Volume 14 Issue No. 38 Sept. 20-26, 2013
PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen
CELEBRATING CITIZENSHIP Rufus King Manor hosts a citizenship ceremony on the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. By Natalia Kozikowska … Page 8.
JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL BREAKFAST BUSINESS FORUM DISCUSSING THE ECONOMIC CLIMATE IN NEW YORK CITY 8 a.m. Sept. 23 at the Student Union in Queens College. Special guests include: U.S. Rep. Steve Israel – moderator Don Graves, deputy assistant secretary at U.S. Dept. of Treasury – keynote speaker Former Gov. David Paterson For more information, see page 9.
Online at www.QueensPress.com
Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 20-26, 2013
News Briefs
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self to be a menace to society,” Brown said in the release. “With today’s sentence, the public can rest assured that the defendant will spend a lengthy time behind bars and no longer be a threat.” Santana pleaded guilty to firstdegree robbery on Aug. 6, 2013, before Acting Queens Supreme Court Justice Barry Kron, who sentenced the defendant to a determinate sentence of seven years in prison plus five years’ post-release supervision.
The NYPD has released a sketch of a suspect wanted in connection to an attempted rape of a 10-year-old girl in Jamaica earlier this week. According to reports, a man, who appeared to be in his 30s, allegedly shoved the sixth grader onto the ground and tried to rape her the morning of Sept. 23, while she was on her way to school in Fresh Meadows. She was walking along 168th Street near Douglas Avenue at the time of the attack. Food Pantry AdAnyone with information is asked to call vocates Against the NYPD’s Crime SNAP Cuts Stoppers Hotline at As mothers and their 800-577-TIPS, submit tips by logging onto the A sketch of the suspect children waited their Crime Stoppers Web- wanted for attempted rape. turn to pickup their supply of food, U.S. site at www.crimestopRep. Carolyn Malopers.com or text info to ney (D-Astoria) stood 274637(CRIMES) then in front of the Hour Children Food entering TIP577. Pantry in Long Island City, advoAll tips are anonymous. cating the Republican-led House of Representatives to not cut the food Gang Member Sentenced stamps budget. The House of Representatives For Gunpoint Robbery In could pass a bill that would slash Hollis On Sept. 18, Queens District At- spending by about $40 billion over torney Richard Brown announced 10 years, further scaling back the that a reputed member of the Crips Supplemental Nutrition Assistance street gang has been sentenced to Program (SNAP), which provides seven years in prison for the gunpoint food stamps to millions of families. Abigael Burke, the food pantry robbery of a teen in Hollis last year. and outreach coordinator at Hour According to the press release, Children, said they see over 45 new the defendant, Victor Santana, 20, of participants a month, but its becom704 Elton St., Brooklyn, approached ing harder to order more supplies. his 19-year-old victim from behind “We see juice, milk and protein fly on the night of Aug. 1, 2012, near off our shelves,” Burke said. Hollis Avenue and Monterey Street. The bill proposes $20 billion in With a black semi-automatic pistol in his hand, Santana allegedly forced SNAP cuts, which would come from the victim to the ground, at which removing childless adults, between time Santana took the victim’s iP- the ages of 18 through 50, from the hone and black backpack, which program if they cannot find a partcontained a pair of gold Nike Air Fo- time job after three months of receiving benefits. amposite sneakers. According to reports by the CenThe victim and his mother reportter on Budget and Policy Priorities, ed the robbery to police the following these cuts would remove at least four day and picked Santana from a photo array. On Aug. 4, at the intersection million people from the SNAP proof 218th Place and Hempstead Av- gram since 47 percent of the recipienue, the victim’s mother observed ents are children. Starting Nov. 1, the Recovery and Santana walking on the street wearing Reinvestment Act of 2009, more a black backpack and her son’s Nike commonly known as the “stimulus sneakers. She immediately called 911 and then her brother. When police ar- package,” will mandate a $25 to $40 rived at the scene, the victim’s uncle monthly cut to many SNAP recipiwas struggling with Santana in an ef- ents. fort to keep him from fleeing. The police eventually recovered a black unloaded and inoperable .380 pistol and the victim’s sneakers from his feet. “The defendant has proven him-
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Sept. 20-26, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3
Presstime
MTA Approves New Hotel For Jamaica BY JOE MARVILLI
Courtesy of Greater Jamaica Development Corp.
Starting next year, a new hotel will rise in Jamaica, thanks to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation. On Sept. 18, the MTA gave the green light to a development project that will create a $35 million hotel in Jamaica near the Long Island Rail Road station, clearing its path to start construction soon. The 24-story hotel would be located at 93-43 Sutphin Blvd., next to the AirTrain Station and the LIRR Jamaica station. Those who use the hotel would be a 10-minute AirTrain ride away from John F. Kennedy Airport. The GJDC had been working to get a hotel built for a number of years, releasing a Request for Proposal in conjuncture with the LIRR last summer. The transaction involves selling a plot of land to the developer, Able Hotels, for $4.5 million. The LIRR owns about one-third of the lot. The rest is owned by the Greater Jamaica Development Corp. The company was chosen as the winner of the RFP, beating out another interested party. “We are excited to have this op-
portunity and be selected as the break ground sometime next developer,” Viral Patel, Able year and complete the buildHotels’ CEO, said. “We had ing by 2016. targeted a hotel development in Arena said that the new the area since 2011.” hotel would be a boon for In order for the LIRR to sell Jamaica, particularly given their portion of the land, the its proximity to JFK and the agency had to get approval from number of transit options, the MTA board. The MTA’s fiwhich includes the E and J nance committee approved the subway lines. deal on Sept. 16, moving it to a “A new hotel directly full board vote for Wednesday across from the LIRR termimorning. The sale was authonal and the AirTrain buildrized there as well. ing is a very convenient “In order for the project to place for travelers, tourists, be built, it had to be combined people heading out to Kenwith the other parcels. The nedy Airport,” he said. “The LIRR had to have the approval LIRR had just completed an of the MTA board,” Salvatore $8 million renovation of its Arena, spokesman for MTA building, which is 100 years LIRR, said. “The LIRR is a key old. That was the MTA’s player in the redevelopment of A rendering of the proposed 210-room, 24-story ho- contribution to this effort. Jamaica. They saw the need and tel to built near the LIRR terminal in Jamaica. [Jamaica’s] a bustling center felt it was a good idea to pursue. and there’s a lot of potential We were willing to sell these portions there. The railroad is very cognizant said. “We are looking forward to con- of its role there as part of the comto see it become a reality.” Greater Jamaica was thrilled with struction starting early next year and munity.” the MTA’s approval of the sale and having Able Hotels become a valued Able Hotels owns and manages the prospect of private development partner as we continue to grow.” a 125-room hotel in Plainview, NY, Plans for the hotel include 210 and a 110-room hotel in Brentwood, in that area. “This is a big day for Jamaica, rooms, a full-service restaurant and NY. with the approval of the hotel project ground-floor retail space. While the Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at by the MTA and by our board,” Car- project is still in the planning stages, (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@ lisle Towery, president of the GJDC, Patel said Able Hotels expects to queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.
BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Last Friday, three businessmen were nabbed after unsuccessfully trying to bribe Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton). According to reports, earlier this year Queens businessman Tarsem Singh and two of his associates attempted to pay Richards to throw his support behind their liquor license application. In a refreshing change of pace for the Southeast Queens community, which has seen the arrest of two elected officials and several others under investigation in a oneyear span, the Councilman turned down a wad of cash for his support on the bid, which would have placed a liquor store across the street from Springfield Gardens High School. The reports allege that Singh and one of his associates, Davinder Singh, arranged a sit-down meeting with Richards and attempted to pass him an unspecified amount of cash. The exchange was captured by a security camera and shows Rich-
ards turning down the bribe. After Richards reported the incident to authorities, the Dept. of Investigation set up a sting operation in which an agent posed as a representative for the Councilman. In two subsequent meetings, the businessman handed over $1,400 with a promise of $1,100 more after a State Liquor Authority hearing. Richards has been in the forefront of the battle against the liquor store since it was proposed in May. Just weeks after his first protest, the Councilman, along with community residents, celebrated the State Liquor Authority’s decision to block the license. “Our children are the future and that is something we can never compromise – developing their young minds and constructing them into leaders is very crucial. To do so, the environment in which they occupy must promote their development, not deter it,” Richards said at the August press conference. Davinder Singh and Rajinder Singh were arrested and charged with
Photo by Ira Cohen
Councilman Richards Says No To Bribe
Councilman Donovan Richards speaks at a rally opposing a liquor store earlier this year. The Councilman was instrumental in the arrests of individuals allegedly looking to bribe him to ensure a liquor license. third-degree bribery and giving unlawful gratuities. The owner of the property, Tarsem Singh, was also arrested and the charges are still pending. Richards declined an interview but his spokesperson offered a statement. “When I was elected, I promised my constituents that I would carry myself with the utmost integrity and
that I would do whatever was needed to protect our quality of life,” the statement read. “May these arrests show those who seek to bribe public officials that our communities and children aren’t for sale.” Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ nkozikowska
Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 20-26, 2013
Community Unites Against Possible FAA Rule
BY JOE MARVILLI
Photo by Joe Marvilli
When the Federal Aviation Administration enacted the TNNIS IV climb last year, it got a categorical exclusion to implement the new flight procedure without an environmental review. Now, the FAA is working on plans to broaden categorical exclusions, allowing them to make more changes without looking into how it impacts the surrounding communities. Community leaders and elected officials from northeast Queens met on Sept. 17 in Little Bay Park to protest the new rule and make sure LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy airports are exempt from the plan if the FAA goes ahead with it. All in attendance agreed that the Borough does not need further impacts to its quality of life from passing airplanes. U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-Flushing), Steve Israel (D-Melville) and Joe Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) sent a letter to FAA administrator Michael Huerta, asking him to continue environmental studies for New York, so that future changes to the flight path do not impact Queens harmfully like the TNNIS climb did. “We have a very large population that’s impacted by airplane noise.
This is not the time to led to planes flying over pull the rug out from Flushing, Douglaston these communities and and other eastern Queens say that environmental neighborhoods at heights reviews don’t count and as low as 2,500 feet. That shouldn’t be implementprocedure was changed ed,” Israel said. without community in“The route has caused put. unbearable airplane “It’s so loud, you can’t noise from early morning hear yourself think. This to late at night,” Meng is not how you do legisadded. “The FAA’s plan lation in America,” John to further sidestep this Kelly, a board member of critical process is really Elected officials Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, U.S. Reps. the Kissena Park Civic a slap in the face to all of Grace Meng and Steve Isarel and State Sen. Tony Avella joined Association, said. us who live in Queens.” civic leaders to slam the FAA’s proposed rule to broaden its ex“Flushing is a hugely This rule, scheduled clusion from environmental reviews for new flight procedures. densely populated area. to go into effect on Sept. There are many little 30, would expand the kids in the area. There criteria to avoid an environmental nore the environmental impact that are many elderly in the area,” Flushimpact review to include procedure these airplanes have on local com- ing resident Susan Carroll said. “It’s changes affected by the implementa- munities,” Avella said. just really sickening to me.” “There are 85 direct flight protion of the NextGen air transportaTo voice your opinion to the FAA cedures out of Kennedy and La- on this rule, you can mail comments tion system. State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bay- Guardia. We’ve been bothered by to U.S. Department of Transporside), Assemblyman Edward Braun- just one,” Bob Whitehair, the vice tation, Docket Operations, M-30, stein (D-Bayside) and members of president of Queens Quiet Skies, West Building Ground Floor, Room the community expressed their an- said. “Can you imagine if the FAA W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Ave. S.E., noyance with the FAA for disregard- is allowed to go through with the Washington D.C., 20590. You can ing environmental and noise studies categorical exclusion process with also send a fax to (202) 493-2251 or all 85 flight procedures?” in the busiest airspace in America. log on to www.regulations.gov. For many residents, this proposed “The FAA has a really serious reReach Reporter Joe Marvilli at sponsibility, to manage the country’s ruling reminds them of the instal- (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@ airports. It doesn’t mean they can ig- lation of the TNNIS climb, which queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.
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Sept. 20-26, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5
deadline near For Build it Back Program By Luis Gronda With the registration deadline for the City’s Build It Back program inching closer, one Queens pol walked door-to-door in part of his district urging people to register for the program. As part of helping homeowners recover from last year’s Superstorm Sandy, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the Build It Back Program, which allows property owners to apply for assistance either by rebuilding or repairing their home.
Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (DOzone Park) walked around parts of Howard Beach on Tuesday afternoon, informing his constituents about the program and its Sept. 30 deadline. Goldfeder said the City has done well to get the word out about the program. “To their credit, this has been as organized as possible. The City, together with local partners, has done a really great job of putting the word out there and ensuring that everyone still in need of funding, or everyone
that needs to be paid back, is going to get it,” he said. Doug Caffarone, who was among the Howard Beach residents Goldfeder visited while canvassing for the program, said he is aware of Build It Back but is not sure if he and his wife, Toni, will register because they are afraid it will be a frustrating process. Caffarone said they have been trying to get money from their flood insurance, and while they received some money, they were told that a pre-existing condition disqualified
them from getting all of the insurance money. “You get the runaround until you get so frustrated [that] you give up, I think that’s their game,” said Caffarone, describing how he feels dealing with the insurance problems. “And that’s what I’m worried about with this thing too.” For more information on Build It Back or to register, log onto nyc.gov/ recovery. Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127, lgronda@ queenstribune.com, or @luisgronda.
Vote on Pedestrian Plaza delayed To oct. By Luis Gronda A proposed pedestrian plaza on the Queens-Brooklyn border was presented at last week’s Community Board 9 meeting, but the board’s vote was delayed until its next meeting in October. As part of the City’s effort to create more open spaces, the Dept. of Transportation is proposing to turn a section of 101 and Liberty avenues and Drew Street in Ozone Park into a plaza.
A local civic organization, the Brooklyn-based Bangladeshi American Community Development & Youth Services, originally submitted the idea for the plaza. Misba Abdin, the group’s president, said the plaza would give residents of both areas a place to congregate during the day. “This is a place that people can sit down, eat and chat,” Abdin said. There were some concerns raised that the plaza could bring more
crime and public drinking to the area because of how open the area would be to the public. CB 9 member David Adorno, who supports the idea of creating the plaza in that area, said while that concern is valid, it should not mean that it should be rejected. Another CB 9 member, Alexander Blenkinsopp, was noncommittal on the idea, saying that he would like to know more about the plaza before taking a side on the issue. He also
said he hopes to speak with residents who live close to the proposed plaza to hear their opinions on the project. CB 9 District Manager Mary Ann Carey said the board will send out a letter to residents and businesses in the immediate area informing them about the plaza and that a vote is set for the October meeting to decide its fate. Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127, lgronda@ queenstribune.com, or @luisgronda
How to stay a step ahead of a moving storm. We’re getting ready for the storm season. You should be, too. A good way to start is by updating your contact information with Con Edison. Stock up on fresh batteries. Make sure your family knows to stay away from downed electrical wires. And if you lose power, contact us online at conEd.com or by phone at 1-800-75-CONED. For more storm preparation tips, visit us online and follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 20-26, 2013
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
Editorial Elections Need Reform On Monday, former City Comptroller Bill Thompson decided to end his call for a Mayoral run-off and back Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, who took a commanding lead during last week’s Primary election. Thompson decided against dragging out the campaign another three weeks under a cloud of uncertainty, created by a Board of Elections unsure of when the final Primary votes would be counted. While conceding the race to de Blasio, Thompson also called out the BOE on its inability to finalize the vote count in a timely manner, with thousands of absentee and affidavit ballots yet to be counted. Thompson was right to criticize the board, which consistently has proven to be incapable of handling the voting process from year to year. It is far past the time for the City to reform the BOE, to ensure that future elections are completed quickly and accurately, without dragging out the process. The board also needs to be able to adapt to the new technologies that will no doubt determine future elections without resorting to the use of 50-year-old machines, many of which were not ready for use when the polls opened last Tuesday. Mayor Michael Bloomberg tried and failed to get much-needed reforms within the Board of Elections during his tenure. We hope that whoever is sworn in as Mayor in January makes these reforms a priority for the good of the City.
Photo Editor: Ira Cohen
Reporters: Natalia Kozikowska Joe Marvilli Luis Gronda Trisha Sakhuja
Letters Some Poll Spots Do It Right
To The Editor: Upon reading your article in the past edition of the PRESS (“BOE Receives
Mixed Reviews From Voters,” Sept. 13-19), I was amazed to read about so many problems at polling sites. At our site, P.S. 234 in Astoria, we had none of these, and we are one of the largest with nine election
Letters districts and serviced 1,414 voters. Let us take a look at the problems reported. 1 – Voters denied the option to cast a paper ballot. All my inspectors were told by us and the BOE that if a voter requested a paper ballot, they will not be denied. It’s that simple and was done. We had 87 affidavit ballots. 2 – BOE staffers offering little assistance. This is our expertise. Our main objective at PS 234 is service to the voters. My staff of 45 workers consists of 11 people who have 10 years of experience or more. The BOE, our district leaders and myself have recruited the very best with the emphasis on service. We have people coming to our site from ADs 30, 34, 36, 37 and 23, which is in Ozone Park. We recruit only the best and service-minded. 3 – Inspectors not trained sufficiently. Even though our inspectors are trained every year at the BOE, that of course is only the start of the process of a quality inspector. Each new inspector is put at a table with experienced workers for OJT training. For example, at one of our tables, which I also vote at, there are three inspectors with a total 27 years, the other who has
two years experience is placed with them to further gain and learn from their experience. That’s how they learned when they started and they just pass this right along readily. 4 – Lack of inspectors. The BOE is mandated by law to furnish interpreters but at our site we greatly added to it. The following languages are spoken by our inspectors: Greek, Italian (2), Filipino (2), Chinese (2), Bengali (2) and Arabic; but our main language is Spanish, with eight interpreters. In conclusion, I’d like to end this letter by reporting how our Primary Night ended. At about 8 p.m., monitors from the Manhattan main office came to audit our closing. After their introduction, I told them to “watch the show.” A performance by our inspectors in the proper procedure of closing the polls left them in a state of awe. The problems part of their audit was a total blank. Myself and my fellow coordinator, Sarah JonkerBurke, are extremely proud to be a member of this team of fine and dedicated people. Robert Moratti, Sarah Jonker-Burke Coordinators, P.S. 234, Astoria
Art Dept:
Rhonda Leefoon Lianne Procanyn Barbara Townsend
The Right To Bear Arms And Those Who Should Not
Alan Goldsher Director of Marketing
A Personal Perspective By MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE
Maureen Coppola Advertising Administrator Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie Shari Strongin Wazeer Ali
A Queens Tribune Publication © Copyright 2013 Tribco, LLC
Michael Nussbaum Publisher Ria McPherson Comptroller
Earlier this week, a heartbreaking mass shooting took place in our nation again -- this time right in the capitol. Once again someone allegedly suffering from mental disorders got hold of a gun and massacred a crowd of people in the Washington Navy Yard. The shooter, as it turns out, was born in Queens before moving to Brooklyn and elsewhere. When 34-year-old Aaron Alexis was done shooting on Monday, there were 13 people lying dead on the floor of their place of employment. A colleague of the 13 victims described in heart-rending details how the gunman looked at one of his co-workers, cocked his eye along with the gun and shot her dead
for no reason. The poor man was so traumatized you have to wonder why he’s on TV instead of a therapist’s coach. You wonder how people with mental illness can get access to weapons and ammunition so easily, and the answer is clear: many of those who sell the guns would rather take the money than worry about who they’re getting it from. If the buyer has never been in trouble before, and there are no public records to indicate any form of emotional disorders, they will move forward with the sale. It is ironic, however, that a gunman could get clearance into a military facility to slaughter and wound civilians at work. The “right to bear arms” is a fundamental American right protected by the Second Amendment to the Constitution. That is why the gun manufacturers, distributors,
National Rifle Association and many Capitol Hill legislators, whose war chests are overflowing with donations from gun lobbyists, don’t want real reform. Responsible gun owners mourn this reckless access to firearms. But we should not have to be fearful for our lives in our places of employment, schools and shopping centers. In January 2011, Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords was engaged in her “Congress on Your Corner” session in her district when she was shot in the head by a crazy man with a gun. In addition to Giffords’ catastrophic injuries, several people, including a nine yearold girl, were killed that day. In 2007, a student shot and killed 32 people at Virginia Tech University. And we will never forget the tiny children of Newtown, Connecticut, killed along with
several teachers and administrators. This crazy shooter got the gun from his gun nut mother’s prized collection. She knew he had emotional issues and yet she trained him to shoot and kept guns at his disposal. Insanity does not recognize race, class and geographical borders. If a guy originally from Queens could commit such an evil act, we have to realize that we have to grow eyes in the back of our heads. The right to bear arms is protected, but so too is our right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” These rights are literally being endangered by those who shoot at us as we go about getting an education, doing our jobs, being at a movie theater and all the other activities that contribute to our live, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Somebody, please, stop the madness!
Sept. 20-26, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7
Police Blotter 102nd Precinct
Canario restaurant, located at 111-17 Jamaica Ave., through a rear window and removed cash from an ATM and a register. Surveillance video of suspects from the second incident is available at DCPI.
Burglary Pattern
The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the following suspects wanted in connection with a commercial burglary pattern. The first incident occurred on Aug. 24 at approximately midnight. The suspects entered Tony’s Famous Pizza, located at 109-18 Jamaica Ave., through the rear door and removed cash from the office and an ATM. The second incident occurred on Aug. 31 at approximately 12:30 a.m. The suspects entered Richmond Hill Delicatessen, located at 123-07 Jamaica Ave., through the rear basement door and removed cash from an ATM. The third incident occurred on Sept. 9 at approximately 10:30 p.m. The suspects gained entry into Lizmeli’s Grocery through a hole in the wall in an adjacent unoccupied commercial establishment and removed cash from an ATM and a register. The fourth incident occurred on Sept. 10 at approximately 11:30 p.m. The suspects gained entry to El Cran
Fatal Collision
At 7:01 p.m. on Sept. 13, police responded to a report of a pedestrian struck at 97th Avenue and 117th Street. Upon arrival, officers observed the victim, identified as Raj Chohan, 59, of South Richmond Hill, unconscious and unresponsive. EMS also responded and removed Chohan to Jamaica Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. An investigation revealed that the pedestrian was walking along parked cars on 117th Street when a gray 2013 Toyota Camry, heading northbound on 117th Street, struck the victim and fled the scene. Police officers who were in the area apprehended the suspect at 115th Street and 101st Avenue without incident. Police then arrested Vishwanand Subryan, 23, of Schenectady, on charges of vehicular manslaughter,
criminally negligent homicide, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and DWI.
107th Precinct
City Employee Arrested
On Sept. 12, Matthew Slavin, 27, an off-duty NYPD police officer, was arrested and charged with third-degree assault and criminal mischief.
108th Precinct
Robbery
The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the following individual wanted in connection with a robbery. On Aug. 5 at approximated 1:05 a.m., the suspect entered DCD Exclusive Video, located at 23-08 Jackson Ave., displayed a firearm and demanded cash. The victim complied and the suspect fled with the cash in an unknown direction. No injuries were reported at this incident.
Fatal Collision
At 9:49 p.m. on Sept. 13, police responded to a 911 call of a pedestrian struck at the intersection of 27th
Street and Queens Plaza North. Upon arrival, responding officers discovered a woman in her 50s unconscious and unresponsive lying in the roadway. EMS also responded to the location and transported the woman to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. A preliminary investigation determined that the female was crossing Queens Plaza North from south to north when she was struck by a blue 2009 Honda CRV, traveling westbound on Queens Plaza North, which then mounted the curb and struck a pillar. The vehicle remained on the scene and the investigation remains active by the NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad.
Got info?
Call Crimestoppers at 1-800-577-tiPS (8477) or text tips to CRiMES (274637) then enter TIPS577
Borough Beat
LGBT Forum Discusses stop And Frisk Policy Members of the LGBT community, along with a panel of experts, held a forum on Sept. 11 at the Queens Pride House to discuss the implications of the Stop and Frisk policy enacted by the New York Police Department. The controversial Stop and Frisk tactics were deemed unconstitutional by Judge Shira Scheindlin in late August because she said the policy violated the constitutional rights of minorities in the City. Even though Scheindlin did not order an end to the Stop and Frisk policy, she called for a federal monitor to oversee the policy and mandated police officers to wear cameras. “The NYPD’s Stop and Frisk policy has an enormous impact on members of the LGBT community in Queens, especially transgender people and LGBT people of color in Jackson Heights,” said Pauline Park, president of the Queens Pride House board of directors and acting executive director. Bianey Garcia, LGBTQ justice
Photo by Trisha sakhuja
By TRishA sAkhujA
From left to right: Pauline Park, president of the Queens Pride house board of directors, Andrea Ritchie, co-coordinator for streetwise and safe, jennifer Ching, project director for Queens Legal service, Lynly Egyes, staff attorney at the sex Workers Project for the urban justice Center, ivan Espinoza-Madrigal, a legal director of the Center for hiV Law and Policy and Bianey Garcia, LGBTQ justice project co-organizer at Make the Road New york.
project co-organizer at Make the Road New York, said the LGBT community wants the police to “treat them like human beings and call them with their preferred names and pronouns.” A report released by Make the Road NY found that 76 percent of the people who are subject to Stop and Frisk are LGBT. Ivan Espinoza-Madrigal, a legal di-
rector of the Center for HIV Law and Policy, said “the City distributes one million condoms a year, but if the police happen to find condoms on you, they will use it against you” because they assume you are involved in prostitution practices. He said the City is dealing with a conflict between public health and criminal laws. Andrea Ritchie, co-coordinator
for Streetwise and Safe, explained different ways women can carry condoms, such as putting them inside small containers that may look like makeup. Ritchie said there are various ways people from the LGBT community can feel safe, one of them being, “know your rights.” She said the nonprofit organization conducts “know your rights” workshops specifically tailored to the LGBT youth of color. Jennifer Ching, project director for Queens Legal Service, said the consequences people face when stopped for crimes they did not commit are severe and it destroys their lives. “It is time to turn the word enforcement on its head,” she said. Ching explained the Community Safety Act, which was introduced by the City Council in October 2012. It is a landmark police reform legislative package aimed to ending discriminatory policing and bringing accountability to the NYPD. Reach Reporter Trisha Sakhuja at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, tsakhuja@ queenstribune.com, or @Tsakhuja13.
Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 20-26, 2013
Immigrants Celebrate Their U.S. Citizenship BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA
Photo by Ira Cohen
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution, 71 immigrants from 18 different countries proudly waved their American flags for the first time as U.S. citizens. The Naturalization Ceremony fittingly took place at the King Manor Museum at Roy Wilkins Park – former residence of the late Rufus King, a signer of the Constitution and a vocal opponent of slavery. “More than 18,000 people will become citizens this week alone as we celebrate the Constitution and Citizenship Day,” said Timothy Houghton, field office director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services. “Today, we come here not only to recognize Rufus King, but the men and women here who have earned the right to become U.S. citizens.” “All of us want the same goals. A safe home, a secure job, a good education for our children and a chance to succeed in America,” said Queens
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, 71 immigrants celebrated their U.S. citizenship at King Manor Museum.
Borough President Helen Marshall in the opening remarks. “Today, you are taking a giant step in making that a reality for you and your family.” Shortly following Marshall’s remarks, Houghton did a role call of all cultural backgrounds of the candidates. Inductees came from countries
all over the world, including Bangladesh, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Korea, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the United Kingdom.
One by one, the candidates stood until no candidates remained seated and the Hon. Judge William Kuntz of the Eastern District of New York was ready to administer the Oath of Allegiance. After the candidates repeated the oath, Kuntz gave the new citizens a moment to celebrate and cheer before he shared a few words of wisdom. “I know that you will always remember and keep close to your heart your native land – the people of your native lands, the customs of your native land and above all, the food of your native land,” Kuntz joked. “America today is as much your country as it is the country of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Abraham Lincoln,” he continued. “This land is your land. This land is my land – from California to the New York Island.” Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska @queenspress.com or @ nkozikowska.
Thompson Concedes, Backs de Blasio For Mayor BY STeveN J. FerrArI
Photo by Ira Cohen
decrying its lack of efficiency and inability to finalize a count with a City Democrats are putting their potential run-off looming just two support for Mayor behind Public Ad- weeks away. vocate Bill de Blasio in November, “But the reality is right now the including the lone hold-out from last votes have not been counted, and it’s week’s Primary. by no means clear Former Comptroller when they will be Bill Thompson officialcounted,” Thompson ly backed de Blasio dursaid. “Under those ing a press conference circumstances, it is on Monday, almost a impossible to even week after he declared campaign, let alone that he would stay in offer a meaningful until all votes were choice to Democratcounted. With thouic voters.” sands of affidavit and The Public Adabsentee ballots left vocate has also garafter Primary night, de nered declared supBlasio had just over 40 port from officials percent of the vote, the who had backed magic number to avoid other candidates in a run-off. the Primary, most Thompson came in a notably Council distant second, with 26 Speaker Christine percent. Quinn, who came in “Bill de Blasio and I third last week. want to move our city Bill Thompson officially With the quesforward in the same backed Bill de Blasio as the tion of a Demodirection,” Thompson Democratic candidate for cratic run-off elecsaid on Monday. “We Mayor on Monday, conced- tion behind him, de share the fundamental ing the Primary to the Pub- Blasio now heads same views and values. lic Advocate. toward the General This is bigger than eiElection on Nov. ther one of us.” 5, against Republican nominee Joe While uniting the party behind Lhota. The former MTA head won de Blasio, Thompson also took a a commanding victory last week shot at the City Board of Elections, over businessman John Catsima-
tidis. Independent Party candidate Adolfo Carrion will also appear on the ballot. Riding the wave of support over the last several weeks, de Blasio also was the heavy favorite in the first post-Primary survey released earlier
this week. The Marist poll of 632 likely voters showed de Blasio with 65 percent support, with 22 percent of those surveyed supporting Lhota. Reach Steven J. Ferrari at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 122, sferrari@queenstribune.com or @stevenferrari.
Landmark Terminal To Be Transformed Into Hotel BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA The landmark TWA terminal at John F. Kennedy Airport will soon be transformed into a luxury hotel. The terminal, which was designed by Eero Saarinen in 1962 and declared a City landmark in 1994, will likely be redesigned by Andre Balzas, whose company owns the Standard Hotel Brand. A spokesperson from the Port Authority confirmed that the agency is in discussions with a hotelier about redeveloping the TWA terminal but declined to provide more details. Andre Balazas Properties currently consists of eight luxury hotels across America, with locations in Hollywood, Miami
Beach, the Meatpacking District, and most recently, the East Village. The historic terminal is currently part of Terminal 5 at JFK and is being used by JetBlue Airways. Reports say the 150-room hotel is slated to be called The Standard, Flight Center and will include amenities like a conference center, a retail space, a fitness center, spa restaurants and even a flight museum. No reports of a time frame have surfaced. The Standard Hotel did not respond for comment as of press time. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @nkozikowska.
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Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 20-26, 2013
pix
Shooting Hoops
Photo by Walter Karling
Downtown Committee Meeting
Assemblyman William Scarborough presented medals and trophies to the basketball players participating in the Youth Basketball Empowerment tournament at Brookville Park in Rosedale.
Street Co-Naming Photos by Ira Cohen
During last week’s meeting of the Downtown Committee of the Greater Jamaica Development Corp, speakers discussed the upcoming Jamaica Market Harvest Festival. Pictured (from left) are Kevin Livingston, president of 100 Suits for 100 Men; Angela Mohan, manager of Jamaica Market; Deborah Truhowsky, senior counsel at the law firm DF Truhowsky; and Downtown Committee Chairman William Martin.
40th Anniversary Gala
The New Hope Lutheran Church in Jamaica recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, with a celebration at Antun’s in Queens Village, organized by the Capital Campaign Committee, chaired by Grace Cohen.
Councilman Leroy Comrie recently held a street co-naming ceremony for the late Arthur Hill, a World War II veteran and former member of the NYPD, at Hannival Street and Ilion Avenue.
New ADAs Sworn In
Queens DA Richard Brown (center) recently swore in 20 law school graduates as Assistant District Attorneys for Queens County. Included in the photo with Brown and the graduates are ADAs Kevin Duddy, director of trial advocacy (far left) and Jennifer Naiburg, deputy director of trial advocacy (far right).
Sept. 20-26, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11
Profile
Local Artist Tests Waters With Children’s Books BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA
While he enjoyed the satisfaction he had with sharing his work with When he was a child, Jamaica art- others, he felt like something was ist Paul Morado followed in his sis- missing and that his talents could be ter’s artistic footsteps. used in other ways. “I started at a very young age with “I didn’t want art to be the only art. My sister was very good with art thing in my life,” Morado said. “So and I was always around her,” Mo- earlier this year, I created a characrado said. ter – an expression of me Although his sister’s and decided to transform passion for art and illusthat [expression] into a tration began to dwindle children’s book.” down, it never left MoraIn his book, “The Wondo, who often used paintderful World of Mr. Moraing as a coping mechanism do,” the main character is to deal with some of the a young purple elephant. struggles of growing up in The reason he is purple, the rough neighborhood Morado said, is because of Southeast Queens. his last name means the “Painting and art re- Maximus Morado, the color purple in Spanish. ally helped me deal with purple elephant. And the reason he chose things,” he said. “I started to depict his alter-ego as getting the inspiration to paint from an elephant was because it reminded bad relationships and some of my him of his personality. struggles. A lot of my struggles came “It’s hard to miss an elephant. from living in Jamaica, so a lot of Once you see them, you can’t miss that purged out in my art. I do be- them,” he said. “I represent myself lieve Jamaica has a major effect in like that, I’m very bold.” how I express myself.” The more he began to work on the As Morado grew older and his art character, Maximus Morado, the more became more sophisticated, he tried Morado thought about recreating him testing the waters with other forms of to depict his child in the future. art. He explored graffiti art and even “The more I worked on the charactried his hand at designing clothes. ter, I thought I should make this into
a children’s book,” he said. “And if it was a children’s book, I thought that maybe it should not be me but rather a child that I would have in the future – how I would perceive him.” Morado hopes to transform the children’s book into a series that will help children with some of their struggles. He is already working on his second book, “The Elephant in the Room,” which he hopes will teach children to be comfortable in their own skin. “Throughout this story, you’ll see him go through things,” he said. “He [Maximus Morado] starts school and feels uncomfortable with being bigger than everyone. Everyone can relate to feeling different and being uncomfortable. So many kids, and just people in general, are afraid to like different things because they worry about how people will perceive them.” “I live across the street from an elementary school. I hate to say it but the children there, they are influenced negatively,” he added. “There is not too much they can enjoy, it’s very limited here.” “I’m not saying this book is going to change every child out there, that would be delusional, but I hope that I can affect someone. I hope that there
Paul Morado
could be a child who picks up this book and shares the book with the right person. That’s what makes this so rewarding,” he added. To learn more about Paul Morado, or to preview his upcoming series, visit his Tumbler accounts at www. moradoworld.tumblr.com or www. hausofmorado.tumblr.com. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ nkozikowska
People principles and skills. Mohammed is the son of Rocky Lynch and nephew of Shazam Mohammed, both of Richmond Hill.
Michael N. Mohammed Air Force Airman Michael N. Mohammed graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare
Army National Guard Pfc. Tannya S. Martinez-Ramirez 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. Martinez-Ramirez is the daughter of Anna Ramirez of Far Rockaway. Local students were among the new enrollees at American International College in Springfield, Mass., for the fall 2013 semester. They include:
Arverne: Darryl Sanford. Far Rockaway: Anthony Cutler. Queens Village: Akayla Anderson. Jillian Knee of Broad Channel has enrolled at Alvernia University in Reading, Pa., for the fall 2013 semester. Army Pvt. Anil Kumar 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. Kumar is the son of Anil Kumar of St. Albans and is a 2010 graduate of Thomas Edison High School in Jamaica.
The Latin American Cultural Center of Queens will sponsor a course on English as a Second Language: Practical English for Employment and Citizenship from Sept. 28 through Jan. 25 at the ARROW Community Center, 35-30 35th St., Astoria. Registration will take place from 2-4 p.m. Sept. 21 and 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 26. The LACCQ will also sponsor the 15th annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration from 2:30-5 p.m. Sept. 29 at El Paraiso Tropical, 10211 42nd Ave., Corona. For information or to RSVP, call (718) 261-7664 or email LACCQ@ aol.com.
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.
Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 20-26, 2013
A&E
Cyndi Lauper Headlines QC Season BY JOE MARVILLI Queens native Cyndi Lauper will come home to headline the new season of Kupferberg Presents at Queens College, with a concert that will have the audience cheering time after time. And given the rest of the lineup, it looks like Lapuer will not be the only person who just wants to have fun. Kupferberg Presents has outlined its roster for the coming months, featuring an array of artists that are guaranteed to draw a crowd. The season is part of the college’s continuing cultural growth, which included a $10 million gift made by Max Kupferberg for renovations to the performance facilities and for support of the cultural organization. One of the biggest attractions of the season is Lauper, who will perform on Oct. 20 with the “She’s So Unusual 30th Anniversary Tour.” In
Colden Auditorium, the singer will perform her debut in full, which includes hit singles “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” and “Time After Time.” The pop star is not the only highlight in this season of A-list talent. Singer Audra McDonald will start the season on Oct. 5 in Colden Auditorium, her only concert in the City this fall. The Tony Award-winning Broadway legend will perform her favorite show-tunes as well as songs from her new album, “Go Back Home.” Next up will be Brazilian performance sensation Balé Folclórico da Bahia on Oct. 18 in Colden Auditorium. The ensemble of 25 dancers, musicians and singers will display the region’s most important cultural movements with an energetic theatrical show that includes danceable rhythms and eye-catching choreography. On Dec. 8, attendees can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year
Science Fair Returns To Flushing Meadows Maker Faire, the fair of science, invention and fantastic imagination, returns to Flushing Meadows Corona Park for the fourth year the weekend of Sept. 21-22. Visitors can pose for 3-D portraits, encounter all types of robots, see acrobats make amazing moves, hear musicians singing Shakespearean scenes, watch exciting demonstrations, make all kinds of arts and crafts, and do much, much more. One of the exhibitors, “The Great Fredini,” will present his 3-D portrait studio, using equipment he invented. Posing customers stand on a rotating turntable as multiple cameras turn images of their entire bodies into 3-D illustrations on a computer screen, which are eventually transferred to a 3-D printer that creates small white figurines, six inches tall. “People use them as cake toppers,” Fredini, whose real name is Fred Kahl, said. Anyone posing at the fair will receive the finished product in the mail days later, because of the time required for the 3-D printing. Adam Weppler and Jake Green, the two members of “Bard Rock,” will perform a variety of scenes set to music from Shakespeare’s plays, “A Midsummer Night’s
Dream,” “Romeo and Juliet” and others. Their performances give Shakespeare’s dialogue a modern feeling of fun by giving it a rap-like rhythm. You can build your own instruments or underwater robots, make a helicopter, play with perspective, drive a Mars rover, learn to knit or about 3-D printing machines, materials and applications; enjoy light and projection art, and electronic insects; participate in Power Wheel Racing and listen to speakers discuss topics including “The Future is What We Choose to Make.” One of the many freebies to be offered is from Zazzle, one of the fair’s sponsors, which will offer free photo buttons. They are one of the many items available for custom designing on its website. The fair will be held at the New York Hall of Science, at 47-01 111th St., rain or shine. It is open Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission for adults is $35, seniors $30, students $25 and children $20. Children younger than two are admitted free. For information or to view all the Innovation Stage presentations live, go to www.makerfaire.com/live. -Barbara Arnstein
with the Boston Pops Esplanade Or- singer Christine Andreas in “Love chestra and conductor Keith Lock- is Good.” The show, which includes hart for their Holidays Pops concert. Martin Silvestri on the piano, will Taking place at Colden Auditorium, focus on songs featuring humorous the orchestra will perform their sig- couple antics. nature “Sleigh Ride,” To end the season, along with other holiBroadway legend Barday classics. bara Cook will perValerie Simpson form at Colden Auwill also perform that ditorium on May 10. month, taking the The singer and actress stage at LeFrak Concame to prominence cert Hall on Dec. 14. with her performancThe famed songwriter es in the mid-50s muwill perform music sicals “Plain and Fanrecorded with her cy,” “Candide” and late husband, Nicko“The Music Man.” las Ashford. Ashford Tickets for all of and Simpson wrote these events are on such hits as “Ain’t sale now, available No Mountain High Queens native Cyndi Lauper at www.KupferbergEnough” and “Solid.” is one of the main attrac- Presents.org or at the On Feb. 8, Ballet tions in the upcoming sea- Colden Auditorium Hispanico will appear son of kupferberg Presents Box Office on the in the Goldstein The- at Queens College. Queens College camatre to explore and celpus. The box office ebrate the diversity of Latino culture. hours are from noon to 6 p.m. MonThe company fuses together classical, day through Thursday and one hour Latin and contemporary dance to cre- before events. ate a passionate performance for audiFor more information, call (718) ences of all ages. 793-8080. A special Valentine’s Day perReach Reporter Joe Marvilli at formance at LeFrak Concert Hall (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@ will feature theater and cabaret queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.
Nonprofit Offers Low-Cost Writing Workshops BY TRISHA SAkHuJA A local nonprofit organization will offer low-cost workshops for those looking to improve their writing skills. Newtown Literary, an Elmhurstbased literary group that publishes a semi-annual literary journal featuring the work of Queens’ writers and poets, will offer e-book classes and short fiction writing workshops. The president and founder of the Newtown Literary Alliance, Tim Frederick, said the organization’s goal is to provide opportunities for writers looking to improve their writing or publishing their work without having to spend a lot of money. “Writing classes in New York City can cost anywhere from two to four times the amount we will be charging for our classes,” Fredrick said. The first course, “E-Books 101: A DIY Introduction,” will take place on Sept. 28 and will be taught by
Katherine Garrigan, the production editor of the Journal. Her aim is to help participants learn about the new technology available to writers. The hour-and-a-half session will cost $20. “E-readers offer authors more control over their work, the ability to self-publish with little to no additional costs,” Garrigan said. Starting in October, Fredrick will teach the Queens Short Fiction Writing Workshop, which will cost $200 for 10 two-hour sessions. “I want to give the short story writers in Queens an opportunity to improve their writing without breaking the bank,” Fredrick said. The classes will take place at the Greater Historical Society, at 35-20 Broadway in Long Island City. For more information about the writing workshops, visit newtownliterary.org/classes. Reach Reporter Trisha Sakhuja at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, tsakhuja@ queenstribune.com, or @Tsakhuja13.
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Faith
Springfield Gardens Church Holds Worship Encounter BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA On Sept. 29, the Springfield Gardens Church of the Nazarene will hold its annual “Worship Encounter” – a combination of songs, scripture and prayer with a heavy focus on simply worshipping God. The event, which started three years ago, began after the church’s pastor, Rev. Lenroy Pascall, noticed that congregants did not have a complete grasp of what it meant to fully worship God. “I firmly believed that people did not have a proper understanding of worship and as a result, I felt that we need to have the best idea of worship and demonstrate to people what it is all about,” Pascall said. The special worship encounter, Pascall said, is presented concertstyle but it is not a concert. Instead, worship teams from Springfield Gar-
Last year, more than 300 people came out to take part in the Springfield Gardens Church of the Nazarene’s annual ‘Worship Encounter” event. dens Church of the Nazarene, as well as neighboring churches, will lead prayer and engage with the communi-
ty to communicate directly with God through song, dance and prayer. “The people come to worship. Talking about it is one thing, but experiencing this is a different language all together,” he said. “The Bible talks about loving God with all your heart and soul – and these are the combinations that make worship so powerful. There are other areas of worship where you must not only reach out to your faith, but you must be willing to submit to the Lordship and the Holy Spirit.” Pascall noted that there was a big difference between this annual worship encounter and a regular Sunday mass. “There is no preaching. Most masses, the pastor preaches but that’s not the case here,” he said. “It’s just an evening where people worship God at the heart of worship. To worship God is to pay God homage but in order for it to be effective,
there must be a place for faith.” The event has been incredibly successful in the past, Pascall said, with more than 300 worshippers attending the event last year. “It was really wonderful. After it was over, the response was just great,” he said. “On the day of the activities, people have come very early because they don’t want to miss out on any minute of it.” The “Worship Encounter” will take place at the Springfield Gardens Church of the Nazarene from 4:59 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Springfield Gardens Church of the Nazarene is located at 145-01 Farmers Blvd., Jamaica. For additional information about the event, you may contact the church office at (718) 528-0983. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com.
Notebook
Southeast Queens Schools
Over 300 Dads Celebrate Take Your Child To School Day BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA
from fatherless homes, 20 times the national average and boys whose fathers are present in the household are two times less likely to go to prison as boys with fathers who are not around. The relationship a child has with his or her father may also determine their social skills. Research has shown that a child involved with their father is more likely to have self-control and tends to be
less impulsive. Children who have a healthy relationship with their dads also tend to have higher self-esteem and be more generous. For more tips about how you can be more involved in your child’s life year round, visit wwww.google.com/ site/dtyctsny/next-steps. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ nkozikowska.
Hillcrest HS Orientation: Photo by Bob Harris
On Wednesday, Sept. 18, more than 300 New York City dads and other father figures participated in “Dads Take Your Child to School” day – a statewide initiative to promote a healthy paternal involvement in their children’s lives. The tradition began seven years ago at just one Brooklyn public school but has now made its way to more than 350 schools across all five boroughs. As part of the initiative, fathers and other significant male caretakers were encouraged to take their kid to school and arrive 15 to 30 minutes before the start of class. Once class began, the dads were able to mingle amongst themselves. According to an informational website about the initiative, research indicates that children whose fathers take a more active role in their lives have better outcomes, demonstrating better behavioral and academic success. “It makes the difference. It is one thing to have the mother figure there but the father offers another perspective– a strong male perspective,” said Sheryl Leverett, parent coordinator at I.S. 59 in Springfield Gardens. “It may not necessarily have to be the
birth parent, but as long as there is someone who can be a strong and dependable person, that makes all the difference in the world to all our children.” This is the third year the students at I.S. 59 celebrated the initiative. This year, approximately 40 fathers or father figures, as well as 10 moms, came in to show their children that they are here for them. “It was a wonderful experience,” Leverett said. “There was a sense of dads in the building and a sense that he cares. It’s so important for our youth to have male representation and guidance. It’s important to know that they can rely on them.” Statistics have shown that children that have a father involved in their lives are two times less likely to drop out of school and that children living in homes with a father present are two times less likely to repeat a grade in school. Similarly, a father’s involvement in schools is associated with the higher likelihood of a student getting mostly A’s and children who have a good relationship with their fathers are 55 percent more likely to enjoy school. Statistics also show that 85 percent of all youth in prison come
Yet another school year has begun and Hillcrest High School has come up with a new and innovative way to help their freshmen students adjust. Each of the students were invited to visit the school for a pre-school orientation and then given an ice cream social. The new students got the opportunity to tour the school and get to know one another, days before classes began.
Sept. 20-26, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15
What’s Up Sept. 20 Introduction to excel If you are looking to learn how to navigate a spreadsheet, create workbooks and worksheets, enter and edit data and print table and charts. Basic computer skills are required. Register online, in person at the Job Information Center or by telephone at (718) 990-8625. The class starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Queens Central Library. The class code is CC180.
Networking Networking with others in today’s competitive market is the one of the best way’s to find a job. Through networking, you can exchange information with others about job opportunities, interesting organizations and up-and-coming industries. For more information on this workshop, call (718) 990-0746 or visit the Job Information Center. The networking workshop will begin at 11 a.m. at the Queens Central Library. Registration is not required and the class code is JR190.
Looking into a Business after Retirement? Learn how you can get started with careful planning and proven management strategies. Roger Kuperways guides you through steps for going into business after retirement. The class starts at 11 a.m. at the Queens Central Library. Registration is not required.
Sept. 21 Coed Mixed Level Line Dance Enjoy low impact, calorie-burning line dancing sessions at Cambria Heights Community Church, located at 116-02 220th St. The dances are taught in a relaxed manner, where the participants will experience the joy of line dances, such as the Electric Slide and the Wobble. The class starts at 10:40 a.m. No dance experience is required. The class cost $10. For additional information, contact Barbara at 646.229.0242 or bof115@yahoo.com.
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.
Kaplan:GMAt practice test If you want to see how you score on the GMAT test, take a free practice exam at 10 a.m. at the Library Queens Central. Get a head start on
getting into the business school of your choice! The GMAT assesses a person’s analytical, writing, verbal and reading skills in preparation for admission to a graduate management program. Registration is required.
Soap-making If you ever wanted to learn how to make soaps, Keisha Vasser of Kreatively Keisha’s will help you create soaps using your choice of fragrance, color and decorative molds. All materials will be provided. The free class will take place at the Queens Central Library at 2 p.m. Space is limited. Registration is required online or by calling (718) 990-0728.
Sept. 23 Knitting 101 If you want to learn the 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 to 14 seats. The free class will take place at the Queens Central Library from 4:30 p.m. till 6 p.m. Registration is required online or by calling (718) 990-0728. If you wish to register, check availability for program date Sept. 9, 2013.
Intermediate Microsoft excel Learn how how to generate formulas and functions, create a home budget and store your personal and professional data on Microsoft Excel. Take a free class at the Queens Central Library from 9:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. Registration is required online, in person at the Job Information Center or by telephone at (718) 990-8625. Basic computer skills and knowledge of Excel are required. The class code is CC210.
Sept. 25 Interview Skills Workshop If you want to get your foot in the right door, learn how to prepare for your interview, successfully deal with difficult questions and follow up properly after the interview. The free class will take place at the Queens Central Library from 10 a.m. till 11 a.m. Place a call with the Job Information Center at (718) 990-0746 for more information. Registration is not required, but the class code is JR170.
Sept. 28 Social Networking
Keep your memories by creating a covered album decorated with special mementos to celebrate your special occasions. All supplies are included. The free class will take place at the Queens Central Library from 4:30 p.m. till 5:30 p.m. Registration is required.
Join the Farmers Boulevard Community Development Corporation this Fall for community dialogue and social networking on Farmers Boulevard. Planned topics include health and wellness, youth empowerment, arts and culture, and an investors forum. Fourth Saturday on Farmers will take place on 9/28, 10/26 and 11/23. “Wellness for Seniors” will focus on activities designed to enhance senior wellness. The event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at the African Center for Community Empowerment. The African Center for Community Empowerment is located at 111-20 Farmers Blvd., Jamaica. It is free to attend.
Mastering excel: part three
Intermediate Microsoft Word
Memory Album Workshop
If you are looking to build upon your knowledge of Microsoft Excel in the third of this three-part series, register for a free class that will take place at the Queens Central Library from 6:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. It is recommended that you take the first two parts of the series before taking this one. To register, please call (718) 990-8625, visit the Job Information Center or register online. The class code is CC210.
Sept. 26 Film Screening at the Queens Central Library Come to the Queens Central Library every Thursday at noon in September to watch a different class movie. Alfred Hitchcock’s film “Shadow of a Doubt” will start at noon and it is free to attend.
Mac Monday: itunes and iphoto
the “Do Not Snitch” Street Have trouble navigating your Mac Code
product? For this week’s topics during our weekly Mac lab are iTunes and iPhoto. The free class will take place at the Queens Central Library at 6 p.m. Registration is required online, in person at the Job Information Center or by calling (718) 990-8625.
What does the “do not snitch” street code mean? What is it? What does it do? What does it cost the community? It’s time to speak up! Join the movement at the Campus Magnet High School, located at 20701 116th Ave. from 6 p.m. till 8 p.m.
Sept. 24 Membership Meeting
Sept. 27 power point for Beginners
The United for Progress Democratic Club invites all to attend its next general membership meeting at the Presbyterian Church of St. Albans at 9:30 p.m. The church is located at 190-02 199th Ave., St. Albans. It is free to attend.
tion Center or call (718) 990-8625 or register online. The class code is CC190.
Learn how to create a slide presentation, add photos and images and generate handouts. Registration is required for the free class that will take place at the Queens Central Library from 9:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. Visit the Job Informa-
Learn how to format a document and bibliography and insert tables, charts, headers and footers. The free class will take place at the Queens Central Library from 9:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. Prior knowledge of Microsoft Word is required. Register online, in person at the Job Information Center or by calling (718) 9908625. The class code is CC200
Sept. 29 Worship encounter The Springfield Gardens Church of the Nazarene will hold its annual “Worship Encounter” – a combination of songs, scripture and prayer with a heavy focus on simply worshipping God. The “Worship Encounter” will take place at the Springfield Gardens Church of the Nazarene from 4:59 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Springfield Gardens Church of the Nazarene is located at 145-01 Farmers Blvd., Jamaica. For additional information about the event, you may contact the church office at (718) 528-0983.
ONGOING: 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. in Long Island City. For more information, email christina@fluxfactory.org.
Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 20-26, 2013
Queens today
FRIday 9/20
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
tuesday 9/24
COLUM McCANN
CrOssING Frets FOr tAppING
Flushing Town Hall will present Crossing Frets for Tapping, a cross-cultural live improvisation featuring contemporary and traditional world artists. Taking place at 8 p.m., the evening of music will feature virtuoso Chinese pipa player Min XiaoFen and Korean komungo player Jin Hi Kim as they team up with rhumba tapper Max Pollak. Tickets are $15 for members and $10 for students. Flushing Town Hall is located at 137-35 Northern Blvd.
interactive art, dancing and culture. With food trucks hand-selected by Queens Ambassador Jeff Orlick, an art exhibition from Hibridos Collective, a market from Design For You and an open dance competition amid music from a collection of live bands, this is a pure celebration of what makes this area the heart of the City. The event will take place on 82nd Street and Roosevelt Avenue from 4 p.m. till 10 p.m.
Theatre Time Productions will put on a performance of Agatha Christie’s “A Murder Is Announced” at the Colonial Church of Bayside, located at 54-02 217th St. Directed by Kevin Vincent, the show will take place at 8 p.m. It will also run on Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 22 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $16 general admission and $14 for students and seniors. For tickets, call (347) 358-8102 or go to www.theatretime.org.
satuRday 9/21
seCONd ANNUAL VIVA LA COMIdA!
The food and music festival will feature the best food in the City, combined with great music,
and more. Attendees will entertained by circus acts, musical performances, historical reenactments, pig racing and more. Admission costs $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. Free parking is available. The fair will also take place on Sunday, Sept. 22 at the same time.
CONCert serIes
MApLe GrOVe CeMetery tOUr
“A MUrder Is ANNOUNCed”
The first entry in Queens College’s evening readings will feature National Book Awardwinning author Colum McCann. The author of titles such as “This Side of Brightness,” “Let the Great World Spin” and “TransAtlantic” will read from his works and be interviewed by Leonard Lopate at 7 p.m. in LeFrak Concert Hall. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $20 at 6:45 p.m. on the night of the reading.
The Briarwood Action Network invites the community to join them for a Mysteries of History lecture and walking tour of Maple Grove Cemetery at 4 p.m. Learn the stories of former slaves, artists, Queens’ founders and more as you walk through the 65-acre Victorian cemetery. The cost is $8 per person for Briarwood Action Network members and $10 for non-members. Make your check payable to Briarwood Action Network and mail to PO Box 356068, Briarwood, NY 11435. If you have any additional questions, please contact ssherman.ban@ gmail.com.
QUeeNs COUNty FAIr
The Queens County Farm Museum invites the community to its 31st Annual Queens County Fair, running from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This family event is a traditional county fair with Blue Ribbon competitions for livestock, produce, home crafts, arts and crafts
The annual Lhevinne Classical Concert Series makes its return to the Center at Maple Grove Cemetery The concert this year will feature the Lautreamount String Quintet. The show starts at 8 p.m. and the quintet will play for about one hour. Wine and cheese will be served prior to the show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 dollars. It is $20 for seniors and $15 for members of Maple Grove. The Center at Maple Grove Cemetery is located at 12715 Kew Gardens Rd., Kew Gardens. For more information on this event, please call (347) 878-6614 or go on friendsofmaplegrove.org.
sUNset CONCert serIes 2013
Enjoy the musical talents of one of New York’s most artistically active neighborhoods, at the beautiful Gantry Plaza State Park waterfront in Long Island City, Queens. As you watch the sun set behind the City, listen to great music from 5 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. The Gantry Plaza State Park is located at 4-09 47th Rd.
sunday 9/22
the stAte OF retIreMeNt 2013
The Adult Education Committee of Hillcrest Jewish
Center and the Coller family will present a breakfast forum as part of the Ruth and Arthur Coller Memorial Lecture series. New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli will speak on the state of retirement at the 10 a.m. event in the Prince Room. He will discuss recent efforts to weaken public pension plans and the rising retirement savings gap for private sector workers. The center is located at 183-02 Union Tpke., Flushing.
tuesday 9/24 trIVIA
Bridie’s Bar & Grill will host its weekly trivia night at 8 p.m. First place gets a $50 gift certificate, second a $25 gift certificate and third a $10 gift certificate. The bar will also offer special deals to the players including two for one burgers. Topics for the game vary and include TV, sports and geography. Bridie’s is located at 63-28 Woodhaven Blvd.
wednesday 9/25 CONNeCt NyC: INFOrMAtIONAL MeetING
If you are growing a business that depends on secure and reliable high-speed Internet as a part of your daily business operations, join the New York City Eco-
nomic Development Corporation as they connect small and medium-sized businesses to high-speed Internet by providing free fiber optic construction to qualifying companies. The meeting will be held at the LIC Partnership Conference Room, located at 27-01 Queens Plaza North on the ninth floor. Please RSVP to Deb Mesloh at (718) 786-5300 x 32 or dmesloh@ licpartnership.org.
thuRsday 9/26
OktOberFest At edIsON pLACe
Edison Place in Glendale will host Oktoberfest starting on Sept. 26 and ending on the 29th. The last day will feature live music from the Papa Bavarian Accordion Singer. The performance is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Edison Place is located at 71-28 Cooper Ave., Glendale. For more information, call the restaurant at (718) 821-8401.
ONGOING
the seCret theAtre: A VIew FrOM the brIdGe
The Secret Theatre presents its latest production, “A View From The Bridge.” Set in the 1950’s, Arthur Miller’s compelling drama is about love, belonging, prejudice and betrayal. Catch an evening show on Sept. 19 and Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. or watch the matinee performance on Sept. 21 at 3 p.m. The Secret Theatre is located at 44-02 23rd St., Long Island City. Tickets are $18. For tickets or more information, visit www. secrettheatre.com.
Sept. 20-26, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17
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!
FLeA MArKetS tHriFt SHoP oPenS thursday, September 26 10-1 at All Saints Church, 214-35 40 th Avenue, Bayside.
YoUtH QUeenS LiBrArieS M a ny b ra n c h e s o f t h e Queensborough Library offer toddler and pre-school programs and more. Contact local branches. cHeSS cLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2. creAtiVe MoVeMent Monday, September 23 Lefferts library at 1. GAMe niGHtS Mondays, September 23, 30, october 7, 14 Richmond Hill library at 5. MAMMALS tuesday, September 24 Briarwood library at 4:30. Wednesday, September 25 Ridgewood library at 3. ArtS & crAFtS tuesdays at the North Hills library at 2:15. nAtUre KidS tuesdays Sunnyside library at 3:00 and Woodside library at 4:15. ceLeBrAte HAndS Wednesday, September 25 Poppenhusen library at 11:30. crAFt Wednesday, September 25 Windsor Park library. Register. SoLAr enerGY Wednesdays, September 25, october 2 Sunnyside library at 4. KniGHtS oF QUeenS Wednesdays at the Queens Village library at 3:30. crAFt tiMe Fridays Ozone Park library at 3. GAMe dAY Fridays at 3:30 Queens Village library. ArtS & crAFtS Fridays Briarwood library at 4. East Flushing Register. Ozone Park at 3.
MeetinGS JeWiSH VetS Sundays, September 22, oc tober 27, november 24, december 22 Jewish War Veterans of the USA Lipsky/Blum Post meet at the Kissena Jewish Center in Flushing. 463-4742. Korean War Vet Soccer Team also meets. eXHiBit re-oPeninG Sunday, September 22 Queens Historical Society’s annual meeting 1-3, exhibition re-opening reception 3:30-4:30 (Quaker Beginnings and Walking Our Talk Today, Quaker Values in Action: The Work of the AFSC). Exhibit tours 4:305:00. Queens Historical Society, 143-35 37th Avenue, Flushing. 939-0647. nY cAreS Monday, September 23 at the Forest Hills library at 3. NY Cares meeting to recruit new volunteers.
Knit & crocHet Monday, September 23 Douglaston library at 4. eVeninG crAFtS Mondays, September 23, 30 Evening Crafters Circle at 6 at the Fresh Meadows library. Knit & crocHet tuesday, September 24 Windsor Park library at 2. needLeWorK cLUB tuesday, September 24 Bayside library at 4. ScrABBLe cLUB tuesday, September 24 Bellerose library at 5:30. cHeSS cLUB tuesdays Windsor Park library at 5:30. FH VAc Wednesday, September 25 Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corp. 793-2055. cdec 26 thursday, September 26 at MS67. Business meeting at 7, public meeting at 8.
HeALtH cHAir YoGA Monday, September 23 Baisley Park library. Register. ZUMBA Mondays, September 23, 30 Bayside library at 6:30. HULA HooP FitneSS Mondays, September 23, 30, october 7 Lefrak City library. Register. MetAStAtic BreASt Mondays 1:30-3:00 at Adelphi School of Social Work. 516-877-4314. YoUnG BreASt Mondays young women with breast cancer meet 7-8:30 at Adelphi School of Social Work. 516-8774314. YoGA StretcH tuesday, September 24 Richmond Hill library at 5:30. PiLAteS tuesday, September 24 Queens Village library at 5:45.
MoVinG For LiFe tuesday, September 24 Flushing library at 2. Eastern and Western music and elements of tai chi and yoga. ALZHeiMerS tuesdays, September 24, october 8, 22 Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills. 592-5757, ext. 237. Art oF MeditAtion Wednesday, September 25 Bay Terrace library at 1:30. MeditAtion cLUB thursday, September 26 Bellerose library at 5:30. SHAPe UP nYc Friday, September 27 Briarwood library at 11:30. cArdio toninG Friday, September 27 Laurelton library at 6:30. dAnce FitneSS Friday, September 27 Richmond Hill library at 5:30. MASALA GHAnGrA Saturday, September 28 Central library at 10.
SeniorS StAr Senior Theater Acting Repertory is looking for seniors interested in performing short, classical scenes for upcoming performances. 776-0529. Senior FitneSS through november 1 tennis at Astoria Park, tennis and yoga at Cunningham Park, tennis at Flushing Meadow Park and Tennis and yoga at Roy Wilkins Park. Call 7606999 for 0065act times and locations. deFenSiVe driVinG Monday, September 23 Q u e e n s V i l l a ge l i b ra r y
at 1:30. Line dAncinG tuesdays, September 24, october 1 Queens Village library at 2. Line dAnce LeSSonS tuesdays through october 22 Coed Mixed Level at the Robert Couche Adult Center in Springfield Gardens. 646-229-0242. StAr Wednesday, September 25 Glen Oaks library at 2. STAR Senior Theater Acting Repertory presents a variet y of drama/comedy scenes and musical numbers. Free.
edUcAtion/GAMeS/crAFtS MAtH For AdULtS Mondays, September 23, 30 LIC library at 5:30. BeAded BrAceLet Monday, September 23 LIC library. Register. BALLrooM dAncinG Mondays, September 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. coMPUter cLASS tuesday, September 24 Woodside library at 5:45. JoB reAdineSS tuesday, September 24 Woodside library at 5:45. tecHnoLoGiSt iS in tuesday, September 24
Pomonok library. Register. BeGin coMPUterS tuesday, September 24 Queens Village librar y. Register. BeGin eXceL tuesday, September 24 Flushing library. Register. doWnLoAd e-BooKS tuesday, September 24 Flushing library at 10. BeGin PUBLiSHer tuesday, September 24 LIC library. Register. BeLLY dAncinG tuesdays, September 24, october 1, 8 North Forest Park library. Register. Line dAncinG Wednesday, September 25 Queens Village library at 2. MocK interVieWS Wednesday, September 25 Flushing library at 1:30. BeGin coMPUterS Wednesdays, September 25 Windsor Park library at 11:30. Art deco JeWeLrY Wednesday, September 25 Poppenhusen library. Register.
WAtercoLor Wednesdays all techniques and subjects at the National Art League.969-1128. oFFice SUite thursday, September 26 Poppenhusen librar y at noon. BeLLY dAncinG thursday, September 26 Richmond Hill library. Register. Accent redUction thursday, September 26 Flushing library at 6. LeArn cHineSe thursdays North Forest Park library at 6. coMPUter BASicS Friday, September 27 Poppenhusen library. Register. driVer SAFetY Friday, September 27 Glen Oaks library. Register. coVer Letter Friday, September 27 LIC library. Register. Knit & crocHet Fridays Fresh Meadows library at 11. BeAded BrAceLet Saturday, September 28 Steinway library. Register.
entertAinMent coMedY/dinner tickets available for Saturday, october 19 fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at Ben’s in Bayside. $50. 229-2367. cHUrcH in GArdenS Friday, September 20 Jazz Vespers with the Junior Mance Quartet at 6:30. Sunday, September 22 Con Brio Ensemble at 4:30. Queens Oratorio Societ y presents its Holiday Concert at Queens-borough Community College. 8942178. triBUteS Saturday, September 21 at the Broadway library at 3. Tribute to Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. WALKinG toUr Saturday, September 21 wa l k i n g to u r o f M a p l e Grove Cemetery 4-6, optional wine and cheese buffet at 7:30, followed by classical music concert at 8. $8 Briarwood Action Network members, $10 others. briarwoodactionnetwork@ gmail.com SoUndS oF MotoWn Saturday, September 21 Rochdale Village library at 3. PArK FAir Saturday, September 21 10-6 food, rides, games, music, raffles, vendors at Forest Park, Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South. nY BooGALoo Saturday, September 21 Eliot Rivera and His New York
Boogaloo Orchestra at the Flushing library at 1:30. WeSt AFricAn Saturday, September 21 Bodoma Grifuna Band performs 2-3 at the Langston Hughes library. BWAY coMPoSer Saturday, September 21 Classic Broadway Composers at the Fresh Meadows library at 2:30. AMer. SonGBooK Saturday, September 21 Bayside library at 3. coUntY FAir S a t u r d ay a n d S u n d ay, September 21, 22 11-6. $8. Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park. 347FARM. AMAZinG MAiZe MAZe Weekends September 21 through oc tober 27 114:30. $9. Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park. 347-FARM. nU UrBAn cAFÉ Saturdays live jazz, r&b, open mic 8-midnight. Free. 188-36 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. 917-817-8653. eXHiBit re-oPeninG Sunday, September 22 Queens Historical Society’s annual meeting 1-3, exhibition re-opening reception 3:30-4:30 (Quaker Beginnings and Walking Our Talk Today, Quaker Values in Action: The Work of the AFSC). Exhibit tours 4:305:00. Queens Historical Society, 143-35 37th Avenue, Flushing. 939-0647.
MUSic! Monday, September 23 Sinatra Duets, Bobby Darin and the Great Ladies of Jazz at 2 at the Auburndale library. Green FiLM Monday, September 23 “Fall and Winter” shown at 6 at the Steinway library. JAZZ PLUS tuesday, September 24 Jazz Plus presents Songs from the Catalog of Whitney Houston at 2:30 at the East Flushing library. oPerA AriAS tuesday, September 24 Opera Arias and Israeli and Russian Songs at the Forest Hills library at 5:30. 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. SinAtrA triBUte Wednesday, September 25 Middle Village library at 2.
MiSceLLAneoUS BoY ScoUtS September 20-22 Boy Scout and volunteer leaders will conduct its 4th Annual Urban Campout. 917324-6102.
Statue Arouses Discussion
Q
CONFIDENTIAL
Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 20-26, 2013
Artists OF QUEENs
Grace Anker
Bobby's Boo Boo
Visitors at the Socrates Sculpture Park are not quite sure what to make of the park’s new raunchy addition. The new sculpture, “Bear Eats Man,” by artist Thordis Adalsteinsdottir, oddly depicts a grizzly attacking an aroused man from the back.
Some have called the ‘art’ sick and distasteful but others have interpreted it to mean that mankind should be punished for constantly messing with Mother Nature. But no matter how it’s interpreted, it’s sure to give rise to a conversation.
Minaj Accused of Stealing Nicki Minaj has been accused of stealing another artist’s song and making it into a smash hit. Clive Tanaka, a Chicagobased electronic artist, has filed a lawsuit against Minaj and her producers for copyright infringement. According to published reports, Tanaka is alleging the Jamaica native’s hit single “Starships” is a copy of his song “Neu Chicago,” which was released in 2009. The electronic artist said, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune, that the beat in Minaj’s song is similar to that in his song and “Neu Chicago” had already gotten a lot of play on the radio before Minaj’s single was released. Minaj’s camp has not publicly responded to the lawsuit or the allegations. Upon listening to both
songs, although they do sound similar in nature, this may just be a strange coincidence. Perhaps cooler heads can prevail and they can go their separate ways.
Walk At Your Own Risk
QConf reporters were walking down Clintonville Street in Whitestone when we came across this crosswalk signal. Something seems wrong about it...
Former Mets manager Bobby Valentine certainly knows how to put his foot in his mouth, and he did it again last week. While giving an interview on WFAN radio, Bobby V. went off the rails a little bit, attacking the New York Yankees. As a former manager of two of the Bronx team’s most famous rivals – the Mets and the Red Sox – it’s understandable that B obby has some distaste for them. But many feel he crossed the line when he accused the Yankees of being conspicuously absent during the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in 2001. “Let it be said that during the time from 9/11 to 9/21, the Yankees were (not around),” Valentine said. "You couldn't find a Yankee on the streets of New York City. You couldn't find a Yankee down at Ground Zero, talking to the guys who were working 24/7.” He made sure to add, “many of the Yankees don’t live here, and so it wasn’t their fault.” Despite some brushback from a number of media outlets, Valentine stood firm to his stance. We worry about the former manager’s memory however, as it was well documented that the Yankees visited Ground Zero, the Armory, the Javits Center and many other places where they honored the victims and responders in the days that followed. Maybe Valentine should stay away from microphones for a while and focus on his day job as athletic director at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut…
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Grace Anker is the owner of The Potter’s Wheel, a teaching studio of a community of ceramic artists who work to support and guide novice artists. As the owner, Anker is able to take her passion for pottery and pass it on to others. Anker first got involved with pottery in her early 20s, immediately falling in love with the art. “I loved it right away. It was in a small studio in midtown where I learned a little wheel-throwing and hand-building,” she said. “It felt very natural from the start.” While she spent about 30 years away from the practice, focusing on her career and family first, she was drawn back and wound up at the Potter’s Wheel. The studio was founded 35 years ago by Sandy Klein. “For most people, it's a bit of a hobby, for a few it's a career. Almost without exception, it's a passion,” Anker said. “It provides people with an opportunity to explore avenues for selfexpression and creativity.” When she teaches, Anker places her emphasis on sharpening her students’ techniques and processes. She also leads discussions about each student’s expression of creativity. “There are discussions about creative interpretation and artistic vision, the two
are separate during the lesson, and it's also very personal for each person,” she said. “It's important for everyone to find their inner voice.” Anker said that influences for her own pottery work come from those she has worked with in classrooms and workshops, calling potters “a very nurturing community.” In terms of historical inspirations, Anker’s varied tastes include 20th century Austrian Impression, 9th century Persian, Canadian Inuit and First Nations Art, and Paleolithic Art of the Old Stone Age. Another long-lasting influence on Anker’s artistic output was her time growing up in Astoria, which did not have many opportunities for art classes at the time. “It wasn't in my family's budget when I was growing up,” she said. “Instead, I was introduced to needlework, and learned to stitch using lots of types of materials: thread, yarn, fibers, canvas, fabric.” The Potter’s Wheel is located at 120-33 83rd Ave., Kew Gardens. Its phone number is (718) 441-6614. Classes range from novice to advance, from hand-building to sculpture, and from private lessons to family lessons. “Sometimes I see people don't realize it takes time to understand how the clay works, it changes with time and hardens. Each requires something different,” Anker said. “It's helpful to have fun with it.”
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516-815-8510 Legals
At an IAS Part 7 of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, held in and for the County of Queens, at the Courthouse at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, State of New York on the 9th day of September 2013 PRESENT: HON. DAVID ELLIOT INDEX NO. 10657/13 JESSE C. DAVENPORT III, JOHN RIVERS, STEPHANIE MCCRAE, NICOLE FRIDAY, and CYNTHIA ABRAHAM, Trustees of BIBLE WAY CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, INC., Petitioner, To Dissolve BIBLE WAY CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, INC., Pursuant to New York Not-forProfit Corp. Law § 1102(a)(2)(A) UPON reading and filing the petition of BIBLE WAY CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, INC. verified by JESSEE C. DVENPORT III, JOHN RIVERS, STEPHANIE MCCRAE, NICOLE FRIDAY and CYNTHIA ABRAHAM all Trustees of BIBLE WAY CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, INC., and the affidavit JESSE C. DAVENPORT III, the affirmations of EVERETT HOPKINS, ESQ. affirmed the 9th day of August 2013 and ANDREW P TUREAUD ESQ. af-
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firmed the 12th Day of August 2013, all annexed hereto, and upon all prior pleadings had herein; LET, all persons interested show cause at the Centralized Motion Part of this Court, to be held in and for the County of Queens, at the Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, NY on the 7th day of November, 2013, at 2:15 in the afternoon of that day, or as soon thereafter as counsel can be heard WHY an order should not be granted dissolving BIBLE WAY CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, INC., Inc. and authorizing petitioners to sell the real property known as 109-50 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica, New York, 11434 residing in the County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 10189, Lot 8 & 19 pursuant to a contract of sale dated February 25, 2011 and WHY an order should not be granted immediately authorizing petitioner, a religious corporation organized and existing under Article 10 of the Religious Corporations law of the State of New York, to hereby sell the property known as 109-50 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica New York, 11434 residing in the County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 10189,
Lot 8 & 19 in accordance with the provisions of the Contract of Sale of One Million Five Hundred Thousand ($1,500,000.00) Dollars and no cents, and to pay all closing costs and fees; and SUFFICIENT CAUSE appearing therefore, let service of a copy of this order giving notice of the petition upon all interested parties by publication once per week for four consecutive weeks in Southeast Queens Press 718-357-7400 a newspaper published in the County of Queens on or before October 24, 2013, be deemed due and sufficient service hereof. ENTER DAVID ELLIOT Justice of the Supreme Court ________________________
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• Over 18 years experience filing Medicaid Home Care and Nursing Home applications • Apply for pooled income trusts • Protect your home, assets and income • Advocate for additional Home Care hours • Nursing Home placement of your choice • Full service including challenge denials, JACK LIPPMANN recertification representation & much more
www.eldercareservicesny.com (718) 575-5700
To Advertise in the Southeast Queens Press Classifieds Call (718) 357-7400 • Fax (718) 357-0076
Cedarhurst - 575 Chestnut Street, NY 11516
Email ludieallied@yahoo.com • www.ludiealliedinstitute.com
Psychic
Sept. 20-26, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19
Legals
Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on AUG 22 2013 bearing Index Number NC000686-13/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, grants me the right to: Assume the name of (First) Zahedi (Last) Rozan My present name is (First) Zahedi (Last) Teeluck (infant) My present address is 115-18 117th St., South Ozone Park, NY 11420 My place of birth is Queens, NY My date of birth is June 03, 2007
Training
HHA & CNA TRAINING
State Board Exam Onsite for CNA, 15 Days for HHA HHA Class .....................10-17 HHA Class Weekend....11-16 CNA Class Day ..............10-7 CNA Class Weekend.......9-28 EKG & PHELEBOTOMY TRAINING Job Placement Assist. Avail.
EZ Payment Plan
Call Now To Register for F/T & P/T Classes
718-206-1750
PLACE YOUR AD 718-357-7400
www.papironcorp.com
♫
Want 2 Buy Old Records 33s-45s-78s
♪
Doo-Wop - Rock & Roll - Heavy Metal - Punk Disco - Latin - Blue Grass - Reggae/Calypso Soul - Blues - Jazz - Gospel - Ethnic Music Foreign Film soundtracks No Top Hitmaking Artists or Classical Charlie 516-612-2009
Construction
NUNEZ CONSTRUCTION
We Specialize In Crack Repairs also Ceiling, Wall Repairs & Painting
EXPERT WORK ON STOOPS BRICK, BLOCK & CONCRETE
LOOK
7 Days, Lowest Prices Free Estimate Licensed & Insured
Tree Service
Tree Service
Old Clocks & Watches Wanted By Collector, Regardless of Condition - Highest Prices Paid 917-748-7225
718-219-1257 nunezforu.com Member of Angie’s List A Rating
Lic. by NYSED
www.nyihc.com
ext 151
Tree Service ARNOLDO’S TREE SERVICE
• Pruning • Stump Grinding • Planting • City Permits Obtained • Prompt Storm Service
149-57 Beech Ave. Flushing NY 11355 Ph: 718-463-7829 Cell: 917-337-4062
KEEPS ME LEARNING Thousands of
FREE
educational programs for every age
• Homework help every day after school • Computer workshops for beginners and advanced users • Prep for SATs, professional exams, civil service • Earn professional certifications • Pre-GED, GED and ESOL classes
Stop in at any Queens Library for more information, phone 718-990-0700 or go to www.queenslibrary.org.