MAJOR FIRE IN JACKSON HEIGHTS BUILDINGS SECTION SMOKES NORTHERN BOULEVARD

SMOKE PLOWS DOWN LOCAL STREETS

A major fire has struck late this afternoon Jackson Heights large building near 75 street and 37 Avenue. No news out of local stations such as 1010 wins yet.

ANTONIO GUADAGNINO, AN ASTORIA ACCOUNTANT WINS KIDNEY CANCER BATTLE

I Owe My Life to da Vinci and My Excellent Team at Mount Sinai

In September 2011, my childhood dream of going to my favorite city in the world Florence (Firenze), Italy came true. While long ago, my elementary school teacher taught me about the magnificent culture and history of the masters of the Italian Renaissance and of Florence, I did not know one year later Michael A. Palese, MD, and the wonderful staff at The Mount Sinai Hospital would be saving my kidney and my life with the robot named after the world’s true genius, Leonardo da Vinci.
My name is Antonio Guadagnino, and I am a CPA with a demanding tax practice in Astoria, Queens. I have a great family, many good friends, and an all-around great life. On August 6, 2012, while working with a client at my desk, I suddenly had a severe pain on my left side which quickly put me in the emergency room. There, the doctors discovered that I had a large stone in the right tube going to my bladder, a tumor in my left kidney the size of a small lemon (5.5 cm), and a smaller (2 cm) growth in the right kidney.

Mount Sinai Provided Advanced Treatments When Others Did Not

I was in a race against time trying to get the right kidney cancer treatment. I saw three different local urologists who told me that all they would be able to do is remove my entire left kidney. Fortunately, after doing research, I was led, I believe with God’s intervention, to Mount Sinai and Dr. Palese, Director of Minimally Invasive Urology at Mount Sinai and a leading expert on robotic kidney surgery.
I drove to Mount Sinai in the afternoon rush like a New York City cabbie, making it in record time. I had made a future appointment but inquired if the doctor was in and available. After seeing my face and listening to my story, I was shown into Dr. Palese’s office. He looked at my films, comforted me, and was honest regarding the procedures that could be done, including robotic surgery.

Robotic Kidney Surgery at Mount Sinai Saved My Kidneys

On October 4, 2012, I went in for the surgery with a positive attitude, confident that I had the best people qualified to help me. Weeks after the surgery, I saw Dr. Palese and he told me the good and the not-so- good news. He was able to save my entire kidney by using the da Vinci robot because fortunately the tumor was on the bottom of the kidney. Unfortunately, the tumor was cancerous, but it was removed and Dr. Palese said I was cancer-free and no additional treatments were required. Praise God!
We knew my other kidney (right side) had a 2 cm tumor which was probably non-cancerous. Dr. Palese and I agreed to remove it sooner, rather than later, to avoid the possibility that it might grow into something dangerous in the future. On July 2, 2013, I had the second da Vinci robotic procedure. Fortunately, this tumor was on top of the kidney, and Dr. Palese was also able to save the entire second kidney. He also determined that the tumor was non-cancerous.
I was sent home within two days, and I experienced a much faster recovery this time. I was better prepared, mentally positive, and in better shape physically thanks to my friend and fitness trainer Erin Alexander at Matrix Fitness Club. I learned the best thing to do after surgery is to keep moving, to get up and walk as soon as possible.
Now, I am happy and eager to share my story. I admit when first I heard that I had cancer I thought to "keep it in the family" (an Italian thing maybe), but I had a burning feeling inside me to tell my wonderful story of the blessing I have received.
If this testimony gives someone out there experiencing a similar situation hope and inspiration then that genuinely brings me joy, and I will feel the entire challenge has served a greater purpose.

With Kidney Cancer Behind Me, I’m So Thankful

Leonardo da Vinci was a great Renaissance artist and genius, full of talent and gifts. Well, there are modern day Renaissance gifted people that exist, and I personally experienced this at Mount Sinai in the wonderful, compassionate, talented people who work with their minds and hearts. Bravo!
I would like to thank Dr. Palese, the entire staff of great people at Mount Sinai’s Department of Urology, and my friends and family who encouraged me throughout my cancer ordeal and continue to do so.
"And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong … Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." (Acts 3:16)
Most importantly I thank my Savior, Redeemer, and Lord Jesus Christ for giving me the blessing to continue my life and being positive and grateful for the life I have to be lived!
Sincerely,
Antonio Guadagnino

WALDBAUMS AT 31 ST AVE, BRING IN YOUR CALCULATOR

Astoria Heights, If you are going to Waldbaums on 31st Avenue, be prepared because whatever you see on a weekly circular or a price sign might not be what you get. " After various incidents at this food store location, I intend not to go there anymore with a clear mind. I may go to purchase only single items at a time, not multiple deals where you get fooled. I do not like the way they price their sales at Waldbaums lately. All these stupid gimmicks that lie to you because many times the computer system does not have what you see. The morning front desk lady, who had a loud words confrontation with manager Robert last week( the screams were heard in the entire large store ) tried to put another on me when she said certain things that did not make sense before she went to see the signs. Then after refunding the wrong price, she made a big fuzz about a 1.00 coupon THAT COUPON IS REFUNDABLE  by Quaker Oats on a purchase of any two Quaker Oats items. Another morning manager was sitting quietly listening but not offering any of his thoughts. Computerwise and servicewise, the store is lowly rated by me. Even the smell of old fruits turns my stomach upside down as I try to avoid that area of the store. The Department of Agriculture is not as strict as the Department of Health, therefore I can understand that. But the jipping on the Waldbaums computer system needs to be stopped. If they can't handle those crazy with many covenants specials, then stick to simple pricing on a one item basis only. It is not fair to the shoppers and perhaps others to lose out by fake advertising."

DEFENSIVE DRIVING CLASS AT ST FRANCIS SCHOOL OF ASSISI IN ASTORIA

Recording Secretary MARY DELELLIS
Corresponding Secretary MARIE DESANTIS
Treasurer  FRANCO GIORDANO
Public Relations  TONY MAZZARA
DIRECTORS  John Coco, George Delis, William Dionisio
Robert Gordon, Stephanie Gordon. Antonio Guadagnino
Roberto Latanzio, George Rivera, Luciano Sbuttoni
Cris Skivas, Peter Pirovic
The Astoria, Homeowners, Tenants 
Business Civic Association is sponsoring a:
DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE
FRIDAY, MARCH 14th, 2014
5:30 P.M.
(End time to be determined by course instructor – Usual course duration 6 hours)
The St. Francis of Assisi School Basement
21-17 45th St., Astoria, NY
• REDUCE 10% OFF YOUR AUTO
INSURANCE RATES.
• REMOVE UP TO A 4-POINTS OFF OF
YOUR DRIVING RECORD.
COST: $40.00
*** PIZZA & SODA INCLUDED ***
CALL RUDY TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT:
(917) 992-4089

ASTORIA HOMEOWNERS TENANTS BUSINESS TO HOST DEFENSIVE DRIVING CLASS

DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE
MARCH 14th, 2014 - 5:30PM - Cost $40.00
St. Francis of Assisi School Basement, 21-17 45th Street, Astoria

GIVE US YOUR NAME  AND PHONE NUMBER AND PAYMENT
IN ORDER TO RESERVE A SEAT.
CONTACY RUDY SARCHESE AT
RSARCHESE@AOL.COM OR CALL 917-992-4085

SAVE ON YOUR AUTO INSURANCE AND REDUCE YOUR POINTS.
JOIN US IN ASTORIA ON MARCH 14TH.