Addabbo Holds Off Como's Challenge for State Senate Seat

By Eric Yun

A key State Senate seat will stay in Democratic hands as freshman Senator Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) defeated Republican challenger and former City Councilman Anthony Como in the 15th Senate District, which covers most of southern Queens.

Unofficial returns have Addabbo leading by 5,000 votes at 57 to 43 percent. Addabbo thanked his supporters at his election night party at Russo’s on the Bay on Crossbay Boulevard. He noted that there is still plenty of work to be done.

“I’m very thankful to my supporters for their many hours of volunteerism and support,” Addabbo said on Wednesday. “State legislature and government has to make great strides in reaching its full potential and performing for its people. That starts today.”

Meanwhile at Como’s campaign headquarters on Myrtle Avenue, his supporters held on to some hope. The campaign has not conceded the race yet due to “serious discrepancies” Como’s team says it has heard about the numbers from the Board of Elections.

“I’m very proud of the race we ran as a family and as a team,” Como said.

However, given the gap in the numbers, it seems almost certain Addabbo has won his reelection bid. “[Como] is entitled to do it [challenge the outcome] but I don’t know where he’s going to find thousands of votes in discrepancies,” Addabbo said.

On Wednesday, Como didn’t respond to several messages seeking additional comment on his plans to challenge the outcome.

During the course of the campaign, Como attacked Addabbo’s record of taxing and spending, and recently, tied him to the Inspector General’s scathing report criticizing Democratic leadership during last year’s Aqueduct bidding process.

“There are still many unanswered questions concerning the degree of Senator Addabbo's role in the Aqueduct scandal,” said Como in the days leading up to the election, “but it's clear from the Inspector General's report that his involvement demands further scrutiny.”

Addabbo meanwhile defended his record citing free energy audits to help small businesses, pushing the Aqueduct project through to provide more than 2,100 jobs to the community and introducing new legislation, including campaign finance laws, in an effort to make Albany more transparent.

The 15th Senate District covers Glendale, Hamilton Beach, Howard Beach, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ridgewood, Woodhaven, Kew Gardens, Rego Park, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, Ozone Park and parts of Elmhurst and Forest Hills.

In other area State Senate contests, incumbent Democrat Toby Ann Stavisky (D- Whitestone), who represents parts of Forest Hills, easily defeated her challenger, while Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica) ran unopposed. In one of the night’s major surprises, former Democratic City Councilman Tony Avella (D-Bayside) beat longtime Republican incumbent Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose) by six percentage points.

Dems Sweep Local Assembly Races

By Eric Yun

Democratic incumbents ruled the day in the area’s State Assembly races.

Freshman Assemblyman Mike Miller (D- Woodhaven) defeated Republican community activist Donna Marie Caltabiano in the 38th District by 38 points. The district covers Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, Ozone Park, Maspeth, Glendale, Ridgewood and Middle Village.

“I appreciate the support of the people in my district,” Miller said. “They recognized the hard work that I have done for them. Now we can move forward and continue to getting things done.”

Miller was initially elected last year after defeating Caltabiano during a special election to replace disgraced former Assemblyman Anthony Seminerio.

Caltabiano has worked for years with Community Board 9, Community Education Council 27 and is the Executive Director of the Forest Parks Senior Citizens Center. She was disappointed about the loss, but she promised to continue working to better the community.

In the 23rd Assembly District, longtime Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D- Ozone Park) defeated challenger Harold Paez by 34 points. Pheffer has represented the district, which covers Howard Beach, Ozone Park and Far Rockaway, since 1987.

“I feel very good because not only did I escape the anti-incumbent movement, I did very well,” said Pheffer. “The best feeling is that people are happy with the job I’m doing and they came out in overwhelming support of me.”

Pheffer says she feels slightly confused about the outcome of some races and admits she has concerns over the loss of Democratic control in the House. “I look forward to working in what looks like it will be a very interesting and complicated political climate.”

In the 28th Assembly District covering Forest Hills, Rego Park, Middle Village and Glendale, Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills) defeated newcomer Alex Powietrzynski by 13 points.

“I’m humbled and honored by your continued support and will continue to fight
hard for our community,” Hevesi wrote to his supporters on Facebook.

Powietrzynski, a recent law student graduate, appears to have a bright political future ahead of him after his stronger than expected showing.

In the 30th Assembly District, Marge Markey (D-Maspeth) held of Republican challenger Tony Nunziato for the second straight election season by 20 points. The district covers all or parts of Maspeth, Woodside, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Sunnyside, Middle Village and Astoria.

“I really want to thank every resident who came out and voted for me. I am especially pleased with the overwhelming support Maspeth and Middle Village gave me in this race,” said Nunziato in defeat. And, on the day after the election, Nunziato says he is looking forward to continuing on with his many civic projects and is gearing up to launch a successful campaign for the seat in 2012.

And in Assembly District 37 covering parts of Sunnyside, Ridgewood, Astoria, Wood- side, Long Island City, Maspeth, Ravenswood and Blissville, Catherine Nolan (D-Sunnyside) defeated actor John Wilson by 68 points.

Officials Break Ground at Aqueduct: Construction Set to Begin at Ozone Park Racetrack

By Eric Yun

In roughly six months, Genting New York will open Resorts World New York at Aqueduct Racetrack in Ozone Park, marking the end of the drawn-out soap opera to open a racino. Genting officials and politicians gathered in the racetrack’s clubhouse on Thursday for a groundbreaking ceremony.

Genting is a subsidiary of Genting Malaysia Berhad, one of the world’s largest resorts and tourism companies. It owns Norwegian Cruise Lines and own Asia’s largest casino. This will be the company’s first venture in the United States, but Genting President Michael Speller vowed to make it a showcase.

Finding a vendor to operate the racino at Aqueduct was not an easy process, something Lottery Director Gordon Medenica acknowledged by kicking off the ceremony by quoting singer Jerry Garcia: “What a long strange trip it’s been.”

That trip started in 2001 when video lottery terminals were approved for Aqueduct and other New York racetracks. And the process was strange. In 2008 company Delaware North was selected but could not pay its promised $370 million upfront payment. It became worse the following year when Aqueduct Entertainment Group (AEG) was selected, which sparked cries of favoritism and corruption among state legislators. Inspector General Joseph Fisch recently released a scathing report about the selection of AEG.

But finally, under a new bidding process where Request for Proposals were administered and vetted by New York Lottery, Genting was selected and almost immediately paid its promised $380 million up- front payment.

Governor David Paterson said the new partnership will be a “complete revitalization for Aqueduct and also the community that surrounds it.” Paterson is confident that Aqueduct will create employment and business opportunities for the area and will provide the state revenue to replenish education funding.

Job creation was the biggest issue in the community concerning the Aqueduct project. “Within the last two months, we’ve done a lot of listening in this community,” Speller said, “and one issue has come up time and time again: Queens wants and needs jobs.” Now Genting can offer more than 1,300 construction jobs and more than 800 permanent jobs to the area. For those who feared the construction jobs would go to out of state and non-union workers, Genting signed a labor agreement with Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York at the groundbreaking ceremony.

“This long-awaited project couldn’t come soon enough for the people of Queens, as it will create exactly the right kind of jobs—good-paying, stable and local—that are in such high demand throughout this neighborhood,” said State Senator Joe Addabbo (D- Howard Beach).

Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Ozone Park), who vigorously worked to save Aqueduct and get the racino project started, is thrilled that the long journey is over, and she looks forward to working with Genting. “It’s been a long road, but it was one that is going to prove better, and better then we ever dreamed of,” she said.

City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) said he looks forward to working with the company to ensure that the tradition of horseracing continues in Ozone Park. “Today marks not only a groundbreaking for the new Aqueduct Racino, but also a new beginning for the community,” he said. “Genting’s redevelopment of this site will revitalize the area, create new jobs, and bring millions of dollars in tax revenue to both the city and state.”

Genting has cleared all environmental hurdles, meaning construction can begin “within a matter of days,” according to Medenica.

Ridgewood Historic District Approved by Landmarks Commission

 Mathews Flats Houses Improved Conditions for Working Class

By Eric Yun

For a borough many feel gets overlooked when discussing New York City’s rich history, Queens had its day in the spotlight when the City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) designated multiple properties as historical sites last week.

As a result of last Wednesday’s LPC hearing, the Ridgewood South Historic Designation became a reality, and a hearing date was set to examine a proposal for a central historic district in Ridgewood. Several properties in Jamaica, including the Grace Episcopal Church Memorial Hall, Jamaica Chamber of Commerce Building, the former Jamaica Savings Bank and Queens General Court House, were given landmark status as well.

“These measures build upon the strong record the Commission has established in the past seven years of protecting the architecturally significant buildings and sites that speak to the development and history of Queens,” said Landmarks Chairman Robert Tierney.

The Ridgewood South Historic District comprises 210 buildings and is bordered by Woodward and Onderdonk avenues to the north and south and Catalpa Avenue and Woodbine Street to the east and west. Also included in the area is the St. Matthias Roman Catholic Church complex.

Ridgewood was a farming community until the late 19th Century, but transportation improvements ignited residential and commercial development in the area. Particularly, German Americans moved to Ridgewood to escape overcrowded and unsanitary conditions in the Lower East Side, Bushwick and Williamsburg.

In 1911 and 1912, the G.X. Mathews Company built affordable tenements, known as the Mathews Model Flats in the area which featured two, five-room apartments per floor, with its own bathroom. Architecturally, the buildings were constructed with smooth light-colored brick that still remains today.

It was a good day for Ridgewood, and some hope the designation will help beautify the neighborhood. “It’s always good to recognize the past,” said Vincent Arcuri, Chairman of Community Board 5. “Maybe this will entice more people to fix their properties.”

This is the second historic district for Ridgewood. The Ridgewood North Historic District was approved by the City Council last year. The north district includes 96 buildings along Gates, Fairview, Grandview and Forest avenues and Woodbine and Palmetto streets.

The Ridgewood Central Historic District may not be far behind. Located mostly between Forest Avenue and Fresh Pond Road to the east and west and Madison Street and 71st Avenue to the north and south, the proposed district was calendared, which means a full review of the district for a future vote.

Second Round of JVP Playground Upgrades to Begin

Parks Department unveiled their site plan at last month's Community Board 5 meeting.

After initial upgrades at Juniper Valley Park playground on 74th Street were unveiled this past summer, more changes are planned for the popular Middle Village recreation area.

The City Parks Department is ready to begin the second phase of the project, which was funded by $750,000 from Queens Borough President Helen Marshall. Designed for kids 5 to 12 years old, the playground will maintain the wetland theme that began during the first phase of the project.

“Feedback we’re getting in Middle Village is they’re so delighted,” said Dorothy Lewandowski, Queens Parks Commissioner, about the first phase of the project.

The second phase of the project will install a spray shower and bigger equipment for the older children—the first phase was intended for toddlers. A third phase is planned for the playground, but it has not received funding.

The Parks Department is estimates that a contractor will be selected sometime in November and construction will finish next summer.

This Week's Forum South and West

Remembering Jolie Skye Annecco: MS 207 Cuts Ribbon on New Park

By Patricia Adams

Members of the Howard Beach community gathered in large numbers on Friday afternoon at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated playground at P.S. / M.S. 207.

The idea for redoing the playground over came on the heels of the tragic drowning death of 2-year-old, Jolie Skye Annecco in 2007. “I remember the first time we spoke about the idea,” remembers Nina DeBlasio, Parent Coordinator at the school. She said the thought of creating the new playground over came as a result of a discussion she was having with Jolie’s mother, Penny, a few months after the toddler’s accident. “We were just remembering how much she [Jolie] loved to run around the park and go on the swings,” said DeBlasio, “and that it would be wonderful if somehow she would always have a place in the park.”

So after the conversation, DeBlasio and the Anneco family decided to approach Joe Addabbo, the area’s city councilman at the time. “When my daughter passed away we wanted to do something special to mark her memory,” said Joe Anneco. “We went to see Joe and he thought it was a great idea right away.” Addabbo promised to do what he could to secure funding and get the project rolling.

Addabbo secured funding for the park, a hefty $1.7 million dollars, and a community committee was formed to work in conjunction with the city Parks Department. As a result, the project that started as a family’s dream was underway for the entire community’s benefit.

According to DeBlasio, the project was especially rewarding to work on because it was a total team effort. “The committee, and the Parks Department, especially Steve Whitesell, and everyone involved in this worked so closely together that it made the experience that much more wonderful.” DeBlasio credits Addabbo for starting the project and current Councilman Eric Ulrich for seeing it through.

Even students at the school had an actual hand in planning out the park’s design. And on Friday afternoon the smiles and nods of approval put the final seal on the long awaited opening.
Joe Annecco says the feeling about the new park is indescribable. “I can’t even tell you what it’s like. I remember how Jolie loved to come here to pick up her brother and sister. Now she has her own special spot in the place she loved so much.”

And now, the sister that Jolie never knew, 2-year-old Payton, will forever be reminded of her sister while at the park she has come to love the same way. “We always sit on this bench and eat lunch here,” recalls Annecco, standing in front of the memorial plaque and tree planted in memory of Jolie. “We picked this spot to sit in all the time and never knew this would be where they would put the plaque and the tree.”

Then Joe Annecco smiles, “I guess that’s a sign.”

The Last Word

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EDITORIAL: Peering Into The Crystal Ball

On Tuesday, November 2, our readers will again have an opportunity to elect officials they feel will be best suited to run their communities. But will they come out and vote and will they take the steps necessary to secure the best for their districts on a state, federal and city level? That remains to be seen; however, if history is any indicator, many will miss their chance at the polls.

This week, The Forum predicts what we feel the outcome of these races will be. Remember that the most important thing you can do for your community is to make your voice count. In other words, get out and vote. Speak up before you have something to complain about. In other words, get out and vote. That’s the way things get done around here and everywhere else. In other words, get out and vote.

Having said all that, we took out the Halloween crystal ball to look at each of the races and here’s what we saw:

In the race for the US Congressional seat in the 9th District between incumbent Democrat Anthony Weiner and Republican Bob Turner, the handwriting is on the wall. Mr. Weiner is going back to Washington, hopefully with a little more focus on his current constituency rather then his aspirations to be the man who would be mayor. First-time challenger Bob Turner has proven to be a nice guy with good intentions but having run without any demonstrated support from Republican party leaders, we don’t see Bob as having enough fuel for the ride down to D.C. Here we think will be one of the widest victory margins in local races with Weiner in a 15-20 point trouncing.

The seat in the 15th Senate district currently held by Democrat Joe Addabbo is being challenged by former Republican City Councilman Anthony Como and has shaped up to be one of the most heated in the local mix. There are so many things that have been thrown into this soup; it’s clearly the race we see as the most difficult to call. But when the smoke clears, freshman Sen. Addabbo will still be driving north on I-95 after Tuesday, having eeked out a dangerously close margin of victory over Como.

Our readership is looking at three State Assembly races beginning in the 32nd district where 23-year- incumbant Democratic Assembly member Audrey Pheffer is facing off against Republican opponent Harold Paez. This ball does not have to be crystal to see that Pheffer will return on the road to Albany—in fact that will probably be the case until she is eventually seated in her rightful place—on the throne at Queens Borough Hall. Pheffer clobbers Paez.

In the 38th A.D we have incumbent Mike Miller running against Republican challenger Donna Marie Caltabiano. While Miller could have fallen prey to the general “Democrat/Incumbent” discontent, we don’t think there is sufficient bubbling in the cauldron to disturb the status quo here. Miller by 15-20 points.

Finally in the 30th Assembly District, where 11-year-incumbant Democrat Marge Markey will face off for the second time against Republican challenger Anthony Nunziato we see a special opportunity for voters there. They have the chance to demonstrate that it is time to end the free-ride of Marge Markey and stamp out of their district they very personification of “throw the bums out.” We do not make this statement lightly. Marge Markey has repeatedly displayed that she is concerned with nothing more than satisfying the needs and orders of party officials. She is a master at grandstanding and attempting to misrepresent every critical situation that comes into play. She is a no-show of the highest order. Even if Nunziato just drives back and forth to Albany, the constituency will be way ahead of the game. We are abstaining from a prediction here. We’ll just say a prayer for the district that there is some divine intervention in this race. Heaven help Maspeth!

All in all, we once again encourage our readers to remember that you can use your power to vote on Tues- day and contribute to making an all important contribution to our community. With so much at stake, we owe it to ourselves and to each other to really take a hard look at the candidates. Educate yourselves and trust your instincts.

Alert Bus Driver Rescues Wandering Child

A wandering two-year-old child in Ridgewood was rescued from the street when an alert city bus driver picked him up. William Allen, an MTA bus driver for 12 years, was starting his morning shift near 60th Street and Putnam Avenue in Ridgewood Friday when he spotted the child in the street wearing only his underwear.

Allen put the child in his warm bus and called police.

“I mean, I just did what anybody else would do,” Allen told New York 1. “You see a small child on the street like that, anybody’ll jump and take charge of that, for sure.”

Police searched the area and found a house with its door open and a one-year-old child asleep in his crib. There was nobody else in the house.

Neighbors told CBS New York that this is not the first time the children have been left unattended.

Police said the father believed the children’s mother should have been at the house. The search is still continuing for the mother, and the children are in the care of children’s services.

Inspector General Slams Aqueduct Bidding Process

By Eric Yun

From the moment Aqueduct Entertainment Group (AEG) was selected to run video lot- tery terminals (VLTs) at Aqueduct racetrack in January, there were suspicions of foul play - so much so that the Inspector General’s office open an investigation into the bidding process. The Inspector General’s 308-page report, released last Thursday, characterized the bidding process as a “political free-for-all” and ruled that AEG should have been disqualified from the start.

“This process was doomed from the start, and at each turn, our state leaders abdicated their public duty, failed to impose ethical restraints and focused on political gain at the cost of millions to New Yorkers,” said Inspector General Joseph Fisch. “Unfortunately, and shamefully, consideration of what was in the public’s best interest, rather than the political interest of the decision makers, was a matter of militant indifference to them.”

The bidding process for a vendor to rede-elop Aqueduct was established in 2008 by then Governor Eliot Spitzer, Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. Lobbying restrictions were removed, allowing campaign cash to flow to the decision makers. The Inspector General found that more than $100,000 in campaign donations was given to various legislators from lobbyists representing the six bidders.

The report showed ineptitude and possible corruption from state legislators and executives. Among the Inspector General’s findings were that Governor Paterson’s office ignored key advice warning against the selection of AEG; Senate leaders leaked bid analyses to AEG giving them an unfair advantage; Senator John Sampson pressured AEG to include a New York City contractor before he would select AEG as the winner; Senator Malcolm Smith recused himself from the process, but still advocated for AEG; Assembly Speaker Silver did not actively participate in the process even though he believed AEG was not the best choice.

The problems with AEG started at the very beginning. There were serious questions raised about leadership within the company. During the previous 2009 bidding process for Aqueduct, Capital Play, led by Karl O’Farrell, had serious licensing issues. The Division of the Lottery found that O’Farrell voluntarily surrendered his bookmaking license in Australia because of legal issues. Based on these facts, Capital Play removed O’Farrell as its chairman.

O’Farrell returned in 2010 as a consultant to AEG, although testimony showed he was much more involved in the bidding process. Another issue was AEG’s chairman Richard Mays, a former Arkansas judge with close ties to President Bill Clinton. The Inspector General found that the inclusion of Mays was “purely political.” There were also concerns about Reverend Floyd Flake’s close relationships with Governor Paterson and Senator Smith.

The Division of the Lottery warned state leaders that AEG might not be licensable because of O’Farrell’s involvement. In August 2009, Lottery officials told state leaders that of the six groups, AEG and Peebles would have licensing issues and should be avoided. These warnings were ignored.

While the harshest criticism was directed at the “three men in a room,” the Inspector General found fault with the political leaders in Aqueduct’s district: Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Ozone Park) and Senator Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach). The two elected officials were in constant contact with lobbyists for the companies, and appear to have ignored important information regarding the proposals.

Pheffer knew about the meetings where Lottery officials cautioned leaders about selecting AEG and Peebles. According to the report, “she deemed those evaluations within the purview of others and chose to focus, apparently exclusively, on the vendors’ relationship with the community.”

Pheffer said she ranked the companies based on how she felt they would interact with the community based on a “gut feeling.” These feelings led Pheffer to favor SL Green, but she was amiable to any company so long as they were willing to work with the community.

While the Inspector General found no fault with a locally elected official focusing on community relations, they criticized the process where a “gut feeling” could outweigh objective financial analyses.

Similarly to Pheffer, Addabbo focused primarily on community issues. Senate leaders asked Addabbo for his input because of Aqueduct was within his district. Addabbo testified that he was willing to work with any company and maintained his neutrality because it was vital that the project begin. When Addabbo met with Senate Leaders, he focused on his constituent’s frustration with the bidding process, and the need to get something started.

However, there were questions raised about Addabbo’s neutrality. Pheffer testified that he remained neutral throughout the process, but Senator Adams testified Addabbo gave him a ranking, which ranked Wynn first, followed by SL Green and AEG.

If Addabbo did express a ranking, the Inspector General found it was not based on objective analysis. Testifying just several months after AEG’s selection, Addabbo could not recall specific details about individual bids, and he testified that he merely “glanced” at information given to him regarding various executives’ analyses of the proposals.

Addabbo emphasized to The Forum that his responsibility to his constituents was to get the process started. “We always questioned the process that was created during the Pataki Administration,” Addabbo said. “I had to work with the process given to me. I spoke with all the bidders, and they were all people I could work with.” Confident that each company could work with the community and provide jobs, Addabbo said he focused less on other analyses and worked to get the process finished.

With the latest selection of Genting, which followed a more regimented request for proposals vetted by the Division of the Lottery, Addabbo said it was “time to move forward.” The new process worked, and Addabbo is “very happy to provide jobs and save the racetrack at Aqueduct.”

Another person criticized in the Inspector General’s report was CB 10 Chair Betty Braton. The Inspector General questioned Braton’s close relationship with AEG’s O’Farrell.

While CB 10 maintained neutrality on the bidders, Braton preferred AEG and frequently communicated with O’Farrell. The Inspector General found that the two shared sensitive documents, and Braton updated O’Farrell on meetings and her views on local newspaper articles about Aqueduct. At one point, O’Farrell e-mailed other AEG officials and wrote, “Betty and Donna [Gilmartin, a Community Board member] will work on Addabbo and Audrey [Pheffer] for us.”

The Inspector General concluded, that Braton’s actions were just another example of a flawed process decided “through private conversations rather than objective assessment."

Braton countered that she did nothing wrong, and merely talked with O’Farrell because he loved to gossip. She argued she did not distribute any confidential information, and she even testified that O’Farrell’s involvement with AEG had caused CB 10 members to prefer SL Green.

“Community Board 10 took no position in favor of any of the proposals,” Braton said. “We indicated from the start of the process to the end that we will work with whoever got selected.”

As for her personal preference for AEG, Braton would not comment on the decision. However, she noted that her personal preference played no role in AEG’s selection. “I had no conversations with any of the three people making the decision. There was no action on my part to influence their decisions,” Braton said.

The Inspector General’s report shined a light at backroom Albany dealings and possible corruption. It recommends that the “three men in a room” process never be used again for important state contracts. Criminal charges may be filed since it has been forwarded to the US Attorney General’s office, the New York County District Attorney and the New York State Commission on Public Integrity.

This Week's Forum South and West

Searching for a Match: STARS Hosts Bone Marrow Drive

By Eric Yun

Philip Felice is depending on the kindness of strangers to save his life. In 2007, he was diagnosed with lymphoma and was successfully treated through a combination of chemotherapy and stem cell transplants. Unfortunately, in February Philip’s lymphoma returned, and his only hope for survival might be a bone marrow transplant from a stranger.

Blood cancers like lymphoma affect over 100,000 people a year, according to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The society estimates that 54,020 people in the United States will die because of blood cancers.

A stem cell transplant is an important treatment for those suffering from blood cancers like Philip’s. The procedure helps restore the patient’s marrow, which can become damaged because of the disease and radiation treatment. Finding a tissue match for a bone marrow transplant is difficult; siblings only have a 25 percent chance of becoming a donor.

The largest bone marrow center in the world, DKMS, hopes to save thousands of lives by bringing awareness and registering people as bone marrow donors. To date, DKMS has recruited more than 2 million bone marrow donors.

With the help of DKMS, Frances Scarantino, director of Howard Beach’s Reach for the STARS, held a bone marrow drive to save Philip and others lives.

“I was contacted by the Borough President’s office [about the program], and I was more than happy to donate the space and volunteer,” Scarantino said.

Phillip’s wife Theresa has been working endlessly to get bone marrow donors. While she obviously would love to find a match for her husband, “It’s not just for Philip,” she said. The drive at Howard Beach was the sixth drive she’s attended. On Columbus Day, Theresa was on the streets of Manhattan during the parade and recruited more than 90 donors.

Theresa believes if people were more educated about the transplant process, they would be more willing to register as donors. “People are afraid of needles, but it’s a simple blood transfusion now,” she said. Instead of the old process of extracting cells from the pelvic bone, bone marrow can now be ex- tracted from a blood transfer. Patients take pills before the extraction to increase their blood cell count and blood is taken in a simple outpatient procedure.

Residents of Howard Beach were more then happy to help out. “If I can help someone I will,” Lance Oseff said.

William Montalvo has wanted to register as a donor for some time. “My wife’s coworker needed one [a bone marrow transplant] as well, and he was successful,” Montalvo said.

Philip and Theresa have been taken back by the kindness and compassion showed by strangers.
“If I don’t make it, I’ve made a whole lot of new friends,” Philip said.

To register as a bone marrow donor or to make a financial contribution to DKMS, visit dkmsamericas.org.

Addabbo Helps "Feed The Children"

By Eric Yun

Many families are going hungry because of the economic downturn. The unemployment rate in Queens is 8.6 percent, and according to 2008 statistics, 12 percent of Queens residents live in poverty. Children and senior citizens are the most affected; 16.7 percent of people under 18 live in poverty and 12.8 percent of people over 65 live in poverty.

Feed The Children is a non-profit organization that delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to those in need due to famine, war, poverty or natural disaster.

As part of Feed The Children’s Americans Feeding Americans Caravan, families in need receive food and other essentials. Each family was given a 25-pound box of food, a 10- pound box of personal care items such as toothbrushes and soap and a box of Avon products.

Dawn Puricelli, Head of Product Line Control with Avon North America, said the Avon boxes were provided to help empower women and give them self-confidence.

For the New York City events, Feed The Children teamed up with Rep. Charles Rangel and distributed boxes for 2,800 families in Harlem. In Queens, Senator Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) hosted the event to help 1,200 families at the George Seuffert Sr. Band Shell.

Addabbo worked closely with local food pantries and soup kitchens like the Ridgewood Older Adult Center and the Elohim Community Development Center in Richmond Hill to identify families in need and distribute the 1,200 vouchers needed to receive food from the event.

Tony Sellars, Director of Communications at Feed The Children, said it was essential that local agencies work as the “foot soldiers” to identify those in need. The local agencies have an intimate knowledge of the area, allowing them to eliminate the guesswork of who should receive support.

Sellars stressed that hunger is not confined to just one region or ethnicity. Hunger is a “border to border and coast to coast” problem. “It’s up to us as individuals and as a community to help,” said Sellars.

According to Addabbo, there has been a 106 percent increase in meals served since 2006, and there are more than 80,000 households unable to get food. Addabbo said he was glad to sponsor the event to “raise awareness of people in need,” and to “do what we can to help people.”

Raising awareness to the hunger problem is one of the major philosophies of Feed The Children. There is often shame associated with living in poverty, and Sellars and Addabbo want those in need to understand it is okay to ask for help.

There were volunteers from many local areas including students from P.S. 254 in Richmond Hill. The kids helped hand out boxes to the families in need.

“We were talking about giving back to the community,” said Naomi Drouillard, Principal of P.S. 254. “We wanted the children to experience giving back. It’s something they’ll never forget.”

Including the New York City event, Feed The Children has helped close to 160,000 families in need throughout the country. The goal by the end of the year is to feed 200,000 families.

Slater Reaches Deal in JetBlue Criminal Charges

Steven Slater, the flight attendant who gained widespread attention after quitting his job with JetBlue in dramatic fashion in August, has struck a deal with his former employer that will allow him to avoid jail time.

Slater, who exited JetBlue Flight 1052 through the plane’s emergency escape slide after it landed at JFK Airport, pleaded guilty this week to second-degree criminal mischief. He will also enroll for a minimum of twelve months in the mental health alternative sentencing program. He will also pay the airline $10,000 in restitution.

A flight attendant for JetBlue at the time of the incident, Slater claimed he argued with a passenger before deciding to dramatically exit the plane down the emergency slide. He was later found at his boyfriend’s house in Belle Harbor.

Authorities argue that Slater’s actions could have proved deadly. The emergency escape slide deploys at a force of 3,000 pounds per square inch. If the slide had hit any of the workers below the plane, serious injury or death might have occurred.

The defendant conditionally pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree criminal mischief and attempted forth-degree criminal mischief. He was conditionally sentenced to one to three years of incarceration. However, as part of his plea agreement, Slater will enroll in the District Attorney’s mental health alternative sentencing program and reimburse the estimated cost of replacing or repairing the escape chute, among other expenses.

The Queens Mental Health Court (QMHC) is a special part of the Queens County Supreme Court. It provides a court-supervised program for those arrested in Queens who have mental health-related issues, who need treatment and other services and who choose to participate in the court program instead of having their cases proceed through the regular court process. The program lasts for at least one year after an individual enters a guilty plea in QMHC.

Each QMHC participant is assigned a case manager who prepares an individualized treatment plan and monitors that individual’s participation and progress for the court. The treatment plan may include such things as medication, regular appointments with a psychiatrist and participation in an alcohol or substance abuse treatment program.

If the defendant successfully completes the treatment plan prepared for him, he will be allowed to withdraw his guilty plea to the felony charge and will be sentenced to one year’ probation on the misdemeanor charge.

“I believe that the defendant finally has recognized the seriousness of his actions and is willing to accept responsibility,” said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown. “Under the circumstances, today’s disposition,.. fairly balances the seriousness of the charges against the need for the defendant’s rehabilitation.”

Slater’s guilty plea was not his only problem that day. While he was pleading guilty in court, his partner’s brother, Jonathan Rochelle, allegedly broke into Slater’s Belle Harbor home knowing he would not be home. If convicted, Rochelle faces up to 15 years in prison.

Residents Favor Fancier Options for New Kosciuszko Bridge

By Eric Yun

Queens and Brooklyn residents would prefer the new design of the Kosciuszko Bridge to look amazing and help define their neighborhoods. The state Department of Transportation (DOT) has been working to replace the bridge, which carries traffic over Newtown Creek on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, and in February held public hearings to discuss possible designs.

The DOT recently released the public feedback to the bridge designs, and the cable-stayed option received 53 of the 121 total votes. Coming in second was the through arch design with 37 votes.
The comments the DOT received about the cable-stayed bridge focused on creating an iconic image to New York City’s skyline. “We need a modern look in our city, plus it will be something you can seen from a distance,” one commenter wrote.

Another commenter wrote, “The design looks rich and complements the Newton Creek Water Pollution Control Plant digesters, which are also becoming an attraction.”

However, there are some concerns that the cable-stayed distinctive look does not outweigh potential increased costs. The DOT said all construction costs are similar and the difference is only plus or minus four percent. The cable-stayed design would require replacement cables.

The cost concerns led some residents to gravitate to the through arch design. The bridge is “elegant but a lot less expensive than cable-stayed bridge,” one commenter wrote.

Adam Levine, Director of Public Affairs for the state DOT, said no final decision has been made on the bridge’s design. The decision will likely be made later this year or early next year, and construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2014. The bridge should be finished in 2020.

City to Receive Federal Funds for Storm Cleanup

There are still dangerous hanging limbs, cracked sidewalks and trees to be replanted, but New York City won’t have to worry about restoring the damage from the September 16 tornadoes out of its own pockets. Governor David Paterson announced last Thursday that President Obama declared the city a federal disaster area.

Last month’s storms left thousands without power and knocked down hundreds of trees, especially in Middle Village and Forest Hills where straight-line winds of over 100 miles per hour tore through the neighborhoods. Tornados were also reported near Flushing, parts of Brooklyn and Staten Island.

After the storm, state Office of Emergency Management (OEM) officials conducted a detailed assessment of damages with Federal Emergency Management Agency officials. The assessment led to Paterson declaring parts of the city as a disaster area, and now, the federal government agrees.
“[The assessments] demonstrated a strong need for federal assistance,” said Andrew Feeny, Director of State OEM. “Now, we will work closely with FEMA to ensure that the city and its citizens receive all eligible federal aid.”

The federal disaster designation makes the city eligible for funds from FEMA.
Overall, damage and cleanup estimates from state, federal and local officials totaled over $27 million. The federal disaster designation provides 75 percent reimbursement to the city for the costs of response, debris removal and repairs to public property.

“The storm that spawned two tornadoes wreaked a path of devastation the likes of which New York City hasn’t seen in 25 years,” said Governor Paterson. “I thank the President, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and our Congressional Delegation for ensuring New York receives the assistance it so desperately needs.”

Governor Paterson also requested funds from the Individual Assistance program, which would provide homeowners, renters and businesses relief for private property damage. FEMA has not made a designation on the Individual Assistance program, but additional designations may be made at a later date.

Even without Individual Assistance, FEMA’s help will certainly help the city with its ongo- ing cleanup efforts. Everyone understands that there is still plenty of work to do.

Speaking about the federal funds, Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-Kew Gardens) said, “Providing this much-needed assistance to the city was the right move. We still have more work to do before the mess is finally clean, but this will help.”

This Week's Forum South and West

LynVet Jets Wear Pink in Support of Breast Cancer Research

By Eric Yun

Football isn’t just a game. For the LynVet Youth Football League, the sport teaches young men the values of teamwork and confidence. The league’s motto is “education through athletics,” and on Saturday afternoon, the athletes and coaches from the LynVet Jets came together to raise money for breast cancer research.

Emulating their NFL namesake, the Howard Beach-based LynVet Jets wore pink armbands and socks for Saturday’s game. The Jets didn’t dress up just for show. Pink t-shirts were sold, and a raffle was held for an autographed Joe Namath football.

Coach George Vega has been coaching the Jets for 11 years. He wanted to teach his athletes, ranging from 8 to 12 years old, about breast cancer awareness.

“It’s a good lesson for the kids,” Vega said. “It gets the kids asking why is everyone wearing pink?” The reason NFL teams, and now the LynVet Jets, wear pink is because October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Approximately one in eight women get breast cancer during their lives, and it is the second biggest killer for women with cancer.

There’s a personal link to breast cancer on the team as well. Coach Mike Palmacio’s cousin Josephine Tumminello was diagnosed with breast cancer almost two years ago. The money raised by the team will be donated for Tumminello to Breast Cancer Fund, and she was invited to the field for a ceremonial coin toss.

Palmacio is more than happy to show his support for his cousin, but also all women who are at risk for breast cancer. This was the first time the team decided to wear pink, and the decision looks to have caught on. “Other teams want to get involved,” Palmacio said. He mentioned that all teams in the youth league might wear pink on the last weekend of October.

As for Tumminello, she was happy about the support she received from the team. She lost the coin toss, but Saturday afternoon was a big win for breast cancer awareness.

Aqueduct Development and Liberty Ave Highlight CB 10 Meeting

By Eric Yun

With all the bureaucratic and political hurdles cleared, the community is looking forward to Genting New York operating video lottery terminals at Aqueduct racetrack. At this month’s Community Board 10 meeting, Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer and Patrick Jenkins, community liaison for Genting, talked about the project’s progress and what the community can expect in the coming months.

Pheffer (D-Ozone Park) informed the community that they are not cut off from Aqueduct decisions. There were some fears that since major Aqueduct negotiations were finished, residents would no longer have any say in the final product.

“The community is not out of the loop,” Pheffer said. She urged community members to stay involved and assured them that Betty Braton, Chair of CB 10, and the rest of the community board will have opportunities to discuss Genting’s upcoming plans. One of the first opportunities will be a meeting with State Lottery and New York Racing Association officials to determine the future of the establishment, according to Pheffer.

Jenkins, who was recently hired by Genting for community relations, reminded the community the number of jobs that will be created from the project: approximately 1,300 construction jobs and 800 permanent jobs.

“Genting is committed to operating a full-fledged community business,” Jenkins said. The company is already reviewing some contracts from local businesses for goods and services, and Jenkins said when Genting’s new website launches, there will be an opportunity for business owners to easily offer their services.

Genting paid New York its promised $380 million upfront payment two weeks ago. Jenkins said they paid quickly as a gesture of goodwill to the community. “We’re here to stay. We’re here to be good neighbors. We’re here to do good business,” Jenkins said.

Aqueduct wasn’t the only thing on the com- munity’s mind. There were doubts about New York City Department of Transportation’s (DOT) plans for the Liberty Avenue/Rockaway Boulevard/Cross Bay Boulevard corridor.

The DOT is planning massive renovations to the street to improve pedestrian and vehicle safety, but many board members have concerns about the changes, which include installing a concrete barrier on Cross Bay Boulevard to prevent traffic from entering the street from Liberty Avenue, and converting Liberty Avenue on 93rd Street to one-way travelling eastbound.

There are fears that despite the board’s trepidation, the DOT will no longer listen. Braton warned community members that the DOT public walkthrough might be the last chance for the community to express its frustrations. The walkthrough, scheduled for October 18, will begin at the southwest corner of Cross Bay Boulevard and Liberty Avenue at 3 p.m.