Southeast Queens Press

Volume 12 Issue No. 52 Dec. 30, 2011 - Jan. 5, 2012

PAGE 18

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

CLOSING TIME

The relocation of the Rosedale Key Food to Nassau County leaves the community without a neighborhood grocer, and many seniors are left to wonder where they will shop.

By Brianna Ellis ‌ Page 3

Online at www.QueensPress.com

News Briefs Counterfeit Bills Found At JFK U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers at JFK Airport found more than dirty laundry during a baggage inspection Dec. 15 when they discovered nearly $300,000 in fake U.S. currency.

CBP Officers stopped Karol Andrea Chilito Solarte after she arrived on a flight from Medellin, Colombia. During a search of her baggage, officers noticed an unusual thickness in the bottom of her suitcases. After further inspection, 46 packages of counterfeit U.S. $100 bills were discovered at the bottom of her bags. The entire batch of fake bills totaled just under $300,000.

“CBP officers protect the homeland in many ways,” said Robert Perez, Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations.

“Our officers are always on the lookout for items that can harm our communities; in this case it was counterfeit currency.”

CBP Officers arrested Chilito Solarte, a 29-year-old Colombian citizen and turned her over to the agents of the U.S. Secret Service. She will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 30, 2011 - Jan. 5, 2012

Pols Seek Good Samaritan Laws Behind a podium in a dimly-lit Dazies, State Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) announced he would be introducing legislation to expand New York’s “Good Samaritan” Laws. Joining him at the Dec. 22 press were local civic leaders and bill co-sponsor Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas (D-Astoria).

The legislation would ensure that local businesses and non-profits would not face liabilities for damages incurred while assisting potential victims. Under the current laws, they are not exempt, like individuals, from damages that may occur while trying to assist someone in distress— they are still open to potential lawsuits.

According to a release, Gianaris chose to hold his press conference at a small business.

Simotas reaffirmed Gianaris’ belief that a great loophole exists in the current “Good Samaritan” Laws. “We do provide protection for individuals who help others during the committing of a crime,” she said.

Gianaris said that a particular event triggered his feeling that the laws needed reformation. While he said he did not want to identify the victim, he explained that an individual in Astoria was seeking refuge from a hate crime in a local delicatessen. The owner, afraid of legal repercussions, was hesitant to help the person.

Crime has spiked in Western Queens, and Gianaris, along with other local elected officials, are now making crime prevention a top priority.

“It’s something we think will have a huge impact, so people can feel safer walking down our streets, whether it’s Queens Boulevard or Steinway Street or anywhere in between,” Gianaris said. “It seems to me this is a common sense solution, a no brainer if you will.”

He will introduce the bill when the Senate resumes its session in January.

Central Astoria LDC President George Stamatiades agreed that this bill would be much needed in the business community.

Locals Address Property Blight State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) recently joined the Northeast Flushing Civic Association at a press conference in front of an unsightly abandoned corner property, located at 24-19 Francis Lewis Blvd., to address the lack of maintenance of the site by the City.

According to members of the civic, the property has been a longstanding eyesore for at least 10 years. In 2009, the property owner stopped paying property taxes and the site has now become a storage unit for trucks, dumpsters and scattered garbage. Although the Dept. of Buildings issued a full stop work order earlier this year, residents and businesses are still forced to live by an unsightly lot that has become a blight on their neighborhood.

“This lot has been a thorn in the side of the community for over a decade,” Avella said. “The owner has not made any attempt to clear out or maintain the lot and it has become a constant target of graffiti vandals and litter.”

Avella was informed by the Dept. of Finance that a tax lien was placed on the property because of $15,809.86 in unpaid property taxes and sanitation violations since 2009. That lien was supposedly sent to the NYC Tax Lien Trust earlier this year.

However, it now appears that the City has yet to follow through on enforcing its lien.

Peter Brancazio, President of the North East Flushing Civic Association, stated, “Unless something is done about it, this site will remain in its present state indefinitely. The fence is an ugly, poorly constructed, graffiti covered eyesore located in a prominent location on Francis Lewis Boulevard. It is a constant reminder of the failure of the Dept. of Buildings to act on complaints and get after violators.

The owner should not be allowed to simply ignore his assessments and financial responsibilities.”

Recently, a portion of the construction fencing collapsed making the overgrown and litter filled property even more visible to the community. In response to what has become an epidemic of abandoned properties throughout North and Eastern Queens, Avella has formed a task force made up of local civic organization leaders to identify similar properties.

Avella said, “The civics are compiling lists of properties in their communities that need to be addressed. At the same time I am working on possible legislation that would amend and strengthen the City’s ability to seize abandoned sites where the owner refuses to pay property taxes and has long outstanding fines and violations. These properties are cancers to communities and the City needs to take action to protect its taxpaying homeowners.”

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

Presstime

‘Key’ Rosedale Store Closing Saturday Rosedale’s Key Food supermarket is shutting its doors after 50 years of serving the community. Despite the plans for relocation, many shoppers have said that the closing would be a loss for the community.

Transformed from a Bohack grocery to ultimately a Key Food, it became the lone supermarket in Rosedale, located on 14366 243rd St. The store will officially close on Dec. 31, due to the company’s inability to renew the lease. Walgreens will take its place.

“They shouldn’t be closing,” senior shopper Tonya Booker said. “People will never be able to get over there without a car. It’s terrible. Pathmark is not the next closest supermarket, there is no close supermarket over here!” Seniors now will be forced to trade in their canes for cab fare, since the nearest major food supplier is no longer steps away. Shoppers will have to commute to Pathmark on 134-40 Springfield Blvd., in Springfield Gardens.

Booker said she believes serious sacrifice will have to be made in order for elders

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

BY BRIANNA ELLIS

going to be a growing population of these choices being made.”

Seniors also fear Key Food’s closing will rob them of their freedom to shop leisurely. Instead, they will likely have to rely on home attendants and free delivery to receive their goods.

According to Key Food Manager Benny Alverez, big-box retailers are taking business away from local supermarkets, including his store. “Neighborhoods The Rosedale Key Food will close Dec. 31 after 50 years in can’t compete with corporate giants,” he said. With the community.

10 years of management, to access their necessities.

Alvarez said he witnessed Key Food pro“What are the people supposed to do? vide job opportunities for the youth, and If you can’t dig your car out because of the business for surrounding stores. He said snowstorm, you take your time to walk customers, especially senior citizens, need here, and now there’s no store to walk to,” the supermarket to shop for groceries she said. “Elders are going to have to pay close to home. Alvarez and fellow shopfor a cab to get to the store, rather than pers insist the transfer will be a great spending money on medicine. There’s disadvantage to the community, but no

alternative supermarket has been suggested yet.

Not only are customers disappointed, business owners nearby worry Walgreens will impact their sales, too. Cooperman Pharmacy owner Muhemmad Asghar stated, “This pharmacy is here for almost 30 years. According to the need of the neighborhood, we don’t need another pharmacy.” The pharmacy is located on 143-73 243rd St., just steps away from the new Walgreens.

Key Food will reopen on 935 Rosedale Rd. in Valley Stream. The company will take the place of the former retail store, Annie Sez. With a grand opening set for April 1, Alvarez said new features will help satisfy old customers.

“The new store will have lower prices, phone and internet ordering, delivery pickups, its own fish market, Sushi bar and more produce.” The new location will also be 3,000 to 4,000 sq. ft. larger than the original, with longer shopping hours, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Reach Intern Brianna Ellis at interns@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 124.

Proposed Med Center Concerns CB 13

BY VERONICA LEWIN

At least 52 parking spaces will be created for employees and visitors at the medical center. The community board expressed concern about how the additional cars would further congest a dangerous intersection. CB 13 Chair Bryan Block said the ADC would have to complete another traffic study after a final building design comes to fruition.

“I absolutely, positively, 110 percent commit to going to the site with DOT as many times as necessary to put together a plan that works and relieves any traffic congestion at the location,” Sinacori said.

Sinacori said a final building plan will not be determined until ADC has a definite buyer. Sinacori would not give a list of contenders but said North-Shore LIJ has expressed an interest in the building.

Singleton said she called North-Shore LIJ herself and was told the hospital is

interested, but has not made any plans yet.

Some attendees at the meeting did not learn about the proposed building until right before the meeting. Patricia Collins lives on 217th Street, near the vacant lot.

Collins expressed concern about how the proposed facility could impact the noise and traffic around her home, which she shares with her 91-year-old mother-inlaw.

Despite the uncertainties of ADC’s plan, the community board voted to changing the zoning on the property as long as ADC meets their building requirements.

The Cambria Heights Civic Association will be discussing the matter at their next meeting on Jan. 7. For more information, contact (917) 922-4136.

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

Group Raises $5K For Slain Cop’s Kids

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

Since the on-duty murder of Police Officer Peter Figoski earlier this month, the outpouring of support for his four daughters has led to more than $1 million in donations for his family.

Some of that support flowed from Ozone Park last week, where four of the suspects in Figoski's death lived. He was shot and killed while responding to a robbery on Dec. 12 in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn- a neighborhood adjacent to Ozone Park.

Make A Different Christmas, which organizes a gift and fundraising drive for families in need during the holidays,

"adopted" the Figoski family and held a benefit for them in St. Mary Gate of Heaven school's auditorium on Dec. 22.

Earlier in the month, Make A Different Christmas held their annual gala that raises money and collects gifts for families in need at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston.

About 50 people attended the benefit, which featured food catered by Manor Deli in Woodhaven and raffle prizes, and Make A Different Christmas raised about $5,000 for the family. Matthew Turner, an organizer for the event, said the money would go to whatever the family wishes, including the possibility of a scholarship

in Officer Figoski's name.

Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) and Turner's father U.S. Rep. Bob Turner (R-Middle Village) also attended the event.

Turner, who attended Figoski's funeral on Long Island, said it was important that the family see that amount of support they have out there.

"It's an important thing and an important statement on the part of this community," Turner said.

Anne Heaphy Turner, Rep. Turner's daughter-in-law and daughter of the late Thomas Heaphy, who was a deacon at St. Mary Gate of Heaven, said it seemed natu-

ral that Make A Different Christmas would hold a fundraiser for the Figoski family.

"This is what our effort is all about," she said. She noted that St. Mary Gate of Heaven was where Make A Difference Christmas originated.

St. Mary Gate of Heaven's Pastor, the Rev. Gerald Fitzsimmons, offered a prayer for Figoski and reminded attendees that the show of support proves good wins over evil.

"This city has a soul, and that soul will give life and go beyond any brokenness and evil to make us a community," he said.

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400 Ext. 125

Dec. 30, 2011 - Jan. 5, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

A Bayside developer’s plans to build a medical center in Cambria Heights have irked community leaders and residents with the vagueness of their blueprints.

ADC Builders and Developers is proposing a 26,000-square-foot medical center at the vacant lot at 119th Avenue and Springfield Boulevard in Cambria Heights.

The site once hosted a large house that was converted into a garden center, but the building was demolished about six months ago. Since then, the vacant lot has remained at the western Cambria Heights border, right near the “Welcome to Cambria Heights” sign. Community leaders are said to be in support of transforming the land.

“Something needs to be done with that property because the way it is now, it will not work. It’s an eyesore,” Kelli Singleton,

Cambria Heights Block Association president, said.

Steven Sinacori, ADC’s lawyer, gave a presentation on the proposed project at the Dec. 19 Community Board 13 meeting. CB 13 put a list of restrictions on the property, including banning restaurants, liquor stores and night clubs from being built on the land.

Singleton said the proposed medical center would be too tall for the residential zoning regulations and does not fit with the context of the neighborhood. The lot is adjacent to the point that Springfield Boulevard intersects with Francis Lewis Boulevard, an already busy intersection.

There is also a major bus stop – the Q27 – near the vacant lot. Sinacori stressed that final building dimensions will not be made until ADC has an investor, and said the company plans to take all concerns into consideration.

Groups Combine To Better Serve Boro

BY VERONICA LEWIN A new partnership between two Queens based organizations could make it easier for people of all ages to get substance abuse treatment close to home. Outreach and Samaritan Village announced earlier this month that the two organizations will work together to offer unique treatment services to the borough.

Outreach, established in the borough in 1980, is an alcohol and substance abuse treatment center based in Richmond Hill.

The organization, with locations in Brooklyn and Long Island as well, offers the largest chemical dependency treatment in the state. Outreach specializes in serving children, adolescents and women.

For the last three decades, Outreach has chosen to keep their main offices in Queens. “We’re committed to being headquarted in Queens,” Riddle said. She added the increasing lack of hospitals in the borough made it necessary to establish an alliance with another long-established

Kathleen Riddle, president and CEO of Outreach, and Tino Hernandez, president and CEO of Samaritan Village.

substance abuse center based in Queens to ensure services would not be lost.

Samaritan Village has been providing care to Briarwood and beyond for nearly 50 years. The organization offers treatment programs at 10 locations throughout the five boroughs and upstate New York. Samaritan Village offers residential and outpatient treatment, medication-assisted treatment and three nationally recognized gender-specific veterans programs. The organi-

zation also administers single adult and family shelters, support services for veteran families and an active senior center.

“This partnership is based on a careful analysis of the value and strengths of our respective agencies,” Samaritan Village President and CEO Tino Hernandez said in a statement. “We are especially excited about the potential of this initiative to enhance the outstanding work currently being done by both agencies’ staff.”

Riddle said the partnership will make it easier for people in the borough to get the help they need. Instead of calling around asking what services are provided, callers can make one call to Outreach or Samaritan Village to get the services they need.

For more information call (718) 847-9233 or (718) 206-2000.

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

Court Tells ICCC To Give Documents

BY ROSS BARKAN

In one version of events, agents from the Inspector General’s office arrive unannounced at the homes of senior citizens to harass them needlessly. In another, developers blatantly lie about their plans to community members and politicians.

Supporters of the Indian Cultural and Community Center, the nonprofit group that has galvanized eastern Queens, were dealt a blow when a State Supreme Court judge recently ordered the ICCC to cooperate with Inspector General Ellen N. Biben’s investigation and turn over additional documentation that she has requested. The inspector general’s office, along with the Attorney General’s office, are investigating the ICCC’s 2008 purchase of two parcels of land on the campus of the former Creedmoor Psychiatric

Facility. According to several reports, the land was purchased for $1.8 million, well below its market value of $7.3 million. The deal was orchestrated by former State Sen. Frank Padavan, among others.

Prominent detractors of the group include State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside), who defeated Padavan in a 2010 election.

Avella said in a statement that “this ruling further crystallizes the notion that the leadership of the ICCC believes they are above the law and do not have to follow the laws of this state.” Community Board 13 and neighboring civic associations have overwhelmingly opposed the ICCC since they announced they would be constructing two nine-story senior residence towers.

Critics of the ICCC claim that the towers are simply too large and constitute an “out of character” development for nearby neighborhoods like Bellerose and Queens

Village. Avella has also said he does not think the ICCC intends to ultimately build senior housing.

Vinoo Varghese, the ICCC’s lawyer, contends the inspector general’s office is wasting taxpayers’ money and harassing innocent people. He said the ICCC is willing to cooperate with the attorney general’s investigation but the additional inspector general investigation is redundant.

Varghese alleges senior citizen supporters of the ICCC have been interrogated at their homes simply because they dared to publicly question Avella’s antiICCC stance.

He also said the ICCC is considering appealing the court decision.

Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.

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Foster Agency Serves Hundreds In Boro

BY JASON BANREY For more than 155 years, Forestdale has pioneered a tradition of activism and innovative expertise in child welfare. By broadening their approach toward strengthening inner-city families in Queens, they have helped instill positive changes for countless residents within the borough.

In 1854, a group of women founded the Brooklyn Industrial School Association and Home for Destitute Children. With the goal of teaching underprivileged children basic trade skills, the organization aimed to help children “support themselves in the safety of family life.”

By 1941, the organization, which had already changed its name to Brooklyn Home for Children, moved its headquarters to Forest Hills. Today, the agency focuses on foster care and adoption, providing children with a multitude of services and the fundamental assets needed to thrive in the very neighborhoods in which they were raised.

Forestdale offers a variety of community services, working with more than 400 children in foster care, many of whom are from Jackson Heights, Corona, and Elmhurst.

“One of the things we pride ourselves on is we’re trying to actively change the face of foster care,” Rosemarie EwingJames said. She has been with the agency for 15 years and was recently promoted to associate executive director.

Forestdale has worked with hundreds of residents throughout the borough, like the Burgos family, in support of strengthening the family unit.

As the only childhood welfare agency based in Queens, and dedicated solely to the borough, the agency has provided foster children with services within their neighborhoods, ensuring a community connection is maintained.

“We’re here, we’re from Queens, and we’re serving the Queens community. We know Queens,” she said. “If we help maintain their status within the neighborhood,

where their family is from, those essential connections will not be broken and the transition into foster care is not so traumatic.”

When Ewing-James first became a part of Forestdale, the agency had just over 250 children in foster care. Now they are helping more than 400 children. Today, more than 1,000 children, teens, parents and family members are served by the

agency annually within all the programs provided both inside and outside their Queens facility.

Forestdale is currently reaching out to residents in the borough who are interested in becoming foster parents. Four informational events will be held at the Forest Hills campus, located at 67-35 112 St., informing families about the requirements and documents necessary to make an informed decision on becoming a foster parent.

One session was held on Dec. 28 at 1:30 p.m. and the other three will take place in January on the 10th at 6 p.m., the 12th at 6 p.m. and the 25th at 1:30 p.m.

Forestdale is also making its year-end appeal for donations, which will be allocated to the agency’s Educational Excellence Initiative. The initiative provides tutoring, college tours and cultural excursions to hundreds of children in foster care, as well as other families struggling with poverty.

“Many children who end up in foster care are born into poverty, which can become a never-ending cycle,” Grace Stevens, community development associate for the agency said. “We’re trying to end that cycle and education is the way to do it.”

For information or to make a donation, call (718) 263-0740.

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

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Letters

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

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed

Looking Back, Looking Forward With the final issue of 2011, the PRESS of Southeast Queens has taken the time to honor two organizations that have made a difference in the lives of residents of the borough for many years.

The Queens Public Library has served the people of Queens for more than 150 years. While many think of a library as a place to borrow a book, the Queens Library is much more than that to those who frequent its many branches. Its various programs cater to the diversity that makes Queens special and develops programs and collections relevant to the needs of its neighborhoods.

With 2012 on the horizon, the Queens Library looks to expand and change with the times, as they have since their inception.

We would like to thank the Queens Public Library for all they have done for the borough, and we hope our readers enjoy the look into the past and the future of the Queens Public Library.

Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

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

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

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 30, 2011 - Jan. 5, 2012

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2011 Tribco, LLC

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

Letters Listen To News To The Editor: The letter in the PRESS, "Occupy Gets it" was very poignant and in fact raised questions that I also had queried. Why in the world would those who are also victims of the vast inequity between themselves and the 1 percent feel the need to champion and legitimize their deviously gotten gains? Obviously it is as the writer suggests: transference. They enjoy fantasizing that they are somehow related to the 1 percent, which they deem successful because they have accumulated great wealth, regardless of how it was accrued. OWS has rec-

ognized the damage being inflicted on our country by the 1 percent and their claques and are acting on it throughout the United States.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) just released its "Society at a Glance 2011" report and when it comes to income inequality, the United States is looking poorly indeed. Out of all the countries gauged, only three - Turkey, Mexico and Chile - have a more unequal income distribution than the United States.

The United States also has an usually high amount of people in poverty (17.3 percent, compared

to the OECD average of 11.3 percent) for its relative wealth, with an average household income of $31,000, second highest in the world. Even that does not look great when you consider things like the cost of healthcare and education make that $31,000 barely enough to get by for a large portion of the population. It has consistently been proven that such income inequality isn't good for anyone, including the rich. The fact that the top 1 percent of the U.S. population rakes in about 21.3 percent of the national income doesn't bode well for the country's future economic prospects and political stability.

Another problem is that while two of the countries ahead of us, Chile and Turkey, are steadily reducing their income inequality as their economies grow, whereas the wealth gap in the United States is actually expanding every single year. Don't these would be 1 percent letter writers ever read the papers or listen to the news? Not Fox, where news goes to die, but news based on fact rather than politically motivated conjecture.

Nicole Christine, Bayside

Animal Cruelty To The Editor: To the person who abandoned their white cat in its carrier in the Key Food parking lot on Lefferts Boulevard Dec. 19: Did you think the blanket you put in the carrier would keep it

from freezing to death? Did you think the bowl of whatever that was in there would keep it from starving? Did you think by leaving it in a dark area of a parking lot that someone could see it? Did you think that a tiny dark cat carrier would protect it from getting killed by a car? Did you think that this was your only option to rid yourself of a pet, rather than trying to adopt it out, ask for help or just hand it to someone? All of the above would've been better than what you did. That cat trusted in you, with its life in your hands and what did you do? What were you thinking? Obviously not whether the cat lived or died!

Well, I am sure you are relieved that it is gone now, but how do you sleep? Do you have a conscience?

Are you thinking about what you did? Does it haunt you in the least?

Do you hear the cat screaming the way others did that day? Well, there is a God and as some people believe, karma. What if someone did that to you, trapped, leaving you helpless in the elements, starvation and the inevitable? Did you know what you did is against the law and you will be arrested, facing serious charges by the A.S.P.C.A. Patrol when found?

If anyone knows of anyone who supposedly "lost" or is missing a cat on Dec. 19, since I'm sure this is not something to be proud of, to tell anyone, please make them aware of this post.

J. Klein, Richmond Hill

Think Twice Before Driving and Dialing A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE

A friend included me on an email over the weekend. In it, he recounts the horror of an accident he had that day or the day before. Thankfully, as he noted, neither he nor the passengers of the other car were injured.

The missive reads like he was in the wrong in the accident and he ended it by begging everyone not to ever use their cell phone while driving. I read between the lines and figured he must’ve done exactly that and had learned an expensive lesson. I’m glad everyone in this case survived the accident and are, at least physically, unscathed. But his message brought home the point once again that using a telephone while driving is always an accident waiting to happen.

Disobeying this now-legal mandate is not just at our own peril but to that of everyone else in our car and on the road. We may hate that this is a law that costs us money if caught. But it is also a brilliant piece of legislation that has been making its way around the country. It is, quite lit-

erally, a matter of life and death.

People have died because someone could not wait to call someone or to answer someone’s call. We need to remember always that it’s not that serious that we need to break the law to make or take that call. What did we ever do before the advent of the mobile telephone? We waited. That’s what we did and that’s what we should get back to doing for the sake of the greater good.

No matter how important the call may seem, it’s better to wait until we get to a spot where we can take it or call back safely. The law states that we can answer the phone while driving if we’re using a hands-free device. However, even this does not guarantee our safety while driving, and legislators are discussing whether it should also be outlawed.

I was one of the last people I know to give in and buy a cell phone. I did it because I had, and still have, children in school and need to be accessible to them.

So I got a phone and got them one each when they were about 12. There is nothing that produces more anxiety than not be-

ing able to reach your children or when they need to reach you and cannot. But I try to never answer while driving and to never dial while moving either.

About 12 years ago the point was driven home to a lot of people for the first time, when model Niki Taylor was almost killed. The friend with whom she was travelling answered his phone while on the highway and lost control of the car. Whether or not the call was important became instantly irrelevant when this young mother collapsed upon exiting the car.

Without realizing it immediately, Taylor had sustained catastrophic internal injuries and spent weeks in a coma in a hospital. Her parents had already buried their younger daughter, also a young model, due to an asthmatic episode; here they stood vigil wondering if they would have to repeat that unspeakable tragedy.

That cell call wasn’t worth it.

I am glad my friend had the courage to share his experience with us this week; and in so doing, remind us of the importance of obeying the cell phone driving ban.

By sharing his story, he may have saved us from a similar or worse fate. I hope he does not mind that I have taken the liberty of sharing it as a sort of public service effort.

Our life and health are priceless and we sometimes forget that one tiny mistake can have grave consequences for ourselves and others. Using a telephone while operating a vehicle is as potentially dangerous as drinking and driving can be.

That call can wait. I have been known to answer the phone on my lap and yell, “Can’t talk right now, I’ll call you back!” But I have come to realize that I deceive myself for thinking this is not dangerous as well. The best thing to avoid temptation is to turn off the phone when we turn on the ignition. If we can’t hear it ring we cannot be tempted to answer. And if it’s off then we are reminded not to pick it up and call anyone.

Sometimes things are urgent, but it is also urgent to “arrive alive” and to extend the same courtesy to passengers and fellow motorists.

Let’s all endeavor to arrive alive in 2012, everyone!

Winners Are Sinners In Too Many Cases

By HENRY STERN The recent flurry of criminal trials and convictions of public officials for a variety of offenses causes one to think of why it is that people who are elected to represent their communities in city, state and federal government appear so often before the bar of justice.

While it is true that only a relatively small portion of elected officials are criminals, still the frequency of arrests and indictments of members of the political class causes people to doubt the integrity and validity of the legislative process, and to suspect many office-holders who have not in fact committed crimes or used their offices to enrich themselves personally. This is part of a larger distrust of government by individuals who see the state as a growing and intrusive presence, rather than as a guarantor of the liberty and security of the people.

Before I was elected to the City Council for the first time in 1973, I did not know any people who had been in trouble with the law. Of course I had read in the newspapers about famous crimes and criminals, but never knew any of them personally, or from the neighborhood.

One story I have recounted before, but which made a strong impression, dealt with my reading in the WorldTelegram, which my father brought home from work, that Frank Costello was the prime minister of the underworld. I knew that position was important because Winston Churchill was Prime Minister of Great Britain at the time.

I asked my father why, if Frank Costello was prime minister of the underworld, and if the World-Telegram knew about it and published the story, didn’t the police arrest him and put him on trial, since surely it must be a crime to be prime minister of the underworld. My father was a tentmaker, not a lawyer, and he couldn’t answer the question. I went to law school, in part, to find the answer to questions like the one I asked my father.

I did learn the answers, but they were unsatisfying to one whose prime motive was the pursuit of justice. In an economy where lawyers pursue the interests of the clients who are paying them, rather than any abstract concept of justice, it is not difficult to see whose interests will be at-

tended to by the lawyer class. Those relationships underlie many lawsuits, and often influence the behavior of the litigants involved in a case.

The problem here is comparable to the one involved in Winston Churchill’s defense of democracy, in which he said that it was the worst system of government that could be devised, except for all the others. If we did not have the adversarial method of determining the merits of lawsuits, what better way could be found to determine the truth of a matter when the facts are in dispute?

During my first term on the Council, 1974-77, at least a half dozen of my colleagues were indicted on a variety of criminal charges.

Politicians get in trouble for a variety of reasons. The most common situation is that they take money they are not entitled to. Whether the facts indicate bribery, extortion, or inappropriate use of influence, these are misdeeds of a financial nature. Sometimes there are grey areas and it cannot be determined with certainty whether the politician’s acts are or are not criminal, but even those borderline transactions should be avoided by ethical people.

The second problem area is election fraud. Whether in the circulation of petitions, the alteration of documents, false statements of residency or income, excessive campaign contributions, unrepor ted bundling, or other sins, politics provides many oppor tunities for misconduct by candidates or their supporters. Whether the candidate knew about these misdeeds, or whether he directed them, are matters for the courts to determine. But this is a growing field, and the more requirements there are that statements be attested to, the greater the possibility of prosecutions.

The third area deals with the personal lives of the candidate and his family. Politicians are people in the public eye, and there is public interest in their lives and activities.

Minor sins are much more likely to come to public attention if the sinner is a bold-face name. This is particularly true if the case involves a close friend or relative of the politician. It even applies to employees of the government that the politician is involved with.

I remember that any file clerk in a city agency would be

referred to as a “Koch aide” in the papers if anything wrong took place, even though Koch and the commissioners had never even heard of the fellow, much less knew that he was doing anything wrong. If, by any chance, the mayor Henry Stern had heard of him sometime, the employee became “key Koch aide”. I learned over the years that the identity of the mayors were interchangeable.

It is for reasons like these that wrongdoing in government is sometimes exaggerated. Nevertheless, there is much serious chicanery that does go on, and is never detected, or if defected is never published. So one cannot say that misconduct is overreported by the media. If the scales are out of balance, the error is on the side of underreporting or ignoring sins of omission and commission by public officials and their public relations staffs, who serve their employers just as lawyers do.

StarQuest@NYCivic.org

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

Borough Beat

Palace Diner Set To Close On Friday

BY ROSS BARKAN

The Palace Diner on Main Street in Flushing is closing Friday. populace has made the old diner no longer profitable. Over the past few decades, Flushing's Asian population has surged, and now area restaurants and businesses reflect the tastes of immigrant groups and their children. Dim sum and curry noodles are not likely to appear on too many diner menus.

Just below 48 percent of Queens is foreign born, with the highest immigrant population growth occurring in Northern Queens, according to 2010 Census data.

Myra Baird Herce, former president of the Flushing Chamber of Commerce, said she was devastated when she found out the diner, opened in 1976, was closing.

ter Koo's (R-Flushing) spokesman, said that the councilman frequented the diner and regrets that it is closing. While local businesses, if they are to survive, must be sure to appeal to their chief demographic, McClelland said, a business that is inclusive to people of all backgrounds works best.

"Councilman Koo hopes any business, Chinese or other, will be inclusive," McClelland said. "The more inclusive you are, the better your business model. Chinese businesses should not only cater to Chinese customers, and vice versa."

Rubin, his muffin finished, looked back at all the change that had occurred in his neighborhood during the half century he has lived there. In the 1950s, Flushing still had farmland, and residents living there could have been old enough to remember when the Town of Flushing voted against consolidating with New York City in 1898. Times change, and now the Palace Diner will disappear into Queens' multitudinous past.

"I remember when this was a supermarket," Rubin said. "And now, it'll change again."

Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.

Dec. 30, 2011 - Jan. 5, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Yet another casualty of rapidly shifting demographics, the Palace Diner will close for good on Dec. 30, marking the end of an era for a neighborhood that has watched diner after diner disappear.

The Flushing diner on Main Street, off the Long Island Expressway, drew residents and tourists alike in its heyday, serving as a meeting place for numerous local civic groups and politicians. At its peak, hungry patrons could have to wait hours for a table. Civic leaders and longtime diner-goers agree that those days are long past, and the diner's closing is sad, but not surprising. Taking its place, according to the diner's owner, will be an "upscale" Chinese restaurant.

"The Marchal, the Tower Diner, the Saravan, and now the Palace Diner," said Harvey H. Rubin, ticking off the names of other shuttered area diners. "As the community changes, it gets harder to maintain a general type of restaurant like a diner."

Over a chocolate chip muffin at the Palace's no-longer-crowded counter, Rubin, a retired math teacher and 53-year resident of Flushing, reminisced about the diner's glory days and how a changing

"We have no place to go for American brunch and American sandwiches," Herce said. "Population trends have been moving very sharply the past 15 years toward Chinese. I understand why the owner had to sell."

George Mantzikos, the diner's owner, declined to comment on the sale, but said with a solemn smile, "Life goes on."

Herce and Rubin both said the diner served as a de facto community center.

With its spacious private rooms, civic groups like the Queensborough Hill Civic Association and politicians like U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Bayside) and former Assemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn would come to hammer out important neighborhood decisions, or just have a bite to eat among old friends. Baird said that aging residents who cannot travel very far are losing the dining options they had known for so long.

"We are an evolving country, new people come in all the time," Herce said.

"Let's have a variety of places, but it's not working out that way. It's becoming very one-sided-Americans that have been in Flushing are slowly drifting away to the clouds. It's a change, and there's no residual comfort for the original population."

James McClelland, Councilman Pe-

Queens Library:

Still Growing After All These Years is Flushing. Not only has the northeastern branch’s surrounding area seen significant growth in its Asian populations, “we’re also seeing people from Afghanistan, Russia, as well as a strong Hispanic presence in that library,” Chan said.

“It’s not just people living in the area who are coming in,” she said. “It has become a hub for northeastern Queens.

People take the 7 Train then transfer back home just to get to and from there. It’s amazing how important this branch has become to many.”

Going forward, the Queens Library’s budget is said to remain in doubt fiscally.

Keeping this in mind, one approach the library has undertaken for ensuring the City’s budget crisis does not affect it providing readers with limitless resources is by embracing the digital age.

BY JASON BANREY

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 30, 2011 - Jan. 5, 2012

For more than 150 years, the Queens Public Library has persevered through economic adversity, continuing to “light the way” for those who wish to take advantage of its educational resources.

From the first documented public library in the borough, which opened in Flushing in 1858, to tomorrow’s state-ofthe-art renovations and expansion of Elmhurst’s longstanding Carnegie branch, Queens Library is in a class of its own.

In the book, “Lighting the Way: The Centennial History of the Queens Borough Public Library,” Jeffrey Kroessler explored the history of the public institution. Originally, libraries were set up as a paid resource. In the beginning, Flushing Library Association, which eventually developed into today’s multistoried structured building, was created and its members paid $2 a year to borrow books, a policy which was eventually abandoned by 1884 after library directors proclaimed that the library would now be opened to the public for free.

While this public library flourished, small privately-supported libraries in the towns of Hollis, Ozone Park and Queens Village struggled to keep their independent doors opened. Their “efforts reflected the civic pride and social responsibility of the good citizens in these places, but those libraries were hardly open to all, and their survival depended upon private generosity. Nor did they benefit from a professional staff, relying instead on volunteers,” Kroessler writes.

Today, 62 branches, and the Central Library in Jamaica, have been able to avoid fiscal uncertainty and dwindling funds from the City, sustaining themselves within a hierarchy which has become one of the most prestigious and long-lasting library systems in the nation.

In the past, libraries were viewed as academic institutions, built with ascending staircases leading toward a marble edifice that invited its visitors toward a wealth of knowledge. Once viewed as an intimidating educational structure, the Queens Library has altered its presence

In 2010, The Queens Library had a circulation of more than 110 million.

as an institution in the borough, becoming a community place for lifelong learning, welcoming all individuals into an accommodating setting for those who wish to enter.

“The Queens Library has become a community place and space,” Thomas Galante, chief executive director of the Queens Library, said.

The institution has evolved through a wide range of programs and services, catering to the diversity of the borough, individually developing community library collections relevant to the needs and personalities of its neighborhoods.

The modification and renovation of particular facilities throughout the more than 60 library branches, including the Central branch, have recently become a priority. Given the growing number of members as well as others who visit the library on a daily basis, Queens Library has taken it upon itself to accommodate the growing population in a comfortable space, maintaining its importance in the lives of the borough’s denizens.

“We’ve got people who come to us from all walks of life,” Galante said of the mixture of races, religions and cultures in the surrounding neighborhoods of which each of the Queens Library branches caters to. “The primary reason they come to us is to enjoy their lives even more.”

According to Galante, the services the Queens Library offers have helped sharpen individual skills. “Whether you’re someone who has lived in the United States all their lives doing research on a topic, an immigrant retooling your resume or learning English for the first time, or readToday, visitors to Queens Library branches can surf the ing up on how to become Internet or attend workshops. a citizen, the [Queens

Public Library] is a place for someone looking to change their life,” he said.

“We’re a center for learning with no boundaries.”

Expanding Into the Future In 2012, the Elmhurst branch will undergo a $27.8 million renovation, which will feature four additional levels, a Cyber Center, a new Adult Learning Center as well as separate areas for children, teenagers and adults. The push to expand and renovate various branches within the library system has been the key for accommodating growing numbers of visitors.

Even before the decision was made to expand the overpopulated branch, the library took the time to acquire data on the ethnic components of the service area, considering age, income level, as well as ethnicity. An extra effort will help guide a plan for the new library, taking into consideration how much language-related material will be needed in addition to the existing collection.

“A lot of people don’t think the library does marketing research like this,” said Lacey Chan, information and data analysis librarian, who is in charge of gaining information on the borough’s demographics.

For nearly 15 years, Chan has solely helped acquire information and analysis, in order to help develop and establish collections which mirror the neighboring demographic.

“As we all know Queens is the most diverse county in the United States,” Chan said. “We have people from all over the world.”

Chan’s position was created in 1995 in an effort to give Queens’ growing demographics more consideration.

“Queens Library pays great attention to customer service and one way of doing that is knowing our customers,” Chan said. “Statistics allow us to see the customers coming and going.”

One branch which exemplifies the library’s effort to cater to its community

Information In A Digital Age As information continues to grow exponentially, the Queens Library sees itself continuing to digitize its collection of information, much of it for research in particular, “giving more improved ways to find information.

“Librarians will need to help people find what they need in a growing sea of information,” Galante said. “I see paper books as well as e-books. They will both have their place at the Queens Library.”

With a background in business administration as well as library science, Galante’s expertise has made him a proponent of helping get major publishers on board for helping the Queens Library make the transition into a digital age.

Galante says he understands how the publishers are thinking.

“They are concerned about losing sales,” Galante said.

One way they suggest publishers can eliminate that concern or risk is by having people download their e-content.

“It can be the same as what we’ve been doing with our paper books for all these years. I believe it’s important to follow that same model into a digital world. Once the publishers wake up and see that, they will realize there is an expandable market of people that prefer both to borrow as well as pay for their stuff.”

The library does license e-books, but they do not have all the content they’d like.

“Prices are higher than what an individual pays for a published book,” Galante said. “I see libraries becoming more and more of a community place whether it’s digitally or in person. What we are doing now is preparing us for that transition.”

As the Queens Public Library progresses into the future, Galante said they see themselves continuing to be a bastion of educational resources for the community.

“As the world continues to change at an exponential pace, we need to keep up with those who want to take advantage of what we have to offer to change their skills sets in a developing world,” Galante said. “That’s the challenge we have. It’s a challenging mission but in the end it’s worth it.”

Police Blotter Compiled by ROSS BARKAN

102nd Pct. Headlock The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the following individual wanted for a robbery, which took place on Dec. 17 at approximately 3:30 a.m. at 93rd Avenue and 112th Street. The suspect, a Hispanic man, approximately 25-years-old, standing 5-foot-7 and weighing 170 lbs., placed a 59-year-old livery cab driver in a headlock, causing him to crash into a fence in front of 91-58 112th St. The suspect removed money from the victim’s bag and fled the scene.

104 Pct.

struck by a westbound Long Island Railroad train near Fresh Pond Road and Metropolitan Avenue and pronounced dead.

106th Pct. Assault The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a black man between the ages of 17 and 20 wanted for an assault, which took place on Dec. 20 at approximately 4:30 p.m. in front of 105-06 Crossbay Blvd. The suspect punched the victim numerous times in the head and body, causing injury. The suspect was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.

Stabbing And LIRR Suicide

Gun Assault

On Dec. 20 at approximately 6:06 a.m., police responded to an assault at 60-79 56th St. Upon arrival, police observed Maureen Biermann, 43, unconscious with a stab wound to the neck inside of the building and a 22-year-old man with multiple stab wounds to the back outside the location. EMS transported Biermann to Wyckoff Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, and the male victim to Elmhurst Hospital, where he is listed in stable condition. There have been no arrests made and the investigation is ongoing.

The suspect, identified as James Peck, 33, of 67-20 Central Ave., Queens, was

The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a black man between the ages of 35 and 40 wanted for a robbery and assault, which took place on Dec. 13 at approximately 1:00 a.m. in front of 117-26 126th St. The suspect, armed with a silver handgun, approached a 16-year-old boy who was seated in a vehicle. The boy was then physically assaulted with the gun. The boy’s friend, seated in the rear seat, handed over his wallet and cell phone at which time the driver of the vehicle pulled away. The suspect then fired at the vehicle, striking the boy in the upper right shoulder.

The suspect is between 5-foot-7 and

5-foot-10, medium build and 170-180 lbs. with shoulder length dreadlocks. He was last seen wearing a black hooded jacket.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call Crime stoppers at (800)-577-TIPS (8477).

109th Pct. Fake Officer The NYPD is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the following individuals wanted in connection with a robbery that occurred on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 10:30 p.m. One suspect is a Hispanic man and the other is an unidentified man.

A woman was posting flyers when she was approached by a burgundy colored van or SUV containing four people. The suspect stated it was illegal to post flyers and asked for the woman’s identification after displaying a business card with a police logo. The suspect had the woman enter the vehicle and drove her to her residence. In the back of the vehicle there were two additional individuals who the suspect identified as being under arrest.

The suspect then accompanied the woman to her apartment where she produced her identification. The man forced her to disrobe and sexually assaulted her; the woman then f led to a neighbor’s apartment. The suspect then fled the location with a lap top and house keys.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or the identity and whereabouts of the suspects is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-(800)-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 273637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

114th Pct. Bonnie And Clyde The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating two individuals wanted for questioning in regards to a burglary pattern. They have been allegedly involved in 12 separate burglary incidents between Jun. 23 and Dec. 14.

The suspects are Eldin Ahmetovic, a 33-year-old white man, approximately 5foot-10 and 165 lbs. with brown eyes and brown hair, and Yulia Bushuyeva, a 32year-old white female, approximately 5foot-6 and 130 lbs. with a tattoo on the right side of her neck reading “Dino.”

Anyone with information in regards to these individuals is asked to call Crime stoppers at (800)-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

Dec. 30, 2011 - Jan. 5, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

pix

Holiday Gathering

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

Photo by Veronica Lewin

Community Christmas Party

State Sen. Malcolm Smith (c.) hosted a Christmas party for his constituents on Dec. 16. Many community members went to Smith’s district office to enjoy live music and food with the Senator.

Hundreds of Queens boys and girls recently attended the Police Athletic League’s annual holiday party. Pictured with the children include Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, party co-chair Margo Catsimatidis, PAL chairman Robert M. Morgenthau, PAL’s executive director Alana Sweeny, and PAL board member and party co-chair John Catsimatidis, along with other staff members of the NYPD.

Season of Giving

Annual Toy Drive

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 30, 2011 - Jan. 5, 2012

The Queens County Yo u n g D e m o c r a ts (QCYD) participated in the annual toy drive for the Sean Elijah Bell Community Center on Saturday Dec.17.

From left: Angelica Katz, Hersh Parekh, Josephine Kim, U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks, City Comptroller John Liu, William Bell and Valerie Bell.

The Queens/Brooklyn chapter of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants recently collected $450 for Toys for Tots. The funds were presented during the chapter’s annual holiday party on Dec. 8. Pictured include Anthony Zaccarelli, CPA, treasurer; Mark Ulrich, CPA, president-elect; Jean Joseph, CPA,president; Edward Esposito, CPA, vice president; Edward Torres, CPA, executive board member; and executive board members Orley Cameron, CPA; Genroy Richards, CPA; and Winston Thompson, CPA.

Dec. 30, 2011 - Jan. 5, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Profile

Outreach Group Works With OWS

BY JASON BANREY Invigorated and empowered by the inclusive nature of the Occupy Wall Street movement, borough families have flocked to Occupy Queens, the borough off-shoot of the nationally recognized movement.

Joining working groups to address community concerns, residents have acquired responsibilities within their neighborhoods spreading the word about the grassroots initiative. Since its inception, Occupy Queens’ Outreach Working Group has attempted to establish contact with community residents in various neighborhoods around the borough in order to increase participation in its cause.

Some of the revealing traits of those standing on the streets, handing out f liers to passersby, are their ability to translate their commonality of issues many Queens denizens already face.

“Outreach is a way to find people who can benefit from what we’re doing and give them an opportunity to participate in having their own voices heard,” Jackson Heights resident Barri Falk said of her efforts to engage others as a member of the Outreach Working Group for Occupy Queens.

“Some people are timid and less likely

began in September. Despite her responsibilities at home and work, she found time to attend several demonstrations downtown.

After finding out about Occupy Queens’ first General Assembly meeting, she attended and has not stopped since. One aspect of the borough offshoot Falk has fallen in love with is its tendency to cater to families interested in participating in more than 20 working groups within the borough’s movement.

“In Zuccotti Park, people tended to be younger and in their 20s,” Falk said. “Occupy Queens is a little bit more of a family-oriented grouping of people and it caters to what I have going on in my life.”

As oppose to OWS’s occupation in Lower Manhattan, Occupy Queens has the luxury of Barri Falk and her daughter, Alina, 5. holding its meetings indoors, afto get out there and speak their minds. ter traditional working hours, making Not me. Outreach is really about recon- gatherings more accommodating to the necting with the people in our commu- typical working parent.

Although the setting can be comfortnity.”

Falk, a tour guide and mother of one, able for the diverse number of individuals was thrilled by the emergence of the from all backgrounds and ages attending Occupy Wall Street movement when it an Occupy Queens General Assembly

meeting, the winter months can make it difficult to keep everyone engaged.

For the demonstrators of Zuccotti Park, living together for two months made it easier for them to connect and strategize events, teach-ins and demonstrations.

“In that sense, things can happen more quickly,” Falk said. “In [Occupy Queens’] case, we’re meeting once a week and over the Internet in between. In some ways, it makes it a little harder to get things started but I think we will become more and more organized.”

Currently, there is a core group of people committed to the Occupy Queens movement. As the next couple of months go by, “hopefully by the spring, we will have hundreds of people coming,” Falk said. “Queens is a large area, which is a bit of an issue. But right now we’re getting things underway. The goal is to eventually become more regional. So everyone can make it.”

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Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 30, 2011 - Jan. 5, 2012

People

Councilman James Gennaro and Deputy Mayor Cas Holloway.

Councilman James Gennaro recently presented Deputy Mayor Cas Holloway with the Alley Pond Environmental Center’s Green Leadership Award at the center’s 2011 gala and silent auction.

Gennaro, chairman of the council’s Environmental Protection Committee, praised Holloway for his prior work as commissioner of the city’s Department of Environmental Protection, where he appointed the agency’s first deputy commissioner for sustainability and directed the creation of a green infrastructure plan to improve water quality in New York Harbor.

The New York Lottery recently announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning instant game ticket Dec. 11-17 and received a cash prize valued at $10,000 or more.

Paul McCargo of East Elmhurst won $25,000 on the Triple Million instant game. McCargo’s winning ticket was purchased at the 7-Eleven at 219-17 Hillside Ave., Queens Village.

Marlos Santos of Far Rockaway won $150,000 on the Mega Money Multiplier instant game. Santo’s winning ticket was purchased at the 1401 Deli Grocery at 14-01 Central Ave., Far Rockaway.

Rubina Montapert of Glendale won $25,000 on the Triple Million instant game. Montapert’s winning ticket was purchased at the Newsstation at 37 Railroad Avenue Babylon Railroad, Babylon.

John Piro of College Point won $10,000 on the Monopoly instant game.

Piro’s winning ticket was purchased at the Silvertim, 132-07a 14th Ave., College Point.

Jorge Caballero of Ridgewood won $10,000 on the Bingo Boxes instant game. Caballero’s winning ticket was purchased at the Star Four Mini Market at 793 Wyckoff Ave., Ridgewood.

Miyan Foreman of Jamaica won $10,000 on the Double Triple Cashword instant game. Foreman’s winning ticket was purchased at the Ocean Sunrise, 2 Sunrise Highway, Rockville Centre.

The following local students were re-

cently named to the fall honor roll at the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Conn.

Sakirat Akadri, a junior from Jamaica, received High Honor Roll.

Gregory Duverge, a junior from Long Island City, received Honor Roll.

Amanda Ottah, a senior from Far Rockaway, received High Honor Roll.

The New York Lottery recently announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning ticket from the Lottery’s live drawings Dec. 11-17 and received a cash prize valued at $10,000 or more.

William Mero of Ridgewood won $10,000 on the Win 4 drawing Dec. 11.

Mero’s winning ticket was purchased at the Associated Supermarket, 920 Seneca Ave., Ridgewood.

Devon Napier of Jamaica won $10,000 on the Win 4 drawing Nov. 7. Napier’s winning ticket was purchased at the S&F Petro, 148-12 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park.

Viqar Ali of Jamaica won $10,000 on the Win 4 drawing Dec. 12. Ali’s winning ticket was purchased at the SG Food Center at 88-21 169th St., Jamaica.

Edgar Flores of Jamaica won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing Dec. 13.

Flores’ winning ticket was purchased at the Jamaica Star Candy and Grocery, 8774 168th St., Jamaica.

Gregory Karalis of Douglaston won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing

Nov. 22. Karalis’ winning ticket was purchased at the Sanat Cards and Gifts, 21424 73rd Ave., Bayside.

Irene Nisirios of Bayside won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing Dec. 13.

Nisirios’ winning ticket was purchased at the Howard News at 97-15 Queens Blvd., Rego Park.

Major General Patrick A. Murphy, the Adjutant General, recently announced the reenlistment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Master Sergeant Jessica Huff of College Point has reenlisted to continue service with the Company A, Recruiting & Retention.

Specialist Maria Trinidad of Ozone Park has reenlisted to continue service with the Company C, 642d Support Battalion.

Specialist Joel Reyes of South Ozone Park has reenlisted to continue service with the Company A, 642d Support Battalion.

Specialist Michael Brown of Jamaica has reenlisted to continue service with the Company G, Forward Support Company Field Artillery, 427th Brigade Support Battalion.

Private 1st Class Christopher Cruz of Rockaway Park has reenlisted to continue service with the 719 Transportation Company.

A&E

Queens-Bred Star Heads To The Stage

BY ELYSE TREVERS Rosedale native John Turturro is wellknown to audiences from his movie roles in Quiz Show, Barton Fink and You Don’t Mess With the Zohan. Turturro is also an experienced theatrical director.

(Endgame, Waiting for Godot, Life (x) 3) who had the challenging task this past season of working with three different playwrights in the new comedy “Relatively Speaking.”

Broadway theater has developed a formula for attracting audiences. The performances and the play need not be stellar; add a celebrity and audiences will come.

For example, this year Samuel L. Jackson, Angela Bassett and Kim Cattrall are drawing fans to see them onstage. Although most of the actors in “Relatively Speaking” are familiar stage and screen faces, the real celebrities of the comedy are its three famous playwrights, Ethan Coen (of the Coen brothers), Elaine May and Woody Allen. Each has written a short act that is a part of the play. The connecting themes of the three are relationships, humor and some psychology. The Coen and Allen pieces include Jewish humor as well.

In “Taking Cure,” by Coen, a mental patient who has anger management problems has several sessions with a psycholo-

Restaurant Review

La Bottega Finding Customer Base LA BOTTEGA 42-29 Bell Blvd., Bayside (718) 906-6311 CUISINE: Italian HOURS: Sun-Thu 11 am-10 pm; Fri-Sat 11 am-11:30 pm PARKING: Street CREDIT CARDS: All Major

Red Storm Holds Off Fordham Rally

BY DAVID RUSSELL The St. John’s Red Storm beat the Fordham Rams in a rare intra-city matchup in the second half of the recent Madison Square Garden Holiday Festival Doubleheader on Dec. 17. A year after blowing a 21-point lead to the Rams, St. John’s nearly squandered a 16-point advantage but held on to win 56-50.

One of St. John’s biggest rivals outside of the Big East, Fordham and St. John’s faced each other on and off since the 190809 season. It has been, at times, an intense rivalry, highlighted by the Lou CarneseccaTom Penders feud and Mike Jarvis’ decision to stop St. John’s from playing intracity road games after a heartbreaking loss at Rose Hill Gym in the Bronx.

“Playing in the Garden is a home run,” Fordham coach Tom Pecora, who was born in Queens Village, said. “It’s great playing St. John’s; it’s great for the city.

It’s a game that should be played.”

The game also had special meaning for local product Maurice Harkless. “Especially me being from New York, a lot of guys there (on Fordham) are from New York. They were talking junk, but now I have bragging rights for the year.”

With assistant coach Mike Dunlap fill-

ing in for Steve Lavin, the Red Storm played back and forth with Fordham, but an 11-0 run to end the first half gave St. John’s a 35-26 lead. The Rams stayed in the game due to a barrage of three-pointers by Branden Frazier, who finished the half with 13 points. St. John’s scored the first seven points of the second half, capped by a Phil Greene bucket, to take a 42-26 lead, before fatigue seemed to set in. Dunlap played his five starters the whole first half. The only substitution of the game was Malik Stith coming off the bench for four minutes in the second half.

The Red Storm may have had flashbacks to last year when a 60-39 lead slipped away in the Bronx and turned into a 84-81 loss. Fordham went on a 24-11 to cut the lead to 53-50 with under two minutes to play and had a chance to tie the game, before the St. John’s defense clamped down, and held on for the win.

D’Angelo Harrison led the team with 15 points. Harkless notched his third double-double in a row, with 13 points and 16 rebounds.

“Once you get that second wind, I feel like I could keep playing another 40 minutes”, Harkless said. Dunlap, who was seated next to Harkless commented “Keep that attitude.”

Dec. 30, 2011 - Jan. 5, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

In Italian, la bottega means “the shop.” The word is often used to describe that small market down in the piazza where you buy your cheese, meats, fish, bread and perhaps a new sauce pan; everything you might need to make, say, a panini. But in Bayside, “the shop” is where you get the panini made for you, almost any way you want it.

La Bottega, located along a busy stretch of Bell Boulevard between Northern Boulevard and the Bayside LIRR station, is a new addition to the busy downtown strip. It opened last fall, the first Queens location for the chain that has set up shop all over Long Island, and survived a harsh winter. La Bottega owner Pasquale said the site is now finding a real customer base; local businesses at lunch; commuters coming off the LIRR in the evening. Offering free delivery, they are also becoming popular for their take out.

Walking into La Bottega’s Bayside restaurant, the scenery is more pizzeria than sit-down eatery, but hidden in the back, away from the hustle and bustle of Bell Boulevard, is the dining room, crowned with a bar in the back that Pasquale hopes will serve liquor once the restaurant gets its license. I met also with La Bottega’s chef, Tim, who tells me a little about his love of cooking.

I started with a Zola Salad, an exciting mixture featuring baby arugula, mushrooms, red onions, corn, bacon, gorgonzola crumbles and balsamic dressing. This was a thrill. With so many ingredients, every forkful unearthed a different flavor; the smooth sharp taste of

the balsamic in one bite, the southwestern flavor of the corn and bacon in the next. Though I had a small salad just to taste, a large Zola salad definitely screams to be a meal itself.

Tim offered me four of his famous mozzarella sticks, which were less like sticks and more like “Italian Pierogis.”

These aren’t the mass-produced frozen sticks you buy in the supermarket; the cheese, made on site, is fresh and gooey and melts in your mouth. It is enveloped in a stunning mixture of flavors, which Tim created all on his own like a chemist in a lab. These are the type of mozzarella sticks that needs to be enjoyed with a fork and knife.

The portobello bruschetta was next on my menu. On long strips of roasted Italian bread lie large roasted portobello mushrooms, which crown the dish, along with tangy goat cheese and fresh walnuts. It was the nuts that attracted me to the dish, and they did not disappoint. They seemed to enhance the flavor of the Portobello, while toning down the goat cheese.

Then it was panini time. There are dozens of different paninis, to choose from; it’s almost impossible to pick just one. There are chicken, pork, seafood, beef, cured meats and even vegetarian and gluten-free paninis. I finally settled on the “Prego” panini, a suggestion from Pasquale. This was a prosciutto lover’s dream. Sandwiched between the thick and tasty krispina bread is prosciutto, saunteed spinach, grilled red onions and fontina cheese.

The paninis are big, so make sure to leave room for them; if you do fill up with some left, definitely ask for a doggy bag. I took half the panini home and to my surprise, it remained just as tasty reheated later as it was taking the first bite in the restaurant, so your dining experience at “the shop” can continue even after you pay the check.

—Domenick Rafter

gist. After he describes his parents, we get to see his parents interact.

There’s very little humor in the play, but, ironically what is there comes from the parents fighting.

The middle piece, “George is Dead,” is the darkest and ends on a down note. A vapid, wealthy woman comes to the home of her former John Turturro and Aida Turturro at the opening nanny’s daughter to announce that of “Relatively Speaking.” her husband George has died in an avalanche in Aspen. The best part of the play is Marlo Thomas as the woman, and although she looks frightful in a ghastly blond wig, Thomas milks her characters for all the laughs she can get. Although her self-centered ways create humor, her characters notes that she even bores herself.

“Honeymoon Motel” is the last and the best of the three. It’s vintage Allen.

Those who prefer Woody Allen’s ear- Max Gordon Moore, Marlo Thomas and Lisa liest movies to his later works will re- Emery take a bow. ally love this play. With loads of oneliners, Allen pokes fun at marriage, reli- Shaud, are familiar from their television gion and psychology (“Freud was a ge- and movie performances. Richard nius. Who else could make an hour into Libertini is hysterical as the rabbi who 50 minutes”). There’s word play and some continues to drink and make jokes even slapstick. The story is silly but who cares? after the wedding has gone soured.

You actually laugh a lot at this play.

Although the plays are arranged in Rehearsals must have been like ‘old order of length, they are actually prehome week’ at “Relatively Speaking” since sented in order of funny with Allen’s, the many of the performers and creatives last one as the most humorous. Each of have worked together before. Turturro has the three has its own tempo and the difstarred in Coen movies and Julie Kaver is ferent playwrights’ skills are apparent. a Woody Allen regular. Others, like Steve Queens-bred Turturro has the hardest job Gothenburg. Mark Linn-Baker and Grant of all, trying to make them all work.

Faith

Church Ministry Keeps Jamaica Warm Two weeks after organizing a coat drive for droves of people in Jamaica, Betty Johnson said she’s still catching up on her sleep.

“I’m still tired, but it’s a good tired because we did a good thing,” she said.

Johnson and the Sharing and Caring Outreach Ministry hosted a holiday coat drive on Dec. 17 at the Rush Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, located at 119-48 Sutphin Blvd. in Jamaica. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., people of all ages came to the church to receive free clothing. Dozens of people lined up outside the church on an unseasonably warm Saturday to attend the Sharing and Caring event. Children who attended the event were sent home with a holiday gift. “It’s been a blessing,” Johnson said.

The Wednesday before the clothing drive, Johnson and her staff dropped off toys and food to a shelter in Jamaica to

Betty Johnson, coordinator of the Sharing and Caring Outreach Ministry.

spread Christmas cheer. Johnson said it was a pleasure to be able to give food, clothing and presents to everyone who attended the Dec. 17 event, especially after the economy took a turn for the worse. Johnson said she was delighted to be able to help so many people during tough times.

“God needs all of us to help, and I’m one of them who can, so I’m going to help,” she said.

Johnson has been apart of the Rush Temple A.M.E. Zion Church’s Sharing and Caring Outreach Ministry since 1992. For decades, the ministry has been serving the congregation of more than 600 people, along with the rest of the community.

Johnson said it is her calling to help. “I’m working to fulfill my duties for God, that’s what it’s all about,” she said.

When she’s not coordinating clothing drives, Johnson volunteers at the church’s afterschool program. For the last 30 years, Johnson has been involved with the afterschool program at the church. She said about 60 students come to the Jamaica church for a hot meal and homework help.

“We’ve blessed so many children and families,” Johnson said.

Johnson said she has already checked newspaper ads for post-Christmas sales in preparation for the ministry’s next community event. Johnson is able to coordinate all of her events with the help of volunteers. For more information about volunteering, call (718) 529-5719.

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

Photos courtesy of T&T Photos and Video

BY VERONICA LEWIN

Groups of people lined up outside of the Rush Temple A.M.E. Zion Church for the Dec. 17 coat drive.

Word “Religion did not exist for the saving of souls but for the preservation and welfare of society, and in all that was necessary to this end every man had to take his part, or break with the domestic and political community to which he belonged.”

—William Robertson Smith

Notebook District 31 Schools

Sanders Claus Delivers Tech Funding Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 30, 2011 - Jan. 5, 2012

BY VERONICA LEWIN Naughty or nice, “Sanders Claus” came to town to spread holiday cheer and technology funding.

Councilman James Sanders Jr. (DLaurelton) donned a Santa suit and delivered $50,000 to each school in his district this month to be spent on science and technological upgrades.

The total comes to $2 million in funding from the City Council, an amount Sanders allocates each year to ensure public schools in his district have up to date learning tools. The councilman delivered two more checks to Laurelton’s PS 270 and Rosedale’s PS 195 the week before Christmas.

“The highest calling of a Councilperson is to leave his district better than he found it, and I’ve been honored to help play a role in the future development of our students by providing this funding to keep our kids ahead of the

he wants the schools in his district to ensure they keep pace with modern advances. Borough President Helen Marshall has often expressed the importance of making sure Queens’ students have the resources available to explore an interest in science.

Sanders said today’s smart phones have as much computing power as the computers that NASA used to send men to the moon.

Councilman James Sanders Jr. delivered technology funding to schools in Laurelton and Rosedale.

“The trend in technology is game in science and technology,” Sand- sonal tablets and laptop computers for stu- for computers to get smaller and faster,” Sanders said. “It’s up to all of us to make dents to use throughout the school day. ers said earlier this month.

Sanders Claus delivered checks to sure we are giving our students every adIn the past, public schools in Southeast Queens have spent their science and tech- other schools this month, including his vantage, and keeping up with schools in nology funding on items such as smart old Far Rockaway middle school, PS 42. Nassau and Westchester.”

Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at boards, computers and laptops. In upcom- While delighting students with his suit and ing years, Sanders said he hopes the schools beard, Sanders Claus had a serious mes- vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, in his district will consider purchasing per- sage for teachers and staff. Sanders said Ext. 123.

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

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

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

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

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

Tjhs1961@aol.com

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

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

Light refreshments. Bring friends!

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

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

EXHIBIT

TALK OF THE TOWN Tu e s d a y s , J a n u a r y 3 , 1 7 , February 7, 21, March 6, 20 learn the art of public speaking at 7:15 in St. Albans. 6407092.

HAM RADIO CLUB Tuesdays, Januar y 3, February 7, March 6 Emergency Communications Service meets in Briarwood. 3576851.

MEN’S CLUB SOCCER Tuesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center 89:30. 263-7000.

FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tuesdays the Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets.

917-612-3463.

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

TOASTMASTERS Wednesdays, January 4, 18, February 1, 15, March 7, 21 learn the art of public speaking at the Voices of Rochdale

ENTERTAINMENT MOVING IMAGE Through March 4 Jim Henson Screenings and Programs. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 th Avenue, Astoria. 777-6800. $15.

ACROBATS Through December 31 Golden Dragon Acrobats at Queens Theatre in the Park.

760-0064.

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.

SCRABBLE Tuesdays at the Fresh Meadows library at 1 and at the East Flushing library at 3:30.

CHESS Tu e s d ay s a t 4 : 3 0 a t t h e Rosedale library and at 4 at the LIC library.

FILM & TALK Friday, January 6 Flushing Book Discussion Group and Film Screening at 1 at the Flushing library.

GAME DAY Fridays at 4:30 at the Woodhaven library.

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

GAME PLAYERS CLUB Fridays at 2 at the Hillcrest library.

PIANO & ORCHESTERA Saturday, January 7 Tchaikovsky and Liszt: Two Romantic Masterpieces for Piano and Orchestra featuring concert pianist Dr. Albert Zak and more at the Flushing library at 2.

SUNDAY CONCERT Sunday, January 8 Alva Anderson Quartet performs jazz at 3 at the Central library.

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS

To a s t m a s t e r s C l u b i n J a maica. 978-0732.

FLUSHING CAMERA Wednesdays, January 4, 18, February 1, 15, 29 Flushing Camera Club at Flushing Hospital. 479-0643.

KNIGHTS OF PY THIAS Wednesdays, January 4, 18, February 1, 15, March 7, 21 Queensview Lodge 433 in Whitestone. 917-754-3093.

BEREAVEMENT Wednesdays, January 4, February 1, March 7 Bereavement Support Group at Holy Family in Fresh Meadows. 7:30. 969-2448.

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.

WRITE! Thursday, January 5 “Shut up and Write” group at 6:30 at the Broadway library.

MEN’S PRIDE GROUP Thursdays, January 5, 19, February 2, 16, March 1, 15 Queens Pride House Men’s group 7-9. 429-5309.

LEADD CLUB Thursday evenings and one Saturday afternoon. Recreation Socialization Program for Learning Disabled Adults. 18+, able to travel on public transportation.

Arn310@aol.com information.

ART LEAGUE Friday, January 6 National Art League meets for a pottery demonstration at 8 at 442 1 D o u g l a st o n P a r k wa y.

Free.

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

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, January 7, 21 public speaking and effective communication 1012:15 at the Elmhurst Hospital Center Conference Room. 424-9754.

CAMBRIA HTS LIBRARY Saturday, January 14 Friends Board of Directors of Queens Library at Cambria Heights meet 4-5:15.

THEATER KILLING KOMPANY Friday, February 3 “Murder

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

PARENTS FIT KIDS Saturday, December 31 4:30-5:30. 174-03 Horace Harding Expressway. Fit Kids Nutrition and Exercise Program. 661-7687.

YOGA FOR PARENTS Wednesday, January 4 at the Cambria Heights library at 4.

FAMILY STORY TIME Thursday, January 5 at the Auburndale library for kids 5-12 at 4.

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

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

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

CROCHET Mondays 6-7 at the Rosedale library.

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

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

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

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

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

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

INTRO COMPUTERS Tuesdays, Januar y 3, 10 at the McGoldrick library. Register.

OWN BUSINESS Every Tuesday Owning Your Own Business: The Nuts and Bolts of Getting Started 6:307:30 at the Central library.

LI CHESS CLUB Tuesdays at the LIC library at 4.

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

KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays at the Windsor Park library at 2.

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

DO THE HUSTLE Wednesdays, January 4, 11, 18, 25 dance class to learn the American Hustle at 6:30 at the Flushing library.

RESUMES Wednesday, January 4 learn about resumes at the Central library 10:30.

CROCHET & KNIT Wednesday, January 4 crochet and knitting club at the Far Rockaway library at 2:30.

RESUME WRITING Wednesdays, January 4, 11 at 4 at the Arverne library.

STORING YOUR STUFF Wednesday, January 4 learn the different options for saving your documents at the Central library. Register 9905102.

KNIT & CROCHET Wednesday, January 4 at

the South Ozone Park library at 1.

KNITTING CLUB Wednesdays at the Bayside library. Register.

INTRO COMPUTERS Wednesdays at 10 at the Central library. Register.

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

DUPLICATE BRIDGE Wednesdays 10:30-3:00 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills. $12 session, includes light lunch. 261-2900 COMPLETE DRAWING Wednesdays 1-4 Complete Drawing class at the National Art League. $25 per class.

516-223-7659.

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

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

INTRO COMPUTERS Thursday, January 5 at the Pomonok library. Register.

BECOME A CITIZEN Thursdays, January 5, 12, 19, 26 at the Rego Park library at 5:30.

BOOT CAMP Thursdays learn computer programs at the Arverne library at 10:30.

COMPUTER BASICS Thursdays at the Glen Oaks library. Register.

BASIC COMPUTER Thursdays at the Rosedale library at 6.

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

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

CHESS CLUB Thursdays at the East Flushing library. Register.

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

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

CROCHET Thursdays at the South Hollis library at 6:30.

INTRO MICROSOFT Friday, January 6 at the Central library. Register 9905102.

BASIC COMPUTER Fridays, January 6, 13 at the Auburndale library. Register.

CHESS & CHECKERS Fridays, January 6, 13 at the Astoria library at 3:30.

CROCHET CLUB Friday, January 6 at the McGoldrick library at 4. For all ages.

BOOT CAMP Fridays through January 27 Computer Boot Camp at the LIC library at 2.

CHESS CLUB Fridays at the Auburndale library at 3:30.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Fridays at the Poppenhusen library at 10. Register.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Fridays at the Middle Village library. Register.

COMPUTER LAB Fridays computer practice lab time at the Arverne library at noon.

KNITTING CLUB Fridays at the Maspeth library at 10.

CHESS TUTORIAL Fridays at 4 at the Woodside library.

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

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

HENNA PAINTING Saturday, January 7 henna hand painting workshop at the Broadway librar y. First come, first served at 2.

LINKEDIN Saturday, January 7 learn how to use the website LinkedIn to look for employment, network and keep up with colleagues.LIC library at 2. Bring electronic copy of resume.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, January 7, 21, February 4, 18 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-4367940.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Saturday, January 7 at St. Mel’s in Flushing. $45. 631360-9720.

SENIORS AARP 3654 Tuesdays, Januar y 3, February 7, March 6 AARP 3654 meets in Bayside. 423-4237.

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

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

STARS Wednesday, January 4 Senior Theater Acting Repertory meets at the Hollis library at 10:30.

KEW GARDENS Wednesdays, January 4, 18 special dance class at 11.

Wednesdays, January 11, 25 Line Dancing Class at noon. Mondays comedy writing 2:30-3:30. Wednesdays Spanish conversation at 10. Kew Gardens Community Center, 80-02 Kew Gardens Road, suite 202.

HOWARD BEACH Wednesdays mah jongg at 10 and Zumba Gold 1:302 : 3 0 . 1 5 6 - 4 5 8 4 th S t r e e t .

738-8100.

STARS Friday, January 6 Senior Theater Acting Repertory at the Queens Village library at 10:30. 776-0529.

AARP 4158 Tuesdays, Januar y 10, February 14, March 13 North Flushing chapter 4158 meets at noon at the Church on the H i l l , 1 6 7 - 0 7 3 5 th A v e n u e , Flushing. New members and visitors welcome.

Dec. 30, 2011 - Jan. 5, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

FLUSHING TOWN HALL Through January 7 “Korean Painting Exhibition: A Walk Through Nature.” Permanent displays include “Jazz Live!”, “Flushing Town Hall:” Fact or Folklore,” an historical exhibition on Flushing Town Hall and its place in history, “Legends of the Queens Jazz Trail” 463-7700.

QUEENS COLLEGE ART Through January 13 “In Perpetuum: The Fall: Will Corwin” exhibition. Queens College Art Center. 9973770.

HALL OF SCIENCE Through January 15 Wild Minds: What Animals Really Think. Through February 5 Digital 11: The Alchemy of Change. Adults $11, children 2017 $8, college students with ID $8 and seniors $8. 699-0005.

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

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

777-6888.

BARBARA LEVEN Through January 31 “Enchanted Earth 2.0,” a photography exhibit by Barbara E. Leven will be on display at the Queens Botanical Gardens, 43-50 Main Street, Flushing. Tuesday through Sunday 8-4:30.

MEETINGS

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

APEC PROGRAMS January, February and March Alley Pond Environmental Center will hold Toddler time Nature Programs, Sunny Bunnies and Fledglings (for those 3-4). 2294000.

NEW YEAR CRAFT Saturday, December 31 make a snowflake bookmark at the Langston Hughes library at 2:30.

STORY BOOK LADY Saturdays 12:30-1:30 reading enrichment program for 6-9 year olds at Maria Rose International Doll Museum, 187-11 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. $7.50.

276-3454.

SCIENCE LAB Saturdays at the Central library at 11.

MATH HELP Saturdays at the Flushing library at 10.

BOOST HOMEWORK HELP Weekdays at 3 at the Cambria Heights library.

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

CHESS CLUB Every Saturday at the Flushing library at 2.

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

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

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

ARTS & CRAFTS Tuesdays, Januar y 3, 10 at the Auburndale library at 4.

BOOST WORD Tuesday, January 3 Word of the Week at the McGoldrick library at 5.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesday, Januar y 3 at the Hillcrest library at 3:30.

ARTS & CRAFTS Tuesday, Januar y 3 at the Auburndale library at 4.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesday, Januar y 3 at the Windsor Park library at 4.

BOOST NEW YEAR Tuesday, Januar y 3 at the Central library at 4:30.

CHESS CLUB Tuesdays at the LIC librar y at 4 and the Rosedale li-

Heating Oil

Heating Oil

TEENS brary at 4:30.

HAPPY HAPPY STORY TIME Wednesday, January 4 at the LIC library at 10:30.

BOOST SCIENCE Wednesday, January 4 at the McGoldrick library at 5.

STORY TIME Wednesdays, January 4, 11 East Elmhurst Storytime at 11:30.

STORY HOUR Wednesday, January 4 at the Baisley Park library at 10:30.

FAMILY COLORING Wednesday, January 4 family coloring and story time at t he Bay Terrace libra r y at 10:30.

MORNING STORY TIME Wednesday, January 4 at the Kew Gardens Hills library at 10:30.

LIBRARY BUDDIES Wednesday, January 4 at the Auburndale library at 4.

SLED CRAFT Wednesday, January 4 at the East Flushing library. Register.

CHESS CLUB Wednesday, January 4 at the Ridgewood library at 4.

BOOST NEW YEAR Wednesday, January 4 at the Central library at 4:30.

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

Junk Cars

CHESS CLUB Every Saturday at the Flushing library at 2.

LAPTOP USE Weekdays at 3 at the Laurelton library.

HOMEWORK HELP Weekdays at the LIC library at 3.

TEEN STUDY Mondays through Thursdays at the Lefrak Cit y library at 4.

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

TEEN CHESS Mondays at 6 at the Bayside library.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays, Januar y 3, 10 at the Hillcrest library at 3:30.

HOMEWORK & GAMES Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays homework help and teen gaming at the Fresh Meadows library at 4.

LIC CHESS CLUB Tuesdays at the LIC library at 4.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays at the Windsor Park library at 4.

RESUME WRITING Wednesday resume writing for young adults at 4 at the Arverne librar y.

ASIA SCHOLARSHIP Wednesday, January 4 learn more about the RMHC Asia

Junk Cars

Scholarship Program at the Flushing library at 4.

GAME DAY Wednesdays at the Howard Beach library at 4.

GAME DAY Wednesdays at the St. Albans library at 4.

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

KNIT & CROCHET Wednesdays at the South Ozone Park library at 1.

KNITTING CLUB Wednesdays at the Bayside library. Register.

GAMES, CRAFTS… Thursday, January 5 teens are invited for games, crafts, projects, music and more at the Hillcrest library at 3.

ANIME CLUB Thursdays, January 5, 12 Flushing Anime Club at 4 at the Flushing library.

TEEN THURSDAYS Thursdays at the Bay Terrace library at 3.

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

CHESS CLUB Thursdays at the East Flushing library at 5.

CHESS & CHECKERS Fridays, January 6, 13 chess and checkers club at 3:30 at the Astoria library.

Autos Wanted

WORK WITH ANIMALS Friday, January 6 working with animals and careers at the Woodside library at 3:30.

GAME DAY Friday, January 6 game day at the Broadway library t 4.

HAPPY HOUR Fridays, Januar y 6, 13 Teen Happy Hour at the Flushing library at 4.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays crafts at the Briarwood library at 4.

YOUNG REFORMERS Fridays, January 6, 13, 20, 27 Young Reformers Group at the Laurelton library. Register.

CHESS CLUB Fridays at the Auburndale library at 3:30.

GAME DAY Fridays at the Woodhaven library at 4:30.

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

TEEN FRIDAYS Fridays at the Seaside library at 4.

BOY SCOUT TROOP 1 Every Friday Men 12-17 who are interested in fun, friendship and adventure are invited to join Boy S c o u t Tr o o p 1 F l u s h i n g / Bayside 8-10 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 36-01 Bell Blvd.

Autos Wanted

JUNK CARS REMOVED CARS & TRUCKS • TRAILORS • HEAVY EQUIPMENT OLD CARS & MOTORCYCLES RUNNING OR NOT • WRECKS

$ TOP DOLLAR PAID • GET CASH TODAY $

516-437-8697 SE HABLA ESPANOL

Sewer & Drain

Sewer & Drain

Unless Otherwise Specified

Tree Service ARNOLDO’S TREE SERVICE • Pruning • Stump Grinding • Planting • City Permits Obtained • Prompt Storm Service 149-57 Beech Ave. • Flushing New York 11355 Ph: 718-463-7829 Cell: 917-337-4062

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Dec. 30, 2011 - Jan. 5, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

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Queens Parks Runner

Queens Zoo residents Cisco and Spangles open their holiday presents.

Bear-y Christmas tasty treats as visitors watched the spectacle.

Two Andean bears at the zoo, Cisco and Spangles, got to open their presents a little early. The animals, which can range between 132-400 pounds, happily chowed down on gifts of molasses and peanut butter before all the other animals. Perhaps they were celebrating Hanukkah instead.

Jimmy Van Berry

Ali Ricci Age: 26 Height: 5’6" Weight: 130 lbs Stats: 34-27-38

UnimPRESSive

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 30, 2011 - Jan. 5, 2012

Jimmy Van Bramer reading The Polar Express to preschoolers at Malu Homemade Ice Cream. Malu created an ice creams in his honor.

John F. Kennedy got an airport named for him; Ed Koch got a bridge; George Washington got an entire state. Politicians know they’ve made an impact when something noted shares their name.

For one Long Island City ice cream parlor, their councilman is deserving of such an honor.

Malu Homemade Ice Cream on Jackson Avenue debuted a new

ice cream flavor this month called “Jimmy Van Berry,” named for the neighborhood’s councilman Jimmy Van Bramer. The ice cream is a mix of blueberries, strawberries and chocolate fudge swirl with vanilla ice cream.

We’d like to suggest some other flavors named for Queens politicos. How about Crowley Crunch, Red Vallone Cake or Honey Nut Halloran?

Huma Abedin and hubby, former Congressman Anthony Weiner

Disgraced former Congressman has a little Weiner.

Following a year of near political suicide, former Congressman Anthony Weiner may have recently been blessed with a reprieve – a new born baby boy.

According to reports, Weiner and his wife, Huma Abedin, welcomed their firstborn, Jordan Zain Weiner into the world on Dec 21.

After a fall from political grace earlier this year, many aficionados were split on whether or not Weiner could make a comeback to the

What if Tony Avella had a press conference and nobody came?

An abandoned property at 2419 Francis Lewis Blvd is vexing Whitestone, and Tony Avella was there to let everyone know. An eyesore for 10 years, according to Avella, and the owner has stopped paying property taxes.

So Avella called a press conference. Only problem is due to an email snafu, some of the press did not show up.

Later in the day, a release went out detailing the press conference.

Now, if a tree falls in a forest and

A Little Weiner political spotlight and competitively vie for the City’s top spot as Mayor.

But with the arrival of Jordan Zain, Weiner may now seem sane to voters who lost confidence in the outspoken politician after a sexting scandal left him with his tail between his legs.

One thing is certain though, voters have always had a soft spot for baby-kissing politicians. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.

Mazel tov, Anthony.

no one is around to hear, does it make a sound? So, if a politician holds a press conference and the press isn’t around, does the politician make a sound?

Yes, because his office wrote a follow-up press release. Falling trees should hire a press secretary.

Confidentially, New York . . .

Models Of Queens

Everyone deserves to get a little something during the holidays, even if they aren’t human.

Caretakers at the Queens Zoo in Flushing Meadows Corona Park spent Christmas weekend giving out festive treats to the zoo’s inhabitants. Coyotes, pumas and bears (oh my!) spent Saturday and Sunday opening up wrapped presents stuffed with

Ali describes herself as “the girl next door,” and she hopes that finally getting the chance to focus on her modeling career leads to exciting new opportunities.

“It’s something I always wanted to do, so I went to modeling school to learn the basics,” she said.

Ali started to take her career more seriously this past September, and she has already taken some jobs as an extra in some upcoming motion pictures. She hopes to parlay those roles into more projects, in whatever medium comes her way.

“I welcome all opportunities,” she said. “Until I find my niche, I want to keep going and going.”

While she’s confident that she can make a career out of modeling, Ali is attending grad school and substitute teaches. In her spare time, Ali likes to take to the kitchen, cooking Italian foods with pasta and seafood.

Her favorite activity, however, is running. As part of the New York Road Runners, the organization that puts on the annual ING New York City Marathon, Ali gets to travel throughout the city. She has frequently visited various parks in Queens to practice for races, including the big marathon.

“I love all of New York City, it has such excitement and energy,” she said. “That energy definitely translates to Queens.

I can’t wait to come back and explore more of the borough.”

Ali said she hopes that she can one day walk down the catwalk to do some runway fashion shows, but she knows that her height could hold her back.

“Realistically, being 5’6, I know I may not do runway work,” she said.

“Most runway models are 5’9 or taller.”

But even if she doesn’t get to do runway work, Ali said that she hopes she can make a difference for other girls who aspire to be models.

“If I can inspire people to say, ’Hey, I can do this, too,’ it will have been worth it,” she said.

What’s Up SATURDAY, DEC. 31 Walkers for Wellness Club Looking for a fun way to improve your health? Join the Walkers for Wellness Club at New Hope Lutheran Church of Jamaica. Under the guidance of a Walking Leader, you will walk two to three times each week at a comfortable pace with others along routes throughout Southeast Queens. The club is open to walkers of all ages and abilities. The walking schedule is Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m., and Saturdays at 8 a.m. Walkers meet at New Hope Lutheran Church, located at 167-24 118th Ave. T-shirts and pedometers will be provided. Contact Thurkessa Brown at (917) 553-1089 for more information.

fingerplays and crafts with your toddler.

Recommended for ages 18 months-preschool.

This free event will be held at the Queens Library Rosedale Branch, 144-20 243 St., at 10:30 a.m.

CPR Training Learn About Resumes Are you ready to apply for jobs? Are you avoiding common errors? Does your resume stand out? Participants will learn how to get started, what to include and what not to include on your resume, and tips for making your resume stronger.

This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library's Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 10:30 a.m.

Harare 2012

Storing Your Documents

The Afrikan Poetry Theatre cordially invites you to its New Year's Eve and Kuumba Celebration! Don't miss this fantastic day of family fun, entertainment and drumming. The night will feature Heritage Ministry and the Joy of Performing Ensemble and will honor community recognition of our African elders. There will also be spoken word artists, vocalists, drumming, and dancing to a mix of cultural and popular music, with DJ Omar. A pan-African spiritual ceremonial circle will usher in a new era at Midnight! Free food and drinks The Afrikan Poetry Theatre is accepting offerings of fruit, drink or cash are being accepted! Bring your drums and shakers!

This free event will be held at Afrikan Poetry Theatre, 176-03 Jamaica Ave. from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Forget your flash drive again? From floppies to cloud computing, the options can seem endless and confusing. Learn about different options for saving your documents. To register, please call (718) 990-5102 or visit the Job Information Center. Basic computer skills required.

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

SUNDAY, JAN. 1 Happy New Year!

MONDAY, JAN. 2 New Year's Day Observed TUESDAY, JAN. 3 Walkers For Wellness Club

Own Your Own Business Learn how to develop your idea into a business plan. Participants will learn how to create demand for your product or service, set goals and objectives, budgeting and timelines, and identifying resources and networks. To register, call (718) 990-5102.

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

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 4 Picture Book Storytime Enjoy picture books, stories,songs,

THURSDAY, JAN. 5 Walkers For Wellness Club See Tuesday's listing.

Federal Government Jobs Are you ready for your next federal job application? Participants will learn about: the nature of federal employment, how and where to search for a federal job, how to read and understand federal job advertisements, how to apply for a federal job, and how federal resumes are different. To register, call (718) 990-5102 or visit the Job Information Center.

This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library's Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 4 p.m.

FRIDAY, JAN. 6 Outreach and Assistance Are you a young woman between 17-24 years of age and need assistance in applying for housing, completing college applications, financial aid and don't know where to turn? Contact the Daughters of Isis Foundation Inc. for information and to schedule an appointment. For additional information, visit thedaughtersofisisfoundation.org or contact Simone Williams at (347) 731-1721 or isis.staff@gmail.com.

This free event will be held on the second floor of the Young Queens Loft, 148-14 Liberty Ave., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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

For additional information, contact Ethan Chazin, Job Coach, at (718) 739-2060, Ext. 18 or echazin67@gmail.com.

This free event will be held at the Ja-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Story Book Lady The Maria Rose International Doll

Museum/Cultural Center is pleased to present a reading enrichment program -"Come To See The Story Book Lady."

Stories will be read on Wednesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. The cost is $7.50 per session or $30 a month. For additional information, contact Naida Njoku at 718-2763454 or naida187@aol.com.

This event will be held at the Maria Rose International Doll Museum/Cultural Center, located at 187-11Linden Blvd.

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.

Merrick Flea Market A flea market has opened at 221-02 Merrick Blvd. On sale are a wide range of items, including household items, jewelry and clothing.

The market is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

CPR Class Learn to protect yourself and others at Heron Care with a CPR class that includes a certification from the American Heart Association. Please call (718) 291-8788 for more details. Heron is located at 16830 89th Ave., Jamaica.

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

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

To become a volunteer with the Police Athletic League or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, please visit palnyc.org. Volunteers will go through an application process that includes an interview, screening and an orientation. For more information, please contact PAL's Volunteer Coordinator, Alexandria Sumpter-Delves, at (212) 477-9450, Ext. 390 or volunteer@palnyc.org.

Dec. 30, 2011 - Jan. 5, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

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

maica Neighborhood Center, 161-06 89th Ave. Services are available Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

THE NEW

89-11 Merrick Boulevard Jamaica, NY 718-990-0767 Train: F to 169th Street Bus: Numerous buses go to the 165th Street Bus Terminal.

Queens Library is an independent, not-for-proďŹ t corporation and is not aďŹƒliated with any other library system.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. ESI-0515597.

1170-8/11

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