Monthly Archives: September 2011
Newly elected Republican Congressman Bob Turner dropped by the Ronald Regan Republican Club meeting on Monday night to say thanks to one of the many loyal groups and clubs from the Ninth Congressional District in Brooklyn and Queens that supported hiss election bid. Turner told his Republican fans that they have much to be proud of in winning this seat but that the job in front of him and the entire US Congress is an enormous task. Pictured left to … Continue reading
Fifteen-year-old Thomas Caiazza, a life scout from Boy Scout Troop 139 in Howard Beach, is bringing some much needed help to those unable to afford eyeglasses and hearing aids. Thomas is seeking help from the public as he collects new, used, or broken eyeglasses and hearing aids for the less fortunate for his Eagle Scout project. He is working along with the Lion’s Club chapter located in New Jersey to help bring sight and sound to the needy. The Lion’s … Continue reading
The Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation began the third year of its Italian Language Study Program last Saturday. The program launched in 2008 offers free classes for students in beginner and intermediate levels Conversational Italian. But this year the program has now grown to include space for children, which organizers say was always a priority. “We always wanted to include children in the program, but wanted everything to be right for them,” said Foundation President Mario Faulisi, “and now after … Continue reading
The new commanding officer of the 104th Precinct Captain Michael Cody is still meeting with the community to provide updates about crime and receive input about problem areas and quality of life issues. Last week, Cody visited the Juniper Park Civic Association (JPCA) to discuss what the precinct is working on specific problems in Middle Village. JPCA President Bob Holden introduced Cody to civic members as one of the best he has worked with. After calling or e-mailing the precinct … Continue reading
Middle Village’s PS/IS 49 faces a potentially serious overcrowding situation. If incoming kindergarteners continue to enroll in the school at its current pace, local education leaders fear there will simply be no more space. In an effort to resolve the issue, Community Education Council 24 held a public meeting at the school on Thursday to hear residents’ opinions on a rezoning proposal that would divert incoming students to either PS 58 in Maspeth or PS/IS 87 in Middle Village. The … Continue reading
The 7th Annual Howard Beach Columbus Day Parade was held on Sunday under sunny skies and comfortable temperatures. Spectators lined Crossbay Boulevard to watch floats, community groups, bands, schools and organizations make their way down to 164th Avenue where the Red Carpet Parade performances marked the parade’s conclusion. Opening ceremonies at the Red Carpet area included the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the singing of both the American and Italian national anthems and the traditional release of the rock doves … Continue reading
The third week of the Barbara Sheehan murder trial has come to a close with the defense setting their case to rest on Monday. The last of the defense witnesses to be called were a pair of Barbara’s friends, both of whom testified that they had observed bruises on her face and body at various times and that she had worn fleece clothing in the summer and sunglasses to cover up possible signs of abuse. Tania Broschact has known Barbara … Continue reading
Queens is in a major need of hospital beds after three hospitals closed since 2008. According to 2010 statistics from American Hospital Association, Queens only has 1.7 hospital beds per 1,000 residents. John Krall, who runs a medical technology company, said he could alleviate the problem immediately by reopening Parkway Hospital but is frustrated by a lack of cooperation from the government. Krall has been pushing to reopen the facility as the Gloria D’Amico Medical Center for the last year. … Continue reading
The city Department of Transportation (DOT) kicked off its new initiative to install audible pedestrian signals at 25 different intersections throughout New York to help visually impaired pedestrians. The Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) emit audible clicking sounds that alert sight-impaired pedestrians when the “walk” phase is available at a given intersection. The DOT has worked heavily with disabled communities, including Pedestrians for Accessible and Safe Streets (PASS) to implement the new signals. “Audible signals are literally sound investments that will … Continue reading
For the last six years, Animal Center of Queens in Rego Park has served as a haven for dogs and cats while they wait to be adopted. But higher rent demands from the building’s landlord will force the center’s owner to move to a new location in Ozone Park. Boris Milyazov, who runs the animal center at 89-10 Eliot Avenue, said that he could not the $2,500 rent the landlord wants on top of other costs, like utilities, the not-for-profit … Continue reading
Last week, eight children under the custody of the city Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) were taken by their biological parents during a supervised visit at a Forest Hills childcare facility. The NYPD and FBI organized a frantic search effort, and on Monday, the parents and eight children were found in Pennsylvania. Shanel Nadal, 28, and Nephra Payne, 34, are accused of concocting a plot to take back their children, who were placed in three different foster homes after a … Continue reading
The creation of Sex Offender Registry Act in 1996 gave the public and law enforcement greater tools to identify those convicted of sex offenses. But 15 years later legislators are still working to toughen the registry and close loopholes that have put the public at risk. Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) was the prime sponsor of A7950, which Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law last Friday, which requires Level 2 sex offenders to register their employment address with the state Division … Continue reading
Three local elected officials are teaming up to provide a free safety event for the community. On Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Forest Park Bandshell, State Senator Joe Addabbo, State Assemblyman Mike Miller and City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley will join Engine Company 294 and other citywide agencies to provide a fun event for the family. Free hot dogs will be provided from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and residents can enjoy various safety demonstrations and giveaways. … Continue reading
After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the city discovered there were some shortcomings in the communication networks of first responders. Ten years later, Council Members Peter Vallone (D-Astoria), chair of the Public Safety Committee, and Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village), chair of the Fire and Criminal Justice Committee, held a Council oversight hearing to determine how the city improved. “Our city—particularly our subway system, tunnels and landmarked high-rises—remain top targets for terrorists,” Crowley said. “The Mayor’s administration needs to make sure … Continue reading