Volume 14 Issue No. 34 Aug. 23-29, 2013
PRESS Photos by Natalia Kozikowska
REMEMBERING SEAN
Seven years after the death of her fiancé, Nicole Bell continues to give back to the community. By Natalia Kozikowska … Page 3.
Online at www.QueensPress.com
Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug 23-29, 2013
News Briefs LL Cool J To Visit Hollis
Earlier this week, State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Jamaica) announced that entertainment icon LL Cool J will be attending the ninth annual Jump and Ball Tournament at 2 p.m. on Aug. 24 at Daniel O’Connell Park in Hollis. Jump and Ball is a basketball and double-dutch tournament that takes place every weekend from Saturday, Aug. 3 through Sunday, Sept. 1. LL Cool J, a native of Southeast Queens, will be at the park to help support the event that he co-founded with Smith in 2005. “Jump and Ball is such an important event for children and families,” LL Cool J said in a statement. “It’s a place where they can have summer fun while growing stronger as a community. I couldn’t be happier to support this great event in my hometown. We all must remember where we came from.” The tournament provides recreational activities to youth between the ages of 12 and 18 throughout Southeast Queens. The four-week program exposes more than 100 young people to activities that teach them teambuilding and leadership skills. “This competition is a wonderful opportunity for the youth in the community to get some fresh air and exercise while they show off their talents,” Smith said in a statement. “I am looking forward to a huge turnout for LL’s arrival. He is an inspiration to many here in the community where he grew up.” Daniel O’Connell Park is located at 196th Street and Murdock Avenue in Hollis. For more information, call Smith’s office at (718) 454-0162.
Chess Championship Tournament
The NYPD Community Affairs Bureau will host its second annual Chess Championship Tournament on Sunday, Aug. 25, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., at Roy Wilkins Park There will be four age categories and all registered players must arrive and check-in by 9 a.m. Tournaments will begin at 10 a.m. sharp. Registration is free and all players will receive free NYPD giveaways. For more information or to RSVP, contact Sgt. Felipe at (646) 357-0856.
First Annual Queens South Responders B-Ball Tourney
Earlier this week, State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Jamaica) announced that members of the FDNY, NYPD and EMT that service the Queens South community will take part in a friendly basketball tournament this
Sunday, Aug. 25, at Daniel O’Connell Park in Hollis. The first Annual Queens South First Responders Basketball Tournament has been created by members of the NYPD in conjunction with area residents to promote positive sportsmanship and respect between first responders and the community. Members of the fire, police and EMT workers that serve within the confines of the 113th Precinct will have a team of 10 members who will compete against a team of 10 consisting of parents and community leaders. “It is my hope that this event will bring people together in a positive way and spur future partnerships between first responders and the community,” Smith said in a statement. “May this tournament serve as a reminder that optimism, hope and pride are still vibrant in Southeast Queens.” The tournament will begin at 5 p.m. and is free to attend. Daniel O’Connell Park is located 196th Street and Murdock Avenue in Hollis.
Shooting Suspect Nabbed in North Carolina
The fugitive who allegedly paralyzed a 14-year-old girl when he opened fire at a South Jamaica barbecue in 2011, was nabbed in South Carolina Monday. The suspect, Tyrone Miller, 22, was arrested near Charlotte, N.C., by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department on dozens of charges, including attempted murder. According to a statement released by District Attorney Richard Brown, Miller left a late-night barbecue on Inwood Road after he got into an argument with someone at the party. Ten minutes later, the suspect allegedly returned to the scene with two other individuals, who still remain at large, and all three opened fire with handguns. The shooting incident sent 11 victims to the hospital for gunshot wounds, including 14-year-old Lenaesha Cheatham, who was hit in the spine with two bullets, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. “The defendant is accused of taking mindless gun violence to new heights by deliberately firing into a backyard filled with young partygoers and wounding nearly a dozen innocent people — including a young girl now confined to a wheelchair because of his alleged actions,” Brown said in a statement. “This case will be vigorously prosecuted.” Miller is facing 11 counts each of attempted murder and assault, as well as two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. If convicted, he faces 25 years in jail for each attempted murder charge.
Aug 23-29, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3
Presstime BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA On Monday, Aug. 16, Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica), the What About Us Committee, local leaders and Nicole Bell, the fiancé of Sean Bell, the man who was killed by police offers the night before his wedding, unveiled a billboard to bring awareness to key issues affecting Southeast Queens. The billboard, located at the corner of Sutphin Boulevard and Liberty Avenue in Jamaica, has a countdown clock with the number of days left until Election Day, serving as a reminder to mayoral candidates that many minority groups are still struggling. “What we want to find out today is what are the candidates for New York City’s mayor going to do after the primary and the general [election]? What are you going to do issues that are important for the communities of color?” Wills asked. The billboard, entitled “What About Us?” also serves as a reminder to residents to get out and vote for candidates that will help and defend minority communities. “We are here today to speak about all the other issues of substance that deal with the quality of life and to the future of our neighborhoods,” Wills
said. “We are here to wake up our communities from their slumber that has been induced by term after term.” Pastor Larry Davidson of the What About Us Committee highlighted some of the many concerns the organization has, particularly the lack of media coverage in minority neighborhoods. “Our communities of color have noticed a real decline in the body of work being covered by our media. Our concerns – social, economic and environmental, should not be taking a backseat to one’s indiscretions,” Davidson said. “We are realizing is that what we need to express is not in the news.” He pleaded with the media to stand up and act as a voice for the underserved communities. “You speak for the community as the media and we believe that what you write makes a difference in the lives of those who read what you write,” he said. “We’re just asking that you give us a fair chance when you put us down on paper. Please don’t forget about us.” Davidson also stressed the importance of electing leaders that will work together with them to improve the circumstances in Southeast Queens. “For a long time, there has been a great divide amongst us and we
Photo by Natalia Kozikowska
Southeast Queens Counts Down To Elections
Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica) unveils a billboard to bring awareness to key issues affecting Southeast Queens. know beyond a shadow of a doubt that whoever takes public office can set the track in which we ride on,” he said. “We want to once again become a world leader and it starts by the politicians we put in office.” Bell, a proud mother-of-two, also took to the microphone to share some of her concerns about Southeast Queens and other communities of color, particularly education. “Like many parents who live in our communities, the access to affordable and quality daycare services is a priority,” Bell said. “Although the City Council has done a tremen-
dous job in funding additional childcare slots to lessen the gap, we need real solutions and not a year-to-year Band-Aid.” “This is an apparent inequality in our education when it comes to the communities of color,” she continued. “From test scores to outdoor trailer classrooms that are left there long after their shelf life and left in our school yards—we have gotten the short end of the stick.” Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ nkozikowska
Nicole Bell: Turning Tragedy Into Triumph BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Nicole Bell has come a long way since she tragically lost her fiancé the night before their wedding. Though it has been nearly seven years since an unarmed Sean Bell was shot and killed by undercover police officers in the Jamaica section of Queens, Nicole is determined to keep his legacy alive and ensure his death was not in vain. In 2007, just one year after the shooting incident, Nicole began the nonprofit, “When it’s Real it’s Forever.” Its initial goal, she said, was to support the community that she and Sean grew up in. “I felt that I needed to support the community that supported me at a time when we really felt that we had lost all hope,” she said. The nonprofit began as a baseball league, the Sean Bell Little League, and has since expanded to include the Sean Bell basketball team and a number of after school programs.
“We are trying to give back to the kids of the underserved community,” she said. “I grew up in that community and I know programs are being cut, after school programs are being cut and at the end of the day, the children need an outlet.” In addition to helping the children in Southeast Queens, Nicole and her nonprofit continue to devote their energy into seeking justice for Sean and all fallen victims at the hands of police officers. Every year since 2007, “When it’s Real, it’s Forever” holds a Sean Bell Family Fun Day and “Ride 4 Justice” – a motorcycle, car and SUV motorcade for auto clubs, giving the community and Sean’s family a moment to reflect. “When Sean passed away, we wanted to let people know that we haven’t forgotten and that this is in recognition of all victims of senseless violence,” Nicole said. The “Ride 4 Justice” will tour a number of landmark sites in Sean’s
life. The riders will begin at Baisley Park, the park Sean frequented in his youth, then make their way to Sean Bell Way, where he was killed, and finish at Nassau Knolls Cemetery, where he was laid to rest. The Sean Bell Family Fun Day, which will be held that same day, was an event in Jamaica that had been going on for years and renamed in his honor. “He would often go to these small community events in the neighborhood,” Nicole said. “It was an event where Sean and his friends would get together in Baisley Park. We wanted to continue to do exactly what he had been doing when he was alive. It’s day of family, it’s a day of community, it’s a day of fun and there will be a lot of free activities for the kids.” As Nicole prepares for yet another year without Sean, the father of her two children, she said the event serves as a gentle, yet bittersweet reminder of how far she has come. “It’s truly a blessing because sixand-a-half years ago, I really didn’t
know how I was going to be able to pull myself together but being active was my therapy. Raising my daughters helped me realize that there’s some light at the end of the tunnel,” she said. “My daughters are a mirror reflection of their father and when I hold these events and when the community comes together, it truly brings joy to me.” Registration for the “Ride 4 Justice” will be held this Saturday, Aug. 24, at 10 a.m. at the Baisley Park Extension, located at the intersection of 150th Street and North Conduit Avenue. Tickets are $5. The Sean Bell Family Fun Day is scheduled to begin at noon at Baisley Park and is free. For more information about “When it’s Real, it’s Forever” or to learn how you can donate, visit www.wirif.org. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ nkozikowska
Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug 23-29, 2013
Liu Discusses Hot-Button Topics In Mayoral Run BY JOE MARVILLI With Primary Day just around the corner, John Liu visited the PRESS of Southeast Queens office to discuss some of the toughest issues facing the City in its post-Bloomberg years. The Comptroller and mayoral candidate met with the editorial board on Aug. 21 and spoke about the police department, education and how the polls have underestimated his chances to be elected. Given the recent ruling by a federal judge against Stop and Frisk, the future of the NYPD has been on everyone’s mind. Liu restated he has always been against Stop and Frisk and said a focus on community policing would be a good replacement policy. “You’ve got hundreds of thousands of people being stopped and frisked seemingly randomly. Almost all of them have done absolutely nothing wrong,” Liu said. “A lot of people think they’re reading about some sort of third-world dictatorship.” “I want to make sure the police presence is working alongside the community,” he added. “Community policing is when police officers actually know the people in the neighbor-
John Liu
hoods where they’re patrolling, that they’re keeping safe and there are relationships there.” If elected, Liu would hire a new Police Commissioner, preferring someone who has a long history with New York and the NYPD. “I’m looking for people who grew up in the ranks,” he said. “I’m also looking for fresh ideas.” The candidate also said as part of community policing, he would boost the police force’s numbers from 35,000 to 40,000. “Because things are so shortstaffed, when there are problems in certain neighborhoods, they end up
flooding the area with officers who really have no ties to that community or don’t know anybody,” he said. “I envision restoring the police force to the size of the pre-Bloomberg days.” In terms of education, Liu is proposing a renewed focus on getting high schoolers to think about college, saying there is no reason any young person should not see higher education as part of their life. If at the end of high school, some students discover college is not for them, then he said they can look into vocational schools, which he supports. He also said that the transition from a Dept. of Education school to a CUNY should be “seamless.” While Liu strongly disagreed with the Bloomberg administration’s emphasis on testing, saying it was “reflected as a business model,” he was not as strongly against charter schools, which he said were good in certain community scenarios. “Community-grown charter schools I think make sense. They are started by organizations that have been working in the community for a long time and know the community’s needs and pulse,” he said. “Then you have the other type of charter schools, they’re called chain-charter schools, where it’s like a big corpo-
rate entity trying to establish beachheads in every neighborhood, by forcing themselves to be co-located. I think that has been a policy that’s highly disruptive and actually harmful to the charter school movement.” Liu criticized Bloomberg’s lack of effort to negotiate with the unions as well, calling it a “failure of management.” Although Liu has been a noticeable presence on the campaign trail, it has not translated to the polls, where he has only garnered five percent in the latest release. Liu doubted that Asian-Americans, who make up 15 percent of the voting electorate, were being represented in the polling numbers, therefore skewing his chances. “This is the first time this community has a horse in the race and anytime there’s a horse in the race for the first time, the community is much more galvanized and motivated,” Liu said. “You have a huge amount of my base not included in the polls. I may not get every last one of the 15 percent, but I think I’m going to get almost all of them. My poll numbers are significantly understated, by double digits.” Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@ queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.
Aug 23-29, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5
rockaway Beach sand to Be replenished By Luis Gronda Sand is coming to a popular beach that bore the brunt of Sandy’s wrath. Work began last week in replacing much of the sand at Rockaway Beach that was lost as a result of Superstorm Sandy last year. The Army Corps of Engineers will lead the work to bring about 3.5 million cubic yards of sand to the beach, including 600,000 cubic yards that will be pumped between Beach 89 and 149 streets. In addition to the new sand, two
other additions to the beach will be protective walls between Beach 126 and Beach 149 streets and sand-filled trout bags in sections of the beach as well. At a news conference announcing the first phase of that work, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said not only will the sand be replaced, but the wall and trout bags will aim at better protecting the beach and the community living near it when a future storm comes to New York. “Together, these measures will not only reverse damage to the
beach done by Sandy, they will make the beach stronger than it was before the storm,” Bloomberg said. “That means that communities in the peninsula will be better protected from future storms and flooding.” Col. Paul Owens, who is in charge of the project, said there are three separate phases for this Rockaways project. The second phase will include three million cubic yards of sand for the beach. He said this will be the most sand in Rockaway Beach since the 1970s. “If you’ve been around long
enough and you can remember what the beaches look like in terms of the dimensions and space…you can put in your mind what it’s going to look like when we get done,” Owens said. The third phase, he said, will be a long-term study, looking at the Rockaway Peninsula and how it can be better protected from future Sandylike storms. He added that the first phase is scheduled to be completed by June 2014. Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127, lgronda@ queenstribune.com, or @luisgronda.
soup Kitchen Encourages Voting at Food drive By Luis Gronda A Rego Park food bank attempted to drive up voter numbers as the registration deadline loomed. The Masbia Soup Kitchen Network held a voter registration drive at three locations last Thursday, one day before the deadline to sign up to vote for the upcoming Sept.
10 primaries. One of the drives was at their Rego Park location on Queens Boulevard between 65th Road and 66th Avenue. Jonathan Katz, the manager at the Rego Park site, said Thursdays are often the busiest day of the week for the kitchen and it is one of the main reasons they
chose this day for the drive. Typically, about 180 people visit the kitchen during the week and that amount almost doubles every Thursday. Katz said the purpose of the drive was to get people to sign up to vote, so they can have a say in the upcoming elections, with prominent positions like Mayor, Queens Borough
President and several City Council seats up for grabs next month and November. “We wanted to get the word out that and feel like everyone has the right to vote and should vote,” he said. Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127, lgronda@ queenstribune.com, or @luisgronda.
Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug 23-29, 2013
Editorial NyCHA Residents Need Attention 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 Editor-in-Chief:
Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:
Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:
Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor
Regina Vogel
Whether his comments were meant as a serious policy statement or an off-the-cuff expression of frustration, Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s suggestion that City Housing Authority residents should be fingerprinted to allow access to their homes was yet another example of the disconnect the Mayor has with underprivileged citizens. While the Mayor cites a high crime rate within areas surrounding NyCHA housing, he seems to dismiss the possibility that there is no reason to treat all 400,000 NyCHA residents as an unseemly element, especially when they are simply trying to get into their own homes. These residents already are subject to “vertical patrols” within their buildings, with police questioning people for proof of residence, with visitors frequently facing increased questioning or even arrests for trespassing. A spokesman for the Mayor expressed plans to incorporate electronic access to NyCHA housing to increase security, but given the lack of attention these residents have received in the past, can we really expect money for better security to be spent anytime soon? The City should put more focus on making NyCHA residents feel safe and secure in their own homes. Instead, they are made to feel like second-class citizens, questioning their actions – often without cause. Hopefully, New york’s next mayor can give these people the security they deserve where they live.
Letters
Photo Editor: Ira Cohen
What Did He Get?
Reporters: Natalia Kozikowska Joe Marvilli Luis Gronda Trisha Sakhuja
To The Editor: How much more are we going to let those who are really not concerned about our welfare con-
tinue to divide us and conquer us? We need an awakening ceremony to bring us to our senses. And maybe this Borough President race is just the thing.
Letters Personally, I spoke to Councilman Leroy Comrie and asked him to drop out of the Borough President race. He told me no, that he could win it. It also came to me that when the Queens County Democratic Organization was making their designation for Borough President, my Councilman did not want his name placed in nomination because he knew he would lose. That’s smart politics. However, he continued to run in the race because in our great country every man has a right to run. Yet at this point in time he has, for some unknown reason, dropped out of the race. Here is just my take on this unimaginable decision made by the Councilman who brought more “bacon” into his district than any other council person in the City. As chair of the Land Use Committee in the Council, I would assume he made some “rich” connections. Yet they did not pay off financially in his race for Borough President. Therefore had he stayed in the race, many of us African Americans and Caribbean would have voted for him. Hence, a great loss
for the Queens Organization and the very well talented Melinda Katz. Pressure and then some, I believe, was exerted on my Councilman to leave the race; and he did. My question now is: “What did he get for dropping out?” Was a promise of support to run for the seat held by Sen. Malcolm Smith? Was it a deputy borough president spot? Was it a position in the Queens County Democratic Organization which, to my knowledge, has no one of color in its hierarchy? What did he get? What will he get? I believe his constituents are entitled to know. To leave such an experienced legislator twisting in the wind is another indication that “they” don’t give a damn about us. Please excuse my “French.” Leroy has too much to offer this district, this county, this City, this state and/or this country to be reated in the negligent manner that he has been treated. Let’s raise some “stink” until we get a definitive answer. Bishop Charles Norris Sr. Interim Pastor, Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church
Those Who Transport The Public Should Be Scrutinized More Art Dept:
Rhonda Leefoon Lianne Procanyn Barbara Townsend Alan Goldsher Director of Marketing Maureen Coppola Advertising Administrator Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie Shari Strongin Wazeer Ali
A Queens Tribune Publication © Copyright 2013 Tribco, LLC
Michael Nussbaum Publisher Ria McPherson Comptroller
A Personal Perspective By MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE The people the public pay to chuffer us around should be among the most scrutinized in the world. Some guy with “a checkered driving history” ended up on a sidewalk earlier this week and when it was all said and done, a young woman was bleeding nearly to death. But for the quick actions of a plumber, she would have died. The hero saved her life but unfortunately, both her feet are gone. The 23-year-old British tourist on her dream vacation with a friend, lost one foot on the spot and doctors had to amputate the second at the hospital after trying in vain to save the mangled member. The taxi driver claims the accident happened because a bicyclist, with whom he had been arguing, banged on his cab, distracting him. A vibrant young woman has been maimed for life because a taxi
driver and a cyclist couldn’t agree on who had the rightof-way. A plumber, on break from a nearby job, used his belt to stem the blood flow, or else Sian Green would probably have bled to death. And yet, the cabbie was given only a $1,500 citation for taking that particular car from the shop without signing it out with the Taxi and Limousine supervisors. The driver, a mere 24 years old, has only been driving a cab since 2010. He had also been given previous citations for speeding and for running a red light. Those are serious infractions. Every time you run a red light or speed, you are putting lives in danger. If you are driving public transportation such as taxis, buses, or are a motor man, pilot or ferry captain, you have even more of an obligation to operate with caution. It makes one wonder why a driver who had been given two tickets for speeding and
one for running a red light and received nine points on his license as a result, would still be driving a taxi. It’s heartbreaking to see this young woman who was so excited about coming to the Big Apple, have her dream vacation turn into a nightmare with no way out of it. The irony is that Green didn’t even have to be in this guy’s cab to get injured. She was just sitting on a sidewalk enjoying a traditional New York street snack – a hot dog. Obviously some of us still feel empathy for the driver, Faysal Kabir Mohammad Himon. It was an accident and, as he noted at the scene, he will live with it for the rest of his life. Nonetheless, he seems to be a less-than-careful driver and he should probably find another line of work. In the meantime, a young woman’s way of life has now been dramatically altered. She will have to endure a grueling recovery and then be fitted for prosthetics and therapy,
both physical and emotional. The man who saved her life remarked on her strength and poise. She will need all of that and more to resume her life. When I was learning to drive, a friend with a gallows sense of humor told me I was working on getting my license to kill. When I got my car, he told me I now had my weapon. It is a sobering thought that has stayed with me. You have to realize that you bear a huge responsibility to the public each time you operate some mode of transportation. Those who take this responsibility lightly should not be allowed to have the privilege, and they should not be getting paid to transport anyone. Meanwhile we wish this young tourist a full healing of body and soul; because it is both that have been injured. She acknowledged it right away, reportedly crying out instantly from the pain of her catastrophic injuries, “My soul hurts!” Ours hurt for her.
Aug 23-29, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7
Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug 23-29, 2013
Mayor Bloomberg Suggests Fingerprinting NYCHA Residents BY TRISHA SAkuHuJA
ty,” LaVorgna said. “You place the strongest security measures on things of most value – what is more valuable than their homes? The current plan is to install electronic keypads or key card access to 26 developments make sure only people who live there have access and NYCHA residence can go to sleep at night and not have drug dealers creeping around their hallways.” New York Civil Liberties Union’s Associate Legal Director, Chris Dunn also disagreed with the Mayor by saying,“Under this proposal, the City would have to build a vast database containing the fingerprints of hundreds of thousands of law-abiding black and Latino New Yorkers.” “Even worse perhaps, it would allow the City to track public housing residents every time they came home. This would be a massive invasion of privacy,” he added. Lisa Smith, 42, a 36-year resident of Queensbridge Housing, said she would rather see security cameras and a buzzer system implemented into each of the apartments. Terrance Williams, 45, a resident of Queensbridge Housing, said fingerprinting the residents would “make everyone feel like they are in prison.” “I pretty much feel safe here, but we should raise the quality of the buildings,” Williams added. Reach Reporter Trisha Sakhuja at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, tsakhuja@ queenstribune.com, or @Tsakhuja13. Photo by Ira Cohen
While Mayor Michael Bloomberg discussed his public safety policy on his weekly radio show last week, he also suggested a way to increase security within New York City Housing Authority developments, saying residents should be fingerprinted when they enter a building. Just days after U.S. District Court Judge Shira Scheindlin deemed Bloomberg’s Stop and Frisk policy unconstitutional, the Mayor spoke about improving safety through the City’s crime-ridden housing developments by implementing a practice that drew disapproval from the community. During WOR 710’s “The John Gambling Show,” Bloomberg said, “five percent of our population lives in NYCHA housing but 20 percent of the crime is in NYCHA housing.” Therefore, he said they do not feel safe and want more security. Bloomberg’s spokesperson, Marc LaVorgna, said in a statement, “every day the Mayor logs on to his computer by placing his finger on the keyboard to sign in. Why wouldn’t we want to think about providing the highest level of security possible for NYCHA residents?” “It is not about safety,” said Betty McCord, 59, a resident of the largest NYCHA housing system in the City, Queensbridge Housing. “To me personally, I feel the Mayor has an underlying agenda, which is to go after the young Black and Hispanic youth.”
McCord said she would like to see “the thugs caught too,” but “everybody living here is not a criminal.” She also said that if the City started to fingerprint every resident in every building across the City, regardless of his or her economic situation, it would then make fingerprinting okay. “People are going to do what they are going to do and fingerprinting wouldn’t change any of that,” said William Kearse, 47, a resident of Queensbridge Housing. Susan Boyce, 53, a resident of Queensbridge Housing since 1969, called the housing development her “safe haven.” She said she would want to see more police around the neighborhood in order to increase security. “The police should become a part of the community and get to know the residents,” Boyce said. “It would cut down a lot of crime and shootings, but to have people press their thumbs to get into apartments, where you pay rent, I find it ridiculous.” “I feel safe right now, but would not feel safe if we had to get fingerprinted,” said Jamel Kingston, 16, a resident of Queensbridge Housing and a student at William Cullen Bryant High School in Long Island City. If the fingerprinting system were implemented, he said “it would cause chaos and people would be stressed out.” In response to Bloomberg’s suggestion of fingerprinting tenants, New York City Comptroller candi-
Queensbridge Housing.
date Eliot Spitzer released one of his first policy proposals for reforms to the public housing system. The former governor, who is seeking to expand the reach of the office of comptroller, wants the City to spend more on public housing repairs and not allow private developers to build on land viable for public housing. “It’s symptomatic of an attitude that says, ‘We’ll deal with you differently, we’ll deal with you as if you’re not really full citizens. We won’t create safety because we believe in safety, and we’ll put cops on the beat or put cameras in. Instead, we’ll fingerprint you,’” Spitzer said. “That’s not the way to run the City.” Even though fingerprinting is not on Bloomberg’s to-do list before he leaves office, it is an idea he believes more than 400,000 people living in the City’s public housing developments would benefit from. “All security is moving towards biometrics – even the next iPhone is expected to have fingerprint securi-
Mayoral Forum Tackles Co-op/Condos BY JOE MARVILLI While many far-reaching topics have been covered throughout this year’s mayoral race, the Presidents Co-op and Condo Council and Queens County Bar Association had the candidates talk about co-ops issues. The forum, which took place at North Shore Towers in Floral Park on Aug. 20, was attended by Democrats Christine Quinn, making a rare forum appearance, Anthony Weiner, Sal Albanese and Erick Salgado; Republicans Joe Lhota, John Catsimatidis and George McDonald and
Independent Adolfo Carrion Jr. Bill Thompson, Bill de Blasio and John Liu were invited but could not attend. Each candidate was questioned by moderator Azi Paybarah for 15 minutes and left after they finished. As such, interactions between the candidates were kept at a minimum. A big talking point for the candidates was State Sen. Liz Krueger’s (D-Manhattan) bill that would create a position of oversight for the State Attorney General’s Office that would help co-op applicants that believe they have been rejected wrongly for an apartment. The office would also
oversee a co-op election if 50 percent or more of those co-op residents called for it. “We don’t want there to be any discrimination of any kind in housing in New York City,” Quinn said. “The bills, and various forms of it, are remedies though that create other problems.” “Given Liz Krueger’s district, the Upper East Side of New York, which is notorious for people in co-ops denying other people from
going in there, I think I understand where she’s coming from,” Lhota said. “I’m not sure it requires statewide legislation.” “I am very concerned about giving more bureaucratic responsibility to co-op boards, who already have a lot of things they have to worry about,” Weiner said. Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@ queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.
Aug 23-29, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9
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Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug 23-29, 2013
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Just Horsin’ Around
Breaking Walls
State Sen. Malcolm A. Smith welcomed Cowboy “Curly” Hall to Jump and Ball on Saturday, Aug. 17, where he perfomed a western show much to the delight of the children in attendance. Here, Sen. Smith spends some quality time with horse, Apache.
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Photo by Virginia Sherwood, NBC
Councilman Leroy Comrie and Queens Library President and CEO Thomas W. Galante swung the big hammers and cleared the way into space that will become the new Teen Center at Queens Library at Cambria Heights by spring 2014.
NBC’s hit television show, “America’s Got Talent,” paid a visit to Queens College last week to film a segment that aired during this week’s episode. Pictured with QC President James Muyskens (standing) are the show’s judges (from left) Howard Stern, Heidi Klum, Mel B. and Howie Mandel.
Meet and Greet
Please come and apply in person at our JFK Hiring Event.
August 26 and 27, 2013 - 10am-6pm Photo by Ira Cohen
Hilton New York JFK Airport Hotel 144-02 135th Avenue | Jamaica, NY 11436.
Make sure to bring an updated resume and a copy of your professional license. Unable to attend? Please send us your resume to : careers@xpresspa.com or call us at 212-750-1191 to schedule an interview Xpresspa is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Mayoral hopeful Bill Thompson stopped by the Elmhurst Jackson Heights Senior Center to meet with residents and discuss issues.
Aug 23-29, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11
Borough Beat
Vallone Seeks Support Of Southeast Queens BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA On Tuesday, Queens Borough President candidate Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria), met with a small group of residents in Jamaica to discuss his views and visions for the position. Before the Councilman got a chance to speak on the issues, he slammed his Democratic challenger, Melinda Katz, who gained widespread support from the Southeast Queens community after receiving the endorsement of former borough president contender Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans). “Let me first tell you a little about me because the other side spreads a lot of lies about me,” Vallone said. “I want you to know the truth about me, which is one of the reasons I am here.” Vallone began by touting some of his accomplishments in his 12 years as a Councilman, citing some of the laws he has written as an “animal rights guy” and an environmentalist. The Councilman went on to explain that he has always considered himself to be an independent candidate – free of any political favors to the Queens Democratic party, taking yet another not-so-subtle jab at Katz, although never directly mentioning her name. “I’m an independent guy and I think that’s really, really important,” he said. “I’ve always been a voice for the people of Queens. I am not the machine candidate – that’s the other person.” It was not long until Vallone, who had just received the endorsement of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association earlier that day, addressed the elephant in the room – his views on the NYPD’s Stop, Question and Frisk policy. “Let me tell you the facts on this, because a lot of it is just not true,” Vallone said. “First of all, I wrote the anti-racial profiling law that exists in New York City in 2004. It is against the law to stop anyone based on race, gender or religion – I made that the law.” As chair of the Public Safety Committee, Vallone said that he also led the way to reform Stop and Frisk and has, on more than one occasion, challenged Police Commissioner Ray Kelly. “We know that there are problems,” he explained to a predominantly Black audience. “When I was prosecutor, I used to prosecute bad cops. We know they’re out there. I was one of the first people to tell Ray
Kelly, if you’re stopping someone – just be more civil.” “I’m a dad of two teenage girls and I would much rather a 14-yearold boy be stopped legally and sent on his way then a 14-year-old girl like D’aja Robinson be shot in the head on her way home from a Sweet 16 party,” he added. While he acknowledged that Stop and Frisk needed to be reformed to protect the rights of minorities, Vallone said he believes that it is an effective tool in keeping guns off the streets, citing a recent incident in which the policy may have helped two police officers save the lives of three young men. Not all members of the audience
seemed receptive to the example. One resident had vocally expressed that she “didn’t like the story” but as the meet and greet came to an end, Vallone seemed to come to a mutual understanding with the locals. Marie Adam-Ovide, district manager of Community Board 8, who came with her Borough President Candidate Councilman Peteenage son, a straight-A stuter Vallone Jr. meets with Jamaica residents dent, asked Vallone to keep to talk about his views. young Black men like him in his thoughts when speaking to police officers about Stop and Frisk. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikows“I will not forget,” he vowed. “As ka at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or Borough President, I will be fighting nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ for this community.” nkozikowska
JOAN FLOWERS will: • fight for needed jobs in our community • restore excellence to our schools • protect senior services • fight for better health care access for all
VOTE DEMOCRATIC – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH Phone: 718-213-Joan (5626) | www.joanflowers2013.com 223-09 Linden Blvd. Cambria Heights, NY 11411 Paid for and authorized by Joan Flowers for the 27th District, 223-09 Linden Boulevard, Cambria Heights, NY 11411
Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug 23-29, 2013
Police Blotter
A Winning Combination!
dent on Woodhaven Boulevard, at 78th Avenue. Upon arrival, officers observed a 29-year-old Hispanic male lying on the roadway, with severe trauma to the body. EMS also responded and transported the male to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Further investigation revealed that the male was operating a 2006 Honda motorcycle on Woodhaven Boulevard, traveling northbound in the southbound travel lanes at 78th Avenue when he struck a 2009 jeep, operated by a 72-year-old female, within the flow of traffic. The female operator, the sole occupant of the jeep, was transported to Jamaica Hospital, where she was listed in stable condition.
PLAY. DINE. UNWIND.
101st Precinct
Robbery
108th Precinct
The NYPD is asking the public’s Public Lewdness The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance locating and identifying assistance identifying the following suspect the following suspect wanted in connection wanted in connection with a robbery. with a public lewdness At 4:15 a.m. on Aug. incident. 11 at the corner of Beach At 9:45 a.m. on and New Haven AvAug. 15 while aboard a enues, the female victim Queens-bound 7 train, was talking on her cell the suspect exposed his phone when the suspect genitals and masturbatapproached and struck ed in public view as the her hand, causing her train approached the to drop the phone on the ground. The suspect This suspect is wanted Queensborough Plaza picked up the victim’s in connection to a public station. The suspect is decell phone and fled the lewdness incident within scribed as a Black male, location. the 108th Precinct. The The suspect is de- photo was taken by a 6-feet, 180 lbs., last seen wearing a white shirt, scribed as an adult victim’s cell phone. blue jeans, black boots Hispanic male, approxiand sunglasses. mately 200 lbs., 6-feet, with a light complexion and bald. He was last seen wearing brown shorts, a blue T-shirt and black sneakers.
103th Precinct
Arrest
Robbery
Minutes Away! 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. Jamaica, NY 11420 V[RI[]SVO GSQ In Queens, near JFK Airport. Take Free shuttle at Jamaica/Sutphin Blvd
or Q37. LIRR
Must be 18 years of age or older to play New York Lottery Games. Please play responsibly.
The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance locating a Black male in his 20s wanted in connection with an armed commercial robbery that occurred at approximately 7:35 p.m. on Aug. 14 within Metro PCs, located at 14-81 Beach Channel Drive. The suspect entered the location, asked to see a phone, walked behind the counter, threatened the store clerk with a kitchen knife and fled the location on foot with an unknown amount of cash and seven cell phones.
104th Precinct
Collision Investigation
At 4:32 a.m. on Aug. 16, police responded to a motor vehicle acci-
At 12:26 a.m. on Aug. 13, Napoleon Robinson, 52, an off-duty Dept. of Sanitation employee, was arrested and charged with second-degree strangulation.
Got info?
Call Crimestoppers at 1-800-577-tiPS (8477) or text tips to CRiMES (274637) then enter TIPS577 You Don’t Have to Reveal Your Name to Help Solve a Crime.
Aug 23-29, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13
Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug 23-29, 2013
A&E
Arthur Ashe Kids Days This Weekend BY JOE MARVILLI The U.S. Open is just around the corner and Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day will once again kick off the festivities with fun for the whole family. Taking place on Saturday, the 18th iteration of the family-focused event will include a ticketed stadium show and concert inside Arthur Ashe Stadium and a free festival at the United States Tennis Association Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. This Kids Day will have a very special guest that should grab the attention of children and adults alike. First Lady Michelle Obama will make an appearance during the festivities to speak and encourage young people to stay active and healthy. She is expected to be introduced by tennis champion Serena Williams. Some of the fun at the Grounds Festival, starting at 9:30 a.m., includes face painting, a juggling workshop, hair beading and braiding, storytelling, balloon artists, appearances by Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob, Patrick, Dora and
Austin Mahone
Coco Jones
Diego. Over in the Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand and Court 17, attendees will have the chance to watch the pro tennis players practice. There will also be several different tennis workshops and competitions for different age groups throughout the day on the courts surrounding the stadium. Even though they may not go to the stadium concert, these kids will not be locked out of hearing some tunes. The Hess Express Stage will give fam-
ilies the chance to hear some music without paying for the stadium show. The concert will run from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Lucki Gurlz will perform at 10 a.m., Kenton Duty at 10:30 a.m., Trevor Jackson at 11 a.m., Megan Nicole at 11:30 a.m. and finally Before You Exit at noon. During the paid concert in Arthur Ashe Stadium, attendees will get to enjoy sets from Ariana Grande, Austin Mahone, Coco Jones, Lawson and Cazzette. Tennis superstars Williams and Novak Djokovic will make appearances during the show, as will the world’s number one wheelchair tennis champion, David Wagner. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, www.usopen.org or at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center box office. General ad-
nY Kids Club Comes To Long Island City BY TRIshA sAKhuJA The first ever New York Kids Club will come to Queens next year. Winick Realty Group recently announced the Kids Club’s tenth location - Long Island City’s largest waterfront rental apartments, located at 45-45 Center Blvd. With more than 50 percent of TF Cornerstone’s 820 rental apartments up for lease just two months after its official launch in June, families and young couples have found their way to an amenity-packed building. The 5,003-sq. ft. club, located on the ground floor of the building, is a children’s enrichment center with three classrooms, a state-of-the-art gymnasium and an outdoor play space. The club, scheduled to open in September 2014, will include an Early Enrichment Center where preschool programs will be offered. It will also offer kid’s classes, day camps and birthday celebrations. “This facility couldn’t come at a better time as the influx of young families moving to our waterfront properties continues at an increasing pace,” Steve Gonzalez, head of retail leasing at TF Cornerstone, said in a state-
ment. “New York Kids Club will build on the family-friendly atmosphere we have built in LIC and will play an active role in its continued growth by providing vital services to our community members.” The Kids Club will be directly across the street from PS 312, a new 600-seat school, from kindergarten to eighth grade, set to start this September. A new high school will also open nearby at Hunters Point South, which makes the location and neighborhood “ideal for the unique brand of services they offer,” Winick Realty Group President Steven Baker and his colleague Aaron Fishbein, who represented landlord TF Cornerstone in the lease transaction, said in a statement. The LIC waterfront building includes a 50,000-sq. ft. outdoor amenity deck featuring a real sand beach volleyball court, two tennis courts, a reflecting pool, dog run, a lawn, and sun deck with BBQ grills, lounge chairs and benches. It also includes a children’s playroom, an outdoor children’s playground and family programming and events in partnership with Citibabes. Reach Reporter Trisha Sakhuja at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, tsakhuja@ queenstribune.com, or @Tsakhuja13.
mission promenade tickets cost $10 and loge tickets are $20. The concert starts at 1 p.m. and runs until 3 p.m. While attendees may show up for the activities and performances, they are also supporting a good cause. Proceeds from Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day will help support USTA Serves, the USTA’s national charitable foundation, and the National Junior Tennis and Learning network. Children ages 12 and under with stadium-show tickets will receive a free Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day hat from the USTA and Hess on a first-come, first-served basis. “Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess has grown into the largest single-day, grass-roots tennis and entertainment event in the world,” Dave Haggerty, USTA Chairman, CEO and President, said. “AAKD kicks off the U.S. Open with the hottest musical acts of summer and some of the world’s best tennis players, all coming together to celebrate the life and values of tennis legend and humanitarian Arthur Ashe.” CBS will broadcast selections from Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day on Aug. 25, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will kick off the U.S. Open, which will run from Aug. 26 to Sept. 9. Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.
The Devil You Know BY sTEVEn J. FERRARI Just over a month after announcing the club was for sale, The Laughing Devil’s owner announced the venue would be staying in the family. Comedian Steve Hofstetter announced early Wednesday that he and two other investors planned to buy out the others to keep the Long Island City club as is. “After we had a buyer that backed out at the last minute, our second best offer was to turn it into a bar,” Hofstetter said. “And I did not want to see that happen.” The smaller ownership group, which Hofstetter said included general manager Scott Sharp, will still take offers for minority ownership. The Laughing Devil – which opened in December 2011 and quickly established itself as a premiere venue – will operate as it has, with a few announced changes. In his announcement, Hofstetter
said the club would offer classic movies to the schedule on Wednesday nights and weekend afternoons, mentioning cult classics including “Spaceballs” and “The Big Lebowski.” The owners also plan to include a new regular show hosted by Dane Hanson, featuring young comics on the rise, to its Friday night schedules. When announcing the sale of the club last month, Hofstetter said he had some projects upcoming in Los Angeles that would make it difficult to run the club. He said he would run the club in addition to his other responsibilities. “I will be passing on some opportunities in LA and coming back to NYC every so often to ensure that the Laughing Devil is here to stay,” he said. The Laughing Devil is located at 47-38 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City. For information, call (347) 913-3845 or visit www.laughingdevil.com.
Aug 23-29, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15
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Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug 23-29, 2013
Profile
Project Hope – The New Direction BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA In 1995, 12-year-old Quentin Carter was shot dead in Queens Village over a quarter. Carter’s death, just two days shy of his 13th birthday, devastated the community but shed light on the need for after school programs that would help keep children off the streets and in school. So just one year later, Ramon Cameron, community residents and union leaders started a nonprofit, Project Hope – The New Direction, that did just that. Project Hope has expanded considerably since it began more than a decade ago. When it first opened its doors to the community, there were approximately 50 students who participated. Today, the nonprofit has served thousands of kids. According to Cameron, the executive director at Project Hope, the program focuses on six core fundamental skills – leadership, financial management, job readiness, family values, crime prevention and grassroots projects that help “break down
barriers of mistrust” in the community. Very frequently, Cameron said, politicians will come and speak to the children about the government and its functionality. Project Hope similarly takes the children on trips to City Hall and gets the kids involved with civic projects. The nonprofit has paired with a number of businesses like Bank of America and Chase Bank to help the young adults in the program learn about checking accounts and money saving tips. Project Hope also has a number of activities available for the kids including homework time and basketball. But the most valuable skill children learn at the program, Cameron said, is job readiness. “Many of the kids that have come out of the program are successful now and have jobs or are continuing their education,” he said. “I get messages from the students on Facebook with updates – many of them thanking me for the job readiness skills they learned at Project Hope.” For Cameron, who has been with
Project Hope since it started, helping children in his community is a rewarding experience, especially having come from a troubled home himself. “I had my own little stench with police. Not a major thing, but I did five days on Riker’s Island and I think that was a wake up call,” he said. “I just found this new love to help children that went down the same route we did as a family.” His passion to help the youth was further fueled by the violence Cameron witnessed in his community “I’m just seeing a lot of kids get shot and caught up in the wrong things,” he said. “I see what the media is doing. I see what society is doing. We need more programs like this.” Despite its positive impact in Queens Village, Cameron said he is worried about the future of Project Hope and said that funding has been a big issue over the last couple of years. “In my opinion, the political structure here is terrible. There is a lot of money that came into this neighborhood that was being misused,” he
said. “Funding should be based on merit and not how well you know a politician.” Because of its recent financial struggles, Cameron said, Project Hope was been forced to make a number of cutbacks. The free program, which used to be year-long, now only operates during the school year. Similarly, the program used to accept children ages eight and up, but has been forced to restrict the program to children ages 13 and up. To learn how you can register your child for Project Hope – The New Direction, or to learn how you can donate, call Ramon Cameron at (718) 208-0802 or visit the site located at 93-23 217th St., Queens Village. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ nkozikowska
Do You Know Someone Who Fits The PRESS Profile? Send photo with background and contact information to: PRESS of Southeast Queens 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357
Aug 23-29, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17
Faith
Hindu Festival Celebrates Sibling Love BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA On Aug. 21, Hindus all over the world celebrated Raksha Bandhan, a festival that celebrates the relationship and bond between brothers (shaurya) and sisters (shreya). The popular practice of Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi for short, is marked by a beautiful ceremony in which the sister ties rakhi, a sacred and holy thread, on her brother’s wrist. The rakhi bracelet serves as a symbol of the sister’s love and prayers for her brother’s well-being and the brother’s lifelong vow to protect her. The festival, which falls on the full moon day (Shravan Poornima) of the Hindu calendar, celebrates the unique brother and sister bond. Often, the brother, in return for his sister’s prayers, will offer gifts to his sister. The brother usually presents his sister with an envelope filled with money, although other presents, such as saris and clothing, can also be given. Traditionally, the brother and sis-
can also be tied rakhis, provided they commit to a lifelong obligation to protect the woman or girl. According to custom, Raksha Bandhan is meant to strengthen the bond between brothers and sisters, as well as close friends. In some instances, the holy thread is used to represent a friendly relationship between a man and a woman. When a girl feels a friend of the opposite sex has feelings too strong for her to reciprocate, she can send him a rakhi, transforming the relationship into a brotherly-sisterly one. Often, this is one way of saying “let’s just be friends” without hurting the other person’s feelings. Similarly, many Hindu women and girls will offer a close male friend a rakhi to avoid rumors about a relationship from spreading within the community. By offering a male friend a rakhi, stigmas and criticism are largely avoided. Although there is no widely-accepted origin for the Hindu tradition,
Earlier this week, Hindus from all over the world celebrated Raksha Bandhan, a festival which celebrates the beautiful bond between brothers and sisters. As part of the custom, sisters will present their brothers with a rakhi bracelet – a symbol of the sister’s love for her brother.
ter will also feed one another sweets. The sweets include anything from Jalebi, Kaju Katli and Burfi. Since Indian kinship practices give cousins a similar status to siblings, girls and women often tie the rakhi to their male cousins as well. Unrelated boys and men who are considered “adopted” brothers (munh-bola bhai)
one Islamic scholar believes that Raksha Bandhan grew in popularity after Rani Karnavati, the widowed queen of Chittor, sent a rakhi to the Mughal emperor when she required his help to protect her. As times have changed since the festival was first observed, and because many brothers and sisters live in different countries, Raksha Bandhan has gotten more hi-tech in the last decade. Many siblings separated by distance will use the Internet to send their blessings. In a recently published article in the Hindustan Times, “Rakhi Goes Hi-Tech”, rakhi e-cards are growing in popularity. A host of online portals are coming up with e-rakhis, connecting siblings together in a simple and easy way. Similarly, many siblings are using Internet platforms like Skype to send their prayers online. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ nkozikowska
Notebook PS 892
BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA In an effort to alleviate overcrowding in a number of Southeast Queens’ schools, Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) and the community have successfully advocated for the renovation of St. Pascal Baylon Roman Catholic Church, which will be transformed into a new elementary school, PS 892, by the 2014-2015 school year. The building, located at 199-10 112th Ave., was most recently being used by the Police Athletic League, which provided many services for the youth in the community. When PAL closed its doors a few years ago, residents expressed concern about the reduction of resources available to young people in the community. This is why, Comrie said, it was important to convert the old church site into something positive for the children in his district. “The new school will be a major help to our community” Comrie said in an emailed statement. “Once PS 892 opens, it will help relieve the overcrowding currently taking place
at PS 118 and PS 134, while helping to ensure our youth have the resources to learn and be successful in the future.” Comrie’s announcement comes just two weeks after the City released the Common Core test scores – a rigorous and newly adopted math and reading exam. According to the New York State Education Department, just 26.4 percent of New York City students in grades three through eight passed the English test and 29.6 percent passed in math. Of all seven districts in Queens, District 29, which encompasses the majority of Southeast Queens, including Comrie’s Council district, scored the lowest with only 21.65 students passing the reading exam and 20.16 passing the math exam. The new school will serve students between pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, with 13 standard classrooms, two pre-kindergarten classrooms, three kindergarten classrooms and two special education classrooms. According to Gregory Rose, a spokesperson for Comrie, the school
Photo provided by Gregory Rose
New Elementary School Coming To St. Albans
Earlier this week, Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) announced that the old St. Pascal Baylon Roman Catholic Church site, located at 199-10 112th Ave. in St Albans, will be converted into a new elementary school to help relieve the overcrowding in his district.
will have 379 open seats but because the school is still in its early stages, no decisions have been made on how students will be accepted. PS 892 will also have a brand new gymnasium, science and art resource room, music suite, library, cafeteria, kitchen and playground outside. Once the renovation is complete, the building will be fully-equipped with wireless routers and LAN lines
for internet access, as well as interactive white boards for teachers to use for their classrooms. The Dept. of Education is allocating $19 million for the project, which is expected to be completed by July 2014 – just in time for the new school year. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ nkozikowska
Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug 23-29, 2013
Queens today
FRIday 8/23
WedNesday 8/28
FEStival DE laS FlORES
Festival De Las Flores, also known as Festival of the Flowers, will take place at Queens Botanical Garden through Aug. 25. Columbian floral artisans will be on hand to reveal their unique creations. Admission to see the artists is included in the Garden entry fee, which is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and $2 for children and students with ID. To learn more about the festival, call (718) 886-3800.
MUMFORD & SONS
Mahone, along with games and activities for kids of all ages. For information, visit www.arthurashekidsday.com.
cONcERt
The Country Line Band will perform at the Bayview Dance Club, 217-14 24th Ave., Bayside from 8 p.m. to midnight. Cost is $5 with free on-site parking. For information, call (718) 428-0100.
DEcaDES OF DaNcE MaGic ShOw
The Glen Oaks Library will present a magic show by Seth Dale. The magician’s shows often combine magic and comedy for an unforgettable experience for kids. The free event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is for children ages 6 and up. For more information, call the library at (718) 831-8636.
‘MOONRiSE KiNGDOM’
The Rockaway Beach Civic Association will host a movie night at Rockaway Beach at the Beach 106 Street. Attendees can see a screening of “Moonrise Kingdom.” The movie will begin at sundown. Please bring blankets and beach chairs. Picnics are welcomed and encouraged. Please take garbage with you after the movie ends. Alcoholic beverages and smoking are not permitted at the beach. For more information, please call (718) 318-4000.
Featuring performances by Deborah Cox, Robin S., Crystal Waters, C & C Music Factory, Aubry and Giorgio, starting at 9 p.m. at Resorts World Casino New York City. The event is sponsored by 103.5 KTU. Tickets cost $30.
suNday 8/25 FitNESS caMp
The Central Queens Y in Forest Hills will host a health and fitness mini-camp for kids in kindergarten through 6th grades. The event will include bowling, martial arts, Olympic style team races, a magic show and a dance party. The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fee is $55 for members of the Y-club and $60 for non-members. The Central Queens Y is located at 67-09 108th St., Forest Hills. For more information, contact Adam Ostroff at (718) 2685011, ext. 505 or email him at aostroff@cqy.org.
satuRday 8/24 aRthUR aShE KiDS Day
The largest single-day grassroots tennis and entertainment event in the world returns to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park the day before the start of the U.S. Open tennis tournament. This year’s lineup includes Ariana Grande and Austin
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
FROM cUba tO MExicO
Flushing Town Hall’s Free Summer Concert series will show off the sounds of Latino music at 2 p.m. in the venue’s newly renovated Garden. Music from Cuba,
The English folk rock band will perform at the inaugural concert at the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium as part of the band’s Gentlemen of the Road tour. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the concert begins at 6 p.m. with opening acts The Vaccines and Bear’s Den. For information, visit www.mumfordandsons.com.
Mexico and Puerto Rico performed by Adela Dalto, a featured vocalist with Mario Bauza’s Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra, and Arturo O’Farrill will be featured during the concert. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. For information, call (718) 463-7700.
StREEt pERFORMaNcE
Theater for the New City’s 2013 Street Theater tour of “Sanitation or Off the Grid,” an operetta for the street, will come to Travers Park at 2 p.m. Three voyaging City sanitation workers have fantastical adventures when their cruise ship breaks down at sea. For information, visit www. theaterforthenewcity.net.
ShE-DEvilS
Join in on a hilarious night of comedy from the funniest people in the world with no Y chromosome at the Laughing Devil Comedy Club in Long Island City. For $20, you get one ticket and two glasses of wine, champagne or soft drink. The evening, starting at 8 p.m., will feature Chrissie Mayr, Joyelle Johnson, Lori Palminteri, Tracie Jayne, Dina Harshem and Katie Hannigan. For information, visit www. laughingdevil.com.
the Opposites,” at the Flushing Library from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The book explores and is based on the philosophy of Aesthetic Realism, founded by American poet and critic Eli Siegel. After the reading, there will be a Q and A session. For more information, call (718) 661-1200.
Author Len Bernstein will read from his book, “Photography, Life, and
WedNesday 8/28
‘JUNO’
The final evening of the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition’s 2013 Movies on the Waterfront series will take place on the Astoria Park lawn, starting at 8:30 p.m., with the movie “Juno.” For information, visit www.centralastoria.org
tuesday 8/27
KOREaN cUltURE caMp
Flushing Town Hall will hold a Korean Culture Summer Camp through Aug. 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Co-presented with Korean Cultural Service NY, the camp will explore Korean traditions through fun activities. Students will have the chance to make their own Korean masks, play a Korean mask-dance drama and learn how to play a traditional instrument, like the buk or janggu. The program costs $40 per student. Space is limited. To register, call (212) 759-9550 or visit www.koreanculture. org/?document_srl=54802.
GOt EvENtS?
MONday 8/26 lEN bERNStEiN
there will be a free screening of “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” from 8 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Josh Hutcherson and Vanessa Hudgens, this film is a sequel to “Journey to the Center of the Earth” and is based on the Jules Verne novel, “The Mysterious Island.” For more information, email michael. agnello@parks.nyc.gov
‘JOURNEy 2’
In Crocheron Park, across from the Golden Pond,
send all information to editor@queenstribune.com or mail to: 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, Ny 11357
Aug 23-29, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19
People Local students received degrees during spring 2013 commencement ceremonies at SUNY Buffalo State. They include: Cambria Heights: Wlherne Benjamin, Bachelor of Arts degree in public administration. Jamaica: Philicia Montgomery, Bachelor of Arts degree in writing; Jerome Wilson, Bachelor of Science degree in individualized studies; Robert Womble, Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. St. Albans: Danielle Thomas, Bachelor of Arts degree in public communication. Myasia Farley of Jamaica was named a recipient of the Saint Michael’s College Book Award for Academic Achievement with a Social Conscience. Local students received degrees during spring 2013 commencement ceremonies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in troy. They include: Jamaica: Jessica Hernandez, Master of Arts degree in architecture. Laurelton: Shelton Minott, Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. Local students were named to Dean’s List for the spring 2013 semester at Morrisville State College. They include: Jamaica: Meghan Soto, Sonia Duggan. Queens Village: Abimbola Otesile.
Rosedale: Danielle Ramos. St. Albans: Robert Brown, Ebony Thyme. The New York Army National Guard recently announced the reenlistment of members. They include: Sergeant Patricia Powell of Jamaica, 107th Military Police Company. Sergeant Kevin Molligan of Jamaica, Company A, 1-69th Infantry. Sergeant First Class Johnny Han of Jamaica, Company A, Recruiting and Retention. Specialist Donald Nelson of Laurelton, Company G (Forward Support Company Field Artillery), 427th Brigade Support Battalion. Specialist Daron Harvey of Jamaica, 1156th Engineer Company. Staff Sergeant Aida Paulomolina of Jamaica, Intelligence and Sustainment Company, 42nd Infantry Division. Brianna Daley of Rosedale took part in an internship at Hot 97 FM through SUNY Oswego’s Experience-Based Education program. Army Pvt. Daniella C. Worrell has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Worrell is the daughter of Bernard Worrell and Jennifer George of Jamaica. Maria Shaikh of Jamaica received a bachelor’s degree in finance during spring 2013 commencement ceremonies at Siena College.
Video Winners:
Best In Queens 2013 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: YOur EmAIl:
Mail To: THE BEST OF QUEENS 2013
C/O The Queens Press, 150-50 14th Road, Whitestone, NY 11357
email us at: bestofqueens@queenstribune.com FOOd & diNiNg Bagels: Bakery: Bar: Breakfast: Burgers: Butcher: Coffee Shop: Deli: Desserts: Diner: Ice Cream: Pizza: Seafood: Steak:
HEalTH & BEaUTY Hair Salon: Doctor: Massage Therapist: Day Spa/Nail Salon: Personal Trainer: Veterinarian:
ETHNiC FOOd Asian: French: Indian: Italian: Latin: Other Ethnic:
SERviCES Auto Repair: Cleaning Company: Contractor: Electrician: Handyman: Landscaper: Painter: Plumber: Roofer:
RETail Book Store: Clothing Store: Florist: Hardware Store: Jewelry Store: Liquor Store: Mall/Shopping Center: Pharmacy: Supermarket: Toy Store: Ridgewood Savings Bank recently presented awards to the local winners of its “Lights, Camera, Save!” video contest. The winning school was The High School for Arts & Business in Corona. Pictured (from left) are LouAnn Mannino, vice president, Ridgewood Savings Bank; Monica Campanile, first place winner; Radiya Mohamed, third place winner; Lewis Maciocia, second place winner; Nancy Adzemovic, branch banking officer; and Walter Reese, senior vice president – retail banking, Ridgewood Savings Bank.
PR WIN IZ ES
ENTERTaiNMENT Bar/Nightspot: Local Band: Local Musician: Movie Theater: Theater Group: Park:
YOUR PERSONal BESTS:
Please attach any additional comments, photos or information about your entries to this coupon.
For Advertising Information On "The Best Of Queens 2013" Edition Call The PRESS At (718) 357-7400
Page 20 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug 23-29, 2013
Queens Today Section editor: reGinA VoGeL
Send announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 150-50 14 Road, Whitestone NY 11357. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina or email to queenstoday@ queenstribune.com Yearly schedules and advanced notices welcome!
HeALtH ZUMBA Saturdays, through August Ridgewood library at 10. YoGA Saturdays through September 8 9:30-10:30 and 11-12 and Sundays 10-11. Socrates Sculpture, 32-01 Vernon Blvd., LIC. tAi cHi Sundays through September 9 11-12 at Socrates Sculpture, 32-01 Vernon Blvd., LIC. ZUMBA Mondays, August 26, September 9, 16, 23, 30 Bayside library at 6:30. MetAStAtic BreASt Mondays 1:30-3:00 at Adelphi School of Social Work. 516-877-4314. ALZHeiMerS tuesday, August 27 Caregiver Suppor t group in Forest Hills. 592-5757, ext. 237. YoGA StretcH tuesdays, August 27, September 3, 10 Richmond Hill library at 5:30. PiLAteS tu e s d a y s , A u g u s t 2 7 , September 3, 10, 17, 24 Queens Village library at 5:45. GentLe YoGA Wednesdays, August 28, September 4, 11 Woodside library. Register. StreSS MAnAGeMent thursday, August 29 Peninsula library at 5:30. ZUMBA thursday, August 29 Corona library at 6. SHAPe UP nYc Fridays, August 30, September 6, 13, 20, 27 Briarwood library at 11:30. cArdio toninG Fridays, August 30, September 6, 13, 20, 27 Laurelton library at 6:30.
ALUMni BLAnd HoUSeS Saturday, September 7 reunion of former Bland Houses residents. 8156697.
MeetinGS nY cAreS Monday, August 26 at 3 New York Cares meets at the Forest Hills library. creAtiVe WritinG Monday, August 26 Hollis library at 5:30. Knit & crocHet Mondays, August 26, September 9, 16, 23 Douglaston library at 4. QHc toAStMASterS tuesdays, August 27, September 10, 24 at 82-68 164 th Street, Jamaica at 5:15. cAMerA cLUB tuesday, August 27 Southeast Queens Camera Club meets at the Roy Wilkins Family Rec. Center. 347528-7178. Knit & crocHet tuesday, August 27 Whitestone librar y at 2 and Windsor Park library at 2. cHeSS For ALL tu e s d ay, A u g u s t 2 7 Rosedale library at 4. ScrABBLe cLUB tuesday, August 27 Bellerose library at 5:30. cHeSS cLUB
edUcAtion/GAMeS/crAFtS
tuesdays Windsor Park library at 5:30. FH VAc Wednesdays, August 28, September 25 Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corp. 793-2055. Knit & crocHet Wednesday, August 28 South Ozone Park library at 1. cHeSS & cHecKerS Wednesday, August 28 Astoria library at 3:30. WritinG cLUB thursday, August 29 Peninsula library at noon. StAMP cLUB thursday, August 29 Forest Hills library at 5. cdec 26 thursday, August 29 Community District Education Council 26 meets at 7 for a business meeting and 8 for a public meeting at PS173. KnittinG cLUB Friday, August 30 Maspeth library at 11. cHeSS cLUB Friday, August 30 Woodside library at 4.
entertAinMent cHAtPAti MeLA Saturday, August 24 celebrating food and arts in the South Asian community from 3-8 at the Play Street on 78 th Street between Northern and 34th Avenue, Jackson Heights. PoetrY FeSt Saturday, August 24 Central library at 11. cHineSe FLUte Saturday, August 24 Flushing library at 1. SPiroS SoUKiS Saturday, August 24 Rocking blues with Greek Soul at the Flushing library at 5. FAirY tALeS oF BWAY Saturday, August 24 3-4 at the LIC library. coUntrY Line BAnd Saturday, August 24 7pm12am Bayview Swim Club, 217-14 24 th Avenue, Bayside. $5. Cash bar, special menu. nU UrBAn cAFÉ Saturdays live jazz, r&b, open mic 8-midnight. Free. 188-36 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. 917-817-8653. cUB ScoUtS GAtHer Sunday, August 25 games for boys and information for adults in St. Albans Park from 2-5. cUBA to MeXico Sunday, August 25 From Cuba to Mexico, a musical potpourri at Flushing Town Hall. 463-7700, ext. 222. trAVerS PArK Sunday, August 25 City Parks Puppet Show at 11. Travers Park, 78th Street between 34th
and Northern Blvd. oBLiVion Monday, August 26 movie at Central library at 2. LoUiS ArMStronG Monday, August 26 Windsor Park library at 2 and Central library at 7. BeAcH 119 Monday, August 26 film and discussion at 6 at the Peninsula library. ScrABBLe cLUB tuesday, August 27 East Flushing library at 3:30. cLASSicAL MUSic tuesday, August 27 Richmond Hill library at 4. BinGo tuesdays 7:15 American Martyrs Church in Bayside. 4644582. tuesdays 7:15 (doors open 6) Rego Park Jewish Center. 459-1000. $3 admission includes 12 games. dUnGeonS/drAGonS Friday, August 30 Astoria library at 1.
dAnce iSrAeLi FoLK Mondays 7:15-9:45 at Hillcrest Jewish Center, 182-02 Union Turnpike. $10 session. 380-4145. Line dAncinG M o n d ay s 6 : 3 0 - 9 : 3 0 a t Kowalinski Post 4, 61-57 Maspeth Avenue. $7. Cake and coffee. 565-2259. Wednesdays 7-10 at the STARS Building, 8 Coleman Square, Howard Beach. $10.
BeGin PoWerPoint Saturday, August 24 Central library. Register. creAtiVe WritinG Saturday, August 24 Langston Hughes library at 1. inter. PoWerPoint Saturday, August 24 Central library. Register. JoB reAdineSS Monday, August 26 South Jamaica library at 2. crAFternoon M o n d ay, Au g u s t 2 6 Rosedale library at 4. intro eMAiL Monday, August 26 Central library. Register. JoB SeArcH Mondays, August 26, September 9, 16, 23, 30 Arverne library at 11. reciPeS & MeMorieS Monday, August 26 Queens Village library at noon. GooGLe AccoUntS Monday, August 26 Flushing library. Register. crocHet Mondays, August 26, September 9 Woodside library at 5:30. MAc MondAY Monday, August 26 V: Central library. Register. BALLrooM dAncinG
Monday, August 26 Forest Hills library at 6:30. JoB reAdineSS Mondays Job Readiness and computer assistance 2-6 at the South Jamaica library. JoB SeArcH Mondays free job search and computer help every Monday 11-2 at the Astoria library. BridGe Mondays except holidays 12-4 at Pride of Judea in Douglaston. Lesson & play $10. Partners arranged. 4236200. AdULt cHeSS Mondays and thursdays Queens Village library at 5:30. tYPinG LAB tu e s d ay, A u g u s t 2 7 Arverne library. Register. BeGin coMPUterS tuesday, August 27 McGoldrick at 11, Bellerose library. Register. BeGin coMPUterS tuesdays, August 27, September 10, 24 Far Rockaway library. Register. BeGin coMPUterS tu e s d a y s , A u g u s t 2 7 , September 3, 10, 17, 24 Rosedale library at 11.
tecHnoLoGiSt iS in tuesday, August 27 Pomonok library at 2. BeGin GUitAr tuesday, August 27 Central library. Register. BeGin eXceL tuesdays, August 27, September 10 Flushing library. Register. doWnLoAd e-BooKS tuesday, August 27 Flushing library. Register. BeGin PUBLiSHer tuesday, August 27 LIC library. Register. AcceSS LiBrArY iteMS tuesday, August 27 Glen Oaks library at 11. intro FAceBooK tuesday, August 27 McGoldrick library at 11:30. intro e-MAiL tuesday, August 27 Queens Village library. Register. MicroSoFt eXceL tuesdays, August 27, September 3 Arverne library. Register. JoB SKiLLS tuesday, August 27 Central library. Register. coMPUter cLASS tu e s d a y s , A u g u s t 2 7 , September 3, 10, 17, 24 Woodside library at 5:45.
Aug 23-29, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 21
What’s Up AUG 23 Metrix Learning
First Annual Queens South Responders B-Ball Tourney
Metrix Learning is a self-directed online learning program offering multiple learning tracks in a single platform. In this free orientation session, you will learn about training through Metrix, including certifications in Microsoft Office, QuickBooks and Adobe. Register online, by phone at (718) 990-8625 or at the Job Information Center. The class code is CC230. The program is free and will begin at the Queens Central Library at 1 p.m.
Earlier this week, State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Jamaica) announced that members of the FDNY, NYPD and EMT that service the Queens South community will take part in a friendly basketball tournament at Daniel O’Connell Park in Hollis. The first Annual Queens South First Responders Basketball Tournament has been created by members of the NYPD in conjunction with area residents to promote positive sportsmanship and respect between first responders and the community. The tournament will begin at 5 p.m. and is free to attend. Daniel O’Connell Park is located 196th Street and Murdock Avenue in Hollis.
Open Lab At open lab practice, you can search for a job, practice your computer skills or edit your resume. For more information, visit the Job Information Center or call (718) 9908625. The lab is free and will be held at the Queens Central Library at 2 p.m.
AUG 24 Ride 4 Justice “When It’s Real, It’s Forever” is pleased to present “Ride 4 Justice,” a motorcycle, car and SUV motorcade. All auto clubs are welcome. Registration starts at 10 a.m. at Baisley Pond Park Extension, located at the intersection of 150th Street and North Conduit Avenue. Tickets are $5. For more information, contact Susan Parker at susanparker@wirif.org or (516) 924-2902.
AUG 25 St. Albans Annual Picnic Bring your family and friends at the St. Albans Veterans Domiciliary and New York State Veterans Home, located at the intersection of 179th Street and Linden Boulevard. The picnic includes food, fun and refreshments. Entertainment is by The Wrenditions. The picnic will take place from 11 a.m. till 4 p.m. To RSVP, call (718) 746-3160.
Chess Championship Tournament The NYPD Community Affairs Bureau will host its second annual Chess Championship Tournament from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., at Roy Wilkins Park. There will be four age categories and all registered players must arrive and check-in by 9 a.m. Tournaments will begin at 10 a.m. sharp. Registration is free and all players will receive free NYPD giveaways. For more information or to RSVP, contact Sgt. Felipe at (646) 3570856.
AUG 26 Sunday Movies: Oblivion Join the Queens Central Library for a free screening of the movie, “Oblivion,” at 2 p.m. A solitary drone repairman working on a war-ravaged Earth becomes humanity’s last hope for survival in this ambitious sci-fi epic from “Tron Legacy” director Joseph Kosinski. Registration is not required.
Remembering Louis Armstrong Join the Queens Central Library as they celebrate the life of Louis Armstrong. The exciting duo of Sonny and Perley brings to life some of Armstrong’s iconic recordings, including “Basin Street Blues,” “Dream a Little Dream” and “St. Louis Blues,” as well as favorites from his popular recordings with Ella Fitzgerald and many others. The free event will begin at 7 p.m.
AUG 27 Beginning Guitar Tad Schaefer, graduate of Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, CA and Queens College M.A. Jazz Performance, brings expertise and an innovative approach to teaching guitar. Bring your guitar and make some music. Space is limited and registration is required. This class meets every Tuesday for eight weeks. Participants are required to attend all sessions of this program. Registering for this event will reserve your spot for the entire program. The lessons are free and will be held at the Queens Central Library at 6:30 p.m.
Central Library Book Club: “Wild” Join Queens Central Library’s book club as they explore and ana-
lyze Wild,” by Cheryl Strayed. The book is an account of the author’s dangerous 1,100-mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest that drove her to rock bottom yet helped her to heal. Pick up a copy at the Reference Desk and come to share your thoughts! Registration is not required. The book club will meet at the library at 11:30 a.m.
AUG 29 Intro to Codecademy Codecademy is a free, easy online platform for learning computer languages like Python, HTML/CSS and Ruby. This free class will cover what a computer language is, how it can be used and how the site works. To register, call (718) 990-8625, visit the Job Information Center or preregister online with Class Code CC240. The free class will be held at the Queens Central Library at 10 a.m.
AUG 30 Salary Negotiations Have you been offered a new job? If so, do you know the best way to conduct salary negotiations? Before you start negotiating with a prospective employer about salaries, find out how much you are worth. Learn how to negotiate salaries in this free workshop at Queens Central Library. For more information, call the Job Information Center at (718) 990-8625. The workshop will begin at 10 a.m.
SEPT. 15 Sickle Cell Community Walk-A-Thon The Queens Sickle Cell Advocacy Network Inc., will present its Annual Sickle Cell Community Walk-A-Thon, where locals all come together to walk to help raise awareness and education for Sickle Cell Disease. Come and support this worthy cause because by walking to-
gether we can make a difference. To register, visit www.eventbrite.com/ event/6873852879/efblike and check out their Facebook page – www.facebook.com/Qscan. For further information, contact Gloria Rochester at (718) 712-0873 or email her at sicklecellwalk@verizon.net.
ONGOING SUMMER PROGRAMS 9th Annual Jump and Ball Tourney State Sen. Malcolm Smith (DJamaica) announced that he will be kicking off the 9th Annual Jump and Ball summer tournament. The event, a basketball and double-dutch tournament, will take place every weekend from Saturday, Aug. 3, through Sunday, Sept. 1. In addition to basketball and double-dutch, there are a number of other activities for children. The program will also have golf, chess and tennis competitions and a karate showcase. For the younger children, there will be demonstrations featuring area wildlife, a bouncy castle, face painting and a clown. Winners of the tournaments will not only receive trophies, they will also get a free backpack filled with school supplies. For more information, call Smith’s office at (718) 454-0162.
Early Exposure to Tennis Tryouts Youth and Tennis Inc. will present their “Early Exposure to Tennis Program” for children ages 4-8. Tryout dates are on Aug. 17, Aug. 24 and Aug. 31 and 10 a.m. The tryouts will be held at the Roy Wilkins Tennis Courts located at the intersection of 177th Street and Baisley Boulevard. Scholarships and partial scholarships will be available for the talented youth. For more information, call (718) 658-6728.
WhAT’S UP WITh YOU? Send your community events to the PRESS for a free listing at 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357. Call (718) 357-7400 or email editor@queenspress.com. All events will be considered for publication, without a fee.
Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug 23-29, 2013
Scheduling Conflicts
QConf is edited by: Steven J. Ferrari Contributors: Luis Gronda, Natalia Kozikowska, Joe Marvilli, Marcia Moxom Comrie, Michael Nussbaum, Trisha Sakhuja, Michael Schenkler.
on, Katz's opponent, Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., could be seen waiting nearby. He was scheduled to accept the endorsement of the Patrolman's Benevolent Association on the steps of Borough Hall at 11:30 a.m. The scheduling error may have been annoying for some, but here at QConf, we're sure there were some reporters grateful to not have to race to more than one location.
Q
CONFIDENTIAL
You'd think that campaigning throughout a Borough as large as Queens, scheduling conflicts would be minimal. But the candidates for Borough President overlapped schedules a bit on Tuesday. At 11 a.m. former Councilwoman Melinda Katz joined State Sen. Jose Peralta for the unveiling of a bill to promote local tourism. As the press conference went
Long Ride Home
A report released last week reported what many residents in Queens already know: traveling via public transportation is very time consuming. According to a report released by the Partnership for New York City, commuters throughout the City have one of the longest commutes time in the country, with the average travel time for a City resident using public transportation at 48 minutes. This is increased by the fact, the report states, that as more jobs are created in the outer boroughs, commutes can be
longer because straphangers may have to travel to an area not well served by public transportation. For example, 150,000 commuters-a-day travel daily on the Q train between Queens and Brooklyn. “Many of the two million resident workers who live in Brooklyn and Queens commute daily between the two boroughs. Due to limited public transit options, over half of these commutes are made by car, contributing to road congestion and greenhouse gas emissions,” the report says.
Watch Out For 'Illegal Babies' Walk with caution around the Flushing Meadow Corona Park because “illegal babies” roam the grounds. “Illegal babies” are baby-carriages full of beer with blankets on top of the beer. Illegal vendors infiltrate the park and take away from the legal vendors. For years now, FMCP struggled with a lack of funding and maintenance provided by the
City, considering the low number of PEP officers, soon to be four from two, monitoring the grounds. How do four PEP officers catch “illegal babies” on loose, while doing everything else to keep the park safe? We here at QConf cannot help but wonder if the old and new Flushing Meadows Corona Park conservancies will do any good.
Musicians OF QuEEns
Hugo Calvo & His Band
Hugo Calvo and the band he plays with, the Spanish 7th day Adventist Praise and Worship Team, play music to both spread a positive, Christian message and have fun while doing so. The group’s members are Calvo, Melvin Pena, Joe Pena, Cynthia Pena, Genesis Torres, Richard Taveras, Kimberly Martinez, Rita Valentin, Michaela Valentin, Rosa Valentin, Kesly Urruthia, Danny Perez, Ishan Kumar, Marcos Cruz and Nikki Cruz. While they all play various instruments, they are united in their goal to make great music and worship God. “There’s a saying that music is the universal language of the people and we believe that. If the people see a group of young, regular people like us worshiping God in spirit and in truth, they too can hear the same message preached by the disciples and martyrs who died to get this very message across to us,” Calvo said. “By doing so,
we should be joyous, grateful and open to sharing this truth to other people.” Calvo himself learned to play guitar just three years ago. Two years ago, he took up bass guitar as well. While he is self-taught, Calvo credits music director Marcos Cruz and his friends for helping propel his skill level forward. “My best friend and guitar mentor, Carlos Mota, introduced me to it and ever since, I have been on a journey,” he said. “I also picked up the bass guitar on a trip with a group of friends who were musicians before me and I wanted to accompany them. I started playing it and fell in love with its power and ability to provide a rhythm to the music.” Calvo is originally from Columbia and that is where his musical influences come from as well. He said he learned much from listening to Jazz, Salsa
and Gospel and the band frequently makes use of the African/Latino rhythms that came out of the country. He was drawn in by Christian music during a soulsearching period in his life where he was looking for something more than parties and fleeting enjoyment. “Christian music allows you to freely sing and play music to God in a way that your mind, body and soul all have part in this amazing experience called praise and worship,” he said. “It’s unlike anything I have ever experienced before.” While the band members are from all over the Borough, they congregate at their church community in Corona. “We play music for them, we welcome the homeless, the less fortunate, those who need someone there to care for,” Calvo said. “Not only has this made us better musicians, but also better people in general.”
A Final Loud Reminder of Civic Virtue Past The controversial “Triumph of Civic Virtue” may be long gone from its old Queens Boulevard home but its noisy memory remains – even nine months after Civic Virtue was moved to Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery. Every eight minutes, an electric device, formerly mounted at the statue’s side emits a loud, screechy noise meant to scare birds away from the area. The device was installed as a poop reduction system in an effort to reserve the statue’s structure from acidy bird droppings. The device still plays two types of sounds – one inaudible to the human ear and another which is hard to ignore – a random combination of birds of prey squawking. In light of the revelation, the Dept. of Citywide Administrative Services said they would be removing the device in the next coming weeks. We here at QConf can’t help but wonder if the unbearable noise was meant to keep visitors out from Queens too.
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7 Days, Lowest Prices Free Estimate Licensed & Insured
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Floors
J&S FLOOR SERVICE •Scraping •Polyurethane •Staining •Bleaching White Floors •Waxing •Stripping •Repairs & Installation We also do Painting, Wallpaper Removal, Tiling & Dry Wall Reasonable Prices • Free Estimates
9 1 7 - 45 9 - 2 4 2 1 7 1 8 - 46 4 - 4 5 3 5 24/7
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CLASSIFIEDS! 718-357-7400 ext 151
Fences/Iron
Licensed #1128982
718-297-5553
Wholesale Distributor
170-41 Douglas Ave., Jamaica | Showroom: 14408 A Liberty Ave., Jamaica NY
www.papironcorp.com
Legals
NOTICE is hereby given that an order entered by the Civil Court of the City of New York, County of Queens on JUL 31 2013 bearing index no. 0005582013, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the Clerk of Civil Court of New York, County of Queens located at 8917 Sutphin Blvd Room 357 Ja-
Legals
maica N.Y. 11435, granted me the right, to assume the name of IMRAN BAIG. My present address is 101-35A 120 Street South Richmond Hill NY 11419, my date of birth is August 14, 1972, the place of birth is City of Lahore Pakistan, I am US Citizen, and my present name is NAJAMUL ISLAM a.k.a. NAJAM-UL-ISLAM
CLASSIFIED DEADLINE: Monday Before 5 P.M.
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NEW
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BETTER SCHOOLS MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING GOOD JOBS AND FAIR WAGES
DEMOCRAT
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+ Bill Thompson FOR MAYOR
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VOTE! DEMO CR PRIMA ATIC RY SEPTE MBE 10th R