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By Mark Hallum

TimesLedger Newspapers

Two men were sentenced to “lengthy” prison terms after pleading guilty to slashing a teenage girl’s face in Whitestone as she walked to school in 2015, according to the Queens DA.

Queens District Attorney Richard Brown called the “heinous attack” something that would affect the Chinese exchange student’s life forever and was vocal in his praise of the nearly two decade-long sentences the two men received Feb. 14.

Wilson Lai, 26, of Oakland Gardens, admitted in January to hiring Pennsylvania resident Devon Berkley, 39, to attack his underage girlfriend, who lived in the same place as the victim, 16-year-old JiaJia Liang. Liang was not the intended target of the attack, but received two cuts across the face.

“Last month, the two defendants in this case pleaded guilty to brutally attacking a teenage girl,” Brown said. “The victim in this case was not the intended target, but nonetheless she will have to live with the pain of the slashing for the rest of her life — as well as the permanent scars that remain visible on her face. The defendants have now been sentenced and will be incarcerated for a very long time as punishment for their crime and to protect society.”

Lai received 19 years in prison while Berkley, who had to be extradited from Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 18 years, the DA said.

Liang was on her way to school when her face was abruptly slashed twice by Berkley, according to Brown, and still bears the scars. The wounds required hospitalization and up to 200 stitches, the DA said.

Liang was attending the Whitestone Academy while staying with a host family when the attack happened.

“In pleading guilty, the defendants have admitted to a heinous attack on a teenage girl,” Brown said in January following the guilty plea. “The victim in this case was not the target, but nonetheless she will forever be marred by the memory of what happened to her and the scars on her face. The defendants in the case deserve to be incarcerated as punishment for their crime.”

Lai was arrested in June 2016, and Berkley was later extradited from Pennsylvania.

Lt. Timothy Thompson of the 109th Precinct said at a 2016 news conference that Lai was facing multiple counts of rape, assault, criminal sex act, criminal mischief, conspiracy, acting in a manner injurious to a child, harassment and criminal possession of a weapon.

The rape charges were filed because of the sexual nature of Lai’s relationship with the intended victim, Thompson said in 2016.

At a January 2016 news conference held by Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Flushing) attended by Liang and her mother who traveled from China, the youth said she had plans to stay in the United States throughout high school and college with her student visa.

An immigration lawyer was assisting Liang at the time of the attack to obtain a U visa, a special designation for the victims of crimes.

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 Larry and Wendy Penner

TimesLedger Newspapers

This Valentine’s Day, my wife Wendy and I went to Aunt Bella’s restaurant on Marathon Parkway in Little Neck. The restaurant opened in 1977 and just celebrated its 41st anniversary. Upon walking into Bella’s, we were meet by Moana, whose husband Richie is the owner. She sat us at one of our favorite tables in the back corner, facing the kitchen. I have always enjoyed watching the cooks at work. It is like going to the opera. The head chef waved and before I even ordered, proceeded to prepare my favorite appetizer of sauteed sweet peppers in olive oil, no garlic. Longtime host and head waiter Danny came to our table and took our order.

I have lived in the neighborhood since the 1960s. I was amazed to learn from Richie I had become one of the 10 longest, continuous customers. Upon my first visit in 1983, I was sold on the menu. Chicken cutlet parmigiana, garlic bread, salad and pasta became my standard. Years later, I would switch to sauteed chicken with peppers and sun-dried tomatoes. Wendy always seems to enjoy ordering the shrimp scampi over pasta. During my bachelor days, on cold winter nights I would phone in for a delivery “care package.” Back then my appetite could handle an order of baked ziti as an appetizer, followed by a chicken cutlet parm with a side salad, garlic bread and pasta. I was so grateful for the delivery person that I would always be sure to leave him with a good tip.

On other nights, Richie and I take time for a trip down memory lane, comparing notes on all the stores and owners who have come and gone. Even with many loyal customers growing older, moving away or sadly succumbing to old age, Bella’s held on. Business is still so good that there are sometimes several couples standing at the door, waiting for a table on a busy weekend evening. The wait is never long. New generations of customers and neighbors have replaced those lost. They quickly learned about the great food at reasonable prices that are accompanied by the personal attention of the staff. Once hooked, they became regulars. Many loyal customers who may have moved still try and come back. It is not out of the ordinary to see neighbors recognizing neighbors while dining.

We also frequent Aunt Bella’s for New Year’s Eve and other special holidays. Why travel into Manhattan for some fancy upscale restaurant where you are a total stranger? You can obtain a much better meal for far less.

I have always told Richie he should write a newspaper article about how difficult it is for an independent small business owner to survive today, between competition and incredibly excessive government permits and regulations. Walking down Northern Boulevard in the evenings, my wife and I see fewer people dining out and shopping, except on weekends. Years ago, we would never see any vacant storefronts. Today, there are many.

In these difficult economic times, it is especially important to patronize our remaining local neighborhood businesses. My wife and I, along with many Great Neck neighbors, are regular patrons of the local stores in neighboring Little Neck on Northern Boulevard, from Glenwood Street at the City Line to Marathon Parkway. Why drive and waste time? There are so many great businesses. Leave your car in the driveway, save some gas, say hello to neighbors and take a walk around the neighborhood to get some exercise. Take a quick turn on to Marathon Parkway. It’s a short two-block walk south off of Northern Blvd. to Aunt Bella’s. You’ll be glad you did.

We don’t mind occasionally paying a little more to help Aunt Bella’s and our other local stores survive. Don’t forget your cook and server at your favorite local neighborhood restaurant. We try to tip 20 percent against the total bill, including taxes. If it is an odd amount, round up to the next dollar. If you can afford to eat out, you can afford an extra dollar tip. When ordering takeout, don’t forget to leave a dollar or two for the waiter or cook. Trust us, it is appreciated.

Remember, the people who work at Aunt Bella’s are our neighbors. They work long hours, pay taxes and provide local employment. If we don’t patronize our local community stores and restaurants to shop and eat, they don’t eat either. This helps keep our neighbors employed and the local economy growing.

As part of our annual yearly Christmas/Hanukkah celebration, we always drop off a box of cookies from Joe’s Sicilian Bayside Bakery to our friends at Aunt Bella’s, along with others who treat us like family all year long. It is our way of saying thank you.

Larry and Wendy Penner

Great Neck

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By Tammy Scileppi

TimesLedger Newspapers

If you’re looking for some big screen entertainment that’s exciting, shocking, endearing, repulsive, engaging and uplifting, grab your friends and stop by the Museum of the Moving Image and Kaufman Astoria Studios to check out the best independent film has to offer at the 2018 Queens World Film Festival.

The eighth edition of the fest boasts must-see local and global works by rising talent, including films that are edgier and more thought-provoking than ever. The expanded 11-day program will run from Thursday, March 15, to Sunday, March 25.

Executive Director Katha Cato said she was excited to have 31 films from Queens and 19 filmmakers screening at MOMI.

“With screens shrinking all over the world and people competing for screen time; watching movies on their phones, while at their desk checking e-mail… to be able to do 11 days of beautiful screenings, challenging films that people can see and discuss… it’s just super important,” she said.

There were 611 submissions from 48 nations for this year’s festival. QWFF has selected 189 films from 36 nations for screening.

A commitment to diversity was important, and 65 of the movies selected are from female filmmakers.

“We were shocked and thrilled that there were so many women chosen because their work was stunning,” said Cato, who explained that she and her partner, Don Cato, were interested in a variety of provocative, challenging themes, like immigration and women’s issues.

“Don looks for a film where sound is good, you can tell what you’re looking at, craftsmanship, camera use, how inventive they are with media and technology,” she said. “He’s looking for people who are putting that camera right next to their heart and telling a story.”

Families may take a special interested in Kids Corner, which showcases films made by children aged 14 and younger that will screen at MOMI. Team Cato develops these young auteurs through their after school film program, which they teach in various Queens schools. Actor/comedian and Queens native Ray Romano sponsored all tickets for the students who made these films, and their families. Cato says QWFF is looking for another sponsor to make the entire student show free for additional family members.

Here’s a sampling of local talent at the festival.

“Thank You and Good Night”

Have you ever seen a film that makes use of cardboard cutouts crafted from old photographs? In this whimsical, genre-busting creation, Jan Oxenberg takes viewers on a sentimental journey back to her childhood in Queens, sharing misty, food-related memories of her grandma’s home-cooked Jewish dishes… accented with carrots. The filmmaker, who’s work premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 1991, grew up in Bell Park Gardens in Bayside, where her neighbors included Richard Dreyfuss and Estelle Getty.

The QWFF will award Oxenberg with its “Spirit of Queens” Award at a special tribute screening March 20, at 7 p.m., at MOMI,

“Bricklayer’s Poet”

Don’t miss actor/filmmaker Gino Cafarelli’s short/featurette about love, heart, loss and loneliness.

A chance encounter between a bricklayer and a poet becomes deeper than what’s on the surface.

According to Cafarelli, the film is Inspired by writer Joe Maruzzo, who wrote it as a one-act play 30 years ago. “His dad was a bricklayer, and my dad is a retired mason/bricklayer. I was immediately attracted to the play because of our dads,” he said.

Cafarelli, who can be seen in Martin Scorsese’s upcoming film, “The Irishman,” will screen “Bricklayer’s Poet” Thursday, March 15, at 7:00 p.m., MOMI – Redstone

“Manic”

Director Kate Marks takes indie filmmaking to a whole new level in one of her two offerings at the festival. A manic episode lands an overachieving, Ivy League-bound teen in a school for kids with mental illness.

“There aren’t many characters like her on TV and I wanted the show to be grounded in her perspective, so my guiding principle was ‘capture things the way Aurora would see them’ – messy, medicated, and bizarre,” said Marks.

Thursday, March 22, at 6:00 p.m., Zukor

“Miracle Maker”

Marks said when her dad was diagnosed with cancer, she began to light candles for St. Jude, even though she’s not Catholic. “Raised in a household where we put our faith in effort, I always thought hard work could fix any problem. But when this philosophy failed, I began to search for a hero to rescue my family… enter Miss Kitty, the miracle maker of my film.”

Sunday, March 25, at 5:30 p.m., MOMI – Redstone

“Two Marxists in Hollywood”

Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 24, at 1:00 p.m., and head on over to MOMI to catch “Two Marxists in Hollywood” by director Zoe Beloff.

Radical artists and Nazi Germany refugees Bertolt Brecht and Sergei Eisenstein believed that other filmmakers should question the way we understand our world. These revolutionaries were hellbent on making films in Hollywood on their own terms. Did they succeed?

The film invites us to re-imagine their ideas today through intriguing interviews with actors playing the two men.

“To The Flame”

In the mood for some riveting indie horror? Then you’ll want to see this psychological thriller set in a small town.

Expect suspense, mixed with unexpected humor and dangerous, yet humorous characters.

While interviewing neighbors for his film class assignment, Kyle happens upon a creepy, disturbed couple. Was his encounter a big mistake?

“It definitely takes a hard look at a certain type of male ego that sees everything through the lens of self-promotion,” said Webb, who’s credits include “Boardwalk Empire,” “Daredevil” and “House of Cards.”

Friday, March 23, at 6:00 p.m. MOMI – Redstone

“A Favor”

A woman has to make a difficult choice between family or duty. This film captures an ordinary woman in an extraordinary circumstance, where her biggest struggle isn’t on the battlefield. Experience a behind-the-scenes look at profound moments faced by brave women in the military.

“‘A Favor’ was written to tell a story that people can relate to and cast light on events that don’t make the headlines,” according to director Tannia Kustka. “It’s one thing to use words to tell a story and quite a different one to see the struggle, anguish, pain and love on our character’s face.

“Her actions may seem heartless but she also has a huge heart. It is this paradox that makes people so interesting to watch.”

Thursday March 22, at 6:00 p.m. Zukor

For more information, visit www.queensworldfilmfestival.com.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Naeisha Rose

TimesLedger Newspapers

The New York State Court of Appeals handed down a favorable decision for dozens of Rockaway residents and business owners on their lawsuit against the Long Island Power Authority and National Grid, LLC, according to lawyers representing the plaintiffs.

The Rockaway residents and business owners lived and worked in Breezy Point, Rockaway Park and Belle Harbor and faced widespread fires that destroyed their homes and places of work during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. They blame LIPA and National Grid for not cutting off the electrical power to the peninsula before Sandy struck, although there were forecasts of a storm surge.

“When the Rockaway Peninsula flooded due to storm surges from Hurricane Sandy, flood water came into contact with components of [the electrical system] causing short circuits, fires and, ultimately, the destruction of…property,” according to the plaintiffs.

The Sandy victims will now be able to move forward with their suit, despite efforts from LIPA to block it, according to Eric Schwarz of SPBMC, the law firm representing over 40 families and business owners who are seeking claims for damages.

“Just like Hurricane Sandy ravaged the Rockaways, LIPA’s repeated attempts to block this case from moving forward has ravaged the families and businesses who simply want their day in court,” said Schwarz. “Today’s ruling is a step in the right direction for our clients and all those who are seeking some sort of closure on this issue so they can finally try to move on with their lives as best they can.”

According to the appeal from LIPA, the company is a public authority that was created by the state Legislature in 1986 as an alternative to the Long Island Lighting Company, which had a coverage area of Long Island and the Rockaway Peninsula.

LIPA claimed in the appeal that as a corporate municipal instrumental of the state exercising essential governmental and public powers that it has governmental function immunity.

Law.com states that the old English common law gives governmental bodies impunity from judgment and lawsuits.

“A government agency’s ability to make such decisions and to prioritize their response to emergencies should be free from tort liability,” according to Zachary Murdock, who is representing LIPA. “Purposely turning off power to an occupied area would have immediately knocked out the street lights, traffic lights, the power to people’s homes, to hospitals, nursing homes, elevators in high-rise buildings, and basement sump pumps, among other things.”

The plaintiffs, however, believe the actions of LIPA to be proprietary, according to the appeal. They are arguing that LIPA is a private enterprise.

After LIPA took over LILCO as a subsidiary, it entered into a Management Services Agreement with National Grid, which was also operating under the presumption that LIPA was entitled to governmental immunity.

The court may have rejected LIPA’s appeal, but the company maintains its stance as a public authority.

“LIPA, a New York State public authority that owns the electric transmission and distribution system for Long Island and the Rockaway Peninsula, asserted the defense of government function immunity which protects decisions and actions of governmental entities when they prepare for and respond to emergencies such as Superstorm Sandy,” said Murdock. “For these reasons, government function immunity should protect LIPA’s decision to not turn off power.”

Reach reporter Naeisha Rose by e-mail at nrose@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4573.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Naeisha Rose

TimesLedger Newspapers

JAMAICA — A Jamaica man was sentenced last week to 16 years in prison for second-degree kidnapping and third-degree rape of a 15-year-old Canadian girl, according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.

Santiago Reyes, 31, of Jamaica, was convicted in January, following a two-week trial, of using social media to connect with the troubled Toronto teen and taking advantage of her troubles with her family, according to trial testimony.

The defendant spent nine months communicating with the teen as she confided that her parents were too strict and that she was bullied at a new school, said Brown. Reyes then convinced the girl to leave her home to meet him.

“The defendant in this case used Facebook to establish a relationship with the then-15-year-old girl and convinced her to run away from her family when they visited New York City,” Brown said.

According to trial testimony, the defendant met with the girl when her parents were out and took her to his house.

The teen was shocked by how much older Reyes was and tried to leave, but instead he manipulated her into having sexual intercourse with him, the DA said.

“When the [teen] stated she wanted to leave, Reyes refused and told her there was no going back,” Brown said.

Reyes lived on the second floor apartment of 87-25 114th St. in Jamaica, according to the indictment.

In the indictment, the teenager told Officer Robert Patterson of the 107th Precinct that the defendant had sex with her twice from Aug. 3 to Aug. 4, 2014.

“A jury has now found him guilty and the defendant will be incarcerated for his actions,” the DA said.

Presiding over the trial was Supreme Court Justice Robert Kohn, who sentenced the defendant to 16 years in prison to be followed by five years post-release supervision.

— Naeisha Rose

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By Angelica Acevedo

TimesLedger Newspapers

Ladies and gentlemen, damas y caballeros, if you’d like to experience a play quite unlike any other, look no further than Queens of the Night/Reinas de la Noche, playing in the Thalia Spanish Theatre until Feb. 25.

Perhaps the most memorable aspect of the show, other than the interactive second act where the play suddenly becomes a drag show, was the use of Spanish and English — or as some call it, Spanglish.

The mix of the two languages, however, wasn’t an intentional aspect of the play. Txemi Parra, the writer of Queens of the Night/Reinas de la Noche, said the bilingual theme happened organically among the cast and crew.

“I wrote it in Spanish and I wrote that some characters spoke Spanglish, but not all,” Parra said. “But some of the actors said ‘this is a good idea,’ and it would be great to open it to more audiences.”

Parra said he drew his inspiration for the production from New York.

“Living here in New York, I’ve learned a lot about the Spanish language,” he said.

The exuberant actors complemented their impeccable comedic timing with a dash of Spanish phrases and cultural references throughout their performances. The music and costumes were so vibrant that viewers could overlook the very serious undertones of the play if they weren’t paying attention.

Some of the actors and actresses had never performed in a play before, according to Soledad Lopez, who starred as the main character, Lupe, and is the managing director of the Thalia Spanish Theatre.

“We wanted to do a type of play where they would be able to demonstrate their talents because, realistically, sometimes they just work in clubs, not in a theatre where people come to sit down and watch them,” Lopez said.

The not-so-subtle jabs at the current president of the United States, some of which reference his comments about Mexican immigrants, drew great laughs from the audience as well.

Other subjects of the play — including abusive relationships, the hardships of adopting children when one is transgender and acceptance of who one truly is — gave it an authenticity that kept the audience responsive in the already intimate setting of the Thalia.

The director, William Lopera, stressed that the underlying intention of the play is to raise awareness about the prejudices members of the LGBTQ community still face.

“There is a need to create consciousness and to promote tolerance without making it dramatic,” Lopera said. “This is a fun way to give that information and people will realize how fun and wonderful diversity is.”

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Thalia Spanish Theatre, the executive director of the theatre, Angel Gil Orrios, said that they strive to bring important messages to their audience.

“We’ve always been interested in promoting social justice, in doing things and themes that are really contemporary and important for the community,” Orrios said. “We always wanted to do an LGBTQ musical because we knew that many artists that have worked with us in the past were gay and were very proud of it.”

During the Valentine’s Day performance of Queens of the Night/Reinas de la Noche, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer and his partner went to show their support for the play. At the end of the show, he was invited to the stage where he praised the story and the Thalia.

“I am so proud to represent this theater in my district and I’m so proud that this was brought to Sunnyside,” Van Bramer said. “I fell in love with every single person on this stage for many reasons… All of you inspire me, all of you are so beautiful in every single way. This was a great way to spend Valentine’s Day. Thank you all so much, muchisimas gracias.”

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By Bill Parry

TimesLedger Newspapers

Police wanted to question a man who allegedly committed an act of public lewdness aboard a moving Queens R train Wednesday morning.

The suspect took a seat across from a 20-year-old woman and “manipulated his private parts in front of her,” police said. The man exited the train at Queens Plaza and fled in an unknown direction.

Police described the suspect as a black man who was last seen wearing a blue hooded coat, a black seater, blue jeans and black and white sneakers.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.

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

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