SEQ PRESS Epaper 122112

Volume 13 Issue No. 51 Dec. 21-27, 2012

PAGE 18

TIME OF SADNESS

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

Queens officials react to the shooting in Newtown, Conn.

By Natalia Kozikowska ‌ Page 3.

Friends and family of two victims gather at a vigil in their memory.

By Steven J. Ferrari ... Page 17.

Online at www.QueensPress.com

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 21-27, 2012

News Briefs Former York President Passes

home. Hill punched, kicked and slapped the woman numerous times before fleeing the location.

Former York College president, The defendant was arrested a Dr. Charles Kidd, passed away. Kidd short time later after police arrived served as president of York College at the scene of the assault and an from 1996 to 2002. eyewitness pointed “During Dr. Kidd’s out Hill to the potenure new academic lice. programs were added “The defendant and new community has admitted to stabpartnerships forged,” bing her own sister said Dr. Marcia V. and, without provoKeizs, the current presication, attacking a dent of York College in woman who was a statement. “Presimerely walking home dent Kidd extended from work. These the college’s reach into two incidents clearly Far Rockaway to bring illustrate that the deDr. Charles Kidd that area of our fendant is a threat to Queens community the safety of the resiinto the CUNY fold. It was also under dents of Queens County and the his stewardship that the CUNY Avia- lengthy prison sentence to be imtion Institute at York College was born posed is more than justified,” said from a partnership between the col- Brown in the statement. lege and the Port Authority of New Hill has pleaded guilty to secondYork and New Jersey.” degree murder and third-degree asDr. Kidd was the fourth president sault before Queens Supreme Court of York, and returned to the college Justice Kenneth Holder who said he as a professor during the 2010-2011 would sentence the defendant to a academic year in the department of determinate term of 23 years in earth and physical sciences. There he prison at Jan. 3, 2013 sentencing. brought his considerable scholarship in environmental health to bear. FolUndercover Sting lowing the Japanese tsunami of 2011, Dr. Kidd, who also held the PhD in Operation Leads To environmental health science, spear- Five Arrests headed an informative and well-reQueens District Attorney Richard ceived forum at York on the cause and A. Brown, joined by Police Commiseffects of the devastating event. sioner Raymond W. Kelly, announced The former president was born in that four individuals have been inWashington, D.C., to Charles and dicted and one other arrested in conLorraine Kidd, President Kidd is sur- nection with illegal firearms traffickvived by his wife, Mary, and five of ing in Southeast Queens over the their seven children. past three years.

A formal memorial service for The price allegedly paid for each Kidd will be held on Saturday, Dec. of the 20 weapons that were pur29, at 11:00 a.m. at B. Smith’s Union chased ranged from $500 to $2,400, Station, located at 50 Massachusetts with most weapons typically going Ave., NE; Washington, DC 20002. for about $1,000. Some of the defendants are also charged with sellJamaica Woman Pleads ing cocaine on multiple occasions.

“With few exceptions, the Guilty In Stabbing Of weapon sales were brazenly conSister ducted in broad daylight between the Lovette Ross Hill, 39, of 116-40 hours of noon and 5:00 p.m., and in Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica, has some cases, the transactions ocpleaded guilty to stabbing her sister curred in public places such as street to death inside their apartment last corners and store parking lots. We year and assaulting an innocent by- must remain vigilant in our efforts to stander on the street moments later, keep illegal firearms out of the hands according to a statement released by of criminals and off of the streets of District Attorney Richard Brown.

Queens,” said Brown in a statement.

According to the charges, Hill The defendants, who all live in stabbed her sister, Sharon Lee Hill, 28, Jamaica, are identified as Manuel repeatedly in the face, body and head DeJesus Caballero-Castillo, 24, on May 8, 2011, inside the apartment (a.k.a. Alex), of 90-27 149th Street; they shared. Shortly after the fatal stab- Emilio Lopez, 38, of 146-39 106th bing, Hill left her residence and began Ave.; Miguel Angel Tatis, 50, of 102walking toward Merrick Boulevard and 02 Brisbin St.; and Jose Toledo, 26, 111th Avenue where she attacked a of 86-03 101st St. and Enrique random 53-year-old woman walking Ramos, 44, of 95-26 Cresskill Pl.

Dec. 21-27, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Presstime

JFK Security Workers Call Off Strike Security workers at John F. Kennedy International Airport announced on Tuesday that they were calling off their strike, which was scheduled to take effect during the holiday travel season.

The news came just hours after Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye released a statement pleading with workers and their employers “to resolve their differences.”

“The Port Authority has asked us to call off the strike and we have agreed,” said Prince Jackson, an employee of security contractor Air Serv Corporation. “We asked Air Serv and Global to stop the intimidation, to stop trying to silence us and to sit down and talk to us about how we can improve our situation – how we can raise our standards here at the airport and they have basically agreed.”

The holiday strike may be called off for the time being but the nonunion workers of Air Serv Corporation and Global Elite Group made it clear that their voices will not be silenced and that there are still many improvements that need to be made.

Photo by Natalia Kozikowska

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

Security workers rally outside John F. Kennedy International Airport on Tuesday.

“We have been organizing to improve our work conditions including low pay, lack of benefits, lack of sick days and what we felt was passenger safety being compromised,” Jackson asserted. “We have won this battle but the war still rages on.”

The nearly 200 Air Serv and 100 Global Elite security guards who direct traffic in front of the termi-

nals and check tarmac gates are backed by the Service Employees International Union 32BJ – the largest union of property service workers in the country and the largest private sector union in the United States and New York Communities for Change.

Still firm on their demands, the brisk weather and wintry winds did

not stop workers and their supporting organizations from rallying, chanting and dancing outside Terminal 3 at JFK before the announcement.

More than 100 participants could be heard chanting and dancing to phrases like, “Show me what democracy looks like. This is what democracy looks like,” and “The people united can never be defeated.”

“This is a historic moment. We’ve taken a very big step, but still it’s just a step,” said Jackson. “The main thing we want is a raise in pay. Our pay is extremely low for a highly responsible job. [We also want] more extensive training, better equipment. We vow to just keep on fighting until actual full victory is won.”

The news of an averted strike came as a sigh of relief for the Port Authority. The timing could have tremendously impacted travelers, with nearly 42 million passengers flying between Monday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Jan 6. and planes expected to be 85-90 percent full during those dates, Airlines for America reports.

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

Officials Respond To Newtown Shooting As Americans are struggling to cope with the tragic shooting in Newtown, Conn., that claimed the lives 20 children and six adults, many Republican and Democratic leaders in Queens are weighing in on the gun debate.

Just hours after 20-year-old Adam Lanza shot his mother to death and made his way into Sandy Hook Elementary School where he opened fire on students and teachers, President Barack Obama held a press conference and first expressed a need for change in gun control in the United States “regardless of the politics.”

Queens politicians have since openly spoken out about gun laws and regulations in New York.

Congressman Gregory Meeks (DJamaica) shared a suggestion of banning assault riffles.

“No one needs target practice with assault weapons. Those were weapons that were made for war,” Meeks said. “The only ones who should have those types of weapons should be in the military. It doesn’t make any

sense, we should ban them.”

Others, like Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria), expressed concern with regulations set forth to obtaining firearms in America, arguing the process is far too easy and there are too many loopholes.

“There’s no excuse for being able to buy a gun without a background check,” Vallone said. “The Federal government hasn’t done anything about it. Any weapon at all – there needs to be background checks and there aren’t right now. That’s crazy.”

While most local leaders advocated stricter gun laws, Kevin Ryan, a spokesperson for Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone), said that the issue of mental health also needs to be addressed.

“I know [Halloran] feels we should never take away rights from individuals because of the behavior of other individuals,” Ryan said. “I think Councilman Halloran’s first point would be to put focus on the mental health issue. The shooter clearly had mental problems and something probably could have been done and should have been done to address that behavior.”

In response to the Newtown shooting, City Dept. of Education also released a statement asking the school community to re-evaluate visitor control procedures and General Response Protocols, which cover shelterin, lockdowns and evacuations.

“The Depart- Students from Sunnyside marched from ment of Education, S u n n y s i d e R e f o r m C h u r c h t o a v i g i l a t t h e C o u n c i l o f Sunnyside Gardens Park holding pictures of School Supervisors Benjamin Wheeler, who was killed in the shoota n d A d m i n i s t r a - ing at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Contors, and the United necticut.

Federation of Teachers are working together to school shootings are not common in make sure that our schools are safe New York. and that staff and students have the “We have the office of school support they need to move forward safety and school safety officers in following this tragic event,” the every school,” Pena said. “Visitors statement read. must present ID and sign in when David Pena, a spokesperson for they arrive.” the DOE, also attributed the City’s Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska school safety procedures and secu- at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or rity officers as a primary reason that nkozikowska@queenspress.com.

Photo by Ira Cohen

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 21-27, 2012

Sean Bell Center Likely To Close Its Doors

Just a few months shy of its twoyear anniversary, the Sean Elijah Bell Community Center located in South Jamaica is expecting to close its doors by the year’s end due to lack of funds.

“As of now, I would have to say we are going to close because we didn’t receive enough money to operate,” Executive Director Anthony Anderson said. “It is $5,000 just for the rent and we haven’t quite reached that mark yet.”

The nonprofit was opened in memory of Sean Bell, who was notoriously shot and killed by undercover police officers the day before his wedding on Nov. 25, 2006.

On May 18, 2011, the same day as Bell’s birthday, the community of Jamaica welcomed a new center whose primary goal was to help its people.

The center offers a variety of free services ranging from after school programs and tutoring for children as well as job readiness programs for residents.

The news was devastating to Anderson and volunteers alike, who claim the center was an important

asset to the residents of Southeast Queens.

“I really feel it’s important because, for one, there aren’t a number of places that can offer those kinds of services. Particularly this part of Jamaica, where we are located, folks would have to go to downtown Jamaica – Jamaica Avenue for those services,” Anderson said. “Also, the children always need a place to go.

We have a lot of kids on the street and we offered them a place to go that was safe.”

The Sean Elijah Bell Community Center was awarded a $196,000 block grant less than two years ago, but that money has not been able to sustain the center for long enough, Anderson admitted.

“Because we don’t charge for any services here so we were hoping we would receive donations from the community and possibly some funding from the government,” he said. “I feel that as a community we could have done more. We support the community so we look to the community to support us. Of course, I would be upset because I would hate to see a place like this go when there is noth-

ing like this around in this area.”

Although likely to close soon, Anderson said he still holds on to a glimmer of hope and remains positive.

“We will continue to do fundraisers and continue to do the work we do here and The Sean Elijiah Bell Community Center is in danger of we are hopeful that closing. we will see some money or grant from the government heavily involved with the Sean Bell case, coordinating peaceful proas we move forward,” he said.

The Greater Springfield Commu- tests at major transportation cennity Church will also be sponsoring a ters – a protest that led to his arrest benefit this weekend in a final effort in Oct. 2008. New York City Compto collect enough money to prevent a troller John Lui is also a confirmed guest. closure.

To donate to the Sean Elijah Bell The benefit will be held from 3Center, visit 6 p.m. at the Greater Springfield Community Community Church, located at seanbellcenter.net or mail a check to 177-06 129th Ave., Jamaica. Entry 107-52 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, will be free. Reverend Al Sharpton, NY, 11435.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska who often shows his support to the center, will be a guest speaker at at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or the fundraiser. Sharpton was also nkozikowska@queenspress.com

Photo by Ira Cohen

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

Dec. 21-27, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

New Technology Heading To Taxis New regulations will be enacted early next year across New York City’s taxi fleet, making the acts of hailing and paying for cabs a breeze for disabled patrons.

A new piece of legislation to help blind or visually impaired passengers with paying fares was passed by the City Council on Nov. 27 and signed

by Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Dec. 12. Introductory Number 599-A would require cabbies to install a device to read out the fare and extra charges, as well as instructions for paying by credit card. Taxis would also be required to have information on how to contact the TLC in the passenger compartment area in Braille and large print.

The installations must be complete

by May 1, 2013.

The legislation would impact nearly 40 taxi garages in Queens with licensed medallions from the TLC. The passed effort was praised by Transportation Committee chairman and Councilman Jimmy Vacca (DBronx), who believed that it would decrease the chances of the visually

impaired being ripped off by unethical cab drivers.

“Until now, visually impaired taxi riders have had no choice but to pay with cash or rely on the cab driver to swipe their card because they cannot see the screen to touch for cash or credit,” Vacca said. “A blind person has the right to the same transparency as anyone else.”

Councilman Daniel Dromm (DJackson Heights), one of the bill’s cosponsors, said he was pleased with the result.

“New Yorkers with disabilities including the visually impaired should be able to participate in an equitable transportation system that is sensitive to their needs,” Dromm said.

“Allowing visually impaired people the opportunity to pay their fares unassisted is a step in the right direction for our City.”

The measure was met with approval by Creative Mobile Technologies and Lighthouse International, the latter of which is dedicated to fight against vision loss. The two companies worked with Vacca to put together the software which is now required in the legislation.

“This groundbreaking initiative was the result of a truly cooperative effort on the part of industry, advocates and government and will ensure that the nearly 400,000 people who are blind and visually impaired in New York will be a part of a community that benefits from independent payment and other technology in the city’s iconic yellow taxicabs,” the New legislation signed last week by Mayor Mike statement said.

Bloomberg will make hailing and paying for a cab The Taxi and Limou- easier for disabled patrons. sine Commission was also strongly supportive of 599-A, Thursday and all these enhancements stating that it moves along the same are represented in them.”

The TLC also voted in favor of a path that the organization is heading year-long pilot program to test out an down.

“NYC taxicabs have had Braille e-hailing app, which would let riders and raised letter information plaques flag down cabs with their smartphone since 1997 and this bill simply codi- in advance via a downloadable applified into law,” Allan Fromberg, cation. It will launch on Feb. 15 and Deputy Commissioner for Public Af- could be extended or made permafairs at the TLC, said. “I should also nent if successful.

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) point out that the TLC passed new regulations updating the taxi technol- 357-7400, Ext. 125, or at ogy (or TPEP) systems just this past jmarvilli@queenstribune.com.

Photo by Joe Marvilli

BY JOE MARVILLI

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 21-27, 2012

Editorial Time For Action

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

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie

Production Manager:

The repercussions of the tragic events in Newtown, Conn., last week will stay with many of us, especially those with small children. While we continue to mourn and keep the victims’ families in our thoughts, it is clear that it is time that our elected officials ensure that this type of incident never happens again.

Too many people each year are killed as a result of gun violence, using weapons obtained both legally and illegally. It is unfortunate that it takes the deaths of 20 children and six adults in a school to kick off a national dialogue. It is far past the time that the United States does something to prevent these shootings from occurring. This type of incident should never have happened, and we must do all that we can to ensure that it never happens again.

President Barack Obama this week has kicked off an effort to curb gun violence, helmed by Vice President Joe Biden. We hope that this effort is a continuing one that results in muchneeded reform.

We hope that in the coming year, we are all safer as a result of President Obama’s efforts.

Shiek Mohamed

Letters

Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Harley Benson Natalia Kozikowska Megan Montalvo Joe Marvilli

Art Dept:

Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend

Advertising Director Gerry Laytin Sr. Account Executive Shelly Cookson Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie Shari Strongin

A Queens Tribune Publication © Copyright 2012 Tribco, LLC

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

Sensible Hikes

To The Editor: There is good reason for fare hike plans to keep evolving. For decades, under numerous past Metropolitan

Transportation Authority Five Year Capital Plans, both the City and State collectively cut billions of their own respective financial contributions.

They repeatedly had the MTA refinance or borrow funds to

Letters acquire scarce capital funding formerly made up by hard cash from both City Hall and Albany. For those public officials who oppose any fare increases, just how would you assist the MTA in balancing current financial shortfalls?

Which capital improvement projects would you propose the MTA cancel to help balance the budget and avoid fare increases? Which route(s) would you support service reductions to save operating dollars? Would you volunteer to reduce service, cancel or delay any capital projects benefiting constituents in your district? How many public officials have a Metro Card and ride the system like millions of constituents do on a daily basis?

MTA services are still one of the best bargains in town.

Since the 1950s, the average cost of riding either the bus, subway or commuter rail has gone up at a lower rate than either the consumer price index or inflation. The Metro Card introduced in 1996 affords a free transfer between

bus and subway. Prior to this, riders had to pay two full fares.

Purchasing either a weekly or monthly pass further reduces the cost per ride. Many employers offer transit checks, which pay even more of your costs.

Fare hikes are probably justified if the MTA is to provide the services millions of New Yorkers on a daily basis count on. Fare hikes are inevitable due to inflation along with increasing costs of labor, power, fuel, supplies, materials, routine safety, state of good repair, replacement of worn out rolling stock, upgrades to stations, yards and shops along with system expansion projects necessary to run any transit system.

In the end, quality and frequency of service is dependent upon secure revenue streams. We all will have to contribute—be it at the fare box or tax revenues generated by different levels of government redistributed back to the MTA. Larry Penner, Great Neck

Beware Of Creating Monsters A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE In literature the monster you create almost always destroys you. We see it in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and numerous Hollywood films.

Life and art do imitate each other.

The monster created by a Connecticut mother in the form of giving him shooting lessons and having dangerous weapons accessible to him ended up costing her her life and that of 20 tiny children, four of their teachers, their principal and school psychologist at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

By all accounts, Nancy Lanza was a loving and attentive mother to her supposedly autistic son, Adam. When school became a problem for him, she gave up working to teach him at home. But with time on her hands and generous alimony checks from her husband, she took up shoot-

ing and over a short time, had built up quite a collection of weapons. That is where her “good mother” title becomes questionable.

Adam Lanza apparently was particularly good at the shooting lessons from dear old mom and the combination of mental or social problems and access to a Bushmaster AR-15 and other weapons, and there you have it, a nightmare of unimaginable proportions in the sleepy Connecticut enclave of Newtown.

Nancy Lanza was a hunting enthusiast who collected guns with as much zeal as some people collect shells on the beach. So when the boy decided to go on a rampage with four of Mother’s guns, she was the first one he killed. The sleeping woman didn’t know what hit her as he reportedly shot her in the face and head numerous times. That is a lot of rage he had pent up against the woman who gave him life

and nurtured him throughout his life.

Would if that were the end of the killing! Instead, he drove five miles to continue unleashing his wrath and this time against innocent children and adults at an elementary school. Twenty children barely out of toddlerhood are being buried two to four per day throughout the week; and four teachers, a principal and school therapist who tried to protect them are also being funeralized.

It is a disturbing sight to see six- and-seven-year-old children going to the funeral of one classmate dying of natural causes. It is a travesty of unthinkable proportions to see them attending the funerals of 20 friends in one week. It’s like 9/11 for babies; because let’s face it, this was a terrorist attack, only this time it was by a home-grown terrorist. This is like Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma bomber, all over again.

Can you blame someone posthumously? If the answer is yes, then she’s a candidate for blame. Since when do people with autism or Tourette’s syndrome kill their fellow man, anyway?

What so many people still don’t seem to understand is that buying guns “to protect my home” as Nancy Lanza supposedly said, usually ends up harming a member of their own family or that of their friends’ children.

How many times had she heard that the people who shoot up schools, movie theaters, malls and a Congressional meet and greet in Arizona were social outcasts who decided to punish innocent people for their misery?

It makes you wonder who was crazier between the mother and the son.

The take away is, if you as an adult want to exercise your Constitutional right to bear arms, then do so in a responsible way. But we would all be better off without ‘em.

Dec. 21-27, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Op-Ed

Growing New York City's Entrepreneurial Economy for All

By SCOTT M. STRINGER For generations, the Statue of Liberty has stood at the entrance to New York Harbor, welcoming people from around the world to the "Golden Door" of New York City. And the great promise it offers remains unchanged after more than 200 years: An equal opportunity to succeed.

This enduring tradition has created an engine of economic innovation unlike any the world has ever seen. It has transformed our City from a small trading post at the tip of the Battery into the entrepreneurial capital of the world.

In recent years, we have seen incredible growth in our entrepreneurial economy across a variety of industries from finance, fashion, and food to marketing, media and hightech. But while new startups emerge every day, we have not done enough to ensure that thousands of working class New Yorkers in Queens and other areas have the re-

Scott Stringer sources and skills to share in this growth. We have failed to ensure that this robust new economy provides a pipeline to the middle class for all the people of New York.

As my office points out in a ne w repor t, "Star t-Up Cit y: Grow ing New York's Entrepreneurial Economy for All," only one in five start-ups in New York City are founded by a woman. Only 29 percent of employed Blacks and 20 percent of employed Latinos work in the "creative economies," including management, business, science and the arts.

Mayor Bloomberg de-

serves great credit for diversifying the city's economy. But now we must take the next step and ensure that the benefits of this economic activity reach New Yorkers who have yet to share in them.

We need to expand "Silicon Alley" start-ups stretching from Soho and Midtown Manhattan all the way up to Washington Heights and Harlem into "Silicon City," so entrepreneurs and job seekers in Willets Point/Flushing and Long Island City can take advantage of this new economy.

In ma ny case s, entr y level jobs in the tech economy can start at $65,000 per year.

That's well above a family's median income here. So how do we make this a reality for more families?

We can begin by ensuring that all of our residents have skills they need to succeed. These skills - from computer technology and marketing to financial literacy and the "language" of business - will

serve all of our students well regardless of their future career goals. I believe the Dept. of Education should offer expanded computer science training in schools throughout the City and bring together entrepreneurs, teachers, and advocates to build a curriculum that prepares students for the 21st century economy.

We also need to streamline how entrepreneurs start and expand their businesses.

We can make government more responsive to the fastchanging needs of emerging industries by building out NYC Digital to match the successful Office of TV and Film, and by cut t ing red tape at the Dept. of Buildings so innovators can launch companie s without needless delays.

We must also improve our Internet and transportation networks. New York City should explore the creation of a municipal fiber network - a project that has boosted internet service competition

and drawn new businesses in cities across the country. Likewise, our city must create or expand transit links to areas of new job growth in the boroughs from the Brooklyn Navy Yard to Hunts Point so thousands of New Yorkers can better reach them.

Finally, we must ensure that New York remains a city where people can afford to live, work, and raise families.

We should embrace construction of micro-housing and accessor y dwelling units that will create more affordable housing and open up larger units for New York families.

By working together, we can create a new pipeline to the middle class, expand our entrepreneurial economy and ensure that all New Yorkers have the opportunity to share today in the vibrant industries of tomorrow.

Scott M. Stringer is the Manhattan Borough President and a 2013 candidate for Comptroller.

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 21-27, 2012

The Grades Are In

Low Marks For Queens On Human Rights

BY MEGAN MONTALVO The end of the year traditionally marks a time when it is encouraged to take a look back on an annual series of choices made in preparation of new resolutions and the New Year.

For the Human Rights Project of the Urban Justice Center, this December not only marks a time to celebrate, but also proves to be a time to reflect on a year’s worth of key decisions made in legislation.

On Dec. 12, the Manhattan-based nonprofit agency released the 2012 New York City Council Human Rights Report Card, providing a year-long recap of highlights and low points.

“HRP has spent more than a decade developing and sharing models for using universal human rights to demand higher standards of government accountability at the local and national levels,” HRP Director Shani Jamilla said. “Today, 12/12/12 at 12 p.m., we are thrilled to launch the fifth annual New York City Council Human Rights Report Card.”

Known as the only report of its kind, the HRP report card is used to comprehensively evaluate the human rights records of both individual Council members and the Council as a legislative body.

While the report’s intent is focused upon the advancement of equality for New Yorkers living in poverty, particularly communities of color and women, the Center asserts that the data also acts as mechanism for coalition building and a tool for education and activism.

“Under a human rights framework, the Council has an obligation to act proactively to advance equality,” Jamilla said. “The Report Card is designed to measure the extent to which it succeeds in doing so in the legislative arena.”

After conducting an in-depth review of all legislation passed by the Council’s 51 members, the report found that 32 percent of all bills approved by the Council between Aug. 15, 2011 and Aug. 15, 2012 fit a criteria of legislation geared toward promoting the seven categories of human rights: housing, worker’s rights, criminal and juvenile justice, health, government accountability, voting rights and disability rights.

“We were very pleased to see that 32 percent of bills that were enacted pertained to human rights issues,” HRP Research and Police Coordinator Erin Markman said. “The information gathered by this report not only shows a mark on real improvement made this year, but it also gives low-scoring Coun-

living in them.”

In addition to attending a large number of community-led protests and rallies this year, both Councilmen agree that when it comes to human rights, more is better.

A highlight of legislation introduced within this year includes a ban on curative therapy for Within the Queens Delegation, Council Members Jimmy Van Bramer, James Sanders, LGTBQ teens, which Dromm Daniel Dromm and Julissa Ferreras scored the highest in influencing human rights introduced, and an expansion on the Library Card Act, which was legislation. For a complete list of scores, see the “roll call” list below. backed by Van Bramer.

“I think part of my work is Out of all the boroughs, Queens about empowering people,” Van cil members an idea on how they can scored the lowest in the disability Bramer said. “I absolutely believe that make changes next year.” rights category of legislation at 34 having been born and raised in Queens makes you incredibly rooted percent, a C grade.

Winners and Losers This number joins another low in the community and gives you an Collectively, the Queens Delegation received at least a B minus grade point in the report’s housing rights extra obligation to listen and respond in only three of the seven categories category, which graded the Delega- to people and help them.”

In addition to attending numerof human rights legislation, with less tion at 24 percent.

“Only three Queens Council mem- ous community-based events, the than half of the members receiving at least a B minus grade in human rights. bers received at least a B grade in hous- Councilmen have also collectively In addition, nine of the 14 mem- ing,” Jamilla said. “Daniel Dromm and spent thousands of dollars in discrebers were primary sponsors of legis- James Sanders each scored a B, and tionary funding in their districts, most of which were allocated to clean-up, lation that were assessed as promot- Jimmy Van Bramer had an A.” On the opposite side of the spec- anti-graffiti and education programs. ing human rights.

For next year’s agenda, legisla“The Queens Delegation scored trum, five Queens Council members the second lowest of the boroughs in received a D grade or lower in hous- tion on the top of the list for Van six of the seven categories of human ing rights - Mark Weprin and Eric Bramer include bills geared towards rights legislation featured in the 2012 Ulrich each had 10 percent, a D, good wages, access to paid sick days Report Card,” Jamilla said. “Hous- James Gennaro and Peter Vallone Jr. and reforming the way the Board of ing rights legislation was scored at shared a 6 percent grade, a D minus, Standards and Appeals makes deci24 percent, a C, workers’ rights was and Dan Halloran came out dead last sions on building variances.

“There’s a never ending list of what marked at 48 percent, a B, criminal at 4 percent, an F. In response to the scoring, I hope to accomplish next year,” he said. and juvenile justice at 30 percent, a Reach Reporter Megan Montalvo at C, health was at 40 percent, a B mi- Vallone issued a statement describnus, government accountability was ing his sentiments as “proud” to be (718) 357-7400 Ext. 128 or mmontalvo@queenstribune.com.

37 percent, a C plus, and voting rights at the bottom of the list.

“I am proud to be at the bottom of came in at 52 percent, a B.” While the voting rights score was any list that Charles Barron is at the top Queens’ highest, it was still the sec- of,” he said, in reference to the Brookond lowest in the City, coming be- lyn Councilman, who received an A plus Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) C+ hind Manhattan with 73 percent, grade. “This is basically a report card on Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Brooklyn at 61 percent and the Bronx who wants to change New York into a Village) C socialist republic the most.” at 54 percent.

Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson According to the report, the high Heights) B+ Looking To 2013 voting rights score may be attributed, Julissa Ferreras (D-East While the report card provides an in part, to the high individual scores Elmhurst) B of two Queens Council members who extensive window into the legislative James Gennaro (D-Fresh both received an A plus grade in the record of City Council members, it is Meadows) C category - Daniel Dromm was marked not yet able to measure the allocation Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone) C at 91 percent and Julissa Ferreras at of funds within districts and the “bePeter Koo (D-Flushing) C hind the scenes” actions of each mem88 percent.

Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest “Voting rights are very important ber, which includes attending protests Hills) Bto me,” Dromm said in reference to and rallies within the community.

James Sanders Jr. (DAmong the high-scoring Queens his high score. “Throughout the year, Laurelton) B I have made it a priority to introduce Delegation members, both Dromm Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) C and vote on legislation that would and Van Bramer have attributed their Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) Cimprove voter turnout and eligibility. grades to a having deep concern for Jimmy Van Bramer (DI’m pleased to see my participation their districts.

Sunnyside) A“Jimmy and I have similar backmake a direct impact.”

Mark Weprin (D-Oakland GarDespite the high score marks in grounds in community activism,” dens) C voter rights, the report suggests that Dromm said. “He and I grew up in Ruben Wills (D-South Ozone the Queens Delegation still has a long Queens and have deep-seated conPark) C+ cern for our districts and the people way to go.

Queens Roll Call

Dec. 21-27, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Police Blotter Compiled by STEVEN J. FERRARI

110th Precinct

Homicide

At approximately 8:20 a.m. on Dec. 9, police responded to a call of a foul odor at 90-34 54th Ave., in Elmhurst. Upon arrival, police discovered a 62-year-old woman, identified as Lorraine Cetrone, unconscious and unresponsive. The victim suffered stab wounds to the back and was pronounced dead at the scene. A 63year-old male also suffered stab wounds to the chest and was taken to Elmhurst Hospital Center in stable condition.

On Dec. 10, police arrested Robert Wall, 63, of the above address on charges of murder and criminal possession of a weapon.

Rape

The NYPD is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect wanted for the commission of a rape.

At approximately 4 a.m. on Dec. 9 in Elmhurst, the suspect entered the residence of the victim through a bathroom window using a ladder. Once inside, the suspect sexually assaulted the victim, a 24-year-old Asian fe-

male before fleeing the location.

The suspect is described as a Black or Hispanic male, age 20-25, 5-foot8, wearing a grey knit cap, black waistlength nylon jacket, blue jeans, red and white sneakers and a “Diesel” brand brown belt.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577TIPS (8477).

111th Precinct

Burglaries

The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance identifying the following individual wanted for questioning in regards to three burglaries which took place on Dec. 6 at 213-02 75th Ave. in Oakland Gardens, and 213-06 7th Ave., and 73-03 Bell Blvd. in Bayside.

The suspect entered the car garage at each location and removed money and credit cards from the victims’ autos.

District Attorney

DMV Employee Arrested

Acting State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott and Queens

DA Richard Brown announced the arrest of a State Dept. of Motor Vehicles employee who was charged with filing a forged registration/title application to avoid paying the proper amount of taxes on an automobile she purchased from a dealership in Texas.

The investigation found that Stacie Youman of Brooklyn purchased a used Porsche in April 2012 in Texas and presented falsified paperwork to the DMV in Jamaica, Queens in July 2012 containing a forged signature of a Texas dealership employee, which falsely indicated the car was sold for only $2,000.

Youman purchased the car for more than $17,700.

Youman has been charged with second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, first-degree falsifying business records, an E felony; first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, an E felony; and two counts of making a punishable false written statement, an A misdemeanor.

Murder Arrest

Queens DA Richard Brown announced that Gregory Cucchiara, 36,

of Bayside has been named in an indictment in the 2011 and 2012 deaths of his mother and father.

According to the indictment, on May 24, 2011, the defendant, with the intent to cause the death of Giusepina Cucchiara, caused her death by blunt impact to her head and submersion of her head in water. Furthermore, according to the indictment, between Aug. 20-21, 2012, the defendant, with the intent to cause the death of Carmelo Cucchiara, caused his death by asphyxiation.

Further, in a separate incident, Cucchiara caused physical injury to a police lieutenant, obstructed governmental administration and attempted to assault a police detective on Nov. 13.

Cucchiara was arraigned on Dec. 12 on two separate indictments. One indictment charges the defendant with two counts of second-degree murder. The second indictment charges the defendant with one count of second-degree assault, one count of third-degree assault, one count of second-degree obstructing governmental administration and one count of third-degree attempted assault.

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 21-27, 2012

Photos by Ira Cohen

pix

Happy Holidays

Bar PPar ar ty arty Kids receive gifts during the Jamaica YMCA holiday party.

Photo by Walter Karling

Coat Drive

Queens County Bar Association gathered at its annual holiday party at Douglaston Manor on Dec. 13. Pictured (from left) are attorney Thomas Principe, president of the St. John's Law School Alumni Association Board of Directors; the Hon. Bernice Siegal, past president of the Brandeis Association; attorney Joseph Risi Jr., president of the Queens County Bar Association; Fearonce LaLande, president of the Macon B. Allen Black Bar Association; attorney Donna Furey, president of the Queens County Women's Bar Association; attorney George Poulos, past president of the Hellenic Lawyers Association; and Richard Gutierrez, past president of the Latino Lawyers Association.

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall joined the New York Cares effort to collect a record number of gently-used coats to help keep residents affected by Superstorm Sandy warm this winter. Photo provided by the Borough President's office.

Photo by Ira Cohen

Toy Drive

New York Hospital Queens Freedom Medical Aid Team presented more than 500 toys to representatives of the U.S. Army following their 10th annual toy drive. Hospital administrators, representatives of the U.S. Army and elected officials gathered for the presentation.

AD A Honored ADA

Queens DA Richard Brown (right) presented Assistant District Attorney Donna Aldea, Counsel for Special Litigation in the District Attorney's Legal Affairs Divis i o n , w i t h t h e N e w Yo r k C i t y B a r Association's Thomas E. Dewey Medal.

Dec. 21-27, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Borough Beat

Sunnyside Mourns Conn. Shooting Just days after the shooting in Newtown, Conn., that took the lives of 20 schoolchildren and six adults, family and friends of two of the victims gathered in Sunnyside. Fighting back tears, more than 100 people held a vigil in Sunnyside Gardens Park Tuesday night to honor the victims.

The vigil was organized by Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (DSunnyside). Before the event in the park, a mixture of kids and adults marched to the park from Sunnyside Reform Church.

Members of Sunnymoms, a group of mothers from Sunnyside, recalled their interactions with Francine Wheeler, a founder of the group whose family moved to Newtown from Sunnyside. Wheeler’s son, Benjamin, was one of the victims in the attack.

“You never know exactly what to do or say in a situation like this,” Bright Owens, a member of Sunnymoms, said. “But we do know

Photo by Ira Cohen

BY STEVEN J. FERRARI

Students from Sunnyside marched from Sunnyside Reform Church to a vigil at Sunnyside Gardens Park holding pictures of Benjamin Wheeler, who was killed in the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. how to show up and support each other.”

Roger Hitts, a friend of the Wheeler family whose daughter used to play with Benjamin’s older brother, expressed his sadness at the loss.

“We’re shocked, we’re saddened,

we’re devastated and we’re really angry,” he said.

Both Hits and Owen recalled the times Francine spent in Sunnyside Gardens Park watching their children play together. Shortly before she gave birth to Benjamin, the members of

Sunnymoms threw Francine a surprise baby shower where they gave her a two-seat stroller.

Members of the group read a letter from Francine, who thanked the Sunnyside community for their kindness, noting that she would never forget the baby shower or the friends she made there.

“There are no words to express our gratitude,” the letter read. “Sunnyside was our first home as a family.”

Sunnyside resident Nicole PerkinsIsleib, the stepsister of Sandy Hook principal Dawn Hochspring, also spoke at the vigil, remembering Hochspring as a dedicated parent and educator who loved her job as a principal.

Perkins-Isleib said that hearing how Hochspring tried to help the children at the school made the news easier to bear.

“I hope you can take this opportunity over the holidays to love your family and your kids,” she said.

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

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 21-27, 2012

Profile

The New Burger Kings Of Queens

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Leo Garden Sr. and Leo Garden Jr., a father-son team which owns a Burger King in Jamaica, have been crowned Top Franchisees in the 15 restaurant category. The dynamic duo was recognized for their top performing restaurant locations and their strong community involvement.

“I’m very excited,” said Leo Garden Jr. “I’m proud of my team and the good work that they put in because it’s not just me. It’s a whole team effort because one of the restaurants is opened 24 hours a day.

It’s very difficult to try to keep your operations on a certain level 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.”

Much of the Gardens’ success stems from their dedication for their customers – an aspect Garden Jr. said sets them apart.

“Performance wise, we try to al-

ways give the best value and best experience for our guests. Its hard economic times and the dollars are scarce. We want them to feel they are getting their money’s worth,” he said. “I want them to have a wow factor. I want them to walk out of the restaurant and not even believe it was a fast food restaurant.”

Nabbing the “best in class” title for guest service, Leo Garden Sr. and Leo Garden Jr. both feel that it is just as important to give back to the communities they serve.

“We do a lot of community stuff,” Garden Jr. said. “For example, [we do work with] P.S. 54. Whatever class has the best attendance for the month – they bring in the class and get a free meal. The kids love it. They attend school more often and then when they come in it’s like they are having a little celebration for good attendance.”

The Gardens similarly offer a 10

percent discount for students at Brooklyn College, near their second Burger King location, and a 10 percent discount for employees at Jamaica Hospital.

“We try to stay in touch with the community and the visitors that come into our restaurants,” Garden Jr. said.

Garden Jr. expressed his pride in the Burger King brand, noting it is very powerful and well known.

“Right now, Burger King is my top priority,” he said.

The father-son team is also in the process of opening a third location on 104th Street and Roosevelt Avenue in Corona.

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

From left to right: Bernardo Hees, Chief Executive and Director of Burger King Worldwide, Leo Garden Jr. accepting the BK award and Steve Wiborg, North American President of Burger King Worldwide.

People

Ezzidin D. Zafar Air Force Airman Ezzidin D. Zafar graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Zafar is the son of Zeena Ramcharran of Jamaica.

The New York Lotter y announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning scratch-off ticket and received a cash prize valued at $10,000 or more.

Jose Campos of Jamaica won $25,000 on the Lucky Gens scratch-off game. Campos’ winning ticket was purchased at the Sumaiya Grocery, 160-15 Hillside Ave., Jamaica.

Rameshwat of Richmond Hill won $25,000 on the $100,000,000 Spectacular scratch-off game. Singh’s winning ticket was purchased at Bal & friends, 104-10 Atlantic Ave., Ozone Park.

Singh Basil of Queens Village won $25,000 on the Holiday Doubler scratch-off game. Basil’s winning ticket was purchased in Manhattan.

The New York Lotter y announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning ticket from one of the Lottery’s live drawings and received a cash prize valued at $10,000 or more.

Ghanraji Palanian of Richmond Hill won $10,000 on the Oct. 12 Mega Millions drawing. Palanian’s winning ticket was purchased at Liberty Liquors, 124-04 Liberty Ave., South Richmond Hill.

Hossain Mamun of Jamaica won $10,000 on the May 29 Mega Millions drawing. Mamun’s winning ticket was purchased at the Estate Pharmacy, 169-01 Hillside Ave., Jamaica.

The New York Army National Guard has announced the recent reenlistment of members in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Sgt. Ohchain Salmon of Rosedale has re-enlisted to continue service with the 222nd Chemical Company.

Specialist Damian Sterling of Jamaica has re-enlisted to continue service with Company A, 101st Signal Battalion.

The Queens Museum of Art will hold its annual holiday sale through Jan. 1. Items including books, World’s Fair memorabilia, NYC souvenirs, giftware, posters and more will be offered at 10 to 75 percent off.

Local students were named to the Honor Roll for the first trimester of the 2012-13 school year at the

Portledge School in Locust Valley.

They include: Bayside: Julianne Mauriello Oakland Gardens: Cameron Daniels Jamaica: Kyle Flowers, Joshua Flowers Whitestone: Brian Lee. Christhava English Church will host its annual multicultural, multilingual Christmas Worship Service at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 23 at the church, 79-11 Caldwell Ave., Middle Village. The Rev. Prophet F.W. Hood will be the speaker, with Minister Lemuel Haynes, Congregational Church UCC. Dinner will be served following the service.

For information, call Pastor Amos Martin at (347) 261-3623, Pastor Francisco at (347) 771-0510 or Daisy Lionel at (917) 715-9210.

Tell The PRESS

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

Dec. 21-27, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

A&E

Author Discovers Queens Through Food

BY STEVEN J. FERRARI With such a diverse selection of food within the Borough’s borders, finding the perfect plate to placate your palate can require a guide.

Thankfully, Meg Cotner has provided one.

Cotner, an editor at QueensNYC.com and a blogger at “We Heart Astoria,” traveled throughout Queens this year to compile information for the “Food Lovers’ Guide To Queens” (2012, Global Pequot Press).

The book provides a neighborhoodby-neighborhood guide of restaurants, street food, festivals and culinary events from Astoria to Glen Oaks.

The Queens guide is the second “Food Lovers’ Guide” done by the publisher. The first, a guide to Brooklyn, is about to get a second printing.

The success of the Brooklyn edition led to a desire for one about Queens.

“I really hope it inspires people from outside the borough to come here and get to know Queens, or give people in Queens the chance to dis-

Restaurant Review

Bohemian Burger Bliss Corner Bistro 47-18 Vernon Blvd., LIC (718) 606-6500 HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. noon to 2 a.m.; Fri.-Sat. noon to 3 p.m.; Sun. 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.

CREDIT CARD: Yes, all major DELIVERY: Yes For more than five decades, Corner Bistro has been the go-to Bohemian burger bar that locals have come to love and enjoy in the uber trendy West Greenwich Village.

As of March, however, the oneof-a-kind eatery has branched out and now welcomes borough-dwelling foodies in Queens.

Owned and operated in Long Island City, Corner Bistro’s second location not only matches its forefather in Manhattan with identical menu offerings, but also manages to sneak in a few inventive items of its own.

After sampling the locale’s offerings earlier this week, both Managing Editor Steven J. Ferrari and I can not stop raving about it.

On a chilly pre-winter day, Steve and I thought it would be fitting to try none other than the Bistro’s meaty chili.

Though our meal started with the savory side dish, we opted for two completely different options – a bowl of chili and crackers for me and the 8-ounce Chili Burger for Steve.

For another set of sides, we

dined on onion rings and two kinds of fries, a sweet potato option and the traditional French variety.

All three items did not disappoint. The rings were crisp at first bite, and both versions of fresh-cut fries proved to outweigh the restaurant’s competitors.

Finishing my bowl of chili, I grew jealous of Steve’s burger and decided to over-indulge with one of my own.

The Bistro Burger I ordered satisfied my stomach and need for greed. It came stocked to the buns with seasoned meat, onions, pickles, lettuce, cheese and bacon.

While I had known the portion was a bit too big for me to finish in one sitting, I could see why it was known as Corner Bistro’s signature dish. It was cooked to perfection.

If burgers aren’t your thing, the restaurant also offers a delicious chicken club wrap and inventive salads in a house or chunky chicken option, all unique to the Long Island City location.

Diners who enjoy beverages of the alcoholic variety will be delighted to know that just like the Manhattan location, Corner Bistro in LIC also boasts the same great beer menu, with the famous McSorley’s Ale on tap.

Already planning to return for brunch, Steve and I recommend you stop by Corner Bistro in Long Island City. We could not be happier they came to Queens.

- Megan Montalvo

cover something new,” Cotner said.

In addition to finding information online, the research for the book involved a lot of restaurant visits. Cotner said she actively avoided reading other books on the topic and shied away from reading reviews online.

“I wanted to have my own opinion,” she said. “Everything I wrote was based on my own experiences.”

Each location featured in the book, Cotner said, was easily accessible by public transportation. Every listing provides directions of how to use the subway or buses to get to the featured spot.

Cotner, who moved to Astoria in 2005, has three degrees in music. She said, however, that she has always loved talking to people about food. She gained a reputation as a foodie in college, when people began asking her to cook for receptions and other gatherings.

“Food has always been a part of my life,” she said. “Doing this book was a really fun experience.”

The author admits to having a natural love for the food available in Astoria and Long Island City, so she was excited to get the opportunity to travel around the Borough to taste what the other neighborhoods have to offer.

Jackson Heights and Elmhurst, she said, were pleasant surprises.

Cotner said she did not know about

the Columbian population that moved into Jackson Heights, along with Himalayan and Nepalese immigrants, and with them restaurants highlighting the cultures.

“It was a really fun discovery,” she said. “That area is really easy to digest. No pun intended.”

Cotner said she did research for the book between March and June, which entailed going out to eat in Queens restaurants three times a day, seven days a week. She said once she got done researching the book, it was nice to finally stay in and have a home cooked meal.

“It got a little intense,” she said.

“But it wasn’t long after I stopped that I wanted to go out and eat again.”

“Food Lovers’ Guide To Queens,” released on Dec. 4, was Cotner’s first published book. She said she’s already considered a follow-up – a cook book or a history of food in Queens has crossed her mind - but has no concrete plans for a second book.

“I want to keep the future open to the possibilities,” she said.

“Food Lovers’ Guide To Queens” is available now at local retailers and on amazon.com.

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

MenuPages Expands To Queens

BY JOE MARVILLI

When it came to grabbing some grub in Queens, you used to have to either call restaurants or go to their website to find out details on their menus. Today though, it is easier than ever to look for a good meal.

MenuPages.com has extended its reach into Queens, supplying customers with online ratings, reviews and menus for more than 3,000 different eateries in the borough. The addition was made on Dec. 11, joining a group now totaling nearly 15,000 entries on the website for New York City alone. Menus from restaurants in Manhattan and Brooklyn are also available.

The change comes a little more than a year after MenuPages was bought by online food ordering service Seamless. As a result of the merger, customers can not only look at menus on the website, but they can also be directed to Seamless.com and

type in their information to have their meals delivered to them.

Although MenuPages now lives under the same roof as Seamless, the website will remain separate from the corporate entity.

The Queens Economic Development Corporation saw the expansion as a victory on every level.

“This is a win-win-win situation.

It’s good for Queens restaurants, patrons and the website,” Rob MacKay, QEDC’s director of public relations and an organizer of the borough’s annual Restaurant Week, said.

Menupages.com is not just centered on New York City though. Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, South Florida and Washington D.C. are all open for foodies to peruse. If you are heading to London or Paris, the food website has a presence there as well.

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

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 21-27, 2012

Faith

Church Presents ‘The Prodigal Scrooge’

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA For the first time, New Life Apostolic Church will present its annual Christmas play, ‘The Prodigal Scrooge,’ at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center to reach out to a wider audience. This year, the musical production will incorporate a modern twist, to set it apart from past performances.

“I just thought of having fun with it, making Scrooge more contemporary, wondering what Scrooge’s life would be like,” said April Baskin, the play’s writer and director.

“We explore a Christmas classic and make it relatable to the community.”

In this version of the play, Ebenezer Scrooge is an arrogant wealthy casino owner who lives a lavish lifestyle on the upper east side of Manhattan. Once a faithful servant of Christ, he has allowed his determination for success to overshadow his faith. But, just like the original Charles Dickens novel, Scrooge is visited by three angels who take him to revisit his past.

The most notable change, how-

Outreach Dramatically, a ministry campaign started by of New Life Apostolic Church in Ozone Park, is showing their annual Christmas production this weekend. ever, is lyrical.

“This is the first time we turning it into an original musical,” Baskin said.

Over the course of three days, New Life Apostolic Church will present five shows – one of which will be specifically shown for the victims of Superstorm Sandy and families in shelters.

“One show on Saturday is specifically for Sandy victims and families that live in family shelters and all of

them get free tickets,” Baskin said.

“We’ve reached out to a few family shelters and a lot of them received free tickets.”

The church has also provided Christmas gifts for any children who are under the age of 12 and are attending, Baskin added.

“We definitely want people to know that through tragedies, like the sad shooting incident in Connecticut or natural disasters like Sandy, where people have lost their homes and have lost their children, that this time of the year, we want people be

cheered up and we definitely want people to know that there is God that can intervene in their sadness,” she said.

That is especially true for the Queens community, Baskin said, where many are struggling with a variety of problems.

“With our church being in Queens first and foremost, I’ve gotten to know the Queens community and it is definitely a family-oriented community,” she said. “Because we know that people are struggling financially and dealing with sadness and dealing with loss, I think that something like a play that sends such a Christian message and a message of hope and love will kind of remind the Queens community this is what we need to get back to.”

The Prodigal Scrooge will be shown on Friday, Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person.

To purchase tickets, visit www. mynewlifenyc.org.. For additional information, call (347) 809-7236.

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

Notebook Hillcrest H.S.

Hillcrest H. S. Shines At Business Trade Fair Nine students at Hillcrest High School are taking home gold medals this week after placing first at this year’s local Business Plan Competition. Their business, “Build Your Own Future,” was also featured at a Virtual Enterprise International Trade Fair in Bakersfield, Calif., where two students attended on behalf of their teammates.

“I am extremely proud of my students,” said their teacher, Michele Gensler. “We just had the Business Plan Competition here on Monday and this is the local Queens competition and our firm came in first place. It’s very exciting so now we will be going on to the citywide competition which will be held on Jan. 18.”

The Virtual Enterprise class at Hillcrest is meant to teach students the aspects of building and promot-

ing a business. Each student in the group plays a different role in their company, performing different tasks such as accounting and advertising.

“I think what the most important thing for them was leaning how to apply what they learn in school to the real world,” Gensler said. “They become really job-ready after this class because everything we do, while it’s a virtual class, all the work is very real.”

Their idea, “Build Your Own Future,” or BYF, sells make believe online schooling services.

“We are Build Your Future Institute and we are an online school,” said Sabrina Lall, one of the nine students involved in the creation of the business plan. “We are completely student-centric. We get online tutorials to help kids get more actively involved in their education. Our goal is

to make them want to go online, watch our tutorials and learn something because it is important for them to actively be involved in their education.”

At the trade fair in California, students Phaissa Chavannes and Samia Ahmed set up a booth with pamphlets describing their products and gave our free pencils and tee-shirts to promote their brand.

“We presented our work and had a lot of interviews with judges,” said Chavannes. “We answered a lot of questions.”

This was not an easy task for Chavannes, who admits that prior to the class, she was nervous about speaking in public.

“The most important thing I learned was overcoming my stage fright and had to talk to people and I had to work with people I didn’t

know before, and I felt comfortable with it,” she added.

Although Sabrina Lall did not attend the trade fair in California, she said that the virtual enterprise class at Hillcrest has taught her many valuable lessons.

“We actually learn a lot,” Lall said.

“We develop skills on how to take the initiative to take action. We learn to work as a team – team work is very important in this class. An example of that the Business Plan Competition we just participated in which we came in first place for the East Queens side. We had to put in extra hours and took a lot of effort of myself and my teammates to really accomplish our task.”

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

-Natalia Kozikowska

Dec. 21-27, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

What’s Up DEC. 21 Tree Lighting Ceremony

Council Member Ruben Wills (DLaurelton) and the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs will host their annual Baisley Pond Park tree lighting ceremony. Join them at the triangle between Sutphin and Rockaway Boulevards for some holiday cheer.

For more information, call the Office of Council Member Wills at (718) 206-2068. The free event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m.

Recruitment Session

The Order of the Feather, a leadership and service organization for young men in New York City, is inviting you to bring your sons, brothers and friends to get more information about the fraternity, its plainsmen/ pledge/rights of passage program and the officers and members. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, contact Brother Rodney Reid at (718) 916-0705 or visit www.feathermen.org. The session will be held at Roy Wilkins Park Family Center (177th Street and Baisley Boulevard) at 7 p.m.

Comrie’s Celebration of Community Leaders

Councilman Leroy Comrie (DSt.Albans) will host a celebration of community leaders. It will be a chance to acknowledging the work of some community leaders like Martha Saxon, John Butler, Dorothy Harvey, Jack Tennyson, Al Blackwell, Isabel Steven, Evelyn Skeete and Yvonne Richardson. For more information, contact (347) 808-8920 or email comriefornyc@gmail.com. You must call for the price. The event will be held at Thomasina’s Catering Hall located at 205-35 Linden Blvd. at 8 p.m.

DEC. 22 The Prodigal Scrooge

New Life Apostolic Church will present “The Prodigal Scrooge: A Holiday Gospel Faith Musical.” In this modern twist, Ebenezer Scrooge is an arrogant wealthy casino owner who lives a lavish lifestyle on the upper east side of Manhattan. Complete with traditional Christmas carols and live music, this play reminds its audience that the cares of life will soon pass away, and that eternal joy is found in Jesus. Tickets are $20. The play will be shown at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

To purchase tickets, visit www.mynewlifenyc.org. The Jamaica Performing Arts Center is located at 153-10 Jamaica Ave.

Tree Lighting and Toy Give people as possible in basic CPR skills.

In addition, participants will be briefly Away educated on the automated external New York City Council Member Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), in partnership with Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, No Doubt and The Women’s Information Network will present a tree lighting and toy give away in Detective Keith Williams Park. Children up to age 12 will receive a free gift from Santa. Please open your hearts and donate a toy to a child in need. All toy donations may be dropped off at Council Member Comrie’s office at 113-42 Farmers Blvd. For more information, please contact (718) 776-3700 or visit www.leroycomrie.com. The event will be held at 5 p.m. at Liberty Park located at 173rd Street between 106th and 107th Avenues.

DEC. 23 Benefit for Sean Bell Community Center

The Greater Springfield Community Church will host a holiday benefit to raise money for the Sean Bell Community Center, which is likely to close due to lack of funds. The free event will feature guest speaker Rev. Al Sharpton and Comptroller John Liu is a confirmed guest. Attendees will get to take pictures with Santa and dinner will be served with a $10 donation. The event is being held from 3 to 6 p.m. The church is located at 177-06 129th Ave.

DEC. 26 The Finest Christmas Ever

The Legacy Organization, in association with Council Member Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), and Reversing the Projections, Inc. will present “The Finest Christmas Ever”. Have a hip hop holiday and come meet Santa Claus. The Finest Christmas Ever will feature: Queenz Finest; ESOTA; Elite Ladies; Epitome of Dance; Ballet International Africans; Kira and the Soca Sirens; Nukstar; Mayo Bass; Ayo Da Don and more! The event will be held at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20.

The Jamaica Performing Arts Center is located at 153-10 Jamaica Ave.

ONGOING Mobile CPR Program

FDNY EMS instructors will come out to your site to conduct the CPR training using your facilities. The Be 911 Compressions Only CPR Program is brought to you free of charge

by FDNY and NYC Service. The goal of the program is to train as many

defibrillator (AED) used to try and revive a person suffering from cardiac arrest. Though this program does not certify any participants, the FDNY and NYC Service believe increasing the knowledge of how to save a life is far more beneficial.

The program welcomes all ages, as long as the individual can demonstrate competency in retaining the required skills.

Appointments can be made Monday through Friday during the hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Classes may be approximately 20 minutes depending on the size of the group.

For group registration of 10 or more participants or further information, contact the FDNY’s CPR Training Unit at Telephone Number (718) 281-3888.

Group Sessions

Clergy United for Community Empowerment, Inc. Group Sessions are located at 89-31 161st St., 10th Floor, Jamaica, for the community on various topics such as domestic violence, mental health, substance abuse intervention, decision making, condom use, high risk behaviors leading to HIV, and self – esteem awareness.

All group sessions offer light snacks and beverages. Group sessions are open to the public.

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

Infant Mortality

Clergy United for Community Empowerment’s Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative program provides the following services free of charge: case management services, parent skills building, crib care, breast feeding education, health education, nutritional information/education, referral for HIV testing, confidential one-on-one counseling, workshops, and women support groups. IMRI provides referrals for Food stamps, GED, GYN, Emergency Baby Formula (qualifications required) and more. Call (718) 297-0720. Located at 89-31 161 St., 10th floor, Jamaica.

Services are available Tue.-Thurs. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HIV Awareness

Clergy United for Community Empowerment provides intervention and curriculum-based prevention education sessions on HIV/AIDS, to re-

duce risk behaviors that lead to HIV transmission. Services are located at 89-31 161st St., Jamaica. Call (718) 297-0720 ask about our presentation to adolescents and men/women of color. Services are available Tue.Thurs., 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Merrick Flea Market

A flea market has opened at 22102 Merrick Blvd. On sale are a wide range of items, including household items, jewelry and clothing.

The market is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

PAL Volunteers

The Police Athletic League (PAL) is looking for volunteers to continue its mission of serving New York City’s young people by donating their time and talents to help serve Queens youngsters at PAL’s Redfern Cornerstone and Far Rockaway Beacon in Arverne-Far Rockaway, PAL’s Edward Byrne Center in South Jamaica and PS 214 in Flushing.

PAL Centers in Queens offer a wide range of opportunities for volunteers of all talents. PAL’s Redfern Cornerstone and Far Rockaway Beacon are looking for people to participate in a center clean-up day. Volunteers are needed to tutor and mentor young people during the After School Program’s daily homework help sessions. In addition, individuals can also donate their time assisting the many special events held at PAL’s Centers throughout the year. PAL is also seeking professionals to give career advice and talk about their own careers to young people, as well as guest speakers who can share information on a specific hobby of interest to the youngsters.

To become a volunteer with the Police Athletic League or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, please visit palnyc.org. Volunteers will go through an application process that includes an interview, screening and an orientation. For more information, please contact PAL’s Volunteer Coordinator, Alexandria Sumpter-Delves, at (212) 4779450, Ext. 390 or volunteer@palnyc.org.

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

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 21-27, 2012

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

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

TALKS AUDIO BOOK CLUB Mondays, December 24, 31 at the Seaside library at 11.

THEATER OUR TOWN March 1-9 “Our Town” at Queensborough Communit y College. 6316311.

MARISOL May 3-11 “Marisol” is an apocalyptic urban fantasy which urges societ y to ‘wake up.’ Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6311.

KILLING KOMPANY The Killing Company performs mystery dinner shows. 1-888-SHOOT-EM for information.

PARENTS PSYCHOLOGICAL CTR Social skills program with the goal of increasing children’s self-esteem and social skills in a supportive environment.

Queens College Psychological Center. 5700500.

SAMUEL FIELD Y Diverse services for the needs of children of all ages, stages and abilit y levels. 225-6750.

ADHD OR PDD After school programs to meet the needs of elementary school aged children who have learning disabilities and ADHD or PDD at the Bay Te r r a c e C e n te r. 2 2 5 6750, ext. 266.

ANIBIC Association for Neurologically Impaired Brain Injured Children, Inc. sponsors programs for those through adulthood.

423-9550, ext. 243.

Queens Today

MEETINGS PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturday, December 22 learn how to communicate effectively from 1012 at Elmhurst Hospital.

646-748-8290.

GARDENING CLUB Saturdays in the

SENIORS DUPLICATE BRIDGE Mondays Lunch, lesson and congenial play. Pride of Judea. 423-6200.

STAY WELL Mondays at the Central library at 10 and Wednesdays at 10:15 at the East E l m h u r st l i b r ar y. Le a r n how special exercise and relaxation techniques make a difference in your life.

FAIRWAY SHOPPING Tuesdays free transportation to and from courtesy Hollis Court Bd. Of Directors. Pickup and drop off on the corner of 213 th Street and 73 rd Avenue at 10:30 for 1.5 hours shopping.

POMONOK CENTER Tuesdays and Thursdays free ESL classes 9-10:30.

Thursdays Dear Abby Group at 11 and Knitting and Crochet Club at 1 and Chinese Language Classes at 1. Pomonok Senior Center, 67-09 Kissena Blvd., Flushing.

591-3377.

CAREGIVERS Tu e s d a y s C a r e g i ve r s Support group at 3:304:30 Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 2 6 th A v e n u e , B a y s i d e .

631-1886.

STARS Wednesdays Senior Theatre Acting Repertory at the Hollis library at 11:15.

BRIDGE Wednesdays Reform Temple of Forest Hills.

261-2900.

HORIZONS Thursday, December 27 Securit y lecture at Horizons, a club for those 55 and over at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 7 1 - 1 1 1 1 2 th S t r e e t a t 12:30. $3 includes coffee and cake. Bring lunch.

KEW GARDENS Thursdays relax and improve your health 10-11.

80-02 Kew Gardens Road, suite 202.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Friday, December 28 at the Rosedale library. 4798914 to register.

STARS Fridays Senior Theater Acting Repertory at the Queens Village library at 11.

Steinway library courtyard at 4.

JEWISH VETS Sunday, December 23 Jewish War Veterans of the USA Lipsky/Blum Post meet at the Garden Jewish Center. 4634742.

VFW 4787 Monday, December 24 VFW Post 4787 meets at 1 9 - 1 2 1 4 9 th S t r e e t , Whitestone at 8. 7460540.

CIVIL AIR PATROL Mondays Falcon Senior Squadron at 7 at JFK Airport. 781-2359.

ORATORIO SOCIETY Mondays at 7:45 at Temple Beth Sholom in Flushing. 279-3006.

GLEE CLUB Tuesdays Bayside Men’s Glee Club rehearses at 8 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 214-35 40 th Avenue, Bayside. 961-6852.

MEN’S CLUB SOCCER Tuesday evenings Forest Hills Jewish Center 89:30. 263-7000.

ADVANCED WRITERS Tu e s d a y s Advanced Bayside Writers’ Group meets at 6:30 in the Terrace Diner, 212-97 26 th Avenue, upper level.

WRITING CLUB Wednesday, December 26 at 1 at the Seaside librar y.

TRAVEL CLUB Wednesday, December 26 Seaside library at 3:15.

CONVERSATION CLUB Wednesday, December 26 Seaside library at 5:30.

FH VAC Wednesday, December 26 Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corp. 7932055.

SCRIBBLERS SALON Thursday, December 27 Central library at 6.

HORIZONS Thursday, December 27 Securit y lecture at Horizons, a club for those 55 and over at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 7 1 - 1 1 1 1 2 th S t r e e t a t 12:30. $3 includes coffee and cake. Bring lunch.

CIVIL AIR PATROL Thursdays at 3 at August Martin HS, 156-10 Baisley Blvd., Jamaica. 525-6925.

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

GOLD COAST ROTARY Fridays 516-466-3636.

CLUTTERERS ANON. Fridays Learn how to gain control of your life by eliminating your clutter. 712-7656.

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS JOB INTERVIEW Saturday, December 22 job interview preparation and mock interviews at the Far Rockaway library. 327-2549.

MICROSOFT EXCEL Saturday, December 22 C e n t r a l l i b r a r y. 9 9 0 86125.

WISE Saturday, December 22 Coming Home WISE (Working Informed, Supported, Educated) at the Central library at 2.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturday, December 22 at Elmhurst Hospital at 10. 646-748-8290.

SEWING CLASSES Saturdays 12-3 at Maria Rose International Doll Museum in St. Albans.

276-3454.

SCRABBLE CLUB Saturdays at 10 at Count Basie Jr. HS. 886-5236.

OPEN COMPUTER LAB Mondays and Wednesdays at 11 at the Arverne library. 634-4784 info.

BRIDGE Mondays e x c e p t h o l i days 12-4 at Pride of Judea in Douglaston. Lesson & play $10. Partners arranged. 423-6200.

DRAWING CLASS Mondays National Art League in Douglaston.

361-0628.

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

KNIT & CROCHET Tuesday, December 18 Windsor Park library at 2.

CHESS CLUB Tuesdays LIC library at 4.

GET YOUR YARNS OUT! Tuesdays after evening Minyan at 8, knitters, crocheters, needlepointers, and others meet at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 2637000, ext. 200.

FREE MUSIC Wednesday, December 26 Finding Free Legal Music at the Central library. 990-8625.

JOB SEARCH Wednesday, December 26 strategies at the Central library. 990-0746 and at 1:30 at the LIC library.

POWERPOINT Wednesday, December 26 Basic Design and Animation with PowerPoint at 4:30 at the Arverne library.

WATERCOLOR Wednesdays all techniques and subjects at the National Art League.9691128.

MOCK INTERVIEWS Thursday, December 27 a t t h e C e n t r a l l i b ra r y.

990-5148 register.

INTRO COMPUTERS Thursdays, December 27 at the Ozone Park library.

Register.

MICROSOFT OFFICE Thursday, December 27 at the Arverne library at 10:30.

ORIGAMI WORKSHOP Thursday, December 27 at the Seaside library at 5:30.

NETWORKING Thursday, December 27 a t t h e C e n t r a l l i b r a r y.

990-0746.

FACEBOOK Thursday, December 27 a t t h e C e n t r a l l i b r a r y.

990-8625.

JOB STRATEGIES Thursday, December 27 Online Job Search Strategies at the Flushing librar y. Register.

BEGIN BUSINESS Thursday, December 27 Beginning Business Basics at 6 at the Flushing library.

QUILTING CLASS Thursdays 11-3 Maria Rose Doll Museum in St. Albans. 276-3454 East Elmhurst library at 12.

METRIX TRAINING Friday, December 28 free online training through Metrix Learning a t t h e C e n t r a l l i b r a r y.

990-5148 register.

INTER. COMPUTER Friday, December 28 intermediate Word and Excel at 1 at the Arverne library.

CHESS CLUB Fridays at 3:30 at the Auburndale library.

OPEN LAB Fridays at 2 at the Central library.

OPEN COMPUTER LAB Fridays 2-5 at the LIC librar y.

JOB SEARCH HELP Fridays 1-2 one-on-one help with your search for employment at the Astoria library. 990-8625 register.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES Saturday, December 29 How Do I Use Thing?

C e n t r a l l i b r a r y. 9 9 0 8625.

BORROW E-BOOKS Saturday, December 29 a t t h e C e n t r a l l i b r a r y.

990-8625.

HEALTH WAITANKUNG Sundays at 2. Total-body workout. Flushing Hospital/Medical Center. Free.

Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156.

SCHIZOPHRENICS Sundays in Rego Park.

896-3400.

TAI CHI Mondays and Thursdays at 11 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695. $5.

RELAX/MEDITATION Tuesday, December 25 Relaxation and M3editation Time at 5:30 at the Seaside library.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Tu e s d a y s We s t e r n Queens Caregiver Network in Sunnyside. 5:306:30. 784-6173, ext. 431.

Also, 3:30-4:30 Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886. Various services at the Queens Communit y House, 80-02 Kew Gardens Road. 268-5960, ext. 226.

AUTISM Tuesdays Qualit y Services for the Autism Communit y holds workshops for families and friends of autistic children and adults. 7-AUTISM, ext. 1219.

DAY TOP Tu e s d a y s s u p p o r t f o r family and friends of those affected by sub-

stance abuse. 1-8002Daytop.

BLOOD DRIVE Wednesday, December 26 blood drive at Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston 12:306:30. 229-4000 to register.

OA Wednesdays Overeaters Anonymous Howard Beach library at 11.

ZUMBA Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 6701695. $10 class.

RECOVERY INT. Thursday, December 27 Recovery International meets at 2:30 at the Forest Hills library.

MEDITATION CLUB Thursday, December 27 at 5:30 at the Bellerose library.

CPR COURSE Friday, December 28 at Alley Pond Environmental Center at 1. 229-4000 to register. Free.

CO-DEPENDENTS Fridays 10-11:45 at Resurrection Ascension Pastoral Center, 85-18 61 st Road, Rego Park.

Women only.

SUPPORT GROUPS Alcohol, drugs, domestic violence, martial issues, depression, a n x i e t y, phobia, etc. Woodside Clinic. 779-1234.

Dec. 21-27, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

Queens Today

Queens Today

YOUTH

TEENS

QUEENS LIBRARIES Many branches of the Queensborough Library offer toddler and preschool programs and more. Contact local branches.

HOMEWORK HELP McGoldrick library. Call for hours and days.

STORY BOOK LADY Saturdays 12:30-1:30 reading enrichment program for 6-9 year olds at Maria Rose International Doll Museum in St. Albans. $7.50. 276-3454.

MATH HELP Saturdays for grades 48 at the Flushing library at 10.

SCIENCE LAB Saturdays Central library at 11.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2.

SHABBAT SCOUTS Sundays Shomer Shabbat Boy Scout Troop 613 at Young Israel of Windsor Park. 969-1571.

WORD OF THE WEEK Mondays, December 24, 31 at the McGoldrick library at 5.

CRAFT KIDS Mondays at the Flushing library at 3.

BEGIN CHESS Mondays at 3:30 at the Windsor Park library.

KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at the Douglaston library at 4.

KNIT & CROCHET Tu e s d a y s a t 5 a t t h e Rochdale Village library.

CRAFTIVITIES Wednesday, December 26 at the East Flushing library. Register.

TODDLER STORY TIME Wednesday, December 26 LIC library at 11.

PICTURE BOOK Wednesday, December 26 at the Rosedale library at 11.

ALPHABET CITY Wednesday, December 26 at the Laurelton librar y. Register.

PROJECT RUNWAY Wednesday, December 26 at the Pomonok librar y. Register.

SNOWFLAKE Wednesday, December 26 make your own snowflake at the Flushing library at 3.

HEALTH & SCIENCE Wednesday, December 26 at the McGoldrick library at 5.

CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library and 4:30 at the Poppenhusen library.

GAME DAY Wednesdays Howard Beach library at 4.

CRAFTERNOONS Wednesdays Ridgewood library. Register.

HALL OF SCIENCE December 27-30 activities include learning to work on a circuit board, creating a tissue box guitar, build a drum kit, create boats, more. Hall of Science.

READING BUDDIES Thursday, December 27 McGoldrick library at 5.

FAMILY STORY TIME Thursday, December 27 at the Bay Terrace library at 11:30.

MATTER OF FACT Thursday, December 27 investigate the ingredients of the universe at the Central library at 2.

NEW YEARS HATS Thursday, December 27 make your own hats and crowns at 4 at the Richmond Hill library.

WE’VE GOT TALENT Thursday, December 27 Holiday talent show at the Pomonok library at 4:30.

S TO RY T I M E Thursday, December 27 Hollis library at 11:30.

ORIGAMI WORKSHOP Thursday, December 27 Seaside library at 5:30.

ANIMAL CARE CLUB Thursday, December 27 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 2294000.

WINTER WILDLIFE Thursday, December 27 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 2294000.

ARTS & CRAFTS CLUB Thursdays at the Seaside library. Register.

PICTURE BOOK Friday, December 28 Ozone Park library at 11.

DUNGEONS/DRAGONS Friday, December 28 Ozone Park library at 4.

VIDEO/BOARD GAMES Friday, December 28 at the Rochdale Village library at 4:30.

PRESCHOOL CRAFTS Friday, December 28 at t h e S u n n y s i d e l i b r a r y.

Register.

BOOK BUDDIES Friday, December 28 at the Fresh Meadows library at 4.

S TO RY T I M E Friday, December 28 at the Arverne library at 11.

LEGO WORLD BUILDER Friday, December 28 at 4 at the Glendale library.

CRAFTING Friday, December 28 Crafting with Stitches from the Heart at the Pomonok library at 1:30.

KWANZA A Friday, December 28 stories and craft at the Central library at 2.

KWANZA A Friday, December 28 rhythm of Kwanzaa at the Pomonok library at 3.

KEEPSAKE BOXES Friday, December 28 Keepsake Boxes and Sugar Plums: A Family Friendly Workshop at the Voelker Orth Museum in Flushing. 359-6227 to register.

BOARD GAMES Fridays at the Windsor Park library at 4.

KIDS ACTIVITIES Fridays at 3:30 at the Briarwood library.

GAME DAY Fridays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays Briarwood library at 4.East Flushing Register. Ozone Park at 3.

GAME DAY Fridays Windsor Park at 4.

CHESS CLUB Fridays Auburndale library at 3:30 and at the W i n d s o r P a r k l i b r a r y.

Register.

CUB SCOUTS 351 Fridays at St. Nicholas of Tolentine. Boys in grades 1-5. 820-0015.

SCOUTING Join Scouting in Queens.

212-651-2897.

CUB/TROOP SCOUTS Fridays September through June Pack 357 and Troop 357 in Flushing. 591-9514 Cubs, 2799085 Scouts.

MISCELLANEOUS COMMUNITY SINGERS C o m m u n i t y S i n ge r s o f Queens, Inc. rehearses at Messiah Lutheran Church. New members welcome. 658-1021.

AUXILIARY OFF. 105 th Precinct Communit y Council invites all interested in becoming an Auxiliary Police Officer. 776-9268.

FH VAC The Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps needs volunteers. 7932055.

FH SYMPHONY Wednesdays rehearsals at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 374-1627.

GLEE CLUB Tu e s d ay s t h e B ay s i d e Men’s Glee Club rehearses. 424-5769.

MEMORY LOSS? Caregivers need a break?

631-1886.

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

HOLIDAY JEWELRY Saturday, December 22 create your own holiday jewelry at the Forest Hills library at 2.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2.

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

LAPTOPS Tuesday, December 25 at the Hollis library at 3.

KNIT & CROCHET Tuesday, December 25 at the Rochdale Village library at 5.

LIC CHESS CLUB Tuesdays LIC library at 4.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays Windsor Park library at 4.

ANIMATION/PWR PT. Wednesday, December 26 Basic Design and Animation with PowerPoint at 5:45 at the Arverne library.

YU-GI-OH Wednesday, December 26 at the Flushing library at 2.

PROJECT RUNWAY Wednesday, December 26 register Pomonok library.

RESUME HELP Wednesdays at 3 at the Arverne library.

GAME DAY Wednesdays St. Albans library at 4 and Howard Beach library at 4.

CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 Queens Village library.

ORIGAMI WORKSHOP Thursday, December 27 Seaside library at 5:30.

ANIME CLUB Thursday, December 27 Flushing library at 4.

SAT PREP Thursday, December 27 take a free practice SAT test at the Hollis library.

800-273-8439.

OPEN MIC Thursday, December 27 at the East Elmhurst library at 6.

TEEN THURSDAYS Thursdays Bay Terrace library at 3.

CHESS CLUB Thursdays intermediate level at the East Flushing library at 5. Sunnyside library at 5.

WII GAME DAY Friday, December 28 at the Poppenhusen library at 4.

HAPPY HOUR Friday, December 28 at the Flushing library at 4.

BOOK BUDDIES Friday, December 28 at the Fresh Meadows library at 4.

CRAFTING Friday, December 28

Crafting with Stitches from the Heart at 1:30 at the Pomonok library.

TEEN MOVIES Fridays at 3:30 at the Central librar y.

BOARD GAMES Fridays at 4 at the Windsor Park library.

CHESS CLUB Fridays Auburndale library at 3:30.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays Briarwood library at 4.

WII FRIDAYS

Fridays at the Hollis library at 3:30.

GAME DAY Fridays Woodhaven library at 4:30 and the Windsor Park library at 4.

THEATER Saturday, December 29 Action Racket Theatre at the Flushing library at 2.

SUNDAY MOVIE Sunday, December 30 “Snow White and the Huntsman” at 2 at the Central library.

ENTERTAINMENT MOVING IMAGE Through December 30 “See It Big” films. Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. $12.

Adults. 777-6800.

WORLD CASINO 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park. Free admission.

JUSTICE Saturday, December 22 Beaut y and Urgenc y of Justice: A Holiday Event of Music and Vivid Commentary t the Flushing library at 2.

SONGS OF JOY Saturday, December 22 Peace of Heart Choir: Songs of Joy and Healing in the Language of the World at the Jackson Heights library at 3.

NUTCRACKER Saturday, December 22 a t F l u s h i n g Tow n H a l l .

463-7700, ext. 222.

LIVE JAZZ & R&B Sundays, December 23, 30 live jazz and r&b 610 at Déjà vu, 180-25 Linden Blvd., St. Albans.

SALSA Mondays Resorts World Casino holds Monday Night Salsa events. Lessons 7:30.

110-00 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone ark. 215-2828.

Free.

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

SCRABBLE Tuesdays Fresh Meadows library at 1 and East Flushing library at 3:30.

CHESS Tuesdays 4:30 Rosedale library and 4 at LIC library.

SOUTH ASIA ON FILM Wednesdays through April 25 at 4:30 at the G o d w i n - Te r n b a c h M u seum at Queens College.

997-4747 for titles and

other info.

SQUIRM BURPEE December 27-31 Squirm Burpee, a vaudevillian melodrama for the entire family at Queens Theatre in the Park. 7600064.

OPEN MIC Thursday, December 27 at the East Elmhurst library at 6.

GAME DAY Fridays 4:30 Woodhaven library GAME PLAYERS CLUB Fridays 2 Hillcrest librar y.

SUNDAY MOVIE Sunday, December 30 “Snow White and the Huntsman” at 2 at the Central library.

RELIGIOUS TEMPLE BETH Fridays, December 21, 28 Shabbat Services at 8. Saturdays, December 22, 29 Shabbat Services and Torah Study at 10.

Te m p l e B e t h S h o l o m , 171-39 Northern Blvd., Flushing. 463-4143.

REGO PARK JC Wednesdays weekly Torah Portion Class with Rabbi Wa i d e n b a u m 6:30-7:45. Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd., Rego Park.

459-1000.

FLEA MARKETS FLEA MARKET Thursdays-Sundays MFM flea market at 221-02 Merrick Blvd., Springfield Gardens.

THRIFT SHOPS S a t u r d a y s a t Tr i n i t y United Methodist C h u r c h , 8 6 - 0 2 1 0 8 th Street, Richmond Hill.

347-251-8583. Saturdays 11-4 at Queens Baptist Church, 93-23 217 th Street, Queens Village.465-2504.

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Dec. 21-27, 2012

Dec. 21-27, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

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