News Of The Neighborhoods
COMPILED BY LIZ GOFF

Million Dollar Dreams

Wannabe contestants braved the strong winds and downpour last weekend to take a chance at being called to participate in a new game show being filmed at the Kaufman Astoria Studios.

Contenders showed up in rain gear on March 7, 8 and 9 to stand in line for a seat in audiences for the taping of "Million Dollar Password", featuring guest host Regis Philbin.

A show spokesperson said the new game show was a creation of the late Merv Griffin--one of the game master's last in-work productions, in fact.

Producers wouldn't reveal when the show is scheduled to hit the airwaves, or which network will air the million-dollar giveaways.

Padavan's Litter Law Now DSNYs Problem

State Senator Frank Padavan announced recently that homeowners plagued with unwanted flyers, menus, circulars and other advertising materials on their property should contact the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) for relief.

Padavan said Mayor Michael Bloomberg last month handed over enforcement of Litter Law offenses to the Sanitation Department. The law, sponsored by Padavan, requires homeowners to post signs indicating they do not want flyers and other materials dropped on their property.

As stated in the law, the signs must be at least five by seven inches, messages must be printed in lettering measuring at least one inch high, and the signs must be posted in a prominent location on property.

Padavan said signs complying with the requirements are available free to homeowners at his Bellerose office, 89-39 Gettysburg St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or his Whitestone office,150-26 14th Ave., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Newspapers, mail, sample and promotional items, along with weekly publications containing small news items are exempt from the Litter Law, Padavan said.

Spring Recycling Event At SJU

On May 3, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Queens residents seeking to rid their homes of broken, outdated or unwanted electronic equipment or used clothing and linens can drop them off at St. John's University, according to the city Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling.

Items such as computers, laptops, monitors, printers and scanners (desktop only), keyboards and mice, TVs, VCRs, DVRs, DVD players, cellphones and gently used clothing and linens should be packed and brought to the St. John's Alumni Hall parking lot at the corner of Utopia Parkway and Union Turnpike in Fresh Meadows. Cars should enter the parking lot at Gate 4 on Union Turnpike and 175th Street.

The recycling event is for New York City residents only, with a limit of five pieces per vehicle. No tax-deduction receipts will be given for dropped-off electronics.

Businesses and institutions should dispose of unwanted electronics through dismantlers and recyclers. For more information, go to www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8788.html.

Sanitation officials ask that all clothing- pants, dresses, shirts, sweaters, shoes, handbags and belts- and linens- blankets, sheets, towels, curtains and tablecloths- be washed and packed in securely tied plastic bags.