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By Bill Parry

TimesLedger Newspapers

There was a time when City Councilman Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria) was a supporter of state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst).

Constantinides campaigned for Peralta, knocking on doors in the days leading up to the special election in 2010, but that all changed in January 2017 when Peralta defected to the renegade Independent Democratic Conference, which is allied with Senate Republicans to form a majority coalition.

Constantinides endorsed Jessica Ramos in her primary challenge against Peralta Tuesday, becoming the first member of the City Council to endorse an anti-IDC challenger this year. Constantinides also joined Ramos and 75 grassroots supporters Sunday as they opened her official campaign office in Jackson Heights, and Constantinides railed against Peralta.

“We need a real Democrat representing this district,” Constantinides said. “We need someone who rides the trains. We need someone that knows when you cast a vote for a leader, that’s a vote for your values. You can talk and talk about what your values are — but your actions are what count. The senator for this district empowers Republicans. I’m proud to stand with Jessica Ramos and stand on the front lines with her. I know, as someone I’ve worked with, Jessica has the passion, knowledge and love of the community. She’s going to be the state senator we need. We need to knock on doors, make phone calls, and make sure Jessica Ramos is our state senator.”

The Peralta campaign fired back.

“Councilman Constantinides knows very well that Senator Jose Peralta is a clear representation of New York values. His disregard for Senator Peralta’s commitment to the people he serves is a weak attempt to blind voters from the progressive achievements the senator has consistently brought to working people across this city,” Jennifer Blatus, the Peralta spokeswoman for Queens, said.

“As a first-generation Dominican-American and lifelong advocate, Senator Peralta has worked tirelessly for the progressive advancement of immigrants, labor unions and working-class New Yorkers. The senator has been on the front lines for workers to receive a living wage, for women to receive equal pay, improved education for our children, safe living conditions for public housing residents, and college financial aid for undocumented New Yorkers — because everyone deserves a chance at the American dream,” she said.

“As Senator Peralta continues to represent Queens in Albany, and work to pass progressive legislation like the DREAM Act and an on-time budget, Councilman Constantinides should be concerned with the needs of his district and staying relevant to his own constituents.”

Ramos was a strong labor activist who worked with Build Up NYC and served as a Democratic district leader from 2010 to 2014 before working in City Hall as the director of Latino Media. She lives in Jackson Heights with her husband and two young sons, and like Constantinides, was once a Peralta campaign worker.

“As a mother of two, Queens native, and straphanger, I know our community needs better-funded schools, more affordable housing, and a subway system that actually works,” Ramos said. “This district’s current state senator empowers Republicans to block the DREAM Act, the Reproductive Health Act, and more. This campaign is making it clear: we will not stand for Trump Democrats — it’s time to send a real Democrat to Albany.”

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 Zach Gewelb

TimesLedger Newspapers

The St. John’s baseball team dropped its third consecutive game, falling to Fairfield 2-1 Tuesday afternoon at Jack Kaiser Stadium in Queens.

The Johnnies’ pitching staff, led by starting pitcher Jeff Belge, performed well enough to win, but the team’s bats couldn’t break through as St. John’s fell to 9-7 on the season.

Belge tossed four innings, surrendering four walks, three hits and two runs while striking out three. The Red Storm bullpen was stellar in relief of Belge, allowing just two base runners — one hit and one hit batsman — in five innings.

But the offense could only put together five hits and three walks.

Josh Shaw went 2-for-2 with a pair of singles and an RBI to lead the Red Storm. The performance marks the fifth time Shaw has recorded at least two hits in a game this season. He also drew a walk and advanced a runner with a sacrifice bunt.

Fairfield (5-11) took an early lead in the top of the second inning, using small ball to put a run on the board. The Stags rallied with a walk, a single, a sacrifice bunt, and an RBI groundout to take an early 1-0 lead.

Fairfield added to its lead in the fourth with another small ball rally against Belge — a walk, a single and a sacrifice fly put the Stags’ second and final run of the game on the board.

St. John’s answered back in the bottom of the inning,

John Valente led off the inning with a single — which extended his hitting streak to 19 games dating back to last season — and then stole second. He looked like he would be stranded at second following back-to-back strikeouts, but Shaw came up big in the clutch, driving Valente in with an RBI single to cut the Johnnies’ deficit to 2-1.

Junior lefty Turner French entered the game in the fifth and recorded four terrific innings in relief of Belge, facing the minimum 12 batters. He allowed just one runner to reach base on a hit-by-pitch in the sixth. French tossed 49 pitches, 32 of which were strikes.

The Red Storm rallied in the bottom of the seventh, putting the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position with two outs, but were unable to push another run across the plate in the inning and went down 1-2-3 in the eighth.

Joe LaSorsa pitched a scoreless ninth inning for St. John’s, maintaining his perfect ERA on the season through seven appearances.

Luke Stampfl led off the bottom half of the ninth with a single to left, sparking another rally. Shaw added a single two batters later, but the Stags converted a double play to secure the 2-1 victory over the Johnnies.

The loss comes after St. John’s dropped two of three games in a series at home against visiting UConn. The Johnnies won the first game of the series 14-4, but dropped the final two contests 1-0, and 3-1, respectively.

The Red Storm have struggled at home early this spring, playing to a 1-3 record at Jack Kaiser Stadium. But the Johnnies have seen success playing away from home, compiling a 5-4 record as visitors and a 3-0 mark in games played at neutral sites.

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 Tammy Scileppi

TimesLedger Newspapers

Queens is alive with the sound of music, so come hear the music play… when Broadway takes Queens Theatre by storm this weekend.

If you’re not planning on taking your family to a pricey Broadway show any time soon, no worries, because Broadway Kids is bringing “The Great White Way” to you, with a fun-filled musical show that will brighten up this wintry spring weather in no time.

Tickets are still available for shows on Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Experts say the early school years are the best time to expose children to a variety of musical styles, and what better way to start than with a variety of lively toe-tapping song and dance numbers from their stage and screen favorites, performed by Broadway’s brightest talent?

The diverse cast of actors, with over 20 different Broadway productions to their credit, consists of four adults and one child, and their sparkling performances are bound to entertain every grown-up while putting smiles on kids’ faces, as popular characters are brought to life in this memorable production.

“Every theater-lover I know personally developed their passion for the performing arts as a child. I believe it is important to introduce the magic of theater to kids early. It appeals to their natural creativity. It inspires them and sparks their imaginations. And that’s what Broadway Kids is all about,” said executive director Taryn Sacramone, who has two school-aged children.

Producer/Host Stephen DeAngelis said he is looking forward to presenting Broadway Kids to local audiences here. He will be bringing three real-life Broadway couples to Queens Theatre’s stage for two performances of “Broadway Valentine” on Saturday, April 14, at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. “The production was postponed from mid-February due to factors out of our control,” he noted, “but the show will go on.”

You and your significant other will surely enjoy this wonderful celebration of Cupid’s greatest love songs, written for the Broadway stage by musical theater’s most famous composers.

The inspiration for Broadway Kids and DeAngelis’ idea for the production came out of a recent conversation he had with Sacramone.

“We were discussing the concerts that I had been creating and producing for other venues throughout the country and I shared that I had an idea that I was developing for an all-ages concert that could serve as an introduction for young audiences to musical theatre and also be a shared family experience,” DeAngelis said. “Taryn liked my perspective and offered to schedule the two matinee performances. Given how expensive Broadway has become, it’s important to me to create an event that is accessible and affordable and still could attract traditional theater lovers.”

The audience will hear songs from stage versions of animated films and adaptations of works of literature ranging from classic to contemporary musicals, according to the producer, who said he is choosing not to announce the song titles for Broadway Kids, so as not to “ruin the sense of discovery while at the concert,” as DeAngelis feels that “the sounds of the audience members recognizing the selections is part of the fun.”

The performers include veterans of such esteemed shows as “Les Miserables,” “Cats,” “The Lion King,” “Wicked,” and more. If you’re wondering how the actors were selected, you may be surprised to find out that there was no audition process.

“As a casting director, I have huge access of the Broadway talent pool, so I selected five diverse performers with distinctive voices and vocal styles, so I could best serve the songs and give them distinctive personalities,” DeAngelis said. “I chose them because they are warm, open and spontaneous and will create something special and unique with each audience. Some of the songs will be treated traditionally, some will be handled in different musical styles and there will be several mashups/medleys of songs dealing with the same characters and stories but from different musicals.”

The cast will also be sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes and will participate in a Q&A session with the audience, halfway through Act II.

“The fact that this concert was created specifically for Queens Theatre gives it an extra energy,” DeAngelis said. “I love how comfortable the venue is and that it has great sight lines and an inclusive atmosphere. The management at Queens Theatre is passionate about providing something for everyone.”

DeAngelis is currently casting the New York premiere of a new musical called “Unexpected Joy” by two-time Tony Award nominee Bill Russell (“Side Show”), which opens Off-Broadway in May.

He has also served as the casting director for Queens Theatre’s productions of “The Miracle Worker,” “In the Car with Blossom and Len,” and “Jimmy and Carolyn,” and has produced more than 250 different Broadway concerts at venues in New York and across the U.S. featuring a multitude of Broadway stars, including many Tony Award and Drama Desk Award winners and nominees, stars from hit TV series and films whose roots are on stage, as well as Broadway’s fastest rising young performers.

“My hope is that the audience will enjoy the afternoon and take away what they most enjoy and can relate to personally. There is certain to be something for all tastes included in the performance,” said DeAngelis. “The performers all have a great affection to the songs they will be performing, and it will be as much fun for them as the audience.”

Someone once said the true beauty of music is that it connects people. Encouraging that love of music and musical theater in your youngsters will surely help them appreciate that concept as they get older.

For tickets, visit queenstheatre.org/broadway-kids or call 718-760-0064.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Gina Martinez

TimesLedger Newspapers

Parents and students were shaken up after Forest Hills High School was put into a soft lockdown last week following a hoax gun threat.

The school — located at 67-01 110th St. — went into the lockdown March 15 after a note was found on a desk about a student having a gun and wanting to replicate the Parkland, Fla., school shooting, police said.

Officers arrested a 16-year-old boy who attends Forest Hills High shortly after the lockdown, charging him with making terrorist threats and criminal mischief, police said. He was expected to be arraigned this Thursday, according to the Queens district attorney’s office.

Principal Ben Sherman held a meeting with parents later that afternoon to answer questions about the incident. He said teachers found a note on March 14 that suggested a student was thinking about shooting up the school, which the school investigated internally. But when a more specific note was found the following day in the same handwriting and implied that there was a gun being hidden in the school, officials called the police, who initiated lockdown procedures.

According to first-hand accounts, students were trapped in their rooms with no initial explanation. Angel Suarez from Rego Park commented on timesledger.com, saying students were confused and a few kids were crying.

“Yesterday was a really bad day at FH,” he wrote last Friday. “We had to stay in our room for 2 1/2 hours with no answers to what is going on. We heard there were cops, cars and ambulance in front. No one ever came around and we had to go to bathroom and finally our teacher just had to open the bathroom but said we could get into trouble.”

Another visitor to the website, Sam Green from Elmont, said: “Principal Sherman remained in his office for the entire crisis. Everyone knows that now, except the parents. No communication was made to teachers for two hours.”

The TimesLedger could not reach the principal for comment before presstime because the school was closed during Tuesday’s snowstorm.

Police received a call about the threat at 11 a.m. March 15, forcing the school into the soft lockdown, and by 12:57 p.m., the 112th Precinct tweeted that the situation was under control.

“Soft lockdown at Forest Hills High School. Everything is alright, it’s just precautionary, kids and teachers all OK.”

According to police, no one was injured and the lockdown was over as of 1:30 p.m.

“Lockdown at Forest Hills High School has been terminated. Students and faculty are all OK. Individual responsible for today’s hoax is in custody,” the 112th Precinct tweeted at 1:58 p.m.

City Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) praised the 112th Precinct for its quick action and said it was especially impressive considering the timing of the threat, which occurred just one day after thousands of students citywide held walkouts in protest of gun-violence.

“To be perfectly clear, whenever threats are made against our children, the utmost caution must be used,” she said. “Threats of gun violence against students can never be taken lightly. That’s why I want to take this opportunity to praise the work of the 112th Police Precinct and its commanding officer, Deputy Inspector Robert Ramos for their quick action in collaborating with school officials, assessing the situation, ensuring everyone remained calm, and quickly containing a situation that could have escalated out of control.”

DOE spokeswoman Barbot Miranda said the high school followed normal procedure and returned to order as soon as officers confirmed students were safe.

“The safety of students and staff is our top priority, and this serious threat was immediately reported to the NYPD who conducted a thorough investigation and determined it to be unfounded,” she said. “The temporary soft lockdown was lifted and normal dismissal procedures were followed.”

According to the city Department of Education, a soft lockdown implies that there is no identified imminent danger to the sweep teams.

The DOE website said the school puts out an announcement on the PA system at the start of soft lockdowns.

“Attention: We are now in soft lockdown. Take proper action” is repeated twice over the PA system.

Students are trained to move out of sight and maintain silence and teachers are trained to check the hallway outside of their classrooms for students, lock classroom doors, and turn the lights off.

Students and teachers are instructed to move out of sight, maintain silence, and wait for first responders to open door or for the “All Clear” message to be announced with specific instructions. Finally, teachers take attendance and account for missing students by contacting main office.

Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmartinez@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4566.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Tammy Scileppi

TimesLedger Newspapers

“Yeah, I got issues… one of them is how bad I need you…”

Charismatic competitor Miya Bass (pictured left) belted her rendition of Julia Michaels’ song “Issues,” when she performed on “The Voice” for her blind auditions March 12 on NBC and snagged a spot with Team Adam.

Pushing his button to select the up and coming songstress, sight unseen, judge Adam Levine was the only musician coach to turn his chair for the passionate contestant from Queens, who was coiffed with a poof of pink hair. After swiveling around to face her, it was clear that Levine was impressed; so much so that he told the excited contestant she was “super, super dope,” and commended her for having so much control.

As for choosing “Issues,” Levine told Bass: “Look, that’s a great song. You happen to be doing a song by an artist that I just worked with, that I think is an absolute genius…”

The singer shared a bit about her interesting backstory, as the only musically-inclined member of her NYPD officer family, with the audience.

“The Voice” continues its 14th season with a line-up of great new vocalists from across the nation, invited to compete in the blockbuster vocal competition show hosted by Carson Daly. Superstar singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson, makes her debut as a coach, along with season 12-winning coach and musical icon Alicia Keys, who joins returning coaches Levine and Blake Shelton.

“The feeling is incredible! To be chosen to sing on ‘The Voice’ means that I have been set apart from tens of thousands of other people who have pursued this very same dream. That makes me feel special,” said Bass, who has been crossing her fingers in the hopes that she’ll make it all the way to the live shows.

A four-time Emmy Award winner, the show features five stages of competition: the first begins with the blind auditions, followed by the battle rounds, knockouts, playoffs and, finally, the live performance shows.

During the blind auditions, the decisions from the coaches are based solely on voice and not on looks. The coaches — sitting on rotating chairs — hear the artists perform, but don’t get to see them till they turn around.

If more than one coach pushes his or her button, the power then shifts to the artists to choose which coach they want to work with. If no coach pushes a button, the artist is eliminated from the competition.

“My experience has been life changing. I am living the dream since I get to work with such a superstar like Adam, and I’m receiving so much love online, it’s amazing,” said Bass, 29, whose talent, persistence and ability to make tough decisions led to her big break.

Though her intention had been to follow in her family’s footsteps and become an NYPD officer, in her final semester of training, the aspiring performer decided to switch gears and get cracking on her lifelong dream of having a music career.

She worked for a while as a dance and music instructor at an arts program for NYC’s Sports and Arts School Foundation and, later, as a program director for the New York Junior Tennis League. In the past year, Bass quit her job to sing with an 11-piece funk band called Funktion11, while also returning to college.

“I decided to quit my job because pursuing a music career requires 100 percent attention. Working other jobs was just a distraction and stole away precious time from me. I turned down a lot of auditions and music opportunities because I had to go to work at a job that I most likely did not care about,” she said. “I decided, as an artist and single woman with no husband or children, there’s no better time than now to pursue music. There is nothing and nobody holding me back.”

The determined go-getter has already performed at several large venues, including Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia, in front of an audience of 10,000 people; The Apollo Theater in Harlem; and in The Steve Harvey Radio Star show in Las Vegas. She has shared the stage in New York City with popular singer, Brandy, opened for Bill Cosby, and sang background for Idris Elba.

“My upcoming shows are local gigs in New York: Weddings, talent shows, and bars. I would love to get booked for another musical, since I have a strong background in musical theater. I also have an agent that I work with who is currently working on getting me commercial and movie work in film,” Bass said.

Looking back on her childhood growing up on Jamaica’s south side, where she has lived her entire life, the singer talked about her favorite borough.

“I love Queens because it’s raw. There is a beautiful honesty about my neighborhood. We are all unapologetic about our culture and community,” Bass said.

She recalled doing typical kid stuff as a young girl, playing double dutch, hide and seek, dodge ball, and riding bicycles with friends. She said she first realized she had a gift during elementary school, when she started singing.

“I actually impressed myself,” Bass said. “Aside from people showing me praise, I knew there was something different about me.”

As a spiritual person, Bass said her faith plays an important part in her daily life. She uses a bible app with inspirational scriptures that she reads each day.

“I pray every single night and every single morning before I even leave my bed,” she said. “There is no point in using my gifts if I’m not going to show appreciation to the God who gave the gifts to me.”

Between gigs, the rising singer — whose musical influences are Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder – gets funky with Funktion11, as one of the lead singers in the band.

As she moves forward in her musical career, Bass said her future plans will include creating new music for her fans and making her way to TV.

As for her fans’ reactions to her newfound success, she said her family is “stoked.”

“They scream, shout and jump for joy. They have been sharing my news at their jobs and they represent me very well,” Bass said. “My phone has pretty much exploded because of all my messages.”

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Mark Hallum

TimesLedger Newspapers

John Gotti, the 24-year-old grandson of the notorious Gambino crime boss, received five additional years last week— this time in federal prison — tacked onto his current eight-year sentence in connection with his role in a 2012 arson he helped to commit to assist an already convicted Bonnano family capo Vincent Asaro, 82, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn.

Asaro was also sentenced to eight years in state prison for orchestrating the arson attack on the vehicle of a man who cut him off in traffic and for which the young John Gotti was found guilty of being part of, according to court documents.

The March 14 sentencing by Brooklyn Federal Judge Allyne Ross comes nearly a year after Gotti was indicted for torching the car. He will be required to pay $27,000 for the value of the car along with the five-year federal sentence, according to court documents.

The senior John Gotti, also known as the Dapper Dan, was the head of the Gambino crime family and died in prison in 2002. The younger Gotti is the son of Peter Gotti, one of the crime family head’s sons. They are a Howard Beach family.

Queens District Attorney Richard Brown announced in March 2017 that the young Gotti had been sentenced to eight years in prison following a guilty plea for selling prescription drugs that earned him an estimated $1.6 million per year. He had been operating his drug trade in Howard Beach and Ozone Park.

Howard Beach police had stopped Gotti’s car in June 2016 for having windows tinted beyond the legal limit. He was found to have an expired driver’s license and a Gucci bag containing more than 200 oxycodone pills.

Surveillance operations by the authorities overheard a conversation in which Gotti outlined a profitable underground trade in prescription drugs. Gotti admitted to selling more than 4,200 pills a month, averaging about $100,000 in sales in that period of time, the Queens DA said. The pills cost from $21 to $30 each.

The Queens DA said $5,600 in cash was also found in the vehicle along with $2,271 in cash from Gotti’s pants pocket. Of the money seized, $7,000 was traced back to that used by police in the undercover buy operations.

A search of Gotti’s home at 160-11 85th St. found $52,000 in cash and 480 pills

Asaro was famously acquitted in 2015 of charges tying him to the Lufthansa heist in which nearly $6 million in cash, precious metals and jewels was stolen from the German carrier at Kennedy International Airport. It is regarded as one of the biggest thefts in state history.

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 Mark Hallum

TimesLedger Newspapers

The public took turns lashing out against a homeless shelter slated for Blissville at a public hearing on week by the city Department of Homeless Services at St. Rafael’s church.

Residents argued there are not enough commercial services in the area to support the homeless population while some claimed a shelter at the Fair Field Inn by Marriott will take the power from their hands to control the safety of their community.

“I don’t know how you expect them to receive services and to heal in a big building with an average [of 500 individuals],” Maria Davis, the mother of an autistic child, said. “The right of parents to know the barometer of the safety surrounding our children is paramount. Therefore, my question is… can you guarantee me that I can let my daughter travel independently to and from school?”

One DHS official said individuals coming through the door at facilities operated by the city agency are screened in order to assess their mental health and physical needs, which will be treated by the facility itself in most cases.

The city plans to buy out every room of the hotel — located at 52-34 Van Dam St. — making it the third homeless shelter in the area. It will house 154 adult families and join the City View Inn on Greenpoint Avenue and a Best Western on the Sunnyside border.

City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) claimed his district already houses five times as many homeless people as it produces and that placing 500 people in a neighborhood, just five city blocks from north to south, would equal the number of permanent residents in Blissville.

“I have, and the people of Blissville have compassion and empathy for those who are experiencing homelessness but there is an undue burden being placed on this neighborhood,” Van Bramer said. “The Mayor’s plan is about equity but there is none here. My district is currently housing 4 times the number of homeless it produces and if this new site opens, the neighborhood population will be outnumbered by those living in shelters. The plan calls for eliminating the use of commercial hotels, but this new site will simply turn another commercial hotel into a shelter.”

Helen Ho, director of External Affairs for nearby LaGuardia Community College, said the institution welcomes options for students in their system who are currently without a roof over their head.

Although strongly opposed by numerous communities in Queens, Mayor de Blasio’s Turning the Tide initiative places a homeless shelter in every community board in the city to address the crisis of more than 60,000 people living on the streets.

“Homeless New Yorkers come from every community across the five boroughs, so we need every community to come together to address homelessness. As we implement our borough-based approach, we will be ending the use of all cluster sites and commercial hotel facilities citywide, including the three commercial hotels in this community district,” DHS spokesman Isaac McGinn said. “This high-quality facility will be the first of its kind in this community district, offering 154 adult families from Queens the opportunity to be sheltered in their home borough, closer to their support networks and communities they called home as they get back on their feet. Working together with neighbors and nonprofit service provider Home/Life, we’re confident that these families will be warmly welcomed—and through collaborative support and compassion, we will make this the best experience it can be for these individuals.”

The city plans to phase out the use of hotels and cluster sites by 2022, but until then the Fairfield Inn will be bought out by DHS starting in April.

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