Southeast Queens Press Epaper

Volume 12 Issue No. 28 July 15-21, 2011

Page 18

Census Shocker:

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

BLACK DECLINE

Numbers released by the Census Bureau Thursday show that the number of blacks in Queens has dropped in the last 10 years, leading to questions of how redistricting will affect the African-American population.

By Domenick Rafter…Page 3

Online at www.QueensPress.com

News Briefs

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 15-21, 2011

Summer Break For Library

St. Saviour Still In Upheaval

The Howard Beach branch of the Queens Library will get a new roof this summer.

The library, located at 92-06 156th Ave., one block west of Cross Bay Boulevard, will be closed July 25 through the end of August. Queens Library spokeswoman Joanne King said it is possible that the library could open earlier in the month if the work is completed quickly. Additional work, however, will continue even after the library reopens.

But Howard Beach residents will not be left stranded if they need a book. Starting Aug. 1, a book bus will be on location on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until the library reopens. All other times Howard Beach residents can use any other branch of the Queens Library – the closest branches are the Broad Channel branch at 16-26 Cross Bay Blvd. and the Ozone Park branch at 92-24 Rockaway Blvd. You can also use the library’s website, queenslibrary.org.

The work at the building, which has been home to the Howard Beach branch of the Queens Library since 1979, is being done by the Dept. of Design and Construction, which often gives little notice to when they schedule work, King said.

The funding for the new roof came from money allocated by Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) and Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

The fight to stop development at the former site of St. Saviour’s Church in Maspeth took a bizarre turn last week as the Buildings Dept. issued five stop work orders in late June and later partially rescinded them, allowing certain work to continue.

The DOB had issued numerous stop work orders for construction occurring on the site bordered by Rust Street, 58th Street, 57th Road and 57th Drive, where community activists have been fighting to build a park for years, but work has continued nevertheless.

On July 6, the department partially rescinded the stop work orders to allow for completion of the foundations that were being laid and fixes to the sidewalk and fence along 57th Drive; work continued through last week.

The partial rescinding only allows the contractor to complete the foundations and repair the damage the work caused to the sidewalk and fence. The DOB acknowledged that the owners failed to comply with at least one of their stop work orders and a $5,000 fine was slapped on the owners, according to DOB records.

Further construction would not effectively doom the possibility of a park on the site, but could have the negative effect of allowing the owners; Maspeth Development, LLC, to increase the asking price of the site, as they have been doing.

LIRR Works On Trees

MTA Apps Wanted

Residents along the Long Island Rail Road main line in Forest Hills are fuming after the railroad cut down trees along the tracks in recent months, decimating the greenery that divided one of the busiest stretches of rail in the country from the community of Forest Hills Gardens along Burns Street.

“At the rate of the LIRR decimating mature, healthy, and stable trees in Forest Hills, which have not fallen since their planting a century ago, it may exceed the rate of the tornado’s destruction upon our trees last September,” said Michael Pearlman, chairman of the Rego Forest Preservation Council.

The LIRR claimed it removed the trees because they posed a threat to operations along the main line, which serves passengers along all but one branch of the country’s busiest commuter rail system.

After last September’s tornado, numerous trees along the line in Woodside, Elmhurst, Rego Park, Forest Hills and Kew Gardens fell, blocking some or all of its tracks shutting down the entire route between Penn Station and Jamaica for 12 hours.

“Cutting back vegetation that grows naturally on railroad property is a critical safety measure that ensures trains run without interference,” the LIRR said in a statement released Tuesday. “It prevents growth from becoming entangled in signal and communication lines or obstructing adjacent rails. It also reduces leaves on the track in autumn which can lower adhesion between the train’s steel wheels and the rail, causing slip-slide conditions when the trains are accelerating and braking. Rail safety is always the first priority of our vegetation management program while maintaining a natural barrier between Railroad property and our neighbors whenever and wherever possible.”

Have an idea for an app involving the City’s mass transit system? You may have a chance at winning $5,000.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority launched MTA App Quest, a competition challenging tech developers to create software applications to help those using New York’s subways, buses, railroads and bridges and tunnels better access information and improve travel experience.

The winning app developer will receive the grand prize of $5,000. Smaller cash prizes will go to the developers of apps that are judged to do the most to help train and bus riders – as well as bridge and tunnel motorists – better navigate the MTA’s system. No MTA money is being used for the prizes.

MTA Chairman Jay Walder said the development of apps over the years has been extremely beneficial to the agency’s customers and he hopes to continue that level of interaction.

Newtown Study Kicks Off On July 11, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it will begin the first phase of the Superfund cleanup of Newtown Creek.

After reaching an agreement with the six entities responsible for contaminating the 3.8 mile estuary that separates Queens and Brooklyn, the EPA expects to commence a study in the next two months, outlining options to clean up the polluted waterway.

“This agreement is an important step that will provide a comprehensive study of the contamination in Newtown Creek and the development of options to clean it up,” said Judith Enck, EPA regional administrator. “

Presstime

Census Shows Racial Shift In Boro

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

While Census data seem to indicate the number of people in Queens has not changed much in the last decade, they do confirm that the demographics of those living in the borough has.

According to new Census numbers made public July 14, the borough’s largest ethnic groups remained Whites, who actually increased by more than 150,000 people in the last 10 years. They now make up just less than 40 percent of the borough’s population, up from 33 percent in 2000.

The Hispanic population of Queens re-

mains the second largest group, growing to 28 percent of the borough’s population, up from 25 percent in 2000. Puerto Ricans remained the largest ethnic group of Hispanics, followed by Ecuadorians, Mexicans, Dominicans and Colombians.

The real growth, however, came in the borough’s Asian population, which grew from less than 18 percent in 2000 to 23 percent. There are now more than half a million Asians in the borough, making them the fastest growing ethnic group in Queens.

The black population of Queens, meanwhile, saw a drop of about 20,000 people

since 2000, but percentage-wise, the drop is scant; from 20 percent to 19 percent.

Though demographics of specific localities have not been released as of yet, the numbers seem to match the demographics of the neighborhoods that have seen growth in recent years, including Long Island City, Flushing, Corona and Arverne in the Rockaways, and black neighborhoods like Cambria Heights and Queens Village, which saw drops.

The caveat with ethnic numbers comes with the more than 288,000 people in Queens, 13 percent of the borough’s total population, who categorize themselves as

Some Other Race, and from the number who consider themselves members of multiple races; 5 percent of the borough, about 100,000 people, say they are two or more different ethnicities.

The demographic numbers will play a key role in redistricting later this year. New districts may be drawn to ensure more representation from growing demographics like Asians and perhaps put black districts with comparatively dwindling populations in jeopardy.

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

Ballot Takes Shape In Assembly Races

BY DOMENICK RAFTER The slate is set for the races to succeed retired State Assemblywomen Nettie Mayersohn and Audrey Pheffer.

Queens Democrats held a rally at Borough Hall on Monday kicking off the campaigns of the two Democrats running for the open seats.

In the seat vacated by Mayersohn, Democrats nominated Mike Simanowitz, district leader and Mayersohn's chief of staff for 15 years. Simanowitz may run unopposed as no GOP candidate has filed for the seat. The district, which includes College Point, Willets Point, Kew Gardens Hills, Electchester, Pomonok, Kew Gardens and parts of Forest Hills, Briarwood and Richmond Hill, was represented by Mayersohn from 1982 until her resignation in March. She ran unopposed in six of her last seven elections. In 2006, she only faced a Conservative Party challenge who received about 6 percent of the vote.

Simanowitz thanked his former boss, who appeared at the rally to support

Republican candidate Jane Deacy, a former police officer from Breezy Point who is also a district leader.

The district, which includes much of the Rockaway Peninsula from Far Rockaway to Breezy Point, as well as Broad Channel, Howard Beach and Ozone Park, including Aqueduct Racetrack, has given state and Democrats nominate Philip Goldfeder and Mike Simanowitz as federal Republican their candidates in the vacant 23rd and 27th Assembly Districts. candidates their highest votes in the borough in this district. him as her successor.

George W. Bush nearly won it in 2004 "I learned a great deal from Nettie," he said. and Mayor Mike Bloomberg defeated Bill The race to succeed Pheffer, who re- Thompson by a 34-point margin in the signed in May to become Queens County district. Much of the district is represented Clerk, may be much more competitive. in the City Council by Councilman Eric Democrats nominated Philip Goldfeder, a Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), who has endorsed Far Rockaway native and a former aide to Deacy, and the district is home to Bob U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer. He will face Turner, the Republican candidate to suc-

ceed former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner, who will be also be on the ballot on Sept.

13.

Goldfeder said the competiveness of the race will force him to campaign for every vote in a district that historically has seen a geographic and political divide between Rockaway and the neighborhoods of Howard Beach and Ozone Park, on what is often locally called "the mainland."

"The plight [in both areas] is the same," Goldfeder said. "We have the some of the same problems in Rockaway that they have in Ozone Park."

Both Goldfeder and Simanowitz have been endorsed by the Working Families Party; Deacy has been endorsed by the Conservative Party.

Queens Democratic Party chairman U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) said the party would take "nothing for granted" in the special elections for Assembly and the race for Congress to be held the same day.

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

Ten Applicants For Every Casino Job cil for Airport Opportunity (CAO). Interested applications can also visit the company’s website at rwnewyork.org.

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

The casino at Aqueduct Racetrack (above), due to open in September, has received over 10,000 job applicants for only 1,150 job openings.

July 15-21, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Resorts World New York, the operators of the future casino at Aqueduct Racetrack, announced this week that they’ve received more than 10,000 applications for jobs, as the first phase prepares to open its doors in just a matter of months.

Some 10,654 applications had been received as of July 11 to fill an expected 1,150 permanent jobs, according to Resorts World. Nearly half of the total applications received to date were submitted by job applicants in June, the first month that Resorts World’s onsite employment center was open to the public, with strong application rates continuing in early July.

Approximately 7,500 of those applications, more than 70 percent, were submitted by Queens residents. The process for hiring in permanent positions in entertainment, hospitality, security and food service fields began in late May.

Resorts World CEO Michael Speller said the response will make his company look at other means of employment. The neighborhoods surrounding Aqueduct have long had the highest unemployment rates in the borough.

“With last week’s poor jobs report, we are continuing to evaluate opportunities for more job creation. We are thrilled to have the chance to accept applications from so many talented individuals and are looking forward to building a skilled and diverse local workforce,” Speller said.

Interested applicants can visit the onsite employment center in Aqueduct from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 2-6 p.m. on Wednesday.

There are also three employment centers partnering with Resorts World: NYC Business Solutions – Queens Workforce 1 Career Center; SUNY’s Queens Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) and the Coun-

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

Money Woes Cancel Colombian Festival

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 15-21, 2011

After the threat of cancellation due to a lack of financial sponsorship, the Colombian Civic Center (Centro Civico Colombiano) has set a new date for the biggest festival in the borough.

Currently, the CCC has processed an application for two different locations to hold the 27th Annual Colombian Independence Festival Aug. 7, pending the approval from both the Dept. of Parks and the local community boards.

“The center has had to acheive $200,000 just to make the festival happen at Flushing Meadows this year,” said Adolfo Sánchez, the festival’s director.

“That’s why we are changing the venue, because it’s too expensive.”

The festival was scheduled for July 24 in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, but was canceled after Goya and Coca-Cola pulled sponsorship and a deficit in the CCC’s budget could not close the gap in funds needed.

The festival is financed with sponsorship from private companies, but given the current economic climate, funds have decreased substantially or have been terminated entirely, said Sánchez.

Sánchez added the festival does not receive funds from local elected officials to fund the festival. According to State Fiscal Year Legislative Forms, Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst), in both his roles as Assemblyman and Senator, requested

$10,000 for the organization in 2009 and 2010 fiscal years. Sánchez said he never received any funding, and it could not be determined if the state ever allocated the requests.

The current year’s financial issues may be part of a longer string of problems related to the group’s finances.

CCC filed tax returns on Oct. 14, 2010 for 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Sánchez said the lack of the organization’s presidents, who change from year to year, did not properly handle financial paperwork.

“When we found this situation out we took care of it,” Sánchez said. “We had an accountant come in, take care of it and everything is fine with the IRS.” Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst), the local elected official who represents the home of the event’s previous festivals, did not return phone calls after a request for comment.

According to Sánchez, the 2010 festival left the organization in a deficit of more than $45,000. Since March 2010, before starting this fiscal year at a loss, the center sought support from local elected officials and asked the Parks Dept. to reduce permit costs for the festival. They struck out in both attempts.

The Parks Dept. gave CCC until April to pay its debt from last year’s event; when the organization failed to meet the payment’s deadline, parks officials did not permit this year’s festival.

Sánchez said that fees for the festival are approximately $68,000, and another $30,000 has to paid up front for private security, portable toilets, insurance and a certified New York State architect.

Additional costs for stages, sound equipment, booths, talent, local air transportation and accommodation for artists can easily surpass $50,000.

“If we go to another venue we can make the event happen with less money,” Sánchez said. “[CCC] has raised almost $120,000 and we will make it happen elsewhere. The main reason Although the popular festival’s initial date has been cancelled, for cancelling the first organizers are optimistic Colombians will celebrate on Aug. 7 date was because of Parks Department’s organization to the community which has fees.”

Although the center has not achieved become an icon,” Sánchez said. “We inthe necessary balance to cover the debt tend to keep it as much as possible. Once from 2010 and costs to hold the event at we have an answer, we will be informing Flushing Meadows, festival organizers are the public.”

Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at optimistic the popular event will happen jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 357in August.

“We know the Festival is a gift from our 7400, Ext. 128.

Photo by Ira C ohen

BY JASON BANREY

Hunger Outreach Set For Saturday

BY JASON BANREY Leading national and local anti-hunger groups have announced a day of outreach on July 16, organizing volunteers throughout the City to raise awareness about free meals for children this summer.

In an effort to increase the number of low-income children who obtain free, nutritious meals this summer, the New York City Coalition Against Hunger, along with various other nonprofit organizations, will host a volunteer meet-up at the East River Develop Alliance, located at 12-11 40th Ave. in Long Island City, this Saturday.

Volunteers will be dispatched throughout the borough distributing information about the summer program and notifying parents about local sites where children under 18 will have access to both breakfast and lunch.

“Children burn more calories over the summer but have less access to nutritious food, often facing hunger at the very worst time,” said Joel Berg, executive director of the Coalition. “That’s why we are asking New Yorkers to volunteer to help us get the word out that nutritious meals are free and hassle-free in neighborhoods across the City.”

Each summer, there are more than 75 sites across the borough that offer free meals but only a fraction of eligible kids participate because they are unaware they exist. The program requires no paper work or forms.

“The fact that this program is under-

utilized in problematic,” said ERDA spokesman Jeremy Reiss. “So meeting here, promoting the program and getting the word out is very important.”

According to various participating nonprofit groups, 7 out of 10 children who receive school lunches during the school year fail to receive special meals through the federally-funded Summer Food Service Program, even though more than 400,000 of the City’s children live in homes

that can not afford enough food.

“Although 21 million kids in the U.S. rely on a free or reduced-price school lunch during the school year, less than 3 million get summer meals when schools are closed,” said Billy Shore, founder and executive director of Share Our Strength, a national nonprofit organization also participating in the annual program. “This day of outreach will help connect more New York City kids to the nutritious food

they need this summer.”

Free summer meals will be available through Friday, Sept 2 at multiple locations throughout the borough. For a list of site locations in the borough go to optosfns.org/osfns. For more information about volunteering go to nyccah.org/ summermealsoutreach2011.

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

Bill Would Limit Signage

BY JASON BANREY Just as quickly as vacant storefronts and businesses have popped up on popular commercial strips throughout the borough, so too have the number of ads littering their windows.

In an effort to improve the quality of life for not only his constituents but residents and business owners citywide, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) has proposed a bill to limit the number of ads for retail and commercial space a property owner displays in vacant store fronts.

"Currently there is no limit to the number of signs you can have in a vacant store front," Van Bramer said. "The intent of the bill is to make the neighborhood more attractive."

Although the bill has only recently been

introduced in the City Council, Ciaran Staunton, owner of Molly Blooms in Sunnyside, said any little effort can help make his neighborhood more attractive.

As someone who has invested in the community, Staunton said property owners have to put themselves in the mindset of helping draw positive attention not only to the neighborhood but also to their vacant store fronts.

"Currently, the duplication of signage seems unnecessary," Staunton said. "So any bill proposed to reduce the abundant number of signage is welcome."

In June, Staunton organized the launch of the Queens Boulevard Merchants Initiative, a grass-roots program that pairs business owners and community members together to improve the commercial corridor.

At the launch, many business owners

who participated drew attention toward the need of property owners to be aware of the aesthetic atmosphere their vacant storefronts present and the negative perception it instills in those looking to invest in the community.

"It's unfortunate [Van Bramer] has to try and pass legislation to get property owners’ attention," Staunton said. "Either way they're awful looking signs. Hopefully [Van Bramer] will get the cooperation of the property owners."

An abundance of signage in a vacant window makes it seem like property owners are in a desperate situation, Van Bramer said, adding that he welcomes their input regarding how to improve the bill.

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

July 15-21, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

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

In Our Opinion: Brenda Jones Executive Editor:

Brian Rafferty Deputy Editor:

Editorial Federal Math Little by little, the U.S. Census Bureau is handing out details about the changing face of our borough – but we’re still waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Though the numbers show a significant growth in the Asian and Hispanic populations and slight drop in the black population – we expected all of that, the overall number still shows paltry growth in the borough over the last 10 years.

That simply can’t be right. As we look over the numbers that will be used for everything from Congressional redistricting to the dollars available for school lunches, we worry that somehow the Census Bureau simply does not have an accurate idea of how many people really live in Queens.

We agree that the trends they show are fairly accurate; anybody who has spent time here for the last 10 years would likely agree. But to suggest that our population as a whole has stayed level is nonsense.

Clearly, the Census Bureau has to figure out a better way to count, because the numbers just don’t add up.

Joseph Orovic Contributing Editor:

Letters

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel 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 Sr. Account Executive Shelly Cookson Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 15-21, 2011

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2011 Tribco, LLC

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

Pomonok Safety To The Editor: I am deeply saddened to hear about another murder in the Pomonok Houses. Queens Community House, a nonprofit community-based organization, offers programming to children, youth, community activists and older adults at the Pomonok Community Center which is located within the development. Since QCH took over the center in 2006, we have created a home away from home where residents learn, gather, organize around issues, and find support through their neighbors.

In the wake of this most recent tragedy, I cannot help but won-

der why NYC’s Department of Youth and Community Development has systematically eliminated funds for Out of School Time services that support older youth in their own communities over the past several years. Center-based programs encourage positive youth development, recreation and provide spaces where youth can interact with their peers in a supervised safe environment that is close to home.

This problem has only been exacerbated by our government passing austerity budgets, which have left QCH struggling to support youth programs that keep Pomonok’s teens off the streets and engaged in activities that help

Letters them to develop skills and positive relationships.

As the recession drags on and unemployment remains high particularly in low-income neighborhoods, cutting resources that have been proven effective is a dangerous mistake. We invite LESEAM and other concerned neighbors to join us in various volunteer-driven initiatives that aim to make Pomonok safer and guide youth on a path towards success.

Irma Rodriguez Executive Director, Queens Community House

Seat Warmer To The Editor: Too bad “Helping Out With Joe Crowley’s Dilemma” (Mike Schenkler, July 7) wasn’t written before the powers that be made their decision behind closed doors. Contrast that with City Council member, State Assembly member, aspiring City Council Speaker, aspiring City Comptroller and now future Congress member David Weprin. Just what office will he want to run for next?

Inheritance of a famous family name and seat of the late Assembly Speaker Saul Weprin doesn’t necessarily translate to competency. Consider Assembly Member Weprin’s political history. In June 2001, the Queens Democratic organization conveniently nominated outgoing Councilman Sheldon Leffler’s chief of staff to a judgeship. This would have been Weprin’s chief primary oppo-

nent, thus clearing the field for Weprin to join the NYC Council.

When the five NYC Democratic county bosses divided up the spoils, he inherited Chairmanship of the Council Finance Committee. This was a consolation prize for his unsuccessful campaign for NYC Council Speaker in 2002. Weprin also lost his race for Council Speaker in 2006 as a second-tier candidate in a seven-way contest.

In 2009, the Queens County Democratic Party committee endorsed NYC Councilmember John Liu over Weprin for the September NYC Comptroller Primary. Weprin ran last in a fourway race. Comptroller Liu and State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli expressed no interest in hiring Weprin as a Deputy Comptroller.

No wonder Queens County Democratic Party leader and Congressman Joe Crowley along with Kings County Democratic Party leader and State Assembly member Vito Lopez picked David Weprin as their anointed successor to fill the 9th Congressional Seat vacated by Anthony Weiner.

Everyone knows this is a caretaker position as the district will disappear in 2012 after reapportionment. The only races Weprin has won are Special elections such as this contest with no competition from fellow Democrats along with gerrymandered NYC Council or State Assembly seats tailor made for people like him.

Larry Penner, Great Neck

Grant Independence But Watch From A Distance A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE

Earlier this week, the most horrific thing that can happen to any parent happened in Brooklyn.

Losing a child is the nightmare of all nightmares. Losing a child at the hands of someone's carelessness as being hit by an automobile or to gun violence or just a twisted murder has to be a horror too impossible to comprehend.

An 8 year-old boy a borough away from us begged his parents to allow him to walk home from camp and they relented. He immediately got lost in the neighborhood and walked into the devil incarnate.

That sorry excuse for a human being, instead of helping the child get home to his family, took him on a weird tour of his own errands then killed and dismembered him. It is one of those nightmare stories which, thankfully, doesn't happen every day in our city.

Little Leiby Kletzky was like a lamb walking into a lion. A 35year-old "misfit" named Levi

Aron gave a chilling confession to the heinous crime and will probably be sent to an asylum rather than get the death penalty for murdering an innocent child.

In my own neighborhood, I see small children walking to school all the time. They are adorable and I always fear for them.

My kids are now teenagers and I still worry about them walking home even from the bus stop. I just don't want them doing it, but sometimes you can't help it. No matter how good you may think your neighborhood is, you never know if there is a monster lurking somewhere seeking to destroy what you hold precious.

This particular crime took place in a "good Jewish neighborhood" and could be called a "Jew on Jew crime." It just goes to prove to parents everywhere, there is no such thing as a perfect neighborhood. Evil lurks in the good neighborhoods too so you can't be too careful with your kids.

My heart bleeds for that little boy and his family; but one cannot but wonder why his parents would allow this small child to

walk home alone when he had never done it before.

When my own son started junior high school at 11, he wanted to take the city bus on his first day to his old elementary school where he and his friends would play in the yard. I would then pick him up from one of these friends' home across the street from the school in the evening. I very, very reluctantly said yes.

Well, I took off from work that day, drove to the middle school and stayed out of sight to watch him take the bus. I then got into my car, followed the bus all the way to the stop where my son was due to disembark and watched him walk up to the old school with his friends before leaving.

Even when you want to encourage your child's burgeoning independence, you have to watch from a distance to make sure they can handle it. You can't just say it's okay and leave it at that. As gruesomely proven, the little Brooklyn boy was not yet ready for this particular independence.

A parent or other responsible family member should have been

watching from a safe distance.

When our children first start walking, we sit on the floor with out-stretched arms and encourage them to "come." If they stumble during the few steps toward our arms, we grab them. We make sure they are safe. The same applies when they start trying to assert independence in the outside world. We have to watch and for those who pray I say, "Watch and pray." You just can't be too careful.

Mine are now 14 and 17, and I still have apprehensions about their independence. We don't know what evil lurks in the shadows of our neighborhood. We have been inundated with news of Jaycee Dugard's upcoming book publication. Dugard was the 11-year-old California girl snatched from a bus stop and held captive by a pedophile and his sicko wife for 18 years. The now 31-year-old woman's story is heartbreaking. But she teaches us a lot with her narrative.

We have to be ever so careful with our most precious gift - our children.

Cuomo Plays Both Sides In Political Duel

By HENRY J. STERN Polit ics has it s ups and downs, as this week’s events show.

There was a bright spot. Gov. Andre w Cuomo reaffirmed his decision, first announced in Februar y, that he would veto any redistricting bill Henry passed by the Legislature that did not provide for an independent districting commission to draw the boundaries of Congressional, state Senate and Assembly districts.

The most recent Census, taken in 2010 and reported in 2011, showed the population of the United States at 308,745,538, of whom 19,378,102 lived in New York State.

In the 10 years since the prev ious census, New York State gained only 2.1 percent in population while the nation’s population rose 9.7 percent. New York State’s share of the nation’s population is 6.276 percent. Since there are now 50 states while in the first Census in 1790 there were 13, New York has held up fairly well over the 220 years of counting heads. The last half-century, however, has not been kind to the Empire State, which peaked at 45 Congressional districts in 1930 and 1940, but has steadily declined in political strength since World War II. New York’s slow increase in the most recent decade, compared with the much faster gains of states in the South and Southwest, has resulted in the state’s loss of two House seats, which in the 2012 election will bring our total number of districts down from 29 to 27. Texas gained the largest number of seats in the last decade, going from 32 to 36. Nevada had the highest percentage increase, 35.1 percent. The Silver State still has fewer people than the norm for one district, now about 710,000.

The red states generally outgrew the blue states in the early 21st century, and as the Constitution makes this a zero-sum game, the

gains came at the expense of the blue states.

With the loss of two Ne w York seat s, t he question arises: which two districts out of the 29 will be made to disappear by whichever legislative body, independent commission or FedStern eral court ends up drawing the final lines? Normally when the flock is culled, the weaker sheep are slaughtered, but New York has a plethora of rookies, as a result of libidinous mishaps.

The last 17 months have seen three sudden departures of New York State Congressmen, all based on a variety of sexual act s and images, although none involved actual intercourse. The first to go was Democrat Eric Massa, from the Southern Tier counties, who was credibly accused of groping his young male staffers and resigned in March 2010. Next was Chris Lee, a Republican whose district lies between the suburbs of Buffalo and Rochester, who resigned in February 2011, the day a photograph of the shirtless legislator appeared on Craigslist. He was outed by Gawker, but exposure is almost inevitable when one trolls for companionship on the Internet.

The most important legislator to fall, also entangled by the Web, was Democrat Anthony Weiner, who accidentally posted a sexually suggestive photo of himself on Twitter on May 27. After a prolonged period of denial, followed by apology and refusal to resign, Weiner gave in on June 16 and left his Democratic seat in Brooklyn and Queens vacant.

Queens Democratic leader Joseph Crowley selected Assemblyman David Weprin to run in a special election Sept. 13 to fill the position through the end of next year, when it is likely to be abolished. If he loses, David Weprin will be in the unique position of being a former member of the State Assembly, the City Council and the United States Congress, as well as being the son of the late Assembly

Speaker, Saul Weprin, a nd the brother of City Councilman Mark Weprin, who is regarded as upwardly mobile.

The reform movement in New York State public affairs, which consists of traditional, well-regarded government organizations, joined

by Mayor Ed Koch’s New York Uprising, has made independent redistricting a priority for 2011. So far the legislature has ignored their wishes, instead convening its own instrument for redistricting, called LATFOR, an acronym for Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment.

LATFOR met last Wednesday for the first time. Its co-chairs are Republican Sen. Michael Nozzolio from Seneca Falls and Democratic Assemblyman Jack McEneny of Albany. The meeting was brief and uneventful, but after it ended Mr. McEneny called Gov. Cuomo’s potential rejection “a very petty approach” based on “a dumb reason.”

Those remarks were gratuitous and injudicious, even from the assemblyman’s point of view. One does not attack a popular governor without some preparation, definition of the issue, and sophisticated choice of language.

Reformers had worried about Gov. Cuomo’s adherence to his pledge to veto lines not drawn by an independent commission, fearing that as the price for the enormously successful legislative session, he may have promised to let the legislative leaders have their way on redistricting, which is of the utmost concern to them because it may determine who controls the Senate next year. The Assembly is 2-1 Democratic so the Senate will be the battleground. The last time the Democrats organized the Senate, 2009-10, was considered a disaster. Previously the Republicans had held power for 44 years, in good part due to gerrymandering under an unspoken understanding in which each party controlled one house. Divided government was helpful to whomever was governor. At the same time, it made it more difficult to fix responsibility

for anything, and in the long term was not helpful to the State.

The McEneny sally Wednesday and the press inquiry that followed it provided an oppor tunit y for Cuomo to express his views. The governor said that his attitude “is crystal clear, has been for a long time: I understand the assemblyman’s point of view, he wants to draw his own lines... I want to have lines drawn that represent the people of the state of New York, not a particular assemblyman.”

In a move announced late last Friday (considered the optimal time to put out stories of divorces and other possibly ill-received news), Gov. Cuomo did make a concession to the state’s par t y bosses, in par ticular Democratic Leaders Joseph Crowley of Queens and Vito Lopez of Brooklyn. In a move slammed by the editorial pages of The Daily News and The New York Times, Cuomo set dates for special elections to fill six vacant Assembly seats and one Congressional seat (Anthony Weiner’s). The election date is Sept. 13, which coincides w ith Primary Day, if there are any primaries.

Cuomo was not mandated to call special elections, and could have let the voters in the affected district s select their own par t y nominees in a September primary leading to a November general election. Instead, the party leader in each county will choose their party’s nominees for the vacant public offices. Since Democrats prevail in most districts, that means the Democratic county leaders will decide who the incoming elected officials will be. In the normal course of events, this would make the elected officials particularly responsive to the wishes and preferences of the county leaders who have selected them to hold office. The public is effectively removed from the selection process until two years have passed, during which the selected nominee will have all the privileges of incumbency.

On one hand, how much heavy lifting is it fair to ask Gov. Cuomo to do? On the other, what kind of democracy allows one man to choose so many public officials without the consent of the governed?

StarQuest@nycivic.org

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

July 15-21, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Toe-To-Toe:

Dems, GOP Set To Do Battle In 9th District Special Election

BY DOMENICK RAFTER The race to succeed former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Kew Gardens) has begun in full earnest, with less than eight weeks to go until ballots are cast.

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 15-21, 2011

PRESS Photos by Ira Cohen

Candidates Chosen Democrats announced last 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 who pulled just shy of 40 percent of the vote against Weiner last November.

Weprin was chosen after two weeks of speculation that included David's brother Councilman Mark Weprin (DOakland Gardens), Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest), former Council members Eric Gioia and Melinda Katz, and former U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Holtzman, who represented the Brooklyn portion of the 9th district in the 1970s and later served as Brooklyn District Attorney and City Comptroller. Republicans had tried to lure Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) into the race, but he took his name out of the running and endorsed Turner.

Republicans, meanwhile, eventually picked Turner after an intraparty disagreement. Queens Republicans, led by Phil Ragusa, were pushing another candidate, Forest Hills attorney Juan Reyes, while Brooklyn Republicans had chosen Turner.

On Friday night however, the Queens GOP opted to endorse Turner, who had the backing of the wing of the county party led by former Councilman Tom Ognibene, who has had a long dispute with the Ragusa leadership.

The Conservative Party's endorsement of Turner earlier in the week opened up the possibility of a Republican/Conservative split, which often dooms the GOP in elections; in a 2009 special Congressional election in the Adirondacks, Democratic candidate Bill Owens won the seat with a plurality because the Conservative and Republican candidates split the vote.

Immediately after getting the backing of the Queens GOP, Turner sent out an email letter to supporters seeking to reignite the campaign he led last year. He kicked off his campaign in Forest Hills on Monday.

"In many ways I feel that this race is about unfinished business. I am excited to have the opportunity to finish what we started together and to continue our grassroots effort to victory," he said. "As the only federal election taking place at this time; this race will send a message to Washington about what the people want

from the U.S. government." a lower percentage of the vote than 2004 The Independent and Working Fami- Democratic Presidential candidate John lies Parties meanwhile gave their ballot Kerry. Mayor Mike Bloomberg won more line to Weprin. Working Families Party than 70 percent of the vote in the district chairman Dan Cantor endorsed Weprin in 2009. Turner's margin was the highest on Monday. percentage for a Republican in the dis"As the Washington trict since the 1980s.

Republicans threaten to "I believe that we default on our national can win this race," debt and end Medicare Turner said. as we know it for milU.S. Rep. Joe lions of seniors, the Crowley (D-Jackson Heights), chairman of people of Brooklyn and Queens can count on the Queens Democratic Party, said he believed David Weprin to stand Weprin would be up for working families," he said in a statement. David Weprin speaks at a rally to helped by the fact that The Green Party has save schools from teacher layoffs there would be two special elections for State not yet announced if it this spring.

Assembly within the would put up a candidistrict that same day date. Other candidates both in Queens, where had until Wednesday to there are more Demofile petitions and there cratic votes to be had. was at least one minor party filing petitions.

"I believe [those races] will help bring out The Socialist Workers voters in parts of the disParty was circulating petrict where voters nortitions in the district last mally wouldn't come week for its candidate Chris Hoeppner.

Bob Turner holds a rally in Forest out," he said.

The Obama Hills Monday to kick off his camA d m i n i s t r a tion's A Close Race paign. policy toward Israel The Ninth Congresmay be a top issue in sional district stretches the campaign, as the district has a large from Glen Oaks west to Ridgewood, including Fresh Meadows, Forest Hills and Jewish population. Though he didn't Kew Gardens, then heads south to in- specifically endorse Turner, citing oppoclude Woodhaven, Ozone Park, Howard sition to Turner's support for GOP budBeach, Broad Channel, the western half get priorities, former Mayor Ed Koch of the Rockaway Peninsula and the wrote on Monday that electing Turner Brooklyn neighborhoods of Brighton would "send a message" to President Beach, Sheepshead Bay, Marine Park, Mill Obama to change his policy to be more Basin and Midwood. The district has not Israeli-friendly. Obama has endorsed the been represented by a Republican since idea of pre-1967 borders being a jumpthe 1960s; prior to Weiner, the district ing off point for negotiations for the crewas represented by U.S. Sen. Chuck ation of a Palestinian state. Although Schumer. Despite its longtime Demo- that has been U.S. policy for decades, cratic lean, Weprin expected a tough race. Obama is the first president to openly "We have to take [the race] seriously," admit it.

In response, U.S. Rep. Gary Weprin said.

Ackerman (D-Bayside) rebuffed Koch, The district is the only one in the Northeast outside of Massachusetts noting that Weprin, who would be the where President Barack Obama received only Orthodox Jew in Congress if elected,

The Ninth CD’s voting history in the last three presidential elections shows a drop-off in Democratic support.

has always been a staunch supporter of Israel.

"I can say as one of Israel's strongest champions in Congress, that having David Weprin in Congress will be good for both the United States and the U.SIsrael relationship," he said.

Before his resignation, Weiner was one of the most openly critical Democrats of Obama's Israel policies.

Uncertain Future The district's future is unclear; it may be one of two districts axed in the next round of redistricting based on numbers from the U.S. Census. The district's population increased by less than 1 percent between 2000 and 2010 and saw a rise in minority population.

According to 2010 Census; the Ninth Congressional district has 660,306 residents. It is 57 percent White, down from 71 percent in 2000; 19 percent Asian, up from 14 percent; 17 percent Hispanic, up from 15 percent; and 5 percent black, up a notch from 4 percent. The district could get swallowed up by surrounding districts, which would force Weprin, should he win, to face another incumbent Democrat in a primary, or retire at the end of his term.

Weprin, who served on the City Council from 2001-2009 and ran unsuccessfully for City Comptroller in 2009, could be eyeing another citywide run in 2013.

Weprin denied that he was running to be a "caretaker," however, and Crowley said it was too early to speculate on the district's future in redistricting.

"No one knows what's going to happen in reapportionment," he said. "Anyone who says they do is dreaming."

Gov. Cuomo has said he would veto new district maps that are not drawn independently, possibly handing the future of the Ninth Congressional district to the courts. However because of the district's scant population growth and the growing minority population in the neighborhoods in the district, it's possible that the district could even be axed in a fair map.

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

The Ninth Congressional District

Police Blotter Compiled by DOMENICK RAFTER

102nd Precinct Shooter Sought The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a man wanted for a shooting that occurred June 30, at 6:30 p.m. in front of 87-52 114th St. in Richmond Hill.

The suspect approached the victim, a Hispanic man, and demanded his bag. The victim refused and while attempting to flee the scene was shot once in the stomach and once in the leg by the suspect.

The victim was taken to Jamaica Hospi-

tal and is listed in stable condition.

The suspect is a Hispanic man, about 5-foot-5 and 150 lbs.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800)-577TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or texting their tips to 274637

(CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

105th Precinct Missing Man The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in ascertaining the whereabouts of a Police are trying to Bellerose man who is missing. locate Erik Erik Setiawan, 30, was last Setiawan, missing seen on July 3, at approxisince July 3. mately 11:30 p.m. at his home at 241-33 86th Rd. in Bellerose. He was wearing a white t-shirt and black sweatpants. He is an Asian man, 5-foot-7 and 165 lbs.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800)-577TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

112th Precinct Robbery Fail The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance with locating and identifying a man wanted in connection with a knifepoint robbery which occurred in Rego Park.

On Wednesday, June 29, at approximately 2 p.m., at 94-19 63rd Dr. (Liquor

& Wines Store), in Rego Park, the suspect entered and threatened the employee with a knife. The suspect attempted to force open the register without success and removed a bottle of liquor before fleeing the location in an unknown direction. There were no injuries to the employee.

The suspect is described as a white man, 29 to 32 years old, 5-foot-10 to 5foot-11, 200 lbs, with a shaved head and goatee. He was last seen wearing a black tee-shirt with white writing, tan shorts, white socks and sneakers.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800)-577TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

113th Precinct Shot Dead On Friday, July 8, at approximately 10:05 p.m., police responded to a 911 call of a man shot at 112-44 Guy Brewer Blvd. in South Jamaica. Upon arrival, police observed the victim, Jorge Marte, 65, of 9804 Corona Ave., Corona with one gunshot wound to the torso. EMS responded and transported the victim to Jamaica Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. There were no arrests at this time. The investigation was ongoing.

July 15-21, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Borough Beat

Boro Jewel At Diamond Anniversary

BY JASON BANREY

Through tragedy and triumph the RFK (Triborough) Bridge has seen its way through seven and a half decades, creating a lasting legacy that has proven to be an engineer’s triumph which came from a planner’s dream.

Celebrating the bridge’s 75th anniversary on July 11, the Greater Astoria Historical Society, in collaboration with the MTA Bridges and Tunnels, unveiled a photo exhibit honoring one of the city’s greatest achievements in modern engineering.

The exhibit, titled “A Planner’s Dream, an Engineer’s Triumph, a Legacy to our City,” celebrates the bridge’s Diamond Jubilee with photographs that span nine decades.

Through a series of photos, the GAHS’s Quinn Gallery in Long Island City tells the tall tale of the towering structure, which came to unite three boroughs, facilitating commerce while providing thousands of jobs to many residents in a time of turmoil.

“This bridge came at a time when the City was down on its luck,” said David Moretti, executive vice president of MTA Bridges and Tunnels. “It helped develop what has become the modern New York City. I couldn’t imagine how the three

Triborough Bridge in Astoria Park at the start of digging, Main Tower Pier 27 (1932). boroughs would get around without it.”

The gallery features photographs that document the bridge’s birth, from the day initial work began in 1929 on Pier 27, the Main Tower in Astoria Park, to images of its debut at the opening ceremony on July 11, 1936, ending with snapshots recently taken of the structure during sunset.

Since its inception, the bridge has become a symbol of American perseverance.

Construction began on the bridge only four days before Black Friday in 1929, the day the stock market crashed. As the

Triborough Bridge Suspended Span: Getting ready to put in the roadbed at the bridge’s suspended span (1935).

Great Depression settled in, the project became difficult to finance and was put on hold.

Weathering through financial hardship, the bridge was once again given a breath of life when the project was revitalized through finances from the New Deal. The project’s rebirth established nearly 25,000 jobs, providing borough residents with hope for a better tomorrow as tough times slowly came to an end.

Coincidentally, the bridge will be receiving a $1 billion facelift for its birthday.

The capital improvements will go towards

reconstructing structures that support the toll plazas as well as rehabilitating seven of the bridge’s ramps.

MTA Bridges and Tunnels is also sponsoring an oral history project, encouraging city residents to share their fond memories from opening day or of the bridge being built.

To participate contact MTA via email at bridgememories@mtabt.org or call (646) 252-7420.

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

Profile

Group Gives Seniors Help, Comfort

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 15-21, 2011

In life, as people get older, often they feel forgotten and lonely. An organization that is making sure this does not happen is Seniors Helping Seniors, the largest home non-medical homecare organization in the country.

The organization was founded four years ago by Kiran Yocom, who grew up in India and worked with Mother Theresa.

There are currently 135 franchises across the country in 37 states and a month ago, one opened in the Queens and Nassau County area.

Seniors Helping Seniors is exactly what its name implies: older adults aid seniors in need of assistance, provide companionship and help aging loved ones remain at home.

Mark and Cecilia Napoli of Port Washington are the directors of operations of the local franchise. Mark Napoli first heard about the organization when he saw a classified ad in the "Entrepreneur" magazine. After researching the organization, he called the number, spoke to Yocom and began the six-month process of pre-screening. Although he and his wife work other jobs, they are fully committed to this cause.

Instead of sending people to a nursing home or an assisted living home, this

is a much better option, Napoli said. Not only do people provide seniors with a helping hand, but they offer companionship as well. There are also considerable cost savings when compared to assisted living or nursing homes.

"We want to energize their lives," he said. "The mission is to create a community of relationships and friends."

People often find out about the organization through referrals and word of mouth, as well as advertisements in newspapers and flyers in churches. Sons and daughters often call the organization thinking it would be a good outlet for their parents. All of the providers are 50 and older and are usually retired, but do get paid as well.

To enter the program, there is a twostep interview process, Napoli explained.

First the group gets background information on the volunteer and the potential client, and checks for compatibility to match up a senior with the right partner.

The two people then meet at the senior's home, and if they "click," the relationship will go from there.

Sometimes, seniors can be set in their ways and will only want a certain type of person, but Napoli said he would not let that deter him from finding the right match.

"We don't want to let anyone slip

through the cracks," he said.

Participants will do handy work, cook, provide transportation, buy flowers, clean and perform other tasks. More importantly companionship will be provided. Many seniors are lonely and need someone to talk to and this is the perfect way to do it, Napoli said.

"The idea is to keep them in their own home," he said.

"It brings people out of depression," Cecilia Napoli added.

Since Mark and Assistant Paula Wunder, Mark Napoli and his wife Cecilia.

Cecilia started the franchise, they have received calls from 20 prospective providers, which were nar- many people feel good. It's my weakest rowed down to eight people; three se- paycheck; it's my love."

To learn more about the services availniors have called requesting companionable through Seniors Helping Seniors, call ship as well.

"People forget how important it is for the Napolis at (888) 747-2644, (516) seniors not to be left alone, and that ev- 322-8037 or send an e-mail to eryone deserves friendship," Yocom said. seniorshelpingseniorsn.e.q@gmail.com.

Reach Intern Jason Cohen at "By doing this we're not just helping a person, we're helping both sides of the jcohen@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400 spectrum," he said. "It's amazing how Ext. 124.

Photo by Jason Cohen

BY JASON COHEN

A&E

BY JOSEPH OROVIC

Fans of the Swedish Chef, Mahna Mahna and Kermit The Frog, your Mecca has arrived.

A touring Smithsonian exhibition devoted to their creator, “Jim Henson’s Fantastic World,” is making its final stop at the Museum of the Moving Image, providing a six-month celebration of the filmmaker’s career, running July 16 to Jan. 16, 2012.

For its New York run, the exhibit will feature special screenings and talks with members of the Henson family as well as Jim’s past collaborators.

“It is rare for the Museum to present an exhibition devoted to a single individual, but there is no more fitting subject than Jim Henson,” said Carl Goodman, Executive Director of the Museum, adding Henson’s talent extended beyond

puppeteer work. “He was also a specialeffects wizard and technical innovator.

By presenting this exhibition along with screenings, talks, workshops, and other special programs, the Museum is uniquely situated to explore all facets of Henson’s many contributions to screen culture.”

Not lost upon Goodman was Queens’ prominence in Henson’s career. Sesame Street – arguably Henson’s most lasting creation – is filmed across the street from the museum, at Kaufman Studios, and has been for decades. The Henson Workshop, which still creates puppets, is a few minutes away on Northern Boulevard.

The exhibition itself begins with the inimitable Kermit, waiting for you at the top of a staircase, seated on a log. Some of Henson’s best known characters are here, including Mahna Mahna, Rowlf the Dog, Bert and Ernie, and of course, Miss Piggy. (One can only imagine the rage and

Restaurant Review

A Local Favorite Thai, a personal favorite, is nutty, with bean sprouts that are never wilted, carrying the right balance of heat and sweet from the onion and scallion to the coated chicken. There are no Szechuan peppers to be found, but their heat is ever-present.

On the Japanese side, the sushi is among the freshest we've had, with a wide range of types of tuna, salmon, eel and more. Local names pop into the menu, with the Bayside Roll, which features tuna, mango and asparagus inside and yellowtail and avocado on the outside; the Beechurst Roll, spicy, crunchy white tuna, jalapeno and avocado, topped with salmon, yellowtail, cilantro and miso.

Pineapple fried rice, Singapore noodles, Malaysian Sambai and Thai Basil dominate the parts of the menu that span outside of China and Japan.

For lunch specials, which come with your choice of white, brown or fried rice and soup, egg roll or soda, prices range from $5.95 to $6.50, certainly some of the more reasonable takeout rates in the neighborhood. The same dishes - at the same size - do go up in price by $3 for the dinner menu, but we suggest a sit-down meal rather than take out in the evening.

Located on one of Whitestone's main drags, Casa Asia is serene, charming and staffed by friendly servers who help make the dining experience enjoyable, even if you're unfamiliar with some of the more exotic dishes or ingredients on the menu.

Casa Asia has certainly become one of our favorites in the new neighborhood, and may be a good reason for yours to leave yours and swing by to have a taste of what they offer up in our neck of the woods.

—Brian M. Rafferty

Kermit the Frog sits on a log, and Bert & Ernie are there with Ernie’s rubber duckie. destruction the Smithsonian faced if she was not included in the tour).

While the well-known stars are a main draw, the exhibit includes more than 120 artifacts, from a young Henson’s doodles to a Super-8 test of Muppets on the Street.

The collection combines to create a portrait of a restlessly playful mind, constantly searching and often failing his way to comedic perfection.

“My father’s joyful sense of anarchy and creative play comes through in all of his work,” said Cheryl Henson. “Seeing so many of his early creations and original concepts shown in this exhibition is a delight.”

Included in the exhibit are weekly screenings of films, which often fea-

ture guest speakers.

But ultimately, the main draw will be the puppets – a term you’ll find hard to use. With the characters fully engrained into the zeitgeist, it is rather jarring to see them frozen within a plastic box. And it’s that disconnect, the yearning to have Kermit break out and run to Miss Piggy, that most exemplifies the extent of Henson’s genius.

To get the exhibition’s full schedule, visit movingimage.us Statler: “That article wasn’t half bad.”

Waldorf: “Nope, it was all bad! Oh ho ho ho ho ho!”

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

Jazz Makes Its Return To St. Albans Festival

BY VERONICA LEWIN

groups Bill Jacobs All-Stars, U4ouria and Melvin Van Peebles wid Laxative. Clay said The St. Albans community will celebrate Melvin Van Peebles wid Laxative often gets its rich musical history this weekend. asked about the origin of their name.

Local musicians will get a chance to "People ask them, well why do you showcase their talent for their neighbors call the group laxative? They say, 'cause at the Ninth St. Albans Jazz Festival, held we don't take no shit," Clay said.

4-11 p.m. July 16 at St. Albans Park near Clay encourages people to bring their Linden and Merrick Boublankets and chairs this levards. Former WBLS raweekend, and come out dio personality Ken "Spiand enjoy themselves at der" Webb will be the masthe Festival. The organizter of ceremonies. ers depend on support St. Albans has been from the residents of St. home to a slew of famous Albans and surrounding jazz musicians, such as communities to continue Miles Davis and John the jazz festival.

Coltrane. Past acts at the "Their support helps festival have included us to continue on and tenor saxophonist Illinois bring good music to the Jacquet, singer Miki community at affordable Howard and vibraphone prices, which in this case, player Roy Ayers. is free," Clay said.

Carl Clay, founder and Onajae Allan Gumbs will be Jazz Knights, a Southdirector of the Black Spec- one of the headliners. east Queens jazz organitrum Theatre Company, zation, is a co-organizer expects this year's turnout to be high, es- the event. pecially after the event was unable to be Those interested in getting more inheld last year due to the struggling formation about this weekend's St. Albans economy.

Jazz Festival can call the Black Spectrum This year, five local acts will take the Theatre Company at (718) 723-1800. stage at St. Albans Park. Scheduled to perReach Reporter Veronica Lewin at form are: pianist and composer Onaje Allan vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357Gumbs; vocalist Claudette Morgan; and 7400, Ext. 123.

July 15-21, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

CASA ASIA 149-45 14th Ave., Whitestone (718) 767-6868 CUISINE: Asian Mix HOURS: Mon-Thu 11 am to 10 pm; Fri & Sat 11 am to 11 pm; Sun noon to 10 pm PARKING: Street DELIVERY: Yes CREDIT CARDS: All major For the last eight months, the PRESS has been headquartered in Whitestone. As we've been working hard on getting the newspaper out each week, we've certainly worked up our appetites - and the change from our prior Fresh Meadows home has meant a significant change in our lunch options.

Sure, many of us brown bag it; but we all at some point love to get out to the local restaurants or, in the summer heat, we prefer to order in. Casa Asia has been one of our favorite choices for quality, price and speed of delivery.

Casa Asia offers a range of Asian dishes - from your standard Chinese takeout to Japanese special, sushi and Thai and we have yet to be dissatisfied with the quality and freshness of ingredients.

A tell-tale sign of excellence is in something as humble as the egg roll. The skin is light, crisp and perfectly golden brown every time; the interior assemblage of pork, cabbage and other vegetables seems freshly prepared, almost as if each one was made to order. Certainly, we don't get the feel that the egg roll was previously frozen of half-cooked and sitting around - no, this is as fresh as they come.

And the same carries over through the dishes. The Sesame Chicken is all meat - no breaded gobs of fat that many of us have come to expect from lesser restaurants. If the sauce claims to have heat, as in the Mango Shrimp with Thai Chili Sauce, it delivers. The Chicken Pad

Photo by Joseph Orovic

Kermit And Friends Settle In Astoria

Faith

Big Tent Of Support For The Unlucky

BY VERONICA LEWIN The St. Albans Deliverance Ministries will be hosting a tent revival next weekend in continuation of its 45th anniversary celebration.

The July 24-31 revival will immediately follow a 7 p.m. prayer service, taking place outside of the church at 205-14 Hollis St. nightly.

“We want people to come out and be blessed and be uplifted,” said Sincere McMillan, who has been a member of the

church for five years.

McMillan said last year’s tent revival brought in about 50 people each night, and many members in the community look forward to the annual event.

This year’s theme is “Taking the City.”

According to McMillan, the theme comes from Joshua 6:16, which describes how the Lord allowed Joshua and the children of Israel to reclaim the city of Jericho from the pagans. This verse mimics the tent revival’s goal of encouraging folks to keep trying after facing adversities, such as un-

Notebook Teachers Learning

Educator Takes A Lesson In Slavery research primary documents and attend discussions on these topics throughout A Queens Village teacher has once the week. Prior to arriving, they are reagain been chosen to attend a renowned quired to read a list of related materials. seminar about slavery.

Distinguished University of Maryland Martin Van Buren High School teacher history professor Ira Berlin will teach next Judi Raines will be attending her sixth Gilder week’s seminar. Berlin has written four Lehrman Institute of American books on the history of slavery History seminar. The seminar in the United States. on North American slavery will Towards the end of the be held at the University of week, the educators will take Maryland July 17-23. a trip to the Wye House in “I am anticipating this exeastern Maryland, where aboperience to be as outstanding litionist Frederick Douglass as previous summer teacher learned how to read. The trip seminars regarding North will be Raines’ first, who said American slavery and the isthe visit will be one of the highsues that surround this controlights of the seminar. versial topic,” Raines said.

“As an African-American Judi Raines Raines taught night school teacher, this trip will be invaluEnglish during the 2010-2011 able,” Raines said. She plans to school year at Martin Van Buren, where she request permission from her principal to take has worked as a high school guidance coun- her students to Wye House in the future, selor for seven years. She has been leading a even if she is only permitted to take them book club for students called “Reading during a school holiday.

Changes Lives” for two years.

Before leaving the University of MaryThough slavery is a part of our nation’s land, seminar participants must create a lespast, Raines said the history of slavery son plan to apply what they learned in the can be difficult for today’s educators to classroom. Raines plans to use the seminar’s discuss in the classroom. lessons in the fall for her night school stu“Many teachers, even today, have a very dents and the ninth graders in her book club. hard time approaching such a subject as She hopes to strengthen her students’ abilmore information unfolds by historians and ity to research and comprehend primary sterling professors alike,” she said. “I find documents, which would be helpful in prethis topic fascinating! There are so many paring students for state exams. myths and stereotypes that surround how “My goal also is to bring up critical this country and why this country became thinking skills so the kids can do better involved in chattel slavery.” on the global history and English ReAccording to the Gilder Lehrman Insti- gents,” Raines said. tute of American History, the weeklong semiRaines is delighted to have a chance nar will focus on topics such as the nature of to participate in another seminar. the slave trade, the distinction between slave “It’s an outstanding opportunity to societies and societies with slaves and the take a stake and take an interest in the current debate about the meaning of sla- history of our country.” very for American life. The seminar will Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at also analyze slavery from the perspective vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, of the Atlantic world. Seminar participants Ext. 123.

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 15-21, 2011

BY VERONICA LEWIN

employment, poverty and illness.

“The theme ‘Taking the City’ is basically kind of like taking back those things which may have appeared to have been lost to us through the different situations and circumstances we face, but in reality, God is calling us to be victorious, even in these troubled times,” McMillan said.

Bishop Matthew Johnson Sr, founder and presiding bishop of the St. Albans Deliverance Ministries, is the first speaker of the week on July 24. Other speakers include: Prophet Andre Cook, Pastor Jay Allen Gooding Sr., Pastor Robert Butler, Pastor Tiff McCarter and Pastor Darwin Randolph.

The church stresses that people should come to the tent revival as they are, without feeling they are required to dress a certain way. The event is open to anyone interested in attending.

In 1966, then-pastor Johnson founded the St. Albans Deliverance Ministries. His wife, Joann Johnson is now co-pastor of the church. The church prides itself on being family oriented and providing services for those who need them.

“I’m very proud to be a part of the ministry and 45 years is a long time to do be doing anything,” said McMillan. “And it just shows that, first of all, God is able to keep his people, that God will sustain us and the fact that bishop and elect-lady have

been working for 45 years, it shows that they care about the community as well.”

Before the tent revival begins, the church will host a community fair next Saturday. Food and beverages will be available, along with blood pressure screenings, disease prevention education and community speakers. One speaker is a barbershop owner who will share his expertise on starting a small business. The community fair is on July 23 from noon-5 p.m. Those interested in attending the community fair or tent revival can call the church at (718) 468-6060.

Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.

Word “Religion is what an individual does with his solitariness.”

—Alfred North Whitehead

over-drying can waste a lot of energy and damage clothing. the best way to avoid over-drying is to…

plugging appliances into a power strip... a. makes them more powerful b. makes it easy to turn them all off to save energy

a. check the dryer every 10 minutes

b. take the clothes out while still damp

c. use the moisture sensor on your dryer

c. uses less energy because it all comes from one outlet

answer: c

what’s the largest energy user for homes in our area?

answer: b

showers use less energy than baths because... a. they require the water to be less hot than a bath does b. the acoustics are better for singing

a. lighting

b. heating

c. electronics

d. toasters answer: b

answer: c

for 100 + energy saving tips visit conEd.com or find us on Facebook at Power of Green

July 15-21, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

©2011 Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. Ad: Arnell Group

c. they use about half as much hot water

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

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

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

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 15-21, 2011

HEALTH & Health Meetings INTRO YOGA Saturdays, July 16, 23 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.

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.

YOGA Monday, July 18 at the South Hollis library at 6.

HEPATITIS B Monday, July 18 information at the Flushing library at 6:30.

INTRO YOGA Mondays, July 18, 25 at the Ridgewood library at 6:30.

Register.

INTRO YOGA Mondays, July 18, 25 at the Ridgewood library. Register.

NAMI Wednesday, July 20 National Alliance on Mental Illness meets at 7:30 at Sloman Auditorium in Glen Oaks.

470-8100.

ZUMBA FOR HEALTH Thursday, July 21 a t t h e Ridgewood library at 6.

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

FLEA MARKETS FLEA MARKET Saturdays and Sundays through Oc tober 1 at Faith Mission, 114-40 Van Wyck Expressway.

THRIFT SHOPS Saturdays 11-4 at Bargain Boutique Thrift Shop, Queens Baptist Church, 93th 23 217 Street, Queens Village.465-2504.

ENTERTAINMENT 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. 570-

SENIORS FREE LUNCH Saturdays, July 16, August 20, September 17 at All Saints Church in Richmond Hill. 849-2352 reservations.

ELDER LAW Saturday, July 16 10:30noon at the First Presbyterian Church of Whitestone, 15-43 149 th Street. Thursday, July 21 at Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6343 to register. Free Estate Tax and Elder Law Update on “How to Protect Assets in the Event of Long Term Illness.”

FALLING FEAR? Monday, July 18 are you concerned about falling?

Classes are being held at the Kew G a r d e n s C o m m u n i t y Center for 8 weeks. 2685960.

CLEARVIEW Tuesday, July 19 75 t h Anniversary BBQ at noon. Thursday, July 21 blood pressure readings at 9:30 and Alert & Alive discussion at 10:15.

Monday, July 25 music appreciation at 12:30. Friday, July 29 “The Tourist” movie at 12:45. Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 224-7888.

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

AARP DRIVING Wednesday, July 20 at the Forest Hills library. Register.

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

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

STARS Friday, July 22 at the Queens Village library at 10:30. Senior Theater Acting Repertory meets.

0909. Rain or shine.

TWIN GOLD Sunday, July 17 female hits of the 50s and 60s at the Poppenhusen Institute at 3.

358-0067.

MOVIE NIGHT Monday, July 18 at 5 at the Arverne librar y.

TOUR THE INTERNET Tuesday, July 19 at 10:30 and Thursday, July 21 at 6 at the Rosedale library. Adults tour the world via the Internet.

FAMILY FILM Tuesday, July 19 at 2 at the Pomonok library.

MATTHEW FISHTEYN Tuesday, July 19 at 2 at the Whitestone library. Pianist/ composer performs jazz, rag time, pop and rock and roll.

DINO ROSI Wednesday, July 20 Dino Rosi, the Voice of Napoli, sings at Athens Park, 30 th Avenue, Astoria as part of Italian Night.

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

OUTDOOR FILMS Wednesdays, July 20, 27 C u l t u ra l Diversit y of Quee4ns with Outdoor Cinema 2001 at 7 at Socrates Park.

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

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

SGT. COLLINS PARK Thursday, July 21 Pete Zimmer Quartet performs jazz and swing. 7 at Sgt. Collins Park, Broadway and 58 th Street, Woodside.

MUSIC MORNING Friday, July 22 a morning of music with Darlene Graham at 10:30 at Alley Pond Park, 76 th avenue off Springfield Blvd.

SUMMER MOVIES Friday, July 22 “The Soloist. Friday, July 29 “The Human Experience. St. Joseph Parish, 43-19 30 th Avenue, Astoria. 278-1611.

BBQ begins at 7, movie at sundown.

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 Film, dance and music series. 592-9700.

ANTIGONE Saturday, July 23 at the Forest Hills library at 2.

AUTHOR TALK Saturday, July 23 Jason Antos and “Flushing Then and Now” at the Fresh Meadows library at 2.

AUTHOR TALK Saturday, July 23 Philip Robinson and “We Still Leave a Legacy Langston Hughes library at 2:30.

FRANZ LISZT Saturday, July 23 Musica Thema celebrates 200 years of Franz Liszt featuring Marie Blair and Jeremy Rafal at the Flushing library at 2.

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS KAYAKING Week e n d s t h r o u g h O c to ber 9 (weather permitting) kayaking from Socrates Sculpture Park Beach at Hallets Cove. 228-9214.

LANDSCAPE/FLORAL Charcoal and pen and ink classes. 969-1128.

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

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, July 16, 30, August 6, 20 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-436-7940.

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

DIGITAL PHOTO. Saturdays, July 16, 23 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.

SCULPTURE WORKSHOP Saturdays through September 24 children and families at the Socrates Sculpture Museum. 956-1819.

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.

SKYPE CHAT Mondays, July 18, 25 at 2 at the Queens Village library.

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

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

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

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

KNITTING CIRCLE Mondays at Alley Pond Environmental Center. Register 229-4000.

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

CROCHET Monday, July 18 at 6 at the Rosedale librar y.

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.

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

GET YOUR YARNS OUT! Tuesdays after evening Min-

yan at 8, knitters, crocheters, needlepointers, and others meet at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000, ext. 200.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Tu e s d a y, J u l y 1 9 a t t h e Arverne library at 10:30.

EMAIL Tuesday, July 19 at 10:30 at the McGoldrick library.

INTRO INTERNET Tuesday, July 19 at 10:30 at the Queens Village library.

POWERPOINT Tu e s d a y, J u l y 1 9 a t t h e Steinway library. Register.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Tu e s d a y, J u l y 1 9 a t t h e Astoria library at 11.

COMPUTER CLASS Tu e s d a y, J u l y 1 9 a t t h e South Hollis library. Register.

MICROSOFT EXCEL Tu e s d a y, J u l y 1 9 a t t h e Steinway library. Register.

SCRABBLE Tuesday, July 19 at the Fresh M3eadows library at 1.

BASIC COMPUTER Tuesday, July 19 at the South Ozone Park library at 10.

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

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

263-7000.

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

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

BASIC COMPUTER Wednesday, July 20 at the Windsor Park library. Register.

LATIN RUMBA Wednesday, July 20 at the Flushing 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.

COMPUTER CLASS Thursday, July 21 a t t h e Queensboro Hill library. Register.

POETRY WORKSHOP Thursday, July 21 at 6:30 at the Langston Hughes library.

BALLROOM DANCE Thursday, July 21 a t t h e Woodside library at 6:30.

COMPUTER TUTORIALS Thursday, July 21 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 22 at the Bay Terrace library at 10:30.

BASIC COMPUTER Friday, July 22 at the Auburndale library. Register.

GAME PLAYERS Friday, July 22 at the Hillcrest library at 2.

COMPUTER COURSE Friday, July 22 at the Ozone Park library. Register.

BANAGRAMS & SCRAB BLE Friday, July 22 at the Windsor Park library at 2.

GAME DAY Friday, July 22 at the Arverne library at 3.

CHESS CLUB Friday, July 22 at 3:30 at the Auburndale library.

CHESS CLUB Friday, July 22 at the Woodside library at 4.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Saturday, July 23 at the Knights of Columbus in Valley Stream. 341-0452.

FIX A FLAT Saturday, July 23 bicycle repair workshop at the Sunnyside library at 11.

PLASTIC BAG JEWELRY Saturday, July 23 at the Broadway library. Register.

SOMETHING SPECIAL Sunday, July 24 sounds of the Big Bands at 3 at the Poppenhusen Institute. 3800067.

MEETINGS HIKING CLUB Monday, July 18 new hiking club and trail crew at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000 at 7.

AMER. LEGION 131 Tuesday, July 19 American Legion, Post 131 meets at 8 at 10-20 Clintonville Street, Whitestone. 767-4323.

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

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT Tu e s d ay, J u l y 1 9 a t H o l y Family in Fresh Meadows.

969-2448.

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

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

GAY MEN Thursday, July 21 Queens Pride House Men’s Group meet. 429-5309.

VFW 4787 Monday, July 25 Whitestone V F W C o m m u n i t y Po s t meets. 746-0540.

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

HAM RADIO CLUB Tuesday, August 2 Emergency Communications Service in Briarwood. 357-6851.

Tanya Rios isn’t exactly sure what she wants to do in the future, but one of her potential paths may lead her to the title Agent Rios.

The 19-year-old from Bayside who works as a cashier in the gift shop at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not has her eyes on being in the FBI. Tanya, who graduated from Benjamin Cardozo High School, is hoping to find a job at a new gym and from there perhaps she’ll figure out her next path.

For now though, Tanya enjoys listening to metal, hardcore and techno music and watching horror movies.

She also enjoys her favorite sport; hockey.

“I love hockey,” Tanya said. “I’m not actually good at it, but I like to watch it” On top of that, Tanya enjoys modeling. It’s not a potential career path, she said, although she considered moving to Los Angeles and pursuing it further, but decided against it.

‘Modeling’s a lot of fun,” she said. “I don’t know if it’s something I want to stick with” Her involvement with Shortstack Modeling with her best friend Olivia has been a boon for her self-confidence, she said.

“Shortstack has helped a lot,” she said. “It’s also a self-esteem program. We also learn how to walk and how to pose, and take better care of ourselves and our body”

Start Sprayin’ If you live in Rockaway or one of the neighborhoods surrounding Jamaica Bay, you’d better stock up on bug repellent and citronella candles. A plague of mosquitos has descended on the oceanfront neighborhoods of the borough.

The mosquito problem is the worst some residents have ever seen. Councilman James Sanders Jr. allocated some money for spraying, but the city said it doesn’t do “nuisance spraying,” and will only deal with the mosquito problem if, say, West Nile rears its ugly head again.

Never fear though; last week a mosquito on Staten Island tested positive for West Nile. Let the mosquito slaughter commence!

Tanya Rios Home: Bayside Age: 19 Height: 5’ 4" Weight: 128 lbs Stats: TK

Models Of Queens Queens Represents

Teach The Teacher

Lucas with Pokeman cards

Astoria third grader Lucas Ayala wrote a letter last month to his teacher to lift a classroom ban on Pokemon cards. Though we were surprised kids still play with Pokemon cards, it was more surprising to learn they are educational.

The student suggested the cards be used in math classes because they taught him how to add, subtract and multiply. Pikachu + thunderbolt = best school day ever. Congrats on now being able to play your favorite games during school, Lucas.

At the recent NBA Draft, three players were taken from New York and one of them was Charles Jenkins of Springfield Gardens, a point guard from Hofstra. Jenkins dominated basketball in the Colonial Athletic Association for the past four years.

For the third year in a row he was the recipient of the Haggerty Award, which honors the top collegiate player in the Metro New York area, becoming 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.

Jenkins was the 28th pick overall, selected by the Chicago Bulls.

Gay Moonies?

Jenkins goes to the Chicago Bulls

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 15-21, 2011

Shhh… Keep Quiet

In today’s society very rarely can anything actually be kept secret.

With Twitter, Facebook, e-mail and smart phones, leaks are constant.

According to the New York Post, the New York Mets have one big secret. No, they haven’t been investing with Madoff again, but secret negotiations with All-star shortstop Jose Reyes have supposedly begun in hopes of reaching a deal in the next few weeks.

Reyes had publicly said that he won’t negotiate during the season, but who knows what is true? Last week the Post reported General Manager Sandy Alderson is prepared to make him a substantial offer.

All of this really begs the question, if these are secret negotiations, how do we know about them and are they really secret? For the Mets this season, nothing they have planned to do has happened, but things seem to be going right, so if they started the season with no intention of re-signing Jose…

We’ll see.

Confidentially, New York . . .

Jose Reyes

Jeopardy Whiz Kid

Rahul Francis on Jeopardy

Who needs IBM’s supercomputer when you have one of the borough’s own competing for dollars on national television to entertain you?

Rahul Francis, 13, from Flushing appeared on “Jeopardy! Kids Week” last week, taking on some of the nation’s brightest teenagers.

Showing the nation that a kid from Queens could make the cut, the tiny teen gave Dillon McCormick, 11, of Erlanger, Ken-

What a difference two years makes!

Just two years ago, the State Senate shot down a gay marriage bill; last month, Republicans crossed party lines to join with all but one Democrat to bring equality to same-sex couples looking to get hitched.

Within a couple of days, the Dems looked to capitalize on that.

State Sen. Malcolm Smith, whose neighboring Senators on two sides of his district – Shirley Huntley and Joe Addabbo – switched to be in favor, announced a mass wedding to be held on Long Island.

On July 26, Bethpage State Park will host the free Marriage For All wedding ceremony at the park’s Carlyle on the Green, open to hundreds of LGBT couples who want to say “I Do” all at the same time.

tucky and Meg Walker, 11, of Brandon, Mississippi, a run for their money, finishing $8,200 short of winning.

Which, in Jeopardy money, is like close.

Although he did not win, he took home a $2,000 consolation prize.

Which, in teenager money, is like a lot.

Kudos to you Rahul, if you need any help spending that dough give us a ring.

What’s Up SATURDAY, JULY 16 Youth & Tennis

SUNDAY, JULY 17 Resume Workshop

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

Are you ready to apply for jobs? Are you avoiding common errors? Does your resume & cover letter stand out? Participants will learn: how to set up a resume & cover letter; types of resumes; what to include & not include on your resume and cover letter; common errors to avoid; tips for making your resume & cover letter stronger.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 12:30 p.m.

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. All classes are weather permitting. There are no rain dates.

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 be held at Idlewild Park, Brookville Boulevard at 149th Avenue, at 9:15 a.m.

Starting Your Job Search Beginning a job search can be overwhelming. It can be especially difficult after being laid off or when you’re changing careers or industries. Prepare yourself to start a successful job search. Participants will learn: what you need to start a job search; different resources and tools for the job search in different industries; how to safely find and apply for jobs online.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 3 p.m.

MONDAY, JULY 18 Adult Chess Club Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings.

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

Job Search Boot Camp Spend one day at the library and learn all the best strategies for finding a job.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 10:30 a.m.

Staying Healthy Dr. Jesson Manukonda will provide practical yet powerful lifestyle strategies for weight loss, fitness, disease prevention, and natural treatments for most diseases.

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

St. Albans Jazz Festival

St. Albans Under the Stars You and the whole family are cordially invited to star watch with the astro team.

Come on out for a day of interactive handson activities including: an astrology fun test; actual star gazing using a solar telescope; and fun giveaways. Bring your binoculars and/or telescope if you have one or both. For additional information, contact Dr. Gerceida Jones at (646) 302-5892.

This free event will be held at Saint Albans Park, Merrick Boulevard at Sayres Avenue, from 4-10 p.m.

So you’ve got a big interview scheduled...now what? Participants will learn: what to wear and when to arrive; researching your potential employer; frequently asked interview questions; general guidelines for success; following up after an interview.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 6 p.m.

TUESDAY, JULY 19 Job Club Every Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Jamaica Neighborhood Center offers a free service to assist people from Southeast Queens with job-readiness skill sets in writing a professional resume and cover letter; interviewing practices and techniques; applying on-line procedures; elevator pitch and Microsoft Suite 2007.

For additional information, contact Lenin Gross, Job Coach, at (718) 7392060, 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.

Led by Louis Mofsie, Thunderbird American Indian Dancers have enchanted audiences and helped perpetuate American Indian culture. Specializing in the songs and dances of the tribes of the Northwest Coast, Woodlands, Plains and Southwest, their repertoire includes the “Fancy Dance” and “Hoop Dance,” as well as a variety of other regional dances. For additional information, visit www.go2ccj.org/ programs or contact Cultural Collaborative Jamaica at (646) 524 – 3554..

This free event will be held at Rufus King Park at 10:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20 York Observatory Open Night The York College Observatory is open to the public every second or third Wednesday of the month - rain or shine - at 8:30 p.m.

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

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

THURSDAY, JULY 21 Walkers for Wellness Club See Saturday’s listing. At 7 p.m.

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.

Basic Writing for Job Seekers

Infant Mortality

In a tough job market, spelling, punctuation and grammar errors in a resume or cover letter can mean that a potential employer will toss your resume in the trash.

Brush up on essential writing skills: sentence and paragraph construction; proper grammar; proper use of punctuation; basic structure of a cover letter.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 6 p.m.

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

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

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

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.

What’s Up With You?

Send your community events to the PRESS for a free listing at 150-50 14th Rd, Whitestone, NY 11457 All events will be considered for publication, without a fee.

July 15-21, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

The St. Albans Jazz Festival returns to St. Albans Park this year, featuring Melvin Van Peebles, Onaje Allan Gumbs, Bill Jacobs Ensemble, vocalist Claudette Morgan, U4ourian and others. Bring your blanket and come on out.

This free event will be held at Saint Albans Park, Merrick Boulevard at Sayres Avenue, from 4-11 p.m.

Acing Your Job Interview

Thunderbird Dancers