Volume 12 Issue No. 51 Dec. 23-29, 2011
PAGE 18
PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen
FORECLOSURE FIX
Community organizations brainstorm ideas on how to solve the seemingly never ending plague of failing mortgages in Southeast Queens. By Veronica Lewin ‌ Page 3
Online at www.QueensPress.com
News Briefs Giants Coaches Needed The LP Fam’s Youth Organization Inc. is looking for volunteers to couch youth football next season. The organization, founded in 1998, has been coaching children 9-12 on the Lincoln Park Giants team. In fall 2012, the Giants will participate in the Big Apple Football League. Coaches will receive nominal reimbursement for travel expenses. Those interested can contact Paul Cox at (718) 835-8416 or (917) 607-2421.
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Austin Street’s holiday shoppers dash up and down Forest Hills’ main retail strip, focused on their gifts and the people for whom they are buying them. Shoppers glance in the windows of the stores to check out prices and items and get gift ideas. In front of New York Diamond Boutique, one woman glances into the store to look at the jewelry store’s sparkling merchandise. She looks down to see a box in front of the sidewalk with a different type of gift- toys. But the three-year-old jewelry store at 71-46 Austin St. isn’t selling toys alongside their rings and necklaces; they’re accepting them as donations as part of Toys for Tots. “It feels good to give back in this way,” Michael Jaye, the owner of NY Diamond Boutique, said. He added that this was the third year his store was taking part in the program. The store has been recognized by the Marine Corps for their assistance in the program. A certificate of recognition hangs on the wall of the store near the front entrance. The box, labeled Toys for Tots, sits on the sidewalk in front of the store’s glass windows. It was filled to the brim with toys ranging from board games to toy helicopters last Friday afternoon, but in the two weeks or so the box has been out there, Jaye already had to empty it once. The Marine Corps were scheduled to pick up the toys on Thursday to give to children by Christmas, but the store will continue collecting toys until the end of the year. Generosity will not go unrewardedanyone who donates a toy between now and the end of the year will get a $100 gift certificate to NY Diamond Boutique. Jaye added that his store also takes part in other charitable events during the
holidays. NY Diamond Boutique takes part in a program called “Gift of Time,” which provides senior citizens with new working watches. “Often seniors may not have a watch that works,” Jaye said, noting the importance of knowing what time it is for seniors who have to schedule doctor appointments, medicine doses, and visits from family. “It helps keep them in touch with the world.”
Library Expansion Leak The Queens Borough Public Library’s operational funding may be under siege, but capital funding is doing just fine. The library has purchased seven commercial spaces in a Flushing luxury residential building for $3.5 million. The announcement of the deal by real estate company DelShah Capital, LLC has irked Queens Library Associate Communications Director Joanne King, who said the announcement, though true, was premature. “They really jumped the gun,” King said. “There are several libraries in downtown Flushing that are heavily used. What exactly will go there, when, and where, has yet to be determined.” The seven street-level commercial spaces, totaling more than 10,000 square feet, are located at Sunrise Terrace on 3132 Union St. King explained that the purchase was a very unique situation for the library and that the spaces were obtained for “customer service.” She said the library was able to purchase the property, which was in foreclosure, at “an aggressive price.” While libraries across the borough have continually battled further cuts to their operational costs, capital funding has been unaffected and has actually been “robust,” in King’s words. “We are excited that such a veritable institution was attracted to this building,” said Marc Watkins, executive vice president of DelShah Capital, in a statement. “We are extremely confident that the library’s plans will be an asset to the neighborhood.”
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Presstime
Foreclosure Fixes Eyed for Borough BY VERONICA LEWIN After years of boarded houses and for sale signs popping up in the borough, community leaders and housing agencies have decided to take action to end the foreclosure crisis that has decimated once-vibrant neighborhoods. Councilman James Sanders Jr. (DLaurelton) and the Parodneck Foundation hosted an eight-hour conference Tuesday on foreclosure. Dozens of community organizations gathered at the DoubleTree JFK Hilton Hotel in Jamaica,
a neighborhood the councilman called ground zero for foreclosed homes. Many of the attendees at the conference previously warned a housing crisis could take place if actions were not taken against predatory lenders. “I am glad we are here because now no one can dispute what you were saying for years is true,” Sanders said. “In fact, all you have to do is go outside this door and you will see evidence of the horror that has befallen America.” While the foreclosure crisis gained national attention five years ago, Jamaica
Casino’s Second Floor Opens To Public BY DOMENICK RAFTER
Assemblymembers Mike Simanowitz and Phil Goldfeder, Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz and Community Board 6 District Manager Frank Gulluscio were among those at the opening of the second gaming floor at Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct Racetrack on Dec. 16. ships,Resorts World NYC's Vice President of VIP Marketing Dana Leibovitz said. Speller added that the concept of the open kitchen aims to let the customers and the chefs interact in a unique way. "It gives diners the opportunity to watch their steak being cooked and allows the chefs to show off their skills," Speller said. Across the hall, Genting Palace features ornate light fixtures and seafood tanks lining the wall. Both restaurants feature private dining areas for bigger parties. On the third floor of the complex, the Central Park floor is 70,000 square feet of open event space - the largest event space in Queens and is already being offered for large events. The room can be divided, but Resorts World NYC spokesman Stefan Freidman said the goal is to bring large events like trade shows or galas, events that would normally shun Queens because of the lack of event space. The only part of the site remaining is the covered skybridge to the A train subway station. While work is continuing on the bridge, the final design of the actual subway station is still under negotiation, Speller said. The casino is a short walk from the North Conduit Avenue A train stop and can be accessed by the Q37 bus. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400 Ext. 125.
sure is a life-changing experience. “These are people’s homes and neighborhoods that are at stake here,” Been said. Zinner said lenders also need to be held accountable for their business practices. “One of the big problems is the people who caused this crisis and that have caused so much harm to communities, many of them have gotten off scot free,” Zinner said. In order to prevent falling behind on mortgage payments, the Queens County Legal Providers’ Partnership recommends home seekers never sign a contract under pressure and to make sure the monthly payments are truly affordable. It is recommended that a mortgage payment not exceed 29 percent of total gross income. Conference participants brainstormed ways to better inform homeowners of the resources available to them. The Legal Aid Society, the Jewish Association Serving the Aging and Queens Legal Services offer free legal advice to the community about foreclosures. The walk-in clinic is located at Queens Civil Court, 89-17 Sutphin Blvd. in Jamaica. The clinic is open 4:30 to 7 p.m. Thursdays and 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Fridays. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.
Teacher Charged With Rape of Student In January 2010, the two exchanged emails and Facebook messages. On more A Hollis teacher is out of the classroom than 10 occasions in March 2010, it is after being accused of having a relationship alleged that Oross picked up the student in his car and took her to a secluded with one of his middle school students. Charles Oross, 44, an eighth-grade location to engage in sexual activity. Acteacher at PS 238, located at 88-15 182nd cording to SCI, Oross told the teen he had St. in Hollis, is accused of having a sexual a vasectomy and did not use a condom. Soon after, the student told Oross relationship with one of his stushe wanted to start hanging out dents. Oross is charged with with people her own age and second-degree rape, third-deended the relationship. gree rape, second-degree crimiThe student’s mother became nal sexual act and endangering concerned when her daughter the welfare of a child. would leave for school before 6 The charges were made afa.m., but return to get ready to go ter an investigation conducted back to school. by the Office of New York City The plaintiff’s wife, Wendy Special Commissioner of Investigations Richard Condon was Charles Oross, 44, Oross, called investigators and released Dec. 15. The investi- has been charged reported that Oross renewed gation began in August after an with second-degree email contact with the student anonymous tip. According to rape, among other last month under the name “Barry Oakly.” If convicted, Oross faces the investigation, the alleged charges. a maximum of four years in prison. relationship between Oross and In a Dec. 15 letter to Schools Chancelthe student was on and off between Janulor Dennis Walcott, Condon called for ary 2009 and April 2010. The investigators met with the student, Oross’ termination. On Dec. 1 Oross was now 16, who said she began a sexual relation- reassigned to his home during workday ship with Oross in January 2009, when she hours and is subject to random visits, was 13 years old. According to the report, the according to the investigation. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at two would meet at the school at 6 a.m. The trysts continued until September 2009, when vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123. the student began dating one of her peers. BY VERONICA LEWIN
Dec. 23-29, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3
Resorts World Casino New York City President Michael Speller glanced over the railing in the casino's second floor Liberty Bar down to the stage at Bar360; his arms behind his back, his expression a mix of relief and excitement. Behind him, workers carried ladders across the freshlylaid carpet, eyeing the light fixtures to make sure each is working properly while workers test the remaining video lottery terminals. A decade after casino gambling was authorized at Aqueduct Racetrack, 14 months after ground broke on the site, and seven weeks after the first bets were placed in the 2,280 VLTs on the casino's first floor, the second and third floors of the complex, including two restaurants and 70,000 square feet of event space, opened to the public at 1 p.m. on Dec. 16. The second floor, called the Fifth Avenue Casino, is designed to be more sophisticated and geared toward those who are serious gamers, Speller explained. He described it as "more conservative looking" and "aimed to capture the attention of those going out of state for their gaming experience." The spaces between the slot machines are wider and many of the games have higher limits. Also on the second floor is Crockfords Casino- a private invitation-only lounge for VIP guests hidden away from the main casino floor. Crockfords includes 64 VLTs and 14 Electronic Table Games with limits as high as $25 per bet. Speller said the casino is named for the oldest operating casino in the world, Crockfords Casino in London, which has been operating since 1828. The casino's two main restaurants include RW Prime, a steakhouse, and Genting Palace, a gourmet Chinese restaurant. RW Prime's dark wood walls and rustic interior invoke the feeling of a classy New York City steakhouse. An interesting element of the steakhouse is its open kitchen. Diners can look directly into the kitchen and watch their food being cooked. The design is common in other facilities owned by Genting, including newer Norwegian Cruise Lines
has been suffering from failing mortgages since the 1990s. “Now that there’s a big national policy discussion, it doesn’t mean that there hasn’t been harm going on in the community,” said Josh Zinner, co-director of the Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, one in nine homeowners in the borough are more than 90 days delinquent on mortgage payments or in foreclosure. Foreclosures are highly concentrated in Corona, Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst and Southeast Queens, where foreclosure rates are as high as 17 percent. As a result, the house price index shows a yearly decline of 5 percent as of February 2011. “For every foreclosed home, all of its neighbors start to lose value,” said Ethan Handelman, Vice President for Policy and Advocacy at the National Housing Conference. Handelman said the keys to ending foreclosure in the country are preventing people from borrowing too much and stopping delinquent mortgages from going into foreclosure. Vicki Been, faculty director of New York University’s Furman Center said people’s attitudes need to change about foreclosure in order to find feasible solutions. Instead of seeing foreclosed properties as investments, organizations and lenders need to remember that foreclo-
Queens Schools Tackle Online Bullying BY JASON BANREY In an effort to build support for legislation to help curb cyberbullying, Assemblyman Bill Scarborough (D-Jamaica) joined State Sen. Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/ Westchester) to introduce an online questionnaire to gain feedback from children affected by virtual incidents. The survey, which can be accessed by students online at cyberbullycensus.com, engages students directly, posing questions about virtual harassment and its effects within their lives. “This census is to get a better handle on how widespread bullying is,” Scarborough said. “By asking young people in a fairly vulnerable age range, we hope to get a consensus and find out who has been involved and who has been engaged.” Over time, anecdotal incidents have come to the Assemblyman’s attention in both his district and with young people brought forward by family members and friends. “This is a big issue statewide and nationally,” said Scarborough, who wants to make cyberbullying a more serious crime with stronger sanctions. “This specific form of bullying seems to be more insidious than normal bullying because it can be spread indefinitely. People can spread nasty things and there is no telling where it is coming from.” Scarborough joined a slew of support-
ers at several charter schools across the City to discuss cyberbullying prevention last week, asking teens to fill out the online survey about their own experiences. Suzanne Arnold, administrator for school culture and student support at the Renaissance Charter School in Jackson Heights, one of the schools visited by Scarborough on the tour, believes gaining feedback from the children who have experienced being bullied over the Internet will help provide a better understanding about what the underlying issues are.
Arnold admits the charter school has had some incidents of cyberbullying, “but it hasn’t become chronic.” According to Arnold, only 5 percent of cyberbullying incidents are reported. She explained that another way to tackle the issue is by making parents aware of their child’s activity online. “If parents are not aware of what their children are doing online, it makes it difficult for them to get involved,” said Arnold, who helps implement a bullying prevention program at the charter school. “They
have to be able to respond to it as well. By working with both the parents and their children is one way of doing that.” Scarborough hopes the legislation will have a big push in January. “Hopefully we can move it along as quickly as possible,” Scarborough said. “This could be lifesaving and ease some bullying and harassment our young people have become victim to.” Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.
Winter Wonderland:
State Sen. Malcolm A. Smith (D-Hollis) kicked off his annual Winter Wonderland Toy Drive this week. With the help of corporations such as Health First, Jet Blue and Neighborhood Health Providers, Smith was able to distribute more than 350 toys to children in need in local daycare centers, hospitals and shelters such as Peninsula Hospital in Far Rockaway.
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STAFF REPORTS
As the holiday season nears, families facing dire financial situations are flocking to local food pantries to put much needed meals on their tables. On Dec. 15, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) addressed that need, delivering more than 1,000 food items to St. Raphael’s food pantry in Blissville. Throughout the day, families flocked to the popular community institution, collecting milk and various other nonperishable items donated to the church to feed their families. As part of the councilman’s annual food drive, Van Bramer asked community residents to make edible donations, stressing how important it is to give back to those whom are less fortunate. “As neighbors, we should all do our share to keep our food pantries stocked,” Van Bramer said. “In our great city, no one should go hungry, and during the holidays many families struggle to survive.” According to Feeding America, one of the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charities, Queens has the second highest amount of individuals faced with food insecurity, among the City’s five boroughs, with 300,580 lacking adequate access to enough food for a healthy life for all households. Van Bramer joined Father Jerry Jecewiz and multiple volunteers to distribute the community-donated items. About 1,700 people from the surrounding neighborhoods are fed every month at St. Raphael’s food pantry, Jecewiz said.
“We never turn anyone away,” he added, looking on at all the individuals cycling in and out of the food drop. “There are many who come from further distances because they suffer from emergency food needs.” Narandai Seeramsinh, 66, is one of those individuals. Traveling from Richmond Hill in Southeast Queens, Seeramsinh and her husband, who are both unemployed, have recently found it difficult to keep up with the rising cost of food. Although their daughter helps them get by financially, Seeramsinh still feels it is her responsibility to put food on their household’s table.
“I’ve been coming for over a week now,” said Seeramsinh with a humble smile. “Whatever they can give me I am very grateful for.” For others, the handouts were barely enough. Responsible for a family of five, Maria Alvarez, 60, has been coming to the food pantry from Woodside for six months. Alvarez has been collecting unemployment since she was laid off. Along with the small amount her parents receive through their pensions, she finds it difficult to provide her teenage children with the adequate nutritious meals they need at a growing age.
“With two teenagers, one liter of milk goes in half a day,” Alvarez said. “Since I can’t get food stamps sometimes this is all I have.” Van Bramer said he found the visit humbling yet necessary at a time when food pantries are facing a decline in financial assistance from both the state and federal funds. As the borough residents continued to f low in and out he wondered where Queens’ residents would go without the support from local food pantries. “This goes to show how far people will go to get the food they need to feed their families,” Van Bramer said. “It’s tragic we have this level of need. We must address it.”
Council Works To Curb Illegal Firearms BY JASON BANREY Following the shooting of Officer Peter J. Figoski, who was shot with an illegal firearm after responding to a robbery in Brooklyn, the City Council’s Public Safety Committee held a hearing in an attempt to clamp down on guns streaming into the boroughs. During the hearing, three resolutions concerning federal gun-related legislation were introduced and discussed in an effort to curb illegal gun trafficking, require background checks for firearms sales and restrict the ability of gun owners with permits carrying concealed handguns into different states. In Councilman Peter Vallone Jr’s (D-
Astoria) ongoing effort to prevent illegal firearms from entering the City, he drafted a resolution calling on Congress to pass legislation that would require background checks for all private firearm sales. The resolution received the support from Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, who was on hand to testify before the committee. Last week, the Mayor’s office released results of an investigation revealing the ease for almost anyone to purchase firearms online without submitting to a background check. Undercover investigators found that more than half of private gun sellers contacted in the probe were willing to sell guns to buyers who said they could not
pass background checks. DA Vance testified that upwards of 90 percent of guns used in the commission of a crime come from out of state. Anti-gun advocates also expressed concerns with Resolution 1122, which calls on Congress to defeat legislation that would force New York to allow residents from other states with permits carry concealed guns into the state. With Figoski’s shooting fresh on everyone’s mind, Vallone highlighted that the issue of illegal guns is not only a problem in Brooklyn but also citywide. The City Council is expected to vote on the resolutions before the end of the year. Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.
Dec. 23-29, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5
Letters
Editorial OF SOUTHEAST QUEENS 150-50 14th Road Whitestone, NY 11357 (voice) (718) 357-7400 fax (718) 357-9417 email news@queenspress.com The PRESS of Southeast Queens Managing Editor:
Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:
Happy Holidays! As we publish our 51st edition of this year’s PRESS of Southeast Queens, we would like to take a moment to thank the people of Queens for supporting this newspaper throughout the year. From the readers, letter writers, contributors and news contacts to the advertisers, institutions and businesses that support and carry our newspaper, we wish you all a healthy and happy holiday, hoping that the coming New Year brings new hope, new prosperity and good news for all. Whatever you celebrate, we wish our readers and friends in Queens a joyful holiday season. Continue to look for peace in the world and look forward to a thriving 2012. Thank you.
Marcia Moxam Comrie
Letters
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Reporters: Harley Benson Veronica Lewin Domenick Rafter Jason Banrey Ross Barkan Art Dept:
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School Nonsense To The Editor: Well, once again, Mayor Michael Bloomberg is babbling nonsense. The latest diatribe against teachers is that the public school system could do better with fewer teachers - about 50 percent fewer. What planet is this man on? Does he not realize that the vast majority of teachers in the city public school system work extremely hard under the most difficult conditions? Overcrowded classrooms, lack of essential supplies and unruly students, not to mention the lack of administrative support, just to mention a few. The mayor has never been in a classroom and does not have the knowledge or experience to be an educator. He is a corporate billionaire and has absolutely no concept of how to effectively run a school system, as was evidenced by his total ignorance when he hired Cathie
Black last year as chancellor. We all know how that political gerrymandering turned out! John Amato, Fresh Meadows
No Charge To The Editor: Being a long time resident of my community, and former president of our civic association, I feel I must comment on the city's plan to charge for street parking. When I moved into my present home around 1954, we were charged for our water by the number of faucets in and outside of our homes. Then, under the guise of water conservation, they decided to charge for the water by the amount of water the homeowner used. A nominal fee. Then as the city's budget grew they started raising the water rates to a fee approaching the real estate taxes we are charged. I say once the city finds a way of getting
more money from the residents of the city, they will raise the "nominal" fees commensurate with the needs - monies spent for entitlements and other things, Bridge tolls were 25 cents and now $4! The whole thing is a just another way of fleecing our residents! Bernard Aquilino, Bellerose
Haters Hate To The Editor: What is it about these avid (read rabid) OWS haters? What blinds them from seeing; seeing what OWS is all about? Why is it so difficult for some to comprehend the outrageous disparity of wealth in our country, which is the reason for the Occupancies throughout our country? The 99 percent will not and cannot be stopped. I read the same old letters from the same old clueless writers; the ones who attempt to denigrate words like Occupiers, Progressives, Liberals; writers by tagging the 99 percent as Socialists, Communists, nihilists, any negative-ists one can think of rather than realist, empathist or humanist, which is what they are. These misguided critics do not even realize that by their need elevate their self esteem and to paint themselves as superior to the protesting "riff-raff" does not make them a part of the elite 1 percent. They are merely stooges and facilitators and those 99 percent out there actually represent them as much as it represents nurses, teachers, firefighters, ad infinitum … as well as the police
ordered to keep them contained. One need only view the graphic proof indicating the comparative rate of income growths having taken place in the last 30some-odd years. The middle class has virtually flatlined while the wealthy have exploded exponentially. Why? There are those simple-minded who contend that the root cause for the lack of growth of the middle class is that they do not work hard enough. Is there anyone naive enough to suggest that the ever-growing disparity was and is because the wealthy had each year worked several times harder than the previous year while the middle class has just sat traditionally on their lazy old butt year after year! Obviously; nonsense. The reason that the middle class has such a near impossible task of upward mobility is the barriers set up by that exclusive club of the 1 percent making certain it is kept exclusive. Typical barriers set up to keep the middle class back in their place are cut support for education and teachers and raising college costs keeping them uneducated, cut health care keeping them poor and hopefully disappear sooner, do away with unions depriving working people with any power concerning their wages and any other impediments to ensure their position remains stagnant. The wonder is not why the 99 percenters feel something stinks; the wonder is why the dillusionary, would be 1 percenters do not. Nicholas Zizelis Bayside
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Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 23-29, 2011
Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher
Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher
A Super Graduate School For New York A Personal Perspective
BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE
After a year-long process to select an established university with a solid reputation in science, engineering and technology, New York City has chosen one of the state’s own Ivy Leagues to lead the city in 21st century training in these in-demand fields. With an alumni donation of some $300 million to add to the city’s $100 million donation plus the land on Roosevelt Island, Cornell University, partnering with Israel’s Technion University, won the bid to build the applied science graduate school that Mayor Michael Bloomberg says will be New York’s answer to Silicon Valley. Silicon Island, as I’ve dubbed it, promises to be “transformative” and a “game-changer,” according to the mayor. And indeed it ought to be. We are giving
away city land and $100 million dollars of tax-payers’ money to the project. For sure, it will bring hundreds of jobs to the city from professors, vice-presidents, deans, directors, engineers, IT gurus, office staff, janitors and security. There will also be countless construction jobs in the building of the green super campus. According to reports, over the next 30 years the school is expected “to generate more than $23 billion in economic activity and $1.4 billion in total tax revenues.” It looks like a win-win for the city economically, and in professional manpower. But how does that impact our pre-college children in the city? According to the mayor, there will be opportunities for development of our middle and high school technology teachers. Students on that level will also be given learning opportunities on the campus.
On the face of it, all this sounds good – perhaps too good to be true. So until I see something in writing it is still pie in the sky as far as our children. Any benefits to our city’s middle and high schools have to be meaningful and sustainable. We will have to make sure they are not short-changed once the campus is up and running. The new “genius school” should also include a caveat that our students – particularly female and minority students throughout the city - be recruited and given a fair shot at acceptance into the school. At this time, it is proposed as a graduate school only; so our kids will probably not be going there straight from high school. They will have to earn a bachelor’s degree somewhere else – including throughout CUNY, and then apply for acceptance to the CornellTechnion venture, which at this time does not have a formal name. For anyone who loves “big
ideas,” this proposal is almost up there with the idea of bringing public higher education to New York City in the form of CUNY. It is an idea whose time has come. In this century, New York has to step up as a player in the high stakes game of technology training for its people. And having this school here in our city will attract companies seeking a best-trained workforce in applied science and technology. The magnitude of the opportunity attracted proposals from established universities such as California’s Ivy League, Stanford and from hundreds of universities across Asia, the Middle East, Australia and Europe. This will indeed be gamechanging. We hope that the children in our community will be inspired to dream and achieve so that they too can benefit from this investment of their parents’ tax dollars.
A Political Junkie’s Holiday Gift List By MICHAEL SCHENKLER It’s that time of year and we sent our reporters scurrying to find the gifts that top the lists for our elected officials and politically involved leaders. After one diminutive journalist played undercover elf at Santa’s workshop and another used satellite surveillance on Hanukkah Harr y’s home, we checked the gossip blogs and compiled the following proposed holiday gift list. POLITICAL HOLIDAY GIFT LIST Councilman Mark Weprin: A gavel useable Jan 2014. President Barack Obama: A Newt Gingrich 2012 Republican nomination. Councilman Dan Halloran: Valium and favorable redistricting of Tony Avella’s Senate seat. Assemblyman Mike Simanowitz: A quick Albany exit to Jim Gennaro’s Council seat in 2014. Assemblyman Rory Lancman: Oppor tunit y. State Senator Mike Gianaris: A NY Senate Democratic Majority which doesn’t eat its young. Comptroller John Liu: A miracle. Queens Democratic Organization: Younger leaders. State Senator Malcolm Smith: A teflon jacket. State Senator Shirley Huntley: Dots that don’t connect. Councilman Peter Vallone Jr: Democratic Organizational Love. US Senator Kirstin Gillibrand: Continued success. US Senator Chuck Schumer: A successful ’12 Election for the Senate Dems.
Congressman Greg Meeks: See Liu, Smith and Huntley. Presidential Wannabe Mitt Romney: An Olympics to run. Mayor Mike Bloomberg: A recount... on the Census. State Senator Tony Avella: Dale Carnegie Courses. Borough President Helen Marshall: She’s never been in the State Senate – kidding. Councilman Peter Koo: A cross endorsement. Assemblywoman Vivian Cook: Good health. NY Civ ic Founder Henr y Stern: Good government. For mer Congressman A nthony Weiner: A digital “recall and do over” switch and a happy family. Mayoral candidate Tom Allon: His wildest dreams. Councilman Leroy Comrie: A professional fundraiser who is professional. Governor Andrew Cuomo: A veto of any redistricting plan not done by an independent commission. For mer Comptroller, Mayoral Wannabe Bill Thompson: No surprises. Congressman Bob Turner: David Weprin, again. Assemblywoman Grace Meng: Discovering meaning in the Albany process. Councilman Eric Ulrich: An excuse not to run for the Senate and avoid Albany. Assembly woman Michele Titus: Who? Councilwoman Liz Crowley: An election year without a race.
Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz: A lesson in relaxation. Public Advocate Bill DiBlasio: A shot. District Attorney Richard Brown: Whatever he wants. Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder: A guide to progressive New York. Reverend Floyd Flake: Peace. Assemblyman Ed Braunstein: A bride. Assemblyman Bill Scarborough: Opportunity due to a leadership vacuum. Assemblyman Dav id Wepr in: A make-over. Former Mayor Ed Koch: A bottomless box of popcorn. Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi: See Floyd Flake. Council Speaker Christine Quinn: See John Liu. Assemblyman Mike DenDekker: A good acting gig. Assemblyman Jeff Aubr y: Goo d health and an easy basketball game Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas: Perhaps an oppor tunity closer to home. Council in 2013? Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan: Excitement. Assembly woman Barbara Clark: Dots that don’t connect to State Senator Shirley Huntley’s dots. Assemblyman Francisco Moya: A good time in the Assembly, if it’s possible. Comptroller Tom DiNap oli: See Leroy Comrie. AG Eric Schneiderman: Elected Officials with phone conversations which are
fun to listen to. Councilman James Sanders: May the misfortune of others open doors for him. State Senator Jose Peralta: See AG Eric Schneiderman above. State Senator Joe Addabbo: A safer district. GOP Queens Chair Phil Ragusa: See Floyd Flake. State Senator Toby Stavisky: A CoDemocratic District Leader who spends more time in the District. Congressman Joe Crowley: As much influence with the Dems in Congress as he has in Queens. Congressman Gary Ackerman: Any map he wants. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney: A fun celebration as she bids goodbye to Queens. The People of Queens: A fair, nonpar tisan, independent redistricting, fewer scandals involving elected officials, a government that works and serves them, and an improved economy. And to all our friends and readers: May the New Year bring only good news to you and yours. MSchenkler@QueensPress.com
Seabrook, Boyland Escape Conviction On Fraud Charges to the state senate in 1996 and was re-elected there in 1998. In 2000 he challenged Congressman Eliot Engel in the Democratic primary, but was defeated. A year later, Seabrook was elected to the City Council and was re-elected in 2005 and Stern 2009. He is now serving his third term, and is ineligible for re-election. One of the community organizations in Seabrook’s orbit is the Nor theast Bronx Redevelopment Corporation. The Federal indictment against Seabrook accused the organization of radical underperformance on the education and training programs it received federal funds to operate. Seabrook denies all the allegations, and argues that they were not proven beyond a reasonable doubt at the trial, at which the jury failed to reach agreement and was dismissed. Tuesday night, reporter Errol Louis interviewed Seabrook and his attorney, Edward Wilford, on NY1’s Inside City Hall. It deals largely with Seabrook’s claims that jobs were created under the government-supported programs and Louis’ unsucce ssful effor t s to get t he Councilmember or his attorney to substantiate those claims. The
United State s At torne y for t he Southern District intends to retry the case. We believe an important aspect of the proceedings will be the selection of the jury. An issue emerging from the Seabrook hung jury and the case of Brooklyn Assemblyman William Boyland, Jr., who was acquitted of corruption charges on Nov. 10, is whether jury nullification is an element in the verdicts. Jury nullification occurs when the jurors may believe a defendant most likely committed the crime for which he is accused, but other reasons lead them to believe that conviction would be unjust. The most prominent case of jury nullification in the recent history of the United States is O.J. Simpson’s acquittal of the murder of his wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. The trial was closely watched by millions of people around the world and reported upon extensively in the media because of the prominence of the defendant and the cruelty of the double murder. One theory of the jury’s rationalization in Simpson’s acquittal is that for many years in the United States, particularly in the South, it was considered impossible for an African-American to get a fair trial, and, over the years, hun-
dreds were lynched by mobs unsatisfied by trial verdicts or unwilling to wait for them. As a result, the jury may have been inclined to acquit Simpson to make up for past injustices committed against African-Americans. The recent cases of elected officials escaping justice give reason for anxiety. If juries fail to convict when evidence is presented of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, societ y w ill be har med. More
wrongdoers will come to believe that they will escape punishment because juries will sympathize with their ethnicity, or disbelieve any witnesses representing the state. It’s bet ter for juries to decide on the basis of the evidence submitted than on the ident ity of the defendant or prosecutor. To rely on any other basis than the merits of a case is a miscarriage of justice, no matter which side benefits. StarQuest@NYCivic.orh
Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato
Dec. 23-29, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7
By HENRY STERN Reading the newspapers in recent weeks has become an exercise in exploring one scandal after another. In our field, watch ing t he per formance of public agencies and elected officials, we have been following the Henry case of City Councilman Larry Seabrook, a city or state legislator for 27 years, and William Boyland, a Brooklyn Assemblyman and member of a political dynasty. Seabrook is also an entrepreneur in providing a variety of social services to the public, for which he and the organizations he controls are handsomely rewarded by the government. For example, he collects rent for office space, said to be exorbitant in a 2010 Federal indictment, from nonprofits for which he helps to secure public funding. At the same time, some of those same ta xpayer-funded nonprofits employ senior people who happen to be relatives of the Councilman. Seabrook, derided by critics as “Cash and Carry” Larry, has had a lengthy career as a public official. He was first elected to the state assembly in 1984 and was reelected five times from his district in the north Bronx. He moved up
Where The Streets Have The Same Names:
Borough’s Grid System Can Confuse Some Who Don’t Know The Rules Of Our Roads BY DOMENICK RAFTER
Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 23-29, 2011
Birth of the Queens Grid Grid street systems are designed to make navigating a neighborhood, town or city easier. The sequential order of numbers- or letters- allows people to easily find where they’re going. After First Street comes Second Street, after 9th Avenue comes 10th Avenue. It’s an idea almost as old as civilization itself, dating back to 2600 B.C. in the Indus River Valley. But our borough’s nearly century-old grid system is not necessarily as easily understandable and is full of weird quirks and unique designs, like multiple streets with the same numbers and huge gaps in the pattern, that often make it more a pain to navigate. Even a GPS can get confused. “The street address system is one of the most commonly asked about things about the borough,” said Queens Historian Jack Eichenbaum. The idea for a borough-wide grid system came in 1911 when Maurice Connolly was elected borough president. He ordered the Topographic Bureau to study a borough-wide street numbering and address system to eliminate redundancies in the existing systems, which were difference in each neighborhood. Some neighborhoods such as Jackson Heights and Whitestone had grid systems of their own. So an address like 100 7th Street may have existed in both neighborhoods. Charles U. Powell, the engineer in charge of the Topographic Bureau in 1911, designed a system modeled after the one used in Philadelphia. The neighborhoods that had already been laid out were encompassed into the system and their names changed to numbers, though throwbacks to the original names still exist. Glendale’s streets were once named for German composers, which fits the neighborhood’s German roots. Riders of the A train might know that 88th Street in Ozone Park was once called Boyd Avenue. Commuters on the 7 train know 40th Street in Sunnyside used to be called Lowery Street. In Jackson Heights, avenues were once named for U.S. Presidents. Only one remains- Roosevelt Avenue. However, not all neighborhoods took to the new grid immediately. Powell’s plan
Photo by Domenick Rafter
You’re new in Queens and you’re looking for an address on 73rd Street, but you end up on 73rd Place instead and spend the next 20 minutes trying to figure out where you are before you discover you were a block away from your destination the whole time. Or maybe you were born and raised here and you keep getting someone else’s mail, someone with the same address, except he lives on 103rd Avenue and you live on 103rd Street- right around the block. If any of these examples sound familiar to you, congratulations, you’ve been had by Queens’ one-of-a-kind street grid system.
Under Queens’ grid system, several streets with the same numbers intersect, which is one of the factors causing confusion among those navigating the borough. faced stiff opposition throughout the borough, especially among those who feared it would kill neighborhood identity. Forest Hills kept its street names into the 1930s, and Forest Hills Gardens remains off the grid. Many of Flushing’s streets are named, including the pattern of avenues named for fauna near the Queens Botanical Gardens. Neighborhoods with winding streets like Jamaica Estates, Holliswood and Douglaston kept their street names. Ridgewood streets are all named because many cross into Brooklyn. A Unique Layout Streets run north/south and are numbered in ascending order from west to east beginning with 1st Street, in the Hallet’s Cove section of Astoria and ending with 271st Street in New Hyde Park. Those identified as avenues run east/west and are numbered from 2nd Avenue in Whitestone south to 165th Avenue in Howard Beach. If that’s where it stopped, it would be simple. But in between there exists a messy ever-changing street pattern where numbers are often skipped- or repeated. In some areas, there are large gaps in the numbers. For example, 69th Avenue in Oakland Gardens is immediately followed by 73rd Avenue and more dramatically, in South Ozone Park 133rd Avenue is followed by 149th Avenue- a jump of 16 numbers in one block. As if skipping numbers isn’t confusing enough, how about repeating numbers? The complaint most often heard about the borough’s street system is the repeated use of the same number on successive blocks. In many neighborhoods,
one number street isn’t immediately followed by the next. Instead, streets are followed by places and lanes, while avenues are followed by roads and drivesand on rare occasions-terraces. For example, 69th Street in Maspeth isn’t immediately followed by 70th Street, instead it is followed by 69th Place, then 69th Lane, and then 70th Street. In Springfield Gardens, 144th Avenue is followed by 144th Road, then 144th Drive and finally 144th Terrace, one of only a handful of places in the borough where a terrace is added to the mix. In some cases, the streets or avenues are missing, while the drives and roads or places and lanes exist. Middle Village has a 66th Road and 66th Drive, but not a 66th Avenue. Bayside has a 31st Road, but there is no 31st Avenue east of College Point. Whitestone has a 151st Place, but there’s no 151st Street north of Kissena Park. In neighborhoods with an already existing grid system like Astoria and Jackson Heights or ones laid out after the system began, like Bellerose and Laurelton, the numbers are easy to follow- much like Manhattan, but in areas that developed within the already existing grid or came into the grid later, like Forest Hills, the roads, drives and lanes came into play to fill the holes left in the grid. Addresses Queens’ grid system includes not only the numbered streets, but also addresses. The two are intertwined and the address system is uniform throughout the borough, with the exception of Ridgewood which follows the Brooklyn system. Addresses in Queens normally have between three and five numbers and features a hyphen. The number before the hyphen
is the cross street to the west of you if you’re on an avenue, road, drive or terrace or to the north of you if you’re on a street, place or lane. The number after the hyphen is the lot on the block. So for example, 55-10 78th Street would be the 10th lot south of 55th Avenue on 78th Street. Address can theoretically range from 1-01 to 271-99. In some circumstances, the nearest cross street to the north or west is not a numbered street. Addresses run as if a numbered street existed. East of Steinway Street in Astoria, addresses began with 40, meaning Steinway Street acts as 40th Street in the system. In Ozone Park and Richmond Hill, Liberty Avenue acts as a stand-in for the non-existent 104th Avenue. Junction Boulevard doubles as 96th Street through most of Corona while Murdock Avenue plays the role of 114th Avenue in St. Albans. So if you live on the 12th lot on 220th Street south of Murdock Avenue, your address would be 114-12 220th St., St. Albans. Most major thoroughfares that existed in 1911 remained named. These bigger thoroughfares like Woodhaven Boulevard, Northern Boulevard, Francis Lewis Boulevard and Hillside Avenue act as different streets depending on the neighborhood. Hillside Avenue stands in for 88th Avenue in Bellerose and Queens Village, 87th Avenue in Jamaica and 86th Avenue in Richmond Hill. The cross streets in the address system must be Streets or Avenues. All addresses south of 70th Avenue will be read 70-XX all the way to the next higher numbered avenue, regardless of if there’s a 70th Road or 70th Drive in between them. So while 70-35 111th Street is definitely south of 70th Avenue, it might also be south of 70th Road and 70th Drive as well. Even more notable, neighbors can have similar addresses. Where a numbered Street meets an Avenue of the same number, addresses are similar. 85-11 85th St. is located south of the intersection of 85th Avenue and 85th Street, but 85-11 85th Ave. would be just east of that same intersection, meaning the two addresses would be right around the block from each other. Navigating the System You’re looking for 75-16 194th St., what’s the nearest cross street? If you said 75th Avenue, you’re getting the hang of it. If you knew that address was in Fresh Meadows, you know your Queens. But if you’re still completely lost, try remembering a jingle Powell created as he was trying to sell his grid system to a skeptical Queens public a century ago: In Queens, to find locations best Avenues, roads and drives run west; But ways to north or south ’tis plain Are street or place or even lane. Good luck out there. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400 Ext. 125
Police Blotter Compiled by ROSS BARKAN
106th Precinct Belt Crash On Saturday, Dec. 17 at 4:20 a.m., police responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident near the Belt Parkway and 116th Street. A 2009 Toyota Corolla carrying five people was traveling eastbound on South Conduit Avenue when it left the roadway and rolled over onto the Belt Parkway, causing a 21-year-old woman to be ejected from the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at Jamaica Hospital. EMS also transported the driver, a 26-year-old man, and the front passenger, a 24-year-old man, to Jamaica Hospital where they are listed in stable condition. The remaining passengers, a 25-year-old woman and a 24-year-old woman, were transported to Brookdale Hospital, where they were listed in stable condition. There have been no arrests in regard to this incident and the investigation is ongoing. Family notification is pending for the deceased.
107th Precinct Forced Touch Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating an Indian man between the ages of 20-30 wanted in connection with an incident of forcible touching of private areas. He fled the scene on foot. He is 5foot-6 and weighs 140 lbs. with a thin build and was wearing a black jacket and blue jeans.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers’ website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
108th Precinct E Train iPhone Theft On Nov. 22 at approximately 5:55 p.m., a 30-year-old woman was traveling on a Queens-bound E train approaching the Queens Plaza subway station when a black man between the ages of 17 and 20 grabbed her iPhone from her hands and f led. There were no injuries sustained to the victim as a result of this incident. Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (5477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
108th Precinct Woodside Ave. Attack On Nov. 21 at approximately 9:40 p.m., a 37-year-old woman was approached from behind as she entered her apartment
building in the vicinity of 65th Place and Woodside Avenue, and thrown to the floor by the suspect. The suspect then unsuccessfully tried to pull the victim’s purse off her shoulder before fleeing. The suspect is described as a black or Hispanic man of light complexion between 5-foot-2 and 5foot-3. He is in his late teens to early 20s and has black shoulder-length hair. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
109th Precinct Missing Boy The NYPD is asking for the public’s assistance in locating the following missing person last seen Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. in the vicinity of Francis Lewis High School, 58-20 Utopia Pkwy. Pascal Chiu, a 15-year-old Asian boy who lives at 14301 Negundo Ave., was last seen wearing a red jacket, blue jeans, and white sneakers. He is 5-foot-4 and weighs 120 lbs. Anyone with information in regard to the above missing is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by
texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
115th Precinct Weird Beard Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Antonio Olmeda, a 53year-old Hispanic man, in connection with the following crime. He is approximately 5-foot-9 and has a thin build. On Friday, Dec. 2 at approximately 3:55 p.m., two uniformed officers were patrolling on foot in the vicinity of 76th Street and Roosevelt Avenue when they were alerted by a passerby of a man acting suspiciously at the corner of 37th Road and 76th Street. The officers walked to the location and observed the male wearing a black trench coat with a fake beard, a hat and dark glasses. When the officers approached the individual, they asked him for identification at which time the man removed his hands from his pockets, pulled out a black revolver and fired twice at the officers before fleeing southbound on 77th Street. The officers pursued the male but were unable to apprehend him. The fake beard, hat and glasses were recovered during the foot pursuit. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers’ website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
Borough Beat
Officials Try To Quell Pomonok Concerns
By ROSS BARKAN
amount is paltry, considering how much it actually costs to move. “Were these letters sent out system wide?” asked Simanowitz, directing his question to Jasper. “The letters go out at every development, yes they do,” she answered. “Every elected official I contacted, not one of them, they contacted their individual tenant associations, none of them have gotten this letter,” Simanowitz said. Jasper said the letters had gone out all at once at Pomonok, but should have been sent during each NYCHA-designated quar ter. The problem with Pomonok, Simanowitz argued, was the lack of decency being shown to residents; he told a story of a resident who could not come into a building management office between 8:30 and noon to discuss the letter because she worked during those times. The management office allegedly told her, “that’s your problem, you’ve got to take off.” Bucking any stereotypes that the elderly are soft-spoken or passive, residents at the meeting applauded, jeered, and offered a few Jerry Springer Show-like “ooohs.” When a particular point needed to be made, residents were unafraid to stand up and yell out, even if someone else was speaking. “To do this at this time of year is absolutely abominable,” Singer said during the
meeting. “If Nettie Meyersohn was here, this would have never ever happened,” she added, referring to the longtime assemblywoman who Simanowitz replaced. Residents didn’t always unite over the same grievances. When Singer said she wanted to know why “we have to give up our apartments for shelters,” another resident shot back, “people in shelters work hard too, honey, come on now. I came from the shelter, they brought me out here. I was a working mother.” NYCHA did not answer questions as of press time asking them how the $350 figure was devised and if they would consider further assisting residents with their relocations. “I want to see some action, it really is a bad situation,” said Jewel Bryant, a 22year resident of Pomonok. “We need Mr. Bloomberg, that’s who we need. The mayor. He’s in charge. He’s the one we need to talk to.” Though the meeting somewhat clarified the downsizing process, residents took little solace in the additional information. “I love this place, I was brought up here,” said Alex Jacob, who has been living in Pomonok for nearly 55 years. “I’ve been fighting them ever since.” Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.
Dec. 23-29, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9
Amid the outbursts, confusion and despair, the clusters of aging Pomonok residents in the Christmas-decked room were briefly able to laugh. Bishop Mitchell Taylor had told resident Beverly Singer, one of many vocal participants at the meeting, that if she had the conviction to not leave her apartment after the New York City Housing Authority ordered her to leave, he would not stand in her way. “You can stand in my way anytime, you’re very attractive,” she replied. The Bishop, the president of the East River Development Alliance, smiled bashfully as laughter rippled through the crowd. It was a rare interlude of levity in an otherwise tense afternoon. More than 80 residents, mostly senior citizens, gathered on Dec. 15 in the Pomonok Houses Senior Center at Pomonok Houses in South Flushing for an informational session hosted by ERDA—a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of public housing neighborhoods—about NYCHA’s policy of downsizing residents from larger apartments to smaller apartments. The meeting was also a soapbox for the many distraught residents to object to being forced to leave the apartments they had known for so long. Carolyn Jasper, NYCHA’s Queens and Brooklyn di-
rector, told them that many younger families are living in situations of severe overcrowding and need more space. Residents throughout the City’s public housing developments are informed, when they sign their lease, that they may be forced to change apartments when they are “under occupied,” meaning that if they are living alone, for example, in a two-bedroom apartment, they will be asked to relocate to a one-bedroom apartment. When families grow up and spouses die off, longtime residents can find their apartments much emptier than they used to be. Tenants under-occupying apartments can choose to be put on a waiting list for a transfer within their housing development or join a borough-wide waiting list. But the policy was rarely enforced and Pomonok residents have taken particular issue with the tone of letters sent from NYCHA informing them their apartments were now under occupied; residents and local politicians believe the letters were too threatening. NYCHA has offered $350 for moving expenses and is not assisting residents in physically moving their belongings, enraging them further. Assemblyman Michael Simanowitz (D-Flushing), who attended the meeting along with representatives from Councilman James Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows) and Congressman Bob Turner’s (R-Breezy Point) offices, has maintained the $350
Happy Holidays From The Press & Friends
Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 23-29, 2011
photos: Ira Cohen
Dec. 23-29, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11
Profile
Former Kingpins Give Back to SEQ BY VERONICA LEWIN Two former drug lords who ran the market in Southeast Queens have turned their lives around and are now working with the community to prevent young people from following their path. Lance and Todd Feurtado founded the King of Kings foundation, a nonprofit for at-risk youth in the community in 2005. Lance said the foundation was created as a way of giving back while also reaching out to at-risk youth in Southeast Queens. Since starting the non-profit, the Feurtado brothers try to host four major events a year. Last weekend, the two hosted their fourth annual King of Kings Christmas Carnival Party. Around 1,200 people attended the event, and each child went home with a Christmas present. Lance describes himself and his brother as former drug kingpins and formerly incarcerated ex-gang members turned urban specialists. Their pasts help them understand the needs of the community. "We can relate first hand because we've been there and done that," Lance said. The two had quite an influence on the drug market in Southeast Queens during their reign. The pair was praised by street magazines, including F.E.D.S. which ran the story of the Feurtados on the cover.
While the Feurtado brothers were incarcerated, Lance said the two had time to think about the social circumstances that led them behind bars. The two pledged to change paths when they were released from jail. "When we came home, we were going to make sure that none of our future generations fell into the same traps that we fell into," Lance said. Six years ago, the Feurtado brothers released "King of Kings," an anti-drug documentary. The twohour film takes viewers through the history of Jamaica in the 1970s, when there was an abundance of drugs and crime in the community. "King of Kings" also analyzes the effect movies such as "Scarface" had Lance Feurtado (l.) and Todd Feurtado founded on youth in the nation. King of Kings Foundation in 2005. Todd said his past occupation motivates him to continue King of Kings. munity meetings. The Feurtados speak"As long as we are afforded the opportu- ing tour captured the attention of Bill nity to remember the destruction we left Cosby, who went on a six day tour with behind, that allows us to wake up every- the pair. Cosby has shocked the black day knowing there's work to be done," community in the past with his opposihe said. One of their main goals is to tion of today's hip-hop culture. Lance strengthen the Southeast Queens commu- said traveling the country gave a better nity, which the Feurtados have been do- picture of the problems in our society and ing by connecting youth with their elders. inspired the two to start the "Warriors The brothers have traveled the coun- Tour," an anti-drug, anti-gang initiative. try as motivational speakers and have at- The federally funded tour stops in schools tended hundreds of workshops and com- and recreation centers and educates
young people on a variety of issues including gang prevention, drugs, domestic violence and HIV. The Feurtado brothers hope speaking to school-age youth will educate them about the opportunities available to them aside from a life on the streets. "There's a myth that there's a pipeline going from the school yard to the prison yard," Lance said. "But we're here to bust that myth and to motivate, uplift and inspire our youth to reach their full potential despite the elements that continue to surround them," Lance added. King of Kings has partnered with the State Senate's Operation SNUG the and HHSYC. HHSYC was created to work towards improving the image of the hip-hop community and uses the hip-hop culture to improve social, political and economic conditions in communities. In the future, the Feurtado brothers plan to continue uniting Southeast Queens through their events and information programs. "This is a journey that we're never going to allow to stop," Todd said. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.
Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 23-29, 2011
People The New York Lottery recently announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning ticket from one of the Lottery’s live drawings Dec. 310. The following winners each received a cash prize valued at $10,000 or more: Philip Ramphal of South Richmond Hill won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing Dec. 2. Ramphal’s winning ticket was purchased at the Atlantic Quickserve, 134-30 Atlantic Ave., Jamaica. Keith Vereen of St. Albans won $10,003 on the Mega Millions drawing March 8. Vereen’s winning ticket was purchased at the Gurcharan And Brothers, 100 West Merrick, Valley Stream. Chandrawattie Latchman of Jamaica won $36,449 on the Take Five drawing Nov. 29. Latchman’s winning ticket was purchased at the Jashill Mart, 165-01 Hillside Ave., Jamaica. James Murphy of Rockaway Point won $19,313 on the Take Five drawing Nov. 10. Murphy’s winning ticket was purchased at the Shree Nath Cards & Gifts at 157 Beach 116th St., Rockaway Park. Vrsha Desai of Queens Village won $10,000 on the Quick Draw drawing March 4. Desai’s winning ticket was purchased at the N B S Stationery, 1619 Dutch Broadway, Elmont. Deeptiben Desai of Queens Village won $10,002 on the Quick Draw drawing Feb. 12. Desai’s winning ticket was purchased at the N B S Stationery at 1619 Dutch Broadway, Elmont.
The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Queens Zoo is hosting an educational winter camp for children ages 6 to 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 28-29. The Queens Zoo is a scenic place for kids to learn about animals and nature. Games, crafts and other activities will introduce kids to the world of animals and the environment. A meet-and-greet with the animal residents will allow participants to learn how animals native to North and South America adapt to winter weather at animal presentations in the zoo’s education classroom. Cost is $125 for members and $150 for non-members. For information about winter camp or other Queens Zoo education programs, visit www.queenszoo.com or contact the zoo at qzeducation@wcs.org or (718) 271-7361.
Holiday Greeting Card:
Hillcrest H.S., Jamaica, has conducted its 16th Annual Holiday Greeting Card Contest. The winner is Senior Academy Small Learning Community (SLC) student Christopher Bhanedatt. He used Computer Aided Design technology to superimpose holiday decorations on a photo of the front of the school. His technology teacher is Gerry Pepenella from the Biz Tek Small Learning Community in Hillcrest H.S. The Director of Bhanedatt’s Institute is David Ricaurte.
Air Force Reserve Airman Jaime J. Galezo recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. He is the son of Jaime and Nubia Galezo of Jamaica and is a 2010 graduate of Flushing High School.
unteer Ambulance Service squad, were recently honored by the Susquehanna Regional EMS Council Inc. as Broome County’s 2011 Agency of the Year.
Binghamton University students Heather Cohen of Fresh Meadows and Priva Patel of Ozone Park, members of the 2011-12 Harpur’s Ferry Student Vol-
Marist College students Karyn PierreLouis of Astoria, Alisha Lahogue of St. Albans and Rebecca Warne of Whitestone recently performed in the Marist College
Dance Ensemble fall semester showcase, “Dance Out Loud.” With more than 200 members, the dance ensemble is one of the College’s largest and most active groups. The performance consisted of 19 pieces, choreographed completely by students, in a variety of genres such as hip-hop, Irish step, contemporary, tap, and more.
A&E
A Holiday Classic Warms The Stage BY TAMMY SCILEPPI This time of year, you can’t beat stepping out for a dose of affordable holiday entertainment close to home. The heartwarming “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” – a delightful, reimagined rendition inspired by Frank Capra’s sentimental film – was a hit with theatergoers, who have been leaving Queens Theater in Flushing with smiles and words of praise for the show and its brilliant performers. “Queens is an incredible hotbed of creative energy right now, and we plan to tap into that and reflect that energy on our stages,” said Ray Cullom, executive director of Queens Theatre and the director of the radio play. It’s Christmas Eve 1946. The stage and auditorium of Studio A at radio station WQTR in New York City is abuzz with excitement as the actors take their places at the microphones. The announcer introduces the live radio broadcast to the studio audience and America’s listeners;
the young man in charge of special effects checks his quirky equipment one last time as the “On Air” sign flashes red, signaling the start of the show. And so, the beloved Christmas story unfolds – here, on the main stage of the Queens Theatre – where the sleepy town of Bedford Falls and its residents come to life once again. George Bailey, the depression-era banker, played to the hilt by Duke Lafoon, who has performed at the theater in “I Love My Wife,” contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve. He is saved by guardian angel Clarence, who shows him all the lives he has touched and the contributions he has made to his community. George makes sure everybody remembers that “no man is a failure who has friends.” Last Saturday, the live radio play captivated yet another audience as a talented group of six actors played dozens of characters to perfection – three of them play upwards of 10 characters each. It takes top-notch performing and directing to bring about the theatrical nu-
Restaurant Review
Old Europe In Forest Hills OLD VIENNA CAFÉ 108-22 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills HOURS: Tue-Thu 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Fri 12 p.m. to 1 a.m., Sat 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Sun 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Closed Mondays CUISINE: German/Austrian/European RESERVATIONS: Accepted
the neck up – mostly with their voices.” Cullom said he felt this was a challenge for everyone: “We were all used to working in a much more realistic vein creating characters that grow from an actor’s internal life and connection to the other performers in a very genuine way. “We all had to re-train ourselves to work within this different style of acting, but found it to be a very rewarding and interesting change of pace,” he said. Few people know that the fictional town of Bedford Falls was modeled on Seneca Falls, NY — a five-hour, 270-mile drive away. At Christmastime, this village of about 7,000 residents changes its “Welcome to Seneca Falls” signs to “Welcome to Bedford Falls.” They even have a Hotel Clarence – named after the angel. The 1946 film “It’s a Wonderful Life,” with Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, was first televised in the 1970s, and watching it has remained a holiday tradition over the decades. Its message still rings true today – especially with so many folks unemployed, and many families celebrating a less than merry Christmas: “To champion man, plead his causes and protest any degradation of his dignity, spirit and divinity.” — Frank Capra
Former Soap Opera Star Opens New Theater
BY MONICA GANESH
Malcolm Madera, a Queens actor with TV credits including "All My Children" and "Guiding Light," recently presented "Derby Day," a play written by Samuel Brett Williams and directed by Michole Biancosino, which was the first theatrical production by Madera's newly-minted Camisade Theater Company. The Astoria resident was born in Texas and raised in New Mexico. He first participated in theater in high school and went to the University of New Mexico to study theater and film history before moving to London to attend the Drama Studio London, where he performed in numerous productions. After Madera's visa expired, he decided to move to New York to become a better actor. It was while working in New York he met Jake Silberman, who he began Camisade Theater Company with just this spring after they decided "we were artistically on the same boat" and hoped to build an audience base that enjoys the same kind of theater they do. While looking for a playwright, they met Samuel Brett Williams, who wrote "Derby Day," and both Madera and Silberman decided that would be their first Camisade production. "We fell in love with [Derby Day] right off the bat," Madera said. After collaborating, they found that they worked great together and are all co-founders of Camisade Theater Company. The name of the theater comes
from camisado, an old military term meaning a sneak attack by night. "We're coming out of nowhere," Madera said. "And the show itself is really going to catch people off-guard." "Derby Day," which recently had its final performance, is about the three Ballard brothers, played by Madera, Silberman and Jared Culverhouse, who are at a horse race after the death of their father. The dark comedy takes place entirely in a luxury skybox at a racetrack in Hot Springs, Ark. Over the course of the race, the brothers drink and reveal secrets that threaten to destroy their relationship. Madera plays Ned Ballard, the middle brother who is an angry newlywed, but is more sensitive then he lets on. "It's a hilarious play," Madera said. "It's a lot of fun and it has an enormous amount of heart." The non-fiction play is based on the relationship of Williams' father and his two uncles. Madera said that Camisade Theater's mission is to tell honest stories. "We want to tell real stories," Madera said. "Not necessarily things that have actually happened, but things that are uniquely human and American." Madera, who is a huge Mets fan, said he enjoys playing football and the guitar and banjo. He said he hopes to one day direct and produce. Williams is working on his second play and the team hopes to have a second show produced at Camisade within six months.
Dec. 23-29, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13
As I devoured the first schnitzel slider, my greatest regret was that I could not have an unlimited supply. So what if all the warm-blooded mammals in the world needed to be sacrificed to my appetite? I was hungry and I was enjoying myself. I’m a lover of power lunches, and this lunch had all the power I could ever want I asked for more water. I needed it. To backtrack, I arrived in Forest Hills, home of Simon and Garfunkel, to find out why so many people had been playing up the Old Vienna Café at the corner of 71st Road and Queens Boulevard. My old college roommate and fellow lover of off-color jokes was set to join me on this eating excursion but arrived late; Old Vienna Café is conveniently located within blocks of the Forest Hills Long Island Rail Road station, but this also means you need to exit the train when it makes its scheduled stop. My longtime chum, for various reasons beyond his control, did not, but eventually dined with me after a furious detour to Penn Station. Meanwhile, I ate. If you’ve ever dined in a restaurant in Europe, you’ll feel at home at the Old Vienna Café. This isn’t because it is named after a European city or is telling you that it’s “old.” The menu, complete with all the German meat dishes you could ever ask for, will make you nostalgic for the old country, even if you’ve
never been there. I was tempted by the lamb sliders but decided to order everything at once, rather than do the normal thing and open with an appetizer. When my friend showed up, a delectable piece of salmon, schnitzel sliders, and a heaping side of sauerkraut sat in front of me, waiting to be devoured. As we talked baseball and the vocal ranges of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, I savored every bite of the salmon, which was cooked perfectly and lacked the dryness of the weaker slabs of fish other restaurants have dared to serve me. A side of exquisite vegetables lay with the salmon. The sauerkraut had me dreaming of the lush German countryside, and I greedily ate way more than my friend. I decided to continue to eat like a decadent Roman emperor and ask for a steaming sausage platter. In my day, I’ve had plenty of sausage: ballpark sausage, deli sausage, and the random links of spicy German meat that have rolled my way. Nothing compared to Old Vienna’s sausage platter, with its smoky, classic flavors that left me begging for more. In a rare show of logic, I did not finish off the platter and elected to take some home with me. Dessert makes any meal worth remembering. As I like to say, there is always room for cake. Always. Our wonderful hosts brought us two pieces of cake, a chocolate slice and a mango raspberry slice. Ah, I was in sugar nirvana. The chocolate cake had little bits of vanilla that flaked off the rich outer layer like snow. We ate, we laughed, and we were thankful for a little slice of old world Europe in 21st century Forest Hills. —Ross Barkan
ances in this superb production. “I play several roles - each appearing in a number of scenes, and occasionally interacting,” Tim Jerome, who plays the announcer, said. “In fact, I have several duets with myself. My three big roles are banker Henry Potter, the classic scrooge; Billy Bailey - endearing, cheerful, terminally forgetful; and Peter Bailey, George’s father – the soft-spoken, ethical progenitor of the plot.” Jerome is a Tony nominee for “Me and My Girl” and has been in “Phantom of the Opera,” “Beauty and The Beast,” “Cats” and other shows. “The artistic leadership and staff are a significant credit to New York’s theatre community and Queens’ residents in particular,” he said. For two solid weeks, Cullom traded in his office desk for a director’s chair, and with the help of his staff was able to focus on directing the show and working with the actors and production team. In a recent interview, he said, “It’s a play unlike any other I have directed. Because it’s a ‘radio play,’ the actors prepare for their roles in a completely different way; rather than using their bodies and their ‘inner life’ to inform character choices, the character work is done entirely from
Faith
Kwanzaa Bridges Generation Gap BY VERONICA LEWIN One new non-profit organization is using the week-long black heritage celebration of Kwanzaa to educate and mentor young people in the community. Royal People Group is partnering with the Greater Jamaica Development Corp., Reconstruct Art and Cultural Collaborative Jamaica to host next week’s two-day event. The celebration will take place at the Harvest Room, located at 90-40 160th St. in Jamaica. Royal People Group became a nonprofit a year ago and strives to show teens their self-worth. “We want the youth to know that they are royal people and they
have so much good in store for them,” said founder Roxanne Lord. The celebration will feature many Kwanzaa traditions, including drumming and dancing. There will also be a film festival and a lighting ceremony. On Dec. 29 beginning at 9:30 a.m., guests will be able to participate in storytelling and arts and crafts. Several vendors will also be at the event. On Dec. 30, Royal People Group will host their second Youth Summit from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guest speakers include professionals from Southeast Queens as well as teenagers in the foster care system. Breakfast and lunch will be served at the event. The Kwanzaa Celebration con-
Word “The giving of gifts is not something man invented. God started the giving spree when he gave a gift beyond words, the unspeakable gift of His Son.” - Robert Flatt
cludes at 6 p.m. both evenings. “There’s a need to directly mentor the young people and help them to make better choices,” Lord said. She added too many youth in the area are being incarcerated at an early age, making it difficult to seek desirable employment later. At Royal People Group’s first Youth Summit at Shekinah Youth Church, 12 high school and college students shared their experiences with attendees in hopes to help youth choose a positive life path. Lord said many students waste their time in high school and are unaware of the importance of taking the SATs for being accepted into good colleges. Lord said many of the businesses on Jamaica Avenue complain about rowdy teens and how they can negatively impact business in the area. Royal People Group hopes the Kwanzaa celebration will keep young people occupied and ease the tension between store owners on Jamaica Avenue and teens. Royal People Group is expecting at least 200 teenagers to attend and would like to have each one of them sent home with a holiday gift. Lord is recommending gifts such as belts, personal hygiene products, cold weather apparel, alarm clocks and MP3 players. Those interested in donating can send gifts to: Royal
Royal People Group Founder Roxanne Lord. People Group Inc. P.O. Box 340521, Jamaica, N.Y. 11434. For more information, call (631) 662-3177. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.
Notebook Martin Van Buren High School
Joy Of Reading Returns To Students One Queens Village counselor has been bringing the joy reading to students at Martin Van Buren High School. Judi Raines taught night school English during the 2010-2011 school year, in addition to working as a high school guidance counselor for seven years. Raines has been leading a book club for students called “Reading Changes Lives” for two years. Her book club had a holiday meeting at the Langston Hughes Library in East Elmhurst on Dec. 22. Raines said about 25 students meet once a month during the day, where the students eat snacks and discuss the books they read. Raines said most of today’s students do not read for pleasure. “They’re only reading what the teachers give them,” she said. Raines said she tries to have authors come to the book club to talk to students, something that she said brings the reading experience to life. Raines is currently working on a book of poetry. She said she was inspired by “The Other Side of The Rainbow,” a collection of Wizard of Oz inspired poems. “I thank my mom for getting me into this reading thing,” Raines said. Raines will be attending the National Book Club Conference in Atlanta, Ga.,
next summer. The mission of the National Book Club Conference is to create the world’s largest book-club meeting once a year, to promote the value of reading and formulating book clubs among adults and in the nation’s public school systems for the purposes of advancing literacy, broadening youths’ minds and knowledge through reading and dialogue. “What we have grown into is something I never expected when creating this event,” said Curtis Bunn, founder. “But now that the NBCC has become an important conference for readers, authors and publishers, we will continue to build each year to enhancing the experience.” Raines said the students in her book club are reading “Black Boy,” a Richard Wright autobiography about growing up in the Jim Crow South. Over the years, Raines has taken her students to meet authors, including Sister Souljah. The students will soon read “The Narrative of Frederick Douglass.” Raines said she hopes to be able to take the students on a trip to the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington D.C. In addition to running a book club, Raines hopes to strengthen her students’ ability to research and comprehend primary documents, which would be helpful
in preparing students for state exams. “My goal also is to bring up critical thinking skills so the kids can do better on the global history and English Regents,” Raines said. She has been offering study sessions in the neighborhood for the upcoming
state exams. The Queens Library Hollis branch was willing to help Raines find a home for her test prep. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.
Teachers of Tomorrow:
One of the activities of the Teachers of Tomorrow Institute in Hillcrest H.S., Jamaica, is to work with Junior Achievements and send pre-teaching students to PS 86 to teach lessons to the younger students. This recent photo shows senior Hillcrest H.S. student Amalia Velazquez teaching kindergarten and also third grade children about New York City, zip codes and U.S. heroes from the state. The Teachers of Tomorrow Institute pairs a freshman and a senior students. Freshman Jada Sewall was paired with Amalia Velazquez. John Binet is the Director of the Institute.
Photo by John Binet
Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 23-29, 2011
BY VERONICA LEWIN
Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL
Send typed announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 150-50 14 Road, Whitestone NY 11357. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina. IF YOUR ORGANIZATION MEETS ON A REGULAR BASIS, SEND ALL DATES FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR.
ALUMNI THOMAS JEFFERSON Sunday, January 15 class of 1961 will meet in Florida. Tjhs1961@aol.com
DANCE LINE DANCING Saturdays 2-4 at Holy Family RC Parish Church, Msgr. Mahoney Hall, 175-20 74 th Avenue, Fresh Meadows. Light refreshments. Bring friends! ISRAELI FOLK Mondays 7:15-9:45 at Hillcrest Jewish Center, 18202 Union Turnpike. $10 session. 380-4145. LINE DANCING Mondays 6:30-9:30 at Kowalinski Post 4, 61-57 Maspeth Avenue. $7. Cake and coffee. 565-2259.
MISCELLANEOUS MINI GOLF Through December 31 Rocket Park Mini-Golf 10-6 weekends, 2-5 Fridays at the Hall of Science. $6 adults, $5 children plus general NYSCI admission.
RELIGIOUS TEMPLE BETH Friday, December 23 Chanukah Family Service at 7:30. Friday, December 30 Shabbat Services at 8. Temple Beth Sholom, 172 nd Street and Northern Blvd., Flushing. 464-4143.
THRIFT SHOPS Saturdays 11-4 at Bargain Boutique Thrift Shop, Queens Baptist Church, 9323 217 th Street, Queens Village.465-2504. First and Third Wednesdays through June at Grace Church, 1415 Clintonville Street, Whitestone. 767-6305.
SINGLES CHANUKAH DANCE Sunday, December 25 at 8 at the Little Neck Jewish Center, 49-10 Little Neck Parkway. 516-487-0674.
YOGA CLASSES Saturdays 10-11 and Sundays 9:30-10:30 workshops on Yoga. Other classes include meditation, Ayurvedic, yoga philosophy, Sanskirt language. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Jackson Heights. 646-912-1885. NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS 7 days a week. 962-6244. MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS Sundays 7-8:30 at Zion Episcopal Church, 143-01 Northern Blvd., entrance on 44 th Avenue, room 5, Little Neck. WAITANKUNG Sundays at 2. Waitankung is a great total-body workout. Join these ancient Chinese exercise classes in the Flushing Hospital/Medical Center auditorium on 45 th Avenue between Parsons and Burling. Free. Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156 information. MASSAGE THERAPY Monday, December 26 at NYHQ. 670-1695. TAI CHI Mondays and Thursdays at 11 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695. NICOTINE ANONYMOUS Mondays 6:45-8:00 at the Center for Tobacco Control, 2 2 5 C o m m u n i t y D r i ve , Great Neck. 516-510-7826. RECOVERY INT’L Mondays at 5:45 and Thursdays at 3:30 Recovery Int’l is a support group for anxiet y, fear, depression at the Forest Hills library. 241-2220. TAI CHI Mondays and Thursdays at 11 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695. $5 a class. ALZHEIMERS Tu e s d a y, D e c e m b e r 2 7 Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills. 592-5757, ext. 237. GAM-ANON Tuesdays Free Synagogue of Flushing and Zion Episcopal Church. Wednesdays All Saints Episcopal Church in Bayside, First Presbyterian Church in Forest Hills, Church on the Hill in Flushing and United Methodist Church in Middle Village. Thursdays Free Synagogue of Flushing and Zion Episcopal Church. Call 1-877-6642469. CAREGIVERS SUPPORT E ve r y Tu e s d a y We ste r n Queens Caregiver Network in Sunnyside. 5:30-6:30. 784-6173, ext. 431. CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Every Tuesday 3:30-4:30 at the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886. MASSAGE THERAPY Wednesday, December 28 10-2 at HYHQ Cardiac Health Center 670-1695. STRESS MANAGEMENT Wednesday, December 28 stress management for heart patients. 670-1695. ZUMBA Wednesday, December 28 at NYHQ. 670-1695. ZUMBA Wednesdays the Sisterhood of Bay Terrace Jewish Cent e r , 1 3 - 0 0 2 0 9 th S t r e e t , Bayside, will hold Zumba Fitness classes from 7:30-8:30.
SENIORS
$8 members, $10 others. 428-6363. YOGA Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 6701695. $10 class. BLOOD DRIVE Thursday, December 29 at Forest View Nursing Home in Forest Hills. 661-7987. OA Thursdays at the Howard Beach library at 10:30. MASSAGE THERAPY Friday, December 30 at NYHQ. 670-1695. OA Fridays 6:30-8:30 at Unit y Center of Flushing, 42-11 1 5 5 th S t r e e t . S a t u r d a y s 10:30-noon at Resurrection Ascension, Feely Hall, 85-18 61 st Road, Rego Park. Beginners meeting except the last Friday of each month, which is a writing meeting. CO-DEPENDENTS ANON. Fridays 10-11:45 at Resurrection Ascension Pastoral C e n t e r , 8 5 - 1 8 6 1 st R o a d , Rego Park. Women only. NUTRITION & ZUMBA Thursday, January 5 learn the ten steps to flatten your stomach and more at the Ridgewood library at 6. WELL SPOUSES Wednesdays, January 11, February 8 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.
THEATER KILLING KOMPANY Friday, February 3 “Murder by Marriage” at Riccardo’s in Astoria. The Killing Company performs mystery dinner shows. 1-888-SHOOTEM for information.
PARENTS HOLIDAY BREAK KIDS December 26-30 parents looking for a holiday break for their children should contact the Hall of Science at 699-0005 for sculpting, science and more. FIT KIDS Tu e s d a y, D e c e m b e r 2 7 4:30-5:30. Thursday, December 29 4:30-5:30. Saturday, December 31 4:305:30. 174-03 Horace Harding Expressway. Fit Kids Nutrition and Exercise Program. 661-7687. I CAN COOK! December 27 through 29 “Mommy I Can Cook” workshop for kids 5-14 at Church in the Gardens in Forest Hills. 268-6704. SCRAPBOOKING Friday, December 30 Scrapbooking for Preemie Parents. 670-2920. YOGA FOR PARENTS Wednesday, January 4 at the Cambria Heights library at 4. FAMILY STORY TIME Thursday, January 5 at the Auburndale library for kids 5-12 at 4.
STAY WELL Mondays at the Central library at 10. Learn how special exercise and relaxation techniques make a difference in your life. HOWARD BEACH Tuesday, December 27 New Years Eve lunch at noon and part y follows. Wednesdays mah jongg at 10 and Zumba Gold 1:30-2:30. 156-45 84 th Street. 738-8100. CAREGIVERS Ever y Tuesday Caregivers Support group at 3:30-4:30 at the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th
MEETINGS JEWISH VETS Sunday, December 25 Jewish War Veterans of the USA Lipsky/Blum Post meet at the Garden Jewish Center. 4634742. VFW 4787 Monday, December 26 Whitestone VFW Community Post meets. 746-0540. MEN’S CLUB SOCCER Tuesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 2637000. FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tuesdays the Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets. 917-612-3463. ADVANCED WRITERS Tuesdays Advanced Bayside Writers’ Group meets at 6:30 in the Terrace Diner, 212-97 26 th Avenue, upper level. Get feedback on your writing and develop your skills. FH VAC Wednesday, December 28 Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corp meets. 793-2055. WOMANSPACE Wednesdays Womanspace, a discussion group devoted to issues concerning women, meets 1-3 at the Great Neck Senior Center, 80 Grace Avenue. New members welcome. TOASTMASTERS Thursday, December 29 Advance for Leadership/ To a s t m a s t e r s at the Briarwood library at 5:45. STAMP CLUB Thursday, December 29 Queens Stamp Club at 5:45 at the Forest Hills library. LEADD CLUB Thursday evenings and one Saturday afternoon. Recreation Socialization Program for Learning Disabled Adults. 18+, able to travel on public transportation. Arn310@aol.com information. WOMEN’S GROUP Fridays the Woman’s Group of Jamaica Estates meets at noon. Call 461-3193 for information. PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, January 7, 21 public speaking and effective communication 1012:15 at the Elmhurst Hospital Center Conference Room. 424-9754. CAMBRIA HTS LIBRARY Saturday, January 14 Friends Board of Directors of Queens Library at Cambria Heights meet 4-5:15.
Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886. CHAIR EXERCISE Tuesdays low impact chair exercise at 11 at the Flushing-Fresh Meadows Jewish Center. $5. 357-5100. STAY WELL Wednesdays at 10:15 at the East Elmhurst library for exercise and other health related programs. WOMANSPACE Wednesdays Womanspace, a discussion group devoted to issues concerning women, meets 1-3 at the Great Neck Senior Center, 80 Grace Avenue. New members welcome. KEW GARDENS Thursday, December 29 slide show presentation of the history of the 20 th -21 st centuries in American art at 1. Mondays comedy writing 2:30-3:30. Wednesdays Spanish conversation at 10 and Building muscle and strength at 11. Kew Gardens Communit y Center, 80-02 Kew Gardens Road, suite 202. STARS Fridays, December 30, January 6 Senior Theater Acting Repertory at the Queens Village library at 10:30. 7760529. AARP 4158 Tuesdays, Januar y 10, February 14, March 13 North Flushing chapter 4158 meets at noon at the Church on the H i l l , 1 6 7 - 0 7 3 5 th A v e n u e , Flushing. New members and visitors welcome. ALLEN COMMUNITY Keyboard lessons, Spanish, crocheting and knitting, art lessons, computer classes for beginners and advanced, Allen Singers, Drama Club, Hair Care, Aerobic, Beginners Bridge, Advanced Bridge, Creative Design, storytelling and rap sessions. Allen Communit y Senior Center, 166-01 Linden Blvd., Jamaica. 658-0980. ALZHEIMERS SUPPORT Every other Wednesday Alzheimer Support Group meets at the Elmhurst Senior Center. 478-7171, ext. 27 ART CLASSES Thursdays free craft classes, general arts and crafts, at the Middle Village Adult Center. Call 969-1128. BAYSIDE CENTER Tuesdays line dancing 9:30 and Thursdays 10:00. Fridays ballroom instruction at 10:15, ballroom and social dancing 1-3. Bayside Center for classes in movie, ping
TALKS BOOK & FILM Friday, January 6 book discussion group and film screening starting at 1 at the Flushing librar y. 661-1200 information. AMERICAN DOCUMENTS Saturdays, January 14, February 11, March 10 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.
pong, bridge instruction, healthy lifest yle, card games, Wii bowling, painting, ESL, computer, exercise, dance, wellness workshops, etc. Lunch at 11:30. 225-1144. BEN. ROSENTHAL Wednesdays and Fridays dancing from 1-4. Line dancing, bingo, sing-a-Long, ballroom dancing, computers, Alert & Alive Discussion Group, Israel Today Discussion, Social Action, News & Views. Daily hot Kosher lunch from 11:30-12:30. $1.75 contribution. Cards and games at 1. Benjamin Rosenthal Senior Center, 45-25 Kissing Blvd. Flushing. 886-5777. BFFY ALZHEIMER The BFFY Alzheimer’s Adult Day Care Center offers a socialization program to those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or other related dementia. 358-3541. BRIDGE Wednesdays bridge at the Re fo r m Te m p l e o f F o r e st Hills, 71-11 112 th Street from 11-3. $10. 261-2900. CERC Crafts, canasta, bridge, line dancing, shape-up, quilting, discussion group, movies, dancercise, current events, singles chat, shape-up, couples club, duplicate bridge, dancercise, recently retired group. Lunch at 11:30 ever y day. Reser vations 423-8174.CERC, 51-60 Marathon Parkway, Little Neck. CUNNINGHAM PARK Monday-Friday 9:30-4:30 sit, relax or socialize at the Cunningham Park Field House, 196-10 Union Turnpike. 740-1999. DUPLICATE BRIDGE Mondays 12-4 $9. Lunch, lesson and congenial play. Partners arranged. Pride of Judea Communit y Services, 243-02 Northern Blvd., Douglaston. 423-6200. FOREST HILLS Politics and Humor, Creative Arts, Improv/Drama, Poet Societ y and more. 108-25 62 nd Drive. 699-1010. GLENRIDGE Ta i c h i , c o m p u t e r, s t re s s management, bingo, exercise, choral group and line dancing. Glenridge Senior Citizen Multiservice and Advisory Center, Inc., 59-03 Summerfield Street, Ridgewood. 386-5136. HILLCREST First Wednesday Poetry Cove 2:15. Last Thursday Wa l k i n g To u r a n d A r t i s t Circle Trips. Bus leaves 9:15. First Friday Shopping Day. Bus leaves 9:15, back in time for lunch. Tai-chi, tax assistance, duplicate bridge, computer class, ESL/Citizenship Class, stained glass, oil painting, stay well exercise, music and dancing. Hillcrest Senior Center, 168-01B Hillside Avenue, Jamaica. 2977171. Hot meals 11:3012:30. MITCHELL LINDEN Mitchell Linden Senior Citiz e n C l u b , 2 8 - 0 2 1 4 1 st Street, Flushing. 1-4 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. 539-7783.
Dec. 23-29, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15
FLEA MARKETS
HEALTH
Queens Today YOUTH
EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS
TEENS
SCIENCE PLAYGROUND Weekends through December 31 10-6 and 2-5 Fridays at the Hall of Science. $4 plus general NYSCI admission. STORY BOOK LADY Saturdays 12:30-1:30 reading enrichment program for 6-9 year olds at Maria Rose International Doll Museum, 187-11 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. $7.50. 276-3454. SCIENCE LAB Saturdays Central library at 11. MATH HELP Saturdays at the Flushing library at 10. 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 , Fre s h Meadows. 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. ARTS & CRAFTS Tuesday, December 27 at the Auburndale library at 4. BOOST WORD Tu e s d a y, D e c e m b e r 2 7 Word of the Week at the McGoldrick library at 5. CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
Tuesday, December 27 at the Glen Oaks library at 11. BEADING Tu e s d a y, D e c e m b e r 2 7 beading workshop at the Briarwood library at 3. HOLIDAY STORIES Tuesday, December 27 at the Ozone Park library at 3. KIDS GET GAMING Tuesday, December 27 at the Glendale library at 3. CHESS CLUB Tuesdays at the LIC library at 4 and the Rosedale library at 4:30. HAPPY HAPPY STORY TIME Wednesday, December 28 at the LIC library at 10:30. CRAFTS Wednesday, December 28 at the Steinway library at 11. READ TO ME Wednesday, December 28 Read to Me program at the Bay Terrace library at 10:30. WII TIME Wednesday, December 28 a t t h e B r i a r wo o d l i b r a r y. Register. LIBRARY BUDDIES Wednesday, December 28 at Auburndale library. BOOST SCIENCE Wednesday, December 28 McGoldrick library at 5. CRAFT TODDLERS Wednesday, December 28 a t t h e B r i a r wo o d l i b r a r y. Register.
CHESS CLUB Every Saturday at the Flushing library at 2. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library at 4. TEEN CHESS Mondays at 6 at the Bayside library. 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. TUESDAY CHESS Tuesday, December 27 at the Rosedale library at 4:30. BEADING Tuesday, December 27 at the Briarwood library at 3. ADVISORY BOARD Tuesday, December 27 help Young Adult librarians with everything YA related at 5 at the Flushing library. WII TIME Wednesday, December 28 a t t h e B r i a r wo o d l i b r a r y. Register. LIBRARY BUDDIES Wednesday, December 28 at the Auburndale library at 4. GAME DAY Every Wednesday at the Howard Beach library at 4.
SEWING CLASSES Saturdays 11-3 at Maria Rose International Doll Museum in St. Albans. 2763454. SCRABBLE CLUB Saturdays at 10 at Count Basie Jr. HS, 132 nd Street and Guy R. Brewer Blvd. 8865236. PET OWNERS Saturdays (not on holiday weekends) from 1-4 free Doggie Boot Camp at Crocheron Park in Bayside (weather permitting). 4545800. Reservations required. Donations accepted. BALLROOM DANCE Monday, December 26 ballroom dancing at the Forest Hills library at 6:30. CROCHET Mondays 6-7 at the Rosedale library. 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 inter-
mediate lessons 6-9 in Bayside. 917-886-0519. KNITTING CIRCLE Mondays at Alley Pond Environmental Center. Register 229-4000. ADULT CHESS Mondays and Thursdays at the Queens Village library at 5:30. BASIC COMPUTER Tuesday, December 27 at the Rosedale library at 10:30. BASIC COMPUTER Tuesday, December 27 at the Arverne library at 10:30. BASIC COMPUTERS Tuesday, December 27 at the South Ozone Park library at 10. OWN BUSINESS Every Tuesday Owning Your Own Business: The Nuts and Bolts of Getting Started 6:307:30 at the Central library. 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. GET YOUR YARNS OUT! Tuesdays after evening Minyan at 8, knitters, crocheters, needlepointers, and others meet at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000,
Heating Oil
Heating Oil
Junk Cars
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ext. 200. TANGO CLASS Wednesday, December 28 a t B u e n o s A i re s Ta n go i n Forest Hills. 347-642-4705. KNIT & CROCHET Wednesdays, December 28, January 4 at the South Ozone Park library at 1. BASIC COMPUTER Wednesday, December 28 at the Windsor Park library at 10:30. KNITTING CLUB Wednesdays at the Bayside library. Register. INTRO COMPUTERS Wednesdays at 10 at the C e n t ra l l i b r a r y. Re g i s ter. LANGUAGE CLASS Wednesdays Conversational Hebrew 2:30-3:30 and Torah Stories in Yiddish 3:30-4:30 at the Bayside Jewish Center. 352-7900. DUPLICATE BRIDGE Wednesdays 10:30-3:00 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills. $12 session, includes light lunch. 2612900 COMPLETE DRAWING Wednesdays 1-4 Complete Drawing class at the National Art League. $25 per class. 516-223-7659. INDOOR SOCCER – DADS Wednesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000.
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Dec. 23-29, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17
CLASSIFIED DEADLINE: Monday Before 5 P.M.
Models Of Queens
Glendale Knockout Terezia hails from Slovakia, and her sharp looks enthralled us enough to want to feature this gal who is still making her impression in the modeling world. Since last we spoke, Terezia won second place in Miss Diaspora International, has worked on commercials and has done print modeling in a variety of places, including some work for the New York Giants. This past December she came back to the Miss Diaspora annual contest as a judge and was more of a knockout than some of the contestants. Speaking of knockouts, watch out – this gal is a master at karate, studying for a decade and entering in national competition, where in 2006 she was a world champion for her class. Great looks and a solid uppercut to boot. How can you go wrong?
Terezia Revesova Home: Glendale Age: 25 Height: 5’ 4" Weight: 114 lbs Stats: 35-25-36
Flu Shot Twins
Nanny: Don't Frack New York Queens’ high pitched petite yet always proper nanny has joined the chorus of those concerned with hydrofracking. A uterine cancer survivor herself, Flushing native Fran Drescher, is speaking out against the high pressured fluid injection into the earth because of the carcinogenic risks connected to the process. In a public service announcement to Governor Andrew Cuomo, Drescher says, “Please don’t Frack New York.” Fran Drescher With the borough’s hometown hottie in the mix of celebrities raising their voices we’re sure the State Legislature will pay special attention to their pleas. But Drescher could be just the latest of the of New Yorkers who will never figure out what makes the State Legislature do anything.
Still Off His Rocker New York’s (least) favorite pitcher saw his name come back onto news print this week, just in time to start promoting a new book. Former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker – who infamously called Mets fans degenerates 12 years ago – publicly came out to endorse fellow Georgian, Republican presidential nominee Newt Gingrich and then admitted during a talk with NY Baseball Digest to taking steroids. The outrageously outspoken pitcher blamed his use on peer pressure. “The reason [for taking them] was, with my teammates and their confidence laying on my shoulders, with the coaching staff and their confidence on my shoulders … I am not going to step on that mound with that kind of responsibility with my gun half loaded,” Rocker said. Rocker denied in the interview that steroids improved his breaking ball. There was no comment as to whether his hate for taking the 7 train was enhanced by the drugs.
The Walgreens commercial where two sassy senior twins turn getting a flu shot into a competition now has a hometown twist. Frances Labinger, who plays Edith in the commercial, lives in Astoria. Her playful banter with her sister, Iris Arnold, wasn’t just for the cameras, bickering is a part of all of their conversations. “We’ve always talked to each other like this, so we Astoria resident Frances Labinger (l.) and twin Iris (above right) John Rocker and don’t know what the big deal is,” Labinger told The Arnold, have seen fame thanks to a witty Walgreens ad. his girlfriend model Alicia Marie Daily News. Since the commercial aired, the 77-yearold twins have been on talk shows and are now shooting another ad. Confidentially, New York . . . Who knew talking about flu shots could bring such fame? Enjoy those checks, ladies.
Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 23-29, 2011
Botched Bank Robbery If you’re going to threaten bank workers with a gun, it would help if they’re more afraid of the weapon than you are. A man walked into the HSBC bank on 43rd Avenue in Long Island City last Wednesday and asked the tellers for money at gunpoint. When he got impatient, he shot his gun to the ceiling attempting to strike fear Wanted for attempted bank robbery in the hearts of the delaying workers. Instead, he soiled his own pants; the robber panicked and fled the bank without a cent, leaving behind a clear picture of him on the security cameras. Police believe he’s the same suspect wanted in a Brooklyn bank robbery in October. No word if the Chicken Little bank robber scared himself out of some dough in that robbery too.
Maverick
Tony Avella Dan Halloran Rumors are already swirling that Republican Councilman Dan “Hollerin” Halloran will challenge the man he replaced in the Council, Democratic State Sen. Tony Avella, he of the quixotic mayoral run. It would make quite the fascinating election—two political mavericks squaring off in an area of northern Queens that will not toe any party line. Halloran is a one man newsmachine, whether it’s his pagan faith or expletive-fueled tirade against a car dealership, or crusade against ticket writing traffic agents that don’t follow the law, he is unafraid to say exactly what he is thinking. Avella similarly has little interest in appeasing anyone and is very much an outsider in the Democratic inside. Both have fervently supporters in the northeast Queens quadrant. It’ll be a feisty election, if it does indeed occur. Don’t expect either of these men to back out of any debates, David Weprin-style. Both pols love to yap . . .and pick fights.
What’s Up SATURDAY, DEC. 24 Christmas With Santa On Christmas Eve the Rosedale 148th Drive Community and Block Association and Legends SUV Club along with Councilman James Sanders Jr., the Rosedale Civic Association, Inc., Brookville Park Tennis Club and the Sports Barber Shop will be hosting their 2nd annual “Christmas with Santa” event. Santa will be giving away toys to the kids who participate, refreshments will be served and everyone will have fun caroling. This free event will be held outside the Rosedale Library, 144-20 243rd St., at 1 p.m.
SUNDAY, DEC. 25 Merry Christmas! MONDAY, DEC. 26 Happy Kwanzaa! Holiday Open House The Queens County Farm Museum dates back to 1697; it occupies New York City’s largest remaining tract of undisturbed farmland, and is the only working historical farm in the city. The farm encompasses a 47-acre parcel that is the longest continuously farmed site in New York State. Enjoy tours of the decorated farmhouse, craft activity for children and mulled cider. This free event will be held at 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy. from noon to 4 p.m.
TUESDAY, DEC. 27 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.
Holiday Open House
Laptops For Students Laptops are available Monday through Thursday for teens and children to use from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, call (718) 528-2822. This free event will be held at the Queens Library Laurelton Branch, 134-26 225 St. from 3 to 5 p.m.
Own Your Own Business Learn how to develop your idea into a
Holiday Open House The Queens County Farm Museum dates back to 1697; it occupies New York City’s largest remaining tract of undisturbed farmland, and is the only working historical farm in the city. The farm encompasses a 47-acre parcel that is the longest continuously farmed site in New York State. Enjoy tours of the decorated farmhouse, craft activity for children and mulled cider. This free event will be held at 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy. from noon to 4 p.m.
THURSDAY, DEC. 29 Walkers For Wellness Club See Tuesday’s listing.
JSPOA New Year’s Party Calling all seniors, and seniors at heart! JSPOA’s Rockaway Adult Center’s is pleased to invite all seniors to its New Years Party. Ring in the New Year early this year. For additional information, call (718) 657-6752. This free event will be held at the JSPOA Rockaway Boulevard Senior Center, 12310 143rd St.
Spanish Computer Classes Learn how to turn on your computer or write an email to someone. Registration at the Reference Desk beforehand. This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 6:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, DEC. 30 Toast to 2012 Calling all seniors, and seniors at heart! JSPOA’s Theodora G. Jackson’s Adult Center is pleased to invite all seniors to its pre New Years Eve Toast to 2012. Come add your voice to the mix. For additional information, call (718) 657-6581. This free event will be held at JSPOA Theodora G. Jackson Adult Center, 92-47 165th St., at 1 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 89-31 161st St., 10th Floor, Jamaica, for the community on various topics such as Domestic Violence, Mental Health, Substance Abuse intervention, Decision Making, Condom Use, High Risk Behaviors leading to HIV, and self – esteem awareness. All group sessions offer light snacks and beverages. Group sessions are open to the public. Round-Trip Metro Card reimbursement is available at the end of each completed session. For further information call (718) 297-0720. All services are free. Please call for next group date.
Infant Mortality Clergy United for Community Empowerment’s Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative program provides the following services free of charge: case management services, parent skills building, crib care, breast feeding education, health education, nutritional information/education, referral for HIV testing, confidential one-on-one counseling, workshops, and women support groups. IMRI provides referrals for Food stamps, GED, GYN, Emergency Baby Formula (qualifications required) and more. Call (718) 297-0720. Located at 89-31 161 St., 10th floor, Jamaica. Services are available Tue.-Thurs. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Merrick Flea Market A flea market has opened at 221-02 Merrick Blvd. On sale are a wide range of items, including household items, jewelry and clothing. The market is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
CPR Class Learn to protect yourself and others at Heron Care with a CPR class that includes a certification from the American Heart Association. Please call (718) 291-8788 for more details. Heron is located at 16830 89th Ave., Jamaica.
PAL Volunteers The Police Athletic League (PAL) is looking for volunteers to continue its mission of serving New York City’s young people by donating their time and talents to help serve Queens youngsters at PAL’s Redfern Cornerstone and Far Rockaway Beacon in Arverne-Far Rockaway, PAL’s Edward Byrne Center in South Jamaica and PS 214 in Flushing. PAL Centers in Queens offer a wide range of opportunities for volunteers of all talents. PAL’s Redfern Cornerstone and Far Rockaway Beacon are looking for people to participate in a center clean-up day. Volunteers are needed to tutor and mentor young people during the After School Program’s daily homework help sessions. In addition, individuals can also donate their time assisting the many special events held at PAL’s Centers throughout the year. PAL is also seeking professionals to give career advice and talk about their own careers to young people, as well as guest speakers who can share information on a specific hobby of interest to the youngsters. To become a volunteer with the Police Athletic League or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, please visit palnyc.org. Volunteers will go through an application process that includes an interview, screening and an orientation. For more information, please contact PAL’s Volunteer Coordinator, Alexandria Sumpter-Delves, at (212) 477-9450, Ext. 390 or volunteer@palnyc.org.
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.
HIV Awareness
Canned Food Drive
Clergy United for Community Empowerment provides intervention and curriculum-based prevention education sessions on HIV/AIDS, to reduce risk behaviors that lead to HIV transmission. Services are located at 89-31 161st St., Jamaica. Call (718) 297-0720 ask about our presentation to adolescents and men/women of color. Services are available Tue.-Thurs., 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You can make a difference this holiday season! Help us feed the community by bringing in cans of non-perishable food to Queens Library at Hillcrest to be distributed to those in need in our area. Donations can be made Monday through Saturday during regular business hours until Saturday, Jan. 11. This free event will be held at the Hillcrest Library, 187-05 Union Tpke.
Dec. 23-29, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19
The Queens County Farm Museum dates back to 1697; it occupies New York City’s largest remaining tract of undisturbed farmland, and is the only working historical farm in the city. The farm encompasses a 47-acre parcel that is the longest continuously farmed site in New York State. Enjoy tours of the decorated farmhouse, craft activity for children and mulled cider. This free event will be held at 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy. from noon to 4 p.m.
business plan. Participants will learn how to create demand for your product or service, set goals and objectives, budgeting and timelines, and identifying resources and networks. To register, call (718) 990-5102. This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 6:30 p.m.