Southeast Queens Press Epaper

Volume 12 Issue No. 26 July 1-7, 2011

Page 22

VA Hospital:

PLAN HALTED

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

Thanks to the efforts of local Congressmen, the plans to develop housing on the site of the St. Albans VA Hospital have been cancelled and a new push is being made to transform the existing facility into a full-fledged hospital for veterans.

By Jason Banrey…Page 3

Online at www.QueensPress.com

News Briefs $10K To York Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. recently awarded $10,000 to the Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy (SEMAA) at York College. The program’s mission is to increase the participation and retention of historically underserved and under-represented youth in grades 2 through 9 from Queens County, in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The grant from the utility giant will help to support the continuation of the program’s mission.

“We are very thankful for the support that the college and SEMAA enjoy with Con Edison,” said Dr. Marcia V. Keizs, president of York College. “This is the only early program of its kind in our area.

It prepares our young people for education in science, engineering, mathematics and aerospace. SEMAA opens their eyes to learn that such career options are accessible to them.”

Since 1999, SEMAA at York College has served more than 10,000 underserved children in formal National Aeronautical Space Administration (NASA) SEMAA classes from over 50 schools in th 6th Congressional District, represented by U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica).

“Con Edison understands the value of providing students a solid education in science and technology through active exploration and hands-on experience, “said Anthony J. Hill, a specialist at Con Edison’s Public Affairs Office. “This partnership with York College provides career paths for the students that they may have never thought about.”

Of the students attending SEMAA classes, over 21 percent live below the poverty level (the average in Queens is 15 percent), approximately 55 percent are African American, 10 percent are Hispanic and 25 percent are Asian. Classes are offered on eight Saturdays during each academic semester and in three full-week sessions during the summer. The site at York College has received excellent annual reviews from NASA, and has been commended for its diversity, and efficiency. For more information abut SEMAA, go to www.york.cuny.edu/ semaa.

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 1-7, 2011

Free Wedding State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D- St. Albans), clergy and other public officials joined together to announce the region’s largest wedding ceremony being offered for free at Bethpage State Park on July 26, at noon. The day will be recognized as Marriage for All Day. Over $300 million worth of revenue will be pumped into the economy due to the influx of couples from across the nation that will come to New York City and Long Island to get married.

“History has been made in the State of New York. The Empire State has shown the world that we are ready for equality and that we really are One New York,” Smith said.

The event held at Carlyle on the Green, located on a 1,400 acre State Park, will be one of the first ceremonies for hundreds of couples to participate in after the new same sex law has been passed.

Steve Carl, owner of Carlyle on the

Green said, “I think it’s great that the State of New York passed the gay marriage bill.

It’s about time that everyone in New York State is given the opportunity to marry. I am delighted to be able to host this event.”

All couples throughout New York State and beyond that would like to get married are encouraged to come out to Carlyle on the Green with their marriage license in hand. Couples may apply for marriage licenses in any town or city clerk’s office with both people present and appropriate identification. A marriage license is valid for 60 days from date of issue, beyond that time a couple must reapply. Although a license is issued immediately, couples must wait at least 24 hours before marrying. Gay and lesbian couples may apply for marriage license as of July 5, but cannot be married until the official date of July 26. For more information call Carlyle on the Green at (516) 501-9700.

More Lights In Briarwood Councilman James F. Gennaro (DFresh Meadows) announced that the City’s Dept. of Transportation will add street lights to parts of Briarwood after several armed-assaults and incidents of cars with slashed tires and broken windows were reported last month around the Briarwood Library.

Gennaro held a meeting with the DOT to discuss the possibility of placing additional lighting to the areas along the Main Street wall and the Queens Boulevard bridge and subway station construction site, which, according to Captain Michael Coyle, of the 107th Police Precinct, can lead to a decrease in vandalism. Queens DOT Commissioner Maura McCarthy said the installation will take place during the fourth quarter of 2011.

“I am pleased to announce to the residents of Briarwood that additional street lights are headed your way,” Councilman Gennaro said.

“We are pleased to be working with Councilman Gennaro and the community to improve the neighborhood’s street lighting. We inspected this location and found that additional lighting was needed and have placed this project on our implementation schedule,” McCarthy said.

“While these acts of vandalism and assaults in our communities are unpredictable and random, the Briarwood Community Association, together with Councilman Gennaro and the 107th Police Precinct are bringing to bear all possible resources and countermeasures to resolve these unacceptable issues,” Briarwood Community Association President Seymour Schwartz said.

Councilman Gennaro and Schwartz said they would appeal to the NYPD about installing surveillance cameras. If funding is too low for the NYPD to install cameras, Schwartz and Councilman Gennaro said they would speak with the Queens Borough Commander to find another way to possibly fund the installation.

Brief Us! Mail your news brief items to: PRESS of Southeast Queens 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357

Presstime

Reps Scuttle St. Albans VA Village

BY JASON BANREY The federal government announced last Thursday that it was withdrawing its proposal to lease 25 acres of the St. Albans VA Hospital for 75 years.

After a careful review, the Veterans Administration decided to discontinue its efforts to lease property at the St. Albans Community Living Center for commercial purposes.

The announcement came nearly a week after the House of Representatives voted on an agreement to halt the preferred developer, St. Albans Village, from building about 1,000 units in a jazzthemed neighborhood, complete with a jazz plaza and an enhanced train station.

Despite the VA’s decision, it promised to continue providing skilled-nursing, primary care and specialty care, as well as residential psychological rehabilitation to the community.

“VA remains committed to providing high-quality health care for the veterans of Queens,” said Micheal Sabo, VA New York/New Jersey Health Care System Network Director. “Ending this lease process will not impact the current health care services that VA provides our veterans at St. Albans.”

The VA’s plan to lease 25 of the facility’s 55 acres folded under pressure from local members of Congress.

After attaching an amendment to the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2012, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 411-5, the EUL process for the medical space, was altered.

U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica) said he believes the change “prevented the fabric of the community from being destroyed by the creation of high-density residential and retail developments.”

Meeks, a staunch opponent of the proposal, hailed the announcement as a victory for “nearly 400,000 veterans in the vicinity of his district,” reassuring the community their input would be received in the projected future use.

“Ending the Enhanced Lease Process will not affect the current health services at St. Albans VA,” Meeks said. “Instead it will allow the community and veterans to work with the VA to construct a full service hospital that will better meet the medical needs of those that it would service.”

In a statement released by Ed Reed of St. Albans Village, which was originally slated to develop the project, he expressed his disappointment over a range of factors which prevented the VA from moving forward on the redevelopment plan.

Nonetheless, Reed alluded to pro-

gressing towards developing a future project which would address veterans’ needs.

“To stand still is to move backwards,” Reed said. “The real issue at hand is bigger than this proposed project. It is how to move expeditiously toward delivering quality health care, housing, supportive services and new innovations to improve the quality of life for veterans and their families. And that is worth fighting for.”

In 2004, according to the Veterans Affairs Web site, 17 facilities, including the St. Albans center, were slated for study and analysis “regarding the best approach to provide current and future veterans with equal or better healthcare than is currently provided, while maximizing any potential reuse or redevelopment of all or portions of the property.”

U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Bayside), who joined a litany of local elected officials opposing the project, refuted the report’s data, claiming it was outdated and did not anticipate a drastic up-tick in the need for mental health services as the war in Iraq eventually escalated and the conflict in Afghanistan ensued.

“Time after time, I have urged the VA to check its numbers, because its previous projections for a decrease in demand for mental-health services was absurd,” Ackerman said. “I’m pleased that the VA now recognizes that returning Afghani-

stan and Iraq veterans will result in a tripling of outpatient mental-health services specifically required by these veterans over 20 years. I will continue to push the VA to ensure that these veterans have the care that they require.”

According to a 2008 report released by the Rand Center, a nonprofit research organization, 18.5 percent of troops returning from deployment overseas reported “symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder or depression.” The report also identified two barriers to mental health care access in community settings for returning troops: military service members and veterans were reluctant to seek mental health care; if they did, the mental health workforce was at insufficient capacity to adequately address those seeking care.

During President Barack Obama’s televised address on June 22, he announced the withdrawal of 33,000 U.S. troops from Afghanistan by Sept 2012, starting with 10,000 troops by the end of this year.

“This land has been, and always should be, for veterans,” said U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Jackson Heights), who opposed the VA’s proposal. “I’m pleased Rep. Meeks and I were able to play a part in ensuring our veterans’ voices were heard.”

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

Teachers, Firehouses Saved In Budget

BY BRIAN M. RAFFERTY

Bayside, where Engine 306 was set to be shut down.

Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) was critical of how the City used the firehouses as a pawn in budget negotiations.

"I am glad to hear the Mayor and the leadership in the City Council were able to come to an agreement that would save Engine 306," Avella said. "However, I find it disgraceful that the Mayor would threaten the safety of communities like Bayside in order to gain concessions in the budget process. Bartering with residents' safety is irresponsible and dangerous governing and, unfortunately, the Bloomberg administration has turned it into a habit."

Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (DBayside) echoed Avella's sentiment.

The Other Jamaica: Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky and Lorna Golding, the First Lady of Jamaica, met on the Senate floor.

They discussed higher education issues in their respective countries.

"It was outrageous for the Mayor to even propose closing 20 firehouses in New York City and thankfully our voices have been heard," he said. "Moving forward, we must continue to work together to ensure that our community gets the resources and services that we deserve."

The new budget utilizes approximately $3.6 billion from the year-end surplus from the current that was saved and utilizes approximately $700 million from the Retiree Health Benefit Trust, which was created by the Mayor and City Council in 2006. Without the use of those dollars, the City would have been forced to make more severe service cuts.

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

July 1-7, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

On Wednesday, the City approved a budget for the new fiscal year that starts Friday. Though about 1,000 city workers will be laid off, the draconian cuts to teaching positions and closure of some 20 firehouses have been eliminated.

Teaching positions and firehouses had dominated the rhetoric surrounding the budget, but other city services such as libraries and child care programs are seeing their budgets "baselined," meaning they will not be cut, but they will also see no operating cost adjustments from the previous year. Though the budget is balanced, it affects next year's, which is already estimated to have a $5 billion deficit.

Even with teachers not being laid off, some say the state of education is still in peril due to the current budget.

"Nearly half of the 6,100 teaching positions that the budget cuts would eliminate will still be lost - an estimated 2,600 - through attrition, and these teachers will not be replaced, despite rising enrollment," said Class Size Matters Executive Director Leonie Haimson. "This will certainly lead to the fourth year in a row of increased class sizes in our schools and probably even sharper increases than have occurred in more than a decade. Children in the early grades will experience the worst of it, as Kindergarten enrollment is rising especially fast. Grades K-3 will suffer the largest class sizes in 12 years, with an even

larger class size equity gap between New York City children and those in the rest of the state."

United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew, however, hailed the budget as a great compromise that aids the students.

"I want to thank all the parties involved in this agreement for their willingness to come together to prevent the harm that would come to our students from a massive loss of public school teachers," Mulgrew said.

The UFT agreed to certain concessions at the last minute, including eliminating sabbaticals - paid years off - for teachers for the coming school year, as well as the virtual elimination of the substitute teacher program. Up until now, when substitutes have been needed, they have come from a pool that includes nonteachers. Under the new agreement, all teachers in a "reserve pool," who do not have full-time assignments, will work as substitute teachers, reducing substitute costs. The union concessions are expected to save a total of $60 million.

Haimson added that the budget deal "sets the stage for yet another budget battle next year, in which the interests of children will again be pitted against those of millionaires as well as Tweed bureaucrats with flawed priorities."

As for the firehouses, some of the most vocal opponents to the closure were from Queens, including the Councilman, Senator and Assemblyman who represent

More Abuse Charges For Hartshorn

BY JASON COHEN Former Little League Coach of the Year David Hartshorn allegedly enjoys the company of kids too much. After being charged in February with molesting three boys and having child pornography in his home, he was charged Tuesday with molesting an additional three children.

Hartshorn, 52, of Springfield Gardens, was arraigned Tuesday, on a 52-count indictment. The top count in the indictment is predatory sexual fault. If convicted, he

will face 10 years to life in prison. He will be formally charged in court on Sept. 20.

The former coach has been held without bail since February. He allegedly brought several of the players back to his house, touched them inappropriately and had them perform sexual acts that were secretly videotaped. During the past two years, there were allegedly several incidents where the three boys performed sexual acts, including a game of poker where the loser had to perform sexual acts on another.

After his arrest, the Rochdale Board of

Directors did not renew its application with the Little League. But this wasn't Hartshorn's first alleged go-around with kids or the police.

In 1989, he was imprisoned for endangering the welfare of a child. There was no sex offender list at the time, so he was not listed.

Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forrest Hills) said he has had enough of people like Hartshorn slipping through the cracks. Currently, little leagues can screen for sex offenders, but they can't look back farther than 1996, when Megan's Law was enacted.

Hevesi has authored a law that will

change this. The bill is in the Rules Committee in the Senate, and Hevesi believes that it will pass.

"I am very disturbed and upset that more children have been hurt by Mr. Hartshorn, who abused his position as a Little League coach," Hevesi said. "It is incumbent upon us to ensure that nonprofit organizations, such as Little Leagues, have the necessary resources to protect themselves and our children."

Reach Intern Jason Cohen at jcohen@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 124.

College Fund President Visits York

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE Johnny Taylor, Jr. the new president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) recently visited York College, where he met with President Marcia V. Keizs, senior administrators and students. York College is a member institution of the TMCF and has received over $800,000 to support student scholarships, technology software and administrative professional development over the past six years.

Taylor enjoyed a tour of York's campus and remarked favorably on the diversity of the students he met. Among them was Odain Huggins, a native of the country of Jamaica, who has so far received a

$10,000 TMCF scholarhimself a mentor in the ship and is now a finalist Dept. of Student Development. The Scholarship is competing for a "Gold Standard Scholarship" afapplied in two ways: filiated with the NBA. $10,000 awarded to 24 regional winners, and an adHuggins is excited about the possibilities of such a ditional $30,000 is windfall in his college caawarded to four national winners. The four winners reer.

"What I'm going to do Left to Right: Johnny Taylor, Jr. (l. to r.); Emmanuel Thelusma, student; Kenneth are selected from the larger is use the $30,000 to go Wright, student; Linda Chesney, Director of Career Services; Dr. Marcia Keizs, pool of 24 and they become to a Thurgood Marshall President; Arulafel Atambi, student; Odain Huggins, student; Jerome Tabasores, eligible candidates upon begraduate school," said the student; Dr. Ivelaw Griffith, Provost & Senior VP for Academic Affairs; Jonathan ing announced winners of Accounting major. "I am Quash, Director of the Black Male Initiative at York College. the smaller sum. just excited to go and The NBA, Bacardi Cormeet the other scholarship recipients. I friendships established at the two-day poration, and TMCF flew the scholarship winners and one guest each to the J.W. look forward to the possibility that fu- event." ture business associates can result from Huggins is mentored by Keizs and is Marriott Hotel, in Miami, on June 27.

Do you have a limited income and are you feeling the pinch?

Get free energy efficiency services through EmPower New York and take control of your energy use.

High energy costs can strain any household budget, but they are a real challenge to families living on a limited income. Poor insulation, air leaks, and inefficient lighting and appliances can all add up to high energy costs.

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 1-7, 2011

Help is available for you. EmPower New York offers free energy efficiency services and education to HEAP eligible low-income New Yorkers, including renters.

A participating contractor, accredited by the Building Performance Institute (BPI), will provide energy efficiency measures, such as insulation, high efficiency lighting, and upgrades to appliances, all at no cost to you.

For more information about EmPower,

Free Energy Efficiency Services through EmPower New YorkSM

visit GetEnergySmart.org/empower or call 1-800-263-0960.

RESMISC-ad-EmPower 4/11

20 Years To Clean Newtown Creek

BY JASON BANREY

After being designated a Superfund site nearly nine months ago, Newtown Creek’s contaminated waters have slowly been winding through the process of remediation. The EPA cautions that the decades of abuse and neglect could take as much as 20 years to fix.

Announced in September 2010, Newtown Creek’s Superfund status has allowed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take the helm of cleaning up the local estuary, authorizing the agency to hold those responsible of leaving a legacy of pollution in the borough’s backyard.

At a public meeting on Tuesday, the EPA announced progress toward beginning remediation, but fell short of promising a speedy recovery that would likely set a 15-20-year timetable before the waterway, which borders both Brooklyn and Queens, is declared “officially clean.”

“There is no quick fix to this project,” said Judith Enck, regional administrator of the EPA. “Superfund cleaning takes a lot of patience.”

Once a bustling industrial corridor, Newtown Creek’s banks were home to more than 50 industrial facilities, which included oil refineries, petrochemical plants, coal yards and fertilizer factories.

The nearly four-mile stretch has suffered from a lasting legacy of industrialization, which led to the contamination of nearly 1 million cubic yards of sediment. In

the past, EPA tests have uncovered harmful contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and various cancer causing compounds, which include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Proclaiming that there is light emerging at the other end of the toxically clogged waterway’s proverbial tunnel, Enck explained that the conclusion of negotiations with six Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs) would allow the EPA to begin conducting a remedial investigation and feasibility study. The PRP’s include BP America, ExxonMobil, Texaco, National

Grid, mining corporation Phelps Dodge and the City of New York.

Under EPA oversight, and with funding provided by the PRPs, the study will determine the nature of the pollutants in the creek; assess risks to both the environment as well as the residents in the surrounding area; and then recommend the most efficient method of clean up.

Before the process of dredging contaminated sediment from the bottom of the creek can begin, a feasibility study must be carried out – and that is expected to take five to seven years to complete. The design for the remediation process would take three years and the final stages are

anticipated to last from five to eight years– setting the date of completion nearly two decades away.

Although the EPA could not guarantee a total estimate of the entire project’s costs, based on similar projects that are already underway, such as the Hudson River cleanup, the estimated costs of the feasibility study alone would be $25 million.

The EPA expects a consent order to be signed by the PRPs by July, allowing fieldwork to begin on the study towards the end of the summer.

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

DA’s Illegal Smoke Crackdown

BY DOMENICK RAFTER Queens DA Richard Brown's anti-tobacco program netted another four people accused of selling unlicensed cigarettes in Queens.

Brown's new Crimes Against Revenue Unit (CARU), which he announced in April, seized $35,000 in cash and 900 cartons of cigarettes, valued at more than $100,000, from a Flushing home and a minivan parked in front of it, and arrested three suspects, including two from Queens.

Ben Chuan Chen, 37, of 136-19 60th

Ave. in Flushing, was arrested along with Liu-Qin Feng, 36, of 136 Bowery St., Manhattan and Luis Robert Lienda-Guillen, 56, of 35-40 91st St., Jackson Heights.

They were arraigned on charges of firstdegree criminal possession of a forged instrument, third-degree trademark counterfeiting and violations of state tax law.

The trio was nabbed June 15 after authorities executed warranted searches of Chen's 60th Avenue home and a 2004 Honda minivan parked at the location. During a search of the residence and vehicle, police allegedly recovered 793 untaxed car-

tons of cigarettes, 431 counterfeit Virginia tax stamps, and $33,231 in cash. Police acted after seeing Feng leave the home and head for the vehicle carrying a plastic bag.

That same day, police nabbed LiendoGuillen as he was leaving his residence carrying a black duffel bag, allegedly containing seven cartons of untaxed New York State cigarettes.

If convicted, the defendants each face up to 15 years in prison.

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

July 1-7, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

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

In Our Opinion: Brenda Jones

Editorial Gay Marriage The Queens Tribune congratulates all of its Queens Senators for making the right choice in voting to approve same sex marriage in New York State. Thanks to the aid of a few level-headed Senators from the other side of the aisle, ALL the people of Queens now have equal rights to marry - from the opposite sex or same sex.

For far too long, gay couples have been denied this basic right that their neighbors have enjoyed. Nobody is saying that gay marriages are going to be any better, longer-lasting or more productive than those of opposite sex couple. To thrive or fail under the eye of the law is now in the hands of all of us, regardless of sexual orientation.

Congratulations to all of the current and future couples of Queens who had previously been denied this basic right.

Executive Editor:

Brian Rafferty Deputy Editor:

Joseph Orovic Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Harley Benson Sasha Austrie Domenick Rafter Jason Banrey

The Budget Though much ballyhoo has been dedicated to the issue of teacher layoffs and firehouse closures, somehow the City has magically found a way to keep teachers in classrooms and firehouses open - perhaps it has something to do with the fact that next year's budget is already at a $5 billion deficit.

Let's not forget that there will still be layoffs of some 1,000 workers citywide, budgets for libraries, childcare and after school programs have been chopped and the city has dug deep into any cash reserves it may have to bring a balanced budget for this year.

Yes, the squeakiest wheels have been greased - who in Queens hadn't heard about rallies for teachers and firehouses? The strong unions got their message out and played a very visible game of cat and mouse with the City, airing their dirty laundry and crying for the children to help drum up public support.

But what happens next year? More of the same, we fear.

Letters Still Opposed To The Editor: An open letter to Archbishop Timothy Dolan:

As a gay man, I am disgusted and appalled that New York City and New York State passed the same-sex marriage bill.

I have always been an outspo-

Letters ken opponent of Gay Marriage, Civil Unions and Gay Adoptions.

Although I am gay, I was always raised with the belief that marriage is between a man and woman only for child rearing purposes.

These elected officials need to have their heads examined; they have no idea what they have done and there will definitely be more problems arising out of this passage of the same-sex marriage bill.

I have no problems with people receiving equal rights and treatment, but allowing gay marriage is not the way to go.

The world and especially New York City and New York State have more pressing problems of concern, such as creating jobs, educating the public, getting the housing market back on track and such important matters.

This gay marriage bill is nothing more than a sham to get much more needed revenue from people by marring and divorcing them.

Whatever happened to separation of government and churches?

I always thought that you couldn't mix government and church matters together; we must find a way to abolish this same sex marriage bill now.

We all must find some way to overturn this sham of a same sex marriage bill very soon; the future

generation all depends on us.

Sooner or later we are going to have a world full of gays and this world will definitely come to an end.

I see a lot of gay people getting hurt or worse even killed as a result of this same sex marriage bill being passed.

If you should decide to hold a protest rally to strike down this gay marriage bill, please count me in, I will definitely like to help you overturn this marriage bill, like we did with California.

Paul Priore, Jackson Heights

SOUND OFF Send your thoughts, ideas, opinions, outrage, praise, observations about our community To the PRESS of Southeast Queens 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357 e-mail:news@queenspress.com

fax: (718) 357-9417

Art Dept:

Sara Gold Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend

Hold Off On The Cuomo Promotion

A Personal Perspective Advertising Director James Mammarella Sr. Account Executive Shelly Cookson Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 1-7, 2011

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2011 Tribco, LLC

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE

Why is it that the minute a governor succeeds in getting an agenda passed everyone starts touting him for president?

It’s as though we believe that the reward for doing their job is an automatic ticket to the White House. Andrew Cuomo has had a charmed five years starting with winning the Attorney General race in 2006 and the Governor’s Mansion when David Paterson decided he could not run to continue as governor. It cleared the way for the son of a former governor to also rise without a dog fight.

Cuomo is the latest governor to get the build up to run for president (in 2016 in this case) following the same buzz on Chris Christie (R-New Jersey), whom Republicans wanted to run in 2012.

Stop it! Let these folks do the jobs for the people of the states that elected them and stop acting like that’s no longer good enough for them simply because they may be articulate or witty, or that they managed to get a budget and a

controversial bill such as gay marriage passed.

It was the same thing when Barack Obama gave that electrifying speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. He was running for the U.S. Senate at the time and actually out-did John Kerry, the presidential nominee. Before Obama could even win that seat, people started talking him up for president. When he won, they couldn’t give him time to learn where the bathroom was first before they started pushing him into a presidential race.

Of course, he decided to go with the momentum and that was good for him and for us. But that’s not the way it should always be.

People need to distinguish themselves with what they have now without getting a swollen head about what’s next. Is our collective self-esteem that low that we don’t think we deserve a good governor or senator to stay and serve us well for at least two terms?

It’s fine if they don’t, but it should not be an automatic expectation. Public service is an honorable calling and wanting to run for increasingly higher office

is natural. But let’s see what the person can do with what he or she has right now.

Andrew Cuomo didn’t even have to fight that hard in the gubernatorial election. There was no real primary since there was no incumbent and no viable Democrat came forward to challenge him; and his closest Republican rival, Carl Paladino, imploded. So having gotten the gay marriage bill passed (which Paterson also introduced last year) and a workable budget that automatically qualifies him to run for president? Let’s wait and see how he does over the next few years before we give him a promotion.

And gay marriage could well hurt the governor as much as it helps him. It gives him credibility with the gay community across our state and nation and delighted their supporters, but it may not “sell in Peoria.” A nationwide campaign may not go as well in the other states as it could in New York, where he is popular and is enjoying a spike for this bill. And while we’re at it, let’s not forget Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos was quite instrumental in

getting members of his caucus to support it, as was Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. So it was the “three men in a room.”

So based on the criteria for president, then let’s make Cuomo president in 2016 and Skelos governor, no?

To Cuomo’s credit, he has said he will not “engage in this conversation.” It is simply too soon.

That is a wise decision. And that is his style. He never once came out and announced whether or not he would run for governor as Paterson’s appointed tenure faced obstacle after obstacle. He bided his time until the scandalscarred governor cried “uncle.”

Cuomo was right there waiting to step into the spot as the Democratic candidate of record.

He will play it like that again until 2015, when candidates start declaring their intentions for the presidential race. Many people wanted and expected his father, former governor Mario Cuomo, to run in his hey day and were disappointed when he did not.

The son could well decide to do it. But let’s see how he serves us first.

which of these will not reduce your electricity use? a. replacing light switches with dimmers or motion sensors b. focusing light where it’s needed instead of lighting a whole room c. removing lamp shades d. keeping bulbs and fixtures clean

ceiling fans can improve energy efficiency‌ a. in the summer b. in the winter c. in both summer and winter

answer: c

an efficient way to keep your home cool in the summer is to... a. close shades or drapes to keep out the sun’s heat b. leave your a/c on all the time so it doesn’t have to cool a warm house

answer: a

find 100 + energy tips at conEd.com

what is the recommended setting for your a/c thermostat? a. 80° b. 78° c. 72° d. 60°

answer: b

July 1-7, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Â&#x2039; &RQVROLGDWHG (GLVRQ &RPSDQ\ RI 1HZ <RUN ,QF $G $UQHOO *URXS

c. leave windows open for a breeze, even when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hot out

answer: c

Marriage Equality And Its Effects Everlasting

By MICHAEL SCHENKLER I do not remember the last time I was proud of the New York State legislature.

The historic passage of the Marriage Equality bill is a major achievement in the civil rights struggle we’ve known for most of our lives.

It is a triumphant and amazingly quick achievement for the LGBT movement, which has effectively demonstrated that organization, dedication and commitment can bring social change.

I am thrilled for the LGBT community and the tens of thousands of couples and families this new legislation affects.

I am basically thrilled that another blow for equality has been struck – right here in New York.

I salute the moribund, dysfunctional New York State Legislature that for years has been the target of my just derision.

As history records this chapter in the evolution of the civil rights movement in the United States, and plans are being made for wedding celebrations starting at the end of July, several thoughts come to mind.

As we herald in a new era we wonder: 1) As a result of gay marriage s, will there be other laws that require changing?

2) Wil l Ne w York State’s economy get a significant boost as a result of the increase in wedding celebrations and the gift-giving that accompanies them?

3) How long will it take for the right wing to accept marriage equality?

4) Will the leadership he demonstrated ultimately catapult Andrew Cuomo into the national spotlight and the White House?

No, I don’t have the answers; just a couple of thoughts.

First, on the light and more serious side, I guess the introduction of Gay Marriage in New York, also means the beginning of Gay Divorce. Welcome to reality brothers and sisters of the LGBT community. Are New York’s divorce laws, community proper ty laws, child custody laws and every other ancillary law gender neutral when it comes to married couples? Will health professionals, schools, tax folk require law changes, proce-

dural adjustments, form rewrites and more in order to deal with married couples of the same sex?

Will the required changes perhaps bring jobs or business to legal professions or printers? Will the lawyers – they always seem to gain – benefit from the likely increase in divorces?

We certainly anticipate an immediate significant increase in the restaurant and catering business as romantic couples pop the question and then celebrate with engagement parties, family gatherings and elaborate weddings.

Gift-giving to the newly engaged or married couples could spark another mini economic boom, especially if the LGBT organized a “celebrate with us and buy local campaign.” Even if that’s too much to expect, we all should remain conscious of keeping our dollars as close to home as possible. A recovery on Main Street benefits us all.

It seems to me that as a side benefit to the historical Marriage Equality achievement, we can expect to see communities all across Ne w York benefit economical ly from the added business and spending that new marriages bring.

As far as the right wing – the conservative movement in New York that tried to block Marriage Equality legislation by threatening to withhold the “C” line in the

next election from any Republican who voted in favor of it – their acceptance is likely to evolve.

As people get used to a new social condition, they become more accepting. If the evolution doesn’t occur quickly enough – and it never does – there are demonstrations, cour t decisions, and a watchful press. This nat ion has learned how to deal effectively with illegal discrimination, and now that gay marriage will be legal, we expect to see the news and courts filled with incidents and accusations of discrimination. Yes, there will be that photographer who refuses to shoot the gay wedding, the restaurant which won’t host the lesbian engagement party, or the gift shop refusing to have same-sex bridal registry. We’re not sure why they won’t welcome the additional business but expect it.

Yes, there will even be some demonstrations by zealots who refuse to accept other people’s rights and freedoms. Sadly, extremists all too often rely on religion to try to impede social progress.

Soon the resistance will pass – except for the hard-core crazies – and no one will be surprised by the gay married couple on the block. Yes, there will be communities with a greater percentage of gay families but soon it will be acceptable in almost every community – it is already in many. While

we are insulated from upstate, we imagine there is more resistance there. In downstate New York, the gay movement has made significant inroads towards equality long before Friday’s passage of the legislation. The movement’s economic power and organization has paved the way for this moment.

Finally, the new law would never have been passed without the effective leadership of Gov. Andrew Cuomo. He singlehandedly turned last year’s bad defeat into this year’s triumphant victory. And in the final week of the legislative session he achieved historic cooperation and compromise resulting in a series of amazing triumphs for his agenda and New York. On top of his budget and ethics achievements, Cuomo moves to the top of every liberal list as a future leader of the Blues.

His long talked-about quest for the White House finally has legs.

Andrew Cuomo has shown his Agame and it is of national quality and as impressive as we’ve ever seen.

If he can keep it going, we expect to see Cuomo for President in 2016.

Even though we’ve come a long way thanks to his leadership, he would be more electable married to a Food Network star than a gay partner.

MSchenkler@QueensPress.com

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 1-7, 2011

Vote Brings Civil Rights, Equality To All Of Us

By JIMMY VAN BRAMER I will never forget where I was when marriage equality became a reality in New York State.

I was standing on the steps of the Tweed Cour t house with my City Council colleagues as the Mayor and Speaker Quinn were announcing an agreement on the Cit y’s budget when the Speaker took the microphone and shared the news that the state Legislature had just approved marriage equality; my eyes filled with tears of joy.

As I celebrated that night and throughout Pride weekend, I thought about how far we have come as a society, even in my lifetime.

I was born in August 1969, just t wo months af ter t he h istoric Stonewall Riots that launched the modern LGBT civil rights movement.

When I came out to my family 20 years later, I didn’t think that marriage equality would happen in

my lifetime. But step by step, propelled by the tremendous courage of advocate s a nd people who came out to their families, the tide of history began to turn.

By allowing all New Yorkers to marry the person they love, our state has made a clear and forceful declaration that there must be no secondclass New Yorkers.

The struggle to reach this milestone has been long, and change is always difficult. But as evidenced by Friday’s vote, the march toward greater freedom and fairness, toward true equality under the law, cannot be stopped until all of us are truly free.

Many LGBT youth struggle to come out, sometimes encountering resentment, betrayal and even violence from those that they love and their communit y at large. In the last year, we have witnessed tragic events of bullying against gay teens. As I recorded my “It Gets Better” video last year, I recalled my own struggle at a young age to

come out and the happiness I have since found.

Twelve years ago, I was able to find love in my partner, Dan. However, as strong as our bond is, we were not entitled to the same rights and acknowledgement as our heterosexual friends. Dan and I experience the same ups and downs as any other couple: We balance our checkbook, shop for groceries, go to Mets games, help out in the community and plan for the future. However, our relationship was not recognized by the state; we were, in the eyes of the law, no more than strangers.

In addition to granting our relationship the proper legal status, Friday’s vote was impor tant for another kind of history, too – the kind recorded not in history books, but in family photographs and genealogies.

For too long, gay and lesbian couples like us were forced to live in the shadows. No matter how long we lived together, no matter how much we loved each other, no matter how committed we were to one another, gay and lesbian relat ionships re sted on a legal house of cards under New York law.

And now, at last, our state

government has caught up with the truth that our families, colleagues and neighbors have long known: LGBT citizens deserve the same rights, recognition and respect as every other New Yorker.

With Friday’s vote, New York has reclaimed its proper role as a beacon for civil rights and equality

– a proud example that should inspire our federal government and other states around the country to follow suit.

Jimmy Van Bramer is a member of the City Council representing Long Island City, Sunnyside and Woodside.

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

Police Blotter Compiled by DOMENICK RAFTER

108th Precinct Fashionable Burglar The NYPD is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man wanted in connection with a burglary that occurred in Sunnyside.

On Monday, June 20, at approximately 9:25 a.m., a man entered an apartment located at 42-15 43rd Ave. in Sunnyside through an open window. While inside, the robber removed money and electronic equipment, then exited the apartment through the front door.

The robber is described as a black or Hispanic man, 30-35 years old, about 5foot-7 and 180 lbs. He was last seen wearing a short-sleeve, button-down orange and white checkered shirt, an orange tshirt underneath, blue jeans, a white and blue baseball cap with letter P in front.

He was carrying a pink backpack.

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

113th Precinct Shooting Victims Found On Sunday, June 26, at approximately

4:14 a.m., police responded to a call re- tion and ultimately produced and negotiporting a man shot at 113th Avenue and ated four fraudulent checks totaling 157 Street in South Jamaica. Upon ar- $3,000. The checks were cashed at three rival, responding officers discovered four separate TD Bank branches. victims, two 18-year-old black men, one The thief is described as a white or shot in the chest, back Hispanic man, apand arm and the other proximately 25-30 in the buttocks; a 17years old, wearing a year-old black man dark jacket, a gray knit shot in the right forehat and a multicolored arm; and a 16-year-old scarf. black man shot in the Anyone with inforleft leg. The victims mation regarding this were transported to incident or the identity Jamaica Hospital of this individual is where the first victim, asked to call Crime Terrell Fountain, 18, Stoppers at (800) 577of 177-15 145th TIPS (8477). The pubRoad, Springfield lic can also submit Gardens, died. The their tips by logging other victims were all onto the Crime Stoplisted in stable condip e rs Web sit e at tion. nypdcrimestoppers.com There were no aror by texting their tips rests as of printing. The NYPD needs helping finding to 274637 (CRIMES) The investigation was this suspect, wanted for grand lar- then entering TIP577. ceny. ongoing.

All calls are strictly confidential.

114th Precinct Check Fraud Perp The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a man wanted for grand larceny in Astoria.

On Saturday, Jan. 22, the thief took a victim’s corporate bank account informa-

The Bad Touch The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a man wanted in regards to forcible touching which occurred on June 7 in Astoria.

The suspect, a light-skinned 35-year-old Hispanic man, forcibly touched a 19-year-

old victim and fled the scene on foot. The suspect is 5-foot-4 and was last seen wearing a white short sleeve shirt, black pants, black shoes, and had a black bag and sunglasses on his head.

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

Killer Van On Saturday, June 25, at approximately 10:22 p.m., police responded to a report of a pedestrian struck at the corner of 40th Avenue and 12th Street in Queensbridge. Upon arrival, officers determined that a blue 1997 Ford van, driven by a Apostal Cela, 29, of 12-18 27th Ave., Astoria, was making a left turn from 12th Street onto 40th Avenue when it struck Evelyn Gonzalez, 46, of 1384 Bristow St., Apt. 4C, in the Bronx.

Gonzalez was attempting to cross 40th Avenue within the marked crosswalk.

EMS also responded to the location and transported the victim to Mt. Sinai Hospital of Queens, where she was pronounced dead. Cela was arrested and charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Vehicle.

July 1-7, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Gay Marriage Passes:

State Approves LGBT Right To Wed Advocates, Boro Pols Celebrate Rights

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 1-7, 2011

It was a debate that left New York on its toes for weeks. Would the Empire State become the sixth state legalize same-sex marriage?

The debate attracted national attention. The population of New York is more than double that of the other five states where same-sex marriage is legal – combined. The state is home to the country’s largest LGBT community and is the birthplace of the gay rights movement. Some of the country’s most popular wedding locales like the Hamptons, Oheka Castle, Central Park, Lake George and Niagara Falls are in New York. Legalization here, advocates thought and opponents feared, would be a catalyst nationwide, where the movement stalled after defeats in California, Maine and Maryland.

Anticipation that the bill could pass began nearly two weeks earlier when three previously opposed State Senate Democrats, including two from Queens – Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica) – announced they would support the legislation this time around. They were later joined by two Republicans – Jim Alesi (R-Rochester) and Roy McDonald (RSaratoga Springs), bringing the bill to within one vote of passage.

PRESS Photos by Ira Cohen

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer marches in Sunday’s Pride Parade in Manhattan with Council Speaker Christine Quinn, less than 48 hours after the state passed a law legalizing gay marriage. with Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. Upon finishing his readings of the amendments, Saland removed his glasses.

“My intellectual and emotional journey has ended here today,” he said before announcing, at 9:48 p.m., that he would vote yes on the bill.

Drama On The Floor Delayed Gratification The 32nd vote was The waiting game “I said I had a secure. The Senate began. Days passed problem with the without a vote and there went on to vote on the term ‘marriage,’ but chapter amendments, were a number of false which passed 36-26, alarms. Activists from I also have a probwith the yes votes of both sides camped out lem with the rights three Long Island Rein the State Capitol in that were being publicans – Skelos, Albany for more than a week, refusing to budge Kemp Hannon and Carl overlooked. A man Marcellino, all of whom until the bill was voted can be wiser today would later vote against on or died. Finally, on the main bill.

Friday, nine days after it than yesterday. I “There are only hepassed the State Assemcannot legally come roes here, not villains,” bly and just in time for up with an arguthe annual gay pride said openly-gay State Sen. Tom Duane (Dweekend, Majority ment against sameManhattan), who stood Leader Dean Skelos ansex marriage.” on the Senate floor near nounced a vote would —Sen. Mark Grisanti his partner Louis, mobe held in the Senate. ments before the bill All eyes turned to the Senate floor during passed.

The only opponent to speak was Sen. happy hour on Friday, with some gay bars tuning their televisions to a site rarely Ruben Diaz Sr. (D-Bronx), who went beseen: the New York Legislative Channel. yond the two-minute speech limit set by The Senate took up other bills first, in- Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy, the Senate’s presidcluding the so-called “Big Ugly,” followed ing officer. Diaz and Duffy skirmished for by a short recess. Until the bill hit the a short time before Diaz took a seat.

As the votes were tallied, a 33rd yes floor, no one was sure what would hapvote appeared: Sen. Mark Grisanti (R-Bufpen.

Then, at around 9:30 p.m., the Sen- falo), a freshman former Democrat who ate gaveled back into session and State represents an overwhelmingly-DemoSen. Stephen Saland (R-Poughkeepsie), cratic district. Gristani was personally tarone of the final two undecided senators, geted by musician Lady Gaga, a promitook to the floor. He outlined the “chap- nent LGBT-right supporter. She asked ter amendments,” additional protections fans at a Buffalo concert earlier this year on religious institutions added to the to lobby Grisanti to vote yes.

“I said I had a problem with the Assembly’s bill after lengthy negotiations

term ‘marriage,’” said Grisanti, who opposed marriage equality in his 2010 campaign. “But I also have a problem with the rights that were being overlooked. A man can be wiser today than yesterday. I cannot legally come up with an argument against same-sex marriage.”

Grisanti added that if the bill failed, the next time it came up, perhaps under Democratic control, the amendments protecting religious institutions would not be there.

Finally, It Passes As the clerk read off the vote totals – 33 in favor, 29 against – an explosion of cheers erupted in the gallery above the Senate chamber. For nearly two minutes, Lt. Gov. Duffy banged his gavel, attempting to restore order as onlookers

chanted “USA! USA!” When the commotion quieted down, at least two people yelled “Thank you” to the Senators on the floor.

Closer to home, there were celebrations outside Stonewall Bar in Greenwich Village where the gay rights movement began 42 years ago this week. The Empire State Building was illuminated in rainbow colors, the symbol of gay pride.

Sissy McGinty’s, the popular pub on Steinway Street in Astoria, immediately offered its back room for gay wedding receptions on Twitter. On Saturday morning, openly-gay Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) symbolically cut a gay wedding cake in Jackson Heights to celebrate the bill passing.

Before signing the bill on Friday night, Gov. Cuomo noted that New York has always been progressive on social issues.

New York outlawed slavery 40 years before the 13th Amendment was ratified and legalized abortion rights three years before Roe v. Wade.

“This state, when it’s at its finest, is a beacon of social justice,” he said. He gave credit to the activists and the supporters throughout the state who made their voices heard.

“Democracy works when people speak,” Cuomo said. “And the people spoke in leaps and bounds.”

New York is the third state to pass marriage equality legislatively and the first time a Republican-controlled legislative body did it. The law will officially go into effect 30 days after Cuomo signed the bill, which means the first same-sex marriage licenses will be issued on July 24.

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

Gov. Andrew Cuomo received a hero’s welcome at the Pride Parade.

Borough Beat

Bus Driver's Tale A Hit With Kids

BY JOSEPH OROVIC

The epic literary themes of deception, bravery, cunning and heroic triumph mark the work of a Queens resident many would be quick to miss. No, Mario Trimoglie's work is not "The Odyssey," but it shares the same DNA. The bus driver's children's book "The Story of Ocos: King of the Sky, Master of The Water" finds big meaning in one little duck's journey.

"When I see tears in kids' eyes, I know I touched them," Trimoglie said.

Ocos' tale follows a duckling aspiring to be an eagle. Self-discovery leaves him upset to learn he could never soar like the eagle. Life teaches him that even our heroes can be imperfect, as the eagle he once admired becomes an enemy to Ocos's village. With a bit of training and impeccable logic, Ocos defeats the eagle.

The 62-year-old author from Auburndale speaks with a passion that betrays his Sicilian heritage. Hands strain against the urge to flail; his eyebrows dance with the flow of his accent-riddled sentences.

He came to the country when he was 14, settling in Corona with his parents and two sisters. Times were tough, and Trimoglie took a job at a pizza shop.

"Shortly after we got here, the American dream became a nightmare," he said.

Not knowing a lick of English, and

forsaking school to help support his family for $30 a week, any hope for academic success flew out the window.

"I said I would take one to three years off from school, but then I started to notice girls and not care for going back," he said.

But in the back of Trimoglie's mind remained boyhood days spent traversing Sicily's war ruins, imagining his gang of friends mid-battle, then taking tales of his

conquests to the family dinner table.

Those days carried on to Trimoglie's life in America, past the pizza, past a 27year-stint as a barber, to today, when he spends his days behind the wheel of an MTA bus. Working his routes, Trimoglie relishes congestion, traffic, red lights anything that can slow the pace of the day and keep his mind conjuring up plot lines, twists and stories.

Trimoglie said the reception for the book has been positive. He spends some Saturday's in front of the Bay Terrace Barnes and Noble, bus driver shirt on, selling his book.

"I never give up," he said. "The only time I'm going to give up is when I'm dead."

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

BY JING CHEN

life by decreasing patients' suffering. The decision to focus on lessening patients' suffering is made after life-prolonging treatment has been proven ineffective.

This philosophy has transcended into modern medicine, where medical practitioners are taught to solely extend patients' lives, even at the expense of using painful treatments that may not improve the underlying condition.

"Patients with serious illnesses want pain and symptom control, to avoid inappropriate prolongation of the dying process, to achieve a sense of control, relieve burdens on family and strengthen relationships with loved ones," Diane E. Meier, Director of the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC), told the gathering. CAPC is a national organization devoted to in-

creasing the number and quality of palliative care programs in the United States.

Unlike most areas in the medical field, palliative care requires providing emotional support to patients and their loved ones, in addition to providing traditional means of aid through treatments.

The four-hour symposium included informative slides to guide medical practitioners on this growing concept in medical care. It was clear from the discussions at the NYHQ conference that palliative care is gaining in popularity as the average lifespan increases.

For more information on palliative care, visit capc.org.

Reach Intern Jing Chen at jchen@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 124.

Palliative Care Discussion At NYHQ

At the first Palliative Care Symposium run by New York Hospital Queens, a roomful of medical practitioners came out to support and learn more about the littleknown division that even the most experienced physician may have trouble with.

"Palliative care focuses on relief of suffering, psychosocial support and closure near the end of life," according to the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine. It is typically geared toward the chronically ill - of which the elderly is the most identifiable group. Palliative care is often referred to as Hospice care.

Traditional medical philosophy is deeply rooted in prolonging life and curing illnesses, rather than improving the quality of

July 1-7, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

pix

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

Jamaica Business Resource Center Anniversary On June 9, the Jamaica Business Resource Center celebrated its 15th Anniversary at the Ritz Carlton at Battery Park.

Photos by Walter Karling

Sutphin Boulevard BID

Photos by Walter Karling

The eighth Annual Meeting of the Members of the Sutphin Boulevard Business Improvement District was held at the cutting-edge, state-of-the-art JFK Corporate Square Marketing Center across from the Air Terminal in downtown Jamaica.

Simone Price, the Executive Director of the organization, led the meeting.

Rev. W. Franklin Richardson, Sr. Pastor of the Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon (l. to r.); honoree NYS Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson; and U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks.

Rev. Floyd Flake (l. to r.); U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks; Keturah Reed and her father, the Rev. Edwin Reed of the Greater Allen Cathedral, Jamaica.

Sandra Wilkin, Founding President of the Women Builders Council (l. to r.); honoree Cheryl McKissack Daniel, CEO of The McKissack Group - the oldest minority-owned design and construction firm in the nation - and newly-elected President of the Women Builders Council; and NYS Assemblyman William Scarborough.

NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli; honoree NYC Comptroller John Liu; and Rev. Floyd Flake.

Keynote speaker NYC Comptroller John Liu provided the latest news on Gotham's financial affairs.

Merchant-of-the-Year An Sun Shin, owner of Well Being Fish and Deli (l.), Executive Director Simone Price and Signature Bank Senior Vice-President Norman Burak.

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 1-7, 2011

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and Rev. Floyd Flake at the podium.

Rev. Jacques Andre DeGraff (l. to r.); former U.S. Rep. and Senior Pastor of Allen AME Church, Jamaica, Rev. Floyd Flake; and honoree NYS Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson.

Discussing the meeting agenda: Simone Price, John Liu, Executive Board Chairman and Signature Bank Senior Vice-President Norman Burak, and Executive Board Treasurer and Signature Bank Vice-President Elizabeth Forgione.

Attentive members of the audience.

July 1-7, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

Profile

Hello Retirement, Goodbye Teaching room, shopping for bargains in August to decorate the room in September, preparFor decades, Helaine Witt has found ing, anxious to meet the children and lay herself at home educating an audience of the foundation from the first day.” children. On the last day of school this Witt’s teaching career, which began semester, Witt started a new chapter in in 1971, was a dream she harbored since her life. the second grade.

Though she is uncer“I would play school tain of how it will play out, with myself by writing with she will miss the day-tomy left hand in a notebook day humdrum of teaching, that I never finished using her students’ smiling after June, when summer faces, the prospect of makcame,” she said. “I was the ing their lives better than teacher and the student... when they walked into her I was and am a rightclassroom. handed teacher!”

“I imagine I will get melShe has always been ancholy and hug all the passionate about two people in school and say things: teaching and The goodbye one by one to the Beatles. Witt said the idea students in my class,” she of becoming a teacher said before the big day. “I kept her focused in colwill cry. I cry when a child lege, and at the off chance is leaving my class to move that she may meet John, Helaine Witt in the middle of the year, Paul, Ringo and George, so I will cry Tuesday.” she stayed in New York for college. She For 19 years, she has been sustained met The Beatles in 1968 and became a

by PS 140. The place has never been just teacher three years later. a job, but a place to nourish the minds of Though Witt took a 15-year hiatus the future. from teaching, and has substituted for “I never thought of it as drudgery or about 15 to 20 schools; she estimated that anything,” Witt said. “It was always a joy she has taught about 1,000 children. going back, starting to create a new classShe has a horde of memorable mo-

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 1-7, 2011

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

ments, but out of the throng, she remembers a child who wouldn’t’ speak until Witt gave her a tape recorder.

“She spoke for the first time in school,” Witt said.

It is delving into moments like these that will sustain Witt through retirement.

“I bring the children with me whenever I go shopping, whenever I watch a certain television show, when I hear certain news reports, when I meet with people, when I participate with my volunteer work; they mean so much to me,” she said. “What I mean is, I want to get them Witt meeting one of her Fab Four idols, John Lennon, who this book, I want to buy sang to her on the steps of Abbey Road. them this prize, I want to talk to them about this [or that].” busy, doing my volunteer work, taking She has no plans to ease into a lax classes, working on my living environlife. Witt said it was the death of her older ment… visiting friends and relatives both brother that inspired the new phase in in the United States and abroad, going to her life. concerts, exhibits, shops, parties, events, Witt is interested in stand-up comedy, etc. and doing nothing,” she said. writing jokes for comediennes, as well as Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at slogans and ads. saustrie@queenspress.com or (718) 357“Retirement means still keeping very 7400, Ext. 123.

A&E

Mob Book Has Strong Queens Ties

By DOMENICK RAFTER For anyone who grew up in South Queens in the latter half of the 20th Century, the mob is something we all seem to have a connection to; either through friends, neighbors, or perhaps even families. Everyone has a story about the mob in Queens.

F o r Newsday reporter Anthony DeStefano, the mob was an interest that just fell into his lap. While working at a news service in the 1970s, he got assigned an investigative story about the mafia in Manhattan’s Garment District, and that’s where it began. Since then, he’s been a crime reporter and become almost a mafia historian. He wrote a book called “King Of The Godfathers” about “Big Joey” Massino, former head of the Bonanno crime family. Now he’s out with a new book; “Mob Killer: The Bloody Rampage

of Charlie Carneglia, Mafia Hit Man.” Carneglia, who lived in Ozone Park and Howard Beach, is well known for his connection with Gambino family crime boss John Gotti for his brutal killings. He was convicted of four murders and sentenced to life in prison in 2009, but was acquitted of the murder of one: Albert Gelb, a court officer gunned down in Richmond Hill in 1976.

DeStefano covered the Carneglia trial for Newsday, and when it ended, was asked to write a book about it. The book required extensive, labor-intensive research, including combing through 5,000 pages of trial testimony and interviewing witnesses who often didn’t want to be quoted.

“Luckily I attended the trial so I knew the outline of what was going on,” DeStefano said. “Interviewing people, that was the really challenging part.”

Restaurant Review

Steak In The Hills (aged.)

107-02 70th Rd., Forest Hills (718) 544-2433 CUISINE: Steak House PARKING: Street CREDIT CARDS: All major HOURS: Open Mon-Sat at 11:30 a.m. Closes Sun-Wed at 11 pm; Thu-Sat til midnight

information from it.

“You become almost a historian,” he said. “You keep records and files and you remember the names.”

Some of the characters in “Mob Killer” were names he recognized from his research he conducted as early as the 1970s.

DeStefano held a book discussion and signing in Queens on June 11 at the Borders at the Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale. The interest in Queens was palpable, with crowds coming in and out all day, interested in a much-talked about local topic.

“People were very curious to hear what I had to say because they knew some of these people, or they knew about them,” he said.

DeStefano said the mob is a topic that interests many, even decades after the mob reached its pinnacle in New York.

It’s almost like folklore in a way,” DeStefano said.

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

Actress Mary Riley Building Star Power ing the actors, dealing with the paperwork, booking the place. I learned a lot.”

Astoria resident and professional acWhile it was a prestigious title and an tress, Mary Riley will star in the play, “Mad enjoyable two years, Riley soon realized Mel and the Marradians,” a sci-fi comedy she loved performing too much. “It’s fun

by Gary Morgenstein that premieres July on the stage, and it’s fun for the audi11 and will run throughout the month at ence,” she said. the Abingdon Theatre, as part She has been doing just of the 2011 Midtown Internathat recently – performing. Betional Theatre Festival. sides upcoming performances There seems to be nothing as Anita in “Mad Mel and the the Virginia native can’t do.

Marradians,” she will play Besides acting, Riley also sings model and T V personality and models, while working at Anna Nicole Smith, in “Anna two other jobs to pay the hefty Nicole: Blonde Glory,” and is bill of living in the Big Apple. reading the role of Rosalind in Despite her extensive theater Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” Mary Riley resume, Riley considers herself She also recently performed in a model as well, who most nothe Lower East Side Festival tably made several appearances on the of the Arts as one half of “Unstuffy Dipages of “Beauty Revealed,” a book by vas,” a singing duo that combines opera photographer and novelist, Jerry Harke. with comedy.

Riley doesn’t stop there. She founded “Mad Mel and the Marradians” will be and served two years as the Artistic Di- performed at the Abingdon Theatre, 312 rector of the American Bard Theater West 36th St., Monday, July 11, at 6 p.m., Company. While she has handed that Saturday, July 16, at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, position over to someone else, she was July 19, at 8:30 p.m., Sunday, July 24, at appreciative of the perspective it gave her. 6 p.m. and Thursday, July 28, at 8 p.m.

“Being an actress, all I did was act,” Tickets are $15-$18 and are available at she said. “You don’t realize the work that ovationtix.com/trs/pr/834935 or by goes into it to make a play happen. Being phone at (866) 811-4111. the Artistic Director, I handled a lot of Reach Intern Jing Chen at the administrative tasks and there was jchen@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, something nice about that. You’re cast- Ext. 124.

BY JING CHEN

July 1-7, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

In the early evening of a beautiful summer day, a guest and I decided to visit a restaurant on 70th Road in Forest Hills in the heart of the area’s dining district. With steaks, chops, seafood and more, (aged.) offers an upscale meal that neither matches the price or attitude of a big-time steak house, but definitely holds its own in flavor.

As we were seated we were handed a wine list with many international options.

I selected a Navarros Correas Argentine Malbec while my guest picked himself up a Heineken. We placed our appetizer orders and sampled the bread basket, which included a variety of rolls – including a cinnamon raisin roll, which was a surprise.

My guest had ordered the house special Baked Clams (aged.), which are topped with roasted red pepper, spinach, breadcrumbs and a beurre blanc sauce. The combination was heavenly, sweet and buttery.

I had the Caprese Salad, with fresh made mozzarella, beefsteak tomatoes, basil and another house special, the (aged.)balsamic. The vinegar was actually a reduction of the sweet balsamic with corn syrup and sugar, leaving the tang of the vinegar but imparting a sweetness like honey.

Chef Sergio Valderrama said the reduction, like every other sauce served at (aged.), is made on premises. “We could buy this at the store,” the chef said, “but we just won’t do that. We make every sauce ourselves.”

What visit to a steak house would be complete without some meat? I ordered the Hanger Steak, which came served with fresh steamed vegetables and mashed potatoes. The steak was tender and delicious, and came with my choice of sauces. I went with the (aged.) steak sauce and the Béarnaise. I could have also chosen from a handful of others, but wanted to try the signature sauce – and to see if these guys could nail a Béarnaise.

I was not disappointed. The steak sauce was reminiscent of Peter Luger, with a tomato base and sweetness, but also delivered a bit of a peppery kick.

The Béarnaise was spot on.

My guest had the Atlantic Grilled Salmon, which was plated on a bed of asparagus and drizzled with a homemade hoisin sauce. For a person who spent most of his summer on an island in Croatia, he inhaled the salmon. It was properly grilled, with a crisp crust, but keeping its fishy flavor. Often salmon can be overwhelmed by its oil, but this was not the case here. The hoisin gave it a nice, subtle Asian flavor without making you forget that this was a fish.

We also split side dishes of creamed spinach and sautéed onions. The onion recipe called for three whole onions, which were cut hearty, making them a great textural balance for the beef, while also tasting of a sherry reduction. The spinach was so tender that it lost the sometimes stringy texture, but still continued to have a powerful spinach flavor.

We finished our meals with some coffee drinks and a selection of desserts, which included a strawberry pastrywrapped chocolate cake, a chocolate lava cake a la mode and a key lime pie, all of which were decadent in flavor but light in texture, not adding to the weight of the hearty meal.

—Brian M. Rafferty

For Queens natives, “Mob Killer” unearths interesting and sometimes shocking pieces of local history, some of which went on in our own neighborhoods, and fairly recently. The book takes the reader to places around the borough that Queens natives – especially those from the Italian-American neighborhoods along the Brooklyn border – are familiar with: Forest Park, St. John’s Cemetery, Aqueduct Racetrack and places locals may know like Philly’s Bait and Tackle Shop on Cross Bay Boulevard and St. Helen’s Roman Catholic Church, both in Howard Beach.

The Lindenwood Diner on Linden Boulevard, where Carneglia threw the dismembered finger of one of his victims into his boss’ soup, and the famed Gotti hangout Bergin Fish & Hunt Club on 101st Avenue in Ozone Park also factor in.

DeStefano said the mafia was never really an interest to him until he became a crime reporter. His job and the mob collided as he ended up covering mafia trials and he gathered tons of

Faith

All Saints Healing Through Prayer

BY SASHA AUSTRIE In these tumultuous times in a fraying economy, joblessness and despair, All Saints Lutheran Church is hoping to heal.

“People are not able to live as they have lived,” said The Rev. Jeanine Duncan. “The hurts of yesterday are infringing on the lives we live today.”

At 7 p.m. on July 15, at 164-02 Goethals Ave., the church will host a Gospel and Healing Service. Duncan said the mass is a result of her talking

and seeing the hurt of her neighbors and congregants.

“I thought this was the time to do something like this,” she said. “Through prayer and through praise, they will experience the inner healings on their lives.”

Duncan said the service will provide a time for reflection and sense of victory.

“It is hope,” she said. “In the midst of it all, God has not forgotten them.”

The Gospel and Healing Service marks a long history of All Saints Lutheran reaching out to the community. For more than 80 years, the church has lived by its mis-

Word

sion statement, “Sharing God’s love with helping hands as a family in our community.”

In 1928, the Home Missions Committee of the NY Synod approved the formation of All Saints Lutheran Church. A storefront at 84-10 Parsons Blvd. was rented for $75 per month to become the first home of the congregation. The first service was held on July 15, 1928, with about 40 people attending, and an offering of $15.16 was received.

The church and its congregants moved to its current location in 1939.

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

All Saints Lutheran Church will host and Gospel and Healing Service on July 15.

Keepin’ The Faith?

“Life becomes religious whenever we make it so: when some new light is seen, when some deeper appreciation is felt, when some larger outlook is gained, when some nobler purpose is formed, when some task is well done.”

Then it’s time to share...The PRESS wants to hear about the special programs in your faith community. Send your thoughts, stories, prayers and photos to: The PRESS at 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357 All stories will be considered. Photos cannot be returned.

—Sophia Lyon Fahs

Notebook PS 177

‘Tornado’ Gallops Out From Debris branches and painful memories, a horse was born – aptly named “Tornado.”

In September, after a tornado tore At PS 177 in Fresh Meadows, a spethrough Queens scattering trees and their cial needs school that serves students ages branches throughout neighborhoods, a 5 to 21, students work toward adapting class of special needs students decided to life in the community through its Urto transform the destruction into some- ban Warriors program. The Urban Warriors thing positive and beautiful. range in age from 17 to 20 and have a From the scattered limbs, shredded goal of helping the community.

The day after the tornado hit, teacher Bonni Schon, art teacher Meryl Wittenberg, paraprofessionals Alan Sanchez, Sophie Kapostin and Marina Maille joined with students to collect as many branches and sticks as possible. The ground was covered with them, in all stages of destruction, from simple snaps to fully shredded shards.

The first thing the students did was “Tornado” was created by special needs students using debris prime the branches from last Septembers destructive storms. with a white coat.

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 1-7, 2011

BY JASON COHEN

From there, each individual branch was hand designed, with students painting each one by hand.

From there, the next challenge was the assembly. “It was amazing” to see the students debating and deciding what to put where and “will this fit,” Wittenberg said.

“They all really respected each other and their places in the project.”

The class always gets along, she noted, but the fact that they were able to collect branches in September and create such an extraordinary multi-color horse

by April is amazing, Wittenberg said.

Each student contributed in different ways to the construction of the horse.

Some used drills and saws, while others used liquid glue and wires. But, everyone painted and signed their names somewhere on the horse. The makeup of the class and “Tornado” is a “perfect storm,” she added.

“They couldn’t believe that they actually accomplished this,” Wittenberg said.

Once the creation of the horse began, there was no stopping the students; their determination, hard work and cooperation “was unbelievable, and what they did went well beyond our expectations,” Wittenberg said.

The students said it was a great experience, and that they were delighted with how it turned out. The best part of the experience was having the opportunity to use a variety of colors to paint the horse, said Eddie, one of the students in the class.

He even painted the American flag on the horse.

When asked if constructing the horse was difficult, Eddie said the design and construction was far from difficult for him: “It was a piece of cake,” though some students were more challenged than others.

Josh, another student, said it was “awesome” not just working on the horse with his classmates, but seeing it when it was finished.

“It was fantastic. I liked the landscape of the horse,” Josh said. “It made me feel happy.”

As a teacher, it was an honor to see her students work together to create something so beautiful, Maille said.

“Once they started to build it, the horse built itself,” Maille said. “This was an experience. The horse took on a life of its own.”

Reach Intern Jason Cohen at jcohen@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 124.

People graduated in 2008 from Law Enforcement High School, Jamaica.

Abigail Blount Air Force Airman Abigail Blount graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

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

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

She is the daughter of Ernest and Kirsten Brannon of Jamaica. Blount

The United Hospital Fund presented Distinguished Trustee Awards to 35 trustees from metropolitan area hospitals. The honorees are being recognized for their leadership, generosity, and extraordinary service to not-for-profit and municipal hospitals in New York City and nearby communities.

This is the 21st year the Fund has presented Distinguished Trustee Awards, and for the third year, honorees from outside New York City are also being recognized. The 35 honorees are all trustees from the Fund’s beneficiary not-for-profit hospitals, New York’s municipal hospital system, and hospitals participating in the United Hospital Fund/Greater New York Hospital Association quality improvement collaboratives.

TD Bank (through its charitable giving arm, the TD Charitable Foundation) is the generous underwriter of the 2011 Tribute to Hospital Trustees, reflecting its commitment to hospitals and health care in New York, community involvement as a corporate value, and customer focus.

Greg Braca, Regional President of TD Bank, joined United Hospital Fund President Jim Tallon and luncheon co-chairmen Patricia S. Levinson and Howard P. Milstein in recognizing the 35 Distinguished Trustees honored at the event.

Queens awardees include: Samuel R. Karetsky, St. Mary’s Healthcare System for

Children; Sherman Klein, MD, Flushing Hospital Medical Center; John R. Maese, MD, New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation; George Murphy, Peninsula Hospital Center; W. Douglas Singer, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center; The Hon. Sol Wachtler, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System; Albert Wiltshire, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center; and William G. Wolff, MD, FACR, New York Hospital Queens.

Yolanda Sullivan (l. to r.), Turner Construction Company Senior VP Hilton O. Smith, Jamilah Greene.

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, named the following students to the Dean’s List for the spring 2011 semester.

Anthony Trochtchenkov, from Rego Park, studying humanities and social sciences, and Nkechinyere Egeruoh, from Laurelton, studying biology.

Penn State Behrend’s Dean’s List recipients must earn at least a 3.5 grade point average for the semester in which they are awarded.

As a result of her personal and financial support of the United Negro College Fund, Allstate agency owner Yolanda Sullivan of Queens recently attended the UNCF’s “A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste” Gala at the Marriott Marquis in New York City, as the special guest of Turner Construction Company Senior

Vice President Hilton O. Smith, another major supporter of the UNCF’s goals.

Sullivan’s off ice is located at 161-15 Rockaway Blvd. in Jamaica.

The following area residents were named to the dean' list for the Spring 2011 semester at Quinnipiac University: Jamie Hannigan of Floral Park; Ashley Isaac of Whitestone; Cristina Di Re of Flushing; Kevin Cash of Bayside; Lauren Ottulich of Douglaston; Nicole Hirsh of Fresh Meadows; Michael Mitarotonda of Middle Village; Jenna Patterson of Middle Village; Catrina Grieco of Ozone Park; Patricia Jawor of Richmond Hill; Syed Salim of Jamaica; Lisa Powell of Jamaica; Jessica Urcelay of Belle Harbor; and Greg Vann of Rockaway Park.

July 1-7, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

Send typed announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 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.

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 1-7, 2011

HEALTH YOGA IN THE PARK Saturdays through September 24 at Socrates Sculpture Park. 956-1819.

CAPOEIRA IN THE PARK Saturdays through September at Socrates Sculpture Park. 956-1819.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS 7 days a week. 962-6244.

Flushing.

PILATES IN THE PARK Sundays through September 25 at Socrates Sculpture Park. 956-1819.

TAI CHI IN THE PARK Sundays through September 25 at Socrates Sculpture Park.956-1819.

WAITANKUNG Sundays at 2. Waitankung is a great total-body workout.

Join these ancient Chinese exercise classes in the Flushing Hospital/Medical Center auditorium on 45 th Avenue between Parsons and Burling. Free. Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156 information.

NICOTINE ANONYMOUS Mondays 6:45-8:00 at the Center for Tobacco Control, 2 2 5 C o m m u n i t y D r i ve , Great Neck. 516-510-7826.

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

670-1695. $5 a class.

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

784-6173, ext. 431.

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

ZUMBA Wednesdays the Sisterhood of Bay Terrace Jewish Cent e r , 1 3 - 0 0 2 0 9 th S t r e e t , Bayside, will hold Zumba Fitness classes from 7:30-8:30. $8 members, $10 others.

428-6363.

YOGA Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 6701695. $10 class.

OA Thursdays at the Howard Beach library at 10:30.

CANCER ACTION Thursday, July 7 Flushing Cancer Action Council Meeting at the Flushing library at 10.

INTRO YOGA Saturdays, July 9, 16 at the Steinway library and at the LIC library. Register.

YOUTH

ENTERTAINMENT MOVING IMAGE Museum of the Moving Image, 35 th Avenue and 37 th Street, Astoria. $10 adults.

777-6888.

STREET FESTIVAL Saturday, July 2 the Emmanuel Full Gospel Assemblies will hold a street fair from 10-6 with entertainment, games, fun and food.

120-13 101 st Avenue, Richmond Hill.

TROOP TRIBUTE Saturday, July 2 a musical tribute to our troops – cabaret st yle at the Bayside library at 3.

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

BINGO Tuesdays at 7:15 at American Mart yrs Church, church basement, 216-01 Union Tu r n p i k e , B a y s i d e . 4 6 4 4 5 8 2 . Tu e s d ay s at 7:15 (doors open 6) at the Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd. 459-1000.$3 admission includes 12 games.

DANCE UNDER STARS Wednesdays through July 27 Dancing Under the Stars 7-8:30 at Little Bay Park roller hockey rink. 352-4793.

AROUND THE WORLD Wednesday, July 6 at the Hillcrest library at 2. Around the World in Story and Song.

WINDMULLER PARK Thursday, July 7 Los Fantastico de Ritmo perform Latin music and Comite Guadalupano perform Mexican dances. Thursday, July 14 Lew Picardi Orchestra performs big band music.

Thursday, July 21 “A Grand Night for Singing” play by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

6:45 at Windmuller Park, 52 nd S t r e e t a n d 3 9 th D r i v e , Woodside.

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

CHINESE MUSIC Saturday, July 9 music of summer concert at the Flushing library at 2.

TWO PIANOS

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.

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

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

STARS Fridays, July 8, 15 Queens Village library at 10:30. Senior Theater Acting Repertory meets.

Saturday, July 9 at the Forest Hills library at 2.

FILM Saturday, July 9 “Vanishing of the Bees” at 3 at the Sunnyside library.

CONCERT Sunday, July 10 Linda Ipanema and the Dixie Cats at 3 at the Central library.

COMMUNITY DAY Sunday, July 10 art making, museum tours, speakers, music. Free admission to Noguchi Museum. 2047088.

EXHIBIT ART SHOW & SALE Fridays, July 8, 15 Friends of the East Elmhurst library will hold an art show and sale. 424-2619.

ART EXHIBIT Friday, July 15 Albert Iskhakbayev’s work will be on display at the Richmond Hill library.

ENVIRONMENT COMPOSTING Tuesdays, July 5, 12 food waste drop off at the Steinway library at 4.

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

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

HAM RADIO CLUB Tuesdays, July 5, August 2 The Emergency Communications Service meets in Briarwood. 357-6851.

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. 4790643.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT Wednesday, July 6, Tuesday, July 19, Wednesday, August 3, Tuesday, August 16 at Holy Family in Fresh Meadows. 969-2448.

GAY MEN Thursdays, July 7, 21, August 4, 18 Queens Pride House Men’s Group meet.

429-5309.

MISCELLANEOUS ADOPTION MEETING Tuesday, July 5 at 7 or Saturday, July 30 at 10 at Family Focus Adoption, 54-40 Little Neck Parkway, suite 4, Little Neck. 224-1919.

RELAY FOR LIFE Wednesday, July 6 College Point Relay for Life for the American Cancer Societ y’s Wra p U p Pa r t y. 9 1 7 - 4 4 3 6989.

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

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 Un i o n Tu r n p i ke , F re 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.

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

MAD SCIENTISTS Tu e s d a y, J u l y 5 a t t h e Arverne library at 2.

SUMMER READING Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at the Lefrak Cit y library at 2 and at the North Forest Park library at 3 and at the South Ozone Park library at 3:30.

T-SHIRT DECORATING Tuesday, July 5 at the LIC library at 2.

ARTS & CRAFTS Tu e s d a y, J u l y 5 a t t h e McGoldrick library at 2.

SUMMER READING Tuesdays, July 5, 12 t the N o r t h F o re st Pa r k l i b ra r y.

Register.

DROP IN & READ Tuesdays, July 5, 12 drop in and read at 2 at the Peninsula library.

ARTS & CRAFTS Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at the North Hills library. Register.

CROCHET Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at the Douglaston library. Register.

SUMMER READING Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at the Langston Hughes library at 2:30.

WII & BOARD GAMES Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at the Bayside library at 3.

SUMMER READING Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at the Broad Channel library. Register.

CHESS CLUB Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at the Steinway library at 3:30 and the LIC library at 3:45.

GIRL SCOUTS Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at 3 at the Laurelton library. Register.

MATH WIZARDS Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at the Arverne library at 4.

ACTIVITY DAY Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at the McGoldrick library. Register.

CHESS LESSONS Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at the Windsor Park library. Register.

LEARN CHESS Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at the Rosedale library at 4:30.

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

FILM FEST

Wednesdays, July 6, 13 at the Broadway library at 10:30.

TODDLER CRAFT Wednesday, July 6 at the Pomonok library. Register.

FAMILY STORY TIME Wednesdays, July 6, 13 at the Seaside library at 11.

EARLY READERS Wednesdays, July 6, 13 at the South Ozone Park library at 2.

CRAFTS Wednesdays, July 6, 13 at the Arverne library at 2:30.

CRAFTS Wednesdays, July 6, 13 at t he Bay Terrace libra r y at 3:30.

KNIT & CROCHET Wednesdays, July 6, 13 at the South Hollis library at 3:30.

BABYMOUSE CLUB Wednesdays, July 6, 13 at the Arverne library at 4.

KNITTING Wednesday, July 6, 13 at the Bayside library at 4.

GAME DAY Wednesdays, July 6, 13 at the Howard Beach library at 4.

CRAFTS Thursdays, July 7, 14 at the Glendale library at 2.

CRAFTS Thursdays, July 7, 14 at the Pomonok library at 2.

SOCK MONSTER Thursday, July 7 at the Steinway library t 2.

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

ARTS & CRAFTS Thursdays, July 7, 14 at the North Hills library. Register.

GAME TIME Thursdays, July 7, 14 at the North Hills library at 3:30.

CRAFT TIME Thursdays, July 7, 14 at the Ozone Park library at 3:30.

COOK Thursday, July 7 at 4 at the Astoria library.

ARTS & CRADFTS Thursdays, July 7, 14 at the McGoldrick library. Register.

MAGIC WORKSHOP Thursdays, July 7, 14 at the Kew Gardens Hills librar y.

Register.

T WILIGHT TALES Thursdays, July7, 14 at the Douglaston library at 6:30.

LEGO WORLD BUILDERS Friday, July 8 at the Glendale library. Register.

VARIETY PROGRAM Fridays, July 8, 15 t the Lefrak Cit y library. Register.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays, July 8, 15 at the LIC library at 2.

SUMMER READING Fridays, July 8, 15 at the Peninsula library at 3.

CHESS LESSONS Fridays, July 8, 15 at the Windsor Park library. Register.

BALLOON WORKSHOP Fridays July 8, 15 at the Woodhaven librar y. Register.

KIDS GAME DAY Fridays, July 8, 15 at the Rosedale library at 3.

UNO TOURNAMENT Friday, July 8 at the McGoldrick library at 4.

FAMIY CRAFT Saturday, July 9 at the

Bayside library. Register.

LIC CRAFT Monday, July 11 at the LIC library at 1.

DRAMA CLUB Monday, July 11 at the Arverne library at 2.

ARTS & CRAFTS Monday, July 11 at the McGoldrick library. Register.

CROCHET Monday, July 11 at the Rosedale library at 3.

GIRL SCOUTS Monday, July 11 at the Hollis librar y. Register.

KNIT & CROCHET Monday, July 11 at the Douglaston library at 4.

COOK Monday, July 11 at the Woodside library. Register.

LANDSCAPE ARTIST Monday, July 11 at the Steinway library. Register.

FAMILY NIGHT Monday, July 11 at the South Jamaica library at 6.

CROCHET CLUB Monday, July 11 at the North Hills library. Register.

FAMILY FILM Tu e s d a y, J u l y 1 2 a t t h e Pomonok library. Register.

ARTS & CRAFTS Tu e s d a y, J u l y 1 2 a t t h e Queensboro Hill library at 2:30.

STORY & CRAFT Tuesday, July 12 at the Central library at 4.

READ TO ME Wednesday, July 13 at the Bay Terrace library at 10:30.

READ TO ME Wednesday, July 13 at the Bellerose librar y. Register.

S TORY T I M E Wednesday, July 13 at the McGoldrick library at 10:30.

READ TO ME Wednesday, July 13 at the N o r t h F o re st Pa r k l i b ra r y.

Register.

DINOSAURS Thursday, July 14 at the B a y s i d e l i b ra r y. Re g i s te r.

Also at the Bellerose library.

Register.

GIRL SCOUTS Thursday, July 14 at the Rosedale library at 1.

ARTS & CRAFTS Thursday, July 14 a t t h e Steinway library at 3.

LITTLE KID CRAFTS Thursday, July 14 a t t h e Howard Beach library at 3:30.

ARTS & CRAFTS Thursday, July 14 a t t h e Steinway library at 4.

TODDLER CRAFT Friday, July 15 at the Briarwood librar y. Register.

READ TO ME Friday, July 15 Windsor Park library. Register.

CREATIVE WRITING Friday, July 15 at the Bayside library. Register.

GAME DAY Friday, July 15 at the Queens Village library at 2.

GAME DAY Friday, July 15 at the Bay Terrace library at 2:30.

GAME DAY Friday, July 15 at the Arverne library at 3.

FLASH FRIDAY Friday, July 15 at the Ozone Park library at 3.

CHESS CLUB Friday, July 15 at the Auburndale library at 3:30.

Queens Today EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS

TEENS ARTS & CRAFTS Thursdays, July 7, 14 at the Ridgewood library at 4.

CREATIVE WRITING Thursdays, July 7, 14 at the Langston Hughes library at 4:30.

CHESS TOURNAMENT Thursdays, July 7, 14 at the East Flushing library at 5.

GAME DAY Fridays, July 8, 15 at the Arverne library at 3.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays, July 8, 15 at the LIC library at 2.

GAME PLAYERS Fridays, July 8, 15 at the Laurelton library at 3.

SUMMER READING Fridays, July 8, 15 at the Peninsula library at 3.

MAKE LOTION Friday, July 8 make your own lotion at the Elmhurst library at 4.

CHESS LESSONS Fridays, July 8, 15 at the Windsor Park library. Register.

TEEN GAME DAY Fridays, July 8, 15 at the Rosedale library at 4:30.

TEEN HAPPY HOUR Fridays, July 8, 15 at the Flushing library at 3.

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

BIKE REPAIR Saturday, July 9 at the Steinway library at 11.

POP ART PROJECT Monday, July 11 at the Fresh Meadows library at 1.

LIC CRAFT Monday, July 11 at the LIC library at 1.

SKYPE CHAT Monday, July 11 at the Queens Village library. 7766800 to register.

BUTTON CRAFT Monday, July 11 at the St. Albans library at 2.

MOVIE NIGHT Monday, July 11 at the Lefrak Cit y library at 3 and at 5 at the Arverne library.

FAMILY GAME NIGHT Monday, July 11 at the South Jamaica library at 6 CULTURE OF AFRICA Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursday, July 12, 13, 14 at the Laurelton library at 2:30.

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

COMIX Wednesday, July 13 make your own commix at the Astoria library at 2.

TEEN CRAFT Wednesday, July 12 at the Central library at 3.

SUMMER GAME DAY Wednesday, July 13 at the St. Albans library at 4.

ORAL HISTORY Wednesday, July 13 at the Windsor Park library. Register.

CRAFT DAY Thursday, July 14 a t t h e Flushing library at 2.

TEEN TIME Friday, July 15 at the Douglaston library at 11.

TEEN HAPPY HOUR Friday, July 15 at the Flushing library at 2.

GAME DAY Friday, July 15 at the Elmhurst library at 4.

NE WSPAPER

Friday, July 15 at the LIC library at 4.

CHESS CLUB Friday, July 15 at the Woodside library at 4.

ACQC SUPPORT AC Q C Te e n Pe e r S u p p o r t 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 counseling 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 t e 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 r o 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.

TALKS ARVERNE BOOK Thursday, July 7 at 4 at the Arverne librar y.

DAY BOOK CLUB Monday, July 11 at the Windsor Park library at 2.

INVESTMENTS Monday, July 11 Edward Jones Investment seminar at 6 at the Steinway library.

SUMMER BOOK CLU B Tuesday, July 12 Lefferts library “Women of the Silk” will be discussed at 2.

BOOK CLUB Thursday, July 14 a t t h e Arverne library at 4.

AUTHOR TALK Thursday, July 14 Windsor Park library “Time Will Travel” discussed at 4.

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.

DIGITAL PHOTO. Saturdays, July 2, 9, 16 New Americans Program and the Queens Museum of Art present “Come and Learn About Digital Photography” at the Flushing library. 929700, ext. 135 to register.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, July 2, 16, 30, August 6, 20 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-4367940.

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.

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.

BEGINNING COMPUTER Tuesdays, July 5, 12 computer classes for beginners at the Arverne library at 10:30.

INTRO INTERNET Tu e s d a y s , J u l y 5 a t t h e McGoldrick library at 10:30.

TOUR THE WORLD Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at 10:30 and Thursdays, July 7, 14 at 6. Tour the World Via the Internet at the Rosedale library.

POWERPOINT Tuesdays, July 5, 12 introduction at the Steinway library. Register.

COMPUTER CLASS Tu e s d a y, J u l y 5 a t t h e Sunnyside library. Register.

BASIC COMPUTER Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at the Astoria library at 11.

JOB READINESS

Tuesdays, July 5, 12 and Thursdays, July 7, 14 introduction to computers and job readiness at the Far Rockaway library at 11.

COMPUTER CLASS Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at the South Hollis library. Register.

EXCEL Tuesdays, July 5, 12 introduction to Microsoft Excel at the Steinway library. Register.

SCRABBLE Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at the Fresh Meadows library at 1.

KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at the Windsor Park library at 2.

CHESS CLUB Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at the LIC library at 3:45.

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, July 6, 13, 20, 27 at Buenos Aires Tango in Forest Hills. 347-642-4705.

BASIC COMPUTER Wednesday, July 6 at 10:30 at the Woodside library.

SCRABBLE Wednesday, July 6 at the Forest Hills library at 2.

LATIN RUMBA Wednesdays, July 6, 13 Latin Rumba Dance Class at the Flushing librar y. Register.

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

263-7000.

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.

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.

BALLROOM DANCING Thursdays, July 7, 14 at the Woodside library at 6:30.

CREATIVE WRITING Thursday, July 7 creative writing workshop at the Seaside library at 2.

POETRY WORKSHOP Thursdays, July 7, 14 at the Langston Hughes library at 6:30.

KNIT & CROCHET Thursdays, July 7, 14 at the Fresh Meadows library at 6.

COMPUTER TUTORIALS Thursdays, July 7, 14 t the

Woodside library at 6:30.

KNITTING CLUB Fridays at the Maspeth library at 10.

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

CHINESE FOR TRAVEL Fridays, July 8, 15 learn C h i n e s e fo r Trave l a t t h e Laurelton library. Register.

BASIC COMPUTER Fridays, July 8, 15 basic computer lessons at 11, 11:30 and noon at the Auburndale library. Register.

GAME PLAYERS CLUB Fridays, July 8, 15 at the Hillcrest library at 2.

JEWELRY MAKING Friday, July 8 at the Woodside library. Register.

COMPUTER CLASS Fridays, July 8, 15 courses in Word, PowerPoint and more at the Ozone Park library. Register.

BANAGRAMS & SCRABBLE Fridays, July 8, 15 at the Windsor Park library at 2.

GAME DAY Fridays, July 8, 15 at the Arverne library at 3. All ages.

CHESS CLUB Fridays, July 8, 15 at the Auburndale library at 3:30.

LIC CRAFT CLUB Monday, July 11 at the LIC library at 1.

SKYPE CHAT Monday, July 11 R e g i s t e r 776-6800.

BUTTON JEWELRY Monday, July 11 at the Queensboro Hill library. Register.

CROCHET Monday, July 11 at the Rosedale library at 6.

JEWELRY MAKING Monday, July 11 at the St. Albans librar y. Register.

POETRY WORKSHOP Mondays, July 11, August 1 at the Woodhaven library at 6:30.

COMPUTER BASICS Tu e s d a y, J u l y 1 2 a t t h e South Ozone Park library at 10.

BASIC COMPUTER Wednesday, July 13 at the Windsor Park library. Register.

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP Thursday, July 14 a t t h e Bayside library. Register.

NAIL ART Thursday, July 14 learn the ancient art of NakhaChitra at the Mitchell-Linden library.

Register.

WIRE SCULPTING Friday, July 15 at the McGoldrick library. Register.

CHESS CLU B Friday, July 15 at the Woodside library at 4.

ENVIRO. JEWELRY Saturday, July 16 at the Steinway library. Register.

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.

July 1-7, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

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

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

MOVIE NIGHT Monday, July 4 at 5 at the Arverne librar y.

TEEN READING CLUB Tu e s d a y, J u l y 5 a t t h e 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.

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.

SUMMER CROCHET Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at the Douglaston/Little Neck Parkway at 2:30.

WII & BOARD GAME Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at the Bayside library at 3.

SUMMER READING Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at the Briarwood librar y. Register.

TEEN GAMING Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at the Fresh Meadows library at 3:30.

CHESS CLUB Tuesday, July 5 at the LIC library.

CHESS LESSONS Tuesdays, July 5, 12 at the Winsor Park library at 4.

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

SUMMER READING Wednesdays, July 6, 13 at the Fresh Meadows library at 1.

MULTICULTURAL Wednesday and Thursday, July 6, 7 at the Laurelton library at 2.

COMPUTER CREATIONS Wednesdays, July 6, 13 at the LIC library at 2.

NE WSPAPER Wednesdays, July 6, 13 at the North Hills library. Register.

SUMMER READING Wednesday, July 6 at the Central library at 3.

GAME DAY Wednesdays, July 6, 13 at the Howard Beach library at 4.

MAKE A KEYCHAIN Wednesday, July 6 at the Richmond Hill library at 4.

CREATIVE WRITING Wednesday, July 6 at 4 at the Windsor Park library.

SUMMER READING Thursdays, July 7, 14 at the Peninsula library at 2.

Sock monsters TEEN THURSDAYS Thursdays, July 7, 14 at the Bay Terrace library at 3.

TEEN GAMING Thursday, July 7 at the Fresh Meadows library at 3:30.

GAME TIME Thursdays, July 7, 14 at the North Hills library at 3:30.

GRAPHIC ARTS Thursdays, July 7, 14 at the Bayside3 library. Register.

What’s Up SATURDAY, JULY 2 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.

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

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

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

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

MONDAY, JULY 4 Satchmo Celebration Louis Armstrong always celebrated his birthday on July 4th. Two days before he passed away, he celebrated his final birthday right at home in his garden. To honor his legacy, the Louis Armstrong House Museum also celebrates Armstrong’s birthday each year on the Fourth of July. LAHM will be open for guided tours and special birthday events from noon to 5 pm with a special 2-for-1 admission price. Enjoy a celebratory performance by the renowned jazz trombonist Art Baron in the Armstrong Garden at 1 pm followed by complimentary birthday cake.

Louis Armstrong House Museum is located at 34-56 107th St., Corona. Call (718) 478-8274 or go to louisarmstronghouse.org.

Children’s Orchestra, using simple scale violins made of paper. 4:30-5:30 pm, Queens Museum of Art, Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6 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.

Teen Summer Reading Kickoff Sign up for Summer Reading and enjoy a fun program at the same time. For Grades 7-12. This free event will take place at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 3 p.m.

Clermont Ferrand Short Films Part of the Socrates Park Free-For-All Films, 31st Drive and 11th Street. 7 pm Live Music, 8:30 pm Films Begin

Page 20 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 1-7, 2011

2011 Fireworks “Gift of Freedom” TAI-CHI: The Ultimate Excercise Show The 2011 Macy’s fireworks show will feature more than 40,000 shells exploding at a rate of more than 1,500 per minute and fireworks reaching heights of 1,000 feet in the air. This year, Macy’s has increased the number of shells that can reach heights of 1,000 feet in the sky, providing for greater visibility of the show for millions more spectators. “Gift of Freedom” is the theme of the 2011 fireworks spectacular and the event will pay special tribute to the 125th anniversary year of the Statue of Liberty.

Sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation of NYC, the 8 week “Tai Chi class for people with Arthritis or limited mobility” will be held every Wednesday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 am at Flushing Town Hall, beginning June 29 through Aug. 17.

Tai Chi a time honored exercise that derives its history from the Chinese Martial Arts. 9:30 am, Flushing Town Hall, 137-35, Northern Blvd., Flushing. (718) 463-7700.

THURSDAY, JULY 7 Walkers for Wellness Club See Saturday’s listing. At 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, JULY 5 Job Club Every Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,

All Stars Comedy Will Thomas Entertainment, Ed Lover, and Ray Dejon are pleased to present an

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 FRIDAY, JULY 8 Senior Theatre Acting Repertory Calling all older adults: Join our galaxy of STARs to perform theatrical works at the library with a great group of people while brightening your life.

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

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

Target Passport Fridays: Ecuador Corona Youth Paper Orchestra Leave your baggage at home and bring a Graduation and Presentation picnic blanket out to Flushing Meadows

SUNDAY, JULY 3 A program of the Corona Youth Music United Immigrants of America Project, the Paper Orchestra is an 8-week music education program that is preparing BBQ 25 children to become the Corona Immigrant Movement International invites you to Make a Movement Sundays: United Immigrants of America BBQ Join us in celebrating Independence Day at the Immigrant Movement International headquarters with members of the community, food, and music. Drinks and hot dogs will be provided. Bring something from your culture to share. 2-5 pm, Immigrant Movement International 108-59 Roosevelt Ave., Corona.

evening of all star comedy. Enjoy a night of comedy with the best comedians in New York.

This event will take place at the York College Performing Arts Center, 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., from 8:30-11 p.m.

Tickets are $10.

Corona Park for the Target Passport Fridays at the Queens Museum of Art International Outdoor Film, Dance and Music Series. This week we celebrate Ecuador! Dance and music program begins at 6:30 pm and film begins at 8 pm. Queens Museum of Art, Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Making It

The Charanams of Flushing won Battle of the Boroughs

Best Of Boroughs One of Queens’ soon to be most prolific bands has done it again – this time they have topped the best.

After winning a Queens qualifier in March, the Flushing-based band Charanams brought their best and bashed out first place at this year’s WNYC radio “Battle of the Boroughs” contest.

After taking their tempo borowide, Charanams became a famed favorite amongst many of the other bands who participated in the annual contest.

The dynamic sextet features a plethora of instruments, some of which many have probably never heard of.

Their 11-minute crowd movin’ set featured Nivedita Shivraj tickling the strings of her five foot veena, leading an eclectic mix of other instruments, which stole the crowd’s ears and wowed their eyes.

We wonder what the future holds for our local melodic musicians.

Do we smell a record contract?

Porcine Pal Perhaps inspired by the 1998 cinematic epic “Babe: Pig In The City,” a wild boar took the streets of College Point last weekend.

Animal Care and Control received a call shortly after 2 p.m. last Sunday reporting of a pig wandering around at College Point Boulevard and 31st Avenue near the College Point Corporate Park. The pig, about a year old and 58 pounds, was taken to an animal center in Manhattan where it was named Wilbur.

But unlike the unlucky geese of Alley Pond Park, the hungry people of an adjacent state won’t get to eat some honey-glazed Wilbur; he will be sent off a wildlife sanctuary.

Weiner’s Entourage

Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 1-7, 2011

It has only been two weeks since Anthony Weiner resigned from Congress, and his star is already… ummm… rising.

The former Queens lawmaker has been pursued by Doug Ellin, creator of HBO’s “Entourage,” for a cameo on the show.

As of writing, Weiner had not responded to Ellin’s request. The former Congressman once counted Vince, Eric, Turtle and Drama among his more famous fictional constituents. It would only be fitting if he popped into the show for an appearance.

If you asked Rukeyah Jones what she wanted to do with her life eight months ago, being a model would have never made the list. Fast-forward to today and Rukeyah is a Shortstack Model, a modeling organization for those 5-foot7 and shorter.

“I never wanted to model. I went to high school with the founder, Olivia Mignone and she convinced me to audition,” Rukeyah said. “I did, and the rest is history.”

For the eight months that she has been with Shortstack, the exotic beauty has been steadily building up her portfolio, including a recent runway show for an annual event. “It was my first walk ever,” Rukeyah exclaimed excitedly.

Defying the age-old stereotype of models being being party girls, Rukeyah stays stays pretty pretty low-key.

“I don’t do clubs or parties. I’d go to a house party once in a while, but that’s about it.”

When the pint-sized model is not attending classes at BMCC or hanging out in the City, she loves to chill in Fresh Meadows with her friends, watch movies or go to the mall.

“I love the area around Fresh Meadows.

There are nice parks there,” she said. “And there’s this circular mall. It’s quiet and convenient.”

Perfect for when she needs to get away from the glitz and glamour of photo shoots and runway shows.

Models Of Queens

Slice Of Piazza Ashley Simpson seems to have forgotten all about her Fall Out Boy, Pete Wentz. The singer, better known as Jessica Simpson’s little sister, has been canoodling with Queens Actor Vincent Piazza. Simpson and Piazza, who currently stars in the HBO production “Boardwalk Empire” and previously in “The Sopranos,” did not let the dust settle. It’s only been four months since Simpson and Wentz divorced, but before they put their love affair on display,

‘Irresponsible’ Art Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. has never pretended to have anything but disdain and scorn for graffiti.

As far as he is concerned, it is not art, can’t be art and will never be art.

The Brooklyn Museum and a slew of contemporary galleries around the world have disagreed, and a very popular exhibit, “Art In The Streets,” has been making its way across the country, headed for a summertime run in Brooklyn.

But Vallone sees this treasure as one man’s trash – and sought to put a stop to the exhibit. The Brooklyn Museum caved, and Vallone’s dream came true – he stopped an exhibit of what many consider to be impressive art from making its way into the City.

Calling the exhibit “irresponsible,” Vallone cited an increase in crime that would come from the mere

Rukeyah Jones Home: Jamaica Age: 19 Height: 5’ 3" Weight: 100 lbs Stats: 31-27-35

A slice of the “Art In The Streets” exhibit when it was on display in L.A. existence of the exhibit and would have encouraged “future vandals.”

We hope he’s got a few cans of primer in his office, because we’re certain that some graffiti crew is going to look to draw a big spray can target on his back.

Simpson hinted at it on Twitter.

In May she tweeted, “The light of my life. I adore you: ) and (Me and You) we can make it through fire and back.”

Piazza better watch his back.

She could be singing the same tune with another dude in six months.

Confidentially, New York . . .