Press epaper 022814

Volume 15 Issue No. 9 Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014

PRESS Photo by Natalia Kozikowska

TIME TO CELEBRATE Edge School of the Arts students perform during a special breakfast awards ceremony last week. Full coverage of the PRESS Black History Month event can be found on pages 9-14.

ONLINE AT WWW.QUEENSPRESS.COM

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014

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Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Presstime

Galante Vows To Improve Oversight

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Queens Library officials defended president and CEO Thomas Galante’s six-figure salary while admitting a need for reform at a roundtable discussion with Borough reporters on Monday.

Galante has been under fire by media and elected officials alike for his $391,994 annual salary and $140,000 in office renovations– perks he referred to as “average” compensation in the nonprofit world earlier this month.

Allegations that taxpayer money was used to fund Galante’s six-figure salary and lavish office upgrades, which includes a private outdoor smoking area, prompted the City Council to hold an oversight hearing and City Comptroller Scott Stringer to launch an audit of all three library systems.

Tensions only rose when the press reported that Galante was pulling in an additional $200,000 annually as a financial advisor for the Elmont School District and when it was revealed that his contract with the Library included an “Evergreen Clause,” which guarantees him $2 million in severance pay if he were dismissed.

Katz Honors SEQ Leaders At Ceremony Queens Borough President Melinda Katz gave out her first citations since taking office, hosting an African American Heritage Month celebration at Borough Hall Tuesday night.

The four people honored at the ceremony were former Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, John Crow Alexander, from Queens Public Television and the Langston Hughes Community Library, Dr. Andre McKenzie from St. John’s University and a posthumous award for John Watusi Branch.

Marshall got a standing ovation from the audience that packed into Borough Hall’s room 213. She was given a lifetime achievement award, honoring her years in public service, including being Borough President until last year.

The former Borough President said she was proud to be the first African-American woman to be Queens Borough President. She also complemented Katz in continuing the Queens General Assembly, which is a group made up of long-time residents and immigrants of different ethnicities, who meet to learn about

Photo by Luis Gronda

BY LuIS GrONdA

emotional speech in accepting the award, saying this is the first award she has accepted since his passing.

She could barely finish her speech as tears flowed down her face and she was consoled

by Katz as well as Cheatham and Hargraves.

“His work, his Anne Cheatham and William Hargraves accept an award spirit will continfrom Melinda Katz for the late John Watusi Branch. ue as we speak of him,” she said. each other’s cultures and traditions.

Alexander was given the Arts “It was a top priority of mine and I’m glad to see that Melinda is con- and Culture award from the Queens BP and Dr. McKenzie received the tinuing the tradition,” she said.

It was an emotional moment when Education award.

Other notables to attend the cereKatz gave out the posthumous award to Branch, the founder of the Afrikan mony were Deputy Borough President Poetry Theatre who passed away late Leroy Comrie, the former Councillast year after suffering a heart at- man Archie Spigner and Rev. Henry Simmons from St. Albans Congregatack.

Anne Cheatham and William Har- tional Church, who delivered the keygraves, the board of directors at the note address.

Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) theater, accepted the award in his 357-7400, Ext. 127, lgronda@queenstrihonor.

His wife, Safiya, gave a short but bune.com, or @luisgronda.

Photo by Natalia Kozikowska

“We’re now at a point where issues have come up concerning various aspects of the work of the library and its government structure,” said Gabriel Taussing, who sits on the board of trustees. “As we do in so many areas, we are looking these issues and concerns.”

On Feb. 18, Queens Queens Library CEO Thomas Galante speaks with Borough President Me- reporters on Monday. He was joined by Gabriel linda Katz wrote an Taussing (left), who is on the board of trustees. open letter to Queens Library’s board of trustees, demanding they deliver services ary. Together, he and fellow board “with a renewed focus on transpar- trustee Jacqueline Arrington reency, openness and trust.” The letter vealed the publicly-funded nonprofit urged the board to consider seven has hired a consulting firm, The Hay recommendations for better over- Group, to conduct a compensation sight – most of which were dissected study, which will include the review at the editorial meeting. of its CEO’s benefits as well.

The Monday meeting was origiAlthough the board of trustees has nally scheduled for 11 a.m. but was already selected the firm, it has not pushed back to 1 p.m., according to a yet come to a determination regardspokesperson, to allow more library ing the fairness of Galante’s salary. trustees to attend. Only two were at The study will be conducted withthe meeting. in a 90-day window and a contract The first area of concern ad- with Galante will be negotiated foldressed was Galante’s six-figure sal- lowing The Hay Group’s analysis.

Still, Library staffers defended Galante’s compensation, arguing that not one, but two consulting firms had suggested a salary in the area of $400,000 – and they had picked the lesser of the two.

“We were looking for the most competent, capable chief executive officer and we need to pay competitive salaries and compensation packages in order to get the talent that we need to effectively and efficiently operate this very large operation,” Taussuing said.

Arringston echoed Taussing’s sentiments, arguing that Galante’s job as CEO is demanding and that he has done a great deal for the Library in terms of securing funding and resources.

“We have been so successful as a public library and we will continue to be successful under the leadership of Tom,” she said.

Although Katz suggested that the Queens Library look into adopting a policy that would “eliminate or closely oversee outside employment,” Galante said he believes that he is entitled to do what he pleases in his spare time.

“All of our employees are allowed to do whatever they would like to do on their own time. This is not unique – it’s like most companies,” Galante said.

“I’m a workaholic,” he added. “I like to work and I enjoy what I do.”

The embattled Galante went on to assert that he puts in close to 100 hours per week at the library and another 20 hours a week at Elmont and that the two jobs never interfere with one another. He also claimed that his job at the school was never a secret.

In addition to hiring a consulting firm, Queens Library announced that it is in the process of creating a “separate and discreet audit committee within the board of trustees.” Similarly, Taussing claimed that the board will reexamine its process in the hiring of top-level executives – both suggestions made by the Queens BP in the open letter.

In response to the backlash regarding the “Evergreen Clause” on Galante’s contract, the board of trustees has voted to eliminate it from future contracts. Galante’s contract, however, will be unaffected.

Though he has been pressured by at least one elected official – State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside), Galante said he has absolutely no plans on stepping down as the CEO. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ nkozikowska.

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014

PAL Brings Kids Together Through Tournaments On Feb. 19, more than 250 youngsters from all five boroughs in New York City competed in the City-wide Police Athletic League’s Tournament of the Champions at the PAL Edward Byrne Center in Jamaica.

Children ages 5 to 13 attended the PAL event, which seeks to foster better understanding and relationships by bringing together boys and girls of all different ethnic and cultural backgrounds under the same roof for a number of friendly competitions.

“We have all communities from all of the boroughs represented here and with that comes all the diversity represented in New York City,” said Theo Phillips, field director at PAL. “There are definitely folks that will get to meet kids from other communities that they would not normally have the chance to interact with.”

The Tournament of the Champions featured a number of activities – both athletic and educational. Some

Photos by Natalia Kozikowska

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

competitions included a basketball tournament, a fitness challenge, a ping pong tournament, an UNO tournament, a Mancala tournament and a checkers tournament.

people fit, not only physically but mentally. We want them to challenge themselves,” he added.

“It’s just an exciting the day. The kids always have a great time and most walk away with something for the day. They walk away with tee shirts, pride and some even get lucky and walk away with medals.”

New York City’s PAL is the first civilian-run PAL in the country. Founded in 1914, the organization has served the City’s young people for more than a century. Together with the NYPD and the law enforcement community, PAL aims to inspire the youth to realize their Last week, more than 250 chil- potential as productive members dren gathered at the Edward of society. The majority of PAL’s Byrne Center in Jamaica to par- programs, including the Tournaticipate in PAL’s Tournament of ment of the Champions, are free the Champions. for children.

To learn more about the Police “We have two of these annually so that we bring Athletic League, visit www.palnyc. young people all across New org.

PAL’s Edward Byrne Center is loYork City to our venue and have them participate in cated at 116-25 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., healthy competitions in a nice, safe Jamaica.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowsarena,” Phillips said. “They get to learn about sportsmanship and get ka at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ to work together.”

“The goal is to keep our young nkozikowska.

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Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

Congressman Pushes For On-The-job-Training

By Trisha sakhuja U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (DJackson Heights) is looking to help put New Yorkers back to work and improve their skills through on-thejob-training programs.

On Feb. 24, Crowley announced the On-the-Job-Training Act of 2014 with Angel Pineiro Jr., senior vice president at ASI System Integration, Inc., a technology solutions provider based out of New York, and Vivian Scott, a manager at ASI, at the Queens Community House in Jackson Heights.

Crowley said the bill combines training and employment.

“It allows workers to earn the skills they need while holding a good paying job,” he said. “It also allows businesses to get employees with specific skills. In other words, it is a win-win.”

Research has shown that OJT programs, carried out directly by employers or colleagues at the place of employment, are the most effective way to train new employees and maximize productivity, Crowley said.

According to the Dept. of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, in 2011, more than 80 percent of OJT participants still had

their jobs after nine like ASI, Pineiro said. months. Yet, despite “The on-the-job-trainthe program’s effectiveing program allows emness and high employer ployers like ourselves to interest, it has yet to offset some of that cost reach its full potential. and by doing that, it alCrowley noted that lows us to continue that many workers have givprogram,” he said. en up looking for work Scott said since she because they need to participated in the learn new skills. He said workforce development it is imperative a grant program that ASI ofprogram that connects fers to all of its incomunemployed workers ing employers, she was with jobs and provide able to gain the skill set employers with training u.s. rep. joseph Crowley (middle) announces the On-The-job- she needed to become a subsidies is set up.

Training act of 2014 with angel Pineiro (left) and Vivian scott of technician, a supervisor “In exchange, the asi system integration, inc. and now a manager. participating busi“It changed my life,” nesses will get half the she said. “I now make a worker’s wage while they are in train- legislation, which includes a 90-day salary that allows me to live where I ing,” he added. “Not only is this a training process plus another 90-day want to live,” she said. great way to put people back to work, internship period.

Crowley’s On-the-Job Training but it gives applicants some money “During the first six months of Act has been endorsed by a wide arto defray the cost of setting up the employment, they are basically be- ray of organizations dedicated to proprogram. It also helps to close the ing trained on how to perform in moting effective employment policy, skills gap.” the business of engineering and PC including the National Skills CoaliPineiro said since their company repair work,” Pineiro said. “They go tion, the Center for Law and Social runs a successful workforce develop- through specific training, they get Policy, the National Association of ment program, their company’s com- certified and they get the skills they State Workforce Agencies and the petitive edge is in turn their techni- need in order for that individual to U.S. Conference of Mayors. cians.

Reach Reporter Trisha Sakhuja at be successful” He said their company runs a simPassing the On-the-Job-Training (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, tsakhuja@ ilar program to that of the sponsored Act would further help employers queenstribune.com, or @Tsakhuja13.

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014

OF SOUTHEAST QUEENS 150-50 14th Road Whitestone, NY 11357 (voice) (718) 357-7400 fax (718) 357-9417 email news@queenspress.com The PRESS of Southeast Queens Editor-in-Chief:

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Natalia Kozikowska Joe Marvilli Luis Gronda Trisha Sakhuja

Art Dept:

Rhonda Leefoon Lianne Procanyn Barbara Townsend Maureen Coppola Advertising Director Shanie Persaud Director Corporate Accounts/ Events Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie Shari Strongin Brenda Jones

A Queens Tribune Publication © Copyright 2014 Tribco, LLC

Michael Nussbaum Publisher Ria McPherson Comptroller

Editorial Getting Back On Track With all the talk about the Queens Library and the compensation its CEO, Thomas Galante, receives, it is important to not lose sight of all the good the Queens Library system does throughout the Borough.

The 62 branches of the library provide much more than just books, movies and music to the more than two million residents of Queens. The library system offers job training, computer courses and English language help to its members.

The Queens Library is an established resource for both kids and adults.

Queens should take pride in what can be considered one of the most helpful library systems in the world.

While we hope that our readers consider the good the Queens Library system has done over the years, it is important to note that the oversight that some officials have called for is necessary to ensure that the library can continue with its contributions.

While Galante’s salary was a matter of public record, the extensive upgrades to his office while more than 100 people lost their jobs due to cost-cutting measures is an act usually associated with Wall Street firms and national retailers. The combination should not be attributed to a library system, even one of the biggest in the world.

The library’s board of trustees announced last week that it will investigate a series of reforms to its hiring policy and the governance of the board. The main reform that needs to be enacted, though, is to ensure that all of the library’s decisions are made transparently and with the best interests of its members in mind.

We hope that these reforms signal that the Queens Library system and its administration realize the need to maintain the trust of the rest of the Borough. Without that trust, none of their significant contributions matter.

Letters Vision Zero Off Target?

To The Editor:

De Blasio with his Vision Zero plan wants to totally eradicate traffic fatalities in the City. To think this is remotely possible is lunacy. Should traffic deaths be reduced? Of course they should but pronouncements like these followed by his reported escapades with his driver running stop signs is not the answer.

Instead, do what you can to reduce them with the following steps: Rein in the daredevil motorized bike riders. Not only do they run red lights and stop signs but they ride in the wrong direction and even drive on the sidewalk and on pedestrian footbridges. The tickets should start flying here.

Start ticketing pedestrians who seem to have a death wish. They routinely walk against the light into oncoming traffic totally oblivious to their surroundings as they are texting or talking on their cell or listening to music.

Stiffen penalties for DWI/ DUI drivers. The easiest way to kill someone and get away with

it is running them down. Mandatory jail sentence for those infractions that cause death.

William Mc Quade, Rego Park

Subway Wi-Fi A Danger To The Editor:

The MTA announced plans to extend Wi-Fi service to more subway stations, including 29 in Queens. Not so fast. A young woman was nearly killed when she fell onto subway tracks while texting. Expect similar incidents as Wi-Fi spreads to more subway stations. Texting and talking riders will accidently fall on the tracks or get pushed on them by thieves stealing their gadgets. Digital dummies ignore police warnings not to display their devices in public and pay close attention to their surroundings. The only solution is to disconnect them, below and above ground. Distracted drivers and walkers increase the number of pedestrian accidents. Wake up, mobile morons.

Don’t be wireless and brainless.

Turn off your toys and tune in to the real world.

Richard Reif, Flushing

New Mayor Not Quite Ready, But Give Him Time A Personal Perspective

By MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE The late Mayor Ed Koch was famous for asking New Yorkers, “How’m I doin’?”

As New Yorkers, we are very critical, so quite often we did not think the Mayor was doing that wonderfully and gleefully told him so.

But Mayor Koch was very blunt, and he had fairly thick skin, so he mostly took any dissatisfaction in stride. Since then, we have not had a mayor bold enough to ask that question. They don’t need to. We tell ’em without solicitation.

Mayor Bill de Blasio has been in office less than two months and already we have told him plenty. We are a hard-to-please lot and we have been very displeased with the Mayor’s handling of the school system as it pertains to the snowy weather we’ve been having.

Earlier this month, he took a beating for keeping schools open during a Nor’easter. It didn’t help when his clueless chancellor, Carmen Fariña, got in front of a mic and declared in the middle of the storm that it was “a beautiful day.”

Who is she supposed to be, Mr. Rogers?

Children as young as five were trudging through the deluge to get to school. Parents driving their children were slipping and risked hitting or getting hit. My own husband was hit (slightly) trying to get our son to his uphill Queens school. This is quite common in snowy weather; but had the Mayor and Chancellor made a more informed decision about the school situation for that day, everyone would have felt a little better.

The Mayor and Chancellor have said that the choice of whether or not to send children to school in danger-

ous weather should be left to parents/guardians, not the Mayor and Chancellor. True enough. But here’s the rub: too many absences are bad for your child’s record. If the powers that be choose to keep school system open during bad weather and give the option to the parents, then there ought to be a caveat that says those kids who are not able to come should not be penalized with a mark of absence.

Since the administration is more concerned with hot meals and baby-sitting service, then those who are able to get a hot meal and safe haven elsewhere should be allowed absence without penalty. The truth is that in inclement weather such as we have been having so frequently this season, many teachers and other school employees are not able to get to work or choose safety over going.

The result is that those children who do show up are

pooled together into a multipurpose classroom for movies and games. They are mostly hanging around without curricular engagement.

I too was annoyed with the Mayor and Chancellor.

I understand that the Mayor is going through growing pains. His first month and a half in office have mostly seemed like amateur hour.

However, I am willing to get off his case and give him a chance to settle into this difficult role. He has a lot more mistakes to make and short of a recall election, we have no choice but to be patient and help him get to where he needs to be.

A lot of people drank the de Blasio Kool-Aid thinking that he would immediately make their lives better. But reality bites. He’s floundering like almost anyone else who was not exactly ready for this.

But he should be okay.

Let’s give him a chance.

%ODFN +LVWRU\ B47ULE 30 3DJH

Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Pride of New York

Robert T. Johnson

Bert Mitchell

Borough of Manhattan Community College, Queens College Vice Chairperson, CUNY Board of Trustees President, Philip Berry Associates LLC.

Lowell Hawthorne

Jasmine Hatcher

Bronx Community College President and CEO, Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill

CUNY Graduate Center NSF Scholar 2013

Philip Berry

City College of New York District Attorney, Bronx County; Former Acting Justice of New York, State Supreme Court

Ayodele Oti

Walter Mosley

City College of New York Award-Winning Author Founder, City College Publishing Certificate Program

Macaulay Honors College at City College of New York Truman Scholar 2011

The City University of New York Celebrates Black History Month.

VISIT WWW.CUNY.EDU 1-800-CUNY-YES CUNY-TV CHANNEL 75

Baruch College Founder, Chairman & CEO Mitchell & Titus LLP

Iyanla Vanzant

Colin Powell

City College of New York Former U.S. Secretary of State, Former Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff

Eric Adams

John Jay College of Criminal Justice NYC College of Technology Brooklyn Borough President Former NY State Senator

Hunter College Award-Winning Stage, Film Actress and Screenwriter

Brooklyn College Former Congresswoman and Candidate for Democratic Presidential Nomination In Memoriam

Ruby Dee

Shirley Chisholm

Medgar Evers College, CUNY Law School Best-selling Author, Inspirational Speaker

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014

Critical Condition:

Borough Healthcare Experiences state of Flux As the City and the Borough adjust to a new administration, a chief priority for the new Borough President involves Queens’ decimated healthcare services.

During her inaugural address last month, Borough President Melinda Katz said she would improve healthcare in Queens by expanding access to preventative care so that Borough residents can get the services they need.

Katz said she wants to build emergency rooms in areas that are underserved as a result of the multiple hospital closings the Borough has endured.

“You shouldn’t have to travel with your children when they’re sick at midnight and you can go right in your community to an emergency room,” the Borough President said.

She also hopes to open new hospitals in the Borough, and reopen ones that have been shut down.

“The healthcare emergency rooms are so crowded, and we’re losing hospitals every time we wake up,” Katz said.

Four hospitals in the Borough have closed down in the last five years, which has put a strain on the remaining health facilities. The most recent of those closings was Peninsula Hospital in 2012.

The drama involving Peninsula began in 2011, when the Dept. of Health ordered a partial shutdown of the facility after an inspection found more than 60 concerns within the hospital, including how it handled storing blood it took from patients.

The hospital would never be fully operational again.

The facility filed for bankruptcy, and despite demands for it to reopen by local elected officials, including former U.S. Rep Bob Turner, the hospital would soon close for good. Its

Photos by Luis Gronda

By Luis Gronda

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz wants to bring emergency rooms to served areas in the Borough. closing forced thousands of patients to move to another health facility and left many hospital workers without a job.

A report released by the Dept. of Health found that the hospital entered bankruptcy in 2011 after posting four straight years of operational losses.

Peninsula was about $60 million in debt when it filed for bankruptcy.

When Peninsula closed, it left Rockaway with only one hospital, St. John’s Episcopal, to serve the entire peninsula, and only two major health facilities to serve southern and central Queens, with the other being Jamaica Hospital, right off the Van Wyck Expressway in Jamaica.

St. John’s Episcopal in Rockaway has undergone troubles recently as well. It had to lay off a portion of its workers and outsource some medical facilities.

With the rising uncertainty of the hospital’s future, two elected of-

Peninsula Hospital closed down in 2012 after it filed for bankruptcy.

ficials, Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Ozone Park) and State Sen. James Sanders (D-South Ozone Park), have called for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to use a portion of the $1.2 billion in the proposed State capital funding to help hospitals throughout New York State on St. John’s Hospital.

The Assemblyman introduced legislation to give the facility $4.3 million to cover its costs. Sanders also sponsored a similar Senate resolution.

“This funding will go a long way and allow St. John’s Hospital to continue to provide our communities in southern Queens and Rockaway the quality healthcare we deserve,” Goldfeder said. “We must ensure that St. John’s has the tools necessary to protect its current services and expand, in order to serve our community and keep our families healthy for many years to come.”

Elmhurst’s St. John’s Queens Hospital is another health facility that closed down recently.

The Elmhurst location, which was on Queens Boulevard across from Queens Center Mall, closed in 2009 after Caritas Health Care filed for bankruptcy. They had reported about $64 million worth of debt before filing the motion.

The building that housed the hospital, and the parking lot adjacent to the area, were reportedly sold to a developer earlier this year and will be converted to residential apartments and retail stores.

During the PRESS of Southeast Queens’ panel discussion on health care on Feb. 21, the panelists, which included State Sen. Joe Addabbo

(D- Howard Beach) and Assemblyman William Scarborough (D-Jamaica), discussed healthcare in the Borough.

Addabbo said the “big picture” of healthcare is concerning, given the recent closings the Borough has endured.

“I know when I walk into a senior center and talk with the seniors, just the mere mention of the future of healthcare, the fear in their eyes is certainly something you can read easily,” he said.

The Senator added that while the State is doing much better financially, including being able to put more funding toward healthcare, the future is not as bright as it can be. He added that as the State Senate under- begins the annual budget process in the next few months, they will push to keep what the Borough already has in terms of healthcare and seeing how it can be improved.

When asked about plans to bring new health facilities to the Borough, Addabbo said the focal point of the Senate seems to be to protect the hospitals that currently exist and improve on those as best they can. A trend is rising of opening up smaller health clinics to supplement the hospitals and that looks to continue.

“As we are on the cusp of the real negotiations of the State budget, we’re going to look to allocate as much money as we can to protect what we have,” he said.

In addition to the troubling situation of hospitals in the Borough, others have been pushing people to learn about and sign up for the Affordable Care Act. Katz will host two informational sessions next month to tell Borough residents more about the Act and address their concerns. The deadline to sign up for the ACA is March 31.

“The Affordable Care Act has succeeded in putting quality and affordable health insurance within reach of the tens thousands of Queens residents and the millions of people nationwide who had previously been unable to obtain health care coverage,” Katz said.

The sessions will take place March 3 at the new Trump Pavilion at Jamaica Hospital Center in Richmond Hill and at Elmhurst Hospital Center on March 11. For information, call the Borough President’s office at (718) 286-3000.

Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127, lgronda@ queenstribune.com, or @luisgronda.

Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Black History Month

Experts Talk Flooding At PRESS Breakfast

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA In addition to honoring the accomplishments of community leaders and groups at The PRESS of Southeast Queens’ Black History Month awards ceremony and breakfast, the event also featured a discussion on community issues like flooding.

For more than two decades, the people of Southeast Queens have endured flooding in their homes during heavy rainfall and for years, frustrated residents have openly spoken out against the Dept. of Environmental Protection, demanding the City agency reopen the wells it operates.

Assemblyman William Scarborough (D-Jamaica) and Douglas Greeley, former Deputy Commissioner of the DEP, were among the experts who participated in the panel discussion, which sought to examine the future of Southeast Queens’ everrising water table.

Both Greeley and Scarborough highlighted the importance of reopening the wells known as Station 6. When opened, the wells were pumping 30 million gallons of water out of the neighborhood every day and significantly lowered the water table.

“When the DEP stopped pumping the wells, there were a lot of consequences,” Scarborough said.

“Groundwater began to rise and as of 2007, the groundwater had risen roughly 35 feet since they stopped pumping the wells. It had a tremendous impact on Southeast Queens.”

Although the system of wells collectively known as the Jamaica Water Supply are owned by the DEP, one of the biggest problems, Greeley explained, is that the City agency is not mandated to operate them.

“One of the problems here is that no one owns the groundwater,” Greeley said. “The State regulates the groundwater resource, but they don’t operate it. The DEP is not required to maintain groundwater level and it doesn’t fit well with their mission of supplying water. It costs a lot of money to pump water and to put it in the sewer would be nonsense.”

Although the DEP is not obligated to reopen Station 6, Scarborough maintained that it should be the City’s responsibility because it is an environmental justice issue.

“The community should be demanding a solution. We need the community to demand our fair share.

We should be speaking with one voice,” he said. “The infrastructure exists. The wells are there. They were for many years, pumping the wells and keeping the water levels low. If there is no other solution, the City should look at pumping the wells because it is an environmental justice issue – people are losing their homes and their health is being affected.”

Greeley, however, offered up a different solution for the rising water table.

“The people in this community should get their youngsters involved in public service, representing the needs of their area,” he said. “It

wouldn’t hurt to get some science While the future of Southeast and engineering backgrounds so that Queens’ rising water table is murky, they can argue effectively and have Scarborough said he is hopeful that solutions.” his residents will see some sort of reGreeley also spoke about the pos- lief soon. sibility of utilizing Southeast Queens’ “There are some good signs. We three bodies of water to regulate the have a dynamic new councilman – water table. He said that Councilman Donovan the DEP is looking into Richards. He is aware of “When the DEP the preliminary phases the problem and is chair of using Jamaica Bay. of the committee of enstopped pumping A portion of the vironmental protection,” the wells, there panel discussion also he said. “The Mayor were a lot of con- has been out there, centered on Superstorm Sandy and the he’s seen our problem sequences.” impact it had on the and this week, he reap– Assemblyman communities of Southpointed Emily Lloyd as William Scarborough the commissioner of the east Queens. Although Scarborough admitted DEP. Emily Lloyd, in the storm destroyed 2007, said that resolving countless homes, he argued that it groundwater in Jamaica should be could have been much worse for the the DEP’s top priority – so we have residents of Jamaica. a voice.”

“On a community basis, as bad as “Our Borough President [Melinda Hurricane Sandy was, it could have Katz] has also said it was a priority,” been much worse than it was because he added. “So I think the stars are it was a wind event – not a rain event,” aligned.” he said. “The homes that were most Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowsdamaged were close to a body of wa- ka at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or ter. If we had more rain, it would have nkozikowska@queenspress.com or been a disaster in this community.” @nkozikowska.

Photo by Joe Marvilli

Former Deputy Commissioner of the DEP, Douglas Greeley (left) and Assemblyman William Scarborough discuss solutions for southeast Queens’ flooding problem.

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014

Black History Month

Forum Features healthcare Discussion

By Trisha sakhuja With the recent enactment of the Affordable Care Act, the state of healthcare is a topic on the minds of not just patients, but also elected officials and hospital administrators.

One of the main topics of discussion during the PRESS of Southeast Queens’ Black History Month breakfast on Feb. 21 was the state of healthcare in Queens.

President and CEO of Jamaica Hospital, Bruce Flanz, said when he joined Jamaica Hospital 29 years ago, the population was 1.8 million with 25 hospitals and today, we have 2.3 million people living in Queens with nine hospitals.

“Health and healthcare is not the same,” he said. “Health is an individual’s own personal health, which is made up of their genetic makeup.”

Flanz went on to say an individual’s personal health consists of 40 percent of their genetic makeup, 50 percent of their lifestyle and 10 percent of the type of healthcare.

Since the current state they receive is not ideal and four neighboring hospitals have shut their door in

the last five years, Flanz said in the eyes of senior citizens “We need to protect the existing when he speaks about healthhospitals; we can’t afford to lose care. anymore.”

He said he understands why He further explained the dethe ACA causes a lot of fear, mand for beds has gone down in but his office and many other hospitals due to the quick recovhave sponsored town hall ery process most patients face. meetings at community and seHe gave an example about a nior centers to discuss the pros patient who would stay in the and cons of the new healthcare hospital for four to five days afsystem. ter a hernia operation 25 years Addabbo also expressed ago, but now a patient undergothe need to bring healthcare ing the same operation needs to state sen. joseph addabbo and jamaica hospital services to the district to make use a hospital bed for five hours. President and CEO Bruce Flanz (right) talked about it more localized and to help Flanz said Jamaica Hospital, healthcare in Queens during a Black history Month residents understand where one of 14 level one trauma cen- breakfast on Feb. 21. they can go for accurate inforters out of the 60 or so hospitals mation and services. in New York, is shifting from a hospiOverall, Addabbo said the State’s Flanz gave the example of a womtal-centric model to a patient-centric an who lived in a mold-infested house budget is in good hands and they will model, where everything is focused that eventually affected her health. continue to look at long term healthon the patient’s needs.

“It would be more cost effective, care needs.

“The system is now moving to in- from the cost of healthcare perspec“Forums like this are very helpful, centivize providers to keep people tive, if we were able to clean up the but it goes far beyond these walls of healthy and that is naturally a very problems she has to deal with regard- today,” he said. “We need to keep good thing,” Flanz said. ing the flooding in her basement,” he up the dialogue of the importance He said that system is known as said. of healthcare and the importance of the “Triple Aim” concept, which foState Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D- funding programs that work.” cuses on preventive health.

Reach Reporter Trisha Sakhuja at Howard Beach), who also spoke “It is better health and better care on the state of healthcare during (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, tsakhuja@ at lower costs,” he said. the breakfast, said he sees the fear queenstribune.com, or @Tsakhuja13.

Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Black History Month

Guide to Southeast Queens Hospitals Jamaica Hospital Medical Center 8900 Van Wyck Expy.

Jamaica, NY 11418 (718) 206-6000 jamaicahospital.org Number of beds: 431 Resting at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and the Van Wyck Expressway, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center remains the predominant source of care for Southern Queens, serving about 1.2 million residents of Queens and southeast Brooklyn. The hospital was established in 1891 in a rented four-bedroom home.

With much of the Borough’s healthcare system contracting, Jamaica added The Trump Pavilion, an adult nursing facility, in 2009.

The hospital saw more than 300,000 patients in its Ambulatory Care Centers in 2012, while the Emergency Department saw 130,000 patients. The Level 1 Trauma Center and Stroke Center rank among the City’s busiest.

The hospital boasts a host of specialties and centers, geared at treating various illnesses.

Jamaica also offers mental health treatments. Inpatient and outpatient help is available, as well as a psychiatric Emergency Department. It provides professional counseling to adults, young children, adolescents and foster-care children, among others, treating anything from marital stress to depression.

The hospital’s Pediatrics Department provides a wide variety of care for kids from birth into adolescence. The department consists of a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a nursery and a playroom.

The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation contains “The Brady Institute,” which is nationally recognized for treating brain injury and assisting coma recoveries. There is also the Margaret T. Palomino Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, which specializes in physical disabilities. The department also offers out-patient rehabilitation services.

The Palliative Care Consultation Program services patients facing lifethreatening illnesses and their families. Jamaica added a four-bed hospice unit to care for those with less than two weeks to live.

The Cardiology Department has a cardiac catheterization laboratory and a non-invasive laboratory.

Jamaica’s Department of Anesthesia began a Pain Management

Practice, which explores treatment options for patients suffering from chronic pain.

Lastly, the hospital also provides dental services at its recently added Department of Dentistry. The center features a 15-chair dental clinic as well as a separate, four-chair faculty practice within its 11,000-square-feet of space.

Cash-strapped patients have the services of the Medicaid eligibility unit at no cost to the patient. They will perform an initial income evaluation and, if you qualify, will assist you with providing a list of necessary documentation, setting up appointments, completing and filing a Medicaid application.

Queens Hospital Center 82-68 164th St. Jamaica, NY 11432 (718) 883-3000 www.nyc.gov/html/hhc/qhc/html/ home/home.shtml Number of beds: 316 Queens Hospital Center, one of two public hospitals in the Borough, has been working to ensure everyone in Queens has access to the care they need.

The hospital opened its doors as Queens General Hospital in 1935 and has since grown to a state-of-theart facility with 316 beds. The Jamaica-based hospital serves central and Southeast Queens.

When St. John’s and Mary Immaculate Hospitals closed their doors in 2008, QHC felt a need to do whatever they could to offset the loss of healthcare in the Borough. The hospital added 40 impatient beds by the end of 2010, which helped the hospital better serve the community.

Encompassing 360,000-squarefeet, it now includes spacious ambulatory care suites featuring both primary and specialty services and cutting-edge equipment. It also houses four Centers of Excellence in Cancer Care, Diabetes Management, Women’s Health and Behavioral Health.

Outside of the hospital, QHC partners with clinics in the community to provide free or low-cost healthcare to people in Southeast Queens. The South Jamaica Multi-Service Center, located at 114-02 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., has been providing care for more than 30 years. For more information, call (718) 883-6699.

St. John’s Episcopal Hospital South Shore 327 Beach 19th St.

Far Rockaway, NY 11691 (718) 869-7000 www.ehs.org Number of beds: 257 St. John’s Episcopal Hospital is a full service community hospital serving the Rockaways and the Five Towns communities. Its overall goal is patient care is to combine accessible, medical excellence with the compassionate, caring environment expected from a faith-based community hospital.

The hospital is designated as a Stroke Center by the State Hospital Review and Planning Council of the New York State Department of Health. With that designation, people living in the area who suffer an acute stroke can be treated with speed, increasing the chance of survival and improved outcomes.

The criteria for stroke center designation was developed from the Brain Attack Coalition Guidelines and according to a release sent by the hospital, are consistent with the American Stroke Association standards for acute stroke treatment.

The Stroke Center Demonstration

Project of 2003 demonstrated that stroke centers provide significant improvement in stroke assessment and response times.

St. John’s is equipped with diagnostic equipment and medical expertise. Ambulances will now bring suspected stroke victims to St. John’s if it is the nearest stroke center. The hospital also offers CT scan, MRI technology and can provide followup care including physical therapy.

The hospital said it is committed to doing community outreach and education on the dangers of stroke.

St. John’s is the only full service community hospital serving the Rockaway and the Five Towns area to provide general adult medical surgical services, obstetrics, pediatrics and psychiatric services. They also provide obstetric inpatient services and clinical pastoral education. It also stands as the only hospital on the Rockaway peninsula after Peninsula Hospital closed down in 2012.

Its mission is overseen by the Bishop of Long Island, and in-line with the dogma and traditions of the Episcopal Church.

Sub-Acute Care/Post-Acute Care • Short Term Rehabilitation Nursing Home • Medical Model Adult Day Health Care Granat Alzheimer Center Day Care Program Long Term Home Health Care • Community/Inpatient Hospice Parker Jewish Institute for HEALTH CARE AND REHABILITATION 271-11 76th Avenue, New Hyde Park New York 11040-1433 www.parkerinstitute.org

A New York State Authorized Managed Long Term Care Plan:

Medical transportation provided by:

1-877-Parker3 • 718-289-2100

On-site dialysis provided by:

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014

pix

Scenes From the Black History Month Breakfast The PRESS of Southeast Queens last week held a breakfast panel and awards ceremony celebrating Black History Month at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center. Photos by PRESS Staff.

Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014

Black History Month

Civic Leaders Honored At Breakfast Last Friday, the PRESS of Southeast Queens honored individuals and organizations for their efforts to better the Southeast Queens community.

Erica Ford, Kevin Livingston, Archie Spigner, the Rev. Phil Craig, the Jamaica Center For Arts and Learning and the Greater Jamaica Development Corp. were given awards at the breakfast and panel discussion that took place on Feb. 21 at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center. All six of the honorees have had a significant, positive impact over the years in their communities and beyond.

Ford, who has been a resident of Southeast Queens since she was five years old, took her experiences living through the 1980s crack epidemic to become a youth advocate dedicated to crime prevention. She is the head of the South Jamaica Cure Violence Program and is the founder of Love Ignites Freedom Through Education Camp, INC. Working at LIFE Camp, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing youth violence through empowerment, Ford has worked to help troubled youth find healthy outlets for their negative emotions. Whether it is through therapy, art, music or education, Ford finds a way to reach those young people who need help the most.

“They have greatness inside of them,” Ford said as she accepted her award. “All of us are here together to make up Southeast Queens as one people.”

Rather than cracking down harshly on gang members, Livingston is giving them something more valuable: a suit and an opportunity.

The founder of 100 Suits for 100 Men makes a point to find gang members and other troubled youth and give them suits. Reflecting on how a suit made him feel important when he was a teenager, Livingston uses the clothing to further assist gang members by helping them take their set of skills and transform them into a career.

To date, Livingston has distributed more than 3,500 suits Citywide and has expanded the nonprofit’s operations to Brooklyn and the Bronx, with his sights set on Baltimore, Md. and Hartsville, S.C. “If you go outside and mentor somebody between the ages of 18 and 24, I guarantee our gun violence and felony assaults will go down in our community,” he said. “I invite

Photo by Luis Gronda

BY JOE MARVILLI

The PRESS of Southeast Queens honored individuals and organizations for their work in Southeast Queens during a breakfast and panel discussion for Black History Month. Attending the ceremony were (from right) Erica Ford, Kevin Livingston, Carl Fields Jr., Archie Spigner, the Rev. Phil Craig, Lamont Bailey and Daniel Greene.

you all to be a mentor and take somebody under your wing.”

Starting his journey as an usher at Greater Allen A.M.E. Church under the guidance of former Congressman, the Rev. Floyd Flake, Craig was ordained in 2010. He went on to revitalize The Greater Springfield Community Church, transforming the environment and increasing its congregants from five to more than 100.

Craig is also president of Queens’ National Action Network, one of the leading civil rights organizations in the country. In an effort to help single fathers become more involved with their children, Craig launched the first annual Citywide Fathers Empowerment Conference at Greater Allen in 2010.

“If you can’t support nobody by coming out to functions or you don’t have money to give to charities, what I can tell you to do is just pray,” Craig said. “Prayer does change things.

There’s power in prayer.”

Known as the “Dean of Southeast Queens,” Spigner was honored not only for being the first African American to serve in the City Council, but for the work he has done for the community since then, both in and out of government. During his 27 years of service in the Council, starting with his election in 1974, he played a large role in paving the way for many of the first Black leaders in the Supreme Court, State Assembly and State Senate.

Besides breaking down barriers, Spigner helped the City’s efforts to

purchase the Jamaica Water Supply Company, giving Southeast Queens residents their own clean water supply. He continues to fight to eliminate racism and better the lives of the Southeast Queens community.

“We are still talking about firsts.

Let’s put all these things behind us.

Hopefully we can forget about firsts and move to the future,” he said. “If there is no vision, the people perish and there’s got to be a vision for the people of this community.”

When it comes to the culture of Southeast Queens, the Jamaica Center For Arts and Learning has been an essential piece of the neighborhood, bringing it cutting-edge artists, high-quality events and workshops for children and adults.

Founded in 1972, its programs look to inspire people, particularly children, in any artistic field, such as music, dance and theater. So far, it has been a massive success. More than 25,000 individuals of all ages take part in the center’s workshops annually.

One of the center’s biggest moves came in 2010, when it transformed the vacant First Reformed Dutch Church of Jamaica into the Jamaica Performing Arts Center. The 400seat theater and art studio has been used for a multitude of functions, ranging from weddings to business functions and more.

“Welcome to your house. That’s what we’ve tried to do at JCAL, make the facilities we have accessible

to the community. We are trying to make this facility the keynote place for arts and culture in Southeast Queens,” interim executive director Carl Fields Jr. said.

The Greater Jamaica Development Corporation has spent its existence advocating and pushing for whatever can be done to help revitalize Jamaica and its surrounding communities. Founded in 1967, the nonprofit has been involved with the creation of Jamaica Market, the four Business Improvement Districts in the area and more.

Despite the fact that it has no authority, the GJDC’s power lies in its ability to form smart partnerships that support its goals of smart development in the area. It has always had the gift of looking in the long-term, seeing opportunities that would pay off in the coming years and decades.

Two of the biggest centerpieces of Jamaica, York College and the transportation hub at Jamaica Station, were seen as vital to the GJDC for the neighborhood’s continued improvement and they continue to push for more resources around these two structures to this day.

“I’d like to thank you all for your interest, for your commitment, for your collaboration in continuing the strong momentum we’ve already built in this community,” Chairman Daniel Greene said. “Let’s make sure it continues.”

Reach Joe Marvilli at (718) 3577400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.

Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

News Briefs Suspect Arrested In Queens Malls Fires

A Jamaica man was arrested for setting several fires at two separate malls in Queens over the course of five days.

Dereck Sumair, 23, was charged with arson for starting a dozen fires at the Rego Center Mall and the Queens Center Mall between Feb. 20 and Feb. 24. He was arrested on Monday night after an officer recognized him from surveillance photos.

According to District Attorney Richard Brown, Sumair will undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

The first blaze was lit at 9:45 p.m. on Thursday at the Sears store in the Rego Center Mall, located at 61-11 Junction Blvd. Sumair went back to Rego Center on Sunday to light four more fires in less than four hours, at Toys “R” Us, Staples, JC Penney and T.J. Maxx. Monday was his most active day, starting at Macy’s in Queens Center Mall around 1:45 p.m. Fires at Best Buy and Target were set in quick succession as well. From there, he returned to Rego Center and started fires at Old Navy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Burlington Coat Factory and Sears.

While the FDNY reported that there was no structural damage or injuries from the fires, they did at least $4,000 worth of damage to merchandise.

Sumair was charged with 12 counts of arson, 11 counts of reckless endangerment and criminal mischief for throwing rocks at the Long Island Consultation Center, a mental health facility in Rego Park.

He is due back in court on March 18 and faces up to 25 years in prison.

Church Damaged By Fire

A South Jamaica church was damaged and four firefighters were injured in a two-alarm fire on Monday.

Electrical wiring sparked the blaze at the Deliverance Tabernacle Church of Christ, at 144-01 Sutter Ave. More than 100 firefighters arrived at the church and battled the flames for an hour and a half before extinguishing the fire. Four members of the FDNY were brought to Jamaica Hospital with minor injuries.

The church itself suffered an extensive amount of damage on its first floor, including a burned organ, keyboard, microphone system and drum set.

Sculpture Installed At JFK

A new piece of art was added last Wednesday to John F. Kennedy Airport.

Inside Terminal 4, a steel and aluminum sculpture was placed on perma-

nent exhibit. Titled “Outside Time,” the piece was created by Bulgarianborn artist Dimitar Lukanov. It is 30 feet wide and 15 feet high, painted completely white and is angled to look like a strong wind had knocked it over.

The sculpture is the second of three pieces that Lukanov is installing at Terminal 4. The first artwork, “Light To Sky,” was created in 2006.

“Outside Time” was commissioned in 2012 and a third piece will be installed by April of this year.

“Outside Time” is located on the 4th floor departures level after the TSA checkpoint.

MTA Adds Tech Services

On Feb. 19, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced that wireless cell phone service and Wi-Fi will be installed in all 29 of Queens’ underground subway stations in the coming months, starting in March.

Transit Wireless, the company handling the project, said it is in the beginning of Phase Two of its project with the MTA for the services to be available in underground subway stations throughout the City.

Construction for these services in Queens is expected to be finished by June, increasing the number of annual riders with access to underground cell and Wi-Fi service to 250 million.

All of the major cell phone carriers, AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and Sprint, will be covered. Miles of high-speed fiber optic network cables are being installed throughout the tunnels for Internet service as well.

“The MTA’s firm commitment to bringing our transit system into the 21st century continues to bear fruit with new technology that will improve our customers’ daily commutes,” MTA head Thomas Prendergast said in a statement. “Providing cell phone and data connectivity to our Queens customers is the latest step in keeping everyone connected and bringing a new level of security with the ability to dial 911 in an emergency.”

MTA spokesman Kevin Ortiz added that the installation will not cause any delays or service changes.

“This is part of our effort to improve our customers’ experience underground,” he said.

The MTA also announced on Feb. 24 that its “Bus Time” application has expanded and will begin covering all of Queens and Brooklyn on March 9. Customers will be able to find out exactly where their bus is in real time, via smart phone, web and text message. The expansion will increase the number of buses using the program by 9,000 stops, to a total of more than 15,000.

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014

Police Blotter 102nd Precinct

RobbeRy PAtteRn – The NYPD is asking for the public’s assistance identifying and locating the following suspect wanted in connection with three robberies that occurred within the confines of the 102nd and 112th Precincts.

The first incident occurred at 12:30 a.m. Feb. 11 within the 102nd Precinct. The suspect approached a female victim as she walked on Lefferts Boulevard and pushed her up against a fence as she reached Metropolitan Avenue. The suspect then displayed a box cutter and removed the victim’s purse.

The suspect fled on foot.

The second incident occurred at 11:45 p.m. on Feb. 12 within the 112th Precinct. As a female victim walked along Continental Avenue approaching Dartmouth Street, the suspect exited a dark-colored fourdoor sedan and grabbed her in a bear hug. The suspect then threatened to cut the victim, though no knife was displayed, and removed her purse.

The suspect fled in the sedan.

The third incident occurred at 1:45 a.m. on Feb. 19 within the 112th

Precinct. The suspect approached the female victim as she walked on Austin Street and grabbed her in a bear hug. The suspect pressed an unknown sharp object against the victim’s hand and removed her purse.

The suspect fled in an unknown dark-colored four-door sedan.

Anyone with information should call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS, visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES), then enter TIP577. All calls are confidential.

103rd Precinct

Collision investigAtion – At 2:10 a.m. on Feb. 23, police responded to a 911 call of a male running through traffic on the Van Wyck Expressway between exits 4 and 5.

Upon arrival, officers observed an unidentified male in his 20s lying in the roadway, unconscious and unresponsive, with trauma about the body. EMS also responded to the location and pronounced the male dead at the scene.

Further investigation revealed the male was struck by a 2010 Ford van,

operated by a 45-year-old male, as it traveled northbound on the Van Wyck Expressway in the left travel lane. The pedestrian was attempting to cross the expressway from east to west and was struck with the front of the vehicle. The vehicle and the operator remained on the scene. There were no arrests and the investigation is ongoing.

106th Precinct

buRglARy – The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance providing information with regard to a burglary that occurred within the confines of the 106th Precinct.

At 8 p.m. Feb. 20, an unknown suspect or suspects entered a second floor office inside Aqueduct Racetrack and removed two laptops, a flat screen TV and a flat screen photo finish monitor. The suspect or suspects also removed a 1985 Breeder Cup trophy located inside of a restaurant also located on the second floor.

Anyone with information should call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS, visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text

tips to 274637 (CRIMES), then enter TIP577. All calls are confidential.

109th Precinct

gRAnd lARCeny – The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance identifying and locating the following suspect wanted in connection to a grand larceny within the confines of the 109th Precinct.

The suspect used a credit card with an altered magnetic strip, containing the victim’s credit card information, to make unauthorized purchases. The suspect made unauthorized purchases on two separate occasions inside the Lucky Ren liquor store in Brooklyn, first at 5:35 p.m. on Feb. 13 and then again at 8 p.m. Feb. 14. The victim resides within the 109th Precinct and was in physical possession of his credit card used during the commission of the crimes.

The suspect is described as a Black male with short black hair and brown eyes. The suspect was last seen wearing black clothing, including a black hooded sweatshirt during the first incident and a black sweatshirt and black pants in the second incident.

ADVERTORIAL

MetroPlus Health Attracts 32,000 Customers MetroPlus Health Plan, the insurance plan of the City Health and Hospitals Corp.

(HHC), today reported that as of Feb. 10, more than 32,000 shoppers on the NY State of Health – the official health insurance marketplace in New York -chose MetroPlus as their preferred health insurance option, making it one of the most popular choices among New York City residents.

According to the State Dept. of Health, more than 400,000 New Yorkers have applied for health care coverage through the state Marketplace. HHC’s MetroPlus Health Plan attracted approximately 25 percent of total enrollment in New York City and eight percent of the statewide enrollment.

“We are particularly pleased to see that over 49 percent of our total Marketplace enrollment is under the age of 35,” Arnold Saperstein MD, MetroPlus President and Chief Executive Officer, said. “It’s reassuring to know these young invincibles who have traditionally been so difficult to reach are choosing MetroPlus. We are confident that our combination of low rates, high quality, and committed customer service carry weight with

New Yorkers looking for affordable health insurance.”

Already the plan of choice for nearly half a million New Yorkers, MetroPlus offers access to a network of more than 12,000 primary care physicians and specialist sites across the city and has the most affordable options in three of the four metal level options available on the Marketplace. The plan covers all essential health benefits, including emergency services, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance use services, prescription drugs, and preventive and wellness services. It also offers a vision and dental rider for an additional low cost; the rate varies per level. Nearly 67percent of new members shopping on the Marketplace chose this added level of care.

Approximately 42 percent of new MetroPlus members from the Marketplace are age 36 to 59, with nearly two-thirds of this group below the age of 50. People 60 and above (the

range just below the age at which people qualify for Medicare), make up eight percent of the plan’s total Marketplace enrollment. This new Membership is distributed throughout the four counties in which MetroPlus is licensed, with 22 percent in Manhattan; 35 percent in Brooklyn; 29 percent in Queens; and 14 percent in the Bronx.

MetroPlus, founded in 1985, has consistently been one of the topranked health plans in customer satisfaction in New York City for almost 10 years, rated #1 seven out of eight years consecutively.

“Because we are a subsidiary of HHC, we have a tremendous ability to work together with hundreds of physicians, nurses, specialists, nursing homes and the home health services that are part of the public health care system to manage care for our customers,” added Dr. Saperstein. “Our interests are aligned with a focus on prevention, early detection and coordinated care across any health service. We have a culture of caring for our customers where patient satisfaction and their health outcomes come first.”

Open enrollment for coverage this year through the state Marketplace closes March 31. There are special

circumstances, such as job loss, that allow people to enroll past that deadline. To learn more, contact MetroPlus at 1-855-809-4073 or visit metroplus.org and nystateofheath.org.

About MetroPlus Over nearly 30 years, MetroPlus Health Plan has built a reputation for providing affordable, quality care to residents of Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens. A health services plan certified under Section 4403-a of the New York Public Health Law, MetroPlus is a whollyowned subsidiary of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC), the largest municipal health©care organization in the country, MetroPlus provides managed care to nearly half a million eligible New Yorkers. In addition to Medicaid Managed Care, MetroPlus offers Child Health Plus, several Medicare Advantage Plans, a Special Needs Plan (SNP) for people with HIV and their families, a LongTerm Managed Care Plan, and over 40 NY State of Health Marketplace products. The company’s robust network of primary care doctors and specialists includes many independent community providers.

Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

A&E

ESOTA Dance Group Goes To China

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Six dancers from the Edge School of the Arts in Laurelton will broaden their horizons this April as they travel to Beijing to study at the Beijing Dance Academy.

Kerri Edge, instructor and founder of the school, said the trip aims to expose the students to China’s unique culture. In addition to studying a variety of traditional Chinese dances, the six dancers will study the Chinese language, calligraphy, martial arts and history. They will also get the opportunity to sightsee, visiting places like the Great Wall of China, Shanghai and the zoo.

“We want to expose the kids to different environments and learn about different cultures,” Edge said. “Many have not been out of the City before.

Some have been out of the City, but not out of the country.”

While in China from April 1221, Mia Brice and Kymora Pruitt of LaGuardia High School, Aeisha Cousins of Queens High School of

Teaching, Kayla Mackie of Cultural Arts Center Millennium High School, closed its doors.

Imani Diaz of Talented Un“When that school limited High School and closed we wanted to do Danielle Lebron of the Proour part to continue the fessional Performing Arts legacy of that school,” High School will be studyEdge said. ing classical Chinese ballet, What began as a classical Chinese dance, small group of girls folk dance and classical studying dance has modern Chinese dance. transformed into one The students from ESof the most prestigious OTA and Beijing Dance dance schools in the Academy will be workwith Borough. Today, ESOone another. During the The Edge School of the Arts in Laurelton is sending six of its TA is in four storefronts trip, Edge said, ESOTA’s students to study dance in China. and has more than 400 group will teach the Chienrolled students. nese students their dance routines community centers and other areas The trip to Beijing is sponsored and vice-versa. and perform for children and se- by American Promoting Abroad. To This is not the first time that the niors,” Edge said. “Those tours have make a donation to help fund the ESOTA will send its students to trav- included several U.S. stops, but also expenses, visit www.kecde.webs. el the world. The dance school regu- international stops in Amsterdam, com. larly holds “world discovery tours,” the Netherlands, Jamaica and the To learn more about the ESOTA, where dancers perform in various Caribbean.” visit www.edgeschoolofthearts.com. places both nationally and internaReach Reporter Natalia KozikowsThe ESOTA was founded in 1996 tionally.

by Kerri Edge, two of her sisters and ka at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or “Our kids have traveled all over her mother. It sought to fill the void nkozikowska@queenspress.com or the world and go to schools and left behind after the Bernice Johnson @nkozikowska.

Battle Of The Boroughs Back For Queens

BY JOE MARVILLI Some of Queens’ best up-andcoming artists will face off against each other in the hopes of becoming the winner of the Battle of the Boroughs.

One dozen Queens artists will compete on March 7 at 7 p.m. for WNYC and WQXR’s “Battle of the Boroughs,” taking place at the Jerome L. Greene Performance Space, located at 44 Charlton St., Manhattan. Several musicians from each borough will perform for the audience with the hopes of being voted the best on their home turf. From there, there will be a final contest for an overall victor.

The 12 Queens musicians are among the 60 acts that were selected out of more than 400 submissions, with genres ranging from rock to electronic to hip-hop.

Winners will be selected through votes from both the live studio audience and the online audience who will be watching via a live telecast.

Voting will be available online at www.wnyc.org/thegreenespace and via mobile phone by texting vote codes to 69866.

The winner of the Ultimate Battle on June 27 will receive an exclusive concert at The Greene Space with

live video webcast, a four-hour recording session, a guest appearance at The Apollo Theater and more.

Tati Ana is an electronic-indie musician from Astoria. Her soulful songstress is a classically trained singer-songwriter originally from Moscow.

Hailing from Jackson Heights, Corona and Astoria, MONECO is part of New York’s growing Neo-Cumbia scene.

Annika, a multi-instrumentalist from Breezy Point, has played at Lincoln Center, The Knitting Factory and many more as part of the indie band Still Saffire.

One of the harder-edged artists on the bill is Maspeth rock band Born of Scars. The four-piece came together in 2009 and have been pumping out groove-based hard rock since then.

Guitarist Nick Moran steeps his music in the tradition of old-school blues and funk.

Woodhaven hip-hop group 85th has three records out already, all available for free at www.atrueunderdogstory.com.

Tarantinos NYC is an Astoria instrumental band that specializes in the space between surf rock and spaghetti western songs.

Astoria folk artist Jeneen Terrana has been a presence on the local mu-

Woodhaven hip-hop collective 85th will face off against 11 other musicians from Queens in the “Battle of the Boroughs” at The Greene Space in Manhattan on March 7.

sic scene since 2002. The folk artist’ latest, “See The Light,” came out in 2011.

Jim Wilson’s ticket is a Southerntinged, bar rock band from the Long Island City/Sunnyside area.

A Hypocrite & Slanderer is a Woodside power trio that focuses on delivering angular riffs and driving rhythms.

Jessica Rowboat, from South Rich-

mond Hill, is an acoustic folk rock songwriter who puts all the focus on her voice and guitar melodies.

Chris Shamkin, a Long Island City singer-songwriter, is an Americana storyteller who is also part of Wooden Nickel, an acoustic/electric four-piece based in Millerton, NY. Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014

QUEENS TODAY

FRIDAY 2/28 13 MOONS

13 Moons features GrayHawk Perkins, a New Orleans Native American from the Choctaw and Houma tribes. He will perform a unique blend of blues, folk and jazz at Flushing Town Hall. Intertwined with tribal rhythms, language and storytelling, his music will be supported by the France-based Mezcal Jazz Unit band. The concert starts at 7 p.m. and costs $12 for general admission and $10 for members. For more information, call (718) 463-7700.

AGENTES Y ACTIVOS

The Los Angeles Poverty Department performance troupe will present “Agentes y Activos,” a Spanishlanguage version of “Agents & Assets.” Taking place at 7:30 p.m. at the Queens Museum, the show will reenact a 1998 House of Representatives hearing on allegations that the CIA was complicit in crack-cocaine trafficking into the Los Angeles area. It will include English supratitles and be followed by a panel discussion. For more information, call (718) 592-9700.

SATURDAY 3/1

NOSHWALK

This special Noshwalk will delve deeper than usual into the ingredients used to prepare the delicious food found in Jackson Heights. It will spend more time in markets examining South Asian produce, spices and pulses. The tastes will be broader than usual, including Tibetan and Nepali, as well as the better known Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Afghan places.

This neighborhood features a number of Vendy-award winning food trucks. Walk begins at 12:30. For information, visit www.noshwalks. com.

CANDLELIGHT CAFÉ NIGHT

The Poppenhusen Institute will hold a fundraiser in the form of an Irish café night. Starting at 5 p.m., there will be food, local raffles and musical performances by Mary Courtney and Morning Star.

An hour before the café night kicks off, there will be a meet-and-greet with artist John Newton. Tickets bought in advance cost $25 and tickets at the door cost $30. Call (718) 358-0067 for information.

SUNDAY 3/2

DINO

The Queens Theatre is bringing back its electroluminescent puppets for “DINO,” a family show that will run at 1 and 3 p.m.

Assembled and nurtured by a lonely scientist, Dino is soon sent out to experience life for himself. His adventures will include escaping a carnivorous tyrannosaurus, meeting a friendly pair of longneck creatures and a deepwater swim with the fishes. Tickets are $14. For more information, please call (708) 760-0064.

NEAL GILLEN

The Queens Historical Society at Kingsland Homestead will feature a discussion with author Neal Gillen. He will talk about how Queens has become the most diverse and everchanging community in America and how he weaves that into his writings. The free event runs from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The historical society is located at 143-35 37th Ave., Flushing.

MONDAY 3/3

BALLROOM DANCING

The Forest Hills library will host a ballroom dancing event with instructor Jing Chen. Chen studied ballroom dance at the school founded by internationally acclaimed dancers Mr. and Mrs. Lu Ming Da. Chen will give les-

SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK TUESDAY 3/4 - SUNDAY 3/9

2014 QUEENS WORLD FILM FESTIVAL The 4th Annual Queens World Film Festival will run March 4-9, 2014.

QWFF screens innovative and challenging films from around the world and around the corner. Their programs include an annual festival, industry panels, special screening events, year round encore screening events and popular youth-oriented educational initiatives.

2014 categories include: Narrative Shorts and Features, Documentary Shorts and Features, Animated films and LGBTQ films of any length.

The festival will return to the Museum of the Moving Image for the opening night and over the next five days, they will host screenings at venues in Jackson Heights and Long Island City.

The 2014 festival venues are: Museum of the Moving Image, The Secret Theatre in Long Island City, The Nesva Hotel in Long Island City and PS 69 in Jackson Heights.

For more information, visit www.licpartnership.org/events/2014-queens-worldfilm. sons in ballroom basics for beginners and offer training for more advanced students.

The class will begin at 6:30 p.m. The library is located at 108-19 71st Ave., Forest Hills.

WINE TASTING

The Alley Pond Environmental Center Board of Directors will host a wine tasting fundraiser to benefit APEC from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Papazzio Restaurant, 3938 Bell Blvd., Bayside. Cost is $60 for members, $65 for non-members. Free babysitting is available for members. For information or to purchase tickets, call (718) 229-4000.

TUESDAY 3/4

more information, call (718) 997-4646.

“VOYAGES”

The Harriet and Kenneth Kupferberg Holocaust Resource Center will present a screening of “Voyages” at 1 p.m. “Voyages” is an ingeniously linked story centered on three contemporary Jewish women at the crossroads of life. It tells the personal story of the quests of these three women whose lives and intertwining destinies create a moving and poignant tale of survival.

MARDI GRAS

CLAIRE MESSUD

Claire Messud, the author of “When the World Was Steady,” “The Last Life,” “The Emperor’s Children” and “The Woman Upstairs,” will speak at Queens College as part of its evening readings series. In addition to reading from her work, Messud will be interviewed by Leonard Lopate. The event starts at 7 p.m. in the music building and costs $20. For

St. Luke’s Church will present the third annual Mardi Gras celebration from 6-8:30 p.m. at the church, 85 Greenway South, Forest Hills. Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for children. For information, call (718) 268-6021 or visit www. stlukesforesthills.org.

AMERICANA MUSIC

D.B. Rielly will celebrate Fat Tuesday at Mar’s, 34-21 34th Ave., Astoria, from 8-11 p.m. Rielly and his band will perform roots, zydeco, blues and alt-country music with an “instantaneous cure for all afflictions.”

THURSDAY 3/6

DEVIL SCIENCE THEATER 3K

Cult Films + Alcohol + Comedians = Devil Science Theater 3000! The Laughing Devil Comedy Club offers a space where people are encouraged to talk at a theater and heckle at a comedy club. Each Thursday at 10:30, they host “Devil Science Theater 3000,” a late night cult film screening. Admission is $6.

FILM FESTIVAL

Forest Hills’ Central Queens Y will host its 6th Annual ReelAbilities Film Festival beginning on March 6.

The event showcases movies created by people with disabilities. The Central Queens Y is located at 67-09 108th St., Forest Hills. For information, go to cqy.org.

ONGOING

RICHMOND HILL FLEA MARKET

Come to the largest indoor flea market in Queens! They have clothing, jewelry, toys and much more. The market takes place every Sunday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. It is located at 177-09 Hillside Ave. in Richmond Hill, right on the corner of Myrtle and Hillside avenues. For more information, call (347) 7097661 or log onto richmondhillfleamarket.com.

GOT EVENTS?

Send all information to editor@queenstribune.com or mail to: 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357

Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

Profile

St. Albans Actor Dreams Of Broadway

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA St. Albans actor Douglas Wade is well-known around the community as a lively performer in his notable roles in productions like Black Spectrum Theatre’s “Piano Lesson,” “Prescription for Love” and “Flying West.”

In his early teens, Wade said he dreamed of playing basketball in the NBA but when his dreams fell short, he turned to acting. As a student at the Manhattan School, Wade went to go see the Broadway show “The Wiz” and immediately fell in love with the arts.

“He [the teacher] took us to go see the production, ‘The Wiz,’ and the whole production amazed me. At that moment I realized, this is something that I would love to do. This is something that I am capable of doing,” Wade said. “I was 15 years old and felt like I didn’t really have a place to belong but there were a number of teachers who believed in me.”

St. Albans resident Douglas Wade has seen much success in his career as an actor but hopes to one day make it to the Broadway stage.

Since then, Wade said he has made it a goal to one day perform on Broadway.

“My goal is to make it to that

Broadway stage and to be an accomplished actor with Broadway and movie credits to my name,” he said. “I understand the competition is fierce, but I’m not at all shy about working to get that done.”

Wade credits much of his success in theater to his colleague, Ben Howard, who cast him in his first production at Black Spectrum Theatre – “The Blacks.” He has since been in a number of other productions at Black Spectrum, including the award-winning show, “Piano Lesson.”

“From a theater perspective, performing Boy Willie in ‘Piano Lesson’ was enormous for me and for Black Spectrum as well. It was given awards in the National Black Theater Festival in 2003. It was an incredible cast to work with. The camaraderie and the lessons I learned from that show was incredible,” he said.

When asked what he loves most about theater, Wade said he loves being able to get to learn more about

himself as a person.

“I truly love theater. I know there is more money in film but I love the immediate reward that theater offers you. The six weeks of rehearsal – I love all angles of it. It gives you a chance to build yourself and understand better who you are while you are developing a character,” he said. “It’s very enlightening when you are honest and true with yourself.”

He also enjoys interacting with the other actors he performs with.

“The friendships start in the dressing room,” he said. “I’ve learned so much from the people that I work with. I am friends with many of them still today.”

To learn more about Douglas Wade, visit his website at www. theaterrentalnewyork.com/actshow. xzc?PK=38155.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @nkozikowska.

People the 133rd Quartermaster Support Company.

Sergeant Roy Dennis of Springfield Gardens has reenlisted to continue service with the 1569th Transportation Company.

Sergeant Cam Mai of Jamaica has reenlisted to serve with the Division Signal Company, 42nd Infantry Division.

Sergeant Jeremy Diaz of Hollis has reenlisted to serve with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Infantry Division.

Bryant Rodrigues Air Force Airman Bryant Rodrigues graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. Rodrigues is the son of Shelly Gordon and Bryant Rodrigues, both of South Ozone Park.

The New York Army National Guard has announced the reenlistment of members in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation.

Master Sergeant Talbert Gardner of St. Albans has reenlisted to serve with the 133rd Quartermaster Support Company.

Specialist Herb Tudor of Queens Village has reenlisted to serve with

Merit Scholarships:

Khadijat Audu of Cambria Heights was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy. They include: Cambria Heights: Saidat Audu.

Jamaica: Angelie Ramdial, Samiha Shaheed.

Queens Village: Zunayed Abdullah, Erica Hoey.

Local students were named to the Dean’s and Honor’s Lists for the fall 2013 semester at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, N.J. They include: Hollis: Ashley Virnan.

The Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica Estates has four finalists for National Merit Scholarships for 2014. Pictured (back row, from left) are Assistant Principal Filippa Luciano, Principal Kathleen McKinney and Assistant Principal Ann Cordes; (front row) Onyinye Emekekwue, Mikaela James, Linelle Abueg and Erin Krebs.

Holliswood: Stephanie Windland.

Jamaica: Laquanique Lake.

2013 semester at Colgate University in Hamilton.

Samuel Dabakarov of Jamaica and Jessica Benmen of Queens Village received the Dean’s Award for academic excellence during the fall

Alexa Renfroe of Jamaica Estates was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester at Arizona State University.

Page 20 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014

Faith

story of Job Portrayed in ‘The Hedge’ By naTaLia KoZiKoWsKa

economic downturn and job loss.

“We’ve gotten calls as far away as It is a good time to let people know Alabama, asking us to come there that in spite of it all, we should rebecause they have no interface opmain faithful to God.” portunity to experience Christian Last year, the play mirrored many theater.” of the struggles of the victims of Su“The Hedge” will be presented perstorm Sandy. Their most recent on three days – Feb. 28 at 8 p.m., showing was postponed to a later Mar. 1 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and date because of the storm. In light Mar. 2 at 6 p.m., at the York Colof the tragedy, both ACT and York lege Performing Arts Center. TickCollege decided to donate proceeds arts in Christian Theatre and york College et prices range from $25-$30 based Performing arts Center will present their on the location of seats. The play to help in the recovery effort.

“The Hedge” has been very popular annual production, “The Hedge” is not recommended for children popular in the community since it this weekend. under the age of six. debuted more than 20 years ago.

The Jamaica Performing Arts Nero said she estimates that the “The Hedge” because it is not readily Center is located at 94-45 Guy R. play has been shown to more than available.

Brewer Blvd.

40,000 people from all five boroughs, “I’m not sure how prevalent ChrisFor more information, call the ACT and even out of state. tian theater is. You don’t see a lot of at (718) 291-5147 or the Performing In a largely Christian-based com- it and we do get calls from people Arts Center at (718) 262-8240. munity like Jamaica, Nero said she who are so excited about Christian Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska feels it is important to provide locals theater because it’s something they at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowswith quality Bible-productions like have not been exposed to,” Nero said. ka@queenspress.com or @nkozikowska

Arts in Christian Theatre and York College Performing Arts Center will present the annual production, “The Hedge,” this week. The play, directed by Beverly Caesar, follows the dramatic story of Job, a man who undergoes many challenges set forth by Satan in an effort to have him curse God. According to Vivian Nero, administrator at ACT, the production aims to inspire the community by shedding light on a number of current problems.

The main character, Job, undergoes a series of catastrophic losses, both in his family and financially.

“Throughout all his turmoil, Job maintained his belief in God and stood strong,” Nero explained. “This serves as a great message now, when we as a nation are going through an

Notebook PS 333

schools Chancellor Fariña Visits CEC 27 Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña had her first meet-and-greet with Queens parents Monday night, discussing issues affecting children as the new schools boss gets the wheels turning on her new administration.

Fariña visited Community Education Council 27, which covers schools in Rockaway, Broad Channel, Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven and Richmond Hill, during its February meeting. The Chancellor said she plans to visit every CEC in the City

by June, a plan that she admitted was ambitious.

Once the Chancellor entered PS 333’s auditorium, many parents and CEC members greeted her with glee and excitement, asking her to pose for pictures or “selfies.”

One CEC member, Michael Duvalle, even greeted her before asking his question with a reference to a quote that caused some controversy during one of the many snowstorms last month.

“Good evening Chancellor, it’s a beautiful day outside,” Duvalle said, which drew much laughter from the audience and the Chancellor herself.

Photo by Luis Gronda

By Luis Gronda

schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña discussed dept. of Education plans during a visit to a rockaway elementary school on Feb. 24.

Fariña replied she probably will never say that again.

The CEC got right down to the issues with Fariña, questioning her on the Common Core, Pre-Kindergarten and more.

Regarding the Common Core, the plan was originally implemented “without too much thought,” she said, adding that teachers should not have to teach something they have not had enough time to be trained in and that will change in the future.

“We’re looking to see how those

things are aligned in a more sensible way,” the Chancellor said.

Another aspect to that initiative, Fariña said, is students should be able to argue two different points of view, which is something that could be taught as early as kindergarten, according to the Chancellor.

“For example, we might want to ask the child ‘what’s better? To play in the playground or play in the classroom,’” she said.

Fariña added they will choose three demonstration sites in each

borough so that principals in the City can get a look at how it will be implemented in the classroom.

When asked about Pre-Kindergarten, CEC 27 president Joshua Hirschman was concerned about having enough seats to fit every student.

Fariña said not all the seats will be added to public schools and they will make sure the additions are “quality seats,” so that it will benefit the kids enrolling in the schools.

Parental involvement will be a central part of how she fixes the school system, Fariña said, encouraging parents to get more involved in how their kid is doing in school and keeping them informed.

They will get started on that by hosting all-day parent conferences, one in each borough, in May and June this year. This will allow parents to learn about initiatives affecting their child, like Common Core, and to ask questions.

The Dept. of Education will also send out newsletters to parents and host workshops involving parents who are already play a big role in their community.

Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127, lgronda@ queenstribune.com, or @luisgronda.

Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 21

What’s Up MARCh 1 Line Dancing

and includes insurance, weekly training sessions and t-shirts. For more Interested in a different kind of information, call David Reid (646) exercise? Then think about joining 241-4211 or Mike Glasgow at (917) Barbara Fraser for her coed, adult, 442-0479.

LP FAM youth baseball registramixed level line dancing. Loose fitting clothing, water and supportive tion is also open each Saturday from shoes are highly suggested. No high noon to 3 p.m. for boys and girls ages 5-14. Registraheels or sandals. tion takes place at Medical clearance is Dunton Presbyterian advised.

Church, 109-29 135th The line dancing St., South Ozone will take place from Park. The organiza9:30-10:30 a.m. at tion is also looking the Cambria Heights for volunteer youth Community Church, baseball and football 116-02 220th St., coaches. For informaCambria Heights. tion, call Derick BrasCost is $10. For information, call Fraser at Queens Central Library will well at (917) 692-4775 or Paul Cox at (718) (646) 229-0242. hold a science lab on March 835-8416.

1 at 11 a.m.

Science Lab

Explore the world and have handson science fun with the Discovery Team, starting at 11 a.m. at the Central Branch of the Queens Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica. Children ages 6-12 and their families are welcome to participate in this free event.

For information, visit www.queenslibrary.org/events.

Book publishing and Selling The Women’s Committee of the Queens Chapter of the National Action Network will present a Women’s History Month program featuring women authors of color from Queens, from 1-3 p.m. at the Greater Springfield Community Church, 177-06 129th Ave., Jamaica.

The topic of discussion: Book Publishing and Selling. Guest panelists will include Beverly Burchett, Toni Coleman Brow, Candace Sandy, Roxanne “Lady Simone” Lord, Faye Thompson and Cathleen Williams.

Covered topics will include: how to become a best-selling author; writing a winning book proposal; conquering the challenges of writers block; pros and cons of self-publishing; what you need to know when selecting a publisher.

For information, visit nationalactionnetwork.net/chapters.

oNGoiNG: Youth Sports Through March 29, the Lincoln Park Basketball Association will hold a winter basketball clinic for boys and girls ages 8-15. The clinic will be held at the Queens Transition Center, located at 142-10 Linden Blvd., South Ozone Park, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parents or guardians must bring proof of age. Registration fee is $40

homework help The Laurelton Library will provide free homework help for children in grades 1-6. The library offers after school homework assistance in math, writing and other subjects.

The program runs every day after school, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays. The library is located at 134-26 225th St., Laurelton. For more information, call (718) 5282822 or visit www.queenslibrary.org/ branch/Laurelton.

overcoming Barriers to Employment Every Friday, the Queens Central Library in Jamaica helps residents experiencing barriers to employment. A Job Information Center case manager is available on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to discuss potential problems you may have regarding child care, housing, immigration, degree evaluation, healthcare, goal and career planning, former incarceration, education and training and more. To schedule an appointment, call (718) 480-4222 or stop by the Job Information Center.

No registration is required and the service is free.

Forestdale StYA Youth Mentor Forestdale, Inc., an organization with a great history of supporting families in need and committed to empowering children in foster care and in the local community, is launching a new mentoring program in January 2014. This new program, called “Future Prep: Successfully Transitioning Youth to Adolescence,” or STYA, is designed to attract community-minded people who may not be able to commit to

foster parenting, but nevertheless want to make a significant investment in the lives of children and their better future. We are looking for mentors (18 or older) to work with children ages 9-12 for one year.

Starting in January, there will be four 10-week sessions throughout the year, each running for three hours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program will take place at the Hollis Community Center at 203-09 Hollis Ave. This is an excellent opportunity to truly make a difference is someone’s life, build meaningful relationships and be part of an enthusiastic, compassionate and supportive environment, in addition to a great learning experience with the opportunity to learn about a multitude of issues facing underprivileged youth in New York City today. For additional information, contact Mirzya Syed, Youth Volunteer Coordinator, at Msyed@ forestdaleinc.org or (718) 263.0740, ext. 365.

Queens Satellite high School and College Mentoring program Queens Satellite High School is

seeking volunteers to provide students with the skills and experiences that will support their personal growth. Key to the institute is the active participation its volunteers in the private sector and community members who wish to provide real world connections for their students through weekly seminars.

Mentors can participate in oneday sessions or teach a seven-week seminar on a topic of their choice.

Technical assistance for lesson planning will be provided throughout your experience. For additional information, contact Kristy Nguyen at (718) 657-3920 ext. 4031.

WhAt’S Up With YoU? Send your community events to the PRESS for a free listing at 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357.

Call (718) 357-7400 or email editor@queenspress.com.

All events will be considered for publication, without a fee.

Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 28 - March 6, 2014

Musicians OF QuEEns

Matthew Kiss

CONFIDENTIAL

Q

QConf is edited by:

Matthew Kiss has been performing since before he could even walk. The songwriter used to sing Russian songs with his mother when he was a child, before playing the piano between the ages of 3 and 9. When he was 13, he learned the guitar and never looked back.

“If there was ever a constant in my life, it was always music,” Kiss said. “In the summer of 2007, I saw John Mayer live in concert. Until that point, I had been playing guitar for a few years, and writing poetry/ attempting to write songs. I just remember watching Mayer

perform on stage, and thinking, I want to do that, I know I can do that.”

Fast-forward to the present day and the Rockaway Beach musician has combined his influences that include Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash and Ryan Adams to create strikingly honest songs based in Americana.

Kiss does not limit himself lyrically, tackling topics that move him.

“I’m very inspired as a writer to deliver the story to the listener in the most effective way possible,” he said. “I love working with words, trying to find the right language so the listener can not only understand what I’m saying, but also be able to connect.”

Follow us on Twitter: @QueensTrib Like us on Facebook facebook.com/ QueensTrib Got Talent?

If you can dance, sing, draw, write or have any other talents and live in Queens, be sure to e-mail editor@ queenstribune.com.

Selected individuals will be contacted for inclusion in a future edition of QConfidential

looks at the tragedies of several people who were inspired by Rockaway.

Included in the song is Maggie Mae, a young girl who died before her time, Frankie the Rat, a broke musician and alcoholic, and Tommy the Gun, who drowns his sorrows over the death of two of his sons in combat overseas.

Now, two years later, Kiss is ready to work on his next project, and is looking at studios and producers to record the ton of material he says he has ready to go. He will also be performing at Rockwood Music Hall on March 9.

For more information about Kiss’ music and concert schedule, visit www. matthewkiss.com.

Liu Ready To Run Again?

The Hot Stove in baseball may be dying down as Spring Training begins, but the political Hot Stove is just getting started.

Sources tell QConf that former Comptroller John Liu may have his sites set on a new seat.

Liu, who recently started teaching college courses at Baruch College, could challenge U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez,

whose district encompasses parts of Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens.

The former Comptroller may be counting on the fact that Velazquez's district includes Chinatown - a stronghold for Liu - to bolster the base for his potential campaign.

Stay tuned to QConf for more on this story as it develops.

Steven J. Ferrari Contributors: Luis Gronda, Natalia Kozikowska, Joe Marvilli, Marcia Moxom Comrie, Michael Nussbaum, Trisha Sakhuja, Michael Schenkler.

These lyrics can be heard on his debut EP, “The Black Hound Sessions,” which came out in July 2012. When he was writing that record, Kiss said he was going through a period of loneliness and struggle over his decision to drop out of college and pursue a career in music.

“While this was a very solitary and sometimes lonely part of my life, it was also one of the most freeing and creatively fruitful times of my life,” Kiss said. “I was dealing with a lot of turmoil within myself, but it helped me create music that I am still very proud of.”

Kiss also put his experiences of growing in the Rockaways into his music.

“God Bless The Whiskey”

Act of Park Destruction

Astoria's Parking Drama

As if losing parking spots to snow wasn't bad enough, Astoria residents lost even more spots to a film crew.

Last week, the FX drama TV series, “The Americans,” visited Astoria to shoot an episode, causing quite an inconvenience to residents.

Though the show’s staff

only shot scenes under the bridge, more than four blocks on Hoyt Avenue South and two blocks of 23rd Street were completely blocked off from parking, forcing cars to search for spots.

Didn't a new outdoor lot open up in Long Island City to alleviate this type of problem?

Honeymoon Period Over?

Things have gotten bad in de Blasio’s New York the past couple of weeks.

Just days after Mayor Bill de Blasio announced details of his Vision Zero plan, which would slow down drivers to reduce traffic-related deaths, the hizzoner’s SUV was caught on camera speeding and running through red lights.

The footage was captured shortly after a press conference in Middle Village where

de Blasio filled a pothole.

On top of that, another video show de Blasio jaywalking on a street near his Brooklyn home.

The mayor has been cracking down on jaywalking as one part of his traffic plan.

It might be safe to say the honeymoon is over for de Blasio. Although, we have to wonder: How late would the Mayor be to his public events if he didn't speed on the way to meeting his schedule?

With all the controversy over proposals at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, at least the park is still in one piece, unlike the image above.

While Queens is typically the comic book home of Marvel's Spider-Man, DC Comics has co-opted the Borough, with both Superboy and Supergirl taking up residence here in the last year.

In the latest issue of Supergirl, the Maid of Might

send alien bounty hunter Lobo through the Unisphere, while fighting through and destroying what seems to be the Queens Museum.

Perhaps the City would be more likely to put money into the park if it had superheros and villains destroying it - at the very least it would be cheaper to demolish.

Does anyone have the number to the Fortress of Solitude?

Binging a Problem

We drink to celebrate, we drink to drown in our sorrows and we also drink to just drink.

And when you live in the land-of-the-bars, also known as, Astoria, it’s easy to be labeled a binge drinker.

It’s a known fact; the biggest lushes of the City are living in Astoria.

The City’s Health Dept. recently reported around 32 percent of the people they polled admitted to having consumed five or more alcoholic drinks (for men) or four or more alcoholic drinks (for women)

in one sitting sometime in the past 30 days.

Perhaps the lack of parking in the area (see the item to the left) is causing Astoria residents to drink...

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Doo-Wop - Rock & Roll - Heavy Metal - Punk Disco - Latin - Blue Grass - Reggae/Calypso Soul - Blues - Jazz - Gospel - Ethnic Music Foreign Film soundtracks No Top Hitmaking Artists or Classical

Installations • Water Heaters Repairs • Basement Heat Conversions • Separarte Zones Oil Tanks • Air Conditioners Household Renovations

Records ♫ Old 33s-45s-78s ♪ Charlie 516-612-2009

Legals

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: QUEENS COUNTY. NYCTL 2011-A TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN, Pltf. vs. BMSL MANAGEMENT LLC, et al, Defts. Index #14901/12. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Jan. 10, 2014, I will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY in Courtroom #25, on Friday, April 4, 2014 at 10:00 a.m., prem. k/a 131-09 Hillside Ave., Richmond Hill, NY a/k/a Block 9252 and Lot 0028 on the Queens County Tax Assessment Map. Approx. amt. of judgment is $89,477.90 plus costs and interest.

Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. ZENITH TAYLOR, Referee. SHAPIRO, DICARO & BARAK, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 105 Maxess Rd., Ste. N109, Melville, NY. – File No.12-019607 - #83833 LEGAL NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT OF SALE SUPREME COURT – COUNTY OF QUEENS PNC MORTGAGE, A DIVISION OF PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO NA-

BOILER MAN 516-815-8510 Legals

TIONAL CITY MORTGAGE, A DIVISION OF NATIONAL CITY BANK 3232 NEWARK DRIVE, MIAMISBURG, OH 45342, Plaintiff against LILLIETH THOMPSON, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on September 23, 2013. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County General Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Court Room # 25, Jamaica, N.Y. on the 14th day of March, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Said premises known as 120-36 199th Street, Saint Albans, N.Y. 11412. Tax account number: SBL #: 1268621. Approximate amount of lien $ 673,273.02 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 8989-10. Gregory Jay Newman, Esq., Referee. McCabe Weisberg & Conway Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 145 Huguenot Street - Suite 210 New Rochelle, New York 1080 (914) 636-8900 The above mentioned sale was originally scheduled for February 14, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. The new sale date is March 14, 2014 at the same time and same place. Gregory Jay Newman, Esq., Referee.

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40 Yrs Experience misspattypschic.com

203-932-9150

Construction

NUNEZ CONSTRUCTION

We Specialize In Crack Repairs also Ceiling, Wall Repairs & Painting

EXPERT WORK ON STOOPS BRICK, BLOCK & CONCRETE

7 Days, Lowest Prices Free Estimate Licensed & Insured

718-219-1257 nunezforu.com Member of Angie’s List A Rating

HHAs

HHAs

HHAs

Heating Oil

Heating Oil

Psychic

Psychic

Visit us at the Neighborhood Room 206-20 Linden Blvd.

Cambria Heights

PUT CARE ON YOUR MARCH CALENDAR At EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care you’ll find new programs every month to help you stay healthy, get well and live better. All classes are FREE and open to the public.

1 Saturday

7 Friday

12 Wednesday

Sarcoidosis Support Group 3:00–4:00 pm Winter Workout 5:00–6:00 pm

EHNC Community Partnership 9:30–11:00 am Low Impact Zumba 11:30 am –12:30 pm Workout Asthma - Zumba Style 1:00–2:00 pm

Healthy Living With Chronic Conditions 1:30-4:00 pm

3 Monday Low Impact Zumba 10:30–11:30 am Sitting Exercise 12:00 Noon–1:00 pm The National Alliance on Mental Health For Caregivers 4:30–7:00 pm

4 Tuesday Rhythm & Flow Yoga 6:00–7:00 pm

5 Wednesday Healthy Living With Chronic Conditions 1:30-4:00 pm

6 Thursday Dining Diversities for Diabetics 10:30–11:30 am

8 Saturday Winter Workout 5:00–6:00 pm

10 Monday Low Impact Zumba 10:30–11:30 am Sitting Exercise 12:00 Noon–1:00 pm The National Alliance on Mental Health For Caregivers 4:30–7:00 pm

11 Tuesday

13 Thursday Cell Phone Literacy For Older Adults 10:30–11:30 am Meditation Made Easy 2:00–3:00 pm

14 Friday Low Impact Zumba 11:30 am–12:30 pm Workout Asthma - Zumba Style 1:00–2:00 pm

15 Saturday Relaxing Massage 1:00–4:00 pm Winter Workout 5:00–6:00 pm

Intro to Tai Chi/Qigong 11:30 am–12:30 pm Healthcare Reform (Obama Care 101) 10:30–11:30 am

Group Health Incorporated (GHI), HIP Health Plan of New York (HIP), HIP Insurance Company of New York and EmblemHealth Services Company, LLC are EmblemHealth companies. EmblemHealth Services Company, LLC provides administrative services to the EmblemHealth companies.

Neighborhood Care is a division of EmblemHealth. ©EmblemHealth Inc. 2014, All Rights Reserved.

For a full calendar of events and to RSVP visit us at ehnc.com or call 1-866-539-0999