Southeast Queens Press Epaper

Volume 12 Issue No. 33 Aug. 19-25, 2011

Page 18

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

Park & Parcel

The Greater Jamaica Development Corp. is trying to get local politicians involved in its struggle to convert this parcel of land into a public park as part of the overall plan for improving the Atlantic Avenue extension near the Airport Village.

The City seems prepared to move ahead with the project to solve the traffic problem, but not improve the aesthetic of the neighborhood.

By Veronica Lewin…Page 3

Online at www.QueensPress.com

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Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 19-25, 2011

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From Capitol Hill:

Tough Vote vs. Default

BY U.S. REP. GREG MEEKS In the dozen or so media sessions about the highly controversial bipartisan compromise to raise the nation's debt ceiling, interviewers have been far more interested in me being the only New York City Democrat who voted yes, than in what is actually in the bill. They seemed surprised by my comment that I do not base how I vote on how others are voting, but on whether or not a bill serves the interests of my district and is good for the country.

Even though 94 other House Democrats and 45 Senate Democrats agreed with me, while 95 House Democrats and 6 Senate Democrats did not, some commentators seemed surprised when I argued that the achievements of the Budget Control Act of 2011 outweigh its deficiencies.

Liberal critics of the bill contend that President Obama and the Democrats whose support supplied the margin for passage in the House "surrendered to hostage takers" (the House Republicans - many of them Tea Party Republicans - who tied raising the debt limit to cutting "trillions" in federal spending and refused to consider revenue increases under any circumstances). This argument works only if context and facts are left out.

Remember that the House vote occurred a scant 30 hours before the Aug. 2 deadline for raising the debt limit. The Senate voted the next day with about 10 hours to go. The President signed the bill into law with only six hours left.

If Congress had failed to act, the U.S. government for the first time would have defaulted on its debts. The results would have been catastrophic. For example, the federal government's August commitments exceeded $306 billion with only $174 billion in revenue due to come in. Without the legal authority to borrow the funds to make up the difference, the federal government could have paid the interest on the national debt and covered its monthly Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid commitments, but would have had nothing left to pay veterans' benefits, vendors or contractors or to fund federal agencies.

Default would have jeopardized the "full faith and credit" of the U.S. government. Interest rates would have gone up

for every level of government, every American with a credit card, car payment, mortgage or student loan, and for every business that relies on a line of credit to meet payroll and operating expenses. Pension plans would have been devastated.

There were no alternatives to the compromise bill that could pass both houses of Congress. Congress could either pass this bill or allow America to default.

Is it a perfect bill? Does it include everything I wanted and exclude everything I oppose? Like every bill to come up for a vote during my 13 years in Congress, the answer is no. But, did it raise the debt ceiling, avert default, protect key entitlements, and stop House Tea Party Republicans from repeating their hostage-taking performance during next year's election? Yes. In return for raising the debt ceiling by $2.4 trillion over the next 18 months, President Obama and a majority of congressional Democrats agreed to cut defense and non-defense federal discretionary spending by a similar amount over the next ten years. The bill outlined $900 billion in cuts. The remaining $1.5 trillion in cuts will occur through a joint HouseSenate committee process.

True, the bill does not include revenue increases. But it does empower a Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to put everything on the table to identify the additional cuts: entitlement programs; defense and non-defense discretionary spending; and revenue increases, including reforming the tax code, closing tax loopholes, and eliminating tax subsidies for corporations and special interests. This 12-member committee consists of three members from each party from both the House and Senate.

In my view the committee, together with an enforcement mechanism also contained in the legislation, creates a dynamic that will pressure both sides of the aisle to grapple with America's fiscal reality and very well may become a vehicle for the kind of "grand bargain" President Obama has been seeking.

Join me for an interactive Town Hall as we further discuss the Debt Ceiling Compromise on Friday, August 19, 6-8 p.m. at the York College Performing Arts Center, 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica. The event is free and open to the public.

Presstime

Traffic Fixed, But Visual Appeal Is Lost

BY VERONICA LEWIN

A development project intended to stimulate the economy of downtown Jamaica – as well as bring aesthetic appeal – may be facing budget cuts that would preserve the function but abandon its artistic form.

The Greater Jamaica Development Corp., which has been acting for more than 40 years as the key architect of growth, zoning changes and remediation of Downtown Jamaica, was hoping to receive $15.9 million of City funding for the Atlantic Avenue extension project – a key part of a massive urban renewal project around the new AirTrain station.

Under the plan, the community surrounding Atlantic Avenue would be transformed into a mixed-use business district

around the Jamaica Station and AirTrain complex, bringing commercial space, several parks, residential units, and retail to the area. The complete project design also includes several parks and visual improvements to the one-way pair of 94th and 95th Avenues.

When the possibility of a $10 million funding cut came to the attention of GJDC earlier this year, the organization reached out to then-Economic Development Corp.

Executive Vice President Madelyn Wils, asking for the funds to remain. Wils responded to GJDC President Carlisle Towery that the City was unable to return the project to its $15.9 million plan due to the economy, though the EDC agreed to work with GJDC to change the scope of the project to fit a potential change in budget.

Wils said the agency was working to-

wards ensuring savings leftover from the Sutphin Underpass construction project, also managed by GJDC, would be used to preserve as much of GJDC’s original plan of the Atlantic Avenue extension project as possible.

That has not happened.

After months of unsuccessful attempts to definitively secure the $10 million, GJDC reached out to Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) to ask for his help to prevent the money from being cut from the project. In a letter dated Aug. 11, GJDC Chairman Lamont Bailey said making improvements to the one-way pair, roadways and the landscape are key developments for the area surrounding the AirTrain and Jamaica Station.

If the capital budget is cut, the organization has three alternatives to its original $16

million plan. The first, at $10.2 million, would keep Gateway Park and other neighborhood parks, but leave the one-way pair on 94th and 95th Avenues without aesthetic improvement; another alternative costing $7.7 million would leave Gateway Park as the lone space of green in the project; the last would remove Gateway Park, but would only cost the City $5.7 million.

A spokeswoman for the EDC declined to comment until the budget for the Atlantic Avenue Extension project is finalized.

“We would be very disappointed if this budget cut happens, as would the many stakeholders in the area who anticipate the improvements which the project will provide,” Bailey’s letter states.

Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.

Turner’s Sept. 11 Ad Painful For Some

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

social media circles last week. The Turner campaign removed the ad from YouTube on Friday, three days before it began airing on Queens and Brooklyn cable channels.

Meanwhile, the two candidates continue to roll out big named endorsements. Turner received the endorsement of former Mayor Rudy Giuliani while Weprin was endorsed

by U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, who represented the same district in the 1990s.

“Congress is in dire need of business leaders like Bob Turner, not another career politician,” Giuliani said, endorsing Turner’s business credentials. Schumer meanwhile said Weprin would fight “reckless, extreme right wing Republicans” and protect Medicare and Social Security.

“As we work to close tax loopholes for companies that ship jobs overseas, preserve and protect Medicare, and reform our government so it works more efficiently and effectively for everyone, we need a leader like David fighting for us,” Schumer said.

The special election is Sept. 13.

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

way and Belt Parkway shut down due to flooding that was damaging to many homes and businesses.

Rising waters also made residential streets and sidewalks in Whitestone, Rosedale and Howard Beach impassable even into Monday. Floods left parking lots around Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park underwater and forced the closure of the Far Rockaway LIRR station.

The freak storm found its way into the race to succeed former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner in the 9th Congressional District.

Democratic candidate David Weprin called for the federal government to invest in fixing infrastructure in flood-prone parts of the city.

“[Sunday’s] flash floods are an urgent reminder of the personal, economic, and property damages that regularly result because of our nation’s rapidly deteriorating infrastructure. If we invest in infrastructure to fix these problems now, we’ll create jobs while improving our economic competitiveness and quality of life in the immediate term and long run,” Weprin said in a statement.

Many of the neighborhoods badly affected by last weekend’s rain, like Rockaway, Howard Beach, Broad Channel, Middle Village and Glendale, are in the 9th CD. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.

The Politics Of Heavy Rain

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

In the last year, Queens experienced a tornado, two record-breaking blizzards and the hottest day in 35 years. On Sunday, “rainiest day ever” was added to the list.

A whopping 7.8 inches of rain fell at JFK Airport during the day Sunday, the highest one-day total ever recorded. That’s the amount of rain that typically falls on the airport in two months. The record far eclipsed the former record of 6.3 inches tallied on June 30, 1984. Some areas nearby, including Lido Beach in Nassau County, recorded more than 10 inches of rain.

The storm left many local roads like Metropolitan Avenue, Grand Central Park-

Aug. 19-25, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Republican Congressional candidate Bob Turner released his first television ad last week in the race to succeed former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner, but the ad is creating controversy.

Turner, who got just under 40 percent of the vote in the longtime Democratic district against Weiner in 2010, is running against Assemblyman David Weprin (DLittle Neck) for the seat.

The ad focuses on the proposed Islamic Center in Lower Manhattan that made headlines last summer as the “Ground Zero Mosque.” In the ad, the narration over images of the Sept. 11 attacks says “It’s been 10 short years.

Everyone remembers. Some, though, want to commemorate the tragedy by building a mosque on Ground Zero. President Obama thinks that’s a good idea. And so does Congressional candidate David Weprin.”

Though the ad implies a mosque would be built on Ground Zero, the “mosque,” which is actually an Islamic Cultural Center that includes a gym, was proposed at the former site of a Burlington Coat Factory store three blocks away from the site.

When asked about the center last summer, President Barack Obama refrained from commenting on the “wisdom” of building the center, insisting that his support went as far as protecting the builder’s right to build it.

The Weprin campaign responded to Turner’s ad by calling it “shameful.” The Turner campaign defended the ad as “simple and factual” and said they were standing by it.

The ad also invoked harsh reaction among other Queens politicians. Assemblyman Mike DenDekker (D-Jackson Heights), who was a responder on 9/11, said he was “appalled” by the ad and demanded Turner remove it and apologize.

“This is not only a cheap campaign trick, but a form of emotional manipulation that just isn’t appropriate on the eve of the 10th anniversary of the worst terror-

ploiting the pain of thousands of families who lost loved ones on 9/11 to score political points.”

The 9th Congressional District includes the neighborhoods of the Rockaway Peninsula, home to a large number of FDNY firefighters who lost colleagues on 9/11, as well as numerous victims of the tragedy whose families still reside there.

The Islamic center became a political football last year and Turner had used it to attack Weiner. At the time, Mayor Mike Bloomberg fiercely Bob Turner’s first ad in his race to succeed Anthony defended the builder’s right to build.

Weiner, invoking images of the Sept. 11 attacks, Mayor Ed Koch, who has endorsed Turner, called the center “insensitive,” angered some. but in an op-ed last August, defended the owners’ right to build and deist attack in world history,” DenDekker fended Bloomberg and Obama’s stances said. on the issue.

The Uniformed Fire Officials Associa“Government should neither favor nor tion, New York’s top firefighters’ union, hinder the efforts of religious institutions, also slammed the ad. other than to protect their rights to engage “Robert Turner’s commercial is very in carrying them out as permitted under insensitive,” said Capt. Alexander Hagan, the First Amendment of the ConstituPresident of the Uniformed Fire Officials tion,” Koch wrote on Aug. 17, 2010.

Association. “We object to anyone exTurner’s ad made its way around on

CECs Set To Dispute Mandated Sex Classes

BY JASON BANREY

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 19-25, 2011

The debate is over.

Whether principals like it or not, sex education will be taught in all New York City schools in the fall.

Last week, Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott sent an email to principals throughout the City stating sex education lessons will be mandatory in both middle and high school health curriculums.

Believing the school system has an important role in educating children about sex, Walcott said the new Dept. of Education policy was “overdue.”

The mandate is part of the City’s Young Men’s Initiative, a broader effort to improve the lives of young black and Latino youth; it will be incorporated into the health education curriculum. Schools will have the discretion as to which grade to offer the lessons in.

Beginning this September, the new mandate will require pupils to take one semester of sex education, which the DOE recommends should be offered in sixth or seventh grade and again in ninth or 10th grade.

As Community Education Councils throughout the borough ready themselves for the upcoming school term, the matter has reignited the debate within the parentled organizations.

Although specifics about the mandate will not be out until October, Isaac Carmignani, president of CEC 30, which oversees schools from Astoria to Corona, said there are several members on the

council who like the concept.

CEC 30 has yet to set its overall opinion in stone about the matter. Despite the several who are in favor of the mandate, Carmignani said an essential component of the mandate should focus on the ethnic and religious diversity within the community.

“There is a multiplicity of belief systems in this [district],” he said. “It would make sense whatever the curriculum is that there is some kind of an opt-out provision for parents who perhaps, after knowing what the curriculum is, still don’t want it for their children,” Carmignani added.

Although the issue has not yet been discussed within CEC 24, board President Nick Comaianni already put forth a reso-

lution opposing Walcott’s plan. CEC 24 oversees schools in Corona, Elmhurst, Glendale, Long Island City and Ridgewood.

The initial draft of the resolution states that children as young as 10 years old “are simply not ready nor have the ability to understand such topics” and the CEC 24 “wishes to have early sexual education discussed in the home as the parent of the child sees fit and not in the classroom.”

CEC 24 will bring a revised version of the original resolution up for discussion and a vote at its monthly meeting on Aug. 23 at PS 58 in Maspeth. The new text includes the phrase CEC 24 “is opposed to mandated sex education instruction for all students.”

There is expected to be heated debate on the subject.

Although the DOE has yet to unveil an official sex education curriculum, it did stipulate its recommendation of utilizing existing curriculums offered in the past – HealthSmart and Reducing the Risk, two programs that are currently offered in schools.

For more than 20 years, sex education has been tossed around by educators and parents alike. The mandate came as a shock to some and is welcomed as a necessity towards a child’s overall education by others.

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

Green Group Ranks Albany A ‘B’

BY JASON BANREY The New York League of Conservation Voters ranked the most recent legislative session in Albany with an overall B grade, noting that the session "was a good one for the environment."

The organization met with community activists Monday at the Astoria branch of the Queens Library to go over its legislative scorecard.

"This event is about connecting the community to what's happening in Albany," said Dan Hendrick, communications director for the group. "We want

residents to walk away knowing they are absolutely involved in the environmental issues."

Ricardo Gotla, legislative director for the group, enumerated the key issues that were and were not addressed during session, including four bills that have yet to be signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, including the Complete Streets bill and the On Bill Recovery Act. The environmental advocacy group's progress report went on to list various other issues such as climate change and natural resource protection which both received B's.

As the issue of climate changes continues to gain less traction, Gotla said he did not expect the bill to ever pass the Senate because "it's a partisan bill."

Although many keys pieces of legislation have stalled or are awaiting a signature by the governor, the League of Conservation Voters generously graded Albany's efforts for making the environment a part of its agenda.

For more information about NYLCVEF Albany progress reports go to nylcvef.org.

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

City Pushes Back On Deport Ruling

BY JASON BANREY U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement decided to go over the heads of state governors and roll out a controversial federal law enforcement program that gathers biometric data from people arrested convicted or not - in efforts to step up deportation of illegal aliens.

Advocates and members of the City Council have vowed to fight the decision.

On Aug. 5, ICE sent a letter to governors throughout the U.S. announcing their approval was no longer needed to activate Secure Communities in their states and counties.

Under S-Comm, an ICE directed program, local law enforcement agencies are required to forward biometric data of individuals who are booked into local and county jails to the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. With the intent of deporting criminal aliens, the collaboration allows the DHS to compare the prints to others on its files as well as share the birth place of individuals in custody.

"Once a state or local law enforcement agency voluntarily submits fingerprint data to the federal government, no agreement with the state is legally necessary for one part of federal government to share it with another," said ICE Director John Morton.

Although former Gov. David Paterson approved the program in May 2010, Gov. Andrew Cuomo froze the state's participation in the controversial program in June.

Despite ICE's announcement, Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) is making an attempt to halt unjust deportations at the city's main jail complex, Rikers Island.

In an effort to restrict cooperation between law enforcement officials at Rikers, Dromm is introducing legislation which would prohibit DOC from sharing information with ICE that could help facilitate the detention and deportation of inmates.

The legislation would also halt officials from holding innocent individuals beyond

a 48 hour period, and bar officials from notifying federal immigration authorities of an individual's release, provided they have never been convicted of a misdemeanor, felony or is not a defendant in a pending criminal case in any jurisdiction.

According to Dromm, ICE's presence at DOC facilities including Rikers, has created a dragnet, resulting in the deportation of thousands of New Yorkers each year who have no criminal record or prior convictions.

"What they are doing at Rikers is running an alien program rather than a crimi-

nal alien program," said Dromm. "We cannot allow the cooperation between ICE and the DOC to continue tearing families apart and destabilizing immigrant communities that pose no threat to public safety."

The bill is cosponsored by Melissa MarkViverito (D-Manhattan) and has the support of City Speaker Christine Quinn, who reportedly said she could pass the bill and override a veto.

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

Public Advocate Joins Strikers

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

For a second week, 45,000 Verizon workers from Massachusetts to Washington D.C., including here in Queens, walked the picket lines and the standoff has gotten ugly.

Locally, Verizon strikers are accusing the NYPD of protecting Verizon workers and execs by escorting them to work.

“Taxpayers should not be footing the bill for this,” said one striker in Bayside Friday, who only wanted to be identified as Jim. He said he observed NYPD officers escorting Verizon workers from their homes to their place of work.

Verizon spokesman John Bonomo denied that police were being used to escort executives and contract workers to and

from their homes. He admitted instead that some police have been asked to intervene as a matter of public safety where strikers are present at garages and job sites.

“We don’t want employees, strikers or passers-by to get hurt,” Bonomo said. “It helps safety, it helps customer service.”

Strikers have gotten the support of at least one citywide official: Public Advocate Bill de Blasio joined protestors outside Verizon’s Forest Hills office last week in solidarity. He also appeared at protests in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

“This is not the America we dreamed of,” de Blasio said through a bullhorn at the protest on Thursday. He urged the picketers to keep fighting.

“You are fighting for the jobs of all middle

class and working class people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Verizon is seeking court injunctions aimed at limiting activities of protestors on and around Verizon property and job sites.

They successfully got them in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and are fighting to get injunctions in other states, including in New York.

All around the city, small groups of protestors appeared near locations where Verizon’s replacement workers were working. In Rockaway Beach, a group of workers doing work on a telephone pole were called “scabs” by a resident entering her home.

Bonomo said both sides are continuing to talk, but no deal is appeared imminent.

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

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Aug. 19-25, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

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

Brenda Jones

Editorial For The Birds We have said it before, and we feel it is necessary to say it again: the City’s plan to open a municipal trash transfer station in such close proximity to LaGuardia Airport is asking for trouble.

There is no way a reasonable person can think that birds will not be drawn to the trash site. We have all witnessed first-hand the devastating and dangerous results of birds flying in such close proximity to jets taking off and landing. One need only recount the tale of the “Miracle on the Hudson” to know that birds and planes don’t mix.

The City is wrong on this, and we will hate to be the ones, at some point, to say “We told you so,” because it will most likely be in response to tragedy.

Please don’t let us be right.

Executive Editor:

Brian Rafferty Deputy Editor:

Joseph Orovic Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Harley Benson Domenick Rafter Jason Banrey Veronica Lewin Art Dept:

Sara Gold Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend Advertising Director James Mammarella Sr. Account Executive Shelly Cookson Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 19-25, 2011

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2011 Tribco, LLC

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

Letters It’s Plane Noisy To The Editor: I am a member of the East Williston Aircraft Safety and Noise Abatement Committee as well as being an attendee of the meetings of The Town Village Aircraft Safety and Noise Abatement Committee (TVASNAC).

We are gravely concerned about the increased number of low-flying planes over East Williston, Garden City, Floral Park and Stewart Manor. Aircrafts are being continuously directed over our communities every three to five minutes by the FAA into JFK’s arrival Runway 22L. FAA regulations mandate that planes fly over our community at 2500 feet, yet Port Authority records clearly show that over 80 percent of all planes fly well below that mandated altitude. In fact, over the village of Floral Park planes are required to be much higher than 1000 feet on the ILS approach. According to the FAA

approach plated aircraft by the ZALPO Intersect (Marshall Avenue and Revere Drive in Floral Park) should be at 1800 feet.

Some facts of interest: In June, 2011 Runway 22L got 7,382 of 18,558 total arrivals into JFK, an amazing 39.77 percent. The communities under the ILS approach for some unknown reason get only 20 percent. And Floral Park’s ILS approach is not the only one used for high volume arrivals; we routinely see 30 or more aircraft an hour using the VOR/DME approach. In fact, Runway 22R very rarely gets used for arrivals into JFK—only 20 percent of the time.

We have to ask why the FAA has changed its own protocol by distributing a greater percentage of all arrivals to Runway 22L. Unfortunately arrivals over the VOR/DME approach do not “fan out”. That’s why we see the exact same approach and line of planes over East Williston, Floral Park, Garden City and Stewart Manor

Letters time and time again. While the FAA doesn’t control altitude (and therefore pilots fly really low), it does have pilots follow a specific vector.

Like East Williston, residents of Floral Park and nearby communities are suffering great hardships because of this continuing abuse by the FAA. Our quality of life has eroded. In Garden City, autistic children have gotten worse because of the low-flying noise. Residents are being awakened by the rattling of windows.

Cable service has been disrupted.

In East Williston, sitting outside at any time of the day or evening has become next to impossible.

And most important, impact on the environment cannot be measured because the FAA has not made the mandatory environmental studies deemed necessary before any changes were made in plane operations.

Regarding equitable distribution of air traffic into 22L at JFK, a change was made to the Standard Operating Procedures at JFK which allowed the FAA to route more and more aircraft over certain communities..to the tune of 80 percent of all arrivals into 22L. The FAA itself says that the VOR/ DME approach over East Williston, Garden City and Stewart Manor absorbs 80 percent of the volume into 22L. The ILS approach over Floral Park gets the remaining 20 percent.

Surely, no one thinks this is equitable distribution of air traffic.

We are taking action and we can help each other. We must hold the FAA accountable for the standards they have set for themelves and the effect they

have on our lives. Each month TVSNAC holds a meeting in Lawrence. At this time these important issues are discussed with the FAA and Port Authority. A notice in this paper will advise the date. This is a great forum in which our residents can voice their concerns on how to restore a semblance of tranquility to our lovely communities.

Francene Pollock Gould, East Williston

Not Surprised To The Editor: One need not be surprised by Koch’s endorsement of Republican Bob Turner in the special election to replace Anthony Weiner in the 9th Congressional District.

Notwithstanding a Democratic label, Koch in my opinion has for years been acting not even as a moderate Republican, but an extreme right wing Conservative.

I consider a Koch endorsement worthless and a signal to me to vote for the other candidate. I never thought he was a good Mayor: He was mean spirited and forever patting himself on the back. He took credit for solving New York City’s fiscal problems, when in fact it was then-Gov. Hugh Carey, Felix Rohatyn and the Municipal Unions that accomplished it. I am reminded of the time at a press conference when he said he told his aids that if he were abducted under no circumstances were they to pay any ransom. I wrote a letter suggesting that he read O. Henry’s “Ransom of The Red Chief” and that his admonition may be unnecessary.

Benjamin M. Haber, Flushing

Weprin, Orthodoxy & Gay Marriage A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE In a little under four weeks, voters in the Ninth Congressional District will go to the polls to choose a new representative to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Anthony Weiner.

They will have only two choices: Assemblyman David Weprin and businessman Bob Turner. We know that former mayor Ed Koch has made a big fuss about Israel in this election and is supporting Turner, the Republican candidate, because he assumes that Democrat David Weprin will drink the Obama KoolAid on Israel; Koch thinks the president's support of Israel is not what he thinks it ought to be.

In response, Weprin has come out and publicly disagreed with the president on Israel. Weprin is supposed to be getting the support of statewide elected officials such as Senators Schumer and

Gillibrand so smooth sailing now for Weprin now, right?

Wrong.

Gay marriage, according to published reports, is now playing a role in the campaign. It seems the Jewish orthodoxy in the district is none too pleased with the assemblyman's vote for gay marriage.

Weprin is himself an orthodox Jew; but he supported the same sex marriage bill in the Assembly and now it has come back to bite him.

There are so many issues on the table in any elected body that it seems a shame that one controversial vote could cost a candidate an election. The same-sex marriage bill passed in our state, and whether or not we agree with it, it is done and here to stay. So why not focus on the issues that are pending in Washington, D.C.?

This election should not be solely about Israel and gay marriage.

People's religious beliefs are what sustain them, and they have all rights to those beliefs. In a

democracy anyone of us can express our opinion on any measure passed in our city, state and federal governments. But to let one unpopular issue determine an election seems short-sighted.

David Weprin is a pragmatist.

He has always voted with his conscience rather than for political expediency. He is able to see writings on the wall and act accordingly. I'm sure his rabbi disagrees with him on this vote, but his rabbi probably also knows that unemployment and the national deficit are more important issues to worry about in Congress as opposed to what happened at the end of the last legislative session in Albany.

It would be a shame for a seasoned legislator such as David Weprin who as a councilman and assemblyman did very well for his districts to now lose an election over two unpopular issues.

But the same way he had a right to vote as he saw fit on the marriage bill, voters also have a right to under-

stand why someone who shares their faith would vote in a way that offends their belief system. It comes down to what they believe based on the Bible they study.

I hope they can find it in their hearts to examine the issues impacting their district, our city, state and nation before voting on Tuesday, Sept. 13. David Weprin is an honest public servant whose heart is open to all kinds of people - and that, too, is an important component of faith even if he parted ways with them on one issue.

Bob Turner is probably a decent fellow too, but I don't know enough about him to make that determination. If I had a vote in that district I would not base it entirely on a vote that is now over and done with. I would base it on the candidates' body of work and their potential to help fix the problems that are drowning our country.

However it turns out, I wish them both well as they move forward with their lives and careers.

Michele Bachmann, Yes There Is A Choice

By MICHAEL SCHENKLER Y’know, I am a lifelong Democrat.

Dad, a politically active, leftleaning student of history, taught me that the Dems were for the

small people – the middle class — like us, and the Republicans looked out for big business and the rich guys. Dad would also remind me regularly that we – the middle class had the responsibility of providing the opportunity that the lower (economic) class could, through hard work and ingenuity, rise up and become par t of the middle class. It was this middle class – most of us – who would make sure this was always the land of opportunity. And we would have the oppor tunit y to bet ter our selve s through hard work and ingenuity (and sometimes a little bit of luck).

That was what our country is all about.

I learned my lessons well from dad, and in modern terms, I believe his teachings are still pretty accurate. You just have to throw in the tech boom, terrorism and a stock and housing market fluctuation that dad could never envision.

But this student of a real bright political teacher became a cynic, and started to believe that the two par ties were beginning to seem ver y much alike. Perhaps they seemed alike in their do-nothing or self-serving approach to governing. They certainly seemed alike when part isanship appeared to dwarf good government. But the difference between the positions of the Democratic and Republican parties during the debt ceiling debacle, was as clear as the day had to be for Sarah Palin to see Russia from her Alaskan house.

And dad was right.

The Dems wanted to cut spending and raise revenue (yes, taxes) of the wealthiest Americans and the richest corporations. And the Republicans wanted to just cut spending and give the richest in this nation a free ride. When you cut spending, you impact the little guy. If you don’t tax the rich, the burden isn’t shared. And the Republicans wanted the rich to keep their wealt h – you know, it’l l “trickle down.”

Perhaps Warren Buffett, the

Oracle of Omaha, the nation’s second wealthiest person (behind Bill Gates) and the force behind investment super company Berkshire Hathaway said it best in a New York Times op-ed earlier t h is week, when he called on Congress to commit to “shared sacrifice” and raise ta xe s on people earni ng more than $1 million.

Buffett, who is estimated to be worth more than $45 billion, suggested that the U.S. government raise taxes on the super-rich investor class: “While the poor and middle class fight for us in Afghanistan, and while most Americans struggle to make ends meet, we mega-rich continue to get our extraordinary tax breaks.”

As for the argument that taxing t he wealt hy st ifle s t he economy, Buffet t said, “I have worked with investors for 60 years and I have yet to see anyone - not even when capital gains rates were 39.9 percent in 1976-77 - shy away from a sensible investment because of the tax rate on the potential gain.”

Yup. Us Dems got a couple of rich guys too.

Now I’m not looking for an economic argument here, I’m just trying to illustrate that dad’s assertion of 50-plus years ago that the Dems are for us little guys and the Republicans are for the rich and

big business still holds true today.

And clearly, I’m happy being a lifelong Dem. And clearly I’m for the “little guy” as dad called the middle class.

WHY SWITCH PARTIES? Well, it’s taken a terrible debacle – the debt ceiling crisis — to make this Dem think of changing parties. After watching the G.O.P. at work, after listening to the rhetoric of the Republican candidates, I find the prospect of voting in a Republican Presidential Primary ever so attractive.

Yes, I am disappointed with my progressive Democratic President. He lacked leadership and backbone in the frightful fight. Yes I am disappointed with my member of Congress who with his party didn’t get the job done and didn’t get anything done right. The Dems never put forth a program that would enable the people to see and understand that there was a clear choice between the parties.

My party has failed to define the difference that dad explained to this young son some half a century ago. And so, perhaps I must turn to the Republican Par ty to detail and amplify that difference.

And t here is none bet ter equipped to do the task than Michele Bachmann – though Rick Perry is beginning to make a case

for himself. There is no one that could speak for the Republican right as well as the lovely Congresswoman from Minnesota, Michele Bachmann.

And nothing would please me more than to see my President and the Democrats in Congress having to differentiate their position by having to respond to the right wing rhetoric of Ms. Bachmann.

You see, dad made it easy for his son. You could vote for someone who represented us little guys or someone who repre sented those rich guys. I got the message and have been a lifelong Dem. So now I have an opportunity to switch parties and vote for Michelle Bachmann in the New York State Presidential Primary and by doing so, I could help her become the Republican candidate for President and help everyone understand what dad taught me back in the day.

Yeah, it may be wor thwhile to become a Republican and vote for Michele Bachmann to bring about the 2012 Presidential election of Obama vs. Bachmann.

And ever yone would understand the difference.

Anyone else thinking of switching parties?

Y’know, father knows best.

Follow me on Twitter @MSchenkler

MSchenkler@QueensPress.com

Carey Was Indispensable In City’s ’70s Fiscal Crisis ferent and more immediate than the one the Federal government is now enduring. For years, starting at the end of the mayoral term of Robert F. Wagner in 1965, and increasingly during the eight years of the Lindsay administration and the first year under Mayor Stern Abe Beame, the city had consistently spent more than it received in revenues. The gap was filled by borrowing, and city officials devised a number of instrumentalities for short-term borrowing, which was in addition to regular long-term borrowing through the issuance of bonds. In addition, current expense s, which should have been paid for by current revenues, were allocated to the capital budget, which made them eligible for bonding.

To meet its cash needs, the city bega n to issue new instr uments, called R ANs, TANs and BANs. These were resp ect ively Revenue Anticipation Notes, Tax Anticipation Notes, and Bond Anticipation Notes. When they came due, the city rolled them over, renewing them for a short period of time. The sum of money borrowed in this way steadily rose, and there came a time in 1975 when the

banks, fearful of default as the city’s debt increased, stopped buying the freshly issued notes. This caused an immediate cash crisis, as the city did not have the money to pay its employees, having become dependent on the proceeds of the short-term notes which had been rolled over.

The Emergency Financial Control Board (as it was called at the time) had effective control of the city government, since it controlled the cash flow. Its seven-man board consisted of t he gover nor, t he mayor, the state and city comptrollers, and three private citizens chosen by the governor and confirmed by the state senate.

Gov. Carey, who had become proconsul for the city, first secured the retirement of Deputy Mayor James Cavanagh, a longtime civil servant and the appointee of Mayor Beame. Cavanagh, an honorable man who came to symbolize the old way, was replaced by John E. Zuccot ti, a 38-year-old who had been chairman of the City Planning Commission. The cit y reduced its expenditures sharply, mainly by laying off 50,000 employees on June 30, 1975, the end of the fiscal year.

Polit ically, Carey concluded that Beame was indecisive and not competent to manage the city. He

and former Mayor Wagner set about finding a challenger for the 1977 Democratic primary. They settled on Mario Cuomo, at the time New York’s secretary of state under Gov. Carey. Cuomo came in second in the seven-per son primar y race.

The top t wo, Congressma n Ed Koch and Cuomo, made the runoff. Beame had been eliminated because he came in third.

Koch defeated Cuomo. On

winning, Koch declared peace with Carey, and the two men became political allies and friends.

By the way, many years ago, Gov. Care y received t he park name “Leonine”. It was a reference to his middle name, Leo, and his stately appearance. In New York State, he was, at an impor ta nt t ime i n h istor y, t he king of beasts.

StarQuest@NYCivic.org

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

Aug. 19-25, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

By HENRY STERN The obituaries for Gov. Hugh L. Care y stress a major achievement, bringing fiscal responsibi lit y to Ne w York Cit y government after the financial crisis of 1974 and 1975.

Here are some facts about the situation at Henry that time and Governor Carey’s critical role.

In Gov. Carey’s inaugural on January 1, 1975, he said that “the days of wine and roses were over.”

This was a sage prediction of the fiscal storms ahead. In response to the city’s inability to borrow money to meet its obligations, Carey secured state legislation creating the Municipal Assistance Corporation (also known as Big Mac) and the Financial Control Board for New York City. MAC had the authority to borrow money on behalf of the city, and city tax revenue streams were required to give priority to MAC bonds over any other municipal obligat ions. T he interest rate on some MAC bonds was set as high as 11 per cent, and that income was tax-free. The FCB had authority over the city budget, its approval was required before a budget could be adopted.

The city’s fiscal crisis was dif-

Trash Talk Continues:

Despite Concessions, Reps Lobby DOT To Rethink Entire LGA Waste Project

BY BRIAN M. RAFFERTY AND JOSEPH OROVIC A new salvo was thrown this week in the five-year war over a municipal waste transfer station that is being constructed within close proximity to one of LaGuardia Airport's runways.

Following reports by both CNN and the New York Post, U.S. Reps. Gary Ackerman (DBayside) and Joe Crowley (DJackson Heights) reached out to U.S. Sec. of Transportation Ray LaHood for assurances that the airport's safety perimeters were not being compromised as a facility designed to take in all the garbage from Northern Queens and ship it out by barge is constructed.

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 19-25, 2011

A Bird Magnet?

Planes come in low as they approach the runway near the marine waste transfer station under construction.

Canada Geese (right), seen here flying over nearby Meadow Lake, are prevalent in the area around the airport.

The $125 million facility would be located at 31st Avenue and 122nd Street in College Point.

Closed sanitation trucks filled with garbage would line up as much as 17 deep to enter the facility. Once inside, the trucks would tip their load into chutes where compactors would then press the waste into containers. The containers, each holding about 22 tons of waste, would then be loaded onto barges capable of carrying as many as 48 containers - or more than a million pounds of containerized garbage.

The trash itself, according to the Dept. of Sanitation, would never be exposed to outdoor air, and would thus never attract birds.

But birds are the key to the argument that has been playing out for the last half decade.

Dr. Steven Garber, a biologist who specializes in wildlife hazards to aviation, outlined the dilemma in a report he independently filed in 2009. A substantial part of his career was dedicated to literally keeping birds away from JFK Airport as a biologist working for the Port Authority.

His report claims Sanitation's transfer station will only increase the number of birds hovering about LaGuardia Airport, saying the structure "constitutes flagrant safety violations that will greatly increase the risk of imminent plane crashes."

Those birds are already undercounted, according to U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

Garber doubts the DOS's assurances that sealed garbage containers will eliminate the bird hazard. The FAA's regulations would not allow the transfer station to exist, yet Garber was at a loss when trying to explain this exception.

"It's so clear that every step of the way, the system is broken," he said. "If I had a choice of listening to an airport guy who runs the airport and a garbage guy, I'd trust the airport guy."

The station will affect the surrounding ecosystem in more ways than just an increase in birds, Garber said, likening it to a

snowball effect. Garbage attracts bugs, which attract rodents which lead to birds.

"They will be affecting that ecosystem in a way that will have more birds coming in and out of the area," he said.

The problems may lie in the birds themselves. Canadian geese are not native to the City, yet caused the "Miracle on the Hudson" landing of U.S. Airways Flight 1549.

The size of the birds presents a particular hazard to airplane jets.

"Canadian geese never used to stop here before. They have not made a jet engine that can handle a Canada Goose," Garber said.

A Shaky Compromise In May of last year, in response to concerns previously raised by Ackerman and Crowley, the U.S. DOT agreed to certain suggestions aimed at making the area inhospitable to birds by limiting perching areas and food sources, and having a dedicated specialist on-site to continually keep the birds at bay.

The measures are a result of a study conducted by the DOT, Federal Aviation Administration, Dept. of Agriculture, U.S. Air Force and Port Authority.

But the suggestions are just that, and it's up to the City's Dept. of Sanitation to implement them.

The measures would add to a growing list of safety enhancements to the MTS, which include a shortened height and a weekly visit from a DOT biologist to monitor the situation.

The FAA even agreed to order the facility shut down if bird traffic increased to a point where birds became a threat to the planes.

demanding to know if the whole project was just too near the end of the runway.

"Since the inception of the project's planning phase, we opposed the construction of this facility because of the unsafe height of the building and the proximity to LaGuardia's 13-31 runway, as well as the increased threat of bird strikes - a dangerous and potentially lethal problem," the Congressmen wrote. "Due to the concerns we raised with you during our June 16, 2009 meeting, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) carried out a bird-strike threat assessment and developed a plan to monitor bird activity near the planned trash site. As a result, the FAA agreed to monitor bird activity at the waste transfer station and temporarily close the facility if the bird population rises above unsafe levels. Additionally, the FAA adjusted the height of the transfer station to further enhance safety.

"While we appreciate these good-faith efforts, we remain very concerned about the placement of this facility, which we were assured during the June 16, 2009 meeting was outside the Runway Protection Zone, and continue to be wary of the dangers posed by placing a waste station in the shadows of a major airport and runway. Today's report in the New York Post not only underscores our continued concerns, but raises our original questions about the placement of this facility and whether it improperly penetrates the safety zone surrounding LaGuardia Airport.

"The residents of Queens, as well as the American flying public, deserve to

know that every possible effort has been made to guarantee their safety. We cannot allow questions about the safety of this facility to linger. We look forward to your response regarding the safety standards raised by this article."

The letter was sent Tuesday, and as of press time on Wednesday, there had been no response from DOT.

Another Fight In February, the Friends of LaGuardia Airport filed suit in Queens to stop the construction of the Marine Transfer Station.

"Indeed, the FAA and USDA warned of the 'risk posed to safe aircraft operations by birds' that 'would likely occur' unless 'the design and operation of the proposed MTS [marine transfer station]' address these 'wildlife issues,'" the complaint said.

The City's Dept. of Sanitation and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation are listed as the complaint's respondents.

"The North Shore Marine Transfer Station is a key component of the Mayor's solid waste management plan," said Christopher King, senior counsel at the Environmental Law Division of the City's Law Dept. "The plan will equip the City with a more equitable and environmentally sound waste management infrastructure and will reduce truck traffic in the city. It will be totally enclosed and is specifically designed to prevent attracting birds and other pests. The FAA and an independent panel of experts has reviewed this issue and found that the transfer station is compatible with air safety.

Additionally, the City has agreed to implement the panel's recommendations to ensure that it will not attract birds."

The State DEC declined to comment, citing the litigation as ongoing.

Reach Editor Brian Rafferty at brafferty@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 122.

Still Too Close This week, upon learning that the construction may extend out into the runway's protected area, Ackerman and Crowley went on the offensive again,

U.S. Airways Flight 1549, the “Miracle on the Hudson,� was caused by a bird entering the engine shortly after takeoff.

Police Blotter Compiled by DOMENICK RAFTER (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

the U.S. Post Office located at 103-28 Roosevelt Ave., a man entered the locaThe NYPD is seeking the public's astion, walked up to the teller and passed a sistance in locating Lineburg demand note demanding Johnson, 80, of 407 Beach cash. He then fled the loca66 St., Rockaway Beach. tion in an unknown direction Johnson was last seen at empty handed.

188 Convent Ave. (CUNY The suspect is described College) on Tuesday, Aug. The NYPD is seeking the as a black man, 6-foot-3, in 16, at approximately 3 p.m.

On Saturday, Aug. 13, at public's assistance in locathis 40's, partially balding, He is described as 5-foot-7, approximately 8:16 p.m., ing Kenneth Singletary, 44, and was last seen wearing a 166 lbs., with brown eyes police responded to a 911 of 209-70 111th Rd., yellow "Marshall Faulk" No. and black hair. He was last call of an unconscious man Queens Village. He was last 28 jersey, and blue jeans. seen wearing a red polo shirt, at 87-40 121st St. in Rich- seen on Aug. 9, is 5-foot-8, Anyone with information black pants, and a white mond Hill. Upon arrival, 175 lbs and was last seen Police are looking for Police are looking for is asked to call Crime Stopbaseball cap with "I LOVE police observed the victim, wearing a white and green Lineburg Johnson, who Mario Nacinovich, who pers at (800) 577-TIPS NY" on it. a man in his 20s or 30s, with collared tee shirt and green (8477). The public can also is missing. is missing.

Anyone with information trauma wounds to the head. pants. submit their tips by logging is asked to call Crime StopAnyone with information EMS responded and onto the Crime Stoppers pers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The pub- pronounced the victim dead at the is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by lic can also submit their tips by logging scene. There were no ar577-TIPS (8477). The pub- texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at rests, and the investigation lic can also submit their tips then entering TIP577. nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting was ongoing. by logging onto the Crime their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enStoppers Web site at tering TIP577. nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to The NYPD is seeking the public's asOn Saturday, Aug. 13, at 274637 (CRIMES) then en- sistance in locating Mario Nacinovich, 14, around 3:24 a.m., police retering TIP577. last seen Aug. 9 inside of 26-03 Ninth St. The NYPD is seeking the public's as- sponded to a 911 call of a in Astoria. He is 5-foot-4, 130 lbs with sistance in locating James Lawrence, 59, woman shot in front of 107dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. who was last seen at 15-26 New Haven 48 160th St. in South JaAnyone with information is asked to Ave. in Far Rockaway on June 7 at ap- maica. Upon arrival, police The NYPD is seeking the call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS proximately 3 p.m. public's assistance in identi- (8477). The public can also submit their observed the victim, He is described as around 5-foot-9, Michilene Digirolomo, 20, Police are looking for fying and locating a robber tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers 185lbs, gray hair and brown eyes. of 107-17 156th St., South Kenneth Singletary, who in Corona.

Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by Anyone with information is asked to Jamaica with one gunshot is missing.

On Tuesday, July 19, at texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) approximately 1:05 p.m. at then entering TIP577. call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS wound to the torso.

100th Precinct

102nd Precinct

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

105th Precinct

114th Precinct

103rd Precinct

101st Precinct

110th Precinct

Borough Beat

Home In The Hills, Heart In A Movie

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

Flavio Alves directs a cast member in his most recent film.

Alves, who lives and works in Forest Hills, is now an award-winning director.

He bases his business in Queens, not common among East Coast filmmakers who tend to prefer Brooklyn, and even calls his production company Queens Picture after the borough he first landed in when he arrived in America.

Though he originally explored LGBT issues, Alves found a niche in senior themes. Living among a large elderly population in Forest Hills, Alves began to see the problems they face like isolation, segregation and financial issues; he realized that he will one day be in that same position. "Even In My Dreams" was based around a senior citizen character, as is his new film, "The Secret Friend" "The Secret Friend," a film based on a story Alves took from Brazil, is a thoughtprovoking piece that anyone who has suffered a loss or experienced loneliness can easily relate to at any age. The story, about an elderly widow seeking friendship in the most unlikely of ways, tugs both at the heart and at the funny bone.

The film has already won awards at numerous film festivals including the Palm Springs International and Savannah Film Festivals. The success of his films is not only a testament to his filmmaking, but also to a decision to explore a topic many told him wouldn't be taken seriously.

"I was told 'you're not going to last

Forest Hills resident Alves works on a scene. long in this business. There is no audience for elderly people,'" Alves said.

Even now, he continues to fight for his niche, trying to convince investors that there's a market for senior citizencentric movies. Alves explores a wide range of topics concerning senior citizens from health, isolation, financial issues and even sexuality, a taboo topic for many seniors.

"As a director, I try to convey a full range of experiences," Alves said.

Now, Alves is working on his first feature film, which he hopes to begin shooting next year. The film, he hopes, will not only further his own career, but also bring senior issues into the mainstream.

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

Aug. 19-25, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Photo by Michael Seto

When Flavio Alves arrived at JFK Airport in 1997 from Brazil seeking political asylum, he did not speak a word of English. Now he's quickly becoming a fixture at international film festivals; an accomplished director exploring a unique topic with growing interest living and working in Queens.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Alves served for six years in the Brazilian Navy and later wrote a book about his experience as a gay man in the military. When he

came to America, he enrolled in Columbia University, studying political science, and went into the political world, working for then-U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton and former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner.

But politics was not the place for him.

After working on Weiner's 2005 mayoral campaign, Alves decided to study film at NYU. While there, he wrote and directed his first film called "Even In My Deams," which won the Technisphere award for Best Student Film, which Alves described as a "stamp of approval to move to the next level."

pix

Laurelton Block Rocks

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

On Tuesday, Aug. 2, the National Night Out Against Crime was held across the nation and throughout Queens.

Baisley Pond Park was the site of the 113th Precinct Night Out Against Crime event and featured music by the Deja Blue Orchestra, free pony rides from The Federation of Black Cowboys, inflatables, free food, face painters and games for the children.

Pictured seated l. to r.: Senator Shirley Huntley and Assemblywoman Vivian Cook; standing l. to r.: Councilman Ruben Wills, Sen. Malcolm Smith, Deputy Inspector Milt Marmarn, Commanding Officer of the 113th Precinct, and Assemblyman William Scarborough.

Photos by Juliet Kaye

Big Night Out

The 224th/225th Street Civic Association of Laurelton Block Party brought neighbors together to enjoy a day of BBQ, music, games and each other’s company. Pictured: Assemblyman William Scarborough joined Vernel Bennett, President, and residents at the Block Party.

Tudor Association The 229 Tudor Houses Block Association, located on 229th Street between130th and 131st Avenues, held their annual block party with neighbors barbequing and music and fun and games for the children on the block. Pictured l. to r.: Yvonne Fraser, David Oyero, Judy Rivera, Rose Rivera-McCutchen, Anayah RiveraMcCutchen and Assemblyman William Scarborough.

National Grid offers mail-in rebates to make high-efficiency natural gas equipment even more affordable.

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 19-25, 2011

up to $1,000 rebate for a high-efficiency space heating boiler or up to $600 rebate for a space heating furnace, saving up to 30% on your heating costs by using less energy to produce the same amount of heat as standard equipment $300 rebate for an indirect water heating unit, cutting water heating expenses by up to 30% $100 rebate for an outdoor boiler reset control, saving up to 10% or more on heating costs by operating according to the weather outdoors $25 rebate for a programmable thermostat, saving up to $180 a year by managing your heating needs automatically and efficiently National Grid residential natural gas heating customers residing in Brooklyn, Queens or Staten Island may qualify. Please visit our website for full program details and a list of qualifying equipment models. Customers must obtain a reservation number online before submitting their rebate applications. This offer is subject to change or cancellation at any time. Some restrictions may apply. Savings and energy efficiency experiences may vary. Š National Grid 2011

For more information, please visit:

www.powerofaction.com/nyc13

BEST IN QUEENS 2011

for De is sub adli th m ne 8/1 is Fr issi 9/1 ida on 1 y

The PRESS will publish a special edition showcasing the places, people and things readers love about Queens.

The editors will comb the borough to find that great slice of pizza, that phenomenal rib shack, that beautiful vista or building that is part of what makes living in Queens so special.

But we need your help.

Send in the form below, name your “personal bests” and we’ll print your entry. Need more room? Send as many pages as you'd like or e-mail bestofqueens@queenstribune.com.

YOUR NAME: YOUR ADDRESS:

Mail To: THE BEST OF QUEENS 2011 C/O The Queens Tribune, 150-50 14th Road, Whitestone, NY 11357 FOOD & DINING Bagels: Bakery: Bar: Breakfast: Burgers: Butcher: Chinese: Coffee Shop: Cookies: Deli: Desserts: Diner: French: Fried Chicken: Happy Hour Bar: Ice Cream: Italian: Japanese: Pizza: Seafood: Steak: Sushi:

ENTERTAINMENT Local Band: Local Musician: Movie Theater: Nightspot: Theater Group: SERVICES Auto Repair: Cleaning Company: Contractor: Electrician: Handyman: Landscaper: Mover: Painter: Plumber: Roofer: YOUR PERSONAL BESTS:

Please attach any additional comments, photos or information about your entries to this coupon.

For Advertising Information On "The Best Of Queens 2011" Edition Call The PRESS At (718) 357-7400

Aug. 19-25, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

RETAIL Auto Dealer: Bike Shop: Clothing Store: Florist: Hardware Store: Jewelry Store: Liquor Store: Pharmacy: Supermarket: Toy Store:

HEALTH & BEAUTY Day Spa: Dermatologist: Doctor: Hair Salon: Massage Therapist: Nail Salon: Personal Trainer: Veterinarian:

Profile

Deaf Worker Earns Respect, Award Jennings was very proud to receive the award, and used the $50 that came with it to treat his mom to dinner.

"I really felt good about being able to take my mom out," he said.

Viacels believes Jennings could move on after Panera to bigger things, but he insists he loves his job and is staying put.

"Quite honestly, I am so happy to be working here," he said. "I'm not only lucky enough to have a job, but to have a job in a wonderful organization with great coworkers. I hit the jackpot."

Reach Reporter Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.

Mayor Greets Flake: PRESS photo by Ira Cohen

I'd be there with help."

Panera handed Jennings the vital closPatrons of Little Neck's Panera Bread ing shift. His job requires he close shop have benefitted from the work of Darryl and prepare the place for the morning Jennings, but few would ever know it. rush. It is a role he dove into with fervor, according to Viacels, The chain's location though he did experience at 254-41 Hor ace difficulties.

Harding Expy. recognized this back-of-house late"It's a challenge getting shifter's work a year after everything done in a timely he was hired by selecting manner and in time to close him Associate of the the store, but I enjoy the Month. The award is douchallenge and I feel very fobly notable when one recused," Jennings said. alizes Jennings is deaf.

Viacels said chain Still, he approaches the stores like Panera have a work with a certain vigor. high turnover rate, but "To be honest, there is Jennings has managed to nothing about my job that establish a communicaI do not enjoy," he said. "I Darryl Jennings has overcome tion system with his enjoy washing dishes and challenges to earn respect in changing cast of coworkall my responsibilities." ers. She checks in with the workplace.

Being deaf, as well as him twice a month still, to a special needs person, made work a bit see his progress and help out in any way. difficult for Jennings. But with the help But at this point, she is not too worried.

Lauren Viacels, a job coach provided by "He's just really excited to be out there Lexington Center for the Deaf Vocational and be employed and he really likes Services, he grew acclimated to his job work," she said. "He likes the people he fairly quickly. works with. Darryl is very task-oriented."

"When he first started, I basically Heck, even his boss likes him. helped him learn what his responsibili"Darryl is a superior employee and evties were; I interpreted his training," eryone loves working with him," said Larry Viacels said. "If he didn't understand, Improte, manager at Panera Little Neck.

BY JOSEPH OROVIC

Mayor Mike Bloomberg braced the rain to come to Greater Allen Cathedral on Sunday to greet the Rev. Floyd Flake, who is celebrating 35 years at the pulpit in the Jamaica church.

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 19-25, 2011

People Air Force Airman 1st Class Kyle M. Ware 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.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Ronald and Sonya Ware of 191st Street. Ware graduated in 2010 from Thomas Edison High School, Jamaica.

Kyle M. Ware

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Jean Robert Philitas of Hollis.

Philitas graduated in 2002 from Elmont Memorial High School, and received an associate degree in 2007 from the Wyoming Institute of Technology, Blairsville, Pa.

Air Force Airman 1st Class Zico J. Bruce 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 miliAir Force Reserve Airtary discipline and studman Kervin A. Philitas ies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and bagraduated from basic military training at Lackland Air sic warfare principles Force Base, San Antonio, and skills.

Kervin A. Philitas Airmen who complete Texas.

The airman completed basic training earn four credan intensive, eight-week its toward an associate in program that included training in mili- applied science degree through the Comtary discipline and studies, Air Force munity College of the Air Force. core values, physical fitness, and basic He is the son of John Bruce of 147th warfare principles and skills.

Street, Jamaica.

Air Force Airman Anthony Colon 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.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Maritsa Ramos of 107th Ave., Jamaica. Colon graduated in 2003 from Erasmus Hall Campus High School, Brooklyn.

Morgan D. Carter

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Batha Gordon of Rosedale, and brother of Collin Gordon of South Jamaica.

Gordon graduated in 2008 from Math/Science Research Technical Center, Cambria Heights.

Air Force Airman Morgan D. Carter 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 Air National Guard Airprinciples and skills. man 1st Class Hopeton S. Airmen who complete Gordon graduated from babasic training earn four credsic military training at its toward an associate in Lackland Air Force Base, Hopeton S. Gordon applied science degree San Antonio, Texas. through the Community The airman completed College of the Air Force. an intensive, eight-week He is the son of Paulette Carter of program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core val- Rosedale. Carter graduated in 2009 from ues, physical fitness, and basic warfare St. Francis Preparatory School, Fresh Meadows. principles and skills.

A&E

Playwright Gears Up For New Play

BY JASON BANREY Preparing for a cross-country bicycle trek may seem like a demanding mission.

Before straddling the two-wheeled contraption for the long haul, some spend months

and even years meticulously training.

For others, all that is needed is a love for theater and a warm caffeinated beverage.

After downing a cup of coffee and kissing his sweetheart goodbye, established playwright Tim MacMillan headed

Restaurant Review

Embrace Maria's Greek MARIA'S 38-11 Bell Blvd., Bayside (718) 279-1606 CUISINE: Greek HOURS: 11 am -11 pm Mon-Sat; noon to 11 pm Sun DELIVERY: No (takeout) CREDIT CARDS: All Major

Condensed For Time, ‘Othello’ Still Shines

BY BARBARA ARNSTEIN

Just as trimming a plant makes it blossom more, the Hip to Hip Theatre Company’s careful condensing of Shakespeare’s “Othello” to 90 minutes made its intense emotions appear especially vivid. Its version of the tale of passionate love, deadly deception and fatal jealousy was performed at various parks this summer and presented Aug. 12 in the beautiful garden of Flushing’s Voelker Orth Museum.

As the garden’s daytime cicada buzz gave way to the evening cricket chorus, the love of Othello (Damon Kinard), a General, for his wife Desdemona (Joy Marr, co-founder of Hip to Hip) was inexorably undermined by the scheming Iago, his Ensign (Joy’s husband, Jason Marr, the other co-founder).

Kinard’s powerful portrayal was a fully-realized portrait of a multi-faceted man who is simultaneously a newlywed

passionately in love, a commanding general and a vulnerable human being too susceptible to Iago’s manipulation. Despite the fact that Jason Marr held a script and consulted it continuously throughout the show (due to having to replace another actor at the last minute) he managed to deliver a fine performance, his professionalism ensuring that the action of his scenes flowed smoothly. There was only one awkward moment in which he ordered two fighting characters to halt but stopped his own acting to search for his next line while they fenced, fortunately soon finding the words to end their conflict.

For information about the theatre company, go to hiptohip.org, or call (718) 7298567. To join their mailing list, email contact@hiptohip.org. For information about tours, events and exhibits at the Voelker Orth Museum, a restored house, located at 149-19 38th Avenue in Flushing, go to vomuseum.org or call (718) 359-6227.

Aug. 19-25, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

Sometimes, not knowing the language is a disadvantage. You walk into a restaurant and the names of the dishes sound scary. I know that for many of us, our experience with Greek food ends at Souvlaki and maybe spanikopita (better known as spinach pie).

It's easy to feel overwhelmed.

But there's an answer to that fear and a way of handling it - go to a great restaurant, and put your meal in their hands - which is exactly what my guest and I did Tuesday night at Maria's Restaurant in Bayside.

To begin, the place is huge; compared to some of its Bell Boulevard neighbors, it's easily double the size.

Tasteful decorations in a deep burgundy accent eggshell walls to give the place a clean and fresh feel.

We met Tommy, whose mother Maria was busy in the back cooking up for a sizeable dinner party, and told him to bring us what he wanted (keeping in mind that my guest is allergic to shellfish). He agreed to provide the appetizers and we would pick the main dishes.

And so it began.

We started with the Antipasto Platter of Tzatziki (yogurt, cucumber and garlic), Melitzanosalata (grilled eggplant, onions and red peppers mashed into a chunky spread), Skordalia (mashed potatoes, garlic and olive oil blended) and Taramas (caviar and whipped olive oil). It came with plentiful fresh-grilled pita, slices of tomato and enough aroma floating off the top of the platter to drive us crazy. As we noshed, one of the servers walked over and suggested we try some of the melitzanosalata together with the tzatziki. Yes, please. Each combination provided a different texture and flavor from the next.

But we could not dwell on our dips too long, because the next one had already arrived. This was the Tirokafteri, spicy peppers cooked on charcoal and hand beaten into feta cheese. The mixture is then used to fill red peppers that are split lengthwise and put under a broiler do create a bubbling mixture with a crisp and chewy feta crust. Served

with more pita, it certainly added fire to the cool of the other dips.

In her deadpan delivery, our server insisted that there was no spice in the dish, just food. "There's nothing added," she joked.

Next up was the Ostras de Maria (Maria's Oysters), similar in concept to Oysters Rockefeller, but with less of a steakhouse vibe. Yes, there's sautéed spinach and cheese, but it's parmesan, and served with this fantastic sauce of butter, cream and white wine that will turn even the most wimpy "I can't eat that if it's on a shell" person into a true mollusk lover.

Of similar concept, but from a whole different place comes the Gemista Manitaria, a grilled Portobello mushroom stuffed with spinach and feta, popped under the broiler and coming out tasting like a perfectly cooked steak with a side of creamed spinach.

Exhausted, but determined to make it through the meal, we moved on to our main dishes of Kontosouvli, a spitcooked marinated pork shoulder, and a similar lamb dish that wasn't on the menu, but ready to be served. (At this point I should point out that the menu says "Ask your server what Maria cooked this morning." It's a good idea - there's always something special going on).

Back to the meat - the pork shoulder was tender and that great balance of lean and fat that makes it the perfect cut for barbecue and stews. The lamb was from the rib and side, so think of the tenderness of short ribs and skirt steak, and you've got the concept - except with the kind of crust that only rotisserie can bring. Both come with fresh sliced red onion, and if you're a condiment guy (or gal), they probably are fantastic with a slight dollop of the tzatziki.

We didn't have any of the whole fish, but judging from some of our dining neighbors, that's going have to be at the top of our list when we go back.

We finished our meal with a trip of desserts - and you won't find a menu with them listed; it's all about what is fresh for the day. We sampled a honey cake that just oozed happiness on every bite; a lemon tart that was somewhere between a cheesecake, a meringue pie and heaven; and a honey custard pie with a phyllo topping.

I couldn't pronounce the names - I'm having trouble right now spelling them but everything was delicious. Just head over to Maria's and put your meal in their hands. They know what they're doing.

— Brian M. Rafferty

west in an effort to draw attention to- Jersey before heading aloft the Allegheny ward his debut production.

Mountain range in Pennsylvania.

On Aug. 3, after spending the previous As MacMillan prepared for the last leg week moving himself and his girlfriend into of his trip, into the prairies and decidutheir new apartment in Astoria, the persis- ous forests of Ohio and Indiana before tent playwright hopped on his Trek 520 entering Illinois for the final stretch, he touring bike and set off for Chicago. said his greatest fear was not whether he In an arduous effort to raise money could complete the journey, but the arfor his upcoming production at the Sec- rival itself, which he previously expected ond Annual 2011 Pilsen Chicago Fringe would be Aug. 14.

Festival, MacMillan deThrough a strong storm cided to meld two of his passystem which tore through sions together. central Indiana, the playwright The peddling playwright’s was able to make it – safely, he plea: to pull together $3,000 stressed – into Illinois before in donations for his Midwestcollapsing on the streets of ern theatrical debut, “Soul Chicago, concluding the longmates don’t die.” est bike tour he has ever emMacMillan said he bebarked on Aug. 15. lieves the opportunity will “Although I’m here, help him break into the Windy there’s some much more work City scene to spread what he to get done before we actucalls his “writing seed.” ally begin,” MacMillan said the Enthusiastic that Chiday before meeting his cast for cago audiences will em- Tim MacMillan heads out the first time. “I don’t have brace his latest work due to on his journey. the luxury to rest now.” the nature of its theme, he Since he left Astoria, looks forward to unveiling MacMillan has raised the show, which will premiere Sept. 3 and $2,480 towards his goal and still has just run for five days. under a month to get the other $520.

By illustrating how soul mates can conFor MacMillan, his passion for theatre nect, regardless of sex or mortal form, he surpasses any and all love others may have promises to show audiences that love can for its visual form on screen – and even be a funny distraction. the love he may have had for his bicycle.

Nonetheless, the playwright said he To him, theatre is not dead and never ensures to entertain Chicagoans by high- will be. It is alive and kicking off Broadlighting two aspects of life which every- way and on the streets of not only Manone, or most can relate to: sex and death. hattan, but also in Queens.

In just under two weeks MacMillan’s To follow MacMillan’s journey or dotrek has taken the Maryland native across nate towards his cross country campaign approximately 949 miles of a varied range go to Rockethub.com and search “801 of terrain. Since his send off, MacMillan’s miles: a pedaling playwrights’ plea.” expedition included a short trudge through Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at the treacherous glass canyons of Manhat- jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 357tan, past the monotonous state of New 7400, Ext. 128.

Faith

Her Distinct Honor To Serve Others

BY VERONICA LEWIN During her seven years of service with Top Ladies of Distinction, Lady Versonya DuPont has committed herself to improving the quality of life for youth, women and senior citizens in Queens.

Born and raised in Savannah, Ga., DuPont said she grew up having a strong sense of community and support, and her mother encouraged her to participate in as many activities as possible. Around age 13, DuPont joined Top Teens of America, a division of the Top Ladies of Distinction that helps teens prepare for adulthood.

Top Ladies of Distinction Inc. was founded in Texas in 1964 as a non-profit educational and humanitarian organization. It has grown to include 104 chapters, including one in the borough.

When DuPont moved to New York City from Chicago, she expected to do service work such as helping to feed the homeless. After a year, she realized performing community service through individual efforts could be a difficult task in a city as large as New York.

Soon after joining Top Ladies in 2004, DuPont introduced the "Dress for Success" program in Queens. "Dress for Success" started on a national level and collects professional attire to donate to disadvantaged women to help them succeed in the work force.

After a few years with the Queens chap-

Lady Sandra Jennings Jackson (l. to r.), Lady of the Year Versonya DuPont, Lady Arlene Davis, and Chapter President Lady Belinda Johnston-Briggs at the Top Ladies of Distinction Spring Luncheon. ter, DuPont took the role of regional recording secretary and later added chapter treasurer and national nominating committee member to her resume.

Though the Brooklyn resident is a member of the Queens chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, her service is not limited to the borough. "In my free time, I pride myself on doing other community type work," she said. When not doing service in Queens, DuPont serves as chair of the Greater New York Inter-Alumni Council of the United Negro College Fund, Clark Atlanta University Alumni Association, and the Brownstoners of Bedford

Stuyvesant, which strives to change the perception of the community. She has worked with the Vacation Bible School and currently serves with the Women's Conference Committee and the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral.

Throughout the year, Top Ladies of Distinction maintains a presence in the community. Each Thanksgiving, the organization donates a basket to someone in need. Last year, women in the military received care packages from Top Ladies.

Each Mother's Day, the organization selects a grandmother in a local nursing home who does not have a lot of visitors, and surprises them with a care package in honor of the holiday.

DuPont said she likes how Top Ladies of Distinction has a successful infrastructure that does not just strive to, but actually makes a significant impact in the community they serve. The organization prides itself on building relationships in the area and providing long lasting service and support to the community.

For the past few years the Queens chapter of the organization has partnered with the St. Albans Congregational Church, located at 172-17 Linden Boulevard, for the "Because We Care Food Pantry" program. In addition to making an annual donation to the food pantry, DuPont and the organization treat members of the community to a free meal. Every year, the organization sponsors a breakfast for senior citizens, where each guests leaves with a full stomach and a new book.

The service DuPont has provided the community with has not gone unnoticed.

She is now co-chair of the national chapter of the UNCF. At the Top Ladies of Distinction Spring Luncheon, DuPont was honored as this year's Lady of the Year.

"Every promotion in our organization is work," she said with a laugh. "But it's good work."

Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.

Word

"We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another." — Jonathan Swift

Notebook Eastern Expansion

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 19-25, 2011

QC’s Middle Eastern Roles Expand Queens College President James Muyskens announced two major advances in the college's growing emphasis on Middle Eastern scholarship.

Iranian-born Nasser D. Khalili, a 1974 graduate of the college and owner of the world's largest private collection of Islamic art, has made a gift of $200,000 towards a Visiting Professorship in Art History, with a focus on Islamic Art. "The Nasser D. Khalili Professorship will allow us to attract a major scholar as the college, with Dr. Khalili's assistance, moves toward establishing a chair in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies," said Muyskens.

"We are very grateful to Professor Khalili for his generosity and his pursuit of peace among people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds, which aligns perfectly with the college's priorities."

Khalili is co-founder and chairman of the London-based Maimonides Foundation, which promotes peace and understanding between the three monotheistic faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

He is a Trustee of the City of Jerusalem; was knighted by two Popes for his pursuit

of peace among nations; holds the title of Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Francis I; and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Boston University. In addition to his BS from Queens College, he is a graduate, Associate Research Professor, and Honorary Fellow of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

Queens College also received a unique gift from the Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation - the Arts of the Islamic World Web site, currently at artsoftheislamicworld.org, a virtual, interactive museum of Islamic art placed in historical context. Its goal is to foster a greater appreciation of Islamic art in the West and to help bridge the widening cultural divide in our post-9/11 world. The images on this website come from the Khalili Collections.

Shelley and Donald Rubin, co-founders of the Rubin Museum of Art, established their foundation in 1995 "to support the arts, meet urgent human needs, defend liberty and promote social justice." According to Mr. Rubin, the virtual museum was transferred to Queens College "so that it

can be a part of the major effort in which this esteemed institution is engaged to further the study of Islamic Arts."

The college also received national attention for its academic and community outreach program, "The Middle East and America: Clash of Civilizations or Meeting of the Minds," and has established a Center for Ethnic, Racial and Religious Understanding.

Most recently, Queens College received a two-year grant from the U.S. Dept. of Education to create a major in Middle Eastern Studies. Once approved, the new major would combine requirements in language, literature, culture, religion, and history, along with opportunities for study overseas.

In addition, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has provided funding for the college to hire a faculty member in Middle Eastern Studies and another who will teach Arabic. Using these funds, the college has already hired Professor Abdurrahman Atcil (Arabic Language and Islamic Studies, PhD, University of Chicago), who joins other QC professors who are experts in Middle Eastern languages, culture, and history. Because

of these curricular advances, the college has begun plans to develop a Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies.

The new relationship with the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation and the Rubin Museum of Art, focusing on the Himalayas, is also inspiring some innovative academic approaches. A class on East Asian Civilization will be taught at the Rubin Museum this fall by Professor Gopal Sukhu (Department of Classical, Middle Eastern, Asian Languages and Cultures). The hope is to expand to two courses in spring 2012.

A minor in Tibetan and Himalayan Studies is in development. A pilot Freshman Year Initiative program will also bring new students to the museum this fall.

Regarding these important developments in the college's Middle East focus, President Muyskens said, "Professor Khalili spoke eloquently when he said: 'The reason I have worked so hard to put the culture of Islam on the map is because I have always believed that the real weapon of mass destruction is ignorance. Once you tackle that, you have solved a lot of problems.' Those words speak for us all."

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

Send typed announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 150-50 14 Road, Whitestone NY 11357.

Send faxes to 357-9417, c/ o Regina.

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

THEATER KILLING KOMPANY Friday, September 23 “The Re a l i t y T V M u r d e r s ” a t Riccardo’s in Astoria. The Killing Company performs mystery dinner shows. 1-888SHOOT-EM for information.

SENIORS

SHSAT PRACTICE Saturday, August 20 at the Steinway library at 1.

CHESS CLUB Every Saturday at the Flushing library at 2.

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

SUMMER READING Mondays, August 22, 29 at the Peninsula library at 4.

TEEN CHESS Mondays, August 22, 29 at the Bayside library at 6.

MOVIES FOR TEENS Mondays, August 22, 29, September 19 at the Steinway library at 3.

MOVIE MAKING Monday, August 22 at the Woodhaven library at 4:30.

JOB INTERVIEW Monday, August 22 Acing Your Job Inter v i ew at the Central library at 6. Also on Wednesday, August 24 at 10:30 at the Central library.

SUMMER READNG Tuesday, August 23 at the Hillcrest library at 2.

DROP IN & READ Tuesday s, A ugust 23, 30 and Thursday, August 25 drop in and read at the Peninsula library at 2.

GAME ON Tuesday, August 23 at the Glendale library at 3.

TEEN GAMING Tuesdays, August 23, 30 at the Fresh Meadows library at 3:30.

WII & BOARD GAMES Tuesday, August 23 at the Bayside library at 3.

GAME DAY Every Wednesday at the Howard Beach library at 4.

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

MYSTERIOUS MASK Wednesday, August 24 design a mask at the Auburndale library at 3.

TEEN BOOK CLUB Wednesday, August 24 at the Glendale library at 3:30.

“Hunger Games” will be discussed.

CARTOONING Thursday, August 25 and Tuesday, August 30 at the Pomonok library at 2:30.

WORKPLACE ETIQUETTE Thursday, August 25 workplace etiquette and behavior at the Central library at 6.

TEEN THURSDAYS Every Thursday at the Bay Terrace library at 3.

TEEN GAMING Thursday, August 25 at the Fresh Meadows library at 3:30.

CHESS CLUB Every Thursday 4-5:30 at the Douglaston/Little Neck library.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Thursday, August 25 at the Glendale library at 4:15.

CD COLLAGES Friday, August 26 many stories CD-Collages at the Glen Oaks library at 2.

LIC TEEN PAPER Friday, August 26 at the LIC library at 4.

SUMMER READING Friday, August 26 at the Steinway library at 4.

READING FUN Friday, August 26 at the Peninsula library at 3.

CHESS CLUB Fridays, August 26, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Auburndale library at 3:30.

WII GAMING Friday, August 26 at the Woodside library at 3.

CHESS CLUB Friday, August 26 at the Woodside library at 4.

DANCE LINE DANCING Saturdays 2-4 Holy Family RC Parish Church, 175-20 74 th A v e n u e , F r e s h M e a d ows. Light refreshments.

Bring friends!

ISRAELI FOLK Mondays 7:15-9:45 at Hillcrest Jewish Center, 18202 Union Turnpike. $10 session. 380-4145.

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

TALKS HOMEOWNERSHIP Saturday, August 20 Basics of Home Ownership at the Elmhurst library at 2:30.

SEASIDE Monday, August 22 at the Seaside library at 6:30.

“Their Eyes Were Watching God” will be discussed.

GREEN BOOK CLUB Monday, August 22 Food Rules at the Sunnyside library at 6:30.

POMONOK Wednesday, August 24 “Safe Haven” will be discussed at the Pomonok library at 2. library.

MCGOLDRICK Wednesday, August 24 “Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand” will be discussed at the McGoldrick library at 1:30.

POMONOK Wednesday, August 24 “Safe Haven” will be discussed at the Pomonok library at 2.

AUTHOR VISIT Wednesday, August 24 Marcia Nass will visit the Windsor Park library at 2.

FRESH MEADOWS Thursday, August 25 “Shanghai Girls” will be discussed at the Fresh Meadows library at 2:30.

READING PARTY Thursday, August 25 adult summer reading party at the Seaside library at 3.

HOME OWNERSHIP Thursday, August 25 basics of homeownership at the Broadway library at 6:30.

FLUSHING HISTORY Friday, August 26 “History of Flushing” will be discussed at the Whitestone library with author Jason Antos at 4.

STEINWAY Monday, August 29 “Let the Great World Spin” will be discussed at the Steinway library at 6:30.

SUMMER READING Tuesday, September 20 “A Gesture Life” will be discussed at the LIC library at 10.

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

SCULPTURE PARK Saturdays through September 24 the Socrates Sculpture Park will hold drop-in workshops for families.

CLIFFORD Saturday, August 20 Clifford the Big Red Dog Storytime at 11 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows.

MATH HELP Saturdays at the Flushing library at 10.

CHESS CLUB Every Saturday at the Flushing library at 2.

S TORY TIMES Saturdays at 11 and Tuesdays at 10:30 weekly story times at Barnes & Noble, 1766 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i ke , F re s h Meadows.

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

READ TO ME Monday, August 22 at the Hillcrest library at 2.

WORLD TRAVELERS Mondays, August 22, 29 at the Peninsula library at 2.

GREEK HEROES Monday, August 22 recycled art project at the Broadway library. Register.

MOVIE MAKING Monday, August 22 at the Woodhaven library at 4:30.

CHINESE CUDDLE-UP Monday, August 22 story time at the Forest Hills library at 10:30.

ORIGAMI Monday, August 22 at the Hollis librar y. Register.

GREEK HEROES Monday, August 22 recycled art project at the Broadway library at 3:30.

DROP IN & READ Tuesdays, August 23, 30 at the Peninsula library at 2.

WII & BOARD GAMES Tuesday, August 23 at the Bayside library at 3.

LEGO BUILDERS Tuesdays, August 23, 30 at the LIC library at 1.

WII & BOARD GAMES Tuesday, August 23 at 3 at the Bayside library.

GAME ON Tuesday, August 23 at the Glendale library at 3.

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Tuesday, August 23 at the Glen Oaks library at 11.

RECORDER CLUB Tuesday, August 23 at the C a m b r i a H e i g h t s l i b ra r y.

Register.

DESIGN T-SHIRT Tusday, August 23 at the Pomonok library. Register.

SUMMER READING Tuesday, August 23 summer reading part y at the Steinway library. Register.

READ AND SEED Tuessday, August 23 gardening at 3:45 at the Astoria library.

PRE-K STORY TIME Wednesday, August 24 at the Peninsula library at 10:30.

READ TO ME

Wednesday, August 24 at the Poppenhusen library at 10:30.

SUMMER READING Wednesday, August 24 at 10:30 at the Steinwya library.

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

READ TO ME Wednesday, August 24 at t he Bay Terrace libra r y at 10:30.

READ TO ME CLUB Wednesday, August 24 at the Bellerose library. Register.

TAKE ME TO THE WORLD Wednesday, August 24 a t the Peninsula library at 10:30.

WORLD EXPLORERS Wednesday, August 24 at the Peninsula library at 2.

S TORY T I M E Wednesday, August 24 at the Seaside library at 11.

PUZZLE DAY Wednesday, August 24 at the Hollis library. Register.

KNITTING Every Wednesdays at the Bayside library at 4.

TOPS TRUMP CARD Every Wednesday tournament at the LIC library at 4.

BABY CRAWL Wednesday, August 24 at the Forest Hills library at 1:30.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCI. Mondays and Wednesdays through August 26 at Idlewild Park Preserve. 347824-2301.

CRAFT TIME Every Thursday at 3:30 at the Ozone Park library.

LEGO BUILDERS CLUB Thursday, August 25 at the LIC library at 1.

BOY SCOUTS Thursdays Boy Scout Troop 138 meets at 7:30 in the basement at 192-15C 64 th Circle, Fresh Meadows. For those 11 and older. 4542391.

THEATRICKS Thursday, August 25 at the Hillcrest library at 2.

ORIGAMI CRANES Thursday, August 25 at the Windsor Park library. Register.

SCIENCE CAMP Fridays through August 26 at Idlewild Park Preserve.

347-824-2301.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays at 2 at the Queens Village library.

BABIES READING Friday, August 26 summer reading for babies at the Peninsula library at 10:30.

FLASH FRIDAY Friday, August 26 at the Ozone Park library at 3.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays at the LIC library at 2.

GAME DAY Friday, August 26 at the Poppenhusen library at 2.

GAME DAY Fridays at the Queens Village library at 2.

GAME DAY Friday, August 26 at the Bay Terrace library at 2:30.

FLASH FRIDAYS Every Friday at 3 at the Ozone Park library.

WII GAMING Friday, August 26 at the

Woodside library at 3.

CHESS CLUB Fridays, August 26, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Auburndale library at 3:30.

YU-GI-OH Friday, August 26 at the Queensboro Hill library at 4.

CHESS CLUB Friday, August 26 at the Woodside library at 4.

GREEK MY THOLOGY Friday, August 26 at the Broadway library. Register.

SUMMER READING Friday, August 26 summer reading family fun time for children and parents at the Jackson Heights library at 2.

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

PARENTS ADHD OR PDD Daily after school programs to meet the needs of elementary school aged children who have learning disabilities and ADHD or PDD at the Bay Terrace Center, 212-00 23 rd Avenue, Bayside from 2:30-6:00. 225-6750, ext.

266.

ANIBIC Association for Neurologically Impaired Brain Injured Children, Inc. sponsors programs including Saturday Play Group (5-17), Tutorial (5 to adult), Weekend Respite (17+), Young Adult Program (17+) and Adult Respite Program (21+). 423-9550, ext.

243.

KIDS KORNER After School Center is at the Central Queens YM-YWHA in Forest Hills. 268-5011, ext. 201. Extended hours.

PLAYGROUP The CUMC Playgroup is accepting registration for its preschool parents’ cooperative program in Middle Village. Children 18 months to 4 years are eligible. 8942293.

TOUGH LOVE Tu e s d a y s at 7:30 p.m.

Toughlove International Parent Support Group for parents of out-of-control children (teens, pre-teens and adult children) meet at IS158 in Bayside. 393-7788.

ENVIRONMENT COMPOSTING Tu e s d ay s , Au g u s t 2 3 , 3 0 , September 6, 13, 20, 27 waste food drop off at the Steinway library at 4.

FLEA MARKETS FLEA MARKET Saturdays and Sundays through Oc tober 1 at Faith Mission, 114-40 Van Wyck Expressway.

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

Aug. 19-25, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

VETERANS BBQ Saturday, August 20 12-3 outside Addabbo’s office, 1 6 0 th A v e n u e a n d 1 0 2 nd Street, Howard Beach. 7381111 to RSVP. FREE LUNCH Saturdays, August 20, September 17 at All Saints Church in Richmond Hill.

849-2352 reservations.

BAYSIDE CENTER Tuesdays line dancing 9:30 and Thursdays 10:00. Fridays ballroom instruction at 10:15, ballroom and social dancing 1-3. Bayside Center for classes in movie, ping pong, bridge instruction, healthy lifest yle, card games, Wii bowling, painting, ESL, computer, exercise, dance, wellness workshops, etc.

Lunch at 11:30. 225-1144.

AARP CHORUS Like to sing? The AARP Queens Chorus holds practice rehearsals for performances at nursing homes, rehab and senior centers.

523-1330.

CAREGIVERS Ever y Tuesday Caregivers Support group at 3:30-4:30 at the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886.

STAY WELL Wednesdays at 10:15 at the East Elmhurst library for exercise and other health related programs.

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

STARS Fridays, August 26, September 2, 9, 16. 23, 30 Senior Theater Acting Repertory at the Queens Village library at 10.

FREE LUNCH Saturdays, August 27, September 24 at Church of the Resurrection in Kew Gardens. 847-2649 reservations.

YOUTH

TEENS

Queens Today

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 19-25, 2011

ENTERTAINMENT EASTERN US MUSIC Saturday, August 20 at 2 Eastern US Music and Dance celebration of the Centennial Commemoration of the Republic of China at the Flushing librar y.

SUMMER RECITAL Saturday, August 20 summer recital by young artists at 2 at the Forest Hills library.

DUKE ELLINGTON Saturday, August 20 evening of Ellington and Billy Strayhorn at 3 at the Bayside library.

VETERANS BBQ Saturday, August 20 Veterans BBQ 12-3 at 160 th Ave n u e a n d 1 0 2 nd S t r e e t , Howard Beach. RSVP required. 497-1630.

SUMMER RECITAL Saturday, August 20 summer recital by young artists at 2 at the Forest Hills library.

JAZZ Saturday, August 20 Baby Soda Jazz Band. Armstrong House Museum. 478-8274.

CLOWNS & SWING Saturday, August 20 1-4 magician , clowns and more for the kids. 4-6 Frank Pedulla and the music staff swing orchestra. 505-1800.

GREEK FILMS Saturday, August 20 “Gentleman’s Agreement.”

Sunday, August 21 “Pinky.”

Saturday, August 27 “Panic in the Streets.” Sunday, August 28 “Baby Doll.” Saturday, September 3 “A Face in the Crowd.” Sunday, September 4 Greek American Filmmakers. Films in Greek.

Greek Cultural Center in A s t o r i a a t 6 . 2 6 - 8 0 3 0 th Street. Free.

TANGO Sunday, August 21 Dance of Argentina at 2 at the Queens Museum of Art. Free.

SUMMER FUN Sunday, August 21 Swedish Cottage Marionettes.

Sunday, August 28 Theatre for t he New Cit y presents “Bamboozled.” Sunday, September 11 September 11 th tribute. Sunday, September 25 Jackson Heights Green Alliance Ending Cele b r a t i o n . 5 p m a t t h e 7 8 th Street Play Street, 78 th Street between Northern Blvd. And 3 4 th Avenue, Jackson Heights.

ANDEAN PIPE MUSIC Monday, August 22 Andean Pipe Music with Grupo Wayno at 6 at the Corona library.

SINATRA Monday, August 22 at the Middle Village library at 6:30.

SOUL LEGENDS Monday, August 22 musical tribute to Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye at 6:30 at the Rosedale library.

POETRY CLUB Monday, August 22 discussion and reading at the Auburndale library at 2.

SCRABBLE Tuesdays, August 23, 30 at the Fresh Meadows library at 1.

AMER. SONGBOOK Tuesday, August 23 Great American Song book at the

McGoldrick library at 2:30.

BINGO Tuesdays at 7:15 at American Mart yrs Church, church basement, 216-01 Union Tu r n p i k e , B a y s i d e . 4 6 4 4 5 8 2 . Tu e s d ay s at 7:15 (doors open 6) at the Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd. 459-1000.$3 admission includes 12 games.

BAZAAR OF TALENT Wednesday, August 24 at the South Ozone Park library at 1.

ADULT TRIVIA Wednesday, August 24 at the Hillcrest library at 2.

JEWISH MUSIC Wednesday, August 24 Jewish and Israeli music.

Wednesday, August 31 family entertainment. 7pm at Cunningham Park, Union Turnpike and 196 th Street.

Free.

SINATRA Thursday, August 25 Sinatra tribute at the East Flushing library at 2.

DOCUMENTARY Thursday, August 25 documentaries to inspire and inform at 6 at the Lefrak Cit y library.

OPEN MIC Thursday, August 25 at the East Elmhurst library at 6.

DOCUMENTARIES Thursday, August 25 documentaries to inspire and inform at t he Lefrak Cit y library at 6.

JAZZ Thursday, August 25 Bruce Wayne and the Soul Messengers present jazz, soul and r&b. 7-9:30. 70 th Road between Queens Blvd. and Austin Street.

SUMMER MOVIES F r i d ay, Au g u s t 2 6 “ Tr u e Grit.” Friday, September 2 “Invictus.” St. Joseph Parish, 43-19 30 th Avenue, Astoria.

278-1611. BBQ begins at 7, movie at sundown.

LIVE JAZZ Fridays through December 13 at 180-25 Linden Blvd.., St. Albans. 347-262-1169 ticket information.

PASSPORT FRIDAYS Fridays through August 26 the Queens Museum of Art will hold its 7 th International Outdoor Film, dance and music series. 592-9700.

WII GAMING Friday, August 26 at the Woodside library at 3.

BANANAGRAM/SCRABBLE Friday, August 26 at the Windsor Park library at 2.

JON BATES BAND Saturday, August 27 1-5 Jon Bates Band performs. 5051800.

FM POETS Saturday, August 27 Fresh Meadow Poets meet at the Forest Hills library at 10.

PIANO CONCERT Saturday, August 27 piano concert at 2 at the Flushing library.

DINO ROSI Saturday, August 27 international songs with Dino Rosi at the Broadway library at 3.

ICE CREAM & DOGS Saturday, August 27 ice cream social and dog show

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS at 1. Sundaes and floats 1.5.

Dog show at 2 with Blessing of the Animals. First Reformed Church of College Point, 118-17 14 th Avenue, College Point.

HEALTH ZUMBA Saturday, August 20 at the Sunnyside and Lefferts librar y. Register.

CHAIR YOGA Mondays, August 22, 29 introduction to chair yoga at the Laurelton library. Register.

ZUMBA Monday, August 22 at the C a m b r i a H e i g h t s l i b r a r y.

Register.

6:30.

LONG TERM CARE Monday, August 22 at 6:30 at the Jackson Heights library.

ALZHEIMERS Tuesdays, August 23, September 13, Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills.

592-5757, ext. 237.

SELF HEALING Tuesday, August 23 introduction to relaxation and selfhealing at the Woodhaven library at 2.

ZUMBA Wednesday, August 24 a t the Howard Beach librar y.

Register.

TAI CHI Thursdays, August 25, September 1, 8, 1, 22, 29 at the Forest Hills library. Register.

YOGA CLASS Thursdays, August 25, September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at t h e Q u e e n s b o r o l i b r a r y.

Register.

DEEP BRAIN Friday, August 26 Deep Brain Stimulation educational and support group meeting 1-3 North Shore Universit y Hospital, 300 Communit y Drive, Rust Auditorium, Manhasset. Free. Light lunch. RSVP required 516570-4468.

MEETINGS VFW 4787 Mondays, August 22, September 12, 26, Oc tober 10, 24, November 14, 21, December 12, 26 Whitestone V F W C o m m u n i t y Po s t meets. 746-0540.

JEWISH WOMEN Monday, August 22 general membership meeting at the National Council of Jewish Women at Temple Emanuel.

516-482-8701.

FH VAC Wednesdays, August 24, September 28, October 26, November 23, December 28 Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corp meets. 793-2055.

STAMP CLUB Thursday, August 25 Queens Stamp Club at the Forest Hills library at 5:45.

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

KAYAKING Week e n d s t h r o u g h O c to ber 9 (weather permitting) kayaking from Socrates Sculpture Park Beach at Hallets Cove. 228-9214.

CRAFTSMEN DAYS August 19, 20 1-5 meet craftspeople as they demonstrate crafts from the 1880s at King Manor in Jamaica.

KingManor.org.

JOB SEARCH BOOT CAMP Saturday, August 20 at the Central library at 10:30.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, August 20, September 3, 17 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-4367940.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Saturday, August 20 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Franklin Square.

516-872-8062.

SCULPTURE WORKSHOP Saturdays through September 24 children and families at the Socrates Sculpture SKYPE CHAT Mondays, August 22, 29, September 12, 19, 26 at the Queens Village library at 2.

BALLROOM DANCING Mondays, August 22, 29, September 12, 19, 26 at the Forest Hills library at 6:30.

JOB INTERVIEW Monday, August 22 Acing Your Job Interview at 6 at the Central library.

GET ORGANIZED Monday, August 22 at 6 at the Lefrak Cit y library.

ART OF BELLY DANCE Monday, August 22 at the Queensboro Hill library at 6:30.

BRIDGE CLUB Mondays except holidays 12-4 at Pride of Judea in Douglaston. Lesson & play $10. Partners arranged. 4236200.

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

DRAWING CLASS Mondays at the National Art League in Douglaston. 3610628.

LINE DANCE Mondays beginner to intermediate lessons 6-9 in Bayside. 917-886-0519.

KNITTING CIRCLE Mondays at Alley Pond Environmental Center. Register 229-4000.

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

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

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

TOUR THE WORLD Tuesdays, August 23, 30 at 10:30 and Thursday, August 25 at 6 adults tour the world via the internet at the Rosedale librar y.

INTRO COMPUTER Tuesdays, August 23, 30 at the Queens Village library.

Register.

INTRO POWERPOINT

Tuesdays, August 23, 30 at the Steinway library at 10:30.

COMPUTER CLASS Tuesday, August 23 at the South Hollis library. Register.

COMPUTER TRAINING Tuesdays, August 23, 30 at the Bellerose library. Register.

INTRO EXCEL Tuesdays, August 23, 30 at the Steinway library. Register.

KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays, August 23, 30 at the Windsor Park library at 2.

INTRO E-MAIL Tuesday, August 23 at the McGoldrick library at 10:30.

INTRO COMPUTER Tuesday, August 23 at 10:30 at the Queens Village library.

ORGANIZED PEOPLE Tuesday, August 23 7 Habits of Very Organized People at the Woodside library at 4.

FIND A JOB Tuesday, August 23 how to search the internet to find a job at 6:30 at the Central library.

TANGO CLASS Wednesdays, August 24, 31 a t B u e n o s A i re s Ta n go i n Forest Hills. 347-642-4705.

JOB INTERVIEW Wednesday, August 24 Acing Your Job Interview at the Central library at 10:30.

EMAIL Wednesday, August 24 at the Windsor Park library at 10:30.

OIL PAINTING CLASS Wednesdays 6-8 adult classes, all levels. Grace Lutheran Church in Forest Hills. 472-4055.

WATERCOLOR CL ASS Wednesdays at 9:30 at NAL. Traditional and contemporary, all levels. 969-1128.

BASIC COMPUTER Wednesday, August 24 basic computer at the Windsor Park library. Register.

QUILTING CLASS Thursdays 10-2 at the Maria Rose Doll Museum in St. Albans. 276-3454 or 917817-8653 to register.

QUILTERS Thursdays at the East Elmhurst library at 12:30.

CHESS CLUB Thursdays at the East Flushing library. Register.

COMPUTER CLASS Every Thursday at the Queensboro Hill library. Register.

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

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP Thursday, August 25 at the Bayside library. Register.

ONLINE TECH Thursday, August 25 free online technology and career training at the Central library at 3:30.

COMPUTER TUTORIALS Thursday, August 25 at the Woodside library at 6:30.

BALLROOM DANCING Thursdays, August 25, September 8 ballroom dancing for beginners at the Woodside library at 6:30.

INTER. COMPUTER Thursday, August 25 at

10:15 at the LIC library.

MICROSOFT WORD Thursday, August 25 at the Steinway library. Register.

GET ORGANIZED Thursday, August 25 Get Organized Now! At the St. Albans library at 2.

CREATIVE WRITING Thursday, August 25 at the Seaside library at 2.

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP Thursday, August 25 at the Bayside library. Register.

WORKPLACE ETIQUETTE Thursday, August 25 workplace etiquette and behavior at the Central library at 6.

WIRE SCULPTING Thursday, August 25 jewelry making workshop at the LIC library. Register.

NAKHACHITRA Thursday, August 25 learn the Indian nail art at the Bellerose library at 6:30.

BIKE COMMUTING Thursday, August 25 reasons to ride a bike to work at the Sunnyside library at 6:30.

KNITTING CLUB Fridays at the Maspeth library at 10.

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

COMPUTER COURSE Every Friday at the Ozone Park library. Register.

CHESS CLUB Fridays, August 26, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Auburndale library at 3.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Friday, August 26 at the Middle Village librar y. Register.

BASIC COMPUTERS Friday, August 26 at the Auburndale library. Register.

WOODSIDE CHESS Friday, August 26 at the Woodside library at 4.

ENVIRONMENT COMPOSTING Tu e s d ay s , Au g u s t 2 3 , 3 0 , September 6, 13, 20, 27 waste food drop off at the Steinway library at 4.

RELIGIOUS OPEN HOUSE Sundays, August 21, 28 10noon at the Bay Terrace Jewi s h C e n t e r , 1 3 - 0 0 2 0 9 th Street, Bayside.

BIBLE SCHOOL August 22-26 Vacation Bible School at the First Reformed Church of College Point.

359-3956.

MISCELLANEOUS VOLUNTEER FAIR Thursday, August 25 volunteer fair at the Central Q u e e n s Y. 2 6 8 - 5 0 1 1 , e x t .

160.

SCHOOL PROJECT Saturday, August 27 First Baptist Church of East Elmhurst will provide school book bags, supplies and more. 446-0200.

We await the battle for supremacy: Canz or Hooters?

Astoria locals who venture to 30th Avenue for their favorite canned beer may soon be extras on a television show. The busty waitresses of the Canz a Citi Roadhouse, known for their low-cut tanks and short shorts, will be featured on a VH1 reality show following the lives of the staff at the restaurant’s three locations. Filming begins soon, so don’t be surprised if a camera crew greets you at the door on your next visit.

The cake as photographed

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 19-25, 2011

Whoopsie What’s a politico to do when a staffer goofs on Medicare’s age and buys the wrong candles? U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley’s handlers know – just Photoshop the candles off the cake!

At a recent event held in College Point’s Angelo Petromelis Senior Center, Crowley was joined

by Democratic Assembly candidate Mike Simanowitz to talk to the seniors and sing happy birthday to everyone’s favorite entitlement program (we should use a font to denote sarcasm).

It’s been 46 years since the program started – but a staffer

The offending cake: before and after

slapped the numbers four and five on there and no one seemed to notice. But the post-event press release included the original photo and its doctored brethren as attachments.

We’re not naming names, but Joe, make sure all your staffers have calculators, otherwise you may be celebrating your 49th birthday twice.

It’s been almost four years since we last spoke with Samantha, and in the time since, this sizzling hot Queens girl has kicked up the temperature – and gotten hitched.

Sorry fellas, she’s a Mrs. And she’s been keeping busy.

Samantha most recently got invited to the Playboy Mansion (good call on their part).

“I can’t lie, my head was up in the clouds,” she said. “I guess working out and eating salad works.”

She turned down the invite, saying things could get weird at home with her being naked and all.

“When it comes to family, it’s very awkward,” she said. “I would say probably at this time, it’s not going to happen.”

Samantha still got a big boost from the attention of a magazine she said “honors women. I just feel like it empowers.”

The 28-year-old has assumed a rigorous workout and dieting regimen, though she admits to not being a superhuman gym rat.

“To get to workout is not easy,” Samantha said. “At the end of the day, I’d rather just lay back and not do anything.”

Modeling is still a very viable option, Samantha said, and she has the full support of her hubby – who we have to admit is damned lucky.

“A lot of people get sick of us,” she said. “We really don’t fight. He really is my best friend.”

While she looks forward to

the prospect of eventually being a family gal, right now her focus is on modeling.

“When I’m 80, it’ll be nice to look back at my pictures and say I used to look like that.

Samantha Gallo Howard Beach Age: 28 Height: 5’7" Weight: 118 Stats: 34-26-34

$ & A Dream

Pressure Cooking

Hoping to get lucky, two men stole more than 1,000 scratch-off tickets from stores in Queens and Brooklyn.

Diego Ercoli of Corona and David Arroyo of North Babylon allegedly broke into delis, 99-cent stores, a poultry shop and a daycare center between December and March this year. Not only did they get caught, but the pair discovered it wasn’t worth the eight break-ins. Authorities said when the duo went to cash in some of their tickets, the winnings didn’t even match the face value of the stash.

But hey, you never know.

Hell's Kitchen said goodbye to Krupa Patel last week. The Floral Park native, who was hoping to land a job as head chel at Manhattan's BLT Steak, was sent home after an extra drink caused her to botch a veal dish. She was one of the final 11 contestants on the reality show hosted by chef Gordon Ramsy.

We guess the heart of the competition fried her.

Saxy Spider

Spiderman plays the blues

Models Of Queens

Show Your Canz

Recently, times have been tough for Queens’ once high-flying, masked crusader, Spiderman.

First, the web-slinger couldn’t smoothly launch his Broadway debut without hitting a hitch.

Then, Marvel Comics decided to kill him off, reincarnating him into a younger form. Giving our one and only superhero over to Brooklyn’s hipster hoods which we bet they are enjoying.

Now, down and out, Spidey seems to be now nickel and dimin’ it in the city’s streets.

For a fist full of change, you can catch him at populated locations, playing away sultry sounds on his soothing saxophone.

Spidey appears to be having a lot of success along the 7 train, especially at Citi Field.

Hopefully Parker’s spidey “cents” are tingling.

Hang in there Peter.

Krupa Patel

Confidentially, New York . . .

What’s Up SATURDAY, AUG. 20 Blood Drive Bloodmobile in front of Rite Aid, 65-35 Woodhaven Blvd., Rego Park, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20. Donors will get a free Scott & Todd Phone Scam CD. Donors must: bring valid ID with a picture or signature; be 16 to 76; minimum weight 110 lbs; eat well and drink fluids before donating; and have no new tattoos for past 12 months.

For questions regarding medical eligibility, call (800) 688-0900; to make an appointment call Peter at (718) 738-1111.

Veterans Barbecue Before the summer passes all too quickly, Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr., a member of the Senate’s Veterans, Homeland Security & Military Affairs Committee, wants to invite all local veterans and their families to his 3nd Annual Veterans’ Barbeque, outside his Howard Beach office. Save the date: Saturday, Aug. 20 – Veterans’ BBQ, 160th Avenue & 102nd Street, Howard Beach, Noon to 3 p.m.

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

Walkers for Wellness Club Looking for a fun way to improve your health? Join the Walkers for Wellness Club at New Hope Lutheran Church of Jamaica. Under the guidance of a Walking Leader, you will walk two to three times each week at a comfortable pace with others along routes throughout Southeast Queens. The club is open to walkers of all ages and abilities. The walking schedule is Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m., and Saturdays at 8 a.m. Walkers meet at New Hope Lutheran Church, located at 167-24 118th Ave. T-shirts and pedometers will be provided. Contact Thurkessa Brown at (917) 553-1089 for more information.

Stay Fit Through Capoeira

MONDAY, AUG. 22 Adult Chess Club Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings.

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

Candidate Forum The Queens Civic Congress, a coalition of 110 major Queens neighborhood based civic groups, will hold a Candidates’ Forum with Bob Turner and David Weprin,

TUESDAY, Aug. 23 Fresh Meadows Camera The Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets every Tuesday at 7:45 p.m. They have critiques, Photoshop classes, competitions, and assorted shoots in their own facility. Call Joe at (917) 612-3463 or Richie at (646) 831-5962 for information and directions.

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

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

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

Camera Club The Southeast Queens Camera Club meets at Roy Wilkins Park, Administration Bldg., 2nd Floor, 177-01 Baisley Blvd.

Summer photography classes occur on the second, third and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 7:30 p.m. Classes are free - bring camera manual.

For full details, visit seqcc.org or (718) 723-6849 or (516) 328-3776.

THURSDAY, AUG. 25 Summer Swing Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. will co-sponsor, along with local elder law attorneys Brady & Marshak, an outdoor summer concert of swing music on Thursday, Aug. 25 from 79 p.m., at PS 232, 84th Street between 149th and 151st Avenues, Howard Beach.

Admission is free. The event is rain or shine; in case of bad weather, the event will move indoors to the school auditorium.

Everyone is invited to come out for the annual Arnie Mig Memorial Concert and enjoy the music of the Big Band Era. Back this year, Frank Pedulla will lead The Music Staff Swing Orchestra in a concert to honor Arnie Mig, who for many years brought big band swing music to the community.

Bring a chair, your dancing shoes and

come show love for the man who brought us music of the big bands for over 20 years.

For more information, please call Senator Addabbo’s Howard Beach District Office (718) 738-1111.

Walkers for Wellness Club See Saturday’s listing. At 7 p.m.

Basic Writing for Job Seekers In a tough job market, spelling, punctuation and grammar errors in a resume or cover letter can mean that a potential employer will toss your resume in the trash.

Brush up on essential writing skills: sentence and paragraph construction; proper grammar; proper use of punctuation; basic structure of a cover letter.

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

FRIDAY, AUG. 26 Senior Theatre Acting Repertory Calling all older adults: Join our galaxy of STARs to perform theatrical works at the library with a great group of people while brightening your life.

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

ONGOING Get Ready To Sing The Queens College Choral Society is seeking new members for its fall 2011-12 concert season, which will feature Handel’s “Judas Maccabaeus” and Brahms’s “Requiem,” two extraordinary works for chorus and orchestra. “Judas Maccabaeus” is a powerful drama, filled with magnificent choruses and arias, which tells the story behind the celebration of Hanukkah.

Brahms’s “Requiem” transcends cultural boundaries through music that is majestic, uplifting and deeply moving.

Auditions for new members will take place on the following Wednesdays in Room 246 of the Music Building at Queens College: Aug. 31, 6-9 p.m.; Sept. 7, 15, and 21, 6-7 p.m.

Rehearsals are held from 7:30-9:45 p.m.

Wednesdays at Queens College, and will begin on Sept. 7. A new member welcome party will be held Sept. 21. Auditions consist of basic singing skills – no preparation is necessary.

For further information, visit qcchoralsociety.org. To schedule an audition contact James John, Music Director, at (718) 997-3818 or jmsjhn@aol.com.

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

Training is free to anyone over the age of 14. The goal of this program is increase the number of people in New York City trained in bystander CPR Each class lasts 1 hour and participants in the class learn basic CPR skills from a member of the FDNY Emergency Medical Service.

Volunteers for the class follow along using the CPR Anytime Personal Learning

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

In Queens, the classes will be held the fourth Thursday of every month at EMS Station 54, 222-15 Merrick Blvd. In addition, please visit www.nyc.gov/cprtogo for New York Sports Club locations offering free CPR classes starting in January.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Laurelton Flea Market A flea market has opened at 221-02 Merrick Blvd. On sale are a wide range of items, including household items, jewelry and clothing.

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

CPR Class Learn to protect yourself and others at Heron Care with a CPR class that includes a certification from the American Heart Association. Please call (718) 291-8788 for more details. Heron is located at 16830 89th Ave., Jamaica.

Aug. 19-25, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

Stay fit and have fun with a series of free fitness activities at Idlewild Cricket Field in Idlewild Park Preserve. All classes are weather permitting. There are no rain dates.

Learn the basics of this exciting Martial Art form from ancient Brazil with Eric Fungo. He will focus on some of the basic movements including escapes and attacks.

Capoeira helps you develop core strength, tone muscles, improve reflexes, flexibility and agility. No prior experience necessary.

This free event will be held at Idlewild Park, Brookville Boulevard at 149th Avenue, at 9:15 a.m.

candidates in the 9th Congressional district special election, on Monday Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, 70-11 150th St. The event is open to the public and QCC encourages 9th district voters to attend.

“We agree with political observers who think this race will be decided in Queens neighborhoods like Fresh Meadows, Forest Hills, Middle Village, Glendale, Rego Park and Kew Gardens as well as the Rockaways and Howard Beach, which is why we chose central Queens as the venue for the QCC Forum,” said QCC president Patricia Dolan.

“We are following the format used in the presidential debates. A panel of reporters from the daily and local newspapers will question the candidates on issues that are meaningful to local residents and have national significance as well,” she said.

For more information, call (718) 5398462.