14 The Courier sun • DECEMBER 24, 2015 for breaking news visit www.qns.com Police Athletic League’s holiday party brings cheer to hundreds of children By BROKE SMITH editorial@queenscourier.com/@queenscourier The Police Athletic League (PAL) brought some holiday cheer to hundreds of NYC boys and girls at their annual holiday party last week. Children, ages 6 to 10, from PAL centers throughout Queens and the city enjoyed carnival games, arts and crafts and performances at the PAL Center in Harlem. PAL, the largest, independent, nonprofit youth organization in NYC, provides recreational, educational, cultural and social activities to 35,000 boys and girls annually. Children joined the stage to share in holiday cheer with members of The Pixie Judy Troupe, which offers theater for children and families. The Troupe was assisted by some Broadway actors who gave an interactive performance. Rosie’s Theater Kids, one of the largest arts-ineducation programs serving NYC public school students, also appeared for a special performance. Rosie’s Theater Kids have been working to bring the opportunity of a Broadway show or the experience of a live art performance to 50,000 NYC school students since 2003. A holiday party would not be complete without a visit from Santa Claus himself. He and Mrs. Claus came to town, bringing all the children gifts. Other special guest appearances were made by Cheese Chisholm from the Harlem Globetrotter’s and Clifford the Dog. Attending to support the event were PAL’s honorary president, NYC Police Commissioner William PAL staff and children from Queens are all smiles as they celebrate the holidays with PAL’s Executive Director Frederick Watts (back row, 2nd from left). Bratton, PAL Chairman Robert M. Morgenthau, PAL Board Member Rikki Klieman, PAL President John B. Osborn, PAL Executive Director Frederick Watts, Artistic and Executive Director of Rosie’s Theater Kids Lori Klinger and Holiday Party Chairs John and Margo Catsimatidis. Photo courtesy of Police Athletic League NYC’s PAL is the first civilian ran PAL in the country, serving the city’s young people for over 100 years. It provides recreational, educational, cultural and social activities to 35,000 children annually. It is also the city’s largest, independent, nonprofit youth organization. For more information visit palnyc.org WINNER 3 YEARS IN A ROW Legally Speaking By: Scott Baron, Attorney at Law THE SAGGING JOISTS Advertorial Q: One winter morning, I reported to work at a demolition project for a 100-year old building. Joists made of timber still ran between what was left of the areadefining walls. The weight-bearing ones had already been removed. The joists were not shored or posted, in any manner. From the top of the building to ground level, they were sagging severely – as much as two feet. We worried about the loss of structural integrity and the generally poor, deteriorated and dangerous condition of the building, but the general contractor assured us that no danger. A second later, from the second through the fifth floors – the stairwell and the floor joists collapsed. Seven days prior to the collapse, an architect’s field report had noted that “conditions appear to be unsafe and the building is completely open to the elements. G.C. to make safe and shore as required.” A: Under section 240(1) of the Labor Law, contractors and non-home owners generally must provide devices that will protect all workers against elevationrelated risks. The defendants are rendered absolutely liable without regard to your care or lack of it. Section 240(1) was intended to place ultimate responsibility for safety practices at building construction jobs where such responsibility actually belongs. From what you tell me, it is unquestionable that this tragic collapse was predictable and that the owner and general contractor were on notice of the hazard, so that your case under section 240(1) is crystal clear. Seemingly, you should be able to win handily under Labor Law § 200 and common law negligence. The law responds to changed conditions; exceptions and variations abound. Here, the information is general; always seek out competent counsel. This article shall not be construed as legal advice. Copyright © 2015 Scott Baron & Associates, P.C. All rights reserved. 159-49 Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach, New York 11414 • 718-738-9800 1750 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10710 • 914-337-9800 1-866-927-4878 The law responds to changed conditions; exceptions and variations abound. Here, the information is general; always seek out competent counsel This article shall not be construed as legal advice. Copyright © 2014 Scott Baron & Associates, P.C. All rights reserved. 159-49 Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach, New York 11414 1750 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10710 (718) 738-9800, (914) 337-9800, 1-866-927-4878
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