Southeast Queens Press

Volume 12 Issue No. 29 July 22-28, 2011

Page 22

Time Running Out:

PRESS Photo by Veronica Lewin

GET HELP NOW

U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks and HUD Regional Director Adolfo Carrion Jr. urged homeowners facing foreclosure to act quickly in order to make a Friday deadline to take advantage of a federal relief program.

By Veronica Lewin…Page 3

Online at www.QueensPress.com

Presstime

Deadline Looms For Home Relief

Bill Would Stimulate Lending In Queens

BY JOSEPH OROVIC

Limited Night Service During AirTrain Fix

BY DOMENICK RAFTER Construction at JFK Airport will shut down its AirTrain system around the Central Terminal Zone and to Howard Beach station during the night for the next month.

Between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. nightly, through Aug. 19, AirTrain will only run between Jamaica and Federal Circle at the airport’s entrance. The loop around the Central Terminal Zone and the Howard Beach leg of the system will be shut down for those hours.

The reason for the nightly shutdown is due to ongoing construction at Terminal 4, the International Arrivals Terminal.

The terminal, which houses the airport’s main customs gate, is being expanded to accommodate more flights and it will be-

come the main terminal for Delta Airlines in 2013 when the airline moves out of its Terminal 3 base. The expansion will feature a larger Customs and Border Protection area, enhanced baggage claim facilities and more gates.

Shuttle Buses will be available between Howard Beach, the Long Term Parking lot station at Lefferts Boulevard, Federal Circle and the terminals in the following legs; Federal Circle to the terminals, The Lefferts Boulevard “Kiss and Fly” and Federal Circle, the Long Term Parking Lot (Lot 9), adjacent to Lefferts Boulevard to the Central Terminal Zone, and the Employee Lot (Lot 8) and the Central Terminal Zone.

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

July 22-28, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

While Washington D.C. endures arguably one of its more partisan stretches, a Queens legislator has crossed the aisle, co-authoring legislation designed to keep purse strings loose for home owners.

U.S. Reps Gary Ackerman (D-Bayside) and John Campbell (R-Calif.) introduced legislation that would allow Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Administration to continue guaranteeing mortgages at a higher amount in “high-cost” areas, such as Queens. The current limits are set to expire Oct. 1.

The limit for Fannie- and Freddie-generated loans was temporarily raised in 2008 as a result of the housing crisis. To keep dollars flowing and prevent a complete collapse in property sales, the limit was raised from $417,000 to $625,000.

A separate “high-cost” designation was given to certain parts of the country, with an even higher limit of $729,750. The FHA-insurable limit was raised to match this amount, from $362,000.

The bill would extend the current limit for “high-cost” areas to Oct. 1, 2013.

Ackerman contends allowing the limits to drop would force potential borrowers in Queens to seek privately-funded jumbo loans, which are costlier and harder to obtain. The move would leave

many borrowers unable to afford a mortgage at all, especially in a dodgy economic climate that sees lenders demanding down payments of 20 percent or more.

“The housing market does not need a self-inf licted wound,” Ackerman said.

“With the economy remaining fragile and the local housing sector still struggling to recover, now is not the time to make the cost of mortgages more expensive.

“Reducing the conforming loan limit would hurt home values, increase the cost of down payments and interest rates, and shut prospective buyers out of home ownership creating a burden for potential buyers and sellers,” he added. “It is essential that we continue to do all that we can to stimulate our economy and keep these mortgage limits in place to ensure that the housing market remains on the delicate road to recovery.”

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were the subject of much derision as the economic crisis reached a rolling boil. The government-sponsored enterprises, which are privately held but backed by government funding, were blamed for allowing much of the dubious lending that fueled the mortgage crisis, and were among the first to be bailed out.

Reach Deputy Editor Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127.

was unable to work. Her income was reduced when she went on disability. She went to the Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica for help after falling behind on mortgage payments. When asked if she was embarrassed to admit she needed help, she said, “no,” because she needed to stay in her home.

Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica learned about EHLP, they encouraged Sierra-Peralte to apply, and helped her fill out the application. She appreciates programs like EHLP that prevented her and others in trouble from losing their homes.

To qualify for the emergency assistance, the homeowner must meet certain conditions. First, the applicant must hold the title to the mortgaged property, which must be A deadline is coming up Friday to apply to enter a governa single-family unit. The appli- ment program that would help to stave off foreclosures for cant must be unemployed or Queens residents. underemployed due to the economy or a medical condition. The Lastly, applicants must have flood insurhomeowner’s current income must be at ance if the home is located in a flood least 15 percent less than it was in 2009. zone.

The applicant must be at least 90 days Those interested in applying can go delinquent on the mortgage, and received online to FindEHLP.org for more infora breach letter from their lender. mation. Those who complete the pre-apTo qualify, the combined household in- plication process will be entered into the come cannot be more than $75,000 or lottery and notified by the end of Sep120 percent of the median income for a tember if they are accepted into the prohousehold of four in the area. Each per- gram. son listed on the lien document needs to “We know that more people need be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien. Ap- help, and we want more people to apply plicants cannot be in bankruptcy, have for this money,” Meeks said.

Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at more than two open liens on the home, have any federal tax lien or be delinquent vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, on federal debt, such as student loans. Ext. 123.

Photo by Jason Banrey

Community Board 12 has felt the brunt of this crisis,” said Mike Loughran, a spokesU.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica) is man for the Comptroller. “Studies have urging Queens residents – the hardest hit shown that Southeast Queens had a higher borough in the foreclosure crisis – to ap- rate of unemployed householders than the ply by the end of the day this Friday, July rest of the City at the beginning of the 22, to secure a chance at mortgage relief. recession. Because of this, as the reces“We are fighting back trying to make sion struck, more and more homes were lost.” sure we can keep as The Comptroller’s many people in their Office suggested battling homes as possible,” “We know that the unemployment probMeeks said. lem to avoid another criThe Emergency more people need sis from taking place in Homeowners’ Loan help, and we want Southeast Queens.

Program can provide “If you’re in trouble, if homeowners with a no more people to you’re facing foreclosure, interest, forgivable loan apply for this you need to reach out for for past-due mortgage help, and help is availpayments, as well as a money.”

—U.S. Rep. able,” said Adolfo Carportion of the monthly mortgage payment for Gregory Meeks rion Jr., regional director for the U.S. Dept. of two years or $50,000, Housing and Urban Dewhichever comes first. velopment.

More than 30,000 apMeeks stressed EHLP is a free proplicants will be chosen to receive the gram, and to be wary of scams that promfunding, if they apply by July 22.

According to City Comptroller John ise mortgage relief for a fee.

Homeowner Yolanda Sierra-Peralte Liu, Community Board 12 has the highwas facing foreclosure, and unknowingly est amount of foreclosures in Queens.

“There are clear disparities in the com- reached out to one of these scam organimunities affected by the foreclosure cri- zations for help. After being diagnosed sis throughout the City, and unfortunately with ovarian cancer one year ago, Sierra

BY VERONICA LEWIN

Vendors Fight For Fair Shake

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 22-28, 2011

Street vendors are calling on Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) to support a bill that would lessen fines for operating their businesses.

The Street Vendor Project stood outside of the Jamaica Center subway stop on Archer Avenue and Parsons Boulevard during rush hour July 14, asking those who passed by to sign a postcard to Comrie asking for his support on City Council bills 434 and 435.

If passed, the bills would lower the $1,000 maximum fine street vendors could be charged for violations and amend the law so unrelated violations would count as separate offenses, instead of being tacked on to previous violations.

Though it was the group’s first time coming to Jamaica, the Street Vendor Project has been going to neighborhoods across the City to push for lower fines for street vendors.

“A $1,000 ticket is too much money for us,” said Mohammed Haque who is a street vendor on 33rd Street and Seventh Avenue in Manhattan. Haque said street vendors do not make a large enough profit to withstand such an exorbitant fine.

“Not only do they have to feed their families, pay their rent, but they also have to pay taxes,” said James Williams, a member of the Street Vendor Project. “If the people can’t afford to pay it, the City doesn’t get anything.”

Photo by Veronica Lewin

BY VERONICA LEWIN

Members of the Street Vendor Project ask people in Jamaica on July 14 to send a postcard to Councilman Leroy Comrie asking him to support legislation that would lessen fines for street vendors.

Beye Moustine, who has been a vendor for four years, had once received three tickets in a day for street vendor violations, such as the table not being close enough to the curb. When fined, he fights the fines in court. Moustine said he has had to pay the $1,000 fine at least three times, making it difficult

to cover other expenses.

Williams, who has been a vendor for eight years on Chambers Street, said he could receive a ticket if his table is too long or if he stepped away to use the restroom.

“It could be a good business, but it’s not as good as it was years ago,” Williams said.

He experienced fine trouble when he

first became a street vendor, but said he studied the Dept. of Consumer Affairs’ street vendor rules to ensure problems would not occur in the future.

The Street Vendor Project said law enforcement will sometimes target immigrant vendors who may not understand all of the regulations and write them multiple tickets a day.

“If you don’t pay that $1,000 fine, you cannot renew your license, which means you cannot vend,” Williams said.

More than 30 New York City Council members have signed on to the bill, including Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica) and James Sanders (D-Laurelton). The Street Vendor Project met with Comrie’s staff two months ago. According to Williams, the office said it would get back to the group after reviewing the bill. They have called and e-mailed on several occasions, but have not yet received a definitive stance on the legislation from the councilman.

“We’re not pushing him, we’re just urging him today,” Williams said. He added if Comrie signs on, it is likely several other members of City Council would support the pending legislation.

If passed, the law would take effect after 90 days, easing the burden on street vendors. Requests for comment from Comrie were not returned as of printing.

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

Real Estate Limping Toward Stability

BY JASON BANREY A year makes a difference in any industry, and according to a recent report, although housing sales are down, Queens’ residential real estate market seems to be on its way toward stability.

According to the quarterly survey published by Prudential Douglas Elliman, the borough’s housing market experienced sharp declines in sales while overall price indicators showed modest quarterly increases.

Compared to last quarter’s findings, which showed the market had not yet revealed signs of stability, regional findings through the spring settled, performing as some expected.

Jonathan Miller, president and CEO of Miller Samuel Real Estate Appraisers which issued the report, said he believes one of the characteristics Queens will experience through 2011 is the return of a seasonal pattern.

Seasonal patterns are consistent with long term trends and tend to forecast stability within the housing matrix, Miller said.

“In previous years, we saw this to a lesser degree,” Miller added. “We’re entering a period of fewer surprises. But it doesn’t mean there are no economic challenges ahead.”

Despite his slight optimism, Miller stressed the importance of being vigilant over two external factors which the housing market is subject to: elevated unemployment and mortgage lending.

“The good news is it isn’t getting any tighter,” Miller said in regards to mortgage lending. “The bad news is it won’t get any looser.”

By region, the number of property sales throughout most areas in the borough declined. The Central, South, Northeast and Rockaway regions experienced an average fall of nearly 44 percent in sales.

Miller says the sharp decline can be attributed to last year’s home buyer’s tax credit which artificially boosted sales – a period the borough seems to be leaving now.

South Queens saw a minor increase in

sale prices but suffered in the number of sales, which fell 43.4 percent to 567 units, compared to 1,001 units in the same period last year.

Northeast Queens and Rockaway saw a similar decline in the number of sales.

The number of sales within Northeast Queens shrank to 437 units, declining by 41.8 percent.

In Rockaway, although median sales prices were up 14.1 percent from the prior year, at $342,500, the number of sales declined by 41.7 percent to 84 units.

In the coming years, despite an abundance of foreclosure activity, Miller said

he believes the borough will continue to experience ups and downs within the housing market; a scenario he predicts will not be as drastic as the one Queens faced during the credit crunch.

“There was, in general, a lot more volatility in the activity of prices in the housing matrix because of the significant external influences which affected the housing market then,” Miller said. “In the near future we’re not expecting that to be the same situation.”

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

City Meters On Their Way Out

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

The old traditional standalone parking meters in Queens are about to expire.

The Dept. of Transportation announced this week that it would phase out the old parking meters on the sidewalk in favor of muni-meters. The phase out began in Manhattan in April and began in Queens on Monday, where the sidewalk meters were removed in Astoria on Broadway, Steinway Street, 30th and 31st Avenues, as well as on metered sections of 31st through 46th Streets and Newtown Road.

On Monday, July 25, the DOT will install muni-meters in Rockaway Park, on Beach 116th Street, Beach Channel Drive, Rockaway Beach Boulevard and surrounding side streets, as well as in Jackson Heights along Roosevelt Avenue, 37th Avenue and side streets.

After that, the DOT will hit Long Island City July 30; in Astoria north of the Grand Central Parkway and Kew Gardens Hills on Aug. 8; Bayside Aug. 9; Ridgewood Aug. 10; and Rego Park and Middle Village Aug. 11.

The rest of the borough will see their parking meters disappear in favor of munimeters within the next year. The DOT said

the installation will be completed by next June. Neighborhoods and streets that will have muni-meters installed will be listed 30 days prior to installation online at nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/ meterchanges.shtml But you’re going to have to feed the new meters, and the old ones for the time being, more quarters. The city’s parking meter rate increase went into effect on Monday. Meters will now be $1 an hour (25 cents for 15 minutes) rather than 75 cents an hour.

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

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July 22-28, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

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

Brenda Jones Executive Editor:

Brian Rafferty Deputy Editor:

Editorial Happily Ever After This Sunday, 764 couples in New York City – including 112 in Queens – will get their license to marry and will have ceremonies big and small.

It is expected to be the single-day record for weddings in New York City.

It will also be the first time in City history that gay couples will be legally married.

For some, the wedding day may just be the novelty of being there on the first day – to say “I did it as soon as I could.” For others, it is the culminating event of a decades-long relationship that will finally be validated by the state.

We have no expectation that same-sex couples who marry will have any better or worse rate of divorce as opposite-sex couples; people are funny that way.

What we do know is that this Sunday is a day that folks in Queens and beyond have dreamt of since they first conceived of spending their lives with a permanent partner. This is their wedding day, and to them – and all that follow – we wish them health, happiness and success.

Joseph Orovic

Letters

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

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

Fight For Us To The Editor: My husband, a veteran of World War II, has been using St. Albans VA facility for a few years now. He is now a retired family physician, and has been very satisfied with the attentive care he has received from St. Albans. His personal physician there is extremely qualified in all the ways that matter, so he reports.

Presently, there is talk about turning this VA facility to private developers for whatever, using the surrounding acres for housing and stores instead of a much needed hospital and possible housing units for veterans who desperately require housing.

Many are both jobless and homeless.

These factual statistics re: the high unemployment rates and lack of residences for our veterans who

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 22-28, 2011

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

fought for our country is beyond comprehension. Our U.S. Senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand will fight any effort to privatize use of this land. Good for them.

Leonore Brooks, Whitestone

Economy, Again To The Editor: Living in a Commonwealth which was one of the first to ban same sex marriage, I was proud to see my home state come to the forefront of social change again, as it was in the 1970s with abortion rights, in enacting marriage equality.

But Governor Cuomo’s signing ceremony remarks aside, New York is not the financial capital of the world without reason.

There is sorely needed money to be made through the implemen-

To The Editor: As members of Congress and President Obama seek a resolution to the nation’s fiscal woes, seniors in New York and around the country must not be sacrificed for the sake of a stronger balance sheet.

Programs like Medicare and Social Security are vital to seniors and must not be used as bargaining chips in negotiations over the nation’s debt limit. Half of all seniors rely on Social Security for 50 percent or more of their income and Medicare beneficiaries already pay an average of $5,500 each year in out of pocket costs for their medical benefits.

Any loss of benefits or increase in costs would prove catastrophic to countless seniors, robbing them of their financial security and health at a time when they are most in need of support.

Social Security did not contribute to the nation’s debt. Does it really make sense for it to be included in debt negotiations

now taking place in Washington, D.C.?

Seniors deserve peace of mind.

They need to know Medicare will always provide the affordable health care they depend on and that the promise of Social Security – which they have paid into all their lives - will always be honored.

The nation must deal with its debt crisis. And seniors understand that hard choices must be made, but arbitrary spending limits, privatization plans or plans that would reduce benefits are not acceptable.

Balancing the budget is important to the nation’s long-term well being, but protecting Medicare and Social Security is essential to the immediate well-being of the nation’s seniors. They must not become bargaining chips.

Marilyn Pinsky AARP NY State President

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

fax: (718) 357-9417

A Hyper-Local Politician Goes International A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2011 Tribco, LLC

tation of this new law, from licensure fees to, sadly, the costs of divorce. And while commentators are euphorically opining on how this is a game changer in the gay and lesbian rights fight, the reality is that business concerns, as much as cultural and political ones, will most likely drive any progress forward.

Another instance of “It’s the economy, stupid,” something that all 50 states can identify with, and perhaps should take advantage of. On the public safety issue alone, same sex marriage sure beats legalizing pot.

Karen Ann DeLuca, Alexandria, Va.

No Cuts To Seniors

Contributing Editor:

Shiek Mohamed

Letters

It’s been fun watching Assemblyman David Weprin go from being a local elected taking on issues that impact his hyper-local district and the State of New York, to now talking about international relations/foreign policy as he campaigns to fill Anthony Weiner’s vacated Ninth Congressional District seat.

Now he is challenging President Obama’s perceived lessthan-enthusiastic support for Israel. He is, at least in part, taking on that issue because former mayor Ed Koch has called on Jewish voters in the district to vote for Republican candidate Bob Turner as a message to President Obama for his “hostile position on the State of Israel.”

At almost 87 years old, Koch

still relishes an opportunity to set it off. We don’t have to agree with him and he doesn’t have to fear speaking his mind, but we can agree that he makes for great copy every time.

For more than two decades, years out of Gracie Mansion and City Hall, he still has the ability to get us talking. Who would’ve thought he would have inserted himself into a race to fulfill someone else’s term? But it’s good for the candidates. It’s forcing Weprin to show what he’s made of as he stumps for the Jewish vote.

Weprin has a little more going against him than Ed Koch, though. He does not live in the district he’s running to represent.

Not that there’s anything wrong with it! He is eligible to run while still living in Gary Ackerman’s district and move or choose not to move should he win. Federal

elected officials have more flexibility in their primary residence than local reps.

David Weprin, who is nothing if not an enthusiastic public servant, seems a tad uncomfortable in disagreeing with the president; but he will gain confidence and speak on these larger-thanlife issues as the campaign progresses throughout the summer.

Turner, who until now was unknown outside the district and not even known well within the district until he challenged Weiner last year, will indeed put up a good fight. He scored 40 percent of the vote against the entrenched incumbent only last year. He has a bit of an edge against Weprin since he ran before and gained name recognition. But the Weprin name must somehow have seeped across district lines well before now.

That is an iconic moniker in Queens politics, not just from David and his brother, Mark, the former-Assemblyman now-Councilman. Their father, the late Saul Weprin, made the name famous by serving as an Assemblyman and Speaker of the Assembly.

Should David win the Congressional seat, this will be the first time in about 40 years that there won’t be a Weprin in that Assembly seat. It will be the end of an era. and that’s fine too.

The 24th Assembly District is not a family heirloom to be passed from generation to generation. But that’s how it had seemed. Before running to replace Mark, David was an outstanding councilman who brought home the bacon as Finance chair of the City Council. Should he win the congressional race, he will be just as hardworking and make our party proud.

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Debt Ceiling Crisis Impends, But Catastrophe Is Unlikely Unless Sides Are Obstinate

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 22-28, 2011

By HENRY J. STERN The impending national debt crisis, now anticipated for August 2, 19 days from today, is not taken extremely seriously by many Americans because of their lack of trust in our government and skepticism over the statements, particularly threats, made by public officials.

The risk, however, is more substantial than anxiety induced by the Doomsday prophet from California who predicted the Henry world would end on May 21, 2011. The prognostication of fiscal disaster is about as credible as the firm budget pronouncement this spring by the administration that the City of New York would lay off the 4,100 most recently hired schoolteachers at the close of the school term on June 28. That forecast was repeated day after day in the tabloids, and may have induced some older teachers to retire, but it alarmed only the faintest of heart. This is New York.

In Washington, the widely publicized negotiations now taking place appear to have degenerated into a game of chicken, with each side maneuvering to place the blame for any loss of service s or entitlements on the other. Part of the problem is that there are more than two interests at the table, the White House, and the Senate and House Democrats and Republicans. Each has an interest in the outcome, and their demands and requirements are not the same.

We believe that compromise is the obvious solution, with a package of measures disagreeable to all constituencies. That was

the way the budget deal was worked out bet ween the Pre sident a nd Congress that was announced April 8, which now seems like a long time ago.

We also observe that the Pre sident got credit (and poll points) for the budget agreement, even though it did not comply with the demands of what is called his core constituency. On the other hand, and we don’t know exactly why this happened, Newt Gingrich Stern ended up being widely blamed for the Federal government’s partial shutdowns in 1995 and 1996. This came after his “Contract with America” campaign in 1994, which led to Republicans winning the House and Senate. ”Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.”

Rule 20-E as it applie s to politics is “Every thing is personal.” We don’t know enough of the scheming within the Republican party intended to isolate the Speaker, but our sympathies are basically with people who are trying to put an arrangement together than with those trying to extract the maximum political gain from a potent ial Constitutional crisis by placing others and themselves at risk. Card games for high stakes have a romant ic appeal to many Americans, but the nation’s credit and standing in the world economy should not be jeopardized by elected officials who dislike government in general and would take advantage of any oppor tunity to weaken or discredit it.

What government’s fiscal problems usu-

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

ally come down to is that people want more benefits for themselves and their businesses at lower costs than they are willing to pay.

This is to be accomplished by slaying a devil named “waste”, which often means what the other fellow is getting. When this combination of high rewards for low payments is found to be unattainable, as usually occurs, borrowing is the easiest way to postpone the reality of earning what you spend.

This happens in households, in corporations, and in nations from Greece to other lands which are basically subsistence economies, often ruled by tyrants with large appetites.

We predict, without the gifts of a soothsayer, that impending disaster will be staved off, at least for a while, although we cannot foresee the machinations that will be relied upon to achieve that result. The immediate outcome of the dispute, however, will be diminution of the reputations of the squabbling parties, especially if they display excessive self-interest and righteousness in their public statements. In times of crisis, there is a tendency to support the President, especially when those trying to destroy him are unappealing and not particularly interested in the plight of the less fortunate.

We have no idea who the public will ultimately blame for whatever may or may

not happen in the weeks to come. Much will depend on who the media choose to hold responsible. On one hand, a debt ceiling is like a rent stabilization level or earnings standard, which should resemble but not surpasss inflation. On the other, if you really hate government, you want to take any occasion you can to keep it from functioning.

Ultimately, victory will go to those who are perceived as more moderate, which suggests the arbitration process in which both parties are coaxed into making their best and final offers, and the arbitrator must choose one of them, which is a powerful inducement to the parties to be reasonable, lest their offers be rejected.

To put it more simply, that is t he equivalent in the home of having one child divide the cookie, or the slice of cake, and having the other then choose which slice he or she prefers. It promotes equality of sharing, which is accomplished on the basis of self-interest.

We watch the trains approach on the track, but unless politicians have become even more foolish than they have been, it is likely that a crash will be aver ted. Of course, in that situation, neither train will be able to get very far down the track, much less arrive at the next station on time.

StarQuest@nycivic.org

Police Blotter Compiled by DOMENICK RAFTER

103rd Precinct Found In Fire On Saturday, July 16, at approximately 5:55 p.m., police responded to a report of a truck on fire in the vicinity of South Road and 157th Street in Jamaica. Upon arrival, responding officers observed a tractor trailer container on fire inside of a lot.

FDNY also responded to the location and discovered an unconscious and unresponsive 47-year-old black woman inside the container when the fire was extinguished. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene and the Medical Examiner was to determine the cause of death.

The investigation was ongoing, and the identification of the woman is being withheld pending family notification.

106th Precinct Gunpoint Robbery The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in identifying suspects wanted for robbery in Ozone Park.

On Saturday, July 8, at approximately 1 a.m., the suspects, one armed with a gun, entered a private residence in Ozone Park. Once inside, the suspect put the victim, a 31-year-old black man, on the floor of the location and asked him where the money was. When the victim did not answer, the suspect struck him with the gun.

Police are looking for these men who tied up residents and robbed their home.

The suspects then proceeded to remove a safe from the bedroom of first victim and a cell phone from a second victim, a Hispanic man. The suspects then fled the location.

The suspects are described as five black men, between 20 and 25 years old, 5-foot-8 to 6-feet, all armed with black handguns.

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. All calls are kept confidential.

112th Precinct Push-in Attack The NYPD is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying two men wanted for a robbery in Forest Hills.

On Tuesday, July 12, at approximately

2:44 p.m., the suspects knocked on the door of a private residence in Forest Hills.

When the door was answered, the suspects pushed their way in at gunpoint, and had the victims lie on the floor and taped their hands.

The suspects then removed an undetermined amount of money from the victims – a 55-year-old woman, a 59-yearold man and a 30-year-old man – and the household and then fled the location.

There were no reported injuries.

The suspects are described as a 35year-old black man, 5-foot-9, medium build and a 40-year-old black man, 6-feet, stocky build.

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. All calls are kept confidential.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO REVEAL YOUR IDENTITY TO HELP SOLVE A CRIME.

July 22-28, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Campaign Finance:

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;13 City Races Coming Into Focus

BY BRIAN M. RAFFERTY With a July 15 filing deadline for the 2013 races for Council, Borough President and citywide office passing, the field of candidates is beginning to take shape for what is likely, in some areas to be interesting races.

Council Term Limits

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 22-28, 2011

Enacted in the late 1990s and in effect for the 2001 elections, term limits were created to end the monopoly that some elected officials held on seats in the Council and across the City. Though every Council member was dumped from office in 2001, and was to only serve to 2009, Mayor Mike Bloomberg urged the willing Council to extend an additional term, making those elected in 2001 set to leave office in 2013.

Though some Council members left to pursue higher office, were voted out or resigned in scandal, four of the original Class of 2001 remain - Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria), Jim Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows), Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) and James Sanders (D-Laurelton).

The other current members who do not face term limits in 2013 are Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone), who won his seat when Tony Avella opted against running for a third term on moral principle, launching a failed bid for mayor but eventually beating State Sen. Frank Padavan and joining the Senate; Peter Koo (RFlushing), who won his seat when John Liu became City Comptroller; Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst), who won a special election after Hiram Monserrate left for the Senate in 2008; Mark Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens), who won the 2009 election for the seat vacated by his brother David, who unsuccessfully ran for Comptroller, and who is now running in a special election for Congress; Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights), who ousted incumbent Helen Sears in a Democratic Primary in 2008; Jimmy Van Bramer (DSunnyside), who won the seat vacated

by Eric Gioia, who ran a failed bid for Public Advocate; Ruben Wills (D-South

Ozone Park), who won a special election following the death of Thomas White Jr.; Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills), who won the seat vacated by Melinda Katz who launched a bid for Comptroller; Liz Crowley (D-Middle Village), who was the eventual winner in a seat that changed hands twice after the resignation of Dennis Gallagher; and Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), who won a special election to replace Joe Addabbo, who won a State Senate seat.

In the Vallone seat, Costa Constantinides appears ready to take on all comers, and is the only known factor in the race; Mike Simanowitz had been the only candidate known to be gearing up to take a run for the Gennaro seat, but has since cancelled his City account with CFB and is running in a special election to replace Assemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn (D-Flushing); and as of now nobody has filed to get in the race for the seats held by Comrie and Sanders.

Borough President Comrie has been long discussed to be the Queens Democratic Party choice for borough president, a job held by Helen Marshall for three terms, though his July filing shows on a single donation of $250 for the filing period. Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Ozone Park) had been considered the favorite for the Dems, but she recently accepted the position of Queens County Clerk and has cancelled her CFB account.

Another likely contender, though he has not made his plans for 2013 public, is Vallone, who raised $71,740 in the current filing and has $864,981 on hand. He has not been a favorite of the Queens Democratic Organization, and may leave them scrambling to find a Democratic primary opponent who has the ability to raise money and has as much name recognition.

July 2011 Campaign Finance Board filings

Who Has What?

The numbers from the latest CFB filing may not tell much about what exactly will happen in 2013, but there is some reading between the lines that can be done.

For Koo, his biggest expense in this past filing period was for a fund-raiser held at Mulan Restaurant in Flushing that cost $11,080. The investment worked, as Koo raked in at least $58,375 from that evening. As a first-term Republican in a traditionally Democratic seat, he will certainly face a strong opponent, but none of the 2009 challengers have thrown their hat in the ring yet.

Karen Koslowitz and Mark Weprin are the only others who have filed for specific Council seats. A loyal supporter of the party, most of Koslowitz's expenses for the filing period, outside of fund-raising, were payments to other campaigns, including $250 to U.S. Rep Joe Crowley, $50 to Councilman Danny Dromm and $200 to Mike Simanowitz's Assembly campaign; she also donated $300 to the Democrats of Queens County and $190 to the John Kennedy Democratic Club in Forest Hills. For Weprin, who may face a challenge from perennial candidate Bob Friedrich of Glen Oaks, a Democrat who

has run previously on the Republican line.

For the "undeclared" candidates who already sit in office and are gearing up for 2013, Crowley, Dromm and Van Bramer have $67,967, $5,527 and $21,316 on hand respectively.

Other undeclared candidates, besides Constantinides, are Alfonso Quiroz and Martha Taylor who fall into a unique situation. They had both started Council campaigns before the term limit extension went into effect, and then "froze" their funds to use toward a 2013 campaign. The money they show in their balances is simply a carryover from the 2009 campaign and doesn't indicate if they will seek office in 2013.

In a similar vein, Vallone has created a bid in 2009 for citywide office, but put that on hold to run for re-election to the Council.

His current campaign filing includes an $88,870 adjustment that counts as an expense toward any 2013 bid. The spending cap for participants in the CFB matching funds program for Borough President is $1.44 million for both primary and general elections; the cap for Council runs is $168,000.

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

2009 Campaigns Hit By Fines From CFB

BY DOMENICK RAFTER As the first filing this year for the 2013 Citywide races got underway last week, the City Campaign Finance Board slapped violations on a number of 2009 City Council campaigns in Queens districts.

Both the 2009 campaigns of Councilman Mark Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens) and Bob Friedrich, who opposed each other for the East Queens seat vacated by Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Little Neck) made the CFB's list of offenders. Weprin's campaign was ordered to repay $16,346 in public funds.

Friedrich's campaign was fined $433

for two separate corporate contributions.

He also received a payment of $4,615 in public funds for the CFB. The campaign of Debra Markell, who ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination in the Bayside-based district eventually won by Dan Halloran (RWhitestone), was ordered to repay $1,046 in public funds and was issued two minor violations, but received no penalties.

Former Councilwoman Helen Sears's campaign was fined $2,500 for two corporate contributions and over-the-limit donations and ordered to repay $75 in public funds. Sears lost the 2009 Democratic primary to Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights).

Also on the list was Lew Simon, who ran in the 2009 special election to replace now-State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) that was ultimately won by Councilman Eric Ulrich (ROzone Park). Simon was fined $650 for filing a disclosure statement late and failing to accurately report cash receipts.

He was also ordered to repay $4,926 in public funds.

The campaign of Gerald Esposito, who finished third in the Democratic primary for the Ridgewood seat won by incumbent Councilwoman Diana Reyna (D-Brooklyn), was hit with the largest fine, $23,375, for at least four different violations including three illegal corporate

contributions, failure to substantially address questions during the audit, receiving contributions from unregistered political committees and the biggest violation, exceeding the limit for expenditures.

CFB records indicate Markell, Sears, Simon and Weprin have all repaid the public funds as ordered.

The CFB often deals with violations in campaign finance law in city-level campaigns at its scheduled meetings.

Those meetings are live streamed on the CFB's Web site at nyccfb.info/live.

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

Borough Beat

Road Rage Sparks Brazen Shooting Gunshots shattered a quiet summer evening on a quaint Kew Gardens street last week, leaving one man dead, another injured and a neighborhood stunned.

At around 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, brothers Roberto Adanes, 25, and Jovanny, 30, were sitting in a car double parked on Austin Street near Roberto's apartment at 84-50 Austin St., just south of Lefferts Boulevard at Eight Oaks Triangle, bordered by Austin and 125th Streets and 84th Avenue. A white work van with Connecticut plates, tried to get

around the double-parked vehicle. Multiple witnesses say the incident led to a fight between the two men who were in the white van, white men in their 40s, and the Adanes brothers that escalated into the triangle.

At least one witness said the fight got physical before the two men in the white van drove away, down 125th Street toward Kew Gardens Road and disappeared near Maple Grove Cemetery. But the men returned only minutes later brandishing a gun.

Witness accounts say Roberto told the shooter, "don't do it. You don't want to do this" before he shot Jovanny once in the face and Roberto in the chest and torso four times. Roberto fell where he was shot, in the middle of 125th Street.

Multiple witnesses said five shots in total were fired. The suspect also threatened at least one witness who confronted the suspect as he and his accomplice walked away from the scene.

Police from the 102nd Precinct responded within minutes. One witness

called the police before the shots were fired reporting the fight. Roberto Adanes was taken to Jamaica Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Jovanny was also taken to Jamaica Hospital in stable condition.

At least two residents near the site said the suspects had been seen in the neighborhood before.

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Domenick Rafter

After nearly 10 years of planning and three months of debate, Community Board 5 approved the Dept. of Transportation's planned Maspeth Bypass on July 13, setting the stage for implementation of the changes to the five-legged intersection in West Maspeth that will allow trucks to be rerouted away from residential sections of Maspeth and Grand and Flushing Avenues.

By a 33-5 vote, Community Board 5 approved a plan to "normalize" the 5-way intersection of Maspeth Avenue, Maurice Avenue, 58th Street, 57th Place and 56th Terrace. Under the new plan, 58th Street will become a one-way southbound and

Maurice Avenue will become a one-way northbound between the intersection and 55th Drive. The change will significantly reduce the number of conflicts in the intersection.

The vote was tabled twice this spring because of opposition from businesses around the intersection; the DOT tweaked the plan from its original proposal, including trashing the idea of making 57th Place a one way northbound from Rust Street to Maspeth Avenue after the owners of the Clinton Diner expressed concern the change would affect access to its parking lot.

Even with the changes, at least one

company - Junior's Cheesecakes - still has an issue with the change. The designation of Maurice Avenue as one-way makes it impossible for trucks to access the company's loading docks. DOT changed the plan to allow trucks to unload curbside on Maurice Avenue, but Jason Schwartz, a representative from Junior's who spoke at last week's CB 5 meeting, said that plan would not work for his business.

"Our product is a cold product," he said. "The temperatures need to be maintained."

Some members of the board opposed the plan entirely, citing it as "unnecessary." At least one member told the DOT

not to "fix what's not broken." In response, Queens DOT Commissioner Maura McCarthy said the agency had to realign the intersection because up to 200 more trucks per hour will be sent through the intersection.

"When we do that, the intersection will be broken," she said.

Maspeth residents have been fighting to get truck traffic off of Grand and Flushing Avenues since 2001, but the city only prioritized the project in the last couple of years.

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Domenick Rafter

CB5 OK's Maspeth Truck Plan Fix

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July 22-28, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Long Island: Olive Branch Book-

pix

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

Improving Jamaica

Photos by Walter Karling

The 32nd Annual meeting of the Members of the Jamaica Center Improvement Association was held at the Harvest Room in the heart of downtown Jamaica Tuesday, June 28.

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 22-28, 2011

The Executive Board poses for an official group 2011 remembrance photo at the successful end of this year's meeting.

Executive Director Laurel Brown presenting the organization's Man of the Year Award to Zane Tankel, Chairman and CEO of Applebee's.

Board President Michael Hirschhorn of Jenel Management Corporation cordially welcomed the attendees to the meeting.

Featured speaker Anita Durst, Founder and Executive Producer of Chasama, the non-profit group of theaters, gallery spaces, and studios, gave an overview of the arts scene in downtown Jamaica.

Featured speaker Rebecca Reich of Con Edison's Green Team informed the audience on how local businesses can greatly save on their energy costs.

Profile

Nursing Home ‘Backbone’ Retires

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 22-28, 2011

Windsor Park Nursing Home said goodbye to a member of their family last Friday when Annie Barrow, 81, retired after a decade of service.

Barrow grew up in North Carolina during the Jim Crow days, which was a lot different than life back home today.

Back then, Barrow said people knew the rules and followed them. It was during that time she decided her lifelong profession.

“I’ve always, from a little girl, wanted to be a nurse,” Barrow said. When growing up, she played doctor with her siblings and friends.

Barrow moved to New York City when she was 19. She attended nursing school at Queensborough Community College before enrolling into Hunter College and St. Joseph’s University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in community health.

In April 1952, Barrow went on a blind date with a man named James. After a short courtship, the two married in October of that year. They were married 58 years before James passed away last year.

“He was a fun guy,” Barrow said of her late husband.

Barrow started her nursing career at Queens General Hospital, where she

Photo by Veronica Lewin

BY VERONICA LEWIN

Barrow said she loves looking after people. “Seeing the residents relate to me and feeling better because of me, that’s the best part of my job,” she said.

During her decade at Windsor Park, Barrow was the registered nurse on duty for the more than 70 residents. She worked whenever she could, and rotated between all three shifts.

Dr. Mark Gersten worked with Barrow the entire decade and gave her a framed poem he wrote for her.

“I have a friend named Annie/Barrow’s her last name,” the poem begins.

“When she leaves from Windsor Park/things just won’t be the same.”

Employee Narinder Kaur Annie Barrow holds a poem given to her by Dr. Mark described Barrow as her “backGersten at her retirement party July 15. bone,” willing to cover any open shift.

“At her age, I don’t think I worked for 35 years until her retirement in 1990. A decade later, one of Barrow’s could do it, honestly,” said Kaur.

Colleague Bonnie Blake said the nursfriends, who worked at Windsor Park, told her the home was looking for more ing home had to hire three people to renurses. Barrow decided to go back to place Barrow and is still looking for more people to hire in Barrow’s absence. work.

After 62 years in the Big Apple, Barrow is moving to San Antonio, Texas with one of her daughters and granddaughter.

She has not decided if she will continue working or volunteer in Texas.

“I don’t know, I’ll have to find myself when I get there,” Barrow said.

Barrow said she will miss the staff at Windsor Park, who she called her family.

She plans to visit in a year.

“They tolerated me, but most of all they respected me and I liked that,” Barrow said. “They gave me lots of respect, that meant more to me than anything else - even the ones I had to yell at,” she said, laughing.

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

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Artists Finds New Medium: Nature

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Rock In The Flowers

event there will be food sold that is related to the culture of the performance.

The North American Hindu Temple The dog days of summer are around the corner and the temperatures are ris- Society, which has previously performed ing. One place where people can relax at the Gardens, is the largest and oldest and enjoy the shade is in Flushing, at the Hindu Temple in North America. It will Queens Botanical Garden, home to "Mu- feature the choir from the temple led by sic in the Garden," the site's first-ever Grammy Award-winner Chandilla Tandon and dancing featuring traditional Indian series of summer concerts.

QBG Executive Director Susan costumes with a combination of Indian Lacerte and director of development and Western music.

Mohan Ramaswamy, who is the direcDarcy Hector said they have been plantor of outreach, and his ning the concerts for wife Radhika, who writes months and are eager for the temple, said they for it to begin. Not only are looking forward to will there be music, but performing and hope the each concert will be a concert is a success. family event where evPeople should come so eryone can share in they can get a taste of a each other's cultures, variety of cultures, they Hector said. said.

"It's a new outreach "It's an attractive to different programs," QBG Executive Director Susan Lacerte said. "We know Lacerte (l. to r.), Director of De- type of people who have that they have the velopment Darcy Hector and Tina an open mind," he said.

Kang of the Korean Traditional "If you only listen to power to reach out."

The series begins Music and Dance Institute of New Lady Gaga, it's not for this Saturday when York announce the concert series. you."

People will be able to Argentinean singer experience the Korean Sofia Rei is scheduled to perform. On Aug. 13, artists from the culture, said Tina Kang, the dance instrucKorean Traditional Dance and Music In- tor at the KTMDI. If there is one thing stitute of New York will dance and drum that the Korean culture is known for, it is into the night. There will be a Chinese the drumming, Kang said.

"It's something everyone can enjoy," music dance and opera on Aug. 27. Lastly, on Oct. 1, members of the North Ameri- Kang said. "They are going to feel the can Hindu Temple Society will perform. energy of Korea."

Reach Intern Jason Cohen at All of the events will take place 6:45 p.m. after the park is closed and the only fee is jcohen@queenstribune.com or (718) 357for entrance to the Gardens. Also, at each 7400, Ext. 124.

BY JASON COHEN

July 22-28, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

On a lazy Sunday afternoon, a guest and I wandered over to Mediterranean Grill for an early dinner. Set in an unimpressive strip mall across the street from a McDonald’s, this Greek spot is a hidden gem.

Quickly seated by the friendly and knowledgeable wait staff, we were offered a choice between standard menu fare and the specials. Deciding in favor of variety, we chose to try a mix of their best appetizers and special entrees.

While we waited for our appetizers, Grilled Octopus, Saganaki and Zucchini Chips, I admired the view. Seated at a table overlooking the expansive front windows, complete with hanging flowers and standing pots filled with the same, gives one the feel of being far away from the urban-suburban hubbub that is Queens.

Grilled Octopus is a treat that I would recommend only for the more adventurous diner. Long, black charred tentacles are plated with a mix of chopped vegetables, and the signature house dressing. It took no little bit of courage to dig in, but once we did, we were rewarded with tender, meaty octopus, which is set off perfectly by the veggies.

The Saganaki, fried kefalograviera cheese with black sesame seeds and spicy honey, is a treat for the eye as well as the palate. The spicy honey and tangy yogurt sauce combine to form an addictive burst of flavor.

Addictive was the word of the day at Mediterranean Grill. The Zucchini

Chips can be described by no other word. Thin rounds of zucchini are battered and lightly fried – perfect for dipping into either the roasted garlic spread or yogurt sauce. The roasted garlic has a smooth texture and subtle flavor that brings out the sweetness of the zucchini.

Not to be outdone, the yogurt sauce brings out the salty, fried goodness of the zucchini chips. Not a dish for the dedicated dieter; you can’t eat just one.

As a special treat for this falafel connoisseur, instead of the usual sandwich, they brought a plate of falafel and yogurt sauce. Although my tastes are hard to satisfy, this did the trick. The falafel is lightly fried with a flaky crust, understated flavor, and just a hint lemon and cumin.

While waiting for the entrees, we munched a Greek Salad, a traditional mix of chopped greens, olives, onion and tomato, with a generous helping of feta cheese and their signature dressing.

The feta showed all the appropriate signs of freshness, and the house dressing was sweet and tangy without the usual bite of a vinaigrette.

Our entrees, Tilapia Athenian and Chicken Portobello, looked as good as they tasted. The Tilapia Athenian is grilled to perfection and wrapped around a spinach, feta and leek stuffing, with sautéed vegetables on the side.

The Chicken Portobello is a hearty meal for the true mushroom lover; a chicken breast topped by spinach, sliced Portobellos and mozzarella in a light mushroom gravy. The side, thick wedges of lemon potato, is a perfectly addictive palate cleanser.

Prices range from a low of $3.50 for the soup of the day to $45 for a combination dinner platter for two of lamb, Romanian steak, chicken and pork.

With plenty of choices that range in the $9-$18 range, Mediterranean Grill is a delightful choice for lunch, or a night on the town.

materials that fell and littered the street to create an art collection.

"You can express yourself with whatever you have in your environment," he said.

Okey uses all natural materials to make his sculptures.

Most of the sculptures in the exhibit are connected using twine. He stressed that he only uses dead Sycamore branches that have fallen from the tree. This method prevents him from wasting trees and is also easier to work with, Okey works on a Sycamore branch sculpture for his as dried branches are less ongoing art exhibit at Gallery 161 in Jamaica. prone to insect infestation.

"Instead of putting them into the in- try. His next stop will be Texas, where he cinerator to burn them, we're now giving will open another art exhibit with materinew life by turning them into fresh and als near his environment.

Okey is offering workshops on how artistic sculptures," he said.

Okey said he gets the best trees from to turn vegetal materials from around the the Baisley Pond Park. When he finds City into works of art by using his techbranches, he drags them back to the stu- niques. The workshops will be held at dio, prompting many people who pass Gallery 161 on July 23 and July 30. For Okey on the street to ask him what he is more information, contact (347) 433or e-mail doing. He enjoys when passersby ask be- 8071 cause it gives him a chance to educate mutambaprojectsintl@gmail.com.

Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at them on his green initiative.

After the exhibit's conclusion, Okey vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, plans to take his talent around the coun- Ext. 123.

Photo by Veronica Lewin

A new art exhibit strives to educate Queens residents on the benefits of using the surrounding environment to express creativity.

The "Faces of New York" art exhibit began July 14 and features an extensive collection created by artist Okey of works of art handmade from Sycamore branches. Okey's collection can be seen at Gallery 161, located at 90-26 161st St. in Jamaica, from now until Aug. 8.

After trying different materials, Okey decided to use the Sycamore tree because of its "outstanding qualities." There is also an abundance of these trees in the New York City area, making it easy

for Okey to get enough material.

"It's one of the most versatile trees in New York City," he said. "There are so many of them. Anywhere you go, you see them."

Okey has been an artist for 29 years.

Originally from Anambra State, Nigeria, Okey got his start by selling hats made out of cocoa-nut palm broom. He made his first hat to protect himself from the sun, but started making more hats after people offered him money for his work.

He sold his first hat in 1983 for 2 naira and continued to make and sell hats for the next two years.

This is Okey's second phase of his green project. His first phase was in Santa Monica, Calif. in 2000, where he used

Photo by Jason Cohen

BY VERONICA LEWIN

Faith

EQUAL Continues Battles For Boro

BY VERONICA LEWIN

Word “Difference of opinion is helpful in religion.”

Thomas Jefferson

Notebook Graduation Day ‘Angel’ Assemblywoman:

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 22-28, 2011

Photo By Bob Harris

The guest speaker at the graduation ceremony of the Business, Computer Applications and Entrepreneurship High School in the Campus Magnet Complex, Cambria Heights, was Assemblywoman Barbara Clark. She is considered the “Angel” of the Campus Magnet Complex due to her strong support for the four schools situated there. Her four children attended the former Andrew Jackson H.S. located in the building and she was very active in the PTA prior to becoming an Assemblywoman. Shown at the ceremony are (l. to r.) Assistant Principal Organization Doreen E. Sherman, Clark, Principal Dr. Herman Guy and Assistant Principal Personnel Atina Modesta.

sioner Maura McCarthy to improve road conditions in Southeast Queens. While there is still more work to do, Marquis is content with the progress and cooperation thus far.

The meeting addressed problems at the 20-building Rochdale Village cooperative housing unit. According to resident Sylvia Chacon, very few repairs have been made to the building since it opened around 55 years ago.

Chacon said the 5,800 families in the cooperative have dealt with gas leaks, plumbing problems, and a EQUAL has been fighting for improvements to the Rochdale deteriorating structure. Village co-op building after several complaints from resiFrom the end of April to the dents. beginning of July, Chacon and the other residents in her building but this could cause a serious problem,” were without gas. She said they were not said Chacon. “This is a hazardous situanotified prior to the gas being shut off, tion. It has been corrected in my building, and were forced to use electric appliances but it took them five and a half weeks.” that were not provided by the coopera- EQUAL plans to continue to push for tive. The board of directors for Rochdale renovations in Rochdale Village.

Village said it would be too costly to do Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, preventive maintenance at this time.

“They feel that this is too expensive, Ext. 123.

Photo by Ira Cohen

Steps have been taken to improve the quality of life for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities this year in Southeast Queens, but one group wants even more progress to be made in the next six months.

More than 300 religious and civic leaders from Empowered Queens United in Action and Leadership and Metro Industrial Areas Foundation met on July 14 at the New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Jamaica to discuss the progress they have made over the last six months during their Senior Citizen Quality of Life campaign.

The organization EQUAL started 20 years ago, and is dedicated to building citizen power for working families and immigrants in the borough. The group fights for public policies that will change the lives of low- and middle-income residents.

EQUAL is calling on U.S. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer to prevent more federal cuts in social security.

“Social Security is not a burden to our country,” said the Rev. Russell Marquis, pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Jamaica. “It’s more of a blessing to particularly our seniors, elders and those who are disabled.”

EQUAL leaders also took the time to celebrate the anniversary of the opening of the Rochdale Village charter school, housed in the New Jerusalem Baptist Church. One second grade student gave a presentation of what she had learned during her first year at the charter school, highlighting her accomplishment of reading more than 70 books during the academic year. According to Marquis, enrollment has nearly doubled to 140 students for the 2011-2012 school year.

Following complaints of long lines and poor customer service at the Social Security office in Jamaica, EQUAL asked the office to make improvements to better serve their customers. According to Marquis, the office plans to add more seating, improve signs, and change the entrance way to make it more accessible to residents. Making these changes will impact thousands –if not tens of thousandsof people, Marquis said, due to the high volume of customers the office experiences.

EQUAL also partnered with Queens Department of Transportation Commis-

People munity College of the Air Force.

She is the sister of Casandra Toole of St. Albans. Joyner graduated in 2009 from Bayside High School.

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

She is the sister of Jewel Lucas of Jamaica. James graduated in 2002 from Hillcrest High School, Jamaica.

Charmaine J. Joyner Air Force Airman Charmaine J. Joyner graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

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

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Com-

Forestdale, a Queens nonprofit that provides innovative social services to parents and children in inner-city communities, held its first-ever benefit at the William Bennett Gallery. More than 110 supporters were in attendance, including New York City Council Member James Sanders, Jr. "We are thrilled with our first event," said Anstiss Agnew, Executive Director of Forestdale. "It was truly a fun evening and we raised some money for Forestdale.

The most exciting part was the opportunity for our organization to be introduced

Attendees enjoy themselves at the Forestdale fundraiser. to so many new friends. These are people who care about children and families in our community. It was a great success for us."

The highlight of the night was a dance performance by four young people in the Forestdale Preparing Youth for Adulthood program. The dancers worked for months to develop the choreography.

After the performance, instructor Bianca Golden praised their dedication. "I am so proud of these kids," she said, taking one of the performers by the hand. "Sometimes they doubt that they can achieve anything. But I tell them that once you follow through on a performance like this, you know better."

Along with the moving dance perfor-

mance, the evening featured specialty cocktails provided by Double Cross Vodka, wine provided by Banfi Vintners, cupcakes from Felicia Dessert Designs, and a musical performance by jazz musician Devin Bing. The space was donated courtesy of the William Bennett Gallery.

Forestdale is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the families of Queens.

Forestdale's programs include foster care, preventive services and support for parenting teens. In addition, Forestdale hosts the nationally recognized Fathering Initiative, which works to strengthen the bond between non-custodial fathers and their children. Founded in 1854, Forestdale now touches the lives of thousands of children and families every year.

July 22-28, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

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

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

DANCE LINE DANCING Saturdays 2-4 at Holy Family RC Parish Church, Msgr.

Mahoney Hall, 175-20 74 th Avenue, Fresh Meadows.

Light refreshments. Bring friends!

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 22-28, 2011

HEALTH HEALTH FAIR/BLOCK Saturday, July 23 Springf ield/Rosedale Communit y Action and others will sponsor a block part y and health fair 12-8 on 225 th Street between 1246 th and 147 th Avenues, Rosedale. Games, vendors, music, entertainment, fitness fun and more.

Raindate July 30 th.

INTRO YOGA Saturday, July 23 at the Steinway library and at the LIC library. Register.

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

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.

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.

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

Register.

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

IMPROVE MEMORY Monday, July 25 Davis International presents Improvi n g Yo u r M e m o r y a t t h e Flushing library at 6.

ALZHEIMERS Tuesday, July 26 Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills. 592-5757, ext. 237. t e r , 1 3 - 0 0 2 0 9 th S t r e e t , Bayside, will hold Zumba Fitness classes from 7:30-8:30. $8 members, $10 others.

428-6363.

YOUTH

ENTERTAINMENT ANTIGONE Saturday, July 23 at the Forest Hills library at 2. Monday, August 1 at the Flushing library at 6.

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 at the 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.

MODERN CUBAN SON Saturday, July 23 at 3 at the Jackson Heights library. Saturday, July 30 at 2 at the Flushing library.

MATTHEW FISHTEYN Monday, July 25 at the Hillcrest library at 6:30. Pianist/composer performs jazz, rag time, pop and rock and roll.

MET OPERA Tuesday, July 26 7-8 Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series at Socrates Sculpt u r e Pa r k , 3 2 - 0 1 Ve r n o n Blvd. at Broadway, LIC. 9561819.

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 at the 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.

MODERN CUBAN SON Saturday, July 23 at 3 at the Jackson Heights library.

FAMILY FILM Tuesday, July 26 Pomonok library. Register.

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 27, August 3, 10, 17 Cultural Dive r s i t y o f Q u e e 4 n s w i t h Outdoor Cinema 2001 at 7 at Socrates Park.

POETRY EXCHANGE Wednesday, July 27 at the Hillcrest library at 2.

KARAOKE Wednesday, July 27 at 5:30 at the Flushing library.

YIDDISH THEATRE Wednesday, July 27 musical salute to Molly Picon at 6:30 Forest Hills library, SGT. COLLINS PARK Thursday, July 28 Love Connection performs rock and pop. 7 at Sgt. Collins Park, Broadway and 58 th Street, Woodside.

SUMMER MOVIES Friday, July 29 “The Human Experience. Friday, August

5 “Secretariat.” 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 its 7 th International Outdoor Film, dance and music series. 592-9700.

POW WOW Friday, July 29 gates open at 6, performances 7-10. Saturday, July 30 gates open at 10, performances 1-5 and 7-10. Sunday, July 31 gates open at 10, performances 15. 33 rd Annual Thunderbird American Indian Mid-Summer Pow Wow at the Queens Count y Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway. $10 adults. 347-FARM. BRAZILIAN ROMANCE Saturday, July 30 at the Broadway library at 2:30.

WOMEN IN HIP HOP Saturday, July 30 lecture and performance with DuEwa Frazier at the Langston Hughes library at 2:30.

OLDIES Saturday, July 30 rock and roll, doo-wop and pop at 2:30 at the Ridgewood library.

JAZZ Saturday, July 30 Gordon Au and the Grand Street Stompers.

August 4 Jazzmobile in front of the museum at 7. August 20 Baby Soda Jazz Band.

Armstrong House Museum.

478-8274.

GARDEN PART Y Sunday, July 31 one of the oldest houses in the Douglaston Historic District will hold a House Tour and Garden Part y from 2-5. $35.

105 Depew Avenue.

COUNTRY WESTERN Sunday, July 31 NY Metropolitan Country Music Association presents the Mary Lamont Band at Seuffert Bandshell, Forest Park Drive, Forest Park, Woodhaven at 7.

MEETINGS 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 The Emergency Communications Service meets in Briarwood.

357-6851.

TALK OF THE TOWN Tu e s d a y s , A u g u s t 2 , 1 6 , September 6, 20 learn the art of public speaking in St. Albans at 7:15. 640-7092.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT Wednesday, August 3, Tuesday, August 16 at Holy Family in Fresh Meadows. 9692448.

GAY MEN Thursdays, August 4, 18 Queens Pride House Men’s Group meet. 429-5309.

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

MATH HELP Saturdays at the Flushing library at 10.

CHESS CLUB Every Saturday at the Flushing library at 2.

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

PUPPETMOBILE Sunday, July 24 Shine and the Moonbeams and more at 3 at Queensbridge Park, 41 st Avenue and Vernon Blvd.

READ TO ME Monday, July 25 at the Fresh Meadows library at 10:30.

DRAMA CLUB Monday, July 25 at the Arverne library at 2.

SUMMER READING Mondays through August 8 at the Laurelton library at 2.

GIRL SCOUTS Mondays, July 25, August 1 at the Hollis library at 3:30.

SING Monday, July 25 sing and celebrate around the world Briarwood library at 2.

READ TO ME Monday, July 25 Hillcrest library at 2.

BOOK REPORT Monday, July 25Lefrak Cit y library. Register.

ARTS & CRAFTS Monday, July 25 at the McGoldrick library. Register.

MATT BROWN Monday, July 25 at 10:30 at Rochdale Park, NY Blvd. and 134 th Avenue.

WORLD TRAVELERS Monday, July 25Peninsula library at 2.

READING & CRAFTS Monday, July 25Windsor Park library. Register.

READING CIRCLE Monday, July 25 at the North Hills library. Register.

CROCHET Monday, July 25Rosedale library at 3.

GREEK HEROES Monday, July 25 recycled art project at the Broadway library. Register.

LANDSCAPE ARTISTS Monday, July 25 at the Astoria library. Register.

MOVIE NIGHT Monday, July 25 Arverne library at 5.

S TORY T I M E Tuesday, July 26 bilingual storytime at the Astoria library at 10:30.

DINOSAURS Tu e s d a y, J u l y 2 6 a t t h e Laurelton library. Register.

STORY & CRAFT Tuesday, July 26 at the Central library at 2.

READING GRADES 1-3 Tuesday, July 26 Lefrak Cit y library. Register.

SUMMER READING Tuesday, July 26 Maspeth library at 2.

DROP IN & READ Tuesday, July 26 at the Peninsula library at 2.

FAMILY FILM Tuesday, July 26 Pomonok library. Register.

READING 4-6 GRADES

Tu e s d a y, J u l y 2 6 S o u t h Ozone Park library at 2.

ARTS & CRAFTS Tu e s d a y, J u l y 2 6 a t t h e North Hills library. Register.

CROCHET CLUB Tuesdays, July 26, August 2, 9 at the Douglaston library.

Register.

WII & BOARD GAMES Tuesdays, July 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23 Bayside library at 3.

READING CRAFT Tuesdays, July 26, August 2, 9 at the Broad Channel library. Register.

THEATRICKS Tu e s d a y, J u l y 2 6 a t t h e Elmhurst library at 3.

GIRL SCOUTS DESIGN Tu e s d a y, J u l y 2 6 a t t h e Laurelton library. Register.

SUMMER READING Tuesdays, July 26, August 2, 9, 16 at the North Forest Park library at 3.

CHESS CLUB Tuesdays, July 26, August 2, 9, 16 Steinway library at 3:30.

LIC CHESS Tuesdays, July 26 at the LIC library at 3:45.

MATH WIZARDS Tuesdays, July 26, August 9 at the Arverne library at 4.

STORY & CRAFT Tuesday, July 26 at the Central library at 4.

ACTIVITY DAY Tu e s d a y, J u l y 2 6 a t t h e McGoldrick library at 4.

BOOK BUDDIES Tu e s d a y, J u l y 2 6 a t t h e Ridgewood library at 4.

KIDS CAN COOK Tu e s d a y, J u l y 2 6 a t t h e Sunnyside library. Register.

CHESS LESSONS Tuesdays, July 26, August 2, 9, 16 at the Windsor Park library. Register.

LEARN CHESS Tuesdays, July 26, August 2, 9 Rosedale library at 4:30.

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

READ TO ME Wednesday, July 27 Bay Terrace library at 10:30.

READ TO ME CLUB Wednesday, July 27 Bellerose librar y. Register.

READ & PLAY Wednesday, July 27 Broadway library at 10:30.

FILM FEST Wednesday, July 27 at the Central library at 10:30.

STORY TIME Wednesday, July 27 Fresh Meadows library at 10:30.

TAKE ME TO THE WORLD Wednesday, July 27 Peninsula library at 10:30.

READ TO ME Wednesday, July 27 Rosedale library at 10:30.

FAMILY PLAY TIME Wednesday, July 27 Queensboro Hill library. Register.

READER ROUNDUP Wednesday, July 27 Glendale library at 2.

PRE-SCHOOLERS Wednesday, July 27 Lefrak Cit y library. Register.

WORLD EXPLORERS Wednesday, July 27 Peninsula library at 2.

WEEKLY CRAFTS Wednesday, July 27 at the Bay Terrace library at 3:30.

FUN READING CLUB Wednesday, July 27 Bay Terrace library at 3:30.

BABYMOUSE CLUB Wednesday, July 27 at the Arverne library at 4.

KNITTING Wednesday, July 27 Bayside library at 4.

GAME DAY Wednesday, July 27 at the Howard Beach library at 4.

TOPS TRUMP CARD Wednesdays, July 27, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 tournament LIC library at 4.

KIDS CAN COOK Wednesday, July 27 at the Steinway library. Register.

GIRL SCOUTS Thursdays, July 28, August 4 Rosedale library at 1.

WORLD OF CRAFTS Thursdays, July 28, August 4 Glendale library at 2.

PUPPETMOBILE Thursday, July 28 at Queensbridge Park, 41st Avenue and Vernon Blvd. at 10:30.

SUMMER CRAFTS Thursday, July 28 Pomonok library. Register.

ARTS & CRAFTS Thursday, July 28 Steinway library. Register.

GAME TIME Thursday, July 28 at the North Hills library at 3:30.

CRAFT TIME Every Thursday at 3:30 at the Ozone Park library.

ARTS & CRAFTS Thursday, July 28 a t t h e McGoldrick library. Register.

ARTS & CRAFTS Thursday, July 28 at the Steinway library. Register.

T WILIGHT TALES Thursday, July 28 Douglaston library. Register.

TODDLER CRAFTS Friday, July 29 Briarwood library. Register.

FAMILY STORY TIME Friday, July 29 Queensboro Hill library at 11.

CREATIVE WRITING Friday, July 29 Bayside library at 2.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays at 2 at the Queens Village library.

GAME DAY Friday, July 29 at the Bay Terrace library at 2:30.

DESIGN SQUAD Friday, July 29 at the Pomonok library at 2:30.

GAME DAY Friday, July 29 at the Arverne library at 3.

FLASH FRIDAY Friday, July 29 Ozone Park library at 3.

KIDS GAME DAY Friday, July 29 Rosedale library at 3.

CHESS CLUB Friday, July 29 Auburndale library at 3:30.

BOOK BUDDIES Friday, July 29 Bayside library at 4.

UNO Friday, July 29 at the McGoldrick library at 4.

YU-GI-OH Friday, July 29 Queensboro Hill library at 4.

CHESS LESSONS Friday, July 29 Windsor Park library. Register.

CHESS CLUB Friday, July 29 Woodside library at 4.

What’s Up SATURDAY, JULY 23 Youth & Tennis The Youth and Tennis group meets every Saturday morning at Roy Wilkins Park Saturday. To learn more, call Bill Briggs at (718) 658-6728.

nationalactionnetwork.net, or contact Lois Menyweather at (646) 284-1689 or QueensNatioanlActionNetwork@gmail.com.

This free event will take place at Calvary Baptist Church, 111-10 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., from 6-8 p.m.

Walkers for Wellness Club

Raiders of the Lost Ark

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.

Tai Chi Learn the basics of this ancient Chinese martial art that combines exercise, moving meditation, and self defense with instructor Raymond Hernandez. Come and find out why this meditative art is practiced daily by millions of people, young and old alike. No prior experience necessary. All are welcome! Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

All classes are weather permitting.

There are no rain dates.

This free event will take place at Idlewild Park, Brookville Boulevard at 149th Avenue, from 9:15 a.m.

SUNDAY, JULY 24 Youth Empowerment Conference Topics to be discussed will include: Sexual Well Being; Peer Pressure; Teen Dating and Violence; and Wellness and Nutrition. Appropriate for teens age 13 through 19. Free breakfast and lunch, plus giveaways. Register your youth group today.

This free event will take place at the Queens Theatre in the Park, Flushing Meadow Park, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Page 20 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 22-28, 2011

Jamaica Jerk Festival cook off and domino tournament with cash prizes, kids zone, cultural stage, cooking demonstrations, celebrity chugs, vendors selling the best jerk dishes and Caribbean food. Performances by Freddie McGregor and Agent Sasco. For tickets and info, visit vprecords.com.

This event will take place at Roy Wilkins Park - Merrick Boulevard at Baisley Boulevard – from noon to 8 p.m. Admission is $30, or $20 in advance.

A Better Jamaica’s Family Movies in the Park is pleased to present “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Archeologist Dr. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is a respected college professor who wears a leather jacket and brown fedora and carries a whip, in this action-loaded, thrilling film set in the 1936, during the rise of the Third Reich.

Jones battles snakes, Nazis, and supernatural forces from Nepal to Cairo to rescue the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred box that contains the original Ten Commandments.

Come on out, bring the whole family.

This free event will take place at Cambria/Cabbell Park, Francis Lewis Boulevard at 120th Avenue, at 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, JULY 26 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) 739-2060, Ext. 18 or lgrossjnc@yahoo.com.

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

Camera Club The Southeast Queens Camera Club meets at Roy Wilkins Park, Administration Bldg., 2nd Floor, 177-01 Baisley Blvd. Summer photography classes occur on the second, third and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 7:30 p.m. Classes are free - bring camera manual.

For full details, visit seqcc.org or (718) 723-6849 or (516) 328-3776.

Raiders of the Lost Ark See Monday’s listing. At Brookville Park – Brookville Boulevard and 143rd Avenue, at 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 York Observatory Open Night

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.

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.

National Action Network

E.T. The Extraterrestrial

Come out and the join the new Queens Chapter of the National Action Network and purchase your bus tickets for the Rally and March in Washington DC on Aug. 27.

For additional information, visit

A Better Jamaica’s Family Movies in the Park is pleased to present “E.T. The Extraterrestrial.”

A being from outer space is accidentally stranded on Earth. In his search for

MONDAY, JULY 25 Adult Chess Club

refuge, E.T. wanders into a backyard where he is discovered by ten-year-old Elliott.

Elliott assumes responsibility for E.T.’s safety while searching, in a race against time, for a way to reunite E.T. with his own kind in this heartwarming story of friendship and discovery.

This free event will take place at Baisley Pond Park - Foch Boulevard at Long Street – at 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 28 Walkers for Wellness Club See Saturday’s listing. At 7 p.m.

Young Dancemakers Company City teens will perform a one-hour concert of original dances at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave., at 1 p.m.

E.T. The Extraterrestrial See Wednesday’s listing. At St. Albans Park – Merrick Boulevard at Sayres Avenue – at 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 29 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.

Classic Film Fridays – “Rocky” A Better Jamaica is pleased to present Classic “Boxing” Film Fridays. Third in the series of five Classic “Boxing” Film Fridays is “Rocky.”

In 1976, when Rocky, a low-budget film with an unknown actor named Sylvester Stallone, won the Academy Award for Best Picture, it was as emotional a finale as the film itself. A two-bit boxer gets a second chance in life by being offered an impossible shot at the heavyweight title.

The story of how Rocky goes the distance is one of the warmest, most exciting and stirring movies of all time.

This free event will take place at Rufus King Park – Jamaica Avenue at 153rd Street – at 8 p.m.

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

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

Volunteers for the class follow along using the CPR Anytime Personal Learning Kit, which features an instructional DVD

and an inflatable mannequin. All participants are able take home the kit at the end of class and asked to pledge to use the kit to show five of their family members and friends how to perform CPR. This class teaches basic CPR technique and is not a certification course.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Einhorn In, Einhorn Out Last Wednesday, baseball commissioner Bud Selig approved the Mets sale of a minority stake in the team to hedge fund manager David Einhorn. Einhorn, a New Jersey native, grew up in Milwaukee where he hit homeruns into Selig’s backyard while playing baseball at a friend’s house.

Although nothing is official yet, it is reported that Einhorn would receive one-third of the team in exchange for what is essentially a $200 million loan. In three years he will have the option to buy the team or get his money back. Talk about winning.

However, Einhorn did lose, last week. On Tuesday night, Einhorn lost at day two of the World Series of Poker, though he did finish in the top 75. In 2006, he played his

This is the guy who may soon own the Mets? cards right, finishing 18th in the tournament, winning just under $660,000, which he donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

We hope his gamble with the Mets pays off better.

Riddle Me ThisA Flushing . . .attorney has

Back in college, Amber Aldana had been encouraged by a friend to take some modeling pictures. They came out great, and she certainly gave modeling a thought at that time, but things just didn’t click.

Lately, she’s felt the urge again, and has been having a great time building her portfolio.

“I always wanted to do entertaining, always, but I hadn’t had the time to do it,” Amber said. Soon she found herself married and with two kids – but she has also found a little more time.

“I went with Nick Beneduce and I did a couple of shoots,” she said. “He’s such a great photographer. He advises certain poses; I’m an amateur, so he’s been a great teacher.”

Though Amber has a degree in medical office administration, and works in admission for the babies born at a local hospital, she’d give it up in a heartbeat for a full-time gig as a model.

“Of course I’d want it as a career; who doesn’t? To get paid just to take pictures?” she said. Amber sees herself doing fashion work and being in Latino magazines, a perfect home for her Peruvian background.

Or she might be a nurse. She’s currently studying for a nursing degree at York College.

For now, in her spare time – when she has it, Amber spends with her husband and her 4 and 3-year-old sons. “I love hanging out with my boys,” she said. “They’re little, so we go to the park, or I take them to the beach.”

She usually goes to Forest Park, and when her husband has time off, the family likes to get away for long weekends. “We like to take random trips,” she said.

This mother of two is very particular when it comes to what she’s willing to do for a shoot: “No nudes,” she said; “nothing like that. I’m a very respectful person.”

interceded in a Long Island case that involves the Batmobile, grand larceny, an overgrown yard and, maybe, one of the nefarious ne’erdo-wells that terrorize Gotham City.

The Batmobile was made from a custom-designed mold. The original vehicle used in the show is a one-ofa-kind, but the person who owns the mold, could make a duplicate.

It seems that the mold was sitting around outside on property in Brookhaven, belonging to Clou-Top Inc. (based out of Hollis). On April 8 the town had ordered the owners to clean up the junk from their property, apparently infected with the same sort of collectibles and refuse found in the cable TV show “Hoarders.” Debris was strewn inside and outside the home.

On April 19, the owners went to get an extension to clean up the mess, but when they came back, some of the junk – and the venerThe city has taken a very proacable Batmobile mold – was gone. tive stance lately to try to get people Flushing attorney David Bellon to slow down when driving. Bus ads filed suit on behalf of his clients for show a smiling child and positive $330,000 against the Town, argu- statistics resulting from crashes at ing that Brookhaven hauled off 30 mph or less, and a child with his the rare relic. skull showing through and morbid We’re not quite sure he’s go- statistics when involved in a crash ing after the real culprit. Was there at 40 mph. a deck of cards left at the scene?

Well, it would seem the Dept. of Did the owners get knocked out Transportation has gotten in on the by some purple gas cloud? When game, placing a lighted display at a they realized the mold was gone handful of key locations to remind people to slow down. In Queens, the did they slap themselves on the new display can be seen along the north LIE service road just before the forehead and see a giant “Ka- Junction Boulevard off-ramp.

Baaang!” pop up in the air?

If you’re traveling under 30 mph, the sign shows a stick figure and Our money is on some local the words “Speed Limit 30.” If you go any faster, the stick figure joker. becomes a skeleton and the text changes to SLOW DOWN.”

Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 22-28, 2011

Slow Down

Queens Hog What’s Italian, muscular, has two wheels and represents Astoria in the City Council? Peter Vallone Jr., and his Harley will melt the tricycle you call a motorbike into a pile of metal and oil.

The Councilman recently wrote a status update on Facebook showcasing exactly what happens when you call out his chrome-piped beauty.

After some twerp on a Vespa took jabs at his hog, Vallone tried dismissing the guy. Then, the nimrod on a moped has the audacity to tell the gym rat Councilman, “Let’s go to Manhattan and see who has the best bike.”

In typical badass Harley style, the Councilman claims he responded with “That’s where I’m heading, look me up when you finally get there,” before proceeding to go all hare on his opponent’s tortoise ass.

Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. and his Harley.

His colleague Councilman Dan Halloran topped the list of people who “liked” the status update. Talk about a duo not to be messed with.

Models Of Queens Amber Shines

Amber Aldana Home: Ozone Park Age: 29 Height: 5’ 7" Weight: 135 lbs Stats: 36-28-40 NYPhotoByNick

Find A Pool This is a rather unique way to keep cool during Queens heat waves.

A man was arrested last Tuesday morning after he was discovered swimming naked in Bergen Basin, a tributary of Jamaica Bay inside JFK Airport that ends between Lefferts Boulevard and the Van Wyck Expressway, just steps from where the airport stores its fuel.

The man got out of the water and ran toward the fuel depot, but was arrested at a dock before he got near the restricted area. He was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and trespassing after taken to the hospital for psychiatric evaluation.

Perhaps he was just tired of waiting for the AirTrain.

Confidentially, New York . . .

BEST IN QUEENS 2011

PR WIN IZ ES

The PRESS will publish a special edition showcasing the places, people and things readers love about Queens.

The editors will comb the borough to find that great slice of pizza, that phenomenal rib shack, that beautiful vista or building that is part of what makes living in Queens so special.

But we need your help.

Send in the form below, name your “personal bests” and we’ll print your entry. Need more room? Send as many pages as you'd like or e-mail bestofqueens@queenstribune.com.

YOUR NAME: YOUR ADDRESS:

Mail To: THE BEST OF QUEENS 2011 C/O The PRESS, 150-50 14th Road, Whitestone, NY 11357 FOOD & DINING Bagels: Bakery: Bar: Breakfast: Burgers: Butcher: Chinese: Coffee Shop: Cookies: Deli: Desserts: Diner: French: Fried Chicken: Happy Hour Bar: Ice Cream: Italian: Japanese: Pizza: Seafood: Steak: Sushi:

ENTERTAINMENT Local Band: Local Musician: Movie Theater: Nightspot: Theater Group: SERVICES Auto Repair: Cleaning Company: Contractor: Electrician: Handyman: Landscaper: Mover: Painter: Plumber: Roofer: YOUR PERSONAL BESTS:

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July 22-28, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 23

RETAIL Auto Dealer: Bike Shop: Clothing Store: Florist: Hardware Store: Jewelry Store: Liquor Store: Pharmacy: Supermarket: Toy Store:

HEALTH & BEAUTY Day Spa: Dermatologist: Doctor: Hair Salon: Massage Therapist: Nail Salon: Personal Trainer: Veterinarian: