Queens Press Epaper

Volume 11 Issue No. 51 Dec. 24-30, 2010

PAGE 22

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PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

Dozens gathered outside the JSPOA Friendship Center to protest City cuts that would close the center that aids dementia and Alzheimer’s patients in Jamaica.

By Jason Banrey…Page 3

Enter the Queens PRESS’ Major Homes Makeover Contest for a chance to win a FREE room, roofing, siding or other home makeover for yourself or somebody in need. See Details, Page 3

Gloria D’Amico, Boro Court Clerk Dies At 83

By Domenick Rafter…Page 3

Online at www.QueensPress.com

News Briefs

Saving Beacoup Bucks On Deductible Donations

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 24-30, 2010

BY DOLORES SWIRIN As the end of the year approaches, many people have questions about making year-end charitable contributions. Here are answers to some of the questions most frequently asked in my twenty-plus years in the nonprofit sector: How do I check to see if a charity is legitimate and well run?

There are a number of agencies that rate charities and provide information on their programs and finances. Guidestar (guidestar.org), Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org) and the Better Business Bureau (for New York, newyork.bbb.org) are all good places to start.

Be wary of going strictly by the numbers. Some donors looking casually at an organization judge it simply by the percent of the funds that goes to administration. If there is an organization that has a mission you support but has higher administrative costs, you really need to drill down further.

It is worth learning if there are special reasons why costs are higher in a given year, for example, that a promising new program was launched. Sometimes overhead costs that are too low can indicate that an organization lacks sufficient infrastructure to deliver its program effectively.

When do I have to make my contribution to get credit for this tax year?

Contributions must be made by Dec. 31 to count for the 2010 tax year, with the exception of gifts from your IRA account.

If you mail your contribution, it must be postmarked by December 31. Dating the check Dec. 31 but mailing it on Jan. 5 doesn’t count.

If you make your contribution by credit card, it must be charged by Dec. 31. When you pay your credit card bill has no impact on the deductibility.

Can I donate directly from my retirement account to a charity?

Yes! This is breaking news. The Tax Relief act signed last week allows donors 70-1/2 years old or older to contribute directly from their IRAs. Because the act was signed so late, it gives donors until Jan. 31 to make their contributions and still have them count for 2010. Donors can give up to $100,000 a year to an eligible charity.

Why should I donate appreciated securities instead of selling stock and donating the cash?

In this sluggish market, you may say “what appreciated securities?” But many people have held securities for years and, even if their values are not at their peak, they have still appreciated from the original value. Some of the advantages are: You are able to take a deduction for the current fair market value of the securities.

You do not have to pay capital gains taxes on the appreciation in value over the years you have held the stock.

You must have owned the securities for more than a year to take this deduction.

And, as with any contribution, you must actually make the transfer of stock on or before Dec. 31 for it to count for this tax year. The stock market will be open on Dec. 31 this year, even though it is a holiday for many of us.

If my stock has declined in value, are there tax benefits to transferring securities?

No. You are better off selling the stock, taking the loss as a tax credit, and donating the proceeds.

What about donating a used car or boat?

The deduction for donating a car or boat is now limited to the gross proceeds from its sale. If you have a car in working order that you would like to donate to a charity, contact the charity to see if it will accept the donation, either directly or through an intermediary that will sell it for the charity.

Can I take a tax deduction for charitable contributions if I don’t itemize?

No. To take a tax deduction, you have to file form 1040 and complete Schedule.

Are there other ways to make taxadvantaged donations?

Donors over the age of 65 who wish to make a contribution while also earning regular income can establish charitable gift annuities (CGAs) with many charities.

The usual minimum gift is $10,000. In return for a transfer of cash, securities or other assets, the organization agrees to make a fixed payment to one or two individuals for their lifetime. The attractive feature is the fixed, high interest rate. For example, for an annuitant who is 85 years old, the interest rate is 8.1% as of July 1, 2010. While $10,000 may sound like a lot, if you have $10,000 in a CD earning less than 2% interest, and you would like to support a particular charity, you can donate the funds to establish a CGA and earn a high interest rate for the rest of your life.

If you intend to establish a CGA for this calendar year, keep in mind that it takes at least a few days to set it up, so don’t delay.

It is always wise to speak with your own financial advisor before making any significant financial decisions to make sure that they are in the best interest of you and your family.

Dolores Swirin is Vice President for Institutional Advancement at York College of the City University of New York and a past Adjunct Lecturer at Baruch College School of Public Affairs.

Brief Us! Mail your news brief items to:

PRESS of Southeast Queens 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357

Presstime

Fight To Save Center For Dementia Patients Executive Director of JSPOA, who said she feels the cuts are unnecessary. "Not only will services be cut, but Friendship Queens seniors braved the cold Center staff will lose their jobs." weather last Thursday to protest the DeGathering outside the Friendship partment of Health's proposed eliminaCenter, seniors voiced their opinions tion of funding that would "wipe out" a about the proposed cuts. program that has served Jamaica for Yvette Clarke's 86-year-old husband nearly four decades.

Leslie has been a member of the FriendAs part of the city's effort to elimiship Center for five years and suffers nate the budget gap, the City Health from dementia. The center has been a Dept. is making cuts to agencies that source of strength and support for Clarke provide mental health services to the and her husband. public throughout the city.

"If the center closes, I don't know Many of the cuts are aimed at recovery-oriented services such as social clubs Friendship Center clients and supporters rally to what I'll do," said Clarke. "[My husand peer programs throughout the city, save the center's dementia program from city bud- band] will have no place to go."

Although there are a few similar serand are part of a larger budget cut man- get cuts. vices available to patients who qualify for dated by the Bloomberg administration that is just under $6 million. participants who suffer from Alzheimer's Medicaid, only 22 patients who benefit from Under the proposed cuts, Jamaica Ser- disease and dementia, the Friendship the program's services at the center are elivice Program for Older Adults (JSPOA) is Center is expected to lose $147,781 in gible.

The Health Dept. called the cuts expected to shut down over the next two funding by Feb. 28 and $443,343 in 2012. years its mental health program that opAlthough the center receives part of its "painful," but said budget constraints have funding from the Dept. for the Aging, "this forced it to make cuts to programs that erates within the center.

Serving nearly 100 seniors and elderly cut will wipe this program," said Carol Hunt, are generally performing well.

BY JASON BANREY

In recent years, Borough President Helen Marshall, State Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica), Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) and Councilman James Gennaro (DFresh Meadows) provided more than $2 million to build a space for the Friendship Center and JSPOA offices in the newly renovated courthouse in Jamaica.

Newly-elected Councilman Ruben Wills (D-South Ozone Park), whose grandmother once attended the Friendship Center, supported the seniors rallying against the proposed cuts.

Wills witnessed how his grandmother socially benefited from the center's program and urged the Bloomberg administration to reconsider the proposed cuts.

"The Friendship Center and these types of programs are something that our community cannot live without," said Wills. "This is not just an ordinary center, it is something we need to keep."

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

Pioneering Boro Clerk D'Amico Dies

BY DOMENICK RAFTER Gloria D. D'Amico, the first woman to serve as Queens County Clerk, died Tuesday of cancer at her home in Astoria at the age of 83.

A longtime fixture in the Democratic Party, D'Amico became a Democratic district leader in 1970, alongside Ralph De Marco and later outgoing State Sen. George Onorato. D'Amico was chief clerk of the Queens County Board of Election and later treasurer of the Queens Democratic Organization.

She served as a New York delegate to

the Democratic National Convention in 1980. In 1984, she ran for the Democratic nomination for the 9th Congressional District, which at the time covered most of West and Northwest Queens from Astoria to Richmond Hill. The seat was being vacated by Geraldine Ferraro, who had been chosen to run for Vice President.

D'Amico came in last in a field of four, behind the winner Tom Manton, Assemblyman Clifford Wilson of Ridgewood and Walter Crowley of Middle Village, father of Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley and uncle of U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley. After her loss, she threw her support behind Manton

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and helped him win a narrow victory over until about two months ago when she befuture State Sen. Serphin Maltese. came gravely ill, six months after her canFormer City Council Speaker Peter cer relapsed. She is survived by her two Vallone Sr., who represented Astoria in the sons, Louis and Leonard, four grandchilCity Council from 1974 to 2001, called her dren and two great-grandchildren. Her a "close friend and political ally" of his husband, Leonard, passed away in 2005.

Queens, along with the since he was 18 years old. four other boroughs, does "She was one of the most highly intelligent, not elect its county clerk, as the other counties in loyal and brave women I New York State outside have ever met," Vallone the five boroughs do. said. "She rose to be one of D'Amico's replacement the most powerful women will officially be appointed in the Democratic Party. by the judges on the SuShe will be greatly missed." preme Court of New York D'Amico was apAppellate Division's Secpointed county clerk in 1991 and held the position Gloria D’Amico Queens ond Department, which until her death. As county County Clerk, earlier this year includes judges from clerk, she was responsible with Gov-elect Andrew Cuomo. Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Long Island and for creating and maintaining the records of all documents filed in the Hudson Valley. The presiding judge, the Supreme Court of Queens from initial who will officially make the appointment, is the Hon. A. Gail Prudenti. Prudenti's filing through to final judgment.

Under her tenure, she oversaw her office did not return a call for comment on office's transition to computerization. a potential timeline for an appointment.

In 2005, when Brooklyn's county clerk Queens became the first county to initiate microfilming of records off site under her Wilbur Levin died, his replacement Nancy leadership. Her role as county clerk also Sunshine was not officially appointed made her Commissioner of Jurors, and in until eight months later.

D'Amico's wake was scheduled to be that position, she oversaw the call-in system for jurors, which Queens pioneered. held at Farangas Funeral Home at 38-08 She saw the relocation of the jury com- Ditmars Blvd. in Astoria on Wednesday mission to the new Civil Courts building and Thursday from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Sutphin Boulevard in Downtown Ja- Her funeral is scheduled for Friday mornmaica where her office was located. ing at Immaculate Conception Church, "Gloria was a longtime friend and col- 29th Street and Ditmars Boulevard in league in government who served with dis- Astoria, at 9:45 a.m. tinction for almost a generation as County In lieu of flowers, the family asks that Clerk. She worked hard to improve the condi- donations be made in the name of Gloria tions for the thousands of jurors who report D'Amico to Shareing & Careing, Inc., 45-02 for duty in Queens County and was very effec- Ditmars Blvd., Suite 1016, Astoria, NY, tive in bringing about change and improved 11105; or to the Variety Boys & Girls Club of the environment for those who served," said Queens, 21-12 30th Rd., Astoria, NY, 11102.

Borough President Helen Marshall.

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at D'Amico was diagnosed with cancer drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357in September 2009, but continued to work 7400, Ext. 125.

IS 231’s Phase Out Still Uncertain

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 24-30, 2010

With IS 231 slated for phase out the Dept. of Education has released its plan to co-locate IS 355 and IS 356.

IS 231, which serves sixth through eighth grade, is one of four Queens schools slated for phase out, along with PS 30, Jamaica and Beach Channel high schools.

According to a DOE fact sheet, 25 percent of the 231’s students were functioning on grade level for English and only 21 percent were on grade level for math.

According to DOE data, the middle school is the lowest performing in District 29 and its English grades are at the bottom 44 percent citywide and at the bottom 12 percent in math. DOE also points to decreased demand for IS 231 and a survey which reported 33 percent of students felt unsafe.

Parents, teachers and students came together at a meeting to quell the concerns of the community. Lenon Murray, District 29 superintendent, said the school was “struggling mightily.”

Many in attendance were outraged that the school would be phased out and vowed to take action to keep IS 231 operational.

The DOE proposal is under review by the Panel for Educational Policy.

Councilman James Sanders (DLaurelton) said he is waiting before he passes judgment on the current proposal.

“The jury is still out on that,” he said, adding that he would like a meeting with

DOE officials and a clear understanding of the current proposal.

“All I know is what I read in the papers,” he said.

Sanders added that though the school is not performing at its peak, there are other schools performing at a lower level that will not be phased out.

The school is in Sanders’ district and according to Donovan Richards, Sanders’ chief of staff, the councilman has given the school more than $200,000.

Even with the proposed phase out, the councilman allocated $1.8 million to IS 231 and a few other schools in the district.

If the proposed phase While the fate of IS 231 is still up in the air, it’s structured phase out of the school is becoming clear. out is successful, IS 231 will not accept a sixth grade class after the The Alternative Learning Center or would be a blight for any new school or 2010–2011 school year. The new schools suspension center, which is currently administration. would open sixth grades in the 2011-2012 housed at IS 231, would remain on site.

“It is not enough to change the captain school. According to an Educational Im- Operating at capacity, the ALC hosts 80 of the Titanic,” he said. “You have to pact Statement, the schools would enroll children and according to DOE’s EIS, as change the direction.”

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at 140 to 160 children in sixth grade and at of Oct. 31 there were 38 students in the saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 357capacity would house 440 to 460 stu- center. dents.

Sanders said the suspension center 7400, Ext. 123.

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

DREAM Dies, But Dreams Live On

BY JASON BANREY

The DREAM Act failed to pass the U.S. Senate last weekend, and Queens legislators are now seeking a temporary solution to help undocumented residents in the borough.

Assemblywoman Grace Meng (DFlushing) wrote U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services New York District Office Director Andrea J. Quarantillo, urging her to grant "deferred action" status to New York's undocumented youth.

Deferred action status would temporarily allow undocumented immigrants under the age of 16 to have vaild identificaton, work lawfully and earn fair wages and go to college.

"With the DREAM Act having failed to achieve the necessary amount of votes in the Senate, deferred action now remains our students' only chance to fulfilling their dreams," said Meng.

Among other portions of the bill, the DREAM Act would have granted minors brought to the country illegally the opportunity to take a path toward citizenship through education and public service initiatives.

U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Bayside) and City Comptroller John Liu both supported the bill and believed its passage would benefit both thousands of students and the economy.

"It would have helped the City of New

(NYSYLC) and an undocumented immigrant herself, Rivera spent months advocating for the passage of the DREAM Act. "When it didn't pass, I was blank," Rivera said. "It angers me that they didn't give us a try.

They don't know the people who are affected by this like us."

Currently enrolled at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Queens immigrant groups and advocates have vowed to con- Rivera promises to tinue to seek the equal opportunity that the DREAM Act would continue to play an active role in advocathave granted. ing for immigration York and the rest of our nation remain legislation that would give her and thoucompetitive in the global marketplace sands of other undocumented immigrant with skilled and talented individuals youth in the U.S. conditional permanent achieving higher education," Liu said. residency.

"Humane, comprehensive immigration "Although you put a lot of effort into reform remains long overdue and desper- [advocating], expecting a return, nothing comes from your hard work," said Rivera. ately needed."

Despite the legislators' efforts, some "Our lives still go on even though the undocumented students are vowing to DREAM Act isn't there for us."

Although Rivera's status does not alcontinue on the same path they have paved for themselves, even if it is without the low her to work, she will continue attending college to earn a degree as she works help of politicians or legislation.

Angy Rivera came to the U.S. when with the NYSYLC to develop a mentoring she was 3 years old and now lives in program that will aid other undocumented Flushing. As a member of the New York youth with their situations.

"It is difficult to live undocumented," State Youth Leadership Council

said Rivera. "We are not going to stop fighting."

After receiving a B.A. in Math and an M.A. in Secondary Education, Juan Carlos of Ozone Park has found a way to build his resume as a professional despite his undocumented status.

When Carlos finished college, he began volunteering for New Immigrant Community Empowerment, a Queens-based non-profit organization that assists the immigrant community. As a volunteer, Carlos uses the skills he obtained throughout his education to assist in the mentoring and development of teachers at the organization.

Although the DREAM Act did not pass, he is "optimistic and hopeful that something will come out of the DREAM movement."

Carlos regularly visits the International High School in Long Island City, which he attended when he was younger. During his time there he speaks to students who are facing the same situation he did when he was their age. He stresses to students that it is important to follow your dreams, encouraging them to continue their education despite their status.

"If it's your passion, you have to make things happen while you wait for things to change," Carlos tells students. "Even though it didn't pass, as a movement we still need to keep pushing forward."

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

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

In Our Opinion: Arnold Thibou Executive Editor:

Editorial Happy Holidays!

As we publish our 51st edition of this year’s Queens Tribune, 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 2011.

Thank you.

Brian Rafferty Contributing Editor:

Letters

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Harley Benson Sasha Austrie Joseph Orovic Domenick Rafter Jessica Ablamsky Editorial Intern: Angy Altamirano Jason Banrey Terry Chao Art Dept:

Sara Gold Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend Advertising Director Alan J. Goldsher Sr. Account Executive Shelly Cookson

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 24-30, 2010

Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2010 Tribco, LLC

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

Out With Old To The Editor: Sending the money-losing NYC Off Track Betting Corporation to the glue factory (“No OTB Rescue, Parlors Shut Down,” Dec. 10) is a winning bet for taxpayers.

Gambling is not an essential function of government. OTB has never turned a profit and takes money from those who can least afford it. With a $60 billion municipal debt, many public opinion surveys reveal that New Yorkers would prefer City Hall and Albany cut our losses by selling off OTB today.

OTB now joins GOP Queens Sen. Frank Padavan in the losers circle.

Besides campaigning for Padavan and other Senators, did OTB Employees Local 2021

ASFCM also make any campaign contributions their campaigns?

Was Padavan’s vote to save OTB his last thank you as a lame duck Senator for their past support?

How ironic, since Padavan has been a leading critic of gambling for decades.

Larry Penner Great Neck

Kissinger To The Editor: In recently released tapes of a discussion between former President Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger, Nixon made derogatory remarks about Jews. In response, Kissinger said that emigration of Soviet Jews should not be an objective of American foreign policy and then gratuitously added that putting Soviet Jews

Letters into gas chambers, while a humanitarian concern, should not be an American concern.

One can debate whether at the time in question emigration of Soviet Jews, while laudable, should or should not be an objective of American foreign policy.

What is not debatable is that putting Jews or any other ethnic minority into gas chambers, is not simply a humanitarian concern, but should be an American concern indeed worthy of being a part of American foreign policy.

That Henry Kissinger, not just because he is a Jew and one to whom emigration to America saved from a fate of gas chambers, failed to recognize the distinction between emigration and extinction, says very little about him as a human being and his supposed diplomatic skills.

Benjamin M. Haber.

Flushing

Perfect Christmas To The Editor: Christmas is almost here, and there is much for most of us to do – gifts to buy and to wrap, more cards to send, even a few more decorations to hang. It’s also a time to reflect on the troubles in the world, our nation at war and the loss of so many lives.

The message of this season is “peace on earth and good will towards men.” Yet where is it?

This is when a lot of us reflect on the gentler times of our past. I find myself thinking about a Christmas when I was young and America was not so troubled. It

was 1957, in the Cold War, but didn’t much understand or care about such things. I was 8 years old, living in a corner house in Queens Village with my mother and father and two blind boarders my mother cared for. We didn’t have much money but we always had a good Christmas, full of love and sharing and plenty of music, which my mother would say was tonic for the soul.

Kindness and love seemed to bounce from house to house in those days, and neighbors greeted one another with a “Merry Christmas,” as carolers sang from house to house. Churches were beaming with worshippers.

Christmas meant a lot back then, and I just can’t but wonder if that kind of Christmas will ever return. The picture-perfect Christmases of our memories may have been laced with imperfections, but I still think they are better than the frenzied days we have now.

Frederick Bedell, Jr., Glen Oaks

SOUND OFF

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

fax: (718) 357-9417

The Final Slap For Paterson A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE The Yankees never had it so good.

Not even in the glory days of Reggie Jackson, “Mr. October,” himself, did anyone have to pay $61,125 for five tickets to see them in action.

But that is exactly what Governor David Paterson is expected to fork out in penalties for “soliciting and accepting five tickets” to see a World Series game in which the Yankees were playing.

The fine has come months after the erstwhile governor’s belated payment of more than a $1,000 for said tickets earlier this year.

It’s a final slap — in the face of a man who has served his state for some 25 years — for accepting a few tickets for himself, his son and a couple of aides. It seems Paterson has been, to borrow a concept from

Dickens, “scrooged.”

To add insult to injury, New York’s Commission on Public Integrity Fund has demanded that he not be allowed to use funds from his campaign treasury to pay the fines. Granted, that seems logical, given the circumstances. But over $60,000 for a mistake that caused no physical injury to anyone seems meanspirited during the holiday season. It is, after all, the season of giving, miracles and — one would expect — forgiveness.

It just seems that the fine could have been far less, especially since the guy is leaving office on the 31st of the month.

But there is a great lesson in this unfortunate outcome. All of us, no matter what our job, have to abide by the rules. A memo was circulated at my job earlier this month that we were not allowed to accept gifts of any meaningful value from outside vendors. Ev-

ery company has that policy and every government agency has it in place as well.

The governor said he intended to pay for the tickets and essentially blamed poor bookkeeping for the non-payment.

George Pataki attended baseball games during his protracted tenure as governor. Has anyone seen his receipts? Perhaps the mistake was that Paterson solicited the tickets without showing them the money up front; or perhaps he was just guilty of wanting free tickets while black.

Nevertheless, there seems no real reason why compassion could not have been exercised in punishing the governor. This is a man of modest means and he’s leaving office without a known job on the horizon. It is a safe bet he does not have an extra $60,000 lying around to pay for tickets that now seem to have come from a scalper rather than the Yankee’s box office.

You wouldn’t give a flasher the death penalty; and it seems illogical to give someone who enjoyed a few complimentary tickets this excessive a fine.

Let’s not forget, the game is an event the governor and his companions could have seen free of cost from home. It’s not like they walked into the stadium and walked out with seats on their backs. Paterson saw what he could and they left empty-handed.

It seems the punishment could have been less severe and the Commission surely seems to have been flexing unyielding power in metering out this punishment. It seems a $5,000 fine would have sufficed; but we get it. The Commission went for sticker shock value to send a message. But now that they have, would it be possible to get them to reduce the fine if the governor pleads “hardship?”

It’s a shame all around.

Dec. 17-23, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Mister District Attorney, Forever?

Gloria D’Amico 1927-2010 Gloria D’Amico began her political career the same year this newspaper published its first edition. And for the next 40 years, we watched the talented lady from Astoria blaze trails across the landscape of Queens.

Although we’ve used the phrase before, this is one of those rare t imes that we sadly report the passing of one of the true Queens of Queens.

Gloria D. D’Amico, county clerk for Queens County, NY, for the past 19 years and the first woman ever to hold the position, died on Tuesday, December 21, at home with her family at her side.

The Tribune extends its condolences to the family of this proud lady who broke the glass ceiling long before it became fashionable to do so.

By MICHAEL SCHENKLER When the District Attorne y makes a point, you listen. When the Queens DA says something, follows it up with email, punctuates it in person and then hands it to you in writing, you better get the point. Queens Count y’s District Attorney for the past two decades

reacted to my column of two weeks ago, containing my fanciful political predictions, one of which read: “Queens DA Richard Brown will announce that he will not seek a fifth term and retire after 20-plus years as DA and a 50-plus year career of public service. Brown will be saluted by the entire community, for his exemplary service with rec-

ognition from the Mayor, the Governor, Congress and more.

Contrary to speculation, Brown will not step down early to permit the appointment of an insider to replace him. Instead September 2011 will witness an exciting political mad scramble for this coveted position.

The speculation will include: Peter Vallone Jr, Mark Weprin, Mike Gianaris, Melinda Katz, Eric Gioia, and Grace Meng; on the Republican side, Dan Halloran will be the GOP’s clear choice.

The Dem Primary will be between Vallone Jr., Katz, and Gioia.

Vallone, campaigning as ‘The People’s Lawyer,’ will win and go on to beat an energized effort by Dan Halloran to be elected as Queens DA.” DA Richard Brown arrived at the Trib holiday party last week, walking up to me in Douglaston Manor with a paper in hand containing an email he had sent to me earlier. He immediately sought me out, handed me the paper, pointed to it and turned and smiled

for the camera.

Judge Brown, as he is stilled called in deference to his prior position on the bench, had written: “Mike: Thx for your kind words but rumors to the contrar y not w it hstanding, I’m not going any where. My goal is to surpass Bob Morgenthau’s record for longevity in office. That means I’ve got at least another 15 years to go. I’ll see you tomorrow nite at your Holiday Party. Regards. RAB.” And apparently Judge Brown has been receiving At the Tribune holiday party (L. to R.): phone calls since the pub- Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone, Trib Publisher Mike Schenkler and Queens DA lishing of my column, comRichard Brown. menting on his impending retirement. Now Brown, well into That no one i nclude s me a nd his seventies, has reminded us of Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. And so I say to Judge Brown: Morgenthau who served as Manhattan DA for 35 years, retiring last I agree w ith ever ything you say, and will be following you for the year at the age of 90.

No one is going to argue with next 15 years. Now where is my this giant of a man who commands get-out-of-jail free card?

MSchenkler@QueensPress.com the borough’s law enforcement.

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 24-30, 2010

How Did a Rogue Agency Escape Detection So Long?

By HENRY STERN Swift action followed the report of the indictment of six people accused of an $80 million fraud against the City of New York.

The Daily News, which has been repor ting for over a year on Henry CityTime and its derelictions, ran a story with the lede: “Inve st igator s probi ng t he massive Cit yTime payroll scandal seized $850,000 in cash yesterday from safe deposit boxes linked to consultants accused of stealing $80 million.

“One of the six defendants even showed up at a Long Island bank with a large duffel bag but was turned away, a source told the Daily News.”

The Times repor ted on City Hall’s response to the indictments in a story: “The official in charge of the New York City agency at the heart of the $80 million information technology fraud scheme was suspended on Thursday without pay

by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Comptroller John C. Liu. “The official, Joel Bondy, was chosen by Mr. Bloomberg to be the executive director of the Office of Payroll Administration in April 2004. But the payroll agency has been repeatedly criticized for its handling of the CityTime project, an automated system designed to streamline employee timekeeping, which has been dogged by delays and enormous cost overruns.

“On Wednesday, Federal prosecutors accused several CityTime

consultants - at least one of them a longtime associate of Mr. Bondy - of being involved in a scheme that manipulated the city into steering expensive contracts to businesses that they controlled and of redirecting some of that money for Stern their own enrichment.

But the scandal has become one of the most serious that the Bloomberg administration has faced. And by casting a pall over an initiative that the mayor had championed as a hallmark of efficient, computerized management, the case also shines a harsh light on the administrations outsourcing practices.”

The Post covered the bank incident: “Now that’s timing.

“A defendant in the $80 million CityTime payroll office scandal arrived at a bank with a large duffel bag yesterday to clear out money allegedly stolen from city taxpayers - but investigators got to it first, officials said.

The Post ran a harsh editorial: It’s Mike’s Mess. The Post is generally supportive of the mayor, but this editorial alludes to grievances that may have accumulated over time.

One thing overlooked on Day One was the significant role of the City’s Department of Investigation in exposing the fraud. U.S. Attorney Preet Shahara said: “I want to praise Commissioner Rose Gill Hearn and her DOI team for their exceptionally quick and diligent work in this matter. Working with

our partners, we will continue to ferret out public corruption and prosecute those responsible to the full extent of the law.”

Commissioner Hearn said: “The shame is that a project to save time and money on the City payroll fell prey in part to the accused swindlers who cost the taxpayers a stunning $80 million and counting. T he supposed exper ts hired and paid well to protect the city’s interests were exposed as the fox guarding the hen house, secretly pocketing millions and purchasing expensive homes and cars, it is charged. Ironically, when CityTime’s hand scanners got in their way, they even resorted to fudging paper timesheets, according to the Complaint.

One per son who de ser ve s great credit for his work on this case is Juan Gonzalez of the Daily News. A sad aspect of this case is how long his repeated warnings, published in the News, were not acted upon. Councilmember Letitia James of Brooklyn held hearings on the subject, but her complaints may or may not have reached Speaker Christine Quinn, the public official to whom the administration is most likely to be responsive.

There should be an inquir y into the city’s handling of this fraud during the six-year period over which the conspiracy is said to have operated. We should also remember that this is not the first time that hone st people have been duped by unprincipled swindlers. What is unusual here is the period of years over which the fraud occurred, its magnitude, and

the apparent complete lack of oversight over Joel Bondy and the OPA. Similar events have occurred in prior administrations, where honest mayors are betrayed by corrupt subordinates, of whose ver y existence they were barely aware.

Part of the problem here may be that since OPA was a twoheaded agency, responsible to both the Mayor and the Comptrol ler, neither provided the close supervision that now appears to have been badly needed. Another aspect of the case is that since the project itself was opposed by the unions who had no interest in accurate timekeeping, critics of the contract may have been dismissed as naysayers, even though they

were right about the contract.

We also learn t he le sson again that it doesn’t matter how many oversight agencies exist, the system often relies on individuals being honest and doing their jobs responsibly. When people lack integrity, the cost can exceed even the $80 million which is reportedly missing. As an individual and a ta xpayer, I would want those convicted to remain in prison until all the money is returned. They stole from all of us.

The perpetrators should receive plenty of time to make the acquaintance of Mr. Madoff, with whom t he y could trade note s.

Their enablers should consider less demanding employment.

StarQuest@NYCivic.org

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

Police Blotter Compiled By DOMENICK RAFTER

108th Precinct Bank Robber The NYPD is seeking the public's assistance in finding and identifying a man wanted in connection with a Sunnyside bank robbery.

On Monday, Dec. 20, at approximately 11 a.m., a man entered the Chase Bank located at 47-11 Queens Blvd. in Sunnyside, approached the teller armed with a handgun in his waist band and passed a demand note. The teller complied and handed the suspect an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect fled the location in an unknown direction.

The suspect is described as a white man, approximately 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-10, 180-200 lbs, wearing a light brown waist length jacket and dark blue pants, armed with a semiautomatic pistol, black and silver in color.

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

Murder For Hire A thug who was trying to have the witnesses against him killed while he sat in Rikers Island, awaiting trial, confessed to the deed and will spend a long time in jail.

Gino Florencia, 32, formerly of 41-45

54th St. in Woodside, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter, first-degree assault and two counts of second-degree conspiracy to commit murder.

According to the indictment, the DA's office learned that Florencia had put out word from his Rikers Island cell that he wanted to kill two witnesses scheduled to testify against him in a pending murder case. As part of its investigation, the DA's office met with police officers assigned to the NYPD's Internal Affairs Bureau and set up a sting operation. Between Sept. 17 and Oct. 3, Florencia spoke several times - both in person and on the telephone - with an undercover police officer posing as a hit man and agreed to pay him $2,000 to kill the two witnesses - $1,000 before the job was done and $1,000 afterward.

Florencia provided the undercover officer with detailed personal information about the witnesses, including their names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, height and weight. He also provided the undercover with photographs of people who resemble the witnesses and photographs of locations frequented by the witnesses. Finally, Florencia arranged for a partial payment of $500 to the undercover, which was paid by a third party.

113th Precinct Shot Dead On Friday, Dec. 17, at approximately

4:55 p.m., police responded to 205-49 Linden Blvd. in St. Albans for a call of a man shot. Upon arrival, officers observed Marquis Walker, 19, of 95-02 Ave. L, 2nd floor, Brooklyn, with a gunshot

wound to the chest and leg. EMS responded and transported the victim to Queens Hospital Center where he was pronounced dead. The investigation was ongoing.

384 Years For Shooter

BY DOMENICK RAFTER An unemployed Woodhaven bricklayer was sentenced to 384 years to life in prison after being convicted of a wild shooting spree in August 2006 that left a Long Island man dead and several others injured across the borough.

Matthew Coletta, 39, of 85-26 98th St. in Woodhaven, was convicted Nov. 22 of one count of second-degree murder, 13 counts of second-degree attempted murder, one count of first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and one count of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Coletta was driving a 1992 green fourdoor Cadillac SDS on the Cross Island Parkway near Bell Boulevard on the evening of Aug. 25, 2006, when he fired a silver 9-mm Ruger semiautomatic pistol several times at a red Toyota minivan adjacent to his car. One of the shots hit

Todd Upton, 51, who was riding in the front passenger seat of the minivan, in the neck. The victim's wife, Mary Upton, 49, who was driving the minivan, and their daughter, Erin, 19, who was in the back seat, were uninjured. Todd Upton was taken in critical condition to New York Hospital Medical Center of Queens, where he died hours later.

Coletta went on a shooting spree all across Queens where he shot a number of people including Andrzej Leonik, 46, who was walking his dog at the intersection of 59th Place and 56th Drive in Maspeth, striking him in the right knee.

Coletta’s crime spree continued around the borough.

Coletta was finally apprehended at approximately 1:45 a.m. near Forest Park at 105th Street and Park Lane South in Richmond Hill.

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

Dec. 24-30, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Runaway Chef:

Culinary Expert Invites Foodies To Join Him, Sample The Exotic PRESS Photo By Brian Rafferty

BY BRIAN M. RAFFERTY For a guy whose first real career was on Wall Street, Michael Ginor knows a thing or two about food.

The owner and Executive Chef of Lola, on Middle Neck Road in Great Neck, Ginor worked at a young age in restaurants, earned his MBA from NYU and, after being the youngest Senior Vice President of David Lerner and Associates at 23, decided to make a change in his life.

He set off to Israel to join the military, and stumbled across the food that would soon change his life: foie gras.

Coming back to the States, Michael and partners set up Hudson Valley Foie Gras, which today is world-renowned for its production of the duck liver that is adored by gastronomes and reviled by animal rights activists.

Over the years he branched out, expanding his culinary knowledge to all corners of the globe, working behind the scenes in the food world as consultant to food giants such as the Four Seasons, hotel chains and even Disney. He has organized culinary events across the world and is as fluent in ingredients as a biblical scholar is in the gospel.

With incredible food knowledge, a chef Rolodex that would make even the most novice foodie drool and a wealth of experience in the kitchen and on the road, Ginor is hoping to bring his love for food to the masses via a new PBS television show, “Runaway Chef,” which blends his love for street food with his gourmet panache.

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 24-30, 2010

Approaching The Show “I’ve been flirting with the idea of doing television on and off for a long time,” Ginor said from a table at Lola last Friday, as his fresh-faced staff was prepping for the night’s dinner crowd. “I’ve been approached many times. I just never wanted to do it because I love the travel, I love the education – I just don’t love the other parts that come along with it.”

He’s talking specifically about the commercialization of chefs, many of whom he has known since they would work the line together back in the 1980s.

“I played basketball with Bobby Flay,” he said, adding the Iron Chef to a slew of celebrity and lesser-known star chefs with whom he has cooked. “I like what it did for some of them; I don’t like what it did for others.”

“I was very well known in the field, but not very well known to the general public, and that was nice. I enjoyed being known by my peers, like being a good doctor that other doctors know as opposed to being a celebrity on the street. That, to me, I just shied away from for a long time.”

But it was after doing a few guest appearances on “Food Tour with Todd English” that a palatable version of a food show began to take hold in Ginor’s mind.

While in Thailand, the show’s producers

Lola Executive Chef Michael Ginor (c.) stands flanked by his dedicated kitchen crew.

A sampling of the premiere gala menu. Clockwise from lop left: Red Curry of Duck with Pineapple and Pumpkin; Rabbit Galanaga Coconut Soup with Chanterelle Mushrooms; Tapioca Coconut Milk Pudding with Passion Fruit Coriander Syrup; and Grilled Chinese Sausage Salad. approached Ginor about doing a show that would take advantage of his body of food knowledge, to help bring exotic cuisine into American homes.

“I’ve been offered all kinds of stuff that is just rejectable right off the bat,” Ginor said. “What happens in television is some show does well, and then every network comes up with their adaptation of it. But there’s only one show I want to do, and one show I’m willing to do.

“I love cooking, and I don’t mind doing a cooking show, and I’d do a decent job with it, but it’s not really what’s interesting to me,” he added. “What I want to do is bring my knowledge of international food, international flavor, street food, high-end – the mix. When I go to Thailand I’ll have David Thompson opening Nahm for one minute, but the next minute we’re on the street eating street food that’s the real deal.”

And that, in essence, is “Runaway Chef.”

blood, broth, a variety of animal parts and several “touches.”

Often, when a chef applies “touches” to a dish, whether its final seasoning, garnish or a last minute ingredient, you rarely see more than six “touches.” In this dish, Ginor points out that the street vendor had placed an astonishing 12 “touches” on the dish, each bringing a unique taste, texture or new ingredient.

His observations swing from the firstclass kitchen of the aforementioned Nahm to the vendors who sell wares at train stops along his trek toward some of Thailand’s most desolate regions.

The grand sum is that the show can make even the most squeamish eater curious about the food, as well as the culture that enjoys it.

Sometimes, Ginor feels he needs to retrain himself in front of the camera.

“I have to curtail myself from showing my knowledge, because that’s not the point,” he said. “You have to let the people who are your guests on the show, who are more knowledgeable about the place than you are, shine.

“Ultimately, a show like that is compared to Anthony Bourdain or Andrew Zimmer, because that’s what’s out there,” he added.

“The way the show is different from those is that he’s Anthony, he’s Andrew, and I’m me. I don’t have the philosophical stuff that [Bourdain] does, because some of that I find very surface and somewhat fake. I don’t like the waste. If I’m in Thailand and the show is 30 minutes or 60 minutes, I want food and I want to explore what there is. I don’t want to spend a minute on mock philosophy or thinking I’m 007.”

Behind The Scenes Shot on a budget of about $90,000, using funds raised by sponsors such as the Thailand tourism board, the show is an exploration of the widest range possible of food from Thailand. Ginor turned to five local experts, “sages” of Thai cuisine who help define its history, its nouveau cuisine, its street food, its markets and its ingredients. Ginor asks the right questions and speaks fluently in discussion of ingredients.

In one particular scene a woman prepares a soup, the base of which contains

The Show’s Future As with anything that airs on television, people need to watch it in order for it to succeed. Executives at PBS, where the show premiered on Channel 13 this past Sunday and will have its Channel 21 premiere this coming Monday, have already said they are interested in a full 13 episode run.

Ginor said PBS will likely shop the show around to other stations at a coming convention, and there is always the possibility that some other network may express interest in picking it up. Staying

with PBS would be great, he said, because he thinks his show is a perfect match for their viewers, but it is now up to the production company to raise nearly $900,000 to be able to send Ginor and a crew across the globe in search of other culinary destinations.

“I’m fortunate to be in the position where the money, to me, doesn’t mean anything. I have all that I want, I don’t need any more. And all that I have I share with the people around me,” he said. “My biggest goal for the show is to do something I love and to provide a livelihood for everybody around me – and that’s a lot of people now.”

Besides, he really does have hopes that this show can teach people about the cultures he visits and the foods they love.

“First, I want to encourage those who can to get out and go. Second, for those who can’t because of life and the issues that presents, to kind of get a sense of what it’s like,” he said. “There’s nothing I like more than sitting on a stool with some friends in some godforsaken places and enjoying great food. If I can at least get viewers to see what that feels like, what that tastes like, how exciting it is, then I’ve done something good.”

Back In Town At Lola, which has been open for just over a year, Ginor shared his love for Thai cuisine with guests at a special screening of the show this past Sunday evening.

The menu was a departure from Thai tradition in some ways, with Ginor adding his own influences, showing of his mastery of ingredients.

Tossing a Pineapple Hudson Valley Foie Gras Torchon on the menu beside Nam fermented Thai Sausage and Chicken Cracklings, the menu exploded in a swirl of tastes, colors, spice and flavor.

Each dish carried its own take on classic Thai, a few of which were similar to those featured in “Runaway Chef.” Using ingredients such as galanaga, papaya, coconut, Thai eggplant and basil, tapioca and duck, Ginor composed 11 dishes, each telling its own story and brining a different piece of history to the table.

Lola received a rave review in the New York Times this past weekend, and has developed a steady stream of regulars and the adventurous, both of whom seek to let Ginor’s creativity run free.

“I’m in a position where most chefs would walk away from cooking every day.

They’ve accomplished what they want to accomplish,’ he said. “I’m sort of the other way. I’ve accomplished a lot of other stuff, but I’m really excited about the day-today cooking.”

“Runaway Chef” will air Monday, Dec. 27, at 8 p.m. on WLIW21. To learn more, go to runawaychef.net.

Reach Editor Brian M. Rafferty at brafferty@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 122.

Borough Beat

Small Girl, Big Voice, Huge Dreams

BY JOSEPH OROVIC If you have roamed the streets of Forest Hills and heard an aria floating through the air, chances are you've heard Caroline Brody.

The neighborhood soprano has spent the better part of her life chasing a dream of life on stage, under big lights and gawking audiences - but not in the usual starryeyed way.

While most within her peer group aspire for more humdrum careers or chase the red carpet, the 21-year-old Forest Hills resident pursues the uncommon goal of becoming a renowned opera singer.

Her dream first came at the age of 11, when she saw Mozart's "The Magic Flute" with her mom.

"I heard the music and it spoke to me," Brody said. "It made me feel like no music has made me felt."

She began pursuing a career in musical theater shortly after, driven by her favorite musical, "Phantom of the Opera." Using a vocal coach at the atypically early age of 11, she began her training. But it wasn't until four years ago that she began practicing and performing opera in earnest.

Now, with a couple of lucky breaks and ton of practice, she is striving to climb the operatic ranks.

"With opera especially, it's not just getting up there and singing," Brody said.

"There is so much technical work involved.

It's all about technique. You can't just start singing and that's it."

That technical work involves the arcane practice of breathing properly (diaphragm only), lowering the larynx, and "singing from the front."

"At a certain point, any good singer can go up on stage and make it look effortless," she said.

More than the hard work, age tends to get in the way. Simply put, 22-year-old sopranos cannot waltz into a prima donna's role. Brody must work her way up the ranks, both technically and by putting in the time.

She has instead aimed for roles that suit her age - and pint-sized 5-foot stature - well. Brody said she hopes to land a role as the mechanical doll Olympia in "The Tales of Hoffman" and other parts that take advantage of her three-octave range.

The prospects for success seem high, as Brody has had a lucky break already.

Earlier this year, she performed with the Metropolitan Opera's lead tenor Marcello Giordani at a fundraiser.

Brody has more room to grow with her lenient parents, who allow her to practice singing during all reasonable hours of the day. And there has been at least one pleasantly surprised audience member.

During a practice session on her seventh floor terrace, she rounded off a note

and found a person below her clapping.

Brody's goal is to handle bel canto, a soprano style considered among the most difficult, with ease.

She is working towards that goal with continued practice and a much-anticipated trip to Ischia, Italy with her coach Michael

Paul this summer.

It will all hopefully add up to Brody's dream of handling the role of Violetta in "La Traviata" with authority.

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

After 100 Years, It Owns The Street

Capping off the parish's 100th year in Richmond Hill, the intersection of 112th Street and 86th Avenue in Richmond Hill, at the southeast corner of Holy Child Jesus Church, was co-named The Church of Holy Child Jesus Plaza last weekend.

Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (DMiddle Village) joined Community Board 9 chairman Ivan Mrakovcic, the Most Rev. Octavio Cisneros, Holy Child Jesus pastor and Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn and parishioners on Dec. 19 to unveil the street's new co-name. The sign was officially unveiled by Millie Bello, who has lived in Richmond Hill for a century.

"The co-naming of this plaza is in recognition of the 100 years of service the

Holy Child Jesus Church has provided to the Richmond Hill community and the City of New York," Crowley said.

The timing of the co-naming coincides with the actual centennial of the parish, which celebrated its first mass on the top f loor of a building on 116th Street and Jamaica Avenue, four blocks from the church's current location, on Christmas Day, 1910, 100 years ago this weekend.

The City Council passed the resolution mandating the street co-naming last month.

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

Dec. 24-30, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

pix

PAL Holiday

Southeast Queens Photos Edited By Harley Benson

Stepping Up

Photo by Juliet Kaye

Cheerleaders from PAL's Edward Byrne Center pose for photos with The Radio City Rockettes at the Police Athletic League's Annual Holiday Party.

Health First Donation The Forestdale Fathering Initiative held a Stepping Up Ceremony for 35 fathers who completed their Fatherhood Program. Pictured l. to r.: Warren Abney, Fathering Coach; Anstiss Agnew, Exec. Dir. of Forestdale; Scott Leach, Dir. of Fathering Initiative; Special Guest Speaker Assemblyman William Scarborough; the Rev. Mukoie Usungu; Min. Thomas Ryer; Michelle Mosley, Fathering Specialist; and Detra Reynoso, Intern.

Arms of Love

Senate President Malcolm Smith distributed toys to students at PS 253 in Far Rockaway as part of his annual Winter Wonderland Toy Drive. The donation of toys was made possible by Health First and constituents in Smith's district.

Photo by Juliet Kaye

Steps To Success

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 24-30, 2010

Santa, who is actually Donald Cannon, husband of Treasurer Donette Cannon, and Elf Glenda Seaborn, Executive Secretary, are joined by Donald Edge, Community Liason (2nd form l.), Assemblyman William Scarborough and Vearlane Edge, President and CEO (4th form l.) of Arms of Love Community Outreach at their Christmas Party and Toy Give Away at Merrick Park Baptist Church.

Nineteen teenagers graduated from the Steps to Success program at Safe Space's Jamaica headquarters on Dec. 17. Steps to Success is a youth-employment, job-readiness program that helps participants develop the basic skills necessary for locating, securing and maintaining jobs.

In China

Children's Library

Holiday Shopping

Senate President Malcolm Smith was joined by Minister of Railways for China, Mr. Liu Zhijun and John Wang of the Asian American Business Development Center at the Seventh World Congress on High Speed Rail in China.

Queens Borough Public Library Director Tom Galante points out layout of new $44 million Children's Library Discovery Center on Merrick Boulevard to Borough President Helen Marshall during pre-opening tour of building, Thursday, Dec. 9. Marshall provided more than $15 million in funding for the facility, which will include programs in math, science, engineering and technology. At right is QBPL's Director of Capital and Facilities Management, Peter Magnani.

Shoppers look over items on sale at the new Le Bourgeoisie Boutique at 94-29 Merrick Blvd. in Jamaica.

Profile

Book Navigates Child Support Law

BY SASHA A USTRIE

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 24-30, 2010

Cathy Middleton is at it again, wielding her knowledge of family law to help parents navigate the family court system.

This time she wrote the handbook for fathers titled "Boy Drop that Child Support: How to Keep Your Baby Mama From Draining Your Pockets Dry." "They really don't know where to turn," Middleton said of father's caught in the system. "While this book doesn't change the law, it informs them of state law so they can be better prepared."

Middleton, an attorney with 15 years of experience specializing in family and personal injury law, recently released the book, her second. It is a follow up to "Girl Get that Child Support: The Baby Mama's Guide to Tracking Down a Deadbeat, Finding his Cash and Making Him Pay Every Dollar He Owes You." The mother's guide was written out of concern for a generation of children growing up in a single-family household. The sequel is a guide to fathers whose intentions are to take care of their children, but circumstance and financial hurdles may push them off track.

"The system is not any way sympathetic to the challenges men have," she said.

Middleton said the notion that the

A new book by Cathy Middleton helps fathers paying child support navigate the legally murky and often damning waters of the child support system. majority of absent fathers are deadbeats is false; strict guidelines leave many men exasperated.

"The laws are too rigid and myopic," Middleton said.

She added the child support system was setup as a solution to the burgeoning welfare roles. The effort to make fathers responsible has materialized in an over aggressive campaign that has made many bitter.

As a practicing attorney, Middleton said the most outrageous case she ever came across is one involving an MTA bus driver who was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Sidelined for a year, the gentleman was unable to file the necessary paperwork to stall his child support payments.

Middleton said when her client awoke from a medically induced coma, he was $18,000 in arrears. Law prohibited the court to remedy or reduce the payments and the parties had to find their own solution. Middleton said the mother ultimately agreed to reduce the payments by half.

"That's where the law becomes ludicrous," she said. "His whole future rested in her hands."

A father owing $18,000 in child support is just the tip of the iceberg. According to the Office of Child Support Enforcement, more than $100 billion is owed.

"They need to look at other ways to

bring men and women to the table on an equal footing," she said.

The book touches on child support modifications, paternity testing, protecting a lifestyle and paycheck, custody and visitation. Middleton said the book is not only for father's embroiled in the family court system. She said teenage boys, men who are considering fatherhood and even married men can gain substance from its pages.

Middleton said though a man may be diligently paying his child support, his credit rating is lowered because of the outstanding bill.

"This could destroy them financially," she said.

According to Middleton, men should read the book "to protect their paycheck and assets, protect themselves financially, protect themselves from jail time, protect their driver's license, protect their financial future."

To purchase, "Boy Drop that Child Support: How to Keep Your Baby Mama From Draining Your Pockets Dry," visit www.cathymiddleton.com or her law office at 225-16 Merrick Blvd. The book will be available online and in stores next year.

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123.

A&E

Zombies Take Over Public Television

BY JESSICA ABLAMSKY Zombie lovers have a new reason to watch public access television: it's the end of the world as we know it.

Watch The Hunters defend themselves against growing hordes of the undead that have overtaken New York City. Overrun by the undead's mindless

desire to consume human flesh, this postzombiepocalyptic world will leave you at the edge of your seat and loving it.

PRESS disclaimer: this is going to get geeky.

Directed by lifelong Queens resident Patrick Devaney, "Zombie Hunters: City of the Dead" has been on the air since late 2007, to the delight of a growing fan base.

Restaurant Review

Cheer Tong's Dynasty MR. TONG'S 97-20 Queens Blvd., Rego Park (718) 897-8202 CUISINE: Chinese HOURS: Mon-Sun noon-11 p.m.

PARKING: Street RESERVATIONS: Accepted CREDIT CARDS: Yes

A small army has made "Zombie Hunters" a reality, more than 200 people since the show's inception.

"It does tend to be pretty expensive," he said. "I had an original investor who gave me enough to set up lighting and some of the other equipment. My wife and I set up a production company in 2008, and we've been paying for everything else since."

The feedback from fans and critics has made it worth it. Advertising online and at horror conventions, he has sold nearly 1,000 DVDs. "We even have waiting lists to come on and be zombies now," he said.

"Zombie Hunters: City of the Dead" airs on Queens Public Television at 11:30 p.m. on Time Warner Cable on the fourth Sunday and Monday of every month.

Watch the first three episodes uncut at vimeo.com, look for clips on YouTube or find them on Facebook at facebook.com/ ZombieHuntersCityoftheDead.

Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at jablamsky@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 124.

Best Of Goldberg Hits Store Shelves outer space to the nation's capitol, from ancient Rome to a lively disco. As a spe"When I'm drawing comics, I'm do- cial bonus, there are pages and pages showing every job that's listed in movie credits casing sketches of blonde Betty and bruexcept the screenwriter's," said Stan nette Veronica's fashions, and reproducGoldberg, a very versations of the original tile artist and a resident sketches for the covers of Whitestone. "I'm the of the recent best-sellcinematographer, I'm ing series of comics, exthe costumer, and I'm ploring dual possible futhe director." tures in which red"Archie: The Best of haired Archie marries Stan Goldberg," a new both girls. book from IDW PublishSpeaking about the ing, is a wonderfully joywedding covers, ous and colorful collecGoldberg said. "I know tion of stories from sevthe personalities of the eral comic books featurcharacters so well; I ing sincere Archie, know what they would sweet Betty and spoiled say about something, and I know how they Veronica, teenage would react to someRiverdale High students who are some of Stan Goldberg’s work for “Archie” thing. So, for example, America's most popular comics is now collected in a “Best on the cover of issue No. 603, when Archie pop culture characters of” book. is proposing to Betty at and who form the three Pop's Chocklit sides of a love triangle.

"I enjoy what I do and I have fun with Shoppe, I show Pop crying because he's it," said Goldberg, and it shows in every so happy."

In early December, he signed countpanel, as the three experience adventures with their friends - food-loving Jughead less copies of this book for a crowd at the and egotistical Reggie - as well as par- Book Review bookstore in Huntington. ents, teachers and other residents of fic- You can see him drawing Archie charactitious Riverdale. Goldberg has been one ters (as well as his studio and the panof the main Archie artists for 40 years, oramic view from it) in a video available always bringing to the characters uniquely for viewing through schoolism.com. "I exaggerated expressiveness and always- draw pages, explaining why I'm doing what I'm doing," said Goldberg. attractive but ever-wholesome qualities.

"A friend once asked me, 'What's the The included stories, published from the 1970s to the 1990s in "Archie," "Life best job you could ever have?" said with Archie" and other comic books pub- Goldberg. "I've always been an artist and lished by Archie Publications, range from I always wanted to be one," he said.

BY BARBARA ARNSTEIN

Dec. 24-30, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

It looks like any-Chinese-restaurant, USA. Long and narrow, with a mirrored wall and waist-high wood paneling, simple white table settings and roundbellied Buddha overlooking the dining room, Mr. Tong's is a total surprise. Only four years old, the eatery is doing something right.

Comfortable and non-pretentious, it's not a first-date haven, but perfect for a casual night of dining out with your steady date or friends and family. Not your usual Chinese restaurant, the traditional Mandarin-Shanghai cooking has us hooked.

On a Tuesday at dinnertime, the restaurant was mostly empty; my guest and I are quickly seated at the table of our choice. A selection of their best fare has been pre-selected for our enjoyment, saving us the trouble of perusing the extensive menu.

First up is the wonton in spicy peanut sauce. The delicately folded wonton is served in a thin broth that lives up to its name. Different than anything I have tried before, I can only describe the dish by borrowing the words of my guest: "I'd have it again."

Next up is the noodle with meat sauce. The taste is reminiscent of lo mein, but the brown sauce is thicker and slightly sweeter, without the usual grease of lo mein.

Simply scrumptious, the sautéed hot peppers with Chinese crepe are spoonrolled, to the delight of this germaphobe.

Worth ordering for the taste as much as for the spoon-rolling spectacle, the minced pork, shrimp, minced bean curd, hot peppers and black bean smelled at first too strongly of fish.

My nose was wrong. Instead, it was spicy, with a strong taste of soy sauce and a decent bite.

"I don't even know what I'm tasting, but I like it," said my guest.

I concur.

The Shanghai-style wonton soup features thin-skinned wontons filled with pork and shepherd's purse (a weed that is also used in herbal medicine), in a thin

broth that featured seaweed, bok choy, shrimp flakes and thin strips of egg.

Our bowls of soup were placed without the usual offering of crunchy noodles, but I am willing to overlook it.

By now, I put my faith in Mr. Tong's, and eagerly await our next selection.

Perhaps the highlight of the night, the Peking duck with crepe, is served with hoisin sauce and scallion. The crispy duck and sweet hoisin sauce are sheer pleasure when the thick stalk of scallion is reached.

When you order this one, and you should, be sure to ask Mr. Tong about it.

A recipe that was handed down by his father, who probably got it from his father, finds thin strips of duck dipped in honey water. A twist on the traditional hang-outside-to-dry method - a New York City winter is nothing like China - the basement of the restaurant sports rows of duck, drying with the aid of a fan.

Ever the gracious host, when a woman dining alone mentioned her love of duck and asked if the dish could be ordered for one, Mr. Tong prepared her a roll and handed it right over, expecting nothing in return.

At this point, I am full and my guest is in overstuffed. However, we put on brave faces and power through the rest of the meal. It was only half over.

Among the most popular dishes served, ginger lovers will salivate over the jumbo shrimp Peking style, while fruit lovers will appreciate the messy goodness of the jumbo shrimp in a creamy citrus sauce.

The cube steak with peppercorn sauce is tender and slightly sweet, with a very strong taste of the pepper after which it is named, but without the expected bite. Wu-xi style spare ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, more savory than the usual Chinese spare ribs and less sweet than they appear.

My own personal dim sum favorite, I squealed from happiness when the dry sautéed string bean with meat was brought to the table. I will again rely on the words of my ever-eloquent guest.

"Generally speaking I hate string beans, but this is really good." Make sure to eat your string bean and meat in one yummy mouthful. Mmm. With prices that range from a couple of dollars for an appetizer, to $10 or $15 for an entrée, make Mr. Tong's your regular place.

— Jessica Ablamsky

A lifelong horror devotee, like many zombie junkies, Devaney and his friends often wondered what would happen if the undead took over the Big Apple.

Realizing that nobody had ever done a zombie TV show, in 2006 the accountant/bookkeeper gathered his film school graduate friends and started writing. The seven or eight month process saw 24 finished scripts, the first eight of which have already aired.

No fast moving, fast talking zombies, à la "28 Days Later" and "Shaun of the Dead," for Devaney. Purists will appreciate his traditional, slow moving monster complete with real blood.

"We don't do [digital] CGI blood effects," he said. "If we shoot somebody, they're really getting real blood splashed out of them. Even if we have to rig somebody up for hours, we show the real thing.

Horror fans really appreciate this."

Need one more reason to watch?

"Most of the zombie hunters are teachers or are involved in education," he said.

"Most of the zombies are lawyers."

Faith

Celebrating Liberty On Watch Night Generations have welcomed the dawn of a New Year and said goodbye to the old with Watch Night services.

Antioch Baptist Church will continue the tradition at 10 p.m. on Dec. 31 at 10714 Pinegrove St. Faye Harper, Antioch’s administrative assistant, said the church has hosted Watch Night since its inception about 85 years ago.

“It is our celebration,” Harper said.

Though Harper has only attended Watch Night services at Antioch for 21 years, she said she has attended Watch Night services since childhood.

Reportedly, the service’s roots date back to the Czech Republic, but it has

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

become a tradition in the black church dating back to slavery.

What became Freedom’s Eve was a grave day for slaves. Plantation owners tallied their profits and debts. Bills needed to be paid for the first of the year so property — including slaves, land and other furnishings — were sold.

Dec. 31, 1862, signified a new meaning. At the stroke of midnight, President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation would free slaves in the Confederate States. Though freedom did not take affect immediately for all slaves, the symbol and tradition has been handed to every generation thereafter.

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123.

Word “Christmas renews our youth by stirring our wonder. The capacity for wonder has been called our most pregnant human faculty, for in it are born our art, our science, our religion.”

– Ralph Sockman

Antioch Baptist Church will hold Watch Night services on Dec. 31 at 10 p.m.

Keepin’ The Faith? The PRESS wants to hear about the special programs in your faith community. Send your thoughts, stories, prayers and photos to: The PRESS at 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357 All stories will be considered. Photos cannot be returned.

Notebook Hillcrest S.O.

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 24-30, 2010

BY BOB HARRIS Vidya Umadas, of Hollis, is the Student Organization President of Hillcrest H.S., and is in the Humanities College Preparatory Institute, one of nine comprising the school. She was born 17 years ago in a small village off the coast of Guyana and immigrated here when she was 13, attending Susan B. Anthony JHS before moving on to Hillcrest.

As S.O. President, she has to organize and carry out school-wide events and promote school spirit and comradeship. For the past three years she has been a member of the Leadership Class under the guidance of the Coordinator of Student Affairs (COSA) Haydee Recinos, who is herself a Hillcrest graduate. She has been involved in school blood drives, Lupus campaigns, canned food drives, Cancer awareness, AIDS awareness, March of Dimes walks, and leukemia and lymphoma drives.

In her freshman year, she attended a writing workshop at York College. In her junior year, she was a class sssistant for

the COSA, was a writer for the school newspaper and was in the Scrabble Club.

Her current GPA is 96.8 and she is a member of Arista. She is a student member of the School Leadership Team where parents, teachers and administrators meet after the school day to study and plan innovative programs for the school, evaluate the accomplishments of the students and work to continually improve student learning.

“Vidya Umadas’ grades have been consistently above average in her courses, which points to an interest in learning and growth,” Recinos said. “ I have watched this young lady develop both academically and personally into a mature and distinctive young lady. She has been an outstanding member of leadership and student government; has taken her role as a student leader seriously, diligently and has contributed considerable time and talent to a number of extracurricular and community activities. She is an active member of our Humanities Institute, has demonstrated high qualities as a student and as an individual. Her motivation and desire to help

others has earned the trust and respect of her peers and teachers.

After spending considerable valuable time with Umadas, I have observed many leadership qualities which this young lady continues to perfect in her daily life. She is very respectful, trustworthy, reliable, effective, charismatic and good-natured.”

Umadas is applying to CUNY and SUNY schools with the desire to study law and social work.

She “aspires to a career which I love and enjoy what I do and make a difference in people’s lives.”

Vidya Umadas

Photo by Patricio Robayo

Hillcrest S.O. President Praised By COSA

What’s Up SATURDAY, DEC. 25 Merry Christmas!

Dinner and Carols Healing Hands Helping Broken Hearts Foundation and Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church invites you to celebrate Christmas at 179-09 Jamaica Ave. from noon to 3 p.m. Free clothing and dinner will be available. For more information, call (718) 297-5908.

MONDAY, DEC. 27 Adult Chess Club Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings.

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

TUESDAY, DEC. 28 Job Club Every Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Jamaica Neighborhood Center offers a free service to assist people from Southeast Queens with job-readiness skill sets in writing a professional resume and cover letter; interviewing practices and techniques; applying on-line procedures; elevator pitch and Microsoft Suite 2007.

For additional information, contact Lenin Gross, Job Coach, at (718) 739-2060, Ext. 18 or lgrossjnc@yahoo.com.

This free event will be held at the Jamaica Neighborhood Center - 161-06 89th Ave.

LSAT, MCAT and GRE Practice Get the advantage on getting yourself into the Law School, Medical School and Graduate School of your choice. Come in and see how you score on one of these tests. When: This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd. at 5 p.m.

Camera Club The Southeast Queens Camera Club welcomes photographers, beginners to advanced. Meetings are held the second, third and fourth Tuesday every month at 7:30 p.m. at Roy Wilkins Family Life Center, 177-01 Baisley Blvd.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 29 Lunch In Church

Civilian Complaint Review Board The vast majority of New York City police officers perform their duty with respect for their communities and in compliance with the law. What do you do when an officer doesn’t? Learn what the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) can do and how it can help you, your family, and neighbors when needed.

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

Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings.

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

Computer Classes En Espanol Preregistration in person is required at the Cyber Center Reference Desk.

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

FRIDAY, DEC. 31 Senior Theatre Acting Repertory Calling all older adults: Join our galaxy of STARs to perform theatrical works at the library with a great group of people while brightening your life.

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

New Year’s Eve at the JPAC This is the hottest ticket for New Year’s Eve! Purchase your tickets early and celebrate the New Year in style! DJ, champagne toast at midnight, food and beverages, party favors and entertainment are included in your ticket price.

Reserved parking is available. Only 200 tickets will be sold. Food will be available until 11:30 p.m. For additional information, visit jamaicaperformingartscenter.org or contact the box office at (718) 618-6170 or info@jamaica-performingartscenter.org When: Friday, Dec. 31 - 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

This event will be held at Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave., from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Tickets are $75.

ONGOING 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

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) 2970720. 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 161st St., 10th floor, Jamaica. Services are available Tue.-Thurs.

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

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

Laurelton 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 Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CPR Class Learn to protect yourself and others at Heron Care Inc. For more information, please call (718) 291-8788. Heron is located at 168-30 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.

Tots-2-Seniors Drive During this holiday season, join MAG and State Sen. Shirley Huntley in donating a token of love to our Tots-2-Seniors Toy, Book, Clothing and Coat Drive.

Donations can be taken to the office of Senator Huntley at 133-24 233rd St. in Laurelton. Items can also be dropped off at the Rochdale Village Senior Center located at 169-65 137th Ave., Jamaica.

For more information, please call Senator Huntley’s office at (718) 949-1601, or the MAG office at (718) 712-2061.

What’s Up With You? Send your community events to the PRESS for a free listing at 150-50 14th Rd. Whitesone, NY 11357 All events will be considered for publication, without a fee.

Dec. 24-30, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

Join us for lunch and get refueled, renewed and refilled. This free event is held every Wednesday at noon at the First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, 89-60 164th St. For more information, call (718) 526-4775, Ext. 10. Come just as you are.

THURSDAY, DEC. 30 Adult Chess Club

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.

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, 174-15 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina.

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

TALKS TIME TRAVEL Tuesday, December 28 explore time travel, fact and fiction at 4 at the Hillcrest library.

THEATER KILLING KOMPANY Friday, February 4 “Murder

by Marriage” at Riccardo’s in Astoria. The Killing Company performs mystery dinner shows. 1-888-SHOOTEM for information.

SINGLES SINGLES SOCIAL & DANCE Sundays, January 2, 30, February 13, 27 singles social and dance from 2-6. $10.

Over 45. Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd., Rego Park. 459-1000.

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 24-30, 2010

RELIGIOUS LUTHERAN REDEEMER December 24 Christmas Eve Service with Caroling at 7:10, service with candles at 7:30. December 25 Christmas Day Service at 10. December 31 New Year’s Eve Service at 7:30. Sundays regular worship service with Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:30. Sunday School, Adult Bible Class and Friendship Hour at 9:30. Youth Group at 12:30. Wednesday prayer group and Bible Study at 7.

Lutheran Church of the Red e e m e r , 1 5 7 - 1 6 6 5 th A v enue, Flushing. 358-2744.

ST. THOMAS Friday, December 24 Christmas Eve Concerts in the church. St. Thomas the Apostle, 87-19 88 th Avenue, Woodhaven.

EMANUEL UNITED Friday, December 24 at 8 and Sunday, December 26 at 10:45 Emanuel United Church of Christ, Woodhaven Blvd. and 91 st Avenue, will hold a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service and Sunday morning worship service.

CANDLELIGHT SERVICE Friday, December 24 Christmas eve Candlelight Service at 7:30 at Hollis Presbyterian Church, 100-50 196 th Street, Hollis.

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS

TEENS CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

OPEN MIC Monday, December 27 at the East Elmhurst library at 6.

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

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

B’NAI B’RITH YOUTH Thursdays for high school s t u d e n t s a t Te m p l e B e t h S h o l o m , 1 7 2 nd S t r e e t a n d Northern Blvd., Flushing at 7:30.

GAME PLAYERS Fridays at the Hillcrest library at 2.

GAME DAY Friday, December 31 at the Bellerose library at 4.

ACQC SUPPORT AC Q C Te e n Pe e r S u p p o r t Group - information, support, skills development training for those “touched by HIV/AIDS.” Ages 14-16. 8962500.

ART CLASSES Fridays the Alliance of Queens Artists in Forest Hills offers teen workshops. 5209842.

BOY SCOUTS 138 Thursdays Boy Scout Troop 138 meets at 7:30 at 19215C 64 th Circle, basement, Fresh Meadows. For those up to 17. 454-2391.

BUKHARIAN LOUNGE Bukharian Teen Lounge, for those 15-18, at the Central Queens YM-YWHA in Forest Hills. 268-5011, ext. 202.

CATALPA YMCA Saturdays recreation, Weight room and fitness center available. 69-02 64 th Street, Ridgewood. 8216271.

COUNSELING Call 592-5757 for free counseling at the Forest Hills Communit y House.

DROP IN CENTER Mondays-Thursday from 47 the Queens Rainbow Comm u n i t y C e n t e r, 3 0 - 3 7 4 Steinway Street, 2 nd floor, Astoria, holds a Drop-In Center for LGBTQQ youth up to 22. 204-5955.

EMPLOYMENT SERVICE Sunnyside Communit y Services Youth Employment Services available. 784-6173, ext. 129.

GAY GROUP Mondays the AIDS Center of Queens Count y has a Gay/ B i / L e s b i a n Yo u t h G r o u p (ages 16-21) meeting designed to support young people in exploring feelings about sexualit y and other issues. 896-2500.

GENERATION Q The Queens Lesbian, Gay, B i s e x u a l a n d Tra n s ge n d e r Pride Communit y Center hold a Generation Q Youth Service program. Call GAY2300.

POMONOK TEENS Teen Council addresses teen i s s u e s i n t h e c o m m u n i t y.

591-6060.

SAMUEL FIELD Y Basketball, SAT Prep, more at the Samuel Field Y’s Teen Center at PS169. 423-6111.

SCOUTING

The Rego Park Jewish Center will offer boy and girl scouting. 516-526-2492.

SCOUTING Join Scouting in Queens.

212-651-2897.

TEEN CENTER Tuesdays and Thursdays 7-9 the Samuel Field Y offers a Teen Center at PS169. 4236111.

TENNIS Yo u t h a n d Te n n i s , I n c . teaches tennis to those 4-18 at the Roy Wilkins Tennis Center. 658-6728.

VAC YOUTH SQUAD T h e G l e n O a k s Vo l u n te e r A m b u l a n c e C o r p s Yo u t h Squad is looking for new members 14-18. 347-1637.

YOUTH GROUP Fridays t he Communit y Church of Little Neck will hold their Communit y Youth Group from 7-9. 46-16 Little Neck Parkway. 229-2534.

YOUTH SERVICES The 105 th Precinct Communit y Council of fers a L aw Enforcement Explorers Program for interested youth in the surrounding areas. Contact PO Kirkland at 7769164.

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

CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

S TORY TIMES Saturdays at 11 and Tuesdays at 10:30 weekly story times at 7 at Barnes & Noble, 1 7 6 - 6 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i k e , Fresh 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.

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

TODDLERS Wednesday, December 29 stories and crafts for toddlers at 10:30 at the Bay Terrace librar y.

CRAFTS Wednesday, December 29 at the Steinway library at 11.

MAGIC SHOW Wednesday, December 29 Illuzzionz Magic Show at 1:30 at the Bayside library.

FLASH FRIDAY Friday, December 31 at the Ozone Park library at 3:30.

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

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

SHABBAT SCOUTS Sundays Shomer Shabbat Boy Scout Troop 613 meets from 6-7:30 at Young Israel of Windsor Park. 969-1571.

SATURDAY ASTORIA Saturdays Your Communit y Center in Astoria holds classes in Civics Preparation, Computer Skills and ESL. 205-8225.

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

KNIT AND CROCHET Saturdays at the Seaside library at 2:30.

PET OWNERS Sundays (not on holidays) from 1-4 free workshops on pet behavior at Crocheron Park in Bayside (weather permitting). 454-5800.

KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at 4 at the Douglaston/Little Neck library, 249-01 Northern Blvd.

INSTRUCTION & DANCE Mondays and Fridays 7:158:00 dance lessons, dance from 8-11. Italian Charities of America, 83-20 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst. $10.

ADULT CHESS Mondays at 6 at the Queens Village library.

DANCE CLASSES Mondays through Decemb e r 2 7 Ta p f ro m 6 - 7 : 3 0 , Partnering (including aspects of Jazz) 7:30-8:30. $15 per session at the Astoria Center of Israel. 278-2680.

BALLROOM DANCING Monday, December 27 at the Forest Hills library at 6:30.

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

OPEN BRIDGE Tuesdays at 8 at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. Call 2637000 for fees.

INTRO INTERNET Tuesday, December 28 a t the Queens Village library.

Register.

PRACTICE TESTS Tu e s d a y, D e c e m b e r 2 8 LSAT, MCAT and GRE Practice Test Prep at the Central library. 5-8:45.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE Wednesdays 10:30-3:00 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills. $12 session, includes light lunch. 261-2900.

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

INDOOR SOCCER – DADS Wednesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center.

263-7000.

SCRABBLE/CHESS Thursdays at 4 at the Windsor Park library, 79-50 Bell Blvd., Bayside.

QUILTING CLASSES Thursdays 10-2 at the Maria Rose Doll Museum in St. Albans. 917-817-8653 to register.

KNIT/CROCHET Thursdays (not holidays) at 6 and Fridays at 10:30 at the Fresh Meadows library.

QUILTERS Thursdays at 1:30 at the East Elmhurst library.

ADULT CHESS Thursdays at 6 at the Queens Village library.

OPEN BRIDGE Thursdays from 8-10pm at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. $12 per player. 2756615 to register.

WRITER’S WORKSHOP Thursday, December 30 at the Bayside library. Register.

COMPUTERS Friday, December 31 at the Ozone Park library. Register.

CHAIR YOGA Tuesday, Januar y 4 at the East Elmhurst library. Register.

JH ART CLUB Classes in all art forms days and evenings for children and adults. 899-0065.

WOMEN’S NETWORK The Queens Women’s Network can help with resume assistance, t yping and Microsoft tutorials, job search, interviewing techniques, GED and ESL classes, referrals to training programs. 657-6200.

BAY VIEW BRIDGE Tuesday s (except July and August) Bayview Bridge Club meets at 6 at the Church of the Resurrection, 100-17 32 nd Avenue, East Elmhurst.

ART CLASSES Children, adults, day, evening, Mon.- Sat. Contact for info 926-9821. www.jacksonheightsartclub.org

DANCE ISRAELI FOLK Mondays 7:15-10:00 at Hillcrest Jewish Center, 18202 Union Turnpike. $10 session. 380-4145. Mondays 7:30-9:30 at Kowalinski Post 4, 61-57 Maspeth Avenue. $5. Cake and coffee. 5652259. Wednesdays 7:309:00 at ANIBIC Center, 21212 26 th Avenue, Bayside (Bay Te r r a c e S h o p p i n g C e n te r upper level). 939-4936.

Thursdays 7-9 in the basement of Ascension Church, 55 th Avenue and Van Horn, Elmhurst. $5. 848-482-0153.

SENIORS FREE LUNCH Saturday, December 25 at Church of the Resurrection in Kew Gardens. 847-2649 reservations.

STAY WELL Mondays at 10 at the Central library. Tuesdays at 2 at the Flushing library and Wednesdays at 10 at the East Elmhurst library. Special exercises and relaxation techniques.

CLEARVIEW Monday, December 27 Music Appreciation at 12:30.

Thursday, December 30 Stay Well As You Age talk at 10:15. Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 224-7888.

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.

ENTERTAINMENT STAMP SHOW Sunday, December 26 Bayside Stamp Show at the Ramada Hotel, 220-33 Northern Blvd., Bayside 10-4:30.

645-7659.

THE NUTCRACKER Sunday, December 26 at Colden Center, Queens College. $18, $12 children 12 and under. The RussianAmerican Ballet Company performs. 793-8080.

OPEN MIC Monday, December 27East Elmhurst library at 6.

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

THE NUTCRACKER Tu e s d ay, We d n e s d ay a n d Thursday, December 28, 29, 30 “The Nutcracker” will be performed at Queens Theatre in the Park. 760-0064.

PARENTS BOARD OF TRUSTEES January 5, February 2, May 4, June 1 the Renaissance Charter School’s Board of Trustees meet at 6:30. 8030060.

ADHD OR PDD Daily after school programs to meet the needs of elementary school aged children who have learning disabilities and ADHD or PDD at the Bay Terrace Center, 212-00 23 rd Avenue, Bayside from 2:30-6:00. 225-6750, ext.

266.

ANIBIC Association for Neurologically Impaired Brain Injured Children, Inc. sponsors programs including Saturday Play Group (5-17), Tutorial (5 to adult), Weekend Respite (17+), Young Adult Program (17+) and Adult Respite Program (21+). 423-9550, ext.

243.

KIDS KORNER After School Center is at the Central Queens YM-YWHA in Forest Hills. 268-5011, ext. 201. Extended hours.

PLAYGROUP The CUMC Playgroup is accepting registration for its preschool parents’ cooperative program in Middle Village. Children 18 months to 4 years are eligible. 8942293.

SCHOOL HELP Free school help for students of all ages, parents and teachers. FreeSchoolHelp.com SPECIAL NEEDS Day Camp Program for children with special needs, including autism and mental retardation at the Samuel Field Y in Little Neck. 2256750, ext. 259.

TOUGH LOVE Tu e s d a y s at 7:30 p.m.

Toughlove International Parent Support Group for parents of out-of-control children (teens, pre-teens and adult children) meet at IS158 in Bayside. 393-7788.

Queens Today MEETINGS JEWISH VETS Sunday, December 26 Jewish War Veterans of the USA Lipsky/Blum Post meet at the Garden Jewish Center. 4634742.

VFW 4787 Monday, December 27 Whitestone VFW Community Post meets; ladies auxiliary meets the 2 nd Monday.

746-0540.

TOASTMASTERS Monday, December 27 learn the art and science of Public Speaking in Queens.

525-6830.

FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tuesdays the Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets.

917-612-3463.

ADVANCED WRITERS Tuesdays at 6:30 at the Terrace Diner at Bay Terrace Shopping Center and also t h e l a s t Tu e s d ay o f t h e month in the Communit y Room in Panera Bread at Bay Terrace Shopping.

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.

QUEENS CENTRAL ROTARY Thursdays 6:30-8:30 Come learn if Rotary is for you.

465-2914; me1nc@aol.com TOASTMASTERS Thursday, December 30 at

FLEA MARKETS

meets. 917-363-6720.

QUEENS PRIDE Wednesdays Spanish and English Club (conversational level). Thursdays Movie Night. Fridays Café Social.

Saturday Art Club. Queens Pride House. 429-5309 information.

BARBERSHOP Wednesdays a t 8 t h e J a maica Chapter of the Societ y for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America meets in Mahoney Hall in Flushing. 468-8416 or 381-8689.

CIVIL AIR PATROL Thursdays at 3 at August Martin HS, 156-10 Baisley Blvd., Jamaica. August Martin Cadet Squadron. 5256925 or 835-6862.

GOLD COAST ROTARY Fridays the Gold Coast Rotary Club meets from 8-9 am at the Nor th Shore Towers Restaurant, 272-48 Grand Central Parkway. 516-4663636.

CLUTTERERS ANON. Fridays A Cluttered home makes a cluttered life. Learn how to gain control of your life by eliminating your clutter. 7:30-9:00 at Pastoral Care Center, Resurrection Ascension Church, 85-18 61 st Road, Rego Park. 7127656.

QUEENS PRIDE Call for meeting information for Queens Lesbian, Gay, B i s e x u a l a n d Tra n s ge n d e r Pride

MISCELLANEOUS CHRISTMAS DINNER Saturday, December 25 at St. Mary Gate of Heaven Church basement, 103-02 101 st Avenue, Ozone Park f r o m 1 0 - 2 . Vo l u n t e e r s needed. 847-9200.

ADOPTION DAY Saturdays 11-2 Adoption Day for Cats and Kittens at Pet Edibles, 254-07 Northern Blvd., Little Neck.

ADOPTION DAY Sundays 11-4 Adopt a homeless dog, cat or kitten at the Animal Center of Queens, a no-kill organization at 89-10 Eliot Avenue, Rego Park. www.acq.pet finder.com ADULT CHOIR Most Fridays the Adult Choir o f Te m p l e B e t h S h o l o m meets at 7. 172 nd Street and Northern Blvd., Flushing.

AUXILIARY OFF. The 105 th Precinct Community Council invites all interested in becoming an Auxiliary Police Officer to contact 776-9268.

BARBERSHOP Wednesdays th e Q u e e n s chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Societ y meets at the school hall, 175-20 74 th Avenue, Flushing. 381-8689.

COMMUNITY SINGERS Mondays through May the Communit y Singers of Queens, Inc. rehearses at Messiah Lutheran Church, 42-15 165 th Street, Flushing.

New members welcome.

658-1021.

DOG WALKERS NEEDED Sundays For Our Friends, an animal rescue organization in Queens, meets at the Great Neck Hospital, 660 Northern Blvd. Wednesdays walk dogs around noon. 4454597, 595-2161.

FOOD PANTRY Fridays Grace Episcopal Church, 14-15 Clintonville Street, Whitestone, from 1011. 767-6305.

FH VAC The Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps needs volunteers. They will sponsor you for a NYS EMT course at no cost to you once you qualif y. 793-2055. Monetary donations also needed PO Box 750617, Forest Hills 11375.

FH SYMPHONY Wednesdays the Forest Hills Symphony Orchestra will rehearse at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 3741627.

FREE FLAGS The Lipsky-Blum Post #764 of the Jewish War Veterans offers free flags to all families of deceased veterans for use at cemeteries. 4634742.

GLEE CLUB Tuesdays the Bayside Men’s Glee Club rehearses at 8 at All Saints Church, 214-33 40 th Avenue. 424-5769.

MEMORY LOSS? Caregivers need a break?

631-1886.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS 7 days a week. 932-6244. www.westernqueensna.org.

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.

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

670-1695. $5 a class.

CANCER ACTION Monday, December 27 Corona Cancer Action Council Meeting at the Corona library at 6. Work with the c o m m u n i t y a n d o rg a n i z a tions, improve access to cancer prevention, screening and treatment, address health needs of Corona and more.

FEMALE CANCER Monday, December 27 “Look Good, Feel Better” program for women undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy in Flushing.

1-800-ACS-2345.

MS SELF-HELP Tu e s d a y, D e c e m b e r 2 8 Multiple Sclerosis Self-help group to share a common life experience for support, education and mutual aid 12:30 at the Howard Beach library.

ALZHEIMERS Tu e s d a y, D e c e m b e r 2 8 Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills. 592-5757, ext.

237.

YOGA DANCE Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1948. $10 class.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT E ve r y Tu e s d a y We ste r n Queens Caregiver Network in Sunnyside. 784-6173, ext.

431.

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

MEMORY LOSS Fridays Couples with one partner experiencing memory loss meet at the Samuel Field Y. 225-6750, ext. 236.

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.

CHAIR YOGA Tuesday, Januar y 4 at the East Elmhurst library. Register.

CO-DEPENDENCE ANON. Saturdays the Bellerose chapter of Co-Dependence Anonymous, a fellowship of men and women seeking healthy relationships with themselves and others, meet at St. Thomas Episcopal

Church, 6 Commonwealth Avenue. Beginners 9:15, Open 10:30. 229-2113.

ALZHEIMERS Saturdays caregivers, friends and relatives of those with Alzheimer’s Disease meet at the Sunnyside Communit y Services. 784-6173, ext. 137.

SCHIZOPHRENICS Sundays Schizophrenics Anonymous self-help support group meets at LI Consultation in Rego Park. 896-3400.

SOS (Significant Others of Schizophrenics) also meets.

SMART RECOVERY Sundays LI Consultation Center in Rego Park. Free self help group based on cognitive behavioral concepts dedicated to assisting individuals in overcoming all t ypes of addictive behavior problems. 212-631-1198 or check the web at www.smartrecovery.org AL-ANON Sundays 7-8:15 pm at Sacred Heart School, 216 th Street and 38 th Avenue. Tuesdays at 8:30 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 82 nd Street and 3 4 th Avenue, Jackson Heights. 2 nd floor of the Parish House. 335-7379.

AA Sundays from 6-7:30 Total Freedom AA Group meets at Pride Communit y Center in Corona. GAY-2300 for info.

PARTNER ABUSE Sundays Partner Abuse Counseling Program for women who experience all t ypes of abuse. 225-6750, ext. 248.

EPILEPSY Sundays Epilepsy support group meets in Queens.

212-633-2930.

QI GONG Sundays free Qi Gong classes at the Zen & Kung Fu Association’s Healing Center in Corona. 651-3752.

TAI CHI Mondays St. John’s Hospital. 558-1198 to register.

GLAUCOMA Mondays and Thursdays free glaucoma screenings at Flushing Hospital. 670-5719 ALZHEIMERS Mondays to Fridays Samuel Field YM-YWHA in Little Neck offers a day care and family respite program. 2256750, ext. 221.

TAI CHI CLASS Mondays and Wednesdays the NY Hospital Queens Cardiac Center offers tai chi in Fresh Meadows. $5 per person. 670-1695.

FOOD ADDICTS Tu e s d a y s F o o d Ad d i c t s Anonymous, a fellowship who abstain from sugar, flour and wheat in Oakland Gardens. 465-1774 or 917403-1818.

PARTNER ABUSE Tu e s d ay s P r i d e o f J u d e a Communit y Services in Douglaston holds a “Partner Abuse Trauma Group.” 4236200, ext. 202.

QSAC Tuesdays Qualit y Services for the Autism Communit y holds workshops for families and friends of autistic children and adults. 7-AUTISM,

ext. 1219.

AL-ANON Tuesday s Al-Anon, a selfhelp support group for anyone affected by a loved one’s use of alcohol at 7:30 at Resurrection Ascension Pastoral Center, 85-18 61 st Road, Rego Park. 212-9410094. Also at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, corner 82 nd Street and 34 th Avenue, on the 2 nd floor of the Parish House at 8:30. 457-1511.

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 1-877-6442469.

DAY TOP Tuesdays support for family and friends of those affected by substance abuse. 1-8002Daytop.

AA Tu e s d a y s a t 8 a t G r a c e Lutheran Church in Astoria.

520-5021.

INSTABILIT Y Tuesdays and Fridays day activit y program for people who experience mood instabilit y and depression.

Woodside Clinic. 779-1234.

EARLY ALZHEIMERS Tu e s d a y s a n d T h u r s d a y s Samuel Field YM-YWHA in Little Neck offers an Early Stage Alzheimers and Dementia Care program. 2256750, ext. 331.

NAR-ANON Wednesdays at 7:30 at Church in the Gardens, room 204, 50 Ascan Avenue, Forest Hills. 1-800-984-0066.

Also available on Thursdays from 7:30-9:00 at the VFW, 19-12 149th Street, Whitestone. Self-help support group for anyone affected by a loved one’s use/ abuse of drugs.

TAI CHI Wednesdays at MS172 in Floral Park. 347-3270 to register.

HIV/AIDS Wednesdays J-CAP Living Proof holds weekly HIV/ AIDS support groups in Jamaica. 658-2464.

SEXUAL COMPUL. Wednesdays Sexual Compulsives Anonymous at Pride Communit y Center in Corona. GAY-2300.

OUTREACH SERVICES Thursdays Intervention and educational group sessions on HIV/AIDS in Jamaica.

297-0720, ext. 112.

MS Thursdays the National Multiple Sclerosis Societ y meets at NY Hospital Medical Center of Queens in Fresh Meadows. 212-463-7787, ext. 3057 to register.

NICOTINE ANON. Fridays at 7 at North Shore Universit y Hospital in Forest Hills.631-665-0527.

DOMESTIC VIOL. 24 hour Domestic Violence Hotline. 657-0424.

Dec. 24-30, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

THRIFT SHOPS Saturdays and Sundays 104 at St. Fidelis Mother & Child Residence, 124-15 14 th Avenue, College Point.

353-4749. Saturdays 11-4 at Bargain Boutique Thrift Shop, Baptist Church, 93-23 2 1 7 th S t r e e t , Q u e e n s V i l lage. 527-2132. Mondays 10-3 at the Free Synagogue of Flushing, 41-60 Kissena Blvd. Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30-1:30 at Te m p l e S h o l o m o f F l o r a l Park, 263 rd Street and Union Tu r n p i k e . Tu e s d a y s a n d Wednesdays from 2-5 at Church-in-the-Gardens, 50 Ascan Avenue, Forest Hills.

268-6704. First and third Wednesday (September through June) from 10:302:30 at Grace Episcopal C h u r c h , 1 4 th A v e n u e a n d Clintonville Street. Wednesdays at Grace Church, 15117 14 th Road, Whitestone.

Wednesdays and Saturdays 9-2 at the Floral Park United Methodist Church, 35 Verbena Avenue, Floral Park.

354-4969. Thursdays from 10-1 at All Saints’ Church, 2 1 5 th S t r e e t b e t w e e n 3 9 th and 40 th Avenues, Bayside.

229-5631. Fridays through June from 11-3 at the Maspeth United Methodist Church, 66-35 58 th Avenue.

JUDAICA SHOPS Daily and by appointment the Forest Hills Jewish Center’s Judaic Gift Store is open. 263-7000. Sundays from 9-11:30 at the Bay Terrace Jewish Center, 13-00 209 th Street. 428-6363.

6:30 at the Whitestone library. Toast of Queens Toastmasters Club, District 46, Club 4242.

TOASTMASTERS Thursday, December 30 at the Briarwood library at 5:45.

BEREAVEMENT Thursday, December 30 St. Adalbert’s Bethany General Bereavement Group in Elmhurst. 429-2005.

CIVIL AIR PATROL Fridays 6-10 at Vaughn College of Aeronautics, 86-01 23 rd Avenue, East Elmhurst.

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

DEBTORS ANON. Saturdays at 11:30 and Mondays at 7:30 Debtors Anonymous meets at Our Lady of Mercy, school auditorium in Forest Hills. 212-969-8111.

CIVIL AIR PATROL Saturdays Art & Business High School Cadet Squadron at 8 a.m. at the school, 10525 Horace Harding Expressway, Corona. ssgdmp@yahoo.com CIVIL AIR PATROL Mondays Falcon Senior Squadron at 7 at JFK Airport, Federal Express, Building 260, Jamaica. Falcon Senior Squadron. 781-2359.

FM CAMERA Tuesdays at 7:45 the Fresh Meadows Camera Club

HEALTH

People

SQBGC Director of Operations Carol Simon (l.), Allstate agent Siniata Kishun Allstate agency owners Siniata and Ramdial Kishun were recently named Agent Heroes by Allstate Insurance Company’s New York Region, and awarded $500 grants each for a local youth program, for a total donation of $1000.

The Kishuns, whose offices are located at 110-09 Liber ty Ave. in Jamaica, donated the grants to the South Queens Boys & Girls Club (SQBGC) in

Richmond Hill, to support afterschool activities at the Club.

“As Allstate agents, we believe it is our responsibility to demonstrate the Good Hands Promise in the Queens community every single day,” said Siniata Kishun. “It is an honor to be able to donate this grant to the South Queens Boys & Girls Club and hopefully touch the lives of the kids who are involved.”

Air Force Airman Adrian M. Buchanan

Air Force Airman Ayanna C. Lee

Air Force Airman Adrian M. Buchanan graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Diana and Derrick Buchanan of Jamaica. Buchanan graduated in 2010 from Thomas A. Edison High School, Jamaica.

Air Force Airman Ayanna C. Lee graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Lee is the daughter of Ramona Lee of Middletown, and niece of Robyn Lee of Jamaica.

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Dec. 24-30, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 21

Contracting

Season's Greetings

Tyrone “Caliber” Simmons wants some of what 50 Cent’s holding in his hand.

Wants Money As quickly as 50 Cent makes his money is as quickly as his baby mama – or a rapper claiming that Fiddy stole the copyright to a hit song – have their hands in his pocket.

50 Cent has recently seen his wallet grow thanks to his investment in a digital eyewear performance company, Gunnar Optiks.

No sooner does that news break than Tyrone “Caliber” Simmons, an up and coming rapper, sues the South Jamaica native for copyright infringement in Fiddy’s hit song “I Get Money.” Simmons’ lawsuit states that he purchased the license to the instrumental version of the song, which cannot be used without his permission.

The lawsuit over “I Get Money” should probably be titled “I Want To Get Your Money.”

Patricia Delarosa used to be the woman we all love to hate – the insurance claims employee who denies payment for your medical bill.

“I was getting frustrated,” she said. “The schedule didn’t allow me to be absent and go to any auditions. I said, ‘I need to accomplish my dream, I need to start from somewhere.’”

This married model went online and looked for auditions through online site craigslist. That was a year and a half ago. Since then, she’s done promotional events for various brands and products, Patricia Delarosa such as Dove and Latina Bella Home: Woodside Cosmetics, some runway modeling and has been an exAge: 30 tra in a music video.

Height: 5’5" “I’m not working,” she Weight: 127 said. “That’s my part time Stats: 34-26-39 job right now.”

NYPhotoByNick Delarosa is fine with that.

“I’m okay with what I’m doing right now,” she said.

“I do okay with promotional. If I get a job, it will be something flexible, part-time.”

As for her success, she gives a lot of credit to her husband.

“If I wasn’t married, I would have to get a full-time job,” she said. “Thank God that I have a husband who supports me financially, emotionally. Thank God I have him.”

When she’s not cruising craigslist for jobs, you might find the Woodside resident shopping, or patronizing her favorite restaurant, Pop Diner in Elmhurst.

“I go there every weekend,” she said. “They have the most variety of food, the service is excellent, they are very fast, and the food is delicious. When they cook a Spanish dish, it really tastes Spanish.”

Hot Party

P. Diddy’s release party for his latest album this week, which featured guests like Queens’ own Miss USA Rima Fakih, was a hot time…literally.

During the party, one scantThe model in the hot tub is really hot. ily-clad model, who was swimming around in a hot tub for the enjoyment of the nearby men, suffered a rather embarrassing Queens is king when it comes to immigration. It has held its title of the accident when a candle she was most ethnically diverse county in the country – and perhaps in the world leaning over set her hair aflame.

The FDNY showed up at the – for years. Our Kings County neighbors to the west appear to be party, held in the penthouse of challenging us for the title.

That’s right; those guys over in Brooklyn are apparently fleeing the the London NYC hotel in Midcounty in droves only to be replaced by immigrants – and in greater town where it was discovered numbers than those who have bid adieu to their Bensonhurst and Coney that Diddy’s guest list was 10 times larger than what he had Island habitats.

According to a recent New York Magazine article, the city’s chief told the hotel.

As for the model, we learned demographer has been counting the slow rise of the immigrant in Brooklyn, and is excited to see a new borough crowned… well… king. her name is Miyoki and she lives Sure, Brooklyn may have an increased immigrant population, the in NYC. Where exactly we don’t second greatest density of Jews and Muslims living in close proximity to know, but if she’s reading this one another short of Jerusalem, and a massive swell in its South Asian and lives in Queens, give us a population. But do dese bums really think they can take away the crown buzz…you may well become our most famous Model of Queens. that Queens has held for so long?

Or at least the hottest!

Fuggedaboutit!

Far From Normal

Photo by Ira Cohen

Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 24-30, 2010

Immigrant Kings

A mounted officer dispenses a parking ticket on Normal Road.

Something strange is ahoof on Normal Road.

More commonly seen conducting crowd control in Manhattan, two mounted police officers were wandering the hill after which Hillcrest High School is named.

With no parades nearby, and obviously finding themselves with nothing better to do, the officers tag-team ticketed a wayward SUV for parking during posted street cleaning hours, and then rode off into the sunset.

If only they could do something about the traffic by the Queens Center Mall.

Hirsute Hevesi We’re all for manly men taking up legislative seats in Albany. The place could use a few tough guys.

But Assemblyman Andy Hevesi, with his boyish looks and quick smile, doesn’t exactly fit the mold.

The still-too-young-to-begrizzled Hevesi has recently been spotted trying to grow a beard.

We’d like to emphasize the word “trying.” The tennis fuzz on his chin isn’t exactly filling in properly.

Hevesi joked at a press conferAndy Hevesi sports his latest look ence that after the tornado last fall he realized his district could use some lumberjacks. Not really Andy, but we all could use a couple of reps with the cajones to stand up and shout for Albany reform.

That could earn you some significant growth.

Confidentially, New York . . .

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