Press epaper 090513 by Queens Press

Volume 14 Issue No. 36 Sept. 6-12, 2013

EDITORIAL

HEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OUR GUY

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mayoral election began as a sleeper and moved towards becoming a circus, but it has always represented a critical moment for every New Yorker. While each and every succeeding Mayor may be compared to Michael Bloomberg and the management changes he has brought to governing New York, the next Mayor will require a different set of skills to manage a city that has become more diverse and, at the same time, segregated in social and economic levels. We are a city of immigrants. New immigrants will dominate the political landscape. The City will require a Mayor that has management skills and, more importantly, the temperament to bring all segments of our City together. We believe that Bill Thompson is who New Yorkers need. A person who will govern with civility and humanity, and who has the skills to address the critical legislative and financial problems that the new administration will face come January. Endorsements continue on Page 6.

Online at www.QueensPress.com

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 6-12, 2013

News Briefs Seven JFK Workers Charged With Theft

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Seven John F. Kennedy International Airport workers, who worked as contract baggage handlers for El Al Airlines, have been charged with stealing thousands of dollars worth of items from arriving and departing flights at JFK. According to a statement released by Queens District Attorney Richard Brown, the Israeli airline installed a video camera in the baggage hold area in response to numerous customer complaints of theft. They allegedly caught the defendants rifling through bags, and in some cases, removing items from the luggage they were supposed to be loading or unloading. According to the criminal complaints, between April and August of this year, the defendants were captured on video camera opening passenger luggage, oftentimes wearing gloves. In some instances, they are seen placing jewelry, cash, watches and computers in their pockets and down their pants. “When air travelers check their luggage with an airline, there is an implicit trust that their bags and their contents will meet them at their destination,” Brown said in the release. The defendants have been identified as Tristan Bredwood, 22, of St. Albans, Udhoo Doodnauth, 27, of Richmond Hill, Julio Salas, 44, of Corona, Oshaine Christie, 22, of Rosedale, Dashawn Schooler, 25, of Wyandanch, Romaine Smith, 25, of Brooklyn, and Nkosi Cunningham, 24, of Brooklyn.

Hollis Man Charged With Promoting Kiddy Porn

Last week, a Hollis man, Eduardo Medina, 35, was charged with possessing and promoting child pornography videos of children under the age of 12 depicted in a sexual manner or performing sexual acts. According to the criminal complaint released by Queens District Attorney Richard Brown, police executed a court-authorized search warrant at Medina’s apartment on Aug. 28 and recovered his laptop computer, various external storage media and a cell phone. A forensic preview on his laptop allegedly led to the recovery of 14 videos of children – approximately six to 12 years of age – performing sexual acts. It is also alleged that the videos were downloaded onto the laptop between 12:35 p.m. and 1:05 p.m. on Aug. 28, using peer-to-peer networks. “This defendant is alleged to have had more than a dozen disturbing videos of children being sexually

abused on his computer. These cruel acts cannot and will not be tolerated in a civilized society,” Brown said in the statement. If convicted, Medina faces seven years in prisons.

Queens Has Highest City Conviction Rate

Queens DA Richard Brown recently announced that, according to the City’s Summer 2013 Criminal Justice Indicator Report released by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and New York City Criminal Justice Coordinator John Feinblatt, Queens County continues to be a leader in many of the critical areas that are the focus of the report. “The report’s statistical evidence offers substantial proof that Queens County is, and continues to be, a city-wide leader in many categories,” Brown said. “The bottom line is that we are providing a safer environment in which to live for the 2.3 million residents of Queens County.” The City’s Summer 2013 Criminal Justice Indicator Report provides insight into the functioning of the City’s criminal justice system and the ways in which it is changing. Statistics in the report are based on data from the judiciary, the City’s five elected District Attorneys and the Office of the New York City Special State Narcotics Prosecutor and other New York City criminal justice agencies. Among the Indicator Report’s key findings were: • Queens County’s conviction rate for violent felony arrests in 2012 was the highest among the City prosecutors – 60 percent. The citywide average was 52 percent. • Queens County continues to have the best arrest-to-arraignment time in the City for the first six months of 2013. The citywide average arrest-to-arraignment time is 21.71 hours, while Queens County arraigns defendants in 20.27 hours. • Queens County maintains the lowest re-arrest rate in the City with just 26 percent of people being rearrested for a crime within the year and 10 percent being re-arrested for a felony within the year. Citywide, 33 percent of people arraigned in 2009 (the last year for which there is available data) were re-arrested for another crime within a year and 13 percent were re-arrested for a felony crime within a year.

Brief Us!

Mail your news brief items to: PRESS of Southeast Queens, 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357

Sept. 6-12, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Presstime

Elections Heat Up In Southeast Queens Tensions were running high at this week’s joint District 27 and District 28 City Council candidate’s forum. Just days before the Sept. 10 primary, D27 candidates Manny Caughman, Clyde Vanel, Sondra Peeden, Daneek Miller, Greg Mays and Joan Flowers, as well as D28 candidates Hettie Powell, Rev. David Kayode and incumbent Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica), were each given an opportunity to makes their final pleas with Southeast Queens residents as to why they should be elected. Even before the forum, sponsored by the Jamaica Branch NAACP, entered the question round, members of the audience could be heard snickering about one particular candidate who made his way to the stage late – Councilman Wills. Wills, the last candidate to give his opening statement, was met with little applause as he made his way to the podium. “The reason I came over is because I’m sure if I didn’t come over I’d be blamed or there would be a negative piece of mail or there will be something else and this campaign should not turn into that,” Wills said. He boasted about his “proven track record” and highlighted the accomplishments of his school district – only to be interrupted by his former challenger, Breina Payne, who was knocked off the ballot after a petition challenge from Wills earlier in the election season. “District 28 has not one failing

Photos by Natalia Kozikowska

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

District 27 and District 28 City Council candidates attended a forum at the Majority Baptist Church on Tuesday, Sept. 3, to try and convince voters to vote for them.

school in it– period,” Wills said. “That’s a lie, that’s a lie! We do – I live in District 28,” Payne, yelled from the audience. “That’s not a lie, we have not one failing school,” Wills rebutted, after telling her to “stop it.” As the clatter began to subside and Wills made his way back to his seat, the moderator, Leroy Gadsden, president of the Jamaica Branch NAACP, asked each of the candidates what they would do to reduce gang and gun violence in the community. Wills touted Cease Fire, a gang prevention initiative he helped fund while in the City Council. “We had 347 days, in the target area, where there was not one shooting,” he said. “We brought that [Cease Fire] here, trained certain people so that before something happens, they go in and stop the beef before it District 27 Council Candidate, Manny happens.” Powell, Wills’ most promiCaughman, addresses residents in Southnent challenger in the race for east Queens. his seat, similarly noted the im-

portance of programs available for teens that will deter them from violence. “We have to make sure the young people have something to do,” Powell said. “When the community centers close, they have nowhere to go, so we have to put the funding back into government so we can open those community centers and give those children the programs they need.” D27 candidate Joan Flowers sug-

gested utilizing school buildings for after-school programs. “What we need to do is to use those dollars to open up our schools, to staff after-school programs, to make sure our youngsters from kindergarten to high school have something to do after classes end,” she said. “We should not be closing our schools at 3:30.” Peeden, Miller and Mays gave similar responses to Flowers, whereas Vanel spoke about the need for more community policing and the need for a better relationship between police officers and residents. “We need to make sure there is community policing – that’s very important,” Vanel said. “Stop and Frisk is a major issue between us and the police and that’s a problem.” Flooding was another hot-button issue at the debate. Each of the candidates were asked to explain how they would look to resolve the issue that has been plaguing Southeast Queens for more than a decade. All of the remaining candidates agreed that it is necessary to put pressure on the Dept. of Environmental Protection to reopen the wells that alleviate flooding, but Powell was the only candidate to mention the recently-announced grants coming to Southeast Queens. “Everyone here spoke about the high water table and the need for DEP to pump to make sure that we have adequate pumping, but I also want to let you know we have $1.7 million in grants that can be used to fund these programs to make sure we can rebuild our sewer system,” she said. “The money is there and we have to make sure that funding is used.” Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ nkozikowska

Southeast Queens Council Primaries District 27 Candidates Manny Caughman Clyde Vanel Sondra Peeden Daneek Miller Greg Mays Joan Flowers District 28 Candidates David Kayode Hettie Powell Ruben Wills (Incumbent)

District 31 Candidates Ricardo Brown Michael Duncan Donovan Richards (Incumbent) For information on candidates for Mayor, Public Advocate and Queens Borough President, turn to page 8.

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 6-12, 2013

Thompson Tours Queens in Final Days To Primary Just days before the Sept. 10 primary election, Mayoral candidate and former City Comptroller Bill Thompson, along with U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica), made his way through Queens, touring a variety of neighborhoods to address issues important to the respective communities. Thompson’s first two stops in the Borough on the morning of Sept. 3 were in the Rockaways. He first visited PS 65 at Rockaway Boulevard, where he, along with Meeks and United Federation of Teachers president Michael Mulgrew, spoke to the need for education reform. On his second stop in Queens, Thompson met with first responders and Uniformed Firefighters Association president Steve Cassidy at the FDNY Engine 268 fire department to tour the Rockaway communities that were devastated by Superstorm Sandy. Thompson continued his tour in Southeast Queens at the Robert Ross Johnson Family Life Center in St. Albans, where he spoke to community leaders and clergy about the need to end prosecution of New York City teens who commit non-violent crimes.

“The rules of our crimisaid Rev. Charles Norris, nal justice system are failing chairman of CUCE. young people and families Immediately follow– especially in our commuing his visit to St. Alnities of color,” Thompson bans, Thompson and said. “We’re here today to Meeks made their way call for an end of the prosto the Theodora Jackson ecution of non-violent 16Senior Center in Jamaiand 17-year-olds as adults. ca to meet with seniors New York is only one of and staff. two states in America, along As he addressed a with North Carolina, where crowd of seniors, Thomp16-year-olds who commit son vowed to keep prononviolent crimes are tried grams for residents like as adults.” them a priority should “This simple step would Mayoral candidate Bill Thompson addresses members of the he be elected Mayor. help generate at least $50 United Federation of Teachers. “Our senior promillion a year in foregograms are under attack ing wages and millions in lost tax “We’re united behind him because by the Bloomberg administration – revenues to the State,” he contin- we know that Bill Thompson has the they are under attack,” Thompson ued. During his visit in St. Albans, plan and ability to deal with the is- said. “They have been reducing acThompson also received endorse- sues that are most important to us,” cess to food. They’ve been reducing ments from Meeks, Assemblywoman said Meeks. “You hear him talking access to recreation and cutting Barbara Clark (D-Queens Village) about educating our young people– back on our senior programs.” and the Clergy United for Commu- one of the issues we have here more “I was asked, “if there was one nity Empowerment – a group that than any place else is keeping our area you can promise not to make consists of 75 ministers in Southeast schools open and making sure we are any cuts in” – that area was services Queens. for our seniors because the truth is, educating our young folks.” Both Meeks and Clark, as well “It took this present Mayor 10 of you help make this City what it is,” as members of the clergy, touted his 12 years to find out that many of he added. Thompson’s experience as the Board our African Americans and Latinos Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowsof Education president and com- are failing in high school. I don’t think ka at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or mitment to reform education in the it will take Billy Thompson that long nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ City. to find out in his administration,” nkozikowska Photo by Ira Cohen

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

Sept. 6-12, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

Primary Day Primed For excitement City Comptroller, and it is. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not like Spitzer had a full tenure as Governor. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coming from one of After months of perfunctory de- the worst political scandals to ever bates â&#x20AC;&#x201C; most of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;em boring repetition hit New York. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right for trying of the same things â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Primary to come back in a more modest, but Elections are just about here. Hal- very important, office after stepping lelujah! down as Governor after just one In a matter of days, we can finally year. put this part of the City elections to Weiner, knowing that he had other bed as we find out who moves for- sexting skeletons in his closet, should ward to the General Elections. There have tried to come back by startis a lot riding on the outcome. After ing where he started all those years 12 years, we will prepare for a new ago: running for a City Council seat. Mayor and new Borough President; When he entered the race for Mayor, and after four years, we will also wel- his contrition humanized him from come a new City Comptroller and the dirty labels he had earned and Public Advocate, as well as a slew of his poll numbers shot to the top. But new council members. when the new version of the same This has been old scandal erupted, a most interesting his numbers plumelection cycle, as we â&#x20AC;&#x153;This has been a meted and have gone watched two scandal- most interesting steadily downhill. He ized former Democould probably have cratic leaders jump election cycle, as been Mayor, but now into the race for City- we watched two that dream seems all wide offices try to but over. scandalized former redeem themselves. Anthony, to put They are looking for a Democratic leaders this more politely â&#x20AC;&#x153;do-over.â&#x20AC;? Both were jump into the race than Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m thinking it, embraced by the Afdonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a George rican-American com- for Citywide offices Costanza. Learn munity and people try to redeem themfrom your mistakes of forgiving natures selves.â&#x20AC;? so you will not repeat across the City. One them. Secondly, look -Marcia Moxam for a council seat to fell right back out of grace when it was comrie run for in a few years revealed that he had and go from there. not, in fact, learned Spitzer stands a from his mistakes; and the other is good chance of winning to become now in a dead heat to the finish line Comptroller. If he does, he will be with a scandal-free but bland oppo- very good at it. Spitzer knows monnent. ey. He grew up with the stuff. He It has also been amusing to see knows about investing. Our pension one candidate come from third or funds would be in good hands with fourth place largely on the tip of his him. Stringer has been a steady leadprogenyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retro hairstyle. The kid er and he too would do right by us with the outsized afro has stolen the should he win the comptrollerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s race, spotlight from the substance of the so let them fight it out on Tuesday. mayoral election on the basis of his For mayor, if Bill de Blasioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s poll hair. If his old man wins, Dante de numbers hold, then heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be among Blasio will go down in history as the the last two standing. In fact, he may first kid to ever help dear old dad very well be the only one standing. win an election based on an impor- But whoever wins in this category tant issue (Stop and Frisk) and the should know that it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a cake style in which he wears his hair. His walk into the General Election. Reon-camera charisma as he stumps for publican candidate Joe Lhota seems his dad on TV has taken the City by destined to win that Primary and storm. Who knew! he is not going to be an easy oppoEliot Spitzer, the other surprise nent for the Democrat going into candidate in the race this year, is November. Whether the Democratic smart for jumping into the Comp- nominee is de Blasio, Thompson or trollerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s race rather than getting Quinn, Lhota is going to give that into the fray of the Mayoral race as person the fight of their life. Anthony Weiner has done. It may In just a few days, we will finally seem like a come down to go from know for sure. I for one, canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hardly being Governor to potentially being wait. A Personal Perspective By Marcia MoxaM coMrie

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Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 6-12, 2013

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

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Natalia Kozikowska Joe Marvilli Luis Gronda Trisha Sakhuja

Art Dept:

Rhonda Leefoon Lianne Procanyn Barbara Townsend Alan Goldsher Director of Marketing Maureen Coppola Advertising Administrator

PRESS of Southeast Queens Endorsements Continued from Front: Bill Thompson knows this City, he understands the communities beyond Manhattan. His support is both broad and deep within the ethnic communities of New York. One does not win an election only on the backs of African-Americans. That was yesterday. Thompson’s experience both as Comptroller and as the head of the Board of Education makes him uniquely qualified to tackle the biggest issues on the agenda of the next Mayor. The education of our children is the center of life for most of us. While we give credit to Mayor Bloomberg for getting control over the bureaucratic education establishment, this paper believes that the central role of the teacher in the classroom has been replaced by the bean counters at the Dept. of Education. As Mayor, Thompson will be well-qualified to do battle with the established educational institutions, both within the government and out. The United Federation of Teachers should once again become a partner in working with the Mayor, not against him. It has been an unfortunate number of years where the Mayor and the union have never met for the betterment of our children. Financial cliffhangers will also confront the next Mayor in having to negotiate numerous labor contracts that have been ignored by the current administration. It is our hope that Bill Thompson, an experienced former Comptroller, will be able to hit the ground running on Day One, and work with the new comptroller as a partner to guide the new administration in all fiscal matters. The PRESS enthusiastically endorses Bill Thompson as the next Mayor of New York.

Comptroller For many of the same reasons we have listed above, we place our hopes in the election of Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer as Comptroller. It is not hard to imagine that electing Eliot Spitzer as Comptroller would lead to a wildly combative relationship that could easily do more harm than good for the City. Scott Stringer will be an honest broker for both the financial community, who want stability and audits free from political machinations, as well as keeping a steady eye on the growing concern of the future of our pension system. Investments cannot and should not be made on political ambition, nor should they be made to curry favor with Wall Street houses. The best interests of the City lie with a Comptroller who will work for our future.

Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie Shari Strongin

Saluting Workers

Michael Nussbaum Publisher Ria McPherson Comptroller

Republican Mayoral Primary John Catsimatidis is not your typical Republican Mayoral candidate. Born in Harlem and having worked his way up from the stockroom, Catsimatidis has demonstrated that he is a son of New York. He became wealthy in spite of his background; he did it the old fashioned way, as the saying goes. He earned it. Catsimatidis is an approachable billionaire. He loves people and he loves this City. He is smart enough to understand what he knows. More importantly, he understands what he does not know, and he will bring into his administration bright people who will fill his administration with the same desire to work hard for the people of New York City. Joseph Lhota, on the other hand, is your typical Republican candidate, running on the coattails of a former Mayor who makes millions off of what he did on 9/11. This City needs a compassionate Mayor who will do more listening than talking. More humanity than bureaucracy; we do not need a Mayor who needs sensitivity training. We ask our Republican readers to vote for John Catsimatidis for Mayor.

Public Advocate

While the Public Advocate is charged with stepping in for the Mayor during an absence or vacancy, the position’s most important role is to serve as a liaison between the City and its residents, to help bridge a gap and resolve complaints about City services. While a number of qualified contenders have emerged for the position, we believe that Reshma Saujani has the experience and perspective the position needs to properly benefit those who look to the position for assistance. Saujani has a proven track record both on Wall Street and in the non-profit sector. The organization she founded, Girls Who Code, has given a number of young women from all walks of life the opportunity to gain skills in the tech sector. Her experience as a former Deputy Public Advocate will help her to navigate the position to the benefit of those she serves. As the City continues to see waves of new immigrants take center stage within the power structure of City government, we believe Saujani can be a guiding force and an inspirational figure amongst those looking for representation. The PRESS endorses Reshma Saujani

Letters

Wazeer Ali

The PRESS strongly endorses Scott Stringer for Comptroller.

To The Editor: Not only around Labor Day, but all year round, as we marvel at the infrastructure of this city, we should salute the workers who rendered these architectural and engineering dreams into reality. Many of these workers acquired their brilliant skills as students in our public school career and technical education programs. Look up at the wondrous new World Trade Center structures. You’ve got to respect the

responsibility and expertise shown by the electricians, plumbers and many other highly-specialized professionals who have mastered their roles and implemented all the tasks and logistics of this and countless other complex projects that require intensive coordination and allow no room for error. These workers build and keep safe our bridges, tunnels, water supply and highway systems and sewage disposal operations. Many other catego-

ries of critical jobs that we all depend on are being filled by career and technical education student alumni. Their preparation is not easy. The course work is every bit as substantial as that of any traditional academic major. There is, in fact, a strong and growing academic component in their studies. That training not only increases subject knowledge but also is designed to sharpen judgment when performing their vital employment. A high level of

sophistication is called for. Historically, New York City public schools have been on the cutting edge of quality career and technical education nationwide. They still hold the banner high. So let’s reinvigorate them by publicly supporting them every chance we get. Advancing the cause of career and public education is not a partisan issue. It is a practical idea and a necessity that will continue to benefit us all. Ron Isaac, Fresh Meadows

Sept. 6-12, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

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Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 6-12, 2013

ELECTION PREVIEWS Mayor Democrats sal albanese An attorney and former City Councilman and public school teacher, Albanese has called himself a reformer and independent candidate for Mayor. He has campaigned on the issue of restoring trust in government by eliminating wasteful spending, advancing campaign and election reform and rooting out corruption. Bill de Blasio Elected to the position of Public Advocate in 2009, de Blasio has also served on the City Council and as a political aide to former Mayor David Dinkins and for Hilary Clinton. The candidate’s top issue has been addressing economic inequality by strengthening education, expanding affordable housing and creating jobs throughout the City. John Liu Before his 2009 election to the role of Comptroller, Liu served in the City Council and as a Community Board member in Queens. Liu has campaigned on creating jobs and diversifying the City’s economic base. He has also stressed education as a top issue, seeking to reform the system to put a focus back on giving students a path to college. christine Quinn Quinn has campaigned on her record as City Council Speaker, including seven on-time budgets, and has vowed to help the middle class by creating new manufacturing and green jobs throughout the City. She has also vowed to reform the City’s educational system, focusing on improving morale among both teachers and students and moving away from testing-based education.

Bill thompson The former Comptroller and president of the City Board of Education, Thompson challenged Mayor Michael Bloomberg in 2009, earning nearly 44 percent of the vote. Thompson has stressed a need to fix the City’s public school system, with a focus on creating a schoolto-jobs pipeline to give New Yorkers a greater opportunity for success. Thompson says that his experience as Comptroller has prepared him to move the City in a better direction. anthony Weiner The embattled former U.S. Congressman and City Councilman has toured the City promoting his plans to help small businesses, lower taxes and fix the City’s healthcare system. Weiner has proposed a plan for housing that includes 20 percent affordable housing and 20 percent housing for middle class families. repuBLicans John catsimatidis The CEO of the Red Apple supermarket chain, Catsimatidis has been an outspoken critic of the recentlypassed Community Safety Act, stressing a need for public safety to inspire confidence within the City. The candidate has campaigned on his business experience and says he will focus on creating jobs in the City and increase vocational programs in schools to provide students with the tools to succeed. Joseph Lhota The former chairman of the MTA, Lhota also served as deputy mayor and budget director under Mayor Rudy Giuliani. He has stated that his top priority is to create a positive environment for job growth through reducing taxes and regulations on small businesses. He has also called for ethics and educational reform to improve the City’s quality of life.

Public Advocate Democratic primary catherine Guerriero A professor of education and politics at Columbia University and New York University, Guerriero has also served as the director of strategic planning for the Archdiocese of New York. She has campaigned on the issues of creating more affordable housing and reforming education in the City. Letitia James Currently a member of the City Council, James has previously served as a public defender with the Legal Aid Society and an assistant State Attorney General. James’ top issue has been education reform, stating that she would engage the community to prepare students for college. reshma saujani Saujani is a former Deputy Public Advocate and the founder of Girls Who Code, an organization that promotes women in high-tech jobs. She has stressed a focus on education as a pathway to jobs and economic security and has vowed to fight for equal pay for women. Daniel squadron Currently a member of the State Senate, Squadron previously served as an aide to U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer. His main campaign focus has been to create a more hospitable living environment for working class residents and protecting children. Queens races

Borough President everly Brown A developer, business owner and community activist, Brown has campaigned on a hope to raise the stan-

dard through direct government participation. He hopes to increase funding related to cleaning up communities while evaluating proposals to improve education. melinda Katz Katz has served as a member of the City Council and State Assembly, and also was the director for Community Boards under Borough President Claire Schulman. The former chair of the Council’s Land Use Committee, Katz hopes to improve the quality of life in Queens through job creation, and a focus on affordable housing for middle class families and seniors. She has also campaigned on making the Borough safer, through a reform of Stop and Frisk policies and giving kids options for after-school programs. peter Vallone Jr. A member of the City Council, serving as the chair of the Public Safety committee, Vallone has touted his experience within public safety as a key to promote the Borough’s economy and quality of life. He has also vowed to protect homes and small businesses in Queens by maintaining lower property taxes and reducing unnecessary fines on small businesses. Vallone said he would continue to work with the NYPD to make Queens the safest Borough in the City. (Editor’s Note: While State Sen. Tony Avella decided to drop out of the race last month to focus on the State Senate, his name remains on the ballot.)

primary Day is tuesday, sept. 10. make sure to get out and vote. For more information on where to vote, visit www.vote.nyc.ny.us

Sept. 6-12, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

DIAR

ENDORSED BY ERD

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THOMPSON WILL FIX SCHOOLS, NOT CLOSE THEM. He will create a higher quality curriculum to educate our children for 21st Century jobs. Thompsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School Chancellor will be an educator, not a corporate executive. THOMPSON WILL PUT 2,000 MORE POLICE OFFICERS ON OUR STREETS AND WILL OVERHAUL THE STOP AND FRISK PROGRAM. With better community policing, we can rebuild the bonds between communities and our police. THOMPSON WILL CREATE JOBS IN THE OUTER BOROUGHS FOR WORKING PEOPLE. +H ZLOO FRQIURQW WKH DÎ?RUGDELOLW\ JDS WKDW WKUHDWHQV ZRUNLQJ FODVV 1HZ <RUNHUV DQG EXLOG KRXVLQJ IRU PRGHUDWH DQG ORZ LQFRPH IDPLOLHV

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 6-12, 2013

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Anthem Singing

Youth Speak Earlier last week, Kevin Livingston, founder of 100 Suits for 100 Men, hosted his annual “Youth Speak” event, where kids performed and received free bank accounts and awards. City Council candidate Manny Caughman was also on hand. Photo courtesy of Kevin Livingston.

Adrian Santiago, 11, of Rockaway Park, sung the National Anthem at the U.S. Open on Aug. 28. Santiago was the winner of the United States Tennis Association’s Queens Casting Call, held earlier this summer.

What did we learn from the last Storm of the Century that we can apply to the next one? Every time we turn around, there seems to be another Storm of the Century. So we’re spending over $1 billion over the next four years on storm-protection improvements. We’re building higher flood barriers. We’re investing in utility poles that can withstand 110 mph wind gusts. And we’re installing submersible electrical equipment in flood-prone areas. We’re also doing more to keep you informed during severe weather. Check our outage map, report a power problem, get a restoration estimate and find storm safety tips at conEd.com and follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Sept. 6-12, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

OP-ED

Thompson The Right Choice For Mayor By Rev. Floyd Flake Our community needs the next Mayor to be a real leader when it comes to fighting the most insidious and destructive force facing our people: poverty. It’s why I’m strongly supporting Bill Thompson for Mayor. Across our City, nearly half of all New Yorkers live near poverty. That’s not just a stat - that’s approximately four million people. The rates among Blacks and Latinos are as shocking as they are unacceptable. Poverty is not just about living without means. It is about living without hope. It is about living without opportunity. I’m supporting Bill Thompson for Mayor because he understands that education is the key Rev. Floyd Flake, former U.S. Rep and pasto reducing poverty and expand- tor of the Greater allen a.M.e. Church in ing opportunity in every commu- Jamaica. nity. Let me be clear: our public This begins with providing free schools are leaving generations of kids and entire communities be- lunch to every public school student, hind. If we want to make sure our so our children can concentrate in students are prepared for success, class without going hungry. The pawe simply cannot continue to focus perwork for filing for school lunches on standardized testing, demonizing can be arduous, especially for immiteachers and closing schools. We grant parents who don’t have a command of the English language. By need new leadership. Bill Thompson is that leader. He giving free lunch to every child, Bill will invest in our students – because Thompson will remove the stigma athe knows it is the best way to make tached to it and make sure that no sure every New Yorker has the op- child is embarrassed to accept a free portunity to gain skills and get a lunch. This is not just talk. Bill Thompgood-paying job. Bill has a common sense plan son has a track record of results – esthat will make sure we teach for suc- pecially on matters of education. He cess in college and career. He will served with distinction as President fix schools – especially in Black and of the Board of Education - opening Latino neighborhoods – and not ar- up the books for the first time in history and delivering real accountabilbitrarily close them. As the son of a public school ity. The Book of John teaches us teacher, Bill Thompson respects teachers and principals, he will not “not to love with words or speech, blame and finger point. And he but with actions and in truth.” Let knows that our parents should feel me tell you - I know Bill Thompwelcomed in our schools and not son. I have seen his actions and his shut out, without any input into their heart. He loves this city and our children’s education. That’s what people. It’s why I’m strongly supmatters to the families and parents porting him for Mayor and asking you to do the same. in my community. The Rev. Floyd Flake is the seHe has also talked passionately about the need for wraparound ser- nior pastor of the Greater Allen AME vices in our schools so we can tackle Church in Jamaica. He served in the the root causes of poverty and help U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 to 1997. reverse our downward trajectory.

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Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 6-12, 2013

OP-ED

getting Out The Vote For labor’s Candidates By Kyle Bragg This September, the most important day for New York City workers won’t be Labor Day, it will be Primary Day. Almost the entire City government is up for grabs and working people have a chance to decide whether those offices are filled by people who care about us, or who are in the pockets of Wall Street. While many in our region have become wealthier over the past decade, not everyone has prospered. Here in Southeast Queens, we got hit hard by the recession with thousands of families losing their homes to foreclosures. Some of us have recovered,

but too many of us have not. That’s why this year, instead of marching in a Labor Day Parade, we are participating in the New York City Central Labor Council, AFLCIO’s “2013 Labor GOTV Week.” The week will consist of a series of five events throughout the City, designed to bring working people from almost every union in the City together to hit the streets to talk to our neighbors about how to take back our government. The local event in Southeast Queens will take place this Saturday at Roy Wilkins Park. Union members will be going door to door to help promote the candidates Labor

believes will create good jobs and build strong communities. Electing Daneek Miller as our Councilman in Southeast Queens would be a good start. I’ve known Daneek for years, as we grew up together living in Cambria Heights. As a single dad, he raised two kids who graduated from city schools, so he knows what we all go through trying to make ends meet while trying to make a better life for our children. As a leader of the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 1056, he fought to keep good jobs at familysustaining wages, while also fighting to make sure there was improved service on the buses that he and his fel-

low union members drive and repair. We all live in different kinds of families and come from different kinds of backgrounds, ethnicities and races, but there is one thing that unites all working people: we want good jobs, affordable housing, quality schools and safe communities. On Primary Day, let’s make sure our voices are heard so that everyone can share equally in the opportunities of our beautiful City. Kyle Bragg is the Secretary-Treasurer of 32BJ SEIU, which represents more than 70,000 building and property services workers in New York City. He was raised in Southeast Queens and lives there with his wife and three children.

PRESS announces Business Breakfast Forum As the current economic climate in the City continues to present challenges, local industry leaders will come together later this month to discuss the impact of housing and business growth in the area. The PRESS of Southeast Queens publisher Michael Nussbaum has

organized a power breakfast forum, “Business Growth and Economic Climate in New York City,” scheduled for 8 a.m. Sept. 23 at the Student Union Building at Queens College. U.S. Rep. Steve Israel (D-Melville) will serve as moderator of the forum. The keynote speaker for the break-

fast event will be Don Graves, deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Small Business, Community Development and Housing for the U.S. Dept. of the Treasury and executive director of the President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness. The breakfast forum will be co-

sponsored by TD Bank, Crystal Windows & Door, Parker Jewish Institute, the Queens Chamber of Commerce and Queens College. Tickets for the event cost $50, or a table of eight can be purchased for $350. For information, or to purchase tickets, call (718) 357-7400, Ext. 131.

Endorsed by: Daneek Miller and I have worked closely on important issues throughout my time as your Council Member. His experience as a labor leader and community advocate has helped us to win many hard-fought battles, enabling us to deliver services and resources to our community in Southeast Queens. With your support on Tuesday, September 10th we will all be proud to call Daneek Miller our City Council Member.

–Councilman Leroy Comrie Also endorsed by Assemblywomen Vivian Cook and Barbara Clark.

I. DANEEK MILLER Reliable Public Transit Better Schools

Affordable Housing Create Good Jobs

Paid for by Friends of I. Daneek Miller.

Sept. 6-12, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 6-12, 2013

A&E

Whitestone Kid Chef Appearing On TV Starting this Sunday, Food Network will show off the culinary skills of one Queens’ up-and-coming chefs, 12-year-old Alessandra Ciuffo. The Whitestone chef is appearing on “Rachael vs. Guy: Kids CookOff,” which will premiere on Sept. 8 at 8 p.m. Over the course of four episodes, eight children are divided into two teams. Team Rachel and Team Guy, named after Rachel Ray and Guy Fieri, will compete against each other in a series of challenges meant to test their culinary skills. Ciuffo got involved with the show after impressing the producers of a

web series she was on called “Superchef Kids.” “One of the producers from that show saw my personality, saw my skills,” she said. “I went through the whole audition process and I got selected.” Each episode of “Rachael vs. Guy: Kids Cook-Off” will have the kids take part in a pop quiz, highlighting their talents in the kitchen, followed by a classroom mentoring session with the two chef personalities and the creation of a menu plan for the cookoff. A group of guest judges will grade the dishes and give each competitor a report card. At the end of the program, the junior chef with the high-

Restaurant Review

High Quality Steak Experience RW Prime at Resorts World Casino 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park (888) 888-8801 rwnewyork.com Cuisine: Steak, American Credit Cards: Yes Takeout: Yes Delivery: No Outdoor Seating: Yes If you’re looking to take a breather from gambling and have some money to spend, you should have dinner at RW Prime Restaurant at Resorts World Casino. RW Prime offers a high-quality dining experience that will be difficult to find anywhere else in Queens. The Restaurant’s main dish is the 24 oz Prime Porterhouse, but they also offer a variety of food options if you are in the mood for something other than steak, including seafood, chicken and specialty salads. Once I sat down to try the food, the restaurant’s chefs and waiters kept bringing out what seemed like an endless supply. To start off, I had the chilled shrimp with cocktail sauce. The sauce had a strong kick of wasabi, giving the shrimp an extra boost with each bite I took. I also had the Crabvocat crab salad layered with avocado and one piece of fried shrimp placed on top. The salad served almost as a dipping sauce for the shrimp, but was great to eat on its own as well.

I also tried one of the restaurant’s specialty drinks: a cold strawberry drink with a shot of liquor. The interesting thing about the drink was the shot glass was made completely of ice! While the ice glass was a little difficult to hold - it almost slipped off my fingers when I held it - I managed to drink down the tasty strawberry shot before the ice melted. Moving onto the entrees, I first tried their milk-fed veal with a sweet potato-like sauce layered beneath the meat. The veal itself was succulent while still being easy to chew. The sauce complemented the veal very well and added even more taste to the palate. I was then served RW prime’s signature dish, the Porterhouse steak, and the Brazilian Lobster Tails. The steak was cooked to perfection, maintaining the juicy quality I love when I eat steak. The meat on the lobster tail came perfectly off the shell and was among the best lobster I’ve ever had. The butter sauce adds even more juiciness to the dish. The lobster tail is only on the menu Fridays and Saturdays, but can be ordered on other days if requested. Overall, RW Prime offers highquality food that is sure to satisfy your taste buds and stomach. Be wary of RW Prime’s prices though, as their dishes vary from $22 to $48 dollars depending on what meal you order. - Luis Gronda

est overall score will win become independent. their own web series on At this point, when I’m FoodNetwork.com. in the kitchen, my mom Ciuffo said she greatcan leave the kitchen, ly enjoyed filming the come back and there’ll series, particularly the be a beautiful meal on mentoring she received the table.” and the friendships she Ciuffo’s specialties made. also include Italian “I think that overall, food, though she does being there and being not limit herself by rementored by Rachel and gion, as she is able to Guy; it’s something you Whitestone chef Alessan- make curry and sushi as can’t even put a price tag dra Ciuffo will appear on well. Her love of the cuon. It was phenomenal,” “Rachael vs. Guy: Kids linary arts took her on a she said. “I still talk to Cook-Off” this Septem- trip to Paris over spring some of the kids on the ber. break to tour Le Corshow. It’s so great to don Bleu, a renowned have a bond with other kids. Some- culinary educational institution. thing that they do that you don’t do, When she started getting food toyou can pick it up.” gether herself, one of her first projWhile Ciuffo is a newcomer to ects was gourmet cupcakes, sometelevision, she is already a veteran thing that she still enjoys baking. when it comes to cooking. She start“From the cupcakes, it just elevated cooking at the age of 3 by assist- ed. I just cook at home. I’ve never ing her father in the kitchen. At that done any cooking classes,” she said. young age, she first helped out with “It’s all natural and my passion and small tasks, like stirring the sauce. drive really push it up. In my mind, I “I would say ‘Daddy, can I do it?’ know I can cook it.” He would pick me up over the stove Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at and let me do it,” Ciuffo said. “If you (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@ start progressing little by little, you can queenstribune.com, or @Joey788. Photo courtesy of Food Network

BY JOE MARVILLI

Guyana Inter-County Cricket Games Set For Sept. 7 BY JOHN L. AARON The 2013 Guyana Inter-County Games, presented by www.newyorkcricket.com, will this year add a Caribbean flavor twist. In addition to the traditional clash of the Guyana counties – Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo, this year’s tournament will feature a Rest of the Caribbean XI competing for the top honors. The traditional inter-county matches have attracted large crowds of fans over the years and it is hard to deny the abundance of talent evident within the ranks of the representative Caribbean countries of the cricket Diaspora in New York. Therefore, adding a Rest of the Caribbean XI to the mix is seen as a very visionary bit of genius on the part of the organizers, led by Telston Johnson. The four teams will converge at the Baisley Pond Park Cricket Ground located at Rockaway and Baisley Boulevards in Jamaica on Sept. 7. In addition to cricket matches, there are raffles scheduled to be drawn on the same day at the ground. Tickets cost $2 and are being sold in advance

of the games. Prizes include a complete bed set as the first prize, followed by an Android tablet as the second prize, an iPhone 4 as the third prize, and a “Bowl of Chance” bowl-off, requiring some skill and a bit of luck, as the fourth prize. There will be cash prizes for the winner and runner-up teams. The New York broadcast duo of Lenny Achaibar and Carl Bennett will be on hand to add live, colorful commentary to the matches. Among some of the most talented players in the New York area expected to participate are Richard Ramdeen, Troy Mars, Alex Amsterdam, Troy Dudnauth, Telston Johnson, Azrudeen “Andy” Mohamed, Richie Sieuchan, Ryan Girdhary, Michael Noble, Zaheer Saffie, Dwayne Smith, Karan Ganesh, Clain Williams, Andre Kirton, Charlton Senior, Triston Carmichael and Randall Wilson. The games will begin at 10 a.m., following an opening ceremony and breakfast, beginning at 9 a.m. For information on the 2013 Guyana Inter-County Games, contact Telston Johnson at (347) 723-3284 or visit www.newyorkcricket.com.

Sept. 6-12, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 6-12, 2013

Faith

Jews Celebrate High Holy Days BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Earlier this week and for part of next week, Jews from all over the world will celebrate the High Holy days of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, a day of atonement. Rosh Hashanah is the first of the High Holy Days, or Yamim Noar’im, “the days of awe.” It is a two-day celebration, which begins on the first day of “Tisherei.” This day is believed to be the anniversary of God’s creation of Adam and Eve. Rosh Hashanah customs include sounding the “shofar,” a long, hollowed-out ram’s horn. To mark the holiday, Jews will also eating symbolic foods such as apples dipped in honey – a tradition meant to evoke a “sweet new year.” Other foods, such as the head of a fish, are also served. The head of the fish is meant to to symbolize the “head” of the year. The common greeting on Rosh Hashanah is “Shanah Tovah, which,

in Hebrew, means “have a good year.” Serious greetings and blessings, commonly used among observant Jews are “Ketiva VeChatima Tova,” which means, “may you be written and sealed for a good new year by God.” The term “Rosh Hashanah” does not appear in the Torah. However, Leviticus 23:24 refers to the festival of the first day of the seventh month as “Zikhron Teru’ah” – a memorial of blowing horns. It is also referred to in the same part of Leviticus as a meditative rest day, and a “holy day to God.” On Rosh Hashanah day, religious poems, called “piyyuttim”, are added to the regular worship services. The mahzor, a special prayer book, is also used on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (mahzorim). A number of additions are made to the regular service, most notably an extended repetition of the “Amidah: prayer. The shofar horn is blown during Mussaf prayer. Yom Kippur, which will occur on Sept. 14 this year, completes the an-

nual period of the High Holy Days. In Judaism, Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year, marked by repentance. Jewish people traditionally observe the day with a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, spending most of the day in a synagogue. Traditionally, Yom Kippur is observed as the date on which Moses received the second set of Ten Commandments. It occurred following the completion of the second 40 days of instructions from God. As one of the most culturally significant holidays, Yom Kippur is observed by many secular Jews who may not normally observe other religious holidays. Many secular Jews attend synagogue on Yom Kippur. Jews use the holiday as a time to repent. Repentance in Judaism is done through a process called “Teshuva,” which, in its most basic form, consists of regretting having committed the sin, resolving not to commit that sin again and to confess that sin before God. During this day of “rest,” Jews are

encouraged to stay home and dedicate time to God. Some athletes have observed Yom Kippur, even when it has conflicted with playing their sport. Most notably, Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax did not pitch Game 1 of the 1965 World Series because it fell on Yom Kippur. He garnered national attention for his choice. Three decades earlier, Hall of Fame first baseman, Hank Greenberg, attracted nation attention for the same choice, even though Greenberg was not a religious Jew. And just this year, the International Tennis Federation fined the Israel Tennis Association “more than $13,000 ... for the inconvenience” of having to reschedule a tennis match between the Israeli and Belgian teams that was originally scheduled on Yom Kippur. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ nkozikowska

Notebook

Campus Magnet Complex

Campus Magnet Welcomes New Health HS BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA In yet another attempt to improve the schools within the Campus Magnet Complex in Cambria Heights, a new health high school will open this fall. The new school, Institute for Health Professions at Cambria Heights, was approved by the Panel for Education Policy in March after the panel voted to phase out two schools on the campus for poor grade performance – the Law, Government and Community Service High School and the Business, Computer Applications and Entrepreneurship High School. Both BCAE High School and LCS High School will be completely phased out in 2016, which would mean that until then, there will be five separate schools at the complex. This effort marks the third time the City has tried to turn the school, formerly Andrew Jackson High School, around. In 1994, Andrew Jackson High School, which had a track record of low graduation

rates, was divided into four separate schools with different focuses. The Institute’s curriculum will have a heavy focus on technical education and will encourage students to pursue their education after high school. To accommodate different types of students, the school offers two pathways for success. In one program, students prepare to attend a four-year college and in the second program, students take career-readiness training. According to its website, Institute for Health Professions at Cambria Heights will prepare Southeast Queens students with career pathways in healthcare and other related fields. EMTs, paramedics, vocational nurses, massage therapists, respiratory therapists, chiropractors, dentists and veterinarians are just some of the many careers choices available for students at the new school to study. “Students will take their learning beyond the classroom by collaboratively solving problems and completing projects based on the real world,” the school said in its online mission statement. “By setting goals, solv-

ing problems, and completing projects, students will take college level classes and earn certification in either Emergency Medical Services or Nurse Assisting before attending two and four-year colleges.” The school has coupled with Hofstra University and the North Shore-LIJ Health System to help mentor students and provide community service opportunities, thus allowing the kids to develop their own learning plan and prepare for college. According to their website, North Shore-LIJ will focus on helping to train students become EMTs. Upon graduation, students who selected the EMT track will be eligible to take the New York State exam and become certified to work. “It’s an exciting opportunity for North Shore-LIJ to serve as an industry partner with the Institute because we are able to help create an innovate healthcare program for high school students from the ground up, and also give back to the communities in Queens that we serve,” Kathleen Gallo, senior vice

president and chief learning officer at North Shore-LIJ, said in an online statement. As part of the EMT curriculum students will visit the health system’s Center for Emergency Medical Services in Syosset, NY, and the Center for Learning and Innovation and its Patient Safety Institute in Lake Success, NY, to practice basic and complex medical procedures on high-fidelity patient simulators. “There is no substitute for handson training and students can hone their clinical skills without risk to patients,” she said. “In addition, the health system will build a “learning lab” with EMT training equipment, including two donated patient simulators that respond like a real person but allows students to practice their communications and clinical skills without harm.” For more information about the Institute, visit their website at www. ihpch.org. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ nkozikowska

Sept. 6-12, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

CELEBRATING CARIBBEAN CULTURE, TOGETHER. Music, dance, festive colors and our neighbors is what makes this day so special. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s walk and dance the day away so we can all stay healthy, get well and live better. Happy 45th Anniversary to the West Indian American Day Parade & Carnival!

For more information visit emblemhealth.com

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 6-12, 2013

Profile

Venture House Celebrates 25 Years of Service BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Since 1988, Venture House, a voluntary psychological program in Jamaica, has helped more than a thousand adults diagnosed with mental illnesses find their place back into mainstream society. “You become a part of our community and build support and relationships,” said Raymond Schwartz, executive director at Venture House. “It helps people break down some of the barriers that society has imposed on people with mental illness – the issues of isolation.” Venture House was founded 25 years ago by a group of parents who had sons and daughters struggling with mental illnesses. The group wanted to develop a new program in Queens that was based on a rehabilitation and recovery approach – a program primarily focused on helping people move on with their lives and get past their illness. Using a similar model to a program in Manhattan, Venture House embraces a partnership between its “members” and staff. Often, mem-

bers will help alongside staffers to do work at the facility. Members are involved in all facets of day-to-day jobs, from writing for the newsletter, to preparing meals in the kitchen, to hiring staff. “There is a whole range of tasks to help them develop skills and abilities and help them move on with their lives,” Schwartz said. “We also operate an employment service where we help members go to work and try to develop relationships with employers.” “By being a part of the program and committing time into Venture House, it really helps members develop a sense of confidence, self-worth, and a sense of independence that they can complete tasks,” he added. While driving along Hillside Avenue, one may easily miss Venture House amongst a sea of car dealerships and small mom-and-pop shops, but behind the stone façade of the building is an award-winning interior design with brightly colored rooms and large open spaces. “I would describe it as an open and inviting atmosphere,” Schwartz

said. “That was part of the design. Our business is helping people with mental illness move on with their lives so we have made it our business for members to enjoy the atmosphere we create. We’re even open on the weekends and holidays.” Venture House’s warm vibe has even contributed to its more commonly used nickname by members and staff, “clubhouse.” “Some people call it the clubhouse because they feel like they are members of a club,” he said. “They are members of something important and valuable.” For Schwartz, working as the executive director and interacting with the members of Venture House is a little bit more personal. “There are people in my family who had a mental illness so I see the realities of that,” he said. “The other piece of it is that this resonates for me as a program that I can help people in a way that makes sense. We’re not providing medications; we’re not engaged in the more traditional psychotherapy. The objective here, which I find most personally satisfy-

ing, is that we’re working with adults to provide them with opportunities.” Venture House will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Sept. 19 in the Venture House Garden at 150-10 Hillside Ave. To learn how you can get involved with the celebration, visit www.nycharities.org/events/ eventlevels.aspx?ETID=6411. To learn more about Venture House and its services, visit www. venturehouse.org or call (718) 6587201. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ nkozikowska

Do You Know Someone Who Fits The PRESS Profile? Send photo with background and contact information to: PRESS of Southeast Queens 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357

Sept. 6-12, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

Page 20 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 6-12, 2013

Police Blotter 102nd Precinct

Rape

will give $2,000 for an arrest and indictment.

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance with the whereabouts and identity of a suspect wantHomicide ed for a rape that occurred At 3 a.m. on Aug. 31, in Forest Park at around police responded to the 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 26. corner of Jamaica AvAccording to police enue and 217th Street to reports, the 69-year-old a call of a male shot. female victim was apUpon arrival, police proached by a suspect observed the victim, a who used a taser on her, 22-year-old Black male, pushed her to the ground unconscious and unreand raped her. The victim sponsive with a gunshot was treated and released wound to the upper back. from a nearby hospital. EMS also responded and The suspect is de- this suspect is transported the victim to scribed as a white male Hospital, where wanted in con- Jamaica in his 30s or 40s, behe was pronounced tween 5-foot-9 and 5-foot- nection to a rape dead. 10, with light brown hair, within the 102nd There have been no arclean shaven. The suspect Precinct. rests at this time and the was last seen wearing a investigation is ongoing. black T-shirt and black sweat pants. On Sept. 1, police announced that a $22,000 reward has been offered in Handgun Arrest connection to the case. The City of On Aug. 27, police arrested KrisNew York will provide $10,000, the topher Vecchio, 34, of Flushing, afNYPD will give $10,000 for an arrest ter executing a search warrant at his and conviction and Crime Stoppers residence, 149-29 34th Ave. Police

105th Precinct

109th Precinct

seized the following weapons from the search: two .25-calibur Tanfoglio handguns; a Stosel .25-calibur handgun; three shotguns and five rifles. Police charged Vecchio with criminal possession of a weapon.

115th Precinct

Collision Investigation

At 11:55 p.m. on Aug. 31, police responded to a motor vehicle accident on the westbound Grand Central Parkway, near 94th Street. Upon arrival, officers observed the victim, an unidentified adult female, with trauma to the body. EMS also responded to the location and transported the victim to Elmhurst Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Upon investigation, police determined that the female victim was operating a 2006 Nissan Sentra, traveling westbound on the GCP in the center lane, when she struck another sedan traveling in the right lane, before crossing over multiple lanes of traffic and striking the center median. There were no other occupants inside the victim’s vehicle and no other injuries reported. The investigation is ongoing.

these weapons were seized after police executed a search warrant within the 109th Precinct.

Got info?

Call Crimestoppers at 1-800-577-tiPS (8477) or text tips to CRiMES (274637) then enter TIPS577

JOAN FLOWERS will: • fight for needed jobs in our community • restore excellence to our schools • protect senior services • fight for better health care access for all

VOTE DEMOCRATIC – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH Phone: 718-213-Joan (5626) | www.joanflowers2013.com 223-09 Linden Blvd. Cambria Heights, NY 11411 Paid for and authorized by Joan Flowers for the 27th District, 223-09 Linden Boulevard, Cambria Heights, NY 11411

Sept. 6-12, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 21

Queens Today Section editor: reGinA VoGeL

Send announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 150-50 14 Road, Whitestone NY 11357. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina or email to queenstoday@ queenstribune.com Yearly schedules and advanced notices welcome!

dAnce iSrAeLi FoLK Mondays 7:15-9:45 at Hillcrest Jewish Center, 182-02 Union Turnpike. $10 session. 380-4145. Line dAncinG M o n d ay s 6 : 3 0 - 9 : 3 0 a t Kowalinski Post 4, 61-57 Maspeth Avenue. $7. Cake and coffee. 565-2259. coUntrY Line Wednesdays 7-10 at the STARS Building, 8 Coleman Square, Howard Beach. $10.

entertAinMent LocAL oPerA Saturday, September 7 Flushing library at 1:30. AMericAn MUSic Saturday, September 7 Forest Hills library at 2:30. MeMorieS Saturday, September 7 African-American grandparents and grandchildren share memorable moments and stories in their oral and written traditions. Langston Hughes library at 2:30. FiLM Saturday, September 7 “Mi Chacra” (My Land) shown at the LIC library at 3. concert in PArK Sunday, September 8 Annual Concert in the Park sponsored by the Bowne Park Civic Association at 32nd Avenue and 155-156th Streets, Flushing from 3-5. 347 oPen Mic M o n d ay, S e p te m b e r 9 Barnes & Noble, 176-60 U n i o n Tu r n p i ke , F r e s h Meadows at 7:30. MoVie tuesday, September 19 “Silver Linings Playbook.” tu e s d ay, o c t o b e r 8 “Warm Bodies.” tuesday, november 12 “Quartet.”

tuesday, december 10 “Identit y Thief.” Queens Village library at 3. BinGo tuesdays 7:15 American Martyrs Church in Bayside. 464-4582. tuesdays 7:15 (doors open 6) Rego Park Jewish Center. 459-1000. $3 admission includes 12 games. ScrABBLe tuesdays Fresh Meadows library at 2 and East Flushing library at 3:30. SWinGinG JAZZ Friday, September 13 Hollis library at 4. LAtin & JAZZ t h u r s d a y, S e p t e m b e r 12 Woodside library at 3:30. GAMe dAY Fridays 4:30 Woodhaven library. AUtUMn concert Saturday, September 14 Flushing library at 1:30. eid ceLeBrAtion Saturday, September 14 music and food from Pakistan at 2 at the Jackson Heights library. indiAn MUSic Saturday, September 14 Tyohaar performs 3-4 at the Central library.

enVironMent Food WASte droPoFF Saturdays 1-3 at the Broadway and LIC library. HYdroPonicS HoMe Monday, September 9 LIC library at 6. eXtend SeASon M o n d ay, S e p te m b e r 9 Steinway library at 6:30. coMPoStinG tuesdays Woodside library 5:15-6:30. JH ScrAPS tuesday 6-8pm and Saturdays 10-2 35 th Avenue between 69 th Street and the BQE. rooFS Saturday, September 14 Green, White and Blue Roofs Steinway library at 3:30.

tALKS WindSor PArK M o n d ay, S e p te m b e r 9 “Flight Behavior” discussed at 2. PeninSULA LiBrArY M o n d ay, S e p te m b e r 9 “1776” discussed at 6:30. SUPPort For ed. tuesday, September 10 “Finding Foundation Support For Your Education” at the Central library. Register.

edUcAtion/GAMeS/crAFtS crocHet Mondays, September 9 Woodside library at 5:30. BALLrooM dAncinG Mondays, September 9, 16, 23, 30 Forest Hills library at 6:30. JoB SeArcH Mondays free job search and computer help every Monday 11-2 at the Astoria library. BridGe Mondays except holidays 12-4 at Pride of Judea in Douglaston. Lesson & play $10. Partners arranged. 423-6200. AdULt cHeSS Mondays and thursdays Queens Village library at 5:30. BeGin coMPUterS tuesday, September 10 Flushing library. Register. coMPUter cLASS tuesdays, September 10, 17, 24 Woodside library at 5:45. JoB reAdineSS tuesdays, September 10, 17, 24 Woodside library at 5:45. deFenSiVe driVinG tuesday, September 10 Auburndale library. Register. Word/eXceL tuesday, September 10

both of fered at the LIC library. Register. tecHnoLoGiSt iS in tuesdays, September 10, 17, 24 Pomonok library. Register. coMPUter BASicS Wednesday, September 11 Woodside library at 10:30. MocK interVieWS Wednesdays, September 11, 18, 25 Flushing library at 1:30. WAtercoLor We d n e s d ay s a l l te c h niques and subjects at the National Art League.9691128. oFFice SUite thursdays, September 12, 19, 26 Poppenhusen library at noon. BeLLY dAncinG thursdays, September 12, 19, 26 Richmond Hill library. Register. BeGin coMPUterS thursdays, September 12, 19 Ozone Park library. Register. BeGin coMPUterS Friday, September 13 Middle Village library. Register. coMPUter BASicS Friday, September 13 Poppenhusen. Register.

Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 6-12, 2013

Queens today

FRIday 9/6

suNday 9/8

HoloGRapHIc aRt sYmposIum

HEnRY FoRD’s waR on tHE JEws

If you want to see holographic art, check out 23 artists from around the world, who use a range of holographic techniques to create multiple and extended views. The hologram is a sculpture of light, which makes us question perception as what we see occupies a space in an entirely different way from a physical object. The exhibition takes place at the Clocktower Building, located at 29-27 41st Ave., Long Island City. It starts at 2 p.m.

satuRday 9/7

Fall lawn caRE

Queens Botanical Garden’s Patty Kleinberg will share her expertise in natural lawn care during this workshop. Attendees will learn how to maintain a healthy lawn without the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides. The last hour of the workshop is a hands-on demonstration. The event is part of the NYC Compost Project in Queens and runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is required and the workshop costs $5 to attend. To register, call (718) 539-5296 or email compost@queensbotanical. org.

Back to scHool FEstIval

Northeast Queens Parks will host a free festival to help kids beat the stress of returning to the classroom. Games, rides, craft projects and free giveaways will all be part of the fun at the event, held in Alley Pond Park at 76th Avenue and Springfield Blvd. The festival runs from noon to 3 p.m.

lIvE concERt

Sean Mahoney and Phyllis Lynd will sing popular American songs at a live concert at Forest Hills Library. Among the artists they will cover include Victor Herbert, Cole Porter, Leonard Cohen and Train. The show will start at 2:30 p.m.

Queensborough Community College’s Holocaust Resource Center & Archives will hold a lecture at 1 p.m. Titled “Henry Ford’s War on the Jews,” the lecture will discuss how Ford was the publisher of anti-Semitic propaganda, as well as the man who made automobiles affordable. Victoria Saker Woeste will talk about Ford’s ownership of the Dearborn Independent, his involvement of the defamatory articles it ran, and two Jewish lawyers, Aaron Sapiro and Louis Marshall, who each tried to stop Ford’s war on Jews.

SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK

WedNesday 9/11 Don BYRon

Musician Don Byron will appear at Flushing Town Hall at 7 p.m. as part of its Monthly Jazz Jam series. All jazz performers are welcome to play with Byron and the Queens Jazz OverGround. Byron, a clarinetist, saxophonist, composer and arranger, is well-known for his ability to blend into any genre, whether it is classical, blues, salsa or hip-hop. The performance costs $10 for the general public, but it is free for performers, students and members.

tuesday 9/10

YoGa In tHE paRk

The Yoga Room invites you to enjoy the great outdoors while practicing yoga at Gantry Plaza State Park, located at 4-09 47th Rd., Long Island City. Bring a mat and wear comfortable clothing. Yoga starts at 5:30 p.m.

musIc In tHE GaRDEn FEatuRInG mantRa pERcussIon

The Noguchi Museum, in collaboration with Bang on a Can/Cantaloupe Music, hosts a series of innovative music at the Museum’s sculpture garden, located at 9-01 33rd Road in Long Island City. Starting at 3 p.m., Mantra Percussion will perform Michael Gordon’s Timber, which is a full-length concert composed for six percussionists playing on amplified two by fours using mallets and fingertips.

9/11 mEmoRIal

Residents from Glendale, Middle Village, Ridgewood and Woodhaven will gather at the 9/11 memorial in Forest Park to honor the 42 residents from those communities who lost their lives in the World Trade Center attack. For more information, contact Harold Mecabe at haroldmecabe@aol.com or Dori Capace at capaced@aol. com.

reception for “Biala: Vision and Memory.” Curated by art history professor Diane Kelder, the exhibit is the first comprehensive look of Janice Biala’s career, featuring 50 paintings, collages and drawings from public and private collections. The reception, which runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., will include a walkthrough with Kelder at 6 p.m. The exhibit will be on display until Oct. 26.

FRIEnDs oF GantRY statE paRk FunDRaIsER

JosH HanaGaRnE

Author Josh Hanagarne will lead a discussion about his book, “The World’s Strongest Librarian,” at the Queens Village Library from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This is a teleconferenced program. First-time participants should contact Mail-aBook at (718) 464-0084 for access numbers.

thuRsday 9/12 BIala: vIsIon anD mEmoRY

The Godwin-Ternbach Museum will hold the opening

Friends of Gantry will host a fundraiser to celebrate 15 years of caring for Gantry State Park, the NYC Parks, Street Trees and Greenspaces of Hunters Point and Long Island City. Since the City and State do not have enough funding to care for all of the green spaces, volunteers of Friends of Gantry and our community partner at New York Cares have diligently taken up the responsibility. Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan will be honored for her support at the event. The fundraiser will take place the Riverview Restaurant, located at 2-01 50th Ave., Long Island City. The restaurant has graciously donated their space plus food and drink for this festive occasion. To purchase a ticket, visit http://friendsofgantry.givezooks.com/events/friendsof-gantry-15th-anniversary. The tickets include wine, beer and delicious hors d’oeuvres. There will be a cash bar for cocktails.

mommY & mE

Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their parents are invited to sign up for a free trial class of the mommy and me at Tiger Schul-

mann’s Karate at 73-25 Woodhaven Blvd., Glendale. To sign up, go to mommymusicandme.com or call (718) 229-0033. Visit their website for a complete fall 2013 schedule. Space is limited.

onGoInG

Hall oF scI. FREE aDmIssIon

The New York Hall of Science is offering free general admission until Sept. 9. The promotional effort coincides with the dates of the U.S. Open. As such, many exhibits will have sports themes. The Arthur Ashe Learning Center Inspiration Tour will provide insight to the legendary tennis player’s interests, including sports, education and public service, through the use of motion paintings, augmented reality and wellness challenges. The New York Hall of Science is located at 47-01 111th St.

Flux FactoRY pREsEnts: untItlED (as oF YEt)

This group exhibition will take you from events that first appear to be disruptive, even catastrophic, but it eventually opens the door to new thoughts, practices and opportunities. The performance will take place every weekend for the month of September at 39-31 29th St., Long Island City. For more information, email christina@fluxfactory.org.

Got EvEnts? send all information to editor@queenstribune.com or mail to: 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, Ny 11357

Sept. 6-12, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 23

Page 24 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 6-12, 2013

People Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2013 semester at Berkeley College. They include: Queens Village: Jeffry Guilliani, Nalesha Narine, Roland Vaval.

Deonaraine Singh Air Force Airman Deonaraine Singh graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San AntonioLackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eightweek program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Singh is the son of Soomattie Singh of Richmond Hill.

Army Pvt. Joao M. Vazquez has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises. Vazquez is the son of Suzie Hunoz of Woodhaven. Christian Silva of Queens Village was awarded academic scholarships to attend SUNY Institute of technology in Utica for the fall 2013 semester. The Queens Botanical Gardens recently welcomed Gary Park, Pauline Huang and Michael Bronstein to its Board of Trustees. Queens College was recently rec-

ognized in the 2014 Princeton Review’s The Best 378 Colleges. The college was ranked second in the nation for how frequently and easily its students from more than 150 countries interact with one another. The New York Army National Guard recently announced the promotion of members in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Kamille Best of St. Albans, serving with the 133rd Quartermaster Support Company, is promoted to Sergeant First Class. Christina Schloss of Jamaica, serving with the 152nd Engineer Support Company, is promoted to sergeant. Jelryk Leon of Jamaica, serving with the Company C, 1-69th Infantry, is promoted to private.

Joseph Matthew of Jamaica, serving with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3-142nd Aviation, is promoted to private first class. Navin Kalicharan of South Ozone Park, serving with the Headquarters, 53rd Troop Command, is promoted to major. Leroy Poole of Jamaica, serving with the Joint Force Headquarters, is promoted to sergeant. Queens Pride House, 76-11 37th Ave., Jackson Heights, will hold a forum on the implications for the LGBT community of the decision to strike down provisions of the NYPD’s Stop and Frisk policy at 6 p.m. on Sept. 11. For information, call (718) 4295309.

Tell The PRESS Send notices of graduation, awards, anniversaries, engagements and honors to: PRESS of Southeast Queens 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357 All announcements will be considered for publication without fee.

JOIN OUR TEAM… We’re XpresSpa, the leader in providing airport spa services. It is our commitment to exceptional service that has led us to become the largest airport spa service provider in the world. We are currently seeking talented licensed massage therapists, cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail technicians who are looking for an opportunity to work in a fast paced team oriented environment that delivers impeccable customer service. No need for clientele…customers provided by us!!

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Sept. 6-12, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 25

What’s Up SEPT. 6 Introduction to the Internet Learn the basics of the Internet, including how to search for and browse websites and how to navigate the Internet safely in the first session of this free two-part Internet class. Registration is required for the workshop. To register, call (718) 990-8625 or visit the Job Information Center, or do so online. The class code is CC110. The course starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Queens Central Library.

Salary Negotiations Have you been offered a new job? If so, do you know the best way to conduct salary negotiations? Before you start negotiating with a prospective employer about salaries, find out how much you are worth. Learn how to negotiate salaries in this free workshop at Queens Central Library. For more information, call the Job Information Center at (718) 990-8625. The workshop will begin at 10 a.m.

Metrix Learning at Central Metrix Learning is a self-directed online learning program offering multiple learning tracks in a single platform. In this free orientation session, you will learn about training through Metrix, including certifications in Microsoft Office, QuickBooks and Adobe. Register online, by phone at (718) 990-8625 or at the Job Information Center. The class code is CC230. The program is free and will begin at the Queens Central Library at 1 p.m.

Open Lab At open lab practice, you can search for a job, practice your computer skills or edit your resume. For more information, visit the Job Information Center or call (718) 9908625. The lab is free and will be held at the Queens Central Library at 2 p.m.

SEPT. 7 JCAL Hosts Fall Open House From noon to 4 p.m., the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning will be holding a free open house, featuring free demo classes, arts and crafts and other free activities for children. Parents will also be able to register their children on-site. JCAL is located at 153-10 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica. For more information, visit www. jamaica-performingartscenter.org or call (718) 618-6170.

Back2School Event Roy Wilkins Park in Jamaica will

hold a free “Back2School” event from noon to 6 p.m. There will be a talent contest, and Bow Wow, from BET’s 106th and Park will host the show. First prize winners get $1000. The contest is open to all children ages 12-21. First 3,000 guests to attend will get a “swag bag” and first 2,000 guests will get a book bag. There will be raffles and other giveaways. Performances by Maino, DJ Self, Super Star J, I Am Reilly, Slow Buck, TL, DJ G Money, DJ Ruff Hands, the Rockaway Twins and other local artists. You must have tickets to attend. You may pick up tickets from any of the sponsors -- the offices of Councilman Leroy Comrie, the offices of Councilman Ruben Wills, the police precinct, the Jamaica YMCA, the Afrikan Poetry Theatre, the Sean Bell Foundation, the Kevin Miller Foundation, the Cultural Collaborative Jamaica, the King of Kings Foundation, the Greater Bethel CDC or Healthfirst. For more information, call (718) 523-4357.

Introduction to the Internet Learn the basics of the Internet, including how to search for and browse websites and how to navigate the Internet safely in the first session of this free two-part Internet class. Registration is required for the workshop. To register, call (718) 990-8625 or visit the Job Information Center, or do so online. The class code is CC110. The course starts at 2 p.m. at the Queens Central Library.

Introduction to Computers In this workshop for beginners, learn essential computer terminology, how to use a mouse and touchpad, basic keyboarding skills and how to use folders, files and programs. No prior skills are necessary. Registration is required and can be done by calling (718) 990-8625 or visiting the Job Information Center. The class code is CC100. The class will take place at the Queens Central Library at 9:30 a.m.

Live Concert Sean Mahoney and Phyllis Lynd will sing popular American songs at a live concert at Forest Hills Library. Among the artists they will cover include Victor Herbert, Cole Porter, Leonard Cohen and Train. The show will start at 2:30 p.m.

Fall Lawn Care Queens Botanical Garden’s Patty Kleinberg will share her expertise in natural lawn care during this workshop. Attendees will learn how

to maintain a healthy lawn without the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides. The last hour of the workshop is a hands-on demonstration. The event is part of the NYC Compost Project in Queens and runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is required and the workshop costs $5 to attend. To register, call (718) 539-5296 or email compost@queensbotanical.org.

Back to School Festival Northeast Queens Parks will host a free festival to help kids beat the stress of returning to the classroom. Games, rides, craft projects and free giveaways will all be part of the fun at the event, held in Alley Pond Park at 76th Avenue and Springfield Boulevard. The festival runs from noon to 3 p.m.

SEPT. 9 Knitting 101 Learn basic knitting skills and information, including knit and purl stitches, yarn and needle types and how to read a simple pattern. Supplies will be provided. Space is limited. Preregistration is required online or by calling (718) 990-0728. The free workshop will be held at the Queens Central Library from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Mac Mondays: Learning the Basics Learn the fundamentals on MacBook Pro laptops in this free session of the Queens Central Library’s weekly Mac labs. Preregister online, at the Job Information Center or by telephone at (718) 990-8625. The free workshop will be held from 6 to 7 p.m.

SEPT. 10 Finding Foundation Support For Your Education Susan Shiroma, Senior Librarian of the Foundation Center in New York, will discuss tools and techniques for seeking financial support for higher education. You must register online or by calling (718) 9900714. This free workshop will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Queens Central Library.

The Art of Meditation Learn how meditation can alleviate stress, anxiety and depression so that you can achieve a more peaceful balance in your daily life in this workshop conducted by Swami Radeshwaran, Pinak Guha and Serita Babulal from Divya Jyoti Jagrati Kendra. This free workshop will be held from

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Queens Central Library.

Josh Hanagarne Author Josh Hanagarne will lead a discussion about his book, “The World’s Strongest Librarian,” at the Queens Village Library from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This is a teleconferenced program. First-time participants should contact Mail-a-Book at (718) 464-0084 for access numbers.

SEPT. 11 Movie Night Wednesday: “Bridesmaids” The Queens Central Library will have a free screening of the movie, “Bridesmaids” from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration is not required.

SEPT. 15 Sickle Cell Community WalkA-Thon The Queens Sickle Cell Advocacy Network Inc., will present its Annual Sickle Cell Community Walk-A-Thon, where locals all come together to walk to help raise awareness and education for Sickle Cell Disease. Come and support this worthy cause because by walking together we can make a difference. To register, visit www.eventbrite.com/ event/6873852879/efblike and check out their Facebook page – www.facebook.com/Qscan. For further information, contact Gloria Rochester at (718) 712-0873 or email her at sicklecellwalk@verizon.net.

SEPT. 21 JCAL Hosts Dance Festival The Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning will hold a dance festival from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10. To purchase tickets, visits www. jamaica-performingartscenter.org or call (718) 618-6170. JCAL is located at 153-10 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica.

ONgOINg Hall of Sci. Free Admission The New York Hall of Science is offering free general admission until Sept. 9. The promotional effort coincides with the dates of the U.S. Open. As such, many exhibits will have sports themes. The Arthur Ashe Learning Center Inspiration Tour will provide insight to the legendary tennis player’s interests, including sports, education and public service, through the use of motion paintings, augmented reality and wellness challenges. The New York Hall of Science is located at 47-01 111th St.

From Bad to Even Worse

It just keeps getting worse for Lamar Odom. Just days after returning home to his wife, Khloe Kardashian, to work out their relationship issues, the former Christ The King High School star was arrested for Driving Under the Influence last week. According to published reports, police ordered Odom to pull over after they spotted him driving slowly on a highway just outside of Los Angeles. He reportedly ignored law enforcement for three exits before finally parking to the side. Odom failed several sobriety tests and was taken into custody. This is just the latest of many troubles the Jamaica native has gotten into this summer, including rumors of a failing marriage and supposed addictions to cocaine and crack. He also was caught on video destroying a photographer’s equipment when asked about

his romantic life earlier this summer. Odom, a 6-foot-10 small forward, is currently without an NBA team after spending last season with the Los Angeles Clippers. Their crosstown rivals, the Lakers, have reportedly said they would bring him back to the team if he would go into rehab, which he so far has refused. Although he is not the player he once was, perhaps Odom should take the Lakers’ offer so he can be an NBA player once again.

Weiner's Friends for Hire?

CONFIDENTIAL

Page 26 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 6-12, 2013

Weiner hired actors from the California firm, “Crowds for Demand,” for $15 an hour. His campaign has denied it. With all the recent controversy surrounding the mayoral hopeful, this news doesn’t seem too bad.

Spell Check Needed

Looks like this little gem, Queen of Hearts, a gentleman’s club located on Hoyt Avenue South in Astoria, could use a little spelling lesson.

James John

QConf is edited by: Steven J. Ferrari Contributors: Luis Gronda, Natalia Kozikowska, Joe Marvilli, Marcia Moxom Comrie, Michael Nussbaum, Trisha Sakhuja, Michael Schenkler.

Who's Got Talent? QConﬁdential is looking for talented individuals of all kinds to be featured in a future edition. If you can sing, perform, cook or have a talent you want to show off to the borough, send an email to editor@ queenstribune.com ASAP.

Social Open

Looks like times are hard for Anthony Weiner - no pun intended, we promise. Earlier this week, reports surfaced that mayoral candidate has been paying actors to stand in as supporters at his events. According to the reports,

MUSICIANS OF QUEENS

Now you can not only watch your favorite Tennis stars play at the U.S. Open, but you can also tweet their every move. The U.S. Open Social Wall is 50 feet by eight feet, which will display real-time Internet comments. If you use the hashtag #USOpen, your tweets on Twitter and posts on Facebook will be monitored and displayed live at the tournament. Don’t take tweeting and posting so lightly because the user who posts the photo that best captures the spirit of the tournament can possibly win a $1,500 prize. Check out the social media wall at the game or visit www. usopen.org. Make your next tennis experience live!

James John is the type of artist who wears many, many hats. While he is in his fourth season as the Artistic Director of the Cerddorion Vocal Ensemble, he is also the director of Choral Activities at the Aaron Copland School of Music, an associate professor at Queens College and a conductor of the Queens College Choir, Vocal Ensemble and Choral Society. Although he deals with many different performance groups, the Forest Hillsbased conductor is happy with all of the experience he gains from these various positions. “I love supporting everyone in finding the strength and beauty of their own self-expression through singing,” he said. The size and amount of training for each of these groups are the biggest differences for John, though most of them are located at Queens College, which has been part of his life since he graduated with Master’s Degree in conducting. The school is very supportive of all his endeavors. “I was always impressed with the level of musical training that students receive at Queens College and I was excited at the opportunity to work with students at a public university who are working at a high level,” John said. While choirs have been a part of John’s life since he was a child, conducting

did not enter his life until after college. Later on, during his musical studies, he took courses in orchestral and choral conducting; an experience that he says is unlike any other. “It is as if we, the musicians, are given the task of breathing life into a work that has the potential to lift people into an experience of something greater than themselves,” he said. When asked about what his favorite musical pieces were, John said that he enjoys whatever he is working on at the moment the most. However, Benjamin Britten's “War Requiem” holds a special place in his memory. “It was particularly powerful because of the combination of the old and the new - the standard Latin Mass text and the English poetry of WWI poet, Wilfred Owen,” he said. “This 20th century music had a more visceral cry for peace than many other works and it touched me deeply.” With another school year now starting and many performances to work on, John is looking forward to the chance to bring people together and create beautiful music once again. “I am grateful every day, that I am able to make music for a living and that I am able, not only do that for myself, but to have a career where I am making music with others,” John said. “There's great joy in making music with others and I am very thankful to have a career that allows me to do that every day.”

CLASSIFIEDS

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Sept. 6-12, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 27

To Advertise in the Southeast Queens Press Classifieds Call (718) 357-7400 • Fax (718) 357-0076

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ANNOUNCEMENT

York College Nursing Education wishes to announce that it will host a site review for continuing accreditation of its Baccalaureate in Nursing Program by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). You are invited to meet the site visit team and share your comments about the program in person at a meeting scheduled at 3PM on October 16, 2013 at room 133 Science Building York College 94-20 Guy Brewer Blvd. Jamaica NY 11451.

Written comments are also welcome and should be submitted directly to:

Dr. Sharon Tanner, Chief Executive Officer Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850 Atlanta, GA 30326 Or e-mail: sjtanner@acenursing.org

All written comments should be received by the ACEN by October 9, 2013. *

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Installations • Water Heaters Repairs • Basement Heat Conversions • Separarte Zones Oil Tanks • Air Conditioners Household Renovations

516-815-8510

PLACE YOUR AD

718-357-7400 ext 151 Fences/Iron

Construction

NUNEZ CONSTRUCTION

We Specialize In Crack Repairs also Ceiling, Wall Repairs & Painting

EXPERT WORK ON STOOPS BRICK, BLOCK & CONCRETE

7 Days, Lowest Prices Free Estimate Licensed & Insured

718-219-1257 nunezforu.com Member of Angie’s List A Rating

Fences/Iron

P.A.P. IRON CORP. STAINLESS STEEL

Commercial • Residential • Industrial

• All types of Fences • Gates • Window Guards • Steel Decks • Security Doors • Railings • Stainless Steel Fabrication Licensed • Insur ed • Bonded Licensed #1128982

718-297-5553

Wholesale Distributor

170-41 Douglas Ave., Jamaica | Showroom: 14408 A Liberty Ave., Jamaica NY

www.papironcorp.com

Tree Service

NEW

. G N O R T S K YOR . S U F O E . ON S U R O F G N I T FIGH G

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BETTER SCHOOLS MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING GOOD JOBS AND FAIR WAGES

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