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Commemorative Flags — To commemorate Memorial Day, 2018, Arash Real Estate will once again adorn the lawns of local homeowners in Little Neck and Douglaston with American Flags. This will be the 19th year of distributing the flags during the parade. At parade time, please drop the office for a complimentary bag of popcorn.

Where: 251-12 Northern Blvd.

Saturday, May 26

Bayside Hills Memorial Day Ceremony

When: Saturday, May 26, at 9:30 a.m.

Where: Bell Boulevard and 53rd Avenue

Sunnyside Gardens Park: Annual Memorial Day Fair

When: Saturday, May 26, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: 48-21 39th Avenue

Sunday, May 27

Forest Hills Memorial Day Parade

When: Sunday, May 27, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Where: Starts at Metropolitan Avenue between Ascan Avenue and Woodhaven Blvd.

Maspeth Memorial Day Parade

When: Sunday, May 27, at 1 p.m.

Where: Parade begins at 72nd Street and Grand Avenue; Memorial services held at Maspeth Memorial Park

College Point Memorial Day Parade

When: Sunday, May 27, at 2 p.m.

Where: Parade starts at 28th Avenue between Ulmer Street and College Point Boulevard

Monday, May 28

Laurelton Memorial Day Parade

When: Monday, May 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Starts at Merrick Boulevard between Francis Lewis Boulevard and 230th Street

Annual VFW Memorial Day Parade

When: May 28, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Where: Coleman Square between 159th Ave. and 159th Road

Allied Veterans Memorial Day Parade

When: May 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Cypress Avenue between Myrtle Avenue and Cornelia Street

Rosedale Memorial Day Parade

When: Monday, May 28, at 11:30 a.m.

Where: Starts at 243rd Street and Mayda Road

Memorial Day Parade in Whitestone

When: Monday, May 28, at 12 p.m.

Where: Whitestone Memorial Park, 149th Street and 15th Drive

The Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade

When: Monday, May 28, at 2 p.m.

Where: Jayson Avenue and Northern Boulevard

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Mark Hallum

TimesLedger Newspapers

The 91st Annual Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade, the largest in the nation, will recognize two historic events in American military annals as it kicks off at Jayson Avenue and Northern Boulevard this year.

The procession will look back at 65 years since the Korean War ceasefire, as well as 50 years since the bloodiest year of the Vietnam War, when the 1968 Tet Offensive left 543 Americans killed in action and an additional 2,547 wounded, according to the Veterans of Foreign War.

The grand marshal for the 2018 parade will be Brigadier General William Seely from the U.S. Marine Corps. Seely rose through the ranks from platoon commander during deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, bears the weight of six soldiers lost under his command.

The Man of the Year will be City Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) alongside Andrea Licari-LaGrassa as Woman of the Year for her civic activism through the Community Church of Douglaston.

“It’s time to recognize the contributions of all Americans who are veterans, not just those born here,” parade spokesman Victor Mimoni said, mentioning that Seely was born in what is now Ho Chi Minh City. “The freedom won at so high a cost is what makes America great, and Queens the most diverse place on earth.”

The Community Service Award will go to Linda Lee, executive director of the Korean Community Services, which recently acquired the former Bayside Jewish Center to use as its main facility. Lee, an Oakland Gardens resident, also serves on Community Board 11.

U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Frederick Peter Crosby will be posthumously honored as a parade marshal for his service in Vietnam. Crosby served in the Light Photographic Squadron 63, piloting an unarmed RF-8A reconnaissance plane when he was shot down over Thanh Hoa Province.

Presumed dead by the Dept. of Defense, Crosby’s remains were not recovered until 2015, when a search led by his daughter found a lead in a local villager who witnessed the crash.

Crosby’s wedding ring and lighter were found on remains recovered from a pond and positive DNA evidence from his sister proved his identity.

The 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard will be represented by Col. Michael Bank Jr. as parade marshal, alongside Ted Han, who was born in South Korea in 1949 and served in the South Korean Navy during the Vietnam era.

He now writes a column called “Teddy’s New York News” for Chosun Ibo, a Korean paper published in Korean, English and Japanese.

Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhallum@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4564.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Vincent Tomeo

TimesLedger Newspapers

In June, we will pay homage to a Corona hero with an event to honor United States Marine Private William Frederick Moore.

Moore was born Dec. 15, 1897 and was killed in action during World War I in the Battle of Belleau Wood in the Chateau Thierry Sector of France on June 7, 1918.

There is a park in Corona named after Moore — William F. Moore Park, located at 108th Street in Corona between 51st and 52 avenues — known in the neighborhood as Spaghetti Park. The Parks Department, Community Board 4 and the borough president’s office are partnering for a cleanup of the park June 2, ahead of the June 7 event to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Moore’s death.

Moore is buried in Cypress Hills National Cemetery — Section 2, Gravesite No. 8439 — at 625 Jamaica Ave. in Brooklyn.

An American Monument at Chateau-Thierry sits on hill No. 204, marking the French commune’s Western Flanking hills. It pays homage to the thousands of Americans who died there, including Moore.

The Battle of Belleau Wood, (Chateau-Thierry section) turned the tide in favor of the western Allies and stopped the German advance to the capital of France. Months after the ferocious Battle at Belleau Wood, the war would come to an end. The Germans signed an armistice on the 11th month, of the 11th day, of the 11th hour. Today, it is known as Veteran’s Day.

World War I — “the war to make the world safe for democracy” and “the war to end all wars” — came to an end after countless losses on both sides, including Private Moore. We owe this to him — and thousands of other Marines and soldiers — our gratitude and thanks.

Remembering a Corona Marine (12/15/1897 – 06/07/1918)

Semper Fidelis!

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Mark Hallum

TimesLedger Newspapers

Flushing historian Joseph Brostek said he hopes to revitalize the legacy of a fallen World War I veteran who died in the conflict and whose body remains in Belgium.

For Brostek, an additional plaque in front of Father McGoldrick Public Library at 155-06 Roosevelt Ave. has the potential to solidify U.S. Army Corporal William A. Leonard’s memory by telling the story of the Flushing warrior’s role in the community in addition to his ultimate sacrifice.

Leonard was born on Boerum Place — now called 150th Street — in 1889 and became a civic leader at a young age, according to Brostek , a trustee of the Queens Historical Society.

He worked his way up from running errands for the Flushing Daily Times to city editor and also served as a member on the board of directors for the Flushing Cooperative Savings and Loan Association, the board of Governors Flushing Boat Club, treasurer of the Third Ward Republican Club, and a member of the Flushing Business Men’s Association.

The future World War I vet was also appointed to the Queensborough Public Library board of trustees by Mayor John Purroy Mitchel, where he served two terms before volunteering to join the fight in Europe.

Leonard was 29 years old when he was killed near Kemmel, Belgium on July 14, 1918, and was interred in the West Flanders Field American Cemetery.

On Armistice Day, Nov. 11 1934, the American Legion William A. Leonard Post #422 dedicated Leonard Square, a triangle across from McGoldrick Library, in his honor.

A plaque at the base of a flagstaff still bears his name, but other dedications have joined his in the traffic island.

In 1988, NYPD Police Officer George Scheu was honored after he was killed by a robbery suspect on Murray Street, and in 2008 a Sept. 11 memorial was placed in the triangle.

Brostek said a dedication to go in the library is still in the offing, but he hopes to include an old tintype shot of Leonard on the plaque.

Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhallum@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4564.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Freddy Green

TimesLedger Newspapers

What ever happened to the good old days when the worst things we had to fear on Memorial Day were traffic jams and indigestion?

Folks setting to break out their outdoor grill this Memorial Day face a nasty choice. If they undercook their hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken nuggets, their family and friends may face food poisoning by E. coli and Salmonella bacteria. The U.S. Meat and Poultry Hotline advises raising the temperature.

But our own National Cancer Institute warns that high-temperature grilling of processed meats produces cancer-causing compounds.

Do we really need to choose between food poisoning and cancer?

Luckily, a bunch of enterprising food processors have met this challenge head-on by developing a great variety of healthful, delicious plant-based veggie burgers, veggie dogs, and soy nuggets. These products don’t harbor nasty bugs or cancer-causing compounds. They don’t even offer cholesterol, saturated fats, drugs, or pesticides like their animal-based alternatives. And they are waiting for us in the frozen food section of our neighborhood supermarket, along with nut-based milks, ice creams and other dairy-free desserts.

This Memorial Day let’s stay safe on the roads, but let’s extend the safety net to our family barbecue grill.

Freddy Green

Flushing

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Mark Hallum

TimesLedger Newspapers

Bicycling advocacy group Trips for Kids Metro New York will be hosting a trail ride through Cunningham Park Saturday to highlight the positive effects of mountain biking for children and adults.

The event to last from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will provide those who attend with bikes, helmets and instruction for a suggested donation of $10 and will guide families down the nearly 10 miles of mountain biking trails in the heart of Oakland Gardens.

“Our rides activate and excite a child’s personal awareness through interaction with the environment and physical activity,” said Trips for Kids Executive Director Andree Sanders.

Participants are to meet with TFK staff at the corner of 210th Street and 73rd Avenue at the time of Saturday’s trail ride, the non-profit said.

Started in 1987, Trips for Kids has encouraged athleticism and productivity in youth between ages 10 and 18 through mountain biking in non-urban settings such as Cunningham Park.

Saturday’s event will also celebrate the 11-year anniversary of the North Woods Mountain Bike Trail, which snake its way though the greenspace.

For more information, contact the organization at info@tfkmetrony.com.

Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhallum@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4564.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Zach Gewelb

TimesLedger Newspapers

With star outfielder Yoenis Cespedes on the disabled list, the New York Mets were in desperate need for a right-handed power bat and decided to take a flier on veteran outfielder Jose Bautista.

Bautista, recently released from the Atlanta Braves following a mediocre 12-game cameo, does provide some power, but not much else. Nevertheless, it was a move the Mets had to make, especially with Juan Lagares — the club’s other right-handed hitting outfielder — also injured and out for the foreseeable future, possibly the rest of the 2018 season.

Bautista comes to the Mets on a discounted deal — he will make the prorated portion of the industry minimum salary of $545,000 — and should be expected to play against lefty pitchers while Brandon Nimmo, Jay Bruce and Michael Conforto — all lefty swingers — will see the field against right-handed pitchers. Bautista has a history of mashing southpaws, evidenced by his career .859 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) against lefties.

Despite his past success, Bautista has been on the decline for some time now. A noted power hitter with 333 career home runs, Bautista has failed to hit more than 23 since 2015, when he slugged 40. Last season was one of the worst of Bautista’s career, as he hit .203/.308/.366 with 23 home runs and 170 strikeouts, the highest total of his career.

He could not find a major league deal following his abysmal season and latched on with the Braves on a minor league contract. Recalled to the majors on May 4, Bautista struggled at the plate. In 12 games, he managed to bash two home runs and drive in five runs, but hit just .143/.250/.343 with 12 strikeouts, which led to his release.

While it’s clear he’s no longer the player he once was, Bautista can still help the Mets for a short time. His power is real and can still make pitchers tremble. His bat will be an asset in the middle of the Mets’ order, which desperately needs some right-handed thump with Cespedes sidelined.

But once the star outfielder returns from the disabled list, expect the Mets to walk away from Bautista. Yes, he is a versatile player who can take the field at right field, left field, third base and first base, but there won’t be room for him once Cespedes rejoins the lineup.

Plus, the Mets are already an older team, with 10 players on the roster over 30 years old. And Bautista, 37, is the oldest. There simply won’t be room for the 15-year veteran when the Mets get their injured players back from the DL.

Bringing Bautista in is a low-risk, low-reward proposition for the Mets. He’ll provide some power, but don’t expect him to be a savior and carry the team while he’s here. He’s no longer that type of player.

Reach reporter Zach Gewelb by e-mail at zgewelb@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4539.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Bill Parry

TimesLedger Newspapers

More than 100 supporters joined U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) Sunday at his Jackson Heights campaign headquarters where after a brief rally they went to knock on doors across the borough to discuss the congressman’s record of fighting for equal pay, Medicare for all and immigrant rights.

Crowley, 56, is locked into his first primary challenge in 14 years with Bronx resident Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 28, a first-time candidate who is running a grass-roots campaign devoid of corporate Political Action Committees or lobbyists after she helped coordinate U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ (I-Vt.) presidential campaign in the Bronx.

With the federal primary election scheduled for June 26, Queens elected officials began endorsing Crowley, the chairman of the Queens County Democratic Party, last week.

“Joe Crowley has been a champion for our community. Whether it’s fighting for affordable housing, keeping our streets safe, or working to protect our quality of life, our congressman has been our strongest ally in Washington,” City Councilman Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria) said. “Donald Trump has his friends in Congress working hard every day to undo all the progress that we have made and we need our strongest supporters in Congress working even harder to protect it. I know Joe Crowley is a hard worker and a defender of our values. That’s why I strongly endorse him for re-election.”

Ocasio-Cortez was not impressed by the flurry of Crowley support.

“It is unsurprising that my opponent would receive the endorsements of local elected officials, who rely on his conflicting positions as both incumbent and chairman of the Queens County Democratic Party for their own re-election,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “It is also unsurprising that this system designed on patronage and deference to the chairman has resulted in an endorsement list that is overwhelmingly homogenous and unrepresentative of the people in NY-14. Many local officials are supportive of the Ocasio2018 campaign. My opponent’s triple-dipping behavior, concentrating several positions of power unto himself, has created an environment of fear and intimidation in Queens County about publicly challenging him. That is not Democracy — it’s a racket.”

Crowley, the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, also received the endorsement of Borough President Melinda Katz, City Councilmen Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) and Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) and a dozen other elected officials last week as well as the endorsements of more than two dozen leading labor unions in New York.

“Congressman Crowley has been a stalwart defender of New Yorkers from every stripe — fighting for immigrant rights, worker’s rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights,” City Councilman Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights) said. “He is on the front line in Washington defending us against the Trump administration’s continuous attacks on our values and I’m proud to endorse and support his efforts to continue that fight in Congress.”

Crowley has also been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Action Fund, NARAL Pro-Choice America, and Giffords, the gun safety organization founded by former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Capt. Mark Kelly. Crowley ALSO represented the borough the state Assembly where he’s fought to increase the minimum wage for working families, expand access to health care, increase the availability of affordable housing, and push for comprehensive immigration reform.

Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4538.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Carlotta Mohamed

TimesLedger Newspapers

Owning a home can be quite expensive in New York City.

A new analysis revealed that Queens ranked as the fourth highest county in New York where residents spent half of their income on housing costs.

Gavop, a real estate, housing, and local data analytics service, used data from the U.S. Census Bureau to produce a study on homeowners’ costs as a percentage of income, according to Kevin Pryor, Gavop analyst. It analyzed real estate trends at the county level across the United States and found that Queens County had a median income of $62,207 and a median housing cost of $29,136 per year for homeowners with a mortgage.

In the study, housing costs include homeowner expenses such as the sum of mortgage payments, real estate taxes, insurance, and utilities.

“We looked at annual housing costs as a percentage to gauge how much debt people owe to their living situation based on location,” said Pryor. “Here, the numbers show that Queens residents paid a high median percentage of income on housing costs, resulting in a large debt to homeownership in the area.”

Pryor said for Queens “it was abnormally high for New York.” The percentage was 46.8 percent, where residents spent half of their income on mortgage payments, including utilities and maintenance.

Queens County’s median housing cost in relation to income is much larger than New York state’s rate of 39.5 percent and the national level of 31 percent.

According to the study, four of the top five counties that have a large housing cost are in New York City. The Bronx had the highest values in the state where homeowners pay 78 percent of their income followed by Kings County (59.0 percent); New York County – Manhattan (49.1 percent); Queens (46.8 percent); and Westchester at 43.6 percent.

The counties with a lower percentage was located in upstate New York.

Wayne County had the lowest value at 24.2 percent; St. Lawrence County (24.3 percent); Cattaraugus County (25.1 percent); Clinton County (25.3 percent); and Cayuga County (25.5 percent).

Based on the study, California (38.8 percent) ranked as the highest state, with New York (39.5 percent) placing second, and New Jersey (36.9 percent) in third. Overall, the lowest ranked state in the U.S. was Indiana with 24.5 percent.

According to Gavop, areas like Queens that have high housing costs are more likely to be impacted by “macroeconomic strains on the economy such as recessions or unemployment.” Residents who pay a higher percentage of income on living expenses, like mortgages, have less money left over for other expenses, and to put back into the economy.

In comparison to areas with a low percentage of income spent on housing, there is lower economic pressure.

“When housing costs are low, people are better equipped to withstand factors like a rise or fall in unemployment or fluctuations in the housing market,” Gavop said. Homeowners are less likely to go into foreclosures and are less likely to experience financial issues when compared to homeowners who spend a large sum of money on their homes each year.

Pryor said this is Gavop’s first study and he looks forward to conducting another study next year collecting new data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Reach reporter Carlotta Mohamed by e-mail at cmohamed@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4526.

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Source: Times Ledger