Volume 12 Issue No. 44 Nov. 4-10, 2011
PAGE 18
PRESS Photos by Ira Cohen
READY TO PLAY
Crowds lined up outside the Resorts World New York City Casino at Aqueduct Racetrack last week to get a chance to win a few dollars on the Opening Day of the destination that was 10 years in the making. By Domenick Rafter…Page 8
Online at www.QueensPress.com
News Briefs NICU Halloween Bash The Queens Hospital Center in Jamaica hosted a Halloween reunion party for its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on Friday. The hospital invited back babies born at QHC weighing less than five pounds. The children and their families are welcomed back each year so staff can evaluate their progress and take pride in their continuing development. Little ones came dressed in costumes and enjoyed the Halloween music and food, while parents shared their experiences with each other. NICU Director Dr. Ronald Bainbridge said this is the fourth year the hospital has hosted a Halloween party for former patients. Each year, children who left the NICU in the past three years are invited to celebrate with the hospital staff. “It’s an occasion to get the kids and the families back together to have some fun,” Bainbridge said. He said having the opportunity to see the children at the annual party healthy and well is as rewarding for the staff as it is for the parents. Bainbridge said the amount of time families spend in the NICU along with the emotional distress causes the hospital staff to feel close to their patients and their families. The event originally started as a way to make the families of current NICU patients more comfortable at the hospital and get to know the doctors better. Over the years, it evolved into a reunion celebration. Due to the growing turnout in recent years, the hospital may have NICU reunions more often.
Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 4-10, 2011
Feds, City Eye Bay’s Future Jamaica Bay has caught the attention of the highest officials in Washington, and a new agreement between the federal and city government may mean a new exciting future for one of the east coast’s largest natural lagoons. U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar came to the shores of Jamaica Bay last week to announce new agreements with Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s administration to put together a new governing plan to streamline federal and city-owned land in and around Jamaica Bay. More than 10,000 acres of land around the bay in Brooklyn and Queens is owned by the city and federal government. Under the agreement announced on Oct. 27 in Marine Park, Brooklyn, the city and feds will collaborate on projects, focus on science and restoration at the site, improve access by public transportation and focus on education and youth programs to bring urban children outdoors, a key focus of the Obama administration. Secretary Salazar described Jamaica Bay as a key element in President Barack Obama’s initiative to improve and utilize urban parkland for urban populations. “There are more people in urban areas than in the past,” Salazar said. “This question is ‘how do we connect urban populations to the outdoors?’ [Jamaica Bay] may be the greatest opportunity we have.” As part of the agreement, the Environmental Protection Agency will designate the majority of Jamaica Bay a “no-discharge zone,” banning all boats from discharging sewage into the bay, instead mandating boats use pump-out stations, of
which there are four – two in Brooklyn and two in Queens. EPA Regional Administrator Judith Enck said the “no discharge ban” will be strictly enforced and violators will be prosecuted.
Judge Dismisses Sham A Queens County Supreme Court Judge put an end to the divisive battle for control of the Queens Republican Party – at least for now. Both Queens GOP Chairman Phil Ragusa and Bart Haggerty, chief of staff to Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) and brother of John Haggerty, called separate GOP candidate meetings on Sept. 28. Ragusa, who was in the incumbent chairman of the Queens GOP, was re-elected at his meeting in Flushing. The same night, the Haggerty-led faction elected former Councilman Tom Ognibene chair at its meeting in Richmond Hill. Last Thursday, Supreme Court Justice Phillis Orlikoff Flug ruled that the meeting called by Bart Haggerty and Secretary Janice Bar was illegal and invalid. “Only Ragusa, as outgoing County Chairman, was authorized to select the time and place of the party’s organization meeting,” ruled Justice Flug. Flug ordered the bylaws and list of officers submitted to the Board of Elections by the Haggerty/Ognibene faction to be voided by the BOE. In addition, she said in her ruling that the Haggerty/Ognibene meeting was conducted purposely cause division in the party. “The notices of the Sept. 28, 2011 meeting sent by respondents Haggerty and Bar were designed to create confusion and to disrupt the internal affairs of the Queens Republican Party,” her ruling read. “Respondents Haggerty and Bar clearly lacked authority to notice and conduct an organizational meeting of the party’s County Committee.” Ognibene did not say if he would immediately appeal the decision, but the ruling likely will not end the fight for control of the party that dates back more than a decade and has divided the borough’s Republican Party. Ragusa’s support has traditionally come from the Northern part of the borough, while Ognibene holds a near lock on support in the Southern half, with the Long Island Expressway acting almost as a dividing line between the two factions. Some Republicans are concerned about how the strife will affect the party’s chances of winning back the two State Senate seats they lost in 2008 and 2010, and defending the seat of U.S. Rep. Bob Turner (R-Breezy Point) next year. Turner’s name has been floated as a potential compromise candidate for leader of the Queens GOP, but he has repeatedly said he was not interested.
Brief Us! Mail your news brief items to: PRESS of Southeast Queens 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357
Presstime Going Postal:
One SEQ Site Saved, Three To Go BY VERONICA LEWIN So far, just one out of four Southeast Queens post offices on the federal chopping block will be spared, according to Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton). Sanders announced Monday that the United States Postal Service has removed the Arverne branch, located at 329 Beach 59th St., from the list of post offices in danger of closing. Still on the list are the Holliswood, Rockaway Beach and Rosedale branches.
“I am extremely happy to learn that through determination, hard work, and cooperation between different levels of government, it now appears that the Arverne Post Office has been spared,” Sanders said. A loss of revenue has caused the federal government to consider closing 3,700 post offices across the country, including 35 in the City. Technology has decreased the need for “snail mail,” but many still rely on the Post Office to pay bills and send letters. Sanders was concerned his
Boro Housing Stable BY DOMENICK RAFTER Even while the National housing market is reeling, in Queens, housing was stable in the third quarter of 2011. But unemployment, foreclosures and access to credit all threaten that stability, according to a recent report from Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate. Some 2,743 homes were sold in the borough between July 1 and Sept. 30. That’s nearly 12 percent lower than the same period in 2010. While that may seem like a negative number, there are fewer homes on market than a year ago; the number of homes on the market declined by nearly 16 percent in the borough over the same period in 2010. Because of those figures, the “monthly absorption rate,” or the amount of time it would take to sell every home on the market, actually dropped slightly, a sign of stability in the market, though the average time it takes for a seller to sell a home increased by a little over a week. Also, the “listing discount,” or the percentage difference between the list price and ultimate
selling price after markdowns, dropped by .1 percent, another sign of stability. Prices of homes are up compared to a year ago boroughwide, mainly due to a growth in prices among new developments. Re-sale prices, the price of homes changing owners, are down slightly from a year earlier. The borough’s best housing market is in northwest Queens; Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, and Woodside, while South Queens, which includes all of Southeast Queens, Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill and South Ozone Park, is still a stagnant real estate market, in part thanks to foreclosure problems in Southeast Queens and a high unemployment rate in that part of the borough. Some neighborhoods are still suffering from double-digit unemployment there. Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate released reports for Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
A relieved Ilan Grapel of Hollis Hills stands inside the terminal at JFK Airport with his parents and U.S. Rep Gary Ackerman, who had flown to Egypt to secure Grapel’s release and bring him back home via Israel. Grapel, a law student and former intern in Ackerman’s office, had been held in an Egyptian prison since April, accused of being a spy for Israel.
thousands of people daily. In a neighborhood where so many people walk to get where they need to go, residents argue it is unrealistic for them to travel to another post office in Southeast Queens to take care of their mailing needs, especially during the busy holiday season and winter months. Right now, the government is studying how many people use each branch on the potential closure list. For the three Southeast Queens branches remaining, the Post Office will allow an opportunity for public input. After the public comment period, the Post Office will determine if it will limit services at each branch or close the office altogether. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.
Enraged Councilman Drops F-Bomb On Star BY ROSS BARKAN In his own words, Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone) went ballistic, but he regrets absolutely nothing about his videotaped blowup at Star Nissan repair shop on 172nd Street in Bayside last week. State Sen. Tony Avella’s (D-Bayside) office believes the fiery Halloran should think before he hollers. “The legitimate concerns of the community need to be addressed but they can’t be when the consistently erratic behavior of the City Councilman overshadows them and becomes a distraction and a sideshow,” said Edward Fleming, Avella’s press secretary. “He does a disservice to the community by letting his anger get the best of him.” The grainy Daily News video shows an apoplectic Halloran berating Elliot Rothman, the service manager, dropping a few F-bombs along the way. On a first look, the video makes Halloran out to be bully, but he views his outburst as the culmination of all that Star Nissan has done to enrage the community and himself. “For over 10 years, they’ve acted with total disregard for the community around them and the law. Star Nissan doesn’t care to follow the law in Bayside,” Halloran said. Halloran asserted that his fit of rage did not come from nowhere. Echoing some community sentiment, particularly the Station Road Civic Association, Halloran said Star Nissan troubles residents throughout the night, noisily making deliveries at 4 a.m. and setting off car alarms. What really drove him over the edge, he said, was the alleged cacophony generated when Borough President Helen Marshall showed up to commemorate a new kidney dialysis center on the same block as Star Nissan on Oct. 12. Halloran
said Marshall could barely hear herself speak. Calling the noise “unbelievable;” Halloran said he spoke with a manager at Star Nissan, not yelling at first. A week later, he would. “Star Nissan hasn’t done anything to help the community out,” he said. “I was trying to be a fair broker for them. I’ve had four or five meetings with them. I’ve tried to work out a compromise with them. We had an agreement that was in place as of two months ago.” The last straw came when Halloran drove by and saw the dreaded bay doors were still open, in violation of an agreement he said he made with Star Nissan. He videotaped the doors for 20 minutes, in his estimation, and then went inside to begin the harangue that would be caught on someone else’s video. “I spent two years doing it the nice way, the diplomatic way,” he said. “They reneged on those agreements and they didn’t care that they reneged. People need to be willing to stand up for their community.” And make a videotape. Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.
Fall Back
Don’t forget to move your clocks back one hour this Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 2 a.m., Eastern Standard Time.
Nov. 4-10, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3
PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen
Back Home:
elderly constituents, some of whom do not drive, would have to travel to a neighboring post office to handle their mailing needs. “Residents of large and densely populated areas like Arverne shouldn’t have to travel to another neighborhood to get their mail,” Sanders said. “Every American pays for postal service, and Arverne residents have a right to mail delivery, and a right to their postal branch.” The councilman has been fighting to keep the post offices in his district open since August. Sanders has held several rallies, urging constituents to make their comments heard to the federal government. Sanders wrote a letter to Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe asking his office not to close branches that serve
New Directions: Meeks Tells His Side BY U.S. REP. GREG MEEKS
Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 4-10, 2011
I would like to begin by thanking the PRESS of Southeast Queens for giving me an opportunity to once again clarify issues of concern. This is something I have repeatedly done in print, on radio, as well as television, over the past year and a half. I very much respect the effort of the PRESS to be fair and balanced. Out of respect for both this publication and its readers, many of whom are my constituents, let me proceed: First and foremost, I am not under any sort of criminal investigation concerning the New Directions non-profit or the NOAH-F fund, which was set up under New Directions’ auspices to assist Hurricane Katrina victims. Nor, should I be. I am not and never have been an officer. I have never been a signatory on any of its bank accounts. I have never had any fiduciary responsibility or authority for New Directions or NOAH-F, and I never received any money from these organizations or their affiliates. In fact, I donated $5,000 from my campaign to NOAH-F. I have publicly and repeatedly said if funds are missing there should be an accounting. But, again, by not having any fiduciary responsibility or authority over NOAH-F, I am not the one who could provide answers. As a contributor if there are questions to be answered I want to know the answers. Let me be very blunt in regard to the
home I built in St. Albans. There was no pared” my home with houses in other sweetheart deal. The source of allegations neighborhoods – one of which was a beachto this effect is a complaint by the National front property in Belle Harbor. The market Legal Policy Center (NLPC), a right wing values of homes vary drastically from neighorganization based in Washington, DC, borhood to neighborhood across the borough. The data for which, according to its houses in Belle Harbor, own fund-raising letters Forest Hills and Jamaica and other documents, Estates have nothing in has repeatedly targeted common with the fair Democrats. The NLPC market value of my home complaint offers no in St. Albans. credible reason to disThird, I paid far more pute the sale: than the average sale First, it relies for “eviprice of the other eight dence” principally on homes the builder develthe difference between oped on the same block. the purchase price of Fourth, the property the property and its records indicate that far later tax assessment. from being a “sweetheart This method convedeal” the transaction was niently overlooks the quite lucrative for the well-established fact – U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks builder. as many of my constituAt the time, I thought ents are now painfully aware - that tax assessments generally the price was a bit high but the seller would have little, if anything, to do with the not budge. Even so, for substantive and symbolic reasons, I was determined to actual sale value of the property. Second, the complaint tries to com- build a home in the heart of the Sixth pare the sale price of my home to the sale Congressional District. Substantively, I price of so-called “A7 mansions” in Queens wanted to build a beautiful home for my in 2006. However, as the property records family. Symbolically, I wanted to send a show, my home was not classified as an A7 signal to other families that Southeast property but as an A1 property. This is the Queens is the place to sink roots, raise appropriate classification for a two-story children, invest time, energy and care, and detached home in Jamaica, Queens. To build a good life. Another contention about me that apfurther distort the facts, the NLPC “com-
pears over and over in certain local and citywide publications has to do with a House Ethics Committee investigation of two allegations about me obtaining two loans. Several months ago, the House Ethics Committee dismissed the allegation in connection with a 2010 loan allegation outright, and I believe that the second allegation will soon be dismissed as well. I have been responsive throughout this process. I have been open and frank about the facts. Because of my respect for the process, I have chosen not to comment until the deliberations have been concluded. Those are the facts. And they have been readily available to any journalist or legitimate watchdog undertaking an honest investigation. Unfortunately, the National Legal Policy Center, working in an openly stated alliance with the New York Post, has made accusation after accusation with the deliberate attempt to tarnish my reputation, sow distrust among my constituents of my conduct in office, and divert both the public and me from the pressing issues at hand. I have not and will not let these provocations get in the way of the work I do on behalf of my constituents. It is my hope that in the future the PRESS and other publications will thoroughly report on the work I do in Congress, here in Southeast Queens, and around the world to promote the interests and well-being of the Sixth Congressional District and the United States of America.
Ticket Bill Could Ease Buyer Shock BY VERONICA LEWIN
A new bill would require ticket vendors to be more honest about available tickets to decrease disappointment at the box office. The bill, backed by Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), would require venues seating more than 3,000 people to disclose to the Dept. of Consumer Affairs how many tickets are available to the general public. In addition, 15 percent of individual tickets would have to be sold at the box office instead of online vendors. Comrie started pushing for the bill’s passage a few years ago when he received complaints from his constituents. He said people called his office frustrated after they waited until midnight to purchase tickets online, only to discover the event was already sold out. Minutes later, the tickets would appear on third-party Web sites at more than double the original price. The councilman said he thinks this practice is deceptive and does not give the public a fair chance to purchase tickets at a reasonable price. Comrie said many people across the city log on believing there are a certain number of tickets available to the public, when many tickets are set aside for special attendees or ticket promoters. “This bill is meant to create full transparency to ensure people understand how many tickets are truly available,” the councilman said.
The legislation would also give ticket holders more freedom on their purchases. Currently, many ticket distributors and vendors require people to sell tickets on approved Web sites, which often charge transfer fees. Tickets are only allowed to be sold at face value, causing the consumer to lose money. Comrie hopes to protect consumers who may be unable to attend an event
at the last minute or want to purchase the tickets as a gift for someone else. The Consumer Affairs Committee held a hearing on the pending legislation last Friday. “Nobody disputed the fact that there is a problem,” Comrie said, but the Council members are discussing the best way to increase transparency. “As the dialogue continues, I will work to see that
there is truth in advertising when it comes to ticket sales.” The councilman said he looks forward to doing whatever it takes to protect and inform consumers so they know what options are available before tickets go on sale. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.
BY ROSS BARKAN
development, have indulged in a smear campaign against the ICCC and the people behind it,” the ICCC said in a new statement issued this week. The conf lict between the predominately white civic associations and the Indian Orthodox Christian group has revealed a racial undercurrent to an ongoing conflict that on its face is a classic tale of residential neighborhoods opposing high-rise developments. Civic associations like the Rocky Hill, Creedmoor, Nor th Bellerose, Queens Colony, Bellerose-Commonwealth and BelleroseHillside all contend the scope of the two buildings at the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in Queens Village does not conform to their neighborhoods’ milieu and will not benefit the community at large. Back in 2008, the ICCC purchased two parcels of land, a total of approximately 4.5 acres, at Creedmoor. According to
Jerry Wind, president of the BelleroseHillside Civic Association and a report in the New York Post, the ICCC purchased the land well below market value, paying $1.8 million for land valued at $7.3 million. Currently, the State Inspector General has launched an investigation into that land deal orchestrated by former State Sen. Frank Padavan. Rocky Hill Civic Association President Frank Toner does not disagree that there is a need for affordable senior housing. What he objects to, as all the civic associations near Creedmoor seem to as well, is how the ICCC has conducted its business with the community. Wind was cautiously optimistic the civic associations would prevail in their quest to block the development. Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.
ICCC Dispute Heats Up
On the leafy confines of Creedmoor Psychiatric Facility’s campus, a locus that once swelled with nearly 7,000 patients deemed unfit to walk the streets of Queens, or anywhere, two proposed ninestory senior residences have kindled the rage of surrounding communities and, more importantly, their civic associations. Feeling attacked from all sides, the builder of these residences, the Indian Community and Cultural Center, has moved to defend itself and assert its legitimacy while neighboring civic associations and CB 13 have rejected the development. “Some of these civic association leaders, instead of using the time to discuss with the ICCC the project and evaluating the merits of using the land for building affordable senior housing and a community center as opposed to a commercial
Nov. 4-10, 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
Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen
Reporters: Harley Benson Veronica Lewin Domenick Rafter Jason Banrey Ross Barkan
Editorial The Numbers Racket Working with a casino in Queens is a game of numbers – it has been from the beginning, and looks like it will continue that way in the future. It took nearly 10 years from the time a casino at Aqueduct was announced to see the first slots put in play; it took 4 separate bid processes; there were 365 days between groundbreaking and grand opening; and it’s going to be about another 6 weeks before the rest of the casino opens. On opening day, some 20,000 people flooded in – so many that some had to be asked very politely to not show up; for the weekend, total visitation surpassed 65,000 for a location that only has about 2,000 machines currently online. Another 2,500 will open in December. And this is just the beginning. The place has been delivered as promised – the first floor, with its immense bar, moderately-priced buffet and food court options provides plenty for the nickel- and quarter-slot set. The more upscale dining and top two floors will be of equal or greater stature. Before the first bets were placed, talk had already begun about expansion – not just in size, but in style. Our Governor and leaders in both legislative houses have already said they support full-fledged casinos in New York – not just slots but real table games with dealers, croupiers and pit bosses. And again, it’s a matter of numbers: 3 men in a room get a majority of 62 Senators and 140 Assemblymen to vote in 2 consecutive sessions of the Legislature to approve a constitutional amendment that would then go to a vote to be approved by 50 percent of the electorate – in all a 3-year process that could mean casinos in New York by the end of 2014. It’s a game of numbers, and the house always wins. But it also begs the question: who loses? We urge our state and local leaders to be wary, to see beyond the dollar signs in our state coffers and to understand what the social and economic impact on the individual will be before deciding to take a gamble on our future.
Letters
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
A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2011 Tribco, LLC
Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 4-10, 2011
Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher
Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher
Whose Dream? To The Editor: I have just finished reading your Oct. 13-19, 2011 edition. I was a bit taken aback by the article on Page 15 entitled: “Documenting The DREAM In Queens.”
I wonder just how many “undocumented” aliens are in this borough (and this country). People who have come here illegally and the children of people who came here illegally. From this article it would appear that
Letters all of these people should be given citizenship. What type of message does this send to other people who are contemplating coming to the United States illegally, by-passing the legal procedure in which to become a U.S. citizen? And what type of a message does this send to those people who want to come and live in this country and have done everything legally, according to law, to finally become U.S. citizens? When is the United States going to require people who want to become citizens of the United States to apply for citizenship – the legal way? Rather than making it easier and easier for those who are here illegally to be granted asylum, immune to deportation, etc.? Aren’t there enough illegal (undocumented) aliens in this country as it is? Aren’t the children of these illegal aliens crowding the schools, demanding more classes be taught in their own languages, etc.? We are changing many of the rules and laws of the United States to make it easier for illegal aliens and their children to live in the United States and receive more free benefits than American citizens are receiving? I go to the hospital to have an operation and I have to pay a large bill. The person in front of me doesn’t speak English and gives the nurse a blue “Benefits/Medicaid” card and doesn’t pay anything for their hospital stay. I just can’t understand this. Why is the United States in such financial turmoil? I am sure
partly because of the illegal aliens living here, receiving everything for free (I can’t even get Medicaid) and not paying any taxes, taking jobs away from American citizens, and doing nothing at all to show their allegiance to this country. They display their own country’s flags on their windows and on their cars and don’t even have the courtesy to display an American flag. They don’t even want to learn English but expect us to learn their language. Does anyone else feel the way I feel? That we are allowing too many illegal aliens into this country and making it easier and easier for them to live here, illegally? While Americans are suffering through this economic depression, the illegal aliens are enjoying free benefits paid for by the tax dollars of American citizens. Politicians know what is going on but refuse to do anything about it. Marie Alvarez, Jackson Heights
SOUND OFF Send your thoughts, ideas, opinions, outrage, praise, observations about our community To the PRESS of Southeast Queens 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357 e-mail:news@queenspress.com
fax: (718) 357-9417
Sexual Harassment Claims Scar Political Campaigns A Personal Perspective
BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE
Every presidential election has its “October surprise,” but it’s usually the October right before the November General Election, not a year prior. Well, Herman Cain’s candidacy just changed the rule of which October bears the surprise. The Republican candidate for president was soaring in the polls to the surprise of everyone. His popularity was dismissed outright as a fluke even though he is the front runner with Mitt Romney hot on his heels. That is, until the October surprise spoiled it. It seems there were some sexual harassment accusations made against Mr. Cain, during his days as a restaurant executive and in the case of at least one accuser, there was a payout of sorts. Bear in mind this was way back in the 1990s when sexual harassment became a buzz term following the Clarence Thomas hearings. Anita Hill’s testimony
against her one-time boss during Congressional hearings for his appointment to the Supreme Court empowered women to reject such advances without fear and that was a step in the right direction. But like many good things, it has been abused as well. It ushered in the era of political correctness; and if a guy looked at a woman in the workplace it was open to interpretation. Women too had to be careful about how and what they said to male colleagues. It is now at the point where if you even pay a compliment on someone’s appearance it could get tagged as sexual harassment outright. We don’t know if Herman Cain is innocent of those charges, but in the case of at least one of the women, “hush money,” is said to have been paid. Like most settlements, the woman who is said to have been paid off, also had a gag order imposed upon her. Now that the money is all gone and Cain is running for president, she wants the gag order lifted. It
just seems suspicious. It discredits her and making it seem like she just wants to cash in on Cain’s new-found fame. What’s happening to him now is what used to be known in Bill Clinton’s day as a “bimbo eruption.” A bimbo eruption is when women of questionable intelligence and reputation, a la Gennifer Flowers and Paula Jones, come tumbling out of the closet to claim affairs or harassment or other actions that would make the candidate look immoral or stupid; and therefore, not fit to be President. This altruistic act on behalf of the public of course is usually accompanied by a fat check and that dubious 15 minutes of fame for the accuser. So there you have your “win-win.” We don’t know that this is the case here. These women could be perfectly upstanding and professional; and shame on Cain if behaved in that loathsome manner toward them. However, it seems unfortunate on both sides to resurrect this now.
Cain, who actually has an ironic resemblance to Clarence Thomas, was doing so well in the polls that someone wanted to stop him and found a woman or two — or three — to use for the purpose. You just hate to see women caught up in this kind of mess. This is not to say that Citizen Cain is a perfect candidate. However, it is also unseemly to try to derail his campaign these many years after whatever it is that ostensibly took place. Welcome to the big time, Mr. Cain. This is not going away. It is snow-balling and will keep growing until your candidacy has a meltdown. We have never had this strong of a Republican African American candidate for president before. He actually has people listening and more importantly, talking. He is never going to beat Obama, even if he were to win the nomination. But it would have been an important “first” to have two black candidates running in the General Election next year. Too bad.
Developing the Trib’s iPad and iPhone Apps By MICHAEL SCHENKLER It’s been a fun diversion. I’ve met some bizarre techies who enjoy life and are good at developing iPad and smart phone programs. They like and understand community newspapers, and so we agree to try an iPad app for the sister newspaper of the PRESS of Southeast Queens.
Four versions and 20-plus t weaks later, this rather simple application made me respect the thought and work that goes into all of those apps available on your smart phones. Well, we got the iPad app up and running – just take your iPad and hit the App Store app and
search for Queens Tribune or just go to QueensTribune.com/iPad on your iPad. Now, is that clear? But we got more than we bargained for in the initial talks. We have an iPhone app also. I think it still needs tweaking. Those Xout buttons are too small or my fingers are too big. There are other tweaks needed, but we’ll get them accomplished with updates. We haven’t announced the iPhone app yet, it’s just been sitting there in the App Store – like the iPad app, it’s free of course. There’s no charge for either app (BTW – to those who are new to this stuff, that’s “app,” short for “application”). That’s great for our readers but it’s great for our advertisers and classifieds, too. The boroughwide ads are all on the app as are the legal ads and the entire week’s boroughwide Tribune copy – special sections and my column, too. As a matter of fact, during this test period, on the home page of the iPad app, you can push the center button and automatically go to my column on the web. We will
of course, continue to maintain our comprehensive website and archives. The app has some cute little gimmicks – try them; play a little. You can search, you can choose from all the pages along the bottom of the screen or click the “grid” but ton in the upper right hand corner. You’ll figure it al l out in a minute or two of use. Advertisers – other than our regular Trib advertisers – will have very limited opportunit y to get their message across to our readers. We have reserved only three boxes on the home page for potential advertisers. That’s pretty limited real estate, so if you want in, ask your account rep or email me now at mschenkler@gmail.com. The main purpose of this joint undertaking is to make our news (and ads) more accessible to more readers. We believe we will quickly accomplish this. But as all of you who use smart phones and iPads (or their almost equivalents) know, there will be t weaks and updates. And
iPhone (above) with Queens Tribune app’s opening page; (top right) iPad with last week’s Not For Publication column; (bottom right) our simple instructions to get your own free iPad or iPhone app. in order to perfect our apps, we need your input. Please send your reactions to me at mschenkler@gmail.com. In the meantime, see you in the cloud (whatever that means). MSchenkler@Gmail.com
Pension Reform Agreed Upon. Will Promises Be Kept? feat Mayor Bloomberg’s bid for a third term. The subsequently disgraced and convicted Alan Hevesi sought the mayoralty in 2001, but ran a poor four th i n t he Democratic primary, losing to Mark Green, Freddy Ferrer and Peter Stern Vallone. Bloomberg won. Liz Holtzman was defeated for reelection as comptroller in the 1993 Democrat ic pr imar y by Hevesi, who raised integrity issues agai nst her. She never ran for mayor. Her predecessor as comptroller, Harrison J. Goldin, made a bid for the office in 1989, finishing fourth in the Democratic primary. Goldin had succeeded Abe Beame, the only comptroller in City histor y to ascend to the mayoralty since Consolidation in 1898. It is one thing for public officials to disagree on a policy issue, a frequent occurrence, but another to be in chronic dispute on questions of investment and expenditure of public funds, in situations in which the outcomes can result in financial gaps of millions of dollars in return on investments. The hydra-headed current system leads to such results. The relat ionsh ip bet ween third-term mayor Mike Bloomberg and first-term comptroller John Liu has been par ticularly chilly. Although they cannot run against each other in 2013 they clearly have different visions as to what the city should do in the interim. Liu has been in full-fledged
campaign mode for the 2013 Democratic nomination for Mayor from the day he took office 22 months ago. Whatever justification for a par ticular dispute it seems clear that the mayor and the comptroller are often on opposite tracks in their judgment of the city’s financial crisis and the way for it to dig it self out of the me ss. T he mayor sees the solution as based on reducing expenses and increasing revenue with an economy that gets better, while the comptroller believes the city can survive the recession by continuing to spend as it has done in the past. Of course, all this may change in the next few months, since new economic data is constantly arising and influencing the stock market, corporate earnings, and tax receipts. The financial situation may improve or deteriorate. The tentative agreement just reached will require considerable fine-tuning in addition to approval by the State Legislature in Albany. It is by no means complete and dispositive of the main issues that have arisen. It does indicate a desire to reach common ground and the recognition that the city’s urgent and continuing fiscal troubles require more savings to be made without endangering the pension system. Some watchers believe that the agreement is not real, but a paper gloss over a more severe situat ion de signed to buy a fe w months breathing room in which city and state officials will work out a more comprehensive reform.
The working agreement will require the relinquishment of some authority by the comptroller, who now possesses almost plenary authority in making investment decisions for the $120 billion that remains i n the cit y’s pension accounts. It is a rare for public officials to spontaneously limit their authority in any way, unless they are required to by law enforcement or other external authorities. Liu has been under fire in the press in recent weeks for alleged fundraising irregularities, including taking campaign contributions from certain donors under the name of others in order to increase the amount of matching funds he would
receive from the city’s Campaign Finance Board. If he made concessions as the result of current political weakness, it remains to be seen whether he will adhere to them when his own situation improves. It should always be remembered that every high political office is but a few steps from the gra nd jurie s’ chamber s i n t he county court houses. The higher one rises in the system, the more vulnerable one is to accusations of various types of misconduct. The trouble is, as we say, that some of the charges are likely to be true. StarQuest@NYCivic.org
Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato
Nov. 4-10, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7
By HENRY STERN The city’s antiquated pension system has long been in need of streamlining and updating. The recent agreement reached by Mayor Bloomberg, Comptroller Liu and leading labor unions provides hope that 2012 will be a year of Henry pension reform, but such hopes have previously arisen and been dashed on the rocks of political reality. Ne w York Cit y employee s have different pension plans, all under the management of the City Comptroller. Each pension fund is financially independent of the others and has its own board of trustees, which include city officials and relevant union leaders. In general, the cit y a nd the unions have roughly equal authorit y over the funds. Sometimes the city and union leaders work jointly on pension matters, while at others they are in disagreement, a difference largely based on the relationship between the mayor and the comptroller at the time. Historically, the city’s mayors and comptrollers have been at odds more often than they have been united. The comptrollership has been used as a stepping-stone for mayoral ca ndidate s a nd under those circumstances it is not uncommon for the mayor and the comptroller to disagree on issues. The last comptroller, Bill Thompson, left office in 2009 after a close but unsuccessful effort to de-
Place Your Bets:
Officials Relieved As Casino Opens Though Locals Have Mixed Feelings BY DOMENICK RAFTER
Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 4-10, 2011
Opening Day By mid-afternoon, the crowds made it almost impossible to walk down the wide aisles on the casino floor, and every video lottery terminal was occupied. Even the electronic table games were mobbed, and lines formed for the ticket redeeming machines and the buffet. The line to get a Genting Rewards card was so long, workers began handing out temporary ones to keep people away for the first few days. “You can take this card and play with it now,” said one employee holding a box of red credit-card-shaped players’ club cards, “And come back when the line dies down to get one with your name on it.” But the line didn’t die down; it only grew, snaking through the casino floor, where for anyone who ever walked the casinos of Las Vegas, Atlantic City or Connecticut, the sounds were familiar – the dinging bells of success, the clanging of coins announcing a win. At the electronic roulette table, the virtual dealer, a Lisa Kudrow-lookalike in a sleek black dress, spun the virtual roulette wheel, and then announced with a smile “No More Bets.” The ball circled the wheel, bounced around and landed in 17 red. No one cheered – nobody had hit it big – but also, no one left their machines. “This will do for now,” said one player, who admitted he preferred the real table games, a prospect currently being discussed in Albany and supported by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and leaders in both houses. He looked back down onto the virtual roulette board. “Where’s double zero?” At Bar 360, four bartenders rushed around frantically trying to fill drink orders. Cocktail waitresses with trays full of drinks carefully descended the three steps onto the casino floor. No one wanted a spill on the first day. On the 28-foot television, purportedly the largest in Queens, highlights from the thrilling Game 6 of the
Photos by Ira Cohen
With a sigh of relief, a whiff of excitement and a dash of anxious concern, a long-neglected but storied racetrack in Southern Queens was reborn into a miniMonte Carlo last Friday as the borough welcomed New York City’s first casino – Resorts World New York City – to Aqueduct Racetrack in South Ozone Park. The project many thought to be a pipe dream, especially after a number of false starts and collapsed bids, finally saw its first phase completed as the first video lottery terminals began ringing and clanging at the once-dilapidated racetrack on Rockaway Boulevard. And by the end of the opening day on Friday, more than 20,000 people had shown up to see the casino, prompting Resorts World New York City President Michael Speller to issue a statement politely asking patrons to come next week, when the crowds die down. In short, the place was packed.
The first visitors to the Resorts World New York City Casino at Aqueduct Racetrack (top) try out the video lottery terminals. Crowds began filing in to the casino at 1 p.m. on opening day (r.) World Series were being shown in preparation for that night’s finale. The first visitors to the casino were greeted by three impersonators: Elvis, Tina Turner and Lady Gaga in a dress made of playing cards. They circled the casino floor for the rest of the day, posing for pictures and even signing autographs. It was only 3 p.m. and the casino floor had only been open for two hours. Earlier, dignitaries from across the borough gathered outside the front entrance for a ribbon cutting. They expressed their relief and excitement at the project 10 years in the making. Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) even joked that the racetrack may be the first place visited by a Pope to later become a casino. Pope John Paul II said mass at the racetrack in October 1996. The Long Rocky Road To Roulette When the state legislature authorized gaming at Aqueduct on Oct. 29, 2001, it was assumed a casino would have opened at the track long before now. But 10 years brought three failed bid processes that collapsed due to the recession and allegations of corruption. MGM Grand initially won the contract in 2002, but pulled out after the New York Racing Association faced a federal probe. Former Gov. Eliot Spitzer reopened the contract in 2007 and Delaware North won the bid, but pulled out after its own financial collapse. A third bid, awarded to Aqueduct Entertainment Group, which included former U.S. Rep. Floyd Flake as one of its principals, was marred in controversy after they were chosen by former Gov. David Paterson. AEG’s bid was dropped after the Division of the Lottery said it would not be able to issue the group a license. That led to a fourth bidding process, during which all other bids besides
Genting’s were disqualified by Lottery. Genting was awarded the bid in August 2010 and broke ground on the casino on Oct. 28, 2010 – exactly one year prior to Friday’s opening. Though a portion of the casino f loor was initially set to open last spring, the project was delayed until October. Only the first of three floors opened last Friday, and the rest of the site, including a second casino floor, event space, two restaurants and a skybridge to the A train subway station will open in December, four months earlier than anticipated. “I think we had all given up hope that this would ever happen,” said one Ozone Park resident as she studied the electronic craps table. The relief was perhaps felt the greatest by Donna Gilmartin, the chair of Community Board 10’s Aqueduct committee. Gilmartin had been CB 10’s point person on the project for nearly a decade. When asked what her Aqueduct committee report will be at the November CB 10 meeting, she responded simply: “It is done.” A New Neighbor According to Resorts World New York City spokesman Stefan Friedman, more than 65,000 people visited the casino in its first weekend. Many of them drove; adding an element this usually sleepy part of the borough isn’t used to – traffic. On Friday afternoon, traffic on Rockaway Boulevard was at a standstill between 104th and 114th Streets, and some of that was spilling into the residential streets and other thoroughfares like Liberty Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard.
“Rockaway [Boulevard] is ridiculous right now ’cause of this casino,” Tweeted one Ozone Park resident Friday night. Though MTA has rerouted the Q37 bus, which begins at the Union TurnpikeKew Gardens subway station, into the racetrack property, the new stops were practically empty on Friday and Saturday. “I don’t think anyone knows about this,” said Steve, a resident of Richmond Hill waiting at the bus stop. He admitted he took the bus expecting to walk from the stop at 111th Street and Rockaway Boulevard. “It was a surprise when I saw the bus comes right to the casino.” Ricco DeLeo, who lives on 101st Street and Rockaway Boulevard, three blocks from the casino, said his father’s parked car and a few others parked on the street were hit by a drunk driver on Friday night who police say was coming from the casino. “The cops said that my parents’ incident was the sixth or seventh one that night due to the casino,” DeLeo said. “Along with the traffic it’s causing and its proximity to many schools, I can’t see how this is anything but a bad thing.” Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Far Rockaway), who represents the community to the east of the track, asked constituents to contact his office with all quality of life complaints. “With thousands of visitors coming to our neighborhood each day, we’re going to experience some problems, especially as it relates to traffic,” he said. “I will work with Resorts World Casino, the 106th Precinct and community leaders to address any problem that may arise.” But other locals who visited praised the new addition to their neighborhood. Ida from Howard Beach said she thought the casino was a great idea for the community. “I’m glad they found a use for the track,” she said, adding that it had previously been an “eyesore” in the community. “It looks great.” On Saturday night, the casino made use of its stage over Bar 360, featuring a band performing covers both of contemporary songs by Adele and the Black Eyed Peas and old favorites like “Suspicious Minds” and “I Want You Back.” The band attracted a curious crowd that included Andrew, also from Howard Beach, who had just left from a dinner at the brand new buffet. “I really enjoyed the buffet. I thought it was a really good deal,” he said. His only problem: the premium buffet, which for another $10 gives you an expanded menu including lobster tails, was not ready yet. But it was only the second day. Give it time. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.
Police Blotter Compiled By ROSS BARKAN
108th Precinct Woman Shot On Oct. 24, at approximately 9:25 p.m., police responded to a woman shot at 50-43 64th St.. Upon arrival, police discover ed a 21 - year-old Hispanic woman who was shot once in the head. The victim was taken to Elmhurst Hospital in critical condition. Elijah Stamateris, a 22-year-old white man, was arrested and charged with assault, criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment.
109th Precinct Child Groped The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a man wanted for sex abuse. On Wednesday, Oct. 26, at approximately 5:47 p.m., the victim, an 8-yearold Hispanic girl, was shopping with her mother inside a Marshall’s clothing store at 40-24 College Point Blvd. The girl stepped away from her mother’s side to look at a display of books, at which time a man repeatedly passed her and grabbed her buttocks. The suspect is described as a white or Hispanic man, approximately 5-foot-7, slim build, light-skinned with black hair cut into a fade on both sides. He was wearing a black jacket with a hood, blue
jeans and metal-framed glasses. Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
Shot On Roosevelt On Monday, Oct. 31, at approximately 5:43 p.m., police responded to a report of a man shot in front of 13350 Roosevelt Ave.. Upon arrival, police discovered the victim, a 21-year-old Hispanic man, shot once in the head. EMS also responded to the location and transported the victim to New York Hospital Queens, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. There were no arrests and the investigation was ongoing.
113th Precinct Murderer Sought On Friday, Oct. 28, at 11:05 a.m., police officers responded to a report of a man stabbed in the vicinity of 117-34 142nd St. Upon arrival, police discovered the victim, Patrick Dixon, 17, of 111-21 180th St., with a stab wound to his neck. EMS also responded to the lo-
cation and transported the victim to Jamaica Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The investigation was ongoing.
114th Precinct Astoria Shooting The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating and identifying a man wanted for an assault. On Friday, Oct. 21, at approximately 1:15 p.m., in front of Astoria Houses, a 26-year-old man was involved in a dispute with a man identified as Saul Chavez, who allegedly pulled out a firearm and began shooting. The victim was struck in the left thigh and was transported to Elmhurst Hospital where he was treated for his injuries. The suspect fled the location. The suspect Chavez has been identified as a 33-year-old Hispanic man, approximately 5-foot-3, 125 lbs. He was last seen wearing a black hood over his head. Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stopper s Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
Gunpoint Robbery The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a man wanted in connection with a gunpoint robbery . On Thursday, Sept. 29, at 3:15 a.m., at the corner of 22nd Street and 41st Avenue, a man suspect approached the victim, pointed a firearm and demanded the victim’s wallet and cell phone. The p e r pet rato r f l e d o n foot w i t h t h e victim’s property into the Queensbridge Housing Development. There were no injuries. The suspect is described as a black man, 20-23 years old, 6-feet tall, last seen wearing a denim jacket, baseball cap, white T-shirt and pants with the number nine on the left leg. Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO REVEAL YOUR IDENTITY TO HELP SOLVE A CRIME.
Nov. 4-10, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9
pix
The Rev. Edwin Reed of Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral (l. to r.), GJDC staffer Mary Reda, Daniel Greene of the Amalgamated Bank, and GJDC staffer Todd Benenson.
Southeast Queens Photos Edited By Harley Benson
Greater Jamaica Development Corp. 2011 Gala On Tuesday, Oct. 25, the 2011 Gala Celebration of the Greater Jamaica Development Corp. was held at the Edison Ballroom in Times Square. The evening saluted two special honorees whose leadership and productive efforts have promoted Jamaica's development as one of the region's largest transportation hubs and enabled its steady progress as a significant multi-purpose regional center.
Jacqueline Boyce of Community Board 12 (l. to r.); former NYC Councilman "Mister Jamaica" Archie Spigner; Yvonne Reddick of Community Board 12; Manny Caughman of Assemblyman William Scarborough's office; and Herlema Owens of the Association of Women Construction Workers. Photos by Walter Karling
Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 4-10, 2011
Norman Fairweather and the Rev. Patrick O'Connor of the First Presbyterian Church of Jamaica together with the Rev. Floyd Flake of Jamaica's Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral.
GJDC Vice-President Andrew Manshel (l. to r.), the Executive Director of Queens Economic Development Seth Bornstein, and Peter Magnani of the Queens Borough Public Library.
Lamont Bailey, Chairman of the GJDC Board of Directors (l. to r.); honoree and award recipient Christopher Ward, the Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey; honoree and award recipient Eran Gartner, the President of the Systems Division of Bombardier Transportation; award presenter the Rev. Floyd Flake, Senior Pastor of the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York; and featured speaker Carlisle Towery, President of the GJDC.
Photo by Ira Cohen
Borough Beat
Mayor Mike Bloomberg speaks as Borough president Helen Marshall (l.) and Queens DA Richard Brown (r.) listen at the 2008 opening and dedication of the Family Justice Center, which helps run the domestic violence program.
Out Of Violence, Hope Grows In Boro BY VERONICA LEWIN
Nov. 4-10, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11
Some women who gain the courage to leave their abusers are soon faced with the challenge of financially supporting themselves and their children, a task they are not prepared for. A city pilot program implemented in Queens is helping domestic violence survivors become self-sufficient. The first graduating class of the Supported Training and Employment Preparation Services program was comprised of 12 Queens women, ranging in age from 28 to 53. A ceremony was held last Friday, Oct. 28, at the Family Justice Center in Kew Gardens. The graduates received a certificate of completion and a gift bag to commemorate their success. The STEPS program was designed and coordinated by the City Dept. of Information Technology and Telecommunications and technology company NetApp to help prepare domestic violence survivors for careers in technology. Participants attended weekly sessions led by industry experts and Queens Family Justice Center personnel. NetApp Vice President of State and Local Higher Education Sales Regina Kunkle said it is important to prepare people for a technology career, especially women who are less likely to be in the field. “I think technology is really what drives the world,” Kunkle said. Jen, whose last name is being withheld, is grateful for the three-month program. With a high school diploma and no control over finances, Jen said she worried about being able to live independently from her abuser. “It’s a well-rounded program that enables women, like myself, who have no official training, no professional training and schooling to a certain level,” she said. Through the new STEPS program, Jen was able to learn how to use the Microsoft Office suite and other basic skills for the professional work environment. After just 12 weeks, Jen said she feels she is ready to apply for a job or pursue an associate’s degree in business administration or finance.
Yolanda Jimenez, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence, said she sat in on some of the weekly sessions and was impressed with the progress being made. “I get goose bumps when I talk about this group because they are an inspirational group for all of us,” Jimenez said. At the beginning of the program, the women were asked if they had the confidence to apply for a job and become independent. Most of the women were unsure of their ability. Jimenez said by the end of the program, 90 percent of the class felt confident enough to seek employment on their own. “They’ve learned the skills but now they have something much more valuable, and that is that confidence,” Jimenez said. One graduate was married to a man for 14 years who was physically and emotionally abusive to her and their children. She said he had a way of quietly leaving the house so she would be unable to tell if he was home. The graduate said she never knew what to expect, and often checked his room while he was at work. One morning she checked his room to find a saw, hammer, wire cutter and duct tape next to his bed. It was then she realized she would have dropped her children off at school and returned home to a violent situation. She reached out to the Family Justice Center, which helped her gain full custody of her children and a twoyear stay away order for her abuser. Due to the success of the inaugural class, the city is considering continuing the STEPS program and offering it in other boroughs. One graduate will be offered an internship to help implement the expansion of the program. The city program partners with several agencies to help domestic violence survivors, including Queens Library, the Jamaica Neighborhood Center Job Club and the Dress For Success organization, which provides business attire to women in need. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.
Profile
He Is The Change He Wants To See BY VERONICA LEWIN One former foster kid has been doing everything it takes to improve his former Southeast Queens neighborhood, even when he had to sleep on buses and trains to do it. Jamel Robinson spent the first 21 years of his life in foster care. “It was difficult,” he said. His grandmother did the best she could raising 10 children, but simply could not take care of him and a sister anymore. The two wound up going from foster home to foster home until he was too old to be in the system. When he was released, the South Jamaica native did not know what his next step would be. Being on his own for the first time, he was unaware of the resources available to him. “I was too broken to go and ask for help,” Robinson said. While getting on his feet, Robinson wanted to ensure that other foster children leaving the system did not encounter the same struggles. In 2008, he founded Jamel Robinson Child Welfare Reform Initiative at age 21. Lacking a place to call home at the time, Robinson
book bags and hyfound himself sleeping giene products. on trains and buses at “My goal now is to night after a day of adensure that no other vocating. During that young person has to month, he tried to hide experience the trethat he was homeless mendous hardships and kept up with his that I’ve had to enappearance. He said dure,” Robinson said. his faith in God Since 2008, the helped him stay posiorganization has intive through those difcreased its community ficult times. presence and “I always believed Robinson is hoping to that one day I was goclean up South Jaing to become great,” maica one block at a Robinson said. time. “I came back to For the past three my former inner-city years, his organization community and revihas fought to transJamel Robinson talized and transform the city’s foster formed the landscape care system into a safe space where children can feel appreci- of this community,” Robinson said. While still in foster care, Robinson ated. The organization strives to ensure young adults leaving the foster care sys- strived to improve his neighborhood. tem have the resources necessary to be At age 15, he became a liaison for the independent and successful. Robinson Polhemus Avenue Block Association. hopes to eradicate homelessness in the Robinson has shared his life expericommunity, and has organized donation ences with inmates at Rikers Island and drives to provide children with coats, spoken at several colleges across the
city. His work has not gone unnoticed, as Robinson has received a plethora of proclamations from community leaders, elected officials and former presidents. Over the summer, Robinson partnered with corporate sponsors to cover a graffiti ridden wall at the corner of 106th Avenue and 177th Street in South Jamaica. The once-dismal wall is now a colorful mural with the word “Hope,” and features the quote “We are the change that we seek,” a motto Robinson lives by. Robinson said he has many more plans to improve his former neighborhood. “This is not the beginning, it’s only a preview.” Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.
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LIC Runner Sees Marathon As Hope
Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 4-10, 2011
BY JASON BANREY
Each morning at 5 a.m., Salvatore Polizzi literally drags himself out of bed. Stumbling into his running gear, he laces up, skips the trip to the bathroom to brush his teeth and heads out for a daily running routine which he says never gets tired. “My doorman thinks I’m crazy,” said the Long Island City resident who is training for this year’s ING New York City Marathon. “But my parents didn’t raise me to sit on the sidelines. So I make it happen.” For 45 minutes, Polizzi sprints through Western Queens. As much of the borough is still asleep or stumbling back home from a night out, the 32 year old works on his speed training. “The last quarter mile of the run back home I get a jolt of energy,” Polizzi said. Enough energy to help him get through a 12-hour work day at Tony’s Pizzeria and Restaurant in Brooklyn, the family business where his parents helped instill his serious work ethic. “You can find me making pizza, in the kitchen whipping up pasta, talking to customers or dealing with the books,” he said of his extensive work day, which typically ends with a 15-mile run at around 10 p.m. Despite his nonchalance and the jovial persona he maintains while describing his healthy habit of running, Polizzi says he gets his true inspiration from his
mother, a cancer survivor. In 2009, after Anna Polizzi was diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer, he was hit with the same reality most families face after their loved one is struck with the debilitating disease. “Watching the woman that raised you, suffering, just gave me a feeling of hopelessness,” said Polizzi, who recalled once seeing her unconscious while being rushed to the emergency room. Uncertain about her condition, he used that time as a catalyst to motivate him to motivate others. That same year, Polizzi ran in his first New York City marathon and since then has dedicated his life toward raising awareness about the need for more funding for cancer research. This year, Polizzi is once again running for Fred’s Team, a fundraising program dedicated toward bringing humanity one step closer to a world without cancer. To date, Polizzi, along with numerous other members of the fundraising program, have raised $42 million in funds for pioneering research at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. “To be able to raise funds and tell my story is the best way to inspire others to donate to a worthwhile cause,” Polizzi said. Not only will Polizzi run the marathon this year, he was chosen by Foot Locker to represent Queens in the Five Borough Challenge. Known as a “race within the race,” the challenge puts five runners, one
from each borough, together to run for the first 13 miles of the marathon and then break away for the remainder of the distance in a shot to gain bragging rights throughout the City. With his mother currently in remission, Polizzi looks forward to seeing her cheer him on in this year’s challenge – and to be part of another opportunity to raise awareness about the need for more funding, which he said he believes can put an end to cancer. Although Polizzi knows he may not stand out among the sea of more than 45,000 other runners, he is certain he will maintain his message before and after the race, for as long as he lives. “No one is immune from the trials and tribulations of cancer,” Polizzi said. “If we sit and wait for that day for a cure, we’re not being realistic. Each day I try to do my best and put my best foot forward. It’s the least I can do.” For more information about donating towards Polizzi’s efforts go to
Salvatore Polizzi fredsteam.org and search for Salvatore Polizzi. Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.
A&E
Blood, Sweat, Tears And Queensboro BY TAMMY SCILEPPI Two generations later – that’s 40-plus years - and the iconic rock/jazz group Blood, Sweat and Tears is still popular, their rousing songs filling the airwaves; the band performs its famous hits, receiving standing ovations wherever they go. Not many bands can say they’ve toured nonstop since 1968. Heading our way, BS&T will bring the house down on Saturday night, Nov. 19, when they make their rockin’ debut at Queensborough Community College’s Performing Arts Center in Bayside, playing the music that made them a pop legend: “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” “And When I Die,” “God Bless The Child,” “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know,” “Spinning Wheel” and more. Rewind back to Greenwich Village in the late 1960’s, when BS&T first came together. Bassist Jim Fielder, former Blues
Project guitarist Steve Katz, and jazz drummer Bobby Colomby had a vision for a new, exciting group, so, the co-founders recruited keyboardist Al Kooper, who christened the band in ’67. Rumor has it he came up with the name after cutting his hand and bleeding all over his organ keyboard, during a late-night gig, but the truth is the band’s name was inspired by a Johnny Cash album. Having worked with legends Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix, lead singer Kooper, along with the other super-talented musicians, were instrumental in putting the group’s name on the pop charts map, and as a team, drove its mega-popularity during the 60s hippie counter-culture. In the beginning, the band experimented with a combo of jazz, blues, classical, and folk music genres, but when BS&T finally found its groove, the American pop/rock music scene changed forever, as their signature sounds became ear
Restaurant Review
15th Annual Crab Fest LONDON LENNIE’S 63-88 Woodhaven Blvd. Rego Park (718) 894-8084 londonlennies.com CUISINE: Seafood HOURS: 11:45 am - 10 pm Mon-Fri; 411 pm Sat; 2-9 pm Sun PARKING: Free Valet CREDIT: All Major
Gershwin Bros. Shine In Queens Theatre Run ‘S Wonderful, the all singing, all dancing musical celebration of the genius of George and Ira Gershwin is playing a limited engagement at Queens Theatre in the Park through Nov. 13. Under the direction of Ray Roderick, musical direction of Richard Hip-Flores and choreography of Vince Pesce, the talented cast of five triple threat singer/ dancer/actors bring the music of the Gershwin brothers to life. Incorporating five mini-musicals inspired by the real events occurring in and around the lives of the Gershwin brothers, this new musical revue illustrates their impact on the world then and now. First it’s New York City in 1916 and Paris in the 1930s, followed by Hollywood in the 40s and New Orleans in the 50s. ’S Wonderful takes you on a ride to the different places, times and musical styles that made the Gershwin brothers the most successful songwriting team in the history of popular music. The Gershwin families have authorized the use of the Gershwin songbook, making ‘S Wonderful a brand new, all-inclusive Gershwin musical.
Like a Technicolor movie musical, ’S Wonderful paints a picture of nostalgia and entertainment while paying tribute to the incomparable songbook of George and Ira Gershwin. Featuring over 40 classic hits such as “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” “Shall We Dance,” “Someone to Watch Over Me” and “Rhapsody in Blue.” Directed and choreographed by Vince Pesce, the cast includes Courtney Bassett, Trevor McQueen, Katie Mitchell, Kimberly Thomas and Sean Watkins. Set design by Lewis Folden; lighting design by Russell A. Thompson; sound design by Scott Elmegreen and costume design by Barbara Anderson. Performances at Queens Theatre are Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $39 for weekday performances and $44 for weekend performances, with discounts are available for seniors and groups of 10 or more. Tickets are on sale now at the Queens Theatre Box Office (718-760-0064) and at queenstheatre.org.
Nov. 4-10, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13
Too often, seasonal fare can be a trap. Restaurants host themed festivals and trip up on experimentation, creating weird meals that assault the palate. London Lennie’s has been doing its annual Get Crackin’ Crabfest for 15 years. They know better. Upon entering the restaurant, you’re first greeted with a tank of live crab. It’s then you know: this place is serious. The layout includes a blue collar style bar area alongside a finer dining feel at the restaurant’s southern half. And based on the fish and history-steeped décor, there’s never any mistake what’s on the menu. Tackling crab represents a tightrope. The tipping point between fishy and bland is very fine, making crab dishes far from a slam dunk. Try to mitigate the meat’s natural flavor and you risk killing the signature ingredient. Allowing crab too much freedom and you’re in sushi territory. The Crabfest’s menu hits every perfect note, from rustic to exquisite. Start with the Roasted Corn and Crabmeat Chowder, which showcases Executive Chef Jeffrey Baruch’s Long Island roots. Overflowing with hearty corn, onion and other vegetables in cream chowder, the ingredients blend to compliment a crab lump plopped in the bowl’s middle. Move on to the Steamed Crab and Shrimp Dumplings, which can jar the taste buds upon first bite – but don’t be put off. It gets better as you chew, Thai chili dip-
ping sauce serves as a perfect complement. If that’s too eastern, go for the Jumbo Lump Crabmeat Stack, which may be as delicious a crab starter you’ll try. Resting upon a layer of fresh avocado, the crab meat and mango prep the palate while refreshing the taste buds. Be sure to pair any of the above appetizers with a fine Sauvignon, which plays up the earthy ingredients. Given the restaurant’s ritual jaunts to the Fulton Fish Market, staples like the steamed crab, Alaskan King Crab and Jumbo Florida Crab are can’t-miss dishes at a hefty price. But the entrée menu rewards adventurous types. Take the Jumbo Lump Crabmeat A Gratin, with crabmeat, sauteed onions & reggiano cheese in a crab-infused bechemel sauce, baked to a golden brown. It is as decadent as it sounds and enough to stuff a person. But toss back a glass of crisp Chianti, roll up your sleeves and dig in some more. The real kicker comes in the form of the Crab Cake Trio, which offers blue claw, Dungeness and Jonah crab meats served in their own style. From the low-key yet herb-infused blue claw, to the southern kick of the Dungeness and the balance of the Jonah, each offers its own personality. And stick with a Riesling, which plays a good back-up role to the dish. Pray after your meal you can fit dessert in your belly and then ask for the Pumpkin Flan, which offers all the great texture of flan with the flavor of a pumpkin pie. Lest ye be worried of the check, understand that the Crackin’ Crabfest is a once-a-year opportunity, so make it a treat. A sincerely filling dinner will run over $40 but your taste buds will be glad you made the investment. Hurry, you’ve got until Nov. 13 to get your fill.
candy to critics and listeners, selling almost 6 million records in three years. In a recent interview, manager Larry Dorr, who has worked with the band for more than 30 years said, “These days, Blood Sweat & Tears is more like a college of higher musical learning than just a band. Some of the world’s greatest musicians have passed through – 138 and still The current lineup of Blood, Sweat & Tears: Teddy counting.” Mulet (l. to r.), Dave Gellis, Steve Jankowski, “The version you will see now Andrea Valentini, Jens Wendelboe, Gary Foote, is hailed by critics as the best col- Ken Geoffre, Glenn McClelland; Back center: Jason lection of musicians so far,” he Paige. added. “They’re touring all over the world, and now in the bands’ stomping grounds of New York City.” people work together and have different In 2010, the community-minded mu- personalities; they had issues with cohesicians performed at a special concert at siveness. As lineups changed, each new Berklee College of Music in Boston. Drum- chapter led to positive stuff: new albums, mer Andrea Valentini is a Berklee alum. hot singles, and diversity in their sound. “There are two touching moments in But these days, they’re a close-knit bunch my 12 years with BS&T: First, of course, with a different attitude, and still going is when mom and dad saw me playing strong. with the band in Piombino, Italy last July,” “It’s an incredible fraternity made up he said. “And second, equally important of some of the top musicians in New York to me, was when we played Berklee Col- at any given time,” bassist Gary Foote lege of Music two years ago, and the presi- said. “Over the last 40 plus years guys like dent of the school acknowledged me on Lou Solof, Randy Brecker, Bobby stage as a Berklee alumnus. I remember Colomby, Mike Stern, Joe Henderson, and getting pretty emotional. It felt so good, Jaco Pastorius have been in the band. So, being back there as the drummer for with that caliber of musicians you’re alBS&T, and not a student. That was a ways inspired to get better. And, as far as pretty glorious moment.” the guys getting along off-stage, there’s BS&T walked into the Columbia always been nine strong, mostly funny Records studio for the first time in Novem- personalities with common goals of getber 1967, and were signed up. They were at ting better, and partying until we get the top of their game for a lengthy spell, but kicked out of any given country.” dealt with the peaks and valleys in their For tickets, call the Box Office at long musical journey. There was some ex- (718) 631-6311. QCCPAC is located at pected unrest, as happens when a bunch of 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside.
Faith
BY MONICA GANESH
On Oct. 30, 2010, an electrical fire ravaged the St. Mary Magdalene Church in Springfield Gardens, destroying everything but the wooden frame. A year later, the members of the church held a ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of the fire. The half-hour service took place last Friday, Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Martin De Porres School, which is located at 136-25 218th St., next door to the church, where the church’s
services have been held since the fire. The special education school rents the school from the parish, and welcomed the Church to use its gymnasium. “That night we lost our beloved church to fire, but we are not a people who live in the darkness. We are the people who live in the light, and so tonight we wear the light and we give witness to the light,” said Sister Maryellen Kane. A group of approximately 90 came out to remember the anniversary. Wearing glow stick necklaces, the multigenerational crowd sang and danced. The church was
Word “In all the antique religions, mythology takes the place of dogma; that is, the sacred lore of priests and people... and these stories afford the only explanation that is offered of the precepts of religion and the prescribed rules of ritual.” – William Robertson Smith
Photo by Monica Ganesh
A Year Later, Church Eyes A Rebirth sprinkled with holy water and finally the members of the parish circled the burnedout hull of the church, held hands and sang “This Little Light of Mine,” before heading to the school lunchroom for refreshments. The St. Mary Magdalene Church received insurance money after the disaster, but needs $1.3 million more to rebuild the church, which is why the parishioners are beginning a capital campaign to raise funds. The church is asking members of the community and members of the congregation to make a pledge during a period of the next three to five years. “It’s standing,” said Bettye Williams, vice president of the church’s women’s group, who has been a member of the Church since 1970. “We’re hoping for the rebuilding to take place.” Fundraising initiatives will be planned and executed after the capital campaign is finished to see how much more money is needed, but church officials do not know how long it will be before they have enough funds to rebuild. “We would be most grateful for donations from anyone in the community who would like to see the church rebuilt, said Sister Kane, “The church here serves more than the members of the church. It has served this community for many years.”
The burned-out remains of St. Mary Magdalene Church in Springfield Gardens. When the church is rebuilt, plans call for using the same foundation but expanding it so that it can hold 450 people, whereas the structure could only hold 300 before. Reach Intern Monica Ganesh at interns@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 124.
Notebook Mentoring Program
Joining As Boys, They Grow Into Men
Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 4-10, 2011
Young men in Cambria Heights have been taking advantage of an opportunity to become well-rounded individuals before they graduate high school. The mentoring program at Cambria Heights Magnet High School, located at 207-01 116th Ave., began seven years ago. Since then, it has grown into a series of workshops, community service and postgraduation opportunities for students. The program now has full support from the United Black Men of Queens County, which places students into internships with its members. UBMQ was founded in 1974, and has been committed to helping young black males become successful. Every Saturday, young men and mentors participate in three-hour sessions, where mentors provide lectures on values, relationships and dealing with law enforcement, in addition to academic support. Program Coordinator Lascelles Aboagye said group mentoring has been more effective for the students than individual sessions. The young men often push each other to succeed during the workshops, and help each other stay fo-
cused on goals. He said there is a sense of pride when students reach their goals. “I think young people need mentoring, they need guidance,” Aboagye said. He added that young people today need as much support as they can get. Often, fathers will volunteer and participate in the mentoring program with their sons. Some young men are recommended for the Last year’s Young Men’s Alliance Mentoring Program. program, while others The mentoring program takes the stujoin for the chance to learn and give back to the community. The students have vol- dents on educational field trips throughunteered at senior centers and food pan- out the year. Every year the group travels tries, and have organized toy drives for to Albany to visit the Latino, Black and people in homeless shelters. The program Puerto Rican Legislative Caucus. Students usually sees around 40 students a year. also go on college tours across the county. Aboagye said it is the most beneficial Aboagye stressed the importance of when students join freshman year and traveling to Manhattan and exploring have four years to explore what the what the city has to offer. The group vismentoring program has to offer. At the its the General Grant National Memorial end of high school, there is a rite of pas- every year and the neighborhood of sage ceremony where students’ hard work Harlem. “It’s important to give them a is celebrated. broader cultural perspective,” Aboagye
Photo by Bob Harris
BY VERONICA LEWIN
said. He said the trips can remind young men that they have a relationship with New York City outside of Southeast Queens. Since taking over as coordinator in 2007, Aboagye said he has seen more young men graduating and pursuing higher education as a result of the program. He added many of the former mentees maintain a bond with the organization even after leaving high school. One student whose parents passed away joined his freshman year when the school reached out to him. In four years, the student rose to leadership positions in the school. He graduated with several scholarship options and is now a student at Lincoln University. Aboagye hopes to expand the program by adding tutoring and increasing scholarship and internship opportunities. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123. Is Your School Doing Something Good? Write The PRESS of Southeast Queens 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357
What’s Up SATURDAY, NOV. 5 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.
Family Fun Day
The Lynching of Emmett Till In 1955, Emmett Till and his cousin went to visit family in Mississippi. His mother, conscious of the prejudice and racism rampant in Mississippi, instructed Emmett to “mind his manners” around white people. According to some, Emmett whistled at a white woman. Others say he grabbed her hand and asked for a date. Still others claim he said, “Bye, baby” as he left the store. What followed remains as one of the most brutal and senseless accounts of
Tabou Combo Margert Community Corporation and Councilman James Sanders Jr. are presenting another concert in the GarveyTubman Music Series. Saturday’s show will feature Tabou Combo. There will be special performances by LeGacy and So Fresh. A complimentary meal will be served. Two tickets per person are available on a first come, first served basis. Pick up tickets at the Laurelton Office (234-26 Merrick Boulevard, 718-736-5467) or the Far Rockaway Office (1526 Central Avenue, 718-471-7014). This free event will be held at Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave., from 3 to 7 p.m.
Grand African Ball Join Afrikan Poetry Theatre as it celebrates 35 years of bringing cultural and educational programs to NYC. The evening will include an awards presentation honoring outstanding community activists and Irving Burgie. Dinner and drinks included. Guests are encouraged to wear African garb. Tickets can be purchased for $85. For additional information call (718) 523-3312. This event will be held at The Imperial Room, 259 Doughty Blvd., Inwood, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
SUNDAY, NOV. 6 Caracumbe Concert Led by master percussionist and director Marcos Napa, this New York-based Afro-Peruvian ensemble demonstrates, through music and movement, a cultural legacy that has endured for generations. They perform traditional dance and showcase a musical heritage of distinctive African roots found in Peru, a country mostly known for its Native American and European influences. This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 3 p.m.
MONDAY, NOV. 7 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.
Intro to Microsoft Word Learn to create and save Word documents, format text, copy, cut and paste items, and insert pictures. To register, please call 718-990-5102 or visit the Job Information Center. This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 10:30 a.m.
TUESDAY, NOV. 8 Own Your Own Business 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.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 9 Intro to Computers In this two-session workshop, older adults will learn the basics about the computer, the keyboard and mouse and the Internet. Preregistration is required in person at the Cyber Center Desk. Class runs from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. For details, please call (718) 990-0769. This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Observatory Open Night The York College Observatory is open to the public every second or third Wednesday of the month - rain or shine. Gather in room 2E01 and then proceed to the 4th floor terrace off the G corridor if it’s clear. For additional information, contact Tim Paglione at paglione@york.cuny.edu or (718) 262-2082. This free event will be held at York College Academic Core Building (AC 2E01), 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, NOV. 10 Walkers for Wellness Club See Saturday’s listing. At 7 p.m.
Provide Great Customer Service Providing excellent customer service is critical in today’s job market. Do you know how to provide great customer service? Participants will learn customer service etiquette, understanding customer needs and tips for tackling tough customers. This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 4 p.m.
Movie Night The Eastern Queens Alliance, Inc. and the Idlewild Park Preservation Committee are presenting the film “Flow.” The documentary investigates the world water crisis. Beyond identifying the problem, the movie also gives viewers a look at practical solutions to the water crisis and people developing new technologies which are fast becoming blueprints for a global and economic turnaround. Seating is limited. To pre-register call (347) 824-2301 or email info@easternqueensalliance.org. This free event will be held at Eastern Queens Alliance’s Idlewild Park Science Learning Center Trailer, 149-20 Springfield Lane, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, NOV. 11 Ritz Chamber Players The Ritz Chamber Players is hailed by The Baltimore Sun as “one of the most
interesting and dynamic ensembles to emerge in recent years.” Boasting some of the world’s preeminent musicians spanning the African Diaspora, the ensemble brings a fresh, new energy to the classical music genre. The group will perform a concert at York College. Tickets are $10. For additional information, call (718) 262-2559. This event will be held at York College Performing Arts Center, 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., from 7 to 8 p.m.
ONGOING Job Club The Jamaica Neighborhood Center offers a free service to assist people from Southeast Queens with job-readiness skill sets in writing a professional resume and cover letter; interviewing practices and techniques; applying on-line procedures; elevator pitch and Microsoft Suite 2007. For additional information, contact Ethan Chazin, Job Coach, at (718) 7392060, Ext. 18 or echazin67@gmail.com. This free event will be held at the Jamaica Neighborhood Center - 161-06 89th Ave. Services are available Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
CPR Training The FDNY Mobile CPR Training Unit will hold regularly scheduled free CPR classes in all five boroughs. The first Tuesday through the fourth Tuesday and the fourth Thursday of every month there will be Borough CPR training sessions in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island and Queens. Training is free to anyone over the age of 14. The goal of this program is increase the number of people in New York City trained in bystander CPR Each class lasts 1 hour and participants in the class learn basic CPR skills from a member of the FDNY Emergency Medical Service. Volunteers for the class follow along using the CPR Anytime Personal Learning Kit, which features an instructional DVD and an inflatable mannequin. All participants are able take home the kit at the end of class and asked to pledge to use the kit to show five of their family members and friends how to perform CPR. This class teaches basic CPR technique and is not a certification course. In Queens, the classes will be held the fourth Thursday of every month at EMS Station 54, 222-15 Merrick Blvd. In addition, please visit www.nyc.gov/cprtogo for New York Sports Club locations offering free CPR classes starting in January. Please visit www.fdnyfoundation.org or call (718) 999-2413 for more information.
Group Sessions Clergy United for Community Empowerment, Inc. Group Sessions are located at 8931 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.
Nov. 4-10, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15
Citizens Bank will hold a customer appreciation and family fun day at its branch in the Arverne Stop & Shop Supermarket to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the bank at 7020 Rockaway Beach Blvd. in Arverne, N.Y. Citizens Bank customers and the general public are invited to take advantage of special anniversary offers and giveaways, and enjoy refreshments, a balloon artist (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and a caricaturist (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Radio station WCBS, channel 101.1FM, will also be onsite from noon to 2 p.m. This free event will be held at 70-20 Rockaway Beach Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
American racial violence in our history. The Lynching of Emmett Till explores the tragic death of this innocent and wellloved young boy and the powerful impact it had upon the emerging American Civil Rights movement. Tickets are $20 for the general public and $10 for students and senior citizens. For additional information, call 718-262-2559. This event will be held at York College Performing Arts Center, 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. at 3 p.m. and 7 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.
Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 4-10, 2011
SENIORS COMPUTER CLASSES SNAP in Queens Village. 454-2100 to register. KEW GARDENS Monday, November 7 12:30 talk and slide show on Bowne House. Kew Gardens Communit y Center, 80-02 Kew Gardens Road. NEW CLASSES Mondays comedy writing and Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline at the Kew Gard e n s C o m m u n i t y C e n t e r. 268-5960. BASIC COMPUTERS Tuesdays, November 8, 15, 22 c o m p u t e r c l a s s e s f o r older adults at the Baisley Park library. Register. CHAIR EXERCISE Tuesdays low impact chair exercise at 11 at the Flushing-Fresh Meadows Jewish Center. $5. 357-5100. 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. STARS Wednesdays, November 9, 16, 23 Senior Theater Acting Repertory at the Hollis library at 10:30. AARP DRIVING Wednesday, November 9 at the Forest Hills library at 1. BASIC COMPUTERS Wednesday, November 9 at 2 at the Central library. Register. STAY WELL Wednesdays at 10:15 at the East Elmhurst library for exercise and other health related programs. AARP 29 Thursdays, November 10, December 8 at Grace House, 155-02 90 th Avenue, Jamaica. HORIZONS Thursday, November 10 Horizons, a group for those 55 and over, meet at 12:30 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112 th Street. $3 includes coffee and cake. STARS Fridays, November 18, 25 Senior Theater Acting Repertory at the Queens Village library at 10:30. 776-0529.
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. 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 Every Saturday at the Flushing library at 2. TALENTED TEENS Monday, November 7 at the Far Rockaway library at 3:30. MS BOYS Monday, November 7 workshop for middle school boys at the Cambria Heights library at 4. TEEN STUDY Monday, November 7 at the Lefrak Cit y library at 4. WII FIT Monday, November 7 at the LIC library at 4. BEGIN CROCHET Monday, November 7 at the Rosedale library at 4. JOB INTERVIEW Monday, November 7 Ace a Job Interview at the Central library at 6. COLLEGE ESSAYS Monday, November 7 at the LIC library at 6. KNIT & CROCHET: Mondays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library at 4. LAPTOP USE Weekdays at 3 at the Laurelton library. HOMEWORK HELP Weekdays at the LIC library at 3. ENTERTAINMENT DEBATE Tuesday, November 8 at the LIC library at 4. JEWELRY MAKING Tuesday, November 8 natural jewelry making using hemp at the Woodside library at 4. 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 BUDDIES Tuesdays at the Windsor Park library at 4. 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 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Steinway library at 4. MANGA CLUB Thursday, November 10 at the Flushing library at 4. YOUNG REFORMERS Thursday, November 10 at the Laurelton library. Register. 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 11 at the Laurelton library. Register. CHESS CLUB Fridays at the Auburndale library at 3:30. 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. LEARN TO KNIT Saturday, November 12 at the Steinway library at 1. RESUME WRITING Saturday, November 12 at the Broadway library at 3. OPEN MIC Sunday, November 13 at the Central library at 2.
TALKS SNAPSHOTS OF QUEENS Sunday, November 6 latest installment of “Snapshots of Queens” lecture series 2:304:30 at the Kingsland Homestead, 143-35 37 th Avenue, Flushing. $8 non-members. LIC & LIRR Monday, November 7 at 7 at the Greater Astoria Historical Societ y, 35-20 Broadway, 4 th floor, LIC. $5. $ EMPOWERMENT Monday, November 7 Financial Empowerment Center at the LIC library at 2. WINDSOR PARK Monday, November 7 “One Hundred Years of Solitude” will be discussed at the Windsor Park library at 2. HILLCREST Tuesday, November 8 “The Devil in the White City”at 2 at the Hillcrest library. WEB ID Wednesday, November 9 Building Your Web Identit y at 6:30 at the Greater Astoria H i s to r i c a l S o c i e t y, 3 5 - 2 0 Broadway, 4 th floor, LIC. MUSLIMS Thursday, November 10 Getting to Know Muslims and Their Faith at the Kew Gardens library at 4. GLENDALE Thursday, November 10 “Cutting for Stone” will be discussed at the Glendale library at 6:30. WEST OF EDEN Thursday, November 10 West of Eden: The Apple’s J o u r n e y to N YC ” a t t h e Sunnyside library at 6:30. WINDSOR PARK Thursday, November 10 “Elizabeth Street” will be discussed at the Windsor Park library at 6:30. AMERICAN DOCUMENTS Saturday, November 12 What do you know about our important American documents 1pm at the Greater Astoria Historical Societ y, 35-20 Broadway, 4 th floor, LIC. $5.
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. FAMILY STORY TIME Saturdays, November 5, 19 at the Flushing library at 11. ANCIENT GREEKS Saturday, November 5 at the Flushing library at 2. 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. SCIENCE LAB Saturdays at the Central library at 11. 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. CRAFT KIDS Monday, November 7 at the Flushing library at 3. GOING GREEN Monday, November 7 Going Green with LEAP at the Broadway library at 4. MS BOYS Monday, November 7 workshop for middle school boys at the Cambria Heights library at 4. ORIGAMI Monday, November 7 at the Fresh Meadows library. Register. LITTLE TOT TIME Monday, November 7 at the Hillcrest library at 4. WII FIT Monday, November 7 at the LIC library at 4. BEGIN CROCHET Monday, November 7 at the Rosedale library at 4. VOCABULARY Monday, November 7 B O O S T C o m m u n i t y Word Project at the Central library at 4:30. MATH ACTIVITY Monday, November 7 at the McGoldrick library at 5. LITERACY Monday, November 7 Information Literacy for Kids at the Windsor Park library at 6:30. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at 4 at the Douglaston/Little Neck lib ra r y. B r i n g n e e d l e s a n d yarn. HOMEWORK HELP Mondays 3:30-5:00 teen tutors available at the Bayside library. CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Tuesdays, November 8, 15, 22 at the Glen Oaks library at 11. LEGO
Tuesday, November 8 LEGO World Builders at the Glendale library at 3:30. SAVINGS Tuesday, November 8 t the Richmond Hill library at 3:30. ARTS & CRAFTS Tuesday, November 8 at the Auburndale library at 4. BOOST BANKING Tuesday, November 8 at the Central library at 4:30. MY THS & MONSTERS Tuesday, November 8 at the Kew Gardens Hills library at 4:30. CHESS CLUB Tuesdays at the LIC library at 4. READ TO A DOG Tuesdays, November 8, 15 at t he Nor th Hills libra r y. Register. BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays, November 8, 15, 22 at 5 at the Windsor Park library. TUESDAY CHESS Tuesdays at the Rosedale library at 4:30. GOING GREEN Wednesday and Thursday, November 9, 10 Going Green with LEAP at the Astoria library at 3:30. LEARN HOW TO SAVE Wednesday, November 9 at the Seaside library at 3:30. TIPI TALES Wednesday, November 9 Native American Tipi Tales at the East Flushing library at 4. PEN PALS Wednesday, November 9 at the Windsor Park library at 4. BOOST SCIENCE Wednesday, November 9 BOOST Science Lab at the Central library at 4:30. STORY TIME Wednesdays, November 9, 16, 23 at the Arverne library at 10. HAPPY HAPPY STORY TIME Wednesdays, November 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. KINDERGARTEN STORY Wednesday, November 9 at the Bellerose library. Register. NUTRITION Wednesdays, November 9, 16, 23 at the Cambria Heights library. Register. GAME DAY Wednesdays at the Poppenhusen library at 4. BOOST HEALTH Wednesdays, November 9, 16, 23 at the McGoldrick library at 5. RECYCLE Thursday, November 10 at the Astoria library. Register. BOOST READING Thursdays, November 10, 17 at the McGoldrick library at 5. JAZZ KIDS Thursday, November 10 East Elmhurst Jazz Kids per-
form at 4 at the library. KIDS CLUB Thursday, November 10 at the Hillcrest library at 4:30. CRAFT TIME Every Thursday at 3:30 at the Ozone Park library. BOY SCOUTS Thursdays Boy Scout Troop 138 meets at 7:30 in the basement at 192-15C 64 th Circle, Fresh Meadows. For those 11 and older. 4542391. GAME DAY Friday, November 11 at the Rochdale Village library at 4. ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays at 2 at the Queens Village library. ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays at the LIC library at 2. GAME DAY Fridays at the Queens Village library at 2. FLASH FRIDAYS Every Friday at 3 at the Ozone Park library. GAME PLAYERS Every Friday at the Hillcrest library at 4. CHESS CLUB Fridays at the Auburndale library at 3:30. GAME DAY Fridays at the Rochdale Village library at 4. GAME TIME Fridays at the Windsor Park library at 4. CHESS TUTORIAL Fridays at 4 at the Woodside library. BOOST GAME DAY Fridays at the Central library at 4:30 and at 5 t the McGoldrick library. CUB SCOUTS 351 Fridays at St. Nicholas of Tolentine school cafeteria, Parsons Blvd. and Union Turnpike. Boys in grades 15. 820-0015. ELECTRIC COMPANY Saturday, November 12 at the Central library at 2. LIBRARY EXPLORERS Saturday, November 12 at the Central library. 990-0114 to register.
THEATER HARD WALL Through November 19 “A Hard Wall at High Speed” at the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. 866-8114111. TWO PIECES OF… Through December 11 “ With Over Two Pieces of Luggage” at the Greek Cultural Center in Astoria. 7267329. S’WONDERFUL November 3 through 13 at Queens Theatre in the Park. 760-0064. TWELFTH NIGHT Saturdays and Sundays, November 5, 6, 12, 13 at St. Luke’s in Forest Hills. Gingerbread Players. 2687772. HAIRSPRAY Saturdays and Sundays, November 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 at the Free Synagogue of Flushing. 229-8547. CILL CAIS PLAYERS November 6 at 4 at the NY Irish Center in LIC. Oneact comedies. 347-0879.
Queens Today EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS McGoldrick library. Register. BASIC COMPUTER Tuesday, November 8 at the LIC library at 11. JEWELRY MAKING Tuesday, November 8 natural jewelry making using hemp at the Woodside library at 4. BASIC COMPUTER Tuesdays, November 8, 15, 22 at the Rosedale library at 10:30. INTRO POWERPOINT Tuesday, November 8 at the Central library at 6. 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 librar y. Register. BASIC COMPUTER Tuesdays, November 8, 15, 22 at the Arverne library at 10:30. PRACTICE LAB TIME Tuesdays, November 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 Park library at 2. INTRO WORD Wednesday, November 9 at the Central library. Register. COMPUTER BASICS Wednesday, November 9 at t h e W i n d s o r Pa r k l i b ra r y. Register. ORCHIDS Wednesday, November 9 Orchids for Your Home lecture. $5. Voelker Orth Museum in Flushing. 359-6227. TANGO CLASS Wednesdays, November 9, 16, 23, 30, December 7, 14, 21, 28 at Buenos Aires Tango in Forest Hills. 347642-4705. KNITTING CLUB Wednesdays at the Bayside library. Register. INTER. COMPUTER Thursday, November 10 intermediate computer class at the LIC library at 10. INTRO COMPUTERS Thursday, November 10 at the Pomonok library. Register. CUSTOMER SERVICE Thursday, November 10 Providing Great Customer Service in Any Job at the Central library at 4. YOGA CLASS Thursday, November 10 at the Queensboro Hill library. Bring a mat. 6:30. COMPUTER BASICS Thursdays at the Glen Oaks library. Register. INDOOR SOCCER – DADS Wednesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000. BASIC COMPUTER Thursdays at the Rosedale library at 6. COMPUTER TUTORIAL Thursdays, November 10, 17 at the Woodside library at 6:30.
INTRO CHAIR YOGA Saturdays, November 5, 12, 19 at the Lef ferts librar y. Register. WII FIT Monday, November 7 stay in shape with Wii Fit at the LIC library at 4. INTRO YOGA Monday, November 7 at the Woodside library. Register. SELF-HEALING Monday, November 7 introduction to relaxation and self healing at the Baisley Park library at 6. CANCER SUPPORT Mondays, November 7, December 5 Franklin Hospital’s Cancer Support Group meets 2-4 in the cafeteria. 516-256-6478. INTRO YOGA Monday, November 7 at the Glendale library. Register. ALZHEIMERS Tuesdays, November 8, 22, December 13, 27 Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills. 592-5757, ext. 237. INTRO CHAIR YOGA Tuesdays, November 8, 15 at the McGoldrick librar y. Register. WELL SPOUSES Wednesdays, November 9, December 14 Well Spouses or Partners of the Chronically Ill and Disabled meet at St. Charles Rehab Center, 201 IU Willets Road, Albertson at 7. Free. Donation. 516-8298740. SPECIAL NEEDS Wednesdays, November 9, 16 Insight into Dealing with Special Needs at 11:30 at the Richmond Hill library. INTRO CHAIR YOGA Thursdays, November 10, 17 a t t h e B r i a r wo o d l i b r a r y. Register. ZUMBA Thursdays, November 10, 17 at the Arverne library. Register.
ENVIRONMENT PL ASTIC ALTERNATIVES Thursday, November 10 Safer Alternatives to Plastics: Cracking the Code on Plastic Labels at 4 at the Woodside library. EDIBLE CROPS Thursday, November 10 Growing Edible Crops YearRound at the Steinway library at 6. GREEN FILM Saturday, November 12 “Bag It!” will be shown at the Steinway library at 3.
DANCE SQUARE DANCE Saturday, November 5 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000 for ticket information. COUNTRY WESTERN Saturday, November 12 Neil Scott Johnson. $13. Thanksgiving celebration with heroes served. Glendale Memorial Building, 7202 Myrtle Avenue at 7:30. 763-4328.
ENTERTAINMENT LORCA FLAMENCO November 11 through December 11 flamenco tribute 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. HOME-COMING Friday, November 4 Kew Gardens Art Show at the Center at Maple Grove in Kew Gardens. 709-0390. Saturday, November 5 “A Word About Home: A Group Poetry Reading from 1-3 at Spolini’s Restaurant in Kew Gardens. 805-5852. Saturday, November 5 3-6 Kew Gardens Art Show at Mood Restaurant in Theme is the idea of home and what it means to Kew Gardens artists, photographers and poets. Kew Gardens. 849-MOOD. CHINESE DRAMA Saturday, November 5 Journey of Chinese Drama: History and Masterpieces at the Flushing library at 2. ANCIENT GREEKS Saturday, November 5 Ancient Greeks/Modern Lives at 2 at the Flushing library. MUSIC 30-70S Saturday, November 5 Great Music from the 30s to 70s at the Peninsula library at 2. PUPPETS ALIVE Saturday and Sunday, November 5, 6 Puppets Alive at Flushing Town Hall. 4637700, ext. 222. PRINCESS & PEA Saturday and Sunday, November 5, 6 at Flushing Town Hall. 463-7700, ext. 222. HAWAIIAN HOLIDAY Saturday, November 5 108:30 and Sunday, November 6 12-3:30 at Church of the Resurrection in Kew Gardens. Baked goods, antiques, gifts, jewelry, Chinese Auction and more. 8472649. CONCERT Sunday, November 6 virtuosi concert at St. Joan of Arc in Jackson Heights. $10. 229-2333. BENEFIT CONCERT Sunday, November 6 Gay Willis and the Angel Voices and Bells of St. Aidan’s Church at Kellenberg Memorial HS in Uniondale at 4. 464-1800. SUNDAY CONCERT Sunday, November 6 at 3 at the Central l i b ra r y. Caracumbe is a NY-based Afro-Peruvian ensemble. LIVE JAZZ Sundays through December 18 at 180-25 Linden Blvd., St. Albans from 5-9. $5 donation. 347-262-1169. FOLK SONGS Monday, November 7 folk songs from around the world at 6 at the Flushing library. SINATRA & MORE Monday, November 7 tribute to Sinatra, Manilow, Sedaka and more at the Seaside library at 6. LOVE SONGS
Monday, November 7 It’s Never Too Late to Fall in Love love songs at 6:30 at the Queens Village library. POLISH INDEPENDENCE Monday, November 7 celebration of Polish Independence Day at 6:30 at the Ridgewood library. TANGO FESTIVAL Tuesdays, November 8, 15 workshops as part of the Quintet of the Americas’ Tango Festival at the Salvation Army Temple, 86-07 35 th Avenue, Jackson Heights at 11. CELEBRATE LADIES Thursday, November 10 Ella, Peggy, Doris and Billy are celebrated at the Howard Beach library at 2. CHINESE AUCTION Thursday, November 10 at the Richmond Hill library at 3. JAZZ KIDS Thursday, November 10 celebrate the winter holidays with the East Elmhurst Jazz Kids at the library at 4. BLUES Thursday, November 10 All About the Blues at 4 at the Woodhaven library. FLOW Thursday, November 10 “Flow” is an award-winning documentary investigation into what experts label the most important political and environmental issues of the 21 s t centur y. Idlewild Park Science Learning Center in Springfield Gardens. 347824-2301. LIVE JAZZ Fridays through December 13 at 180-25 Linden Blvd.., St. Albans. 347-262-1169 ticket information. 5 BORO SONGBOOK Saturday, November 12 at F l u s h i n g To w n H a l l . 4 6 3 7700, ext. 222. ASTRONOMY Saturdays, November 12, December 17 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 2294000 to register. CHINESE DRAMA Saturday, November 12 at the Flushing library at 2. NYC SWING Saturday, November 12 at the Flushing library at 2. JAZZ & MORE Saturday, November 12 jazz, r&b, Brazilian, bossa nova and Pop at 2:30 at the Cambria Heights library. AUTHOR TALK Saturday, November 12 author talk with slide show with Fred Cantor and Debra L. Davidson t the Fresh Meadows library at 3. AUTHOR READING Saturday, November 12 Shalja Patel at 3 at the Langston Hughes library. VOICES & GUITARS Saturday, November 12 Music for Voices and Guitars at 6:15 at St. Josaphat’s Church in Bayside. 2291663. OPEN MIC Sunday, November 13 at the Central library at 2. JAZZ QUARTET Sunday, November 13 Charlie Porter Jazz Quartet at Flushing Town Hall. 4637700, ext. 222.
MEETINGS TELEPHONE PION. Tuesdays, November 8, December 13 Telephone Pioneers of America meet in College Point. 463-4535. LIONS CLUB Tuesdays, November 8, December 13 Ravenswood Lion Club meets at 6:30 at Ricardo’s by the Bridge, 2101 21 st Avenue, Astoria. COMM. BD. 9 Tuesday, November 8 at the Royal Indian Palace. Tuesday, December 14 at the Trump Pavilion in Richmond Hill. 286-2686. VETS MEMORIAL Wednesday, November 9 Whitestone Veterans Memorial Association meets at the American Legion, 10-20 Clintonville Street at 8. DEMOCRATIC CLUB Thursdays, November 10, December 8 Jefferson Democratic Club meets at the Clearview Gold Course Clubhouse at 7:30. STAMP CLUB Thursday, November 10 Queens Stamp Club meet at the Forest Hills library at 5:45. HORIZONS Thursday, November 10 Horizons, a group for those 55 and over, meet at 12:30 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112 th Street. $3 includes coffee and cake. ILION BLOCK ASSN. Fridays, November 11, December 9 Ilion Area Block Association meets at the Afr i c a n C e n te r C o m m u n i t y Empowerment, 111-92A Farmers Blvd., St. Albans at 7:30. CAMBRIA HTS LIBRARY Saturdays, November 12, December 10, January 14 Friends Board of Directors of Queens Library at Cambria Heights meet 4-5:15. BELLA ITALIA MIA Sundays, November 13, December 11 Bella Italia Mia meets at Christ the King High School, 68-02 Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village. 426-1240.
FLEA MARKETS 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. ANNUAL FAIR & FLEA Saturday, November 12 at Emanuel Church, Woodhave n B l v d . a n d 9 1st A v e n u e from 10-8. Baked goods, books, granny’s attic, vendors, more. MINI BAZAAR Sunday, November 13 mini bazaar and rummage sale 103 at the Forest Park Jewish Center, 90-45 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale. TREASURE SALE Saturday, November 19 106 and Sunday, November 20 10-5 Holy Family School, Utopia Parkway and 75 th Avenue.
Nov. 4-10, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17
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. PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, November 5, 19, December 3, 17 Learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-4367940. KNITTING CIRCLE Mondays, November 7, 21, December 5, 19 Knitting Circle at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000. INTRO MICROSOFT Monday, November 7 at the Central library at 10:30. BEGIN CROCHET Monday, November 7 at 4 at the Rosedale library. HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS Monday, November 7 at the Astoria library at 6. ACING INTERVIEWS Monday, November 7 Acing Your Job Inter v i ew at the Central library at 6. BOLLYWOOD DANCE Mondays, November 7 Let’s Bollywood Dance Instruction Workshop for adults at the Lefferts library. Register. BALLROOM DANCE Monday, November 7 ballroom dancing at the Forest Hills library at 6:30. BELLY DANCING Monday, November 7 at the L a n g s to n H u g h e s l i b r a r y. Register. 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. INTRO EMAIL Tuesday, November 8 at the
HEALTH
Models Of Queens
Ruby Rubia Age: 27 Howard Beach Height: 5’ 8" Weight: 220 lbs Stats: 38DD NYPhotoByNick
Ruby
Smooth Operator
For Ruby Rubia, size does not matter. She’s not one to kowtow to the stereotype of what a model should be. Curves and a full figure will not deter her from her dream. “I was always interested in modeling, and I always liked pictures and fashion,” she said. “I always get compliments, so I figured I’d do it.” This medical assistant who got a degree from a technical school in Brooklyn after graduating Franklin K. Lane High School split her time growing up between our sister borough to the west and her home of the last 10 years in Howard Beach. Certainly, she has fallen in love with Queens. Though work keeps her pretty busy, Ruby finds time to hang out with her buddies from the 106th Precinct at some of her favorite watering holes, taking part in parades and playing softball. “I don’t go out much because I just graduated from college,” she said. Her latest focus is to try to break into the modeling world. “I would love to be a success,” she said. “I want to be in one of those magazines.” We’re rooting for ya, Ruby.
When Councilman Leroy Comrie introduced his new Communications Director Gregory Rose, he revealed that he’s not a “Smooth Operator” when it comes to social media. This prompted the QConf staff to sneak a peek at the councilman’s Facebook page. While it wasn’t a shock to see Comrie is friends with his City Council colleagues, it was surprising to see a bare info page with the exception of two items. Turns out the councilman is a fan of Jennifer Hudson and Sade. Even if you’re not Facebook literate, it would be “The Sweetest Taboo” to not include a love for the British songstress.
Princess In Queens Our often-neglected borough with a regal name got a visit from real royalty last week when Princess Mary of Denmark came to Queensbridge. No, her cab didn’t accidently get lost trying to find the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge. The wife of Denmark’s heirapparent was visiting the Jacob Riis Settlement House in Queensbridge, named for the photographer of the Manhattan tenements of the early 20th century who was born in the kingdom where she and her husband will one day reign. Her royal highness was greeted by Queensbridge’s residents, including little girls who jumped at the chance to meet a real life princess. During a conversation about body image, the girls were asked what constitutes a perfect body. The princess had a laugh when one of the girls answered “a big butt.” Whether she was laughing with us, or at us, is another story. Princess Mary, thanks for visiting, we hope you come back to Queens again, especially when you are one. Princess Mary of Denmark (left), just visited Queens.
Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 4-10, 2011
Yuppie Paradise? With the hipsters slowly being floors, a driveway and a finished priced out of Williamsburg and other Brooklyn neighborhoods near Manhattan, at least one Realtor is trying to lure them to Queens. But not Astoria, Long Island City or Forest Hills; this clever Realtor is trying to entice them closer to the ocean…to the Rockaway Peninsula. The Realtor describes Rockaway as “the new Williamsburg” in an ad for a 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with a fireplace, hardwood
Who We Are QConfidential is edited by: Michael Schenkler. Contributors: Ross Barkan, Marcia Moxom Comrie, Veronica Lewin, Mike Nussbaum, Brian Rafferty, Domenick Rafter, Jason Banrey
--------------You can reach us by email at Conf@Queenspress.com
basement – yep, sure sounds like a hipster place to us. The ad doesn’t specify where in Rockaway the house is, but the description of the home seems to point to ultra conservative middleclass Irish Catholic Belle Harbor, where we’re sure Williamsburg’s Bohemians will fit in just fine. Also, the Realtor forgot to mention “easy to get to.” Just a dozen or so stops on the J train to Broadway Junction, head down a flight of stairs that conjures up thoughts of hiking down the Matterhorn, wait for the Rockaway-bound A train, take it another 20-25 minutes to Broad Channel, then switch to the shuttle to Rockaway Park and in only two hours flat, you’re in the new yuppie paradise. No sweat! Looks like somebody needs to take a marketing refresher class.
Pass The Peanuts Remember Steven Slater, the recovering alcoholic flight attendant who screamed at an unruly passenger, grabbed a beer off his beverage cart, popped the emergency slide from his JetBlue plane and slid down the ramp and into our hearts last year? Well, it turns out the “recovering” part of alcoholic is back on his resume, as he recently finished a stint in rehab last month. Though he had been charged with criminal mischief (and became an instant celebrity in the process), Queens DA Richard Brown took pity on him and asked a judge to be lenient. Slater, having completed his treatment program, now has to look for a job. Anybody looking to hire a moody, self-promoting alcoholic nutjob?
Sex Offender App
Confidentially, New York . . .
Just as Queens kiddies tricked their way through the Halloween holiday, New York State treated parents – with a new sex offender app. To make it easier for residents to locate sex offenders in their neighborhoods, the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services created a handy Facebook app. This new tool allows users to search by last name, county or zip code, providing the con’s photo, name, address, a physical description and details of their arrest. With another gadget added to modern day moms and dads “utility belts,” the children of the borough will have one less thing to worry about, as their parents have their backs from a smartphone. Now if only we could keep them safe from the perils of that Halloween candy. To access, search Facebook for "NY Sex Offender Locator."
Confused by so many Medicare choices? Relax. MetroPlus can point you in the right direction. October 15 - December 7 is your chance to enroll in or switch your Medicare plan. Don’t miss out! Come to one of our free Medicare Seminars. We’ll answer all of your questions and tell you what you need to do to take advantage of this time period.
Bellevue Hospital
Coney Island Hospital
Elmhurst Hospital
Conference rm. 2010
Auditorium
Auditorium A1-22
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Nov. 9 , 16 , 23 , 30 10am-1pm Dec. 7th 10am-1pm
Nov. 9
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Auditorium (2nd flr.)
Nov. 22 nd 12:30pm-4pm Dec. 2 nd 1pm-5pm
Dec. 1 st 9am-12pm
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Conference rm. C (12th flr.)
4th flr. Auditorium, Bldg. 1
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6th flr. Auditorium
Rm. 6M-06
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Nov. 15 , 22 , 29 9am-1pm Dec. 6th, 13th, 20th 9am-1pm
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Dec.1 st 9am-1pm
Nov. 30 th 9am-2pm
Conference rm. 4
Nov. 4 , 18 , 25 9am-12pm Dec. 2 nd 9am-12pm
Nov. 4th 9am-1pm Dec. 5th 9am-1pm
Queens Hospital
Woodhull
East New York Diagnostic and Treatment Center
Auditorium
Solarium
2nd Floor Confrence Rm.
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Dec. 2 nd 9am-2pm
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Nov. 9 2pm-5pm Dec. 2 nd 1pm-5pm
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Nov. 14 th, 29 th 12pm-3pm Dec. 5 th 12pm-3pm
For detailed location information and to RSVP, please call us.
This information is available for free in other languages. Please contact our customer service number at 1.866.986.0356 foradditional information. Esta información está disponible gratuitamente en otros idiomas. Para obtener más información llame a nuestro Departamento de Atención al Cliente al 1.866.986.0356. MetroPlus is a Health Plan with a Medicare contract. This event will include sales presentations about all MetroPlus Medicare Advantage Plans. A sales representative will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call the plan. MetroPlus Medicare Advantage Plans are available in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens. H0423_ MKT1081File&Use10102011