Queens Gazette

Queens Jury Appreciation Day

BY DAN MILLER — 11/19/2008

Queens joined other counties across New York state to celebrate Community Juror Appreciation Day on Monday, November 17. "Today in the Central Jury Room we had refreshments put out for the jurors.

Have You Seen This Man?

11/19/2008

Police are asking for the public's assistance in finding Edward Gerena, a 54-yearold Hispanic man, who is missing from his home at 1-04 Astoria Blvd., Astoria within the confines of the 114th Precinct. Gerena has brown eyes, is 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs 130 pounds. While he is known to be in good physical condition, he is reported to be in poor mental condition.

Gazette Calendar Of Events

Calendar compiled by Susan Cleary — 11/19/2008

Thanksgiving Nov. 26, 3 p.m., Dino Rosi in concert; Flushing House, 38- 20 Bowne St. Nov. 27, 9 a.m., LIC YMCA Turkey Trot, suggested donation $10, all proceeds support the Strong Kids Campaign; 718.392.7932, x. 242. Nov. 27, noon-4 p.m.

Gioia To Costco: Accept Food Stamps

BY DAN MILLER — 11/19/2008

As a frigid wind blew leaves and papers into the air on Sunday, November 16, City Councilmember Eric Gioia held a press conference across the street from the Costco store on Vernon Boulevard in Astoria and called on Costco executives to reconsider their decision not to

Bloomberg Succeeds On Willets Pt.

BY JOHN TOSCANO — 11/19/2008

Following a long, hard campaign on several fronts to eliminate an eyesore that had managed to dodge the wrecker's ball for a half century, the Bloomberg mayoral administration is ready to move forward with its plan to breathe new life into the heart of the Flushing/Corona area with a total makeover of Willets Point.

Maloney, Schumer, Clinton Call For Stimulus Package

BY JOHN TOSCANO — 11/19/2008

Citing the continuing economic downturn and little chance that a consumer-led recovery will occur because of high unemployment, soaring prices and personal debt levels, United States Senator Charles Schumer and Congressmember Carolyn Maloney have called for another stimulus package similar to the one initiated by President George W.

Possible Hillary Move To 'State' Post Starts Guessing Game On Her Replacment

11/19/2008

While President-elect Barack Obama wrestles with the possibility of appointing Senator Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State and the Senator considers whether or not she will accept, Governor David Paterson will have to choose her replacement if she takes the diplomatic post.

Vallone Makes Plea To Keep Astoria Houses Center Open

BY JOHN TOSCANO — 11/19/2008

City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. has spoken out against the New York City Housing Authority's plans to shut down the Astoria Houses Community Center, declaring that the facility serves a special role in the community and is slated for a "significant" upgrade.

Gioia Sees 'Disconnect' Between City, People

BY THOMAS COGAN — 11/19/2008

Eric Gioia, 26th district city councilmember, who is already a contender for the office of Public Advocate in the 2009 city elections, spoke to the November luncheon meeting of the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce, held as usual at Dazies Restaurant, on Queens Boulevard near 40th Street.

Board 4 Faces $15 K In Budget Cuts

BY RICHARD GENTILVISO — 11/19/2008

With a mandated cut of 2.5 percent looming, community boards are scrambling to adjust their already limited budget. "It's not good," said Richard Italiano, district manager of Community Board 4. The cut will result in an immediate loss of $5,000 beginning January 1 and going through June 30.

JACKSON AVENUE STEAKHOUSE

11/19/2008

F or an exceptional dining experience right here in Long Island City, you owe it to yourself to visit Jackson Avenue Steakhouse. With houseaged steaks, market fresh seafood and handcrafted martinis, Jackson Avenue Steakhouse will please even the most discerning diner.

Medicare Part D Program 'Changes' Starts; Gioia Talk On Vets' Job Program

11/19/2008

It's that time of year again—the time when seniors can either sign up for the Medicare drug prescription program for the first time or change their existing plan.

Senior Services Expanded At Elmcor

11/19/2008

Assemblymember Jeffrion Aubry, City Councilmember Helen Sears and Victoria Williams executive director of Elmcor, Youth & Adult Activities, Inc., will conduct a grand opening ceremony celebrating the expansion of Lefrak Senior Center at St. Paul's Parish Hall, 98-16 55th Ave., on Friday November 21,11 a.m.

2009 Social Security And Medicare Adjustments

11/19/2008

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you give me a full rundown on the Social Security and Medicare changes for 2009? Planning Ahead Dear Planning: In spite of all the financial turmoil, Uncle Sam has good news for seniors in 2009! Come January, you and more than 50 million other Americans receiving Social Security benefits will get a 5.

Editorial

11/19/2008

To many people it may seem that the grim economic news currently coming at us from all sides signifies the end of the world. It does not. As bleak as the situation may seem, the United States has weathered far worse financial storms.

Much To Be Thankful For

11/19/2008

To The Editor: Even with all of the uncertainty and turmoil in the world, you have so much to be thankful for. Thanksgiving is much more than a day off with a big meal. It's a time to reflect on, and be appreciative of, all of the good things in your life. It's important to be grateful, not just on Thanksgiving, but each and every day.

America Still Amazes

11/19/2008

To The Editor: Turkey and cranberries will soon be on the table in celebration of a great American holiday, Thanksgiving. Within the shadow of our minds are days gone by populated by loved ones no longer at the table. Looking around at those who are, we catch glimpses of the past, hear a whispered phrase, a soft caress and a touching of our soul.

Thanks Her Birth Mother

11/19/2008

To The Editor: Year after year I approach Thanksgiving week a little different than most. Yes, I have plenty to be thankful for, just as many of you do, but the person that I wish to thank most for the life that I have had is unknown to me. You see, 51 years ago during Thanksgiving week I was born to an unwed mother in the state of New York.

Invest Bailout Funds

11/19/2008

To The Editor: The $700 billion bailout might free up credit markets, help banks with bad mortgages, and provide relief to people who are in foreclosure, but it will not fix our economy. The U.S. is in a recession and corporations are not borrowing funds to expand.

Op—Ed

BY FREDERICK SHACK, LMSW — 11/19/2008

For more than 30 years, Urban Pathways has successfully provided supportive housing and other individualized services for homeless and formerly homeless adults, including those with a diagnosed mental illness. During that time, we have helped more than 100,000 men and women move toward stability, independence and recovery.

School Budgets Face Draconian Cuts

BY RICHARD GENTILVISO — 11/19/2008

This week, parents are participating in the time-honored tradition of open school days. Intermediate and junior high schools invited parents on Monday evening and Tuesday afternoon for conferences. Elementary schools are welcoming parents on Wednesday evening and Thursday afternoon.

QSAC Celebrates 30th Anniversary

11/19/2008

On October 23, 420 people gathered at Tavern on the Green in Manhattan to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Quality Services for the Autistic Community (QSAC).

Drunken Driver Kills Two In Astoria Crash

BY LIZ GOFF — 11/19/2008

Family and friends of two women killed last weekend in a horrific DWI crash in Astoria are trying to cope with their loss as they vent anger over a system that freed a murder suspect to kill again.

LIC H.S. JROTC Visits EHC Kids For Halloween

11/19/2008

On October 29, members of the Long Island City H. S. Junior ROTC (JROTC) Program came to Elmhurst Hospital Center to distribute Halloween toys and treats to the medical facility's youngest patients.

Waterfront Community At Hunters Point South Adds More Housing

BY JOHN TOSCANO — 11/19/2008

Passage of the Willets Point project hogged the headlines last week, but the City Council also approved the Hunters Point South development project in Long Island City, which will create 5,000 housing units for middle-income families. Most of the units will be affordable housing.

Crystal Windows Marks China Sales, Production 1st Year

11/19/2008

Crystal Window & Door Systems, an award winning fenestration manufacturer, recently marked the first year anniversary of its pilot production and sales operation in Suzhou, China. The pilot facility is pioneering the production of various fenestration products and their sale and distribution to the expanding domestic Chinese market.

Mobile Banking Center Visits Assisted Living Facility

11/19/2008

Ridgewood Savings Bank announced the expansion of its successful "mobile banking" concept by bringing its full-service Mobile Banking Center to the doorstep of Brandywine Assisted Living at the Savoy, an assisted living facility in Little Neck.

GAHOA To Hold 19th Thanksgiving Day Lunch

11/19/2008

The Greek American Homeowners Association's (GAHOA) 19th annual Thanksgiving Day lunch will take place on Thursday, November 27 from noon to 4 p.m. at GAHOA headquarters, 23-49th 31st St. The traditional Thanksgiving fare to be offered includes rice, sweet potatoes, rolls, salads, and certainly turkey.

Marsala Museum Has Greek Artifacts

11/19/2008

The Archaeological Museum of "Baglio Anselmi" in Marsala, Sicily houses the wreck of a Punic ship discovered in 1971. Ancient Lilybaeum, today's modern Marsala, was the only major city of Sicily that was not completely Hellenized.

Queens Theatre In The Park Presents Maureen McGovern

11/19/2008

For one performance only on Saturday, November 29 at 8 p.m. Maureen McGovern's 'A Long and Winding Road' is sponsored by Astoria Federal Savings. Tickets are $40 (Seniors $38 - Students $20) and are available at the Queens Theatre in the Park box office at 718-760-0064 - Tuesday through Saturday from Noon until 6 p.m., or online at www.queenstheatre.org. Also visit the website for directions, additional performance information or to add your name to the Theatre's mailing list and/or join its e-mail club.

Andrea Dimech, John Diamantis Wed

11/19/2008

Andrea Laura Dimech of College Point and John Constantine Diamantis of Mt. Pocono, Pennsylvania, were married Nov. 2, 2008 at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, Whitestone.

APAC Finds New Home At Good Shepherd UM Church

BY GEORGINA YOUNG-ELLIS — 11/19/2008

The Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC) has found a new home at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church at 30-44 Crescent St. after operating out of the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens for the last two years.

Kiwanis Kicks Off Annual Food Drive

11/19/2008

The Kiwanis Club of Astoria-Long Island City launched its annual Community Food Collection and Giveaway Drive at Washington Mutual on Monday, November 10. In attendance, were Kiwanis President Paul Vallone, Immediate Past President Tony Siano and Board Members Paul Halvatzis, William Dionisio and Michael Serao, Washington Mutual assistant vice president.

The Pulpit

Compiled by Susan Cleary — 11/19/2008

All Nations Baptist: •Sunday, 2:30-5:30 p.m., for three months, free English classes which have already begun, registration required, limited space; 718.296.2025. **** All Saints': •Nov. 22, Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Rummage sale, many bargains, reasonable rates for refreshments.

Kindergarten Children With Disabilities Information Fair Nov. 20 & 24

11/19/2008

The New York City Department of Education (DOE) will be holding information fairs for families of pre-school children with disabilities who are entering kindergarten in the fall of 2009. The Queens information fair will be held November 20, and covers Districts 25, 26, 28, 29. It will be held at I.S. 25, 34-65 192nd St., Flushing, and on November 24 at P.S. 46.

Borough-Wide Blotter

COMPILED BY LIZ GOFF — 11/19/2008

109th Precinct Cops Bust $30M Sports Betting Ring Nassau County detectives last week raided the College Point wire room of a sports betting ring that raked in more than $30 million over the last five years, authorities said.

Violence Erupts At Bayside Party Bus Site

11/19/2008

A Bayside H.S. student remains in a medically induced coma this week after a birthday party for a classmate turned violent, police said. Dimitri Arvanitogainnis, 19, had been at a birthday bash on a rented party bus when another partygoer was tossed off for smoking. The smoker and two of his buddies got off the bus and jumped into a Honda parked nearby, police said.

Have You Seen This Man?

11/19/2008

Cops Seek Tips In Attempted Child Abduction

11/19/2008

Police at the 114th Precinct are seeking help from the public to identify and locate a male suspect who they said tried to abduct an eightyear old girl from a Long Island City street corner on November 17.

Garden School Lady Griffins Win Home Season Opener

11/19/2008

On Monday, November 17, the Garden School Lady Griffins varsity basketball squad, hailing from Jackson Heights, opened up the 2008-09 campaign with an impressive 34-11 victory against Lycee Francais de New York (LFNY) from Manhattan. Both ball clubs struggled offensively in the first stanza, with the Queens team holding a small advantage of 4-0.

Mets' Wright Gets Second Silver Slugger Award

11/19/2008

New York Mets third baseman David Wright, who set career highs with 33 home runs, 124 RBI and 115 runs scored last year, captured his second consecutive Silver Slugger Award, the Hillerich & Bradsby Co. announced November 13. The award is voted on by National League managers and coaches.

YMCA Leagues

11/19/2008

St John�s Defeats LIU, 73-63 in Season Opener

11/19/2008

St. John�s began its season on a winning note on Friday, November 14, opening the renovated Carnesecca Arena in Queens by topping their cross-borough rival, LIU 73-63, in a non-conference game for both teams.