VOL. 79, NO. 1 WOODSIDE, L.I.C., N.Y. FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013 FREE Photos by Joe Gurrado SERVING SUNNYSIDE-WOODSIDE AND LONG ISLAND CITY Small Businesses, Cultural Organizations & Residents Demand Respect PROTESTING THE 7 TRAIN CANCELLATIONS COUNCIL MEMBERS JIMMY VAN BRAMER & PETER KOO JOIN COMMUNITY TO PROTEST THE MTA’S DECISION TO CANCEL 7 TRAIN SERVICE FOR 13 CONSECUTIVE WEEKENDS CM Van Bramer & CM Koo joined a host of businesses, cul- tural organizations and residents from the Long Island City commu- nity to protest the MTA’s decision to cancel 7 train service for 13 consecutive weekends. Community members are out- raged over the MTA’s perpetual lack of communication & utter dis- regard for the people of Long Is- land City. The extensive cultural organizations in Long Island City are especially hard hit by the week- end closures. The vast majority of cultural performances and atten- dance happens on the weekends. The community calls for the MTA to take community input into account when plan- ning closures, to break up the consecutive number of week- end closures of the 7 train in LIC, to implement FASTRACK along this stretch of the 7 train, to increase the frequency of shuttle buses serving the community, and to schedule occasional sum- mer weekend service. The New York City Council has set up an online petition for residents to sign calling on the MTA to break up the number of consecutive outages. “The cultural organizations, businesses and people of Long Island City deserve better,” stated Van Bramer. “The 7 train is the lifeblood of the Hunters Point, Long Island City community. Cutting off service for such a long period of time while this community is still recovering from Hurricane Sandy is a trav- esty and shows the MTA’s disre- gard for this, the fastest growing community in New York City. (continued on page 4) Recommendations to reduce gun violence in NYC released to the City Council Community leaders and aca- demic experts serving on the task force, which was formed by Speaker Christine C. Quinn in 2011 to formulate solutions to combat gun violence in New York City, A Sunny Welcome To 2013! by Sue Baldock 2013 started with a blast here in Sunnyside. There were parties from one end of town to the other with Dazies Italian Restaurant marking the hottest spot on the boulevard. Good food, drink and lots of dancing highlighted the evening. Friends, new and old, enjoyed the festivities in this jovial atmosphere where no one felt alone and everyone mixed and mingled the night away. Akin to family reunion, Lily and Ray gra- ciously welcomed everyone at the door; Keri was buzzing about, making sure everything ran smoothly and Kenny’s decorations were top notch. “You feel like Lily and her kids are opening their home inviting everyone in to celebrate the holiday with them” beamed Patrice Lee of April Glass. (continued on page 5) joined Task Force co-chairs Coun- cil Members Jumaane Williams and Fernando Cabrera. “Over the last year, the Task Force to Combat Gun Violence has worked to develop recommen- dations to reduce gun violence in our City,” said Speaker Christine C. Quinn. “Working with the Task Force, the Council has already implemented some of its propos- als, including the launch of new pilot programing five high-risk neighborhoods throughout the city. I thank Council Members Jumaane Williams and Fernando Cabrera, and all the members of the Task Force for their dedication and com- mitment to this effort and I look forward to reviewing the full re- port as we work together to find solutions that will keep our neigh- borhoods safe.” “The Task Force to Combat Gun Violence has worked hard over the last year to tackle the epidemic of shootings that are taking New York City’s sons and daughters from us far too soon,” said Task Force to Combat Gun Violence Co-Chair Jumaane Wil- liams. “Through a comprehen- sive analysis of data and study of first-hand evidence and experi- ences from our most at-risk pre- cincts, we arrived at a framework to begin turning these communi- ties around. These pilot programs are the first step in what I hope will be an approach we take in every corner of this city. Further- more, by addressing both the de- mand and supply sides of gun violence, I believe we can not only save lives, we can transform the potential of young people headed down the wrong path.” In its findings, the Task Force stressed the urgency of the passage of State and Federal legislation to strengthen gun control laws and stop the flow of illegal guns into New York State. (continued on page 6) UNITED FORTIES CIVIC ASSOCIATION Thursday, January 10th @ 7PM ALL ARE WELCOME! St. Teresa Parish Center, 50th Ave & 45th St. Woodside Keri, middle left and waiter Richie, middle right along with family and friends
Small Businesses, CulturalOrganizations & Residents
Demand Respect
PROTESTING THE 7 TRAIN CANCELLATIONSCOUNCIL MEMBERS JIMMY VAN BRAMER &
PETER KOO JOIN COMMUNITY TO PROTEST THEMTA’S DECISION TO CANCEL 7 TRAIN SERVICE
FOR 13 CONSECUTIVE WEEKENDS
CM Van Bramer & CM Koojoined a host of businesses, cul-tural organizations and residentsfrom the Long Island City commu-nity to protest the MTA’s decisionto cancel 7 train service for 13consecutive weekends.
Community members are out-raged over the MTA’s perpetuallack of communication & utter dis-regard for the people of Long Is-land City. The extensive culturalorganizations in Long Island Cityare especially hard hit by the week-end closures. The vast majority ofcultural performances and atten-dance happens on the weekends.
The community calls forthe MTA to take communityinput into account when plan-ning closures, to break up theconsecutive number of week-end closures of the 7 train inLIC, to implementFASTRACK along this stretch
of the 7 train, to increase thefrequency of shuttle busesserving the community, andto schedule occasional sum-mer weekend service. TheNew York City Council hasset up an online petition forresidents to sign calling on theMTA to break up the numberof consecutive outages.
“The cultural organizations,businesses and people of LongIsland City deserve better,” statedVan Bramer. “The 7 train is thelifeblood of the Hunters Point,Long Island City community.Cutting off service for such along period of time while thiscommunity is still recoveringfrom Hurricane Sandy is a trav-esty and shows the MTA’s disre-gard for this, the fastest growingcommunity in New York City.
(continued on page 4)
Recommendations toreduce gun violence in NYCreleased to the City Council
Community leaders and aca-demic experts serving on the taskforce, which was formed bySpeaker Christine C. Quinn in 2011to formulate solutions to combatgun violence in New York City,
A Sunny Welcome To
2013!by Sue Baldock
2013 started with a blast here in Sunnyside. There were parties fromone end of town to the other with Dazies Italian Restaurant marking thehottest spot on the boulevard. Good food, drink and lots of dancinghighlighted the evening. Friends, new and old, enjoyed the festivities inthis jovial atmosphere where no one felt alone and everyone mixed andmingled the night away. Akin to family reunion, Lily and Ray gra-ciously welcomed everyone at the door; Keri was buzzing about, makingsure everything ran smoothly and Kenny’s decorations were top notch.“You feel like Lily and her kids are opening their home invitingeveryone in to celebrate the holiday with them” beamed Patrice Leeof April Glass. (continued on page 5)
joined Task Force co-chairs Coun-cil Members Jumaane Williamsand Fernando Cabrera.
“Over the last year, the TaskForce to Combat Gun Violencehas worked to develop recommen-dations to reduce gun violence inour City,” said Speaker ChristineC. Quinn. “Working with the TaskForce, the Council has alreadyimplemented some of its propos-als, including the launch of newpilot programing five high-riskneighborhoods throughout the city.I thank Council Members JumaaneWilliams and Fernando Cabrera,and all the members of the TaskForce for their dedication and com-mitment to this effort and I lookforward to reviewing the full re-port as we work together to findsolutions that will keep our neigh-borhoods safe.”
“The Task Force to CombatGun Violence has worked hardover the last year to tackle theepidemic of shootings that are
taking New York City’s sons anddaughters from us far too soon,”said Task Force to Combat GunViolence Co-Chair Jumaane Wil-liams. “Through a comprehen-sive analysis of data and study offirst-hand evidence and experi-ences from our most at-risk pre-cincts, we arrived at a frameworkto begin turning these communi-ties around. These pilot programsare the first step in what I hopewill be an approach we take inevery corner of this city. Further-more, by addressing both the de-mand and supply sides of gunviolence, I believe we can notonly save lives, we can transformthe potential of young peopleheaded down the wrong path.”
In its findings, the Task Forcestressed the urgency of the passageof State and Federal legislation tostrengthen gun control laws andstop the flow of illegal guns intoNew York State.
(continued on page 6)
UNITED FORTIES CIVIC ASSOCIATIONThursday, January 10th @ 7PM
ALL ARE WELCOME!St. Teresa Parish Center, 50th Ave & 45th St. Woodside
Keri, middle left and waiter Richie, middle right along with family and friends
We are pleased to be participating members with the following Dental Insurance Programs:• Empire Blue Cross/Shield • United Concordia • Horizon Health Care• Delta Dental USA • Dental Benefit Providers • Rayant• First Ameritas • Aetna • Qualident• MetLife Preferred • Guardian Dental • GHI-Pref Plus
43-34 43rd STREET, SUNNYSIDE, NY 11104
Call: (718) 786-3842
AVAILABLE:
Attorneys-At-LawMARC CRAWFORD LEAVITT
JOSEPH N. YAMANER*IRA R. GREENBERG
PAUL E. KERSON
JOHN F. DUANE
TALI SEHATI
THE BENJAMIN SHAW PROFESSIONAL BUILDING
45-29 47th Street - Woodside, New York 11377718-729-0986
MIDTOWN OFFICE: 228 E. 45TH STREET, 17 FL., NYC 10017
Serving the Community Since 1947*We speak Spanish, Hebrew & Turkish
43-11 Greenpoint Ave., Sunnyside, NY 11104Telephone (718) 729-3772
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sue Baldock, Kimberly Clarry, Peter A. Ross, Rob MacKay
CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS AND PHOTOGRAPHERSJoe Gurrado, Robert Flanagan, Sue Baldock
Guest: Jose L. OrengoPresident and Founder of JLO Consultant, Inc.
Join the SUNNYSIDE DRUM CORPS
718-786-4141
EDITORIALby O. Prakash Mediratta
Congressman’s StatementOn the Fiscal Cliff
Congressman Crowley (D-Queens, Bronx) issued the following state-ment below following House passage of the American Taxpayer Relief Act,the deal to avert the fiscal cliff:
“Tonight was a time for compromise and bipartisanship. It is whathard-working Americans wanted and deserved, and I’m pleased thatwe ultimately came together to stop a tax hike from hitting the vastmajority of Americans.
An unfortunate fact aboutgovernment is that budget cutsare frequently good policy, butthey are never good politics. Andthough elected officials fromboth major parties pay lip ser-vice to financial responsibility,few have the courage to practicewhat they preach.
Case in point: The “FiscalCliff” deal that passed theHouse of Representatives onTuesday. Though some pun-dits are heralding this as a “bi-partisan compromise” and a“grand bargain,” bean countersand fact checkers disagree.
The Congressional Budget Of-fice crunched the numbers and re-ported a tax increase/spending cutratio of higher than 41-to-1. In
other words, CBO found that thiscompromise will raise taxes by$620 billion while reducing only$15 billion in pork. Plus, the agencypredicted that $4 trillion will beadded to the national debt by 2022under this plan.
Then there’s the damageto taxpayers. The Wall StreetJournal looked at the expira-tion of the 2% payroll tax andargued that the federal gov-ernment will now swipe about$1,000 more from familiesearning $50,000. The TaxPolicy Center released ananalysis purporting that morethan three-quarters of Ameri-can households will see anincrease this year from their2012 tax levels.
More debt, more taxes, somegrand bargain. Furthermore, the
157-page bill passed the Senateand Congress within 24 hours ofits proposal during a federal holi-day. The American public (aka thetaxpayers) had little time to studythis legislation. Neither did thepoliticians. Incredible consideringthat the expiring Bush Era tax cutsat the center of the Fiscal Cliffdrama were no secret. When Presi-dent Obama agreed to extend themtwo years ago, the entire Washing-ton establishment knew that theywere due to sunset in 2013.
To add insult to injury,they postponed making anydeal on the imminent, across-the-board defense cuts called“sequestration” for twomonths. Anybody want tobet that they’ll delay work-ing on sequestration until thefinal moment?
Although this deal is a victory for middle-class Americans, it is far from perfect. Tomorrow, wemust pick up where we left off and put in place a plan that will ensure we both balance the federalbudget and invest in ways to rebuild, reinvigorate, and strengthen our economy and keep our countrymoving forward.”
FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2012 THE WOODSIDE HERALD PAGE 3
B24 WeekendStarts Service
Through SunnysideJanuary 6th
Fighting The Flu and Common Cold
While last year’s cold and flu season wasmild, experts say this year could bring you awallop of sniffles and sneezes.
While there is no cure for the cold or flu,despite what mom says about her soup,over-the-counter (OTC) medications canprovide relief for the most common symp-toms. And these guidelines can help youbetter navigate the cold and flu aisle:
Sneezing Got You Down?OTC antihistamines can provide relief
from sneezing, runny noses and watery eyesby blocking the action of histamine, a chemi-cal in the body that triggers congestion andupper respiratory discomfort.
Constant CoughCough suppressants, also known as
antitussives, basically tell your brain to stop
coughing. One commonly used cough sup-pressant is dextromethorphan, which relievescough symptoms but doesn’t speed recovery.
If you’re producing mucus, however,don’t take a cough suppressant. Instead,look for an expectorant, a medicine thathelps thin the mucus in the lungs and soothean irritated respiratory tract.
All Clogged Up!Decongestants like pseudoephedrine
(PSE) relieve a stuffy nose and conges-tion by actually narrowing the blood ves-sels in nasal passages so you can breathemore easily.
PSEs are now located behind thepharmacy counter because they are aningredient that can be used to make theillegal drug methamphetamine (meth).
Rest assured though, PSE has been safelyused for decades.
If you’re clogged up, consider treatingyour symptoms and doing your part to keepyour community safer at the same time. Askyour pharmacist about new Nexafed 30mgpseudoephedrine HCl tablets, the next-gen-eration PSE that provides the same effectivecold and allergy relief from standard PSEs,but with technology that disrupts the extrac-tion and conversion of pseudoephedrine intomethamphetamine.
Stop the PainIf your symptoms include muscle aches
or high fever, consider an analgesic or pain-killer. Most OTC analgesics fall in to twocategories: acetaminophen or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Bothmedications can reduce fever and ease achesand pains from the flu or cold.
Scratchy ThroatHelp ease throat pain with cough drops
or throat spray. While not a cure-all, coughdrops or hard candy can help provide relieffrom a dry, tickling cough. Also considertaking a warm shower or using a vaporizerto increase the moisture of indoor air.
No matter what your symptoms are, it’simportant to get some rest and stay hy-drated. Doctors recommend six to eight hoursof sleep every night to fight and preventillnesses and keep the immune systemhealthy.
If you have any questions or doubtsabout which medications may be best foryou, talk with your pharmacist. And if symp-toms worsen or last for more than two weeks,be sure to see your doctor.
Don’t needlessly suffer this season. Withthe right treatment, you can help alleviateyour cold and flu symptoms.
Thanks to Senator Michael Gianaris’sefforts to ensure western Queens com-muters have access to convenient masstransit options, the B24 bus line willbegin weekend service on Sunday, Janu-ary 6th. Senator Gianaris recently re-ceived a letter from the MetropolitanTransportation Authority (MTA) an-nouncing the restored service, which wasfirst made public in July as part of theMTA’s $17.8 million service investmentannouncement.
“The restored weekend service on theB24 line is a good start to the new year asSunnyside commuters will be able to travelmore easily throughout their neighborhood,”Senator Gianaris said. “While restorationof the B24’s weekend service is a step in theright direction, I will continue to push theMTA to reinstate all western Queens masstransit cuts, whose loss has greatly im-pacted the lives of our commuters.”
The B24 line runs betweenGreenpoint and the Williamsburg BridgePlaza via Sunnyside. On Saturdays andSundays, the bus will run from Greenpointto Williamsburg 5 am to 12:42 am and,from Williamsburg to Greenpoint, it willrun 4:55 am to 1:27 am.
In September, Senator Gianaris wassuccessful in extending the Q103 busline service on Vernon Boulevard in LongIsland City by 40 minutes each weekday.He continues to push for restored week-end service on that line as well.
We demand more input, more real prob-lem solving from the MTA, and morerespect.”
“The MTA continuously shows ablatant disregard for its customers byraising fares and diminishing service.
Additionally, the Flushing commu-nity is outraged at the MTA that theywould disrupt 7 Train service during theLunar New Year after promising lastyear they would be more sympathetic,”said Koo.
“Here we go again! The MTA is onceagain failing to recognize the lifeline thatthe 7 train represents to so many Queensresidents and businesses. The MTA’splan to close the 7 train for thirteen week-
(continued from front page)
PROTESTING THE 7 TRAIN CANCELLATIONS
A Very 108 Christmas
ends in a row is a terrible idea, they shouldimmediately change plans for work thatwould leave the 7 train down for thirteenconsecutive weekends,” said Speaker Chris-tine Quinn.
“The all-too-frequent and unacceptabledisruption of the 7 train continues again withits closure for more than a dozen consecu-tive weekends with very little notice,” Sena-tor Gianaris said. “While I understand theneed for track maintenance, such lengthyrepairs are detrimental to our local economyand greatly inconvenience commuters. I urgethe MTA to make greater efforts to providesuitable shuttle service during the upcomingconstruction so that local residents are af-fected as little as possible.”
On Saturday, December 15th, the 108th Precinct Community Council sponsored aChristmas party for the children in the community. Community Council president, DianeBallek and staff members of Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan’ s office planned the annualevent. The children of Sunnyside, Woodside and Long Island City had a great holiday partywith Santa at the Sunnyside Community Service Center.
There were holiday songs and gifts were distributed at this annual event. This event wasmade possible with the generous support of local community organizations and businessesin the Long Island City, Sunnyside and Woodside neighborhood.
The Community Council also received generous toy donations from caring indi- vidualsin the community. The council would like to thank them for taking the time to bring holidaycheer to children in the community.
Santa’s elves included Officer Diaz, Officer Sorrentino, Gert McDonald, Claudia Chan,Robby Chin, Edwin Cadiz, Momo Ferguson, Nolani Ferguson, Don McCallian and JamesBallek. In attendance were also CM Jimmy Van Bramer, and a representative from SenatorMichael Gianaris’ office.
Council Member Van Bramer is joined by Diane Ballek, President of the108th Precinct Community Council who organized the event, Officers LuisDiaz and Louis Sorrentino, local children and Santa Claus.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2012 THE WOODSIDE HERALD PAGE 5(continued from front page)
...Welcome To 2013!Assembly Member Catherine
Nolan was on hand to welcome inthe New Year with husband Gerryand son Nick. “This is my son’sfirst New Year’s Eve out and I loveto support the community and cel-ebrate locally” Cathy crooned asshe danced to the beat of the DJ.
Everyone was smiling andwishing the best in the comingyear. “It’s very festive” com-mented Jocelyn Ciechanov whoenjoyed a vegetarian meal pre-pared specially for her. “It’s re-ally nice to see a family ownedbusiness where everyone has arole and fully participates in theentire experience” added GayleToonkel. Speaking of families,Sunnyside Pizza’s Mike broughthis wife and daughter to take plea-
sure in a meal prepared by some-one else after closing their shopfor the evening.
“Last year, we started at SideTrack’s and wound our way toDazies. This year we decided tojust come to Dazies and enjoy thedinner and dancing” smiled SueGoldman and husband, Ray Wil-son. And dance they did with Sueleading many of the numbers in-cluding the Electric Slide andGangnam Style! Who says youneed to be 20 to be hip?
All in all it was a great nightand whether you celebrated on thetown, at a party or quietly at home,we all deserve a positive and sunnyyear. Here’s to a fabulous 2013!May it hold the best for you andyour family.
Adele Black
Lauren, Patrice, Jocelyn and Gayle enjoying their dinner
Ray Wilson andSue Goldman
Mike (Sunnyside Pizza) and family
Cathy Nolan with husband Gerryand son Nick welcoming 2013
Inset: Cathy Nolan and LilyGavin taking a quick breakfrom dancing
File No.: 2012-279/A CITATIONTHE PEOPLE OF THE STATEOF NEW YORK BY THE GRACEOF GOD, FREE ANDINDEPENDENT To: FrederickGallehr, Patricia Gallehr, RobertGerhardt, Michael Griffiths,Daniel Griffiths, Attorney Generalof the State of New York Theunknown distributees, legatees,devisees, heirs at law andassignees of Brian Griffiths,deceased, or their estates, if anythere be, whose names, places ofresidence and post office addressesare unknown to the petitioner andcannot with due diligence beascertained. Being the personsinterested as creditors, legatees,distributees or otherwise in theEstate of Brian Griffiths, deceased,who at the time of death was aresident of 135-18 78th Avenue,Flushing, NY 11367, in the Countyof Queens, State of New York.SEND GREETING: Upon thepeti t ion of LOIS M.ROSENBLATT, PublicAdministrator of Queens County,who maintains her office at 88-11Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica,Queens County, New York 11435,as Administrator of the Estate ofBrian Griffiths, deceased, you andeach of you are hereby cited toshow cause before the Surrogate
at the Surrogate’s Court of theCounty of Queens, to be held atthe Queens General Courthouse,6th Floor, 88-11 SutphinBoulevard, Jamaica, City and Stateof New York, on the 21st day ofFebruary, 2013 at 9:30 o’clock inthe forenoon, why the Account ofProceedings of the PublicAdministrator of Queens County,as Administrator of the Estate ofsaid deceased, a copy of which isattached, should not be judiciallysettled, and why the Surrogateshould not fix and allow areasonable amount ofcompensation to GERARD J.SWEENEY, ESQ., for legalservices rendered to petitionerherein in the amount of $8,175.06and that the Court fix the fair andreasonable additional fee for anyservices to be rendered byGERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ.,hereafter in connection withproceedings on kinship, claimsetc., prior to entry of a final Decreeon this accounting in the amountof 6% of assets or income collectedafter the date of the withinaccounting; and why the Surrogateshould not fix and allow an amountequal to one percent on saidSchedules of the total assets onSchedules A, A1, and A2 plus anyadditional monies received
subsequent to the date of thisaccount, as the fair and reasonableamount payable to the Office ofthe Public Administrator for theexpenses of said office pursuantto S.C.P.A. §1106(4); and whyeach of you claiming to be adistributee of the decedent shouldnot establish proof of your kinship;and why the balance of said fundsshould not be paid to said allegeddistributees upon proof of kinship,or deposited with theCommissioner of Finance of theCity of New York should saidalleged distributees default herein,or fail to establish proof of kinship,Dated, Attested and Sealed 17 dayof December, 2012 HON. PETERJ. KELLY Surrogate, QueensCounty Margaret M. GribbonClerk of the Surrogate’s CourtGERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ.(718) 459-9000, 95-25 QueensBoulevard, 11th Floor, Rego Park,New York 11374. This citation isserved upon you as required bylaw. You are not obliged to appearin person. If you fail to appear itwill be assumed that you do notobject to the relief requested unlessyou file formal legal, verifiedobjections. You have a right tohave an attorney-at-law appear foryou. Accounting Citation 12/28/12, 1/4/13, 1/11/13, 1/18/13
• LEGAL NOTICE • LEGAL NOTICE • LEGAL NOTICE •
(continued from front page)
The Task Force main recom-mendation to the Council was anew Shooting Incident Crisis Man-agement system that would imple-ment a comprehensive response togun violence. This system wouldprovide immediate support afterviolence occurs and would engagecommunity members with educa-tion and prevention to reduce andde-escalate future incidents.
The Crisis ManagementSystem developed by the TaskForce would be piloted in fivetarget neighborhoods – one ineach borough with the mostshooting incidents:• South Bronx• Harlem• Jamaica, Queens• N. Shore of Staten Island• East New York
A central part of this new ini-tiative would be the creation ofCureViolence programs in each ofthe pilot areas.
CureViolence focuses on keygeographic areas with high levelsof shootings. Community staffreaches out to those most likely tobe at-risk of, or engaged in vio-lence, to help stop shootings be-fore they happen and de-escalateincidents or retaliatory shootings.
The Task Force also recom-mended that additional supportservices be connected with the cureviolence programs to provideneeded supports for the at riskyouth, their families, and the com-munity at large in these pilot areas,including community and profes-sional mental health services,school based conflict mediationservices, job training and place-ment services, and legal services.This new model is currently un-derway in five neighborhoods withthe support from the City Council,which provided over $4 milliondollars to fund the initiative.
“The climate of gun violenceacross the country is a crisis, andwhile New York has one of thelowest murder rates among majorU.S. cities, the proportions ofpeople of color in this city that arestill impacted by gun violence isreason for us to examine strategiesthat will help young folks avoidcarrying guns,” said Tamika D.Mallory, National Executive Di-rector, National Action Networkand a member of the Task Force.“We at National Action Networkare passionate about turning theserecommendations into a move-ment, rather than merely a momentof analysis.”
“The Task Force believes,above all else, that the approachesto both violence prevention andresponses to shootings must bemultifaceted and incorporate awide array of government agen-cies, nonprofits and communitygroups. We must use conflict reso-lution tactics, a public health re-sponse, a true and separate reha-bilitation space for juveniles of-fenders, youth development strat-egies that focus on redefining mas-culinity, community policing, leg-islative reductions in gun access,and targeted neighborhood re-sponses to this scourge of vio-lence,” said Khary Lazarre-White,
Executive Director of The Broth-erhood/Sister Sol. “There is nosingle approach to reduce what is apervasive and long held Americanobsession with violence - it mustbe multifaceted, deep, innovativeand far ranging.”
“We support the efforts ofSpeaker Christine C. Quinn andthe New York City Council to com-bat gun violence,” said NancyGinsburg, Director of the Adoles-cent Intervention and DiversionProject at the Legal Aid Society.“The Legal Aid Society appreci-ates the opportunity to serve on thetask force which is releasing anextremely meaningful reportwhich, we believe, will produceexcellent results in the effort tocurtail gun violence.”
In conjunction with solutionsto change the culture of gunviolence in New York City, theTask Force also announced itssupport for critical State andFederal legislation to mitigategun violence including:
State Legislation:.675C Peralta / A. 1157B
SchimelMicrostamping: Require all
semiautomatic handguns manufac-tured or delivered to any licensedNYS dealer to be able tomicrostamp ammunition.
S.676 Peralta / A. 3597Kavanagh
Gun Dealer Employee Back-ground Checks – Require all em-ployees of dealers in firearms tosubmit to state and national crimi-nal background checks.
S.3573 Adams / A.5866Jeffries
Ban Large Capacity Ammuni-tion Feeding Devices – Close loop-hole that allows the sale of largecapacity ammunition clips if theywere manufactured before 9/13/1994 and ban the sale & posses-sion of all high capacity maga-
zines, regardless of when they weremanufactured.S.86 Squadron / A. 5926
KavanaghBan on Sale, Use or Possession
of 50-caliber or Larger WeaponsS.965 Peralta / A.361
PaulinImprove Gun Dealer Regula-
tions – This bill creates stringentrecord keeping and reporting toprevent gun sales to criminals;strict requirements on how deal-ers display and store weapons;requires dealers to submit inven-tory to law enforcement.
S.725 Peralta / A.380Paulin
Five Year Renewable Permit-ting – Extend statewide practicesto require the renewal of firearmpermits every five years.S.1440 Squadron / A.1479
RosenthalStrengthen the Assault Weap-
ons Ban – Broaden the definitionof “assault weapon” to ban pos-session and sale of any weaponthat has one prohibited charac-teristic rather than two, as cur-rent law requires
S.7836 GianarisUniversal Background
Checks – Require all firearm salesbe conducted through a licensedfirearms dealer, so that all legalrequirements are met, including abackground check on the pro-spective purchaser. This billwould close the private sale loop-hole created by federal law, whichaccounts for up to 40% of all gunsales nationwide.
S.7837 GianarisRegulate Ammunitions Sales
– Strict regulations to be im-posed on ammunitions dealers.Requiring dealers to obtain per-mits, to retain detailed records,and to conduct inventory checkstwice a year to account for anylost or stolen items.
S.7834 GianarisOne Gun A Month – Prohibit
the sale and purchase of morethan one firearm during anythirty-day period to reduce thenumber of guns entering the ille-gal market. This bill would pre-vent gun traffickers from buyingguns in bulk and reselling to pro-hibited purchasers.
Federal Legislation:S.436 Schumer / H.R.
1781McCarthy Fix Gun Checks
Act of 2011 – Ensure all indi-viduals prohibited from buying afirearm are listed in the nationalinstant criminal backgroundcheck system.
S.1973 GillibrandGun Trafficking Prevention
Act of 2012 – This bill makestrafficking or assisting in traf-ficking of firearms a federalcrime; calls for stiff penalties todeter gun trafficking. Greater pen-alties for “kingpins” who orga-nize gun trafficking rings; andmakes it unlawful to ship or re-ceive two or more firearms wherethe individual knows or has rea-son to believe that the firearmshave been unlawfully obtained.
S.32 Lautenberg / H.R.308 McCarthy
Large Capacity AmmunitionProhibitions – Prohibit the trans-fer or possession of large capac-ity ammunition feeding devicesthat are capable of holding morethan 10 rounds of ammunition.
The Task Force also ex-pressed support for federal leg-islation not yet introduced thatwould renew and strengthen thefederal assault weapon ban, limithandgun purchases to 1 permonth and require all gunsmanufactured or delivered foruse in the United States to beequipped with microstampingtechnology.
Blood Drive in conjunction with the New York BloodCenter on Sunday, January 13, 2013 from 9:00 AM -
3:00 PM in the Queen of Angels Church parishCenter (43-18 Skillman Avenue, Sunnyside, NY). For
more information or to schedule an appointment,please call Beth Sexton (718) 937-3244.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2012 THE WOODSIDE HERALD PAGE 7
DIVORCE WITH CARE
THE LAW OFFICE OF
Jocelyn Ciechanov4141 41st Street - Suite 3E
or at a location convenient to you
Call: 917 995 5228 for an appointment
Immigrant And His AmericanDream Died On Sunnyside Tracks
by Rob MacKay
The victim who was fatallypushed into an oncoming 7 train inSunnyside on Dec. 26 was remem-bered as shy, intelligent and hard-working.
Sunando Sen, 46, was on hisway to achieving the AmericanDream before his instant, brutaldeath at the 40th Street/Lowery stop.The immigrant from India’sCalcutta had just opened his ownprint shop on Amsterdam Avenuenear Columbia University afteryears working at a similar store inthe East Village, where he hadtaught himself computer graphics.
A Hindu, the unmarried manlived in Corona with various room-mates who described him as a quietmovie buff. Sen reportedly arrivedin the Big Apple in the 1990s. Heobtained a masters degree in eco-nomics from New York Univer-sity and wanted to pursue a Ph.D.there, but started to focus on open-ing a small business due to the highcost of higher education.
After a wake at a Corona fu-neral home attended by friends,associates and a representativefrom the Indian Consulate on Mon-day, Sen’s body was cremated. Hisparents are dead, and he has norelatives in the U.S.
Sen’s alleged attacker, 31-year-old Erika Menendez, has a longhistory of mental health and vio-lence problems, including 14 en-counters with law enforcement of-ficials over the past 12 years. Afterbeing arrested last Saturday inBrooklyn, she told police that shehad killed Sen because she hashated Muslims and Hindus eversince the 9/11 Terror Attacks. Laterthat day, she laughed and cackledat her arraignment in QueensCriminal Court, showing no re-morse and even telling prosecutorsthat she smoked marijuana and hadsex after committing the crime.
The Lions Celebrate Christmas
The MG Lottero Sunnyside/Woodside Lions club celebrated their annual Christmas Party at Murphy’s Pubon December 27. Lion’s President Norberto Saldana introduced the newest member, none other than, Mr.Stephen Murphy himself. Welcomed by the entire club, we look forward to the new year with Stephen as avalued member along with our current members and any future members interested in joining.
The Lion’s Club does charitable work within the community such as: food pantries, visiting the seniors ina local nursing facility, park clean-ups, having Easter and Halloween parties for the local children and arealways looking for new ideas. We welcome new members who are community minded and would like to jointhis International Club located right in the heart of Sunnyside/Woodside. For further Info: 718- 937-2448 or347-239-5476. The Lions wishes you a healthy and happy New Year.
Christmas Tree Recycling InformationSanitation Commissioner John
J. Doherty announced that the De-partment will begin its annualChristmas tree curbside collectionand recycling program on Wednes-day, January 2nd, 2013. The pro-gram will run through Saturday,January 12th.
Residents should remove alltree stands, tinsel, lights, and orna-ments from trees before they areput out at curbside for removal.Trees must not be placed into plas-tic bags. Clean, non-bagged Christ-mas trees that are left on the curbbetween Wednesday, January 2nd
and Saturday, January 12th will becollected, chipped, and made intocompost. The compost will be
processed and subsequently spreadupon parks, ball fields, and com-munity gardens throughout the city.
“Christmas Day has come andgone, but you can continue thespirit of giving by recycling yourChristmas tree to nourish the plantsand trees of New York City,” saidParks Commissioner Veronica M.White. “Starting January 9th, youcan also visit a chipping site andreturn home with a bag of freshfragrant mulch for your own gar-den. I’m proud to work with NYC’sStrongest at the Sanitation Depart-ment to provide this great servicethat will reduce the impact on land-fills and help to green our city.”
The Parks & Recreation De-
partment will be hosting Mulchfest2013 on Saturday, January 12th andSunday, January 13th from 10 A.M.to 2 P.M. at drop off sites through-out the city. The citywide serviceallows New Yorkers to drop offtheir Christmas trees at designatedparks for mulching and event at-tendees can pick up free mulch.All lights, ornaments, and decora-tions must be removed from treesprior to drop-off.
Thalia Spanish Theatre presents...A World Premiere Musical “afroTango”
Discover the African roots of Tango in music and dance.Tango and Candombe have been designated as Argentina and Uruguay’s“Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO. EIGHT WEEKS ONLY! January 25th - March 17th FRI. & SAT. @ 8PM, & SUN. @ 4PMSpecial event for Tango Lovers – Valentine’s Day Thursday Feb. 14 at 7pm.Enjoy the show followed by a reception with the artists afterward.Wine and tapas will be served.
Call for more information and to purchase tickets.At THALIA SPANISH THEATRE 41-17 Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside (Queens)
INFORMATION & TICKETS (718) 729-3880 www.thaliatheatre.org
New Guide On Borough’s Best Eatsby Rob MacKay
What do Bolivian empanadas,Senegalese ginger beer and Taiwan-ese bubble tea have in common?
They join dozens of other culi-nary delights in a new, 400-pagefoodie book on Queens.
Meg Cotner spent threemonths perusing borough restau-rants, food carts, green marketsand other gastronomic venuesbefore creating the Food Lover’sGuide to Queens, a de factoroadmap for the taste buds.
As to be expected, Cotner re-ports on a world of dining experi-ences. There’s Bosnian food atCevabdzinica Sarajevo in Astoria.There are Surinamese delights atWarung Kario in Ozone Park. Andthen there are the Tibetan momos(a kind of dumpling) at Lhasa FastFood in Jackson Heights. But don’tworry, more traditional eaters willfind plenty of information on pizzaand Chinese food.
A California native who movedto Astoria in 2005, Cotner did muchof her research in the low carbonfootprint tradition: taking the sub-way or simply walking around anddiscovering. So there’s a sense thatanybody can follow in her stepsand enjoy the borough’s bounty.
A Food Lover’s Guide to Queens is for sale on Amazon,Barnes & Noble and WordBrooklyn.
It looks like 2013 is going to be a banner yearin Queens. To get things started the proper way,the borough will play host to documentaries,classical film remakes, international cinema and a 2012 movieretrospective this week. Add the Three Kings, live jazz, candle-light tours, comedy, plays, performance art and mulch to comple-ment the moving images. Here’s the rundown:Jan. 4 & 5, TruTV World’s Dumbest, 8 pm & 10:30 pm
Mike Trainor is a cast member and writer for TruTV’s World’s Dumbest.This comedian performs with Kevin McCaffrey, who writes for The Late Showwith David Letterman. $20. Laughing Devil Comedy Club, 47-38 Vernon Blvd.,Long Island City, 347-913-3845
Jan. 4 – 13, First Look Film Series @ 7:30pm
This annual showcase presents groundbreaking international cinema. Manyof this year’s films take the form of journeys—geographical, emotional andartistic—with 26 works from a dozen countries. Except opening night, tickets areincluded with admission, $12 adults/$9 students and senior citizens. Museum ofthe Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria, 718-777-6888
January 5th, Three Kings @ 2pm
A traditional Latin American celebration with the re-enactment of the ThreeKings’ visit to Baby Jesus. Mariachis, holiday songs, light refreshments, rafflesand presents. Free. NYC Parks & Recreation Arrow Community Center, 35-3035th St., Astoria. 718-261-7664.
January 6th, Candlelight Tours, 5pm – 8pm
Check out the oldest Dutch Colonial stone house in NYC by candlelight, andenjoy holiday decorations, mulled cider and cookies. $3 adults/$1 children.Vander Ende-Onderdonk House, 1820 Flushing Ave., Ridgewood, 718-456-1776
January 6th, Blue’s Clues Live, 2pm
A live show with Blue and Steve, who lead the audience on a clue-basedsearch to the most spectacular place of all. $15. Queensborough Performing ArtsCenter, 222-05 56th Ave., Oakland Gardens, 718-631-6311
Jan. 6, Easy Rider Remake with its Director, 5pmRevitalized by his recent switch to digital filmmaking, director James
Benning remakes Dennis Hopper’s 1969 classic Easy Rider by taking a road tripthrough the film’s locations. The result engages the viewer’s memory of the filmin surprising and provocative ways, questioning the mythology of the Americanlandscape and the 1960s counterculture. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-0135th Ave., Astoria, 718-777-6830
January 8th, Best Flicks of 2012 @ 7pm
This seven-film series opens with The Deep Blue Sea, the portrayal of awoman who abandons her passionless marriage to a wealthy barrister to enter atorrid affair with a troubled former Royal Air Force pilot. Other films in the seriesinclude The Turin Horse, Neighboring Sounds, This Is Not a Film, MoonriseKingdom, Cosmopolis and In Another Country. Museum of the Moving Image,36-01 35th Ave., Astoria, 718-777-6830
January 9th, MulchFest 2013, 10am – 2pm
Bring holiday trees to be recycled into mulch that will nourish greeneryacross NYC. More than 24,000 trees were recycled last year. Free. Roy WilkinsPark, Merrick and Foch boulevards, Jamaica. More sites at future times.The “It’s In Queens” column is produced by the Queens Tourism Councilwith the hope that readers will enjoy the borough’s wonderful attractions.
