Southeast Queens Press Epaper

Volume 14 Issue No. 11 March. 15-21, 2013

STOP AND FRISK:

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

POLICY FIGHT

Southeast Queens residents gathered this week to protest and discuss ways to end the controversial crime fighting method.

By Natalia Kozikowska ‌ Page 3.

Online at www.QueensPress.com

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 15-21, 2013

News Briefs Floyd Flake Endorses Katz for BP An influential Jamaica pastor, Floyd Flake, has thrown his support behind Democratic borough president candidate Melinda Katz.

This move could potentially upset candidate Councilman Leroy Comire (D-Jamaica), whose southeast Queens district encompasses Flake's powerbase.

"Whereas, I have a great deal of respect for Councilman Leroy Comrie and the work that he has done in the Southeast Queens community, I hereby confirm my endorsement of Melinda Katz for the position of Borough President of Queens," Flake wrote in the statement.

Katz, who was also endorsed by the late Ed Koch, is one of seven candidates in the race.

Other challengers include State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside), State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst), Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) and former Deputy Borough President Barry Grodenchik.

Greek National Charged with Rape of Ex-Girlfriend A 23-year-old Greek national, who was arrested at John F. Kennedy Airport while waiting to board a flight to London, has been charged with using an electronic stun gun earlier this week to force his way into an exgirlfriend's Jamaica apartment and sexually assaulting her.

According to the charges, Promdromos Vasilopoulos, 23, of Athens, made approximately 200 combined phone calls and text messages to his 19-year old ex, in which he threatened that she would pay for breaking up with him.

It is alleged that shortly after the victim received a UPS package on March 12, she heard a knock on the door and somebody say, 'wrong de-

livery.' When she opened the door, she observed Vasilopoulos in the hallway when he jolted her with a stun gun in the neck and stomach.

When the victim began screaming, Vasilopoulos shoved his f ingers into her mouth to muffle the sounds when she fell to the f loor. The stun gun was reportedly discovered in his carry-on-bag at the airport.

Vasilopoulos continued his assault on his ex-girlfriend, bringing her to her bed, where he forced her to kiss him, suffocated her, strangled her and raped her several times. When the victim explained that she did not feel well and wanted to go to the hospital, the suspect allegedly told her that he wanted to have sex with her one more time before she died.

He then sexually assaulted her one more time.

The victim was transported to a local Queens hospital where a sexual assault evidence kit was prepared and she was treated for her multiple injured.

"The facts alleged in this case chronicle a frightening ordeal of mental, physical and sexual violence. Hopefully, the young woman who was brutally victimized will rest easier in knowing that her alleged rapist has been brought to justice and will be vigorously prosecuted," said District Attorney Richard Brown in a statement. "However, even after the physical abuse has stopped, the psychological trauma caused by sexual assault can be severe and long lasting."

Vasilopoulos, who is presently awaiting arraignment in Queens Criminal Court, is charged in one criminal complaint with predatory sexual assault, first-degree burglary, second-degree assault, strangulation and seconddegree criminal possession of a weapon. In a second complaint, he is charged with second-degree aggravated harassment and second-degree harassment. If convicted, he faces 25 years to life in prison.

March 15-21, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Presstime

Community United Against Stop And Frisk Not an empty seat could be seen at Wednesday evening's Stop and Frisk town hall meeting.

Dozens of residents and local leaders crowded the Greater Springfield Community Church, brainstorming and discussing ways to end a policy which they claim targets minority communities and is an ineffective method to keep crime off the streets.

The meeting drew in a mixed audience who all took the same firm stance against the New York Police Department's Stop and Frisk practice – a policy which allows officers to stop, question and frisk 'suspicious' individuals.

"We're not just coming here to meet, we're coming here to organize," said Rev. Phil Craig of the Greater Springfield Community Church. "If we need to do some marching at City Hall, let's do some marching."

The meeting was sponsored by New York City Comptroller John Liu, along with several community partners including the Queens Chapter National Action Network, branches of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Legal Aid Society, the 113th Precinct and many more.

down, repeatedly punched and Liu, who officially anbeaten by police officers of the nounced his plans to run for 109th Precinct. mayor this week, has openly Although Jackson did not been opposed to Stop and Frisk speak, his attorney, Jacques for many years and made it Leandre, stressed a need for clear that he will be at the forechange in the policy which he front of the battle to end the explained, often leads police bruunjust practice. tality.

"I really want to hear what Others chose not to remain people have to say, but I don't silent about their negative encounthink its any secret about what ters with the police and their exmy views are about Stop and periences with Stop and Frisk.

Frisk," Liu said. "I think that, Southeast Queens resident and I've said this many times, Robert Jackson, who broke his silence about his when you read about almost controversial and violent arrest in Flushing in Janu- Jamel Grahm explained that he 700,000 people stopped and ary, attended the Stop and Frisk forum held at was wrongfully searched by the police while walking home late frisked, almost all of whom Greater Springfield Community Church. night. have done absolutely nothing "I was like 17 and they beat me and "The agency has seen by far the wrong, you expect to read about that in some third world dictatorship… fastest growth of lawsuits and claims bust my face," he said. "I didn't do not in America and certainly not here over the last few years," he said. "Now anything wrong and I didn't get any statistics don't necessarily break it justice for that." in New York City."

"When they see me, basically they "When you add to the fact that down to Stop and Frisk verses other almost everyone who is stopped and things, but in my opinion, there is no stop me for no reason," said another frisked is African American or Latino, question that there is a correlation victim, Erik Collington.

Although the future of the Stop you cannot deny that there is some here."

Nineteen-year-old Robert Jackson, and Frisk and its place in New York racial profiling going on here," he continued. "Racial profiling has ab- who recently broke his silence about is cloudy, as the meeting drew to an solutely no place in our City or any- his controversial and violent arrest in end, southeast Queens residents and Flushing, was also at the meeting, leaders vowed to continue fighting where for that matter." against Stop and Frisk.

Liu also noted that in his three lending a face to the cause.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska Earlier last month, reporters were years as City Comptroller, he has noticed a big spike in lawsuits against the shown a 55-second video which ap- at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or City, specifically against the NYPD. peared to show Jackson being pinned nkozikowska@queenspress.com.

Photo by Ira Cohen

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

Meeks Represents US At Chavez’s Funeral decade, including Chavez.

The Congressman was also among Last week, U.S. Rep. Gregory a group of Venezuelan leaders and Meeks (D-Jamaica) represented the Americans, Groupo de Boston, that United States at the funeral of Ven- began meeting in 2002 to help imezuelan President Hugo prove America's relaChavez. tionship with the counThe Queens Demotry. crat was joined by Rep. "My focus for a long James Delahunt of Mastime in congress has sachusetts and James been Latin America," he Derham, charge said. "My focus was to d'affaires of the United sit down and have a conStates Embassy in versation with them and Caracas. work with them in a co"I am absolutely honoperative spirit because ored," Meeks said. "Any I think it's important to chance you get to reprehave a unified hemiGregory Meeks sent your country in anysphere." thing, it's a great honor."

Meeks first met with Meeks has a long-standing rela- Chavez in 2000, shortly before he tionship with countries in Latin was first elected president of VenezuAmerica, serving on the Western ela. The Queens Democrat referred Hemisphere Subcommittee and the to their relationship as 'bipartisan' House Foreign Affairs Committee. and respected Chavez's ideals, alHe developed a significant relation- though the two did not always agree ship several leaders from Latin on issues.

American countries over the last "I thought that he was an indiBY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

vidual who never forgot how poor he was when he was raised, how poor the poor was and how hopeless the poor was and he wanted to make a difference in their lives to a large degree. A large part of the conversation was helping the poor when we met. That was a huge part of who he was," Meeks said.

"Now, we had disagreements also," the Congressman added. "I was always able to talk to him in a frank matter and he was always frank with me, because we had disagreements on how to help the poor. I was always able to tell him what I thought and he told me what he thought. Sometimes he took what I said into consideration and sometimes he didn't."

The funeral, held on March 8, was attended by thousands of Venezuelan citizens and political influences from across the world. The ceremony was eye opening for Meeks, who said the support and admiration for the fallen leader was apparent.

"It was an experience where you saw nation in mourning," Meeks said.

"There were lines of Venezuelans who were waiting to just view the remains of President Chavez - I mean miles upon miles. Some had stayed and slept out overnight just to come to get a 10 second glance."

It was difficult for Meeks to say whether or not the future of Venezuela will be brighter without Chavez but the Congressman does hope that the strained relationship between the two countries will improve.

"I hope that they will be able to have a better relationship with the United States - that's important," he said. "They want to strengthen their economy, just like all countries do, so I hope that they are successful in moving in that direction."

The day after the ceremony, the Venezuelan government announced that an election will be held on April 14 to choose a successor to Chavez.

Vice President Nicolas Maduro is serving as acting leader until then.

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

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 15-21, 2013

PS 140 Spared, Others Not So Lucky Parents, teachers and students of PS140 Edward K. Ellington can breathe a sigh of relief as the Dept. of Education voted to remove the Jamaica school off the chopping block last week.

Two other schools in Cambria Heights were not as lucky, however.

During the Panel for Education Policy meeting on March 11, the City Panel approved to phase out two schools within the Campus Magnet Complex - the Business, Computer, Applications and Entrepreneurship High School and Law Government and Community Service High School.

The DOE first introduced its proposal to close 26 New York City public schools on Jan. 7, after it determined the schools were receiving comparatively low scores.

"These are difficult decisions that we've arrived at after thoroughly evaluating each school's record - and now is the time to take action," DOE Deputy Chancellor Marc Sternberg in a statement. "We expect every school to deliver for our students, and are working hard to offer families more high performing choices."

At the PEP meeting, Schools

school communities at the beginning Chancellor Dennis Walcott exof the year, updating those affected plained that closing the schools about their decision-making. was a hard decision to make, but At every hearing, students, parthat it is one that falls on his shoulents, teachers and community leadders and ultimately, it will benefit ers had the opportunity to tell the the institutions in the future.

DOE what their schools are doing "We understand the anger, the right, what they are doing wrong, reaction on the part of the parand how they believe the DOE ents, teachers and community as should move forward with their profar as phasing out an institution posals. that they're very close to," Walcott Despite strong vocal opposisaid. His comments were followed by a loud chorus of boos Two schools within hte Campus Magnet Com- tion, BCAE and Law, Government from an angry audience. plex in Cambria Heights will be phased out by and Community Service High School will close, gradually taking While the two high schools in 2016. place over the next several years. the Campus Magnet High School could not be saved, PS 140, along 140, did not respond to requests for Both schools are scheduled to close in June 2016 after phase out is comwith Herbert Lehman High School comment.

According to the DOE's website, plete. The DOE also plans to replace in the Bronx, were spared from closure after the DOE determined the PS 140 Middle School dropped from both schools with new buildings curschools were improving and headed a C to a progress report grade F in rently occupied by Flushing and 2012, scoring an overall score of 21 Newtown High Schools. in the right direction.

"This is a process we take very "At the Joint Public Hearing at out of 100 points.

P.S. 140, students, parents, and comCompar atively, BCAE High seriously," Pena said. "Decisions to munity leaders pointed to promising School earned a progress report move forward with phase out proposquantitative and qualitative signs that grade D, with an overall score of 44.5 als are the most difficult we make, suggest this school can get on the out of 100, after dropping from a C done only after a thorough and right track quickly," David Pena, a in 2011. Law, Government and Com- thoughtful review of a school."

Reporter Luis Gronda contributed to spokesperson for the DOE said in an munity Service High School also email. "As a result, we decided to earned a progress report grade D and this report.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska withdraw the proposal to phase this scored a total of 45.1 points.

The DOE held multiple joint public at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or school out" David Norman, principal at PS hearings to listen to feedback from nkozikowska@queenspress.com Photo by Ira Cohen

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

March 15-21, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

Judge Overturns Mayor’s Soda Ban The restraint would have affected restaurants, mobile food carts, delis A last minute decision by the New and concessions at movie theaters, York State Supreme Court overturned stadiums or arenas within the five the City’s forthcoming soda restric- boroughs. The exceptions to the rule tions; only hours before it was due to would have been state-managed sugo into effect. permarkets and convenience stores, State Supreme Court Judge Milton such as 7-Eleven.

Tingling declared Mayor Michael Tingling also said that the regulaBloomberg’s restriction of tions ignore other beverages sugary drinks with more with higher concentrations than 16 ounces as invalid of sugar sweeteners and on March 11, the day becalories. Since the ban also fore the ruling would start does not limit customers to apply to businesses from getting refills, the rule throughout the City. is essentially “gutted.”

Tingling stated that Mayor Bloomberg strongly Bloomberg exceeded his disagreed with the decisions, authority when he bybelieving that the regulations passed the City Council would help to save lives. and put the issue in the Councilman Dan “We have a responsibilhands of the Board of Halloran held a rally ity as human beings to do Health, whose panel mem- before the soda ban something, to save each bers were appointed by was overturned to other, to save the lives of Bloomberg. The judge said protest the proposal. ourselves, our families, our that the ban would “not friends, and all of the rest of only violate the separation of powers the people that live on God’s planet,” doctrine, it would eviscerate it.” he said. “We’re confident that today’s In addition to the mayor overreach- decision will ultimately be reversed.” ing in his power, Tingling slammed President and CEO of The Mount the regulations as “fraught with arbi- Sinai Medical Center, Kenneth Davis, trary and capricious consequences,” also reiterated his support for the mentioning that the enforcement sugary drinks constraints. would be uneven within a single block.

“It is regrettable that in a city where Photo by Joe Marvilli

BY JOE MARVILLI

two-thirds of all adults are overweight or obese, and one in five children is overweight, we cannot move forward with innovative measures aimed at primary prevention,” he said.

Many officials and business associations praised the judge’s ruling.

“I hope the Mayor will now choose to focus his time and effort on more pressing matters,” State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) said. “As residents receive less and less city services, they need initiatives that produce real, tangible results, not gimmicks like the soda ban.”

“I will work with my colleagues in the City Council to make sure a law like this never passes again,” Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone) said.

“Our small businesses are the engine that drives our economy. This soda ban is like the government putting sugar in the gas tank.”

The Queens Economic Development Corporation was pleased with the result as well, stating it would be good for business.

“Mayor Bloomberg’s ban would have been bad for small businesses, probably leading to job losses, because most large soda consumers buy the product from their local delis and mobile food carts,” Director of Public Relations Rob MacKay said. “I don’t like the fact that

Mayor Bloomberg tried to implement this ban through a Board of Health decree. He should have gone through the City Council like other laws.”

The Bayside BID was not prepared to rest though, stating that they will continue to educate businesses about the soda restrictions in case the ruling is successfully appealed.

“We are just focusing our position that the Dept. of Health educate businesses about the soda ban,” Executive Director Lyle Sclair said. “If anything, we hope that they take this time to reach out to businesses just in case they are successful in their appeal.”

The judge’s decision came just hours after Halloran held a press conference in Bayside, protesting the ban.

He was joined by Sclair and small business owners, some who were very upset with the restrictions.

“If you want to educate people and tell them the sugar’s no good for them, that’s fine. But to ban the twoliter bottle is absolutely ridiculous,” James Coady, whose family owns Cascarino’s restaurants throughout Queens, said. “I tell any kids that work for me to not open up a business in New York. It’s not worth it anymore.”

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

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Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 15-21, 2013

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

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Mayor Mike Bloomberg hoped to continue his legacy of promoting a healthy New York City with his proposed ban on selling large-sized sugary drinks. The ban was an attempt to address the growing problem of obesity not just in the City, but throughout the country. The plan, however, was simply a cosmetic solution that did not address the larger issues, including a lack of exercise and personal choices that each New Yorker must make.

The Mayor has stated his intention to appeal this week’s court ruling striking down the soda ban, but we believe that if he truly wants to address the issue of obesity, there are other avenues that would better serve his constituents.

Promote more outdoor activities, get children involved in physical education in schools and educate your constituents on the dangers of consuming too much sugar, instead of forcing a capricious and seemingly arbitrary ban that affects small businesses throughout the City.

While the ban on sugary drinks would have prevented restaurants from selling a product containing more than 16 ounces, it did little to educate on the dangers of these drinks, nor did it prevent a consumer from just getting a second drink to supplement.

Education is a key component to changing someone’s habits.

Perhaps the Mayor needs an education on how to properly address this issue.

Regina Vogel

Letters

Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Quinn-tessential Reporters: Harley Benson Natalia Kozikowska Joe Marvilli Luis Gronda

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A Queens Tribune Publication © Copyright 2013 Tribco, LLC

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

To The Editor: Christine Quinn makes it official and is running for

Mayor of one of our country’s greatest cities. If elected she would be the first openly gay woman to hold this office.

Letters Now as for myself I have disagreed with some of her actions on the City Council but I did like where she said, “I’m about keeping NYC a place for the middle class to live and grow and a place that’s gonna help hard-working people get into the middle class.” Well, if she does become Mayor I hope she makes that happen. Now for that I wish her lots of luck.

Frederick R. Bedell Jr., Glen Oaks Village

Speaking Volumes To The Editor: The accompanying pictures to “St. Patrick’s Day Celebrated in the Rockaways” (TribPix - March 7) speak volumes. Mayor Bloomberg, NYC Council Speaker and Mayoral candidate Christine Quinn, former Congressemember Bob Turner, NYC Councilmember Eric Ulrich and Republican Mayoral candidate Joe Lhota all proudly paid their respects to the Irish by marching in the Rockaways annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. Only Senator Charles Schumer

needed a large bullhorn to enhance his verbal blarney!

Larry Penner, Great Neck

Help Us To The Editor: Bus drivers and matrons went back to work without EPP job protection. The five democratic candidates for Mayor said they would look into the EPP when they become Mayor. We need to hear now how each politician would work on getting EPP for 1181 union. We need Governor Cuomo, Senator Charles Schumer and other state officials to help now.

Margaret Dulisse, Howard Beach

SOUND OFF Send your thoughts, ideas, opinions, outrage, praise, observations about our community to the PRESS of Southeast Queens 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357 e-mail: news@queenspress.com fax: (718) 357-9417

Sugar Ban: Not Too Sweet For Bloomberg A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE You win some, you lose some. This week, Mayor Michael Bloomberg found out that truism applies even to billionaire mayors.

The so-called "soda ban bill," which would have restricted the size of sugary drinks available in restaurants and other places to a maximum of 16 ounces, was thrown out by State Supreme Court Justice Milton Tingling, who said that it is arbitrary and that the Bloomberg-appointed Board of Health usurped the City Council's authority to impose it.

Naturally, the Mayor is not throwing in the towel over this setback, he believes momentum is on his side and an appeal will prove fruitful.

Aided and abetted by the New York City Dept. of Health and its commissioner, Thomas A. Farley, the Mayor

tried to limit the size of soda and other empty-calorie drinks to help fight the obesity epidemic in the city.

Despite his arbitrary methods, the Mayor's intentions are meant to be in the best interest of city and populace.

It is in the best interest of the City to have healthy residents.

These oversized, overly sweetened elixirs contribute to obesity and in most cases, the litany of health woes inherent in many overweight people, including diabetes and high blood pressure, according to health experts.

Not all overweight people have serious health issues, but, over time, the possibility increases that they will. However, many thought this latest proposition of the Mayor's would have gone the way of his congestion pricing proposal in 2010; and for the time being, it has. The sugar ban, as it is commonly known, is seen as the Mayor's "trying to turn New York City into a nanny state."

New Yorkers do not appreciate being dictated to and who can blame us. The Sept.

12, 2012, issue of the New York Daily News reported that the city received 38,000 public comments on the proposal: 32,000 in support, 6,000 in opposition. For the mom and pop eateries, which count on selling the big drinks and for the big manufacturers who supplies it, size is everything.

But for the individuals who literally consume it, size matters in a whole other way. It is making us sick. We may not agree with Bloomberg's policies all the time, but as now retired US Senator, Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) has said, "The essence of public policy is to solve problems." Well we have a serious health problem in our City, State and nation as it pertains to obesity. We need to fix it, even if we see the Mayor's method as dictatorial.

Mayor Bloomberg's bold moves to introduce policies

to solve health problems in this city are to be commended, even though we may resent him for them. However, the root causes for the overindulgence in unhealthy eating/drinking and a culture of sedentary activities could be attributed in part to lack of information. The Mayor, in addition to demanding calorie content on all food and drink, should invest in public information sessions and advertising so that people will get a better understanding of what is at stake - their health - and indeed, their very lives.

Sadly, we should not need to have anyone legislate our personal behavior. Bloomberg already got rid of public smoking and trans fat in addition to having calorie content posted on menus. Those policies have worked. We need to find a way to make the sugar ban policy be a mutually beneficial policy.

Both are important to the health of our city.

March 15-21, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 15-21, 2013

Proposal Problems

Group Opposes USTA Plans

BY STEVEN J. FERRARI

Photo by Steven J. Ferrari

As Community Boards throughout Queens prepare to vote on the proposed expansion of the United States Tennis Association’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, a coalition has formed, asking the organization to change its ways.

On March 8, the Fairness Coalition of Queens joined elected officials and community leaders to protest what they called the “negative impacts” the USTA has on Flushing Meadows Corona Park and surround- Under the USTA’s expansion proposal, Louis Armstrong Stadium will be rebuilt in the same location. ing communities.

“For our community in Queens, the USTA is nothing more than a als for Flushing Meadows Corona ments around the center.

“There’s really no lasting sociogated community walled off from lo- Park, including a proposed soccer cal residents,” Javier Valdes, co-ex- stadium and an entertainment and economic change from these ecutive director of Make the Road retail complex surrounding Citi Field events,” Oshiro said. “Folks rarely use NY, said. “We are deeply concerned because of the loss of parkland the the businesses around the tennis center.” that an expansion of the USTA will proposals would cause.

While the USTA has also reThe Rev. Darrel DeCosta, pastor just lead to even more problems for of St. Paul the Apostle Church in ceived various tax breaks and subsithe community.”

The USTA’s proposed expansion Corona, said many members of his dies, the coalition noted that most includes the construction of two new congregation use the park. These of the USTA’s high-paying jobs are stadiums to replace the Louis proposals, he said, would take that located in the organization’s headquarters in Westchester.

Armstrong stadium in the same loca- away from them.

“It’s outrageous that that is al“We need to hear the voice of the tion and the Grandstand in a new location at the southwest corner of community,” he said. “It’s not just lowed to happen,” Councilman about profit, it’s also about nourish- Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) the tennis center site.

The proposal to expand the ten- ing the soul of the community.” said. nis center includes the loss of .68 acres of parkland that the City has Economic Issues USTA Responds determined the organization does The loss of parkland was just one In the wake of the Fairness not need to replace. According to a of the many issues the Fairness Coa- Coalition’s report, the USTA restatement from the USTA, most of lition raised in a recently-released leased a statement arguing that the the .68 acres is an existing asphalt report, titled “Double Fault.” Officials project has received “strong support” road that will remain open to the expressed disappointment with the from area businesses and the surpublic 11 months out of the year.

USTA over the tax breaks the City rounding communities.

Members of the community also has provided to the facility with mini“The deceitful accusations … aim expressed disappointment that the mal returns to the surrounding com- to discredit the USTA’s proposed enUS Open causes parts of Flushing munities. hancement plan for the Billie Jean Meadows Corona Park to be shut off Theo Oshiro of Make the Road King National Tennis Center,” the to the public during the event.

NY stressed that many of the visi- statement read.

Joel Martinez, a member of Make tors who attend the annual US Open The statement argues that the the Road NY and a professional in August do not visit local establish- tennis center is open daily to the genmarathon runner, said he eral public and even weltrains at the park, but during comes schools community the US Open, he is routinely tennis programs throughout told to find a new route to the year. While members of run. the Fairness Coalition stated Speaking through an inthat hourly rates to use the terpreter, Martinez said pocourts were out of line with lice stationed at the park what residents of the surwould tell him he was not alrounding community were lowed to run his usual route capable of paying, the USTA during the US Open. said that was untrue.

“If they approve this ex“The vast majority of pansion, what happens to NTC patrons access courts the park?” he asked. “The at fees well below the listed park is my home.”

Joel Martinez, a member of Make the Road NY, dis- rates,” the organization said The Fairness Coalition of cusses his opposition to the USTA’s proposed expansion in a statement. “The USTA Queens has actively prosponsors numerous programs during a press conference last week. tested a number of proposand camps whose partici-

pants get deeply discounted or free court time.”

The USTA also addressed the claim that taxpayers have provided more than $320 million in City bonds for construction, noting that the organization has repaid the bonds with interest of more than $132 million.

“Since 1997, the USTA has invested millions of its own funds into the NTC, and this project will continue that investment.”

Boards Weigh In As of press time, three Community Boards have weighed in and voted on the USTA’s expansion, with another three CBs meeting later in the week.

The first board to vote on the topic was Community Board 7, which includes Flushing and Willets Point. The board voted in favor of the proposed expansion by a vote of 30-6 on March 11. The vote came one week after the board’s Parks Committee recommended approval with conditions.

The USTA touted the victory earlier this week.

“We are very pleased that Community Board 7 has voiced its support for our proposed enhancements,” Daniel Zausner, chief operation officer of the NTC, said. “Our goal is to continue to be a good steward of the park and a good neighbor and community partner as we have been for the past 35 years.”

Two other Community Board votes did not turn out in the USTA’s favor.

Community Board 9, which represents Kew Gardens, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill and Woodhaven, voted against recommending the expansion, also on March 11, with 20 votes for, 22 against and one abstention.

On March 12, Community Board 4, which encompasses Corona and Elmhurst, voted unanimously to oppose the expansion.

Community Boards 6 and 8 also approved the proposal on March 13.

CB 6 voted 21-6 in favor, while CB 8 voted 26-8. Community Board 3 was scheduled to vote March 14, after this issue went to press.

Once the Community Boards have weighed in, the proposal will then go before Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, the City Planning Commission, the City Council and the State Legislature.

Reach Managing Editor Steven J. Ferrari at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 122, or sferrari@queenstribune.com.

March 15-21, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 15-21, 2013

Responders Honored

Photo by Ira Cohen

pix

Rad Science Professional skateboarder and Queens native Rodney Torres, founder of Torro! Skateboards, brought a team of boarders from Team Torro to the New York Hall of Science to highlight Tricks featured in the exhibit "Tony Hawk Rad Science."

Advantage Academy

St. John's University honored the heroic actions of first responders before and after Hurricane Sandy by celebrating "First Responders Day" at a half-time, center-court presentation at the Red Storm's final regular season home game versus Big East Conference opponent and top ranked Marquette University. Pictured (from left) are Deputy Inspector Thomas Burns, NYPD; St. John's University Director of Athletics Chris Monasch; OEM Commissioner Joseph F. Bruno; DSNY Borough Chief Myron Priester; St. John's University Executive Vice President, COO and Treasurer Martha K. Hirst; and FDNY Commissioner Salvatore Cassano.

Municipal Credit Union recently made a $5,000 donation to the St. John's University Advantage Academy during a men's basketball game. Pictured (from left) are Jamal Law, Student, Advantage Academy; Rennison Lynch, Student, Advantage Academy; Deanne Southwell, Executive Director, Vincentian Institute for Social Action; Corey Fernandes, Vice President of Business Development/ Member Relations, MCU; Huey Ferguson, Manager, Business Development/Member Relations, MCU.

Police Blotter Compiled by STEVEN J. FERRARI

112th Precinct Burglary The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance identifying and locating a suspect wanted for a burglary.

On Feb. 7 at approximately 3:23 a.m., inside Olga Salon, 91-02 63rd Drive, a suspect used a hammer to shatter the store’s front glass door.

The suspect then entered the location and removed currency from the register and a portable radio from behind the counter area and then fled the store.

The suspect is described as a white male, 35-40 years old, 5-foot-8, 160170 lbs., last seen wearing a dark colored 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.

All calls are strictly confidential.

114th Precinct Forcible Touching The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in locating the following

suspect wanted in connection with a forcible touching incident.

On March 4 at approximately 6 p.m. while inside the Queens Public Library located at 40-20 Broadway, Astoria, a 15-year-old female was approached by the suspect, who grabbed her crotch and exposed his genitals to the victim. The suspect fled the location and no injuries were reported.

The suspect is described as a male, either Hispanic or Middle Eastern, between the ages of 40 and 45, wearing a tan jacket, grey hat, black shirt and blue jeans.

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.

Burglary The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the following suspect wanted in connection with a burglary.

On March 4 at approximately 1 a.m., the suspect walked in the front door of 25-32 30th Drive, picked the

lock to the garage and the storage area and removed two bicycles and one laptop computer.

The suspect is described as an Hispanic male, between 5-foot-7 and 5foot-9, 170-190 lbs., wearing a light blue sweatshirt, dark colored pants and black sneakers.

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.

Grand Larceny The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance with the whereabouts and identity of the following individuals wanted in connection to three grand larcenies committed in January and February. During these incidents, two unknown female suspects enter commercial establishments and remove unattended handbags from female shoppers. Subsequent to removing the handbags, the complainants’ debit/credit cards are used to make purchases at local clothing stores.

The first incident occurred on Jan. 20 at 2:45 p.m. The complainant’s

wallet was removed from her handbag while she was inside Shine Beauty Salon, 30-62 Steinway St. The complainant’s credit card was then used to make purchases at Victoria’s Secret, Party City and Michael’s.

The second incident occurred on Feb. 26 at 6:45 p.m. The complainant’s wallet was removed from her handbag in her shopping cart while she was shopping at Marshall’s, 48-18 Northern Blvd. The complainant’s credit card was then used to make purchases at Victoria’s Secret and Sports Lane.

The third incident occurred on Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. The complainant’s handbag was removed from her unattended shopping cart while she was shopping inside Marshall’s. The complainant’s credit card was then used at McDonald’s and CEX electronics store.

The suspects are described as two females with light complexions.

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.

March 15-21, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Profile

Queens Man Gives Back With New Film

BY STEVEN J. FERRARI The rough cut of a film shot in Queens will debut during an event this weekend designed to raise money for post-production work.

The film, titled "Street Choice," follows the lives of two childhood friends from different backgrounds who grow up taking separate paths based on the way they were raised.

While one friend gets caught up with street gangs and succumbs to peer pressure, the other goes to medical school and decides to return to his home to give back to his community.

The writer and director of the film, George Cox, said he wanted to create an urban tale that felt real to those who experienced similar situations growing up.

"We asked a lot of people at churches and on the streets, what do you want to see," Cox said. "They said, 'Mr. Cox, we want to see something that's real."

After serving time in the Army during the Korean War, Cox came to New York City, following his sister

to Brooklyn before moving to Southeast Queens. He received a certificate from the film school at New York University and has played bit parts in a number of films and TV shows, including "Serpico," "Down To Earth," and "30 Rock."

The film gives Cox the opportunity to present a film that tackles the problems facing youth who grow up in an urban setting.

"What I'm looking to do is give something back to my community and to young people," he said. "We have a lot of young people struggling."

While principle photography on the film is completed and a rough cut is finished, the filmmaker said the final step is to convert the film entirely to hi-definition. When he started filming seven years ago, HD was unavailable. To cover the cost of the post-production work, and to submit the film to the Motion Picture Association of America for a rating, Cox is holding a fundraiser this weekend.

The event, which will include a screening of the film, along with cof-

fee and desserts, will take place at either excellent or good. He said he Antun's, 96-43 Springfield Blvd., was encouraged by the reception the Queens Village, from 6 to 9 p.m. on film received at the festival.

"They got 1,500 entries [for the March 17.

Cox said he expects the film to San Diego Black Film Festival]," he said. "We would not get an R rating from have gotten in to the the MPAA because of festival if it was not the language featured good." in the film, so the “What I'm looking Once work on event is for adults to do is give some- "Street Choice" is finonly. ished, Cox, who turns "Right now it's thing back to my 80 this year, said he only for adults," he community and to wanted to do another said. "We don't want young people.� film, and provide jobs to offend anybody."

-George Cox for other graduates Cox said he spent the last seven years from NYU's film school. working on the film, "We've got to help which was shot in Queens locations including St. each other," he said.

Tickets for the March 17 event Albans, and once the film is complete, he hopes to get "Street Choice" cost $45 in advance. The event will on the festival circuit. Earlier this include a screening of the film, cofyear, the film was screened at the San fee and dessert. Cox said the film's cast will also be in attendance.

Diego Black Film Festival.

For information or to purchase "They gave us a great review," Cox tickets, call (917) 602-6535. said.

Reach Managing Editor Steven J. The filmmaker noted that each of the comment sheets he received for Ferrari at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 122, or his 91-minute film came back marked at sferrari@queenstribune.com.

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 15-21, 2013

A&E

Celebs Mentor Kids At Radio City Garden of Dreams is more than just a charity organization. The nonprofit is dedicated to giving hope and opportunities to children facing devastating problems, such as loss, illness, poverty, foster care issues and more.

On March 11, Garden of Dreams held a rehearsal of their upcoming Talent Show at Radio City Music Hall. Twenty different children performers of all ages and musical skills arrived to practice their pieces for the April 16 concert. Throughout the preparation, the kids were mentored by a panel of celebrities, including Queens-born Talent Show Creative Director, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels.

The other entertainers on hand to guide the children were Miss USA Nana Meriwether, Model Damaris Lewis, Broadway star Tony Vincent, Rockettes Tara Dunleavy and Karilyn Surratt, Knick City Dancers Ana DeMatos and Alyssa Quezada and R&B boy band Mindless Behavior, who got a huge reaction from the crowd.

Alexis Stewart, a 13-year-old dancer

from Elmont, was nervous being in front of all the celebrity mentors. But once her song of choice, “Reflections” from “The Lion King” musical, started playing, she relaxed and fell right into her routine, which garnered much applause from the crowd.

Associated with the NYPD Widow’s & Children’s Fund, Stewart chose the song because it helped her reflect on her father, a police officer who was killed in the line of duty.

“I felt like it helped me to reflect some of my dad in me and it just felt like the song I would choose because the auditions were on his birthday. I felt like that would help me a little bit,” she said.

Although she was a little anxious, Stewart said she was very excited about performing at Radio City Music Hall.

“I’m hoping it’ll take me where I want to be. Take me to Juilliard. Take me to those performing arts schools,” she said. “I feel like it’s opening many doors for me and many opportunities for me to get where I want in performing.”

DMC felt that the chance to make

Restaurant Review

Simply The Best Ben’s Best Gourmet Delicatessen 96-40 Queens Blvd., Rego Park (718) 897-1700 www.bensbest.com CUISINE: Deli, American, Kosher TAKE-OUT: Yes CREDIT CARDS: Yes, all major Sometimes, when you are looking for a meal, you just want something simple. It can be a nice place to sit down and grab a filling sandwich or a classic dinner dish. If that sounds like a good deal to you, then Ben’s Best is the place to be.

It may be called a deli, but Ben’s offers a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options, in addition to a comfortable dining area in the back. Everything feels made to make sure you have an enjoyable meal. The service is impeccable, timely and up for a conversation or two.

Of course, what really matters is the food. In this field, Ben’s gets top marks as well. Heading over there with my girlfriend, we both started with a bowl of Matzo ball soup. When this place says bowl,

they certainly mean it. Both of the soups we received were far bigger and heartier than expected, filled to the brim with matzo balls, noodles and chicken. If we were stopping in for a quick lunch rather than dinner, that could have been a whole meal itself.

Since we were there for a big evening meal, however, we both went ahead and ordered the deli’s classic overstuffed sandwiches. And I mean overstuffed. Both my roast turkey sandwich and my girlfriend’s pastrami sandwich were packed to the brim with meat. My sandwich was deliciously flavored and bursting at the seams, making each bite a full one. My girlfriend described her sandwich as absolutely incredible, with the mustard making for the perfect partner to the pastrami.

With so many more sandwich and entrée choices we did not get a chance to try, there’s a very good chance the two of us will be back to Ben’s soon. It is as the name advertises. When it comes to sandwiches, this deli is the best.

- Joe Marvilli

story of how he connections, both found out at the career-wise and age of 35 that he personally, is a big part of Garden of was adopted. He visited foster Dreams.

“They see the homes, connecting with kids and helpCEOs, they see the managers, they see ing them realize they were not the coaches, they see the journalalone.

“Garden of ists,” he said.

“They see other Dreams gives these kids opportunities opportunities to and a usable hope. make it possible to still be involved in There are two doing something hopes. You can say a prayer for them,” they love.”

DMC got inDMC said. “But the volved with the Alexis Stewart, 13, of Elmont, Garden of Dreams Garden of Dreams performs a dance routine during the puts the hope into when they ap- Garden of Dreams rehearsals on action.”

Reach Reporter proached him due Monday. to the work he did Joe Marvilli at (718) with his documentary, “DMC: My 357-7400, Ext. 125, or at jmarvilli@ Adoption Journey,” which told the queens-tribune.com.

Photo by Joe Marvilli

BY JOE MARVILLI

West Side Tennis Stadium To Host Tournament

BY LUIS GRONDA In what they hope will become an annual event in Queens, Tennis New York and the United States Tennis Association will host the inaugural New York Open tournament this summer at the historic West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills.

The tournament will be held July 4-7, which coincides with the 100th anniversary of the stadium’s opening.

It is most known for hosting the U.S Open in the late 1960s and 70s.

Dale Caldwell, president and CEO of Tennis New York, which hosts tournaments nationwide, said that the reasoning to have the tournament is twofold: first, because there had been no open tournaments in New York other than the U.S Open and second, because they wanted to celebrate the history of the stadium where famous tennis players like John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg and Billie Jean King competed.

“We would be celebrating the history of the tennis stadium while creating new memories at the same time,” Caldwell said. “There’s no better place to have this tournament than in Forest Hills.”

The tournament will be open to the public, including New York City residents and abroad, but you must be selected to play in the games.

Selection will be based on a players pro ranking and winners from various Parks tournaments held throughout the City, according to a Tennis New York spokesperson.

The tournament will have men’s and women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles. Matches will be played on the Tennis Center’s four courts and, although it has not been determined how big the tournament will be, it will most likely be a 16 or 32player draw, the spokesperson said.

Caldwell said that they plan on making the Open a yearly event and hope that people will think of this tournament as the beginning of summer, while the U.S Open signals the end of summer.

“We know that many like to travel during that time of year,” he said, referring to the tournament being held on Fourth of July weekend, “but we are hoping to make this a destination for people to go to.”

Other details of the tournament like how much ticket prices will be and what the winner of the tournament will get have also not been determined, but that will be announced in the near future, the spokesperson said.

The application for the tournament has not been posted yet, but it will soon be available on foresthillstennis.com and tennisnewyork.com.

March 15-21, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

Faith

Jamaica Pastor Lends A Helping Hand

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA For more than 10 years, Pastor Robert Fritch of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Jamaica has been teaching free workshops, giving struggling churches and other places of worship the tools necessary to attract newcomers.

The idea came to him more than 20 years ago when he first came to Our Saviour Lutheran and witnessed the church had a difficult time bringing in and keeping new worshipers.

"When I got here, we were a church that was about to be closed," Fritch explained. "I was looking for help and there wasn't help available.

We knew what we were supposed to do as Christians, but sometimes we don't know how to do that. I was looking for the how - the practical."

With the help of the pastor, Our Saviour Lutheran Church grew very quickly and neighboring religious organizations began to inquire about the success. By popular demand and

welcoming. When we're in a growing need, Fritch conducted church for so long, we don't see two different workshops - Evanthings through the eyes of other gelism 101 and Church Marketing people so we don't really know 201. what it feels like to walk into a The first workshop, Evangedifferent situation." lism 101, is geared towards helpIn the 12 years the pastor has ing congregations reach out to hosted these free classes, he has and welcome newcomers. helped dozens of different reli"The first workshop really deals gious institutions get back on their with getting the house ready - getfeet. Although most of the workting your church ready for guests shops are held at Our Saviour and new people and preparing the Lutheran Church, Fritch has travplace," Fritch said. "One of my bigeled across the United States and gest mistakes when I got to this even visited Guyana in an effort church was that we did marketing to help churches in need. first and people came but we For more information about the weren't ready for them so they left Pastor Robert Fritch of Our Saviour Lutheran and so the first step is getting the Church in Jamaica visits Poughkeepsie to workshops, or to schedule a workhouse ready to welcome people teach a free workshop for a struggling church. shop for members of your religious institution, you may call Pastor and then you do the outreach."

The second available workshop, grow. Often, these workshops are Robert Fritch at (718) 739-7452 or visit www.oursaviourjamaica.org.

Church Marketing 201, is offered for taught six months to a year apart.

Our Saviour Lutheran Church is "There needs to be some time places of worship that have already begun the process of preparing for between those two [workshops]," located at 90-04 175 St., Jamaica.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska newcomers. In that course, faith lead- Fritch said. "It takes time to do some ers learn inexpensive techniques that of the ground work that needs to be at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or will help their religious institutions done to get a church to be really, truly nkozikowska@queenspress.com.

Notebook Hillcrest High School

Hillcrest High School Breaks A Sweat more productive the students.”

The classes also give parents an In an effort to reach out to the opportunity to keep informed about community and promote healthy livthe school. ing, Hillcrest High School in Jamaica “When they come in, they ask me has created 'A Parents' Academy' - a other things,” she said. “They have series of exercise classes open to other questions so we end up touchparents and locals alike. ing on things like, ‘How is the attenAs of Feb. 23, the high school dance? How are the grades? How can opened its doors to community resiI speak to this teacher,’ There is so dents, parents and students, offering much more. They can make that conyoga, spin cycling and salsa dance nection.” classes all free of charge.

The three one-hour classes are "The reason we did it also a great opportunity to is because obviously fitbond with one another. Each ness is a problem in our participant is allowed to bring society," said Bilquees one partner. Some parents Akhtar, parent coordinabring a friend but other times, tor at the school. students bring their parents.

The classes offer more "It gives them a chance to than just an intense workget out and do something on out, Akhtar said. Every Saturday morning but also the week, the school also bonding - coming in and provides participants working out with others," with nutrition information Akhtar said. "Parents are not and health pamphlets only having fun, they are which include tips and bonding." strategies on how to lead Hillcrest High School offering a free exercise salsa class Giving back to the commuopen to anyone for free on Saturday mornings. healthier lives. nity is also one of Hillcrest Photo by Bob Harris

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

While encouraging the community to stay fit was a goal for Hillcrest, Akhtar said that reaching out to the parents of students and getting them more involved with the school was just as important.

"This was the whole idea behind the classes. We want to get the parents more involved. We especially chose Saturday because there are some parents that just can't make it Monday through Friday," she said.

"The more they are involved, the

High School's missions. The classes are all taught by certified gym teachers and held in a state of the art dance room, offering the same experience others often pay for.

"Hillcrest has a great facility, especially if it's something parents could not normally afford at home that is here," she said. "With the [salsa] dancing, most people charge a lot of money per hour and this is free - they are experts in their field."

"It's actually a beautiful dance room," she continued. "We aren't just playing music. It's actually in a dance room. There is a mirror, it's beautiful and there is a clean environment. It's very welcoming too so I think the parents feel welcome."

The classes are held every Saturday morning at the school from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Hillcrest High School is located 160-05 Highland Ave., Jamaica. For more information, call (718) 658-5407 or visit www.hillcrestweb.com.

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

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 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!

ENVIRONMENT SPRING CLEANING Monday, March 18 Steinway librar y. Register. Also on Wednesday, March 20 Astoria library.

Re g i st e r. G r e e n Yo u r Spring Cleaning.

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

ENTERTAINMENT

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS TANGO WORKSHOP Saturdays in March at Thalia Spanish Theatre in Sunnyside. 729-3880.

JOB APPLICATIONS Saturday, March 16 Flushing library. Register.

METRIX Saturday, March 16 LIC library. Register.

RESUME WRITING Saturday, March 16 Job Search Strategies and Resume Writing Far Rockaway library at 2.

JEWELRY MAKING Saturday, March 16 wire sculpting Steinway library. Register.

BECOME A CITIZEN Saturday, March 16 Broadway library at 3.

METRIX LEARNING Mondays, March 18, 25 Central library. Register.

JOB READINESS Mondays, March 18, 25 S o u t h J a m a i c a l i b ra r y.

Register.

KNIT & CROCHET Mondays, March 18, 25 Douglaston library at 3.

MAC MONDAYS Monday, March 18 a: Central library at 6.

POP & ROCK CONCERT Saturday, March 16 Flushing library at 2.

HELLO DOLLY Saturday, March 16 sing-a-long with “Hello Dolly!” at Queensborough Communit y College. 6316311.

LEVENTERA Saturday, March 16 five borough of music festival a t F l u s h i n g Tow n H a l l .

463-7700, ext. 222.

CON BRIO ENSEMBLE Saturday, March 16 Langston Hughes library at 2.

WOMEN’S HISTORY Saturday, March 16 Celebration of Women’s History 2-4 at the Johnson Family Life Center, 17217 Linden Blvd., St. Albans.

MUSIC TIME TUNNEL Saturday, March 16 sounds of 30s-70s Jackson Heights library at 3.

STAR GAZING Saturday, March 16 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. $12. 2294000 to register.

GUATAMALA MUSIC

CRAFT CLUB Monday, March 18 Broadway library at 12:30.

GENEALOGY Monday, March 18 LIC library at 1.

BELLY DANCE Mondays, March 18, 25 Flushing library. Register.

COWRIE SHELL Monday, March 18 jewelry workshop at the Astoria library. Register.

EVENING CRAFTS Monday, March 18 Fresh Meadows library at 6.

BUSINESS BASICS Mondays, March 18, 25 LIC library at 6.

BALLROOM DANCING Monday, March 18 Forest Hills library at 6:30.

KATHAK Mondays, March 18, 25 dance instruction at the Lefferts librar y. Register.

GED Tuesdays, March 19, 25 Are You Ready f o r the GED? 480-4300 appt.

Central library.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Tuesdays, March 19, 26 Rosedale library at 11.

Saturday, March 16 Flushing library at 5.

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

Free. 188-36 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. 917-817-8653.

GISELLE Sunday, March 17 Russian National Ballet opera at 3 at Queensborough C o m m u n i t y C o l l e ge .

631-6311.

STAMP SHOW Sunday, March 17 Bayside Stamp Show at the Ramada Hotel in Bayside 10-4:30. Free admission and parking.

645-7659.

GREAT LYRICISTS Monday, March 18 Naomi Zeitlin performs at 1:30 at the North Hills library.

LOVE SONGS Monday, March 18 at the Middle Village library at 2.

LATIN AMER. SOUNDS Monday, March 18 Poppenhusen library at 2.

PASSOVER MUSIC Monday, March 18 Jewish and Russian Music in

honor of Passover at 5:30 at the Lefrak Cit y library.

SINATRA/GARLAND Tu e s d a y , M a r c h 1 9 Naomi Zeitlin performs at 2:30 at the East Flushing library.

LADIES OF JAZZ Tu e s d a y , M a r c h 1 9 Lefrak Cit y library at 5.

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

SCRABBLE Tuesdays Fresh Meadows library at 2.

CHESS Tuesdays 4 Rosedale library.

THAT’S SHOW BIZ Wednesday, March 20 songs of the stage, silver screen and radio at the Douglaston library at 2.

FROGS WALK Wednesday, March 20 Tw i l i g h t S p r i n g Pe p p e r Frogs Walk at 6:30 with Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000 to register. $7.

Borough Beat

BY STEVEN J. FERRARI City Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan) officially kicked off her bid for Mayor with a tour of all five boroughs on Sunday, including a walk down Austin Street in Forest Hills.

The Queens neighborhood was Quinn’s third stop of the day, starting her tour in Manhattan and then travelling to the Bronx. At each location, throngs of supporters followed the Speaker as she made stops to greet people on the street and visit with local businesses.

While speaking with pedestrians on Austin Street, Quinn stressed that she hoped for a substantive campaign in the coming months.

“I hope a lot of issues rise to the top,” she said. “I hope this race is about issues.”

One issue that was brought to the forefront was the subject of term limits, raised by an angry voter at the start of her walk in Forest Hills.

While she addressed reporters, Herbert Goldman, who said he had just happened upon the candidate on his way to the grocery store, attempted to interrupt Quinn. Goldman de-

manded an answer on why Quinn had led the City Council to allow Mayor Mike Bloomberg to run for a third term.

“You don’t give a damn about our election vote,” Goldman told Quinn.

Goldman said he liked Bloomberg, but that he was very disappointed the Mayor ran for a third term in 2009.

“What is he, a king or something?” he asked.

After she addressed the press, Quinn walked over to Goldman to speak to him about his issues. Surrounded by a throng of press and Quinn supporters, Goldman stood his ground, pulling his hand back from Quinn as she attempted to hold it.

Goldman said that while he appreciated Quinn’s attempt to speak to him about the issue, it did nothing to change his mind about her candidacy.

“I’m not voting for her,” he said.

“I’ll find someone to vote for, but it won’t be her.”

After the encounter with Goldman, Quinn continued on her way. The Speaker said she understood that some people were going to dislike the decisions she has made in her position.

“I’m me and hopefully more people will like that than not like it,” she said.

Photos by Ira Cohen

Quinn Kicks Off Campaign With Forest Hills Stop

Council Speaker Christine Quinn kicked off her campaign for Mayor with a walking tour through all five boroughs, including a stop in Forest Hills.

When asked her opinion of Bloomberg, Quinn deflected by focusing on the 2013 Mayoral race.

“I don’t think he’s running,” she said.

The 2013 race for Mayor has attracted a long list of candidates seeking the seat. According to a recent NY1/Marist College poll, Quinn leads the crowded field of Democrats, with 37 percent of registered Democrats supporting her. Former City Comptroller Bill Thompson trails in second with 13 percent and Public Advocate Bill de Blasio has 12 percent. Round-

ing out the field are current Comptroller John Liu and former Brooklyn Councilman Sal Albanese. The poll reported that 26 percent of voters were undecided.

On the Republican side, former MTA head Joe Lhota leads the field with 20 percent, while 55 percent of Republican voters were undecided.

The Mayoral primary is scheduled for Sept. 10.

Reach Managing Editor Steven J. Ferrari at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 122, or sferrari@queenstribune.com.

March 15-21, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

Queens Today YOUTH

HEALTH TAI & YOGA Monday, March 18 Sunnyside library at 2.

CHAIR YOGA Monday, March 18 Broadway library. Register.

SHAPE UP NYC Mondays, March 18, 25 stretch and tone LIC library at 6:30.

CHAIR YOGA Wednesdays, March 20, 2 7 P o m o n o k l i b ra r y.

Register.

SHAPE UP NYC Wednesdays, March 20, 27 Aerobics for adults Central library at 4.

VISITING NURSE Wednesday, March 20 Lefrak Cit y library at 2.

For those who might be eligible for Medicare or Medicaid.

GENTLE YOGA Wednesday, March 20 Woodside library. Register.

ZUMBA Wednesday, March 20 South Ozone Park library at 5:45.

OA Wednesdays Overeaters Anonymous Howard Beach library at 11.

EATING FOR ENERGY Thursday, March 21 Windsor Park library at 11:30.

NUTRITION 101 Thursday, March 21 Sunnyside library at 2.

SHAPE UP NYC Thursdays, March 21, 28 Body Sculpt Fitness at the Lefrak Cit y librar y at 5:30.

ZUMBA Thursdays, March 21, 28

TALKS SNCC Saturday, March 16 Personal Accounts by Women of the SNCC at the Central library at 2.

EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN Saturday, March 16 Other Black NYers: New Stories of Exceptional Women at the Langston Hughes library at 3:30.

BOOK TALK Wednesday, March 20 “NW” discussed at the Central library at 11:30.

POMONOK TALK Wednesday, March 20 “Breaking Night” discussed at 2 at the Pomonok library.

INVESTOR SEMINAR Thursday, March 21 Forest Hills library at 11.

ST. ALBANS Thursday, March 21 “The Perfect Marriage” discussed at the St. Albans library at 6:30.

Baisley Park library at 6.

CHAIR YOGA Fridays, March 22, 29 McGoldrick library. Register.

SHAPE UP NYC Fridays, March 22, 29

MEETINGS KNIT & CROCHET CLUB Saturdays, March 16, 23, 30 Peninsula library at 11.

P-FLAG Sunday, March 17 PFLAG, a support group for parents, families and friends of lesbians and gays meet in Forest Hills.

271-6663.

AMER. LEGION 131 Tu e s d a y, M a r c h 1 9 American Legion McKee Post 131 meets at 10-20 Clintonville Street, Whitestone at 8. 7674323.

KNIT & CROCHET Tu e s d a y, M a r c h 1 9 Whitestone library at 2 and Windsor Park library at 2.

BEREAVEMENT Tuesday, March 19 Bereavement Support Group at Holy Family in Fresh Meadows. 7:30.

969-2448.

TALK OF THE TOWN Tuesday, March 19 learn the art of public speaking in St. Albans at 7:15. 6407092.

DEMOCRATS Wednesday, March 20 Clinton Democratic Club m e e t s a t Va l l o n e & Va l l o n e , 2 5 - 5 9 Fra n c i s Lewis Blvd., Flushing.

428-7285 at 7.

CDEC 26 Thursday, March 21 business meeting at 7, public meeting at 8.

MS67 in Little Neck.

WRITING CLUB Thursdays, March 21, 28 Peninsula library at 2.

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

KNIT & CROCHET CLUB Fridays, March 22, 29 Fresh Meadows library at 11.

CROCHET CLUB Fridays, March 22, 29 LIC library at 11:30.

CHESS CLUB Friday, March 22 Woodside library at 4.

JEWISH VETS Sunday, March 24 Jewish War Veterans of the USA Lipsky/Blum Post meet at the Kissena Jewish Center in Flushing.

4 6 3 - 4 7 4 2 . Ko re a n Wa r Ve t S o c c e r Te a m a l s o meets.

Dance Fitness for Adults at the Richmond Hill library at 5.

ZUMBA Fridays, March 22, 29 with Wii at the South Jamaica library at 6.

PARENTS PARENTING Saturdays, March 16, 23, 30 parenting classes for possible behavioral and emotional disorders.

Register LIC library.

KIDS & LOSS Wednesday, March 20 Talking to Our Children About Loss at 2 at the Flushing library.

FLEA MARKETS SPRING FLING FAIR Saturday, March 23 107 at Mary’s Nativit y/St. Ann’s Parish, 46-02 Parsons Blvd (Jasmine Avenue), Flushing. Gifts, crafts, toys, white elephant sale, egg hunt at 1, breakfast at 9, café dinner 6-7. 353-5961.

SENIORS DEFENSIVE DRIVING Monday, March 18 Queens Village librar y.

Register.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Monday, March 18 W i n d s o r Pa r k l i b r a r y.

468-8300.

AARP TAX HELP Monday, March 18 Pomonok library at 11:30.

AARP 3334 Mondays, March 18, April 15 St. Kevin’s Parish Center in Flushing.

224-0478.

SENIOR COMPUTERS Tuesday, March 19 So. Ozone Park library at 10.

AARP TAX HELP Tuesdays, March 19, 26 Auburndale library at 1.

SENIOR COMPUTERS Wednesdays, March 20, 27 Central library at 2.

AARP TAX HELP Wednesday, March 20 Windsor Park library at 1.

SELFHELP LATIMER Wednesday, March 20 Diabetic Food care at 11.

Wednesday, March 27 Preventing Strokes at 11.

Selfhelp Latimer Gardens Senior Center, 3430 137 th St. 559-4395.

AARP TAX HELP Friday, March 22 Pomonok library at 11:30.

KNIT & CROCHET Saturdays, March 16, 30 Peninsula library at 11.

FAMILY STORY TIME Saturday, March 16 Flushing library at 11:30.

NOVELS IN NATURE Sunday, March 17 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000.

GINGERBREAD MAN Sunday, March 17 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000.

S TORY T I M E Monday, March 18 Hollis library at 11:30.

CHESS & SCRABBLE Mondays, March 18, 25 Peninsula library at 4.

LEGOS Mondays, March 18, 25 Ridgewood library at 4.

GAME NIGHT Monday, March 18 Richmond Hill library at 5.

KATHAK DANCE Mondays, March 18, 25 Lefferts library. Register.

ECO-CRAFTS Monday, March 18 for those 6-12 at Astoria library at 3:30.

FAMILY STORY TIME Monday, March 18 Auburndale library at 4.

READING & CRAFT Monday, March 18

YORK COLLEGE

DRAMA SERIES

TEENS

North Forest Park library pre-K-2 at 4.

SCIENCE CLUB Tuesdays, March 19, 26 Peninsula library at 3.

CHESS CLUB Tu e s d a y , M a r c h 1 9 Howard Beach library at 4.

CHESS & SCRABBLE Tuesdays, March 19, 26 Peninsula library at 4.

COMPUTER FOR KIDS Tu e s d a y , M a r c h 1 9 Ridgewood library. Register.

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

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays, March 19, 26 East Elmhurst library at 4.

MOSAICS Tu e s d a y , M a r c h 1 9 Poppenhusen library at 4.

SPRING CRAFTS Tu e s d a y , M a r c h 1 9 Queens Village library at 4.

KIDS CLUB Tu e s d a y , M a r c h 1 9 Hillcrest library at 4:30.

For those 8-12.

HEALTH & SCIENCE Tu e s d ay, M a r c h 1 9 McGoldrick library at 5.

TEEN ZONE Monday, March 18 Queens Village library at 4.

SCRABBLE CLUB Tuesday, March 19 East Flushing library at 3:30.

CHESS FOR ALL Tuesdays, March 19, 16 Rosedale library at 4.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesday, March 19 East Elmhurst library at 4.

MOSAICS Tuesday, March 19 Poppenhusen library at 4.

SISTER TO SISTER Tuesdays, March 19, 26 girls discuss life skills and more at 4:30 at the Pomonok library.

CHESS & SCRABBLE Wednesday, March 20 Peninsula library at 4.

TEEN ZONE Wednesdays, March 20, 27 Q u e e n s V i l l a g e l i brary at 4.

MAGIC TRICKS Wednesday, March 20 Poppenhusen library and Friday, March 22 Fresh Meadows library. Register.

FREE SPEECH Wednesday, March 20 learn the general meaning of free speech at 4:30 Flushing library.

CAMP

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SATURDAY APRIL 6, 2013 3:00pm & 7:00pm $20.00 Adults / $10.00 Students & Seniors For more information call 718-262-3750 FREE PARKING Major funding for this series provided by NYC Councilmembers Leroy Comrie (27th-CD) Deputy Majority Leader NY City Council and Chair of Land Use Committee, and Ruben Wills (28th-CD), Chair of Substance Abuse Sub-Committee.

YORK COLLEGE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Tickets available at the Box Office, 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd.

Call: 718-262-2840 or online at www.yorkpac.com

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Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 15-21, 2013

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March 15-21, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

People Tanvir Hossain of Queens Village received a Bachelor of Science degree in applied networking and system administration during fall 2012 commencement ceremonies at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Kristin Lam of Queens Village was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 semester at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.

The New York Army National Guard has announced the reenlistment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve.

Specialist Adam Abdallah of Far Rockaway has reenlisted to continue service with the Headquarters, 27th Finance Management Company.

Specialist Juan Castillo of Jamaica has reenlisted to continue service with the Company B, 642nd Support Battalion.

Staff Sergeant Juan Gomez of Queens Village has reenlisted to continue service with the Company B, 642nd Support Battalion.

Sergeant Ronald Rivas of Jamaica has reenlisted to continue service with the 145th Maintenance Company.

Private First Class Jermaine Waddell of Cambria Heights has re-

enlisted to continue service with the Company G (Forward Support Company Field Artillery), 427th Brigade Support Battalion.

Specialist Sean Durst of Richmond Hill has reenlisted to continue service with the Company B (Military Intelligence), 27th Brigade Special Troops Battalion.

Specialist Artemio Molina of Woodhaven has reenlisted to continue service with the Company A, 1-69th Infantry.

Sergeant First Class Celeste Brevard of Bellerose has reenlisted to continue service with the Headquarters, 27th Finance Management Company.

Sergeant First Class Adam Meyer from Fresh Meadows has reenlisted to continue service with the Joint Force Headquarters.

Staff Sergeant David Rodriguez of Douglaston has reenlisted to continue service with the 442nd Military Police Company.

Shamel Donigan of Jamaica was a finalist in the Junior US Pastry Chef competition during the International Restaurant and Foodservice show at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center on March 4.

Jillian Urcelay of Belle Harbor and Michael Pallini of Breezy Point were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 semester at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.

Mary Fulbrook, a professor of German history at University College in London, will discuss her new book, “A Small Town Near Auschwitz,” 1:30 p.m. on March 28 at Central Queens YM&YWHA, 67-09 108 St., Forest Hills.

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Andrew Narang of Bayside was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 semester at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.

Tanvir Hossain of Queens Village received a Bachelor of Science degree in applied networking and system administration during fall 2012 commencement ceremonies at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

The Saul Weprin Democratic Club and The Eleanor Roosevelt Regular Democratic Club will host a Queens Borough President Democratic Candidates Forum at 8:15 p.m. March 21 at the Hollis Hills Jewish Center, 210-10 Union Tpk.

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

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Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 15-21, 2013

What Year Is It? We here at QConf get many emails each week letting us know about events going on around the Borough, but we don't usually get as much advance notice as one email sent out recently.

Last week, Queens Library sent out a press release about an event that they hosted in the Rockaways. It was your typical notice with all the information needed about a press conference. Except there was one detail we found very peculiar.

The date for the presser was listed as happening on “Friday, March 8, 3013.”

While we at QConf appreciate the advance notice of a press conference, we're pretty sure our current staff will not be able to go to that event for a story.

Also, we wanted to let the library know they got the date of the event wrong. March 8, 3013 is a Monday, not a Friday.

We’ll forward that email to a reporter working 1,000 years from now.

Too Much Pepper One Queens middleschooler felt that the food in his school’s cafeteria didn’t include enough pepper… spray.

The Daily News reported that on March 5, 18 students and a staffer at the Jamaica High School campus were taken to local hospitals after a seventh grader unleashed a can of pepper spray.

According to the report, a 12-year-old boy brought the can to school and a 13year-old boy swiped it and started spraying the cafeteria about 8:45 a.m. Both pupils attend Queens Collegiate High School.

The victims were treated at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Queens Hospital Center and later released.

Got Talent?

Are you artistic, a model, musician, or a chef? Do you live in Queens? If so, we'd like to feature you! Email editor@queenstribune. com.

Old School

For anyone who knows the first thing about hiphop, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels is a household name.

Along with Joseph “Run” Simmons and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell, he was part of Run-DMC, one of the most well-known and influential rap groups of all time.

With the group having been founded in Hollis, Queens, DMC felt that the borough left a significant impact on both his life and career.

“Growing up in Queens showed us that even in the dirt-poor ghetto, there’s some goodness,” DMC said.

“We had hard working parents, we weren’t in the projects. We had houses. I had a backyard. I went to Catholic school my whole life. All those things went into my music.”

In the group’s first single, “Sucker M.C.’s,” DMC made a few references to his education in Queens, specifically in the lines “I'm D.M.C. in the place to be/I go to St. John's University/And since kindergarten I acquired the knowledge/after 12th grade I went straight to college.”

"My story was I was a straight A student who went to St. John’s University and had to stop because I made a record,” he said. “That’s powerful. That whole Queens community, the lower/middle class suburb vibe, transcended through our music.”

As Run-DMC’s career took off throughout the 1980s, Hollis started to become almost as famous as the group.

“There was a point where people in other states were saying ‘I’m from Hollis!’ That Hollis, Queens, vibe was so positive,” DMC said. “It was hard, it was relatable, but it was positive.”

DMC felt that their positive message and approval of education had the most lasting impact on the Borough and throughout their fanbase.

“Some of the kids were like, ‘You mean, I don’t have to sell drugs to be successful?’ I don’t have to carry this gun and do stick-ups?’ We affected people like that,” he said. “In my generation, when you said hip-hop, you thought possibilities, education and safety.

I think that’s what we represented.”

Musicians Of Queens

Getting The Word Out

Mobile Advertising When you have a small business, you are always looking for a way to get your name out there. While many people choose to advertise in print, visual or online media, there’s at least one van reaching potential customers throughout the City streets.

As the photo shows, a street vendor that sells falafel has chosen to put his advertisement right on the back

of his van as his customizable license plate.

The van and the vendor were found in the C-Town parking lot at Broadway and 30th Street.

Maybe this will lead to a trend of license plate advertising, though it won’t work for everyone. Sure, hot dog and pretzel will fit, but French fries may have a bit of trouble fitting.

Candidates in this fall’s election are required to file their contributions to the Campaign Finance Board by March 15, but one candidate was touting his successes a little bit early.

Austin Shafran, who will be competing in the Democratic primary for City Council District 19, sent out a release on Tuesday stating that he had raised nearly $60,000 in the last two months. According to the statement, Shafran’s filing includes 320 individual donors from throughout the district.

“The support we have received from hundreds of working families, neighborhood businesses, and members of the labor community shows that people who love their city can come together

Austin Shafran to change it for the better,” Shafran said.

District 19 is represented

by Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone). The Democratic primary for the seat on Sept. 10 also includes John Duane, Paul Graziano, Matthew Silverstein and Paul Vallone.

March 15-21, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

What’s Up MARCH 15 CD Release Concert The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York will present a CD release party for "The Worship Experience". Don't miss this opportunity to hear a joyful noise at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10. The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral is located at 11031 Merrick Blvd.

MARCH 16 A Tribute to Dinah Washington Jazz/African Educational Concerts will present 'A Tribute to Dinah Washington', featuring vocalist Lillie BryantHoward, pianist Joe Vincent Tranchina, bassist Christopher Dean Sullivan and percussionist Bobby Sanabria. Food will be available. The event will be held at the Afrikan Poetry Theatre located at 176-03 Jamaica Ave., from 8 to 11:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door and $17 in advance.

Free Tax Preparation Session Council Member Ruben Wills is hosting a free tax preparation session in his district office. Anyone earning less than $50,000 a year will be able to be helped. Participants need an appointment. If you or anyone you know needs assistance to file their taxes, they may attend. For additional information, contact Shruti Garg at 718-2062307 or sgarg@council.nyc.gov. The councilman's office is located at 95-26 Sutphin Blvd. The session is free.

Benefit and Awards Luncheon The Eastern Queens Alliance along with Congressman Gregory Meeks, State Senator Malcolm Smith and Assemblyman William Scarborough, invite you to attend the Idlewild Wetland and Wildlife Preserve Benefit and Awards Luncheon. To purchase tickets, make contributions or for more information about the event, call (347) 824-2301 or e-mail info@easternqueensalliance.org. The benefit will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. at The Inn at New Hyde Park located at 214 Jericho Turnpike. Tickets prices vary.

ment. The free event will be held at the Queens Central Library at 2 p.m.

JCAL Benefit Concert Here is your chance to experience great dance and support the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning at the same time. This dance concert will feature Yoo and Dancers, Neville Dance Theater, Synthesis Dance, Vissi Dance Theater, Dance Entropy, Harambee Dance and the Creative Outlet Dance Project. For more information, call (718) 618-6170 or visit www.jamaicaperformingartscenter.org.

Access to a pre/post reception and special dance workshops are available with the purchase of select tickets. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. at JCAL located at 153-10 Jamaica Ave. Tickets range from $25 to $50.

World Premiere By Mona Mansour And Tala Manassah York College Theatre continues its 2012-13 "Season of Diversity" with AFTER, a world premiere play by Mona Mansour and Tala Manassah that reveals the captivating world and intimate struggles of an Arab-American family in New York City. For additional information, contact Thomas Marion at (718)262-3705. Tickets are $10. The York College Performing Arts Center is located at 9445 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. The show will begin at 8 p.m. The event will also be held on Sunday at 3 p.m.

MARCH 18 Stay Well Learn how special exercises and relaxation techniques can make a difference in your life. This free event will be held at 10 a.m. at the Queens Central Library.

MARCH 19 Are You Ready for the GED? Are you ready for the GED? The Queens Central Library is offering a free GED assessment for kids ages 17 and up. Call (718) 480-4300 to schedule an appointment. This free program will be held at the Adult Learning Center located 91-14 Merrick Blvd., 6th Floor, Jamaica at 9:30 a.m.

Personal Accounts by Women MARCH 20 of the SNCC Meet three members of the Stu- Aerobics for Adults dent Nonviolent Coordinating Committee at this event - Dr. A. Leonara Taitt-Magubane, Muriel Tillinghast and Angeline Butler; the latter two are part of the 52 women whose personal stories are documented in Hands on the Freedom Plow, which documents the pivotal role women played early in the Civil Rights Move-

Keep that New Year's resolution with free weekly fitness classes through ShapeUp NYC. Aerobics for Adults, a free class offered at the Queens Central Library, provides a moderate workout that burns calories and improves cardiac function. Space is limited. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. The class starts at 4 p.m.

MARCH 21 Central Park 5 Movie Screening Our Village Giving Circle, in collaboration with the St. Albans Congregational Church and Councilman Leroy Comrie, will present a movie screening of "Central Park 5". In 1989, five black and Latino teenagers from Harlem were arrested and later convicted of brutally beating and raping a white woman in New York City's Central Park. New York Mayor Ed Koch called it the crime of the century and it remains to date one of the biggest media stories of our time. The five each spent between six and 13 years in prison before a shocking confession from a serial rapist and DNA evidence proved their innocence.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Reserved seating will be held until 6:45 p.m.

Immediately following the movie, there will be panel conversation with CP5 defendants and Director Sarah Burns and a book signing. Free admission, but reservations are required at: http:/ /ourvillagegives.eventbrite.com. For additional information, visit www.ourvillagegivingcircle.com, or contact Loleta Nicholson at 718-657-8282 or ourvillagegivingcircle@gmail.com.

The movie will be shown at the Robert Ross Johnson Family Center located at 172-17 Linden Blvd.

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

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

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

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

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

It is ongoing until March 23.

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 172-17 Linden Blvd. Second Floor, St. Albans. Services are available Tue.-Thurs. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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