Press epaper 091313

Volume 14 Issue No. 37 Sept. 13-19, 2013

A WINNER EMERGES PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

Melinda Katz came out on top Tuesday night as the Democratic nominee for Queens Borough President. See complete election results on page 3, 4, 5 and 8.

JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL BREAKFAST BUSINESS FORUM DISCUSSING THE ECONOMIC CLIMATE IN NEW YORK CITY 8 a.m. Sept. 23 at the Student Union in Queens College.

Special guests include: U.S. Rep. Steve Israel – moderator Don Graves, deputy assistant secretary at U.S. Dept. of Treasury – keynote speaker Gov. David Paterson For more information, see page 13.

Online at www.QueensPress.com

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 13-19, 2013

News Briefs Comrie to Host Special Concert For Seniors

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On Friday, Sept. 13, Councilman Leroy Comrie (D- St. Albans) will once again be participating in Senior Week by hosting a Special Concert for our seniors, featuring the cabaret duo, KT Sullivan and Larry Woodard.

“Our seniors play a tremendous part in this community and Senior Week has always been a way to show support for those who gave so much to us,” said Comrie in a press release. “This concert is a great way for our seniors to spend time together in a fun and entertaining environment, and I cannot wait to join them.”

The special concert will feature a variety of artists such as Cole Porter, George Gershwin and Steven Soddenheim.

The event will be held at 1 p.m. at the York College Performing Arts Center, located at 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica. It is free to attend. For more information, call Comrie’s office at (718) 776-3700.

Finalists For NYC Library Awards Announced

Ten libraries have been chosen for the first-ever NYC Neighborhood Library Awards, two of which are in Queens.

The Charles H. Revson Foundation announced the finalists for its award competition on Sept. 4, naming the Corona and Queens Village branches of the Queens Library among those who made the cut. The awards, which are the first of their kind to honor individual libraries, are meant to showcase and celebrate the role local libraries have in their diverse communities.

Between May 20 and July 1, New Yorkers submitted their nominations for the best library through the websites of the Queens Library, the New York Public Library and the Brooklyn Public Library. This push led to 4,310 nominations from residents of the five boroughs, most of them being parents, students, seniors, artists and teachers.

The 10 finalists will now be reviewed by a panel of judges, including R.L. Stine, author of the Goosebumps series, Kurt Andersen, host of WNYC’s Studio 360, Carla Hayden, CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore and former president of the American Library Association, Fatima Shama, NYC Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs and Don Weisberg, President of the Penguin Young Readers Group.

The top five picks will win the

NYC Neighborhood Library Award and $10,000 each. The other five will each be given a secondary prize of $5,000. The winners will be announced on Sept. 17.

“These nominations reveal the passion that New Yorkers have for their neighborhood libraries,” Julie Sandorf, President of the Charles H. Revson Foundation, said.

Resolution Against Plane Noise Approved

Community Board 11 started its 2013-2014 year by taking on a longstanding issue in Northeast Queens: airplane noise.

The board voted on Sept. 9 to pass a resolution supporting a bill that would require the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to conduct a noise and land use compatibility study. The motion passed unanimously after some discussion.

Joan Garippa and Andrew Rothman, the co-chairs of the board’s aviation committee, put together the resolution, which criticized the Federal Aviation Administration and Port Authority for the lack of a Part 150 Noise Study, the low number of noise monitors in the Borough and the TNNIS FIVE climb. The climb is the source of residents’ frustration, as the planes fly over by just a few thousand feet, creating noise and pollution.

The TNNIS FIVE climb has been controversial since it was tested by the Port Authority last year in an attempt to increase the number of flights leaving from LaGuardia Airport. While it garnered protests from residents and elected officials, the agency decided to make the new paths permanent.

The bill would force the Port Authority to conduct a noise and land use compatibility study for the flight paths. The Port Authority would submit the results to the governors and legislatures of New York and New Jersey. The report would have to be made public by June 1, 2014.

In addition, the Port Authority would have to hold biennial public hearings, which would take place in Brooklyn, Queens and Nassau counties, and give residents the chance to register noise complaints.

The legislation will go into effect when it is signed into law by both Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

“We believe that this sound study is a good step forward to force the Port Authority to something they just haven’t been willing to do,” Rothman said. “It’s the most absurd condition.”

Sept. 13-19, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Presstime

Katz Wins dem Primary For Queens Beep

By LuIs Gronda and steven J. FerrarI

Photos by steven J. Ferrari and Ira Cohen

It was a celebratory night for Melinda Katz, as she claimed the Democratic nomination for Queens Borough President Tuesday, besting Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (DAstoria).

Katz took a comfortable lead early and held on as the results were finalized. In the end, her 48,876 votes – 44.45 percent of the tally – gave her an 11,000 vote lead.

Everly Brown finished third, with 12.56 percent.

Despite dropping out of the race last month, State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) still got more than nine percent of the vote.

As soon as the race was called around 11 p.m. Tuesday evening, Katz, surrounded by nearly every Queens elected official, walked into The Flying Pig in Forest Hills to give her victory speech.

Supporters clapped and cheered as Katz walked into the watering hole, including one person who yelled “Good evening Madame Borough President!”

Katz thanked everyone who worked on her campaign and thanked the Queens Democratic Party in

Melinda Katz enters her victory celebration tuesday night with her partner, Curtis sliwa. u.s. rep. Joseph Crowley and Councilman Jimmy van Bramer joined her in a show of support. at Left: Councilman Peter vallone Jr. addresses supporters as he conceded the Borough President race to Katz.

Borough moves forward, does not go behind and we need to continue the work of Borough President Helen Marshall and those that came before her.”

Over in Astoria, Vallone held his election night party at Studio Square. The Councilman thanked his supporters in attendance – including Astoria Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas and State Sen. Mike Gianaris.

“We took on everybody,” Vallone said. “We got out there and scared the heck out of them.”

Vallone said he was unsure of

backing her BP bid.

“I don’t care who knows it, I don’t care what’s said about it, I am proud that the Queens County Organization was a team…we stood together,” she said.

Katz added they ran a campaign that was well received by many people in the Borough.

“We had a message that said we are a diverse, wonderful array of folks that have come from all over the world to raise their children right here in the Borough of Queens,” she said. “We need to make sure that this

what he would do once his term in City Council ended on Jan. 1, but said he had spoken to Katz and offered to work with her in whatever capacity she needed.

“We’re going to continue to work together to be that independent voice for Queens,” he said.

After she addressed the crowd at her victory celebration, Katz noted that one of her keys to victory was the race whittling down to just a few candidates. As others began to drop out of the race – with most of her former opponents backing her – Katz said it allowed for more of a focus on the issues.

“I think the support I had with the candidates that did decide not to pursue the Borough President’s office was extremely essential in this race,” she said.

Current Borough President Helen Marshall said she was elated that Katz emerged victorious and the work she did under former BP Claire Shulman will serve her well if she is elected in November.

“She’s going to be a good Borough President. She understands what she has to do,” Marshall said.

With the Primary behind her, Katz will now face Republican Aurelio “Tony” Arcabascio, who mounted a challenge to Gianaris for his state senate seat last year, in November’s General Election.

de Blasio Wins, But Challenge Looms avoid an Oct. 1 confrontation. But the threat of a run-off still loomed.

Former Comptroller Bill ThompAs Primary Day approached, the son, a distant second place with about main intrigue in the Democratic May- 26 percent, said he wanted each vote oral Primary became whether Public to be counted, refusing to concede unAdvocate Bill de Blasio could garner til the 19,000 absentee and affidavit votes cast had been counted. enough votes to avoid a run-off.

“Every voice in New York City As he took the stage to declare victory Tuesday night, de Blasio had counts,” Thompson told supportreceived just over 40 percent of the ers chanting “Three More Weeks” tally, which should be enough to Tuesday night. “And we’re going to wait for every voice to be heard.”

The Board of Elections said it would likely (as of Wednesday afternoon) not finalize the vote taldemocrats lies until early next week.

Bill de Blasio – 258,529 (40.17 percent) The Democratic PriBill Thompson – 168,003 (26.11 percent) mary for Mayor saw a Christine Quinn – 99,548 (15.47 percent) number of candidates John Liu – 45,009 (6.99 percent) take the lead in the polls Anthony Weiner – 31,604 (4.91 percent) at any given time, but the republicans Public Advocate began to Joseph Lhota – 29,775 (52.51 percent) surge in the final weeks John Catsimatidis – 23,084 (40.71 percent) of the campaign, jumpGeorge McDonald – 3,849 (6.79 percent) ing from third or fourth

Mayoral Primary results

Photos by Ira Cohen

By steven J. FerrarI edItor-In-ChIeF

Public advocate Bill de Blasio took 40 percent of the vote tuesday night, but may still see a challenge from former Comptroller Bill thompson. place to the head of the pack.

De Blasio, who garnered strong support from Black voters who were expected to be Thompson’s main base of support, seemed to benefit the most from the fall of former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner, who entered the race amongst a media maelstrom.

Another sexting scandal over the summer, however, saw his support plummet. In the end, Weiner only managed less than 5 percent of the

vote, trailing embattled Comptroller John Liu by about 13,000 votes.

Perhaps most surprising was the fall of Council Speaker Christine Quinn, who spent much of the summer in first or second place in the polls. Quinn ended up with just 15.47 percent Tuesday night, trailing Thompson and de Blasio by a significant margin.

Despite the lack of a concession from Thompson, de Blasio took the stage with his family Tuesday night and began to look toward the General Election on Nov. 5.

The Democratic nominee – whoever it may end up being – will face former MTA head Joseph Lhota on Nov. 5.

Lhota took a commanding lead early in the race and held off businessman John Catsimatidis and Doe Fund head George McDonald. Lhota finished the night with 52.51 percent of the vote, leading Catsimatidis by more than 6,000 votes.

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

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 13-19, 2013

BOE Receives Mixed Reviews From Voters

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA While some voters were thrilled the Board of Elections reintroduced the old pull-lever machines for Tuesday’s primaries, others were not as pleased.

When the polls opened early Tuesday morning, several polling sites across the City experienced problems with the older machines.

Louis Flores, a Jackson Heights resident, detailed his voting disaster in a YouTube video he shared online.

“The voting machine I was supposed to use was jammed,” Flores said in the video. “It was jammed for about 20 minutes I would say.”

As BOE staffers at I.S. 145 Joseph Pulitzer in Jackson Heights were trying to fix the jammed lever, Flores claimed he was denied the option to cast a paper ballot.

“We were told the machine had to be fixed. We could only use the machine,” he said.

In an effort to document the confusion, Flores began to record a video with his iPhone and shortly after, a BOE staffer had called the police.

“Because I had my iPhone out and I was recording what was happening,

one of the election staff called doing a great job – there were a the police officer, who then lot of nice people,” said Maspeth told me I had to put my phone voter Karen Cacciola. “I love the away and he stood next to me older machines. I didn’t like the until I cast my ballot,” he said. other [newer] ones because you “After I cast my ballot, the poneeded to know what it was. I just lice officer walked me to the think that voting with the older front door of the school and machines – there’s something he called his sergeant to see if about it – something about pulling I had to be detained.” that lever brings back memories.”

Luckily, Flores was not ar“I thought today went really rested for violating BOE regusmooth consider the BOE has lations, and although he said had so many problems in the posting the video online was a past,” said Anthony Andrews, “risk,” he felt it was important district leader of the 32nd Assemto document his experience. The Board of Elections used the old-style voting bly District in Southeast Queens.

Broken levers were just one booths for the Primary election on Tuesday, which “Considering we are back to the of many problems voters expe- caused some voters to rejoice while others were left old machines, it makes you think rienced on Primary Day. Sev- confused. that maybe, the old way was eral Queens residents felt that better and we shouldn’t have the older-style voting machines were ing, so I was used to the newer ma- changed at all. It was less confusing confusing and BOE staffers offered chines,” said one Long Island City and even though there were some little assistance. man. “It took me some time to fig- problems, the staff seemed to know “The woman pointed out that to ure out how to vote on these [older] more about these machines.” vote, you had to press the bottom le- machines and the staff did little to The new machines, which debuted ver of the box. That was a little con- help.” last year, will return for the Nov. 5 fusing,” said one Bayside woman.

But while a younger generation of general election.

“We didn’t have instructions. The voters seemed to be thrown off by the Additional reporting by Joe Marwoman who took the ticket came in pull-lever machines, older voters em- villi. with me and showed me what lever braced the 1960s machines because Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowsto press. Otherwise, I think I would it gave them a sense of nostalgia. ka at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or have been confused.”

“I think this election went very nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ “This is only my second time vot- smoothly. I think they [the BOE] are nkozikowska.

Sept. 13-19, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

Stringer Wins, run-Off Set For advocate

By Steven J. Ferrari Scott Stringer ended hopes of a political comeback for former Gov. Eliot Spitzer Tuesday night, besting the embattled former powerhouse to win the Democratic primary for Comptroller.

Preliminary results give Stringer a nearly 24,000-vote lead over Spitzer, with 98 percent of precincts reporting. The Manhattan Borough President will go on to November’s General Election to face Republican John Burnett.

Spitzer entered the race just days before petitions were due to get on the ballot. Stringer, who was running unopposed until the sudden arrival, ran neck-and-neck with the embattled former governor in the weeks leading up to Election Day. During his victory speech in Manhattan Tuesday night, Stringer called for a round of applause for his opponent, saying they had “an amazing race.” The BP also thanked his supporters for standing with him during the election.

While November’s Comptroller

race is set, two Public Advocate candidates will face off in a run-off election on Oct. 1.

With no candidate pulling more than 40 percent of the vote, Brooklyn Councilwoman Letitia James and State Sen. Daniel Squadron will appear on the ballot again in three weeks. James led the pack with 173,584 votes – nearly 36 percent of the total – with Squadron coming in at 33 percent with 160,361 votes.

James and Squadron survived a five-way primary for the position currently held by Bill de Blasio. The

winner of the Oct. 1 run-off will not have a Republican challenger in November.

Comptroller

Scott Stringer – 285,376 Eliot Spitzer – 261,684

Public advocate

Letitia James – 173,584 Daniel Squadron – 160,361 Reshma Saujani – 72,591 Cathy Guerriero – 62,301 Sidique Wai – 13,691

JFK airtrain to Close For Construction

By LuiS GrOnda The JFK AirTrain will see much of its service interrupted over the next month for repairs.

According to the Port Authority, the AirTrain, which runs to and from the airport and takes commuters to other stops in southern Queens, will be partially or fully closed until midOctober.

The agency said that needed repairs to its operational software sys-

tem and its train control equipment are the primary reasons the locomotive will be periodically closed.

“AirTrain JFK will get a systemwide overhaul in the coming weeks to ensure the 10-year-old line is ready for its second decade of low-cost, convenient service for passengers traveling between terminals at John F. Kennedy International Airport and the Jamaica and Howard Beach station links to commuter railroad and subway lines,” the Port Author-

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ity said in a press release.

During the closures, the agency will provide shuttle buses that will travel the train’s route.

Officials said they chose to begin the work in September to minimize the inconvenience commuters will have during the construction, as travel is light during this month.

The AirTrain will be fully closed several times over the next month, while partially closed during other days.

The train will be fully shut down on Sept. 22, Oct. 9 and 16 from 9 p.m. those evenings until 7 a.m. the next day.

The JFK AirTrain opened in 2003 and travels through every terminal in the airport as well as Howard Beach and Jamaica. The closures began Sept. 7 and will end on Oct. 17.

For more information on the revised AirTrain schedule, visit www. panynj.gov/airports/jfk-airtrain. html.

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 13-19, 2013

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

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Natalia Kozikowska Joe Marvilli Luis Gronda Trisha Sakhuja

Art Dept:

Rhonda Leefoon Lianne Procanyn Barbara Townsend Alan Goldsher Director of Marketing Maureen Coppola Advertising Administrator Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie Shari Strongin Wazeer Ali

A Queens Tribune Publication © Copyright 2013 Tribco, LLC

Michael Nussbaum Publisher Ria McPherson Comptroller

Editorial A Time To Reflect, Move Forward Twelve years ago this week, we suffered a horrific tragedy that continues to haunt us and significantly altered the course of world events.

On Wednesday, the City reflected upon the events of Sept.

11, 2001, leading the nation in moments of silence and reflection in remembrance of those who lost their lives when the World Trade Center was attacked and the many brave men and women who make up our emergency services who fell while trying to save lives.

Those of us who lived through those difficult days will likely never forget the images we experienced, the airplanes plunging into the Twin Towers that punctuated the cityscape for so many years. Nor should we forget the world that day left in its wake: the fear of another attack, a seemingly endless war on several fronts and an increasingly polarized political landscape.

The most important thing to remember about those days, however, was how we all stood together. We grieved our loved ones shoulder to shoulder and hand in hand, consoling one another as we attempted to cope with what seemed to be a senseless act of violence.

That kind of unity should never be left for only the most tragic of circumstances; as the world continues to grow more complicated, it should be our default position. Together, through difficult conversations and a desire for understanding, we can manage to pull through anything, just as we did in the days that followed 9/11. yes, it was one of the most appalling incidents this country has ever experienced, though it wasn’t the first and likely will not be the last. But together, we make it through, we survive and we thrive.

United we stand.

Letters Reflecting On 9/11

To The Editor: Every year since 2001, the month of September has brought with it a very sad, special feeling. It is a feeling that filled our very being and souls, because of the sad events of that day on Sept. 11, 2001. It has been 12 years now and our wounds are still painful and strong. In September of 2002, I spoke at an Ecumenical Prayer Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. The words that I wrote and stated at that time are still poignant now 11 years later. I would like to share them with you, so that we may reflect and pray.

“Since last year, the sadness of Sept. 11, 2001 has been constant, as we in Woodhaven cope with the life stories of all those Heroes lost and their families that are suffering from their loss. The dirge of bagpipes and the flow of tears have been with us every day, and we grieve. We grieve for all of the innocent men, women and children that were so brutally taken from us that fateful day. We grieve for our Majestic Twin Towers, forever taken from our skyline. These

innocents were taken because they were Americans, and our Towers for they were symbols of America. Our eyes may be filled with tears, but our vision is clear. Our America is at War and we view the enemy, terrorism, through eyes of strength and with resolve. The men and women of our Armed Forces are fighting this War, against Terrorism with Bravery, not as our Enemy, who act in cowardice. Our Woodhaven supports these our good defenders, in this War against these hateful evil doers. And because of our good, we will be victorious against this evil. In this time of War, may our Leaders, our Country and our little Woodhaven be protected. May we be resolute in stating Never Forget, Never Again.”

Maria A. Thomson, Woodhaven

WRITE ON: The PRESS of Southeast Queens, 150-40 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357 email editor@queenspress.com

A Tale Of Two Bills In Our City A Personal Perspective

By MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE We would like to be able to say, “Thank God it’s over” to the 2013 Primaries and gear up for the General Election in November. But sadly, the Public Advocate portion of the contest will go into a run-off election between State Sen. Daniel Squadron and Councilwoman Letitia James.

Equally anti-climactic, there is a recount afoot between the Bills, de Blasio and Thompson that could also end in a run-off to decisively determine the Democratic nominee.

Those who like things wrapped in neat little packages would like for Thompson to suck it up and concede the election to de Blasio, who, so far, has slightly more than 40 percent of the vote to Thompson’s 26 percent. Thompson

wants “every absentee ballot” counted and every vote stuck in the machines counted so that those voters’ voices can be heard.

Is this self-serving? Yes and no. Thompson wants to be the nominee, so that’s why he cares so much about voters’ voices being heard.

There’s nothing wrong with that. In 2009, he was the Democratic nominee and he came close to defeating Mayor Bloomberg. He said then he’d be back in 2013. It has to hurt that de Blasio has so far defeated him.

Thompson has the right to hold out for all ballots to be counted and all voices heard. But for the sake of party unity, many are hoping he will do the gracious thing and get behind de Blasio to beat Republican nominee Joe Lhota. It’s a sound argument.

By waiting two weeks for all ballots to be counted and

then to proceed to a run-off, if that’s what is determined by a recount, we are wasting precious time that de Blasio could be using to campaign directly against Lhota rather than essentially continuing the Primary race.

Thompson is digging in because he knows that this is probably his last chance to be Mayor. He did comparably well given that he had been mostly out of the public eye since leaving office at the end of 2008. To come back and make it to number two against two current city officials who are always in the news is very impressive.

But the reality is that Thompson was up against a giant. Bill de Blasio is this year’s Barack Obama in that he came, seemingly out of nowhere, to beat someone whose time it seems has come.

Thompson lost his own voting district and he lost

Southeast Queens, which one would suppose was a natural constituency for him, in the same way the gay community was thought to be going with Council Speaker Christine Quinn and did not do so in a meaningful enough way.

Politics is unpredictable.

These days New York City voters are looking at more than the sameness of race, gender and sexuality. We are more educated than ever and in these difficult economic times, we are looking for representatives who speak to our practical needs. Thompson has been an honorable public servant and he can be proud of that. He has nothing to lose by fighting for a runoff.

He doesn’t have to worry about “party unity” because he may not need the party in the future.

Let’s hope that whatever his decision, it will be good for us in the long run.

Sept. 13-19, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 13-19, 2013

Wills Re-Elected To Second Term in Council Councilman Ruben Wills (DJamaica) has secured a second term in office, defeating Rochdale Village attorney Hettie Powell with a strong 48.64 percent of votes. No Republican candidate has emerged in the race, guaranteeing Wills the District 28 Council seat.

Powell, who had out-raised Wills by more than $20,000 earlier in the election season, garnered 33.04 percent of the vote, Jamaica resident Eugene Evans took 10.51 percent of the vote and Rev. David Kayode, minister at Maranatha Baptist Church in Brooklyn, racked up 7.81 percent.

“It feels good,” Wills said of being reelected. “This campaign is the same campaign we’ve run the last two times – one on just making sure we reach out to the people with grassroots effort.”

Although the Councilman said he was never worried he would lose the primary, he admits he was concerned with Powell’s negative mailers and the way he could be portrayed to voters.

of my volunteers, according “The other side to her, was pushed by Ruben [Powell’s campaign] Wills himself. It was a terrible put out a lot, a lot experience,” she alleged. of negativity but the Powell claimed there was people saw through police intervention, but the that and in the end NYPD has no written report we were victorious,” of the incident. A spokesperhe said. “We weren’t son for Wills denied the alterworried about that cation took place.

[Powell winning]. We Although it does not seem were more concerned as though the two will be putabout the negativity – ting their differences aside the heightened level anytime soon, the former of it.”

During an inter- Councilman Ruben Wills celebrates his victory on primary political rivals still share one common hope – the prosperview with the PRESS, night. ity of District 28.

Wills even accused “We’re just going to keep doPowell’s staffers of harassment and surprised Wills was reelected because he is the incumbent, fired back with ing what we’re doing,” Wills said. other illicit activities.

“It’s one thing to send out a nega- her own accusations, claiming in- “We’ve done a lot of great initiatives tive mailer, but when you spend stead that it was Wills’ staff that had – we want to make sure we continue to focus on economic development $25,000-$30,000 on negative mail been harassing her and her staff.

“There was a guy with a blowhorn and make sure that communities like and you’re running up to canvases, just fabricating things, or you’re try- who was in my face with a blowhorn ours get the resources they need.”

“I will always be willing to address ing to basically attack us at poll sites – behind me, everywhere I go,” she and have people tear down things – claimed. “They go to every polling the issues as they relate to my comI’d say it was just a little ridiculous,” site and when they see me or my staff munity and I will always work with workers, one of them would come up my community as I have been doing he said. in the last 30 years,” Powell said.

But Powell, who said she was not and say something to instigate.”

Powell also claimed that Wills Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowshimself pushed one of her female ka at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or staffers at a polling site in Jamaica. nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ “They were threatening us and one nkozikowska Photo by Natalia Kozikowska

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

Union Leader Declares Victory In D27 Race

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA On primary night, Daneek Miller, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1056, claimed victory in the hotly contested race to replace the term-limited Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans). But attorney Clyde Vanel, who trailed Miller by 396 votes, has not yet conceded and is waiting for paper ballots to be counted.

As of Thursday afternoon, with 98 percent of precincts finished counting, Miller had the lead with 24.35 percent (3,756) of votes, Clyde Vanel garnered 21.79 percent of votes (3,360); Springfield Gardens attorney Joan Flowers came in at a close third with 21.28 percent (3,282); Manuel Caughman, an aide to Assemblyman William Scarborough, came in fourth with 17.20 percent (2,653); Gregory Mays, the founder and president of the Jamaica Bid came in fifth with 11.33 percent of votes (1,748) and Sondra Peeden, a civic leader, took 4.04 percent (623).

“There are two percent of precincts that are still left outstanding in this race,” Vanel said. “There’s less then 400 votes between us so depending on where those votes are coming from, I don’t know the story yet. It could close the gap or widen the gap – you don’t know.”

“At the end of the day, if Miller ultimately wins, I wish him great luck and will work with him. He is a qualified, good candidate and given his background, he has the potential to serve this community well,” Vanel added.

“I think still I could do better, but I would be happy to work with him.”

Flowers, who trailed Vanel by just 78 votes, conceded but said she is looking forward to continuing her civic work in the community and to collaborating with whoever is eventually declared the winner.

“My reaction is a very positive one. I ran a good campaign, we had some good opponents. I still think I am the best person to represent the district so my work is not done here,” Flowers said. “I still think my ideas are valid ones and I have the community at heart.”

An unprecedented 15,422 constituents came out to vote in the D27 primary election, with affidavits and absentee ballots yet to be counted.

These numbers are significantly higher then the projected 10,000 voters expected.

Miller could not be reached for comment as of press time.

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

Incumbent Richards Wins D31 Primary

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Incumbent Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton) has won the Democratic primary for the District 31 Council seat, beating out community activist Michael Duncan and Rosedale Certified Public Accountant Ricardo Brown.

Richards had a strong 51.86 percent of votes (6,343), Duncan garnered 36.23 percent of votes and Brown finished last with 11.91 percent (1,456).

“It was a great victory and the people spoke loud that they wanted to keep this leadership in place,” the Councilman said. “It shows that that we are striving to improve our community.”

Richards took office after a special election in February after his former boss, James Sanders, was elected into State Senate, leaving a vacant seat.

He must still beat out his Republican opponent, Scherie

Murray, in the Nov. 5 General Election, but Richards said he is confident he will have the opportunity to continue his work in the district.

“There is still a lot to do,” he said. “We still have to make sure that our young people’s programs aren’t cut, we want to make sure that we can get our schools moving in a better direction, we still have work to do in the Rockaways in terms of Hurricane Sandy and make sure there’s more protection on the beach and on the bay side – so there’s still a lot of work to do.”

“The thing I really want to focus on before I get out of here is to make sure we expand our libraries and give our young people a place to go,” he added. “I also want to make sure we can expand on our senior programs.”

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

Sept. 13-19, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 13-19, 2013

Police Blotter 108th Precinct

Arson Arrest

On Aug. 19, the NYPD arrested Devon Page, 22, of Woodside in connection to several incidents of arson.

During the early morning of Aug. 18, a 2007 Mercury Mariner was discovered on fire in the vicinity of 49th Street and 39th Avenue. Four subsequent rubbish fires were discovered in close proximity. No injuries were reported at any of these incidents.

Page was arrested and charged with five counts of arson.

fice of the New World Mall, located at 136-20 Roosevelt Ave., while the third suspect acted as a lookout. The first two suspects removed two radios before fleeing the location.

The suspects are described as males between 20-25 years old, approximately between 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-10.

110th Precinct

Fatal Collision

At 8:10 p.m. on Sept. 6 at the intersection of Junction Boulevard and 52nd Avenue, police responded to a call of a motor vehicle accident.

Upon arrival, police three suspects are wanted in observed Carlos Leon, connection with a burglary 26, with trauma to the body. EMS responded in the 109th Precinct. and transported Leon burglary to Elmhurst Hospital, The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance locating where he was pronounced dead. the following three suspects wanted Upon investigation, police determined Leon was operating a 2007 in connection with a burglary.

At 2 a.m. on July 28, the first Suzuki motorcycle and was traveltwo suspects entered the security of- ing northbound on Junction Boule-

109th Precinct

vard when he struck an unoccupied parked 2009 Toyota van.

112th Precinct

City Employee Arrested

At 7:52 a.m. on Sept. 8, Armando Urbina, 36, an off-duty NYPD officer, was arrested and charged with DWI and refusal to take a breath test.

115th Precinct

Grand larceny

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance identifying the suspect wanted for a grand larceny.

At 1:47 p.m. on Aug. 30, the suspect followed the victim, a threeyear-old female, and her mother into a McDonald’s located at 37-59 82nd St. The suspect waited for the victim to walk upstairs at which point he followed her up the steps and removed her gold necklace and charm from her neck. The suspect then fled the establishment. There were no reported injuries.

The suspect is described as a male in his 40s, balding, and was last seen wearing a grey button-down shirt and blue jeans.

this suspect is wanted in connection to a grand larceny within the 115th Precinct.

burglary

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

At 11:45 a.m. on Aug. 9, while a Con Edison crew was servicing a nearby residence, two suspects entered their work truck, which was parked at 108th Street and Roosevelt Avenue, and removed property.

Got info?

Call Crimestoppers at 1-800-577-tiPS (8477) or text tips to CRiMES (274637) then enter TIPS577

Sept. 13-19, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Borough Beat

Federal Funds To sandy-affected schools

By Luis Gronda Queens schools damaged by Superstorm Sandy are about to have much thicker wallets.

U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (DOzone Park) announced more than $5 million in federal funding will be dedicated to Borough schools that still need repair work almost a year after the storm.

The money will go to several schools in Queens including P.S. 43 The School by the Sea and Goldie Maple Academy/P.S. 198.

“There is no better federal investment than one that helps educate students in a safe and learning-friendly environment,” Schumer said in a statement.

More than $1.6 million will be given to P.S. 43 in the Rockaways.

That school sustained major damage from the storm surge, including 48 inches of water flooding the interior of the building, while the school’s boiler room flooded 46 inches. The basement and first floor of the building also flooded six inches according to the release. Work was done on

that school between November and March of this year, including installing a temporary boiler and removing mold.

The Maple Academy will receive over $2 million for repairs to their school. Flood water streamed

through the boiler room and entrance of the school, resulting in a loss of power.

“It’s been nearly a year since the storm tore apart our schools and this funding will help rebuild our schools and ensure our children re-

ceive the quality education they deserve, while assisting their families to make a full recovery,” Goldfeder said in a statement.

Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127, lgronda@ queenstribune.com, or @luisgronda.

Cuomo approves usTa Expansion

By JoE MarViLLi In the midst of the U.S. Open last week came news that the United States Tennis Association is sure to cheer about. The tennis center has cleared another hurdle on its path to expansion in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

On Sept. 6, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed off on legislation that would allow New York City to give the tennis center two-thirds of an acre in the park. In addition, the legislation will provide for a one-acre boundary expansion of the entire complex, as well as a return of 1.56 acres of land to the Dept. of Parks for public recreational use.

The renovation of the Louis Arm-

strong Stadium, a fenced and landscaped border area meant for spectator safety and circulation, expanded parking and new positioning for the Grandstand Stadium will be built as part of the construction plan.

Cuomo’s signing follows the expansion’s approval by the State Senate and Assembly in June and the City Council’s approval in July.

As part of the deal for the expansion, the USTA and the City reached an agreement to provide FMCP with $10.5 million. Five million dollars of that money will go towards capital projects for the park, $350,000 will cover three years of maintenance and programming at FMCP and $200,000 will help fund the follow-

ing 20 years of maintenance and programming.

“New York is proud to showcase the biggest players in tennis at this annual event, and I am committed to making this facility the best it can be to attract and host more events like the U.S. Open,” Cuomo said.

Not everyone was happy with the deal though. Geoffrey Croft, president of New York City Park Advocates, felt there was no need for the expansion.

“They can build inside their existing footprint,” Croft said. “It is really sad.”

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@ queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.

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pix

Champions Crowned

Senior Appreciation Kickoff

Photos by Ira Cohen

State Senators James Sanders and Malcolm Smith as well as Manny Caughman attended the breakfast kick-off for the 11th annual Senior Appreciation Month festivities at the Roy Wilkins Recreation Center in Jamaica.

Photo by Xin Ping Tian

9/11 Memorial State Sen. Tony Avella affixes a wreath to a pole in Bayside Monday morning.

Avella toured Northern and Eastern Queens to intersections renamed for the men and women from Queens who died during the attacks.

Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal celebrate their victories at the U.S. Open earlier this week.

Photo by Shiek Mohamed

2013 Guyana Inter-County Games

Team Demerara poses for a photo after winning the 2013 Guyana Inter-County Cricket games held last Saturday in South Jamaica. At right, former Mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner addresses the more than 250 fans in attendance at the event, days before the Primary Election.

Sept. 13-19, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 13-19, 2013

A&E

Theatre Time Takes On A Murder Mystery BY jOE MArViLLi To wave in the fall and say goodbye to summer, Theatre Time Productions will kick off its new season with a murder mystery.

Theatre Time, founded and run

by Kevin and Judy Vincent, will perform a stage adaptation of Agatha Christie’s “A Murder is Announced” at the Colonial Church of Bayside on Sept. 20, 21 and 22 and Sept. 27, 28 and 29.

The play will be the third show the

theater group has put on at Colonial Church, which has been their performance space since 2009.

While Theatre Time is a relatively new addition to Colonial Church, the duo has a long history with the venue. They met there in 1996 as part of another theater group and ended up in the same play. From there, they wound up together and decided to start their own theater production.

“In ’97, we were frustrated at the kind of plays being done and how they were being done,” Kevin said.

Restaurant Review

Back And Better Than Ever Bayside Diner 207-07 Northern Blvd., Bayside (718) 229-0242 Hours: Sun-Thurs 6 a.m.-1 a.m., Fri-Sat 6 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Cuisine: Diner Credit Cards: Yes Delivery: No Take-out: Yes Alcohol: Full Bar Parking: Private Lot, Valet If you crave a good Sunday brunch, take your family to the Bayside Diner.

The diner reopened its doors in 2011, after being closed for almost a year. The manager, Nikitas Dallaris, said they overhauled the restaurant, but kept the same name because “it already had a great name.”

The restaurant offers a wide mixture of both casual diner food and intriguing restaurant dishes, but it also offers an array of Greek and Italian specialties.

For those looking to eat healthier, the diner offers many low-calorie specials and healthy smoothies.

As my friend Carolina and I walked in, we were pleasantly surprised to not see the blinding chrome and mirror look of yesterday’s diners; instead it was replaced with a much more pleasant décor.

The wood-trimmed walls and angular shape made it a perfect setting for natural light to come through the two skylights.

To start our meal, the main chef, Nikos, prepared a warm chicken-noodle soup that was done just right, not too salty or watery.

Carolina very much enjoyed their specialty Greek avgolemono soup, made with chicken and rice, finished with egg and lemon.

Just as we finished every spoonful of soup, the waiter served our drinks, which to say the least, added great taste to the entire meal. I drank my diner-favorite, the classic vanilla milkshake, but Carolina opted for the healthier drink, the Santa Maria. It’s a glass full of tasty non-fat Greek yogurt, cranberry juice, kiwi, banana, blue berries and skim milk.

From the four appetizers we tasted, our favorite was the clams with crabmeat stuffing, even though the fried calamari with marinara sauce was a close second. The chicken fingers with mustard were soft and tender, while the Buffalo wings with bleu cheese dressing were tangy and done well.

Even though the appetizers were very satisfying, we were looking forward to our main dishes. The tender breast of chicken parmigiana with spaghetti and savory marinara sauce was cheesy and saucy, just the way I like it. Carolina’s dish, another one of the diner’s specialty, was the brisket of beef. The long pieces of well-made meat were cut flat with a point cut, accompanied by hand-mashed potatoes by the chefs themselves.

Nothing beats baklava like Bayside Diner’s cheesecake baklava.

The diner’s most talked-about dessert made us savor every bite because you eat the best of two worlds at once, Italian and Greek.

The big slices of chocolate mousse cake and custard-filled cream puffs also came with unbeatable taste.

With so many tasty dishes to choose from, the diner has set very high expectations for the next diner we happen to eat in.

-Trisha Sakhuja

“So we said, ‘why don’t we just start our own group?’ We went in search for a space and we did our first show in November of ’97.”

Theatre Time put on its first play in its new home last fall, a comedy called “Macbeth Did It.” The Vincents also put together a compilation concert called “Once More With Feeling.”

The concert had people bring a song that meant something to them. The performer would then tell the audience their story and sing the number.

The couple decided on “A Murder is Announced” because they were drawn to the idea of doing a mystery with a novel that was a little more obscure than Christie’s most famous works.

“We wanted to do a murder-esque type of show,” Judy said. “And Agatha Christie’s pretty popular.”

Variety in their production choices can be seen through Theatre Time’s past plays. They include everything from “Dracula” to “12 Angry Men” to “It’s A Wonderful Life.”

“If it’s a good show, we’re open to it. But I think everybody likes variety,” Kevin said.

Theatre Time Productions will put on a performance of “A Murder is Announced” this September in Bayside.

“A Murder is Announced” will feature 11 performers, with Kevin directing and Judy producing. Tickets are $16 for general admission and $14 for senior and students. To purchase tickets, call (347) 358-8102 or visit www.theatretime.org. Colonial Church is located at 54-02 217th St., Bayside.

Theatre Time also plans to produce a Christmas/holiday concert on Dec. 6, 7, 8, 13 and 14.

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@ queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.

An independent Bookshop Starts Book Club in Astoria

BY TriSHA SAkHujA Lexi Beach, owner of the newest bookstore in town, said “if she didn’t open a bookstore, someone else would have because Astoria needed a bookstore.”

Astoria Bookshop, located at 3129 31st St., opened its door three weeks ago.

Being the only independent, general-interest bookstore in Western Queens, Beach has created a lot of buzz surrounding the opening of the store through social media forums like Twitter and Facebook.

With a 10-year experience in publishing, Beach said she loves to share her favorite books with people.

Beach is ordering books everyday, hardcover and e-books, in topics ranging from sports to history, which she said, “is a process that will never end.”

She hopes to expand the range of genres her customers read by categorizing all fiction novels together and non-fiction novels together.

Beach said her bookstore is not like other brick-and-mortar booksellers that have failed in the past because her bookstore “will be a place

for the community.” She wants to organize as many events as she can.

“You have to give people a reason to come into the bookstore,” Beach said.

The bookstore will host its first Bookshop Book Club meeting on Sept. 28 at 1 p.m., where readers will discuss “Babayaga,” written by Toby Barlow.

The Bookshop has collaborated with a local Spanish-writing group, Taller de Escritura en Nueva York, to organize a number of Spanish-writing workshops, which are held once a week for an eight-week period.

Tim Fredrick, editor of the Newtown Literary Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to promoting new writers in Queens, will collaborate with the bookstore in October to conduct a reading that will consist of prose and poetry writers from the first and second issues of the Newtown Literary.

“The kind of bookstore that Lexi has created isn’t just a bookstore or a business—it is a place for community, for people to come together around a love of words,” Fredrick said.

Reach Reporter Trisha Sakhuja at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, tsakhuja@ queenstribune.com, or @Tsakhuja13.

Sept. 13-19, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

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Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 13-19, 2013

Faith

George Cables Returns To Hollis Church

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA On Sept. 28, the legendary jazz pianist George Cables will return to his hometown of Southeast Queens to perform a concert, “The Legend Returns,” at the Hollis Presbyterian Church.

“It feels great to be back. This area of Queens is one which I grew up, it’s where I would spend hours practicing and getting into jazz,” Cables said. “This is where I grew up and went to church and went to school, so it’s a great feeling. Usually when you play in New York City, you play in Manhattan, so it’s really good to be playing music in the Jamaica area.”

Long before Cables emerged as a major influence in modern jazz, he recalled his days as a high school

student exploring the genre. Having grown up in Southeast Queens, he said, played a heavy role in fueling his passion for the jazz.

“On my way back from school, I would stop at the first bus stop and when I would wait, there was a pizza shop there that had a juke box and it had one jazz artist on it – Wynton Kelly,” he said. “There was a piece that he wrote, “Little Tracey,” and I used to play that everyday about four or five times while I was waiting for the bus. That was an inspiration – something I never forgot.”

As a teen, Cables said he was also influenced by the many jazz musicians with roots in Southeast Queens.

“That’s one of the reasons I was excited about doing this and being a part of this series,” he said. “There

is a great history of musicians in this area – like Mercer Ellington and Count Basie. There are so many talented people that used to live in this area and it had to do a lot with the shaping of the music.”

“I’m just really looking forward to playing for the people in this community,” he added. “When I was kid, I hoped that one day I could play for some of the churches here.”

In addition to playing in one of the most significant neighborhoods in jazz culture, Cables is looking forward to reviving the genre that is no longer as popular as it was in his youth.

“I would like to see the jazz culture expand more in Southeast Queens.

Jazz is not a music that is available as a lot of other music, so I do think it would be good to have more peo-

ple hear this music,” he said. “There are many younger people who have not been exposed to jazz and I think that is one of the most exciting parts about being here – maybe some of those young people will be exposed to the music and like it.”

Doors open at 7 p.m. at the Hollis Presbyterian Church. There is a suggested donation of $20. The Hollis Presbyterian Church is located at 100-50 196th St., Hollis.

For more information about the concert, visit www.hollispresbyterianchurch.org or call (718) 776-4646.

For more information about George Cables, visit his website at www.georgecables.com.

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

Notebook

Southeast Queens Schools

DOE Seeks To Approve Three Co-Locations

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Just months before New York’s self-proclaimed “education mayor,” Michael Bloomberg, will leave office, the Dept. of Education is seeking approval on three more co-locations and extend another in Queens.

In District 27, the DOE is proposing to co-locate Success Academy Charter School, a new elementary charter school that will serve students in kindergarten through fourth grade.

If the proposal is approved, Success Academy will co-locate with August Martin High School, an existing school that serves grades nine through 12; an Alternative Learning Center (88Q995), which provides an educational setting for students grades nine through 12 who are on a Superintendent’s Suspension for up to one year; and Voyages Prep – South Queens Transfer School, a new transfer school that opened this fall and serves grades nine through 12.

The DOE has also proposed temporarily putting PS 176 in Cambria Heights and a new public elementary charter school inside IS 59 in Springfield Gardens. PS 176 is a zoned elementary school that currently serves students in kindergar-

The Dept. of Education is seeking to approve proposals to co-locate Success Academy with August Martin High School, among others.

ten through fifth grade and offers a pre-kindergarten program. IS 59 is a zoned middle school that serves students grades six through eight.

There are also plans to add another new district elementary school inside PS 40 Samuel Jackson in Jamaica next year.

Outside of Southeast Queens, the DOE has proposed to co-locate Corona Arts and Sciences Academy with Civic Leadership Academy, Voyages Preparatory and Queens Transition Center in Elmhurst’s campus and

Pan American International High School. The latter co-location was scheduled to go into effect in 2015 but construction delays may push it back to Sept. 2016.

According to a statement released by the DOE, the reason for the co-locations is to “utilize available space in other local school buildings to alleviate overcrowding or to serve students during a temporary period of construction.”

But it comes as no surprise that parents and teachers are not thrilled

with the proposals. In the August Martin co-location, elementary school students, as young as kindergarten, will be sharing a facility with seniors in high school – some of which have been suspended and attend the ALC program.

In the PS 40 co-location, many have expressed concerns that the school will become overcrowded.

The DOE claims that the school operates at 62 percent capacity, but if the proposal is approved, the school could operate at 102 percent in the 2019-2020 school year.

A public hearing on the co-location of IS 59 is scheduled for Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. at 132-55 Ridgedale St. A public hearing on the co-location of August Martin is scheduled for Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. on site. The public hearing on the co-location of PS 40 is scheduled for Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. on site.

The Panel for Educational Policy will meet and vote on the co-location proposals in Brooklyn on Oct. 30 at 883 Classon Ave. For more information about colocations, visit www.schools.nyc.gov.

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

Sept. 13-19, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 13-19, 2013

Profile

Jamaica Artist Raps to Make A Difference

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Growing up in Southside Jamaica Queens, Robert Torres, a.k.a. ‘Sabor Latino,’ admits life was not always rainbows and butterflies.

“I just saw a lot of neglect. I saw a lot of kids getting in trouble. I saw a lack of leadership,” Torres said. “[I’ve seen] a lot of street fights, gangs – when you’re from Southside Jamaica, you’ve pretty much seen it all.”

As a means to cope with the ongoing violence and struggles in his neighborhood, Torres turned to writing poetry.

“I used to write a lot of poems for school and every time I wrote a poem, people were touched. The poems and music gave me an escape,” he said. “Growing up in the streets of Southside Jamaica, everybody knows it’s a rough neighborhood and it’s hard to be successful coming out of those places.”

Soon after discovering his new passion for rhymes, Torres transformed his love for poetry to write Spanish rap songs to share with the world.

everything going on, I think it’s important to try to motivate the next generation with a positive message,” he said.

“A lot of people are in bad situations. Not all of us are fortunate enough to have jobs. Not all of us are fortunate enough to go to college,” Torres added.

“If I could touch one child help change their life, help them go back to school or put the gun down, then I think I’ve done my job.”

While Torres says growing up in Southeast Queens has greatly shaped his musical approach, his experience as a social worker Robert Torres a.k.a. ‘Sabor Latino.’ at a foster home has also given him motivation to make a difference in the world.

But unlike many rap artists today, “All that experience motivated me Sabor Latino strives to send a positive message to the younger genera- to write more about what our youth tion. He has even turned down col- needs, which is leadership and molaborations with artists he feels are tivation,” he said. “I saw they were not invested in the same positive lacking a lot of opportunities, especially the foster care kids. They never message.

“I think that a lot of people have had a real leader in life, so I became to understand that words are very like a role model to them.”

Sabor Latino dropped his first alpowerful. Nowadays, especially with

bum, “Observations of My Life, Vol. 1” in February. He already has plans to record his next two albums, “Observations of My Life, Vol. 2” and “Vol. 3,” which he hopes to release in 2014 and 2015, respectively. The albums, he said, are dedicated Latino communities all across the world.

“I’m trying to help my Latino community, and not only my Latino community, but everybody that wants positive motivation,” he said. “That’s what Sabor Latino is all about. I just felt like the Latino community, more than ever, needs these messages.”

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

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People Community Board 8 will meet 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Hillcrest Jewish Center, 183-02 Union Tpke.

The Charles H. Revson Foundation recently announced that two Queens Library branches were named as two of the 10 finalists for the inaugural NYC Neighborhood Library Awards, which celebrate the role of local libraries in serving the diverse communities in the City.

The Corona branch and the Queens Village branch of the Queens Library were included on the list.

Winners will be announced on Sept. 17.

Local students have enrolled at SUNY Institute of Technology in Utica as freshmen for the fall 2013 semester. They include: Bayside: Shawn Felix.

Fresh Meadows: Yiru Ni. Oakland Gardens: Jessica Merkl.

Queens Village: Christian Silva, Deandre Walters.

Rosedale: Sean Hintzen.

Local students have been named as semifinalists in the 2014 National

Merit Scholarship Program. They include: Hollis: Michal Leibowitz, Yeshiva University High School.

Jamaica: Linelle Abueg, Erin Krebs, The Mary Louis Academy; Wajiha Kazmi, Jessica Stone, Jun Wu, Yuexly Zhang, Queens High School for the Sciences at York College.

Ozone Park: Shahrouk Reza, John Adams High School.

City Parks Foundation will begin its CityParks Seniors Fitness fall 2013 schedule the week of Sept. 23 with free tennis lessons and yoga instruction in four parks in the Borough. All activities will take place twice a week at each park through Nov. 1.

The fall schedule includes: Astoria Park: Tennis, 10 a.m. to noon Mondays and Wednesdays.

Cunningham Park: Tennis, 9 a.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays; Yoga 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park: Tennis, 9 to 11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.

Roy Wilkins Park: Tennis, 10 a.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays; Yoga, 9

a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

For information, call (718) 7606999.

The Flushing Meadows Corona Park Conservancy and Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras will sponsor a special event to celebrate service dogs who help children with special needs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Playground for all Children in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. For information, see the conservancy’s Facebook page.

Upcoming programs from the Central Queens YM & YWHA include: Flamenco style dancing, for children ages 7-12, 2-3 p.m. starting Sept. 22. Cost is $150 for members, $198 for non-members.

Breakdancing, for children ages 7-12. Two classes include Tuesdays 6-7 p.m. beginning Sept. 17, 13 sessions, $182 for members and $234 for non-members; Sundays noon to 1 p.m. 11 sessions beginning Sept. 22, $154 for members and $198 for nonmembers. A $15 insurance fee will be added to all prices.

The Central Queens Y is located at 67-09 108th St., Forest Hills. For information, call Dale Stark at (718) 268-5011, Ext. 501, email dstark@ cqy.org or visit www.cqy.org.

New York Families for Autistic Children will host a flea market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 14-15 at 16414 Cross Bay Blvd., Howard Beach.

New and used items will be available, food and beverage will be sold.

Donations are being accepted and vendors are sought. For information, call Sara at (347) 566-3122, Ext. 305.

The Ozone Park Civic Association will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 17 at 97-14 135th Drive. The speaker will be certified financial planner Eric Tom, who will discuss retirement planning and decisions.

Send notices of graduation, awards, anniversaries, engagements & honors to: PRESS of Southeast Queens 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357

Sept. 13-19, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

Queens today

FRIday 9/13 I.A.M. opEn MIC

Immigrant Advancement Matters (I.A.M.) will partner with Flushing Town Hall to host an open mic from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. “The Time Is Now” will help to raise funds for the not-forprofit’s educational programs, such as ESL classes, personal advancement workshops and more. In this event, artists will make statements about immigration and other social justice issues affecting the country.

It costs $8 for members and students to attend and $10 for non-members to attend.

satuRday 9/14

NY Irish Center, located at 10-40 Jackson Ave. in Long Island City, open at 7:30 p.m. and the performance starts at 8:30 p.m. Go early to be a part of the cocktail hour. There will be free tea, coffee and soda with a discount bar for beer and wine.

CAR & BIKE show

Resorts World Casino will host a super tuner car show in the parking lot of the casino. Come check out more than 400 domestic and international cars, bikes, a low rider hopping contest, a light show and much more. The show starts at 3 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m. Tickets are $23. To purchase, go to rwnewyork. com and look for the calendar section.

suNday 9/15 FLEA MARKEt

opEn sEwInG

The Bayside Historical Society will present a Queens sewing social from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Fort Totten Castle. As this is an open sew, bring something you are working on and join in the camaraderie of community sewing. Some sewing machines will be available but please bring your own if possible. A pressing station and cutting station will be available at the Castle. For Show and Tell, bring a completed project to share with the group.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. It costs $10 for meet-up members with a RSVP on the Queens Sewing Social event page, $8 for Bayside Historical Society members and $12 for nonmembers.

sEphIRA LIvE In ConCERt

The New York Irish Center presents for one night only, a timeless musical journey with two virtuoso violin sisters.

Both combine exhilarating string-driven performances with captivating sibling harmonies. The doors of the

The annual Kids for Kids flea market will be held at Kew Gardens Cinema Park at Austin Street and Lefferts Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children, aged between 4 and 13 years old, will sell new and used toys, clothes and games at the market.

Children who have items up for sale will be in charge of their tables and parents can serve as assistants to their kids. The vendors will make a donation to a local charity of their choosing. Other activities like face painting and storytelling will also be at the market. The rain date is Sept. 28.

AntIquE MotoRCyCLE show

The Queens County Farm Museum invites patrons to its 33rd Antique Motorcycle Show, which will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will display various makes and models of motorcycles that have been out of production for at least 10 years. Music, farmhouse tours, hayrides and food will be provided as well. Admission is $5 per person and is free with a farm membership.

SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK

suNday 9/15

pRoJECt pApER MAKInG The New York Hall of Science invites you to discover the joy of paper making. In this Little Makers program, attendees will turn recycled paper scraps and found objects like fabric fibers into handmade paper. Taking place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Maker Space, the workshop is recommended for children ages 18 months and older. Register on the day of the event at the NYSCI admissions area. The workshop costs $8 per family, in addition to the NYSCI admission fee. The cost is $5 per family for members. For more information, call (718) 699-0005 ext. 341 or email dmeza@nysci.org.

FAMILy FEstIvAL

The Central Queens Y in Forest Hills will host a family fall festival, featuring fun events for kids, including a bounce house, toddler treats and art.

Admission is $5 per child older than 2 years, with a maximum of $15 per family.

Call (718) 268-5011.

MONday 9/16

oRAtoRIo soCIEty AudItIons

The Oratorio Society of Queens is preparing for its annual holiday show and is looking for new singers to add to its ranks. For those interested, the group will hold rehearsals at 7 p.m. in Temple Beth Sholom’s FSG Hall at 172nd Street and Northern Boulevard in Flushing. The society is open to vocalists of all ranges, as well as those who can or cannot read music. Reservations are required. For information or to schedule an audition, call (718) 279-3006 or visit www. queensoratorio.org.

The Kupferberg Holocaust Resource Center and Archives will screen “Carpati: 50 Miles, 50 Years” at 1 p.m.

The 1996 documentary was directed

by Yale Strom and looks at how the Carpathian Mountains of the Ukraine have changed over time. Once the home to a quarter of a million Jews in 1931, only 1,500 remained 65 years later, due to the Holocaust, immigration and political turmoil. Through Zev Godinger, Strom looks at how the Jewish culture has survived in the area by the faith of its survivors.

BooK dIsCussIon GRoup

thE duMp: A stoRytELLInG opEn MIC

tuesday 9/17

WedNesday 9/18

CARpAtI: 50 MILEs, 50 yEARs

nEtwoRKInG nIGht At Z nyC hotEL

The Howard Beach library will host a book discussion group on Monday, Sept. 16. The book “The Kitchen House” by Kathleen Grissom will be the focus of the discussion. It will begin at 5:30 p.m. and finish at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call the Howard Beach Library at (718) 641-7086.

If you have a story to tell, whether it be about a heartbreak, or how that heartbreak propelled you to greatness, share it at The Creek and Cave, located at 10-93 Jackson Ave. in Long Island City. You get eight minutes to tell your story. There are no themes, judges, only listeners. Grab a beer and start story telling at 7 p.m.

If you are looking to network while taking in the views of New York City, attend Networking Night at the Z NYC Hotel, starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers, which includes one free drink and hors d’oeuvres. A cash bar will be available with $5 drink specials for beer and wine.

Bring your business cards.

For more information, visit http://www.licpartnership. org/events/z-hotel-9-2013.

onGoInG

FLAMEnC@!

Watch an enthralling music and singing performance with Andre Del Conte Danza Espana at the Thalia Spanish Theater, located at 41-17 Greenpoint Ave. in Sunnyside. Special guests from Spain will be there. Tickets are $35; $32 for students and senior citizens. Group rates are available. For more information, visit http://www.thaliatheatre.org/pages/Event. cfm?EventID=166.

Got EvEnts? send all information to editor@queenstribune.com or mail to: 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, Ny 11357

Page 20 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 13-19, 2013

Queens Today YoUtH

Section editor: reGinA VoGeL

Send announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 150-50 14 Road, Whitestone NY 11357. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina or email to queenstoday@ queenstribune.com Yearly schedules and advanced notices welcome!

PArentS UnderStAndinG ieP Monday, September 16 Lefferts library at 6:30. etHicAL HUMAniSt Saturday, September 21 all day secular parenting forum 9-4:30 at 38 Old C o u n t r y Ro a d , G a rd e n City. $20. 516-741-7304.

HeALtH cHAir YoGA Mondays, September 16, 23 Baisley Park library.

Register.

ZUMBA Mondays, September 16, 23, 30 Bayside library at 6:30.

MetAStAtic BreASt Mondays 1:30-3:00 at Adelphi School of Social Work. 516-877-4314.

YoGA StretcH tuesdays, September 17, 24 Richmond Hill library at 5:30.

PiLAteS tuesdays, September 17, 24 Queens Village library at 5:45.

MoVinG For LiFe tuesdays, September 17, 24 Flushing library at 2.

Eastern and Western music and elements of tai chi and yoga.

BereAVeMent tuesday, September 17 Bereavement Suppor t Group at Holy Family in Fresh Meadows. 7:30. 9692448. tAi cHi Wednesday, September 18 McGoldrick librar y.

Register.

BLood SUGAr thursday, September 19 Beat the Sugar Blues: Solving the Highs and Lows of Blood Sugar at the Broadway library at 11:30.

SHAPe UP nYc Fridays, September 20, 27 Briar wood librar y at 11:30. dAnce FitneSS Fridays, September 20, 27 Richmond Hill library at 5:30.

QUeenS LiBrArieS M a ny b ra n c h e s o f t h e Queensborough Library offer toddler and pre-school programs and more. Contact local branches. cHeSS cLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2. creAtiVe MoVeMent Monday, September 16 Lefferts library at 1.

GAMeniGHt Monday, September 16 Richmond Hill library at 5. tWeen BooK tALK Monday, September 16 “Coraline” discussed for those 10-12 at the Flushing library at 4.

StorY tiMe Monday, September 16 Hillcrest library at 6.

ArtS & crAFtS tuesdays at the North Hills library at 2:15. nAtUre KidS

tuesdays Sunnyside library at 3:00 and Woodside library at 4:15. iAti tHeAter Wednesday, September 18 “The City’s Green Block” at the Astoria library at 4.

BeAded BrAceLet Wednesday, September 18 Corona library. Monday, September 23 LIC library. Saturday, September 28 Steinway library.

Register.

SoLAr enerGY Wednesdays, September 18, 25, oc tober 2 Sunnyside library at 4.

KniGHtS oF QUeenS Wednesdays at the Queens Village library at 3:30. crAFt tiMe Fridays Ozone Park library at 3.

GAMe dAY Fridays at 3:30 Queens Village library.

edUcAtion/GAMeS/crAFtS MAtH For AdULtS Mondays, September 16, 23, 30 LIC library at 5:30.

BALLrooM dAncinG Mondays, September 16, 23, 30 Forest Hills library at 6:30.

JoB SeArcH Mondays free job search and computer help every Monday 11-2 at the Astoria library.

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

423-6200.

AdULt cHeSS Mondays and thursdays Queens Village library at 5:30. coMPUter cLASS tuesdays, September 17, 24 Woodside library at 5:45.

JoB reAdineSS tuesdays, September 17,

teenS Knit & crocHet Mondays, September 16, 23 Douglaston library at 4.

HennA tuesday, September 17 Art of Mehndi Poppenhusen library at 5:30.

Knit & crocHet cLUB tuesdays, September 17, october 1, 15 Steinway library at 5.

dinner Fdr deMS tuesday, September 17 30th anniversary dinner dance at the Douglaston Manor. $100 per person. 460-8285.

24 Woodside library at 5:45. tecHnoLoGiSt iS in tuesdays, September 17, 24 Pomonok library. Register.

BeGin Word tuesday, September 17 Flushing library. Register.

BeGin PoWerPoint tuesday, September 17 LIC library. Register.

BeGin coMPUterS tuesdays, September 17, 24 Queens Village library.

Register.

BeLLY dAncinG tuesdays, September 17, 24, october 1, 8 North Forest Park library. Register.

Line dAncinG Wednesdays, September 18, 25 Queens Village library at 2.

MocK interVieWS Wednesdays, September 18, 25 Flushing library at 1:30.

BeGin internet Wednesday, September 18 Windsor Park library at 11:30. intro eXceL Wednesday, September 18 Pomonok library at 11:30.

BUtton JeWeLrY Wednesday, September 18 Bay Terrace library. Register.

BeAded BrAceLet Wednesday, September 18 Corona library. Register.

WAtercoLor Wednesdays all techniques and subjects at the National Art League.969-1128. oFFice SUite thursdays, September 19, 26 Poppenhusen library at noon.

BeGin coMPUterS thursdays, September 19, 26 Rosedale library at 5:45.

MeetinGS P-FLAG Sunday, September 15 P-FLAG, a support group for parents, families and friends of lesbians and gays meet in Forest Hills.

271-7773.

Knit & crocHet Mondays, September 16, 23 Douglaston librar y at 4. eVeninG crAFtS Mondays, September 16, 23, 30 Evening Crafters Circle at 6 at the Fresh Meadows library.

AUditionS Monday, September 16 auditions for the Oratorio Societ y of Queens at 7.

279-3006.

Knit & crocHet tuesday, September 17 Steinway library at 5. tALK oF toWn AMer. LeGion tuesday, September 17 American Legion McKee Post 131 at 8 at 10-20 Clintonville Street, Whitestone.

767-4323.

BereAVeMent tuesday, September 17 Bereavement Suppor t Group at Holy Family in Fresh Meadows. 7:30. 9692448.

Knit & crocHet

tuesdays, September 17, 24 Windsor Park library at 2. needLeWorK cLUB tuesdays,. September 17, 24 Bayside library at 4.

tALKS KAtHerine GrieSZ Monday, September 16 author of “From the Danube to the Hudson” at the Fresh Meadows library at 2:30.

QUeStionS oF LiFe Mondays, September 16, 23, 30 Art Answers the Questions of Your Life at the Flushing library at 6:30. ridGeWood Monday, September 16 “ The T iger ’s Wife” discussed at 6:30.

PoPPenHUSen Wednesday, September 18 “The Aviator’s Wife” discussed at 2.

QUeenS ViLLAGe Wednesday, September 18 “Cutting for Stone” discussed at 3:30.

BeLLeroSe thursday, September 19 book discussion group at 11.

ScrABBLe cLUB tuesdays, September 17, 24 Bellerose librar y at 5:30. cHeSS cLUB tuesdays Windsor Park library at 5:30.

Fdr deMocrAtS thursdays, September 19, october 17, november 21, december 19 FDR Democrats meet at 7:30 at the Chabad Center in Bayside.

460-8285.

SeniorS AArP 3334 Mondays, September 16, october 21, november 18, december 16 at St. Kevin’s Parish Center in Flushing.

224-0478. deFenSiVe driVinG Mondays, September 16, 23 Queens Village library at 1:30. driVinG cLASS tuesday, September 17 Forest Hills library at 2.

Line dAncinG tuesdays, September 17, 24, oc tober 1 Queens Village library at 2.

HeALtHY cooKinG thursday, September 19 Sunnyside library at 2.

entertAinMent coMedY/dinner tickets available for Saturday, october 19 fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at Ben’s in Bayside. $50. 229-2367.

AUtUMn concert Saturday, September 14 Flushing library at 1:30. eid ceLeBrAtion Saturday, September 14 music and food from Pakistan at 2 at the Jackson Heights library.

StAMP SHoW Sunday, September 15 Bayside Stamp Show at the Ramada Hotel 10-4:30.

Free admission and parking. 645-7659.

AntiQUeMotorcYcLe Sunday, September 15 Antique Motorcycle Show 11-4. $5 Queens Count y Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park.

347-FARM. AMericAn MUSic Monday, September 16 Glendale library at 4:30. trAditionAL JAZZ Monday, September 16 Windsor Park librar y at 5:30.

LAtin AMericA Monday, September 16 A Journey through the Sounds of Latin America at the Lefrak City library at 6.

MoVie tuesday, September 19 “Silver Linings Playbook.”

Queens Village library at 3.

LAtin & JAZZ tuesday, September 19 Latin and Jazz concert Maspeth library at 2:30.

FAVorite SonGS tuesday, September 19 Favorite Songs from Around the World at the Douglaston library at 3. rocK & roLL thursday, September 19 1:30 at the North Hills library. triBUteS thursday, September 19 at 3 at the Whitestone library.

Saturday, September 21 at the Broadway library at 3. Tribute to Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett.

SWinGinG JAZZ thursday, September 19 Astoria library at 4:30.

BA BAn cHineSe thursday, September 19 Ba Ban Chinese Music Society presents an Autumn Moon Festival Concert at the Flushing library at 6. cHUrcH in GArdenS Friday, September 20 Jazz Vespers with the Junior Mance Quartet at 6:30.

Sunday, September 22 Con Brio Ensemble at 4:30.

894-2178.

BWAY coMPoSer Friday, September 20 Glen Oaks library at 3.

WALKinG toUr Saturday, September 21 wa l k i n g to u r o f M a p l e Grove Cemetery 4-6, optional wine and cheese buffet at 7:30, followed by classical music concert at 8. $8 BAN members, $10 others. briarwood actionnetwork@gmail.com PArK FAir Saturday, September 21 10-6 food, rides, games, music, raffles, vendors at Forest Park, Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South. nY BooGALoo Saturday, September 21 Eliot Rivera and His New York Boogaloo Orchestra at the Flushing library at 1:30.

WeSt AFricAn Saturday, September 21 Bodoma Grifuna Band performs 2-3 at the Langston Hughes library.

BWAY coMPoSer Saturday, September 21 Classic Broadway Composers at the Fresh Meadows library at 2:30.

AMer. SonGBooK Saturday, September 21 Bayside library at 3. coUntY FAir S a t u r d ay a n d S u n d ay, September 21, 22 11-6. $8. Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park. 347FARM.

Sept. 13-19, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 21

What’s Up Sept 14.

Car and Bike Show

Looking into a Business after Retirement

Resorts World Casino will host a super tuner car show in the parking lot of the casino. Come check out more than 400 domestic and international cars, bikes, a low rider hopping contest, a light show and much more. The show starts at 3 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m. Tickets are $23. To purchase, go to rwnewyork.com and look for the calendar section. The Queens County Farm Museum is located at 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy.

Learn how you can get started with careful planning and proven management strategies. Roger Kuperways guides you through steps for going into business after retirement. The class starts at 11 a.m. at the Queens Central Library. Registration is not required.

Sept. 15 Antique Motorcycle Show The Queens County Farm Museum invites patrons to its 33rd Antique Motorcycle Show, which will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will display various makes and models of motorcycles that have been out of production for at least 10 years.

Music, farmhouse tours, hayrides and food will be provided as well. Admission is $5 per person and is free with a farm membership.

Sept. 16 Book Discussion Group The Howard Beach library will host a book discussion group on Monday, Sept. 16. The book “The Kitchen House” by Kathleen Grissom will be the focus of the discussion. It will begin at 5:30 p.m. and finish at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call the Howard Beach Library at (718) 641-7086.

Sept. 20 Introduction to excel If you are looking to learn how to navigate a spreadsheet, create workbooks and worksheets, enter and edit data and print table and charts.

Basic computer skills are required.

Register online, in person at the Job Information Center or by telephone at (718) 990-8625. The class starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Queens Central Library. The class code is CC180.

Networking Networking with others in today’s competitive market is the one of the best way’s to find a job. Through networking, you can exchange information with others about job opportunities, interesting organizations and up-and-coming industries. For more information on this workshop, call (718) 990-0746 or visit the Job Information Center. Networking starts at 11 a.m. at the Queens Central Library. Registration is not required and the class code is JR190.

Sept. 21 Coed Mixed Level Line Dance Enjoy low impact, calorie-burning line dancing sessions at Cambria Heights Community Church, located at 116-02 220th Street. The dances are taught in a relaxed manner, where the participants will experience the joy of line dances, such as the Electric Slide and the Wobble. The class starts at 10:40 a.m. No dance experience is required. The class cost $10.

For additional information, contact Barbara at 646.229.0242 or bof115@ yahoo.com.

JCAL Hosts Dance Festival The Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning will hold a dance festival from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10. To purchase tickets, visits www. jamaica-performingartscenter.org or call (718) 618-6170. JCAL is located at 153-10 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica.

Kaplan:GMAt practice test If you want to see how you score on the GMAT test, take a free practice exam at 10 a.m. at the Library Queens Central. Get a head start on getting into the business school of your choice! The GMAT assesses a person’s analytical, writing, verbal and reading skills in preparation for admission to a graduate management program. Registration is required.

Soap-making If you ever wanted to learn how to make soaps, Keisha Vasser of Kreatively Keisha’s will help you create soaps using your choice of fragrance, color and decorative molds. All materials will be provided. The free class will take place at the Queens Central Library at 2 p.m.

Space is limited. Register is required online or by calling (718) 990-0728.

Sept. 23 Knitting 101 If you want to learn the basic knitting skills and information, including knit and purl stitches, yarn and needle types and how to read a simple pattern. Supplies will be provided.

Space is limited to 14 seats. The free class will take place at the Queens

Central Library from 4:30 p.m. till 6 p.m. Registration is required online or by calling (718) 990-0728. If you wish to register, check availability for program date Sept. 9, 2013.

Intermediate Microsoft excel Learn how how to generate formulas and functions, create a home budget and store your personal and professional data on Microsoft Excel. Take a free class at the Queens Central Library from 9:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. Registration is required online, in person at the Job Information Center or by telephone at (718) 990-8625. Basic computer skills and knowledge of Excel are required. The class code is CC210.

Sept. 26 Film Screening at the Queens Central Library Come to the Queens Central Library every Thursday at noon in September to watch a different class movie. Alfred Hitchcock’s film “Shadow of a Doubt” will start at noon and it is free to attend.

the “Do Not Snitch” Street Code What does the “do not snitch” street code mean? What is it? What does it do? What does it cost the community? It’s time to speak up!

Join the movement at the Campus Magnet High School, located at 20701 116th Ave. from 6 p.m. till 8 p.m.

Mac Monday: itunes and iphoto

Sept. 27 Have trouble navigating your Mac power point for Beginners

product? For this week’s topics during our weekly Mac lab are iTunes and iPhoto. The free class will take place at the Queens Central Library at 6 p.m. Registration is required online, in person at the Job Information Center or by calling (718) 990-8625.

Sept. 25 Job Readiness If you want to get your foot in the right door, learn how to prepare for your interview, successfully deal with difficult questions and follow up properly after the interview. The free class will take place at the Queens Central Library from 10 a.m. till 11 a.m. Place a call with the Job Information Center at (718) 990-0746 for more information. Registration is not required, but the class code is JR170.

Memory Album Workshop Keep your memories by creating a covered album decorated with special mementos to celebrate your special occasions. All supplies are included. The free class will take place at the Queens Central Library from 4:30 p.m. till 5:30 p.m. Registration is required.

Mastering excel: part three If you are looking to build upon your knowledge of Microsoft Excel in the third of this three-part series, register for a free class that will take place at the Queens Central Library from 6:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. It is recommended that you take the first two parts of the series before taking this one. To register, call (718) 9908625, visit the Job Information Center or register online. The class code is CC210.

Learn how to create a slide presentation, add photos and images and generate handouts. Registration is required for the free class that will take place at the Queens Central Library from 9:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m.

Visit the Job Information Center or call (718) 990-8625 or register online. The class code is CC190.

Sept. 28 Intermediate Microsoft Word Learn how to format a document and bibliography and insert tables, charts, headers and footers. The free class will take place at the Queens Central Library from 9:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. Prior knowledge of Microsoft Word is required. Register online, in person at the Job Information Center or by calling (718) 9908625. The class code is CC200

ONGOING: Flux Factory presents: Untitled (As Of Yet) This group exhibition will take you from events that first appear to be disruptive, even catastrophic, but it eventually opens the door to new thoughts, practices and opportunities. The performance will take place every weekend for the month of September at 39-31 29th Street in Long Island City. For more information, email christina@fluxfactory.org.

WHAt’S Up WItH YOU? Send your community events to the PRESS for a free listing at 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357.

Call (718) 357-7400 or email editor@queenspress.com.

All events will be considered for publication, without a fee.

Smith's Semantics Lesson Looks like State Sen. Malcolm Smith thinks honesty is just too much to ask for.

Reports surfaced last week that Smith wants all bribe-related criminal charges against him dropped because the people the feds charged him with paying off are not public officials – just Republican insiders.

Earlier this year, Smith was charged with violating “honest services, wire services, fraud and conspiracy” laws for allegedly planning to rig the Mayoral election by paying off two officials – which would in turn, pave the way for him to run for Mayor on the GOP ticket.

But Smith’s filings argue that “honest services” charges

only pertain to attempts to pay off a public official – not a “politically active, private individual.”

“The public has no cognizable right to the honest services of private citizens who do not hold public office or employment,” Smith’s filings reportedly say.

We here at QConf imagine many of the Queens officials who have been arrested or are under investigation – including Councilman Dan Halloran – may want the same type of consideration.

Queens Gets TV Spotlight

From "All In The Family" to "King of Queens," the Borough has frequently been featured prominently on TV. Later this month, ABC plans to feature Queens on its schedule once again.

Premiering on Sept. 24 at 10 p.m., "Lucky 7" is a new drama about employees at a gas station in Astoria who hit it big with the lottery. The show will follow the changes the characters will face after they strike it rich.

The program is based on a British TV show called "The Syndicate," and is executive produced by Steven Spielberg.

While we here at QConf will be sure to check out the show later this month, we can't help but think that the show might be more interesting if it followed the staff of a weekly Queens newspaper that won millions on the lottery.

Who's going out to buy some tickets for the next drawing?

Music Around the Unisphere

A Queens landmark was prominently featured in a new music video released last week.

The Unisphere at Flushing Meadows Corona Park is seen throughout the new video by noise rock group Sleigh Bells for their new song “Bitter Rivals.”

During the video, both members of the band, lead singer Alexis Krauss and guitarist Derek Miller, are playing the song with the Unisphere

overlooking them.

This is not the first time the famous Queens landmark has been seen during a movie or music video. It was also in “Men in Black,” which saw an alien spaceship crashing through the structure.

Taking the idea from Sleigh Bells, perhaps Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. could show off his guitar skills in front of the Unisphere the next time he protests a structure being moved to another borough.

Q

CONFIDENTIAL

Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 13-19, 2013

Comedians oF QUeens

Mike Trainor

QConf is edited by: Steven J. Ferrari Contributors: Luis Gronda, Natalia Kozikowska, Joe Marvilli, Marcia Moxom Comrie, Michael Nussbaum, Trisha Sakhuja, Michael Schenkler.

Who's Got Talent?

QConfidential is looking for talented individuals of all kinds to be featured in a future edition.

If you can sing, perform, cook or have a talent you want to show off to the borough, send an email to editor@ queenstribune.com ASAP.

Tennis Fashion Even though the Williams sisters lost the doubles semifinal match on Friday at the U.S. Open, Venus Williams continued the trend to make a fashion statement on the court.

She played a tough game while rocking her new purple hair.

She wore a black floral-print top with pink shorts and bright pink bejeweled nails.

While her sister Serena Williams did not opt for the white-on-white look, she went for a more laid-back look, choosing to wear a gray tanktop, light pink skirt, orange and grey Nike sneakers, and accessorized it with a gray head-band.

Since we here at QConf, like to consider ourselves fashion daredevils- athletes like Venus and her sister Serena are icons because they have transformed the plain-old tennis outfits to a new level.

Mike Trainor’s career in comedy started off simple enough. He went with a friend to a comedy show in the City and watched the crowd tear the comedian apart.

Rather than be intimidated, Trainor stepped up to the challenge.

“Some guy on stage was getting heckled so bad he was on the verge of tears.

Phil and I looked at each other and said, ‘We can do better than that.’ Turns out we were right,” Trainor said.

“But we had an understanding that being awful at first is not unheard of, in fact it’s kind of mandatory.”

After that night, Trainor switched from being in the audience to being on the stage.

For the last 10 years, he has been performing stand-up throughout the country.

Although his passion and sense of humor has not diminished, his style has changed as time ticked forward.

“I’ve gone from unemployed former frat boy to professional journalist to road comic to comedy writer,” he said. “I’m also two weeks away from getting married. So my act has changed to reflect all that wonderful development and growth.”

Trainor has expanded his comedy into a written format with “101 Fat Things,” which was published in late 2009.

The book came about when he was on stage in Washington and started talking about how he is not fat, but fat things

happen to him. When he got off stage, The Laughing Devil’s owner, Steve Hofstetter, said he should write a book based on that routine.

Trainor can also be seen on Thursday nights at 9 p.m. on “truTV Presents: World's Dumbest,” a show that makes fun of the world’s dumbest criminals, parties and more.

“They sent me 50 clips to write jokes for in less than 24 hours. I called another comic up, ordered pizza and spent all day and night working up jokes with him,” Trainor said.

“I went in and I guess they liked what they saw because that was 2008 and I’m still on the show.”

Although Trainor recently moved to Manhattan, he spent eight years living in Astoria, which he said has become a hotbed of comedy in the last few years, along with Long Island City.

“When I first moved there, it was because I heard it was cheap, close to the City and full of bars with girls in them.

All three were totally true!

And apparently every other comic in the City heard the same thing I did because in the time I was there the neighborhood just exploded with comics,” Trainor said. “I still find myself back in the old ‘hood once or twice a week to make with the jokes.”

To find out more about Trainor’s comedy and upcoming shows, visit www. miketrainor.com or facebook. com/GiantComedy.

CLASSIFIEDS

HHAs

CNAs

HHAs

CNAs

Sept. 13-19, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 23

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

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ANNOUNCEMENT

York College Nursing Education wishes to announce that it will host a site review for continuing accreditation of its Baccalaureate in Nursing Program by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

You are invited to meet the site visit team and share your comments about the program in person at a meeting scheduled at 3PM on October 16, 2013 at room 133 Science Building York College 94-20 Guy Brewer Blvd. Jamaica NY 11451.

Written comments are also welcome and should be submitted directly to:

Dr. Sharon Tanner, Chief Executive Officer Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850 Atlanta, GA 30326 Or e-mail: sjtanner@acenursing.org

All written comments should be received by the ACEN by October 9, 2013. *

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Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on AUG 22 2013 bearing Index Number NC-00068613/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, grants me the

right to: Assume the name of (First) Zahedi (Last) Rozan My present name is (First) Zahedi (Last) Teeluck (infant) My present address is 115-18 117th St., South Ozone Park, NY 11420 My place of birth is Queens, NY My date of birth is June 30, 2007

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ALL ROADS LEAD TO JAMAICA HOSPITAL

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