Queens Press

PAGE 22

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

Volume 11 Issue No. 35 Sept. 3 - 9, 2010

END OF AN ERA Councilman Tom White Jr. 1939-2010

Online at www.QueensPress.com

Presstime

Mounting Opposition:

"We've got to stop the [Enhanced-Use Lease] process," Meeks said. "The community and veterans deserve a full service hospital."

The EUL allows a selected developer to lease underutilized land from the VA and make improvements for a period of up to 75 years.

Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) said the current 10-year-old plan does not meet the needs of veterans. With two hospitals shuttering its doors in the last year, Comrie believes the VA has an opportunity to support the community.

"Veterans would be amenable to a full service veterans and community hospital," he said. "I would advocate for Veterans Administration to work with the community and make this happen."

Rene Hill, Addisleigh Park Civic Organization president and United Coalition for Veterans and Community Rights, said the site should not be open to developers, as the number of units proposed would inundate an already cramped Linden Boulevard with more traffic and be a burden on local services.

"Single family homes for veterans are fine, but the veterans don't want a private developer," she said. "We will be flooded if he puts this concrete city here," Mazzula cited dwindling numbers as a reason an acute VA hospital is not part of the plan. He said in 2000 there were 101,000 veterans in Queens; that number has dropped to 60,800 and will have decreased to 43,600 by Sept. 2020. Mazzula said the projections take into account vets from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflict.

Meeks said he is confident the project can be stopped because the EUL states that the plan must align with the community's needs and wants.

"We don't want the developer to develop on VA property," Meeks said. "We've

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

With recent community outrage over plans for the St. Albans Community Living Center, U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica) said he would stop the project.

"The process should be terminated," Meeks said. "We've decided that what is being proposed is not what we want."

The center has been the focus of a tug of war between veterans and the Veterans Administration. Veterans insist the site should house a full service hospital but the VA's current plan includes replacing the existing facilities with a new nursing home, psychosocial rehabilitation domiciliary and expanded outpatient facilities.

Including the new services, the developer, St. Albans Village, LLC, would be leased 25 acres of land for 75 years. The land is slated for about 1,000 units, which would be entrenched in a jazz-themed neighborhood complete with a jazz plaza and an enhanced train station.

"From the veterans' standpoint the most important thing in this particular process that is happening […] is that you are going to get brand new healthcare facilities," said Edwin Reed, a representative of St. Albans Village, LLC, at a recent town hall meeting. "It literally mirrors what is on the site now."

As of press time, Reed did not return calls for comment about Meeks' plan to stop the project.

The VA is going ahead with the Secretary [Eric Shinseki's] decision to use an Enhanced-Use Lease at that site," said John Mazzulla, VA spokesman. He said the new facility would be built with the capacity to expand services.

Meeks announced his opposition to the project days after Reed gave his pitch to the community.

LIRR Service Restored

Long Island Railroad riders are back to their usual commutes. tested but should be implemented by late October.

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

The Veteran Administration's proposal for its St. Albans Community Living Center has been met with strong opposition by local elected officials. decided that what is being proposed is not what we want."

Councilman James Sanders (DLaurelton) who hosted the meeting last Monday said, "We've got our work cut out."

"The mood among on the vets and

community was that absolutely the project must be stopped and the congressman recognized that," said Council James Sanders (D-Laurelton), who hosted the last Monday's meeting. "It's one thing to stop the project; it's another to get a full service hospital that the congressman is trying to get."

He added that to squelch the VA's current plan and garner a full service hospital will take the power of the full New York Delegation.

Meeks has no doubt that it can be done.

He said that he will ask New York's senators for support and plans to bring the Secretary Shinseki to the district.

Comrie was not phased when asked if he is weary the VA will rescind its current plan and leave the area as is.

"That is fine," he said. "I rather wait than lose a viable piece of property with a plan that is out of date and does not meet the needs of the veterans."

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123.

Rosedale Rezoning Nearing Finish

BY SASHA AUSTRIE Rosedale's proposed rezoning has cleared another hurdle.

Though major efforts to rezone the neighborhood began last year, Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton) said, "We've been trying to rezone Rosedale for at least 45 years."

Last Wednesday, the City Planning Commission approved the rezoning, which would rezone 193 blocks within Community Board 13. The zoning has remained unchanged in Rosedale since 1961.

The new zoning law would replace all or portions of the existing R3-2 zoning district with R2, R3A, R3X or R3-1 districts. In addition, most of the C1-2 and C2-1 overlay districts will be replaced with C1-3 or C2-3 districts. Certain 2-1 and C11 overlay districts will be eliminated or reduced where residential or community facility uses exist and a new C1-2 overlay district is proposed to be mapped where commercial uses exist The R3-2 zoning replacements would ensure that one to two family detached homes inhabit Rosedale neighborhoods.

The maximum building height would be 35 feet and allow one parking space per unit.

"The Rosedale rezoning in southeast Queens is another significant advance in our extensive work to protect lower-density neighborhoods by removing old zoning that allows out-of-character development," said Amanda Burden, City Planning commissioner. "By applying new zones that more closely match and rein-

force local building patterns, we will preserve the beautiful blocks in Rosedale that are lined with one- and two-family detached and semi-detached homes, and protect the appealing suburban-style character that is cherished by its neighborhood residents. I am thrilled to vote yes."

The measure must be voted on by the City Council before it gains final approval.

"We want this to be done before the market picks ups," Sanders said.

Sanders said it was not bureaucrats from City Hall that spearheaded the rezoning efforts; it was community-oriented, with Community Board 13 and the civic associations playing an integral part in the process.

Lawrence McClean, Community Board 13 district manager, said it was "imperative" that the community was rezoned.

"The tenor of the neighborhood changed and the dynamics of the neighborhood changed," McClean said. "[The rezoning] it means the quality that made a residential community will now be maintained."

Sanders said the new zones send a clear message to developers.

"You just can't build something that doesn't fit the context of this community," he said. "[Developers] take down lovely distinct homes and put up tacky and cheap housing that they sell for a large price. The day of hit and run housing development is over in my district."

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123.

Sept. 3-9, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Commuters were finally given a reprieve from erratic service when Long Island Railroad trains returned to a normal schedule on Sunday at 4 p.m.

A fire at Hall Tower, a rail switching post located yards away from Jamaica Station, knocked out some eastbound train service for much of last week. But according to LIRR spokesman Mike Charles, service has been fully restored.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of an electrical fire started after heavy downpours last weekend.

“Electricity and water don’t mix; we know that,” Charles said, adding the investigation will aid in preventing future outages.

Still, the point may be moot as the LIRR is converting to a new rail-switching system based around microprocessors.

Charles said the new system is still being

PRESS photos by Joseph Orovic

BY JOSEPH OROVIC

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

Pols, Veterans Counter VA Proposal

Air Near Highways Worst In Summer

BY JESSICA ABLAMSKY

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 3-9, 2010

During the summer months, cars are an air quality killer, according to a new report from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

In Queens, summertime air quality varies widely, concentrating heavily along major highways. Days like we have experienced this week, with air quality warnings, are particularly dangerous in these areas.

Most major warm weather pollutants in the City are “concentrated in densely populated areas, where traffic is more congested and where more fuel is used for cooking and water heating,” according to the report.

“It’s important to remember that all New Yorkers have a stake in improving the City’s air quality,” said City Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley. “Exposure to the pollutants evaluated in this report can cause grave health problems, including cardiovascular and lung diseases, and premature death.”

The report, which studies 2009 air quality, measures five pollutants: fine-particle pollution, elemental carbon, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone.

Fine-particle pollution, PM2.5, is a cocktail of solid matter and droplets from car exhaust, power plants and other sources that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, and worsen chronic medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease, according to the U.S. Envi-

ronmental Protection Agency.

Although summertime levels were below EPA standards, areas with the most traffic had concentrations of PM2.5 that were 15 percent higher than areas with the least amount of traffic.

“The study found that areas with the greatest traffic density had three times the concentration of nitric oxide, and twice the concentration of nitrogen dioxide, as areas with the lowest traffic density,” according to the report.

Nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide form when fossil fuels are burned, and can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and cause major respiratory problems.

Ozone follows a different pattern of concentration.

A gas formed when sunlight reacts with vapors emitted during fossil fuel combustion, ozone irritates the respiratory tract and triggers health problems such as asthma attacks, chest pain, coughing and even premature death.

Ozone levels were higher in suburban areas that are downwind of high traffic areas, such as the Rockaways and lower Staten Island.

“To reach the city’s clean-air goals, and reduce air pollution for people living near busy roads, efforts must continue to expand mass transit options, facilitate walking and bicycling, reduce the number of vehicles in the city, and speed the shift towards cleaner and more efficient vehicles,” the report stated.

The report is part of an air quality ini-

tiative through the city’s sustainability plan, PlaNYC. The New York City Community Air Survey aims to measure streetlevel air quality citywide at different times of the year, identify leading sources of

local air pollution and suggest ways to reduce them.

Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at jablamsky@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 124.

FD Vols To Get New Home

The Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Corps can finally proceed with constructing their own building after 15 years of waiting, thanks to a change in the state's public authorities law.

State Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica), who represents Broad Channel, said the amendment was enacted to allow the Dormitory Authority of New York the authorization to provide constructionrelated resources and services to the 105year-old not-for-profit organization in construction of their new building, and end a decade and a half of roadblocks.

"These civic leaders should not have to be negatively affected by small unsubstantial setbacks that would further negate the good work that these volunteers achieve daily," Huntley said. "I'm proud to say with the passing of this legislation that these issues will no longer be applicable."

The amendment was sponsored by Huntley and co-sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Rockaway Beach).

The Corps bought a piece of property near Cross Bay Boulevard in 1995 with the intention of building a new headquarters to replace their current home on Noel Road, where they've been based since 1908. No start date for the project has been set.

Federal money was allocated for the project in 2006, but in order for the Corps to receive the funding, the NYCDOT had to approve the project as mandated by federal law, but they did not, claiming the project was unnecessary and the city did not have matching funds to contribute to the project.

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400 Ext. 125 — Domenick Rafter

DOE Gets Cash Boost After Bid Win

The mood among local elected officials could only be described as celebratory when Mayor Mike Bloomberg announced on Aug. 24 that the City would receive up to $300 million for public education in New York State’s successful Race to the Top bid.

“New York State’s selection is a testament to what we’ve accomplished in our City’s schools over the last eight years,” Bloomberg said. “Our students have shown tremendous improvement and now – as a Race to the Top participant – we will work with our teachers and school administrators to raise the bar once again.”

The big question, how the Dept. of Education will spend the money, might not be answered for months. DOE officials have 90 days to negotiate with state officials, said agency spokesman Matt Mittenthal.

New York State’s application promises reform in four areas: curriculum; student performance data (an initiative the City is already at the forefront of statewide); teacher assessment and turning around low-performing schools.

The DOE will fulfill those commitments, Mittenthal said.

A “significant portion” of the Race to the Top money will go toward implementing a new curriculum based on the national Common Core State Standards, an initiative led by the National Governors Association to align education with collegeready standards.

“Race to the Top has been a tremendous catalyst for precisely the kind of education reforms we’ve supported and implemented in New York City; now it is up to all of us to live up to this commitment and continue the important work that got us here,” said Chancellor Joel Klein.

Among those reforms were raising the state cap on charters from 200 to 460.

There are 99 charter schools in New York City, with 27 scheduled to open in the 2010-11 school year.

Until negotiations with the state are complete, “I can’t say exactly whether, or how, the money will go directly toward increasing the number of charter schools,” Mittenthal said.

Options for turning around low achieving schools are limited. Reform must follow one of the four following models: • Turnaround: Phase out the school and replace it with a new school, or completely redesign the school, including replacing the principal and at least half the staff.

• Transformation: Similar to the turnaround model. The principal and at least half the teachers would be replaced. Subsequent hiring would be based on teacher evaluations, including data on student growth, multiple observation-based assessments and portfolios of professional activities.

• Restart: Either convert a school to a charter school or replace it with a charter school. The DOE may also be able to contract with CUNY or SUNY to manage the school.

• Closure: Close the school and enroll students in higher achieving schools.

Though the DOE is not mandated to make hiring decisions dependent upon student performance and other factors until 2011, the requirement will be piloted in some public schools over the coming year through a recent federal grant for persistently low-achieving schools.

“As a parent of a public school student,

I know how much this money is needed,” said Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan (D-Ridgewood). “As Chairwoman of the Assembly Education Committee, I know Race To the Top money will go a long way in helping New York renew and renovate our education system.”

Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at jablamsky@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 124.

U.S. Open For Business:

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

BY JESSICA ABLAMSKY

Defending U.S. Open Women’s champ Kim Clijsters returns a volley during her opening day victory over Greta Arn in straight sets at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday.

The USTA’s crown jewel Grand Slam tournament will feature tennis’ biggest stars, who will be taking to the courts in Flushing Meadows Corona Park until Sept. 12.

Sept. 3-9, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

OF SOUTHEAST QUEENS 174-15 Horace Harding Expwy.

Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 (voice) (718) 357-7400 fax (718) 357-9417 email news@queenspress.com The PRESS of Southeast Queens Associate Publisher

In Our Opinion: Arnold Thibou Executive Editor:

Brian Rafferty Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel

Editorial Rest In Peace, Tom Queens lost one of its good guys on Friday.

Public servant, mentor and long-time Councilman Tom White Jr. passed away after a long battle with cancer.

He left behind a legislative and charitable legacy that reverberates within the 28th district, which encompasses chunks of Jamaica, Richmond Hill, Rochdale Village and South Ozone Park.

White’s combined 15-year tenure revealed a steady eye on the issues of his constituents; he focused most often on the need for job placement programs and the concerns of minority and women-owned businesses.

But it was his founding and leadership of J-CAP, a substance abuse program, which most use to define him — Tom was a pioneer in therapeutic communities dating back to the late 1960s. His innovative work with teenagers captured our attention long before he entered politics.

But around the present day PRESS, we remember White showing up to one of our Holiday parties, mingling amongst the dapperly-dressed politicos in an Adidas jumpsuit.

That was Tom – always casual and undeniably a man of the people.

Some are already looking ahead, crunching the numbers and merely guessing – at this point – who will succeed him. We are no less guilty.

But we hope the candidates running to fill his seat, whoever they may be, give page 18 a careful read, and understand White set a foundation that could help revive a struggling part of our borough.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to those White left behind, both his immediate family and the many others whose lives he touched.

Rest in peace, Tom.

Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Harley Benson Sasha Austrie Joseph Orovic Domenick Rafter Jessica Ablamsky Editorial Intern: Angy Altamirano Jason Banrey Rebecca Sesny

Letters Condolences (The following letter was sent to the family of Councilman Thomas White, Jr.) Dear Family and Friends of Councilman Thomas White Jr.: Please accept my deepest condolences for the passing of your father, my friend and our leader Councilman Thomas White, Jr.

Tom’s work will leave a permanent legacy in Southeast Queens and beyond. His leadership in the City Council yielded tremendous advancement for the 28th Council District, and I will never forget his candor and tireless advocacy on behalf of his constituents. I recall meeting him for the first time at Antun’s, where he spent hours educating me about indi-

Letters viduals who suffer from substance abuse and describing his work with J-CAP and countless other community initiatives. At the end of our conversation, I was convinced that Tom was a brilliant legislator with powerful ideas and an incredible record of fighting for what he believed in.

I deeply regret the passing of one of New York’s courageous leaders and legislative giants. In these difficult times, please remember the proudest memories that you and Tom experienced and as a community, city and state.

Let us never forget his legacy.

With sympathy, Kirsten E. Gillibrand United States Senate

On The Mosque Controversy To The Editor: Nine years after the attack on the World Trade Center, murdering almost 3,000 people, we are faced with a new 9/11-related controversy, whether a huge mosque and “cultural center” should be built close to the WTC site. On the other side, there are those who say “Absolutely, Yes!,” citing our historic “Freedom Of Religion,” while others say “Certainly Not!” (and want it moved away – or never built at all, in respect for the families of those innocent people victimized by the terrorism of 20 Muslim fanatics.)

There is a case to be made for both points-of-view, but I believe

both the proponents and opponents of the mosque have ignored the basic issue, which is future safety of New Yorkers, if it is built!

Just as the present construction of the “Freedom Tower” is just stupid, only a short distance from West Street, (where a terrorist and/or lunatic could blow up a truck full of explosives, or steal a plane to crash into the future tower), building the mosque will be a “red flag” to all sorts of crazies wanting “revenge” for 9/ 11 or some future tragedy or attack somewhere. We should allow nothing to make New York City even more dangerous to those who live/work here. Since one of the two lots the mosque sponsors want to use is reportedly under city control, Mayor Bloomberg should “Just Say NO” and make New York City residents and workers a little more safe in the years to come, instead of gambling with thousands of lives.

Instead of the dangerously divisive and provocative mosque, two blocks from Ground Zero, I suggest the site might be the location of a dignified cemetery for the ashes of the 1,000-plus neveridentified World Trade Center Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other victims that Bloomberg has allowed to remain in the Staten Island garbage dump, where family visiting and reflection is a near impossibility.

Frank Skala, Bayside

Art Dept:

Tania Y. Betancourt Sara Gold Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend Advertising Director Alan J. Goldsher Sr. Account Executive Shelly Cookson

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 3-9, 2010

Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2010 Tribco, LLC

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

Passing Of A Local Legend A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE Most of us have heard the adage since childhood that taxes and death are the only two guarantees in this world.

But somehow we still find both difficult to accept. You’d think that we’d be over it by now, but it is difficult.

For months, Councilman Thomas White, Jr. had been ill.

Most of us didn’t know for sure what the matter was as he went in and out of the hospital. We surmised and we hoped we were wrong. We hoped he would regain his health and resume his productive life. But it wasn’t to be. On the morning of Friday, Aug. 27, he lost the battle.

To me, Tom White was a lifeaffirming man and his passing was, and is, hard to conceive. He was ever smiling and kind. The large portrait placed near his open casket in Allen AME Cathedral was a study in contrasts.

As you join the queue for the viewing, you admired the photo of the healthy, smiling hazel-eyed

Tom White; as you finally reach the casket, you are reminded that, as Tennyson says of his deceased friend Arthur Hallam, “He is not here, but far away…”

He looked nothing like the Tom of old. What the protracted illness does not take away, the burial prep does. What remains of us is just the broken down body.

What’s important is what we did with our lives while we lived.

And Tom White lived. The Tom White I will long remember is a compassionate man who founded J-CAP, said to be one of the best substance treatment programs in the state of New York; the Tom White who sang karaoke better than anyone else; the Tom White who supported me in my role as a community journalist and the Tom White who served his community in the City Council.

Through J-CAP, thousands of people once enslaved to drug and alcohol addiction have been freed, or at least, have learned the skills to fight it as a life-long battle. He was also a wise businessman and legislator.

When he was termed out of

office in 2001, many criticized him as not having done his best.

It was not true, but four years later he got a second chance to make a first impression and he did it with aplomb.

As chair of the Economic Development Committee, he proved himself a capable leader who supported business development in his district and throughout the city. He also became the wise elder statesman to the young guns who now inhabit much of the Council body. He was a voice of reason in heated debates and his wisecracks never failed to crack up everyone; and he listened to his constituents.

And the proof was in the pudding. Hundreds of these very constituents filed past the casket to pay their respects; and colleagues from the Council and associates from across the city came to pause and remember as well.

One such mourner, the PRESS’ own Michael Nussbaum, fought back tears as we spoke about him.

“I’ve known Tom since 1970,” he said. “We met in Ozone Park when I was working for John

Lindsay and Tom was working in the streets [for him].”

Everyone, from former speaker Peter Vallone and former Councilman Archie Spigner, to the current crop such as my husband, Helen Foster, who brought her father, the former Councilman Wendell Foster, came to pay respects while pictures from a life of service scrolled across the large monitors in the Cathedral.

It seems the collective thought could well be summed up the way Shelley mourned Keats: I weep for Adonais-he is dead!

O, weep for Adonais! though our tears Thaw not the frost which binds so dear a head!

And thou, sad Hour, selected from all years To mourn our loss, rouse thy obscure compeers, And teach them thine own sorrow, say: “With me Died Adonais; till the Future dares Forget the Past, his fate and fame shall be An echo and a light unto eternity!”

What’s your EQ?

Are you an energy champ, an energy guzzler or an energy snoozer? To find out, take the Con Edison Energy Quotient Quiz at conEd.com/EQ or at facebook.com/powerofgreen

The Smart Grid will help all New Yorkers become energy champs because it will:

Chargers for cell phones, MP3 players and PDAs use energy:

A. allow us to charge electric cars

A. only when charging

B. incorporate wind and solar energy sources C. turn your appliances on and off when you’re away from home

B. even when the devices are not connected to the chargers C. even when they’re not plugged into the wall

D. all of the above

answer : D

answer : B

How much more efficient are compact fluorescent bulbs than regular incandescent bulbs?

What should you do if you smell gas?

A. leave the area immediately, then call Con Edison at

A. they last twice as long and use half as much energy B. they last five times as long and use 60% less energy

1-800-75-CONED B. do not use electrical devices, including flashlights C. all of the above

answer: C

answer: C

©2010 Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. Ad: Arnell

Sept. 3-9, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

C. they last ten times as long and use 75% less energy

After All These Years: Another Term Limits Column

By MICHAEL SCHENKLER I’m with Henry Stern.

an impeccable reputation. However, he has fallen victim to politics, misjudgment or worse by allowing the Commission to offer only a 2021 date for enactment.

The Commission could have allowed the people to vote on the date or could have made it 2013 which is what we believe the people would have selected.

This writer is not a Charter Revision expert or Constitutional scholar, but believes the Commission still can right this terrible wrong. Considering members of the Commission didn’t vote on the proposal, there is no reason it can’t reconvene and revote. There is still plenty of time to print the November ballot and educate the public as to its options.

By the end of Election Day this year, the people w il l have voted three times for a two-term limit. It seems that any fair Commission would not make them wait three Council elections for their law to be enacted.

The term limit fiasco has been an ugly period in the Democratic

history of our city. The Commission finally has the ability to bring it to an end. They must not let the dark period linger until 2021.

I’m with Henry and wer’re both with the people.

TOM WHITE I first met Tom White in 1973 or 74. I was an assitant PrinciMike Schenkler and Tom White pal in a New York City Special Education school for what concern of Tom White. I spent the was then called Socially Malad- next five years involved in similar justed Emotionally Disturbed stu- programs throughout the City and dents. Substance abusers were in- the work of Tom at J-CAP served cluded in the very large tent of kids as a model for many successful programs. that regular schools didn’t want.

He ran for office and served I knew one high school aged youngster graduating from Tom’s many years as a Councilmember. innovative J-CAP therapeutic com- But Tom, who succumbed to canmunity for substance abusers, but cer, shall always serve as my model in need of transition before return- of commit tment to bat tling substance abuse and helping its ing to a mainstream school.

Working with an innovative younger victims.

Bye, Tom. staff we worked with this student MSchenkler@QueensPress.com and I got to know the work and

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 3-9, 2010

Commission Delays Two-Term Limit Until A.D. 2021

By HENRY STERN The effect of this The Charter Revision postponement is to Commission appointed by confer a benefit on a Mayor Bloomberg voted to small group of postpone by 11 years the Councilmembers, some effective date when a twoof whom voted in term limit would take ef2008 to extend their fect, even if the voters apeligibility. Others, who prove it in referendum this voted “no” on the Henry Stern fall. change, allegedly on After a motion to put the principle, will also have the opeight-year limit into effect now was por tunity to seek a third term, defeated, (it received six votes, eight and it is likely that most of them being needed to pass), and a so- will avail themselves of that privicalled ‘hybrid’ motion for a 2017 lege. The extension to 2021 will effective date also failed with six give the freshmen, now in their votes, Commission Chairman Mat- first year on the Council, the right thew Goldstein brought the 2021 to serve 12 years before there will date up for a vote and it was ap- be an open seat. proved 12-0, although it was not The rationale behind this gift a compromise between the other of time is that, since in 2009 the two alternatives, but mandated an three-term limit was in effect, the even longer delay in carrying out candidates ran with the expectathe decision made in the public tion that they would be entitled to referendum. seek three terms and the city is in On the two previous motions, good faith bound to honor their the chairman had called the roll belief. Those members first elected and voted last. On the 2021 pro- in 2005 would require the gift of a posal he called on himself first and third term to have them serve into dramatically voted “Yes.” The 11 2017. However, the public will preother members present followed sumably by 2010 have voted three suit. times (1993 and 1996 were the A large majorit y of the wit- first two) for a two-term limit. ne sse s who testified suppor ted The theory that there is a duty implementation of the referendum to fulfill the expectations of the at the next Council election, sched- ambitious appears as harebrained uled for 2013. The speaker for a to me as it may sound to you, but delay was Public Advocate Bill it was expressed by at least one DeBlasio, who had taken a lead- Commissioner, and it was the raing role in supporting the two-term tionalization of others. Try to think limit in 2008. He did not explain of another justification for prolongwhy he changed his mind, but as a ing the implementation of the demayoral candidate in 2013, he will cision of the voters for a period be seeking support from the legis- comparable to serious prison time. lators whose eligibility he sought The fact is that, even if the to prolong. voters approve a two-term limit in

November, t he Commission has arrogated to itself the power to frustrate that decision for 11 years. The proposal was offered to allow the public to decide the effective date of the two-term limit, whether at once (2013), 2017 or 2021. This idea was ignored; how can the people be trusted to make a decision of such magnitude? Don’t the mayoral appointees on the Commission know what is best for the masses?

The individual members of the Commission are, by and large, reasonably intelligent, not particularly politically sophisticated, and honorable New Yorkers. The chair is a distinguished public servant. How could all these bright people have gone so wrong? Look at Vietnam and numerous situations since then when our country has made decisions which turned out to be wrong. But those important issues had two sides and complicated facts.

In this case, the facts are clear and the argument completely one-sided.

The bottom line here is that some people wanted to take care of some other people they know. And they were able to convince enough naive colleagues so that they could do it.

The remedy here is relatively simple: another referendum, with an effective date written into it so no Commission can substitute its wishes for the voters’ decision by fiddling with implementation and postponing a simple reform for over a decade.

The unanswered que st ion is who will bell the cat? Who will step forward and take the initiative to see that the will of the

people is implemented, whatever it may be. Now is the time to begin consideration of that question.

It has been attributed to Edmund Burke in 1795. No one, however, really knows who said it first: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good [people] to do nothing.”

To those of you who think, what difference does this make, two terms or t hree, you have a point. The issue, however, is not two or three terms. The issue is fairness; first the Mayor and Council circumvent ing the Char ter in 2008 for their own benefit, and now the Commission trying to circumvent the referendum of 2010, whether they know it or not.

Americans, and New Yorkers

are Americans, like to play fair, and don’t like to be disregarded or manipulated. That is what underlies this controversy. It is the same nagging issue that sharply reduced the majority the competent mayor should have received after two successful terms. Our recommendation: respect the will of the people.

“Justice Delayed is Justice Denied.” Britain’s Prime Minister Gladstone said it in 1868 addressing Parliament as Queen Victoria’s prime minister.

The City of New York should not provide golden parachutes. Not in dollars, not in years. Let the new elected officials take their places, and may they serve the public, not themselves.

StarQuest@NYCivic.org

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

Photo by Ira Cohen

My friend, colleague, and city elder who shares this page with me has been most vocal about the injustice that has been done by the Char ter Rev ision Commission which did its job and will put on the ballot the opportunity for the people to once again affirm that they favor a two-term limit for City Councilmembers, Borough Presidents and Citywide Officials.

When the Mayor had the Council usurp the people’s authorit y and change the people’s law from two to three terms, he promised to make fixing it a priority of

a Charter Revision Commission – and he did. And the Commission did part of its job approving a referendum allowing the people to restore the two-term limit – this time prohibiting Councilmembers from extending their own terms.

However, and Henr y deals with it in some depth below, the new law, if passed, does not go into effect until 2021. The Charter Revision Commission had the opportunity to make the effective date the next Council election, 2013. They instead chose to grant t wo clase s of i ncumbent Councilmem-bers a bye on a law the people have voted for twice and are likely to enact again this November.

The law was first passed by a referendum of the people in 1993 and now if passed for the third time, it will finally be in place permanently – or until changed by referendum or revolution – in 2021, an entire generation later.

I just don’t get it. CUN Y Chancellor Mat t Goldstein, t he Commission chair, is a man with

Police Blotter Compiled By DOMENICK RAFTER

101st Precinct Burglary Spree The NYPD is seeking the public's assistance in identifying suspects wanted in regards to seven burglaries that occurred around Far Rockaway. The suspects are described as two white or Hispanic men.

On Tuesday, July 6, at midnight, at 1909 Mott Ave., the suspects entered the premise and removed property and an undetermined amount of cash. On Saturday, July 10, at 1 a.m. inside of 1913 Cornaga Ave., the suspects entered the premise. On Wednesday, July 12, at 3 a.m., at 20-50 Mott Ave., the suspects entered the premise and removed property. On Friday, July 23, at 2 p.m. inside of 18-47 Mott Ave., the suspects entered the premise. On Saturday, July 24, at 5 a.m., at 21-36 Mott Ave., the suspects entered the premise. On Thursday, Aug. 5 at 9:40 p.m., inside of 19-14 Mott Ave., the suspects entered the premise and removed an undetermined amount of cash.

On Sunday, Aug. 15, at 11:50 p.m., at 1858 Cornaga Ave, the suspects entered the premise and removed property and an undetermined amount of cash.

Anyone with information regarding any of these incidents is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (80 0) 577-TIPS (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. All calls are strictly confidential.

103rd Precinct Prolific Thief

104th Precinct Deadly U-turn On Thursday, Aug. 26, at 4:50 p.m., police responded to a 911 call of a motor vehicle accident at Metropolitan Avenue and Rentar Plaza, in Middle Village. The officers determined that a 2004 Mitsubishi sedan was traveling westbound on Metropolitan Avenue and was in the process of making a U-turn eastbound when a 2005 Yamaha traveling eastbound on Metropolitan Avenue was struck. The driver of the Yamaha, John Rizzuto, 36, of 72-52 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village, was taken to Elmhurst Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The operator of the sedan remained on the scene. One summons was issued for an illegal U-turn.

105th Precinct Shot Dead On Sunday, Aug. 29, at 2:45 a.m., police responded to a 911 call of shots fired at 145th Avenue and Francis Lewis Boulevard in Rosedale. Police discovered Mazile Helios, 26, of 88-19 Vanderveer St., Queens Village. EMS responded and transported Helios to Jamaica Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The investigation was ongoing.

109th Precinct Flaming Cars On Tuesday, Aug. 31, at 12:50 a.m., police responded to a report of a car on fire in the driveway of 148-12 9th Ave. in Whitestone. Officers observed a red, 2001 Ford F150 pickup fully engulfed in flames.

Officers also observed three additional vehicles in the immediate area also on fire.

The second vehicle, a 2002 Dodge van, was parked in front of 149-24 9th Ave. The third vehicle, a 2008 Nissan Rogue, was parked on the side of 9-01 150th St. The fourth vehicle, a 2002 GMC Yukon, was parked in front of 15044 9th Ave. All four vehicles were extinguished by the FDNY. No injuries were reported. The fires were deemed arson.

No arrests have been made. The investigation was ongoing.

113th Precinct Motorcycle Accident On Sunday, Aug. 22, at 12:48 a.m., police responded to a 911 call of a motor vehicle accident on the southbound Van Wyck Expressway prior to the Belt Parkway near the entrance to JFK Airport.

Police determined Cory Burrus, 36, of 10747 Watson Pl., Jamaica, operating a 2003 Suzuki motorcycle, lost control, struck a guardrail and then struck a second vehicle, a 2008 Suzuki motorcycle. Burrus was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the motorcycle was transported to Jamaica Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The incident was under investigation. There was no criminality suspected at this time.

Sept. 3-9, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

The NYPD is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying an individual wanted in connection with several robberies that have occurred in the Jamaica area.

The robberies occurred on Friday, July 23, at 4 p.m., at the Hollis Grocery, 10914 176th St.; Friday, July 30, at 12:01 a.m., at the Zapata Grocery Store, 168-14 Liberty Ave.; Saturday, July 31st, at 1:15 p.m., at the Sutphin Mini Mart, 108-44 Sutphin Blvd.; Wednesday, Aug. 4, at 3:45 a.m., at the Around the Clock Deli, 170-01 Jamaica Ave.; Thursday, Aug. 5, at 1:20 p.m. at the Crown Friend Chicken, 106-13 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., and at 1:30 p.m. at a grocery story at 103-02 171st St.,; on Friday, Aug. 6, at 1:25 p.m., at the Jamaica Wash Laundry, 179-26 Jamaica Ave.; Monday, Aug. 23, at 10:45 p.m., at the Jamaica Avenue Grocery, 182-43 Jamaica Ave. and at 11:10 p.m., at the T&M Deli, 171-42 Liberty Ave. In each incident, the suspect entered the locations armed with a silver firearm and demanded cash. The suspect removed money from the registers and then fled on a BMX-style bicycle. No injuries have been reported in any of the incidents. The perpetrator is described as a black man in his 20s, approximately 5foot-4 to 5-foot-10, 140-175 lbs. In the first incident, he was wearing a bandana over his face and a dark fishermen-style bucket hat with a dark shirt and tan shorts.

Anyone with information in regards to any of these incidents are asked to call Crime Stoppers at (80 0) 577-TIPS

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

Remembering Tom:

Community Mourns White’s Passing

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 3-9, 2010

BY SASHA AUSTRIE The bells tolled loudly on Merrick Boulevard. A steady stream of mourners came to pay their final respects to late-Councilman Tom White Jr. “[God], we thank you today for the lives that have been touched because you allowed him to live,” said the Rev. Craig Scott Brown, of Bethany Baptist Church.

White died on Friday morning at North Shore LIJ Hospital at the age of 71, after a long battle with lung cancer. He is survived by his mother, two children and two grandchildren. His services were held at The Greater Allen A.M.E. on Thursday at 10 a.m.

White, a councilman for 15 years, laid prostrate in a flag-draped coffin; a smiling picture of him looked upon those who cherished him in life and memorialized him in death.

Family, friends and the borough’s political elite crowded into the cathedral’s sanctuary, each person bound by one man.

White was not only remembered as public servant, but was heralded for his tenure as executive director of J-CAP. “He cared for New Yorkers who had often been marginalized,” said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan). “He gave them hope [and] redemption.”

His colleagues shared tidbits of a native Southeast Queens son, a friend and public servant.

State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-St. Albans) relived his last conversation with White. Smith called White, who was not worried about himself, but how Smith was doing. He said White told him to serve from his heart and not his head.

“This is a happy day,” Smith said. “I know that you must feel a sense of loss […] but when you see the caliber of people in this room […] it tells you that Tom had an impact on many people’s lives. To all of you who have a sense of loss, smile because Tom would want you to smile.”

White served a combined 15-year tenure in the City Council, beginning with a 10-year stint in the 1990s.

After being term limited out in 2001, he regained the 28th District’s Council seat in 2005.

“He did very well representing his community,” said Adjoa Gzifa, Community Board 12’s chairwoman. “He was very much a person who cared about his constituents.”

Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton) said that White was an “inspiration” to both his colleagues and constituents.

“Tom served his community, his constituency and his City with pride and distinction, and his voice will be sorely missed in City Hall,” Sanders said. “New York City has lost a great public servant; working people have lost a tireless champion and fearless advocate; and I have lost a dear friend.”

As chair of the Council’s Economic Development Committee, White was praised for his prowess in bringing home funds to Queens and his district. Smith said White’s support of women and minority-owned businesses, along with the revitalization of economically distressed areas, have created “countless jobs and helped families struggling to get by put food on their tables and pay their bills.”

Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) said White championed and secured funds for seniors, educational, social services, youth programs and economic development projects, all while encouraging beneficial zoning changes.

“His tenure as chair of the Council’s Economic Development Committee was marked by his unrelenting pressure on the City to ensure that minority and womenowned businesses received their fair share of contracts,” he said. “Council Member Thomas White was a quiet leader and community servant who will be missed tremendously. I mourn his passing and will miss my friend.”

White’s colleagues in government dubbed him an activist and friend who served Southeast Queens in more than just a City Council capacity. White was the cofounder and executive director of J-CAP, a drug and

alcohol treatment program in Queens.

“Born and raised in Queens, Tom spent over 30 years trying to improve his Southeast Queens community,” said Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

For more than 40 years he stood at the helm of JCAP, carrying out the organization’s mission “of helping people help themselves.”

“His lifelong mission was the promotion of individual self empowerment and higher education,” a statement from J-CAP read. “Emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with family and community, he inspired tens of thousands of individuals in recovery. His commitment to the treatment of addictions in the Southeast Queens community and beyond will live on through the programs he created and the people he helped.”

Gladys Sullivan, J-CAP’s director of public affairs, said White was “wonderful” to work with.

“He demanded the best from you in a good way,” she said.

Gzifa said J-CAP faired “very well” under White and members of the community and their children benefited from the organization’s programs.

“As Executive Director of one of the largest substance abuse programs in the state, he cared for New Yorkers who have often been marginalized, forgotten and incarcerated from an early age,” Quinn said. “He gave them hope, a shot at redemption, and a chance to build a better life.”

Councilman Tom White Jr. died on Aug 27. His leadership and activism earned recognition from leaders of all stripes, including Rev. Al Sharpton.

Gzifa said she knew White was ill, but did not grasp the extent of his sickness.

“I didn’t know he was that close to dying until the day before his death,” Gzifa said.

Asked what she would remember about the councilman, Gzifa remarked with a smile in her voice, “Those eyes, ah those eyes.”

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127.

The Race To Replace Tom

The death of Councilman Tom White Jr. could cre- Meeks (D-Jamaica) in 2008, but was kicked off the ate a political scramble to fill his vacant seat, which ballot before the primary.

Another potential candidate is Allan Jennings, who includes Downtown Jamaica, Rochdale Village, South Jamaica, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park and a few faced White twice in Democratic primaries in 1991 and 1997, losing both times, and represented the disprecincts in Ozone Park.

Mayor Bloomberg is expected to call a special elec- trict from 2001 until 2005, when White defeated him a third in the Democratic primary tion for the seat coinciding with the after Jennings was tainted by scanNov. 2 general elections. The elecdals. Jennings was censured for altion would be nonpartisan, but it is legedly sexually harassing a staffer expected whoever succeeds White and had a history of erratic behavwould be a Democrat. The winner ior. would serve until Dec 31, 2011. A A fourth potential candidate is regularly scheduled primary and Ozone Park attorney Al Baldeo, general election would occur in Sepwho is currently running for district tember and November 2011 to elect leader in the 38th Assembly Disa candidate to serve the remainder Lynn Nunes Ruben Wills trict. Baldeo narrowly lost a 2006 of White’s term until Dec 31, 2013.

State Senate race to former Sen. Among the potential candidates Serphin Maltese, a race won two for the seat include some of White’s years later by Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. 2009 opponents in the Democratic (D-Howard Beach). Baldeo ran primary. Lynn Nunes, who is curthird in the 2005 race for the 28th rently locked in a battle against Council seat behind White and State Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-JaJennings. maica), has not indicated any interA fifth potential candidate that ested for running in a special eleccould shake up the race is Nicole tion should he lose the Senate race.

Paultre Bell, the fiancée of shooting Nunes came within six votes of Albert Baldeo Allan Jennings victim Sean Bell. Paultre Bell was knocking off White last September. present at White’s funeral Thursday and was Nunes has said though that he was not lookseen leaving with Rev. Al Sharpton, who is ing at the special election race and was fosaid to be supporting her, along with U.S. cused on winning his primary against HuntRep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica), according to ley. He did mourn the passing of his former published reports. Rachel Noerdlinger, senior opponent. vice president of Sharpton’s civil rights orga“Although Tom and I were sometimes on nization National Action Network, said Rev. opposite sides of a campaign, I always adSharpton would not make any endorsements mired his dedication and commitment to our out of respect for White, but she said Paultre community,” Nunes said in a Bell has been an “unequivocally” excellent statement, “Tom was a valued leader in our Nicole Paultre Bell partner, working with NAN. community.”

Bell currently lives in Far Rockaway, which is not Ruben Wills, who finished third in the 2009 city council primary behind White and Nunes. Wills was in the district, but election law states a candidate must formerly Sen. Huntley’s chief of staff and made an have an address in the district on Election Day. Her attempt to run for Congress against U.S. Rep. Gregory fiancée grew up in the district.

Borough Beat

Sikh World Leaders Gather In Queens

The spiritual leaders of the Sikh religion came to Richmond Hill from India last week to lend their support for an ongoing campaign to bring to justice those they claim are responsible for a massacre of Sikhs in India 26 years ago.

High Priests Giani Gurbachan Singh and Giani Iqbal Singh were greeted by Sikhs from Queens and around the country at the Royal India Palace on Atlantic Avenue in Richmond Hill on Aug 29. The two leaders gave their support to Sikhs For Justice, a group focused on seeking justice against some prominent Indian politicians who were involved in the November 1984 massacre of Sikhs in India.

“We have come to say we support this justice campaign,” said Giani Gurbachan Singh, who was personally affected by the massacre. “I want to tell all Sikhs and all Americans, ‘Stand for justice, always.’”

More than 30,000 Sikhs were killed in a three-day span from Nov. 1-3, 1984 in countrywide violence that erupted after two Sikh bodyguards assassinated thenPrime Minister Indira Gandhi, said Jackson Heights attorney Gurpatwant Pannun, legal advisor for Sikhs for Justice. The Indian government has said the death toll was much lower. Pannun said the Indian government had only paid Sikhs looking for justice lip service over the years.

recognize the massacre as geno“Every other year, the Indian cide, a move that could hurt the government sets up commissions country’s relations with India. or committees with no power The event included some surexcept to investigate,” Pannun vivors of the massacres, like said. “And every other year the Jaspir Singh, a plaintiff in the committees are disbanded with case filed against Nath. Jaspir no one charged.”

Singh, who now lives in CaliforThe last committee, set up in nia, saw 26 members of his fam2000, was disbanded in 2005, ily slaughtered in Delhi during after which, with no faith in the the massacres. He survived by Indian Government’s ability or disguising himself as a Hindu. desire to bring those responsible “Until I die, I will continue to to justice, Sikhs For Justice was fight within the laws for justice,” formed. After the country’s 2006 Singh said, fighting back tears. elections, the Indian National Two Queens politicians, Congress party, whom Sikhs fin- Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras presents a City Council Procger for the 1984 massacres, won lamation to High Priests Giani Gurbachan Singh and Giani Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst) and Assema majority in the Lok Sabha, Iqbal Singh while Assemblyman David Weprin looks on. blyman David Weprin (D-Little India’s parliament, and named a Sikh, Dr. Manmohan Singh, party leader said the strategic economic and military Neck) were also present to lend their and prime minister. Singh’s government alliance between India and the United support.

“When you see such a horrible event, has done little to further investigations States has made it difficult for the U.S. to you have to take a stand,” Ferreras said. “I pressure India. into the 1984 massacres.

“India is an important ally of the United want the Sikh community to know I stand One of the people Sikhs for Justice is looking to bring to trial is Kamal Nath, States,” Pannun said, noting that India’s with them.”

She said the movement interested her who is still a member of the Lok Sabha and position near China, Afghanistan and Pacurrently serves in Singh’s cabinet as Min- kistan highlights the danger of strained especially because of her role as Chair of relations between Washington and New the Women Issues committee. ister of Roadways.

“Women were widowed, beaten and Recently, the United States Commis- Delhi. “That complicates things,” he added.

Nevertheless, the USCIF has placed raped,” she said. “And few people know sion on International Religious Freedom sought visas to enter India to investigate India on its “watch list,” meaning the about it.”

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at oppression of Sikhs and get information commission has some concerns over relion the 1984 massacres, but the Indian gious freedom in the country. Canada’s drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357Government denied them entry. Pannun Parliament is debating a measure that would 7400 Ext. 125.

PRESS Photo by Domenick Rafter

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

Sept. 3-9, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

pix

Southeast Queens Photos Edited By Harley Benson

Market Makes Moroccan Veggie Curry The Farmers' Market of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation held a cooking demonstration presented by Emily Casey (Chef Emily), a graduate of the Natural Gourmet Institute - a leader in health-supportive culinary arts and theory. All ingredients used in the preparation of the curry can be purchased at the Jamaica Market.

Junior sidewalk superintendents: Joy-Shanti Sindayig, 3, of Jamaica, Egypt Quander Crenshaw, 5, of Springfield Gardens, and Serene Sindayig, 4, of Jamaica.

Red peppers for added sweetness.

Photos by Walter Karling

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 3-9, 2010

Interested passers-by gather.

Welcoming the neighborhood.

Chantal Daley, 8, of Springfield Gardens, enjoys the final product.

A&E

Artistic Interns Offered Space Of Their Own

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

MoMA lived while its Manhattan home was under renovation. The gallery hosts multiple shows a year.

For the summer interns at The Space, the experience is more than just showing off their work, they get experience on how to run a gallery. Intern Elena Solli said the experience taught her a lot she didn’t already know about the art world.

“I had no idea how a gallery works before I started interning,” she said.

Schopper, who will have her own show at Fardom in October, said the ex-

perience has yielded a lot of positive results for interns.

“We have yet to see an artist not get the residency they wanted or get into the school they wanted to go to,” she said.

The show has been a success as well.

Seven paintings have already been sold.

The current show runs through Sept.

24 and gallery hours are Wednesday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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

PRESS Photo by Domenick Rafter

Deep in the heart of industrial Long Island City, where taxi drivers rest during their breaks and the clanging sounds of workers in auto body shops echo through the streets, there is a place on the corner of 41st Avenue ad 27th Street, hidden from the gritty surroundings, where Northwest Queens’ thriving arts scene has one of its many hidden homes.

Since Aug. 6, The Space has been showing off works of art by their seven summer interns in its Fardom Gallery at 25-17 41st Ave. The show, which runs through Sept. 24, is one of many the gallery hosts for new and emerging artists in the neighborhood. The two-room gallery, which sits adjacent to an auto body shop, not only serves as a mini-museum, but also as workspace for the aspiring artists. The Space hosts another workspace in the neighborhood at 46th Road and 5th Street, behind the famed Pepsi-Cola sign

on the East River.

The Space is the brainchild of Long Island City resident Kristi Schopper. An Arizona native, Schopper was living in Manhattan when she moved to Long Island City in the late 1990s in search of a new place for artists.

“It was between DUMBO and Long Island City,” Schopper said. She chose to come to Queens because Brooklyn’s DUMBO was already under gentrification; Long Island City held more promise.

“I was hoping to be a part of the up and coming neighborhood,” she said.

Thanks to financial help from the MathisPfohl Foundation and Arthur Levine Foundation, The Space was able to open its Fardom Galler y on 41st Avenue.

Schopper said the location was smart because it was equidistant between two popular local places for art lovers; PS 1 in Long Island City and the Museum of Modern Art’s Sunnyside location, where

Restaurant Review

Subtle Spicey Delight THE NEST 125-17 101st Ave., Richmond Hill (718) 847-4035 CUISINE: Caribbean-Chinese Fusion HOURS: 11 a.m. to 11p.m. Mon-Thurs; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Fri-Sun PARKING: Street parking CREDIT CARD: All Major

Elena Solli, an intern at Long Island City’s The Space, along with the the gallery’s founder Kristi Schopper, with one of Solli’s works.

Sept. 3-9, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

This is not the place for the pretentious, High Tea crowd. This is for those not ashamed to lick their fingers in public, unafraid of a food adventure.

The ticker on the awning shone brightly on the street and purple lights were strung up on a huge tree out front.

Welcome to The Nest.

The eatery is divided into a bar and restaurant. It boasts a well stocked bar with clever lighting that sets the atmosphere and tempo.

The décor is simple. A few booths dot the right side of the restaurant and tables flow on the left.

Dave Kadarnauth, the owner, guided my date and I through a meal that made my palette do figurative back flips.

The first order of business: drinks.

Our waitress brought a small trio of samplers, which included sorrel, mauby and a mango drink. Kadarnauth said all the drinks are made at the restaurant. As a girl with deep Caribbean roots and a love for sorrel juice, I was poised to call them out if a hint of flavor was out of place. I held my tongue. The sorrel rivaled my mother’s.

Never having had Mauby, I was open to the flavors. It had a slight taste of sweet cinnamon and at the very end a slight bitter taste. My date gave it the thumbs up. If it’s an acquired taste, I have acquired it. The mango drink rounded out the trio. Its delicate flavors flood the taste buds.

After drinks, a parade of dishes vied for space at the table. First was the shrimp sambala, seasoned in an array of spices and lightly fried. The shrimps, which gained color from the seasoning, popped out from a bed of red onions and pepper. I resist making this bold of a statement, but it was the best thing I have eaten all year. When I thought the sambala could not be further enhanced, Kadarnauth suggested I try the pepper sauces made in-house.

Currently, The Nest makes three pepper sauces. The three pepper sauces – classic, mango and mustard – boosted the f lavor of every dish on the table, but my favorite is the mustard pepper sauce. Kadarnauth has hopes of bottling the flavors.

After the sambala, we tried the Banga Mary, which is a delicately fried fish. I tried it with and without the mustard sauce; either way, it was finger licking good.

A small platter of boneless jerk chicken followed. It is not the traditional idea of jerk chicken. It was not overwhelmed with pepper to the point where you can’t taste its flavors. There is a subtle hint of sweetness that is chased by a delicate peppery taste.

There was bhunjal goat, lamb curry fried rice, dhal puri, oxtail, rice and beans, lobster with ginger and scallions.

There is something for everyone here.

Whether you are in the mood for Chinese with a Caribbean flare or vice versa, there is a dish with your name on it at The Nest.

And if after the healthy portions, there is room for dessert, ask for the homemade custard.

I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

-Sasha Austrie

Faith

Beckles Offers Gospel-Jazz Fusion

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

In an experience meant "to feed mind, body and soul" Petula Beckles is hosting a summer concert at Thomasina's.

Beckles, who has her own blend of jazz and gospel, plans to entertain with her soft, lyrical voice.

The concert will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight on Sept. 10 at Thomasina's, located at 205-35 Linden Blvd. Concert tickets and buffet cost $25 in advance and $35 at the door. For ticket information, call (718) 525-5273.

"[Patrons] can expect really great jazz, really great Christian music," she said.

Beckles said the concert music set list would feature songs from her upcoming album "Blue Notes."

The album is a discussion between Beckles and God. "To me it's like a private conversation between me and God," she said. "[The concert] is a trickle down effect with everybody eavesdropping on our conversation."

Beckles, 30, started singing at a very young age to gain an outlet for her emotions.

Even with her raw talent, Beckles neither

Word "When we blindly adopt a religion, a political system, a literary dogma, we become automatons. We cease to grow."

- Anais Nin

understood its depth nor planned for a career in music. The idea of a music career still had not resonated when she received a scholarship to Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas to sing in their Chancel Choir.

It was not until years later, after Beckles took a leap of faith and moved to the Florida, that the full knowledge of her talent struck.

Her creative expression ballooned. In three years, she penned and recorded her first album, "My Song For Jesus."

In 2008, she decided to leave her job as a baby nurse behind and pursue music fulltime.

She toured and promoted the album.

"I've never looked back," she said. "I support myself strictly from the music."

As an independent artist, Beckles lacked the luxurious perception of a music artist.

Sometimes a band would accompany her, other times it is her and a guitar, and at times the soundtrack played in the background.

"Living out of the hotel rooms was a little bit saddening," Beckles said.

At the end of her tour, she packed up and headed home to Queens, where she has written and created music, once again

Petula Beckles will he hosting a summer concert at Thomasina's on Sept. 10. documenting her spiritual journey.

For further information regarding Beckles go to www.petulabeckles.com.

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123.

Notebook SACC

Group Seeks To Add S. Asian Lessons

BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 3-9, 2010

A group aiming to integrate South Asian culture and history into the local curriculum took another step forward in expanding the diversity of education in Queens last week.

The South Asian Curriculum Committee (SACC) met for the second time on Aug. 26 to discuss a future curriculum surrounding South Asian and Indo Caribbean history that could be added by the Dept. of Education.

The process would take a set curriculum to be made by teachers, which must then be passed in a bill in Albany.

SACC seeks to bring awareness of the

South Asian and Indo Caribbean community, which, according to the 2000 Census, is the largest growing ethnic group in Queens. In this group are individuals from countries such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Jeff Gottlieb, of the Central Queens Historical Association, led the meeting at the Margaret Tietz Nursing Center in Jamaica. Joining him were a group of locals involved in the South Asian and Indo Caribbean community around Queens, including Ashook K. Ramsaran, Vishnu R. Mahadeo and Puneet Rao. "Children could learn their parents' history and not feel left out," said Ramsaran, the

Executive Vice President of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO).

Puneet Rao, a former schoolteacher, spoke for South Asian Youth Action, which provides services to the South Asian youth living in Queens and Brooklyn. Rao said he hopes the curriculum goes through because it would bring "more awareness of who is who" in the community.

The committee hopes to establish the curriculum not just so the South Asian, Indo Caribbean and Indian Subcontinent teenagers know their history, but so others will become more tolerant and understanding of the culture.

The expectation is that the curriculum

would kick off in areas with a dense South Asian population, such as Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, Richmond Hill and Woodhaven. They hope it would be available to all public, private and even religious schools in New York in the future.

Gottlieb said that all they can do now is hope the steps they are taking will help "pick up the steam," then simply wait for a positive outcome.

A future meeting is scheduled for November and the overall process is estimated to last around four years.

Reach Intern Angy Altamirano at aaltamirano@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 122.

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Huntley Sees More Work To Be Done With barely two weeks before primary day, State Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica) is hot on the campaign trail.

“I care about my community,” Huntley said. “This community has been passed over too many times.”

Huntley, who represents the 10th Senatorial District, is vying for a third term in a hotly contested primary against Lynn Nunes.

“I have a lot of unfinished business and a lot of projects that I have to complete,” she said.

One of the projects Huntley spearheaded is a new building for the ProctorHobson Post at Merrick Boulevard and 110th Avenue. Huntley said the old building will be raised and a new one put up in its stead. Also, she is reopening the community center at the Baisley Houses and, in conjunction with Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Rockaway Beach) and U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Kew Gardens), a new firehouse will be built for volunteer firefighters in Broad Channel.

“These are projects we need to complete,” she said.

Huntley said she would continue advocating for the state’s education system in her next term. While her opponent said he would ensure that the education budget is “never cut, not even by a single dol-

Army National Guard Pvt. Maryam Karriem has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

She is the daughter of James Johnson of Jamaica. Karriem is a 2001 graduate of the New York State Department of Education Center, Springfield.

“We are new in the majority,” she said.

“The Republicans had it for 43 years.

When we took over, there was no money.”

She said even with the financial constraints, Democrats were able to sign bills that would bring green jobs to the state.

The issue gaining the most traction in this race is same-sex marriage. A marriage equality bill was defeated 38 to 24 in December. Huntley voted against the bill.

Nunes has pledged to vote for the measure if he were to win the seat and Huntley said her vote would mirror that of her constituents.

Huntley said she surveyed her district and 62 percent of her district was against marriage equality.

“I voted my constituents,” she said.

“They didn’t see it as a civil rights issue.”

Huntley said she was not against homosexuals.

“If I didn’t like homosexuals, I wouldn’t have passed any other bill,” she said. “I passed the bully bill. I passed the adoption bill. I passed the partner bill.”

To her constituents, she said she has enjoyed being their senator and there is still much work too be done.

“I’ve worked hard,” she said. “I’ve delivered. I’m in the community - not just election time, but all the time.”

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123.

People Its curriculum, founded in the liberal arts, has expanded to include selected profesCollege Credits: sional and graduate programs.

The following undergraduate students were recently awarded degrees (as indicated) from Harpur College of Arts and Sciences at Binghamton University, State University of New York.

Treval K. Blair of Rosedale, BA Biological Sciences; Abu M. Nayeem of Hollis, BS Environmental Studies Evironmental Economics; Vanessa Pierre of Hollis, BA Individual Major Program Social Sciences; Brittany A. Powell of Hollis, BA Economics; Zara Watson of Jamaica, BA Sociology; Francis K. Bauzon of Queens Village, BS Psychobiology Molecular Track; Justin M. Kovarsy of Hollis Hills, BA English; Olaniyi O. Fashuyi of Queens Village, BA Biological Sciences; Sarah L. Abramov of Jamaica Estates, BA Biological Sciences; Katie Hwang of Jamaica, BS Economics; Kalle E. Yee of Jamaica, BS Biochemistry; Morenike Jegede of Jamaica, BS Biochemistry; Michael J. Bradley of Jamaica, BA Psychology.

The following students were recently awarded degrees (as indicated) from the School of Management at Binghamton University, State University of New York.

Nakia Gina S. Royal of, BS Accounting; Tony Wong of BS Accounting; Joseph P. Gordon of MS Accounting; Joann Lew of, MBA Fast Track; Aleksandra M. Michael of BS Management Finance; and Amanda V. Hunte of BS Management Marketing.

Shown are students from the Business, Computer Applications & Entrepreneurship High School in the Campus Magnet Complex Cambria Heights with some students from the Math Science High School also in the Campus Magnet Complex as they received certificates to acknowledge that they had completed six credits of college classes from Queensborough Community College. This was the Career Pathways Convocation held last spring. Project Director Mary Anne Meyer explained that there were approximately 800 high school students in the program. The classes at the Business High School were given at 7:10 a.m. by Business teacher M.O. Goldston who is an adjunct professor for QCC. Special awards were given to Rameshwari Narain and Lasha Oyo for the highest CP averages and to Harrison Baxter and Chella Calix for being the Most Improved. Assistant Principal Atina Modesto accompanied the students to the Convocation. A luncheon was provided for the students, teachers and parents who attended.

Sept. 3-9, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

The following students were recently awarded degrees (as indicated) from the Decker School of Nursing at Binghamton University, State University of New York.

Josephine Leung of Flushing, John C. Gao of Flushing, La Li Ha of Flushing, Margaret Kim of Bayside, Joan T. Villacrucis of Bayside, Vicky W. Hui of Corona, Ola S. Benson of Cambria Heights, Carina M. Falco of Howard Beach and Omosede S. Uwaifo of Jamaica.

Binghamton University is one of the four university centers of the State University of New York. Known for the excellence of its students, faculty, staff and programs, Binghamton enrolls close to 15,000 students in programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

lar,” Huntley has no lofty statements. She closed, has been a source of contention said she will do her part to preserve the during the campaign. Huntley accused Nunes of dubbing her responsible for the education budget.

“I will never vote to cut education,” hospital closures.

“Helen Marshall, Toby [Stavisky] and she said. “But on the other hand, I’m just Audrey [Pheffer], we did everything to one vote.”

Huntley hopes to transfer her one save the hospitals,” she said. “We went to the governor begging vote into action in terms and he wouldn’t help. of foreclosure, “My opponent, who healthcare and the other claims to be an activist, issues plaguing the disI didn’t see him there.” trict.

Huntley said she Huntley did not was instrumental in promise to cure all the passing the Hospital problems in the district, Closure Planning Act, but she promised conwhich would require the tinuing her hard work in State Dept. of Health to thwarting the issues. In host a public forum regards to the foreclowithin 30 days of a hossure crisis, she said it will pital closure and have a not be abated until both hearing scrutinizing the the industry and buyers decrease in care in the take ownership of the affected communities. problem.

State Sen. Shirley Huntley In terms of revitaliz“As long as the realtors and brokers keep giving homes ing the economy, Huntley pointed to a to people who don’t have the means to Delta Airlines project and the Aqueduct pay for them, they will always exist,” she project, which she hopes will infuse the said. Huntley added that her office coor- community with new jobs.

“It’s amazing how everything dried up dinated with other organizations to tamp down the amount of families that lost their at once,” she said of the job market. “Our people are going to get jobs.” homes in her district.

Huntley said the dismal economic Healthcare, which was thrust in the spotlight when three Queens hospitals cross was not the Democrats’ to bear.

Photo by Bob Harris

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

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, 174-15 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina.

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

TALKS GLENDALE BOOK Saturday, September 11 “To Kill A Mockingbird” will be discussed at 11 at the Glendale library.

THEATER KILLING KOMPANY Saturday, Oc tober 2 “ The Oktoberfest Murders!” at Riccardo’s in Astoria. The Killing Company performs mystery dinner shows. 1-888SHOOT-EM for information

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 3-9, 2010

PARENTS FREE SCHOOL HELP Free school help for students of all ages, parents and teachers. FreeSchoolHelp.com 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.

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.

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.

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.

SPECIAL NEEDS Day Camp Program for children with special needs, including autism and mental retardation at the Samuel Field Y in Little Neck. 2256750, ext. 259.

MISCELLANEOUS FARMERS’ MARKET Sundays 10-4 at the NY Hall of Science, 111 th Street and 48 th A v e n u e . F r i d a y s a n d Saturdays 8:30-4:00 at 160 th Street, off Jamaica Avenue.

F r i d a y s 8:30-4:00 at the Queens Botanical Garden, Dahlia Avenue off Main Street.

SOUP KITCHEN Saturday, September 11 free soup kitchen/hot lunch 12-2 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Queens, 147-54 Ash Avenue, Flushing. 353-3860.

ORATORIO SOCIETY Mondays starting September 13 the Oratorio Societ y of Queens rehearses at the North Presbyterian Church. 279-3006.

FREE FLAGS The Lipsky-Blum Post #764 of the Jewish War Veterans offers free flags to all families of deceased veterans for use at cemeteries. 4634742.

AUXILIARY OFF. The 105 th Precinct Community Council invites all interested in becoming an Auxiliary Police Officer to contact 776-9268.

FH VAC The Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps needs volunteers. They will sponsor you for a NYS EMT course at no cost to you once you qualif y. 793-2055. Monetary donations also needed PO Box 750617, Forest Hills 11375.

FH SYMPHONY Wednesdays the Forest Hills Symphony Orchestra will rehearse at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 374-1627.

FOOD PANTRY Fridays Grace Episcopal Church, 14-15 Clintonville Street, Whitestone, from 1011. 767-6305.

SALVATION ARMY Weekdays food pantry by appointment. Groups include AA Day Group, Jolly Seniors, Bible Study, ESL, Guitar, Band, Choir, Fellowship Dinner, Arts and crafts and more. Salvation Army, 69-23 Cypress Hills Street, Ridgewood. 497-4356.

MEMORY LOSS? Caregivers need a break?

631-1886.

ADOPTION DAY Saturdays 11-2 Adoption Day for Cats and Kittens at Pet Edibles, 254-07 Northern Blvd., Little Neck.

DOG WALKERS NEEDED Sundays For Our Friends, an animal rescue organization in Queens, meets at the Great Neck Hospital, 660 Northern Blvd. Wednesdays walk dogs around noon.

445-4597, 595-2161.

ADOPTION DAY Sundays 11-4 Adopt a homeless dog, cat or kitten at the Animal Center of Queens, a no-kill organization at 89-10 Eliot Avenue, Rego Park. www.acq.pet finder.com BRIDGE CLUB Mondays 12-4 at Pride of Judea in Douglaston. 4236200.

GLEE CLUB Tuesdays the Bayside Men’s Glee Club rehearses at 8 at

All Saints Church, 214-33 40 th Avenue. 424-5769.

BARBERSHOP Wednesdays the Queens chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Societ y meets at the school hall, 175-20 74 th Avenue, Flushing. 381-8689.

ST. MEL’S CHOIR Wednesdays 7:30-9:00 rehearsals at St. Mel’s in Flushing. 393-7580.

ADULT CHOIR Most Fridays the Adult Choir o f Te m p l e B e t h S h o l o m meets at 7. 172 nd Street and Northern Blvd., Flushing.

MEETINGS SIBLING BEREAVEMENT Monday, September 6 St. Adalbert’s bereavement group for the loss of a sibling in Elmhurst. 429-2005.

HAM RADIO CLUB Tuesday, September 7 the Emergency Communications Service meets in Briarwood.

357-6851.

FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tuesdays the Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets.

917-612-3463.

ADVANCED WRITERS Tuesdays at 6:30 at the Terrace Diner at Bay Terrace Shopping Center and also t h e l a st Tu e s d a y o f t h e m o n th i n t h e C o m m u n i t y Room in Panera Bread at Bay Terrace Shopping.

TALK OF THE TOWN Tuesdays, September 7, 21 learn the art of public speaking in St. Albans. 527-5889.

AMERICAN LEGION Tuesdays, September 7, 21 Edward McKee Post 131 meets in Whitestone. 7674323.

COMM. BD. 6 Wednesdays, September 8, Oc tober 13, November 10, December 8 CB6 meets in Forest Hills. 263-9250.

PARENTS BEREAVEMENT Thursday, September 9 St. Adalbert’s bereavement group for the loss of a parent in Elmhurst. 429-2005.

UNITED 40S Thursday, September 9 United Forties Civic Association, Inc. at St. Teresa’s Parish Center, 50-22 45 th Street, Woodside.

QUEENS CENTRAL ROTARY Thursdays 6:30-8:30 Come learn if Rotary is for you.

465-2914; me1nc@aol.com ILION AREA BLOCK Fridays, September 10, October 8, November 12, December 10 Ilion Area Block Association meeting in St. Albans. 454-0947.

CIVIL AIR PATROL Fridays 6-10 at Vaughn College of Aeronautics, 86-01 23 rd Avenue, East Elmhurst.

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

AMER. LEG. AUX. Saturdays, September 11, Oc tober 9, November 13, December 11 Leonard Unit 422 American Legion Auxiliary meets in Flushing. 4632798.

TEENS CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

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

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

GAME DAY Wednesday, September 8 at 4 at the Howard Beach library.

B’NAI B’RITH YOUTH Thursdays for high school s t u d e n t s a t Te m p l e B e t h S h o l o m , 1 7 2 nd S t r e e t a n d Northern Blvd., Flushing at 7:30.

GAME PLAYERS Fridays at the Hillcrest library at 2.

SCOUTING The Rego Park Jewish Center will offer boy and girl scouting. 516-526-2492.

SAMUEL FIELD Y Basketball, SAT Prep, more at the Samuel Field Y’s Teen Center at PS169. 423-6111.

TENNIS Yo u t h a n d Te n n i s , I n c . teaches tennis to those 4-18 at the Roy Wilkins Tennis Center. 658-6728.

VENTURE CREW 158 First and Third Fridays at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 9 2 nd A v e n u e a n d 2 1 7 th Street, Queens Village. Boys and girls 14-21 are encouraged to try this new adventure in scouting.

YOUTH GROUP Fridays t he Communit y Church of Little Neck will hold their Communit y Youth Group from 7-9. 46-16 Little Neck Parkway. 229-2534.

ART CLASSES Fridays the Alliance of Queens Artists in Forest Hills offers teen workshops. 5209842.

CATALPA YMCA Saturdays recreation, Weight room and fitness center available. 69-02 64 th Street, Ridgewood. 8216271.

GAY GROUP Mondays the AIDS Center of Queens Count y has a Gay/ B i / L e s b i a n Yo u t h G r o u p (ages 16-21) meeting designed to support young people in exploring feelings about sexualit y and other issues. 896-2500.

TEEN CENTER Tuesdays and Thursdays 7-9 the Samuel Field Y offers a Teen Center at PS169. 4236111.

BOY SCOUTS 138 Thursdays Boy Scout Troop 138 meets at 7:30 at 19215C 64 th Circle, basement, Fresh Meadows. For those up to 17. 454-2391.

COUNSELING Call 592-5757 for free counseling at the Forest Hills Communit y House.

ACQC SUPPORT AC Q C Te e n Pe e r S u p p o r t Group - information, support, skills development training for those “touched by HIV/AIDS.” Ages 14-16. 8962500.

GENERATION Q The Queens Lesbian, Gay, B i s e x u a l a n d Tra n s ge n d e r Pride Communit y Center hold a Generation Q Youth

Service program. Call GAY2300.

SCOUTING Join Scouting in Queens.

212-651-2897.

POMONOK TEENS Teen Council addresses teen i s s u e s i n th e c o m m u n i t y.

591-6060.

BUKHARIAN LOUNGE Bukharian Teen Lounge, for those 15-18, at the Central Queens YM-YWHA in Forest Hills. 268-5011, ext. 202.

VAC YOUTH SQUAD T h e G l e n O a k s Vo l u n te e r A m b u l a n c e C o r p s Yo u t h Squad is looking for new members 14-18. 347-1637.

DROP IN CENTER Mondays-Thursday from 47 the Queens Rainbow Com-

m u n i t y C e n t e r, 3 0 - 3 7 4 Steinway Street, 2 nd floor, Astoria, holds a Drop-In Center for LGBTQQ youth up to 22. 204-5955.

YOUTH SERVICES The 105 th Precinct Communit y Council of fers a L aw Enforcement Explorers Program for interested youth in the surrounding areas. Contact PO Kirkland at 7769164.

EMPLOYMENT SERVICE Sunnyside Communit y Services Youth Employment Services available. 784-6173, ext. 129.

SCOUTING The Rego Park Jewish Center will offer boy and girl scouting. 516-526-2492.

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

ALLEY POND Alley Pond Environmental center in Douglaston presents Sunny Bunnies for those 3-4, Wee Sprouts for those 18-23 months, Toddler Time for those 24-35 months and Fledglings for those 3-4 September through December. Call 229-4000 for exact schedule.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

S TORY TIMES Saturdays at 11 and Tuesdays at 10:30 weekly story times at 7 at Barnes & Noble, 1 7 6 - 6 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i ke , Fresh 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.

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

COLORING & CRAFT Friday, September 10 for those 18-36 months with caregivers at 10:30 at the Queensboro Hill library.

FLASH FRIDAY Friday, September 10 for those up to grade 7 at the Ozone Park library at 3:30.

ART WORKSHOPS Saturdays Women’s Studio Center in LIC holds Children’s Art Workshops.

361-5649.

SHABBAT SCOUTS Sundays Shomer Shabbat Boy Scout Troop 613 meets from 6-7:30 at Young Israel of Windsor Park. 969-1571.

BOY SCOUT 138 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.

CUB/TROOP 158 Fridays Cub Scouts and Troop 158 in Queens Village meets at Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 92-10 217th Street.

465-1712 Troop, 468-5235 Cubs.

CUB SCOUTS 351

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

CUB/TROOP SCOUTS Fridays from September through June Pack 357 and Tr o o p 3 5 7 m e e t s i n t h e S c o u t R o o m , 6 9 - 1 6 1 6 4th Street, Flushing. 591-9514 Cubs, 279-9085 Scots.

SCOUTING Join Scouting in Queens.

212-651-2897.

SENIORS CLEARVIEW Brain Fitness Activities now available. Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26th Avenue, Bayside. 224-7888 to register.

STAY WELL Mondays at 10 at the Central library. Tuesdays at 2 at the Flushing library and Wednesdays at 10 at the East Elmhurst library. Special exercises and relaxation techniques.

AARP 1405 Mondays, September 6, 20 Flushing AARP 1405 meets at the Bowne Street Communit y Church, 143-11 Roosevelt Avenue at 1.

AARP DRIVING Tuesday, September 7 a t the Forest Hills library at 1.

Register.

AARP 3654 Tu e s d a y s , S e p t e m b e r 7 , O c t o b e r 5 , N ove m b e r 2 AARP chapter 3654 meets in Bayside. 423-9416.

AARP 3698 Wednesdays, September 8, Oc tober 13, November 10, December 8 AARP 3698 meets at the Zion Episcopal Church, 243-01 Northern Blvd., Douglaston at 1. Refreshments and social hour at noon. New members welcome.

AARP 2014 Thursdays, September 9, October 14, at St. Josaphat’s C h u r c h , 3 5 th A v e n u e a n d 210th Street, Bayside. Social hour 11:30-12:30, meeting 1-3. 428-9728.

AARP 29 Thursday, September 9 at Grace House, 155-02 90 th Avenue, Jamaica at noon.

Queens Today FLEA MARKETS OUTDOOR FLEA Saturdays and Sundays until November 28 St. Nicholas of Tolentine from 9-5 at the intersection of Parsons Blvd. and Union Turnpike, Jamaica.

WEEKLY FLEA Sundays 9-4 at Our Lady of the Angelus Church, school field, 98-05 63 rd Drive, Rego Park.

SIDEWALK SALE Friday, September 3 Sidewalk Sale starts at 8 at Myrtle Avenue between Wyckoff Avenue and Fresh Pond Road. 311.

FLEA MARKET Saturday, September 11 St. John Vianney Parish from 94 in the Parish Center, 35 th Avenue and Union Street, Flushing.

THRIFT SHOPS Saturdays and Sundays 104 at St. Fidelis Mother & Child Residence, 124-15 14 th Avenue, College Point.

353-4749. Saturdays 11-4 at Bargain Boutique Thrift Shop, Baptist Church, 93-23 2 1 7 th S t r e e t , Q u e e n s V i l lage. 527-2132. Mondays 10-3 at the Free Synagogue of Flushing, 41-60 Kissena Blvd. Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30-1:30 at Te m p l e S h o l o m o f F l o r a l Park, 263 rd Street and Union Tu r n p i k e . Tu e s d a y s a n d Wednesdays from 2-5 at Church-in-the-Gardens, 50 Ascan Avenue, Forest Hills.

268-6704. First and third Wednesday (September through June) from 10:302:30 at Grace Episcopal C h u r c h , 1 4 th A v e n u e a n d Clintonville Street, Avenue.

Wednesdays at Grace Church, 151-17 14 th Road, Whitestone. Wednesdays and Saturdays 9-2 at the Floral Park United Methodist Church, 35 Verbena Avenue, Floral Park. 354-4969. Thurs-

RELIGIOUS

days from 10-1 at All Saints’ C h u r c h , 2 1 5 th S t r e e t b e tween 39 th and 40 th Avenues, Bayside. 229-5631. Fridays through June from 11-3 at the Maspeth United Methodist Church, 66-35 58 th Avenue.

JUDAICA SHOPS Daily and by appointment the Forest Hills Jewish Center’s Judaic Gift Store is open. 263-7000. Sundays from 9-11:30 at the Bay Terrace Jewish Center, 13-00 209 th Street. 428-6363.

ENTERTAINMENT

DINNER

GREENPOINT AVE. FEST Saturday, September 4 starting at 11 at Greenpoint Avenue between 44 th a n d 48 th Streets. 311.

30TH AVENUE FEST Monday, September 6 starting at 11 at 30 th Avenue between 41 st/ 29 th Streets. 311.

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 a y s a t 7 : 1 5 (doors open 6) at the Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd. 459-1000.$3 admission.

MUSICA ARGENTINA Friday, September 10 South American Rhythms at 3 at the Arverne librar y.

OLDIES R&R Saturday, September 11 Oldies Rock and Roll, dooWop and Pop Concert with the Vic Vincent Group at 2 at the Flushing library.

YERASON Sunday, September 12 oldschool Cuban music with a distinctly modern NY twist at the Central library at 3.

ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLE Sunday, September 12 30 th Annual Antique Motorcycle Show at the Queens Count y Farm Museum from 11-4. $5.

73-50 Little Neck Parkway.

347-FARM. COUNTRY WESTERN Sunday, September 12 2-4 Country Music Jamboree featuring the Stoney Creek Band and dance lesson at B o w n e P a r k , 3 2 nd A v e n u e and 157 th Street, Flushing.

ARMENIAN FESTIVAL Sunday, September 12 on Oceania Street, LIE in Bayside.

EMERALD SOCIETY Saturday, September 18 4 8 th A n n i v e r s a r y D i n n e r Dance at Riccardo’s by the Bridge in Astoria. 815-6697.

ALUMNI SPRINGFIELD GDNS 73-78 September 25 part y cruise in Freeport. 845-323-3119.

BAYSIDE 90 September 25 at Arnos Ristorante. 800-655-7971.

NEW TOWN 85 September 25 Newtown HS at Astoria Manor.

Marialoves2write@yahoo.com MATER CHRISTI 65, 70, 75, 80 Saturday, Oc tober 2 at St. John’s Prep, formerly Mater Christi. 721-7200, ext. 686.

OUR LADY OF VICTORY Saturday, October 9 class of 1970 reunion.

Olv70reunion@aol.com CARDOZO 84-85 November 6 at the Marriott in Melville. 800-655-7971.

CARDOZO 90 November 13 at the Marriott in Melville. 800655-7971.

EXHIBIT QUEENS HISTORICAL Tu e s d ay s , S a t u r d ay s a n d Sundays 2:30-4:30 new exhibit “For Love of the Games: A History of Sports in Queens,” with other exhibits, “Unraveling History: Using Textiles to Date the Past,” “Kingsland: From Homestead to House Museum,” “Persistence: A Celebration of Landmarks in Queens – Past, Present, Future,” and “The Civil War’s La sting Memory.” Queens H i s to r i c a l Societ y at Kingsland Homestead, 1443 5 3 7 th A v e n u e , F l u s h i n g .

939-0647, ext. 17. $2 seniors and students, $3 adults.

NOGUCHI REINSTALLED Through Oc tober 24, 2010 the Noguchi Museum has completed a major renovation project. Wednesdays through Fridays 10-5, weekends 11-6. $10, students and seniors $5. 32-37 Vernon Blvd., LIC. www.noguchi.org.

BAYSIDE HISTORICAL “The Castle,” “Native Bayside/Native Voice,” “If The Hat Fits,” “The Women of Bayside” and “Bayside Life” On the Edge of Modernity” are on display at the Bayside Historical Societ y, 352-1548. Tuesday-Sunday 11-4. $3 donation.

LOUIS ARMSTRONG Guided tours at the Corona museum. $8 adults, $6 seniors, students, groups. 4788274.

DOLL MUSEUM Wednesday through Saturdays tours at the Maria Rose Doll Museum in St. Albans.

523-5138.

AFRICAN ART “Dynast y and Divinit y: Ife Art in Ancient Nigeria” and “Perspectives: Women, Art and Islam” at the Museum for African Art, 36-01 43 rd Avenue, LIC. POPPENHUSEN Wednesdays and Saturdays guided tour through the historic Poppenhusen Institute in College Point from 11-3.

358-0067.

CHUNG-CHENG ART Monday through Thursday 9-4, Friday and Saturday 124 at Sun Yat Sen Hall, St .

J o h n ’ s U n i v e r s i t y, G r a n d Central and Utopia Parkways, Jamaica. 990-1526.

FLUSHING COUNCIL Historical exhibition on Flushing Town Hall and its place in history, “Legends of the Queens Jazz” 463-7700.

DRAWING CLASS S t a r t i n g O c to b e r 4 N a tional Art League will hold drawing fundamentals and advanced techniques 1-4 in Douglaston. 361-0628.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, September 4, 18 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital.

457-8390.

CAPOEIRA Saturdays through September 4 Brazilian martial arts from 12-1:30 at Socrates Sculpture Park. 956-1819.

YOGA Saturdays through September 4 Yoga at Socrates Sculpture Park from 9:30-10:30 or 11-12. 956-1819.

PILATES Saturdays through September 4 Pilates at Socrates Sculpture Park from 10-11.

956-1819.

SCRABBLE CLUB Saturdays at 10 at Count Basie Jr. HS, 132 nd Street and Guy R. Brewer Blvd. 8865236.

KNIT AND CROCHET Saturdays at the Seaside library at 2:30.

PET OWNERS Sundays (not on holidays) from 1-4 free workshops on pet behavior at Crocheron Park in Bayside (weather permitting). 454-5800.

KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at 4 at the Douglaston/Little Neck library, 249-01 Northern Blvd.

INSTRUCTION & DANCE Mondays and Fridays 7:158:00 dance lessons, dance from 8-11. Italian Charities of America, 83-20 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst. $10.

ADULT CHESS Mondays at 6 at the Queens Village library.

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.

OPEN BRIDGE Tuesdays at 8 at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. Call 2637000 for fees.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE Wednesdays 10:30-3:00 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills. $12 session, includes light lunch. 261-2900.

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

INDOOR SOCCER – DADS Wednesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center.

263-7000.

ZUMBA Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings at the Bay Terrace Jewish Center.

281-0912.

BASIC COMPUTER Wednesday, September 1 at 10:30 at the Woodside library.

SCRABBLE/CHESS Thursdays at 4 at the Windsor Park library, 79-50 Bell Blvd., Bayside.

QUILTING CLASSES Thursdays 10-2 at the Maria Rose Doll Museum in St. Albans. 917-817-8653 to register.

KNIT/CROCHET

Thursdays at 6 and Fridays at 10:30 at the Fresh Meadows library.

QUILTERS Thursdays at 1:30 at the East Elmhurst library.

OPEN BRIDGE Thursdays from 8-10pm at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. $12 per player. 2756615 to register.

WRITER’S WORKSHOP Thursday, September 9 register at the Bayside library.

MANDARIN CHINESE Thursday, September 9 Friends of the Queens Communit y Librar y presents a Mandarin Chinese Class.

Register Flushing librar y.

MICROSOFT EXCEL Friday, September 10 at the Flushing library. Register.

COMPUTER CLASS Friday, September 10 at the Ozone Park library. Register.

FRESH MEADOWS POETS Saturday, September 11 at 10 poets meet to discuss and critique their poetry at the Forest Hills library.

MANDARIN DANCE Saturday, September 11 Queens Museum of Art pre-

sents Beginner and Intermediate Modern Dance in Mandarin Chinese. Register Flushing.

POETRY WORKSHOP Mondays, September 20, Oc tober 18 poetry writing workshop at Barnes & Noble, 1 7 6 - 6 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i k e , Fresh Meadows at 7:30.

JH ART CLUB Classes in all art forms days and evenings for children and adults. 899-0065.

WOMEN’S NETWORK The Queens Women’s Network can help with resume assistance, t yping and Microsoft tutorials, job search, interviewing techniques, GED and ESL classes, referrals to training programs. 657-6200.

BAY VIEW BRIDGE Tuesday s (except July and August) Bayview Bridge Club meets at 6 at the Church of the Resurrection, 100-17 32 nd Avenue, East Elmhurst.

ART CLASSES Children and adults, day and evening, Monday through S a t u rd a y.

926-9821. www.jacksonheightsartclub.org

HEALTH NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS 7 days a week. 932-6244. www.westernqueensna.org.

REDUCE STRESS Saturday, September 4 at the Poppenhusen Institute.

358-0067.

TAI CHI Mondays and Thursdays at 11 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows.

670-1695. $5 a class.

CANCER SUPPORT Monday, September 6 Franklin Hospital’s Cancer Support Group meets at 2 in the Greenberg Conference Room. 516-256-6478.

CANCER ACTION Monday, September 6 Baisley Park Cancer Action Council at the library at 6.

PARKINSON Monday, September 6 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills from 3-5. 440-4200.

YOGA DANCE Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1948. $10 class.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT E ve r y Tu e s d a y We ste r n Queens Caregiver Network in Sunnyside. 784-6173, ext.

431.

PARKINSON Wednesdays, September 8, Oc tober 13, November 10, December 8 a:Parkinson Support Group at Peninsula Hospital. 734-2876.

PROSTATE CANCER Wednesday, September 8, Oc tober 13, November 10, December 8 “Man to Man” program in Flushing. 1-800ACS-2345.

OA Thursdays at the Howard Beach library at 10:30.

MEMORY LOSS Fridays Couples with one partner experiencing memory loss meet at the Samuel Field Y. 225-6750,

ext. 236.

OA Fridays 6:30-8:30 at Unit y Center of Flushing, 42-11 1 5 5 th S t r e e t . S a t u r d a y s 10:30-noon at Resurrection Ascension, Feely Hall, 85-18 61 st Road, Rego Park. Beginners meeting except the last Friday of each month, which is a writing meeting.

CO-DEPENDENTS ANON. Fridays 10-11:45 at Resurrection Ascension Pastoral C e n t e r , 8 5 - 1 8 6 1 st R o a d , Rego Park. Women only.

SHARP Saturdays, September 18, Oc tober 16 Selfhelp Alzheimers Resource Program (SHARP). 631-1886.

OCA Saturdays 10:30-noon Obsessive Compulsive Anonymous meets at Resurrection Ascension Church, Feely Hall, 85-15 61 st Road, Rego Park.

CO-DEPENDENCE ANON. Saturdays the Bellerose chapter of Co-Dependence Anonymous, a fellowship of men and women seeking healthy relationships with themselves and others, meet at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 6 Commonwealth Avenue. Beginners 9:15, Open 10:30. 229-2113.

ALZHEIMERS Saturdays from 12-1:30 caregivers, friends and relatives of those with Alzheimer’s Disease meet at the Sunnyside Communit y Services. 784-6173, ext.

137.

SCHIZOPHRENICS Sundays from 10-11 Schizophrenics Anonymous self-help support group meets at LI Consultation in Rego Park. 896-3400. SOS (Significant Others of Schizophrenics) also meets.

Sept. 3-9, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

REFORM TEMPLE Saturday, September 4 dramatic reading of the Book of Jonah followed by group discussions at 7:30. Thursday, September 9 Tashlich service on the first day of Rosh Hashanah at 3:15. Friday, September 10 Rabbi Perelmuter will lead a study session followed by a Shofar Service at 10:30. Sunday, September 12 Open House from 9-noon. Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112 th Street. 261-2900.

TEMPLE TIKVAH Saturday, September 4 S’lichot at 9. Thursday, September 9 Family Community Rosh Hashanah Services geared to grades preK-6. All welcome at 2. Youth Communit y Rosh Hashanah Service geared to grades 7-12.

All welcome at 3:45. Saturday, September 18 Family C o m m u n i t y Yo m K i p p u r Service. All welcome at 2.

Yizkor Service at 5:30.

Temple Tikvah, 3315 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park.

516-746-1120.

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS

What’s Up SATURDAY, SEPT. 4 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.

Back 2 School Day Talent Youth Development Education and Entertainment, Inc., a 501c3, youth organization will be hosting our 5th Annual Back 2 School Family Day at Baisley Park.

We realize that the start of the school year can be a challenging time for parents and their children.

We ask that you can be a vital part of this event by helping to bring unity and support to the children and families of the community. We are asking for donations of school supplies such as pen, pencils, bookbags, paper, folders, etc. Other donations, such as waters and juices, are appreciated.

Every year, we service schools in District 12 such as PS 45, PS 40, PS 223, PS 226, PS 123, IS 72, IS 226 and more. Your donation is tax-exempt.

The entertainment portion allows the children the opportunity to shine before live audiences, in singing, dancing, poetry, fashion and playing of musical instruments. People of all ages are welcomed to attend.

Come out and enjoy a free day of fun from Sports Competitions. Watch our youth compete for trophies, medals or certificates.

For more information, contact Alisha Johnson at (718) 810-2442 or email me at todaysdifference@gmail.com.

MONDAY, SEPT. 6 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.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 7 Seido Karate

Page 20 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 3-9, 2010

Japanese system Seido Karate emphasizes building of spirit, mind and body,

using hand, elbow, and foot techniques.

Adults can learn how to defend themselves in a safe and friendly atmosphere every Tuesday and Saturday until Oct. 30 at the Jamaica YMCA, 89-25 Parsons Blvd.

All levels are welcome. The fee to participate is $120.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 8 Intro to Computers In this single session workshop, customers will learn the basics of using the computer; how to log on and off; use the keyboard and mouse; open and close “windows” and use toolbars and scroll bars.

Pre-registration is required in person at the Cyber Center Desk.

This free event is being held at 10 a.m. at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd.

Men’s Soccer Come have some recreational fun in a non-competitive and friendly environment. A great way to stay active and meet people who enjoy the sport. Soccer is played in Jamaica YMCA’s main gymnasium at 89-25 Parsons Blvd. every Wednesday, 7-10 p.m., until October 27. All levels are welcome. Rough play will not be tolerated. The fee to participate is $50.

Sewing 101 Learn how to be creative without spending a lot of money. Joining sewing 101, a class that will teach you the basics of how to sew from threading, stitching and setting a sewing machine for different features. Step by step, the instructor will guide you in learning how to also read a pattern, cutting and piecing. No sewing experience necessary. The class is open to anyone 13 and older. Homework may be required to complete a project.

The class will be held every Wednesday at the Jamaica YMCA, 89-25 Parsons Blvd., from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The fee is $150.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 9 Adult Chess Club Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings.

The event is held at 6 p.m. every Thurs-

day at Queens Village Library, 94-11 217 St., (718) 776-6800.

Crocheting Group Love to knit? Wild for crochet? You are invited to join our knitting and crocheting circle. Meet fellow crafters, show off your works-in-progress, and share advice while you work on your projects. Bring your own materials.

This free event is taking place at 3 p.m. at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd.

Computers En Espanol Three computer classes will be held in Spanish. Pre-registration is required in person at the the Cyber Center Reference Desk. The day’s class will be an Intro to Computers.

This free event will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 10 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 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 The Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch will host a variety of events this coming week.

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) 2970720. 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 Inc. For more information, please call (718) 291-8788. Heron is located at 168-30 89th Ave., Jamaica.

What’s Up With You? Send your community events to the PRESS for a free listing at 174-15 Horace Harding Expwy, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365.

Call (718) 357-7400 or email editor@queenspress.com All events will be considered for publication, without a fee.

Both Sides Now Aiden Lugo Age: 17 Home: Ridgewood Height: 5’ 1" Weight: 139 lbs Stats: 38-29-34 NYPhotoByNick

Models Of Queens Aiden Lugo started her modeling career behind the camera, always interested in taking pictures.

“I got into it when I first started watching my mom,” she said. “During my childhood my mom was obsessed with cameras; that was my motivation to pick up a camera and start taking pictures. I was always more behind than in front.”

She decided to step in front of the lens to get a better feel for how to direct a model when snapping photos. She has remained in front ever since.

“It’s going really well,” Aiden said. “I did a shoot for Dis Magazine, and after that I met up with Ruby, who was a friend since my sophomore year in high school.

Ruby introduced me to photographer Nick Beneduce, and I’ve been moving along since then.”

Though her family has spent time living in Coney Island and Park Slope, Aiden has spent most of her life in Queens, having gone to Springfield High School, though the environment wasn’t working well for her.

She transferred to a prep school, which she still attends, and couldn’t be more pleased.

“I love that school,” she said.

“It pretty much changed my life. I went from being a student who had no one who listened to her to having people who understand me. I’m really happy.”

In the future, Aiden sees her-

self going to an arts school, perhaps studying clothing design, or ending up in medical school, where her mother would rather she be.

In her spare time, Aiden likes to catch up on sleep and write.

“I love to write,” she said. “I’m working on a book; it’s going to be called ‘Dementia.’ It’s about the dreams that I have. I write short stories on my dreams. It’s really hard because the first thing you do when you wake up is try to remember your dreams.”

In her free time, Aiden enjoys going to Juniper Valley Park with her friends, or heading to other parks in and around the city.

“I just like to see my friends,” she said.

Internet Withdrawal Are you among the millions of Americans suffering from Internet addiction?

We’re not exactly sure if there is a true medical condition, but if you’ve ever wished you could right-click on a broken refrigerator to figure out what’s wrong with it, or if your thumbs have grown beefy and muscular from excessive smart-phone Mark Malkoff in his bathroom as his internetabuse, it may be time to free journey began. kick the .com habit.

Take a page out of Mark Malkoff’s book. The Astoria comedian locked himself in his bathroom for five days in an effort to kick his online addiction.

“In the past I’ve tried to stop using the internet in my daily life and lasted only a few hours. But for this to really work I need a place with zero distractions and temptations. And I have found that very place. It’s located…in my BATHROOM,” he wrote on his blog.

The move also presumably spared the world his desperate online cries of agony, as he couldn’t tweet about the experience from his bathtub.

While Malkoff’s attempt is admirable, we think he could’ve smartly spent his time in the bathroom Googling less painful ways to kick his addiction.

Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 3-9, 2010

Take The A Train A lot of strange stuff happens on the subway: panhandlers sing Sinatra tunes, acrobats do somersaults and back flips in between seats, bible-thumping preachers predict Armageddon.

Oh, and gay porn.

Yes, gay porn. QConf has learned a gay porn scene was filmed last winter on the A train here in Queens.

The scene, part of a gay porn movie called “Wall Street” (no, Michael Douglas isn’t in it…neither is Charlie Sheen), shows Brazilian porn star Rafael Alencar riding the A train home from his job, or former job as he gets fired in the previous scene,

when he meets the well-endowed Ben Andrews, who sets foot on the Far Rockaway bound train at Rockaway Blvd. in Ozone Park, clearly very late at night.

Within minutes, the two begin, shall we say, “enjoying each other’s company,” even as a homeless man sleeps at the far end of the car.

They continue as the train heads over Jamaica Bay toward the Rockaways. With the longest distance between stations, it’s a good place to shoot porn without anyone walking in on you.

We hope the crews that clean the train got something extra when they got into this car.

Pre-Festivus Visit Jerry Stiller, who played the infamous aging crank Frank Costanza on “Seinfeld,” took a trip down memory lane on a recent visit to Astoria, where he got a first-time look at the home used for exterior shots of the Costanza house on the sitcom, according to The Huffington Post.

“A lot of stuff happened in that house,” Stiller said, of the fictional version. “It was a battleground really, whatever took place in that house. I mean, there was never a peaceful moment.”

Hopefully the home’s owners don’t Stiller visited the Costanza home feel the same way.

The Queens Capria family are reality TV bound.

The Reality Of 6

No, not that Wall Street. This one was filmed in part on the A train.

There’s a new Jon and Kate Plus 8 in town. More accurately put, Victor and Digna plus seven.

Victor and Digna Capria welcomed America’s first Latino sextuplets 22 months ago. The babies, Justin, Jezreel, Joel, Jaden,

Confidentially, New York . . .

Danelia and Genesis, will make their debut to what is sure to be an adoring public at 10 p.m. on Sept.

14.

Don’t give all your love to the little tykes; their brother Victor, 9, is quite adorable.

Hopefully this Queens family will keep it together and not turn into that other clan that’s on TLC.

Domestic Fare Queens-based JetBlue, known for its service, headrest TV sets and, perhaps most important of late, its first-bag-free policy, is selling customer snack boxes to help tide them over on longer flights.

The boxed meals, available for $6, range from simple noshes to more complex combinations -- The Wake Up box includes a croissant, jam, almond butter, crackers, a fruit cup and chocolate milk. The Beef Up box has salami, crackers, cheddar cheese spread, bagel chips, other cheese and dried apples.

Though we’re sure the fare on our borough’s own airline is wonderful, perhaps it should work in a Queens Box, to include some local favorites.