Press epaper 052314

Volume 15 Issue No. 21 May 23-29, 2014

TOP COP TALK PRESS Photo by Joe Marvilli

Commissioner Bill Bratton comes to Jamaica to discuss the NYPD’s new policies, including changes to Stop & Frisk.

By Joe Marvilli … Page 4.

ONLINE AT WWW.QUEENSPRESS.COM

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 23-29, 2014

News Briefs Guy R. Brewer Club Endorses Comrie

On May 20, the Guy R. Brewer Club announced that it has endorsed former City Councilman Leroy Comrie for State Senate in the race against embattled State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Jamaica).

When he made his candidacy announcement earlier this month, Comrie joined attorneys Munir Avery and Clyde Vanel, as well as Navy veteran Bernadette Semple, in the race to unseat Smith, who is presently awaiting trial on corruption charges.

“I’ve had an overwhelming amount of requests from people to step forward and come back into public service as an elected official,” Comrie said in an earlier interview with the PRESS of Southeast Queens.

The Guy R. Brewer Democratic club released a statement regarding their endorsements, touting Comrie’s accomplishments.

“Since his days as a key member of my City Council staff...I’ve known Leroy to be a hard-working, honest public servant,” said Guy R. Brewer United Democratic Club executive leader Archie Spigner in a statement.

“We are proud to endorse Leroy Comrie, and both myself, District Leader Leslie Spigner, the officers and board members of the Guy R. Brewer United Democratic Club look forward to helping him win this election,” he added.

Comrie also issued a statement regarding the endorsement.

“I am honored and humbled that GRB has decided to endorse my candidacy for State Senate and I am going to do everything I can to earn the support of every major influencer in the 14th Senatorial District as I am going to work hard to earn the respect of every voter during this campaign,” he said.

SEQ Man Convicted Of Killing Parents

On May 22, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown announced that Shane Jaggarnauth, a Springfield Gardens man, has been convicted of first-degree murder in the death of his parents, whom he shot as they were sleeping nearly three years ago.

According to the trial testimony, Jaggarnauth and an unidentified individual entered the bedroom of his parents, Sugrim and Rosie Jaggarnauth, at their Grayson Street residence at approximately 4 a.m. on Sept. 2, 2011. The suspect allegedly shot his father fatally once in the forehead at close range as he slept.

He then shot his mother once, however, the shot did not prove fatal and she was able to call 911 for help.

While on the phone with a 911 operator, his mother was shot three more times, of which at least one shot proved fatal. Shortly thereafter, Shane Jaggarnauth called 911, to report that he had been shot in the left shoulder by an intruder who had also murdered his parents. Jaggarnauth was taken to a local Queens hospital for treatment of his non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

“The defendant has been found guilty of parricide – the act of killing his own parents, which in this case occurred without warning or provocation,” Brown said in a statement.

“Such a brutal and morally reprehensible crime calls for a lengthy prison sentence to ensure that justice is served and society is protected.”

Jaggarnauth was convicted of twocounts of first-degree murder, two-counts of second-degree murder and one-count of second-degree criminal possession.

Jaggarnauth faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Advocates Rally For Missing Persons Reform

Earlier this week, Assemblyman William Scarborough (D- Jamaica), Council Members I. Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans) and Elizabeth Crowley (D-Glendale), along with The Lamont Dottin Foundation, gathered on the steps of City Hall for a rally in favor of missing persons reform in advance of National Missing Children’s Day. A current proposal in the State Legislature by Scarborough and State Sen. James Sanders (D-Rochdale Village) would enact “Lamont Dottin’s Law” (S.7404 / A.8961). This would enhance reporting abilities, establish standards in searching for missing persons and require police departments to make a trained missing persons specialist available to families in need.

Lamont Dottin’s tragic disappearance in 1995 and the inability of police to launch an immediate investigation as he was above the age of majority is one prime example of the need for change in how our society searches for missing people.

“Still today families continue to suffer, more than a decade after the death of Lamont Dottin,” said Miller. “Due to the inadequacies of current law which fails to value all missing persons, we have come together here in support of reform and urge Albany to take action in enacting Lamont Dottin’s Law.” “What happened to Lamont Dottin and the toll it has taken on his family is a tremendous tragedy,” said Sanders. “I especially want to applaud the efforts of Lamont’s mother, Dr. Arnita Fowler, who is so committed to making sure no mother will have to experience the tragedy that has fallen on her family. She is truly inspirational.”

May 23-29, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Presstime

ATU, Electeds Rally For Transit Improvements In honor of National Transit Month, on May 16, Amalgamated Transit Union workers and community leaders rallied together in an effort to engage with riders in support of better and safer public transportation.

The press conference, held at the corner of Parsons Boulevard and Archer Avenue in Jamaica, sought to educate transit riders from all over the country on the need for increased funding in public transportation, enlisting them to contact their elected officials to demand more funds.

“Public transportation is the backbone of this City. It funds peoples’ transportation needs, it funds them going to school and it also helps businesses flourish in the neighborhood,” said Mark Henry, president of ATU Local 1056. “There is a great need for funding for public transportation and it’s something that should have been done years ago.”

John Lyons, president of ATU Local 1179, echoed Henry’s sentiments, highlighting the many vital services buses and trains offer to commuters.

Photo by Natalia Kozikowska

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks and Assemblyman David Weprin rallied with union workers and community leaders to call for better and safer public transportation.

“Every single bus that pulls up to a stop feeds an area that is not served by the subway. Without the right public funding for transportation, these buses won’t run,” Lyons said.

“People won’t be able to get to work or doctor’s appointments and they won’t be doing all the things we take

for granted in New York City every single day.”

Congressman Gregory Meeks (DJamaica) similarly pointed out the need for increased funding in the country’s transportation system.

“We need to play catch up. We have more people with more destinations than ever before,” Meeks said.

“If we don’t put money into our public transportation system, as well as our infrastructure, then our country will be falling apart.”

Meeks also noted the benefits of increased funding, including economic development, new jobs and fewer cars on the road, which would decrease pollution.

Assemblyman David Weprin (DFresh Meadows) was also on hand to lend his support, focusing on the need for better service in his district.

“Most of my assembly district is not accessible by subway,” Weprin said. “I’ve been fighting for more bus service, more money for buses because they are the lifeline of many residents in Queens that do not have accessibility to public transportation.”

“We need cars to get around be-

cause public transportation is not what it should be,” he added. “So we need the City investment, the State investment and we need the federal investment for our buses and infrastructure.”

Just days after the Jamaica press conference, on May 20, thousands of transit workers, riders, public officials and transportation advocates gathered in Washington D.C. to march on Capitol Hill to lobby federal officials to increase investment.

“We want our riders to know we stand with them in the fight for more, better and safer public transit and together, we can ensure that our voices are heard,” said Larry Hanley, international president of ATU, in a statement. “With our exploding urban populations, worsening traffic jams, young people forgoing cars, transit ridership at record levels and stressed public transit systems, we need a major urban agenda and investment to address growing demand for public transit.”

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

Queens Library, City Comptroller In Court

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA The Queens Library saga continues.

This week, in an interview with the PRESS of Southeast Queens, City Comptroller Scott Stringer revealed that his case against Queens Library has made its way to court and that he is confident there will be a ruling in his favor.

The news comes just two weeks after members of the board failed to pass a motion that would require the nonprofit to fully comply with an audit by Stringer. The Library denied the motion on several grounds, including a stipulation made nearly 17 years ago.

“The conduct of the Queens Library board is absolutely disgraceful,” Stringer said.

The Stipulation of Settlement, signed into agreement in 1997, states that “the Comptroller will not audit revenues to or expenditures from subpoena the records of, or otherwise seek to compel the production of any financial records from the past, present or future.”

But when weighing the hefty chunk of funding that the Library receives from taxpayers, Stringer is

Comptroller Scott Stringer has called the conduct of the Queens Library board and its head Thomas Galante, “disgraceful.” adamant that the nonprofit give his auditors access to all financial records.

“Libraries are the centerpiece of our communities and some 75-85 percent of Queens Library’s funding comes from tax dollars,” Stringer said. “All we want to do is make sure that the money is going to benefit the citizens of our City.”

Stringer is not the only City leader who believes there is a problem with the governance at Queens Library.

Earlier this week, Queens Borough

President Melinda Katz sent a letter to State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Majority Leader of the State Senate Dean Skelos and Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein, urging they pass legislation to reform the Library’s structure.

The letter was also signed by the 14 Queens council members.

“Because of the current problems plaguing the Library … the trust and confidence in the Library has been undermined,” Katz wrote. “And unfortunately, the board of trustees has shown little leadership thus far in dealing effectively with all of these issues. Faith must be restored in the Library, so we are asking [for] your support in passing [this legislation,] which would institute the enhanced oversight and transparency necessary.”

Time and time again, Queens Library has claimed it “believes in accountability and transparency,” highlighting that it “has released all requested financial documentation in accordance with the court ordered agreement of 1997.”

But Stringer said he feels that the Library’s claims that it has been acting with transparency is misleading.

“For them to mislead the public and tell the public that they are, in fact, cooperating, is nothing more than a bold-faced lie,” he said.

He went on to say that he is confident he will win the case, but expressed frustration with the Library’s consistent lack of cooperation.

“We’re going to eventually get the documents and we’re probing spending and best practices in the Library,” he said. “But if this is any indication of how they approach transparency and good government, I think we have a real problem.”

When asked about the future of Queens Library in terms of City funding, Stringer said that it is entirely possible that the nonprofit will suffer.

“If you don’t turn over the documents, how in good conscience can you fund an organization that’s operating behind closed doors?” he asked.

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

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 23-29, 2014

Bratton Visits Southeast Queens, Talks Policies NYPD Commissioner William Bratton swung by Southeast Queens this week, discussing the department’s policy changes under his leadership.

New York’s returning police commissioner spoke to a full crowd of community leaders during the Seventh Annual Membership Meeting of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center. While he touched on nearly every aspect of the NYPD, he dedicated a significant amount of time to Stop and Frisk and whether the force needs more officers.

In terms of the controversial Stop, Question and Frisk policy, Bratton stuck to a talking point he made in January, when he said that its problems had been “more or less solved.”

He said that the number of stops had gone down by hundreds of thousands in the last few years of his predecessor, Ray Kelly, and crime had not gone up as some had predicted. Now, officers will be trained as to when to make a stop and how to do so appropriately.

“Our cops need to be trained on what is reasonable suspicion and allows them to stop that person to question them and appropriately frisk

Photo by Joe Marvilli

BY JOE MARVILLI

NYPD Commissioner William Bratton them,” Bratton said. “Train them in a way so they are able to articulate why they did it, how they did and for what purpose.”

Bratton added that the NYPD would cooperate with the Inspector General’s department the City Council installed to supervise the police, despite a veto by then-mayor Michael Bloomberg. More than 50 personnel are assigned to the oversight department, with more to come. Bratton has worked with an Inspector General before, during his time as the Chief of Police in Los Angeles.

“We will not be fighting with the Inspector General. We will be seeking

to work with them for the betterment of all New Yorkers,” he said. “If an Inspector General, if a racial profiling bill, if an empowered [Civilian Complaint Investigation Bureau] can raise the trust and respect of New York residents for their police department, then that is a great investment. That is the paramount goal: to reduce the tensions, to repair the damaged relationship between the community and its police department.”

Additionally, the NYPD plans to be in contact with community groups to make sure the changes to Stop and Frisk continue to move in the right direction. It has also started a 10-question phone survey to prompt feedback on how the department is doing. The calls will eventually cover all precincts in the City.

The commissioner also talked about how the NYPD is reflecting the City’s diversity, with more than 2,000 officers of the Muslim faith and a growing number of Latino officers on the force.

“We have a City that is constantly changing and the police department will change with it,” Bratton said.

“That is the vision. That is the goal.”

A recent battle that opened up between the City Council and Mayor Bill de Blasio’s office is whether the

budget should include funding for an additional thousand officers. While the City Council said more officers are needed, de Blasio said the City is sufficiently covered with the force it has now. While Bratton said he would welcome the additional cops, they would not be worth the trade-off of losing the overtime budget available.

“Some of the trade-off in those 12 years is that as officers were lost in the roll count, what the City did was increase the overtime budget.

The overtime we have available, we are in the position to almost replace those who get lost. The overtime that I have access to is the equivalent of 2,000 to 2,500 officers,” he said. “I don’t want to take them if the City Council…is going to take the overtime away. I cannot use them with the flexibility I can use the overtime.”

In terms of crime, Bratton said that the NYPD would work on preventing quality of life crimes, such as graffiti or people dancing and asking for money in the subway cars. The force is going to work with the Dept. of Homeless Services as well to take on the growing homeless population present in the subway system.

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

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May 23-29, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

dreaM act debate renewed in albany

By Jackie StrawBridge The New York State DREAM Act is getting back into the ring.

Last Tuesday, the DREAM Act was reintroduced to the State Assembly. This legislation, which would give qualifying undocumented immigrant students access to financial aid, scholarships and student loans for higher education, passed the State Assembly last year but was defeated in the Senate.

Although a majority of Senators voted to pass the DREAM Act, the bill fell short of the required 32 votes to pass, receiving 30.

The bill will now have to pass the Assembly once again, then the Senate before arriving on Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s desk. On Monday, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver stated that he wants to see the DREAM Act passed before the end of the legislative session on June 19.

“By continuing this fight, we have made it clear that we will not allow the aspirations of our State’s DREAMers to wither on the vine,” said Councilman Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights) in a statement released Monday. “Since the DREAM Act has the support of the Assembly Speaker, the Governor and

nents were critical of two absent one of the Senate’s co-leaders, Republican Senators – Sen. Phil there’s no reason we can’t get it Boyle (R-Bay Shore) and Sen. done this year.”

Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City) To be eligible for State assis– who were expected to be suptance under the DREAM Act, portive, as well as of Cuomo, who undocumented students would did not include the measure in his have to graduate from a New York executive budget. high school or receive a New York For his part, Cuomo has GED, apply for college within five been vocal in his support of the years and affirm that they will DREAM Act, stating since the pursue legal citizenship as soon as bill’s first introduction that he they are able. would sign it if it reached his According to a 2013 report desk. from the office of New York State State Sen. Jose Peralta (DComptroller Thomas DiNapoli, East Elmhurst), who sponsored roughly 8,300 students enrolled in the bill, said, “we have an opNew York’s public higher educaportunity here in New York to tion institutions are undocumentbuild on the growing national ed immigrants.

However, these students consti- assemblyman Francisco Moya debated the New consensus, among business, labor tute only five to 10 percent of all york State dreaM act on the assembly floor and Republican and Democratic leaders, on both the need and undocumented students who grad- early this year. obvious economic benefits of the uate from New York high schools, according to the Immigration Policy State Youth Leadership Council, a DREAM Act.” Moya reiterated this sense of inCenter, due to the costs they face volunteer organization of undocumented youth working for immigrant evitability. when pursuing a degree.

“Speaker Silver has never given “So many of our undocumented advancement and education.

“I hope this time around, the New up on the DREAM, neither have I, high school members are graduating from high school, and have not York State Senate will put students nor have our State’s DREAMers,” he been able to make set college plans before politics and keep New York’s said. “There’s no stopping us.”

Reach Reporter Jackie Strawbridge for next year because they cannot af- best interests in mind,” Zaman addat (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, jstrawford it without access to State finan- ed.

After the bill’s failure in the Sen- bridge@queenstribune.com or @JNcial aid,” said Razeem Zaman, Campaign Organizer of the New York ate last March, DREAM Act propo- Strawbridge.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY WORKSHOP

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 23-29, 2014

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

Editor-in-Chief:

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed

Keep The Dream Alive We are heartened to see that members of the State Legislature have reintroduced DREAM Act legislation to give undocumented immigrant students access to funding for higher education.

New York City has always been seen as a land of opportunity for immigrants. As the population of Queens continues to diversify and bring in new residents from countries all over the world, it is imperative that these individuals have every chance to succeed. If we expect these undocumented immigrants to become productive members of our society, they must have the tools necessary to succeed. The DREAM Act will ensure they can attain these skills.

The failure to include the DREAM Act in the new state budget was a classic example of politics getting in the way of good policy.

But politics should never play a role when it comes to education or when it comes to ensuring that those in need are able to have a bright future.

We hope that the DREAM Act manages to be more successful the second time around than the first. But it will only happen if our representatives in government can look beyond the typical political games.

Letters

Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel

Remember The Sacrifices

Reporters: Natalia Kozikowska Joe Marvilli Luis Gronda Jackie Strawbridge Art Dept:

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

A Queens Tribune Publication © Copyright 2014 Tribco, LLC

Michael Nussbaum Publisher Ria McPherson Comptroller

To The Editor: As the nation approaches Memorial Day, we must re-

member all of the men and women, past and present, who have sacrificed their lives so that we here at home could be able to live in freedom. Our military is the greatest in the

Letters world, and we owe them all a debt of gratitude for their sacrifices, past and present.

We must improve the situation for all of our veterans, so that they can receive the best of care, since they are the best of the best!

God Bless all of them, and God bless America, the greatest country in the world!

John Amato, Fresh Meadows

Memorial Day Opportunity

To The Editor: Folks ready to fire up their outdoor grill on Memorial Day face a deadly choice of inflicting food poisoning or cancer on family and friends: food poisoning by E. coli and Salmonella bacteria, if they undercook the meat; cancer, if they heat meat to the point of creating cancer-causing compounds.

Luckily, a bunch of enterprising food manufacturers and processors have met

this challenge head-on by developing a great variety of healthful, delicious, and convenient, un-chicken, veggie burgers and soy dogs.

These delicious plant-based foods don’t harbor nasty pathogens or cancer-causing compounds. They don’t even carry cholesterol, saturated fats, drugs, or pesticides.

And, they are available in the frozen food section at most supermarkets and natural food stores everywhere.

This Memorial Day offers a superb opportunity to consign meat to a bad memory and make new memories by sharing wholesome veggie options that are better for you and your family and friends.

Freddy Green, Flushing

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

Party Chair Post Perfect For Paterson A Personal Perspective

By MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE David Paterson has finally landed a role which seems more befitting a former governor than some of the gigs he’s had since leaving office four years ago.

Earlier this week, his successor, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, announced Paterson as State Democratic Party Chairman.

The headline-making appointment was aptly made at the start of the party’s State convention.

As the “accidental governor” (2008 –2010), Paterson struggled to find his mojo in the throes of “the great recession.” He tried hard to do the best he could with what was available but he simply came across as inept. There were so many problems.

As the State’s first AfricanAmerican governor, Paterson should have been able to write his own ticket after leaving office. But it was anything but…

He has struggled to find his footing and that’s probably due in part to the fact that he was not elected; and his ten-

ure was fraught with scandals and missteps.

This new gig should be a good fit. Because of his relative youth (he’s now 55), Gov. Paterson was too young to have been considered an “elder statesman.” He needed a dignified job in keeping with the fact that he had been our governor, accidental or not.

He’s now in a place where he can build the party, earn a respectable salary (one hopes) and earn the respect of the Democratic faithful -- fingers crossed.

Cuomo, in a press release, praises Paterson as “one of New York State’s finest public servants with a lifetime of fighting for a stronger and more progressive State.”

The former governor immediately told reporters at the convention that his first order of business will be to reunify the Senate Democrats and reclaim majority status in that body. Good luck with that, Mr. Chairman.

The Democrats in the Senate have been fractured for the past several years to the point where a small group, led by State Sen.

Jeff Klein (D-Bronx) have created their own splinter group known as the Independent Democratic Caucus (IDC). It’s a mess up there.

Just imagine being in a corporate office where employees refuse to cooperate with the company’s mandate and people hold up progress and some even form their own company within the company…dysfunction reigns.

Anyhow, always one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I find the Paterson appointment good but suspect.

Cuomo’s current Lt. Governor, Robert Duffy of Rochester, is not seeking reelection so that opened the opportunity for the governor to pick a new running mate. You figure he’d pick a down-stater this time. You also figured he’d pick an AfricanAmerican, Latino or “other.”

But he picks another upstate candidate. He has chosen Kathy Hochul, who had a blink-andyou-miss-it stint in Congress.

Hochul who, like Duffy, is also from the Buffalo area, is an attorney. She hails from modest means, so she should be able to be relatable. She seems like a

good ticket balancer for Cuomo, in terms of gender anyway.

Did Cuomo appoint Paterson as a means of placating the African-American community in advance? Did he fear we would have been upset if he had not picked a Black, Hispanic or Asian candidate so he “takes care of” Paterson so he could pick an Anglo candidate from upstate for his running mate? I’m leaning toward a “Yes” answer here.

Obviously, no one expected him to pick Paterson as a running mate. But there were other choices he could have made in his ticket balance maneuvering. We have learned from the Spitzer/Paterson debacle that who you pick for Lt. Governor is important because he or she could become governor by default. That person is a heartbeat or scandal away from becoming governor.

We have seen it happen in presidential politics as well.

Let’s hope Cuomo got it right with this pick and that David Paterson can really lead the Senate body to a unified force whether they are Democrats or Republicans.

May 23-29, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

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Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 23-29, 2014

Jamaica Hospital: a History of Helping By naTaLia KoZiKoWsKa Since it was first established in 1891, before Queens County was even a part of the City of New York, Jamaica Hospital’s mission has been to provide the best possible treatment for patients. This is especially true over the last few decades, as the hospital underwent major transformations.

Led by its board of trustees, in the late 1970s, Jamaica Hospital was brought back from the brink of financial doom. Although the odds were stacked against them, in the years that followed, the facility did a complete 180 after it was rebuilt to feature some of the most modern technologies.

Today, Jamaica Hospital is recognized for its world-class medical staff and has established itself as one of the most respectable institutions in the City. The hospital serves a population greater than 1.2 million in Queens and eastern Brooklyn and despite the growing need for healthcare facilities across the country, it has kept up with demand.

According to Michael Hinck, cludes a dedicated pediatric emerdirector of public affairs, Jamaica gency room, chest pain center and Hospital sees an average of 300 fast-track for minor injuries. emergency room patients on a “Our philosophy was adopted daily basis. This is a stark differdecades ago,” Hinck said. “A long ence from when the hospital first time ago, Jamaica Hospital had a viopened more than 120 years ago, sion of bringing healthcare into the in a rented, four-bedroom home in community and becoming an esJamaica. tablished healthcare center. We’ve Between the hospital’s main moved from a hospital-centric to a campus on the Van Wyck Expresspatient-centric model and our emway and its multiple ambulatory phasis is on promoting wellness in care centers, which are scattered the community. By doing this, we across Southeast Queens and are keeping them healthy.”

Brooklyn, the institution sees In addition to many of its more than 300,000 outpatient visunique services, Hinck said the its annually. staff at Jamaica Hospital sets the “Our emergency department is medical center apart from other open 24/7 for people who need care Jamaica Hospital sees approximately 300 hospitals in the City. urgently,” Hinck said. “Our ambu- emergency room patients in a day.

“Most of our employees are latory care centers are open six days from the community. They have a week and we have weekend and eve- ogy, social services, dental, cardiol- ties to the community and care ning hours. So our role is to be there ogy and even dental. about the community,” he said. “I for the community whenever they need Jamaica Hospital’s emergency de- think that’s a very unique feature, beus. It always has been.” partment, a Level 1 Trauma Center cause a lot of our staff have started The hospital’s ambulatory care and Stroke Center, is one of the busi- here and have grown here and have a centers provide a full range of ser- est in New York and the only one in stake in the institution.” vice, including pediatrics, internal Southern Queens. It is designated as Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska medicine, family medicine, gynecol- a New York City Hypothermia/Car- at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowsogy, podiatry, surgery, gastroenterol- diac Destination Facility and also in- ka@queenspress.com or @nkozikowska.

urgent Medical Care services at Wyckoff Heights

By Luis Gronda

make sure that they go to their department for true emergencies and to see a doctor or visit a clinic for their ailment if it is possible.

In the first month since they began the initiative, they have seen an increase in the number of referrals to clinics in their hospital or a private doctor. Their goal, Dr. Irizarry said, is

to increase the number of referrals by 50 percent within the next six months.

Wyckhoff Hospital is primarily based in Brooklyn, but recently expanded its facilities into Queens as well.

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

NYHQ Holds Stroke Awareness Day

Photo courtesy of new york Hospital Queens

The urgent care center is a huge part of Wyckoff Heights Medical Center.

Every year, thousands of people go to the urgent care center to get the immediate assistance they need.

According to Dr. Lisandro Irizarry, chairman of the Dept. of Emergency Medicine at Wyckhoff Hospital, the facility gets about 85,000 visits per year from patients and about 35,000 to 40,000 of that number is from the urgent care area of the hospital.

The hospital offers both urgent care and acute emergency care.

The difference between the two, Dr. Irizarry said, is acute emergency care is for patients that need the most immediate assistance, like if they suffered from a heart attack or got a serious injury from a car accident, for example.

Urgent care is for patients that cannot wait for their scheduled doctor’s appointment or “emergency but non-emergencies” as Dr. Irizarry put it. Examples of that include a sprained ankle, a bee sting or refills on your medication pills.

The urgent care center is open 24hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week and it is made up of 15 doctors and 20 physician assistants.

Among the most common visits to their facility, Dr. Irizarry said, are

for people who have injured themselves and require an x-ray to help determine the extent of the injury.

Other ailments that people come for are urinary tract infections and other similar injuries, he said.

Now that it is close to the summer time, Wyckoff gets a lot of patients for muscular injuries, including leg and arm injuries and minor lacerations. That is because there is more outdoor activity as the temperature gets warmer, which leads to more of those injuries. Dehydration is another common visit during the summer months, the doctor said.

All of the patients walk in to use the urgent care department and they do not require an appointment, according to Dr. Irizarry.

Although they get many visits from patients each year, it does put a strain on their staff and resources.

To ease the burden on its staff, they have recently launched an initiative to let the patients know that they can see a doctor or visit one of their clinics instead of going straight to their department. They are doing this by telling their patients when they should visit urgent care and when it would be advisable to go to one of their clinics.

“We are trying to reset the understanding and expectations for the patients,” he said.

Dr. Irizarry said they want to

new york Hospital Queens’ registered nurse, nancy Parnell, takes a blood pressure reading for Jonathan Pannell at the hospital’s stroke risk assessment day on May 20. The event is held annually by the hospital for members for the community to mark national stroke awareness Month.

May 23-29, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Have a Happy & Safe Memorial Day!

On The Occasion Of This Memorial Day 2014, We Pause To Honor All Veterans, Past And Present.

Thank You For Your Service!

Congressman

Gregory W. Meeks U.S. House of Representatives 5th District-New York Washington D.C. Office Jamaica District Office Rockaway District Office 2234 Rayburn House Office Building 153-01 Jamaica Avenue 67-12 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

Washington, D.C. 20215 Arverne, NY 11692 Jamaica, NY 11432 PH: (202) 225-3461 PH: (718)230-4032 PH: (718) 725-6000 Paid for by Friends for Gregory Meeks

Assemblyman William Scarborough 129-32A Merrick Blvd.

Jamaica, New York 11434 718-723-5412

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 23-29, 2014

Police Blotter 102nd Precinct

Burglary Pattern

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance identifying and locating a Hispanic male connected to three burglaries that occurred within the confines of the 102nd Precinct.

The first incident occurred at approximately 8:50 a.m. on April 24 in the vicinity of Jamaica Avenue and 123rd Street. The suspect removed two watches, a necklace and earrings from inside the apartment. During the second incident on May 2 at approximately 9 a.m. in the vicinity of Jamaica Avenue and 108th Street, the suspect removed $2,000, a wedding band and comic books at the location. The third incident occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. on May 6. The suspect entered the vicinity of Jamaica Avenue and 113th Street and removed $1,000, a laptop, two watches and a Samsung tablet.

The suspect was last seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and a dark colored baseball hat.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-tips, visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637(CRIMES), then enter TIP577.

All calls are confidential.

104th Precinct

Robbery

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance identifying the following suspect wanted for a gunpoint robbery of a livery cab that occurred in front of 71-36 67th Place, within the confines of the 104th Precinct.

At 2 a.m. on May 14, the suspect, a Hispanic male, roughly 25 years old, was picked up at Marcy Avenue and Fulton Street. The suspect displayed a firearm and demanded money when he was at 67th Place. The suspect fled the auto with $200. No injuries were reported.

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

All calls are confidential.

105th Precinct

Burglary

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance identifying and locating a Black male suspect wanted for a burglary that occurred within the confines of the 105th Precinct.

At 4:45 a.m. on May 10, a suspect entered a 99 Cent Dream store located

at 229-12 Merrick Blvd., by cutting a hole in the roof. The suspect removed about $2,600 and fled the location.

The suspect is believed to be roughly 25-30 years old. He was last seen wearing a light colored sweatshirt, light colored camouflage pants, light sneakers and was carrying a book bag.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-tips, visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637(CRIMES), then enter TIP577.

All calls are confidential.

108th Precinct

City Employee Arrested

At 4:43 a.m. on May 18, police arrested Feaster William, 27, an off-duty NYC Department of Corrections employee and charged him with criminal possession of a weapon-firearm and menacing-weapon.

111th Precinct

Fatal Collision

At approximately 12:35 p.m. on May 16, police responded to a report of a vehicle collision on the Clearview Expressway at 58th Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers discovered

Ingrid L. Arcuik, 51, of Queens, unconscious and unresponsive. EMS responded to the scene and declared the woman dead at the scene.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a blue 2007 Dodge Sedan was traveling northbound on the Clearview Expressway when it veered to the right and struck the rear of a Peterbuilt tow truck parked on the shoulder of the expressway.

The operator of the tow truck, a 51year-old unidentified male, was transported to Long Island Jewish Hospital in stable condition. There were no arrests and the investigation is ongoing.

113th Precinct

Homicide

At 3:04 p.m. on May 10, police responded to a 911 call of a male shot inside of Roy Wilkins Park (Merrick Blvd and Baisley Blvd). Upon arrival, officers observed the victim, an unidentified male, 24, with a gunshot wound to the head. EMS also responded to the location and moved the victim to Jamaica Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The identification is pending family notification. There are no arrests and the investigation is ongoing.

Borough Beat

Local Officials in Favor Of City Minimum wage

By JACkiE StRAwBRidgE One of the several sources of tension between New York City and Albany – the debate over a municipal minimum wage – took a step in Mayor Bill de Blasio’s direction last week.

While de Blasio wants the City to have the option to set its own minimum wage, Gov. Andrew Cuomo believes such a law would be destructive to the State economy.

The Council approved a resolution last Wednesday known as RaiseUpNY, which allows for local governments to raise their own minimum wage.

“It is more expensive to live in New York City than anywhere else in the State and it only makes sense that the minimum wage reflects that reality,” Councilman Daniel Dromm (DJackson Heights) said in a statement released last week.

Dromm and Councilman Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans) introduced the resolution, which was sponsored

by State Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assemblyman Karim Camara (D-Crown Heights).

Just before the resolution passed, Dromm and Miller gathered on the City Hall steps alongside a number of fast food workers and members of RaiseUpNY to support the legislation.

“This Council urges the State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign this important bill,” Miller said.

“It will enable working families in New York City to address the needs of our City’s high cost of living.”

Dromm and Miller also noted that most people in the City living on the minimum wage are Black, Latino and women.

For Dromm, one important consequence of this fact is that women find themselves almost impoverished if they become single family bread winners, and having to take up second or third jobs, lose time with their children and their children’s schools.

“The impact on families is great,” Dromm said. “We shouldn’t expect people to have to go out and get second and third jobs in order just to get by.”

According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in New

school and I find myself [having] to choose between a Metro Card or my school books, and I also have to pay rent.”

“I have to make a lot of necessary sacrifices,” Charles added.

If Albany approves the measure, New York City would join a handful of other American cities that set their own minimum wage, (From left) Councilmen Andy kind, daniel including Seattle, San Francisco dromm and daneek Miller gathered last and Santa Fe. Cuomo has stated that he opweek with advocates and fast food workers to support raising the minimum wage in poses the municipal minimum wage, because it would create New york City. chaos, with cities trying to steal York City requires almost $95,000 business from one another. per year to “attain a secure yet modNevertheless, Dromm remains est living standard” that covers basic hopeful for the municipal minimum necessities. wage effort.

This total is more than twice what “I do expect it to be passed in Altwo parents working full-time on mini- bany,” he said. “New York State is the mum wage would make even after the progressive capital of the world, the $9 minimum wage begins in New Governor has said that himself. Issues York State by 2016. of economic justice are vitally imporWhitney Charles has been work- tant to maintaining that title.” ing on the minimum wage at KFC for Reach Reporter Jackie Strawbridge about two years. at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, jstraw“Eight dollars an hour is too low,” bridge@queenstribune.com or @JNshe said. “I’m currently a student in Strawbridge.

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May 23-29, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Swim Strong

Photo by Steven J. Ferrari

Soul Singing

Acapella Soul got people moving to Motown and Doo Wop hits during the group’s concert Sunday afternoon at the World’s Fair Anniversary festival.

Veteran Inductee

Photo courtesy of the office of the Borough President.

Welcome Back To The Fair

Resorts World Casino New York City presented the Swim Strong Foundation with a $2,500 donation in honor of Water Safety Awareness Day on May 18. Pictured (from left) are Michelle Stoddart, Resorts World Casino Public Relations & Community Development Coordinator and Shawn Slevin, Founder Swim Strong Foundation.

Delores Clarke (seated) accepted proclamations in honor of her late husband, Unsiphere designer Gilmore Clarke, during a ceremony at the World’s Fair Anniversary Festival on May 18. Participating in the ceremony were (from left) Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski, Borough President Melinda Katz, Assemblywoman Margaret Markey, Public Advocate Letitia James and Flushing Meadows Corona Park Administrator Janice Melnick.

State Sen. Malcolm Smith chose Ms. Blossom Ferguson for the 2014 New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame, an honor which was created to recognize outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life.

Blossom is a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Army Reserve and a licensed New York State Registered Nurse and Adult Nurse Practitioner.

Teachers Leading On May 19, the York College/CUNY Teachers as Leaders Program (TALP) welcomed back a number of its previous participants.

The Teachers as Leaders Program is an initiative that was established by the City University of New York’s Black Male Initiative in 2008. Several of York’s TALP participants have graduated and are currently serving in teaching and mentoring roles in schools all over the globe, one as far as South Korea.

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 23-29, 2014

Profile

Jamaica Nonprofit Gives To Those In Need

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Since 2005, A Cause, A Concern, A Solution Network, a Jamaicabased nonprofit, has been striving to provide New York City’s youth with a number of valuable resources and programs.

Christina Winslow, president and founder of A Cause, A Concern, A Solution Network, said that originally, she had no intention of starting a nonprofit – she only wanted to give back to her community in some special way.

“I didn’t necessarily seek out to start a nonprofit – I just saw that there was a need in the community,” she said. “There was a need for the events that I was already putting together. A nonprofit just seemed to work well for the mission that I had.”

Having earned her nonprofit status that same year, Winslow, along with a few volunteers, hosted a number of annual events, giving children of low-income families essential goods that their parents might not be able to afford. Since the organization

In 2005, Christina Winslow began the nonprofit A Cause A Concern, A Solution Network, which aims to bring the community together.

was established, Winslow estimates that she has helped thousands of families.

“The motto of the organization is to focus on helping those who are in need,” Winslow said. “That is why our back to school program means the world to me, because I can give young people the supplies that they

need for school. Right now, it’s very hard to afford supplies for school, so I am so honored that I have been able to do this for 10 years.”

In addition to her annual back to school event, Winslow said that A Cause, A Concern, A Solution Network hosts annual toy donation drives for Toys For Tots, as well as Women’s Empowerment Conferences.

“It’s our goal to help those that just need that little extra help,” she said. “In the beginning, our goal was to help children in Southeast Queens, but now we also want to put a focus on young women. We want to let them know that there are women and mentors in the community that love them and want to help them and be there for them. A lot of girls don’t have any female role models, so the Women’s Conference came out of that.” “[At the Women’s Empowerment Conference], we reach out to several schools, agencies and organizations in the community,” she added. “On Saturday morning, from 10 to 4, we host different workshops that are

meant to empower young women, educate them and allow them to ask questions.”

After nearly a decade, Winslow said she is happy to announce that A Cause, A Concern, A Solution Network will finally have its own office, which she will be doing the ribboncutting for on June 14. She hopes that the new space, located at 150-17 109th Ave., Jamaica, will afford her the opportunity to help more in need.

“I want this to be a community center that offers a sense of hope. I want to be able to supply and assist our community with any services they need,” she said. “It’s time for change in our community. Our young people need change and I feel that if I stay on this course, everything is going to come in place.”

To learn more about A Cause, A Concern, A Solution Network, or to learn how you can volunteer, you may reach Christina Winslow at (917) 349-1704.

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

People Jamelah Plato of Jamaica and Marquea Alexander of Queens Village were initiated into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society at Clark Atlanta University.

Gaitrie Sackichand of Queens Village, a student at Hofstra University, was inducted into Phi Kappa Beta.

Local students took part in the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Day at SUNY Oneonta.

Jamie Pitter of Jamaica worked with Andrew Kahl of the Department of Theatre on a project titled “Student Driven Production: Staging Identity Plays.” Pitter was the co-presenter for the project.

Tiffany Squire of Jamaica worked with Charlene Christie of the Department of Psychology on a project titled “Hookups, Shame and Gender.”

Squire was the primary presenter for the project.

Dexter Jones of Jamaica received a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology during spring 2014 commencement ceremonies at SUNY Fredonia.

Sanam Mariam of Hollis received a Master of Science degree in organizational management during spring

2014 commencement ceremonies at Chadron State College in Nebraska.

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

Mozie is the son of Gail Perry of Queens and brother of La’Quan Johnson of Jamaica.

member cohort’s mission is to reduce youth exposure to the marketing, promotion and sale of tobacco products in Queens County and to focus on increasing the number of smokefree multiple housing units in Queens County. The team is comprised of Nancy Copperman, MS, RD, CDN, housing the QTCC Team Leader, who is the Corporate Director of Public

Health Initiatives, Office of Community and Public Health North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System; Isabel Rodriguez, MPH, Borough Coordinator, Queens Smoke-Free Partnership; Sean Robin, Director of Housing Initiatives at the New York City Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene; and Phil Konigsberg, a smokefree community advocate.

Alma Mater Visit

Justin Bailey of Jamaica, a student at Farmingdale State College, has been awarded the Empire State Diversity Honors Scholarship.

Stephanie Boothe of Hollis was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa. The Queens Tobacco Control Coalition recently completed its one year National Leadership Academy for the Public Health fellowship, funded by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and has now entered its alumni status. The four

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz visited her high school alma mater, Hillcrest High School in Jamaica, on Friday, May 9. The Borough President met with Hillcrest’s principal, David Morrison, and with faculty members and with several students, including representatives from Hillcrest’s student government. Some of the kids Borough President Katz met are enrolled in the school’s ground-breaking Small Learning Community program, which has small groups of students participating in specialized programs structured around their areas of interest (such as pre-med, pre-law and theater).

May 23-29, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

A&E

Registration Open For ‘Show Stoppers’

BY JOE MARVILLI This summer, young thespians will get the chance to create and work on a musical at Queens Theatre.

“Show Stoppers,” the first annual summer musical program at Flushing Meadow Corona Park’s performing arts venue, will take place this July and August, giving students the chance to work on a musical from beginning to end. The children will work with theater professionals that have backgrounds in both performance and youth performing arts education.

The idea for a summer theater course came from Education Director Richard Hinojosa, who joined Queens Theatre in a full-time capacity in the winter of 2012. This type of program was one of the main ideas he wanted to pursue.

“One of the first things I wanted to do was to get our summer camp started. It was a no-brainer getting a theater summer camp here,” he said.

The camp is open to all kids between the ages of 7 and 14, with no

ends with a performance at 3 p.m. on Aug. 15.

The theme for the first session is animals, accompanied by a trip to the Queens Zoo, and the second session’s topic is art, with a trek down the block to the Queens Museum.

The cost of one session is $400 per week per child.

Those who opt for both sessions will pay $350 per week per child, for a total of $1,400. Acceptance into the program is on a firstcome, first-served basis, with auditions for roles taking place once the session has begun.

During this summer’s “Show Stoppers” program, kids will get the chance to write, sing “I hope they walk away and act in a musical that they will work on over the course of two weeks. learning a little bit about performance and how we prior theater experience necessary. The musical director will work with create a show,” Hinojosa said.

At the beginning of the session, the kids to write a short, original “Mostly, I hope they walk away with students are given a theme to write song, as well as teaching them a a new confidence in themselves. I the play’s script. The theater direc- kid-friendly song from Broadway or hope they walk away with teamtor and choreographer will help a movie musical. building skills.” the students along with the plot’s “The program is really about the To register, visit www.queengestation, characters and a dance. journey, about the kids developing stheatre.org/showstoppers, print something original, something they out the forms and mail them to the have full ownership of,” Hinojosa Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations said.

Avenue South, Flushing Meadows The program lasts for two weeks, Corona Park, Queens NY 11368. with two sessions happening over the The registration deadline is June summer. The first session runs from 20.

July 21 to Aug. 1, with a performance Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) starting at 3 p.m. on the last day. The 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@queenLater in the morning, the second session starts on Aug. 4 and stribune.com, or @Joey788.

Rosedale Memorial Day Parade will leave from 243rd Street and Mayda Road at 10:45 a.m., with Jacques M. Leandre, president of the Rosedale Jets Football Assocation, as grand marshall.

For Irnel Stephen, senior board member with the Rosedale Civic Association, part of the value of the parade is the participation it brings across generations. “[The significance] is to have all age groups participating in something historical, something patriotic,” Stephen said.

Two Memorial Day services will be held following the Rosedale parade. Gather at 11:30 a.m. at Veterans Square and Vietnam Memorial Square – located at Sunrise Highway and Francis Lewis Boulevard – and at 1 p.m. at the Rosedale – Laurelton American Legion Post 483, on 135th Avenue and Brookville California Chrome, winner of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, Boulevard. arrives at Barn 26 at Belmont Park on May 20, where he will be stabled Reach Reporter Jackie Strawbridge and worked out in preparation for the Belmont Stakes. He is being led into at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, jstrawthe barn by assistant trainer Alan Sherman, son of California Chrome’s bridge@queenstribune.com or @JNtrainer Art Sherman.

Strawbridge.

two SEQ Parades Set For Memorial Day

BY JACKIE StRAwBRIDgE

Ready For Belmont:

Photo by Bruce Adler

Families and neighbors hoping to celebrate Memorial Day this Monday will have a morning packed with activity.

The Laurelton Memorial Day Parade steps off at 9 a.m. from Francis Lewis and Merrick Boulevards, and finishes at the Veterans Memorial Triangle. The parade is sponsored by the Laurelton Lions Club, the Garden Club of Laurelton, the Concerned Citizens of Laurelton, American Legion Post 1946, the Federated Blocks of Laurelton and the Veterans of Foreign Wars post 5298.

“It’s not just a barbeque,” said Annette Manigault, community volunteer and former Laurelton Lion.

“We’re really thanking [the veterans]. They’re still out there in the community … it’s a day that we come out for them, and when you see the amount of people that are out there, it’s a nice thing.”

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Laurelton Memorial Day Parade. A special float will be featured in celebration.

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 23-29, 2014

Queens today

FRIDay 5/23

HElEn sunG trIo

Celebrated jazz pianist Helen Sung will perform at Flushing Town Hall at 8 p.m. Accompanied by Harish Raghavan on the bass and Rodney Green on the drums, Sung will play numbers from her five previous albums, as well as her new record, “Anthem For A New Day.” Tickets are $15 for the general audience and $10 for members and students.

Flushing Town Hall is located at 137-35 Northern Blvd.

saTURDay 5/24

at Flushing Town Hall for a musical performance that will get the audience dancing.

Tangolandó, which features Sofia Tosello and Yuri Juarez, is a combination of tango with Afro-Peruvian music. Festejation mixes traditional Afro-Peruvian music with jazz, funk and other Latin styles.

Join the Queens Botanical Garden for a lively performance of jazz favorites. Asian–American trombonist, composer and arranger John Yao has been an integral member of the Jazz and Latin music scenes and will have you tapping your feet. The concert runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is free with Garden admission. Call (718) 886-3800 for more information.

soutH amErIcan voIcEs

Two ensembles will head to the stage at 7 p.m.

mEmorIal day paradE The Whitestone Veterans Memorial Association’s annual Memorial Day Parade will kick of f with a ceremony at noon on May 26 at the field located at 149th Street and 15th Drive.

The parade will begin at 1 p.m.

concErt dancE Entropy

Flushing Library will present Valerie Green and Dance Entropy, a professional modern dance company founded in 1998. The four colorful, vibrant short works in “Color and Mystery” are sure to get you thinking, feeling, laughing and moving. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Learn the basics of art printing at Socrates Sculpture Park from noon to 3 p.m. Using natural materials from the park as well as repurposed plastic and foam. Kids 5 to 13 years old and their families will create paintings and patterns. For more information, call (718) 956-1819.

sUNDay 5/25

Friends of MacDonald Park will host a concert at MacDonald Park. They are recruiting musicians to play the park for tips. The show is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. MacDonald Park is located at Queens Boulevard, between Yellowstone Boulevard and 70th Road in Forest Hills. For more information, contact the Friends of MacDonald Park at info@queensblvd. org.

drop-In FamIly WorksHop

The Queens Museum invites children 5-12 and their adult companions to Studio A to explore different works on view through a variety of fun handson art making activities. Children with special needs welcome, adaptations available. No fee or advance

will feature the Queens Area Pathfinders Marching Band and the Black and Gold Marching Elite Band.

The parade is sponsored by the Laurelton Lions Club, American Legion Post 1946, Garden Club of Laurelton, Federated Blocks of Laurelton and Concerned Citizens of Laurelton, in conjunction with VFW Post 5298.

For information, or to be a part of the parade, call (718) 525-7655.

WEDNEsDay 5/28

ForEst HIlls mEmorIal day paradE Celebrate Memorial Day at the Forest Hills Memorial Day parade. It is scheduled to begin at noon.

The parade begins at Metropolitan and Ascan Avenues and ends at Trotting Course Lane and Alderton Street, where a ceremony will take place afterwards.

moNDay 5/26 paradE

dr. HsIn-ya HsIao

Soloist and collaborative artist Dr. Hsin-Ya Hsiao and her students will present a flute and piano recital featuring classical and popular music at Flushing Library. Selections will include “The Entertainer”

by Scott Joplin, “Military March” by Franz Schubert and many other works. The free concert will run from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

moNDay 5/26

registration required. Just show up between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and stay for as long as you like. For information, call (718) 5929700.

dIy prIntInG JoHn yao

SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The 87th Annual Little Neck Douglaston Memorial Parade will start 2 p.m. on May 26, operating under the support of the United War Veteran’s Council.

For information, call (718) 279-3200 or visit www.lndmemorialday.org.

paradE

The 25th annual Laurelton Memorial Day Parade will kick off at 9 a.m. May 26 at Francis Lewis and Merrick Boulevards. The parade will continue to the Veterans Memorial Triangle, at 225th Street and North Conduit Avenue. The parade

trIo sHalva

Jazz musicians Assaf Gleizner, Koby Hayon and Nadav Snir-Zelniker will perform as Trio Shalva at Flushing Library from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. The group blends Hebrew folk traditions and contemporary jazz into an original sound that transports listeners to a new Middle Eastern musical landscape.

onGoInG FlEa markEt at knockdoWn cEntEr

Maspeth’s Knockdown Center hosts a flea market every Sunday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is free. The center is located at 52-19 Flushing Ave.

GrEEnmarkEt In ForEst HIlls

The greenmarket sells local grown, fresh products for residents to purchase. Cooking demonstrations and activities for kids will also occur.

The market begins at 8 a.m.

and admission is free. It is located in front of the Forest Hills post office on the corner of Queens Boulevard and 70th Avenue.

lIGHts, camEra, astorIa!

Using film stills, behindthe-scenes photographs, oral histories and posters, the Museum of the Moving Image explores the legacy and renaissance of Kaufman Astoria Studies. Screening everything from early Marx Brothers to “The Cosby Show” to “Nurse Jackie,” the exhibition reveals the significant role of the Astoria studio in moving-image history.

Tickets are $12 for general admission, $9 for seniors and students and $6 for kids under 12 years old. For more information, call (718) 777-6888.

tHrouGH may 25 Four takEs on onE plot

Gideon Productions had a simple but unprecedented idea: approach four star writers, give them all the same plot and ask them to write a play from it. In The Blueprint Project at the Secret Theater, Dan Kos, Johnna Adams, J. Holtham and Mariah MacCarthy demonstrate the many paths playwrights can forge from the same storyline.

Tickets are $18. For more information, call (718) 3920722.

Got EvEnts? send all information to editor@queenstribune.com or mail to: Queens Tribune 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, Ny 11357

May 23-29, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

SUMMONS Index No. 2312413 D/O/F: December 20, 2013 Premises Address: 11927 198TH STREET SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412 SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, -againstTANYA R. CLEMENTS; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION & FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA-INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; JOHN DOE 1 THROUGH 50; JANE DOE 1 THROUGH 50, INTENDING TO BE THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF MARGARET L. PITCHFORD WHO WAS BORN ON MAY 4, 1925 AND DIED ON MAY 11, 2008, A RESIDENT OF THE COUNTY OF QUEENS, THEIR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST IF ANY OF THE AFORESAID DEFENDANTS BE DECEASED, THEIR RESPECTIVE HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DISTRIBUTES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, TRUSTEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, ASSIGNEES AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF THE AFORESAID CLASSES OF PERSON, IF THEY OR ANY OF THEM BE DEAD, AND THEIR RESPEC TIVE HUSBANDS, WIVES OR WIDOWS, IF ANY, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES OF RESIDENCEAREUNKNOWN TO THE PLAINTIFF; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD;; ''JOHN DOES'' and ''JANE DOES'', said names being fictitious, parties intended being possible tenants or occupants of premises, and corporations, other entities or persons who claim, or may claim, a lien against the premises, Defendant(s), TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your Answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiff's Attorneys within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, where service is made by delivery upon you personally within the State, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner, and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE: YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and

complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.

Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The following notice is intended only for those defendants who are owners of the premises sought to be foreclosed or who are liable upon the debt for which the mortgage stands as security. YOU ARE HEREBY PUT ON NOTICE THAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. The amount of the debt: $259,292.64 consisting of principal balance of $229,735.13 plus interest of 22,437.63, escrow/impound shortages or credits of $4,859.06, late charges of $396.40; Broker`s Price Opinion, inspection and miscellaneous charges of $105.00; surrogate search fee of $21.73; attorney fee $1,200.00 and title search $537.69. Because of interest and other charges that may vary from day to day, the amount due on the day you pay may be greater. Hence, if you pay the amount shown above, an adjustment may be necessary after we receive the check, in which event we will inform you. The name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed: WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.. Unless you dispute the validity of the debt, or any portion thereof, within thirty (30) days after receipt hereof, the debt will be assumed to be valid by the herein debt collector. If you notify the herein debt collector in writing within thirty (30) days after your receipt hereof that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, we will obtain verification of the debt or a copy of any judgment against you representing the debt and a copy of such verification or judgment will be mailed to you by the herein debt collector. Upon your written request within 30 days after receipt of this notice, the herein debt collector will provide you with the name and address of the original creditor if different from the current creditor.

Note: Your time to respond to the summons and complaint differs from your time to dispute the validity of the debt or to request the name and address of the original creditor. Although you have as few as 20 days to respond to the summons and complaint, depending on the manner of service, you still have 30 days from receipt of this summons to dispute the validity of the debt and to request the name and address of the original creditor. TO THE DEFENDANTS: The Plaintiff makes no personal claim against you in this action. TO THE DEFENDANTS: If you have obtained an order of discharge from the Bankruptcy court, which includes this debt, and you have not reaffirmed your liability for this debt, this law firm is not alleging that you have any personal liability for this debt and does not seek a money judgment against you. Even if a discharge has been obtained, this lawsuit to foreclose the mortgage will continue and we will seek a judgment authorizing the sale of the mortgaged premises. Dated: December 19, 2013 Shanna J. Black, Esq. ROSICKI, ROSICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff Main Office 51 E Bethpage Road Plainview, NY 11803 516-741-2585 Help For Homeowners In Foreclosure New York State Law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully. Mortgage foreclosure is a complex process. Some people may approach you about “saving” your home.

You should be extremely careful about any such promises.

The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. There are government agencies, legal aid entities and other non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about foreclosure while you are working with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Banking Department at 1-877-BANKNYS (1-877226-5697) or visit the Department’s website at www. banking.state.ny.us. The State does not guarantee the advice of these agencies. ________________________ INDEX NO.: 1314/2013.

Filed Date: 4/17/2014. SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS AND NOTICE. MORTGAGED PREMISES: 109-66 153RD STREET, JAMAICA, NY 11433. (BL #: 12142 – 20). Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial; venue is based upon the county in which the mortgaged premises is situate.

STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF QUEENS U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR WASHINGTON MUTUAL ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES WMABS SERIES 2007-HE2 TRUST, Plaintiff, -against- JOSE MEDRANO, if living, and if dead, the respective heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignors, lienors, creditors and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and their respective husbands, wives or widows, if any, and each and every person not specifically named who may be entitled to or claim to have any right, title or interest in the property described in the verified complaint; all of whom and whose names and places of residence unknown, and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained by the Plaintiff, CHRIS VRETTOS, NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD, NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOL ATIONS BUREAU, NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, CACH OF COLORADO, LLC, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, KENNETH JAMISON, SHALIEK JAMISON, JOANNE JAMISON, CHARLES JAMISON, Defendants. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the attorneys for the Plaintiff within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS SUM-

MONS AND COMPLAINT

BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE MORTGAGE COMPANY WHO FILED THIS FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT, A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AND YOU CAN LOSE YOUR HOME. SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY OR GO TO THE COURT WHERE YOUR CASE IS PENDING FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO ANSWER THE SUMMONS AND PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY. SENDING PAYMENT TO YOUR MORTGAGE COMPANY WILL NOT STOP THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $ 380,000.00 (modified to $ 390,180.94 by a Loan Modification Agreement dated January 15, 2009) and interest, recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Queens on October 3, 2006, at C.R.F.N. 2006000554311, covering premises known as 109-66 153rd Street, Jamaica, NY 11433 – BL #: 12142 – 20.

The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. The Plaintiff also seeks a deficiency judgment against the Defendant and for any debt secured by said Mortgage which is not satisfied by the proceeds of the sale of said premises. TO the Defendant JOSE MEDRANO, the foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Rudolph E. Greco, Jr. of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, and dated February 4, 2014. Dated: New Rochelle, N.Y. April 15, 2014. McCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, P.C. By: /s/________________ Leroy

J. Pelicci, Jr., Esq. Attorneys for Plaintiff 145 Huguenot St., Ste. 210 New Rochelle, NY 10801 p. 914-636-8900 f. 914-636-8901 HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE. The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Banking Department at 1-877-226-5697 or visit the Department’s website at www.dfs.ny.gov. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services.

You Can E-Mail Your Legal Copy to legals@queenstribune.com to Place Your Legal Advertisement or Call the PRESS of Southeast Queens at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 149

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 23-29, 2014

Faith

Greater Allen To Hold Worship Conference

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA From July 23 through July 27, Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral in Jamaica will hold its 10th bi-annual Worship Conference, drawing Christians from all over the world to gather to honor God through dance, mime, sign language and prayer.

This year, the conference’s workshops and sermons will be centered around the theme of “Living Sacrifices” and the workshops will be taught by a number of well known ministers from all over the country. According to Denise Robinson, who sits as chair of the event’s planning committee, a great deal of energy will be spent by the ministers highlighting this Bible theme.

“We do have breakout sessions, where technique and choreography are taught in a way that the facilitators will elaborate more on the different parts of the Bible that address the theme,” Robinson said. “It’s the theme and the thread of everything throughout.”

“It’s very fulfilling and helps you maintain your focus and to draw from

to represent their ministry to the congregation and to the world,” she said.

“The focus is on praise and worship, on ministry attire and on choreography.”

The Worship Conference has always been a very popular event, Robinson In July, Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral in Jamaica will said, with more hold its bi-annual Worship Conference, which will be than 700 Christians participating in the centered around the theme, “Living Sacrifices.”

2012 event.

“They come from all over the one another spiritually,” she added.

“That is one of the great things. It is country, as well as internationally,” an intense time of learning, as well as she said. “Some people make a vacation out of it and really use the time movement. It’s very invigorating.”

The Worship Conference has to worship and reflect. It’s extremely been a tradition at Greater Allen colorful [and] vibrant. The Holy A.M.E. since 1999, and, according Spirit is just moving throughout the to Robinson, it was created to teach entire building. You can see people Christians the appropriate ways to worshipping and dancing and giving themselves up to God.” embrace God through the arts.

When asked what her favorite “It was created to inform and help the other communities of dancers parts of the conferences were, Robwho want to know the proper way inson said she really enjoys catching

up with people that she has not seen in a very long time.

“A lot of people peg the conference as a family reunion. People from around the country come together and every other year, we are very excited to see each other,” she said. “We are excited to share what has happened with us since the last time we met.”

“In addition to the connections you made and the camaraderie, I really enjoy that we are feeding and giving out the truth of God through movement and dance,” she added.

“This way, people can get an understanding of what is necessary for them to be effective in their ministry.”

For more information about the Greater Allen A.M.E. Worship Conference, including ticket prices, visit www.gacworshipconference. org.

Tickets purchased before May 31 are sold at a discounted price.

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

Notebook

Hillcrest High School

Students Volunteer For ‘It’s My Park Day’ In honor of “It’s My Park Day,” on May 10, Haydee Recinos, a teacher at Hillcrest High School, took her students to volunteer at a clean-up at Cunningham Park.

The initiative has been a tradition for Recinos over the past six years, along with Linda Quackenbush, another teacher at the high school.

Twice a year, the pair takes their students to participate in the Citywide initiative. Both teachers said that the tradition came into fruition with the help of Bob Harris, a close contact for the school.

According to Recinos, Harris informs the teachers about the dates for “It’s My Park Day” every semester and together, they plan which day to take their students to volunteer. “It’s My Park Day” takes place in several parks around the City, with volunteers celebrating by cleaning and repainting park benches.

“The kids clean up, they plant, cleaning and planting in the fall, [but during the spring], they mulch and paint the benches,” Recinos said.

they must have good grades,” she said.

During their volunteer service earlier this month, the students who participated swept up dead leaves, removed weeds and put down wood chips to combat erosion.

According to Recinos, Hillcrest High School is community On May 10, Haydee Recinos, a teacher at Hillcrest service-oriented. Since High School, took her students to volunteer at a clean- community service is part of her class’ grade up at Cunningham Park. requirement, the stuShe also said that her students dents participate in about seven to participate in “It’s My Park Day” eight community service projects because it is part of the community each year. service requirement for her class.

Recinos’ students are involved in Recinos teaches a leadership class, the Queens for Center for Progress, which consists of a mix of students an organization that is committed in grades 9-12. to helping children and adults who “To be in the leadership class, have developmental disabilities with [students] have to be recommend- opportunities that will make them ed by the guidance counselor and independent in the community. In

addition to QCP, her students also volunteer with the Lupus Alliance, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, as well as Kids in Need of Desks Foundation, where the money they raise goes to kids in Africa.

The community service is not only for classroom credit. Recinos said that “[students] are encouraged to have community service during the summer.”

Recinos also noted that the community service her students do carry over with them while applying for college. In order to receive credit for their volunteer services, the students are given a letter which they submit to their guidance counselors and the counselors then help them to submit it to the colleges they are applying to.

Whether it is cleaning parks or raising money for those in need, Recinos and her students prove that a helping hand is all that is needed to make the world a better place.

-Esther Shittu

May 23-29, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

What’s Up May 24 york College Summer Jazz Program auditions The York College Summer Jazz Program is holding auditions for all New York City public high school musicians. All accepted students will study jazz performance at York College from July 7-Aug. 14 (MondaysThursdays) and earn five college credits for free. For more information, contact York College Department of Performing and Fine Arts at (718) 262-2412. The audition will be held at York College Performing Arts Center, located at 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica, and will begin at 10 a.m.

The york College Blue Notes Enjoy a night of music from the York College Blue Notes. For more information, contact York College Department of Performing & Fine Arts at (718) 262-2412. The event is free and will be held at the York College Performing Arts Center, located at 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. Jamaica, and will begin at 7 p.m.

May 26 25th annual Laurelton Memorial Day Parade All are invited to come pay tribute to the veterans at the 25th Annual Memorial Day Parade. The Queens Area Pathfinders Marching Band and the Black and Gold Marching Elite Band are all featured in the Parade. For information on being part of the parade or general questions, call (718) 525-7655. The parade starts at Francis Lewis and Merrick Boulevards and will end at the Veterans Memorial Triangle 225th Street and North Conduit Avenue. It will begin at 9 a.m.

Rosedale Memorial Day Parade Enjoy hot dogs and ice cream at the Rosedale Memorial Day Parade.

The event is sponsored by Rosedale Civic Association. For more information, contact the Rosedale Civic Association at (718) 978-4701 or (917) 796-6096. The Parade starts at 243rd Street and Mayda Road, Rosedale, and will step off at 10:45 a.m.

May 28 105th Precinct Community Council If you are interested in finding out what is happening in the 105th Precinct, then attend the 105th Precinct’s Community Council Meetinggenerally held on the last Wednesday

of the month. For additional information, call (718) 776-9090. The meeting will be held at 8 p.m. at 9208 222nd St., Queens Village.

May 29 ‘Sizwe Bansi Is Dead’ The Caribbean American Repertory Theatre presents Rudolph Shaw and Fulton Hodges in “Sizwe Bansi is Dead.” The awardwinning play illustrates the horrors of the apartheid system. The play, shown in honor of Nelson Mandela, will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. The play will be held at the Presbyterian Church of St. Albans, located at 190-04 119th Ave., St. Albans. For more information, call (718) 974-6487. There will two other viewings of the play on the 30th and 31st.

May 30 Kewl Skewl Klub Don’t miss the opportunity to see Afrikan Poetry Theatre morph into the Kewl Skewl Klub on the last Friday of the month. Enjoy live music, entertaining DJs, an open mic and more. Hosted by Apani Smith, the cost of admission is $10. For additional information, call (718) 5233312. The event will take place at the Afrikan Poetry Theatre, located at 176-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica.

JuNe 1 National Council of Negro Women’s 27th annual Black & White awards Banquet The National Council of Negro women present its 27th Annual Black and White Awards Banquet. The theme is “Celebrating the Achievements of Those Who Inspire Community Transformation.” The banquet will be held at Antun’s, which is located at 96-43 Springfield Blvd., Queens Village. Tickets are sold in advance for an $85 donation. For more information, contact Lizzie Gregory at (718) 528-5134 or Darlene Henderson at (718) 380-3261.

JuNe 6 ‘Frozen’ The movie “Frozen” will be shown at Rochdale Park. The park is located at Guy R. Brewer Boulevard between 130th Avenue and 137th Avenue.

The movie will be shown from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call (718) 206-2068.

ONGOING Clergy united Programs Clergy United for Community

Empowerment offers group sessions at 172-17 Linden Blvd., second floor, St, Albans. Topics covered include domestic violence, substance abuse intervention, decision-making and self-esteem awareness. Group sessions are open to the public, but it is important to call ahead for the next group session.

Other programs offered by Clergy United include: Early intervention services, a simple and accurate way to find out if you have HIV. No needles, no blood test. On-site testing walk-ins welcome Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Infant mortality reduction initiative program provides free services, including case management, parent skills building, crib care, breast feeding education, health education, confidential counseling and more.

Free summer vacation for your child, through enrollment with the Fresh Air Fund, for kids ages 6-12.

Contact Ms. Richardson at Clergy United for more information.

For information on programs offered through Clergy United, call (718) 297-0720.

youth Organizations LP FAM’s Youth Organization is holding youth baseball registration for boys and girls ages 5 to 14 every Saturday, 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Dunton Presbyterian Church, located 109-29 135th St., South Ozone Park. Call Derick Braswell at (917) 692-4775 or Paul Cox at (718) 8358416 for more information.

The organization is also holding registration for its basketball program. Boys and girls between 8 and 16 years old can register every Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Queens Transition Center, located at 142-10 Linden Blvd., South Ozone Park. For more information, call Mike Glasgow at (917) 442-0479, Paul Cox (718) 835-8416, or David Reid at (646) 241-4211.

LP FAM is also looking for volunteer youth baseball and football coaches. Please call Paul Cox at (917) 607-2421 or Derick Braswell at (917) 692-4775 for more information.

Overcoming Barriers To employment Every Friday, the Queens Central Library in Jamaica helps residents experiencing barriers to employment. A Job Information Center case manager is available on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to discuss potential problems you may have regarding child care, housing, immigration, degree evaluation,

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

No registration is required and the service is free.

Forestdale STya youth Mentor Forestdale, Inc., an organization with a great history of supporting families in need and committed to empowering children in foster care and in the local community, launched a new mentoring program in January 2014. This new program, called “Future Prep: Successfully Transitioning Youth to Adolescence,” or STYA, is designed to attract communityminded people who may not be able to commit to foster parenting, but nevertheless want to make a significant investment in the lives of children and their better future. We are looking for mentors (18 or older) to work with children ages 9-12 for one year. Starting in January, there will be four 10-week sessions throughout the year, each running for three hours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program will take place at the Hollis Community Center at 203-09 Hollis Ave. This is an excellent opportunity to truly make a difference is someone’s life, build meaningful relationships and be part of an enthusiastic, compassionate and supportive environment, in addition to a great learning experience with the opportunity to learn about a multitude of issues facing underprivileged youth in New York City today.

For additional information, contact Mirzya Syed, Youth Volunteer Coordinator, at Msyed@forestdaleinc.org or (718) 263.0740, ext. 365.

Queens Satellite High School and College Mentoring Program Queens Satellite High School is seeking volunteers to provide students with the skills and experiences that will support their personal growth. Key to the institute is the active participation its volunteers in the private sector and community members who wish to provide real world connections for their students through weekly seminars.

Mentors can participate in oneday sessions or teach a seven-week seminar on a topic of their choice.

Technical assistance for lesson planning will be provided throughout your experience.

For additional information, contact Kristy Nguyen at (718) 657-3920 ext. 4031.

Out On Patrol

Q

CONFIDENTIAL

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 23-29, 2014

Musicians OF QuEEns

Jeanne Marie Boes

QConf is edited by: Steven J. Ferrari

During the festivities for the World's Fair Anniversary at Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Sunday, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz got a chance to get behind the wheel of the Batmobile from the 1966 Adam West "Batman" TV show. We have to wonder, what would her partner, Curtis Sliwa, have done with the iconic vehicle while out patrolling with the Guardian Angels?

The Elephants Win Millions After 14 years of court battles, it seems that the case of the care of Asian elephants at Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus has finally come to an end.

Earlier this month, the Humane Society of the United States and its co-defendants agreed to a $15.75 million settlement to the circus' parent company, Feld Entertainmnet.

The case cited inhumane treatment of the 42 Asian elephants used by the circus during performances.

The original Endangered Species Act lawsuit saw a discovery that animal rights activists paid a former circus employee $190,000 to serve as a "paid plaintiff " for the cause.

"We hope this settlement payment, and the various court decisions found against these animal rights activists and their attorneys, will deter individuals and organizations from bringing

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Some TV Time For Queens

frivolous litigation like this in the future," Kenneth Feld, chairman of Feld Entertainment, said in a statement.

We wonder if the circus' attorneys called any of the Asian elephants to the stand to testify.

After all, elephants are supposed to have great memories...

And The Winner Is...

Even during their trying times, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz stood by her baseball team’s side.

According to reports, in the week before the Subway Series, Katz and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz made a sweet bet as to which New York team would win more games during the four-game set.

If the Yankees would have won, Diaz would be treated to some Italian heroes from Mama’s of Corona/ Leo’s Latticini and pastries from Astoria’s Omonia Café.

Contributors: Bruce Adler, Luis Gronda, Natalia Kozikowska, Joe Marvilli, Marcia Moxom Comrie, Michael Nussbaum, Michael Schenkler, Jackie Strawbridge.

If the Mets were able to pull off a victory, like they did last year, Katz would get to enjoy some tasty empanadas from Babalu on East Tremont Road and fresh cannolis from Egidio Pastry Shop in Belmont.

Bragging rights this year were split, though, with the Yankees and the Mets both winning two games of the split set. The result meant that both BP’s were required to honor the results and send some treats to the other side. Looks like both Katz and Diaz walked away with a winner!

A new FOX sitcom coming in 2015 shines the spotlight on Queens.

It won’t be all that flattering a light, though.

The comedy, which centers on a group of four friends living in Ridgewood, is called “Weird Loners.” The network describes the new show as the story of “four single 30-something underdogs who are unexpectedly thrust into one another’s lives and form an unlikely bond in a Queens townhouse.”

According to FOX, one character is high-strung and boy-crazy, another is a serial seducer incapable of real relationships and another is “a sweet, odd man-child.”

We here at QConf are glad to see Queens getting some prime time attention, but we hope the show won’t link its characters’ social awkwardness to the personality of the Borough – a Borough, by the way, that has produced such hip icons as Christopher Walken, Lucy Liu, Louis Armstrong, Jack Kerouac and Joey and Johnny Ramone.

And we definitely hope FOX won’t send its characters down the M line every time something cool is supposed to happen.

Jeanne Marie Boes has known that she wanted to be a professional musician since she was a teenager.

Knowing what she wanted to do at an early age led her to the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, where she received invaluable lessons and friendships.

“Over the course of those four years, I learned everything I needed to know to pursue a career and made friends and connections to last a lifetime,” she said.

Boes started singing when she was 9 years old and started playing the piano at the age of 12. Since then, she has messed around with violin, guitar and electric bass. No matter which instruments she uses to carry her soulful vocals, the melody is vital to her.

“My first love was and forever will be a beautiful melody,” Boes said.

Those melodies are sometimes written with the help of Boes’ father, James. While the process has its ups and downs, Boes said that their love of writing helps them overcome any obstacles they run into.

“We’ve written a song together in 15 minutes, or over the course of weeks,” she said. “It’s definitely an enjoyable experience - and if there’s a disagreement, we work around it, or come up with something even better.”

When it comes to her lyrics, Boes looks at issues of the hearts, whether it is newfound love, the end of a romance or something inbetween. Life experiences are the subjects that she feels most drawn to.

Since 2009, Boes has released three albums and an EP, along with her latest single, “The One.” She said her debut, “A Seasoned Heart,” was recorded at her apartment in Astoria, creating difficulties with surrounding noise bleeding into her song takes. Since that first album, Boes said she has become more collaborative, particularly on “The One.” “I walked into the studio and came out a few hours later with a bluesy-rock track, which I recorded and performed with my very good friends, Brendan and Lee Press, of the band, Ekra, at their studio in LIC,” she said.

Besides music, Boes expresses her creativity through photography and painting.

Both her mother and brother are painters, so the skill runs in the family. Photography started with her taking shots of bands onstage and it grew from there.

“Photography was a hobby of mine for many years. Just this past year or so, I posted some of those photos on Facebook and friends and fans alike took an interest,” she said. “It was just a natural progression to do it professionally, and I haven’t turned back.”

For the rest of 2014, Boes will be working on a new album and trying to fulfill a lifelong dream of appearing on “The Late Show With David Letterman.”

You can catch her performing live at Flushing Town Hall on June 5 and at The Shillelagh Tavern with Kayla O’Keefe on Aug. 2.

To keep up with the latest from Boes, visit www.jeanneboes.com.

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$1900/mo. Fully renov, 3 BR, 1 full bath, large backyard.

Immed occup. Programs OK.

Owner 646-246-3518

Want 2 Buy

♫ Old Records 33s-45s-78s

♪

Doo-Wop - Rock & Roll - Heavy Metal - Punk Disco - Latin - Blue Grass - Reggae/Calypso Soul - Blues - Jazz - Gospel - Ethnic Music Foreign Film soundtracks No Top Hitmaking Artists or Classical Charlie 516-612-2009

Want 2 Buy LOOK

Security

SECURITY GUARDS

No Exp. Nec. No License Req’d Will Train. Up to $15/Hr Call: 212-248-4800

Boiler Service

BOILER MAN

Installations • Water Heaters Repairs • Basement Heat Conversions • Separarte Zones Oil Tanks • Air Conditioners Household Renovations

516-815-8510

Nassau/Suffolk

ROOSEVELT Totally Renov.

3 BR Colonial, full Bsmt w/sep ent.

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

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

Construction

NUNEZ CONSTRUCTION

We Specialize In Crack Repairs also Ceiling, Wall Repairs & Painting

EXPERT WORK ON STOOPS BRICK, BLOCK & CONCRETE

7 Days, Lowest Prices Free Estimate Licensed & Insured

718-219-1257 nunezforu.com Member of Angie’s List A Rating

Old Clocks & Watches Wanted

By Collector, Regardless of Condition - Highest Prices Paid 917-748-7225

PLACE YOUR AD 718-357-7400 ext 151

Publishing

Publishing

Psychic

Psychic

RAY INC.

Home Imprv.

Home Imprv.

Specialist In Home Improvement We Do Roofing Hot & Cold IF E Gutters & Leaders IC R P E TH IGHT Chimneys Repair & Replace R T O N IS E IT Any Drain Cleaning WE MAK T H RIG Kitchen & Bath Tiles, Bonded. Lic & Insured

917-340-9623 718-756-8023

Pest Control

Pest Control

Blackcurrant Blackcurrant Press Company Press Company

contact@blackcurrantpress.com

You can put your book on the shelf.

Publish your book on-line here!

$295 PACKAGE DEAL

paperback, hardcover, fiction, non-fiction www.blackcurrantpress.com

PLACE YOUR AD HERE 718-357-7400 Ext. 151

Borrow a Google Nexus Tablet at Queens Library!

FREE!

Easy to use, for beginners and experienced users.

Available at:

Queens Library at Arverne 312 Beach 54 Street

N OW ! a l

At Centry Li b r a r a i n J a m a ic

Queens Library at Broad Channel 16-26 Cross Bay Boulevard Queens Library at Central 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica Queens Library at Far Rockaway 1637 Central Avenue Queens Library at Howard Beach 92-06 156th Avenue Queens Library at Seaside 116-15 Rockaway Beach Boulevard

Take it home.

Discover!

Explore!

Queens Library for Teens 2002 Cornaga Avenue Queens Library at Peninsula 92-25 Rockaway Beach Boulevard

Thank you Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, the New York Department of State and Google Inc. for donating Google Tablets to Queens Library for customers to borrow.

www.queenslibrary.org Queens Library is an independent, not-for-profit corporation and is not affiliated with any other library system.

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