Queens Gazette

DA's Office Holds Toy Drive

12/31/2008

The annual Yuletide toy drive by the Office of Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown has resulted in the donation of several hundred toys that will be distributed to needy children. The toy drive began after the Thanksgiving holiday with collection boxes placed in corridors at three office sites: 125-01 and 120-55 Queens Blvd. and 80-02 Kew Gardens Rd.

Gazette Calendar Of Events

Calendar compiled by Susan Cleary — 12/31/2008

Community Meetings Associations Jan. 8, 2009, Feb. 12, Mar. 12, Apr. 9, May 14, Jun. 11, 7 p.m., United Forties Civic Association; St. Theresa,Parish Center, Rectory Basement, 50-22 45th St., Woodside; 718.392.0416. Jan. 21, 8 p.m.

Good And Bad News For Mayor As Re-Election Bid Gets Closer

12/31/2008

Perhaps it was the holiday season or the strong opposition to his plan to streamline senior centers, which might have made such a move politically risky. Whatever the reason, Mayor Michael Bloomberg last week backed down from the proposal which had created much heat from the City Council, political opponents and senior advocates.

Vallone Visits Ansob Center

12/31/2008

City Councilmember Peter F. Vallone Jr. recently stopped in at the Ansob Center on Steinway Street and spoke to a class of immigrants hailing from Morocco to Serbia, and wished them well. The Ansob Center helps provide teaching and services to immigrants and refugees. Last year, Vallone secured $17,500 in funding for the organization. He is shown with students at the Ansob Center.

Ridgewood Eats... GREAT FOOD DONE RIGHT

12/31/2008

t he motto of Ridgewood Eats exclaims, "Great food done right". Nothing could be truer at this bustling little eatery in Ridgewood. Owners John, Chris and Spiro work tirelessly to maintain the high quality of the food served and the sparkling clean interior.

Shopping For A Medicare Drug Plan

12/31/2008

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you offer some tips for finding a new Medicare prescription drug plan? I have been using the same Medicare "Part D" plan for three years now but my pharmacist recently told me I needed to shop

Look Back, But Move Forward At New Year

12/31/2008

"'This is a day of new beginnings/Time to remember, and move on,' runs a hymn frequently sung at church services this time of year. It strikes us as appropriate to our entire situation." This was the opening sentence of the last editorial we wrote in 2000.

Redefine 'Disability'

12/31/2008

To The Editor: Sometimes I think there is a digressive unit within the Pentagon charged with dreaming up regulations designed to aggravate our military forces and veterans. In March 2008 the Pentagon issued a change in regulations significantly narrowing the definition of combat disabilities.

End Federal Reserve

12/31/2008

To The Editor: Most Americans think it is Congress that creates money and regulates monetary policy. In fact, it is the Federal Reserve Bank and its bankers that create and play "Monopoly" with our money, set interest rates [and] grant loans and bailouts to other bankers.

Fare Hike Hurts Elderly

12/31/2008

To The Editor: Tucked into the budget that the MTA board approved on December 17 are details that the Queens public should ponder in the weeks ahead as New York Transit prepares to put into effect the draconian cuts ordered by its parent agency.

Just Asking, Caroline

12/31/2008

To The Editor: In a country whose very creation is attributed to a distaste for divine monarchies and aristocracies, and whose history supports the idea that no person is entitled to preference by virtue of birthright, it is not surprising that the efforts of Caroline Kennedy to be appointed to Hillary Clinton's soon-to-be vacant Senate seat have caused some annoyance.

Practice Makes Perfect

12/31/2008

To The Editor: The accuracy with which the shoes were thrown at President Bush suggests that his attacker spent a lot of time practicing. And on another note: Caroline For President? I think that Caroline Kennedy's ambition won't end in the Senate.

Monserrate Should Quit

12/31/2008

To The Editor: I found it rather disturbing that another politician is in trouble with the law. Councilman/ [state] Senator-elect Hiram Monserrate was arrested for allegedly assaulting and cutting his girlfriend, Karla Giraldo. She was assaulted with a broken glass and suffered a wound over her left eye and needed 20 stitches.

Weight-Based Fee Is Better Than Bridge Tolls

BY CITY COMPTROLLER WILLIAM C. THOMPSON JR. — 12/31/2008

The importance of finding a solution to the region's transit budget shortfall took on new urgency yesterday as the MTA approved a 23 percent fare hike and massive service cuts.

TD Bank Donates $25,000 To Food Bank For New York City

12/31/2008

TD Bank, through the TD Charitable Foundation, recently donated $25,000 to the Food Bank for New York City to help with the organization's increased demand.

Rat Infestations Demand Vigilance

BY RICHARD GENTILVISO — 12/31/2008

If you think a cat can protect your home or business from rats, think again. In fact, cats, dogs, hawks and other animals may kill an occasional Rattus norvegicus, the city rat, but they can't keep up with their rapid breeding rates enough to make a difference.

'We Helped You, So Don't Raise Credit Card Rates'

BY JOHN TOSCANO — 12/31/2008

Going to bat for the nation's credit card users, Congressmember Carolyn Maloney has asked the major credit card issuers to delay their intended consumer credit card rate increases in light of the current economic recession.

Medical Society Healthcare Forum Addresses Priorities

BY DAN MILLER — 12/31/2008

On Tuesday, December 23 the Medical Society of the County of Queens, in cooperation with the Queens Chamber of Commerce, hosted a forum to address the healthcare needs of Queens residents. The forum was organized to respond to a request by President- elect Barack Obama and former United States Senator Tom Daschle, secretary-designee for the U.S.

Gioia Opens Computer Lab At I.S. 125

12/31/2008

City Councilmember Eric Gioia (D-Long Island City) cut the ribbon for a new computer lab at his alma mater, I.S. 125 in Woodside, on December 23. Gioia, a longtime advocate of computers in classrooms, was able to secure a grant for the school to purchase 30 new, stateof the-art computers for its new computer lab.

Tree Recycling Starts Jan. 5, Mulchfest On Jan. 10, 11

12/31/2008

City Department of Sanitation Commissioner John J. Doherty announced on Monday, December 29 that the Department will begin its annual Christmas tree curbside collection and recycling program on Monday, Jan. 5, 2009. The program will run through Friday, January 16.

Jackson Heights Man Grabbed For Shoe Toss

12/31/2008

On December 17 a team of Manhattan police officers tackled a Jackson Heights man who appeared ready to toss a shoe at Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chief Eliot Sander.

Greek Children's Fund Celebrates 25th Anniversary

BY LENA VARIS — 12/31/2008

On December 4, the Greek Children's Fund (GCF) organization celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Graycliff in Moonachie, New Jersey. The celebration, attended by more than 150 guests from the New York metropolitan area, was hosted by Anthony Papamarkos and Spero Georgatos, proprietors of the Graycliff, who presented a magnificent event.

Kids In Library Program Make Cards For Seniors

12/31/2008

As they do every year, the children who frequent the Queens Village branch of the Queens Borough Public Library made holiday greetings for homebound library customers.

Ronald McDonald House Holds Lights Of Love Gala

12/31/2008

On Thursday, December 18, more than 200 guests savored the spirit of the holidays at the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island 2008 Lights of Love celebration. The night opened with the lighting of the house Christmas tree.

TWC Employees Donate Gifts To Children, Families In Need

12/31/2008

Hundreds of Time Warner Cable employees gave expression to the holiday spirit for local children and families in need last week. By purchasing, wrapping and donating toys to underserved children and bringing gifts and food to families in need, this year's campaign continued a 25- year tradition at the company.

'Sweethearts' Celebrate 60-Year Anniversary

12/31/2008

Luke and Madeline Gasparre, who are 85 years young and have been sweethearts since 1948, celebrated their 60th anniversary at Riccardo's by The Bridge, Astoria, last month. Luke, an Army veteran, fought in the WWII Battle of the Bulge, 87th Division, and was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his acts of bravery.

Local Resident Crochets For Seniors

12/31/2008

Richard McGrade (l.), Sunnyside Community Services' Center for Active Older Adults assistant director, delivers 11 afghans crocheted for homebound residents by local resident E. Kubasinski to Bozena Kulesza (r.), New York Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing director of housekeeping.

$10 M In Illegal 'Hooch' Flows Into NYC By December 1923

12/31/2008

Get into a conversation with a long-time Queens resident and you're likely to discover a subscriber of the Long Island Star- Journal, a daily paper that informed the community about local and world news until it folded in 1968.

Choral Concert Starts 21st Historic Holiday House Tour

12/31/2008

On Sunday December 14, the 2008 Historic Holiday House Tour, the 21st such event sponsored by the Queens Historical Society, kicked off with a festive holiday concert by the Flushing H.S. chorus at the Kingsland Homestead.

Vallone Attacks Mayor's Reduction Of Cops On NYPD Force

BY JOHN TOSCANO — 12/31/2008

Criticizing Mayor Michael Bloomberg for painting "an overly optimistic picture" about police staffing levels, City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. charged that in reality the mayor's plan could cause the force to lose possibly thousands of officers.

The Pulpit

The Pulpit Compiled by Susan Cleary — 12/31/2008

Times and dates are subject to change. Please call event sponsors to confirm. All Nations Baptist: •Sunday, 2:30-5:30 p.m., for three months, free English classes which have already begun, registration required, limited space, 86-76 80th St., Woodhaven; 718.296.2025.

St. Nicholas Clothing Drive For Vets Is Success

12/31/2008

Adult volunteers from the Greek Orthodox Shrine Church of St. Nicholas in Flushing recently took clothes accumulated through a clothing drive at the church to the Domiciliary Care Program for homeless veterans at the St. Albans Veterans Administration facility. "This has been our most successful and enjoyable experience," Nicholas Zillas, who heads the drive, said.

Last Chance To Make 529 Plan Contribution For 2008

BY STATE COMPTROLLER THOMAS P. DI NAPOLI — 12/31/2008

This has been a particularly difficult year for personal finances. With costs of almost everything increasing and incomes remaining flat or declining, families are looking for ways to save money. One easy way to stretch some of your hard-earned money while investing in the future is by making yearend contributions to New York's 529 college savings plan.

Jets Drop Season Finale To Miami, 24-17

12/31/2008

The New York Jets played their final game of the regular NFL season with a chance to make the playoffs for the second time in three years. But before they could savor a victory, they needed to defeat the Miami Dolphins, led by former Jet quarterback Chad Pennington. They also needed the New England Patriots to lose to the Buffalo Bills in Buffalo and the Baltimore Ravens to lose to Jacksonville. As the Jets game began, the Patriots had shut out the Bills, 13-0, in a wind-driven game.

GNYSAA Holds 2nd Annual Christmas Baseball Clinic

12/31/2008

The Greater New York Sandlot Athletic Alliance (GNYSAA) held the second annual Lou DeMartino Memorial Christmas Baseball Clinic at John Jay College on December 27. The clinic was attended by more than 200 people from high schools and local sandlot organizations from throughout the Greater New York area.