A fourth teen has been charged with the botched murder attempt of 24-year-old Anthony Albaricci. According to the charges, Joseph Piazza, 17, of Jackson Heights - along with Ali Khan, 19, Aamer Khan, 18 and Christian Diaz, 17 - allegedly went after Albaricci because Aamer Khan owed him money, and the teens got mad when Albaricci sprayed graffiti on Khan’s apartment building.
“The victim was allegedly choked, stabbed with a knife, slashed with a razor and had a loaded gun pointed at him by the defendants before the SUV he and they were riding in crashed into a road sign. Following the crash he managed to briefly escape before they caught up with him and hit him numerous times with a wooden chair and twice with their vehicle,” said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.
“Fortunately, the victim survived the vicious ordeal and is expected to recover from his injuries.” All of the teens face up to 25 years in jail. The three boys initially charged with the attempted murder will next face the court on Monday, January 22, and Piazza’s next court date will be on Tuesday, February 13.
Group To Remember Lives Lost
On Saturday, January 20, the Association of Nomos Magnisias “Argonauts” will commemorate the lives of Jewish Greeks who were killed during the Nazi occupation with an event at the Stathakion Center, which is located at 22-51 29th Street in Astoria. Professor Asher J. Matathias - who was born in a mountain cave while his family was hiding from the Nazis - will be the main speaker and Archbishop Demetrios of America will attend the event. In addition, a documentary film of reflections on the rescue of Jewish fugitives in Greece will be shown, and the traditional cutting of the vasilopita, a cake baked with coins in it, will take place. Guests are asked to R.S.V.P. in advance by calling 718-545-4888 or 646-201-3884.
114th Precinct Council To Meet
The monthly meeting of the 114th Precinct Community Council will be held at Riccardo’s, which is located at 21-01 24th Avenue in Astoria, on Tuesday, January 23 at 7 p.m. The planned meeting topic will be the auxiliary unit. For more information about the group or the meeting, contact Council President Ann Bruno at the Community Council’s Office, which is located at 34-16 Astoria Boulevard in Long Island City.
Civic Association Meeting
The Middle Village Maspeth Civic Association will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 23 at 7:30 p.m. During the meeting, organizers and members will talk about the group’s agenda for 2007. The meeting will be held at Our Lady of Hope School Auditorium, which is located at 61-21 71st Street in Middle Village.
Greenway Plan Loses Support
After receiving support from Community Board 9 for a study to create a greenway through a four-mile stretch beginning in Rego Park and continuing through Central Queens to Ozone Park, members of Community Board 6 appeared less enthusiastic about the plan when advocates presented it at a recent board meeting.
Jordan Sandke, a Richmond Hill resident who is spearheading the greenway committee, said that the proposal would link several communities with Forest Park and the recreational spaces of Jamaica Bay, and asked Community Board 6 to recommend a feasibility study for the project.
Currently, the City oversees the land, and Sandke believes the project would transform an eyesore piece of property into usable parkland that would benefit the communities.
However, during the Community Board 6 meeting, members expressed concerns about the costs of the project as well as who would police the area.
Elizabeth Anderson, Community Board 6 vice chair, will head a special committee to review the information and proposal. The committee is expected to make its recommendation regarding the feasibility study at its February meeting.
Temple To Show Israeli Film
The Reform Temple of Forest Hills will show the Israel award-winning film “Ushpizin” on Sunday, January 21 at 10 a.m.
The film, which depicts the lives of ultra-orthodox people in modern Israel, was filmed in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Mea Shearim and the star of the movie Shuli Rand received the 2004 Best Actor Award from the Israeli Film Academy.
The cost to attend the film is $10, which includes a breakfast buffet. For more information, call 718-261-2900.
Organization To Host Thrift Shop
The Sisterhood of the Jewish Center of Kew Gardens Hills will host a thrift shop on Tuesday February 6 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The thrift shop will have used clothing, household items, books and many other accessories on display at the Jewish Center of Kew Gardens Hills, which is located at 71-25 Main Street.
