Southeast Queens Press Epaper

Volume 14 Issue No. 7 Feb. 15-21, 2013

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

VIOLENT ACT

A Southeast Queens teen breaks his silence about his alleged brutal arrest by police in Flushing last month.

By Natalia Kozikowska ‌ Page 3.

Online at www.QueensPress.com

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 15-21, 2013

Election Briefs 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. Eight candidates will appear on the ballot. They include:

Marie Adam-Ovide Serving as Community Board 8 District Manager, Marie Adam-Ovide 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 Leffler (D-Hollis) and former Councilman David Weprin, Adam-Ovide is confident that she can work with the City on the important issues.

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

While the impacted communities rebuild, Brooks hopes to create jobs and combat the recent spike in crime.

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 seat. In 2009, he ran against his former boss, former Councilman James Sanders and lost.

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

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

Allan Jennings Allan Jennings is a familiar name to Southeast Queens politics. A former City Councilman, Jennings has run for a number of offices since he lost his Council seat in 2005. Most recently, he ran on the Republican ticket against U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks in November’s election.

In previous elections, Jennings has claimed that he was willing to work with

anyone who would help the area. While he submitted signatures to be placed on the ballot, he has not been very visible on the campaign trail. He has missed several candidate forums and, according the City Campaign Finance Board, has only received $25 for the race.

Saywalah Kesselly Saywallah Kesselly is a political newcomer who claims to be an average citizen. A native of Liberia who lives in Far Rockaway, Kesselly is the founder and executive director of the African Center for Community Empowerment, a St. Albans nonprofit that serves the youth of Southeast Queens.

Kesselly has stressed education as his main priority in the election, and he would like to see schools focus on social and cultural development as well as self-esteem building.

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.”

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.

Pesach Osina A resident of storm-damaged Far Rockaway, Pesach Osina is no stranger to Queens politics. Currently serving as a staffer to Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder, he has also served for several other Queens politicians.

Osina is the only Orthodox Jewish candidate on Tuesday’s ballot, which has raised concerns from several community leaders in Southeast Queens that the vote would be split between the Black candidates on the ballot, clearing the way for an Osina upset.

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 (DLaurelton), 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.

To find your polling site, visit gis.nyc.gov/vote/ps/index.htm or call the Board of Elections at (718) 730-6730.

Feb. 15-21, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Presstime

Wills, Cook Under Investigation

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA The list of politicians connected to the convicted ex-State Sen. Shirley Huntley keeps growing.

This week, a representative of State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman confirmed that former chief-of-staff to Huntley, Councilman Ruben Wills (DJamaica) is under investigation for his involvement in the theft of taxpayer money from a charity he founded.

Reports indicate that Assemblywoman Vivian Cook (D-Jamaica) is also being examined.

A representative from Schneirderman’s office was unable to disclose any additional information about Wills’ ongoing investigation and would neither confirm nor deny that Cook is being eyed.

Wills is being examined for failing to account for close to $32,000 in funds that Huntley funneled into New York 4 Life, a nonprofit, founded in 2006.

The Councilman told The Press of Southeast Queens that the investigation was “an unfortunate situation” but did

Assemblywoman Vivian Cook (D-Jamaica)

Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica)

not disclose much more information.

On Wednesday, Jan. 30, Huntley pled guilty to embezzling more than $87,000 of taxpayer funds from a bogus nonprofit, the Parents Information Network, to go on shopping sprees and pay off her credit card bill.

Earlier this week, multiple reports surfaced that Cook is also being investigated for funneling thousands of dollars in connection to the fraud, allegedly going on shopping sprees with Huntley, using money intended

for the PIN. When Huntley gave her testimony at trial, she reportedly told the judge she had an agreement with a member of the New York State Assembly. According to this agreement, that individual ensured that State funds would be directed to PIN and once the nonprofit received the funding, they both would use the money to go shopping.

Although Huntley did not use her name, it was later revealed the person she was referencing was Cook.

Cook was unable to be reached for comment as of press time, but she has openly denied the allegations.

According to a statement released

by Schneiderman’s office this week, Huntley, also pled guilty to separate state corruption charges in connection to a related nonprofit agency she founded, Parents Workshop Inc. In that case, Huntley pled guilty to tampering with physical evidence, a felony.

“An ongoing investigation into the theft revealed that, after learning of the probe into her grant to the Parent Workshop, then-Senator Huntley created a handwritten template for a false, backdated letter designed to fool investigators into believing that the Parent Workshop had conducted workshops, when in fact no such workshops were ever conducted,” the statement said.

In cooperation with federal partners, Huntley faces an 18 to 24 month prison sentence. Prosecutors recommended a sentence of five years for her guilty plea.

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

conduct of the police officers.

“I’m just appalled at this kind of service that many of our police officers are doing in our community,” said Rev. Charles Norris, pastor of the Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in Jamaica. “We know just as there are some bad people in the community, there are some bad police officers on the police force, and they seem to consistently beat our young men.”

“This is how they [the police] do it – they beat them half to death,” said a passionate Bell, who tragically lost his son in 2006 after being wrongfully shot by police officers in Jamaica. “You got to put them aside – make them accountable for it. Let’s stop protecting them.”

Although Leandre refused to disclose whether or not Jackson had any priors, reports indicate he has been arrested four other times and was allegedly found to be in possession of a gun and knife during one of the arrests. He has not been found guilty for the charge.

Leandre also did not reveal the reason for the initial stop, citing the sensitivity of the case and respect for his client, but reports say the officer’s complaint said he asked the teen for identification after seeing him yell-

ing profanities and engaging in violent behavior. Jackson then allegedly walked away, put his hands in his two jacket pockets and refused to show his hands, resisted arrest and even attempted to bite an officer.

Local leaders stood firm behind Jackson and his cause, arguing he was targeted because of his race and that the violence one sees in the video of his arrest was excessive and unjustified.

“It is not a question of who he was as a youngster, it’s not a question of what he was doing. We are not protesting at this particular moment the fact that he was stopped,” said Bob Law of the National Leadership Alliance. “We have an issue with black youth being stopped consistently. The crime most often is that they were walking while black.”

Detective Cheryl Crispin, a spokesperson for the New York Police Department, said in an email that they are “aware of the matter and it has been referred to the CCRB [the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board].”

No additional statement was given.

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

Teen Speaks Out On Brutal Arrest

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

On Feb. 12, Robert Jackson, a 19year-old Southeast Queens resident, broke his silence and made his first public statement about his controversial and violent arrest in Flushing.

At a press conference in Laurelton, reporters were shown a 55-second video that appeared to show Jackson being pinned down, repeatedly punched and beaten by police officers of the 109th Precinct.

After being startled his first time in front of the cameras, Jackson, who is facing charges of resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, possession of marijuana and disorderly conduct, opened up about the large scar on his face, which he allegedly obtained during the Jan. 8 incident near the precinct house on Northern Boulevard around noon.

“When I first saw my face, I was shocked. How could someone do this to me?” he asked. “I didn’t even do anything. I was on my break from lunch. I was like, ‘Did I do anything wrong?’”

The footage, which went viral on the popular urban website, WorldStarHipHop.com, was captured by a bystander on his cell phone and showed more than eight officers near

the 130-pound teen, at least four of which were restraining Jackson, his face scraping against the concrete. He can be heard pleading with officers to “stop.” At least one other officer is seen kicking Jackson in the face.

Although shaky and of poor quality, the video also appeared to show a supervisor present at the time of his arrest.

The press conference, organized

by Jacques Leandre, Jackson’s attorney of record and a candidate for the 31st District Council seat, was attended by some notable leaders in the Black community.

“The full community is behind Mr. Jackson; we stand strong with Mr. Jackson because we understand that Mr. Jackson is not just an individual, he is actually a whole community and this incident could have happened, and it does happen, way too often,” Leandre said. “Hopefully, we are going to bring an end to police brutality.”

William Bell, father of Sean Bell, members of the clergy and representatives from the National Action Network and the Queens National Association for the Advancement of Colored People were all on board to vocalize their disappointment in the alleged mis-

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 15-21, 2013

Pols Seek Debate On Mayoral Control

BY JOE MARVILLI With Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s tenure coming to an end, legislation has been introduced in the State Legislature to reduce mayoral control of New York City schools.

Assemblyman David Weprin (DFresh Meadows) and State Sen. Velmanette Montgomery (D-Brooklyn) met with dozens of parents, educators, United Federation of Teachers representatives and community education council members at City Hall on Feb. 3 to push their respective bills to adjust how the Dept. of Education handles appointments.

The Weprin/Montgomery bills would create an independent City Board of Education. The board would have the ability to appoint the Schools Chancellor and have some control over the educational policy of the City. The pieces of legislation introduced are numbered as A792 and S.1406, respectively.

The Board of Education would have 13 members, selected in a different manner. Rather than direct mayoral appointments, the choices would be split between several entities. Each Borough President would continue to appoint one member to the board. As a requirement for selection, each

Mayor Mike Bloomberg, eating with students at Queens Vocational and Technical High School. Some elected officials are looking to start a dialogue on mayoral control of the schools as Bloomberg approaches the end of his time as mayor. member would need to have a child in the NYC public school system. The City Council would appoint four members. One of them would be a college or university representative, one would be a member of a parent organization, one would be a member of a Parents Educational Council and one member would be appointed at large.

The Mayor would continue to have influence on the board, and would select the remaining four members. Each appointee would have to be a New York City resident and at least one of them would be required to have a child in the NYC public school system.

“Control of our schools must be put back in the hands of educational professionals who have a deep un-

derstanding of our children’s needs,” said Montgomery.

Weprin reasoned that the moment for the bill’s introduction was appropriate, given that Bloomberg is in his final year as mayor and mayoral control is up for renewal in June 2015. He hopes that the bill will add a level of input from parents that is currently lack-

ing.

“There’s really no credible input,” he said. “There’s an example in Staten Island where they took a position about having security guards in the schools.

The Chancellor and the Mayor said it was dead on arrival. What is the point of having these panels if the Mayor disregards what they say from the get-go?”

Although the legislation would modify the Dept. of Education, it would still technically fall under mayoral control. The difference is that there would not be just one party making all the decisions. Weprin said he feels there is still room for discussion on how to adjust mayoral control, particularly with the public’s involvement.

“I certainly think this year is the

year to have the appropriate conversation and dialogue,” Weprin said.

“Senator Montgomery and I would like to have public hearings on this.

Then we’ll take it from there.”

The New York City Parents Union is backing the bills, angrily deriding the current system in place.

“The Parents Union is fed up and we are doing something about it by working with legislators in passing legislation that will finally empower parents and communities,” President Mona Davids said.

State Sen. Toby Stavisky (DFlushing), who is a member of the New York City Education Subcommittee, said she would back the legislation if it came to a vote but also thinks that the revamp should come after hearings and testimonies.

“It’s a question of blending the best practices for New York City. The only way to do this is through public hearings,” she said. “We need to solicit expert testimonies from both the academic world and governmental world.”

In response to the bill, the Mayor’s Office said, “This measure has failed time and time again, and we are confident it will follow suit this year.”

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

Feb. 15-21, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

Dromm Addresses Recent Murders

Photo courtesy of Facebook

One week after David Rangel, a Flushing public school teacher, was found strangled to death in his Jackson Heights apartment on 91st Street, another middle-aged gay man was found dead after being murdered in a similar fashion at an Elmhurst motel.

In the case of the first murder, Rangel, 53, is believed to have met his assailant at an online dating site, and in the second murder, Lleuyel Garcia, 23, of Inwood has been arrested for allegedly murdering his boyfriend, Joseph Benzinger of Middle Village, whose body was discovered strangled in his room at the Crown Motor Inn on Queens Boulevard on Feb. 10.

Benzinger was 54.

Due to an outpouring of concerns within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities, Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights), who is openly gay, held a press conference on Feb. 12 in front of the motel.

“The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities are deeply concerned about these two recent murders,” Dromm said. “It is an eerie coincidence that both of these murders took place within a week of each

Photo by Ira Cohen

BY MEGAN MONTALVO

sider, and it is something that they are taking into consideration,” Dromm said, adding that “it is a possibility, but there are many possibilities.”

Another possibility that concerns Dromm is that both murders may be hate crimes. He has confirmed that the hate crimes task force is also involved with the investiCouncilman Danny Dromm gations. speaks outside the Crown Motor “People need to be Inn in Elmhurst to address the safe,” he said. “There are recent murder of Joseph still killers on the loose.”

Benzinger, an openly gay man Rangel and who was found dead in the motel. Benzinger’s murders come The murder came one week after after the death of Charles the death of David Rangel (inset) Romo, an openly gay man of Jackson Heights. who was found strangled to death in his apartment other and involved gay men.” in Hamilton Heights on Jan. 28, and Although investigations are still un- nearly four months after Lou Rispoli, derway, Dromm confirmed that the a gay community activist, was murNYPD had shared with his office that dered while out on an evening walk in in both murder cases, the men were his Sunnyside neighborhood. strangled, there was no forced entry While none of the perpetrators of and there was some surveillance video. these crimes have been captured, the “I don’t know if there is a connec- Councilman said he remains confition or not, but that is something that dent the NYPD will work quickly and I asked the police department to con- justly and encouraged members of

the LGBT to use extra caution when meeting someone online.

“If you meet online, meet in a public place,” Dromm said. “Go to your favorite café and make sure the waiter sees who you are with. If you meet someone in a bar, let the bartender know who the person is.”

As an added step of encouragement, Ejeris Dixon of the New York City Anti-Violence Project also joined Dromm in creating awareness of safety measurement available.

“The New York City Anti-Violence Project has noticed this string of murders and violence against LGBT people when they’re trying to meet people online,” Dixon said. “We are here to offer our services, our safety tips and our community organizing programming as a way to address this violence and prevent it from happening in the future.”

Anyone with information about the deaths is encouraged to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline at 1800-577-TIPS. For more information of the AntiViolence Project, call (212) 714-1141 or visit www.avp.org.

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

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 15-21, 2013

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When James Sanders was elected to the State Senate in November, a vacant City Council seat remained for the 31st District. The special election called for Feb. 19 features eight candidates on the ballot vying for the opportunity to lead the district through these troubled times.

Although the newly elected council member will only serve in the role until December, this election marks a significant one for the residents of District 31, which encompasses the neighborhoods of Laurelton, Rosedale, Springfield Gardens and Far Rockaway.

In an area that has been plagued with political corruption and ravaged by Superstorm Sandy, it is important that the people of Southeast Queens elect a candidate that understands the ins and outs of the political landscape - one that will be able to fight for them from day one.

We believe Donovan Richards is that candidate.

Richards, who has worked as chief of staff to Sanders during his tenure in Council, has all the necessary tools and

connections to make a real difference in the community. The mere fact that he has experience serving the 31st District already sets him apart from all candidates but one.

But it is his work engaging with locals even before the election that leads The PRESS of Southeast Queens to believe he is the best fit.

Richards has been involved with the community and began tackling its issues long before he considered a run for City Council. He stood alongside upset constituents to protest the slated hot-sheet motel across the street from Springfield Gardens High School, fought to establish the Gun Buy Back Program, which effectively took hundreds of guns off the streets, and served as president of the Far Rockaway NAACP Youth Chapter.

While we feel that Richards is the best candidate for next week's election, we hope that challengers Jacques Leandre and Michael Duncan will continue their good work in the district and consider running in the September primaries, as they

both bring a lot to the table.

Leandre, a Laurelton attorney, is well known for his work with the youth in Southeast Queens. He developed a workshop for young minorities that teaches them the correct protocol when stopped by law enforcement. He has remained committed to his community by volunteering with many civic and social organizations, serving as the vice president of the Concerned Citizens of Laurelton.

Duncan, who also served as a staffer for Sanders, seems incredibly sincere in his desire to help the area.

The primary focus of his campaign was to help improve education in the community and with the recent news that three schools in Southeast Queens could be shuttered,

his concerns are valid.

Duncan has an impressive resume of working to help local young adults. He is the president and founder of the Rosedale Soccer Program, an organization that teaches the youth how to interact with one another, all while engaging them in a sport that will keep them out of trouble. He has been successfully running the program for 18 years.

While Duncan and Leandre bring a lot to the table, we look forward to another spirited race in the fall. Most importantly, though, we hope that the constituents of the 31st Council District make sure they go out to support their candidate on Tuesday.

The PRESS of Southeast Queens endorses Donovan Richards.

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

email news@queenspress.com Fax: (718) 357-9417

Rosa Parks Statue Set For Unveiling In D.C A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE Fifty seven years after refusing to give up her seat on an Alabama bus, the woman whose action gave rise to the modern Civil Rights Movement will be honored with a statue standing on Capitol Hill.

The late Rosa Parks, who would have turned 100 years old earlier this month, will be memorialized with a statue in her likeness. Parks will be the first African American woman to be given this honor.

The statue, which will be unveiled later this year, has been preceded by a stamp bearing Ms. Park's image as well. It honors the centennial of her birth. The release of the stamp during Black History Month was a nice touch as well.

It is also appropriate that the Parks stamp was developed to be part of the "Forever Stamp," series. How ab-

solutely fitting, for we will indeed remember Rosa Parks forever. Because of her act of civil disobedience, we no longer have to give up our seat in any state, nor do we have to move to the back of the bus if we don't want to sit there.

Legislation for the Parks statue, which will be displayed in the National Statuary Hall, was signed way back in 2005 by then-President George W. Bush following the Civil Rights icon's death. It is so very fitting that Rosa Parks should follow Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with getting a posthumous statue in Washington, D.C. Her passive-aggressive stance on that bus was the act that got a precocious young preacher to organize the Montgomery Bus Boycott that eventually led to the demise of Jim Crow Laws. Now their memories and likeness live on in the nation and the city where they took their fight for justice on behalf of Afri-

can Americans and all people to have the same rights in the same nation.

The statue reportedly depicts Parks not actually standing, but rather, sitting. If published sketches are to be believed, Parks is depicted as she is seen in the famous photograph of her sitting in that bus bench, the seat next to her empty as she stares blankly out the window. I have always found that image as sorrowful as it is courageous.

It is sorrowful because she should not have had to do that in order to get the respect her fare and her citizenship deserved. But her courage in defying that unjust law is one for the ages. We owe her. My goodness, do we owe her!

My only regret about this statue is that Rosa Parks did not live to see herself honored in this manner. She was the unassuming heroine of an essential movement and these accolades both during her lifetime and in death are justified.

Even House Speaker John Boehner, when he announced the pending statue, reportedly said, "It's about time!"

Without a Martin Luther King, Jr. and a Rosa Parks there would not have been a President Barack Obama. He is there because of them and because of so many others who fought to make him a possibility. We should never take any of this for granted.

We do stand on the shoulders of giants, and that's what this month, Black History Month, honors. We who have never experienced the kind of alienation that made Rosa Parks at last take a stand by sitting down where she was not wanted, need to remember why we are free today.

It is because of not only the "stars" of the Movement, such as King, Parks, Ralph Abernathy, Hosea Williams, et al, but also thanks to the unnamed masses. The King and Parks statues also belong to them as well.

Feb. 15-21, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

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BY MEGAN MONTALVO

On an average business day, Cesar Maullin of Springfield Gardens spends most of his morning commuting to his office, located at Elmhurst Avenue and 91st Street in Elmhurst.

While driving, he often faces a concern that so many other locals do: Will the MuniMeter work today?

According to Maullin, the situation with non-working meters in the neighborhood is so bad that he has accumulated five parking tickets within the last month alone.

“Parking in the area is a big headache,” he said. “The area is a high traffic area for the ticket agents, and on top of that, the meters don’t work.

They either won’t accept credit cards or coins. It’s always one or the other.”

Although Maullin says he has tried to fight tickets in the past, he acknowledged that most of his attempts have been unsuccessful, which lead him to the office of State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst), who says that he, too, has dealt with the same issues with parking in the district.

“In the neighborhoods of Corona, Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, parking is at a premium,” Peralta said.

“The problems with MuniMeters that are working improperly have been

going on for years.”

In an effort to quell concerns he is receiving from residents like Maullin, the Senator recently penned a letter to the Dept. of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan.

“These meters, located on Roosevelt Avenue and adjacent streets in Corona and Jackson Heights, are either not in good working order or full of coins to the point of not being able to accept any more,” Peralta wrote. “Whatever the reason, it is unacceptable in communities where we have people who do not have bank accounts, much less credit cards.”

As cited in his letter, Peralta said that according to a 2010 New York City Dept. of Consumer Affairs study, more than 13 percent of New York City households do not have bank accounts, and in Queens, almost 50,000 households lack a basic savings or checking account.

“Parking is already very hard to come by in these areas,” Peralta continued. “I’m afraid that if people are driving to these neighborhoods to visit a place of business and then they experience problems purchasing a ticket from a MuniMeter, they may just leave and take their business elsewhere.”

Photo by Megan Montalvo

Peralta To DOT: Fix MuniMeters

“As we mentioned to State Sen. Peralta’s office, all MuniMeters are routinely inspected, and we recently received a request related to specific Roosevelt Avenue meters and made immediate repairs,” DOT Spokeswoman Nicole Garcia said, in an email. “Please note that members of the public can also report issues with meters to 311.”

Though the Senator has yet to receive a formal written response from Commissioner Sadik-Khan, he said that he remains confident that the DOT will be receptive to community input for a resolution.

“The ideal resolution Residents in Corona, Elmhurst and Jackson should be that if these meters Heights have expressed concern over problems get full and that’s why they with MuniMeters. State Sen. Jose Peralta has can’t accept quarters, then called on the Dept. of Transportation to address there should be some sort of the issue. timetable where people clear up the machines so that it Additionally, Peralta said that due doesn’t get full and it can accept to his first-hand experience trying to quarters,” Peralta said. “Not everyfeed a meter near his district office, body has credit cards, particularly in located at 32-37 Junction Blvd., he is the areas that I represent.” concerned that the DOT may not be Reach Reporter Megan Montalvo at regularly checking the meters – a claim (718) 357-7400 Ext. 128 or which the DOT denies. mmontalvo@queenstribune.com.

Feb. 15-21, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 15-21, 2013

Detained In Israel

Queens Rabbi Held After Western Wall Prayer

BY JOE MARVILLI When Rabbi Robyn Bodzin visited Israel earlier this week, she had no idea she would be detained for praying at the Western Wall in a traditional prayer shawl. Once she saw a group of activists praying in protest against ultra-Orthodox rulings, she knew she had to join in.

Bodzin, a rabbi at Flushing’s Israel Center of Conservative Judaism, was one of 10 women detained by Israeli police on Feb. 11 for praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. They were wearing the tallit, a prayer shawl traditionally used by men, and is not allowed to be worn by women at the holy site, according to the ultra-Orthodox establishment, which has the backing of Israel’s Supreme Court.

The incident was the latest example of clashes between the ultraOrthodox dominance in Israel and the struggle for equality from a portion of the country’s female population. For Bodzin, Monday started normally.

“I got up, I looked at my agenda, spent some time with God and part of that involves a prayer shawl,” she said. “It’s the beginning of the Hebrew month of Adar. At the start of every month, women join together in prayer at the Western Wall.”

When she arrived at the wall though, she found a group of about 200 protestors, most of whom were women, protesting the inequality that only men may pray at the wall wearing the tallit. Several male supporters joined the women in prayer as well, including a couple of Israeli paratroopers who reclaimed the Western Wall, also known as Kotel, during the Six Day War in 1967. Many of the activists present were part of the Women of the Wall group, whose main mission is to protest against the inequality at the Western Wall.

Men and women both pray at the wall, but in separate sections and under rules set by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, a body appointed and funded by the government.

The Western Wall is one of the most sacred sites in Israel and of the Jewish faith in general, as it is what remains of an ancient wall that surrounded the Second Jewish Temple, which was destroyed in 70 A.D. The wall was constructed in 19 B.C.E. After raising their voices in prayer for about 40 minutes, the group started to move, but Bodzin and nine others were stopped and taken in by Israeli police for questioning at around 7:45 a.m., local time. Their passports were taken, but they were not told why they were being detained.

Rabbi Robyn Bodzin (left photo) holds up her finger to show the ink used when her fingerprints were taken during her detainment. She is pictured above with some of the other detained women.

“I was taken in for an interrogation. That’s the words they used,” Bodzin said. “They asked if I’d known what I had done wrong and I said that I hadn’t done anything wrong because I was a rabbi, and I had a right to pray with a prayer shawl.”

During the questioning, Bodzin was told that she was being detained for violating regulations of holy places and behaving in a way that may violate public safety.

“I’m not sure what that could possibly mean,” the Rabbi said. “Were they expecting a mosh-pit with all 200 of us? What’s with that word ‘may’?”

When Bodzin and the other detainees were processed, they turned the act into a form of protest against the situation.

“We were fingerprinted in the first station. The police officers wanted us to wash our fingers off and we wouldn’t do it. We wanted proof,” she said.

While they were not charged with anything, the Israeli police spokesman mentioned that the women were barred from returning to the wall for 15 days. As a result of the detainment, Bodzin missed meetings with high-level Israeli diplomats, including Prime Minister Benjamin

The prayer book used by the Women of the Wall protest group.

Netanyahu’s chief-of-staff. She did note though that the officials were made aware of why she was unable to attend the meetings. After she was released, the group met with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro, who was sympathetic to their cause.

After the incident, Bodzin mentioned that she was enthused to have protested with the Women of the Wall movement, stating her support for them.

“If I ever find myself in Israel on the first of the month, I will stand in solidarity with these women,” she said.

While this is the first time such an occurrence has happened to her out of the more than a dozen trips she has taken to the country, Bodzin emphasized her love for Israel and her belief that things will change for the better.

“We can dream and hope for an Israel that has a much stronger sense of equality,” Bodzin said. “She’s still a young country. She’s only turning 65 this year. Think of where the United States was at 65. I would never turn my back on her.”

Since she returned from Israel, Bodzin has received a large amount of support from her family and friends for her role in the protest.

“Frankly, given the Rabbi’s beliefs and her desire to act on her beliefs, it came as no surprise and we’re very proud of her,” Sam Wise, vice president of the Israel Center of Conservative Judaism, said.

Activism in Queens Given her record of social involvement in Queens, it is not shocking that Bodzin participated in the peaceful protests at the Western Wall.

Bodzin’s fight for equality already had a definitive statement when she became the first female rabbi in Queens. She is now in her fourth year as the spiritual leader of the ICCJ. “Israel Center found me at the same time as I found them, and it was a match made in heaven,” she said.

When she is not guiding her own synagogue community, Bodzin spends some her time with Queens Congregations United for Action, an interfaith grassroots federation that moves to support policy change towards improved public schools, violence-free neighborhoods, access to good jobs, adequate and affordable health care, decent housing for all and more.

Two weeks ago, her interfaith efforts led her to the White House with another group of faith leaders. They had meetings with both President Barack Obama’s office and Vice President Joe Biden’s office to persuade them to expand the proposed gun violence legislation to include gun education in inner-city America.

Her synagogue has also shown strong support for another divisive domestic policy issue: gay marriage. Bodzin noted that it was about a year ago when she presided over a same-sex marriage ceremony between two men.

“We absolutely support the Marriage Equality Act,” she said. “These are our basic principles of equality and inclusion. That’s what I stand for.”

In addition, the ICCJ sprung to action after Superstorm Sandy, heading down to the Rockaways to volunteer as well as donate needed items.

“My synagogue alone must have taken down more than 25 car loads of supplies that we donated,” the Rabbi said.

Bodzin feels that her social activism makes up a main component of her mission as a spiritual leader and a human being, which is to help those in need and fight to improve the world.

“One of my goals in life is to leave it better than I found it,” she said. “That’s what I see a big part of my job being: loving people, teaching and caring.”

For more information on the Israel Center of Conservative Judaism, visit www.iccj2004.org. You can also follow Rabbi Bodzin online at twitter.com/shrobyn.

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

Feb. 15-21, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Police Blotter Compiled by STEVEN J. FERRARI

Borough-Wide Robbery Pattern The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance identifying two individuals wanted for three robberies in the confines of the 103, 106 and 113 Precincts.

The first incident occurred on Dec. 29, 2012, at approximately 1:10 p.m.

The suspects entered a Quality Inn, located at 138-68 94th Ave., Jamaica, displayed a handgun and demanded money from the clerk. The suspects fled with money and an iPad. The second incident occurred on Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m. The suspects entered a Howard Johnson, located at 153-95 Rockaway Blvd., Jamaica, displayed a handgun and demanded money. The suspects fled with an undetermined amount of cash.

The third incident occurred on Feb. 5 at 1:30 a.m. The suspects entered a La Quinta Inn, located at 11126 Van Wyck Blvd., Ozone Park, armed with a handgun and demanded money. The suspects fled with an undetermined amount of cash.

In all three incidents, the suspects fled the scene in a silver Audi.

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.

105th Precinct Bank Robbery The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance identifying the suspect wanted for a bank robbery.

On Jan. 9 at 9:15 a.m., the suspect entered the Capital One Bank, 145-15 243rd St., Rosedale, approached the teller and demanded money. The teller complied and the suspect fled with an undetermined amount of money.

There were no reported injuries.

The suspect is described as a Black male, between 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-9.

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

106th Precinct Robbery Arrest The NYPD has arrested two individuals in regards to a robbery on Jan. 31.

On Feb. 7, police arrested Barshaan Morrison, 17, and Thomas Williamson, 17, both of Jamaica, on charges of robbery and criminal possession of a weapon. The two were sought in connection to an incident on 111th Street, where the two allegedly pinned a victim against a tree and demanded the victim’s phone.

107th Precinct Bank Robbery The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the following suspect wanted in connection with a bank robbery.

On Jan. 11 at approximately 3 p.m., the suspect entered Sovereign Bank, 150-28 Union Turnpike, Flushing, approached a bank teller and passed a note demanding money.

After receiving money, the suspect fled the location. There were no reported injuries.

The suspect is described as a Black male, 40 years old, 200 lbs., 5-foot-7, with brown eyes, last seen wearing a black cap and a brown waist-length jacket.

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.

109th Precinct Investigation On Feb. 7 at approximately 12:25 a.m., police responded to a 911 call of an aided male. Upon arrival, officers observed Guang Zhe Jin, 49, of Flushing, unconscious and unresponsive within the residence with an apparent stab wound to the chest. EMS also responded to the location and pronounced him dead at the scene.

There have been no arrests and the investigation is ongoing.

114th Precinct Investigation On Feb. 10 at approximately 2:33 p.m., police responded to a 911 call of a child who fell out of a window at 5301 32nd Ave., Woodside. Upon arrival, police discovered a three-yearold female, identified as Rusroshi Barua. The child was taken to Elmhurst Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. No criminality is suspected, and the investigation is ongoing.

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 15-21, 2013

Photo by Ira Cohen

pix

Lunar Kick Off

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

Subway Request

Assemblyman Ron Kim addresses a crowd at Queens Crossing in Flushing to celebrate the kick off of Lunar New Year. The Lunar New Year Parade will take place at 11 a.m. Feb. 16 and will begin between Union Street and 39th Avenue.

Q&A Session On Feb. 7, John Catsimatidis, a GOP Mayoral candidate, joined Arthur Rosenfield of the Astoria Chamber of Commerce and other local leaders in Long Island City to ask the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to rethink its plans for shutting down 7 line subway service for both weekends of the Asian Lunar New Year. Citing service disruptions that have negatively impacted passengers traveling between Manhattan and Flushing within the past five years, Catsimatidis called the MTA's decision to continue the disruption through Flushing's Lunar New Year parade, which will be held at Main Street on Feb. 16, disrespectful to the Asian community and "wrong."

Students from Robert Van Wyck Junior High School in Jamaica recently met with Pretty Yende (middle left), the 27-year-old South African soprano and star of Rossini's "Le Comte Ory" at the Met; Jeff Baker (middle right), New York City president, Bank of America; and Patrick Burns, school principal (right), following a session with Yende about her experience.

Pinning Ceremony

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall pinned a Queens pin on Ambassador Shigeyuki Hiroki, Consul General of Japan, during his visit to Borough Hall, Thursday, Feb. 7. Ambassador Hiroki, who visited the Rockaway Peninsula after superstorm Sandy, talked about common problems and how to cope in the wake of natural disasters.

Feb. 15-21, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

Borough Beat

Snow Removal Program Helps Seniors

BY JOE MARVILLI

Photos by Ira Cohen

For seniors who were stuck in the snow over the weekend during snowstorm Nemo, there was a volunteer program ready and waiting to help.

State Sen. Tony Avella (DBayside) used the blizzard that buried Queens in six inches to a foot of snow to continue his “Snow Removal for Seniors” program. Having launched in January of 2012, the volunteer series is made of able-bodied volunteers of all ages who come together during snowstorms With a heavy snowfall in Queens last weekend, State Sen. Tony Avella set out to help elderly residents with snow removal. to clear out the sidewalks of North and Eastern Queens’ Snow was removed from nearly able to alleviate the burden for se- do a good deed, student volunteers elderly population.

For the project, Avella has partnered 100 homes throughout Bayside, niors of having to dig out of a snow- will receive up to 10 hours of commuwith the Shin Kwang Church in Bayside, Whitestone, College Point, Fresh storm,” Avella said. “However, as nity service credit for their efforts. more and more seniors sign up for the Both volunteers and senior citiwho provided two volunteers that Meadows and Little Neck. joined up with the 18 helpers who put “I want to thank all the volunteers program, we are in need of even more zens who wish to sign themselves up their names in for the program through who went out this weekend and selfless volunteers. These seniors for snow removal can contact Avella’s helped a senior in need. Seniors are need our help, and I encourage as office at (718) 357-3094. the Senator’s Queens office.

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) Volunteers are matched with se- some of the most vulnerable members many volunteers as possible to par357-7400, Ext. 125, or at niors living in their vicinity who sign of our community and I am glad that ticipate in this beneficial program.”

I, with the help of volunteers, was In addition to the opportunity to jmarvilli@queenstribune.com. up for the program ahead of time.

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 15-21, 2013

Profile

St. Albans Woman Dances Beyond Disability

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Zazel Chavah O’Garra began dancing when she was just eight years old. Her career looked promising – she had an apprenticeship with the Dancers of Harlem, flew out to Germany, where she taught dance and eventually even choreographed fashion shows. But just a few years later, she discovered news that could have jeopardized her success.

When she was just 39, the St. Albans resident was rushed to the emergency room and soon thereafter she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had to undergo a radical operation that would leave her partially disabled.

The operation left O’Garra paralyzed from the right side. She also suffers from a slight speech impediment.

Despite undergoing this life changing procedure, the dancer always kept a positive attitude and was grateful to be alive after such a procedure and such a diagnosis.

“When you think about paralysis, which is thinking that you are lucky

enough to be alive, by the end of this result,” she said. “You know, of course there is this traumatic change in your life and your body, but I was very fortunate it was not cancer and that I was able to live.”

What was more, O’Garra didn’t just keep a positive outlook on life, she wanted to prove to the world that she could overcome her disability and dance once more. She never lost sight of her passion for the art.

“I immediately started stretching on the floor,” she said. “I was doing that in physical therapy. They thought that I was very unusual because I would love to stretch and tell them to, ‘push me, push me.’ I am very flexible as a dancer and that helped me to get out the wheelchair.”

As she began learning how to adjust to her paralysis, O’Garra was soon ready to perform in front of a live audience again. Her very first gig since the surgery was dancing at an event sponsored by the Brain Tumor Foundation, where she was a member.

“They have a brain tumor awareness day every year so they asked me to be a speaker and then also, I asked them if I

could dance,” she said.

That first performance only reaffirmed her passion to continue dancing.

“When I hit that stage, that’s when I realized that I still wanted to move,” she added. “Because I did perform out of a chair, initially, and then I stood up and I started moving and the audience really embraced it, and it ignited me. I just come alive when I come out on stage.”

In her spare time, O’Garra also teaches dance classes for developmentally disabled and mentally ill adults, a workshop she calls, “Dancing Beyond Disability.”

“I never thought I would be teaching, but it’s just been absolutely thrilling because when I go to the class, they immediately embrace me,” she said.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Zazel Chavah O’Garra was just 39 when she Ext. 123 or learned of news that changed her life forever. nkozikowska@queenspress.com.

Feb. 15-21, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

A&E

QC Students Curate Dutch Art Exhibit

BY JOE MARVILLI

While many of the art exhibits at Queens College are attended by students or feature their work, the latest project on campus was actually created and curated by the students.

“Re-forming the Image in Northern Europe in the Dutch Golden Age” is the latest display in the GodwinTernbach Museum, having been created by the college’s Art History and Dutch Art seminar students. While the museum often curates its own exhibits, the tradition of student curating stretches back to its beginning.

“That was why the museum was founded. For the students to be able to have hands-on experience with the art work,” Amy Winter, Director and Curator of Godwin-Ternbach, said. “It’s truly an experiential education for the students.”

While the 11 students received assistance and guidance from their pro-

fessor, Christopher Atkins, the final say on the subject, theme and organization fell to them. All of the works displayed came from the museum’s own collection, including such well-known names as Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn and Albrecht Dürer.

The overriding theme the students went with was how Dutch art contributed to the modern world as well as how it evolved from focusing on religion to covering secular material. One of the biggest events that facilitated this change was the Protestant Reformation. Due to this shift, religious iconography was less important than it had been in past. Rather, there was a sense to try and humanize spiritual figures instead of enthroning them.

This new attitude created more storytelling and more humanization in art, which eventually ended with some of the genres of today like landscape, portraiture and still life.

A burgeoning middle class also gen-

Restaurant Review

Right At Home The Clinton Restaurant 09-17 Clintonville St., Whitestone, NY, 11357 (718) 746-4800 Sun.-Mon.: Noon to 10 p.m.; Tue.Thu.:Noon to 11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat.: Noon to Midnight; CUISINE: Italian DELIVERY: No CREDIT CARD: Yes Visa, MasterCard, Discover When my friend Jessica and I walked through the doors of Clinton Restaurant, we knew there was something special about it. The family-owned establishment, which had been passed down for three generations, had such a warm ambiance and made us feel right at home.

The first thing we noticed about the place was its atmosphere.

There was just something about it that reminded Jessica, a fullblooded Italian, about her grandmother’s cooking.

The pleasant staff and their warm smiles also set the mood for a great dinner, even before we reached our seats.

Like in a traditional Italian home, we began our meal with warm bread and some soup. We both tried our hand at the lobster bisque, and it was a creamy delight.

The bisque was just the right contrast of sweet and salty and the fresh pieces of lobster in it made our taste buds tingle.

We went with seafood appetizers and sampled Clinton’s calamari and their baked clams. The clams were done well and served with a unique flavored sauce that gave it that little extra kick to make it just right. The calamari was also done well – fried just right and served with a homemade marinara sauce.

For our main course, Jessica and I split two dishes – the Chicken Florentina and the Shrimp Fra Diavolo, served with mussels and clams. I was blown away by the Chicken Florentina, which featured a vast number of ingredients like scaloppini, mushrooms and proscuitto. I have had the dish before, but I’ve never tasted so many different flavors that enhanced the dish the way it did at Clinton.

The Shrimp Fra Diavolo, one of Jessica’s favorite dishes, was also delicious. It was just the right amount of spicy and the clams and mussels served with the meal were a good fit. It is also important to note the shrimp, and all of Clinton’s seafood, tasted very fresh and was served with original flavors.

-Natalia Kozikowska

erated a fresh approach to art, as it became something that many people, not just the rich, could collect. As a result, artists started to choose specializations and carve out their own space in the growing market.

This transition is displayed in the museum by looping around the room, moving from iconography to secularism.

“We brainstormed various major points that were particularly poignant to our presentation and the purpose to this exhibition,” Heather Simon, an art education student, said. “Once we agreed upon each section, we had to move around pieces to figure out how best to tell a cohesive story.”

For the exhibit, Simon worked on “Roses and Tulips in a Vase” by Otto Marseus van Schreik, “The Poor Common Ass (Tyranny, Usury, and Hypocrisy)” by Peter Flotner and

“Untitled” by Roemer Glass. She is scheduled to graduate with a Masters in Art Education in Spring 2014.

Simon also wrote the wall passage for another section of the exhibit, which deals with early print culture in Dutch society. Located on the balcony, the display goes into depth about the different types of printing techniques. There is also a section titled “The Dutch in Queens,” which includes a map of the Borough with the original Dutch names laid out over neighborhoods and natural landmarks. A section on the influence of Dutch products in modern mass culture can be found upstairs as well.

“Re-forming the Image in Northern Europe in the Dutch Golden Age” will run at Godwin-Ternbach until April 27.

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

Black History Month Broadway Stars At QCC

When it comes to Black History Month, Queensborough Community College is celebrating with a song in its heart.

“Black Stars of the Great White Way! A Chapman Roberts Concept” will hit the stage at the school for a oneperformance only extravaganza on Feb. 17 at 3 p.m. in the Queensborough Performing Arts Center.

Created by Broadway choral director/arranger Chapman Roberts, “Black Stars of the Great White Way!,” is a show filled with Broadway showstoppers paying tribute to some of the most well-known performers in history, such as Louis Jordan, Eubie Blake, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Fats Waller, Sammy Davis Jr. and Nat King Cole.

For such a compilation, Roberts certainly seems like the right man for the job, as he has had a long, successful career dealing with Broadway and Black culture. He made his Broadway debut in the original staging of the musical “Hair” and has since gone on to appear in such hits as “Hello Dolly” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Moving behind the scenes, Roberts was responsible for arranging original productions of “Eubie,” “Smokey Joe’s Café” and “Bubbling Brown Sugar,” of which the latter two won Grammys.

Given that it takes place on a Queens campus, it makes perfect

sense to include one of the Borough’s well-known actors, Keith David.

Raised in East Elmhurst, the actor has made notable appearances in multiple mediums during his career, including film (“Requiem for a Dream,” “Crash”), television (“ER,” “Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson”), theater (“Jelly’s Last Jam”) and video games (“Halo 2”).

For his QCC performance though, David will display his vocal chops and his love for Nat King Cole.

Norm Lewis, known for his successful run as Javert in “Les Miserables” during its 25th Anniversary celebration, will be on hand to perform some songs from that musical as well as numbers from Steven Sondheim. Ted Levy, who received an Emmy for his role in “Precious Memories,” will pay a tribute to Sammy Davis. The audience will also get a chance to see “Afro Feet” dancer Omar Edwards show off his moves.

Other performers will include Frank Owens, Larry Marshall, Andre DeShields, Longineu Parsons and 14 year old piano prodigy Julius Rodriguez.

Tickets are $35 and can be bought at www.qcc.cuny.edu/qpac/ blackStarPress.asp. For more information, call (718) 631-6311.

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

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 15-21, 2013

Faith

C.U.C.E Celebrates Black History Month

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA On Sunday, Feb. 17, the Clergy United for Community Empowerment will host a special presentation celebrating Black History Month at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church. The event, which will be centralized around the youth of Southeast Queens, will feature a vast number of performances, all free of charge to the community.

The presentation, entitled “Youth Moving Forward,” will have entertainment ranging from a dance group, a choir and poets of southeast Queens who will recite their work to members of the audience. There will also be a special recitation of Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a

Dream” speech.

Rev. Corey Terry of Springfield Gardens Community Church will also be the guest preacher at the church.

His sermon will be dedicated to empowering the youth and educating them about the importance of Black History Month.

“It helps with the self-esteem for young people and let them be aware of the importance of celebrating Black histor y,” said Latonja Richardson, director of the C.U.C.E. “There are so many negative messages, and we want to bring out positive messages.”

Richardson feels that hosting an event like this is important for the southeast Queens community, espe-

cially for those who are young and may not have a full grasp and understanding of the importance of the culture.

“I do believe a lot of young people look to their Black history, and I do also believe a lot of young people are not aware of their Black history and this is one of the things we are trying to do – come together as a community of color to bring about this youth movement forward service, a celebration of Black history.”

The celebration will also be promoting healthy living. The event will have free HIV testing for those who attend. Children ages 6-14 who wish to enroll for a free upstate camp during the summer will also have the

chance to do so at the church.

“This service should be very interesting,” Richardson said. “Families are coming out, ministers are inviting their congregations, their associates, the community itself is coming out and we are expecting political representation. It should be very excellent.”

“Youth Moving Forward” will be held at Mt. Oliver Baptist Church at 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church is located at 202-03 Hollis Ave., Jamaica.

For more information about the event, contact the C.U.C.E office at (718) 297-0720.

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

Notebook Berkeley College

Local Students Recognized For Success

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

Students named to the Dean’s List include: Cambria Heights: Zarifah Dixon and Iles Vilce.

Hollis: Zafir Hai and Avery Jones.

Howard Beach: Maria Carollo.

Jamaica: Imran Asif, Sudarshani Atwaru, Kawther Azzouz, Ahlam Azzouz, Mayon Baijnauth, Jovan Bovell, Sherry-Ann Collier, Mamoudou Diallo, Shona Duncan, Myles Ford, Ladena Goldson, Teresa Hunter, Maira Padilla, Samantha

Pinnock, Sonia Prudencio, Shannella Quashie, Candace Ranjitsingh, Franklin Rodriguez, Sandra Ellinor Simonsson, Jennifer Umana, Lorrain Vaughn and Charley Young.

Laurelton: Sheane Tyson.

Ozone Park: Safina Afridi, Paul Dass, D’Arcy George, Kashauna Gregg Dowling, Stephen Lutchman, Gustavo Moreno, Sana Mughal, Shafee Omar, Edwin Rojas, Jordan Saco and Edris Saunders.

Richmond Hill: Cheryl Arif, Sabena Chaudhry, Leandra De la Rosa, Christine Goriah and Domenique Reed.

Rosedale: Natalee Beaufort, Ja-

son Brue, Sherland Daniel, Ndukwe Eleanya, Rachel Gosine, Kerryanne Haughton, Ethan Joseph and Mitchell Marshall.

South Ozone Park: Christopher Gumti, Adrian Humes, Vanessa Martinez, Katherine Parodi, Mariah Singh and Corine Varma.

South Richmond Hill: Hawattie Sancler and Gurajpal Singh.

Springfield Gardens: Kiesha Donaldson and Tracey Hazelwood.

St. Albans: Kevin Mckenzie, Patrice Nathan and Deanett Watson Gayle.

Woodhaven: Jamel Flowers and Vishwanauth Seeraj.

Hillcrest H.S. Student Shines: Cristina Piccirillo, the director of the premedical institute at Hillcrest High School is impressed with star student, Christopher Yhap.

Yhap only recently moved here from his native country of Guyana. The junior explained that his family came to America in hopes of a better future. Since he has been here, he has been making a splash with his work, capabilities and accomplishments in school.

Yhap plans to go to the City University of New York and eventually transfer to Stony Brook University. He aspires to study to become a veterinarian or a biologist.

Photo by Bob Harris

On Tuesday, Feb. 12, Berkeley College President Dario Cortes announced that 16 students from southern Queens have been named to the President’s List and another 67 have been named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2012 semester.

To qualify for the President’s List, a student must have a 4.0 grade point average with a minimum of 12 credits. Students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average with a minimum of 12 credits qualify for the Dean’s List.

Berkeley College is proud to recognize these students for their outstanding academic achievement,” said Cortes in a press release. “Students who reflect this level of dedication to their studies become our future leaders.”

Of the 16 students from south Queens who made the President’s list, five were from South Ozone Park, three were from Jamaica, two from Richmond Hill, two from South Richmond Hill, one from Rosedale, one from Springfield Gardens, one from Ozone Park and another from Woodhaven.

Of the 67 students who made the Dean’s list, 23 were from Jamaica, 11 were from Ozone Park, eight were from Rosedale, six were from South Ozone Park, five were from Rich-

mond Hill, three from St. Albans, two from Cambria Heights, Hollis, Springfield Gardens and Woodhaven, and one student from Laurelton and Howard Beach.

Students named to the President’s List include: Jamaica: Carl Bosquet, Sherma Francois-Quijije and Xhuljano Shala.

Ozone Park: David Santana.

Richmond Hill: Juhainah AlBukhaiti and Jennifer Tineo.

Rosedale: Bradley Clarke.

South Ozone Park: Shadika Haye, Jazmin Martorell, Aliyah Mohammed, Deonarine Ramnarine and Salome Shivrattan.

South Richmond Hill: Melissa Rivera and Amritpal Singh.

Springfield Gardens: Keneesha Brown.

Woodhaven: Edward Beltre.

Feb. 15-21, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

What’s Up SATURDAY, FEB. 16 College Financial Aid Workshop Parents and their college-bound children have an opportunity to work one-on one with trained New York Cares volunteers to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Preregistration is required. The event is free and will be held at the Queens Central Library at 11 a.m.

It's Time To Take A Stand The SABC Performing Arts Ministry of the Saint Albans Baptist Church is pleased to present "It's Time to Take a Stand". The show will explore what segregation, determination, demonstration, integration, aggravation, humiliation, and devastation were sweeping the nation during the time of slavery. For group tickets or additional information, call (718) 723-8005 or e-mail sabcperformingarts@yahoo.com.

Group discount rates are available.

You may pay by credit card Or PayPal at www.sabconline.org, or by check Payable to St. Albans Baptist Church.

Tickets are $30. The show will be held at the Black Spectrum Theatre located at 177th Street and Baisely Boulevard from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

3 p.m. In celebration of Black History Month, APT will present George Edward Tait, the poet laureate of Harlem.

The free program will be held at 176-03 Jamaica Ave.

FEB. 19 Election Day Residents of the 31st City Council District can vote in the special election to fill the seat vacated by State Sen. James Sanders.

To find your polling site, visit gis.nyc.gov/vote/ps/index.htm or call the Board of Elections at (718) 730-6730.

FEB. 20 Book Club: "Kindred" The Central Branch of the Queens Library's new book club, which meets on the third Wednesday of each month, will celebrate Black History Month with Octavia Butler's "Kindred, the story of a modern Black woman transported to the antebellum south to save the life of her white ancestor.

The book club will meet at 11:30 a.m. at the library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd.

FEB. 21 SHSAT Practice Test Teens, get the best SHSAT (Spe-

Music from the Mind of the cialized High School Admissions Trumpet Test) results you can by getting some The Eddie Allen Quintet pays tribute to such legendary trumpeters as Dizzy Gillespie, Freddie Hubbard, Miles Davis, Woody Shaw, Clifford Brown, Blue Mitchell, Lee Morgan, and, of course, Eddie Allen himself.

The free event will be held at the Queens Central Library at 3 p.m.

practice at the Central Branch of the Queens Library, starting at 4 p.m.

This half-length practice test, being given in partnership with Kaplan testing services, will give students a chance to give the big exam a test run.

Registration is required.

ONGOING Lincoln Park Basketball York College will present the musical world of Alex Blake from 7 to 9 Association

Alex Blake

p.m. in the Performing Arts Center, 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. From his roots in Latin and salsa, jazz, and fusion to rock, RnB, funk, soul and global styles - his music continues to evolve in originality Tickets cost$10 and $20. For information, call (718) 262-2281.

Southside Jazz/African Educational Concerts is pleased to present Southside from 8 to 11:30 p.m. at Afrikan Poetry Theatre, 176-03 Jamaica Ave..

Delicious cuisine will be available.

Cost is $20, $17 at the door.

FEB. 17 George Edward Tait Afrikan Poetry Theatre will host Poetcetera's 30th anniversary tour at

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.

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 172-17 Linden Blvd.

Second Floor, St. Albans, 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 17217 Linden Blvd. Second Floor, St.

Albans. Services are available Tue.Thurs. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HIV Awareness Clergy United for Community Empowerment provides intervention and curriculum-based prevention education sessions on HIV/AIDS, to reduce risk behaviors that lead to HIV transmission. Services are located at 172-17 Linden Blvd. Second Floor, St. Albans. 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) 477-9450, Ext. 390 or volunteer@palnyc.org.

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 15-21, 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!

SENIORS AARP TAX HELP Mondays, February 18, 25, March 1 Pomonok library at 11:30.

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

DUPLICATE BRIDGE Mondays Lunch, lesson and congenial play. Pride of Judea. 423-6200.

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. Le a r n how special exercise and relaxation techniques make a difference in your life.

COMPUTER BASICS Tu e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 1 9 Email and the Internet classes for seniors at the Rosenthal Prince Street Senior Center in Flushing. 559-4329 to register.

BASIC COMPUTERS Tu e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 1 9 class at 10 South Ozone Park library.

AARP TAX HELP Wednesdays, February 20, 27 Windsor Park library at 1.

NUTRITION CLASS Wednesdays through March 27 Nutrition and Health classes for seniors 2-4. 657-6500, ext. 1581.

STARS Wednesdays Senior Theatre Acting Repertory Hollis library at 11:15.

BRIDGE Wednesdays Reform Temple of Fore st Hills.

261-2900.

TAX HELP Fridays, February 22, March 1 Pomonok library at 11:30.

STARS Fridays Senior Theater Acting Repertory at the Queens Village library at 11.

YOUTH

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

202.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2.

KNIT & CROCHET Mondays, February 18, 25 Douglaston library 3.

LAPTOPS Mondays-Thursdays Hollis library at 3.

SCRABBLE CLUB Tuesdays, Februar y 19, 26 East Flushing library 3:30.

BOOK BUDDIES Tu e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 1 9 Hillcrest library 4.

CHESS FOR ALL Tuesdays, Februar y 19, 26 Rosedale library 4.

KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays, Februar y 19, 26 Rochdale Village library 5.

OWN JEWELRY Tu e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 1 9 design and create your own jewelry at the Central librar y. Register.

TEEN JEOPARDY Tu e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 1 9 round 2 at the Flushing library at 4.

FAMILY ART Tu e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 1 9 family art workshop at the LIC library 4.

TEEN ZONE Wednesdays, February 20, 27 Queens Village library 4.

COMPUTER CLASS Wednesdays, February 20, 27 Woodside library 5:45.

GAME DAY Wednesdays Howard Beach library at 4.

CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 Queens Village library.

FLUSHING ANIME Thursdays, February 21, 28 Anime Club Flushing library 4.

GREEN VIDEOS Thursday, February 21 Astoria library 4:30.

DRAMA POSSE Thursday, February 21 Hillcrest library 4:30.

DRUM WORKSHOP Thursday, February 21 at 4 at the Queens Village librar y.

SHSAT Thursday, February 21 SHSAT practice test at the Central library. Register.

BLACK HISTORY Thursday, February 21 Black History through Poetry and Quilting at the Hollis library 4:30.

CHESS CLUB Thursdays Rochdale Village library 4:30.

TEEN MOVIES Fridays, February 22, March 1 Central library 3:30.

FUN WII Friday, February 22 Hollis library 3:30.

BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, February 22, March 1 Douglaston librar y. Register.

HAPPY HOUR Friday, February 22 Flushing library 4.

BOOK BUDDIES Friday, February 22 Fresh Meadows library 4.

WII GAME DAY Fridays, February 22, March 1 Poppenhusen library 4.

TEEN ZONE Friday, February 22 Queens Village library 4.

CROCHET & KNIT Friday, February 22 Langston Hughes library 4:30.

GREEN VIDEO Friday, February 22 Steinway library 4:30.

GAME DAY Fridays, February 22, March 1 Woodhaven library 4:30.

KNIT & CROCHET Friday, February 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.

LUNAR NEW YEAR Saturday, February 23 starting at 10 at the Flushing library.

ANIME Saturday, February 23 Final Fantasy with the Anime Anthropologist at the Flushing library at 2.

PARENTS PSYCHOLOGICAL CTR Family and child therapy, parent management training and more. 5700500 sliding scale.

KIDS KORNER Weekdays Central Queens YM-YWHA in Forest Hills. For K-6. 2685011, ext. 203.

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

423-9550.

THEATER OUR TOWN March 1-9 “Our Town” at Queensborough Communit y College. 6316311.

KILLING KOMPANY mystery dinner shows. 1888-SHOOT-EM

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

WINTER WILDLIFE Saturday, February 16 for those 8-12. $21. Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000 to register.

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 Mondays, February 18, 25 preK-2 at the Auburndale library at 4.

AFRI-AMER DANCE Monday, February 18 African-American Dance at the Laurelton library at 4. Limited space. Also on Thursday, February 21 Fa r Ro c k a wa y l i b r a r y.

Limited space.

CRAFT KIDS Mondays Flushing library at 3.

BEGIN CHESS Mondays at 3:30 Windsor Park library.

KNIT & CROCHET Mondays Douglaston library at 4.

BOOK BUDDIES Tu e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 1 9 Hillcrest library 4.

CHESS FOR ALL Tu e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 1 9 Rosedale library 4.

YEAR OF SNAKE Tu e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 1 9 Flushing library 2:30.

LANYARD MANIA Tu e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 1 9 Far Rockaway library at 4.

FAMILY ART Tu e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 1 9 LIC library at 4.

AFRI-AMER. HISTORY Tu e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 1 9 African-American History “Guess Who” test at the McGoldrick library at 5.

CHESS FOR ALL Tuesdays, Februar y 19, 26 Rosedale library at 4.

CRAFT Y TUESDAYS Tu e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 1 9 Forest Hills library 3:30.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays, Februar y 19, 26 Windsor Park library.

Register.

KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays at 5 Rochdale Village library.

ARTS & CRAFTS Wednesdays, February 20, 27 Auburndale library ages 5-12 at 4.

PRESCHOOL STORY Wednesdays, February 20, 27 Maspeth library 12:30.

CRAFTIVITIES Wednesday, February 20 East Flushing library. Register.

COLORING TIME Wednesdays, February 20, 27 Far Rockaway library 4.

NOCTURNAL HIKE Wednesday, February 20 for those 7 and up. $13.

Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000 to register.

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

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.

PRE-SCHOOL STORY Thursday, February 21 Bellerose librar y. Register.

DRAMA POSSE Thursday, February 21 Hillcrest library 4:30.

KIDS CRAFT Thursday, February 21 Ages 4+ at 3:30 Howard Beach library.

PRESIDENT CRAFT Thursday, February 21 Richmond Hill library 4.

BLACK HISTORY Thursday, February 21 Black History through Poetry and Quilting at the Hollis library at 4:30.

READING COMP. Thursdays, February 21, 28 McGoldrick library at 5.

LUNAR NEW YEAR Thursday, February 21 for those 5-10. $16. Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000 to register.

ORIGAMI FUN Thursday, February 21 Steinway librar y. Register.

ZUMBA FOR KIDS Thursday, February 21 Lefrak Cit y library. Register.

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

CROCHET & KNIT Friday, February 22 Langston Hughes library 4:30.

GAMES Fridays, February 22, March 1 video and board games Rochdale Village library 4:30.

GAME DAY Friday, February 22 Woodhaven library 4:30.

CHESS FOR KIDS Friday, February 22 W i n d s o r Pa r k l i b ra r y.

Register.

PRESCHOOL CRAFT Friday, February 22 W i n d s o r Pa r k l i b ra r y.

Register.

BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, February 22, March 1 Douglaston lib ra r y. Re g i s te r . A l s o Fresh Meadows library 4.

KIDS ACTIVITIES Fridays at 3:30 Briarwood library.

CRAFT TIME Fridays at 3 at the Ozone Park library.

GAME DAY Fridays at 3:30 Queens Village library.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays Briarwood library at 4. East Flushing Register. Ozone Park at 3.

GAME DAY Fridays Windsor Park at 4.

CHESS CLUB Fridays Auburndale library at 3:30 and W i n d s o r Pa r k l i b ra r y.

Register.

LUNAR NEW YEAR Saturday, February 23 starting at 10 Flushing library.

ANIMAL CARE Saturday, February 23 for those 8-12. $21. Animal Care Trainee. Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000 to register.

PET SHOW Saturday, February 23 for those 5-6. $21. Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000 to register.

FLEA MARKETS RUMMAGE SALE Sunday, February 17 103 and Monday, February 18 9:30-noon at Te m p l e Ti k va h o f N ew Hyde Park, 3315 Hillside Avenue.

TALKS CENTRAL Wednesday, February 20 “Kindred” discussed at the Central library at 11:30.

QUEENS VILLAGE Wednesday, February 20 “Freedom” discussed at the Queens Village library at 2.

MASPETH Thursday, February 21 “The Chosen” discussed at the Maspeth library at 5:30.

Feb. 15-21, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

Queens Today EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS JOB SEARCH Saturday, February 16 Job Search Strategies and Resume Writing Far Rockaway library at 2.

MICROSOFT WORD Saturday, February 16 Central library. Register.

FLOWER ARRANGE. Saturday, February 16 flower arrangements at the Fresh Meadows library at 11.

MICROSOFT EXCEL Saturday, February 16 Central library at 2.

CITIZENSHIP Saturdays, February 16, 23 Pathway to US Citizenship at the Forest Hills library at 3.

TANGO WORKSHOP Saturdays in February and March at Thalia Spanish Theatre in Sunnyside. 729-3880.

GENEALOGY WORK. Sunday, February 17 Queens Historical Societ y presents a Genealogy Workshop 2:304:320 at the Kingsland Homestead in Flushing. $5 members, $8 others.

939-0647, ext. 14 to register.

METRIX LEARNING Mondays, February 18, 25 Central library. Register. 990-8625.

BRIDGE Mondays e x c e p t h o l i days 12-4 at Pride of Judea in Douglaston. Lesson & play $10. Partners arranged. 423-6200.

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

SMALL BUSINESS Tuesdays, Februar y 19, 26 Central library. 9908625.

MICROSOFT EXCEL Tuesdays, Februar y 19, 26 LIC library at 10.

INTRO WORD Tu e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 1 9 Flushing library. Register.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Tu e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 1 9 Baisley Park library at 11.

COMPUTER BASICS Tu e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 1 9 Queens Village librar y.

Register.

FEDERAL JOB Tu e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 1 9 Federal Job Searching at the Far Rockaway library.

327-2549.

GET YOUR YARNS OUT! Tuesdays after evening Minyan at 8, knitters, c r o c h e t e r s , needlepointers, and others meet at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 2637000, ext. 200.

INTRO COMPUTERS Wednesday, February 20 Hollis library. 465-7355.

INTRO EXCEL

Wednesday, February 20 Pomonok library. Register.

COMPUTER BASICS Wednesday, February 20 Windsor Park library at 11:30.

COMPUTER CLASS Wednesdays, February 20, 27 Woodside library at 5:45.

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

MOCK INTERVIEWS Thursdays, February 21, 28 Central library at 9.

LEARN CHINESE Thursdays, February 21, 28 North Forest Park library at 6.

COMPUTER QUICK TIP Thursdays, February 21, 28 Central library. 9908625.

GREETING CARDS Thursday, February 21 Far Rockaway library at 1:30.

DIGITAL PHOTO. Thursday, February 21 Central library. Register.

JOB SEARCH Thursday, February 21 Online Job Search Strategies at the Flushing library. Register.

FIND WORK Thursday, February 21 Overcoming Obstacles to Finding Work at the LIC library at 5.

LEARN TO DRAW Thursday, February 21 Hillcre st librar y. Register.

METRIX LEARNING Fridays, February 22, March 1 Central library.

Register 990-8625.

CROCHET & KNIT Friday, February 22 learn how to crochet or knit at the Langston Hughes library at 4:30.

INTRO WORD Friday, February 22 Hillcrest library at 11.

MICROSOFT EXCEL Friday, February 22 Central library at 9:30.

COMPUTER BASICS Friday, February 22 Auburndale library at 11.

INTRO EXCEL Friday, February 22 Hillcrest library.

COVER LETTER Friday, February 22 cover letter workshop at the LIC library. Register.

FIND EMPLOYMENT Friday, February 22 Overcoming Obstacles to Finding Employment at the LIC library at 2:30.

KNIT & CROCHET Fridays Fresh Meadows library at 11.

CHESS CLUB Fridays at 3:30 at the Auburndale librar y.

DANCE ISRAELI FOLK Mondays 7:15-9:45 at Hillcrest Jewish Center, 182-02 Union Turnpike. $10 session. 380-4145.

MEETINGS GARDENING CLUB Saturdays Steinway library court yard at 4.

P-FLAG Sundays, February 17, March 17 P-FLAG, a support group for parents, families and friends of lesbians and gays meet in Forest Hills. 271-6663.

ORATORIO SOCIETY Mondays at 7:45 at Temple Beth Sholom in Flushing. 279-3006. Auditions required.

COMMUNITY SINGERS Mondays Communit y Singers start rehearsals for their spring concert at 8 at Messiah Lutheran in Flushing. 658-1021.

KNIT & CROCHET Tu e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 1 9 Windsor Park library at 2.

TALK OF THE TOWN Tuesdays, Februar y 19, March 5, 19 public speaking in St. Albans at 7:15. 640-7092.

AMER. LEGION 131 Tuesdays, Februar y 19, March 19 American Legion McKee Post 131 meets at 10-20 Clintonville Street, Whitestone at 8. 7674323.

BEREAVEMENT Tuesdays, Februar y 19, March 19 Bereavement Support Group at Holy Family in Fresh Meadows. 7:30. 969-2448.

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

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

FM CAMERA Tuesdays Fresh Meadows Camera Club. 917-6123463.

KNIT & CROCHET Wednesdays, February 20, 27 South Ozone Park library at 1.

FH SYMPHONY Wednesdays the Forest Hills Symphony Orchestra rehearses at the Forest Hills Jewish Center.

516-785-2532.

FDR DEMS Thursdays, February 21, March 21 FDR Democrats meet at 7:30 at Chabad Center in Bayside. 460-8285.

ENTERTAINMENT WORLD CASINO 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park. Free admission.

JEWISH LOVE SONGS Saturday, February 16 Fresh Meadows library at 2:30.

TRUMPET Saturday, February 16 Music From the Mind of the Trumpet at 3 at the Central library.

HUBBARD TRIBUTE Saturday, February 16 Tr i b u t e t o t r u m p e t e r Freddie Hubbard at the Cambria Heights library at 3:30.

FLAMENCO VIVO Saturday and Sunday, February 16-17 Carlota Santana at Queens Theatre in the Park. 7600064.

NU URBAN CAFÉ Saturdays live jazz, r&b, open mic 8-midnight.

Free. 188-36 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. 917817-8653.

BLACK STARS Sunday, February 17 Black Stars on the Great White Wa y at Queensborough Communit y College. 6316311.

MUSIC OF RAVEL Sunday, February 17 new musical at St. Joseph’s in Astoria. 917460-4289.

STAMP SHOW Sundays, February 17, March 17 Bayside Stamp Show at the Ramada Hotel in Bayside 10-4:30.

Free admission and parking. 645-7659.

SALSA Mondays Resorts World Casino holds Monday Night Salsa events. Lessons 7:30.

110-00 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone ark. 215-2828.

Free.

BINGO Tuesdays 7:15 American Mart yrs C h u rc h in Bayside. 464-4582. Tuesdays 7:15 (doors open 6) Rego Park Jewish Center. 459-1000. $3 admission includes 12 games.

SCRABBLE CLUB Tuesdays, Februar y 19, 26 East Flushing library at 3:30.

SCRABBLE Tuesday s Fresh Meadows library at 2.

CHESS Tuesdays 4 Rosedale library.

SCRABBLE CLUB Wednesdays, February 20, 27 Forest Hills library at 2.

SOUTH ASIA ON FILM Wednesdays through April 25 at 4:30 at the G o d w i n - Te r n b a c h M u -

seum at Queens College.

997-4747 for titles and other info.

AFRO TANGO Fridays through March 17 Fridays through Sunday A f ro Tango at Thalia Spanish Theatre in Sunnyside. 7293880.

NU URBAN CAFÉ Fridays live jazz and r&b 9-midnight. Free. 188-36 Linden Blvd., St. Albans.

917-817-8653.

GAME DAY Fridays 4:30 Woodhaven library.

GAME PLAYERS CLUB Fridays 2 Hillcrest library.

LUNAR NEW YEAR

Saturday, February 23 starting at 10 at the Flushing library.

LATIN AMERICAN LOVE Saturday, February 23 Love Songs from Latin America at 3 at the Jackson Heights library.

SNOWFLAKES Saturday, February 23 Science of Snowflakes includes a nature hike and live animal demonstration. Alley Pond Environmental Center. 2294000. $24 adults.

BEAUTY OF BALLET Sunday, February 24 School of American Ballet at 1 and 3 at Queens Theatre in the Park. 7600064.

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

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

Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156.

SCHIZO. ANON. Sundays in Rego Park.

896-3400.

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.

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

SHAPE UP NYC Wednesdays, February 20, 27 aerobics for adults at the Central library at 4. First come.

NUTRITION TALK Wednesdays, February 20, 27 Corona library at 5:30.

GENTLE YOGA Wednesdays, February 20, 27 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.

SHAPE UP NYC Thursdays, February 21, 28 body sculpt fitness at the Lefrak Cit y library at 5:30. First come.

SHAPE UP NYC Fridays, February 22, March 1 Dance Fitness for Adults at the Richmond Hill library at 5.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD WASTE DROPOFF Saturdays 10:30-noon at the Sunnyside library and 1-3 at the Broadway librar y.

GARDENING CLUB Saturdays help with our vegetable and shade garden at the Steinway library at 4.

MISCELLANEOUS IMMIGRATE SERVICE Saturdays 10-1 at Council Member Leroy Comrie’s district office.

776-3700 to schedule appointment.

REHEARSALS Saturdays, Sacred Music Chorale of Richmond Hill begins rehearsals at St. John’s in Richmond Hill. www.richmondhillny.com/ Art sSMC. FH VAC The Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps needs volunteers. 7932055.

EXHIBIT NAL Through March 2 Small and Big Works exhibition at the National Art League, 44-21 Douglaston Parkway. Free admission.

SHANGAA February through May Shangaa: Art of Tanzania at Queensborough CC. 631-6396.

Feb. 15-21, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 21

People Janelle James of Laurelton was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 semester at the University of Connecticut.

Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 semester at SUNY Brockport. They include: Cambria Heights: Michael Bauduy.

Hollis Hills: Morgan Hasson.

Saint Albans: Hakeem Toure.

Bellerose: Mathew Carrion.

Hollis Hills: Morgan Hasson.

Arverne: Sarah Ayalew.

Local students have received scholarships to attend Berkeley College. They include: Queens Village: Andre Pottinger.

Kew Gardens: Dylan Maraj.

Fresh Meadows: Adam Farnesa.

Glen Oaks: Diego Barreto.

Queens Village: Andre Pottinger.

Local students received degrees during fall 2012 commencement ceremonies at SUNY New Paltz. They include: Jamaica: Alwin Davis, Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering; Paula Clay, Bachelor of Arts in English.

Queens Village: Robert Fogel, Bachelor of Science in computer engineering.

Breezy Point: Christopher Ferro, Bachelor of Arts, communication studios.

Floral Park: Jason Greenberg, Bachelor of Science, computer engineering.

Little Neck: Joshua Koopersmith, Bachelor of Arts, communication media.

Queens Village: Robert Fogel, Bachelor of Science, computer engineering.

Richmond Hill: Christina Chamorro, Bachelor of Arts, psychology; Thomas Garafola, Bachelor of Arts, communication studies.

Rockaway Park: Daniel Paskoff, Bachelor of Arts, adolescence education: social studies.

Jasmine Singh of Rosedale and Shanel Singh of Jamaica were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 semester at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md. Queens Botanical Garden will welcome residents to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 16. The event is an an-

150-50 14th Road Whitestone, NY 11357

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nual census of birds conducted by bird lovers at sites across the country.

For information or to register, call (718) 886-3800, Ext. 213, email Shari Romar at sromar@queensbotanical.org, or visit www.birdsource.org/gbbc.

Kathleen Modica of Little Neck was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 semester at Siena College in Loudenville.

Lindsay Davenport of Oakland Gardens was named to the President’s List for the fall 2012 semester at Siena College in Loudenville.

Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 semester at the University of Connecticut.

They include: Floral Park: Dipa Patel.

Fresh Meadows: Alvin Cheung, Andrea Kam. Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 semester at SUNY Oneonta. They include: Fresh Meadows: Gia Nigoghossian.

Oakland Gardens: Gil Fire.

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Christopher O’Connor of Bellerose was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 semester at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts.

Christina M. Rukki of Forest Hills was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 semester at St. Lawrence University in Canton.

Brandon Reis of Forest Hills was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 semester at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. Julia Bebel of Forest Hills was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 semester at SUNY Oneonta.

Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 semester at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn. They include: Little Neck: Kathleen Derienzo, Jennifer McCabe, Margaret McCabe.

Oakland Gardens: James D’Elia, Ariana Filagrossi.

To Advertise in the Southeast Queens Press Classifieds Call (718) 357-7400 Fax (718) 357-0076

CLASSIFIEDS

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Julie Chu of Oakland Gardens was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 semester at Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, N.C.

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QueensTribune.com

Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 15-21, 2013

Leave it to Astoria to produce a self-taught cook worthy of garnering attention from celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain.

As of last week, one of the neighborhood’s most aspiring restaurateurs, Diane DiMeo, 46, earned a spot on ABC’s new show “The Taste” by joining the Bourdain team with her savory dish of cumin lamb with fig and scallions.

Though she was one of the more blunt contestants on the show, DiMeo said that her no-nonsense approach to operating in a male-dominated profession is the only way to be respected and “more like a man.”

“You have to be able to walk in and basically say ‘It’s my way or the highway,’” she said.

While we can’t wait to

The Rookie

Model Of Queens

Getting A 'Taste'

Astoria's Diana DiMeo is a featured contestant on ABC's "The taste."

check out the seafood restaurant she plans to open in Astoria once the show is over, we just hope she can make it far enough in the season to really represent.

Evelyn Rueda Home: Maspeth Age: 18 Height: 5’5” Weight: 100 lbs Photos by John Scandalios

Auction Bop A legendary Queens-born rocker is about to have many of his personal possessions up for sale.

An auction featuring the belongings of Joey Ramone, the lead vocalist/guitarist for The Ramones who died in 2001, will take place this month in Manhattan.

According to reports, among the items that people can bid on is a nearly 100 album vinyl collection from bands such as Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and Lou Reed.

Other items collectors can try to get include a leather jacket that Ramone owned and wore, two guitars that he used

and even his passport.

All of the possessions in the auction came from Joey’s family and comes with a certificate of authenticity, if you win one of the items.

Ramone, who’s real name was Jeffry Hyman, was born in Forest Hills and attended Forest Hills High School along with three original members of the band. Together, they wrote and performed famous songs such as “Blitzkreig Bop,” “I Wanna Be Sedated” and “Rockaway Beach.”

The sale will start on Feb. 14 and run for seven days on the auction website, www. rrauction.com.

What's That Smell?

An assistant principal has found himself in a stinky situation after intentionally setting off a stink bomb at his school.

Paul Goldberg, the assistant principal at William H. Car junior high school in Whitestone, is reportedly getting the boot after a safety agent told officials he saw

him in the act.

The 25-year teaching veteran denied the malodorous allegations and claimed that the prank accusation was made by one of his “enemies.”

Perhaps Mr. Goldberg was confused and thought he was a junior high school prankster for the day.

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

Unlike many models, Evelyn Rueda of Maspeth, did not know she wanted to go into the industry. Instead, the Ecuadorian native kept an open mind, allowing fate to do the rest.

Rueda came to America when she was 11 years old, but it wasn’t until she participated in the 2012 Miss Ecuador beauty pageant that she became intrigued with modeling.

“Everything started with the beauty pageant and

from there, it opened doors for me,” she said. “I had new opportunities to meet people in the business.”

Only in the first year of her modeling career, Rueda has already been on multiple photo shoots and even did a runway show for the fashion label Dear John.

“I would love for this to be a full-time job,” she said.

“I love the camera; I love the way the camera flashes.”

When she is not modeling, Rueda enjoys hanging out in

her hometown in Queens.

Her favorite places to go to are Astoria and Jamaica.

She also enjoys going to Forest Hills to catch a movie with a friend.

When asked if she had any advice for girls who were looking to get into modeling, the Rookie said it was important to be flexible and keep an open mind.

“I would say that try to your best and do everything you can to get in there. Try every direction,” she said.

Peanut Butter Explosive Time!

A former New Yorker got into a sticky situation at LaGuardia Airport after making a bomb joke about his jar of peanut butter to a TSA agent. Now, he’s suing the worker for $5 million.

Frank Hannibal was going through security when TSA screener Edwin Sanchez noticed a layer of oil on top of his jar of Crazy Richard’s gourmet peanut butter. Hannibal sarcastically mentioned that the airport was going to confiscate his explosives. The TSA agent didn’t appreciate the joke.

Instead of getting on a plane, Hannibal spent the next 25 hours in the slammer. One of the worst parts of his experience, he said, was the poor quality of his prison food: peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. For a self-styled peanut butter snob like Hannibal, those sandwiches are no laughing matter.

So what happened to this all-natural peanut butter that got Hannibal into trouble?

“I ate it,” he said.

That might not have been a great idea. It could be considered That must have been some tampering with evidence! good peanut butter.

Feb. 15-21, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 23

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