City The identity of the Ford’s driver APY* Transit bus, police said. was pending family notification and The operator of the Ford was pro- the investigation was ongoing by the 1.25 nounced dead at the scene by EMS, of- NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad, ficials said. a police spokesman said. “The university was saddened to Kevin Ortiz, an MTA spokesman, Minimum opening deposit is $500 learn of a tragic occurrence on Mon- said the structure of the bus may have day night that resulted in a fatal car ac- saved lives. cident outside one of our main gates on “The overall structural integrity Union Turnpike,” the university said of the bus was able to prevent an even in a statement. “The entire St. John’s further tragedy by protecting the bus community mourns the loss of life and operator and customers on the bus,” 30 Month CD our thoughts and prayers go out to the Ortiz said in a statement. victim and his family.” Driver charged in three deaths % of car crash victims in Bayside APY* BY TOM MOMBERG years in prison. According to the police investiga- 1.50 The Jackson Heights woman who tion from the July 1 incident and the drove into another car, killing a moth- resulting criminal charges, Burns al- er and her two daughters, in a Bayside legedly was speeding while driving Minimum opening deposit is $500 crash in July has been charged with northbound on 210th Street behind MS manslaughter, the Queens DA said. 74, and crossed the double-yellow line Deborah Burns, 46, had allegedly on the road into oncoming traffic, be- Visit your local branch driven recklessly at excessively high fore coming up on the Horace Harding speeds in a 25 mile-per-hour school zone, Expressway service road. DA Richard Brown said, based on the The crash data from the on-board or open online today! police investigation into the incident. computer of Burns’ 2006 Ford Explorer “This frightening crash happened indicated she was traveling faster than right in front of a school and could 60 miles per hour just seconds before have been even more horrific if stu- striking a Toyota Camry carrying a dents had been present at the time,” family of five from Flushing, accord- Brown said in a statement. “This is an- ing to the criminal complaint. www.ridgewoodbank.com other example of how deadly motor ve- The Camry spun out of control and hicles can be and the consequences of struck a tree, the complaint said. The climbing behind the wheel of a car and three passengers in the rear seat of the engaging in reckless behavior. The de- Camry died as a result of the accident. fendant is now facing a long prison sen- Susanna Ha, 42, and her daughter tence, if convicted.” Angelica Ha, 10, died at the hospital Burns was arraigned in Queens within hours of the crash, and her other Criminal Court this week after the crim- daughter, Michelle Ung, 8, died days inal complaint was filed with the DA. later in the hospital as a result of her in- She was arraigned on three counts juries, according to the complaint. Susanna Ha’s father, Young Ju Ha, *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is as of November 14, 2015, and is subject to of second-degree manslaughter and change without notice. Maximum deposit is $250,000. FDIC regulations apply. The three counts of criminally negligent 74, who was driving the Camry, and bank is not responsible for typographical errors. Substantial penalties for early homicide, as well as two counts of mother, Chung Ock Ha, 67, who was felony assault and two counts of reck- in the front passenger seat during the withdrawal. Fees could reduce earnings. Member FDIC less driving, the DA said. Brown said if crash, survived but sustained severe she is convicted, she could face up to 15 injuries. 34 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER.COM Did You Know? That property owners and their insurance companies are responsible if you are injured by a dangerous condition. EFFICIENT CARE TRAINING CENTER EFFICIENT CARE TRAINING CENTER Jacket Home Health Aid Training Su Futuro Empieza Name 4C 6 x 5.69 EKG & Phlebotomy AHORA! CNA Courses Cada curso tiene que necesitas para Your Future Starts NOW! estar certificado se ofrece diario. 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Courtesy of the Bayside BID At the Queens Center Mall, state Sen. Jose Peralta distributes toys to non-profits and shelters as part of his Holiday Toy Drive. Twenty local organizations received gifts to give away. Courtesy of State Sen. Peralta Councilman Paul Vallone, Thomas Grech of the Queens Chamber of Commerce and Santa Claus celebrate the Little Pammy Fawkes shows off her local-interest T-shirt at the Bayside tree lighting in Whitestone with some of Christmas' biggest fans. Courtesy of Councilman Vallone holiday parade. Photo by Julie Weissman 36 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER.COM LATE “It’s the most Wonderful Time of the Year” BestBest wisheswishes forfor aa happyhappy && healthyhealthy holidayholiday seasonseason Member FDIC www.ridgewoodbank.com TIMESLEDGER.COM BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 37 EDUCATION Early start for computer classes Schools are pushing to bring technology to all students beginning with kindergartners oday’s youth are well search tools. A technology versed in transitioning device that will position your their computers and student to be successful now Tphones from school to and in their transition to col- home, and futurists believe lege and career is the perfect that will be even more neces- holiday gift. sary in coming years. Cost-effective technology That is something to con- such as the Intel processor- sider when buying technology powered Chromebook is be- devices this holiday season. ing embraced by entire school Project Tomorrow’s recent districts for its fostering of Speak Up Data shares that streamlined education allow- “students in a blended learn- ing faculty and IT administra- ing environment — utilizing tors to communicate with stu- both physical books and on- dents at school and at home. line digital resources — are As a bonus, your student can more likely to self-direct their also use a Chromebook to so- learning outside of school.” cialize with friends and en- Personal learning devices gage in fun learning apps and are once again projected to be popular gaming sites. popular gifts this season. The “This is a whole new defi- best tech device options allow nition of what school looks your student to learn and play like,” Alice Keeler, Google for anytime, anywhere and in any A group of second-grade students take a computer science class. Schools in New York City and San Francisco Education certified innovator, environment. have committed to offering computer classes to students in all grade levels. AP Photo/Elaine Thompson said. “Students can ask ques- The critical items to con- tions by posting to the stream sider are devices that allow in Google Classroom 24/7, and full access to learning appli- hour batteries, keyboards friendly weight, powerful loading videos and access to since other students have ac- cations. You also want 9-plus easy connectivity, a backpack- browsers that allow for fast- school assignments and re- Continued on Page 39 ADVERTISEMENT High School Graduates, Build Skills in Fields That are Hiring Through Affordable, Short-Format NYUSPS Diploma Programs This spring, the NYU and the application of the commercial or residential erations of a property. All Diplomas will pro- School of Professional Studies basic tools, techniques, and building sectors of the real The one-semester Di- vide industry specific ca- (NYUSPS), a leader in pro- practices required to be- estate industry. Learn about ploma in Residential Real reer modules presented on- fessionally focused educa- come an effective and con- the construction process Estate Brokerage for li- line in a self-paced format, tion, will offer a new, afford- tributing member of a proj- and document administra- censed New York real estate which help students to bet- able option of study that will ect team. tion. 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Annual pare them for jobs in fields tions within the bookkeep- tion with the NYU Langone finance, construction, land networking events will pro- with growing levels of em- ing cycle, manually and Medical Center, the four-se- use, fair housing, transac- vide opportunities to meet ployment. New Diplomas, with QuickBooks and Xero. mester Diploma in Medi- tions, business development, with peers and employers offered through NYUSPS Ground yourself in account- cal Coding teaches you to and more. in the field. Each program Professional Pathways, are ing ethics and best prac- compile, process, and main- The one-semester Di- of study provides students designed as immersive pro- tices, while exploring basic tain medical records by be- ploma in Restaurant Op- with a tangible take-away grams of study that can be concepts including debits, coming proficient in ICD-10 erations and Guest Ser- project that can be added to completed in as little as one credits, “T-accounts,” jour- medical coding. vice will provide you with their résumé and presented semester. During Spring nal accounting, GAAP con- The one-semester Di- a comprehensive under- to prospective employers. 2016, seven Diplomas will be cepts, accrual and double- ploma in Residential Prop- standing of front-of-house For more information, visit offered. They include: entry record keeping, and erty Administration in- and back-of-house restau- sps.nyu.edu/diplomas07 or The one-semester Di- more. troduces you to real estate rant operations, and what it call 212-998-7200. ploma in Basic Project The Diploma in Con- investment concepts and takes to succeed in the food Management, which pre- struction Administration, property management prin- and beverage industry. Ben- pares you for a career in this a one-semester, blended pro- ciples. Learn how to market efit from site visits to NYC growing field by gaining a gram, which provides the properties, negotiate and ex- restaurants and from the in- hands-on understanding of skills to secure an entry- ecute leases, manage staff, valuable experiences of sea- the essential terminology level position within the and oversee day-to-day op- soned industry veterans. 38 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER.COM EDUCATION Members of PS 154’s Green Team received an award for their sustainable initiatives during a ceremony at the Flushing school last year. Schools see green HAVE YOU FOUND THE YOU IN YOU? when they recycle Green teams are forming at el- schools recycled more than 51 million ementary and high schools all over bottles and cans since the program the country and reinventing the way kicked off in 2010. their communities view waste and re- School recycling programs provide cycling. structure and incentives for teachers Students and teachers build sheds and PTA parents so they can take recy- and design bins to house hundreds of cling to the next level at their schools. collected bottles and cans. They use Recycle rally, for example, provides their schools’ daily announcements to curriculum, guides and performance share original songs and music videos reports, plus multiple opportunities to about how to drop it in the bin. earn supplies and rewards. Devoted teachers, such as Drew What You Can Do: Johnson of Salem, Ill., are leading the In addition to helping your kids re- way by advocating for the creation of cycle cans and bottles, there are sever- these groups and empowering stu- al steps you can take at home to make dents to become leaders themselves. the world a greener place, including: An avid recycler, Johnson first • Look around the house for plastic introduced recycling to his school containers that can be upcycled to cre- in 2010 and today he co-sponsors the ate something new. school’s Green Clean Recycling Team • Turn off lights when you leave a alongside teacher Kari Thackrey. room to conserve energy. The duo oversees a group of 30 stu- • Plant a garden or tree in your dents who have rallied the school and backyard. community to collect thousands of • Use both sides of a piece of paper beverage containers to date. when taking notes or creating art- Leaders are shining at schools na- work. Throw scrap paper in a recy- tionwide, their success rewarded and cling receptacle instead of a trash bin. measured by organized school recy- • Beautify your neighborhood by cling programs, such as PepsiCo’s Re- organizing a garbage pickup. cycle Rally, whose 1,500 participating You’ve earned a high school degree, but you need more to take that fi rst step forward. Find your niche and move ahead through NYUSPS Professional Pathways. Earn a Diploma that is specifi cally designed to provide you with in-demand The Intel-powered Chromebook addresses that need for multitasking skills in a growing fi eld. Learn from industry professionals, Computers with several advantages over ARM and in as little as one semester, gain the competitive edge Continued from Page 38 process-based models. through online career development modules that prepare In a report last year, those advan- you for the job market. It’s the fastest, smartest way to cess to the stream, students are able to tages included a 57 percent longer bat- learn from and help each other.” tery life while web browsing, 46 per- reach your full potential. The ability to handle such multi- cent less waiting to read a textbook or tasking is projected to serve youth take notes online, 47 percent less wait- Apply today at sps.nyu.edu/diplomas07 well in the coming decades as technol- ing to do math homework online, 50 or call 212-998-7200. ogy evolves, according to a 2012 survey percent less waiting to create an Eng- by the Pew Research Institute. lish presentation, 46 percent less wait- Basic Project Management • Bookkeeping • Construction Administration More than 50 percent of respondents ing to team up in science class and 100 Medical Coding • Residential Property Administration • Residential Real agreed that by 2020, “the environment percent more frames per second while Estate Brokerage • Restaurant Operations and Guest Service itself will be full of data that can be re- rendering an anatomy situation. trieved almost effortlessly, and will be That’s partly why school district IT New York University is an affi rmative action/equal opportunity institution. arrayed in ways to help people young specialist Kyle Pace calls it “the big- ©2015 NYU School of Professional Studies. and old navigate their lives.” gest no-brainer in education.” TIMESLEDGER.COM BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 39 40 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER.COM Sudoku 42 Crossword Puzzle 44 Guide to Dining 48 TimesLedger, December 11–17, 2015 Dan McCarthy (l-r) on violin, Aya Hamada on harpsichord and Anneke Schaul-Yoder on cello, rehearse for the upcoming Queens Consort concert in Jackson Heights. Photo courtesy of Ben Rezendes and Elise M. VanderKley BAROQUEGOING FOR Queens of Consort perform holiday music on period instruments at Yuletide concert BY TAMMY SCILEPPI group has performed this style of Eu- formed the group earlier this year, which are shorter and have different ropean classical music for years. along with longtime Sunnyside friend strengths for the repertoire they per- These days you don’t come across “We are inspired to bring authentic Margret Hjaltested, who plays baroque form than bows for modern stringed many musicians who have a particular period instrument performances to the viola. They asked the other members instruments. interest in Italian baroque music and Queens community,” founding direc- — Dan McCarthy, Aya Hamada and Smith said they are all looking for- have the ability to play period baroque tor and baroque violinist Claire Smith Anneke Schaul-Yoder — to join them. ward to the group’s evening Yuletide instruments at baroque pitch. Bermingham, said. “We value histori- Now the core group contains two concert on Dec. 19 at St. Mark’s Church But it seems clear that the conser- cally informed performance practices violins, one viola, one cello and harp- in Jackson Heights, where they can vatory-trained musicians in the group to study and recreate the original in- sichord. Their stringed instruments share their love of ancient music with Queens Consort do. tentions of the composers and strive to have gut strings and are set up in the the community. Three members come from the Juil- reflect this in our music.” traditional baroque style, and the “We feel the concert – requested by liard School in Manhattan and the The Jackson Heights resident musicians play with baroque bows, Continued on Page 47 TIMESLEDGER.COM TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 41 PRODUCTIONS fi rststringplayers/ “First Frost Festival” — For its fi nal “A Christmas Carol” — Titan Theatre Co. festival at the Chain Theatre, Variations presents a new production, with music, of Theatre Group presents a series of comedy the Charles Dickens’ holiday classic tale of performances, one-act plays, a visit from redemption. The Usual Rejects and their movie parody When: Through Dec. 20 and a new version of last year’s live radio Where: Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations production of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Ave. South, Flushing Meadows Corona Park When: Through Dec. 18 Cost: $18 Where: The Chain Theatre, 21-28 45th Road, Contact: (718) 760-0064 Long Island City Website: www.titantheatrecompany.com Cost: $15 Contact: (866) 811-4111 “All in the Timing” — First String Players Website: www.variationstheatregroup.com presents this collection of one-act, mostly comic, plays by writer David Ives, which focus on language and wordplay, MEETINGS complications with romantic relationships and the meaning of life. North Shore Playwrights Circle Meeting When: Friday, Jan. 8 and Saturday, Jan. 9, at — Formerly known as the Playwrights Circle 7 pm; Sunday, Jan. 10, at 3 pm of Great Neck, this open group features Where: Our Lady of Mercy, 70-01 Kessel St., discussion, workshopping and writing exercises Forest Hills for playwrights in Queens and Nassau counties. Cost: $10 When: Every other Wednesday, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm Contact: (718) 268-6143 Where: Atria, 96 Cutter Mill Road, Great Neck Website: www.sites.google.com/site/ Contact: Muriel, (718) 225-7382 For more hyper-local Queens news on your computer, DCA # 1098304 #1098306 Design by: © PrintorDesign.com smartphone, or iPad, visit TimesLedger.com. Answers in Sports 42 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 TL TIMESLEDGER.COM Love is in the air at Queens Library Romance authors share trade secrets at annual Langston Hughes Literary Arts Festival BY MADINA TOURE for 10 years. Alicia Evans, president and Renowned African-Amer- founder of the Sugar & Spice ican romance novelists dis- Club, moderated the panel. cussed everything from how The authors fielded questions they get inspired to creativity about how they got into ro- in romance writing at the sev- mance writing, what makes enth annual Langston Hughes the genre appealing and how Literary Arts Festival at the they keep their romance sto- Langston Hughes Community ries fresh. Library in Corona over the Hill said it can be challeng- weekend. ing to come up with new ideas The panel, titled “For the for sex scenes, which must be Love of the Words: Master Sto- written in a way that is not rytellers” featured Rochelle sleazy given the genre’s ro- Alers, author of “Cherry Lane” mantic nature. and more than 50 titles; Donna “I think the biggest thing Hill, author of “My Love at that I have is, you write enough Last,” who is considered the romances, how many ways one of the early pioneers of the can you have sex?” she said, African-American romance jokingly. “OK, so on the table, genre; and Renee Daniel Fla- in the hallway, in the beach, in gler, an award-winning writer the kitchen, on the floor, what and creative writing teaching else can I say? That’s the most artist. difficult part to write.” Alers has visited the li- For Flagler, romance is the brary multiple times, saying perfect genre simply because that it is like “coming home.” “love rocks.” Flagler teaches creative writ- “It’s real and it is power- ing courses at the library ful and I’m a champion of it throughout the year and Hill A panel of African-American romance authors discuss their passion for romance writing. because I don’t think it gets worked for the Queens Library Photo by Madina Toure Continued on Page 46 ORATORIO SOCIETY OF QUEENS ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONCERT Making Spirits Bright! Sunday, December 20, 2015 at 4 pm “Messiah” Part I Selections Holiday Favorites Queensborough Performing Arts Center 222-05 56th Avenue, Bayside, NY TICKETS: $35; $30 seniors (62+) and students with ID; $10 children (12 and under). To order tickets, visit our website www.QueensOratorio.org or call 718.279.3006 David Close Geraldine McMillian John Easterlin Vaughn Fritts Cantor Jerry Korobow soprano tenor bass-baritone guest artist artistic director & conductor TIMESLEDGER.COM TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 43 HEY, HEY, HEY! RUN, DON’T WALK, Holiday Happenings TO THE FUNNIEST FEEL-GOOD COMEDY ON BROADWAY! GingerBread Lane — Experience Jon When: Friday, Dec. 11, at 6 pm Lovitch’s 500 square feet of gingerbread Where: Union Turnpike and 220th Street houses, businesses, parks and a boardwalk, traffi c island which has just been certifi ed with its third Cost: Free “ONE OF THE BEST COMEDIES consecutive Guinness World Record for the Website: www.hollishillscivic.org OF THE PAST QUARTER CENTURY. largest gingerbread village. IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE When: Through Jan. 9 31st Annual Langston Hughes Kwanzaa Where: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Celebration — This day-long event includes I HEARD AN AUDIENCE LAUGH AS HARD AS IT DID. Corona music, arts and crafts, African folktales and I LAUGHED TOO AND SO WILL YOU! Cost: $15/adults, $12/seniors, students and stories. children ages 2 - 17 When: Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 am - 8 pm IT’S SO FUNNY!” Contact: (718) 699-0005 Where: Langston Hughes Library, 100-01 Northern Blvd., Corona - THE WALL STREET JOURNAL Website: www.nysci.org Cost: Free Hollis Hills Tree Lighting — The Hollis Contact: (718) 990-0700 Website: www.queenslibrary.org Hills Civic Association will hold its fi rst tree lighting ceremony with carolers, free hot chocolate, holiday candy and donut holes. Continued on Page 46 ALL LEVELS OF ENFORCEMENT CROSSWORD PUZZLE TSAR REDO AC I D RENO UT I CA SOLO ANNA BASTE INKS COUNTYSHER I FF TimesLedger Newspapers ERASER TIN ISM LAST SAL LEFT ACAD I A Dec. 11-17, 2015 FEDERALAGENT WEEK'S USTA AIL EDGE STATETROOPER ANSWERS MAKEDO STEP ASS By Ed Canty ARE INS RIDDLE CITYPOLICEMAN GLAD ARTOO PITS NERO SATED TREE Old Glory PEEL TOWS HESS Across 1234 56789 10 11 12 13 1. Links rental 14 15 16 5. AOL activities 17 18 19 “ 10. Shiny on top? 20 21 14. Defendant's 22 23 24 25 CRITICS’ PICK! part of the bargain? THIS BREEZY, FRISKY 15. Place for a fast 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 COMEDY IS A JOY!” buck 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 – TIME OUT NEW YORK 16. Apple spray 17. Colorful entree 42 43 44 20. "Sesame 45 46 47 “ANNALEIGH ASHFORD, Street" character, 48 49 50 51 52 as the labradoodle title character, with "The" establishes herself as A FULL-FLEDGED STAR!” 21. Deadly meetings? 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 - NEW YORK MAGAZINE 22. Blacken, in a way 60 61 62 63 25. Saxophonist's 64 65 66 “STUPENDOUSLY FUNNY! supply 67 68 69 MATTHEW BRODERICK and 26. New Zealand JULIE WHITE, TWO EXPERT tribesman 64. "I cannot tell ___" 11. "The 39. Owns COMIC ACTORS, are PERFECT!” 30. Paul and Carly 65. One who cries Brady Bunch" 40. "Hold your - THE RECORD 33. Pertaining to "Uncle!"? housekeeper tongue" base 8 66. Game piece 12. Added punch to 41. Profs' helpers “A HOWLING SUCCESS! 34. Store safely 67. 1040 IDs the punch? 45. Uses the blender SYLVIA IS 35. Fordham mascot 68. Alcohol burners 13. Shift, e.g. 46. Prince of Persia? 38. Valerie Jarrett & 69. Religious statue 18. Store, as corn 48. Hebrew fathers A WELCOME TREAT! others locale 19. Mend socks 49. Quiet times ROBERT SELLA is HYSTERICAL!” 42. "Hold on a ___!" 23. Arrange 50. Bean Town – ASSOCIATED PRESS 43. Smell -- (be Down 24. Ceremonial acts skater suspicious) 1. E.M.T.'s skill 26. Applies blades 52. Queen ___ “DANIEL SULLIVAN’s 44. "Horrible" Viking 2. Baldwin or to blades lace production of A.R. GURNEY’s play 45. Apothecary tool Guinness 27. Advil target 54. Food sticker 47. Rehab candidates 3. Start all over 28. Applying to ears 55. Final notice is WARM and BITINGLY FUNNY!” 48. Picture book? - ROMA TORRE, NY1 4. No-no 29. A mazing animal? 57. Pro ___ 51. Bed board 5. Box 31. "The Producers" 58. Sassy sort 53. Mexican menu 6. Babe star Zero 59. Congers choice 7. Infomercials, e.g. 32. Be outstanding? 61. Big name on 56. I.V. league 8. Boston party 35. Anger the Thames? member? drinks? 36. Way, way off 62. Goose, in Spain TELECHARGE.COM or 212-239-6200 60. High level 9. Loudness measure 37. G.M. and or Italy CORT THEATRE, 138 W. 48TH ST. • SYLVIABROADWAY.COM investigation group 10. Noble partner G.E.(e.g.) 63. Acting Majors? PHOTOS: JOAN MARCUS JOAN PHOTOS: #Z('3"TTPDJBUFTttt7JTJUPVSXFCTJUFBUXXXHGSQV[[MFTDPN 44 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 TL TIMESLEDGER.COM York College slips into ‘Intimate Apparel’ BY VALERIE VICTOR talk to the actors afterwards. “I liked it a lot. I like the drama,” In Lynn Nottage’s 2004 play “In- Dom Jones said. “I like the cast, and timate Apparel,” a black seamstress most of all, it has very strong acting. dreams of opening her own business in It’s a classic tale, a woman falls in love early 20th-century New York City. too fast.” The period piece touches on issues The cast and the director want the of race and gender, but its main focus is audience to enjoy the experience and on the lead character and her struggle walk away with a number of different not to give up on her goals. messages. “We did research on the year 1905 to “What the audience will take away prepare for this play. It’s about an Af- from this is that not everything will rican-American woman in New York end up how you think it will,” Alvaro City during a time when women were Rivera, who plays the character Mr. at the bottom of the totem pole,” Janice Marks, said. “Even though things are Capuana, the play’s director, said. “We going in one direction, it can go in an- really needed to understand the time other direction.” and the period to really have the actors portray these characters well.” The plot develops as the main char- IF YOU GO acter Esther, a seamstress played by Danielle Taylor, works to open a beau- “Intimate Apparel” ty salon, and describes everything she encounters throughout the process. Alvaro Rivera (l) and Danielle Taylor appear in an scene from “Intimate Apparel” playing at When: Through Saturday, Dec. 12 “We really want the audience to see York College through Saturday. Photo by Valerie Victor Where: Milton G. Bassin Performing the yearning and diversity in the char- Arts Center, York College, 94-45 Guy R. acters. The strength and the dreams, Brewer Blvd., Jamaica and the hope the characters have de- story. reviews to date. Cost: $10/general admission, $7/ spite the world being against them,” “The seamstress falls in love and “I liked the way it’s set up, how they students with CUNY ID Capuana said. “We want to get them gets her heart broken, and everything portray feelings, it was very realistic,” Contact: (718) 262-5375 to dream that unfulfilled dream we all that happens after that is a sight to Shabeena Sameed, 19, said. “I think it’s Website: www.yorkpac.com have as human beings.” see,” political science major Marianne a great life experience.” Nottage even throws in a little ro- Tiesler-Megna said. During a recent performance, many mance and betrayal to flesh out the The play has received plenty of good of the audience members stopped to Merry Christmas! AUSTIN’S FIVE COURSE DINNER | $45 PER PERSON ++ INCLUDES: Appetizer, Soup, Salad, Entrée, Dessert, Coffee or Tea APPETIZERS (CHOICE OF ONE) Lobster Mac and Cheese Croquettes Crispy Fried Oysters with Caviar Crème Fraiche Grilled Zucchini Roll with Goat Cheese Roasted Red Peppers and Capers SOUP Sweet Potato, Corn and Shrimp Chowder SALAD Baby Spinach, Pomegranate and Feta Cheese WITH BOURBON STREET ENTREES (CHOICE OF ONE) Lamb Chops with Mint Salsa Verde In our brand-new Magnolia Room! Jumbo Shrimp with Tomato Cream Scampi Sauce 10pm-2am Filet Mignon with Truffl ed Mushroom Ragout Open Bar, Champagne Toast, Passed Hors d'Oeuvres, Pasta Station, Red Snapper with Potato-Horse Radish Crust Carving Station, Dessert Station, Live DJ and Dancing. And Roasted Red Pepper Relish Complimentary Noisemakers with Ball Drop from Times Square! Seared Duck Breast with Cherries and Port Wine Sauce $99.00 per person, inclusive. Reservations must be prepaid upon booking. Scallops, Shrimp and Lobster with a Sherry Tomato In the Main Dining Room: Cream Sauce over Fettuccine A special New Years Eve a la Carte Menu. Reservations Required. DESSERT White Chocolate Raspberry Bread Pudding, At the Downstairs Bar: Chocolate Mousse Cake or New York Cheesecake $40.00 per person for an Open Bar from 10pm-2am. 82-70 Austin Street, Kew Gardens, NY 11415 :: 718-224-2200 :: Bourbon Street :: 40-12 Bell Boulevard :: Bayside, NY 11361 718-849-3939 TIMESLEDGER.COM TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 45 “Quartet No. 14 in D minor,” Richard Lanham — This as well as classic holiday family concert includes Novelists Holiday carols. performances of Christmas Continued from Page 43 Continued from Page 44 When: Saturday, Dec. 12, at carol classics. 3 pm When: Saturday, Dec. 12, at enough credit,” she said. Jingle Bell Jazz — Linda Where: Jamaica Library, 3 pm, and Saturday, Dec. 19, Alers, who described Ciofalo and Co. present 89-11 Merrick Blvd. at 3 pm writing as a “sedative,” traditional holiday music Cost: Free, but tickets, Where: Dec. 12 at Laurelton is working on a project with a jazzy twist. available on Eventbrite.com, Library, 134-26 225th St.; Dec. that features romance When: Saturday, Dec. 12, at are required. 19 at Queens Village Library, for baby boomers, who 2:30 pm Contact: (718) 990-0700 94-11 217th St. are sometimes deemed Where: Ridgewood Library, Website: www. Cost: Free too old for passion. 20-12 Madison St. queenslibrary.org Contact: (718) 990-0700 “Unfortunately, one Cost: Free Website: www. of my editors ... thought Contact: (718) 821-4770 Jingle Bell with queenslibrary.org they were too old for Website: www. love,” she said. “So I said, queenslibrary.org ‘OK.’ I couldn’t give it to her. I just couldn’t give Hands on History: Winter it to her. Baby boomers Wonderland — Learn how need love, too. So I was John Crow Alexander, a community associate for the the holidays were celebrated able to find an editor Langston Hughes Community Library, shares the library’s in 19th century Queens. Make who’s a baby boomer history. Photo by Madina Toure a snowfl ake and scented and was more than will- ornament. ing to take it.” right here at Langs- School and the Move- When: Saturday, Dec. 12, Langston Hughes ton Hughes Library,” ment It Led.” from noon - 3 pm Community Library John Crow Alexander, MK Asante, an au- Where: King Manor Museum, and Cultural Center is a community associ- thor, filmmaker, rap- Rufus King Park, Jamaica recognized as a liter- ate for the library, said. per and college pro- Avenue and 153rd Street, ary landmark by United “Your Harlequin books, fessor, presented his Jamaica for Libraries. It is the your DVDs, CDs, VHS, memoir, “Buck: A Mem- Cost: Free first public institution those were first circu- oir.” Kwame Alexander, Contact: (718) 206-0545 named for the famed lated here at Langston a poet and author of 18 Website: www.kingsmanor. poet and author of the Hughes Library, before books, presented his org Harlem Renaissance. any other place.” book, “The Crossover.” “Most of the things The event kicked off Radio show host and Route 9 Ensemble: that are now very com- with a presentation by blogger Flo Anthony Standards and Holiday monplace in libraries author Mary Bounds discussed her journey Highlights — The string SEE THE LIGHT throughout the country on her book, “A Light as a writer and her lat- quartet will perform standard chamber music, Celebrate the end of Hanukkah with a menorah light- and the world in many Shines in Harlem: New est works. including Schubert’s ing in Hollis Hills, Sunday at 4:30 p.m. cases were started York’s First Charter 46 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 TL TIMESLEDGER.COM of what early music was all Consort IF YOU GO about when they experienced The Queens a hauntingly beautiful per- Continued from Page 41 formance of 17th century Ve- St. Mark’s Church and com- Consort, Yuletide netian baroque composers, or munity – will be a beautiful Celebration composers who influenced the way to help celebrate the spirit Concert Venetian baroque composers of the holiday season, and living at the time. The con- just days before Christmas,” When: Saturday, Dec. 19, 7 pm cert program was inspired by Smith said. “For the perfor- Where: St. Mark’s Church, 33- Smith’s then-recent travel to mance, we will include two 50 82nd St., Jackson Heights Venice and other regions of recorder players as guest art- Cost: $15/general, $10/ Italy. ists, friends Daphna Mor and students, wine and food With television perfor- Lewis R. Baratz. The addition reception in the Parish Hall mances on “Late Night with of the recorders will add a nice after concert David Letterman,” “Saturday texture for the music we are Website: www. Night Live,” “The View” and programming.” queensconsort.com others under her belt, Smith Audiences will hear ancient has been featured in a variety music, specifically written of venues on both modern and for Christmas by Arcangelo chamber music and orches- baroque violin. Cellist Schaul- Corelli, Marc-Antoine Char- tral settings in many differ- Yoder appeared in a televised pentier, Johann Christoph Pez ent ensembles. Over the years, performance of Lincoln Cen- and Giuseppe Torelli, as well they have given performances ter’s, “American Songbook” as early Christmas carols. in Queens, Manhattan and series on PBS. During the baroque era beyond: at concert halls, in- “We were overwhelmed by (between 1600 - 1750), church cluding Lincoln Center, Carn- our audience support at our music featured the contrasts egie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, on first two concerts, and felt of solo voices, chorus, and or- Broadway; on television; and incredible support and enthu- chestra. And in instrumen- in professional recordings. In siasm from the audiences in tal music, the period saw the fact, Smith has been concert- both boroughs,” Smith said. emergence of the sonata, the master of the Astoria Music “It was particularly important suite, and particularly the Society orchestra for the past to us that we had a good turn- concerto grosso, as in the mu- 10 years. out in Queens because our sic of Corelli, Vivaldi, Handel The group’s inaugural intent is to bring early music and Bach. concerts took place in mid- to this borough where we live. All professional musicians, October, when 90 people came We are committed to bringing both on baroque and modern to their Manhattan concert quality baroque performances instruments, the close-knit and 120 attended their Queens to this community and con- Co-founding director of Queens Consort , Cla ire Sm i th B e r m in g ha m (a b ove), members of Queens Consort performances, according to sider ourselves the first early plays the violin. Margaret Hjaltested (top), the group’s other co-founder, regularly perform together in Smith. There folks got a taste music group for the borough.” plays the viola. Photo courtesy Ben Rezendes and Elise M. VanderKley Place Your FREE DELIVERY Holiday Catering Orders THURSDAYS HALF with Patsy’s PRICE BOTTLE Today! OF WINE Choose from any bottle on our list Join us every Wednesday We Now Have for lunch or dinner a Party Room for PIZZERIA and the kids eat on us! All Your Parties and Events! 21-64 Utopia Pkwy., Whitestone, NY Free small pizza (on the corner of 22nd Avenue) with the purchase of an entree 718-224-0200 PatsysPizzeriaOfQueens.com Kids under 12. Dine-in only. No substitutions. Open Tues. through Sat., Noon to 10 pm Cannot be combined with other offers. Sunday, Noon to 9 pm TIMESLEDGER.COM TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 47 Guide toDINING Jimmy’s Trattoria Ristorante 45-73 Bell Blvd., Bayside, NY 11361 213-41 39th Avenue, Bayside, NY, 11361 s WWW*IMMYS"AYSIDECOM s APERITIFBISTROBAYSIDECOM HAPPY Mon - Fri 11:30 - 3:30PM Gallagher’s Sat & Sun 12 Noon - 4PM 82-70 Austin Street HOUR Kew Gardens, NY 11415 43-19 37th Street Complimentary Lunch during Happy Hour Long Island City 2000Indoor Valet Parking s All Major Credit Cards Accepted 718-849-3939 718.361.1348 s www.gallaghers2000.net Aunt Bella’s Restaurant MARBELLA 220-33 Northern Blvd. For Reservations Call Bayside ITALIAN RESTAURANT (718) 423-0100 Fax (718) 423-0102 (3 blocks west of Good Food At A Price You Can Afford AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE PARTIES & CATERING Cross Island Pkwy.) Entertainment by Harpist Victor Gonzalez -ARATHON 0KWY ,ITTLE .ECK s !UNT"ELLAS2ESTAURANTCOM s Zum Stammtisch J ALAPEÑO CHEESY F RIES www.zumstammtisch.com O NLY AT DQ CORONA German & TRY OUR NEW FLAME FRY BASKETS DQ CORONA -YRTLE !VENUE s 'LENDALE .9 FIRE IN EVERY BITE Bavarian *UNCTION "LVD s #ORONA .9 ADD BACON FOR JUST $0.49 (718) 386-3014 Food THE FINEST & OLDEST CHINESE RESTAURANT SINCE 1953 IN QUEENS {ä£ÓÊ Ê 6 ÊUÊ 9- ÊUÊÇ£nÓÓ{ÓÓää www.bourbonstreetny.com £n£änÊ1 " Ê/1, * ÊUÊ 1- ÊUÊÇ£nÎn䣣nÊUÊÇ£nÎn䣣 A community staple since 1933 (718) 672-9696 64-21 53rd Drive s Maspeth, NY Learn more at www.oneillsmaspeth.com SUNDAY BRUNCH 661 Northern Blvd., Great Neck 11021 | 516.487.9200 | unionprimesteak.com To be featured in our Guide to Dining call for information: 718.260.4521 48 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 TL TIMESLEDGER.COM have been against it are the Verrazano and by 48 percent people who represent the Bay- on Henry Hudson, Cross Bay now available through its Move NY side area, the David Weprins and Gil Hodges, Matthiessen NYCHA Section 8 housing voucher Continued from Page 4 and the Tony Avellas of the said. Continued from Page 5 program, in which families world and Barry Grodenchik,” Avella called the proposal developers. pay no more than 40 percent The proposal has received he said. “nothing more than a tax on The daughter of a Nigeri- of their adjusted monthly in- support from about four dozen The plan would bring eq- those who can least afford it.” an immigrant said occupied come toward rent. elected officials, including uity to the cost for commuters “In an economy where houses that NYCHA owns The city housing agency state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East and improve the transporta- the middle class has been have not gotten the mainte- not only provides public hous- Elmhurst), City Councilman tion infrastructure, he said. squeezed dry, real people will nance they need. The agency ing, but leases out commer- Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sun- Mayor Bill de Blasio has absolutely struggle to pay for works with nonprofits like cial property and provides nyside) and City Councilman said he wants to have a bigger this policy and we should not Habitat for Humanity and the affordable housing as well. Donovan Richards (D-Laurel- conversation with stakehold- be putting them into that po- Restored Homes Housing De- As the city’s largest single ton) as well as Make Queens ers in the metropolitan area sition where they have to,” he velopment Fund Corporation landlord, NYCHA is actively Safer, the Riders Alliance and about how to strengthen the said in a statement. to help those families, some looking for ways to take its Transportation Alternatives, MTA for the long term, ideas Borough President Melin- renting the houses, restore current stock and create new according to Matthiessen. he said have been looked upon da Katz has also opposed the homes and get on a path to commercial and residential Peralta, the first lawmaker negatively in Albany and plan. homeownership.As for the units that it can lease to cre- to support the proposal, said would be hard to achieve. 110 abandoned single-family ate revenue. the Assembly is not consider- The proposal would in- Reach reporter Madina homes in southern Queens Olatoye said while NYCHA ing the commuter tax and that crease traffic speeds inside the Toure by e-mail at mtoure@cn- under NYCHA’s care, Olatoye is the largest such organiza- the opposition is coming from central business district by as glocal.com or by phone at (718) said she is awaiting approval tion in the country, it is also northeast Queens where pub- much as 20 percent, reduce 260–4566. from the federal Department the most outdated. It used to lic transit is limited. tolls by 45 percent on the RFK, of Housing and Urban Devel- be that federal funds helped “The people so far who Whitestone, Throgs Neck and opment for funds to repair balance the budget to provide them. That approval was ex- housing and transitional ser- pected to come by the end of vices to people and families this year, but Olatoye said who needed it. Now NYCHA she now anticipates that it needs to start making money munities suffer.” they worked hard, enjoyed will come early in 2016. off some of its properties to Muslims Blasio pointed out there their families and had big “We just need to get them reduce the costs of running were 1.6 billion Muslims dreams for their children to off our balance sheet and into public housing. Continued from Page 4 across the world and almost a do great things, just like every the hands of organizations To improve the quality of ers condemned the attacks in million across the city. individual in this country. that can use these homes to life for residents, she said the Paris and California, the may- “[Muslims] are law-abid- “This is absolutely his- start low-income families’ agency needs to set up new or was welcomed with loud ap- ing, good people and the few toric,” said 29-year-old Mu- pathway to homeownership,” revenue streams to maintain plause. who have chosen a different hammed Salahuddin, rom Olatoye said. properties and establish bet- “This city is a stronger path does not define them,” he Jamaica. “The feeling was When she was appointed, ter communication and col- city, because every kind of said. always like we weren’t being Olatoye said she was handed laboration of data with the po- community exists here. We are DeBlasio said violence heard. We were being mar- a $2.5 billion operating bud- lice and other city agencies. a stronger city because of the against any community is not ginalized. The racism has not get deficit. She said making “I don’t think you can just Muslim community here. This tolerated and would be pur- always been direct. It has been up the difference requires put this same way of doing community wants a relation- sued as a hate crime by the small, carefully crafted com- efforts on two fronts: actively things back together,” Ola- ship with the city.” he said. NYPD. ments. But as a Muslim you pursuing as many federal toye said. “We will need a He said New Yorkers should The Jamaica Muslim Cen- try to understand where the funding and grants as the completely new model—some- reject the notion that the city ter, also known as Masjid Al- other person is coming from agency can and pursuing a thing that will be unique to could be torn apart by racism- Mamoor, is a multi-purpose -- people are scared but so are different model for generat- New York but borrow models driven fear. mosque that caters to religious Muslims. We are scared, too.” ing revenue. and ideas from other cities.” “This Muslim community studies, prayers, celebration, NYCHA was able to cut of New York City is an ally in after-school programs and Reach Reporter Sadef Ali costs last year by farming out Reach reporter Tom the fight against terror,” he food service for all denomina- Kully by e-mail at skully@cn- the work to private contrac- Momberg by e-mail at said. “We need to be clear. The tions at 85-37 168th St. in Ja- glocal.com or by phone at (718) tors on 10 different restora- [email protected] or people of this community de- maica. 260–4546. tion or construction projects by phone at (718) 260–4573. sire peace and harmony and Many Muslim men at the understand a sad fact: When event, who feared a backlash acts of terror occur, all com- against the community, said While opening up those Parks parks might appeal to both law-abiding citizens and Continued from Page 5 criminals, the commissioner Besides the fund for the said the initiative is more According to a Meghan Crowley said. That money, and eight new projects, the other about making the best use of Principe Lalor, spokeswoman for New the redesign process in gen- $10 million is supposed to be park space, removing dead York City Parks, the syn- eral, aim to address flooding dispersed to more than 30 space and making it more Continued from Page 16 thetic turf used for the fields issues at two of the baseball current capital improvement accessible—trying the strat- Parks’ design flipped. Many of provides a uniform surface fields and replace the other projects the department is al- egy out in just a few parks to those at the meeting favored for multiple activities and is two with a soccer field. ready working on. start with. Fiedler’s design, according to easier and more cost-effective Much of the park has not Those current projects “In terms of safety, there a Crowley spokeswoman. to maintain. The Parks plan seen any significant upgrades have already been funded, is something called crime The Parks Department said would also have the existing since its inception in the 1980s. but in addition to what those prevention through environ- it would take the comments asphalt track reconstructed The last major capital project site plans already call for, en- mental design. We’ve met from the planning session for and painted, along with new for the park was done in 1996 trances could be improved or with the NYPD—what helps further consideration in its fi- site amenities that include which included a $3 million added, while adjacent spaces the park is better visibil- nal design plan. installation of drinking foun- upgrade to the playground, and edges of the parks could ity and more eyes from the “The park hasn’t seen any tains and trash receptacles. tennis and basketball courts. be more visible, lush and in- street—good uses pushing significant renovations in In December 2014 Crowley viting with money from the out bad uses,” Silver said. over 25 years,” Crowley said. allotted $5.7 million to update Reach reporter Gabriel Rom Parks Without Borders fund, “There’s a lot of drainage prob- the park’s four baseball fields by e-mail at grom@cnglocal. he said. Reach reporter Tom lems with many puddles, even and construct a running track. com or by phone at (718) 260– Silver said the suggestions Momberg by e-mail at in the warm weather. It wasn’t The current track is lined with 4564. the department gets from the [email protected] or well thought out in the initial asphalt and is not suitable for public will also be considered by phone at (718) 260–4573. construction.” an ideal running experience, for those existing projects. TIMESLEDGER.COM BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 49 50 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER.COM Sports Royals rout Loughlin Ashlie Howell’s triple-double fuels 19-point win for CK Francis Lewis senior guard Taliyah Brisco looks for a layup against Truman. Photo by Michael Shain Despite sloppy play, Ashlie Howell (c.) contributed 22 points, 11 rebounds and 10 blocks to Christ the King’s winning effort against Bishop Loughlin Monday. Photo by Louise Wateridge BY JOSEPH STASZEWSKI mates saw it and kept going to days and to come out with that Lewis beats Truman her to exploit it. type of performance in the Christ the King coach Bob “I was really hyped for second half is good,” Mackey BY BRANDON MAUK 22 lead into the break. Lewis Mackey said in the preseason her,” Louisville-bound guard said. (3-0) knew it had to slow the that senior center Ashlie How- Sydney Zambrotta said. “She The Royals’ zone defense Francis Lewis coach Steve pace of the game down and ell was the key to his team’s was grabbing rebounds, go- forced the Lions (3-1) to take Tsai simply did not like how play together instead of forc- year, especially with injured ing back up. She was going jump shots they didn’t make his team played, even though ing shots. star forward Kaela Kinder out for spins and moves I’ve never or to drive into Howell’s out- that play resulted in a win. “I don’t know what that until at least January. seen her do before.” stretched arms. The effect of The Patriots missed easy was, especially in the first The 6-foot-3 Howell proved Howell, who has scholar- that was negated at times be- shots, turned the ball over, half,” Tsai said. “But I told him right against Bishop ship offers from St. Peter’s, cause of the Royals’ turnovers. and almost surrendered a the girls, for us it’s always Loughlin in a battle between Mount St. Mary’s and Robert CK’s back court is young and late double-digit lead, but next play. This game was just two of New York City’s top Morris, shot 8 of 10 from the inexperienced once you get they still managed to rack up about survival.” teams. She recorded the first free-throw line and sparked past the ACC-bound pair of a 59-54 victory over Truman In the third quarter, Lewis’ triple-double of her career a 12-2 fourth-quarter run that Toussaint and Zambrotta. in PSAL girls’ basketball two stars took the game over. with 22 points, 11 rebounds put the game away. CK went “Second half, I know my Monday. Taliyah Brisco scored seven of and 10 blocks. Howell tallied from leading by 10 after three team needed a boost,” Howell “We have a system in her 15 points in the first four 17 of those points in the second to 52-32 on a Dominique Tous- said. place,” Tsai said. “Some of minutes of the second half to half to help turn a tight contest saint layup with 4:40 to play in Loughlin was able to turn the stuff we were doing is give Lewis a 9-2 run. into a comfortable 66-47 road the game. its own miscues and missed definitely not what we advo- “We all talked to each victory in CHSAA Brooklyn/ Zambrotta scored 14 points jump shots into transition cate as a program.” Francis other at halftime, we built Queens girls’ basketball Mon- and dished out eight assists points, and the Lions pulled to Lewis (3-0) struggled in the each other up,” Brisco said. day. and the Virginia-bound Tous- within 34-28 with 1:17 to play first quarter, turning over “We spoke over all the wrong “I tried to fill in her spot saint added eight points. Bran- in the third. the ball 10 times in the pe- things that we did and that’s and more,” Howell said. dy Thomas chipped in a team- But the Royals—with plen- riod, and neither team scored why we came out stronger.” The Royals, defending dioc- high 19 rebounds. Milicia Reid ty of help from Howell—pulled until about 2½ minutes in. After Truman built its esan and CHSAA state cham- paced Loughlin with 18 points it together in time to leave Truman led 7-5 at the end of lead back to four, it was Sierra pions, led just 29-22 at the half and was the only Lion in dou- Brooklyn with an important the first quarter. Green’s turn. The senior, who before Howell asserted her ble figures. CK, playing its win. Both teams shot the ball finished with a game-high 26 dominance on both ends of the fourth game in five nights, is “The past year I’ve been better in the second quar- points. hit three three-point- floor. She took full advantage off to a 3-1 start because others in a shell,” Howell said. “I’m ter; Truman (2-1) closed the ers to give Lewis a four-point inside with Loughlin sopho- have stepped up in Kinder’s breaking out of that shell frame on a 7-0 run in the fi- lead early in the fourth. more forward Zaria Dorsey absence. now.” nal two minutes to take a 29- Continued on Page 552 out with an injury. Her team- “To play four times in five TIMESLEDGER.COM BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11-17 51 Ex-Dozo star Rhoomes Queens-born boxer is excelling at Fordham loses Barclays bid BY JOSEPH STASZEWSKI hard shots and picked up the pace. A solid right in the fifth Joseph Will Rosinsky couldn’t round opened up a deep cut Staszewski fully size up Joe Smith Jr. over Rosinsky’s left eye and hampered him for the rest of ■ The Ozone Park native couldn’t build off a strong the bout. Block start and lost a unanimous “I wasn’t in pain, but when decision, 98-92, 97-93, 96-94, to the blood goes in your eye, it Shots the bigger and harder-hitting kind of blurs your vision,” he Joe Smith Jr. in a light heavy- said. “I kept wiping it to get weight bout at Barclays Cen- it out of my eye. I didn’t want Ryan Rhoomes is exceed- ter Saturday. The fight was to show that it was bothering ing his own expectations. part of the undercard of the me, but I had no choice.” The Fordham University middleweight title fight be- Smith, who has sparred senior forward is one of the tween Danny Jacobs and Pe- with Rosinsky regularly, most efficient and productive ter Quillin. dominated the middle rounds. big men in the country in the “I was boxing better in Rosinsky said nothing took early season, after a solid ju- the first couple rounds,” him by surprise, other than nior campaign. The former said the 5-foot-8 Rosinsky. his jab being a little better. Benjamin Cardozo star, who “His size played a role in the Rosinsky eventually averaged 6.4 points and 8.6 re- later rounds. He’s a big guy, a found his footing again in the bounds a contest last year, got tough guy. He had a lot of lit- seventh and ninth rounds. right to work with first-year tle elbows, hitting right at the He returned to throwing head coach Jeff Neubauer and belt line, which was smart. the combination punches he his staff once they took over in The refs didn’t catch it.” landed early, but Smith con- late March. He’s been a differ- Rosinsky (10-3, 10 KOs), nected on too many power ent player since. who now lives in Lynbrook, shots in between. “They forced me to be a clearly won the first two Rosinsky said he enjoyed better player,” said the 6-foot- rounds, thoroughly outbox- the night despite the loss. A 8, 235-pound Rhoomes. “He ing the long-armed, 6-foot- large contingent of fans made wanted more out of me than I tall Smith. The Archbishop their way down with a huge wanted for myself. I just had to Fordham University's senior forward Ryan Rhoomes is off to a strong Molloy and Queens College banner from his Engine Com- perform.” start this season. Photo by Robert Cole grad was super aggressive, pany 234 in Crown Heights. And so he has. landing some well-timed Rosinsky brought a flag from Rhoomes is averaging 15.7 Neubauer said Rhoomes is play. He has become a better combinations. Things were the group to the ring and had points and 7.6 rebounds per unselfish by nature and often defender also. Rhoomes’ im- going the way he wanted. the numbers on his trunks. game over his first seven con- passed to his teammates too provement has helped Ford- “The plan the whole time The experience was memo- tests. He tallied 20 points and much out of the post instead ham to its first six-game win- was to pretty much box him,” rable. 10 rebounds in a win over of asserting himself. He ag- ning streak to open a season the Brooklyn firefighter “I think it is even more borough rival Manhattan and gressively attacked the basket since 2000. said. so now that I am a fireman,” followed that up with a career- against St. John’s and yelled The team and personal suc- But the tempo of the fight Rosinsky said. “A lot of then high 26 points and 12 boards to at the crowd in celebration of cess has Rhoomes thoroughly changed after Smith (20-1, 16 showed out for that and more help the Rams rout St. John’s. each big hoop. enjoying his senior season KOs) landed a sharp right in firemen showed up. I had He is doing this while shoot- “I just think I have been after three straight losing the fourth round. Smith then fun.” ing an astonishing 75 percent trying to score every time I get campaigns. The possibility of began landing numerous from the field, which leads the the ball,” Rhoomes said. defeat doesn’t enter his mind nation. Rhoomes got to that point any more, just doing whatever “He’s taking the right by being in the gym consis- it takes to win. shots,” Neubauer said. “He is tently for eight months. Neu- “When I went out to play getting to his spot on the floor bauer said they worked on St. John’s, I didn’t even think and scoring the ball.” his patience when he catches about losing,” Rhoomes said. The upswing has come the ball with his back to the “My team has my back, my thanks to a retooling of basket. It’s not just the quick- coach has my back. I just have Rhoomes’ post game and a est shot or quickest pass any a lot more confidence this rebuilding of his confidence. more, but the best shot or best year.” Truman took advantage of After forcing a missed Lewis’ anxious play. A 9-0 run, three-point attempt in the fi- Lewis capped by a three-pointer by nal seconds, Brisco iced the Continued from Page 51 Dyona Davis, made it a two- game at the free-throw line. “We started listening to point game with 25 seconds Perhaps much of Lewis’ our system and trusted [coach left. struggles was due to the new Tsai] and we started playing Green went to the line with makeup of the roster, with as a team,” Green said. 11.1 seconds remaining and hit players taking on new roles be- Lewis used a 15-2 run in both free throws to push Lew- cause of the loss of key players the fourth to go up 56-45 with is’ lead back up to four. from last year. Three games less than four minutes left. “The pressure, we’re not in, the Patriots still consider But instead of using the shot used to that yet,” Green said. themselves a work in prog- clock to take time off down the “We started rushing. We have ress. Ozone Park native Will Rosinsky (l.) dropped an eight-round deci- stretch, they began to press new girls, so we’ve got to adapt “We’re all still trying to sion to Joe Smith Jr. at Barclays Center last Saturday. with shots. to it.” play together,” Brisco said. Photo by Steven Schnibbe 52 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11-17 BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER.COM SJU gives Mullin fi rst MSG win as coach BY STEPHEN ZITOLO it,” St. John’s Coach Chris see more of that as the year points and corralled six re- is coached by former St. John’s Mullin said. “It’s nice to win. goes on.” bounds in the half. It was part assistant Glenn Braica. St. John’s has been consis- But there’s a lot of stuff we His club did not pull away of his best game to date. Sima, Redshirt junior forward tently inconsistent this season. need to do better.” from St. Francis in the second who Mullin called a tough kid, Christian Jones pitched in 13 The trend continued on The Red Storm men’s basket- half. Ten second-half turn- shook off the effects of a dislo- points and nine rebounds to Sunday afternoon at Madison ball team (5-3) had trouble get- overs almost doomed the Red cated pinky on his right hand help Mullin get his first vic- Square Garden as the Red ting things going early on both Storm, as the Terriers made in the first half to score 17 tory as a coach in Madison Storm escaped with a 63-56 vic- ends of the floor. Turnovers a late second-half run to close points and grab 10 rebounds. Square Garden. It only added tory over St. Francis College continued to hurt the Johnnies within 57-55 with 36 seconds “It was really painful be- to his collection of fond memo- at the MSG Holiday Festival. on offense as the Terriers (3-5) remaining. Johnson again cause my finger was dislocat- ries from the World’s Most Fa- The win marked the 1,800th in capitalized on the sloppy play. stepped up and sealed the game ed,” Sima said. “But when they mous Arena. program history for St. John’s, With a little more than 6:00 left with a left-wing jumper and put it back in, it was way bet- “I love this place,” Mul- making them only the ninth in the first half, the Red Storm later sank two free throws. It ter. It didn’t affect me at all. lin said. “I always have and I program in the nation to reach were down 23-14 before finally was a bounce-back win follow- I think I played better in the always will. I think I enjoyed the historic mark. taking control of the game. ing a loss to Fordham. second half.” playing here more than coach- “Tonight wasn’t a pretty St. John’s dominated the Freshman center Yankuba Yunus Hopkinson and An- ing, but it was another new ex- game, but we will learn from remainder of the first half by Sima was also a key to holding tonio Jenifer each scored 10 perience.” going on a 19-2 run to return off the Terriers. He scored nine points for St. Francis, which into the locker room with a 33- 25 lead. Graduate student Du- rand Johnson led the charge with 10 of his game-high 19 points during that run. Mul- lin hopes it is a sign of things to come. “I think he can develop back into a consistent offen- sive presence,” Mullin said of Johnson. “He’s been up and down this year and frus- Durand Johnson hit key shots to trated at times, but the layoff help coach Chris Mullin win his first is something you can’t under- game at Madison Square Garden. estimate. I thought [Durand] Photo by Gina Palermo was big tonight and we will TIMESLEDGER.COM BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11-17 53 set up at 112th Street and 68th express his culture and heri- complaints at the hearing, Fires Avenue. tage, building taste included, Land use Ohel visitors have trashed Harrison said police have undeterred. their neighborhood and Continued from Page 1 a list of 29 buildings that are At his office at the Bukha- Continued from Page 1 blocked their driveways. currently under construction rian Jewish Center in For- They said the neighborhood from the Bukharian commu- in the Cord Meyer neighbor- est Hills, Nektalov proudly tent with the scale and char- was zoned to go against the nity hugged and shook hands. hood. opened a book of historic, long acter of the neighborhood. very project the Chabad com- “Today’s meeting was a Police have not yet provid- abandoned Bukharian homes The proposed school munity had proposed. very good sign that both the ed a motive for the arsons, but in Uzbekistan. “See this one? would stand four-stories Rabbi Abba Refson at the community and the Police said they do not believe it is a It’s beautiful,” he said. “Our tall, instead of two floors re- Ohel Chabad-Lubavitch said Department, Fire Depart- hate crime. homes, they were beautiful.” quired in a R2A district. The the proposal of the new school ment and elected officials are But Manashe Khaimov, State Sen. Toby Stavisky maximum expansion allowed was not connected with the all interested in solving the who works closely with Bukh- (D-Flushing) concluded Tues- under R2A zoning is 6,177 Ohel center. problem at hand,” said Aron arian community organiza- day’s news conference by square feet while the pro- The group Keren Puelos, Borukhov, a Bukharian com- tions, connected the arsons connecting the Bukharians’ posed building would expand which proposed the school, munity leader. to an upswing in global anti- troubled history of state-sanc- nearly six times that size. has a online school and owns Borukhov said community Semitism. tioned persecution with the While the relationship be- the three properties, for the security patrols were being “There is a saying that if current crimes. tween the Chabad-Lubavitch proposal, neighboring the organized in conjunction with you open up an umbrella in “As I was sitting at the community and Cambria Ohel. the police to monitor the sites. France, you must open up an meeting I was thinking about Heights has not been the best Rabbi Brooker said the He called the patrols a “work umbrella in Odessa, too,” he the conditions that brought the for many years. learning format would be in progress.” said. “Well, what is happening Bukharian community to the At the hearing, women, lecture based as well as one As calls for action from in France is beginning to hap- United States,” she said. “It’s men and the attorney Sheldon on one instruction. He add- within the community have pen here.” sad that they cannot feel safe Lobel representing the Cha- ed that the majority of the grown louder, the Bukharian “If this isn’t a hate crime, in their homes anymore, that bad community supported students would be younger Jewish Center announced it then what is?” he added. they left a disturbing situation the plan. The members of the grades. He added, “This is will offer a $50,000 reward for The Bukharians’ explo- in the former Soviet Union and Jewish community brought the most holiest place for us information leading to the ar- sive population growth and they have to face this in their almost a dozen young boys to in this country.” rest of the arsonist. The NYPD preference for constructing new home.” the hearing, “They are learn- Borough President Melin- is also offering up to a $12,500 large homes has created long- Lilianna Zulunova, who ing how democracy works,” da Katz concluded the hear- reward. A second video of the simmering tensions between was standing outside the press Rabbi Adam Brooker, assis- ing, “I understand the com- suspect has been released them and longtime Forest scrum, whispered to herself tant director at Keren Peulos, mitment to the community which shows a hooded male Hills residents. “that’s so true, so very true.” the entity that proposed the and I also understand the walking near one of the fire But Raphael Nektalov, who school. importance of a educational sites on 69th Road. came to the United States in Reach reporter Gabriel Rom In October, Community institution.” Deputy Inspector Judith 1993 after fleeing political and by e-mail at grom@cnglocal. Board 13 members unani- Katz will vote on the issue Harrison, commanding offi- religious repression in previ- com or by phone at (718) 260– mously voted against the in the coming weeks, if the cer at the 112th Precinct, said ously Soviet-occupied Uzbeki- 4564. school proposal citing the proposal is completely reject- a new command post has been stan, spoke of his dream to existing issues they had with ed then it will be submitted to the visitors at the Ohel. the city’s Board of Standards According to the residents and Appeals. going to kill me. This went on want this to happen to anyone, police even get there,” said for 7 to 8 minutes when a regu- doesn’t matter religion, color, Terror Loeffel about the worldwide Assault lar customer of mine came in man or woman.” assaults they have studied. Continued from Page 1 and saw blood coming from my Elected officials in Astoria Continued from Page 4 The community board eye, my nose and my mouth.” were appalled by the attack. district managers had dif- out Hate Crimes reopened the Haque said the customer, “In our neighborhood and “It was not a sophisticated ferent questions that ranged investigation.” a Hispanic man who did not our nation, we pride ourselves attack like 9/11. They were from securing their public It was around 1 p.m. Sat- want to be identified, helped on our diversity and toler- going for more small-scale meetings to how to identify urday and Haque was alone him hold down Kolvani un- ance,” state Sen. Michael Gia- attacks,” he said. “A couple suspicious people. in his store, the Fatima Food til police arrived. They were naris (D-Astoria) said. Hate- of the [Paris] incidents were Loeffel said the best thing Mart on 21st Avenue in Asto- called to the scene by a pass- ful rhetoric leads to hateful much like a drive-by shoot- to do is look at suspicious be- ria, when a stranger entered erby, who heard Haque’s and violent acts that must be ing. The people had one thing havior, such as a single per- and began asking if the mer- screams for help. denounced and dealt with ag- on their mind—to kill and son receiving several pack- chandise was free. He picked “I was terrified, I really gressively.” die.” ages a day by mail. up a newspaper and looked at was,” the shopkeeper said. City Councilman Costa Loeffel said the NYPD will “Just call the NYC SAFE a photo of the woman from the Haque was rushed to Mount Constantinides (D-Astoria) bring in a new emphasis on line, we get the intel,” he San Bernardino shooting, and Sinai Hospital Queens where said, “This targeted assault it social media as part of their said. “No one will call you then he snapped, according to he was treated for bleeding, unconscionable. This crime intelligence gathering and back—we will follow through Haque. bruising and a dislocated left is the antithesis of what Asto- already collects an estimat- and you never know, your “Out of nowhere he elbow. ria is all about. The strength ed 90,000 messages per day. tip could be something that punched my head with his left “When I came home, I told of our community lies in our “The focus is the homegrown connected to a bigger puzzle. hand,” Haque said in an inter- my wife and she was scared,” diversity. This small business terrorist,” he said. Those calls matter.” view with the TimesLedger. “I Haque said. “I didn’t tell my owner is part of the fabric of Last month, the NYPD be- Loeffel said people who asked him ‘what’s wrong with kids because I didn’t want our community and we all gan practicing active-shooter feel anxious about walk- you?’ and that’s when he said ‘I them to be scared.” condemn this hate crime.” drills similar to those carried ing into a mall, for example, kill Muslims.’” Haque was back in his store Kolvani was charged with out in the Paris attack. should leave the area. Police said Piro Kolvani, a Tuesday nursing the injured el- assault and criminal mischief, The new counterterror- “If the hair is standing 55-year-old resident of Jack- bow and a black left eye. according to the NYPD. He was ism units, Critical Response up on the back of your neck, sonville, Fla., then assaulted He was still sore and ap- given a desk ticket and told to Command and the Strategic something doesn’t feel right,” the Bangladeshi Muslim. preciative of the help from his report to court on Jan. 12. Response Group, are trained he said. “Leave and come “I ran behind the counter customer and the person who The investigation by the to respond to an attack. Both back 10 minutes later.” and tried to call the police, called 911. He was also sure of NYPD’s Hate Crimes Unit con- units are more heavily armed Loeffel pointed out that but he came behind the coun- what triggered the attack. tinues. and their goal is to respond if a crime is occurring, call ter and started punching me “He did it because he saw to a terrorist incident much 911, but if it is something many times,” Haque said. “At the newspaper,” Haque said. Reach reporter Bill Parry by faster than before. suspicious call NYC SAFE, one point he fell on top of me “He looked at that photo for e-mail at [email protected] “Sixty percent of the time 1-888-NYC-SAFE (692-7233). and I thought this is where he’s at least 2 or 3 minutes. I don’t or by phone at (718) 260–4538. the attack is over before the 54 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 TL TIMESLEDGER.COM 60 TIMESLEDGER, DEC. 11–17, 2015 BT FT TL TIMESLEDGER.COM