Press epaper 032814

Second Annual

SMALL BIZ AWARDS

Volume 15 Issue No. 13 March 28-April 3, 2014

Tuesday, May 20, 2014 • 8:30-11 a.m.

At Queens College For info, call: 718-357-7400

ANOTHER INVESTIGATION Federal investigators searched the home and offices of Assemblyman William Scarborough, who is being looked at for mishandling per diem funds.

By Natalia Kozikowska… Page 3.

ONLINE AT WWW.QUEENSPRESS.COM

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 28 - April 3, 2014

News Briefs Teacher Arrested On Charges Of Child Abuse

On Wednesday, Monsur Khan, a teacher at Hillside Arts and Letters Academy in Jamaica, was arrested after police discovered that he was having an Internet tryst with a 14-yearold girl.

It is still unclear how Khan and the teen met. The victim is not a student at the high school.

Khan was arrested at his Forest Hills home on charges that included attempted rape, attempted criminal sex act on a child and attempted endangering the welfare of a child.

New Travel Plaza Coming To JFK Area

A new rest stop, fully equipped with eateries, a gas station, a car wash and convenience store will be opening at the corner of 147th Street and 150th Avenue near JFK Airport next month.

The 5.7-acre strip located right off the Belt Parkway will reportedly include the fast food restaurant Wendy’s and a 7-Eleven. Qdoba Mexican Grill and Max’s New York Style Pizza will also open locations at the rest stop.

Rather than offering just gas, the plaza will feature Sunoco Gas, diesel compressed natural gas and Tesla electric chargers.

Wills’ Homeless Bill Passes

On March 26, the City Council voted on and unanimously passed Resolution 123, which calls for the passage of a State budget that does not bar New York City from using State reimbursement for rental subsidy programs for the homeless.

The passage of the bill occurred only one day after a delegation from the Dept. of Homeless Services, Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica), author of the bill, and Councilman Stephen Levin (D-Brooklyn), Chair of City Council General Welfare Committee, visited Albany to lobby legislators on the language removal.

“I applaud my colleagues for supporting Resolution 123-2014 in the city council and those in the state legislature for their willingness to consider this grave issue,” Wills said in a statement. “There are 53,000 individuals including children and families sleeping in a New York City Shelter tonight. This number is equivalent to the entire population of the city of Hoboken, NJ. It is imperative we act now. Families cannot wait another year for substantive relief

when our shelter rolls will likely be upwards of 60,000.”

In 2011, the State legislature added language to the then State budget prohibiting the use of State funds to support rental subsidies for the homeless. Since then, New York City’s shelter population has dramatically increased, hitting record highs with the ending of the Advantage program.

Rockaway Polls For Participatory Budgeting Open

Earlier this year, Richards announced that he will allow Rockaway residents to vote on how they want $1 million of the City Council’s discretionary budget spent. Richards became the fourth Queens pol to adopt the process, joining City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Howard Beach), Mark Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens) and former City Councilman Dan Halloran.

“It is a good way to get everybody to get together and get involved and really make the determination of things they would like to see in their own community,” Richards said.

“These are their tax dollars and they should have stake in how their tax dollars are spent. My office wanted to begin the new term with transparency and we want people to be part of the process.”

Community members worked together to turn ideas into project proposals and inform the community at large of this new and process and now, the polls are open for voting.

Voting will run from March 29 to April 5 at the following locations and times. You must be at least 16 years old and a resident of the Rockaways, District 31. · Monday - Friday at 11 a.m. -1 p.m. and 4 p.m.-7 p.m., as well as on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. at the Far Rockaway Library, 1637 Central Ave. in Far Rockaway. · Monday – Saturday at the Beach 41st St Community Center, 426 Beach 40th St. 4 p.m.-7 p.m. · Monday-Friday at Councilman Richards’ Rockaway Office, 1931 Mott Ave. Suite 410, between 9 a.m.5 p.m. · Sunday, March 30, Macedonia Church Senior Center, 333 Beach 67th St., Arverne (one block from the A stop) - 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Brief Us!

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

March 28 - April 3, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Presstime

FBI Raids Scarborough’s Home, Offices

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

ough admitted that he was at the Jamaica meeting in question, but drove back to Albany later that night. He also noted that he is a vocal supporter of childcare, attending the meeting in Queens “because it was of utmost importance.”

“Childcare is a great concern of mine,” he said. “It wouldn’t have been unusual to drive to the meeting and drive back.”

The meeting wrapped up around 9 p.m. The State Capitol in Albany is approximately 160 miles away from Jamaica – a three-hour drive.

When bombarded by press who caught wind of the FBI raid this week, Scarborough reportedly stuck to his story and denied any wrongdoing. He also said he believes that he was a victim of a ‘tabloid hit job.’

The Assemblyman has not responded to multiple recent requests for comment.

Though he is the only Queens politician to have been under investigation by the State for questionable per diem practices, he is not the only rep from the Borough to have been accused of such indiscretions.

In late 2012, Vivian Cook (DJamaica) was also under fire for her

On Wednesday morning, the home, district offices and hotel room of Assemblyman William Scarborough (DJamaica) were raided by FBI agents, who were searching for evidence that suggested he abused his per diem payout perks.

According to reports, the State launched an investigation into Scarborough’s questionable travel expenses following accusations that he had submitted reimbursement vouchers for days he was not in Albany for work.

When one of the initial 2012 reports surfaced, Scarborough fervently denied any wrongdoing.

“The implication that was left by that article is incorrect,” Scarborough said in an earlier interview with the PRESS. “We were in Albany for the whole week and that’s normally the case. I indicated on my vouchers that I was in Albany for five nights and that I came home on Friday. What The Post has indicated was that I was at a meeting at the district on Thursday night – a meeting to advocate childcare.”

In that same interview, Scarbor-

Assemblyman Scarborough is under investigation by the State for allegedly abusing his per diem perks. per diem payouts. She allegedly billed the State for 12 straight days in 2011, claiming she was on legislative business. But, Legislature only met for three of those days and Cook was not recorded as having been in attendance at any of those meetings.

In 2010 and 2011, Cook allegedly received $17,035 in per diem payouts but skipped 51 percent of the sessions in 2010 alone.

State Senator Malcolm Smith (DJamaica), who is presently awaiting trial on unrelated corruption charges,

took the crown for the heftiest per diem cash out of all New York senators this year, racking in $21,372 in 2013.

In 2010 and 2011, Smith collected $38,139 in per diems, and according to reports, has stayed in hotels or with family members while in Albany, even though he owned a home 10-15 minutes away from the Capitol.

Smith would eventually sell the home adjacent to Rensselaer County.

Had he chosen to keep it, he would not have been entitled to any per diem money.

At the time of the report, Smith told the PRESS there was no financial motive behind the sale.

Much like Smith, Assemblyman Michael DenDekker (D-Jackson Heights) owned a house near the Capitol. He allegedly rented out each unit in the two-family home for $800 a month and stayed in hotels while in Albany.

When a deal to sell the $195,000 house fell flat and DenDekker could not find a second tenant, he moved in on Jan. 1 for the Legislative session.

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

Stringer Appoints Chief Diversity Officer At the recent Community Board 12 meeting, Scott Stringer announced that he has appointed Carra Wallace as the City Comptroller’s first-ever chief diversity officer of the City of New York.

In her new role, Wallace, former managing director at the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, will focus on increasing the number of contracts and sub-contracts awarded to minority and women-owned businesses.

Wallace will also be responsible for implementing and monitoring a new letter-grading system for all City agencies in an effort to determine whether goals for MWBE contracting are being met.

According to a press release issued by the Comptroller’s office, the lettergrading system, which will debut in the upcoming months, will be “the most comprehensive assessment of City agency performance in advancing MWBE procurement to date.”

“We recognize that part of my job as Comptroller is to follow the money,” Stringer said at the meeting.

Photo by Natalia Kozikowska

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

City Comptroller Scott Stringer announced that he has hired a chief diversity officer at a Community Board 12 meeting.

“When you think about the word procurement, that’s about $16 billion the City spends on goods – services, contracts. Of that $16 billion, in a majority minority city, a city that is diverse like the UN [United Nations], 2.7 percent of that $16 billion goes to women and minority-owned businesses.”

Stringer noted that, especially in communities like Jamaica, it is critical that the City plays a bigger role in supporting minority and womenowned businesses.

“It matters because it’s a civil rights issue. But it’s also an economic development issue,” he said. “If we want to revitalize Jamaica Avenue, Merrick and Linden Boulevard – how are we going to do that?”

MWBE firms’ share of procurement dollars have nearly halved in one year – declining from five percent of total procurement in 2012 to 2.7 percent in 2013.

“It’s going in the wrong direction,” he said. “It’s time that we break this

barrier and it’s time that we get serious about it.”

“It’s about giving people the opportunity to obtain those procurement contracts to set up businesses and pour money back into the community,” he added. “That’s why procurement matters.”

As part of the new initiative, Stringer also announced that he is in the process of mailing out letters to more than 100 corporations to request their MWBE policies.

“I am asking them to disclose what their MWBE policy is and who they are doing business with. You can have the best MWBE policy, but I want to know the companies you’re engaging with,” he said. “If we’re investing in corporations, they owe us a disclosure.”

Stringer also made another promise to those in attendance at the CB12 meeting.

“We’re going to make sure that the people who manage the money, your pension dollars, your retirement security, also look like you,” he said. “And that is my first 100 days.”

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

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 28 - April 3, 2014

Community Talk discusses Helping younger Generation What, if anything, do you owe to the generation behind you?

That was the central focus at the latest Community Conversations forum, hosted by Jamaica-based attorney and local activist Isa AbdurRahman on Tuesday evening.

Over food at a restaurant in downtown Jamaica, Abdur-Rahman, along with several other Southeast Queens community members including Kevin Livingston, discussed how they can help the younger generation prepare for the years ahead and give back to people that paved the way for success in their lives.

Abdur-Rahman kicked off the discussion, saying he has been blessed by the people that have come before him. He specifically mentioned being able to gather four generations of his family in the same household. Abdur-Rahman was visiting his 91-yearold grandfather in Cambria Heights, along with his mother, uncle and his three kids. He said he gets to have these gatherings often.

“Not only is it a blessing in terms of knowing your lineage, your heritage and knowing where you come from, it’s also a blessing to understand what the path is that is avail-

able to you, based on the he said. Livingston notpaths the ones before you ed, in particular, feeling have already placed,” he frustrated at a Commusaid. nity Board 12 meeting a Irving Hicks, a represenfew years ago, when they tative from the Brinkerhoff were discussing a speed Action Association, a nonbump instead of talking profit organization, said, in about recent crimes that simple terms, the conversaoccurred in the neighbortion at hand is about the hood. children and the kids they “I don’t feel we should will bring into the world in have that, in terms of the the future. family we have here in “In just plain talk, we Southeast Queens,” he owe our children our very said. “We should all emlives,” he said. “That’s how brace each other.” the world runs. I don’t The discussion concare how old you get to tinued on for two hours be, you’re always trying to about helping the youngmake something better with er generation, including someone else.” serving as a mentor to a Livingston, who found- Kevin Livingston was among the community members that younger person and helped the 100 Suits for 100 discussed how to help the younger generation on Tuesday. ing them manage their Men organization, aimed finances as they grow at reducing the prison recidivism cy in Rochdale Village for more than older. rate by finding employment for peo- 25 years. That led him, in part, to be This was the third of six commuple just getting out of prison, said active in his community when he be- nity conversations hosted by Abdurhe is fortunate enough to have par- came older, he said.

Rahman. Other topics that will be disents who are actively involved in the Livingston said he felt frustra- cussed in the future include arts and community. tion because he thought the “baton culture in Southeast Queens and the His mother has been a member was not being passed” in terms of importance of rewarding yourself. of the community board and school letting younger people have their Reach Reporter Luis Gronda board for the past 30 years. Livings- voices heard. They were being shut at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127, lgronda@ ton’s father also owned a travel agen- out of certain community meetings, queenstribune.com, or @luisgronda.

Photo by Luis Gronda

By Luis Gronda

March 28 - April 3, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

Church-Goers Evacuated After Bomb Threat

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA An NYPD spokesperson has confirmed that on Sunday morning, Greater Allen A.M.E. Church in Jamaica was evacuated after a bomb threat was phoned in during services.

According to the spokesperson, an unidentified male called the church around 9 a.m. and told the lead pastor, former U.S. Rep Rev. Floyd Flake, that a bomb had been planted

Greater Allen A.M.E. Church in Jamaica.

in the building and it was set to detonate in 60 minutes. Reports allege the call was made from a payphone across the street from the church.

Congregants attending mass were quickly evacuated.

Police and the Emergency Services Unit responded to the scene at 9:27 a.m., searched the premises and determined the threat was unfounded.

After police deemed the church safe about an hour later, masses resumed.

Church staff has not returned request for comment, but worshippers were updated through the Church’s Twitter account.

“Praise God!! The sanctuary is secure and we WILL worship in the cathedral sanctuary for our 11:15am worship service!!,” the tweet read.

Another tweet was published shortly thereinafter.

“We’re so grateful for all of your prayers!! Our Pastors Floyd & Elaine Flake are safe, our church family is safe and our GOD Has the VICTORY,” the tweet read.

A criminal complaint has been filed. No suspect has been arrested.

The Greater Allen Cathedral of New York, located at 110-31 Merrick Blvd., is one of the largest churches

in the United States. The congregation currently has more than 23,000 members and has a budget exceeding $34 million annually.

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

Cuomo Pushes For Plane Noise Relief

BY JOE MARVILLI After years of struggling with jet engines roaring above their heads, Queens residents may soon have some relief.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on March 24 that he has sent multiple directives to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, asking it to put more effort into monitoring airplane noise at LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy airports. According to the governor’s office, the Port Authority’s overall focus will be on addressing noise concerns as well as supporting growth at the airports.

“We will listen to local residents and ensure their input is used to make both JFK and LaGuardia airports better neighbors,” Cuomo said.

The Port Authority plans to help

alleviate noise pollution in communities like Flushing, Bayside, Corona and Jamaica by doubling the amount of existing noise monitors to 16, placing them in neighborhoods that have gone without them so far. These monitors will let the Port Authority keep a closer eye on noise violations and increase fines on those who exceed the noise limit.

Additionally, a new Aviation Noise Office is being established and will be staffed by a team dedicated to collecting data and responding to community complaints. The Port Authority also streamlined its noise complaint hotline. If you have a problem with airplane noise in your area, you can call (800) 225-1071.

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.

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

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

Editor-in-Chief:

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel

Reporters: Natalia Kozikowska Joe Marvilli Luis Gronda Trisha Sakhuja

Art Dept:

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

A Queens Tribune Publication © Copyright 2014 Tribco, LLC

Michael Nussbaum Publisher Ria McPherson Comptroller

Editorial Time To Work Things Out Once again, a dispute between a company and the union that represents its workers is causing havoc with the lives of hundreds of workers who relied on the job to put food on their tables. The recent firing of 250 UPS workers after a protest is a reminder that even with the protection of a union, both sides must maintain an agreement in order to conduct business continuously.

As is frequently the case in union disputes, both sides feel they are in the right, and both sides believe the other violated the terms of their contract. Regardless of the cause of the dispute, and even which side is in the right, the ongoing battle can do irreparable harm to both sides: the workers miss out on their regular paychecks while the firing undoubtedly harms UPS from a public relations perspective.

It is important both for the Maspeth facility and the workers who have lost their jobs that both sides sit down and iron out an agreement. We hope that both sides walk in to a negotiation in good faith and can realize that sometimes concessions need to be made. Standing firm to your own agenda can be admirable, but it can also ruin any chance for reconciliation.

We hope that UPS and the workers represented by Local 804 can come to an agreement soon, as this situation has likely already gone on long enough.

Letters Change Direction On Willets Pt.

An open letter to Mayor Bill DiBlasio: The Bloomberg Administration ignored small businesses and the needs of the little people, pursuing instead a long romance with real estate moguls. It also did not take the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP)

seriously nor the public trust doctrine which requires approval of the State Legislature before any parkland is given over to a non-park use.

In the early stages of your administration, you have an opportunity to distance yourself from Bloomberg’s abysmal record as aforesaid and to inform the public if you give great weight to the ULURP

Letters procedure, park alienation requirements and if you favor the interests of real estate moguls over that of small businesses and the little people.

A case in point is the Willets Point project which the Queens Tribune, in an editorial in its Feb. 13-19, 2014 edition, rightfully described as a fiasco. I am not referring to the original approved 2008 plan, but a scheme hatched by former Mayor Bloomberg and the Mets, its Related Companies and Sterling Equities, multibillionaires that not only violated the law circumventing park property alienation requirements and ULURP, but gave them the keys to the City Treasury and the right to construct a 1.4-millionsquare-foot shopping mall on the Citi Field parking lot, which is in fact part of Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Litigation is now pending that would prevent the construction of the 1.4-millionsquare-foot shopping mall at Citi Field until there be full compliance with ULURP and park alienation legislation. It is to be noted if there be compliance with these requirements and the project approved, it could then proceed. But, it should not be permitted without full participation of all the affected Community Boards.

You are not bound by the actions of former Mayor Bloomberg and you can direct your Corporation Counsel not to contest the litigation.

Mr. Mayor, let right be done, demonstrate your respect for the rights of our communities and disdain for any attempts to avoid ULURP and park alienation requirements and join in seeking judicial relief to accomplish that result.

Benjamin M. Haber, Flushing

Why Sign Vick?

To The Editor:

While Michael Vick is a talented football player, he has been cruel to animals. There was no reason at all for him to be involved in illegal activities, involving dog fighting, which resulted in the death and injury of these innocent animals. It is an absolute abomination that this man has now been signed by the Jets for the upcoming football season. Fans should boycott the games and also not watch them on television.

How can Mr. Vick live with himself, after what he did to those poor animals? What kind of a person is he? Certainly not one with compassion and care for animals!

John Amato, Fresh Meadows

WRITE ON: The PRESS of Southeast Queens, 150-40 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357 email editor@queenspress.com

High-end Hotel Set To Transform Jamaica A Personal Perspective

By MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE At last, it seems Downtown Jamaica will get a hotel suitable for travelers going to and from Kennedy Airport and elsewhere. It has been a dream deferred for too many years.

According to published reports, a 26-story Hilton Garden Inn could be added to the Downtown Jamaica skyline. The hotel will be conveniently located across from the AirTrain Terminal on Sutphin Boulevard.

As of yet, there are no dates offered for groundbreaking and none predicted for ribboncutting for the proposed 240-

room high-end property, but it appears we could hear about the deal being done soon.

The project has been a long-held dream of the Greater Jamaica Development Corp., which is said to have had control of the plot of land through a partnership with the MTA. It has now been sold to Able Management Group, which recently unveiled its plans at a GJDC meeting.

If the name Able is any indication, this dream for the area is finally going to manifest with a project destined to bring hundreds of construction jobs and many permanent employment opportunities for the surrounding communities.

This announcement

couldn’t have come at a better time for our community. Six years after the beginning of the recession, countless people in our community are still struggling to find employment.

However, the coming of this hotel is another indicator that Jamaica is gaining traction as a viable place for private investors and government agencies to put their money.

The Sutphin Boulevard corridor has been ripe for this development for quite some time now and seeing the fruition happening is encouraging.

Among many other entities to come, this hotel will share the neighborhood with the LIRR, courthouses, a movie theatre, King Manor Museum;

and Rufus King Park, Jamaica Performing Arts Center, York College and its myriad offerings and a vibrant shopping district on Jamaica Avenue.

It will be one of those things, which my son would say, “feels normal.” It feels normal to me that an up and coming neighborhood is to be equipped with all the conveniences of any robust neighborhood.

This hotel will be a convenience for weary travelers as well as locals who may just want a night out away from the kids.

This latest development not only bodes well for Jamaica and Southeast Queens, but for Queens as a whole. We are on our way.

March 28 - April 3, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

#FUUFS )FBMUI 4UBSUT 5PEBZ Fewer Pregnant Women in South East Queens Receive Pre-Natal Care than the New York City Average.

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Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 28 - April 3, 2014

Weisman Home Outlets:

serving Blue-Collar locals For seven Decades BY natalia kozikowska

Photo by natalia kozikowska

For more than 70 years, the Weisman family has been serving Queens’ hard-working blue-collar residents by offering them quality products at discounted prices.

Today, Weisman Home Outlets has three locations and has become a staple in the communities in which it serves. The discount mega-store has an exceptional selection of quality materials for all renovation needs.

But long before Weisman Home Outlets grew to be the successful company it is today, it had humble beginnings in Queens.

Weisman Home Outlets started as a lumberyard in the Rockaways and was founded by Leonard Weisman’s grandmother in the 1920s. Sticking true to family values, Weisman’s grandmother passed the business along to her son who would eventually pass down the business to Leonard Weisman, now the co-owner and co-partner.

Sometime in the 1980s, the lumberyard evolved into a salvage and surplus yard. Their expansion was well-received by the community so, when the Weisman family saw that

weisman Home outlets began as a lumberyard in the 1920s and is now one of the most recognized home improvement businesses in the Borough. there was a need for a home outlet that offered products at reasonable prices, the company evolved once more.

“Based on the economy, they realized that there weren’t enough closeout stores where people could buy discounted home products,” said Skip Abrams, president and co-partner of Weisman Home Outlets.

Abrams now manages and oversees Weisman Home Outlet’s day-today operations as the president of the store and a partner of Leonard Weisman’s. He has served in that capac-

ity for five years after working under Weisman for more than 20 years.

“I started at the counter at the lumber yard as a salesperson and worked my way up and eventually got to where I am now, where I run the company,” he said. “I’ve learned everything I know from [Leonard].

He was a mentor, as far as the business, and that grew into a friendship to him being a father figure. He is the reason we are where we are as a business.”

While the company may have seen significant growth in the last

seven decades, Weisman Home Outlet’s goal of serving hard-working middle-class residents has remained unchanged.

“Our mission is to provide the best value with the best price possible. We understand our business and we have our niche,” Abrams said.

“We’re middle-class, blue-collar and we try to provide a fair price to the people that work really hard for their money.”

When asked what he loves most about working at Weisman Home Outlets, Abrams said he truly enjoys getting to know his customers.

“We’re not a national company.

We are a neighborhood store and we know our customers,” he said. “I enjoy the fact that Weisman is still run like a family business. As a neighborhood company, we know most of our customers by name.”

Weisman Home Outlets is located at 218-01 Merrick Blvd., Springfield Gardens and 63-27 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village.

For more information, visit www. weismanhomeoutlets.com.

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

Rubie’s Costume Company:

For all Your Costume needs, Big and small BY natalia kozikowska

Photo by natalia kozikowska

From the 1930s to the late 1980s, Ben Cooper Inc. was one of the three largest Halloween costume manufacturers in the United States. The company’s inexpensive plastic masks and vinyl smocks were an iconic symbol of Halloween.

Despite Ben Cooper Inc.’s success, the company suffered heavy financial losses and in 1991, the owner, Ben Cooper, filed for bankruptcy.

Just one year later, the company was purchased by Rubie’s Costume Company. Under this new ownership, a new costume mega-giant was born.

Rubie’s may now be an internationally-recognized brand, but the costume store had humble beginnings in Queens as a small mom-and-pop shop. The first location opened in 1951 as Rubie’s Candy Store in Woodhaven by Marc Beige’s parents – Tillie and Rubin. Back then, the original store sold everything from newspapers to cigarettes.

With dreams of growing the business, Beige’s parents decided to take a leap of faith and give the Halloween costume industry a shot. They

started off small – selling knicknaut this Halloween season, Ruknacks and plastic masks, but bie’s Costume has you covered. soon realized the potential of The company is always evolvthe industry. ing and is dedicated to creating Just a few years later, in 1959, trendsetting costumes that keep the Beiges moved a block away up with ever-changing demands. to a larger location and renamed Rubie’s Costume Company the store to Rubie’s Fun House. has a number of store locations Their mission slowly started to throughout the country, includchange and overtime, Rubie’s ing two locations in Queens. began manufacturing costumes Both of these Borough locations for rental companies. are located conveniently close In 1972, Rubin Beige passed to a train station, giving locals away, leaving the company to Rubie’s Costume Company had humble begin- easy access to their stores. his wife and his son, Marc, who nings as a mom-and-pop shop in Queens.

In addition to its many retail was only 23 at the time. Expandstores, including locations in The 60-year-old family-owned busi- Canada, Rubie’s products are distribing on his father’s vision, in 1973, Marc, now president and CEO, and ness has an extensive line of prod- uted wherever Halloween and mashis mother Tillie continued to grow ucts for people of all ages. Their vast querade costumes are sold.Rubie’s the brand by offering customers full- collection extends far beyond Hal- licensed costumes can be purchased loween by offering unique costumes in Asia, Australia, South America length costumes.

Today, Rubie’s Costume Company suitable for Easter, Mardi Gras, St. and Europe. is the world’s largest designer, manu- Patrick’s Day and Christmas festiviRubie’s Costume is located at 120facturer and distributor of Hallow- ties. Rubie’s also has a large variety 08 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica and 1 Rueen costumes and accessories. While of costumes for animals, ensuring bie Plaza, Richmond Hill. For more the company has seen tremendous your furry friend can partake in the information, call (718) 846-1008 or growth, Rubie’s remains true to the all the fun. visit www.rubies.com.

Whether you want to be Superman, iconic Ben Cooper brand and legend Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska as the premier one-stop-shop for all a 1920s flapper, a Barbie doll, a prin- at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowscess from a far away land or an astro- ka@queenspress.com or @nkozikowska. your costume needs.

March 28 - April 3, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Cara Mia:

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Queens residents do not need to fly to Europe to enjoy some of the finest authentic Italian cuisine with Cara Mia right in their backward.

Today, Cara Mia is a well-known establishment in the Borough, offering locals a massive variety of quality Italian dishes. But much like all great family-run businesses, the restaurant had humble beginnings.

It all began many years ago in Broccostella, Italy – a small city located just 100 kilometers east of Rome. It was there that couple Tomaso and Armada DeCiantis worked on a small farm, both aspiring to migrate to the United States to open up their own business.

It was not until the late 1960s that Tomaso and Armada were able to migrate to America to fulfill their dream, arriving at Ellis Island with their three children, Larry, Anna and Carlo, who is now the owner of Cara Mia. After much persistence and hard work, in 1970, the DeCiantis family opened Cara Mia on Hillside Avenue in Queens Village. Although their culinary experience was scarce, the

couple was committed to learning all they could about Italian cuisine so their patrons could experience authentic meals.

In its early years, all of the family members helped out in the restaurant – each gaining the strong work ethic and cooking skills needed to operate a successful restaurant.

“I’ve been working here since I was a kid,” Carlo DeCiantis said. “It was always a family operation and a family effort. When I worked there as a kid, I used to do some prep, wash dishes, make salads, make pizzas and eventually, I started cooking.”

Carlo would eventually inherit and take over the business in the late 1990s so that his parents could retire. But even after their son took over the business, Tomaso and Armada were always in Cara Mia’s kitchen, preparing fresh ravioli, gnocchi and meatballs, much like they did decades ago.

“We have customers that lived around Queens Village and moved, but they always come back. They like to return to their roots,” Carlo said.

As Cara Mia continued to grow in popularity among Queens’ residents, in 2006, Cara Mia opened up

a second location in Seaford, Long Island. Keeping true to its family values, Carlo’s son, Sergio DeCiantis, manages the second location.

When asked what he loves most about working at Cara Mia, Carlo, who now has decades of culinary experience under his belt, said he loves being able to serve his customers some of his tasty Italian creations.

“I love it when my customers are happy with the food. It makes me feel good,” he said.

“I also really enjoy cooking.

I’ve been doing it since I was 12, so I’ve gotten pretty good at it.”

Cara Mia is located at 22020 Hillside Ave., Queens Village and 39-35 Merrick Road, Seaford. For more information, call (718) 740-9118 or visit www.caramiarestaurant. com.

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

Photo by Joe Marvilli

A Taste Of Old Italy In Your Backyard

Cara Mia has been in business for more than 40 years and has become an essential family-run restaurant in the Borough.

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 28 - April 3, 2014

pix

Meeting At The Inner Circle

Teamsters President Honored

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz (left) and her partner, Curtis Sliwa (right) join Mayor Bill de Blasio and his wife, Chirlane McCray, backstage at the Inner Circle Show, held on Saturday at the New York Hilton. The Inner Circle is a group of current and former New York City political reporters who put on an annual black-tie dinner and musical comedy show that lampoons the Mayor and other local and national officials.

Pearls of Wisdom The American Friends of Yitzhak Rabin Center honored Gregory Floyd, president of Teamsters Local 237, during a March 19 ceremony at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. Pictured, James P. Hoffa, general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, presents Floyd with the 2014 Yitzhak Rabin Leadership and Public Service Award.

Talking Culture

Motivational speaker and Wall Street banker Carla Harris was the guest speaker at an executive leadership breakfast at York College earlier this month. Harris shared her keys to success in life with a rapt audience.

Preparing For Another Storm

On March 15, Councilman Rory Lancman gave the opening address at Jamaica High School's Annual Culture Night Celebration. At the event, he spoke on Queens' rich cultural heritage and the pride he feels in representing such a diverse district.

Assemblywoman Michelle Titus and Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder recently met with the American Red Cross of Greater New York for an update on their efforts with Sandy recovery and storm preparedness at the Queens Elected Official Roundtable, hosted by Titus.

March 28 - April 3, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Police Blotter 103rd Precinct

Bank robbery

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance identifying two individuals wanted for a bank robbery that took place on March 22 at 12:15 p.m., inside a bank at 188-10 Hillside Ave. The suspects entered the location and verbally demanded money from the teller.

The suspects fled with $3,200.

The suspects are described as Black males between the ages of 25-

This individual, who reportedly goes by the name Tony ray ray, is wanted for questioning in regards to an incident of shots fired within the 105th Precinct.

30. The first suspect is believed to be between 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-10. The second suspect is believed to be approximately 6-foot.

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

105th Precinct

shots Fired

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance locating the following individual wanted in regards to a shooting that took place on Feb. 11 in front of 231-36 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica. There were no reported injuries during the incident.

The suspect in question goes by the nickname of Tony Ray Ray. Anyone with information should call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS, visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES), then enter TIP577. All calls are confidential.

113th Precinct

Homicide

The NYPD is asking the public’s as-

This individual is wanted for questioning in regards to the 2010 death of Maurice Gordon, an off-duty law enforcement agent. sistance in identifying the man featured in a recently-released sketch in regards to the homicide of Maurice Gordon, which occurred on June 21, 2010.

Gordon was in the vicinity of 161-02 118th Ave., having just left a night club located in Elmont. He and another individual were standing outside when a black SUV pulled up to the location. Three males from the vehicle began to shoot at Gordon and the other individual.

As he was a law enforcement agent, Gordon drew his service weapon and exchanged gunfire with the suspects, who then fled the location in an unknown direction. Gordon sustained one gunshot wound to the right side of his chest and succumbed to his injuries at Jamaica Hospital.

The sketch shows one of the males that fired from the SUV. The suspect is described as a Black male, 28-32 years old, between 5-foot-10 and 6-foot with a thin build and black hair in waves.

There is a $22,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible. The Mayor’s office will pay a reward of $10,000; the NYPD will pay $10,000 and a reward of up to $2,000 is being offered by Crime Stoppers.

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

City Employee arrested

At 12:34 a.m. on March 26, Dewayne Ruddock, 33, an off-duty City Dept. of Sanitation worker, was arrested and charged with DWAI – Commercial MV.

Borough Beat

Fired uPs Workers rally For Their Jobs The United Parcel Service drivers sent a loud and clear message to the company they work for: Rehire the 250 workers they fired.

UPS workers rallied outside of the Maspeth facility last Friday, demanding that the package company sit down with the union representing its drivers, Local 804, and give the 250 drivers they fired their jobs back.

The company fired those drivers after they staged a protest against the termination of another former employee, Jairo Reyes, late last month.

Reyes, who attended Friday morning’s rally, said he was let go on Valentine’s Day for what UPS called “admitted dishonesty” for starting his shift earlier than the normal start time. Reyes said a superior gave the okay when he asked to begin working sooner than his scheduled time. But his contract stated that start time was based on seniority and he was shown the pink slip despite he and two other workers filing a grievance

against the company.

A number of elected ofOnce word got out ficials stood with the workthat Reyes was fired ers to show their support, almost two weeks later, including Public Advocate the 250 workers staged Letitia James. a 90-minute protest out“We’re here to say that side the facility before you deliver the packages but returning to work. we’re here to deliver a mesUPS told the Tribune sage to UPS, that you canlast week they were not treat these workers with fired for organizing an disrespect and it’s not over, illegal and unauthorthis is just the beginning,” ized protest and their she said. collectively bargained Reyes, who was an emagreement states that an ployee for 24 years, said he employee can be fired uPs workers rallied on Friday morning calling for the deliv- and the other fired workers if they participate in ery company to rehire the 250 drivers they fired last month. would like their jobs back but an unauthorized work both sides need to come to stoppage. They said an equal ground so that disthat an arbitrator ruled in 2011 that this company, we have a contract, putes like this do not happen again. a future walkout, like the one that oc- they want us to hold up our end, “I’ve dedicated a lot of years to curred on Feb. 26, could result in the they need to hold up their end. They the company, I’ve given them my workers losing their job. signed that contract too,” said Tim everything, my passion, my life, that Friday’s rally asked the company Sylvester, president of the Local would be good to have my job back,” to sit down with the union once again 804. “They agreed to innocent until he said. to hash out its differences and to give proven guilty, they agreed to dignity Reach Reporter Luis Gronda the workers their jobs back. and respect and that’s what this is all at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127, lgronda@ “The message has to be sent to about.” queenstribune.com, or @luisgronda.

Photo by Luis Gronda

By Luis Gronda

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 28 - April 3, 2014

A&E

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA In recognition of Creative Arts Therapies Week, celebrated from March 16-22, Jamaica Hospital put patients’ artwork on display near the main entrance, drawing attention to the unique and increasingly popular form of expressive therapy.

Though art therapy has been offered to patients since the psych unit was established at Jamaica Hospital 18 years ago, the art showcase is relatively new – only entering its second year.

“The purpose of it is to support the fact that art therapy is beneficial to patients and people overall,” said Michelle Anne Hololob, one of three creative arts therapists at the hospital. “It’s helpful in their lives and it’s therapeutic to make art so that they can express themselves.”

Approximately 40 psychiatric patients ranging in age have contributed to the annual art show, many of them painting self portraits to match the showcase’s theme – “Me.” Hololob has been an art therapist

at Jamaica Hospital for seven years.

Her experiences there, she said, have taught her a lot about the many benefits of art therapy.

“The cool thing about art therapy is that it makes you forget you are in a hospital, and I think that’s a great thing in a psych unit, where everything has to be very safe and secure,” she said. “It gives them a chance for expression.”

Hololob said that her favorite part of the job has been watching patients embrace the experience. Many of the individuals who come in for art therapy wind up feeling better and show a dramatic improvement in mood.

“I really like working with people [and] I really enjoy seeing when people are doing better,” she said. “It’s a great feeling to see someone come in not themselves and leave more who they are.”

“I definitely love this work and I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t,” she added. “You do hear a lot of stories and a lot of them are incredibly sad, but I love that I get to go to work and make art. The fact that I’m fostering

Photo by Natalia Kozikowska

Hospital Helps Patients Through Art Therapy

Michelle Anne Hololob, a creative arts therapist at Jamaica Hospital, poses with artwork that her patients have created.

this idea of making art is awesome.”

As the use of art therapy continues to grow, Hololob said she would like to see the showcase and the program grow at Jamaica Hospital.

“We are thinking about expanding

the art therapy to include sculpting, writing and dancing so we can take it as far as we can,” she said.

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

Armstrong’s Ambassador Series Available Online

BY JOE MARVILLI Fans of Louis Armstrong around the world now have the opportunity to own some rare recordings by the legendary jazz musician.

The Louis Armstrong House Museum is making all 16 of his Ambassador Series discs available online for the first time. Previously, these recordings were only available to purchase at the museum itself. They are not available with any other retailer.

“We have such interesting projects you can only get at our brickand-mortar store,” Jennifer Walden, the museum’s director of marketing, said. “The idea was to make that available worldwide.”

The discs can be purchased at the newly launched shop.louisarmstronghouse.org. Each entry in the series costs $14.95 and features rare broadcasts and live performances from throughout Armstrong’s career, an addition that many music collectors would love to have.

“Volume 1” has recordings from 1935, including “I’m in the Mood for Love,” “Shoe Shine Boy” and “Solitude.” “Volume 2,” covering 1936, includes rare broadcasts of “Swing That Music” and “The Skeleton in

All 16 of Louis Armstrong’s Ambassador Series CDs can be bought at the Louis Armstrong House Museum’s online store. the Closet.” “Volume 3,” running between 1936 and 1937, opens with Armstrong’s Hawaiian sessions and includes his first work with the Mills Brothers.

Included in “Volume 4” are four spiritual numbers by Armstrong, with the backing of Lyn Murray’s Choir. The highlight of “Volume 5,” 1938 to 1939, is a jam session featuring Fats Waller, Jack Teagarden and Bud Freeman. “Volume 6,” running from 1939 to 1940, sees Armstrong playing up-to-date arrangements of past classics, like a performance of “What Is This Thing Called Swing”

from Carnegie Hall.

“Volume 7” is from 1940 to 1941 and includes collaborations with the Mills Brothers and New Orleans reed master Sidney Bechet. “Volume 8,” 1941 to 1942, is chockfull of performances with Armstrong’s Hot Seven band. “Volume 9” stretches from 1944 to 1949, as Armstrong’s recordings slowed down. It has appearances by Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.

One of the CDs contains performances from the Cotton Club between 1939 and 1943. Another disc features Armstrong’s work in

Philadelphia in 1948. There is also his Carnegie Hall Concert from 1947.

“Heavenly Music 1949-1957” is a compilation of some of Armstrong’s most beautiful performances, with many arrangements by Gordon Jenkins. “Because of You 1950-1953” is a collection of Armstrong’s mostloved pop singles and duets with Bing Crosby, Louis Jordan and Fitzgerald.

“Moments to Remember 1952-1956” gathers together Armstrong’s rare recordings of the 1950s, including his 1953 collaboration with The Commanders.

“When You and I Were Young, Maggie” takes some great material from the early editions of the All Stars with Teagarden, Earl Hines and either Sid Catlett or Cozy Cole.

These recordings are only available as discs and cannot be bought in a digital format. In addition to the Ambassador series, everything in the museum’s brick-and-mortar store can be bought online as well.

The Louis Armstrong House Museum is located at 34-56 107th St., Corona.

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.

March 28 - April 3, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

QUEENS TODAY

FRIDAY 3/28

AN EVENING WITH GROUCHO

RON CARTER QUARTET

American jazz doublebassist Ron Carter will perform with his quartet at Flushing Town Hall, starting at 8 p.m. The Grammy-award winning musician is considered to be one of the most influential in the genre, with more than 2,000 albums to his credit. Pianist Renee Rosnes, drummer Payton Crossley and percussionist Rolando Morales-Matos will round out his quartet. Tickets are $40 for general admission, $32 for members and $20 for students. Flushing Town Hall is located at 137-35 Northern Blvd.

SATURDAY 3/29 COOLITUDE

The Queens Museum will explore current IndoCaribbean writers and artists who are turning to the history of indenture as a muse and subject for interrogation in their own work.

“Coolitude” combines a reading from Gaiutra Bahadur’s book Coolie Woman, a sculptural performance by artist Andil Gosine, performance poetry by Rajiv Mohabir and a screening of Ian Harnarine’s short film “Doubles with Slight Pepper.” The event runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

“THE GEMINI KILLER”

Theatre Time Productions will hold a staging of a new play, “The Gemini Killer.” Written and directed by Tom Williams, this mystery thriller will be held at the Colonial Church of Bayside, located at 54-02 217th St. It will start at 8 p.m. and repeat on March 30 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $16 for general admission and $14 for seniors and children.

Call (347) 358-8102 or visit www.theatretime.org for tickets.

PEACE THROUGH UNDERSTANDING

SCREENING ANNIE HALL Watch the screening of “Annie Hall” at the Museum of Moving Image, starting at 7 p.m. Directed

The Greater Astoria Historical Society will present its Long Island City Forum Lecture Series on the film “Peace Through Understanding – the 1964 World’s Fair,” 1:30 p.m. at 35-20 Broadway, fourth floor, Long Island City. For

SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK MONDAY 3/31

OPENING DAY

The New York Mets will kick of f their 2014 baseball season with a home opener at Citi Field. The game will start at 1:10 p.m.

The Amazin’ Mets will go up against the Washington Nationals. All fans in attendance will receive a magnetic schedule, presented by Hyundai.

Tickets start at $45 and can be bought at http://newyork.mets. mlb.com/ticketing/?c_id=nym. information, call (718) 2780700 or visit www.astorialic. org.

FREE MUSIC

D.B. Rielly and his band will perform a collection of Americana music, spanning several genres, including roots, Zydeco, blues and alt-country, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at McLaughlin’s, 31-06 Broadway, Astoria.

For information, visit www. dbrielly.com.

SUNDAY 3/30

Queens Historical Society, to view the exhibit “Practicing Equality, Quakers in Queens” and enjoy light refreshments. Reservations are required, with a $15 to $20 fee. Email Jack Eichenbaum at jaconet@aol.com to reserve your spot.

DYING FOR BEAUTY

The Bayside Historical Society will hold a lecture on women’s fashions in the Victorian era. In that era, techniques and chemicals that were used to enhance beauty often had unwanted, dangerous effects. The lecture will start at 2 p.m. and will be given by Dr. Harriet Davis-Kram. Call (718) 3521548 for more information.

SWAN LAKE

Gustavo Casenave, a 2012 Latin Grammy nominee, pianist, educator and the current Composer in Residence at Flushing Town Hall, will present a lecture/ demonstration on composition and improvisation at the venue. The free event will take place at 2 p.m.

For more information, call Flushing Town Hall at (718) 463-7700.

The Moscow Festival Ballet will come to the Queensborough Performing Arts Center for a performance of “Swan Lake.” The ballet, with music by Tchaikovsky, is based on a German fairy tale and follows the heroic young Prince Siegfried as he labors to free the delicately beautiful swan maiden, Odette, from an evil sorcerer’s spell.

The show starts at 3 p.m.

Tickets range between $39 and $42. For tickets, call the box office at (718) 631-6311.

QPAC is located at 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside.

QUAKER FLUSHING WALKING TOUR

QUECHUA – KICHWA NIGHT

COMPOSITION VS. IMPROVISATION

Go back in time with this walking tour from the Queens Historical Society. Between 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., visit the 1694 Quaker Meeting House, Bowne House, the sites of the Remonstrance and George Fox’s monument.

The tour will end at Kingsland Manor, home to the

Join the free event and come to learn the Quechua/ Kichwa language at the Queens Museum in collaboration with Quechua at NYU, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.

They invite you to participate in a variety of activities where all ages are welcome, and no prior experience with the Quechua language

PHOTO BY BRUCE ADLER

Award-winning actor/ director/playwright Frank Ferrante will recreate his portrayal of the legendary Groucho Marx at the Queens Theatre. “An Evening With Groucho” will feature Ferrante improvising as well as performing some of Marx’s best bits. The show repeats on Saturday and Sunday. Friday’s show is at 2 p.m. Saturday has performances at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday’s show is at 3 p.m. Tickets range between $25 and $49. Call the box office at (718) 760-0064 for more information.

by Woody Allen in 1977, the film stars Diane Keaton and Woody Allen. Allen’s groundbreaking romantic comedy bridged the gap between the filmmaker’s early slapstick comedies and his more dramatic period.

Yet despite the poignancy and psychological depth in this fragmented, nonchronological portrait of a failed relationship, “Annie Hall” is as wall-to-wall funny as anything Allen ever made, and in the title role, Keaton is pure neurotic magic.Tickets for the Friday evening screenings are $12, $9 for senior citizens and students and free for the Museum members. Admission includes Museum’s galleries, which are open until 8:00 p.m.

is necessary. Some of the activities include A Quechua/ Kichwa language lesson with Elva Ambia (NY Quechua Initiative) and Segundo Aucanshala (Immigrant Movement International). Another event will include mural and bracelet making with Elva Navarro and Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS) at NYU. Also, listen to a collective “Rimasun” podcast recording with podcast series producers.

For more information, visit http://www.queensmuseum. org/events.

DICHOTOMIES

The Astoria Symphony Orchestra and Astoria Symphonic Choir will perform at 5 p.m. at Saint Joseph’s Church of Astoria, 43-19 30th Ave., Astoria. The orchestra and choir will join forces to present Germanic masterpieces and dichotomies. At 4:30 p.m., conductor Silas Huff will discuss the program. Tickets cost $20, $15 for students/seniors. For information, visit www.astoriamusic.org.

ONGOING “THE BOY FRIEND”

The Gingerbread Players of St. Luke’s Church in Forest Hills will revive the Broadway musical “The Boy Friend,” opening at the church with a 2:30 p.m. performance.

Performances will continue through April 6. Tickets cost a suggested donation of $12.

For showtimes, visit www. gingerbreadplayers.org.

GOT EVENTS?

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

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 28 - April 3, 2014

Queens Today Section editor: reGinA VoGeL

ENTERTAINMENT EVENING W/GROUCHO Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 28-30 Queens Theatre in the Park. 760-0064.

MOVIE MATINEES Fridays through April 25 Rosedale library at 2:30.

PROTEST SONGS Friday, March 28 Hollis library at 2.

OPEN MIC Friday, March 28 Lefferts library at 4.

LIFE OF PI Friday, March 28 movie at the McGoldrick library at 4:30.

CELEBRATE TANGO Saturday, March 29 Flushing library at 1:30.

DIRTY DANCING Saturday. March 29 Karaoke at the Movies at Queensborough Community College. $5. 631-6311.

BANGLADESH MUSIC

Saturday, March 29 Central library at 3.

SWAN LAKE Sunday, March 30 Queensborough Community College. 631-6311.

BAGGAGE CLAIM Sunday, March 30 Film at the Central library at 2.

REBEL W/O CAUSE Monday, March 31 film at Sunnyside library at 3.

CABARET Monday, March 31 Glen Oaks library at 2.

ALEJA BENNET Monday, March 31 author reads from her book at the Richmond Hill library at 5.

AMAZING SPIDERMAN Tuesday, April 1 film at the Sunnyside library at 4.

THE APARTMENT Wednesday, April 2 film at the Pomonok librar y at 1:30

MEETINGS KNIT & CROCHET Monday, March 31 Douglaston library at 4.

TALK OF TOWN Tuesdays, April 1, 15 learn the art of public speaking in St. Albans at 7:15. 6407092.

RH QUILTERS Tuesdays noon at the Richmond Hill library.

CHESS CLUB Tuesdays LIC library at 4, Windsor Park library at 5:30 7:30. 969-2448.

BEREAVEMENT Wednesday, April 2 support group at Holy Family in Fresh Meadows at 7:30.

969-2448.

DRAWING CLUB Wednesdays LIC library at 4.

SPRING/ROSEDALE Thursday, April 3 Springf ield/Rosedale Communit y Action Association meets at St. Peter ’s Lut h e ra n C h u rc h , 2 2 4 - 1 0 147 th Avenue, Brookville at 7:30.

TEENS & KIDS the Sunnyside library at 4.

WII GAMING Tuesday, April 1 Astoria library at 4:30.

COMIC BOOK WORK. Tuesday, April 1 Broadway library at 4.

DRAMA CLUB Tuesdays Central library.

Register.

TUESDAY CRAFTS Tuesdays through April 29 South Ozone Park library at 4:30. Ages 8-14.

JEWELRY MAKING We d n e s d ay, A p r i l 2 Queens Village library at 3:30. Teens POETRY CIRCLE Wednesday, April 2 5:30 Hollis library.

FRENCH Wednesday, April 2 for those 9 months-3 years at the Ridgewood library at 2.

EARTH HOUR Wednesday, April 2 Astoria library at 3.

READ TO A DOG Wednesdays through April 9 Nor th Hills library at 4.

READ-ALOUD Wednesdays South Jamaica library at 4. Grades K-3.

FAMILY STORYTIME Thursday, April 3 Bay Terrace library at 11:30.

YOUNG GIRLS Thursday, April 3 Empowerment Group at the Laurelton library at 4. Ages 14-19.

COME, SIT, READ Thursday, April 3 LIC library. Register.

HSE/TASC PREP Friday, March 28 LIC library at 11.

TASC PREP Friday, March 28 Baisley Park library at 10.

KNIT & CROCHET Fridays Fresh Meadows library at 11.

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

JOB SEARCH Saturday, March 29 Social Media & Job Search at the Flushing library. Register.

ADVANCED MATH Saturdays Queensbridge library 12-2.

CHINESE FOR TRAVEL Monday, March 31 Laurelton library. Register.

BALLROOM DANCING Mondays through April 28 Forest Hills library at 6:30.

CHESS TIPS Mondays through April 21 Pomonok library at 1.

MATH 4 ADULTS Mondays LIC library 5:308:00.

Tuesday, April 1 Central library at 4:30.

INTRO PILATES Friday, March 28 Rosedale library at 6.

MOVING & GROOVING Friday, March 28 Briarwood library at 11:30.

CARDIO SCULPTURE Friday, March 28 Richmond Hill library at 5:30.

CALYPSO CARDIO Friday, March 28 Laurelton library at 6:30.

CLOUDY MEATBALLS 2 Friday, March 28 film at the Ozone Park library at 4.

PROJECT ART Friday, March 28 Corona library. Register.

TEENS GOT TALENT Friday, March 28 Rosedale library at 3:30.

LEGO BUILDERS Friday, March 28 Glendale library at 4.

SCIENCE TELLERS Friday, March 28 Jackson Heights library at 4. Ages 6-12.

MOVIE MATINEES Fridays through April 25 Rosedale library at 2:30.

MOVIE TIME Fridays through April 25 Laurelton library at 3:30.

WHAT’S THAT SOUND? S a t u r d ay, M a r c h 2 9 Queens Symph ony Or chestra performance and instrument-making workshop for those 6 and up a t t h e F l u s h i n g l i b ra r y at 11.

TODDLER CRAFTS Monday, March 31 Steinway library at 11.

FAMILY STORYTIME Monday, March 31 Auburndale library at 3:30.

FAMILY STORYTIME Mondays Auburndale library at 3:30. Pre-K to 2.

HUNGER GAMES 1 Tuesday, April 1 Richmond Hill library film at 3:30.

YOUNG MEN Tuesday, April 1 Empowerment Group at 4 at the Laurelton library.

AMAZING SPIDERMAN Tuesday, April 1 movie at

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT QUEENS COUNTY SUMMONS AND NOTICE Index No. 10699/12 Borough: Queens Block: 9470 Lot: 25 NYCTL 1998-2 TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN, Plaintiffs, vs.

The heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, assignees, lienors, creditors,successorsin-interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through JOSEPH J. BEDNARIK, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and all creditors thereof, and the respective wives, or widows of his, if any, all of whose names and addresses are unknown to plaintiffs; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT AU-

THORITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; ELIZABETH MUNOZ; JOSEPH BEDNARIK, JR., if living, or if he be dead, his wife, heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, assignees, lienors, creditors, successorsin-interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said JOSEPH BEDNARIK, JR., by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and all creditors thereof, and the respective wives, or widows of his, if any, all of whose names and addresses are unknown to plaintiffs; ALEXANDER BEDNARIK, if living, or if he be dead, his

wife, heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, assignees, lienors, creditors, successorsin-interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said ALEXANDER BEDNARIK, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and all creditors thereof, and the respective wives, or widows of his, if any, all of whose names and addresses are unknown to plaintiffs AND "JOHN DOE #4" THROUGH "JOHN DOE #100", the names of the last 96 defendants being fictitious, the true names of said defendants being unknown to plaintiff, it being intended to designate fee owners, tenants or occupants of the liened premises and/or persons or parties having or

claiming an interest in or lien upon the liened premises, if the aforesaid individual defendants are living, and if any or all of said individual defendants be dead, their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, committees, devisees, legatees, and the assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest of them, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, through, or against the said defendants named as a class, of any right, title or interest in or lien upon the premises described in the complaint herein, Defendants. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in the aboveentitled foreclosure action, and to serve a copy of your answer on the plaintiffs’ attorney within thirty (30)

days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal service within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. Queens County is designated as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the subject premises. Dated: January 9, 2014 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an Order of Honorable Rudolph E. Greco, Jr., a Justice of the

Supreme Court, dated February 25, 2014, and filed with supporting papers in the Queens County Clerk’s Office. This is an action to foreclose a tax lien covering the property known as 127-11 97 Avenue, Borough of Queens, New York and identified as Block 9470 and Lot 25 (the “Tax Parcel”).

The relief sought is the sale of the Tax Parcel at public auction in satisfaction of the tax lien. In case of your failure to appear, judgment may be taken against you in the sum of $10,626.44, together with interest, costs, disbursements and attorneys’ fees of this action, and directing the public sale of the Tax Parcel.

Anthony J. Iacchetta Phillips Lytle LLP Office and Post Office Address 1400 First Federal Plaza Rochester, New York 14614 Tel. No. (585) 238-2000

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!

COMPUTERS BEGIN EXCEL Friday, March 28 Central library. Register.

INTRO COMPUTERS Friday, March 28 Poppenhusen library. Register.

POWERPOINT Saturday, March 29 Central library. Register.

BEGIN WORD Sunday, March 30 Central library. Register.

INTRO COMPUTERS Tuesday, April 1 Flushing library. Register.

TECHNOLOGIST IS IN Tuesday, April 1 Corona library. Register.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Tuesday, April 1 Woodside librar y at 5:45. Central library. Register.

SOCIAL MEDIA Tuesday, April 1 Flushing library. Register.

EDUCATION

HEALTH

March 28 - April 3, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

Profile

Kewl Skewl Klub Brings Open Creativity

BY JOE MARVILLI Communal music and poetry, that is what attendees can expect out of the Kewl Skewl Klub.

On the last Friday of every month, the Afrikan Poetry Theatre will transform into the Kewl Skewl Klub.

These Fridays will feature live music and an open mic, letting performers hone their craft, get something off their chest or perform for like-minded people. The next two events will take place on March 28 and April 25.

The event, which held its first event in February, was started by underground rapper Apani Smith, also known as Apani B Fly, and her company, 2040 Multimedia. As a member of the Afrikan Poetry Theatre’s advisory board for the past four years, she has been working to expand its art program.

“We’ve been working together to come up with music and art-related programs here,” Sekou Branch, the theater’s program coordinator, said.

“The idea was to mix old school jazz artists, being that a lot of them come from this area, and have college-age kids do open mics, read poetry over live musicians, as well as network.”

Among those jazz artists are drummer and bandleader Craig Holiday Haynes, bassist Gerald Lindsey and keyboard player Mark Adams.

was originally an ensemble of socially conscious poets, singers and musicians. It went from a group in 1976 to a nonprofit in 1977 and opened its center in its current location in 1978.

Some of the programs the center has are musical workshops, lectures, art galleries and trips to Africa.

“I think it goes right along with our mission, bringing culRapper Apani Smith started the Kewl Skewl tural arts to our community, Klub. looking at the change of our community and bringing the For the March show, bassist Stanley same level of entertainment to our Banks and pianist Sharp Radway will youth,” Branch said. take to the stage for the night of muFebruary’s Kewl Skewl Klub sic and readings. had about 55 people in attendance.

Branch added that performers Branch said that he hopes the proshould use whatever creative talent gram will continue to expand in the they have for their bit. They are not coming months, especially once the strictly limited to poetry. weather gets nice enough to take “You can sing, you can do poet- advantage of the theater’s outdoor ry, you can do a monologue if you space. choose,” he said. “At the end, we “We’re looking forward to growhave the freestyle cipher and then ing. When the weather breaks, we we network. We encourage people in have a courtyard in the back. We’ll their industry, whatever they do, to take it outside,” he said. “We have a come and network and possibly con- screen outside for film. The backyard nect and find work.” is filled with murals and graffiti. It’s The Kewl Skewl Club fits in the really nice.”

Afrikan Poetry Theatre’s goal, which Branch also stressed that the prois to provide a range of cultural, edu- gram is not an artist showcase. It is cational, recreational and social de- an open mic with a first-come, firstvelopment programs. The nonprofit served basis for those who sign up.

Pianist Sharp Radway will play at the show on March 28.

“Hear quality music and see who’s up and coming,” he said. “We want to bring to Queens the same thing that exists in Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn. We want to have that available in Queens.”

The Afrikan Poetry Theatre is located at 176-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica. Call (718) 523-3312 for more information.

The Kewl Skewl Klub costs $10 to attend and starts at 8 p.m.

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@ queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.

People Local students were recently inducted into national honor societies at Berkeley College in Midtown Manhattan. They include: Jamaica: Tanaka Mundangepfupfu, Phi Theta Kappa.

Rosedale: Phillisa Ellis Montgomery, Phi Theta Kappa.

St. Albans: Patrice Nathan, Alpha Sigma Lambda.

South Ozone Park: Paul Dorsey, Phi Theta Kappa.

Fayoni Olusesi of Jamaica, a member of the class of 2017 at the Pomfret School in Connecticut, was recently named to the High Honor Roll for the 2013-14 winter term.

Two students from South Ozone Park achieved honors for the winter term at the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Conn.

Derrick Garcia, a freshman, achieved High Honor Roll.

Nancy Coulverson, a sophomore, achieved honor roll.

Army Pvt. Kehinde Ige has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions.

Ige is the son of Olukemi Adeleye of Queens Village and is a 2013 graduate of Queens Preparatory Academy in Springfield Gardens.

Army Pvt. Rodliek K. Woods has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy,

military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions.

Woods is the son of Lanita Harper and Griffith Raymond of Jamaica and is a 2013 graduate of John Adams High School.

Abdullah Aljbab of Springfield Gardens received a Master of Science degree in computer science in December from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Aljbab is eligible to participate in spring 2014 commencement ceremonies.

Army Pvt. Gustavo A. Lantigua has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions.

Lantigua is the son of Evangelista and Jose Lantigua of Jamaica and is a 2013 graduate of Thomas A. Edison High School.

Air Force Airman Alando A. McGreggor graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

McGregor is the son of Althea Wilson of Jamaica and is a 2013 graduate of Martin Van Buren High School.

Ashante Terrell of Arverne was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester at Morrisville State College.

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 28 - April 3, 2014

Faith

Pastor Guides The Church Through The years

By TRiSHa SakHuJa The Calvary Baptist Church of Jamaica takes pride in its annual themes that looks to encourage its church-goers to better handle their lives.

The Rev. Victor Hall Sr. spoke in detail about this year’s theme, “Rebuilding The Wall,” which focuses on rebuilding one’s faith, family life and the church itself.

In years past, Hall said another integral theme that has carried through is focusing on one’s health, dieting and exercising.

“We have a health ministry here that is always bringing health fairs, high blood pressure screening, diabetes screening, kidney awareness and heart awareness,” he said.

Hall became the church’s 10th pastor in 1990. Since then, through his leadership and vision, Hall said “we have done so much in the community.”

To highlight the church’s more recent efforts, Hall said they broke ground on a new 80-unit housing complex that would house grand-

parents who have legal custody of have been able to embark upon a their grandchildren. multi-million dollar renovation He said the project is already project, known as Project Beautiunderway and the complex is exful. pected to open its doors in the Another great aspect of the next 16 to 18 months. church Hall spoke about is their “It gives them housing in a wonannual Community Day. derful and affordable environment He said it is a day where they with social workers present at the partner with fraternities and sobuilding,” he said. “It’s a great plus rorities from local colleges and not only to our church, but also the universities to make a difference in community.” the community.

Hall said this is the second The day is split up among differhousing complex they established The Rev. Victor Hall Sr. has served the ent groups handling various tasks, within the community, the first Calvary Baptist Church of Jamaica since Hall said. being in 1992, which serves as a 1990.

“We let the kids bake and read 101-unit senior citizen housing with the elderly,” he said. “AnothHall said their outreach programs er group will plant flowers and ancomplex across the street from the range from basketball, cheerleading other will work on various clean-up church.

“Both of these complexes have been and dance programs, to the estab- projects. It’s everything we can do on built for people in the community,” he lishment of a food pantry that feeds that day to better the community.” said. “It’s made it a possibility for a lot hundreds each week.

Looking to the future, Hall said “You name it, and we’ve had that “we have to be more in touch with of seniors to live affordably.”

As for the youth in the commu- program over the years,” Hall said. social media and multimedia.”

Through the Imani Youth Minisnity, Hall said they play a huge role “As a church, we have to continue try, Hall said they have been able to to make ourselves relevant to peoat the church.

In 1992, a full-time youth ministry send youth that “come from the proj- ple’s needs,” he said. began to encourage and promote out- ects or broken homes” to colleges Reach Reporter Trisha Sakhuja at reach programs to children and youth across the nation.

(718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, tsakhuja@ More recently, Hall said the youth queenstribune.com, or @Tsakhuja13. throughout the greater City area.

Notebook IS 59

Junior High Holds Community Health Fair

By JOE MaRViLLi Queens residents looking to learn more about staying healthy can head to IS 59 this weekend for a community health fair.

The Springfield Gardens school will hold the Community Linkages to Your Health and Educational Resources Fair on March 29 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. With a variety of health services, workshops, screenings and counseling, IS 59 is looking not only to heal, but to educate as well.

The health fair was organized by the school’s parent coordinator, Sheryl Leverett. The Queens Chapter of Links and EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care are collaborating with IS 59 for the event, which Leverett decided to start due to the national conversation about healthy living.

“With all the health initiatives going on thought the U.S., I thought it was an important thing for our youth and adult community in becoming

healthier,” she said. “We kind of all joined together, did a lot of outreach and it’s grown immensely.”

The goal of the fair is to help more than 100 adults and children by providing diabetic screenings and counseling, blood pressure screenings, cholesterol screenings, prostrate screenings, glaucoma screenings, HIV/AIDS counseling, dental oral screenings, pediatric screenings; mammograms and informational provider resource tables.

Additionally, there will be free parent/guardian educational workshops, giveaways, interactive Zumba, hip-hop, line dancing, chair yoga, karaoke sessions, massages and a Martial Arts demonstration.

There will be on-site registration for the Affordable Care Act, which has a sign-up deadline for March 31.

There will also be mobile no-cost breast cancer screenings conducted by the American-Italian Cancer Foundation. Classes and discussions

on various health initiatives or health risks, like sickle cell anemia, will take place as well.

“We have so many organizations that have stepped up to the plate.

We’re very proud,” Leverett said.

“I think it will be an exciting time. I know our neighborhood political representatives know about it. Hopefully they’ll come out in support as well.”

Members from Roy Wilkins Park will attend the fair as well, to sign up students for the Summer Youth Employment Program. Leverett said that IS 59 has been holding a poster contest to get students more involved with the fair and to get them thinking about health.

“It’s really introducing them in an educational way to the field of medicine, cure, prevention,” she said. “It all ties in educationally as well as feeling better about yourself physically.”

Leverett added that IS 59’s proximity to multiple neighborhood hubs in Southeast Queens makes it an

ideal location to hold a health fair.

She said she hopes both students and members of the community at large will come by.

“I think the location is perfect.

We’re so close to Laurelton, St Albans, Cambria Heights. We’re right in the center of so many great areas in Southeast Queens. Our students come from all of those places and beyond,” she said. “We welcome the community. The more we can do to be together and strengthen each other, the better it is for everyone.”

While the event is free and open to the public, the breast cancer screening does require an appointment.

All of the services take place inside the health fair’s mobile unit. To sign up for the screening, call Leverett at (877) 628-9090.

IS 59 is located at 132-55 Ridgedale St., Springfield Gardens.

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@ queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.

March 28 - April 3, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

What’s Up MARCH 29 Community Health Fair

Disco Inferno Concert Resorts World and Casino in Jamaica will present a Disco Inferno concert with performances by Evelyn Champagne King, Anita Ward, France Joli, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes and many more. Doors will open at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $80. Resorts World is located at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., Jamaica.

Meet Derek ‘Bonecrusher’ Dennis Embrace Ya Kids will host a meet and greet with the Carolina Panthers’ Derek ‘Bonecrusher’ Dennis. The purpose of Embrace Ya Kidz is to motivate, educate and empower children, individuals families and communities regardless of their social and economic status by providing functional programs and supportive services on a local and national level. The event is free to attend and will begin at PS 147 at 11:30 a.m. PS 147 is located at 218-01 116th Ave., Jamaica.

Skate Park Rally The Southeast Queens Skate Park Coalition will host a rally in support of having a skate park built at the Laurelton Playground. Free pizza will be served to the first 50 people who show up. Reserve your slice of pizza, while indicating your plan to participate, by visiting: http://www.

Sk8jamaica.com. For additional information, visit www.facebook.com/ Sk8Jamaica. The rally will begin at 1

Celebrate Bangladesh Independence

The musical group Shrejoni Music School, formed in 2008, Forestdale STYA Youth will draw from the rich and unique tradition of Bangladeshi Patriotic Mentor Forestdale, Inc., an organizasong and dance to stage a musical tion with a great history of supdance drama dressed in traditional porting families in need and comfolkloric costume. The review will include patriotic, folk and modern On March 29, Embrace Ya Kids will host a mitted to empowering children song as well as dance that cele- free meet and greet with the Carolina Pan- in foster care and in the local community, is launching a new brates the changes of the seasons. thers’ Derek ‘Bonecrusher’ Dennis. mentoring program in January The event is free and will be held 2014. This new program, called “Fuat Queens Central Library at 4 p.m.

APRIL 1 ture Prep: Successfully Transitioning Lloyd Succes’ Senior Recital The Magic Crown Lloyd Succes takes stage for a Youth to Adolescence,” or STYA, The Black Spectrum Theatre will senior recital at the York College Il- is designed to attract communitypresent its hit play seen by more linois Jacquet Performance Space at minded people who may not be able than 20,000 children — “The Magic the Chapel of the Three Sisters. The to commit to foster parenting, but Crown.” Tickets are $8. Black Spec- show is free and will begin at 7 p.m. nevertheless want to make a significant investment in the lives of chiltrum Theatre is located at the indren and their better future. We are tersection of Baisley Boulevard and APRIL 5 looking for mentors (18 or older) to 177th Street, in Roy Wilkins Park.

YorkJam 2014 work with children ages 9-12 for one The show will begin at 8 p.m.

YorkJam is a celebration of New year. Starting in January, there will York City high school jazz ensem- be four 10-week sessions throughMARCH 30 bles. YorkJam 2014 will feature the out the year, each running for three A S.W.A.N. Day Celebration Fordham High School for the Arts hours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to The Legros Cultural Arts Inc. will Jazz Ensemble, Talent Unlimited 1 p.m. The program will take place present a S.W.A.N. Day Celebration Jazz Ensemble and the York College at the Hollis Community Center at in memory of the life and legacy of Blue Notes. The performance will 203-09 Hollis Ave. Chantal Legros. Tickets range from take place in room 3D01 in the AcaThis is an excellent opportunity to $10 to $200. All ticketing is done on- demic Core Building at York Col- truly make a difference is someone’s line and there will not be tickets sold lege. The show will begin at 2 p.m. life, build meaningful relationships at the door. For more information, and is free to attend. York College and be part of an enthusiastic, comvisit www.LegrosCulturalArts.org or is located at 94-20 Guy R. Brewer passionate and supportive environcontact (347) 489-6712 or legroscul- Blvd., Jamaica. ment, in addition to a great learnturalarts@hotmail.com. To purchase ing experience with the opportunity tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/ Legal First Saturdays to learn about a multitude of issues lca-swan-day-celebration-in-memory The Greater Springfield Com- facing underprivileged youth in New of-the-life-legacy-of-chantal-legrosmunity Church, in association with tickets-10748100859. The show will the Queens Chapter of the National York City today. For additional inforbe held at the Jamaica Performing Action Network, is hosting free le- mation, contact Mirzya Syed, Youth Arts Center at 3 p.m. The Jamaica gal nights on the first Saturday on Volunteer Coordinator, at Msyed@ Performing Arts Center is located every month. Minister Cathleen forestdaleinc.org or (718) 263.0740, at 153-10 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica. Williams, Esquire, will be joined by ext. 365. other attorneys to provide free leThe Band Of Long Island gal advice. Brother Fred Simmons Queens Satellite High School The St. Albans Congregational will coordinate the evening’s activi- and College Mentoring Program Church will present a concert fea- ties. The event will begin at 5 p.m.

Queens Satellite High School is turing The Band of Long Island — a at the Greater Springfield Commu- seeking volunteers to provide stu50 piece orchestra. Join St. Albans nity Church, located at 177-06 129th dents with the skills and experiencCongregational Church as they cel- Ave., Jamaica. es that will support their personal ebrate the 40th anniversary of the growth. Key to the institute is the ordained ministry of Rev. D. Henry ONGOING: active participation its volunteers in T. Simmons. For additional informathe private sector and community tion, contact the church office at Overcoming Barriers to members who wish to provide real (718) 657-8282, Jeanette Jenkins at Employment world connections for their students Every Friday, the Queens Central through weekly seminars.

(718) 978-7381 or Louvenia Banks at (516) 326-9126. Tickets are $20 for Library in Jamaica helps residents Mentors can participate in onechildren 18 and under. General ad- experiencing barriers to employment. day sessions or teach a seven-week mission tickets are $40, patron tick- A Job Information Center case man- seminar on a topic of their choice. ets are $50 and supporter tickets are ager is available on Fridays from 9:30 Technical assistance for lesson plan$100. The event will be held at the a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to discuss potential ning will be provided throughout church at 4 p.m. The church is locat- problems you may have regarding your experience. For additional inchild care, housing, immigration, de- formation, contact Kristy Nguyen at ed at 172-17 Linden Blvd., Jamaica. gree evaluation, healthcare, goal and (718) 657-3920 ext. 4031.

Photo courtesy of Facebook

IS 59 in Springfield Gardens, The Queens Chapter of Links and EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care invite all to participate in a Community Linkages to Your Health and Educational Resources Fair. Their goal is to serve more than 100 adults and children by providing diabetic screenings and counseling, blood pressure screenings, cholesterol screenings,, prostrate screenings, glaucoma screenings, HIV/AIDS counseling, dental oral screenings, pediatric screenings, mammograms and breast examinations. The day will also feature mobile no-cost breast cancer screenings conducted by the American-Italian Cancer Foundation. This program is for women age 40 and over who reside in New York City and have not had a mammogram in the last 12 months or women with no health insurance ages 50 and above. The health fair will be held at IS 59, located at 132-55 Ridgedale St., Springfield Gardens, and will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

career planning, former incarceration, education and training and more. To schedule an appointment, call (718) 480-4222 or stop by the Job Information Center.

No registration is required and the service is free.

p.m. at the Laurelton Playground, located at 136-40 Brookville Blvd., Rosedale. It is free to attend.

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 28 - April 3, 2014

Musicians OF QuEEns

Tati Ana

Q

Tati Ana’s music is full of spine-tingling moments. From the dark, electronic atmospherics she conjures up to her ghostly wail, made even more evocative when echoed with itself, the Astoria musician has something that many others look for: an original voice.

Although her music is electronic, Tatiana Kochkareva is influenced by jazz and rock music.

It was her time in the studio that led her to start trying out different sounds and techniques, making her way towards the digital soundscapes she now creates.

“I think it started with me experimenting with sounds in the studio. Once I recorded music, I wanted to figure out how to do it live. Which made me very interested in software, synthetic sounds and that whole part of music. I get really excited about live setups,” she said.

That excitement is what set Tati Ana on the career of being a musician. She decided when she was 14 that music was the path she wanted to take.

CONFIDENTIAL

A former Northeast Queens City Council candidate stuck his head in to an event that had nothing to do with what he complained about.

Jo e C on c a n n on crashed U.S. Rep. Steve Israel’s Small Business bill tour last week in Glen Oaks.

The Congressman was touring the area to announce a bill that would let businesses with less than 50 full-time employees deposit up to 10 percent of their gross profits per year into a special savings account.

While on the tour, Concannon popped into one of the stops to complain to Israel

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

Follow us on Twitter: @QueensTrib

Just Call Him AARP Daddy

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/ QueensTrib

At this month’s Community Board 12 meeting, City Comptroller Scott Stringer may have shared a little too much with his constituents.

While discussing issues important to seniors, Stringer reassured those in attendance that he has the energy for the job by insinuating he has still the energy for something else…

“I am 53-years-old and I have a two-year-old and I have a nine-month old. And I’m 53,

We want to feature you! E-mail editor@ queenstribune.com for inclusion in a future edition.

according to Tati Ana. “I'd say the main challenge is you have no idea how each venue is going to sound like. So each time you have to adjust,” she said. “Also technology is incredibly unreliable. I have weird problems all the time.”

Still, despite the difficulties, Tati Ana can often be seen playing venues throughout the City and nearby her home of Astoria.

The musician said that the Queens neighborhood has been a positive influence on her songwriting.

“I like that it's relatively calm, has lots of great food and it's pretty diverse,” she said.

One of her most recent performances was in the Battle of the Boroughs competition at the Greene Space in Manhattan. While Tati Ana was not the Queens winner, she did make it into the top five.

Her next upcoming concert will take place at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 2, on May 28 at 8 p.m. The show is for the release of her upcoming EP. The venue is located at 196 Allen St., New York.

Northeast Queens Face-off

QConf is edited by:

Got Talent?

Although she is originally from Russia, Tati Ana said her home country’s impact on her is similar to any other immigrant who grew up in two different places.

“It did influence me, but I wouldn't say I am that different from anyone else who moved here from a different country,” she said. “Musically, I did get exposed to Russian folk and classical music, which I'm sure has influenced me in some way.

I do think that there is a lot of melancholy in Russian culture.

I relate to that.”

That melancholy comes through in industrial, haunting songs like “Four Walls.”

Her soulful vocals and jazzy piano are also utilized often, on tracks like “Cold Water.” Both of those songs can be downloaded for free on her website, http://ilovetatiana.com.

“I just write what I feel and hear and hope that others will like it as well,” Tati Ana said.

While using technology in the studio becomes easier and easier each year, the difficulties of translating those sounds to a live setting remain,

that’s right,” he joked. “Now, I have the energy for this job, so when I turned 50, I got the AARP card.”

“You can call me AARP daddy,” he added. “It’s after the election, so I want to tell you this.”

Despite the crude nature of his joke, those in attendance seemed to enjoy his sense of humor.

His comments were followed by a healthy combination of laughter and applause.

about the Affordable Care Act. He told Israel to repeal the ACA because it’s decreasing jobs in America, calling it “the biggest job killer in America.”

Concannon quickly left after sticking his head in the tour, but still handed out pamphlets while the event was ongoing. Israel quipped back with a comment of his own, though, saying there are anger management classes offered not too far from where the tour was.

Nice comeback Congressman. As for Concannon, you may want to take up Israel’s suggestion. It might help you mellow out just a bit.

Inner Circle Gets Out When the Inner Circle gets together, interesting things end up happening.

Like what, you may ask?

How about Mayor Bill de Blasio rockin' an afro, much like his son Dante's famous 'do?

The Inner Circle Show, an annual charity variety show in which City Hall press corps roasts the present Mayor, was in full gear as de Blasio kept up with tradition with his own comedic act.

Instead of the lavish Broadway actors that former Mayor Michael Bloomberg was fond of choosing, de Blasio opted for a low-key ensemble by asking his celebrity friends to join him on stage along with the City Hall press corps.

Some of the jokes recounted during the night took on the City’s struggle to clean up the snow after the big storms that hit earlier this year and de Blasio’s chronic lateness during press conferences.

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March 28 - April 3, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

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

149-57 Beech Ave. Flushing NY 11355 Ph: 718-463-7829 Cell: 917-337-4062

Mother Hope Spiritual Healer, Solves impossible problems! Reunites lost love! Finds Soulmate!

Restores passion. Clears negativity. Removes Obeah Guaranteed Results

SPIRITUAL HEALING & ADVISING

BY ANNA Join me on a Spiritual Voyage Helps w/Love, Career, Business, Removing Spiritual Obstacles Rekindling Love CALL TODAY SEE CHANGES TOMORROW

Records ♫ Old 33s-45s-78s ♪

CASH FOR RECORDS

• Pruning • Stump Grinding • Planting • City Permits Obtained • Prompt Storm Service

FREE READING

Heating Oil

Want 2 Buy

ARNOLDO’S TREE SERVICE

2014 New Year Blessings

Heating Oil

ROOSEVELT Totally Renov.

3 BR Colonial, full Bsmt w/sep ent.

1 car gar. Only $7000 down on contract, No closing cost.

New kit, w/granite Owner 516-476-8302

AMERICAN SPIRITUAL READER START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT Call Now Tells PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE

Removes all Evil, Darkness & Negativity Finds & Restores Love Helps with Love, Marriage, Career & Finance

832-236-0189 GOD GIFTED SISTER LYNDSAY

Honest Answers. Reveals All! Protection from evil. Removes witchcraft.

Reunites lovers. Job/money blessing.

Free Reading - Fast Help!

Call: 1-405-574-4105

R&B, Jazz, Rock & many other styles.

Top Dollar Paid!

1950’s - 1990’s Vinyl ONLY. We drive to you

ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE IN THE

PRESS

CLASSIFIEDS! 718-357-7400 ext 151

GETS ME READY FOR SUCCESS Thousands of

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computers to use and workshops to teach you how

t )FMQ XJUI XSJUJOH or improving your resume t +PC TFBSDI BTTJTUBODF

t 0OMJOF MFBSOJOH and job training t 1SFQBSF GPS DJWJM TFSWJDF MJDFOTJOH FYBNT t 5SBJOJOH GPS DFSUJGJDBUJPOT t (&% QSF (&% BOE &40-

Stop in at any Queens Library for more information, phone 718-990-0700 or go to www.queenslibrary.org.