Paul Ragusa, a long-time associate of the Bonanno and Gambino families, at one time was No. 1 on the FBI’s Most Wanted list.

By Michael V. Cusenza
Earlier this month, three indictments were unsealed in Brooklyn federal court charging four men with narcotics trafficking, loansharking, and firearms offenses, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.
And the name of at least one of those four defendants is going to sound quite familiar to longtime residents of Ridgewood, Maspeth, Middle Village, Glendale, and Rego Park.
Damiano Zummo, an acting captain in the Bonanno crime family; Salvatore Russo, an associate of the Bonanno crime family; Paul Semplice, a member of the Gambino crime family; and Paulie Ragusa, an associate of the Bonanno and Gambino crime families, were arrested and arraigned on Wednesday, Nov. 8.
Ragusa, 46, was once a leader of the infamous Giannini Crew (named for the defunct Ridgewood café in which they congregated), a tight-knit group of up-and-coming La Cosa Nostra talent that the feds dismantled in the late ’90s after they terrorized Queens via mob staples like loan-sharking, extortion, and arson; as well as a series of armed robberies, assaults, and murder.
Ragusa and 13 other members were indicted in June 1996. But he went on the lam before authorities could cuff him. Months later, Ragusa, then 26, shot to the Number 1 spot on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Most Wanted list, where he remained for roughly a year until agents finally caught up to him.
Ragusa pleaded guilty to racketeering in 1998 and was sent to prison for 19 years. He had nearly completed his bid – he was living in a halfway house in Brooklyn when he was taken into custody a couple of weeks ago. According to noted American mafia expert and Gang Land News founder Jerry Capeci, an old Giannini Crew cohort recorded Ragusa, among other offenses, “buying a small arsenal of weapons…”
Ragusa is charged with being a felon in possession of nine firearms, including three automatic assault rifles and one silencer. As alleged in the indictment, Ragusa transported the firearms in exchange for $2,000 in cash. He now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
“Criminal enterprises, both national and international, contribute to the breakdown of a lawful society,” said FBI New York Assistant Director-in-Charge Bill Sweeney. “And yet, the allure of this gangland culture is often embraced and glamorized in movies and on television, where the threats posed to our economic and national security are seldom displayed.”

By Michael V. Cusenza

The design phase of the first half-mile of the proposed QueensWay Park will be getting underway this summer, Friends of the QueensWay and the Trust for Public Land announced last Thursday.

The QueensWay project involves converting the long-abandoned Rockaway Beach Rail Line of the Long Island Rail Road—a 3.5-mile, 47-acre swath of the borough, from Rego Park to Ozone Park—into a $120 million public park, similar to the Highline in Chelsea, boasting trails and amenities.

Plans call for the 47-acre park to include a bike, jogging and walking path, upgrades for the facilities of local Little Leagues, schools, community and cultural comforts; and promises “a significant improvement to the environment and quality of life of those living in Central and Southern Queens.”

Phase 1 will focus on a central half-mile section of the QueensWay, from Metropolitan Avenue to Union Turnpike. This section, known as the Metropolitan Hub, will enhance pedestrian and bike access to Forest Park, and will include outdoor classrooms for more than 2,000 students in the adjacent Metropolitan Educational Campus. It will also provide enhanced facilities and new access to the Ridgewood/Glendale Little League.

“I am excited to see that we are now ready to start the design phase of the first part of the QueensWay project,” said Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills). “I am proud to have helped fund this phase, and I encourage the construction of phase 1 after the design is done. The Queensway Plan will benefit our local economy, allow an additional green space in our urban landscape, and will literally link local communities together through the 3.5 miles of property that this project will connect. I look forward to continuing to work with the Friends of QueensWay and my colleagues in government to make this plan a reality.”

More than $1 million from public and private sources has been raised for the project, including a $444,000 grant from the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council; $250,000 from Hevesi; and $250,000 from City Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills).

Recent contributors to the QueensWay include The Tiger Baron Foundation, The Scherman Foundation, The New York Community Trust, Altman Foundation, and Lily Auchincloss Foundation, Inc., according to Friends of the QueensWay.

The design process will be led by Susannah Drake at DLANDstudio Architecture & Landscape Architecture. The design process will involve experts in engineering and environmental sciences, and will provide many opportunities for the community to engage, Friends of the QueensWay promised.

“The QueensWay represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve the quality-of-life of Queens residents and provide a helpful boost to many of the Borough’s incredible businesses,” said Thomas Grech, Executive Director of Queens Chamber of Commerce. “The Queens Chamber of Commerce has been a proud supporter of the QueensWay since its inception and we are thrilled to be part of a diverse coalition advocating for its success and calling on the City to make the project a reality.”

Supporters of the QueensWay are urging the City to allocate the necessary funds to complete Phase 1.

michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

By Michael V. Cusenza

Four Queens Library branches are now hosting opportunities to meet with a lawyer, free of charge, to find out how to apply for citizenship easily, and get free, confidential financial counseling, the Library announced last week. The sessions are part of the NYCitizenship program, and one of a few recent developments in the Library system.

NYCitizenship counseling confabs are by appointment only and held at Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd. in Jamaica; Flushing Library, 41-17 Main St.; Jackson Heights Community Library, 35-51 81st St.; and Ridgewood Community Library, 20-12 Madison Street. To make an appointment, call 311 or (212) 514-4277.

NYCitizenship, according to the administration, is a collaborative effort by the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, the Big Apple’s three public library systems, city agencies, and philanthropic organizations that provides free information on applying for citizenship as well as legal assistance in completing applications, and financial education to help new citizens achieve sustainability.

In other Library news, it announced this week that, beginning this summer, it will pilot “digital wallpaper” in select partner locations such as hospital waiting rooms and family shelters. The digital wallpaper will help library card holders express-download digital content to their smart phones or tablets using either a Quick Response code or a shortened URL. Customers who do not have a library card can register for a free e-card online, on-the-spot, the Library said.

While the system’s full Virtual Library will be available at each location, the digital wallpaper will emphasize content that is most needed at that location. For instance, children’s books will be promoted in a location with a lot of children. Material will be available in languages other than English, as well. The downloads will work via a Wi-Fi network, so in most cases, customers will not incur data charges.

Additionally, Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott last Thursday testified before the City Council Committee on Finance, jointly with the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations, jointly with the Subcommittee on Libraries.
“In the six months since Queens Library implemented six-day service across the borough, more than 765,000 New Yorkers have visited the library on Saturdays,” Walcott said in a statement following the hearing. “Think about that – 765,000 in only six months and just on Saturdays. Those library visits are more than mere strolls in the neighborhood. They are people who are realizing more of their potential using library resources, whether it is to educate their children through early childhood literacy classes, or to learn a new job skill for themselves – they are all moving their lives forward. I am here today to tell you how much more we can do for the people of New York City should an additional $22 million – in addition to the FY 16 allocation – be invested in New York City libraries.”

michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

By Forum Staff

Three area elected officials are sponsoring rain barrel giveaways this month in Broad Channel and Howard Beach.

Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach) and City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) are partnering with the Department of Environmental Protection on Sunday, April 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Broad Channel American Legion Hall at 209 Cross Bay Blvd. to provide homeowners with free rain barrels to help reduce home water bills and encourage water conservation.

“Rain barrels are a great way for families to reduce their water usage. Not only does this translate into real savings on monthly water bills, it also helps protect our sewer system and reduce street flooding,” Goldfeder said.

The assemblyman and Ulrich are urging homeowners to reserve their free barrels online ahead of April 17.

“These rain barrels will help Broad Channel homeowners save on their water bills while protecting the environment and easing street flooding,” Ulrich said.

According to the DEP, the barrels can be used to capture and manage water runoff during rain storms. This can help prevent the city’s sewer system from being overwhelmed by heavy rains, which leads to street flooding and pollution. The program also helps homeowners reduce costs on their water and sewer usage bills by capturing rain water for use in gardens and yards, or for washing cars.

At Sunday’s event, approximately 200 rain barrels will be provided. In order to claim a barrel, homeowners are required to pre-register by visiting FreeRainBarrelEvent.com. Anyone with questions regarding the event should contact either Goldfeder’s office at (718) 945-9550, or Ulrich at (718) 738-1083.

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and DEP have also planned a rain barrel giveaway on Saturday, April 30, at New York Families for Autistic Children’s Autism Center, located at 164-14 Cross Bay Blvd. Those who pre-register to receive a rain barrel at this event may pick theirs up from 10 a.m. to noon, and any remaining barrels will be given away from noon to 2 p.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“Using rain barrels, which are designed to catch excess rain water, can have a major impact on our environment if we all take advantage of their benefits,” said Addabbo, a member of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee. “Simple tasks such as watering plants or washing a car can be completed by using rain water already naturally available to us, rather than clean drinking water from our homes. Not only will this go a long way to help preserve water, but it will save homeowners money in the long run by not having to pay for water needed to carry out everyday household chores.”

Earlier this month, Addabbo co-hosted a rain barrel giveaway with Assemblymembers Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) and Cathy Nolan (D-Long Island City), in partnership with DEP, at the Greater Ridgewood Youth Council building on Summerfield Street in Ridgewood.

To register to receive a rain barrel on April 30, visit nysenate.gov/questionnaires/joseph-p-addabbo-jr/rain-barrel-giveaway-pre-registration. For more information, contact Addabbo’s Howard Beach district office at (718) 738-1111.

By Michael V. Cusenza

The extended Finest Family on Monday found itself among the bereaved, again, as members helped lay to rest fellow NYPD Officer Patrick Winberry, who suddenly died last Wednesday after suffering a heart attack at his home. He was 30.

Winberry joined the city Police Department in July 2012 and served the 75^th Precinct in East New York for nearly two years before being transferred to the 104^th in Ridgewood.

According to 104^th Precinct Community Affairs Det. Tommy Bell, Winberry also was a Levittown Fire Department captain, protecting his hometown as a volunteer smoke-eater since he was 16 years old.

Winberry died less than a week after Capt. Matthew Hanrahan, executive officer of the 100^th Precinct in Rockaway Beach, passed away, also from a cardiac event.

PO Patrick Winberry is survived by his partner, Carmela, his parents, and sister.

michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

By Michael V. Cusenza

Two vital sections of the M Line will soon be getting long-overdue makeovers, according to Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit.

The agency is set to rebuild two decades-old deteriorating overpasses in Queens and Brooklyn: a metal bridge between the Fresh Pond Road and Middle Village-Metropolitan Avenue stations will require a two-month shutdown. The work will begin in summer 2017 in order to cause the least possible disruption for students at nearby Christ the King Regional High School, according to the MTA.

The second section of construction will occur at the century-old concrete viaduct that carries the M Line between the Myrtle Avenue and Central Avenue stations. That section will be shut down for 10 months beginning in summer 2017.

The MTA indicated that it will offer a shuttle bus and subway service changes to customers affected by the closures.

In the first phase of work during summer 2017, there will be no M service between Myrtle Avenue and Middle Village-Metropolitan Avenue for two months.

Two new shuttle bus routes will serve closed stations along the line, while a third shuttle bus route will operate between the Flushing Avenue JM station and the Middle Village-Metropolitan Avenue M station with an intermediate stop at the Jefferson Street L station.

When the metal bridge has been replaced, the second phase of work will start for eight more months until spring 2018. During this phase, an M shuttle will run between Middle Village-Metropolitan Avenue and Myrtle-Wyckoff avenues, where customers can transfer to the L train. The Knickerbocker Avenue and Central Avenue stations on the M Line will remain closed during this period, and will be served by a shuttle bus between Myrtle Avenue and Myrtle-Wyckoff avenues. Those stations are also within a 10-minute walk of alternate subway stations on the L and JZ lines, the agency pointed out.

During the shutdown, M trains to and from Manhattan will be rerouted along the J and Z tracks from Marcy Avenue to Broadway Junction, though peak hour frequency will be reduced by 25 percent. To accommodate displaced M customers, J and Z trains will make all stops between Marcy Avenue and Broadway Junction, while L trains will operate at peak frequency for extended durations each day.

“Both of these structures have deteriorated to the point that there is simply no other option than complete replacement, and undergoing this step will ensure a safe, more reliable experience for customers for decades to come. We will work closely with the affected communities, their elected officials and other representatives to minimize the disruption and address their concerns, and we will do our utmost to complete this work as quickly as possible,” said NYC Transit President Veronique ‘Ronnie’ Hakim.

By Forum Staff

A congressional committee on Monday convened a rare field hearing in Forest Hills to probe how the U.S. Small Business Administration can make international trade work for borough establishments.

The House Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade, the panel that oversees U.S. policy on exports, conducted “Overcoming Challenges to Exporting for Small Businesses” at Bramson ORT College. The hearing, led by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing), the top Democrat on the panel, examined how the SBA can better help local small business owners export their products abroad.

Area companies, Meng said, could be missing out on valuable exporting opportunities that are worth millions of dollars.

“Promoting more trade opportunities for small businesses in Queens and New York City is critical,” Meng said. “The New York metropolitan area is the second largest exporting market in the United States with over $105 billion in exports. As a result, exporting is essential to job creation and key to our region’s growth. But many entrepreneurs still face challenges in accessing foreign markets including complexities associated with exporting, a lack of financing and confusing federal trade programs. We must do all we can to knock down these barriers so that we can build on our area’s exporting success, and make it easier for area businesses to sell their goods abroad. The SBA can play a critical role in facilitating this and I look forward to that happening. When small businesses succeed, America succeeds!”

Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-Queens/Brooklyn/Manhattan), ranking member, and Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), Small Business Committee chairman, also participated in the hearing.

Witnesses who testified before the panel included Pascual Castaño, business advisor at the New York State Small Business Development Center; and Toni Corsini, New York/New Jersey regional manager of the U.S. Export Assistance Center, a division of the SBA.

More than 70 percent of the world’s purchasing power is located outside the U.S., according to Meng’s office, and over 95 percent of the world’s consumers reside abroad. Companies that export their products grow faster and mitigate risk during economic downturns. Some of the top New York export locations include Korea, China, Israel, Canada and Mexico.

By Forum Staff

As state lawmakers kick off another round of legislative work in Albany this month, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) has outlined some of his key priorities he hopes to help the legislature tackle over the next several months, including ethics reforms, paid family leave, and education reforms.

In 2015, New Yorkers watched leaders of both houses of state government be convicted on federal corruption charges including bribery, extortion, and conspiracy. As Addabbo returns to work in Albany this month, he expressed an interest in fighting for serious change to existing ethics policies, like outside income and influential campaign donations.

“Since 2000, 33 state elected officials have been removed from office in New York after being either investigated or convicted of ethical violations,” Addabbo said, citing a recent study by the good government group Citizens Union. “That number is outrageous and shameful, and it is time to send a strong message. Talk alone is not enough when it comes to ethics reform. We must take action and show New Yorkers that corrupt elected officials who abuse their power and take advantage of their jobs will not be tolerated.”

In addition, the Senator’s bill (S3004) to create Paid Family Leave in New York seeks to fund partial wage benefits for individuals who need time off from work to care for an ill relative or a new baby, while providing businesses with more productive employees.

“It is unfair and irresponsible for us to continue forcing workers to choose between their paychecks and their families at a time of need,” Addabbo said. “Enacting a Paid Family Leave bill into law will be a milestone for working-class families and businesses, and I look forward to being the lead advocate on this journey.”

Further, Addabbo prioritized the issue of raising minimum wage state-wide, along with improving senior health care, establishing more reliable veterans programs, and renewing mayoral control of city schools.

In addition, Addabbo restated a commitment to supporting reforms to Common Core, including altering a testing process that falls far short of credibly evaluating our children and their teachers.

“It is time to stop pretending that the success of students and educators can be properly measured simply by scores on standardized exams,” said Addabbo. “This process unfairly labels a students’ progress over an entire school year based on their performance on a few state tests, while also subjecting teachers to unreasonable evaluations.” The Senator gave credit to the teachers, administrators, parents, and students for speaking out on the Common Core issues and working with elected officials to effectuate the changes already implemented with the state tests.

Improved transportation in southern Queens, with an emphasis on public transportation, will be a major issue throughout the budget process and legislative session, according to Addabbo. Finally, other issues the Senator wants to promote during the session are assisting seniors and veterans, along with the need to create job growth.

A Ridgewood man has pleaded guilty to felony animal cruelty in a case in which he brought a starving boxer that he claimed to have found lying in a park to a city shelter in October. It was later determined that he was actually its owner and had failed to properly care for or feed the dog now named Brewster, according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.

Anthony Estevez, 25, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to aggravated cruelty to animals, and was sentenced to a conditional discharge; the conditions including that he is banned from owning an animal for three years and that he is required to register with the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as an animal abuser.

According to the charges, Estevez brought a Boxer breed dog to an Animal Care and Control shelter on Queens Boulevard on the afternoon of Oct. 13. Estevez said that he had found the dog lying in a park, and when asked by shelter employees for his home address he provided a false one. According to ACC records, the condition of the dog was recorded in the case file as “… not enough energy to walk… after dog left there were blood stains in the kennel.”

Estevez said at first that if the dog healed he wanted to adopt it; however he later retracted his alleged interest in adopting the dog.

The dog weighed only 25 pounds and its condition was very acute in terms of being emaciated and skeletal when it was brought to the shelter, Brown said. Based on its bone structure and height, the dog should have had a weight range of about 60 to 65 pounds.

When the city Police Department received an inquiry from the New York Daily News about the boxer, an investigation was commenced which revealed that Estevez had provided ACC authorities with a false address—one next door to where he actually lived. When interviewed by authorities at his residence on Oct. 19, Estevez provided various stories about to whom the dog belonged and how he had obtained the dog, before finally admitting that the dog was his and that he did not want the Boxer to die in his bedroom.

Based on the “Purina Scale,” which runs from Level 1 (very emaciated) to Level 9 (very obese), with Level 5 defined as being healthy and hale, the boxer was rated Level 1 by an American Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals forensic veterinarian one week after being surrendered by Estevez. The veterinarian allegedly stated that it would take weeks, if not months, for a dog of such size to be assessed at Level 1 if the dog had started out as healthy.

Brown reported that Brewster has since recovered, and is expected to soon be adopted “into a loving home.” Meanwhile, Estevez now “is a convicted felon who is prohibited from owning another animal and must register with the New York City Department of Health as an animal abuser.”

A Ridgewood man who brought a starving boxer that he had purportedly found lying in a park to a city shelter two weeks ago has been charged with animal cruelty and other offenses after it was determined that he was actually the dog’s owner and had failed to properly care for or feed the pet, according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.

Anthony Esteves, 25, was arraigned last week on a criminal complaint charging him with aggravated cruelty to animals, first-degree falsifying business records and two counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; failure to provide sustenance. Esteves, who faces up to four years in prison if convicted, was released on his own recognizance and ordered to return to court on Dec. 15.

According to the charges, Esteves brought a boxer breed dog to an Animal Care and Control shelter on Queens Boulevard on the afternoon of Oct. 13. Esteves allegedly said that he had found the dog lying in a park, and when asked by shelter employees for his home address he provided a false one. According to ACC records, the condition of the dog was recorded in the case file as “ . . .  not enough energy to walk . . .  after dog left there were blood stains in the kennel.” Esteves allegedly stated at first that if the dog healed he wanted to adopt it; however he later retracted his alleged interest in adopting the dog.

According to the charges, the dog, since dubbed “Brewster,” weighed only 25 pounds, and its condition was very acute in terms of being emaciated and skeletal when it was brought to the shelter. Based on its bone structure and height, the dog should have had a weight range of about 60 to 65 pounds.

When the city Police Department received an inquiry from the New York Daily News about the boxer, an investigation was commenced by the NYPD’s nascent Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad, which allegedly revealed that Esteves had provided ACC authorities with a false address – one next door to where he actually lived. When interviewed by authorities at his residence on Oct. 19, Esteves allegedly provided various stories about who the dog belonged to and how he had obtained the dog before finally admitting that the dog was his and that he did not want the dog to die in his bedroom.

When Esteves was taken into custody, he allegedly continued to provide authorities with various explanations as to how he had obtained the dog and why the dog was undernourished. On the evening of Oct. 19, a court-authorized search warrant was executed on Esteves’ Metropolitan Avenue residence.  Among the items allegedly recovered was a dog’s food dish which contained Esteves’ personal items from the top of a dresser and which did not fit the dog bowl stand in the room. There were allegedly no receipts for dog food, veterinary care, dietary supplements for dogs nor was there any dog food anywhere in the house, nor evidence of dog food ever having been in the house.

Based on the “Purina Scale,” which runs from level one (very emaciated) to level nine (very obese), with level five defined as being healthy and hale, Brewster was rated level one by an American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals forensic veterinarian one week after being surrendered by Esteves.  The veterinarian allegedly stated that it would take weeks, if not months, for a dog of such size to be assessed at level one if the dog had started out as healthy.

Brown said that Esteves “is accused of showing a complete disregard for the wellbeing of this helpless animal when he failed to provide the basic necessities required to maintain the animal’s health.”

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo’s Office

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) last Saturday delivered Valentine’s Day cards created by students of PS 88 in Ridgewood to veterans at the VA Community Living Center in St. Albans. 

Joy Morsi, 40, of Long Island, copped to third-degree rape and third-degree criminal sexual act last Friday. According to the charges, Morsi, a former gym teacher at Grover Cleveland High School, engaged in sexual acts with two students on school grounds. She had sex in the school basement and other areas on campus with the first victim, who was 16 when the relationship began on June 5, 2013. In May 2014, Morsi exposed herself to the second victim, also 16, and performed a sex act on him.

Morsi was ordered to complete one year of out-patient mental health treatment for a diagnosed depressive disorder. If she completes the treatment successfully, she will be sentenced to 10 years’ probation; otherwise she could face 1½ years in prison, as well as 5 years’ post-release supervision. In addition, Morsi must register with the state’s Division of Criminal Justice Services as a sex offender and undergo a Sex Offender Risk Assessment hearing to assess her risk of re-offense.

At Friday’s court appearance, Morsi also signed an agreement surrendering her teaching license. Her next court date will be March 27.

Anardo Batista, 26, pleaded guilty to first-degree robbery on Sept. 3 and was sentenced last Wednesday to 16 years in prison and five years’ post release supervision.

“The defendant has plead guilty and has now been sentenced to a significant amount of time behind bars,” Brown said. “The public can rest assured that the defendant is no longer a danger to society.”

According to the indictment, Batista and co-defendant Jorge Paret attacked Victor Mehia, who was delivering a pizza to a 31st Avenue address in Jackson Heights. Mehia was struck with a baseball bat and had both cash and his scooter taken by Batista and Paret.

According to court records, Jorge Paret was sentenced in September to 14 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision, after pleading guilty to first-degree robbery on June 5.

Batista will remain in a facility on Rikers Island until he is shipped to an upstate prison.

Loy Gordon, owner of Neir’s Tavern in Woodhaven, proudly displays the Nov. 26 edition of The Forum last Wednesday at a fundraiser for the late Dasher.
Photo By Michael V. Cusenza

Dasher, the resilient Rottweiler who survived being tossed from a moving car in Ridgewood, was humanely put down late last week by veterinarians at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Hospital in Manhattan.

The 7-year-old female was rescued the night of the incident two weeks ago by good Samaritans and city firefighters. A “Bring Dasher Home” fundraiser, co-sponsored by K9-Korral Dog Run, was held last Wednesday night at historic Neir’s Tavern in Woodhaven, and a crowdfunding page was set up in her name, all to offset medical and adoption costs. In all, $1,594 was raised in less than a week’s time, according to Neir’s owner Loy Gordon.

William Aaron, a firefighter with FDNY Ladder Co. 135, the company that was flagged down by concerned civilians on the night of the incident to aid the ill Dasher, indicated that he planned on adopting the animal once she was ready to leave the hospital.

“It was absolutely devastating,” Aaron said of the scene on Cypress Avenue. “Just sickening that someone could do something like that.”

However, despite receiving “extensive medical care,” for nearly a week at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Forest Hills and the ASPCA Animal Hospital, it was determined that Dasher would not survive, according to an ASPCA spokeswoman.

“After thorough examinations by multiple veterinary specialists and round-the-clock efforts to improve her delicate condition, Dasher was not responding to treatment,” Natasha Whitling said. “Due to several serious medical complications that were causing significant discomfort and leading to a poor quality of life, Dasher was humanely euthanized late last week to end her suffering. We assure members of the community who shared our concern for Dasher that she received the best care possible and this decision was not made lightly.”

Gordon said that while the news of Dasher’s death was “a little disappointing and disheartening,” he sees the glint of a silver lining.

“I was also very proud, at the same time, that the community got together so quickly and showed how important it is to come together for this cause,” noted Gordon, a FDNY lieutenant. “We were able to prove to ourselves that we know right from wrong, and we know how to bring a better outcome to such a tragic situation.”

Whitling said that Dasher’s case was still under investigation by the NYPD, and encouraged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.

By Michael V. Cusenza

Luis Chango, 45, and Rosa Jerez, 37, of Ridgewood, were arraigned Monday night on criminal complaints charging each of them with multiple counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, fourth- and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, third-degree identity theft, endangering the welfare of a child and petit larceny. Bail was set at $12,500 for Chango and $7,250 for Jerez.

In most cases, it is alleged that Jerez engaged the victims in conversation or either acted as a lookout or shielded Chango as he removed the victims’ personal property—such as cell phones, wallets and cash from their strollers between Aug. 9 and Nov. 8. In one instance, according to Brown, it is alleged that a 34-year-old woman was shopping with her 6-month-old son on the afternoon of Sept. 27, and that store video surveillance showed the two suspects in close proximity to their female victim when Chango reached into the baby stroller and abruptly took the victim’s new iPhone 6 cell phone from her baby’s hands. When the baby began to cry, the two defendants quickly exited the store.

“With the holiday season fast approaching and retail outlets becoming crowded, shoppers should be especially mindful of pickpockets and purse snatchers,” Brown said. “Shoppers should never leave bags or valuables unattended or hanging from strollers and they should always be aware of their surroundings. A successful pickpocket only needs seconds to accomplish his or her goal of parting you with your valuables.”

Chango and Jerez’s next court date was scheduled for Dec. 4. If convicted, Chango faces up to 38 years in prison and Jerez faces up to 23 years in prison.

By Forum Staff

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr., a Democrat, has represented District 15 since 2009. Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

With the midterm elections less than a week away, state Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) is hoping that he can turn his three-term run in the 15^th District into an even four.

Addabbo, 50, who served seven years on the City Council before being elected to the Senate in 2008, has the decided advantage of name recognition over his relatively unknown GOP challenger, Rego Park resident Michael Conigliaro, who was urged to run against Addabbo by City Councilman Eric Ulrich’s (R-Ozone Park) chief of staff.

Conigliaro noted recently at a public forum that if he hadn’t decided to run against Addabbo, then Addabbo would have been running unopposed; a concept that Conigliaro said ran counter to his belief that elections should always have an incumbent and a challenger.

During his three terms in office, Addabbo said he has consistently “been there” for his constituents when it comes to working towards reducing income taxes for the middle class, providing property-tax rebates for homeowners and renters, and passing tax incentives for small businesses to expand their workforce by hiring veterans, seniors and youth.

Addabbo also talked about helping residents and businesses during some of the borough’s darkest days—the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

“I was there for my constituents immediately after Superstorm Sandy, and I have continually advocated for the storm victims, [and] worked with FEMA, Rapid Repair and Build It Back to ensure residents get the services they need,” said Addabbo, who resides in Tudor Village in Ozone Park with his wife and two daughters. “That is something that will never change—I will always fight for Sandy victims until we are 100 percent whole.”

While Addabbo and his opponent may not see eye to eye on many issues, they do have some positions in common. For example, both the senator and Conigliaro, who manages a law office in Floral Park, agree that the state’s Common Core curriculum is in need of revamping; and both men also oppose the controversial homeless shelter proposed for Cooper Avenue in Glendale.

But when it comes to gay marriage, the two men are not on the same page. Conigliaro has said he opposes marriage equality, while Addabbo has most recently, in 2011, voted for same-sex marriage legislation, despite initially voting against similar legislation in 2009.

“I was there for my constituents during the state budget that cut wasteful spending and made our government more efficient and responsive to the people,” Addabbo added.

As far as other contentious issues, such as hydrofracking, the senator has said that “I have stood against the process of hydraulic fracturing since it was brought to my attention in 2009, and remain opposed to this practice for the detrimental effects are great and numerous in such states as Pennsylvania, which had adopted hydraulic fracturing operations several years prior.”

To that end, Addabbo cosponsored legislation to suspend fracking for the extraction of natural gas or oil, and prohibited the issuance of new permits for the drilling of a well utilizing the practice of fracking.

Additionally, the senator has said he has helped his constituents in working towards improved public transportation, including advocating for a permanent Rockaway ferry and working to find a solution to traffic problems on Woodhaven and Cross Bay boulevards.

Addabbo noted that he has shown his willingness to get involved in issues great and small across the 15^th District, which includes—in whole or in part—Broad Channel, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Glendale, Hamilton Beach, Howard Beach, Kew Gardens, Kew Gardens Hills, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ozone Park, Rego Park, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood, South Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Woodside and the Rockaways. For example, next month, he is bringing the Mobile Care Clinic to several locations in the district to provide women with low-cost and free mammograms and breast exams.

“With the support of my district, it would be a continued honor to serve them as a full time senator and be there whenever needed,” Addabbo said.

By Alan Krawitz

Kenneth Suden, 41, is facing charges stemming from two criminal complaints—one charging him with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, first-degree robbery and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon; and the other one charging him with first-degree robbery. Bail was set Tuesday evening at $500,000 bond or $250,000 cash, according to a spokesman in the DA’s office. His next court date was scheduled for Oct. 10.

According to the charges, on Sept. 24, some time between 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m., Suden robbed a grocery store on Putnam Avenue in Ridgewood at knifepoint. He allegedly stepped behind the counter, displayed a small knife and said, “They’re going to kill me if I don’t pay them back.” Suden then allegedly removed money from the cash register before fleeing on foot.

According to the second complaint, shortly after 1 a.m. on Sept. 25, livery cab driver Fernando Crespin-Santos, 30, picked up Suden in the Cypress Hills section of Brooklyn. When the vehicle was several blocks from Suden’s Ridgewood residence, Queens DA Richard Brown said, Suden allegedly placed a knife to Crespin-Santos’s throat and demanded money.  Suden then allegedly stabbed Crespin-Santos repeatedly in his arms, legs and chest—causing several lacerations, a collapsed lung, a severed stomach and a severed liver—before Crespin-Santos managed to flee from the vehicle. Suden then allegedly jumped into the driver’s seat of the livery cab and drove off with the vehicle.

Crespin-Santos was transported to a local Queens hospital where he underwent multiple surgeries for his injuries and will require additional surgeries to fix the severed ligaments in his hands.

“The defendant is accused of committing two armed robberies within the space of hours, one of which left a hard-working New Yorker fighting for his life,” Brown said. “The defendant will now face the consequences of his alleged actions—a substantial amount of time behind bars if convicted.”

If found guilty in both cases, Suden faces up to 50 years in prison.

“To hear of this brutal stabbing is a shock and utterly disheartening,” said state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) shortly after the incident came to light. “A livery cab driver doing his job, actually anyone doing their job, should not be the victims of meaningless violence. I cross 69^th Avenue and Fresh Pond Road quite often, and to think such a gruesome act went on right in our neighborhood is upsetting.”

By Michael V. Cusenza

A nomination. Ice water. A bucket. Pat Quinn.

In 2012, 29-year-old former Boston College Eagles baseball team captain Pete Frates was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Just a year later, Howard Beach resident Pat Quinn was also diagnosed.

After his diagnosis, he sought support from Frates. What has arisen from the union of the two men, their disease and their cause, is a social media sensation sweeping the nation.

The challenge has been used before —but Quinn’s idea to introduce it to the ALS fundraising arena has resulted in staggering increases to ALS-related causes and research.

For the same time period in 2013,  late July through early August, donations were recorded around $25,000.  For the same time period this year, the figure has gone wailing past $2 million.

The videos first birthed in the Boston College and New York communities are drawing “viral” audiences across the nation.

The 31-year-old said he did not know much about ALS when he learned of his diagnosis in March 2013, which led him to read up his dismal prognosis.

The odds were against him, but with the support of family, friends and his incredibly strong wife, Jenn, Quinn said he decided early on that he would do all he could to battle this disease. He said he decided putting the Ice Bucket Challenge to good use was a start. The rest is Facebook history.

“In the beginning, I had to force all of my friends to do it. My goal was just to get the word out – to raise ALS awareness and money,” said Quinn. “I wanted to make a change.”

To say he has achieved his goal is an understatement. The movement has since turned into the same kinds of videos recorded over and over of people getting drenched in freezing cold water showing up on Facebook newsfeeds across the globe.

With close ties to Rockaway residents through Iona College, the challenge began to flood the pages of Rockaway, Breezy and Broad Channel Facebookers first. From there, it has gone up and down the east coast, across the country, and internationally.

“From celebrities to athletes, it’s mind-blowing how big this has gotten,” Quinn said.  “I got a message from a woman in Canada with an article from a French newspaper. The only thing I understood on the whole page was my name!”

Quinn tried to put a number on the amount of people who have taken the challenge, but said it has been impossible to keep track.

For Quinn, life has not been easy. Every day gets tougher. He said he hopes the disease progresses slower than expected as his arms and legs have gotten weaker.

“Nothing has changed in ALS research since Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech 75 years ago,” Quinn said. “There is only one drug that has been found to help patients with ALS.”

The drug he was referring to is known as Rilutek, which is not a cure, and is said to increase life expectancy for only three to nine months. ALS has no cure and life expectancy is two to five years, according to statistics.

So why haven’t things changed?

Unlike cancer, the number of people who get ALS each year is in the thousands instead of the millions. And since life expectancy is so short, medical professionals do not have much time to make an impact in the fight for a cure, Quinn said.

“You can’t compare two diseases,” said Quinn. “But when the population who get a disease is small and life expectancy is so short, we have less of a voice.”

The silver lining, Quinn said, was the challenge’s popularity helping to draw much more attention to the condition. But while Facebook has been blowing up, some have criticized the campaign’s effectiveness, questioning peoples’ intentions and debating whether or not pouring water over one’s head is helping the cause.

Quinn was quick to rebut.

“Without a doubt the challenge has brought a new sense of awareness. It doesn’t matter why people are doing it. People were not talking about ALS before and now they are,” he said. “That’s the first step. Next comes the money, which means more research.”

As for the affect the Internet phenomenon has had on ALS patients, Quinn said the ALS community has always been closely knit and this made it even stronger.

“So many people have reached out to me, thanking me and sharing stories of how this has inspired them and given them a sense of hope,” he said.

And the numbers have not lied. Bill Toet, Chairman of the ALS Association said his group has received $2.3 million in donations from July 29 to August 12, compared to $25,000 over the same period last year.

For Quinn, the success of the Ice Bucket Challenge has been so much more than he ever expected and has given him the drive to stay focused on the fight.

“Sometimes, it is easy to question why certain things happen to you, but I believe this hand has been dealt to me for a reason and I’m not giving up,” he said.

By Jamie Pisani