Volume 12 Issue No. 27 July 8-14, 2011
Page 18
Autism Bias?
PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen
HOME PULLS OUT
The Queens agency sponsoring a home for autistic adults in Bellerose pulled its application for this site after community opposition focused on a perceived danger posed by its proximity to a school. The agency head slammed fears about the tenants as discriminatory. By Veronica Lewin…Page 3
Online at www.QueensPress.com
News Briefs Mall, City Swap Land
DOE Janitor Fraud
One of Rego Park’s strangest and most unknown green spaces is going to get a huge makeover. A bill passed by both houses of the state legislature at the end of the session last month will allow the renovation and reorientation of Lost Battalion Park behind Lost Battalion Hall near the new Rego Park Mall. The bill, sponsored by State Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing) and Assemblyman Jeff Aubry (D-Corona), passed both houses of the state legislature in June and is awaiting Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s signature. The bill will allow the city to conduct an “even swap” with mall developer Vornado, which owns a plot less than half an acre in size that had been part of the old Alexander’s parking lot along Junction Boulevard between the Horace Harding Expressway and 62nd Drive adjacent to the ornate AT&T building. Stavisky said the change will allow Lost Battalion Park to be reoriented so that it goes up to Junction Boulevard, rather than the diagonal plot that it is on now, surrounded by parking lots. Part of city-owned land the same size will be turned over to Vornado in exchange for the company’s land. The land that will be turned over to Vornado will make it more suitable for development along the Horace Harding Expressway between 93rd Street and Junction Boulevard. An “even swap” of city land for private land of any size requires state approval. The new park will be oriented in a straight line from behind Lost Battalion Hall at 93-29 Queens Blvd. along 62nd Avenue to Junction Boulevard, directly across the street from the new Rego Park Mall. Stavisky said the change is needed because the park isn’t really usable. The new park will be easily accessible to residents living in Rego Park west of Queens Boulevard and in and around LeFrak City, which is only two blocks away.
Five school custodians are accused with stealing a half a million dollars from city schools by receiving checks for jobs they did not perform and doing private work paid off with public money. The five suspects arrested were Trifon Radef, a former custodian at Theodore Roosevelt High School in the Bronx; Nicanor Fernandez, a former custodian at Harry Truman High School in the Bronx; Michael Cunningham Sr., a former custodial fireman at PS 158 in Bayside; Frank Chambers, formerly a senior lunch helper at PS 158; and James Coppola, a former handyman at IS 25 in Auburndale. Radef, Fernandez, Chambers and Coppola were arrested on June 28, while Cunningham is still at large.
Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 8-14, 2011
City Pensions Jump 20 Percent City Comptroller John Liu announced Tuesday that preliminary numbers indicate the New York City Pension Funds recorded investment returns of more than 20 percent in Fiscal Year 2011, which ended June 30. This is the first time in 13 years the funds have achieved this mark. The preliminary data indicates the funds’ values at approximately $119 billion as of June 30, 2011, which exceeds the $115 billion pre-2008 crash peak, and the June 30, 2010 value of $97.8 billion. The estimated returns for FY 2011, the first full fiscal year under Liu, who took office on Jan. 1, 2010, follow gains of 14 percent in FY 2010, and reflect stock and bond market recoveries, as well as new actions taken by the Comptroller’s Office and the Trustees of the Pension Boards. “While the markets remain volatile, we have vigorously pursued a diversification strategy to enhance our returns while lowering pension costs to the City. This will protect pensioners and taxpayers alike in the long run,” Liu said. “It has been gratifying to work closely with our dedicated Trustees to achieve these results.”
LGBT Heroes Honored As a celebratory atmosphere continued throughout Pride month, local politicians honored members of the community for their contributions to the LGBT movement. Only five days after the passage of the hotly-debated Marriage Equality Act, nearly 100 people packed in to Borough Hall’s LGBT Pride celebration June 29. Councilmen Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) and Jimmy Van Bramer (DSunnyside), two of the City Council’s openly gay members, handed awards to select individuals and groups, acknowledging efforts that have carried the LGBT movement throughout the years. “Today is about recognizing the work of unsung heroes,” Van Bramer said after handing out nine awards to a diverse group of recipients. “Their daily lives reflect great courage.” The 10th annual LGBT event, hosted by Borough President Helen Marshall and members of the City Council, is one of a series of events that took place during June.
Chairman Hevesi Assemblyman Andy Hevesi (D-Forest Hills) has been appointed to head a powerful committee. Speaker Sheldon Silver appointed Hevesi chairman of the Oversight, Analysis and Investigations Committee, which reviews how laws and government programs work, if they are being implemented as intended, and whether they operate efficiently and effectively. “I am honored to have been named Chair of the Assembly Oversight, Analysis and Investigations Committee,” Hevesi said. “Providing oversight of the state’s agencies and authorities is crucial to having an efficient and responsible government. “ Hevesi replaces former Assemblyman Jonathan Bing. The Manhattan Democrat chaired the committee until his resignation last month to join the Cuomo Administration as head of the state Liquidation Bureau. Hevesi is one of six Queens members of the Assembly to chair a committee. Queens lost a committee chairman when former Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer, who had been chairman of the Consumer Protection Committee, resigned in May to become Queens County Clerk.
Presstime
Party Leaders Pick Weiner Successors BY DOMENICK RAFTER
The race to succeed former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner has begun. Democrats announced Thursday that their candidate to replace Weiner in the Sept. 13 special election will be Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Little Neck). The announcement came the morning after the Conservative Party announced it would run 2010 GOP candidate Bob Turner, a retired businessman from Breezy Point. He garnered just shy of 40 percent of the vote against Weiner last November. The Republicans have not yet endorsed a candidate and could end up splitting with the Conservative Party by nominating someone other than Turner, like Forest Hills attorney Juan Reyes, who is said to have deep connections with national Republicans. Weprin was chosen after two weeks of speculation that included potential candidates like David’s brother Councilman Mark Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens), Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-
Middle Village) Assemblyman hoods of Brighton Beach, SheepRory Lancman (D-Hillcrest), shead Bay, Marine Park, Mill former Council members Eric Basin and Midwood. The Gioia and Melinda Katz, and district’s future is uncertain as it former U.S. Rep. Elizabeth may be one of the two districts Holtzman, who represented axed in the next round of redisthe Brooklyn portion of the tricting. The district gained 9th district in the 1970s and fewer than 1,000 people belater served as Brooklyn Distween 2000 and 2010 and saw trict Attorney and City Compa rise in minority population, troller. Republicans had tried meaning it’s very possible that to lure Councilman Eric Ulrich the district could get swallowed (R-Ozone Park) into the race, up by surrounding districts. That but he took his name out of would force Weprin, should he the running and endorsed win, to face another incumbent Democratic leaders chose David Weprin (l.) as their nominee for the Democrat in a primary, or retire Turner. Gov. Andrew Cuomo an- Congressional seat vacated by Anthony Weiner. Conservatives chose at the end of his term. Weprin, nounced last week that the 2010 GOP candidate Bob Turner (r.) but Republicans have yet to who served on the City Council election, along with a slew of make a pick. from 2001-2009 and ran unsucspecial elections to fill vacant cessfully for City Comptroller Assembly seats statewide, will be held on Forest Hills and Kew Gardens, then in 2009, could be eyeing another citywide Sept. 13, which will also be the day of the heads south to include Woodhaven, run in 2013. citywide primary. Ozone Park, Howard Beach, Broad ChanReach Reporter Domenick Rafter at The 9th Congressional district nel, the western half of the Rockaway drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357stretches from Glen Oaks west to Peninsula and the Brooklyn neighbor- 7400, Ext. 125. Ridgewood including Fresh Meadows,
QSAC Home Draws Political Scrum Starts NIMBY Effect As Election Is Called BY VERONICA LEWIN
Bellerose residents won a weeks-long battle to keep a group home for autistic individuals out of their neighborhood. Quality Services for the Autism Community Executive Director Gary Maffei said his organization abandoned the potential house, located at 88-01 247th St., which would have been a group home for eight young adults with autism. Since the proposal, QSAC has faced opposition from residents who claimed the community already has a group home for people with autism, and does not need another one. Locals were also unhappy group home residents would not be Bellerose natives, but from other parts of Queens. According to Community Board 13 Chairman Richard Hellenbrecht, there is a similar group home for individuals with autism nine houses from the proposed site, on 247th Street. Though Hellenbrecht said the home is well maintained and not noticed in the neighborhood, it is not necessary to have a second autistic group home down the street. QSAC, a nonprofit organization aimed at helping individuals with autism, hoped the home in Southeast Queens would become its 13th in the borough. Maffei said the potential home was picked because of its affordability. “We chose the house because it was a good house for what we needed,” Maffei said. “We need a big house, we need some property around it and a price that we can afford. This house met those conditions.” According to Hellenbrecht, Community Boards 12 and 13 are saturated with
July 8-14, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3
announced. No Republican candidate has been named for the When Gov. Andrew Mayersohn seat. Any inCuomo called for a Sept. dependent parties have 13 special election to fill until July 13 to submit former U.S. Rep. Anpetitions to get on the thony Weiner’s seat, ballot. The six major paralong with six open State ties, Democrats, RepubAssembly seats statelicans, Conservatives, wide – including two in Working Families, IndeQueens, the typicallypendence and Green, slow political off-year are not required to go kicked off with a bang. through the petition proIn the open Assemcess. bly races, Democrats The vacant AssemMike Simanowitz nominated Mike bly seats both signifiSimanowitz, a District cantly overlap the 9th Leader and recently-reCongressional District, tired Assemblywoman which will also hold its Nettie Mayersohn’s special election that former chief of staff, to day. Mayersohn’s be the nominee to reformer district includes place her. In the district Electchester, Kew Garpreviously served by dens and Kew Gardens Audrey Pheffer, who reHills, while Pheffer’s signed to take over as former district includes Queens County Clerk, Ozone Park, Howard the Democrats chose Beach and Broad ChanPhilip Goldfeder, an aide nel, as well as parts of to U.S. Sen. Chuck the Rockaway PeninSchumer, who lives in sula – all shared by the Far Rockaway. 9th Congressional DisRepublicans had trict. Phil Goldfeder been expected to go with Reach Reporter District Leader Jane Domenick Rafter at Deacy of Breezy Point, a former police drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357officer, but a final decision has not been 7400, Ext. 125. BY DOMENICK RAFTER
group homes for various individuals. Community Board 13 already hosts more than 60 group homes in the area, far more than neighboring communities. “Nobody except for us -13 and 12comes anywhere near the kind of numbers that we have,” he said. “We have always attempted to discourage placing more group homes in our area and think that the rest of the borough should pick up some of the slack.” Residents were concerned about the group home’s close proximity to a school. “A lot of kids are constantly walking by there, coming and going to school, coming and going to play after school. We don’t feel it’s a very good location at all,” Hellenbrecht said. Maffei refuted the concern as biased. “It’s discrimination, pure and simple, against people with developmental disabilities,” he said. Some concerns Bellerose residents have may stem from incidents that took place at a group home for people with autism near the Floral Park neighborhood. Hellenbrecht said one group home member was stabbed inside the group home and another caused a public disturbance. “One of the consumers was outside of the house, visible to the neighbors and young adults and took his clothes off and exposed himself,” he said. The nonprofit organization is looking elsewhere for a new group home. “We have to start from scratch and find a new home for these individuals to live in,” Maffei said. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.
Families React To Pomonok Murder BY JASON COHEN
Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 8-14, 2011
In the past year, residents of the Pomonok Houses in Flushing have seen a string of violent acts take place. After two shootings on Saturday, a non-profit group founded in the wake of an October 2010 shooting said it is time for a change in the community. After Laseam Hogan was gunned down on Oct. 15, 2010, people hoped that things would change. Instead, at least by perception of neighbors, gun violence in South Flushing has steadily increased. Crystal McMoore, a friend of Hogan and his mother, Andrea McGowan, formed Let’s Succeed, Empower, and Motivate (LASEAM), after Hogan was killed. The organization is growing slowly, but many people in the community don’t care, McMoore said. “Since his death it’s been chaotic,” she said. “A lot of people said, ‘You’re one person, you can’t do anything.’” However, McMoore and McGowan believe one person can make a difference. That difference did not show this past Saturday. Bullets continued to fly when two more people were shot. Christina Coleman, a 39-year-old nurse from 15526 Jewel Ave., was shot and killed; the intended target, her son Hassan Gil, 18, was shot once in the chest and was able to tell police what happened. On Tuesday, police arrested Malik Wallace, 20, and Lerome Robinson, 21,
where to go after school, she said. for killing Coleman and shooting “There are police precincts for her son. Wallace was charged with nothing,” she said. “I have yet to murder, assault and weapons possee somebody get apprehended session. Robinson faces charges because of actual police work.” of murder and criminal possesMcGowan said she is angry besion of a weapon. cause since her son was killed, the “In the summertime you think situation has gotten worse. To about how many kids won’t make watch her grandkids grow up withit ‘til September,” McMoore said. out their father pains her, but the “It feels like Armageddon. It feels constant violence makes things like a war zone.” even worse, she said. The futures of the children in “I’m disgusted,” she said. “I feel Pomonok do not look bright, like I’m about to have a nervous McMoore said. There are Blood breakdown.” and Crip gang members, and McGowan said many of the young kids from Queensbridge, Police are searching for Mark Coleman (l.) and arrested Brooklyn and Far Rockaway com- Lerome Robinson in connection with a shooting in Flushing. people involved in the shootings have known each other for years. ing together for the wrong reaHer son used to be involved with son, she said. People need to unite and stop the violence and not look the calls to State Sen. Shirley Huntley (D- the wrong crowd, but he was changing. He Jamaica) and then-Congressman Anthony was a people person, funny, kind, considother way, she added. “Everybody’s trying to out-prove each Weiner (D-Forest Hills), but her calls were erate; he even protected the person that killed him once. never answered. other, “she said. On Saturday, LESEAM will hold a Besides her perceived lack of help from People want the violence to stop, but at the same time people don’t trust the po- the police and politicians, one gaping hole birthday festival and peace rally in honor lice, she said. She said the police don’t do in the community is the lack of video of Laseam in Jamaica’s Baisley Park. anything or cannot be trusted for protec- cameras. If the buildings had video cam- Roughly 300 people are expected to attion if someone does witness a crime. Both eras, it would be a safer place, McMoore tend, including elected officials Ruben she and McGowan said local politicians said, noting that signs of community ne- Wills (D-Jamaica) and Leroy Comrie (DSt. Albans). There will be food, entertainare looking the other way when it comes to glect are rampant. The City is in the process of building ment, raffles, face painting, a basketball the community. “You only see [Councilman Jim new homes for poor senior citizens in tournament and overall a fun day paying Genarro] when he’s running for election,” Pomonok and there also used to be a tribute to Laseam. Reach Intern Jason Cohen at she said. “There’s no leadership.” children’s center that was attached to the McMoore said she has sent numerous Housing Police station, which was recently jcohen@queenstribune.com or (718) 357emails and letters, and has made phone closed. The children do not have any- 7400, Ext. 124.
New Store Gate Law Will Reduce Graffiti BY JASON BANREY A Queens Councilman's war on graffiti has launched a new offensive - eliminating a popular style of "canvas" for illegal taggers. Announcing a new law that will phase out solid metal roll-down gates, Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria), along with a coalition of business owners from Steinway Street, hailed the legislation as another step towards improving the city's landscape. "It's disgusting," said Vallone while pointing at a photograph of a solid metal rolldown gate swathed in spray paint. "It's a canvas for graffiti and at night it makes [the street] look like a war torn alleyway." According to the law, which went into effect July 1, any roll-down gate that is being replaced or newly installed must allow for at least 70 percent visibility through to the storefront window. Businesses with existing solid metal gates
The old style gates have been a target for vandals. The new law requires gates with less surface area.
do not have to be replaced until July 1, 2026, when the law will take effect citywide. Industrial buildings will still be able to use the solid metal gates if they are currently installed. Vallone, an outspoken opponent of graffiti, added that he helped draft the legislation as a way to improve safety conditions for first responders when called to storefronts with solid metal gates. The legislation to abolish the gates was first proposed by former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner while he served in the City
Council in 1996; it was later revisited by the Council in 2009. Some city business owners have claimed the new roll-down gates are not as secure as the old ones, while others say they have already benefited from installing the new gates. Tony Meloni, executive director of Immigration Advocacy, located at 24-40 Steinway St., said the $3,000 he paid for his roll-down gates was the best money he has ever spent. In the past, Meloni found himself cleaning graffiti off the solid metal gates he
previously owned once a week. Since making the switch he says his clients are now able to easily notice what services they provided, even after the business is closed. "Technically my gates are always up," Meloni said of the roll-down gates, which he installed three years ago. "People can see what we are advertising and it also looks better." Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.
City, State Step Up For Jamaica Bay BY DOMENICK RAFTER An agreement struck last week between state and local environmental agencies will increase treatment of dangerous nitrogen levels in Jamaica Bay. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the signing of two parallel agreements, requiring the DEP to invest in heightened nitrogen treatment systems at four wastewater treatment plants that discharge into the bay. The costs of the system upgrades will be around $100 million and would be completed by 2020. Once in action, the upgrades will cut the amount of nitrogen entering the bay by half. DEP will also dedicate $13 million in Environmental
Benefit Projects to support marshland restoration by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and $2 million to restore marsh island habitat in the bay. Also, the city will keep a schedule for plant treatment upgrades and provide for the civic and environmental coalition, which include the Natural Resources Defense Council and Jamaica Bay EcoWatchers, in their continued involvement in cleaning up the bay. "This agreement will be the turning point where the bay is placed squarely on the path to recovery," said New York DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. Excess nutrient nitrogen in salt water systems is a major cause of algae growth and associated with low oxygen conditions that can cause fish kills, wetland habitat decay, odors and bio-slimes - some-
times referred as a nitrogen "dead zone." These conditions often affect both Jamaica Bay and Long Island Sound during warmer weather. Some 90 percent of the nitrogen going into the bay comes from municipal sewage treatment plants. New York City DEP Commissioner Cas Holloway noted that the city has been working on reducing nitrogen levels in the bay long before this agreement was signed. "We are already removing roughly 8,000 pounds more of nitrogen per day than would be the case without this agreement; when it is fully implemented, we will have cut nitrogen discharges from our treatment plants by at least 50 percent," Holloway said. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
July 8-14, 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
Brenda Jones Executive Editor:
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Joseph Orovic Contributing Editor:
Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:
Editorial Keeping Water Safe Last week Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that any future hydraulic fracturing (hydrofracking) done in New York State for the purpose of removing deep-seeded natural gas resources from the ground will be done only in areas that will not affect New York City drinking water. This is a victory for those who have fought to ensure the future stability of what is commonly known as the best tap water in the Tri-State region – and considered one of the cleanest and freshest water supplies in the country. We feel congratulations are in order for Councilman Jim Gennaro, who has, for the last three years, been one of the strongest advocates pushing for the state to review the practice that has, in some cases, been devastating to local water supplies. He fought for a moratorium and for stronger requirements for drillers – and won. A Governor-appointed board of environmental experts and legislative watchdogs has been established and includes Robert Kennedy Jr., one of the state’s and nation’s leading environmental good guys. He is the perfect person to take on this role. His Riverkeepers non-profit group has been one of the greatest defenders of public water, and Kennedy himself was named by Time Magazine as one of their “Heroes of the Planet” for the work he has done for the environment. From an alarm sounded by a Queens councilman to the wise action of the Governor, this plan is a win for the state, for the City and for the people of Queens and beyond who count on the best drinking water to remain that way.
Shiek Mohamed
Letters
Queens Today Editor
Regina Vogel
Luv Gov Must Go Photo Editor: Ira Cohen
Reporters: Harley Benson Domenick Rafter Jason Banrey Veronica Lewin Art Dept:
Sara Gold Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend Advertising Director James Mammarella
To The Editor: Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s coordinated legislative strategy to hold off a vote on homosexual marriage until he could corrupt Republicans James Alesi, Roy McDonald, Stephen Saland, and Mark Grisanti needs further scrutiny by legal authorities. Cuomo and his immoral pals effectively sold New Yorkers down the river by forcing through same-sex marriage, which most New Yorkers and
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dent legislation, it is time for the “Luv Gov” to go – both from the Catholic Church and from the political arena. Gerry Jones, Staten Island
Mid-East Plan To The Editor: The following is my response to President Barack Obama’s speech on the U.S. Mid-East Peace Plan. Thank you. Freedom. Liberty. American beliefs that apply to all peoples. It is not right that after all the blood, sweat, and work we Americans have done to secure the legal protection against discrimination – the right to vote, to have a free press, speech, and our other Bill of Rights; while other human beings suffer as Americans did, and do nothing; while we know how valuable our rights are by living our lives as boldly as Americans are known to. We as Americans and America are judged by what actions we do and do not take. The U.S., by our President, has taken first stages in reforming our foreign policy from mere talk to democratic action. Politics and humanity do not mix well together. I applaud and support our President for helping to change America to being more democratic than being political as usual. I will call The White House to ensure a member of the people’s voice is heard. I urge all Americans to do the same to all their elected representatives. Michael Villacres, Queens Village
No Fraud Bill To The Editor: The State Legislature accomplished a lot this year, but one important reform was conspicuously left out - passage of the legislation know as the "Fraud Tax Bill" that would crack down on crisis-level auto insurance fraud in New York State. No fault auto accident fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes in New York State, yet it is not expressly illegal. It is one of the reasons New Yorkers pay 53 percent more for auto insurance than drivers in other states. Almost $1 billion has been stolen from New Yorkers in the past five years alone, according to studies, by organized criminal enterprises that stage accidents and run up phony bills with the help of a handful of crooked doctors. But the Legislature refused to do anything about it this year. The state didn't even pass a common-sense measure called "Alice's Bill" that would make staging an auto accident in New York a standalone crime. The bill was named after a 71-year old New York grandmother who was killed when she was struck during a staged accident. The state legislature is rumored to be returning this summer to clean up unfinished business from the 2011 legislative session. Auto insurance fraud reform must be on that list. Rafe Lieber Executive Director, New Yorkers Stand Against Insurance Fraud
A Rare Opportunity For The Right Candidate A Personal Perspective
Sr. Account Executive Shelly Cookson
Americans do not want. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn recently said the vote was typical of the “corrupt political process in New York State.” He has banned all “yes” voting politicians from participating in events at Catholic parishes and schools. Hopefully he will also excommunicate Cuomo and his living-in-sin girlfriend Sandra Lee. Having successfully deconstructed the single most important institution in human history with his indecent and deca-
Letters
BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE
Now that the Weiner dust has settled and Gov. Andrew Cuomo has called a special election for the resigned congressman’s seat, would-be and won’t-be candidates are starting to come out of the closet about their intentions. Councilman Eric Ulrich (ROzone Park) has ended speculation about whether or not he would run to fill the remainder of Weiner’s term, which will expire in December 2012. He will not do it. It is a wise move on the part of the young councilman. Ulrich is still somewhere in his mid-20s and has a lot of time to run for increasingly higher offices. He is smart, good looking, personable and still a newlywed; he can build his experience portfolio and wait to pursue bigger dreams with more solid prospects over the coming years. He will definitely go far if he continues to think things through like he has done here. Whoever runs for this seat is
doing so with the disclosure that it could be gone in 15 months. The Ninth Congressional District may be eliminated during redistricting next year. That means whoever replaces Weiner may not have the seat to run for again during the regular election cycle next year, and he or she would be out of office of any kind if giving one up to serve out Weiner’s term. For any sitting elected official such as Ulrich, Democratic Assemblymen David Weprin and Rory Lancman whose names have also been bandied about as likely candidates, this is a gamble that might be too risky to engage. Still, the lure might be irresistible for the mature guys, given that it would raise the winner’s profile for opportunities that could be opening up in citywide elections in 2013. One can imagine that Weprin may be interested in looking at this rare opportunity after paying his dues in city and state government and use it as a springboard to run again for Comptroller should John Liu run for mayor. Party bosses will soon nomi-
nate the Republican and Democratic candidates for the Sept. 13 special, so the wait will be over. Democratic County Leader Joe Crowley must certainly be inundated with calls from people asking to be his candidate. Every Queens reporter would love to be a fly on his wall right about now. But if we were to take current office-holders out of the equation we have on the Democratic side, there are two people who may not have anything to lose in running for the seat: Former Council members Eric Gioia and Melinda Katz, who did not run for third terms to the Council but ran instead for Public Advocate and Comptroller, respectively. Of course they both lost and have resumed careers as practicing attorneys. So neither of these two would have anything to lose by being the nominee going into September and nothing to lose if redistricting were to leave them seatless if the district were to be eliminated a year later. Katz and Gioia proved themselves effective office holders, so
both have the experience to go to Washington and stand up for our borough and city. It will also look good on the resume of the winner, for it could take them, as Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear says, “to infinity and beyond.” On the Republican side, businessman Bob Turner is probably going to get the nod based on his showing against Weiner last year when he got 40 percent of the vote against the entrenched incumbent. Ulrich has also spoken highly of him, and that will be taken into consideration as the party interviews candidates. It is a good opportunity for the right person. The falling of one is the rising of another, as the saying goes. You can bet Weiner’s successor won’t engage in the sort of reckless behavior that cost him so dearly. Lesson learned for everyone else…one would hope, anyway. Editor’s Note: This column was written prior to the selection of David Weprin as the Democratic candidate for the 9th Congressional District.
Helping Out With Joe Crowley’s Dilemma By MICHAEL SCHENKLER I haven’t made the calls that the reporters have. I haven’t talked to Queens Democratic Chairman
Joe Crowley or his party brain trust Gerry, Mike or Frank. I haven’t even discussed who should replace Anthony Weiner with my friend U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman. I’ve simply followed and read and watched, and thought and played the game that most insiders have been playing — who should Joe Crowley give the Democratic line to in the 9th Congressional District’s Sept 13 Special Election? First, a complaint: The Governor, who has become my hero after demonstrating incredible leadership in managing the terrible New York State Legislature in his first year, after a series of unbelievable accomplishments, personally used his political capital (read goodwill) to orchestrate the passage of the Marriage Equality Act. But as Andrew Cuomo pulls legislative miracles out of his hat, we know that the game of politics is based on horse trading. What has our hero governor been trading?
Might I suggest that he has, in the case of the 9th Congressional District and six Assembly District elections. It appears that the Governor chose the party leaders over the people. He has called a Special Election for the Weiner seat and six Assembly seats in the State –two in Queens – and has timed it so as to avoid Primar y Elections, thus giving party bosses almost single-handed control of who will go to Washington in the Weiner seat, or to Albany in the case of the Assembly elections. The Dems have already ordained Phil Goldfeder to replace Assembly woman Audrey Pheffer, who has become County Clerk, and Mike Simanowitz, replacing his mentor Assembly woma n Net t ie Mayerson, who conveniently retired at a time that would enable the elevation of Simanowitz without a primary. Good government this is not. The people do not get to select the candidates, the party bosse s do. T he Gover nor has shown deference to the party hierarchy and continues a long-lived dreadful practice in New York of allowing political bosses to elevate insiders of their choosing to elective office through back doors and smoked-filled rooms, denying the people their rightful participation in the election process. Watch for another potential area of the Governor forsaking the good government move to play to the legislature. Redistricting should be done by an independent, nonpartisan commission and not by the legislature, which draws lines
to serve the parties and the incumbents. The Governor, during his campaign, clearly stated the need for independent redistricting. We agree. All good government groups agree. We fear Cuomo’s position that an independent commission is required may have fallen victim to one of his legislative accomplishments. What did the Senate Republican Majority Leader get for allowing the vote and therefore passage of Marriage Equality? As long as politics exists there will be horse-trading and compromise. We hope the Governor stands firm on those good government issues which will affect the state for the next decade (read redistricting). But we’re not betting on it. So, who should Joe Crowley anoint as the next Congressman from the 9th District? Crowley must keep many conflicting issues in mind. First, he is aware of the likelihood that one of the two New York seats which will be lost due to redistricting – especially if done by the legislature – and therefore must be concerned that he is not creating a new Congress member who will like the job so much and will turn around and challenge a Queens senior member – or worse, challenge Crowley himself. So Joe must set out to ensure his seat is safe and so is Gary Ackerman’s – the member most likely to pick-up the largest portion of a redistricted former Weiner seat. Crowley must also find some-
A Major Step Toward Equal Rights For LGBT votes, which would have been their moment in the sun. The enormous satisfaction the gay community has demonstrated in the last few days is based on the end of what they regarded as the final legal impediment imposed Stern by New York State to full citizenship. They called the cause “Marriage Equality.” The bill was supported by many in the LGBT communit y who have no intentions or immediate prospects of marriage, but want the same rights that straight people take for granted. I support marriage equality, in part because I know people who love each other and should be allowed to commit themselves, and assume the protections and the burdens of marriage. In principle,
capacity to reproduce should not be a requirement for couple s – many people choose not to have children or are unable to do so. With 300 million Americans and millions more seeking to enter this country, there is no risk of running out of people if gays are allowed to marry. Finally, it is somewhat gratifying to see New York State resume its historic role as a place of legislative initiative on social issue s. Credit goe s to Governor Cuomo and the State legislative leader ship in bot h par t ies. We hope that the success in securing marriage equality will lead to further accomplishments in Albany. It can make an enormous difference, if our leaders work together and stay on track. They have shown the capacity to do so, now we look to them for performance. starquest@nycivic.org
matter what was agreed to prior to designat ion. We believe that with strong Democrats in New York – Schumer, Cuomo, e ven Bi l l Clinton – Crowley has the ability to meet with strong potentials and extract promises in the presence of the State Dem heav y weights who make it clear that should the “caretaker” decide to challenge a senior member the party hierarchy would take to the streets against them. We also believe it would be easier for Crowley to avoid the potential problem and look for a truly safe, capable caretaker. The first two such names that came to our mind were Claire Shulman and Peter Vallone Sr. The former’s age may be an impediment and we are told the latter is not interested. We think it would be a fitting tribute for the former Speaker to end his elective career serving in Congress. Joe, perhaps he can be convinced. Now that we’ve eliminated just about all the serious Queens possibilit ie s, we look to Brooklyn which makes up 30 percent of the Weiner District. And there, sitting and waiting – no… anxiously waiting – is former U.S. Rep. Liz Holtzman: an experienced, competent 70-year-old caretaker who wants the seat. She can do the job. She’s from the other borough and would be at a great disadvantage challenging a Queens incumbent. We hate to recommend Joe go out of borough, but it might be his simplest move. We’re not sure we would opt for Holtzman if we stood in Crowle y’s shoe s; however, we think that Crowley is likely to make that move and have tried to explain it here. She’s cer tai nly not a bad choice; she’s just from the wrong borough. MSchenkler@QueensPress.com
Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato
July 8-14, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7
By HENRY J. STERN Our last column reported that the Legislature had not reached a decision on the major issues before it: rent control, property tax cap and gay marriage. The Senate also voted to name sweet corn the state vegetable. Henry It defeated the onion by 56-6, with six downstate Democrats dissenting. Shor tly thereafter, the dam burst and the bills involving money: extension of rent stabilization and a 2 percent cap on property tax increases were approved overwhelmingly. Gay marriage was considered in the late evening. In the rush to make the 11 p.m. news programs and get the bill signed by Governor Cuomo before midnight, many legislators were not allowed to make statements explaining their
one who can beat a strong Republican – Councilman Eric Ulrich could change his mind and run should the Dems put up a caretaker nobody. Crowley also has been seeking to rise in the ranks of the Democratic Congressional leadership, and therefore cannot afford an embarrassing pick. So the term “caretaker” is the word of the day for the Democratic Leader and his suppor t team – “competent caretaker.” The person Crowley could trust the most, his cousin, relatively new Councilwoman Liz Crowley, is not ready for the big-time Congressional scene – color her out of the race. The safest route is to designate someone who does not necessarily possess the ambition that might cause them to renege on a promise to go quietly if the seat is done away with. Therefore, we suggest Crowley should remove from the list anyone who must give up a secure elective office to take the temporary Congressional gig – folks in office should be perceived as ambitious until retirement. Three oftmentioned choices would be eliminated by this route. Both Mark and David Weprin just took their seats, and Ror y La ncman is Queens’ hope for Assembly leadership now that Mark Weprin and Mike Gianaris have left the esteemed body. Next we look at former electeds. Both former Councilmembers who ran citywide last time out – Eric Gioia and Melinda Katz – have been mentioned. Both are potential stars; both are more than competent; both may use the temporary seat to launch a citywide run in 2013. But both would likely be out of office via redistricting in 2012. They both can also be viewed as capable of fighting to stay in Congre ss no
It’s About The Water:
Though Some Cheer Fracking Deal, Others Find Plan Hard To Swallow BY DOMENICK RAFTER The Cuomo Administration has decided to allow the controversial natural gas drilling procedure called hydrofracking, but with a laundry list of stipulations, including a ban on the procedure within the New York City watershed and some stricter regulations. “We are going to do this safely,” said New York Dept. of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Jack Martens on July 1. “Our top priority is drinking water.” Hydrofracking, or hydraulic fracturing, a procedure in which natural gas is harvested from bedrock, is controversial because the chemicals used in the procedure are dangerous and can often seep into drinking water in wells and reservoirs. Energy companies have eyed New York as fertile ground because the Marcellus Shale bedrock formation, which covers a wide swath of the state from the Hudson Valley to Lake Erie, is home to large
amounts of untapped natural gas. Environmentalists and City officials expressed concern that hydrofracking can lead to contamination of the city’s water supply system that originates in the Catskills. Formerly Opposed Last year, the state declared a moratorium on permits for hydrofracking, a move hailed by Councilman Jim Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows), who had been seeking to get the state to stop the practice for the prior two years. Last week, Gennaro – one of the staunchest opponents to the procedure – applauded the Governor’s decision to lift the moratorium with the caveat that no drilling be done in any area that would affect the drinking water supply for the City. “The [New York City] Council is pleased that the State, under Gov. Cuomo’s leadership, will propose to ban hydrofracking within the New York City drinking water supply watershed,” said Gennaro, chairman
of the Environmental Protection Committee. “This is terrific news.” What Will Happen? The procedure will be banned in the watersheds of New York City and Syracuse, limiting the permitted area to a narrow swath of the Southern Tier along the Pennsylvania Border. Drilling will also be banned on stateowned land, within 500 feet of aquifers and no permits will be issued for drilling near private water wells. That still leaves 85 percent of the Marcellus Shale open for drilling. Martens said energy companies will have to make public some of the chemicals they are using when hydrofracking. A High-Volume Hydraulic Fracturing Advisory Panel has also been put together by Gov. Cuomo that will be charged with developing recommendations to ensure DEC and other agencies are enabled to properly oversee, monitor and enforce high-volume hydraulic fracturing activities and avoid and mitigate impacts to localities. The panel will also be tasked with evaluating the current fee structure and other revenue streams to fund government oversight and infrastructure related to hydrofracking. The 13-member panel will include environmentalists Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Mark Brownstein from the Environmental Defense Fund; business leaders like Mark Boling from Southwest Energy; and politicians from the Southern Tier, including former Lt. Gov. and Jamestown Mayor Stan Ludine, and two state legislators from Binghamton, the city in the center of the Marcellus Shale area; Democratic Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Republican State Sen. Tom Libous. No permits will be issued until the public has 60 days to see the DEC’s report. That 60-day period will begin in August.
Assembly committee chairs. State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside), who introduced a bill banning hydrofracking statewide, authored a letter to Gov. Cuomo, co-signed by Assemblyman William Colton (D-Brooklyn), opposing any lifting of the moratorium. “The risk presented by hydrofracking, where a single accident can do irreparable harm to our water supply and our farmland, simply outweighs any potential economic benefit,” the letter read. “This decision by DEC and the Executive to lift the moratorium on hydraulic fracturing is misguided and premature,” said Assemblyman Kevin Cahill (D-Kingston), chairman of the Energy Committee. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
Not An Easy Sell The administration’s decision was met with stiff opposition from hydrofracking opponents in the state legislature, including Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and
Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 8-14, 2011
What Is Hydrofracking? Horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (hydrofracking) are legal and common in New York. The majority of wells in the Marcellus Shale will be hydraulically fractured. How It Works Horizontal drilling has been used in New York since the 1980s. A “horizontal well” is first drilled down vertically to a depth above the target gas-bearing rock formation. Special tools are then used to curve the well so that the hole is drilled horizontally within the gasbearing rock for up to several thousand feet. Ten percent of DEC’s 2007 well drilling permits were for directional and
horizontal wells. Except for special tools used underground, horizontal drilling is performed using the same equipment and technology as vertical drilling, with the same protocols in place for aquifer protection, fluid containment and waste handling. Benefits Of Horizontal Drilling Maximum contact with the gas-bearing rock formation, so that more gas can be produced from a single well. Multiple horizontal wells can be drilled laterally from the same surface location, so that less of the ground surface is disturbed compared to using vertical wells to produce the same amount of gas.
The Pump Process Hydraulic fracturing consists of pumping a fluid and a propping material such as sand down the well under high pressure to create fractures in the gas-bearing rock. The propping material (usually referred to as a “proppant”) holds the fractures open, allowing more gas to flow into the well than would naturally. No blast or explosion is created by the hydraulic fracturing process, which has been used in New York since at least the 1950s. Hydraulic fracturing technology is especially helpful for “tight” rocks like shale. Hydraulic fracturing of the Marcellus Shale will require large volumes of water to fracture the rocks and produce the desired amount of gas. Each well may use more than 1 million gallons of water.
What’s In It? The hydraulic fracturing fluid typically contains compounds added to the water to make the hydraulic fracturing process more effective. These may include a friction reducer; a biocide to prevent the growth of bacteria that would damage the well piping or clog the fractures; a gel to carry the proppant into the fractures; and various other agents to make sure the proppant stays in the fractures and to prevent corrosion of the pipes in the well. The Department is assessing the chemical makeup of these additives and will ensure that all necessary safeguards and best practices are followed. Source: NYS Dept. Environmental Conservation
Police Blotter Compiled by DOMENICK RAFTER
111th Precinct Firefighter Flash On Friday, July 1, at around 2 a.m., Michael Taggart, 48, an off-duty NYC firefighter assigned to Engine 326 in Oakland Gardens was arrested after allegedly drinking alcohol with two 14-year-old boys and exposing his penis to them on 64th Avenue in Oakland Gardens. Taggart was charged with two counts each of unlawfully dealing a child alcohol, endangering the welfare of a minor, public lewdness, disorderly conduct and exposure of a person.
112th Precinct Found Dead On Wednesday, June 29, at approximately 6:13 p.m. inside of 111-56 76th
Police are looking for these two men who robbed a livery driver.
Rd. in Forest Hills., police responded to a 911 call of an unconscious man. Upon arrival, responding officers discovered Shaliek Spurgeon, 25, who lived in Apt. C5 at the address, unconscious and unresponsive lying on a bed inside the apartment. EMS also responded to the location and pronounced Spurgeon dead at the scene. The Medical Examiner was to determine the cause of death and the investigation is ongoing.
115th Precinct Taxi Robbery The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the following men wanted in connection with a robbery in East Elmhurst. On Saturday, June 25, at approximately 3:30 a.m., the two suspects entered a livery cab at Union Street and 37th Avenue, in Flushing. The suspects requested that the driver take them to 100th Street and 23rd Avenue in East Elmhurst. Once at that location, one of the suspects pulled out a gun and demanded money. The victim struggled with the suspects and was struck numerous times in the head with the gun. The suspects fled the vehicle without removing any property. The first suspect is described as an 18-
year-old Hispanic man, 5-foot-9, 170 lbs. with brown eyes and black hair; the second suspect is described as an 18-yearold black man, 5-foot-9, 180 lbs., with brown eyes and black hair. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577.
From the DA Torcher Tagged A 27-year-old Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 100 years to life in prison following his conviction on attempted murder and other charges for trying to kill his ex-girlfriend and her two children by pouring gasoline under the door of her Long Island City apartment and splashing her with it when she opened the door – then igniting it. Khenan Clarke, 27, of Ocean Avenue in Brooklyn, was convicted in April of one count of first-degree arson, three counts of second-degree attempted murder, two counts of first-degree assault and one count of first-degree burglary following an eight-day jury trial. According to trial testimony, Clarke
and his ex-girlfriend, Latisha Shaw, who was 22 years old at the time and three months pregnant, were having an argument on the morning of Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, about Shaw refusing to allow him into her apartment or to see the child they had in common – 4-year-old Jaden. Clarke stormed away but returned to Shaw’s apartment less than an hour later with a can of gasoline and began pouring it under the apartment door. When Shaw realized what was happening she opened the door and begged Clarke to stop for the sake of her two sons, Jaden and Amiire, 2. Clarke, who splashed her and the door with gas, told her that she and her two children were going to die that day. He then ignited the gas, setting fire to both the building and Shaw, who went screaming to her neighbor’s apartment with Clarke pursuing her and continuing to splash gas on her. In the meantime, Shaw’s apartment door slammed shut, trapping her two children inside. Hearing the commotion in the hallway, Shaw’s neighbor opened her door and splashed water on her and scared Clarke off with a knife. Shaw then ran to the building roof where firefighters found her with third-degree burns to her legs. Her two children were rescued from the building apartment by firefighters and treated for smoke inhalation.
Borough Beat
Riders Urge Gov. To Adopt Lockbox BY DOMENICK RAFTER
already existing lines. Advocates hope the Transit Lockbox Bill, if signed by Gov. Cuomo, would lead to more funding for the MTA, eliminating the need for further cuts and opening the possibility of restored service. Brodie Enoch, of Transportation Alternatives, a rider advocacy group, said the Lockbox bill would "in a way, guarantee we have some sort of a protection against losing more bus lines and more train lines."
The act would prevent the state from taking money dedicated to the MTA to pay other bills. More than $260 million has been taken from dedicated MTA funding in the past three years. Gov. Cuomo has not indicated if he would sign the bill, but it passed the Senate and Assembly unanimously. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
City Health Dept. Closes Donovan’s BY JASON BANREY Donovan's Pub, a popular Woodside neighborhood watering hole and home to one of the best burgers in Queens, was shut down by the Dept. of Health last week after racking up 66 violation points during a surprise inspection June 30. The 45-year old establishment, located at 57-24 Roosevelt Ave., was closed for nearly a week, missing one of its biggest opportunities to earn revenue over a July 4 weekend that featured a Subway Series. Manager Jack Donovan said being closed during the Subway Series was a big loss for not only the popular bar but also for its 39 employees. "This is very hard to deal with," Donovan said. "We've been here for nearly 50 years and this has never happened."
According to the Dept. of Health, the number of points assessed for a particular violation depends on how much of a health risk it poses to the public. Violations fall into three categories: a public health hazard, such as failing to keep food at the right temperature to prevent the growth of bacteria; a critical violation, such as the presence of rodents; and a general violation, such as not properly sanitizing cooking utensils. The DOH found Donovan's was guilty of seven sanitary violations, some of which included live roaches present at the facility, food items not properly stored at the right temperature and raw, cooked or prepared food was adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with food safety inspection standards.
"If you look long enough you're going to find something," Donovan said of the pub's ninth inspection since October. Although the pub has never been shut in the past due to sanitary violations, according to the DOH, on May 20 Donovan's received 67 violation points. "People come here, have a burger and a drink before the game all the time - it's a tradition," Donovan said. "But they couldn't do it last weekend. We serve 1,200 to 1,500 burgers a week. This definitely hurt us." "I probably won't come back after finding out they failed their inspection," Lee said. "But they do have really good burgers." The pub has filed for a re-inspection and expects to be open by July 8. Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.
July 8-14, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9
A year after the MTA's financial crisis led to severe cuts in service all across the borough, some Queens residents and civic groups are demanding lost service be restored and financial subsides be protected. On June 30, 2010, two subway lines, the W and V trains, and a slew of bus lines carried their last riders. Among them: the Q74 that connected the Kew Gardens subway station to Queens College; the Flushing to Whitestone Q14; and the Q79, which connected Little Neck with Floral Park. The Q42, which connects Jamaica Center to Addisleigh Park was reduced to operating only during peak hours in the morning and afternoon. Also cut was the QM22 express bus that began in Jackson Heights, connecting parts of Astoria and Long Island City close to the East River. On June 27, almost one year to the day after service ended on those lines, officials and local residents gathered at the Ditmars Boulevard subway stop to call for restoration of service and for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to sign the Transit Lockbox bill, which passed both houses of the state legislature and would prevent the state from raiding subsidies dedicated to the MTA. "We need better long-term transit options in Astoria," said Democratic District Leader Costa Constantinides "We're a growing, thriving community." On the QM22, Constantinides said the
low ridership problem would be solved if the bus route and schedule is adjusted. "A small adjustment to that bus would result in so many more riders," he said. On the other side of the borough, civic leaders are looking to improvise for the loss of the Q79 bus, the only north-south bus line east of the Cross Island Parkway. The MTA has said it wasn't considering restoring any of the lost service in Queens, but was considering extending
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Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson
York Unveils Photos To Honor Jacquet On Friday, June 24, at the Illinois Jacquet Performance Space (at the Chapel of the Sisters in the historic Prospect Cemetery on the York College Campus) two photos of the famed area saxophonist, the late Illinois Jacquet were unveiled. These were taken by the legendary fashion photographer Arthur Elgort and will grace the space above the stage at future events. Photos by Walter Karling
Speaker Andrew Manshel, Vice-President of the Greater Jamaica Development Corp., which manages the space, told of how culture impacts the present renaissance of Jamaica.
Illinois Jacquet portrait by fashion photographer Arthur Elgort.
Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 8-14, 2011
Vocalist Leslie Banks hitting the high notes.
Speaker Tom Zlabinger, Director of York College's Jazz Workshop, offered an introspective of Illinois Jacquet's music.
Speaker Carol Scherick, Illinois Jacquet's manager for over 20 years, pays tribute to the legend.
A panoramic view of the celebration.
Four hep cats (Carol Scherick, Helen Marshall, Dorothy Lewandowski, and Prospect Cemetery Association President Cate Ludlam) digging Illinois Jacquet's famed jazz number "Flying High," performed by York College's Big Band saxophonist Ray McGill.
Profile
Boro Baller Picked By Golden State
BY JASON COHEN
The 2011 NBA Draft was filled with international players and very few from the collegiate level. It also may be the last time people may see NBA players for a long time due to the lockout. But one of the collegiate players drafted was Springfield Gardens native and Hofstra University point guard Charles Jenkins. He was selected 44th overall by the Golden State Warriors, a team with many young rising stars and new head coach Marc Jackson. Jenkins was the first Hofstra player selected since Speedy Claxton was taken by the Philadelphi 76ers in 2000. Claxton is currently working as a scout for the Warriors. He was drafted into a near perfect situation. The Warriors are a run and gun team with athletic, sharp shooting guards Monta Ellis and Steph Curry, and with the new addition of Jenkins, the team will be able to run up and down the f loor at a lightning fast pace. Jackson, a St. John's alum and former New York Knick, has a lot on his plate. For the past four years, Jenkins dominated the Colonial Athletic Association. For the third year in a row, he was the recipient of the Haggerty Award, which honors the top collegiate player in the Metropolitan New York area, be-
Springfield Gardens’ Charles Jenkins may get to play for Golden State. coming only the third person to do so. He also won the CAA player of the year award for the second year in a row and totaled 2,513 points, becoming only the 63rd player in NCAA history to reach
the 2,500-point mark One person who can attest to Jenkins' leadership on and off the court is Hofstra coach Mo Cassara. Though Cassara only coached Jenkins this past year, he got to know him well, he said. The coach said he is excited that he was drafted by such a "gifted" team. "I think he's got an opportunity to play," he said. As good of a player that he is on the court, he is an even better person off the court, the coach remarked. Cassara believes that Jenkins is a combo guard and that he will fit right in with the Warriors. "With any opportunity he's had, he's excelled," he said. After 21 years of working at the school, Athletic Director Jack Hayes said Jenkins was one of a kind, he said. "He got as much out of the college experience on and off the court as anyone that I have ever seen," Hayes said. "He's as good of a person that you can find." Jenkins was always in attendance at many events at the college. Each year his numbers increased and he was able to compete against some of the best players in the CAA. The Warriors won't take very long to realize that they now have a very special player in Jenkins, Hayes said. Tom Pecora, the coach at Fordham
University, coached Jenkins for four years at Hofstra. In Jenkins' sophomore year, Pecora said he sensed that he had a special player that had the ability to make it to the NBA. There are many players who can score, rebound or play defense and then there are ones who are clutch and Jenkins is one of them, the coach said. More importantly, the man that people see on the court is a ferocious player, while off the court he is a true gentleman, Pecora remarked. "He evolved into a great player," Pecora said. "In time he will be a leader." Reach Intern Jason Cohen at jcohen@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 124.
Do You Know Someone Who Fits The PRESS Profile? Send a photo with background and contact information to: PRESS of Southeast Queens 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357
Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 8-14, 2011
People
Sherilee A. Edwards Air Force Airman Sherilee A. Edwards 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 Arlene Graham of Queens Village, and Ericardo Edwards
of Buford, Ga. Edwards graduated in 2005 from Forest Hills High School.
Park. Kalladeen graduated in 2003 from Automotive High School, Brooklyn.
Christopher S. Billups has been commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force after completing the Air Force ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) program and graduating with a bachelor's degree from Manhattan College, Bronx, in 2011. ROTC is an educational program designed to provide college students an opportunity to be Air Force officers after completing military study courses and bachelor's degree requirements at a host college or university. The program is the largest and oldest source of commissioned officers for the Air Force, with a mission to produce and develop highly qualified military leaders and better citizens for America. The officers pursue their Air Force careers in air, space and cyberspace fields and other scientific, technical and administrative professions as leaders helping to meet the challenges of the 21st century and beyond. He is the son of Tiran J.D. Billups of lainfield, N.J., and Tracey E. Everett of South Ozone Park. Billups graduated in 2003 from John Adams High School, South Ozone Park, and received an associate degree in 2005 from Morrisville State College.
Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut is pleased to announce its graduates from the annual Commencement held on May 14-15. Approximately 1,200 graduates received degrees from Sacred Heart University this year. Area residents who received degrees include: Astoria resident Vincent Spevack, Bachelor Of Science In Business Administration; Astoria resident Kaitlyn Briffa, Bachelor Of Science In Accounting; Bayside resident Francisco Perez, Doctor Physical Therapy; Forest Hills resident Eileen Gillespie, Master Of Science In Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner; Maspeth resident Stephanie Valentino, Bachelor Of Science In Criminal Justice; Kew Gardens resident Emilie Rosano, Bachelor Of Science In Biology; Jamaica resident Jason Settles, Master Of Arts In Criminal Justice; Neponsit resident Jennifer Hill, Bachelor Of Arts In Media Studies; and Breezy Point resident William Slattery, Bachelor Of Science In Finance.
Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Taran Kalladeen graduated from basic mili-
Taran Kalladeen
tary training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. He is the son of Bissram Kalladeen and brother of Trishwantie Emmandranauth, both of South Ozone
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Send notices of graduation, awards, anniversaries, engagements and honors to: PRESS of Southeast Queens,150-50 14th Rd.,Whittestone, NY 111357 All announcements will be considered for publication without fee.
A Personal Perspective:
A&E
We Can't All Be At The US Open
To a small cadre of individuals, being a ball person at the US Open tennis tournament is a position reserved only for the most agile, physically fit calm and collected connoisseurs of the sport. The job gives you an opportunity to stand amongst some of the world’s greatest tennis players to ever walk the earth – but it is an occupation that is not easily earned. On June 24, I had my opportunity to try out for one of the 75 available coveted positions at this year’s tournament and, in a nutshell, it is not as easy as it looks. Of the 600 participants who signed up for the day’s tryouts, I am not so sure I made the cut, but I was willing to give it a
try no matter how nervous I was. Prior to stepping on to the indoor court at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, I believed my athletic ability was up to par with USTA ball person standards. But I was wrong. The tryout began like an interview process. Participants are asked to fill out a form before you are called up to the court. Nervously, I asked Danny Casesa, the ball person supervisor overseeing the tryouts, to run through the process for me before I gave it my all. The instructions were simple, yet seemed strict: line up beside the net – no moving around, eyes straight at all times, hands behind your back while waiting for the ball to hit the net, in a graceful fashion scoop the ball up with both hands
Restaurant Review
A Happy Return
said translates to “crazy salad.” Instead, a dish of cavatelli, broccoli rabe accompanied by hot sausage and oil was placed center stage. As carnivores that enjoy pasta, we were not at all disappointed that the salad took a backseat. She quickly explained the mix up, but left us to eat in peace. As soon as the plate was empty it was carted away and on its heels was the pazzo salad. A bevy of mesclun was met with grilled vegetables, mozzarella and provolone, all topped with a warm balsamic vinaigrette. Denise followed the salad with meatballs in homemade sauce. The meatballs had a very unique flavor, which is explained by the 100-year-old recipe. Next up was a combination platter of veal and chicken parmigiana. A deluge of mozzarella and sauce covered the meat. After devouring the meats we picked at the cheese that drifted to the edges of the plate, savoring its sweet saltiness. The dinner was rounded out with lightly breaded shrimp scampi in white wine. Since my guest is allergic to shellfish, I dove into the scampi all by my lonesome. I never complained. I ate every morsel. Though dinner was over, dessert was yet to be had. Since I was full from the scampi I let my guest choose dessert – the Italian cheesecake prepared on premises. There was no fanfare to accompany the cheesecake; no cherries, chocolate sauce or anything that would distract from the pure flavors. A subtle lemon tang shot from the cake on first bite. It is unlike American cheesecake with its heaviness. After such a rich meal we needed something light to settle our stomachs. This was just the right finale to a wonderful evening.
and return to either side of the court you are closest to. Sounds simple, right? One by one the balls struck the net. Coming in successive fashion, each ball brought me out front and center on the court. With the grace of a chimpanzee and the quickness of a gazelle I made it through the process. But 20 minutes later, drenched in sweat, I found myself trying to catch my breath. Fueling my less-than-par per- One of the participants tries his hand at being a US formance was only one granola Open ball person. bar which I had quickly wolfed down about a half an hour beNovak Djokovic, the world’s current No. fore stepping foot on court. “We’re going to step it up a bit,” 1 ranked player. What was once a nerve racking expeCasesa said. “You ready?” rience, Fowler now does with ease in the “Of course,” I replied with a nervous smile as I wiped my sweaty brow. “I was face of some of the world’s greats. “I feel privileged to be front row and born ready. Let’s do it.” In the second round I was asked to center,” Fowler said with a smile. “It’s stand at the back position at the far end exciting.” In the end, I believed my efforts were of the court where I was asked to accurately return the balls to the opposite recognized as above average. I have yet to hear back from the USTA as to whether baseline with only a single bounce. One after the other, the tennis balls or not I made the cut. I’m not holding my made their way in a fury towards my di- breath. Despite my success, I weighed the oprection. As each ball bounced near me I lost the confidence I had mustered only tions of pursing a career as a ball person. moments before. Watching me bobble Would traveling across the country, followeach ball like a cheap carnival act that ing tennis tournaments for $7.75 per hour never got the hang of juggling, Casesa be worth it? In the end I am going to take my chances continuing to cover Queens. said we were done. “This is nothing,” Casesa said. “Imag- There is less perspiration involved. Although you may not see me gracing ine doing this with thousands in the the emerald courts at this year’s Grand stands watching.” I did not think I would be able to Slam Tournament, which takes place from handle that kind of pressure, but for oth- Aug. 29 to Sept 11. in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, be sure to appreciate each ers it is all about keeping cool. Laray Fowler of Astoria has had the ball person’s execution. Take it from me honor of serving as a ball person at the it is not as easy as it looks. Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at U.S. Open for the last 15 tournaments. She has shared the court with tennis great jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 357such as Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and 7400, Ext. 128.
Queens Symphony Set For 2 Outdoor Shows
There’s nothing like a summer evening with friends enjoying live music outdoors. The Queens Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce two summer concert dates and locations, free to the community of Queens. Queens Symphony Orchestra, under the musical direction of QSO Music Director Constantine Kitsopoulos, will present its 13th Annual Great Lawn Summer Concert, “Opera Under the Stars,” Wednesday, July 20, 7 p.m., at St. John’s University’s Great Lawn in Jamaica. “Opera Under the Stars will also take place on Sunday, July 17, 5 p.m. at the newly renovated George Seuffert Bandshell at Forest Park in Woodhaven.
The concerts will feature fabulous opera singers with the QSO performing operatic hits that will have you humming along. This free event, which is held rain or shine, is made possible by sponsorships from Consolidated Edison, New York City and State Departments of Parks and Recreation, Assemblyman Rory Lancman, New York State Council on the Arts, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and Coca-Cola. In case of inclement weather, the concerts will be moved to alternate locations. For more information, call QSO at (718) 570-0909, or e-mail them at qso@queenssymphony.org, or visit queenssymphony.org.
July 8-14, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13
CARA MIA 220-20 Hillside Ave. Queens Village (718) 740-9118 CUISINE: Italian HOURS: Tue-Fri 11 am to 10 pm; Sat noon to 10 pm; Sun 1-9 pm PARKING: In Rear CREDIT CARDS: All major After an afternoon shower brought cool to a warm summer Sunday, a friend and I decided to enjoy the pleasant weather with a stroll, and ended up settling in for a warming Italian dinner to prepare us for the coming week. At the edge of Queens Village, mere blocks from Bellerose, Cara Mia has welcomed generations. My guest and I were welcomed into a dining room awash with soft light. Denise, who seemingly mans this ship of classic cuisine, navigated through the cozy dining room and seated us in a booth. The menu boasts a meatball recipe that is a century old. There are also dishes teeming with mozzarella – and for those of you who know me understand I have never met a slither of cheese I could not adore. First up was the bread basket, which is rife with garlic squares crafted in-house and a baguette from a Cara Mia vendor. The drink special, a passion fruit martini, made its way to the table courtesy of Denise. Though I had asked for the drink special, hearing of its passion fruit flavor I inwardly turned up my nose – I’m not a fan. With a serious measure of apprehension I took a sip… and then another. Simply put, it was refreshing. I nursed the drink throughout dinner as I wanted its decadence and flavor to last the evening. Denise promised our first course would be the pazzo salad, which she
Photo by Jason Banrey
BY JASON BANREY
Faith
St. Rose Of Lima Celebrates Its 125th BY BRIAN M. RAFFERTY Celebrating its 125th year of service, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Far Rockaway has big plans for the summer. The first big event, the Feast of Saint Rose International Celebration, will be held Sunday, Aug. 21, with a special Mass at 10:30 a.m. This will also be the drawing date for the 2011 Summer/Feast Day Raff le. Tickets are $100 and on sale at the Rectory. The raff le is the first of the church’s two annual major fundraisers targeted to help pay the insurance bills.
The church, located at 130 Beach 84th Street, was founded in 1886 and will host a second special event for the 125th anniversary, a Day of Prayer at the Molloy Retreat House in Jamaica Estates on Saturday, Sept. 10. The Rev. Msgr. James Spengler, in the church bulletin, asks members to “be sure to sign up soon for this day, a chance to get away for a few hours to share a prayerful experience with other members of our Parish Family.” The day will include talks, time for reflection, Mass, lunch, and more.
Word
“One of my less pleasant chores when I was young was to read the Bible from one end to the other. Reading the Bible straight through is at least 70 percent discipline, like learning Latin. But the good parts are, of course, simply amazing. God is an extremely uneven writer, but when He’s good, nobody can touch Him.” —John Gardner
The parish school, which has just our faith community,” Andersen said. She added that the school is looking wrapped up the year, has been teaching forward to the coming local children for decades. school year, especially School Principal Theresa the expansion of proAndersen spoke very grams. highly of the school’s suc“Enrollment has incess this past year. creased and there are now “The church’s school two classes on every grade has had a successful year,” level, and three classes in she said. “As I finish my pre-K,” she said. 16th year as Principal at A new face will also Saint Rose and 40th year join the ranks, as Bridget in Catholic education, I Murphy will be added as look forward to our Parish Assistant Principal. School continuing to com“Bridget brings to this bine a first-rate Catholic position over 30 years of education with excellent experience in Catholic educational and technology programs that to- St. Rose of Lima is celebrating education and a strong gether serve to prepare our its 125th anniversary this year. faith commitment,” Andersen said. students for the future.” Applications are still being accepted On Friday, June 17, 26 eighth-graders joined the ranks of alumni, and Andersen for the coming school year. Interested offered “a special thank you to their parents can call the school at (718) 474teacher, Mrs. Bridget Murphy, for her dedi- 7079, or drop by between 8 a.m. and cation and commitment to Catholic edu- noon Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in July. cation.” The guest speaker at the graduation was The church offers masses in English, alum John O’Brien, the outgoing Coordi- Spanish and Polish. Reach Editor Brian Rafferty at nator of Religious Education for the Parish. “We thanked him for his years of ser- brafferty@queenstribune.com or (718) 357vice to the children, adults and parents of 7400, Ext. 122.
Notebook Contest Winners
SEQ Students Win Town Hall Awards
Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 8-14, 2011
The Town Hall and Con Edison presented Black History Month Poster and Essay Contest awards to Yubeuly Conde of Hollis and Fateha Chowdhury of Jamaica for their essays and drawings on step dance during a special ceremony at Manhattan’s landmark venue, Town Hall.
Yubeuly Conde shows off her award.
The students were two of five New York City public school children from grades 3-8 who won cash prizes and certificates from Town Hall and Con Edison for creating artwork or essays inspired by the 2011 Black History Month performance at The Town Hall by the dynamic New York step group Soul Steps. The electric group performed step routines inspired by choreographer Debbie Allen, tap dance’s Savion Glover, and gumboot dancers in South African mines to over 4,500 students at Town Hall. Their essays were about the Soul Steps in performance. The other student art and essay winners were: Joanna Bello, a third grader from The Bronx, Christopher Williams, a seventh grader from Harlem, and Moses Villanueva, a fifth grader from Brooklyn. The presentation featured Marvin Leffler, President, The Town Hall, as well as its Executive and Artistic Director Larry Zucker, and Alton S. Murray, Manager of Strategic Partnerships, Con Edison and the families and teachers of the winning students. “Every year we receive incredibly creative, sophisticated artwork and essays from these kids,” said Marvin Leff ler, President of The Town Hall. “It is extraordinary to see how they express what
they’ve learned at the show. Working with Con Edison has expanded the opportunities for The Town Hall to offer this type of entertainment and learning experience to thousands of school children, none of whom were asked to pay for their seat. We are thrilled to have many years of success with Con Edison under our belts, and look forward to many more years of collaboration.” Con Edison has sponsored the festival at The Town Hall since 1997. Both organizations continue their commitment to bringing quality entertainment to grade school children in an effort to illustrate the importance of Black History Month. Fateha Chowdhury displays her piece, flanked by her teachers.
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.
RELIGIOUS ASTORIA CENTER Saturdays, July 9, August 6 Tot Shabbat. Astoria Center of Israel, 27-35 Crescent Street, LIC. 278-2680.
MISCELLANEOUS WALK ABOUT Saturday, July 30 Independence Residences, Inc. will hold the 2 nd Annual Queens Walk About in Cunningham Park. 805-6796, ext. 133. ADOPTION MEETING Saturday, July 30 at 10 at Family Focus Adoption, Little Neck. 224-1919.
YOUTH
TEENS BIKE REPAIR Saturday, July 9 at the Steinway library at 11. CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library at 4. 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 Tuesday s, Wednesday and Thursday, July 12, 13, 14 at the Laurelton library at 2:30. SUMMER CROCHET Tu e s d a y , J u l y 1 2 a t t h e Douglaston/Little Neck Parkway at 2:30. WII & BOARD GAME Tu e s d a y , J u l y 1 2 a t t h e Bayside library at 3. SUMMER READING Tu e s d a y , J u l y 1 2 a t t h e
Briarwood library. Register. TEEN GAMING Tuesday, July 12 at the Fresh Meadows library at 3:30. CHESS LESSONS Tu e s d a y , J u l y 1 2 a t t h e Winsor Park library at 4. CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library. SUMMER READING Wednesday, July 13 at the Fresh Meadows library at 1. COMPUTER CREATIONS Wednesday, July 13 at the LIC library at 2. NEWSPAPER Wednesday, July 13 at the North Hills library. Register. GAME DAY Wednesday, July 13 at the Howard Beach library at 4. COMIX Wednesday, July 13 make your own commix at the Astoria library at 2. TEEN CRAFT Wednesday, July 13 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. SUMMER READING Thursday, July 14 a t t h e Peninsula library at 2.
QUEENS LIBRARIES Many branches of the Queensborough Library offer toddler and pre-school programs. Contact your local branch for dates. FAMIY CRAFT Saturday, July 9 at the Bayside library. Register. 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. CRAFT PROGRAMS Sunday, July 10 basic embroidery 1-3. August 14 introduction to quilting 1-4. Queens Historical Societ y. 939-0647, ext. 17. 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. 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 library. 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 librar y. 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. SUMMER READING Tu e s d a y , J u l y 1 2 a t t h e 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. SUMMER READING
Tuesday, July 12 t the North Forest Park library. Register. DROP IN & READ Tuesday, July 12 drop in and read at 2 at the Peninsula library. ARTS & CRAFTS Tuesday, July 12 at the North Hills library. Register. CROCHET Tu e s d a y , J u l y 1 2 a t t h e Douglaston library. Register. SUMMER READING Tu e s d a y , J u l y 1 2 a t t h e Langston Hughes library at 2:30. WII & BOARD GAMES Tu e s d a y , J u l y 1 2 a t t h e Bayside library at 3. SUMMER READING Tu e s d a y , J u l y 1 2 a t t h e Broad Channel library. Register. CHESS CLUB Tu e s d a y , J u l y 1 2 a t t h e Steinway library at 3:30 and the LIC library at 3:45. GIRL SCOUTS Tuesday, July 12 at 3 at the Laurelton librar y. Register.
THEATER AUDITIONS Monday and Tuesday, July 11, 12 auditions for “Crossing Delancey” at 7:30 at Zion Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 243-01 Northern Blvd., Douglaston. 347-7329015 questions.
July 8-14, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15
Queens Today
Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 8-14, 2011
EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS WOODBLOCK PRINTING Easy method in full color at the National Art League. 969-1128. JH ART CLUB Classes in all art forms days and evenings for children and adults. 454-0813. DIGITAL PHOTO. Saturdays, July 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. 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. 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. 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 Tuesday, July 12 computer classes for beginners at the Arverne library at 10:30. TOUR THE WORLD Tuesday, July 12 at 10:30 and Thursday, July 14 at 6.
To u r t h e Wo r l d V i a t h e Internet at the Rosedale library. POWERPOINT Tuesday, July 12 introduction at the Steinway library. Register. BASIC COMPUTER Tu e s d a y, J u l y 1 2 a t t h e Astoria library at 11. JOB READINESS Tuesday, July 12 and Thursday, July 14 introduction to computers and job readiness at the Far Rockaway library at 11. COMPUTER CLASS Tuesday, July 12 at the South Hollis librar y. Register. EXCEL Tuesday, July 12 introduction to Microsoft Excel at the Steinway librar y. Register. SCRABBLE Tuesday, July 12 at the Fresh Meadows library at 1. KNIT & CROCHET Tu e s d a y, J u l y 1 2 a t t h e Windsor Park library at 2. CHESS CLUB Tuesday, July 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 13, 20, 27 a t B u e n o s A i re s Ta n go i n Forest Hills. 347-642-4705. LATIN RUMBA Wednesday, July 13 Latin Rumba Dance Class at the Flushing library. 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. 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. 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 Thursday, July 14 at the
ENTERTAINMENT
Woodside library at 6:30. POETRY WORKSHOP Thursday, July 14 a t t h e Langston Hughes library at 6:30. KNIT & CROCHET Thursday, July 14 a t t h e Fresh Meadows library at 6. COMPUTER TUTORIALS Thursday, July 14 a t t h e 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 Friday, July 15 learn Chin e s e f o r Tr av e l a t t h e Laurelton library. Register. BASIC COMPUTER Friday, July 15 basic computer lessons at 11, 11:30 and noon at the Auburndale library. Register. GAME PLAYERS CLUB Friday, July 15 at the Hillcrest library at 2. COMPUTER CLASS Friday, July 15 courses in Word, PowerPoint and more at the Ozone Park librar y. Register. BANAGRAMS & SCRABBLE Friday, July 15 at the Windsor Park library at 2. GAME DAY Friday, July 15 at the Arverne library at 3. All ages. CHESS CLUB Friday, July 15 at the Auburndale library at 3:30. WIRE SCULPTING Friday, July 15 at the McGoldrick library. Register. CHESS CLUB Friday, July 15 at the Woodside library at 4. PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, July , 16, 30, August 6, 20 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-4367940. ENVIRO. JEWELRY Saturday, July 16 at the Steinway librar y. Register. POETRY WRITING Tuesday, July 19 budding poets are invited to a constructive feedback in a personalized setting at 7:30 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows.
ALUMNI THOMAS JEFFERSON Sunday, January 15 class of 1961 will meet in Florida. Tjhs1961@aol.com
FLEA MARKETS FLEA MARKET Saturdays and Sundays through Oc tober 1 at Faith Mission, 114-40 Van Wyck Expressway. RUMMAGE SALE Tu e s d a y, J u l y 1 2 a t t h e Bellerose Jewish Center from 9-4. 254-04 Union Turnpike, Floral Park. THRIFT SHOPS Saturdays 11-4 at Bargain Boutique Thrift Shop, Queens Baptist Church, 9323 217 th Street, Queens Village.465-2504.
MOVING IMAGE Museum of the Moving Image, 35 th Avenue and 37 th Street, Astoria. $10 adults. 777-6888. CHINESE MUSIC Saturday, July 9 music of summer concert at the Flushing library at 2. TWO PIANOS Saturday, July 9 at the Forest Hills library at 2. FILM Saturday, July 9 “Vanishing of the Bees” at 3 at the Sunnyside library. FILMS Saturday, July 9 “The Lives of Others.” August 13 “Notes on a Scandal.” Church in the Gardens in Forest Hills. Pot luck dinner at 6. 268-9142 information. CONCERT Sunday, July 10 Linda Ipanema and the Dixie Cats at 3 at the Central library. COMMUNITY DAY Sunday, July 10 n : art making, museum tours, speakers, music. Free admission to Noguchi Museum. 2047088. 11-6. MOVIE NIGHT Monday, July 11 at the Arverne library at 5. FAMILY GAME NIGHT Monday, July 11 at the South Jamaica library at 6. CHINA Monday, July 11 Impressions of China slide presentation at 6:30 at the Hillcrest library. OPEN MIC Monday, July 11 Open Mic Poetry Night at 7:30 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows. 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. FAMILY FILM Tu e s d a y, J u l y 1 2 a t t h e Pomonok library. Register. ARGENTINA & CHILE Wednesday, July 13 Natural Wonders at 6:30 at the Central library. DANCE UNDER STARS Wednesdays through July 27 Dancing Under the Stars 7-8:30 at Little Bay Park roller hockey rink. 352-4793. WINDMULLER PARK 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 Street and 39 th Drive, Woodside. OPEN MIC Thursday, July 14 a t t h e Seaside library at 6:30. FILM SCREENING Thursday, July 14 at 2 “ Tro u b l e d Wa t e r ” w i l l b e shown and discussed at the Fresh Meadow library. LIVE JAZZ Fridays through December 13 at 180-25 Linden Blvd.., St. Albans. 347-262-1169 ticket information. PASSPORT FRIDAYS
Fridays through August 26 the Queens Museum of Art will hold its 7 th International Outdoor Film, dance and music series. 592-9700. PLAY Saturday, July 16 Lady Spain Productions presents “A Permanent Solution for a Temporary Problem” at 2 at the Flushing library. CABARET Saturday, July 16 at the Forest Hills library at 2:30. PARIS TO RIO Saturday, July 16 at 2:30 at the Fresh Meadows library. SAW Saturday, July 16 concert and art exhibit revolving around the 300 year old art of playing music on a carpenter’s handsaw. Hellenic Center in Astoria. $10. 27-09 Crescent Street at 2.
OPERA Sunday, July 17 at 5 at the Forest Park Bandshell. Wednesday, July 20 at 7 at St. John’s Universit y Great Lawn. Martin Sola, tenor and Marcos Sola, baritone with members of the Queens Symphony Orchestra. 5700909. Rain or shine. JAZZ July 30 Gordon Au and the Grand Street Stompers. August 4 Jazzmobile in front of the museum at 7. August 20 B a b y S o d a J a z z B a n d . Armstrong House Museum. 478-8274. WORLD MAKER FAIRE September 17-18 family fun festival to make, create, learn, invent and more by celebrating arts, crafts, engineering, food, music, science and technology. Hall of Science.
HEALTH INTRO YOGA Saturdays, July 9, 16 at the Steinway library and at the LIC library. Register. 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.
ENVIRONMENT COMPOSTING Tuesday, July 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.
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.
TREAT DEPRESSION Monday, July 11 Natural A p p ro a c h to Tre a t i n g D e pression at the Flushing library at 6. INTRO YOGA Mondays, July 11, 18, 25 at the Ridgewood library. Register. ALZHEIMERS Tu e s d a y s , J u l y 1 2 , 2 6 Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills. 592-5757, ext. 237. 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. WELL SPOUSES Wednesdays, July 13, August 10 Well Spouses and Partners of the Chronically Ill and Disabled meet at St. Charles Rehab. 516-8298740. ZUMBA FOR HEALTH Thursday, July 14 a t t h e Ridgewood library at 6. PESTICIDE EXPOSURE Thursday, July 14 Pesticide Exposure in our Everyday Life at the Steinway library at 6. OA Fridays 6:30-8:30 at Unit y Center of Flushing, 42-11 1 5 5 th S t r e e t . S a t u r d a y s 10:30-noon at Resurrection Ascension, Feely Hall, 85-18 61 st Road, Rego Park. Beginners meeting except the last Friday of each month, which is a writing meeting. CO-DEPENDENTS ANON. Fridays 10-11:45 at Resurrection Ascension Pastoral C e n t e r , 8 5 - 1 8 6 1 st R o a d , Rego Park. Women only. ZUMBA IN PARK Sunday, July 17 3:30-4:30 at MacDonald Park, Queens Blvd. between 70 th Road and 70 th Avenue in Forest Hills. Free. NAMI Wednesday, July 20 National Alliance on Mental Illness meets at 7:30 at Sloman Auditorium in Glen Oaks. 470-8100.
Models Of Queens
Gabby Rising
It’s not often we interview a model seemingly too busy to… well… model, but given her schedule, we’re surprised Gabriella Neglia even had time to take our phone call. The Queensborough Community College student joined the ranks of Bayside’s Shortstack Models, and has climbed its ranks in two short years through dedication and perseverance. “I never missed a rehearsal,” she said nonchalantly. Before you dismiss the achievement, know that Gabriella also works two jobs, teaches religion and is a full time student. “I don’t really have too much time to myself,” the workaholic admitted. In the few seconds she does have free time, she hits up movies or just chills out at a friend’s house. She has also been known to crochet, and admits to being a triple-letter Scrabble junky. Next year, Gabriella has her sights set on Queens College, as she pursues a degree in teaching special education. When asked about her modeling ambitions, the Whitestone native caged her response in talk about Shortstack – such is her dedication to the organization. “I hope our name gets out,” she said. “I hope that more people will learn about us and our goals and hopefully we’ll get more sponsorship. And do more things in the community.” That focus has helped propel her to the position of Program Director for next year. May we also say, she’s got looks that match her ambition.
Gabriella Neglia Home: Whitestone Age: 20 Height: 5’ 0" Weight: 100 lbs Stats: 30-25-31
Now In The Nineth As if it wasn’t enough that our Congressman
Does anybody in D.C. know how to spell?
resigned after an embarrassing social media scandal, constituents in the 9th Congressional District who go to Washington D.C. will find a rather embarrassing plaque on Weiner’s now-vacant office. The plaque that once read “Anthony Weiner” now reads “Office of the Nineth Congressional District.” No, that wasn’t a misprint; it really DOES read “Nineth Congressional District.” No wonder they can’t balance the budget, they can’t even write numbers correctly. But chin up Nineth Congressional District, Gov. Cuomo has called a September special election to replace Weiner…and the misworded plaque.
Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 8-14, 2011
Johnson’s Return After an 11-year hiatus from managing, former Mets manager Davey Johnson has returned to baseball. Last week, after Nationals manager Jim Riggleman abruptly resigned, he was replaced with interim manager John McLaren for two days and Johnson then replaced him. Many people wonder why the Nationals would choose a 68-yearold man to manage an extremely young, average team. Maybe people forget that in 1986, he led a very young team with rising stars Davey Johnson as a Met in Darryl Strawberry, and Doc Gooden and a proven veteran Keith Hernandez to a World Series. Well, maybe this team, led by promising stars Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg – as well as All-Stars Jayson Werth and Ryan Zimmerman – can do the same. Can Davey take that New York magic of ’86 and bring a championship to the nation’s capital? We’ll be watching.
March Of The Turtles
Some of the hard-shelled critters that caused flight delays at JFK. Frequent international fliers know JFK’s runways can be as clogged as the city’s streets. But last week, flights were delayed by arguably the slowest impediment ever: turtles. Port Authority specialists collected about 100 diamondback terrapins crossing runway 4L at 10 a.m. last Wednesday. Some flights were delayed by up to half an hour,
as the reptiles headed to Jamaica Bay to get their groove on. The turtles’ march across the runway has become an annual event. It makes us long for the days when the only turtles meriting attention were a quartet of the Teenage Mutant Ninja variety, living in the sewers and named after famous Italian Renaissance painters.
A Man Of Peace It is written – well it almost is. According to official documents filed with L.A. County Superior Court last week, Queensbridge’s own Ron Artest, is attempting to change his name. According to the documents Artest filed, his new name would likely be “Metta World Peace.” “Metta” means loving. That does not surprise us at QConf. Ever since Artest left the borough, before settling in to the golden pastures of L.A., he has been on one wild ride. This antic is just another notch in a bizarre line of events which we have witnessed over the years. Citing “personal reasons” for the new name, Artest hopes to change his image while having a nifty name on the back of his jersey next year, a la Chad Ochocinco, formerly Johnson, of the Cincinnati Bengals. Anyone who wishes to chal-
Confidentially, New York . . .
Maybe Ron Artest is trying to change his image, still tarnished by the classic Malice at the Palace from when he was with the Pacers. lenge his request for the new name can object in writing up until two days before the hearing. Please pass the stamps – fast!
Dilemma Tired of dealing with people’s crotches in your face on the 7 train? Sick of getting attitude when asking someone to move so you can get to the door on the Q76? Ever want to scream when some smelly guy sits next to you on the J train, even though every other seat in the car is empty? Well, one San Francisco blog, thebolditalic.com, has a handy etiquette guide for their transit system that we think can come in handy here on our coast. Among the advice given in the guide: if there are plenty of open seats, don’t sit right next to another passenger – that only makes you scary, not friendly; when the weather is bad and the bus is late, there is no need to rush the bus as soon as the doors open. Save the crazed onboarding for Noah’s Ark.
What’s Up SATURDAY, JULY 9 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.
Stay Fit, Have Fun - Yoga Stay fit and have fun with a series of free fitness activities at Idlewild Cricket Field in Idlewild Park Preserve, sponsored by the Eastern Queens Alliance. All classes are weather permitting. There are no rain dates. Enjoy yoga on the Idlewild Preserve Cricket Field with instructor Leslie Taylor. Participants will decrease stress and increase energy as they focus on posture, breath control and meditation. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring your own mat. This free event will take place at Idlewild Park, Brookville Boulevard at 149th Avenue, from 9:15-10:30 a.m.
Discover Your Career Potential Take the Career Exploration Inventory, a self-scored, easy-to-use survey guide to choosing a career based on your interests and experiences. This free event will take place at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 11 a.m.
evator 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 meets at Roy Wilkins Park, Administration Bldg., 2nd Floor, 177-01 Baisley Blvd. Summer photography classes occur on the second, third and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 7:30 p.m. Classes are free - bring camera manual. For full details, visit seqcc.org or (718) 723-6849 or (516) 328-3776.
Oran Etkin Oran Etkin has been described as a “great clarinetist, excellent improviser” by New York Times critic Ben Ratliff. His musical travels around the world inspired him to create Timbalooloo music classes and concerts for kids – a fun new approach praised by parents. For additional information, mail info@cityparksfoundation.org. This free event will take place at Rufus King Park at 10:30 a.m.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 York Observatory Open Night The York College Observatory is open to the public every second or third Wednesday of the month - rain or shine - at 8:30 p.m. Gather in room 2E01 and then proceed to the fourth floor terrace off G corridor if it’s clear. For additional information, contact Tim Paglione at paglione@york.cuny.edu or (718) 2622082. This free event will be held at the York College Academic Core Building (AC 2E01), 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. from 8:30-9:30 p.m.
ReServe First Impressions Professionals age 55 and older with
SUNDAY, JULY 10 skills and generosity of spirit can reinvest Linda Ipanema and The Dixie Cats a career’s worth of skills at a New York
City nonprofit. By giving back to their communities, continuing professionals age 55 and up can stay in the workforce parttime, or launch a second career in the nonprofit sector. Learn more at reserveinc.org or contact us at (212) 7109220. This free event will take place at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 1:30 p.m.
MONDAY, JULY 11 Adult Chess Club
Argentina & Chile
Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings. The event is held at 6 p.m. every Monday at Queens Village Library, 94-11 217 St., (718) 776-6800.
TUESDAY, JULY 12 Job Club Every Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Jamaica Neighborhood Center offers a free service to assist people from Southeast Queens with job-readiness skill sets in writing a professional resume and cover letter; interviewing practices and techniques; applying on-line procedures; el-
Explore the natural wonders, cultural traditions and lifestyles of Argentina and Chile. This free event will take place at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 6:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, JULY 14 Walkers for Wellness Club See Saturday’s listing. At 7 p.m.
Job Center Orientation What is the Job Information Center and what does it do? Find out at an interactive orientation about its services: ca-
FRIDAY, JULY 15 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.
ONGOING CPR Training The FDNY Mobile CPR Training Unit will hold regularly scheduled free CPR classes in all five boroughs. The first Tuesday through the fourth Tuesday and the fourth Thursday of every month there will be Borough CPR training sessions in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island and Queens. Training is free to anyone over the age of 14. The goal of this program is increase the number of people in New York City trained in bystander CPR Each class lasts 1 hour and participants in the class learn basic CPR skills from a member of the FDNY Emergency Medical Service. Volunteers for the class follow along using the CPR Anytime Personal Learning Kit, which features an instructional DVD and an inflatable mannequin. All participants are able take home the kit at the end of class and asked to pledge to use the kit to show five of their family members and friends how to perform CPR. This class teaches basic CPR technique and is not a certification course. In Queens, the classes will be held the fourth Thursday of every month at EMS Station 54, 222-15 Merrick Blvd. In addition, please visit www.nyc.gov/cprtogo for New York Sports Club locations offering free CPR classes starting in January. Please visit www.fdnyfoundation.org or call (718) 999-2413 for more information.
Group Sessions Clergy United for Community Empowerment, Inc. Group Sessions are located at 89-31 161st St., 10th Floor, Jamaica, for the community on various topics such as Domestic Violence, Mental Health, Substance Abuse intervention, Decision Making, Condom Use, High Risk Behaviors leading to HIV, and self – esteem awareness. All group sessions offer light snacks and beverages. Group sessions are open to the public. Round-Trip Metro Card reimbursement is available at the end of each completed session. For further information call (718) 297-0720. All services are free. Please call for next group date.
Infant Mortality Clergy United for Community
Empowerment’s Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative program provides the following services free of charge: case management services, parent skills building, crib care, breast feeding education, health education, nutritional information/education, referral for HIV testing, confidential one-on-one counseling, workshops, and women support groups. IMRI provides referrals for Food stamps, GED, GYN, Emergency Baby Formula (qualifications required) and more. Call (718) 297-0720. Located at 89-31 161 St., 10th floor, Jamaica. Services are available Tue.-Thurs. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
HIV Awareness Clergy United for Community Empowerment provides intervention and curriculum-based prevention education sessions on HIV/AIDS, to reduce risk behaviors that lead to HIV transmission. Services are located at 89-31 161st St., Jamaica. Call (718) 297-0720 ask about our presentation to adolescents and men/women of color. Services are available Tue.-Thurs., 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Laurelton Flea Market A flea market has opened at 221-02 Merrick Blvd. On sale are a wide range of items, including household items, jewelry and clothing. The market is open every Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CPR Class Learn to protect yourself and others at Heron Care with a CPR class that includes a certification from the American Heart Association. Please call (718) 291-8788 for more details. Heron is located at 16830 89th Ave., Jamaica.
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.
July 8-14, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19
Linda Ipanema, also known as the “Queen of Dixieland,” is considered one of the foremost singers of Dixieland jazz. Audiences are sure to enjoy their red hot, foot stompin, finger snappin’ performance of jazz, Dixieland, and blues classics. This free event will take place at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 3 p.m.
reer resources including workshops in English and Spanish; assistance with your job searching; Job Information Center resources of books, newspapers, pathfinders, bookmarks and brochures, resume/ cover letter reviews; Queens Workforce 1 information. This free event will take place at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 7 p.m.