News Of The Neighborhoods
Compiled by Liz Goff

Hollis Man Rips Off O'Donnell

Law enforcement sources said a 23- year-old Hollis man bilked former talk show host Rosie O'Donnell out of almost $70,000 by forging checks to himself from one of her production companies.

Ramone Costley was arrested last week for cashing two bogus checks last year. The checks were made out to Costly from O'Donnell's production company, KidRo Productions, for $34,825.43 and $34,725, prosecutors said.

Costly allegedly deposited the checks into his account at a Citibank branch in Manhattan, authorities said. He withdrew $7,550 and used $865 for various, undisclosed purchases, prosecutors said.

O'Donnell staffers never heard of Costly until the forgery was discovered. O'Donnell told investigators Costly had never been employed by the production company.

Costly, a Jamaican-born immigrant and aspiring hip-hop artist, has no prior criminal record. He was held in lieu of $8,000 bail at his arraignment on May 25.

Flushing Town Hall Expanding

Officials at the Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts (FCCA) recently announced plans for expansion of the Flushing Town Hall. Plans for another $20 million capital improvement project include construction of a six-story building dubbed the "Campus of Creativity" in a rear parking lot at Town Hall which would offer an international exchange program, residency program, rehearsal space, an education room, technology room and an open studio. Offices currently located inside Flushing Town Hall will be relocated to the new building, creating additional gallery space within the 112- year-old building.

FCCA officials praised Queens Borough President Helen Marshall for her support of the project, but FCCA Deputy Director Cathy Hung said additional funds will be required to complete the expansion. Hung reminded the public that rental space is available at Flushing Town Hall in the theater, galleries, green room and garden for parties, meetings or recitals.

Flushing Town Hall is located at 137- 35 Northern Boulevard, just minutes from "downtown Flushing." For additional information on the proposed expansion or to review a list of upcoming events go to www.flushingtownhall.org or call 718- 463-7700.

City Plan to Fight Hunger City officials last week announced the establishment of a new site in Queens where those in need may apply online for food stamps or sign up children for the School Meal Program.

Applicants can go to the East River Development Alliance in Long Island City for assistance and access to the online Food Stamp Application process. Parents are urged to visit the Food Stamp Application Web site at www.access.nyc to sign up youngsters for the School Meals Program. The website offers tips on exercise and healthful eating, along with a complete list of available benefits and programs designed to help defeat hunger.