woodside herald 12 9 11

To Advertise E-mail [email protected] or call 718-729-3772

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2011 THE WOODSIDE HERALD PAGE 1

VOL. 77, NO. 49 WOODSIDE, L.I.C., N.Y. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2011 FREE

Photo by Joe Gurrado

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Skillman Ave Holiday Lights

A Very Manton Christmas

Protest Against NewParking Meters In Dutch Kills

Woodside

SERVING SUNNYSIDE-WOODSIDE AND LONG ISLAND CITY

(Continued on Page 2)

On Monday, December 5th, CMVan Bramer was joined by theDutch Kills Civic Association, Community Board One and concernedresidents for a rally and press conference to protest the installation ofnew Muni-Meters on 29th Street in Dutch Kills.

Lack of parking has long plagued the Dutch Kills community. Inthis location in particular, sixty families share just eight publicparking spots on 29th Street between 41st Street and Queens PlazaNorth. Only five of those spots are reserved for cars with City parkingplacards, however, due to abuse of parking placards, nearly all of thespots are taken up by city vehicles, at times illegally.

On Thursday, December 1st,CM Jimmy Van Bramer was joinedby the Sunnyside Chamber of Com-merce, Senator Michael Gianaris,Queen of Angel’s Father BrianDowd and over 200 community

members for a special event kick-ing off the Second Annual SkillmanAvenue Lights. The festive snow-flakes are now hanging from lamp-posts from 43rd to 53rd Streets,which is an expansion of four addi-

tional blocks from last year. In2010, the holiday lights were evendeemed best holiday lights in thecity by the NY Daily News.


On Sunday, December 4th, community members and various local elected leadersparticipated in the Northern Woodside Coalition tree lighting ceremony at the home ofcommunity leaders Rita and John Manton in Woodside.

Photo Credit: Joe Gurrado

Congressman Joe Crowley, District Leader Ellen Raffaele CM Van Bramer, Hosts Rita & JohnManton, Assemblyman DenDekker, Committeewoman Marie Konecko, Councilman Dromm.

Beats The Grinchby Al Volpe

Over 500 Woosiders cel-ebrated WOTM’s 38th Christmastree lighting at Sohncke SquarePark, across from St. Sebastiansthis past Saturday.

There was caroling by thechildrens choruses from P.S. 11,P.S. 152 and St. Sebastians. Greet-ings came from numerous electedofficials who attended-Crowley,Gianaris, DenDekker and Markey.Msgr. Hardiman did blessing ofthe square’s new tree and Coun-cilman Van Bramer proudly lit‘the little tree that did.’

Santa Claus arrived to dis-tribute hundreds of toys to kidswho had already enjoyed cook-ies and hot chocolate contributedby many sponsors.

Congratulations and thanks for allthe hard work to: Woodside On TheMove’s President Heather Strafer,WOTM’s new Executive DirectorAdrian Bordoni and the enthusiasticWOTM staff for an excellent program. (More Photos on Page 8)

Photo Credit: Joe Gurrado

Check Us Out On The Web

WoodsideHerald.com


New, donated Christmas treefrom CM Van Bramer.


FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2011THE WOODSIDE HERALDPAGE 2

43-11 Greenpoint Ave., Sunnyside, NY 11104Telephone (718) 729-3772

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kimberly Clarry, Peter A. Ross, Rob MacKay

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS AND PHOTOGRAPHERSJoe Gurrado, Robert Flanagan

Marlene Sabba ............................................................... Publisher

Sherilyn Jo Sabba ................................................................. Editor

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At the rally, Council Mem-ber Van Bramer called upon theDOT to stop placard abuse inDutch Kills and to enforce re-

(continued from front page)

Protest Against New ParkingMeters In Dutch Kills

sponsible parking. The CouncilMember also expressed concernabout the lack of notificationwhen installing muni-meters.

No local elected officials or com-munity members received anynotice before the installation ofthe meters began. As a responseto this ongoing problem, Coun-cil Member Van Bramer hasproposed legislation that wouldrequire consultation with theCommunity Board beforemeters could be installed.



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President Obama’s StatementOn Payroll Tax Vote

Turkey Trot To Raise AwarenessOf Childhood Obesity

On Thanksgiving morning, over 95 children and 250 family members lined thesidewalks along the Long Island City YMCA for the Inaugural Kids Turkey Trot. The eventspawned when the Long Island City YMCA’s running club embarked on their mission ofgiving back to the community while sharing their passion of running and fitness. On a chillybut beautiful morning, the Turkey Trot awarded trophies to the top 3 boy and girl finishersin 3 divisions: 100 Meter Race for 4 years and under, 400 Meter Race for 5 to 8 years, anda 1 K Race for 9 to 12 years.

To get the young runners warmed up for the various races, the kids and their familieswere treated to a Masala Bhangra workout warmup as well as an invigorating stretch. Afterthe race, CM Jimmy Van Bramer helped announce raffle prize winners and distributedwinners’ trophies. Many local vendors, such MechoShade Systems, Mount Sinai Hospital,Sunnyside Car Service and others, donated sponsorship money as well as raffle prizes to theLIC YMCA Turkey Trot. With the intention of bringing awareness to childhood obesity andthe YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign, the event created a new Thanksgiving tradition for themany families in the borough of Queens.

Senate Republicans have blocked Presi-dent Obama’s plan to extend the payroll taxcut for working Americans. The Presidentreleased this statement following the vote:

“Senate Republicans chose to raise taxeson nearly 160 million hardworking Ameri-cans because they refused to ask a fewhundred thousand millionaires and bil-lionaires to pay their fair share. Theyvoted against a bill that would have not onlyextended the $1,000 tax cut for a typicalfamily, but expanded that tax cut to put anextra $1,500 in their pockets next year, andgiven nearly six million small business own-ers new incentives to expand and hire. That

is unacceptable. It makes absolutely no senseto raise taxes on the middle class at a timewhen so many are still trying to get back ontheir feet.

Now is not the time to put the economyand the security of the middle class at risk.Now is the time to rebuild an economywhere hard work and responsibility pay off,and everybody has a chance to succeed.Now is the time to put country before partyand work together on behalf of the Ameri-can people. And I will continue to urgeCongress to stop playing politics with thesecurity of millions of American familiesand small business owners and get this done.”

Photo Credit: Luke Toland

CM Van Bramer with winners of the 5-8year olds 400 Meter Race.

Girls 4 and under, 100 Meter Race. Start of Boys 9-12 1 K Race.

Boys 4 and under,100 Meter Race.



The lights are made possible asa result of Van Bramer’s $39,500allocation to the Chamber of Com-merce to fund many of theChamber’s programs. Last year,the Council Member’s first in of-fice, marked the first season inover 20 years that Skillman Av-enue had holiday lights.

This year’s lighting ceremonyfeatured a variety of live perfor-mances from world-renownedsinger, Paul Byrom, the SunnysideDrum Corps. and the Queen ofAngels Choir, featuring NicholleBittlingmeyer. Hot cocoa and ci-der were provided by neighbor-hood jewel Aubergine Café. Thegrand finale of the evening camewhen Van Bramer flipped theswitch on the final snowflake light,followed by a surprise visit fromSanta Claus who pulled up to theevent in a police car.

“The energy and spirit at thisyear’s Holiday Lighting celebra-tion were incredible with peopleof all ages coming together tocelebrate the holiday seasons.Skillman Avenue has had anamazing year and this event is afun way to showcase all that ithas to offer. I wish everyone ahealthy and safe holiday season,”said the Councilman.

“This was bigger and betterthan last year. It was outstandingthat we had so many elected offi-cials and talented performers. Any-thing we can do to partner andbring events like this to theSunnyside/Woodside neighbor-hood is always gratifying. My hus-band and I’ve been here since 1988,and this is a high point. It was a realcommunity building event,” saidSunnyside Chamber of CommercePresident Becky Barker.

“We are delighted to be part ofa team of small businesses that arecommitted to enhancing their lo-cal community. Thank you toCouncilman Van Bramer for hissupport in helping us realize ourambitions for the neighborhood,”Catherine Murphy and GaryO’Neil at Aubergine Café.

Special thanks also goes outto Assemblywoman CathyNolan, Lily Gavin, Gary O’Neil& Catherine Murphy, FatherDowd, Becky Barker, RigobertoCardoso, Ira Greenberg, DanGlasser, Jean Clancy, 108th Pre-cinct, Woodbridge Productions,Petrocelli Electric and Vantagewho all helped with the holi-days lights and the celebrationof the event.


Skillman Ave Holiday LightsLily Gavin (Sunnyside Chamber/Dazies Restaurant) and TimChen (Sunnyside Chamber/Quaint Restaurant).

Marie Konecko, Ona Wilson, Luke Adams and Lily Gavin.

Debra and Marie Konecko.

Carolers

Photo Credit: Joe Gurrado(continued from front page)

A Very Manton Christmas

Rev. Josh and Rita Manton.

Congressman Joe Crowley.

Assemblyman DenDekker. CM Jimmy Van Bramer.CM Daniel Dromm.



A Scout is Reverent

AppreciationTuesday evening, Lily Gavin, owner of Dazies Restaurant, was presented with an award

from Macy’s. The award reads ‘With great appreciation for the many years of support andconsideration given to the Macy’s organization.’

Walter Avelin (Dir. Loss Prevention Operations at Macy’s) Lily Gavin (DaziesRestaurant Owner) and Larry F. Sechuk (VP of Loss Prevenion Special Operations &Law Enforcement Outreach at Macy’s).

By Peter A. Ross

“Occupations” have been the thing to dolately and Friday, November 25th was nodifferent at number of houses of worship inthe Astoria/LIC area. The reason for the“invasions” had nothing to do with politics,finance, or even waiting in line for the bestdeals on a laptop or flat screen TV. It hadeverything to do with learning about othercultures, religious practices and how al-though different in a number of ways mostshare a number of basic common beliefs andprecepts. This day saw the Queens CouncilBoy Scouts and Cub Scouts participate inthe annual borough Ten CommandmentsHike the theme of which this year was“Thou Shalt Not Forget”. The event whichis sponsored by the Ecumenical Committeeon Scouting and Youth Ministry of theQueens Federation of Churches was run forthe first time this year by longtime ScouterJohn Sammon with assistance from his plan-ning team which included his wife LynnSammon and Scouter John Harling. Thehikers could not have asked for a better dayas the skies were clear and the weather wasmoderate considering the coming of winter.

The hike/walk ran for approximately 3.5miles and consisted of visits to various housesof worship where at each stop one of the TenCommandments was discussed in a generalway. The walkers also briefly learned aboutthe faith system practiced at each of thechurches, synagogues or mosques visited.This year the participating sites and modera-tors included Immaculate Conception RCChurch (Brother Jason, “Do not use theLord’s name in vain”, “Keeping the Lord’sDay holy”), Grace Evangelical LutheranChurch (Pastor James Klockau, “Do notkill”), Astoria Center of Israel (RabbiJonathan Pearl, “Do not bear false witness”,“Do not commit adultery”), Good ShepherdUnited Methodist Church (Reverend Lee,“Do not worship false gods”), Our Lady ofMount Carmel Church (Monsignor Ogle,

“Honor your mother and father”, “Do notsteal”), Dar Al Dawh Mosque (BadrZahzouhi, “Do not make graven images”),Sts. Catherine & George Greek OrthodoxChurch (Father Ernest Anastasious, “Do notcovet your neighbor’s property”).

The Scouts not only had the opportunityto learn about the Commandment’s and eachfaith practices but also about the wonderfularchitecture and history at each site. TheAstoria Center of Israel was designated astate and nation historic places landmark inlarge part due to murals painted within thesynagogue by Muralist Louis Pierre, whopainted murals in only three places in theUS- this synagogue, the Waldorf-Astoriaand a site in Chicago. Our Lady of MountCarmel RC Church was the first CatholicParish established in Queens and Long Is-land (in 1841 with the building built in1871). At the Good Shepherd MethodistChurch the walkers learned about the sym-bolism in the three large beautiful stainedglass windows there and at Sts. Catherineand George the iconography was a stunningas it was voluminous. Each site had its ownspecial character which the moderatorspointed out during the lectures there.

(continued on Page 7)

Troop 390 Scouts with Pastor JamesKlockau at Grace Lutheran Church.

Troop 390 Scouts with Organizers Johnand Lynn Sammon and Eileen Cuhaj.

Father Ernest Anastasious withfather and son hikers.

Photo Credit: Liz Peterson



Please contact Don McCallian,

President of U.F.C.A. at (718) 392-0416

WANTED!United Forties Civic Association is currently inneed of a Treasurer. Preferably someone with

‘grant review and writing’ experience.

Woodside DemocraticClub Holiday Party

On November 30th, CM Jimmy Van Bramer joined AssemblymemberMichael DenDekker and members of the Wood-Heights DemocraticClub for their annual Holiday Party.

This year, the club also donated food toward Council Member VanBramer’s Holiday Food Drive, which will be distributed to those in needin the community.

Local Government Advocacy

Encouraged For Arts

Holiday Eventsat Flushing Town Hall

THE NUTCRACKERSun, Dec 11th @1:30pm & 4pm

HOLIDAYBOUTIQUE SALESun, Dec 11th @1pm

Get a jump-start on your holiday shopping with one of a kind,Queens and Long Island artists-made gifts

HISTORIC HOLIDAY HOUSE TOURSun, Dec 11th @1pm

Celebrate the holidays with a tour of Flushing’s historic sites.Visitors will have access to all exhibitions at each site, holiday

refreshments and family activities.A HANUKKAHCELEBRATION

Sun, Dec 18th @2pmFor Families: Join singer, songwriter, storyteller Louie Miranda

and his band for a highly interactive performance celebrating the storyof Hanukkah. Come early and make your very own Star of David.

For tickets and more information call the Box Office:(718) 463- 7700, ext. 222.

On November 30th, CMJimmy Van Bramer joined the non-profit arts advocacy organization‘Fractured Atlas’ for a questionand answer session with local art-ists at Topaz Arts in Woodside.As Chair of the Cultural Affairsand Libraries Committee, VanBramer is a longtime advocate ofthe arts and has worked to fosteran environment in his district andacross New York City that bothencourages and supports thrivingartist communities.

“I believe we need a dialoguethat will help shape as well as pro-tect the future of culture and thearts in New York City,” said VanBramer. “The arts, and the artistswho create art, enrich our commu-nities and support our localeconomy. Organizations like Frac-tured Atlas and Topaz Arts provideindispensible services to our city.”

‘Fractured Atlas’ offers sup-port to New York artists and en-courages support for the arts atall levels of government. Topaz

Arts rents studio space inWoodside for artists and offersperformance space to displaytheir work.

“The city’s artists are fortu-nate to have a tireless championin Jimmy Van Bramer. He un-derstands and supports our com-munity at a depth that is rare and

wonderful among public offi-cials,” said Fractured Atlas Ex-ecutive Director Adam Huttler.“We at Fractured Atlas look for-ward to many more years of fruit-ful collaboration around ourshared goal of ensuring that NewYork City remains the culturalcapital of the western world.”

Holiday Safety Tips From Your Local Police PrecinctWith the holiday season upon

us, most people are preoccupiedwith the details of holiday plan-ning and shopping. Unfortunately,the safety precautions we normallytake can be forgotten as the excite-ment of the season causes us to letour guard down. The NYPD wantsthis to be a safe holiday season forall, so we remind you to followthese simple tips. Enjoy the Cityand the season!

Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Criminalsoften target people who are distracted.Whether driving, walking or taking public transportation, planthe trip in advance. Know how to get to your destination by themost direct and safest route.If possible, stay in designated waiting areas or in view of thestation booth clerk while awaiting your train. Never walk orstand near the edge of the subway platform.Travel on populated, well lit streets. If possible, travel witha friend.When driving, keep your doors locked and the windows closed.Make sure the gas tank is full. Maintain your car in goodworking order to avoid breakdowns.Always lock your car. Before getting into your car, check theback seat to make sure no one is hiding there.Avoid leaving valuables in your car. Whenever possible, placeitems out of sight in the trunk of your vehicle prior to reachingyour destination. Never leave packages in the passengercompartment unattended.Plan your purchases in advance and carry only the amount ofcash or number of credit cards necessary to make the purchase.If you must carry a large sum of money, divide the cash betweenyour purse, pockets and wallet.Cancel credit cards you don’t use and keep a record of theaccount numbers for each credit card you possess. This willfacilitate reporting the theft or loss of the cards.Carry your purse close to your body. Place one end of the pursein the palm of your hand and the other in the bend of the elbow.Never wrap the strap around your body.If you are carrying a wallet, carry it in the breast pocket of yourjacket or in your side pants pocket. The rear pants pocket is theeasiest to pick.When in a restaurant, don’t leave your handbag over the back ofyour chair or on the floor. Don’t leave belongings unattended.Don’t wait until you have reached your front door to look foryour keys. Have them ready in your hand. If a stranger isstanding near your door, it may be a good idea not to go in untilthe situation feels safer.Lock your front door immediately upon entering your home.If you live in an apartment building, don’t buzz in someone whorings your bell until you have verified who they are. This willhelp protect both you and your neighbors.If you have elderly family members or neighbors, pleaseremember to check in on them.Remind children to be wary of strangers, including those onthe internet.

Be wary of con artists. Conartists use a number of ploys totrick you and steal yourproperty. Some divert yourattention while another picksyour pocket, some pose asutility workers or as a tradesperson to gain access to theinside of your home, whileothers conduct scams that aremore elaborate involvingseveral con artists.Be wary of telephone and emailsolicitations asking forpersonal information aboutyour accounts, passwords orsocial security number.As a consumer you shouldavoid illegal vendors sellinggoods on the street. Purchasemerchandise only from licensedvendors or reputable stores.Follow your instincts.Remember, “If it seems toogood to be true, it probably is”.

In case of emergency, dial 911 (Non emergency dial, 311) Help us fight terrorism, report suspicious activity to theCOUNTER TERRORISM HOTLINE 1-888-NYC-SAFE (1-888-692-7233)

NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BUREAUCRIME PREVENTION SECTION

PLEASE BERESPONSIBLE,DON’T DRINK

& DRIVE!



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Letters To The EditorThe following letters are the opinions of its authorand not necessarily those of the Woodside Herald.

ALL WELCOMEDear Editor,

All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Sunnyside, NY extends a cordialinvitation to the community to join with us in observance of the Adventand Christmas seasons.

In addition to our regular Sunday services in English and Spanish,there will be special programs of music, prayer and meditation. Theschedule is available at the Church at 43-12 46th Street, tel. 718 784-8031,and will appear in the Woodside Herald. Please give us a gift of yourtime, and a chance to get to know you better. Share in the fellowship. TheEpiscopal Church welcomes you!

Sincerely,Lucy DeFrancescoAll Saints’ Church

HOLIDAY GREETINGSDear Editor,

It is December 3rd and the holidays will be here before we know it.Whatever holiday you celebrate, I hope that everyone has a merry, happyand joyous Hanukkah, Kwanza, Ramadan (belated) and Christmas.

Each of us has the right to worship (or not) as we see fit and I expectmy elected officials to recognize MY right and MY holiday, whichcelebrates the birth of CHRIST. The appropriate greeting for me wouldbe Merry (or Blessed) Christmas (season’s greetings and happy holidaysjust don’t cut it).

So… to all of my elected officials, when you publish your annualmessage to your constituents, why not do something daring, throwcaution to the winds and… dare I say it… be politically correct… andactually wish all of us Christians a Merry Christmas! Remember, I’ll bewatching, and so will other people.

A Merry and Blessed CHRISTmas to all.Frances Kraemer,

Woodside

In all, it was a great way to spend the day in both the outdoors andindoors, even if the hikers may have lost out on the newest electronic gadgetfor $ 10. The event is normally on the Friday after Thanksgiving each year(yes, on “Black Friday”) and is open to all Boy/Cub Scouts, Girl/BrownieScouts and secular and religious youth organizations. Next year’s hike istentatively scheduled to be held in the Middle Village area of Queens. Formore information on this event contact the Queens Federation of Churchesat www.QueensChurches.org or call 718-847-6764.

(continued from page 5)

A Scout is ReverentBy Peter A. Ross

Ten Commandments Hike walkers pose for a photo with RabbiJonathan Pearl and Judy Markowitz at the Astoria Center of Israel.

Please send your Letters to the Editorto

P.O. Box 7097Long Island City, N.Y. 11101 or

simply email them to [email protected]

BE HEARD!

by John Henry Soto

Its 1986 and I am starving. Thesmell of Chinese food mixed inwith melting Styrofoam make mymouth water. After school I al-ways stopped off at Chow GoodWok for some of their special meatby products. I was in my secondyear of a six-month program, whichincluded that latest craze calledcomputers. Although, I was famil-iar with computers, I mean, afterall, I owned a Commodore 64 butthe material was not sinking intomy skull. The place is The SouthBronx. Made famous for theamount of chalk sold for sidewalkoutlining in 1986. My standardorder was pork fried rice andchicken wings. That was the bestproducts of meat in the neighbor-hood. I was never hospitalized fortheir delicate cuisine although, Idid pass out once for 3 hours froma MSG high but that was prettynormal back in those days. Youcan actually get out of going toschool with a note from Mister LeeChow. He owned Chow GoodWok. No teacher, parent or stu-dent who ever ate there would ques-tion your note from Mister LeeChow. Also, no other local fastfood place in the Bronx would takefood stamps. I was hungry andthat’s all I could afford. I remem-ber thinking someday I’ll have realmoney and eat real food. Now Ilive in Sunnyside Queens with mybeautiful wife and daughter. Theair is cleaner. Food is much better.I haven’t seen any chalk outlinessince we moved here! And theSunnysiders are extremelyfriendly. It’s funny but even nowwhen I smell inexpensive Chinesefood it’s 1986 and I’m a kid againin the South Bronx. Looking backit wasn’t so bad.



Christmas Comedy...A Hit In Sunnyside

All Saints’ ChurchEPISCOPAL / ANGLICAN

43-12 46 Street, Sunnyside, NY 11104

Tel: 718 784-8031 / Fax: 718 389-0203

Website: allsaintssunnyside.orgRev. Joseph D. Jerome

Fri. Dec. 9th........Quiet Evening (Spanish) 6PM– 9PMSat. Dec. 10th......Quiet Morning (English) 9AM–NoonFri. Dec. 16th................Holiday Readings 7PM – 9PMSat. Dec. 17th....Children’s Christmas Party 2PM–6PMFri. Dec. 23rd............................Lessons & Carols 8PM


Woodside Beats The Grinch

Msgr. Michael J. Hardiman, Assemblywoman Marge Markey,Senator Gianaris and CM Van Bramer.

Senator Gianaris, Al Volpe, Dem.District Leader John Smyth, JohnO’Donnell, CM Van Bramer,Congressman Crowley, Mrs. Volpeand Barbara Coleman

Oumaya Abi Saab and CM Van Bramer

Joe Kenton (Rep. from CM Van Bramer’s Office) andDon McCallion (Catherine Nolan’s Office)

Barbara Coleman (CB2) and nieces

By Sofia Landon Geier

Unity Stage Company’s FIGGY PUDDING SHORT PLAY FEST,sold out Café Marlene’s intimate cabaret space, introducing the café’smenu and charm to many new patrons. Sunnyside resident PaulSchultz, who is a playwright and lyricist saw the opening nightperformance. Schultz says “Figgy Pudding” was an awesome produc-tion, funny plays and great performances, a lovely demented holidaytreat.” Park Slope resident and long-time Broadway theater buff JeffTrachtman attended Sunday’s show and posted the following on UnityStage Company’s Facebook page. “The amount of talent in that cozybasement venue in Sunnyside puts to shame a lot of things getting moreattention in more commercial venues. Kudos to [the directors], a raft ofbrilliant playwrights and actors for a hilarious and very human eveningof theatrical fun.” The owners of Skillman Avenue’s newest upscaleeatery The Dog and Duck were in stitches during Sunday’s perfor-mance, which was also attended by the owners of Claret Wine Bar. Thecast and crew, which included Sunnyside actor/director Guy Ventoliereand actress Veronica Reyes who made her directorial debut in “FiggyPudding” headed to Claret following the closing performance tocelebrate their brief, successful run.

Actors Imran W. Sheikh andJaike Foley-Schultz.

Photo Credit: Mike Wood

woodside herald 12 9 11

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