Queens Press Epaper

Volume 11 Issue No. 52 Dec. 31, 2010 Jan. 6, 2011

PAGE 22

3./7 ",).$ Southeast Queens officials don’t believe the Mayor, who came to St. Albans Thursday to check on the progress of snow removal, understands the reality of the neighborhood’s poor blizzard clean-up.

By Jason Banrey…Page 3

GJDC’s Carlisle Towery Person Of The Year Page 9 & 10

Online at www.QueensPress.com

News Briefs

Father’s Club Christmas Photos by Juliet Kaye

It was the night before Christmas Eve, and more than 400 children were celebrating at the Second Annual Christmas Party sponsored by Assemblyman William Scarborough, Honorary Chair of the Million Fathers Club; Andrene Williams, Founder/Executive Director of Lady Doves; Derrick Phillips of Read Dads Network; Tammy Greer Brown of Celebrating Real Family Life; and Occasions Catering Hall.

Children were entertained by local youth groups, had their pictures taken with Santa, played organized games, had their faces painted by NYC Dept. of Parks and Recreation workers, received Christmas presents of their choice from the large selection and enjoyed cotton candy, dinner and dessert. Children and their families came from the Saratoga Inn Shelter in Jamaica, women’s shelters, and single fathers and their children. Fathers also received a Christmas present: a warm scarf.

It took the resources and contributions of many groups and organizations to stage an event of this size. Local businesses, including BBQ Pit, Marcel Robin Agency State Farm Insurance, Enterprise Car Rental, Springfield Diner and other merchants joined local groups, including United Black Men of Queens, Jamaica Branch of the NAACP Youth Group. Local elected officials also donated time and gifts, including Councilman Leroy Comrie and Sen. Malcolm Smith, who came by at the beginning of the party with a big bag of toys. Other contributors included the 113th Precinct Community Council, Youth and Tennis, and many more.

Assemblyman William Scarborough with co-host Andrene Williams, Founder and CEO of Lady Doves, and two of the children celebrating the night before Christmas Eve.

Co-host Derrick Phillips of Real Dads Network (l. to r.), Michael Johnson, Honorary Chair of the Million Fathers Club Assemblyman William Scarborough, a UBM Mentee volunteer who played Santa and Rodney Pride of United Black Men of Queens.

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 31, 2010 - Jan. 6, 2011

Saying Goodbye:

A color guard drapes a flag over the casket of Queens County Clerk Gloria D’Amico, who was laid to rest Christmas Eve after succumbing on cancer on Dec. 21.

Presstime

Bosses Suspected In Plow Slow Down Did Sanitation supervisors purposely botch the response to the blizzard to send a message to Mayor Mike Bloomberg over budget cuts? Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone) said he’s been told yes, but Sanitation officials and workers are saying no.

Halloran said five workers, three Sanitation workers and two DOT supervisors from Queens, contacted his office and informed him that Sanitation supervisors instructed workers to sit in their trucks immediately during and after the blizzard Sunday night and early Monday morning and wait for instruction. They were left waiting for 6-to-8 hours each without getting assignments.

Halloran said workers were told by supervisors from the Sanitation Dept. to “take their time” and not worry about missed streets. They were told, according to Halloran, that “Mayor Bloomberg does not care about Sanitation” and “this would send a message.”

The lackluster response came during a blizzard Sunday night that crippled the City, with a 20-inch snowfall leaving city services, mass transit, emergency responders and drivers abandoning hope of getting anywhere.

Halloran said one of the Sanitation workers came to his office independently of the other two. The councilman became suspicious when their stories corroborated each other’s.

Halloran noted that the workers who contacted him said the orders did not come from their unions, but rather their supervisors, and that union officers were not at all involved in any decision.

At least 10 percent of the Sanitation workforce did not show up to work during the blizzard, Halloran said, including 400 workers who called in sick and 100 who requested an emergency day off. He said that figure is not common during a snowstorm.

“People want the overtime,” he said.

While he acknowledged it was possible Christmas played a factor in the call-outs, he said there was “no reason to think, for a minute, we could not have had extra manpower, even with the Christmas holiday.”

The City Council has scheduled a hearing on the response to the blizzard on Jan. 10. Halloran said the Council is asking the Sanitation Dept. to bring in tapes from various units in the field to get a closer look at the radio transmissions between supervisors and workers and compare them to past storms. He stressed that workers, many of whom have denied a slowdown occurred, were just following orders given to them by supervisors.

“These workers are proud to be city servants, proud to work for City of New York,” he said. “They were very upset by this.”

Halloran said he was not exonerating blame from Bloomberg and his administration. He agreed the mayor should have at least considered declaring a snow emergency, which would have stripped the city streets of buses, many of which later got stuck, blocking plows from cleaning the streets.

One Sanitation worker pointed the blame at Deputy Mayor for Operations Stephen Goldsmith, who joined the Bloomberg administration earlier this year and has butted heads with Sanitation Commissioner John Doherty over issues

Photos by Nick Beneduce

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

At 153rd Avenue and 84th Street on Tuesday, plowing of this major route through South Queens still had not occurred. such as staff size and the use of private contractors in snow removal. Doherty said earlier in the week that there were not enough private contractors helping the DOS during the storm and suggested pay may be a reason. Appearing with Bloomberg at a press conference in St. Albans on Thursday morning, Doherty said he’s seen no proof of a slowdown instigated by supervisors.

“There’s been a lot of speculation on that. As a commissioner I am concerned about that. I have not seen that,” Doherty said. “I’ve seen a lot of dedicated people out there working. I’ve been out in the field with them. I talked with the officers and met with them. Yes we have to look at any allegations in this department, but as of now, I cannot confirm that.”

The Q8 Bus runs through Ozone Park last Sunday. These buses were later stranded, with the line not operating fully again until Wednesday.

Halloran said the workers’ allegations come specifically from the borough of Queens and that there was no evidence similar orders were given citywide.

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

Mayor Promises Clean SEQ Streets under his administration.

Deflecting questions about the delays throughout the clean-up process the Mayor stressed an investigation would follow after all of the snow was cleared and that the review would reveal how the administration reacted to the blizzard.

With 1,600 plows and 2,000 day laborers still working around the clock to ensure the city’s transportation infrastructure is fully operational before the New Year’s holiday weekend, local politicians still questioned when their districts were going to be entirely clean.

“There was definitely a different response and it was an inadequate response,” Comrie said.

Although there have not been any deaths in his district related to delayed emergency response, Comrie said he believes responsibility for the poor handling of the clean up ultimately falls on the Mayor and looks forward to the City Council’s review of the administration’s clean up response.

After fire apparatus vehicles faced difficulties reaching fires in the aftermath of the snowstorm within his district, Comrie is still looking for answers as to why some areas in

his districts have still not been cleaned. “[Mayor Bloomberg has] taken responsibility; now we have to get to the root of how this happened,” he said.

Wills believes his district suffered just as much as many of the city’s outer borough neighborhoods.

When Wills found his vehicle stuck, experiencing his first snowstorm as an elected official, he took a shovel in his hand and began to dig. He believes his efforts inspired others to do the same as he witnessed his constituents helping one another free themselves from the snowy chaos.

“It was a poor response to a storm we knew was happening,” said Wills.

Even though the city may have poorly handled the response to storm, he said it is the responsibility of local politicians to address the concerns of their constituents.

“People don’t want to hear that it’s the Mayor’s fault,” said Wills. “They want to know that plows are coming down their blocks and that we’re doing what we need to do. We’re the face of city government.”

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

Dec. 31, 2010 - Jan. 6, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

some Queens residents continued to clean up snow untouched by city plows, Mayor Four days after the sixth largest New Bloomberg remained defensive about how York City snowstorm on record paralyzed his administration responded to the storm the city, Southeast Queens politicians were after addressing New Yorkers through the still looking for answers as to why their city.

As of Thursday morning, constituents were left out many of the 600 stranded in the cold to suffer. buses throughout the city At a press conference had been freed with the help held in Roy Wilkins Comof Sanitation officials, flymunity Center on Thursing over the city in helicopday, Mayor Mike Bloomberg ters allocating snow plows provided updates on the below into neighborhoods city’s efforts to clean snow that were still snowed in. left on some city blocks and The mayor, who had continued to defend critivowed to have every street cism about how his adminin the city cleared by 7 a.m. istration handled the clean Thursday, said there were up.

“We are not making ex- Mayor Mike Bloomberg de- some exceptions to streets cuses,” said Bloomberg. fends the City’s snow response. still being blocked by stranded vehicles left behind “We still have work to do.”

Joined by Borough President Helen during the storm and were expected to be Marshall, and Councilmen Leroy Comrie cleared before noon.

The mayor assured the public that (D-St. Albans) and Ruben Wills (D-South Ozone Park), Bloomberg assured New York- his administration addressed the reers that snow plows have been down most cent snowstorm clean up with the same streets throughout the borough, at least once. – if not more – resources when comIn the aftermath of the blizzard, as pared to previous storms that occurred

BY JASON BANREY

Principal Leaves School Crying Foul

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 31, 2010 - Jan. 6, 2011

Earlier this year, a few seniors and one outspoken parent took umbrage with Jose Cruz, principal of Mathematics, Science Research & Technology Magnet High School. A few more students and teachers have joined the fray.

In June, the complaints were focused on harsh punishment for minute offenses; this time around, Cruz’s detractors are alleging racist, unsupportive, inept and inappropriate behavior.

“I have worked with three principals and I have never come across anyone that has exuded this level of incompetence,” said a 9-year Dept. of Education employee.

“He has no leadership skills.”

Both students and teachers requested anonymity for fear of retaliation. Cruz took the reins in the 2009-2010 school year and initially, there were high hopes.

“The first day of school, he came to us smiling,” said a senior. “He told us we were the most beautiful students.”

She said there were promises of museum outings and an excursion to Spain, but she contends those were false promises.

“We don’t go anywhere,” she said. “We don’t even go up the block.

“This man spoke to us like Obama. Two weeks later, we found out he was a fake.”

The DOE would not comment on the specifics of the allegations lodged against Cruz. Margie Feinberg, a DOE spokeswoman, said there was an anonymous

Students and teachers contend that the Annual Winter Wonderland trip, which Cruz approved in September, was cancelled because “last year it wasn’t educational enough,” said a 10year DOE employee.

The teachers said the only outings students are allowed are scheduled and approved

by Cruz and those in his inner circle.

“Anything that Jose Cruz, principal of Mathematics, Science Research & Technology Magnet High School, whose tenure at the school’s helm has been was student-oriented, he would just a source of controversy. shut down,” said a 15-year teacher.

The allegations are more serious than allegation regarding Cruz currently under cancelled and restrictive jaunts. review.

Teachers said Cruz embarrassed a colWashington Sanchez, a spokesman for the United Federation of Teachers, said league in front of her English class. They the school has had problems for about a contend that Cruz told the teacher, “You year and a half. He said Cruz was supposed are a waste of funds.”

“He made her cry,” said the 10-year to come in and lead the school.

“It is obvious to me during my visits employee. “The teacher had 14 years of there that he hasn’t done that,” Sanchez satisfactory experience and all of a sudden said. Though he wouldn’t comment on the she doesn’t know how to teach? She is an specifics of the allegations, Sanchez said excellent teacher.”

The teachers allege that Cruz insulted accusations need to be investigated.

another teacher by calling her “irresponsible, childish, unacceptable,” regarding her tutoring program.

Another alleged instance of Cruz’s unprofessional behavior is when he grabbed the arm of a female teacher during an argument.

“He will flip out,” said the 9-year professional. “He has an anger management problem.”

Including his insults, teachers said Cruz threatened them with termination and poor evaluations.

Since being appointed to his post, the teachers contend that about 12 staff members have either been fired or left on their own volition.

“We are not happy,” said the 10-year veteran. “We are very distressed.”

A 15-year teacher who was denied tenure said Cruz lacks leadership skills. She said a Spanish teacher with a success rate of 98 percent was also not offered tenure because “she was not a native speaker.”

“Since he came, employee morale has dropped 100 percent,” she said.

The 9-year veteran said Cruz came in with the idea of ridding the school of its teachers.

“He said, if it was his choice, he would get a brand new staff,” said the teacher.

Not only have teachers and staff suffered, but teachers contend that students are receiving the short end of the stick.

“This is not a school,” said a student.

“This is a prison.”

she said. Thompson has complained to 311 and DOE. She said there is an investigation pending.

Allegedly, Cruz had ample notice to secure another teacher to instruct the science class.

Cruz’s detractors claim he has not only failed as a role model and motivator for the

students, but he is also denying them a complete high school experience. They claim the school’s sports programs have suffered.

Darlene Newell, mother of a senior at school, said the school does not function.

Her issues stem from the dirty environment of the school to the loud and uncouth security guards. With that said, Newell contends

that the school’s biggest hindrance is Cruz.

“He treats teachers like they are nonexistent,” she said. “Those teachers are there because they love those kids and they care about them.”

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.

Arbitrary High School Justice A contingent of students, a member of the parent teacher association and the school leadership team alleged Principal Jose Cruz of the Mathematics, Science, Research and Technology Magnet High School doles out harsh punishment for minor offenses in June. They recounted to the PRESS their alleged reasons for suspension.

Cruz spoke to the PRESS briefly, alleging the students were not truthful and they had been party to other incidents, which garnered them suspensions. He later said the Dept. of Education would not allow him to comment further.

• Romaine Spencer, 18, said he and a few friends were suspended for leaning against the wall while other students were embroiled in an argument. The senior, who has an athletic scholarship to Texas Southern University, said he felt Cruz singled them out.

• Sasha Clarida, 18, said he was suspended for saying “mango” while Cruz walked by. Clarida contends he meant no disrespect and was not addressing Cruz.

• Andrew Downie, 18, said he was subordination. This time he stayed home. suspended twice during the course of his • Demi Braddy, 17, said she was sussenior year. His first suspension was for pended on three occasions. Her first insubordination and starting a riot. stemmed from her involvement in a fight, Downie said before which did not take class two students he place on school prophad issues with acerty or during school costed him. Downie time. The senior said said his teacher deshe was suspended manded he sit and he days later after the complied. Afterprincipal saw the wards the rabble-rousf ight on YouTube. ers returned and, Braddy’s second susthough the skirmish pension came at the never came to blows, scene of a fight. he didn’t back down. Mathematics, Science, Research and Braddy said she was Downie said he re- Technology Magnet High School se- exiting the building ceived a five-day sus- niors Nmesoma Okafor (l. to r.), Demi while a fight was in pension, which he Braddy, Andrew Downie and Romaine progress and bed i s r e g a r d e d . Spencer claim their overzealous princi- cause she and His second suspen- pal has suspended students for minor or Nmesoma Okafor sion came because he illegitimate offenses. did not move fast and another student enough, they rewere listening to an iPod in the lunch- ceived five days suspension. She agrees room. He said Cruz stared at them for a to the third suspension because, though few seconds until they put it away. His Braddy said she was not the aggressor, suspension came a few days later for in- she fought in school.

PRESS Photo by Sasha Austrie

They paint Cruz as a hermit, who fears the students and doles out insults to those in his path.

“His door is always closed,” said one student. “He is hiding from us.”

Michelle Thompson, a parent-teacher association member and mother of a sophomore, said since Cruz became principal, “the whole environment [of the school] changed. When you walk inside the school, there is tension.”

Like students and staff, Thompson said she had high hopes, but they have deflated. She questions Cruz’s leadership and motivation. Thompson alleged that a scout from a college program asked to see her son, but was denied access. Her son claimed Cruz said, “The majority of you won’t go to college anyway, so what’s the point of stopping the school day.”

Thompson’s statement was buttressed by the teachers. On many occasions, the teachers said they have heard Cruz say, “Those kids don’t need computers; this population doesn’t go to four-year schools; those kids are not motivated.”

“You are supposed to build morale,” Thompson said. “You are supposed to have these kids believing they are next Barack Obama, the next Bill Gates. Not the next inmate 246810.”

Allegedly, Cruz has cancelled computer classes at the school and has not replaced a science teacher out on maternity leave.

Thompson said her son is one of the students who is being prepared for the Living Environment Regents Exam by a substitute teacher. She said she met with the substitute, who is studying to be a guidance counselor. “[My son] will not be taking the test,”

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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 Associate Publisher

In Our Opinion: Arnold Thibou Executive Editor:

Brian Rafferty

Letters

Person Of The Year

In past years, the PRESS of Southeast Queens has honored people who have made a difference in the lives of the people of Queens. We have honored philanthropists, soldiers, public servants and dreamers.

Today, we honor a hard-working man and the institution he has led.

Carlisle Towery, though he will humbly defer to his organization and rest the honor on the shoulders of all those who have supported the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation through the years, is truly deserving of this honor.

The changes that he has led, the initiatives that he has championed and the battles he has fought - for the last 40 years - have helped transform a neighborhood teetering on the verge of collapse into a thriving destination, a great place to live and own a business.

Congratulations to Carlisle Towery, to the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation and to the people of Queens who have benefitted from all of the excellent work done on their behalf.

Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Letters

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

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

Sara Gold Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend

To The Editor: In my book, Mayor Bloomberg, the Sanitation Department and the MTA failed the people of this great city of ours. I live in Glen Oaks Village and many of our streets were forgotten. In the storm of '06, which had more snow, the streets were better shoveled. The city knew in advance and yet lives were put in jeopardy.

The MTA was no better and left many of us without proper transportation. I think heads ought to roll after this disaster.

We the people want answers and promises that the city will be bet-

ter prepared next time.

Frederick R. Bedell Jr., Glen Oaks

Normalcy?

To The Editor: After the blizzard of Dec. 26, how could Mayor Bloomberg say to the media that there was normalcy in the city? With nearly 1,000 buses and 120 ambulances stranded in huge snowdrifts, as well as scores of cars and other vehicles. Things were far from normalcy, Mr. Mayor!

You have some nerve telling people to take in a Broadway show, when many people were struggling to clear their sidewalks,

What Do I Do? To The Editor: I hope the local papers do a story about The Blizzard of 2010 and the city's response to the outer boroughs. Where are the Sanitation Department plows? It is almost 9 p.m. [Tuesday] and the streets of West Maspeth have not been plowed all day. What is going on?

One member of The West Maspeth Block Association called me and wanted to know why 62nd Avenue had not been plowed. They are in back of the fire house on Metropolitan Avenue.

She said there are elderly people and babies on her block who might need help.

I spoke to Lydon Sleeper [from Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley's office] earlier today and he said he would get back to me on a time frame when the streets would be plowed. I never heard back from him. I told that member to call Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley's office tomorrow if nothing changes.

This is ridiculous. The city

wants to issue summonses to property owners and they have not plowed the secondary and tertiary streets even once today.

How are emergency vehicles supposed to get around?

I watch the news and see how clean Manhattan looks, but here in Maspeth the roads are impassable. Why is this?

This reminds me of when Mayor Lindsay ignored Queens back in the 60s. It seems Mayor Bloomberg wants to be like him.

What should I tell members of my civic association when they ask about the snow plows? People have to go back to work. People need to get out and do errands that can't wait.

C. Charlene Stubbs, Maspeth

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

fax: (718) 357-9417

Advertising Director Alan J. Goldsher

Blizzard Of ’10 Reminiscent of ‘69

Sr. Account Executive Shelly Cookson

A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE

Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 31, 2010 - Jan. 6, 2011

Failure!

driveways and cars from the snow. You do not seem to realize that Manhattan is not the only borough in this city.

Take a tour of Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn and the Bronx if you really want to see what chaos this blizzard caused, and what stress and hardships it continues to cause for everyone.

John Amato, Fresh Meadows

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2010 Tribco, LLC

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

Even those of us who were not around to see or personally remember it, we’re reminded of John Lindsay’s neglect of Queens in 1969, as we were snowed in and left that way following the holiday blizzard this week.

It was “de ja vu all over again,” as Yogi Berra famously said.

Mayor Mike Bloomberg, like Lindsay, now has egg on his face, or perhaps we should say snow.

The accusation that most mayors see New York City as Manhattan only was given some credence again this week as the four outer boroughs were left largely unplowed while Manhattan seemed pretty much fine. It was not only frustrating but infuriating as well.

I am writing this on late Wednesday morning, Dec. 29th, and my street and many others in my area of Queens are as yet unplowed.

Like countless other New Yorkers, I was due back at work on Tuesday, but I was homebound.

The snow is almost knee-high and there is nary a truck in sight to clean and salt it so people can go on about their business.

I forced myself to get out to work on Wednesday, slipping and sliding as in a Paul Simon song.

Thankfully, I made it in one piece.

It seems outrageous that a snowstorm of less than two feet has crippled our city for this many days.

The mayor keeps asking for our patience; and he keeps blaming the slow-to-plow situation on “abandoned vehicles.” For sure there were many knuckleheads who did not heed the warning to stay off the roads during the storm. They ended up having to abandon their cars where they were as driving became impossible. But it doesn’t seem that there were that many abandoned cars in a city this large to have crippled the cleanup function.

So patience is in short supply.

Sanitation Commissioner John Doherty actually went on NY1 and admitted, “The storm got ahead of us […] We couldn’t keep up.”

But you were forewarned of the storm, Sir. Why weren’t you more prepared? Ambulances, fire trucks and other emergency vehicles were unable to get to their appointments due to the snow.

Homebound elderly folks were left unfed because the free, prepared food they rely on from the likes of Meals on Wheels could not be delivered due to the snow.

It is fair to expect some delays caused by the hazardous conditions presented by a snowstorm.

But lives are endangered by the lack of proper coordination to clean up the mess in a hurry.

In fairness to the Dept. of Sanitation, they usually respond well in smaller snow storms. It may take them a while to get to the side streets, but they usually get it

done within the first 24 hours.

This time though, they really did not rise to the occasion.

The mayor, like the Sanitation commissioner, ought to just cop to the failure and say, “We fell short. Let us learn from this and ensure it never happens again.

This nature-made hazard tested our mettle and we failed.”

Experts predict that New York is destined for a major hurricane this century and we recently had an earthquake tremor. They say these are disasters waiting to happen. So this snow storm was an opportunity to test our mettle and we failed.

How will the response be if and when “the big one” hits?

Clearly our disaster preparedness needs work. This is New York, we have come to expect better.

There are probably more blizzards to come in 2011, so here’s hoping they’ll get it right. In the meantime, Happy New Year everyone!

Goodbye 2010: That Was Another Year That Was

By MICHAEL SCHENKLER The year in which the Queens Tribune celebrated its 40th Anniversary is coming to an end as I write this; economically, politically, and in most ways, 2010 was a nottoo-compelling continuance of the several years before.

The world was wrapped in a shroud of recession and, in spite of signs of hope, Main St. Queens continued to struggle. The plague of unemployment had not yet abated. The folks from Long Island City to Little Neck spent with caution and worried that their retirement plans may be in jeopardy — except those who had no job they just worried.

Politically, the Democrats paid a price for the economic situation.

The House of Representatives will no longer be in their control and the Senate will no longer be filibuster-proof. In Ne w York, t he State Senate went back to Republican control – after the Democrats embarrassingly botched their first

shot at control in more than a generation.

Hiram Monserrate is justifiably gone – shat on by his fellow Senate Dems after buying back his vote – and then defeated at the polls.

Although not Queens, Pedro Espada is gone too – only he appears headed for a long stay at a different type of publically-run facility.

Aravella Simotas and Ed Braunstein are two new Queens electeds — Assemblymembers going to Albany to, well, be part of that mess. Mike Gianaris moved from the Assembly to a position of leadership for the messed up State Senate Dems – but in the minority.

David Paterson, a seemingly good man, ended his embarrassing service as Governor with a $62,125 fine for his ethical missteps in ripping off Yankee tickets.

This final straw is symbolic of his very disappointing term in office.

It was another year for a late budget in New York – a very late budget with a deficit we’ll be paying off for generations. And a year where the Aqueduct Racino contract was finally awarded after being taken out of the hands of the legislators and governor when they appeared to be playing personal board games with the Monopoly money they thought they were entitled to spread around.

Emerging Past, a horror film centered on the psycho-adventure of Pam, a Tribune photographer,

was shot in 2010 in our offices and our borough by locallygrown director Thomas Churchill. It won for Best Horror Feature at the New York City International Film Festival.

As a result of the 2010 Census, New York State will lose two seats in the House of Representatives, bringing our voting influence to an all-time low.

Tom White and Gloria D’Amico, t wo giant s of the Queens political scene, left us to do their politicking in better places.

The long, drawn out pension scandal centered in the office of Comptroller Alan Hevesi drews to an end as the once fair-haired intellect of Queens politics, copped a guilt y plea and acknowledges complicit y.

Ed Koch reemerged from his movie watching and semi-private life to lead NY Uprising, an effort to bring reform to Albany – which will soon be tested as the legislature begins the budget process and plans for reapportionment.

The voters of New York City, for a third time, ratified a two-term

limit for City officials – only the Charter Revision Commission presented them with the option of giving all present office-holders an extra term.

Our friend and Trib columnist who shares this page is leading the effort to get the question back on next year’s ballot to have the people’s two-term limit law take effect immediately.

At the end of a multi-year, multi-million dollar search, our new voting machine premiered to: a lack of privacy, malfunctions, poorly trained inspectors and result delays.

Our Junior Senator, Kirstin Gillibrand, emerged after her election as an effect ive leader, ski l lful ly honchoing the 9-11 First Responder s Health Care bill to a year-end passage.

Carl Paladino came out swinging and quickly disappeared into oblivion.

And son of Queens, Andrew Cuomo, takes the helm of a dysfunctional ship of New York State government and attempts to right a terribly listing, old, tired and corrupt vessel.

The Tribune, after 20 years, moved its offices to a sparkling new home one block nor t h of the Cross Island i n Whitestone and the second logo hand cut by my late father-in-law who crafted the original for our move 20 years ago, was hung in the new Tribune office.

And it was the first time in years that our whole family made it to the annual Tribune Holiday Party to wish to our friends and readers a Happy Holiday and May the Ne w Year Bring only Good News to You and Yours.

May 2011 bring health, peace and prosperity.

MSchenkler@QueensPress.com

Valcich’s Letter Blew Whistle, But What Was Follow-Up? for the job?

8. How were Valcich and Bondy appointed to the OPA position in the first place? How long did Valcich serve? (The earliest reference on the web to his time at OPA is a March 1997 article.)

9. During his tenure, did Valcich ever have contact w it h oversight agencies, or city investigators, over the situation that was developing with SAIC? 10. Which staff member, if any, actually wrote the letter that Valcich signed? Are the employees who worked on this mat ter still with OPA? 11. What was the role of Comptroller William Thompson’s office in all this? He had leadership responsibility for OPA from 2002 until he left office in December 2009. Did he ever say or do any t h ing about t he bal looni ng costs? Was he aware of the problem? Did someone represent him in dealing with these matters?

12. Who in the mayor’s office had responsibility for OPA? Did Valcich and Bondy submit regular written repor ts dealing with the situation? If they did, who read the reports and what did they do about them? If they did not submit reports, who failed to demand them?

If they submitted false reports, did

anyone check them?

We ask today, what agencies, if any, are tr ying to find the answer s to al l t he issue s in t h is case? It will take some time to completely solve this massive case. We would hope there would be reports, from time to time, as facts are discovered by the probers.

The fraud here endured for six years. The investigation must not be as protracted as the

wrongdoing. Although at first it appears like a case of “Who left the barn door open, and why,” it may turn out that there were more serious derelictions on the part of individuals with responsibility to oversee the contracts.

By the way, what ever happened to the payroll reporting system SAIC and others were supposed to produce?

StarQuest@NYCivic.org

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

Dec. 31, 2010 - Jan. 6, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

By HENRY STERN power to correct the situation.

The indictment of six people As a result of recent revelaby the U.S. Attorney, with the as- tions, a dozen new questions come sistance of the City Department to mind. We know it is easier to of Investigation, broke open the ask questions than to answer them, CityTime scandal. ”Payrollgate” but the City pays millions of doldwarfs many other thefts from the lars to supervise these activities, City of New York. This in order to save the huncase is a biggie; it dedreds of millions that may serve s a name of it s be wasted because of failown. ure to control a gang of An early warning of thieves, not to ment ion serious problems with the contract not being fulthe contracts is laid out filled. in a very specific six1. Did Valcich send page letter, written in copies of his 2003 letter February 2003, signed to anyone else be sides Henry Stern

by Richard Valcich, who the contractor? at the time was director of the Of2. Whom did he repor t to fice of Payroll Administration, in the Mayor’s Office and the which was in charge of the Comptroller’s Office? project.

3. Were they informed of The Daily News, which was the situation? on t he stor y fir st, ra n Jua n 4. Did SAIC re spond to Gonzalez’s column on p3, the lead Valcich’s letter in any way? If so, news page. The letter by Valcich how? was made available in response to 5. Did Valcich have any rea FOIL (Freedom of Information lationship with any contractor afLaw) request made by the News. ter he retired in 2004?

Their repor ter a nd columnist, 6. Did he write anything at Gonzalez, has been writing about the time of his departure to indithe scandal for over a year. Sev- cate any concerns about the eral of his articles were published project? in the News over at least a year.

7. What, if any, was his reApparently, however, they were lationship with his successor, Joel ignored by the authorities with the Bondy? Did he recommend Bondy

Police Blotter Compiled By DOMENICK RAFTER

102nd Precinct Burglar Loose Detectives from the 102nd Precinct are requesting the public’s assistance in locating a suspect wanted in two residential burglaries in Woodhaven. The first incident occurred on Aug. 13, between 7:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., at 9431 Park Lane South. The second incident occurred on Sept. 3, between 8 a.m. and 9:45 p.m., at 76-50 85th Dr. The suspect, Matthew Misla, 32, en-

tered via the rear of the locations. Once inside, he allegedly removed money, jewelry, and electronic equipment. He is described as a Hispanic man, 6-feet, 180 lbs, with brown eyes, black hair and a goatee.

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

Laundromat Thief

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 31, 2010 - Jan. 6, 2011

Police are seeking the public’s assistance in finding this man in connection with two burglaries in Woodhaven.

Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a suspect wanted in connection with a commercial burglary in Woodhaven. The burglary occurred at around 5:48 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5, at 78-07 Jamaica Ave., at a laundromat, in Woodhaven.

The suspect broke the front windows at the location, entered the building, and unsuccessfully pried open a change machine. The establishment was closed at the time.

He is described as a Hispanic male, 5foot-10, 175 lbs, of light complexion, and wearing a hooded sweatshirt.

Anyone with information in regards to this case is asked to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS. Citizens can also submit their tips by logging

onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are kept strictly confidential.

104th Precinct Knife Attacker Shot On Wednesday, Dec. 22, at 9:36 p.m., inside of 64-49 Shaler Ave. in Ridgewood, police responded to a 911 call of a man with a knife. Upon arrival, officers were confronted by Zach Bingert, 21, armed with a knife. The Officers discharged their firearms, striking Bingert several times.

EMS responded to the scene and pronounced him dead at the scene. The officers were removed to Jamaica Hospital for trauma and minor injuries.

106th Precinct Two Men Shot On Wednesday, Dec. 29, at approximately 12:51 a.m., inside of 103-14 135 St., in Richmond Hill, police responded to a 911 call of shots fired. Upon arrival, two men were found inside the location.

The first victim, Gary Bowlin, 35, was found with one gunshot wound to the head. The second victim, Cyprus France, 35, had one graze wound to the face and one gunshot wound to the hip. EMS responded and pronounced Bowlin dead at the scene. France was transported to

Jamaica Hospital where he was listed in stable condition. The investigation was ongoing.

From the DA Two men traveling aboard a flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico to New York have been arraigned on charges of bringing 92 pounds of cocaine into JFK Airport on Christmas Day. The defendants have been identified as Enmanuel Rojas Peralta, 24, and Israel Rodriguez Jacobo, 25, both of Puerto Rico. The defendants were arraigned in Queens Criminal Court before Acting Justice Joel L. Blumenfeld on a charge of first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

According to the criminal complaint, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent inside the Delta Airlines terminal at JFK observed the defendants on Dec. 25, at around 6:45 p.m., following their arrival from San Juan. He allegedly observed them in possession of four pieces of luggage containing 42 packages of cocaine. A Port Authority Police Department detective looked inside the suitcases then recovered the cocaine. Each of the defendants was alleged to have been in possession of two baggage claim checks for the checked suitcases.

The defendants were ordered held on $100,000 bail each and ordered to return to court on Jan. 19. They face 25 years to life in prison if convicted.

Carlisle Towery:

Boro Resident Endures New Horror GJDC Icon Was Destined For Jamaica After Exposure To Mystery Powder

BY BRIAN M. RAFFERTY

was heavily influenced by the Ku Klux Klan.

Carlisle Towery has always felt at Struggles In The South home in Jamaica. He was raised in the His was the first graduating class – 12 South during the era of Jim Crow, but was kids in all, including two always taught tolerance, who were non-white, fairly respect and understanding unique for the racist temfor people of all races. per of the South. “I think Raised in Montevallo, the school did that symAla., a small college town bolically,” he said of the with a girls school of 2,500 two students who were and an adjacent populaLatin American, coming tion of another 2,500, he from a rich family with a went to public schools sugar plantation. there, learning from proThe lesson did not go fessors who were disunnoticed. placed German Jews. By One of his teachers was the time he hit eighth grade, the family had relo- Carlisle Towery around the time from Antioch College in cated to Towery’s mother’s he joined the Greater Jamaica Ohio, and pushed the young man toward the hometown of Alexander Development Corporation. progressive institution.

City, Ala., an industrial “I went to Antioch and met Coretta area that today is still the home of Russell Scott,” Towery said. “She came there Athletics.

He continued in the local school twice; I had lunch with her two times. until 10th grade, when he went to a She was from Montgomery, where her small private school, Mountain Brook, husband was a minister.”

Towery, who was beginning to find his just outside Birmingham. “That was a l i f e - c h a n g i n g e x p e r i e n c e f o r m e , ” way in the world, went to picket a nearby Towery said of his time at the school. barber who wouldn’t cut black kids’ hair.

“It turns out that [Allen AME Pastor “It was a very intellectually stimulatFloyd] Flake picketed the same barber ing place.”

It was also in Shelby County, which when he was at Wilberforce,” Towery said.

page 9

“He was a well known bigot.”

Eye On Planning Wanting to focus his studies on architecture, Towery transferred to Auburn and found himself immersed in a challenging program that few students survived.

“None of my credits at Antioch transferred,” Towery said. “I was a freshman just like the other 300, and only 20 of us graduated five years later.”

Upon graduation, Towery, now married, had received marching orders from the Army to report for duty a year later.

He applied to Columbia.

“They have a special program there, it was what they would call geographic diversity, within the graduate school of planning and architecture with a focus on urban design, which is what I did,” Towery said.

“They accepted 10 graduates from the Southern U.S., from top schools. I was the only one from Auburn, and I laughingly say I got to Columbia because they needed some rednecks – they needed some geographic diversity.”

Enrolling in the program, Towery studied under renowned architectural preservationist James Marston Fitch.

“I was his flunky for a year, and then I went to Germany for my two-year tour, which I extended for four or five months in order to come back to Columbia in time,” Towery said. His wife traveled with him, pregnant, and by the time he was back stateside and at Columbia, they had two children.

leader in addressing regional trends that were not good for the region.”

“RPA at the time had a plan, very objective and brilliant, and I worked my ass off to be relevant to these people,” Towery added.

Through the analysis of Jamaica, Towery and his colleagues at RPA had uncovered a brilliant truth about the future of urban development zones.

“They were the first ones in the country to say the economy was not going to be industrial, it was going to be office space,” Towery said. “There are three kinds of office activities: headquarters and they can be anywhere; back office, which is all the labor; and population related – doctors, lawyers accountants, all the people that serve the population.”

The Jamaica Center proposal, of copy of which still sits in the offices of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, called for a policy among the three state governments (NY, NJ, Conn.) to get a common vision that would shape the region and not create growth patterns that generated automobile demand.

It also called for the creation of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation.

The Final Step After completing the project, Towery left RPA and went into the private sector while RPA went and created GJDC. “And then they hired me,” he said.

“Actually, while I was on the other firm, I consulted with them on the civil court; I worked on that to argue that it belonged in Jamaica. They needed to be grouped, lawyers, jurors. Jamaica already had the State Supreme Court; the family court was here. We argued for consolidating supreme and civil in Jamaica – at one time in this courthouse litigants and lawyers in civil matters would share elevators with shackled prisoners.”

Working with the Queens Bar Association, Greater Jamaica and Towery sought to move the civil court out of Borough Hall and locate it on Sutphin Boulevard. They won that battle and Towery came on full-time.

“Then I came to work here in 1971,” Towery said. “I also was teaching at Columbia at the time.”

For the last 40 years, Towery and the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation have worked hand in hand with every elected official that did or could cover Downtown Jamaica, a host of local, city, state and federal agencies too long to list and the people of Jamaica who have welcomed this Southern gentleman into their fold.

Dec. 31, 2010 - Jan. 6, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

A Jamaica Focus Refocusing on his studies, Towery’s master’s thesis was on 125th Street in Harlem. That was in 1965.

Working with the precursor to the local community board, Tower y also worked closely with modernist architect Victor Christ-Janer. But on the jury reviewing his thesis was Stanley Tankel, who was head of planning for the Regional Plan Association. He immediately offered the young Towery a job at RPA. “My first job was project-focused, an analysis of the lower Hudson, on both the New York and New Jersey sides,” Towery said. “My second job was an analysis of Jamaica, Queens as a regional sub center.”

The project focused on the development of Jamaica Center, a regional hub, focusing on transportation, open space, regional economy, public participation and political aid.

“Manhattan was always the center of centers, and beefing up Manhattan was always central to the mission, but they were convinced that you had to have sub centers,” Towery said.

“There were a dozen places in the region that warranted public and private attention for all kinds of public purposes, including social ones. Jobs were moving out and leaving the people behind, leaving open space. They were eating up land with large lot zoning. It was causing huge social problems.”

“The power to control land use was keeping blacks out, and they did it effectively using zoning law. So RPA was a

Towery sits in the waiting area of the GJDC.

Stellar Beginning:

A Greater Jamaica Comes Into Focus

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 31, 2010 - Jan. 6, 2011

BY BRIAN M. RAFFERTY Carlisle Towery may be the public face that many who don't know better consider the founder of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, but even though he has steered the ship for the last four decades, he will be the first to say that none of what has been accomplished could have been done without the hard work and effort of the organization as a whole.

"The [Regional Plan Association] and the local Chamber of Commerce were the parents," Towery, the president of GJDC, said.

Local attorney Vincent Albanese and home fuel oil entrepreneur Larry Cormier were both active members of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce.

"I became involved in the community, in the course of which I was asked to serve as the president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce," Albanese said. "I realized that there were major problems with Jamaica's future, and explored what to do about it."

There were nine people who signed the articles of incorporation of the GJDC, but just how the organization came to be was detailed in a film recently commissioned by GJDC as part of a records archive project.

The following is an excerpted transcript from the film, with direct interviews of Albanese, Cormier, Towery and other players: Towery: Greater Jamaica was formed at a time when a disinvestment was taking place. The downtown was being surrounded by an economic noose of regional malls, which was threatening downtown, as was the uncertainty of economic change.

Cormier: People were moving in from Harlem, the Bronx and a lot from Brooklyn. Most of them were middle class people, professionals.

Towery: The newcomers coming into Jamaica were generally of higher incomes than the people that they had displaced, the people that had fled. So it was a real challenge, but also an opportunity.

Cormier: When the new people came in, the perception is that we were different, so they didn't know how to merchandise, how to stock the stores to serve us.

All they had to do was do what they were doing before and everything would have been okay, but they didn't understand that.

There was no communication between the new blacks and the old whites that were here.

Towery: People were moving there by choice and becoming stakeholders, and while they were underserved, they were still investing in the area and were creating what one prominent demographer called a "zone of emergence," and that was a favorable term for a place that was evolving and growing.

Cormier: The Chamber of Commerce was a real powerhouse at that time. John Lindsay was mayor; Dave Starr was active with the Chamber here.

Albanese: David Starr had suggested

Carlisle Towery

Larry Cormier

Vincent Albanese

Richard Anderson

Kenneth Patton

to me and others that if we could get the Regional Plan Association to do a study on Jamaica, that would help us in undertaking to do the kind of improvements that needed to be done - transportation and so forth.

Towery: Jamaica required thinking about its future, its possibilities, its markets - given its attributes and given its problems. A plan was prepared, and it was done by Regional Plan Association, who had a regional vision of what the 31-country tri-state metropolitan area was undergoing.

Richard T. Anderson, President, New York Building Congress: What RPA was looking for was sub-centers, places where development could be concentrated appropriately rather than continue to allow urban sprawl. The first prototype of an urban sub-center was Jamaica. Jamaica was an aging downtown in Central Queens. But it had fallen from the hub of economic and social activity that it once had. So one of the first studies of the new

regional plan that RPA embarked on was a study called Jamaica Center, a study for the borough of Queens and, indeed, for all of Long Island.

Never can a regional plan be imposed on local communities. You need to work with government, with voluntary organizations, the business community. And so one of the recommendations of the report was the creation of a local development corporation.

Cormier: The original members were the members of the Chamber, and they realized that they couldn't do it within the framework of the Chamber.

Albanese: So we concluded to form the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation.

Cormier: And that's how Greater Jamaica was founded. I happen to have been fortunate enough to be one of the original incorporators of Greater Jamaica, and we were funded to a great extent by the Lindsay Administration.

Albanese: There was a companion

New York City effort, the office of Jamaica Planning and Development that Mayor Lindsay established, and they set up a partnership between the two.

Kenneth Patton, Former Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, Lindsay Administration: He brought in the top urban designers and planners and he embraced planning with enthusiasm and development to go with it, because he was of the same mind as I was. You shouldn't just make pictures and color maps. You should bring the capacity to implement them together.

Albanese: He designated a gentleman named Andy Maguire to act as his representative in Jamaica, which was very good because we had the mayor's own man out there beating the bushes with us.

Towery: And thereby created one of the city's first public-private partnerships, dedicated to the revitalization of Downtown Jamaica.

Patton: The first true local economic development corporation for sub-center development.

Albanese: And he consulted us to what our next step would be, and the next step, we concluded, was to hire an executive Anderson: Carlisle Towery was a member of the Regional Plan Association full time staff. He was a colleague of mine.

But the people in Jamaica said he is absolutely the best prepared to do this job, and if you don't allow us, at least on an interim basis, to have Carlisle, we can't form the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation.

Towery: The founders thought a 10year project was inevitable. They hired me for four years, and they said we'll consider renewing you after four years. We want to see how far we get, but it's a 10year project.

Albanese: That was in 1970, and that 10-year relationship has continued to date. With his leadership and the leadership of the other representatives of the various stores in Jamaica we undertook to plan major improvements, such as transportation and education - and that's the beginning of the story.

In a separate interview, Towery said that when he started with GJDC, he was hired and had half a secretary and an assistant. He was still teaching at Columbia and the local business leaders did a lot of the heavy lifting to make sure that GJDC would get off the ground.

"It started out, in part because of the budget, from the Fund for the City of New York, matched with private contributors like the Long Island Press, Gertz Store, the Gertz family, Chase Bank, Manufacturers Hanover," Towery said. "There were several business leaders, and we did it under the aegis of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce."

In mentioning Mayor John Lindsay's role, Towery said the mayor was deeply involved and had set up a satellite office in Jamaica, holding cabinet meetings in Queens.

Another hero, Towery said, was Queens Borough President Donald Manes.

A New Vision:

Underpass Project To Lift The Gloom

BY JOSEPH OROVIC Nearly a year ago, New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth Pinsky gave a tour of the borough to members of the local media, showcasing some of the bigger projects underway around the borough.

The day began at Jamaica’s transit hub, with Pinsky pointing to a dank, depressing stretch along Sutphin Boulevard, the Long Island Rail Road clanging overhead. He promised what was once an eyesore of garbage loading docks will be transformed into a stretch of shops, well lit and welcoming enough to match the upgraded side across the street. Work began once the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation got its hands on it.

The ground was broken for the Shops at Station Plaza in December 2008. It will create 5,500 square feet of retail space, add new lighting, storefronts, and a new sidewalk and roadbed. The project was originally slated to be completed by the end of this year.

The rejuvenation of the LIRR underpass on Sutphin is part of a larger plan for Downtown Jamaica, one that will see the languishing neighborhood rejuvenated. By the time work is done, the EDC expects the transit hub at Sutphin Boulevard and Archer Avenue to become a mixed use commercial district with residential units.

“Something to look forward to will be the $100 million infrastructure project in the Sutphin corridor,” said Justin Rodgers, Director Economic Development, GJDC. “That project will consist of retail right under the Long Island Rail Road underpass , and one really strong point that is incorporated is that we are working really diligently to attract local subcontractors and get them work, and get them working on these projects.”

The Sutphin underpass will be part of a greater expansion of capacity called “IMAX” (Inter-modal Enhancements/Atlantic Avenue Extension), a $98 million investment from City, State and Federal sources. IMAX’s goals are to create new gateways to Downtown Jamaica while adding 30 new permanent jobs and 580 construction jobs.

The project is a three-phase undertaking that not only includes Sutphin Boulevard, but also, the extension of Atlantic Avenue to connect with 95th Avenue to improve access to the AirTrain and LIRR from the Van Wyck Expressway. The final arm of the project, which will begin 2011, will realign the intersection of Archer Avenue and Sutphin Boulevard to relieve traffic and improve streetscape.

The underpass is part of a 368-block swath of Downtown Jamaica that was rezoned in 2007. The rezoning called for

Today, the underpass is dimly lit and foreboding.

(Right) An artist’s rendering of the redesigned underpass. the creation of an Airport Village in the area around the AirTrain. The Sutphin Boulevard underpass project is the first in the rezoned area.

According to GJDC, the Sutphin Boulevard project will cater to more than 300,000 daily commuters.

Dec. 31, 2010 - Jan. 6, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

pix Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

Sutphin BID Adopts Families

Photos by Walter Karling

On Dec. 21, the Sutphin Boulevard Business Improvement District held its first Adopt-a-Family corporate breakfast program at the JFK Corporate Square across from the Air Train Terminal in Downtown Jamaica.

Recipient Mehki Littles playing with gifted toys with a program sponsor son Bryce Elliott and recipient Shawn Littles.

Featured-speaker Yvonne Reddick, Community Board 12 District Manager, and Simone Price, the Director of the Sutphin Boulevard Business Improvement District, welcomed arriving guests to the breakfast.

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 31, 2010 - Jan. 6, 2011

Corporate sponsors and recipients mingle for the camera: (Back Row) Joe Goldbloom from Councilman Leroy Comrie’s staff; sponsor Eon Parks; Linwood Smith of NYC Comptroller John Liu’s staff; George Taitt, Vice-President of Capital One Bank; Chris Neville; (Middle Row) Community Board 12 District Manager Yvonne Reddick; Signature Bank Vice-President and Associate Group Director Elizabeth Forgione; Barbara Neville; Dominique Neville; Paradise Neville; Sutphin Boulevard Director Simone Price; (Bottom Row) Janiece Neville; Janaya Neville; and Jalilil Neville. The Nevilles are one of the program’s family recipients.

A beaming recipient, Janaya Neville.

Borough Beat

Queens Educators Support Literacy

BY DAN MILLER

Photo by Victoria Cantore

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 31, 2010 - Jan. 6, 2011

Christine Passarella reads “Before John was a Jazz Giant” to the students.

Special guest readers included teachers Mrs. Simon and Ms. Kletzkin, who read with great enthusiasm. The event ended with the new Assistant Principal Jason Chin and school Principal Jennifer Ambert also reading to the children.

On the day following the event, each class at the Holliswood school whose students had participated was given a copy of the book “Snow,” which was read on the evening before at the book fair by the

school’s principal. Some of the proceeds from the event will go toward the Holliswood School Book of the Month program, which distributes a common book title to all the teachers in the school.

This read-a-loud that included the school’s teachers and administrators was part of a month-long book fair during which parents could purchase new books at Barnes & Noble and have a percentage of each purchase donated to the school.

Truck In Snow Shuts LIE

BY DAN MILLER

On Wednesday, Dec. 28, at about noon, when many workers not on vacation were preparing for their for lunch break, a 28foot truck skidded on an icy segment of the eastbound Long Island Expressway adjacent to 156th Street and wound up on the snowy embankment.

The truck slammed to a halt on a 45degree angle from the roadway and observers feared that the disabled truck would topple over onto the crowed LIE. Emergency vehicles from FDNY’s Tower Ladder Company 52, NYPD Emergency Highway Services and later

a tow truck from Big Apple Towing came to the aid of the vehicle.

Police closed off all three eastbound lanes of the LIE until the tow truck could maneuver the disabled vehicle off the snow bank and back onto the roadway.

When put back on the road, the truck was able to be driven away on its own power.

The tow vehicle backs up to help free the teetering truck.

Photo by Victoria Cantore

Students, teachers and parents joined their principal at Barnes & Noble on Union Turnpike in Fresh Meadows recently in a read-a-loud/fundraising program.

The highlight of the evening was hearing teachers from PS/IS 178 read their favorite books to the Holliswood students who attended the event with their parents in the children’s section of the store.

The adult storytellers had selected their favorite books to read to the students. The program was part of fundraiser to support children’s literacy at the school.

Christine Passarella, a second grade

teacher at the school, shared a book about jazz great John Coltrane titled “Before John was a Jazz Giant.”

“I have been participating in the Barnes & Noble book fairs for the past four years. It really brings the community together in a special way. It is wonderful to see the teachers reading aloud to the children and their parents. We always have a fun night and it’s for a terrific cause,” said Passarella.

A&E

Jazz History Lives On Through Web The Louis Armstrong House Museum announced that cataloging for its three largest collections is now accessible through its website, louisarmstronghouse.org, and that by the end of 2011, the Museum’s entire catalog will be online.

The Louis Armstrong House Museum holds the world’s largest archives devoted to a single jazz musician. Its collections encompass more than 5,000 sound recordings, 15,000 photographs, 30 films, 100 scrapbooks, 20 linear feet of letters and papers and six trumpets. Researchers, record companies, publishers, film producers, public school students and many others routinely use these materials. Since 1994, more

than a dozen books and recordings have been published based on research from the collections, including Terry Teachout’s Pops, a notable book of 2010.

“The world is more interested than ever in Louis Armstrong,” said Michael Cogswell, director of the Museum.

“That’s evident not only from the everincreasing number of people from around the world who visit our Museum, but also from the number of researchers using our archives and the great popularity of recent Armstrong films and books.”

The research core of the archives is the Louis Armstrong Collection, comprising Satchmo’s vast personal trove of home-recorded tapes, photographs, scrap-

Restaurant Review

A Taste Of Mykonos

spiced, creamy goodness, with a blend of flavors that I could not identify. Don’t forget to try it with the Tzatziki.

Spanakopita, spinach, feta cheese, herbs and spices wrapped in flaky filo dough, is my favorite way to eat spinach and left nothing to be desired.

Rounding out our appetizers was, Saganaki, imported Greek kefalograviera cheese, pan seared in olive oil. What can I say about the Saganaki? It’s fried cheese. How could it NOT be good?

Already well stuffed, we dug into a Roka Salad – arugula, walnuts and shaved parmesan cheese drizzled in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This salad is all about the combination. Although it can be a challenge, try to get everything on one fork. The yummy mouthful will make it worth the effort.

Not sure if I had room for the main course, I managed several delicate bites of the Mousaka, baked layers of eggplant, potato and sautéed ground meat topped with béchamel sauce. The strong taste of cinnamon, with the savory meat, was a mouthwatering combination that I, sadly, could not finish.

My guest devoured his Thalasomezes, char-grilled shrimp, octopus and calamari. Pausing only to comment that it was good and make the token offer of a bite, I took that as a sign of his approval and recommend that you do the same.

The highlight of the meal was clearly dessert. One of my all time favorites, we chose Baklava, layers of filo dough with walnuts in honey syrup, and whipped cream on the side. Beautifully plated and big enough to share, their Baklava is lighter than many. Not drenched in honey syrup (though there’s nothing wrong with that), a strong taste of cinnamon, combined with the walnut filing, is culinary nirvana.

With prices that range from $6.50$13.95 for an appetizer, and $11.95-$29 for an entrée, make the drive. It’s worth it.

–Jessica Ablamsky

Folklore Roach Tale Settles In At Thalia

Based on Cuban and Puerto Rican folklore, “La Cucarachita Martina/Martina, the Little Roach” tells a comical tale of a little roach who, in her journey towards finding love, finds happiness and friendship.

The tale will come to the Thalia Spanish Theater for one performance on Jan. 8.

With the use of colorful bunrakú puppetry, designed by Puerto Rican master puppeteer José López, children will be transported into a rich, dream-like world where they interact with the characters and understand the communication of animals through the use of playful sounds.

Audiences of all ages are sure to enjoy the Rock and Latin sounds that create this enchanting musical tale, which will be offered in both Spanish and English.

After the show The Three Kings will visit Thalia to give presents to the children in this delightful Latino holiday tradition.

Tickets are $10 for children, $12 for adults. Thalia Spanish Theatre is located at 41-17 Greenpoint Ave, Sunnyside. For information or tickets, call (718) 7293880 or go to thaliatheatre.org.

2011 looks to be a busy year at Thalia as well. The National Endowment for the Arts has awarded the theater a grant to support its World Premiere of “You Tango?” an in-

teractive musical celebrating the greatest hits of Tango, featuring one of the world’s finest tango musicians and composers: Maestro Raul Jaurena (2007 Latin Grammy Winner). The show also will star Marga Mitchell and El Pulpo (last seen on our stage in our 2001 hit “All That Tango”), dancers Sara and Ivan, and many more. It will run from Jan. 29 to March 20, 2011.

Meanwhile, back in Sunnyside, Thalia will co-produce “Flamenco & Indian Music & Dance,” with Andrea Del Conte Danza España and Lotus Music and Dance, on April 1, 2 and 3. Later in the spring, in May and June, Thalia will produce the bilingual world premiere of “No Problemo, Amigo,” a comedy written by Jaime Espinal, winner of the Inter American Development Bank’s inaugural Hispanic-American Playwriting Competition.

The play is performed in English, Spanish, and “Spanglish.” The protagonist, played by Jaime Espinal, is an office worker by day, superhero by night, who comes to the U.S. to work for an agency that links exchange students with host families. It is fun, funny and relevant, especially in light of the endless debate about immigration.

Projections onstage will help everyone navigate between the languages.

Dec. 31, 2010 - Jan. 6, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

Mykonos Restaurant 37 Great Neck Road, Great Neck (516) 773-8010 CUISINE: Greek HOURS: Mon-Thu 11 am-10 pm; Fri 11 am-11 pm; Sat 4-11 pm; Sun 4-10 pm PARKING: Street RESERVATIONS: Accepted CREDIT CARDS: Accepted After a long day at work, a belly full of Greek food was just what the doctor ordered. Eagerly anticipating far more than I alone could eat, a guest and I ventured out for a late dinner on a Monday evening.

Upon entering, Greek music fills the air. We are quickly seated by our waiter at a table set for two. Despite our postdinner rush arrival, the restaurant was dotted with friends and family eating in twos and fours.

As I study the thick leather menu, I take a moment to look around.

The interior is simple, with clean lines, white tablecloths and walls decorated by Mediterranean seascapes.

Large windows and lush potted plants lend an air of the exotic, so don’t be surprised if you forget where you are.

To start off, we choose a very healthy assortment of our favorite appetizers.

As a big fan of anything that can be spread on pita bread, I narrowly avoided devouring the homemade Hummus and tangy Tzatziki (their yogurt is imported from Greece).

I tentatively tried the Mussels, which, sautéed in red wine and tomato sauce with feta cheese, leave the fishy taste completely behind.

Calamari is like pizza. Everybody’s got it, and it’s usually okay. The Kalamarakia Tiganita, seasoned with fennel and lightly pan fried, is better than most. The hint of fennel, brought out by fresh-squeezed lemon, was just right.

As a seasoned falafel maker, I am a critical judge. Mykonos offers what might be my new East Coast favorite.

The thick falafel is a three- or four-bite affair, and more lightly fried than many.

Never mind the dipping sauce, these falafel are all about what’s inside – well-

books, manuscript band parts and other 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums; materials discovered inside his modest its mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect house in Corona, after his people to information wife, Lucille, passed away in and ideas.

1983. A grant from the Louis “Thanks to the vision Armstrong Educational and generosity of the Foundation made possible Louis Armstrong Educathe Museum’s acquisition of tional Foundation, we the world’s largest private have been able to build a collection of Armstrong maworld-renowned reterial from Jack Bradley, search archives,” said Armstrong’s friend and a Cogswell. “And now, noted jazz photographer. As thanks to this IMLS might be expected, a strength grant, our catalog will be of this collection lies in the online for everyone to hundreds of candid, previously unpublished photo- Satchmo and all his works will be peruse and enjoy.”

After receiving the graphs taken or collected by available for perusal on the Web. grant from IMLS in OcBradley over five decades. tober 2009, the Museum The collections are currently housed in the Benjamin S. Rosenthal Li- launched a national search for a project archivist. Ricky Riccardi, a well-known brary at Queens College.

“One of our most common reference Armstrong expert, was hired and he has questions is, ‘What kind of trumpet did spent every workday for the past fifteen Louis Armstrong play?’ Now, anybody, months arranging, preserving and cataloganywhere in the world 24/7, can simply ing more than 200 cubic feet of Armstrong go on the web to learn the make, model material.

“Working with this collection has been and serial numbers and to see photos of Louis’s own gold-plated trumpets,” said an absolute dream come true, but getting to share it online with other Armstrong Cogswell.

The work of processing the Jack Bra- lovers from around the world really makes dley Collection and publishing the this something special. And it’s not just Museum’s catalog online is being funded for Armstrong experts; the online catain part by a $105,384, two-year grant from log will appeal to music fans, art historithe Museums for America program of the ans, 20th-century pop culture buffs, musiInstitute of Museum and Library Services cians, photographers, you name it,” said (IMLS). The institute is the primary Riccardi. “There’s something for everysource of federal support for the nation’s one.”

Faith

Century-Old Church Tackles Bible

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

terian Church of St. Albans was built in 1907.

The church stands as a symbol of its resilience. Rev. Edward Davis said the church has had three reconfigurations since it has been built. Since he has taken the helm as pastor, there have been 10,000 additional square feet.

Davis said the spirit of the church has lasted a full century.

“This church was founded March 5, 1907, by mothers and fathers in St. Albans and the main thrust was focusing on the children,” Davis said. “That same spirit has penetrated every aspect of the 100 years. There is a great interest in young people and youth.”

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

The Presbyterian Church of St. Albans, always a hub of activity, is once again opening its doors to lure the faithful.

On Jan. 5, the church is hosting a Bible literacy program. Randy Frazee, senior minister of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, and creator of The Story Church-wide Experience, will be the guest speaker at the event. It will from 1-2 p.m. at 190-04 119th Ave. The discussion will include, the church’s “dirty little secret;” why people have the perception that the Bible isn’t accessible and how Frazee sought to move his

congregants’ Bible illiteracy to engagement.

For more than 100 years, the church has been a staple in the St. Albans community.

Presbyterian Church of St. Albans grew out of cottage prayer meetings. In 1898, the year before the town of St. Albans was officially named, a group of Christians started holding Wednesday evening meetings in their houses.

Although the foundation was laid well before there was a building to house the spirit of the church, people worshipped in the Community Hall built in 1903, which is now the First Church of God in Christ.

The cornerstone known as the Presby-

Word “Make your own Bible. Select and collect all the words and sentences that in your reading have been like the blast of triumph out of Shakespeare, Seneca, Moses, John and Paul.”

—Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Presbyterian Church of St. Albans is hosting a Bible literacy program on Jan. 5.

Notebook York College

York Theater Brings Show To PS 40 18 and Marion and 12 student performers took the excitement with them to PS 40 The exclamation point in the York Col- in the York neighborhood, to the delight lege play, “Istwa!” denotes excitement and of the K-5 set. that is exactly what Istwa! does – elicits The hour-long production features excitement from audiences both young Theatre Arts majors as well as Education and grown wherever it is performed. and other majors, enrolled at York and Adapted and directed by York College was developed in their Theatre Practice professor Tom Marion and a team of stu- class. Professor Marion picked the multidents, the play, based on four classic fairy cultural folktales and the students adapted tales, opened at the College’s Little The- the action and dialogue. The cast’s culatre in October 2010 to rave reviews. tural sensibilities of character and wry But Dr. Lindamichelle Baron, a pro- modern wit made for a unique and charmfessor in the Department of Teacher Edu- ing creation of each story. cation, suggested to Marion that the play All the action takes place on a carpet should be taken on the road to area el- with no props. “The only ingredient ementary schools. Fast forward to Dec. needed is the imagination,” said Marion, who explained that the method known as “story theatre” was developed in the 1960s. Marion became interested in the art form while a theatre student under Joseph Hart, a now retired professor from Rutgers University.

Some of students in the play were first-time performers, but they did not disappoint. “They jumped right in and learned what it is to build an ensemble and what it means to dediThe students, clearly, enjoyed the presentation. cate themselves physically, vocally,

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 31, 2010 - Jan. 6, 2011

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE

and imaginatively to create a script that embodies a river, a chair,” he said.

Narrated in part

by York Theatre veteran Joseph Grasso, an upper senior with plans for law school, the show mesmerized the children at PS 40. According to York students, the joy was mutual.

“It makes me more open to the Performers from York bring their energetic performance to PS 40. public,” said Theatre Arts major Arinze Nwogu, also an upper senior ap- at York laughed at and the kids did not; plying to graduate school at NYU. “It and some the kids got and the adults did makes me more sociable and be a kid not.”

But the play isn’t just about laughter. again. It was amazing. The kids enjoyed us. They had fun. It made them enjoy sto- In the jest were kernels of truth, which was not lost on the children. ries. It was like educational TV.” At the end of the play they were asked Angelica Johnson felt the love as well.

“It is much different playing for the what they got from the presentation. One kids,” said Johnson, an Education major little girl summed it up: “’We learned that in her junior year. “Some jokes the adults it is important to be kind,’” she said.

Profile

Wills’Agenda Coming Into Focus

BY SASHA AUSTRIE It is mid afternoon on a Thursday and the City Council office on Guy R. Brewer Boulevard is rife with activity. An unfurled banner hangs in the front window. The address may be the same, but the inhabitant is definitely different.

For months, the future of the 28th Council District has hinged on a Nov. 2 special election. Who would win the people’s vote? What programs would be implemented to solve the ills of the district? Who could build on the late Councilman Tom White’s legacy?

With 36 percent of the vote, the people chose Ruben Wills. He contends that his current role in public office is a mere extension of his community activist role.

His victory came after his third political campaign: Wills ran for Congress in 2008; in 2009, he challenged White; and in 2010, he captured the district.

“I love it,” he said of his new post. “I really think I was created to do this.”

Asked about building on White’s legacy, Wills is mum. Lupe Todd, Wills’ spokeswoman, said the comparison is unfair.

“What he is trying to do is forge his own path,” she said.

Whether or not he will have White’s

“These kids can conceivably talk to longevity remains to be seen, but Wills was appointed as chairman if the Sub- people in China,” he said. “Imagine our committee on Drug Abuse. White was the kids talking to astronauts on the space executive director of J-CAP, a drug reha- station.”

Continuing on the bilitation program. educational front, Wills A month into his term, is hoping to save PS 30, Wills has wasted little a school the Dept. of time. He set up shop in Education has slated for White’s old office at 137phase out. A town hall 42 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., is currently set for 6:30 as his office at Sutphin p.m. on Jan. 13 at the Boulevard and 95th school.

Street is being readied.

Another issue on his On his agenda is the schedule is the bevy of educational future of stuforeclosures in Southdents in his district, the east Queens neighborforeclosure crisis and gethoods. He is drafting ting a grasp on the other the Good Neighbor bill, issues plaguing the diswhich would not in itself trict. staunch foreclosures, Wills has established a but it would force banks Distance Learning Proto secure a home as gram with 10 elementary soon as the renter or schools in the district. The homeowner leaves the program uses video Councilman Ruben Wills property. conferencing to allow inWills said the bill teraction between students and teachers in other schools. Wills would levy fines against entities not in said the partnership was forged with compliance, and instead of the penalties being stored in a general pool, the monNASA. By next year, he hopes to involve the ies would be used to shore up the abanmiddle schools and eventually high doned home and provide legal aid for those engrossed in foreclosures. schools.

Wills is also co-sponsoring a water lien bill, which would stop liens from being sold on to one-, two- and three-family homes. He said Councilmen Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) and Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) have pledged their support.

Though the bill would give a reprieve to those that have a balance on their statement, it does not forgive the debt. Liens would go into effect after three years with an outstanding balance of $1,000.

“It is just something for people to get on their feet,” he said.

Wills is also planning five listening tours across the district. “We want to paint a total picture of the district and what we want to work on.”

Along with the listening tours, Wills is working with Ulrich to setup an immigration town hall. He said the meeting will deal with everything from permanent residency to citizenship.

Both Todd and Wills contend that his tenure will not be marked by separatist politics.

“I’m not hear to deal with the nonsense or divisive groupies,” he said. “[People] deserve someone who is going to fight for their services.”

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

Dec. 31, 2010 - Jan. 6, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

Send typed announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 174-15 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina.

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

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

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

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 31, 2010 - Jan. 6, 2011

EXHIBIT QUEENS HISTORICAL Tu e s d a y s , S a t u r d a y s a n d Sundays 2:30-4:30 new exhibit “For Love of the Games: A History of Sports in Queens,” Queens Historical Societ y at Kingsland Homestead, 144-35 37 th avenue, Flushing. 939-0647, ext. 17. $2 seniors and students, $3 adults.

AMER. CIVIL RIGHTS Through January “A Journey I Stone and Wood,” sculptures by Gladys Thompson Roth. February through April “Bindu Masks from the Imperato Collection.” February through June “QCC Art Gallery: 20 Years of Collecting.” QCC Art Gallery. 6316396.

AFGHANISTAN Through January 13 “Windows and Mirrors: The War in Afghanistan” at the Godwin-Ternbach Museum at Queens College.

NAL STUDENTS January 3-29 National Art League Students’ Art Exhibition at the league, 44-21 Douglaston Parkway. Monday through Thursday 1-4 and weekends 1-3. Free.

FLUSHING COUNCIL Through September 2011 “Within the Emperor’s Gard e n : ” T h e Te n T h o u s a n d Springs Pavilion.” Through November 14 “Endangered Art/ists: China.” November 19 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.

ENTERTAINMENT MOVIE & TALK Mondays the Friends of Pomonok present a movie and discussion. Bring lunch.

1 at the Pomonok library.

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.

SYMPHONY 101 Saturday, January 8 at 1 at the Forest Hills and at 3 at the Sunnyside library. Performance/workshop about the different instruments in the traditional symphonic orchestra. For the entire family.

KAISSA Sunday, January 9 African, reggae, jazz, R&B, makossa and Brazilian fusion music by Kaissa at 3 at the Central library.

TROUBLED WATER Monday, January 10 showing of the film “Troubled Water” with English subtitles and discussion at 2 at the Fresh Meadows library.

OPEN MIC POETRY Monday, January 10 at 7:30 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows.

FAMILY GAME NIGHT Monday, January 10 at the South Jamaica library at 6.

DINO ROSI Tuesday, Januar y 11 concert of international songs with Dino Rosi at the Auburndale library at 3.

KIDS’ CHOIR Thursday, January 13 NY Hospital Queens will host the St. Francis Prep Children’s Choir from 3-4 in the Lang Auditorium for a free concert. 670-1211 to register.

ZOMBIE! Thursday, January 13 use of zombies in literature, media and film at the Pomonok library at 6.

MLK JR. Friday, January 14 A Communit y Conversation about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Langston Hughes library at 7.

MLK JR. Saturday, Januar y 15 TriBoro Intergenerational Services of Jamaica invites all to an afternoon of reflections and entertainment at their annual celebration dedicated to the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at 2 at the Merrick Park Baptist Church, 120-02 Bishop Curtis G. Norton, Sr. Drive (Marsden Street), Jamaica.

276-5039 information. Free will offering.

CON BRIO ENSEMBLE Saturday, January 15 at the Flushing library at 2., ASTRONOMY Saturday, January 15 from 7-9 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000 to register. $12 adult, $7 children.

LAS POSADAS Saturday, January 15 Radio Jarocho celebrates Las

Posadas at 3 at the Elmhurst library.

AMERICAN HEARTLAND Saturday, January 15 Claremont Strings presents Music of the American Heartland at 3 at the Jackson Heights library.

OPEN MIC Sunday, January 16 at the Central library at 2.

MLK JR. Sunday, January 16 Clergy United for Communit y Empowerment, Inc. presents a celebration service of commemoration for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 5 at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 202-03 Hollis Avenue.

CON BRIO ENSEMBLE Sunday, January 16 at 4:30 at Church in the Gardens, 50 Ascan Avenue, Forest Hills. $12.

GUITAR NIGHT Sunday, January 16 International Guitar Night at Queens Theatre in the Park.

760-0064 tickets.

CON BRIO ENSEMBLE Saturday, January 22 at 2 at the Langston Hughes library.

CONCERTI Sunday, January 23 young virtuosi take the stage to perform a program of concerti with orchestra. All ages. 997-3888.

GOLDILOCKS Saturday, January 29 Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Queens Theatre in the Park. 760-0064.

BACK TO THE 60S Saturday, January 29 Ron Dante, Sonny Geraci and Dennis Tu fano per form at Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6311.

COFFEEHOUSE February 5 at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000.

TANGO BUENOS AIRES Sunday, February 20 at Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6311.

MEETINGS BEREAVEMENT New bereavement group forming at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000, ext. 223 for information.

FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tuesdays the Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets.

917-612-3463.

WOMANSPACE Wednesdays Womanspace, a discussion group devoted to issues concerning women, meets 1-3 at the Great Neck Senior Center, 80 Grace Avenue.

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

465-2914; me1nc@aol.com CIVIL AIR PATROL Fridays 6-10 at Vaughn College of Aeronautics, 86-01 23 rd Avenue, East Elmhurst.

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

UNITED 40S Thursday, January 13 United Forties Civic Association, Inc. meets at St. Teresa P a r i s h C e n t e r , 5 0 - 2 2 4 5th Street, Woodside.

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

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

CREATIVE WRITING Monday, January 3 at the Seaside library at 2.

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

ENGLISH CONV. Mondays, January 3, 10 English Conversation Groups at the Bellerose library. Register.

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

JIC JOB INFO Monday, January 3 at the Central library at 7.

COMPUTER CLASS Tuesdays, Januar y 4, 11 at the Arverne library at 10.

COMPUTER CLASS Tuesdays, Januar y 4, 11 at the Sunnyside library. Register.

BASIC COMPUTER Tuesday, Januar y 4 at the LIC library at 11.

BEGINNER COMPUTER Tuesday, Januar y 4 at the South Jamaica library Register.

ADULT SCRABBLE Tuesdays, Januar y 4, 11 at the Fresh Meadows library at 1.

LIC CRAFT CLUB Tuesday, Januar y 4 at the LIC library at 1.

INTRO COMPUTERS Tuesday, Januar y 4 at the Maspeth library at 1.

LEARN TO DRAW Tuesday, Januar y 4 at the Hillcrest library. Register.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

263-7000.

ART LEAGUE Starting January 5 Explorations in Abstraction: Using Watercolor and Mixed Media from 1-4 at the National Art League in Douglaston. $100 for 4 classes. 516-2237659.

INTERMEDIATE COMP. Thursday, January 6 at the LIC library at 10.

INTRO COMPUTERS Thursday, January 6 at the

Pomonok library. Register.

US CITIZENSHIP Thursdays, January 6, 13 Pathway to US Citizenship at the Elmhurst library at 5:30.

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

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

CHESS CLUB Thursdays at the East Flushing library. Register.

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

KNITTING CLUB Fridays at the Maspeth library at 10.

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

COMPUTER CLASS Fridays, January 7, 14 at the Middle Village librar y.

Register.

SCRABBLE Fridays Bananagrams and Scrabble at the Windsor Park library at 2:30.

FM POETS Saturday, January 8 Fresh Meadows Poets meet to discuss their work at 10 at the Forest Hills library.

RESUME WRITING Saturday, January 8 at the LIC library at 10:30.

CAREER POTENTIAL Saturday, January 8 at the Central library at 2.

COMPUTER CLASS Monday, January 10 at the Fresh Meadows library. Register.

JOB INFO SERVICES Monday, January 10 at the Middle Village librar y. Register.

CRAFT CLUB Monday, January 10 at the LIC library at 6.

BALLROOM DANCING Monday, January 10 at the Forest Hills library at 6:30.

INTRO E-MAIL Tuesday, Januar y 11 at the Queens Village library. Register.

WRITER’S WORKSHOP Thursday, January 13 at the Bayside library. Register.

SIGN LANGUAGE Thursday, January 13 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000 to register. For the entire family.

JIC JOB INFO Saturday, January 15 at the Central library at 11.

POETRY WRITING Tu e s d a y, J a n u a r y 1 8 a t Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows at 7:30.

NOOK NIGHT Wednesday, January 19 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows at 7.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Saturday, January 22 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Franklin Square.

516-872-8062.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Sunday, January 30 from 93:30 at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. $50. 263-7000 to register.

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

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

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

ART CLASSES Children and adults, day and evening, Monday through S a t u rd a y.

926-9821. www.jacksonheightsartclub.org

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

WAITANKUNG Sundays at 2. Waitankung is a great total-body workout.

Join these ancient Chinese exercise classes in the Flushing Hospital/Medical Center auditorium on 45 th Avenue between Parsons and Burling. Free. Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156 information.

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

670-1695. $5 a class.

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

YOGA TALK Tuesday, Januar y 4 Jamie Ehrenthal, a certified instructor of yoga, speaks at the Re fo r m Te m p l e o f F o r e st Hills, 71-11 112 th Street at 8:30. Free.

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

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

431.

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

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

OA Fridays 6:30-8:30 at Unit y Center of Flushing, 42-11 1 5 5 th S t r e e t . S a t u r d a y s 10:30-noon at Resurrection Ascension, Feely Hall, 85-18 61 st Road, Rego Park. Beginners meeting except the last Friday of each month, which is a writing meeting.

CO-DEPENDENTS ANON. Fridays 10-11:45 at Resurrection Ascension Pastoral C e n t e r , 8 5 - 1 8 6 1 st R o a d , Rego Park. Women only.

BLOOD DRIVE Sunday, January 9 blood drive from 9:30-1:30 at Temple Tikvah, 3315 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park.

Queens Today TALKS AUBURNDALE Monday, January 3 “The Last Time I Saw You” will be discussed at 2 at the Auburndale library.

STEINWAY Monday, January 3 at the Steinway library at 6:30.

RICHMOND HILL Thursday, January 6 “Years of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague” will be discussed at 3 at the Richmond Hill library.

CYBER BULLYING Thursday, January 6 at the Ridgewood library. Register.

EAST ELMHURST Thursday, January 6 at the East Elmhurst library at 6.

ST. ALBANS Thursday, January 6 “Prodigal” will be discussed at 6:30 at the St. Albans library.

FLUSHING Friday, January 7 “Everything Is Illuminated” will be discussed at 1 at the Flushing library. Film at 2.

WINDSOR PARK Monday, January 10 “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” will be discussed at 2 at the Windsor Park library.

NYS LABOR LAWS Monday, January 10 Understanding NY State Labor Law at 6:30 at the Jackson Heights library.

SEASIDE Monday, January 10 “Island Beneath the Sea” will be dis-

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

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

THEATER KILLING KOMPANY Friday, February 4 “Murder

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

CANNED FOOD DRIVE Through Saturday, January 8 at the Hillcrest library.

RELIGIOUS FOREST HILLS Sunday, January 9 Shiva Minyan Breakfast at 9, after morning Minyan. $10. RSVP

by January 6. Thursdays Talmud Class following Morning Minyan. $10 non-members. Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000, ext. 200.

MLK JR. Sunday, January 16 Clergy United for Communit y Empowerment, Inc. presents a celebration service of commemoration for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 5 at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 202-03 Hollis Avenue.

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

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

266.

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

243.

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

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

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

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

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

Life and Loss, One Song at a Time” will be discussed at 7:30 at Barnes & Noble, 1766 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i ke , Fr e s h Meadows.

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

STARS Wednesdays, January 5, 12 at 10:30 at the Hollis library and Fridays, January 7, 14 at 10:30 at the Queens Village library. Senior Theater Acting Repertory meets.

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.

AARP 1405 Mondays, January 10, 24 Flushing AARP Chapter 1405 meets at the Bowne Street Communit y Church, 143-11 Roosevelt Avenue at 1. New members welcome.

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

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

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

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

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

New members welcome.

658-1021.

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

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

CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

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

COLLEGE BOUND Monday, January 3 getting financial aid, SAT exams and more at 4 at the Central library.

MANGA CLUB Mondays, January 3, 10 at the Peninsula library at 4.

LAPTOPS FOR TEENS Mondays-Fridays, January 37, 10-14 at the Hollis library at 4:30.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays, Januar y 4, 11 at the Hillcrest library at 3:30.

CHESS & CHECKERS Tuesdays, Januar y 4, 11 at 4 at the LIC library DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Tuesdays, Januar y 4, 11 at the Baisley Park library. Register.

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

TEEN GAMES Wednesdays, January 5, 12 at the Central library at 4.

GRAPHIC NOVELIST Wednesday, January 5 at 4 at the Far Rockaway library.

Meet and learn from graphic novelist and children’s book author Neil Numberman in this art workshop.

GAME DAY Wednesdays, January 5, 12 at the St. Albans library at 4.

TEEN GAME DAY Wednesdays, January 5, 12 at the Kew Gardens Hills library at 4:30.

GIRL SCOUTS Thursday, January 6 at the Queens Village library at 4.

CYBER BULLYING Thursday, January 6 workshop at the Ridgewood library. Register.

HAPPY HOUR Fridays, January 7, 14 at the Flushing library at 3.

BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, January 7, 14 at the Fresh Meadows library at 4.

GAMES Friday, January 7 at the Seaside library at 4.

CHESS CLUB Friday, January 7 at the Douglaston/Little Neck library. Register.

GAME PLAYERS Fridays at the Hillcrest library at 2.

TEEN TUTORING Monday, January 10 at 3:30 at the Bayside library.

RESUME WRITING Monday, January 10 at 3:30 at the Broadway library.

TEEN ADVISORY BD. Monday, January 10 at the Central library at 4.

CHESS CLUB Monday, January 10 at the Bayside library at 6.

CRAFT CLUB Monday, January 10 at the LIC library at 6.

GRAPHIC NOVELIST Tuesday, January 11 at 4 at t h e B a y Te r r a c e l i b ra r y.

Thursday, January 13 at 4 at the Richmond Hill library.

Meet and learn from graphic novelist and children’s book author Neil Numberman in this art workshop.

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

CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

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

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

HOMEWORK HELP Mondays-Fridays, January 37, 10-14 at the Lefrak Cit y library at 3.

AFTERSCHOOL TIME Monday, January 3 for those 7-18 at the Arverne library at 3.

CRAFT KIDS Monday, January 3 at the Flushing library at 3.

LITTLE TOT TIME Mondays, January 3, 10 at the Hillcrest library at 4.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays, January 4, 11 at 3:30 at the Hillcrest library.

CHESS & CHECKERS Tuesdays, January 4, 11 at the LIC library at 4.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Tuesdays, January 4, 11 at the Baisley Park library. Register.

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

NATURE EXPLORERS Wednesdays starting Januar y 5 a 10 session activity for those in grades 3-5 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000 to register.

TIMELESS TALES Wednesday, January 5 at the Central library. Register.

CRAFTS Wednesdays, January 5, 12 at the Steinway library. Register.

GAME DAY Wednesdays, January 5,1 2 at the St. Albans library at 4.

TRIVIA FOR KIDS Wednesday, January 5 at the Seaside library at 4:30.

AFTERSCHOOL TIME Thursday, January 6 at the Arverne library at 3.

S TORY T I M E Thursday, January 6 at the Kew Gardens Hills library at 3.

GIRL SCOUTS Thursday, January 6 at 4 at the Queens Village library.

CYBER BULLYING Thursday, January 6 at the Ridgewood library. Register.

MOTHER GOOSE Friday, January 7 at the Briarwood library at 10:30.

FAMILY STORY TIME Friday, January 7 at 11 at the Seaside library.

PRESCHOOL CRAFTS Friday, January 7 at the Sunnyside library. Register.

WII SPORTS Friday, January 7 at the Maspeth library at 3:30.

CHESS CLUB Fridays, January 7, 14 at the Poppenhusen library at 3:30.

GAME DAY Fridays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays, January 7, 14 at the East Flushing library. Register.

GAME PLAYERS CLUB Fridays at the Hillcrest library at 4.

LEARN TO ACT Friday, January 7 at the Peninsula library at 4.

GAMES Friday, January 7 at the Seaside library at 4.

GAME TIME Fridays at the Windsor Park library at 4.

CHESS CLUB Fridays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library. Register.

MATH HELP Saturday at the Flushing library.

MAD SCIENTIST Saturday, January 8 at Alley Pond Environmental Center for those 8-12. 2294000 to register.

SCIENCE LAB Saturdays, January 8, 15 at the Central library at 11.

FOOTPRINTS IN SNOW Saturday, January 8 for those 3-4 and Saturday, January 22 for those 5-6 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000 to register.

SYMPHONY 101 Saturday, January 8 at 1 at the Forest Hills library and at 3 at the Sunnyside library.

Performance/workshop about the different instruments in the traditional symphonic orchestra.

AFTERSCHOOL TIME Monday, January 10 at 3 at the Arverne library.

TEEN TUTORING Monday, January 10 at the Bayside library at 3:30.

WINTER CRAFT Monday, January 10 at the Queens Village library at 4.

FAMILY GAME NIGHT Monday, January 10 at the South Jamaica library at 6.

PJ STORY TIME Monday, January 10 at the Pomonok library at 7.

NUTRITION WORKSHOP Tu e s d ay, J a n u a r y 1 1 fo r those 11-14 at the LIC library. Register. Also at the LIC library on Thursday, January 13. Register.

ACTING WORKSHOP Tu e s d ay, J a n u a r y 1 1 fo r those 10-14 at the Peninsula library,. Register.

S TORY T I M E Wednesday, January 12 at t h e E a st E l m h u r st l i b r a r y.

Register.

PRESCHOOL CRAFT Wednesday, January 12 at t h e W i n d s o r Pa r k l i b ra r y.

Register.

PICTURE BOOK TIME Wednesday, January 12 at the Rego Park library at 3:30.

SKATEBOARD Wednesday, January 12 Personalize your own skateboard at the Lefrak Cit y library at 4.

ANNIE THE DOG Thursday, January 13 at the Queens Village library at 4.

PUZZLE PROJECTS Thursday, January 13 at the Hillcrest library at 4:30.

Dec. 31, 2010 - Jan. 6, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

MISCELLANEOUS

cussed at 6:30 at the Seaside library.

WHITESTONE Tuesday, January 11 “Olive Kitteridge” will be discussed at 1 at the Whitestone library.

HILLCREST Tuesday, Januar y 11 “ The Assistant” will be discussed at 2 at the Hillcrest library.

GLENDALE Thursday, January 13 “The Awakening” will be discussed at 6:30 at the Glendale library.

WINDSOR PARK Thursday, January 13 “The Discomfort Zone: A Personal History” will be discussed at 6:30 at the Windsor Park library.

MYSTERY BOOK Saturday, January 15 Paranormal/Mystery Book Club meets at the LIC library at 3:30.

MOVIES & MUSIC Monday, January 17 book discussion focused on titles with strong ties to music and movies. “Love Is A Mix Tape:

TEENS

People York College senior men’s basketball standout Marcel Esonwune (Lagos, Nigeria/Marist Brothers) once again has found himself atop the NCAA Division III leader board. The first statistical rankings for NCAA Division III men’s basketball were released and Esonwune was leading the nation in blocked shots per game (4.7 per game) and double-doubles, (10) and was second in rebounding (13.5 per game). In addition, he also ranks 38th in the nation in scoring (20.1 ppg).

Last season, the 2009-10 All-American finished the year as the leader in blocked shots and is on pace to defend his title this season. He also finished second in rebounding a year ago.

York and Esonwune were idle until Thursday night, when they hosted Manhattanville.

Signature Bank announced that it has appointed a new private client banking team to be based out of its newly established Jamaica office.

Joining Signature Bank are Norman Burak, who was named Group Director and Senior Vice President and Elizabeth Forgione, appointed Associate Group Director and Vice President.

Most recently, Burak, who has 30 years of banking expertise, spent 24 years at HSBC, USA, NA and its predecessor entities, including Marine Midland Bank. He served as Vice President and Branch Manager for the past 13 years at the Jamaica branch on Hillside Avenue. Over the

years, Burak established relationships with court-related businesses, law firms and real estate entities.

Forgione spent 22 years at Sterling Bank. For the past four years, she served as First Vice President and Branch Manager in Jamaica. She specializes in courtappointed accounts as well as serving small to mid-sized businesses and professional services firms, such as legal practices.

Allison Corbett and James McCurry, who will each serve as Senior Client Associates, join Burak and Forgione. They had both previously worked with Burak for more than 13 years.

Concurrent with the new team’s appointment, Signature Bank opened its 24th private client banking office. The Jamaica private client banking office is located at 89-36 Sutphin Blvd.

“The appointment of Norman and Elizabeth demonstrates the Bank’s continued ability to attract veteran bankers with long-established client relationships in need of a bank that can provide superior service. Both Norman and Elizabeth have decades of banking experience, primarily in the Jamaica area, making their team a perfect fit for our new office, our third in Queens,” noted Joseph J. DePaolo, President and Chief Executive Officer at Signature Bank.

Burak and Forgione stated why they were attracted to Signature Bank: “Signature Bank’s perspective of serving the client and meeting their needs through one

team and a single-point-of-contact approach was appealing to us because it will afford our team a better opportunity to truly service our clients. At Signature Bank, we are able to work in an entrepreneurial manner since we manage our own book of business and are responsible for ensuring we meet our clients’ needs and exceed their expectations.”

Burak resides in East Meadow. He serves as Chairman of the Sutphin Business Improvement District (SBID), an organization focused on improving the

business along the corridor of Jamaica’s Sutphin Blvd. He is also a member of the Greater Jamaica Development Corp. and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce. He holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing from Baruch College in New York City.

Forgione lives in Woodhaven and was raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She serves as treasurer of the SBID, where she and Burak initially met. She is also a member of the Queens Boulevard Kiwanis Club.

Winter Donation:

Sen. Malcolm Smith toured PS 138 in Rosedale and dropped off toys to students at the school as part of his annual Winter Wonderland Toy Drive. Pictured l. to r.: Assistant Principal James McEnaney, PTA President Yvette Small, Smith, Principal Michelle Andrews and Dean/UFT Representative Paula Miller.

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Dec. 31, 2010 - Jan. 6, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 21

Contracting

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Fashion Forward

The Mets have had their fair share of Benedict Arnolds, so we’re not too surprised to see reliever Pedro Feliciano switch over to New York’s other team.

The lefty declined arbitration with the Mets, instead opting for a multi-year deal reportedly worth $8 million with the Yankees.

The reliever set a franchise record for the Amazin’s by appearing in 86 games in 2008, 88 games in 2009 and 92 games in 2010.

We’re torn. As a reliable pitcher, he served us well… But he’s going to the Yankees. We wish him nothing but the worst of luck.

Former Met and new Yankee (right) Pedro Feliciano

This Old Amp

For years, Symire Jones thought of delving into the modeling industry, but standing at 5-foot-3, the petite beauty did not think it was possible.

Living by the motto, where there’s a will there’s a way, Symire has decided to pursue a career in print and commercial modeling.

“When I am in front of the camera, I feel so happy,” she said. “If you want something, then you go after it and you will get it.”

Symire has hinged her future on more than just her pretty face. She is currently enrolled at LaGuardia Community College and hopes to transfer to the Fashion Institute of Technology in June.

“I want to be around the fashion industry,” she said.

Symire’s transfer to her dream school rests on her ability to sew, but she is confident in her abilities. She said her mother taught her to sew and she has taken classes to fine tune her skills.

Symire has tunnel vision where her goals are concerned; hobbies and hangouts have taken a backseat to her future.

“My days consist of school, then work, shows and photo shoots,” she said.

In five years, Symire would like to have her own high fashion clothing line.

We’ll keep looking.

Who We Are Edited by: Michael Schenkler.

Contributors: Jessica Ablamsky, Sasha Austrie, Marcia Moxom Comrie, Mike Nussbaum, Joe Orovic, Brian Rafferty, Domenick Rafter.

You can reach us by email at Conf@QueensTribune.com

Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 31, 2010 - Jan. 6, 2011

We wonder whose guitar buzzed through this box.

The label shows that the amplifier was made in Woodside.

This old Ampeg guitar amplifier from the 1950s, recently posted for sale on Craigslist, is made by a company with an address in Woodside. It’s not clear if the manufacturing was done there as well, but we never knew they were associated with Queens at all.

Ampeg is still big today and was always used by the biggest names in popular music – you’d see them in the background of any footage of Bob Dylan or the Rolling Stones in the 60s. Yet another spot for Queens in the history of Rock and Roll.

What Is In A Name?

Time’s Up As we ran out by our new office during our lunch hour, to get those final gifts for our loved ones on Dec. 23, we were momentarily detained by City workers on 150th Street in Whitestone while they worked.

We were a little shocked to see their job for the day was taking down the Christmas decorations that were hanging joyfully over the street for the last month or so.

As the workers took down the red garland from the telephone poles in front of Cherry Valley Deli, we noticed there were quite a few other decorations in the back of the truck, confirming that this was not an isolated incident.

Apparently, for the City of New York, Christmastime ends two days before Christmas.

Or maybe it just costs too much to leave them out. That’s what happens when you start putting them up in October.

Finding a name can sometimes be a challenge; just ask any parent who struggled even after the baby was born.

But for bloggers, who often keep their real identity secret, borrowing an old name or displaying a twist on a classic is fairly commonplace.

We think, though, that the blogger who goes by the name SheaStadiumBK, and whose online SheaStadiumBK’s Blogger avatar. photo is simply a reworked design of the former Mets home seating chart, might be confusing people into thinking that the stadium that was branded as the worst in Major League Baseball before it was demolished, was somehow located in Brooklyn.

Hey, you guys had Ebbets Field, the Dodgers and Jackie Robinson, but you certainly didn’t have Shea.

Perhaps the real question to ask hearkens back to Shakespeare: “What is in a name?” Would a borough by any other name still smell as bad?

Hmmm… perhaps SheaStdiumBK might say the same about our Mets. Touché, in advance.

Workers remove Christmas decorations two days before Christmas.

Madonna Stretches Privilege

We’ve always known Madonna to be flexible.

Symire Jones Jamaica Age: 20 Height: 5’ 3" Weight: 115 lbs Stats: 34-27-37

Not even Madonna can fly during an epic blizzard.

Stranded by snow on a plane in Heathrow Airport, the Material Girl found a novel way to pass the time. To the dismay of the former Corona resident’s fellow first-class passengers, the well-known workout fanatic began doing her yoga routine in the aisle.

After about an hour, a bus retrieved Madge and her 15-member entourage, while the flight’s less fortunate passengers had to wait another two hours before disembarking.

It’s good to be the Queen of Pop.

Confidentially, New York . . .

Dec. 31, 2010 - Jan. 6, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 23