Southeast Queens Press by Queens Press

Volume 12 Issue No. 11 March 18-24, 2011

PAGE 22

MURDER RATE SOARS:

7(%. 7),, )4 %.$

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

Black men murdering other black men represents the most dramatic increase in violence citywide, with images of taped-off crime scenes popping up more frequently in Southeast Queens. By Sasha Austrie…Page 10

Online at www.QueensPress.com

News Briefs

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 18-24, 2011

MWBE On CB 12’s Mind At Community Board 12’s monthly meeting, Richard Hellenbrecht, community relations manager for the Delta Terminal Redevelopment Project, asked attendees to pass on the message for the need of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise to participate in the project. The project, which is worth about $650 million in construction and about $1 billion overall, sets aside 12 percent for minority owners and 5 percent for women. Also, it is seeking to fill 30 percent of the slots for skilled minority laborers. Hellenbrecht said four multimilliondollar contracts have already been awarded to big construction companies, which are not minority- or women-owned businesses. Many voiced their opposition to the minimal percentage set aside for minority businesses. Board member James Heyliger, II suggested the Port Authority carve out a higher percentage of the project for minority businesses under HUD Rules. He said two of the chosen construction companies, Bovis Construction Corporation and Scalamandre Construction, have been fined at least $700,000 for MWBE fraud. “How do you keep giving these companies contracts when they don’t hire us?” he asked. Board member founder and CEO of the Association of Women Construction Workers of America Herlema Owens said she met with Delta representatives once in reference to getting people from the community to work on the project. Owens has reached out to Delta to sign up at least 160 people for positions and has not gotten an answer. “When they say they are putting our people to work, they are not,” she said. Hellenbrecht told the group that the project was still in the early stages and there was still a lot of work to be done. “Early on or not people are feeling like they are not getting their fair share,” said Chairwoman Adjoa Gzifa. “We should be in on the ground floor.” NYPD Chief and Community Affairs Division Commanding Officer Phillip Banks, III gave the Community Board an overview of his command post. The Community Affairs Division includes the School Safety Division. He said the NYPD is conducting surveys with students to get an understanding of how it could improve service. He spoke of the Youth Services Division and the summer camp that it hosts. Banks said the NYPD is willing to attend civic and block association meetings to give a presentation on how to protect yourself. Crime prevention videos will be posted on the Community Affairs Web site, www.nyc.gov/nypd.

Local Bank Aids Japan New York Community Bancorp, the parent company of New York Community Bank and New York Commercial Bank, announced Monday that it has established a relief fund for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The NYCB Family of Banks is coordinating this effort to enable its employees and customers to easily and effectively

make donations, and to double the benefit of the donations they make. “We are all devastated by the events that occurred in Japan, and as members of the world community, we are all compelled to act,” said Company President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Ficalora. “By matching the funds contributed in our branches, we can double the benefit of the donations made by our customers and employees, which will support the incredible relief work being done by The Salvation Army in Japan. “As a community bank, we have a commitment to supporting the causes that are important to our customers and our employees, and providing relief for the people of Japan is certainly important to us all. Immediately following the disaster, representatives of The Salvation Army in Japan were dispersed to the most severely affected areas, where they are distributing basic necessities to survivors and assessing the ongoing need for help. We are proud to provide them with our support.” Donations can be made at any of The NYCB Family of Bank’s more than 270 branches in New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Florida, and Arizona, and no gift is too small. The NYCB Family of Banks includes New York Community Bank and its seven local divisions – Queens County Savings Bank, Roslyn Savings Bank, Richmond County Savings Bank, Roosevelt Savings Bank, Garden State Community Bank, AmTrust Bank, and Ohio Savings Bank – as well as New York Commercial Bank and its Atlantic Bank Division. To find the nearest branch in your area, please visit nycbfamily.com or amtrust.com.

TLC Plan OKs ‘Gypsy’ Hail The Taxi and Limousine Commission unveiled a new plan last week to allow “gypsy cabs” in the outer borough to legally pick up passengers who hail them on the street. Currently, it is illegal for livery cabs to pick up passengers who do not call ahead for a car service, making it nearly impossible to legally hail a cab in boroughs that often finds yellow taxis in short supply. A lack of meters in livery cabs leads to the potential price gouging of riders when livery cabs are hailed. Typically a price is quoted over the phone when a customer calls in for service; no such guarantee exists when hailed from the street, “What we are trying to do is legalize something people will take advantage of,” said Taxi and Limousine Commissioner David Yassky at a Community Board 6 meeting on March 9. “Our plan is to let the car services who serve the boroughs already, if they choose to, do street hail service.” Under the new rules, call-ahead cab companies can opt to join in a program to pick up passengers who hail them down in outer boroughs to take them anywhere in the City, including Manhattan. Cabs would be allowed to make one return hailed fare trip from Manhattan back into the outer boroughs. Cabs involved in the program would have to adhere to certain regulations; they would need to be painted yellow, have a roof “on-duty” light, have working meters and be able to take credit cards.

Presstime Caught In Kruger Net:

Hospital Cans CEO Linked To Bribes David Rosen, CEO of MediSys, the group that runs Jamaica Hospital, Flushing Hospital and Peninsula Hospital in Rockaway, as well as a number of care facilities for adults and the mentally ill, was fired by the company’s board of directors on Monday. Rosen had been named as a co-defendant in an indictment handed down last week that included two Brooklyn state legislators; Sen. Carl Kruger and Assemblyman William Boyland Jr. Rosen’s sacking was confirmed by MediSys spokesman Michael Hinck. “In 2009 the board was advised by the New York State Department of Health about what was only an investigation at that time. We were awaiting a resolution by the U.S. Attorney before taking any action,” Hinck said Tuesday, “Following last Thursday’s action, the board met on Monday and voted to remove Mr. Rosen.” Hinck said Rosen was removed because of the indictment and will receive no severance pay. He added the company and the board was cooperating with authorities. Rosen was replaced by COO Bruce Flanz, who has been with MediSys since 1975 and has served as COO since 1980. The indictment alleges Rosen, through fake companies, bribed Kruger

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

charges and resigning from the Assembly in 2009. The indictment also alleges Rosen paid a salary to Boyland Jr. for a no-show consultant job. MediSys also operates Brookdale Hospital in Brooklyn, which receives most of its funding from the state. In June 2010, the State Dept. of Health recommended then-Attorney General Andrew Cuomo investigate Rosen when MediSys’ former counsel Margaret Johnson sued the company after she was fired in 2008 in response to the termination of a lower-level lawyer hired to represent MediSys in the Seminerio Jamaica Hospital and its parent company are central to a case. Johnson said she felt massive bribery scandal involving a Senator and Assembly- a conflict of interest was developing between the lawman from Brooklyn. yer, Victor Rocco, and and former Assemblyman Anthony Rosen. Rosen was not the only hospital figSeminerio (D-Richmond Hill) to support a MediSys purchase of other Queens hos- ure in Queens to be indicted in what U.S. pitals, including now-closed St. Johns Attorney Preet Bharara called “an unholy Queens Hospital in Elmhurst and Mary alliance of politicians, lobbyists and businessmen.” Also named in the indictment Immaculate in Jamaica. Seminerio died in prison a few months was Robert Aquino, former CEO of deago after pleading guilty to corruption funct Parkway Hospital in Forest Hills.

Aquino is alleged to have paid $60,000 to shell companies set up by Kruger in 2008 to bribe the Senator to support a plan to allow Parkway Hospital to buy other hospitals, including St. Johns and Mary Immaculate. Since Parkway Hospital’s closure, Aquino has been pressuring local officials to restore Parkway Hospital’s operating certificate. John Krall, a friend of Aquino’s, appeared at March meetings of Community Boards 9 and 6, only days before the indictments were handed down, asking for support in reopening Parkway. Krall told the boards that Aquino had lined up $75 million to operate the hospital and only needed its operating certificate restored, but when asked, would not specify where the money came from. The indictments put in question the financial situation of the cash-strapped MediSys. In late 2009, Jamaica Hospital was running far in the red and at risk of closure, but last summer, MediSys said Flushing Hospital was running in the black. A 2009 report from Price Waterhouse Coopers suggested that Jamaica Hospital was no longer economically viable. A MediSys spokesman would not comment this week on the company’s or hospital’s finances. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.

SEQ Decries Coming Budget Squeeze BY SASHA AUSTRIE

Council members Ruben Wills and Leroy Comries speak at a March 10 town hall meeting. are primarily housed in Community Board 12. DHS Community Relations Director Alex Zablocki said the agency operates 250 shelters Citywide, 18 in Queens and 10 within the bounds of CB 12. He said the shelters are placed at available spaces. Zablocki added DHS tries to place people back into their community. “Fifty two percent of the applicants are from CB 12,” he said.

Comrie said legislation is currently being drafted to thwart the Padavan Law, which allowed group homes and shelters to bypass local zoning as long as they met state codes. Though DHS contends that it only has 10 shelters in CB 12, Comrie argued that added with private shelters and group homes, the area is inundated. Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123.

March 18-23, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

The economic reality of a fiscal crunch, and the painful cuts it may cause, took center stage at a town hall meeting hosted by Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) on the evening of March 10. A cluster of representatives from city agencies were in attendance to address community concerns. “Senior cuts and cuts to organizations are happening right now,” said Comrie. He urged residents to visit their state politicians and lobby them to stop $2 billion in proposed cuts. Comrie said if the cuts are adopted, 103 senior centers will close and more than 4,000 teachers could be laid off. “I encourage and almost insist that you contact your state representative,” he said. Dept. of Aging representative Darnley Jones said Commissioner Lilliam BarriosPaoli was doing all she could to keep as many senior centers open. “The commissioner is not happy with making these cuts,” Comrie said. The criteria for closing the centers are based on the number of meals and visits per day, as well as maintenance costs. Comrie reiterated the importance of putting pressure on the state legislature and Gov. Andrew Cuomo to staunch budgets.

“Alpha Phi Alpha is two miles from the nearest center and during the summer it is a cooling center,” he said. “We will do everything we can to keep it open.” A woman in attendance asked about an after school program, which had its budget slashed by $30,000. She asked if there would be any help. Dale Joseph, assistant commissioner for Community Partnerships and Advocacy at the Administration for Children’s Services, answered with the mantra of the evening. “There is no possibility of new funds to support the program,” she said. “This stage in the game, the City is facing some really tough times and tough [choices].” Even programs meant to house the City’s homeless population are facing deep budget cuts. Section 8 vouchers are no longer being given out and the Work Advantage program will be discontinued as of April 1. City Dept. of Homeless Service Government Relations Director Lisa Black said the agency is advocating for the restoration of two thirds of the program’s funding. “We cannot sustain the $200 million program,” she said. A familiar topic that many Southeast Queens residents have asked at one time or another surfaced at the meeting: the bevy of shelters in Southeast Queens that

Locals Rail Against Muslim Hearings BY DOMENICK RAFTER Some Queens officials and members of the Muslim community are decrying Congressional hearings being held by U.S. Rep. Peter King (R-Long Island), chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, on radicalization in Muslim-American communities. Standing with a sign that said “I am a Muslim too,” Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) held a rally with some of his Muslim constituents in front of his office on 37th Avenue on March 6 before last week’s hearings. He called the hearings “Muslim-baiting.” U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica) was

one of 56 Democratic members of Congress who signed a letter urging King to cancel the hearings before they were held last week. “Singling out one religious group and blaming the actions of individuals on an entire community is not only unfair, it is unwise — and it will not make our country any safer,” read the letter. Rami Nuseir, president and founder of the Long Island City-based American MidEast Leadership Network, called the hearings “counter-effective.” “I agree with [King] that we need to pay attention to homeland terrorism,” he said, “but the packaging was wrong. I understand what he was trying to do, but the hearings were very narrowly focused.”

Nuseir said the hearings gave “blank judgment” to the Islamic religion at a time when American Muslims are needed to fight terrorism. “We should be encouraging the mainstream Muslim community to be key players,” he said. “Instead [Rep. King] created more enemies. When you start pointing the finger, people become defensive, and when they become defensive, they become radical.” Nusier added the best way to prevent homegrown terrorism is to “engage” Muslims in aspects of our culture, like sports. “Let them feel that they’re a part of America,” he said. At the March 10 hearing, U.S. Rep.

Keith Ellison (D-Minnesota), the first Muslim elected to Congress, spoke of paramedic Mohammed Salman Hamdani, a Pakistani-born resident of Bayside who died while responding to the Sept. 11 attacks and was initially mistaken as being one of the terrorists involved. “Mohammed Salman Hamdani was a fellow American who gave his life for other Americans,” said Ellison, fighting back tears. “His life should not be defined as a member of an ethnic group or a member of a religion, but as an American who gave everything for his fellow citizens” Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.

raised her tightly clenched fists in protest. Joined by local politicians and seniors in solidarity on March 11, Adams and others voiced their opinions in opposition to the cuts at Riis Settlement Senior Center and Ravenswood Senior Center. The elderly assured lawmakers they were not willing to give up. As a member of the senior center for more than 12 years, Adams has become accustomed to getting two nutritious meals a day and socializing with friends at the Ravenswood Senior Center.

If passed as proposed, the budget’s $25.2 million cut to the Title XX funding could result in the closure of 22 senior centers in the borough, leaving Adams, as well as a large population of elderly, without access to the affordable meals and essential social services they have utilized for years. Adams fears she will no longer be able to grow old the way she always wanted - peacefully. Borough Assembly members promised to make seniors a top priority in conjunction with support of other members throughout the state. Assemblywomen

Marge Markey (D-Maspeth) and Grace Meng (D-Flushing) reported that the New York State Assembly would allocate $25 million to guarantee funding for senior centers in the upcoming State budget. “We’ll go all the way to Albany if we have to. The [governor’s] not going to knock us out the box,” said Adams. “We’re still among the living. They can’t bury us yet!” Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.

Seniors Vow To Continue Fight

BY JASON BANREY

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 18-24, 2011

Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s budget leaves senior centers in jeopardy with the threat of a $25 million cut in state funding for senior services. An Assembly action to restore the funding has been made, but Republicans in the Senate have not endorsed the change and it is questionable if the restoration of funds would survive the final negotiations in the state budget. Standing outside of her Long Island City senior center, Olivine Adams, 67,

Push To Save Bridge’s Queensboro Identity BY JASON BANREY Drawing a litany of responses, from all angles of opposition and support, the plan to rename the Queensboro Bridge to honor former Mayor Ed Koch has become a political hot potato as a March 23 vote on the matter draws near. The issue has riled up borough residents, excited city leaders and outright upset one Queens Councilman. The Queens delegation is not united in support of the measure. After polling all 15 members who represent the bor-

ough within the Council, the Queens Tribune has discovered that not even half of the delegation actively supports renaming the bridge. In all, six Council members say they will vote in favor of renaming the bridge, six are undecided on the matter and just three hold firm stances against the plan. With a line drawn in the sand, some Queens Council members are now speaking out about the issue-some more than others – while an unresolved bunch decides to remain silent. After writing an op-ed piece, published in the Tribune

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Only three of Queens’ 15 City Council members vocally oppose the renaming of the Queensborough Bridge in honor of former Mayor Ed Koch.

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last week, Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) was surprised to be joined by only two of his fellow Queens members in his defiance of the Mayor. Joining suit, Councilmen Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) and Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone) strongly opposed the Mayor’s proposal to co-name the century-old structure the Ed Koch-Queensboro Bridge, and feel Queens deserves the right to retain its claim on the name. “Brooklyn and Manhattan have their own bridges,” said Halloran. “So it’s only right that Queens deserves its own.” Comrie, was surprised that the honor was even brought up for discussion. “This was dropped on our heads,” said Comrie. “Queens residents should decide what happens with the [Queensboro Bridge].” Joining in support of both the Mayor and Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and not afraid to have their opinions heard, are Council members James Gennaro (DFresh Meadows), Mark Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens) and Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills). In recognition of not only Mayor Koch’s service to the city, Gennaro added that he deserved the honor for his heroic duties while serving in World War II and for the term he served as the U.S. Representative from New York’s 17th District. “[Mayor Koch] remains relevant to this day at the local, national and international level,” Gennaro said. “Renaming the bridge is the least we can do to honor one who has served so many for so long.” Echoing a number of borough residents who do not even utilize the “Queensboro” name, Gennaro added, “Nobody calls the bridge that name anyway – its called the 59 th Street Bridge.” In accordance with yea-sayers, Koslowitz agrees with the change, but prefers it her way. “I preferred that it be called the Queensboro-Ed Koch Bridge,” she said. Council members Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village), Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) and Peter Koo (RFlushing) also sided with the new name. Remaining undecided on the matter are Council members Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights), Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst), James Sanders (D-Laurelton), Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside), Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica) and Diana Reyna (D-Ridgewood). With the issue split three ways within the Queens delegation and a vote coming later on this month, there is no telling what borough residents will soon call the gateway to our borough. Indifferent as to whether or not he is honored, Mayor Koch leaves it completely up to the City Council to decide. Despite thinking he is a perfect fit for the bridge because “it’s not soaring, beautiful, or as handsome” as other city bridges, he says he will take what he gets from the City Council. “Either way, whatever happens,” said Koch. “It’s still a great honor.” Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128.

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 Seeing With Eyes Open Tolerance is a tricky word, not as easy to define as it sounds. It denotes a fair, objective and permissive attitude to what is different from one individual to another. This week two separate but equally relevant issues of tolerance have come to the forefront: the beating death of a man who was thought to be gay and the “Muslim radicalization” hearings held in Congress by Long Island Congressman Peter King. Both speak volumes about the society in which we live. The first involved four teenagers who trashed a party, to which they were not invited, began using anti-gay epithets and ended up chasing down and beating to death a man who had left the party because of an apparent fear for the thugs who showed up. He wasn’t gay, but his attackers used the label as a reason to hate him, to demean him and to take from him his life. The second feeds on fear. The Sept. 11 hijackers – and many other terrorists – were and are Muslim. Their actions are deplorable, and the issue of “radicalization’ is something that any faith needs to address with its members. But to hold hearings with the purpose of analyzing the causes that specifically turn followers of Islam to become terrorists creates a label of hatred, foments a grain of doubt and plants a seed of fear of the members of an entire faith. Well, that’s not how it’s supposed to work – and certainly not in Queens, the most diverse place on Earth. We must keep our eyes open, but in doing so also see our brothers and sisters without labels, without ignorance and without fear.

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

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 18-24, 2011

Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

Letters For The Veterans To The Editor: For many years St. Albans Veteran’s Hospital has not been functioning. Now that St. John’s, St. Joseph, and Mary Immaculate have closed, our returning veterans will be more desperately deprived of the health care they were promised and deserve. Unfortunately Eric Shinseki, Secretary of the Department of Veteran Affairs, continues to sup-

port an Enhanced Use Lease (EUL). His rationale for continuing to press for a 75-year lease of 25 acres of tax-free land to a private developer is based on a Census taken in 2000. This Census reported that the number of returning veterans will decrease. Mr. Shinseki has neglected to take into consideration the number of men and women that were sent to Iraq in 2001, and the surges of additional troops both

Letters in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr. Shinseki continues to support Rev. Floyd Flake’s corporation. The Allen Corp Name is changed to “D&F. This has been done because Rev. Flake’s financial ventures began to be questioned and were publicly exposed. The others names, Rev. Reed, D’Amico, and Florey remain the same. The guidelines established by the RFP, page 11, Sec. 2.4.8.bullet 3, mandate that a developer must maintain positive relations with the State and local areas and avoid any destruction of the surrounding minority community. The private developer has failed to carry out these guidelines. He is planning high rise apartments, multiple homes and stores, all of which are in conflict with local zoning regulations. We need to: save the lives of our brave veterans; stop the rising number of suicides due to the lack of appropriate health care; end the EUL now; and rehabilitate the existing hospital to a full service hospital. The private developer is creating far more luxury living than the VA is planning to offer our veterans. Doris Salzberg, Queens

WBID Defense To The Editor: I read with interest the letter written in reference to our Woodhaven’s Jamaica Avenue, and as President of the Woodhaven Business Improvement District responsible for Woodhaven’s Jamaica Avenue it is incumbent upon me to respond. This letter refers to the ap-

pearance of Jamaica Avenue after the two major snowstorms. To judge any area after this unusual weather places us at a disadvantage. The bird droppings referred to on the sidewalk and near our J line elevated stanchions are power washed periodically. The snowstorms made them inaccessible and the power washing chemicals freeze in the cold weather, so they could not be cleaned. This accumulation will be power washed this month. As to the litter baskets “overflowing with garbage,” after the snowstorms the garbage from the wire baskets was not picked up. During the snowstorm our WBID cleaners cleared paths and the corners of snow for our Avenue pedestrians. After the garbage was picked up, the garbage in the wire baskets, household garbage as well, as always were bagged, and the baskets lined. This is done twice a day, seven days a week. The “trash tossed in the street” issue on Woodhaven’s Jamaica Avenue is addressed by the sweepers cleaning twice a day, seven days a week. As to the “empty storefronts” as a recent survey has proved, we have a very low vacancy rate with some “closed stores” not being rented and used for only storage. We have been notified by the City that our J Line Jamaica Avenue elevated train structure and stanchions will finally be painted and repaired. For those who want everything, we cannot and will not ever satisfy you. Mathew Xenakis, President, WBID

Come Back To Jamaica…New York A Personal Perspective By MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE

I recently took a long walk through Downtown Jamaica and was amazed by all the changes that had taken place on the side streets. Everyone knows Jamaica Avenue is back to being a vibrant commercial strip with upscale stores such as Old Navy, Gap, Marshall’s, Zales and Game Stop; plus a magnificent movie theatre and an Applebee’s Restaurant. York College to the south of Jamaica Avenue is also flourishing with its niche academic programs taught by stellar faculty educating outstanding students, not to mention their Performing Arts Center and theatre productions. But the side streets north of Jamaica Avenue are also undergoing a Renaissance. Although I am in Jamaica practically every day, I’m usually driving or in a hurry, so I never take the time to really explore. That recently changed as I

went north from Jamaica Avenue, cutting through the Jamaica Farmers Market and through side streets all the way to the Post Office on 164th Street. To my utter delight I found access through parking garages, which I did not even know had been built. The modern front-toback openings help not just getting cars in and out efficiently, but also allow for easy pedestrian passage from side street to side street. It has turned into a village reminiscent of those found in more suburban settings. I could practically hear the old TV commercial tune for that other Jamaica’s tourism industry: “Come back to Jamaica, what’s old is what’s new.” Indeed, the same applies to “The Ave.” What’s old is what’s new in this Jamaica. Not since we lost the major department stores in the 1980s have we seen such a boom in the downtown economy. But more than shortcuts and upscale boutiques, this is also a budding center of art, history, enter-

tainment and the judiciary. Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning continues to elevate its offerings. The new, state-of-theart Jamaica Performing Arts Center, based in the restored Dutch Reform Church just behind the Social Security building, is serving an important function as well and King Manor Museum is evolving to serve a growing immigrant population. Anchored by York College, the FDA (on York’s campus), the Social Security building, and an up-to-the-minute movie theater, the area has attracted housing developers who have converted the old family court building into a magnificent residential building across from the still-serving YMCA. And speaking of courts, just down the street from the Jamaica Performing Arts Center and across from King Park stands “court house central,” which all goes to show Jamaica is the place to be in Queens these days. A lot of the credit goes to the

Greater Jamaica Development Corp. (GJDC), Community Board 12 and our public servants for their support. We all know that the first order of a successful commercial district is parking. No matter what people are selling, if there is no access to “park and get it, it won’t sell.” As with any commercial district, street parking is still a challenge in Jamaica; but GJDC undertook that challenge and now there are ample paid parking spots available. I remember interviewing GJDC President Carlisle Towery about a decade ago asking why people where shunning Jamaica Avenue in favor of Green Acres and he assured me his group were working on stemming that tide. I don’t know what the statistics are now, but it is evident that the shopping quality and quantity of shopping in Downtown Jamaica have increased dramatically. We can be proud to call it “our shopping center” once more.

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Why A NY Uprising Hero Should Not Be A Bridge By MICHAEL SCHENKLER I like Ed Koch. Ed Koch is my hero – now, even more than before.

As the Mayor of New York City for 12 years, (1978-1989) he made us feel good – it was his own personal brand of the “Fun City” theme initiated by John Lindsay two terms earlier. Only for Ed, it was “How’m I Doin’?” Somewhere in the house, I have an autographed copy of his 1984 bestseller, “Mayor.” In the office, still unpacked from our November move, is a picture of me and Ed taken at Gracie Mansion way back in his early days as Mayor – it’s black and white. If I can locate it, I’ll share it with you if space allows. Ed even became a movie reviewer for my papers when I was President of News Communications in the

Ed Koch and Mike Schenkler at Gracie Mansion in the 1980s. 1990’s. He’s continued reviewing movies to this day – sharing his thought s on movie s in the Huffington Post, and on politics and the world to an email list. But Ed Koch is my guy. He and Mike Bloomberg tower over the other Mayors I’ve encountered – and I’ve met them all since John Lindsay, who was first elected in 1966. But Ed didn’t become my real hero until he was out of office for more than two decades and well into his 80’s. Last year, at age 85,

Ed decided to lead New York’s reform movement, aimed at trying to fix what is broken in Albany. As head of N Y Upr isi ng, he has preached, bullied, led and implored candidates and elected officials to sign onto the reform pledge with the centerpiece being independent redistricting. This month, Ed was in Albany greeting the elected “heroes of reform” and still urging the “enemies of reform” to sign on. He’s one of my heroes. He’s one in a million. I like Ed Koch.

A HERO BUT NOT A BRIDGE I oppose renaming the Queensboro Bridge for Ed Koch. The iconic structure is ours – the people of Queens take pride in it. It is the only iconic structure named for our borough. It is part of the heart and soul of Queens. My hero Ed is from Manhattan – he’s all Manhattan. But I wouldn’t suppor t naming it for anyone. We need something mighty and soaring and iconic of our own. Queens needs the Queensboro Bridge – we’ve had it for more than a century. “They wouldn’t do it to the Brooklyn Bridge,” was Councilman Peter Vallone Jr’s first phone call to me. I was sold before hearing from Peter but was excited that perhaps the Council wouldn’t go along with the Mayor’s proposal. Vallone has bravely taken on the Mayor who has proposed the name change and his seemingly acquiescent colleagues at the City Council ready to allow Queens to be diminished. Councilmembers Leroy Comrie and Dan Halloran have joined in opposition. The rest of the Queens delegation is woefully

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 18-24, 2011

Out of the Closet And Into the Cooler By HENRY J. STERN thanks to their DemoThe forces of good cratic colleagues in the scored a major victory in legislature who wanted the indictment of State to minimize Republican Senator Carl Kruger, Asdistricts upstate. semblyman William The daily press gave Boyland and six accomsubstantial and well-merplices in a briber y ring ited attention to the arthat goes back five years. rests. Until now, cor rupt The 53-page crimilegislators had been nal complaint, obtained Henry Stern picked off by the auby Preet Bharara, United thorities one at a time, and their States Attorney for the Southern venalit y, although felonious, was District of New York, a position relatively limited in its scope. This for merly held by Rober t time a big fish has been nabbed, Morgenthau and Rudy Giuliani, along with his bottom-feeder as- contain intercepted telephone consociates. ver sations bet ween the al leged The investigation was helped conspirators, including an over the years by co-operating pub- Assemblymember who died in lic officials seeking lighter sen- prison. tences. Brian McLaughlin was the For nine years, we have railed first to go; he gave up the late against public corruption, starting Anthony Seminerio, who was with former Councilman Angel taped in expletive-laced conversa- Rodriguez in our first column (3/ tions with Kruger’s confederates. 21/02). Whenever one wrongdoer We wonder how many more is found out, however, it seems that legislators, particularly from Brook- another rises to take his or her lyn and Queens, are shivering at place. The system is remarkably the prospect of future undesired enduring. contact with law enforcement We believe that most public agencies. The Aqueduct casino con- officials are hone st and decent. spiracy of 2010, although well pub- Unfor tunately, many are held in licized, has not yet led to indict- low regard because of the derelicments. Since the plot was foiled, tions of their colleagues. It is also there may be insufficient grounds true that very few officials are conto send the plotters upstate. If they cerned with the misconduct of their should be incarcerated, however, fellow legislators; they are much they will be counted as residents more comfortable ignoring fraud or of their home districts downstate, corruption by their next door neigh-

bors and running mates. T hese don’t commit crimes themselves, but they are quite tolerant of those who do. There is no honor code in Albany. Most New Yorkers are relatively satisfied with the people who represent them. This is in part because over the years they have received publicly-funded mailings or relied on constituent services. They may have met their local representative in the park, on the street, or in a church or synagogue. Voters may identify by gender, orientation or ethnicity with the name they see on election posters. In addition, challengers to politicians are usually even less well known than the incumbents. That is why the re-election rate is so high, and why legislators have more to fear from prosecutors than from electoral rivals. Nonetheless, the indictments are good news. We are aware that an indictment is merely an accusation, and a jury must be convinced of the defendants’ guilt. Kruger has hired a fine law yer in Benjamin Brafman, who while representing him will no doubt divest his client of a good portion of his allegedly ill-gotten gains. We suggest you read as much as you care to of the U.S. Attorney’s complaint, and particularly the transcripts of the defendants’ telephone conversations. A reasonable person would be hard

pressed to develop a scenario under which the alleged conspirators would not be at fault. It will probably take over a year before this matter is disposed of. We have on occasion quoted an old Greek saying, which was rendered in English in 1640 by George Herbert: “The mills of the gods grind slow, but they grind exceeding fine.” Let justice be done. StarQuest@NYCivic.org

silent or pathetically supportive of this shameful act. The Speaker of the Council would not be moving this bill if the Queens delegation opposed it. The entire Council would not be backing this measure if the Queens delegation spoke up in opposition. It is the silence of inaction that will take our Bridge and hand it over to the Manhat tan-centric Cit y to name for a Manhattan hero. There are a lot of things which could be named for Ed Koch – although I’m one of those who believe the government should not be naming things for the living. In the Schenkler book, requirement No. 1 is that you had to have lived an honest and good life; requirement No. 2 is that you’ve had to have done something exceptional relating to that which is named for you; and requirement No. 3 is that you have to be dead. Ed Koch deserves something special, but I hope it’s not for many more years that I advocate for “Ed Koch Central Park.” Ed Koch is my hero. Please leave the Queensboro Bridge alone. MSchenkler@QueensPress.com

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

Police Blotter Compiled By DOMENICK RAFTER

103rd Precinct Shot Dead

105th Precinct Attempted Rape

On Sunday, March 13, at approximately The NYPD is seeking the public’s assis8:31 p.m., police responded to a 911 call tance in identifying a man wanted in conreporting a woman shot at nection with an attempted the front of 93-20 214th rape in Springfield GarSt. in Queens Village. dens. On March 12, at Upon arrival, police found around 5:30 p.m., a man Rabia Mohammed, 23 of followed the victim into a Jamaica, shot twice in the building in the vicinity of torso. 141st Avenue and SpringEMS also responded field Boulevard in Springto the location and transfield Gardens and grabbed ported the victim to Jaher buttocks. When the maica Hospital where victim resisted the suspect she was pronounced threw her to the ground dead on arrival. There pulled her pants to her were no arrests at this knees and attempted to time and the investigarape her. The suspect fled tion was ongoing. Iden- Police are looking for this man the scene when a resident tification of the victim wanted for an attempted rape. opened a nearby apartwas pending proper famment door. ily notification. The suspect is described as a black man, dark complexion, between 18-23 years old, 5-foot-5, wearing a black jacket and blue Broken Neck On March 14, at approximately 8 jeans. He also had a dark colored North p.m., police responded to a 911 call of Face backpack around his back. Anyone with information in regards an unconscious man inside of 90-10 to this incident is asked to call Crime 187th St. in Hollis. Upon arrival police Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). discovered a 31-year-old black man dead The public can also submit their tips inside of a basement apartment with by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web trauma to the neck. The Medical Exam- site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by iner will determine the cause of death. texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

Police Arrest 4 In House Party Murder By DOMENICK RAFTER A teenager was brutally beaten outside a birthday party in Woodhaven last week by a group of teens in what the NYPD is calling an anti-gay hate crime against a straight victim. “It appears to have all the elements of a hate crime,” said NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly. “The hate crime task force is involved.” Around 1 a.m. on March 12, police responded to a call of a man beaten near the intersection of 90th Street and 89th Avenue in Woodhaven. Police discovered Anthony Collao, 18, had been beaten by a group of teens that were thrown out of a house party on 90th Street earlier in the night. The victim was taken to Jamaica Hospital where he was put on life support and succumbed to his injuries on Monday. The alleged assailants, Alex Velez, 16, of the Bronx, and Nolis Oganda, Christopher Lozada and Luis Tabales, all 17, from Queens, were arrested and arraigned Monday on manslaughter charges. Police say Lozada, who was wearing a base-

ball cap when arrested, was covered in blood. According to the NYPD, the four arrived uninvited at a birthday party at an abandoned house on 90th Street and refused to pay the cover charge to get in. They pushed their way into the house, where they shattered windows and picked arguments with partygoers before cornering Collao outside. Witnesses say the four beat him with a metal pipe while shouting anti-gay slurs at Collao, who was not gay and had a girlfriend. Other partygoers told police anti-gay slurs were used against guests inside the party as well. The party was hosted by two gay men. The attacks brought swift condemnation from leaders. “Our streets will not be safe until the individuals who are responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice,” said Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), who represents Woodhaven. “Senseless acts of violence such as this will simply not be tolerated.” Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.

March 18-24, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

A Crisis Of Color:

Gun Murders Of Blacks In Queens On Rise Despite Drop In Crime By SASHA AUSTRIE Last year was particularly bloody for black men. The NYPD’s Murder in New York City report revealed that black people, who account for 25 percent of the City’s population, make up 67 percent of the City’s 536 murder victims. “We need to do something to remind people that they need to have a better level of respect for each other,” said Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans). Of the 67 percent of blacks murdered, more than 350 in 2010, 33 percent were between the ages of 15 to 29. While the average for murdered blacks increased by 31 percent, it decreased for whites by 27 percent and according to the report, Asians and Hispanic murder rates remained unchanged. The increase in black murders resulted in a citywide increase from 471 to 536. Why Has This Happened? “There are many reasons for the jump,” said Councilman James Sanders (DLaurelton). He squarely places blame on the downfall of the economy, failure of the family structure, the ease of getting weapons and the “macho mindset of shoot first and the rise of gang violence.” Sanders dubbed these as symptoms of a systematic failure. “This is a failure at every level,” Sanders said. “It’s a failing of parenting, of our schools, of our leaders in government, and of our society as a whole.” The numbers are even more daunting where the weapon and murder suspect are concerned. The report states that 61 percent of the City’s murdered victims were shot. When counting only black men, 90 percent of victims were killed by gunfire. At about 85 percent of the time, the arrested suspect and victim were both black. “We first have to identify that these crimes are happening by us against us,” said Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica). Reacting To Numbers State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Hollis)

said there are three challenges to the issue of guns and murder on City streets – accessibility, need for employment and mental health. Though Queens ranked third in murders citywide, with 19 percent, Southeast Queens is the hotbed for homicides within the borough. In 2010, from Jan. 1 to Oct. 14, there were at least 40 murders. At the tail end of the summer, six murders in September caused Southeast Queens politicians to turn up the volume. They hosted town halls and press conferences. Officials asked the NYPD to bolster its presence in trouble spots and rotate critical resources; there were calls for education to change the mindset of children in the community; residents and politicians volunteered to walk the neighborhood on Friday night. The effort has since subsided. Comrie admitted that the walks have become infrequent. He said for about four weeks the program worked, but it has since been confined to the area around Sutphin Boulevard. “It never expanded,” he said. Becoming Proactive The Rev. Charles Norris Sr., a noted pastor and activist in Southeast Queens, lambasted politicians for not doing more to curb the violence. “I’m really disappointed in what our elected officials are doing about the problem,” he said. “To me, they are doing nothing.” State Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica) disagreed. “We’ve been working hard in that community,” Huntley said. “Let’s be real; there is not much legislation you can pass that can keep people from killing each other.” To combat the ills, all the officials are touting varying solutions. Huntley said she is actively trying to reopen the Baisley Houses Youth Center and is funding renovations for the South Jamaica Houses center, which would give teens a place to call their own. “I’m doing what I can on my end and everybody should do what they can on

Murder Victimes By Race 6%

24%

Asian Black Hispanic White

67%

their end,” she said. Sanders and Norris both advocate for a gun buyback program, which would “stop the flood of illegal guns,” the councilman said. Sanders also advocates teaching teenagers conflict resolution via youth courts, which is “one of the better ways of dealing with this issue.” He added that diversion programs can also be used to catch youth before they fall into a life of crime. Smith said Operation S.N.U.G., a statewide program, deals with the three challenges. The program is modeled after Cease Fire Chicago. Quoting U.S. Justice Department stats, Smith credits the program with decreasing illegal gun violence by 16 to 35 percent. S.N.U.G. dispatches “violence interrupters” in the aftermath of a shooting to try to bring the victim and perpetrators together. The program also looks into gainful unemployment and uses former criminals to deter violence. Another component Smith is working on is the P3 Gun Buyback Program. He said the program would include a public and private partnership to fund the buyback, though the groups, which include the NYPD, district attorneys, private sector industries, clergy and Operation S.N.U.G. have yet to meet

Gun Victims

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 18-24, 2011

to finalize their mode of attack, “P3 is about to come to New York City,” Smith said. It’s Up To The People Wills, who is mere months into his first year in office, said he is building community partnerships. “We have to get non-profits, community based partnerships, clergy and a relationship with the NYPD that is not just spoken about,” Wills said. He also advocated for ex-convicts to be part of the solution. “We need to understand how self-hate can make you pull a trigger on another man of color,” Wills said. “The only people who can speak to that are the people who have committed those crimes.” Since taking office in November, Wills said he has partnered with two community based organizations that have created Saturday academies at PS 123 and PS 155. Comrie suggested residents outfit their homes with security cameras and request the NYPD support the community. “Hopefully we can catch more of these people,” he said. Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.

Murder By The Numbers 90%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

20% 10%

10% 0% Gang Members

0% Women

Men

16-21 year old Males

Female

On Probation Victims

Suspects

Prior Arrests

16-37 Years Old

Borough Beat

CB Elder Steps Away From Her Post

BY JOSEPH OROVIC

The borough's community boards have some long-time members, but few can match Rose Bruno. The CB 11 member served her last meeting on Monday, March 7, rounding off a career of civic participation that predates the community board system by more than a decade. To honor her service, Deputy Borough President Barry Grodenchik brought a proclamation from Borough President Helen Marshall, thanking Bruno for her service and dubbing March 7 "Rose Bruno Day." Days later, sitting in her kitchen, the vivacious 97-year-old was still at a loss for words. The thought of "Rose Bruno Day" had not sunk in. It was explained to her that "If there was a Queens calendar, March 7 would be your day." Her eyebrows rose slightly. "I had no idea," she said. Bruno's tenure on the board has seen five Borough Presidents get elected, numerous civic associations come and go, countless board meetings and the transformation of Auburndale, her home, from a pastoral remnant into a suburban escape. Ever the family woman, she measures things differently: eight grandkids and five great grandchildren to be exact.

"It was a privilege to serve for so long with so many good people," she said. Her absence will be felt by the board she served, said CB 11 Chair Jerry Iannece. "I wish I had a dozen more members like her," he said. "She was responsible, diligent, and always there. […] Replace her? I don't think you ever can." Bruno saw many a political career take off during her tenure as well. More recently, she was around for State Sen. Tony Avella's (D-Bayside) early forays into civic activism, and worked alongside former Borough President Claire Shulman, who was also an inaugural member of the same board. "She's a wonderful, wonderful woman," said Shulman, who served as the original planning board's recording secretary while Bruno acted as corresponding secretary. "She also hardly ever missed a meeting; low key but very smart. She is really all the best that civic workers are." Bruno's lengthy civic resume includes the Good Citizenship League, the Community Advisory Board of Flushing Hospital, League of Women Voters and, most of all, the Flushing Council of Women's Organizations. She served as the group's President through its most active stretch, which included a movement to save Flushing Town Hall.

Her reputation as a restless member of the community led then-Borough President Mario Cariello to request her participation in a newly-formed planning board in 1967. "I said, 'What's a planning board?'" Bruno recalled. The first years proved a pivotal era, as the Boards carved their own niche into civic and governmental life. "We started to design CB 11 Chairman Jerry Iannece (l.) and Councilman Dan what we were supposed to Halloran (r.) observe as Deputy Borough President Barry do at the very beginning," Grodenchik presents Rose Bruno with the latest of a lifetime Shulman said of the time. "It of honors. was just service delivery primarily. Then it kind of grew. It was a lot from fliers to letters and news clippings. The paper bits of history are scattered more than a civic association." Bruno learned to keep her political about her home. "My husband always said I should worry ideals and partisanship under wraps. Open allegiances, she believes, hinder the nego- about a fire inspection, because all the papers I kept would create a fire hazard," tiation process. "Because I was never political, I felt I she said. The walls of her basement are lined could be better," she said. Shulman still has no idea what political party Bruno with citations for various achievements and her lengthy service. Asked if she's a favors. Bruno first moved to the borough with historian of sorts, she responded, "I'm a her husband Mario in 1944, buying a keeper." Reach Reporter Joseph Orovic at house in then-middle-of-nowhere jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 357Auburndale. She kept records of her civic work, 7400, Ext. 127.

March 18-24, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

pix

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

Discussing Quality Of Life

Photos by Walter Karling

On March 9th the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation met in the Harvest Room for its bi-monthly meeting of its Downtown Committee, which is dedicated to the quality of life in the greater Jamaica area.

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 18-24, 2011

Speakers RenĂŠe Hicks and Annette Scalise discuss the program agenda with Chairman William Martin.

Featured speaker RenĂŠe Hicks, VicePresident for Program Operations at Safe Space, a community-based anchor whose various neighborhood contributions include strengthening families, providing mental health services, and supporting academic success through school partnerships.

Featured speaker Annette Scalise, a social worker from the Tender Care Human Services, an organization that provides educational, behavioral, residential, recreational and respite services to individuals with autism and developmental disorders.

Featured speaker Susan Jacobs, Executive Director of the Center for Family Representation, whose mission is to provide families in crisis with free legal assistance and social work services to enable children to stay with their parents safely and to keep these children out of foster care whenever possible.

Deputy Inspector Charles McEvoy, Commanding Officer of the 103rd Precinct, reported to the meeting the positive state of crime-fighting in the local area.

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Profile

Creative Chow Wraps Biz Success

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

Though it is a little under an hour before opening at Creative Wraps Restaurant and Bakery on Monday, there were already two batches of freshly baked cookies in the showcase. Seeing two people seated at tables, a customer pulls at the door. Maurice Letman, the owner, waves him off. He is sure that the gentleman will be

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 18-24, 2011

Creative Wraps has developed a following among Springfield Boulevard’s regulars.

back come lunchtime. Since August, Creative Wraps has been creating a buzz. “So far, the response we’ve been getting is good,” he said. Letman modeled Creative Wraps after both Chipotle Mexican Grill and Panera Bread. The idea for the restaurant was a simple understanding that neither Chipotle nor Panera would move into his Laurelton neighborhood. “I [took] a little bit of both and made my own thing,” he said. Letman said he and his fiancée, Nerita – a chef, fine tuned his vision. When he acquired the location at 133-24 Springfield Blvd. it was a shell with great potential. “I built everything from scratch,” he said. “It was just a raw store.” Letman said there were no blueprints involved. He sketched his vision on a piece of paper. His mind’s eye and reality became one, creating Creative Wraps. With muted colors and pleasant music as back-

ground noise, the space is cozy. It exudes subtle elegance. Letman said he invested about $150,000 and renovations took approximately two months. Before opening up shop, Letman never conducted any surveys or marketing to understand the community’s need. He figured he did not have to; he knew his clientele. Letman knew that Springfield Boulevard is rife with professionals who understand his product. “They are used to Starbucks; they are used to Panera Bread and Chipotle,” he said. “I opened this and I knew it was going to be successful.” Though the menu is largely wraps,

Welcome Walgreens: City Leroy Comrie joined St. Albans community, clergy and civic leaders in celebrating the opening of the Walgreens Pharmacy with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, March 8. The newly-established business is located at 11255 Farmers Blvd., St. Albans.

there is an undertone of a Mexican flare. At Creative Wraps, there is something for everyone, including food for vegetarians and meat lovers. If you are hoping for a taste of seafood, Creative Wraps also has something for you. With the establishment approaching its first year, Letman is looking to expand Creative Wraps Restaurant and Bakery’s footprint. He is currently awaiting permits for a sidewalk café and hopes to expand and franchise within a year. Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123.

A&E

The Wizard of Beechhurst Lives On

Last Greatest Magician in the World: Howard Thurston versus Houdini & the SMASH! The world-famous magician Battles of the American Wizards,” in slammed down his hammer and the which the above incident is described, president’s pocket watch shattered into and the following story is told. Thurston first became famous as a a million tiny pieces. He’d just vaudeville star, later expanding borrowed it from Coolidge, for his show into a very elaborate a part of his performance at the touring production. For almost White House, and now cogs, 30 years, in the early 20th cengears and glass littered the table tury, Thurston performed illulike confetti. sions involving mysterious spirDid the horrified look on the its, women floating and revolvface of a watching Secret Service ing in mid-air, a vanishing agent mean his career was about horse, a magically materialized to be ended? The magician quickly wrapped all the bits and The cover of Jim lion, bunnies becoming boxes pieces in a piece of paper, made Steinmeyer’s book, of chocolates and much more. Ironically, considering his it disappear, and asked the First which details the Lady to slice a nearby loaf of true-life exploits of expertise at creating illusions bread. Inside it was her husband’s a Queens magician. that made people believe in magic, Thurston himself, at the watch, completely intact. age of 37, believed that he The magician was Howard Thurston, one of the subjects of Jim could find the real thing. On a visit to Steinmeyer’s fantastic new book, “The India in 1906, he gave money to an old BY BARBARA ARNSTEIN

Restaurant Review

In A Beautiful Kitchen and honey, caramelized walnuts, vinaigrette and gorgonzola cheese on a bed of mesclun greens. It was refreshing and delicate. A hot antipasto platter loaded with eggplant parmesan, stuffed mushrooms, grilled shrimp, stuffed clams and mushrooms was replaced in its stead. I had one issue with the dish – I wanted more clams, but was too afraid to ask for seconds. Besides, I would soon be chomping down on lobster ravioli, striped sea bass and sautéed shrimp. If you read carefully, you would revert to the sentence where I expressed openly and honestly my love for foods creamy, cheesy and doughy. The lobster ravioli was all of the above. The best part was three hidden shrimp I unearthed in the sauce. That was followed by a nicely cooked striped bass in a tomato-based sauce and adorned with sautéed shrimp. For me, the piece de resistance was the rib-eye steak smothered in a mushroom cream sauce. It was accompanied by roasted potatoes and green beans. We slowly carved our way into the bass and steak. Knowing dessert was only minutes away we thought better of finishing the meal. Dessert was a welcomed surprise. First, we introduced our palates to a beautifully arranged martini glass loaded to the rim with fruit bathed in a healthy splash of Grand Marnier, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a lady finger. As we sipped the sweet liquor, I thought here is a perfect way to end a delightful meal. It was not over. Lucy brought out a slice of ricotta cheesecake, which was accented by a splotch of raspberry and chocolate syrup. This was the perfect end to an ideal evening. Good conversation, good food. What else can you ask for? —Sasha Austrie

equipment for his magical effects. The many well-guarded secrets behind Thurston’s stage illusions involved everything from fine wires to black threads. But one incredible secret was revealed to Jane only after his death: she was his stepdaughter. Jim Steinmeyer has written many wellreceived books and articles on magic and other topics, including “Hiding the Elephant” and “Charles Fort, the Man Who Invented the Supernatural.” The man called “the best living originator of stage illusions” created many exciting effects for clients ranging from the circus to EPCOT. He designed the finale of Broadway’s “Beauty and the Beast,” in which the beast is levitated into the air and transformed back into the prince, and created the special effects for a recent production of “The Invisible Man,” in which the main character appears to materialize on stage layer by layer. His book was published by Jeremy P. Tarcher, Penguin, a member of Penguin Group, Inc.

Classic Tale Of Justice Brought To Whitestone By BARBARA ARNSTEIN Do you always see what you think you’re seeing? Do you always hear what you think you’re hearing? What do you think? “Twelve Angry Men,” presented in Whitestone by Theatre Time Productions, begins after a trial ends, when the jurors must decide whether the 16-year-old boy on trial for murder should live or die. Almost all agree on his guilt – except Juror No. 8, expertly portrayed by Armand Catenaro, the narrator in Theatre Time’s 2008 production of “Our Town”. For those familiar with the movie adaptation, the role was dominated by Henry Fonda. One by one, he challenges the others, transforming resentment to reason and stubbornness to sanity, while demonstrating what more there is to see than the jurors were shown, and to understand beyond what they were told. Thomas J. Kane, who appeared in “Our Town” and other plays, is riveting in the role of Juror No. 3, a man so choked with resentment that he contemplates misdirected revenge. Michael Wolf, another Theatre Time regular, is excellent as Juror No. 10, the explosively emotional embodiment of bigotry, while Al Carbuto, also a veteran of Theatre Time productions, delivers an inspiring performance as Juror No. 11, the man who most appreciates the value of democracy. Danny Leonard Gutman realistically depicts the sensitivity and anger experienced by Juror No. 5, the youngest, while Howard M. Speiller delivers a nicely subtle performance as humane Juror No. 9. Frank Freeman, whose roles have

The cast of Theatre Time’s “Twelve Angry Men.” ranged from comedic to menacing, here plays Juror No. 4, a conservative yet openminded man. The experienced Keith Junas, a member of the cast of Theatre Time’s original production of this play, provides comic relief as Juror No. 12, an advertising executive who takes his jury responsibility lightly. Rounding out the wonderful ensemble cast are Adam Bjelland, making his debut with Theatre Time as the Foreman; movie and stage actor Anthony Bisciello as Juror No. 6; and Eric Leeb, who has appeared in many local productions, as Juror No. 2. The role of Juror No. 7, well played last weekend by Peter Vrankovic, is played this weekend by Jim Thomas. Performances of “Twelve Angry Men” are on Friday, March 18, and Saturday, March 19, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, March 20, at 3 p.m. Kudos to Kevin C. Vincent, the Director, Artistic Director and Producer, and his wife Judy Vincent, also a Producer . Call (347) 732-9015 for tickets. For more information, go to theatretime.org.

March 18-24, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

LA BELLA CUCINA 69-61 Juniper Blvd. South, Middle Village (718) 894-8191 CUISINE: Italian HOURS: Mon–Thu 11 am to 10 pm; FriSat 11 am to 1 pm; Sun 11 am to 10:30 pm CREDIT CARDS: All Parking: Valet / Street On the slightly darkened streets of Juniper Boulevard South, La Bella Cucina stands out among the row of houses. On approach, the bright lights are a simple welcome to old-fashioned Italy, with a new world twist. Simply put, Middle Village has a gem. The dimly lit dining room and soft music, which never competed with conversation, speaks of romance. The tables where accented with pristine white and burgundy tablecloths and the unoccupied ones were adorned with a vase of faux flowers. When seated you are given two menus – one for drinks, which is rife with cocktails, and wine; the other has all the Italian staples. There is something for everyone. I started out with a smooth and fullbodied pinot noir 2009 and my date, ever the ruffian, went with the Blue Moon with a delicate slice of orange. As someone who is totally in love with carbohydrates, the fresh oven-baked pizza bread woke up my dormant taste buds. It was followed by warm crescent rolls stuffed with pepperoni and onions. As a lover of anything creamy, cheesy or doughy, I omitted lunch to be ready for the food onslaught. I was still ill-prepared for the deluge. After my companion and I had almost filled up on rolls, Lucy, one of our servers suggested the pear salad. I was a bit skeptical, but I’m on a mission to indulge my palate in food adventures, so I gave it a whirl. The dish is comprised of marinated pears in red wine

man who told him through an interpreter that he would teach him the secret of selflevitation, as soon as he returned from a five-day stay in the mountains. “If this man can really accomplish this, then I have to learn it,” he told his troupe, while he waited. “I’ll stay here and learn his secret, even if it takes years.” The man never returned. Thurston’s brand of magic played various roles in his real life offstage: That watch trick he performed at the White House? Years earlier, he’d used the secret switching technique behind it to cheat people by substituting gold watches for gold-plated ones. In Australia, he used his knowledge of misdirection to help his assistant George White evade racists. In 1915, Thurston had a three-story home constructed in Beechhurst, in what was then known as Whitestone Landing, which he owned for the next 20 years. There he kept the horse (and the lion) from his stage show, plus two monkeys. Nearby, at Knab’s Pavilion (neither the house nor the pavilion still exist), he created intricate

Faith

Clergy Unite To Combat Local Ills BY SASHA AUSTRIE Clergy United Community Empowerment is taking the community back to basics, back to a time when the church was the center of black leadership. “Most of the accomplishments in our community started in a church,” said the Rev. Charles Norris Sr., a member of CUCE. “The NAACP started in a church, the Civil Rights Movement started in the church. Most black colleges started in a church.” On March 27, at 7 p.m., Calvary Baptist Church, located at 111-10 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., will host the first in a series of rallies that will bring the church and

Word

persuade the VA and elected officials to advocate for a full-service hospital that is open to veterans and civilians. “If you take out two hospitals and don’t put sufficient [facilities] back in, you

are saying ‘let them black people die,’” he said. Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123.

Press Photo by Ira Cohen

“Whether you believe in God or not does not matter so much. Whether you believe in Buddha or not does not matter so much. You must lead a good life.” The Dalai Lama

the community together. Norris said the church rally will focus on jobs, education, foreclosures, crime and the St. Albans VA hospital. “We hope to get the community involved in solving problems,” he said. “The community needs to be more active in working with elected officials to get things done. We will be doing it through action taken in the church.” Norris feels the community is frustrated with the way Mayor Mike Bloomberg has handled the City’s education system. “This mayor has loused up education in this city,” he said, adding there should be an overseer of the Dept. of Education. In terms of crime plaguing the streets of Southeast Queens, he has renewed his calls for a gun buyback program, which would take illegal firearms off of streets. “We are killing each other and nobody is saying anything,” Norris said. Norris believes jobs and foreclosures are linked, claiming the lack of jobs and the foreclosure crisis in Southeast Queens are connected. “If they gave us jobs, we could pay for our homes and we wouldn’t go into foreclosures,” he said. The St. Albans VA has been a source of contention for a number of years. Norris said the closure of two hospitals that serviced Southeast Queens should

Clergy United Community Empowerment a rally on March 27, at 7 p.m., at Calvary Baptist Church to bring the church and the community together.

Notebook Varied Intership Program

Leaving Teens Feeling Like VIPs Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 18-24, 2011

BY SASHA AUSTRIE Maybe it’s the $50 a week stipend or maybe they genuinely understand that the Varied Internship Program Inc. can be the first step toward a successful life. Whatever the reason, the headquarters at 89-31 161st St. were crowded on March 11. The scene seems like an anomaly, but program director Nettie Johnson-Burgess has seen this for 20 years. “It is rewarding and fulfilling when you see the change in young people,” Johnson-Burgess said. This particular Friday, the teenagers were engaged in a workshop regarding sexually transmitted infections. JohnsonBurgess contends that the program, which was created in April 1991 by Professor James Blake, equips its students with life skills, job readiness and friendship. “Besides having a job, we have seen a lot of bonding with the young people,” she said. The program is funded by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. VIP is designed to include local merchants in the training

and mentoring of youth ages 14 to 18. Program Assistant Melecia Henriques said there are about 50 students in the program and a waiting list of about 30. Johnson-Burgess said students are placed at the libraries, St. Albans VA Community Living Center and local hospitals. Rowan Vassell, 17, a Benjamin Cardozo High School senior, is not shy about his future career. Though he was not placed in a facility that is close to his interest, Vassell takes pride in what he does. He wants to be a civil attorney and he interns at the St. Albans VA. “I didn’t have a job, and it gave me something to do,” he said. Vassell has steered many to VIP’s doors. His pitch is, “Do you want to do something and get something for absolutely nothing?” Clearly, it has worked. It brought Vanessa Mejia, 18, to VIP. Mejia, also a Cardozo senior, has been with the program since October 2010. Her interest in the medical field led her to intern at Queens Hospital Center. With graduation approaching, she wanted to narrow her focus. Mejia has settled on a future as a physician’s assistant.

Meija said VIP has helped her stay out of trouble. “It’s like having a second parent,” she said. Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123. The Varied Intership Program’s founder Professor James Blake (inset) speaks to participants of VIP’s session.

What’s Up SATURDAY, MARCH 19 Youth & Tennis

TUESDAY, MARCH 22 Job Club

The Youth and Tennis group meets every Saturday morning at Roy Wilkins Park Saturday. To learn more, call Bill Briggs at (718) 658-6728.

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.

Haiti, Je T’aime! Please join us for a presentation of “Haiti, je t’aime!” followed by Haitian music and dance performed by the Agoci Dance Company. Finding inspiration in the tragic earthquake of Jan. 2010, this moving collection will be available for sale and autographing. A reception will follow. This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 2 p.m.

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) 2623707. This event will be held at the York College Performing Arts Center, 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., at 8 p.m. Admission is $7.

SUNDAY, MARCH 20 Open Mic Featured Reader Nicole Cooley is from New Orleans and is now a professor of English at Queens College, where she directs the new MFA Program in Creative Writing and Literary Translation. She has published five books, most recently the poetry collections “Breach” (Louisiana State University Press) and “Milk Dress” (Alice James Books). This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 2 p.m.

All in the Timing See Saturday’s listing. At 3 p.m. This event will be held at the York College Performing Arts Center, 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., at 8 p.m. Admission is $7.

MONDAY, MARCH 21 Adult Chess Club

How to Find a Job The Job Information Center in collaboration with New York Cares will help you find the most useful Web sites when job hunting. You must have basic computer skills. Seating is limited; pre-registration is required. Topics include an introduction to Internet job searching; job search assessment; job sites and resumes; applying for jobs and a practice session. This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 6:30 p.m.

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.

All in the Timing See Saturday’s listing. At 3 p.m. This event will be held at the York College Performing Arts Center, 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., at noon. Admission is $7.

Queens Leadership Meeting Councilman James Sanders and Bertha Lewis of The Black Institute & New York Communities for Change invite you to join local elected officials, community members, and labor activists to discuss the issue of Wal-Mart coming to New York City. Come learn about: the original Gateway II project that was approved; history and practices of Wal-Mart; an analysis of the impact Wal-Mart would have on New York. Please be advised that this meeting is by invitation only. You must RSVP to Donovan Richards at Drichards@council.nyc.gov or (718) 527-4356. This free event will be held at Saint Luke Cathedral, 133-21 232nd St., from 7-9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 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.

Intro to Email In this single-session workshop, customers will learn how manage their own email account and send and receive email messages. 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.

THURSDAY, MARCH 24 Adult Chess Club Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings. The event is held at 6 p.m. every Thursday at Queens Village Library, 94-11 217 St., (718) 776-6800.

This is a five part series of workshops on topics related to managing your personal finances. The day’s seminar will focus on how to increase your savings without increasing your paycheck. This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 10:30 p.m. How Much: Free

FRIDAY, MARCH 25 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.

Alexis Caputo Alexis Caputo is a Florida and New York-based performance artist, poet, writer and activist. Caputo’s artistic portfolio began in performance studies and educational theatre. A chief influence emerged, as Caputo looked upon the historical context of women’s contributions in the arts, personal exploration and her contribution to the educational community where her instruction was received. For additional information, contact Jacqueline Bailey at jbailey@york.cuny.edu or (718) 262-3750. This event will be held at the York College Performing Arts Center, 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., from 7-9 p.m. Admission is $20.

ONGOING CPR Training 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 Manhattan, 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 Empower-

ment, Inc. Group Sessions are located at 8931 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.

HIV Awareness Clergy United for Community Empowerment provides intervention and curriculum-based prevention education sessions on HIV/AIDS, to reduce risk behaviors that lead to HIV transmission. Services are located at 89-31 161st St., Jamaica. Call (718) 297-0720 ask about our presentation to adolescents and men/women of color. Services are available Tue.-Thurs., 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Laurelton Flea Market 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.

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.

PAL Volunteers The Police Athletic League (PAL) is looking for volunteers to continue its mission of serving New York City’s young people by donating their time and talents to help serve Queens youngsters at PAL’s Redfern Cornerstone and Far Rockaway Beacon in Arverne-Far Rockaway, PAL’s Edward Byrne Center in South Jamaica and PS 214 in Flushing. PAL Centers in Queens offer a wide range of opportunities for volunteers of all talents. PAL’s Redfern Cornerstone and Far Rockaway Beacon are looking for people to participate in a center clean-up day. Volunteers are needed to tutor and mentor young people during the After School Program’s daily homework help sessions. In addition, individuals can also donate their time assisting the many special events held at PAL’s Centers throughout the year. PAL is also seeking professionals to give career advice and talk about their own careers to young people, as well as guest speakers who can share information on a specific hobby of interest to the youngsters. To become a volunteer with the Police Athletic League or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, please visit palnyc.org. Volunteers will go through an application process that includes an interview, screening and an orientation. For more information, please contact PAL’s Volunteer Coordinator, Alexandria Sumpter-Delves, at (212) 477-9450, Ext. 390 or volunteer@palnyc.org.

March 18-24, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

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

Financial Literacy Seminars

Queens Today 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.

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 18-24, 2011

SENIORS AARP CHORUS Like to sing? The AARP Queens Chorus holds practice rehearsals for performances at nursing homes, rehab and senior centers. 523-1330. FREE LUNCH Saturday, March 19 at All Saints Church in Richmond Hill. 849-2352 reservations. TAI CHI CLASSES Mondays at 9 Pomonok Senior Center, 67-09 Kissena Blvd, Flushing. 591-3377. TAX HELP Mondays, March 21, 28 free individual income tax counseling for low-income older adults at 1 at the Sunnyside library. AARP 1405 Monday, March 21 Flushing AARP Chapter meets at the Bowne Street Communit y Church, 143-11 Roosevelt Avenue at 1. 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 Tu e s d a y s , M a r c h 2 2 , 2 9 AARP free individual income tax counseling for low-income older adults at 1 at the Bayside library. Also on Tuesday, March 22 at the Hollis library at 1. STAY WELL Wednesdays at 10:15 at the East Elmhurst library for exercise and other health related programs. WOMANSPACE Wednesdays Womanspace, a discussion group devoted to issues concerning women, meets 1-3 at the Great Neck Senior Center, 80 Grace Avenue. TAX HELP Wednesdays, March 23, 30 free tax help for low and middle incomes at the Broad Channel library at 1. TAX HELP Thursdays, March 24, 31 AARP free individual income tax counseling for low-income older adults at 1 at the Fresh Meadows library. STARS Fridays, March 25, April 1 at 10:30 at the Queens Village library. Senior Theater Acting Repertory meets. FREE LUNCH Saturday, March 26 at Church of the Resurrection in Kew Gardens. 847-2649 reservations.

Queens Today YOUTH

TEENS CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2. TEEN TUTORING Saturdays, March 19, 26 at the Bayside library at 10. 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. TEEN TUTORING Mondays, March 21, 28 at the Bayside library at 3:30. LAPTOPS FOR TEENS Mondays, March 21, 28 at the Hollis library at 4. CHESS CLUB Mondays, March 21, 28 at the Lefferts library at 6. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library at 4. SHSAT PRACTICE Monday, March 21 at the Cambria Heights library at 3. YOUTH JOB FAIR Monday, March 21 at the Far Rockaway library at 3. TEST FEST Monday, March 21 with the Princeton Review at the South Hollis library. Register. COLLEGE BOUND Monday, March 21 College Bound Club for Teens at 4 at the Central library. SAT/ACT ADMISSIONS Monday, March 21 at the Richmond Hill library. Register. TEEN COMPUTER Monday, March 21 Teen Computer Lounge at the Ro c h d a l e V i l l a g e l i b r a r y. Register. COLLEGE PREP Monday, March 21 at the Pomonok library at 5. MINI TABLE TENNIS Tu e s d ay, M a r c h 2 2 c o m e play table tennis at 4 at the LIC library. BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays, March 22, 29 at the Hillcrest library at 3:30. LAPTOPS FOR TEENS Tuesdays, March 22, 29 at the Hollis library at 4. TEEN GAME DAY Tuesdays, March 22, 29 at the Rochdale Village library at 4. DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Tuesdays, March 22, 29 at the Baisley Park library. Register. COLLEGE PROCESS Tuesdays, March 22, April 11 at the Far Rockaway library at 3:30. GRAPHIC NOVELIST Tuesday, March 22 meet graphic novelist Neil Numberman at 3:30 at the Middle Village library. LANYARD MANIA Tuesday, March 22 at the Briarwood library at 4. IMAGE CONSULTANT Tuesday, March 22 at the C a m b r i a H e i g h t s l i b r a r y. Register. TEEN TRIVIA Tuesday, March 22 at the Seaside library at 4:30. CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library. TEEN COMPUTER Wednesday, March 23 Teen Computer Lounge at the Ro c h d a l e V i l l a g e l i b r a r y.

Register. LEARN MAGIC Wednesday, March 23 at the Woodside library at 4. TEST FEST Thursday, March 24 with the Princeton Review at the Bay Terrace library. Register. FUTURE WRITERS Saturday, March 26 book club at the LIC library at 11.

PARENTS FAMILY RESOURCE Saturday, March 19 Family Resource Day with info about summer camps, child care programs, educational resources Flushing library at 11. COLLEGE PROCESS Tuesdays, March 22, April 11 parents can learn about the college process at 3:30 at the Far Rockaway library. YOGA FOR PARENTS Thursday, March 24 at the Ridgewood library. Register.

TALKS PARANORMAL Saturday, March 19 Paranormal and Mystery Book Club will discuss “No Second Chance” LIC library at 3:30. AVI POSNICK Monday, March 21 Avi Posnick speaks at the Bayside Jewish Center at 2:30 on “Education is the Road to Peace.” 352-7900. INVESTOR TALK Monday, March 21 Investor Education Seminar with St. John’s Universit y School of Law Securities Arbitration Clinic Flushing library 6:30. INTRO TO TAROT Monday, March 21 at the Seaside library at 6:30. POMONOK Wednesday, March 23 “The Blindness of the Heart” will be discussed at the Pomonok book club at 2. FRESH MEADOWS Wednesday, March 23 “Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand” Fresh Meadows library at 2:30. FINANCIAL LITERACY Thursday, March 24 learn to manage your personal finances at the Central library. RICHMOND HILL Thursday, March 24 Richmond Hill Book Club at 3. PHILOSOPHY CLUB Thursday, March 24 at the Seaside library at 6:30. WOMEN MOVERS Saturday, March 26 Women Making Moves: The Three Ps: for Success: Platform, Power, Publishing at 10:30 Langston Hughes library. DIE FREE Saturday, March 26 author Cheryl Wills speaks about her book “Die Free: A Heroic Family History” at 1:30 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows. WOMEN & FOOD Sunday, March 27 “Mom’s Home Cooking: Women & Food in Queens History” lecture 2:30 Queens Historical Societ y. $8 non-members, $5 members. 939-0647.

QUEENS LIBRARIES Many branches of the Queensborough Library offer toddler and pre-school programs. Contact your local branch for dates. KIDS’ THEATER Through Saturday, April 9 LaMicro Children’s Theater Workshop at the Sunnyside library. S TORY T I M E Saturdays, March 19, 26, April 2 at the Ridgewood library at 11. S TORY T I M E Saturday, March 19 at the Flushing library at 11. ART FOR TOTS Saturdays, March 19, April 16, Sundays, February 27, March 27, April 10 Art for Tots 2-4 at the Noguchi Museum. 204-7088. CATERPILLAR STORY Saturday, March 19 Ver y Hungry Caterpillar Story time at 11 at Barnes & Noble, 1 7 6 - 6 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i k e , Fresh Meadows. TEEN TUTORING Saturdays, March 19, 26 at the Bayside library at 10. MATH HELP Saturdays at the Flushing library at 10. SCIENCE LAB Saturdays, March 19, 26, April 2 at the Central library at 11. CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2. S TORY TIMES Saturdays at 11 and Tuesdays at 10:30 weekly story times at 7 at Barnes & Noble, 1 7 6 - 6 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i k e , Fresh Meadows. ANIMAL HOMES Saturday, March 19 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000 to register. ART FOR FAMILIES Sunday, March 20 for families with children 5-11 at the Noguchi Museum. 2047088. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at 4 at the Douglaston/Little Neck lib ra r y. B r i n g n e e d l e s a n d yarn. AFTERSCHOOL TIME Mondays, March 21, 28 at the Arverne library at 3. CRAFT KIDS Mondays, March 21, 28 at the Flushing library at 3. HOMEWORK HELP Monday, March 21 with BOOST at the LIC library at 3. TEEN TUTORING Mondays, March 21, 28 at the Bayside library at 3:30. CUDDLE-UP TIME Mondays, March 21, 28 Russian Cuddle-Up Story Time at the Forest Hills library at 3:30. CHESS CLUB Mondays, March 21, 28 at the Lefferts library at 6. LIVE ANIMALS Monday, March 21 at the Corona library. Register. PERFECT PET Monday, March 21 at 3 at the Corona library and 4:30 at the Jackson Heights library. Meet and learn about some unusual pets. PLAY-DOH PART Y Monday, March 21 for those in K-3 at the Fresh Meadows

library at 3:30. CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Tuesdays, March 22, 29 at the Glen Oaks library at 11. HOMEWORK HELP Tu e s d ay, M a r c h 2 2 w i t h BOOST at the LIC library at 3. BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays, March 22, 29 at the Hillcrest library at 3:30. DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Tuesdays, March 22, 29 at the Baisley Park library. Register. NUTRITION WORKSHOP Tuesday, March 22 at the Ridgewood library. Register. BOOST WOMEN Tuesday, March 22 BOOST Women’s History Month program at the McGoldrick library at 5. CHESS Wednesdays at the Queens Village library at 3:30. CRAFTS Wednesdays, March 23, 30 at the Steinway library at 11. First come, first served. FAMILY COLORING Wednesdays, March 23, 30 at the Queensboro Hill library at 11:15. HOMEWORK HELP Wednesday, March 23 with BOOST at the LIC library at 3. CHESS & CHECKERS Wednesdays, March 23, 30 at the Woodside library at 3. FUN READING Wednesdays, March 23, 30 at the Bay Terrace library at 3:30. CROCHETING Wednesdays, March 23, 30 at the Bayside library. Register. CHESS CLUB Wednesdays, March 23, 30 at the Ridgewood library at 4. FAMILY STORY TIME Wednesdays, March 23, 30 at the Queensboro Hill library at 11. S TORY T I M E Wednesday, March 23 at t h e E a st E l m h u r st l i b r a r y. Register. BABY CRAWL Wednesdays, March 23, 30 at the Forest Hills library at 1:30. NECKLACE Wednesday, March 23 Native American Necklace workshop at the Fresh Meadows librar y. Register. WAND CRAFT Wednesday, March 23 Rainbow Wand Craft at the East Flushing library. Register. DISCOVER SCIENCE Thursdays, March 24, 31 with BOOST at the McGoldrick library at 5. HOMEWORK HELP Thursday, March 24 with BOOST at the LIC library at 3. ARTS & CRAFTS Thursday, March 24 at the Auburndale library at 4. AFTERSCHOOL TIME Thursdays, March 24, 31 at the Arverne library at 3. SPRING CRAFT Thursday, March 24 at the Pomonok library at 3:30. BOOK TALK Thursday, March 24 at the Poppenhusen library at 3:30. CHESS CLUB Fridays at the Poppenhusen

library at 3:30. GAME DAY Fridays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library. GAME PLAYERS CLUB Fridays at the Hillcrest library at 4. GAME TIME Fridays at the Windsor Park library at 4. CHESS CLUB Fridays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library. Register. ACTIVITY TIME Fridays at the Briarwood library at 3:30. RAISING READERS Friday, March 25 at the Peninsula library at 10:30. WII SPORTS Friday, March 25 at the Maspeth library at 3:30. GAME DAY Friday, March 25 BOOST Game Day at the McGoldrick library at 5. FAMILY STORY TIME Fridays, March 25, April 1 at the Seaside library at 11. HOMEWORK HELP Friday, March 25 with BOOST at the LIC library at 3. BOOK BUDDIES Friday, March 25 at the Bayside library at 4. ARTS & CRAFTS Friday, March 25 at the Briarwood library at 4. ARTS & CRAFTS Friday, March 25 at the East Flushing library. Register. BOOK BUDDIES Friday, March 25 at the Fresh Meadows library at 4. CRAFTERNOONS Fridays, March 25, April 1 a t t h e R i d gewo o d l i b ra r y. Register. PRESCHOOL CRAFTS Friday, March 25 at the Sunnyside library. Register. GAME DAYS Fridays, March 25, April 1 at the Bay Terrace library at 2:30. READ TO ME Friday, March 25 at the Briarwood library at 3.

SINGLES SINGLES SOCIAL & DANCE Sundays, March 27, April 10, June 12 singles social and dance from 2-6. $10. Over 45. Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd., Rego Park. 459-1000.

THEATER SLOW DANCE March 18-27 new American musical Slow Dance will be performed at Queens Theatre in the Park. 760-0064. ALL SHOOK UP Sunday, March 27 features Elvis songs at Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6311. IN ARABIA May 6-13 “In Arabia We’d All Be Kings” by Stephen Adly Guirgis at Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6284. $10, seniors $4, facult y and students $3. KILLING KOMPANY The Killing Company performs mystery dinner shows. 1-888-SHOOT-EM.

Queens Today

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS the Arverne library at 10. INTRO COMPUTERS Tuesdays, March 22, 29 at the Peninsula library. Register. MICROSOFT WORD Tuesday, March 22 at the McGoldrick library. Register. COMPUTER BASICS Tuesday, March 22 at t he Queens Village library. Register. ADVANCED COMPUTER Tuesday, March 22 at the Steinway librar y. Register. TAX PREP Tu e s d a y a n d T h u r s d ay, March 22, 24 Self-Guided Ta x P r e p a ra t i o n a t t h e Steinway librar y. Register. COMPUTER TIPS Tuesday, March 22 Tips and Tricks of Using Computers at the Maspeth library at 1. MEDITATION Tuesday, March 22 Meditation for Body, Mind and Spirit at 2 at the Bellerose library. Thursday, March 24 at the Steinway library at 6. GET YOUR YARNS OUT! Tuesdays after evening Minyan at 8, knitters, crocheters, needlepointers, and others meet at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000, ext. 200. DUPLICATE BRIDGE Wednesdays 10:30-3:00 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills. $12 session, includes light lunch. 261-2900. WATERCOLOR CL ASS Wednesdays at 9:30 at NAL. Traditional and contemporary, all levels. 969-1128. INDOOR SOCCER – DADS Wednesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000. SCRABBLE Wednesdays, March 23, 30 at the Forest Hills library at 2. INTRO EMAIL Wednesday, March 23 at the Central library. Register. EMAIL BASICS Wednesday, March 23 at t h e W i n d s o r Pa r k l i b ra r y. Register. QUILTING CLASSES Thursdays 10-2 at the Maria Rose Doll Museum in St. Albans. 276-3454 or 917817-8653 to 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. SKETCHING Thursday, March 24 T h e Essentials of Sketch at the Flushing library at 7. WRITERS’ WORKSHOP Thursday, March 24 at the Bayside library. Register. COMPUTER CLASS Friday, March 25 at the Middle Village library. Register. KNITTING CLUB Fridays at the Maspeth library at 10. KNIT & CROCHET Fridays at the Fresh Meadows library at 10:30. ESL CLUB Friday, March 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 25, April 1 chess, checkers and other board games at 2:30 at the Bay Terrace library. CHESS CLUB Friday, March 25 at the Auburndale library at 3:30. DEFENSIVE DRIVING Saturday, March 26 at the Knights of Columbus in Valley Stream. 341-0452. INTERVIEW PREP Saturday, March 26 Interview Preparation Workshop for Adults at 3 at the Broadway library. FM POETS Saturday, March 26 Fresh Meadows Poets meet to discuss and critique their work at 10 at the Forest Hills library.

HEALTH NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS 7 days a week. 962-6244. 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. ZUMBA Saturday, March 19 at the L a n g s to n H u g h e s l i b r a r y. Register. CHAIR YOGA Monday, March 21 at the Rosedale library. Register. ZUMBA Mondays, March 21, 28 at the St. Albans library. Register. ASK THE DOCTOR Monday, March 21 at the LIC library at 6. CHAIR YOGA Tuesday, March 22 Woodhaven library. Register. CHAIR YOGA Tu e s d ay, M a r c h 2 2 Re go Park library. Register. ALZHEIMERS Tu e s d a y, March 22 Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills. 592-5757, ext. 237. LOSE WEIGHT Tuesday, March 22 Maxim i z e Yo u r M e t a b o l i s m to Lose Weight at 2 at the Hillcrest library. FIBROMYALGIA Tuesday, March 22 at the Fresh Meadows library at 3. ZUMBA Wednesday, March 23 Zumba Class at the Flushing library. Register. OA Thursdays at the Howard Beach library at 10:30. ZUMBA Thursday, March 24 at the Corona library. Register. HATHA YOGA Thursdays, March 24, 31 at the Queensboro Hill library at 6. Bring mat and wear comfortable clothing. CHAIR YOGA Thursday, March 24 Howard Beach library. Register. ZUMBA Friday, March 25 at the Astoria library. Register.

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 Andy Warhol and Beyond at the 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. JEWISH CONCERT Monday, March 21 International Resource Center presents Music and Voices of the Multicultural Jewish Communit y at the Flushing library at 6. IRISH MUSIC Monday, March 21 Irish Traditional Music with fiddler Bernadette Fee and vocalist Mary Courtney at the Sunnyside library at 6. MOVIE & TALK Mondays the Friends of Pomonok present a movie and discussion. Bring lunch. 1 at the Pomonok library. BINGO Tuesdays at 7:15 at American Mart yrs Church, church basement, 216-01 Union Tu r n p i k e , B a y s i d e . 4 6 4 4 5 8 2 . Tu e s d ay s at 7:15 (doors open 6) at the Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd. 459-1000.$3 admission includes 12 games. CHAMBER MUSIC Tuesday, March 22 Music of Beethoven, Dvorak and Fa u re. Tuesday, April 12 Jazz from Queens College. Friday, April 22 Windscape. Tu e s d a y, A p r i l 2 6 L u c y Shelton and Friends. Friday, M a y 6 C l a r e m o n t Tr i o . LeFrak Concert Hall at Queens College at 10. Free parking. $95 series. 9973802. CZESLAW MILOSZ Tuesday, March 22 Centennial Celebration of the Work of Czeslaw Milosz at 7 in the Music Building at Queens College. $20. 793-8080. BLUES Thursday, March 24 Eddie Lee Isaacs and the Rockin’ Side of the Blues at the Whitestone library at 2. SONGS OF THE 60S Thursday, March 24 Songs of the Sixties at the McGoldrick library at 2:30. OPEN MIC Thursday, March 24 at the East Elmhurst library at 6. LIVE JAZZ Fridays through December 13 at 180-25 Linden Blvd.., St. Albans. 347-262-1169

ticket information. ABBAMANIA Saturday, March 26 at Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6311. DOO-WOP Saturday, March 26 annual fundraising Doo Wop concert at Beach Channel HS. 755-6262. RUSSIAN FESTIVAL Saturday, March 26 at the Flushing library starting at noon. WOMEN’S HISTORY Saturday, March 26 celebrating Women’s History Month with New Voices in Fiction at the Langston Hughes library at 1. SYMPHONY 101 Saturday, March 26 at 1 at the Lefferts library and at 3 at the Bayside library. MERCER Saturday, March 26 tribute to Johnny Mercer at the Forest Hills library at 2. ART IN EUROPE

Saturday, March 26 Provocative Fin de Siecle: Art in Europe at the End of the 19 th C e n t u r y a t t h e F r e s h Meadows library at 3. LATIN/AFRO-CARIBBEAN Saturday, March 26 at the Langston Hughes library at 3:30. PET THEATRE Sunday, March 27 Gregory Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre at Queens College. 7938080. KAROAKE Sunday, March 27 at the Community House in Forest Hills. 279-3006 for ticket information. Fundraiser for the Oratorio Society of Queens. RAGTIME Sunday, March 27 Paragon Ragtime Orchestra at Flushing Town Hall. 894-2178. STAMP SHOW Sunday, March 27 at the Ramada Inn, 220-33 Northern Blvd., Bayside. Free. 104:30.

RELIGIOUS REFORM TEMPLE 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. REGO PARK JC 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. Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd. 4591000. HILLCREST Saturday, March 19 Purim Celebration 7:30. Sunday, March 20 Minyan 8:30 followed by Megillah reading at 9:15. Hillcrest Jewish Cen-

MEETINGS BELLA ITALIA MIA Sundays, March 20, April 10 Bella Italia Mia will meet.4574816. P-FLAG Sunday, March 20 PFLAG, a support group for parents, families and friends of lesbians and gays, meet in Forest Hills. 271-6663. MENS CLUB SOCCER Tuesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 2637000. FH VAC Wednesdays, March 23, April 27 Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corp meets. 793-2055. ST. ALBANS CIVIC Sunday, March 27 St. Albans Civic Improvement Association meets at St. Albans L u t h e r a n C h u r c h , 2 0 0 th Street and 199 th Avenue in the undercroft at 1:30. JEWISH VETS Sunday, March 27 Jewish Wa r Ve te ra n s o f t h e U SA Lipsky/Blum Post meet at the Garden Jewish Center. 4634742.

ter, 183-02 Union Turnpike, Flushing. 380-4145. FOREST HILLS Sunday, March 20 7 th Annual Purim Carnival after Megillah reading noon-2:30. Come in your favorite costume! 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. 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. LUTHERAN REDEEMER Wednesdays, March 23, 30 Midweek Lenten Service at 7:30. Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 157-16 65 th Avenue, Flushing. 358-2744. JEWISH MEDITATION Thursdays, March 24, April 7 at the Hillcrest Jewish Center. $10 suggested donation. 380-4145. 7:30.

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. SPRING BOOK SALE Sunday, March 27 9-3 at the Bellerose Jewish Center. Books, records, DVDs and more. 254-04 Union Turnpike, Floral Park.

March 18-24, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

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. BECOME A CITIZEN Saturdays, March 19, 26 at the LIC library. CRAFT CLASSES Saturdays 11-3 at Maria Rose International Doll Museum in St. Albans. 2763454. SCRABBLE CLUB Saturdays at 10 at Count Basie Jr. HS, 132 nd Street and Guy R. Brewer Blvd. 8865236. PET OWNERS Sundays (not on holidays) from 1-4 free workshops on pet behavior at Crocheron Park in Bayside (weather permitting). 454-5800. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library at 4. DRAWING CLASS Mondays at the National Art League in Douglaston. 3610628. ADULT CHESS Mondays and Thursdays at the Queens Village library at 5:30. BEGIN ENGLISH Mondays and Wednesdays free Beginners English Classes 10-11:30 at the Pomonok Senior Center, 6709 Kissena Blvd., Flushing. 591-3377. BALLROOM DANCE Mondays, March 21, 28 Ballroom Dancing with Jing Chen at the Forest Hills library at 6:30. POETRY WRITING Monday, March 21 poetry writing workshops at the Woodhaven librar y. Register. COMPUTER EMAIL Monday, March 21 Computer Class Email at the Fresh Meadows library. First come, first served at 10:30. FIND A JOB Monday, March 21 How to Search the Internet to Find a Job at the Central library at 6:30. ENGLISH CONVERSATION Mondays, March 21, 28 at t h e LeF ra k C i t y l i b ra r y a t 10:30. CHESS CLUB Mondays, March 21, 28 at the Lefferts library at 6. BASIC COMPUTER Tuesdays, March 22, 29 at the Astoria, LIC and Glendale libraries. Register. INTRO EXCEL Monday, March 21 Introduction to Excel at the Maspeth library at 6. COMPUTER CLASS Tuesdays at the Sunnyside library. Register. KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays at the Windsor Park library at 2. SCRABBLE CLUB Tuesdays at the East Flushing library at 3:30. COMPUTER CLASS Tuesdays, March 22, 29 at

ENTERTAINMENT

People Rockaway Park, and brother of Tina Cruz of Rockaway Beach. The airman graduated in 2007 from Christ The King Regional High School, Middle Village.

Andrew R. Cruz Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Andrew R. Cruz graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Cruz earned distinction as an honor graduate. He is the son of Patricia Cruz of

The following students are on the Dean’s List for their outstanding academic achievement for the Fall 2010 semester from Harpur College of Arts and Sciences 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. Jennifer D. Etienne of Cambria Heights, Sharisse Chante Grimes of St. Albans, Kristina C. Smith of St. Albans, Samuel Opoku-Acheampong of Springfield Gardens, Ashley Symone Baird of Rosedale, Samantha Michaelle Garcon of Rosedale, Shannon M. Green of Rosedale, Rebecca Abimbola Olufade of Rosedale, Brian P. Lee of Jamaica, Mohammad Mairaj Khan of Bellerose, Justin Daniel Mathew of Bellerose, Tabitha Witthauer of Bellerose, Christine Marie Hernandez of Queens Village, Thomas M. McElhenney of Bellerose, Kathleen Anne Zabala of Queens Village, Madalyn L. Lesman of Jamaica Estates, Alyssa Hannah Lowenwirt of Jamaica, Carol Guerra of Briar wood, Weijing Ji of Briarwood, Caroline Anne Marguerite Perny of Jamaica, Swagato Bhattacharyya of Far Rockaway, Marva Amanda Forsyth of Far Rockaway, Amanda Grannis of Far Rockaway, Kasparas Vilimas of Arverne

and Tammie A. Schneider of Belle Harbor. The following students are on the Dean’s List for their outstanding academic achievement for the Fall 2010 semester from the Decker School of Nursing at Binghamton University, State University of New York. The criteria for the Dean’s Honors list is a minimum grade point of 3.5. Sophia Buszwatiuk of Astoria, Janice Hou of Flushing, Katherine Becerra of Flushing, Anna Kristina Madrazo of Jackson Heights, Charles K. Young of Rego Park and Nikkon Santarina Singh of Jamaica. The New York Lottery announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning ticket from one of the Lottery’s live drawings between Feb. 27 and March 5. The following winners each received a cash prize valued at $10,000 or more. Mark Mosias of Astoria who won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing of Feb. 22. Mosias’s winning ticket was purchased at the Wandy’s Market at 3417 28th Ave. in Astoria. Awadkumar Jewat of Woodhaven who won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing of Feb. 25. Jewat’s winning ticket was purchased at the 7-Eleven at 99-49 Horace Harding Blvd. in Corona. Jorge Orellana of Jamaica who won $32,487 on the Take Five drawing of Feb. 27. Orellana’s winning ticket was pur-

chased at the Lucky D & J Convenient Store at 42-33 College Point Blvd. in Flushing. Fernando Garcia of Long Island City who won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing of Jan. 4. Garcia’s winning ticket was purchased at the Jackson News & Magazine at 49-17 Vernon Blvd. in Long Island City. Haniff Mohammed of Hollis who won $32,487 on the Take Five drawing of Feb. 27. Mohammed’s winning ticket was purchased at the Honish Deli Grocery at 182-46 Hillside Ave. in Jamaica. Evangelos Zimnis of Middle Village who won $24,291 on the Take Five drawing of Feb. 28. Zimnis’s winning ticket was purchased at the Middle Village Card at 7924 Eliot Ave. in Middle Village. Widener University School of Law Dean Linda L. Ammons recently announced the fall 2010 dean’s list of students for the Delaware campus. Students named to the list earned a grade point average in the top 20 percent of their class and division for the semester. They include Jade Morrison o f Rockaway Park.

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Lady’s Day

Flushing gal Billie Holiday

As this is Women’s History Month, the National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls – the birthplace of Women’s Suffrage and the fight for equal rights – has named a handful of new inductees – and a Queens gal has made the list. The 11 women inducted include such luminaries as Coretta Scott King and Donna Shalala, but also joining the list is Billie Holiday. The sultry yet troubled songstress who lived in South Flushing died more than 50 years ago, but her influence is seen today among some of the best singers in pop, jazz and R&B. Congratulations, again, Lady Day.

A Heavy Load Slow down there, Madame. Those tightie whities seem a just bit too snug. After attempting to sneak 1,699 $100 bills stitched in her undies past customs agents at JFK Airport, one Queens woman now faces up to 21 months in prison. Before flying in from Khartoum, Sudan, Claire Abdeldaim stuffed the sizeable sum she received from selling her late husband’s property down below. Her defense lawyer claimed Abdeldaim did not understand the customs declaration form and had every good intention of passing on the money to her children as an inheritance.

The drawers were made for dollars Abdeldaim is now free on $100,000 bail and is scheduled for sentencing on June 20. It seems smuggling a bountiful booty past airport security is not as easy you would think.

Really, Donald? The Donald is at it again. Whether it is for sport or it is a decision based on a new marketing scheme, Queens native Donald Trump is giving mixed messages about his potential 2012 presidential bid. The media hog dispatched a senior aide to Iowa, but Trump has seemingly not left his penthouse in New York. He has had zero, zilch, nada campaign stops and no one knows where he stands, other than in the Republican camp. Can you imagine a Trump presidency? That comb over blowing in the wind every time Air Force One lands? Can you imagine him trying to fire Muammar Gaddafi as leader of Libya? It makes us nervous just thinking about it. Please Donald, stick to what you know. Open a restaurant, fire washed up celebrities that need a boost in their ailing careers or come home to your roots and save our iconic bridge’s name.

Darling Nikki It doesn’t happen often, but every now and then a star from Queens suddenly bursts onto the scene. That is the case of Nicki Minaj. Born Onika Tanya Maraj to West Indian parents in Trinidad, Nicki grew up on the island while her parents worked and lived in Queens. When she was 5, mom showed up and brought her to Queens to get a good education. Nicki went to MS 210 on 93rd Street and 101st Avenue, where she played the clarinet. She was also a singer and wanted to act, so she tried out for the LaGuardia High School of Music and the Arts. The day of her vocal audition, her voice cracked, so she had to settle for drama. It was while in school that Nicki began formulating a vision of a career in entertainment. In 2007, at the age of 22, she released her first mix tape, quickly knocked out two more and won the Female Artist of the Year award in 2008 from the Underground Music Awards. A contemporary of Westchester native Lada Gaga, Minaj has a sexy look and ribald lyrics that have drawn comparisons to the chameleon-like pop star. With a string of awards from BET and a Grammy nomination, we expect to see more of this Queens gal as she makes her way into the music players of a new generation of listeners.

Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 18-24, 2011

Nicki Minaj Home: Woodhaven Age: 27 Height: 5’ 4" Weight: 125 lbs Stats: 34-26-45

Humming Did someone make a wrong turn at Kandahar? While driving to our office in Whitestone last week, we encountered a surprising neighbor driving with us northbound on the Van Wyck Expressway near Flushing. A Humvee, and not one of the commercialized gas-guzzling versions GM marketed to people who needed to feel like they were invading Iraq while going to Costco, drove alongside the Hondas and Dodges on the busy expressway. The military vehicle caught our eye in our rear-view mirror north of Jewel Avenue. Reflexively, we slowed down and tuned in to the

City Gets Dissed Salt-N-Pepa, the female hip-hop trio of Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton (with DJ Diedra “Spinderella” Roper on the wheels of steel), was one of the first female hip-hop acts to be seen as a force in the burgeoning scene in the late 1980s. Having grown up in Western Queens and attended Grover Cleveland HS in Ridgewood, the ladies made the big time with their breakthrough “Push It,” followed by a string of hits. Though time played its tricks on the gals and they split for a while, they recently reunited for a “Hip-Hop Legends Tour” featuring such fellow acts as Kool Moe Dee, Slick Rick, Rob Base, MC Lyte and more. Taking their show on the road, they’ve been playing to packed crowds up and down the East Coast. But there’s certainly one town missing – New York! With our town considered the birthplace of hiphop, and home to more of its legends than Ancient Greece had gods, it’s shocking that these Queens

Models Of Queens

Salt-N-Pepa back in the day women can only come as close to their hometown as Newark, Philadelphia or – yikes – Buffalo. Hey Spinderella, bring that beat back home.

Apparently it’s hard to find a Hummer in Queens. closest radio news station to see if we lost it as it headed east on the we were at war. Cross Island Parkway in The Humvee passed us on the Whitestone, surprising us as we left; we caught a glimpse of the had always assumed Humvees were considered commercial vedriver, dressed in fatigues. We managed to follow it until hicles.

Confidentially, New York . . .