Southeast Queens Press Epaper

Volume 12 Issue No. 17 April 29 - May 5, 2011

PAGE 22

NAACP ON CASINO:

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

"2/+%.

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The Jamaica branch of the NAACP is accusing Aqueduct Casino owners Genting New York of a perceived lack of jobs and contracts for minority-owned business.

By Sasha Austrie…Page 3

Online at www.QueensPress.com

News Briefs York Arts Chairman Passes York College and CUNY mourn the passing of Prof. Kenneth Gaither Adams, Chair and Professor of the Performing and Fine Arts Department, who died at home in Fresh Meadows, Queens on Wednesday, April 20th, after a brief illness.

Adams started teaching at York as an adjunct in 1971, earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Howard University in Washington, D.C. and a Master of Music in clarinet from Manhattan School of Music in New York.

As a musician playing the flute, clarinet, piccolo and saxophone, Adams was a member of the orchestra in numerous Broadway musicals including: Guys and Dolls, Man of La Mancha, Cabaret, Ain’t Misbehavin’, A Chorus Line, Phantom of the Opera, and most recently, Finian’s Rainbow (2009).

As a successful instrumentalist and conductor in both commercial and classical music, Ken recorded with such artists as Luther Vandross and Mary J. Blige, and played in numerous commercials and film sound tracks.

Ken brought his experience in performance, conducting, and musicianship to York College, where he taught the full-range of music courses to students since 1971.

“We are deeply appreciative of his professional contribution to our students and our institution,” said Dr. Marcia V. Keizs, president of York. A memorial service for Professor Adams will be held on May 21, 2011 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 85 Greenway South, Forest Hills.

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 29 - May 5, 2011

Youth Service In the battle to end childhood obesity, Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan and Youth Services of America collaborated for the 23rd Global Youth Service Day. “We are excited to be working with Youth Service America as its goals mirror our organization’s, helping to engage our youth to make a difference in every community across this great country,” said Scanlan. “Global Youth Service Day is such a wonderful event, to not only celebrate youth and their achievements, but it helps to inspire all of us to get involved in meaningful, community projects.”

Scanlan participated in Dance for Your Heart Sayaywan Para Sa Puso at Filipino American Human Services. The organization’s youth members taught Scanlan the traditional dance showcasing a fun and effective physical activity. The event also gave lessons on healthy, authentic Filipino food.

York College Professor and Performing and Fine Arts Department Chair Kenneth Gaither Adams Global Youth Service Day, operated by Youth Service America, engages young people in challenges plaguing the world such as health, disaster preparedness, literacy, childhood hunger, and the environment.

“Our goal is to engage youth in significant, thought-out service initiatives that help to change the world,” said Steve Culbertson, President and CEO of Youth Service America. “At the age of 18, Miss America is a wonderful example of a young role model who is making a difference in our country and YSA is thrilled that she is participating in Global Youth Service Day.”

DEP Water Upgrade

Environmental Protection Commissioner Cas Holloway, Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and Design and Construction Commissioner David Burney announced the completion of a $62.8 million reconstruction project at 99th Avenue and 110th Avenue in Jamaica and Saint Albans, to ensure a more reliable water supply system and to alleviate flooding.

In addition to new distribution mains, a new 48-inch steel trunk water main was added to the existing grid to improve water pressure and provide critical water redundancy throughout the area. The project will also alleviate street flooding through new or upgraded sanitary and storm sewers, and included new curbs, sidewalks, and a street repavement. The reconstruction project, which started in 2006, was funded by DEP and DOT and managed by DDC. “Maintaining and upgrading our vast underground water and sewer network can significantly improve the quality of life for New Yorkers,” said Commissioner Holloway. “Projects like this reconstruction ensure that New York City’s world-class water always flows uninterrupted, and Miss America Teresa Scanlan doing a traditional Filipino that flooding is reduced as much as possible durdance. ing storms.”

Presstime

What About Us?

Fewer Aqueduct Jobs Than Pledged

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

DA Stomps Out Smoke Smuggling

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

GOP Pols Seeks Tolls On East River Bridges

BY DOMENICK RAFTER Senate Republicans are considering a plan to enact tolls on the bridges over the East River in order to repeal the payroll taxes in suburban counties.

State Sen. John Bonacic (R-Orange County) submitted a bill that would eliminate the MTA payroll tax passed in 2009 in Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Putnam, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk Counties. In return it would allow the New York City Council to place tolls on the Brooklyn, Manhattan, Williamsburg and Queensboro Bridges.

“Since the tax’s enactment, the MTA has not demonstrated it is any more effective in providing services to the people of the Hudson Valley and Long Island,” said Bonacic. “It remains, as I said when the tax was first proposed, ‘taxation without transportation’ on the people of our region.”

His bill has garnered support from other suburban Republican senators, but two Queens Democrats, State Sens. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing) and Tony Avella (DBayside) slammed the plan as an unfair burden on the city’s middle-class residents.

“Tolls are a tax, and middle class families can’t afford to keep paying more while getting less in return,” the two legislators said in a joint statement. “The legislation proposed

by Long Island and Upstate Senate Republicans to place tolls on the East River bridges will adversely affect commuters, small businesses and working families in outer-borough communities who have very limited access to public transportation.”

Bonacic said the tolls would not be as harmful because it would only affect those who drive into Manhattan on a daily basis.

He said the tolls could raise as much as $130 million more than the payroll tax. The tax passed in 2009 in the Democratic-controlled State Senate on a party line 32-30 vote in order to help get the cash-strapped MTA out of its financial hole. The tax proved to be very unpopular in the suburbs. Four Democrats from suburban counties voted for the bill and two, Craig Johnson and Brain Foley, both of Long Island, were defeated for reelection last November. Foley’s successor, Sen. Lee Zeldin (R-Suffolk County) supports Bonacic’s toll plan.

“The majority of Suffolk County residents do not use the MTA,” Zeldin said in a statement April 8. “We also don’t get the same number of trains or the same level of service as other areas, but we are forced to pay the same tax. It is time to repeal it.”

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

April 29 - May 5, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Queens DA Richard Brown announced a major cigarette smuggling bust last week, the first under a new unit in his office, the Crime Against Revenue Unit (CARU) More than 4,000 cartons of untaxed cigarettes smuggled into New York from overseas and other states with little or no taxes on cigarettes, as well as 22,000 untaxed cigars and nearly $400,000 in money and property, have been seized by CARU, mainly at JFK Airport, in the past three months.

“Cigarette smuggling has become a multimillion dollar industry,” Brown said. “It is fueling an underground economy.”

Brown announced the bust along with federal and state officials from the New York State Dept. of Taxation and Finance, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Customs and Border Protection, US Immigrant and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Unit and Port Authority on April 21.

Brown said the state lost nearly $270,000 in tax revenue due to counterfeit smuggling in this bust alone. A dozen people were arrested as part of the sting, which involved cigarettes smuggling into the United States from China, Guyana, Haiti, Pakistan, South Korea and Uzbekistan, as well as southern states where there are little or no taxes on cigarettes like Virginia and Florida.

Three of the cases announced last week involve Queens residents: Bobirjon Shakirov, 36, of Richmond Hill, Kwang Soo Lee, 67, of Flushing, and Giuseppe Sciulara, 47, of Middle Village. Shakirov is

accused of smuggling 170 cartons of cigarettes earlier this month into JFK from Uzbekistan; Lee was arrested after CARU searched his Union Street home after he signed for a delivery of smuggled cigarettes.

Sciulara was arrested last November after a long-term investigation lead to a warrant to search his home, car, and Middle Village storage unit, where more than 500 cartons of smuggled cigarettes were uncovered, along with cash and a handgun.

“These cases show the lengths people will go to avoid taxes,” Brown said. “Those who evade taxes have an unfair business advantage over the small businesses that follow the law.”

The smuggled cigarettes either have fraudulent or missing tax stamps, stamps placed on packs of cigarettes by contractors licensed by the state that indicate the taxes have been paid to the state for the packs.

Brown added that the smuggled cigarettes from overseas pose a greater health risk to smokers because they bypass U.S. safety inspections, and often any regulations at all; they possess an even higher amount of tar and nicotine than cigarettes that go through American safety inspections.

“The marketplace is being flooded with inferior products most of which are smuggled into the U.S.,” Brown said.

In the meantime, Mayor Mike Bloomberg announced the city would file a lawsuit against a Kentucky-based Internet cigarettesmuggling ring for lost tax revenue due to its sales of illegal cigarettes to New Yorkers.

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

from the 800 to 1,000 permanent jobs that would be available when the casino opens.

"I didn't know it was such a little bit of jobs," said State Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica). "I thought they were fighting for thousands of jobs."

Huntley said the casino would not be a huge benefit to her community.

"If they are not doing training, more than half of the people are comGenting executives signed a workforce agreement ing with experience," she said.

Patrick Jenkins, a Resorts World in front of elected officials in October of last year.

New York consultant, said he has The community contends it has not followed through only disseminated information to or- on its promises. ganizations within Southeast Queens' O'Luck said originally, there was a Community Boards. There are about 20 managerial positions posted on mandate for a five person committee, but rwnewyork.com with more jobs to be that has since fallen by the wayside.

District Leader Elmer Blackburne deadded. The jobs, which run the gamut from accountants to security, will not be avail- manded Genting foster a community plan able until September, when the casino that would benefit Southeast Queens "or we are going to hit the streets." opens.

He suggested giving Genting about 10 Jenkins was told to ask the company to set aside 25 percent to 50 percent of the to 15 days to come up with a community plan or the community would boycott and jobs for Southeast Queens.

"Genting spent $400 million without protest the casino.

"Part of the problem is we as a commumaking a nickel, which means they are going to take money out of our pockets," nity have not followed through with some said former Councilman Archie Spigner. things," Blackburne said. "Why are we "They are not here to do missionary hassling over these little bit of jobs if the company is not going to respect us?" work."

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at Others called for an advisory committee, which would represent the saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 357community's interest.

7400, Ext. 123.

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

Though construction on the $380 million Resorts World New York Casino at Aqueduct Racetrack project began in October, many in Southeast Queens are still wondering, "Where are the jobs?"

"It is just disappointing that they are in our community and we can't find anybody who has been hired in a management level from the community," said Leroy Gadsden, Jamaica Branch NAACP president.

At an NAACP meeting on Tuesday evening, community residents lambasted President of Resorts World New York Michael Speller, as well as the casino's parent company Genting. Attendees claimed that though the company made a promise to hire Minority and Women owned contractors, there has been little to no result.

Mark O'Luck, a consultant for TutorPerini, the project's general contractor, said 54 percent of the workforce is minority and women, with 13 percent coming from Community Boards 9, 10, 12, and 13. Of the contracts awarded, 33.02 per-

cent have been to minority- and womenowned businesses.

Gadsden posed this question, "How many contractors do we have in the room?" eight hands shot up. He continued, "How many of you have been hired?"

Every hand went down. Gadsden asked that a list be given to the NAACP broken down by zip code.

Herlema Owens, founder and CEO of the Association for Women Construction Workers of America, said the contracts are immaterial. She was more worried about the laborers.

"It's the workforce in this neighborhood that never gets the job," Owens said.

She asked that laborers in Queens contact her so she can understand where the jobs are going.

"Every construction worker, whether you are black, white, Puerto Rican or Asian, we want to help you discover the work that they have in Queens." Owens can be reached at info@acwa.org.

Construction jobs were not the only source of contention. Other concerns stemmed

Issues Raised At Environment Summit

BY WILLIAM LEVERETT

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 29 - May 5, 2011

Photo by Juliet Kaye

Assemblyman William Scarborough's (D-Jamaica) Annual Environmental Summit was held at York College April 15, featuring collaboration between community based organizations, city government, and state agencies in order to observe the environmental conditions and challenges within Southeast Queens.

York researchers Dr. Darren Schiefer and Dr. Nazrul Khandaker told the audience about well drilling research and how the groundwater in Queens is still rising, though the rate of rise is slowing down.

Jamaica Bay was also highlighted for its recent development of Big Egg Marsh's, oyster restoration projects and opportunities for children and families such as fishing and kayaking.

Dr. Charles Kidd, former president of York College, discussed Japan's nuclear power plant challenges and compared them to New York's by highlighting the Indian Point Nuclear facility, which is only 24 miles away from New York City. Indian Point's nuclear reactor No. 3 is the least fortified in comparison to its other national nuclear counterparts and lies on two fault lines according to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which could present a very dangerous situation if a natural disaster were to happen.

Dr. Kidd also highlighted the age of the reactors, which were built in the 1970's and in need of renovation and strengthening of

Pictured l. to r.: Tanya Whittmore, Health First; Councilman Leroy Comrie; Michelle Moore, Div. of Environmental Permits, NYSDEC;, Mark Lanaghan, DEP Asst. Commissioner; Celestine Crivaro, Enterprise Holdings; Manny Caughman, Environmental Summit Coordinator; Assemblyman William Scarborough; Timothy Baxter, Enterprise Holdings; and Robert Weil, DEP. these structures for the community's protection. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has called for Indian Point to be closed after the release of a recent report by the Union of Concerned Scientists showed that Indian Point had many engineering vulnerabilities.

Another current issue discussed included the Regional Plan Association's runway expansion proposal for John F. Kennedy Airport and Newark-Liberty Airport. The environmental issues raised include increased air pollution, traffic congestion, and noise pollution that would occur for

residents of the Jamaica Bay area.

Eastern Queens Alliance Chairperson Barbara E. Brown, discussed how such projects can enhance levels of environmental racism, and how preserving natural resources such as Idlewild Park can serve as preventative measures towards the effects of pollution. Idlewild Park represents 10 percent of the wetlands left, and also serves as an important factor in flood control.

Representatives from the NYC Dept. of Environmental Protection highlighted the City's Green Infrastructure Plan and

what environmental efforts were being made on the city level. One aspect of the plan included the enhancing storm water infrastructure and its benefits, which include a reduction in heat from sidewalks.

DEP Assistant Commissioner Mark Lanaghan said water bills have gone up 112 percent since 2002 due to the rise in filtration costs.

The forum served as a catalyst for the community, city, and state members to build interest in these environmental effects for the future of the community.

Finally, A Family Reunion To Enjoy

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

Scott, 83, are testaments to that. Sillekens is Aunty Delicious, renowned for her kitchen skills. In reality, she is a baker.

Corrine Leff, 83, plays Aunt Jo, who is mostly unaware of her surroundings.

"I don't know where I'm at," she said.

"All through the play I say, 'Who are you?

You are not my family.'"

More than just a play meaning to poke fun at family, in essence the cast has become a family unit.

"All cultures can come together," Leff said.

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

SEQ Gal Takes To The Skies One of the women who keeps the New York Army National Guard flying found her inspiration in the skies, and on the ground.

2nd Lt. Amy Bonilla is among the nearly 1,500 women in the New York Army National Guard, and she routinely takes to the skies, logging flying time as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot. Bonilla belongs to B Company, 142nd Aviation Battalion, which is based in based in Ronkonkoma.

She initially joined an Army Reserve military police unit in 2007, Bonilla said.

"I knew I wanted to be an officer, but I wanted to get some enlisted experience first," she explained.

Inspired by her parents and professors, Bonilla earned her commission through the St. John's University ROTC program and her aircraft operations degree from Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology. Then came the opportunity to

become a Blackhawk pilot, which she said was good timing.

"I felt excited," Bonilla said. "My hard work finally paid off. My dreams were coming true."

Bonilla describes herself as a "new stick" in the unit, said that she focuses on flying while in the air, and only remembers the thrill of it when she's on the ground.

"It's like another day at the office," she said of flying a Blackhawk helicopter. "I'm just another Soldier doing my job."

Photo by Lt. Col. Paul Fanning, New York Army National Guard.

"The Family Reunion" is nearing final preparations. The cast of characters mirrors those in any ordinary family - the drunk, the aunt who never remembers any of her relatives, the couple whose marriage is seemingly always on the rocks, and the family member who is hell-bent on showing off her brood.

"This is the other side of the family reunion," said Derrick Baker, director of play. "It is the comedy."

At 1 p.m. on Friday, the blunders and humor will be on display at the Rosedale Village Community Center auditorium.

Tickets cost $2.

The play is third in which the Conscientious Musical Revues Corp. has collaborated with seniors living in and around Rochdale Village. The program is funded in part by the Dept. of Youth and Community Development.

"They are all talented and are wonderful to work with," Baker said of the seniors.

Baker wrote and directed the play, the third in his two-year stint at Rochdale Village.

Yvonne Oliver, 70, cast as one-half of the sullen couple, has participated in the previous plays and is looking forward to Friday's performance.

"This is very important because we are all seniors and to perform is a plus for us," she said.

Verda Willis, 62, who brings Aunt Sweet

Pea to life, never doubted the cast's prowess in bringing "The Family Reunion" to fruition.

"This means a lot," she said. "It means that Broadway is not out of reach."

It seems as if Baker selected his role players with their personalities in mind.

Shirley Sillekens, 84, and Jacqueline

2nd Lt. Amy Bonilla, (l.) a pilot, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michelle Roxby (r.), a pilot-in-command, prepare to take off in a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter

April 29 - May 5, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

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

In Our Opinion: Brenda Jones Executive Editor:

Brian Rafferty Deputy Editor:

Joseph Orovic

Editorial An Open Dialogue Clearly, there is at least a little disconnect between the black community of Southeast Queens and the Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct.

The Resorts World promise of local jobs and contracts to be awarded to minority- and women-owned businesses has been questioned.

Part of the confusion is simply logistics; the majority of the black population seeking the jobs is not within the community board where the Aqueduct site lies, so when information is relayed to one board, it is not spontaneously shared with everybody else.

We do not doubt Resorts World’s word that they will meet the minority business requirements of their contract with the State; our own editorial board has been given assurances that the requirements would be met.

We just ask that Resorts World see the bigger picture. Joblessness, foreclosure and frustration have hurt our communities’ pride and caused fear of the unknown. It would be a great help to see Resorts World’s proactive outreach to ensure a good working partnership with the neighboring communities that so desperately need to be reassured that yes, they do matter.

Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie

Letters

Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Harley Benson Sasha Austrie Domenick Rafter Jason Banrey

Art Dept:

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

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 29 - May 5, 2011

Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2011 Tribco, LLC

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

We Must Unite To The Editor: April 25, 2011, marked the three-year anniversary of acquittal verdicts of the NYPD officers who murdered Sean Bell in the 50shot fusillade on Nov. 25, 2006, the day he was to wed his high school sweetheart, Nicole Paultre.

As 31-shot Det. Michael Oliver and his buddies waltzed to their freedom, the Bell family and their supporters prayed at Bell's grave at Nassau Knolls Cemetery in Port Washington. The case clearly revealed deficiencies in law enforcement tactics of tactical planning, communications, supervision, management, accountability and racially-muddled judgment of the officers.

Let us always remember Sean Bell and how he innocently suf-

fered and died. Let us reflect on the suffering and deaths of the African slaves who built America.

Let us be color-blind and judge not "by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." Let us pray for the comfort of the Bell family, work toward new laws for civil rights, and love our neighbors of all colors.

Let us remember what Abraham Lincoln said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Blacks and Whites either hold hands with one another embracing life and happiness, or we ignominiously die as a nation.

Joseph N. Manago, Briarwood

School Questions To The Editor: Something is drastically

Letters wrong. Did I hear correctly? On the TV broadcast of "60 Minutes" on Easter Sunday, Mr. Eli Broad, one of the wealthiest billionaires on this planet, presented a check to Mayor Bloomberg for $32 million for New York Schools. What has he done with this money?

Why is the New York school system in such a horrendous financial situation? Why are teachers being laid off due to the lack of funds? What has the city done with all the lottery and OTB money for the past 30 years?

Something is drastically wrong and it needs fixing immediately.

Martin Schwartz, Bayside

Fight OPEC To The Editor: The gas prices going through the roof has been life changing for most of us. As for myself, I have found the cost unreasonable. Therefore, my wife and I sold our car today. My wife and I are back taking public transportation. We now take our bikes when we need to go food shopping.

Added to that, we decided to let our feet get us to where we need to go. We have truly gone green.

We are fighting OPEC by saying we don't need you.

Frederick R. Bedell Jr., Glen Oaks

Thank You To The Editor: Staff Sgt. Jose M. Caraballo Pietri, as a Corona resident, you did my family proud by your heroic service for our country. As a native Puerto Rican, you bought both sorrow and pride to a nation that has sacrificed so much in

defense of the American flag.

Your wife, Carol Nunez, gave all that could be given as a young widow. Our prayers will remain with both of you and your memory always.

Sorrow perhaps is somewhat fleeting but respect will last a lifetime in your case. Thank you.

John J. McGuire Sr., Corona

Lost Support To The Editor: As a life-long registered Democrat, never have I been so profoundly disturbed as when I read the screed written by Rep. Gary Ackerman.

Full of lies and distortions, it makes a mockery of the condition of our Borough, City and Country. Anyone who has to pay for gasoline, groceries or home heating oil - anyone who has lost a job or cannot find one - knows that we are in trouble. Congressman Ackerman has blindly voted for every measure, every bill proposed by the out-of-touch Obama Administration, that has brought us to our current state.

I have loyally supported the Democratic Party for all my life, but no more. We need a new direction, a direction freed from the socialist ideology of Obama and Ackerman and return to the forward thinking but realistic programs of our late great Sen. Daniel P. Moynihan.

To that end, to change direction, I would even consider forming an exploratory committee to contest Congressman Ackerman in the next Democratic Primary.

David Rivkin, Jamaica

Sanction The Power Nap In The Tower A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE

The whole brouhaha about air traffic controllers falling asleep on the job has a simple solution: let ‘em sleep.

No, not irresponsibly sleep while they’re supposed to be alert and directing air traffic. That would be a deadly error. But just as pilots on long flights have a relieving partner, so each can in turn take a nap, so too should there be nap shifts in jobs that are tedious but serious.

It is each individual’s responsibility to get enough sleep at night in order to function at work the following day. There was a time when most working people were in bed and asleep by 10 p.m.

But with the advent of the home computer and the 100-plus TV channels of rubbish, most of us have been guilty of staying up too late emailing, texting, Internet

surfing and watching dumb TV shows. Some of us take work home with us and stay up doing it at our computers, too. I’m the first to admit to guilt.

However, for those charged with driving, flying or directing in the travel industry, it is imperative that they are alert and ready for their shifts.

Employers in certain industries do the public a disservice when they don’t provide for sanctioned naps. Even when someone gets eight hours of sleep they will still get tired if the nature of their job holds them hostage to a steering or directing device for hours on end.

A rested employee is a better employee.

There are claims that the recent Bronx bus crash that killed 15, and injured many more might have been caused by a driver who dozed off. The case is still under investigation, so there is no way

yet to know this for sure.

What we can say with some confidence is that tired drivers don’t belong behind a steering wheel. If any bus (or even truck) driver stays up “partying” while he or she should be sleeping before assuming a shift, then it is their fault. But if a dispatcher sends out a driver on a long journey without providing for a 30minute nap, then that’s the boss’s fault. Either way, that’s to the public’s detriment.

As far as air traffic controllers go, we are tired of hearing these stories. How can we fly with confidence when we know that the person who is supposed to direct our landing from the ground could be snoring in his chair in the air traffic tower?

Some doze off out of boredom. Others are genuinely tired and need a nap break. Let them nap while someone else comes in and takes over for a little while.

Responsible executives and supervisors are within their right to get the most out of their workers’ shifts. But a little nap isn’t going to kill the bottom line when lives are at stake. It’s penny wise and pound foolish not to make allowances for this primal human need.

Every time an employee sneaks a nap, and it leads to an accident, it costs the employer.

The worst they can do to the covert napper is fire him or her. But that does not change the accident, nor save the lives if any are lost; it doesn’t repair the damage to property nor the decline in public confidence in their service.

It is an embarrassment to the airline industry each time some poor slob is caught snoozing on his own chest. Give them a sanctioned snooze break. It’s time for the bosses to wake up and see that napping saves lives and money.

It’s a matter of life and death.

HELP WANTED

Are you a Queens-based business seeking summer help?

Make a difference in the young people of our community; hire

Greater Jamaica Development Corporation jobs@gjdc.org, 718-291-0282 ext 126

April 29 - May 5, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact

them!

Police Blotter Compiled By DOMENICK RAFTER

104th Precinct Bank Robber Wanted The NYPD is asking the public's assistance in locating and identifying the following man wanted in regards to a bank robbery that occurred in Maspeth.

On Tuesday, April 12, at 9:12 a.m., the suspect entered the Cross County Federal Savings Bank at 60-20 Fresh Pond Road in Maspeth and passed a note to the teller demanding an undisclosed amount of cash. The teller complied and the suspect fled with the cash. There were

no weapons and no injuries.

The robber is described as a 35-yearold white man, 5-foot-7, with a husky build, wearing a dark blue hooded sweatshirt, jeans, sunglasses, and gloves.

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

105th Precinct Sex Assailant Loose

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 29 - May 5, 2011

Police are looking for this individual in connection with a bank robbery.

Police are asking for the public's assistance in locating a man wanted in connection with two attempted sexual assaults which occurred in South Jamaica and Laurelton.

The first incident occurred on Saturday, March 26, at 9:39 p.m., in the vicinity of Rockaway Boulevard and 158th Street in South Jamaica. The victim was a 20-year-old black woman.

The second incident occurred on Friday, April 22, at around 1:50 a.m., in the vicinity of 135th Avenue and 220th Street in Laurelton. The victim was a 24-yearold black woman.

The suspect, described as a black man between the ages of 18 and 22, approaches the victims, physically assaults

The sketch (above) depicts a suspect wanted in connection with two sexual assaults. them and attempts to sexually assault them.

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

109th Precinct Sexual Assault Suspect The NYPD is asking for the public's

assistance in locating the following man who is wanted in connection with four sexual assaults that occurred in Astoria and Flushing. In each incident, the attacker approaches the victims from behind and sexually assaults them before fleeing. The suspect is described as a Hispanic man, 5-foot-5, 140 lbs, with black hair.

The first incident took place on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010, at about 10:10 p.m., at the intersection of 28th Street and 34th Avenue. The victim was a 37-year-old Asian woman. The second occurred on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010, at around 7:30 p.m., at the intersection of Sanford Avenue and 147th Street in Flushing. The victim, a 27-year-old Asian woman, received injuries to her head and face.

The third incident occurred on Sunday, Feb. 27, at 3:45 a.m., in front of 3704 Bowne St. The victim did not require medical attention.

The fourth incident occurred on Tuesday, April 19, at 11:40 p.m. at 44-35 Colden St. The victim, a 24-year-old Asian woman, did not require medical attention.

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

OF THE T he Press of Southeast Queens and its advertisers take pleasure in once again

presenting our “Mother of the Year Contest.” Our Mother’s Day Issue will feature winning entries plus thoughts of the children of Queens. This is our small way of paying tribute to the moms out there who help make Mother's Day Prizes Include: Queens a better place to live.

The contest rules are simple.

Just submit 250 (typewritten when possible, otherwise legible) words or less as to why your mom is special. You or your mom must be a Queens resident. Entries must be received by Friday, April 29, 2011.

Enclose a photo of mom or mom and her kid(s) where possible (sorry they can't be returned.)

Mail entries to “Mother of the Year” Queens Tribune, 15050 14th Road, Whitestone, NY 11357.

The entries will be judged in three age groups: A) 8 and under; B) 9-12 and C) 13 - adult. Judging will be based on content, creativity and sensitivity.

We are open-minded about this contest and even mother-inlaw entries will be accepted.

Don't Delay: get your entry in today and pay tribute to your special "MOM" (and get Mother's Day Gifts Too!)

Mom's Day Mets Tickets & Over $1,000 In Prizes Prizes Include:

Arpi’s Spa, Fresh Meadows: ................................. Gift Certificate Becky’s Nail, Fresh Meadows: ............................ Gift Certificate Crepe & Tearia, Fresh Meadows: ....................... 3 Gift Certificates Dante Restaurant, Flushing: ................................ Gift Certificate House Of Style, Whitestone: ............................... Gift Certificate La Bottega, Bayside: .............................................. 3 Gift Certificates La Confetteria, Whitestone: ................................. Gift Certificate Maggie Moo, Bayside: ........................................... Gift Certificate Maria’s Greek Fusion, Bayside: .......................... 2 Gift Certificates Mythos Restaurant, Flushing: ............................. Gift Certificate North Shore Diner, Bayside: .............................. Gift Certificate Olympic Diner, Richmond Hill: .......................... Gift Certificate Papazzio, Bayside: ................................................ Gift Certificate Queens Garden Florist & Landscape, Whitestone: ........................................................... Gift Certificate Ranju’s, Whitestone: .............................................. 2 Gift Certificates Riviera Ristorante, Whitestone: ......................... Gift Certificate Three Brothers Butcher, Bayside: ..................... Gift Certificate VI PIZZA, Bayside: ................................................. Gift Certificate

Attach this or a facsimile to your entry

CONTEST RULES

Age

Your Name Address Phone Mom's Name Mom's Address Phone

Mail to “Mother of the Year” Queens Tribune, 150-50 14th Road, Whitestone, NY 11357.

1. Submit 250 words as to why your mom is special.

You or your mom must be a Queens resident.

2. Entries must be received by Friday, April 29, 2011.

3. Give your age (18+ acceptable), address, phone number, plus mom's name and address.

4. Enclose a 4x6 photo of mom or mom and her kid(s) where possible; put full names on back of photo. Sorry, they can't be returned.

5. Mail entries to “Mother of the Year,” Queens Tribune, 150-50 14th Road, Whitestone, NY 11357.

6. The entries will be judged in three age groups A) 8 and under; B) 9-12 and C) 13 - adult. Judging will be based on content, creativity and sensitivity.

April 29 - May 5, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

OVER $1,000 IN PRIZES

Considerable Influence:

An Inside Peek At Two Players In The Future Of Southeast Queens (PATH) train connecting Newark, Hoboken and Lower Manhattan.

Manhattan’s two major bus terminals are under Port Authority management, as well as industrial and commercial parks in New Jersey, Staten Island and the Bronx.

BY DOMENICK RAFTER This week, our sister paper, the Queens Tribune, published a special business edition, telling the stories of companies that have been successful and carry influence in Queens. Two of those stories – Genting New York, the operator of Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct, and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, the operator of JFK Airport – are of particular relevance to the people of Southeast Queens.

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 29 - May 5, 2011

Who Is Genting?

Before last summer, few, if any, in the borough knew the name Genting. The Malaysian entertainment company was virtually unknown in New York until it won the lucrative bid to develop Aqueduct Racetrack into a “racino,” a project nearly a decade in the making.

Genting, founded in 1965 and based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, operates a series of casino resort destinations, mainly in Southeast Asia, but also in Great Britain. Genting operates Star Cruises, which is the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Lines.

The Aqueduct project, called Resorts World New York, will be Genting’s first American enterprise. The company was awarded the bid last August after a series of bids fell through since the project was approved by the state in 2001. Ground was broken on the project in October 2010.

Opening Soon On March 17, Resorts World announced it would open at least half of the video lottery terminals at Aqueduct late this summer, three months earlier than expected. The first phase will include a food court, bar and entertainment space.

“This accelerated schedule will allow for not only a more robust opening and better customer experience with more food and beverage facilities than previously planned, but the completion of the facility – including the operation of all 4,525 video lottery terminals – by the end of 2011, three months ahead of schedule,” said Mike Speller, President of Resorts World New York Casino.

When completed, the Resorts World casino will completely change the site, which had long become less frequented since the racing industry has dwindled in popularity and Belmont Racetrack became a more visited spot. Inside the newly renovated grandstand will be more than 135,000 square feet of gambling space on two floors; two restaurants – Genting Palace, a Cantonese restaurant, and RW Prime, a steak and seafood restaurant; and a two-story dining area that will feature Stage Deli, Wolfgang Puck Express, Queens Burgers, Good Friends Noodle House, Cups n’ Cones (which will include Starbucks) and Fiesta, a Latin & Mexican cuisine establishment. The two 200-

An artist’s rendering of the new Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct, currently under construction in South Queens. seat restaurants will also feature private dining rooms.

The site will also include a 2,200-spot parking facility, valet parking, a newly renovated entrance on Rockaway Boulevard and a brand new skyway overpass connecting the casino to the Aqueduct A train station which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Local Benefits The project aims to create up to 1,000 permanent jobs at the site which sits in a part of Queens that’s become home to rampant unemployment in recent years.

Estimates say more than $300 million in tax revenue will be collected annually, which will go into the state’s education budget.

Besides tax revenue, an estimated $90 million in new revenue will go to support racing operations at Aqueduct and help the cash-strapped New York Racing Association. In another unique gesture, Genting will donate 1 percent of its total net profit to local projects in the southern Queens community surrounding Aqueduct Racetrack. Genting expects that amount to be close to a half million dollars annually within a few years.

Genting has also pushed for local contractors to be involved in the casino’s construction, hiring companies based in surrounding communities as subcontractors on the site. On April 11, Genting announced more than half of its workforce was minority or women.

the harbor it shares necessitated the creation of a bi-state agency that would prevent the two states from going to war over the port. That agency turns 90 years old this week.

On April 30, 1921, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey was created to represent the interests of the two states concerning the harbor. It was the first such agency created under Article 1, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution which allows states to enter into agreements with each other without Congressional approval.

Originally, the agency covered only the interests of the harbor, as ship traffic was the primary interstate issue at the time.

The Port Authority manages the two states’ major ports including Port Elizabeth and Port Newark in New Jersey, the third busiest seaport in the country, and other marine ports in Bayonne, N.J., Staten Island and Brooklyn.

It later grew to cover the transportation systems between the new states, including the six bridges and tunnels connecting New York to New Jersey, as well as the Port Authority Trans Hudson

The Port Authority New York and New The Port Authority not only runs the airports in Queens, but Jersey’s notorious feuds also the AirTrain that serves JFK Airport. since the 17th century over

Flying High The agency is most well-known for operating five of the area’s major airports, including JFK and LaGuardia, as well as Newark Liberty, Teterboro and Stewart Airport in the Hudson Valley. The agency also owns and operates the World Trade Center site. The twin towers were its headquarters until their destruction on Sept.

11 and 84 Port Authority employees died in the attacks.

The Port Authority manages four major sites in the borough of Queens: the two airports, the AirTrain system at JFK, and the Queens West development in Long Island City. JFK and LaGuardia are technically owned by the City and leased to the Port Authority. The city signed a lease for LaGuardia and the future site of JFK in 1947. JFK Airport opened a year later as Idlewild Airport. The Port Authority also took the lead in constructing the AirTrain system connecting JFK to Jamaica and Howard Beach.

Expansion Coming?

Recently, the Port Authority has been mulling over plans to expand its airports, including LaGuardia and JFK, which would include the possibility of building new runways. In early 2010, Port Authority Executive Director Christopher Ward made news when he suggested LaGuardia should be torn down. He later clarified his remarks, saying that the airport needed to be systematically renovated to make it more modern.

The Regional Plan Association released a report in January outlining possible expansions of the two airports, including building new runways into Jamaica Bay at JFK and the East River at LaGuardia, which could also mandate the demolition of the Rikers Island jail. The RPA’s report also outlined other possible means of easing delays at the two airports that would not include expansions, such as utilizing Stewart Airport, which the Port Authority acquired in 2007.

The Port Authority acquired Queens West in 1984 when legislation in Albany and Trenton called for the agency to be involved in waterfront development.

The agency has joined with the NYC Economic Development Corp. to sponsor the project. In 2006, the Port Authority sold off 24 acres of land to the City in Hunters Point for development.

Most recently, the agency allocated $10 million toward the construction of the new Queens Library branch in Queens West.

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

April 29 - May 5, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

pix

For The Earth

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

Tax Help At York

On Earth Day, Bridge and Tunnel Maintainers Charlie Torrillo (foreground) and Jeff Calichio (facing front) remove old mercury necklace light from atop the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge. The energy-saving LED lights help reduce the amount of electricity needed to power the decorative, necklace lights by approximately 73 percent.

Photo by Juliet Kaye

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 29 - May 5, 2011

For the fourth year in a row, York College helped Southeast Queens residents prepare their income tax returns free of charge. Accounting Professor Robert Clovey started the program and is Coordinator of the Volunteer Tax Preparation Program. Pictured l. to r.: Assemblyman William Scarborough; Accounting Professor Robert Clovey, Coordinator of the York College Volunteer Tax Preparation Program; Jean Phelps, Dir. of Student Activities at the Tax Preparation Center.

Photo by Al Kanu

Corridor

More than 100 local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs attended the recent Business Corridor Forum hosted by Councilman Leroy Comrie at Occasions Banquet & Catering Hall. Pictured: Comrie (c.) joined Regina Warner-Tyson (l.), the proprietor of Regina’s Beauty Salon in St. Albans.

Joining the presentation was Assemblyman William Scarborough (r.).

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April 29 - May 5, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

Borough Beat

Unknown Titans Of A Fishy Industry

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 29 - May 5, 2011

In a rundown factory near the water’s edge in College Point lies a titan within a niche industry. The business, Stark Marine Systems, has been producing commercial-grade aquariums and seafood display systems for some of the biggest names in food service and retail (and sometimes entertainment). It has called Queens home for nearly three decades – and few borough natives have ever heard of it.

With its renowned “gorilla filter,” Stark has maintained a veritable stranglehold on all fish tanks worth a damn. The system is still considered the company’s crown jewel, a trade secret that competitors have tried – and continuously failed – to emulate. The feat is made doubly astounding when one realizes it will celebrate its 25th birthday this year.

Today, Stark has expanded into the realm of displays, selling customized glass cases that keep fish fresh at retailers such as Whole Foods and Shop Rite. All Stark products are built to order and customized to the client’s specifications. All work is done within the College Point headquarters. It reflects a general ethos the company retained since its start-up roots.

Like most entrepreneurial stories worth their salt, Stark shares origins simi-

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

BY JOSEPH OROVIC

of their natural lives.

For years, the group spent hours in Starkman’s home, and eventually the College Point location.

Omiros Giouroukos, a turbo engine mechanic and Douglaston resident, joined in 1979, and owns the company today.

Sitting in front of a giant marlin mounted on his wall, Giouroukos wistfully recalled days spent sitting at a bay with his colleagues, watching the sea lap over the shore and pondering nature’s trick to making waEmployees at Stark Marine Systems fiddle with adjustments ter hospitable.

Giouroukos said the to a new, custom aquarium. group succeeded because it lar to Lamborghini and Apple: a rag tag realized a balance of bacteria in the water group of hobbyists toiling away, the act helps create a viable ecosystem. The problem? Figuring out the precise, correct raof work being their only reward.

The bunch of friends gathered under tio of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria necthe auspices of the iconoclastic – and essary.

“You have to imitate the ocean from monetarily flush – Morton Starkman in 1977. He paid the group out-of-pocket A to Z,” he said. “We wanted to build the to gather in his home to, quite simply, ultimate system. The theory of it is the fail often. The goal was a filter so pow- most important thing.”

The perfected result was a virtually erful it could create a sustainable, selfcontained aquatic ecosystem within a maintenance-free device capable of cretank, keeping fish alive for the duration ating an ocean in a tank. Starkman, ever-

wary of idea theft, never patented the system or bacteria ratio, fearing it would eventually open the floodgates to copycats.

Giouroukos said he and less than a handful of close associates know the exact system inside and out.

The competition? “They have no clue; not even close,” he said.

In 1986, Stark released the filters en masse, along with a full tank system. Soon, Stark reached customers as varied as London Lennies (owner Les Barnes gave their tanks a solid endorsement) to the Coney Island aquarium. Stark also built custom tanks for the likes of Cher and Bruce Springsteen.

Today, Giouroukos acts as the company’s sole owner and executive, continuing its legacy of innovation. The company was the first to use ultraviolet light to treat tank water, and most recently developed an ice-less display system that keeps fish fresh 4-5 days longer than classic cases.

“When we started doing that, people thought we were crazy,” Giouroukos said.

“I am a small business owner with a big head. I’m not a genius, but I listen to a lot of people and what they need and I try to make it work.”

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

A&E

Wonderland: New Alice, New Musical pear and perform. E. Clayton Cornelious plays an amusing Caterpillar with attitude According to a new Broadway play “Won- and his entourage of “legs” (a group of derland,” there’s a rabbit hole in Queens that female dancers). Darren Ritchie is funny and appealing as Jack the will lead you to the wonWhite Knight, and Jose drous and riddle-filled world Llana as The Cheshire of Lewis Carroll. Grown-up Cat, here referred to as “El Alice (well-played by Janet Gato,” gives the show a Dacal) and her young daughlittle Latin f lavor. ter Chloe, (Carly Rose The music is by comSonenclar) have just moved poser Frank Wildhorn to Queens. Alice is unhappy (“Jekyll & Hyde,” “The Scarand disconsolate with the let Pimpernel,”) who has way her life has turned out. written close to 20 songs When she hits her head in for the show, some of which the service elevator, she sees are delightful. When Jack the White Rabbit (Edward and fellow knights sing Staudenmayer) and follows “One Knight” as a boy band, him down his rabbit hole. the results are hysterical.

And so her adventures begin.

All the familiar “Alice Karen Mason as the Queen Each of the main characters in Wonderland” characters of Hearts in “Wonderland.” gets at least one solo grandstand number. However, the are in the musical; so, too, show gets maudlin and loses are some additions. The Mad Hatter has been deposed by a ma- energy when the actors sing ballads. nipulative power-hungry female (Kate Shindle, whose considerable talents are Shindle). We don’t learn her real identity wasted here, has two songs that seem graor understand her purpose until well into tuitously tossed in.

Although there were several kids in the second act. Unfortunately, by that time, we don’t care. Even writer Lewis Carroll, the audience, “Wonderland” is primarily himself, makes an appearance in the show a musical for grown-ups. It includes puns, word jokes and even a political comment to provide riddles and platitudes.

All the stock Carroll characters ap- or two – Jack describes an event with a

BY ELYSE TREVERS

Restaurant Review

Our Delicious Neighbor VILLAGGIO 150-07 14th Rd., Whitestone (718) 291-1620 CUISINE: Italian HOURS: 11 am - 11 pm PARKING: Street CREDIT CARDS: All Major

Neil Patel’s set design is fine, but Susan Hilferty’s costumes are the true stars of the show, particularly those worn by talented Karen Mason as the Queen of Hearts. Mason made her numbers entertaining to listen to but her costumes were even more enthralling. True works of art!

Toward the conclusion, the characters tell Alice why she is there and what’s she’s been seeking, stating the very obvious – the answer to the caterpillar’s “Who are you?” The platitudes and obvious moralizing, “Time is fleeting and you can’t get it back again,” is patronizing for an adult audience.

Spoiler alert: By the end of the play, Alice and Chloe return home. Alice is wiser and happier and safe in Queens.

They had no choice in making the trip down the rabbit hole, but you do. Although there are definitely some interesting aspects to Wonderland, buy a ticket for somewhere else.

Queens College Dips Into Local Expression Imagine a homey living space in the cases the borough’s diversity through pormiddle of a busy library created from fur- traits of his Queens College students; niture found on the streets of New York.

Using GPS, April Nett constructed a Or a visual musical piece that resonates Queens Utopia based on her explorations, with the sights and sounds of Queens. and replicated the most memorable sights These are just two of and elements on the topography of Philadelphia, the works of art that her newly adopted home; will be on view at the Queens College Art Photographer and web Center May 5 through programmer Derek Vadala June 30 as part of captured the decaying “EXPRESS+LOCAL: manufacturing areas of Queens; and NYC Aesthetics” – a Musician and new media free exhibition designed to showcase the interacartist Jon Wohl has comtion between artists and posed a visual musical piece the borough of Queens. as his response to Queens.

The exhibition is the The public is invited to Sculptor Antonia Perez weaves an opening reception of culmination of a unique together pieces of discarded plasthis exhibition May 5 from residency program that tic bags into a free-form fence brought together 16 5-7 p.m. at the Queens Colthat will encircle a grove of trees New York artists from lege Art Center, Rosenthal on campus, giving new meaning diverse disciplines who Library, 6th floor. The reto the concept of personal space shared gallery space for ception will include a talk and life’s barriers.

by Tara Mathison, the one month at a time exhibition’s curator. from late January through April. The primary aim of the Mathison received an MA and MFA project was to document the artists’ cre- in printmaking while teaching drawing at ative response to the city and specifically, the University of Wisconsin - Madison. A the borough of Queens (several had no member of the Brooklyn artist collective direct prior experience of the borough). 3rd Ward, she has exhibited extensively At varied times during the residency, the in the United States and internationally. public had the opportunity to interact with During her 10 years of curating, Mathison the artists and view their works-in- has focused on contemporary artists and progress. Some of the exhibits featured are: visual culture. At the Queens College Art “Too Much Is Never Enough,” a large- Center, she has worked with more than scale painting that explores extravagance 25 artists and 15 exhibitions since 2007.

Gallery hours in May are Mon.-Thur., within domestic life by muralist Becky Franco; An unconventional map dotted with 9 a.m. to 8 p.m; then every Friday and all Polaroid photos that depicts a first-time of May 31–June 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. journey taken by graphic designers Carl The exhibit is closed May 30, weekends Gambrell and Rob Kimmel through and holidays. For more info, call (718) Bayside, Jamaica, Flushing, and other 997-3770, visit qcpages.qc.cuny.edu/ Art_Library/artcenter.html or send an neighbourhoods; Photographer Tommy Mintz show- email to artcenter@qc.cuny.edu.

April 29 - May 5, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

Big deal restaurants: you hear their named murmured among the City's foodies with fervor. But the humbler among us, keeps our little secrets to ourselves.

Great food, a cozy setting, friendly staff and family atmosphere are the most you can demand of any Italian restaurant. Villaggio delivers on all fronts (not to mention it's down the block from our office).

My guest and I were seated at a table and immediately were struck by the restaurant's mural-laden walls. Italian vistas galore, giving the place an expansive feel.

Most striking were the brass name plates saddled alongside nearly all the tables. Apparently, Villaggio reminds the regulars where to sit when they're visiting, much like in typical Italian families, Apologies to Ron and Linda Wolchok.

We took your spot for a night. (The Queens Tribune's table was taken.)

For those who actually do want to sit outdoors, there is a portico.

For antipasto, we were offered a sampler platter of Villaggio's best. The fried calamari avoid the trap of being

fishy tasting mini-tires, instead filling the few gaps left by the audaciously delicious marinara sauce. (Rumor has it the marinara will be sold on its own soon).

Baked clams and fried shrimp rounded off our off-land fare, with the clams being perfectly seasoned while the shrimp offered a perfectly-cooked vehicle for the marinara sauce.

Also on our plate were eggplant rollatini, stuffed with ricotta, spinach and parmigiano cheese in tomato sauce. The results were bordering on the divine.

Next, we split a neat helping of rigatoni alla Siciliana, sautéd eggplant and black olives mixed in a light tomato sauce and topped with shaving of dry goat cheese. Culinarily, you can count the traps here on both hands. Overdo one ingredient, and you drown out the rest. But this was a balanced helping, both delightful and robust in all the right ways.

We topped off our meal with chicken parm - leave out the full name, you know what it is. And we're back to that tomato sauce, which leaves an indelibly good mark on all it manages to cover.

Thankfully, it enhanced what has become the blasé standby in Italian kitchens everywhere.

My guest and I left, reeling with bloated bellies from the meal we ate. I promised to keep the place a secret, like the humble gourmand I am. But I guess the word is out. Get to Villaggio, quick.

—Joseph Orovic

group of people who “want to do away with everyone and everything but don’t know what they’d put in its place.” “What do you call it?” “The Tea Party.”

There’s even Queens humor. When Alice negotiates with the Queen of Hearts to save her head, she tells her about a place with 2.5 million people that the Queen can rule where she’ll find “Queens of Dairy,” “Queens of Drama” and even “ Queens of Drag.”

The show is uneven and unfocused.

Although it was several years in the making, it still needs further revisions. In Carroll’s work, Alice is trying to return home and the same is true here, but the writers try to create danger and tension when The Hatter kidnaps Chloe. The show never really gives the audience a good enough understanding for the depth of Alice’s unhappiness. She teaches English, but is a frustrated writer. She and her husband have separated because of his “white knight syndrome.”

Faith

Eight Decades For Antioch Baptist

BY SASHA AUSTRIE The vision of Antioch Baptist Church is “Calling on the Father, unifying in Christ, moving in the Spirit,” and for 80 years, the church has tried to uphold that mantra.

Antioch will host a four-day celebration in honor of its eight decades of service to the Jamaica community. The celebration will begin at 7:30 p.m. on May 19, at 107-14 Pine Grove St. The anniversary celebration will culminate in a banquet at Antun’s and a service at the

Word “Religions are many and diverse, but reason and goodness are one.”

—Elbert Hubbard

church. Guest speakers will also be present. Patrons have until May 7 to purchase banquet tickets. For information call (718) 297-8768. Tickets are $75 each.

“We are expecting a hallelujah time in the Lord, and have some powerful, dynamic preachers bringing the Word,” reads a church press release. “We invite you to come and celebrate with us as we send our praises up to our Heavenly Father.”

Antioch Church of Jamaica was organized on May 29, 1929, as an interdenominational church. The congregation changed its faith to Baptist, and in 1931, the church was incorporated. The first pastor under the Baptist faith was the Rev. Charles W. Jefferson, formerly of Richmond, Va. From its inception, the church has had only eight ministers at its helm. The Rev. Timothy Mitchell has served the church for almost 15 years. In 1996, Mitchell was called to lead the church and in 1997, he was officially installed as pastor. He will celebrate 15 years in October.

“It’s been exciting,” Mitchell said of his tenure. “There has been a lot of growth.”

He has a personal investment in Antioch, as it blocks from when he grew up as a child.

The church has already started thinking about its service for the community throughout its next 80 years. The church has sponsored A Better Way Family and Community Center. Mitchell said the church is currently seeking a building to house the center, which would host youth and senior programs.

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.

Antioch Baptist Church is fast approaching its 80th anniversary.

Notebook PS 223

Peanuts Trilogy Needs Finale Cash Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 29 - May 5, 2011

BY SASHA AUSTRIE PS 223’s Charlie Brown gang is at it again, and they are asking you to support the final chapter in their trilogy.

Budget cuts are having an effect on the final play, dubbed, “Good Grief We’re Graduating Charlie Brown.” The students and their drama teacher, Jason Spagnuoli, are hoping the community supports a fundraiser on Wednesday, May 4, from 59 p.m., at the Burger King located at 15405 Rockaway Blvd. All a patron has to ask is that their receipt be counted towards the OST/ PS 223 fundraiser. For those who cannot make it then, they can also go throughout the day and make the same request.

“There is a wealth of talent in that building and it needs to be tapped into continuously,” said Spagnuoli, who penned the trilogy. “These are your children.”

The two previous plays are “Yo! Its Middle School Charlie Brown” and “It’s The Twilight Zone Christmas, Charlie Brown.”

Spagnuoli said they need to raise about $700 to make it a world-class production.

If you cannot make it to Burger King, you

plies for “Good Grief, We’re Graduating Charlie Brown.” He said earning their keep is what artists do.

“I think it almost makes it more worthwhile,” he said. “It is getting back to grass roots.”

Kaliyah Holland, 10, cast as Lucy, said she was excited about both the play and fundraiser.

“The fundraiser is important because it Jason Spagnuoli (l.) and the cast of “Good Grief We’re Graduat- will help build up the play,” she said. “Drama ing Charlie Brown.” feels to me like I can express the way that I can call (718) 322-7101 and ask for Jason am, and drama is inside of me.”

Savanna Chapman, 9, understands Spagnuoli. The play will be held June 8, at 125-20 Sutphin Blvd. Tickets are lim- that the fundraiser is a necessity.

“I want to help make money so we can ited.

The play is simply art imitating life. have the play because next year there may The Peanuts gang is knee deep in a not even be play,” she said.

Charmaine Parker, dance choreografundraising venture for a friend who cannot afford the prom. In reality, the chil- pher for all three plays, said it would be a dren are hosting a fundraiser to buy sup- disservice to the children to discontinue

the drama program operated by the Child Center of NY OST/LATCH, an afterschool program.

“We don’t want to see the kids in the street,” she said, adding the arts are a vehicle for children to express and learn about themselves. She has seen a rise in their confidence and self-esteem.

“It shows the work that we are putting in really affects these kids,” she said.

Spagnuoli has seen the students emboldened. He has seen the improvement in their creativity and mannerism.

He has watched them grow and he wants to continue the work he started at PS 223.

Spagnuoli had not thought of reprising the Charlie Brown saga until Parker brought it up. It took him about a day before he gave the idea serious thought.

Though the original idea was Parker’s, the students gave him most of the plot points for the story. Though the Peanuts gang is consumed with their own fundraiser, Spagnuoli said throughout the play they tackle the traditions of graduation and bullying.

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

Profile

Adult Mentors Living Up To Hype

BY SASHA AUSTRIE Raymond Ramos saw a need in his community and set about filling the gap.

"I felt there was a need for middle school boys' issues to be addressed," he said. "There is not enough male involvement. [There] is not a man's presence, a man's input on how they are supposed to conduct themselves."

The 18-year veteran of the NYPD started working on the curriculum while serving in Iraq.

Five years ago, he founded Project HYPE (Helping Young People Evolve), a peer-monitoring organization that targets boys from fourth through eighth grade. The program operates out of PS 147 from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

This is not Ramos' first foray into mentorship. As a patrol officer in Brooklyn almost 20 years ago, he entrenched himself into the community.

"I wasn't going to stand on a corner or chase people for eight and a half hours […] so I got involved in the community," he said. Ramos forged a community partnership and gained the neighborhood's trust.

He became a fixture in the areas he patrolled, and he has brought the same zeal to Project HYPE. Sam Wall, project manger, said the

program's components are flush with academics, physical activity and charting a course for a young man's future. The free program targets a child's academic weak points, but Wall contends that though academics are a focal point of the program, it focuses on the whole child.

"What we are doing is building the young men to have a sense of self-worth," Wall said. "We try to expose them to many different things."

Ramos said HYPE is a throwback to his own youth, when the community looked out for each other.

"There was someone on my block who took it upon himself to [engage the boys in the community,]" he said, adding that a village or a community is responsible for its children, is a forgotten concept.

Though the program is tailored to boys in a certain age group, it reaches well beyond eighth grade; the experience prepares them for life.

There is a symbolic Rites of Passage steeped in African tradition that will take place June 11 at 9 a.m. The ceremony is based on the belief that it takes a village.

Enveloped in the custom is a symbolic gesture of cutting the umbilical cord.

"They get a better understanding of what will sustain them," Ramos said. It teaches them responsibility to themselves, their families and community.

Some of the boys of Project HYPE. Wall said the greatest impact is felt by the boys who start the program in fourth grade and remain until graduation. This year, Ramos included his former students.

Graduates of the program served as interns.

"They just showed and they wouldn't leave," he said. Being of the mindset that you never turn a child away, Ramos put them to work. He said they will create a robust program for the high school students. They will be rewarded this summer with jobs.

Though the program is geared toward boys, Wall said the program hopes to find

its own space and open its door to girls.

Project HYPE has already started including girls. It currently has 16 interns; there is one girl in the mix.

Other than having a location that Project HYPE can call home, Ramos hopes to elevate the program to a school that will prepare young men for high school and college.

For additional information, call (646) 285-8764.

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

April 29 - May 5, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

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.

SINGLES JEWISH WOMEN Thursday, May 5 the National Council of Jewish Women singles will be seeing “Singing in the Rain.”

631-0024.

PARENTS ADOPTING? Saturday, April 30 at 10.

Family Focus Adoption Services in Little Neck. 2241919.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Wednesdays, May 4, June 1 the Renaissance Charter School’s Board of Trustees meet at 6:30. 803-0060.

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

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 29 - May 5, 2011

TALKS ASIAN-AMER. LIT Saturday, April 30 “Longing and Belonging: The Idea of Home in Asian American Literature” at 10 at the Poppenhusen Institute, 11404 14 th Road, College Point.

Free.

WINDSOR PARK Monday, May 2 “Remarkable Creatures” will be discussed at 2 at the Windsor Park library.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING Monday, May 2 at the Astoria library at 3.

EGYPT’S REVOLUTION Monday, May 2 at the Flushing library at 6.

RICHMOND HILL Thursday, May 5 “Mudbound” will be discussed at 3 at the Richmond Hill library.

FLUSHING Friday, May 6 “The Reader.” Friday, June 3 “March.” Friday, July 1 “The Story Sisters.” Friday, August 5 “A T h o u s a n d Splendid Suns.” 1 at the Flushing library.

WHAT IS ART? Friday, May 6 “What is Art?” is a lecture and presentation at the National Art League Members’ Night at 8. 44-21 Douglaston Parkway. Free.

Public invited.

YOUTH

TEENS FUTURE WRITERS Saturday, April 30 at the LIC library at 11.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2.

BOOST Mondays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 Best Out of School at the Arverne library at 3.

LAPTOPS Mondays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 3-5 at the Laurelton library.

BOOK BUDDIES Mondays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 at the Laurelton library at 3.

FATHER’S DAY Monday and Tuesday, May 2, 3 celebrate Father’s Day with cards for soldiers at the Douglaston/Little Neck library at 3:15.

TEEN TUTORING Mondays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 at the Bayside library at 3:30.

GAMING FUN Mondays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 Lefrak City library at 3:30.

BOOK MAKING Mondays, May 2, 9 Baisley Park library. Register.

PAINTING Mondays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 Langston Hughes library at 4.

MAY I READ TO YOU Monday, May 2 at the Laurelton library at 4.

TEEN COMPUTER Mondays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 at the Rochdale Village library. Register.

MAY CRAFT Monday, May 2 Queens Village library at 4:30.

SAT HELP Monday, May 2 SAT free strategy session at the Pomonok libra r y. Register 800-2REVIEW. TEEN CHESS Mondays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 at the Bayside library at 6.

CHAMP PROGRAM Mondays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 college and career preparation for teens at 6 at the Langston Hughes library.

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

BOOST Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Arverne library at 3.

LAPTOPS Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Laurelton library at 3.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Laurelton library at 3.

READING BUDDIES Tuesdays, May 3, 10,l 17, 24, 31 at the Auburndale library at 4.

LESSON OF THE DAY Tu e s d a y , M ay 3 a t t h e Laurelton library at 4.

CHESS CLUB Tuesday, May 3 at the LIC library at 4.

TEEN GAME DAY Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24 at the Rochdale Village library at 4.

BOOST Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 25 at the Arverne library at 3.

LAPTOPS Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 Laurelton library at 3.

BOOK BUDDIES Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 Laurelton library at 3.

CHESS & CHECKERS Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 Woodside library at 3.

GAMING FUN Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 Lefrak Cit y library at 3:30.

TEEN MANNERS Wednesday, May 4 teen manners and etiquette in public places at the Steinway library at 3:30.

SCIENCE SHOW Wednesday, May 4 Vinny Voltage Science Show at the Astoria library at 4.

READING BUDDIES Wednesday, May 4, 11, 18 Auburndale library. Register.

TEEN GAMES Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 Central library at 4.

CAREER DISCOVERY Wednesday, May 4 at the Laurelton library at 4.

MOTHER’S DAY Wednesday, May 4 mother’s day craft at the Lefrak Cit y library. Register.

TEEN COMPUTER Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 at the Rochdale Village library. Register.

BOOK BUDDIES Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18 at the Windsor Park library.

Register.

WII TIME Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 Peninsula library at 4:30.

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

BOOST Thursdays, May 5, 12, 19 at the Arverne library at 3.

LAPTOPS Thursdays, May 5, 12, 19 at the Laurelton library at 3.

BOOK BUDDIES Thursdays, May 5, 12, 19 at the Laurelton library at 3.

GAMING FUN Thursdays, May 5, 12, 19 Lefrak Cit y library at 3:30.

READING BUDDIES Thursdays, May 5, 12, 19, 26 at the Auburndale library.

Register.

JOB APPLICATION Thursday, May 5 at the Laurelton library at 4.

TEEN WRAP AROUND Thursday, May 5 at the Lefrak Cit y library at 4.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS Thursday, May 5 at the Bay Terrace library. Register.

BOOST Fridays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 at the Arverne library at 3.

TEEN BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 Briarwood library at 3.

TEEN HAPPY HOUR Fridays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 at the Flushing library at 3.

LAPTOPS Fridays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 at the Laurelton library at 3.

READING BUDDIES Fridays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 Auburndale library. Register.

BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, May 6, 13, 20 at the Bayside library at 4.

TEEN ARTS Fridays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 arts and crafts at the Briarwood library at 4.

TEEN DRAMA CLUB Fridays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 at the Central library at 4.

BOOK MAKING Fridays, May 6, 13 East Elmhurst library. Register.

SCIENCE SHOW Friday, May 6 Vinny Voltage Science Show at the Sunnyside library at 4.

S TORY T I M E Saturday, April 30 at the Ridgewood library at 11.

MATH HELP Saturdays at the Flushing library at 10.

SCIENCE LAB Saturdays, April 30, May 7 at the Central library at 11.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

S TORY TIMES Saturdays at 11 and Tuesdays at 10:30 weekly story times at Barnes & Noble, 1766 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i ke , F re s h Meadows.

EGG-CITING ANIMALS Saturday, April 30 at Alley Pond Environmental Center for those 5-6. 229-4000.

DESIGN Sunday, May 1Noguchi Museum. 204-7088.

YOGA & ME Mondays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 for preschoolers at the Briarwood librar y. Register.

TUMMY TIME Mondays, May 2, 9 at the Jackson Heights library at 2.

BOOST Mondays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 at the Arverne library at 3.

HOMEWORK HELP Mondays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 McGoldrick library at 3.

FATHER’S DAY Monday and Tuesday, May 2, 3 celebrate Father’s Day with cards for soldiers at the Douglaston/Little Neck library at 3:15.

TEEN TUTORING Mondays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 at the Bayside library at 3:30.

GAMING FUN Mondays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 Lefrak Cit y library at 3:30.

PLANTS WE EAT Monday, May 2 at the Steinway library at 3:30.

BOOK MAKING Mondays, May 2, 9 at the Baisley Park library. Register.

CHESS CLUB Mondays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 at the Lefferts library at 6.

KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at 4 at the Douglaston/Little Neck lib ra r y. B r i n g n e e d l e s a n d yarn.

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 24, 31 Glen Oaks library at 11.

BOOST Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Arverne library at 3.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24 Hillcrest library at 3:30.

READING BUDDIES Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24 Auburndale library. Register.

PENGUIN EXPLORERS Tu e s d a y, M a y 3 a t t h e Broadway library at 4.

CHESS CLUB Tuesdays, May 3, 17, 31 at the LIC library at 4.

MOTHER’S CRAFT Tuesday, May 3 Mother ’s Day craft project at the Lefrak Cit y library. Register.

NUTRITION WORKSHOP Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24 Laurelton library. Register.

PLANTS WE EAT Tu e s d a y, M a y 3 a t t h e Sunnyside library at 4:30.

BOOST READING Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 McGoldrick library at 5.

CHESS

Wednesdays at the Queens Village library at 3:30.

FAMILY STORY TIME Wednesdays, May 4, 11 Queensboro Hill library at 11.

COLORING TIME Wednesdays, May 4, 11 at the Queensboro Hill library at 11:30.

BOOST Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 Arverne library at 3.

CHESS & CHECKERS Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 Woodside library at 3.

FUN READING CLUB Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 Bay Terrace librar y at 3:30.

MOTHER’S CRAFT Wednesday, May 4 Fresh Meadows library at 3:30.

GAMING FUN Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18,2 5 at the Lefrak Cit y library at 3:30.

READING BUDDIES Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18,2 5 at the Auburndale library at 4.

CINCE DE MAYO Wednesday, May 4 at the East Flushing library at 4.

CHESS CLUB Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 at the Poppenhusen library at 4.

MOTHERS’ CRAFT Wednesday, May 4 at the Queens Village library at 4.

BOOK BUDDIES Wednesdays, May a4, 11, 18 at the Windsor Park library. Register.

WII Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 Peninsula library at 4:30.

BOOST MATH Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 McGoldrick library at 5.

BOOST Thursdays, May 5,12, 19, 26 at the Arverne library at 3.

GAMING FUN Thursdays, May 5, 12, 19, 26 Le f ra k C i t y l i b ra r y a t 3:30.

MOTHERS CRAFT Thursday, May 5 at the Pomonok library at 3:30.

READING BUDDIES Thursdays, May 5, 12, 19, 26 at the Auburndale library.

Register.

ARTS & CRAFTS Thursdays, May 5, 12, 19, 26 Auburndale library at 4.

MOTHER STORY & CRAFT Thursday, May 5 at the Central library at 4.

MOTHERS CRAFT Thursday, May 5 Langston Hughes library at 4.

BOOST SCIENCE Thursdays, May 5, 12, 19, 26 McGoldrick library at 5.

T WILIGHT TALES Thursdays, May 5, 12, 19, 26 at the Douglaston-Little Neck library. Register.

BOOK TALK Thursdays, May 5, 12, 19 book discussions for children and parents at the Laurelton library at 6.

MOTHERS STORY & CRAFT Friday, May 6 at the Douglaston-Little Neck library at 10:45.

FAMILY PLAY TIME Fridays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 at the Queensborough library. Register.

CUDDLE UP TIME Fridays, May 6, 20 Japanese

Cuddle-Up Story Time at the Forest Hills library at 2:30.

BOOST Fridays, May 6, 13, 20 at the Arverne library at 3.

MOTHERS CELEBRATION Friday, May 6 at the Douglaston-Little Neck library. Register.

CLAY WORKSHOP Friday, May 6 Pond Animals Clay Workshop: Turtles and Frogs at the Broadway library at 3:30.

MOTHER’S CRAFT Friday, May 6 at the Maspeth library at 3:30.

READING BUDDIES Fridays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 Auburndale library. Register.

BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, May 6, 13, 20 at the Bayside library at 4.

BOOK MAKING Fridays, May 6, 13 East Elmhurst library. Register.

GO GREEN Fridays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 Go green with sustainable design Flushing library at 4.

YU-GI-OH TOURNAMENT Fridays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 at the Queensboro Hill library at 4.

CHESS CLUB Fridays at the Poppenhusen library at 3:30.

GAME DAY Fridays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library.

GAME PLAYERS CLUB Fridays, May 6, 20 at the Hillcrest library at 4.

MOTHER’S CRAFT Friday, May 6 at the McGoldrick library. Register.

GAME TIME Fridays, May 6, 20, 27 at the Windsor Park library at 4.

CHESS CLUB Fridays, May 6, 20, 27 at the Douglaston/Little Neck library. Register.

CELEBRATE MOMS Saturday, May 7 celebrating Moms story time at 11 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows.

CRAFT Saturday, May 7 Mother’s Day Children’s Craft at 11:30 at Barnes & Noble, 1 7 6 - 6 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i k e , Fresh Meadows.

TEEN TUTORING Saturdays, May 7, 14, 21 at the Bayside library at 10.

FAMILY STORY TIME Saturdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28 at the Lefferts library at 2:30.

THEATER ARSENIC Fridays and Saturdays, May 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 at 8 and Sundays, May 8, 15, 21 at 3. Theatre a la Carte at the Communit y Church in Douglaston. $15. 631-4092.

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

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

DESIGN FOR MURDER Fridays and Saturdays, May 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 and Sunday, May 22 and Saturday, May 28 at 2 at Zion Episcopal Church in Douglaston. $15. 482-3332.

Queens Today ENTERTAINMENT BWAY SHOWSTOPPERS Through May 1 Broadway Showstoppers at Queens Theatre in the Park. 7600064.

WALKS Saturday, April 30 “The World of the #7 Train”. Jack Eichenbaum’s Public Walks961-8406.

MT. OLIVET WALK Saturday, April 30 the Greater Ridgewood Historical Societ y will co-sponsor a tour of the historic Mount Olivet Cemetery from 1-3.

Handouts and refreshments are included in the $5 donation fee. 326-1777.

POP ART Saturday, April 30 NY in the 1960s: Pop Art, Minimalism and Beyond, a slide-illustrated presentation at the Jackson Heights library at 3.

ARBOR FESTIVAL Sunday, May 1 at the Queens Botanical Gardens, 43-50 Main Street, Flushing from 11-4:30.

JOEL FAN Sunday, May 1 Joel Fan and Friends at the LeFrak Concert Hall at 2. 793-8080.

MARIACHI Sunda y, May 1 M a r i a c h i Tapatio De Alvaro Paulino at 3 at the Central library.

JAZZ ORGANIST

SENIORS

Ballet at LeFrak Concert Hall at 7:30. $20. 793-8080.

JUAN-CARLOS FORMELL Saturday, May 7 Grammynominated Cuban guitarist, composer and vocalist performs Flushing library at 2.

LINDA IPANEMA Saturday, May 7 musical tribute to the singing stars of the 20s-70s at 2:30 at the Forest Hills library.

BRUCE VILANCH Saturday, May 7 Queens Theater in the Park. 7600064.

ROCK AND ROLL Saturday, May 7 oldies rock and roll doo-wop and pop concert with the Vic Vincent Group at 3 at the Cambria Heights library.

AMERICAN COMPOSERS Saturday, May 7 music of Cole Porter and Burt Bacharach at 3 at the Fresh Meadows library.

COMMUNITY SINGERS Saturday, May 14 at 8 the Communit y Singers of Queens, Inc. presents “Spring Fever” at Church on the Hill in Flushing. $10.

658-1021.

HEALTH BLOOD DRIVE Saturday, April 30 Bravest vs. Finest communit y blood drive from 10-8 at Queens Center, lower level. 800933-2566.

CHAIR YOGA Saturday, April 30 Introduct i o n to C h a i r Yo g a a t t he Fresh Meadows library. Register.

FAMILY $ SALE/HEALTH Saturday, April 30 PS21 presents an Annual Family Dollar Sale and Health Information Fair.

FAMILIES INFO FAIR Saturday, April 30 Queens Pride House is having a LGBT Families Info Fair from 2-4.

CANCER SUPPORT Mondays, May 2, June 6, August 1 Franklin Hospitals :’s Cancer Support Group meets 2-4 in the cafeteria.

516-256-6478.

AUTISM WORKSHOP Monday, May 2 at 6 at the Hillcrest library.

ZUMBA Mondays, May 2, 9, 16 Latin dance Fitness for adults at the Laurelton library. Register.

UROLOGY SERIES Thursdays, May 5, 12 at the Flushing library at 6.

HATHA YOGA Thursdays, May 5, 12, 19, 26 at the Queensboro Hill library at 6.

ZUMBA Thursdays, May 5, 12, 19 Latin Dance Fitness for adults at the Queens Village library.

Register.

WEIGHT LOSS EXPO Saturday, May 21 a medical and surgical weight loss expo will be presented from 10-4 at the Uniondale Marriott. $5 at the door; free in advance 516-374-8631.

Professionals, screenings, cooking demos, samples, more.

WOODBLOCK PRINTING Easy method in full color at the National Art League.

969-1128.

INTRO FACEBOOK Saturday, April 23 LIC library at 10.

PET OWNERS Saturdays 1-4 free Doggie Boot Camp at Crocheron Park in Bayside. 454-5800.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturday, April 30 learn to communicate at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-436-7940.

BOATING SAFETY Sunday, May 1 with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary at Fort Totten. $75. 917-952-7014.

TAP DANCE CLASS Monday, May 2 6pm tap dance class, 7:30 partnering dance. $15 Astoria Center of Israel. 278-2680.

JOB INFO CENTER Monday, May 2 Job Information Center Orientation at the Central library at 1.

POLISH RESUME Monday, May 2 Central library. Register.

BALLROOM DANCE Mondays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 ballroom dancing at 6:30 at the Forest Hills library.

COMPUTER CLASS Tuesdays, May 3, 10 at the Sunnyside library. Register.

MICROSOFT EXCEL Tu e s d a y, M a y 3 a t t h e McGoldrick library. Register.

COMPUTER CLASS Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Rosedale library at 10:30.

COMPUTER BASICS Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24 Astoria library. Register.

BASIC COMPUTER Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24 Glendale library. Register.

OIL PAINTING CLASS Wednesdays Grace Lutheran Church in Forest Hills. 4724055.

TANGO DANCE & CLASS Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 Buenos Aires Tango in Forest Hills 7-11. $15. 347642-4705.

CHINESE LANGUAGE Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 learn Chinese at the Laurelton library. Register.

BASIC COMPUTER Wednesday, May 4 at the Woodside library at 10:30.

WII TIME Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 play Wii at the Peninsula library at 4:30.

YOUR CAREER Thursdays, May 5, 12, 19, 26 “Taking Charge of Your Career” from 1:30-3:00 at the Central library.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Thursdays, May 5, 12 from 7-10 at the Bay Terrace Jewish Center. $50. 428-6363.

US CITIZENSHIP Thursdays, May 5, 12, 19Pathway to US Citizenship Sunnyside library at 5:30.

WRITER’S WORKSHOP Thursday, May 5 at the Bayside library. Register.

COMPUTER CLASSES Thursdays, May 5, 12, 19, 26 Rosedale 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.

SCRABBLE

Fridays, May 6, 13, 20 Bananagrams and Scrabble Windsor Park library at 2:30.

CHANGING CAREERS Saturday, May 7 Central library at 2:30.

US CITIZENSHIP Saturdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28 Pathway to US Citizenship Steinway library at 3.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, May 7, 21, June 4, 18 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-436-7940.

MISCELLANEOUS FAMILIES INFO FAIR Saturday, April 30 Queens Pride House LGBT Families Info Fair from 2-4.

THEFT PREVENTION Saturday, April 30 free identit y theft prevent event from 9:30-11:30 at Valley National Bank, 69-20 80 th Street, Middle Village.

VETERANS RESOURCE Wednesday, May 4 12-4 Ve tera n s Re s o u rc e Fa i r a t LaGuardia Communit y College, E-Building Atrium.

MEETINGS COMET CIVICS Monday, May 2 Comet Civics regular monthly meeting at 7 at Bethzatha Church of G o d , 8 5 - 2 0 5 7 th A v e n u e , Elmhurst.

TOASTMASTERS Mondays, May 2, 9, 23, June 6, 20 True Potential Toastmasters meet at 7:10. 646269-1577.

111 TH PRECINCT Tuesday, May 3 111 th Precinct Communit y Council meets at 7:30 in the Parish Center, lower level, Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament, 34-24 203 rd Street.

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

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

FLUSHING CAMERA Wednesdays, May 4, 18 Flushing Camera Club meets at Flushing Hospital at 7:15.

479-0643.

TOASTMASTERS Wednesdays, May 4, 18 learn the art of public speaking at the Voices of Rochdale To a s t m a s t e r s C l u b i n J a maica. 978-0732.

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

BEREAVEMENT Wednesday, May 4, Tuesday, May 17, Wednesday, June 1, Tuesd ay, June 21 Bereavement Support group at Holy Family I Fresh Meadows at 7:30. 969-2448.

MEN’S GROUP Thursdays, 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.

FLEA MARKETS FLEA MARKET Sunday, May 1 Neighborhood Flea Market Maspeth Federal Parking Los from 103. Rain date May 15 th .

THRIFT SHOP Tuesday, May 3 9-2 Jewish Center of Kew Gardens Hills, 71-25 Main Street, Flushing.

BAKE SALE Thursday, May 5 Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside 10-2.

SPRING FLEA MARKET Saturday, May 7 8-5 at the LIRR North Parking Lot, 8260 Austin Street, Kew Gardens. Rain date May 14th .

FLEA MARKET Saturday, May 7 10-5 at Grace Church, 14 th Avenue and Clintonville Street, Whitestone.

GARAGE SALE Sunday, May 15 9-4 at American Mart yrs Church, U n i o n Tu r n p i k e a n d B e l l Blvd., Bayside.

RELIGIOUS YOM HASHOAH Friday, April 29 at 8 at Temple Beth Sholom, 171-39 Northern Blvd., Flushing.

Also at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills.

YOM HASHOAH Sunday, May 1 Jewish Center of Oak Hills will hold a service at 3.

50-35 Cloverdale Blvd., Oakland Gardens. Also at 4 at the Hillcrest Jewish Center in Fresh Meadows. Also at 7:30 at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. Also at 7:15 at the Bell Park Jewish Center. Also at 7:30 at the Marathon Jewish Center. Also at 10:30 Briarwood Jewish Center.

REMEMBRANCE Monday, May 2 6:30-8:30 at the Jackson Heights Jewish Center, 37-06 77 th Street, Jackson Heights.

HOLOCAUST Tuesday, May 3 6-7:30 at the Civil Court Building, 8917 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica in the jury room, ground floor.

HISTORY OF ZIONISM May 5, June 23 at Temple Tikvah, 3315 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park. $10 non-members.. 8pm.

JOURNEY HOME Starting Thursday, May 5 a 9 week group will meet at Church in the Gardens, 50 Ascan Avenue, Forest Hills.

268-6704.

ASTORIA CENTER Friday, May 6 pot-luck kosher/dairy/parve dinner.

S a t u r d a y, M ay 7 To t Shabbat 10:45. Astoria Center of Israel, 27-35 Crescent Street, LIC. 278-2680.

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

CENTERING PRAYER Sunday, May 7 Centering Prayer is a way of contemplative prayer or Christian meditation. One day introduction at Church in the Gardens. 268-6704.

April 29 - May 5, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

FREE LUNCH Saturdays, April 30, May 28, June 25 at Church of the Resurrection in Kew Gardens. 847-2649 reservations.

BRIGHTON BEACH Sunday, May 1 senior singles will be going to Brighton Beach with the National Council of Jewish Women. 342-0742.

TAI CHI CLASSES Mondays at 9 at the Pomonok Senior Center, 6709 Kissena Blvd, Flushing.

591-3377.

POMONOK SENIORS Mondays, May 2, 16 free line dance lessons at 1. Pool room now open! Pomonok Senior Center, 67-09 Kissena Blvd., Flushing. 591377.

AARP 3654 Tuesday, May 3 AARP chapter 3654 meets in Bayside.

423-4237.

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

STAY WELL Wednesdays at 10:15 at the East Elmhurst library for exercise and other health related programs.

STARS Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 at 10:30 at the Hollis library and Fridays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 at 10:30 at the Queens Village library. Senior Theater Acting Repertory meets.

DANCE LESSONS Friday, May 6 free dance lessons – tango, pasodoble, cha cha, etc. – from 1-2:30 at the Pomonok Senior Center. 591-3377.

Sunday, May 1 Dr. Joe Utterback, jazz organist, pianist and composer, performs at the Communit y Church of Douglaston. 229-2169.

ANTIQUE AUTO SHOW Sunday, May 1 11-4 at the Queens Count y Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park. $5 adults, $2 children. 347-FARM. ASTORIA HISTORICAL Monday, May 2 “The Bridges of Queens” at 7. $5.

Saturday, May 7 “Episode 5: New York” A Documentary” at 1. Free. Greater Astoria Historical Societ y, 35-20 Broadway, 4 th floor.

278-0700.

RHY THM ROAD Monday, May 2 Jazz and Latin-American music at 6 at the Flushing library.

BROADWAY Monday, May 2 Gunter Stern performs show-stoppers at 6:30 Glendale library.

JOURNEY Monday, May 2 “The Journey” is an original stage play combining gospel, r&b, hiphop and soul at 6:30 at the Pomonok library.

QUEENS Wednesday, May 3 celebrating the underdog borough – Queens College facult y reflect on Queens in readings at 6:30 at GodwinTernbach Museum, Klapper Hall, 4 th floor.

LAUGHTER Wednesday, May 4 Mark Brier performs at 2 at the Queen Village library.

EMIL DRAITSER Wednesday, May 4 awardwinning author Emil Draitser reads from his latest book in Russian and English at 6:30 at the Flushing library.

AMERICAN SONGBOOK Thursday, May 5 Arnie Gruber at 5 at the Douglaston-Little Neck library.

TANGO Thursday, May 5 Masters of Tango and Argentine folklore with Horacio Laguna Ensemble at 6 at the North Forest Park library.

BLUES Thursday, May 5 Eddie Lee Isaacs and Friends perform at 6 at the Pomonok library.

TRUE LOVE Thursday, May 5 Margaret Gruen tells her own story at 6 at the Windsor Park library.

ROCK AND ROLL Thursday, May 5 Oldies rock and roll doo-wop and pop concert with the Vic Vincent Group at 6:30 at the Hillcrest library.

LADIES NIGHT OUT Friday, May 6 the Floral Park Woman’s Club will hold a Ladies Night Out at St. Elisabeth’s Church in Floral Park. $15. 516-326-1459.

CHAMBER MUSIC Friday, May 6 Claremont Trio. LeFrak Concert Hall at Queens College at 10. Free parking. 997-3802 tix.

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

SCENT OF TIME Friday and Saturday, May 6, 7 Beijing Dance Academy

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS

People Queens Village, and Adrian Mackins of Austell, Ga. Mackins graduated in 2010 from Thomas A. Edison High School, Queens.

Adrian M. Mackins Air Force Airman Adrian M. Mackins 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 Nicole Johnson of

The following students enrolled at Binghamton University, State University of New York, were inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most distinguished collegiate honor society in the United States.

Phi Beta Kappa, founded in 1776, is one of the nation’s leading advocates for the liberal arts and sciences in undergraduate education. Only 280 institutions of higher learning have Phi Beta Kappa chapters and only about 10 percent of eligible graduates of these institutions are selected for membership.

Membership in Phi Beta Kappa at Binghamton University is restricted to those seniors in the top 10 percent of their class and to those juniors in the top percent of their class.

Linus Fan of Flushing, Aobo Du of Rego Park, Lisa Augello of Forest Hills, Kimberly Hom of Forest Hills and Amanda Grannis of Far Rockaway.

The following Queens residents were recently honored at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh for making the fall Dean’s List.

Dean’s List distinction is awarded each semester to students who have carried at least 12 graded credits with a mini-

mum semester GPA of 3.5 in the graded courses.

Queens Fall 2010 Dean’s List members are Julia Karsten of Forest Hills (also a Ralph Scholar), Angie Francois of Laurelton, Christina Campisi of Howard Beach (also an Aquinas Scholar), AnnMarie Kenny of Flushing, Shannon McLoughlin of Middle Village, Brian Murphy of Elmhurst and Jillian Resnikoff of Little Neck.

To further foster scholarly activity and recognize academic achievement, the faculty, upon the recommendation of the Academic Standards Committee, may confer the title of Aquinas Scholar, selected from the junior or senior class, or Ralph Scholar, selected from the sophomore class.

Aquinas or Ralph Scholars have attained a high degree of proficiency in their studies and have demonstrated initiatives and/or activities that exemplify a sincere commitment to learning at Mount Saint Mary College.

Air Force Airman Noel Echevarria 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

Noel Echevarria applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Echevarria graduated in 2007 from Far Rockaway High School.

Tell The PRESS

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April 29 - May 5, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 21

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Pia’s Cold Shoulder Our borough’s latest favorite daughter, Pia Toscano, is singing a different tune about her fouryear relationship with a local fella.

The songbird has reportedly been giving 28-year-old caterer Carlos Nunez the cold shoulder since she made the Top 12 on “American Idol" – despite the Ozone Park caterer’s gushing support.

What’s worse, the poor guy is reportedly getting dumped for “Dancing With The Stars” dancer Mark Ballas. So while Nunez is serving pigs in a blanket, Ballas may be trying to teach Toscano the rumba between the sheets.

We feel for you Carlos. If it’s any consolation, you’ve got our vote.

We hope Pia felt worse when America surprisingly dumped her – off the show.

“Team Carlos” t-shirts anyone?

Models Of Queens

Aracely Penaranda Home: Woodside Age: late 20s Height: 5’ 3" Weight: 113 lbs Stats: 32-24-34

Neeleman Not Blue

Following a horrific Valentine’s Day a few years ago that left hundreds of JetBlue travelers stranded on the tarmac at JFK Airport for hours without food, water or restrooms,DavidNeeleman,founder and chairman of the airline, was bounced by his board of directors.

He has apparently rebounded.

In an interview with Money Magazine, Neeleman was asked about his new Brazilian airline, Azul, which is poised to be valued at $1 billion after just three years of operation. A comparison to JetBlue was inevitable.

“In this case, I control the company, which is something I learned from my JetBlue experience,” Neeleman said. “Never turn it over to a board that may not know everything.”

Bolivian Bombshell

David Neeleman Asked if the low value makes Jet Blue ripe for his purchase, Neeleman was hesitant.

“That’s always an option, but right now it’s maybe not a great investment,” he said. “Besides, I’m busy in Brazil.”

“I was never really too interested in modeling,” Aracely said of her surprising career turn. “I mostly wanted to act, and I was always a dancer.”

She prefers the type of modeling where she gets to be a different person, adopt a role and express herself in ways she normally would not.

Though she graduated college with a degree in Management Information Systems, that career path just didn’t satisfy, and since Aracely has turned to finance, and

Madonna’s Was Better

more recently, real estate.

She has also started training for a marathon with Team In Training, the members of which help raise funds to fight cancer. “I’m looking forward to meeting people and getting out there,” Aracely said.

When she manages to find some free time in Queens, she usually goes to the movies, her local pub for a drink or out to a nearby restaurant. One of her favorites is Cumbre, a Bolivian cocina on Woodside Avenue at 67th Street,

that is close to her heart. “It reminds me of a little cozy place,” she said. “I can eat food where I can feel at home.”

She’s also a big fan of Sripraphai, a killer Thai joint on 39th Avenue.

Aracely, who says her mother and grandmother are the most important people in her life, is also a big fan of both types of pool – the kind you play and the kind you swim in, “though I really haven’t had a chance to go much lately.”

He Deserves A Raise Sen. Tony Avella is at it again. He is making us like him. If he continues to care, we may have to believe that this guy is for real. In the latest episode of Avella showing his colleagues in Albany how a politician can care for the people, he said no-no to his lulu.

As the ranking member of State Senate Cities and Environmental Conservation committees, Avella is awarded a bonus or lulu of $9,500, which is in addition to his senate salary. He has respectfully declined it.

Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 29 - May 5, 2011

Confidentially, New York . . .

Beefy and his owner go for a ride.

Beefy the Bulldog Got Beef? Queens does.

Lady Gaga and Madonna performed together on Saturday Night Live before the “Born This Way” affair.

Astoria’s own pint sized pup, Beefy, is becoming a hit sensation.

Regularly cruising through Astoria Park on his skateboard, this hip tongue wagging canine can been seen doing his thing.

After recently making an appearance on the “Dr. Oz Show,” we fear that Beefy may be getting too big for the borough.

Beefy has already been featured in pet magazines and will be able to be seen in ads in the near future.

The dog’s owner, Patrick Clemens, has always aspired to have his best friend make it big.

So much so, Clemens has enlisted the help of a friend to promote the pup to skateboarding companies and film producers.

Beefy could become a star. No bull!

When Lady Gaga debuted “Born This Way,” many of us thought “hmm, sounds kinda like Madonna’s ‘Express Yourself.’”

The Queen of Pop has been there, done that.

“Express Yourself,” in our humble opinion, trumps Gaga’s attempt at creativity. Though Gaga claims that the one-time Corona resident is okay with the “similar chord progression,” she has been asked a bevy of questions in relations to the song.

In the latest round of questioning in the pages New Music Express, Gaga said it was “retarded” to compare the two songs or think she is a plagiarist.

Whoops.

She has since apologized for her word choice, but we still say, if it sounds like the song and feels like the song, is it possible that it is the song?

What’s Up SATURDAY, APRIL 30 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 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 second year in a row. Additional information on both programs is available by visiting 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 be held at Liberty Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Professor Charles Ogletree Grace Episcopal Church is pleased to present – as part of the Union of Black Episcopalians Northeast Regional Conference – Professor Charles Ogletree, who is a best-selling author, co-chair of the Reparations Coordinating Committee, Harvard University Jesse Climenko Professor of Law, and Executive Director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice. Professor Ogletree’s book, “The Presumption of Guilt,” will be available for purchase and signing. For additional information, contact Father Darryl James at (718) 291-4901.

This free event will be held at the Grace Episcopal Church, 155-24 90th Ave. at 10:30 a.m.

Latin fusion band Yerba Buena. Her sultry, powerful voice and commanding stage presence win over any audience. For additional information, visit jamaicaperformingartscenter.org, or contact the box office at (718) 618-6170 or info@jamaica-performingartscenter.org.

This event will be held at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave., at 8 p.m. General admission is $22.

SUNDAY, MAY 1 Mariachi Tapatio De Alvaro Paulino Rated the Northeast’s Finest Mariachi Band from New York City, they have been captivating audiences with the vocals, melodies, and arrangements since 1983.

Based out of Brooklyn, the ensemble is comprised of remarkably talented musicians with an immense desire to promote the beauty and splendor of mariachi music.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 3 p.m.

MONDAY, MAY 2 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.

Job Center Orientation 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; Queens Workforce 1 information.

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

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.

Dennis Walcott Town Hall The Community Education Council of District 29 will be hosting a town hall meeting with the new Chancellor of the Dept. of Education, Dennis Walcott.

This free event will be held at I.S. 59, 132-55 Ridgedale St. at 6 p.m.

Russell Simmons Comes to Queens CVR - Charlie Victor Romeo St. Albans Congregational Church will host hip hop icon, entrepreneur, philanthropist and author, Russell Simmons.

Through his personal stories, yogic principles and real-life examples, Simmons’ “Super Rich” is a genuinely helpful, motivational, and meaningful guide to making the absolute most out of life. It is told in a unique style that blends spirituality with business insight and street smarts.

This free event will be held at the Robert Ross Johnson Family Life Center, 17217 Linden Blvd. at 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 5 JSPOA Mother’s Day Lunch The Jamaica Service Program for Older Adults is pleased to invite you to a Mother’s Day Lunch. Come enjoy this feast of love, honor, and celebration. For more information, call (718) 657-6500.

This event will be held at the JSPOA South Jamaica Senior Center, 107-60 159th St., at noon. There is a suggested contribution of $1.50.

Celso Duarte Sextet

Polish Your Resume

Would you like your child to be a successful, independent learner? Jennifer Liepin of the Sylvan Learning Center will discuss how to develop homework strategies, provide some easy-to-follow tips, and give parents the resources to use at home to make them better teachers.

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

Bring a copy of your resume on a flash drive; volunteers will guide you through editing and producing a professional quality resume using Cyber Center computers.

Participants must have keyboard and mouse experience. Pre-registration is required in the Job Information Center.

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

YorkJam ‘11

TUESDAY, MAY 3 Job Club

FRIDAY, MAY 6 Senior Theatre Acting Repertory

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.

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.

The Voice of Havana Vocal sensation Xiomara Laugart is a legend in her native Cuba. She has performed with the country’s greatest musicians, starred as Celia Cruz in Celia, the Musical, and was lead vocalist for the

Camera Club The Southeast Queens Camera Club

Meeks Job Fair U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks announced that he will host the Sixth Congressional District Job Fair & Conference, with nearly 60 employers from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at York College, 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd.

The Job Fair & Conference will connect job seekers with great career opportu-

The York College Theatre ends the 2010 - 2011 academic year in collaboration with The CUNY Aviation Institute at York College presenting the intensely profound, important, and award-winning drama, CVR – Charlie Victor Romeo.

A unique and riveting theatrical experience, Charlie Victor Romeo is a live performance documentary derived entirely from the “Black Box” transcripts of six major real-life airline emergencies. Allowing the audience into the tension-filled cockpits of actual flights in distress, the play is a fascinating portrait of the psychology of crisis and a testimony to the ability to live to the last second of life.

For additional information, call (718) 262-5375.

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

9 Decades and Feelin’ Fine The Jamaica Service Program for Older Adults is pleased to present “9 Decades and Feelin’ Fine.” Don’t miss the luncheon that will recognize the ongoing contributions of those who are 90 and older. Bring the 90-year-old in your life, or just come out and celebrate with those in attendance. For additional information, or to make a reservation, contact the Theodora G. Jackson Adult Center at (718) 657-6618.

This event will be held at Antun’s, 9643 Springfield Blvd. at 4 p.m. Admission is $50.

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.

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.

April 29 - May 5, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 23

Homework Strategies for Parents

The Jamaica Performing Arts Center is pleased to present the Celso Duarte Sextet. Charismatic, talented and deeply profound, Celso Duarte has been recognized as a virtuoso of the harp by international critics and artists. His expertise extends mainly to the Paraguayan harp, Celtic harp and Mexican Jarocha harp. Duarte explores folkloric genres and melds the traditional styles with jazz, Brazilian or AfroPeruvian sounds. For additional information, visit jamaicaperformingartscenter.org or contact the box office at (718) 618-6170 or info@jamaica-performingartscenter.org.

This free event will be held at Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave. at 7:30 p.m.

Be there for YorkJam ’11 – a showcase of NYC High School jazz ensembles. This year’s YorkJam will feature: Frank Sinatra High School, Fordham High School for the Arts, Talent Unlimited High School, William Bryant High School, the York College Blue Notes, and more.

This free event will be held at the York College Academic Core Building, 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., 6 p.m.

nities from federal, state, city and private industries at some of our area’s top employers, large and small. Attendees also can take advantage of workshops led by local employment experts.

At the fair, some of the area’s top employers will host booths, accept resumes, and make real connections with potential employees.

The Job Fair & Conference is free and open to the public. For more information and to RSVP, visit house.gov/meeks or call (718) 725.6000.