Queens Press Epaper

Volume 12 Issue No. 10 March 11-17, 2011

PAGE 18

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PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

The sudden change of the Skyway Hotel to a men-only shelter has a local school beefing up security and officials up in arms over the lack of respect and notice provided the community by the Dept. of Homeless Services.

By Domenick Rafter…Page 10

Online at www.QueensPress.com

News Briefs Bill Helps Fight Tickets We’ve all lived through it. The rush of uncertainty as you slip out of your car and head to a muni-meter, all the while hoping a traffic officer does not spot your dashboard’s lack of a receipt.

A bill introduce by Councilman Jim Genarro (D-Fresh Meadows) would mitigate the panic. The legislation would force parking agents to immediately cancel parking tickets for anyone who produces a valid muni-meter receipt with a time stamp made five minutes before or after the ticket was written.

Currently, traffic enforcement cops can ticket any vehicle without a receipt, regardless of whether the driver is feeding quarters in the meter as it is being written.

“We’d like to help folks out who follow the law,” Genarro said. “Right now, you don’t have any recourse, even if you’ve followed the law to the letter. This is something that cries out for being rectified.”

The bill was included in a package of legislation Council Speaker Christine Quinn touted during her State of the City address. Genarro was effusive in his thanks to the Speaker and expressed optimism for the bill’s enactment into law.

The only question is implementation.

The system, according to Genarro, is already in place. The ticketing process just needs a few adjustments.

“What we would need to do is create a mechanism whereby the ticket agent would scan this valid slip you got from the meter,” he said. “I wouldn’t expect it to be a vast undertaking.”

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 11-17, 2011

Pushing MTA On Security A bill introduced by State Sen. Mike Gianaris (D-Astoria) would give the state more authority over security on subways, buses, bridges and tunnels.

The legislation, which Gianaris first introduced in the Assembly in 2005, would grant the New York State Director of Homeland Security oversight of the security measures utilized by the MTA at its facilities. DHS would examine the security measures being used by the MTA, and then issue findings and recommendations regarding necessary enhancements.

“New York’s mass transit riders deserve to use the subways and buses free from fear of a terrorist incident,” Gianaris said. “We need anti-terrorism experts to oversee the security measures in place and ensure all necessary steps are being taken to make our mass transit system as safe as possible.”

A report issued by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli this week revealed the MTA has gone over budget and has been tardy in implementing security at its facilities.

Overall costs have jumped 44 percent, from $591 million to $851 million. The report showed that security upgrades will not be completed until June 2012, nearly four years after its estimated completion date after the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

DiNapoli’s report shows the bulk of the MTA’s costs are in security-camera projects, which were severely delayed when defense contractor Lockheed Martin defaulted on an agreement with the agency to equip the subway system with state-of-the-art cameras, leading to a prolonged court battle that still continues. The report highlighted the need for the legis-

lation, Gianaris said.

“The MTA is doing an inadequate job of providing security,” he warned. “[The comptroller’s] report only makes clear that the MTA is not equipped to handle security from an anti-terror perspective.”

He said the bill is modeled on a postSept. 11 bill that gave the State DHS authority over security at power plants and chemical facilities, which Gianaris said has been “very successful.” The MTA has opposed the bill, citing cost concerns, but Gianaris said he was not worried about opposition.

“We faced the same concerns from the power industry and chemical industry,” he said.

Gianaris added that the bill would not cost the MTA any money and on the state level, money already allocated to DHS should cover most of the expenses. If passed and signed into law by the governor, it would take effect immediately.

Boxing At Cordon Bleu The Cordon Bleu in Woodhaven is used to hosting weddings and Sweet 16s, but on March 4, it hosted a unique event – a night of boxing.

With a boxing ring set up on the dance floor, nearly 200 enthusiastic fans gathered at the catering hall on Jamaica Avenue to watch New Legend Boxing Promotion’s inaugural “Friday Night Fights” event.

The card featured eight fights with pugilists coming from as far away as Idaho to compete. Tickets went for between $40 and $80 and spectators were treated to a buffet and cash bar.

The night was good for fighters from Queens. In the first fight, Howard Beach’s Vinny Celentano defeated Richard Mason of Long Island after four rounds in the heavyweight bout. On the mezzanine level, a few dozen Celentano fans, wearing shirts supporting him, erupted in celebration when the judge’s scores were announced. In the ladies’ super flyweight bout, the undefeated Patricia Alcivar of Elmhurst defeated Laura Gomez, who hails from Sonoma, Mexico, after six rounds.

In the main event, the featherweight bout, Brooklyn’s Juan Dominguez delivered a third-round knockout to Gabriel Gomez. In the Welterweight bout, Mike Ruiz of Lynbook defeated Jorge Barajas of Idaho after a third-round stoppage.

Edward Valdez of Manhattan defeated Angel Torress of Westchester County in a sixth-round knockout.

Mike Chapman, chief marketing officer of New Legends Boxing Promotions, which is affiliated with New Legends Boxing, a boxing studio in Ozone Park, said the idea of the event was born last fall.

He said he hopes New Legends does “Friday Night Fights” bimonthly, but would wait to see the response from the first fight before deciding when to hold the next.

“We’ll give ourselves some time to work out the kinks,” he said.

Brief Us! Mail your news brief items to: PRESS of Southeast Queens 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357

Presstime

Program Picky In Giving Job Help

BY SASHA AUSTRIE After a two-year absence from the business world, Rupnarine Pabarroo went to the first place he thought would help, the Workforce 1 Center on Jamaica Avenue.

“I was out of a job due to a medical situation,” said Pabarroo, a former airplane mechanic.

Though he had a high school diploma, a home health aide certificate and a few years at a technical school, he was insufficiently serviced. He went to the center with the hopes of acquiring a $1,300 Individual Training Grant voucher, which would enable him to take a customer service representative course and subsequently obtain a certificate.

According to Pabarroo, the gentleman charged with helping him looked at his resume and said, “I can’t just put you in the system. It is going to be a waste of time.”

“I was lost,” Pabarroo said. “They have so many accommodations and they are turning people away.”

Without an explanation of why or what other resources he could tap into, Pabarroo was dismissed. He found assistance at Business Leaders of Tomorrow (BLOT) for a fraction of the price. He obtained his customer service representative certificate for $120.

Rachel Gordon, executive director of BLOT, said Pabarroo’s story is not an anomaly, claiming many clients referred to Workforce 1 are not even given a chance at a sit down interview with a counselor.

“People come back to me and said right at the point of orientation they are told, ‘If you don’t have a high school diploma, there is no need to be here,’” Gordon said.

“My big issue is that when people become unemployed, they have skills regardless if they have a high school diploma or not.”

Paula Bailey, Jamaica Workforce 1 director, said though it was unfortunate Gordon’s clients had lackluster experiences at the center, Workforce 1 has a citywide policy of not turning anyone away.

When Workforce 1 was introduced, prominent elected officials touted the job placement program, including Borough President Helen Marshall (l. to r.), Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Council Speaker Christine Queen, State Sen. Malcolm Smith and Councilman Leroy Comrie.

She disputes the orientation mantra.

“We never say we can’t help,” Bailey said. “We always refer someone.”

Gordon added that people without an updated resume are also told that they are wasting their time.

“It is really unfortunate that you have to come prepared to receive a voucher,” said Nick Master, an employment specialist for 15 years and volunteer for BLOT. “A lot of people have skills that are marketable, but they don’t know it.”

Pintso Topgay, Jamaica Workforce 1 deputy director, said the orientation process is a standard PowerPoint presentation that informs clients of the services provided.

Since Bailey took the helm of the Jamaica center in 2005, job placement numbers have increased. Bailey said in 2005, the center had an annual placement rate of 300 to 400. The number has increased to 6,700 job placements last year. Of the clients assisted by the center, Bailey said only 12 percent do not

have high school diplomas or GEDs. Master said Workforce 1 Centers are trying to retain a competitive edge by omitting clients without high school diplomas or GEDs and going so far as to tell some people that they are unmarketable.

“What they are doing is stacking the deck in their favor,” he said. “The spirit of the Workforce Act was to capture that group.”

Master claimed Workforce 1 employees cherry-pick the most worthy candidates while others are left to languish.

“The poor get poorer,” Master said.

“You should never be told you are wasting your time.

Gordon said Pabarroo’s case was strictly about marketability.

“This is the clincher for me, once he got the certification, [Workforce 1] said this is good,” she said. “Now you are marketable.”

Gordon said those lacking diplomas, GEDs and resumes are not the only ones being pushed out the door without refer-

rals. One client, Margareth Dezilme, with a bachelor’s in business administration, likened it to Welfare.

“They gave me a hard time,” she said.

“They said I wasn’t qualified because I had a diploma.”

Bailey said budgets cuts have stymied voucher distribution for the last three months. Though the center’s GED program was discontinued because of the cuts, said the newly-implemented Bridge to Tomorrow program would essentially reinstate the GED program in Workforce 1 Centers.

Topgay explained that even though a client may seemingly have all credentials, acquiring a voucher is a very competitive process and not every client will get one.

William McClamb, 58, retired from his post at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center about two and a half years ago. He said when he tried reentering the job market his first stop was at Workforce 1. Like Pabarroo, McClamb said he was turned away without help. When he applied for the customer service voucher he was told, “You have too much customer service experience.”

McClamb wanted the certificate to prove to potential employers that he had the experience and was also hoping to obtain computer training.

“They didn’t give him anything to further a job search,” Gordon said. “He didn’t even know how to turn [a computer] on,” she said.

As in the case of Pabarroo, Gordon helped McClamb earn his certificate and acquire computer skills.

The people who make it to BLOT without academic credentials are just the tip of the iceberg, according to Gordon. She quoted the NYC Workforce Weekly newsletter, which states that in 2009, 27,000 of 160,000 people who visited Workforce 1 Centers did not have a high school diploma or GED. Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123.

Senate Argues Rules On Redistricting Bill

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

Long Island) and a rules fight erupted between Sen. Gianaris and Sen. Tom Libous (R-Binghamton).

Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica) said Republicans were showing "blatant disregard" for promises they made before the election.

"Those who choose not to embrace this cause will have failed their constituents, their duties and responsibilities as an elected state official, and most of all the 19 million plus residents of the great state of New York," she said.

In the Assembly, Speaker Sheldon Silver introduced Gov. Cuomo's redistricting legislation last week. It has 71 co-sponsors, including a number of Republicans.

The redistricting bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn) is cosponsored by a least nine Queens members of the Assembly as of March 8; Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside), Andy Hevesi

(D-Forest Hills), Grace Meng (D-Flushing), Aravella Simotas (D-Astoria), David Weprin (D-Little Neck), Mike Miller (DWoodhaven), Rory Lancman (DHillcrest), Nettie Mayersohn (D-Flushing) and Audrey Pheffer (D-Rockaway Park).

The rest of the borough's delegation; Jeff Aubry (D-Corona), Vivian Cook (DJamaica), Barbara Clark (D-Queens Village), William Scarborough (D-Jamaica), Cathy Nolan (D-Ridgewood), Marge Markey (D-Maspeth), Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights), Mike DenDekker (D-Jackson Heights) and Michele Titus (D-South Ozone Park) all have not come out for or against the bill, though both Clark and Moya have recently said they support independent redistricting as a concept.

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.

March 11-17, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

As the push for redistricting reform continues in Albany, support is growing for Gov. Andrew Cuomo's independent redistricting bill in both houses of the state legislature, while Senate Democrats look to invoke parliamentary rules to force a debate on the legislation, a move that created fireworks on the floor of the State Senate this week.

Senate Democrats, nearly all of whom have endorsed the governor's bill, are seeking to force the Senate Rules Committee to take up the legislation. If one third of the committee's membership asks for a vote on the legislation, one must be held, forcing the Republicans into a potentially embarrassing vote against independent redistricting.

Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos said he did not oppose independent re-

districting, but favors a Constitutional solution. All Queens State Senators except Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-St. Albans) are openly supportive of the bill, which was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria). Smith, however, is one of the 11 Democrats on the Rules committee to sign a petition demanding a public hearing on the bill. A spokesman would not further clarify his individual position on the bill.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Rules committee rejected the Democrats' petition, leading to an hour-long rules fight on the floor of the Senate. Democrats objected to the Rules committee clerk's rejection of the petition, saying the rule that allowed them to petition the committee for a hearing on redistricting was one created by the Republican majority at the start of the session.

The objection was ruled out of order by presiding officer John Flanagan (R-

Seniors Rally To Save Their Centers

BY JASON BANREY

Seniors, their advocates and public officials decried Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s plan to close 105 senior centers cross New York City, including 22 in Queens.

The centers, which offer the elderly exercise, educational and social programs, as well as meals, will be forced to shut their doors if the budget, which slashes $27 mil-

lion for senior services, is approved.

The mayor said the reductions are due to a 30 percent cut in funding for senior programs in the state budget.

In response, seniors are rallying support across the borough and gearing up for multiple protests outside of the same facilities which have served them for years.

Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (DSunnyside) stressed that 90 percent of in-

dividuals who utilize the centers are below the poverty line and the slash in funding would deprive the vulnerable group of core services they heavily rely on.

“We cannot and will not balance the budget on the backs of our seniors,” Van Bramer said. “We will fight to keep [senior center] doors open.”

In Woodhaven, members of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association

Bill Turns Up Heat On Landlords

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 11-17, 2011

The City Council passed new legislation that would increase fines on landlords who leave their tenants in the cold, just as the numbers of heat complaints called into 311 this winter in the borough grows.

Sponsored by Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, the Heat Enforcement for Tenants (HEAT) Act passed the Council last week. The new law will raise the fine for landlords who leave their tenants without heat, up to $1,000 per unit, per day for repeat offenders. It will also require landlords to go a full two years without any heat or hot water violations before penalties would reset back to the lower maximum fine of $500.

"We don't want a single New York family to face another brutal winter without heat," said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio.

"We are changing the economics so that landlords will think twice before turning off their tenants' heat just to save money."

According to the Public Advocate's office, nearly 24,000 complaints about lack of heat have been called in to 311 between October and the end of last month in Queens alone, out of over 172,000 citywide.

The highest number of calls, around 2,000, came from Jamaica, followed by Astoria with more than 1,600 and Ridgewood/Glendale with more than 1,400 calls. More than 1,000 calls each came from Flushing, Far Rockaway, Elmhurst, Richmond Hill and Woodside, all neighborhoods with large renting populations.

The Public Advocate also keeps a list of "NYC's Worst Landlords" with a map of locations of open heat complaints.

As of March 4, only three of these landlords are in Queens: two in Jamaica and

one in Richmond Hill.

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.

Top Heat Woes Zip 11385 11691 11377 11373 11372 11435 11368 11355 11375 11434

Complaints 1,481 1,077 1,062 1,018 979 921 888 796 760 718

The top 10 zip codes for heat complaints in Queens, Oct. 2010 to Feb. 2011

are calling on all residents to show their support for the CCNS Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Senior Center.

Not only do senior centers provide hot meals and a break from loneliness, but they have doubled as cooling centers during the summer months, said Edward Wendell, President of the WRBA. Standing outside of the Angelo Petromelis Senior Center in College Point, State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) joined dozens of worried seniors holding signs that read, “Have Some Respect for Our Seniors” and “Where Will We Go for a Hot Meal and a Place to Meet Friends?”

Avella said the City is claiming it is being forced to make these cuts due to the proposed removal of the Title XX Discretionar y Funds under Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed state budget, released last month.

“It’s a disgrace that every year we are faced with threats of closure from the City,” Avella said of the proposed cuts.

“We won’t let this happen.”

Rhonda Caruso, director of the Angelo Petromelis Senior Center, said that the center has given seniors a real reason to wake up in the morning.

“It’s not just about food,” said Caruso.

“It’s also about [seniors’] social life and mental health. [Senior centers] help from living an isolated and lonely life.”

Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com, or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.

Poll Shows Hunger Growing In Boro

BY JASON BANREY A new poll has found that Queens still has some of the hungriest congressional districts in the nation.

According to the poll taken by Gallup and the Food Research and Action Center, a national anti-hunger organization, residents living in seven of the city’s 13 congressional districts still faced the inability to afford enough food.

Five of the six congressional districts in Queens were listed on the report.

District 7, represented by U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Jackson Heights), ranked third in the city, with nearly 1 in 4 residents not being able to afford enough food; it was also the sixth hungriest in the nation.

In the districts of U.S. Reps. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica) and Nydia Velasquez (D-Ridgewood) respectively, more than 1 in 5 residents faced food hardship.

Falling within the bottom three of the city’s congressional districts were districts represented by U.S. Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-Bayside), and Anthony Weiner (D-Kew Gardens), where an average of nearly 1 in 10 struggled to put food on the table last year.

“This provides the latest wake-up call that all levels of government need to take immediate action to reverse the city’s growing hunger poverty, and inequality of wealth,” said Joel Berg, executive director of New York City Against Hunger.

The report analyzed data collected from surveys provided to more than

650,000 people after interviews with 1,000 households were taken every day since January 2009.

Residents answered questions on topics ranging from emotional and physical health to work environment and access to basic services.

Berg also pointed out that the continuing trend, which was discovered last year, shows just how widespread food hardship still continues to be throughout the nation.

Despite the low ranking of some congressional districts on the survey, there is assistance for those with the inability to afford enough food proposed in the President’s recent recommended Fiscal Year budget for 2012.

In President Barack Obama’s proposed budget, he aims to strongly support federal nutrition programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), extending the suspension of time limits for

certain working-age adults without dependents with anticipation for their growth.

The Food Research and Action Center and New York City Against Hunger both stated they strongly support the president’s goal to eliminate hunger by 2015 and his budget which allocates funding towards its eradication.

Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com, or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.

BY JOSEPH OROVIC

comes in, the Mayor said.

“There are situations where time means money,” Bloomberg said. “High tech can mean lower costs for New Yorkers.

Homeowners will no longer see a quarterly bill and be shocked by a wild increase caused by an unknown leak.”

The program was welcomed by critics of the new meters, who contend the new devices have themselves created an increase in water bills.

“While I and many of my constituents continue to complain the water rates are too damn high, I welcome this aspect of the program,” said Councilman Mark Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens).

The Mayor was quick to respond to the caveat of the Councilman’s endorsement.

“The way you pay for this technology is through the water rates,” Bloomberg said.

Councilman Jim Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows) has been among the new meters’ more vocal champions, and wholeheartedly endorsed the program, not just for the alerts, but for the potential to inform consumers about the cost of their habits.

“People in your household that might be a chronic long-shower taker, one may be able to see in real time what their water usage costs,” he said. “Knowledge is power and being able to find out minute by minute is certainly a great leap forward, better than learning in the aggregate.”

Homeowners with the new meters can sign up for the alerts online or by calling 311.

Reach Deputy Editor Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com, or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.

New Meters Spot Leaks Early

Mayor Mike Bloomberg visited Eastern Queens to tout one of the craftier benefits of the City’s oft-maligned new wireless water metering system. Standing before the guts of the Douglaston Pump Station, the Mayor highlighted the $252 million system’s Leak Notification Program, which tracks water consumption in nearly real-time.

The new system tracks water consumption four times a day and lets consumers monitor their use on the City’s Web site, nyc.gov. The program aler ts homeowners to unusual spikes in consumption, which Bloomberg said could indicate an otherwise unknown leak. The heads-up allows a potential leak to be addressed well before the shock of an unusually high water bill – or costly repair –

March 11-17, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

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 Associate Publisher

In Our Opinion: Arnold Thibou Executive Editor:

Brian Rafferty Deputy Editor:

Joseph Orovic Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Editorial Lesser Of Two Evils We’ve seen this dance before. Last year, it was libraries that were going to be decimated. This year, it’s teacher positions and senior centers. It’s always something, and somehow the combination of city funds along with state and federal borrowing seems to allow things to continue to operate as they always have – more or less.

How is this done? By going deeper into debt.

We spend more than we can possibly pay for, and our budget fears seem to go away with a flourish with the announcement that the senior centers have been saved, or the layoffs held back, or the libraries remaining open; whichever bogeyman is paraded about to strike fear into the budget process is finally defeated, and the true horror comes later in the form of increased debt.

With the push being made by Ed Koch’s New York Uprising for independent redistricting, there seems to be another facet of the movement being ignored – a balanced budget.

We cannot afford to pay for everything all the time. The services we cherish come at a grave cost to our future.

If we’re so concerned about teachers for our kids, should we not also be worried for the financial burden they will have to bear? If we’re so stricken with fear about our seniors centers, should we not also be concerned about who is going to continue to pay for their services once they are gone?

There are no easy answers, because the questions don’t provide simple solutions. Who should we hurt more, and when should we hurt them are the more realistic questions our lawmakers need to face – and they need to find an answer.

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Letters Help Jamaica Ave.

Reporters: Harley Benson Sasha Austrie Domenick Rafter Jason Banrey

Art Dept:

Sara Gold Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend Advertising Director James Mammarella Sr. Account Executive Shelly Cookson

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 11-17, 2011

Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2011 Tribco, LLC

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

To The Editor: With snowstorm after snowstorm blanketing Jamaica Avenue, it was easy to forget what the street that we walk down almost every day looks like. Sort of like

walking around a familiar house in the dark – you know it by heart.

But now that the snow has melted, a new and almost unfamiliar light is being shed on Woodhaven’s main commercial and transportation venue. And

Letters what’s showing isn’t pretty.

What is becoming painfully clear is that Jamaica Avenue is a bit of a mess. Bird droppings coat the corners and streets around our two elevated train platforms.

Litter baskets overflow with garbage tossed by residents who do not want to hold it in their homes for the next Sanitation Department pick-up. Trash is tossed to the streets by those who frequent stores that do a brisk take-out food business.

We’re now also beginning to see the economic hurt that many other neighborhoods have been experiencing for the last few years. This is translating into empty storefronts and sidewalks not being shoveled of snow before it becomes a thick and impenetrable slab of ice. Why are things different now? What can be done to change this recent slide?

These are tough questions to answer but one thing is certain. In about a year we will have a newly refurbished and repainted elevated train structure. If businesses and their representatives do not take a different approach to how they administer the business district we can no longer point the finger of blame at the State for having our subway system be the eyesore of Woodhaven.

Like the new problems that now affect our Jamaica Avenue,

we have to come up with new and ambitious plans to bring the district into the 21st century. We have to proactively attract new and vibrant businesses that all of our residents would be happy to shop at. We need to rethink the concept of having one man with a Rubbermaid trash-can on wheels cleaning more than 25 blocks with a broom. We need to have wellthought-out promotional days and a medium to actually deliver this information to our residents.

And we need to open channels of communication with the building owners about rents that would support a dynamic and diverse shopping environment.

This may be one of our last best chances to get this right. I implore Jamaica Avenue’s business owners to get together and grab this opportunity, to put on their thinking caps and come up with a new and comprehensive plan. They have nothing to lose but business.

Vance B Barbour, Woodhaven

WRITE ON: The PRESS of Southeast Queens,

150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357 email news@queenspress.com fax: (718) 357-9417

Repurpose The Statue Sans Virtue A Personal Perspective

By MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE The current and immediate past president of the Borough of Queens are women and approximately 10 of the borough’s current legislators are women. As the old print ad declared, “We’ve come a long way baby.”

Why then, is there still a statue near Queens Borough Hall depicting two female figures as the foot stool of a big male bully? That is exactly what two Queens legislators want to know.

Councilwoman Julissa Fererras and Congressman Anthony Weiner say the towering piece, known as “The Triumph of Civic Virtue,” has to go because it depicts the oppression of women and has no place in our borough.

The piece is reminiscent of Greek mythology and the nude male figure is “stomping out the vices of society” by standing on the two female figures, identified as “female sea serpents.”

Who pays that much attention to a public piece of art that has

stood in its spot so long, it has become part of the landscape?

Apparently the Jackson Heights councilwoman did and she found a willing partner in the mayoral wannabe that is Weiner.

Fererras, who seems to be angling for Speaker in 2014 when Christine Quinn will have been termed out of the Council, says it is sexist and sends the wrong message.

Another politician must have felt the same way long ago.

It used to be at City Hall, but for some reason, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia gifted it to our borough in 1941. Gee, thanks. And dubious a gift though it might have been, no one seemed to have cared until now – 70 years later – that it is “sexist.”

The artist, Frederick MacMonnies, gave it to the city early in the last century and someone declared it good enough for public consumption. Women didn’t even have the vote yet, so the artist’s myopic view evident in the piece was still par for the course.

In the intervening years, women have gotten the vote and we have seen great advances and equality gained under the steam of the Women’s Rights Movement. This statue in our borough seems to fly in the face of such hard-won battles.

Slave and Holocaust museums exist as reminder of the atrocities suffered by humanity. The images, though vile, are important to display so that we will know and never forget.

This piece could be used in like manner. Find a women’s museum somewhere and donate Civic Virtue to posterity indoors. The artist’s First Amendment right protected his freedom to create and exhibit as he saw fit. But it is a new day.

“It doesn’t represent civic virtue,” said Weiner. “This is not about art; but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have a right to say forcefully, some art is offensive to us; and we think it should go.”

It is appropriate that the piece be kept intact and exhibited somewhere else. Art should be pro-

tected even when we disagree with its message. It would make for a great “from subjection to sovereignty” exhibit in a museum. That is what we do with relics and philosophies whose role in the human narrative become obsolete.

The young men of our borough don’t need to see some bully in marble manhandling the women reluctantly sharing the pedestal upon which he has been carved. And our young women deserve to see their gender depicted, literally, from a position of strength, not victimhood.

Perhaps someone should be talking to the folks at the Queens Museum about finding an indoor spot for it. It has seemingly outlived its attraction as an outdoor exhibit in our borough.

This “gift” of the grotesque connotation has become an eyesore and a sore point for some in Queens. No matter, let’s treat it kindly by finding it a welcoming new home. It has been listed in the “free” section of Craigslist; whoever takes it off our hands will probably do just that.

Boro’s Gateway Should Remain Named for Queens

By COUNCILMAN hat tan Bridge, and Queens dePETER VALLONE Jr. serves the same respect.

For every driver stuck in its So let’s get out of the busirush hour traffic, for evne ss of renami ng ery runner dreading its bridges all together. We steep uphill climb, and already learned our lesfor every child gazing at son the hard way with its intricate structure the renaming of the while riding an elevated Triborough Bridge. I opN or Q train traveling posed that renaming alongside it, it’s a bridge also, but again it was not like no other, unit ing p er sonal to Rober t F. two distinct worlds in a Kennedy. It simply went global city with one true against the community’s Councilman name – the Queensboro Peter Vallone Jr. wishes and cost taxpayBridge. ers millions in muchBy now many of you have needed revenue that could have heard about the proposal to been used for maintenance and change its name to the Koch- upgrades rather than new signs – Queensboro Bridge in honor of not to ment ion the endless agformer Mayor Edward I. Koch – a gravation and confusion that living legend. He absolutely de- comes with giving directions to a serves a tremendous honor, equal bridge that no longer exists on in symbolism and size to the maps or road signs.

Queensboro Bridge, for guiding our The proposal, which was put cit y through one of its darke st forward with the best intentions – periods and for his endless service albeit too quickly and without ever to residents in all five boroughs. consulting Queens County – will But not at the expense of a land- likely be voted on by the Cit y mark so closely tied to Queens’ Council in the very near future. culture, h istor y and present-day I am not at all surprised to see life. No one would ever rename the 70 percent of people surveyed by Brooklyn Bridge or even the Man- the Queens Chamber of Commerce

against the renaming.

The survey also featured a question on congestion pricing, which indicated that more people would rather pay to cross the bridge than have it renamed.

I’m happy to see that many Queens organizations and editorial boards have joined me.

Queens re sident s have written my office, posted on my Facebook wall and come up to me in the street – all pleading for the Queensboro Bridge to keep its rightful name.

I’ve also attended numerous civic association meetings throughout Queens where members unanimously are against the renaming, to put it mildly. Often the mere mention will elicit booing and hissing – again, not because of what the name is being changed to, but because of pride in our borough and pride in our bridge.

I’ve suggested an alternative – a not her tur n-of-t he centur y

Keep the Queensboro Bridge for Queens. landmark located in the heart of the cit y’s civic center – the Municipal Building. This 40-floor str ucture, one of Ne w York’s most beautiful buildings, with vaulted ceilings featuring the same unique tile as the Bridge’s vaulted ceilings, truly keeps this cit y r unning. It not only face s Cit y Hall but it is where the busi-

ness of the cit y is conducted.

Let’s hope our drivers will keep their chance to curse its name during rush hour traffic, let our runners feel proud of completing the Queens portion of the marathon on its grueling terrain and let our kids continue to marvel at the hulking presence of…the Queensboro Bridge!

Tweed Undercuts Principals By Grabbing Half Their Nuts conference with several other elected officials at P.S. 128 i n Middle Vi llage prote st ing the Tweed directive. “Taking 50% of our schools’ reserves will do little to close a budget gap but will have a big impact on the programs schools can provide for our students,” said the councilmember.

“We are telling the Mayor and the DOE to not cut our schools reserves - it’s bad education policy, it’s bad management policy and it’s bad budget policy.” Four elected officials joined in her statement.

It is hard for us to believe that Cathie Black ordered this policy shift on her own, breaking faith with the principals who are considered the cornerstones on which Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s program to reform the schools is built. Across the five boroughs, the total amount saved by the principals was around $80 million. Why should Black impair her own credibility by taking less than $40 million (the 50%) away from the schools to return to headquarters, when the Department’s total budget exceeds $20,000,000,000? (That is twenty billion dollars.) Also, the fact that the principals have until March 18 to spend the money means there may not be any financial savings at all, just a lot more school supplies and toilet paper purchased.

The closer one looks at this episode, the odder it appears. One would think that this administration in particular would want to

encourage initiative by principals through giving them a small percentage of their school budget to save for a rainy year, 2011-12.

It is an extraordinarily difficult task to teach children, many from deprived backgrounds, to read, write and cipher. It is fair to suppose that the best ways to teach may not yet have been discovered. The point of today’s article is not to take DOE to task for the performance of its million students; we may not know any better than they do on that subject. What we do know is that it makes sense to keep one’s word,

and not to take away what has been given, not to alienate the people you rely on to lead, and not to conceal what is being done or who has done it.

If one conducts oneself properly and obeys the rules of civilized behavior, people will be more likely to believe that what one is doing on more important matters is credible and makes sense.

The appropriate words here are those that Bloomberg for years has addressed to every commissioner just after he has appointed them: “Don’t [mess] it up.”

StarQuest@NYCivic.org

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

March 11-17, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

By HENRY STERN school system several We tend to write t ime s i n a fe w shor t about what we view as years. Their claims of edumajor injustices, which cational achievement means that minor injuswere debunked by state tices receive short shrift. officials last July, and the The Dept. of Edulongest-serving chancelcation can briefly and lor departed in December. appropriately be reAlthough this is not ferred to as Tweed, refa cosmic issue, it deserves Henry Stern erencing its abode at 52 more public scrutiny than Chambers St., a building whose con- it has yet received. What the struction enriched the Democratic Tweedlings have done this year is count y leader at the time to an to renege on an agreement which extent unmatched until the advent allowed school principals to defer of CityTime 140 years later. The a small percentage of the annual schools had been run since 1940 appropriation for their school unout of 110 Livingston Street, in til the next year, to enable them Brooklyn, an address that in time to retain teachers or offer new probecame a metaphor for waste and grams. These are expenditures bureaucracy. Rejecting figurative they would be unable to afford unsuggestions that it be blown up, le ss they were al lowed to keep the city sold the building and it is some unspent funds. now a convenient if uninspired One of the key goals of educondo. cation reform under mayoral conThose educrats not pensioned trol was to increase the authority off reconstituted themselve s in of principals, while at the same Tweed, a 19th century relic at the time holding them responsible for northern end of City Hall Park. the succe ss or fai lure of their Seized by idealism, the Tweedlings students. The principal was to be set up a City Hall Academy, a char- treated as the CEO of a school, not ter school to share their building and as a bureaucrat at the bot tom of remind its occupants who they were the Tweed totem pole. supposed to serve. The children This year, Tweed has notified shortly afterward disappeared and the principals that one-half of the the Academy was relocated. One money they have saved and set doesn’t use an executive suite for aside will revert to headquarters if manufacturing, even in education. the money is not spent this year.

The move to Manhattan does The deadline for “use it or lose it” not appear to have drastically af- is now March 18. fected the thought practices of the Councilwoman Elizabeth Tweedlings, who reorganized the Crowley of Queens held a press

Blindsided:

Shelter Switch Brings Outrage, Fear As Family Site Becomes Men-Only About a month ago, Valerie Lewis, the principal of PS 124 in South Ozone Park, noticed students who lived in the Skyway Hotel homeless shelter two blocks from the school began missing class. Concerned about the pattern of absences, she walked over to the shelter which housed homeless families at 132-10 South Conduit Ave. and was horrified at what she found.

Families, given only five days’ notice, were uprooted. The water in the building was turned off. Furniture was being thrown into the street.

“What was going on there was egregious,” Lewis said.

Without warning, the shelter was reclassified a “men only shelter,” and local residents and officials irate at the City for what it calls “lack of respect” for their neighborhood have grown further incensed. Nobody, not the shelter’s neighbors, nor local officials, nor Community Board 10, knew it was happening. By the time parents and community members gathered at PS 124 on March 3, more than 30 men had already moved in.

Lewis said she had contacted the City and the new owners of the shelter, who had told her that the homeless population among single adults had risen, necessitating the need for more shelters, and families were being moved to parts of the City where there were “more opportunities.” By the end of March, she said, the shelter would house up to 180 men.

“I think they thought no one would notice,” she said.

No One Knew

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 11-17, 2011

An angry Councilman Ruben Wills (DSouth Jamaica) told parents at a March 3 meeting that he was told about the change the night before. He said Dept. of Homeless Services Commissioner Seth Diamond told him that DHS moved the shelter into the community because “they met opposition elsewhere.” Wills noted that

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

The Skyway Family Shelter sign still hangs outside the men-only site in Community Board 10. more than 70 percent of Queens’ homeless shelters are in Southeast Queens in Community Boards 10, 12 and 13.

“Our unfair burden of housing the homeless population of Queens is not to be tolerated,” he said. He added Council legislation to “scatter” homeless shelters was blocked, and called on the state legislature to step in. He also called for parents and local resident to “be loud” and suggested a rally be held at City Hall. He asked parents to join the rally, come to meetings and bring neighbors.

“This room should be packed,” he said.

“The more people there are the more press it will get. The worst thing for the mayor right now is bad press. I’m not going to accept that you don’t have time to fight for this.”

CB 10 Chairwoman Betty Braton, who was also kept in the dark, called the shelter’s change “outrageous.”

“We are not satisfied with the City,” she said. She added CB 10 District Manager Karyn Peterson has met with the

Commissioner of Public Services about the shelter.

“I find it hard to believe they didn’t have enough time to notify everyone,” Braton said.

In a statement, Dept. of Homeless Services spokeswoman Heather Janik said the change was necessary and they would work with the community.

“As DHS continues to provide temporary, emergency shelter to homeless New Yorkers, we strive to be a good neighbor and work with the community to address any concerns that arise,” the statement read. “We have recently seen an increase in the number of single adults seeking services from our system, and as such, must utilize all available capacity to ensure the needs of our clients are met every night.”

DHS said it notified CB 10 and local officials Feb. 9 of the change and chose new management Promesa Basic, which manages two homeless shelters in the Bronx, on Feb. 10.

Security at Skyway

Residents and parents are concerned about the men living in the shelter lurking around PS 124 and other areas where children gather.

Parents are concerned about the population of homeless men at the shelter in the quiet community bordering JFK Airport and bisected by the Belt Parkway.

They began to notice men from the shelter loitering at gas stations and in a park on North Conduit Avenue, asking for money, and wandering residential streets at night. Eileen Lamanna, who has a child and a grandchild in PS 124, said she has seen groups of men gathering in areas where children walk every day.

“We don’t know what they’re putting in that shelter and they aren’t going to tell us,” Lamanna said. “What were these people in power thinking?”

The PTA at PS 124 met with the new management at the shelter to discuss se-

curity. They were told the shelter would have five full-time security guards working on three shifts, but the shift changes will coincide with school arrival and dismissal, which worried parents. Lewis said the shelter has ample security cameras, but that didn’t alleviate concerns.

“Once they know the video cameras are there, they know how to get around those video cameras,” one parent warned.

The guards will only work on shelter grounds and after 10 p.m., the doors of the center will be locked and those left outside will be left to fend for themselves until morning. The shelter has agreed to provide vans to bring the men outside of the neighborhood for recreation.

Promesa Basic admitted the shelter does not know the criminal records of the men who will be housed there because the City gives them little notice when they drop off residents.

The school and the surrounding neighborhood sits in between the shelter and the A train subway and Aqueduct Racetrack, leading to concerns about men in the shelter coming in contact with children on their way to and from the casino scheduled to open there this summer.

Martha Taylor Butler, chief of staff to Assemblywoman Michele Titus (D-South Ozone Park), visited the center to be briefed on security at the site as well.

Security at PS 124 While working at the empty school building during February break, Lewis said “never felt so uncomfortable in her own building” because of what she saw in the neighborhood. She said the school would now have to come up with its own security plan.

The school building will be locked down during the day. At recess, the schoolyard gates will be locked, with teachers and staff having the key. Lewis said she would work with school safety and the 106th Precinct on security issues around the building.

In the meantime, Wills tried to calm worried parents and residents, saying most of the men who will live in the shelter aren’t dangerous.

“I’m sure most men in that shelter do not want to be in that shelter,” he said.

Lewis agreed, saying she understood the need for the shelter.

“Ultimately, the goal is to coexist peacefully,” Lewis said. “But my main goal is that the school is safe.”

She said PS 124 was recently changed to a “priority one” school, calling for added security. Lewis said she thought it was because of the school’s proximity to JFK. Landing planes often fly low over the school. Now she believes the shelter had something to do with that change.

“That should have been my first signal,” she said.

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.

Police Blotter Compiled By DOMENICK RAFTER

109th Precinct

On Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010, at approximately 7:30 p.m., in the vicinity of Sanford Son Killed Avenue and 147 Street, a 27-year-old Asian On Wednesday, March 2, at approxi- woman was approached from behind and mately 2:42 p.m., police received a 911 dragged to a secluded area where the suscall reporting a man stabbed inside 34-20 pect struck the victim in the face, slammed 137th St. Apt. 3C in Flushing. Upon ar- her against a wall and sexually assaulted rival police discovered Rene Vera, 38, her before f leeing the location. The who had been stabbed in the torso and a victim's cell phone and wallet were re57-year-old Hispanic female who had moved by the suspect. The victim was treated for minor injuries. been stabbed in the chest.

On Sunday, Feb. 27, at EMS responded to the loapproximately 3:45 p.m., in cation and pronounced the victim dead at the scene. The the vicinity of 37-04 Bowne female victim, Vera's mother, St., a 25-year-old Asian was transported to New York woman was approached by Hospital Queens where she is the same suspect who sexulisted in stable condition. The ally assaulted her and fled investigation was ongoing. the location. The victim was treated for minor injuries.

Sex Assaults The suspect is described Police are seeking the as a Hispanic man in his 20s, public's assistance in identify- Police are looking for approximately 5-foot-5, 130 ing a suspect wanted in con- this man in a string of lbs. In the third incident, he nection with three sexual as- sexual assaults in Flush- was described as wearing a saults in Flushing. ing. black leather jacket, blue On Wednesday, Sept. 22, jeans, and dark sneakers.

2010, at approximately 10:10 p.m., in the Anyone with information is asked to vicinity of 34th Avenue, a 37-year-old call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS Asian woman was approached from be- (8477). The public can also submit their hind by the suspect who pushed her to tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers' Web the ground and sexually assaulted her. site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by The suspect fled the location on foot. texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), The victim sustained lacerations and then entering TIP577. bruises to her legs.

All calls are strictly confidential.

110th Precinct Church Robbed The NYPD is seeking the public's assistance in providing any information in regards to a Grand Larceny that occurred in Elmhurst.

Between 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, and 10 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 27, an unidentified suspect or suspects removed several religious articles from a closet inside of St. Bartholomew Church located at 43-22 Ithaca St. in Elmhurst.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers' Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then entering TIP577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

From The DA Manslaughter Sentencing Two teenagers who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the June 2009 strangulation death of a World Journal newspaper executive in Flushing and the robbery of a second man a month earlier have been sentenced.

The defendants, Chris Levy, 18, of 2394 Seventh Ave., Manhattan, and Cory Azor, 18, of 29-17 Ericsson St., East Elmhurst, pleaded guilty to first-degree

manslaughter and first-degree robbery in January and were sentenced March 2 to prison terms of 22 years and 20 years, respectively.

Levy and Azor admitted that while David Kao, 49, of Woodhaven, was asleep in a 2000 Lexus SUV double parked in front of 42-10 Colden St. in Flushing at approximately 1 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2009, they entered the vehicle. Levy then placed Kao in a choke-hold, pulling him over the driver’s seat and into the rear where he and Azor choked and punched him, causing his death. The defendants then stole the victim’s automobile, his wallet and credit cards. Levy and Azor also admitted to their involvement in a second incident in which they and Keron Wilthshire 19, of 103-19 Corona Ave., Coronain, robbed 42-year-old Jin Tong Yuan as he entered the elevator at 14050 Ash Ave. in Flushing on the night of May 27, 2009.

According to statements made to police at the time of their arrest, the three men saw Yuan and agreed to approach him and check his pockets.

Wilthshire then grabbed Yuan from behind and Levy held what appeared to be a silver pistol to the victim’s head while demanding money. The three defendants took the victim’s cell phone and money from his wallet before f leeing.

March 11-17, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

pix

Movie’s critical approval from Greater Jamaica Development Corporation Executive Vice President Andrew Manshel, GJDC’s Director of Business Services Group Richard Werber, GJDC Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors Daniel Greene, and GJDC Board Chairman Lamont Bailey.

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

The Heart Of A Community On March 3 the film “Building the Heart of a Community,” which deals with the past and ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life in Jamaica, premiered in the auditorium of the Central Library on Merrick Boulevard. The evening was co-sponsored by the Queens Library and the Greater Jamaica Development Corp.

Photos by Walter Karling

Queens Central Library Trustee William Jefferson, former NYC Councilman Archie Spigner, and Greater Jamaica Development Corporation Board Chairman Lamont Bailey.

Thomas Galante, Carlisle Towery, and Queens Central Library Trustee William Jefferson.

NY State Assemblyman William Scarborough liaison Manny Caughman and the Director of Finance and Administration of the First Presbyterian Church of Jamaica Norman Fairweather.

Community Board 12 Chairwoman Adjoa Gzifa, CB 12 District Manager Yvonne Reddick, and Greg Mays, the Executive Director of A Better Jamaica.

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Borough Beat

One Man’s Treasures: Everyone’s Trash

BY DOMENICK RAFTER The garage and headquarters of DiMola Brothers Rubbish Removal in Ridgewood could also double as one of the city’s most interesting museums.

Antique license plates and signs paper the walls. Surrounding his desk and the desks of his employees, owner Nick DiMola’s cabinets are full of antique toy cars, matchbooks, trading cards, and other collectables. He has covered nearly every inch of his office and garage on Summerfield Street with historic items,

nearly all of which he found on the job.

A Queens native, though he now lives on Long Island, DiMola said he started collecting his antiques from the time he was a child.

“You never know what you’re going to find in someone else’s garbage,” DiMola said.

Now, DiMola is showing off his extensive collection on his blog: Trash Treasures of New York (welovegarbage.wordpress.com), which he updates fairly often with new finds.

DiMola’s collection is more than just

Nick DiMola’s desk is surrounded by antiques many of his customers saw as garbage.

vintage campaign buttons, old books, money and other antique knick-knacks. It includes letters postmarked from the 1940s, newspapers dating back to that same time period (including an authentic Daily News from July 21, 1969, the day after Apollo 11 landed on the moon) and even a gold tooth. Also in his collection, an antique barber’s chair, an old Coca-Cola vending machine – empty bottles included, 1939 and 1964 World Fair memorabilia – including an original record of “It’s A Small World, an old Cigarette vending machine, a Bingo board, a classic taxicab fare machine and a bus fare collection box dated to when bus fare was only $1.

“We went to clean out the apartment of a bus driver after he died and we found it,” he said.

DiMola’s company does rubbish removal and interior demolition work in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx. They do work in both residential and commercial properties and even worked on demolition at the Guggenheim Museum last winter. He said he finds treasures and antiques in almost every job he goes on.

“There’s always something worth keeping,” he said. “What someone considered trash is a treasure to someone else.”

In the back of his garage, DiMola still has some of his findings boxed up, waiting to be shown off. As to what he plans on

An antique bus fare collection box stands near the entrance to Nick DiMola’s Ridgewood office came from the apartment of a bus driver. doing with his collection, he has no plans to move it out of the office, but anyone interested can follow his finds on his blog.

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.

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Faith

Family And Friends Day At Bethel

BY SASHA AUSTRIE Bethel Baptist Church is hoping that people looking for a church to call home will attend its monthly Friends and Family Day. “We are bringing the walls of the

Word

“True religion is real living; living with all one’s soul, with all one’s goodness and righteousness.”

—Albert Einstein

church from the inside to the outside,” said John Wilson Jr., Diaconate Ministry chairman and choir director.

Wilson said the first Friends and Family Day was held last month and it presented an opportunity for fellowship.

“The church was packed,” he said. “It worked well.”

Family and Friends Day includes a 10:45 a.m. church service and refreshments.

“We do it for the joy of people coming to God,” he said. “It is opening the doors of the church.”

The event is held on the last Sunday of every month. It will be held on March 27, at 197-23 Linden Blvd.

Wilson dubbed Bethel “a place to be loved and appreciated; a safe haven.”

“It’s family-friendly,” he said. “When you come in, you feel warm, you feel embraced.”

Bethel was started in 1966 by the Rev. Miriam E. Dennis, in conjunction with her husband, the Rev. Alwyn Dennis. In its early days, the church was housed in the Dennis’ home until September 1970. With the help of S.A. Scarlett of Panama and James Wright of Jamaica, the church was incorporated and moved to 205-28 Linden Blvd.

Two years later, the In an effort to grow its flock, Bethel Baptist Church will hold its church moved to its cur- second “Friends and Family Day” on March 27. rent location.

The church is headed by the Rev. Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at Ralph H. Hoist, III and his wife, the Rev. saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 357E. Regina Hoist.

7400, Ext. 123.

Notebook Campus Magnet Complex

Student President Grows In Role

BY BOB HARRIS

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 11-17, 2011

Four years ago, Parrish Mitchell, a resident of Laurelton, entered the Business, Computer Applications & Entrepreneurship HS in the Campus Magnet Complex, Cambria Heights and now he is the President of the Student Council. He gradually grew into the position through hours of hard work.

Four years ago, advisor Reine Nyirenda nurtured Mitchell and other students by meeting with them weekly to grow the Student Government and do all types of community service activities with them.

Mitchell’s school activities include volunteering for events with New York Cares, becoming president of the Student Council, co-editor of the school newspa-

Mitchell and his friend Khemraj per The Buzz, member of the school chapter of the Business Professionals of Ramnauth undertook the job of editing America and the Future the new school newspaBusiness Leaders of per, The Buzz, four years America, a member of the ago. Over the years, school Leadership Team, Mitchell was able to spearon the I-Squad (School head the production of Team of Information Tech half a dozen four-page Specialists), manager of school newspapers, which the Lady Bulldogs softball is an achievement in a 500team (which made the student school without a playoffs), a scholar in the dedicated journalism STEPS program at Kaplan class.

Test Center, took part in The Business HS is afAmerican Cancer Parrish Mitchell has partici- filiated with the Tech Prep Society’s Relay For Life pated in many activities Career Pathways in for the past three years and throughout his high school Queensborough Commuis on the school bowling career. nity College. Mitchell was team. able to earn college credit

and become certified in Microsoft Office, Adobe Pagemaker and Photoshop. He has participated in Project Prize at Queensborough Community College and the Career Opportunity Accounting Program at St. John’s University. He is the Web Director in the Virtual Enterprise class, which operates like a business where the students perform all the activities of a business.

Mitchell has been a member of Arista for three years, being on the Gold Honor Roll in Science, Global History, English, Computer Applications and Spanish; Merit Roll in Math; Public Advocates Award for Outstanding Academics; Perfect Attendance; and U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks Congressional Award in 2010.

A&E

Oratorio Grows, Gets New Rehearsal Site

BY JASON BANREY Founded more than 80 years ago, the Oratorio Society of Queens has seen many members melodically come and go through their aisles.

The sight of an experienced member leaving usually meant their seat would be filled by another. Each new member would add a different voice to the eclectic and ever-changing mix of vocalists, never interrupting the chorale’s continuous flow of fanciful song.

In a recent turn of events, the OSQ has seen the number of its members gradually increase from less than 100 to more than 120 in just three years. It has been a game of musical chairs where as the number of players increased, shrinking the space around them, eventually forcing them all out.

This is a problem which LeeAnn Close, Treasurer of the OSQ and wife of the Oratorio’s Conductor, says is not so bad.

“Ten years, ago we had half of what we have now,” said Close of the group’s membership. “In a way, it’s a good problem to have.”

The issue of space became inevitable to deal with a little more than two weeks

OSQ President Patty DeCiccio-Franke, OSQ Artistic Director and Conductor David Close, and Rabbi Sharon Ballan of Temple Beth Sholom, who has extended to the group a larger rehearsal space at her Auburndale temple. ago, when the group no longer fit into the rehearsal space donated to them by the North Presbyterian Church in Flushing.

The popularity of the group’s spring and holiday concerts has increased its membership numbers, with almost all of the recent concerts being sell-outs, despite cuts in funding from elected officials and other resources.

The success generated from each show has resulted in an outpouring of positive reviews, spread through word of mouth, which has not only touched the

Restaurant Review

Ben’s Best Hits TV

Richy, Guy Fieri and Jay hanging out at Ben’s Best Deli after Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives filming. to stuff their stomachs with premium kosher food. Parker is a dutiful owner that took over the business after working on Wall Street for many years. After his father retired, Jay took over the restaurant and runs it like a well-oiled machine.

If you can pry him from behind his office at the end of the deli counter, he will provide interesting conversation on all things political, social and edible. In a word, he’s a real mensch.

The Kosher Deli is a disappearing animal in the food scene. With Queens being transformed into a bubbling crock-pot of ethnicities, those hungry for sour pickles and stuffed cabbage have been cast off into the sea of food possibilities.

However, there is hope for those in search of Matzo Balls. Come for a nosh at Ben’s Best, it won’t disappoint.

In addition to deli favorites, Ben’s also features a complete menu of breakfast items and complete dinners at good prices. With entrée’s starting at just $14, this is a meal that won’t hurt your bottom line.

training and steady rehearsals under Close’s guidance.

“Maestro Close has the patience to make you want to sing,” said Higdon.

“The training I have received here has taught me to read music as a singer. I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.”

Higdon now dashes from her administrative job in Manhattan each Monday to prepare for this spring’s concert.

With members ranging from age 16 to over 80, spanning a mixture of racial and ethnic backgrounds, the OSQ, seems it, will never lack the enthusiasm to skip a beat.

“We’re a per formance not to be missed,” said Maestro Close. “We always raise the roof.”

The OSQ’s next performance is on May 22 at the Queens Performing Arts Center at Queensborough Community College and will feature a whirlwind tour of romantic waltzes, spiritual songs and patriotic numbers. For more information go to queensoratorio.org.

Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com, or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.

Film Shows A Heart In Middle Of Debris

BY JOSEPH OROVIC The hulking masses of rust and debris inhabiting Willets Point have, for good or ill, fused themselves to the identity of our borough.

For daily 7 train riders, the sight rarely garners more than a glance.

The documentary “Foreign Parts” offers a fresh view of the Iron Triangle, A still from the film shows the juxtaposition of the junkyards showcasing the lamented against the gleaming Citi Field next door. junkyard through the prism Looming large over the documentary of unfamiliar eyes. The effect is revelatory.

Over the span of two years, directors is the contested redevelopment of the Verena Paravel and J.P. Sniadecki shot area, and namely eminent domain. The more than 150 hours of film, document- controversial land acquisition technique ing the f low of life in Willets Point is eluded to 17 minutes into the film to through its inhabitants and newly-discov- but not overtly explained until the very ered visual angles, unveiling a tight-knit end. It deprives “Foreign Parts” of any community and brutish beauty often un- sort of politicization, a goal very much seen by Queens residents. The film ulti- on the filmmakers’ mind.

“We wanted to show people the beauty mately elevates the downtrodden, humanizing what is often characterized as and the suffering and the joys of this place that are beyond-but still part of-this politia band of misfits and crooks.

“Every day was a total fascination,” cal battle,” Sniadecki said. “We don’t see Paravel said. “Visually it’s really difficult filmmaking as a way of making these arguto find this kind of place. The environ- ments; we see it as a real experience and a cinematic experience.” ment itself is really overwhelming.”

“At the end of the film, you have a The film opens with a dismantling, as a fork lift and wrench are used to disem- feeling you know a little better who these bowel a minivan. Scenic shots of workers people are,” Paravel said. “It was more mulling about, family outings, grilling food powerful to give a sense of who they are and guiding the flow of traffic; Willets and how they live then bring up the issue Point, it turns out, may be among the last of eminent domain. It’s more powerful.”

“Foreign Parts” will be screened at the neighborhoods in Queens where everyMuseum of Modern Art March 10 to 16. one knows each other’s name.

Reach Deputy Editor Joseph Orovic at “It is a whole world unto itself,” Paravel said. “It’s a very vibrant commu- jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 357nity that works in a very specific mode.” 7400, Ext. 127.

March 11-17, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

Ben’s Best Delicatessen 96-40 Queens Blvd., Rego Park PHONE: (718) 897-1700 HOURS: Sunday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 9 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.

CREDIT CARDS: All PARKING: No onsite parking. Street parking RESERVATIONS: Not needed, come as you are Ben’s Best Delicatessen on Queens Boulevard is a true New York Classic.

From the food to the old-school ambience, this eatery is a deli lover’s favorite.

It’s no wonder the Food Network’s Guy Fieri recently brought his crew to this third-generation kosher staple for this Monday’s new episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”

Though we all have to wait until Monday to see the details, stuffed cabbage and kreplach will be on the menu when the show airs at 9 p.m.

The stuffed cabbage is perfect, served in a tomato base sauce and accompanied by mixed carrots and peas.

The sandwiches are superb, with pastrami and corned beef piled high, cut carefully and delicious. Both sweet, and russet potato fries accompany the meal.

They come to the table steaming hot, and are incredibly flavorful.

Serving traditional kosher-deli food, awesome pastrami, great corned beef, pickles and other classics, Ben’s Best is a throwback and a great place to take anyone for a real New York experience.

While dining with the owner, Jay Parker, a diverse range of customers strolled in

vocally-inclined within the borough but also those beyond.

Julie Bouchard, 16, travels all the way from Oyster Bay every Monday to meet at the new rehearsal site, Temple Beth Sholom in Auburndale, to prepare for this spring’s concert.

Despite the distance, her youthful energy has made her a highlight in this year’s production. She will have the honor of performing the first song she has ever written, titled “Smile.”

Bouchard says she owes most of what she has learned to Oratorio’s constant rehearsals, as well as the “music makin’ group’s maestro,” David Close.

“Although my voice is still young, the OSQ has helped me learn the feel of music,” said Bouchard.

A quality which Maestro Close said is a gift that is given to any member who joins the OSQ, willing to put in a little bit of work.

More than 16 years ago, Althea Higdon of Jamaica heard about the diverse group and decided to join the mix.

Since then, she has developed her sultry, soprano voice with the support,

Profile

Changing The World One Shirt At A Time

Queens Today TEENS

SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

Send typed announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 174-15 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina.

IF YOUR ORGANIZATION MEETS ON A REGULAR BASIS, SEND ALL DATES FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR.

HORROR & FANTASY Saturday, March 12 author readings and short films, dinosaur expo and a meeting with the staff of “Blood Moon Rising Horror Magazine” at noon at the Flushing library.

SHSAT PRACTICE Saturday, March 12 at the Fresh Meadows library at 3.

FUTURE WRITERS Saturdays, March 12, 26 book club at the LIC library at 11.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

TEEN TUTORING Saturdays, March 12, 19, 26

ENTERTAINMENT

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 11-17, 2011

BY SASHA AUSTRIE A dream that started on the streets of Manhattan is slowly taking shape. The company Eton Lacon started with his wife, dubbed Wereworthit.com, has only one message: “We’re Worth It.” “Everything that we do is not for only self-esteem and self-worth, but for the betterment of society,” he said.

The idea came to Lacon as he saw negative messages displayed across people’s chests. In June 2006, he launched his company, investing $10,000 to get it up and running. In almost five years, Lacon’s vision is on the cusp of finally coming to fruition. He has sold more than 10,000 t-shirts, mugs, laminated inspirational sayings, bookmarks and baby bibs. Lacon has also recouped his investment.

Including t-shirts emblazoned with the words “I’m worth it,” there are shirts inscribed with “Save the World, Wash Your Hands I’m Worth it.”

Lacon has been getting his merchandise in the hands of celebrities like singer Robin Thicke and comedian D.L. Hughely, talk show host Wendy Williams and actress Vanessa Williams. He even sent Alicia Keys’ baby, Egypt, a few baby bibs.

He is hoping that in the hands of celebrities, his items will become a musthave. Even though he is hoping that celebrity buzz will boost his product, Lacon is not biding his time. He is working towards getting the merchandise into stores, contacting Modell’s Sporting Goods and Sears. Lacon hopes to one day have his merchandise in Saks Fifth Avenue and expand to handbags and watches.

“This is lining up with what my initial vision was,” he said.

Other than making moves in the business realm, Lacon is working with nonprofit organizations. Wereworthit.com sponsored Our Children, an organization

Eton Lacon hopes his inspirational “We’re Worth It” clothing line, which includes women’s tank tops (inset), will replace the current trend of negativity scrawled across many youths’ threads. that helps incarcerated women hold onto their children.

Also, Lacon’s organization is currently creating a video dubbed, “Stop The Madness We Are Worth It.” The video, which he hopes will become a viral sensation, is using students from PS116 in Jamaica and politicians to pass on the message. Lacon said the video will target gang violence and people on the wrong path. He has an appointment with Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) and is awaiting confirmations from U.S. Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-Harlem) to see if they would be a part of the video.

Lacon said no matter if people are undergoing a financial crisis or hardship in their lives, Wereworthit.com is a simple reminder that a new day will dawn.

“We are a nudge…,” he said. I’m worth it is just showing people that you shouldn’t give up.”

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123.

EDER AND WOPAT Saturday, March 12 Linda Eder and Tom Wopat appear at Colden Center. 793-8080.

HORROR & FANTASY Saturday, March 12 author readings and short films, dinosaur expo and a meeting with the staff of “Blood Moon Rising Horror Magazine” at the Flushing library at noon.

BELLE’S PLAYERS Saturday, March 12 new production of scenes and monologues at 2 at the Forest Hills library.

DANCE INTO SPRING Saturday, March 12 at 7:30 at the Poppenhusen Institute.

463-0434 information.

SYMPHONY CONCERT Sunday, March 13 at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. $5 adults, $3 seniors and students. 347-1627.

VIOLIN CONCERT Sunday, March 13 Leila Josefowicz performs at Queens College. 793-8080.

OPEN MIC POETRY Monday, March 14 at 7:30 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows.

AMERICAN SONGBOOK Monday, March 14 Arnie Gruber and the Great American Songbook at 1:30 at the Kew Gardens Hills library.

WOMEN IN SONG Monday, March 14 changing face of women in popular music at 2 at the Queens Village library.

BLUES Monday, March 14 Swinging Side of Blues with Eddie Lee Isaacs at 6 at the Baisley Park library.

IRISH MUSIC Monday, March 14 Shannon Breeze performs at 6 at the Flushing library.

IRISH FIDDLE Monday, March 14 Cady Finlayson’s Spirited Irish Fiddle at 6 at the Middle Village library.

AMERICAN SONGBOOK Monday, March 14 Naomi Zeitlin and the Great American Songbook at 6 at the Richmond Hill library.

GAME NIGHT Monday, March 14 Monthly Family Game Night at 6 at the South Jamaica library.

MOVIE & TALK Mondays the Friends of Pomonok present a movie and discussion. Bring lunch.

1 at the Pomonok library.

IAN MCEWAN Tu e s d a y, M a r c h 1 5 I a n McEwan reads from his work at 7 in the Music Building at Queens College. $20. 7938080.

DRAMA PORTRAITS Tuesday, March 15 “By A Woman’s Hand: Three Dramatic Portraits” at 1:30 at the Kew Gardens Hills library.

IRISH HUMOR Tu e s d ay, M a r c h 1 5 I r i s h Humor in Verse and Prose at 2 at the Hillcrest library.

MUSIC MAN Wednesday, March 16 Kaleidoscope of Music featuring Carl “The Music Man” and Teri-Ann at 1 at the North Forest Park library.

ST. PATRICK’S TRIVIA Thursday, March 17 St. Patrick’s Day Trivia at 6 at the Steinway library.

MUSIC 30S-70S Thursday, March 17 Great Music from the 30s to 70s with Eddie Lee Isaacs and Friends at the Windsor Park library at 6:30.

CHAMBER MUSIC Friday, March 18 Cello Fest.

LeFrak Concert Hall at Queens College at 10. $95 series. 997-3802.

LIVE JAZZ Fridays through December 13 at 180-25 Linden Blvd.., St. Albans. 347-262-1169 ticket information.

MEET THE COMPOSER Saturday, March 19 at Queens College. For the family. 793-8080.

HAITIAN Saturday, March 19 Haitian author talk followed by music and dance at 2 at the Central library.

AFRO-PERUVIAN JAZZ Saturday, March 19 at the Flushing library at 2.

ART IN NY Saturday, March 19 Art in NY: From Jackson Pollock to A n d y Wa r h o l a n d B eyond Forest Hills library at 2:30.

FOLK & PROTEST Saturday, March 19 Songs That Moved a Generation: Folk and Protest Songs of the 1960s at the Peninsula library at 2:30.

OPEN MIC Sunday, March 20 at the Central library at 2.

UKRAINIAN DANCE Sunday, March 20 Voloshky performs at 3 at Queens-borough Communit y College.

631-6311.

at the Bayside library at 10.

TEEN TUTORING Mondays, March 14, 21, 28 at the Bayside library at 3:30.

LAPTOPS FOR TEENS Mondays, March 14, 21, 28 at the Hollis library at 4.

TEEN CHESS Mondays, March 14, 28 at the Bayside library at 6.

CHESS CLUB Mondays, March 14, 21, 28 at the Lefferts library at 6.

KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library at 4.

TEST FEST Monday, March 14 free practice test month at the Rochdale library. Register.

TEEN ADVISORY Monday, March 14 at 4 at the Central library.

COLLEGE PREP Monday, March 14 Candid Talk Parent to Parent at 5 at the Pomonok library.

CRAFT CLUB Monday, March 14 at the LIC library at 6.

FAMILY GAME NIGHT Monday, March 14 family game night at the South Jamaica library at 6.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays, March 15, 22, 29 at the Hillcrest library at 3:30.

LAPTOPS FOR TEENS Tuesdays, March 15, 22, 29 at the Hollis library at 4.

TEEN GAME DAY Tuesdays, March 15, 22, 29 at the Rochdale Village library at 4.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Tuesdays, March 15, 22, 29 at the Baisley Park library.

Register.

SHSAT PRACTICE Tuesday, March 15 at the Woodside library. Register.

COLLEGE PROCESS Tu e s d ay s , M a r c h 1 5 , 2 2 , April 11 at the Far Rockaway library at 3:30.

GRAPHIC NOVELIST Tuesday, March 15 meet Neil Numberman at the Cambria Heights library at 4.

Also on Thursday, March 17 at the Lefferts library at 3:30.

CHESS CLUB Tuesday, March 15 at the LIC library at 4.

SKILLS OF THE STAGE Wednesday, March 16 Lefrak Cit y library at 3:30.

CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library.

SAT STRATEGY Wednesday, March 16 Auburndale library. Register.

LEARN MAGIC Wednesday, March 16 Far Rockaway library at 4.

ST. PAT’S CRAFT Thursday, March 17 at the Briarwood library at 4.

GIRL SCOUTS Thursday, March 17 at the Queens Village library at 4.

YOGA FOR YOUTH Thursday, March 17 at the Ridgewood library. Register.

ST. PAT’S TRIVIA Thursday, March 17 at the Steinway library at 6.

TEST FEST Saturday, March 19 with the Princeton Review at the Ridgewood library. Register.

OPEN MIC Sunday, March 20 at the Central library at 2.

Queens Today EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS SKETCHING Thursdays, March 17, 24 The Essentials of Sketch at the Flushing library at 7.

INTRO COMPUTERS Thursday, March 17 at the Pomonok library. Register.

JIC ORIENTATION Thursday, March 17 career resources at the Central library at 7.

KNITTING CLUB Fridays at the Maspeth library at 10.

KNIT & CROCHET Fridays at the Fresh Meadows library at 10:30.

ESL CLUB Fridays, March 18, 25 at the Lefrak Cit y library at 10:30.

SCRABBLE Fridays Bananagrams and Scrabble at the Windsor Park library at 2:30.

GAME DAY Fridays, March 18, 25, April 1 chess, checkers and other board games at 2:30 at the Bay Terrace library.

CHESS CLUB Fridays, March 18, 25 at the Auburndale library at 3:30.

INTRO FACEBOOK Saturday, March 19 at the LIC library at 10.

FLOWER ARRANGE. Saturday, March 19 Celebrate spring with a flower arrangement demonstration at the Bayside library at 2:30.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, March 19, April 2, 16, 30 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-436-7940.

TALKS H&R BLOCK Monday, March 14 learn about the company at 6 at the Steinway library.

SEASIDE Monday, March 14 “The Heretic’s Daughter” will be discussed at the Seaside library at 6:30.

CHASING GHOSTS Monday, March 14 at the South Ozone Park library at 6:30.

BOOK TALK Monday, March 14 “Our Kind of People” discussed at the National Council of Jewish Women. 343-9029.

LIC BOOK CLUB Tuesday, March 15 “ T h e Sea Wall” will be discussed at the LIC library at 10.

LEFFERTS Wednesday, March 16 Book Club Lefferts library at 4.

BELLEROSE Thursday, March 17 “Brooklyn” will be discussed at the Bellerose library at 10.

FINANCIAL LITERACY Thursdays, March 17, 24, April 7, 14 learn to manage your personal finances at the Central library.

LITERARY SOUP Thursday, March 17 Literary Soup Discussion Queens Village library at 6:30.

ST. ALBANS Thursday, March 17 “Getting to Happy” will be discussed at 6:30 at the St. Albans library.

BAY TERRACE Friday, March 18 at the Bay Terrace library at 10:30.

MEETINGS

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS 7 days a week. 962-6244.

ZUMBA Saturdays, March 12, 19 at the Langston Hughes library.

Register.

WAITANKUNG Sundays at 2. Waitankung is a great total-body workout.

Join these ancient Chinese exercise classes in the Flushing Hospital/Medical Center auditorium on 45 th Avenue between Parsons and Burling. Free. Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156 information.

TAI CHI Mondays and Thursdays at 11 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows.

670-1695. $5 a class.

CHAIR YOGA Mondays, March 14, 21 at the Rosedale librar y. Register.

ZUMBA Mondays, March 14, 21, 28 at the St. Albans library. Register.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT E ve r y Tu e s d a y We ste r n Queens Caregiver Network in Sunnyside. 5:30-6:30.

784-6173, ext. 431.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Every Tuesday 3:30-4:30 at the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886.

CHAIR YOGA Tuesdays, March 15, 22, 29 at the Woodhaven librar y.

Register.

CHAIR YOGA Tuesdays, March 15, 22, 29 a t t h e Re go P a r k l i b r a r y.

Register.

SECOND HAND SMOKE Tuesday, March 15 at the Douglaston/Little Neck library at 3. Wednesday, March 16 at the East Elmhurst library at 10:30.What are the dangers of secondhand smoke and what can you do about it will be discussed.

YOGA Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 6701695. $10 class.

MEDITATION Wednesday, March 16 spiritual solution to stress, anger and conflict at the Fresh Meadows library at 1:30.

OA Thursdays at the Howard Beach library at 10:30.

ZUMBA Thursdays, March 17, 24 at the Corona library. Register.

HATHA YOGA Thursdays, March 17, 24, 31 at the Queensboro Hill library at 6. Bring mat and wear comfortable clothing.

CHAIR YOGA Thursdays, March 17, 24 at the Howard Beach librar y.

Register.

AUTISM WORKSHOP Friday, March 18 at the Rosedale library at 10:30.

ZUMBA Fridays, March 18, 25 at the Astoria library. Register.

TAKE CONTROL Saturday, March 19 Take Control of your Health at the Peninsula Hospital Rehabilitation Center in the Meditation room, 51-15 Beach Channel Drive, Far Rockaway.

POMONOK FRIENDS Monday, March 14 Friends of Pomonok meet at the library at 1.

VFW 4787 Mondays, March 14, 28 Whitestone VFW Community Post meets. 746-0540.

CATHOLIC VETS Mondays, March 14, April 11 American Mart yrs Catholic War Veterans Post 1771 meets in Bayside. 468-9351.

AMERICAN LEGION Mondays, March 14, April 11 American Legion Post 510 meets at St. Robert Bellamine in Bayside Hills.

428-2895.

AMERICAN LEGION Tuesday, March 15 Edward McKee Post 131 meets in Whitestone. 767-4323.

AUBURNDALE Tu e s d a y, M a r c h 1 5 t h e Auburndale Improvement Association meets at St. Kevin’s Church, 45-21 194 th Street. Enter through parking lot. Meet neighbors and a d d re s s c o m m u n i t y c o n cerns.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT Tu e s d a y, March 15, Wednesday, April 6, Tuesday, April 19 Bereavement Support Group at Holy Fami l y , 1 7 5 - 2 0 1 7 4 th S t r e e t , Fresh Meadows at 7:30 in the church basement. 9692448.

WOMANSPACE Wednesdays Womanspace, a discussion group devoted to issues concerning women, meets 1-3 at the Great Neck Senior Center, 80 Grace Avenue. New members welcome.

FLUSHING CAMERA Wednesdays, March 16, 30 Flushing Camera Club meets at Flushing Hospital at 7:15.

479-0643.

SAFAD HADASSAH Wednesday, March 16 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112 th Street. $5 cover charge. Presentation about the history and landmarks of Forest Hills and Rego Park.

TOASTMASTERS Wednesday, March 16 learn the art of public speaking at the Voices of Rochdale Toastmasters Club in Jamaica. 9780732.

KNIGHTS OF PY THIAS Wednesday, March 16 Queensview Lodge 433 meets in Whitestone. 917754-3093.

HORIZONS CLUB Thursday, March 17 “The Great Caruso: A Comparison of Caruso and Lanza” at the Horizons club, for those 55 and over, at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112th street. $3 includes coffee and cake. 261-2900.

ADVANCED TOASTMASTER Thursdays, March 17, 31 learn the art and science of public speaking in Queens.

525-6830.

BELLA ITALIA MIA Sundays, March 20, April 10 Bella Italia Mia.457-4816.

P-FLAG Sunday, March 20 PFLAG, a support group for parents, families and friends of lesbians and gays, meet in Forest Hills. 271-6663.

RELIGIOUS REGO PARK JC Saturday, March 12 Parashat and Haftarat Club at 12:30. Saturday, March 19 celebrate Purim at 8. Sunday, March 27 light brunch, make collage art, appreciate poetry and join in singing Yiddish songs. $5. 11:30am.

Saturday Shabbat Services at 9. Wednesdays 12:302:30 Yiddish Vinkel.

Wednesday evenings at 6:30 Torah Discussion after evening Minyan Service.

Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd. 4591000.

REFORM TEMPLE Saturday, March 12 Mitzvah Day following 10am Shabbat service. Thursday, March 17 Horizons, for those 55 and over, meet for a lecture on The Great Caruso. $3 includes coffee and cake. Friday, March 18 “Healing Psalms” author will be the guest speaker at the 8pm Shabbat service. Sunday, March 20 Purim Celebration with “Megillah Mia,” a singa-long at 10. Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112 th Street. 261-2900.

ST. THOMAS Sunday, March 13 Creative Ministries Reenactment of the Passion. March 29-31 Lenten Parish Mission. April 16 Annual Breakfast with the E a st e r B u n n y.

May 7 Mother’s Day Concert. May 14-15 Homecoming Mass, brunch and tours. 100th Anniversary Events for St. Thomas the Apostle, 87-19 88 th Avenue, Woodhaven.

LUTHERAN REDEEMER Wednesdays, March 16, 23, 30 Midweek Lenten Service at 7:30. Sundays regular worship service with Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:30. Sunday School, Adult Bible Class and Friendship Hour at 9:30. Youth Group at 12:30. Wednesday prayer group and Bible Study at 7.

Lutheran Church of the Red e e m e r , 1 5 7 - 1 6 6 5 th A v enue, Flushing. 358-2744.

JEWISH MEDITATION Thursdays, March 17, 24, April 7 at the Hillcrest Jewish Center. $10 suggested donation. 380-4145. 7:30.

LAW SABBATH Friday, March 18 Brandeis Law Sabbath. 298-1080.

HILLCREST Saturday, March 19 Purim Celebration at 7:30. Sunday, March 20 Minyan at 8:30 followed by Megillah reading at 9:15. Hillcrest Jewish Center, 183-02 Un i o n Tu r n p i ke , F l u s h i n g .

380-4145.

FOREST HILLS Sunday, March 20 7 th Annual Purim Carnival after Megillah reading noon-2:30.

Come in your favorite cost u m e ! T h u r s d ays Ta l m u d Class following Morning Minyan. $10 non-members.

Forest Hills Jewish Center.

263-7000, ext. 200.

BAYSIDE JC Sunday, March 20 Purim on 32nd Avenue with a hot buffet dinner and music at the Bayside Jewish Center. $22.

352-7900.

BELLEROSE JC

Sunday, March 20 Purim Carnival following the 10am reading. Tuesdays at 7:30 “Journeys in Judaism.”

Bellerose Jewish Center, 254-04 Union Turnpike, Floral Park. 343-9001.

PURIM PARTY Tuesday, March 22 Park Hills Hadassah Chapter will hold a Hadassah Purim Part y at the Rego Park Jewish Center. 275-0636.

FLEA MARKETS SPRING TREASURE Saturday, March 19 9:303:30 and Sunday, March 20 11:30-3:30 bake and book sale, used clothing, more at Church of the Resurrection, 8 5 - 0 9 1 1 8 th S t r e e t , R i c h mond Hill.

FLEA MARKET Sunday, March 20 9-4 flea market and ethnic Polish bake sale at St. Josaphat, 35 th A v e n u e a n d 2 1 0th S t r e e t , Bayside.

SENIORS AARP CHORUS Like to sing? The AARP Queens Chorus holds practice rehearsals for performances at nursing homes, rehab and senior centers.

523-1330.

TAI CHI CLASSES Mondays at 9 at the Pomonok Senior Center.

591-3377.

TAX HELP Mondays, March 14, 21, 28 free individual income tax counseling for low-income older adults at 1 at the Sunnyside library.

CAREGIVERS Ever y Tuesday Caregivers Support group at 3:30-4:30 at the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886.

TAX HELP Tuesdays, March 15, 22, 29 AARP free individual income tax counseling for low-income older adults at 1 at the Bayside library. Also on Tuesdays, March 8, 15, 22 at the Hollis library at 1.

AARP 4977 Wednesday, March 16 the Corona/E. Elmhurst AARP 4977 meets at 1:30 at Corona Congregational Church h a l l , 1 0 2 - 1 8 3 4th a v e n u e .

458-7429.

TAX HELP Wednesday, March 16 Broad Channel library at 1.

TAX HELP Thursdays, March 17, 24, 31 AARP free individual income tax counseling for low-income older adults at 1 at the Fresh Meadows library.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Thursday, March 17 AARP Driver’s Safet y Course at the Pomonok Center. 591-3377, ext. 226 to register.

STARS Fridays, March 18, 25, April 1 at 10:30 at the Queens Village library. Senior Theater Acting Repertory meets.

FREE LUNCH Saturday, March 19 at All Saints Church in Richmond Hill. 849-2352 reservations.

March 11-17, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

FM POETS Saturday, March 12 Fresh Meadows Poets meet to discuss and critique work at 10 at the Forest Hills library.

RESUME WORKSHOP Saturday, March 12 at the LIC library at 10:30.

BECOME A CITIZEN Saturdays, March 12, 19, 26 at the LIC library.

BOATING SAFETY Sunday, March 13 with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary in Howard Beach. $60 per person. 347-267-8381.

BALLROOM DANCE Mondays, March 14, 21, 28 Ballroom Dancing with Jing Chen at the Forest Hills library at 6:30.

POETRY WRITING Mondays, March 14, 21 workshops at the Wood-haven library. Register.

ENGLISH CONVERSATION Mondays, March 14, 21, 28 LeFrak Cit y library at 10:30.

CHESS CLUB Mondays, March 14, 21, 28 at the Lefferts library at 6.

INTRO COMPUTERS Monday, March 14 at the Fresh Meadows library. First come, first served at 10:30.

LIC CRAFT CLUB Monday, March 14 for adults at 1 at the LIC library.

JOB INFORMATION Monday, March 14 Job Information Services at 4 at the Middle Village library.

CRAFT CLUB Monday, March 14 craft club at 6 at the LIC library.

RESUME WRITING Monday, March 14 at 6:30 at the Far Rockaway library.

BASIC COMPUTER Tuesdays, March 15, 22, 29 at the Astoria, LIC and Glendale libraries. Register.

COMPUTER CLASS Tuesdays, March 15, 22, 29 at the Arverne library at 10.

INTRO COMPUTERS Tuesdays, March 15, 22, 29 Peninsula library. Register.

POETRY WRITING Tuesdays, March 15, April 19 Poetry Writing workshop at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows at 7:30.

INTRO COMPUTERS Tuesday, March 15 Introduction to Computer Basics for Adults at the Queens Village library. Register.

SEARCH INTERNET Tuesday, March 15 at the Maspeth library at 1.

CHESS CLUB Tuesday, March 15 at the LIC library at 4.

SCRABBLE Wednesdays, March 16, 23, 30 at the Forest Hills library at 2.

CREATE E-MAIL Wednesday, March 16 Create an Email Account at the Central library at 10.

INTERNET SEARCHING Wednesday, March 16 at t h e W i n d s o r Pa r k l i b ra r y.

Register.

CHESS CLUB Thursdays at the East Flushing library. Register.

COMPUTER CLASS Thursdays at the Queensboro Hill library. Register.

KNIT & CROCHET Thursdays at the Fresh Meadows library at 6.

HEALTH

People The College of Saint Rose in Albany announced that the following local residents are among 858 students named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2010 semester: Megan Fuchs of Broad Channel, Rebecca Jean-Paul of Cambria Heights, Dominykas Milka of Ridgewood, Devin Nuszer of Belle Harbor, Vincenzo Rosignano of Fresh Meadows and Dalisa Soto of Corona.

The following students are on the Dean’s List for their outstanding academic achievement for the Fall 2010 semester from the College of Community and Public Affairs at Binghamton University, State University of New York.

The criteria for the Dean’s Honors list is a minimum grade point average of 3.5.

Diana Buchhalter of Whitestone, Jillian Mara Gruber of Whitestone, Sai Tracy Chen of Bayside, Rebecca Louise Allison of East Elmhurst, Gersende N. Chan of Rego Park and Stephanie T. Omezi of Rosedale.

The New York Lottery announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning ticket from one of the Lottery’s live drawings Feb. 20-26. The following winners each received a cash prize valued at $10,000 or more.

Lenard Williams of Jamaica who won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing of Feb. 15. Williams’s winning ticket was purchased at the Sunrise Wine & Liquor at 110-41 Sutphin Blvd. in Jamaica.

Johnny Duff of Jamaica who won $10,000 on the Quick Draw drawing of Nov. 21. Duff’s winning ticket was purchased at the Rochdale Junction at 16590 Baisley Blvd. In Roch Ml1 in Jamaica.

New York Air National Guard Col. Thomas J. Owens II, commander of the 106th Rescue Wing, announces the recent completion of training for members of Airman 1st Class Andrew R. Cruz from Rockaway Park, N.Y., completed training for the U.S. Air Force Basic Military Training course at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, on behalf of the New York Air National Guard.

“The 106th Rescue Wing is very proud of the achievements of our Airmen,” Col. Owens said. “The various training courses they complete improve not only their skills but they are then able to better our entire wing in the mission of personnel recovery, ultimately saving lives, both here at home and abroad.”

Army Pvt. Janean L. Young has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military cour-

tesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

She is the daughter of Denzil and Cheryl Johnson of Jamaica.

of Aug. 18. Rosario’s winning ticket was purchased at the Dhara News & Grocery at 15-23 College Point Blvd. in College Point.

President Dennis L. Hefner announced that approximately 1,807 students at the State University of New York at Fredonia have been named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2010 semester.

Dean’s List students have earned a grade point average of at least 3.30 or higher for that semester out of a possible 4.0, while carrying a full-time minimum course load of at least 12 credit hours.

Tsutomu Yamane of Elmhurst, Xin Ying Chen of Flushing and Charlotte Diana Foster of Rosedale.

Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Metropolitan Campus, located in Teaneck and Hackensack, N.J., has announced the names of students who qualified for the Dean’s List for the Fall 2010 Semester.

To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must carry a 3.2 or better grade point average out of a possible 4.0 and be enrolled in a minimum of 12 letter-graded hours (four courses). The following students were named: Ashley Davis of Cambria Heights, Gila Bendelstein of Far Rockaway, Michael Glikman of Flushing and Alyssa Negron of Woodhaven.

The New York Lottery announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning ticket from one of the Lottery’s live drawings Feb. 6-12, 2011.

The following winners each received a cash prize valued at $10,000 or more.

Betty Huguley of Springfield Gardens who won $25,042 on the Take Five drawing of Feb. 7. Huguley’s winning ticket was purchased at the 145 Food Center at 145-44 Farmers Blvd. in Jamaica.

Mohammed Shabbir of Ozone Park who won $10,000 on the Win 4 drawing of Nov. 25. Shabbir’s winning ticket was purchased at the Queen Bee Food Store at 43-82 162nd St. in Flushing.

Anna Rosario of College Point who won $10,000 on the Powerball drawing

Daniel I. Weissman of Queens Village is on the Dean’s List for his outstanding academic achievement for the Fall 2010 semester from the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering at Binghamton University, State University of New York.

The criteria for the Dean’s Honors list is a minimum grade point average of 3.5.

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Models Of Queens

Asif Hirani

Poetry In Motion

When Asif Hirani isn’t involved in Home: Elmhurst sports with his friends or working out, Age: 26 you might be able to find this male model Height: 5’6" at the Queens Center Mall checking out Weight: 160 lbs

the new releases at GameStop.

“It’s just a way to walk around when I want to do something with my friends rather than go to the movies,” he said.

The well-rounded dude has a softer side, admitting, “I usually do a lot of writing as well. I like to write poems. I usually don’t share that with a lot of people. It’s kind of weird for a guy to do that stuff.”

Modeling is all new to Asif, who decided to give it a shot after being encouraged by his parents. After taking a couple of head shots a few months ago, he’s trying to build his portfolio.

“I’ve been interested in it for a while,” he said. “I always liked performing, so modeling was one of the things I wanted to do when I was a kid because it looked so awesome.”

With acting and dancing passion, he’s a frequent performer at community festivals.

“I’ve performed for the community for about six years,” he said. “I’m Indian, so we do some Indian dances, then we mix it up with some hip-hop, some modern, some break and stuff.”

Monday through Friday finds him operating the family newsstand, said the Elmhurst resident.

“I’ve lived here since I was 6 years old,” he said. “A lot of people from my country live around here. It doesn’t feel like a different place. It feels like home away from home.”

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 11-17, 2011

City’s QR Codes Last week, the City introduced a new permit feature that uses the likely replacement for the ubiquitous UPC codes that label every item your money can buy.

The QR code, which stands for Quick Response, has been used for years in the shipping industry to track large amounts of data on freight containers and boxes. Today, the block symbol can now be found on any permits issued by the City Dept. of Buildings.

The way it works is simple – simply point your smartphone loaded with a QR app at the symbol, and voila – you are taken to data about the project without having to do any kind of additional search.

The image that shipped with

the press release on the new QR news brought our phone to a page about a construction project on Broad Street in lower Manhattan that featured a consulting service from Glendale. The City has previously been using QR on Sanitation trucks and the Staten Island Ferry to show users video about recycling and tourist information, respectively.

We love the idea, and it will certainly help the tech-savvy nosy neighbor find out all about the kitchen renovation going on next door. But we also love the many uses of the QR code, including this one, which brings a scanner to the Queens Tribune Web site.

Hmmm… this high-tech stuff is starting to get interesting.

Very Poor Vision A Queens man is suing a pharmacy chain for mixed up medicine.

Smith Maceus had dropped off his post-operative prescription for Durezol at a Walgreens in Elmont.

He was handed Durasal, a wart remover, instead.

One could fault Maceus for not double checking the prescription – except the prescription was for eye drops. He is now suing the chain after claiming the acid-filled Durasal did not speed up his heal-

How can you mix these two up? ing process.

We’ve all heard about doctors’ legendarily bad handwriting, but wart remover instead of eye drops? Someone should see an eye doctor.

Pia’s Pipes Everybody seems to know Pia Toscano.

The 22-year-old from Howard Beach made the semi-finals of American Idol and immediately after her name was announced, her bandwagon caught up to the New York Knicks’ in size. Our social media feeds have become clogged with locals who all rushed to claim they know Pia; whether because she’s a friend’s friend, or went to a friend’s school, or is a cousin’s neighbor, or a neighbor’s cousin.

For her first performance, she sang The Pretenders’ classic “I’ll Stand By You,” receiving what judge Randy Jackson called “the first standing O of the season.” Is she the new frontrunner? If all her neighbors’ cousins and friends’ friends back in Queens have anything to say about it, she certainly will be.

Our Idol gal (right), Pia Toscano

LL Cool J: Not Quite Perfect

Despite his outrageous body, LL Cool J is subject to human indulgences.

The 43-year-old Queens native with the bulging muscles has admitted to being a mere mortal - by confessing his love for junk food.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, LL remarked, “I love banana pudding, I love ice cream.

I mean, if the ice cream is soft enough, I might go through half a gallon in one basketball game.”

He keeps his physique looking fit and sexy by LL Cool J's abs were made in Queens having his indulgences in moderation.

Still, keeping those washboard abs in his mid-40s? To quote one Need a cab and stuck in the of LL’s songs, it is “something like bowels of Midtown Manhattan in Point your QR reader here for the a phenomenon.” the late afternoon. Good luck.

Trib Web site.

It seems that the suspicion on Confidentially, New York . . . the minds of many a Joe Officeguy who relies on the yellow beasts of burden to take them from one latte to the next was confirmed recently.

If you want a cab at 4 p.m., you’d better go to Astoria.

Like cops, Sanitation workers, nurses, good luck getting a hold of one while shifts are changing.

It seems that the Taxi & Limousine Commission tracked taxis and found that, fairly consistently, at 4 p.m. they’re not to be found in Manhattan.

Who knows, maybe the taxi drivers just figure that when the rush hour is ready to start and all those people who have to spend their day in Manhattan are getting really stressed – they just want to go relax for a little while, have a cup of tea, and recharge before dealing with their Manhattan end-of-day nightmare.

Hey, we’d rather be in Astoria most of the time, too.

Taxi!

What’s Up SATURDAY, MARCH 12 Youth & Tennis The Youth and Tennis group meets every Saturday morning at Roy Wilkins Park Saturday. To learn more, call Bill Briggs at (718) 658-6728.

We Are Family The Queens Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is pleased to present “We Are Family: A Communal Approach to Addressing the Black Male Crisis in Education.” Don’t miss this high impact day that will, among other things, feature a panel discussion that will feature: Councilman Leroy Comrie, Khaair Morrison, Youth Advocate and Community Organizer; Jerome Rice, Dept. of Corrections Captain; Gareth Robinson, Educator, High School for Law Enforcement & Public Safety; Kenney Robinson, Director of Adolescent & TESOL Clinical Services, Hunter College; Leander Windley, Assistant Principal at IS 318. If your organization would like additional information regarding this workshop, or EMBODI, please contact Maritza Holloway at myholloway@gmail.com or (917) 6266994.

This free event will be held at I.S. 192 (The Renaissance School), 109–89 204th St. at 9:30 a.m.

Metro Eagles Alumni Dance The Metro Eagles cordially invites you to its alumni dinner dance. Bring your cameras and your love. Let’s bring back the good memories and the vibes and mix it with the new. Come to eat, dance and enjoy. You’ll be with family. RSVP by February 28, 2011. Dress is semi-formal.

It would be a thrill to see you sport the Metro Black & Gold in your attire. For additional information: visit www.metroeagles.org; send an e-mail to rhappenin@aol.com or metroeaglestf@yahoo.com; or call Mrs. Wilkerson, Coach Hopkins, or Tynell Tate at (718) 528-5855 or (718) 949-5511.

You can also contact the Metro Eagles Track & Field office at (718) 528-5855.

This event will be held at Thomasina’s Catering Hall, 205-35 Linden Blvd., at 9 p.m. Admission is $55.

MONDAY, MARCH 14 Adult Chess Club

TUESDAY, MARCH 15 Job Club Every Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Jamaica Neighborhood Center offers a free service to assist people from Southeast Queens with job-readiness skill sets in writing a professional resume and cover letter; interviewing practices and techniques; applying on-line procedures; elevator pitch and Microsoft Suite 2007.

For additional information, contact Lenin Gross, Job Coach, at (718) 739-2060, Ext. 18 or lgrossjnc@yahoo.com.

This free event will be held at the Jamaica Neighborhood Center - 161-06 89th Ave.

The Southeast Queens Camera Club welcomes photographers, beginners to advanced. Meetings are held the second, third and fourth Tuesday every month at 7:30 p.m. at Roy Wilkins Family Life Center, 177-01 Baisley Blvd.

Intro to Computers In this single-session workshop, customers will learn the basics of using the computer: how to log on and off; use the keyboard and mouse; open and close “windows”; use toolbars and scroll bars. Preregistration is required in person at the Cyber Center Desk.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 6 p.m.

Create an Email Account In this single-session workshop, customers will learn how to set up/open their own email account. Pre-registration is required in person at Cyber Center Desk.

Participants must possess basic mouse and keyboarding skills.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 10 a.m.

Managing the Earth From Space The York College Provost Lecture Series continues with a discussion entitled: “Mapping and Managing the Earth from Space – Analysis of Satellite Data in New York City.”

This free event will be held at the York College Academic Core Building, 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., from 1-3 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 Lunch In Church Join us for lunch and get refueled, renewed and refilled. This free event is held every Wednesday at noon at the First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, 89-60 164th St. For more information, call (718) 526-4775, Ext. 10. Come just as you are.

Create an Email Account In this single-session workshop, customers will learn how to set up/open their own email account. Pre-registration is required in person at the Cyber Center Desk.

Participants must possess basic mouse and keyboarding skills.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 10 a.m.

The Earth From Space The York College Provost Lecture Series continues with a discussion entitled: “Mapping and Managing the Earth from Space – Analysis of Satellite Data in New York City,” featuring Prof. Sunil Bhaskaran, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Earth and Physical Sciences, School of Arts & Sciences.

This free event will be held at the York College Academic Core Building, 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. from 1-3 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17 Adult Chess Club Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings.

The event is held at 6 p.m. every Thurs-

day at Queens Village Library, 94-11 217 St., (718) 776-6800.

Financial Literacy Seminar This five-part series of workshops covers topics related to managing your personal finances. The day’s seminar will focus on how to establish financial goals.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 10:30 a.m.

JIC Orientation Join the folks at the library for an interactive orientation to learn about their services: career resources including workshops; and assistance with your job searching. Also discussed, will be their resources: books, newspapers, pathfinders, bookmarks and brochures; resume/cover letter reviews; and Queens Workforce 1 information.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 18 Senior Theatre Acting Repertory Calling all older adults: Join our galaxy of STARs to perform theatrical works at the library with a great group of people while brightening your life.

Rehearsals are held at 10:30 a.m. Fridays at Queens Village Library, 94-11 217 St., (718) 776-6800.

York College Music Extravaganza Jamaica Performing Arts Center is pleased to present a York College Music Extravaganza. The spotlight shines on York College’s talented students and staff this evening.

Under the direction of Tom Zlabinger, the York College Big Band performs a classic repertoire from swing to Latin to funk, throughout New York City.

For additional information, contact the box office at (718) 618-6170 or info@jamaica-performingartscenter.org.

This event will be held at Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave. at 8 p.m. General Admission is a $10 suggested donation.

All In The Timing All In The Timing consists of nine zany comedies all linked through the theme of time, communication and relationships.

Playwright David Ives, a John Gassner Playwrighting Award winner, takes the audience on a veritable roller coaster of excitement and exploration. This piece contains adult language and content.

For additional information, contact Timothy J. Amrhein at tamrhein@york.cuny.edu or (718) 262-3707.

This event will be held at the York College Performing Arts Center, 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. at 4 p.m. Admission is $7.

hattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island and Queens.

Training is free to anyone over the age of 14. The goal of this program is increase the number of people in New York City trained in bystander CPR Each class lasts 1 hour and participants in the class learn basic CPR skills from a member of the FDNY Emergency Medical Service.

Volunteers for the class follow along using the CPR Anytime Personal Learning Kit, which features an instructional DVD and an inflatable mannequin. All participants are able take home the kit at the end of class and asked to pledge to use the kit to show five of their family members and friends how to perform CPR. This class teaches basic CPR technique and is not a certification course.

In Queens, the classes will be held the fourth Thursday of every month at EMS Station 54, 222-15 Merrick Blvd. In addition, please visit www.nyc.gov/cprtogo for New York Sports Club locations offering free CPR classes starting in January.

Please visit www.fdnyfoundation.org or call (718) 999-2413 for more information.

Group Sessions Clergy United for Community Empowerment, Inc. Group Sessions are located at 89-31 161st St., 10th Floor, Jamaica, for the community on various topics such as Domestic Violence, Mental Health, Substance Abuse intervention, Decision Making, Condom Use, High Risk Behaviors leading to HIV, and self – esteem awareness. All group sessions offer light snacks and beverages. Group sessions are open to the public.

Round-Trip Metro Card reimbursement is available at the end of each completed session. For further information call (718) 297-0720. All services are free. Please call for next group date.

Infant Mortality Clergy United for Community Empowerment’s Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative program provides the following services free of charge: case management services, parent skills building, crib care, breast feeding education, health education, nutritional information/education, referral for HIV testing, confidential one-on-one counseling, workshops, and women support groups. IMRI provides referrals for Food stamps, GED, GYN, Emergency Baby Formula (qualifications required) and more. Call (718) 297-0720.

Located at 89-31 161 St., 10th floor, Jamaica. Services are available Tue.-Thurs.

9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CPR Class Learn to protect yourself and others at Heron Care with a CPR class that includes a certification from the American Heart Association. Please call (718) 291-8788 for more details. Heron is located at 16830 89th Ave., Jamaica.

ONGOING CPR Training

Laurelton Flea Market

The FDNY Mobile CPR Training Unit will hold regularly scheduled free CPR classes in all five boroughs. The first Tuesday through the fourth Tuesday and the fourth Thursday of every month there will be Borough CPR training sessions in Man-

A flea market has opened at 221-02 Merrick Blvd. On sale are a wide range of items, including household items, jewelry and clothing.

The market is open every Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

March 11-17, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings.

The event is held at 6 p.m. every Monday at Queens Village Library, 94-11 217 St., (718) 776-6800.

Camera Club