Southeast Queens Press Epaper

Page 22 Volume 12 Issue No. 34 Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2011

DIGGING IN

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

Mayor Mike Bloomberg and officials came to Laurelton Thursday morning to assure residents that the City was doing all it can to be prepared for Hurricane Irene, which as of Thursday afternoon was headed straight for Jamaica Bay.

By Veronica Lewin…Page 3

A Dept. of Environmental Protection truck dredges a sewer catch basin in advance of the expected deluge from Hurricane Irene.

Online at www.QueensPress.com

Presstime

Be Prepared:

Mayor Promises SEQ Ready For Irene Days before Hurricane Irene is expected to hit New York City, officials are taking precautions to prevent another flooding nightmare similar to one that hit Southeast Queens in 2002.

As of Thursday, Hurricane Irene calls for six to 12 inches of heavy rain on Sunday and strong winds of at least 60 miles per hour. Mayor Mike Bloomberg said Long Island will receive the brunt of the hurricane, so the City will likely only see tropical storm-like conditions such as heavy rain and strong winds, which could cause fallen trees and limbs.

"Now the City has already seen the power of Mother Nature once this week," the Mayor said, referencing an earthquake that shook the city on Tuesday. "Mother Nature may not be done with us yet."

The Mayor met with Southeast Queens officials Thursday to discuss plans for the upcoming hurricane. The City invested $242 million to upgrade sewer systems in Southeast Queens in an attempt to reduce impact in the most flood-prone neighborhoods in the City. Far Rockaway and Broad Channel are at the highest risk for severe flooding in the borough.

Bloomberg said he has been in touch with MTA Chairman Jay Walder to come up with a plan if an evacuation is necessary.

In addition to making sure you have a full tank of gas, Bloomberg urged New Yorkers to prepare for the storm by packing a "go" bag as soon as possible. Some items that should be included in a "go" bag are a firstaid kit, drinking water, a flashlight, batter-

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

BY VERONICA LEWIN

Only in the worst circumstances will the Mayor issue an executive order to force people to leave their homes.

Bloomberg warned people who choose to ignore an executive order will face a penalty much more significant than arrest.

"The worst case if they didn't Laurelton leaders join Mayor Mike Bloomberg for a breakfast to discuss the community's preparedness for leave and we ordered them, they could die," Bloomberg Hurricane Irene, which could cause flooding. said. "The only reason you isies, important medications and documents sue something like that is because you think and an extra set of house keys and car keys. people's lives are in jeopardy."

To protect homeless New Yorkers from If you live in a low-lying area, the Mayor recommends finding a parking spot on top the storm, the City will double its street of a hill if possible to prevent flood damage. outreach operation and simplify the intake "Take some precautions now so that if process at shelters and safe havens to house it gets to that, you'll have less to do," said as many people in need as possible. The Office of Emergency Management Com- Dept. of the Aging is making sure homebound seniors have their meals by delivering an missioner Joseph Bruno.

Albert Rudd, who has lived in Laurelton extra one on Friday and making a special for 28 years, was there nine years ago when Saturday delivery before the storm.

Councilman James Sanders (Da storm left Southeast Queens practically underwater. He said it was scary, but the Laurelton) said Bloomberg has laid out an neighborhood got through it. Though he incredible program for hurricane precaudoes not know what to expect Sunday, he tions. Far Rockaway, which Sanders called has been taking precautions. Rudd said he "ground zero," has the highest risk for exhas been tying down furniture outside and treme flooding in his district. This is conmade sure the drain in front of his house cerning to him, as one-third of the was cleaned in preparation for the storm. Rockaways population is over 65. Sanders At this time, it is too early to tell the is hoping things will go smoothly this weekseverity and impact of Irene on New York end, but the councilman and his staff plan City. Still, the Dept. of Environmental to stay at a shelter in Far Rockaway Sunday Protection has been cleaning out catch to help his constituents weather the storm. basins in attempts to decrease flooding The Councilman is meeting with officials levels on streets and plans to have extra Friday to construct a plan specific to the needs of residents in Southeast Queens. crews out this weekend.

The Mayor stresses the importance of checking local media and nyc.gov to stay informed if an evacuation is needed. He also emphasized the importance of staying out of the water this weekend, as the riptides will be stronger than usual.

For more information about how to stay safe this weekend, call 311 or download the Ready New York: Hurricanes and New York City guide at nyc.gov.

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

How to prepare for Hurricane Irene: •Find out if you live in an evacuation zone (www.nyc.gov) •Sign up at nyc.gov/notifynyc to receive e-mail, text or voice call updates in the event of an evacuation •Secure all outdoor furniture •If you live in a two-story home, move as many things out of the basement level as possible •Make sure your car has a full tank of gas and try to park your car on a hilltop •Stock up on bottled water and nonperishable food items •Pack a "go" bag: first-aid kit, drinking water, a flashlight, important medications and documents and an extra set of house keys and car keys •Have an evacuation plan in order: make plans to stay with a family member or friend in advance •Check on neighbors, especially the elderly •Stay tuned to local media this weekend

Peninsula Will Close Without Help

BY VERONICA LEWIN

the loss. The Act, sponsored by Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest), was signed into law last year, after the borough lost New Parkway, Mary Immaculate and St. John's hospitals.

Vendor services have also stalled, preventing the hospital from receiving intravenous fluids, laundry supplies and operating room supplies. There has been a lack

of staff due to many employees seeking jobs at other hospitals. The state DOH said it is continuing to work with the Peninsula Hospital Board to evaluate any plans that could potentially save the failing hospital.

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

Sex Sting Snags Bilal

A popular imam and former candidate ken opponent against sexual offenses and for late Councilman Tom alluded that sex offenders were White Jr.'s seat was arrested being deliberately dumped in on Tuesday after propositionDistrict 28. ing a woman on a street corIn October 2010, Bilal told ner in Jamaica. the PRESS: "I'm beginning to According to reports, realize that all of the sex offendImam Aziz-Ud-Bin "Charles" ers committing these heinous Bilal, was arrested only ten crimes are on this side of town." blocks away from his mosque Bilal is also reportedly under and charged with soliciting a investigation by the city Dept. of prostitute for $25.

Correction after a 9mm handgun Bilal ran two unsuccessful was allegedly found inside his Charles Bilal bids for the City Council in 2004 Mercedes Benz when his 2001 and 2010. car was towed in July 2010 to a city impound.

In the past, Bilal had been an outspo— Jason Banrey

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

MediSys pulled the plug on debt-ridden Peninsula Hospital Center in Far Rockaway this week, leaving the institution at an even greater risk for closure.

MediSys, which operates Flushing Hospital Medical Center and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, ended its affiliation with the Far Rockaway hospital effective Tuesday. This caused the hospital to immediately lose access to anesthesiologists and critical administrative functions.

To protect patient health and safety, the State DOH advised ambulances be sent to other emergency rooms and that the hospital not admit any new patients until further notice. According to Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton), the hospital is accepting emergency room patients as of Wednesday night. "If they were to close it in a hurricane, that would be the height of irresponsibility," Sanders said.

Current patients will be discharged or transferred to area hospitals. St. John's Episcopal Hospital, the only other hospital on the peninsula, received permission

from the state Wednesday to begin its expansion of facilities to handle the influx of Peninsula patients. According to St. John's, the hospital has already seen Peninsula patient transfers over the past few days.

"We are dedicated to our mission of providing excellent healthcare for the Rockaways and the Five Towns and will aggressively work to help meet the increased demand for services posed by Peninsula's suspension of operations," said Nelson Toebbe, CEO of St. John's.

St. John's will add 17 additional emergency department bays, 51 medical and surgical beds, 10 critical care beds, and one additional pediatrics bed. These 62 beds will bring the total count at St. John's to 319.

Peninsula's suspension brings the number of hospital beds down to 3,655 to serve more than 2 million people in the entire borough of Queens.

Before Peninsula Hospital Center can legally close, the Hospital Closure Planning Act requires the State Dept. of Health to hold a public forum to determine the closure's impact on the community and measures taken to decrease the impact of

SEQ Loses An Activist And Leader

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2011

The Southeast Queens community is mourning the loss of long-time political activist Dora Young. The District Leader from Addisleigh Park passed away Aug. 20 at age 93 after a long illness. She is survived by a brother, a sister-in-law and a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to serving as District Leader for the 29th Assembly District, Young served as the first female Deputy City Clerk, where she married more than 250,000 couples in her career.

"Dora Young was a great leader who seemed larger than life until you met her and immediately realized how down to earth she was," City Comptroller John Liu said. "Even as she faced her toughest health battles, she always had her smiles and encouragement for you. She will be missed dearly."

Young was the Executive Member of the Guy R. Brewer United Democratic Club and played a role in the elections of the first black City Council member, State Senator, Congress member and Queens Borough President. She also supported the campaigns of the first female Borough President Claire Shulman, current Borough President Helen Marshall and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer.

Young was a founder of the Guy R. Brewer Learning Center. She served as Vice Chair of the Queens Democratic Party, and was a member of organizations such

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

BY VERONICA LEWIN

Young at the Guy R. Brewer United Democratic Club, said Young responded effectively and immediately to the various challenges in the community and credited her for many of the projects accomplished in the area.

"She served us brilliantly at a crucial time when our community required political strength and courage to ensure that our concerns would not fall on deaf ears," Spigner said.

"We were very fortunate that Ms. Young dedicated her life to many years of public service," said Councilman Ruben Wills (D-South Jamaica). "As co-district leader of the 29th Assembly District, and executive board member of the Guy R. Brewer DemoDora Young in her days as Deputy City Clerk. cratic Club, Ms. Young was a pillar of leadership."

Assemblywoman Vivian Cook (D-Jaas Links Inc, the Queens Women Political Caucus, Addisleigh Park Civic Associa- maica) said Young was a beautiful woman tion and the Jamaica branch of the NAACP. who mixed very well with people. The two Young was a devout member of St. attended several events together over the Benedict the Moor Roman Catholic 50 years they were both elected officials.

Cook said the one thing she will miss the Church in Jamaica.

Southeast Queens politicians will greatly most is Young's smile.

State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-St. Albans) miss Young, who helped many of them become elected officials. Co-District Leader said Young was like a surrogate mother to Archie Spigner, who served alongside him and called her a woman of active

compassion. "She didn't just care, she did something about it," Smith said. "She never sat on the sidelines; she rolled up her sleeves and fought for our community. The future will never be the same. She was a role model for all who will be forever missed."

Assemblyman Bill Scarborough (D-Jamaica) called Young a political mentor and said she was instrumental in him getting elected to his Assembly seat. Throughout the more than 30 years Scarborough knew Young, he said she had a concern about the quality of life in Southeast Queens, and did whatever she could as district leader to resolve those problems and improve conditions. "Those are the kind of the things that help to make Southeast Queens a livable community," Scarborough said. "People like Dora Young."

State Sen. Shirley L. Huntley (D-Jamaica) was a long-time friend of Young's.

"Dora helped to pave the way for so many young women in the civil rights movement and in local politics," she said. "She demonstrated the ability to be a community activist, union leader, and a loving wife when women were expected to be just housewives."

The funeral will be held Friday, Aug. 26 at 11 a.m. at St. Benedict the Moor Roman Catholic Church at 171-17 110th Ave., Jamaica.

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

Raising Funds For White's J-CAP

BY VERONICA LEWIN One year after the passing of City Council veteran Thomas White Jr., his family is committed to building on the foundation he left behind in the community.

J-CAP Foundation Inc. is hosting the first Thomas White Jr. Memorial Golf Outing and Dinner Sept. 1. The all-day event will be held rain or shine at the Clearview Park Golf Course, located at 202-12 Willets Point Blvd., Bayside.

"My family and I decided we needed to do something to commemorate his passing and honor him in a way that would be memorable," said Bryan White, the late councilman's son and president of J-CAP. White passed away Aug. 27, 2010, at age 71, after a battle with cancer. White served in the Council from 1991-2001, ran again successfully in 2005, serving until his passing.

J-CAP, founded by White, is one of the largest substance abuse treatment programs in the state. The organization has been around for 30 years and has partnered with several non-profit organizations to better serve the community.

Bryan White said one of his father's wishes was that his family establish a memorial scholarship fund in his passing.

Since then, J-CAP established the Thomas White Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund to continue White's mission to help students achieve academic excellence and community empowerment. The organization has given scholarships to four college-

bound students in the area to date.

Next Thursday's event starts at noon with a barbeque lunch, followed by an opening ceremony. Councilman Ruben Wills (D-South Jamaica) will commemorate the event with the first tee-off. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., followed by an award ceremony and the announcement of prize winners. The night will conclude with a silent auction, where guests are encouraged to bring checks or cash.

So far, the organization has received more donations from supporters than tick-

ets for the golf tournament, but White is optimistic the memorial event will have a good turnout. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in various contests at the memorial event such as longest drive and closest to the pin. The winner of the hole-in-one contest will win a new car.

J-CAP hopes to make the memorial golf outing and dinner an annual event, and wants to have two signature events a year, in addition to a gala to present scholarships for elementary to college students.

"What we're trying to do is continue on

in his honor," Bryan White said.

The cost for the barbecue, golf and dinner is $150 per person, or $575 for a team of four. Those only interested in attending the dinner can purchase a ticket for $50. Proceeds will benefit the Thomas White Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund and J-CAP. For more information, contact Tyquana Henderson at (347) 927-5408 or Bryan White at (917) 923-8270.

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

Rally To Save Post Office

BY VERONICA LEWIN A loss of revenue and financial troubles has led the federal government to consider closing 3,700 post offices across the country, including 35 in the City. Four of these post offices are in Southeast Queens.

One of the post offices on the chopping block is the Rosedale Post Office branch at 145-06 243rd St. Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton) held a rally Tuesday to oppose the post office's closure.

Around 30 residents and post office employees attended the rally. A representative from U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks' (DJamaica) office came to show his support.

In a neighborhood where so many people

walk to run their errands, residents argue it is unrealistic for them to travel to another post office in Southeast Queens to take care of their mailing needs, especially in the busy holiday season and winter months.

According to Sanders, the area surrounding the post office was filled with boarded up buildings and vacant properties in the 1980s. Now, the area on 243rd Street is bustling with businesses that many of the residents depend on. Sanders worries closing the Rosedale post office will put the neighborhood at risk to seeing boarded up buildings once again.

Right now, the government is studying how many people use the branch in Rosedale.

Soon after, the post office will allow an oppor-

tunity for public input. After the 138 day process, the postal service will determine if it will limit services at the Rosedale branch or close the location altogether.

Rally participants stressed the importance of getting the word out to those who may not be aware the Rosedale branch is in danger of closing.

Perkins encouraged residents to attend the Sept. 27 Rosedale Civic Association meeting. The meeting will be held at Throop Memorial Presbyterian Church at 140-17 243rd St. in Rosedale. For more information, call (718) 978-4701.

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

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

Brenda Jones Executive Editor:

Brian Rafferty Deputy Editor:

Editorial Be Prepared As of Thursday afternoon, the center track of Hurricane Irene has it hitting New York in Jamaica Bay. That may change, but less than 72 hours before Irene touches New York, it appears that Southeast Queens may get the worst of the storm's effects.

The City has opened its emergency command center and the Mayor came to Laurelton Thursday morning to assure residents that the city has been doing - and continues to do - everything it can to prepare for the pending storm.

Anybody living below South Conduit or the Belt Parkway is in a Hurricane Evacuation Zone if the storm hits as a Category 2. If it is stronger, the evacuation line will move north to cover all areas south of Rockaway Boulevard, all of Rochdale, Baisley and the Guy R. Brewer neighborhoods.

We urge all of our readers to keep on top of the storm as it develops, to look for evacuation warnings and to be safe, should we actually need to worry.

Joseph Orovic

Letters

Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Harley Benson Domenick Rafter Jason Banrey Veronica Lewin Art Dept:

Sara Gold Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend

To Tom White Dear Dad, It's been a year now and the pain of your loss still lingers deep in my heart. It seems that the world changed in an instant when God called you home. Each day seems to get easier, but it's not. There are moments when I feel your presence guiding me, helping me, and even carrying me forward, while walking with our Lord. Then there are days when I can't feel you at all, wondering if you've slipped far away from this world and completely left me behind. This may be selfish on my part, but it's hard to let go.

I remember as a little boy how you'd take me riding in your Buick, and how exciting it was just to be with my dad. There were the family gatherings with everybody dancing. I still remember when I did a split "like James Brown" and you looked

at me with amazement, and laughed so hard with amusement. I must have been only 10 years old then.

There's the time when you taught me to play horseshoes at a family picnic. Tossing the shoe only the way you can, and landing near or around the spike. The days I'd spend with you sharing your fatherly advice on being responsible and completing my education. How happy you were at each of my graduations, especially the one from college. That was an accomplishment. You wouldn't let me quit, and because of you I'm the man you wanted me to be. I can't remember if I ever said thank you, and it hurts.

There is so much we said and a lot that was not, but we both thought we had more time. I hope you realize just how much I loved you, and wanted to make you proud. During the last days you

Letters let me know that I had, and that meant more to me than anything else. And then you were gone.

I miss you Dad, so much. The world has changed and sometimes I have a hard time accepting that, no matter how hard I try.

But I will never forget what you taught me and the promises I made to you. I will love you infinitely and keep you in my heart forever. Continue to walk with the Light, until we meet again.

Love your son, Bryan

Minority Sciences To The Editor: The Mayor's recently announced plan to build a government-sponsored, engineering and science campus in New York challenges us to deliver training and jobs to the many talented young men and women of color that our economy has left behind. It is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.

Mayor Bloomberg is to be commended for launching the ambitious Applied Sciences NYC initiative that seeks to partner with a top-tier engineering school and establish a cutting-edge science and technology campus here.

This addition to New York's economic and intellectual capital will only reach its full potential, however, if it directly addresses the glaring opportunity gap facing women, AfricanAmericans and Latinos in science and engineering.

According to the National Science Foundation, just 6 percent of graduate engineering students are African Americans or Latinos.

Women hold just 24 percent of the jobs in science, technology, engi-

neering and mathematics - a shameful statistic that has not budged in a decade and that U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank has rightly described as "unacceptable."

The initiative as it is proposed presents a rare chance to level the playing field even more.

The schools that hope to benefit from this partnership with City government should be required to demonstrate their commitment to expanding opportunities to all New Yorkers.

The institutions applying to build a science campus here should be measured on their track record with minorities and women in areas such as student recruitment, graduation rates, and job-placement; their hiring and promotion of faculty and staff; and their success in turning academic breakthroughs into spin-off companies owned by minorities and women.

Schools should also provide detailed plans for outreach and partnership with underrepresented communities moving forward.

The City should also consider appointing more underrepresented minorities, as well as more women to the Advisory Committee for the Applied Sciences NYC initiative.

Currently, there are nine members but no African-Americans or Latinos on the committee.

Lastly, the review process should be as open and transparent as possible. The Advisory Committee should hold public hearings, applicant submissions should be accessible to the public, and scoring criteria should be publicized. The better informed and involved the public is in this process, the more successful it will be.

John Liu, NYC Comptroller

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

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2011

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Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

The Passing Of A Queens Legend A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE Dora Young. The very name conjures up images of elegance and accomplishments.

But Dora's accomplishments have never been just what she had accomplished for herself. No, she believed that her purpose here was better served in the empowerment of other people, whether it was just registering the masses to vote or endorsing and fighting for the election of mentees in the Guy Brewer United Democratic Club.

As a district leader, Dora never seemed interested in running for any higher office. She was content with whipping other people into shape to run for larger offices.

She was a trailblazer not only in Southeast Queens, but in our borough, city and state. Dora's membership in the Guy R. Brewer United Democratic Club started

back in the 1950s as one of the early women to infiltrate the old boys' network of party politics and make a name for herself.

As a co-leader to her male counterpart, the former councilman Archie Spigner, she worked long hours in the Club with other pioneers such as the aforementioned Guy Brewer, Robert Croom, Helen Wright, Jack Tennyson, Alice Brooks, Johnny Newsome and so many others, charted the election of a series of firsts in the Borough of Queens.

Brewer became the first African-American Assemblyman, Archie Spigner the first New York City Councilman; Andrew Jenkins the first State Senator and Helen Marshall the first borough president.

Dora and the group also saw to the election of countless women to judgeships and supported candidates outside of

Queens running for higher office as well. They fought for the election of "first African-Americans" such as Percy Sutton to boroughwide office as Manhattan Borough President; David Dinkins as mayor and William Thompson as New York City Comptroller.

And it wasn't always about race. Dora and the Club also supported the election of anyone they felt was qualified and willing to look after the interests of all constituencies. They supported the election of a former first lady to state-wide office - along with other local clubs. As a result, Hillary Clinton became the state's first female Senator, and John Liu is now City Comptroller.

Dora also served the community as a member of the NAACP, The Links, The League of Women Voters and various other groups.

As Deputy City Clerk for Queens County she also served the bor-

ough and beyond by marrying countless couples.

Her Valentine's Day "marriage-athon" became the stuff of legends.

It was no surprise that Dora would have succeeded as a Queens political figure. She was fond of telling the guys that she grew up in a family of brothers who taught her to box, so she would be able to protect herself. And no wonder they were concerned.

Dora was a beauty when I first met her about 25 years ago. By then she was already in her sixties so one could only imagine her as a teenager and young woman. But that was not her calling card. She relied only on her hard work and made service to others her goal in life.

She helped to break down doors through which countless other people could walk and for that she will long be remembered.

May she rest in peace.

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A Once In A Blue Moon Election In Queens Every once in a blue moon a story come s along that has the ability to sway an election.

Now New York’s 9th Congressional District has had several Blue Moon stories in, well, less than a Blue Moon.

“Once in a Blue Moon” is a common way of saying not ver y often, however, it was not easy to determine exactly what a Blue Moon is.

A recent popular definition, says it is the second full moon to occur in a single calendar month.

And since the interval between full moons is about 29.5 days, and the length of an average month is 30.5 days, it is rare but does sometimes happen.

There will be 41 months that have two Full Moons in every century, so by common definition and

math, once in a Blue Moon actually means once every two-and-ahalf years.” In fact, “Once in a blue moon” is most frequently used colloquially to mean “a rare event.”

Blue Moon Story 1: First and foremost was the Anthony Weiner Sext ing stor y wh ich stoo d the news media on its head and rivaled in coverage the bizarre adventures of the likes of Charlie Sheen, Dominique Kahn and Lindsay Lohan.

It’s effect not only resulted in the re signation of Ant hony Weiner from Congress, but it eliminated him from the 2012 Mayoral race where he was the perceived frontrunner.

Blue Moon Story 2: Former Mayor Ed Koch comes along and makes an election that should be an easy win for almost any Democrat over almost any Republican, a personal crusade against President Obama’s stance on Israel. He oppose s t he Democrat Dav id Weprin (with a history of support for Israel) to back Bob Turner, the Republican with little or no record on very much – especially Israel.

Koch’s ongoing barrage manages to bring what should be more than a 10 point victory by Weprin down to what polls are reporting as a 6 point lead. In fact, 6 points can evaporate quickly, even without a Blue Moon Story.

Well, the Koch effect behind us, and the boredom beginning to creep in, this writer assumed the normal patterns would evolve and the race would soon be back to a close-to-10-point Democratic win to represent the political leanings of a District which heavily leans towards Democrats in registration with some recent right wing influence. Couple this with the effectiveness of the Queens Count y Democratic Organization, the proven fundraisi ng abi lit y of Weprin who amassed impressive amounts as a comptroller candidate in 2009 and adding the Weprin family network, we could have dismissed this as the race that never was.

Well, we haven’t seen the candidates financial filings – they’re due Sept. 1 — but it doesn’t appear Weprin is spending as much as Turner. Sources tell us that the Democratic and Republican Congressional Campaign Committees do not intend to invest in this district, which is likely to be sacrificed in the upcoming redistricting. And there are still 3 weeks for Weprin to spend and lengthen his unimpressive lead.

Remember, Turner was the Republican Candidate against Anthony Weiner in 2010 and we assumed he showed us his

best back t hen.

Hold onto your hats. Turner has done it again.

Blue Moon Stor y 3: T he Daily News reported on Sunday on a t wo decade old, h igh profile stor y about a n AIDS-str icken Brooklyn woman’s que st to find new parents for her son: “A dying Rosemary Holmstrom got offers from people around the world who wanted to take in her then-8-year-old C.J. The Queens couple who adopted the boy and made him part of their family never wanted to be identified - until now.

Bob Turner, the Republican nominee for disgraced ex-Rep. Anthony Weiner’s vacant Brooklyn-Queens seat, and his wife Peggy, raised C.J., now 26.

“This was not a tough decision,” Bob Turner said. “It wasn’t ‘should we or should we not.’ It was the right thing to do.”

“He was so cute. He was adorable,” added Peggy Turner, remembering C.J. as a young boy.”

A picture of candidate Bob, wife Peggy flanking 26-year-old C.J. Turner accompanied the heartwrenching story.

Now the story may have been released on Bob Turner’s timetable, but the selfless deed was done by the Turners 20 years earlier, before

Turner dreamed of elective office.

What will be the effect from this story, which we believe will take center stage, in an election where the economy, the debt ceiling differences of the parties and jobs in New York should be the issues? Well, the Democratic side has not demonstrated an ability to focus on the differences between Weprin and Turner. In fact, they have been on the defensive since Ed Koch poked his nose across his bridge that used to be ours.

Now, can the Weprin camp keep his left-leaning vote in line with a candidate who has demostrated he has the heart, soul and compassion usually belonging to the Democrats?

Weprin and his campaign team have their task cut out for them.

They must take control of the message of this campaign from the Turner camp, which has been in control for the past month. They must different iate bet ween t he stances of the candidates. They must differentiate between the beliefs of the parties.

The 9th CD is a Democratic District and has a long history of voting Democratic.

And only once in many Blue Moons can it be expected to deviate from the pattern.

MSchenkler@QueensPress.com

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2011

Will The Legislature Do What’s Right For All?

By HENRY STERN organization he and It is an ancient truothers formed called ism that the first law of New York Uprising. nature is self-preservation.

After the RepubliThe thought was excan victor y, they conpressed elegantly by Ancluded that the independrew Marvell in 1675 in dent commission they England in a metaphysipromised to suppor t cal poem, “Hodge’s Vision could not come into effrom the Monument”: fect until the state ConHenry Stern “Self-preservation, stitution was amended, nature’s first great law, / All the an event that would not take place creatures, except man, doth awe.” before 2013, at the earliest, and The relevance of this to today’s would not apply until the 2022 politics arises when we consider election. What happened, of the decennial issue of redistricting. course, was that once they had a New York State is historically majority, the Republicans repudinoted for egregious gerrymandering. ated their pledge, as it was no For roughly the last half century, the longer i n their self-i ntere st to Assembly has been districted to elect honor it.

Democrats, whereas the Senate lines Governor Cuomo has repeatfavor Republicans. The steady edly pledged to veto any districting growth in allegiance to the Demo- plan that is not prepared by an crats and the relative depopulation independent commission. He does, of upstate has made it increasingly however, leave h imself some difficult to draw Senate lines to keep wiggle room by requiring that the the Republican Senate majority. plan be fair, reasonable and nonIn 2008, the Democrats actu- partisan, without re-emphasizing ally gained a Senate majority be- the necessit y for an independent cause of the high vote for Presi- commission. dent Obama. They managed their To his credit, the Governor majority so shamefully and cor- has stated that he does not beruptly that the Republicans nar- lieve that the committee of state rowly regained control in 2010. legislators charged with statutory During the campaign, all the Re- authority to draw the lines, the publicans promised in writing to New York State Legislative Task support an independent redistrict- Force on Demographic Research ing commission in order to win the and Reapportionment (LATFOR), approval of Mayor Koch and an can see past their own personal

and political interests and create district that are equitable.

A possible scenario is that, anticipating Governor Cuomo’s veto, the Legislature will avoid the consequences of over riding the Governor’s honest and populist stance and instead stall as long as it can, perhaps unt il Februar y 2012, before issuing its lines.

The aim of this strategy would be for the legislature to make the case to the courts, which would then be charged with drawing the line s, that there would not be enough time before the April 24, 2012 primary date to come up w ith new line s, and thus there would be no alternative but to adopt the LATFOR lines.

To thwart this potential manipulation, Governor Cuomo should appoint a nonpartisan, independent commission now that would draw up equitable lines. This commission’s recommendations would not be binding, nor would they carry official weight, but they would be valuable if the redistricting battle winds up in the courts, and the judiciar y needs a viable alternative to the LATFOR lines.

Common Cause Ne w York deserves praise for the substantial labor that it is currently performing to create their own set of lines, drawn up according to the principle s commonly held by goo d government groups. Basic fairness

requires that legislative districts be compact, contiguous, equal in population, reflect communities of intere st, a nd not be stacked, packed, hacked or cracked, which are terms used to describing either stuffing members of one group into a district in order to control it, or breaking up natural concentrations of people to diminish their power to elect a member of their group.

There is still a possibility that the Legislature will honor its pledge and hold a special session to appoint an independent commission

in place of LATFOR. That is, however, highly unlikely as it would almost certainly frustrate the Senate Republicans’s desire to maintain their majority, which they may lose unless President Obama’s defeat in 2012 is massive.

The voters have a right to choose their elected officials. The officials do not have a right to choose their voters, although in fact they try to do just that. Sometimes they even succeed. In New York State they usually do.

StarQuest@NYCivic.org

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

Police Blotter Compiled by DOMENICK RAFTER

108th Precinct

7:12 a.m., police responded to a 911 call of a pedestrian struck at Corona Avenue Gun Point Robbery and 93rd Street in Corona. Upon arrival, The NYPD is asking for the public's police determined that a 25-year-old Hispanic woman had entered the roadassistance in identifying a man way in front of a GMC minivan wanted in connection with a robdriven by a 53-year-old Asian bery that occurred in Woodside. man. The pedestrian was atOn Sunday, Aug. 14, at 1:55 tempting to cross the street a.m., the suspect approached when she was struck. EMS rea 21-year-old Hispanic man at sponded and the victim was the corner of 72nd Street and taken to Elmhurst General Hos41st Avenue, displayed a silpital where she was pronounced ver firearm and demanded his dead on arrival. The operator of p ro p e r t y. H e remove d t h e the vehicle remained at the victim's cell phone and an unscene and there appears to be determined amount of cash and Police are seeking no criminality at this time. The fled the location in a green fourthis man in connecinvestigation was ongoing. The door sedan. tion with a robbery name of the decease was pendThe suspect is described as a in Woodside. ing family notification. black man, 30-40 years old, 5foot-7, 150lbs, dark complexion, speaks with a foreign accent and was last seen wearing a blue stripe polo shirt.

Anyone with information regarding Newborn Found this incident is asked to call Crime StopThe NYPD is asking for the public's pers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The pub- assistance in identifying a newborn baby lic can also submit their tips by logging found in Astoria. onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at On Friday, Aug. 19, at 7:05 a.m., ponypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting lice officers responded to a 911 call of an their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then en- abandoned baby at 21-62 28th St. in tering TIP577.

Astoria. Upon arrival of police and EMS, a newborn white or Hispanic girl with the umbilical cord still attached was discovered inside of a shoe box in front of the Pedestrian Struck building. EMS rendered aid to the child On Sunday, Aug. 21, at approximately and transported the newborn to Elmhurst

114th Precinct

110th Precinct

Hospital in stable condition. The parents of the newborn have not been located, a hospital canvass was initiated and the investigation was ongoing.

The baby is 7 pounds 1 ounce and it is believed that she was born within the previous 24 hours before she was found.

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

From the DA Insecure Deposits A Richmond Hill man has been charged with taking approximately $53,300 in security deposits from prospective tenants for the same apartment in his residence although, in fact, it was never available for rent.

The defendant was identified as Shahab Khan, 32, of 86-46 127th St. in Richmond Hill. Shahab was arraigned on a criminal complaint charging him with two counts of third-degree grand larceny, six counts of fourth-degree grand larceny and one count of first-degree scheme to defraud. He was ordered held on $50,000 bail and to return to court on Sept. 6.

Queens DA Richard Brown asked that anyone who believes that he or she may

have been a victim of the defendants' alleged scheme to contact his Economic Crimes Bureau at (718) 286-6673.

Khan was additionally arrested on another criminal complaint on Aug. 19 with 11 counts of fourth-degree grand larceny and one count of first-degree scheme to defraud. He was arraigned on that complaint on Aug. 20 and released without bail.

He was ordered to return to court on Oct. 4 and faces up to four years in prison on each of the grand larceny counts if convicted.

According to the criminal complaints, between May 31 and Aug. 10, the defendant allegedly advertised the first floor apartment located at his residence in Richmond Hill on Craigslist and showed it to 20 prospective tenants on various occasions and accepted security deposits and first month's rent ranging from $2,000 to $4,350 from the complainants. The complaint states that when the prospective tenants tried to arrange a move-in date they were variously allegedly stalled by the defendant who allegedly made up excuses as to why they could not move in as scheduled. The complaints further state that on at least one occasion a man identifying himself as the defendant's father told one of the complainants who tried to move in: "This is my house, you're not moving in."

On another occasion, according to the complaint, a woman believed to be the defendant's mother returned $1,300 to a complainant who had given the defendant a $3,500 security deposit.

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Effective Changes:

New Principal Brings Fresh Ideas To Rejuvenate 'Dangerous' School who presented the award along with Councilman Leroy In just nine months, Rushell White Comrie (D-St.Albans). turned MS 226 from one of 16 persisPrior to taking the position tently dangerous schools in the state to a as head of MS 226, White had welcoming building where students feel been in the school system for 13 years, serving as the dean they have a role in their education.

The year before White became princi- at Maxwell High School, a pal, the South Ozone Park middle school supervisor for six years and a logged 150 violent incidents for the 2009- teacher prior to that.

2010 school year. White took the job as White said the number of principal with the mission to transform the violent incidents has significlimate of the school as soon as possible. cantly decreased at the According to the State Education school because the school has Dept., a school is designated as "persis- changed from a place focused tently dangerous" if it has two successive solely on curriculum to a place years of serious incidents that meet or where students can grow soexceed established criteria. Homicide; cially as well as academically. sexual offenses; robbery; assault resulting The school now has a "Posiin physical injury; arson; kidnapping; reck- tive Behavior Intervention" less endangerment and possession; and program in order to highlight use or threatened use of a weapon all clas- and encourage ideal behavior instead of emphasizing the sify as serious incidents. negative actions of a few.

In J a n u a r y 2011, t h e A Renewed Culture MS 226 ended its school year with school unveiled its "Star just 30 violent incidents, which White Bucks" program, where chilattributes to the school collaborating as a dren receive vouchers that whole to change its culture. She said fac- can be redeemed for prizes Principal Rushell White (c.) accepts an award from Councilmen Ruben Wills and Leroy Comrie for her ulty, staff, students, parents and commu- at the school store. Every accomplishments at MS 226 at last week's Jamaican Independence Day celebration. nity members all had a role in the middle faculty and staff member has school's transformation in such a short 20 "bucks" to hand out to students ex- has a "Get Caught Reading" program, If chosen, the student's picture is dishibiting good behavior. where a candid photo is taken of a stu- played on the bulletin board outside of period of time.

"It's giving them more of an interac- dent reading. The school partners with the main office. The fact that it is a peer"It's a vision that I've always had of a school, if I had that opportunity to be tion in their school system, both staff and the Queens Public Library to offer book driven program is a key to its success.

"When the kids find out that their leader of a school. I always envisioned students are able to interact a lot more signings every six weeks for students who having that school be somewhat of a uto- than they used to," White said. Before earn an average of 90 percent or higher. friends can nominate them and they can When White arrived at the school, it actually win, you see them running around pian situation where kids come in and implementing the program, MS 226 had between five and seven violent incidents lacked extracurricular activities. Now stu- with paper, saying 'Vote for me for stuthey feel welcomed," White said.

White was honored Aug. 9 at the 50th a month. Starting the program cut the dents have more than a dozen clubs to dent of the week! Vote for me," White said.

White said she'll always remember participate in, such as technology, Indian celebration of Jamaican Independence number in half, which shocked White. dance and creative writing. In order to when a proud student ran into her office Day for her accomplishment of reducing start a club at MS 226, students had to fill to tell her she had collected 350 signaImproved Academics, Extras the number of violent incidents at her White said math scores have risen out a petition with 25 interested mem- tures from her peers for student of the school. "It was easy to pick her," said Councilman Ruben Wills (D- Jamaica), since taking over as principal. The school bers. She said the kids were eager and week. She said it is nice to see her stuwanted the school to represent their in- dents taking the initiative to be recognized for their work. terests.

White said she is surprised at how Student government was also introduced during the 2010-2011 school year much the school has accomplished thus and coincided with local government far. Nearly a year ago, police were in the elections. The elected students meet with school on a weekly basis arresting stuWhite and her assistant principals to ad- dents. By the end of the school year, police were coming in once a month to give dress their concerns.

"You should see my kids: they're all workshops. Safety agents who were once sitting around with notepads and notes solely responsible for the safety of all in of things that they want to address and the building are now leading mentoring comments that they got from their peers," programs for the students. The principal she said. With the feedback from their said after all the school has accomplished peers, the student government was able in just a year, there can only be more posito add a monthly theme day at school, tives to come out of MS 226.

"Five years from now, I see the school had their first overnight trip to Washington D.C. and added curry chicken to their nationally recognized for its efforts, nalunch menu. tionally recognized for excellence and "We've given kids an opportunity to progress and performance," White said. create the atmosphere for themselves," "We will be acknowledged for high performance in ELA, high performance in White said. math and serving as an exemplary school in South Ozone Park and in the nation."

Recognizing Each Other Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at One of the most popular programs implemented this past school year is the vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, MS 226 was ranked one of 16 persistently dangerous schools in the state before White took over. Student and Staff Member of the Week. Ext. 123.

Photo courtesy of Councilman Ruben Wills' office

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2011

BY VERONICA LEWIN

#

" " " " " !

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Photo by Juliet Kaye

pix

Robinson Reform

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

Photo by Juliet Kaye

Garvey Tubman Music The Garvey-Tubman Music Series "Smooth Soul Hitmakers" Free Summer Concert held at Brookville Park in Rosedale on Saturday, July 30, brought out the community on a warm summer day to hear the soulful sounds of Meli'sa Morgan, Allison Williams and Jeff Redd. The annual concert is sponsored by Margert Community Corp. and Councilman James Sanders. (l. to r.) Assemblyman William Scarborough, Councilwoman Letitia James and Councilman James Sanders.

Photo by Juliet Kaye

Assemblyman William Scarborough presented William Scarborough Scholarships to four You Can Go To College Committee students at his district office.

The students participated in the You Can Go To College Committee program which has been helping students get into some of the top African American colleges in the country for the past 14 years. Pictured l. to r.: Executive Director Dorita Clarke, scholarship recipients Amanda Smith, Dana Harris, Assemblyman William Scarborough, Amanda Kenny, Parrish Gentry, Educational Director Sister Shirley Dye.

Paige 1 Block Party Photo by Juliet Kaye

Go To College

The Jamel Robinson Child Welfare Reform Initiative, in partnership with Keep Our Streets Safe (K.O.S.S.) and the Shiloh Baptist Church held a United We Serve 2011 Family Day on 106th Avenue and 173rd Street. Assemblyman William Scarborough (5th l., 2nd row) praised the Jamel Robinson Child Welfare Reform Initiative and the enterprising young man, Jamel Robinson (4th l., 2nd row) for his hard work in preventing 18 to 21 year old foster care youth aging out of the foster care system ending up in homeless shelters.

Paige 1 Beauty Salon, located on Merrick Blvd. and 130th Avenue held the 130th Avenue Block Party for neighbors, friends and customers. Food was plentiful and children enjoyed an inflatable bouncy house.

Neighbor Assemblyman William Scarborough (l.) whose District Office is located two doors away on Merrick, joined Paige 1 proprietor Camille Jackson and some of the children from the neighborhood who were enjoying the bouncy inflatable and great food.

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2011

National Grid offers mail-in rebates to make high-efficiency natural gas equipment even more affordable.

up to $1,000 rebate for a high-efficiency space heating boiler or up to $600 rebate for a space heating furnace, saving up to 30% on your heating costs by using less energy to produce the same amount of heat as standard equipment $300 rebate for an indirect water heating unit, cutting water heating expenses by up to 30% $100 rebate for an outdoor boiler reset control, saving up to 10% or more on heating costs by operating according to the weather outdoors $25 rebate for a programmable thermostat, saving up to $180 a year by managing your heating needs automatically and efficiently National Grid residential natural gas heating customers residing in Brooklyn, Queens or Staten Island may qualify. Please visit our website for full program details and a list of qualifying equipment models. Customers must obtain a reservation number online before submitting their rebate applications. This offer is subject to change or cancellation at any time. Some restrictions may apply. Savings and energy efficiency experiences may vary. Š National Grid 2011

For more information, please visit:

www.powerofaction.com/nyc13

A&E

Kids Take Over Open On Saturday York Knicks All-Star Carmelo Anthony, and pop star Cody Simpson at the 16th Annual Arthur Ashe Kids' Day presented this Saturday, Aug. 27, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Restaurant Review

Dine Like A Duke IL DUCALE RISTORANTE 12-53 150th St., Whitestone (718) 767-4699 CUISINE: Italian HOURS: Noon- 11 p.m., 7 days DELIVERY: Yes CREDIT CARDS: All major

Crowds file in for Arthur Ashe Kids Day at the US Open.

TIX), usopen.org and at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center box office. American Express is the official card of Arthur Ashe Kids' Day. General admission promenade tickets cost $10 and loge tickets are $20. Arthur Ashe Kids' Day will be broadcast nationally by CBS on Sunday, Aug. 28, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Kids 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.

Mental Health Seen Through Poet’s Eyes "I want people to know that mental illness is not someone having a bad day, or a bad week, but a chronic disease that surely causes as much suffering as a serious physical illness -- on both the afflicted and their loved ones."

So says Flushing native Nina Bannett, author of "Lithium Witness," a poetry chapbook that chronicles her life growing up with a mother who suffered from bi-polar disorder, formerly called manic depression.

Just 4 years old when her mother was initially diagnosed, Bannett explores what it's like to be the young child of someone who lives in her own fluctuating reality and also what it was like growing up surrounded by both mental illness and the strongest bonds of love.

The New York City College of Technology student's poems take the reader through a 30-year-long painful cycle of separations and reunions, depicting an unbreakable mother-daughter relationship tested by anxiety, illness and ultimately, death.

The 26 poems communicate the psychological, medical, and financial impact of mental illness as well as Bannett's struggle to come to terms with her mother's unexpected death in 2004 from undiagnosed colon cancer. "Lithium Witness" addresses the themes of mental illness, mother-daughter relationships and the woman as artist.

Bannett has been chairperson of City Tech's English department since 2009.

She began teaching full-time at the College in 2003, after previously serving as a part-time adjunct professor for six years.

Her academic area of specialty is 19th

and 20th century American Women's fiction, and she has published articles on the work of Louisa May Alcott, Elizabeth Stoddard and Anzia Yezierska.

Bannett's parents divorced when she was a teenager, and she continued to live with her mother in the years that followed while seeing her father on the weekends.

Winning a full academic scholarship to attend Queens College enabled Bannett to live at home and care for her mother while earning an undergraduate degree in English.

She went on for her master's and PhD degrees at The CUNY Graduate Center.

"I was an only child and needed to stay at home to try to provide the emotional support my mother needed," explains Bannett, who says "Lithium Witness" is meant to be "a tribute to my mother and a way to keep her in my life."

She proudly notes that she is the third generation in her family to graduate from Queens College. Her mother graduated in 1965, her father in 1961, and her grandmother in 1984.

At first, Bannett wrote the poems for herself, but as time went on, she began to see the value of sharing them with others. It was when she read "The Rose Tattoo," a poem in the collection, to a City Tech literature class, that she realized she wanted to publish a collection of work about her mother.

"Occasionally, my mother would talk about wanting to write a book about her life, but for lots of reasons, this eluded her," she explains. "Lithium Witness is not the book she would have written, but it is one I think she would be proud of."

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

In Queens, one can say Italian eateries are a dime a dozen, but in Whitestone, where there is no shortage of places to enjoy the cuisine of that boot-shaped country, there is one place that stands out.

Il Ducale, which means "of the duke" in Italian, is more than just an eating experience; it's almost like a mini tour of Italy in itself. Inside is the ornate dining room decorated with floor to ceiling frescos of the Italian coastline that almost makes you feel you are eating on a top of a cliff in Amalfi, on a beachfront in Reggio Calabria, the water splashing up against the patio, or on a hilltop overlooking the Adriatic in Ancona, watching the ferries disappear over the horizon.

But getting lost in the ambience is only the beginning. For anyone who has ever been to and eaten in Italy, Ducale's cuisine is even more of a throwback than the paintings of the red roof shorefront villages. You will feel as if you're eating meals made specifically for a duke.

For starters, we dove into a mixed selection of shellfish, ricotta rolled-up in eggplant and stuffed mushrooms.

Three out of four of us enjoyed the mixed platter. To our delight, one of our companions suffered from a shellfish allergy which meant there was an extra item for each. Thank God for delicious allergens.

The shrimp was the table's favorite.

As they swiftly disappeared from the plate, we silently moved on to the stuffed clams while our shellfish-free friend sat waiting in envy for the main courses to arrive. The lightly breaded baked clams melted like butter on our taste buds, comparable to some of the best we've ever tried. With just a bit of room in our bellies we stuffed the rolledup ricotta eggplants down and sat satisfied while waiting for the next course.

One by one, our waiter placed our plates before us, one chicken dish after another and fitting to our personalities.

The Pollo Normandi, chicken breasts marinated with diced apples, raisins and cognac cream sauce, is a dish not often seen at many Italian eateries, but it's the perfect meal for a summer,

or autumn day, and one for a lover of sweet, fruity flavors. Sometimes the dish can be tart, but Ducale's recipe delivered just enough fruity essence to give the dish its signature flavor without going overboard. When biting down on a slice of chicken, be sure to top it with a slice or two of apple and a few raisins for the full effect.

If the Duke was going capture our taste buds, he'd have to do it with something simple. And he did.

Initially, one of us was hesitant about ordering a dish that required too much effort from the chef. So he stuck with an Italian staple of mine (or at least what he believed to be an Italian staple) and choose the chicken parmesan with a side of spaghetti.

The side of spaghetti was just as any other, so he immediately directed his fork towards to perky poultry. A generously carved cutlet lay beneath a melting muddle of mozzarella cheese mesmerizing him.

Whether it was because he had not eaten out in a long (long) time or that this was after only having a bowl of dry cereal for breakfast that morning, he was sold.

Awaiting her first real meal since breakfast, our allergy-prone guest's plate arrived just in time. The Chicken Francese came on a platter-sized dish with three generously sized chicken breasts. Each golden brown morsel had just the right amount of crispiness. The sauce had the perfect hint of lemon and herbs, and there was plenty to spare. After the heaping side of lightly sauced pasta, there wasn't much room for dessert, but that didn't stop us from splitting one.

Given the Italian-ness of the meal's proceedings, tiramisu felt mandatory.

With cappuccinos and espressos, which could hold their own against any warm brew served at a café, we washed it back, restarting our engines.

The fluffy lady fingers making up the tiramisu's central layers remained firm, despite soaking up a sizable amount of coffee. Where others often crumble under the pressure of a fork, this tiramisu retained its shape and consistency, the bitterness of the coffee mixing with a sweet cream to give a balanced and refreshing finale to our meal.

It seems the ownership picked a deserving name. Il Ducale truly is Whitestone's Duke of Italian cuisine.

Viva Ducale!

–Queens PRESS Staff

Hosted by TV personalities/actors La La Anthony and Quddus, the popular fullday tennis and music festival for children and adults alike - including interactive games, musical entertainment and tennis activities - will also feature performances from up-and-coming stars including Girls Nite Out, Action Item, Jacob Latimore and Nickelodeon's The Fresh Beat Band.

Arthur Ashe Kids' Day will kick off the 2011 US Open, which runs from Aug. 29 - Sept. 11.

From 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., kids and their families can experience an exciting schedule of free tennis games, live music and attractions taking place throughout the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Inside Arthur Ashe Stadium from 1-3 p.m., the live tennis and music show will feature fun exhibition matches and skills competitions with Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Kim Clijsters, Andy Roddick, David Wagner and other top players and celebrities with musical performances by Cody Simpson and more.

Stadium show tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster (1-866-OPEN-

PRESS photo by Ira Cohen

US Open Champions Rafael Nadal and Kim Clijsters, world No. 1 ranked Novak Djokovic, former US Open Champion Andy Roddick and the 2010 US Open Wheelchair Champion David Wagner will team up with actor Bradley Cooper, New

Faith

Arms Of Love Pushes Healthier Kids

By VERONICA LEWIN

This weekend, kids in Jamaica have an opportunity to put down the video game controller and pick up a jump rope.

The Arms of Love Community Outreach Inc. is hosting its second Back to School event this Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Merrick Park Baptist Church at 12002 Marsden St. in Jamaica. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., children and other members in the community can take advantage of a plethora of activities the organization is offering. This year's theme is "No Batteries Necessary."

"We're trying to promote exercise and healthy living," said Donald Edge, spokesman for Arms of Love.

Kids will have the opportunity to hula hoop, dance, and participate in a double dutch competition. The Federation of Black Cowboys of Queens and Brooklyn will perform a horse show at 2 p.m., weather permitting. For the little ones, there will be inflatable games and a magic show. All of Saturday's events, including breakfast and a barbeque lunch, are free to the community. State Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica), Assemblyman Bill Scarborough (D-Jamaica) and City Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) are scheduled to attend.

Arms of Love is a non-profit, faith based organization that strives to provide services to underserved youth and adults.

The organization offers a variety of ser-

Notebook Young Women’s Leadership

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2011

Green Girls In Queens At Botanical Garden Some 25 middle school girls from the Young Women's Leadership School recently completed City Parks Foundation's three-week intensive Green Girls Summer Institute. The young women had the opportunity to "guest blog" about their experiences at People + Parks, City Parks Foundation's blog.

Janmarie Acosta, 11, was among the group of Green Girls who visited the Queens Botanical Garden in Flushing.

"We saw Osage Orange trees, which were in the shape of an orange, but they were green and looked like a brain. The building was designed to be environmentally friendly. The building was designed so that when it rained, the water would fall off the building into a little pond or it was used to water plants. It used solar and geothermal power. We learned about compost: you put lots of garbage in a bin with worms because worms will eat the garbage," Janmarie wrote in her blog entry.

The Green Girls Summer Institute is a program that focuses on enriching science learning and addressing environmental justice issues, through field trips, community service projects in parks, and citywide exploration.

Green Girls enjoy intensive summer experiences in a three-week institute to educate them about New York City's vast natural and cultural resources and promote leadership skills. The curriculum addresses a variety of science subjects, including environmental education, ecology, biology, geology, zoology and botany. They explore their personal potential and learn about the career opportunities that are available in the sciences.

Green Girls is supported by Time Warner Cable through the company's Connect A Million Minds initiative, which

City Parks Foundation Green Girl Janmarie Acosta explores Queens Botanical Gardens. was created to inspire the next generation of problem solvers by connecting young people to the wonders of science, technology, engineering and math (ConnectAMillionMinds.com).

Founded in 1989, City Parks Foundation (CPF) is the only independent, nonprofit organization to offer park programs throughout the five boroughs of New York City. CPF works in over 750 parks citywide, presenting a broad range of free arts, sports, and education programs, and empowering citizens to support their parks on a local level. CPF's programs and community building initiatives reach more than 600,000 people each year, contributing to the revitalization of neighborhoods throughout New York City. For more details, please visit CityParksFoundation.org.

vices, including vocational training, career development and resume building. Edge said the organization's motto is "Reclaiming the village, come as you are and grow as you go."

Just in time for the new school year, about 200 students will go home with a sling bag backpack full of school supplies.

Adults will not likely leave empty-handed, as there will be several giveaways throughout the day. New York Hospital Queens will be handing out Mets tickets to those who donate blood. Blood pressure screenings will be available as well as free

mammograms for women over 40.

Dwayne Tatum Haircuts will be giving away three free haircuts for men, while Classic Hair Works salon will be giving one woman a free hairdo.

Arms of Love is making this event possible solely through donations from the community and local businesses. To donate or get more information about Saturday's event, call (646) 770-2382 or (718) 529-8842.

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

Word "I believe in one God, and no more; and I hope for happiness beyond this life. I believe in the equality of humans; and I believe that religious duties consist in doing justice, loving mercy, and endeavoring to make our fellow creatures happy." —Thomas Paine

Borough Beat

Koo Backs Dem; Debate Turns Ugly

BY DOMENICK RAFTER There's no summer vacation for the candidates vying to replace former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner - nor for those who seek to out-shout their opponent's supporters.

Democratic candidate David Weprin and Republican candidate Bob Turner have been crisscrossing the district in both Brooklyn and Queens meeting voters and rounding up endorsements.

Weprin got a key cross-party endorsement last week from Councilman Peter Koo (R-Flushing), who had endorsed and campaigned for Turner in 2010; he endorsed Weprin at the Flushing Chinese Business Association on Main Street on Aug. 18.

Koo focused on immigration issues in his endorsement of Weprin.

"I am crossing party lines to support the best candidate for this community," Koo said. "David Weprin embraces new immigrants and he knows the importance of having the opportunity to achieve the American dream. When I look in the mirror, I know in my heart I'm making the right choice."

Weprin also gained the endorsement of the top firefighters unions, the Uniform Fire Officials Association and the Uniform Firefighters Association. The two unions gave their endorsement, along with Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) at Engine 305 in

Forest Hills on Sunday.

He also received the endorsement of U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

At a spirited debate Monday night held at Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills and sponsored by the Queens Civic Congress, the candidates faced off in front of an unruly crowd of hecklers. Turner explained his position as a true independent running under a Republican banner. "I owe no one anything," he said. "I am not a party loyalist and they don't have anything I want or need."

Weprin noted his positions against President Barack Obama on Israel and against Council Speaker Christine Quinn on congestion pricing and term limit extensions as signs that he is not always going to toe the line of his party.

Turner has vowed to cut 35 percent in federal spending over the next 10 years, and that would include dramatic reductions in agencies such as the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and the U.S. Dept. of Education. He also opposed extending unemployment benefits for people who have been receiving unemployment for 99 months.

"Fifty percent of people whose benefits run out end up finding a job," he said.

"When is enough enough? The burden is on the individual. There is a point, and I think we've reached it."

Many of Weprin's responses to ques-

tions were cut short as he would bring up Tea Party references to Turner's candidacy, eliciting huge roars and protest from the crowd, who then would drown out his answers.

The National Republican Campaign Committee, the body that oversees GOP Congressional campaigns nationwide, sent

Turner's campaign $44,500 in funding last week, a sign they may be taking the race seriously.

Editor Brian M. Rafferty contributed.

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

Census Data May Be Right

BY DOMENICK RAFTER Mayor Mike Bloomberg is officially challenging the results of the 2010 Census that showed tepid growth in New York City and almost no growth in Queens, saying the bureau severely miscounted many neighborhoods including Astoria and Jackson Heights, but Queens College professor and demographer Andrew Beveridge says the City’s challenge may be all for naught.

Beveridge said there were a number of reasons why the Census results could actually be correct, including the effects on population caused by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the 2008 financial crisis, which shook the nation’s financial industry, based in New York City.

First, he took issue with the idea that housing statistics point to a higher population in areas like Astoria. Beveridge

pointed out that a lot of new housing does remain vacant in areas like Astoria and Bay Ridge.

“New York City, along with the rest of the United States, experienced a housing bubble and is still working through the extra units that were constructed during that bubble,” he said in an April piece for the Gotham Gazette.

Also, Beveridge said, immigration numbers might have dwindled toward the end of the decade, and while the city was preparing for numbers similar to what they saw in the 1990s, they instead found the flow of immigrants may have slowed due to fewer job prospects after the 2008 recession and a perceived unfriendly climate toward immigrants in the United States.

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

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

Send typed announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 150-50 14 Road, Whitestone NY 11357.

Send faxes to 357-9417, c/ o Regina.

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

ALUMNI THOMAS JEFFERSON Sunday, January 15 class of 1961 will meet in Florida.

Tjhs1961@aol.com

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

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

Light refreshments.

ISRAELI FOLK Mondays 7:15-9:45 at Hillcrest Jewish Center, 18202 Union Turnpike. $10 session. 380-4145.

LINE DANCING Mondays 6:30-9:30 at Kowalinski Post 4, 61-57 Maspeth Avenue. $7. Cake and coffee. 565-2259.

ENVIRONMENT COMPOSTING Tuesdays, August 30, September 6, 13, 20, 27 waste food drop off at the Steinway library at 4.

THEATER

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2011

KILLING KOMPANY Friday, September 23 “The Re a l i t y T V M u r d e r s ” a t Riccardo’s in Astoria. The Killing Company performs mystery dinner shows. 1-888SHOOT-EM for information.

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

RUMMAGE SALE Saturday, September 3 i n the church parking lot, 43rd Street and Skillman Avenue 10-3. Queen of Angels Church.

TRASH & TREASURE Saturday, September 17 93 at All Saints Church, 21435 40th Avenue.

BOOK & HEALTH FAIR Saturday, September 24 12-6 6 th Annual Queens Book and Health Fair in the Harvest Room at Jamaica Market, 90-40 160 th Street, Jamaica.

ENTERTAINMENT MOVING IMAGE Through September 4 The Films of Frank Sinatra. September 9-30 Gus Van Sant.

Through January 16 Jim Henson Screenings and Programs. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 th Avenue, Astoria. 777-6800. $15.

JON BATES BAND Saturday, August 27 1-5 Jon Bates Band performs. 5051800.

FM POETS Saturday, August 27 Fresh Meadow Poets meet at the Forest Hills library at 10.

PIANO CONCERT Saturday, August 27 piano concert at 2 at the Flushing library.

DINO ROSI Saturday, August 27 international songs with Dino Rosi at the Broadway library at 3.

ICE CREAM & DOGS Saturday, August 27 ice cream social and dog show at 1. Sundaes and floats 1.5.

Dog show at 2 with Blessing of the Animals. First Reformed Church of College Point, 118-17 14 th Avenue, College Point.

GREEK FILMS Saturday, August 27 “Panic in the Streets.” Sunday, August 28 “Baby Doll.” Saturday, September 3 “A Face in the Crowd.” Sunday, September 4 Greek American Filmmakers. Films in Greek.

Greek Cultural Center in A s t o r i a a t 6 . 2 6 - 8 0 3 0 th Street. Free.

SUMMER FUN Sunday, August 28 Theatre for t he New Cit y presents “Bamboozled.” Sunday, September 11 September 11 th tribute. Sunday, September 25 Jackson Heights Green Alliance Ending Cele b r a t i o n . 5 p m a t t h e 7 8 th Street Play Street, 78 th Street between Northern Blvd. And 3 4 th Avenue, Jackson Heights.

SINATRA Monday, August 29 Sinatra tribute at the Arverne library at 5.

GREEN FILMS Monday, August 29 “The End of the Line” will be shown at the Astoria at 6.

ELLINGTON TRIBUTE Monday, August 29 tribute to Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn at the Seaside library at 6.

KAROAKE Tuesday, August 30 sizzlin’ summer karaoke at 5:30 at the Flushing library.

SCRABBLE Tuesday, August 30 at the Fresh Meadows library at 1.

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

JEWISH MUSIC Wednesday, August 31 family entertainment. 7pm at Cunningham Park, Union Turnpike and 196 th Street.

Free.

SUMMER MOVIES Friday, September 2 “Invictus.” St. Joseph Parish, 43-19 30 th Avenue, Astoria.

278-1611. BBQ begins at 7, movie at sundown.

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

BANANAGRAM/ SCRABBLE Fridays at the Windsor Park library at 2.

GAME PLAYERS CLUB Friday, September 2 at the Auburndale library at 3:30.

FIRST FRIDAYS Friday, September 2 Socrates Sculpture Park offers evening hours.

FM POETS Saturday, September 3 the Fresh Meadows Poets meet to discuss their work at 10 at the Fresh Meadows library.

ARTIST TALK Saturday, September 10 46 artist talk for “Going Green” exhibit at Crossing A r t , 1 3 6 - 1 7 3 9 th A v e n u e , ground floor, Flushing.

MUSIC IN GARDENS Sunday, September 11 Music in the Garden, resented with Bang on a Can at Socrates Sculpture Park at 3.

OPEN MIC Mondays, September 12, Oc tober 10, November 14, December 12 evening of poetry at 7:30 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike.

WORLD MAKER FAIRE September 17-18 Hall of Science.

RELIGIOUS MESSIAH LECTURES Through September 14 series of lectures about the Messiah with Rabbi Gerald Solomon from 10:30-noon at the Flushing-Fresh Meadows Jewish Center, 193-10 Peck Avenue, Flushing. 357-5100.

ICE CREAM & DOGS Saturday, August 27 ice cream social and dog show at 1. Sundaes and floats 1.5.

Dog show at 2 with Blessing of the Animals. First Reformed Church of College Point, 118-17 14 th Avenue, College Point.

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, August 28 10-noon at t he Ba y Terrace Jewish Center, 13-00 209 th Street, Bayside.

REFORM TEMPLE Wednesday, September 7 the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112 th Street, will hold an open house from 6-8.

LUTHERAN REDEEMER Sunday, September 11 memorial service at 9:30. Regular service begins September 18 at 8:30. Sundays regular worship service with Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:30. Sunday School, Adult Bible Class and Friendship Hour at 9:30. Youth Group at 12:30. Wednesday prayer group and Bible Study at 7.

Lutheran Church of the Red e e m e r , 1 5 7 - 1 6 6 5 th A v enue, Flushing. 358-2744.

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

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

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

WOODBLOCK PRINTING Easy method in full color at the National Art League.

969-1128.

CRAFT CLASSES Saturdays 11-3 at Maria Rose International Doll Museum in St. Albans. 2763454.

SCRABBLE CLUB Saturdays at 10 at Count Basie Jr. HS, 132 nd Street and Guy R. Brewer Blvd. 8865236.

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

PET OWNERS Saturdays (not on holiday weekends) from 1-4 free Doggie Boot Camp a:at Crocheron Park in Bayside (weather permitting). 4545800. Reservations required. Donations accepted.

SKYPE CHAT Mondays, August 29, September 12, 19, 26 at the Queens Village library at 2.

BALLROOM DANCING Mondays, August 29, September 12, 19, 26 at the Forest Hills library at 6:30.

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

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

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

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

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

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

JOB INFORMATION Monday, August 29 at the Middle Village librar y. Register.

INTRO MICROSOFT WORD Tuesday, August 30 at the McGoldrick library at 10:30.

INTRO COMPUTER Tuesday, August 30 at the Queens Village library. Register.

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

GET YOUR YARNS OUT! Tuesdays after evening Minyan at 8, knitters, crocheters, needlepointers, and others meet at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000, ext. 200.

TOUR THE WORLD Tu e s d a y, A u g u s t 3 0 a t

10:30 adults tour the world via the internet at the Rosedale librar y.

INTRO COMPUTER Tuesday, August 30 at the Queens Village library. Register.

INTRO POWERPOINT Tuesday, August 30 at the Steinway library at 10:30.

COMPUTER TRAINING Tuesday, August 30 at the Bellerose librar y. Register.

INTRO EXCEL Tuesdays, August 30 at the Steinway library. Register.

KNIT & CROCHET Tuesday, August 30 at the Windsor Park library at 2.

LANGUAGE CLASS Wednesdays Conversational Hebrew 2:30-3:30 and Torah Stories in Yiddish 3:30-4:30 at the Bayside Jewish Center. 352-7900.

TANGO CLASS Wednesdays, August 31, September 7, 14, 21, 28 at Buenos Aires Tango in Forest Hills. 347-642-4705.

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

263-7000.

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

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

BOOK AND NOOK FAIR Wednesday, August 31 Open house from 3:30-5:30 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows.

INTRO WORD Thursday, September 1 at the Steinway library. Register.

QUILTING CLASS Thursdays 10-2 at the Maria Rose Doll Museum in St. Albans. 276-3454 or 917817-8653 to register.

QUILTERS Thursdays at the East Elmhurst library at 12:30.

CHESS CLUB Thursdays at the East Flushing library. Register.

COMPUTER CLASS Every Thursday at the Queensboro Hill library. Register.

KNIT & CROCHET Thursdays at the Fresh Meadows library at 6.

BALLROOM DANCING Thursday, September 1 at the Woodside library at 6:30.

BEGINNERS COMPUTER Friday, September 2 at the Middle Village librar y. Register.

KNITTING CLUB Fridays at the Maspeth library at 10.

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

COMPUTER COURSE Every Friday at the Ozone Park library. Register.

CHESS CLUB Fridays, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Auburndale li-

brary at 3.

MICROSOFT WORD Friday, September 2 at the Far Rockaway library at 10:30.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, September 3, 17 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital.

646-436-7940.

BALLROOM DANCING Thursday, September 8 ballroom dancing for beginners at the Woodside library at 6:30.

MISCELLANEOUS SCHOOL PROJECT Saturday, August 27 First Baptist Church of East Elmhurst will provide school book bags, supplies and more. 446-0200.

METROCARD VAN Wednesday, August 31 Metrocard Van from 10-noon at the Howard Beach Senior Center, 156-45 84 th Street and from 1-3 at the Maspeth Federal Savings Bank, 56-18 69 th Street, Maspeth.

EXHIBIT QUEENS HISTORICAL Tu e s d ay s , S a t u r d ay s a n d Sundays 2:30-4:30 new exhibit “For Love of the Games: A History of Sports in Queens,” with other exhibits, “Unraveling History: Using Textiles to Date the Past,” “Kingsland: From Homestead to House Museum,” “Persistence: A Celebration of Landmarks in Queens – Past, Present, Future,” and “The Civil War’s La sting Memory.” Queens H i s to r i c a l Societ y at Kingsland Homestead, 1443 5 3 7 th a v e n u e , F l u s h i n g .

939-0647, ext. 17. $2 seniors and students, $3 adults.

FLUSHING COUNCIL Through September 2011 “Within the Emperor’s Gard e n : ” T h e Te n T h o u s a n d Springs Pavilion.” Through November 14 “Endangered Art/ists: China.” November 19 through January 7 “Korean Painting Exhibition: A Walk Through Nature.” Permanent displays include “Jazz Live!”, “Flushing Town Hall:” Fact or Folklore,” an historical exhibition on Flushing Town Hall and its place in history, “Legends of the Queens Jazz Trail” 463-7700.

GOING GREEN Through September 11 “Going Green” at Crossing Art, 136-17 39 th Avenue, ground floor, Flushing.

NOGUCHI Through September 18 “ Tra c k s : A n i m a l D ra w i n g s from Noguchi’s Travel” and “Highlights from the Collection.” Noguchi Museum, 3237 Vernon Blvd., LIC. $10 adults, $5 seniors and students. 204-7088.

MOVING IMAGE Through January 16 Jim Henson’s Fantastic World.

Museum of the Moving Image, 35 th Avenue and 37 th Street, Astoria. $15 adults.

777-6888.

Queens Today YOUTH

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

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

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

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS 7 days a week. 962-6244.

Flushing.

MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS Sundays 7-8:30 at Zion Episcopal Church, 143-01 Northern Blvd., entrance on 44 th Avenue, room 5, Little Neck.

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

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

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

Join these ancient Chinese exercise classes in the Flushing Hospital/Medical Center auditorium on 45 th Avenue between Parsons and

Burling. Free. Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156 information.

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

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

670-1695. $5 a class.

CHAIR YOGA Monday, August 29 introduction to chair yoga at the Laurelton library. Register.

MEETINGS MEN’S CLUB SOCCER Tuesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 2637000.

FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tuesdays the Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets.

917-612-3463.

ADVANCED WRITERS Tuesdays Advanced Bayside Writers’ Group meets at 6:30 in the Terrace Diner, 212-97 26 th Avenue, upper level. Get feedback on your writing and develop your skills.

FLUSHING CAMERA Wednesdays, August 31, September 7, 21 Flushing Camera Club meets at Flushing Hospital. 479-0643.

GAM-ANON Tuesdays Free Synagogue of Flushing and Zion Episcopal Church. Wednesdays All Saints Episcopal Church in Bayside, First Presbyterian Church in Forest Hills, Church on the Hill in Flushing and United Methodist Church in Middle Village. Thursdays Free Synagogue of Flushing and Zion Episcopal Church.

Call 1-877-664-2469.

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

784-6173, ext. 431.

SENIORS AARP CHORUS Like to sing? The AARP Queens Chorus holds practice rehearsals for performances at nursing homes, rehab and senior centers.

523-1330.

FREE LUNCH Saturdays, August 27, September 24 at Church of the Resurrection in Kew Gardens. 847-2649 reservations.

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

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

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

MATH HELP Saturdays at the Flushing library at 10.

CHESS CLUB Every Saturday at the Flushing library at 2.

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

KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at 4 at the Douglaston/Little Neck lib ra r y. B r i n g n e e d l e s a n d yarn.

WORLD TRAVELERS Monday, August 29 at the Peninsula library at 2.

FAMILY YOGA Monday, August 29 at the Rosedale library. Register.

S TORY T I M E Tuesday, August 30 Back to School Storytime at 10:30 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows.

READING PARTY

Tu e s d ay, Au g u s t 3 0 k i d s summer reading party at the Seaside library at 3.

DROP IN & READ Tuesday, August 30 at the Peninsula library at 2.

LEGO BUILDERS Tuesday, August 30 at the LIC library at 1.

DROP IN & READ Tuesday, August 30 at the Peninsula library at 2.

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

KNITTING Every Wednesdays at the Bayside library at 4.

TOPS TRUMP CARD Every Wednesday tournament at the LIC library at 4.

THEATRICKS Wednesday, August 31 at 4:30 at the Kew Gardens Hills library.

FROG HAT Thursday and Friday, September 1 and 2 at the Whitestone library at 3.

PICTURE BOOK TIME Thursday, September 1 for those 3-5 and caregivers at 1:30 at the Queens Village library.

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

BOY SCOUTS Thursdays Boy Scout Troop 138 meets at 7:30 in the basement at 192-15C 64 th

Circle, Fresh Meadows. For those 11 and older. 4542391.

TALKS STEINWAY Monday, August 29 “Let the Great World Spin” will be discussed at the Steinway library at 6:30.

FLUSHING BOOK Friday, September 2 “Middlesex. Friday, Oc tober 7 “House of the Spirits.” Friday, November 4 “The Help.” Friday, December 2 “The Stranger.” Flushing Book Discussion Groups at 1 at the Flushing library.

CENTRAL QUEENS Y Tu e s d a y, S e p te m b e r 1 3 “What are the limits of Free Speech?” A Conversation of NY Council for the Humanities with James Coll at 1:30.Free. Tuesday, September 20 investigative reporter Snigdha Prakash will discuss sensational trial vs.

Merck. $6 donation requested. 1:30. Central Queens YM-YWHA, 67-09 108th Street, Forest Hills.

SUMMER READING Tuesday, September 20 “A Gesture Life” will be discussed at the LIC library at 10.

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

Profile

Creating The Bridge To Education

BY VERONICA LEWIN After witnessing the inconsistencies in the public school system, one St. Albans woman took it upon herself to make sure students in the community excel in the classroom.

Born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents, Lovina Ikenga spent a lot of her early years traveling back and forth to Nigeria.

She left New York City to pursue her master's degree and now resides in St. Albans.

After Ikenga received her master's degree in classics from University of Colorado Boulder, she started teaching Latin at Boulder High School and soon taught adult education courses while being a private tutor. As her tutoring network grew, Ikenga found herself too busy to tutor all interested students and began to ask friends to help with her workload. Two years ago, Bridgesmart Tutors opened for business.

Ikenga said she only hires instructors with degrees in the subjects they will be teaching, as opposed to applicants with education degrees. This provides the student with a more specialized learning environment, she said. "You need someone who knows their subject very well," Ikenga said.

Ikenga said she believes in a rigorous

of the best ways to develop a student's mind. The academy is offered year round in a classroom setting at specific locations.

Ikenga said her method of teaching may not be effective for all students.

"It's a very structured environment that might not work for all cultures. It works for the Caribbean community; they're used to that. It works for the African community."

Bridgesmart mainly serves students in Queens and Brooklyn, but is beginning to branch out to parts of Manhattan and the Bronx. Ikenga said word of mouth has helped the company expand its tutoring services.

Bridgesmart has three program coordinators and seven instructors. The company offers tutoring sessions in reading and writing, core subjects and college preparation.

Students can still register for the upcoming For a while, Ikenga tutored for No Math and Latin Academy, which will be held in Child Left Behind, where she realized one of Bridgesmart's classrooms. the fate of our public education system.

I was shocked and appalled," Ikenga tutoring program that is designed for stu- said. She said it surprised her how dents who want to excel in school. Some undereducated some students were. One of Bridgesmart's methods are conserva- high school sophomore she tutored had tive, as they used Christian home-school the reading level of a fifth grader.

Ikenga blames video games and a lack materials and offer Christian Latin lessons. Bridgesmart also offers a Math and of discipline for some students' inability Latin Academy, which it believes is one to be attentive and take interest in school.

Ikenga said there is not much that can be done to fix the City school system's problems because it is too large to change.

"If the children from certain cultures, certain communities do not have a proper education, then they can't get a job," Ikenga said. "So what are they going to do? They're going to roam the streets, looking for people to attack, and that's exactly what's happening."

Bridgesmart was originally located in Fresh Meadows, but moved into an office in Long Island City at the beginning of summer. All one-on-one tutoring is conducted in the student's residence after a program coordinator does a free consultation to discuss the needs of the student. The first fivehour block of tutoring is also an assessment period of the student's reading, writing, and speaking skills. If parents are satisfied, they have the option to purchase more five-hour tutoring blocks in needed subjects.

Though Bridgesmart does not use diagnostic tests to measure a student's academic ability, Ikenga said her students perform well on State Regents exams.

For more information, contact Bridgesmart at (718) 450-6493.

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

Page 20 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2011

People New York City Councilman James of our community. He has received a life Sanders, Jr. formally announced the pro- time of experience in these past eight years, motion of Donovan Richards, his long and has grown into a competent, capable time "Acting" Chief of Staff to the for- and distinguished young man who has mal position of Chief of Staff. Richards, earned the trust and respect of my entire who has served the 31st Council Dis- team. This promotion was overdue, but I'm trict at the Councilman's side for the past proud to have such an outstanding Chief eight years, has informally run day to day of Staff in charge of my office." operations and overseen John Nedd who's the the staff at all three of President and CEO of Councilman Sanders' ofJonWesley Consulting, fices, from Manhattan to LLC Personal-Private GloFar Rockaway. bal Security Consulting The promotion comes Company was named as the at a critical juncture for New first Vice President of 100 York City and state, as laBlack Men of Long Island. bor issues, ongoing ecoNedd is also a veteran Law nomic turmoil and a shaky Enforcement Officer with fiscal future add rising presthe Nassau County Police sure on city officials to deDepartment, currently asliver for their constituensigned to the Federal Bucies. But Richards says he's John Nedd reau of Investigations. ready for the challenge.

Nedd is also a member of "After eight years under the Incorporated Village of Councilman Sanders, I wear the scars of many battles fought and Westbury, Taxi and Limousine Commission. won," said Richards. "The struggles we He's a Director of the National Organizaface as a community and a city are un- tion Black Law Enforcement Executives, precedented in my lifetime, but I'm ready Long Island Chapter. He's a three time Presito roll up my sleeves and set to work to dent of The Nassau County Guardians Ashelp the people of our district get back sociation, a Life Time Member of the on the right track. I want to thank my Roosevelt/Freeport Branch of the NAACP, mentor and friend, Councilman Sanders Member The Long Island Chapter of the for this opportunity, for the trust he has Urban League, ASIS International, The placed in me, and for his wisdom and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Sigma Beta Beta Chapter of Long Island,The Fraterguidance these many years."

Said Sanders: "Donovan has proven nal Order of Police and The International himself a tireless champion for the needs Association of Chiefs of Police.

The New York Lottery announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning ticket from one of the Lottery's live drawings from Aug. 14- 20: Alipio Santos of Hollis won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing of August 16th. Santos's winning ticket was purchased at the L & M American Store at 191-01 Jamaica Ave. in Hollis.

Jorge Berenguer of Far Rockaway won $10,000 on the Powerball drawing of August 6th. Berenguer's winning ticket was purchased at the The Depot/ New Smithhaven Smoke at 1133 Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream.

marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.

Tyson is the son of Brenda Tyson of Villa Ave., Bronx, and brother of Abdul Tyson of Beach 96 St., Rockaway Beach.

Air Force Reserve Airman Evelyn L. Waite graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

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

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate Asuno E. Udoh of Jain applied science degree maica, a student at Evelyn L. Waite through the Community Binghamton University's College of the Air Force.

College of Community and She is the daughter of Public Affairs, earned an Merlyn Waite of 147th Street, Rosedale.

MPA, Public Administration Waite graduated in 2001 from Hillcrest Army Pvt. Ababio O. Tyson has gradu- High School, Jamaica, and received a ated from Basic Combat Training at Fort bachelor's degree in 2006 from John Jay College, New York.

Sill, Lawton, Okla.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, Send notices of graduation, awards, anniversaries, engagements and honors to: core values and traditions, military courPRESS of Southeast Queens tesy, military justice, physical fitness, first 150-50 14th Rd., Whittestone, NY 111357 aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map All announcements will be considered for publication without fee. reading and land navigation, foot

Tell The PRESS

After a successful release this summer on the big screen, the scrawny boy from Queens with a shield of armor may be returning to our borough in the future. With the success of Captain America and the plans for him to be featured in five more Marvel movies, moviegoers may see Chris Rogers in Queens again.

After seeing him at the 1939 World’s Fair in the movie, producer Stephen Broussard hinted that he maybe appearing in Queens again, but didn’t say which film.

So for those of you that saw the film or to those who grew up reading the comic, get ready to see more of the super hero in Queens.

Models Of Queens

Marvel To Return to Queens

Captain America could be local

Clean Up! Though the story is a mess, we know that during a routine repair job within the Dept. of Sanitation maintenance facility in Maspeth, a salt spreader owned by the Dept. of Corrections ended up crashing through the outer wall of the building and nearly plunging three stories to the parking lot below.

Fortunately, nobody was below when the crash occurred, so the falling debris banged up some cars and nobody was hurt.

As for the driver, he ended up stuck dangling for a while before he and the truck could be rescued.

We just love the picture.

Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2011

How Many Hills?

The Queens Chamber of Commerce knows a lot about Queens.

In the century they’ve been around, they’ve been the go-to group for businesses in the borough. So it surprised us when we received their (well-put together) invitation to their centennial celebration and found a mistake not common among those who know Queens.

The invitation was designed like a U.S. Passport (is this even legal?) In the back, a series of stamps identifying Queens neighborhoods are on a page that looks like the one in your passport that gets stamped at customs. The neighborhoods listed include Kew Gardens, Far Rockaway, Maspeth, College Point, Bayside, North Corona, and Richmond Hills, - yes, Richmond Hills with an "s."

Now of course we know the neighborhood is Richmond Hill –

Seregon Returns It’s only been a year since we last wrote about Seregon O’Dassey, a Pennsylvania native who is working on making a name for herself here in the big city.

This gal has been in Maxim, Stuff and Playboy, but her true focus is on acting. The modeling is great, but she sees her true future on screen.

This self-described Star Trek geek admits that working alongside a space traveler would be her

ultimate role.

She envisions “a fantasy story I write gets picked up by a network and I am playing one of the lead roles, directed by Joss Whedon (The Avengers) or Jonathan Frakes (Star Trek The Next Generation).”

“Or a contract role on a soap opera,” she added.

In the meantime, Seregon has a slew of small parts in some upcoming movies with fascinating

Seregon O’Dassey Home: Woodside Age: 30 Height: 5’ 7" Weight: 120 lbs Stats: 36-24-36 titles, including “Girl Scout Cookies,” “Sound Of Mind,” “Scream Queens Campfire” and “Witch’s Brew.”

Whatever the role, we’re sure Seregon will steal the scene. Keep working at it; you’re sure to hit the big time.

Sesame St. Pride

New geography for the Queens Chamber of Commerce passport? just one. Perhaps the Queens Chamber of Commerce thinks the neighborhood is so awesome, there should be more like it?

Or perhaps they just need a copy editor.

Running of the Bull

More traffic on Liberty Avenue, Jamaica

Astoria is short one potential gay couple.

The makers of Sesame Street – which is shot at Astoria's Kaufman Studios – dismissed rumors that Bert and Ernie are gay, ending hopes for the show’s first gay wedding.

“Even though they are identified as male characters and possess many human traits and characteristics (as most Sesame Street Muppets do), they remain puppets, and do not have a sexual orientation,” the show said in a statement.

The announcement came after a Facebook Bert and Ernie are just puppets with no sexual orientation page launched by gay rights acConfidentially, New York . . . tivists asked the bathtub-sharing duo to tie the knot on the show to teach the acceptance of gays and lesbians.

We’re glad Sesame Street cleared that up. Now if only we could find out if Big Bird is a dude or chick.

Just when we thought we’ve seen everything in this borough we got another surprise.

On Aug. 10, some Queens residents got their opportunity to run with the bulls – and they didn’t even have to fly to Pamplona.

After making a break from a Jamaica slaughterhouse, a bold bull legged its way along Liberty Avenue in an attempt to escape his inevitable demise.

Onlookers recorded the event as the brazen bull bolted its way into York College before being corralled.

Although the incident did not seem as exciting as the world famous event in Spain, spectators seemed to enjoy the debacle as two butchers were in tow, trying to corral the brown bovine in an amateur attempt of a real-time rodeo.

What’s Up SATURDAY, AUG. 27 Youth & Tennis The Youth and Tennis group meets every Saturday morning at Roy Wilkins Park Saturday. To learn more, call Bill Briggs at (718) 658-6728.

Walkers for Wellness Club Looking for a fun way to improve your health? Join the Walkers for Wellness Club at New Hope Lutheran Church of Jamaica. Under the guidance of a Walking Leader, you will walk two to three times each week at a comfortable pace with others along routes throughout Southeast Queens. The club is open to walkers of all ages and abilities. The walking schedule is Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m., and Saturdays at 8 a.m. Walkers meet at New Hope Lutheran Church, located at 167-24 118th Ave. T-shirts and pedometers will be provided. Contact Thurkessa Brown at (917) 553-1089 for more information.

Arms of Love The Arms of Love Community Outreach, Inc. of South Jamaica will present its 2nd Annual - "Wellness/Back to School Community Event: No Batteries Necessary" from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Merrick Park Baptist Church, 120-02 Marsden St. This event is free to the fublic!

The aim of this event is to bring health awareness and preventative resources to the community for the entire family.

Highest Praise Gospel God's Children Productions presents the second annual "Highest Praise Gospel Celebration 2K11" featuring Kurt Carr and the Kurt Carr singers, Shekinah Glory, Forever Jones, Jabez, Gary Anglin, Briget Blucher, Michael Reid, Wendy Mitchell, Lovonne Jackson Wright, Warrior, Mona Dell Olivair, Kingsley Ogunde, Devon Johnson & Damaul Francis and The Youth Impact Choir of New Life Tabernacle Church in Brooklyn.

This event will be held at Roy Wilkins Park - Merrick Boulevard at Baisley Boulevard - from noon to 9 p.m. Admission is $40.

French Fire w/Tabou Combo The Margert Community Corporation and Councilman James Sanders Jr. are pleased to present another great concert in their GarveyTubman Music Series. The afternoon's musical offering includes the international Haitian konpa band Tabou Combo. Call the Councilman's Laurelton Office (718) 5274356 or the Far Rockaway Office (718) 4717014 for additional information.

This free event will be held at Brookville Park - Brookville Boulevard at 143rd Avenue - from 3-7 p.m.

MONDAY, Aug. 29 Adult Chess Club Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings.

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

Stretch, Tone and Dance TUESDAY, AUG. 30 Job Club

Inter-Tribal Festival

Camera Club

The Friends of Roy Wilkins Park is proud to present the 1st Annual Inter-Tribal Native American Indian Festival/Pow Wow. This is a family event so bring the kids and enjoy Native American drumming, dancing, history, arts and crafts, food, and vendors. Special attractions include the Aztec Fire Dancers "The Salina Family."

For additional information, contact Tony Moon Hawk Langhorn at (917) 415-5139, Yvonne Richardson at (718) 527-5085, Andrew Straker at (917) 8637356, Ernest Darby at (718) 978-6546, or Wendy White at (917) 916-6891.

This free event will be held at Baisley Pond Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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

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

Free Backpacks Know a child who needs a backpack?

Bring them out to Cambria/Cabbell Park.

That's where the organization Future Grads will be distributing free backpacks to any student who needs one.

This free event will be held at Cambria/ Cabbell Park - Francis Lewis Boulevard at 120th Avenue - from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

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

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

Eat Well Jamaica!

The New York Restoration Project, in partnership with Just Food, will be hosting a four-part healthy cooking workshop series in South Jamaica. They'll explore topics that include cooking with in-season ingredients and how to cook well keeping the whole family in mind.

This free event will be held at 50 Cent Community Garden - 165th Street and Foch Boulevard - at 5:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 31 York Observatory Open Night The York College Observatory is open

THURSDAY, SEPT. 1 Walkers for Wellness Club See Saturday's listing. At 7 p.m.

Family Fun Day The Lawrence Nursing Care Center, 350 Beach 54 St., will be hosting a Family Fun Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 2 Senior Theatre Acting Repertory Calling all older adults: Join our galaxy of STARs to perform theatrical works at the library with a great group of people while brightening your life.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PAL Volunteers The Police Athletic League (PAL) is looking for volunteers to continue its mission of serving New York City's young people by donating their time and talents to help serve Queens youngsters at PAL's Redfern Cornerstone and Far Rockaway Beacon in Arverne-Far Rockaway, PAL's Edward Byrne Center in South Jamaica and PS 214 in Flushing.

PAL Centers in Queens offer a wide range of opportunities for volunteers of all talents. PAL's Redfern Cornerstone and Far Rockaway Beacon are looking for people to participate in a center clean-up day. Volunteers are needed to tutor and mentor young people during the After School Program's daily homework help sessions. In addition, individuals can also donate their time assisting the many special events held at PAL's Centers throughout the year. PAL is also seeking professionals to give career advice and talk about their own careers to young people, as well as guest speakers who can share information on a specific hobby of interest to the youngsters.

To become a volunteer with the Police Athletic League or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, please visit palnyc.org. Volunteers will go through an application process that includes an interview, screening and an orientation. For more information, please contact PAL's Volunteer Coordinator, Alexandria Sumpter-Delves, at (212) 477-9450, Ext. 390 or volunteer@palnyc.org.

Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 23

Stay fit and have fun with a series of free fitness activities at Idlewild Cricket Field in Idlewild Park Preserve. All classes are weather permitting. There are no rain dates.

Participants will be lead by instructor Beverley A. Brown through stretching and toning exercises from Yoga and Pilates, as well as do light aerobic dance movements found in Ballet, modern, jazz and Ethnic Dance forms. No experience necessary.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Bring a mat or beach towel.

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

to the public every second or third Wednesday of the month - rain or shine - at 8:30 p.m. Gather in room 2E01 and then proceed to the fourth floor terrace off G corridor if it's clear. For additional information, contact Tim Paglione at paglione@york.cuny.edu or (718) 2622082.

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