Southeast Queens Press Epaper

Volume 14 Issue No. 2 Jan. 11-17, 2013

COUNCIL DISTRICT 31:

MEET THE CANDIDATES

With a special election called for next month, several community leaders have announced their candidacy for the seat.

By Natalia Kozikowska ‌ Page 8.

Online at www.QueensPress.com

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 11-17, 2013

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Queens Village Hailed For Diversity Referred to as a ‘melting pot’ of cultures by many, Queens has always been considered a fairly diverse borough, but a recent study released by Trulia Real Estate adds validity to the claim – revealing that Queens Village is the second most diverse neighborhood in the United States.

According to the study, conducted by Trulia Real Estate expert Jed Kolko, Queens Village achieved second place with a racial split of 25.2 percent Hispanic, 26.4 percent Asian, 22.9 percent Black, 10.8 percent White, 7 percent other and 6.8 multi-racial residents.

“It doesn’t surprise me,” said Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-Jamaica), whose district encompasses the diverse Queens Village. “It’s a desirable community. It’s on the Nassau/ Queens border. It’s primarily one-two family homes, the neighborhood is well kept, it’s close to the Long Island Rail Road. It is well organized and it’s a wonderful neighborhood to live in.”

Although studies suggest diverse neighborhoods have faster population growth, resulting in rising home values, Comrie is confident that Queens Village will remain culturally rich in the many years to come.

“Queens is truly a melting pot and at the end of the day, it has a universality that appeals to all cultures,” he said. “The way the homes are there, the way the neighborhood is – it fosters diversity.”

The study named Irving, Texas, as the most diverse neighborhood in the U.S; Treasure Island, Calif., as the third most diverse; Lakemont, Texas as the fourth most diverse and Wahiawa, Hawaii as the fifth most diverse.

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Miguel Viruet, 37, of Ozone Park, has been sentenced 25 years to life in prison for the fatal shooting of a 19year-old teen outside an Atlantic Avenue bar in the early morning hours

of May 5, 2010, according to a statement released by District Attorney Richard Brown.

According to trial testimony, the defendant received a phone call from his brother around 4 a.m., just before the fatal shooting. His brother was upset and told Viruet that he had been punched in the face by an unknown male. A few minutes later, he drove to Scooby’s Bar, located at 118-07 Atlantic Ave., Richmond Hill, with two other individuals, approached the bar’s bouncer and demanded to know who punched his brother.

The bouncer told Viruet that his brother was drunk and had been punched outside of the bar and was not allowed back in. The defendant then drove away, but walked back to the bar later. While he stood across the street, Viruet fired approximately nine shots in the direction of people standing in front of Scooby’s, hitting 19-year-old Christian O’Hara in the lower torso, causing his death.

“Today’s sentence is a measure of justice for an innocent young man whose life was tragically cut short,” said Brown in a statement. “It also underscores our need to be vigilant in keeping illegal guns off of the streets of our county and out of the hands of those intent on violently attacking others. Violence such as this will not be tolerated on the streets of Queens County.”

Viruet was convicted of seconddegree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon following a jury trial.

Man Shot During Jamaica Stickup A 31-year-old man was shot in the hand during an early-morning stickup in Jamaica, reports say.

The unknown male was held up by four men near the intersection of 107th Avenue and Sutphin Boulevard at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Dec. 27.

The victim walked himself to Jamaica Hospital.

Police have not identified what was stolen from the victim and reports say the four muggers are still at large.

Brief Us!

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Jan. 11-17, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Presstime

Comrie, Grodenchik Run For BP

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) and former Deputy Borough President, Barry Grodenchik, officially announced their candidacy for borough president this week.

Comrie and Grodenchik join the ranks of candidates that include State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside), Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria), State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) and former Councilwoman Melinda Katz, all of whom are seeking to replace the term limited Helen Marshall.

First elected to Council in 2002, three-time lawmaker and Deputy Majority Leader, Comrie, is confident that his experience serving the 27th District gives him a strong platform

for the position. His current term in the Council expires this year.

“My role in Council has been one that required collaboration and conversation and bringing parties together,” Comrie said. “I think I’m singularly prepared to lead the Borough as I’ve been a person known as a problem solver and a person who’s been able to bring people together. I have an excellent track record of success.”

“My primary goal for the residents of Queens is to improve the economic, social and quality of life conditions for the Borough,” said Comrie.

“The most pressing issue facing the Borough today would be the overcrowding and the need for affordable housing and also improving the quality of life for all the diverse entities

that live in the Borough.”

Grodenchik, who serves as Director of Community Boards for Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, also feels he has the appropriate credentials to fill the shoes of his former boss. He served as deputy to Marshall before he stepped down to focus his

attention to the race.

“The role of deputy has given me an overview of the entire county,” Grodenchik said. “I see what’s going on in the entire Borough. I have been working almost a decade and a half in the borough president’s office and it’s a big county. There are 2.3 million people here, and I think that really is what distinguishes me. My boroughwide experience is what sets me apart.”

If elected, Grondenchik noted that his efforts would be focused on putting residents to work, reforming the education system and healthcare and helping those who are still suffering in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com

front of the battle to save the schools from closing its doors.

“I just feel that the Department of Education has been acting too swiftly in trying to close schools as opposed to giving schools the proper resources they need to function,” he said. “Campus Magnet High School Law and Government was doing well. It used to be a toprated school, but they lost resources.

They were also forced to take additional students beyond what they had origi-

nally. With that, and a lack of resources, they were handcuffed.”

The DOE expects to consider these proposals at their March 11 Panel for Environmental Policy meeting and will post educational impact statements for each proposal. Each school will also have a joint public hearing to accept public comment.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com.

Councilman Leroy Comrie

Barry Grodenchik

DOE Proposes School Phase Out

According to David Pena, a spokesperson for the DOE, 26 New On Jan. 7, the Dept. of Education York City schools will undergo these proposed to phase out three South- structural changes. The DOE has proeast Queens schools – PS 140 Edward posed to phase out 22 schools, close K Ellington in Jamaica, Magnet School two schools and truncate two others.

“These are difficult decisions that of Law and Government in Jamaica and Business, Computer Applications we’ve arrived at after thoroughly and Entrepreneurship High School in evaluating each school’s record – and Cambria Heights, after receiving com- now is the time to take action,” Sternberg said. paratively low scores.

Pena also noted that for schools The DOE also placed PS 156 in Laurelton on the chopping block, that are being phased out or trunproposing to phase out its middle cated, the DOE will “make sure that school grades (6-8) but keeping the they have the support they need to provide a quality education for their remaining grades at the school.

“We expect success,” said DOE current students.”

Thirty-two other schools also unDeputy Chancellor Marc Sternberg in a statement. “After a rigorous re- derwent the DOE’s early engagement view of academic performance, we’re process but will not be proposed for proposing to phase out a select num- phase out. JHS 8 Richard Grossley in ber of low-performing schools. We’ve Jamaica, IS 59 in Springfield Garlistened to the community and pro- dens and Flushing High School were vided comprehensive support ser- among that list.

“For these remaining 32 schools, vices to these schools based on their needs. Ultimately, we know we can we will be exploring a wide range of better serve our students and families potential interventions,” Pena said in an email. “For each school, an action with new options and a new start.” plan will be developed and monitored that will focus support in areas where intensive assistance is required to improve student performance. In addition to the action plan, these schools may receive additional support, including SIG grants if they are on the Priority list.”

Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-Jamaica), whose district encompasses all of the Southeast Magnet School of Law and Government in Queens schools on the chopping Jamaica is on the chopping block. block, vows to be on the foreBY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

PRESS Under New Ownership Tribco, LLC, the parent company of several newspapers in the Metropolitan area, including the Queens Tribune and the Long Islander, announced last week that the papers were acquired by a new investment group.

Michael Schenkler, president of Tribco, announced the sale on Jan. 2.

The new owner of the papers, PFH Media Group NY, LLC, is a branch of Phoenix Financial Holdings, a group based in Washington, D.C., headed by Chairman Brandy Williams.

“I believe that exciting days are ahead for our new publications,” Williams said. “We look forward to building on their historic, journalistic foundations and growing them in the vital communities which they serve.”

The Queens Tribune was founded in 1970 by former U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman, who passed the reins of the publication to Schenkler in 1978. The Long Islander was founded by poet Walt Whitman in 1838. It was acquired by Tribco in 2006.

PFH Media will retain the staff of both the Queens and Long Island offices. Schenkler will remain on staff as a consultant.

In addition to the Queens Tribune and the Long Islander, the acquisition includes: The Record (of Northport, L.I.), the Half Hollow Hills Newspaper and the PRESS of Southeast Queens; several legal publications; Multi-Media, (an advertising, promotion and printing company) and DineHuntington, (operators of Huntington Restaurant Week).

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 11-17, 2013

Electeds Tour Damaged Libraries Several Queens elected officials had the chance on Monday to tour libraries in the Rockaways that suffered extensive damage due to Superstorm Sandy and are still closed.

The Arverne, Broad Channel, Peninsula and Seaside branches of the Queens Library took on severe damage from the storm. According to Queens Library, those facilities suffered extensive interior flooding and water damage due to the natural disaster, causing $7.62 million in damage and the loss of 100,000 books, DVDs, CDs and other materials.

Damage from the storm can still be seen today. In the Arverne branch, all of the walls have been torn off due to the mold that built up from the flood waters and much of the equipment and tables that were saved inside were covered to prevent further damage.

At the Peninsula Branch on Rockaway Beach Boulevard, most of the building was dark and vacant with the exception of boxes of books donated by community members.

The elected officials who surveyed the reconstruction efforts, along with officials from Queens Library, were U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica),

Photo by Luis Gronda

BY LUIS GRONDA

rescheduled after several New York and New Jersey lawmakers criticized House Speaker John Boehner for not holding the vote before the previous body of Congress ended their session at the end of December.

The House approved a $9.7 billion package that covers flood insurance claims for home and busiWalls at the Arverne Queens Library branch were nesses owners and the Jan.15 stripped and other fixtures were covered to pre- vote will be for the rest of the vent mold caused by damage from Superstorm $60 billion package bill.

Meeks said that money Sandy. will go to many of the elected State Sen. Joe Addabbo (D-Howard officials representing the areas hit by Beach), Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder the storm and they will have discre(D-Ozone Park), Councilmen Eric tion of how to use that money, which Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), Jimmy Van should include libraries.

Bramer (D-Sunnyside) and Queens “Libraries are something that I Borough President Helen Marshall. think should appeal to anyone beQueens Library CEO Thomas cause you know it is the essence of the Galante said they expect the funding community,” he said. will be in place for the reconstruction The Congressman added that he of the four libraries, but what they are does not want to assume that the bill trying to figure out now is the process will pass because of how the vote for of how that will be done and who will the flood bill turned out. do the actual work.

“When you have 60 individuals Meeks noted the importance of who voted ‘no’ on the $9.7 billion the Jan. 15 vote on the $60 billion dollars, which is simply for flood inSuperstorm Sandy relief bill that was surance, I’m nervous until we have

the vote on the 15th and it has passed,” Meeks said.

As for the four libraries, the dollar amount of the damage it received was massive. According to Queens Library, the Peninsula branch received the most damage, costing about $3.5 million in total, with most of that belonging to repairs for the building itself. Arverne is second with a little over $1.9 million in damages. Seaside has almost $1.2 million in damages and for the Broad Channel branch; the total cost of damages is $939,940.

The reconstruction for the Broad Channel branch is near completion and will reopen in February, according to Queens Library. As for the other three, the Arverne location should reopen next year and currently has a temporary location open next door. The Seaside branch is expected to open once again at the end of this summer and Peninsula will take a little more than a year to reopen, a Queens Library spokeswoman said. There is a temporary location also open near the Peninsula branch, while a mobile library will soon be near the Seaside branch, which serves Rockaway Park.

Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127 or at lgronda@queenstribune.com.

Jan. 11-17, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

Construction Begins On 161st Street Apartments

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA On Jan. 8, The Bluestone Organization announced the start of construction on the 161st Street mixed income housing apartments in Jamaica. The building, which will also include retail space, is expected to generate more than $30 million in local economic activity and construct 100 affordable homes for families and individuals.

The five-year initiative has the support of several politicians, including Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), Councilman James Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows), Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who played a key role in securing $3.78 million from his first-round Regional Council initiative, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, whose New Housing Marketplace Plan will be responsible for the development.

"The new mixed-use, mixed-income development is an investment in the future and another fine example of how private and public sectors can work together," Borough President Helen Marshall said. "They are going to bring forth an attractive, affordable housing and commercial space. This is not only exciting for the

spirits who will occupy these apartments but also renews the entire community."

The property, located at 90-14 161st St. in downtown Jamaica, was purchased from the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation in 2008 primarily to serve as the new headquarters for The Bluestone Organization and additional office space. Over the course of five years, however, the plan transformed.

The apartments, which will be named Norman Towers after Norman Bluestone, who passed away in 2011, will consist of 100 units in two nine-story elevator-serviced towers built over a connecting cellar.

There will be a total of seven studios, 72 one-bedroom apartments and 21 two-bedroom apartments. Other amenities will include a bicycle room and parking.

"These projects are the types of projects we're intent on supporting," said Marc Jahr, president of the New York Housing Development Corporation. "They are affordable. Some of the one-bedroom apartments in this development will have rents as low as $500 and there will be some twobedroom apartments running for $800.

In New York City, as you all know, that's extraordinarily affordable."

The development has the support of multiple partners in addition to the HDC. Representatives from the Dept. of Housing Preservation and Development, Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group, the New York State Homes and Community Renewal and the GJDC were all in attendance at the ground breaking ceremony.

"We're so proud to be a part of this project," said James Patchett, vice president of Goldman Sachs. A rendering of the proposed Norman Towers, "This project we're par- scheduled for completion in 2014. ticularly proud of. We're providing a 16 and a half million in for mately 174 construction job opportuthe infrastructure of this project as nities. The City of New York requires well as $5.8 million dollars in equity. that subsidized apartments be rented We'd really like to thank the amazing through an Open Lottery System to partnerships that made this possible ensure fair distribution to eligible ap- in particular HPD, HPC and HDR, plicants. who are committed to doing this type The application process is not of work is what makes these projects currently open, but for more informapossible." tion regarding the process, visit ApartThe Norman Towers, which will ment Seeker and Homebuyers pages include 5,311-square-feet on commer- at www.nyc.gov. cial space and 4,525-square-feet of Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska retail, is scheduled for completion in at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or late 2014 and will provide approxi- nkozikowska@queenspress.com

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 11-17, 2013

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

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel

It seems as though the discussion of developments proposed for Flushing Meadows Corona Park will continue to be a hot topic as we gear up for the 2013 City Council elections.

While Major League Soccer has clearly stated that an idea proposed by Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) – using Citi Field for a new soccer franchise’s home base – is a “nonstarter,” we cannot help but wonder why the issue would not be taken under greater consideration. MLS has already said it would consider using Citi Field’s parking and work with Major League Baseball and the Mets to avoid scheduling conflicts of home games. What would seem to be the largest impediments to a new MLS team using the Mets facilities have already been ironed out.

Even more curious, State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-Jackson Heights), who has come out in favor of a new soccer stadium, has called out the United States Tennis Association for taking less than one acre of parkland adjacent to the Billie Jean King Tennis Center without a plan to replace the green space. Peralta, however, does not seem to have a problem with the loss of parkland for a new soccer stadium.

Despite the Citi Field proposal’s status as a non-starter to MLS, perhaps it would be in the best interests of the people of Queens – many of whom are concerned with the loss of parkland at Flushing Meadows Corona Park – to consider the idea.

Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Harley Benson Natalia Kozikowska Megan Montalvo Joe Marvilli Luis Gronda

Art Dept:

Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend

Advertising Director Gerry Laytin Sr. Account Executive Shelly Cookson Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie Shari Strongin

A Queens Tribune Publication © Copyright 2013 PFH Media Group NY, LLC

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

Letters Tolls Needed To The Editor: The MTA announced that it will restore 21 bus lines that were cut 2 years ago, at a cost of $18 million. But the Q74 (also called the Vleigh Place Shuttle) won’t be one of them.

It should be. The Q74, which ran from the Union Turnpike subway station to Queens College, was a valuable service for Queens College students and Kew Garden Hills residents. The MTA doesn’t have enough funds to restore the Q74, but there’s an easy way to get the money for it and expand other mass transit service. Put tolls on the East River bridges.

If subway riders pay $2.50 to travel from Queens to Manhattan, than so should drivers. Motorists get a free ride while paying mass transit commuters outnumber them 10 to one. Drivers will also benefit from expanded mass transit with less traffic on bridges and roads. Our elected representatives: City Councilman James Gennaro, State Assemblyman Michael Simanowitz and State Senator Joe Addabbo must press to restore the Q 74 and put tolls on East River bridges to expand mass transit. Vot-

ers will hold them accountable.

Richard Reif, Flushing

No Empathy To the Editor: There are some people in this world who really cannot empathize with other peoples’ tragedies.

House speaker John Boehner is a perfect example of this! A question for Boehner: How would you feel, sir, if your own home caught fire, destroying everything you loved? Would you then want to wait months for help?

Leonore Brooks.

Whitestone

Judicial Justice To The Editor: A great danger for all Americans is becoming entangled in a brutal and barbaric legal system. On the criminal side, the consequences are horrific. Innocent people are convicted and incarcerated. Trivial infractions result in disproportionate sentences of life without parole or excessively harsh prison terms. There are long delays and obstacles to getting released when evidence of innocence exists. The list

Letters goes on and on. On the civil side we have many tragedies as well. Family courts and divorce courts destroy families. Child Protective Services makes mistakes and takes children away from parents.

We have people protesting injustice through premeditated suicides as the cases of Mary Richardson Kennedy, Steven Koufakis, William Thomas Sears, Thomas Ball and hundreds of other individuals show.

Injustice will be the human rights issue of the 21st Century in the United States. We tolerate a system that is somewhat out of control, where little scrutiny is applied, where little criticism is directed, and with procedures and rules that would appear nonsensical in other contexts.

For example, in New York, we have as the guiding legal principle: A judge is the sole arbiter of his recusal. So, the judge decides himself issues of bias, misconduct, and irrationality. How about the following: The surgeon is the sole arbiter of his malpractice.

The accused is the sole arbiter of his guilt.

This would be deemed farcical. Yet in the judicial realm, where one should demand due process and fairness, we have a palpably unfair rule promulgated by those who should be paragons of fairness and justice.

It is deplorable that citizens need to start online petitions where there is no effective accountability. There is one on change.org against NY Judge Laura Drager.

There is another on watchdog.net against Judge Derek Johnson in California.

The media and citizens defer to the courts too much. In light of the Newtown, Conn., tragedy, the October 2012 Decision by the Connecticut State Supreme Court can be parodied mercilessly. The conviction for actual rape of Richard Fourtin Jr. was overturned 4-3 because a woman with cerebral palsy who could not verbalize and who had the functional intelligence of a 3-year-old did not bite or scratch her attacker. Total nonsense. If one of the four morons had ruled differently, Fourtin would be imprisoned.

Ergo, should Adam Lanza in Newtown have gone to a daycare center and terrified and raped 3-year-old boys and girls? Right, the 3-year-olds should have bitten and scratched him. Too much deference is paid to judicial rules and procedures that contribute to injustice and unfairness.

Please take a stand in the New Year for truth and justice using the First Amendment.

Start making it a Happy New Year for all the people who are suffering in our nation from injustice.

Anthony Pappas, Astoria

GOP Demise?

To the Editor: In regards to Mr. Penner’s letter, “Last Stand?” in the Jan. 3 Tribune, it was with no little interest that I read his dissertation concerning the ever-contracting representation of our Republican party in Queens. His lengthy letters are usually loaded with impressive names, statistics, facts, findings and figures obviously requiring a great deal of research. Would that his concern regarding the likely demise of our local Republican Party be equally well founded.

John Molnar, Bayside

Wrong Side To The Editor: What goes on in the heads of Republican voters? They criticize President Obama for going on vacation when the Republicans in Congress have been on vacation for four years. Perhaps Obama should’ve rolled up his sleeves and punched each Republican who voted against Superstorm Sandy relief. They blame the “liberal media” for not doing its job. I disagree. The Daily News (which endorsed Romney) clearly gave the names and phone numbers of the 67 Republicans who voted against hurricane relief. It’s amazing that any “intelligent” person cannot see that Republicans are on the wrong side of every issue.

Robert La Rosa, Whitestone

Jan. 11-17, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Goldfeder Wants LIRR Line Restored

BY LUIS GRONDA

With the QueensWay project receiving money for a feasibility study, one elected official is looking to get money for the alternative plan of the 3.5 mile stretch of vacant land.

Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (DOzone Park) announced at last week’s Community Board 10 meeting that he would be meeting with Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office sometime this week to discuss getting money to do a feasibility study to revive the Long Island Rail Road train line that used to run in southern and central Queens.

Goldfeder said at the meeting that he will continue to push forward with the idea of revitalizing the LIRR because people living in the Rockaways and Southern Queens desperately need better transportation options than the ones that are currently available and because it would benefit all of Queens.

“The restoration of transportation on that line is good for the entire borough,” the Assemblyman said. “It is good for creating short term jobs and it’s good for spurring our economy.”

Goldfeder said that while he has met with the governor’s office be-

fore regarding reviving the LIRR line and improving public transportation options in general, this latest meeting is in response to the QueensWay getting the grant money for the study.

“I wanted to make sure that they were aware of the many different options and desires for that land,” he said.

The debate of what to do with the abandoned land has raged on since the issue came into the limelight last year with many people taking sides on what they think is best for Queens.

Residents living in the Rockaways and southern Queens neighborhoods like Howard Beach and Ozone Park mostly support restoring the LIRR line, which would run from Far Rockaway to Rego Park and include connections to other trains and buses, because it would boost public transit for those neighborhoods and potentially take cars off of major streets like Cross Bay Boulevard.

But the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association has made it known that it is against both proposals.

Ed Wendell, WRBA’s president, said that residents are uninspired by both plans and the reason why they

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haven’t supported either idea is because they feel that both will have negative effects on the area of Woodhaven that the land runs through 98th Street causing some arguments between Goldfeder and the WRBA. The Assemblyman said that he is not against the QueensWay, but he is against people and organizations who want to do nothing with the land instead of figuring out a way to create something that would benefit Queens, calling it “an embarrassment to who

we are as leaders.”

Wendell’s response to that is their stance is what they feel is best for Woodhaven.

As for the meeting, Goldfeder said that it’s important to discuss all options of what to do with the land before a decision is made.

Phone calls to the Governor’s office regarding the meeting were not returned as of press time.

Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127 or at gronda@queenstribune.com.

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 11-17, 2013

District 31 Holds Special Election

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA On Jan. 3, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced a special nonpartisan election for the 31st Council District to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton), who won a seat in the State Senate in November.

The 31st Council District represents parts of Laurelton, Rosedale, Springfield Gardens and Far Rockaway. Pursuant to the City Charter, the nomination of candidates in this election will be by independent nominating, rather than through a party primary. The candidates include: Marie Adam-Ovide Serving as Community Board 8 District Manager, Marie AdamOvide said she feels she has strong ties with the residents of her neighborhood and a good understanding of their needs.

Having served as an aide to Councilman Sheldon Leff ler (D-Hollis) and former Councilman David Weprin, Adam-Ovide is confident that she can work with the City on the important issues.

“My experiences are the perfect marriage of working with the City and the people,” she said. “I want to work close with civic associations and other community leaders.

I want to get the view of the community and share those views with the City.”

As a parent, Adam-Ovide’s primary focus would be to improve education and create more after-school programs for children.

“I’m not pleased with the way our schools are being run,” she said. “I want to fight for smaller class sizes because studies show children work better in smaller class sizes.”

Selvena Brooks Since serving as an intern for State Sen. Malcolm Smith, Selvena Brooks has been passionate about politics and the role it plays in the community. Now a communications specialist for the Service Employees International Union, she hopes to take that pas-

sion and transform it into a vision to help District 31.

Of utmost priority for the Far Rockaway resident is rebuilding the community devastated by Superstorm Sandy.

“With the recent devastation with Sandy, rebuilding the community in Rockaway and parts of Southeast Queens is important,” Brooks said. “There are other parts of the district that have been affected – in Rosedale and Springfield Gardens – downed trees and flooding.”

While the impacted communities rebuild, Brooks hopes to create and sustain jobs, creating vocational training for those who chose not to go to college and combating the recent spike in crime.

“It’s about coalition building. It’s about creating a new partnership and relationship with the community so that we’re talking,” she said. “It’s about making change and being an agent of change – a shared vision.”

Mike Duncan President and founder of the Rosedale Soccer Program, Mike Duncan, has been a community activist for more than 18 years.

This special election marks the second time Duncan will run for the 31st District Council seat. In 2009, he ran against his former boss, former Councilman James Sanders and lost, but is now looking for his second shot at the vacant position.

If elected, Duncan’s first focus would be to reform the education system.

“One of the biggest problems for me in the district is education,” he said. “The passing rate for most girls and boys in our district is about 50 percent, and that is not acceptable.”

The candidate is no stranger to the school system. He has served the community as chairperson of the PTA at schools like PS 195, IS 231 and Springfield Gardens High School.

Another key issue plaguing the community, Duncan said, is the massive amounts of foreclosures, which he attributes to lack of communication. If elected, Duncan promises to build stronger ties with the community.

“We have to get the residents of the community involved in the com-

munity again and the community is looking for somebody to get people involved and that’s the role I play,” he said.

Earnest Flowers Liaison for Assemblyman William Scarborough (DJamaica) and chairman of the Elmer H. Blackburne Democratic Club, Earnest Flowers, said his experience gives him the skills necessary for the position.

The Queens native said he believes that his role in the Elmer H. Blackburne Democratic Club gives him an upper hand in understanding Queens politics.

Flowers addressed many problems in District 31 that he would like to address if elected, but noted that he would first like to help resolve many environmental issues.

The Laurelton resident said that in his neighborhood, which is located near John F. Kennedy Airport, noise pollution is a major concern. In neighboring St. Albans and Rosedale, the biggest environmental issue he would like to help remedy is the chronic flooding.

Flowers also hopes to help restore homes in Far Rockaway that were devastated by Superstorm Sandy.

“Far Rockaway has really brought environmental issues to a forefront,” Flowers said. “I am the only candidate who was down there for the first three weeks after Hurricane Sandy. I brought relief and supplies throughout the Rockaways.”

Education reform is also on his priority list if elected. Flowers is now working with the staff at PS 156 to try and prevent the school from closing its doors after it was put on the chopping block by the Dept. of Education.

Jacques Leandre Although Jacques Leandre admits he is a “political outsider,” the attorney and president of the Rosedale Jets Association said he is a “community insider.”

Despite being one of the few candidates who has not worked for a government official, Leandre serves

as the managing ambassador of the Southeast Queens County Young Democrats, where he said he has helped used his legal training to help the community.

If elected, Leandre said he would like to enhance education, improve elderly services and boost economic development in the 31st District.

“I think we have to really address our education system but we must do it in a holistic way. We must find ways to ensure the children are technologically sound when they graduate. And we must engage parents to work with teachers,” he said.

Another priority for Leandre is to help restore Far Rockaway after the devastation it encountered during Superstorm Sandy. The candidate turned his office into a relief dropoff point after the storm.

Donovan Richards When his childhood friend was murdered in 2003, Donovan Richards made a promise to himself to do something for his community. Motivated to take that first step, he attended a meeting led by former Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton), the mentor Richards said gave him a foot in the door.

Now, Richards hopes to fill his former boss’ shoes and continue Sanders’ legacy by running for the vacant seat.

“The first thing is jobs. Our community is hurting, there are many people out of work and one of the things I want to do is start examining the subsidies that are going into these corporations that should be used to subsidize our community,” he said.

Richards also hopes to improve funding to schools and reducing class sizes.

“I want to ensure every school in the district is getting at least $50,000 a year for technology,” he said.

Editor’s Note: A spokesperson for Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (DOzone Park) confirmed that one of the assemblyman’s staffers, Pesach Osina, is also looking to run for the vacant seat, although it has not yet been publicly announced.

Former Councilman Allan Jennings is also reported to have filed a petition with the board.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com.

Jan. 11-17, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Police Blotter Compiled by STEVEN J. FERRARI

102nd Precinct Homicide On Jan. 6 at 3:29 a.m., police responded to a 911 call of a male shot in front of the Flavor Lounge, 11703 Hillside Ave., in Richmond Hill.

Upon arrival, officers observed the first victim, identified as Kwasi Olatunji, 36, of Brooklyn, with multiple gunshot wounds to the torso.

EMS also responded to the location and transported Olatunji to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police also observed a second victim, a 27-year-old Black male, with a stab wound to the leg. EMS transported the second victim to Jamaica Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. There are no arrests and the investigation is ongoing.

103rd Precinct Homicide On Jan. 5 at approximately 2:10 a.m., police responded to a 911 call of shots fired inside of El Nuevo restaurant, located at 144-11 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica. Upon arrival, police observed two victims with gunshot wounds to the body.

The first victim, a 38-year-old Hispanic male, sustained one gunshot wound to the stomach. EMS responded and transported the victim to Jamaica Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. The second victim, identified as Jony Gonzales, 27, of Jamaica, sustained one gunshot wound to the chest. EMS pronounced Gonzales dead at the scene.

There are no arrests and the investigation is ongoing.

107th Precinct Burglary The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance identifying the suspect wanted for burglary.

On Jan. 4 at approximately 2 a.m., the suspect entered 85-37 168th St. in Jamaica and removed an undetermined amount of money and fled. The suspect is described as an Hispanic male, between 5-foot-5 and 5-foot-8.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by visiting nypdcrimestoppers.com or texting their tips to CRIMES (274637) then enter TIPS577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

108th Precinct Forcible Touching The NYPD arrested Andres Lara, 25, of East Elmhurst on charges of forcible touching after the following incident: On Jan. 2 at 10:40 a.m., the victim, a 27-year-old Hispanic female, was on the platform of the Manhattan-bound 7 train at the Queensboro Plaza stop when the suspect approached her, grabbed her buttocks and then fled the station.

112th Precinct Robbery Pattern The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance identifying the following individuals wanted in connection to a robbery pattern. During the incidents, the suspects approach the victims from behind and forcibly remove their cell phones.

There were two incidents on Dec. 20, one at 6:05 p.m. at Yellowstone Boulevard and 67th Avenue and a second at 8 p.m. at Queens Boulevard and Yellowstone Boulevard. The first victim was a 42-year-old male.

The second victim was a 39-year-old woman.

A third incident occurred on Dec. 25 at approximately 6:30 p.m. around Queens Boulevard and 67th Avenue. The victim was a 27-yearold female.

The fourth incident occurred on Dec. 28 at 6:25 p.m. at Yellowstone Boulevard and 67th Avenue. The victim was a 28-year-old female.

A fifth incident occurred on Dec. 29 at 3:10 p.m. in front of 102-25 67th Drive. The victim was a 35-yearold female.

The sixth incident occurred on Dec. 31 at 3:55 p.m. inside of 101-19 Queens Blvd.

The final incident occurred on Jan. 2 at 6:55 p.m. in front of 101-24 Queens Blvd. The victim was a 54year-old female.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577TIPS (8477).

The public can also submit their tips by visiting nypdcrimestoppers.com or texting their tips to CRIMES (274637) then enter TIPS577. All calls are strictly confidential.

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 11-17, 2013

pix

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

Press of Southeast Queens staff greeted former publisher Mike Schenkler with birthday festivities in the office on Jan. 8. Associate Publisher Mike Nussbaum looks on.

Photo by Ira Cohen

Ribbon Cutting

Happy Birthday Mike

Business Dynamics

Officials celebrated the opening of the newly-expanded Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program at Queens Hospital Center in Jamaica. Pictured (from left) are QHC Executive Director Julius Wool, Antonio Martin, Health and Hospitals Corp. executive vice president and COO; Anna Kril, Member, HHC Board of Directors; Councilmembers Elizabeth Crowley and James Gennaro, Josephine Bolus, RN, Member, HHC Board of Directors; QHC Director of Psychiatry Martin Maurer, MD; Councilman Leroy Comrie, Queens Health Network Dean/Medical Director Jasmin Moshirpur, MD; Queens Health Network Senior Vice President Ann M. Sullivan, MD; and QHC Community Advisory Board Chairman Tony Andrews.

On Dec. 5 Senator Malcolm Smith (pictured right), and Dan Isaacs, Chairman of the New York Republican County Committee attended the Annual Family Business Dynasties Gala honoring Donald Tr u m p (pictured The Sutphin Boulevard Business Improvement c e n District t e r ) a n dheld K a tits hy third annual Adopt-A-Family Program at the Harvest at the and RickRoom Hilton.

Jamaica Market. Pictured (from left) are Sutphin BID staffers Tyrone Burton, Gia Wills, Executive Director Simone Price and Stephanie Ambersley.

Jan. 11-17, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Borough Beat

Queens Man Completes 100 Jobs In 2012

BY MEGAN MONTALVO

As revelers flocked to Times Square in celebration of the annual New Year’s ball drop, one western Queens resident was relishing in the wish of a lifetime.

On Dec. 31, Dave Herman dared to accomplish the most unthinkable of resolutions – complete his 100th job by the end of 2012.

Ranging from a social media marketer to a street musician and almost everything in between, Herman’s final job of the year ultimately led him to a gig as a New Year’s Eve correspondent on “New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly,” broadcast on NBC. Though the 27-year-old New Jersey native had been a frequent viewer of the TV special on NBC, never did he think he would actually have the shot at making a national televised appearance.

“It all started with an idea,” Herman said. “I was doing a lot of freelance gigs towards the end of 2011, and I thought it would be fun to make this goal of doing 100 jobs in one year.”

After completing a page program at NBC in Oct. 2011, Herman said he

found himself working a series of odd jobs to make the rent in the Big Apple.

“At one point, I found myself working five different jobs at once,” he said. “It was at that point that I came up with the idea to work 100 jobs in 2012.”

In addition to having an affinity for change, Herman said he wanted to prove to himself and others that he had the networking chops and talent to live up to the goal.

“I’m sure some people thought I was crazy at first,” he said. “But, I thought if all else fails, my goal will at least show prospective employers that I have versatility and am great at multi-tasking.”

Shortly after forming his goal, Herman took to the internet to blog his journeys in job land, some of which included tales of asking famed writer R.L. Stine to hire him to conduct an interview at a reading of his two most recent books – “Wanted: The Haunted Mask” and “Red Rain.”

“I pretty much reached out to him on a whim and asked him if he would consider giving me a job,” Herman said. “After sending him a few of my

sketch videos, he seemed to be more on the longinterested and said ‘Okay.’ standing side, the modern day Renaissance The funniest part was that man says he looks forafter he agreed to hire me, ward to continue using he said ‘What exactly would I be paying you for?’” his creative skills as an Herman pitched the improv comedian at the idea of conducting a video Upright Citizens Brigade and other comedy interview with the author, venues throughout the and Stein became job No. City.

78 on the list.

While working with “The one thing I hope Dave Herman Stein and Carson Daly people take away from were among his favorite jobs of the my 100 jobs project is that everyone year, Herman said that other highlights has the potential to do whatever it is of 2012 included being hired as a model that they want to do,” he said. “The for a Bacardi magazine ad, which be- whole idea is to never settle.” came job No. 41, and an appearance on As for his resolutions for 2013, the Today Show, where he was allowed Herman is working on a project called to make a televised plea to NBC execu- “10,000 Kevins,” which seeks to get 10,000 people named Kevin to sign a tives for job No. 100.

“It’s so funny how everything came petition to get Kevin Bacon to take him full circle,” he said. “What started out as to dinner and raise one million dollars a love for all the NBC shows led to a job for Bacon’s charity “Six Degrees.” in their page program, which led to an Those who are interested in folappearance on the Today Show and lowing the project may visit then lastly, a gig as one of their corre- www.10000kevins.com.

Reach Reporter Megan Montalvo at spondents. I couldn’t be happier.”

Though Herman’s current full-time (718) 357-7400 Ext. 128 or job as a brand ambassador is expected mmontalvo@queenstribune.com.

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 11-17, 2013

Profile

Program Teaches Leadership Skills To Youth

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA It can be difficult for young adults who have been involved in the criminal justice system to find that second chance in life that will bring them back on their feet which is why the LaGuardia Community College designed the Community Justice Program in Jamaica.

The JCP, a free program for young adults between the ages of 16 and 24, seeks to build stronger and safer communities to reduce crime by engaging those troubled individuals.

Implemented last year, the program helps disengaged youth learn leadership skills through community service projects. Individuals who are enrolled in the program give back to their community by getting involved with beautification projects, social activities at a nursing home or senior center or volunteering in a soup kitchen. The program also helps those individuals earn their GED,

gain job skills and explore careers.

"The program is designed to give workshops to help with job readiness, life skills, educational components, personal development and of course, learning, assessing and giving back to the community," said Nakita Vanstory, coordinator of JCP. "It allows them to see their communities in a different perspective so they can help their community, largely by way of community service."

Funded by the New York City Dept. of Probation and the Center for Economic Opportunity through Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Young Men's Initiative, the program is geared towards individuals who live in the neighborhoods that encompass Community Board 12 - Jamaica, Hollis, St. Albans, Springfield Gardens, Baisley Park, Rochdale Village and South Jamaica.

The reason the program works to cater to that specific part of Queens, Vanstory said, is because it is a neigh-

borhood that is plagued by crime and violence.

"When we applied for the grant, we did have to deliver services in the community so that they would come to the community, get the resources and give back to the community," she said. "The location itself is part of the design."

Since the program began last year, JCP has helped more than 20 young individuals turn their lives around. Completion of the program depends on the person, Vanstory said. Some may complete the program in as short as a month while others complete the program in six months. Upon completion, participants may also earn up to $1,150.

"It's based on milestones, not hours," Vanstory said. "I just feel like that is a positive outcome."

Velasco Alex, a young man hoping to be accepted in the JCP, is excited for the opportunities it can bring him in the future.

"I think this program can help me in a lot of certain factors that I have in my life, and not just mine, but the people around me, AKA my community," Alex said. "It's a good way to help us youngsters open our eyes and see that there's more than just the negativity that's floating around in our community."

Bulsidas Rutna, another hopeful, echoes those sentiments.

"The way I see this program help me is to make a change for the better," he said. "We did wrong, but we don't want people criticizing us for the wrong. We want to give back to the community and show that we can do right."

For more information about JCP and how you can become involved, call (718) 725-3324.

The JCP is located at 158-29 Archer Ave., Jamaica.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com.

People Crutch is the son of Sabrina and Glenn Crutch of Queens Village and is a 2011 graduate of Flushing High School.

Sakirat Akadri of Jamaica received High Honor Roll during the winter term at the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Conn.

Joseph Moreau of Queens Village was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 semester at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy.

Charles Dingle Air National Guard Airman Charles Dingle graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

Dingle is the son of Mighty Charles of Queens Village and is a 2000 graduate of Newtown High School in Elmhurst.

Tori Watson of Jamaica was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 semester at the University of New Haven in Connecticut.

Army Pvt. Daiquan A. Crutch has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.

Sons Petroleum, 81-02 Atlantic, Ave., Ozone Park.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church will present pianist Sylvie Yannello in its “Wings of Song” series at 3 p.m. Jan. 13 at the church, 85 Greenway South, Forest Hills. Yannello will perform classical, ragtime and popular music, including works by Beethovan, Scott Joplin and “Jelly Roll” Morton.

A wine and cheese reception with the artist will follow the performance.

The New York Lotter y announced that Hattie Johnson of Laurelton won $25,000 on the Queen’s Cash scratch-off game.

Johnson’s winning ticket was purchased at Merrick Convenience, 22621 Merrick Blvd., Laurelton.

Upcoming programs at the Central Queens Y include: Climate Reality Project presentation, 1:30 p.m. Jan. 14 and 7 p.m.

Jan. 31.

Balance Training, 10 classes beginning Jan. 15. Three sections will be held from 11:20 a.m. to 12:20 p.m., 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and 1:40 to 2:40 p.m.

History of the Hungarian Jewish Community, 1:30 p.m. Jan. 28.

The Central Queens Y is located at 67-09 108th St., Forest Hills. For information, call (718) 268-5011.

The New York Lotter y announced that Wai Wond of Woodhaven won $50,000 on the Dec. 21 Win 4 drawing. Wong’s winning ticket was purchased at Singh &

Upcoming events at the Kew Gardens Community Center include: • Dr. Nillesh Soni, a geriatric specialist, will speak about preventing falls at 11 a.m. on Jan. 16.

St. John’s University and the Office of the President has announced the appointment of Dominic Scianna to Associate Vice President for External Relations, and has named Elizabeth Reilly the new Director of Media Relations.

• New York Hospital Queens will offer free balance screening at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 17.

The Kew Gardens Community Center is located at 80-02 Kew Gardens Road, Suite 202, Kew Gardens.

For information, call (718) 2685960.

Ryan Rayder of Belle Harbor was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 semester at York College of Pennsylvania.

Queens Botanical Garden recently announced that Julia Ermish, Lucy Hossain and Frank Santoro have been named to the QBG board of trustees.

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.

Jan. 11-17, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

A&E

City’s Culture Campaign Growing

BY MEGAN MONTALVO Although the City attracts tourists for its plethora of art institutions, when it comes to receiving monetary support from the government, local artists and organizations are saying they are getting the short end of the stick.

On Jan. 8, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) headed to MoMA PS1 in Long Island City to announce his backing for the One Percent for Culture Campaign, a twoyear-old initiative that seeks to increase the City’s financial commitment for the 1,200-plus cultural organizations in all five boroughs.

According to Van Bramer, who is also the Council’s chair of cultural affairs, by increasing funding for culture and the arts in all five boroughs, New York City will not only sustain its dominance as the world’s premiere cultural capital, but will also allow artists living

in NYC to earn an honest wage.

“At a difficult economic point in our City and our nation’s history, you might ask, ‘How can we afford to do this?’” Van Bramer said. “Given the fact that culture and the arts produce an economic impact in the area of 7.6 billion dollars for the City of New York, I would say how can we afford not to?”

Originally launched at the West Indian American Day Carnival parade in 2010, organizers behind the campaign’s 245-member committee say that despite the 100,000-plus jobs that local cultural institutions generate, nonprofits are currently receiving less than one-fourth of one percent of the City’s overall expense budget.

“The rich array of arts and cultural institutions across the City’s five boroughs provide invaluable opportunities for our City’s school children to experience and learn about the arts, culture, history and more,” said Eric Pryor, executive director for

Restaurant Review

A Meal Well Done

Aged Steakhouse 107-02 70th Road Forest Hills, NY, 11375 (718) 544-2433 Mon – Wed: 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Thur- Fri: 11:30 a.m. – 12 a.m.; SatSun: 10 a.m. – 12 a.m.

CUISINE: Italian DELIVERY: Yes CREDIT CARD: Yes, all major

Located in the heart of Forest Hills, Aged Steakhouse sets the precedent for fine dining near Austin Street. Amongst several restaurants located nearby, Aged surely stands out for its unique interior décor and original flavoring and spins on classic dishes.

My colleague Joe Marvilli and I were immediately greeted with warm smiles before we reached our seats. The staff was incredibly pleasant and attentive, but the ambiance of the restaurant truly set the mood for a great dinner.

We began our three-course meal with two fairly simple appetizers – baked clams and French onion soup.

I would consider myself to be picky when it comes to seafood, but Aged’s baked clams may very well be the best I have ever had. They did not have an overwhelming clammy taste as some baked clams do and, almost as important, the clams were in no way

chewy. The clams had a very unique taste – a combination of flavors that truly made for a superb zingy dish.

The French onion soup was also a delight, featuring a nice sweet and sour combination for contrast.

Eager to see what more Aged had in store, our second course consisted of golden fried calamari and braised sore ribs. The golden fried calamari was fried to perfection and served with marinara sauce. The marinara sauce, however, had a hint of red pepper that gave the calamari a pinch of spice, setting it apart from other calamari dishes. Joe took a stab at the ribs and was similarly impressed. The meat was slow cooked for four hours and served atop mashed potatoes, one fried onion ring and finished with a wasabi sauce.

The ribs, Joe described, nearly melted in his mouth as easily as the mash potatoes. It was love at first bite.

Our last course featured two Aged Steakhouse specials, one of which included - you guessed it – steak.

While Joe was busy devouring the skirt steak, I tried my hand at the Chilean sea bass. The steak was phenomenal and had a unique sweet sauce that complimented the tender meat. The sea bass also had a unique taste, served with a sweet carrot sauce to contrast the salty fish.

-Natalia Kozikowska

the Center for Arts Education. “Unfortunately, far too many students attend City public schools that have no relationship with our City’s cultural institutions. The One Percent for Culture Campaign will help ensure that all of our 1.1 million students have the opportunity for a world class arts education here in the cultural capital of the world.”

Among a room full of artists and local museum chairmen at MoMA for Van Bramer’s announcement was Lucy Lydon of No Longer Empty, a small arts organization that currently has a transaction-themed exhibit on display in Long Island City.

For Lydon, who consistently interacts with local artists, the idea of generating more financial support for cultural organizations was met with excitement and a sense of hope.

“Our organization was founded on the notion that art affects so much more than just the art world,” Lydon said. “Every time a new exhibit opens, it brings economic growth to local neighborhoods, helps support local business and does a great deal to engage youth. I hope that lawmakers

will take note of this announcement and realize just how invaluable art organizations are.”

As part of the campaign’s continued efforts to push for more funding, organizers have created an online petition to support their cause at www.oneforculture.org/sign.

With use of the petition signatures, organizers intend to inform the 2013 municipal candidates of their constituents’ support of the campaign and will ask the candidates to pledge to increase City funding for nonprofit culture to a full one percent of the municipal expense budget.

Beyond the organizers’ goal, Lydon said that she hopes the campaign will bring about an awareness that all New Yorkers, including artists, deserve to make a fair wage.

“The term ‘struggling artist’ may be widely known,” she said. “But, the fact of the matter is that they too need to earn an honest wage. No one should have to struggle just to do what they love.”

Reach Reporter Megan Montalvo at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 128 or mmontalvo@queenstribune.com.

Oratorio Society Holds Auditions

BY JOE MARVILLI

Calling Queens singers: If you would like to put your vocal talents on display, you will have your chance in Flushing this month.

The Oratorio Society of Queens is holding auditions at Temple Beth Sholom in the FSG Hall on Jan. 14 and Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. Temple Beth Sholom is located at 171-39 Northern Blvd. Reservations are required to try out.

The group rehearses every Monday from 7:45 to 10 p.m.

If selected, the first chance the new singers will have to perform in front of a crowd is at the choir’s spring concert. The performance will highlight “Messa di Gloria” by Italian composer Giacomo Puccini. The choir will also sing special selections that represent the wide range of music that makes up the American choral experience.

Even though its numbers exceed 120 members, the OSQ is still looking for singers of all vocal types.

The expansive efforts by the choir fit in with their long history. The society is a very diverse performing cul-

tural organization, the oldest in the borough. It started back in the Spring of 1927. Its cultural mission is to share “a love of classical choral music with its friends and neighbors throughout Queens.”

Typically, both a holiday concert and a spring concert are held every year. The OSQ also sponsors a Choral Scholarship Program that gives high school and college students the opportunity to perform with the organization.

The group is currently led by artistic director David Close, a conductor.

“Chorus singing, and especially OSQ, gives each individual the chance to get involved and take part in an activity that artistically enhances their skills, brings satisfaction and results in a product of great beauty,” Close said.

To register for an audition, send an e-mail to info@queensoratorio.org with your name, phone number and email address. Choral experience is preferred.

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, or at jmarvilli@queenstribune.com.

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 11-17, 2013

Faith

Church Events For The Month of January The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York 110-31 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica (718) 206-4600

Friday, Jan. 25, 7:30 pm Leadership Retreat at the Cathedral Banquet Hall Registration is $60

Saturday, Jan. 12, 11:15am-1pm Leadership Training for the Leadership Retreat (Jan. 25-26) Free

Saturday, Jan. 26, 9am Leadership Retreat at the Cathedral Banquet Hall Registration is $60

Saturday, Jan. 19, 9am-11am Corporate Prayer at the Cathedral Sanctuary Free

Shekinah Youth Chapel 111-54 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica (718) 526-3510

Friday, Jan. 11, 7:30pm - 9pm Young Adult Bible Study Free Saint Luke Cathedral 133-24 233 St., Jamaica Phone number N/A Monday, Jan. 21, 10am-2pm U.S. Rep. James Sanders Celebrates life of Martin Luther King Jr. Free First Presbyterian Church 89-60 164th St., Jamaica (718) 526-4775

Word

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

-1 Timothy 6:10

Saturday, Jan. 12, 8am-10am Get Fit with Jem - Aerobics class with Jemelyn Smith Free Wednesday, Jan. 16, 5:30pm-6:30pm Job Support Group - Gives the unemployed the opportunity to learn about their resources.

Free

St. John's Episcopal Church 137-67 Belknap St., Springfield Gardens (718) 525-1444 Saturday, Jan. 26, 10am-2pm International Burch and Nickel Social Tickets $12 for adults, $8 for children 12 and under Springfield Gardens Church of the Nazarene 145-01 Farmers Blvd., Jamaica (718) 528-0983 Friday, Jan. 11, 9:30 pm Game Night at the Fellowship Hall Free Grace Moravian Church 178-38 137th Ave., Springfield Gardens (718) 723-2681 Sunday, Jan. 20, 4pm-6pm Martin Luther King Jr. Service Free

Notebook St. Demetrios Jamaica Day School

Day School Holds Taverna Night On Jan. 12, the St. Demetrios Jamaica Day School will host its third annual Taverna Night - a memorable evening filled with Greek cuisine, dance performances and great music.

"It's a very family oriented event," said Vicky Pastore, PTA president at St. Demetrios Jamaica Day School.

"It's a place you can bring your kids and have a nice time. We're really gearing it towards the kids and towards the parents. It's a nice community event."

Although the event is centralized around Greek culture, Pastore felt it was important to incorporate other cultures in the event, especially since St. Demetrious Jamaica Day School has a diverse student body.

"Usually, we play the traditional Greek music, but in our case, we are having a DJ and because we are diversified in the school community, we've opted to not only include Greek music but Spanish and American pop as well," she said. "Because

we have such diverse students, it's open to everyone."

Taverna Night, which will be held at the St. Demetrios Church Hall, will feature a full dinner buffet (including a vegetarian option), dessert, a bar station and a special performance by the school's after-school dance team.

"Our after-school Greek dance participants will be performing that evening.

They will perform traditional Greek dances," she said. "I'm just smiling thinking about the kids. They are awesome when they dance. They are so cute coordinating their dances and that, to me, is my highlight."

In the past, Taverna Night has been a big success in the community, Pastore said. She anticipates that this year will be no different.

"We've had over 125 people each time. Every year that number goes up, so we are hoping and expecting that this year will be the same," she said.

Photo courtesy of NYC Privateschools Blog

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

St. Demetrios Jamaica Day School.

Taverna Night is a fundraiser for the St. Demetrios Jamaica Day School, Pastore said. The proceeds that are raised from the event will help the school purchase school supplies and pay for building maintenance.

The most important thing that Pastore said she hopes those in attendance will take away from the event is a sense of school spirit.

"I would hope they have a stronger sense of school pride and just strengthening our ties to the school and the community," she said.

"Hopefully it will also build up our alumni base. They are all from the same neighborhood, they have the same experiences but these types of events really maintain strong ties back to the school."

The event will be held at St. Demetrios Church Hall from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

General admission tickets are $35 for adults. Tickets for seniors, teachers and PTA members are $30 and tickets for children under 12 are $10. Children under 5 are free.

St. Demetrios Church Hall is located at 84-35 152 St., Jamaica.

To RSVP or for more information, call (347) 525-4466.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com

Jan. 11-17, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

What’s Up JAN. 12 Lincoln Park Basketball Association The Lincoln Park Basketball Association is starting its winter/spring basketball program. Boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 15 are welcome. The registration fee is $50.

It includes insurance, weekly training sessions and a t-shirt. Full payment must be made by Feb. 9, with no exceptions. Parents or guardians must bring proof of their child’s age. Birth certificates, passports or school records are all valid forms of ID. All participants must remember to bring sneakers and shorts to the gym.

Coaches are needed as well. The basketball clinic will take place at the Queens Transition Center on 142-10 Linden Blvd. in South Ozone Park.

The entrance for the program is in the school yard in the rear of the school.

The clinic lasts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

It is ongoing until March 23.

MulchFest 2013 Join the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Sanitation and GreenNYC to recycle your Christmas trees into wood chips. The chips are used to nourish trees and plants on street and gardens throughout the City. More than 24,000 were recycled last year. Help this year’s event top that number at Roy Wilkins Park or Brookville Park. The entrance to Roy Wilkins is at Merrick and Foch Boulevards. The entrance to Brookville is on Brookville Boulevard between 144th Avenue and Caney Road. The event is free and goes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You will also have a chance to recycle your trees on Jan. 13.

Art Deco Design: Jewelry-Making for Adults Bring out your art skills by creating a stylish bracelet that is reminiscent of the 1930s and 1940s at the Queens Library Central Branch. Materials will be provided, but space is limited. As a result, preregistration is required. The library’s Central Branch is located at 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, between Jamaica and Hillside Avenues. The event is free and begins at 3 p.m.

Jononi Jonmovhumi: A Musical Dance Drama Musical group Shrejoni Shamskritik Samsad will play at the Queens Library Central Branch. The ensemble formed in 2008 and draws from the rich and unique tradition of Bangladeshi folk music to perform a musical dance drama, while dressed in traditional folkloric costume. The concert will

include patriotic, folk and modern song and dance that celebrates the changes of the seasons. The library’s Central Branch is located at 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, between Jamaica and Hillside Avenues. The event is free and begins at 3 p.m.

JAN. 13 Open Mic for Poets Bonafide Rojas will appear at the open mic event at the Queens Library Central Branch. Rojas is the author of “When The City Sleeps” (Grand Concourse Press, 2012) and “Pelo Bueno: a Day in the Life of a Nuyorican Poet” (Dark Souls Press, 2004). He is also the 2002 Slam This! champion and was a member of two national poetry teams, specifically NYC/Union Square 2002 and Wicker Park 2003.

Rojas has appeared in “Def Poetry Jam” Season 4 and “Spitting Ink,” a Swedish documentary on poetry. The library’s Central Branch is located at 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, between Jamaica and Hillside Avenues. The performance is free to attend and starts at 2 p.m.

JAN. 14 Sewing Basics Workshop Teens are welcome to take part in a sewing workshop at the Queens Village branch of the Queens Library, located at 94-11 217th St. Admission is free for all. For more information, call 718-776-6800. The workshop will occur on Jan. 28 as well.

JAN. 16 Resumes and Cover Letters Are you ready to apply for jobs?

Do your resume and cover letter stand out from the crowd? Use this workshop at the Queens Library Central Branch to make them as great as you can. If you attend this workshop, you will learn about getting started, the different types of resumes, what to include, what to avoid and tips for making your resume and cover letter stronger. The library’s Central Branch is located at 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, between Jamaica and Hillside Avenues. The event is free and begins at 10 a.m. For further information, please visit the Job Information Center or call 718-990-8625.

ONGOING Mobile CPR Program FDNY EMS instructors will come out to your site to conduct the CPR training using your facilities. The Be 911 Compressions Only CPR Program is brought to you free of charge

by FDNY and NYC Service. The goal

of the program is to train as many people as possible in basic CPR skills.

In addition, participants will be briefly educated on the automated external defibrillator (AED) used to try and revive a person suffering from cardiac arrest. Though this program does not certify any participants, the FDNY and NYC Service believe increasing the knowledge of how to save a life is far more beneficial.

The program welcomes all ages, as long as the individual can demonstrate competency in retaining the required skills.

Appointments can be made Monday through Friday during the hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Classes may be approximately 20 minutes depending on the size of the group.

For group registration of 10 or more participants or further information, contact the FDNY’s CPR Training Unit at Telephone Number (718) 281-3888.

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 re-

duce risk behaviors that lead to HIV transmission. Services are located at 89-31 161st St., Jamaica. Call (718) 297-0720 ask about our presentation to adolescents and men/women of color. Services are available Tue.Thurs., 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Merrick Flea Market A flea market has opened at 22102 Merrick Blvd. On sale are a wide range of items, including household items, jewelry and clothing.

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

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) 4779450, Ext. 390 or volunteer@palnyc.org.

What’s Up With You? Send your community events to the PRESS for a free listing at 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11457 All events will be considered for publication, without a fee.

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 11-17, 2013

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

Send announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 150-50 14 Road, Whitestone NY 11357. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina or email to queenstoday@ queenstribune.com Yearly schedules and advanced notices welcome!

FLEA MARKETS THRIFT SHOP Saturdays 12-4 at the Queens Baptist Church, 9 3 - 2 3 2 1 7 th S t r e e t , Queens Village. 4652504.

RELIGIOUS TEMPLE BETH Friday, Januar y 11 Tot Shabbat at 6, Shabbat services at 8. Saturday, January 12 Torah Study at 12:15. Sunday, January 13 Jewish Start at 9.

Friday, January 18 Junior Congregation and Shabbat Services at 8.

Saturday, January 19 Shabbat Services and Torah at 10. Temple Beth Sholom, 172nd Street and Northern Blvd., Flushing.

463-4143.

REGO PARK Saturday, January 19 Parashat and Haftarat Club at 12:30 following Shabbat services. Rego Park Jewish Center, 9730 Queens Blvd. 4591000.

PARENTS KIDS OBESITY Saturday, January 12 Childhood Obesit y: Keep Your Kids Healthy at noon at the Flushing librar y.

PARENT WORKSHOP Mondays, January 14, 28 at the Lefrak Cit y library at 11:15.

CHILD CARE Wednesday, January 23 Professional Development Workshop for Child Care Providers at 6:30 at the Central library.

ANIBIC Association for Neurologically Impaired Brain Injured Children, Inc. sponsors programs for those through adulthood.

423-9550.

ENTERTAINMENT JONMOVHUMI Saturday, January 12 musical drama at the Central library at 3.

TRIBUTE Saturday, January 12 tribute to Sinatra, Davis Jr and Darin at the Jackson Heights library at 3.

CON BRIO ENSEMBLE Sunday, January 13 at Church in the Gardens at 4:30. 894-2178.

OPEN MIC POETS Sunday, January 13 at the Central library at 2.

FILM & TALK Monday, January 14 “Mother of Mine” shown with English subtitles and discussed at 2 at the Fresh Meadows library.

FASHION SHOW Monday, January 14 Japanese Kimono Fashion Show at the Flushing

library at 6.

JAZZ SALUTE Monday, January 14 jazz salute to Dr. King at 7 at the East Elmhurst library.

OPEN MIC Monday, January 14at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 U n i o n Tu r n p i ke , F re s h Meadows at 7:30.

MALE VOCALISTS Tu e s d a y, J a n u a r y 1 5 tribute to the male vocalists of the 20 th century Briarwood library at 3.

STIR CRAZY Saturday, January 19 Top 40 Rock and Dance Music with Stir Crazy at 2 at the Flushing library.

STAMP SHOW Sunday, January 20 Bayside Stamp Show at the Ramada Hotel in Bayside 10-4:30.

Free admission and parking.

645-7659.

HEALTH KIDS OBESITY Saturday, January 12 Childhood Obesit y: Keep Your Kids Healthy at noon at the Flushing librar y.

BLOOD DRIVE Sunday, January 13 9-3 at Queen of Angels church, 43-18 Skillman Avenue, Sunnyside. 9373244.

WAITANKUNG Sundays 2-5. Total-body workout. Flushing Hospital/Medical Center. Free.

Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156.

SCHIZOPHRENICSANON. Sundays in Rego Park.

896-3400.

SMALL BUSINESS Monday, January 14 Health Care Forum for Small Business Owners at 6 at the Jackson Heights librar y.

WEIGHT MANAGE. Monday, January 14 Weight Management Program Orientation at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows.

670-1695.

GROUP NUTRITION Mondays at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695.

TAI CHI Mondays and Thursdays 11-12 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695. $5.

REL AX/MEDITATION Tu e s d ay s , J a n u a r y 1 5 , 22, 29 Relaxation and Meditation Time at 5:30 at the Seaside library.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Tu e s d a y s We st e r n Queens Caregiver Network in Sunnyside. 5:156:30. 784-6173, ext. 409.

Also, 3:30-4:30 Selfhelp Clearview Senior Cen-

ter, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886.

NUTRITION TALK Wednesdays, January 16, 23, 30 at the Corona library at 5:30.

NUTRITION TALK Wednesday, January 16 Don’t Diet, Just Eat Right: A Nutrition Talk at the Laurelton library at 1:30.

GENTLE YOGA Wednesdays, January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27 at the Woodside library. Register.

OA Wednesdays Overeaters Anonymous Howard Beach library at 11.

MASSAGE THERAPY Wednesdays and Fridays half and one hour massages at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695.

CANCER ACTION Thursday, January 17 Southern Queens Cancer Action Council at 2:30 at the St. Albans library.

CANCER ACTION Friday, January 18 Rockaway Cancer Action Council meeting at 1 at the Far Rockaway library.

ALZHEIMERS TALK Friday, January 18 rabbi Kohn discusses “Broken Fragments: Jewish Experiences of Alzheimer’s’ Diseases through Diagnosis, Adaptation and Moving On” at 8 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112 th Street.

PREVENT STROKE Saturday, January 19 Fibrillation and Stroke Prevention at noon at the Flushing library.

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS METRIX LEARNING Saturday, January 12 LIC library. 752-3700.

GOOGLE ACCOUNT Saturday, January 12 Fa r Ro c k a wa y l i b r a r y.

Register.

ART DECO JEWELRY Saturday, January 12 Central library. Register.

ENGLISH CONV. Mondays, January 14, 21, 28 English Conversation class at the Douglaston library. Register.

KNIT & CROCHET Mondays, January 14, 28 at the Douglaston library at 4.

BUSINESS BASICS Mondays, January 14, 28 at the Jackson Heights library at 6.

BALLROOM DANCING Mondays, January 14, 28 at the Forest Hills library at 6:30.

MICROSOFT WORD Monday, January 14 C e n t r a l l i b r a r y. 9 9 0 8625.

METRIX LEARNING Mondays, January 14, 2 1 , 2 8 C e n t ra l l i b ra r y.

990-8625.

OPEN LAB Mondays, January 14, 28 Central library. 9908625.

TECHNOLOGIST IS IN Monday, January 14 and Tuesday, Januar y 15 and Wednesday, January 16 how to use new electronic devices at the Pomonok library at 2.

MAC MONDAYS Mondays, January 14, 28 at the Central library.

990-8625.

EVENING CRAFT Mondays, January 14, 28 at the Fresh Meadows library at 6.

BEGIN BUSINESS Mondays, January 14, 28 Jackson Heights library at 6.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Tuesdays, January 15, 22 at the Flushing library at 10.

MICROSOFT ACCESS Tu e s d ay s , J a n u a r y 1 5 , 22, 29 LIC library. 7523700.

INTRO INTERNET Tu e s d a y, J a n u a r y 1 5 Steinway librar y. Register.

INTRO EMAIL Tu e s d a y, J a n u a r y 1 5 Queens Village library a n d St e i n wa y l i b ra r y.

Register.

BASIC COMPUTER Tuesday, Januar y 15 at 11 at the Baisley Park library.

INTRO WORD Tu e s d a y, J a n u a r y 1 5 C e n t r a l l i b r a r y. 9 9 0 0769.

SMALL BUSINESS Tu e s d ay s , J a n u a r y 1 5 , 22, 29 Central librar y.

990-8625.

INTRO COMPUTERS Wednesdays, January 16, 23 Hollis library at 11:30.

WEST COAST SWING Wednesdays, January 16, 23, 30 at the Flushing library at 6:30.

CREATE EMAIL Wednesday, January 16 a t t h e C e n t r a l l i b ra r y.

990-0769.

RESUMES & COVER LTR Wednesday, January 16 a t t h e C e n t r a l l i b ra r y.

990-8625.

ADVANCED INTERNET Wednesday, January 16 at the Central library 9908625.

WATERCOLOR Wednesdays all techniques and subjects at the National Art League.9691128.

MOCK INTERVIEWS Thursdays, January 17, 24, 31 Central librar y.

990-8625.

COMPUTER QUICK TIP Thursdays, January 17,

24, 31 Central librar y.

990-8625.

BUSINESS BASICS Thursdays, January 17, 24 Flushing library at 6.

BUSINESS CARDS Thursday, January 17 at the Central librar y. 9908625.

RESUMES 101 Thursday, January 17 Steinway librar y. Register.

CREATE FLYERS Thursday, January 17 Far Rockaway library at 1:30.

MICROSOFT Thursday, January 17 at t h e S t e i n wa y l i b ra r y.

Register.

COVER LETTERS Thursday, January 17 Flushing library. Register.

BUSINESS BASICS Thursdays, January 17, 24 Flushing library at 6.

METRIX LEARNING Fridays, January 18, 25 C e n t r a l l i b r a r y. 9 9 0 8625.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Friday, January 18 M i d d l e V i l l a ge l i b ra r y.

Register.

SENIORS ALZHEIMERS Adult Day Care MondayThursday 9-4 in Flushing.

358-3541.

JULLIARD STUDENTS Sunday, January 13 Julliard students perform.

Dinner follows concert.

2:15. Atria Forest Hills.

RSVP 516-721-3909.

AARP 3334 Mondays, January 14, February 11 at St. Kevin’s Parish Center in Flushing. 224-0478.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Monday, January 14 Hollis 465-7355 and Windsor Park 468-8300.

MEN’S CLUB Mondays 10-noon Men’s club for those over 65 at the Central Queens Y in Forest Hills. 423-0732.

STAY WELL Mondays at the Central library at 10 and Wednesdays at 10:15 at the East E l m h u r st l i b ra r y. L e a r n how special exercise and relaxation techniques make a difference in your life.

BASIC COMPUTERS Tu e s d ay s , J a n u a r y 1 5 , 22, 29 class for seniors at 10 at the South Ozone Park library.

POMONOK CENTER Tuesdays and Thursdays free ESL classes 9-10:30.

Thursdays Dear Abby Group at 11 and Knitting and Crochet Club at 1 and Chinese Language

Classes at 1. Pomonok Senior Center, 67-09 Kissena Blvd., Flushing.

591-3377.

COMPUTERS Wednesdays, January 16, 23 computers for seniors at the Lefrak Cit y library at 11.

BASIC COMPUTER Wednesday, January 16 for seniors at the Central library. 990-0769.

TALKS DISLOCATION Saturday, January 12 “Dislocation and Survival: with Robert H. Mahesh, GuyaneseAmerican educator at 2 at the Lefferts library.

KOREAN BOOK Monday, January 14 Korean Book Club meets at 1 at the McGoldrick librar y.

FIND AN AGENT Wednesday, January 16 Find an agent to get your manuscript into print at 5:30 Windsor Park library.

QUEENS VILLAGE Wednesday, January 16 “The Memory Keeper’s Daughter” discussed at 2 Queens Village library.

ADULT BOOK CLUB Thursday, January 17 “The Making of Isaac Hunt” discussed at 6:30 at the St. Albans library.

Jan. 11-17, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

Queens Today YOUTH QUEENS LIBRARIES Many branches of the Queensborough Library offer toddler and preschool programs and more. Contact local branches.

FAMILY STORY Saturdays, January 12, 19 Flushing library 11:30.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

MATH HELP Saturdays for grades 48 Flushing library at 10.

SCIENCE LAB Saturdays Central library at 11.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2.

FAMILY STORY TIME Monday, January 14 Auburndale library at 4.

DR. KING Monday, January 14 Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr at 4 at the Hollis library.

DRY ICE CAPADES Monday, January 14 for those over 5 at the East Flushing library. Register.

Also on Thursday, January 17 at the North Hills librar y. Register.

READING & CRAFT Monday, January 14 at the North Forest Park library at 4.

MOTHER GOOSE Mondays, January 14, 28 Far Rockaway library at 10:30.

PJ STORY TIME Monday, January 14 Bellerose library. Register.

PRE-SCHOOL STORY Mondays, January 14, 28 Corona library at 2.

PIC TURE BOOK TIME Mondays, January 14, 28 Hillcrest library at 2.

COLORING TIME Mondays, January 14, 28 Far Rockaway library at 4.

WORD OF THE WEEK Mondays, January 14, 28 McGoldrick library at 5.

CRAFT KIDS Mondays Flushing library at 3.

BEGIN CHESS Mondays at 3:30 Windsor Park library.

KNIT & CROCHET Mondays Douglaston library at 4.

YOGA FOR KIDS Tu e s d ay s , J a n u a r y 1 5 , 22, 29 Corona library at 4.

GAME TIME Tuesdays, January 15, 29 Far Rockaway library at 4.

READ TO A DOG Tuesdays, January 15, 29 North Hills library. Register.

WRITING WORKSHOP Tu e s d ay s , J a n u a r y 1 5 , 22, 29 Langston Hughes library at 4:30.

CURRENT EVENTS Tu e s d ay s , J a n u a r y 1 5 , 22, 29 McGoldrick library at 5.

ORIGAMI MATH Tu e s d a y, J a n u a r y 1 5 P o p p e n h u s e n l i b r a r y.

Register.

SEA CREATURES Tu e s d a y, J a n u a r y 1 5 Central library 4:30.

HANDS ON FARMING Tuesday, January 15 at the Woodside library at 3 for those in grades 1-5.

BUGS AS PETS Tu e s d a y, J a n u a r y 1 5 Broadway library at 5.

TEAM SCIENCE Tuesdays, January 15, 22, 29 Corona library at 6.

BOOK BUDDIES Tu e s d ay s , J a n u a r y 1 5 , 22, 29 those 3-5 are read to by 12-15 year olds Hillcrest library and Windsor Park library at 4.

KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays at 5 Rochdale Village library.

ARTS & CRAFTS Wednesday, January 16 Auburndale library at 4.

MATH GAMES Wednesdays, January 16, 30 McGoldrick library at 5.

CLAY ANIMALS Wednesday, January 16 McGoldrick library. Register.

TIMELESS TALES Wednesdays, January 16, 23, 30 C e n t r a l l i brary at 10.

READY READERS Wednesday, January 16 K-2 at the Corona library at 5:30.

PICTURE BOOK Wednesdays, January 16, 23, 30 McGoldrick library at 11:15.

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Wednesdays, January 16, 23, 30 Glen Oaks library at 11:30.

CRAFTIVITIES Wednesdays, January 16, 23, 30 East Flushing library. Register.

JEWELRY MAKING Wednesdays, January 16, 30 Far Rockaway library at 4.

SCIENCE PROGRAM Wednesdays, January 16, 30 Central library at 4:30.

TOTE BAG Wednesday, January 16 and Thursday, January 17 recycled tote bag for those 9-14 at the Woodside library at 3.

CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 Queens Village library and 4:30 Poppenhusen librar y.

TEENS GAME DAY Wednesdays Howard Beach library at 5.

CRAFTERNOONS Wednesdays at the Ridgewood library. Register.

YOUNG LEADERS Wednesdays and Fridays Young Leaders Institute of Laurelton at the Laurelton library at 3:30.

S TORY T I M E Thursdays, January 17, 24 at the East Elmhurst library at 11:30.

PICTURE BOOK Thursdays, January 17, 24, 31 at the Flushing library at 1:30 and the Queens Village library.

DRAMA POSSE Thursdays, January 17, 24, 31 Hillcrest library at 4:30.

ZUMBA FITNESS Thursdays, January 17, 24 at the Hollis library.

Register.

MANGA CLUB Thursdays, January 17, 24, 31 at the Corona library at 5.

TEAM SCIENCE Thursdays, January 17, 24 at the Corona library at 6.

KIDS CRAFT Thursday, January 17 Howard Beach Ages 4+ at 3:30.

COLLAGE DAY Thursday, January 17 Far Rockaway library at 4.

KING CRAFT Thursday, January 17 Richmond Hill library at 4.

MATH DAY Thursdays, January 17, 31 ages 8-12 Central library at 4:30.

GAME ON Thursdays at the Central library at 3:30.

TIGER TOTS Fridays, January 18, 25 Kung Fu for children under 5 at the Briarwood librar y. Register.

VIDEO/BD GAMES Fridays, January 18, 25 Rochdale Village library at 4:30.

PRE-SCHOOL CRAFT Fridays, January 18, 25 at the Sunnyside library.

Register.

CRAFT Friday, January 18 McGoldrick library at 5.

BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, January 18, 25 at the Fresh Meadows library at 4.

TALENT SHOW Fridays, January 18, 25 at the Corona library at 4:30.

CHESS FOR KIDS Fridays, January 18, 25 at the Windsor Park library at 5.

BUKHARIAN LOUNGE Central Queens Y in Forest Hills. 268-5011, ext.

202.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2.

OPEN MIC Sunday, January 13 a t the Central library at 2.

LAPTOPS Mondays-Thursdays Hollis library at 3.

TEEN CRAFT Monday, January 14 at the Central library at 4.

ANIME & MANGA FUN Monday, January 14 at the Flushing library at 4.

KIMONO FASHION Monday, January 14 Japanese Kimono Fashion Show at 6 at the Flushing library.

TEEN ZONE Mondays, January 14, 28 Q u e e n s V i l l a g e l i brary at 4.

EVENING CRAFTS Mondays, January 14, 28 F r e s h M e a d o w s l i brary at 6.

DR. KING Monday, January 14 Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 4 at the Hollis library.

PILLOWCASE Monday, January 14 make your own pillowcase at the Queens Village library. Register.

BOOK BUDDIES Tu e s d ay s , J a n u a r y 1 5 , 22, 29 readers 12-15 read to those 3-5 at the Hillcrest library at 4.

KNIT & CROCHET Tu e s d ay s , J a n u a r y 1 5 , 22, 29 at the Rochdale Village library at 5.

CHESS FOR ALL Tuesdays, January 15, 22 Rosedale library at 4.

ANIMALS ALIVE Tuesday, January 15 careers with critters at the Richmond Hill library at 3:30.

CHESS CLUB Wednesdays, January 16, 23 at the Poppenhusen library at 4:30.

REGENTS BOOT CAMP Wednesdays, January 16, 23 Far Rockaway library at 3.

TEEN ZONE Wednesdays, January 16, 30 Queens Village library at 4.

TOTE BAG Wednesday, January 16 and Thursday, January 17 create a recycled tote bag at the Woodside library at 3. For those to 14.

JAPANESE MONSTERS Wednesday, January 16 at the Far Rockaway library at 3:30.

MAGIC TRICKS

Wednesday, January 16 at the St. Albans library.

Register.

CHESS CLUB Wednesday, January 16 at the Corona library at 6.

GAME DAY Wednesdays Howard Beach library at 4.

CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 Queens Village library.

ANIME Thursdays, January 17, 24, 31 at the Flushing library at 4.

DRAMA POSSE Thursdays, January 17, 24, 31 for those 11-14 at the Hillcrest library at 4:30.

REGENTS BOOT CAMP Thursdays, January 17, 24 Far Rockaway library at 3.

MANGA CLUB Thursdays, January 17, 24, 31 Corona library at 5.

TOTE BAG Thursday, January 17 recycled tote bag at the Woodside library at 3.

TEEN WATERCOLOR

Thursday, January 17 W i n d s o r Pa r k l i b ra r y.

Register.

TAB Thursday, January 17 Teen Advisory Board at the Cambria Heights library at 5:30.

BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, January 18, 25 Fresh Meadows library at 4.

HAPPY HOUR Fridays, January 18, 25 at the Flushing library at 4.

TEEN ZONE Fridays, January 18, 25 Queens Village library at 4.

CHESS CLUB Fridays, January 18, 25 Woodside library at 4.

KNIT & CROCHET Fridays, January 18, February 8, 22 Langston Hughes library at 5.

WII FRIDAYS Fridays at the Hollis library at 3:30.

GAME DAY Fridays at 4 at the Sunnyside librar y.

REAL NINJAS Saturday, January 19 at the Flushing library at 2.

MEETINGS GARDENING CLUB Saturdays in the Steinway library courtyard at 4.

VFW 4787 Monday, January 14 Whitestone VFW Post 4787 meets at 19-12 149th Street, Whitestone at 8.

746-0540.

ORATORIO SOCIETY Mondays starting January 14 at 7:45 at Temple Beth Sholom in Flushing.

279-3006. Auditions required.

COMMUNITY SINGERS Starting Monday, January 14 Communit y Singers start rehearsals for their spring concert at 8 at Messiah Lutheran in Flushing. 658-1021.

CATHOLIC VETS Monday, January 14 American Mart yrs Cathol i c Wa r Ve t e r a n s Po s t 1772 in Bayside. 4689351.

REDISTRICTING Monday, January 14 Hearing on Council Redistricting 6-9 at L a G u a rd i a C o m m u n i t y College, Little Theatre, 31-10 Thompson Avenue. 212-442-0256.

TALK OF THE TOWN Tu e s d a y , J a n u a r y 1 5 learn the art of public speaking in St. Albans at 7:15. 640-7092.

AMER. LEGION 131 Tu e s d a y , J a n u a r y 1 5

American Legion McKee Post 131 meets at 10-20 Clintonville Street, Whitestone at 8. 7674323.

GLEE CLUB Tuesdays Bayside Men’s Glee Club rehearses at 7:30 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 214-35 40 th Avenue, Bayside. 9616852.

FM CAMERA Tuesdays Fresh Meadow.

917-612-3463.

BEREAVEMENT Tuesday, January 15 Bereavement Support Group at Holy Family in Fresh Meadows. 7:30.

969-2448.

CLINTON DEMS Wednesday, January 16 Clinton Democratic Club meets at 7 at Vallone & Vallone LLP, 25-59 Francis Lewis Blvd., Flushing.

428-7285.

FDR DEMS Thursday, January 17 FDR Democrats meet at 7:30 at Chabad Center in Bayside. 460-8285.

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

P-FLAG Sunday, January 20 PFLAG, a support group for parents, families and friends of lesbians and gays meet in Forest Hills.

271-6663.

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 11-17, 2013

On the corner of 30th Avenue and 38th Street, there sits a lone piece of property under construction. With the windows boarded up, there is only one clue as to what will stand there in the future: A drawing of a cow’s head with the words “got grass?” written underneath it.

The mystery store can be found next to Pita Pan at 37-17

30th Ave., in Astoria. While it has been closed for about two years, a work permit was issued last October, meaning that a plan is underway for the space’s future.

Our guess? Given the influx of young, trendy adults in the area and the “got grass” motif, there is a good chance that it will be some sort of vegetarian eatery. Thanks hipsters!

Silent Ann? According to published reports, right-wing poster girl Ann Coulter wore a blue surgical face mask during a flight from Florida to LaGuardia Airport last week.

The report noted that many passengers on the Jet Blue flight were very surprised to see the normally outspoken Coulter sitting in silence with

the protective mask during the approximately 2 hour and 40 minute flight to Queens.

While one has to wonder why Coulter was wearing the mask, a more important question has arisen from left-wing politicos: will she start to sit in silence more often?

Somehow, we here at QConf doubt it...

Model Of Queens

Don't Have a Cow, Man!

Runway Beauty A dream of lighting up the big screen has become one to dominate the runway. Myrka Hernandez has been modeling in various parades and walks over the last two years, thanks to her aunt.

“The Mexican Parade in Manhattan has a pageant every year, and the first time I joined was in 2010. Even though I was inexperienced and lost, I loved the process of getting ready and actually walking with them,” she said.

Myrka has since walked in fashion shows for breast cancer fundraisers and the Queens Hispanic Parade.

“My mom has also given me a lot of encouragement.

A friend of hers is an event organizer, so I always know when an opportunity is coming up,” she said.

When the 19-year-old is taking a break from modeling, she’s studying full time at BMCC and working as a host at the Spice Market, in the Meatpacking District.

She also enjoys drawing, exercising, dancing, and most recently, practicing the piano. Of her definite future, she sees modeling

Myrka Hernandez Home: Elmhurst Age: 19 Height: 5'6" Weight: 115 lbs. as her career.

“I’m in school now, but once I graduate, I want to make this a full time job,” Hernandez said.

Astoria and Steinway are two favorite destinations for the Elmhurst native.

“The movies and shopping around there are always fun. I go a lot with my

friends. Living in Queens in general is very nice. I’ve been living here all my life; it’s very calm,” she said.

For any girl looking to become a model someday, Myrka explains “Girls need to always reach for their dreams; opportunities don’t just come to you.

Fight for what you want.”

Holding Court

Confidentially, New York . . .

During the Knicks vs. Spurs basketball game on Dec. 3, San Antonio player Stephen Jackson sprained his ankle... but not while playing the game.

Instead, the forward did not return to play after he tripped over a waitress crouching in front of Mayor Michael Bloomberg along the sideline during the Knicks’ 100-83 win over the Spurs at Madison Square Garden.

Hopefully, the Mayor’s courtside service also included a medical trainer.

That's a No-No, Nas

Who We Are @ QConf QConf is edited by: Steven J. Ferrari. Contributors: Luis

Gronda, Natalia Kozikowska, Joe Marvilli, Marcia Moxom Comrie, Megan Montalvo, Mike Nussbaum, Mike Schenkler.

Email: Conf@QueensTribune.com

After skipping out on two heavily promoted New Year’s Eve concerts in Angola, rapper Nas has been hit with a breach of contract lawsuit that could potentially cost him $10 million.

According to reports, the Queensbridge Houses native apparently failed to show up in the African nation to take his talents to South Beach for an engagement party held in Miami by basketball phenom

LeBron James.

The failed appearances caused the New Jersey concert promoter who arranged for the performances, Patrick Allocco, and his son to spend 50 days in police custody.

Nas reportedly got a $300,000 advance and budding rapper Jamiah Jai, who was supposed to be the opening act, got $15,000.

Though both rap stars have since repaid the money, Nas is still awaiting a suit in Manhattan Federal Court.

While no word has been mentioned on whether or not Jay-Z will be in town for the court room showdown, it is presumed that Nas will have his “Ether" on hand should he decide to make an appearance.

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