Queens Press Epaper

Volume 11 Issue No. 40 Oct. 8 - 14, 2010

PAGE 22

EYE IN THE SKY:

BLIND JUSTICE PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

Jamaica residents su ested the suggested recent rise in crime could be reversed with a better use of Police resources and further collaboration with the community.

By Sasha Austrie…Page 3

Online at www.QueensPress.com

News Briefs York Lecture Series Dr. Timothy Paglione, a professor in the Department of Earth and Physical Sciences in the School of Arts and Sciences at York College, will present at the next installment of the Provost Lecture Series.

A prolific researcher, Paglione’s areas of expertise include Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Science; he is the latest faculty member scheduled to share his scholarship with the college and external communities in the Provost Lecture Series.

Paglione is also Research Associate in Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History and co-director of the NASA-founded Science Engineering Mathematics Aerospace Academy (SEMAA) based at York, which encourages school-aged minority children to pursue careers in the sciences.

In addition to his busy teaching and research schedule, Paglione serves the larger Queens community as “astronomer in residence” at the York College Observatory, helping star-gazers find meteors, exploding stars and distant planets, using the Observatory’s telescope. He is listed on the “Notable People of CUNY” roster of outstanding faculty.

The event will take place on October 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. in Room 2M04.

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 8-14, 2010

DOB Violations Galore Nearly 90 percent of rental apartments inspected during an undercover operation conducted by the Dept. of Buildings to crack down on illegally converted apartments were found to have illegal living conditions. More than half were ordered vacated.

Mayor Mike Bloomberg and DOB Commissioner Robert LiMandri announced the results late last month. During the operation, DOB agents posed as potential tenants and solicited rental apartments listed on Craigslist for rental. Of the 62 apartments inspected, a total of 54 had violations. In Queens, 23 were found to have illegal conditions, such as untested gas lines, single-room occupancies with locks on individual rooms and an inadequate number of exits, commonly the most serious of all violations.

In total, 33 properties were issued vacate orders for lack of secondary exits, with the most being in Queens, and a total of 104 violations were issued to property owners of the rest of the violating properties, with large penalties ranging from $6,000 to $25,000. To resolve the violation, property owners must remove the illegal construction work and submit a certificate of correction, or sworn affidavit, to the DOB that details how these conditions have been corrected.

“Illegal conversions can have deadly consequences, and too often we have seen that tragic result,” said Bloomberg. “It’s often difficult, and sometimes impossible, for investigators to gain access to potential illegal conversions and this undercover operation is a new, creative way to stop some unsafe conditions.”

Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano said illegal conversions have been responsible for numerous fatal fires citywide.

“Fires in illegal conversions and occupancies have cost firefighters and tenants their lives,” Cassano said. “These conditions can make it nearly impossible for victims to escape a fire and can make it extremely challenging for firefighters to get to victims in a

fire. The FDNY strongly supports efforts to crack down on a problem that puts the lives of so many in jeopardy.”

FDNY Pilot In Boro A plan by the FDNY that would slow response time – only in Queens – to some calls does not sit well with the borough councilwoman who chairs the Fire and Criminal Justice Committee on the City Council.

The pilot program, being tested across all of Queens as of this past Monday, is designed to minimize unnecessary use of lights and sirens when responding to nonemergencies, essentially making a safer response.

Fire Commissioner Sal Cassano pointed out the significance of improving safety when responding to an emergency.

“Often, responding to a call can be even more dangerous for our members than the incident itself, and we want to minimize the danger this poses to firefighters and the public,” he said.

Councilwoman Liz Crowley (D-Middle Village) said she will hold a hearing to review unanswered questions about the new pilot program.

“It remains unclear what standards are being used to determine what warrants an emergency response,” Crowley said.

“The Fire Department needs to come before the City Council to explain further how and when they intend to use this plan.”

The FDNY responds to emergency calls almost 1 million times a year, often with multiple units responding to the most minor of “emergencies.”

“A growing percentage of our responses are not fires or life-threatening emergencies, but many types of non-life threatening incidents such as water leaks, downed trees and faulty alarm systems,” said Cassano.

Exec Office Center Opens After more than a year of renovations, the Executive Office Center at Fresh Meadows is opened for business.

Built by Jack and Steven Blumner in 1990, the building at 61-43 186th St. was used as real estate headquarters for nearly 20 years, until Coldwell Banker vacated the premises last year.

Left with an empty building and a mortgage to pay, the brothers saw an opportunity to fill what they think is a muchneeded niche in commercial office space.

Traditional commercial buildings leave tenants responsible for renovations, utilities and other expenses.

The Executive Office Center is a more cost-effective way to run a business, ready to occupy, complete with furniture, internet and telephone service. Other perks include shared conference rooms, kitchen facilities and receptionist – and help marketing.

“We believe that we will be able to grow this into a very novel, and very prestigious building,” said Center Director Jack Blumner.

Brief Us! Mail your news brief items to: PRESS of Southeast Queens 174-15 Horace Harding Expwy.

Fresh Meadows, NY 11365

Presstime

Crime Surge Worries Community Crowded in the basement of Bethel Emanuel Temple on Monday evening, residents brought the neighborhood’s troubles to the feet of a state senator, city councilman, NYPD officials, a city council candidate and members of the clergy.

The town hall meeting was in response to a recent spike in violence in Southeast Queens.

“There’s a need to mobilize around the issues,” said Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans). “We can’t afford to meet, vent our frustrations and walk away.”

Pimps, prostitution and squatters were the constant issues cropping up throughout the duration of the meeting.

To further highlight the urgency, a second town hall was held on Tuesday, which was hosted by Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton). The majority of complaints were burglaries and other quality of life issues. He said the uptick in violence stems from the economic downturn.

“Many people who had been borderline have gone off the edge in a life of crime,” he said.

At Monday’s meeting, residents complained that prostitution was not only plaguing main thoroughfares, but it infiltrated neighborhood backstreets. A 16year resident of 101st Avenue said prostitution was rife around the corner from her home. She pointed to a particular location where the daily goings-on alluded to suspicious activity.

Inspector Charles McEvoy said officers have responded to the home located

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

the neighborhood, they are ready to bear some of the responsibility.

Rev. Larry Davidson challenged pastors to extend their reach and influence beyond the church’s four walls.

“You need to put pressure on your pastors,” Davidson said. “You can take a person out of the whorehouse, but that doesn’t stop them from being a whore.”

Davidson called for a walk of the neighborhood on Fridays. Comrie and Wills have pledged their support to walk alongside the pastor.

“Every Friday, we need to talk to young brothers,” Davidson said. “Young black men are tired of hearing their mothers’ voices.”

Though the community is beyond Comrie’s physical district, he has taken up the slack since Councilman Tom White died.

“There is a void and I am doing everything that I can to fill that void until” White’s successor is elected.

Going forward, Comrie said the neighborhood needs to have more meetings and organize. He said since the meeting, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly’s office has contacted him and asked to be made aware of the next meeting.

Sanders said a community patrol was also suggested in his district. In Rosedale, there is an existing community patrol trained by police officers.

“This, I believe, engages the community,” he said.

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

Borough Command said the NYPD will push to put more undercover officers on the street and arrest the men.

“When I go back to Albany in January, I will look at legislation regarding prostitution and trafficking,” said State Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica).

“Give some of these johns a vacation from home for a long time.”

Huntley said she did not know the extent of the prostitution problems, though she has seen evidence on Members of the community are decrying a prosti- Rockaway and Baisley Boulevards. tution spike at the intersection of South Road and “I see young girls standing there Sutphin Boulevard and other areas of Southeast dressed like clowns,” she said. “Every Queens, as well as other types of crime. john that rides up, they should put them in jail.”

Ruben Wills, a candidate for the 28th on 101st Avenue on numerous occasions and that the NYPD is working with the Council District, said he was not surprised Departments of Buildings and Housing by the prostitution complaints.

“I’ve been back there,” he said. Wills Preservation and Development to evacuate possible squatters and board up the pledged to get rid of the people taking home. DOB issued a vacate order and advantage of the community.

“This is not a meeting to kumbaya,” he anyone found on the premises would be arrested, according to McEvoy. said. “We are not lying about the stuff that To combat the influx of prostitution in we said we are going to do. This is not a the community’s innards, there was a re- political stunt.”

Neal Wright, a trustee at Faith Taberquest for the sky tower stationed on Guy R. Brewer Boulevard to be rotated as well nacle, said the neighborhood’s problems as the Impact Response Team and Criti- stem from economic woes. cal Resource Vehicles to shift to other ar“You can get rid of every pimp and eas within the bounds of the 28th Coun- every prostitute, but it is going to come back,” he said. “Every murder robs $15 cil District.

“There is a prostitution problem in the million from this community.”

Wright called for educational funding Sutphin Boulevard corridor and South Road,” McEvoy said. “There were to change the perception and mindset of shootings this year that had a prostitu- children in the neighborhood.

Though community members made a tion nexus.”

Inspector Pearson of Queens South plea to the NYPD to assist in rebuilding

Failed Boro Mall Lines Up A Buyer

BY BRIAN M. RAFFERTY

PRESS Photos by Brian M. Rafferty

appointed receiver protecting the interests of Atlas Park's financial backers. "That way you have a clean slate when you purchase the property."

He noted that due to the complicated nature of a foreclosure of this size, as opposed to an estate auction, "it is highly unlikely that that somebody would walk in off the street at the auction and pay the money for that size foreclosure."

"The sale date would be an administrative technicality, part of the evolution of the case of the foreclosure matter," Millus said.

Looking forward, Millus said he is hopeful for the mall's eventual rebound.

"Very shortly there will be new ownership," he said. "They will then improve [Atlas Park], increase tenancy and customer traffic, and make this an enormously popular retail destination."

Woodbury is just as optimistic.

"I think everybody on our side of the equation, including the banks, has the same intention and goal," he said. "I think it can be a success."

A date for the auction has not yet been set.

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

Oct. 8-14, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

The Shops At Atlas Park, a shaky mall in Glendale that is facing a $128 million debt and foreclosure, looks like it has a buyer.

McCaffery Interests, based out of Chicago, has confirmed that it is in negotiations regarding Atlas Park.

"It's a lovely property, but it fell on hard times," said McCaffery Vice President and Partner Ed Woodbury.

"We've been at serious due diligence in conjunction with the bank group for about five weeks now," he said. The bank "tapped us on the shoulder and said, 'We'd like to work with you to try to buy the property, to help restructure and reposition the property as well.' We've been very into that mission for the last five weeks."

McCaffery has residential interests primarily in the Chicago area, and has a slew of retail properties. The company does what it calls "ground-up" projects, from inception to opening and management, as well as rehab projects. Their shopping centers range from larger complexes that house national retail stores such as Target and Barnes & Noble, to smaller, strip mall-style venues that primarily house local retailers.

The Shops at Atlas Park opened at 80th Street and Cooper Avenue in Glendale in 2006.

Tucked away in a hidden corner of the borough, the mall quickly lost tenants and was unable to sustain foot traffic necessary to be profitable. In February 2009, creditors who backed Atco Builders, owners of the property, pulled their note and initiated foreclosure proceedings. A new property manager, the Mattone Group, was brought in at that In its heyday after opening in 2006, the Shops at Atlas time, but even they turned their Park was a bustling center. By 2008, its fortunes backs on the mall in April of this began to change, leading to the 2009 foreclosure. year, just 14 months later.

Today, a multiplex and a handful of to say that we don't know all there is to restaurants feed some customers to the know about Queens… but the goal is to handful of shops that remain. A Subway make [Atlas Park] fit well in the commufranchise, first contracted for the site in nity once again, to make it part of the the winter, just opened this week on the community. There are plenty of shoppers site of the former Amish Market gourmet that want to use that center."

Many of the tenants that remain are store.

Woodbury said his company has been determined to get through the foreclosure, discussing the mall with local leaders, lease the auction for which will still be held, even though there may only be one bidholders and other interested parties.

"The major thing that occurs to us is der. A date is likely to be set for later this that everyone is determined to make [the month.

"Once you start a foreclosure you genmall] a success in that community," he said. "We'd be understating the obvious erally finish it," said Paul Millus, the court-

Paterson OK’s Hospital Closure Bill

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 8-14, 2010

It came down to the last day, but Gov. David Paterson signed the Hospital Closure Planning Act. "Finally," said Sen. Shirley Huntley (DJamaica). "For a moment there, I was wondering if he was going to sign it."

The act, sponsored by Huntley and Assemblyman Rory Lancman (DHillcrest), was in response to the closure of Mary Immaculate and St. John's hospitals in Queens, and St. Vincent's Hospital in Manhattan. The law requires the State Dept. of Health to host a public forum concerning the impact of a hospital's closure and access to healthcare.

"The passage of this new law is a great victory for all New Yorkers who rely on their community hospitals to provide accessible quality medical care," Lancman said. "Communities deserve an honest assessment of a hospital closing's impact, and a plan for serving their healthcare needs, and this new law will provide both."

Huntley said even with the new law, she still has concerns regarding healthcare in her district.

"Something has to be there," she said.

"Now there is no place to run. There needs to be something in the area."

Huntley said when she returns to Albany in January, she is hoping to start the groundwork to add medical facilities in Downtown Jamaica and Richmond Hill.

"I have to reach out to the right people to get something there," she said.

Huntley contends that if the law was in place before the closures, the community may have influenced the outcome.

"Losing a hospital can adversely affect a community and its residents," she said. "Due to the current economic climate New York State is facing, we must ensure that neighborhoods across the state can access alternative health care when a hospital closes. It is equally important to involve communities in the planned closure of a hospital and in re-

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

placing the most important services residents rely on."

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.

Gov. David Paterson signed a bill that would create more transparency should another hospital go under, as Mary Immaculate did last year.

Alliance Gathering For New Ideas

BY SASHA AUSTRIE The Eastern Queens Alliance is hosting a neighborhood conversation regarding life in Southeast Queens.

Barbara Brown, Alliance chairwoman, said people have a host of complaints about their community, which include crime, neighborhood overcrowding, lack of reliable transportation and illegal truck parking.

"The purpose of the meeting is to bring people together," she said.

The meeting will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at Bethlehem Missionary Church, located at 218-38 98th Ave. Bernella Wilcox, a member of the Alli-

ance, said a multitude of civic and block associations will be in attendance - SpringGar Community Civic, Wayanda Civic Association, Rosedale Springfield Community Action Committee, Rosedale Civic Association and United Neighbors Civic Association of Jamaica.

"We hope that people will bring their issues and their possible solutions," Wilcox said. "We hope to bring them together and create a task force. We hope to improve and keep [the character of our neighborhoods.]"

Brown said overdevelopment of Southeast Queens' neighborhoods has led to congestion and communities rife with renters.

"A lot of the damage was done before the downzonings," Brown said.

Another concern is the environment and "the air we breathe."

In terms of transportation, Brown said Southeast Queens' residents pay more "in terms of time and money."

Brown said the event, entitled a Community CafĂŠ, will not only focus on the troubles of Southeast Queens, but also the positives.

"I have been a resident for 30 years and the reason I moved to Southeast Queens is because it is a neighborhood with one- and two-family homes and green space," she said. "There was a sense of community."

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

Paterson Asks FEMA To Declare A Disaster

BY BRIAN M. RAFFERTY

FEMA to make it official so we can get the federal funding we desperately need to repair our neighborhoods, roads and parks."

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) drafted a letter to FEMA Administrator Gov. David Paterson asked that FEMA declare Queens a Craig Fugate Tuesday, disaster area. asking to help speed relief. ume of dangerous weather this year," "A swift disaster declaration will help Gillibrand wrote. those affected begin the rebuilding proReach Editor Brian M. Rafferty at cess and support local emergency services brafferty@queenstribune.com or (718) 357which have been strained by a high vol- 7400, Ext. 122.

Zarin-Rosenfeld. “We look forward to supporting these schools as they work to develop small learning communities for their students.”

Small Learning Communities exist in about 20 high schools throughout the city, including six in Queens. Typically, each SLC has 250-450 students who spend the majority of their time within their SLC working with a core group of teachers.

The goal is to create a “personalized learning environment,” with close monitoring of each student by teachers and other adults. Each SLC is led by an assistant principal and “is structured around a theme or unifying principal.”

To create a small school feel, Hillcrest High School’s more than 3,000 students are organized entirely into nine SLCs, each with their own theme. Every SLC has its own course offerings, guidance counselors and teachers, with themes that vary from Humanities to Pre-Med. It is too early to tell whether Richmond Hill and Long Island City will follow the same mold.

Both schools will focus on academic intervention, attendance and credit accumulation during the ninth grade, with mandatory summer school for those not promoted, according to Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who helped procure

PRESS Photos by Joseph Orvic

Two weeks after two tornadoes and a macroburst tore a line across the borough's midsection, Gov. David Paterson asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to recommend determining Queens and Brooklyn a federal disaster area.

According to a FEMA spokesman, the onus was on the state to meet certain thresholds to be eligible to even ask for the declaration; these included the declaration of a State of Emergency, a certain dollar amount in damage, the calling up of National Guard units for aid and other factors.

It is now up to FEMA to use its crite-

ria to make the determination, which the spokesman said could take "from hours to weeks" depending on the specifics of the disaster. If FEMA determines the need, it will make a recommendation to Pres. Barack Obama, who then has the final word. If a disaster is declared, it would free up funds to aid in the recovery from the disaster.

Upon hearing of Paterson's request, U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Kew Gardens) said that the declaration could not come soon enough.

"This is an important step in the right direction," he said. "Anyone who has seen the damage firsthand knows that we experienced a disaster - now we just need

Two Borough HS’s To Get Sharper Focus

BY JESSICA ABLAMSKY Struggling students at two large high schools in Queens are going to get a little more time and attention.

New York City recently received an $11.4 million grant to set up smaller learning communities in five large high schools in the City, including Richmond Hill HS and Long Island City HS. “Small Learning Communities are a great way to create high-quality and personalized environments, where teachers can pay close attention to their individual students and provide personalized instruction,” said DOE Spokesman Jack

the funding.

Students who still cannot be promoted will “enter a credit-recovery program” designed to prepare them for a tenth grade SLC through close monitoring, increased parent involvement and a personalized learning plan.

To boost college readiness, the schools will increase enrollment in precollege level courses, student participation in college fairs and workshops on the college and financial aid application process.

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

Oct. 8-14, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

Letters

Editorial OF SOUTHEAST QUEENS 174-15 Horace Harding Expwy.

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

In Our Opinion: Arnold Thibou Executive Editor:

Brian Rafferty

Hard Times Life today is not easy. Jobs are scarce. It's hard to put food on the table. For some, you work harder to do more with less. For others, unfortunately, the allure of a quick few bucks can lead to prostitution or violent crime.

There is no doubt that crime is up in our neighborhoods. The fact that the community is coming out to suggest ways to fight it, rather than to turn a blind eye and hide, is encouraging. The police have been doing what they can to keep us safe, and the idea of men from the neighborhood walking the streets to defend it is admirable, but one that must be done with caution and care. There are people out there with guns. It's one thing to be brave, but another to be brash.

Yes, we are facing hard times. We should be sure that when we seek to retake our community, we do so by logic and common sense.

Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie

Letters

Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

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

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

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 8-14, 2010

Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2010 Tribco, LLC

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

Farm Change To The Editor: I am 24 years old. Throughout my life, I have visited the Queens County Farm Museum. There are pictures of me in nursery school petting the pigs and turkeys. It was where I (and many other school children) first learned how to appreciate and respect animals.

During my tough high school years, I sought out the farm as a refuge- it was the most peaceful place for me. I grew to know the farm animals’ unique personalities and enjoyed naming them. It was the only place that I would regularly visit with my family. Friends would joke that I was there more than I was home.

Ever since the farm changed its no-kill policy and began slaughtering and selling its animals meat, I have stopped visiting. It would be like visiting a slaughterhouse.

the right of freedom to practice religion. That’s just one thing that makes this nation the best on this planet. However, I personally do not think that building a Mosque near Ground Zero is the most intelligent thing to do in view of the incident that occurred on Sept.

11, 2001 by Muslim terrorists.

This would be a slap in the face to all those that lost a loved one when the World Trade Center Towers were destroyed. This would be similar to erecting a Shinto Temple near the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor.

This, also, is unthinkable.

Martin H. Schwartz, Bayside

His Last Gasp?

I can’t enjoy being around animals that I am now not sure I will ever see again. This wonderful, tranquil place that was such a unique find in Queens, has fallen victim to the usual culprit- the insatiable desire to make more money. This is just as horrific as if The Bronx Zoo sold the meat of its deer in its gift shop. Additionally, the news that employees were given various farm birds to take home, kill, and eat (despite an animal sanctuary agreeing to take these birds in if the farm wanted to be rid of them) further confirm to me that the farm has fallen under a leadership devoid of any compassion or decency.

Diana Isaac, Fresh Meadows

Unthinkable To The Editor: The U.S. Constitution permits

To The Editor: There is still more to “No Reform Hero” (Letter to the Editor

by Mathew Silverstein, Sept. 23) concerning State Sen. Frank Padavan’s recent conversion from career Albany insider to Koch style reformer. Take a trip down memory lane to see why.

Every 10 years after the census, district lines have to be redrawn. The past three reapportionment’s were based upon the 1980, 1990 and 2000 census. This resulted in more and more Republican state Assembly members disappearing. Past Republican State Senate majority leaders, the late Warren Anderson and Ralph Marino, along with Joe Bruno, cut deals with past Democratic state Assembly Speakers Stanley Steingut, Stanley Fink, Mel Miller, Saul Weprin and Sheldon Silver. These political back room arrangements were a quid pro quo deal preserv-

ing the status quo. Each gave the other unlimited freedom to protect and expand their respective majorities in each legislative house they controlled.

After the 1982 reapportionment, Democrats with the cooperation of Senate Republicans, including Padavan, eliminated the districts of Queens GOP Assembly members Rosemary Gunning, John LoPresto, John Flack, Al DelliBovi and John Esposito.

The fix was in as Senate Republicans, including Padavan, gerrymandered their own district boundaries. Likewise, Assembly Democrats did the same in their own house. As a result, thanks to Padavan - Queens Republicans became irrelevant in future Assembly races with one exception.

Doug Prescott briefly held a seat in Bayside in the 1990s but eventually lost.

Despite overwhelming Democratic Party enrollment in Queens County, creative gerrymandering by the GOP controlled Senate in 1982, 1992 and again in 2002 preserved Padavan’s seat.

The GOP losing control of the Senate has impacted Padavan as a member of the Republican Senate minority. Life in the minority is far more difficult. Just ask any member of the Republican Assembly who has been wandering in the political wilderness as members of the minority since 1974.

Even if Padavan survives in 2010, his current gerrymandered district would probably be redrawn, making any attempt to run in 2012 mathematically impossible.

Larry Penner, Great Neck

Unsweetened Food Stamp Collection

A Personal Perspective

By MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE

If Mayor Mike Bloomberg has his druthers, there will soon be fewer sugary drinks stockpiled in the carts of food stamp recipients shopping in local supermarkets.

He is asking the Federal Dept. of Agriculture for permission to place a ban on the use of food stamps for the purchase of soda and other sugary drinks here in New York. If approved, it will be a game-changer in our city.

You cannot legislate people's behavior, but when the government is paying for your food, this may well be the way to curtail poor choices.

It is a good practice to provide food stamps for people who need assistance with their grocery bill. But it does seem reasonable that there be some sort of caveat that folks spend them wisely.

Just as you cannot buy alcoholic beverages with food stamps,

there ought to be a mandate that you buy only those products that are healthful to the family's diet.

For the record: just because you don't bring soda and iced tea into the house doesn't mean that your kids won't get it when they leave.

I know.

Kids buy it at the corner store near the school. They get it at birthday parties along with the chips, cake, ice cream and other such junk food. I know this from experience with my own kids.

But as parents, it is incumbent upon us to make healthful choices when we shop. We ought not to be guilty of providing the ammunition to a lifetime of ill health. If you don't have cookies in the house, the kids will snack on an apple or baby carrots if that is all they see. And yes, they will do it under duress, but they will eat it.

It's not about deprivation; rather, it is about providing appropriate alternatives. Take my word for it: it doesn't guarantee your

kids will be skinny. Mine are not.

But it guarantees that they will have better choices at home and that you will not be complicit in their compromised health.

There are those who would say that the mayor is an out-oftouch billionaire trying to interfere with their choices. First it was smoking that he banned in restaurants and other public spaces; then it was trans-fat, followed by added salt and now it's soda and other sugary drinks.

If he keeps going, he'll have a "ten commandments" of his own before leaving office in three years.

It will be "Thou shalt not smoke; thou shalt not eat fatty foods; thou shalt not eat salty foods; thou shalt not consume sugary drinks…."

See, he's up to five already. It seems like a dreadful interference in our personal choices, but these personal choices are costing the city money and costing employers time when employees cannot

come to work because they are ill from these poor choices.

Gov. David Paterson did attempt to tax sugary drinks at the start of his tenure, but he encountered push back. Now he and the Mayor are on the same page on the issue - find a way to curtail access when taxpayers are paying for it. And yes, taxpayers. We are the ones who pay for those helpful food stamps, and they should never be eliminated.

What should be eliminated is the choice to buy soda with them.

There should also be a ban on those corner stores selling it to children under 18, and any machine dispensing drinks in our public schools ought to only carry water and non-sugary drinks. If it's not naturally sweet or sweetened with honey or agave, it should be banned.

What the mayor and the governor are proposing are policies to protect us from ourselves.

Good for them, and good for us!

Police Blotter Compiled By DOMENICK RAFTER

103rd Precinct Attempted Rape The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect in an attempted rape in Jamaica.

On Sept. 28, at approximately 3:50 p.m., a 12-year-old black girl was walking on the street when the suspect approached her from behind, grabbed the girl’s arm and pulled her to the side of a building where he attempted to sexually assault her. The girl screamed and the suspect fled the scene on foot.

The suspect is described as a black man, around 40, 5-foot-8, with a thin build and a dark complexion.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are kept strictly confidential.

104th Precinct Dead In Crash On Thursday, Sept. 30, at 5:09 a.m., police responded to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Rust Street and Maspeth Avenue, in Maspeth. Upon arrival it was determined that a 1998 Ford operated by Youssef Damdami, 34, of 77-

36 Main St., Kew Gardens Hills, was traveling west bound on Rust Street when it collided with a 2005 Volvo Tractor Trailer operated by a 51-year old white man who was traveling north bound on Maspeth Avenue.

Damdami lost control and collided into a light pole and a parked semi-trailer at the location. EMS also responded to the scene and transported Damdami to Elmhurst Hospital where he was pronounced dead. There was no criminality suspected, and the investigation was ongoing.

105th Precinct Shot To Death On Monday, Oct. 4, at around 2:50 a.m., police responded to a 911 call of a man shot in front of 271-11 Union Tpke., in New Hyde Park. Upon arrival police discovered two people shot. The first victim, a 30-year-old black man, was shot twice in the torso and once in the leg and was taken to Winthrop Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The second victim, a 20year-old black woman, was shot multiple times in the leg and taken to North Shore Hospital in stable condition.

From the DA Murder Conviction A Rosedale resident has been convicted of the May 2007 murder of a 19-

year-old man in Springfield Park who had been a childhood friend.

Rashawn Wingfield, 22, of 182-05 147th Ave., was convicted on Wednesday of second-degree murder and seconddegree criminal possession of a weapon after three hours of deliberations. Justice Gregory L. Lasak, who presided at the two-week trial, set sentencing for Nov. 17. Wingfield faces 25 years to life in prison.

According to trial testimony, on May 26, 2007, the victim, Antoine Alvares, 19, of Springfield Gardens, was walking with friends in Springfield Park when the defendant ran past Alvares, turned around and fired his .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun twice at the back of Alvares. He fell to the ground wounded and the defendant stood over the victim and fired a third shot into his back. The victim died at the scene.

Subway Stabbing A homeless man has been charged with assault and criminal possession of a weapon after allegedly stabbing a man on a subway platform in Forest Hills last weekend.

Steven Jackson, 48, who is homeless, was arraigned Oct. 4 on charges of firstdegree assault, second-degree assault, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was ordered held without bail and to return to court on

Nov. 9. Jackson faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

According to the charges, the incident occurred at about 10:50 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 2, on the platform of the 71st/ Continental Avenue subway station. An eyewitness who was standing on the platform saw Jackson as he got up from a bench and approached the victim, Siew Khuen Loh, 61, from behind and put his hands near the victim’s shoulders; then saw the victim shudder, according to the criminal complaint. Jackson then allegedly walked away from Loh, at which point the witness noticed Loh was bleeding from the back of the neck. Loh was treated at a local Queens hospital and received 15 to 20 stitches for a slash wound to the neck. A bloody knife was allegedly found in Jackson’s right front pants pocket.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO REVEAL YOUR IDENTITY TO HELP SOLVE A CRIME.

The path to your first home.

The State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) offers first-time homebuyers:

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1-800-382-HOME (4663) or visit www.housing.ny.gov

Oct. 8-14, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

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The Polls Predict Who Will Come To The Polls

By MICHAEL SCHENKLER I do not rely heavily on political polls. They indicate trends, not outcomes.

When poll results are heavily one-sided, perhaps it’s fair to conclude an outcome, but polls are taken to determine how to move the electorate. The poll is merely a snapshot in time indicating how the electorate felt at that moment.

The next moment, the professional opinion manipulators creative teams, printers, production teams, ad buyers, direct mailers, and politicians inhale in the polls and exhale that which they believe will move the electorate in their direction.

We can learn from a poll.

What must be done to convince the electorate that . . .?

Ask the right question, spot

the al l-impor tant trend and you might have the tools to sway the electorate to change its mind or further increase the spread.

With that poll primer out of the way, there is one trend out there that I believe is worthy of everyone’s focus. This is not my great discovery but merely my attempt to concretize what many pundits have been talking about.

Turnout! Who will show up at the polls this coming Election Day? As you read the pundits or hear the talking heads on “will the control of Congress change,” or on a more local level, “will the NYS Senate go Republican” or “will any incumbent lose,” the questions, in my judgment, will not be decided by changing voter’s minds but by who comes out to vote.

While Independents (not the Independence Party but those not registered in any party) are truly the swing vote in many elections and are likely to vote slightly in favor of the par ty out-of-power during a rece ssion, nationw ide, considering all potential voters, there is not a great disparity between those who like the blue and those who like the red.

If ever yone registered came out to vote, both Houses of Con-

gress would remain very much as they are now. In New York State, if everyone registered came out to vote, the Democrats would likely dominate every where.

But everyone is not going to show up at the polls.

Recent polls however do tell us who would show up if the election were held now.

A recent McClatchy-Marist Poll indicates that about one-third of registered voters nationwide — 33 percent — are ver y enthusiastic about casting their ballot this November. However, according to the poll: “Republican voters are more excited about their vote than are Democratic voters. 46 percent of Republican voters compared with 30 percent of Democrats are very enthusiastic about voting in the upcoming midterm elections. 23 percent of independent voters also express a high level of enthusiasm.”

While indications are that those independent voters will split slightly toward GOP candidates, if the registered voters in the major party turn out in a 46-30 ratio favoring the Republicans, it will be a landslide Republican victory.

Anything that is “up for grabs” will move to the right. The Senate, the House and the NYS State

Senate will go Republican. Any toss up race will go Republican.

It doesn’t sound pretty to me, or to all those Democrats who make their living off the success of the party.

For the Dems, there is consolation. As the Election approaches, even without a campaign, it is likely that those numbers will narrow. The closer the election, the more focused more people get.

But then there are campaigns to be held, and while the Dems will be fighting to hold on to both House s and t he GOP to upset them, there is significant local implication to turnout.

If the 46-30 turnout ratio impacts the state, the GOP will take back the State Senate presently held by the Dems 32-30. (The death of Thomas Morahan has left his traditionally Republican seat vacant, but we are assuming for this analysis that the GOP will recapture it.)

In Queens, there are two State Senate seats being targeted by both parties. This writer, without turnout data, would predict that the two incumbents hold their seats – Republican Frank Padavan should easily beat back a challenge by Dem Tony Avella in the 11th District,

while Democrat Joe Addabbo Jr., should overcome the challenge of Republican Anthony Como in the 15th. However, should a significantly greater percent of Republicans than Democrats turnout, the GOP could win both seats.

In addition to the Queens 15th district, there are two Long Island seats and two upstate seats that could also go Republican. That fiveseat swing would give the GOP an eight seat advantage.

Wow! So the political pros are at work focusing as much or more on turning out their vote as changing the voters’ minds.

In a turnout landslide, even once seemingly invulnerable Andrew Cuomo could be outpaced by the latest showman to enter the political scene, Carl Paladino.

However, when the pros are done spending the for tunes that will be spent, you can be pretty sure that the difference will be narrowed significantly.

But right now, it looks pretty clear that nationwide and in the New York State Senate, the Republicans stand to gain.

Democrat s, star t your engines.

MSchenkler@QueensPress.com

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 8-14, 2010

Disgraced Hevesi Plea Bargaining, Cuomo Gets His Man

By HENRY STERN lion i nve stment from Election Day is 26 the pension fund. Mr. days away, and people are Broidy, according to the slowly beginning to pay atattorney general’s office, tention to the contests. paid at least $75,000 to The recent buzz about send a ‘very high-rankAlan Hevesi, who appears ing’ official in the poised to plead guilt y in comptroller’s office and the N YS Pension Case the official’s relatives on Henry Stern scandal, indicates a posfive trips to Israel . . . sible conclusion to an investiga- The high-ranking official was Mr. tion which has been underway for Hevesi, people with knowledge of more than three years. We believe the investigation have said.”

Hevesi is guilty of much of what A powerful inducement for Mr. he has been accused of, even Hevesi to plead guilty is revealed though it is unclear just what in the story. We quote: crimes, if any, he has committed.

“But the act iv it ie s of Mr. However, we do find the timing of Hevesi’s sons have also drawn scruthe proposed plea bargain to be tiny: investigators have questioned less than perfect. why an obscure firm operated by On the one hand, the Attor- Daniel Hevesi was paid more than ney General could be wrapping up $1 million in fees for deals with matters, clearing the docket before pension funds in New York City he leaves office in December. On and New Mexico, and whether any the other hand, as The Times re- legitimate work was done for the ported last week: “The deal comes payments. as Mr. Cuomo, the Democratic “Andrew Hevesi had more limnominee for governor, is seeking ited exposure in the case: prosecuto burnish his credentials as a re- tors say a former Liberal Party boss former who can clean up state gov- in the state, Raymond B. Harding, ernment, and his office has been maneuvered to force a vacancy in in plea negot iat ions w ith Mr. an Assembly seat in Queens so Hevesi’s lawyer.” that Andrew Hevesi could assume It is true that some damaging the position. Mr. Harding pleaded evidence came to light relatively guilt y last year after accept ing late in the protracted investigation. more than $800,000 for doing The Times’ story gets to the heart political favors, prosecutors said, of this change: including a private job for Andrew “Last December, a California Hevesi’s Assembly predece ssor, money manager, Elliott Broidy, ad- Michael Cohen.” mitted paying nearly $1 million in It’s a well-known prosecutorial gifts in exchange for a $250 mil- tool to threaten to bring case s

against a defendant’s family members in order to induce a plea bargain. It usually only works if the family members have themselves committed crimes. In this case, although Daniel Hevesi received substantial sums, there is no evidence that he did legitimate work to earn them. He is vulnerable.

Andrew Hevesi is not accused of wrongdoing. It is not a crime to run for a vacant Assembly seat, and it is not a crime for someone to create a vacancy, unless he shoots or threatens the incumbent. Finding a man another job is conventional political behavior, not noble but not criminal.

When Alan Hevesi was embarrassed, and eventually pleaded guilty to a felony count for using a state car to transport his ailing wife and a state employee to care for her, we defended Hevesi, saying those misdeeds did not justify his removal from office, but if further wrongdoing were to be proven, he should forfeit his position. Now we know that he was guilty of serious wrongdoing, far beyond his misuse of the car and driver.

Alan Hevesi is a very intelligent man, a Ph.D, a college professor, the beneficiary of multiple pensions (from the Legislature and the City University) while he was ear ni ng an unduly mo de st $150,000 salary as Comptroller.

Since his downfall, other storie s about h im have emerged, which we will not repeat. Rule 18S: “Don’t spread the stain.”

It is remarkable, but not unprecedented, that a person of such abi lit y a nd polit ical astutene ss should turn out to be so unethical. It was different with Donald Manes, the late Queens Borough President, who always seemed to be a rascal, although he was not known as a thief. Hevesi is the ma n who fir st won t he Cit y Comptroller’s office in 1993, in a campaign run by Hank Morris, who ran television commercial’s denouncing Elizabeth Holtzman’s ethics over accepting a bank loan which was later repaid.

If those who are considered in the top tier of politicians turn out

to be crooks, what does that indicate about the rest of them? That is one reason for the loss of confidence in government, and the rise of demagogues who feed on the low regard for public officials that many New Yorkers feel, with some degree of justification.

Oliver Goldsmith, in his poem, “The Deser ted Village” (1770), wrote: “Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, Where wealt h accumulate s, and men decay” Two hundred forty years later, Goldsmith’s words make sense.

StarQuest@NYCivic.org

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

Borough Beat

QC Homecoming Draws Hundreds

BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO Memories were shared and stories were swapped when alumni of Queens College from throughout the years gathered together last Sunday on the college's campus for this year's Homecoming.

Jazz music filled the main dining hall for breakfast where the alumni first gathered to start their day. Each table was divided into graduating classes and also into specific groups, such as fraternities and the former school newspaper.

Friends met up and faces that had not been seen in years were laughing while remembering the days when they sat in the same dining hall for lunch.

The day began with Susan Issacs, part of the class of 1965 and NY Times bestselling author, as the keynote speaker and moved on with the re-dedication of the Alumni Hall after RenĂŠe Kroll Zarin, former director of Alumni Affairs and a Queens College Foundation trustee.

Frances Palminteri, part of the graduating class of 1950, said Queens College for her was "not just a social environment, it was an academic environment" as well.

Yet, on arriving to the campus for the reunion, she said that it had changed so much she didn't even know where she was.

Both Paliminteri and her friend, Marjorie Lynch-Whitehead, part of the

$35 a year, a student could get an graduating class of 1946, remember education that now costs college the "army boys" who were on camstudents thousands per semester. pus studying after coming home Another fraternity that gathfrom World War II. Paliminteri and ered together for a reunion was the Whitehead remember dating some Dead End Boys, who boast current of the soldiers. Paliminteri married Queens College President Dr. an Air Force pilot who studied at James Muyskens as an honorary the college. member. Muyskens spoke to the Elese Itzler, graduating class of gathered brothers, thanking them 1954, remembers cutting class to go see speakers, such as Eleanor A crowd of alumni fills the dining hall for the welcome for what they have done and for being "an inspiration to this day Roosevelt, who would come to the breakfast. to our students." campus. Itzler sat with classmates Frank Capodacqua, class of 1960, was Sandy Prinz, Theresa Wolff and Wolff's Adams were among the many brothers husband Robert, a veteran of World War who sat around remembering the events part of the Dead End Boys for three years II and one of many soldiers who attended they had to go through during rushing and and remembers being very involved in the pledging for the fraternity. Swapping sto- fraternity. Capodacqua recalls the fratercollege upon returning home.

Along with the general reunion that ries of being left in the middle of nowhere nity holding one of the highest GPAs of took place, there were also reunion gath- dressed as a playboy bunny and comic all frats and was known for having a very erings for the fraternities Alpha Lambda book hero The Flash, brought on clear mixed ethnic group.

Jack Herschlag, class of 1953, said Alpha and the Dead End Boys, and for memories in which Adams said " it was The Phoenix News, the college newspa- scary, yet it was the greatest thing we could the fraternity brought "social equality of done." Through the years each man among the members and the families we per from the 60s to the 80s.

The "brothers" of Alpha Lambda Al- has no regrets of having been a part of came from." He is also part of the alumni pha laughed remembering the good ol' this large fraternity that made the com- committee that keeps the fraternity brothers together through newsletters. days and the crazy times they went muter college "into a family." through together during their years at Manuel Lopez, class of 1974, was an Among the fraternity, its members graduQueens College. Years have gone by, yet honorary member of Alpha Lambda Al- ated to become scientists, lawyers and each member still stays close with their pha, attending parties with the brothers. businessmen, among many other sucfellow brothers, attending get-togethers He remembers going up to Woodstock cessful professions.

Reach Intern Agny Altamirano at during his college years, and most imporat least three times a year.

Paul Goddard, class of 1971, Lou tantly remembers the affordability of a aaltamirano@queenstribune.com or (718) Pastorini, class of 1972, and Thomas R. college education at the time. For about 357-7400, Ext. 128.

Oct. 8-14, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Neighborhood Nightmare:

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 8-14, 2010

BY BRIAN M. RAFFERTY

Hazmat 1, conveniently located just down the block, suited up in gray head-to-toe gear, with gas masks, and entered the building.

David Balsan was home in Maspeth Saturday afternoon while most of his family was out on Long Island Sense Of Security at a wedding. As he typiWhile Hazmat was cally would, he picked up inside, on the street, the mail at his family’s Balsan was greeted by his Grand Avenue apartment family, which had reand began to open the turned from the wedding. envelopes, but one in parHis mother, Myrna, ticular caught his eye. checked to see if he had The envelope was eaten. His 5-year-old handwritten with a reniece, in a beautiful dress, turn address sticker still carried her flowers pasted over a prefrom the reception. printed return address.

Myrna, who retired When Balsan opened from PS 91 in Glendale the envelope to pull out in the spring, said she the letter, some white did not understand why powder fell onto his her family was targeted. sweatshirt. The letter The family moved to had a Jewish star, an imMaspeth from Jackson age of the World Trade David Balsan, in a sanitary jumpsuit, Heights in 1999, and as Center, and a note about is questioned by emergency workers she put it, “We don’t how the Jews were re- shortly after he was exposed to the even have a very Jewsponsible for Sept. 11, powder and then hosed down. ish sounding last name.”

2001 terror attacks.

They stood there with David as the clock ticked forward, Initial Response waiting for somebody to tell them that it Unsure what to do, Balsan called 311, was all over – that they could get back to and was advised to dial 911. He did, and their regular lives. One of the EMS workwithin minutes a Hazardous Materials ers who had been at the scene for the Unit showed up. After realizing what had duration of the incident told them that been found, and fearing for anthrax or the Hazmat team was pretty sure the subsome other toxic agent, emergency work- stance was powdered milk or baby forers stripped Balsan, secured his belong- mula. It also may have been a powder launings and sprayed him down with sanitiz- dry detergent. ing solution, leaving him sitting in a white It seemed, for that moment, that the sanitary suit, which he would wear for the ordeal had finally come to an end. next six hours as emergency crews shut down Grand Avenue between Hamilton Where’s My Stuff?

Place and Remsen Street, diverting buses, Though that may have been the end cars, people and the 18-wheelers that fre- of the incident, the Balsan family spent quent the neighborhood. the majority of the next few days scratchFrom roughly 3 to 9 p.m., the scene ing their heads, trying to figure out how was active with Hazmat, Dept. of Envi- to return to normal. The challenge has ronmental Protection, Office of Emer- been far from typical. gency Management, NYPD and FDNY When David was sanitized, his clothunits all behaving as if the substance was ing, wallet, radio, cell phone and other the real thing. Crowds were ushered personal items were taken by authorities away; people were asked to keep moving because they were “exposed” to whatever – especially people with children. An the substance was.

NYPD Community Affairs officer walked “My son is ready to have a heart atup and down the yellow-taped police line, tack,” Myrna said of David. Inside the keeping the area clear. wallet was his freshly-cashed paycheck, Shortly after 7 p.m., the crew from Myrna’s credit cards, his brother’s electronic benefits card and other personal items. David never received any kind of claim number or receipt for what was taken, and now the authorities seem to be shrugging their shoulders, unable to answer the questions of where David’s items are, and when he’ll get them back.

“They have all of his things and all of his money. Who is going to be responsible for this?” Myrna asked.

The night of the incident, the desk sergeant at the 104th Precinct A Community Affairs officer from the 104th Pre- said that David’s belongings had cinct tells an adult to take a child away because of a been transferred to the Dept. of Environmental Protection, according possible hazard. to Myrna. By Sunday night, another

PRESS Photo by Brian M. Rafferty

Boro Boro Resident Resident Endures Endures New NewHorror Horror After After Exposure ExposureTo ToMystery MysteryPowder Powder

Hazardous Materials workers from the City Health Dept. arrive on scene. officer at the precinct said that the 104th was never in possession of David’s items.

The officer suggested that the FDNY might have taken the wallet and lost it, and would try to blame it on the NYPD. “This is a big issue. We had three different agencies involved with this, and now his wallet has disappeared,” Myrna said.

It was not until Tuesday afternoon that she was informed by a Det. Ward at the NYPD Crime Victims Unit that the wallet was likely transferred to the Dept. of Health, though Myrna was unsure if it was the State or City agency. She was also told it would take another seven days before any items could be returned.

“Nobody wants to take responsibility, and my brother ended up being the real victim,” said Suzanne Balsan-Casanovas.

“He is attached to his things. He treasures them. It would be like taking away Linus’ security blanket. We’re hoping somebody could tell us what is happening.”

The FDNY Hazmat 1 unit suits up to go into the building.

The Bigger Picture

An emergency vehicle provides some light for the Hazmat crew.

In the meantime, Myrna has received strange calls from Long Island and Chicago about mail sent out with her return address.

“The day before yesterday, in the morning, a postal inspector called and asked me if I had sent a letter to Plainview, and he wanted to know what the powder inside it was,” Myrna said Tuesday afternoon. “And then yesterday [Monday] I got a call from a Chicago postal inspector. Supposedly some letter I sent to Manhattan ended up getting sent back to Chicago because of powder inside. He was asking me if I had sent this. I did not.”

Balsan-Casanovas said she believes there may be a bigger issue at hand that the various agencies have yet to piece together.

“They treated this threat so nonchalantly, but now we know that these messages are being sent to other people,” she said. “They are using a victim’s address as the return address. This is being sent to who knows how many other people. I don’t know if this is a Jewish connection or not, but it’s definitely being done to terrorize people. And with them not doing anything about it, it is leaving us in the lurch and putting more people in danger.”

Attempts to gather additional information about this case from the NYPD

David Balsan stands (l.) with his family, which had just returned from a wedding. were fruitless, including calls placed to the 104th Precinct and the Deputy Commissioner for Public Information. The United States Postal Service said Wednesday that it is looking into the Balsan case.

According to a spokesman, the USPS receives a regular stream of envelopes with white powder inside, including packages specifically addressed to postal facilities.

Though the USPS takes all mailed threats seriously, they do not see a connection between the Balsan case and other threats mailed across the country.

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

Photos by Walter Karling

pix Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

New JCAL Director Welcomed Thursday, Sept. 30, the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation held a well-attended community reception in downtown Jamaica's Harvest Room for the recently-appointed Executive Director of the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, Philip Willis.

"My vision is to build on JCAL's past successes with new programs, workshops, and performances to capture the attention of the Jamaica and Eastern Queens communities," Willis said. "I want to explore new partnerships with cultural, educational, and community organizations throughout our area. At our newly refurbished Jamaica Performing Arts Center, I want to present cutting-edge performers and programs that provide a snapshot of the unique cultural mix we have flourishing here in Jamaica. Perhaps the most important role we play is introducing thousands of young people each year to the arts. My long-term goal is to make JPAC a destination point for all of New York City."

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 8-14, 2010

The recently-appointed Executive Director of JCAL, Philip Willis, with GJDC Board Chairman Lamont Bailey and GJDC President Carlisle Towery.

Reception attendees smile for the camera: (seated) Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, JCAL First Vice-President Juliette Hansen, JCAL Board member Philippa Karteron, and NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate Levin; (standing) JCAL Board Secretary Peter Magnani, JCAL Second Vi c e - P r e s i d e n t To n y a C a n t l o , J C A L Board President Leilani Brown, reception honoree and newly-appointed JCAL Executive Director Philip Willis, JCAL Board Member Michael James, GJDC President Carlisle Towery, JCAL Advisory Council Chair Bill Gianakos, and JCAL Treasurer Carl Fields.

JCAL Executive Director Philip Willis addressing the reception.

Profile

Bell’s Candidacy Continues Activism

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 8-14, 2010

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

In a crowded race for the 28th Council District, the candidates foster familiarity. There is one not known for political aspirations, but tragedy tinged with triumph.

Nicole Paultre Bell, who describes herself as “not a career politician,” has delved into the political arena.

“That community is underserved,” she said.

Though a novice to politics, Bell said she has the know-how needed to lead the district.

“I have experience, experience dealing with people in that community” she said. “I have experience dealing with people with real issues.”

She also touts her endorsements by federal and city politicians. Bell said U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica), Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, and Council members James Sanders (D-Laurelton) Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst) and Letitia “Tish” James (D-Brooklyn) are standing in her corner.

Bell was first thrust into the spotlight on the morning of Nov. 25, 2006. Bell’s fiancé, along with friends Joseph Guzman and Trent Benefield, were hit with a barrage of 50 bullets by five plainclothes and undercover police officers. Guzman and

Benefield survived the shooting, but Bell’s fiancé Sean Bell, whose surname she adopted, died from his injuries. Though three of the five officers were tried and acquitted of manslaughter and reckless endangerment charges, Bell received a settlement of $3.25 million to go to Sean Bell’s estate. Guzman garnered $3 million from the settlement and Benefield was awarded $900,000.

Bell changed in the ensuing years, becoming a community activist and launching a foundation, “When It’s Real It’s Forever.” Another of her accomplishments, which came about with the aid of Southeast Queens’ Councilmen, is a street co-naming honoring Sean Bell.

“When Sean passed away years ago, being active was my therapy,” she said.

To acquire the seat left vacant when Councilman Tom White died Nicole Paultre Bell believes her activist streak can in late August, Bell moved to the carry over into the City Council.

28th District, a community where she was educated and previously resided. friends and family spurred her entry into “My involvement is being a commu- the race. Since undertaking the role of nity activist, not a career politician,” she candidate, Bell has taken a semester off said. “I wanted to change what’s going at York College, where she was pursuing a political science degree. on in this community.”

“I thought long and hard,” she said of In the days after White died, Bell said

her decision. “This is a better way for me to be more involved as a community activist.”

Though Bell reminds listeners that she is not a politician nor versed in the art of politics, she presents her passion in soft, humble tones.

She said the issues plaguing the “underserved” district are safety, affordable child care and after school programs, education, health care and “women’s issues – every issue is a women’s issue.”

Though Bell has not devised concrete plans to rid the district of its ills, she promises to work hard in the fight for it.

“I’m a person who truly cares for this community,” she said. “The same way I fought for Sean is the same way I want to fight for the people of this community.”

Even with the bounty of political clout backing her candidacy, Bell understands that until votes are counted anything is possible. In the event she loses the election on Nov. 2, she has vowed to keep fighting.

“I’m a community activist,” she said.

“I’m going to continue doing what I do for the community.”

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

A&E

Oddities Stream Into Hall Of Science

BY BARBARA ARNSTEIN

Photo by Barbara Arnstein

A man is being very carefully strapped into a small metal seat by several people.

The seat is connected by vertical metal bars to another just like it suspended high over his head, because he is on a giant swing ride that revolves all the way around.

When the fastening is complete, he is slowly swung upward to wait while another man is strapped into the other seat.

The first man watches the second uncom-

Men swing about in a contraption designed to “possibly” kill its riders.

fortably, because his head is hanging downward, but manages to make a gallant remark:"Take your time!"

A big crowd and a camera crew is waiting for the ride to be activated. A sign on the fence reads, "If you go on this ride, you will be killed." The word "will" has been crossed out and replaced with the word "may."

The ride begins to whirl, going faster and faster. The whirling men are grinning.

"Now make it go backwards," someone says. They do.

This was only one of the many dramatic activities at the First New York World Maker Faire held at the New York Hall of Science over the weekend of September 25-26. Both inside and outside the museum, all kinds of exciting events showcased amazing inventions, demonstrated scientific principles, and created an endlessly intriguing atmosphere of fun.

There were many crafts booths around the grounds, where children enthusiastically cut fabric, crayoned paper and sprinkled glitter to assemble their own original creations. Vendors sold a variety of handmade and recycled items and offered freebies, including buttons made from old New York subway maps and pins made from pennies.

A gigantic, outdoor version of the children's toy from the 60's, "Mousetrap" was very popular. Thanks to an ingenious

Restaurant Review

Harvest This Buffet Harvest Buffet 14 Northern Blvd., Great Neck (516) 498-1888 HOURS: 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekends CUISINE: Asian CREDIT CARDS: All Major PARKING: Lot DELIVERY: No

for monster movies; a machine on display turned designs into three-dimensional prototypes by extruding material layer by layer; a man rolled along a path on a bike holding a fabric fish frame.

The New York Hall of Science is located at 47-01 111th St., and its regular exhibits are tons of fun, including a room where shadows stay stuck to the wall after their owners have walked away and a simulated underwater voyage. There's always something interesting and fun going on over there. For more information, call (718) 6990005. For more information about the World Maker Faire, go to makerfaire.com.

Spooky Thrills Delight At Nearby Classic Site Queens residents looking to head into the land of spooky horror need to look no further than Historic Hudson Valley, home of Sleepy Hollow, the Headless Horseman and the slightly more modern Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze.

By popular demand, the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, the tri-state area's biggest Halloween extravaganza, is expanding to 20 evenings, including the first weekend in November.

The Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze, which drew 68,000 visitors last year, is a Halloween spectacle integrating thousands of hand-carved pumpkins - everything from your standard jack o' lantern to extremely elaborate abstract designs lit up throughout the landscape of Van Cortlandt Manor in various thematic and conceptual arrangements such as Egypt, the Undersea Aquarium, Pirates' Cove, life-sized dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, "Pumpkinhenge," (a riff on Stonehenge), a giant "cornfield," an enormous spider web, Celtic knots, a circus arena with clown carvings, and more.

A team of artists come together to carve more than 4,000 jacks, many of them fused together in enormous and elaborate constructions, all lit up throughout the wooded walkways, orchards, and gardens of historic Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson.

Professional lighting by designer Jay Woods and a spooky aural soundscape of original music and noises help create a complete all-senses immersion.

Scores of Blaze videos uploaded by fans can be found on YouTube.

Washington Irving's macabre tale, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," inspires the brand new Horseman's Hollow, an interactive haunted attraction at Philipsburg Manor recommended for ages 14 and up. Stocked with professional actors and state-of-the-art special effects, Horseman's Hollow has a very high fear factor and is not for the faint of heart.

Jonathan Kruk's "Legend" brings the master storyteller into the historic, candlelit interior of the circa-1685 Old Dutch Church.

Kruk offers a dramatic re-telling of Washington Irving's classic tale, "The Leg-

end of Sleepy Hollow," featuring the Headless Horseman, Ichabod Crane, Brom Bones, and Katrina Van Tassel. Flavored with live spooky organ music by Jim Keyes, Kruk's storytelling will take place in the historic, candlelit setting of the Old Dutch Church. The 1685 stone church is across the street from Philipsburg Manor, where visitors will park.

Also returning is Legend Celebration at Washington Irving's Sunnyside, a daytime event perennially popular with young children, where visitors are encouraged to come in costume.

Ideal for the youngest Halloween fans, the accompanying Legend Celebration allows visitors to get their head examined by a phrenologist and enjoy a Punch Van Winkle puppet show as well as games, magic, sing-a-longs, Irish ghost stories, and other kid-friendly Halloween experiences.

Sunnyside also offers spooky woodland walks complete with ghost stories, which require online advance reservations.

All events are held rain or shine. All proceeds support Historic Hudson Valley, the Tarrytown-based non-profit educational organization which owns and operates the historic sites that host these events.

For Blaze, Horseman's Hollow, and Jonathan Kruk's "Legend," all admissions are by timed ticket, which must be purchased in advance.

Blaze dates are Oct. 2-3, 8-11, 15-17, 21-24, 28-31, and Nov. 5-7. The first reservation for Blaze is at 7 p.m. this weekend, and 6:30 p.m. for future dates, as the sun sets earlier. Tickets are $16 for adults, $12 for children 5-17, free for children under 5.

Horseman's Hollow runs Oct. 15-16, 22-24, and 28-30, with the first reservation at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20.

Jonathan Kruk's 'Legend' runs Oct. 1516 and 29-30. Seating is limited, and there are four performances each evening on the hour, beginning at 6 p..m. Tickets are $16 for adults, $12 for children under 18.

Legend Celebration dates are Oct. 2324 and 30-31, from 10-4 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for children 5-17, and free for those under 5.

Buy tickets online at hudsonvalley.org or by calling (914) 631-8200 ($2 per ticket surcharge for phone orders).

Oct. 8-14, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

For the cult of overeaters roaming among us, Chinese Buffets have become a staple of our diet. We sniff them out like pigs searching for truffles, and when we find them, we don’t leave until we’ve eaten the equivalent of five courses.

Well throw into the itinerary Great Neck’s Harvest Buffet, a cozy morsel of delicious buried on Northern Boulevard just over the Nassau border. The restaurant is easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled as you drive deeper into Great Neck.

The ambiance and decor of the Harvest Buffet feels very utilitarian. The place was built for heavy duty eating at a quick turnover, hence the ubiquitous plastic cups and disposable napkins. It’s closer to a school cafeteria than a fine dining establishment, and I mean that as a compliment.

The food itself more than made up for the lack of a pampered feel. With five islands filled with trays of entrees, as well as walls covered in desserts and starters, it’s humanly impossible to sample every single item available.

The meal started with Malaysianstyle flaky pancake with curry chicken sauce, a sweet and spicy combination offering a gentle bite of curry with a succulent consistency.

Next down the line were steamed chicken and Napa cabbage dumplings bathing in soup and Thai chicken satay on skewers. The dumplings offered a flavorful palate cleansing following the curried kick of the pancakes. The chicken satay practically fell off the wooden skewer, and required almost no chewing but rewarded the lack of effort with a burst of flavor.

The buffet also has a fine collection of sushi offerings, with the crispy crab meat roll topping my list. Cold crab can become overly-fishy in taste, but this roll remained sauced and flavored enough to be a pleasure to eat.

For the non-Asian aficionados, there’s something to be said about a buffet with a hunk of beef prime rib roasted to pink perfection and cut on demand.

Fish gourmands would enjoy the baked Norwegian salmon with sun-dried tomato and lobster cream sauce, which offered a wonderful flavor combination.

End the meal with the delicious soft serve ice cream, or go for the standard red bean and green tea ice cream combo.

Don’t worry, this much food won’t lighten up your wallet. Prices range from $16.95 for lunch during the week to $29.95 for dinners on the weekend.

-Joseph Orovic

assemblage of slotted steps, metal channels and more, a bowling ball set rolling at the top could successfully navigate the many levels of the Rube Goldberg device on its own. Among the many attractions in the Hall was the Cubinator, a robot that could twist a Rubik's Cube to its solution, one of many "bots" to be seen.

Every area offered startling and surreal sights: there were chariot races; one outdoor booth regularly released a long and loudly roaring stretch of flame into the sky; a table under a tent displayed a bizarre disembodied head that demonstrated the latest method of prop creation

Faith

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

St. Clare’s Church is hosting its Annual Fall Flea Market on Sunday.

Rev. Kevin McBrien said the church, which has survived 86 years, hosts the flea market twice a year.

He said the market is not rife with pro-

Word "If I were personally to define religion, I would say that it is a bandage that man has invented to protect a soul made bloody by circumstance."

- Theodore Dreiser

fessional vendors, but neighborhood people bringing their wares. Patrons of the flea market can expect vendors selling an array of goods from Avon to pledges for the American Cancer Society. The flea market will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Clare’s Church located at 137-35 Brookville Blvd.

McBrien said the parish, founded in 1924, is very lively. The church has also operated St. Clare’s School since 1957.

“It is a very active parish,” McBrien said. “We have 1,100 families.”

The church will host a bevy of activities in the near future. Last Sunday “we blessed the animals,” McBrien said. In a few weeks, 100 members are planning a three-week visit to Israel and Jordan. Last year, members went to China. Also, the church is hosting a gala dinner and the school is hosting a homecoming celebration.

The parish is an eclectic mixture of Caribbean, African and a few Irish members.

McBrien said he came to the parish eight years ago.

“It’s been wonderful,” he said of his

St. Clare’s Church will host a Flea Market on Sunday, along with other events in the coming weeks. tenure. “It was a very quiet parish and monsignor called on me to give it a punch in the arm.”

For information regarding St. Clare’s

or any of its activities, call (718) 341-1018.

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

Notebook Campus Magnet

Business, Football Blend At Business H.S.

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 8-14, 2010

Marlan Sabb, a resident of Brooklyn, is a senior at the Business, Computer Applications & Entrepreneurship High School in the Campus Magnet Complex, Cambria Heights. This 6-foot 1-inch tall 240 pound defensive end and fullback on the Campus Magnet Bulldogs is a Busi-

ness Major who is in the innovative Virtual Enterprise class this year. For four years he has studied football and business.

Sabb feels that, “My defense is good but could be better…would like to lead the league in sacks.” Offensively he “would like to be more of a threat.” He is proud of one specific play when he created a force fumble which led to a touchdown. He

Marlan Sabb.

appreciated that his coaches are helping him improve his game and put him in positions to make plays. Last summer, he spent his days in the weight room of the old Boys and Girls High School with several semi-pro players. He certainly looks in good shape.

He has been playing football since he was 8 years old with the Brooklyn Tomahawks, always in the defense. During his four years on the Bulldogs he has constantly learned from players such as Nmesoma Okafor and Lester Simpson who have helped give the Bulldogs the reputation they have.

Academically he took a Tech Prep class given by Queensborough Community College in the mornings at the Business High School and has earned eight college credits. His Virtual Enterprise class operates like a virtual business which is called Office Supplies Enterprise, Inc. They sell office supplies and the students must do all the things an actual business must do to succeed. Sabb, who is good in math and is currently taking Trigonometry, is applying to be the Business Manager for the make-believe company.

He would like to attend Bryant University in Rhode Island to play football and study business with an eye on architecture. He has praise for his English teacher, Dawn Story-Rogers, and his Math teacher, Joel Vigne, who have kept him motivated. He has been giving back

by coaching the players at the Brooklyn Tomahawks for the past four years.

Herman Guy is Principal of the Business, Computer Applications and Entrepreneurship High School of Cambria Heights.

Trade Fair:

Photo by Bob Harris

BY BOB HARRIS

Students in the Virtual Enterprise class in the Business, Computer Applications & Entrepreneurship High School in the Campus Magnet Complex, Cambria Heights are shown adding up the sales made at the Thirteenth Annual Virtual Enterprise Trade Fair in the 69th Regiment Armory, Manhattan in March.

The class operates a virtual business named Office Supplies Enterprise Inc. with the students performing all the things they would in a real business.

Nadine Morgan Thomas is the teacher.

Shown adding up sales receipts are Robert Wynter, VP Sales, and D’Neille Poysey, VP Accounting.

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

Flea Market Starts Off Busy Season

People

Air Force Airman Malika M. Pegues

Air Force Reserve Airman Melissa Torchon graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

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

She is the daughter of Lourdes Marotiere of Spencer Ave., Queens Village. Torchon graduated in 1998 from Math and Science Campus Magnet, Cambria Heights, and received a master's degree in 2006 from State University of New York, Stony Brook.

Air Force Airman Malika M. Pegues graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

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

She is the daughter of James and Michelle Pegues of Jamaica. Pegues is a 2009 graduate of Bayside High School.

Army Pfc. Renoir A. Lynch has graduated from the H-8 Tracked Vehicle Recovery Specialist Course at Fort Knox, Ky. The course is designed to train students in the skills and knowledge needed to perform recovery operations using the M88A1/A2 tracked recovery vehicle. The course includes field and classroom training in the proper use of tools, equipment, technical data, and applicable references needed to determine recovery methods, locate recovery sites, operate tactical communications equipment, and maintain recovery vehicle armament systems.

Students drive, maintain, and perform

preventive maintenance on recovery vehicles; receive operating instructions in recovery vehicle component equipment, auxiliary power units, and use of proper recovery safety procedures when rigging, recovering and towing tracked vehicles.

Lynch is the son of Admira E. Lynch of Springfield Gardens. He received an associate degree in 2009 from Queensborough Community College, Queens.

Army Pfc. Janet I. Harripaul has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.

She is the daughter of Joycelyn Harripaul and sister of Jewel Harripaul of both of Hollis. Harripaul graduated in 2003 from Jamaica High School.

Air Force Airman Travis J. Haughton 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

Air Force Airman Travis J. Haughton Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

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

He is the son of Snookie and Cassandra Haughton of Cambria Heights. Haughton is a 2009 graduate of Bayside High School.

Oct. 8-14, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

ALUMNI

Send typed announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 174-15 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina.

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

Olv70reunion@aol.com CARDOZO 84-85 Saturday, November 6 at the Marriott in Melville.

800-655-7971.

CARDOZO 90 Saturday, November 13 at the Marriott in Melville.

800-655-7971.

ST. JOHN’S PREP Saturday, November 20 alumni of St. John’s Prep High School/Lewis Avenue are invited to a reunion.

721-7200, ext. 686.

INCARNATION SCHOOL Saturday, November 27 Homecoming 2010 for all graduates from 5-11pm at 89-43 Francis Lewis Blvd.

465-5066.

ST. CLARE’S SCHOOL Saturday, November 27 528-7174.

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

MISCELLANEOUS SOUP KITCHEN S a t u r d ay, O c to b e r 9 h o t lunch 12-2 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Queens, 147-54 Ash Avenue, Flushing. 353-3860.

CITIZENSHIP Thursdays, October 14, 21, 28 Pathway to US Citizenship: Becoming a US Citizen and Building Your Civic Knowledge at 5:30 at the Rego Park library.

NETWORKING Friday, October 15 Martha’s Bakery Café, 70-30 Austin Street. Business and Social Networking at 6. $6. Food and drinks not included.

“The ‘C’ Network. 2633501.

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 8-14, 2010

TALKS POETRY SPEAKS Saturday, Oc tober 9 four award-winning poets from Queens share their work at 2 at the Central library.

HILLCREST BOOK Tuesday, October 12 “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” will be discussed at 2 at the Hillcrest library.

ART ANSWERS Wednesday s, Oc tober 13, 20, 27 Art Answers the Questions of Your Life at 6 at the Flushing library.

GLENDALE BOOK Thursday, Oc tober 14 “Moralit y for Beautiful Girls” will be discussed at 6:30 at the Glendale library.

PREVENT FORECLOSURE Thursday, Oc tober 14 at 6:30 at the Peninsula library.

WINDSOR PARK BOOK Thursday, October 14 “Let the Great World Spin” will be discussed at 6:30 at the Queens Village library MEN CAN Saturday, Oc tober 16 Author Talk with Donald Unger – “Men Can: The Changing Image and Realit y of Fatherhood in America” at 2 at the Forest Hills library.

INVESTMENT ED Saturday, Oc tober 16 St. John’s Universit y Securities Arbitration Clinic presents Investor Education Seminar at 2:30 at the Fresh Meadows library.

ELMHURST S a t u r d a y, O c t o b e r 1 6 “Changing Neighborhoods of Queens: Elmhurst: Then and Now” at 3 at the Elmhurst library.

COUNTRY WESTERN Saturday, Oc tober 9 San Antones performs at the Halloween Dance. Saturday, November 20 Neil Scott Johnson performs at the Thanksgiving Dance. $13.

The NY Metropolitan Country Music Association. $12.

Glendale Memorial Building, 72-02 Myrtle Avenue at 7:30.

763-4328.

ISRAELI FOLK Mondays 7:15-10:00 at Hillcrest Jewish Center, 18202 Union Turnpike. $10 session. 380-4145.

PARENTS SPIRITUAL SUPPORT Fridays, Oc tober 15, November 19, December 17 support group for parents seeking spiritual support with a biblical look at parenting in St. Albans. 4544044.

THEATER LIGHT UP THE SKY Fridays and Saturdays, October 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 at 8 and Sunday, Oc tober 17 and Saturday, Oc tober 23 at 2. Douglaston Communit y Theatre presents “Light Up the Sky” t Zion Episcopal Church in Douglaston. $15.

482-3332.

ON GOLDEN POND Saturdays, October 9, 16 at 8. Sundays, Oc tober 10, 17 at 3:30. Friday, Oc tober 15 at 8. Beari Productions presents “On Golden Pond” t Trinit y Lutheran Church, 6370 Dry Harbor Road, Middle Village. Also performances at All Saints Church, 214-35 40 th Avenue, Bayside on Saturday, Oc tober 23 at 8 and Sunday, Oc tober 24 at 3.

736-1263.

167 TONGUES Saturday and Sunday, October 16, 17 “167 To n g u e s , ” a p a n o ra m a o f characters are interwoven in this rich and rewarding tapestry of life in the streets at Queens Theatre in the Park’s Studio Theatre. Free. Reservations needed. 760-0064.

BRIGADOON O c to b e r 2 2 - 2 4 a t Le Fr a k Concert Hall. $15. 793-8080.

ONE RIDE O c t o b e r 2 9 - N ove m b e r 7 new dance musical from the creators of “Swango” at Queens Theatre in the Park.

760-0064.

CROSSINGS Saturday and Sunday, October 30, 31 a powerful docudrama based on real life interviews with NYC immigrants at Queens Theatre in the Park. 760-0064 reservations. Free.

MAME Saturdays, November 6, 13, 20 at 8 and Sundays November 7, 14, 21 at 3 at Bay Terrace Jewish Center, 130 0 2 0 9 th S t r e e t , B a y s i d e . $18. 428-6363.

KILLING KOMPANY The Killing Company performs mystery dinner shows.

1-888-SHOOT-EM for information

YOUTH

DANCE

SENIORS CLEARVIEW Brain Fitness Activities available at the SHARP Program.

631-1886. Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26th Avenue, Bayside. 2247888 to register.

COMPUTER CLASSES The Selfhelp Benjamin Rosenthal-Prince Street Senior Center in Flushing offers a series of computer classes geared towards seniors. 445-3864.

WII BOWLING LEAGUE Cunningham Park Seniors get together for Wii Bowling League. 740-1999.

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

AARP 4158 Tuesdays, Oc tober 12, November 9, December 14 North Flushing AARP chapter 4158 meets at noon at Church on the Hill, 167-07 35 th Avenue, Flushing.

STARS Wednesdays, Oc tober 13, 20, 27 at 10:30 at the Hollis library. Fridays, Oc tober 15, 22, 29 at 10:30 at the Q u e e n s V i l l a ge l i b r a r y.

Come join this theatrical group.

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

AARP 29 Thursdays, Oc tober 14, November 11, December 9 at G r a c e H ou s e, 1 5 5 - 0 2 9 0 th Avenue, Jamaica at noon.

FREE LUNCH Saturdays, Oc tober 16, November 20, December 18 at All Saints Church in Richmond Hill. 849-2352 reservations.

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

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

YOUNG CHEFS Saturday, Oc tober 9 at Alley Pond Environmental Center for those 7-10. 2294000.

BEAUTY OF AUTUMN S a t u r d ay , O c to b e r 9 Beaut y of Autumn Storytime at 11 at Barnes & Noble, 1766 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i ke , F re s h Meadows.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

SCIENCE LAB Saturday s, Oc tober 9, 16, 23, 30 at 11 at the Central library.

MATH HELP Saturday s, Oc tober 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Flushing library at 10.

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

BABIES Saturday s, Oc tober 9, 16, 23, 30 Babies in Queens library at 10:30 at the Cambria Heights library.

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

CREATIVE Tuesdays, Oc tober 12, 19 creative writing and dance workshop at the Pomonok library. Register.

FALL CRAFT Tuesday, October 12 at the Queens Village library at 4.

JON SCIESZKA STORY Tu e s d ay, O c t o b e r 1 2 a t 10:30 at Barnes & Noble, 1 7 6 - 6 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i k e , Fresh Meadows.

STORY TELLING Tuesday, Oc tober 12 Story teller and Audience Weave a Story Together at 4 at the Bayside library.

HAITIAN FOLKTALES Wednesday, Oc tober 13 at 4:30 at the Laurelton library.

S TORY T I M E Wednesday, Oc tober 13 at 10:30 and 11:15 at the Kew Gardens Hills library.

CREATIVE Wednesdays, Oc tober 13, 20 creative writing and dance workshop at the LIC library. Register.

S TORY T I M E Wednesdays, Oc tober 13, 20 at the Steinway library at 10:30.

CRAFTS Wednesdays, Oc tober 13, 20 at the Steinway library at 11.

GAME DAY Wednesday, Oc tober 13 at 4 at the St. Albans library.

CHESS

Wednesdays at the Queens Village library at 3:30.

CHINESE STORY TELLING Thursday, Oc tober 14 Tales and Songs about the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival at 4 at the McGoldrick library.

SCARY STUFF Thursday, Oc tober 14 Scary Stuff for Storytelling Month at 4 at the Richmond Hill library.

GIRL SCOUTS Thursdays, October 14, 21, 28 at 4 at the Queens Village library.

YOGA FOR KIDS Thursdays, October 14, 21, 28 at the Forest Hills library.

Register.

GIRLS & BOYS CLUB Thursdays, October 14, 21, 28 at 4:45 at the Astoria library.

LITTLE KIDS CRAFTS Thursday, Oc tober 14 at 3 at the Howard Beach library.

CRAFTS TIME Friday, Oc tober 15 at the Sunnyside library. Register.

GAME DAY!

TEENS CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

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

BEADING Tuesday, Oc tober 12 at 4 at the Briarwood library.

CREATIVE Tuesdays, Oc tober 12, 19 creative writing and dance workshop at the Pomonok library. Register.

TEEN GAMES Wednesdays, Oc tober 13, 20, 27 at 4 at the Central library.

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

CREATIVE Wednesdays, Oc tober 13, 20 creative writing and dance workshop at the LIC library. Register.

GAME DAY Wednesday, Oc tober 13 at 4 at the St. Albans library.

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

GIRL SCOUTS Thursdays, October 14, 21, 28 at 4 at the Queens Village library.

CREATIVE BEADING Friday, Oc tober 15 cra f t workshop at 4 at the Astoria library.

TEEN GAMING Fridays, October 15, 22, 29 at 4 at the Fresh Meadows library.

BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, October 15, 22, 29 teens share books with children in grades K-3 at 4 at the Bayside library.

THEATER Friday, Oc tober 15 Action Racket Theater for Teens at 4 at the Langston Hughes library.

GAME PLAYERS Fridays at the Hillcrest library at 2.

Fridays, Oc tober 15, 22 at the Queens Village library at 3:30.

SUN CATCHERS Friday, Oc tober 15 decorate a sun catcher at the St. Albans librar y. Register.

STORY TELLING Friday, Oc tober 15 Scary Stuff for Storytelling Month at the Langston Hughes library. Register.

FLASH FRIDAY Fridays, October 15, 22, 29 at 3:30 at the Ozone Park library.

COLORING & CRAFT Fridays, October 15, 22, 29 at the Queensboro Hill library at 10:30.

GAME DAY Fridays, Oc tober 15, 29 at 3 at the Queensboro Hill library.

GAME PLAYERS Fridays, October 15, 22, 29 at the Hillcrest library at 4.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays, October 15, 22, 29 at the East Flushing library.

Register.

STORY SHARERS Fridays, Oc tober 15, 22 at the Central library at 4.

BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, October 15, 22, 29 at the Bayside library at 4.

STORY HOUR Fridays, October 15, 22, 29 at 3 at the Briarwood library.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays, October 15, 22, 29 at 4 at the Briarwood library.

NATURE PHOTO. Saturdays, Oc tober 16, 23 Alley Pond Environmental Center will hold a Children’s Nature Photography class, for those 6-11. 229-4000 to register.

MUSICAL MAYHEM S u n d a y, O c t o b e r 1 7 a t F l u s h i n g To w n H a l l . 4 6 3 7700, ext. 222. Free Reservations.

POLYGRAPH LOUNGE S u n d a y, O c t o b e r 1 7 a t F l u s h i n g To w n H a l l . 4 6 3 7700, ext. 222. Free. Reservations s

DINNER

JEWISH WOMEN Thursday, Oc tober 14 National Council of Jewish Women. 516-487-1199.

JOURNEY OF HOPE Friday, Oc tober 15 Communit y Mental Health Awards Luncheon sponsored

by Holliswood Hospital. 4642552.

ST. MARY GATE S a t u r d ay, O c to b e r 1 6 L t .

Thomas Kelly Memorial Scholarship Dinner. 8460689.

FIRST PRESBY TERIAN Sunday, Oc tober 17 Food, Fun & Fellowship night with pot roast beef dinner and bingo. $15, $7 children under 12. 516-354-5013 reservations.

LUNCH & CARD PARTY Tuesday, Oc tober 19 the Sisterhood of Bay Terrace Jewish Center 428-6363.

SOCIAL WELFARE F r i d a y, O c to b e r 22 Queensboro Council for Social Welfare’s Annual Awards Luncheon and Networking Exhibition 685-2802.

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

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

YARD SALE Saturday, Oc tober 9 Ann u a l Fa l l Ya rd Sa l e 9 - 5 a t Lutheran Church of the Red e e m e r , 1 5 7 - 1 6 6 5 th A v enue.

PUMPKIN FAIR S a t u r d ay, O c to b e r 9 A l l Saints’ Church Pumpkin Fair from 12-6 at 46th Street bet w e e n 4 3 rd A v e n u e a n d Queens Blvd. Vendors, face painting, music, fun, pumpkin pies and soup and more.

RUMMAGE SALE Saturday, Oc tober 9 10-4 and Sunday, Oc tober 10 124 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 85 Greenway South, Forest Hills.

FALL FLEA MARKET Sunday, Oc tober 10 at St. Clare’s Church, 137-35 Brookville Blvd., Rosedale.

RUMMAGE SALE S u n d a y, O c t o b e r 1 0 a t Temple Tikvah, 3315 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park from 10-3 and on Monday, O c t o b e r 1 1 f ro m 9 : 3 0 12:00.

FALL FLEA MARKET Saturday, Oc tober 16 from 8-5 at the LIRR North Parking Lot, 82-60 Austin Street.

Benefits the Jamaica Hospital Medical center Pediatric Department.

TREASURE SALE Saturday, Oc tober 16 9:303:0 and Sunday, Oc tober 17 11:30-3:30 at Church of the Resurrection, 85-09 118 th Street, Kew Gardens/ Richmond Hill.

RUMMAGE SALE Monday and Tuesday, Oc tober 18, 19 at St. Barnabas Church, 159-19 98 th Street, Old Howard Beach from 104. Also Monday evening 79.

CRAFT FAIR Saturday, November 13 sponsored by the PTA of St. Agnes Academic High School in College Point.

RELIGIOUS

AMER. LEG. AUX. Saturdays, Oc tober 9, November 13, December 11 Leonard Unit 422 American Legion Auxiliary meets in Flushing. 463-2798.

VFW 4787 Mondays, Oc tober 11, 25 Whitestone VFW Community Post meets; ladies auxiliary meets the 2 nd Monday.

746-0540.

CATHOLIC VETS Mondays, Oc tober 11, November 8, December 13 American Mart yrs Catholic Wa r Ve t e r a n s Po s t 1 7 7 2 meets in Bayside. 468-9351.

AMERICAN LEGION Mondays, Oc tober 11, November 8, December 13 American Legion Post 510 meets at St. Robert Bellamine in Bayside Hills.

428-2895.

WATCH Mondays, Oc tober 11, November 8, December 13 Woman at the Chapel Hall (WATCH) meets at the Communit y Church of Little Neck. 229-2534.

TOASTMASTERS Mondays, Oc tober 11, 25, November 8, 22, December 13, 27 learn the art and science of Public Speaking in queens. 525-6830.

FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tuesdays the Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets.

917-612-3463.

ADVANCED WRITERS Tuesdays at 6:30 at the Terrace Diner at Bay Terrace Shopping Center and also t h e l a s t Tu e s d ay o f t h e month in the Communit y Room in Panera Bread at Bay Terrace Shopping.

LIONS CLUB Tuesdays, Oc tober 12, November 9, December 14 Ravenswood Lions Club meets at Riccardo’s by the Bridge, 21-01 21 st Avenue, Astoria at 6:30.

FH CIVIC Tuesdays, Oc tober 12, November 9, December 14 Forest Hills Community and Civic Association meets. 9977014.

COMM. BD. 9 Tuesdays, Oc tober 12, November 9, December 14 CB9 meets. 286-2686.

TELEPHONE PION. Tuesdays, Oc tober 12, November 9, December 14 Te l e p h o n e P i o n e e r s o f America meet in College Point. 463-4535.

SISTERHOOD Tuesday, Oc tober 12 the Sisterhood of Bay Terrace Jewish Center, 13-00 209 th Street, Bayside, will hold their first general membership meeting at 7:30. 4286363.

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

263-9250.

UNITED 40S We d n e s d a y, O c t o b e r 1 3 United Forties Civic Association, Inc. meets for a Candidates Night Forum at 7 at St. Teresa’s auditorium, 50-22 45 th Street, Woodside.

COMM. BD. 6 Wednesdays, Oc tober 13, November 10, December 8

ENTERTAINMENT

Communit y Board 6 meets at 80-02 Kew Gardens Road at 7:45.

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

465-2914; me1nc@aol.com PARENTS BEREAVEMENT Thursdays, October 14, November 11, December 9 St. Adalbert’s bereavement group for the loss of a parent in Elmhurst. 429-2005.

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

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

P-FLAG Sundays, Oc tober 17, November 21, December 19 PFLAG, a support group for parents, families and friends of lesbians and gays, meet in Forest Hills. 271-6663.

HEALTH WAITANKUNG Sundays at 2. Waitankung is a great total-body workout.

Join these ancient Chinese exercise classes in the Flushing Hospital/Medical Center auditorium on 45 th Avenue between Parsons and Burling. Free. Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156 information.

FEMALE CANCER Mondays, Oc tober 11, 25 “Look Good, Feel Better” program for women undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy in Flushing.

1-800-ACS-2345.

ALZHEIMERS Tuesdays, Oc tober 12, 26 Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills. 592-5757, ext.

237.

MS SELF-HELP Tuesdays, Oc tober 12, 26 Multiple Sclerosis Self-help group to share a common life experience for support, education and mutual aid 12:30 at the Howard Beach library.

PARKINSON Wednesdays, Oc tober 13, November 10, December 8 Parkinson Support Group at Peninsula Hospital. 7342876.

WELL SPOUSES Wednesdays, Oc tober 13, November 10, December 8 Well Spouses or Partners of the Chronically Ill and Disabled at St. Charles Rehab Center, 201 IU Willets Road, Albertson. Free. 516-8298740.

PROSTATE CANCER We d n e s d ay, O c to b e r 1 3 , November 10, December 8 “Man to Man” program in Flushing. 1-800-ACS-2345.

HATHA YOGA Thursdays, October 14, 21, 28 at the Queensboro Hill library at 6:30. Bring a mat; wear comfortable clothing.

SHARP S a t u r d a y, O c t o b e r 1 6 Selfhelp Alzheimers Resource Program (SHARP).

631-1886.

GREEK FESTIVAL Through Sunday, Oc tober 10 the Greek Orthodox Shrine Church of St. Nicholas, 196-10 Northern Blvd., Flushing, will hold their annual Greek Festival. Friday 6-12, Saturday 12-12 and Sunday 12-8. Free admission.

AMAZING MAZE Through Sunday, November 7 a 3-acre corn maze at Queens Count y Farm Museum. $8 adults, $5 children.

347-3276 information and times.

HORACIO LAGUNA Saturday, Oc tober 9 world classics concert at 2:30 at the Bayside library.

ITALIAN CULTURE Saturday, Oc tober 9 an afternoon of Italian culture featuring accordionist Rosalba Mallozzi and author Paola Corso at 3 at the Broadway library.

POETS MEET Saturdays, Oc tober 9, 23 the Fresh Meadows Poets meet to discuss and critique their poetry at 10 at the Forest Hills library.

PUMPKIN FAIR S a t u r d ay, O c to b e r 9 A l l Saints’ Church Pumpkin Fair from 12-6 at 46th Street bet w e e n 4 3 rd A v e n u e a n d Queens Blvd. Vendors, face painting, music, fun, pumpkin pies and soup and more.

ITALIAN MUSIC Saturday, Oc tober 9 concert with Gino Di Napoli at 2 at the Flushing library.

BEIJING OPERA Saturdays, Oc tober 9, 16 Journey to the West: A Story in the St yle of Beijing Opera told in English and Chinese at 2:30 at the Jackson Heights library.

CAPITOL STEPS Sunday, Oc tober 10 spoof of politics at 3 at the Queensborough Performing Arts Center. 631-6311. $3039.

OPEN MIC POETRY Mondays, Oc tober 11, November 8, December 13 at 7:30 at Barnes & Noble, 1766 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i ke , F re s h Meadows.

BINGO Tuesdays at 7:15 at American Mart yrs Church, church basement, 216-01 Union Tu r n p i k e , B a y s i d e . 4 6 4 4 5 8 2 . Tu e s d a y s a t 7 : 1 5 (doors open 6) at the Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd. 459-1000.$3 admission includes 12 games.

CHAMBER MUSIC Tuesdays, Oc tober 12, 19, 26, November 9, 16, 23, 30 at LeFrak Concert Hall at 10.

997-3802 ticket reservations.

DIVAS T h u r s d a y, O c t o b e r 1 4 Naomi Zeitlin performs pop standards at 6:30 at the Auburndale library.

R&B Thursday, Oc tober 14 From Etta to Smokey at 6:30 at the Lefrak Cit y library.

PUGLIA & CALABRIA Thursday, Oc tober 14 slide show and commentary on Italy’s Best Kept Secrets at 6 at the Richmond Hill library.

LIVE JAZZ

Fridays through December 24 live jazz at 180-25 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. 347262-1169.

WYCLIFFE GORDON Friday, Oc tober 15 early roots of Jazz: music of the 20s and 30s at Flushing Town Hall. 463-7700, ext. 222.

RENAISSANCE CHINESE Saturday, Oc tober 16 Renaissance Chinese Opera S o c i e t y p re s e n t s C h i n e s e Opera Performance at 2 at the Flushing library.

PHILIPPINES S a t u r d a y, O c t o b e r 1 6 Folktales, Music and Dance from the Philippines at 3 at the Sunnyside library.

JAZZ & MORE Saturday, Oc tober 16 jazz standards made great by Ellington, Washington, Wilson and more at 3:30 at the Broadway library.

RECEPTION Saturday, Oc tober 16 reception for “Endangered Art/ists: China” at Flushing Town Hall. 12-5. $5. 4637700, ext. 222.

FALL FIFTIES Saturday, Oc tober 16 Fall

“Fifties” Fabulous Fun Night. $25, $30 at the door. Food and beverage included. 4-8.

Poppenhusen Institute in College Point. 368-0067.

ASTRONOMY Saturday, Oc tober 16 a t Alley Pond Environmental Center. $10. 229-4000 to register.

ROCKAWAY REVUE S a t u r d a y, O c t o b e r 1 6 evening of fun, fellowship, music and entertainment with the Amit y Baptist Church from 5-7. 739-8278.

BYE BYE BIRDIE Saturday, Oc tober 16 Saturday Night Sing-a-Long at 7:30 at Queensborough Performing Arts Center. 6316311. $5.

LAR LUBOVITCH Saturday and Sunday, October 16, 17 Lar Lubovitch Dance Company at Queens Theatre in the Park. 7600064.

MADAMA BUTTERFLY Sunday, Oc tober 17 at 3 at Queensborough Performing Arts Center. 631-6311. $3542.

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS DEFENSIVE DRIVING Saturday, Oc tober 9 with the Knights of Columbus in Valley Stream. 341-0452.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Saturday, Oc tober 9 at St. Margaret’s Church in Middle Village. 326-1911.

POTTERY CLASS Saturday, Oc tober 9 at the Fresh Meadows library. Register.

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

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

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

ADULT CHESS Mondays at 6 at the Queens Village library.

COMPUTER BASICS Tuesdays, Oc tober 12, 19, 26 at the Astoria library at 11.

COMPUTER CLASS Tuesday, October 12 at the Sunnyside library. Register.

SCRABBLE CLUB Tuesdays, October 12, 19 26 at 3:30 at the East Flushing library.

SCRABBLE CLUB Tuesdays, Oc tober 12, 19, 26 at 1 at the Fresh Meadows library.

COMPUTER BASICS Tuesdays and Thursdays in Oc tober at the Queensboro Hill library. 359-8332 to register.

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

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

ADULT CHESS

Thursdays at 6 at the Queens Village library.

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

WIRE SCULPTING Thursday, Oc tober 14 jewelry-making workshop for adults at the Rosedale library. Register.

HOLIDAY CLAY Thursday, Oc tober 14 Holiday Clay Ornaments: a workshop for adults at the South Ozone Park library. Register.

NAKHA CHITRA Thursday, Oc tober 14 learn the ancient art of Nakha Chitra, the technique used for Indian nail art at the Lefferts library. Register.

ARTIFACTS & RELICS Thursday, Oc tober 14 “Artifacts & Relics: Poetry as a Medium for Telling and Preserving Personal History” at the Langston Hughes library.

Register.

KNIT & CROCHET Thursdays, Oc tober 14, 28 at 3 at the Central library.

Bring your own materials.

EAST FLUSHING CHESS Thursdays, October 14, 21, 28 at 6 East Flushing library.

COMPUTER COURSE Fridays, October 15, 22, 29 t t h e O z o n e Pa r k l i b ra r y.

Register.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Saturday, Oc tober 16 the American Mart yrs RC Church of Bayside will present a Defensive Driving Course. 631-360-9720. $45.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, Oc tober 16, 30 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital.

646-436-7940.

BOATING SAFETY Sunday, Oc tober 17 the US Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Boating Safet y Class will be held at Fort Totten. 917-952-7014.

Oct. 8-14, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

ROCKAWAY REVUE S a t u r d a y, O c t o b e r 1 6 evening of fun, fellowship, music and entertainment with the Amit y Baptist Church from 5-7. 739-8278.

HOLY FAMILY PARISH Sunday, Oc tober 17 70 t h Anniversary celebration with 12 noon Mass followed by a 2pm reception at Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston.

FIRST PRESBY TERIAN S u n d ay, O c to b e r 1 7 th e First Presbyterian Church of New Hyde Park will hold its Food, Fun & Fellowship night with pot roast beef dinner and bingo. $15, $7 children under 12. 516-354-5013 reservations.

MEETINGS

What’s Up SATURDAY, OCT. 9 Youth & Tennis The Youth and Tennis group meets every Saturday morning at Roy Wilkins Park Saturday. To learn more, call Bill Briggs at (718) 658-6728.

Seido Karate Japanese system Seido Karate emphasizes building of spirit, mind and body, using hand, elbow, and foot techniques.

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

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

Classical Ballet Studying ballet is one of the most effective and elegant ways of improving posture, grace, flexibility, and strength. No experience needed for these classes. Students are taught at the barre and must be 6-15 years old.. Learning ballet is a good foundation for all other dance styles.

The class will be held every Saturday until Oct. 30 at the Jamaica YMCA, 89-25 Parsons Blvd. at 11:30 a.m. The fee to participate is $110.

Belly Dancing Kids between 6 and 15 years old will learn basic and traditional belly dancing movements. Movements will be built into a choreographed routine. The class is a great way to build self-confidence, balance and coordination.

No prior belly dance experience required.

The instructor was featured on “America’s Got Talent.”

The class will be held every Saturday until Oct. 30 at the Jamaica YMCA, 89-25 Parsons Blvd. at 2:30 p.m. The fee to participate is $110.

King Manor Harvest Harvest was a busy time of year on the King Farm. The Harvest program will give children a chance to learn about harvest, Jamaica when it was the countryside, and to pot a seed to take home.

This free event will be held at the King Manor Museum in Rufus King Park (153 Street at Jamaica Avenue) from noon to 3 p.m.

Page 20 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 8-14, 2010

Historical Jamaica Walking Tour Come on out for a free guided tour and discover Jamaica Center’s rich past and hidden gems. One of the earliest settlements in New York, Jamaica boasts churches and cemeteries centuries old.

Stops include the private entrance to what was arguably New York’s grandest theater in the 1920s and, nearly unchanged, still resplendent today. The tour ends with a visit to 350-year old Prospect Cemetery and it’s meticulously restored Chapel of the Sisters. RSVP required as space is limited. For more information, visit jamaicacenter.org, call (718) 5262422, or send an e-mail to info@jamaicacenter.org. Tours are rain or shine.

This free event will be held at King Manor Museum in Rufus King Park (153 Street at Jamaica Ave.) from 1-3 p.m.

Poetry Speaks Four award-winning poets from Queens share their work, their words and their way with syllables. Meet Dr. Julio Marzan, fourth Poet Laureate of Queens; celebrated author and poet Dr. Jeffrey Renard Allen; actor and poet David Mills; and associate professor of Literary Studies at Eugene Lang College of The New School, Marc Statman.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd. at 2 p.m.

SUNDAY, OCT. 10 Open Mic for Poets All are invited to participate in this free open mic poetry event.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd. at 2 p.m.

Autumn Auction Immaculate Conception is hosting an Autumn Auction from 1-5 p.m. at Riccardo’s by the Bridge.

Tickets are $45 and include buffet dinner, beer, wine, soda and dessert and can be purchased in the school office or the rectory. All proceeds will benefit the school and the children of Immaculate Conception.

For more information, contact Frances Rocco at (917) 482-6124, or Pat Mule Hogan at pat.mule@gmail.com or Kitty Prager kprager@stjohnsprepschool.org.

MONDAY, Oct. 11 Adult Chess Club Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings.

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

Zumba The Zumba program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves like merengue, salsa, cumbia, reggaeton, belly dance, flamenco, tango and samba which creates a mind blowing, one-of-akind fitness program. Zumba not only has long-term benefits, but will allow all to experience, in an hour, calorie-burning, body-energizing and awe-inspiring movements meant to engage and captivate for life.

This class will be held every Monday until Oct. 25 at the Jamaica YMCA, 89-25 Parsons Blvd. at 7:40 p.m. The fee to participate is $100.

TUESDAY, OCT. 12 Seido Karate Japanese system Seido Karate emphasizes building of spirit, mind and body, using hand, elbow, and foot techniques.

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

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

CAMERA CLUB The Southeast Queens Camera Club welcomes photographers, beginners to advanced. Meetings are held the second,

third and fourth Tuesday ever month at 7:30 p.m. at Roy Wilkins Family Life Center, 177-01 Baisley Blvd.

Intro to the Internet In this single-session workshop, customers will learn the basics of searching and browsing the Web. Pre-registration is required in person at Cyber Center Desk.

Participants must possess basic mouse and keyboarding skills.

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

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 13 Men’s Soccer Come have some recreational fun in a non-competitive and friendly environment. A great way to stay active and meet people who enjoy the sport. Soccer is played in Jamaica YMCA’s main gymnasium at 89-25 Parsons Blvd. every Wednesday, 7-10 p.m., until October 27. All levels are welcome. Rough play will not be tolerated. The fee to participate is $50.

African-American Studies The York College African American Resource Center invites you to “AfricanAmerican Studies Matter,” co-sponsored by the Library and the Departments of English, History and Philosophy, and Social Sciences. Dr. Howard Dodson, Director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, will address the campus community on the topic “African-American Studies Matters”. For additional information, contact Valerie Anderson at (718) 262-2470.

This free event will be held at York College’s Academic Core Building - 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. from 3-5 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCT. 14 Adult Chess Club Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings.

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

Lupus Connection Workshop Got questions about Lupus? What is Lupus? What are the symptoms? Where do you get help? All these questions and more will be answered at the Jamaica Neighborhood Center’s Southeast Queens Lupus Connection Workshop. For additional information, contact Joan Laws at (718) 739-2060, Ext. 15 or jlaws718@hotmail.com.

This free event will be held at JSPOA 92-47 165th St. at 1 p.m.

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

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd. at 3 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 15 Senior Theatre Acting Repertory Calling all older adults: Join our galaxy

of STARs to perform theatrical works at the library with a great group of people while brightening your life.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Group Sessions 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 8931 161 St., 10th floor, Jamaica. Services are available Tue.-Thurs. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A Movement With Passion

Mizz Dada Home: Jamaica Age: 18 Height: 5’ 6" Weight: 115 lbs Stats: 34-27-34

Photo by Ira Cohen

Models Of Queens Big Case Over A Little Font

Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 8-14, 2010

In other parts of the country, a woman uncovering what her top normally obscures can stir up controversy (Google search “Katy Perry + Sesame Street” for a sample). In the special case of public breastfeeding, some women have been accosted by cops and disgusted onlookers.

But here in Queens, we don’t let prudish attitudes get the breast of us. In fact, we’re so cool with it, we don’t find a large bus stop ad of a woman breastfeeding even remotely titillating.

The poster, just a block away from the Tribune office, promotes the State Health Department’s “Breastfeeding… For My Baby. For Me.” campaign. The program endorses feeding your baby with Mother Nature’s best.

Upon first glance, the ad appears to be in good taste. We just hope outraged gangs of uptight folks don’t try to get the good-natured ad nipped.

Mmmm, Mmmm, Good The street named for Sean Bell, a recent renaming in Queens, is correct in uppers and lowers so that it won’t have to be replaced.

subsidies DOT gets from the federal government to make the case change. Oh, and did we mention the federal mandate was implemented in 2003, and the federal government gave municipalities 15 years to comply, as to not strain

Astronomy Lesson Queens high school football fans were exposed to an unpleasant site at a recent game – the untoned derriere of Boys and Girls High School assistant coach Clive Harding. Harding mooned home team fans at Campus Magnet High School after a disputed call by refs two weekends ago.

After refs confirmed a controversial 2-point conversion by Campus Magnet, school safety officials were summoned to deal with Harding’s unquenched anger, which resulted in his ejection from the game, along with head coach Barry O’Connor.

It was during Harding’s walk of shame that he screamed back at the heckling crowd and dropped trou.

Breast Intentions

This was not the full moon the Boys & Girls coach showed the refs.

“All I saw was his big [rear end],” said one horrified parent.

Just be glad, QConf readers, that we don’t have pictures for this one.

their budgets?

New York City is spending $25.7 million on a project they had planned to do anyway? We’re OUTRAGED! Oh, sorry, we mean outraged.

In this trio of pictures, you see the reaction on Councilman Peter Vallone Jr.’s face as he bites down, considers and then reacts to a fresh dish of kangaroo at the Dish du Jour Magazine ninth annual food and wine festival – A Taste of Queens and Beyond – held at Astoria World Manor.

Vallone was judging a five-ingredient competition between two star chefs, and the dishes were

Confidentially, New York . . .

prepared with Chestnuts, Mushrooms, Espresso, Asian Pears and Kangaroo.

Judging from Vallone’s face, and even though he considers himself an adventurous eater, it seems he wasn’t going to hop out and order himself seconds.

Photos by Ira Cohen

Can you believe it? It’s such an OUTRAGE! The Federal government is mandating that New York City change all its street signs from CAPITAL letters to Upper and Lower Case. The change will cost the city $25.7 million. New Yorkers are OUTRAGED, says the Daily News. Why not? Big Liberal Federal Government is forcing us to spend money we don’t have for a measly font change? We can read HORACE HARDING EXPRESSWAY just fine, thank you!

Well, no, not really. The City normally changes the signs every 10 years before they fade or get damaged by weather. Just last month, the tornado damaged or destroyed hundreds of signs, and the City plans on using most of the

For Diana, who goes by the stage name Mizz Dada, modeling has been a calling for the last few years.

“I officially started last year, but then I stopped,” Diana said. “I go to school, so I do it every summer.”

The Jamaica High School grad is currently enrolled at City Tech University studying dental hygiene.

“Last year I did a lot of fashion shows, photo shows and photo shoots,” Diana said. “I like the confidence you get; you feel better about yourself.”

Told for many years that she is “skinny,” Diana has decided to put her size to work.

“I use that as a positive more than a negative,” she said. “I think I do a great job in modeling.”

Being a dental hygienist is Plan B for Diana, who is hoping to make modeling a full-time career.

“I really want to get my foot into the door for modeling,” she said. “I go to every casting call; I’ve asked a bunch of casting directors if I can help them just to get to know the business.”

When not in school or in front of the lens, Diana spends her time going to the movies, often by herself.

“That way I can laugh like crazy,” she said.

She also likes to go to area theme parks and there’s a bowling alley on Sutphin Boulevard where she likes to hang out.

“I’m a very determined model,” Diana said. “I’m driven to be where I need to be.

I’m very passionate about what I do.”