Southeast Queens Press Epaper

Volume 12 Issue No. 15 April 15-21, 2011

PAGE 18

)4j3 ./4 /6%2 Despite a recent drop in foreclosures, experts expect an upswing in numbers as long as people remain unemployed and uninformed.

By Sasha Austrie…Page 3

Online at www.QueensPress.com

News Briefs

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 15-21, 2011

Locals Fret Over JFK Plans Residents and environmentalists living around Jamaica Bay are concerned a recent report detailing possible expansion plans for JFK Airport will severely impact the environment around one of the East Coast’s largest wetlands.

Earlier this year, the Regional Plan Association released a 158-page report on the future of air travel in the New York area. Among its recommendations was to expand all three major airports, including JFK. Three of the four options the RPA outlined would require building new runways into Jamaica Bay, reclaiming as much as 400 acres of the bay.

The report sparked outrage among residents in neighborhoods around the bay, including Howard Beach, Broad Channel, Rosedale and the Rockaways. The Jamaica Bay Task Force, a group of private citizens and organizations concerned about the bay, met April 7 at the American Legion Hall in Broad Channel to discuss the potential the RPA’s plan has to damage the ecological makeup of Jamaica Bay. The meeting was attended by more than 150 residents and civic leaders.

Dan Mundy Sr., of the Jamaica Bay Eco Watchers, criticized RPA for both the general tone of the report and for a lack of outreach to civic leaders and groups around Jamaica Bay. Mundy also said the plan showed RPA did not have good knowledge of the bay.

A section of Grassy Bay, part of Jamaica Bay directly off the main runway of JFK, was termed “dead” by the RPA because of a lack of oxygen does not support life, but local fishermen fought the accusation, saying the location was anything but dead.

Mundy suggested that the Port Authority, which will use RPA’s report to examine how to deal with future air traffic growth, should utilize airports like MacArthur on Long Island, Westchester County, and Stewart Airport in the Hudson Valley before expanding any of the existing ones, which is another option named in RPA’s report.

Besides environmental concerns, some were worried about noise issues and the potential for disasters like the crash of American Airlines Flight 587 into a Rockaway neighborhood in 2001. One proposal calls for a new runway to be constructed on the west side of JFK that would send air traffic directly over Broad Channel at low altitudes, a problem that has already plagued Howard Beach, South Ozone Park, Rosedale and the Rockaways.

“Putting aside the potential environmental catastrophe, what about the quality of life issues,” asked Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park).

The implementation of NextGen, new air traffic control technology, will allow planes to fly closer together, meaning planes would be flying over residential neighborhoods as often as every 30 seconds.

Museum Breaks Ground Art will have a bigger home in Queens by 2013.

Standing amid the gutted remnants of the borough’s old ice skating rink, elected officials, donors and executives ceremoniously kicked off the expansion of the Queens Museum of Art. The $65 million expansion essentially doubles the museum’s size, adding 50,000

square feet of space, tripling its gallery space and doubling its classrooms.

The building hosted two World’s Fairs, the first meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, the creation of the state of Israel and a locally-famed skating rink.

“This expansion will let the QMA play a bigger and more important role in the life of this wonderful borough, the life of this city and the life of this country,” said Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

The mayor and Borough President Helen Marshall welcomed the expansion not just for its addition to Queens’ cultural scene, but also the possible boom in tourism.

“Projects like this bring tourists, and that brings money to our borough,” Marshall said.

Of the $48 million of City money going toward the expansion, $22 million was allocated by Marshall.

The project will also relocate trees in front of the Queens Museum’s western façade, giving 250,000 daily motorists driving by on the Grand Central Parkway a better view of the institution’s new façade. Finkelpearl also touted a roving art piece and new lighting which will keep the building illuminated throughout the day.

New St. John’s Plan Nearly two years after its closure, plans to replace St. John’s Hospital in Elmhurst are taking shape.

Through filings with the Dept. of Buildings, owner Jack Guttman and his architect Nicholas Scire-Chianetta of the firm NSC Architecture reveal a planned mixed use for the building, which will house commercial, office and residential space.

Guttman did not return calls requesting an interview.

According to a proposed certificate of occupancy and work application filed by Scire-Chianetta, the $3.3 million plans for the former hospital’s site include nearly 108,000 sq. ft. of commercial space, comprising retail on the building’s cellar and first two floors and office space on the third. The fourth would include a 34,000 sq. ft. community facility. The remaining floors would be residential apartments.

Scire-Chianetta was not available to comment.

On Tuesday, the DOB disapproved of the plans. As of printing, the agency did not return calls asking to explain the decision.

According to Community Board 4 District Manager Richard Italiano, Guttman planned to present the plans to the CB’s zoning committee next week. Until then, Italiano said the board had no take on the plans.

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Crisis Redux:

More Foreclosures On The Horizon Though foreclosure numbers have been dropping nationwide, they are expected to spike in the coming months and creep up to last year’s total.

“While the country has shifted its attention to other pressing matters, the neighborhoods that I represent are still struggling with escalating foreclosures, bad mortgage modifications and greedy predatory lenders,” said Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica). “The foreclosure epidemic in Southeast Queens threatens to upset our efforts to improve our quality of life and our chances of owning a piece of the American dream.”

Center for New York City Neighborhoods’ Executive Director Michael Hickey said there were 17,000 foreclosures in 2010, By the end of 2011, Hickey said the numbers will probably remain the same.

Southeast Queens, the City’s epicenter of the foreclosure crisis, saw a slight reprieve in the first quarter of 2011. According to RealtyTrac, an online marketplace for foreclosed properties, there were 284 new foreclosure listings in February 2010 and only 277 in February 2011.

Hickey said the expected increase is due to banks lifting their self-imposed moratorium and there being fewer resources for foreclosure prevention. Bank

Courtesy of Office of Councilman Ruben Wills

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

uted to a logjam in CNYCN is also hosting an event dubbed, the court system that “Rise-Up & Stay Put Home Rescue Fair, is dealing with about Queens” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 30,000 foreclosure 23, at York College. Hickey said since the proceedings. agency was established in July 2007, it has The state budget 12,000 clients and modified 2,000 morteliminated $25 mil- gages. The agency has also reduced the lion slated for fore- average monthly mortgage payments by closure prevention. $1,000.

At the federal level, Comrie suggested that people who are $80 million could be going through the foreclosure proceedzeroed out of the bud- ings should call his office at (718) 776get.

3700 or call 311.

“At the time when “No one should suffer in silence,” the crisis is bad as Comrie said.

Councilmen Ruben Wills and Leroy Comrie joined advocates from ever, there are fewer Hickey contends that even with the the Center for New York City Neighborhoods, CHANGER, Inc., resources to help,” organization’s success, the foreclosure and residents to announce two upcoming homeowner Hickey said. crisis is not dissipating. In previous years, preservation seminars.

C o u n c i l m a n there were only 4,000 to 5,000 forecloLeroy Comrie (D-St. sures per year, but now the market is expeof America, Wells Fargo, JP Morgan Chase Albans) said the longer the crisis persists, riencing triple that amount. and Citibank instituted a foreclosure freeze there will be “more and more patterns of “If you didn’t build another house, it because of a robo-signing scandal, where shenanigans by the banks.” would take a year before you can sell all the Comrie and Hickey contend that the houses [in foreclosures nationwide,]” he bank employees routinely signed docuforeclosures will be an ongoing issue as said. ments without verifying information.

“They fixed their procedures and they long as the reasons for the foreclosures are The City’s effort to garner attorneys are catching up,” Hickey said. He has seen not addressed. pro-bono has seen minimal results. The “[Foreclosures] are still steady because NYC Service Legal Outreach has brought the effects of a moratorium. During the fourth quarter of 2008, a nationwide mora- we have so many people out of work,” in about 150 to 200 lawyers. Hickey said torium sent foreclosures into a nose dive. Comrie said. there is a need for at least 15,000.

Though there are currently no longIn New York State, foreclosures dipped State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Hollis) below 1,000. After the moratorium was term solutions to stymie the crisis, elected said to remedy the problem, there needs to officials have hosted foreclosure work- be a clear analysis of the market. All 50 lifted, there was an immediate spike.

Hickey said the lull may also be attrib- shops and seminars, and non profit or- attorneys general, banks and a host of ganizations have extended their ser- federal agencies are trying to negotiate a vices. Wills is hosting two events on settlement, which would address the Saturday, which will prepare and edu- abuses in mortgages. cate homeowners on loan modifications “It could be a potential relief for borand foreclosure proceedings, from 1 p.m. rowers,” Smith said. to 3 p.m. at the New Haven Ministries, If the negotiations are successful, there Starlite Pavilion, located at 130-05 101st still need to be an investigation into the Ave., and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Praise proceedings, according to Smith, adding Tabernacle, located at 108-11 Sutphin homeowners need to share part of the Blvd. blame for not being careful in how they “I am determined to ensure that strug- obtain mortgages. field, which often leads to drug and alco“It was a perfect storm of desire, interhol abuse. State Sen. Mike Gianaris (D- gling homeowners in Southeast Queens are educated and no longer vulnerable est and greed,” Smith said.

Astoria) said the number of veterans reReach Reporter Sasha Austrie at turning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, consumers that continue to lose their coupled with Vietnam and Gulf War vet- wealth as a result of gluttonous lending saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123. erans make Reality House's mission im- institutions,” Wills said. portant.

"We're getting new veterans coming home by the day," he said.

DePass said he hopes the center will become a place where those veterans can find treatment for their problems, often left unnoticed.

Reality House closed for restructuring in 2006 and reopened in a temporary Community Board 12 District Man- who visited Reddick at the hospital, said Queens office on Vernon Boulevard in ager Yvonne Reddick is currently hospi- she was ejected out of the vehicle.

2009. Bishop Mitchell Taylor, president talized following a serious car “We are praying for a of the Long Island City-based East River accident last week. speedy recovery and it is not Development Alliance, said the new cenReddick, who has been as bad as it could have been,” ter will trigger a boom in the Hallets Cove with the community board for Wills said. “It was a serious section of Astoria, which has not had the about 20 years, was on her injury, but it was not life threatsame population and development boom way to work in a cab, when a ening.” as the rest of the neighborhood.

BMW SUV rear ended the taxi.

Councilman Leroy Comrie "The building, as it rises, the neighborReddick is still recovering in (D-St. Albans) said Reddick hood will rise with it," he said. the intensive care unit at Jawould be “Okay.”

The building is expected to be finished maica Hospital, and her injuReach Reporter Sasha Yvonne Reddick next year. ries include a lacerated liver Austrie at Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at and broken ribs. saustrie@queenspress.com, or drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica), (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.

7400, Ext. 125.

Helping Vets Cope With New Reality

By DOMENICK RAFTER

CB 12’s Reddick In ICU After Auto Collision

April 15-21, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Reality House, a substance-abuse treatment center that served the communities of Upper Manhattan and the South Bronx for nearly 40 years, broke ground last week on its new veteran's treatment facility in Astoria.

The facility at 8-13 Astoria Blvd., in the shadow of Astoria Houses, will house a 30bed veteran's treatment center and will be home to an extensive outpatient program to help veterans suffering from drug and alcohol abuse.

"Behind me, there's not much to see today," said Heweitt DePass, Vice Chairman of Reality House, in front of the future site of the center. "But I promise you, there will be a lot to see soon."

Ground was broken on the project on April 8 after a ceremony which featured a number of veterans and local officials, as well as Astoria residents. Also present were members of J-CAP, the substance abuse prevention group founded by late Councilman Tom White Jr. (D-Jamaica).

Of all five boroughs, Queens has the most veterans at 80,000, and many of them come back with physical and emotional trauma from their time on the battle-

High Stakes, Anger In Shelter Fight

BY SASHA AUSTRIE The Skyway family shelter’s transition to a single men’s shelter in South Ozone Park has vexed community members.

“I am worried about something happening to our children, to our women,” Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica) said at a parent teacher’s association meeting Tuesday evening.

Heather Janik, Dept. of Homeless Services’ spokeswoman, would not comment on the specifics of the agency’s plan.

The community’s No. 1 issue was the safety of students at PS 124, located at 12915 150th Ave., which is two blocks away

from the Skyway Hotel. To beef up security, PS 124 Principal Valerie Lewis has requested for a fourth safety agent and a security guard from the shelter, along with youth officers from the 106th Precinct help out during arrival and dismissal times. The shelter has 49 residents, and Lewis was recently told that 59 additional tenants will join their ranks within the next week. There are three confirmed sex offenders living at the home.

“I am concerned about the kids leaving the perimeter of the school,” Lewis said.

Though safety is a major concern, community members were irate that DHS had not given the community ample notice of the transition. Wills said he was notified on

Supermarket Fire:

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 15-21, 2011

Photo by Mike VonDerLieth

A three alarm fire caused heavy damage to a supermarket and a restaurant located on Hillside Avenue in Jamaica on Saturday afternoon, April 9. Panicked residents also fled apartments on the second floor when an electrical fire broke out in the basement at about 4 p.m., according to fire officials.

Traffic was snarled and buses rerouted on the busy avenue as dozens of fire engines, ambulances and police cars converged at the corner of 150th Street. EMS treated a firefighter and civilian for minor injuries before the fire was brought under control about an hour later.

More than a dozen people were also left homeless as a result of the blaze.

a Thursday evening in February, and by the next morning, the switch was complete.

“We are a neighborhood of hardworking decent people, we want to know why is our neighborhood becoming a dumping ground,” said Harriet James, a resident of the community.

Of the 18 shelters in the borough, South and Southeast Queens house 14.

Wills said DHS Commissioner Seth Diamond told him the shelter was converted to a single men’s shelter because there would not be any opposition. He also brought the sex offenders to Diamond’s attention and claimed he was told “it doesn’t really matter because there are sexual offenders in the community anyway.”

Wills hoisted folders with almost 2,000 signatures of people against the shelter being in the neighborhood. He said he has collected about 3,000.

“If they thought this was a community that was not going to give them opposition, they are mistaken,” Wills said. “We have been in this from the very beginning.”

Though the shelter is occupied, the contract making it a permanent fixture in the community has yet to be signed. It would give the shelter a lease of five to nine years. In that span, there could be as many as 5,000 men rotated in and out of the shelter.

Along with the signatures, the community will host a rally to show their distaste for the shelter. Wills said he is also exploring legal options and legislation, which he hoped

to introduce in the next month or two.

“Don’t take my words to mean that we are going to take pitchforks and flame throwers and go over to the shelter,” he said. “This is about our community coming together.”

Wills was adamant that the community was not against homeless individuals, but rather wanted every community to bear an equal burden.

“We are not anti-homeless because when it was a family center, we accommodated the shelter,” he said.

He said Diamond lied on numerous occasions about Skyway’s transition. Wills contends that the first lie was notification to community stakeholders.

“No one was notified until the day before,” he said. Wills said the former occupants of the shelter were given a week’s notice, but DHS failed to extend the same courtesy to the surrounding neighborhood.

The subsequent untruths were a spike in single male applicants, seasonality and the agency’s mandate to “house and stabilize” the City’s homeless population.

Wills contends that Diamond testified at a City Council hearing that on average, there were 35 to 38 applicants for housing daily, which is the norm. He also questioned the seasonality. Though Diamond testified that there is a spike in the summer, the center transitioned within the first two weeks of February.

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

Bay Area Locals Fret Over JFK Plans

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

This Sunday, Stairs Only At Jamaica Station On Sunday, April 17, from 6:307:30 a.m., the Port Authority of NY and NJ will be doing maintenance on their escalators and elevators at Jamaica Station. Access to the LIRR train platforms will be by stairs only.

Customers with special needs should go to the ticket office for assistance.

Don Riepe of the American Littoral Society showed photos of birds and animals that live 150 yards or less from the airport. Some of them live and thrive along the boundaries of the airport. The bird populations, he said, could interfere with air traffic coming in and out of new runways in nesting areas.

"Birds like the snow goose can really get into trouble with aircraft," he said.

Capt. Vincent Calabro, a fish- A plan to possibly extend a JFK runway into Jamaica erman who fishes in Jamaica Bay has garnered local opposition.

Bay, fought the labeling of Grassy Bay as "dead," showing pictures of fish he American Airlines Flight 587 into a has caught within yards of JFK, including Rockaway neighborhood in 2001. One two-to-three-foot-long striped bass, floun- proposal calls for a new runway to be constructed on the west side of JFK that der and fluke.

"We have to speak up for the Bay," would send air traffic directly over Broad Calabro said. "The Bay asks nothing for Channel at low altitudes, a problem that has already plagued Howard Beach, South us."

An expansion project reclaiming land Ozone Park, Rosedale and the Rockaways.

"Putting aside the potential environin the bay would be a "disaster," he added.

Mundy suggested that the Port Author- mental catastrophe, what about the quality, which will use RPA's report to examine ity of life issues," asked Councilman Eric how to deal with future air traffic growth, Ulrich (R-Ozone Park).

The implementation of NextGen, new should utilize airports like MacArthur on Long Island, Westchester County, and air traffic control technology, will allow Stewart Airport in the Hudson Valley before planes to fly closer together, meaning planes expanding any of the existing ones, which is would be flying over residential neighborhoods as often as every 30 seconds. another option named in RPA's report.

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at Besides environmental concerns, some were worried about noise issues and the drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357potential for disasters like the crash of 7400, Ext. 125.

Photo by Ira Cohen

Residents and environmentalists living around Jamaica Bay are concerned a recent report detailing possible expansion plans for JFK Airport will severely impact the environment around one of the East Coast's largest wetlands.

Earlier this year, the Regional Plan Association released a 158-page report on the future of air travel in the New York area. Among its recommendations was to expand all three major airports, including JFK. Three of the four options the RPA outlined would require building new runways into Jamaica Bay, reclaiming as much as 400 acres of the bay.

The report sparked outrage among residents in neighborhoods around the bay, including Howard Beach, Broad Channel, Rosedale and the Rockaways. The Ja-

maica Bay Task Force, a group of private citizens and organizations concerned about the bay, met April 7 at the American Legion Hall in Broad Channel to discuss the potential the RPA's plan has to damage the ecological makeup of Jamaica Bay. The meeting was attended by more than 150 residents and civic leaders, including U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Kew Gardens), who flew back to New York from Washington D.C. during last week's budget negotiations just to make an appearance at the meeting.

"I'm against this and I'm not going to let this happen," Weiner said to the crowd, noting that any reclamation of land needed to expand JFK would require federal legislation. Most of Jamaica Bay is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, owned by the federal government and managed by the National Park Service.

Dan Mundy Sr., of the Jamaica Bay Eco Watchers, criticized RPA for both the general tone of the report and for a lack of outreach to civic leaders and groups around Jamaica Bay. Mundy also said the plan showed RPA did not have good knowledge of the bay.

A section of Grassy Bay, part of Jamaica Bay directly off the main runway of JFK, was termed "dead" by the RPA because of a lack of oxygen does not support life, but local fishermen fought the accusation, saying the location was anything but dead.

"The people in the back of the Bay, they know the Bay," he said.

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

In Our Opinion: Brenda Jones Executive Editor:

Brian Rafferty Deputy Editor:

Joseph Orovic

Editorial Welcome Aboard, Dennis Last week's announcement of Dennis Walcott's appointment to replace beleaguered Schools Chancellor Cathie Black was welcome.

Though we feel the jury is still out on the selection, there is no doubt about Walcott's credentials - as an educator, a person who works for social justice and someone with intimate knowledge of the schools of New York City, having administered their operation in his role as deputy mayor for the last nearly 10 years.

We also love the fact that he's one of our own - a Queens guy through and through.

But how will he stack up as the person ultimately responsible for the education of 1.1 million of our children? Time will tell. We can be a little patient.

We welcome him with open arms and wish him nothing but the best in the endeavor he faces.

And surely, we embrace the mayor's wisdom to realize he had made a mistake in selecting Cathie Black. If only he could see the mistake he made in renaming the Queensboro Bridge.

Contributing Editor:

Letters

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Data Reliance

Shiek Mohamed

To The Editor: There has been a cavalcade of postmortems in the aftermath of Cathie Black's resignation. Certainly she was her own worst enemy, yet she bore the burden of an even worse enemy: the principles and policies that she was forced to inherit and defend, probably not against her own bettereven suppressed-judgment.

The 17 percent approval rating she got is widely construed as a vote of no confidence in her as a particular leader. But was it not also a vote of condemnation, or at least robust skepticism, of the convictions and rabid anti-union policies of her predecessor? Is it

Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Harley Benson Sasha Austrie Domenick Rafter Jason Banrey

not possible that only 17 percent of those questioned in the reliable and scientific Marist poll are now embracing the much trumpeted and now largely discredited so-called "reforms"?

Let's not forget that 61 percent of parents with kids in public schools think that the union, so dumped on by City Hall and Tweed, are predominantly a force for good in this city. And our public schools are rated even higher by parents whose kids attend our public schools than they are by parents with no such personal experience whose judgment is clouded by the cataract of City Hall's press office.

The tide is turning against lies

Letters and bullying. That's what the data says and we know that data is the love object of City Hall and, at least until a few days ago, Tweed.

Walcott: look not only at the data but through it. A world of truth, some of it quite splendid, will open up and invite your friendship.

Ron Isaac, Fresh Meadows

Supporting Walcott To The Editor: The Queens Civic Congress agrees with Mayor Bloomberg's decision to replace schools Chancellor Cathie Black.

The issue is not Ms. Black; it is the future of the 1.1 million NYC children and their parents who depend on the schools. We look forward to working with Chancellor Dennis Walcott, who we know to be a seasoned professional educator. We trust Walcott will address the educational policies that most concern parents.

Patricia Dolan, QCC President

Restore Funds To The Editor: As a New Yorker, I was disheartened to hear that the New York State Tobacco Control Program has been slashed to $41 million. This will no doubt be a disservice to the people of New York.

Over the years, the Tobacco Control Program has helped the

rate of smoking among the youth of New York drop from 27.1 percent to 12.6 percent. The Tobacco Control Program funds smoking cessation centers, the New York State Quitline, distribution of nicotine replacement therapy, and media campaigns to let people know the program was available. This program helped the 116,000 New Yorkers who called the Quitline last year for help with their smoking habit which is the greatest risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

While we can applaud the fact that the budget was on-time, these cuts to tobacco control will mean higher healthcare costs down the road as fewer smokers are supported to quit and more children become addicted.

Jeffrey Bernstein, Chairman, American Heart Association

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A Tale Of Two Chancellors

A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE

Bill Clinton, in his book, My Life, says he learned a long time ago from an old Arkansas politician that “when you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.”

That would probably explain the former president’s “it depends on what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is” response during the impeachment hearings against him.

Too bad no one bothered to share that advice with now-dismissed Schools Chancellor Cathie Black.

She kept digging herself deeper and deeper into the hole she found herself in as chancellor. Her illadvised wise cracks, her booing back when booed and her haughty leadership style – not to mention her lack of education experience – simply buried her alive.

To add insult to injury, she tried to blame her spectacular failure on sexism. We know that there are still plenty of “isms” in the workplace to bury any person who is not able

to negotiate that minefield. But in this case, not so much.

I think the erstwhile chancellor played the sexist card to save face, but that’s pointless. We all knew her appointment was nowhere near a good fit. Her experience did not prepare her to lead the most complex public education system in the country. The mayor should never have offered her the job and she should never have accepted it. Her considerable skill-set did not measure up to this particular task.

She was ill-prepared for the rigors of such an appointment, and on both their parts they should’ve known; friends don’t do that to friends. The Dept. of Education is not an experiment and this debacle clearly proves that point.

On the upside, we now have a chancellor in the person of Dennis Walcott who knows the system from various angles. He’s been a student, he’s been a teacher – albeit for a short while – a parent of children and has a grandchild in the system; he’s been deputy

mayor for education for more than nine years and traversed the system with former Chancellor Joel Klein and then with Black during her ill-fated tenure.

Obviously his education credentials also include at least one of his college degrees; it would seem that based on those facts alone, he is head and shoulders above Black for the job. He also knows the politics of Albany and City Hall, and you can’t buy that sort of thing.

None of this is to say that automatically makes for a great chancellor. No, there is a lot more to the job than that. We are not sure what his executive leadership skills are. However, Walcott is someone who will most likely listen to parents, and parents will likely listen to him in return (at least during a honeymoon period). Cathie Black didn’t even get one!

In that sense, Klein wasn’t exactly a prize either. He could be autocratic and curt, but at least he was a stronger leader than his

immediate replacement. Having Walcott, a guy who grew up in our area and who still lives here, could work in our favor. He’s a workingclass guy who came up through the system and should be able to relate to ordinary New Yorkers better than most chancellors over the past 15 years or so.

Make no mistake about it, this will be the hardest job he’s ever done. He will be cursed out and he will be vilified at times; but he’s smart enough and grassroots enough to know that he can’t respond in kind. You never want to exacerbate the situation the way Black did with her haughty Park Avenue approach to leadership and criticism.

And if he doesn’t already have a thick skin, Walcott will know to generate one in a hurry. This is New York, baby, it’s sink or swim.

Here’s wishing our homegrown guy all the success in this new gig. And whatever you do, Chancellor-in-waiting Walcott, don’t dig when you find yourself below the surface.

Mayor Fires Black After 97 ‘Unsatisfactory’ Days

By HENRY J. STERN We were surprised today to learn that Mayor Bloomberg dismissed his hand-picked Schools Chancellor, Cathie Black, after 97 infelicitous days as ch ief of Ne w York City’s school system.

Ms. Black was never Henry able to counter the wave of negative judgments that followed her appointment by Mayor Bloomberg on Nov. 9, 2010, a scant hour after the departure of Joel I. Klein, who had set a record for length of service. Klein was chancellor for more than eight years, Bloomberg having appointed him on July 29, 2002. Ms. Black also set a record, for brevity of service.

In general, Mayor Bloomberg has been praised for the quality of h is appoi ntment s to h igh cit y positions. He has a Committee on Appointments, led by the highly respected former Deput y Mayor (under Koch), Nat Leventhal. The Black selection was out of character and did not follow the normal pattern of vetting potential candidate s. It is suspected t hat t he mayor was more than willing to dispense with the services of Chancellor Klein, whose luster had been dimmed by Federal statistics indi-

cating that the academic achievement of New York City students was not as great as Mr. Klein had led New Yorkers, including perhaps the mayor, to believe.

The beleaguered mayor de ser ve s some credit for firing Ms. Black Stern before she became a further embarrassment. He showed that he could dismiss his own appointees, even if that leads to the conclusion that he made an error in hiring them in the first place. It should also be pointed out that although this is the tenth year of his mayoralty, it is the first time that such an inappropriate appointment was made, and he corrected it on his own.

We were highly skeptical of the Black appointment from the start, and wrote about it twice. On Nov. 10, we wrote, under the headline “Klein Out, Black In. Does She Know How To Teach The 3R’s?” we wrote: “One would imagine that if one were seeking to fill the most important school superintendency in the United States, some person could be found who was both a brilliant manager and had some experience in public or private education. The appointment was

not required to have been announced w it hin minutes of t he news of Joel Klein’s resignation to enter the field of publishing.”

Two days later, under t he headline, “Unweighted By Experience, Cathie Black Seeks Waiver. Will Mayor’s Wish Previal?” we wrote: “No truly independent screening panel of educators is likely to conclude that no experience whatsoever in their professional field is adequate preparation for the most difficult and complex job in local public education. If they felt that way, they would be expressing the view that their own professional qualifications had little value, and that any corporate executive could fill the positions they now hold...

“It could be said that the chancellor, a person whose importance is comparable to that of the police commissioner, should be a person of impeccable and undisputed credentials, a Horace Mann of the 21st century, if such a person could be found and persuaded to take the job. To select a chancellor with no background whatsoever in education is certainly a daring leap of faith.”

The leap of faith has not led to a happy landing, and the plug has pitilessly been pulled on the publisher. President Kennedy and thousands of others have said that

public service is the highest calling, if it is done wisely and well. If it is not, one finds another person to serve. The republic will endure.

So will Ms. Black.

The task now falls on Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcot t. We have known him for many years, and we like and respect him. This will be the most challenging task he could possibly attempt. We hope he succeeds.

One piece of advice for Mr.

Walcott: Call Diane Ravitch and Sol Stern. You don’t have to do everything they say, but you should listen to them carefully. They can tell you a lot about the system. They are not bound by the mistakes of the past, and neither should you be. There are over a million children out there for whom you should be a great hope. Do everything you can not to let them down.

StarQuest@NYCivic.org

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

Immigrant New Yorkers at Risk – A Call to Action

By SCOTT M. STRINGER, Manhattan Borough President It’s an immigrant nightmare that’s become a daily reality at Rikers Island: People who are here legally and have no criminal record are suddenly transferred into Scott M. federal custody for depor tation.

Their due process rights are violated and they’re sent to detention centers in far away states, where they’re subject to inhumane con-

ditions. Finally they are sent back to their country of origin, devastating their familie s i n Ne w York and sending waves of anxiety through the entire immigrant community.

Today this is a sad fact of life at Rikers IsStringer land. But the worst part of the nightmare is that it doesn’t have to be happening. New York City has been turning people—including many innocent and lawfully present people—over to the

tion centers from 2003 to 2010, according to an article in The New York Times.

It’s bad enough that the human rights of these detainees have been violated. But the program is also costing New York tens of millions of dollars that could be better spent at a time of fiscal crisis.

Under the Criminal Alien Program, the City must house prisoners at Rikers much longer than it normally would, because New York policy forbids anyone who might be sent into deportation proceedings from being released on bail.

The costs mount—and so does the toll on law enforcement.

The City’s program deters many in the immigrant community from comi ng for war d and repor t ing crimes, knowing what the consequences of an arrest can be. As a result, the bonds of trust so necessary to police and the communities they serve are weakened. In addition, database s used by the federal government to identify people for detention have been significantly flawed for years and their process is often too rushed to ensure accurate identification.

How can we expect to instill faith in fairness and justice with all communities when the government is so willing to ignore rights and use questionable data to deport people?

The Rikers Island crackdown

is similar to Secure Communities, a federal program that has enlisted states in the drive to deport immigrants in custody regardless of their offense. But the crucial distinction is that in New York City there is no mandatory requirement that the Department of Cor rections take such action. New York’s activities come amid a heightened national campaign to boost the number of people who are deported every year. Last December, published reports of internal emails from the Department of Homeland Security showed how ICE has been frantically competing with itself to boost numbers, regardless of human consequences.

For al l t he se reasons, t he City’s partnership with ICE must end now. New York was built and shaped by immigrants, and we are a greater city as a result of people who come here for a better life from somewhere else, often at much risk to themselves. It’s the last place you would expect to find a program that so undermines immigrant rights and dignity. Indeed, various cities around the country, such as Arlington, VA and Santa Clara, CA have chosen to end this harmful practice.

Please join our campaign to end this program in New York City once and for all. Please call my office at (212) 669-8300 to pledge your support.

April 15-21, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency as part of a strictly voluntary collaboration.

The controversial Criminal Alien program, as it is known, could be ended tomorrow, and that’s exactly what we’re calling on Mayor Bloomberg to do. New York has no obligation to hand people over at Rikers Island, in clear violation of their rights, and it’s time for our voices to be heard on this outrage.

Under the program, some 3,200 New Yorkers have been funneled into ICE custody each year, then detai ned and depor ted.

Nearly 50 percent of t he se deportees had no prior conviction at the time of their arrest. While the federal government has launched controversial and aggressive efforts to deport immigrants, New York City has no business embracing a misguided and overly broad program that destroys the lives of thousands of law-abiding people. Immigrant communit ies have been caught up in a vicious cycle of politics, punishment and deportation, and the horror stories are heartbreaking: New York detainees are being detained as far away as Texas and Lousiana, isolated from fami ly and suppor t.

The se centers have i nadequate medical care, and those held in detention are subject to physical and mental abuse. Some 107 people died in immigration deten-

Law & Order:

Queens Supreme Through Juror’s Eye

In the criminal justice system, the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: the police, who investigate crime; and the district attorneys, who prosecute the offenders.

This is one of their stories; in the end, justice prevailed, though probably not the way the DA or police had hoped.

The author of this story served as a juror on this trial.

The Characters Frank Williams lived with his girlfriend, Shavala Jenkins, at 111-58 Inwood St. in Jamaica leading up to May 12, 2009. The couple rented a 10-by-12 room in a single-family house that had been illegally converted to have two apartments on the first floor, four on the second and one in the basement. They shared an upstairs bathroom and a downstairs kitchen.

Their landlord, Emanuel Harrison, also known as Emanuel Haze or, as he puts it, “Mr. Haze,” collected $175 a week in rent from the couple – plus $10 a week for use of a cable box – for the privilege of living in the “luxury” of his home, he said.

Living in the room next door to Williams and Jenkins was Brian Joyner, an ex-con who has done time for robbery and other offenses.

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 15-21, 2011

The Backstory Williams was unhappy about the conditions in the house, and after living there for more than a year, decided to withhold rent until a leak was fixed in the bathroom and until the refrigerator, which would not keep cold enough to store his meats, was fixed.

Mr. Haze was upset about this and on May 12, 2009, confronted Williams outside the house and told him that he was going to enter his room the next day and take back the cable box. “You don’t pay the rent, you don’t get to enjoy the luxuries of living here,” Mr. Haze said on the stand at a Queens Supreme Court trial last week.

The next day, things turned ugly. Mr. Haze showed up at the house with at least one thug in tow. He said he only brought his friend Tabar, who he described as “big,” to “act as a statue” and to be a menacing figure. Joyner, who said he witnessed the entire scenario play out, said there was a second thug there as well.

According to Joyner, when Mr. Haze and the two men came up the stairs, Joyner and his cousin got up and stepped out of their room to see what was going on.

Mr. Haze had knocked on Williams’ door, and the tenant opened it.

Mr. Haze and the two men entered the room, with Joyner and his cousin following right behind. With a total of six men in a small room, five standing and Williams sitting on the bed, Mr. Haze

Photo by Ira Cohen

BY BRIAN M. RAFFERTY

disarray. A pile of clothes was dumped into the middle of the f loor where previously six large men had been gathered.

Sticking out from under the clothes was the visible barrel of a .45 caliber pistol.

Bonny called in to the precinct, and a detective showed up to evaluate the scene.

The detective went to court in Kew GarAbove: 111-58 Inwood St. was the scene of the crime. Below: dens and obtained a Examples of the weapons found in Frank Williams’ possession. warrant, returning with the authority to went to take the cable box. The next enter the room.

When cops went into the room they minute or so is murky, and exactly what happened at that moment could never be found not only a gun, but also a set of metal knuckles. proven.

The Conflict

The Weapons

According to ADA Brian Hughes, Williams reached into a bag and pulled out a .45 semi-automatic pistol outfitted with a laser sight and pointed it at Mr. Haze, who said he was “shocked” to see the light of the laser sight dancing around his body and the room. Undeterred, Mr. Haze continued taking out the cable box and left the room. Williams followed Mr. Haze down the stairs and out of the house, but with no gun in hand.

Mr. Haze called 911 and reported that there was a man in his house with a gun.

He did not say anything to the operator about a weapon being pointed at him. He also chose not to leave his name, making the report anonymous.

Tabor and the other friend followed Mr. Haze and Williams down the stairs, as did Joyner and the cousin. Mr. Haze’s buddies left with him in Mr. Haze’s car, leaving Williams, Joyner and the cousin outside the house, and no other paying tenants inside.

A few minutes later, at 4:50 p.m., police showed up, including officer Edward Bonny of the 113th Precinct. Williams, some say, reached back and closed the door to the house. Given the report of a gun, Bonny put the three men in handcuffs, but without a warrant was unable to enter the home. He knocked repeatedly for anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour.

Bonny had managed to track down Mr. Haze, who had driven to Brooklyn to drop off his friends and was now on his way back to the house. Mr. Haze called his brother, who, it turned out, had been alone inside the house the entire time since the incident. The brother opened the door for the police. Bonny and other officers entered, and went upstairs to Williams’ room.

When they got there, the room was in

Frank Williams owned a .45 semi-automatic Hotpoint pistol. He purchased it in 2006 in South Carolina, and was legally licensed to own it – until he moved to New York and failed to register it. Williams admitted in court that the gun police found in his room was his – but he said he kept it in a Timberland shoebox in his closet.

He also said that he kept the gun a secret from his girlfriend, Jenkins – the closet was his and a dresser was hers, she said on examination at the trial. She said she did not know Williams had a gun until that night.

Williams admitted that he owned the metal knuckles, having purchased them at a flea market in South Carolina several years ago. He could not explain why he bought them.

The Charges Williams was hauled in to the 113th, as was Jenkins when she returned home from work. Though initially charged with crimes related to the incident, all charges against Jenkins were dropped – the police had identified the gun as belonging to Williams. In a written statement given in the early morning following his arrest, Williams admitted ownership of the gun, but said he never pulled it out or pointed it at Mr. Haze.

Williams was charged with three crimes: 2nd Degree Criminal Posession of a Weapon, which involves ownership of the gun with intent to use it to harm another; 2nd Degree Menacing, which involves using a weapon to threaten or cause physical harm to another; and 4th Degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, which is the mildest form of the charge, and simply means that the accused has possession of an illegal weapon.

The Trial ADA Hughes offered testimony from Mr. Haze, Officer Bonny, a weapons ex-

pert and the search warrant officer. He provided no witnesses besides the landlord to show what had actually happened that evening.

Defense Attorney Kathleen Gallo brought Joyner, Jenkins and Williams to the stand to give their take on what happened that night. In cross examination, Hughes revealed Joyner’s criminal history, as well as his previous times of lying under oath at trials. He also sought to discredit Jenkins’ memory of events, and was cautioned a few times by Justice John B. LaTella for being argumentative with Williams. The jury seemed to think he was trying to get Williams to shed his softspoken, well-mannered disposition.

Deliberation And Verdict Following four days of testimony, the 12 men and women from diverse walks of life gathered in the jury deliberation room and immediately voted to find Williams guilty on the weapons charge involving the metal knuckles – he admitted they were his and they were found in his room.

Rather quickly, the jury was unanimous on the menacing charge – not guilty. The ADA had failed to prove that Williams had actually taken out his gun, and it seemed additionally unlikely that it was plausible that the events transpired the way Mr. Haze had explained it.

Instead, there was a belief that Williams had been set up. Mr. Haze admitted to performing “inspections” of the locked rooms he rented, and Williams, Jenkins and Joyner had all testified to seeing him enter other people’s rooms. The jury assumed that Mr. Haze knew about the gun, and found setting up Williams as the easiest way to push out a tenant behind on his rent.

The jury believed that after leaving the house, Mr. Haze called his brother, who was alone in the building, and had the brother go upstairs, find the gun in the closet, and place it where the police would find it. That, the jury felt, would explain the amount of time it took for the brother to open the door after police arrived.

With that thought, and a lack of proof on the menacing charge, the jury chose a not guilty verdict on the 2nd Degree weapon charge for the gun. However, Justice LaTella had instructed the jury to also consider a 4th Degree charge if the 2nd Degree one would not stick.

After considerable deliberation and a few notes passed to the judge about whether, if the brother moved the gun, Williams had effectively lost possession of it, the jury convicted on the lesser weapons charge.

With no prior arrests and facing sentencing on two 4th degree weapons misdemeanors, the jury agreed that it would be unlikely that Williams would serve any time in jail, assuming he would have to pay a fine and face some stiff probation.

They all felt that Williams learned a serious lesson, and that justice – though not the ADA’s version of it – had been served.

Reach Editor Brian M. Rafferty at brafferty@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 122.

Police Blotter Compiled By DOMENICK RAFTER

103rd Precinct Found Dead On Monday, April 11, at approximately 11:19 p.m., police responded to a call of an unconscious woman inside of 108-11 175th St. in Jamaica, Upon arrival, police found the victim, Rosemary Little, 62, unconscious and unresponsive.

EMS responded to the location and pronounced the grandmother dead at the scene. Little’s death was ruled a homicide and police later arrested Christopher Jackson, 26, who lives at the location and charged him with second-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence.

109th Precinct Hit By Driver On Thursday, April 7, at approximately 9:28 p.m., police responded to a call of a pedestrian struck at Elder Avenue and Colden Street in Flushing. Upon arrival, police found an unidentified Asian woman between 30 and 40 years old unconscious and unresponsive with severe head trauma. She was transported by EMS to New York Hospital Queens where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police later determined that the victim was crossing Colden Street northbound when she was struck by a 2007 Jeep Laredo that was traveling eastbound on Elder Street. The operator of the ve-

hicle remained on the scene. There was no criminality suspected at this time. The investigation was ongoing.

From the DA: Pimp Sentenced A Queens man who forced a 19-yearold girl into working for him as a prostitute by intimidating and threatening her with murder has been sentenced to up to eight years in prison.

Reginald Cooke, 22, of Lefferts Boulevard in South Ozone Park, pleaded guilty last month to sex trafficking and seconddegree attempted criminal possession of a weapon. He was given an indeterminate sentence of two to six years in prison on the sex trafficking charge and a consecutive term of two years in prison on the weapons charge. Upon his release, Cooke must register as a sex offender.

According to the criminal charges, the victim worked for Cooke at various “tracks” in Queens and elsewhere during the month of August 2010. Cooke also advertised her services on craigslist.com and backpage.com. The victim, who was staying at Cooke’s house, turned over all the money she earned from prostituting herself to him. However, Cooke became increasingly violent and threatened to shoot her if she did not make money for him. In one instance, Cooke choked her with a belt while striking her about the face and body

and threatened to get his gun and kill her for failing to make him enough money.

On Sept. 9, 2010, Cooke was arrested on gun charges and repeatedly called the victim from jail, ordering her to go out and prostitute herself to raise money for his bail. A few days later, he called her and told her that he was going to be bailed out by a family member and that when he saw her, he would kill her because she did not make enough money for his bail.

20 For Murder A Jamaica man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the October 2009 death of his girlfriend whose remains were found the following month by a kayaker in the Delaware River in New Jersey.

Collin Ballah, 38, of 97th Avenue, Jamaica, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter on March 24. He was sentenced to 20 years in state prison.

According to the charges, Farisha Rahamult-Ali, 38, was last seen alive entering her Richmond Hill apartment with Ballah on the evening of Oct. 24, 2009. In reporting her missing, Ballah told police that he, the victim and her 9-year-old son had arrived at her home sometime between 9 and 10 p.m. that evening and that he went to bed at approximately 2 a.m. and did not wake up until about 8 a.m.

Ballah also told police that Rahamult-Ali stated that she was going to an appointment in New Jersey the following morn-

ing with an unnamed individual.

However, interviews with the unnamed individual determined that although Rahamult-Ali had expressed an interest in going to New Jersey for an appointment, she never made it. Also, video surveillance located at Rahamult-Ali’s residence showed Ballah entering the building alone between 4:30 and 5 a.m. on Oct. 25, 2009.

In conversations with his cousin, Brian Ballah, at 10 a.m. that morning, the defendant said that he had a body in his truck and that he wanted his cousin’s help in getting rid of the body far away and into moving water. Between 10 a.m. on Oct. 25, 2009, and 4:30 a.m. on Oct. 26, 2009, Ballah, his cousin and another individual transported Rahamult-Ali’s body from Queens to New Jersey, where they threw the body into the Delaware River.

On Oct. 27, 2009, Ballah reported Rahamult-Ali missing – although such personal belongings as the victim’s cellular phone, wallet and pocketbook were found at her residence. On Nov. 14, 2009, Rahamult-Ali’s naked body was discovered on the banks of Newbold Island on the Delaware River wrapped inside of garbage bags and placed inside a green laundry bag, which was consistent with one that had been at her residence.

Brian Ballah, 40, of 107th Street in Richmond Hill, pleaded guilty to firstdegree hindering prosecution on Jan. 24.

His sentencing is scheduled for April 28.

April 15-21, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

pix

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

100 Black Men

The Robert Couche Adult Center celebrated 37 years of service to seniors with their Annual Awards Dinner on April 9 at Antun’s. This active center has enrolled more than 5,000 seniors, including the visually and physically handicapped.

Pictured l. to r.: Johnnie Newsome, Pres., Robert Couche Advisory Council; John Butler, Chairman, Bd. of Dir.; Exec. Dir. Eleanor Kelly; Advisor to Board, Assem. William Scarborough; and D.L. Henry McCoy.

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 15-21, 2011

Pictured l. to r.: Exec. Dir. Eleanor Kelly; Honorees Johnnie Newsome, Pres. of the Advisory Board; Diana Oaks, Assit. Dir. for the Senior Care Program at Queens Hospital Center; John Butler, Chair, Bd. of Directors; Asst. Chief James Secreto, of Patrol Bureau South; Hon. Lady Lucille Burney; Marcel Robin, owner of the State Farm Insurance Agency on Merrick Blvd.

Photos by Juliet Kaye

The 100 Black Men of Long Island Celebrated 36 years of “Mentoring Across A Lifetime” Saturday, March 19, at the Crest Hollow Country Club, Woodbury.

Pictured l. to r.: Henry Holley, 2011 Gala Chairman/Past Pres. OHBMLI; Gerry House, Pres. Institute for Student Achievement; Arthur Katz, Owner of Knockout Pest Control; Ray Thomas; Phil Andrews, Pres. of 100 Black Men of Long Island; Bishop Robert W. Harris (standing in for honoree Robert W. Harris, Supt., Roosevelt School District); Patrick Lespinasse, Dep. Dir. Public Policy & External Affairs Verizon; Amun Handa, Chair of Health & Wellness/OHBMLI.

Couche Celebrates 37th Anniversary

Despite Outcry, Bridge Name Changes

BY JASON BANREY

Photo by Ira C ohen

It is written. After months of opposition and an unsuccessful effort to keep one of the borough's most significant landmark icons as is, the Queensboro Bridge name is officially no longer the same.

Suffering the same fate as the formerlyknown Triboro Bridge, the Queensboro Bridge was declared the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge on Monday.

Despite much of the controversy surrounding the renaming of the bridge, former Mayor Ed Koch was proud to be associated to the structural link between Queens and Manhattan.

"It's a bridge everyone loves," said Koch of the newly named bridge which was once in his congressional district. "It doesn't have the aspiring heights of the George Washington Bridge; it's better than the George Washington Bridge."

Signing legislation that would forever alter the borough bridge's name - which endured for more than a century - Mayor Mike Bloomberg was joined by Koch, Council Speaker Christine Quinn and members of the City Council.

Lauding Koch's accomplishment to revitalize the city during a time of fiscal crisis within his tenure, Bloomberg pointed out the bridge's connection to the former mayor.

Pioneering efforts that restored much of the city's transportation infrastructure, Koch restarted the Dept. of Transportation's capital program, gaining

It’s official - this is now the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge. control of the city's bridges and eventually repairing them.

"It's only appropriate that we name something iconic, something great after Mayor Koch," said Bloomberg. "His work in literally saving this bridge and the rest of the city's bridges is symbolic of his overall legacy of bringing our city back and building for the future."

In a last effort to gain Bloomberg's

attention and sway his hand from signing the controversial bill into law, Community Board 2 met last week to voice their outrage over the renaming of the bridge.

Drawing the attention of many residents from Western Queens, "Save the Bridge," a committee organized by members of CB2 to protest the renaming, created a petition that collected more than 500 signatures.

Patricia Dorfman, chair of the newly formed protest committee, criticized the Mayor's ability to easily take a borough icon and give the new name as a "gift" to the former Mayor.

"To shove through this legislation is not leadership," Dorfman said. "It is an abuse of [Bloomberg's] power."

Other members of the committee pledged to not give up their efforts to keep the bridge's former name.

"This issue will not go away," said Luke Adams, who is also a "Save the Bridge" committee member. "We will continue to collect [petition] signatures, and ask that a law be passed to repeal it."

After proposing the name change last December at Koch's 80th birthday celebration, the bill swiftly made its way to a vote in the City Council in March.

A recent Quinnipiac University poll found 64 percent of city voters were opposed to the renaming of the bridge and that 70 percent of Queens residents wanted the bridge to keep its original name.

Despite the fact that a majority of the public was opposed to the legislation, many of Queens' City Council members sponsored the bill last month, which eventually led to a 38-12 vote in favor.

The total cost for replacing all 178 signs is $255,000 and will be paid for with private donations raised by the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City.

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

April 15-21, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

A&E Restaurant Review

Mangia At An Italian Wonderland ALBA’S RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA 137-65 Queens Blvd., Briarwood, (718) 291-1620 CUISINE: Italian HOURS: Sun-Thus 11 am-11 pm; Fri & Sat 11 am-midnight PARKING: Street RESERVATIONS: Accepted CREDIT CARDS: All Major Walk in the front door of Alba’s Ristorante & Pizzeria and the view is misleading. An unsuspecting customer will see nothing more than the small, cramped tables and long dinner line that can be found at any pizzeria in the City.

Don’t give up yet. A walk towards the back of the restaurant is worth the effort.

On a recent Tuesday we ventured out for a late dinner and were quickly seated by the knowledgeable and friendly wait staff. The open and airy room is filled with well-spaced tables, topped by the usual white tablecloths. Hanging on the cream colored walls are large mirrors and Italian themed paintings. The room is filled with the pleasant din of couples and families enjoying a meal.

After listening to the waiter’s recom-

mendations, we ordered a variety of starters and specials, starting with the mescalina and house salads, pasta fagioli and calamari. The Pasta fagioli was both beautiful and fragrant, with a plentiful serving of pasta and cannellini beans. It was a feast for the eye and the stomach.

The mescalina salad was a mixture of chopped greens with olives, thick cut tomato and onion. The ingredients were fresh and the house Italian dressing had a light taste without the usual bite. The house salad was a mix of chopped iceberg with the same combination of olives, tomatoes, onions and dressing.

The calamari was sized for sharing. An attractive platter of rings and whole pieces, with a silver bowl brimming with marinara sauce as its centerpiece, the calamari was crispy and lightly fried. A garnish of thinlysliced cucumbers topped off the plate. Although I am not generally a fan of marinara, the smooth flavor offset the well-seasoned calamari wonderfully.

For our entrees, we chose the Linguini Mediterani, Chicken Fontina and Veal Portobello. The Linguini Mediterani was served in a lobster sauce with clams out of the shell, salmon, scallops and shrimp. The lobster sauce was

truly delightful and the seafood portions generous. It was an excellent choice for the seafood aficionado.

The Chicken Fontina was layered with mixed vegetables and potato wedges, chicken breast topped by prosciutto di Parma and spinach fontina, in a white wine sauce. The seasoned potato wedges are tasty all on their own.

With the chicken and spinach, they added a wonderful burst of flavor.

The Veal Portobello was served with steamed broccoli surrounded by potato wedges, and topped by veal and Portobello mushrooms. The veal was tender and tasty. A mushroom lover’s delights, the Portobellos were sautéed in brandy and port wine, imparting an earthy flavor that did not overpower the dish.

Stuffed from dinner, with much regret we opted out of dessert. Next time, we will leave room for the Chocolate Mousse and Cannoli.

Prices range from a low of $6.50 for an appetizer to a high of $23 for the NY Shell Steak. Our verdict: well worth the price. If you are thinking about taking the family to Applebee’s or some other chain, make a trip over to Alba’s instead.

Seeking Entries On Tragic Events A group of high school students at Juan Morel Campos Secondary School in Brooklyn are curating a unique art exhibit this summer and are looking for artists to submit their work for consideration.

The show, called “Blood, Sweat and Tears: The Work of Art And Tragedy,” will focus on art inspired by recovering and renewing after some of the last decades’ worst tragedies.

The curators are looking for eight to 10 artists. Artists interested in submitting work to be considered for the exhibit should submit a one-paragraph bio, link to Web site, if you have one, two-three jpegs of proposed work, a separate document with full artwork captions (title, date, medium/ a, dimensions) and a short statement about the work, two-four sentences long.

This should all be e-mailed to projectcurate@gmail.com. The deadline to submit is April 22, though Saunders said any projects “do not need to be realized” by that date. The submissions could be photographs, paintings, videos and can be either new work or already existing work.

The show will open June 3 at NUTUREArt’s Gallery, located at 910 Grand St. in East Williamsburg, less than a mile from the Queens border at Ridgewood and walking distance from the Grand Street station on the L train.

Profile

Renewed Life Worth Singing About

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 15-21, 2011

Ginny Sims proves your past does not define nor dictate your future. As someone who has been to the gutter, and is slowly making waves in the music ministry, Sims is well on her way to redemption.

“I was smoking crack,” she said. “I just

felt like I was going to die five years ago.”

God wouldn’t let her die. Instead, He pulled her through a daunting journey and gave her the ability to sing about it. In August, Sims will debut her first album, “It’s My Season.” The title track has already gotten air time on a Pennsylvania radio station.

Juanita Guinyard, Sims’ goddaughter

Ginny Sims

and writer of her single, said the song is based on Sims’ life and experiences, promising hope and deliverance.

A little more than three years ago, Sims’ life had been a series of rehabs and broken promises. She was introduced to freebasing at 18 and for 20 years, crack weaved itself into the folds of her life.

Before arriving at this juncture, Sims had been checked in to 10 therapy centers.

“The drug took me places that I never thought I would go,” she said. “I was jumping in and out of cars; prostituting for crack. I slept in abandoned cars.”

Sims knowingly had sex with a man that was HIV positive to feed her habit.

She said she let herself be raped by a “friend” so he wouldn’t kill her daughter, Ayana.

Feeling like death was eminent, Sims made the decision to change her life in 2007. With renewed vigor, she is extending her blessings to others.

“I love it,” she said of her new mission. “I love it more than being behind the pulpit.”

The album is not her only project.

Since last year, Sims has become a role model and a sought-after motivational speaker. She will open for Melba Moore at the Black Spectrum Theatre in October. She is also currently working on a fundraiser, “A Call For True Worship-

pers,” which will be held on May 7 at the Praise and Worship Center located at 18225 Jamaica Ave. The fundraiser will benefit her Over Comer’s Conference, which she will host in November. “[Success] is happening slowly, but that is okay,” she said. “I’m not in this for the money. I am in this to save people’s lives, and if God chooses to bless me, I’ll take it.”

At 46, her purpose is taking shape.

“I want to go across the country and minister in rehabs and minister to women,” Sims said. “I am drawn to hurting people.”

Guinyard said when Sims came home from her last rehab stint she knew there was no turning back.

“I’m really thankful to God she is clean,” she said. “It is her season.”

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

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Send a photo with background and contact information to: PRESS of Southeast Queens 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357

A&E

An Historic Tour Via Queens’ IRT Line

By JASON BANREY

vance payment, and runs from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information about The World of the No. 7 Train tour, contact Eichenbaum at

jaconet@aol.com or (718) 961-8406.

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

Photo by Ira Cohen

Each day, many without realizing, riders hop aboard one of the borough’s most historic structural arteries, traveling back and forth, for both leisure and labor.

But regularly riding the 7 train has become a mundane necessity for borough residents; it has unknowingly led to the unconscious neglect of the history it has paved underneath its tracks.

Since its debut in 1914 up until the present day, the relic rail has helped spur both economic growth and significant residential development throughout Queens.

In an effort to educate the masses, Queens Borough Historian Jack Eichenbaum will be touring the transportation corridor April 30, offering inquisitive trekkers an opportunity to get a glimpse of the past in the present.

Nearly 15 years ago, Eichenbaum began offering his “signature tour” after the MetroCard was introduced to the city’s subway system.

Since then, the tour has become a popular fixture within his long list of Queens-centric sightseeing excursions, drawing the attention of history lovers from all over the city.

Focusing on the historical geography and ethnic and technological changes

that have evolved over the decades, participants will be guided through five key locations from Long Island City to the rail line’s end in Flushing.

“Most of the neighborhoods along the train line were created by the development of this train line,” Eichenbaum said, “forever changing the borough as the [rail] slowly extended into Flushing.”

The tour will begin in Manhattan at Grand Central Station, where participants will get an overview and chronology of the 7 train, eventually disembarking in Flushing’s Asian business district.

Bouncing back and forth between riding the rail and touring the towns, sightseers will draw a storehouse of researched facts and biased memories of bygone eras says Eichenbaum.

[Queens residents] usually don’t know that they are interested in their borough’s history until they get involved in it,” Eichenbaum said. “Events like this help expose them to their borough’s past.”

Reminiscing their way through history while riding the rumbling 7, participants will get an appreciation for the different neighborhoods which breach the borough’s “International Express” route.

The tour requires registration and ad-

The tour will focus on neighborhoods along the No. 7 train that are as diverse as the people who ride it.

April 15-21, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

Faith

Opening Doors To New Members With the world in turmoil – wars, murders and natural disasters – there are those who are looking for a higher power, a savior to give their lives meaning. To combat the perilous times, known in the Bible as the “last days,” Queens Faith Temple of Seventh Day -Ad ventis t Church hosted “Hope In Troubled Times.”

“I was inspired by the Lord to speak on this topic, to let men and women

Word

“I cannot conceive of a God who rewards and punishes his creatures, or has a will of the type of which we are conscious ourselves.”

– Albert Einstein

know that God is with them, and has promised that He will never leave nor forsake us, and that there is hope in His soon return,” wrote Evangelist Claudette Henry. “Out of the series of meetings, 14 precious souls gave their lives to the Lord.”

Selicia Robinson said before she was baptized, she cried because of all the sins she had committed against God. Her baptism has redeemed her. Robinson said she feels closer to God, and knows that all of her sins are forgiven.

Breana Channer said she had no excuses as to why she was not baptized. She contends that giving her “life to Christ was the right thing to do.”

Gyasi Murillo said before he was saved, God’s blessings were not apparent. Now, he believes that no matter the battles he may face, the shield of God is protecting him.

“It is a wonderful thing to be a servant of God,” he said.

Henry said the others who accepted Christ in their hearts are basking in the presence of God. “They said they have renewed hope and know that God will come through for them,” she said. “To God be the glory, great things He has done.”

Henry is not curtailing the message to just the flock at Queens Faith Temple.

PRESS Photo By Ira Cohen

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

Queens Faith Temple of Seventh Day-Adventist Church baptized 14 new members into their flock.

“I want to encourage all those out there who are going through a rough time to trust in God with their whole heart,” she said. “When you get discouraged trust, in

God, and turn heartbreak into hope.”

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

Notebook

Virtual Enterprise Class

Biz Students Sell ‘Wares’ Abroad business would do to sell products. The Hillcrest HS business is called “Have You Heard…?” and sells communication products.

The students were hosted by a Belgium family. They visited the cities of Hasselt and Ghent and saw sights such as the Manneken Pis, the Royal Palace and St. Michael’s Cathedral. Living in a home,

Virtual Enterprise students from Hillcrest HS Areesa Twaheel and Megan H. Henry, who attended a Trade Fair in Belgium.

they were able to experience Belgium culture from mussels, Belgium fries, chocolate and waff les. They took part in an English class in a local college with Belgian students and they were able to learn a lot about each other’s cultures.

At the Belfair, Twaheel and Henry

were able to meet students from all over Europe, including England, Italy and Romania when they sold each other their virtual products. Some of these students traveled to Manhattan for the Virtual Enterprise Trade Fair. Their Hillcrest HS business teacher is Michelle Gensler.

VE Trade Fair: Three students from the Virtual Enterprise class in Hillcrest HS attended a virtual trade fair in Oakland, California.

They are in a class which is set up like a corporation called “Have You Heard…?” which simulates selling communications products as a way of learning about the world of business. They also went sight-seeing in San Francisco and Alcatraz. At the trade fair, they picked up new ideas from other firms and sold $13,000 in products. Shown are Rayhan Uddin (l. to r.) Mirammil Siddiqui and Kamil Ali. Their business teacher is Michelle Gensler from the Biz/Tek Institute of Hillcrest HS

Photo by Bob Harris

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 15-21, 2011

Last month, two students, Areesa Twaheel and Megan H. Henry, from the Virtual Enterprise class in the Biz/Tek Institute, Hillcrest HS, were chosen to attend a Virtual Enterprise International Trade Fair in Belgium. The Virtual Enterprise program creates a business class into a make believe, virtual, business where the students do all the things a

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

Send typed announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 150-50 14th Road, Whitestone NY 113572809. Send faxes to 3579417, c/o Regina.

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

ALUMNI ST. AGNES Saturday, April 16 St. Agnes Academic HS in College point for all years, especially those ending in 1 or 6. 3536276.

WOODSIDE REUNION Saturday, May 21 Woodside Reunion will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall. 631-467-6091.

ENVIRONMENT WORK IN WETLANDS Saturdays, April 23, 30 help eradicate invasive plant species from the wetland of Alley Pond Park with a volunteer crew. 229-4000.

DINNER LUNCH & BRIDGE Monday, April 11 luncheon and bridge with the National Council of Jewish Women.

343-9029.

CHRIST THE KING Saturday, April 16 Christ the King Regional HS Alumni Association will induct individuals into their Hall of Fame at an Induction Ceremony and Dinner Dance. 366-7400.

SONS OF ITALY Friday, April 29 29th Annual Golden Lion Awards Dinner.

800-322-6742.

WOOD-HEIGHTS DEM. Thursday, May 5 WoodHeights Democratic Club w i l l h o l d t h e i r 8 th A n n u a l Wood-Heights Democratic Club at Dante’s Caterers in Jackson Heights. 457-0733.

CLOTHING DRIVE Through April 24 at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 2637000.

FLEA MARKETS CRAFT & PLANT Saturday, April 16 10-4 and Sunday, April 17 9-3 Easter Craft and Plant Sale plus Ethnic Polish bake sale at St. Josaphat’s, 210 th Street and 35 th Avenue, Bayside.

THRIFT SHOPS Saturdays 11-4 Queens Bapt i s t C h u r c h , 9 3 - 2 3 2 1 7 th Street, Queens Village.

JH ART CLUB Classes in all art forms days and evenings for children and adults. 454-0813.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, April 16, 30 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital.

646-436-7940.

CRAFT CLASSES Saturdays 11-3 at Maria Rose International Doll Museum in St. Albans. 2763454.

SCRABBLE CLUB Saturdays at 10 at Count Basie Jr. HS, 132 nd Street and Guy R. Brewer Blvd. 8865236.

PET OWNERS Sundays (not on holidays) from 1-4 free workshops on pet behavior at Crocheron Park in Bayside (weather permitting). 454-5800.

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

DRAWING CLASS Mondays at the National Art League in Douglaston. 3610628.

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

BEGIN ENGLISH Mondays and Wednesdays free Beginners English Classes 10-11:30 at the Pomonok Senior Center, 6709 Kissena Blvd., Flushing.

591-3377.

COMPUTER CLASS Tuesdays at the Sunnyside library. Register.

KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays at the Windsor Park library at 2.

SCRABBLE CLUB Tuesdays at the East Flushing library at 3:30.

GET YOUR YARNS OUT! Tuesdays after evening Minyan at 8, knitters, crocheters, needlepointers, and others meet at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000, ext. 200.

COMPUTER BASICS Tuesdays, April 19, 26 at the Astoria library. Register.

POETRY WRITING Tuesday, April 19 Poetr y Writing workshop at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows at 7:30.

BASIC COMPUTER Tuesdays, April 19, 26 at the Glendale library. Register.

INTRO INTERNET Tuesday, April 19 introduction to the Internet for adults at the Queens Village library.

Register.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE Wednesdays 10:30-3:00 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills. $12 session, includes light lunch. 261-2900 INDOOR SOCCER – DADS Wednesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center.

263-7000.

WATERCOLOR CL ASS Wednesdays at 9:30 at NAL. Traditional and contemporary, all levels. 969-1128.

SCRABBLE Wednesdays, April 20, 27 at the Forest Hills library at 2.

TANGO DANCE & CLASS Wednesdays, April 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25 Buenos

Aires Tango, 111-08 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills 7-11. $15.

Beginners welcome, no partn e r n e c e s s a r y. 3 4 7 - 6 4 2 4705.

QUILTING CLASSES Thursdays 10-2 at the Maria Rose Doll Museum in St. Albans. 276-3454 or 917817-8653 to register.

CHESS CLUB Thursdays at the East Flushing library. Register.

COMPUTER CLASS Thursdays at the Queensboro Hill library. Register.

FINANCIAL SEMINARS Thursdays, April 21, 28 at the Steinway library at 6.

WRITER’S WORKSHOP Thursday, April 21 at the Bayside library. Register.

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

PAINTING WORKSHOP Fridays through June 24 N e w C re a t i v i t y a n d A d vanced Painting Workshop at National Art League. 1-646546-2296.

KNITTING CLUB Fridays at the Maspeth library at 10.

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

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

GAME DAY Fridays, April 22, 29 at the Bay Terrace library at 2:30.

INTRO FACEBOOK Saturday, April 23 introduction to Facebook at the LIC library at 10.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Saturday, April 23 at the Knights of Columbus in Valley Stream. 341-0452.

TALKS LIC BOOK CLUB Tuesday, April 19 “The Thin Executioner” will be discussed at the LIC library at 10.

LEFFERTS BOOK Wednesday, April 20 book discussion at 4 at the Lefferts library.

LITERARY SOUP Thursday, April 21 at the Queens Village library at 6:30.

PARANORMAL Saturday, April 23 “Halfway to the Grave” will be discussed by the Paranormal and Mystery Book Club at the LIC library at 3:30.

THEATER TWO GENTLEMEN Thursday-Sunday, April 1417 at Rathaus Hall at Queens College. 793-8080.

GREEK COMEDY Through April 17 “Babies Are Brought By the Stork” with the Greek Cultural Center in Astoria. 726-7329.

IN ARABIA May 6-13 “In Arabia We’d All Be Kings” by Stephen Adly Guirgis at Queensborough Communit y College.

631-6284. $10, seniors $4, facult y and students $3.

ENTERTAINMENT ASTRONOMY Saturday, April 17 an evening with the stars at Alley Pond Environmental Center. $12 non-members.

229-4000 to register.

WALKS Saturday, April 16 “Corona Circuit.” Saturday, April 30 “The World of the #7 Train”.

Jack Eichenbaum’s Public Walks961-8406.

CHARLOTTE’S WEB Saturday, April 16 at Queens Theatre in the Park for the entire family. 7600064.

EBERSOLE & STRITCH Saturday, April 16 Christine Ebersole and Billy Stritch in concert at Queens Theatre in the Park. 760-0064.

IMMIGR ATION HERITAGE Saturday, April 16 Quintet of the Americas: Immigration Heritage Celebration Concert at 2 at the Flushing library.

KIDS’ CARNIVAL Saturday and Sunday, April 16, 17 at the Queens Count y Farm Museum from 11-6. $10. 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park.

STAMP SHOW Sundays, April 17, May 22, June 26 Bayside Stamp Show at the Ramada Inn in Bayside. 10-4:30. Free.

ART RAFFLE & EXHIBIT Sunday, April 17 National Art League raffle and exhibition 2-4 at 44-21 Douglaston Parkway. $9 includes raffles and buffet.

MOSAICOS DEL PERU Sunday, April 17 the Hispanic Societ y of St. Joan of Arc Church will present performances from Peru’s different regions at 3 at the Boylan Auditorium in Jackson Heights. $10 includes lunch 12:30-2:00.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND Sunday, April 17 Alice in Wonderland Follies with the NY Theatre Ballet at Queens College. 793-8080.

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

1 at the Pomonok library.

BINGO Tuesdays at 7:15 at American Mart yrs Church, church basement, 216-01 Union Tu r n p i k e , B a y s i d e . 4 6 4 4 5 8 2 . Tu e s d ay s at 7:15

DANCE QUEENS PRIDE FLING Saturday, April 30 Queens Pride House will hold a Spring Fling. 429-5309.

COUNTRY WESTERN Saturday, May 21 Savannah Sky performs at the Mothers Day Dance. $12. Glendale Memorial Building, 72-02 Myrtle Avenue at 7:30. 7634328.

ISRAELI FOLK Mondays 7:30-10:00 at Hillcrest Jewish Center, 18202 Union Turnpike. $10 session. 380-4145.

LINE DANCING Mondays 6:30-9:30 at Kowalinski Post 4, 61-57 Maspeth Avenue. $7. Cake and coffee. 565-2259.

(doors open 6) at the Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd. 459-1000.$3 admission includes 12 games.

CHAMBER MUSIC Friday, April 22 Windscape.

Tu e s d a y, A p r i l 2 6 L u c y Shelton and Friends. Friday, M a y 6 C l a r e m o n t Tr i o .

LeFrak Concert Hall at Queens College at 10. Free parking. $95 series. 9973802.

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

BWAY SHOWSTOPPERS April 22-May 1 Neil Berg’s Broadway Showstoppers at Queens Theatre in the Park.

760-0064.

FM POETS Saturday, April 23 the Fresh Meadows Poets meet to discuss and critique their work at the Forest Hills library at 10.

EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday, April 23 Barnyard Easter Egg Hunt at the Queens Count y Farm Museum 12-4. $5. 73-50 Little Neck Parkway. 347-FARM. KUNQU SOCIETY Saturday, April 23 Chinese Opera performance at 2 at the Flushing library.

SLEEPING BEAUTY Saturday, April 23 Russian National Ballet Sleeping Beaut y at Queensborough C o m m u n i t y C o l l e ge . 6 3 1 6311.

MEETINGS P-FLAG Sundays, April 17, May 15 PFLAG, a support group for parents, families and friends of lesbians and gays, meet in Forest Hills. 271-6663.

MEN’S CLUB SOCCER Tuesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 2637000.

FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tuesdays the Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets.

917-612-3463.

TALK OF THE TOWN Tuesdays, April 19, May 3, 17 learn the art of public speaking at 7:15 at the Johnson Family Center on Linden Blvd. 640-7092.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT Tuesday, April 19 Bereavement Support Group at Holy Family, 175-20 174 th Street, Fresh Meadows at 7:30 in the church basement. 9692448.

AUBURNDALE RESIDENTS Tuesdays, April 19, May 17, June 2 Auburndale Improvement Association meets at S t . K e v i n ’ s , 4 5 - 2 1 1 9 4 th Street at 7:30.

AMERICAN LEGION 131 Tuesdays, April 19, May 17, June 21 the American Legion, Post 131, meets at 8 at 10-20 Clintonville Street, Whitestone. 767-4323.

FLUSHING CAMERA Wednesdays, April 20, May 4, 18 Flushing Camera Club meets at Flushing Hospital at 7:15. 479-0643.

TOASTMASTERS Wednesdays, April 20, May 4, 18 learn the art of public speaking at t he Voices of Rochdale Toastmasters Club in Jamaica. 978-0732.

KNIGHTS Wednesdays, April 20, May 4, 18, June 1, 15 Queensview Lodge 433 of the Knights of Pythias meets in Whitestone. 917-754-3093.

BIRD CLUB Wednesday, April 20 the Queens Count y Bird Club meets at 8 at Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston.

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

members welcome.

QUEENS CENTRAL ROTARY Thursdays 6:30-8:30 Come learn if Rotary is for you.

465-2914.

MEN’S GROUP Thursdays, April 21, May 5, 19, June 2, 16 Queens Pride House Men’s Group meets 7-9 to discuss issues that affect them as gay, bi, trans men.

WOMAN’S GROUP Fridays the Woman’s Group of Jamaica Estates meets at noon. Call 461-3193 for information.

FM POETS Saturday, April 23 the Fresh Meadows Poets meet to discuss and critique their work at the Forest Hills library at 10.

JEWISH VETS Sundays, April 24, May 22, June 26 Jewish War Veterans of the USA Lipsky/Blum Post meet at the Garden Jewish Center. 463-4742.

ST. ALBANS CIVIC Sundays, April 24, May 22, June 26 St. Albans Civic Improvement Association meets at 1:30 at St. Albans L u t h e r a n C h u r c h , 2 0 0 th Street and 119 th Avenue in the undercroft. 276-4263.

VFW 4787 Mondays, April 25, May 9, 23 Whitestone VFW Comm u n i t y Po s t m e e t s . 7 4 6 0540.

FH VAC Wednesday, April 27 Fore st Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corp meets. 793-2055.

ADVANCED TOASTMASTER Thursdays, April 28, May 12, 26 learn the art and science of public speaking. 5256830.

111 TH PRECINCT Tuesday, May 3 111 th Precinct Communit y Council meets at 7:30.

HAM RADIO CLUB Tuesday, May 3 Emergency Communications Service in Briarwood. 357-6851.

TELE. PIONEERS Tuesdays, May 10, June 14 Te l e p h o n e Pioneer of America in College Point.

463-4535.

LIONS CLUB Tu e s d a y, M ay 10 Ravenswood Lions Club meets at Riccardo’s by the Bridge in Astoria at 6:30.

April 15-21, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

MISCELLANEOUS

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS

People

Sharla S. Sudial-Vega Air Force Airman Sharla S. SudialVega graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

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

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

She is the daughter of Devimati Sudial of Columbus, Ga., and sister of Serena Sudial of St. Albans. Sudial-Vega graduated in 2002 from Spencer High School, Columbus.

Army National Guard Pfc. Kimberly A. Kelly has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

She is the daughter of Laura Cruz of Dushore, Pa., and granddaughter of Beverly King of Rockaway Park.

The private graduated in 2002 from Stella Maris High School, Rockaway Park, and received an associate degree in 2007 from Dutchess Community College, Poughkeepsie.

Army Pvt. Nicole L. Roberson has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.

She is the daughter of Loretta

Abraham and granddaughter of Chythina Abraham, both of Jamaica. Roberson graduated in 2006 from John Adams High School, South Ozone Park.

son of Jamaica, and Bevoline Thompson of the Bronx.

Army National Guard Pvt. Mark N. Headlam has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

Headlam is the nephew of Paul Lewis of Springfield Gardens.

Air Force Airman Anthony T. Bartlett graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

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

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Antonett Bartlett, and grandson of Evelyn Bartlett, both of Jamaica. Bartlett graduated in 2010 from the High School for Law Enforcement and Public Safety, Jamaica.

Army Reserve Pvt. Quentin S. Kelly has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

He is the cousin of Carlington Thomp-

Army Pvt. Shantol D. Evering has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.

Evering is the daughter of Opal Robbinson of Manhattan.

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April 15-21, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

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Stephanie Revisited

Stephanie Fedor Home: Forest Hills Age: 19 Height: 5’ 7" Weight: 115 lbs Stats: 34-32-33

Aliens, Anyone?

Nick Knack

Black is back. No, not former New York City’s former Schools Chancellor Cathie Black, but the Men in Black.

Currently filming the third installment at Kaufman Astoria Studios, the cosmic sci-fi duo, Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, have made a return to Queens.

Although it is not certain whether or not the galaxy defenders will be running amuck throughout our borough, Queens can be proud of being chosen as a production point.

Rumors have been circulating, stating that the production has been struggling to put together a solid script which has pushed back the film’s debut.

Come on, you know you've thought about it -- trying to get out of jury duty by telling the judge you’re a racist or a bigot, even if you’re not. Well for one woman, the much suggested-though-notever-tried excuse to avoid serving on a jury backfired badly.

At a Brooklyn federal court, a young woman tried to get herself dismissed from serving on the jury for the trial of a mob boss by stating that she hated “AfricanAmericans, Hispanics and Haitians.” She also suggested that police were lazy and use their sirens to escape sitting in traffic.

The prosecutor asked for her to be dismissed from the case, and she was, but Judge, and former Queens Tribune legal counsel, Nicholas Garaufis, was not go-

Queens Super Duo in Black: Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith are filming at Kaufman Astoria Studios Hey producers, if gets too tense for ya’ we know some good writers who could jam out a spacey Queens centric script.

2 Slow, 2 Furious Astoria comedian Mark Malkoff set out on a challenge to prove what we all already know: how slow the city buses are. Riding on a child’s tricycle, the comedian raced the M42 for a mile, beating it by more than 2 minutes.

The city’s campaign that promises faster bus service is evidently failing, not surprising given the MTA’s track record.

Anyway, why wait for the Q15 in the morning to get to the Tribune office? Might as well walk; you’d probably get here faster.

Left: Mark Malkoff beat the M42 by a landslide

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 15-21, 2011

Models Of Queens

In the nearly two years since we last spoke with Stephanie, this gal’s career has taken off. A Forest Hills transplant from Connecticut, Stephanie grew into her role as a model, at one time considered too short to be taken seriously.

Recently she has worked at some trade shows, hung out with great photographers and hooked up with a couple of couture designers to model their new fashions.

Though getting into the business was slow, Stephanie has been able to get the ball rolling. She is networking herself on a slew of modeling Web sites and is working with photographers to build her portfolio.

“This is definitely something I am really passionate about,” she said. “I see myself doing a lot of photo shoots for magazines. I would do runway, commercial.”

When not hard at work in college or in front of the lens, Stephanie Stephanie enjoys hanging outFedor at the shops, Hills on movieHome: theatersForest and restaurants and around Austin Street and keepAge: 19 ing close to home.

Height: 5’ 7" “I don’t go clubbing or anything,” Weight: 115 lbs she said.

“I’m not really Stats: 34-32-33into that.”

Wiki Woes What happens when you crowdsource information?

People rename bridges The new sign, sigh. too early.

The many, many folks curating information on Wikipedia put the cart before the horse and renamed our beloved bridge the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge at least a full week before the mayor was set to sign the renaming into law.

Though still just the Queensboro Bridge (as it will always remain in our hearts), those Wiki warriors just couldn’t wait for the wheels of bureaucracy to do their grind.

We happily invite our readers to correct the entry often, and remind the world the bridge is ours – even after it changes.

Feelin' Groovy?

Sign Of The Times A long-time Tribbie got quoted in The New York Times.

The old gray lady ran a story about cricket – the sport, not the insect – and quoted our Production Manager Shiek Mohamed, who also maintains newyorkcricket.com, regarding the growing popularity Shiek Mohamed of the “sport.”

This represents an astounding number of firsts.

Shiek has apparently worked here for 15 years and, quite frankly, we have never heard of him. We’re not even sure what his job is. And besides, since when is cricket considered a sport?

Regardless, this guy from the art department managed to find time to talk to another newspaper and maintain a Web site? Can someone find some work to keep him busy?

Federal Judge Nicholas Garaufis ing to let her go unscathed.

“This is an outrage, and so are you!” Judge Garaufis scolded the woman before sentencing her to more jury duty…indefinitely.

In his early days, we hear Judge Garaufis would fall for the old “talking to yourself” scam. But it is apparent by his impressive track record that the Federal Bench fits our old friend Nick quiet nicely.

Confidentially, New York . . .

What’s Up SATURDAY, APRIL 16 Youth & Tennis The Youth and Tennis group meets every Saturday morning at Roy Wilkins Park Saturday. To learn more, call Bill Briggs at (718) 658-6728.

Bulldogs Registration Open It’s registration season for the Jamaica Bulldogs and the Jamaica Lady Bulldogs.

Just in case you don’t know, the Jamaica Bulldogs – where they breed champions on and off the field – is home of the 2010 Jr. Mite and Mighty Mite football champions. Boys ages 5 through 13 can register for the Jamaica Bulldogs. The Lady Bulldogs Cheer/Dance/Step Squad is open to girls ages 5 through 15. The Lady Bulldogs have been ranked No. 1 in dance, nationally, for the 2nd year in a row. Additional information on both programs is available by: visiting www.jamaicabulldogs.net; sending an e-mail to jamaicabulldogs@aol.com; or calling (718) 554-0987. Applications for both programs are available for download at the Bulldogs web site.

This free event will take place at Liberty Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit the Web site for registration fees

Rochdale College and Career Fair The Rochdale Village Resource Committee cordially invites you to attend the 2011 Rochdale Village, Inc. College & Career Fair. Colleges and Universities that have committed to the fair include: Morgan State University, Howard University, Kentucky State University, Berkeley College, ASA College, Long Island Business Institute, Winston-Salem University, George Washington University, Medgar Evars College, Lincoln University, Lincoln Technical Institute, Vaughn College, Five Towns College, Nyack College and dozens more. The NYPD, Job Corps, FDNY, Army, Marines and The Navy will have recruitment tables in addition to The NYC Dept. of Children’s Services. The College Board, Princeton Review and Queens Library will host informational booths and College Summit, an organization dedicated to promoting a collegegoing culture in African American communities, will host two workshops covering a host of topics.

This free event will take place at the Rochdale Village Community Center, 16965 137th Ave. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

tional folkloric clothing. In Bangladesh, six seasons are recognized: summer, rainy season, early autumn, late autumn, winter and spring. Shrejoni Shanskretik Samsad was founded in 2008 with the purpose of promoting Bangladesh’s rich culture locally and abroad.

This free event will take place at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 2 p.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 18 Adult Chess Club Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings.

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

Discover Your Career Potential Take the Career Exploration Inventory, a self-scored, easy-to-use survey guide to choosing a career based on your interests and experiences.

This free event will take place at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 1 p.m.

Search the Internet For a Job The Job Information Center, in collaboration with New York Cares, will help you find the most useful Web sites when job hunting. You must have basic computer skills. Seating limited; preregistration required. Topics: introduction to Internet job searching; job search assessment; job sites and resumes; applying for jobs; practice session.

This free event will take place at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 19 Job Club Every Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Jamaica Neighborhood Center offers a free service to assist people from Southeast Queens with job-readiness skill sets in writing a professional resume and cover letter; interviewing practices and techniques; applying on-line procedures; elevator pitch and Microsoft Suite 2007.

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

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

Camera Club

What is the Job Information Center and what does it do? Find out at an interactive orientation about its services: career resources including workshops in English and Spanish; assistance with your job searching; Job Information Center resources of books, newspapers, pathfinders, bookmarks and brochures, resume/ cover letter reviews; and Queens Workforce 1 information.

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

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

Esho Hey Boishak Please join us in a celebration of Bangladesh’s New Year with the Shrejoni Shanskretik Samsad Ensemble that will observe the change of the six seasons through dance and music dressed in tradi-

Community Awareness Day The HRA Distrcit Advisory Council is pleased to present the 22nd Annual Queens Community Awareness Day: Raising Awareness Through Health, Employment and Education. This event is open to the residents of Queens to learn about available resources in their community. For additional information, contact Mrs. Scott at (718) 473-8281.

This free event will take place at the York College Academic Core Building, 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In this single-session workshop, customers will learn the basics of searching and browsing the Web. Pre-registration is required in person at the Cyber Center Desk. Participants must possess basic mouse and keyboarding skills.

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

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

Participants must possess basic mouse and keyboarding skills.

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 21 Adult Chess Club Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings.

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

DIY Reusable Bag Create your own beautiful, fabric bag to carry your groceries, your treasures or your books. Space limited to 20 participants; first come, first served. For children and their families. In Area A&B. This free event will take place at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 2 p.m.

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

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

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

Group Sessions Clergy United for Community Empowerment, Inc. Group Sessions are located at 8931 161st St., 10th Floor, Jamaica, for the community on various topics such as Domestic Violence, Mental Health, Substance Abuse intervention, Decision Making, Condom Use, High Risk Behaviors leading to HIV, and self – esteem awareness. All group sessions offer light snacks and beverages.

Group sessions are open to the public.

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

Infant Mortality

Calling all older adults: Join our galaxy of STARs to perform theatrical works at the library with a great group of people while brightening your life.

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

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

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

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

SQPA Stakeholders Meeting

HIV Awareness

FRIDAY, APRIL 22 Senior Theatre Acting Repertory

Please join the stakeholders of the Southern Queens Park Association for one of its periodic meetings. Feel free to call (718) 276-4630 or email info@sqpa.org with any questions.

This free event will take place at the Roy Wilkins Family Center, 177th Street and Baisley Boulevard, at 7 p.m.

ONGOING CPR Training The FDNY Mobile CPR Training Unit will hold regularly scheduled free CPR classes in all five boroughs. The first Tuesday through the fourth Tuesday and the fourth Thursday of every month there will be Borough CPR training sessions in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island and Queens.

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

Volunteers for the class follow along

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

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

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

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

April 15-21, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

Job Center Orientation

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20 Intro to the Internet