PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen
Volume 14 Issue No. 13 March. 29-April 4, 2013
JAMAICA THROUGH THE YEARS
Online at www.QueensPress.com
Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 29 - April 4, 2013
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News Briefs Affinity Health Plan to Host Easter Egg Hunt Affinity Health Plan, in partnership with Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-Jamaica), is hosting its 12th Annual Easter Egg Hunt in St. Albans. The free event is the largest of its kind in New York City, and will take place Saturday, March 30 at St. Albans Park. The event will feature amusement rides, live performances, pony rides and appearances by the Easter Bunny and Rex, Affinity's mascot. Also, Healthplex, a major dental program vendor, will be on site to give out toothbrushes and provide free dental screenings for children. The New York Knicks' Groove Truck will be distributing prizes and there will be performances by up and coming child stars like Breje and Troi Zee as well as the Big Apple Youth Cheer Team. "We're glad to bring the Easter Egg Hunt to the community and we take pride in our long standing partnership with Deputy Majority Leader Leroy Comrie," said Denise Rogers, Affinity's director of community relations in a statement. "Together, we're enriching the social and cultural life of the people we serve." "It is through these types of partnerships that collectively we will plant the seeds of improvement for the betterment of our neighborhoods and the future of Queens," Comrie said. The event is scheduled for Saturday at St. Albans Park on Merrick Blvd. from 12 - 5 p.m., rain or shine. All children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent. For more information, call (888) 543-9070 or visit www.affinityplan.org/EggHunt.
Smith Secures $3M in Funding for Anti-Gun Violence Program State Sen. Malcolm Smith (DHollis), Vice Chairman of the Finance Committee and Chairman of the Independent Democratic Conference, has secured $3,000,000 in funding for the anti-gun violence program, "Operation SNUG" Operation SNUG ("guns" spelled backwards) has been implemented in 10 cities across New York. The program's mission is to stop shootings and killings in communities with disproportionately high rates of gun violence. In the program, reputable peers act as mediators for high risk individuals, intervening to stop violence before it happens. Neighborhood based coalitions of residents, religious leaders and law enforcement work together to change behaviors
and social norms that perpetuate violence. SNUG was founded by Senator Smith in 2009 as a State legislative initiative with programs in Albany, Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Rochester, Syracuse, Yonkers, Mt. Vernon and the boroughs of Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. It offers services such as case management, mentoring, antiaggressive therapy, family counseling, vocational training, drug and alcohol counseling, and, in some cases, even parent counseling. "After the program's launch, my colleagues and I received letters and phone calls from parents, clergy and community leaders statewide, all expressing their gratitude for the good that SNUG is bringing to their communities," Smith said in a statement. "This $3,000,000 is a great investment to operate SNUG programs State-wide by ensuring the continued success of SNUG for the next fiscal year." The program was based on the successful "CeaseFire Chicago" initiative, a model which reduced shootings in target areas by between 16-35 percent, according to a Dept. of Justice study. Some 99 percent of CeaseFire clients reported that the program had a positive effect on their lives.
Two Bronx Men Arraigned in Death of Queens Teacher A pair of Bronx men face 25 years to life in prison after being arraigned for the death of David Rangel. The two men, Cecil Golden and Elijah Agyepong, were each charged with one count of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree robbery for strangling and killing Rangel in his East Elmhurst apartment. According to a release from Queens District Attorney Richard Brown's office, the charges state that Golden and Agyepong broke into Rangel's apartment, strangled him to death and moved a couch on top of his body. After that, they went through his apartment, stealing possessions like his iPad computer and his cell phone. The medical examiner's office determined that Rangel died due to compression of the neck and torso. Golden and Agyepong are scheduled to return to court on April 4 where they will face sentencing. "The defendants are accused of callously taking the life of a Queens teacher and stealing his cell phone and iPad," Brown said in a statement. "Their alleged actions have caused a great deal of pain to the victim's friends and family, and show little regard for human life."
March 29 - April 4, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3
Presstime
Local Labor Leader Runs For Council Daneek Miller, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1056, has officially thrown his hat in the race for City Council in the 27th District. Miller, 52, joins candidates Joan Flowers, a Springfield Gardens attorney and Manny Caughman, an aide to Assemblyman William Scarborough (D-Jamaica), who are seeking to replace the term-limited Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-Jamaica) later this year. Attorney Clyde Vanel is also rumored to be running for the seat. The union head was recently reelected to his second term as president, representing tens of thousands of workers. He said he believes that his experience representing the working party gives him a leg up in the race. “It’s my leadership [that sets me apart],” he said. “I am a leader of men and women. I am also the chairman of the MTA coalition of unions, which represents all the MTA unions and
60,000 workers as well as my local ticipated that he would one day run union here. I have experience in lead- for Council. It was not until last summer, during a meeting ing men and women, engaging with governwith Comrie and a few other supporters that ment and negotiating the idea first surfaced. with government. No “I thought the meetone understands better ing was about somethan labor, shared sacthing else – probably his rifices.” borough president run,” It comes as no surMiller said. “That was prise that Miller, who when they said no, the has been with the union for more than 25 years, meeting was about who was going to succeed is focused on finding the voice of the workhim [Comrie] and they told me they think it ing families in newly reDaneek Miller should be you.” drawn District 27. “I interpreted that as I was being “While we are an affluent community, that is a perception,” he said. asked to duplicate what we were able to “We are a community of working do for our members and working people people who by and large struggle, like who live in the district,” he added. While Miller seeks to become the working people across the City. It comes back to being the voice for voice for working people in the comworking people and understanding munity, he also understands that there are a number of issues that also need the needs of working people.” Miller admitted that he never an- tending to. Although there may be a large number of working families in the district, there are also a number of people who are unemployed. “While we are a community of working people, there are a lot of folks who aren’t working,” he said. “The unemployment, in particular amongst our 1835 is abysmal. Job creation is critical – Photo by Natalia Kozikowska
BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA
Donovan Richards Hires Pesach Osina
division and we just want to work together.” A spokesperson has confirmed Tensions rose towards the end of that newly-elected Councilman the campaign when one prominent Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton) has southeast Queens leader, Rev. Chuck hired his former political opponent Norris, pointed out that there were Pesach Osina to work on his team. six Black candidates and one Jewish The two faced off in Orthodox candidate – February’s special DisOsina. trict 31 election for the “You have one white seat vacated by James person from Far Sanders, who was Rockaway that’s in the elected to the State Senrace. Jews vote in a ate in November. When block,” he said during a the polls closed on Feb. Feb. 5 candidate’s fo19, Richards and Osina rum. “They will knock were separated by a mere every one of you out. 26 votes. Richards was Which one of you not declared the winner thinks you are best to Pesach Osina until a week later. run to beat the Jew that’s “Well, we’re working running in Far with all the communities in our dis- Rockaway?” he asked. trict and Pesach is going to be in our Richards’ move to hire his former office helping with the community,” rival seeks to alleviate any remaining the spokesperson confirmed. animosity. Osina, who will ‘most likely start “Not to say that any one community working within the month’, will be was ignored, he has a lot of experience based in Richards’ Far Rockaway in the community so we are happy to office and will be primarily focused work with him,” the rep said. “He’s on helping the Far Rockaway com- receptive and he seems positive.” munity, the rep said. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska “We just want to serve the commu- at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nity,” he said. “We don’t to have nkozikowska@queenspress.com. BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA
understanding that government does play a role in that. If people work, they give back to the economy.” Miller, a resident of Cambria Heights, said he also hopes to reshape the schools in the district. “Education is always at the top,” the candidate said. “We have this issue of closing schools. No matter what your standards or criteria are for success, if you don’t give them the proper tools and resources to succeed, than that’s an issue and clearly, we don’t have the IT support we need for the kids to be competitive.” Although Miller admits that the culture of students also needs some readjusting, he feels community and parent involvement will be essential in reshaping education. “The most important component is community-parent involvement and again, being able to build bridge coalitions between the teachers and the staff who are responsible for our children a great part of the day and our parents.” If elected, Miller also hopes to combat crime in the area – a problem he said could be addressed if there were more opportunities for employment for the youth. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com.
Boxing Champ Arrested At JFK BY LUIS GRONDA The current WBC welterweight champion, Robert Guerrero, was arrested at JFK Airport on Thursday and charged with illegally traveling with an unloaded pistol and three unloaded high capacity bullet magazines, according to a statement released by District Attorney Richard Brown. Guerrero is awaiting arraignment at Queens Criminal Court as of press time and faces four years in prison if convicted. He is charged with one count of criminal possession of a weapon and three counts of thirddegree criminal possession of a weapon. According to the press release, Guerrero presented a locked gun box to a ticket agent at around 7 a.m. on March 28 while he was checking in for a flight. The box allegedly had an unloaded Smith and Wesson M&P
40 caliber handgun and three unloaded magazines that can hold a max of 15 rounds. The boxer also allegedly told authorities that he had the unloaded gun when he traveled from Virginia to New York a few days earlier. “I hope that Mr. Guerrero fights better than he thinks. For anyone who hasn’t gotten the message, let me be crystal clear: You cannot bring an unlicensed weapon – loaded or unloaded – into this county or this city. And if you do you will be arrested and face felony charges,” Brown said in the statement. The arrest comes on the heels of Guerrero’s upcoming May 4th fight with Floyd Mayweather. He was in New York to promote the bout. Guerrero’s record is 31-1-1 with 18 knockouts. Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127 or at lgronda@queenstribune.com.
Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 29 - April 4, 2013
Jamaica Welcomes Diversity Before the 19th century, Jamaica’s demographic remained virtually unchanged. Today the area is hailed for its diverse population, with hints of differing and rich cultures scattered across the neighborhood. For much of the 19th and 20th centuries, Jamaica had a predominantly white population, most of which were made up of European immigrants. It was not until the 1950s that Jamaica’s ethnic makeup began to shift, with many middle-income African American families slowly taking their place. Just two decades later, in the 1970s, Jamaica’s racial composition had shifted once more. As housing prices were taking a plunge in the “disco decade,” many Hispanic and West Indian immigrants began to move in. The 70s marked a decade of change for Jamaica, as the City began to welcome more minorities. Both the African American and Hispanic populations grew significantly into the 1980s. According to the Queens Census figures, Community Board 12, which encompasses the neighborhood of Jamaica, reported a population growth of 189,884 to 201,284. In 1980, the population of whites
African American and Hispanic populations in Jamaica grew significantly into the 1980s. was 14.2 percent. Just 10 years later, that number was nearly sliced in half with an 8.5 percent population, making whites a minority group in the neighborhood. As the number of whites in Jamaica was quickly declining, the number of Blacks in the area remained strong. In 1980, Queens Census figures estimated CB12 was 78.9 percent Black and rose slightly to 80.2 percent Black in 1990. The second largest population, which in turn took a large chunk out of the white population, was the Hispanics. In 1980, the Census reports a 10.1 percent population and in 1990,
the ethnic group steadily rose more than three percent, for a population makeup of 13.2 percent. Asians/Pacific Islanders were also immigrating and moving to Jamaica at a rapid rate. Although in 1990 Asians only made up 5.9 percent of the population, that number had almost quadrupled from 1980, when Asians only comprised of 1.6 percent of the total population in the CB12 region. The 1990-2000 Census data shows a similar trend in the diversifying Jamaica. The neighborhood which was once heavily concentrated with a white European immigrant population makes up just 2.2 percent (4,837 resi-
dents) a mere 40 plus years later. At the start of the new millennium, Jamaica was still predominantly an African American neighborhood, however the group’s numbers have been steadily declining since. In 1990, Blacks made up 77 percent of the population within CB12 and in 2000, the number dropped to 72.2 percent. Ten years later, the most recent Census data reveals that Blacks make up 65.3 of CB12’s population – almost a nine percent decline. By contrast, the Latino community was beginning to grow once again – a trend which could be reflected all around the Borough of Queens. In 2000, the Census revealed that 13.7 percent of the population was of Hispanic origin and ten years later, the group made up 17.3 percent – a 27 percent increase in the population. Today, remnants of a vast number of cultures can be seen in the streets of Jamaica. Whether it is the small Haitian restaurant on Jamaica Avenue, the slice of Caribbean flavor near Merrick Boulevard or the cute little Italian café on Linden Boulevard, Jamaica has come a long way, hailing it as one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the most diverse Borough. -Natalia Kozikowska
March 29 - April 4, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5
Still Fighting For Change In South Queens “I guess for me, the bottom line is that while Southern Queens is one of the richest communities based on per capita income and cultural diversity, it is still one of the most invisible sections of the City. We should ask ourselves: Do the streets flood despite our complaints? Are our schools nothing more than a giant daycare? Is crime still the problem it was in the 80s? – Gary Anthony Ramsey, Loving the Old Neighborhood to Change. This editorial was written for the first issue of The PRESS of Southeast Queens in May 2000, but when one reads its words, it can be applied to almost any decade in the rich history of Jamaica. Many of the problems that plagued Jamaica in the 1970s continue to persist today, more than 40 years later. Flooding, corruption, a high crime rate, few healthcare facilities, a number of comparatively low scoring schools – these issues are not new to the community. Flooding By and large, one of the main reasons that Jamaica has been historically prone to flooding is because of its location. Just a stone’s throw from Jamaica Bay, when it rains in neigh-
borhoods like Jamaica, there is a higher risk of flooding. This problem becomes even worse as parts of Jamaica are below sea level. All these factors contributed to flooding that occurred in the 1970s and the 1980s, although many residents believe that flooding really only became a serious problem in 1996, when the Dept. of Environmental Protection shut down the well it operated, the Jamaica Water Supply. As a result, the water table began to rise. From 1996 to 2007, it rose approximately 35 feet. Before the well closed, it pumped millions of gallons of water out of the ground every day, which maintained the water table. The residents of Jamaica will see some relief in the years to come. A representative from the DEP told The PRESS of Southeast Queens that it will reopen the well in 2018 when the Delaware Aqueduct will be closed and the agency will need to find another resource to provide water to New York City residents. Crime Crime has always been a hot button issue in Jamaica. The 113th Precinct and the 103rd Precinct, both of which patrol parts of the neighbor-
hood, have significantly higher crime rates compared to others in the Borough. Yvonne Reddick, District Manager of Community Board 12, has been with the board since 1984 and has lived near the neighborhood for most of her life. According to Reddick, crime really began to sky rocket during the 1980s crack epidemic. This spike carried on into the early 1990s but began to subside once again when a special narcotics unit was created to help the area. According to the 103rd Precinct Crime Statistics report, in 1990 there were 38 murders, 60 rapes and 1,846 robberies. Three years later in 1993, some of the numbers were dropping. The 113rd Precinct reported 28 murders, 74 rapes and 1,742 robberies. These numbers continued to decrease in the late 1990s. In 1998, the precinct reported just 16 murders, 45 rapes and 751 robberies. By 2001, these numbers were sliced in half with just 10 murders, 27 rapes and 530 robberies. The year 2012 marked a historically low crime rate for the precinct with a reported 10 murders, 34 rapes and 438 robberies. The 113th Precinct, which also en-
The Jamaica Water Supply was closed in the mid-1990s. compasses parts of Jamaica, has had a similar pattern. In 1990, the station reported 37 murders, 66 rapes and 1,247 robberies. In 1993, the precinct had a slight increase in crime, having reported 39 murders, 78 rapes and 1,177 robberies but this number came down significantly just five years later. In 1998, the 113th Precinct reported 10 murders, 66 rapes and just 562 robberies. By 2001, these numbers also began to come down with a 10 murders, 48 rapes and 355 robberies. -Natalia Kozikowska
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Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 29 - April 4, 2013
Editorial Helping The Helpless 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 Editor-in-Chief:
Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:
Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:
Shiek Mohamed
This week, three Queens elected officials announced their support of restoring the long-derelict Long Island Rail Road line that ran from the Rockaways to Rego Park until the 1960s. The plan is the latest in a series of ideas for the line, which also includes a proposal for a bike path and green space similar to Manhattan’s High Line. Increasing public transportation to and from southern Queens is a needed idea, and restoring the LIRR line could go a long way to easing myriad transportation issues. But when U.S. Reps Gregory Meeks and Hakeem Jeffries came out in support of the issue this weekend, their request to use money from a fund for Superstorm Sandy relief left many cold. With so much damage done to the area, and so much help needed for repairs, every penny counts in bringing storm-ravaged parts of Queens back from the brink. If more money can be made available for the fund, it should go to help the residents affected by the storm, not to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a feasibility study. Our elected officials should certainly look into the feasibility of restoring the LIRR line, to go along with a separate study looking to build the QueensWay, but they should find another way to pay for it.
Queens Today Editor
Regina Vogel
Letters
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To The Editor: Fascinating, but not shocking. I recently read a Letter to the Editor by Nicholas Zizelis in which he stated that President Bill Clinton had received the honored Repub-
lican Lincoln Leadership Prize as “defining the very characteristics of President Lincoln’s legacy as one of the great leaders of our country.” He is the first President of any political party, let alone a Democratic President, to be presented this rare tribute.
Letters I now find it equally fascinating that the Public Policy Polling’s latest Wisconsin poll which tallied, voters would handily pick Hillary Clinton for President over their own state’s Republican Scott Walker or Paul Ryan in 2016. Same applied to Republicans Marco Rubio (Florida) and even Chris Christie (New Jersey). This is no reflection of the once proud Grand Old Party. It is that a growing majority of voters are Tea’d off, that the more of today’s version of the Neo-Conservative Republican Party placed into positions of authority and power, the further has been the damage incurred by our country? They’ve learned a lesson from the disastrous 2010 House of Representative’s infestation of the radical clueless freshman. Zack Pal, Bayside
Symbolism To The Editor: The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) finally passed Congress. It’s been long in coming but finally this obvious need to protect our women from violence has arrived. The House passed the Senate version by a vote of 286 to 138. To
no one’s surprise, all 138 nays were Republicans. In the 2012 election, 55 percent of women voted for Obama, while only 44 percent voted for Mitt Romney. The passage of this act alone pinpoint’s 138 reasons why. Any woman with a semblance of honor should find it contrary to her self-pride to vote against her best interests… and 55 percent of them did find it so and voted for Obama. Watching TV’s Fox, amusingly referred to by the station as “News,” one cannot help but notice how attractive are their female commentators. But like a fine morano glass bowl, beautiful on the outside, hollow the inside. Obviously the two are not mutually dependent. That they can be the cheering squad for a party that cares not a wit for their safety or security nor that of their sex per se, says novels of their integrity and self worth. It is hard to understand how they can look in the mirror without seeing the reflection of shame. But then, that has become a symbolic prerequisite for anyone being a part of today’s distorted version of that once grand party of old. Arlene Philomena, Bayside
More Sensitivity From Public Servants A Personal Perspective BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE It is always jarring when you find out that someone charged with protecting or caring for the public is an avowed bigot. Let’s face it, this is New York, a place populated with people from practically every ethnic minority group imaginable. So when it was disclosed two weeks ago that the EMT son of Sal Cassano, Commissioner of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), was spewing racist rhetoric on social media, we were disgusted. Joseph Cassano, who is 23, was hoping to transition from EMT to the FDNY but resigned almost immediately when confronted with his misdeeds. His once promising career went up in flames. Then, about a week later, EMS Lt. Timo-
thy Dluhos had a public meltdown when confronted by the New York Post for similar misdeeds. Crumbling to the ground, the big bully bawled like a baby. He should have thought about that when he was spewing hate on social networks. These guys are not just bigots, but idiots. It’s bad enough that in this day and age people still hate other people over ethnic, religious, and perceived differences; but to express it on social networks is a whole other thing. These guys are the Archie Bunkers for the new millennium – they are equal opportunity bigots. Only this is no television sitcom. This is real life and they are more than bigots, they are bigots who, by the nature of their jobs, hold the lives of the public in their hands. Dluhos, 34, whose online name is tellingly, “Bad Lieutenant,” expresses his disdain for African Americans, Jews,
Asians, immigrants as a group, and pretty much everyone who is from a different group than his. He should not be in charge of saving anyone’s life given how he feels about us. When those 911 calls go out, the person in need can be of any race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religious persuasion. Would the likes of Cassano and Dluhos decide to give inferior emergency care to those folks? Are they as committed to working to save the life of say, an African American or Chinese American based on race? The truth is, we don’t know for sure. Maybe they’re just jackasses letting off steam; but perhaps they really would give inferior care to someone who is “different.” We should not take that chance. Cassano did the right thing by resigning. But Dluhos, who’s online profile is an Adolf Hitler image, is apparently holding on for dear life.
It’s a scary thing when you discover that a person paid to come and save your life in a crisis harbors negative thoughts about you based on race and/or religious affiliation. This is a person who could decide to either harm you by doing ill to you while you’re at your most vulnerable or harm you by not doing all he can to save you. Either way, you’re doomed. And you can bet that Cassanos and Dluhos aren’t the only two guys who feel that way. There may be others spewing hate online as well, but you can almost bet that even more are saying it in private. NYPD, FDNY, EMS and every other group charged with watching over the public’s safety and health should be given sensitivity training at least once per year — with periodic reminders throughout. We pay their salaries and deserve to be treated with respect and fairness.
March 29 - April 4, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7
Police Blotter 103rd-105th-109th Precincts Robbery Pattern The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance with the whereabouts and identity of the following individuals wanted in connection to a robbery pattern. During these incidents, a Hispanic male drives to the location in a dark colored minivan, the driver exits, scouts the location and returns to the vehicle. Moments later, a second Hispanic male exits the vehicle, enters the location, displays a black handgun or simulates a gun under his shirt and demands cash from the register and cigarettes. The second suspect then returns to the minivan and flees with the other suspect. The first incident occurred on March 16 at 5:40 a.m. at the Gulf Station, 241-15 Hillside Ave., Jamaica, within the confines of the 105th Precinct. The suspect simulated a firearm under his shirt. The second incident occurred on March 19 at 4 a.m. at the Exxon Station, 137-21 Liberty Ave., Jamaica, within the confines of the 103rd Precinct. The suspect displayed a black firearm.
The third incident occurred on March 20 at 6:22 a.m. at the Mobil Gas Station, 133-11 Roosevelt Ave., Flushing, within the confines of the 109th Precinct. The suspect displayed a black firearm. The first suspect is described as between 5-foot-10 and 6-foot with a large build and a moustache. The second suspect is described as between 5-foot-7 and 5-foot-9, tall with a medium build, facial hair and last seen wearing a black hooded 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.
105th Precinct Homicide At approximately 10:38 a.m. on March 19, police responded to a call of a person floating in the water at Idlewood Park Reserve. Upon arrival, officers discovered an unconscious and unresponsive female, identified as Kadieann Chambers, 27, of Jamaica. EMS arrived and pronounced
Chambers dead at the scene. On March 20, police arrested Carlos Evelyn, 30, of South Jamaica and charged him with second-degree murder: intentional and tampering with physical evidence.
106th Precinct Fatal Vehicle Accident At 11:54 a.m. on March 26, police responded to calls of a pedestrian struck on the Belt Parkway. Upon arrival, police discovered a female victim unconscious and unresponsive. EMS also responded and pronounced the woman dead at the scene. Further investigation revealed that the female was attempting to cross the west-bound lanes of the Belt Parkway near North Conduit Boulevard when she was struck by a motorcycle. The motorcyclist was removed to Jamaica Hospital and is listed in serious condition. The investigation is ongoing.
107th Precinct Robbery Police are asking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect wanted in connection with a strong-arm robbery that occurred at approximately 6 a.m.
on March 8 at Homelawn Street and Hillside Avenue, at the entrance to the 169th Street F line subway station. The suspect approached a female victim as she descended the stairs into the subway station, threw her to the ground and fled on foot with the victim’s handbag. The suspect is described as a Black male in his 30s, 5-foot-7, 165 lbs., wearing all black. 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.
113th Precinct Investigation On March 24 at 9:36 a.m. police and fire personnel responded to a one-alarm fire inside 119-30 146th St., South Jamaica. Upon extinguishment of the fire, the burned body of a Black male, identified as James Minor, 35, of Poughkeepsie, was discovered in the basement. EMS pronounced Minor dead at the scene. An investigation is ongoing.
Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 29 - April 4, 2013
Developments And Setbacks In Jamaica BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Like many neighborhoods across Queens, Jamaica has been on an economic roller coaster over the last 40 years. Troubling financial times, the 1980s crack epidemic and new development groups all played a major role in the development (or lack thereof) in the diverse community. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, big box retailers departed from Jamaica and moved to suburban areas where business was more profitable. The once-thriving neighborhood filled with a number of brand named stores and movie theaters was beginning to diminish and in 1969, businesses like Macy’s and the Valencia Theater moved out. “It went from a thriving commercial strip with major department stores, like Macy’s, to a point where everybody deserted it,” said Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica). “At that time, it became a place where the kind of establishments where folks wanted to visit were no longer there.” These large retailers were instead replaced by a variety of discount stores, many of which stood on Jamaica Avenue. In the mid-to-late-80s, crack cocaine hit the streets of America, devastating inner-city communities like Jamaica. To accommodate the declining economy, prime real estate spaces were filled with bargain buster hair salons and 99 cent stores. As the crack epidemic slowly subsided and the crime rate began to steadily decline in the mid-to-late90s, entrepreneurs and big businesses looked to Jamaica as a potential commercial district once more. Perhaps one of the most influential organizations to help the neighborhood during this pressing economic condition was the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation. Although the nonprofit was founded in 1967, it played a large role in the development of Jamaica in the 1990s and 2000s and still plays a large role in development today. In 1996, under a development lease through the New York City Economic Development Corporation, GJDC assisted in renovating a small City-owned vacant building and conveyed it to Neighborhood Services of Jamaica for its offices. In 1997, GJDC played a large role in upgrading the Civil Courthouse on Sutphin Boulevard. Just two years later in 1999, along with former Congressman Floyd Flake, the nonprofit assisted in the site selection and development of the $85 million United
Jamaica’s Farmers Market on 161st Street prepares for its reopening in 1977.
States Food and Drug Administration Northeast Regional Laboratory, Headquarters and District Office. The efforts of the GJDC and the local Business Improvement District proved successful by drawing in national chains and expanding neighborhood commerce. By the start of the new millennium, Jamaica received a makeover, reclaiming the throne as a major commercial center in Queens, second only to Flushing’s Main Street. In 2002, one Jamaica Center mixed-use complex was transformed into a large shopping center by the Mattone Group Jamaica Company, housing well-known brands like Old Navy, Bally Total Fitness, Walgreens, Subway (restaurant), a Gap, a Dunkin’ Donuts and bringing in a 15screen multiplex theater. Jamaica continued to prosper and entice more businesses during the creation of the Sutphin Boulevard transit hub often referred to as “Jamaica Station” in 2003. This renovation included the Sutphin Boulevard E, J and Z subway stations, the Long Island Rail Road station, and the AirTrain, which provided riders a direct route to John F. Kennedy Airport in just five to seven minutes. The Jamaica Station development was met with some skepticism from groups like the Southeast Queens Concerned Neighbors and the Committee for Better Transit, as The PRESS of Southeast Queens reported in its June 2-8, 2000 issue. Locals were unhappy with the noise from construction and the increased
traffic congestion near the Van Wyk Expressway, but ultimately, the projects proved worthwhile, drawing in an unprecedented amount of small and big businesses to the area. The Jamaica Station area has continued to transform with the help of groups like the GJDC and many projects are still underway. The PRESS of Southeast Queens reported that in 2012, the GJDC was looking into a Brownfield Opportunity Areas project, which would require purchasing potentially contaminated properties, ridding them of toxins and renting the property. “There are some development potentials that are just tremendous,” said Richard Werber, director of business services at GJDC. “Jamaica has one of the greatest mass transit systems in the City. We have AirTrain, we have subways, we have buses and the Long Island Railroad. People can get anywhere from there without a car.” The project will support an aggressive marketing strategy to continue to attract private investment for the redevelopment of the Jamaica Station Area. It will also support preliminary design studies for infrastructure improvements focusing on enhancing pedestrian and vehicular routes leading into the Station Area. Jamaica Station has also undergone massive beautification projects to enhance the area. The PRESS reported on beautification projects including; Station Plaza, which will create new subway entrances, cano-
pies and a roadway realignment which would widen the sidewalks; The Atlantic Avenue extension, which will construct a new street, linking Atlantic Avenue with 95th Avenue and the rehabilitation of the Long Island Rail Road underpass. GJDC, in conjunction with The Bluestone Organization, announced that construction has begun on its 161st Street mixed-income housing apartments, as The PRESS reported in its Jan. 11-17, 2013 issue. The building, which will also include retail space, is expected to generate over $30 million in local economic activity and construct 100 affordable homes for families and individuals. “Jamaica is full of hope and you see businesses looking to come,” Meeks said. “Now businesses want to come if they can be on Jamaica Avenue. I see transportation improvements. I see the community and business owners trying to make sure the streets are clean and celebrating with Christmas lights.” “Before, folks were looking to run and now folks are looking to come. Folks want to live in the area, so there’s tremendous difference,” he added. With so much development heading to Jamaica in the next couple of years, its future seems promising. Today, the Jamaica Station Area and major shopping districts like Jamaica Avenue are seeing a lot of traffic with massive potential for more once the neighborhood brings in more shops, more businesses and more housing. -Natalia Kozikowska
March 29 - April 4, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9
Borough Beat
Meeks, Jefferies Support LIRR Revival The discussion of what to do with the abandoned 3.5 mile stretch of land continued last Sunday with two Queens elected officials throwing their support behind one of the proposals. U.S. Reps. Gregory Meeks (DJamaica) and Hakeem Jefferies (DQueens/Brooklyn) both announced their support to restore the Long Island Rail Road line that ran from the Rockaways to Rego Park until the 1960s at a press conference on March 24 in front of the vacant line on 99th Street and Liberty Avenue in Ozone Park. They join Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Ozone Park), who has been a staunch supporter of reviving the train line. The primary reason that both Meeks and Jefferies said they support the train revival is due to the effects Superstorm Sandy has had on southern Queens. They both said that better infrastructure needs to be explored when rebuilding everything that the storm destroyed, which includes improving public transportation for the Borough. “As a result of Sandy, we know
Photo by Luis Gronda
BY LUIS GRONDA
Congressmen Gregory Meeks and Hakeem Jefferies announced their support for reviving the LIRR Line this week. that transportation infrastructure is absolutely key,” Meeks said. “Individuals in the Rockaways, for example, were stuck and stranded because of the lack of transportation.” “Our job, in the context of preparing for a recovery, is to make sure that we restore the communities and enhance their strength and resilience,”
Jefferies said. The trio of elected officials would like to use part of the Sandy aid money to fund a feasibility study for bringing back the LIRR line. This would be similar to the study that the Trust for Public Land is conducting to see how much it would cost to build the QueensWay. Late last year, the non-
profit company received $467,000 from Governor Andrew Cuomo in funding and they recently released a Request for Proposal looking for a company to conduct the study. Goldfeder, who also attended Sunday’s press conference, did not know an exact amount it would cost for the study, but he believes that they will need a few hundred thousand dollars for the study. Andrea Crawford, a member of Friends of the QueensWay, said that she has not changed her view and believes that rebuilding the LIRR is infeasible. “To take millions of dollars from people who need that money and using it for a study is somewhat outrageous,” she said, referring to their plan to use a portion of the Sandy aid money. As part of their plea, Goldfeder, Meeks and Jefferies co-wrote a letter to U.S Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood asking for a money allocation for the aforementioned study. Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127 or at lgronda@queenstribune.com.
Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 29 - April 4, 2013
pix
Free Screenings
Safe Space The Guyanese and American Business & Professional Council held its first free health fair at Idlewild Terrace on Rockaway Boulevard on March 16. The organization said it hosted the health fair in this neighborhood because of the lack of health care facilities around the community. GABPC hopes to make this an annual event.
Kiwanis Meeting
Queens Borough President Helen Marshall speaks at a memorial service for late Christine Molnar, dedicated president of the Safe Space child welfare agency in southeast Queens. Marshall praised the tireless advocate whose sudden death in January came after her all-out efforts to assist children and others affected by superstorm Sandy last October.
On March 21, Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. attended a meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Cambria Heights. During the meeting, Vallone outlined his vision for Queens while discussing his background as a small business owner and public safety expert.
March 29 - April 4, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11
Profile BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Before he was diagnosed with stage five Hodgkin's lymphoma, Pastor Joshua Jagessar was a real estate broker. When he received the grim prognosis in 2007, doctors told him that the disease was terminal but he never lost faith. Instead, the Queens Village resident made the conscious decision to put his life on hold and worship God. "That night in 2007, I made the decision that I'm just going to forget about my plans, my goals, my visions and I'm going to focus on God and trust God on the basis of what I was taught in my childhood - that Jesus is real and able to save," Jagessar said. At first, Jagessar said his cancer got worse. He was becoming weak and frail, unable to walk on his own. "At this point, I was ready to die any day now," he said. "Then I decided I'm not going to die. I have two children. I said to God, 'If You let me live, I'll forget about real estate, I'll forget about business and I will preach the gospel until I die,' and that's the deal I made with God." Just a few months after the diag-
nosis, however, it seemed as though God Himself had heard his prayer. "I guess He heard the deal and just a day or two later, I woke up in the morning and the pain was absolutely gone," he said. "There was no pain in my joint, no pain in my neck, no pain in my hips - no pain whatsoever. For the very first time in six months, I was able to walk by myself." Shocked by his quick improvement, Jagessar went to the doctor for a checkup. "A few days later, he called me and he wanted the whole family to come to his office," he said. "At that point I got kind of nervous." "When I got to the doctor's office, there were tears in his eyes," he continued. "He said to me, 'In 34 years, I've never seen anything like this.' And then he said these three words to me I'll never forget - 'It's all gone.'" It took a few days to process what had happened, Jagessar said. He was overfilled with joy and knew that he had to keep the promise he made to God. In August of 2012, the cancer survivor opened a church in Jamaica, which he appropriately named Life Church NYC.
Photo courtesy of Joshua Jagessar
Cancer Survivor Praises God With Music
Queens Village resident Joshua Jagessar beats the odds by surviving a serious cancer. His new mission in life is to spread the word of God in any which way he can. "My vision is there are millions of people in New York City and to have those millions of people turn their lives around like I did so they can see
YORK COLLEGE
DRAMA SERIES
there is a God," he said. But becoming a pastor and opening up a new place of worship was not enough for Jagessar, who began to focus his efforts into putting out a contemporary Christian album. Using his own life experiences as motivation, Jagessar, who has always had an interest in song, began to put together lyrics and music for his new eight track album, "Light the Fire," which was released on March 5, 2013. "I didn't want it to be about pain, I wanted people to be touched," he said. "I wanted to feel what was I was singing - words that will touch your heart and I believe if God touches your heart, then God will change what happens on the inside to the outside." Pastor Jagessar continues to keep his promise to the Lord everyday by preaching the gospel. He has made plans to open another Life Church in Florida and is already working with a Christian rapper on his new album. Life Church NYC is located 9112 175th St., Jamaica. Worship with the Pastor is at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com
CAMP
LOGAN
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
Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 29 - April 4, 2013
Faith
A Brief History Of Easter Observances Jews, Easter is closely linked to the holiday by much of its symbolism and in many languages, the words for ‘Easter’ and ‘Passover” are homonymous. Easter customs vary across the world, but attending sunrise mass, exclaiming the Paschal greeting, going to church and decorating Easter eggs, a symbol of the empty tomb, are common practices. Additional practices include egg hunts, the Easter bunny and Easter parades, which are observed by Christians and often, even some nonChristians. The first Christians, Jewish and Gentile had knowledge of the Hebrew calendar but there is no direct evidence that they specifically celebrated Christian annual festivals. Christians of Jewish origin were the first to celebrate the resurrection as a new part of the Passover festival. Direct evidence of the celebration
BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Today, children celebrate Easter with egg hunts and cute photos with the Easter bunny, but this tradition has come a long way since it was first observed by Christians. Easter, also called the Pasch or Pascha, is a Christian festival and holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion, as described in the New Testament of the Bible. In preparation of Easter, Christians observe Lent, a time of reflection and restraint. The last week of Lent is called Holy Week, consisting of Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday), which commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper and its preceding foot washing. Christians also observe Good Friday, the day which commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Although Passover is observed by
of the Easter festival does not begin to appear until the mid-second century. Many historians believe that the earliest primary source referencing Easter is a mid-second-century Paschal homily attributed to Melito of Sardis, which characterizes the holiday as a well-established one. Evidence of another kind of annual Christian festival, the commemoration of martyrs, begins to appear around the same time as evidence for the celebration of Easter, but martyrs’ days were celebrated on fixed dates where as the date of Easter was fixed by means of the local Jewish lunisolar calendar. In the 20th century, some religious leaders and institutions proposed a fixed date for Easter – the most prominent proposal being the Sunday after the second Saturday in April. Despite gaining some support, the proposals to reform the date have failed. Today, many Americans and Eu-
ropeans follow the tradition of coloring hard-boiled eggs (a symbol of spring) and giving baskets of candy. The Easter bunny, a popular symbol of the holiday, has also become a part of the celebration. Like Santa Clause, the Easter bunny stands as a representation of kindness and gift-giving. In the United States, Easter Sunday is not designated as a federal or State holiday but this is because many businesses do not operate on Sundays. Some shops and restaurants are closed on Easter Sunday, but this practice has become less popular. Good Friday, which occurs two days before Easter Sunday, however, is recognized as a holiday in 12 states but even in states where Good Friday is not a holiday, many financial institutions, stock markets and public schools are closed. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com.
Notebook The Humanities and the Arts H.S.
A&E Networks CEO Is Principal For A Day Abbe Raven, president and CEO of the A&E Television Networks, stepped aside from her regular duties for a day to visit The Humanities and the Arts High School in Cambria Heights and become principal for the day. The nationally recognized business woman was a graduate of Andrew Jackson High School which is now divided into four small high schools in the Campus Magnet Complex. This visit marks the sixth time Raven has come back to her alma mater to lend a helping hand. When she was a student at Andrew Jackson High School, Raven’s passion for theater grew. She loved the theater arts and later attended SUNY Buffalo. She also earned her Master’s degree at the CUNY Hunter. When she realized she would not make it in theater, she refocused her efforts to a similar industry – the Cable TV industry. After her career blossomed, Raven has been mentoring the students and the faculty at the HUMHS. During her visits at the school, she often meets with student leaders and talks to them.
Photo courtesy of Buffalo.edu
BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA
Andrew Jackson High School alumni Abbe Raven is now CEO and president of A&E Television Networks. She visited The Humanities and the Arts High School, formally her alma mater, and served as principal for the day. She also takes the time to answer any questions they may have, also learning about their market. As Raven sat at principal Rosemarie O’Mard’s desk, she pressed students for their goals and
explained to them what steps she took to succeed in life. Her mother was a teacher’s aide who focused on education. The Depression and World War II made it difficult for her mother to continue her education but she beat the odds and managed to go back to college when Raven was studying at SUNY Buffalo. She explained how she lived in Laurelton and did many of the same things that students do in high school today. Before Raven made her way to the top in the industry, she answered phone calls and copied scripts. As her grasp in the television industry grew, she slowly began to work her way up the ladder. She emphasized to students that every high school class is important and will help in the real world. During her visit, the successful business woman also praised her former history teacher, Mr. Train, who gave her a love for history. She now runs the History Channel. She also told students that she never knew studying for the math Regents would someday help her with budgeting a company’s expenses. Six high school juniors go to the
A&E offices once a month to meet with mentors and to observe company functions. Two seniors are also selected as Big Brother/ Big Sister participants. They visit with officials to learn work etiquette, apply to colleges, create a resumes and experience a real work environment. A Town Car even comes to bring the students to Manhattan from Cambria Heights. Although Abbe Raven has left a lasting impression on her alma mater, she also left her legacy behind many years ago when she was student. Right across the hall from the Office of the HUM H.S is the old wooden Honor Rolls from Andrew Jackson High School, where Raven’s name is decorated. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com.
Is Your School Doing Something Good? Write The PRESS of Southeast Queens, 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357
March 29 - April 4, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13
A&E
Music Videos Make Their Way to MOMI BY JOE MARVILLI While the Museum of Moving Image has spent its history looking at the medium of film and television from every angle, their latest exhibit will feature previously unexplored territory: music videos.
“Spectacle: The Music Video” is the first museum exhibition to look at the art and history of the music video, according to the museum’s website. Running from April 3 to June 16, it will be installed in MOMI’s 4,000square-foot changing exhibitions gallery, the amphitheater and other
Yum Is Right
King Yum Chinese & American Restaurant 181-08 Union Tpke., Fresh Meadows Sun.-Thurs. noon to 9:30 p.m.; Fri. Noon to Midnight; Sat. noon to 11:30 p.m. CUISINE: Chinese, American DELIVERY: No TAKE-OUT: Yes CREDIT CARDS: Yes, all major Celebrating its 60th anniversary as a family-owned operation, King Yum is still cooking in the traditionalist fashion of Chinese and Polynesian cuisine, which is now a staple in the Fresh Meadows community. Beginning as a two store-front property, through the years outlasting all of its competitors, this beautiful restaurant now runs the length of five full commercial spaces all wrapped into one delightful eatery. Upon meeting Robin Eng, the son of King Yum founder James Eng, the family hospitality is evident in the atmosphere. Everyone seems to know each other in this neighborhood hot spot. Even if you don’t live in the neighborhood, Robin and his staff will make you feel at home with big smiles and tasty food. As we sat, we could hear the regulars chatter about how amazing the restaurant’s recent renovations looked. King Yum took part in a restaurant makeover show, soon to air on TV. King Yum has also been visited by celebrity chef Emeril Legasse who helped create and perfect some
of their dishes. A major motion picture, “The Other Guys” staring Mark Wahlberg and Will Farrell, film a few scenes here. Since King Yum has been known over the years for their Karaoke Friday nights, it seemed like a perfect fit to have the picture’s Karaoke scene be filmed at this location. The meal started off with one of Robin’s “must try” creations, a roast pork turnover, a classic spin on a dim sum item. The turnover has a perfect warm and flakey outside covering with stewed pork filling that tantalized my taste buds. A few of their signature items include plump and tender spare ribs that were spot on and a giant golden fried egg roll that trumps any possible current or future competitors. The daily special was calamari, giant and fried with scallions and spicy green peppers with a General Tso’s dipping sauce. Yum is Right. For our entrée Robin recommended one of Emeril’s favorite dishes, bacon wrapped butter-fried shrimp… must I say more? Their Wor Shu steak, a bone-in-shell steak served over a chef’s special ginger sauce, was spectacular. The dish is served sliced ready to share, and melted across my teeth as I bit down to enjoy the overflow of flavor. King Yum definitely sets the bar high when it comes to top-notch food and quality service, I can’t wait to go back next Friday for some of their other tasty treats and some Karaoke on the side. -Eric Jordan
spaces throughout the museum. Curated by Jonathan Wells and Meg Grey Wells of Flux, a global community that programs film and art events around the world, the exhibit will hold over 300 videos, artifacts and interactive installations, displaying the changing landscape of music videos, their place at the forefront of creative technology, their role in pushing the boundaries of creative production, their part in helping to push film- The original drawings from a-ha’s makers into experimental territory and groundbreaking video for “Take On Me” will be on display as part of “Spectheir effect on popular culture. It will also explore the arc of mu- tacle: The Music Video” at the Museum sic videos from their early origins of Moving Image. through the present day. A large range of genres and directors will be ries to MTV and the web. Today, when shown, including contemporaries the success of a viral video can make like Michel Gondr y, Floria a hit song, the power and cultural sigSigismondi and Chris Milk. nificance of the music video are as Some of the earliest videos shown strong as ever,” said Carl Goodman, will include Louis Armstrong’s “I’ll Be the Museum’s Executive Director. Glad When You’re Dead, You Rascal “Spectacle: The Music Video” is orYou” from 1932, Bessie Smith’s “St. ganized by the Contemporary Arts Louis Blues” from 1929, Cab Center, Cincinnati and features exhiCalloway’s “Minnie The Moocher” bition design by Logan. Major support from 1932 and Duke Ellington’s “Day- for the exhibition at Museum of the break Express” from 1953. Moving Image is provided by The project will move from these Sonos and VEVO, with additional supearly examples, through the era of port from Adobe and Sol Republic. music video “masters” such as David MOMI is located at 36-01 35th Bowie and up to the modern day with Ave., Astoria. For more information, The White Stripes and Kanye West. call (718) 784-0 077 or email Notable videos will include Run- info@movingimage.us. DMC’s “Rock Box,” directed by Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) Steven Kahn, Madonna’s “Express 357-7400, Ext. 125, or at Yourself,” directed by David Fincher, jmarvilli@queens-tribune.com. the Beastie Boys’ “Shadrach,” directed by Nathaniel Hornblower AKA Adam Yauch and Grizzly Bear’s “Ready, Able,” directed by Allison Schulnick. Original props and artifacts from classic music videos will be on display, such as the original drawings from a-ha’s video for “Take On Me” and items from OK Go’s “This Too Shall Pass.” There will also be interactive experiences featuring works by Radiohead and Bjork. To go along with the exhibit, MOMI will present several different pieces of public programming, such as screenings, handson workshops and special events with appearances by music video directors and musicians. One such screening will be the music film series, “Play The Easter Bunny was a special guest durThis Movie Loud,” which will run ing the United States Tennis Association’s from May 3 through June 16. Easter egg hunt, held March 24 at the “Music and the moving im- Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. age have been linked since the The event also included a mini-tennis clinic dawn of sound, from Vitaphone and arts and crafts. shorts and concert documenta-
Special Guest:
Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 29 - April 4, 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!
ALUMNI IMMACULATE CONC. April 27 Immaculate Conception School in Astoria will host a reunion for all graduates. icsastoriaalumni@gmail.com
DANCE ISRAELI FOLK Mondays 7:15-9:45 at Hillcrest Jewish Center, 182-02 Union Turnpike. $10 session. 380-4145. LINE DANCING Mondays 6:30-9:30 at Kowalinski Post 4, 61-57 Maspeth Avenue. $7. Cake and coffee. 5652259.
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. COMPOSTING Tuesdays Woodside library 5:15-6:30.
PARENTS
HURRY IN FOR BEST SEELECTION
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
92-12 Jamaica Ave., Woodhaven, NY (718) 805-3313
PARENTING Saturday, March 30 parenting classes for possible behavioral and emotional disorders. Register LIC library. 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.
HEALTH ANGER MANAGEMENT Wednesdays and Saturdays Classes, individual, family, couples therapy in Briarwood. 374-6765. SUPPORT GROUPS Alcohol, drugs, domestic violence, martial issues, depression, a n x i e t y, phobia, etc. Woodside Clinic. 779-1234. DOMESTIC VIOL. 24 hour Domestic Violence Hotline. 657-0424. PSYCHOLOGICAL CTR Individual and group counseling, family and couple therapy and more. 570-0500 sliding scale. 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. SHAPE UP NYC Mondays, April 1, 8, 15 stretch and tone LIC library at 6:30. TAI CHI Mondays and Thursdays 11-12 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695. $5. VBARRE BAR Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays VBarre Bar Method Class for total body sculpting at NYSC in Whitestone. 917-7164678. 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. CHAIR YOGA Wednesday, April 3 Pomonok library. Register. SHAPE UP NYC Wednesdays, April 3, 10 Aerobics for adults Central library at 4. MOVING FOR LIFE Wednesday, April 3 Eastern and Western music and incorporates elements of Qi Gong and yoga. Flushing library at 2. 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, April 4, 11 Body Sculpt Fitness at the Lefrak Cit y librar y at 5:30. ZUMBA
Thursday, April 4 Baisley Park library at 6. SHAPE UP NUC Fridays, April 5, 12 Dance Fitness for Adults at the Richmond Hill library at 5. LEARN CPR Sunday, April 7 Woodhaven-Richmond Hill VAC at 2. $40 (no checks). 516-643-6746.
MEETINGS KNIT & CROCHET CLUB Saturday, March 30 Peninsula library at 11. GARDENING CLUB Saturdays Steinway library court yard at 4. QUEENS ACADEMY Monday, April 1 Central Queens Academy Charter School at 55-30 Junction Blvd., Elmhurst at 7. 212-437-8351 to attend. 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. TALK OF THE TOWN Tu e s d ay s , A p r i l 2 , 1 6 , May 7, 21 learn public speaking in St. Albans at 7:15. 640-7092. 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. BEREAVEMENT Wednesday, April 3 Bereavement Support Group at Holy Family in Fresh Meadows at 7:30. 969-2448. FH SYMPHONY Wednesdays the Forest Hills Symphony Orchestra rehearses at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 516-785-2532. HORIZONS CLUB Thursday, April 4 financial consultant speaks at Horizons, for those 55 and over, at 12:30 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112 th Street. $3 includes coffee and cake. Bring lunch. WOMEN’S GROUP Fridays Woman’s Group of Jamaica Estates meets at noon. 461-3193.
March 29 - April 4, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15
Queens Today EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS LESSEN ANGER Lessen anger through creating art at the Communit y Learning Center in Jamaica. 291-1094. CREATE WEALTH Learn How to Create Wealth at the Communit y Learning Center in Jamaica. 291-1094. WRITE SCRIPT Write a Book or Movie Script at the Community Learning Center in Jamaica. 291-1094. TANGO WORKSHOP Saturdays in March at Thalia Spanish Theatre in Sunnyside. 729-3880. METRIX Saturday, March 30 C e n t ra l l i b r a r y. 9 9 0 5148. BEGIN EXCEL Saturday, March 30 LIC library. 752-3700. E-BOOKS Saturday, March 30 borrowing eBooks at the C e n t ra l l i b r a r y. 9 9 0 8625. BALLROOM DANCING Mondays, April 1, 8, 15 Forest Hills library at 6:30. JOB SEARCH Mondays free job
search and computer help every Monday 11-2 at the Astoria library. 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. GED PREP Tuesdays, April 2, 9 Are you Ready for the GED? C e n t r a l l i b r a r y. 4 8 0 4300. BEGIN COMPUTERS Tu e s d a y s , A p r i l 2 , 9 Flushing library. Register. BEGIN POWERPOINT Tu e s d a y, April 2 Queensbridge library at noon. SMALL BUSINESS Tuesdays Small Business Workshop at the Central library. Register. GET YOUR YARNS OUT! Tuesdays after evening Minyan at 8, knitters, crocheters, needlepointers, and others meet at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000, ext. 200.
COMPUTER BASICS Wednesday, April 3 Woodside library at 10:30. INTRO COMPUTERS Wednesday, April 3 Pomonok library. Register. COMPUTER CLASS Wednesdays, April 3, 10 Woodside library at 5:45. CHILDCARE PROVIDER Wednesday, April 3 Professional Development Workshop for Childcare Providers at the Central library at 6:30. WATERCOLOR Wednesdays all techniques and subjects at the National Art League.9691128. INTRO COMPUTERS Thursdays, April 4, 11 Ozone Park library. Register. LEARN CHINESE Thursdays North Forest Park library at 6. KNIT & CROCHET Fridays Fresh Meadows library at 11. CHESS CLUB Fridays at 3:30 at the Auburndale library and 4 at the Woodside library.
ENTERTAINMENT DAUGHTERS/CYBELE Saturday, March 30 sacred rhythms, chants and dances at the Flushing library at 2. HITCHCOCK RETRO. Saturday, March 30 Fresh Meadows library at 2:30. CLASS./FOLK INDIAN Saturday, March 30 Jackson Heights library at 2:45. FILM Saturday, March 30 “The Travelers” (English subtitles) shown at the Langston Hughes library at 3. BAYSIDE TOUR Saturday, March 30 “My Childhood in Bayside” walking tour with Dr. Jack Eichenbaum 11-1. $12-15. 939-0647, ext. 14. EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday, March 30 124 at St. Albans Park, Merrick Blvd, 173 rd Place, Sayers Avenue. Dr. Bob Lee will be the MC. NU URBAN CAFÉ Saturdays live jazz, r&b, open mic 917-817-8653. 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 Tuesdays Fresh Meadows library at 2. CHESS Tuesdays 4 Rosedale library. 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. OPEN MIC Thursday, April 4 Flushing library at 6:30. CHAMBER MUSIC Fridays, April 5, 12, 19, May 3, 10 10-noon at Queens College. 9973800.
DINNER DEMOCRATIC CLUB Thursday, April 4 New Visions Democratic Club will hold their Annual Dinner Dance at Abbracciamento’s in Rego Park. 424-2162.
BRAZIL METS INDIA Friday, April 5 Flushing Town Hall. 463-7700, ext. 222. NU URBAN CAFÉ Fridays live jazz and r&b 9-midnight. Free. 917817-8653.
RELIGIOUS HOLOCAUST Sunday, April 7 Young Israel of Hollis HillsWindsor Park, 67-45 215 th Street, Bayside at 8. Also at the Young Israel of New Hyde Park, 264-15 77 th Avenue, New Hyde Park at 7:30. Screening of selections from the film “Unlikely Heroes.” JEWISH STUDIES Thursday, April 4 “A Different Past: How Models of Jewish Sects in the Roman Empire Have Changed.” Thursday, April 11 “The Rescue of Jewish Cultural Treasures during the Holocaust.” 7:15 at the Rosenthal Library 230, Queens College. Free and open to the public. 997-5730.
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People Army National Guard Private Kenval D. Small has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises. Small is the brother of Kishawn Small of Jamaica. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Tiffany R. Walker, daughter of Crystal Walker of Queens, along with other Sailors attached to the guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) visited Bar, Montenegro. Walker had the opportunity to experience Montenegro’s culture and spend time engaging with the community, including sporting events with Montenegrin Sailors, tour of the towns of Perast, Koto and Skadar Lake, and a tour of Montenegro’s vineyards.
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During the three-day port visit, Sailors provided shipboard tours for the U. S. Ambassador to Montenegro, the Honorable Sue. K Brown and ambassadors from Hungary, Romania and Slovenia, as well as Montenegrin military and civilians. Chidinma Nwakanma of Queens, a senior medicine student at Northeast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown, Ohio, will pursue emergency medicine at Stony Brook University Hospitals in Stony Brook. The New York Army National Guard has announced the promotion of members in recognition of their capabilities for additional responsibility and leadership. Rosemary Taylor of Hollis, serving with the 222nd Chemical Company is promoted to staff sergeant. Clayton Smith of Jamaica, serving with the Company E (Forward Support Company Infantry), 427th Brigade Support Battalion, is promoted to sergeant. Shakeem Delancey of Rockaway Beach, serving with the Company B, 1-69th Infantry, is promoted to private. Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 semes-
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ter at Molloy College in Rockville Centre. They include: Queens Village: Ashley Caffey, Dana Philip and Arkay Sabile. Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the winter 2013 quarter at Rochester Institute of Technology. They include: Breezy Point: Justin Zwick. Jamaica: Mohammad Arefin. Laurelton: Wesly Delva. Rockaway Beach: Daniel Malcaus. South Richmond Hill: Kevin Kissoon. Air Force Airman Wayne O. Johnson graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Johnson is the son of Wayne Johnson of Springfield Gardens. St. John’s University’s School of Education will host distinguished speaker Dr. John B. King, Jr. at its Annual Carol Gresser Forum on
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April 8 at 6:30 p.m. This year’s Guest Speaker is the Commissioner of Education Dr. John B. King, Jr. Dr. King was appointed in May 2011 and is charged with leading education reform. He oversees more than 7,000 public and independent elementary and secondary schools (serving 3.1 million students), and hundreds of other educational institutions across New York State including higher education, libraries, and museums. Dr. King is a strong voice for education reform, and he was a driving force in New York’s successful Race to the Top application. Dr. King earned a B.A. from Harvard University, an M.A. from Teachers College, Columbia University, a J.D. from Yale Law School, and an Ed.D. from Teachers College, Columbia University. For information, call (718) 9902577 or email larsenm@stjohns.edu.
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Kids Hit The Curbs Musicians Of Queens
Radio Jarocho Given that Queens is the most diverse borough in the world, it should come as no surprise that all styles of music can be found throughout its neighborhoods. Radio Jarocho is one such example, specializing in son jarocho, a regional folk genre from the state of Veracruz, Mexico. While the band plays son jarocho, in tribute to the small towns and musicians who created it in Veracruz, they also throw in their own assorted influences to make something that sounds both traditional and contemporary. “Son jarocho musicians have relied on traditional songs for years, which is great but we are channeling our experiences in New York City and put them into a traditional Mexican music form to create our original
songs,” Gabriel Guzman said. The members, which include Guzman on jarana and vocals, Julia del Palacio on bailiadora and vocals, Juan Carlos Marin on requinto and vocals, Emmanuel Huitzil on marimbol and Carlos Cuestas on leona and vocals, are based in Astoria, Jackson Heights and East Elmhurst. “We love the diversity of Queens in terms of people, food and music,” Guzman said. “We grew up as musicians and artists in community events around Queens.” The group’s debut album, “Café Café,” was released in May 2012 and Radio Jarocho has been supporting it with local shows since then. They will play at the Terraza Café, located at 40-19 Gleane St., Elmhurst, on April 26 and May 18. They have an Astoria performance planned as well for May 11, at the Queens Library found at 14-01 Astoria Boulevard.
Oh, So That's Why...
Mets third baseman and team captain David Wright
Oh Captain, My Captain Since he debuted with the New York Mets in 2004, David Wright has collected a number of accolades: two Golden Glove Awards (2007, 2008), a six-time AllStar (2006-2010, 2012) and two Silver Slugger Awards among them. Last week, the Mets gave Wright another welldeserved accolade: the team named him the fourth captain in the team's history, joining Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter and John Franco in the exclusive club. The news was tempered, however, with an injury. Shortly before Wright received the honor, the third basemen injured his ribs playing for the United States
in the World Baseball Classic. The injury meant that the captains of both of New York's baseball teams finished off the spring injured: Wright with his ribs and Yankees captain Derek Jeter with his ankle issues. Unlike Jeter, however, the Mets have stated that they are confident Wright will be ready to play on Opening Day, scheduled for a 1:10 p.m. start April 1 against the San Diego Padres. Perhaps both captains will be healthy when the two teams face off in interleague play the last week of May. Hopefully the Mets won't have been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs by then...
The creator of whyleaveastoria.com can finally answer the question that the website is named after. According to published reports, Ran Craycraft, who founded the blog/message board dedicated to Astoria, has actually left the northwest Queens neighborhood and moved to Hollywood, California. The reason for Craycraft’s move to the west coast, according to the story, is for his full-time job as general manager of entertainment for AOL. He drove cross-country
for about two weeks with his girlfriend, singer-songwriter Lonna Marie Spitaleri, who performed a few gigs along the way. The blog serves as a way for Astoria residents to connect with each other. It allows you to see other people that are on the site, as well as join groups and search for upcoming events that will happen in that area. Despite the move, Craycraft said that he will continue to be in charge of the website. He also runs a similar website, whyleavelongislandcity.com.
Accents for $2,000, Alex So what’s got Alex Trebek speaking with a [poor] Queens accent? Last week, the long time “Jeopardy!” host took a stab at the dialect, introducing an entire category on the game show dedicated to the Borough. The category featured a wide variety of subjects including history and geography of Queens, and the big money question for $2,000 was about the high Greek concentration in Astoria. While it was nice to see
The influx of dog owners living in Sunnyside, Woodside and Long Island City has led to a smelly situation, and a group of students has decided to take matters into their own hands. A novel campaign, “Curb your Dog,” initiated by the students of the Social Studies department at PS 150, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) and the Sunnyside Dog Society, kicked off on March 22 at 12:30 pm at the school yard of PS 150. The campaign encourages students to draw their best work of art that will motivate dog walkers to pick up after their dogs. Besides it being a creative piece of art, the poster must indicate the New York State Public Health Law 1310, plus the $250 fine dog walkers will face if they fail to pick up after their dogs during their daily walk. From the 280 poster submissions, five finalists will present their work to the community at the kick off where the winner will be chosen by a voting system set in place for the public. The lucky winner will then see his or her artwork redistributed in various parts of Western Queens. The students hope to take a smelly situation and turn it into a crafty arts and social studies project while learning how to become involved with the community at a very young age. If this campaign is a hit on the streets, maybe the City should reconsider putting up drawings, instead of the boring white and red, rectangularshaped “Curb your Dog” signs.
Got Talent? QConf is looking for some talented Queens residents to feature. If you are a model, a musician, a chef or an artist, we would love to hear from you! Get in touch with us via email, at editor@queenstribune. com, and you could be featured in an upcoming edition!
Queens represented on the long-running game show, we can only hope that Mr. Trebek never again attempts to talk like someone from the Borough.
Who we are: QConf is edited by Steven J. Ferrari. QConf Contributors: Luis Gronda, Natalia Kozikowska, Joe Marvilli, Marcia Moxom Comrie, Mike Nussbaum, Trisha Sakhuja.
March 29 - April 4, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19
What’s Up MARCH 30 Easter Egg Hunt and Party The Rochdale Youth Planning, Rochdale Village Social Services Youth Council and Youth Leadership Initiative will host an Easter egg hunt from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rochdale Village Community Center, located at 169-65 137th Ave. The event is free. For additional information, call Melody at 516-7241741 or e-mail melliejoi@msn.com.
Small Business Workshop
Resumes and Cover Letters
Taking place at the Queens Library Central Branch, located at 8911 Merrick Blvd, this free workshop will teach you how to develop a business plan, create a demand for a product or service, set goals and objectives, create budgets and timelines, identify resources and prepare to open your "doors." It will start at 7 p.m. Visit the Job Information Center or call 718-990-8625 for more information.
The free workshop will cover: how to get started, types of resumes, what to include and exclude and other helpful tips. It will take place at 10 a.m. at the Queens Library Central Branch, found at 89-11 Merrick Blvd. Visit the Job Information Center or call 718990-8625 for more information.
"Half Married" The Caribbean American Repertory Theatre will stage "Half Married" at the Queens Library Central Branch, found at 89-11 Merrick Blvd. Written by Eddie Donoghue and directed by Rudy Shaw, this staged reading of the hilarious, farcical comedy about views on marriage, lust and sexuality will begin at 2 p.m. The play follows two St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands taxi drivers as they meet a young lady and become involved in a story of romance, deception and greed. The reading will be followed by a discussion of the play. The performance is free to attend.
APRIL 1 Stay Well Learn how special exercises and relaxation techniques can make a difference in your life at the Queens Library Central Branch, located at 89-11 Merrick Blvd. The free program begins at 10 a.m.
APRIL 2 Are You Ready for the GED? The Adult Learning Center, found at 91-14 Merrick Blvd., 6th Floor, Jamaica, will host a free GED assessment for ages 17 and up. Starting at 9:30 a.m., the free program will also teach attendees how to find a class for help. Call 718-480-4300 to schedule an appointment.
APRIL 3 State Sen. Malcolm Smith's Operation Safe Southeast Queens State Sen. Malcolm Smith (DHollis) will be holding a series of Operation Safe Southeast Queens meetings this year at his district office at 205-20 Jamaica Ave. from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. In attendance will be the commanders of the 102, 103, 105, 107, 112 and 113th Precincts. It will be an opportunity for concerned citizens to discuss ways to combat crime in Southeast Queens. For additional information, contact AnnMarie Costella at costella@nysenate.gov or 718-454-0162.
Universal Circus - Opening Day The Universoul Circus, held in Roy Wilkins Park at Merrick Boulevard, is a highly interactive combination of circus arts, theater and music that spans genres including Pop, R&B, Latin, Hip Hop, Jazz and Gospel. It embraces and celebrates the unique and familiar aspects of pop culture globally by bringing them center stage with a cast of international performers. UniverSoul Circus is rated as one of the top three circuses in America. Attendances costs range from $20 to $40. For additional information, visit http://www.universoulcircus.com. It will run from April 3 to April 15.
An Inclusive World - ExhibiAn Inclusive World - Opening tion Workshop Reception The Jamaica Center for Arts & An Inclusive World promotes an inclusive horizontal social model by blurring the lines of artists' identities that are normally associated with forms of exclusivity (such as Outsider Artists). In this exhibit of artists from various populations, an ideology emerges that embraces the diversity of the contemporary global citizen. The reception will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning Gallery on 161-04 Jamaica Avenue. For additional information, call (718) 658-7400, ext 2132.
Learning Gallery, found at 161-04 Jamaica Ave., will host An Inclusive World, which promotes an inclusive horizontal social model by blurring the lines of artists' identities that are normally associated with forms of exclusivity (such as Outsider Artists). In this exhibit of artists from various populations, an ideology emerges that embraces the diversity of the contemporary global citizen. The workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. For additional information, call (718) 658-7400, ext. 2132.
lowships, and internships. Come hear and ask questions about how to become a Foreign Service Officer and other career opportunities with the United States Department of State. The free event will be held at the Academic Core Building, found at 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. and take place from 3 p.m. to 4:50 p.m.
ONGOING ShapeUp NYC's Aerobics for Lincoln Park Basketball Adults provides a free, moderate Association
Aerobics for Adults
workout that burns calories and improves cardiac function. Instructor Danielle Howell will lead the 4 p.m. class at Queens Library Central Branch, located at 89-11 Merrick Blvd. Space is limited. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Professional Development Workshop for Childcare Providers The free, interactive workshop, given in partnership with the ACS/ CUNY Informal Child Care Project, provides information and resources to informal (license-exempt) childcare providers throughout the five boroughs on building relationships and nurturing social and emotional development; how children learn; physical well-being and development; language and literacy. It will be held at Queens Library Central Branch, located at 89-11 Merrick Blvd. at 6:30 p.m.
APRIL 4 Mock Interviews Mock interviews help you perfect your interviewing skills. In this oneon-one practice session, you will learn how to prepare for an interview, deal with difficult questions and follow up afterwards. It will be held at Queens Library Central Branch, located at 89-11 Merrick Blvd. at 9 a.m. Preregistration for the free event is required. Call 718-990-8625 or visit the Job Information Center to schedule an appointment.
Interested In Becoming A Diplomat? The Political Science Program (Department of Behavioral Sciences) at York College will present: "Interested In Becoming A Diplomat? A Talk About Careers with the United States Department of State." Ms. Patricia Guy, CUNY Diplomat-inResidence will discuss the challenges and rewards of a career in the foreign service. She will also speak with students about State Department career opportunities including careers, fel-
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.
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.
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.