Southeast Queens Press Epaper

Volume 12 Issue No. 25 June 24-30, 2011

Page 22

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

30 Years Later

On the anniversary of the discovery of AIDS, the numbers for transmission of the disease are on the rise in Southeast Queens.

By Domenick Rafter…Page 10

Online at www.QueensPress.com

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Senate Stalls On Gay Marriage Bill

BY DOMENICK RAFTER The battle over rent control regulations and a property tax cap in Albany has extended beyond the expected end of the legislative session on June 20 and it has also put on hold a vote on marriage equality, perhaps the most watched legislative issue in the nation right now.

A vote was expected to take place last week, but a delay on a final agreement on rent regulations and a property tax cap postponed discussion in the GOP caucus on a final vote on marriage equality. As of Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos hasn’t decided whether or not to hold a vote, and activists on both sides have spent the last week in the halls of the State Capitol in competing chants, meetings, songs and messages.

In an effort to force the Republican majority’s hand on rent control regulations, Senate Democrats voted against a temporary extension of rent control laws last Thursday when the current laws were set to expire. The move backfired and the extensions failed. The move led to an extension being passed later and high-drama negotiations throughout the weekend.

Though a final deal appeared to be reached Tuesday night, many in the Assembly Democratic caucus, especially those representing poor and middle-class neighbors with a lot of renters, were unhappy with the final deal on rent control regulations; as of press time, final votes on those issues were expected Wednesday evening.

On marriage equality, Senate Republi-

cans are also concerned about religious exemptions in the bill. Undecided Republicans like Sens. Greg Ball (R-Hudson Valley), Mark Grisanti (R-Buffalo) and Andrew Lanza (R-Staten Island) have both said they were concerned that religious exemptions in the bill don’t go far enough. Senate Republicans have repeatedly met with Gov. Andrew Cuomo on those exemptions.

The Marriage Equality bill has 31 supporters, all but one Democrat and two Upstate Republicans – Jim Alesi (R-Rochester) and Roy McDonald (R-Saratoga Springs) – meaning it is one vote shy of passage. However, a handful of Republican senators remain uncommitted. If the final vote is 31-31, the bill would fail because Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy does not have a tie-breaking vote on legislative matters.

The bill, which passed the State Assembly last Wednesday, has attracted national attention. If it is passed, New York State would become the sixth and largest state to allow same-sex couples to wed and it would be the first time such a bill has passed a Republican-controlled legislative body.

Marriage equality has been passed legislatively in Vermont, New Hampshire, Washington D.C. and Maine, all by Democratic-controlled legislatures. Maine’s bill was never enacted because it was vetoed by a public referendum in 2009. Massachusetts, Iowa and Connecticut also allow same-sex couples to wed. Those decisions were handed down by state courts.

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

Linden Blvd. Switch To Fix Floods

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

minimize the impact on the community.

He said the streets are in need of garbage receptacles and bus shelters.

"I don't want to stop the project because the project needs to be done," Comrie said, adding that the community made "reasonable and necessary requests" to mitigate the project's effects.

Comrie said he expects the changes to be in place by Thursday. Comrie set up a

tentative meeting at 5 p.m. on Friday, at the Guy R. Brewer Democratic Club to inform the residents of the project's status.

In the end, Mack acquiesced that if the community's requests were implemented

by Friday, the project would go ahead without a fight.

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

Discover Jamaica:

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall and Queens Library Director Tom Galante watch youngsters learn how electricity is generated with one of the science exhibits at the library’s Children’s Discovery Center in Jamaica, Monday, June 13. The Discovery Center, which has not yet officially opened, conducted a tour for donors and corporate supporters of the facility. Marshalls' office provided $16 million in capital discretionary funds for the center.

June 24-30, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

For the next three months, a stretch of Linden Boulevard will be converted to a one-way street between Farmers Boulevard and 195th St., which the City said will allow it to address flooding issues plaguing the area.

The conversion will last from June 27 to Sept. 23. The detour will encompass an eight-block swath of streetscape and increase traffic on neighborhood side streets.

The actual project will be implemented on Linden Boulevard from 191st Street to 193rd Street.

The detour is being instituted to outfit the neighborhood with a storm sewer extension and distribution water mains, which would improve water delivery and alleviate street flooding.

"This has been a long-time project," said Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans).

Matthew Monahan, a representative from the Department of Design and Construction, said the temporary one-way conversion makes upgrading the infrastructure possible.

Linden Boulevard is 40 feet wide, with each lane consuming eight feet. Monahan said workers will build an eight foot trench to install the sewers.

"The math makes it impossible to maintain two-way traffic because of the width of the road," he said.

At a town hall meeting on Tuesday, residents who would be affected by the detour were angry about the possible inconvenience.

"They are not looking at the neighborhood," said Kevin Lewis, Q4 bus driver and area resident. "They are looking at the easiest way."

Residents were concerned that the excess traffic on the back streets, claiming the added people and fumes from the buses would jeopardize their quality of life.

Stephen New, a four-year resident of the area, said that 194th Street and 116th Avenue is a currently a traffic trouble zone

without the changes. He said in the last four years there have been at least 22 accidents and 13 this year alone. The latest accident happened on Saturday when a car careened of the street and hit a tree, saving New and his family from sudden death.

Residents asked for additional traffic signs to prepare the area for the impending project. Some of the signage and allowances attendees asked for included: a four-way stop sign on 194th Street and 116th Avenue; temporarily converting 197th Street into a one way going north; and converting 198th Street to a one-way going south.

A meeting attendee fretted because she was unaware of the project and a downgrade in quality of life changes would go into effect six days later.

"To come to us a week before […] it is as if we are not taxpayers," she said.

Many participants said they were unaware of project or the changes prior to the town hall meeting.

Bryan Block, Community Board 13 chairman, said the DDC is supposed to give a community due notice before beginning a project.

"You gentlemen are in violation of Chapter 70 of the City Charter," he bellowed.

"We issued our standard notices during the pre-design phase of the project about a year ago," Monahan said.

Comrie said project notices usually trickle down through the community board, but because CB12's District Manger Yvonne Reddick has been recovering from a car accident since early April, the information was not disseminated to the community.

Local resident Lawrence Mack called on Comrie to stall the project until the community was briefed about its specifics.

"If we don't get what we want, we will go to the court system," Mack said. "You don't have to swallow what you don't want. You just have to find a method."

Mack said there were a lot of services that are not included in the project to

Graduation Rates Up, But Education Down

BY JASON BANREY

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 24-30, 2011

has focused on the statistics as opposed to what’s going on inside the schools.”

In response to what he calls “the myth of rising graduation rates,” Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest) last week recirculated a bill which he believes would ensure that the passing scores students achieve on Regents exams will indicate their ability to graduate.

The “Regents Real Readiness Act” would establish a passing score on the

basic math and English Regents exams, which in the determination of the commissioner, would indicate a readiness for postsecondary education.

“Our kids deserve to graduate high school with something more than a piece of paper,” Lancman said. “They deserve to be prepared for college.”

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

Officer Injured: Photo by Michael VonDerLieth

In the last decade, the New York City public high school graduation rate has risen, though many incoming college freshman have found themselves unprepared for the rigors of higher education.

According to the State Education Dept., the number of City students who graduated in 2010 was up 2 percent, hitting a new all-time high of 61 percent, compared to those who graduated in 2009.

On June 14, Bloomberg and City school officials announced the newly-published graduation statistics as evidence of the City’s effort to hold schools accountable for how well they prepared students for life after high school, showing that the overall gains were substantial proof that the City’s strategy of replacing low-performing schools with new, smaller schools has fostered results.

Bloomberg acknowledged the City’s efforts to sustain graduation rates at a time of transition.

“These new high school graduation rates are proof positive that the reforms we’ve adopted and the investments we’ve made are paying off in a big way.” Bloomberg said.

Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott hailed the announcement as a testament to the effectiveness of the new school models, which he said provided students with the “guidance they might not have otherwise received.”

City DOE numbers, when counting students who graduated in August, said

schools created since 2002 have an average graduation rate of 65.7 percent compared to 46.1 percent of schools on the list to be phased out.

According to the state, however, only 21 percent of last year’s graduates finished with high enough scores on state math and English tests to be deemed prepared for college or vocational studies.

Despite the rosy City statistics, the United Federation of Teachers continues to argue that Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s administration should focus on assisting schools in the process of performing better as opposed to shutting them down.

Some union representatives say the City’s portrayal of steadily increasing graduation rates is skewed, saying that “the Dept. of Education is not dealing with the reality of the situation.”

“What is concerning is the tone that the [DOE] has set for the last few years,” said James Vasquez, Queens High School District Representative for the UFT. “It has created concerns where too much pressure has been placed on teachers, administrators and students to achieve adequate graduation rates.”

Although the statistics do show an improvement in graduation rates, Vasquez pointed out the important fact that fewer students are prepared for college.

“Of course they are accumulating the credit they need to graduate,” Vasquez said. “But if they are not prepared for college, the presentation of these statistics are obviously misguided. The [DOE]

On Sunday afternoon, a police car overturned at Fresh Meadow Lane and 67th Avenue in Fresh Meadows, trapping an officer inside. NYPD Emergency Services were able to remove him and he was transported to New York Hospital Queens by FDNY EMS, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. His identity has not been released.

Group Wants PS 30’s Day In Court

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

Hoping to staunch the phase out of PS 30, a small group of teachers, parents community residents and representatives of the National Action Network gathered to discuss options on Thursday.

"The problem is we are no longer dealing with equal education in the public school," said Adrienne Adams, a member of Community Board 12.

PS 30 is one of 22 schools the Dept. of Education has slated for phase out. According to the DOE, a school review revealed that 27 percent of students were on grade level in English Language Arts and only 31 percent in math last year. The stats paint a picture of a school that is one of the lowest performing in the City.

"The department believes in a drastic intervention […] gradual phase out and eventual closure of the school," said Marc Sternberg, deputy chancellor of portfolio planning at a May public hearing. Sternberg continued that PS 30's scores declined from 2009 and it is the lowest performing school in District 28.

PS 30 will no longer admit kindergarten and first grade students beginning in the fall.

New school, PS 354, would open in September and students ranging from kindergarten to first grade would be guaranteed a seat.

Principal Dwayne Crowder refutes the DOE's claims that PS 30 is a failing school, and teachers rebuffed the notion that DOE has assisted them in improving the school.

"We have not gotten the reason for why we are closing," Crowder said. "The past few years, we have made progress.

What they are saying about our school does not fit with the numbers."

Meeting attendees discussed whether or not they should attach their plight to an existing lawsuit filed by the United Federa-

tion of Teachers and NAACP or file an individual lawsuit on PS 30's behalf. The lawsuit, which was filed in May, is the second in as many years to stop the phase out process and the collocation of 18 schools.

The Rev. Charles Norris beseeched participants to ask for inclusion in the existing suit.

"No matter what you do, DOE is going

to override it and do whatever they want to do," he said. "I wouldn't institute a separate lawsuit. That is division."

The group is seeking to affix PS 30 to the existing suit.

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

A Return For Gun Buy-Back

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

With gun violence rampant on city streets, officials announced a Public-Private Partnership Gun Buy-Back Program on Sunday.

"How many more tears must be shed for innocent loved ones caught in the crossfire of illegal guns before we get these weapons off our city streets for good?" asked President of Teamsters Local 237, IBT Gregory Floyd. "What better day than Father's Day to call on all fathers - and mothers too - to come together in support of the P-3 Gun Buy-Back program."

Though there is not a date set for the program, the P-3 Gun Buy-Back program will expand the outreach of Operation S.N.U.G., a statewide grassroots community initiative. The private sector and unions will act as the financial arms of the program; clergy and law enforcement will be geared

State Sen. Malcolm Smith announces the P-3 Gun Buy-Back Program. towards outreach and implementation.

"Killings and other types of violence continue to be a challenge for inner-city and other communities across America," said State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Hollis). "According to data tables regarding crime in the United States prepared by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, New York State had the third highest total for gun-related murders in the country as of earlier this year."

Of the 536 murders that occurred in New

York City last year, 61 percent of victims were felled by the barrel of a gun. Throughout the City, Queens ranked third, with 19 percent, and Southeast Queens was the hotbed for homicides within the borough. From Jan. 1 to Oct. 14, there were at least 40 murders.

"Getting guns off the street and reducing crime has always been a top priority of my office," said Queens DA Richard Brown.

"I applaud State Senator Malcolm Smith for his efforts in trying to help to curb gun violence by finding the funding for what we know is an effective weapon in the fight against crime: a gun buy-back program. A public-private partnership is a smart way to keep this program afloat during these tough economic times and gives those in the private sector a meaningful way to give back to the communities where they do business."

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

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June 24-30, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

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

In Our Opinion: Brenda Jones Executive Editor:

Brian Rafferty Deputy Editor:

Joseph Orovic Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

One of the biggest problems facing Albany is what insiders refer to as The Big Ugly. After months of cordiality and polite behavior, a swift series of bills is hastily agreed upon with secret, expensive deals buried in their texts; the state gives away billions of dollars and our children’s pensions; the lawmakers agree to the whims of their political masters; and promises are made to make one party not look so bad while the other is allowed to look good – and vice versa.

It’s like having a group of kids stand around a piñata at a birthday party, telling each other how they’re best friends with the kid and how they clearly don’t want to mess up their hair or get dirt on their shoes; but suddenly, after the cake is cut and birthday wishes are bestowed, the kids attack the piñata all at once, bashing it – and each other – with sticks and then diving in to see who can go home with the most candy in their arms while suffering the least amount of damage – all the while trying to come across as good girls and boys so they get invited to the party again next year.

And who suffers? The kid who invited these so-called friends in the first place.

The Big Ugly is designed to be a distraction, it is intended to be confusing, and its ultimate goal is to grab more power and prestige. And it is just what its name implies – big and ugly.

Welcome to Albany.

Shiek Mohamed

Letters

Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Harley Benson Sasha Austrie Domenick Rafter Jason Banrey

Art Dept:

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

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 24-30, 2011

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2011 Tribco, LLC

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

Decision Time To The Editor: With all New York’s problems – loss of jobs, high taxes and out of control spending – Gov. Cuomo’s answer is gay marriage.

Clearly this governor has too much time on his hands.

Common sense, tradition and morals tells us marriage is between a man and woman. That’s not

good enough for Gov. Cuomo and the secular progressive movement. Even California, with all the left-wing loonies, failed to legalize gay marriage. Unfortunately, New York may succeed where California failed. New York is teetering on economic bankruptcy; must we be morally bankrupt as well?

Practically, gay marriage will

Letters open the door for fraud and litigation. Heterosexuals could enter into same-sex marriages for health insurance coverage and other shared benefits. If you have samesex marriages, inevitably there will be same-sex divorces and other legal issues. New Yorkers are hurting economically like the rest of the nation, Gov. Cuomo and the state legislature’s recipe is more fraud and litigation, as if we do not already have enough. Do not be surprised when more businesses leave the state.

What is most disturbing is our State Sen. Joseph Addabbo has flip flopped from his 2009 position opposing same-sex marriage. Now Addabbo supports same-sex marriage even though it is contrary to his beliefs. His reasoning is a poll conducted through his office indicates strong support for same-sex marriage among his constituency.

I doubt it Senator. Is it too much to ask that Addabbo stands up for what he says he believes in? Taking a stand is leadership. Capitulating to the Governor and your party, well that’s what career politicians do. Its decision time Senator.

Michael Mossa, Howard Beach

Trying Times To The Editor: An open letter to the State Senate: In 1776, Thomas Paine wrote, “These are the times that try men’s

souls,” and certainly, the issues that need to be resolved before this session ends hold the same weight that Thomas Paine’s words expressed at the birth of America.

Unfair taxation caused a revolution that changed the world, and burdensome taxation in New York State is currently causing the demise of our state. The Census numbers show the steady decline in population as people flee to states with less taxation, mandates and nanny state government. We have lost 18 Congressional Seats over the past 50 years and when the lines are redrawn, we will be at the lowest number since 1823.

Carving out exceptions in a proposed law to change the definition of marriage will do nothing to protect the small businesses that will be affected by yet another mandate and could force more businesses to leave the state.

In these trying times, I urge you to focus on making the changes that will benefit all New Yorkers by creating a business climate that encourages job growth, not one that encourages trial lawyers. Don’t fall prey to the unintended consequences that will result if the definition of marriage is changed.

These are trying times and it is in your hands to do what is right for all of society.

Michael R. Long State Chairman, Conservative Party

Big Man’s Death Should Make Us Pause A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE

By now most people who read this space know I am a major music fan, and last Saturday music lost one of its great talents.

Needless to say, I was a fan.

Clarence Clemmons, affectionately known as the "Big Man" to Bruce Springsteen fans everywhere, was the quintessential "side man," a musician famous for his skills on his instrument of choice, helping create the sound of "the star." Clemmons played the saxophone the way Chuck Berry describes "Johnny B. Goode's" guitar playing: "like a ringin' a bell."

So important are the side men that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame began inducting them right along the known stars such as Chuck Berry and Otis Redding and who can forget James Brown's Maceo Parker? Some day the Big Man will also be inducted, and so will "Little" Steven Van Zandt, Springsteen's other immediate side kick who plays a mean guitar.

When Springsteen introduced his famous E Street Band during shows he invariably saved Clemmons for last, building him up like a secondary star of the

show. The Big Man would step forward grinning, saxophone at the ready and the audience would go wild. Everyone loved him and that was partly because Springsteen loved him first - and the two created magic on stage.

Clemmons was a rare sideman who also pursued his own independent career, releasing an album in the '80s during hiatus from the E Street Band. It contained a hit duet with Jackson Browne ("You're a Friend of Mine") and his fans were everyone who loves Springsteen because he was an essential part of the Springsteen sound. The governor of New Jersey - the band's home state -- even called for a lowering of the flag in tribute to the Virginia-born sax man. That's quite an honor.

So what toppled the Big Man? It was "complications from a stroke" and that is a major problem in the African American community."

Clemmons, who was 69, suffered from high blood pressure (hypertension) and had "a massive stroke" a week before passing away in a Florida hospital. The day he died thousands of others we will never know of also died from hypertension. Too often we don't fol-

low up on doctors' orders to eliminate bad habits like too much salt, too much stress, too much fat and a host of other bad habits to which we are prone. And quite often we don't even know we have it, hence the term, "the silent killer."

Sometimes people don't have health coverage to even get diagnosed with the insidious disease, so it sits there like a time bomb. This is an epidemic in our community, but there are opportunities to at least find out if we have the disease.

We need to take advantage of the dozens of community health fairs in our communities every year. Elected officials, churches, The Links as well as civic organizations and sororities are always sponsoring health fairs. We need to get screened for illnesses so we can take whatever measures we can to deal with them.

Some require a change or small adjustment in our diet as well as some extra exercise; and other times it may be something that requires major treatment. But the first step is to find out - and that we can do at no cost at a community health fair.

Clarence Clemmons had the wherewithal to seek medical at-

tention; but we don't know if he was following doctors' orders to the letter. The result seems to say he wasn't. Old habits do die hard.

The death of a celebrity by a controllable disease is always an opportunity to revisit the conversation. Some people lead very healthful lives while others have weaknesses. No one is perfect. Our weakness may be something as simple as salt. It's a hard habit to break, but if it makes us sick then we have to at least limit the amount.

We also have to realize that we cannot consume anything at 40, 50 and beyond the same way we did at 16. We all loved chips as children, but they're loaded with salt. We have to give that up in the name of health as we get older. There are countless other bad habits that lead to hypertension - including unnecessary stress. We just have to be more cognizant of our habits. We all have at least one. Mine is indeed the salt grinder.

Seeing a great talent taken from us prematurely is a sad reminder of what the consequences are.

Rest in peace, Big Man. Your talent and memory live on in the music.

Weiner Self-Destructs; Turns Out We Didn’t Know Ye

By HENRY STERN We watched Congre ssma n Anthony Weiner’s four-minute swan song, in which he showed the skills he had honed over 20 years as a public official. The Council Center for Seniors in Sheepshead Bay was crowded with over 100 reporters and 40 TV cameras, a larger media scrum than he had ever assembled while he was politically alive. It made more than one viewer wistful for what Weiner might have been able to do for New York if he had had h is head screwed on right.

Unfor tunately, beneat h h is “YAVIS” exterior (Young, Attractive, Verbal, Intelligent and Successful) there lay a nest of aggression and insecurity so deep that the Congressman propelled himself into a prolonged and repeated pattern of personal behavior which is completely inconsistent with acting as a tribune of the people in a democracy.

Who can say what any of us have in our minds? Mostly, we wisely keep our thoughts to ourselves, particularly if they are socially or politically unacceptable.

For an elected official to engage in reckless conversations with numerous strangers, while identifying himself to them as a Member of Congress, a substantial part of his mind must have wanted to be discovered and for the charade to end.

When last month he inadvertently pressed ‘reply to all’ and set off the firestorm which devoured his career, he was possibly, at one

level or another, opting out of a lifestyle which, to say the least, papered over a conflicted brain.

Although he was no genius, Weiner was a smart, diligent and basically moderate politician.

He had the potential to be the outer borough Henry middle-class successor to the Manhattan aristoi. He had difficulties with his staff, but that is not unusual when intense, demanding and self-important public officials employ decent, honorable people at modest wages who are unprepared to calibrate their lives to their boss’s ambitions. That is putting it in a kind way, but today is not the day to jump on a man who has just departed a life that he may find more precious than his own.

Weiner first ran for Mayor in 2005, and adroitly dropped out, leaving the thankless task of taking on Mayor Mike Bloomberg to Fernando Ferrer. He was considered a likely candidate in 2009, but deferred to Comptroller Bill Thompson after the Mayor and City Council extended term limits. One line I recall being bruited about in those days, less than three years ago, is that Bloomberg was repor tedly willing to spend $100 milllion on his campaign, of which $20 million could be spent on “oppo research”, digging up dirt on his rivals. That was far more than would have been needed to discover Congressman Weiner’s indiscretions,

so the rest of the $20 mil could have been spent on enough media to ensure t hat al l Ne w Yorkers could consider the fruits of the negative research.

Probably the Mayor didn’t threaten to do that, just as Marie Antoinet te never said: “Let them eat Stern cake.” But if enough people say you said it, or think you said it, or think it reflects your views, it can lead to a one-way ride on a tumbrel.

The teachable moment that emerges from this personal tragedy and public farce is that, with many people who we think of as leaders, emotion can overpower reason, and people can and do perform incredibly self-destructive acts. When one such person gains access to a weapon of mass destruction, our civilization will be at stake. We should do our best to minimize that possibility.

Bertrand Russell (1872-1970) said in 1962, “Since Adam and Eve ate the apple, man has never refrained from any folly of which he was capable.” Lord Russell, who won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1950 and was regarded as a brilliant philosopher and mathematician, was forbidden to teach at the City College of New York in 1940 by a lower court decision which objected to his views on sex outside of marriage. Mayor Fiorella LaGuardia refused to appeal despite pleas from Alber t Einstein and John Dewey, among other

individuals considered wise.

LaGuardia was running for a third term (which was then allowed by the City Charter) in 1941. Russell was an avowed atheist, which gave offense to many believers.

Anthony Weiner’s self-destructive behavior was not a threat to world peace. It was a ticking time bomb, but he and those who love him, are the only victims. Nonetheless, it should be a wake-up call for those seeking an hone st, rational, perceptive and moderate candidate to run for Mayor of the City of New York in 2013, which is not as far off

as people may believe.

Those intere sted should be judged on their character and achievements, rather than their promises, intrigues, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. The same principle that forbids discrimination on those bases should also forbid favoritism on the basis of what is called “identity politics”.

The amount of money that each man or woman has already collected from those who hope to benefit by their election should not overwhelm merit as the basis for choice between candidates.

StarQuest@NYCivic.org

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

June 24-30, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Police Blotter Compiled by DOMENICK RAFTER

109th Precinct Fatal Stabbing On Wednesday, June 15, at approximately 11:34 p.m., police responded to a call of a man stabbed at the corner of 124th Street and 22nd Avenue in College Point. Upon arrival, responding officers discovered the victim, Javaun Hooper, 25, of 137-40 45th Ave., Apt. 6C in Flushing, stabbed in the torso.

EMS also responded to the scene and transported the victim to New York Hospital Queens where he was pronounced dead on arrival. There were no arrests and the investigation was ongoing.

Child Assaulted The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in identifying a man wanted for a sexual assault in Flushing.

On Monday, June 20, at approximately 5:19 a.m., the suspect entered the second floor of a residence Police are looking in Flushing. Once in- for this man wanted side, the suspect for a sex assault on sexually assaulted the a child in Flushing. victim, an 8-year-old Asian girl, and then fled the scene. The victim was removed to an area hospital where she was treated and released.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic man, 20 to 30 years old, approximately 5-foot-7 with a thin build, black hair and a light colored drawstring backpack Anyone with information in regards to this sexual assault is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800)577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

113th Precinct Attempted Robbery The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance with the whereabouts and identity of a man wanted in connection with an attempted robbery in Springfield Gardens.

On Friday, June 10, at approximately 3:05 p.m., a man entered a dry cleaners at 138-16 Farmers Blvd. in Springfield Gardens with garments in hand and placed them on the counter. The suspect then displayed a gun and demanded money. A struggle ensued and the suspect shot the victim in the torso. The victim was taken to Jamaica Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The suspect f led northbound on Farmers Boulevard.

The suspect is described as a black man, approximately 5-foot-7, 150 lbs. and last seen wearing black/navy baseball cap with a red brim, gray cargo shorts, blue or black sneakers

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800)-577TIPS. The public can also submit their tips

by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

Guns, Drugs Reeled In As DA Hits Crime Net

BY DOMENICK RAFTER More than 50 people were arrested in Southeast Queens on a laundry list of drug and violent crime charges after authorities took down a notorious street gang based in Far Rockaway. The sweep was a segment of a year-long investigation and part of a larger drug bust citywide that netted more than 140 suspects.

The Far Rockaway-based Gang of Apes allegedly engaged in drug-related activities that the District Attorney’s office said netted them more than $10,000 per week in revenue. The investigation, conducted jointed by NYPD and the DA’s office, lasted 14 months and resulted in the seizure of $35,000, a dozen firearms, and six kilos of illegal drugs. Police and prosecutors utilized a combination of investigative means, including extensive physical surveillance, wiretaps and search warrants.

“Police and prosecutors have put a virtual stranglehold on this highly unified

and criminally active street gang by not only taking down their leaders and other high ranking members but their drug suppliers and customers – as well as other non-gang drug traffickers,” said Queens DA Richard Brown. “For too long, these gang members have poisoned our streets with narcotics and put fear into the daily lives of innocent people.”

The investigation began after the NYPD and the Queens DA’s office took down the Flocc street gang in April 2010.

Authorities say the Gang of Apes were likely trying to step into Flocc’s shoes in Far Rockaway.

“The 56 individuals arrested during this investigation include numerous career criminals who used violence to further their drug trade in Far Rockaway,” said NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly. “Many of the individuals are also gang members who committed crimes ranging from attempted murder and weapons possession to burglary and robbery.”

Borough Beat

Citi Field Hosts Its First Graduation

BY JASON COHEN

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 24-30, 2011

PRESS Photos By Ira Cohen

After losing last Monday to the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, the Mets headed to Atlanta for a three-game road trip with the Braves. But on Tuesday morning, Citi Field was far from empty; for the first time, it hosted a college graduation.

Touro College held its commencement ceremonies for its graduate Touro grads fill up the third base side of the field level. schools where Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes play. The school has approximately 19,000 students that study thousand people. at campuses throughout the City, but "We're very much looking forward to there are also campuses in California, Is- this," he said in the hours that preceded rael, Florida and Paris. Most of the stu- the cermony. dents that graduated were in the mediDr. Michael Shmidman, dean of Jewcal, education and Jewish Studies fields. ish Studies, said he was very proud of his A total of 3,000 students were expected students. He has been teaching at Touro to have graduated and an additional 6,000 for 30 years and said this graduation is a family and friends were estimated to be unique experience. in attendance.

"We never linked together graduating In the past, the school has had held and baseball," he said. graduations in major New York landmarks One of his students, Shaindel like the Brooklyn Museum and Carnegie Markowitz, of Kew Gardens Hills, said she Hall. President and CEO Alan Kadish was extremely excited about graduation, said the school wanted a big, friendly, fun but a bit nervous because she was speakplace that could accommodate several ing in front of thousands of people. She

she said she wasn't nervous, but eager to speak.

"I always knew I was going to help children," Friedman said.

A future doctor from the Bronx, Rosemary Garcia, who graduated with the Health and Science class, said she was nervous and excited about speaking, but looking forward to medical school at Touro. Unlike the other two girls who had about a month to prepare School dignitaries file in to the second base stage. their speech, Garcia only found out a week earlier that she would be speaking.

"I was forced to do it," she joked. "I said she hopes to continue her studies and put them into practice in the future. work better under pressure."

Although Garcia is from the Bronx, evHaving the graduation at Citi Field hit home for her as well. eryone in her family (except her) bleeds "My husband's family is all Mets fans; blue and orange; Garcia prefers the Bronx he was very excited," Markowitz said, Bombers.

For the Yankee fan speaking in front adding a slight jab: "It's probably the biggest crowds they'll get all year." of thousands on her graduation day at Chaya Friedman, 29, a resident of home of her crosstown rival, she was still Brooklyn, spoke on behalf of the social able to share her dream - to be an emerwork graduating class. She will be con- gency room doctor.

"I can't see myself doing anything tinuing her graduate assistantship at Sephardic Bikur Holim, a social services else," Garcia said. agency in Brooklyn that deals with chilReach Intern Jason Cohen at dren with mental health issues. Although jcohen@queenstribune.com or (718) 357Citi Field is quite large and impressive, 7400, Ext. 124.

News Briefs 'Where's The Mayor' Bill Still perturbed by the mayor's initial absence during last December's crippling snowstorm, Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) wants to now make hizzoner's whereabouts public.

Last week, Vallone introduced a bill to the City Council which would require mayors to report to the city clerk when they are more than 250 miles from the city for more than 24 hours, as well as when they leave the continent.

Last year, as a December blizzard buried the city in two feet of snow, Mayor Mike Bloomberg was reportedly visiting his vacation home in Bermuda. At the outset, city officials scrambled to gain control and manage the depth of the snowy situation, which left many local politicians and civic leaders questioning the hierarchy within the mayor's administration when he is not at the helm.

As the aftermath of one of the city's worst snowstorms slowly settled, Vallone became an outspoken critic of how the City handled the overwhelming blizzard; much of his constituency was left out in the cold, unplowed for days after the storm.

"Who is in charge when the mayor isn't here," asked Vallone. "The public should know that information at all times."

According to Vallone, last year's whiteout not only highlighted a breakdown in the city's chain of command, but it also emphasized the need of an efficient, coordinated communication system between city officials.

That lack of communication left Vallone envisioning the inevitable flaws within city agencies to relay pertinent information, especially in the event of a mass terrorist attack.

"We can't waste time during a 9/11type attack trying to figure out who has the right to give orders right here on the streets of Manhattan," Vallone said. "In that scenario, we need to know who has that power here in New York City."

Although the City Charter states the Public Advocate in is charge in the mayor's absence, Bloomberg filed an executive order which puts the deputy mayor in charge in his absence.

Vallone noted that the bill is not directly aimed at Bloomberg and stressed its passage was about establishing rules for communication in the future.

AT&T Meets With Chamber

Junior's May Delay Bypass More than a year after the Dept. of Transportation proposed the Maspeth Bypass, a final plan has been proposed, but twice in two months Community Board 5 has postponed a vote on the plan because of concerns from local businesses, putting in question whether or not it will be implemented this year.

The plan, put together in order to steer truck traffic away from Grand and Flushing Avenues, routes truck traffic between the LIE and Brooklyn down 58th Street and Maurice Avenue, through industrial West Maspeth.

But that plan requires a redesign of a fivelegged intersection at Maspeth Avenue, 58th Street, Maurice Avenue, 57th Place and 58th Terrace. The plan would essentially get rid of the intersection and make Maurice Avenue a one-way northbound between the intersection and 55th Drive and 58th Street, a one-way southbound between 55th Drive and the intersection.

The redesign did not sit well with business owners at and around the intersection, so CB 5 voted to table a final decision last month and the DOT met with business owners to work out concerns.

Though most of those concerns were resolved, one company, Junior's Cheesecake, had a conflict. The change in direction on Maurice Avenue would make it impossible for their delivery trucks to access their loading docks. At the June 15 CB 5 meeting, an attorney for Junior's told the board that if the plan is implemented, the company would be forced to move to New Jersey.

Greening Forest Hills A group of green-minded Forest Hills denizens are exploring ways to bring environmentally-conscious ideas to their neighborhood.

Sustainable Forest Hills, headed by local lawyer Eric Molyneux, held its first general interest meeting on June 16 at the Central Queens Y on 108th Street, where the small group brainstormed ideas for greening Forest Hills.

"The group is in its infancy," said Molyneux. Sustainable Forest Hills, he explained, is the local contribution to the Transition movement, a global initiative aimed at easing the public off fossil fuels and establishing localized, self-containing economies.

"Our government doesn't really help us and our business models are a problem," Molyneux said.

The meeting was also attended by Forest Hills resident Dan Miner, former chairman of Sierra Club NYC. The group decided to talk to GrowNYC about finding a central location for a good famers market in the neighborhood. They also discussed holding trash cleanup events and community composting sites.

The group also discussed long term projects, including seeking to transform the abandoned Rockaway LIRR line, which runs parallel to Woodhaven Boulevard in Rego Park and Forest Hills, into a bike or walking path similar to the High Line in Manhattan. Similar ideas have been discussed in South Queens where the same abandoned line stands in Richmond Hill, Woodhaven and Ozone Park.

June 24-30, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

AT&T, often under fire by it users for its dropped signals, came to Queens last week to explain how it is trying to keep its existing customers and reach out and touch new ones.

AT&T New York President Hal Lenox addressed members of the Queens Chamber of Commerce Information and Technology Committee on June 16 to also talk about how the company gives back to the community.

Nestled in a conference room of the Bulova Corporate Center in Jackson Heights, Lenox revealed that the company saw a growth of 8,000 percent within the past five years and will expect an increase of eight to 10 times as much in the next couple of years.

To reach its goal, AT&T has been investing $1 billion a day upgrading the network since 2010; it recently launched three new cell sites in Queens and tripled the amount of radio spectrum providing broadband capacity in the borough. It also plans to add radio frequency capacity, to

efficiently manage spectrum and increase mobile broadband capacity.

30 Years Of AIDS:

Less Of A Death Sentence In Boro, But Infections Up In Poorest Areas

covers your expenses and the job may not offer it," Glotzer explained.

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

It was 30 years ago this month that the Centers for Disease Control discovered an unusual strain of pneumonia in five gay men in Los Angeles. The strange illness unmasked itself over the course of the next few years in healthy men in Los Angeles, San Francisco and eventually in New York City.

Because it originally seemed exclusive to gay men, the disease was originally termed Gay-Related Immune Deficiency (GRID), but it later got its well-known name; Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Investing In Prevention

A Pandemic Grows In its first years, lack of information about the causes and means of infection led to a stigma about the disease. Early panic about the pandemic led to isolation of AIDS patients. In the years since, many organizations have developed strategies aimed at educating the public about the disease and offering help to those in need.

AIDS came even further into prominence when celebrities like Magic Johnson and Arthur Ashe announced they had the disease. After the death of Rock Hudson from AIDS, the disease became a talked about subject on episodes of TV shows like "St. Elsewhere" and "The Golden Girls," movies like "Philadelphia," and even Broadway shows like "Rent" and "Angels in America."

Over time, as more facts came out about the illness, fear and anxiety waned and the determination for a cure grew.

In Queens, as in most of the country, AIDS has gone from being the death sentence it was in the 1980s and 1990s to being a chronic illness that is treatable thanks to new drugs - but there are still unknowns, fears, and especially, ignorance. Infection rates continue to rise, even while steps have been taken to educate people about prevention.

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 24-30, 2011

At Risk In Queens There is good news and bad news to tell about the status of HIV/AIDS in the borough 30 years later.

"The good news people are doing better and living longer," said AIDS Center of Queens County Executive Director Philip Glotzer. "The bad news is there are more infections of HIV." The survivability of the disease has gone up dramatically. The number of deaths from AIDS-related illnesses in New York City dropped by more than 70 percent from 1995 to 2009 according to statistics from the NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene, even while the number of people diagnosed with HIV doubled in that time frame.

Glotzer said the increasing numbers of HIV diagnoses are startling among senior citizens and young people.

"For seniors, it's a combination of high-risk activities in their past and the disease materializes after a decade or so," Glotzer explained. "And more seniors engage in sexual activity."

While Astoria-Long Island City saw the highest rates of HIV diagnoses in 2009, economically-depressed areas like Rockaway and Jamaica saw the highest death rates for people living with HIV/AIDS - Statistics from the NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene.

But it's the rise in infections in young people that concerns Glotzer more, even as HIV/AIDS prevention education has become widespread.

ACQC has seen an increase of cases among single mothers, many of whom have unaffected children since AIDS testing became mandatory for pregnant mothers and since the passage of the Baby AIDS Bill, sponsored and championed by former Flushing Assemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn.

Survivable‌ For Some In Queens, the highest rate of HIV diagnoses was reported in Long Island CityAstoria in 2009, followed by Jamaica and West Queens, which the Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene label as the neighborhoods of Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, Corona, Elmhurst, Woodside, Sunnyside and Maspeth.

But the death rate in Long Island CityAstoria for people living with HIV/AIDS is the third lowest in the borough. The highest rate of deaths for people living with the disease was recorded on the Rockaway Peninsula, which has the fourth-highest rate of HIV diagnoses. Jamaica has the

second-highest death rate, followed by Flushing and Southwest Queens (Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill and Woodhaven).

What the numbers show is that while AIDS is a disease that is increasingly becoming survivable, that's not necessarily true in economically-depressed areas like Southeast Queens.

"It's becoming a disease of poverty," Glotzer said.

Some 98 percent of ACQC's clients are poor, 85 percent are minority, and 45 percent are women. Glotzer said the poor are more likely to engage in high-risk activities, like unprotected sex or needle sharing, and tend to be less educated about the risks and not have access to prevention.

HIV/AIDS can also send people into poverty themselves. Health insurance becomes harder to get, and for those who have it, the costs associated with treatment can be astronomical. Even as the fear of AIDS wears off with more education and anti-discrimination laws, employment options are still limited for people with HIV/AIDS. "You might not be able to take a job because you need health insurance that

Since the financial crisis, budget cuts have chipped away at AIDS prevention programs, even at ACQC. "Sometimes the cuts that come make sense at the time," Glotzer said. "In the long term, it's not cost affective" One of ACQC's major programs is its syringe needle-exchange program, which aims to provide drug users with clean needles to prevent them from sharing needles with HIV-infected people. The needle exchange program has three sites: Long Island City, Jamaica and Far Rockaway - all home to the highest rates of HIV diagnoses. Glotzer said the program has been incredibly effective in fighting HIV infections among drug users.

The program has been nationally controversial and seen by some as a tacit endorsement of drug use and a waste of money and other resources that could be used to fight drug addiction, but supporters say it is acknowledging the present reality that drug use contributes to the spread of HIV/AIDS and combats it alongside anti-drug measures.

ACQC also provides a wide-range of services from testing, both in house and in mobile vans and public events, legal aid, and case management.

"It's a one-stop shopping model for our clients," Glotzer explained Prevention is also a big focus. ACQC is just one of many organizations that goes out to schools and other community centers to talk prevention and educate people, especially young people, on the risks of HIV/AIDS and ways to avoid infection. That wasn't always easy however. Houses of worship were once very silent on the issue of HIV/AIDS, but nowadays churches, synagogues and other religious institutions are becoming partners in education and prevention.

Last winter, the city ran a series of controversial television ads that suggested that while HIV is survivable, it often increases the chances of other debilitating diseases like cancer, osteoporosis and dementia.

Ads seen on buses and subways remind riders and passersby that AIDS is "ageless," obviously aimed at the senior population.

But all of this costs money, and in good economic times much of that came from the government. With budgets being cut and no end to the state's fiscal crisis in sight, organizations like ACQC will have to find new, creative ways to serve their clients and spread their message on a lower budget, or risk a health crisis.

"It's a challenging future. Without funding, nothing can really happen," Glotzer said.

"My concern is unless we really reinvest in here, we are really going to be dealing with HIV/AIDS going forward with even more dramatic increases than we're seeing."

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

Southeast Queens Photos Edited By Harley Benson

Forestdale Benefit Forestdale, a Queens nonprofit that provides innovative social services to parents and children in inner-city communities, held its first-ever benefit at the William Bennett Gallery. More than 110 supporters were in attendance, including New York City Council Member James Sanders, Jr.

A special concert was held at the Louis Armstrong House in Corona to kick off Pop-Up Pianos, a citywide initiative to put pianos in public places for public use.

Part of the Sing For Hope project, the program has pianos in Flushing Meadows P a r k , F o r t To t t e n , Jackson Heights, Jamaica's Rufus King Park, the Air Train and other spots in Queens.

Police Jamboree

On June 6, more than 250 young people from 16 Police Athletic League (PAL) Centers across the five boroughs gathered at New York's Police Academy for the second Junior Police Jamboree. The young "recruits" from PAL's Edward Byrne Center in South Jamaica, PS 214 in Flushing and Far Rockaway Beacon and Redfern Cornerstone in Arverne-Far Rockaway displayed projects highlighting leadership qualities and community service.

Councilman James speaks to attendees.

Sanders

Pictured l. to r.: Tannis Fussell, Forestdale Board Chair; Lou Caltavuturo, Forestdale Board Member; Ellen Herman; and Sinead Whelan, Forestdale Benefit Chair.

Rochdale Job Expo

PS 15 Library

Feliz Cumpleanos!

Photo by Ira Cohen

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 24-30, 2011

Councilman Leroy Comrie (seated c.) recently joined students, educators and parents at Public School 15, The Jackie Robinson School, in celebrating the grand reopening of the school library. Furnished with funds from Title 1 funding and school PTA fundraising, the revamped library is now replete with new books, furniture and a fresh coat of paint.

Julio Vicente, born M a y 5 , 1 9 11 i n Guayama, Puerto Rico, met and married Domitia Soto, who died in 1991 after 57 years of marriage. They had 15 children, 11 of whom are still living, and he has 38 grandchildren, 88 great grandchildren and 17 great-great grand children. On May 8 his family proudly gathered together to celebrate his 100th birthday in the style of his native culture with palms trees and folk dancers.

NYPD Officers assisted PAL Junior Police through obstacle courses at NYPD's Training Academy.

Photo by Juliet Kaye

Councilman Ruben Wills sponsored a Job Expo in conjunction with Rochdale Youth Council and the Rochdale Community Center which was held in the Rochdale Mall, Saturday, June 11. Pictured l. to r.: Assemblyman William Scarborough, 18year-old job seeker Safai Sessing, Councilman Ruben Wills, Assemblywoman Vivian Cook, Jason Hillard, representing U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks.

Members of PAL's Junior Police with Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly and PAL Acting Executive Director Alana Sweeny at PAL's Junior Police Jamboree.

Photo by Ira Cohen

pix

Pop-Up Pianos

RESORTS WORLD: INVESTING IN QUEENS CREATING NEW JOBS “This long-awaited project couldn’t come soon enough for the people of Queens, as it will create exactly the right kind of jobs—good-paying, stable and local—that are in such high demand throughout this neighborhood.”

—State Sen. Joseph Addabbo

“Throughout the years I’ve watched numerous developers promise to fairly distribute jobs to local minority and women workers, only to be disappointed when all that talk failed to amount to any real action. Thankfully, the same cannot be said about Resorts World.”

—Rev. Dr. Calvin Rice

—Assemblywoman Vivian Cook

“Resorts World Casino will revitalize our community, create new jobs, and strengthen our city’s economy.”

—Councilman Eric Ulrich

—Anthony Gellineau, President, South Ozone Park Civic Association West

Resorts World is proud to be building a world-class entertainment facility with a world-class team from our very own South Queens neighborhood.

If you think you have what it takes, apply in person or online for one of the 1,150 new jobs: 9:30am-1:00pm, Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri and 2:00pm-6:00pm, Wed at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11420.

rwnewyork.com

June 24-30, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

“Resorts World will not only bring jobs to the community but its presence will encourage economic growth.”

“Resorts World is providing opportunities at a time when our community really needs it.

At a time when we are facing double-digit unemployment, their investment is providing the shot in the arm we need.”

Profile

Help To Ease Transition To Queens

BY JASON BANREY

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 24-30, 2011

Pursuing the American Dream can be a long and arduous journey. Many of the immigrants who arrive in this borough often lack the adequate educational, social and technical skills necessary to seamlessly integrate themselves into American culture.

Tamanna Yasmin of Jackson Heights understands that predicament all too well. After arriving in the United States from Bangladesh in 1996, she said she had no choice but to embrace the challenges of assimilation head on.

“When I came to this country, I was facing the same problems as immigrants today face,” Yasmin said. “I figured if I can get through those [challenges] I can help others who are going through what I did.”

Yasmin’s firsthand experience is now becoming second-hand knowledge for those eagerly seeking to assimilate at a time when they need it the most.

When Yasmin successfully received her MA in Applied Sociology from Queens College, she began to gather with area residents, conjuring up ideas about how to provide adequate services to Jackson Heights’ growing immigrant community.

As the group’s numbers continued to grow, the concerns of the community’s immigrants became clear – and Yasmin

is important and we aim to decided to turn talk into action. make that happen.”

“We started gathering in my In February, the grassroots living room at first,” said Yasmin organization was recognized of her early quest to help others by the City Council for its efin need. “Then, there were so forts and is anticipated to remany people coming in we ceive $25,000 in Immigrant needed a new space.”

Opportunities Initiative fundThat new space became the ing, a grant dedicated toward headquarters for Sheba USA, a providing nonprofit organizaJackson Heights-based nontions with the financial reprofit organization dedicated to sources necessary to educate educating borough immigrants. immigrant New Yorkers.

Since then, and for nearly With the IOI funding, two decades, Yasmin has kept Yasmin believes the organizaher commitment to Queens’ tion will be able to reach out to immigrant community, forever changing the lives of many Tamanna Yasmin (2nd l.) and other immigrant women support more than 100 immigrants each who will eventually call them- each other as they adjust to life in America through Sheba USA. year, nearly doubling the Pictured with Yasmin, Nahid Akthan (l. to r.), Gianne Pollack and amount of participants who selves Americans. walk through Sheba’s doors.

As executive director of Nargis Rahman enjoy some tea and conversation.

Yasmin said she believes her Sheba, Yasmin has helped hundreds gain the essential ability to over- provides services to everyone within the tireless work ethic and passionate drive come the difficulties they face during the immigrant community, it also shares a spe- to help others will become contagious – cial focus on empowering women over a healthy condition she hopes each indiprocess of assimilation.

Offering English lessons, computer lit- the age of 40 –a small demographic that vidual in the borough will contract so they eracy classes, job training programs and Yasmin said she believes is one of the can also help others.

“We are all human beings,” Yasmin citizenship preparation courses, Sheba most “vulnerable” gives immigrants the opportunity to ac“If I can change one woman’s life, said. “If we can create this purpose where quire the skills they need, helping them they will be able to enlighten others people feel compelled to help, others will overcome cultural and customary tradi- within their own circles,” Yasmin said of take up the struggle too.”

Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at tions which may have presented psycho- Sheba’s recent efforts to reach out to the female Bengali population in Jack- jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 357logical barriers.

The grassroots organization not only son Heights. “Empowering these women 7400, Ext. 128.

A&E

Punk Show Comes To Astoria Spot

BY NICOLE MINIERI

Prominent New York City-based punk rock band Tied For Last will cross the East River and rock the shamrock with a powerful resurgence this Friday night at Shillelagh Tavern in Astoria.

Tied for Last band members include Westchester natives, Steve Scollard (lead vocals, guitars), Tommy D’Angelo (lead guitars, vocals), Jen Chappell (bass, vocals) and Andrew Busone (drums, vocals). Created in 2001 by Scollard and D’Angelo, this hard-edged, yet urbane seasoned quartet is currently circuiting the metropolitan area promoting a jampacked playlist containing self-penned power cord anthems and a host of new tunes from their anticipated third studio release.

While spectators can count on Tied For Last to promise and deliver their typical in-

Tied For Last will play Friday night at Shillelagh Tavern in Astoria. your-face crowd-pleasing gig Friday night, they can also count on the band to drop conspicuous hints of musical maturity and progression when staging new songs from their forthcoming CD. Granted, “Starring at the Bottom,” “Lead You On,” and “Jimi’s on the Radio” undeniably mimic the band’s signature PDQ sound; however, “Can’t

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cluding CBGB’s and The Continental.

“I could have thrown down my guitar, never touched it again and would have been more than satisfied,” said D’Angelo, referring to playing as both landmarks bid farewell. The band’s first full-length studio CD, “Kickass Yes-Man Corporate Hacks,” was recorded and released in the traditional punk rock “DIY” manner and yielded to another significant single. The energetic catchy song, “Achiever” appeared on the movie soundtrack for the documentary film, “Over the Line: An Achiever Story,” directed by Eddie Chung in 2007.

With the imminent release of their selfproduced third studio release, the band is getting ready to kick it into high gear on the road this fall with a New England and Mid-Atlantic States tour. Plans to shoot their first formal music video for “Can’t Stop Drinking (About You)” will come to fruition once recording is complete. Although the CD is slated for an early 2012 release, live versions of some songs can be downloaded from their official Web site (tiedforlast.com) and singles will be given away at special future shows.

“We are all extremely happy with the direction the band is headed,” said Busone.

Shillelagh Tavern is located at 47-22 30th Avenue. Call (718) 728-9028 or find them on Facebook.

Broadway’s Spidey: Keep The Lights Off

BY ELYSE TREVERS Most people know that Peter Parker (aka Spider-Man) is hanging out at Foxwoods Theatre on Broadway, but not everyone remembers that he was born in Forest Hills, where he was raised by his Aunt May and Uncle Ben. After an unprecedented numbers of previews, several calamitous accidents involving some of the flying performers, and an unscheduled visit by several notable critics, “Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark” has officially opened. And now one must wonder what all the hubbub was about. Sadly, despite the anticipation and headlines (especially since the original director, Julie Taymor, was replaced), maybe they should have left the lights off.

With music by U2’s Bono and The Edge, the show should have had wonderful melodies. Sadly, the first several songs are totally forgettable and many numbers end almost mid-note, sounding unfinished. The only “good” song is the love song performed at the Tonys, “If The World Should End.” The first 40 minutes of the show are filled with exposition, setting up relationships and transformations. Peter Parker, a high school nerd, is bullied by the popular kids, and his love for science, particularly spiders, doesn’t especially endear him to them. A freak accident in a science lab genetically causes him to morph into Spider-Man. The show ramps up a bit whenever scientist Norman Osborn (played with

gusto by Patrick Page) is onstage. When he becomes his own subject in a genetic experiment, transforming into the Green Goblin, the show picks up much-needed energy. Osborn becomes totally unhinged and creates his “family” of genetic mutants, the “Sinister Six,” and the show develops an almost frenetic pace.

The comic book-like set design by George Tsypin is creative and original, sometimes in black and white, sometimes cutout, sometimes three dimensional. The costuming, (Eiko Ishioka) especially for the mutants and the gangsters, is of exaggerated comic strip art style. One of the lesser heralded highlights of the show is the conductor Kimberly Grigsby, who totally gets into her work.

Best of all are the special effects, and few will be disappointed by the aerial artistry of the show. The most exciting effects are those presented by the ensemble of aerialists, many of whom play Spider-Man. Each is dressed in the famous Spider-Man costume and flies rapidly, suggesting the great speed by which Spiderman is able to get around. It’s thrilling for audience members, especially when Spiderman and Green Goblin fight right over their heads.

I’d hope to end this piece by writing “Queens boy makes good” but “SpiderMan: Turn off the Dark,” despite all its work and revisions, still needs more work.

Undoubtedly, the preview stage is over, and now it is in its final form. It can still provide thrills, but you just have to be patient and wait for them.

June 24-30, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

Zlata Praha’s legacy goes back nearly two decades. Founded in 1993, the Astoria establishment has harmoniously served up traditionally hearty Czech and Slovak dishes, successfully spreading its culinary wings in a neighborhood filled with gastronomically Greek staples.

Step inside for a break from the fastpaced rat race that is city life and shut out the clickety-clack of the N train track above; you are immediately transported more than 4,000 miles away, into the heart of Europe.

On arrival you will most undoubtedly be greeted by restaurant owner and head chef George Suchanek as my companion and I were. His warm welcoming smile and cheerful reception set the tone for an evening that not only filled our bellies but also our hearts with the desire to experience the Zlata Praha (Golden Prague) that is and will always be his home.

Seated at the center of the restaurant, both Czech and Slovak relics rested around us, leave us simmering in a surrounding rich with history. If the walls did not leave us with enough of a back story, the menu definitely did.

Suchanek’s personalized description of all the dish’s origins teased our appetites, enticing our tummies, sending signals saying “It is time to order.”

Immediately, but not is a rush, we ordered starters, which was initially difficult because we did not want to share – we wanted each dish for our very own.

Nonetheless, we compromised and ordered three soups which appeased my cohort – and satisfied my heart’s content on sippin’ from more than one bowl.

For those who are iffy about onion soup, Zlata Praha’s rendition of France’s bumbling broth will certainly make you a fan of the tear-rendering vegetable.

Lightly crisped mozzarella cheese delicately placed at the bowl’s rim conceals once crunchy croutons basking in the bowl’s delightful onion stock.

Both the tomato soup and beef consommé did not disappoint. The creamy consistency hid a beautifully boiled bed of rice as the consommé’s light garlic beef broth provided us with the aphrodisiacal base we needed to get into our entrées.

Continuing our feast, Suchanek organized a devilishly delicious combination of mains.

One by one our waitress laid down each plate. A tender roast loin of pork was flawlessly seasoned; warm venison was served in a rich, freshly prepared sweet creamy dill sauce; and last but not least was the famous Slovak potato spatzle belnded with “Brynza” cheese, topped with a healthy portion of bacon.

All were served with their individual sides of sauerkraut and cheesy dumplings.

Slicing wide juicy slivers of meat, I devoured each bite, topping my fork with a bit of sauerkraut. My companion dove into her cheese dumplings and spatzle.

Without a word Suchanek looked at us and knew not to bother, only uttering two words: “Dobrou Chut (Enjoy).”

But it was too late; we were already well beyond the point of enjoyment and had ascended to a higher plateau, already thinking about what to order on our next visit. It will definitely be a bit more of everything.

—Jason Banrey

Stop Drinking (About You),” “Hi Honey I’m Home” and “That’s How She Rolls” are some of their latest singles that clearly cue just how much this band has artistically evolved and overlapped across varying subgenres without losing a firm grip on their punk rock roots.

“Some of the new songs invoke a bit of country, 50s style rockabilly, 60s garage rock and some have more of a raw, fast classic punk sound,” said Scollard.

“Almost all of the lyrics [to these songs] have a tongue-in-cheek quality… [And] range from a tribute to roller derby girls, to sitcom dads wreaking havoc, to the Cold War, to alcohol.”

Their infectious fun attitude parlayed into lyrical hooks against a backdrop of intense stage energy – what initially helped punctuate the burgeoning band in New York City’s underground punk rock music scene. In 2004, Tied For Last released their debut CD, “Sorta Live,” a recorded live studio demo that impressively sold out multiple pressings due to fan demand and spawned “Eve of Destruction,” a classic protest song that is the bands biggest international hit to date.

By the following year, Tied For Last was featured on the line-up at major music festivals while performing to packed audiences at New York City’s finest punk Meccas, in-

Faith

Macedonia Celebrates Bicentennial

BY JOSEPH OROVIC

"Scientists were rated as great heretics by the church, but they were truly religious men because of their faith in the orderliness of the universe."

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 24-30, 2011

— Albert Einstein

The historic Macedonia AME Church will celebrate its bicentennial this weekend.

Notebook Hillcrest HS One Last Drive: Photo By Bob Harris

Word

Photo by Ira Cohen

Macedonia AME Church will enjoy a party 200 years in the making on Saturday, as it marks its bicentennial anniversary with a street renaming.

The church will kick off the event with a procession starting at 37th Avenue and Union Street, circling a chunk of Downtown Flushing before making its way back to 38th Avenue and Union Street, where the street will be renamed "Macedonia AME Church Way." The event will be led by the Rev. Richard McEachern, in his second year as Macedonia's pastor. The enormity of the event is not lost upon him.

"Every time I think about it, I get this overwhelming feeling of excitement and joy," he said. "I think it's our time. It speaks to the legacy of the church."

The church was founded in 1811 by the African Methodist Society in Flushing, a forerunner to Macedonia AME. Some believe the church predates 1811, but a 19th century fire destroyed records of the Church's early history.

Its early congregation mirrored the neighborhood's history of diversity, with freed blacks, poor whites and Native Americans making up the early flock. McEachern said Macedonia has maintained its open door policy, encouraging a diverse congregation even though it is a black church.

"Many pastors and congregations

would have left. We didn't stop our ministry because the congregation has changed," he said. "We're actually kind of going back to our roots in that respect."

Just 10 years after its inception, the African Methodist Episcopal Church sent the first AME pastor to Macedonia. The church's first known building was erected at its current site in 1837.

Some argue there is historical evidence to show it also served as a stop along the Underground Railroad.

The church has offered help and resources to the community at large. It opens its doors to 109th Precinct activities, basketball tournaments and off-season baseball training, as well as a day care center.

Macedonia is also one of the better-known food pantries, giving assistance to 450 families a week.

"A burden, to me, is to do as much or more as those on whose shoulders I stand," Rev. McEachern said, taking solace in the inspiration of the divine. "What's overwhelming for me is I am here, now, at this time. I'm riding a wave that has been slowly building and I'm trying to surf it as best I can."

Luckily, McEachern has been supported by an anniversary committee that he said has been beyond dedicated to the task.

Looking ahead, the church will break ground on "Macedonia Plaza," a 140-unit affordable housing development next door. The project uses land originally belonging to the church, closer to its founding 200 years ago.

The church itself will also undergo a facelift in the coming years, in an effort to keep up with Flushing's expanding landscape.

McEachern acknowledges expansion offers the trap of masking Macedonia's past. But he argues the church's story is one of growth.

"This should be one of the greatest celebrations of this time," he said in anticipation. "My hope is Macedonia will live out its legacy in serving the community and trusting in God. Whatever the move of the City is, the church will continue to be that light in the community people turn to."

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

Student government members in Hillcrest H.S. collect goods for their last Food Drive of the year. The food is given to the Grave Church on Parsons Boulevard.

What’s Up SATURDAY, JUNE 25 Youth & Tennis The Youth and Tennis group meets every Saturday morning at Roy Wilkins Park Saturday. To learn more, call Bill Briggs at (718) 658-6728.

Walkers for Wellness Club Looking for a fun way to improve your health? Join the Walkers for Wellness Club at New Hope Lutheran Church of Jamaica. Under the guidance of a Walking Leader, you will walk two to three times each week at a comfortable pace with others along routes throughout Southeast Queens. The club is open to walkers of all ages and abilities. The walking schedule is Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m., and Saturdays at 8 a.m. Walkers meet at New Hope Lutheran Church, located at 167-24 118th Ave. T-shirts and pedometers will be provided. Contact Thurkessa Brown at (917) 553-1089 for more information.

Mary Mahoney Health Fair Councilman James Sanders, Jr. is pleased to present the Mary Mahoney Health Fair. There will be giveaways, blood pressure checks, brain scans, healthy heart testing, diabetes screening, breast cancer information, mental health testing, HIV testing, sickle cell awareness, depression screening, health insurance information, mammograms, holistic health information, discount prescription cards, and more.

Bring your family and tell your friends.

Mary Mahoney was America's first professional trained African-American nurse.

This free event will take place at Pathmark, 134-40 Springfield Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Relay For Life Come one, come all, to the greatest American Cancer Society fundraiser of them all.

Everyone is invited to sign up for the American Cancer Society's 2011 Relay For Life, scheduled to take place at Roy Wilkins Park.

For more information, contact the American Cancer Society's Taliah Duchatelier at Taliah.Duchatelier@cancer.org or (718) 261-1092, Ext. 5511. To donate, register, or start/support a team, visit sqpa.org/relayfor-life-at-roy-wilkins-park.html This free event will take place at Roy Wilkins Park - Merrick Boulevard at Baisley Boulevard - from 5-11 p.m.

SUNDAY, JUNE 26 Mary Mahoney Health Fair

MONDAY, JUNE 27 Adult Chess Club Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings.

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

Mary Mahoney Health Fair See Saturday's listing. At Duane Reade, 230-01 Merric Blvd.

TUESDAY, JUNE 28 Job Club Every Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Jamaica Neighborhood Center offers

cating funding sources and using the internet; leveraging the internet to increase productivity; and corporate sponsorship.

For additional information, call (718) 7763700 or visit leroycomrie.com.

This free event will take place at the York College Academic Core Building, 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., from 6-9 p.m.

Mary Mahoney Health Fair See Saturday's listing. At Duane Reade, 230-01 Merric Blvd.

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

FRIDAY, JULY 1 Senior Theatre Acting Repertory

Mary Mahoney Health Fair

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

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

The group will have a performance at the Bellerose Library, 250-06 Hillside Ave., at 2 p.m.

See Saturday's listing. At Duane Reade, 230-01 Merric Blvd.

Mary Mahoney Health Fair

Create an Email Account

See Saturday's listing. At Duane Reade, 230-01 Merric Blvd.

Walkers for Wellness Club See Saturday's listing. At 7 p.m.

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

Participants must possess basic mouse and keyboarding skills.

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29 York Observatory Open Night The York College Observatory is open to the public every second or third Wednesday of the month - rain or shine - at 8:30 p.m.

Gather in room 2E01 and then proceed to the fourth floor terrace off G corridor if it's clear. For additional information, contact Tim Paglione at paglione@york.cuny.edu or (718) 262-2082.

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

Mary Mahoney Health Fair See Saturday's listing. At Duane Reade, 230-01 Merric Blvd.

Intro to Email In this single-session workshop, customers will learn how manage their own email account; send and receive email messages. Pre-registration is required in person at the Cyber Center Desk. Participants must possess basic mouse and keyboarding skills.

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 30 Walkers for Wellness Club See Saturday's listing. At 7 p.m.

Technology and Sponsorship Councilman Leroy Comrie is pleased to present a series of Community NonProfit Resource Seminars. This week's seminar will focus on technology and sponsorship. Topics covered will include: lo-

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

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

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

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

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

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

Group sessions are open to the public.

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

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

Call (718) 297-0720. Located at 89-31 161 St., 10th floor, Jamaica. Services are available Tue.-Thurs. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HIV Awareness Clergy United for Community Empowerment provides intervention and curriculumbased prevention education sessions on HIV/ AIDS, to reduce risk behaviors that lead to HIV transmission. Services are located at 8931 161st St., Jamaica. Call (718) 297-0720 ask about our presentation to adolescents and men/women of color. Services are available Tue.-Thurs., 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

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

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

PAL Volunteers The Police Athletic League (PAL) is looking for volunteers to continue its mission of serving New York City's young people by donating their time and talents to help serve Queens youngsters at PAL's Redfern Cornerstone and Far Rockaway Beacon in Arverne-Far Rockaway, PAL's Edward Byrne Center in South Jamaica and PS 214 in Flushing.

PAL Centers in Queens offer a wide range of opportunities for volunteers of all talents. PAL's Redfern Cornerstone and Far Rockaway Beacon are looking for people to participate in a center clean-up day. Volunteers are needed to tutor and mentor young people during the After School Program's daily homework help sessions. In addition, individuals can also donate their time assisting the many special events held at PAL's Centers throughout the year. PAL is also seeking professionals to give career advice and talk about their own careers to young people, as well as guest speakers who can share information on a specific hobby of interest to the youngsters.

To become a volunteer with the Police Athletic League or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, please visit palnyc.org. Volunteers will go through an application process that includes an interview, screening and an orientation. For more information, please contact PAL's Volunteer Coordinator, Alexandria Sumpter-Delves, at (212) 477-9450, Ext. 390 or volunteer@palnyc.org.

June 24-30, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

See Saturday's listing. At Duane Reade, 230-01 Merric Blvd.

a free service to assist people from Southeast Queens with job-readiness skill sets in writing a professional resume and cover letter; interviewing practices and techniques; applying on-line procedures; elevator pitch and Microsoft Suite 2007.

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

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

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

Send typed announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 174-15 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina.

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

PARENTS VACATION BIBLE July 5-8 at Church in the Gardens in Forest Hills for those in K-6. 917-751-9099.

ADHD OR PDD Daily after school programs to meet the needs of elementary school aged children who have learning disabilities and ADHD or PDD at the Bay Terrace Center, 212-00 23 rd Avenue, Bayside from 2:30-6:00. 225-6750, ext.

266.

ANIBIC Association for Neurologically Impaired Brain Injured Children, Inc. sponsors programs including Saturday Play Group (5-17), Tutorial (5 to adult), Weekend Respite (17+), Young Adult Program (17+) and Adult Respite Program (21+). 423-9550, ext.

243.

PLAYGROUP The CUMC Playgroup is accepting registration for its preschool parents’ cooperative program in Middle Village. Children 18 months to 4 years are eligible. 8942293.

TOUGH LOVE Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.

To u g h l ov e I n te r n a t i o n a l Parent Support Group for parents of out-of-control children (teens, pre-teens and adult children) meet at IS158 in Bayside. 3937788.

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 24-30, 2011

DANCE ISRAELI FOLK Mondays 7:15-9:45 at Hillcrest Jewish Center, 18202 Union Turnpike. $10 session. 380-4145.

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

FLEA MARKETS FLEA MARKET Saturday, June 25 at Flushing House, 38-20 Bowne Street 10-4.

THRIFT SHOPS Saturdays 11-4 at Bargain Boutique Thrift Shop, Queens Baptist Church, 9323 217 th Street, Queens Village.465-2504.

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

FANTASTIC FORESTS Saturday, June 25 at Alley Pond Environmental Center.

229-4000.

READING LUAU Saturday, June 25 at 11 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows. For those in grades 16.

SCULPTURE PARK Saturdays through September 24 the Socrates Sculpture Park will hold drop-in workshops for families.

MATH HELP Saturdays at the Flushing library at 10.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

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

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

SUMMER READING Monday, June 27 Arverne Summer Reading Kick Off at 1 at the Arverne library.

DRAMA CLUB Monday, June 27 at the Arverne library at 2.

BALLOON ANIMALS Monday, June 27 at the R o c h d a l e V i l l a g e l i b ra r y.

Register.

MAGIC SHOW Monday, June 27 at the Arverne library at 3:30.

MATH WIZARDS Tu e s d ay, J u n e 2 8 a t t h e Arverne library at 2.

MAGIC SHOW Tuesday, June 28 at 2 at the Queensboro Hill library. Register.

BALLOON ANIMALS Tu e s d a y, J u n e 2 8 a t t h e Rego Park library at 4. Register.

GAMING FUN Wednesday, June 29 and Thursday, June 30 at 3:30 at the Lefrak Cit y library.

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

MAGIC SHOW Wednesday, June 29 at the Corona library. Register.

BALLOON ANIMALS Wednesday, June 29 at the Woodhaven librar y. Register.

MAGIC SHOW Wednesday, June 29 at the Broadway library. Register.

MAGIC SHOW Wednesday, June 29 at 4:30 at t he Lefrak Cit y libra r y.

Space limited.

T WILIGHT TALES Thursday, June 30 at the Douglaston library. Register.

MAGIC SHOW Thursday, June 30 at the Maspeth library at 2. Space limited.

BOY SCOUT 138 Thursdays Boy Scout Troop 138 meets at 7:30 in the basement at 192-15C 64 th Circle, Fresh Meadows. For

TEENS

those 11 and older. 4542391.

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

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

MOTHER GOOSE Friday, July 1 at the Broadway library at 10:30.

S TORY T I M E Friday, July 1 at the Hollis library at 10:30.

PICTURE BOOK TIME Friday, July 1 at the Ozone Park library at 10:30.

MOTHER GOOSE Friday, July 1 at the Glendale library at 11.

GAME DAY Fridays, July 1, 8 at the Que3ens Village library at 2.

GAME DAY Fridays, July 1, 8 at the Arverne library at 3.

GAME DAY Fridays, July 1, 8 t the Bay Terrace library at 2:30.

FLASH FRIDAY Fridays, July 1, 8 at the Ozone Park library at 3.

CHESS CLUB Fridays, July 1, 8 at 3:30 at the Auburndale library.

KIDS’ ACTIVITY Friday, July 1 at the Briarwood library at 3:30.

ARTS & CRAFTS Friday, July 1 at the Briarwood library at 4.

GAME DAY Friday, July 1 t the McGoldrick library at 4.

YU-GI-OH Fridays, July 1, 8 at the Queensboro Hill library at 4.

CHESS CLUB Friday, July 1 at the Woodside library at 4.

CUB SCOUTS 351 Fridays at St. Nicholas of Tolentine school cafeteria, Parsons Blvd. and Union Turnpike. Boys in grades 15. 820-0015.

CUB/TROOP SCOUTS Fridays from September through June Pack 357 and Tro o p 3 5 7 m e e t s i n t h e S c o u t R o o m , 6 9 - 1 6 1 6 4 th Street, Flushing. 591-9514 Cubs, 279-9085 Scouts.

DRAMA CLUB Monday, July 4 at the Arverne library at 2.

CRAFT PROGRAMS July 10 basic embroidery 13. August 14 introduction to quilting 1-4. Queens Historical Societ y. 939-0647, ext. 17.

SCOUTING Join Scouting in Queens.

212-651-2897.

TALKS FLUSHING Friday, July 1 “The Story Sisters.” Friday, August 5 “A Thousand Splendid Suns.” 1 at the Flushing library.

THEATER KILLING KOMPANY Friday, September 23 “The Realit y T V Murders” at Riccardo’s in Astoria. The Killing Company performs mystery dinner shows. 1-888SHOOT-EM for information.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

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

SUMMER READING Monday, June 27 summer reading kick off at the Arverne library at 1.

KNIT & CROCHET Wednesday, June 29 at 1 at the South Ozone Park library.

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

TEEN WRAP AROUNDS Thursday, June 30 at the Lefrak City library at 4.

GAME DAY Fridays, July 1, 8 at the Arverne library at 3.

TEEN BOOK BUDDIES Friday, July 1 at the Briarwood library at 3.

TEEN HAPPY HOUR Fridays, July 1, 8 at the Flushing library at 3.

GAME PLAYERS CLUB Friday, July 1 at the Laurelton library at 3.

CHESS CLUB Fridays, July 1, 8 t the Auburndale library at 3:30.

TEEN NE WSPAPER Friday, July 1 LIC Library Teen Newspaper at the LIC library at 4.

CHESS CLUB Friday, July 1 at the Woodside library at 4.

MOVIE NIGHT Monday, July 4 at 5 at the Arverne library.

TEEN READING CLUB Tu e s d a y, J u l y 5 t the Hillcrest library at 2.

CULTURAL AWARENESS Tu e s d a y, J u l y 5 a t t h e Laurelton library at 2.

T-SHIRT Tuesday, July 5 t-shirt decoration at the LIC library at 2.

Bring a t-shirt.

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

SUMMER READING Tuesday, July 5 drop in and read at the Peninsula library at 2.

KNIT & CROCHET Tu e s d a y, J u l y 5 a t t h e Windsor Park library at 2.

ACQC SUPPORT AC Q C Te e n Pe e r S u p p o rt Group - information, support, skills development training for those “touched by HIV/AIDS.” Ages 14-16. 8962500.

ART CLASSES Fridays the Alliance of Queens Artists in Forest Hills offers teen workshops. 5209842.

BOY SCOUTS 138 Thursdays Boy Scout Troop 138 meets at 7:30 at 19215C 64 th Circle, basement, Fresh Meadows. For those up to 17. 454-2391.

BUKHARIAN LOUNGE Bukharian Teen Lounge, for those 15-18, at the Central Queens YM-YWHA in Forest Hills. 268-5011, ext. 202.

CATALPA YMCA Saturdays recreation, Weight room and fitness center available. 69-02 64 th Street, Ridgewood. 8216271.

COUNSELING Call 592-5757 for free coun-

seling at the Forest Hills Communit y House.

DROP IN CENTER Mondays-Thursday from 47 the Queens Rainbow Comm u n i t y C e n te r, 3 0 - 3 7 4 Steinway Street, 2 nd floor, Astoria, holds a Drop-In Center for LGBTQQ youth up to 22. 204-5955.

EMPLOYMENT SERVICE Sunnyside Communit y Services Youth Employment Services available. 784-6173, ext. 129.

GAY GROUP Mondays the AIDS Center of Queens Count y has a Gay/ B i / L e s b i a n Yo u t h G ro u p (ages 16-21) meeting designed to support young people in exploring feelings about sexualit y and other issues. 896-2500.

POMONOK TEENS Teen Council addresses teen i s s u e s i n t h e c o m m u n i t y.

591-6060.

SCOUTING

The Rego Park Jewish Center will offer boy and girl scouting. 516-526-2492.

SCOUTING Join Scouting in Queens.

212-651-2897.

TENNIS Yo u t h a n d Te n n i s , I n c . teaches tennis to those 4-18 at t he Roy Wilkins Tennis Center. 658-6728.

VAC YOUTH SQUAD T h e G l e n O a k s Vo l u n te e r A m b u l a n c e C o r p s Yo u t h Squad is looking for new members 14-18. 347-1637.

YOUTH GROUP F r i d ay s t h e C o m m u n i t y Church of Little Neck will hold their Communit y Youth Group from 7-9. 46-16 Little Neck Parkway. 229-2534.

YOUTH SERVICES The 105 th Precinct Communit y Council offers a Law Enforcement Explorers Program for interested youth in the surrounding areas. Contact PO Kirkland at 776-9164.

SENIORS CHESS CLUB Howard Beach Senior Center. 738-8100.

AARP CHORUS Like to sing? The AARP Queens Chorus holds practice rehearsals for performances at nursing homes, rehab and senior centers.

523-1330.

FREE LUNCH Saturday, June 25 at Church of the Resurrection in Kew Gardens. 847-2649 reservations.

CLEARVIEW Monday, June 27 music appreciation at 12:30.

Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside.

224-7888.

SNAP SENIOR Mondays tai chi for people with arthritis at 9 and gentle e x e r c i s e a t 1 . Tu e s d a y s gentle exercise at 9.

Wednesdays ballroom dance class 1:15-2:15.Thursdays tai chi at 9:30. SNAP Senior Center, 80-45 Winchester Blvd., Queens Village. 4542100.

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

HOWARD BEACH Tuesday, June 28 members of the State Comptrollers’ Office at 10:30. Wednesday, June 29 metro van 10-12.

1 5 6 - 4 5 8 4 th S t r e e t . 7 3 8 8100.

METRO CARD VAN Wednesday, June 29 1-3 at Stop and Shop parking lot, 64-66 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale.

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

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

80 Grace Avenue. New members welcome.

STARS Wednesday, June 29 at 10:30 at the Hollis library.

Friday, July 1 at the Queens Village library at 10:30. Senior Theater Acting Repertory meets.

POMONOK SENIORS Friday, July 1 dance lessons 1-2:30. Mondays tai chi at 9, walking club at 10.. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday calligraphy lessons.

Thursdays yoga at 10. Every Friday hot continental breakfast from 9-10. Line dancing, English, chair yoga, relaxation, bingo, movies, painting, arts and crafts, aerobics, quilting and floral arrangement. Pomonok Senior Center, 67-09 Kissena Blvd., Flushing. 591-377.

TAX LIEN Wednesday, July 6 tax lien assistance outreach at PS91, 68-10 Central Avenue, Glendale.

ALLEN COMMUNITY Keyboard lessons, Spanish, crocheting and knitting, art lessons, computer classes for beginners and advanced, Allen Singers, Drama Club, Hair Care, Aerobic, Beginners Bridge, Advanced Bridge, Creative Design, storytelling and rap sessions. Allen Communit y Senior Center, 166-01 Linden Blvd., Jamaica. 6580980.

ALZHEIMERS SUPPORT Every other Wednesday Alzheimer Support Group meets at the Elmhurst Senior Center. 478-7171, ext. 27 ART CLASSES Thursdays free craft classes, general arts and crafts, at the Middle Village Adult Center.

Call 969-1128.

BAYSIDE CENTER Tuesdays line dancing 9:30 and Thursdays 10:00. Fridays ballroom instruction at 10:15, ballroom and social dancing 1-3. Bayside Center Lunch at 11:30. 225-1144.

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

Berwise is the grandson of Shirley Cox of Cambria Heights.

Shannon Robinson of Springfield Gardens was recently inducted into Alpha Mu Gamma, the national honor society for world languages at The University of Scranton. Robinson is a junior at the Jesuit university.

Army Reserve Pvt. Johanna Fana has graduated from One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Mo., which included basic military training and advanced individual training (AIT).

During basic military training, the trainee received instruction in drill and ceremony, weapons qualification, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military

It’s Her Day: Rida Fatima, 17, of Jamaica was “Commander of a Day” of Transit District 20 after writing a winning essay in response to Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly’s contest. Posing proudly with her on the right is Commanding Officer, Captain James A. Marron of NYPD Transit District 20.

State Sen. Malcolm Smith welcomed justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army doctrine, history, principles and traditions. 13-year-old Diamond Moody as an intern During AIT, the soldier completed the in his office. She is the youngest intern military police specialist course to acquire that Smith has ever had.

“It is important for me to give young skills to provide combat area support, conduct battlefield circulation control, area se- people opportunities that they would not curity, prisoner of war operations, civilian ordinarily have been afforded. Diamond is an extremely bright young internee operations, and law woman with a bright future and order operations. The ahead of her and I am elated trainee performed as a team that I am able to have her inmember in support of battletern in my office,” said Smith. field operations, installation Diamond graduated law and order operations and from Pathways College Presecurity of Army resources paratory School with a 98 and installations. Additional percent grade point avertraining included providing age. In the fall, she will atpeacetime support to the militend the prestigious tary community through security of resources, crime pre- State Sen. Malcolm Smith Townsend Harris High vention programs, and pres- with 13-year-old intern School.

Diamond Moody.

In addition to being a ervation of law and order. scholar, Diamond plays the Fana is the goddaughter of Sharyn D. Sanchez of Jamaica. He guitar, drums, piano and violin. She is also graduated in 2009 from the High School an athlete; she holds a black belt in karate and has taken classes for swimming for Arts and Business, Corona. and dance. In addition, she plays softDomonique E. Moody, a biochemistry ball, basketball and football. She was student from Jamaica, has been inducted named MVP and was given an award for into Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) Honor sportsmanship by the Rosedale Jets.

“I like school and I like playing instruSociety at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. Invitations to join ALD, a ments and sports,” Moody said. “I also national honor society for first-year stu- like being in Senator Smith’s office bedents, are based on attaining a first-semes- cause it’s nice to help other people.”

Diamond lives in St. Albans with her ter academic average of at least 3.50 and ranking in the top 20 percent of the class. family and attends Our Lady of Light ParThis year’s inductees all attained a first- ish, where she is an altar server and memsemester academic average above a 3.675. ber of the choir.

Queens Today MEETINGS held at Riccardo’s at 7.

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

FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tuesdays the Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets.

917-612-3463.

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

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

465-2914.

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

TALK OF THE TOWN Tuesday s, July 5, 19 learn the art of public speaking in St. Albans at 7:15. 640-7092.

TOASTMASTERS Wednesdays, July 6, 20 learn the art of public speaking at the Voices of Rochdale in Jamaica. 978-0732.

FLUSHING CAMERA Wednesdays, July 6, 20 Flushing Camera Club meets at Flushing Hospital. 479-0643.

FH VAC Wednesday, July 27 Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corp meets. 793-2055.

ENVIRONMENTAL FILMS Thursday, July 28 “Wetland Technology.” Idlewild Park Science Learning Center in Springfield Gardens. 347824-2301 to register.

DINNER DINNER CRUISE Thursday, June 30 1 st annual charit y dinner dance cruise for Bobbi and the Strays.

JEWISH WOMEN Tuesday, June 21 luncheon by the NY section of the National Council of Jewish Women. 1-800-829-NCJW. CENTENNIAL 2011 September 24 Queens Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the Centennial at Terrace on the Park.

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

BLOOD DRIVE Saturday, June 25 9-3 at Emanuel Church, Woodhaven Blvd. and 91 st Avenue. No appointment nece4ssary.

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

969-1128.

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

STATE FAIR Saturday, June 25 Informational State Fair at the Ridgewood library 11-1.

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

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

PET OWNERS Saturdays (not on holiday weekends) from 1-4 free Doggie Boot Camp at Crocheron Park in Bayside (weather permitting). 4545800. Reservations required. Donations accepted.

BAKERS & SHAKERS Starting Sunday, June 26 4 course class for the family.

Star ting Tuesday, June 28 8 session course for adults.

Central Queens Y. 268-5011, ext. 482.

BALLROOM DANCE Monday, June 27 ballroom dancing at 6:30 at the Forest Hills library.

BRIDGE CLUB

Mondays except holidays 12-4 at Pride of Judea in Douglaston. Lesson & play $10. Partners arranged. 4236200.

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

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

LINE DANCE Mondays beginner to intermediate lessons 6-9 in Bayside. 917-886-0519.

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

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

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

LANGUAGE CLASS Wednesdays Conversational Hebrew 2:30-3:30 and Torah Stories in Yiddish 3:30-4:30 at the Bayside Jewish Center. 352-7900.

TANGO CLASS Wednesdays, June 29, July 6, 13, 20, 27 at Buenos Aires Tango in Forest Hills. 347642-4705.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE

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

263-7000.

OIL PAINTING CLASS Wednesdays 6-8 adult classes, all levels. Grace Lutheran Church in Forest Hills. 472-4055.

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

CHINESE LANGUAGE Wednesday, June 29 at the Laurelton library. Register.

JOB INFORMATION Thursday, June 30 Job Information Center at 7 at the Central library.

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

QUILTERS Thursdays at the East Elmhurst library at 12:30.

CHESS CLUB Thursdays at the East Flushing library. Register.

COMPUTER CLASS Thursdays at the Queensboro Hill library. Register.

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

June 24-30, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

JEWISH VETS Sunday, June 26 Jewish War Veterans of the USA Lipsky/ Blum Post meet at the Garden Jewish Center. 4634742.

ST. ALBANS CIVIC Sunday, June 26 St. Albans Civic Improvement Association meets at 1:30 at St. Albans Lutheran Church, 200 th Street and 119 th Avenue in the undercroft. 2764263.

JEWISH VETS Sunday, June 26 at 9:30 at the Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd. 2977711.

VFW 4787 Mondays, June 27, July 11, 25 Whitestone VFW Comm u n i t y Po s t m e e t s . 7 4 6 0540.

JEWISH WOMEN Monday, June 27 National Council of Jewish Women, Lakeville Section, meets at the Recreation Center in New Hyde Park’s Clinton Park at noon.

WOODHAVEN DEV. Tu e s d a y, J u n e 2 8 the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation’s 29 th Annual Meeting will be held at 7:30 at St. Thomas the Apostle in Woodhaven.

114 TH PRECINCT Tuesday, June 28 monthly meeting of the 114 th Precinct Communit y Council will be

ENVIRONMENT

“Pan Am,” a Queens based comic drama, is filming in Queens – and making us nostalgic.

Hollywood East Now more than ever, New York is looking a lot like Hollywood.

No, it’s not the heat or the bevy of celebrities at local parties, but the sheer number of people working on television shows is simply at its highest level ever.

In addition to such returning favorites as “30 Rock” and “Gossip Girl,” there are at least eight new series filming at our studios, including “Smash,” “Rookies,” “Pan Am,” “Person of Interest,”

Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 24-30, 2011

Fake Dave Talk about bad luck. After Anthony Weiner announced his resignation, one member of QConf tried to text his spokesman, Dave Arnold, on what used to be his cell phone.

“I’m not Dave!” the person wrote back. “I have had his [phone] number since last year and within the last couple of months have been getting calls for him!”

Being fiendish souls, we jokingly told them to respond to reporters as if they were Dave.

For his part, the real Dave Arnold extended his apologies to the unlucky person assigned his old cell phone number.

We can’t really gather much from the fake Dave, except that he used to drive a limo in DC and could tell us stories…

Let’s just hope the person does not decide to start sending out pictures.

“Unforgettable,” “A Gifted Man,” ‘I Just Want My Pants Back” and “Girls.” These shows – and other movie projects happening – are estimated to bring some 4,000 jobs, not to mention the hiring of about 11,000 extras over the source of a season’s worth of filming.

Granted, many new shows don’t make it past their first 8 or 13 episodes, but we’re thrilled to see that our coolest industry is booming.

When we first met Joyce, she was a senior at Francis Lewis High School who had happened to stumble upon a modeling gig when hanging out at her sister’s school. At that point, in 2006, she was just a few months in to the industry.

Wow, time flies when you’re having fun.

Joyce has now made a name for herself as an international model, flying to Paris, Rome and points across the world for photo shoots. But she’s still a Queens girl at heart.

Her Twitter feed is filled with wishful longing to return home when she’s on the road, and when the Boxing Day blizzard hit left Queens people scratching their heads this past December, she was cursing Mayor Bloomberg’s name – her street hadn’t been plowed and she had to fly out to Miami for a shoot.

It’s great to see that this Queens gal from Forest Hills, despite her adventures in Australia, South Africa and Los Angeles, still keeps longing for her hometown.

Joyce can be found in Guess ads, in shoots for Elle and other high-profile fashion books, and we’re glad to say that she was here first. Go get ‘em, Joyce.

Models Of Queens

Joyce Swenson Age: 22 Height: 5’ 11" Weight: 120 lbs Stats: 34-25-34

Kickin’ It Old School

Joyce Takes Off Biking Brooklyn

At 53, most of us are looking for easy peasy, trying not to rock the boat, stuffing our 401Ks and wondering if Social Security will exist by the time retirement rolls around. If your name is Madonna, you are kicking it up a notch. The Material girl is gearing up to work on her 12th album and is considering a tour.

The one-time Queens resident’s plate is overflowing.

Other than being the superstar that she is, Madonna is a mom of three, a clothing designer, she has recently collaborated with the hit TV show “Glee” and launched a gym chain.

We believe a “You Go, Girl’ is in order.

Do ya’ cycle often? Probably not.

But if you did you probably wouldn’t do it much in Brooklyn, when Queens obviously has a much more lush landscape to offer.

BikeNYC, the City’s recent bicycling advocacy campaign, has left posters across the borough, promoting the convenience and speedy travel times between Brooklyn’s hipster hoods.

In one poster, all the way in Whitestone, the campaign highlights how quickly cyclists can get from Park Slope to Ditmas Park, located in the “other” outer borough.

Now why would we need to know that?

What would be more informative is advertising the quickest routes to get out of Brooklyn.

Sorry BK, but that sounds like an ad campaign we wouldn’t mind writing for.

Their Goose Is Cooked New York’s Canada Geese problem is becoming a boon for hungry people… in Pennsylvania.

The geese, notorious for bringing down US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River in 2009, were being slaughtered by the city to prevent more bird troubles, but public outcry over the disposal of the hundreds of avian corpses led the city to decide to donate the dead birds to a charitable cause.

This year, The Dept. of Environmental Protection decided the geese that will be gassed at places like Alley Pond Park will have their bodies sent to slaughterhouses in Canada Geese have been known Pennsylvania where their meat will to take over parts of Queens. be given to food banks to feed the hungry. With hundreds of geese being killed all over the city and around JFK and LaGuardia, the hungriest in Pennsylvania will be feasting like kings on the fruits of our labors this year.

If the geese are going to Pennsylvania, can we give Jersey our rats?

Confidentially, New York . . .