Southeast Queens Press Epaper by Queens Press

Volume 12 Issue No. 43 Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2011

PAGE 18

RAPIST STILL ON THE LOOSE:

IT’S NOT OVER

Under Arrest

Still At Large

Though police arrested a 15-year-old this week in connection with two brutal sexual assaults in Southeast Queens, another attacker struck Wednesday morning near a local Councilman’s ofﬁce just hours after he and others celebrated the ﬁrst arrest. By Veronica Lewin…Page 3

Online at www.QueensPress.com

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THE SPOTLIGHT SERIES

News Briefs Loss Turns Into Recipe For Hope Anna Purificato Murray enjoys being in the kitchen. Her sister, Tina Di Fava, preferred the dining room. When Tina passed away in February 2010 from breast cancer, Anna, a mother of two from Ozone Park, decided to use her biggest talent, cooking, to help raise money to find a cure. After her niece asked her for some of the family’s recipes, some of which were Tina’s favorites, Anna put them together. Eventually, it became a cookbook with submissions from family and friends as well as recipes from Anna’s Irish mother-inlaw. While Anna did it to prevent the family from losing its precious recipes, she later decided to sell the book and donate the proceeds to cancer research, helping find a cure for the disease that took her sister’s life; a fitting tribute for a family woman. The cookbook, called Zi Anna’s Kitchen, costs $20 and all proceeds go to the American Cancer Society in Tina’s memory. The recipes include one of Tina’s favorite dishes: David’s TriColor Orzo Pasta, a submission from Anna’s friend David, who made the dish for Anna and Tina one day after showing them around his development where they were thinking of moving. The pasta dish was a big hit, as was David’s hospitality that day, and Tina pleaded with her sister to get the recipe from David. When she did, Tina even prepared it herself. Anna said when she first put the book up for sale, she was afraid it wouldn’t get any takers. But the book went like Anna’s antipasti. Orders came in from all over the country, from as far away as Oregon. She had to order more books from the printer to keep up with demand. The book is available through a Web site wix.com/formiaforever/cookbook. There is also a Facebook page dedicated to the book.

New Family Planning Center featuring

Arturo O’Farrill

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2011

Friday, November 4, 2011 7:00 pm

Suggested donation: $10.00

THE YORK COLLEGE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 94-45 Guy Brewer Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11451

Major funding for this series provided by NYC Councilmembers Leroy Comrie (27th-CD) Deputy Majority Leader NY City Council and Chair of Land Use Committee, and Ruben Wills (28th-CD), Chair of Substance Abuse Sub-Committee.

Box Office: 718-262-2840 PAC Information: 718-262-3750 Tickets are available online at: www.york.cuny.edu

Choices Women’s Medical Center, the City’s longest running family planning clinic, is expanding to Jamaica. The facility says women living in the area need better access to reproductive and prenatal care. According to the City Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene, the neighborhood ranks in the bottom 10 out of 41 neighborhoods for having a healthy baby. This is because mothers in this area are unlikely to receive prenatal care. In addition, the frequency of teenage mothers in Jamaica is 35 percent higher than the rest of the borough. Founded in 1971 by Merle Hoffman, Choices is a state licensed outpatient medical facility, recently awarded the highest accreditation by the American Association of Ambulatory Health Care. For more than 40 years, Choices has provided comprehensive reproductive health care. The first facility is located in Long Island City on the north side of Queens Plaza at 29-28 41st Ave. Opening two years before Roe v. Wade, Choices was the first legal abortion center in New York City and one of the first in the United States. The new clinic will provide the same services offered by the original clinic – comprehensive reproduc-

tive health care, including family planning, abortion and prenatal services. In addition, Choices will continue its commitment to serving the needs of the underinsured and underserved.

Business Growth in SEQ On Tuesday, Oct.18, JCG Check Cashing opened at 146-15 Jamaica Ave. Moneygram executives as well as Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) were on hand to witness the ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening event. The MoneyGram ‘Red Shop’ is a corporate merchandising platform used to reward top agents in their market. The objective is to bring greater awareness to its retail partners and the range of services they offer to the community. The buzz around the ‘Red Shop’ was boosted by 107.5 FM WBLS, broadcasting live from the event with the tri-states’ No. 1 Caribbean radio announcer, Dahved Levy. The WBLS announcer and his team kept the crowd engaged and entertained with MoneyGram’s premiums and games. JCG Check Cashing has been a part of the Jamaica Business District and the Queens community for more than 20 years, providing vital financial services to community residents. These include money transfer services to several Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago and Haiti, as well as worldwide. Customers also benefit from a range of other services such as check cashing and bill payment.

Rockaway Documentary A documentary about the surf scene in Queens, entitled “Our Hawaii,” will screen at 3:20 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the Big Apple Film Festival, Theater 2, Tribeca Cinemas, 54 Varick St. in Manhattan. The documentary follows a group of neighborhood surfer buddies, now in their 40s and 50s, as they revisit key moments of their lives spent riding the waves of Rockaway Beach. The beaches offered these locals a place of freedom, self expression and bonding. Against the backdrop of a once-vibrant seaside resort turned urban wasteland, “Our Hawaii” chronicles how – through the upheaval of the Vietnam War, the losses of 9/11 and all the changes in between – their connection to each other has been kept alive by a love of surfing. The movie’s writer and director, Brooklyn resident Kryssa Schemmerling, has written and directed two award-winning dramatic shorts. One, an adaptation of Bernard Malamud’s short story “The First Seven Years,” was screened nationally on PBS. The other, “Gold Mountain,” an original tale about a Chinese immigrant in early 20th-century New York, won a Student Academy Award and was screened around the country, winning prizes at the Chicago Film Festival and Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

Brief Us!

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

Presstime

15-Year-Old Charged In Boro Sex Assaults BY VERONICA LEWIN After a handful of sex attacks left Southeast Queens residents in fear, police are confident they have arrested the teen responsible for some of the most violent attacks. Police arrested a 15-year-old in connection with two sexual assaults that took place earlier this month. Elected officials in the area held an emergency meeting Monday night at the Robert Ross Johnson Family Life Center in St. Albans to give the community an update on the investigation and provide self-defense demonstrations. Five sexual assaults in Southeast Queens from Sept. 22 to Oct. 16 had residents in a panic. In many of the attacks, victims were followed from bus stops or train stations before being approached. "The rape pattern was egregious and it hit a lot of us personally," NYPD Bor-

ough Chief James Secreto said. Secreto said the police were able to track down the perpetrator within a week of his last attack with the help of community members. One victim said her attacker was wearing a distinctive jacket with a tiger on the back. A store in the area was able to capture the perpetrator on surveillance wearing the same jacket. The police formally charged the teen Monday after a witness called and reported his location. "I am glad that the community stepped up and identified the alleged perpetrator," Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) said. "We need more people to continue to contact the authorities when they observe criminal activity." The defendant, a 15-year-old Springfield Gardens resident, was charged in two sexual assaults that took place in Laurelton earlier this month. According to the charges, on Oct. 9, the defendant allegedly approached a 40-year-old

woman at 1:18 a.m. and repeatedly punched her in the face. He then allegedly sexually abused her. The charges state the victim attempted to stand, but was beaten down to ground. The woman allegedly suffered several injuries, including a nasal fracture which required surgery, a laceration to her cheek requiring stitches and severe abrasions to both of her knees. On Oct. 16, it is alleged the defendant approached a 24-year-old female from behind around 7:15 p.m. when he grabbed her in a headlock and punched her repeatedly until she became unconscious. The charges state the woman suffered lacerations, bruising and swelling in addition to contusions to her head. Due to his age, the defendant faces up to eight years in prison if convicted. Though an arrest has been made, many are worried about copycat offenders. To increase police presence, a command center has been put in place at

226th Street and South Conduit Avenue and will remain indefinitely. The police remind residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Residents are encouraged to avoid walking alone if possible and to make eye contact if they feel they are being followed. "This perpetrator has been caught, but there are plenty of other degenerates and perverts out there," Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton) said. "We cannot be lulled into a false sense of security." At press time, Sanderes reported another sexual attack in his district. A woman was sexually assaulted at 5 a.m. Wednesday near 226th Street and 135th Avenue in Laurelton. A passing driver stopped to offer assistance, but the perpetrator was able to escape, according to reports. The investigation was ongoing. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.

NAACP Insists DEP Fix SEQ Flood Woes Two months after Tropical Storm Irene drenched the borough, community leaders are calling on the city once again to address the flooding problem Southeast Queens residents have been dealing with for years. The Jamaica Branch of the NAACP held a press conference Tuesday to announce the launch of an environmental justice investigation to find out exactly how much excessive flooding has cost homeowners. The NAACP plans to get an exact number of residents affected by constant flooding and the demographics of affected homeowners to determine if the flooding disproportionately impacts people of color. The organization is investigating if the city’s neglect is in violation of the Equal Protection Clause. “We find these flooding conditions to be deplorable and it is inhumane that the residents of Southeast Queens have had

to endure these conditions for decades,” said Leroy Gadsden, president of the NAACP Jamaica Chapter. “We will no longer sit by and watch the American dream of owning a home become a nightmare in New York City for our people,” Gadsden added. Until 1996, Jamaica Water Supply would pump millions of gallons of water out of the ground daily. When the City Dept. of Environmental Protection took over, the agency started bringing water from upstate, leaving the excess water underground with no place to go. Over the past 15 years, the standing ground water level in Southeast Queens has risen to 30 feet, leaving many homeowners to deal with saturated basements each time there is heavy rainfall. “The City of New York was well aware of the consequences of shutting down the wells,” Gadsden said. Homeowners and businesses in the area have had to pump water out on their

own, which can be costly. Assemblyman Bill Scarborough (D-Jamaica) said York College pumps one million gallons of water daily to prevent flooding. At this time, the DEP plans to address the water table issue in 2018, when the city must shut down and repair the three ground pipes that bring water to the city from upstate New York. An alternative water supply will be needed. Scarborough calls this an issue of environmental justice and has been asking the DEP for years to create a permanent solution for the flooding. “We are hoping they will do the right thing, but we’re not sitting back counting on it,” he said. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.

Photo by Juliet Kaye

BY VERONICA LEWIN

At the Jamaica Branch NAACP office, Assemblyman William Scarborough addresses the wide spread flooding that has inundated Southeast Queens. Pictured l. to r.: Andrea Scarborough, Dist. Leader Jacqueline Boyce, Donovan Richards, Scarborough, NAACP President Leroy Gadsden, Assemblywoman Barbara Clark, Rev. Charles Norris, Adrienne Adams, Carolyn Phillips and Manuel Caughman.

Deal Reached To Free Queens Man In Egypt A Queens native being held in Egypt under allegations of espionage may soon be freed, according to U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Bayside). Thanks to the aid of his former boss, Ilan Grapel, 27, who was detained in Egypt in June under charges of spying for Israel, will soon be released. Ackerman worked to secure his release by personally intervening with the Egyptian Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, the Prime Minister of Israel and the U.S. State Department. "Ilan's release is terrific news," said Ackerman. "We cannot be more relieved and gratified that Ilan will finally be freed and that he will soon be reunited with his family."

As of press time, Ackerman had trav- his Bayside office and the congressman eled to Egypt to pick up Grapel. said he has been in contact with his famGrapel, a Hollis Hills native, was ac- ily in Hollis Hills. cused of being an agent of the "For four long months, we Israeli intelligence agency worked tirelessly to win Ilan's Mossad. The Emory Univerrelease, and at last this long sity Law Student and graduand terrible ordeal that Ilan ate of Johns Hopkins Univerand his loved ones have been sity went to Egypt earlier this forced to endure is almost year on his American passover," Ackerman said. "From port to work with a non-govthe beginning, I was assured by ernmental organization on a the highest levels in Israel that legal aid program dealing in no way did Ilan have anywith the resettlement of Afthing to do with espionage, the rican refugees. Mossad or any other type of spy Grapel, who attended PS Ilan Grapel's release has agency. Ilan is a wonderful 188 in Hollis Hills and is a been negotiated by U.S. young man who loves Egypt graduate of Bronx High Rep. Gary Ackerman. and the Egyptian culture. He's School of Science, interned a person deeply committed to for Ackerman in the summer of 2002 in the cause of humanity and bringing people

together, and just found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time." In the wake of the revolution that overthrew former president Hosni Mubarak earlier this year, Egyptian concern over possible attempts by Israel to influence the country's post-Mubarak transition may have led them to target Grapel, who fought in the Israeli Defense Forces during the Second Lebanon War in 2006, where he was wounded. "This is a great day for Ilan and his family and we share in the joy and relief that they are no doubt feeling" said Ackerman. "We cannot wait for Ilan to return home to Queens so that he and his parents can finally wrap their arms around each other." Reach Editor Brian Rafferty at brafferty@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 122.

Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

BY BRIAN M. RAFFERTY

Court Delays Hurt In Foreclosures

BY VERONICA LEWIN

When Imogene Cole became unable to work two years ago, she worried about making her monthly mortgage payments on her Southeast Queens home. For the past seven months, she has been waiting to appear in court to try to reduce her payments. However, her lender has failed to file the necessary paperwork, leaving the future of Cole's home in jeopardy. A new study conducted by MFY Legal Services, a non-profit law firm, concluded Cole is one of thousands in Queens who are playing the same waiting game. The study, "Justice Deceived," estimated 4,000 homeowners in Queens and Brooklyn are waiting to plead their case in court. Cole purchased her St. Albans home more than 10 years ago, and lives there with her daughter and niece. After an accident in 2009, Cole was unable to continue working and began collecting Social Security. Concerned about making her monthly mortgage payment of more than $2,000, Cole went to the bank to try to reduce her payments. She said each time she went to apply for downward modification, she was told to continue making payments on time until things were resolved in court. Her lender's law firm, Steven J. Baum PC, allegedly stopped accepting payments from Cole before foreclosure papers were filed. This caused her to fall into arrears and accrue more interest and fees. Cole said she has filed a lawsuit against Steven J. Baum PC

challenging their foreclosure filing practices and hopes to have the issue resolved soon. "It's terrible because I don't know where I'm at with everything," Cole said. When a homeowner falls behind on mortgage payments, a complaint is summoned in county court. New York requires both parties to attend a settlement conference, where a downward modification can be negotiated. A settlement conference cannot take place until the foreclosure law firm files a Request for Judicial Intervention. When paperwork is filed properly, homeowners are notified about their legal right to a settlement conference

within 60 days. Cole is still waiting for her settlement conference. A new state law may be to blame for the delay. The State Court of Appeals realized many banks were cutting corners when proving they had the right to seize a home for foreclosure. In October 2010, Court of Appeals Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman ordered attorneys seeking foreclosure actions to file an affirmation with the RJI attesting to the accuracy of every foreclosure complaint and summons. "Homeowners are left in limbo while they wait for the bank's law firm to file the documents that will trigger a settlement

conference, which is their best chance of saving their home," said Attorney Elizabeth Lynch, author of the study. "Instead, the banks reject their mortgage payments and charge additional fees and interest that undercut homeowners' chances for a successful loan modification." Southeast Queens has the highest amount of foreclosures in the borough. MFY Legal Services offers a weekly foreclosure hotline from 2 to 5 p.m. For more information, contact (212) 417-3777. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123.

Reversing Fortunes For Parolees BY JASON BANREY Serving a 25 year sentence for second degree murder, Alvin Entzminger sat in his jail cell, uncertain of where his life was headed. With nothing but time on his hands, he pondered a future for himself on the outside. Entzminger had only one problem – how was he ever going to successfully reintegrate himself into society after being away for nearly three decades. After finding a pamphlet about the Fortune Society, a Queens-based criminal justice advocacy group, Entzminger was able to build a lasting relationship which

has proved to be fruitful. The Fortune Society supports the re-entry of individuals released from prison by promoting alternatives to incarceration in an effort to strengthen the fabric of communities. As Entzminger was up to be considered for parole, the organization sent a letter of reasonable insurance to his parole board stating he would be provided with the proper remediation necessary for him to assimilate into society. Convinced releasing him early would be beneficial to both society and Entzminger, the parole board made its decision, ending a 25-year sentence two years early. After being released, Entzminger be-

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Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2011

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THE YORK COLLEGE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 94-45 Guy Brewer Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11451

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S P E C I A L P R E S E N TAT I O N S E R I E S

Y O R K

gan working for the nonprofit organization and is currently teaching high school level math at LaGuardia Community College’s Adult Learning Center. Today, he is proud to say he has paid taxes for the first time in 25 years while producing people with high school diplomas who will eventually go on to get college degrees. “There was no guarantee I would ever get out but since I found Fortune, I’ve learned there is a formula to being a productive citizen,” Entzminger said. Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.

Four SEQ Post Offices Remain On Close List PRESS Photo by Veronica Lewin

communication business online and with smartphones. Though one post office in Queens was “We ended the third quarter of the spared the cutback axe, four more loca- fiscal year with a net loss of $3.1 billion,” tions in Southeast Queens face possible Chirichello said. “The Postal Service reclosure by the United State Postal Service, ceives no tax dollars for operating exas the federal agency figures out how to penses and relies on the sale of postage, stay fiscally afloat. products and services to fund its operaIn August, the USPS put out a list of tions.” 3,700 post offices nationTotal mail volume dewide they were considerclined by 2.6 percent, droping closing. In Queens, “Part of the process ping to 39.8 billion pieces Arverne, Holliswood, compared to the same time Rockaway Beach and is that customers last year, which was 40.9 Rosedale are still listed and who are not able to billion. are currently being re- be at the public Although Grand Staviewed under a USPS feation Post Office in Astoria sibility study. An Astoria meeting can still was also slated to be closed location was taken off the have their voice in August, the USPS anlist last week. nounced it would keep the heard through the Under the study, the location open after U.S. USPS analyses each post completion of quesRep. Carolyn Maloney (Doffices needs, customer ac- tionnaires” Astoria), State Sen. cess to postal products and Gianaris (D—Connie Michael services, retail revenue and Astoria) and AssemblyChirichello, woman Aravella Simotas community input. “We look at this data USPS spokesperson (D-Astoria) sent a letter to and the overall impact to Postmaster General Patrick customers and the comDonahoe expressing their munity, employees, the environment and discontent with the possible closure which actual cost savings before any decision is they believed “would severely burden resimade,” said Connie Chirichello, spokes- dents living in the area.” Over 1,000 resiperson for the USPS. dents signed petitions delivered along with The USPS has been faced with a “dire the letter and rallied around the Astoria financial situation,” trying to remain com- post office against its closure. The news came as a great relief to petitive as more customers conduct their BY JASON BANREY

The Rosedale station post office in Jamaica is one of four in Southeast Queens at risk for closure. seniors, people with disabilities as well as working men and women who rely on Grand Station for essential services. Although the four Southeast Queens locations are still listed to be closed, Chirichello emphasized there will be a public meeting to where members of the community can voice their opinions about the situation. While no date has been set local residents still have an opportunity to give input.

“Part of the process is that customers who are not able to be at the public meeting can still have their voice heard through the completion of questionnaires –upon request- at the Station under study,” she added. “That’s the beauty of this feasibility study. It’s based on a case by case review.” Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.

Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

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 Executive Editor:

Brian Rafferty Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Editorial Welcome To Queens The latest Census numbers only go to prove that which we who live here have known for years – the population of Queens is shifting. This is nothing new, otherwise we would all be Dutch and English. No, this comes as no surprise to us that Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Christians and atheists all live, work and raise families side-byside in our borough. Though our borough was branded in the 1970s – and rightfully so at the time – by the presence of Archie Bunker on television, we like to think that we have, for the most part, moved beyond labeling everybody we see as one particular offensive slang name for some nationality or another. Instead, we live in a borough that does not ignore a person’s ethnicity, religion or any other defining characteristic, but rather we embrace the differences, learn from them and find ourselves enriched, rewarded and better for the process. So we welcome our brothers and sisters from across the world; Queens is our home, and it’s your home, too. It belongs to all of us, just as our parents, grandparents of earlier generations arrived here on their own, so, too, do today’s newest members of the Queens family. We’re glad to meet you.

Regina Vogel

Letters

Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

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

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

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2011

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

On Wall Street To The Editor: The vast and ever growing disparity between the wealthy, uber wealthy, super uber wealthy, super duper uber wealthy and the ever shrinking middle class has exposed a base point of values in some Americans; a view as distorted and shameful as the wealth inequality itself. In the Oct. 20 edition of the

Tribune, the last three Letters to the Editor revealed various takes on this very subject as it relates to the “Occupiers of Wall Street.” The first is basically a ‘Survival of the Fittest’ humanistic, heart-warming approach (sarcasm). It simplistically heralds the popular Right Wing mantra, “Redistribution of Wealth” suggesting those unemployed and thus financially hurting are

Letters merely lazy and the wealthy who are responsible for all those invisible jobs created as a result of their unconscionable tax cuts, are the worthy Americans; this despite the downright immoral if not illegal method used to buy politicians and also loophole their fortune into even larger numbers. It’s called greed. The second letter is an ode to capitalism and how those “Occupiers of Wall Street” demanding fairness would destroy it and once again, inhibit the creation of those same invisible jobs. To lump Bill Gates in the same sentence as Donald Trump is an insult to Gates. He is a liberal thinker as was his father, and was fully in favor of the Tax Initiative 1098 which would have raised the taxes on those over $200,000, which failed passage due to the Republican ingratiation of their wealthy and corporate benefactors. Money was not his incentive but rather bringing his brilliant innovations into every household. Trump, in short, is nothing more than an unscrupulous, opportunistic greedy pig devoid of any moral values. Finally, the third and last letter was worth waiting for. It is insightful and recognizes the movement for what it is: a cry to return some semblance and resemblance to the America which

was once the symbol of fairness and equality throughout the world. As the letter read, “They’re fed up with the greed and being the brunt of the top 1 percent who control 40 percent of the wealth who are not paying their fair share, and leaving the 99 percent with the crumbs.” Hear, Hear ! Point in fact: Adam Smith (1723 – 1790), who has been celebrated by advocates of free market policies as the founder of free market economics as well as Capitalism’s founding Father. Notwithstanding, some of his progressive tax advocacy quotes quite accurately presage those voiced by our own President Ronald Reagan, such as: “The subjects of every state ought to contribute towards the support of the government, as nearly as possible, in proportion to their respective abilities; that is, in proportion to the revenue which they respectively enjoy under the protection of the state.” “The rich should contribute to the public expense, not only in proportion to their revenue, but something more than in that proportion.” “Every tax, however, is, to the person who pays it, a badge, not of slavery, but of liberty.” Nicholas Zizelis Bayside

Obama To The Rescue On Student Loan A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE

There is no doubt about it; student loans have been the bane of most college graduates' existence since the advent of the doggone thing. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle know only too well the pain of that debt, and now he is proposing relief for those college graduates currently in its grip. The president, in a speech earlier this week, announced a proposal that the he says "will make it easier to manage student loan debt." It is definitely an idea whose time has come as the current economy has not exactly been conducive to loan repayment. A U.S. Dept. of Education report has put the cumulative student loan debt nationwide at $610 billion; it's almost the cost of a modest war! After revealing he and his wife had graduated from two Ivy League universities, respectively (Columbia and Harvard for him and Princeton and Harvard for her), they had a six-figure student loan bill between them.

Fortunately, the Obamas in their day as young Harvard-educated lawyers were able to find jobs and start repaying their loans over many years. But the job market is so depressed today that most graduates and their parents can't make a meaningful dent in these bills. The president feels the people's pain and wants to offer relief. He is proposing that borrowers can cap their student loan payments at 10 percent of their discretionary income. This cap would move an already approved 10 percent cap forward from 2014 to January 2012. Right now, monthly payments are capped at 15 percent. Debt consolidation is also on the table. Borrowers, ostensibly, "can combine many loans into one loan, thereby lowering the interest rate on the overall as about 6 million borrowers have multiple government loans that require separate monthly payments." Student loans are usually broken up between Direct Loans and Federal Family Education Loans; for example a borrower can take out a $4,500 Stafford Loan and a $5,500 Direct

Stafford Loan. If approved, the president's plan would allow borrowers with different types of federal loans the opportunity to consolidate all the loans into one payment per month. Well, it's convenient if nothing else. Some are calling this "debt forgiveness," but total forgiveness would probably bankrupt the country; so in a nutshell, the president's plan provides for some borrowers to cap their monthly loan repayments at 10 percent of their discretionary income as early as next year. According to the Christian Science Monitor, the plan would go something like this: a nurse earning $45,000 a year with $60,000 in federal student loans, under the current income-based repayment plan, would pay $358 a month; under the new plan announced by Obama, payments would be reduced to $239. Borrowers should be aware that the length of their payment period may increase if they opt for the lower monthly payment. All this is great news, but it still has to pass the smell test in Congress and that is where the rubber hits the road - or the excrement hits the fan.

It sounds like a plan, if not a good plan. I still haven't fully digested it, but it is of keen interest as I have a kid going off to college next year. We have been encouraging hard work to earn scholarships, so we'll see what happens with that, but I am a big proponent of public higher education; that is how I was able to afford my degrees. But even public higher education costs are climbing steadily as public funding has been evaporating. However, it is still the best buy in higher education. I applaud the president for trying to help students and their families to afford this basic necessity out of poverty. At the moment, most college graduates out of school a year or two are still looking for meaningful employment with those hard-earned degrees. Some have given up and gone back for a master's degree to kill time and to make themselves more marketable. That is a good way to deal with the frustration. It makes a lot of sense to use the time in this manner. Unfortunately, it is additional loans without a job in sight to repay them. I hope the president gets his way on this.

Palindrome Of Year 2011: Dammit I’m Mad By MICHAEL SCHENKLER “Gra ndma” is leav ing for Florida this week. We had a great dinner yesterday and then saw Spiderman. Last week, Allison sang to her 3rd grade class and continues to get more and more into teaching. Today, Lee and Anna celebrate her 28th birthday at the theater (Happy Birthday Anna). Work continues, dining continues and play continues. Life continues. Occupy Wall St. also continues.

Although our lives go on, we are still connected to the quiet rumbling protest which is spreading from Zuccotti Park in Manhattan to the major metropolitan centers across the globe. Embrace it. It speaks for all of us. We, the 99%, have too little

control over our own financial destiny. The big moneyed interests and the government whose financial policy they control have with selective regulation and deregulation, oversight (supervision), and oversight (omission), prosecution and persecution, bail-outs and sellouts, managed to construct an economic system where the rich get richer and the rest of us don’t. The catchy name in the 99% movement refers to all of us who are not par t of t he moneyed class. Yes, it’s a big and diverse tent. And if the 1% can play on t he difference s, unity will be impossible. If the radical fringe cap-

tures the media’s message, they too will divide and defeat the movement. But under the big tent, there is true discontent: dissatisfaction with a government that continues to fail us, with a system which doesn’t serve us and an economy which is slowly choking us with no remedy in sight. My request to you is to give them a chance. Heed the message of the movement. Find t heir positives; accept the reality that protests also attract negatives. But embrace the cause. Defend it to your neighbors. Shout it to the elected, and please spread the word. Me, I’ve been part of the system for years. I’ve witnessed justice and injustice. I’ve gone along

The “Occupy Wall St” movement even has a newspaper and I’ve also protested. But my friends, when I hear the right wing bullshit about how a millionaire’s tax will cost us jobs or cries from the rich that we want what is theirs, I get angry. You’re damn straight, the rich better start paying their fair share. The government better fund more jobs, and regulate the financial shenanigans of Wall St. and a banking industry run amok. They better find a way to decrease the influence of money in national elections; they bet ter disclose e ver y cent of money received by public servants and ever y cent spent. They better tie loans and bailouts to money which must trickle down (thank you Ronald Reagan) to the working class. If a bank gets public money, their bonuses are capped and their loan a nd mor tgage pool monitored; failure to fund the nation’s needs would cause default on the federal loan. But my friends, we were not and are not making the rules. It has been a government corrupted by big moneyed interests that has had the task of guiding our economy and regulating the financial industry.

And all we can do is determine which electeds are committed to reforming the system, leveling the playing field and making the rich pay their fair share. We can join “Occupy Wall St.” a nd “Occupy Toget her” on Facebook, share the messages of the occupy movement and share our own feelings. We can speak out. We can write columns. We can speak to friends and neighbors. We can spread the word. And as we cheer on the “Occupy” movement, we can also open our windows and shout: “We’re mad as hell and we’re not going to take it anymore.” MSchenkler@QueensPress.com

Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

In Transition:

New Census Numbers Show Shifts As Faces In Neighborhoods Change PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

BY DOMENICK RAFTER While most are skeptical of the Census results that say Queens' growth in the last decade was negligible, nearly all agree that the borough's expansion was far less than the 14 percent growth between 1990 and 2000. Besides the reported issues with Astoria and Jackson Heights counting, demographers and city officials are confident the count in the rest of the borough is close to correct.

A Changing Population If the borough were a standalone city, Queens, with 2,230,722 counted residents, would be the fifth largest city in the country, larger than Houston, Philadelphia and nearly four times the size of San Francisco. The borough's scant growth in the last decade can be traced to a negative net migration from Queens in the last 10 years, according to new numbers from the U.S. Census bureau released this week. The net domestic migration, from or to Queens to other parts of the country, added up to a loss of 300,000 people, many of whom were African-Americans who left Southeast Queens for areas in the South like Georgia and Virginia. That is far more than the roughly net gain of 220,000 the borough received from migration to and from the borough internationally. Queens also saw more births than deaths during the last decade, adding a total of just under 150,000 people due to "natural increase," resulting in the small increase that was recorded.

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2011

The Immigrants Queens has been the borough of immigrants for decades, and even though the number of immigrants coming to Queens dropped in the last 10 years, the borough is still the diverse melting pot it was - if not more so. Some 1,066,262 residents in the borough are foreign born. That's just less than 48 percent of the total population, slightly higher than 10 years ago. Immigrants make up more than 58 percent of the borough's workforce, and comprise the vast majority of the workers in the fields of construction, transportation, manufacturing and accommodations, food and other services, which includes hotel workers, waiters, and chefs. The highest immigrant population growth occurred in Northern Queens neighborhoods including Flushing, Corona, East Elmhurst and Elmhurst, all home to large numbers of people in the borough's second and third largest, and fasting growing, demographics, Hispanics and Asians.

Diverse Nationalities Among those two groups, there is no dominating nationality, which is differ-

A line forms outside Maharaja Sweets on 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights at lunchtime as the growing South Asian immigrant population prepares for a Diwali lunch on Wednesday. ent from other boroughs, where even though both Hispanic and Asian populations are growing, there is a dominant group, such as Puerto Ricans in the Bronx and Chinese in Brooklyn. Hispanics in Queens are almost evenly split between Puerto Ricans, Ecuadoreans, Colombians, Dominicans and Mexicans. The growth has been primarily from Mexicans, which saw their populations in Queens increase 73 percent in the past 10 years. The Ecuadorean population increased 19.3 percent, while the Colombian population fell 15.8 percent, the first time the two demographics have diverged. "In the past, we've seen the Ecuadorean population changes act like the Colombians," said Joseph Salvo, Director of Population for the NYC Dept. of City Planning. "This is the first time we've seen this difference." The Puerto Rican population in the borough also dropped more than 7 percent, while the Dominican population was basically unchanged. As for the Asian populations, the biggest growth has been among the Chinese, which grew by 42.7 percent since 2000. All other major Asian groups also grew: Asian Indian by 7.7 percent, Koreans by 3.2 percent, Filipinos, which is a small number at less than 50,000 people, by 25 percent. The Chinese population is by far the largest group of Asians in the borough, but unlike Manhattan and Brooklyn, it is not the majority. Just under four in 10 Asians in Queens are Chinese; 23 percent are from India, followed by Koreans, Filipinos and Bangladeshis.

Neighborhoods In Transition Around the borough, most neighborhoods saw significant changes in the last decade. Besides the questionable results in Astoria and Jackson Heights, the neighborhoods with the biggest drop in population were Queens Village and Cambria Heights, due to black migration. "Southeast Queens is shedding its black population," Salvo said, noting black migration to the South, which is occurring in other Northern cities like Detroit, Philadelphia and Chicago, as a major rea-

son. That migration has only been exacerbated by the foreclosure problem in that part of the borough. The black population in East Elmhurst, once one of the borough's largest, has nearly disappeared. The neighborhood has seen a net growth however as the declining black population is being replaced by Central and South American immigrants. The fastest growing neighborhoods in the borough were Corona and Arverne in the Rockaways, both for very different reasons. Corona's population growth is mainly due to the growing number of Mexican immigrants replacing Dominicans who are leaving; the high birth rate among the Mexicans; and a growing Asian population. Arverne, on the other hand, has seen a growth of migrants moving from within the borough and the city, thanks largely to the Arverne-by-the-Sea development. The white population, dwindling in the borough for decades, saw an uptick in neighborhoods like Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside and Ridgewood, as young white professionals began spreading east from Manhattan and Northern Brooklyn into Queens. Long Island City's growth has been almost exclusively among young white professionals and a few Asian immigrants, as the black and Hispanic population there has dropped, mainly from Queensbridge. Ridgewood also saw a growth in the white population thanks to Polish families moving east from Greenpoint. The white population also grew in two other parts of the borough. One of those neighborhoods is Kew Gardens Hills, due to the growing Jewish population from the former Soviet Union early in the decade, which Salvo noted has slowed considerably from 10-20 years ago. The Rockaways saw a small growth in the white population, mainly due to a growing Jewish population in Far Rockaway moving in from the Five Towns area of Nassau County and whites from elsewhere in the borough moving to Arverne. The Rockaway Peninsula is the only area to see a growth in nearly every demographic. It is one of the only areas, along with Rosedale and Richmond Hill to a lesser extent, to see a growth in the black population. Most of that growth was

due to black families moving in from Jamaica, South Jamaica and St. Albans. In the first two areas, there was actually an increase in population despite the black outmigration due to a rise in Hispanic and West Indians moving into Jamaica. Meanwhile, the stagnant migration from the former Soviet Union helped keep the population in Forest Hills, Kew Gardens and Rego Park in check. The area is losing population due to "natural decrease," Salvo said, meaning as the population there ages, more residents are dying than being born or migrating in. The growth in the Asian Indian population was focused in Richmond Hill and South Ozone Park, where one of the largest Sikh communities in the country exists, and in Bellerose, Queens Village, Hollis and Jamaica Estates. In Northeast and Southwest Queens, there was little population change, but a big change in demographics. In the ring of neighborhoods surrounding Flushing College Point, Whitestone, Bayside, Auburndale, Fresh Meadows, Douglaston, Little Neck and Hillcrest - the white population declined, but the neighborhoods saw either no change or moderate growth thanks to a rising Asian population, especially among Chinese and Koreans, and in College Point specifically, a rise in Hispanic residents. In Southwest Queens, declining white populations in Woodhaven, Ozone Park and South Ozone Park have been replaced by a growing West Indian group, namely Guyanese and Trinidadian immigrants. In Richmond Hill, a number of residents, mostly from the West Indian and South Asian community, identified as "multicultural," because they didn't fit a specific demographic group on the Census form. Some identified as black or Asian, skewing the numbers there. Howard Beach saw a drop in total population due to a small loss in its white population, which accounts for 90 percent of the neighborhood. Those losses were not made up elsewhere, though there was some small Hispanic growth in Lindenwood. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.

Queens Immigrants' Top 10 Countries Of Origin 1 China ................................... 140,294 2 Guyana ................................ 78,852 3 Ecuador ............................... 75,826 4 Mexico ................................. 52,681 5 Dominican Republic ......... 51,197 6 India ..................................... 51,060 7 Colombia ............................. 50,392 8 Korea ................................... 49,980 9 Jamaica ................................ 45,218 10 Bangladesh ....................... 34,819

Police Blotter Compiled By DOMENICK RAFTER

102nd Precinct Stabbed To Death On Sunday, Oct. 23, at approximately 9:37 p.m., police responded to a 911 call of an elderly woman in need of assistance inside of 88-05 91st Ave. in Woodhaven. Upon arrival, police gained entry inside the first floor apartment and observed Yasmeer Rabbari, 54, unconscious and unresponsive, with puncture wounds to her neck. EMS responded and pronounced her dead at the scene. The investigation was ongoing. The woman’s identity was withheld pending family notification.

brand logo on the front and blue jeans. Anyone with information in regards to 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 enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

106th Precinct Missing Man

108th Precinct Found In Tub

On Wednesday, Oct. 19, police responded to a report of an unconscious man inside 52-40 39th Drive in Woodside. Upon arrival, police observed Wayne Graves, 62, inside of the bathtub in his bathroom with trauma to his head. EMS also responded and pronounced the male dead at the scene. Police are looking for a suspect in connection with his Police are trying to death; a black man, 30-40 years locate P e d r o old, 5-foot-9 to 6-feet tall, with a medium build. Rodriguez.

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in locating a missing South Richmond Hill man. Pedro Rodriguez, 86, was last Groper Sought seen leaving his home at 105-16 The NYPD is seeking the public’s as- 134th St. in South Richmond Hill sistance in locating and identifying a man on Saturday, Oct. 22, at approximately 12:30 a.m. He is wanted for forcible touching in described as a 5-foot-5, 160 lbs., Ridgewood. last seen wearing a white t-shirt, On Thursday, Oct. 19, at apand blue pants. He is in poor proximately 8 a.m. at the Seneca health. Ave. “M” line subway station in Anyone with information in Ridgewood, a man grabbed a 22regards to his location is asked year-old woman’s breast and prito call Crime Stoppers at (800)vate area and then fled the sta577-TIPS (8477). The public tion to the street level. can also submit their tips by logThe suspect, a Hispanic man, ging onto the Crime Stoppers between 25 and 30 years old, 5site at foot-5, was last seen wearing a Police are looking Web nypdcrimestoppers.com or by hooded sweatshirt with the ECKO for this man.

104th Precinct

texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

114th Precinct Robbery To Go The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect wanted in connection with a strong arm robbery in Astoria. On Friday, Aug. 26, at approximately 10 p.m., the man approached a victim, a 21year-old Asian man, who had just made a food delivery in front of 9-20 Main Ave. in Astoria, and threatened him with physical

injury with a raised fist. The suspect then went through the victim’s pants pockets and removed $120 and fled on a bicycle. The suspect is described as black man, approximately 16-19 years old, medium build, wearing a black tee shirt and camouflage shorts. Anyone with information in regards to 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 enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

Killed On GCP On Monday, Oct. 24, at approximately 6:30 a.m., police responded to a 911 call of a pedestrian struck at Grand Central Parkway and 31st Street in Astoria. When officers arrived at the location, they determined that a man was attempting to cross the Grand Central Parkway when he was struck by a vehicle. EMS responded and transported the man to Elmhurst Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver of the vehicle, a black woman, had no injuries but was transported to Astoria General Hospital for observation. The vehicle remained on the scene. There appeared to be no criminality. The man’s identity was withheld pending family notification.

Knowing the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning could save a life.

Take action. Install one or more ANSI/ULapproved carbon monoxide detectors in your home — preferably near bedrooms. Be sure to have your chimney or heating flues checked annually before each heating season. And pay close attention if you’ve had major renovations recently. ©2011 National Grid

Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include: persistent headaches nausea dizziness blurred vision confusion rapid heartbeat

If you suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, please go outside and call 911 immediately.

Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Carbon monoxide. It’s colorless. Odorless. And deadly. It affects thousands of households each year. How? It forms and accumulates when a heating system lacks proper ventilation, chimneys are clogged with debris, or when fuel-burning appliances aren’t properly installed or maintained. That’s why it’s important to recognize symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure.

pix

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

Greater Jamaica Harvest Festival

Photos by Walter Karling

On Saturday, Oct. 15, The Greater Jamaica Development Corp. held its 10th Annual Harvest Festival in front of the Jamaica Farmers Market on 160th Street in Downtown Jamaica.

Hats off to Curly Hall of the Federation of Black Cowboys.

Enjoying the family fun: Beaming Christian Nembhard, 9, and mom Diane Jones.

"Those Who Cannot Be Fooled."

What's a festival without face-painting? Butterflyed Gladis Gamarro, 5.

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2011

Hot Country Western licks by the rockin' Savannah Sky band, under the watchful eye of vocalist Nina Gordon.

Firemen Chili Cook-off judges Detective Rick Lowe (l. to r.), 103rd Precinct Deputy Inspector Charles McEvoy, Patricia McEvoy, Ben Claussell and Nancy Smith sample entries' submissions. This year's winner: "The Sleepless Knights" of Engine Company 317, Ladder Company 165, Battalion 54.

Borough Beat

New Leader, New Plan For LGBT Center BY DOMENICK RAFTER

Queens' largest LGBT community center is under new leadership and planning for a busy future, just more than a year after state budget cuts threatened its vital funding. Queens Pride House, the Jackson Heights-based LGBT community center, is on solid financial footing, said the center's new Executive Director Silvia Dutchevici, and is looking to increase its fundraising in order to add more programs to their already busy schedule. Dutchevici, who has a focus on social justice not only with LGBT rights, but also women and immigrant rights, has been at the helm of the Queens Pride House for less than a month. Her focus in those short few weeks has been the financial situation at the non-profit, which she described as "in a stable place." "I really do feel this is an opportunity for the center to create a community and offer different types of services," she said. One of her top priorities is to reach out to the far ends of the borough, beyond Jackson Heights and Astoria where the center is already well known. In keeping with that, the center conducted a Youth Empowerment Conference at York

College, educating students about STDs and HIV. The conference featured skits to reach out to students and educate them about the threat of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. "We plan to do more of that, also maybe pair up with high schools and go out and talk to people," Dutchevici said. "And I do think that's one of the opportunities for people who are in Far

Rockaway, for example, to hear about us or people in Jamaica, as opposed to just Jackson Heights." Within the center itself, Dutchevici said she would like to see the center expand on the services it offers and focus on the entire community, not only the LGBT community. She would like to see the center offer ESL classes or GED programs. To help

finance this, the center is planning a fundraiser in December, the details of which are still being worked out. In the meantime, Queens Pride House is planning a town hall meeting at its office at 76-11 37th Ave. on Monday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. All are welcome. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.

Dozens Nabbed In LeFrak Drug Sweep BY DOMENICK RAFTER Near four dozen people ranging from ages 17 through 63 were arrested and indicted on a laundry list of drug and weapons-related charges, the result of a seven-month long investigation into a drug dealing ring at LeFrak City. The defendants are charged with selling crack, cocaine, marijuana, heroin and other controlled substances to undercover police officers on hundreds of different occasions over seven months in LeFrak City, including from a licensed day care center. LeFrak City is the nation's largest privately-owned housing development, bisected by the Long Island Expressway straddling the border between Rego Park and Corona.

"When they used a day care center from which to sell drugs, dealers set a new record for how low they can go," said NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly. The NYPD executed 13 court-ordered search warrants in LeFrak City on Wednesday, Oct. 19, including one in an apartment at 96-08 57th Ave., where one officer was injured when a pit bull allegedly released by the apartment's occupants bit him in the knee. In the apartment, police arrested Eugene Griffith, 62; his wife Joanne, 62; his son Omar, 30; and a fourth suspect, Rickette Smith, 23. They were taken in on multiple charges, including second-degree assault and second-degree possession of a criminal weapon. Police allegedly recovered over 250 zip-lock bags

of marijuana in the apartment, as well as a .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Police also served a nuisance abatement order on the day care center, the Burke-Arthur Day Care Center located at 98-38 57th Ave., Apt. 2K, as well as the apartment where the Griffiths were arrested and three other apartments in the complex. The nuisance abatement order allows a landlord to evict tenants who commit felonies or serious misdemeanors on their property. Some of the suspects could face as much as 50 years in prison if convicted on all charges. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.

Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Profile

She’s Made A Difference In Laurelton BY VERONICA LEWIN One Laurelton resident said she was born to help others, and has spent her entire life trying to make a difference in Southeast Queens. Dorothy Fentress, who runs a soup kitchen, was born in South Carolina and raised in New York City. She and her family moved to Laurelton when she was 8 years old, and she has lived there ever since. Fentress grew up in a home with a strong Christian background and was active in the church at a young age. Her mother, who was a missionary, helped her get involved in church activities, such as being a Sunday school teacher and serving as a junior usher. Fentress was unable to see at the time that she had a calling for helping others. It was 20 years ago that Fentress joined the Outreach Ministry at Bethesda Missionary Baptist church under the leadership of the Rev. Charles Norris, Sr. She began to work with the sick and shut-in members of the congregation. It was then she realized she had a penchant for assisting those in need. “It was what I was born into,” Fentress said.

which keep her occupied. “If you’re not busy, you can dry up and fade away,” Fentress said. Fentress enrolled in the Bethel Bible Institute for two years, majoring in Evangelism. She was ordained in 1995 and joined the Samaritans Outreach Ministry, an organization of ministers from several churches and denominations throughout the city. Fentress was elected the pastor of the church and strived to help the poor, elderly and the needy. This woman, who has dedicated her life and time to the church, met her future husband when she was just 16. She and Herbert dated for two years before getting married in SepHerbert and Dorothy Fentress (c.) celebrate with tember 1954. The couple has two their family at their vow renewal ceremony in daughters, Donna and Dawn. September. Fentress said her marriage has been blissful for more than half a century. Three years ago, Fentress underwent After high school, Fentress worked as a business representative for the New open heart surgery and was not supposed York Telephone Company, where she to exert herself. She said her husband worked for 16 years. She later retired from began bringing her breakfast up the stairs the City of New York in November 2000. every morning, a ritual that does not seem Since then, she has dedicated most of to have an end in sight. The two take a her time to community outreach projects vacation every year if possible, stopping

by Aruba whenever they can. Fentress and her husband renewed their vows last month after 57 years of marriage. She said it was a perfect day with her family. Fentress’ dedication to help others has not gone unnoticed. She has received several awards for her service, including community service awards from Councilman James Sanders (DLaurelton) and the Samaritans Outreach Ministries. She received a certificate of appreciation from the American Cancer Society in 2005. For the past several years, Fentress has been operating a weekly soup kitchen. Each week, a free home cooked meal is served to members of the community. Fentress prepares all of the meals with the help of her sister and staff. On Nov. 22 Fentress’ soup kitchen is hosting a Thanksgiving party that is open to the public. The event will be held at the United Baptist Church of Truth, located at 22201 Merrick Blvd., from noon to 3 p.m. For more information, contact (718) 525-6415. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2011

People Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder attended the opening of a new, free adult literacy program that will serve the Rockaway Peninsula. The Literacy Zone, a comprehensive education and training program sponsored by Queens Library, is now available at the Far Rockaway, Teen Library, Arverne and Peninsula branch locations. According to Queens Library, the Literacy Zone’s primary mission will focus on adult education at every level, whether helping someone to read or read English for the first time, or obtain greater computer skills to better prepare for a job. The Literacy Zone will hold classes in reading, writing, computer skills, GED test preparation and English conversation. “One of the keys to lifting our economy out of this economic rut is job

training,” Goldfeder said. “The new Literacy Zone is an exciting program that will help many Queens residents gain a better education and prepare them for a better job.” The Literacy Zone will also feature special workshops on job readiness, financial literacy and health-related topics, and is funded by a grant from the New York State Department of Education. For more information about programs and services offered by Queens Library, visit the Queens Library web site at queenslibrary.org or call (718) 990-0700. Air Force Reserve Airman Eric C. Tullock graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. He is the son of Linda Tullock of Rosedale.

Queens Village cook The new Queens Library Literacy Zone will provide education Thea Pappalardo’s Rainand training to adults in the Rockaway Peninsula. bow Cookies have been

awarded a blue ribbon at Just A Pinch Recipe Club, the new online social community created for and by cooks in hometown America at justapinch.com. Pappalardo’s Rainbow Cookies was named a blue ribbon winner by Just A Pinch Food Editor Janet Tharpe. To land the award, Pappalardo served up a fullflavored, festive dish that was both tasty and easy to prepare. “A good friend gave me this recipe and I make these every Christmas, shares Pappalardo. “Everyone loves them and says they are better than those from the bakery.” Pappalardo’s Rainbow Cookie recipe, along with thousands of others, can be viewed, printed and share at no charge through Just A Pinch. Pappalardo is one of several area residents participating in the club, known as “America’s Great Recipe Swap”. Members can post their own “family tested and approved” recipes,

Spruced Up: More than 7,000 volunteers fanned out across the city to revitalize 111 public schools as part of the 20th Annual New York Cares Day on Saturday, Oct. 15. Volunteers painted colorful murals inside and outside the schools, repaired fences, reorganized libraries, planted flowers, and fixed-up playgrounds. This year, volunteers spruced up 14 schools in Queens. Pictured: painting musical symbols in a classroom at MS 283.

try recipes submitted by other club members, print hundreds of grocery coupons and enter recipe contests. They also have the opportunity to utilize a personal online recipe box to save recipes, compile grocery lists and plan meals. In addition, members can create and join discussion groups, to chat about recipes, share cooking tips and build relationships as if they are sitting around one big kitchen table. “We continually add new features to the club based on the feedback of our members,” says Just A Pinch Food Editor Janet Tharpe. “It’s because of people like Thea Pappalardo, who is proud to share her family’s favorite recipes with other hometown cooks, that the club has become so popular and is growing so fast.” Founded in 2010, Just A Pinch Recipe Club offers free memberships and premium perks. Join us in the kitchen at justapinch.com.

A&E

Boro Director Makes Room For Family BY MONICA GANESH

One of Gwyneth Reitz’s first performances after graduating from the University of California in 1996 was playing the Wicked Witch in a production of “The Wizard of Oz.” On opening night, she tripped on uneven steps in front of a sold out audience, fell into a bucket of water that was supposed to melt her in a later scene, and then rolled into the prop house. She stood up, a wet mess with a shoe in hand, and took a bow. She received applause from the audience before completing the play.

The Jackson Heights resident, whose hobbies include traveling, bike riding and watching action movies, is currently a director, actor and teaching artist. Her most recent project is directing “The Family Room,” an off-Broadway play written by Emmy Award nominee Aron Eli Coleite of NBC’S “Heroes.” “The Family Room” just finished a run at the ARC Light Theater. Reitz was born in Sri Lanka and lived there for two years with her parents, an international human rights lawyer and a classroom teacher, until they moved to California. Growing up, she found herself cap-

Restaurant Review

Dig In At Baby Ray’s BABY RAY’S 13-46 127th St., College Point (917) 563-5352 CUISINE: Steak and Seafood HOURS: Noon to 10 pm Tue-Thu; noon to 11 pm, Fri & Sat CREDIT CARDS: All major PARKING: Valet on weekends

A scene from Gwyneth Reitz’s “The Family Room.” Since “The Family Room” premiered in 2004, Coleite has made some changes that Reitz believes has improved the play. “It’s different than a normal day job,” Reitz said about being a director and actor. “You have different kinds of conversations every day. Suddenly you’re doing research on a whole era.” In preparation for “The Family Room,” Reitz did research on the psychological problems mentioned in the play. “It’s helpful to collect as much information as you can about the time period [and] what people wore,” she said. It is important to “do as much research as you can about the world of the play.” Before the first rehearsal of each production, Reitz has the actors list 10 things they know about their character and 10 things they suspect about their character, because she believes the exercise is a great conversation starter and “it gives me a good idea of if they’re headed in the wrong direction.” “The thing I enjoy most is being in the rehearsal room,” Reitz said, explaining that it is a mental and creative challenge. Reitz said she feels a sense of community when working with her co-workers. “It’s both a beautiful and sad thing that at the end the little community disperses.” Reach Intern Monica Ganesh at interns@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 124.

Artists Make A Splash In Rockaway Exhibit

InkSplash, a statewide exhibition of New York print artists, will be on view through Sunday, Nov. 6, in Studio 6 gallery in Fort Tilden in the Rockaways. The Rockaway Artists Alliance will sponsor the exhibition. Admission is free. According to curator and artist Christian Legars, “InkSplash presents the tradition of printmaking in a changing time.” InkSplash brings together a vibrant variety of artists working in styles, materials and techniques – some centuries old, some born of the 21st century. The result is a show that brings to life the art of producing an image through etching, carving, engraving and print. Dedicated to creativity and infused with the energy of the visual, literary and performing arts, the Rockaway Artists

Alliance extends an invitation to come and be immersed in the arts. Whether discovering this vibrant artists group for the first time or coming back to be intrigued by a changing array of exhibitions, the door is open to a unique encounter. Gallery hours are Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and by appointment. Gallery admission and parking are free. For further information call (718) 474-0861, e-mail info@raa116.org or visit rockawayartistsalliance.org. RAA works in partnership with the National Park Service at Gateway National Recreation Area and is in part supported by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs. For more events, dates and times, visit rockawayartistsalliance.org or catch up with RAA on Facebook.

Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

In a short amount of time, Baby Ray’s has begun to make a mark on College Point. In an effort to fill a niche in a neighborhood saturated by delicatessens and pizzerias, Baby Ray’s is definitely the beginning of a rebirth in College Point’s culinary scene. On Friday and Saturday evenings, Baby Ray’s already boasts the need for early reservations. This fact alone, in my book, gives rival area restaurants a run for their money, in a race to become this year’s local top spot for a fine fix of surf and turf. Straight out the box, the Germanstyle décor of the family-friendly restaurant transports you directly to Europe. Instead of schnitzel and sausage though, Baby Ray’s (named after owner Adam Copp’s 3-year-old son) gives guests a wealth of options for those looking to either wet their whistle or sufficiently stuff their stomachs. On entry, remnants of what were once a part of the New York City’s German-beer-hall capital, located in College Point in the 1940s, can be seen all around. From the bar’s artisanal handmade stained glass lights illuminating the private booths, to the hand-painted flowers adorning the rafters, to the large stone open-face fireplace warming the entire dining room, the restaurant is seeping with Teutonic tradition. Nestled into a space all by myself, cuddled up against the 63-year-old fireplace, I began to make my choices, setting off an evening which, by the looks of the menu, would not let me down. At first, the carte du jour’s regionallycaught fresh fish and seafood as well as its in-house aged steaks distracted me from the titillating appetizers at the top. With some subtle suggestions from the restaurant’s smooth-talkin’ manager, Nat, I was able to settle on a long list of items to calm the beast roaring in my belly.

I didn’t know where to begin. With half of the table lined with four of the house’s special starters, the succulent selections invited me for a feast which would last nearly two hours. The Thai Calamari came with a kick. The circular sweet and tangy sautéed rings were walloped with the perfect portion of oyster-teriyaki sauce, and to my amazement there was no dipping necessary. Crumbling with a light crunch, the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake was stuffed with oversized cubes of crab meat, leaving bits of creamy crustacean flavor crawling across my taste buds as I lost myself gazing into the open fire. Next the Cold Seafood Salad, a Copp family special, laid out a colorful pattern of scungilli, calamari, scallops and octopus, with mixed peppers and red onions lightly tossed in salt and vinegar, served on a cupped leaf of Boston lettuce. Its carefully calculated presentation made me not want to disturb it, but I couldn’t resist and dove down under. Accompanying the salad from the sea was the Clams Casino: clams on the half shell mixed with peppers and onions as well as bits of bacon. Lightly baked before being served, the dish is warmed straight through the center. With my belt beginning to stretch, I continued to go big. Aged no less than 21 days, the slowly roasted Prime Rib roared with flavor on my plate after being cooked in its own juices. As if that weren’t enough, a half rack of Baby Back Ribs, glazed with the house’s special BBQ sauce, screamed succulence sitting next to me. Served with sides of Creamed Spinach and Garlic Mashed Potatoes, surrounding guests stared me down, thinking I wouldn’t be able to handle the task. With a meal for a large man (or a small family) I indulged myself, getting down and dirty for an event that may have required a change of wardrobe, in a good way. Baby Ray’s has definitely brought the neighborhood a game changer, which makes all the difference in an area suffocating for something fun and fresh. When you head over, be sure to try a bit of everything, because this new family-owned institution promises not to disappoint. —–Jason Banrey

tivated by theater, which pointed her to take classes in junior high school and eventually led her to majoring in theater arts. Reitz moved to New York City in 2001 a week before the Sept. 11 attack. In 2006 she moved to Jackson Heights, where she currently lives with her husband and 2-year-old daughter. “I love Jackson Heights, it feels very authentic,” Reitz said. “It’s a real hodgepodge.” She said she enjoys that every couple of blocks is like being in a different country. Reitz once considered children’s educational television as a career. Her love of children is what motivates her to teach workshops for young kids. As a freelancer, Reitz currently teaches at the Vital Theater Company and Lincoln Center Theater. She also teaches at Flushing High School for a Lincoln Center program titled LED (Learning English and Drama), where she helps students new to the country and English language. Reitz describes theater as a way to tell a story different from film. She will continue to dabble between acting and directing because they “Use different parts of a person.” She said she believes that acting has helped her as a director because she has been in the actor’s shoes. “I’m a little schizophrenic because I like doing different kinds of things,” she said of her interest in pursuing acting, directing and teaching. The “Family Room” is about David, a troublesome teenager who is treated like a patient by his parents, who are both therapists. However, even his parents end up in therapy for their marital issues. The drama/comedy follows David as he uses confidential information he gets from his father’s sessions with a girl from his school to start a romance with her. Reitz and Coleite did their undergraduate work together, and collaborating for “The Family Room” is the first time they have worked together professionally. “It’s nice to reconnect with someone after so many years,” Reitz said of the reunion.

Faith

Diwali Motorcade Continues Growth BY MONICA GANESH

On Oct. 22, more than 5,000 people walked down Liberty Avenue with lit candles and clay lamps, called diyas, and followed illuminated and decorated vehicles to celebrate the Hindu festival of light known as Diwali. Festivities to celebrate Diwali went on all day at the Arya Spiritual Center Grounds, located at 104-20 133rd St. in Richmond Hill. At 1 p.m. the celebrations began with prayers. Guests enjoyed free food and entertainment throughout the day, while vendors offered henna and glitter tattoos and sold Indian jewelry and clothing. Council members Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica) and Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) were in attendance, along with Assemblywoman Vivian Cook (D-Jamaica) and the Hon. Pam Jackman-Brown to wish the diverse audience a joyous celebration. “Sita Ram,” Wills said, greeting the au-

Lakshmee Singh, president of the Divya Jyoti Association, said this year’s motorcade had the largest turnout to date. Thousands of people joined in this year’s Diwali motorcade, following the 18 brightly lit vehicles on a route down Liberty Avenue Saturday evening, each with one of the 20 tassa groups Hundreds march in the motorcade parade. providing music for everyone’s enjoyment. The motorcade dience with a Hindu religious salutation. passed two Hindu churches, or Mandirs, “We just wanted to come out and cel- before returning to the event site to be ebrate this time of light over dark, good judged. “It’s evolved,” said Singh. “When it over evil, with you.” The Divya Jyoti Association has been was only 25 people no one cared, but now hosting the Diwali Motorcade for 11 everyone wants to come.” The motorcades are judged based on years, where anyone can decorate a vehicle and enter to celebrate the holiday creativity, originality and relevance to as well as win a grand prize of $501. Diwali. The winner of the motorcade was

the Meenaski Mariama Mandir, who had many people dressed up as various Hindu gods in a heavily decorated vehicle. Singh is hoping for an even larger turnout next Diwali. “We’re looking to make this a major event in our community,” Singh said. Reach Intern Monica Ganesh at interns@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 124.

Word “Doubt is part of all religion. All the religious thinkers were doubters.” – Isaac Bashevis Singer

Notebook Hillcrest Leadership Team

A Leader In Training At Hillcrest HS BY VERONICA LEWIN

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2011

Photo courtesy of Bob Harris

One Hillcrest High School student hopes to make a difference across the globe. Sharnell Creary has dedicated her high school career to leading others. Creary is one of two students on the School Leadership Team, a group of students, faculty and parents. The team meets to evaluate and discuss the effectiveness of teaching programs, suggest ways money could be better used and highlight the accomplishments of the school. In her role as Student Organization President, Creary prepares meeting agen-

When Creary joined das, organizes events such as the Humanities Institute blood drives and assists in at Hillcrest High School, hanging bulletins. She acts as her interest in global histhe liaison between her peers tory led her to join the and the school administraModel United Nations tion. program. She said she “She is an outstanding stuplans to pursue social scident and leader,” said Haydee ences in college and Recinos, senior advisor and stuhopes to work for the dent government advisor. “She United Nations Educais charismatic, compassionate, Sharnell Creary tional, Scientific and Culdetermined and always willing tural Organization. to help others. She has taken her “I have a passion for children and will role as Student Organization President seriously and diligently. I am honored to work be thinking of traveling to less developed countries to empower female students with her this year.”

and possibly build schools,” Creary said. “I want to make a significant difference for females. I believe that everyone has the potential that may just lie dormant until they challenge themselves and ride to those challenges. I believe in individuality and to stand above the crowd, even though you may draw criticism.” Outside of school, Creary has volunteered at the Grace Episcopal Church in Jamaica. She enjoys shopping and has an interest in fashion. Creary also writes poems in her spare time. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.

What’s Up SATURDAY, OCT. 29 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.

Winter Baseball Clinic Players ages 5-14 will learn the necessary fundamentals that will improve their level of play as well as their knowledge of baseball. There will be two six-week sessions of instruction, from Oct. 15 to Nov. 19, and Dec. 3 to Jan. 21. Both sessions are not required, but recommended. The price of each session is $50 per child. The fee for players who register in the midst of a session will be $10 a week. For more information, contact (718) 529-7911 or (718) 835-9252. This event will be held at PS 752, located at 142-10 Linden Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Winter Basketball Program The Lincoln Park Basketball Association is offering a Fall/Winter Basketball Clinic for children ages 8-16 on Saturdays from Oct. 22 through Jan. 28. The $50 registration fee includes insurance, weekly training and a T-shirt. Full payment must be made by Nov. 19, no exceptions. For more information, contact (347) 234-6833 or (718) 682-6938. This event will be held at the Queens Transition Center, located at 142-10 Linden Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Halloween Family Fun Day

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

Afrocentricity International The National Association of Kawaida Organizations (NAKO) is presenting a lecture and discussion with Dr. Molefi Asante and Dr. Ama Maza. The topic of the lecture will be “Afrocentricity International.” Tickets can be purchased for $5. This free event will be held at Afrikan Poetry Theatre, 176-03 Jamaica Ave., from 2 to 4 p.m.

Endo Awareness Concert The York College Gospel Chorus is having its first Endometriosis Awareness Concert. Endometriosis is a debilitating disease that affects only women. Several students who are suffering from the disease will be sharing their experiences. Show your support by wearing something yellow. For additional information, including price, contact Jonathan Quash at jquash@york.cuny.edu or (718) 262-3772. This event will be held at York College Academic Core Building, 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., from 3 to 5 p.m.

“Free The Mic” UHURU Movement is presenting “Free The Mic.” A donation of $7 is suggested. This event will be held at Afrikan Poetry Theatre, 176-03 Jamaica Ave., at 7:30 p.m.

MONDAY, OCT. 31 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, Nov. 1 Own Your Own Business

Apply for Federal Jobs Participants will learn the nature of federal employment, how to search for a federal job, understand the job advertisement and how to apply. This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 4 p.m.

THURSDAY, NOV. 3 Walkers for Wellness Club See Saturday’s listing. At 7 p.m.

Mother Goose Time Babies ages 6-17 months and their parents/caregivers are invited to enjoy songs, rhymes, and stories with a librarian. No preregistration is necessary. This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 10 a.m.

BOOST Game Day Spend some time playing board games in the library. For ages 6-12. This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 10 a.m.

FRIDAY, NOV. 4 Community Health Day Visit Queens Cancer Center of Queens Hospital Center (located in T-Building, conference room C on 7th floor) to learn what screenings are recommended for you, get help to quit smoking, and tour Queens Cancer Center. You will learn everything in a way that’s easy to understand. For more information, call (718) 990-5197. This free event will be held at 82-68 Parsons Blvd., at 10 a.m.

Learn how to develop an idea into a business plan. Participants will learn how to create a demand for a product or service, set goals and objective, budgeting and timelines and how to identify resources and networks. To register, call (718) 9905102. This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

York College Big Band

The Illinois Jacquet Story

ONGOING Job Club

Think you know the Illinois Jacquet Story? Think again. But you will once you see Texas Tenor - The Illinois Jacquet Story. This film tells the story of his life. This free event will be held at the York College Illinois Jacquet Performance Space at the Chapel of the Three Sisters, 94-15 159th St., at 7 p.m.

SUNDAY, OCT. 30 Ladydoves Halloween Bash

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 2 Intro to Computers

Ladydoves is presenting a safe and fun-filled environment where kids can enjoy themselves. There will be games, face painting, food, arts and crafts, a dance contest, and food. Tickets are $5 for children ages 6-12 and $15 for children 13 and older. This event will be held at Occasions

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.

The York College Big Band will be joined by brilliant Arturo O’Farrill. Founded in 2007, the York College Big Band specializes in swing, Latin, and funk, and is an integral part of the York College campus. Tickets can be purchased for $10. This free event will be held at York College Performing Arts Center - 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., from 7 to 9 p.m.

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

Group Sessions Clergy United for Community Empowerment, Inc. Group Sessions are located at 89-31 161st St., 10th Floor, Jamaica, for the community on various topics such as Domestic Violence, Mental Health, Substance Abuse intervention, Decision Making, Condom Use, High Risk Behaviors leading to HIV, and self – esteem awareness. All group sessions offer light snacks and beverages. Group sessions are open to the public. Round-Trip Metro Card reimbursement is available at the end of each completed session. For further information call (718) 297-0720. All services are free. Please call for next group date.

Infant Mortality Clergy United for Community Empowerment’s Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative program provides the following services free of charge: case management services, parent skills building, crib care, breast feeding education, health education, nutritional information/education, referral for HIV testing, confidential one-on-one counseling, workshops, and women support groups. IMRI provides referrals for Food stamps, GED, GYN, Emergency Baby Formula (qualifications required) and more. Call (718) 297-0720. Located at 89-31 161 St., 10th floor, Jamaica. Services are available Tue.-Thurs. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

The Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) will be hosting a special Halloween party extravaganza for children ages 4 to 10 and their parents complete with dance programs, storytelling, games and contests, all with a spooky feel. Three performances are scheduled for 1:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm. $5 tickets (adults and children) include attendance at one of the scheduled performances and access to all other activities. Tickets may be purchased in advance online, or by phone, and in person on the day of the event. For more information, contact (718) 6587400. This event will be held at the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning, located at 161-04 Jamaica Ave., beginning at 1 p.m.

Catering Hall, 127-08 Merrick Blvd., from 1 to 5 p.m.

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.

RELIGIOUS ALL SAINTS S u n d a y, O c t o b e r 3 0 a t Church in the Gardens, 50 Ascan Avenue, Forest Hills at 4:30.

MISCELLANEOUS PICK PUMPKINS Through Oc tober 30 pick your pumpkins at the Queens Count y Farm Museum pumpkin patch, 73-50 L i t t l e N e c k Pa r k way. Fre e admission to patch. 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. ANNUAL TOTTEN TROT Sunday, Oc tober 30 annual 5K foot race. 352-1548.

ALUMNI THOMAS JEFFERSON Sunday, January 15 class of 1961 will meet in Florida. Tjhs1961@aol.com

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2011

FLEA MARKETS THRIFT SHOP Tuesday, November 1 9-2 at the Jewish Center of Kew Gardens Hills, 71-25 Main Street. FLEA MARKET Thursday, November 3 flea market and friend membership drive fundraiser at the Windsor Park library starting at 11. HARVEST FAIR Saturday, November 5 United Methodist Church of Floral Park, 35 Verbena Avenue 9:30-3:00. GOLDEN BAZAAR Saturday, November 12 at Church in the Gardens 114. 50 Ascan Avenue, Forest Hills. CRAFT FAIR Sunday, November 20 American Legion Post 104 in Glendale. 821-9726. THRIFT SHOPS Saturdays 11-4 at Bargain Boutique Thrift Shop, Queens Baptist Church, 93th 23 217 Street, Queens Village.465-2504.

YOUTH

TEENS BOY SCOUT TROOP 1 Men 12-17 who are interested in fun, friendship and adventure are invited to join Boy Scout Troop 1 Flushing/ Bayside every Friday 8-10 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 36-01 Bell Blvd. HOMEWORK HELP Saturday, Oc tober 29 tutors at the Bayside library at 10. CHESS CLUB Every Saturday at the Flushing library at 2. TEEN HOMEWORK HELP Monday, Oc tober 31 at the Bayside library at 3:30. DAY OF THE DEAD Monday, Oc tober 31 celebrate the Day of the Dead at 6 at the Jackson Heights library. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library at 4. TEEN CHESS Monday, Oc tober 31 at 6 at the Bayside library. LAPTOP USE Weekdays at 3 at the Laurelton library. HOMEWORK HELP Weekdays at the LIC library at 3. CAREER & COLLEGE Tuesdays career and college exploration from 3-5 at the Central library. LIC CHESS CLUB Tuesdays at the LIC library at 4. BOOK CLUB Tuesday, November 1 Kings and Queens Book Club at the LIC library at 4. BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays at the Windsor Park library at 4. TUESDAY CHESS Tuesday, November 1 at the Rosedale library at 4:30. TALENTED TEENS Wednesday and Thursday, November 2, 3 at the Far Rockaway library at 3:30. GAME DAY Every Wednesday at the Howard Beach library at 4. CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library. KNIT & CROCHET Wednesdays at the South Ozone Park library at 1. KNITTING CLUB Wednesdays at the Bayside library. Register. TEEN REC ROOM Wednesdays, November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Steinway library at 4. POETRY Thursday, November 3 at the Jackson Heights library at 6. CAREER & COLLEGE Thursdays career and college exploration from 3-5 at the Central library. TEEN THURSDAYS Every Thursday at the Bay Terrace library at 3. CHESS CLUB Every Thursday 4-5:30 at the Douglaston/Little Neck library. GIRL/BOY SCOUTS Friday, November 4 at the Laurelton library. Register. CHESS CLUB Fridays at the Auburndale library at 3:30. BOOK BUDDIES Friday, November 4 at the Bayside library at 4.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION Friday, November 4 at the Laurelton library at 4. HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS Friday, November 4 healthy adolescent relationships at 4 at the Pomonok library. GAME TIME Friday, November 4 at the Windsor Park library at 4. CHESS TUTORIAL Fridays at the Woodside library at 4. GAME DAY Fridays at the Woodhaven library at 4:30. GAME PLAYERS CLUB Every Friday at 4 at the Hillcrest library. JOB SEARCH Saturdays, November 5, November 19, December 3, 17 job search boot camp at the Central library at 10:30. ACTING WORKSHOP Saturday, November 5 at the Flushing library at 12:30. CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

SENIORS COMPUTER CLASSES Introduction to Computer, Internet 101 and Open Computer Lab at SNAP in Queens Village. 454-2100 to register. FREE LUNCH Saturdays, October 29, November 26, December 17 at Church of the Resurrection in Kew Gardens. 847-2649 reservations. AARP 3654 Tuesday, November 1 AARP chapter 2654 meets in Bayside. 423-4237. BASIC COMPUTERS Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 22 computer classes for older adults at the Baisley Park library. Register. STARS Wednesdays, November 2, 9, 16, 23 Senior Theater Acting Repertory at the Hollis library at 10:30. STAY WELL Wednesdays at 10:15 at the East Elmhurst library for exercise and other health related programs. STARS Fridays, November 4, 18, 25 Senior Theater Acting Repertory at the Queens Village library at 10:30. 776-0529. DEFENSIVE DRIVING Friday, November 4 defensive driving for adults 50 and over at the Laurelton library. 528-2822. DANCE LESSONS Fridays, November 4, December 2 free dance lessons at the Pomonok Center. 5913377. AARP 4158 Tuesdays, 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. AARP 3698 Wednesdays, November 9, December 14 AARP Chapter 3698 meet at Zion Episcopal Church, 243-01 Northern Blvd., Douglaston. Meeting at 1, program at 2.

QUEENS LIBRARIES Many branches of the Queensborough Library offer toddler and pre-school programs. Contact your local branch for dates. SCIENCE PLAYGROUND Weekends through December 31 10-6 and 2-5 Fridays at the Hall of Science. $4 plus general NYSCI admission. STORY BOOK LADY Saturdays 12:30-1:30 reading enrichment program for 6-9 year olds at Maria Rose International Doll Museum, 187-11 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. $7.50. 276-3454. 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. HALLOWEEN FEST S a t u r d a y, O c to b e r 2 9 a t Maple Grove Cemetery 26:30. 83-15 Kew Gardens Road. $5 donation. HALLOWEEN STORY TIME Saturday, Oc tober 29 at 11

at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows. HALLOWEEN FEST S u n d ay, O c to b e r 3 0 th e 109 t h Precinct Communit y Council will host a Halloween Festival for kids from 114 at Bowne Park. DAY OF THE DEAD Monday, Oc tober 31 celebrate Day of the Dead at the Jackson Heights library at 6. 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. OPEN HOUSE Monday, Oc tober 31 the 109 t h Precinct Communit y Council will hold an Open House 3-6. HOMEWORK HELP Mondays 3:30-5:00 teen tutors available at the Bayside library. TEEN HOMEWORK HELP Monday, Oc tober 31 at the Bayside library at 3:30 and the LIC library at 3. CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 22 at the Glen Oaks library at 11. BOOST HS FAIR Tuesday, November 1 at the Central library at 4. CHILDREN’S ORCHESTRA Tuesday, November 1 at the Langston Hughes library at 4.

CHESS CLUB Tuesdays at the LIC library at 4. READ TO A DOG Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15 at the North Hills library. Register. BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 22 at 5 at the Windsor Park library. BOOST MATH Tuesdays, November 1, 15 at the Central library at 4:30. TUESDAY CHESS Tuesdays at the Rosedale library at 4:30. STORY TIME Wednesdays, November 2, 9, 16, 23 at the Arverne library at 10. READ TO ME Wednesdays, November 2, 16, 23 at the Bay Terrace library at 10:30. HAPPY HAPPY STORY TIME Wednesdays, November 2, 9, 16, 23 t the LIC library at 10:30. CHESS Wednesdays at the Queens Village library at 3:30. KNITTING Every Wednesdays at the Bayside library at 4. KNIT & CROCHET Wednesdays at the South Ozone Park library at 1. TOPS TRUMP CARD Every Wednesday tournament at the LIC library at 4.

Queens Today MEETINGS ITALIANS UNDER 49 Are you interested in starting an Italian Cultural Social Organization for those 49 and under? Call 426-1240. 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, November 1, December 6 Emergency Communications Service meets in Briarwood. 357-6851. TALK OF THE TOWN Tuesdays, November 1, 15, December 6, 20 learn the art of public speaking in St. Albans at 7:15. 640-7092. TOASTMASTERS Wednesdays, November 2, 16, December 7, 21 learn the art of public speaking at the Voices of Rochdale Toastmasters Club in Jamaica. 978-0732. FLUSHING CAMERA Wednesdays, November 2, 16, 30, December 7, 21 Flushing Camera Club meets at 7:15 at Flushing Hospital. 479-0643.

ENTERTAINMENT AMAZING MAZE Through Oc tober 30 the Amazing Maize Maze 114:30 at the Queens Count y Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway. $9, $5 children. 347-3276. SOUNDS OF COLOMBIA Through Oc tober 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. HAUNTED LANTERN TOUR Friday and Saturday, October 28, 29 at For t Totten. Mix history with Halloween on a lantern tour of the historic Wa ter Batt e r y a t F o r t To t t e n . 3 5 2 4793. HAUNTED HOUSE Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Oc tober 29-31 Halloween Haunted House at the Queens Count y Farm Museum 4-7. $4. 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park. COSTUME PART Y Saturday, Oc tober 29 Ann u a l H a l l ow e e n p a r t y a t Flushing Town Hall. Adults. 463-7700. FALL FESTIVAL Saturday, Oc tober 29 Fall Festival with rides, games, pumpkin patch, entertain-

ment, karaoke and more. 15 at PS 20 playground, Union Street and Barclay Avenue. HALLOWEEN TOUR Saturday, Oc tober 29 Halloween Walking Tour along the LIC waterfront with the Greater Astoria Historic Societ y. 278-0700. CHINESE DRAMA Saturday, Oc tober 29 the Journey of Chinese Drama: History and Masterpieces at the Flushing library at 2. HARVEST FEST Saturday, Oc tober 29 harvest fest and Octoberfest at Church on the Hill, 167-07 35th Avenue, Flushing. Food, crafts, bake, gifts, more. LIVE JAZZ Sundays through December 18 at 180-25 Linden Blvd., St. Albans from 5-9. $5 donation. 347-262-1169. KIDS FALL FEST S u n d a y, O c to b e r 30 Children’s Fall Festival at the Queens Count y Farm Museum 11-4. $4. 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Little Neck. OPEN HOUSE Monday, Oc tober 31 109 th Police Precinct Annual Halloween Open House 3-6 at the precinct, 37-05 Union Street, Flushing. EL DIA DE LOST MUERTOS Monday, Oc tober 31 celebrate the Day of the Dead at 6 at the Jackson Heights library.

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS Park library at 2. INTRO COMPUTERS Wednesdays at 10 at the Central library. Register. TANGO CLASS Wednesdays, November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, December 7, 14, 21, 28 at Buenos Aires Tango in Forest Hills. 347642-4705. BASIC OMPUTER Wednesday, November 2 at the Woodside library at 10:30. KNIT & CROCHET Wednesday, November 2 at the South Ozone Park at 1. KNITTING CLUB Wednesdays at the Bayside library. Register. COMPUTER BASICS Thursdays at the Glen Oaks library. Register. DUPLICATE BRIDGE Wednesdays 10:30-3:00 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills. $12 session, includes light lunch. 261-2900 INDOOR SOCCER – DADS Wednesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000. OIL PAINTING CLASS Wednesdays 6-8 adult classes, all levels. Grace Lutheran Church in Forest Hills. 472-4055. WATERCOLOR CL ASS Wednesdays at 9:30 at NAL. Traditional and contemporary, all levels. 969-1128. PAMPER SKIN Thursday, November 3 pampering your skin at the LIC library. Register. JOB RESUME Thursday, November 3 crafting your best federal job resume at the Central library at 4. GROWING CROPS Thursday, November 3 growing edible crops year round at the Sunnyside library at 6. BEGIN CROCHET Thursday, November 3 at the South Hollis library at 6:30. COMPUTER TUTORIAL Thursdays, November 3, 10, 17 at the Woodside library at 6:30. 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. BEGIN COMPUTERS Fridays at the Poppenhusen library at 11. BEGIN COMPUTERS Fridays at the Middle Village library. Register. COMPUTER LAB Fridays computer practice lab time at the Arverne library at noon. KNITTING CLUB Fridays at the Maspeth library at 10. CHESS TUTORIAL Fridays at 4 at the Woodside

library. KNIT & CROCHET Fridays at the Fresh Meadows library at 10:30. COMPUTER COURSE Every Friday at the Ozone Park library. Register. JOB SEARCH Saturdays, November 5, 19, December 3, 17 Job Search Boot Camp at 10:30 at the Central library. ACTING WORKSHOP Saturday, November 5 the Aquila Theatre Company presents an acting workshop at 12:30 at the Flushing library. PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP Saturdays, November 5, 12, 19, 26 Becoming a US Citizen and Building Your Civic Knowledge at the Jackson Heights library at 2:30. BALMS Saturday, November 5 at 3 at the Steinway library. November 12 at 3 at the Sunnyside library. November 14 at the Woodside library at 4:30. November 17 at 6 at the Astoria library. November 19 at 3 at the Broadway library. Balms for the Body: Making Natural Body Care Products. Register.

DANCE SQUARE DANCE Saturday, November 5 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000 for ticket information.

HEALTH STRESS LESS M o n d a y, Oc tober 31 Achieve more and stress less through the power of meditation at the Flushing library at 6. INTRO CHAIR YOGA Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15 a t t h e M c G o l d r i c k l i brary. Register. SPECIAL NEEDS Wednesdays, November 2, 9, 16 Insight into Dealing with Special Needs at 11:30 at the Richmond Hill library. TAI CHI Thursday, November 3 basic principles and steps of t’ai chi at 10 at the Forest Hills library. INTRO CHAIR YOGA Thursdays, November 3, 10, 17 at the Briarwood library. Register. HEALTHY LIVING Thursday, November 3 Healthy Living and the Built Environment at the Steinway library at 6. ZUMBA Thursday, November 3 at 6:15 at the St. Albans library. Register. FREE YOGA CLASS Thursday, November 3 at the Queensboro Hill library at 6:30. HEALTH DAY Friday, November 4 Communit y Health Day at 10 at the Central library. INTRO CHAIR YOGA Saturdays, November 5, 12, 19 at the Lef ferts librar y. Register.

Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, October 29, November 5, 19, December 3, 17 Learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-436-7940. 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. JOB SEARCH Monday, Oc tober 31 need help with your job search? 4 at the Arverne library. JOB INFO SERVICE Monday, Oc tober 31 at 4 at the Middle Village library. FINANCIAL EMPOWER. Monday, Oc tober 31 Financial Empowerment at the LIC library at 2. SKYPE Monday, Oc tober 31 Skype Chat at the Queens Village library at 2. 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. COMPUTER BOOT CAMP Monday, Oc tober 31 at the Far Rockaway at 10:30. INTRO INTERNET Tuesdays, November 1, 15 at the McGoldrick librar y. Register. BASIC COMPUTER Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 22 at the Rosedale library at 10:30. INTRO COMPUTERS Tuesdays at the Central library at 6. OWN BUSINESS Tuesdays Owing Your Own Business: The Nuts and Bolts of Getting Started at 6:30 at the Central library. Register. BASIC COMPUTER Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 22 at the Arverne library at 10:30. PRACTICE LAB TIME Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 22 computer practice lab time at the Far Rockaway library at 4. LI CHESS CLUB Tuesdays at the LIC library at 4. SCRABBLE CLUB Tuesdays at the East Flushing library at 3:30. KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays at the Windsor

Models Of Queens

We Like Yu We’ve decided to take a look back at a model we really liked from two years ago to see how she is doing, and Danielle Yu looks like she’s still having fun. A Chinese Linguistics student at Hunter College, she still does some work in front of the camera. Her blog highlights some of her most recent work, which we think is really going to take her places some day. Still, Danielle remains a committed family girl, close with her young brother, and she has also recently started teaching Chinese. Her Twitter feed is all abuzz about some of the most recent movies she’s seen, including “rise of the Planet of the Apes,’ but she’s really looking forward to the new version of “Footloose.” And of course, she still loves dining in Flushing. We certainly hope that her new-found direction toward language works out for her – and we remind Danielle that she’s still got a great look in our eyes.

Queens native Jerry Springer

Jerry On Bob Now that the dust has settled and Bob Turner has taken his seat in Congress to replace long-time QConf star Anthony Weiner, it would seem that one of his former employees isn’t so thrilled with him. Jerry Springer, the former mayor of Cincinnati whose eponymous TV show was produced by Turner’s cable company, said he “almost feels sick” about Turner’s win. The Kew Gardens native, who said the 9th Congressional District is in his soul, said he doesn’t expect much from Turner. “He’ll do his job, but from my point of view, he’ll vote the wrong way,” Springer told RollCall.com when he recently attended his Forest Hills High School 50th reunion. So Jerry; why didn’t you run?

Splashdown

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2011

Home: Elmhurst Age: 20 Height: 5’ 6" Weight: 110 lbs Stats: 34-26-35

Happy Birthday Queens!

First, At Last

Keenan Thompson and Jessica Mellow surf the web while waiting in line. Being the first in line to buy Apple’s latest iGadget is a quick way to earn easy publicity, so of course one of our borough’s own snatched up the top spot at the company’s flagship Fifth Avenue store. Keenan Thompson, a 21-year-old social media strategist, earned the “first in line” title by waiting in front of the store for 17 days before the release of the new iPhone 4S – before the device was even officially announced. “I feel like being in the No. 1 spot – being in the line the longest – is a badge of honor,” Thompson told Esquire magazine. That sort of patience can only come from a Queens native – where good things happen after long gaps (Hello, Mets).

One Queens driver decided to go on a morning boat ride Oct 17. The only problem, however, is he decided to take his van with him to Hawtree Basin. An unidentified man was seen fleeing the scene of an accident on the Belt Parkway when he plowed through a street on Howard Beach and landed on top of a boat. Maybe he was trying to make a quick getaway to Broad Channel before the cops caught him.

What The Cluck?

Jules Corkery and her hens

Danielle Yu

Everyone knows it’s difficult to raise children in a one-bedroom apartment, but chickens? Robert McMinn and Jules Corkery are trying to do it. Three hens cohabitate their Astoria apartment and the duo has been sharing their experiences in “urban chickening,” which is apparently a new fad. McMinn and Corkery raise the chickens for their fresh eggs, which they claim have the taste of what they eat, which is table scraps. McMinn told the Daily News that he began raising hens in Idaho in 2003, where he probably had more space than a one-bedroom apartment. They run a regular podcast of their experiences at buckybuckaw.org. We dare you to check them out, unless you’re…

Our favorite borough hit the big 328 last week. Queens was founded on Oct. 17, 1683 featuring the towns of Jamaica, Flushing, Newtown, Hempstead, and Oyster Bay. Eventually the latter two went their own separate way. Since then the county has grown from a rural swath of land home to 3,500 Dutch and English farmers to the most diverse county in the country with over 2.3 million residents, and perhaps more since no one can seem to count us correctly. So happy birthday Queens, feliz cumpleanos, qu ni sheng er kuai le, Wszystekiego Najlepszego, Shuvo Jonmodin! You don’t look a day over 179.

Confidentially, New York . . .

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