Queens Press Epaper

Volume 12 Issue No. 1 Jan. 7-13, 2011

PAGE 22

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PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

Jamaica High School students deal with overcrowding, a lack of guidance and no new technology while their peers at the schools co-located in their building have an abundance of aid, computers and assistance.

By Sasha Austrie and Jessica Ablamsky Page 3

Online at www.QueensPress.com

Presstime

Inequality Reigns On Gothic Drive PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

BY SASHA AUSTRIE AND JESSICA ABLAMSKY In what could be a sad end to its illustrious 100-year history, Jamaica High School leaves its students walking the halls with kids that have more.

Never meant to be a campus, the Jamaica High School building on Gothic Drive just north of Hillside Avenue is home to four schools – segregated into different floors and wings – that share gyms, labs, a lunch room and auditorium. Coordinating shared facilities is a challenge that requires careful coordination and what some feel is too much of a compromise.

Though the cafeteria was designed to hold 200 students, for safety’s sake, no more than 150 were assigned to each lunch period in the past. Today, students start eating before 10 a.m., and each lunch period sees students filling the room to its maximum capacity.

Maximum capacity is the new normal for students at Jamaica High School. The average class has 34 students crammed into each room.

With a dwindling population of 1,200 students, Jamaica’s resources are quickly evaporating, and the effects manifest as a graduation rate that hovers between 52 and 53 percent.

The Advanced Placement program at Jamaica High School is not what it used to be. In 2007, the school offered six or seven college

The students who occupy the Jamaica High School building may be separate, but they are certainly not granted equal opportunities. level courses. Today, they can only afford one.

While Jamaica has been slated for phase out, Queens Collegiate, one of the co-located schools in the same building, has plans to expand. Housed on the third floor of the Jamaica High School building, Collegiate currently offers sixth, ninth, and 10th grades.

The school opened in September 2008 and has more than 300 students.

Collegiate has two AP classes and plans to add three more next year.

Though Collegiate has only one guidance counselor and a counseling intern, its smaller student population allows its 30 staffers to host an advisory program, with a ratio of 15 students to each administrator.

Occupying one hallway of the sprawling

building is the Hillside Academy of Arts and Letters, in its first year. Its philosophy is that art fosters academic achievement. With classes in session, all that can be heard from the hall is a softly echoing chatter.

Hillside’s 90 students have access to one guidance counselor, and meet weekly in groups of 16 for sessions with an advisory teacher.

Jamaica High School, with considerably fewer resources in comparison, has four guidance counselors for its 1,200 students. A catch-22, the school is proposed for closure due to poor performance, but the inadequate guidance staff makes it tough to boost graduation rates.

Also in its first year, the High School for Community Leadership was designed to develop civic-minded critical thinkers. In partnership with local organizations, students perform nine-week, resume-boosting internships.

Like the most elite private schools, you will not find single desks at Leadership.

Classes are set up to encourage dialogue, with students seated around brand-new tables.

Though the school can afford a computer for each student, administrators capped their purchase at one computer for every two students.

Some classes have as few as 10 students enrolled.

“Each new school gets start-up funding for supplies and many chose to invest in technology,” said DOE Spokesman Jack

Zarin-Rosenfeld. “Struggling schools like Jamaica see decreased enrollment because parents are choosing better options for their kids, and smaller schools naturally have smaller budgets.”

After a walk through of the Jamaica High School building, State Sen. Tony Avella (DBayside) Council members Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) and Danny Dromm (DJackson Heights) and Queens clergy met.

They expressed their concern with the lack of resources for Jamaica High School and the bounty of assets at the other schools.

“Jamaica High School students are second-class citizens,” said Avella.

Koslowitz said Jamaica students are forced to learn in an environment that promotes “psychological hindrance.”

“It’s like seeing a group of kids with a Gucci bag and you are holding a paper bag,” she said.

Avella vowed to fight the closure of Jamaica High School. The electeds promised to attend the public hearings to staunch the closure of the school and explore legal options, including a lawsuit with the United Federation of Teachers, if necessary.

“How can we stand here and watch our children be neglected?” Koslowitz asked.

Both Dromm and Koslowitz feared Newtown and Richmond Hill high schools would be next on the chopping block, and their students would meet a similar fate.

Reach the Queens Tribune newsroom at editor@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400.

Sanit Staff Deny Slow Snow Scheme

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

tions to New Yorkers.”

Halloran spokesman Steven Stites said videos showing plows driving up streets with their plows raised and pictures of sleeping Sanitation workers in trucks that didn’t appear to be stuck in the snow generate anecdotal buzz, but don’t prove anything.

Last week, State Sen. Tony Avella (DBayside) filed Freedom of Information requests to access communications between the Mayor’s office, the DOS and other City agencies during the blizzard.

“New Yorkers lives were put in jeopardy following this storm,” Avella said.

“We must make sure that this does not happen again.”

Unplowed streets are being blamed for delaying emergency help to people in the hours and days after the blizzard. Fire Department officials had to dig their way through snow-covered Elmhurst streets to get to a five-alarm fire the day after the storm. A Corona woman, Yvonne Freeman, died, and a Corona newborn is currently on life support after emergency aid was delayed in getting to them.

“I don’t know of another area in the city where the consequences of failing to plow streets in a timely manner were as devastating as in my district,” said State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-Corona).

The City Council will hold hearings on blizzard cleanup on Jan. 10.

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

Jan. 7-13, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Sanitation workers are pushing back against accusations that DOS supervisors purposely ordered their workers to slow down snow cleanup after last month’s blizzard in protest of Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s budget cuts.

Federal and local prosecutors have, at the same time, opened criminal investigations into the alleged slowdowns.

The office of U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch in Brooklyn opened a criminal probe into the response, as did the DAs of Brooklyn and Queens, to investigate if any criminal activity occurred in the accused slowdown, even as Sanitation workers continue to deny it occurred.

“It’s not true. There was no work slowdown” said Tony DiLeonardo, a Sanitation worker from Bellerose. He said many of his coworkers who were caught sitting in snowplows the day after the blizzard were there because their trucks got stuck in the snow, forcing them to wait for long periods of time for rescue vehicles to come – sometimes hours.

“We couldn’t even see [while working],” he said. While plowing the LIE between the Nassau County border and Lefrak City, conditions were so bad that DiLeonardo said he couldn’t see a few feet in front of him. He said cars that had gotten stuck during the blizzard blocked plows from moving all over Queens, including on the LIE. DiLeonardo, who worked long hours

gruntled supervisors getting demoted, there was no discussion on that at all.”

McCormick said he and his colleagues were ordered to stick to primary roads on the first night and no one was sent to secondary routes, which was uncommon, but was done because the primary roads were abnormally difficult to clear.

“I’m not management, so Plows made it to some major thoroughfares in the early hours of the blizzard, but were quickly overwhelmed, according to I don’t know how they position trucks,” he said. “But I Sanitation employees. noticed this was the most during the blizzard, said the storm’s difficult storm I’ve experienced.” strength, as well staff strength, were issues He said many trucks, including his own, for DOS. He said the agency did not have got stuck in the snow, especially the day after, the emergency personnel list they nor- which had also never happened before. mally had during past blizzards and in“I just think it was a combination of stead had to rely on a Sunday list, which many factors,” he said. left the department understaffed.

Councilman Dan Halloran (R“The city sent us out 12 hours too late,” Whitestone) said the workers who came to he added.

Halloran’s office to confess to an organized Danny McCormick worked the night slowdown represented only a small portion shift around Flushing and Bayside the of the DOS, and he had never implied that night of the storm. He said getting to work the slowdown was a citywide problem. from his home in Nassau County was “Only a small number of DSNY superuncharacteristically difficult because of visors were behind the slowdown. The cars stuck on the roads. He denied there vast majority of workers did their jobs, and was any purposeful slowdown. they should be commended,” said “There was absolutely no work slow- Halloran. “They are rightly outraged, but down,” McCormick said. “Everyone takes they should be mad at their colleagues who the snow seriously. Even if there are dis- put personal grudges over their obliga-

Center Spared Budget Axe Wrath decision to fund us," said Hunt. "We couldn't have gotten a better gift for the The City will continue funding a popu- new year."

When the center's staff announced lar mental health service facility in Jathat the proposed budget cuts would no maica.

In a change of heart, the Dept. for the longer be put into effect, some seniors Aging and Health Dept. will continue to found themselves in tears after hearing fully fund Friendship Center for the bal- the good news.

"We don't leave the Friendship Center ance of fiscal year 2011.

Cuts would have phased out the facility until we die," said one senior.

As one of the only programs in Queens over a two-year period and left the facilito be affected by the proposed cuts, the ties participants with no place to go.

Friendship Center was exThe Jamaica Service pected to lose $147,781 Program for Older Adults

by Feb. 28.

(JSPOA), which operates Although the Health out of the Friendship Dept. will cut the FriendCenter, assists nearly 100 ship Center's budget by participants, some of 50% in July of this year, whom suffer from "this gives us time to plan Alzheimer's disease and for our future as we predementia.

Under last month's - Carol Hunt, JSPOA pare to move into a new proposed cuts, the Health Executive Director building in Downtown Jamaica," said Hunt.

Dept. was expected to Through the help of axe significant funding, which provides mental health services and borough politicians, the center was recently provided with a total of facilities throughout the city.

Keeping the facility's recovery-ori- $2,126,000 to add 20,000 square feet of ented service open for seniors and eld- space within the luxury rental building erly participants until June 30 will make it called Moda.

Hunt says it will be difficult for the possible for the center to remain open, said JSPOA Executive Director Carol center to make it through on their own.

With significant cuts coming from the City Hunt.

"We're very elated that the Dept. of in 2012, she hopes to ensure the same Mental Health and Hygiene made the quality of service they provide now will

BY JASON BANREY

stay in place for her participants.

"Although government is there, they can't always provide all the answers," said Hunt. "Within this difficult economic

climate in the city, times have changed."

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

“We couldn't

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 7-13, 2011

have gotten a better gift for the new year.�

Protesters decry the possible closing of the Friendship Center weeks ago, but the program was spared the wrath of the budget axe.

Spike Lee, Health Dept. Urge Quitting

BY JESSICA ABLAMSKY Just in time for those New Year's resolutions, the City Dept.of Health unveiled a new series of anti-smoking television ads, directed by Spike Lee, that warn parents of the short- and long-term health effects of secondhand smoke on children: asthma, bronchitis, ear infections and cancer.

"More than half of New York City nonsmokers are still inhaling noxious chemicals from other people's cigarettes," said Dr. Thomas Farley, New York City Health Commissioner. "No one should have to breathe secondhand smoke - whether at home or in a public recreation area. If you haven't quit smoking, protect yourself as well as your loved ones by quitting today.

If you haven't made your home smokefree, now is the time. Choose health, for yourself and your family."

The good news is that fewer adults in the City are smoking. Between 2002 and 2008, smoking rates fell by nearly 6 percent, or 350,000 fewer smokers, according to a new report from the DOH. When they do smoke, fewer are doing it at home. Over the same period of time, smoking at home fell by 9 percent.

The bad news is that more nonsmokers in the City are exposed to secondhand smoke than nationally.

In 2004, 57 percent of smokers in the City, versus 45 percent nationally, had elevated levels of a chemical that indicates recent tobacco exposure, possibly due to

New York City's high housing density.

The DOH estimates that: 1.5 million New Yorkers allow smoking at home, 150,000 with children in the house - nearly 60 percent of smokers allow smoking at home; Female smokers are more likely to allow smoking at home, and among them, 65 percent allow smoking in the home, while only 53 percent of men do the same; Black smokers are more likely than other

races to allow smoking at home; U.S.-born smokers are more likely to allow smoking in the home than foreignborn residents; Smokers from Queens are more likely to disallow-in home smoking - half of all smokers in Queens allow smoking in the house, compared to 54 percent in Brooklyn and 68 percent in The Bronx and Manhattan; Our youngest adults are more likely to be

exposed to smoking at home - among 18-24 year-old nonsmokers, 28 percent are exposed to secondhand smoke at home, compared to 16 percent of the 25 and up crowd; Black and Asian nonsmokers report more secondhand smoke exposer than whites, 21 percent versus 15 percent.

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

Making Ballots Easier To Read

BY DOMENICK RAFTER Citing what he called "the most common complaint" with the new voting machines this past election, State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) is introducing legislation that would make the font on the ballots bigger and easier to read.

"Current election law does not contain any requirements as to ballot readability or usability, and only requires candidates' names to appear in all capital bold-type letters with no minimum type size, which made many ballots used in New York City and elsewhere very difficult and frustrating for voters to read and to use," Addabbo said.

The bill would require ballots to be printed in "simple, easy-to-read type," such

as Arial and Universe style font. It would also mandate that candidates' names, their office titles and political designations, as well as the reading form of all ballot questions submitted, will be printed in capital letters followed by lower case letters of at least 12-point bold type.

The bill would also require that State and City Board of Elections, as well as Erie, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties, have a full-time staff member trained in ballot use and design.

"Expertise in ballot design and usability is lacking within our boards of elections," Addabbo said.

During the September primary and November general elections last year, voters complained that the font size on the ballot was too small and cramped, complicating their ability to read names and discern

between different races. One problem with the 2010 ballot was the number of races.

There were five statewide races, plus two state legislative races and any local elections, as well as ballot issues, which all had to fit on one ballot.

As a solution, Addabbo said the State Board of Elections suggested a two-sided ballot, which Addabbo does not favor because it could lead to voters missing races on the reverse side. Instead, his position is for a longer ballot sheet.

"I want to discuss this in committee and I want to do it soon," said Addabbo, who was chair of the Senate Elections Committee last year until Republicans took control of the Senate.

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

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

In Our Opinion: Arnold Thibou Executive Editor:

Brian Rafferty Contributing Editor:

Editorial More Snow Coming There certainly are conflicting reports about what happened to the clean-up of the snow that fell Dec. 26 and 27 across the City.

In Queens, there are allegations of a deliberate slowdown as a result of staff layoffs at Sanitation. Some Sanitation employees allegedly confessed to taking direct orders from supervisors to sit and wait rather than plow.

If this is indeed true, and any loss of life or property can be attributed to the ordered inaction of the Sanitation Department, criminal charges should be filed.

However, we cannot rush to judgment of an entire city department because of the potential misdeeds of what may have been a select few.

There will be investigation at the City Council level, and prosecutors at the county and federal level are already looking into the situation. Let us be patient and await review before rushing to hasty criticism.

That said, we’re expecting more snow this weekend. The people of Queens expect and demand clean streets. It’s time for the Dept. of Sanitation to step up and show this borough what a good job it can do.

Marcia Moxam Comrie

Letters

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

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

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

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 7-13, 2011

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2011 Tribco, LLC

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

City with an unsustainable pension system based not on salary but on overtime.

Perhaps the only way out of this mess is to let all City-funded pension plans declare bankruptcy. Then, under court direction, a system of wages and pensions could be developed in keeping with New York’s shrinking population and reduced tax base.

If something is not done, and soon, New York’s population will be reduced to those who either are already on welfare or going on welfare, all feeding at the soonto-be-empty public trough.

David Rivkin, Jamaica

Answers Needed

Production Manager:

Regina Vogel

Letters

An A? Really?

To The Editor: It is clear from anyone who lives in Queens that the Sanitation Department failed miserably in last week’s snow storm and did not follow its own operating procedures for snow removal as it has done in other large snow storms of the past.

The residents of Queens saw the absence of snow plows for two days or more after the storm ended and now must listen to Sanitation Commissioner John Doherty telling the media that he gives his department an “A” for snow removal.

It’s unimaginable what a “D” would be in Doherty’s fantasy

world. We do indeed live in an “Alice-in-Wonderland” world where fantasy is reality. Will Doherty tell us that the sky is red or the moon is made of cheese?

At least we can be thankful that Bloomberg did not choose him as our School Chancellor.

Bob Friedrich, Glen Oaks

Union’s Fault To The Editor: The performance of the Sanitation Dept. during the recent blizzard shows us how greedy unions and spineless politicians beholden to those unions have conspired to saddle the working, tax-paying citizens of New York

To The Editor: If it is indeed true that there was a deliberate job slowdown by Sanitation workers during the recent devastating blizzard because they were angry about layoffs and budget cuts to their department, there needs to be a thorough investigation as to why this was permitted.

Certainly, the workers have a right to be upset about layoffs and budget cuts – they have families to support and bills to pay. However, we all have to pay bills and support families in this city. There is absolutely no valid or logical reason for the Sanitation workers to deliberately slow down plowing of streets and roadways.

There were so many streets that were not plowed right after the storm, all over the area, and this caused very serious problems for the fire department, police de-

partment, emergency services and the MTA, with hundreds of buses and other vehicles, including ambulances and some fire trucks trapped in the snow.

Yes, this was a very powerful storm, with blinding, blowing snow falling at the rate of 2-3 inches per hour, accompanied by 50-60 mph winds, thunder and lightning. Certainly it made plowing by the Sanitation Department very difficult. However, you cannot take out your frustrations at the mayor for not doing the job of plowing the streets and roadways, which is your responsibility. If this was the case, then it is an absolute disgrace! Commissioner Doherty needs to conduct an internal investigation as to why this occurred. What will happen when the next storm comes along? After all, this was only the end of December, and we have January, February and March to get through.

John Amato, Fresh Meadows

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

fax: (718) 357-9417

Day One, Everything's Mean-Spirited A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE During the aptly austere inauguration of Andrew Cuomo as governor last week, he warmly embraced the now-former governor, David Paterson, and everyone sort of felt the love.

But the warm embrace grew cold within a day or two when Cuomo found out that Paterson was being given an additional month of security detail while he re-adapts to civilian life.

Governor Cuomo II quickly and unceremoniously cancelled the initial courtesy. He tersely announced that his father did not leave with his security detail 16 years ago.

Are you kidding me?!

Mario Cuomo was not blind and had no known difficulty navigating his physical world. Expresidents of our country are given protection for the rest of their

lives and our state cannot afford to accommodate a visually impaired ex-governor for four weeks?

We all know that the economy of our state, like everywhere else, is in the pit. Paterson himself had been saying it for more than two years. Cuomo has made the exemplary gesture of cutting his, the Lt. Governor's and top staffers' salaries by five percent. We get it. We can't afford to keep two governors on the tax payers' dime for security details. But to deny a visually handicapped outgoing governor a transitional detail is really cold-hearted.

The new governor could even have struck a compromise and given Paterson two weeks. This really is no way to start off your new term, Mr. Cuomo.

Paterson himself said months ago that due to the perk of having people help him around all these years, he has lost much of his

skills of physical independence in the outside world. He announced he would have to return for training at the Brooklyn facility where he had been trained years ago.

Paterson was not bemoaning the loss of his aides. And he wasn't being arrogant. He was just being conversational about a reality of his transition back to private life. I would have been willing to see my tax dollars go toward the funding of at least two weeks of transitional assistance for him.

This is a man who dedicated about 25 years of his life to public service and to deny him a couple of weeks of help, given his situation, seems mean-spirited and downright ill-mannered.

It says a lot for Cuomo's campaign promise to "clean up Albany," but it says nothing good about his capacity for empathy.

And since he brought up his fa-

ther as an example, lest we forget, a lot of what Albany gets criticized for now was also going on during the first Governor Cuomo's reign in the 80s and early 90s. Let's not get amnesia here.

The officers who would have protected and assisted the outgoing governor are still going to be paid somehow. To the best of public knowledge, they are not retiring. They are not fired. So why couldn't they have earned their salary helping a fellow-public servant get his bearings?

Eliot Spitzer, that other paragon of empathy, said during the campaign that he was supporting Cuomo but in words too crass to direct quote in this space, he said he was not a nice person.

Governor, congratulations on your new job - we know you'll work hard. But please don't continue to prove Spitzer right.

News Briefs Block Captains Needed When the plows didn't come to Woodhaven after last month's blizzard, Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association, talked with elected officials like Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) about cleanup.

When Miller asked Wendell what streets needed to be plowed, Wendell took to Facebook to try to get information. It proved, however, not to be the best method.

"Although we heard back from many residents, this was a haphazard and spotty way of determining just how bad the situation was in our community," he said.

In response, Wendell is asking residents in Woodhaven to resurrect a longabandoned program aimed at quickly gathering information neighborhood-wide. He is asking residents to volunteer to become "block captains."

"An orderly, grassroots gathering of information will greatly assist our community when dealing with the next storm, whether it be a blizzard, a tornado, or a blackout," he said.

Also, he said, "block captains" could assist in quality of life issues like loud latenight parties, a common problem in Woodhaven during the summer.

Any Woodhaven resident interested in becoming a "block captain" should contact the WRBA at info@woodhavenyc.org or call (718) 296-3735 or attend WRBA's monthly meeting on Saturday, Jan. 8, at 1 p.m. at the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 78-15 Jamaica Ave.

2011's First Babies

State Pavilion Study The New York State Pavilion is getting a once-over by the City.

The Parks Dept. awarded a contract to study the stability of the foundations of the borough's iconic structures, as well as an assessment of the observation towers' soundness. The agency expects work to begin in March and is expected to last four months.

The results of the study, paired with a 2009 study of the Tent of Tomorrow, will provide Parks with a better understanding of the work necessary to stabilize, or perhaps fully restore the landmark buildings, as well as provide an estimate for the cost of the work, according to an agency spokesman.

The study's announcement was met with open arms by park advocate Greg Godfrey. Riding the high of two landmark designations for the Pavilion on the State and Federal level, Godfrey hopes this study will be a step towards solidifying the former World's Fair site's place as a City landmark, as well as lead to its full restoration.

Traffic Test Ending Half a year after its implementation, the trial period for Flushing's revamped Downtown Traffic Plan will come to an end Jan. 17, followed by an assessment of the new traffic flow's effectiveness.

The Dept. of Transportation has spent the better part of the last six months compiling data, including counts of turning movements, speeding and pedestrian levels, according to spokesman Monty Dean.

The figures will be juxtaposed against prepattern change levels to gauge the effectiveness of the new pattern.

The agency will then provide a report summarizing the results.

Councilman Peter Koo's (R-Flushing) office has not received a flurry of complaints about the new plan, according to his Chief of Staff James McClelland.

Koo will wait until the DOT provides its final numbers before making any recommendations going forward.

The relatively hiccup-free transition to the new flow, and the unusually low number of complaints, caught the plan's early naysayers off guard, according to Community Board 7 Chairman Gene Kelty.

"I should be happy to the point that it worked, that it proved us wrong," he said.

The plan came as a surprise to members of the Board, who had spent an exorbitant amount of energy working with the DOT on a previous project for several years, a now-defunct dual one-way plan.

Kelty said the early results and lack of complaints called in to the Community Board are all welcome signs, but expressed doubts the good news will be permanent.

With the monolithic Flushing Commons' construction looming on the horizon, as well as work on the RKO Keith's theater site being planned, Kelty imagines the good vibes may dissipate eventually.

"This is fine and dandy when there's not construction going on," he said, adding when work begins "all of a sudden you'll see a lot of things popping up where they weren't before."

And the chance to voice displeasure may have passed.

"Those people who haven't said anything until now, it's too late," Kelty said.

Jan. 7-13, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Queens parents are boasting their first born babies as the city's first of 2011.

Two families that call the borough home may have given birth to the first babies born in the city this year.

In a special moment, which the family already believed to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for them all, the Wong family of Fresh Meadows welcomed Selina as the New Year's first girl.

Entering the world at one minute into the New Year, the 7-lbs, 12-oz, bundle of joy greeted her proud parents for the first time as the borough celebrated a new decade.

After checking into New York Hospital Queens at around 9 a.m. on Dec. 31, parents Richard and Ting Li spent just more than 15 hours in the delivery room awaiting their first baby.

Despite the exhaustive natural delivery, both parents retained enough energy to express their excitement after sharing an "unbelievable" experience together.

"I never thought I would have one of the first babies of the New Year," said Ting Li, who originally hails from South China.

More than eight miles away, in Manhattan, Maspeth parents embraced, possibly what may be Queens' first resident born in 2011. Born 57 seconds after the clock struck midnight, Jacek and Marta Kozlowski, welcomed Kacper, the city's first-born baby boy as New Year's revelers kissed 2011 into existence.

Nervously awaiting the arrival of his son as he watched the clock, Kacper's father waited outside the delivery room wondering what year his son would be born in.

"I waiting outside and I was so nervous and I looking at the watch and what's

going on - is it going to be 2010 or 2011?" said the new father.

Cuomo Takes The Helm Of A Troubled Ship Of State

By MICHAEL SCHENKLER I am writing this as Andrew Cuomo prepares to take the oath of office as New York State’s 56th governor. We anticipate calls for reform, budget restraint, no new taxes and an attack on the multiple levels of mini governments throughout the state.

And while, like most such speeches, we expect few specifics, we do expect the ambitious and driven Governor to make reforming the dysfunctional State Government a priority. Naturally, he will offer to do so in partnership with a Legislature which is responsible for a continuous decline since Andrew first lived in the Executive Mansion with his father, Governor Mario.

Corruption, uncontrolled spending, off-the-books debt, personal and patronage excess, member item abuses and catering to special i nterest s have been t he shibboleths by which the legislature has functioned. Cuomo now has the near-impossible task of governing with the same legislature that has brought New York to the brink of bankruptcy while catering to its own needs and those of the special interests which support them.

He is not the first to be elected with the pledge and mission of reforming State Government. Only four years ago, Eliot Spitzer came charging in on a white stallion with an overwhelming mandate to reform State Government. Well, the Spitzer steamroller ran into the Bruno buzz saw and it did not take long for the uncompromising Sherriff of Wall Street to be isolated as the a man who could not work with others. And as soon as his first misstep occurred, the powers that be pounced upon his personal (and legal) indiscretion and Client 9 was forced from office.

He was followed by a reform-

minded David Paterson, who in spite of years of legislative leadership, proved inept at achieving meaningful reform.

Sheldon Silver’s Assembly and now Dean Skelos’ Senate have been created on a diet of serving themselves. Insuring their reelection, delivering the bacon to their supporters at home, legislating to the wishes of the special interests which support and fund them are patterns that seem impossible to break.

You see, the people have tolerated it. In spite of the general acceptance that New York State’s Legislature is the most dysfunctional in the nation, the voters rarely if ever blame their local legislators for the problem. And year after year, the hordes of go-alongto-get-along legislators are returned to office to continue the patterns of dysfunction.

Andrew Cuomo must bring change. Cuomo has a state to run.

A state buried in debt, mired in dysfunction and so ethically challenged that indictments are more commonplace than heroics among public servants. We site for examples

several that made us take note: Alan Hevesi, Pedro Espada, Tony Seminario, Joe Bruno, Brian McLaughlin.

Cuomo also has the legislature to work with. And that will be the challenge.

He has the mandate for reform but needs the votes to achieve it.

He can work with the legislature or challenge them. The double edged option is likely to wound even the most skilled politician.

The tests will not be in this weekend’s speeche s but in t he early months to come in 2011.

We look first to the budget process. Will cutbacks be real? Will fiscal prudence trump special interests? Will member items be severely curtailed, with larger grants awarded competitively and monitored ethically? Will off-the books authorities be brought under control and their debts be acknowledged by the State? Will a truly balanced budget be approved and still allow for effective governance?

Will the budget be on time?

Test number t wo will come when the redistricting process is defined. Cuomo and a majority of

the legislator s have commit ted themselves to a non-par tisan, independent redistricting process.

Commitment aside, we find it difficult to believe that the legislature that has disappointed us so frequently in the past will live up to the commitment they have made.

It is just too easy for Skelos’ Republicans to draw the Senate lines while Silver’s Dems draw the Assembly line s, insuring ten more years of comfort for the incumbents and a best case scenario for their par tie s.

A gubernatorial veto – or perhaps the threat of one – could force the legislature to do the right thing or throw the entire process to a cour t-appointed master. Unless there is truly independent and nonpar t isa n redistr ict ing, Andre w Cuomo will never earn his stripes as a good government reformer.

Should he produce an ontime, effective balanced budget and achieve independent redistricting, Andrew will quickly become the most talked-about Democrat on the national scene.

And become our hero.

MSchenkler@QueensPress.com

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 7-13, 2011

Bloomberg Beleaguered By Medley of Mishaps

By HENRY STERN The flood of personal criticism leveled at Mayor Bloomberg because of the cit y’s poor re sponse to the blizzard is somewhat over the top.

Many factors contributed to the city’s failure to clean the streets, and Henry there is likely to be at least one investigation to explore the sequence of events and offer proposals to prevent or mitigate a recurrence. Actually, the last two major snowfal ls had been wel lhandled, which led to the public’s expectation that this storm would be dealt with promptly and professionally.

The Mayor attracted criticism because of his initial attitude toward the storm, treating it as a nuisance rather than as a serious blow to ot her s, whose home s could not be reached by ambulance s or were unable to get to work. As the crisis continued, the Mayor changed his stance and took the situation much more seriously.

Actually, the MTA response to the storm appears to have been far worse than the Department of Sanitation’s, judging from the length of time that lines were out of service. We have not previously associated the unpopular MTA with failure to respond to snowstorms which blocked the tracks, but they sure messed up this time.

With all the city’s faults, we believe that the concentration of blame on Mayor Bloomberg is unjustified. It seems to us as if the

media and the people finally have found a plausible reason to express their dissatisfaction at a number of unpopular decisions made by the Mayor over the last few years.

First, and most important, was the 2008 Stern reversal of his long-held public position on his own tenure, when he decided to seek re-election by using his puppets on the City Council to rush through a law extending eligibility from two to three terms. T he unfairne ss of changing the rules in the middle of a conflict runs up against people’s ideas of fair play.

A number of other mat ters have chewed at the Mayor’s reputation. The repeated indications of pre-Presidential activities, travels and speeches, and the formation of nation-wide organizations and coalitions for various good cause s, coupled w ith t he same denials Bloomberg made repeatedly when he was asked whether he would run for a third term, tug a bit at the credibility of the non-candidate. Of course he is not running today, but if circumstances warrant a change of heart, there is no reason why he should not run.

It was once seen as possible that he would be a more moderate and effective President than either Mr. Obama or Ms. Pali n, assuming they were to be the major parties nominees.

On Nov. 9, Mayor Bloomberg

suddenly announced the appointment of Cathie Black as Schools Chancellor. Ms. Black had absolutely no experience in education, but is an engaging and attractive member of the mayor’s circle of acquainta nce s. She required a waiver of State legal requirements, which was obligingly granted by the State Education Commissioner.

Then, on Dec. 12, the Mayor confe ssed on NBCs Meet t he Pre ss t hat he wa nt s to go out having a reputation as a very good, maybe the greatest, mayor ever. Although the context of the statement may have been a denial of Pre sident ial ambit ions, t he words were criticized as overly selfreferential.

As luck would have it, on Dec. 15, the first (and hopefully the last) major scandal of the administration broke, with $80 million reported stolen and uncounted millions wasted in a computer fraud. Although the Mayor was obviously unaware of the thiever y going on, and expressed zero tolerance for such behavior, the question at once arises as to who, under him, was in charge of the CityTime project.

We hope that the curse of the third term worked itself out this year, and that the remaining three years will be happy and peaceful one s for t he cit y and for it s Mayor. The problem is that substantial budget cuts lie ahead, which will lead to reduced services and increased unemployment.

These are hard times for anyone who governs. Mayor

Bloomberg knew that. In fact, he said on Oct. 2, 2008 at the press conference announcing his intention to seek a third term, that handling this financial crisis while strengthening the essent ial services such as education and public safety is a challenge he wants to take on for the people of New York.

As the year 2010 comes to a merciful end, we hope that 2011 will be as good as it can be under the circumstances. Rough times lie ahead for all governments, but out of the three sovereignties: federal, state and local, it is the City of New York that has been most financially responsible for the last decade.

We have a decent, honorable and intelligent mayor. His personality appeals to some, and not to others.

A problem he will face in his tenth year in office is that after a while the people get tired of you.

It happened to LaGuardia, Wagner and Koch, all now highly regarded mayors.

The Mayor should try to do as much good as he can in a climate of reduced sustenance for the City and lowering clouds for himself. We par ticularly recommend that he “be kind to man and beast.”

We wish all of you good health and good will in the new year.

StarQuest@NYCivic.org

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

Police Blotter Compiled By DOMENICK RAFTER

102nd Precinct First 2011 Murder On Saturday, Jan. 1, at approximately 5:34 a.m., police responded to 127th Street and 94th Avenue in Richmond Hill after hearing shots fired. Upon arrival, Dwayne Haughton, 29, of 132-15 156th St., South Jamaica, was found lying on the ground with gunshot wounds to his neck and chest.

EMS responded and transported Haughton to Jamaica Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. There were no arrests and the investigation was ongoing.

Burglar Sought 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 Aug. 13 between 7:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. at 94-31 Park Lane South in Woodhaven. The second incident occurred Sept. 3 between 8 a.m. and 9:45 p.m. at 76-50 85th Dr. in Woodhaven.

The suspect, Matthew Misla, 32, allegedly entered via the rear of the locations; once inside he 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.

Police are looking for Matthew Misla.

Anyone with information in regards is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

Laundry Thief 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., a laundromat, in Woodhaven.

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

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

Anyone with information in regards is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stopper s Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

103rd Precinct Final 2010 Murder?

On Friday, Dec. 31, at approximately 11:36 p.m., police responded to a call of shots fired at the corner of Merrick Boulevard and 109th Avenue in South Jamaica.

Upon arrival, responding officers discovered Jamal West, 26, of 160-18 107th Ave. in South Jamaica, shot numerous times in the back. EMS also responded to the scene and pronounced him dead.

There were no arrests and the investigation was ongoing.

104th Precinct Cops Shoot 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, uniformed police officers were confronted by Zach Bingert, 21, armed with a knife.

The officers discharged their firearms, striking Bingert several times about the body. EMS responded to the scene and pronounced him dead at the scene. The officers were removed to Jamaica Hospital for trauma and minor injuries.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO REVEAL YOUR IDENTITY TO HELP SOLVE A CRIME.

Jan. 7-13, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

YEAR IN REVIEW:

2010: A Look Back At Our News

A monster tornado, a new casino and political upheaval were some of the biggest stories to dominate the PRESS headlines and front pages for 2010. Join us as we take a look back at the news that touched our lives and our hearts in 2010.

Casino Royale

Political Change

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 7-13, 2011

One long-time Southeast Queens public servant passed away while another was ousted by the voters in 2010, as Coun-

Seen from atop Terrace on the Park, the tornado whips its way across Forest Hills and toward Flushing.

City, state and Genting officials swing hammers to symbolically break ground at the Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct Racetrack.

nority business owners, pushing for addi- delivered their charges; kids were doing tional resources to help them stay afloat homework, playing with friends and helpand create good jobs for their neighbors.” ing get dinner ready.

Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. The sky turned gray, then black. Wind Albans) said White championed and se- swirled, buffeting the commuters, shakcured funds for seniors, educational, so- ing children in their houses. An ominous cial services, youth programs and eco- sound bore down from overhead as the nomic development projects, all while sky turned green, lightning dancing across encouraging beneficial zoning changes. the sky. Rain seemed to lift from the “His tenure as chair of the Council’s ground, trees that had swayed now flew Economic Development Committee was across the highway, over cars and into marked by his unrelenting pressure on the homes.

City to ensure that minority and womenAnd then it was gone. owned businesses received For about 15 minutes, their fair share of contracts,” this scene played out across he said. “Council Member a swath of Queens running Thomas White was a quiet from Ridgewood to Middle leader and community serVillage and Rego Park, Forvant who will be missed treest Hills, Flushing, Fresh mendously. I mourn his passMeadows, Auburndale and ing and will miss my friend.”

Bayside before exiting at After two consecutive Little Bay. Each location close races for the seat held felt the force of the storm

by Sen. Frank Padavan (Rfor no more than 2 or 3 Bellerose) for the last 38 years, minutes. former Councilman Tony The final verdict: an 80Avella threw the knock-out Councilman Thomas mph tornado that started in punch, defeating the White Jr. died of cancer in Brooklyn cut into borough’s last GOP state leg- August. He was replaced Ridgewood and f lattened islator 54-46 percent. Cel- in a special election by out to a nearly five-mileebrating at Sullivan’s in Ruben Wills. wide “macroburst” as it Bayside on election night, slammed into Middle VilAvella was joined by Sen.-elect Mike lage and Rego Park at 125 mph. From Gianaris, who gave up his Assembly seat to that burst a new tornado formed, tearing run for the post vacated by retiring George through the borough at 100 mph, but enOnorato (D-Astoria). They were joined by tire sections of the borough – Astoria and Sens. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing) and Jose Jackson Heights in the Northwest, JaPeralta (D-Corona), as well as Assembly- maica and Floral Park in the South and woman Grace Meng (D-Flushing).

East – never felt it.

The rhetoric of the “Queens CoaliIn the blink of an eye thousands of tion” was focused on bringing true reform trees were uprooted or ripped apart. In and transparency to the most dysfunc- the first 24 hours alone the Parks Dept. tional state legislature in the country. Later reported 3,931 residential trees damaged in the evening, Avella spoke of bringing – that number does not even bear in mind “democracy with a lower-case ‘d” back to the ones inside Forest, Juniper Valley, New York.

MacDonald, Flushing Meadows, Kissena, Bowne or Crocheron parks.

Eventually, President Barack Obama Tornado Alley It was a typical Thursday afternoon in declared Queens a disaster area, freeing Queens on Sept. 16. Rush hour had hit; up millions of federal dollars to help repay the highways were filled with cars carry- the city – and some home owners – for ing people home. Most school buses had their expenses related to the clean-up.

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

In January, after weeks of delay, Gov. David Paterson chose AEG to operate video lottery terminals at Aqueduct.

Within weeks, AEG was under criminal investigation, the lottery called the company unlicensable and the whole plan was on the verge of collapse.

In May, promising a more transparent process, new bidders were sought and, though six ponied up the $1 million entry cost to vie for the prize, only one team, Genting New York, ended up in the race.

In July, Genting came to Community Board 10 to pitch its merits.

There was a noticeable whiff of skepticism in the room, but local elected officials, many having been through this process before, tried to inject some optimism into the crowd.

Genting took the opportunity to introduce to the community the Malaysia-based company and the principals involved in the bid, including JCJ Construction and Tutor-Perini contractors, who worked on the AirTrain and the recent JFK runway rehabilitation project. Genting’s management team, including Michael Speller, who is a former CEO of Foxwoods and helped develop the Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls, also introduced themselves to the community members.

“We’re always sensitive to community issues,” Speller said. “I can assure you that’s what we’ll do here.”

In August, the New York Lottery made Genting’s win official, and ground was broken in October for Resorts World New York, the casino at Aqueduct Racetrack that will have 4,500 video lottery terminals.

cilman Tom White Jr. died and Sen. Frank Padavan, the 38-year veteran, was defeated.

Councilman Tom White Jr. (D-South Ozone Park) died Aug. 27 at North Shore LIJ Hospital at the age of 71, after a long battle with lung cancer.

“He did very well representing his community,” said Adjoa Gzifa, Community Board 12’s chairwoman. “He was very much a person who cared about his constituents.”

White served a combined 15-year tenure in the City Council, beginning with a 10-year stint in the 1990s. After being term limited out in 2001, he regained the 28th District’s Councilmanic seat in 2005.

“Today, Southeast Queens lost an iconic advocate, and I lost a dear friend,” said State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-St. Albans). “City Councilman Thomas White Jr. served his community with great pride and distinction for over three decades, fighting to keep our streets safe and drug free, and improve the quality of life for seniors, children and small business owners.”

“Tom served his community, his constituency and his City with pride and distinction, and his voice will be sorely missed in City Hall,” Sanders said. “New York City has lost a great public servant; working people have lost a tireless champion and fearless advocate; and I have lost a dear friend.”

White is survived by his mother, two children and two grandchildren.

As chair of the Council’s Economic Development Committee, White was praised for his prowess in bringing home funds to Queens and his district. Smith said White’s support of women and minority-owned businesses, along with the revitalization of economically distressed areas, have created “countless jobs and helped families struggling to get by put food on their tables and pay their bills.”

“He searched for ways to break the cycle of poverty and violence,” said Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan). “He fought for job training and placement programs, and investments in long-term economic growth. He had a particular soft spot for women and mi-

Photo by Brian M. Rafferty

BY PRESS STAFF

Borough Beat

Newest Servants Head Up To Albany

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

As the new session of the state legislature begins, Queens' new representatives in Albany are getting to work and aiming to restore the tarnished reputation of an institution that has become synonymous with dysfunction.

State Sen. Michael Gianaris (DAstoria), who was elected to the Senate after five terms in the State Assembly, said there was "no time to waste" in transitioning.

"We're busy right out of the box," he said.

Gianaris said going from the Assembly, where he was in the majority and one of 150, to the State Senate, where he is in the minority and one of 62, is "a very different experience."

"Regardless of who is in control of the Senate, the majority is so slim, every Senator counts," he said. "My influence matters and I'm seeing that already."

His key issue in the first weeks and months is independent redistricting, which he championed in the Assembly.

He said 53 of the 62 Senate members support it, including the Republican leadership.

"It's very rare we have that kind of overwhelming agreement in the Senate," he said. "We stand ready to pass it tomorrow."

Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-Jack-

son Heights), who won the Assembly seat vacated by State Sen. Jose Peralta (DCorona) early last year, said putting together his staff was the easiest part of transition; getting office space has proven more difficult.

"We're waiting to get the office approved," he said.

If and when that does happen, Moya will have his office located in the same Jackson Heights site his predecessor occupied at 82-11 37th Ave. He said he hopes to be in the office in the next few weeks.

Moya said his main focus in that time would be quality of life issues, including gang violence, and unemployment, both of which he described as "major problems" for his district. He said the state government is going to have to work with banks to get them to lend to local small businesses because that is how the jobs lost would come back.

"Small businesses employ locally," he said.

Moya said despite the transition and lack of office space, he and his staff have made themselves accessible to the community.

"We haven't stopped working since we won," he said.

For Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas (D-Astoria), her job as representative of her community started the moment her

office doors opened Monday.

"We had a couple of constituents come in already," she said, including one whom she spoke to before she took office. Simotas told the constituent to come in on the first day her office opened, and she did.

Simotas, who occupies the Assembly seat vacated by Gianaris, said the first few days are mostly "administrative stuff," but vowed to tackle her main issues, including education and reform, once the session gets into full swing.

"We need to make sure schools get adequate funding so school programs are not cut," she said, calling herself "an advocate for students" She said her top priority on the education front will be to protect arts programs, which she credited for giving her a leg up academically as a student growing up in Astoria.

On reform, Simotas said the state legislature has to rebuild its constituents' trust and get people to "look up to government again." She said she would be a strong advocate in ethics reform and fair redistricting.

"We have to surprise people," she said.

With the help of former Assemblywoman Ann-Margaret Carrozza, transitioning into office has been a breeze for Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (DBayside).

"I'm excited about the swearing in," he said in a phone interview on his way up to Albany. "I'm looking forward to becoming 'official.'"

With a $9-$10 billion deficit projected for the next budget cycle, his first month in office will probably be focused on cutting spending.

"From what I hear, it's going to be a very painful, difficult budget," he said.

"It's just the reality of the situation. We're in a terrible economy. I don't think the state is going to be getting as much federal money as we have in the past."

Though he was elected to a state-level position, Braunstein is looking forward to working on local issues like education and quality of life.

Despite a tough election season that saw the ousting of longtime State Sen. Frank Padavan in favor of Tony Avella, a former councilman, Braunstein is confident that he can work with both Republican Councilman Dan Halloran (RWhitestone) and Democrat Avella.

"Absolutely, I think I can work with both of them," Braunstein said. "I think everybody is going to get together and put the constituents first."

Jessica Ablamsky contributed.

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

Jan. 7-13, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

pix Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson The three remaining Republican officials from Queens, Councilmen Eric Ulrich (l. to r.), Peter Koo and Dan Halloran, thank Frank Padavan for his work.

So Long, Frank Padavan

Well-wishers raise a glass to Padavan and thank him for his decades of service to the people of Queens and New York.

Photos by Ira Cohen

Queens DA Richard Brown presents a citation to Padavan, thanking him for his service.

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 7-13, 2011

Mayor Mike Bloomberg greets outgoing 38-year veteran Sen. Frank Padavan at a special farewell party hosted on his behalf at Leonard’s of Great Neck last Wednesday.

Bagpipers parade around the room as part of the farewell ceremony.

Keeping the Dream Alive Together, we celebrate the vision and honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King’s words and deeds resonate deeply with all New Yorkers. In every neighborhood and every community throughout our metropolitan area, his legacy of leadership continues to inspire and hearten us — and to illuminate our efforts to turn his dream into our reality.

To commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday on January 17th, many community organizations and houses of worship will have observance and memorial services. The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, UJA-Federation of New York, and the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York invite you to honor Dr. King’s legacy.

Thu., Jan. 13, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Beth Abraham Family of Health Services Comprehensive Care Management Mermaid Avenue, Brooklyn Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Storytelling, Singing, and “I Have a Dream” Speech For info: Esfira Polishchuk 1.718.954.3200 epolishchuk@bethabe.org Thu., Jan. 13, 12:30 p.m.

Rainbow PUSH Wall Street Project at Sheraton New York Ministers’ Luncheon Guest Speaker: Rabbi Marc Schneier, President The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding For info: Veronica Black 1.212.425.7874 vblack@rainbowpush.org Fri., Jan. 14, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Beth Abraham Family of Health Services Comprehensive Care Management Mermaid Avenue, Brooklyn Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Storytelling, Singing, and “I Have a Dream” Speech For info: Esfira Polishchuk 1.718.688.0200 epolishchuk@bethabe.org

Fri., Jan. 14, Evening Congregation Beth-El Edison, New Jersey Service: What Would Dr. King Say to Bullying?

For info: Rabbi Bernhard Rosenberg 1.732.985.7272 chaimdov@aol.com Fri., Jan. 14, 6:00 p.m.

Coalition for Mutual Respect New Rochelle, New York Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner and Service For info: Rabbi Amiel Wohl 1.914.235.1800 rabbiwohl@tinr.org Fri., Jan. 14, 7:00 p.m.

Congregation Beit Simchat Torah New York City Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Shabbat Service Guest Speaker: Idit Klein, Executive Director, Keshet For info: Alex Weissman 1.212.929.9498 ext. 10 aweissman@cbst.org Fri., Jan. 14, 8:00 p.m.

Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El Sounds of Peace: A Shabbat Shira Sermon in Song For info: Cantor Chanin Becker 1.914.725.5175 cantorbecker@sstte.org Fri., Jan. 14, 8:00 p.m.

Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Shabbat Service For info: Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson 1.914.238.3928 rabbistudy@bethelnw.org

Rabbi Marc Schneier, President Russell Simmons, Chairman Amanda Ritz, Executive Director 1 East 93rd Street, New York, NY 10128 www.ffeu.org

Sat., Jan. 15, 11:00 a.m.

The Hampton Synagogue Shabbat Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rabbi Marc Schneier will speak on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Jewish community.

For info: Rabbi Avraham Bronstein 1.631.288.0534 ext. 23 avraham@thehamptonsynagogue.org Sun., Jan. 16, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Children’s Galleries for Jewish Culture New York City Celebrate the Civil Rights Movement For info: Olivia Gradess 1.212.924.4500 ext. 1 educator@cgjc.org Sun., Jan. 16, 4:00 p.m.

Temple Israel of Lawrence Ninth Annual Greater Long Island Jewish Community Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Guest Speaker: Rabbi Marc Schneier, President The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding For info: Rabbi Jay H. Rosenbaum 1.917.687.9640 rabbijay@tmo.blackberry.net Mon., Jan. 17, 2:30 p.m.

Beth Abraham Family of Health Services Comprehensive Care Management Allerton Avenue, Bronx The Man, His Life, The Dream For info: Angelina Asbery-Holmes 1.718.519.4147 aholmes@bethabe.org

Mon., Jan. 17, 7:00 p.m.

Hebrew Institute of Riverdale Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For info: Sara Hurwitz 1.718.796.4730 ext. 107 sarahurwitz@yahoo.com Wed., Jan. 19, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Beth Abraham Family of Health Services Comprehensive Care Management Cranford Avenue, Bronx Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Education For info: Eunsik Park 1.718.653.3806 epark@bethabe.org Thursday, Jan. 20, 12:00 noon Tri-Faith Chapels, JFK Airport Interfaith Memorial Service for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For info: Rabbi Bennett M. Rackman 1.718.656.5044 brrackman@aol.com Fri., Jan. 21, 7:45 p.m.

Westchester Reform Temple Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Shabbat Service Featuring The Rev. Dr. Dennis V. Proctor For info: Felicia Block 1.914.723.7727 felicia.block@wrtemple.org Fri., Jan. 21, 8:00 p.m.

Congregation Beth Emeth Service of Remembrance: Remember, Reflect, Renew For info: Rabbi Elliot Skiddell 1.516.374.9220 rabbi@rcbe.org

Mon., Jan. 17, 5:00 p.m.

Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El & Scarsdale Congregational Church A Young Children’s Service for Peace and Understanding For info: Jody Glassman 1.914.723.3001 mazeltots@aol.com

Jerry W. Levin, President Alisa R. Doctoroff, Chair of the Board John S. Ruskay, Executive Vice President & CEO 130 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022 www.ujafedny.org

Alan S. Jaffe, President Michael S. Miller, Executive Vice President & CEO 70 West 36th Street, New York, NY 10018 www.jcrcny.org

Jan. 7-13, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

Fri., Jan. 14, 11:00 a.m.

Beth Abraham Family of Health Services Comprehensive Care Management Greenburgh, New York A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Featuring Vocalist/Musician/Storyteller Jamal Risbrook For info: Leslie Hoot 1.914.289.0400 lhoot@bethabe.org

Fri., Jan. 14, to Mon., Jan. 17 Limmud NY Weekend of Jewish Learning: Three Jews at the March on Washington: Unpacking our Multiple Roles in Civil Rights For info: Limmud NY 1.212.908.2525 info@limmudny.org

Profile

Gillyard’s Sweet Dreams Coming True vice of family and friends and started charging for her treats.

“Basically everyone told me to stop Sharon Gillyard promises nothing less than satisfying soulful sweets in her home- giving it away,” Gillyard said.

Whether your pleasure is a pineapple based business Sweets for the Soul.

Gillyard, an officer manager by day, coconut cake, red velvet cake or a batch loves nothing more than the smell of of chocolate chip cookies, she promises fresh baked goodies wafting from her delightful treats, which will make you a repeat customer. kitchen.

“This happily di“I’d be in the kitchen vorced mom of two chilbaking all day,” she said. dren is trying to satisfy “It is relaxing.” people’s soul,” she said.

Gillyard’s lifelong “Whatever is made is aldream was not to be a ways made with love.” baker, but a pediatrician.

Cynthia “Cinderella” That dream was derailed Newman of When We when she saw her first auWere Queens, on Merrick topsy. As a nursing stuBoulevard, is an avid cusdent at Hillcrest High tomer of Gillyards and School, she saw the body swears by the oatmeal of a little boy that was raisin cookies. struck by a bus.

A batch of chocolate “They were supposed chip cookies, three-toto put him away and they four dozen, will cost didn’t,” she said. Gillyard about $18 and a small also participated in two auSharon Gillyard cake can cost as little as topsies that day.

“I wasn’t tough enough for that,” she $10.

Her slogan states, “Blending great insaid.

Though she had never thought of bak- gredients to make sure your soul is ing as career, it was nurtured by her grand- satisfied…sweetly.”

Contact Gillyard at (917) 822-5865 mother, mother and aunt.

In 2004, she finally heeded the ad- or e-mail her at sweetsforsoul@aol.com.

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 7-13, 2011

By SASHA AUSTRIE

Gillyard’s baked goods, including her cupcake cakes (above) and a Tiffany-inspired cupcake and cake combo, have become best kept secrets.

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

A&E

An Ode To Our ‘Forgotten Borough’

BY DOMENICK RAFTER Nicole Steinberg is a child of Queens.

She grew up in Jackson Heights near Junction and Northern Boulevards, went to school in Bayside, Whitestone and Flushing and even had her first date at Bay Terrace. But when she talked to people from elsewhere about her home borough, she realized just how little they knew about Queens.

"People didn't know anything about the borough," she said.

That inspired her to put together a book of stories that would really tell the tale of Queens. The result is an anthology of anecdotes and poems about her home borough published by SUNY Press with a title that many borough residents would agree with, especially after the recent blizzard clean-up: "Forgotten Borough."

"I want to generate interest and excitement in the borough," Steinberg said.

In the book's introduction, Steinberg, who said she has "a lot of Queens pride," opens with the infamous quote about the 7 train by former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker in 2000 that required him to enter Shea Stadium with extra security. She then explains how Queens, unlike the other boroughs, does not have a reputation of its own.

"People tend to forget about Queens," she writes. "They're surprised to hear culture exists here too, as if some kind of force field exists on the right hand side of the East River."

For the next 200 pages, more than two dozen stories, poems and even Queens-themed haikus take a reader on a cultural tour of the borough, stopping in neighborhoods from Astoria to the

Rockaway Peninsula, giving readers a thorough taste of the densely-populated piece of land they might only know for being what's outside their vehicle's windows when they're stuck in traffic. Some of the stories revolved around real-life events, such as the 2003 blackout and the demolition of the Maspeth gas tanks in 2001.

"I was looking for stories on different perspectives on living there and on neighborhoods," she said.

That led to some neighborhoods being the setting for more than one story, but with a different theme, she said.

Steinberg began working on the book when she was living in Sunnyside, but while putting it together, she moved to Philadelphia, where she currently works at The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

Love Oozes Its Way Onto Boro Poet’s Page

BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO

Restaurant Review

Get A Slice At Fat Boys FAT BOYS PIZZA 61-07 Utopia Pkwy., Fresh Meadows (718) 321-0694 CUISINE: Pizzeria HOURS: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., weekends 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

CREDIT CARDS: Yes DELIVERY: Yes

Romance is in the air this New Year as the poet Valentinno brings his readers a book filled with words to soothe our hearts and spark the romance in all of us.

"A Romantic's Passion: The Tenth Muse" is a modern-day love story told in several different styles.

The book is a collection of prose poems, love letters, essays, extended verse and intimate photos, with quotes under each photograph to enhance the beauty.

The story is of a poet who is deeply in love with his muse; she becomes his life's work and for the rest of his life, his poetry is based on her.

Aside from the various styles used in the book, it also serves as an example of how a woman should be treated, said the poet. "The muse is reflected as all women; they should be loved as God says - the most beautiful creation," Valentinno said.

After spending time researching and reading poetry and books written in classic styles, Valentinno brings his readers back to the Romantics, getting inspiration from poets Lord Byron, Percy Shelley and John Keats. He said the language brings more beauty and meaning rather than the modern language of contemporary poets.

Valentinno, 36, was born, raised and still lives in Glendale. He began writing

poetry at 14 and has not stopped since.

He has won two awards at the CNU Writers' Conference, has been nominated for best book award and the Dickinson Award. He has been credited with more than 60 literary honors and was inducted into the "Who's Who of Poets."

Through his years of writing, he has written a poem for Queen Elizabeth II and has worked with Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister, in writing and collaborating with 20 authors from 20 different nations for The Millennium Movement, fighting against malaria.

"Poet Valentinno is a romantic in the best sense of the word. He captures the divine romance of life through his brilliant prose," said William McDonald, President of the American Authors Association. "One can almost feel this inner joy and 'light' he projects with images from his words and phrasing."

"I like that when I write something, the reader could feel the same exact emotions that I feel. They will cry or they will smile. That's the ultimate thing for a writer; if you could make that person feel the same you did, then you have done your job," said Valentinno.

Set for release later this year, "A Romantic's Passion: The Tenth Muse" will be found on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. For more information on the book and the poet, visit valentinno.com.

Mets Fans Give Blood

The New York Mets will host their annual Winter Blood Drive in partnership with the New York Blood Center this Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Caesar's Club.

On Jan. 6, fans donating blood will receive a voucher redeemable for one pair of tickets to a select Mets game in April 2011. In addition, fans can show their voucher at the Mets Team Store at Citi Field to receive 15 percent-off regularly-

priced merchandise.

Season Ticket Holders who give blood can show their voucher and ID card to get 20 percent off regularly-priced items.

The discount will only be honored Thursday, Jan. 6.

Fans may park in Lot G on 126th Street between the Right Field Gate and Roosevelt Avenue, and enter in the first base VIP, named for Mets legend Gil Hodges.

Jan. 7-13, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

It’s impossible to live in Queens – or anywhere in the New York Metro area for that matter – and not have a favorite local pizzeria. You don’t have to descend from a Mediterranean ethnicity to enjoy a good slice of pizza; just be hungry. In Fresh Meadows, a new favorite local pizzeria is serving the traditional Italian dish with some unusual trimmings.

When one orders pizza, the most popular toppings are obvious; pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, mushrooms – but the favorites of the customers at Fat Boys, which opened on Utopia Parkway, one block south of the Horace Harding Expressway, in 2009, are not any of the above. One of their most popular slices, especially among the local students from Francis Lewis High School who frequent the establishment before and after their classes, is the Philly Cheesesteak Pizza. Imagine a pizza topped with crispy green peppers, melted cheese, onions and juicy slices of steak. The recipe for the pizza came from owner Nick Vorrais’ grandfather back in Greece, who recently passed.

Another favorite, especially among Fat Boy’s older crowd, is the Baked Ziti Pizza. This is Fat Boy’s traditional cheese pizza topped with a generous helping of baked ziti pasta cooked to perfection, or if you’re Italian, the way

your grandmother used to make it, accompanied by dollops of ricotta cheese.

If you’re brave enough to tackle spicy food (and who isn’t up for such a challenge?) try the Buffalo Chicken Pizza.

One bite and you’ll forget what spicy Buffalo chicken tastes like when not piled on top of a pizza.

These slices cannot be eaten the traditional New York way, folding them in half like a paper airplane and chomping down, stuffing your mouth with as much pie as possible. Instead they must be eaten like they are in Europe, with a fork and knife, savored piece by piece. For those who aren’t that adventurous and prefer traditional pepperoni or mushroom, Fat Boys has it, as well as a wide array of more American-style food like hamburgers, French fries, and Buffalo wings (not on a pizza). Fat Boy’s also does not forget its owners’ Greek heritage; the traditional Greek gyro is on the menu as well.

Fat Boy’s puts its own personal touch in their pizzas and nearly everything on their menu. All their dough and breads are homemade, baked on site.

Until about 6 p.m., Fat Boys caters to its student crowd. Downstairs from the main restaurant is a game room, with two billiards tables frequented by students during the day that doubles as a party room or catering hall. After the students go home for the evening, Fat Boys gets its regular locals, who enjoy a delicious meal.

Don’t feel like going outside? Fat Boy’s delivers, and also does curbside pickup, so you don’t have to worry about finding that parking spot on your way home from work.

—Domenick Rafter

"It was pretty bittersweet," she said of editing the book after having moved out of the borough.

A poet by trade, Steinberg said she found editing the book "rewarding, but very, very difficult." She said she put her own poetry on hiatus for the book and hopes to focus on that in the future, but left often the possibility of more Queens anthologies if this one proves to be successful.

"There was a lot of stuff I didn't cover that I could have the first time around," she said.

"Forgotten Borough" will be released next month, and can be pre-ordered at s u n y p r e s s . e d u / p - 515 6 - f o r g o t t e n borough.aspx Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.

Faith

New Manna At Hollis Presbyterian

BY SASHA AUSTRIE Hollis Presbyterian Church is hosting additional services during the week for the faithful.

As of the New Year, the church is hosting 9 a.m. manna every third Sunday.

Regularly scheduled services will follow at 11 a.m.

Including the supplementary Sunday service, mid-week manna is held every third Wednesday at 7 p.m. The church is located at 100-50 196th St.

The services are a chance for members of the community to come out and share praise and worship with Hollis Presbyterian Church. It is a chance for songs and to bear witness to the testimonies of others. The services will be lead by guest speakers and preachers, as well as the church's Pastor Mark Chapman.

Though Chapman had been the interim pastor at the 86-year-old sanctuary off and on since 2001, he is entering his second year as Hollis Presbyterian's pastor. An ordained pastor since 1987,

Word “Our religious institutions have far too often become handmaidens of the status quo, while the genuine religious experience is anything but that. True religion is by nature disruptive of what has been, giving birth to the eternally new.”

Marianne Williamson

Chapman had spent the bulk of his career in the classroom as a professor.

From 1980 to 1984, he attended Morehouse College. He later attended Union Theological Seminary to get his masters, but he was persuaded by a professor to get his Ph.D. According to Chapman, his professor said, "We have enough pastors, we need more Hollis Presbyterian Church will be hosting additional services every third Sunday. scholars."

He received his Ph.D. in systematic theReach Reporter Sasha Austrie at ology. He'd settled into the life of a professor at Rollins College and later at saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 357Fordham University. A thriving educa- 7400, Ext. 123. tional ministry at Sing Sing prison and his tenure as a professor was not able to entirely sustain him. There was something Then it’s time to share...The PRESS missing. wants to hear about the special "There was still a gnawing sense God programs in your faith community. Send was calling me to be more engaged," your thoughts, stories, prayers and photos to: The Chapman said previously. "Being the pasPRESS at 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY tor of a congregation is even deeper a con11357. All stories will be considered. Photos nection to people beyond a classroom. It is cannot be returned. a much deeper and intimate connection."

Keepin’ The Faith?

Notebook Studious Kids

Mast HS Students Pursue Science

attend enrichment courses with students from other Queens high schools. She is a Three students, Nicole Ximines, Maya member of the FDNY Explorers program Joseph and Alison Egbon, are typical of which meets in the Campus Magnet Comthe motivated students in the small Math, plex. The students attend actual firefighter training where they act as injury victims Science Research and Technology HS. Ximines has an 86 average, is in Arista for the paramedics. They also give clothand wants to be a Forensic Scientist. She ing and food to the needy, work with Meals has been accepted into the Queens Bridge on Wheels and with the program Part of to Medicine program of York College the Solution. where after the regular school day, she will Joseph is also in the FDNY Explorers program and has been taking College Now courses at Queens College, including urban studies, college writing and currently drama. She is thinking about a career in early childhood.

Egbon also is enrolled in the College Now Program at Queens College where she took a Science class during the summer. She is thinking about being an environmentalist or a chemist.

The Principal of the Math, Nicole Ximines (l. to r.), Maya Joseph and Alison Egbon Science, Research Technology exemplify MAST HS’s more active students.

HS is Jose M. Cruz.

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 7-13, 2011

BY BOB HARRIS

Tracking History Mary Basile, principal of St. Clare School in Rosedale, was very proud of her seventh grade recently. These students, under the guidance of their science teacher, Mrs. Baptiste, attempted to research their genealogy and present it in a family tree.

Many of them, with the help of their parents, went back as far as five generations, and were awed by their fascinating discover- Seventh grade students from the St. Clare School show ies. They focused on the their family tree. different genotypes and phenotypes that passed through the gen- investigations, and they handled this erations in a tangible representation of complex topic with remarkable matudominant and recessive traits. They rity. learned that many of them emerged from They interjected their own brand of ancestors that do not share their physi- humor when one delightful young man cal traits, their culture and their lan- observed that his mother’s red hair was guage. not a recessive gene after all. He proOne young man, whose parents claimed quite proudly, “Now I know were immigrants from Haiti, discovered that my mother’s red hair comes from that his ancestors were Chinese. The a peroxide bottle!” Congratulations sevstudents were very excited with their enth grade. You really rock.

What’s Up SATURDAY, JAN. 8 Youth & Tennis The Youth and Tennis group meets every Saturday morning at Roy Wilkins Park Saturday. To learn more, call Bill Briggs at (718) 658-6728.

Discover Your Career Potential Take the Career Exploration Inventory, a self-scored, easy-to-use survey guide to choosing a career based on your interests and experiences.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 2 p.m.

possess basic mouse and keyboarding skills and must attend both sessions.

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

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 12 Lunch In Church Join us for lunch and get refueled, renewed and refilled. This free event is held every Wednesday at noon at the First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, 89-60 164th St. For more information, call (718) 526-4775, Ext. 10. Come just as you are.

Create an Email Account SUNDAY, JAN. 9 Kaïssa Known for her unique blend of African, reggae, jazz, R&B, makossa, and Brazilian fusion, Kaïssa will perform contemporary African/World music with Cameroonian roots sung in Douala, one of Cameroon’s many languages.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 3 p.m.

MONDAY, JAN. 10 Adult Chess Club Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings.

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

Polish Your Resume Bring a copy of your resume on a flash drive. Volunteers will guide you through editing and producing a professional-quality resume using Cyber Center computers.

Participants must have keyboard and mouse experience. Pre-registration is required in the Job Information Center.

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

TUESDAY, JAN. 11 Job Club

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

Intro to Excel In this two-session workshop, customers will learn the basics of how to create spreadsheets, use formulas, and print tables.

Pre-registration is required in person at Cyber Center Desk. Participants must

York vs. Medgar Evers Now this is going to be a fight to the end.

Be there when the Lady Cardinals take on the ladies basketball team from Medgar Evers. For more information, contact John Scarinci at jscarnci@york.cuny.edu or (718) 262-5104.

This free event will be held at York College Gymnasium - 160-02 Liberty Ave. – at 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, JAN. 13 Adult Chess Club Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings.

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

Microsoft Word En Espanol Three computer classes in Spanish: Preregistration in person is required at the Cyber Center Reference Desk on January 6 starting at 10 a.m.

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

FRIDAY, JAN. 14 Senior Theatre Acting Repertory Calling all older adults: Join our galaxy of STARs to perform theatrical works at the library with a great group of people while brightening your life.

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

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

Training is free to anyone over the age of 14. The goal of this program is increase the number of people in New York City trained in bystander CPR Each class lasts

The First Presbyterian Church in Jamiaca will serve free lunch on Wednesday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Laurelton Flea Market A flea market has opened at 221-02

Merrick Blvd. On sale are a wide range of items, including household items, jewelry and clothing.

The market is open every Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CPR Class Learn to protect yourself and others at Heron Care Inc. For more information, please call (718) 291-8788. Heron is located at 168-30 89th Ave., Jamaica.

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

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

To become a volunteer with the Police Athletic League or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, please visit palnyc.org. Volunteers will go through an application process that includes an interview, screening and an orientation.

For more information, please contact PAL’s Volunteer Coordinator, Alexandria Sumpter-Delves, at (212) 477-9450, Ext. 390 or volunteer@palnyc.org.

Jan. 7-13, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

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

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

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

In this single session workshop, customers will learn how to set up/open their own email account. Pre-registration is required in person at Cyber Center desk.

Participants must possess basic mouse and keyboarding skills.

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

1 hour and participants in the class learn basic CPR skills from a member of the FDNY Emergency Medical Service.

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

In Queens, the classes will be held the fourth Thursday of every month at EMS Station 54, 22215 Merrick Blvd. In addition, please visit www.nyc.gov/ cprtogo for New York Sports Club locations offering free CPR classes starting in January.

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

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

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

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

DANCE ISRAELI FOLK Mondays 7:30-10:00 at Hillcrest Jewish Center, 18202 Union Turnpike. $10 session. 380-4145.

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

FLEA MARKETS THRIFT SHOPS Saturdays 11-4 at Bargain Boutique Thrift Shop, Queens Baptist Church, 9323 217 th Street, Queens Village.465-2504.

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 7-13, 2011

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

ENTERTAINMENT 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.

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

1 at the Pomonok 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 Mondays, January 10, February 14, March 14 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.

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.

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 Ra-

dio 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.

SENIORS 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.

STARS Wednesday, January 12 at 10:30 at the Hollis library and Friday, January 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 29 Thursdays, January 13, February 10, March 10 AARP Chapter 29 meets at Grace House, 155-02 90 th Avenue, Jamaica at noon.

FREE LUNCH Saturdays, January 15, February 19, March 19 at All Saints Church in Richmond Hill. 849-2352 reservations.

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS 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.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, January 8, 15, 29, February 5, 19 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-4367940.

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.

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

ENGLISH CONV. Monday, January 10 English Conversation Groups at the Bellerose librar y. Register.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

US CITIZENSHIP Thursday, January 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. 276-3454 or 917817-8653 to register.

CHESS CLUB Thursdays at the East Flushing library. Register.

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

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.

KNITTING CLUB Fridays at the Maspeth library at 10.

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

COMPUTER CLASS Friday, January 14 at the Middle Village librar y. Register.

SCRABBLE

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

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.

HEALTH NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS 7 days a week. 932-6244.

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.

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

OBESITY & AGING Monday, January 10 R e serving the #1 Cause of Illness: Obesit y & Accelerated Aging at 6 at the Flushing library.

ZUMBA EXERCISE Monday, January 10 at the Lefrak Cit y library at 6.

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

670-1695. $5 a class.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT E ve r y Tu e s d a y We ste r n Queens Caregiver Network in Sunnyside. 5:30-6:30.

784-6173, ext. 431.

ALZHEIMERS Tuesdays, Januar y 11, 25, February 8, 22, March 8, 22 Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills. 592-5757, ext.

237.

YOGA Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 6701695. $10 class.

CAREGIVERS WORKSHOP Wednesday, January 12 topics include caregiver burnout, resources, more.

Flushing library at 10:30.

WELL SPOUSES Wednesdays, January 12, February 9, March 9 Well Spouses or Partners of the Chronically Ill and Disabled meet at 7 at St. Charles Rehab Center, 201 IU Willets Road, Albertson. Donation.

516-829-8740.

SELF DEFENSE Thursday, January 13 Self Defense Workshop for women and Girls at the Sunnyside library at 4.

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

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.

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.

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

EDUCATOR APPRECIATE Saturday, January 15 through Sunday, January 23 pre-K to grade 12 educators will enjoy special discounts at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows.

Queens Today YOUTH

TEENS CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

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

MANGA CLUB Monday, January 10 at the Peninsula library at 4.

LAPTOPS FOR TEENS Monday-Friday, January 1014 at the Hollis library at 4:30.

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

RESUME WRITING Monday, January 10 at 3:30

MEETINGS

BOOK BUDDIES Friday, January 14 at the Bayside library at 4.

MLK JR. Friday, January 14 Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – A Community Conversation at 7 at the Langston Hughes library TEEN TUTORING Saturday, January 15 at the Bayside library at 10.

SCIENCE FAIR HOW TO Saturday, January 15 at the Ridgewood library at 1.

MYSTERY BOOK CLUB Saturday, January 15 at the LIC library. Register.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SCOUTING Join Scouting in Queens.

212-651-2897.

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

YOUTH GROUP Friday s the Communit y Church of Little Neck will hold their Communit y Youth Group from 7-9. 461 6 L i t t l e N e c k P a r k w a y.

229-2534.

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

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.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

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

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

HOMEWORK HELP Monday-Friday, January 1014 at the Lefrak Cit y library at 3.

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

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.

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

CHESS & CHECKERS Tuesday, Januar y 11 at the LIC library at 4.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Tuesday, Januar y 11 at the Baisley Park library. Register.

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

CRAFTS Wednesday, January 12 at the Steinway library. Register.

GAME DAY

Wednesday, January 12 at the St. Albans library at 4.

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.

WII TOURNAMENT Thursday, January 13 at the Windsor Park library. Register.

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

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

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

GAME PLAYERS CLUB Fridays at the Hillcrest library at 4.

GAME TIME Fridays at the Windsor Park library at 4.

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

FAMILY STORY TIME Friday, January 14 at the Seaside library at 11.

MLK JR. Friday, January 14 celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday at the Bay Terrace library. Register.

BOOK BUDDIES Friday, January 14 at the Bayside library at 4.

MLK JR. Friday, January 14 at the East Elmhurst library at 4.

ARTS & CRAFTS Friday, January 14 at the Peninsula library at 4.

MLK JR. Friday, January 14 at the Langston Hughes library at 7.

TEEN TUTORING Saturday, January 15 at the Bayside library at 10.

ANIMAL CARE Saturday, January 15 and Sunday, January 23 for those 8-12 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 2294000 to register.

STORY TIME Saturday, January 15 story time featuring books that celebrate each person’s uniqueness and show how important it is to be a good friend at 11 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows.

MLK JR. Saturday, January 15 program at the Central library beginning at 11:30.

SCIENCE FAIR HOW TO Saturday, January 15 at the Ridgewood library at 1.

BOY SCOUT 138 Thursdays Boy Scout Troop 138 meets at 7:30 in the

basement at 192-15C 64 th Circle, Fresh Meadows. For those 11 and older. 4542391.

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

CUB/TROOP SCOUTS Fridays from September through June Pack 357 and Tr o o p 3 5 7 m e e t s i n t h e S c o u t R o o m , 6 9 - 1 6 1 6 4th Street, Flushing. 591-9514 Cubs, 279-9085 Scouts.

SCOUTING Join Scouting in Queens.

212-651-2897.

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

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,” with other exhibits, “Unraveling History: Using Textiles to Date the Past,” “Kingsland: From Homestead to House Museum,” “Persistence: A Celebration of Landmarks in Queens – Past, Present, Future,” and “ T h e C i v i l Wa r ’ s L a s t i n g Memory.” 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.” May through June “Department of Art and Design’s Juried Student Exhibition.” QCC Art Galler y.

631-6396.

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.

NY REGIONAL AESTHETICS January 29 through June 30 “ E x p re s s : L o c a l / N ew Yo r k Regional Aesthetics” at the Queens College Art Center.

997-3770.

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.”

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.

Jan. 7-13, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

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

CATHOLIC VETS Mondays, January 10, February 14, March 14 American Mart yrs Catholic War Veterans Post 1772 meets in Bayside. 468-9351.

VFW 4787 Mondays, January 10, 24, February 14, 28, March 14, 28 Whitestone VFW Comm u n i t y Po s t m e e t s . 7 4 6 0540.

FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tuesdays the Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets.

917-612-3463.

COMM. BD. 9 Tuesday, January 11 Communit y Board 9 meets at Punjabi Palace. 286-2686.

LIONS CLUB Tuesdays, Januar y 11, February 8, March 8 the Lions Club of Ravenswood meets at 6:30 at Riccardo’s by the Bridge, 21-01 21 st Avenue, Astoria.

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

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

465-2914.

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.

ADVANCED TOASTMASTER Thursdays, January 13, 27, February 24, March 17, 31 learn the art and science of public speaking in Queens.

525-6830.

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

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

P-FLAG Sundays, January 16, February 20, March 20 PFLAG, a support group for parents, families and friends of lesbians and gays, meet in Forest Hills. 271-6663.

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.

FAMILY GAME NIGHT Monday, January 10 at the South Jamaica 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 r a 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.

WINTER CRAFT Tuesday, Januar y 11 at the Queens Village library at 4:30.

DRAWING MANGA Tuesday, Januar y 11 at the Seaside library at 4:30.

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

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

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

TEEN GAMES Wednesday, January 12 at the Central library at 4.

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

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

LEARN MAGIC Wednesday, January 12 at the Queens Village library at 4.

HISTORY OF CINEMA Wednesday, January 12 History of Cinema for Young Adults at 4 at the Steinway library.

DRAMA POSSE Thursday, January 13 at the Hillcrest library. Register.

PRACTICE SAT Thursday, January 13 at the Astoria library at 4.

DRUMS Thursday, January 13 find your rhythm at the Lefferts library at 4.

SELF DEFENSE GIRLS Thursday, January 13 at 4 at the Sunnyside library.

WII TOURNAMENT Thursday, January 13 at the Windsor Park library. Register.

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

INTERNET SAFETY Thursday, January 13 at the Ridgewood library Register.

HAPPY HOUR Friday, January 14 at the Flushing library at 3.

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

GAME PLAYERS Fridays at the Hillcrest library at 2.

People

June Jee, Director, Verizon Foundation’s Director of Government and External Affairs (l. to r.); Diana Chapin, Executive Director, Queens Library Foundation; Isabella Persaud & Alexander Persaud, participants in Queens Library’s BOOST program.

Verizon has provided a $25,000 grant to the Queens Library Foundation to underwrite its youth employees and science and technology programs for children at Queens Library.

Verizon has been a longtime supporter of the librar y, donating more than $270,000 since 1992. June Jee, Director of Government and External Affairs for the Verizon Foundation, presented the check.

Verizon’s grant supports the Library’s hiring of young people to work on its Discovery Team project, and serves the dual purpose of providing local youth with resume-worthy jobs, and providing technology education to the youngest library customers. Discovery Team members plan and conduct programs for the popular Saturday Science Club at Central Library, as well as many other science-related programs during the week. Verizon also plans to underwrite some of the programs in the Children’s Library Discovery Center, scheduled to open in spring of 2011.

“We are delighted with Verizon’s support of our Discovery Team. With this grant, young people will learn specialized technology skills and provide computer assistance and technology guidance to children visiting our newest library-the Children’s Library Discovery Center.

From smart boards to robotics, from digital storytelling to games, Verizon’s support will enable Discovery Team members to open the world of learning through technology to hundreds of young people every year,” said Diana Chapin, Executive Director, Queens Library Foundation.

“The Queens Library has always been ahead of the curve in adopting new technologies to enhance our children’s learn-

ing,” said June Jee, Verizon director of community and external affairs in Queens. “It’s very rewarding for Verizon to partner - for almost 20-years — with the Queens Library to bring new applications and technologies to the borough’s residents and students.”

Army Spec. Ariel C. Sanchez has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

He is the brother of Adile Sanchez of Briarwood and Aldo Sanchez of South Toms River, N.J. Sanchez graduated in 1994 from Thomas A. Edison High School, Jamaica, and received a bachelor’s degree in 1999 from St. John’s University.

Army Pvt. Jeremy A. Solano has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physi-

cal fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

He is the son of Consuelo Solano of Apopka, Fla., and Abdelhag Yagoub of Jamaica. Solano graduated in 2007 from Ocoee High School, Fla. The following students were named to the Fall Term 2010 Deans’ List at Choate Rosemary Hall: Bo-hyun Moon, daughter of Ju-han Moon and Young-mi Bae of Flushing; and O’Neil Bahadur, son of Mrs. Glenderlene R. Bahadur of Queens Village.

Lo cated in Wallingford, Conn., Choate Rosemary Hall is an independent secondary school enrolling 850 boarding and day students from 40 states and 45 countries.

Tell The PRESS Send notices of graduation, awards, anniversaries, engagements and honors to: PRESS of Southeast Queens 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357 All announcements will be considered for publication without fee.

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Jan. 7-13, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 21

Contracting

Many people think Jerry Seinfeld walked away from a goldmine when “Seinfeld” ended, but they have no idea the paper he is commanding now.

The Queens comedian will garner a payday of £1 million ($1.5 million) for a 90 minute show in London on June 3.

We know it’s not anything compared to the sum he pulled for an episode of Seinfeld, but consider this, there is no George, Kramer, Newman or Elaine with her psychotic dancing.

The only personality he has to deal with is his own.

This Queens College alum Hey Jerr, this is the season of per- certainly isn’t worried about petual hope. Why not share? his next paycheck.

Astoria Tiffany’s

Call the number if your tiara is missing.

Did you lose a bag full of Tiffany merchandise in Astoria recently?

If you did, did you think you’d ever get it back? Well someone in Astoria found your bag of Tiffany’s goodies and didn’t sell them on eBay for a nice profit or give their special someone a free Christmas present. Instead the good samaritan posted flyers across the neighborhood with a phone number to call to claim the bag. The flyers note that there is jewelry inside.

Depending on who you talk to, the person who found the bag is either an incredibly sincere, honest and selfless individual, or stupid. You decide.

His Spider Sense Is Tingling

Math Major Lindsay Curtis fell into modeling almost by accident. While helping her friend Venus with makeup and photo shoots for models, she was eventually convinced to step in front of the camera.

The 18-year-old Woodhaven college student said it isn’t going to be a career choice for her, but rather a “side project.”

“I actually really enjoy it,” she said, “I do plan on continuing to model.”

A side project to her desired career, math teacher, Lindsay is studying at Queens College and hopes to teach math when she graduates.

“I really enjoy math,” she said.

A graduate of George Washington Carver High School in Springfield Gardens, she involved herself in math classes and math challenges while there and was inspired by her math teacher to become one herself.

Whatever free time Lindsay has, which she admits isn’t often, she spends with her friends.

“We don’t really do much,” she said. “We just sit at home and watch movies.”

Lately, she said, she’s been watching a lot of war movies, but her taste for movies and music is very eclectic.

“My iPod is very random,” she said, with everything from The Beatles to hip-hop.

The show must go on… unless Assemblyman Rory Lancman has anything to say about it.

Perhaps the most highly anticipated disaster in Broadway history, “Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark,” based on the story of our Forest Hills web-slinger, has delighted and terrified audiences alike during a preview run in which four actors were injured – one with a concussion and another with broken ribs and internal bleeding.

“Several actors have been injured during the show’s short preview season, and the danger to actors, theater employees and audience members seems to have reached unacceptable levels,” said Lancman in a letter to producer Michael Cohl, complete with “Turn Off The Dark” is feeling pressure threats to hold hearings. to turn off the lights.

For now, new safety protocols seem to have satisfied local electeds.

Nobody say break a leg to that Seth Bornstein, the Executive Director of Queens Economic Develcast or crew! opment, needs a vacation.

For many of us, when we have toiled away at our jobs for too long without a break, we get kinda punchy, and it shows. Seth, with apologies to every poet who has ever lived, decided to send out an e-mail blast that we couldn’t help but share with those not fortunate enough to be on his list.

This is his poem, folks – unedited:

Ode To Queens 2010

Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 7-13, 2011

Google Queens

Every year Google, the do-noevil internet giant that is taking over the world, puts together its zeitgeist list of the top searches by city or region, and this year, for New York City, the Queens Library made the Top 10 – at No. 10.

Joining the ranks of such searches as Streeteasy, CUNY Portal and IKEA Brooklyn (the top three), our borough’s library ascended to the chart – the only listing that was uniquely Queens.

Sure, Hopstop, NYC Weather, MTA and nyc.gov made the list as well, but we don’t see the New York Public Library or the New York Yankees on the list either.

It just goes to show, if it’s out there, it’s in the Queens Library.

Congratulations, and let’s shoot for the top next year.

As we bid farewell to 2010 It’s time to look back and “remember when.”

So turn off the computer and take out a pen It’s less techie and provides a few moments of zen Here at QEDC we’ve been busy as bees Our alphabet programs meet so many needs: EAP, WBC and Avenue NYC help small businesses lead, And Restaurant Week is a borough-wide feed They’re packed in at Citi Field for the Taste, And we’re really in love with the Entrepreneur’s Space.

Business Blueprint seminars help all win the race And Discovering Queens – oh, what a place!

Gotham Center is making Long Island City look snazzier, And JetBlue’s presence will make Queens Plaza classier.

Shop at Skyview Center, drink bubble tea with tapioca lather The exhibits at NY Sci and MMI help increase your brain matter Downtown Jamaica has Applebee’s and sleek apartments at Moda, In the new Rockaway Stop & Shop there’ll be black cherry soda.

At expanded Kaufman Studios you may spy Ray Liotta But Costco Rego Park toilet-paper packs outsize a Toyota Seth, why don’t you take a day off?

Lindsay Curtis Home: Woodhaven Age: 18 Height: 5’ 2" Weight: 135 lbs Stats: 34-29-42 NYPhotoByNick

Models Of Queens

Still Filthy Rich

Snowed In Calling 311 won’t help this situation.

While the rest of the City was digging their cars out of last week’s blizzard, one unlucky QConf staffer had to dig the blizzard out of his car.

Armed with ice scraper in hand, he came to find his Jeep Wrangler virtually free of any snow on the Inside the staffer’s clunker. outside. But the poor chump was not as lucky as he originally thought. He opened his car to find a nice coating of snow on the inside. Fortunately, it was on the passenger side.

We’re not sure if the Dept. of Sanitation does car detailing, but after four nightmarish years of dealing with this junker, the QConf staffer wished a garbage truck would just plow the damned thing away already.

Say it ain’t so, Joe.

Confidentially, New York . . .

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