BY MATTHEW LYSIAK
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Tuesday, January 8th 2008, 4:00 AM
The final deal goes down in a Bay Ridge apartment.
That's where the product can be scored, but the elaborate web weaves through the city.
"I know it's illegal, but that doesn't mean it's wrong," said one Brooklyn mom, one of 20 from the borough who pick the stuff up at the Bay Ridge pad.
The women aren't dealing narcotics, but illegal unpasteurized milk, and they have been organizing into groups that skirt federal law to get the goods.
"There are risks, but it's much safer than pasteurized milk," said another mom who regularly feeds her 2-year-old with milk straight from the udder.
Though it's against the law, more city mothers are signing on to a Web site that reveals dropoff points around the city where the raw milk can be picked up.
"I think people's fear and uncertainty in a time when everyone seems to be getting cancer, immune diseases and a variety of other ailments explains the quest for more natural products," said Maimonides Medical Center pediatrician Dr. Joanna Tsopelas.
The parents must first circumvent the law, because while possession of raw milk is legal, selling it is a crime.
Though it's also a violation of federal law to transport raw milk across state lines with the intent to sell it for human consumption, advocates claim the health benefits far outweigh the risks.
To get around the law, no money changes hands. It must all be done online - and only after the purchaser signs a form releasing the seller of all liability. After paying online, the specific milk pickup spots and times are revealed in Bay Ridge and five additional locations - in Williamsburg, in Queens, in the west 40s in Manhattan, in midtown/Flatiron and in Tribeca - where a milk truck waits.
Before it hits the street, the deal goes down first in cyberspace at www.wprice-nyc.org.
But drinker beware: An FDA report on illnesses caused by raw milk over the past five years says there have been 18 outbreaks of bacterial illness involving raw milk or raw milk cheeses in 15 states.
Those outbreaks have sickened 451 people, a few of those seriously enough to be hospitalized. The report lists diseases raw milk products can cause, such as tuberculosis, diphtheria, polio, strep throat, scarlet fever and typhoid fever.
"Although I am a huge believer in organic foods, I think we need to be careful where we draw a line," said Tsopelas, who added the diseases "can be potentially dangerous to individuals as well as unborn fetuses. ... Granted, all who drink raw milk won't get ill. But would you want yourself or your child to be the one?"
Friday, January 18, 2008
Marrow drive for young cancer patient
BY MATTHEW LYSIAK
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Thursday, January 3rd 2008, 4:00 AM
Little Rachel Rodin is hoping for a new year miracle.
The 7-year-old Public School 185 student was recently diagnosed with a recurrence of leukemia after a two-year remission, and now her family is calling on kindhearted Brooklynites to help find a matching donor for an urgently needed bone-marrow transplant.
"Our hope is that there is someone, anyone, out there who can help my daughter," said Rachel's mom, Elvira, 43. "So far we can't find a match, and the situation is getting very serious."
The bone-marrow transplant is vitally important because it is part of her treatment in combination with chemotherapy, which her doctors hope will rid her body of the cancer in her blood and bones once and for all.
To avoid rejection of the transplanted stem cells or severe graft-versus-host disease, the donor's marrow must match the recipient's, which can be like finding a needle in a haystack. That is why the family is now calling on the community in numbers.
The test is simple and requires only a swab from the inside of the cheek.
The donor drive is being held Jan. 19 at the Sheridan Council Knights of Columbus, 8417 Seventh Ave., Bay Ridge, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to find a marrow donor and matches for the frequent blood and platelets Rachel requires. Marathon Bank has agreed to pay the $25-per-test cost.
The family, which emigrated from Belarus to Bay Ridge in 1991, says it is humbled by the show of neighborly generosity in Brooklyn.
"Its amazing how much love and compassion people have shown towards her," said Elvira Rodin. "People from all around have been testing to see if they are a possible match."
June Johnson, cochairwoman of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life for Bay Ridge/Bensonhurst/Dyker Heights, described Rachel as a "cute, bright, little sweetheart."
"It's all about numbers, and 99% of the people who test won't match," said Johnson, who already gave platelets. "But if you do match, you realize that you are the one person in this world who can save Rachel's life."
Rachel is a patient at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan. For more information on how to help Rachel, contact Marion Novack at (212) 639-8177.
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Thursday, January 3rd 2008, 4:00 AM
Little Rachel Rodin is hoping for a new year miracle.
The 7-year-old Public School 185 student was recently diagnosed with a recurrence of leukemia after a two-year remission, and now her family is calling on kindhearted Brooklynites to help find a matching donor for an urgently needed bone-marrow transplant.
"Our hope is that there is someone, anyone, out there who can help my daughter," said Rachel's mom, Elvira, 43. "So far we can't find a match, and the situation is getting very serious."
The bone-marrow transplant is vitally important because it is part of her treatment in combination with chemotherapy, which her doctors hope will rid her body of the cancer in her blood and bones once and for all.
To avoid rejection of the transplanted stem cells or severe graft-versus-host disease, the donor's marrow must match the recipient's, which can be like finding a needle in a haystack. That is why the family is now calling on the community in numbers.
The test is simple and requires only a swab from the inside of the cheek.
The donor drive is being held Jan. 19 at the Sheridan Council Knights of Columbus, 8417 Seventh Ave., Bay Ridge, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to find a marrow donor and matches for the frequent blood and platelets Rachel requires. Marathon Bank has agreed to pay the $25-per-test cost.
The family, which emigrated from Belarus to Bay Ridge in 1991, says it is humbled by the show of neighborly generosity in Brooklyn.
"Its amazing how much love and compassion people have shown towards her," said Elvira Rodin. "People from all around have been testing to see if they are a possible match."
June Johnson, cochairwoman of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life for Bay Ridge/Bensonhurst/Dyker Heights, described Rachel as a "cute, bright, little sweetheart."
"It's all about numbers, and 99% of the people who test won't match," said Johnson, who already gave platelets. "But if you do match, you realize that you are the one person in this world who can save Rachel's life."
Rachel is a patient at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan. For more information on how to help Rachel, contact Marion Novack at (212) 639-8177.
Queens shooting victim's brother admits being the target
BY MATTHEW LYSIAK and MICHAEL WHITE
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS
Monday, December 31st 2007, 12:54 PM
The older brother of an 11-year-old Queens boy shot point-blank in the door of the family's house admitted Monday he was the target - but denied knowing who was gunning for him.
"Someone wants me dead," 16-year-old Tony Falconer Jr. said.
"I don't know why. I think this is related to what happened three weeks ago. Try(ing) to send a message."
Authorities said Falconer was involved in a dispute three weeks ago in which someone was shot.
"Three weeks ago was over a girl," he said. "My cousin was shot in the eye."
He said he was scared and upset that his little brother, Tyshon, was attacked last night, but insisted, "It wasn't my fault that he got shot."
The gunman knocked on the door and at first asked for Tony Falconer Jr., before pumping a bullet into Tyshon's chest.
"He went to ... answer the door," said the boys' father, Tony Falconer Sr. "He thought it was his brother. He told his mom he's sorry he opened door."
Falconer Sr. said Monday that Tyshon, his mouth spilling blood, bravely managed to walk up the stairs before falling into his father's arms.
"Daddy, I think I got shot," Tyshon told his dad as they converged on the staircase after the shooting at the family's Springfield Gardens home.
"I met him halfway up the stairs. There was blood coming out of his mouth," Tony Falconer Sr. said. "I took off his shirt. I saw the hole in the middle of his chest.
"I would say [the shooter] is a coward. Pick on your own size."
Tyshon is listed in stable condition at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. No arrests have been made, cops said.
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS
Monday, December 31st 2007, 12:54 PM
The older brother of an 11-year-old Queens boy shot point-blank in the door of the family's house admitted Monday he was the target - but denied knowing who was gunning for him.
"Someone wants me dead," 16-year-old Tony Falconer Jr. said.
"I don't know why. I think this is related to what happened three weeks ago. Try(ing) to send a message."
Authorities said Falconer was involved in a dispute three weeks ago in which someone was shot.
"Three weeks ago was over a girl," he said. "My cousin was shot in the eye."
He said he was scared and upset that his little brother, Tyshon, was attacked last night, but insisted, "It wasn't my fault that he got shot."
The gunman knocked on the door and at first asked for Tony Falconer Jr., before pumping a bullet into Tyshon's chest.
"He went to ... answer the door," said the boys' father, Tony Falconer Sr. "He thought it was his brother. He told his mom he's sorry he opened door."
Falconer Sr. said Monday that Tyshon, his mouth spilling blood, bravely managed to walk up the stairs before falling into his father's arms.
"Daddy, I think I got shot," Tyshon told his dad as they converged on the staircase after the shooting at the family's Springfield Gardens home.
"I met him halfway up the stairs. There was blood coming out of his mouth," Tony Falconer Sr. said. "I took off his shirt. I saw the hole in the middle of his chest.
"I would say [the shooter] is a coward. Pick on your own size."
Tyshon is listed in stable condition at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. No arrests have been made, cops said.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
eBay sellers leap to cash in on Benazir Bhutto assassination
by Matthew Lysiak
The assassination of Benazir Bhutto has become big business in cyberspace.
Within moments of her death, dealers were cashing in on the tragedy by hawking memorabilia of the slain leader.
"This is a rare and unique item from a true martyr for democracy and human rights," posted eBay seller Historybuffalo, who listed a $650 Bhutto autograph on the auction site within moments of her murder.
A signed 4-by-6-inch photograph of a smiling Bhutto sitting in a leather chair has attracted bids up to $305.
The prices for the Bhutto memorabilia surpassed some mementos of John F. Kennedy. His signature on an index card was selling for $150 yesterday.
In addition to autographs and photos, refrigerator magnets, bumper stickers, and even the Dec. 28 issue of the Daily News were up for grabs.
"It's the nature of the event, combined with The News photo and headline that give that issue great value," said memorabilia collector Rick Cipolla, 54, who swooped up six copies of the paper to resell.
"I expect to get about $10 for the Daily News issue."
The assassination of Benazir Bhutto has become big business in cyberspace.
Within moments of her death, dealers were cashing in on the tragedy by hawking memorabilia of the slain leader.
"This is a rare and unique item from a true martyr for democracy and human rights," posted eBay seller Historybuffalo, who listed a $650 Bhutto autograph on the auction site within moments of her murder.
A signed 4-by-6-inch photograph of a smiling Bhutto sitting in a leather chair has attracted bids up to $305.
The prices for the Bhutto memorabilia surpassed some mementos of John F. Kennedy. His signature on an index card was selling for $150 yesterday.
In addition to autographs and photos, refrigerator magnets, bumper stickers, and even the Dec. 28 issue of the Daily News were up for grabs.
"It's the nature of the event, combined with The News photo and headline that give that issue great value," said memorabilia collector Rick Cipolla, 54, who swooped up six copies of the paper to resell.
"I expect to get about $10 for the Daily News issue."
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Blame bus for the trip down aisle
BY MATTHEW LYSIAK
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Thursday, December 27th 2007, 4:00 AM
These Brooklyn commuters are used to being taken for a ride - and not a fun one.
With fare and toll hikes looming, Bay Ridge residents are stuck taking express buses that are the wrong size on local routes.
"These buses are a nightmare," said Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann. "The aisles are too small. Seniors and moms with strollers, and residents with disabilities, are all saying this is unacceptable.
"These buses weren't meant for shoppers with bags or mothers with kids."
Beckmann says angry calls began flooding her office more than a year ago about the B1, which runs from Bay Ridge to Kingsborough College, and the B64, which runs from Coney Island to Bay Ridge.
Both buses make local stops but are still outfitted as express buses, which are equipped to hold more passengers for the longer rides into Manhattan.
Local buses generally hold fewer commuters, but provide more space to make it easier to handle the traffic from frequent stops.
"Residents feel cheated and aren't getting their money's worth," said Beckmann.
Diane Hunt, 62, who is disabled, agrees, and says the narrow center aisle is impossible for her to navigate.
"The middle aisle is the main problem, but another problem is that the seats are so close together that I have to sit with my legs in the aisle," said Hunt, who used to take the B1 from Bay Ridge to Sheepshead Bay before giving up. "These buses never should have been on this route in the first place."
Residents who had no problem walking even found the task of entering and exiting the bus tedious.
"The aisle is so narrow that it is just ridiculous," said the retired Fred Gilbo, who used to take the B1 from Bay Ridge to 14th Ave., where he worked for a telephone company.
"The MTA is quick to find the money to find raises for its big shots, but they can't find the money to get our bus problem fixed."
The Transit Authority is aware of the space problem and is working to give commuters a little more room, said spokesman Charles Seaton.
"We are in the process of retrofitting those buses to transit bus specifications," said Seaton. "That will include replacing the seats, which would create more room for passengers."
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Thursday, December 27th 2007, 4:00 AM
These Brooklyn commuters are used to being taken for a ride - and not a fun one.
With fare and toll hikes looming, Bay Ridge residents are stuck taking express buses that are the wrong size on local routes.
"These buses are a nightmare," said Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann. "The aisles are too small. Seniors and moms with strollers, and residents with disabilities, are all saying this is unacceptable.
"These buses weren't meant for shoppers with bags or mothers with kids."
Beckmann says angry calls began flooding her office more than a year ago about the B1, which runs from Bay Ridge to Kingsborough College, and the B64, which runs from Coney Island to Bay Ridge.
Both buses make local stops but are still outfitted as express buses, which are equipped to hold more passengers for the longer rides into Manhattan.
Local buses generally hold fewer commuters, but provide more space to make it easier to handle the traffic from frequent stops.
"Residents feel cheated and aren't getting their money's worth," said Beckmann.
Diane Hunt, 62, who is disabled, agrees, and says the narrow center aisle is impossible for her to navigate.
"The middle aisle is the main problem, but another problem is that the seats are so close together that I have to sit with my legs in the aisle," said Hunt, who used to take the B1 from Bay Ridge to Sheepshead Bay before giving up. "These buses never should have been on this route in the first place."
Residents who had no problem walking even found the task of entering and exiting the bus tedious.
"The aisle is so narrow that it is just ridiculous," said the retired Fred Gilbo, who used to take the B1 from Bay Ridge to 14th Ave., where he worked for a telephone company.
"The MTA is quick to find the money to find raises for its big shots, but they can't find the money to get our bus problem fixed."
The Transit Authority is aware of the space problem and is working to give commuters a little more room, said spokesman Charles Seaton.
"We are in the process of retrofitting those buses to transit bus specifications," said Seaton. "That will include replacing the seats, which would create more room for passengers."
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Retailers shrug off holiday glow
BY MATTHEW LYSIAK
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Tuesday, December 18th 2007, 4:00 AM
Holiday lights? Humbug! say the merchants of Bensonhurst.
Brooklyn's "Little Italy" is darker this holiday season because the lights that usually bedeck the neighborhood's business district have apparently become a ghost of Christmases past.
In previous years, the local business group had little problem collecting cash for the lights, which usually went up shortly after Thanksgiving, but for the second straight year, many merchants are playing Scrooge. Locals say that reflects a population shift that has made Bensonhurst the city's newest melting pot.
"It used to be all Italian, but now Bensonhurst is full of different ethnic groups with different traditions," said Bensonhurst Board of Trade Executive Director Anthony Neglia, whose job it is to collect the $225 donations for the lights from businesses along the neighborhood's 86th St. shopping artery.
The percentage of Bensonhurst residents born in Italy has shrunk from 28.7% in 1990 to 12.1% in 2000, U.S. Census figures show.
During the same time frame, Chinese immigrants from Sunset Park and Russians from Brighton Beach have moved to the area in droves, along with a smattering of immigrants from Poland, Pakistan, Mexico, Vietnam, Ecuador, Egypt and Guatemala.
"Why would I pay?" asked the manager at the Polish restaurant Gospoda on 86th St. "I really don't care if there are lights on the streets."
One store owner said he didn't even notice that this holiday season fell dark. "I have been here for 12 years, and I have no idea what Christmas lights you are even talking about," said Baku Bakery owner Rebecca Adam.
While some say the influx of new immigrants is responsible, the merchants claim they're not the Scrooges in this tale.
"This place could use a little holiday cheer and I think the lights would be good for business," said the manager of New Ruan's Chinese restaurant, Donald Ruan. "Last year we even sent a check to the board, but it was returned back to us a few weeks later."
Board of Trade officials said they received so few donations, they refunded the merchants who did pony up the $225.
Community Board 11 District Manager Howard Feuer said he has gotten used to seeing more sushi and less ravioli in the neighborhood, and that he expected holiday shoppers to descend on 86th St., illuminated or not.
"Over the last 30 years, I have seen one change after another for this neighborhood, but lights or no lights, 86th St. will be strong," Feuer said.
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Tuesday, December 18th 2007, 4:00 AM
Holiday lights? Humbug! say the merchants of Bensonhurst.
Brooklyn's "Little Italy" is darker this holiday season because the lights that usually bedeck the neighborhood's business district have apparently become a ghost of Christmases past.
In previous years, the local business group had little problem collecting cash for the lights, which usually went up shortly after Thanksgiving, but for the second straight year, many merchants are playing Scrooge. Locals say that reflects a population shift that has made Bensonhurst the city's newest melting pot.
"It used to be all Italian, but now Bensonhurst is full of different ethnic groups with different traditions," said Bensonhurst Board of Trade Executive Director Anthony Neglia, whose job it is to collect the $225 donations for the lights from businesses along the neighborhood's 86th St. shopping artery.
The percentage of Bensonhurst residents born in Italy has shrunk from 28.7% in 1990 to 12.1% in 2000, U.S. Census figures show.
During the same time frame, Chinese immigrants from Sunset Park and Russians from Brighton Beach have moved to the area in droves, along with a smattering of immigrants from Poland, Pakistan, Mexico, Vietnam, Ecuador, Egypt and Guatemala.
"Why would I pay?" asked the manager at the Polish restaurant Gospoda on 86th St. "I really don't care if there are lights on the streets."
One store owner said he didn't even notice that this holiday season fell dark. "I have been here for 12 years, and I have no idea what Christmas lights you are even talking about," said Baku Bakery owner Rebecca Adam.
While some say the influx of new immigrants is responsible, the merchants claim they're not the Scrooges in this tale.
"This place could use a little holiday cheer and I think the lights would be good for business," said the manager of New Ruan's Chinese restaurant, Donald Ruan. "Last year we even sent a check to the board, but it was returned back to us a few weeks later."
Board of Trade officials said they received so few donations, they refunded the merchants who did pony up the $225.
Community Board 11 District Manager Howard Feuer said he has gotten used to seeing more sushi and less ravioli in the neighborhood, and that he expected holiday shoppers to descend on 86th St., illuminated or not.
"Over the last 30 years, I have seen one change after another for this neighborhood, but lights or no lights, 86th St. will be strong," Feuer said.
Bay Ridge hospital wins death reprieve
BY MATTHEW LYSIAK
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Friday, December 14th 2007, 4:00 AM
A Bay Ridge hospital on the critical list will live another day, under state orders.
Victory Memorial Hospital is being forced to keep its emergency room open past a planned Feb. 1 closure date.
"We are waiting for them to resubmit a plan that assures us that there will be a safe transition," said Jim Clyne, state Health Department deputy commissioner.
A state report has indicated that while Victory must close by next June, a plan for an urgent care center must first be in place.
"It will stay open for now, but its future is still uncertain," said Victory President and CEO Dr. Vincent Calamia. "Everyone's priority is to deal with this situation in a safe and orderly manner."
The decision comes after the state rejected plans for Downstate Medical Center to take over emergency care services at Victory, which already has dismantled its birthing center.
Victory was one of nine hospitals around the state - five in the city - that the Berger Commission said should be closed. But neighborhood health advocates point out the hospital's emergency room is at 104% capacity.
The 254-bed hospital declared bankruptcy in November amid scrutiny of its compensation practices, which included $1.1 million in severance for departing CEO Donald DiCunto, and settled on the Feb. 1 closure date to satisfy the Chapter 11 filing.
The state indicated that it expects the emergency room to close as scheduled on June 1, much to the chagrin of officials.
"A closure of this emergency room would be devastating for this community, and it would certainly put lives at risk," said Bill Guarinello, acting chairman of Victory's board of trustees.
State Sen. Marty Golden (R-Bay Ridge), Rep. Vito Fossella (R-Bay Ridge) and Councilman Vincent Gentile (D-Bay Ridge) have filed a lawsuit against the Health Department to reverse the decision to close the hospital.
"Based on our efforts ... and the community's outcry, I believe the state had to take another look," said Gentile. "Though this halt doesn't guarantee anything past six months .... my colleagues and I will continue to pursue all possible measures to keep the doors of Victory open."
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Friday, December 14th 2007, 4:00 AM
A Bay Ridge hospital on the critical list will live another day, under state orders.
Victory Memorial Hospital is being forced to keep its emergency room open past a planned Feb. 1 closure date.
"We are waiting for them to resubmit a plan that assures us that there will be a safe transition," said Jim Clyne, state Health Department deputy commissioner.
A state report has indicated that while Victory must close by next June, a plan for an urgent care center must first be in place.
"It will stay open for now, but its future is still uncertain," said Victory President and CEO Dr. Vincent Calamia. "Everyone's priority is to deal with this situation in a safe and orderly manner."
The decision comes after the state rejected plans for Downstate Medical Center to take over emergency care services at Victory, which already has dismantled its birthing center.
Victory was one of nine hospitals around the state - five in the city - that the Berger Commission said should be closed. But neighborhood health advocates point out the hospital's emergency room is at 104% capacity.
The 254-bed hospital declared bankruptcy in November amid scrutiny of its compensation practices, which included $1.1 million in severance for departing CEO Donald DiCunto, and settled on the Feb. 1 closure date to satisfy the Chapter 11 filing.
The state indicated that it expects the emergency room to close as scheduled on June 1, much to the chagrin of officials.
"A closure of this emergency room would be devastating for this community, and it would certainly put lives at risk," said Bill Guarinello, acting chairman of Victory's board of trustees.
State Sen. Marty Golden (R-Bay Ridge), Rep. Vito Fossella (R-Bay Ridge) and Councilman Vincent Gentile (D-Bay Ridge) have filed a lawsuit against the Health Department to reverse the decision to close the hospital.
"Based on our efforts ... and the community's outcry, I believe the state had to take another look," said Gentile. "Though this halt doesn't guarantee anything past six months .... my colleagues and I will continue to pursue all possible measures to keep the doors of Victory open."
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