PAGE 1 SERVING SUNNYSIDE-WOODSIDE AND LONG ISLAND CITY VOL. 85, NO. 16 WOODSIDE, L.I.C., N.Y. FREE
PAGE 2 FELONY BILL UNANIMOUSLY PASSED Legislation would Increase Penalty for Killing with Suspended License to Class D Felony Proposal Awaits Action in State Assembly Senator Michael Gianaris announced that his proposal stiffening penalties on drivers without valid licenses who kill or injure passed the State Senate today. The legislation (S.3299) passed the Senate unanimously. Senator Gianaris first introduced the bill following the 2013 death of eight-year-old Noshat Nahian and redoubled his efforts following the tragic death of Ridgewood teen Kevin Flores this past January. The bill now awaits action in the State Assembly, where it sits in the Codes committee. I am pleased the Senate passed this important proposal, which is the first step towards delivering justice for families victimized by reckless motorists. These dangerous drivers continue to kill because the current punishment does not fit the crime, said Senator Michael Gianaris. We must get serious about strengthening our laws before another life is lost at the hands of drivers who should not be behind the wheel. My dearest friend Kevin Flores was killed and had an amazing future ahead of him. It is really an honor that this bill was passed to honor not only him but the children that have been killed in car crashes. This shows a lot of love. We loved Kevin and miss him, so thank you once again, said Neyfa Philogene, a seventh-grade classmate of Kevin Flores at Launch Expeditionary Learning Charter School. Currently, the most severe penalty a District Attorney can seek in such instances is a misdemeanor. Convicted drivers are rarely sentenced to any jail time at all and they are free to commit additional offenses. Phillip Monfoletto, the driver who killed Kevin Flores, had nine license suspensions on his record and continued to drive with a suspended license, even mocking the leniency of our laws in a Facebook post. Senator Gianaris legislation would increase the penalty to a class E felony for seriously injuring a person and a class D felony if the accident resulted in a death, with a maximum penalty of seven years in prison. Over the last few years, there have been numerous deaths at the hands of improper drivers in western Queens alone. PODIATRY MEDICAL AND SURGICAL SERVICES DR. DAVID GOLDHABER, DABAFS BOARD CERTIFIED IN FOOT SURGERY VOLUNTEER POSITION IN-OFFICE MEDICAL AND SURGICAL TREATMENT BUNIONS HAMMERTOES CORNS INGROWN TOE NAILS WARTS ULCERS HEEL & ARCH PAIN ANKLE SPRAINS FRACTURES SPORTS INJURIES CHILDREN S FEET DIABETIC FOOT CARE GOUT ARTHRITIS SECOND OPINIONS HOUSE CALLS 43-11 Greenpoint Ave., Sunnyside, NY 11104 Telephone (718) 729-3772 Marlene Sabba... Publisher Sherilyn Jo Sabba... Editor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Patricia Dorfman, Rob MacKay, Mary Caulfield, Peter Ross CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS Joe Gurrado, Robert Flanagan LASER SURGERY AVAILABLE FOR PAINFUL SOFT TISSUE CONDITIONS DECREASED PAIN & HEALING TIME E. P. F. PROCEDURE FOR PAINFUL HEEL SPURS USING A TINY ENDOSCOPE LENS INSERTED TO CORRECT THE CONDITION. MANY INSURANCES ACCEPTED MAJOR MEDICAL PLANS: BLUE SHIELD, BLUE CROSS, EMPIRE PLAN, AMALGAMATED, UNITED HEALTH CARE, OXFORD FREEDOM PLAN, 32BJ, MDNY, MEDICARE (SURGICAL) 43-15 46 TH ST. SUNNYSIDE, N.Y. 718-729-2117 NEW NEW Weekday, Evening and Saturday Hours by Appointment
PAGE 3 IT S IN QUEENS Earth Day is this weekend, and Queens celebrates with a cherry blossom fest, nature events, and even cheesemaking. The borough also hosts a three-day tattoo expo, a dance-heavy battle of the bands, Cinderella, Tony Orlando, and evolving vignettes. APRIL 21-24 FRAMES In his final film, Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami selected 24 still images most of them stark landscapes inhabited only by foraging birds and other wildlife and digitally animated them into evolving vignettes, creating a series of poignant studies in movement, perception, and time. April 21 at 3 pm; and April 22 at 3 pm and 6 pm. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria s Kaufman Arts District. APRIL 21, CHRISTOPHER UNPEZVERDE NUNEZ AND SAMUEL HANSON, 8 PM. Nunez presents a collage of memories based on childhood experiences that explore male stereotypical behavior and the obsolescence of imposed masculinity in children. Hanson offers a collaboration with writer/musician Alexander Ortega. Green Space Studio, 37-24 24th St., LIC. APRIL 21, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, 1PM Screening of a classic movie starring Christopher Walken as part of a series highlighting Astoria natives who made it big in Hollywood. Greater Astoria Historical Society, 35-20 Broadway, LIC. APRIL 22, FERTILE GROUND, 7PM This non-curated program includes five dance makers and a post-performance discussion with wine. Green Space Studio, 37-24 24th St., LIC. APRIL 25, MIYA ANDO: CLOUDS, AUG. 19 Check out two site-specific suspended plate-glass sculptures internally etched with images of clouds. They share Isamu Noguchi s interest in sculpting ephemeral materials, and in using them to shape space. The Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Rd., LIC. The It s In Queens column is produced by the Queens Tourism Council with the hope that readers will enjoy the borough s wonderful attractions. More info at www.itsinqueens.com.
PAGE 4 THE TASTE IS BACK! Next month, the Taste of Sunnyside will promote the global cuisine of Sunnyside and Woodside. The one-of-a-kind culinary event will take place on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 under a block-sized tent and will include tastes of products from over 30 local restaurants and beverage purveyors. Sunnyside Shines produces the event annually to showcase the neighborhood as a dining destination, and to encourage locals and visitors to discover local restaurants. More than just a neighborhood event, the Taste of Sunnyside is a culinary passport, transporting food lovers all over the world with a chance to try authentic flavors created by some of the most passionate local chefs. Among this year s participants are Senso Unico (modern Italian), Sotto le Stelle (wood fired Neopolitan pizzas), Tito Rad s (Filipino), de Mole (Mexican), and Bliss Street Creamery (small batch ice cream), alongside breweries like Big alice, Singlecut Beersmiths, LIC Beer Project, and Two Roads Brewing Company. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available for attendees of all ages. The event will also offer live entertainment by the Afro-Latineers and a raffle fea- turing a variety of prizes, including roundtrip tickets on JetBlue and an annual family membership from the Long Island City YMCA! One major change to this year s event is the move to a new location. The 2018 Taste of Sunnyside will be held at the PC Richard parking lot at 50-02 Queens Boulevard, just a short walk from the 7 train at 46th or 52nd Street. Sunnyside Shines Executive Director expressed excitement over the move: Our partnership with PC Richard is allowing us more space to spread out for this event, including the creation of an outdoor beer garden where our attendees can relax. It also gives our restaurants more flexibility to prepare food onsite, which in turn enhances the range of restaurants and cuisines that have decided to participate. Tickets and the full list of participating food and beverage providers are now available at www.tasteofsunnyside.com. Eaters who want to beat the crowds can receive early entry to the event at 5:30pm by purchasing a VIP ticket for $70. General admission to the event at 6:30pm is $40. Tickets sold out last year, and attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets well in advance.
PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING AT ITS BEST Last week, New York City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer s Participatory Budgeting program was in full swing. Over 7000 community members voted this year - up over 2000 votes from last year. Voters cast ballots online, at LinkNYC Kiosks and at over 30 in-person voting locations throughout the district. In preparation for Participatory Budgeting week, community volunteers have spent months narrowing down the hundreds of submitted projects to the 15 that made it to the ballot. Neighbors voted for projects including technology and auditorium upgrades in schools, street trees, library upgrades, and community garden improvements. This is the fourth year that Council Member Van Bramer funded Participatory Budgeting in his district. In each round, at least $1 million from the Council Member s budget is dedicated to the winning participatory budgeting projects. The winning projects from last week s voting will be announced in the coming weeks. Participatory Budgeting is truly a democratic process, said Council Member Van Bramer. Thousands of residents throughout our district and as young as 11 voted. It s an amazing opportunity for community members to make their voices heard and decide how we spend $1 million. Each of this year s projects are great and would have a positive impact in our neighborhoods. I look forward to announcing the winners and watching the projects come to life! PAGE 5
PAGE 6 LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK - COUNTY OF QUEENS JAMES B. NUTTER & COMPANY, V. JOAN A. ANDERSON; ET. AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated December 22, 2017, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens, wherein JAMES B. NUTTER & COMPANY is the Plaintiff and JOAN A. ANDERSON; ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the QUEENS COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD., COURTROOM #25, JAMAICA, NY 11435, on May 18, 2018 at 10:00AM, premises known as 31-41 55TH STREET, WOODSIDE, NY 11377: Block 1133, Lot 37: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE 2ND WARD, IN THE BOROUGH OF QUEENS, CITY OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF QUEENS AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 707158/2015. Lorraine P. Falco, Esq. - Referee. RAS Boriskin, LLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 106, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. For sale information, please visit www.auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. 4/13/18, 4/20/18, 4/27/ 18, 5/4/18 SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS Notice to Lienors to Appear And Prove Liens Index #7545-2013 JULIANA PENAFORT, Plaintiff, -against- JEANEITE PENAFORT, Defendant To All Creditors not Parties to the Above Entitled Action who Have Liens on the Undivided Share or Interest of any Party: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that each and every person not a party to the above entitled action who, at the daté of the order appointing the undersigned referee to inquire as to creditors, to wit on May 27, 2014 and the second amended order dated December 12, 2017, had a lien upon any undivided share or interest of a party in the property herein described, is hereby required to appear before the undersigned at his office located at 90-35 148 Street, Jamaica, NY 11435 on or before the 26 th day of April, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon to prove such lien and the true amount due by reason thereof. The property herein is described in the complaint as follows: 65-15 38 th Avenue, (Unit) Apt. 3T, Woodside, NY 11377 Dated: March 12, 2018 Jamaica, New York Arthur N. Terranova, Esq., Referee 90-35 148 Street Jamaica, NY 11435 (718) 291-4500 #94619 4/13/18, 4/20/18, 4/27/18, 5/4/18 SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS Plaintiff designates QUEENS as the place of trial situs of the real property SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Mortgaged Premises: 11918 165TH STREET JAMAICA, NY 11434 Block: 12359 Lot: 35INDEX NO. 710063/2017 CIT BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, vs.lawrence L. KIRTON, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JOAN V. KIRTON A/K/A JOAN VALENCIA KIRTON; KAREN D. KIRTON-ORANGE, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JOAN V. KIRTON A/K/A JOAN VALENCIA KIRTON; KENNETH D. KIRTON, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JOAN V. KIRTON A/K/A JOAN VALENCIA KIRTON; any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, JOHN DOE #1' through JOHN DOE #12, the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants. To the above-named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff s Attorney within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York) in the event the United States of America is made a party defendant, the time to answer for the said United States of America shall not expire until (60) days after service of the Summons; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $562,500.00 and interest, recorded on February 5, 2009, at Instrument number CRFN 2009000033916, of the Public Records of QUEENS County, New York, covering premises known as 11918 165TH STREET, JAMAICA, NY 11434. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. QUEENS County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: September 26, 2017 Westbury, New York RAS BORISKIN, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff BY:DANIEL GREENBAUM, ESQ. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 106, Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 4/20/18, 4/27/18, 5/ 4/18, 5/11/18
PAGE 7 RIDGEWOOD DEMOCRATIC CLUB FLEA MARKET SUNDAY MAY 6TH, 9AM - 3PM ST. RAPHAEL S CHURCH HALL 35-20 Greenpoint Ave. (at the L.I.E.), Long Island City. In the event of rain, event will reschedule to following Sunday. For More Information: Phone 718-729-8957 Letters To The Editor The following letters are the opinions of its author and not necessarily those of the Woodside Herald. PARKING LOT TO PARKING LESS Dear Editor, There is probably no community more attuned to the need for affordable housing than Long Island City; however Councilman Costa Constantinides proposal for affordable senior housing on the site of the current municipal parking lot located at 31-07 31st Street is a blow to a community that is already hammered by a lack of parking. No one would oppose the positive intention of the Councilman to respond to a pressing need among the vulnerable population of our aging community residents; yet, the crisis of parking especially in this active shopping; dining and business area would severely shrink the level of commerce and ease of access. The proposed housing project would take away valuable parking space in an area where there is a severe shortage. The effect of thousands of new residents along this corridor; Citibike placement; ongoing construction and cones from filmmaking projects have collectively contributed to this shortage of available parking. Some residents recall the hard fight over thirty-nine years ago to acquire the lot for parking to serve the community. Our esteemed Councilman is a conscientious public servant with a positive intention; however, my neighbors and I are asking that he consider other locations for his proposed project. Sincerely, Dr. Sharon M. Cadiz PROPOSED IDEA Dear Editor, I would like to introduce an idea for our community! I will call it Project Via Verde Queens Blvd. The concept of Via Verde (Green Way) along Queens Boulevard is designed to emulate Project Via Verde Mexico City. In an effort to clean up the air pollution, Mexico City undertook the initiative of turning its 1000 plus columns supporting elevated roads into vertical gardens. In doing so, they have beautified the cityscape while at the same time reduced the stress level of motorists. Project Via Verde Queens Blvd is an idea to create vertical gardens on the pillars that support the 7 train along Queens Blvd running from the 33rd Street Station up to the 46th Street Station. The vertical gardens would be a beautiful way to clean polluted air. The concept will not only transform the aesthetics of our neighborhood, but more importantly, improve air quality as these plants produce oxygen, reduce harmful gases and other air contaminants such as dirt and dust. To prevent damage to the pillars, they would be covered with green walls that are made up of metal framing and a special density felt cloth. The felt cloth is actually a special material made of recycled plastic bottles and is designed specifically for this purpose. He vertical gardens have a hydroponic irrigation system, which absorbs and makes use of rainwater. A project of this scale would require the support of our community and local civic leaders. Together we can make this concept a reality! Happy Earth Day April 22, 2018!! Michael Kilpatrick Sunnyside Be Heard! Submit Letters to the Editor: SSabba@WoodsideHerald.com IS LOCATED AT 43-11 GREENPOINT AVE. SUNNYSIDE All Stories, Letters to the Editor, Photos, etc that are emailed will receive first priority. Anything submitted must have a name and phone number for contact purposes. Skillman Ave between 42nd and 43rd Streets, Sunnyside Saturdays - Winter Hours: 8:00am to 2:00pm FIXUP: at the Greenmarket on the 1st Saturday of Every Month Here s something to make your life easier, and your planet healthier: FIXUP is a small social enterprise founded by theatre artists. This spring, they are working with partners across the city to make it easier to care for your stuff and reduce waste. They fix lamps, chairs, appliances, toys, jewelry, and more. Check out www.fixuprepair.com to find more information about how FIXUP works, what we repair, pricing, and where to find us around the city - including Sunnyside Greenmarket. Please email photos (300dpi when possible) Email All Inquires to SSabba@WoodsideHerald.com or call (718) 729-3772 DEADLINE IS TUESDAY AT 5PM VISIT US ON THE WEB AT WWW.WOODSIDEHERALD.COM
PAGE 8 Friday Night Fever, the 70 s theme to HPCMS annual fundraiser, hopes to raise over $8,000, breaking last year s record. Past proceeds helped benefit the school s library, after-school academics, test preparation and Rising Runners program. The event s success is largely due to local businesses, donating products, services and gift cards for the silent auction. Interested in participating? Contact the PTA to promote your business with a donation for the auction or purchase advance tickets: hpcmspta@gmail.com or (718) 609-3300 Ms. Montalvo.