Southeast Queens Press Epaper

Volume 12 Issue No. 18 May 6-12, 2011

PAGE 22

AFTER BIN LADEN’S DEATH:

Photo courtesy of NYC Mayor’s Office

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On Thursday, less than a week since the death of Osama bin Laden, President Barack Obama joined FDNY and NYPD officers at Ground Zero to lay a wreath in honor of the victims of the Sept.

11 terror attacks.

By Domenick Rafter…Page 3

Online at www.QueensPress.com

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 6-12, 2011

Presstime

Boro Cheers Bin Laden’s Death

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

What Went Down The raid, codenamed “Operation Geronimo,” occurred shortly after midnight Pakistan time, 3 p.m. Sunday in Queens. On the order of President Barack Obama, and without anyone – including the Pakistani government – knowing, a group of Navy SEALs took off from an airbase in Jalalabad, Af-

PEP Vote Approves PS 30 Phase Out

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

A City Reacts Mayor Mike Bloomberg spoke Monday morning at Ground Zero.

“We come to say, with gratitude for the courageous men and women who made it possible, that the forces of freedom and justice have once With the Freedom Tower rising in the background, Mayor Mike again prevailed over Bloomberg was joined by city officials to speak Monday following those who use terror the announcement of the death of Osama bin Laden, the masterto pursue tyranny,” he mind behind the Sept. 11 terror attacks that destroyed the Twin said.

Towers.

The FDNY and NYPD suffered tremendous losses on U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Jackson Sept. 11, many of whom came from Heights), was one of those who died in Queens. The departments’ commissioners the attacks. Crowley, the only member of also reacted to the announcement of bin Congress to lose a family member on Sept.

Laden’s death.

11, said Monday that he believed bin “Today is a great day to be an Ameri- Laden got the death he deserved. can,” FDNY Commissioner Sal Cassano “I hope it provides at least some level said Monday. “Osama bin Laden was re- of consolation to those who lost loved sponsible for killing 343 members of the ones as a result of his heinous terror atFDNY on Sept. 11, 2001. Tonight, in tacks,” he said. firehouses throughout the city, our memCouncilman Dan Halloran (Rbers are grateful for the news, and thank- Whitestone) said he spent the day after ful to all the brave members of the U.S. bin Laden’s death remembering his military that had a role in this successful cousin, FDNY Lieutenant Vincent operation.”

Halloran, who died on Sept. 11.

“The death of Osama bin Laden is a “Today I will remember him and the welcome milestone for the friends and many other victims of Osama bin Laden’s families of those killed on 9/11, and for violence,” he said. “The families of the all who remain tenaciously engaged in victims can finally enjoy some degree of protecting New York from another at- closure.” tack,” said Police Commissioner Ray U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Bayside) Kelly. said “justice had been done” with bin President Obama was scheduled to Laden’s death, but warned that it wouldn’t visit Ground Zero on Thursday. mark the end of terrorism.

“The head of the Al-Qaeda worm has Queens Reacts been cut off. But we must remember, On the streets of Queens, where resi- worms grow new heads,” he said.

State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) dents watched the towers burn from their homes nearly a decade ago, and where said the death of bin Laden would deal a stunned workers escaping Manhattan devastating blow to terrorist organizacrossed into that fateful day, the response tions like Al-Qaeda. was much muter. No celebrations were “His death at the hands of American held at the Maspeth Sept. 11 memorial. soldiers on the ground serves as a psyOnly feet from the firehouse that lost the chological and emotional punch to extremmost men on Sept. 11, Hazmat 1, Squad ists and terrorists around the world and 288, construction cranes could be seen provides incredible boost to military moatop the rising One World Trade Center rale,” Avella said. in the distance.

Avella was in the middle of his ultiFirefighters were busy doing what they mately-victorious campaign for the City normally do—working; fighting the five- Council on Sept. 11, 2001. It was primary alarm O’Neill’s fire well into Monday. As day and he was facing a five-way race for the sun set Monday night, Squad 288’s an open seat. Since that day, Avella has engine inched out of the 68th Street had a poster of Osama bin Laden that firehouse and raced west down Borden read “Wanted: Dead or Alive” on his desk Avenue, just as they did on Sept. 11, 2001. in his Whitestone home. He said he is More than 200 Queens residents died happy to remove it now.

“Today marks a new chapter in the war at the World Trade Center, and across the borough stories of a family member or a against terrorism,” Avella added. “A chapfriend who was lost on Sept. 11, 2001 ran ter that Osama bin Laden is no longer a rampant. In the decade since, streets, pla- part of.”

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at zas and schools have been named for the drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357Queens lost.

Battalion Chief John Moran, cousin of 7400, Ext. 125.

May 6-12, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

The Panel for Education Policy chose to phase out PS 30 by an 8-4 vote.

“The closing of PS 30 is another example of the smoke screen put up by Mayor Bloomberg to convince New Yorkers that he is making a positive change,” said Dermott Smyth, United Federation of Teachers Queens political action coordinator. He continued that PS 30 was abandoned by the administration, which limited its success.

PS 30 will no longer admit kindergarten and first grade students beginning in the fall. A new school, PS 354, will open in September and students in kindergarten and first grade would be guaranteed a seat.

“Right now, we are focused on providing strong support to the students who will remain at PS 30 over the next few years, and getting the new PS 354 up and running so we can start offering this community the high-quality elementary school that it deserves,” read a Dept. of Education statement.

Jamaica and Beach Channel high schools, along with IS 231, are three other Queens schools slated for phase out. Since the beginning of the year, the PEP has voted to phase out 26 schools.

PS 30 UFT chapter leader Ellen Klinger said when the school community heard about the proposed phase out, an action plan was drawn up, but the DOE did offer a chance to implement the proposal.

“They said we submitted it too late,” she said. “When were we supposed to

submit it, last year when we didn’t know about it?”

At last month’s public hearing, Deputy Chancellor of Portfolio Planning Marc Sternberg said a comprehensive review led to the phase out proposal. According to DOE data, 27 percent of students were on grade level in English Language Arts and only 31 percent in math last year. PS 30’s scores declined from 2009 and it is the lowest performing school in District 28. The stats paint a picture of one of the lowest performing schools in the City.

“The department believes in a drastic intervention […] gradual phase out and eventual closure of the school,” Sternberg said.

“It’s depressing,” Klinger said. “You don’t know who is going to be there; […] you know nothing besides walking around in the dark.”

Klinger understands there is room for improvement at PS 30, but disputes the DOE’s assertions that teachers were given additional support to right the school.

The DOE claims the school was given instructional, leadership, operational and student support. Klinger said the DOE also claims to have given the school additional assistance at least 96 times from the beginning of the year.

“That would mean someone would have had to be at the school almost every day,” she said. But Klinger claims PS 30 had the same coaches, staff and network.

“We got nothing more than what we normally get,” she said.

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.

and in Ground Zero celebrating bin Laden’s demise, through the night and into Monday,.

Photo by Dan Miller

It was the news many New Yorkers thought they would never hear, and it came at the strangest time, as the city went to bed on a quiet Sunday night.

Osama bin Laden, the head of the terrorist group Al-Qaeda and mastermind behind the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people, including many Queens residents, was dead. Killed in a surprise attack by American forces while hiding in a compound in the city of Abbottabad, Pakistan, less than 100 miles from the capital of Islamabad, only feet from Pakistan’s premier military institution.

ghanistan, crossed the border in Pakistan, and landed in the aff luent town of Abbottabad, a city closer to India than Afghanistan.

The Navy SEALs raided the compound, killing five people, including bin Laden, in a 40- minute firefight. They removed the body of bin Laden and took off in the helicopters, destroying one which malfunctioned, and fled the country before the Pakistani military, completely in the dark on the planned strike, could scramble jets. Though Pakistan eventually did, the Americans were out of the country’s airspace, with bin Laden’s body, by that time. A short 12 hours later, not long after the news of his death broke stateside, the body of Osama bin Laden was buried in the Arabian Sea. No Americans were hurt in the raid.

President Obama made a rare late-Sunday night speech to the nation announcing the raid and bin Laden’s death. Immediately after the announcement, throngs of people took to the streets in front of the White House, in Times Square

Comrie Mum On CB Chair’s Ouster

BY SASHA AUSTRIE For almost three years, Adjoa Gzifa has been a constant at the head of Community Board 12. On the third Wednesday of almost every month, she would call the board’s meeting to order. Last month, Gzifa was not at her usual seat at the edge of the table.

Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), who nominated Gzifa to Board 12, had not re-nominated her to the chairwoman’s post, which ended her 16year tenure as a board member.

“I don’t have anything to add to this,”

Comrie told the PRESS. “I’m not talking about it.”

In 2008, when Community Board 12 was reeling from the death of former Chairwoman Gloria Black, Adjoa Gzifa stepped in as the interim chairwoman.

Gzifa said Comrie has not told her why she was not reappointed to the board.

“He needs to be a man about why he hasn’t given me a reason for why he hasn’t responded to me yet,” she said. “I still have not received the letter saying that I’m not reappointed.”

Dan Andrews, Borough President Helen Marshall’s spokesman, sent the

PRESS a letter addressed to Gzifa, dated March 31, stating she would not be reappointed.

Gzifa speculated she was not re-nominated because she voiced her opinion. “[Comrie] didn’t reappoint me because I don’t kowtow and rubberstamp what they say to do,” she said. “The City Council people tell you ‘we can’t do this’ and ‘we can’t do that.’ They never tell you what they can do.”

She said many of her colleagues on the board were “shocked and angry” that she would not return to the board, though they re-elected her in December.

Jacqueline Boyce, first vice chairperson, said during her tenure Gzifa was “a good, hard-working leader.” Boyce is serving as interim chairwoman until a May 16 election.

Though Gzifa is not on the community board in an official capacity, she has vowed to work tirelessly for the community.

“I’m going to keep the pressure up and keep issues in the forefront,” she said.

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128.

Pheffer Preps To Take County Clerk Position

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 6-12, 2011

Assemblywoman Audrey Rockaway Park) announced her resignation as a district leader in the 23rd Assembly district during a district committee meeting at Carosello in Howard Beach on April 28. Her resignation from the Assembly is expected next week.

Pheffer, who has served in the State Assembly representing the Rockaways and South Queens since 1987, is

expected to accept the position of Queens County Clerk on May 12, replacPheffer (D- ing Gloria D’Amico, who passed away in December.

The district committee, chaired by Assemblywoman Vivian Cook (DSouth Jamaica) and Queens Democratic Party chairman Michael Reich, unanimously elected Pheffer Chief of Staff Jo Ann Shapiro to fill the vacant female district leader Audrey Pheffer position.

Pheffer is expected to

resign from the State Assembly on May 11 to accept the job of county clerk, leaving a second vacancy in the borough’s Assembly delegation. Assemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn (D-Flushing) resigned last month, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo has not yet called for a special election to fill the vacancy.

Insiders have said that with the pending replacement process for D’Amico, and the backroom discussion that Pheffer was to be named, it is possible that the Mayersohn special election announcement had been put off until after Pheffer’s resignation to allow for a single day of special elections, most likely coinciding

with the state primary in September.

Though Pheffer has repeatedly won by large margins in her re-election contests, Republicans on state and national tickets have recorded their strongest performances in the district, which includes Republican-leaning areas of Breezy Point, Broad Channel and Howard Beach.

Shapiro is expected to get the support of the county Democratic organization, but Democratic district leader Lew Simon could run. Republican district leader Jane Deacy is also expected to run.

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

Liu Eyes Employment, Budget Fixes

BY SASHA AUSTRIE Comptroller John Liu toured Southeast Queens, meeting with local officials, business owners and clergy to brief them on issues ranging from the City’s budget to possible teacher layoffs.

“There are a number of issues that the City probably needs to address,” Liu said.

“The business of the City’s finances is at the top of my list.”

Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica) said the comptroller’s visit was to make sure different segments of the community got a chance to meet and talk to Liu. Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) said business owners who met with the comptroller were concerned about tickets from sanitation and one local business was concerned about harassment from the FDNY. Liu, the City’s chief financial officer, said though he is no longer a part of the budget process, his job is to eliminate fraud and find waste in City agencies and put it back in the treasury.

One area the City can root out waste is the overuse of outside consultants. Not only are some consultants milking City coffers, but some have been caught stealing. Liu cited the City Time scam, where four consultants responsible for computerizing the municipal payroll were charged with stealing $80 million. In another case, a Dept. of Education consultant was

gency room, the Latino community is on the gurney, and the African American and black community is being rolled to the morgue,” said Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton).

The Rev. Charles Norris of Bethesda Baptist Churchasked Liu if former Chancellor Cathie Black would receive a severance package.

Liu said though he was unsure if there was a severance package on the table, he City Comptroller John Liu (c.) with Councilman Leroy quipped, “I ain’t signing no Comrie (l.) and State Sen. Malcolm Smith during his check.”

Norris also asked about the recent visit to Southeast Queens. possibility of teacher layoffs. charged with stealing $3.6 million.

“For months, the DOE and the mayor Liu questioned the roles of outside said they are going to layoff 4,600 teachconsultants when there were people al- ers,” Liu said. “I have said it is not a ready on the City’s payroll who could fill necessity. The finances of the City do not the roles. For the next fiscal year, there require teacher layoffs.” is $500 million budgeted for consultLiu said the idea that the administraants. tion is pushing to fire thousands of teachIncluding keeping an eye on the City’s ers, but asked for $20 million to hire finances, Liu said he is working to bring the Michelle Rhee, former District of Columbanks to the table to try to staunch foreclo- bia Schools Chancellor, to employ more sures, stimulate job creation and reduce teachers is ludicrous. unemployment. He is hoping to not only “Rev. Norris, that contract was rejected,” reduce joblessness citywide, but decrease he said. “$20 million is a lot of money.” unemployment disparities in minority comSomeone asked who determines which munities, which are three times higher teachers would be fired. than white communities.

Liu said though Mayor Mike Bloomberg “The Asian community is in the emer- has asked that layoffs be based on merit,

there is no current system in place to fairly fire a teacher.

State Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica) said that merit-based termination may not always work.

“When we talk about terminating teachers based on merit, it affects other unions,” Huntley said. “Everything can’t be done on merit. It hurts us to a point. It’s a ripple effect.”

The Rev. David Kayode of Marantha Baptist Church in Brooklyn asked about the possibility of churches being given funds for gun buy back programs.

“That is something the NYPD is organizing,” Liu said. “I support gun buy back programs. I’ll speak to the police commissioner to see if anything can be done.”

Former Councilman Archie Spigner questioned the viability of the pension fund.

Liu said though the cost of maintaining the pension fund has ballooned from $1 billion to $8 billion, “it is generally healthy.”

The struggling economy has weighed heavily on pension costs, according to Liu, and the recovering market would have an effect on pension costs.

“Going forward, there have to be some changes,” he said, adding that because Wall Street “screwed up,” people should not lose their pensions.

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.

May 6-12, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

Editorial 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

Happy Mothers’ Day Mothers’ Day is a time of celebration and joy. No woman bears more influence on an individual than his or her own mother. The bond between a mother and child can never be broken.

It is somber and fitting that, on the eve of Mothers’ Day, the moms of Queens who lost their children in the Sept. 11 attacks can be granted some level of solace that justice has been delivered to the man responsible for that horrendous day.

The events of Sept. 11 touched us all. The heartbreak of the loss of a child is unbearable. The merging of a child’s loss with the events of that day is a burden too many parents had to bear. The death of Osama Bin Laden – or of anybody – cannot bring back the children we all lost on that day.

However, we can only hope that now our dear lost brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters can rest in peace. For the moms whose sons and daughters are defending our freedom at home and abroad, we wish for your children’s safe return.

May this truly be a Mothers’ Day worth celebrating.

Contributing Editor:

Letters

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Hard times

Shiek Mohamed

Poverty…poverty always trying to bother me I don’t know the recipe it seems like a test to me

Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Harley Benson Sasha Austrie Domenick Rafter Jason Banrey Stefan Singh

Art Dept:

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

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 6-12, 2011

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2011 Tribco, LLC

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

Depression always second guessing whether or not we could live and take a breath in sin beyond means but our life is blessing think wrong or right You could be gone tonight turn your life around box a stronger fight! let your career lift off, weightless kite, let the haters bite I know how it is, I go to Satellite, join the wave get with a better tide

yourself and only you could decide and make this decision It starts from within incision!

Poverty…poverty always trying to bother me I don’t know the recipe it seems like a test to me —Matthew L. Boyce Queens Satellite HS for Opportunity

End Gerrymandering To The Editor: The Queens Civic Congress thinks it’s time to put an end to gerrymandering. QCC believes this can come about only through an independent, nonpartisan commission for redrawing Assem-

Letters bly and Senate districts in response to the 2010 Census.

To achieve that end, QCC has joined ReShape NY, a broad coalition of civic, business and union groups calling on the Governor and state legislature to establish a redistricting commission that will draw district lines using fair and defined criteria while engaging the public in the process. If New York is to have a state legislature that is responsive to the interests of constituents, citizens must demand this change from their legislators.

Until now, legislators have drawn the lines to maintain their own partisan majorities and protect incumbents. As a result, New York’s elections are notoriously uncompetitive. Without strong competition in our electoral system, meaningful discussion of public policy has taken a back seat to partisan rhetoric and unrealistic budgets. In the 2010 election, New York State had one of the lowest rates of voter participation in the nation. This is no surprise.

Why should people vote if they face no real choice in candidates?

Despite support by a bipartisan group of legislators who are working to have a truly independent redistricting commission in place in time for drawing the lines for the 2012 elections, the State Senate recently passed legislation that proposes a flawed constitutional amendment creating a redistricting commission that would not be effective until 2022 at the earliest. Voters of this state cannot wait another 10 years-or morefor reform. We deserve better.

We ask Queens citizens to con-

tact our state legislators and to insist that they support a truly independent redistricting commission to take effect immediately.

Patricia Dolan, President, Queens Civic Congress

Out Of Touch To The Editor: I am 95 years old and have lived through two world wars, economic catastrophes, have outlived most of my children and am a widow on a fixed income.

I ask why it is necessary for an $18 Billionaire like Mayor Bloomberg to raise every cost in the city. Since Bloomberg, my house tax has doubled, my water bill has doubled, my sales tax has gone up, my transportation cost has gone up. I understand tickets have doubled and the police don’t take reports anymore of vandalism or break-ins. Bloomberg does not really know anything about real suffering, otherwise he wouldn’t be so arrogant. I have less to survive on while he has more money than ever. The city doesn’t really do anything better than before; the response to the Christmas snow storm shows the city does less. There is no more bang for the buck, just a fizzle.

We don’t know anything about Mayor Bloomberg’s private life and I believe we ought to know as much as possible about a public figure. A public figure will make decisions which affect us all. I’m not pleased with our mayor for the reasons listed. I just think he’s out of touch.

E. Simanovich Richmond Hill

Justice At Last For 9/11 Families A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE

The near-decade-long search for the confessed mastermind of the 9/11 terror attacks finally came to an end earlier this week when Osama bin Laden was shot to death in a hideout in Pakistan.

So where’s the promised “closure” we were supposed to have achieved by this?

Perhaps we don’t feel the mysterious closure, because this event took so long to happen that it was almost anti-climactic when it finally did; maybe it’s because he was killed, not hauled back alive to face the music of his dastardly actions.

The nearly 3,000 murdered in three sites that day in 2001 are still not coming back to families, and the “wailing and gnashing of teeth” may have gone from the weeping, but it still hurts.

Finding bin Laden and putting out his light forever was an amazingly brave act on the part of the military and the Navy SEALs who

carried out the deed. It was also a phenomenally brave order from President Barack Obama, only halfway through his first term in office.

Although this was a national attack, we here in New York City have always felt the scarring more deeply, and more personally for the sheer volume of casualties – and the fact that many of the victims came from our own families, circle of friends and communities, wherever we happen to live within the five boroughs.

Nearly all New Yorkers know someone directly affected by the attacks that sunny Tuesday morning nearly 10 years ago. And even those of us who did not personally lose someone when the towers were toppled by two airplanes still felt the sorrow and mourned for the people and the marred landscape.

Someone had to pay, and unfortunately many of those who have paid since, in our attempts to bring bin Laden to justice, were our own young men and women in the military. As we became

enmeshed in two concurrent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, many innocent civilian lives have also been lost in the protracted battle.

But the one who confessed to having started it all finally met his own Waterloo. To paraphrase Matthew: 26, live by the sword die by the sword. I have not celebrated bin Laden’s military execution. I don’t ever celebrate death; however, I hope the children who lost a parent on 9/11 because of bin Laden’s order, or the parents who lost their adult child that day, may find some measure of peace in this long-deferred punishment. The spouses, fiancés, extended relatives and friends can also finally say, “at last.”

In Queens, as in other parts of the city, we came together to fight back with our “you can’t keep us down” attitude. I remember all the acts of kindness we shared when we felt hopeless.

I recall Peter Vallone, Sr. who was outgoing Council Speaker at the time, stood on the Queensborough Bridge (yes, Ed

Koch aside, I will always call it that) handing out bottled water to thirsty Queensites crossing the bridge by foot on the way home from work. They had to walk because public transportation wasn’t running and the bridges were closed to vehicles.

People tried to do everything to be helpful to one another; we got through the initial sorrow together.

Somebody once said revenge is a meal best served cold. That being the case, our bin Laden revenge was ice cold and hit the spot. All those people killed on 9/11 and all the first responders who have since died from toxic exposure – and all those still in ill-health because of it – were innocents.

But even in carrying out this long-delayed and warranted punishment, America still had to retain its own moral code in treating the dead with respect – even if it’s public enemy No. 1.

Our “long national nightmare” is not over with this death, but at least the instigator has finally paid with his own wasted life.

Good Political Decisions Can Be Costly

By HENRY J. STERN For nine years, we have been writing about New York City and State government. For the most par t, when one writes a column, it is to call public attention to a situation which requires correction. Relatively few Henry columns are devoted to the praise of an individual or agency, unless such good work has been bookmarked by those with authority.

This does not mean that we view the government as doing badly on the whole. If one were to do a t horough re vie w, one would find different scores for different agencies, just as a repor t card could find a student strong in some areas and deficient in others. There are some leaders in government who possess exceptional merit, and there are others whose functioning is below par.

Sometimes they are propped up by deputy mayors, City Hall staff, or their own deputy and assistant commissioners, who they either appointed or inherited, or were imposed on them by actors either seeking to help or undermine the hapless commissioner.

It also happens in govern-

ment, and I assume in business, that there are hone st people doi ng good jobs, who draw the disfavor of others who covet their offices, their lands, their staffs and the public attention the good guys may or may not receive.

Stern A great deal of internecine war fare i n city government is conducted in secret, because it is considered poor form to publicly at tack anyone in the same administrat ion, unless the mayor has given the signal for the dogs to bite. That is a highly unlikely eventuality, since almost everyone serves at the pleasure of the mayor (a few officials, like members of the Housing Authority, serve for fixed terms).

Some mayor s want e ver ybody to be part of one big happy family, but even in families there are conflicts between siblings. In unhappy familie s, ch ildren may stick together to protect themselves and each other from their parents, provided that the parents do not exacerbate mat ters by playing favorites. Problems of overlapping jurisdiction or territorial incursions can be brought to b r o a d e r a t t ent i o n a t t he

mayor’s cabinet meetings.

A problem faced by any chief executive is that he is limited by the information he receives, particularly from those close to him or who have access to him during the day. If one is in conflict with another commissioner, a nd the other fellow is at City Hall, or is in a field in which the mayor has particular interest, one is disadvantaged in any dispute because the mayor will have heard much more of the other fellow’s side of the story than he has of yours.

One deputy mayor described the actions of his rivals as “pissing in the mayor’s ear.” The mayor may or may not realize that he is being worked over, depending in part on whether the smearer is as subtle as a serpent. Each actor presents himself as the devoted instrument of the mayor’s wishes.

T he tr ouble come s when t he mayor is wrong.

Decent and honorable people serving in high office can be, and often are, victims of misinformation. A very important part of the skill set required is a keen sense of to what extent what you are told is likely to be true. The higher up one rises on the food chain, the le ss likely one is to be told the truth.

One must also consider the likelihood that if the people are going to throw you out of office if you act on the objective merits of a par t icular issue, you may desire to tr y to keep your job so you and your devoted and hardworking staff can continue the good work which has been shown in many other areas. Political self-immolation is not re-

quired over basically local decisions that generate strong emotions among those who disagree with your position.

We have discussed a number of aspects of the decision-making process in this essay, necessarily relatively superficially because of length limitations. We will return to the subject if our readers are interested. Let us know.

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

Police Blotter Compiled By DOMENICK RAFTER

Bungling Arsonists Caught On Camera

109th Precinct Man Stabbed On Tuesday, May 3, at around 11:30 a.m., at 140-18 Ash Ave. in Flushing, police responded to a 911 call of a man assaulted. Upon arrival responding officers found Thomas Shanis, 32, of who resided at Apt. 6F at the location, with multiple stab wounds to the back. EMS also responded and pronounced Shanis dead at the scene. There were no arrests and the investigation was ongoing.

By JOSEPH OROVIC Police are looking for this man in a string of sex assaults.

May 6-12, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

When Mayer Gold called it a night on Sunday, April 24, his Seasons supermarket was about to put the finishing touches on its flagship location. But bad luck in the form of two arsonists intervened.

At around 4:30 a.m., two men armed with a ladder, four containers of flammable liquid and an axe, climbed atop Seasons' 68-18 Main St. location in Kew Gardens Hills. The duo struck open the air vent system's ducts and poured the liquid in, tossing in flaming newspapers to set the store ablaze.

Gold has put a $5,000 reward on any information leading to the suspected arsonists' capture, in an effort to aid an ongoing investigation headed by the FDNY. The store's newly-installed sprinkler system put the fire out quickly - but never turned off. At home for Passover, Gold ignored his phone, coming to work on April 25 to find his business soaked.

Initial thoughts were a gas leak set off the blaze, and at one point Gold had 15 workers trying to figure out its cause. But luckily, the security cameras were rolling,

and caught the men in the act.

The buffoons ineptly placed their ladder right alongside a surveillance camera.

"They couldn't be any stupider," Gold said.

The recordings changed suspicions to arson, and fire marshals opened a case.

Seasons' opening has been pushed back by about four weeks, Gold said.

The fire caused half a million dollars in damage, but not all was lost. A sizable amount of the damaged-but-still-edible chow was donated to Tomchie Shabbos, which provides food to the needy.

Gold took over the store and acts as its manager, along with three other supermarkets as part of a fledgling Kosher supermarket chain.

While he has a million theories buzzing around his head, Gold is focused on finally opening Seasons.

"There have been a lot of phone calls, a lot of false leads," he said. "We're sure that someone knows something. We're going to focus on getting the store open."

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

Our Winners' Prizes ur congratulations go out to the hundreds of participants who took part in this year’s O Mother’s Day contest. The judging was difficult, and the selection a challenge, but the judges chose to rest laurels upon three ladies whom we are sure exemplify what it means to be a mother – with kindness, compassion, care and sacrifice.

All three winners will receive four tickets to the Mother's Day Mets game at Citi Field.

Winner Age 8 And Under

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Elizabeth Cepeda, 4½, Maria Kinigopoulos, Astoria My mom is special because her loves me so much. And moms are special because we were born in the belly.

Winner Age 9 to 12

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Filza Siddiqui, 11, Azra Siddiqui, Floral Park My name is Filza Siddiqui and I am an 11 year old. I was born in New York, USA, but my parents are originally from Maharshtra, India. My parents came to America so that their children could have a better future. My mother always told me that coming to America changed her life.

If she had stayed in India, her responsibilities would be different. In India, women usually stay at home and take care of their family, but here women are able to take on many different roles. My mother is more than just a housewife. She takes care of her home and has a successful career.

My mother is role model for my siblings and I. She treats people with kindness and respect.

One day my family and I went out for lunch at our favorite Indian restaurant. We passed by a homeless man who was begging for money. We walked around him and entered the restaurant together. The waiter took our order, and we enjoyed a delicious meal. My siblings are eight- year-old triplets and even though they were born the same day, they each have a unique personality and different tastes. Our table was filled with all kinds of spicy Indian foods and we ate till we were full. Mom disappeared for a little bit and I assumed that she went to use the restroom. After she came back, we paid the bill and headed to our car. We passed the same homeless man, but this time we stopped. My mom handed him a bag filled with food. Instead of using the restroom, my mother had spoken to the waiter and had ordered a separate meal that she had packed for this homeless man. He was so grateful and began eating right away.

When we got to the car, my mother smiled at us and said, “You can’t enjoy your meal if your neighbor is hungry.”

She explained to us that we are so lucky because we have everything that we need. She said there are people in this world that have less than us, and we must share our blessings with those in need. My mother has always been a role model for me, but that particular day I saw my mother shine. She taught the triplets and myself a valuable lesson. I will never forget the look in that homeless man’s eyes. We don’t know how it feels to be hungry and he was touched by mother’s kindness.

My parents came to this country as immigrants and they worked very hard. They came here to give us a better life.

They remind us that school is very important because education is the key to a successful future. I want to become a doctor and care for others, just like my mother. My mother sacrificed a lot of things when she came to America, but she always says it was worth it because it allowed her children to grow up in the best country in the world. She always says dream big and all of your dreams will come true. I dream that one day I grow up to be just like my mother. She is the most generous and sweetest person I know. I am so lucky to be her daughter!

Winner Age 13 and up

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Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 6-12, 2011

Marc Berman, 14, Judy, Forest Hills My mother is the best mother.

She’s a single parent, works full-time but I know she’s there for me. Thanks to mom, I have what I need to do my best in school. Mom takes an interest and ensures I stay focused. She makes me feel loved and worthwhile and that’s important because I’m a sensitive special ED student. Mom gets me the special help that I need.

At times I get upset but my mother makes me feel better and helps my self-confidence. Mom often visits my school and meets with faculty. I’m good in art and get encouragement from my mother; she brings out the best in me and often skimps on things she needs to get me the art supplies on our limited budget.

I enjoy activities together with my mother even if it is just a walk or shopping. Sometimes we go to Brooklyn and eat at Junior’s then we walk the Manhattan Bridge or Brooklyn Bridge to take pictures.

My mother turns simple things artistic, colorful and elaborate. I always enjoy how we decorate for holidays and birthdays, sometimes it is just like as if we are in a movie.

My mother emphasizes me to have community awareness and be a good, caring and ethical person. My mother has taught me to love animals and we adopted three stray cats. We participate regularly in fund-raising walkathons for worthy causes. My favorite community activities with my mother are our walks for colon cancer, breast cancer, arthritis and diabetes.

Next year, I will go to high school. My mother made sure we visited many schools and that my application was submitted making the most suitable choices. Thanks to my mother, I was accepted to attend a school with an art program featuring daily art classes. I appreciate the help my mother gave me for choosing a high school.

I hope you will make my mom the mother of the year because believe me, she is, was, and always will be mother of the year for me.

Category 1 Winner Maria Kinigopoulos, Astoria Bell Burger, 39-35 Bell Blvd., Bayside: $25 Gift Certificate Ben’s Deli, 211-37 26th Ave., Bayside: $25 Gift Certificate Borders, 80-16 Cooper Ave., Glendale: $5 Gift Certificate Borders, 80-16 Cooper Ave., Glendale: $5 Gift Certificate Cell Riation dba Metro PCS, 4034 National St.. Corona: Free Phone with Activation Only Checkers Restaurant, 120-06 Liberty Ave., Richmond Hill: $10 Gift Certificate Crepe & Tearia, 177-07 Union Tpke., Fresh Meadows: $20 Gift Certificates Georgia Diner, 86-55 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst: $30 Gift Certificate La Bottega, 42-29 Bell Blvd., Bayside: $25 Gift Certificate Maggie Moo, 39-33 Bell Blvd., Bayside: Gift Certificate Dream Ice Cream Cake Maria’s Greek Fusion, 38-11 Bell Blvd., Bayside: $25 Gift Certificate Metro Car Wash, 91-10 Metropolitan Ave., Rego Park: Booklet of Car Washes MoCA Asian Bistro, 107-18 70th Rd., Forest Hills: $50 Gift Certificate North Shore Diner, 196-52 Northern Blvd., Bayside: Gift Certificate Dinner for Two Original Cascarino’s of College Point, 14-60 College Pt. Blvd., College Point: $25 Gift Certificate Queens Crossing, 136-17 39th Ave., Flushing: $100 Gift Certificate Ranju’s, 150-55B 1st Floor, Whitestone: Gift Certificate for Facial Starbucks, Atlas Park. Glendale: 1LB Starbucks Coffee Trader Joe’s, 90-20 Metropolitan Ave., Rego Park: Bag of Goodies World Ice Arena, 131-35 Avery Ave., Flushing: Private Skating Lesson Category 2 Winner Azra Siddiqui, Floral Park Atami Sushi Buffet, 19-11 Francis Lewis Blvd., Whitestone: Gift Certificate for two lunches Becky’s Nail, 69-76 188th St., Fresh Meadows: Gift Certificate manicure/pedicure Bell Burger, 39-35 Bell Blvd., Bayside: $25 Gift Certificate Ben’s Deli, 211-37 26th Ave., Bayside: $25 Gift Certificate Crepe & Tearia, 177-07 Union Tpke., Fresh Meadows: $20 Gift Certificates Dante Restaurant, 168-12 Union Tpke., Flushing: $50 Gift Certificate La Bottega, 42-29 Bell Blvd., Bayside: $25 Gift Certificate La Confetteria, 15-33 Clintonville St., Whitestone: Gift Basket Maria’s Greek Fusion, 38-11 Bell Blvd., Bayside: $50 Gift Certificate MoCA Asian Bistro, 107-18 70th Rd., Forest Hills: $50 Gift Certificate Original Cascarino’s of College Point, 14-60 College Pt. Blvd., College Point: $25 Gift Certificate Papazzio, 39-38 Bell Blvd., Bayside: $25 Gift Certificate Queens Crossing, 136-17 39th Ave., Flushing: $100 Gift Certificate Ranju’s, 150-55B 1st Floor, Whitestone: Gift Certificate for eyebrow threading Three Brothers Butcher, 40-21 Bell Blvd., Bayside: Gift Certificate Family Dinner for 4 V.I. PIZZA, 43-02 Bell Blvd., Bayside: $15 Gift Certificate Villa Rustica, 73-28 Bell Blvd., Bayside: $10 Gift Certificate World Ice Arena, 131-35 Avery Ave., Flushing: Private Skating Lesson Category 3 Winner, Judy Berman, Forest Hills Arpi’s Spa, 187-10 Union Tpke , Fresh Meadows: $75 Gift Certificate Bell Burger, 39-35 Bell Blvd., Bayside: $25 Gift Certificate Ben’s Deli, 211-37 26th Ave., Bayside: $25 Gift Certificate Borders, 80-16 Cooper Ave., Glendale: $5 Gift Certificate Boulder Creek Steakhouse, 134-15 20th Ave., College Point: $40 Gift Certificate Crepe & Tearia, 177-07 Union Tpke., Fresh Meadows: $20 Gift Certificates Edison Place, 71-28 Cooper Ave., Glendale: $30 Gift Certificate House of Style, Whitestone, 17-04 Clintonville St: Gift Certificate, Free Hair Cut Style La Bottega, 42-29 Bell Blvd., Bayside: $25 Gift Certificate MoCA Asian Bistro, 107-18 70th Rd., Forest Hills: $50 Gift Certificate Mythos Restaurant, 196-20 Northern Blvd., Flushing: $50 Gift Certificate, Lunch for two Olympic Diner, 117-33 Myrtle Ave., Richmond Hill: $20 Gift Certificate Original Cascarino’s of College Point, 14-60 College Pt. Blvd., College Point: $25 Gift Certificate Queens Crossing, 136-17 39th Ave., Flushing: $100 Gift Certificate Queens Garden Florist & Landscape, 154-10 Cross Island Pkwy, Whitestone: $50 Gift Certificate Riviera Ristorante, 17-12 Utopia Pkwy, Whitestone: $25 Gift Certificate Ruby’s Café, 14-31 150th St., Whitestone: $10 Gift Certificate for Breakfast World Ice Arena, 131-35 Avery Ave., Flushing: Private Skating Lesson

Borough Beat

Photo by Ira Cohen

Pro Soccer Has A Home In Queens

BY JOSEPH OROVIC

Our borough added another item to its long list of sporting firsts on Saturday.

The city’s newest professional soccer club, FC New York, held its first home game at St. John’s University’s Belson Stadium.

Though the game ended with a disappointing 2-1 loss to Orlando City, it’s attendance highlighted the growing interest of soccer among the borough’s residents.

The United Soccer Leagues club has taken four years to emerge, and while the opening loss to a crowd of 2,011 was disappointing, Technical Director and Head Coach Matt Weston said his lads brushed the result off with ease.

“The best thing about this group of players is it doesn’t take them a lot to get back after the game,” he said two days after the loss.

The team’s lone goal was scored by Irish midfielder Owen Morrison in the 54th minute, making at least a draw seem within grasp. But inexperience played a vital role, as it tends to, and Weston attributed Orlando’s go-ahead goal to mental lapses.

“Some of the lads are making mistakes, which happens with youth,” he said.

“We’re just a little bit naïve. We have not conceded a really good goal yet.”

FCNY (in blue) plays its inaugural home game at Belson Stadium, St. John’s University.

The club was the brainchild of owner Doug Petersen, who enjoyed the game despite the result.

“If you look at it from just a win-loss, we lost the game,” he said. “But from a fan perspective, it was an exciting game.

There was a great crowd. We came as close to perfection as we could.”

Short of the loss, of course.

From the onset, Petersen said Queens was very much in the club’s DNA. A number of local boys dot the roster, with St. John’s own Tadeu Terra among them. But the roster includes foreigners of all stripes – much like our borough.

Weston counts himself among them.

The Manchester, England native brings a

pedigree developed within the youth system of football’s – sorry, soccer’s – most recognizable club, Manchester United.

Combined with former Arsenal striker and FCNY Captain Paul Shaw’s on-field leadership, the club has taken on a distinctly British style: win via fundamentals first. It is an admittedly blue collar approach – much like our borough’s.

The team’s inaugural home game was kicked off by a welcome from local elected officials, with Councilman Peter Koo (R-Flushing) presenting the club with a proclamation.

“It is befitting that Queens, the most diverse ethnic fan base in the world, gets its own soccer team,” he said, while, ever the businessman, also touting the club’s economic benefit. “Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world and could bring needed revenue to the borough.”

As much as soccer is about results, a sport with no helmets tends to develop a fan base around aesthetics. Personality and emotion are written on faces. And already some characters have begun to emerge.

Shaw has assumed the role of stoic on-field general. The European club veteran came to the team hoping to give the players a dose of wisdom and acts as assistant coach.

“We’ve really got a fair bit of talent,” he said. “You just need to set the right example on the pitch. It’s just a case of helping the younger guys.”

Among the younger players, Morrison demonstrates the most polish early in the season. Still not fit (that’s synonymous with “in shape”), the Derry transplant shows a command of the field and awareness, as well as nimble feet and big personality.

Others will surely emerge as fan favorites, and some will hopefully move on to bigger stages.

Weston has no gripes admitting FCNY is a launching point for players’ Major League Soccer aspirations – or maybe even stints abroad.

But his focus remains on the next game.

“We have to get those little errors out of the game. I have no doubt, give us another three, four, five weeks together...” he said. “Coming up to this weekend, we’ve got an attacking system in mind.”

The next game is at Belson Stadium Saturday at 7:30 p.m. against Harrisburg.

Tickets can be purchased at fcnewyorksoccer.com or at the box office.

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

Profile

Simmons Returns As Spiritual Guru

BY STEFAN SINGH

Got A Profile?

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

cleansing process he personally went through to rid himself of the negativity in his life and become “super rich.”

“Spiritual evolution is like finding yourself on a train going the wrong way and having the courage to get up and cross over to the other side,” he said. He attested that if you change one thing in your life it may give you the courage to change another.

Simmons ended the night by signing copies of his book for every guest who wanted one.

The line to get a book signed stretched outside the doors of the auditorium. Each guest received a personal message directly from Simmons.

Reach Reporter Stefan Singh at ssingh@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128.

Russel Simmons signing books during a visit in St. Albans.

May 6-12, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Russell Simmons is widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of hip-hop and is one of the richest figures in the music industry. In his newest book, “Super Rich: A Guide To Having It All,” the Hollis native shares the keys to obtaining personal richness, not in terms of money, but rather spirituality. On Tuesday night, Simmons came home to Queens for a book signing at the Robert Ross Johnson Family Life Center in St. Albans.

The event was sponsored by B.E.A.M. (Becoming Exceptional Accomplished Men) and Simmons began his day by speak-

ing privately to the children in the program. They were given the opportunity to talk with Simmons for more than an hour while hundreds of fans and followers filled the auditorium.

Simmons, who spent most of his early life flirting with drugs and gangs, has cleaned up his act and accredits that accomplishment to his discovery of Yoga and meditation. “The mind is like a monkey in a cage,” Simmons said. “When it realizes the cage won’t move it will have to settle.” After opening the discussion segment of the event with that statement, Simmons asked the hundreds of people in attendance to join him in meditation by clearing their minds and reciting the word “rum” repeatedly in their head.

Simmons said if you can focus your mind on not needing anything and instead on giving, you will become enlightened. “Neediness is the cause of suffering,” he said. “A state of not needing is super rich.”

Simmons told his guests if they become better servers, they will in turn be great leaders. He made reference to his time in the music industry and remembered when Sean “P. Diddy” Combs used to serve coffee. “Puffy always did what was necessary to make people happy and now look at him,” Simmons said.

Simmons shared with the audience the

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

Photos by Juliet Kaye

pix

Ladies Of Distinction

Commit To Be Fit Councilman Ruben Wills jumps DoubleDutch rope with young women at Baisley Pond Park. Wills and NYC Parks sponsored the “Commit to be Fit” competition in the park last Sunday.

The Queens Empire State Chapter Top Ladies of Distinction celebrated their 34th Annual Spring Awards Luncheon. Pictured l. to .r: Elder Dr. Michael Baston, St. Luke Baptist Church; Tuskegee Airmen William Wheeler and Julius Freeman; Pamela Davis, Dep. Dir., Queens Comprehensive Perinatal Council; Sandra Jennings Jackson; Francine Jarvis, Area II Director; Assemblyman William Scarborough; Belinda Johnston-Briggs, M.D. Chapter Pres.; Arlene Davis, Asst. Top Teens Advisor; Versonya Dupont Jones; and Top Teens Tatoama Dargam-Lane, Jessica Foster, Zakiya Morris and Shannon Tucker.

Photos by Juliet Kaye

Alisha Johnson of Talent Youth Development (l. to r.), Assemblyman William Scarborough, Ralph Greer, Ralph’s Educational and Recreational Computer Services and Wills try out hula hoops as some of the kids getting ready for a tug of war look on skeptically at “Commit To Be Fit” at Baisley Park.

Overdue Honor

Sen. Malcolm Smith joined Assemblyman Bill Scarborough, Assemblywoman Barbara Clark, Councilman Leroy Comrie, members of the NYPD and the family of slain Officer John Scarangella for a street renaming in Scarangella’s honor. The officer was killed 30 years ago in Smith’s district.

Boro Pols May Influence Gay Marriage Vote

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 6-12, 2011

BY DOMENICK RAFTER A year and a half after a bill to legalize same-sex marriage failed in the State Senate, activists are preparing for another shot at it, even as the State Senate is under Republican control. Queens, where five of seven State Senators voted no in 2009, is becoming one of the epicenters for the battle.

Emboldened by a popular governor who has made marriage equality a priority of his administration, and poll numbers showing rapidly growing support for legalizing same-sex marriage, activists have been hitting the streets all over the state to pressure lawmakers into voting in favor.

“The governor has made it clear that this is a priority for him, that its personal, and that he’d like it in this session,” said Brian Ellner, New York campaign manager at the Human Rights Campaign and a Jackson Heights native. “A lot of pieces are coming together, which makes this a great moment to get this done.”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he wanted the bill to pass this session.

“I’m optimistic that marriage equality will pass,” Gov. Cuomo said Tuesday. “I think it is long overdue. I’ve been talking about that issue also for a year. I know it’s failed before, but I think this is a different day.”

Since the vote in December 2009, three senators who voted “yes” were defeated for reelection, while four senators who voted “no” left office or were defeated, replaced by supporters of marriage equality; three of them in Queens. Former State Sen. George Onorato retired and has been

replaced by Sen. Mike Gianaris (DAstoria); State Sen. Hiram Monserrate was expelled from the Senate and his seat was won by Sen. Jose Peralta (D-Jackson Heights); and former State Sen. Frank Padavan was defeated by Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside). Gianaris, Peralta and Avella all support legalization of same-sex marriage, but two” no” votes remain in Queens: State Sens. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica).

Charles Ober, treasurer at the Queens Pride House and longtime community activist in Ridgewood, said there’s always a push to pass same-sex marriage legislation at the end of the session and Queens was a vital part of the coalition to pass marriage equality.

“Queens is always important because it’s been considered that there were some undecided State Senators,” Ober said.

“There’s a mixture of attitudes in Queens” Ober has lived in Ridgewood since 1980, has been with his partner Benedicto for 11 years and would like to get married in New York State. He said he has seen attitudes toward LGBT couples change in Queens.

In his “no” vote, Addabbo said responses from his constituents leaned against marriage equality, but Ober said the Senator hadn’t heard from everyone in his district.

“I think things are changing,” he said.

“I think [Sen. Addabbo] has just not heard the voice of the majority of the people.”

Ellner said recent polls have shown overwhelming support for marriage equality.

“There has been a dramatic shift in public opinion,” he said, pointing to a recent Siena poll that showed 61 percent

of Independents and 59 percent of Catholics – a dominant demographic in Addabbo’s district – support marriage equality.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos said he would allow a vote on the floor of the Senate. Ellner said the vote would be “a good vote” for Republi-

cans because of growing popular support, even among their own ranks.

“We want to make sure that the supermajority of supporters has their voices heard in Albany,” Ellner said.

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

Safe Space’s New Home

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

Safe Space, the Jamaica-based nonprofit that helps at-risk families and children, opened its brand new location last week on Liberty Avenue in Richmond Hill.

The grand opening was held at noon on April 29 at the newly renovated second-floor office in an ornate building at 107-14 Liberty Ave. at the border of Richmond Hill and Ozone Park.

"The new site is a reflection of our longterm commitment to providing comprehensive high-quality services to the children and families we serve throughout Southeast Queens," said Safe Space President and CEP Christine Molnar.

The new Richmond Hill office is twice the size of the old one, which was only eight blocks east at 115th Street and Liberty Avenue, said Site Manager Carissa Carson. The new site features a large welcoming lobby, office space for staff, a conference room, private counseling rooms and a large playroom with toys and games for children.

Safe Space's Richmond Hill office

serves dozens of families in South Queens neighborhoods of Howard Beach, Kew Gardens, Ozone Park, South Ozone Park and Richmond Hill. The organization focuses its work on helping children who come from abusive homes or are having trouble in school and helps them navigate through their young lives without falling into gangs, drugs and violence.

Their programs include family support services aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect, school-based partnerships targeting elementary and middle school children and a youth services program, which last year alone helped more than 700 young people keep off the streets, out of gangs and away from drugs.

Safe Space, which helps around 10,000 kids annually, recently moved its main headquarters to 89-74 162nd St. in Jamaica from Manhattan and plans to open a third facility on Mott Avenue in Far Rockaway this summer.

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

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Start saving today! Call 1-877-741-4330 (select your region and mention code 38) or visit www.powerofaction.com/nyc/38 Residential customers with National Grid electric or natural gas heating and who reside in 1 to 4 unit attached or detached houses, condominiums or townhouses may qualify for these programs. Offers are subject to change without notice and may be terminated at any time. Please call or visit our website for full program details. Some restrictions may apply. Savings and energy efficiency experiences may vary.

© 2011 National Grid

May 6-12, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

A&E Restaurant Review College Choral Society Celebrates 70th Year Our Delicious Neighbor In celebration of its 70th anniversary season, the Queens College Choral Society and Orchestra will perform with all of the choral ensembles of the Aaron Copland School of Music (ACSM) – a chorus that now numbers over 230 singers – in its annual spring concert Saturday, May 14, at 8 p.m. in Colden Auditorium.

Under the baton of Music Director James John, the program will feature Beethoven’s “Missa Solemnis,” a masterwork that is seldom performed by non-professional choirs because of its complexity.

“Missa Solemnis” is generally considered one of Beethoven’s supreme achievements, created when the composer was at the height of his power. A profound, monumental work, its setting of the Mass has been deemed groundbreaking – presenting the standard text in a new light. Beethoven’s rich harmonic language and triumphant spirit make the work deeply compelling.

Soloists for “Missa Solemnis” include ACSM vocal program alumni Eleni Calenos, soprano, and Gilad Paz, tenor, and current performance major Melisa Bonetti, mezzo-soprano. Kevin Thompson, bass, is a recent graduate of The Juilliard School of Music. James John has

been with ACSM for nine years, where he conducts the QC Choir, Vocal Ensemble and Choral Society, teaches choral conducting, and serves as advisor to the graduate program in vocal performance.

Dr. John was named artistic director in June of 2010 of the Manhattan-based vocal ensemble, Cerddorion, a select chamber choir dedicated to adventurous programs that span the breadth of the choral repertory. He has given presentations at both divisional and national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association, and is in demand as a guest conductor and clinician throughout the United States.

Founded in 1941, the QCCS is “a singing organization of and for the public, students and staff of Queens College.” The Society typically performs two concerts per year with orchestra – in December and May – devoted to the great masterpieces of choral literature such as Verdi’s “Requiem,” Bach’s “Magnificat,” and Handel’s “Messiah.”

Tickets are $20 and $18, and are available through the Kupferberg Center Box Office at (718) 793-8080 or online at kupferbergcenter.org/qcchoralspring.htm

VILLAGGIO 150-07 14th Rd., Whitestone (718) 747-1111 CUISINE: Italian HOURS: 11 am – 11 pm PARKING: Street CREDIT CARDS: All Major

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.

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, sautéed 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

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.

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 6-12, 2011

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

FLEA MARKETS 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.

RUMMAGE SALE Saturday, May 14 10-5 at All Saints Lutheran Church, 164-02 Goethals Avenue.

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.

YOUTH

TEENS REGENTS REVIEW In June Maspeth Town Hall offers Regents Review Classes. $80. 335-6049.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

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

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

LAPTOPS Mondays, May 9, 16, 23 35 at the Laurelton library.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Register.

TEEN CHESS Mondays, May 9, 16, 23 at the Bayside library at 6.

CHAMP PROGRAM Mondays, May 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.

MOM STORIES Monday, May 9 Tell a Story About Mother at the Laurelton library. Register.

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

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

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

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

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

JEOPARDY Tu e s d a y, M ay 1 0 a t t h e Flushing library at 4.

MINI TABLE TENNIS Tuesday, May 10 at the LIC library at 4.

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

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

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

QUEENS LIBRARIES Many branches of the Queensborough Library offer toddler and pre-school programs. Contact your local branch for dates.

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 Lefferts library at 2:30.

MATH HELP Saturdays at the Flushing library at 10.

SCIENCE LAB Saturdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28 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.

YOGA & ME Mondays, May 9, 16, 23 for preschoolers at the

Briarwood librar y. Register.

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHESS CLUB Mondays, May 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.

GO GREEN Mondays, May 9, 16, 23 Go Green with Sustainable Design at the LIC library at 4.

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

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

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

READING BUDDIES Tuesdays, May 10, 17, 24,

31 Auburndale library. Register.

NUTRITION WORKSHOP Tuesday s, May 10, 17, 24 Laurelton library. Register.

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

SAVE Tu e s d a y, M ay 1 0 Te a c h Children to Save at the Bayside library at 4.

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

FAMILY STORY TIME Wednesday, May 11 at the Queensboro Hill library at 11.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A&E

Free Chinese Dance At LeFrak Hall

The Beijing Dance Academy will perform excerpts from the U.S. premiere of a ballet, “A Scent of Time,” choreographed by leading contemporary perfor-

mance artist and Queens College faculty member Yin Mei. The post-modern ballet, to be performed for free Saturday, May 7, at 7:30 p.m. at Queens College’s LeFrak

Queensbridge Artists Open Doors To Public

BY DOMENICK RAFTER A group of artists from Queensbridge will turn its community center into a museum on Friday, May 6, in their annual art show.

Most of the participants will be children, but some are senior citizens, including Ray Normandeau, who has lived in Queensbridge since 1973, and his wife.

The forms of art that will be featured include ceramics, watercolors and even video games. The show will feature live performances as well. The exhibit will be held at Queensbridge’s community center at 10-25 41st Ave., between 10th and 12th Streets, from 6-8:30 p.m. Admission is free. There will be refreshments.

“It’s a big thing because for the kids, it gives them a little bit of recognition,” Normandeau said. “It will really do their hearts some good.”

Most of the art, with the exception of the video games, will be available for acquisition. The event is sponsored by the Jo Mitchell Foundation, which helps the kids at Queensbridge with their art. Normandeau said the annual event has grown from being held in a room in the basement to the large community center. “Every year it gets bigger and bigger,” he said.

Normandeau, who is legally blind and a photographer, said there are plenty of great artists living in Queensbridge who don’t cultivate their talent because they are raised to believe the only talent that comes out of the project are rappers and athletes.

“Kids who might not be good in sports; this gives them a chance to realize they can be something else,” he said.

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

Concert Hall, fuses two powerful, yet divergent tales into a dynamic work depicting China’s tortuous transition into the modern world.

Yin Mei’s choreography has been hailed by The New York Times as “theatrical magic,” and by the Village Voice as inhabiting “the tremulous space where dramas and memories reside.”

“A Scent of Time” was inspired by two parallel stories drawn from the history of China’s early modernization. In non-linear flashback style, the work re-imagines the experiences of two important Chinese figures: Zhang Chonghe, who dedicated her life to bringing an appreciation of Chinese calligraphy and Kunqu Opera to the U.S., and Shen Congwen, author of “Border Town,” one of the great Chinese novels of the 20th century.

The Beijing Dance Academy, one of the world’s leading institutions of dance and dance education, will also perform a selection of traditional and modern Chinese dances from its repertoire. In addition, the program includes several Chinese classical, folk and modern dances, the “Pas de Deux” from the ballet Sleeping Beauty and a dance solo.

Students in the Queens College dance program taught by Yin Mei will also participate in the performance.

As a director, choreographer and per-

Yin Mei will bring the Beijing Dance Academy to Queens in a free performance this Saturday. formance/visual artist, Yin Mei is known for producing category-defying works that bridge geographic, technological, artistic and cultural divides to create a unique brand of contemporary dance theater.

Admission is free. Call (718) 7938080 for tickets. If the Box Office is closed when you phone, you may leave a message with your name and the number of tickets that you wish to reserve.

This performance is the culminating event in the college’s full season of events marking the Year of China. For additional information go to qc.cuny.edu/ yearofchina.

For directions to the campus, go to qc.cuny.edu/?id=9KTF.

Council Member Ruben Wills, Council Member Eric A. Ulrich, Council Member Karen Koslowitz

invite you to attend FREE Citizenship Application Assistance Saturday, May 14, 2011, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Richmond Hill High School (Use the 91st Avenue and 114th Street entrance) 89-30 114th St., Richmond Hill, NY 11418 Doors close at 2 p.m.

Experienced lawyers and immigration professionals will help evaluate your citizenship application.

You must meet the following requirements:

What to bring:

• Reside in the United States as a permanent resident for five years (three years if living with and married to the same U.S. citizen) • Live in the United States for half of the five or three year period • You are at least 18 years old

• Green card and all passports since obtaining green card • Home addresses for the last five or three years • Children’s information (date of birth, A#, addresses)* • Employment history for the last five or three years* • Marital history/criminal history* *(If applicable)

RSVP/more information: (718) 206-2068

Directions: www.hopstop.com or (718) 330-1234

• Copy of award letter from the state or federal agency granting the benefit, e.g., SSI award letter and/or budget letter • Copy of benefits cards • Copy of IRS tax returns for the most recent tax year

cuny.edu/citizenshipnow

May 6-12, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

Applicants pay a $680 filing fee to USCIS. Please do not bring this fee to this event. To apply for fee waiver, bring as many of these items as applicable:

Notebook Chancellor’s Forum

Walcott Endorses Current Policies

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

Faith

Women’s Luncheon At Grace United Methodist

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 6-12, 2011

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

Grace United Methodist Church is once again hosting its Annual Women’s Luncheon.

“I’ve always enjoyed it,” said Diane Kelly, a member of the Luncheon Committee. “It’s a full blown luncheon.”

The event will be rife with singers, dancers and a fashion show. Kelly said the atmosphere fosters friendship and all are welcome to the event.

“You meet a lot of people you haven’t seen in a while,” she said.

The luncheon will be from 12:30 to 4 p.m. May 7 at Antuns, located at 96-43 Springfield Blvd. Donations are $65 and go towards a new building fund. For tick-

Word

“I do not believe in the immortality of the individual, and I consider ethics to be an exclusively human concern without any superhuman authority behind it.”

—Albert Einstein

ets, call (718) 949-3253.

Grace has been in the process of building a new sanctuary for the past 20 years.

“They’ve had setbacks, but they seem to be moving on now,” said Kelly, a twoyear member of the church. “We hope to be in it by next year.”

As in the past, the church honors women in the church for their service. This year, nine women will be celebrated for their work in the community and at the church.

Donna Watkins-Perez, an honoree, started at Grace in Sunday school. She has worked on a bevy of church committees such as the Outreach Feeding Program, co-chairperson of the Grace UMC Greeters and Women’s Day Committee.

“It is hard work, but I love it,” WatkinsPerez said of her service. “We are building a church.”

Fleur Green, another honoree, has been a member of Grace for 16 years and also serves on a host of committees.

Green has lived her life by three principles: “If you have a talent, use it for the lord; whatever your hands find to do, do it with your might; and the lord requires you to live justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with you God.” Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128.

Leroy Gadsden, Jamaica Branch NAACP president, asked Walcott why the DOE would consider teacher layoffs if there was a budget surplus.

Walcott admitted that though there is a surplus, it is because the mayor added $2.2 billion to shore up the gap left by a reduction in state and federal funding.

“If you think this year is bad, next year is going to be even worse,” he said.

James Vasquez, United Federation of Teachers Queens High School representative, said since Bloomberg has taken office there has been a surplus, which he has saved for the next year, “but their choice is to layoff teachers.”

“The policies haven’t changed,” he said. “He has no problem with closing schools. It comes down to the mayor.”

William McDonald, District 29 Community Educational Council member, said he is skeptical that Walcott can steer the DOE away from its current course, but he is optimistic.

McDonald is taking a wait-and-see approach, but he is concerned that the Common Core State Standards Initiative adopted by 46 states can have “a negative impact on our community.” He questioned what the DOE would do to ensure that children in the district meet the new standards.

PRESS Photo By Ira Cohen

As Chancellor of the largest public school system in the world, Dennis Walcott has hit the ground running; he hosted a Southeast Queens forum at IS 59 on Tuesday.

Walcott spoke of the resurgent graduation rates and the health of the system since Mayor Mike Bloomberg has been in office. Before Bloomberg, graduation rates were between 49 to 50 percent citywide, but for the past nine years, there has been a 14 percent increase.

“We are not satisfied with that,” he said.

Including an increase in graduation rates, Walcott said the amount of Regents diplomas, Advanced Placement classes, and PSAT takers have increased citywide, “especially for children of color.”

The issues brought to Walcott ran the gamut from the proposed hotel across from the Springfield Gardens High School Complex to parent involvement.

Though Walcott was largely congratulated in his new role as chancellor, there were those that were skeptical that Dept. of Education polices would change.

In terms of relocation, collocation and school closures, Walcott left no doubt that the policies would be unchanged.

“I believe in the policies,” he said. “I’m not just up here talking for the mayor.”

Walcott said the goal is to minimize phase-outs, “but we’ll never take it off the table.” The 600 schools sharing space across the City have a congenial relationship, Walcott said, while conceding there is room for improvement.

Walcott expressed belief that the DOE’s commitment to parent involvement is exemplified by parent coordinators. He also vowed to visit as many parent-teacher and parent associations as his schedule allows.

An Eagle Academy parent asked if there was anything parents can do to be more involved.

Walcott suggested forming a community network to support parents who are not engaged in their children’s lives.

Another Eagle Academy parent said she expected the best for District 29, and since Walcott lives in the district, “I would expect you would do a little extra for District 29 that you wouldn’t do for District 26,” she joked. “The model that’s in Eagle Academy, we need the same kind of model for each and every school.”

“Obviously, I can’t play favorites,” Walcott said. “But I’ll keep a watchful eye on District 29. I’m the father of 1.1 million children.”

New Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott during a recent visit to Queens.

“I’m hoping that he can empower educators, parents and students to meet the Common Core standards,” he said.

He also questioned the DOE’s focus on four-year graduation rates when 75 percent of graduates need remedial classes in college. He said only 40 percent of students are college-ready.

“Those that get into college, 50 percent of them leave in their second year,” he said. “You can’t just focus on graduation rates. They have to be college and career ready.”

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128.

Queens Today MEETINGS VFW 4787 Mondays, May 9, 23 Whitestone VFW Community Post meets. 746-0540.

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

CATHOLIC VETS Mondays, May 9, June 13, July 11 American Mart yrs Catholic War Veterans Post 1772 meets in Bayside. 4689351.

AMERICAN LEGION Mondays, May 9, June 13 American Legion Post 510 meets at St. Robert Bellamine in Bayside Hills.

428-2895.

TELE. PIONEERS Tuesdays, May 10, June 14 Te l e p h o n e Pioneer of America meet in College Point. 463-4535.

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

THEATER

TALKS FORECLOSURE Monday, May 9 Foreclosure Prevention Seminar at the Steinway library at 6.

ORGANIZED Monday, May 9 the 7 Habits of Very Organized People at 6 at the Sunnyside library.

GUATEMALA Monday, May 9 Customs and Traditions of Guatemala at the Flushing library at 6:30.

HILLCREST Tu e s d a y, M ay 1 0 “The Hours” will be discussed at 2 at the Hillcrest library.

FORECLOSURE Wednesday, May 11 Foreclosure Prevention Seminar at the Astoria library at 11.

WORLD EDUCATION Wednesday, May 11 World Education Services Seminar at 2 at the Central library.

WINDSOR PARK Thursday, May 12 “Saving CeeCee Honeycutt” will be discussed at 6:30 at the Windsor Park library.

AUTHOR TALK Friday, May 13 Jason Antos will discuss “Flushing” at 3 at the McGoldrick library.

JAMAICA Saturday, May 14 discussion and signing of “Jamaica, N Y, ” a t 1 : 3 0 a t Ba r n e s & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows.

JEWISH VETS Sunday, May 15 Kew Forest – Woodside – Irwin Loitz Post 250 meet at 9:30 at the Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd. 2977711.

BELLA ITALIA Sundays, May 15, June 12, July 10 Bella Italia Mia meets. 457-4816.

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

HEALTH YOGA CLASSES Saturdays 10-11 and Sundays 9:30-10:30 workshops on Yoga. Other classes include meditation, Ayurvedic, yoga philosophy, Sanskirt language. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Jackson Heights. 646-912-1885.

TAI CHI Mondays and Thursdays at 11 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows.

670-1695. $5 a class.

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

CHAIR YOGA Mondays, May 9, 16, 23 at the Bellerose library. Register.

ALZHEIMERS Monday, May 9 Alzheimer’s workshop at 6 at the Corona library.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT E ve r y Tu e s d a y We ste r n Queens Caregiver Network in Sunnyside. 5:30-6:30.

784-6173, ext. 431.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Every Tuesday 3:30-4:30 at the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886.

ALZHEIMERS Tu e s d a y s , M a y 1 0 , 2 4 Caregiver Support in Forest Hills. 592-5757, ext. 237.

WELL SPOUSES Wednesdays, May 11, June 8 Well Spouses or Partners of the Chronically Ill and Disabled at the St. Charles Rehab Center in Albertson at 7. 201 IU Willets Road. 516829-8740.

UROLOGY SERIES Thursday, May 12 at the Flushing library at 6.

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

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

Register.

BLOOD DRIVE Sunday, May 15 blood drive starting at 9:30 at Temple Beth Sholom, 171-39 Northern Blvd., Flushing.

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.

MAIFEST Saturday, May 7 Maifest in the Garden with the Voelker Orth Museum from 5:308:30. Evening of music, dining and merriment. $30.

359-6227.

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

278-0700.

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 Bruce Vilanch at Queens Theater in the Park. 760-0064.

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.

WALKING TOUR Sunday, May 7 11-1 Queens Historical Societ y for the Flushing Central Railroad Walking Tour with Jack Eichenbaum $15 non-members. 939-0647, ext. 14.

SHEEP SHEARING Saturday and Sunday, May 7, 8 the Queens Zoo will hold their annual Sheep Shearing Weekend from 114. $7 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children. 271-1500. 53-51 111 th Street, Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

HAYDN FEST Sunday, May 8 the Astoria Symphony and Astoria Symphonic Choir presents “Haydn Fest!” at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 43-19 30 th Avenue, Astoria.

OPEN MIC Mondays, May 9, June 13, July 11 Open Mic Poetry Night at 7:30 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows.

GREAT LADIES Monday, May 9 Great Ladies of Song with Linda Ipanema at the Kew Gardens Hills library at 1:30.

STORM Monday, May 9 international film screening and discussion of “Storm” at the Fresh Meadows library at 2.

MAHONY & LYND Monday, May 9 “Those Were The Days, My Friend” songs of Crosby, Sinatra and more at 6 at the East Flushing librar y.

BIG BAND Monday, May 9 Music of the Big Band Singers at 6 at the Steinway library.

SOUL LEGENDS Monday, May 9 musical tribute to the soul legends Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye at 6:30 at the St. Albans library.

CHOREOGRAPHY Wednesday through Sunday, May 11-15 Student

Choreography Showcase at Queens College’s Rathaus Hall. 793-8080.

GREAT COMPOSERS Wednesday, May 11 Great Russian and European Composers at 6:30 at the Forest Hills library.

ROCKIN’ BLUES Thursday, May 12 Eddie Lee Isaacs and the Rockin’ Side of the Blues at the Far Rockaway library at 6.

SOUL LEGENDS Thursday, May 12 a musical tribute to the soul legends Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye at the Woodhaven library at 6:30.

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.

ASTRONOMY NIGHT Saturday, May 14 Evening with the Stars from 8-10 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000. $10 adults.

NOCHE FLAMENCA Saturday and Sunday, May 14, 15 at Queens Theatre in the Park. 760-0064.

QC CHORAL SOCIETY Saturday, May 14 annual Spring Concert at Colden Center. $10. 793-8080.

QSO Saturday, May 14 Queens Symphony Orchestra performs “ The Voice” at 7:30 with a pre-concert lecture at 6:30. 326-4455.

SPRING JAZZ GALA Saturday, May 14 at Joe Abbracciamento Restaurant in Rego Park. $100. Musica Reginae 894-2178.

BEETHOVEN Saturday, May 14 Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis at Colden Auditorium, Queens College. $20. 7938080.

WALKING TOURS Saturdays and Sundays, May 14, 15, 21, 22 LIC. Wednesday, May 11 Flushing’s Chinatown. 9618406.

SHAKESPEARE Saturday, May 14 Shakespeare in Music: Scenes from Famous Operas

by Great Composers at 2 at the Flushing library.

STAR THEATER Saturday, May 14 Senior per forms of STAR present “An Af ternoon of Theater” at 2:30 at the Fresh Meadows library.

BIG BAND SINGERS Saturday, May 14 music of the Big Band Singers at 2:30 at the Peninsula library.

TRIBUTE Saturday, May 14 a tribute to the music of Sinatra, Manilow, Sedaka and more at 3 at the Bayside library.

TANGO Saturday, May 14 masters of tango and argentine folklore with the Horacio Laguna Ensemble at 3 at the Central library.

SOUL LEGENDS Saturday, May 14 a musical tribute to the soul legends Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye at 3 at the Rochdale Village library.

OPEN MIC Sunday, May 15 Open Mic for Poets at 2 at the Central library.

SPRING CONCERT Sunday, May 15 Bayside Glee Club Spring Concert at 3 at Church on the Hill, 35 th A v e n u e a n d 1 6 8th S t r e e t , Flushing.

PETS & PALS Sunday, May 15 Pets and Pals Part y from 12-3 at Alley Pond Environmental Center.

Games, rides, craft projects, pet adoption and microchip clinic, animal demonstration and more. 229-4000.

ASTORIA SPRING FESTIVAL Sunday, May 15 Astoria Spring Festival from 10-5 on 31 st Street between Ditmars Blvd. and 21 st Avenue.

FARM FESTIVAL Sunday, May 15 11-4 at the Queens Count y Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park. $5.

BEN VEREEN Sunday, May 15 at Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6311.

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

969-1128.

CHANGING CAREERS Saturday, May 7 Exploring New Directions: Changing Careers at the Central library at 2:30.

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

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

SHELL JEWELRY Monday, May 9 jewelry workshop at the Mitchell-Linden library. Register.

COMPUTER CLASS Tu e s d a y, M ay 1 0 a t t h e Sunnyside library. Register.

POWERPOINT Tuesday, May 10 introduction to PowerPoint at the McGoldrick library. Register.

BASIC COMPUTER Tuesday, May 10 at the LIC library at 11.

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

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

BASIC COMPUTER Tuesdays, May 10, 17, 24, 31 at the Glendale library.

Register.

KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays, May 10, 31 at the Windsor Park library at 2.

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

NOOK NIGHT Wednesday, May 11 Nook Night at 7 at Barnes & Noble, 1 7 6 - 6 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i k e , Fresh Meadows.

BASIC COMPUTER Wednesday, May 11 at the Windsor Park library. Register.

May 6-12, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

HUMAN COMEDY Thursday-Saturday, May 521 “The Human Comedy” at Good Shepherd in Astoria. $18. 866-811-4111.

ALADDIN JR. Friday and Saturday, May 6, 7 at St. Mary Gate of Heaven in Ozone Park. 8460689.

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

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

ARSENIC Fridays and Saturday, May 13, 14, 20 at 8 and Sundays, May 15, 21 at 3. Theatre a la Carte will present “Arsenic and Old L ace” at the Communit y Church in Douglaston. $15. 631-4092.

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.

ANNIE May 13-22 at St. Andrew Avelino Church in Flushing. $15, $12 children and seniors and Sundays.

TRIBUTE TO FILM Saturdays, May 14, 21 at 8 and Sunday, May 22 at 3 FSF Communit y Theatre Group in Flushing presents “The Magic of . . A Tribute to F i l m , Te l ev i s i o n , R a d i o and Musical Theater.” 516354-3017. $16.

KING AND I Sundays, May 15, 22 at 2 and Saturday, May 21 at 6.

The St. Mary’s Drama Guild youth group presents “The King And I” in Woodside.

672-4848.

KILLING KOMPANY Friday, June 3 “Graduation to Murder” at Riccardo’s in Astoria. The Killing Company performs mystery dinner shows. 1-888-SHOOTEM for information.

COMM. BD. 9 Tu e s d a y, M ay 1 0 a t t h e Center at Maple Grove Cemetery, 127-15 Kew Gardens Road, Kew Gardens.

Tu e s d ay, J u n e 1 4 a t th e Marjestic Marquee, 88-03 101 st Avenue, Ozone Park.

286-2686.

COMM. BD 6 Wednesdays, May 11, Thursday, June 16 at 80-02 Kew Gardens Road at 7:45.

ADVANCED TOASTMASTER Thursdays, May 12, 26 learn the art and science of public speaking. 525-6830.

UNITED 40S Thursdays, May 12, Wednesday, June 8 United Forties Civic Association Inc. meets at St. Teresa Parish Center, 50-22 45 th Street, Woodside.

535-0516.

COPE WITH LOSS Thursday, May 12 Making Peace with the Loss of Family, Pets or Friends at 2 at the Sunnyside library.

HORIZONS CLUB Thursday, May 12 Horizons Club, for those 55 and over, meet at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112 th Street. $3 includes coffee and cake.

DEMOCRATIC CLUB Thursdays, May 12, June 9 Jefferson Democratic Club meets at 7:30 at the Clearview Golf Course Clubhouse, 202-12 Willets Point Blvd., Bayside.

ILION AREA BLOCK Fridays, May 13, June 10 Ilion Area Block Association meets at the African Center fo r C o m m u n i t y E m p owerment in St. Albans at 7:30.

111-92A Farmers Blvd., St. Albans.

ENTERTAINMENT

People The following local residents were among 216 students from Ithaca College who received degrees during the College’s commencement ceremony held in December 2010.

Juliana Gonzalez, daughter of Jose and Claudia Gonzalez of Maspeth, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the college’s School of Humanities and Sciences.

Carami Hilaire, daughter of Rose Bazile of Arverne, received a Bachelor of Music degree from the college’s School of Music.

Coeducational and nonsectarian, Ithaca College is a nationally recognized independent college of some 6,400 undergraduates and 400 graduate students.

Located in Ithaca, New York, the college offers more than 100 degree programs.

The following students were named to the University at Albany’s fall 2010 Dean’s List for outstanding academic achievement: Titus Chen of Flushing; Alexa Scott of Whitestone; Stephanie Lee of Flushing; Alfons D’Auria of Bayside; Alex Wander of Bayside; Chi Kin Chen of Corona; Jennifer Chin of Rego Park; Koren Kersellius of Cambria Heights; Edwin Tirado of Bellerose; and Tolagbe Olatunbosun of Far Rockaway.

The New York Lottery announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning ticket from one of the

Lottery’s live drawings from April 3-9.

The following winners each received a cash prize valued at $10,000 or more.

John Francis of Astoria who won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing of March 25. Francis’s winning ticket was purchased at the Pan Grocery & News at 41-12 Broadway in Astoria.

Delores Griffin of Cambria Heights who won $26,537 on the Take Five drawing of March 19. Griffin’s winning ticket was purchased at the A & S Food at 22321 Linden Blvd. in Cambria Heights.

Lisa Russo of Glendale who won $63,592 on the Take Five drawing of Nov. 7. Russo’s winning ticket was purchased at the Middle Village Card at 79-24 Eliot Av.e in Middle Village.

Sheikh Nadeen of Queens Village who won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing of March 25th. Nadeen’s winning ticket was purchased at the Tony Stationer y at 236-11 Braddock Ave. in Bellerose.

John Paglia of Ozone Park who won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing of March 25. Paglia’s winning ticket was purchased at the A V S News at 97-19 101st Ave. in Ozone Park.

Michael Tetro of Forest Hills who won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing of Feb. 11. Tetro’s winning ticket was purchased at the Colony Drugs at 103-19 Queens Blvd. in Forest Hills.

Peter Hoffman of Kew Garden who won $79,062 on the Take Five drawing of March 29. Hoffman’s winning ticket

was purchased at the Gm Grocery at 12506 84th Rd. in Kew Gardens.

Daniel Piliero of Whitestone who won $38,828 on the Take Five drawing of March 24. Piliero’s winning ticket was purchased at the Bolla at 135-45 Crossbay Blvd. in Ozone Park.

Eleanor Temple of Jamaica who won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing of March 25. Temple’s winning ticket was purchased at the Subha Cards at 217-03 Jamaica Ave. in Queens Village.

Ivan Zuniga of South Ozone Park who won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing of March 25. Zuniga’s winning ticket was purchased at the E & J Grocery at 131-02 Rockaway Blvd. in South Ozone Park.

Sang Yoo of Beechhurst who won $10,007 on the Powerball drawing of March 30. Yoo’s winning ticket was purchased at the Yonkers Racing at 810 Yonkers Ave. in Yonkers.

Two Hollis residents have recently been named to the Dean’s List at Boston University for the Fall semester. Students recognized for this honor include: Jennifer K. Amador and Jing Ya Chen.

Army Spec. Ariol Bonasse has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physi-

cal fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

He is the son of Iris Cadet of Jamaica.

Bonasse received a bachelor’s degree in 2006 from New England Institute of Technology, Warwick, R.I. Ashley M. Camacho has been promoted to the rank of private first class in the U.S. Army.

The private is a network switching systems operator/maintainer regularly assigned to the 1st Battalion, 19th Field Artillery, based out of Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.

She is the daughter of Tomas Camacho of Brooklyn, and Carolann Young of Rockaway Park. Camacho graduated in 2010 from New Dorp High School, Staten Island.

Tell The PRESS

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Models Of Queens

Spiderman, Fireman Hey kids! When there’s a fire, what do you do? Call…

Spiderman??

That’s not exactly the message of a new comic book featuring our own fictional borough hero, but it’s close. In an effort to educate kids in emergency preparedness, the FDNY has released a new fire safety comic with Spiderman and other Marvel super heroes.

We’re glad they’ve enlisted Peter Parker… errr, Spiderman.

It’s a much better choice than say, The Human Torch. Let’s just hope no kids place phone calls to 911 demanding to speak to the web slinger.

Krystal Dubose Home: Astoria Age: 27 Height: 5’ 8" Weight: 115lbs Stats: 34-28-34

The Cardella’s are surrounded by Western Queens political bigwigs.

Krystal’s Return For Krystal DuBose, the past few years since we last caught up with her have been fruitful – both in pursuing her acting and modeling as well as studying International Business and Marketing at Berkeley College.

When we first profiled her three years ago, Krystal had recently moved from Orange County,

California. She had seen the world and was set to take it on full speed.

Inducted into Phi Theta Kappa at Berkeley last year, Krystal has shown that she has the brains and the drive to succeed.

When we last spoke, she couldn’t help but rave about the food of her new home borough, but clearly, her love for lasagna,

Turkish food and strawberry shortcake has not gone to her hips.

We hope to see plenty more from this gal in the future, and if what she once told us holds true, we’re sure that will happen.

“I want to be known worldwide,” she said. “I want young women to look up to me.”

Don’t Leave Home Without It Rapper 50 Cent may portray himself as the consummate tough guy, but he can still fall victim to some sissy crimes.

The Jamaica native’s American Express card number was jacked and used to make a bunch of purchases. The thieves committed their first goof when trying to call in an order for two Sony flat-screen TV’s over the phone and charge the man-cave delights to Fiddy’s AmEx. Obviously, the thieves have since been caught. But for once, it’s obvious 50 is worth more than his name.

70 Years Strong

There are few things that can gather every politician in Western Queens in one room, but I bet you didn’t know an anniversary could be one of them.

Earlier this month, Council Members Elizabeth Crowley and Diana Reyna, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Assembly Members Cathy Nolan and Mike Miller all showed up to the 70th anniversary of Ridgewood’s Peter and Providenza Cardella. Also in attendance was former State Sen. Serphin Maltese.

At the celebration, Crowley and Reyna presented Mr. and Mrs. Cardella with a New York City Council Proclamation for their commitment and service to each other

and to the city.

It seems in this day and age, when you’re married for 70 years, it’s about as big a deal as potential budget cuts or the aftermath of a natural disaster. Perhaps President Obama should stop by the Cardellas next time he’s driving through Queens headed for a Manhattan fundraiser.

Go Diego, Go!

Confidentially, New York . . .

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 6-12, 2011

Ron Redeemed After the “The Malice at the Palace” almost seven years ago, most thought Ron Artest was finished, but he has shown that redemption belongs to everyone. The Queensbridge native was recently awarded the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award by the NBA. On Nov. 19, 2004, at a basketball game between the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers, a fight broke out and the Queensbridge in Artest rose to the surface. He leapt into the stands and chaos ensued as players and fans went at it. Nine players were suspended including Artest, who could not play the remainder of the season.

Boston’s Kevin Garnett won the award in 2006 for donating $1.2 million to Katrina relief, and Artest won for his efforts to promote awareness of mental health, including fund-raising, appearing before Congress in support of Mental Health in Schools Act and his all-around advocacy on the issue. He also raffled off his 2010 championship ring, raising more than $650,000 for mental health awareness.

Besides Artest, another Queens man gave us reason to smile. Lamar Odom, Artest’s teammate on the Los Angeles Lakers, won the NBA’s “Sixth Man” Award. His perseverance as a bench player this year earned him the nod.

The box said “Nickelodeon,” but the movie was definitely more of a peep show.

This is not what Dora should be exploring.

A Hollis mother bought a DVD featuring Dora sidekick Diego and other Nick Jr. characters for her two sons at a Toy ‘R Us in Valley Stream. When she popped it into the DVD player for her two young sons to watch, what they saw was not Dora and Diego on an adventure to find lost treasure.

Instead of “Nickelodeon’s All Star Sports Day,” Candice Conner’s children were watching “Bubble Butt Bonanza No. 17,” a hardcore pornography film.

What’s Up SATURDAY, MAY 7 Youth & Tennis

SUNDAY, MAY 8 Charlie Victor Romeo

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

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.

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 3 p.m. Admission is $7.

York Summer Jazz Program The York College Summer Jazz Program ’11 will hold auditions on Saturdays, May 7 and 14 at 9 a.m. in the York College Performing Arts Center. Students must be public high school sophomores and juniors in good standing, be able to read music, and have their own instrument. Big Band instrumentation will be given priority (alto/tenor/bari saxes, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, drums/percussion). Students need to prepare a solo piece of any genre and be prepared to sight read. No previous jazz experience necessary.

Springfield Rifles & Riflettes The Springfield Rifles & Riflettes Youth Sports – Football, Cheerleading, Basketball – is pleased to announce they are registering for the 2011 football, cheerleading and basketball seasons.

For additional information, visit Riflessports.com, or contact Chris Spaulding by calling (718) 525-2499 or emailing chrisspaulding2010@yahoo.com.

This event will be held at Roy Wilkins Park from 9 a.m. to noon. Call for Participation Fees

Changing Careers Is it time to open new doors in your job search? Career coach Elisa Zervos will discuss redefining your work, taking a personal inventory, finding tomorrow’s best fields and more in a 90-minute workshop.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 2:30 p.m.

Charlie Victor Romeo

A Tribute to Mae Jemison The Black Spectrum Theatre Company is pleased to announce the return of the celebrated “A Tribute to Mae Jemison”.

An African-American physician and NASA astronaut, Dr. Jemison was the first African-American woman to travel in space. For tickets and info, call (718) 7231800. Tickets are available online at www.blackspectrum.com.

This event will be held at the Black Spectrum Theatre, 177th Street and Baisley Boulevard at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20.

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.

The Prison Industrial Complex The York College Political Science Program and The African American Resource Center are pleased to present a current events In Black studies forum: The Prison Industrial Complex. The Prison Industrial Complex is a term used to describe the nexus between the expansion of the prison population and the economic and political influence of business interests that profit from the privatization of prisons and servicing of government prison agency contracts.

For additional information, contact Michael Orlando Sharpe at msharpe@york.cuny.edu or (718) 2622695. The discussion will feature: Professor Ruthie Gilmore, CUNY Graduate Center; Bill Mckinney, Samuels Center-CUNY GC; and Divine Pryor, center for Nuleadership, Medgar Evers college.

This free event will be held at the York College Academic Core Building (AC3B04), 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. from 68 p.m.

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

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

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

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

See Saturday’s listing. At noon.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11 York Observatory Open Night The York College Observatory is open to the public every second or third Wednesday of the month - rain or shine - at 8:30 p.m. Gather in room 2E01 and then proceed to the fourth floor terrace off G corridor if it’s clear. For additional information, contact Tim Paglione at paglione@york.cuny.edu or (718) 2622082.

This free event will be held at the York College Academic Core Building (AC 2E01), 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. from 8:30-9:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 12 Job Info 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; and Queens Workforce 1 information.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, MAY 13 Senior Theatre Acting Repertory Calling all older adults: Join our galaxy of STARs to perform theatrical works at the library with a great group of people while brightening your life.

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

Charlie Victor Romeo See Saturday’s listing. At 8 p.m.

The Journey The Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning presents an original stage play “The Journey.”

The story focuses on Yolanda, a teenager from Brooklyn who loses her family tragically and abruptly moves to North Carolina to live with her estranged Aunt.

A performance will be held at 161-04 Jamaica Ave. at 8 p.m. General admission is $15.

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

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

Volunteers for the class follow along

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

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

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

Group Sessions Clergy United for Community Empowerment, Inc. Group Sessions are located at 89-31 161st St., 10th Floor, Jamaica, for the community on various topics such as Domestic Violence, Mental Health, Substance Abuse intervention, Decision Making, Condom Use, High Risk Behaviors leading to HIV, and self – esteem awareness. All group sessions offer light snacks and beverages. Group sessions are open to the public.

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

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

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

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

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

Laurelton Flea Market A flea market has opened at 221-02 Merrick Blvd. On sale are a wide range of items, including household items, jewelry and clothing. The market is open every Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

May 6-12, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

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.

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 8 p.m. Admission is $7.

MONDAY, MAY 9 Adult Chess Club

Charlie Victor Romeo