Southeast Queens Press Epaper

Volume 12 Issue No. 39 Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2011

Page 18

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

Regal Visit

Haiti’s newly-elected President Michel Martelly addressed the borough’s Haitian community at York College, promising to revitalize a country still suffering the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that hit over a year ago.

By Monica Ganesh… Page 3

Online at www.QueensPress.com

News Briefs Comrie Recruits Firefighters Councilman Leroy Comrie’s (D- St. Albans) office participated in the Fire Department’s recent two-month recruitment drive, which led to over 75 Southeast Queens’ residents filing for the upcoming firefighter exam. Representatives of the FDNY’s recruitment unit were placed in the Councilman’s St. Albans district office every Monday and Tuesday during the last two months to assist residents who wanted to become firefighters enlist online.

“I want to thank Commissioner Salvatore Cassano and the FDNY for allowing my office to participate in the recruitment drive,” stated Council Member Comrie. “Additionally, I want to thank the members of the FDNY’s Vulcan Society who have been instrumental in helping my office to raise awareness about the need to diversify the fire department. It is my hope that future recruitment drives will build on the steps the FDNY took this time

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2011

iPads For School Kids In a commencement-like ceremony, thirty-one sixth grade students at Our Lady’s Catholic Academy (OLCA) – many of whom are first-generation Americans – exchanged their spiral bound paper notebooks for a new Apple iPad2, for use in their classroom curriculum, the first program of its kind in a Queens Catholic elementary school, here today.

The iPad2 program is funded in part by a grant from the Alive in Hope Foundation and Futures in Education, which supplied an initial $10,000. An additional $15,000 was provided by the school, as the result of increased enrollment and cost savings created by the discontinued use of paper textbooks.

“An iPad is something that our kids might never have the opportunity to have, simply because of their family’s economic reality. That shouldn’t prevent them from having access to that technology,” said Kevin Coyne, Principal of OLCA. “Education is the only equalizing force we have in our society.”

The iPad program was created by sixth grade teacher Ricardo Sosa, who saw the potential for using the technology to engage his students and reduce costs associated with hard copy textbooks.

“Today’s students thrive on technology. There’s no better way to engage them in learning than by tapping into that natural inclination,” said Sosa, who will start by using the free book and library apps to assign homework. “We’ll start out in a place where they can get comfortable with the iPads. But I expect the students will help build the curriculum when they start to experiment on their own.”

Newsstand Controversy Community residents and business owners in Jackson Heights are upset about the abundance of newsstands sprouting up in the already-congested neighborhood, and one City Councilman is promising to put an end to it.

On Monday, Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) gathered with local residents and community groups protesting the placement of newsstands

in the area’s “dangerously crowded streets” “Our community has been told to go to hell,” Dromm shouted with his fist raised amongst nearly 50 supporters protesting the construction of a newsstand on the northeast corner of 74th Street and 37th Road in Jackson Heights. “My new definition of crazy now is putting another newsstand in this community.”

According to the Jackson Heights Transportation Study, which surveyed commuter habits, pedestrian volume at 74th Street and 37th Road was the highest of the entire neighborhood and had the greatest amount of pedestrian crashes as well as injuries occurred at the intersection.

Dromm is drafting legislation that will give community boards and their City Council representatives final say on the placement of newsstands as well as other street furniture.

EDC Projects Stalled: Liu The City’s Economic Development Corporation has allowed $9.3 million intended for public benefit projects to languish in its coffers, according to an audit

by City Comptroller John Liu. According to the audit, approximately $9.3 million intended for Public Purpose Funds earmarked for various programs has remained untouched for a prolonged period. Included in the funds is $344,659 set aside in 1982 to improve Kaufman Astoria Studios.

“It makes little sense that millions intended for economic development remain unused for so long,” Liu said. “If the EDC can’t figure out how to put the capital to work then at least return the money to the City treasury.”

The EDC claimed Liu’s audit showed that the pseudo-agency disbursed most of the $50 million in funds, while chalking up the remaining cash to binding legal agreements.

“We appreciate the Comptroller’s analysis, and we’re glad it determined that EDC has disbursed a vast majority of the funds available for community benefit,” said EDC spokesman Patrick Muncie.

“The Comptroller’s suggestions for the remaining funds may be well-intentioned, but they ignore the disbursement restrictions EDC is legally bound to follow, and many are infeasible or simply not in the best interest of the City’s taxpayers. We will continue to ensure that all of the funds are wisely invested in the neighborhoods for which they were intended.”

A large chunk of the money, approximately $8.9 million, is meant to improve the Hudson River Rail Yard in the Bronx.

The cash set aside for Kaufman Astoria Studios has lain unused as a result of a binding legal agreement and can only be spent on the preservation of the studios or improvement of the surrounding areas, according to the EDC. The agency said moving the funds over to the City’s coffers requires the approval of the U.S. Dept. of the Interior.

Liu’s audit also found the EDC has failed to collect $725,720 owed by Keyspan, now National Grid, which was intended to benefit the community near the energy company’s Long Island City power plant.

Presstime

Haitian Prez Visits Diaspora At York

BY MONICA GANESH

Photo by Ira Cohen

Newly-elected Haitian President Michel Martelly addressed his country’s diaspora at York College’s Performing Arts Center on Sept. 22, during a visit to New York for the UN General Assembly. “[Guests] will get information and they will get to hear the vision of their president,” said York College’s President Marcia Keizs. “We have to open our doors to the Haitian community.”

The address began with a short video that showed clips of news coverage from Jan. 12, 2010, when Haiti was hit by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that left millions homeless, many dead, and led to a cholera epidemic. The film also featured Martelly’s promises to rebuild Haiti and to give the country back its dignity.

“We’re Haitian-Americans and we wanted to hear the president speak,” said Arnold Tessano, a Hofstra law student who was in Haiti volunteering with a nonprofit organization from April to August, during which Martelly was elected by a landslide.

The address was slated to take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., however, guests took a while getting through security. The crowd of mostly Haitians were treated to live music provided by York’s choir, accompanied by a pianist and Haitian music,

York College President Marcia Keizs presents a gift to Haiti’s President Michel Martelly during his recent visit to the city. while they waited until 7:30 p.m. for the event to begin.

Martelly warmly greeted the audience, receiving a standing ovation in return.

Both the American and Haitian National anthems were played before he took his seat at a table in the middle of the stage.

Wyclef Jean, a famous musician who made headlines when he claimed he was going to run for president, also joined the board. After being refused to run because

of his residency, Jean has supported Martelly.

Keisz welcomed everyone, naming past Haitian students who have gone on to be successful over the years. Keisz along with a current student, who is president of York’s Haitian organization, presented Martelly with a gift bag, which jokingly put on his arm and sauntered away.

President Martelly thanked York’s President and welcomed the guests to

“this family gathering.”

The 56th president of the Republic introduced his advisors, and when he got to Jean, he joked, “I used to be a bigger star than you, but now you are,” referring to his past as a popular singer when he was known as “Sweet Micky.”

After introducing his staff, Martelly said, “By the way, my English just stopped.”

For the remainder of the discussion, Martelly and his advisors spoke only in Creole, although the emcee claimed they would be alternating between languages so that no one felt slighted by the end of the discussion.

President Martelly introduced his wife, Sofia for “the first time on stage.”

According to Tessano, Martelly made jokes about people commenting on his change after becoming president and “[He] gave general ideas on projects in Haiti.”

One of these plans is to provide free education for most students.

“They’e going to create something like American EBT cards,” explained York student Chrystele Joseph, who believes President Martelly will improve the conditions in Haiti.

Reach Intern Monica Ganesh at mganesh@queenstribune.com (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

At the opening in July of Sky Foods inside Sky View Center, Flushing’s ecoomy seemed well poised to absorb another massive supermarket, signs of a healthy economy. antiquated the station is. The 7 train station at Main Street-Flushing is the busiest in the city outside of Manhattan, and often lines waiting for buses on Main Street can stretch for a block.

Schools in the neighborhood have suffered from overcrowding because of the rise in families coming to Flushing both from outside America and other parts of the country, DiNapoli said. Affordable housing is also an ongoing problem.

While celebrating his

neighborhood’s success, Koo added that more could be done, including getting rid of what he called “nuisance fines” on small businesses and unnecessary regulations. He also endorsed the city’s ongoing attempts to transform neighboring Willets Point.

“We need to change [Willets Point] from an iron triangle to a research triangle,” he said.

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

Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

While the nation and the world have endured the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression, some in Flushing were wondering “what recession?”

According to a recent study done by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Flushing was one of the few places in the city – and perhaps the country – left almost completely unscathed by the recession.

DiNapoli announced the results of the study last Thursday at the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel in Downtown Flushing.

“We’re here to celebrate a neighborhood that is thriving,” DiNapoli said.

He appeared with Flushing’s state and city representatives as well as representatives from the New York City Economic Development Corporation and former Flushing BID chairwoman Mabel Law. “Flushing saw a 38 percent growth in business from 2000 through 2009, far surpassing the 5.7 percent growth in the rest of the city,” DiNapoli said.

But even after the financial crisis in 2008 sent the country into recession, Flushing’s economy still prospered. The neighborhood saw job growth every year since 2005, even in 2009 when the rest of the country lost over a million jobs. In 2010, while job growth was tepid nationwide, Flushing saw growth of more than 3 percent. Wages, stagnant nationwide, grew 16.5 percent in the last decade.

“We have not felt the dire effects of the recession as many other neighborhoods in the city have,” said Assemblywoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing) DiNapoli’s study points to immigration and development as the reasons behind Flushing’s success. More than half of Flushing’s residents are foreignborn; 40 percent of the neighborhood’s population is Chinese. Many of these immigrants have opened small businesses, which account for more than 90 percent of Flushing’s commercial activity.

“The immigrant spirit is a key factor toward the economic success in Flushing,” DiNapoli said.

Development was also a key to growth.

Projects like Sky View Center, New World Mall and Queens Crossing have also added to the neighborhood’s economic development, at least commercially.

But Flushing’s prosperity is not without its consequences. DiNapoli’s study, which was put together over the course of three months using Census data and statistics from the U.S. Dept. of Labor, confirms the neighborhood’s growth has placed a burden on its infrastructure, including transportation, schools and housing, much of which, especially on the transportation end, needs updating. “[The LIRR station] is a third world train station,” said Councilman Peter Koo (R-Flushing), who said visitors from China, which has a state-of-the-art train system, are often surprised by how dilapidated and

Photo by Ira Cohen

Flushing Grows Despite Recession

Despite Gains, Smoke Fight Not Won

BY JASON BANREY New York City has seen an all-time low in adult smoking. Since 2002, the number of New Yorkers who smoke has fallen by 35 percent.

After nearly a decade of both Mayor Mike Bloomberg and the City Council’s intervention, approximately 450,000 former adult smokers are now smoke-free.

Much of the results seen in the significant drop can be attributed to both state

and federal price hikes on cigarettes as well as City legislation which gradually placed restrictions on where people could smoke, making it illegal to light up in restaurants, work places and, more recently, parks, beaches and pedestrian plazas.

In Queens, one group has continued that effort, educating the potential smokers of tomorrow that taking a puff is just a plain old bad habit.

“We want these results to be a social norm for our youth,” Yvette Jackson-

Buckner, borough manager of Queens Smoke-Free Partnership, said of the city’s results.

Although the number of teenagers who smoke has dropped dramatically from 2001 to 2010, from 18 percent to just 7 percent, the health advocacy group promises to continue educating high school students who are at an impressionable age and have often been targets of tobacco companies.

According to the partnership, 5,000

donating all of the money raised for Hurricane Katrina victims as promised.

The Congressman called the report a “stunt” by an organization whose funding depends on disparaging Members of Congress. Meeks said CREW filed a complaint last year about a home equity loan he took out in 2010, which was later dismissed by the Office of Congressional Ethics and the House Ethics Committee.

“Its latest press release is an irrational and irresponsible quilt of news clips, blog posts, and other groups’ press releases, stitched together with weasel words like ‘seems to have,’ ‘may have,’ ‘it appears’ and ‘may constitute,’” the Congressman said.

Meeks also fired back against a Sept.

25 editorial in The New York Post claiming the newspaper has known for years that Meeks was one of the most corrupt

lawmakers in Washington.

“The New York Post, with Rupert Murdoch at the helm, should know that an accusation does not equal guilt, and sensationalized reports that distort facts are not helpful,” Meeks said. “I only ask that The New York Post offer me the same treatment it has offered Rupert Murdoch; I have yet to see a sensationalized story related to recent allegations against him.”

He said he has fixed any mistakes he has made in the past. “I said long ago that I was going to correct my disclosure reports and bring my financial house in order, and I did,” Meeks said. “Now I plan to stay focused on jobs and the other important issues that matter to New Yorkers.”

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

Meeks: I’m Not Corrupt

BY VERONICA LEWIN

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2011

U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica) is fighting allegations that he is one of the most crooked politicians on Capitol Hill.

Government watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington released their annual Most Corrupt report last week, condemning the actions of 14 lawmakers, including Meeks. CREW’s 13-page report on Meeks states the Congressman accepted improper gifts and loans, failed to report income and loans on personal financial disclosure forms, and has ties to banker Allen Stanford, who was indicted on Ponzi scheme charges.

The report also accuses New Direction Local Development Corp., a non-profit co-founded by Meeks and State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-St. Albans), of not

high school students living in the borough smoke cigarettes each year, one-third of whom will die prematurely as a direct result of smoking.

Dedicated towards a tobacco-free society, QSFP has been reaching out to community boards throughout the borough to share the message about the prevalence of tobacco marketing in grocery and convenience stores as well as pharmacies.

Making the public aware is just the first step; bringing the community to rally around the cause is the next.

On Oct. 17, QSFP will hold a tobacco advertising tour to let both teenagers and parents know that the more tobacco marketing they see the more likely kids are to smoke.

“We know that a teen is two to three times likely to recall an ad more than an adult,” Jackson-Buckner said. “If kids see ads on the way to and from school, they are more likely to recall these products.”

“Take a Walk in Our Shoes” will begin in the auditorium of Long Island City High School and will proceed down Broadway between 21st and 31st streets in Astoria between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Despite the decline in city smokers, the Partnership believes there will always be a portion of the population who will be tempted to light up.

For more information about the walk call (917) 848-9205.

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

OPWDD Honors Two Boro ‘Angels’

BY VERONICA LEWIN

Jacqulene Torrington

Michelle Pierre-Louis

in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Early into her career with OPWDD, Pierre-Louis worked with a man who had many behavioral and medical needs. Under her care, he flourished and made great progress. The man’s family even began calling Pierre-Louis “his Angel.� As time went on, he began to look forward to seeing Pierre-Louis, which she said made her job even more rewarding.

“One gentleman’s nightly good-bye phrase of ,‘See you tomorrow,’ and knowing he would be waiting for me the next morning is enough to keep me coming to work everyday,� Pierre-Louis said. “I contend that Ms. Pierre-Louis is an ‘angel’ to all of the individuals who are fortunate to be under her care and support,� said Developmental Disabilities Services Offices Acting Director Donna Limiti. “No matter where she works, she

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Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

PHOTOS BY MARY ELLEN MARK

Two Queens women were honored by the state for their service to those in need.

Queens Village’s Bernard M. Fineson Center honored Michelle Pierre-Louis and Jacqulene Torrington for their work as direct support professionals. These employees have close relationships with clients and their families, as they help with meals, bathing and daily errands. “It is an extraordinarily challenging profession, which has incredible rewards for those committed to this service,� said State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Courtney Burke. “Every day, direct support employees at OPWDD and our nonprofit providers selflessly serve others.�

National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week honors non-profit organizations and state employees for their service. The week is designed to educate the public about the vital support and care employees provide to individuals with developmental disabilities. The OPWDD honored 27 employees across the state, including eight from the city.

Michelle Pierre-Louis began her career of service as an aide with Life’s Working Organization For Retarded Children, which has several locations in Queens.

She became a supervisor while she earned an associate’s degree in social work. PierreLouis is currently studying at York College

has a profound, positive effect on individuals and coworkers alike.�

Torrington worked as a nanny for nine years while raising her two children. She became a foster parent for four teenagers, ranging in age from 13 to 18. She joined OPWDD in 2006, where she worked at state-operated group homes and Bernard Fineson.

Torrington works with 10 people who have limited mobility and verbal skills.

Families often praise her for her ability to listen to concerns. “If you show them love and respect, they will know you care,� Torrington said. “If you go the extra mile, it will make it worth your while.�

One individual was in the hospital after surgery, and Torrington went to check on him. She noticed his skin integrity protocol was not being implemented correctly.

She then notified the nurse and helped the hospital make sure his needs were being met. Because of Torrington’s actions, the patient’s skin wounds healed and his condition did not worsen. “She is their voice - she knows exactly what they want and need, and will go out of her way to make them comfortable and happy,� Limiti said.

This year’s honorees across the state can be viewed on the agency’s first-ever Hall of Fame at opwdd.ny.gov.

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

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

Brenda Jones Executive Editor:

Brian Rafferty Deputy Editor:

Editorial Flushing’s Victory The news this week that Flushing has stayed in good economic shape despite the rest of the borough, city and nation reeling from the effects of the current recession is welcome.

It also shows that a well-financed plan for development and managed growth of an immigrant economy is a key for success in Queens - as it has always been.

In the economic collapse of the late 1970s, when Flushing began its downhill slide, nobody was sure what could bring it back. It seems the answer is as old as Queens - a new influx of residents from another shore.

New people bring new ideas, new money and new hope. We congratulate Flushing on weathering the storm, and look to see the how other immigrant groups across the borough pick up the gauntlet of the challenge issued here: be the next Flushing.

Who will be next?

Joseph Orovic

Letters

Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

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

Sara Gold Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend Advertising Director James Mammarella Sr. Account Executive Shelly Cookson Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2011

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2011 Tribco, LLC

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

A Living Wage To The Editor: For much of its histor y, Queens has thrived as a middle class community, where families could find a quality job, afford a home, educate their children and retire comfortably. Public policies supported pathways to access the middle class. Jobs were abundant in both the public and private sectors, and often came with healthcare, paid decent wages and didn't require a college degree.

This is no longer true. Today, the jobs crisis is affecting a much wider cross-section of the American population than at any time since the Great Depression. In 2007, just before the Great Recession began, 7.6 million Ameri-

cans were unemployed. Today, that number has nearly doubled to 14 million. But this number does not even take into account the mass of Americans - approximately 7 million total - who are underemployed, which means they are working fewer hours and earning less than what is required to enter the middle class and achieve the American Dream in places like Queens.

Queens Congregations United for Action, a faith-based federation of eight congregations representing 11,400 families in Northern Queens, is fueled by a vision where everyone has access to a good job, which is the primary pathway to the middle class and the American Dream. We believe the middle class is a value,

Letters not just a group of people, that was born of a belief in equality and shared prosperity across social classes.

The Queens Center Mall is an example of a large employer in our city that is contributing to inequality and cutting off working families from the middle class.

The mall's owner, the Macerich Company, is receiving tens of millions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies. Families from our community are spending millions of hard-earned dollars at the mall every year. Yet, they are finding that despite hard work, they cannot earn enough to support their families with dignity. Too many have to choose between a bus fare to go to work and food for the table. We are calling on Macerich to share more equitably in the fruits of the labor of those who work in and shop at the Mall.

Hundreds of families depend on their jobs at the Queens Center Mall to keep food on their tables and to pay their rent. Yet, they struggle to do so when they are paid at, or little more, than the minimum $7.25 an hour.

On Sept. 22, we joined together with our parishioners, Make the Road NY, the RWDSU, shoppers and other community partners at the Queens Center Mall to deliver over 5,000 petitions demanding the Macerich Company give something back to the community. Our vision is that everyone working in the Mall gets paid a living wage of at least $10 an hour with benefits, and that mall employers respect the right to organize a union without

threat or intimidation. And that the Queens Center Mall should provide community space where programs and services aimed at youth and their families can be offered, for things like job training, job placement, after school programs, homework help, and English classes for immigrants.

Our faith, and our shared values, requires us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Today, we will call on the Queens Center Mall owner to be a better neighbor by giving back to the community and help us rebuild the middle class.

Fr. Darrell Da Costa, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Corona Fr. Pierre-Andre Duvert, Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, Elmhurst

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

fax: (718) 357-9417

Gil Noble And His Show: End Of An Era A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE

Earlier this week, I read with great sadness that journalist Gil Noble will not be continuing his long-running job as host of ABC’s legendary Sunday talk show, Like It Is. About two months ago, Noble suffered a major stroke and ABC now reports that he will be focusing his energy on getting well.

The end of Like It Is is the end of an era to those of us who counted on Noble’s quiet gift in bringing us “the real story” behind the stories in the African American community.

I met Noble many moons ago, when I was a student studying journalism at York College. I heard he was coming to The African Poetry Theatre and I was excited about covering the event for the student newspaper, Pandora’s Box. I left him a message at the network to set up the interview,

and he called me back a day or so later and couldn’t have been more charming.

I was amazed at how gracious he was to a student over the phone and bowled over by his kindness when I met him in person. He had no “star” attitude and because there were no other available seats in the tiny back room at the Poetry Theatre, I started to sit on the carpeted floor which, as a yoga enthusiast, I love doing anyway. He would not have it. He offered me his seat and I interviewed him with great delight.

It was my first off-campus interview and I got an “A” from my professor plus having the pleasure of seeing the article in the newspaper with my byline.

Noble has been doing his show since about 1968 and has featured a who’s who of the African Diaspora: leaders from various African nations and the Caribbean; entertainers from around the world, including a young Bob Marley and numerous other im-

portant artists, activists, intellectuals, students, teachers….

His insight and quiet probing always got to the heart of the matter. His roundtables on issues of police brutality, education policy, genocide, rape and countless other pressing matters were always “must-see-TV” for anyone who is fully engaged in Black issues.

And what you saw on his show was what you got when Noble made appearances at civil rights and artistic outlets. He was a quiet giant who knew himself well. He was a voice of reason that got a very powerful message out at every engagement and it made you think.

He could get away with criticizing other African Americans on TV without doing it in a way that was divisive or dismissive of those colleagues, many of whom actually owed Noble for opening a door for them. His documentaries on W.E.B. Du Bois, Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King are legendary.

No one ever thought of Noble not being there on TV at mid-day on Sundays. His show became a staple of our collective Sunday afternoons, just like Hal Jackson’s radio show on Sundays. We look forward to hearing them, seeing them and enjoying their unique talents.

In announcing to Noble’s colleagues that the legend would not be returning to work, the station promised that there will be another show of similar format in the time slot to address the issues important to African American viewers. No one can replace Gil Noble, but I am glad that the network “gets it,” that such as show as Like It Is provides a valuable community service to viewers and that a similar format should be continued.

We all wish Noble a full recovery and many more years of productive living. I thank him for the fine example of a human being and professional that he was. He will most certainly be missed.

LATFOR: A Sorry Excuse For Good Government

By MICHAEL SCHENKLER It’s pret ty black and white.

The New York State Legislature has been the most dysfunctional in the nation for well over the past decade.

Every ten years, they get the chance to start anew. The law requires a redrawing of legislative districts based on the change in population as compiled by the United States Census, taken every ten years.

Well, when it come s to the New York State Legislature, you can be pretty damn sure that you’ll find consistency. Even though a majorit y of legislators pledged, during the last election cycle, to suppor t independent, non-partisan redistricting, they are back to the same old, same old. The “pledge” was part of a campaign of New York Uprising, an organization formed by former Mayor Ed Koch to demand that redistricting be done on the basis of community a nd not to provide for the political needs of the parties and the incumbents.

How does the Legislature respond?

They appoint the Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research — known as LATFOR – and send them around the state to hold hearings.

In Albanese, LATFOR means stooges for the Legislative Leaders. As long as the heavy hands of

the leaders of the Senate and Assembly are guiding the proce ss, they are really drawing the maps.

While it was the Senate Republicans who with unanimity suppor ted the “pledge” and now unanimously find an excuse to proceed to be integral in the process instead of establishing an independent commission, I believe the entire legislature is complicit in the proce ss. T he protest s we hear from members – and they are very few – appear to be coming from the Democratic State Senators who stand to lose the most if the Republicans are again allowed to gerrymander the lines to try to keep their party the majority in a State where the registration overwhelmingly favors the Democrats.

We wonder, if the Dems had not blown their one chance in the sun by total incompetence after 2008, the one election in 40 plus years that they controlled the Senate, if they would have championed

an independent commission.

We don’t hear the Democratic Assemblymembers complaining.

They know, that ultimately their leader will be the one who guides the mapmakers’ hands in drawing the new district. And the leader has always protected the members.

It is more about incumbency and less about party.

Yes, the game has always been a bi-partisan effort to make sure incumbents have districts they can win. The Dems control the Assembly maps and the Republicans, the Senate. And the lack of competitive races continues to stifle the true election proce ss in government to the detriment of the people.

Yes, when the legislature controls the redistricting process, the winners are the incumbent legislators, the legislative leadership and the special interests that continue to fund the nation’s most dysfunctional legislature.

The losers are the people.

As those of you who are follow ing t he proce ss know, the copouts begin flying right after the elect ion. It happens every t ime.

And what promised to be a seminal moment in reforming the New York State Legislature, has reverted to the same abyss that has marked their performance for much of our lifetimes.

Is there a hero in the room?

Perhaps.

But sometimes heroes bargain and trade instead of being heroic.

There are budgets and legislative programs that also need the vote of the legislature and they can be held hostage to enforce their involvement in redistricting.

But true heroes can withstand the threats of future votes and the temptation to trade.

We wonder if Andrew Cuomo, an early signer of the “pledge,” is truly a hero of reform.

MSchenkler@QueensPress.com

Political Panel Praises Partisan Redistricting on one party. Others prefer a divided legislature, so that conservatives as well as liberals will be heard. A number of players publicly prefer domination by their own party, but their private opinion is another matter. Common sense tells us that moderate government is more likely to be achieved under diverse leadership than when the legislature is under the control of one party. A political system dominated by either party tends to reduce the importance of general elections and increase the effect of party primaries, where the more extreme members of each party have proportionately greater influence, in part because independents are forbidden to vote.

Redistricting will be an important issue in the months to come, and much was said on the subject.

The argument is not ideological, the left against the right, the spenders against the savers, or liberals against social conservatives. The issue here is one of equity and fairness, of expressing the wishes of the people, as opposed to those in both par ties who would manipulate the system, deny ballot access to challengers, preserve incumbents by any means available, and place individual legislators under the thrall of the legislative leadership, where any expression of autonomy is punished.

The New York State legislature, periodically derided as the most dysfunctional in the United States, has earned its ill repute, not only through acts of dishonesty by members of both houses, some of which have resulted in prison sentences, but by an arbitrary system of rules and protective walls around the leadership, so that although the great majority of the members are

honest, there is little they can accomplish without the consent of men who, to put it politely, are more responsive to special interests and individual desires, often paid for by political contributions.

To allow the leaders to retain the power to choose their followers by drawing their districts condemns the backbenchers to little more authority than their constituents, who may decennially be moved like cattle from one district to another to serve the political interests of those whose lack of responsibility and desire for re-election have helped give rise to the state’s now acute financial problems.

Do not take this commentary as indicating that any par ticular legislator is better or worse than any other. Some considered paragons of vir tue may never have been subject to temptation. Oth-

ers usually reviled are not only smarter than most others but are bet ter polit icia ns. And when people elected to high office as reformers are found to have several screws loose which prevent positive interaction with other people, the distinction bet ween intel lect a nd insanit y become s difficult to find.

But regardless of their intellect, ability, integrit y or state of rage, all public officials should run in honestly drawn districts, equal in size, compact and contiguous, and linking communities by interest. Political boundaries should not be perpetrated on the public by self-serving incumbents, who have systematically manipulated the electoral system to serve their personal needs at the expense of the public interest in honest government.

StarQuest@NYCivic.org

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

By HENRY STERN public officials favoring inThe reappor t iondependent non-political ment dance took a few districting. steps forward and backUnder the Constituward as LATFOR (The tion of the United States, New York State Legisa census of the population lat ive Task Force on is taken ever y ten years, Demographic Research) and the results determine held a public hearing in the apportionment of seats lower Manhattan. The in Congress. Because of commit tee has been New York State’s comparaHenry Stern traveling around the state to hear tively slow growth, it will lose two from the public, but that is no in- seats as a result of the 2010 cendication that they will respond to sus. The usual political tradition the complaints that have been re- when New York loses two seats ceived from academics, good gov- has been to take one upstate Reernment groups and potential can- publican seat and one downstate didates.

Democratic seat. The situation has The first grievance, which has been complicated since 2010 by been expressed by speakers who the departure of three members of caught the road show before it ar- Congre ss from New York State rived in New York City, was that because of sexual misconduct, in LATFOR should not exist at all, but three cases different from each that an independent redistricting other and all involving unrequited commission should be appointed, desires. rather than leaving the task to the The custom in New York has assembly of incumbents now con- been for the Democrats to draw ducting the hearings and charged Assembly district line s and the with preparing a plan for the ap- Republicans the Senate lines. For proval of the Legislature, the body seats in Congress, the parties had that will be affected by the plan. to reach agreement on district The reformers want to prevent boundaries. Because of changing self-serving par tisan district ing, demographics and social attitudes, which fulfills the desires of a po- the Republican hold on the Senlitical party at the expense of non- ate is becoming ever more tenumembers of that party. They want ous. A law adopted when the Sennonpartisan districting, either this ate was in Democratic hands year by law or permanently by changed the districts that would Constitutional amendment. The in- benefit from the head count of incumbents’ idea of avoiding one- mates from the upstate countie s par t y favorit ism is bi-par t isa n were they were incarcerated, prodistricting, which serves the needs viding employment to local resiof both the Democratic and Re- dents, to the downstate counties publican parties, at the expense of where they lived while committing challengers and independents of all the crimes, largely, felonies that stripes. resulted in their being sent upstate.

The star witness at the hearSome people want the Demoing was former Mayor Edward I. crats to win both houses, so reKoch, co-founder of New York Up- sponsibility for whatever happens rising, which is a coalition of former or does not happen can be placed

Credit Check:

Understanding How Credit Works, Controlling It On A Realistic Budget

BY JOSEPH OROVIC and DOMENICK RAFTER Many Americans are afraid of it. Some try to avoid it. But if you plan on making a big purchase and are going to need any type of loan, you need to have credit. It is one of the most popular ways for people to purchase items, especially big items like homes and cars, but it can also be financially dangerous.

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2011

What Is Credit?

Credit is a trust in which one individual or body provides resources to another in exchange for the promise of payment instead of immediate payment.

Lenders and banks giving an individual or a company credit want to make sure that they are going to get payment back and not be left at a loss, so they are unlikely to give a line of credit to anyone who cannot prove they have been responsible in paying it off.

What Are Credit Reports and Scores?

A credit report, or a credit history, is the complete history of one’s borrowing and payments including documentation of late payments and bankruptcies. Often, the terms consumer report or credit history are used interchangeably with Before you think of getting that dream house, learn a bit about credit and credit report.

Worthiness is determined through the how it may affect your ability to borrow. credit score, which is the sum of the entire report. The score determines on a your credit score, but if the payment is vice to explain charges and scale how good your credit history has made in full, it’s likely the damage would fees for services that are been. In the United States, the most popu- be minimal. Bankruptcy, foreclosures, de- never used. lar score is the Fair Isaac Corporation faults and settlements can hurt your credit Credit Triage (FICO) score, which ranges from 300- score far more. Shorter credit history hurts Poor spending habits?

850, with 300 being terrible credit – you’re a credit score as lenders would still be ununlikely to get any type of loan – and 850 sure of your ability to pay. Also, if you go Living well above your long periods of time means? Do you have a being the best, where lendwithout using a credit credit card for each day of ers are going to fight for card, it can put in ques- your bi-weekly pay period? you. The median score action your ability to pay.

Chances are if you answered “Yes” or cording to FICO is 723.

Tr ying to open too “I don’t know” to any of the above quesCredit reports and ultimany lines of credit can tions, your credit score may be in dubious mately credit scores are also hurt your score. standing. determined using a number Fortunately, there are many low-cost, of different factors: 35 perManaging Credit low pain options to get yourself out of cent of the report is based Wisely the monetary muck, Burman said. on payment history. Late Tapping into your If things are dire and your credit score payments, liens, colleccredit’s potential ben- has tanked, it is time for a triage. But even tions, repossessions, bankefits is a suggestion then, the solutions are more altruistic ruptcies, foreclosures and Steven Burman, presi- than mechanical. Too often, Burman said, settlements can also negadent of Credit Advo- folks are caught up with credit cards betively affect this part of the cates, one of the few cause they are the most direct contact score. Another 30 percent —Steven Burman, nonprofit credit agen- many have with their debt. of the score is based on “The biggest problem I see is prioridebt. There are three difPresident cies based in New York City, urges for most ties,” he said. “It’s knowing how to take ferent types of debt: reCredit Advocates people, especially care of excessive debt.” volving, which includes when choosing a credit the amount of debt on your card.

Cleaning Up credit card at any given “Try to find a credit card that ties to Obviously knowledge is power, so Burtime; installment, which is the debt you have on a mortgage or a car loan; and something that has some real value in man recommends you scope out your open, which includes any payment that your life,” he said. “Maybe there’s a par- credit report and credit scores on your needs to made in full at the end of the ticular rewards program that is valuable own. You are entitled to seeing your credit to your lifestyle.” scores for free once a year, and sites like month.

Another simple but big money saver is annualcreditreport.com offer you a nocombing through monthly bills with a fee look-see.

What Causes Change?

The onus is on the consumer to disSimply making a late payment does hurt fine-toothed comb, using customer ser-

“Live within a lifestyle you can afford. If you know what you can bring and you know what you’re spending, you can make adjustments.”

pute any outstanding accounts or records that are inaccurate on his or her credit report, according to Burman.

“They assume that once they pay something, it should be removed,” Burman said. “It doesn’t work that way.”

Your ability to dispute is based upon the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which allows consumers to dispute any information on their credit report. It is a right Burman suggests everyone exercise at least once a year, keeping in mind what they do and do not owe.

Personal Responsibility But before any credit issues occur, Burman suggests a very altruistic realization. “The most common thing I see is the person who refuses to take personal responsibility for their own financial situation,” he said. “Live within a lifestyle you can afford. If you know what you can bring and you know what you’re spending, you can make adjustments.”

Reach Deputy Editor Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.

Police Blotter Compiled By DOMENICK RAFTER

73rd Precinct Stabbing Death Police are looking for a suspect wanted in the stabbing death of a Rosedale teenager in Brooklyn.

On Sunday, Sept. 25, at approximately 3:12 a.m., police responded to a 911 call of a female stabbed at the corner of MacDougal Street and Saratoga Avenue in Brooklyn. Upon arrival, police observed the victim, Kyanna Thomas, 16, of 253-12 149th Rd., Rosedale, with one stab wound to the head. EMS responded and transported the victim to Interfaith Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. There were no arrests at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

104th Precinct Kid Groper The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a man wanted in a connection with a sex abuse that occurred in Ridgewood.

On Friday, Sept. 16, between the hours of 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., an unknown suspect approached at 5-year-old Asian girl at 54-32 Myrtle Ave. The suspect touched her groin area over her clothing and fled the location. The victim did not sustain physical injuries during this incident.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic man in his 20s with a thin build, last seen wearing blue jean shorts.

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

106th Precinct Subway Slashing On Friday, Sept. 16, at approximately 5:48 p.m., a 34-year-old white man was slashed at the Rockaway Boulevard subway station in Ozone Park near Rockaway Boulevard and Liberty Avenue.

The victim was treated at Jamaica Hospital and received 30 stitches.

Police are looking for a black man in

his 20s, approximately 6-feet, 180 lbs. He was last seen wearing a green long-sleeve shirt, baseball hat, and sunglasses.

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

Abducted Kids Found Over 180 Miles Away

By DOMENICK RAFTER The eight children taken from a foster care facility in Forest Hills last week have been found alive and well hundreds of miles away in Harrisburg, Penn., and their parents are under arrest, charged with their kidnapping.

Shanel Nadal, 28 and Nephra Payne, 34, of Amsterdam Ave. in Manhattan allegedly abducted their eight children ranging from ages 11 months to 12 years from the Forestdale Agency facility at 67-35 112th St. in Forest Hills during a supervised visit at around 5:15 p.m. on Sept.

19.

The parents were arrested on Monday in Harrisburg by members of the U.S. Marshals Service Regional Fugitive Task Force, including members of the NYPD,

after they were pulled over in a black Ford Econoline at approximately 10:20 p.m.

Both defendants and all of the eight missing children were in the vehicle. The parents will be charged with second-degree kidnapping, first- and second-degree custodial interference and endangering the welfare of a child. They are presently awaiting extradition to Queens.

“This is a sad story of a mother and father who have jeopardized their children’s safety by allegedly kidnapping them and taking them out of state,” said Queens DA Richard Brown, whose office will handle the prosecution. “These parents have now also put at risk the very relationships they were supposed to be building with their children during their supervised visits. Kidnapping and endangering children is a serious matter that

will not be taken lightly.”

The children were under the care of the Administration for Children Services and were living in foster homes in Southeast Queens. ACS said they were cooperating with police and investigating how the parents were able to get their eight children out of the facility in broad daylight.

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

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

Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

pix

Going Downtown On Sept. 14 the bi-monthly meeting of the Downtown Committee of the Greater Jamaica Development Corp. was held at the Harvest Room in the heart of the Jamaica business/shopping district.

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

Campagna Honored Queens Borough President Helen Marshall admires a plaque that honors the memory of Borough Engineer Tom Campagna during a ceremony Sept. 27 at Arverne by the Sea Retail Transit Plaza. The memorial was donated and unveiled by developer Gerard Romski. Campagna, who died in 2009, worked on major projects for 10 years at Borough Hall, where he served two borough presidents.

A well-attended meeting of area movers and shakers. The next rendezvous will be held Nov. 9.

Featured meeting speaker NYC Department of Sanitation Community Liason Bruno Iciano shared helpful tips in keeping the Jamaica area in tip-top cleanliness.

Photos by Walter Karling

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2011

Photo by Juliet Kaye

Our Savior Assemblyman William Scarborough (r.) joined Rev. Bob Fritch (l.), Pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in welcoming the community to enjoy a fun day of free food, entertainment, face painters and a large inflatable bouncy for children at their Annual Carnival Street Fair.

Giving a traffic light competition: Community Board 12 District Manager Yvonne Reddick and meeting Chairman William Martin.

Greater Jamaica Development Corporation staffer Masheika Lewis previewed the area cultural events.

Profile

A Tough Journey For A Caring Spirit

BY VERONICA LEWIN One Jamaica native who overcame hardships now runs a non-profit in hopes to prevent young people from making mistakes she did in the past. In 2005, Christina Winslow founded A Cause, A Concern, A Solution Network Inc., a nonprofit that strives to empower the lives of everyone from youth to seniors.

Winslow, known in the neighborhood as “CW,” has lived in Jamaica her entire life and knows the temptation some youth are faced with and how easy it can be to fall into an unhealthy lifestyle.

“I’m not innocent, I’ve been through a lot in my life,” Winslow said. “But I was young and I wanted to find my way.”

Every year, the organization hosts a one-day Girls Empowerment Conference that teaches young women from 11 to 21 years of age self-esteem, etiquette and personal development. Winslow said it is important to educate young girls before it is too late.

The conference also informs participants on post-graduation options, including college and the workforce. Winslow said more than 375 young adults attended this year’s conference.

Christina Winslow Before starting her organization, Winslow was a teen counselor at Daytop Village, a substance abuse treatment center. “That was the most amazing and beautiful experience,” Winslow said, who has been sober for 19 years herself.

One of her mentees suggested she open a daycare center because he said having a positive role model like Winslow when he was younger could have prevented him from ending up at the treatment center. In 2007, she started a

daycare in her home called “Kids Are People Too.” Though the organization has been throwing events for the past six years, Winslow has only received one year of funding to keep the organization running.

State Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica) and late Councilman Tom White gave Winslow her first and only grant to start her non-profit. “It’s been rough,” Winslow said.

Still, she is able to continue hosting events through donations from local businesses, organizations and elected officials. Winslow hopes to get additional funding to host more events throughout the year.

A lack of funding has not kept Winslow from enjoying her job. She said seeing the kids she helps smile and give her hugs helps her stay focused on her fight to get funding. Having people on the street recognize her for what she does in the community also keeps her holding on, she said.

The domestic violence survivor never thought she would end up becoming a founder of a non-profit. Winslow was on a different path when she was younger until a community member intervened.

She said someone stopped her and said she could be making something out of her life.

“I don’t know how I got to where I’m at today. That was not my vision,” Winslow said. Since that day, Winslow has strived to be a positive influence in the community. She now has four children, including one she adopted.

In order to better her organization, Winslow plans to pursue an associate’s degree in child development. In the future, she hopes to be able to give out scholarships to help students in the area buy books.

On Sept. 24, the organization hosted a school supply event for children in the neighborhood. Winslow is planning her first fundraiser for November. A Cause, A Concern, A Solution will be hosting a Fancy Hat Gala on Nov. 19 from noon to 4 p.m. A $10 ticket includes food and entertainment. There will be a hat contest and guests will be sent home with a gift. Tickets purchased after Oct. 30 will be available for $25. For more information, contact (917) 349-1704.

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

People

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2011

York College Production Wows at Fringe Festival After wowing audiences in Queens, the York College theatre production, Istwa! received rave reviews at the 15th annual New York International Fringe Festival.

Adapted and directed by Professor Tom Marion and featuring a team of students mostly from the college’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts, the play, based on four classic fairy tales, originally opened at the College’s Little Theatre last October to local acclaim before being taken on the road to area public schools. Then in August it was back on the road again — this time to the renown Living Theatre on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

Time Out New York listed Istwa! as a “Critic’s Choice.”

Gwynne Watkins from Time Out New York also explained: “Ten actors play all the parts—and all the scenery—in the often hilarious retelling of folktales from around the world. Restless kids will get a kick out of the “participation journey” in the middle of the show, when the ensemble guides the audience through an imaginary adventure of their own,” she said.

Lynn Berg from nytheatre.com added his own praises for the production: “The performers rely on imagination by creating diverse settings and characters with their bodies and voices….the ensemble play humbly and generously, supporting each other as equals without attempting to hog the limelight. Alex Constantinides

Students of York College’s Dept. of Fine and Performing Arts received rave reviews for their theatre production, Istwa! gave my favorite performance, providing comic accompaniment on kazoo and percussion while inventing delightful sound effects.”

Professor Marion’s faith in his troop was certainly well-placed.

“The goals to be in the fringe festival were to challenge our students to the rigorous expectations of professional performance; to expose them to presentations from around the world produced at an international festival; to provide the opportunity to meet and share ideas with

artists from around the world; to showcase their talents on a professional stage and be professionally reviewed; to showcase the work and name of York College to a wide audience of festival participants and patrons and to engender excitement with current and prospective students for the York College Theatre discipline,” said Marion.

Putting the opportunity into perspective, Professor Marion added that only 150 shows out of over 1000 submissions are selected for participation

in the Festival each year.

“I think it is very good exposure for York College in an area of the City that doesn’t know of us,” he said. “I was very impressed with the professionalism of the students.”

Marion needn’t have worried. He bragged that though being at the Festival is “lots of fun,” there was no time for fun and games. He noted that if one cast member arrived late, the whole performance would have been in jeopardy. This was not the case. The cast of 12, which comprised of York College undergraduates and one Queens College undergraduate, were on time each day.

“Most importantly to me,” he said, “was the energy they brought forth.

It was amazing to me to see individuals buck up to overcome their personal difficulties for the good of the entire group and the audience.”

Marion said that on the last day of performance “a group of 15 tweens” with a church group from Long Island City attended the show and expressed their appreciation not so much by what they said, but by what they did afterwards.

“They stayed outside and waited for the cast to appear and then begged for autographs to their programs,” said Marion. “It was wonderful to see the cast looking and being treated as the bright stars that they are.”

For further information see the userfriendly web site on Ishtwa! at www.wix.com/tommarion/istwa.

A&E

Riveting ‘CHIX 6’ At Queens Theatre

BY TAMMY SCILEPPI

Such Sushi Selection ATAMI SUSHI JAPANESE BUFFET 19-11 Francis Lewis Blvd, Whitestone (718) 357-3998 CUISINE: Japanese, Chinese HOURS: Lunch, Mon-Sat, 11:30 am-4 pm; Dinner Mon-Thu, 4:30-10 pm; FriSat, 4:30-10:30 pm; Sun & Holidays, noon to 10 pm PARKING: Lot RESVERATIONS: No CREDIT CARDS: All Major

Boro Comedy Native Brings Devil To LIC

BY JASON BANREY Queens’ comedy scene is on the verge on shattering the perception that New York City’s tourist friendly comedy clubs can only be in Manhattan – and one borough native stands at the forefront with the hammer to make it happen.

After making his mark on the nation’s entertainment industry, Queens comic Steve Hofstetter has returned to the borough better than ever, bringing a comedy club to Long Island City.

“The Laughing Devil is going to give the residents of Queens the ability to have high quality entertainment right here in the borough without having to leave,” Hofstetter said of the new comedy club he plans to open at 47-38 Vernon Blvd. in December.

Once a derelict area riddled with only industrial factories and dark dodgy streets, the neighborhood of Western Queens has become a region to which members of the arts community are flocking. Despite the inf lux on artists, however, there has been a lack of a live entertainment venue, which Hofstetter hopes to change.

Hofstetter’s venture promises to rival many of the Manhattan comedy clubs

which primarily focus on attracting tourists for an evening of laughs. So how does Hofstetter’s business model hope to create repeat customers? With his “street cred” of course.

From authoring his slapstick look back at college life titled, “Student Body Shots: A Sarcastic Look at the Best 4-6 Years of Your Life” to writing for Maxim and ESPN Magazine, the funnyman’s resume boasts a long list of achievements.

In an effort to generate support for the club and show the community there is an interest, the Laughing Devil is circulating a petition for support.

By bringing the neighborhood a top notch comedy club, Hofstetter hopes to draw attention toward the possibilities of Long Island City.

“There is a lot more that this neighborhood could use,” he said. “Hopefully other businesses will see our success and follow suit. It’s going to bring more people into the neighborhood who don’t know just how awesome it is and help local businesses.”

To sign the petition, go to Laughingdevil.com.

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

Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

There are few places in the world outside of the Pacific Rim where you can find real authentic Asian cuisine – not Chinese takeout or mass produced sushi.

Northeast Queens is one of those places.

And on Francis Lewis Boulevard there is a restaurant where one can explore nearly every option in Asian cuisine from hibachi to sushi to authentic Chinese desserts you won’t find anywhere else. Atami Japanese Sushi Buffet, located near the intersection of Francis Lewis and Willets Point Boulevards in Whitestone, is not a typical Japanese restaurant. It combines Japanese cuisine with some authentic Chinese dishes that are nothing like the ones you get at your local takeout.

I came to Atami on a Saturday evening around 6 p.m., a half hour after its dinner buffet opened. I was given a taste of all of Atami’s choices – some hibachi, some sushi, and some of the buffet. At the buffet table, I tried the General Tso’s Chicken, which was cooked perfectly and glazed in a sweet sauce. I also tried the tasty lo mein soaked in a tangy sauce and a lobster claw smothered in a delicious buttery cream preparation. The buffet also has a wide range of options that change over time, so whenever you come back, the dishes are new.

I started with a tall – and I do mean tall – glass of lychee iced tea. A traditional Chinese fruit, lychee has a mangolike flavor. Little pieces of the fruit lie on the bottom of the glass, giving you a wonderful little snack once you finish the beverage.

I tried the Tuna tartar, a dish of raw

tuna arranged like a pate. If you don’t care for fishy tastes, you’ll love this.

There is barely a hint of fish. The meat is chilled, though difficult to eat with a fork. I suggest chopsticks – or a spoon if you’re not stick-proficient.

I enjoyed the sweetheart roll, a spicy tuna roll cradled inside a meaty slice of perfectly pink tuna sushi arranged in the shape of a heart on the plate. Definitely a personal favorite, but I did not end there. I sampled the Atami roll, a house special made of shrimp – spicy and tempura – with cucumber and avocado.

There was also the Lobster tempura roll.

Now I’m not usually a big fan of tempura, but the lobster tempura roll was especially tasty. These rolls are not bitesized and you may need to take it apart to get it all in your mouth, but it’s completely worth it.

My choice of sushi was unagi – a generous helping of eel over rice. It is often different from regular sushi because it’s not served completely raw, and it’s also served in a sauce. Atami’s eel was larger than others that I’ve seen and much more meaty. The sauce used is exceptionally tangy; the sauces are a highlight of this restaurant.

For my main course, I had a Hibachi and teriyaki choice, so I choose steak hibachi and shrimp teriyaki. Naturally, I was impressed by the teriyaki sauce, which coated every inch of the shrimp and gave it a thrilling flavor. I was left wanting more.

For dessert I was served an Atami exclusive; a Chinese sweet soup, served chilled, made of an almond-f lavor crème with slices of pineapple and tapioca pearls. For anyone who enjoys a bubble tea, this dessert is a perfect way to end a meal.

Time and stomach constraints kept me from exploring other options Atami offers, such as the raw bar, but another trip is definitely on the agenda.

For those nearby earlier in the day, Atami has a lunch menu, and you can even order online. Visit their Web site at atami-ny.com —Domenick Rafter

acters. Growing up in Jamaica, she says her Filipino mom was busy making ends meet, while dad was either absent or abusive.

“Music was my escape. I started playing violin and piano at age 3, and when I was older, I’d practice 6 to 7 hours a day.” Playing Carnegie Hall at age 6, the little prodigy jumped off the stage during a perforA look inside a CHIX 6 rehearsal. mance, and played her violin into the audience.

Now a Manhattanite, Lourds insists: female-fronted bands: “The idea of hand“You can take the girl out of Queens, but picking an all-girl cast of super heroines you can’t take Queens out of the girl.” to create a theatrical rock experience She feels the borough shaped her artistic came from hosting and headlining these creativity. “Music and performing are a concerts.” So, in 2008, her first rockin’ part of my bone structure. It pumps opera “SUPER CHIX” came to be. Afterwards, “CHIX 6” was born. through my veins.”

“This isn’t just a rock ‘n roll show,” Composing dramatic rock songs in her tweens, the spirited performer started said its creator. “It has a fully developed her own band, trading her acoustic violin and emotionally-charged script, featur“for a fierce, sparkly electric one.” Tour- ing bonafide Broadway stars, who have ing with amazing female singers and mu- performed in ‘Rent,’ ‘Legally Blonde,’ sicians, the cool “chicks” played gigs all ‘Wicked,’ ‘Mamma Mia!,’ ‘Rock of over the country, “bringing down the Ages,’ and ‘Lion King,’ just to name a house” wherever they appeared. Taking few.”

“CHIX 6” runs through Oct. 30 at time off after a series of whirlwind shows, Lourds somehow found time to graduate Queens Theatre in the Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park. For more info go from Harvard, with honors.

She recalls her exciting idea, The to queenstheatre.org or call (718) 760Medusa Festival, which featured edgier 0064.

Photo courtesy Carol Rosegg

During rehearsals for Lourds Lane’s spectacular creation, the rock musical “CHIX 6,” the multi-talented Queens native took time out from her busy schedule for an interview about the show and her career.

“My license says I’m 33, but I feel like I’m 53, with all the hats I wear and the amount of life I squeeze into each day,” she said. “I‘m so busy, I can hardly breathe – but I’m having the time of my life!”

Get ready for a riveting multimedia extravaganza. “CHIX 6” burst on the scene at Queens Theatre in the Park Tuesday, when it started its five-week run. “It’s a feast for your senses. It’s ‘Cirque Du Soleil’ meets ‘Rent’ meets ‘Rocky Hor-

ror’ meets stadium rock show,” said former “rocker-chick” Lourds, who wrote the lyrics and composed the original music score. Wendy Bobbitt Cavett, who is the current musical director for “Mamma Mia!,” is also musical director and band member of the sassy rock opera.

The tale spotlights comic book artist, Katie, caught in a web of misery as she struggles to free herself from an unhealthy relationship. Luckily, she is rescued by her super heroines, who come to life just in the nick of time, saving her creative spark. Ultimately, she learns how to love herself again.

No stranger to adversity, Lourds drew from her difficult past and clearly thought way out-of-the-box, when she created her imaginative concoction of “CHIX 6” char-

Faith

Greater Allen Hosts Prayer Breakfast The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral is hosting its annual Men’s Prayer Breakfast this Saturday, Oct. 1. Pastor George Searight from the Abundant Life Family Worship Church in New Brunswick, New Jersey will be a guest preacher.

Allen A.M.E. is celebrating its 35th anniversary with the Rev. Floyd Flake this year. Since Flake took over the church in 1976, Allen A.M.E. now has more than

Word “I fear one day I’ll meet God, he’ll sneeze and I won’t know what to say.”

—Ronnie Shakes

Photo by Ira Cohen

100 ministries, including ministries for diabetes support, prison, single parents’ and the Kingdom Keepers Men’s Ministry. Flake attributes the congregation’s local and national presence to the services the church provides.

“People come where they feel a church is doing more than just preaching,” Flake told the PRESS of Southeast Queens. “It’s one thing to preach it, but it’s another thing to make it manifest in a visible way.”

The event starts at 9 a.m. and will be

BY VERONICA LEWIN

held at the church, located at 110-31 Merrick Blvd. in Jamaica. Tickets can be purchased at the door - $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12.

At the end of the month, the church is also hosting its Men’s Conference from Oct. 27-31. Guest speakers include Flake, Pastor Willie James Campbell from Chicago’s St. James Ministries Church of God in Christ and Bishop Noel Jones from the City of Refuge Church in Gardena, Calif. Those interested can register online at allencathedral.org. For more information, contact (718) 2064600.

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

Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral is hosting its annual Men’s Prayer Breakfast on Oct. 1.

Notebook New Chapter

Kids Can Read Away Library Fees

BY VERONICA LEWIN School-age readers who do not have the funds to clear up library fees are getting a second chance this October.

Photo courtesy of Queens Library

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2011

Mayor Mike Bloomberg announced the New Chapter program with local electeds and library advocates.

The city’s three library systems, including Queens Library, have launched the “New Chapter” program to restore library privileges to children.

The program began last week and will run until Oct. 31. From now until Halloween, patrons under 18 will not be charged late fees when returning overdue books.

The Queens Library says the program is designed to encourage young people to return to the library without the worry of having to pay large fines.

When customers accrue $15 or more in fees, their library privileges are suspended. It is estimated that 100,000 young people will benefit from this program city wide.

“Our goal is for every child to have access to library resources throughout

their education and to build lifelong learners,” said Queens Library CEO Thomas W. Galante.

Queens Library patrons will be issued New Chapter library cards which have limited borrowing privileges. Books returned before the end of October will be exempt from overdue fees.

In order to restore full reading privileges, readers can participate in the Monster Read Down Your Fees program.

Through the program, people will receive a $5 credit towards outstanding fees for every 30 minutes spent reading in the library. Those who prefer to read at home can bring in a brief book report or review to earn the $5 credit. The previous Read Down Your Fees program credited readers one dollar for every half hour spent reading.

“Last year, through our existing programs, more than 10,000 children had their fines and lost book charges forgiven through reading,” Galante said. “This new program is an important step to further support reading for every child.”

The McGraw-Hill Companies helped fund the “New Chapter” program by paying a portion of the outstanding fines.

“We want to keep our kids reading, not worrying about fines they may not be able to pay,” Mayor Mike Bloomberg said in a statement. “Thanks to McGraw-Hill’s generosity, more of our children will be able to come back to our libraries and enjoy them as centers of learning and discovery.”

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

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

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

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

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

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

Tjhs1961@aol.com

DANCE COUNTRY WESTERN Saturday, Oc tober 15 San Antones and Halloween Costume contest. $12. Glendale Memorial Building, 72-02 Myrtle Avenue at 7:30. 7634328.

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

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

Light refreshments. Bring friends!

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

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

DINNER APEC Sunday, Oc tober 2 Brunch on the Boardwalk With Alley Pond Environmental Center.

229-4000. $50, $75 couple.

ENVIRONMENT

MISCELLANEOUS MINI GOLF Through December 31 Rocket Park Mini-Golf 10-6 weekends, 2-5 Fridays at the Hall of Science. $6 adults, $5 children plus general NYSCI admission.

SAFETY EVENT Saturday, Oc tober 1 Forest Park Bandshell Parking Lot 10-2.

BLESSING OF PETS S a t u r d ay, O c to b e r 1 a t Church of the Resurrection, Richmond Hill at 11.

PICK PUMPKINS O c to b e r 1 - 3 0 p i c k yo u r pumpkins at the Queens Count y Farm Museum.

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

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

JH ART CLUB Classes in all art forms days and evenings for children and adults. 426-9821.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, Oc tober 1, 15, 29, November 5, 19, December 3, 17 Learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-4367940.

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

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

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

SKYPE CHAT Monday, Oc tober 3 at the Queens Village library at 2.

JOB INFO SERVICE Mondays, Oc tober 3, 31 at 4 at the Middle Village library.

WIRED TRAINING Monday, October 3 free job training at the Arverne library at 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

BASIC COMPUTER Tuesdays, Oc tober 4, 11, 18, 25 at the Arverne library at 10:30.

PRACTICE LAB TIME Tuesdays, Oc tober 4, 11, 18, 25 computer practice lab time at the Far Rockaway library at 4.

LI CHESS CLUB Tuesdays, Oc tober 4, 11, 18, 15 at the LIC library at 4.

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

KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays, Oc tober 4, 11, 18, 15 at the Windsor Park library at 2.

WORLD EDUCATION

Tu e s d ay s , O c to b e r 4 , 1 1 World Education Services at 6 at the Flushing library.

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

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

TANGO CLASS We d n e s d ay s , O c to b e r 5 , 12, 19, 26 at Buenos Aires Tango in Forest Hills. 347642-4705.

BASIC COMPUTER Wednesday, Oc tober 5 at the Woodside library at 10:30.

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

263-7000.

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

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

PREPARE FICTION Thursdays, Oc tober 6, 13, 20, 27 preparing your fiction; A Creative Writing Workshop at the Langston Hughes library at 6.

DRAWING T h u r s d ay, Oc tober 6 sketches, contour drawings and more at the Seaside library. Register.

TAI CHI Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20 at the Fore st Hills librar y.

Register.

COMPUTER BOOT CAMP Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20 Arverne library at 10:30.

WRITER’S WORKSHOP Thursdays, Oc tober 6, 20 at the Bayside library. Register.

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

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

CHESS CLUB Thursdays at the East Flushing library. Register.

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

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

COMPUTER PRACTICE Fridays, Oc tober 7, 14, 21, 28 at the Arverne library at noon.

KNITTING CLUB Fridays at the Maspeth library at 10.

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

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

ENTERTAINMENT AMAZING MAZE Through Oc tober 30 the Amazing Maize Maze3 114:30 at the Queens Count y Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway. $9, $5 children. 347-3276.

SOUNDS OF COLOMBIA Through October 30 at Thalia Spanish Theatre in Sunnyside. 729-3880.

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

JAZZ & R&B Saturday, Oc tober 1 Jazz, r&b, Brazilian music at 2 at the Flushing library.

STREET FAIR S a t u r d ay, O c to b e r 1 St .

Paul’s International Lutheran Church’s 5 th Annual International Street Fair 10-4 at the corner of 263 rd Street and Union Turnpike, Floral Park.

Blessing of the pets, entertainment, games, vendors, more.

BOYZ OF SUMMER Saturday, Oc tober 1 film at F l u s h i n g Tow n H a l l . 4 6 3 7700.

APPLE FESTIVAL Sunday, Oc tober 2 at the Queens Count y Farm Museum 11-5. 73-50 Little Neck Parkway. Free.

SUNDAY CONCERT Sunday, Oc tober 2 Dominican Folk and Modern Merengue at the Central library at 3.

LIVE JAZZ Sundays through December 18 at 180-25 Linden Blvd., St. Albans from 5-9. $5 donation. 347-262-1169.

BOLLYWOOD M o n d ay, Oc tober 3 Rhythms of Bollywood at 6 at the Jackson Heights library.

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

SCRABBLE Tuesdays at the Fresh Meadows library at 1.

GREEK FESTIVAL T h u r s d ay, Oc tober 6 through Sunday, Oc tober 9 at the Greek Orthodox Shrine Church, 196-10 Northern Bld., Flushing.

Thursday 6-10, Friday 6-12, Saturday 12-12 and Sunday 12-8. Free.

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

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

GAME PLAYERS CLUB Fridays at 2 at the Hillcrest librar y.

CHINA Saturday, Oc tober 8 Celebration of Centennial Commemoration of China with music and dance at the Flushing library at 2.

QUINTET OF AMERICAS

Sunday, Oc tober 9 Quintet of Americas performs at the NY Hall of Science. Free with museum admission. 6990005.

OPEN MIC Sunday, Oc tober 9 at 2 at the Central library.

SAY YOU HEAR Sunday, October 9 “Say You Heard My Echo” theater performance of spoken word at F l u s h i n g Tow n H a l l . 4 6 3 7700.

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

STAMP SHOW Sundays, Oc tober 23, November 20, December 18 Bayside Stamp Show at the Ramada Inn, 220-33 Northern Blvd., Bayside 10-4:30.

Free admission.

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

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS 7 days a week. 962-6244.

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

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

Join these ancient Chinese exercise classes in the Flushing Hospital/Medical Center auditorium on 45 th Avenue between Parsons and Burling. Free. Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156 information.

CANCER SUPPORT Monday s, Oc tober 3, November 7, December 5 Franklin Hospital’s Cancer Support Group meets 2-4 in the cafeteria. 516-256-6478.

STRESS LESS Mondays, Oc tober 3, 17, 24, 31 Achieve more and stress less through the power of meditation at the Flushing library at 6.

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

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

670-1695. $5 a class.

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

Thursdays Free Synagogue of Flushing and Zion Episcopal Church. Call 1-877-6642469.

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

784-6173, ext. 431.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Every Tuesday 3:30-4:30 at the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886.

EATING HABITS Wednesday, Oc tober 5 You Are What You Eat… at 6 at the Flushing library.

ZUMBA

Wednesdays the Sisterhood of Bay Terrace Jewish Cent e r , 1 3 - 0 0 2 0 9 th S t r e e t , Bayside, will hold Zumba Fitness classes from 7:30-8:30. $8 members, $10 others.

428-6363.

YOGA Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 6701695. $10 class.

OA Thursdays at the Howard Beach library at 10:30.

FREE YOGA Thursdays, Oc tober 6, 13, 20, 27 at the Queensboro Hill library. Register.

ZUMBA Thursday, Oc tober 6 at the Lefrak City library. Register.

OA Fridays 6:30-8:30 at Unit y Center of Flushing, 42-11 1 5 5 th S t r e e t . S a t u r d a y s 10:30-noon at Resurrection Ascension, Feely Hall, 85-18 61 st Road, Rego Park. Beginners meeting except the last Friday of each month, which is a writing meeting.

CO-DEPENDENTS ANON. Fridays 10-11:45 at Resurrection Ascension Pastoral C e n t e r , 8 5 - 1 8 6 1 st R o a d , Rego Park. Women only.

EXHIBIT QUEENS COLLEGE ART Through October 14 “This is Personal: Michael Ragsdale’s 9/11 exhibition.

Oc tober 20 through January 13 “In Perpetuum: The Fall: Will Corwin” exhibition.

Queens College Art Center.

997-3770.

FLUSHING COUNCIL Through November 14 “Endangered Art/ists: China.”

November 19 through January 7 “Korean Painting Exh i b i t i o n : A Wa l k T h ro u g h Nature.” Permanent displays include “Jazz Live!”, “Flushing Town Hall:” Fact or Folklore,” an historical exhibition on Flushing Town Hall, “Legends of the Queens Jazz Trail” 463-7700.

HALL OF SCIENCE Through January 15 Wild Minds: What Animals Really Think. Adults $11, children 2017 $8, college students and seniors $8. 699-0005.

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

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

777-6888.

Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

COMPOSTING Tuesdays, Oc tober 4, 11, 18, 25 waste food drop off at the Steinway library at 4.

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS

Queens Today

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2011

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

FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tuesdays the Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets.

917-612-3463.

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

HAM RADIO CLUB Tuesdays, Oc tober 4, November 1, December 6 Emergency Communications Service meets in Briarwood.

357-6851.

111 TH PRECINCT Tuesday, Oc tober 4 111 t h Precinct Council meeting at 7:30 in the precinct meeting room, 45-06 215yth Street, Bayside.

TALK OF THE TOWN Tuesdays, Oc tober 4, 18, November 1, 15, December 6, 20 learn the art of public speaking in St. Albans at 7:15. 640-7092.

TOASTMASTERS We d n e s d ay s , O c to b e r 5 , 19, November 2, 16, December 7, 21 learn the art of public speaking at the Voices of Rochdale Toastmasters Club in Jamaica. 9780732.

FLUSHING CAMERA We d n e s d ay s , O c to b e r 5 , 19, November 2, 16, 30, December 7, 21 Flushing Camera Club meets at 7:15 at Flushing Hospital. 4790643.

KNIGHTS OF PY THIAS We d n e s d ay s , O c to b e r 5 , 19, November 2, 16, December 7, 21 Queensview Lodge 433 meets in Whitestone. 917-754-3093.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT We d n e s d ay s , O c to b e r 5 , November 2, December 7 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 175-20 174 th Street, Fresh Meadows at 7:30.

WOMANSPACE Wednesdays Womanspace, a discussion group devoted to issues concerning women, meets 1-3 at the Great Neck Senior Center, 80 Grace Avenue. New members welcome.

LIBRARY MEETING Thursday, Oc tober 6 Administrative Committee of the Board of Trustees meet at 5:30 at the Central library.

MEN’S GROUP Thursdays, Oc tober 6, 20, November 3, 17, December 1 Queens Pride House Men’s Group from 7-9 for gay, bi, trans men.

WOMEN’S GROUP Fridays the Woman’s Group of Jamaica Estates meets at noon. Call 461-3193 for information.

AMERICAN LEGION Mondays, Oc tober 10, November 14, December 12 American Legion Post 510 meets at St. Robert Bellamine in Bayside Hills.

428-2895.

CATHOLIC VETS Mondays, Oc tober 10, November 14, December 12 American Mart yrs Catholic

Wa r Ve t e r a n s Po s t 1 7 7 1 meets in Bayside. 468-9351.

TELEPHONE PION. Tuesdays, Oc tober 10, November 8, December 13 Te l e p h o n e P i o n e e r s o f America meet in College Point. 463-4535.

VFW 4787 Mondays, Oc tober 10, 24, November 14, 21, December 12, 26 Whitestone VFW Communit y Post meets. 7460540.

LIONS CLUB Tuesdays, Oc tober 11, November 8, December 13 Ravenswood Lion Club meets at 6:30 at Ricardo’s by the Bridge, 21-01 21 st Avenue, Astoria.

DEMOCRATIC CLUB Thursdays, Oc tober 13, November 10, December 8 Jefferson Democratic Club meets at the Clearview Gold Course Clubhouse at 7:30.

ILION BLOCK ASSN. Fridays, Oc tober 14, November 11, December 9 Ilion Area Block Association meets at the African Center f or Communit y Empowerment, 111-92A Farmers Blvd., St. Albans at 7:30.

BELLA ITALIA MIA Sundays, Oc tober 16, November 13, December 11 Bella Italia Mia meets at Christ the King High School, 68-02 Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village. 426-1240.

RELIGIOUS NEW YEAR Thursday, September 29 celebrate the Jewish New Year with the Queens Communit y for Cultural Judaism at 2 at UUCQ, 149 t h Street and Ash Avenue, Flushing. $18 non-members.

BAYSIDE JEWISH Thursday and Friday, September 29, 30 morning Rosh Hashanah service3. Oc tober 7, 8 Yom Kippur service.

352-7900.

ASTORIA CENTER Friday, September 30 RH Services at 8:30. F r i d a y , Oc tober 7 Kol Nidre service at 6:30. Saturday, October4 8 Yom Kippur Services at 9. Saturday, Oc tober 15 Tot Shabbat at 10:45.

Astoria Center of Israel, 2735 Crescent Street, Astoria.

278-2680.

REFORM TEMPLE Friday, September 30 study session at 10:30. Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 7111112 th Street, Forest Hills.

ST. GABRIEL’S Sunday, October 2 cancer discussion at 1. Sunday, Oc tober 9 Alva Anderson Quartet concert. $20. St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Hollis. 196 th Street and Jamaica Avenue.

YOM KIPPUR S a t u r d a y, O c to b e r 8 Queens Communit y for Cultural Judaism will gather at 4 at Amaddiya Muslim Communit y Building, 188 t h street and Grand Central Parkway, Holliswood. $18 non-members.

SENIORS P-FLAG Sundays, Oc tober 16, November 20, December 18 PFLAG, a support group for parents, families and friends of lesbians and gays, meet in Forest Hills. 271-6663.

AUBURNDALE Tuesdays, Oc tober 18, November 15 Auburndale Association meets at St. Kevin’s, 45-21 194 th Street at 7:30.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT Tuesdays, Oc tober 18, November 15, December 20 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 175-20 174 th Street, Fresh Meadows at 7:30.

JEWISH VETS Sunday, Oc tober 23 Jewish Wa r Ve te ra n s o f t h e U SA Lipsky/Blum Post meet Garden Jewish Center. 4634742.

TALKS FINANCIAL EMPOWER. Monday, Oc tober 3 Financial Empowerment Center at the LIC library at 2.

BOOK CLUB Monday, Oc tober 3 “Glass Castle” discussed at 2 at the Windsor Park library.

LONG TERM CARE Thursday, Oc tober 6 at the East Elmhurst library at 7.

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

HILLCREST Tuesday, October 11 “Sill Alice” will be discussed at the Hillcrest library at 2.

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

PARISH FLEA Saturday, Oc tober 8 9:304:00 at Incarnation School auditorium and grounds, Francis Lewis Blvd. between 8 9 th a n d 9 0 th A v e n u e s , Queens Village.

ST. JOSAPHAT Saturday, Oc tober 8 11-4 and Sunday, Oc tober 9 9-3 at St. Josaphat’s RC Church, 3 5 th A v e n u e a n d 2 1 0 th Street, Bayside.

RUMMAGE SALE Saturday, Oc tober 8 10-4 and Sunday, Oc tober 9 124 annual rummage sale at St. Luke’s, 85 Greenway South, Forest Hills.

AUTUMN TREASURE Saturday, Oc tober 8 9:303:30 and Sunday, Oc tober 9 11:30-3:30 at Church of the Resurrection, 85-09 118 th Street, Richmond Hill.

THRIFT SHOPS Saturdays 11-4 at Bargain Boutique Thrift Shop, Queens Baptist Church, 9323 217 th Street, Queens Village.465-2504. First and Third Wednesdays through June at Grace Church, 1415 Clintonville Street, Whitestone. 767-6305.

AUTUMN COMPUTERS S ta r t i n g i n O c to b e r t h e Selfhelp Benjamin RosenthalPrince Street Senior Center holds a series of computer classes. 445-3864.

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

523-1330.

COMEDY WRITING Mondays at the Kew Gard e n s C o m m u n i t y C e n te r.

268-5960.

SNAP BELL PARK Monday, October 3 flu shots 9-2. Monday, Oc tober 10 blood pressure screening.

SNAP Bell Park. 740-3906.

AARP 3654 Tuesdays, Oc tober 4, November 1 AARP chapter 2654 meets in Bayside. 4234237.

BAYSIDE CENTER Tuesdays line dancing 9:30 and Thursdays 10:00. Fridays ballroom instruction at 10:15, ballroom and social dancing 1-3. Bayside Center for classes in movie, ping pong, bridge instruction, healthy lifest yle, card games, Wii bowling, painting, ESL, computer, exercise, dance, wellness workshops, etc.

Lunch at 11:30. 225-1144.

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

CHAIR EXERCISE Tuesdays low impact chair exercise at 11 at the Flushing-Fresh Meadows Jewish Center. $5. 357-5100.

STAY WELL Wednesdays at 10:15 at the East Elmhurst library for exercise and other health related programs.

WOMANSPACE Wednesdays Womanspace, a discussion group devoted to issues concerning women, meets 1-3 at the Great Neck Senior Center, 80 Grace Avenue. New members welcome.

STARS Fridays, Oc tober 7, 14, 21, 28 Senior Theater Acting Repertory at the Queens Village library at 10:30. 7760529.

DANCE LESSONS Fridays, Oc tober 7, November 4, December 2 free dance lessons at the Pomonok Center. 591-3377.

AARP 4158 Tuesdays, Oc tober 11, November 8, December 13 North Flushing chapter 4158 meets at noon at the Church on the Hill, 167-07 35 th Avenue, Flushing. New members and visitors welcome.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Tuesday, October 11 at the Auburndale library. 641-3911 to register.

AARP 29 Thursday, Oc tober 13 at Grace House, 155-02 90 th Avenue, Jamaica.

FREE LUNCH Saturday, Oc tober 29 a t Church of the Resurrection in Kew Gardens. 847-2649.

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

MATH HELP Saturdays at the Flushing library at 10.

HOMEWORK HELP Saturdays 10-noon teen tutors available at the Bayside library.

CHESS CLUB Every Saturday at the Flushing library at 2.

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

HEALTHY EATING Monday, Oc tober 3 at the Lefrak Cit y library. Register.

LITERACY Monday, Oc tober 3 Information Literacy for Kids at t h e W i n d s o r Pa r k l i b ra r y.

Register.

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

HOMEWORK HELP Mondays 3:30-5:00 teen tutors available at the Bayside library.

CRAFTS Wednesday, October 5 at the Steinway library at 11 for those 2-4.

HEALTHY EATING Wednesday, October 5 at the Bayside library. Register.

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

KNITTING Every Wednesdays at the Bayside library at 4.

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

REMAKE IT Thursday, Oc tober 6 ecofriendly craft workshop at the Sunnyside library. Register.

KIDS CLUB Thursday, Oc tober 6 at the Hillcrest library at 4:30.

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

BOY SCOUTS Thursdays Boy Scout Troop 138 meets at 7:30 in the basement at 192-15C 64 th Circle, Fresh Meadows. For those 11 and older. 4542391.

FAMILY STORY TIME Fridays, Oc tober 7, 14, 21, 28 at the Queensboro Hill library at 11.

GAME DAY Fridays, Oc tober 7, 14, 21, 28 at the Bay Terrace library at 2:30.

YU-GI-OH Fridays, Oc tober 7, 14, 21, 28 at the Queensboro Hill library at 4.

BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, Oc tober 7, 14, 21, 28 at the Bayside library at 4.

GAME TIME Fridays, Oc tober 7, 14, 21, 28 at the Windsor Park library at 4.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays at 2 at the Queens

Village library.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays at the LIC library at 2.

GAME DAY Fridays at the Queens Village library at 2.

FLASH FRIDAYS Every Friday at 3 at the Ozone Park library.

GAME PLAYERS Every Friday at the Hillcrest library at 4.

CUB SCOUTS 351 Fridays at St. Nicholas of Tolentine school cafeteria, Parsons Blvd. and Union Turnpike. Boys in grades 15. 820-0015.

HISPANIC HERITAGE Sunday, Oc tober 9 Hall of Science celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with handson science activities. Free with NYSCI admission.

TEENS INTRO KNITTING Saturdays, Oc tober 1, 8 for those 10-16 at the Steinway library. Register.

HOMEWORK HELP Saturdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 tutors at the Bayside library at 10.

CHESS CLUB Every Saturday at the Flushing library at 2.

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

TEEN HOMEWORK Monday, Oc tober 3 at the Bayside library at 3:30.

TEEN CHESS Monday, Oc tober 3 at the Bayside library at 6.

RESUMES Wednesday, October 5 at the Arverne library at 4.

TEEN REC ROOM Wednesday, October 5 at the Steinway library at 4.

GAME DAY Every Wednesday at the Howard Beach library at 4.

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

PREPARE FICTION Thursdays, Oc tober 6, 13, 20, 27 creative writing workshop at the Langston Hughes library at 6.

TEEN SPACE Thursday, Oc tober 6 at the Windsor Park library. Register.

TEEN THURSDAYS Every Thursday at the Bay Terrace library at 3.

CHESS CLUB Every Thursday 4-5:30 at the Douglaston/Little Neck library.

BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, Oc tober 7, 14, 21, 28 at the Bayside library at 4.

GAME PLAYERS CLUB Every Friday at 4 at the Hillcrest library.

COLLEGE FAIR Saturday, Oc tober 8 at the Robert Ross Johnson Family Life Center, 172-17 Linden Blvd., St. Albans from 9-3.

ACQC SUPPORT AC Q C Te e n Pe e r S u p p o r t Group - info for those “touched by HIV/AIDS.” Ages 14-16. 896-2500.

Guns A-Blazin’ One Queens Supreme Court Officer is exercising his second amendment right on reality TV. Michael Marelli has made it to the top 10 of “Top Shot,” a competition for the nation’s sharpshooters.

He left the court room to square off against Homeland Security agents, exNAVY Seals and firearms instructors.

Marelli was so confident in his aim he took six weeks’ unpaid vacation to film the History Channel show. Let’s Queens’ Top Shot hope he takes home the Michael Marell $100,000.

Which Borough?

We in Queens are always looking for ways to lure that tourist money from Manhattan. We host a baseball team, a tennis tournament, and soon, we’ll have a casino, but for many who visit New York, Queens is merely the part of the city you drive through to get from the plane to your hotel.

But one tour group; Borough Excursions, seeks to bring tourists to our borough to see our sites…at least for most of the tour.

Part of the group’s Queens tour, roundtrip from Citi Field, is to see the Louie Armstrong House in Corona, a drive by of Kaufman Studios and the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, shop and eat at Rego Park Mall and tour Flushing A Queens thief thought he hit Meadows Corona Park and Downtown Flushing. But that’s not the jackpot when he saw a standenough to entice tourists to ing minivan with the keys left in Queens apparently. Borough the ignition last week. What a surprise when he hopped in to find Excursion’s trips also have this: “Visit to Manhattan where we two children and the family dog!

Still, he took off with the boys will pass Rockefeller Center, Times Square then head to 34th Street and the yapping poodle. Quickly pass the Empire State Building.” tired of the extra baggage, the thief Sigh. Addisleigh Park? Forest asked the kids for their address Hills Gardens? Rockaway Beach, and safely returned them to their the largest urban beach in the Howard Beach home.

The thief, who introduced himUnited States? Hell, the tour takes you past George Costanza’s par- self to the boys as “Leo,” said he ents’ house from “Seinfeld,” per- would have stolen the van if it was haps you want to drop by Archie empty. Maybe Leo will check the back seat before the next time he Bunker’s in Glendale?

We’ll always be Manhattan’s decides to hop in someone else’s red-headed step-sibling, won’t we? driver’s seat.

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2011

Leave The Kids

Models Of Queens “Sweet 16” Nikki Marie Home: Ozone Park Age: 16 Height: 5’5" Weight 100 lbs Stats: 34-24-34

Nikki Marie is new to the modeling game. Although you may not notice the Ozone Park teen, she says someday she will soon be gracing the covers on magazines in newsstands everywhere.

“Modeling is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Marie said.

“Since I’m young, I decided to start now.”

After getting her braces off, Marie received the boost of confidence she believes she needed to break into the modeling scene.

From cheerleading at PS 232 in Lindenwood to dancing at Fabio’s dance studio in Howard Beach, this modeling newbie

up-and-coming beauty queen she also hopes to hone her skills in litigation as a back up plan.

“I’d love to be a lawyer,” said Marie of her aspirations to someday attend Stony Brook University in Long Island.

“I know it’s weird, the different combinations of things, but I think it’ll work out somehow.”

With more photo shoots coming up in her schedule, we could look forward to someday seeing the South Queens star plastered on many of the nation’s top modeling magazines.

“I know with a bit of work I can make it big.”

And So It Begins…

The 2011 baseball season was just a week or so shy of being over, and the Mets are already making plans for 2012.

Though giant question marks linger regarding Jose Reyes’ future with the team, and the Mets ended up declining to take $200 million from wannabe investor David Einhorn, the team is making plans for next season – big plans.

What plans? Oh… uh… Tim Byrdak. Yeah, that’s right, we said it. Tim Byrdak. We’ve got him inked for another year.

Oh, and that ridiculously deep left field fence at Citi Field? Yeah, we’re moving that. David Wright and Jason Bay hit too many shots

Free Parking On a recent Monday morning, one QConf staffer was merrily headed to work only to find his red Jeep Wrangler had gone AWOL from its cozy 30th Avenue parking spot (the clunker has been immortalized on this page once before).

The excitement of assuming someone finally stole the junk on wheels faded when a project manager overseeing the repaving of 30th Avenue told him his sloppy jalopy was towed down the block, parked in front of a school.

Aha! The city put the rusting heap in a zone where it will surely be ticketed. How predictable!

But alas, as the staffer approached his automotive nightmare, he found a flier from the Dept. of Design and Construction telling the NYPD, Dept. of Transportation and Sanitation to “Please Do Not Summons.”

seems to be blossoming into Queens’ next best thing.

Many of her supporters come from under the same roof as Marie and give her the right amount of encouragement she says she needs to succeed, both in modeling and in academics.

“My parents said I’m perfect for modeling,” she said. “But they also push me to do well in school.”

With the support of her parents, she hopes to eventually grace the cover of Seventeen Magazine before eventually becoming a swimsuit model.

Although she has aspirations to be seen as the borough’s next

The ticketless clunker A free tow with a get out of jail free card attached?

Could this be a new level of benevolence from a city known for nickel and diming its citizens? Or maybe it just helps to live in the City Council Public Safety Committee Chair’s district?

We’ll chalk it up to the latter. Thanks Councilman Vallone!

off of it this past year for us to not realize that maybe it was a bit far.

What do you mean other teams will hit more home runs? Have you seen our pitching staff? Nobody’s getting past us. We’ll probably have Johan Santana back, and Jon Niese is looking good.

Capuano and Gee will probably, most likely, kinda, sorta be on the team and… well... did we mention Tim Byrdak.?

Hmmmm… 2013, anyone?

Tim Byrdak

Confidentially, New York . . .

What’s Up SATURDAY, OCT. 1 Youth & Tennis The Youth and Tennis group meets every Saturday morning at Roy Wilkins Park Saturday. To learn more, call Bill Briggs at (718) 658-6728.

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

Men’s Prayer Breakfast The Men’s Ministry of The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York is pleased to present a Men’s Prayer Breakfast. Tickets can be purchased at the church.

This event will be held at Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York, 110-31 Merrick Blvd. at 9 a.m. Admission is $20.

Disappearing Dutch At the end of World War II, there were over seventy Dutch-American farmhouses and barns remaining in Brooklyn. Today there are less than thirteen and this is only an example from Brooklyn.

The history of the Dutch in New York has long been overshadowed by the English and Americans, but their influence still remains today.

Using the methods of historical archaeology, combined with a new look at historical documents and architecture, researchers are now beginning to piece together what life was like for these DutchAmericans.

Refreshments will be served following the lectures. Reserve your seat today by calling (718) 206-0545, Ext. 13 or email programs@kingmanor.org.

This event will be held at the King Manor Museum, Rufus King Park (153 Street at Jamaica Avenue), at 5 p.m.

Bobby Sanabria Big Band

SUNDAY, OCT. 2 Dominican Folk and Modern Merengue Enjoy a unique presentation of “Merengue Típico,” traditional Dominican merengue and “merenhouse,” a blend of merengue with American hip-hop and rap.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 3 p.m.

MONDAY, OCT. 3 Adult Chess Club Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings.

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

TUESDAY, OCT. 4 Camera Club The Southeast Queens Camera Club meets at Roy Wilkins Park, Administration Bldg., 2nd Floor, 177-01 Baisley Blvd.

Summer photography classes occur on the second, third and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 7:30 p.m. Classes are free - bring camera manual.

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

Intro to MS Word In this two-session workshop, customers will learn how to save files; cut, copy and paste text; format documents. Participants must possess basic mouse and keyboarding skills. Pre-registration is required in person at the Cyber Center Desk. For details, please call (718) 990.0769.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 6 p.m.

Intro to Computers In this single-session workshop, customers will learn: the basics of using the computer; how to log on and off; use the keyboard and mouse; open and close “windows”; use toolbars and scroll bars. Preregistration is required in person at the Cyber Center Desk. For details, please call (718) 990.0769.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 10 a.m.

Pathway to Citizenship Part I: Are you ready to be a US citizen?

Part II: What documents do you need to present? Part III: What are the common barriers to naturalization? Part IV: Naturalization interview & beyond.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCT. 6 Walkers for Wellness Club See Saturday’s listing. At 7 p.m.

Jamaica Center Business Improvement District, Councilman Leroy Comrie, Jamaica First Parking, and the Downtown Jamaica Open Space Coalition are pleased to present Union Hall Street Thursdays.

Come on out for and evening of food, drink, music and dance. Tonight’s evening will feature Caribbean, Calypso, and Reggae music.

This free event will be held at Union Hall Street (between Jamaica and Archer Avenues) at 5 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 7 Senior Theatre Acting Repertory Calling all older adults: Join our galaxy of STARs to perform theatrical works at the library with a great group of people while brightening your life.

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

ONGOING Job Club The Jamaica Neighborhood Center offers a free service to assist people from Southeast Queens with job-readiness skill sets in writing a professional resume and cover letter; interviewing practices and techniques; applying on-line procedures; elevator pitch and Microsoft Suite 2007.

For additional information, contact Ethan Chazin, Job Coach, at (718) 7392060, Ext. 18 or echazin67@gmail.com.

This free event will be held at the Jamaica Neighborhood Center - 161-06 89th Ave. Services are available Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

Union Hall Street Thursdays

Group Sessions

Come one, come all, to the greatest block party of them all. Applebee’s, the

Clergy United for Community Empowerment, Inc. Group Sessions are located at

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To become a volunteer with the Police Athletic League or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, please visit palnyc.org. Volunteers will go through an application process that includes an interview, screening and an orientation.

For more information, please contact PAL’s Volunteer Coordinator, Alexandria Sumpter-Delves, at (212) 477-9450, Ext. 390 or volunteer@palnyc.org.

Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

Multiple Grammy-nominated Bobby Sanabria Big Band, with special guest NEA Jazz master Candido, returns to York College. Sanabria - drummer, percussionist, composer, arranger, recording artist, producer, filmmaker, conductor, educator, multi-cultural warrior and multiple Grammy nominee – has performed with a veritable Who’s Who in the world of jazz and Latin music, as well as with his own critically-acclaimed ensembles. His diverse recording and performing experience includes work with such legendary figures as Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Paquito D’Rivera, Charles McPherson, Mongo Santamaría, Ray Barretto, Marco Rizo, Arturo Sandoval, Roswell Rudd, Chico O’Farrill, Candido, Yomo Toro, Francisco Aguabella, Larry Harlow, Henry Threadgill, and the Godfather of Afro-Cuban Jazz, Mario Bauzá. For additional information, contact (718) 262-2559.

This event will be held at the York College Performing Arts Center, 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., from 7-8 p.m. Tickets are $20.