Southeast Queens Press epaper

Volume 14 Issue No. 12 March. 22-28, 2013

PRESS Photo by Natalia Kozikowska

HEAVY HIKE

Newly-elected Councilman Donovan Richards speaks out against a 233 percent increase to parking rates, proposed by the Dept. of Transportation.

By Natalia Kozikowska ‌ Page 3.

Online at www.QueensPress.com

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 22-28, 2013

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News Briefs Jamaica Man Gets Seven Years For Manslaughter On Tuesday, March 12, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown announced that a 26-year-old Jamaica man, Abdullah Munshi, was sentenced to up to seven years in prison following his guilty plea earlier this year to vehicular manslaughter in the death of a 63-year-old highway worker killed this past July on the Grand Central Parkway.

According to the charges, Munshi was intoxicated at the time of the accident. He was allegedly driving his 2002 Audi A6 at an unsafe speed westbound in the left lane of the GCP. Just ahead of him, a large construction vehicle was parked in the left lane with its arrow light flashing, indicating that the left lane was closed and directing motorists to the center lane.

Directly behind the construction vehicle, Frank Avino, 63, of Long Island, was placing orange traffic cones in the left lane when the defendant struck him, causing the victim to hit the windshield and fly into the air, landing on top of the construction vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

When police responded, they observed that Munshi had bloodshot watery eyes and smelled of alcohol.

He was also not able to produce a valid driver's license.

Based on the skid marks, it was also later determined that Munshi's car was going at speeds of 58 miles per hour at the time of the collision and that the posted speed was 50 miles per hour.

"The sentence imposed today which is the maximum allowed under the law - is more than justified," said Brown in a statement. "The defendant's decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol and to speed through a construction site tragically caused the death of an innocent man who was simply doing his job."

Justice Chin-Brandt sentenced the defendant to the maximum term of two and one-third years to seven years in prison and, following his release from state prison, to a threeyear conditional discharge, during

which time he will be required to install an ignition interlock device at his own expense in any vehicle that he owns or operates for a period of five years.

South Jamaica Man Charged With Murder On Wednesday, March 20, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown announced that a South Jamaica man has been charged with seconddegree murder and tampering with physical evidence in the strangulation death of his wife whose body was found floating in the water near the Idlewide Park Preserve in Rosedale.

According to the statement, Carlos Evelyn, 30, of 147-04 Foch Blvd., was in the midst of an argument with his wife, Kadie Ann Chambers, 27, in their home on March 19 between the hours of 1:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Chambers allegedly grabbed his shirt when the defendant grabbed her around the throat with one hand and squeezed while using his other hand to punch her three times in the face. The report said that Evelyn strangled her for approximately 10 seconds before she fell to the f loor, unconscious.

It is additionally alleged that the defendant cleaned up his wife's blood from the bedroom carpet and disposed of the clothes that he was wearing at the time of the incident.

After cleaning up the evidence, the report indicates that Evelyn removed his wife's body from the house and brought her to the vicinity of Huxley Avenue in Rosedale, where he dumped her body. Police removed the body of the victim floating in the body of water around noon on Tuesday the same week.

"The defendant is accused of strangling his wife during an argument that turned physical and deadly," said Brown in the statement.

"His alleged actions leave their young son without a mother and a father who faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison."

If convicted, Evelyn faces 25 years to life.

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March 22-28, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Presstime

Richards Speaks Out Against DOT In his first press conference since being elected into office, Councilman Donovan Richards (DLaurelton) spoke out against the Dept. of Transportation's recent proposal to raise rates at Rosedale's Municipal Parking Lot. The increase, he argued, was unreasonably high and inconsiderate to a community damaged by Superstorm Sandy.

If approved, the hike will take place all throughout the City on July 1, raising parking rates by as much as 223 percent in some areas, including other storm-ravaged neighborhoods like Far Rockaway.

This proposal marks the second time the DOT has attempted to raise the rates in 2013. Earlier this year, the City attempted to raise quarterly parking rates from $90 to $200, a 122 percent increase. Strong vocal opposition to the steep hike resulted in the DOT reconsidering its initial proposal, raising quarterly rates to $110 in March, a more modest 22 percent increase.

"The reason we are here today is to call on the DOT to look at other revenue streams before they raise the

fares on hardworking mending the agency turn to people who are still recoverMadison Square Garden as ing from Sandy," Richards a source of revenue. said to a small crowd of re"One of the things the porters. "We're calling on State Senator [Sanders] DOT to not do this during and I have talked about is this time. It would create a MSG," Richards said. "They hardship for the residents get a $15 million subsidy of Rosedale and people of per year. There are many Southern Queens." other corporations in the The newly elected CounCity, many contractors, cilman was not alone in his many organizations getting fight against the DOT. subsidies from the City and Richards' former boss and Newly elected Councilman Donovan Richards and his former we need to look at them mentor, State Sen. James boss, State Sen. James Sanders held a press conference at before we start forcing evSanders (D-Jamaica), was Rosedale's Municipal Parking lot on Friday, March 15, ery day citizens from havalso at the press conference protesting the DOT's recent proposal to raise parking fees ing to come out their pockheld on the morning of by more than 200 percent. ets."

March 15, supporting his Other New York City new colleague in office. representatives have also "As I've said, I've been a victim of put pressure on the DOT to try and "Why are we dealing with unreasonable increases? To go from $90 to Hurricane Sandy, so I'm still feeling find other sources of revenue. Earlier $200 in the great recession is unrea- the effects of Hurricane Sandy in a big this month, City Council speaker and sonable," Sanders explained. "If you way," Osbourne asserted. "Now, to be mayoral hopeful Christine Quinn, must make an increase, how about a hit on the top of that with such a high along with Councilman James Vacca realistic increase? Twenty five per- increase, I think is untenable and (D-Bronx), vowed to relinquish the cent sounds realistic in the great re- unreasonable and we're not going to revisited proposal. stand for it." cession, 200 does not."

The DOT has not returned requests As Richards still awaits an expla- for comment as of press time.

Alfred Osbourne, a long-time resident of Rosedale and a victim of nation for the significant price hike, Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska Sandy, also stood alongside Richards, the Councilman did suggest an alter- at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or native solution for the DOT, recom- nkozikowska@queenspress.com. lending a face to affected locals.

Photo by Natalia Kozikowska

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

Christina Winslow Runs For Council hood. Winslow is also a member of the Sutphin Boulevard Civic AssociaShe is not your typical candidate, tion, a group that aims to tackle probbut community activist and long time lems in the district.

South Jamaica resident Christina "Within that organization, I've seen "CW" Winslow has officially an- the need of the families in the communounced her candidacy nity that just needed a for the 28th District little more help," the canCouncil seat. didate said. "I was able Winslow, 43, joins to have people believe in candidates Breina Payne me, in the community, to and Hettie Powell, all of actually support me and whom are seeking to responsor me." place Councilman Ruben Winslow has come a Wills (D-Jamaica) later long way and overcame this year. many obstacles to beThe single mother of come the person she is four has never run for today. She has survived office and admits that she a long battle with subwas "never really into stance abuse and served Christina Winslow politics," but the encoura month in jail for prosagement and support from the com- titution when she was just 16. munity has inspired her to take a new She said she hopes that her dradirection in life. matic transformation will serve as a In 2005, Winslow began her com- good example for members of the munity activism and founded the community who may be going through nonprofit organization A Cause, A similar struggles.

Concern, A Solution Network. The "There were obstacles in my life group provides services and tools for that I don't want to keep dwelling on struggling families in the neighbor- because I'm proud of who I am today

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

and that's why I try to encourage people to know that if you have faith, you can rule the world - you can do so many amazing things," she said. "I just had to realize there was more to me and there was a mission that needed to be completed in my life."

"I believe in my heart, that's what keeps me humble," she continued.

"I'm a fighter."

If elected, Winslow said her first order of business would be to help create jobs in the district. She praised former Councilman Tom White Jr.'s success in brining in more jobs and hopes to use a similar model to create opportunities in District 28.

"I see that we need job creation, that is something that has to be implemented in our community with resources," she said. "People need to work. It makes you feel better about yourself knowing you can take care of your family and the stress level is not high."

"That is one of the key things to bring back - the revenue to help small businesses and they won't have a problem hiring people in the community if they're making good revenue," she continued.

By providing more employment opportunities in the area, Winslow also anticipates that there will be a reduction in crime, providing the disengaged locals an alternative to their lifestyles.

Ensuring the best for the children in the district is also a concern for Winslow, who served as a foster parent for eight years. She also worked as a childcare provider, working for a group daycare, Kids Are People Too, for four years.

"That meant a lot to me so childcare is definitely important because kids have so much that can be instilled in them in three months," she said.

Similarly, helping older children in the neighborhood by funding more after school programs and improving education is also a priority for the D28 hopeful.

On March 23, Christina Winslow will host a Meet and Greet along Sutphin Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 22-28, 2013

D29 May See New Charter High School "For example in math, if they are talking about algebra and they are Just two weeks after the Dept. of doing graphs, they can graph the Education announced it will phase obesity rate for the past 100 years," out two high schools in Cambria he explained. "We're really trying to Heights, one Manhattan resident emphasize health and wellness and broke news about a our hope is that new proposed charstudents gain an inter school that may “Being that obesity is terest not only in be coming to the keeping themdistrict as soon as such a hot topic in our selves healthy but 2014. also gain interest to nation and we're If approved, going into the fighting it every day, the Queens Charhealth and wellness ter High School we thought we thought field." f o r H e a l t h a n d of this idea to infuse In addition to Wellness will be incorporating the first of its kind health and wellness health and wellness in Queens, special- concept within every into each core subizing in health and class that our stuject, the charter wellness by focusschool plans to ofing on fighting the dents would attend.” fer students differobesity epidemic -Jason Akbar ent physical educaby educating stution tracks such as dents. nutrition and "Being that obesity is such a hot physical education classes like yoga, topic in our nation and we're fight- pilates and weight training. ing it every day, we thought we "Our ultimate goal is to provide thought of this idea to infuse health our students with a certification," and wellness concept within every Akbar said. "If they're interested in class that our students would attend," yoga, we'll get them to the point Jason Akbar, a founding member of where they can receive a yoga instructhe school, said. tor certification so they can go out

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

into the community and become productive citizens."

Although Akbar admits it may be difficult to infuse health and wellness in every single core subject, he is confident that the school will prepare its students with all the necessary tools to continue their education in college and meet all graduation requirements set forth by the DOE. QCHS seeks to provide small class sizes, a close knit advisory staff, expert mentoring and college readiness skills that could be found in any school. Akbar also explained that the charter school can help instill values that are often lacking in southeast Queens - a neighborhood that has a higher concentration of struggling students.

"One thing I've heard was that there was a lack of discipline in District 29," he said. "With our structure and set up administrative wise, we feel that we can tackle any issue."

This structure, Akbar said, will ensure that students, the administrative staff and parents have a strong communicative relationship.

The Queens Charter High School for Health and Wellness will feature an extended day curriculum Monday through Thursday, with school days

beginning at 8:10 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m. Akbar explained that on Friday students will have a half day so that they may be able to complete the community credits hours required.

"With us teaming up with local organizations, our hope is that students would go to do their community service hours during those times on Friday," he said.

If the proposal passes, QCHS will accept 100 freshman students in September 2014. Every year there on after, the charter high school will accept another 100 incoming freshman. Students from all across New York City may apply. Students will be chosen on a lottery basis.

QCHS will also accept special education students and English Second Language students, offering any services necessary for special needs children.

The charter school is still in its preliminary stages and a public hearing is not yet scheduled. No location has been selected, but Akbar is targeting the Jamaica/Hollis neighborhood.

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

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March 22-28, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

Mayor Moves To Ban Tobacco Displays New York City the first in the nation to keep tobacco products out of sight.

On March 18, in Queens Hospital While the City would be the first Center’s atrium, Mayor Mike location in America to do this, other Bloomberg announced new legisla- countries such as Iceland, Canada, tion to keep the City’s smoking rate Norway, Ireland and England have down by banning the display of to- already implemented product display bacco products and cracking down restrictions. on illegal cigarette smuggling.

The bill does not change any adAccording to a Dept. of Health vertising rules or showing price inforsurvey, smoking among adults in New mation for sellers. It does not apply to York City has dropped by 32 percent stores that are devoted primarily to since 2002. Between 2001 and 2007, the sale of tobacco products, as those teen smokers have dropped from 18 locations already do not allow those percent to 8.5 percent, where the rate under 18 to enter their premises. The has remained. While Bloomberg ap- bill would be enforced by the DOH plauded these numbers, he wants to and the Dept. of Consumer Affairs. make sure they continue to go down.

“Such displays suggest that smokTo that end, two pieces of legislation ing is a normal activity and they invite were introduced to the City Council young people to experiment with toon March 20 at the request of the bacco, Bloomberg said. “This is not a Mayor by Councilwoman Maria del normal activity.”

Carmen Arroyo (D-Bronx), who is The second legislation, titled the the chair of the Health Committee. “Sensible Tobacco Enforcement” bill, The first bill, titled the “Tobacco is meant to address the widespread Product Display Restriction,” would availability of discounted or smuggled keep all tobacco products out of sight cigarettes. It prohibits the sale of disin retail stores to lessen impulsive counted tobacco products, creates a purchases. The products would have price floor for cigarettes packs and to be placed in a cabinet, underneath little cigars and imposes packaging the counter or use some other varia- requirements on cheap cigars. The tion to keep them out of view, except Dept. of Finance would have the during a purchase or restocking. If authority to seal premises where there Cabrera the Tax legislation Flyer_Comriewould Queensmake Tribune are 3/14/13 10:24 AM Page 1 passed, two violations for unlicensed acBY JOE MARVILLI

Photo by Joe Marvilli

Mayor Mike Bloomberg speaks at the Queens Hospital Center on his plan to ban the display of tobacco products to curb youth smoking. tivity within a two-year period or three other tobacco violations within a three-year period.

Other provisions it includes are increasing penalties for retailers who evade tobacco taxes or sell tobacco without a license, prohibiting retailers from redeeming coupons or honoring other price discounts for tobacco products and creating a minimum price of $10.50 per pack for cigarettes and little cigars. In addition, it would require that cheap cigars and cigarillos be sold in packages of at least four and little cigars

be sold in packages of at least 20. If the cigars cost more than $3 each though, they are exempt from the rule.

Several members of City agencies and elected officials were on hand to support the legislation.

“When teenagers go to a bodega to buy a carton of milk, they’re confronted with a display of cigarettes,” City Health Commissioner Thomas Farley said. “That exposure can be more influential in getting kids to start smoking than having their parents smoke.”

“In 46 percent [of inspections], we found that retailers were selling either untaxed or phony stamped cigarettes,” City Finance Commissioner David Frankel said. “It’s terribly unfair to retail establishments who follow the law.”

“We have to denormalize it,” Councilman James Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows) said. “Hiding these cigarettes will help to do that. You’re going to be as dead as Julius Caesar if you pick up cigarettes.”

Despite the added restrictions, Bloomberg said he has no plans to ban tobacco products in the City.

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, or at jmarvilli@queenstribune.com.

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Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 22-28, 2013

Editorial Check Priorities 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 Managing Editor:

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie

With so many problems currently facing the City, it is unfortunate that instead of facing these problems head on, Mayor Mike Bloomberg has decided to spend the final year of his time in office acting like the “Nanny Mayor” that seems to be his legacy.

Bloomberg’s latest initiative, hiding packs of cigarettes in stores in an attempt to drop the teen smoking rate, is a worthwhile cause. But it speaks to an ongoing problem, that Bloomberg has made a number of attempts to force healthy lifestyles on New Yorkers. The “Tobacco Product Display Restriction,” which was introduced to the City Council at the Mayor’s behest, follows in the footsteps of the recently overturned sugary drink ban.

With failing schools, a collapsing infrastructure and any number of other issues New Yorkers complain about on a regular basis, should the Mayor really be focusing his attention on these “nanny” issues?

Letters

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Reporters: Harley Benson Natalia Kozikowska Joe Marvilli Luis Gronda Trisha Sakhuja Art Dept:

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To The Editor: The death of basketball coach Jack Curran is a very sad loss for Archbishop Molloy High School, the City and the country. During his long and distinguished ca-

reer, he worked tirelessly with all of the kids who he coached, and always taught them the meaning of true sportsmanship, being dedicated and working to strive for one’s full potential on the basketball court. He was

Letters a gentleman who always respected others’ opinions, and others always respected his opinions. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, colleagues and Archbishop Molloy High School. He will be truly missed.

John Amato, Fresh Meadows

Inspiring Choice To The Editor: I was delighted to learn that the newly elected pope chose for himself the name of St. Francis of Assisi, generally known as patron saint of the animals. Indeed, Catholic and Anglican churches hold ceremonies blessing animals on his feast day of Oct. 4.

On one of his nature walks, Francis reportedly preached to the birds and is often portrayed with a bird in his hand. On another occasion, Francis concluded a pact with a ferocious wolf that was terrorizing local

townsfolk, whereby the wolf would quit preying on the town’s sheep in exchange for being fed regularly. He even persuaded local dogs to stop harassing the wolf. He freed a rabbit from a trap, returned caught fish to their stream and fed half-frozen bees in winter-time.

I hope that Pope Francis will inspire Catholics and all persons of goodwill to show non-human animals the respect and compassion they so richly deserve, particularly when it comes to subsidizing their abuse and slaughter for food at the checkout counter.

Joining the Meatless Mondays trend may be a good start.

Felix Britt, Fresh Meadows WRITE ON: The PRESS of Southeast Queens, 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357 email news@queenspress.com

A New Voice In The National Conversation A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE Pretty much everyone in our community has heard of Dr. Benjamin Carson, the director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University. He’s known both for his extraordinary skills as a neurosurgeon and his books, “Gifted Hands” and “Think Big.” Well, the humble and softspoken physician earlier this week announced that he will retire in about three-and-ahalf months.

It seems medicine’s loss will be politics’ gain. He is now being hailed as a, “new conservative folk hero.”

Dr. Carson, one of the most revered figures in contemporary African American History, is a revelation. Who knew he was that outspoken about politics? His coming out as a political opinion-maker started in February at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C., when, in front of President Obama, the doc criticized Washington’s inability to cooperate to get things done.

Then earlier this week, he

spoke at Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) where he disclosed that he received “some ‘nastygrams’” from a number of African Americans asking, “’How dare you disrespect my President?’” along with some choice derogatory names for the world-renowned physician.

Not once did Dr. Carson criticize the president directly nor personally. He criticized the hypocrisy and gridlock of Capitol Hill. He wondered aloud at the CPAC event why the color of his skin should dictate his philosophy.

Anyone who berates Ben Carson for speaking his mind in public is infringing on his First Amendment right. President Obama is doing the best he can within the context of what he inherited from his predecessor and the extent of the cooperation he gets from the Congress. He is not a miracle worker, he is not God. So we can praise him where he gets it right and if we want to criticize him where he does not, then no one should try to shut us down with time-warped name callings. Ben Carson exercised his right as an American and he did so with intelligence.

At the CPAC, Dr. Carson bravely observed that he would be fine if Obamacare fails and he would be fine if it does not.

He is a physician, he knows about health insurance and what works and doesn’t work.

He is in a better position to analyze Obamacare than we lay-people are. Again, he should be free to express an opinion on a major policy enactment in the United States of America.

The complexion of the president who introduced it should not matter anymore than his does in the matter.

Carson was asked on the Sean Hannity Show earlier this week whether or not he is planning to run for the Presidency in 2016. He never said he would not. He simply said that if he feels the way he’s feeling now in the next year or two, he would look at it, but it’s too early to make such decisions.

Is the “gifted hands” doctor a gifted politician? Only time will tell. At a mere 61, he would still have a lot of life left in his medical career so why is he retiring already?

One could suppose he is thinking “big” with a vision toward the White House.

He would not be challeng-

ing the sitting president, who cannot run for a third term.

Carson is an independent thinker who pioneered the separation of twins conjoined at the head. Even the practice of removing part of the skull and protecting it with temporary implantation in the stomach, as a method of dealing with brain swelling in children and adults, was a Carson invention.

Neurosurgeons around the world still consult with him on these high-risk surgeries.

He has received dozens of honorary doctorate degrees, and awards. In 2008, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, from President George W. Bush.

If Dr. Carson, a devout Seventh-day Adventist Christian, should run for President and win, he would probably be the first Sabbath keeper in the White House and to the best of our knowledge, the first physician as well.

In the meantime, if we are to grow as a people and as a nation, we need diverse opinions and new ideas in the national conversation. Ben Carson is a breath of fresh air; so as Dickens’ Oliver Twist says, More please!

March 22-28, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 22-28, 2013

Borough Beat

Bus Tour Pushes Education Reform

BY TRISHA SAKHUJA A mobile visual campaign, the PS 2013 Bus Tour, was launched by A+ NYC, a coalition formed earlier this year to shape the public school system.

The seven-day, five-borough bus tour was launched outside of City Hall on March 13 and made its way to Elmhurst on Roosevelt Avenue on Monday, March 18.

Inside the blue bus is a visual showcase of the feedback collected from those who know their schools the best —teachers, parents and students.

Through the use of an engaging visual display, the coalition, along with leaders from Make the Road New York, hope to stir insightful conversations on ways to transform the City public school system and set forth guidelines for New York’s next mayor.

At each of the bus’ 40 stops, members of the community came on board to place a token into as many boxes they feel state an important concern about the current education system.

The bus is divided into four main sections: what each NYC student needs to do in order to succeed, what our school leaders and staff must do, what the school leaders must do and finally, what the City’s next mayor must do.

After the bus tour is completed, the tokens placed into each of the boxes along every major step of the bus will be tallied and used for specific case studies.

“The design team at A+NYC used the information from the feedback we received from a 1,000 plus New Yorkers at 75-citywide workshops that took place earlier,” said Eric Perez, a member of the Urban Youth Collaborative

and A+ NYC design team. “We want to fix this whole system, so that the next generation will be well equipped to survive in the outside world and succeed in our careers.”

Fiorella Guevara, a coordinator at A+NYC coalition, said the idea to start a multi-borough bus tour channels from the Charrette model, which is a collaborative planning process that is open to all interested parties.

Its goal is to produce a feasible plan and a holistic approach.

The idea is to “expand your circle as you go and continue to spark conversation about education,” said Guevara, adding that the votes tallied from the bus tour will be highlighted at a citywide press conference in late May. Martha Sanchez, a concerned parent who volunteers at Make the Road organization every Wednesday, said the

main reason she is involved with the bus tour is because “her children need more resources, more after school programs and less crowded classrooms.”

Natasha Caperis, an outreach leader at the Alliance Quality Education organization, said, “My child’s school, PS 298, does not have a functioning library or a librarian, nor do we have an up to date computer lab. Now how do we get students ready for the 21st century in a technologically driven economy without proper technology?”

“If you come down out of the tower and into the streets, and really listen to the students, you’ll be able to understand, and that’s what we hope our next Mayor will do” she added.

Reach Reporter Trisha Sakhuja at (718) 357-4000, Ext. 128, or at tsakhuja@queenstribune.com.

Op-Ed

Koch Reflected New York’s Spirit

BY HENRY STERN A month has passed since we lost Mayor Koch and I am still coming to terms with his passing. On a personal basis, it is the loss of a very good friend, companion and mentor - someone I knew for 50 years. He supported me even when I was unable to stand with him publicly for reasons of self-preservation. He was a rare figure in City government.

When we met, he had been a candidate for the lowest office on the ballot, State Assemblyman. He had been defeated by a substantial margin. Some people suggested that he was the wrong candidate for a sophisticated neighborhood like Greenwich Village. As the son of poor Polish immigrant Jews, how could he compete with the more polished Fifth Avenue Jews who went to reform temples?

As Secretary of the Borough, I attended every community board meeting in twelve community districts. This was the best way I knew to learn about the neighborhoods and the people.

In October 1962, when Koch was 38 and I was 27, I recommended him to Borough President Dudley for appointment to community board number 2, which was the first public office he held. Some local politicians questioned whether he was sufficiently mature to serve on such a distinguished board. Nonetheless, the Borough President appointed him and he became a valuable member.

Koch and I would see each other at community meetings, which were most often held to complain about City services. He reached out to everyone he met, hoping to build relationships for his next campaign which he lacked in the race for assemblyman.

In those days in Greenwich Village a person who wanted to speak in public would take a stepladder and plant it on a sidewalk at a street corner, displaying an American flag to show that the speaker was exercising his First Amendment right to public speech and could not be silenced by the arbitrary denial of a permit by local officials. But without a sound permit for amplification, the speaker had to rely on the strength of his voice, his vigor and his cleverness in argument to hold the attention of the ever-shifting street crowd that half-listened to the man who stood at the top of the stepladder.

This variety of improv turned out to be an area in which the young Koch was unusually gifted. His loud and forceful voice, somewhat high pitched at the time, could not be shouted down as he discussed his topic. His positions were progressive: opposition to the war in Vietnam, support for women’s right to abortions and the repeal of drug laws he believed to be arbitrary, overly punitive and discriminatory against poor people.

Local issues in the Village were overshadowed, however, by the struggle between Mayor Wagner and Tammany

Hall for control of the Citywide Democratic Party. Carmine DeSapio, leader of an Italian-American Democratic Club in the South Village, was under attack by liberal reform elements of the party based loosely on Adlai Stevenson’s Presidential campaign of 1956. In general Stevenson supporters were not welcomed by the regular Democratic organization (Tammany) which often supported Irish and Italian incumbents with more conservative views.

In 1962, Koch became the Village Independent Democrats candidate for State Assembly and lost an uphill battle against a DeSapio ally, William Passannante. The Village Independent Democrats ran him against DeSapio in 1963. Koch led by 41 votes out of 9,000. The race was so close that the courts ordered a new election to be held on primary day the next year (1964). This time Koch and the Village Independent Democrats won by the small but defensible margin of 164 votes.

The Greenwich Village race attracted substantial attention in City press because it was a challenge by an insurgent against well-known incumbent who had served for many years and had influence far beyond the district.

DeSapio was also a Democratic national committeeman for New York State and served as New York’s Secretary of State in Governor Harriman’s cabinet. He used his State offices for his private interests which ultimately led to his conviction and imprisonment.

As district leaders, Koch and Carol Greitzer fought the Lower Manhattan Expressway, demanded more services and new schools and opposed traffic changes they considered anti-pedestrian. They supported the landmarking of older buildings to prevent displacement of their existing tenants. They did not participate in patronage; they did not seek for themselves or ask for others positions in government.

Koch took a giant step forward in 1965, when on the day before the Democratic primary he endorsed John Lindsay, Republican-Liberal candidate for mayor. This came about at the suggestion of old friends who felt that the election would determine the future of reform in New York City politics for a generation. By accidental timing and the breadth of the challenge, the story made part of a page one headline in The Daily News. The Democratic county organization tried to expel Koch as District Leader on grounds of disloyalty but that effort foundered.

An unexpected dividend from that decision was that Alex Rose and the Liberal party so appreciated Koch’s decision, that they not only supported him, but said that they would accept no other Democrat except Koch in the forthcoming race for vacated City Council and Congressional seats.

Koch won handily against prestigious Republicans and set off for a new life in Washington in January 1969.

StarQuest@nycivic.org

March 22-28, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 22-28, 2013

Willets Point Plan Set For Review

BY STEVEN J. FERRARI The $3 billion plan to clean up and develop the Iron Triangle at Willets Point is ready to step right up and meet the public.

On Monday, the City Planning Commission certified changes to the zoning for the project, which sets up the plan’s public review period.

With the changes to zoning certified, the Queens Development Group, a joint venture between Sterling Equities and the Related Cos., hopes to begin the remediation of the area in February 2014.

“This marks a critical first step towards beginning the long-needed cleanup of toxic land in Willets Point that for years has damaged the waterfront and has been a blight on the community,” a spokesman for the City Economic Development Corp. said this week.

The Proposal The proposal, as laid out by the City Economic Development Corp., aims to expand on the City’s November 2008 Willets Point Redevelopment Plan, which created the Special Willets Point District and called for the development of a mixture of uses, including commercial, residential and publicly-accessible open spaces, along with 5,500 residential units, 35 percent of which would be designated as affordable housing.

The $3 billion project announced in June by Mayor Mike Bloomberg is a joint venture of Related Companies and Sterling Equities Inc., the investment arm of the Wilpon family, which owns the New York Mets.

After the remediation, the first phase of the project will create retail, restaurants and a 200-room hotel on 126th Street.

Bloomberg said during the announcement that the project would create 12,000 union construction jobs and more than 7,000 permanent jobs once the project is completed. He cited the project as an example of the City’s recovering economy.

“Investing in infrastructure and laying the groundwork for private investment are hallmarks of our administration’s economic development strategy,” Bloomberg said.

“Projects like this one are part of the reason our economy is doing better than the rest of the country.”

Subsequent phases of the project will bring a one-million-square-foot retail and entertainment center on the west side of Citi Field and an additional 4.5 million square feet of

A rendition of what the Willets West portion of the project will look like. mixed-use development, including retail, housing and office spaces.

“Open Sore” Jesse Masyr, an attorney representing the Queens Development Group, said the remediation of the land in the Iron Triangle – a 23-acre strip of land adjacent to Citi Field that currently houses a number of businesses that will be relocated for the project – would take about two years.

“This is a site that, every day, pollution continues unabated,” Masyr said. “It needs to stop, it’s inexcusable.”

Masyr called the area an “open sore to one of the most densely-populated” areas in the world. He noted that the proposal would create thousands of union construction and permanent jobs for the area.

“It all happens by reversing one of the most environmentally-polluted sites we’ve ever seen,” he said.

Cleaning up the land at the Iron Triangle would clear the way for the construction of commercial, residential and publicly-accessible open spaces at Willets Point. An EDC spokesman praised Mayor Mike Bloomberg, who set the plan in motion when he announced the initiative in June.

“Investing in infrastructure and laying the groundwork for private investment have been a signature of Mayor Bloomberg’s economic development strategy,” the spokesman said. “We look forward to working

with the community and local leaders through the approvals process as we move forward with the historic transformation of Willets Point into a new mixed-use neighborhood with retail, hotel, affordable housing, community facilities and open space.”

Masyr said the Willets Point proposal would create 9 million square feet of new development, including 2,500 housing units, 875 of which would be allocated as affordable housing.

Not everyone is pleased with the proposal, however.

Willets Point United, a group that has battled against the potential for eminent domain to be used against businesses in the Iron Triangle, stressed that the City Planning Commission’s certification was not an endorsement of the plan.

“There are many controversial aspects of the proposal as submitted, not the least of which that it hinges on the alienation of public parkland for commercial for-profit purposes,” a statement from WPU read. “We will be exposing a myriad of issues with the plan throughout the public review process, and we encourage all members of the public who are concerned about maintaining quality of life to come out and speak at the public hearings.”

Masyr said many of the issues brought up in opposition to the plan were “legitimate to discuss,” but countered that the remediation of the land was a necessary process for any future economic interests in the area.

“I’m really mystified,” he said. “I don’t understand the alternative, to not clean it up.”

Another aspect that has troubled officials is the affordable housing component.

Officials touted the housing aspect of the project, which would include up to 2,500 housing units.

In keeping with the City Council’s 2008 development plan, 35 percent of the housing units built would be designated as affordable. Under the current proposal, however, the housing units would not be completed until the final phase of the project, which means the housing would not be available until roughly 2025.

When asked why the housing component would take so long to be completed, Seth Pinsky, President of the EDC said the other aspects of the project needed to completed first.

“This is the way that you get to affordable housing,” he said.

The plan will next go to Community Board 7, which represents Willets Point. The board will have 60 days to consider the project before announcing its opinion. The plan will then go to Borough President Helen Marshall before it heads to the City Council for the final steps of the land use review process.

The City Council will have final say over whether the project gets approved.

Reach Managing Editor Steven J. Ferrari at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 122, or sferrari@queenstribune.com.

March 22-28, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Police Blotter Compiled by STEVEN J. FERRARI

103rd/105th Precincts Robbery Pattern The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance identifying the following suspect wanted for robberies in Queens.

The first incident occurred on March 9 at 1:40 p.m., within the confines of the 105th Precinct. The suspect, armed with a gun, walked into the bodega located at 114-01 Colfax St., Cambria Heights, hit the employee in the head with the gun and demanded money. The employee complied and the suspect fled with an undetermined amount of money.

The second incident occurred on March 11 at 7:45 p.m. within the confines of the 103rd Precinct. The suspect entered a deli located at 205-19 Hollis Ave., St. Albans, hit the employee in the head with the gun and demanded money. The employee complied and the suspect fled with an undetermined amount of money.

The suspect is described as a Black male in his 20s, 5-foot-8.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by visiting

nypdcrimestoppers.com or texting their tips to CRIMES (274637) then enter TIPS577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

105th Precinct Robbery The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance with the whereabouts and identity of the following individual wanted in connection to an attempted bank robbery.

On Feb. 27 at approximately 1:55 p.m., the suspect entered the Bank of America located at 241-42 S. Conduit Ave., Rosedale, approached the teller window and passed a demand note. The suspect then took the demand note back and fled the location.

The suspect is described as a Black male in his 20s, approximately 6-foot, 160-180 lbs., wearing a light gray hooded sweatshirt with a black scarf tucked inside the neck.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by visiting nypdcrimestoppers.com or texting their tips to CRIMES (274637) then enter TIPS577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

107th Precinct Manslaughter On March 17 at approximately 3:20 a.m., police responded to a 911 call of a vehicle accident in the vicinity of Grand Central Parkway and 180th Street (exit 17). Upon arrival, officers observed a vehicle accident.

Further investigation revealed that the first vehicle, a yellow taxi, was traveling westbound on the Grand Central when it was struck by the second vehicle, a 2001 Honda sedan, forcing the taxi to strike the median.

The second vehicle fled the scene and the operator of the taxi, identified as Ansumana Dukuly, 38, of the Bronx, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The operator of the second vehicle was identified as Roberto Depena, 19, of Flushing. Depena was apprehended and taken in to police custody. He was charged with firstdegree manslaughter, second-degree vehicular manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident, criminally negligent homicide, operating a motor vehicle with .08 percent Blood Alcohol Content, driving while intoxicated, speed violation and operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol while under the age of 21.

This truck was used to remove four pallets of cooking oil from 21-10 Jackson Ave., Long Island City.

108th Precinct Burglary The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance identifying a white box truck that was used to commit a commercial burglary on Jan. 3 at approximately 1:30 p.m. inside of 21-10 Jackson Ave., Long Island City. The suspects entered the location and removed four pallets of cooking oil from the location.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by visiting nypdcrimestoppers.com or texting their tips to CRIMES (274637) then enter TIPS577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 22-28, 2013

Photo by Ira Cohen

pix

Liu's All In

Going Digital City Comptroller John Liu officially kicked off his run for Mayor with a tour of all five Boroughs over the weekend. Liu was surrounded by throngs of supporters during the final stop of the tour, in Manhattan.

Photo by Walter Karling

Working For Tomorrow

The Queens County Bar Association sponsored free-to-the-public digital mammograms and clinical breast exams on March 14 in front of the Civil Court building in Jamaica. Pictured (from left) are Ann Marie Barbagallo, president of the Columbian Lawyers Association; Joseph Risi Jr., president of the Queens County Bar Association; Donna Furey, president of the Queens County Women's Bar Association; Civil Court Judge Carmen Velasquez, past president of the Latino Lawyers Association; and Janice Ruiz, administrative assistant, Queens County Bar Association.

Members of Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow's Young Adults Internship program attended the recent meeting of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation's Downtown Committee. Pictured (from left) are Warren Jemmott, Anastaza Floyd, Maribel Marte, Davin Anderson, Anthony Gadsen and Juan Carmona.

March 22-28, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 22-28, 2013

Profile

GJDC Member Produces Oscar Nom Film

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA One Jamaica property owner is generating buzz around the globe for her involvement in the Oscar-nominated documentary, “How to Survive a Plague.”

Executive Producer Joy Tomchin, who also sits on the board of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, had little experience in the film industry prior to the project, but was drawn to the powerful subject of film, which documents the AIDS movement.

The issue has always been near and dear to Tomchin. In 1985, she sat on the board of the Gay Man’s Health Crisis and even served as president of the organization from 1989 to 1991.

“I was very involved in the early days of AIDS and continued to be,” Tomchin said. “I lost a number of really good friends and my best friend to AIDS – he was also my son’s godfather. I was so personally touched by it that it just became a passion of mine to fight it and we’re still fighting it.”

“How to Survive a Plague” covers the years 1987 through 1994 – an era

Joy Tomchin, a Jamaica property member and board member of the GJDC, served as the executive producer for the Oscar-nominated documentary, “How to Survive a Plague.” known for its growing response to the AIDS epidemic. It details the efforts of two coalitions, ACT UP and the Treatment Action Group, which led the fight against the pharmaceutical industry, transforming AIDS from an

automatic death sentence into a manageable condition.

The documentary, comprised almost entirely of archival footage, also follows the emotional journey of two main characters who contracted the disease. Although much of the film features old footage of protests and interviews, Tomchin said that it is also infused with new interviews. In some cases, characters in the documentary reappear many years later, still alive.

The newer interviews and clips were filmed inside of her Jamaica property, located on Sutphin Boulevard, when a part of the building was transformed into a production studio.

Since the movie first premiered at Sundance 2012, it has generated much attention and gained national critical acclaim, winning the Gotham Award in New York and even nabbing a nomination for Best Documentary Feature at this year’s 85th Annual Academy Awards.

“It was just really thrilling. We met so many people and so many people that have had memories of AIDS and knew about it,” Tomchin said. “We didn’t win, but I think we changed

many people’s hearts and minds about AIDS and activism.”

“The film really is about activism and how the gay community came together to fight,” she added. “We’re trying to show the film to a lot colleges and high schools so young people can really see that you can really make change if you get together and fight.”

Tomchin admits she was surprised by the success of the documentary, anticipating the film’s primary purpose would be to preserve the history of the AIDS movement.

“I really expected we were going to save our history by taking these old videos, that were basically rotting in people’s basements and digitizing and preserving them,” she said. “I was shocked at the attention it’s gotten and really how good this film turned out.”

“How to Survive a Plague” is readily available on Netflix and iTunes. For more information about the documentary, visit www.surviveaplague.com.

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

March 22-28, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

A&E

BY LUIS GRONDA A city and state agency is looking for a company that will build several new amenities to Jamaica Bay and the Rockaway Peninsula.

The City Dept. of Parks and Recreation and National Parks Service announced a joint request of three Requests for Proposals to install, operate and maintain kayak, canoe and bike rental stations and food

concession stands on Jamaica Bay and around the peninsula.

The idea of this plan is to bring more awareness and outdoor activity to the bay and the surrounding area. According to a release announcing the three RFPs, both Mayor Mike Bloomberg and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar signed an agreement in 2012 to figure out how to manage and bring more visitation and programs to the 10,000 acres of land

Forest Park Carousel Reopens This Weekend

BY LUIS GRONDA Less than a year after its grand reopening, the Forest Park Carousel will once again open its doors for its first full season on Saturday, March 23.

The century-old merry-go-round was back in service last Memorial Day after the Parks Dept. finally found an operator, New York Carousel, to operate and maintain the two carousels at Forest Park and Flushing-Meadows Corona Park.

The carousel opened to much fanfare from local residents and beyond who were looking to see and ride on the merry-goround. The Forest Park Carousel had been shuttered for four years as Parks searched for a new operator, which included five rounds of bidding from various concessionaires.

Now, with that uncertainty fading into the distant past, Ami Abramson, who is from NY Carousel and helps operate both structures, says that he is looking forward to getting the carousel season underway.

Although much of what will be at the FP Carousel will be similar to how it was last year, one new addition to it will be the “Hi-Striker” game, which gives kids a chance to show off their Herculean strength by swinging an oversized hammer.

No matter who plays this game, you are guaranteed to win a prize.

“It’s a timeless game. Kids really love it,” he said.

The live entertainment acts were very popular last year, so they will bring them back again this year,

according to Abramson. Every Saturday, there will be clown and comedy acts to entertain children at the carousel. A dance party with a live DJ will be held on Memorial Day this year for everyone to attend.

Much like last year, the carousel will be open on weekends until children are on their summer break from school. It will then be open every day.

As for future plans for the FP Carousel, Abramson said that there will likely be another ride added within the confines of the Carousel, but he declined to give details on what that ride would be as they are still finalizing plans for the possible addition.

“Once we know what those plans are, we’ll be sure to spread the word about it,” he said.

Expanding to the outside of the Carousel’s gates is an idea that is still being discussed, according to Abramson, but no specifics has emerged yet as they are still talking about the possibilities for what they could do in that area.

The earlier opening date this year will give them more time to figure out how future additions to the area would do and how the community could react to a possible expansion, Abramson said. He added that it also gives residents more time to submit their thoughts and opinions on the Carousel and what could be done to make it better.

For more information, please log on to forestparkcarousel.com.

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

owned by the Parks Dept. and NPS. “We are excited about this opportunity to partner with the City to expand visitor services at our beaches through the wonderful food found in New York City’s mobile food trucks,” said Linda Canzanelli, Superintendent of Gateway National Recreation Area.

“Expanded opportunities for biking, canoeing and kayaking are great ways to help everyone experience America’s great outdoors and the wonders to be found around Jamaica Bay.” The two agencies are looking for a concessionaire that will sign a one year agreement to provide all of the proposed amenities, with the option of renewing the contract for three more one year terms. The contract renewal would be mutually agreed upon by Parks and the concessionaire.

“We are hoping to offer opportunities for New Yorkers to bike, eat and paddle, and are looking to receive proposals from companies or individuals with strong backgrounds in delivering these amenities to the public,” said Parks Commissioner Veronica White.

Dan Mundy, head of the civic group, The Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers, said that while he supports bringing the canoeing and kayaking stations to the bay because it would bring more attention and resources to the wetland, he is concerned about the food concession stands because it is unknown how

Photo courtesy of City Parks Dept.

Additions Coming To Jamaica Bay

that would be taken care of and what would be done about the potential garbage that the food stands would bring.

“Most people that I talk to do not go there (Jamaica Bay) for food,” he said.

A Parks Dept. spokesperson said that the specifics of that plan, including the food concession stand, will not be known until they find a concessionaire for the project.

Jamaica Bay is 18,000 acres in total and is surrounded by the Rockaway Peninsula, Queens and Brooklyn.

The deadline to submit a proposal is Monday, April 8.

For more information on how to apply, please visit www.nyc.gov/ parks/businessopportunities and click the “Concessions Opportunities at Parks” link.

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

Queens Composers Coming To Flushing Library

BY JOE MARVILLI This upcoming Saturday, a quintet of musicians will celebrate Queens with a performance at the Flushing Library.

Taking place on March 23 at 2 p.m., The Quintet of the Americas will present A Celebration of Queens Composers in the lower level auditorium of the Flushing branch of the Queens Library, located at 41-17 Main St. Admission to the event is free.

Founded in 1976 and arriving in New York City in 1979, the quintet is made of clarinetist Nicholas Gallas, flutist Karla Moe, horn player Barbara Oldham, oboist Matt Sullivan and bassoonist Maureen Strenge.

The program will include a performance of “The Stuff of Comets,” an original piece commissioned by Astoria resident Dylan Glatthorn. “Wind Quartet” by Forest Hills’ Beata Moon will be played as will “Quintet No. 2 for Winds” by Douglaston’s James Cohn.

The Jackson Heights born Christopher Caliendo will have his piece, “Sincerita,” played. A premiere of a new work with Tibetan influences by Flushing resident Xinyan Li will be featured as well.

Among the highlights will be a Salute to Historical Composers, where the quintet will play music

by Louis Armstrong, Scott Joplin, S o o n g F u -Yu a n , a n d M o r t o n Gould. In addition, they will pay tribute to another Queens great, composer John Williams, by performing music from the “Harry Potter” films. William Grant Still’s theme song for the 1939 World’s Fair is also on the schedule.

For more event information, call (718) 661-1200 or visit www.queenslibrary.org/flushing. The concert is ADA accessible.

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, or at jmarvilli@queenstribune.com.

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 22-28, 2013

Faith

Gospel-Jazz Band Makes Waves

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA One New York-based band is harmonizing the soulful sounds of jazz and the sweet melodies of gospel music all across the state. The band, U4ouria, features six unique musicians, including one from Laurelton, and has performed with legends like Shelia Horne, Maceo Parker, George Clinton, Roy Ayers, Bill Withers and Tom Browne.

The group formed almost 15 years ago when two of its founding members, Clarence Haynes of Corona (keyboard) and Darryl Chalmers of Brooklyn (drummer) started playing together in a Brook-

lyn church.

“From there, we formed the foundation of the group and we started just playing and writing,” said Haynes. “We’re gospel-jazz musicians and we kind of mix those genres together in creating music.”

As Haynes’ and Chalmers’ passion grew for the music, members Ron Richardson of Brooklyn (bass), John Purvis of Staten Island (guitarist), Eric Freeman of Laurelton (bass/vocalist) and Terri “TLisa” McMillan of Delaware (vocalist) joined, all united by the same purpose.

“We blend well as far as personalities and characters,” Haynes ex-

plained. “Then, there’s a level of God too, so it’s a combination of those that kind of those things that drew us all together.”

All of U4ouria’s music is original, often performing their own smooth musical melodies and lyrics that are meant to inspire members of the audience by singing about God. “A lot of them about God and God’s love for us and our love for Him,” he said. “It’s really inspirational if you want to put a category on it – it’s uplifting but our focus is to lift of the name of the Lord. That’s our heart and our desire.”

The band has performed at many different venues and churches, in-

cluding many in southeast Queens.

U4ouria has played at festivals like the Brookville Park Jazz Festival in Rosedale, the Roy Wilkins Park Festival in Jamaica and the St. Albans Jazz Festival twice.

Both Haynes and Richardson agreed that performing at the St. Albans Jazz Festival twice was incredibly empowering and one of the best experiences that band has had because they had the opportunity to play music on the same stage as so many great jazz legends whose roots lie in the jazz town.

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

Notebook Archbishop Molloy High School

Molloy Coach Jack Curran Passes Away

BY JOE MARVILLI Archbishop Molloy High School coach Jack Curran passed away in his sleep on March 14, sending shockwaves through the school and sports community.

The 82-year-old basketball and baseball coach is thought of as a legend, due to his 50-plus years of service at Molloy, his many championships in both sports and his mentoring of multiple professional athletes.

Born on Sept. 6, 1930, Curran played professional baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies for three years before a back injury ended his career. In 1958, he learned about an opening at Archbishop Molloy, one that he filled to

become the school’s head basketball and baseball coach.

His numerous achievements include winning the Catholic High School Athletic Association Coach of the Year award 25 times for baseball and 22 times for basketball. His teams won 17 CHSAA City baseball championships and five CHSAA City basketball championships.

Curran’s overall win total, combining both basketball and baseball, is 2,680 wins and 960 losses. For his accomplishments, the coach was inducted into multiple Halls of Fame.

Molloy faculty paid tribute to their co-worker, praising Curran for his competitive spirit, his modest nature and his sportsmanlike attitude.

In an announcement to students

on the day Curran died, Marist Brother Thomas Schady, the school’s principal, said Coach Curran’s legacy and his spirit will continue to nurture the Molloy community and to be a living part of us forever.”

“Coach taught us all how we should act on and off the court or field,” Athletic Director Mike McCleary said.

Many professional athletes who were coached by Curran at Molloy sent out messages to give their condolences.

“I lost my favorite coach, mentor and just a great soul. Jack Curran, you will be missed,” retired NBA player Kenny Anderson tweeted.

Retired player and current basketball analyst Kenny Smith addressed

his fans’ condolences on Twitter, saying “thank you all for acknowledgement of the passing of one of the most influential men in my life!”

On April 27, the school will honor the memory of the coach by inviting his former players and friends to a special Players’ Day, concurring with their Rededication of the Jack Curran Gymnasium. The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Attendees can register by visiting http:// alumni.molloyhs.org/events or by contacting the Stanner Alumni Center at (718) 441-9210 or email jsommo@molloyhs.org.

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, or at jmarvilli@queenstribune.com.

March 22-28, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

What’s Up MARCH 22 Action to Prevent Violence Recent tragedies have evoked concerns about violence in the neighborhood. Have you witnessed bullying or hate crimes, domestic violence or child abuse? Have you seen what damage guns and gangs can do? Come on out and use this open space to examine the issue of violence, share ideas, suggest solutions and propose actions. RSVP to Nikki at (718) 5236868 Ext. 251. Space is limited. The free forum will be held at the Community Mediation Center located at 8964 163 St., Jamaica, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For additional information, contact Ebony Roundtree at (347) 228-3380 or pzz.publicrelations@gmail.com.

Tickets are $55. Children’s tickets (ages 4-12) are $25. The luncheon will be held at St. John’s University’s D’Angelo Ballroom located at 8000 Utopia Parkway from noon to 4 p.m.

MARCH 24 Sunday Movies at Central ”Pitch Perfect” is the story of an iconoclastic college singing group composed of the mean, the weird and the sweet and their attempt at gaining some recognition. The movie will be shown at the Queens Central Library for free at 2 p.m.

Employment Rights and Services (in Bengali)

An Afternoon with Amiri This free workshop will explain Baraka

minimum wage, tips, what to do about unpaid wages, employment of minors and the work of the Division of Immigrant Policies and Affairs (DIPA) of the New York State Department of Labor. The workshop will be held at the Queens Central Library at 5 p.m.

Jazz Saxophonist Ed Jackson Jazz Saxophonist Ed Jackson performs with the York College Big Band.

For additional information, call (718) 262-2281. Tickets are $20. The show will be held at the York College Performing Arts Center located at 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard from 7 to 9 p.m.

Friends of Manny Caughman The Friends of Manny Caughman Committee cordially invite you to join them for a fundraiser for Manny Caughman, a candidate for the New York City Council’s 27th District.

Come on out for dinner, dancing and a live jazz band. For additional information, call (917) 239-5699, (917) 543-9596 or (347) 668-2324 or email grbudc@aol.com. Purchase your tickets at the Guy R. Brewer United Democratic Club on Mondays and Thursdays between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary. The fundraiser will be held at Thomasina’s Catering Hall located at 205-35 Linden Blvd., from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

MARCH 23 Finer Womanhood Luncheon The women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Phi Zeta Zeta Chapter and Omicron Alpha Chapter will honor community leaders and professionals that have been instrumental in organizing Superstorm Sandy relief efforts at their 6th Annual Finer Womanhood Scholarship Luncheon.

Amiri Baraka is a treasure of African-American literature, a noted poet and playwright, an activist and a major contributor to the Black Arts Movement of the 1960’s. Join him for a discussion on his illustrious life and hear some of his fiery poetry that fueled an era. You must call (718) 523-3312 for ticket prices. The discussion will be held at the Afrikan Poetry Theatre, located at 176-03 Jamaica Ave., at 3 p.m.

National Council of Negro ing sessions and a t-shirt. Full payment must be made by Feb. 9, with Women no exceptions. Parents or guardians The Queens County Section of the National Council Of Negro Women, Inc. will have their monthly meeting.

For additional information, visit www.ncnwqueens.org or contact Gladys Keller at (718) 723-5973 or ualemp9915@aol.com. The meeting will be held at the New Life Center Maranatha Baptist Church located at 112-50 Springfield Blvd., from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

MARCH 27 Aerobics for Adults Keep that New Year’s resolution with free weekly fitness classes through ShapeUp NYC. Aerobics for Adults, a free class offered at the Queens Central Library, provides a moderate workout that burns calories and improves cardiac function. Space is limited. Participation is on a firstcome, first-served basis. The class starts at 4 p.m.

Malcolm Smith Hurricane Sandy Aid Meeting

Learn how special exercises and relaxation techniques can make a difference in your life. This free event will be held at 10 a.m. at the Queens Central Library.

Federal aid is coming to New York State for Hurricane Sandy relief.

Come out and share how the funding should address the Rockaway community. For additional information, contact AnnMarie Costella at (718) 454-0162 or amcostella@gmail.com.

The town hall meeting will be held at the Peninsula Preparatory Academy Charter School located at 611 Beach 19th St., Far Rockaway, from 7 to 9 p.m.

MARCH 26 Are You Ready for the GED?

MARCH 28 Second Chance Job Fair

Are you ready for the GED? The Queens Central Library is offering a free GED assessment for kids ages 17 and up. Call (718) 480-4300 to schedule an appointment. This free program will be held at the Adult Learning Center located 91-14 Merrick Blvd., 6th Floor, Jamaica at 9:30 a.m.

Mistakes in the past? Criminal background? Everyone deserves a second chance. The York College Male Initiative, in conjunction with “Unity in the Community” and many local elected officials, will present a “Second Chance Job Fair and Empowerment Circle.” For more information, contact Jonathan Quash at (718) 262-3772 or e-mail mychance2013@yahoo.com. The event is free and will be held at the York College Academic Core Building located at 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., at 10 a.m.

MARCH 25 Stay Well

Power Over Diabetes The American Diabetes Association will present a workshop on avoiding and managing diabetes as well as a free test to determine whether you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes that takes only seconds to complete. Free health screenings (blood pressure, blood glucose and body mass index) and the opportunity to schedule an appointment at the Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center will also be available. This free event will be held at the Queens Central Library at 3:30 p.m.

ONGOING Lincoln Park Basketball Association The Lincoln Park Basketball Association is starting its winter/spring basketball program. Boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 15 are welcome. The registration fee is $50.

It includes insurance, weekly train-

must bring proof of their child’s age.

Birth certificates, passports or school records are all valid forms of ID. All participants must remember to bring sneakers and shorts to the gym.

Coaches are needed as well. The basketball clinic will take place at the Queens Transition Center on 14210 Linden Blvd. in South Ozone Park. The entrance for the program is in the school yard in the rear of the school. The clinic lasts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is ongoing until March 23.

Mobile CPR Program FDNY EMS instructors will come out to your site to conduct the CPR training using your facilities. The Be 911 Compressions Only CPR Program is brought to you free of charge

by FDNY and NYC Service. The goal of the program is to train as many people as possible in basic CPR skills.

In addition, participants will be briefly educated on the automated external defibrillator (AED) used to try and revive a person suffering from cardiac arrest. Though this program does not certify any participants, the FDNY and NYC Service believe increasing the knowledge of how to save a life is far more beneficial.

The program welcomes all ages, as long as the individual can demonstrate competency in retaining the required skills.

Appointments can be made Monday through Friday during the hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Classes may be approximately 20 minutes depending on the size of the group.

For group registration of 10 or more participants or further information, contact the FDNY’s CPR Training Unit at Telephone Number (718) 281-3888.

Group Sessions Clergy United for Community Empowerment, Inc. Group Sessions are located at 172-17 Linden Blvd.

Second Floor, St. Albans, 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.

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 22-28, 2013

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

Send announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 150-50 14 Road, Whitestone NY 11357. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina or email to queenstoday@ queenstribune.com Yearly schedules and advanced notices welcome!

ENVIRONMENT EDIBLE MUSHROOMS Monday, March 25 grow your own edible mushrooms at the Sunnyside library at 6:30.

SPRING CLEANING Wednesday, March 27 Woodside library. Register. Green Your Spring Cleaning.

FOOD WASTE DROPOFF Saturdays 10:30-noon at the Sunnyside library and 1-3 at the Broadway librar y.

ENTERTAINMENT SPRING FLING FAIR Saturday, March 23 107 at Mary’s Nativit y/St. Ann’s Parish, 46-02 Parsons Blvd (Jasmine Avenue), Flushing. Gifts, crafts, toys, white elephant sale, egg hunt at 1, breakfast at 9, café dinner 6-7. 353-5961.

QUINTET OF AMERICAS Saturday, March 23 at the Flushing library at 2.

FLOWER SONGS Saturday, March 23 Astoria Symphonic Choir at Tr i n i t y L u t h e ra n Church in Astoria. 917460-4289.

QUICK SAND Saturday, March 23 Quick Sand program at Alley Pond Environmental Center includes crafts and fun and a nature hike and live animal demonstration. 229-4000. $24 adults.

MOTOWN SOUND Saturday, March 23 Rochdale Village library at 2.

IMMIGRANT VOICES Saturday, March 23 “Useless” at 8 at Queens Theatre in the Park. 7600064.

FAHRENHEIT 451

Saturday, March 23 Steinway library at 2.

QUICK SAND Saturday, March 23 indoor science at Alley Pond Environmental Center.

229-4000 to register. $24.

CON BRIO ENSEMBLE Saturday, March 23 Forest Hills library at 2:30.

HIT MEN Saturday, March 23 songs from 60s-80s at Queensborough Community College. 631-6311.

HOLLYWOOD MUSICAL Saturday, March 23 Fresh Meadows library at 2:30.

LATIN JAZZ Saturday, March 23 at Flushing Town Hall. 4637700, ext. 222.

KEIGWIN & CO. Saturday and Sunday, March 23-24 dance at Queens Theatre in the Park. 760-0064.

NU URBAN CAFÉ Saturdays live jazz, r&b, open mic 8-midnight.

Free. 188-36 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. 917817-8653.

PITCH PERFECT Sunday, March 24 movie at Central library at 2.

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS LESSEN ANGER Lessen anger through creating art at the Communit y Learning Center in Jamaica. 291-1094.

CREATE WEALTH Learn How to Create Wealth at the Communit y Learning Center in Jamaica. 291-1094.

WRITE SCRIPT Write a Book or Movie Script at the Communit y Learning Center in Jamaica. 291-1094.

PUBLISHER Saturday, March 23 intro Microsoft Publisher LIC library. 752-3700.

TANGO WORKSHOP Saturdays in March at Thalia Spanish Theatre in Sunnyside. 729-3880.

METRIX LEARNING Monday, March 25 Central library. Register.

JOB READINESS Monday, March 25 S o u t h J a m a i c a l i b ra r y.

Register.

KNIT & CROCHET Monday, March 25 Douglaston library at 3.

BELLY DANCE Monday, March 25 Flushing library. Register.

EVENING CRAFTS Monday, March 25 Fresh Meadows library at 6.

BUSINESS BASICS Monday, March 25 LIC library at 6.

BALLROOM DANCING Mondays, March 25, April 1, 8, 15 Forest Hills library at 6:30.

KATHAK Monday, March 25 dance instruction at the Lefferts library. Register.

COWRIE SHELL Monday, March 25 jewelry making workshop Hollis librar y. Register.

JOB SEARCH Mondays free job search and computer help every Monday 11-2 at the Astoria library.

BRIDGE Mondays e x c e p t h o l i days 12-4 at Pride of Judea in Douglaston. Lesson & play $10. Partners arranged. 423-6200.

ADULT CHESS Mondays and Thursdays Queens Village library at 5:30.

GED Tuesday, March 25 Are You Ready for the GED? 480-4300 appt. Central library.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Tu e s d a y, M a r c h 2 6 Rosedale library at 11.

South Jamaica library at 11:30.

TECHNOLOGIST IS IN Tuesday, March 26 receive personalized instructions on iPads,

smartphones, more.

Pomonok library. Register.

JOB READINESS Tu e s d a y , M a r c h 2 6 Woodside library at 5:45.

BEGIN WORD Tuesday, March 26 LIC library and Steinway library. Register.

BEGIN EXCEL Tu e s d a y , M a r c h 2 6 Flushing library. Register.

BEGIN INTERNET Tuesday, March 26 Far Rockaway library at 2.

Queens Village librar y.

Register.

SMALL BUSINESS Tuesdays Small Business Workshop at the Central library. Register.

GET YOUR YARNS OUT! Tuesdays after evening Minyan at 8, knitters, crocheters, needle-pointers, and others meet at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000, ext.

200.

ONLINE TEST PREP Wednesday, March 27 LIC library. Register.

INTRO COMPUTERS Wednesday, March 27 Hollis librar y. Register.

KNIT & CROCHET Wednesday, March 27 South Ozone Park library at 1.

COMPUTER CLASS Wednesday, March 27 Woodside library at 5:45.

RESUMES/COVER LTRS Wednesday, March 27 C e n t r a l l i b r a r y. 9 9 0 8625.

JEWELRY MAKING Wednesday, March 27 Ar ve r n e l i b ra r y. Re g i s ter.

WATERCOLOR Wednesdays all techniques and subjects at the National Art League.9691128.

MOCK INTERVIEWS Thursday, March 28 Central librar y. Register.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Thursday, March 28 Rosedale library at 6.

JOB FAIR Thursday, March 28 Queens Chapter of the National Action Network’s Second Chance Job Fair 10-3 at the York College Atrium, 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica. 776-3700.

COMPUTER TIPS Thursday, March 28 Central librar y. Register.

ONLINE JOB APPLIC. Thursday, March 28 Central library 990-8625.

LEARN CHINESE Thursdays North Forest Park library at 6.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Friday, March 29

Auburndale library. Register.

METRIX Friday, March 29 Central library. Register.

BEGIN EMAIL Friday, March 29 Central library 990-8625.

FIND EMPLOYMENT Friday, March 29 Overcoming Obstacles to Finding Employment at the LIC library. Register.

KNIT & CROCHET Fridays Fresh Meadows library at 11.

CHESS CLUB Fridays at 3:30 at the Auburndale library and 4 at the Woodside library.

METRIX Saturday, March 30 C e n t r a l l i b r a r y. 9 9 0 5148.

BEGIN EXCEL Saturday, March 30 LIC library. 752-3700.

E-BOOKS Saturday, March 30 borrowing eBooks at the C e n t r a l l i b r a r y. 9 9 0 8625.

MEETINGS KNIT & CROCHET CLUB Saturdays, March 23, 30 Peninsula library at 11.

JEWISH VETS Sunday, March 24 Jewish War Veterans of the USA Lipsky/Blum Post meet at the Kissena Jewish Center in Flushing.

4 6 3 - 4 7 4 2 . Ko re a n Wa r Ve t S o c c e r Te a m a l s o meets.

KNITTING CIRCLE Monday, March 25 6-8 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. $5. 2294000 to register.

HIKING CLUB Monday, March 25 Alley Pone Environmental Center. 229-4000 to register.

6852.

FH VAC Wednesday, March 27 F o re st H i l l s Vo l u n t e e r Ambulance Corp. 7932055.

CHESS/SCRABBLE CLUB Wednesday, March 27 Peninsula library at 4.

KIWANIS CLUB Thursday, March 28 Kiwanis Club of Jamaica meets. 527-3678.

TOASTMASTERS Thursdays, March 28, April 11 Briarwood library at 5:45.

WRITING CLUB Thursday, March 28 Peninsula library at 2.

KNIT & CROCHET CLUB Friday, March 29 Fresh Meadows library at 11.

CROCHET CLUB Friday, March 29 LIC library at 11:30.

March 22-28, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

Queens Today HEALTH ANGER MANAGEMENT Wednesdays and Saturdays Classes, individual, family, couples therapy in Briarwood. 374-6765.

SUPPORT GROUPS Alcohol, drugs, domestic violence, martial issues, d e p re s s i o n , a n x i e t y, phobia, etc. Woodside Clinic. 779-1234.

DOMESTIC VIOL. 24 hour Domestic Violence Hotline. 657-0424.

PSYCHOLOGICAL CTR Individual and group counseling, family and couple therapy and more. 570-0500 sliding scale.

SCHIZO. ANON. Sundays in Rego Park.

896-3400.

SHAPE UP NYC Mondays, March 25, April 1, 8, 15 stretch and tone LIC library at 6:30.

ALZHEIMERS Tu e s d a y s , M a r c h 2 6 , April 9, 23 C a r e g i v e r Support Group in Forest Hills. 592-5757, ext. 237.

CHAIR YOGA Wednesdays, March 27, April 3 Pomonok library.

Register.

SHAPE UP NYC Wednesdays, March 27, April 3, 10 Aerobics for adults Central library at 4.

OA Wednesdays Overeaters Anonymous Howard Beach library at 11.

MASSAGE THERAPY Wednesdays and Fridays half and one hour massages at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695.

MS SUPPORT Thursdays, March 28, April 11 National Mult i p l e S c l e ro s i s S o c i e t y Support Group meets at 1 at the Howard Beach librar y.

MEDITATION Thursday, March 28 Bellerose library at 5:30.

SHAPE UP NYC Thursdays, March 28, April 4, 11 Body Sculpt Fitness at the Lefrak Cit y library at 5:30.

ZUMBA Thursdays, March 28, April 4 Baisley Park library at 6.

CHAIR YOGA Friday, March 29 McGoldrick library. Register.

SHAPE UP NUC Fridays, March 29, April 5, 12 Dance Fitness for Adults at the Richmond Hill library at 5.

ZUMBA Friday, March 29 with Wii at the South Jamaica library at 6.

SENIORS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Experienced in communit y outreach, social media, public relations and assisting in various activities with seniors at the Jackson Adult Center.

657-6692.

DIRECTOR/ACTORS STAR is interviewing for a Director of the senior acting group and senior actors. 776-0529.

SOUTH ASIAN Alternate Saturdays Selfhelp BR-PS Senior Center in Flushing. In-

TALKS STEINWAY BOOK Monday, March 25 “Behind the Beautiful Forever: Life, Death and Hope in a Mumbai Undercit y” discussed at 6:30 at the Steinway library.

EAST FLUSHING Thursday, March 28 book club at 11 at the East Flushing library.

HOLLIS MYSTERY Thursday, March 28 “The Yiddish Policeman’s Union” discussed at 5:30 at the Hollis library.

OZONE PARK Thursday, March 28 “A Year in the World” discussed at the Ozone Park library at 6.

PARENTS PARENTING Saturdays, March 23, 30 parenting classes for possible behavioral and emotional disorders.

Register LIC library.

RELIGIOUS FIRST SEDER Monday, March 25 Communal First Seder at the Jewish Center of Kew Gardens Hills. 263-6500

by March 18 th .

COMMUNAL SEDER Monday, March 25 JCC-Chabad of LIC offers communal Seders for those who don’t have others to celebrate with and also deliver to homebound seniors and financially challenged residents in West Queens. 6090066.

REGO PARK JC Monday, March 25 Passover Seder. Reservations. Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd. 459-1000.

dian-st yle activities, lunch. 886-5777.

JACKSON SENIOR Monday, March 25 TaiChi at 10:30. March 21 Zumba Gold 10:45. Fridays 1:30 ESL classes.

Breakfast $1, lunch $1.50. Jackson Senior Center. 657-6500.

AARP DEFENSIVE DRIVE Monday, March 25 L aurelton library. Register.

AARP TAX HELP Mondays, March 25, April 1, 8, 15 Pomonok library at 11:30.

MEN’S CLUB Mondays 10-noon Men’s club for those over 65 at the Central Queens Y in Forest Hills.

423-0732.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE Mondays Lunch, lesson and congenial play. Pride of Judea. 423-6200.

STAY WELL Mondays at the Central library at 10 and Wednesdays at 10:15 at the East E l m h u r s t l i b ra r y. Le a r n how special exercise and relaxation techniques make a difference in your life.

SENIOR COMPUTERS Tu e s d a y s , M a r c h 2 6 , April 2, 9 South Ozone Park library at 10.

AARP TAX HELP Tu e s d a y s , M a r c h 2 6 , April 2 Auburndale library at 1.

SELFHELP LATIMER Tu e s d a y s a n d F r i d a y s drawing class 9:30-noon.

Wednesday, March 27 Preventing Strokes at 11.

Hot nutritious lunch, ESL, Tai Chi, Ballroom Dancing, drawing, ping pong, mah jong. Selfhelp Latimer Gardens Senior C e n t e r , 3 4 - 3 0 1 3 7 th Street, Flushing. 5594395.

SENIOR COMPUTERS Wednesday, March 27 Central library at 2.

AARP TAX HELP Wednesdays, March 27, April 3, 10 Windsor Park library at 1.

NUTRITION CLASS Wednesdays through March 27 Nutrition and Health classes for seniors 2-4. 657-6500, ext. 1581.

STARS Wednesdays Senior Theatre Acting Repertory at the Hollis library at 11:15.

AARP TAX HELP Fridays, March 29, April 5, 12 Pomonok library at 11:30.

STARS Fridays Senior Theater Acting Repertory at the Queens Village library at 11.

TEENS TEEN ZONE Monday, March 25 Queens Village library at 4.

LAPTOPS Mondays-Thursdays Hollis library at 3.

YU-GI-OH Tu e s d a y, M a r c h 2 6 Flushing library. Register.

BOOK BUDDIES Tu e s d a y s , M a r c h 2 6 , April 2 East Elmhurst library at 4.

TEEN CHESS Tu e s d a y, M a r c h 2 6 South Hollis library. Register.

SISTER TO SISTER Tuesday, March 26 girls discuss life skills and more at 4:30 at the Pomonok library.

TEEN ZONE Wednesday, March 27 Queens Village library at 4.

ONLINE TEST PREP Wednesday, March 27 LIC library. 752-3700 to register.

ANIME CLUB Thursday, March 28 Flushing library at 4.

SHSA PRACTICE TEST Thursday, March 28 H o l l i s l i b ra r y. Re g i ste r 800-273-8439.

VIDEO CLUB Thursday, March 28 Old Skool video game club at the Peninsula library t 4.

ORIGAMI Thursday, March 28 Sunnyside library at 4.

READING BUDDIES Thursday, March 28 McGoldrick library at 5.

RECYCLED CRAFT CLUB Thursday, March 28 Windsor Park library at 4.

TEEN MOVIE Friday, March 29 Central library at 3:30.

MS BOOK CLUB Friday, March 29 “Almost Home” discussed at the Pomonok library at 4:30.

BOOK BUDDIES Friday, March 29 Douglaston library. Register. Also at the Fresh Meadows library. Register.

CHAPTER BOOK Friday, March 29 “The Graveyard Book” read at the Howard Beach library at 4.

TEEN ZONE Friday, March 29 Queens Village library at 4.

MOVIE AFTERNOON Fridays Central library at 3:30.

KNIT & CROCHET Saturday, March 30 Peninsula library at 11.

COUNSELING Call 592-5757 free counseling at the Forest Hills Communit y House.

YOUTH PICTURE BOOK Saturdays, March 23, 30 Ridge2ood library at 10:30. Ages 3-5 and caregivers.

WETLAND ADVENTURE Saturday, March 23 Central library at 1.

NATIVE AMERICANS Saturday, March 23 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000.

ANIMAL CARE Sunday, March 24 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000.

PUPPET THEATER Sunday, March 24 Flushing Town Hall. 463-7700, est. 222.

LEGOS Monday, March 25 Ridgewood library at 4.

GAME NIGHT Monday, March 25 Richmond Hill library at 5.

ECO CRAFT Monday, March 25 Sunnyside library at 4.

POETRY Monday and Wednesday, March 25, 27 Flushing library at 2:30.

CRAFT KIDS Mondays Flushing library at 3.

S TORY T I M E Mondays at 3:30 at the Peninsula library.

MATHGAMES Tu e s d a y , M a r c h 2 6 McGoldrick library at 5.

SCIENCE CLUB Tuesday, March 26 Peninsula library at 3.

PLANTS & ANIMALS Tu e s d a y , M a r c h 2 6 Windsor Park library at 4.

WORD PROJECT Tuesday, March 26 Central library 4:30.

COMPUTER FOR KIDS Tu e s d a y , M a r c h 2 6 Ridgewood library. Register.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesday, March 26 East Elmhurst library at 4.

NATURE KIDS Tuesdays Sunnyside library at 3:15.

CRAFT TUESDAYS Tu e s d a y s Cambria Heights library at 4.

RIVER SLOOP Wednesday, March 27 Central library at 1.

ECO CRAFTS Wednesday, March 27 Sunnyside library at 11:30.

FAMILY STORY TIME Wednesday, March 27 Astoria library at 3:30.

READING FOR FUN Wednesdays at the Laurelton library at 3:30.

CRAFTIVITIES Wednesdays East Flushing library. Register.

YOUNG LEADERS Wednesdays and Fridays Young Leaders Institute of Laurelton at the

Laurelton library at 3:30.

READING BUDDIES Thursday, March 28 McGoldrick library at 5.

DRY ICE CAPADES Thursday, March 28 Central library at 2.

ROLLER COASTER Thursday, March 28 Pomonok library at 2:30.

WORLD OF ANIMALS Thursday, March 28 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000.

SPRING CRAFT Thursday, March 28 Bay Terrace library at 3:30.

ECO CRAFTS Thursday, March 28 Steinway library at 4.

EASTER CRAFT Thursday, March 28 Richmond Hill library at 4.

SHSAT PREP Friday, March 29 LIC library at 3:30.

BOOK BUDDIES Friday, March 29 Douglaston library. Register.

BOOK BUDDIES Friday, March 29 Fresh Meadows library at 4.

WII GAME Friday, March 29 Poppenhusen library at 4.

BOARD GAMES Friday, March 29 Windsor Park library at 4.

VIDEO/BOARD GAMES Friday, March 29 Rochdale Village library at 4:30.

PRE-SCHOOL CRAFTS Friday, March 29 Sunnyside library. Register.

FAMILY GAME DAY Friday, March 29 Bay Terrace library at 3:30.

PICTURE BINGO Friday, March 29 Bellerose librar y. Register.

LEGO BUILDERS Friday, March 29 Glendale library at 4.

SPRING CRAFT Friday, March 29 Central library at 4:30.

EASTER CRAFT Friday, March 29 McGoldrick library at 5.

CRAFT TIME Fridays at 3 at the Ozone Park library.

CRAFT CLUB Fridays Peninsula library at 3.

GAME DAY Fridays at 3:30 Queens Village library.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays Briarwood library 4. East Flushing Register. Ozone Park 3.

NANO DAYS Saturday, March 30 Central library at 11.

KNIT & CROCHET Saturday, March 30 Peninsula library at 11.

CLASSIFIEDS

Page 20 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 22-28, 2013

150-50 14th Road Whitestone, NY 11357

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ST. ALBANS

March 22-28, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 21

People Samiha Shaheed has enrolled at the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Bachelor of Science program in biomedical engineering for the fall 2013 semester.

Shaheed is the daughter of Mohammad Shaheed and Dil Banu of Jamaica.

Benjamin Adam Chu of Queens Village was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 semester at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. Army Pvt. Davesha K. Taylor has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches and field training exercises.

Taylor is the daughter of Darlene Taylor of St. Albans and is a 2009 graduate of Hillcrest High School, Jamaica.

Arvin Tangalan of Jamaica has been awarded the Alumni Centennial Scholarship at SUNY Delhi for the 2012-13 academic year.

Capital One Bank announced the appointment of Paul Darrigo as Senior Vice President of its Long Island and Queens Middle Market Banking Team.

Queens Botanical Garden will celebrate spring with its inaugural Egg Hunt from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 30. The day will also include seasonal craft activities, old-fashioned games, seed plantings and a special visit from QBG’s mascot, Flora the Flower.

Admission is $5 per child.

For information, email rforlenza@queensbotanical.org.

Army National Guard Pvt. Brian Tarazona has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony,

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Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 22-28, 2013

Don't Bite Down

Musicians Of Queens

Hiram Monserrate

Looks like having bad teeth could be a good thing for one disgraced Queens Democrat.

Several reports indicate that the prison-bound ex-State Sen. Hiram Monserrate was granted an extra month of freedom for "desperately needed dental work."

Monserrate, who was sentence to two years for corruption charges, recently underwent several root-canals.

According to his lawyer, James Neuman, because the former lawmaker still needs four more crowns, the procedures need to be completed to avoid additional damage.

Monserrate, who pleaded guilty to misappropriating more than $100,000 in City funds, won’t be biting down on any jail food till April 11.

The news leaves this QConf reporter questioning, which is worse? Monserrate’s teeth or his reputation?

A Funny Fake A mock website for Community Board 1 has made its way onto the Internet, taking digs at the board members by calling them out of touch with the rest of Astoria. While Cb1queens.org may seem very real, a closer look at the website will find that it touts satirical “accomplishments” such as being one of the least friendly landmark community boards in the City and defeating a plan for a pedestrian plaza.

Among the main issues the website says the board deals with includes helping the “embattled minority” of car owners, being “proud to represent the interests of business and property owners” and "provide helpful cover to local elected officials when they take positions at odds with the majority of people in the community."

The Dirty Gems While many, many bands form between classmates in high school or college, only a few make it past graduation.

The Dirty Gems is one of those lucky few.

The group came together in 2007 when Hofstra University students Raycee Jones (vocals), Ulises Amaya (bass) and Cam Underhill (synth, vocals) were selected by Professor Bob Bowen III to create a jazz combo as part of a course at the school. They gradually transformed themselves into cover band Pump Yo Brakes with drummer Jack Goode.

Once they graduated, the bandmates felt they could convert their energetic live shows into songwriting skills. They invited pianist Mills to join the group and added guitarist Gary Heimbauer when they saw him play a tribute for Professor Bowen, who had recently died.

FanFest Fumblings Last week, Major League Baseball announced details for the annual All Star Game Fan Festival, held in conjuction with the summer tradition.

The MLB All-Star FanFest will begin on July 12 and will feature exhibits from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, batting cages, clinics and autograph sessions.

Tickets cost $35 for adults and $30 for children ages 12 and younger and can be purchased at allstargame.com or at the Citi Field box office, among other locations.

While the 2013 All-Star Game will be played at Citi Field in Flushing, MLB officials have announced that the FanFest will be held at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan.

While the All-Star FanFest will no doubt be an enjoyable experience for baseball fans from around the world, we here at QConf can't help but wish that there was someplace in Queens we could hold the event. It's a shame that there isn't a park or something across the street from Citi Field that could accomodate fans.

Oh, wait...

Although the band members are spread throughout New York City, The Dirty Gems call Astoria their home.

“The culture and vitality of a neighborhood like Astoria is inspiring to us as young, creative minds and the affordability and accessibility is ideal for us as stereotypically broke musicians,” Goode said.

Since college ended, the band’s future has been looking bright. They recently competed in the Battle of the Boroughs for Queens and won the contest, moving on to the Ultimate Battle on June 21. They also just released a new single, “Let Me Loose,” and they have an upcoming show on April 28 at the Highline Ballroom in Manhattan.

“We have the highest of aspirations, and as we grow, we plan on playing huge festivals, touring the world and continuing to write and release music to move people and make people move,” Goode said.

For more information, visit www.thedirtygems.com.

A Cleaner Queens?

One Queens resident has launched a crusade against dog feces.

The initiative, called the Dog Poop Project, aims at getting people to pick up after their dogs while they take them for their daily walk.

On the project’s blog, dogpoopproject.tumblr.com, many photos are posted of feces of different shapes and sizes that was found around Astoria and Long Island City.

It’s engraved with a toilet stencil with the words “no poop” on it.

The reasoning for this project is described on it’s about section: “In Queens, where I live, a lot of people don’t clean up their dogs' poop, so I started this project to encourage people to clean up after their dogs.”

According to online re-

ports, the person in charge of the initiative is Jang Cho, a resident of Astoria.

While we at QConf appreciate the project’s intent, we wonder if this person does not have anything better to do. It is also very apparent, by visiting the website that Cho isn’t going to take this crap anymore.

Got Talent?

QConf is looking for some talented Queens residents to feature. If you are a model, a musician, a chef or an artist, we would love to hear from you!

Get in touch with us via email, at editor@ queenstribune.com, and you could be featured in an upcoming edition!

March 22-28, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 23

The care you need, when and where you need it, to live well at home.

A New York State Authorized Managed Long Term Care Plan      

More than a name, a promise.   

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