Southeast Queens Press EPaper

Volume 13 Issue No. 3 Jan. 20-26, 2012

PAGE 18

CUOMO COMES HOME:

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

HELLO, GUV’NAH

In an economic address at Queens College, Gov. Cuomo reinforced his outlook for the borough, the City and the State.

By Ross Barkan … Page 8.

Online at www.QueensPress.com

News Briefs SNAP Keeps Seniors Busy One eastern Queens center has expanded to keep seniors from staying in their homes during the winter months.

The Innovative Services Now For Adult Persons Inc. is an expansion of the previous senior community center in Queens Village. Innovative SNAP, located at 80-45 Winchester Blvd., made its debut on Jan. 3.

Marian Lewek, associate executive director of SNAP said the organization focuses on health and wellness. On Fridays, the center offers three dance exercise classes before noon: dance aerobics, Zumba and tap. Those suffering from arthritis can take a tai-chi class to soothe their joints. On other days of the week, the center offers a plethora of programs that challenge the body and mind.

Lewek said many people at the center are concerned about Alzheimer's and memory loss and are looking for ways to stay sharp. Because of this, SNAP offers mentally stimulating programs, such as "Breakfast for Your Brain," something Lewek calls "mental aerobics."

Despite the cold weather last week, Lewek said they saw a higher turnout than normal during the first week of the Innovative SNAP program. Every day, the center offers a hot lunch. SNAP offers lectures ranging from preventing falls to nutrition.

Throughout the year, Innovative SNAP will offer diverse support groups, such as bereavement support groups and peer counseling for those who suffer from diabetes. A nurse from North Shore Long Island Jewish Hospital comes to the Queens Village center once a week and helps refer seniors to medical care in the community. Occasionally, seniors are encouraged to bring in their prescriptions and a pharmacist will check to make sure they are taking safe medications.

Lewek said SNAP is mindful of the fact that many seniors cannot easily access public transportation. Because of this, SNAP provides shuttle service to the center, doctor's appointments and shopping for Community Boards 11 and 13. For more information about SNAP's transportation services, contact Marci at (718) 454-2100.

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 20-26, 2012

Nurses Picket Over Negotiations Breakdancers, whistles, and honking horns lent an exuberant soundtrack to an otherwise angry picket of Flushing Hospital Medical Center nurses on a bright Jan. 5 morning. Gathered outside the hospital on 45th Avenue, as many as 150 nurses rotated in and out of a demonstration intended to let hospital management know that the nurses, with their labor contract now expired, did not want to lose their health and pension benefits.

Scheduled more than a week before Jan. 5, the picket's goal was to put public pressure on hospital management during the negotiations of a new contract for the nurses; according to Mark Genovese, a spokesman for the New York States Nurses Association, the hospital has so far refused to sign an interim contract that would continue payments to the nurses' health and pension plans.

Nurses are considering a strike vote,

but nothing has been scheduled as of press time.

A running theme espoused by the organizers was that the hospital management, and their parent company MediSys, were acting in extraordinary fashion by not signing an interim agreement. Green said that nurses are no longer receiving pension benefits after their contract expired on Dec. 31 and will lose health benefits in 90 days. Negotiations have been held this week, but no progress has been made as of press time.

Michael Hinck, a spokesman for the hospital, said the union was spreading misinformation, but he believes the conflict will be resolved soon.

"The nurses have a benefits package in place during negotiations," Hinck said. "I know there's been some information circulated that they don't have benefits, and that is categorically not true."

Hinck also maintained that, despite claims otherwise, the hospital operated at a deficit in 2011, and did not have a surplus. Labor leaders acknowledge health benefits are still in place, but fear the 90 days after the contract expiration will pass before a new contract is signed. Hinck is confident a contract will be agreed to before then.

$7M College Grant Awarded The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation recently announced a $7 million College Access Challenge Grant to improve college awareness, readiness, and attendance among low-income students in New York. HESC will distribute the grant funds to community groups and other institutions working directly with at-risk populations that are traditionally underserved.

HESC will administer the grant, which was awarded by the U.S. Department of Education. HESC has administered New York's CACG award for the past three years. Like previous federal grants, the funds will be distributed through a competitive process to schools, agencies, and community-based organizations across New York.

Acting President of HESC Elsa Magee said, "With this funding, HESC will take a comprehensive approach to improve college enrollment and completion among disadvantaged students through intervention strategies and activities."

Regional services and activities provided through CACG sub-grantees include: college readiness, academic skill building, and tutoring programs, stay-inschool support programs for college students at risk for dropping out, college admission application and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion assistance, training for college advisors and counselors serving high need, low-income and educationally atrisk students in the state, family workshops on college financing, completing FAFSA and applications, debt management and financial literacy workshops and extracurricular and summer residence opportunities.

In the 2010-11 academic year, CACGfunded programs served more than 47,000 New York State resident students and families. Previous recipients of CACG subgrant awards and their projects are described on the HESC website, hesc.com.

Presstime

Central Library Upgrades Tech Lab

BY VERONICA LEWIN

music to start playing, while a crowd cheers for standing on Citi Field. Each project is completed in phases to prevent having to close the entire library.

"This unique library is one for the modern age," Borough President Helen Marshall said in September. "Clearly, it is not only a library, but a museum and school that will awaken interests and open new vistas and opportunities for children in search of knowledge and wonder. It will be a borough-wide resource for generations to come."

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

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

In an area where many people do not have access to the Internet at home, the Queens Library's Central Branch is taking steps to become Southeast Queens' top destination for public resources.

The library celebrated the opening of its brand new Cyber Center on Thursday when Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) took a tour of the new technology hub with Queens Library President and CEO Thomas Galante. The center has 72 computer workstations, 32 laptops and several printers and scanners. The new facility is more than twice the size of the previous Cyber Center and is free of charge to visitors with their Queens Library card.

Comrie said the new Cyber Center is a great place for people looking for jobs, students to do their homework and seniors to file for their benefits.

"Libraries play a critical role for communities throughout Queens and I am

pleased to help them continue to educate future mathematicians, computer scientists, and web developers," Comrie said.

"The Cyber Center will be a bridge that helps traverse the digital divide for the less tech-savvy and also provide more access and resources for the computer literate.

Queens' libraries have provided educational resources for generations and this new Center will help ensure their place in the future."

The Central Library, located at 89-11 Merrick Blvd., has undergone a series of makeovers in recent months to better serve Southeast Queens and beyond. The library opened its Discovery Center last September, a spacious, hands-on learning facility.

One of the most unique features of the twofloor Discovery Center is an interactive map of Queens. Visitors are greeted at the door with a floor map of the borough. When a child steps on a landmark, they hear a sound associated with that place. Stepping on the Steinway Factory prompts piano

Councilman Leroy Comrie and Queens Library President and CEO Thomas Galante celebrate the new Cyber Center on Thursday.

Jamaica Bay To Get $7M For Restoration

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

have to keep that pressure on.”

The marshland restoration project will impact travel around the bay this winter. Because of the ongoing dredging work, the Gil Hodges-Marine Parkway Bridge will periodically be closed to be raised to allow dredging equipment moving sand from the Ambrose Channel in Lower New York Park to the restored

marshland to pass the bridge. The closures will begin Thursday, Jan. 26 and last through the month of February. If possible motorists are advised to use the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge as an alternate.

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

Sanders: Become An Enactor In Life

BY VERONICA LEWIN

Councilman James Sanders Jr. speaks about the importance of getting active in the community. agreed that Dr. King's birthday should be a day to be productive. "Dr. King, I don't think, ever took a rest day," he said. "This is a day we need to rededicate ourselves; to focus on ourselves, on how we can make a difference in our lives, but in the lives of our young people and the lives of children yet unborn."

Before the conference kicked off, Sanders took time to decry the recent violence

that has been taking place in his district, including sexual assaults and homicide. A lot of the councilman's focus was on the future of the district - youth in Southeast Queens. Sanders held an "Occupy the Hood" meeting last fall in an attempt to reach out to young people in areas of his district plagued with violence. He said the ignorance of young people is increasing daily, especially with the accepted use of the "N-word." Sanders plans to hold another Occupy the Hood meeting this year.

"We will work with all of the youth and aid them in occupying the hood to show them that we can liberate these streets from violence, from ignorance, from hatred and move this into something glorious," Sanders said.

Dwight Johnson, president of the Federated Blocks of Laurelton, agreed that more needs to be done to save today's youth. While there are a considerable amount of young people doing great things for the community, Johnson said many kids need to be taught that there is another path to take besides one filled with drugs and violence. "I think it was something Dr. King would have appreciated and, looking forward, we need to carry those messages every day," he said.

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

Jan. 20-26, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

While many people spend Martin Luther King Jr. Day away from work or school, shopping or relaxing, Councilman James Sanders Jr. (D-Laurelton) had a message for the community: get to work.

"This is a day that we start being enactors and become actors in our own lives," Sanders said. "Never again will we be accidental tourists in our own lives. We're here not only to live, but to help give life to a community."

Sanders hosted his third annual "Community or Chaos" conference on Jan. 16 at the St. Luke Cathedral's Multi-Purpose Center in Laurelton. The conference is designed to teach people how to start and run successful non-profit organizations.

The four-hour conference offered working groups ranging in expertise from youth to advanced. Many organizations in the community came to the event to learn how to improve and network with other nonprofits in the area.

Byron Perry of the Afrikan Poetry Theater went to Monday's event in hopes of learning new information about fundraising, which would help APT expand its reach. "I hope to get new information to serve the community and theater," he said.

U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica)

PRESS Photo by Veronica Lewin

The ongoing efforts to bring Jamaica Bay back to its natural glory got a boost last week worth $7 million.

The U.S. Army Corps. Of Engineers, who have been helping restore marshland in the bay, announced they are granting $7,293,547.50 to fund restoration of 50 acres of the Yellow Bar Hassock salt marsh, located near the geographic center of the bay about a mile west of Broad Channel. The grant will allow work to begin on the third of three major marsh restoration projects in the bay. The Elder Point West and Elder Point East marshes in the northern end of the bay near Howard Beach were restored in 2006 and 2009.

As part of the project, 300,000 cubic yards of dredged material will be placed on the 50-acres of Yellow Bar Hassock Island to allow a new marshland to form. The project is part of the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers Continuing Authorities Program (CAP). The NYC Dept. of Environmental Protection and New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation asked the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers to help restore Jamaica Bay’s lost marshland as part of CAP and the first project, at Elder Point West, began in 2006. The marshland restoration is part of a series of ongoing projects aimed at restoring the once notoriously polluted body of water. Jamaica Bay’s ecosystem was nearly destroyed by decades of sewage discharge and pollution.

“This grant will help restore the delicate ecosystem of Jamaica Bay to its former greatness,” Assemblyman Philip Goldfeder (D-Far Rockaway) said.

U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica) said he was pleased with the marshland restoration projects in the bay and the attention the bay, which is part of the

federally-managed Gateway National Recreation Center, is receiving from the U.S. Dept. of Interior.

“During the summer, we did a tour with some local elected officials and some community people and some environmentalists around Jamaica Bay and I did see substantial progress,” Meeks said. “It’s not being neglected as it once was and we do

Boro Gets New Immigration Office

BY VERONICA LEWIN

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 20-26, 2012

For years, residents of the borough trying to become American citizens have had to venture to Manhattan and wait with immigrants from all around the city. Now, they will no longer have to cross the river to make an appointment. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services have, at last, officially opened a field office where the immigrants are – Queens.

The new two-floor office, located at 27-35 Jackson Ave. in Long Island City, opened its doors on Dec. 13. Before the office opened, residents would have to travel to the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building in Manhattan to take care of their naturalization needs. The new office serves the population of Queens and Brooklyn.

Dennis Bunce, field office director, said the government attempts to place offices where the people are. Queens, the most diverse county in the country, is bustling with immigrants. According to the 2010 US Census, nearly half of the borough is foreign born, with the largest number of people emigrating from China, Guyana and Ecuador. The USCIS plans to eventually open more offices throughout the five boroughs.

Immigration Services Officers will be able to conduct 120 naturalization interviews every day at the new center. The spacious office includes a support center for identification photos and fingerprint-

ing. New citizens can be sworn in at the site’s ceremony room.

Make The Road New York, an immigration advocacy group, hopes USCIS partners with organizations in the community to spread the word about the naturalization services offered. Deputy Director Javier Valdes said there is a negative stereotype about immigration offices because many confuse USCIS with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which detains and deports illegal immigrants. Partnering with community organizations could make residents less

hesitant to seek assistance.

Irwine Clare, managing director of Caribbean Immigrant Services based in Jamaica, is pleased the borough finally has an immigration office to recognize the diverse population. He said many of the people he serves in Southeast Queens were traveling up to 90 minutes on the bus or train to visit immigration offices in Manhattan or Long Island. “It will make the whole process of those who seek immigration and benefits a whole lot easier, especially for those in Southeast Queens,” he said.

Though the office has been open for more than a month, USCIS is planning a grand opening celebration Friday, Jan. 20 at 10 a.m. Guests will have the opportunity to take a tour of the new facility and learn about all of the services the site has to offer. Bunce anticipates the USCIS will serve 300 to 500 people daily after the grand opening. The office is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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

JPAC Stage Honors King

BY BRIANNA ELLIS On Jan. 16, a tribute to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was held at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center on 15310 Jamaica Ave. The event united a vast Queens community in honor of the legendary leader.

New York City Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) sponsored the free celebration with numerous co-sponsors and supporters, including Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica), the Jamaica NAACP and the Alpha Kappa

Alpha Sorority Inc. Guest speakers Comrie and the Rev. Darryl Frazier elaborated on King’s significance and his everlasting influence on the nation. The Rev. Pamela Ward guided the audience through each act, introducing singers Keisha Williams, Dorothy Self and Brother Al Smith onto the stage.

Darius Jones recited portions of the famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Civil Court Judge Ulysses Leverett became a “talking timeline” by recalling memories of horrific injustices from slavery days to years of Dr. King’s leadership.

The audience seemed most amused

by performances from The Edge School of the Arts Dance Troupe located on 217-12 Merrick Blvd. in Laurelton, which entertained viewers for the remainder of the show. Toddlers to pre-teens stole the show with synchronized dance moves including ballet, tap, modern, urban and gospel dances.

Beverley Palmer gave the performances a standing ovation.

“Dr. King would have been proud of our children,” she said.

Reach Intern Brianna Ellis at interns@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 124.

Queens Residents Arrested In Drug Ring

BY DOMENICK RAFTER District Attorney Richard Brown announced 12 people have been arrested for running a Long Island-sized illegal drug ring.

The defendants, Brown said, sold illegal narcotics in Queens to customers, mostly in Suffolk County, “virtually turning the Long Island Expressway into a ‘heroin highway.’”

“In carrying out drug sales, it is alleged that customers– including 90 from Suffolk County and 15 from Nassau County who were arrested in the investigation– would call the main dealer, drive into New York City and meet the dealer’s runners at various locations in the city – including hotels, restaurants, diners, electronic stores and even a 99-cent store – in an effort to thwart surveillance,” Brown explained.

The alleged ringleader was identified as Jermel Broadhurst of Astoria. Others facing various charges include Broadhurst’s cousin, Shandell Crabb of Brooklyn, and his girlfriend, Chelene Nelson of Astoria, as well as Kenneth Kirkland, Melissa Franqui, Denise Martinez, Carmen Donatiu, Esteban Bello, Wilfred Ortiz and Patrick Fortune, all of Brooklyn.

According to the investigation, officers seized more than 8,000 glassine envelopes of heroin, more than five kilograms of heroin, 2.7 kilograms of cocaine and five pistols (four of them loaded), a shotgun and an assault rifle during the 14month investigation.

In addition to the arrests this week, of-

ficers executed three court-authorized search warrants and allegedly recovered heroin inside a grinder, scales, packaging, a loaded semi-automatic pistol, as well as various quantities of heroin, cocaine, marijuana and other illegal drugs. The suspects would talk to customers, who would drive from the eastern end of Long Island to pick up the illegal drugs, and warn them of possible police surveillance and chose the meeting locations because they perceived them to be safe. The customers were under surveillance, however, and more than 100 of them were arrested by the NYPD over the last 14 months and officers and Brown’s office

sought to bust the 100-mile long drug ring.

Most of the suspects were from Suffolk County, with a handful from other places including Nassau County, Queens, Upstate New York and New Jersey.

Through court-authorized wiretaps, investigators learned that the defendant allegedly arranged hundreds of controlled substance transactions by directing customers to various locations in Queens, including a Sunnyside hotel and a Subway restaurant in Woodside where associates Crabb, Kirkland, Fortune and others allegedly delivered the drugs to the customers.

The suspects are charged with various

crimes, the most minor being against Martinez, for allegedly acting as a lookout, to the most serious being against Broadhust. He, Crabb, Kirkland and Kirkland’s father Marcos Feliciano, are facing weapons-related charges stemming from a Nov. 14, 2011 bust where Broadhurst allegedly attempted to store an assault rifle at Felicano’s house in Far Rockaway. They face anywhere from a year in prison for the least serious charge to 25 years to life in prison for Broadhurst.

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

BY ROSS BARKAN

another step toward a more environmentally-conscious campus.

Several other CUNYs are located in denser urban areas, where a quick elevator ride down to the lobby and a short walk outside are all that is needed to light up. If you crave your nicotine in the center of Queens College’s expansive campus, better tie your shoelaces tight and start walking.

According to Katharine Cobb, vice president for finance and administration and head of the Queens College’s sustainability committee, there was a reason the school decided to become tobacco-free before other CUNYs. “We wanted to see the policy imple-

mented earlier because we felt it would be easier educating the student body if we laid the groundwork for implementation in the fall and rolled it out in the spring,” Cobb said.

Audrey Silk, the founder of New York City Citizens Lobbying Against Smoking Harassment is not too happy to hear about Queens College’s new policy.

“There’s no justification for a ban this expansive,” she said. “It’s punitive, it’s discriminatory. This is just outright punishment of a segment of a society for daring to choose to smoke.”

Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.

QC Bans Smoking On Campus

If you’re going to light up a cigarette at Queens College these days, you’ll have to stroll out to Kissena Boulevard and smoke with the traffic.

The college has joined its CUNY siblings by banning all tobacco products on campus, including cigarettes and chewing tobacco. The ban, which went into effect New Year’s Day, arrives earlier than the tobacco-free policy which will soon govern all CUNYs in the fall of 2012.

Even smoking outside is now prohibited on all of Queens College’s 77-acres, a policy championed by the university as

Here’s an announcement that will get everyone’s heart pumping.

North Shore-LIJ Medical Group and its chairman of cardiology, Dr. Stanley Katz, are proud to welcome Dr. William J. Tenet and the Cardiovascular Associates of New York. For more than 20 years, this group of talented physicians has been recognized as the premier

the nation’s second largest healthcare system, they’re ready to help bring exceptional cardiac care to all New Yorkers. For more information, call 1-718-423-3355 or 1-516-627-4330, or visit www.cvany.com

Jan. 20-26, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

cardiac team in Queens and Long Island. Now, with the support of

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

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel

Editorial Here Comes A Headache Improvements to the 7 train are a welcomed thing. The 7 services some of the City’s busiest stops, including the end of the line at FlushingMain Street. As it carries more than 425,000 people on any given weekend, should any part of the subway line be any less than state-of-theart? Unfortunately, as the 7 train gets an overhaul, its customers get a headache from the service disruptions.

With weekend service suspended between Times Square and Queensboro Plaza, it makes it difficult for anyone to visit Queens from outside the borough. The burgeoning arts community in Western Queens will suffer from the loss of direct public transportation. Other parts of the borough will also likely feel a pinch as some may avoid coming to Queens rather than figure out the most convenient way to travel without the 7 train.

While there are benefits – Queens residents and their money may choose to stay in the borough rather than deal with the headache of going to Manhattan – the downside seems to be much more grave.

As the disruptions will continue through April 2 – thankfully ending before the Mets begin the first home stand of the season against the Atlanta Braves – the city needs to find more ways to provide transportation into the borough. Once that happens, maybe Queens residents won’t feel so much like afterthoughts when City officials make their plans.

Letters

Intern: Brianna Ellis Art Dept:

Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend Advertising Director Shanie Persaud Sr. Account Executive Shelly Cookson Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie Shari Strongin

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2012 Tribco, LLC

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 20-26, 2012

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

be dropped from the original scope of work. How do we now find $10 billion more for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit 7 subway extension from the Javits Convention Center on Manhattan’s west side to New Jersey Transit’s Secaucus Junction station on the New Jersey Turnpike?

The anticipated final potential cost will not be known until completion. Costs will be refined by award of construction contracts followed by change orders to contracts during the course of construction.

It is difficult to predict when we will see a shovel in the ground, followed years or even decades later by beneficial or the final price tag to taxpayers.

Larry Penner, Great Neck

Adopted Life

Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Harley Benson Veronica Lewin Domenick Rafter Ross Barkan Jason Pafundi

Letters

7 Train Issues To The Editor: There is still much more to do after completion of Mayor Bloomberg’s feasability study for extending the 7 subway train to New Jersey. Future success is dependent upon many issues.

In the past, construction of any major new freight, tunnel or bridge project has taken decades by the time all feasibility studies, environmental reviews, planning, design, engineering, real estate acquisition, permits, procure-

ments, construction, budgeting, identifying and securing funding prior to opening day service.

Remember that the proposed new subway station to be built at 42nd Street and 10th Avenue had to be deleted from the current 7 subway extension from Times Square to the Javits Convention Center. No one could find $500 million dollars to cover the anticipated costs. The original cost of the overall project was $2.1 billion and is now $2.4 billion not counting the subway station that had to

To The Editor: I am a retired NYC public school teacher who resides in Fresh Meadows with my beautiful wife and our two cats. My wife and I just celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary this past October. I would like to share with you my life as an adopted child.

This was a dedication I wrote and read to my parents on my wedding day. When I was about 9 years old, my parents sat me down to explain to me that I was adopted. They told me I was special, since they were able to choose their baby. I grew up in a home with a lot of love and un-

derstanding. My other two siblings, my sisters Theresa and Michelle were also adopted. We have never loved our parents any less - the bond of family togetherness grew even more throughout the years.

There was never ever a time that our parents were not there for us. I look back and realize how fortunate I and my two sisters were to have been adopted by the two most loving and caring people in the world.

They made so many sacrifices for us. My father’s mother came to live with my parents in 1958, shortly after my grandfather passed away. My grandmother was stricken with MS at the age of 28, and from that point on was wheelchair-bound until her death in 1980. My parents were truly amazing. Not only did they raise three children, but took care of an invalid grandparent, worked, and always made time for so many other people - family, friends and neighbors. As an adopted child, I have never felt any less love for my parents. They once told me that if I wanted to find my natural parents, they would not mind, but I said to them that they were the only parents whom I loved and still do.

I am grateful for all that my parents have done for me. They were always there, offering support, love and encouragement.

Thank you, mom and dad for selecting me. I am proud to have you as my parents.

John Amato, Fresh Meadows

A Real-Life Poseidon Adventure A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE

Every year thousands of people from our area save their money for the ultimate vacation – a week on a cruise ship to exotic ports of call.

We all know about the Titanic sinking 100 years ago after hitting an iceberg. Nearly 2,000 people perished then. And in true maritime tradition, the captain “went down with his ship.” In spite of such tragedies, however, we all think we will be okay on our little excursions.

But last Friday, more than 4,000 passengers aboard the Costa Concordia found out that ships still go “bump in the night” and can still wreak havoc. Shockingly, the captain, Francesco Schettino, abandoned ship.

Yep, he left his passengers to fend for themselves. It’s an episode straight out of Seinfeld, when George Costanza jumped over the women and children at a party in his haste to escape an apartment fire. But this was no

comedy. This was real. And the captain, rather than bailing water, bailed on them. He did not hang around to help women and children escape to life boats as was the case on the Titanic. And forget helping the maimed and elderly. He only cared for himself. The coward literally jumped ship.

Ordered by a Coast Guard officer to get back on the ship, he whined about how hard that would be. What a punk!

The tradition of a captain going down with his ship if necessary is an old and respected one.

The captain is considered the ultimate servant to the passengers on his ship. Like an airline pilot, the lives of his passengers are his ultimate responsibility. In case of emergency, the captain is expected to ensure the safe exit of the passengers to his personal detriment. Sometimes the ship would sink before the captain could make his own escape as he tried to save as many lives as possible.

Captains are often blamed for

whatever event leads to the demise of the ship as well; so if it sank or ran aground, he might want to die with it rather than face the humiliation and legal consequences. It becomes a choice of a heroic death rather than a cowardly and litigious survival.

Not this guy from the Costa Concordia. When the dead are tallied, there may well be dozens of passengers who perished in the waters near Giglio, Italy. This captain’s only priority was himself. Instead of a safe and joyful vacation, his alleged “human error” led them to a “Poseidon adventure.”

This week you cannot but reflect on U.S. Airways Captain Charles Sullenberger, who became a hero when he landed safely in the middle of the Hudson River. Birds had crippled his engines and he felt compelled to land immediately. Not only did the experienced pilot make a gravity-defying landing, he did not lose a single passenger.

Even more heroic, he waited

for every single passenger and crew member to disembark safely.

And then he did the unthinkable: he walked down the entire length of the doomed aircraft searching to make sure no one was being left behind to sink with the plane.

Now that’s a hero and a gentleman. “Sully” became our reluctant hero and deservedly so.

This other guy is nothing but a selfish coward. And there’s something else that went wrong even before they left port.

The Concordia passengers say there was no safety drill on this ship. I know that ships leaving out of American ports have to adhere to Coast Guard-mandated safety drills before they can lift anchor. Why isn’t this standard procedure for all ships everywhere?

Cruises are great. But as proven by this disaster, much can go wrong. Cruise ships by nature are not as regulated as land vacation destinations are. Perhaps this will bring more attention to this larger-than-life industry to make us all safer.

By HENRY J. STERN ment. This is not to say While national atthat one level of government should yield to antent ion focuses on the Presidential race, now in other simply to promote the early stage in both pardomestic tranquility. As a reformer, I have always ties, New Yorkers should remain concerned about sought to have decisions how the cosmic plans of on public policy made on the merits, not on the aspiring leaders of the Free World will affect our power that can be exHenry Stern burgeoning metropolis. erted by one public offiThe New York political stage cial or cabal over another, and, in now has two performers who are a worse case, decisions made on used to governing, rather than to the basis of the financial strength being governed. Both Governor of the opposing parties.

Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg are Even assuming that the merits men of stature and prestige. It is of an issue are the first and best, if inevitable that they will come into not the only reason for determining conflict with each other, on one a question of policy, it is also true issue if not on many. If they en- that opinions of the merits may genugage in battle, the most likely re- inely differ as they affect different insult of their failure to get along terests within a constituency. will be an impasse on a spreading “What’s sauce for the goose is range of issues, which would pre- sauce for the gander”, is contraclude the full adoption of either dicted by, “One man’s meat is anofficial’s vision for the future. other man’s poison.” In the ModIt is therefore important that ern Midrash which we periodically the two principals - who share cite, Rules are allowed to contramany but not all their personal dict each other because different qualities - work together as much circumstances may result in differas they can, and not be diverted ent outcomes, depending on which by those in either man’s adminis- Rules are deemed governing.

Three areas which transcend, tration who might prosper from conflict. If the aim of government but do not overrule formal Rules is to accomplish good things, are good manners, sound judgment which it should be, let it be known and respect for others. The most that division and strife do not pro- enlightened rules will not long survide fer tile soil for accomplish- vive corrupt, heavy handed or sim-

ply stupid administration.

Since people differ widely in behavior, judgment and character, there can be no guarantee that any thing, no mat ter how nobly conceived, will be managed properly. That is just the way things are, “Here on Earth” and that guiding principle is: “What can’t be cured must be endured.”

One should never take too large a portion of anything in one sitting, so I will leave our readers to ponder these observations the week after celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. You are welcome to send us your own thoughts on this and other topics which would be helpful in our effort to maintain a free, just and democratic society. It is not a bad idea to occasionally pause and look at ourselves, as long as we are not overly taken with ourselves and our own views at the expense of broader discourse.

We hope that ideas which are shared can provide social betterment, even if they are not set forth by geniuses, literary or philosophical. The thoughts of sages will not, however, be excluded. We intend to judge all contributions on their merits, and we hope that the resulting stew will help us to better manage the difficult world we share with other creatures.

StaerQuest@NYCivic.org

iPad & iPhone Apps

Cuomo & Bloomberg: Be Friends

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Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

Jan. 20-26, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Welcome Back, Cuomo:

Governor Brings Economic Message To Queens

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 20-26, 2012

Imbued with a swagger that his predecessors lacked, Gov. Andrew Cuomo returned home to Queens to trumpet his economic vision for New York City and State. Cuomo rehashed many of the points in his State of the State speech: he championed his plan to bring a convention center to Southeast Queens, create an “energy highway” from Upstate to Downstate New York, and introduce teacher evaluations into public schools despite disagreements from the teachers’ union over how to implement them.

During the presentation at Lefrak Concert Hall at Queens College, Cuomo gestured to a PowerPoint presentation titled “Building a New New York…With You,” to paint himself as a reformer who had finally bridged a partisan divide and brought fiscal responsibility to the State; he reminded the audience that he had closed a $2 billion budget deficit with “no new taxes and fees,” passed an on time budget, and introduced a new tax code that would raise tax rates on higherincome earners while the middle class had the “lowest tax rate it paid in 58 years.”

For Queens, Cuomo, a Hollis-native, had two words: “convention center.”

“We have big problems in the State, big problems in the country, they require big solutions,” Cuomo said. “We have to begin by building on our economic strengths. New York is the destination location. Tourists spent $50 billion in 2010. Tourism is probably the largest single economic engine for the State…convention centers are a very good tool for economic development.”

Cuomo emphasized that the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan is currently 12th in the nation in terms of size—the governor promised Queens’ convention center at Aqueduct Racetrack would be the largest in the nation and would generate “tens of thousands of jobs.”

When questioned later about how his economic vision would specifically incorporate Jamaica, Cuomo reiterated his belief in the power of a convention center to ignite job growth in Southeast Queens.

And he continued to espouse his belief that the State would benefit from the eventual introduction of casino gambling.

Currently, the State Constitution outlaws casino gambling, though electronic gaming is permitted. Breaking with his father, Mario, who opposed gambling while he was governor, Cuomo said New York “needed to confront reality” and bring itself into the gambling business by amending the State Constitution.

“One of the other great opportunities for the State is in the area of casino gaming,” he said. “We have 29,000 gambling machines (in New York), more than Atlantic City. But we still deal with this false illusion that we’re not in the gaming business because we don’t have casinos. We are in the gaming business.”

“Not acknowledging it, not regulating it, is only causing problems for the State,” he added.

PRESS Photos by Ira Cohen

BY ROSS BARKAN

power downstate—he proposed that a network could be built to connect all of New York, alluding to private-sector companies willing to eventually build one at their own expense, which he estimated to be $2 billion.

Cuomo also called for an expanded DNA data bank to include all people who are arrested in the State, a move that has troubled civil liberties advocates. He also said food stamp recipients should not have to be fingerprinted because fear of fingerprinting keeps many from coming forward to receive the food stamps they are entitled to— Bloomberg has openly supported fingerprinting for food stamps.

“The governor has a lot of good ideas,” said Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans).

“There are major problems in the borough. We definitely The Governor said that he was just a twinkle in his father’s eye in 1953, the last time the middle class need to upgrade our infrastrucpaid taxes as low as now. ture.”

Cuomo’s address drew enCuomo said there were revenues to mance-based standards for teachers and thusiastic praise from the crowd, though harness from legalized casino gambling; principals—Cuomo said New York is in one Queens College professor, Grace he also said a regulatory structure would danger of losing funding if it doesn’t Davie, leapt up at one point to remind be implemented to oversee the gambling adopt his reforms. $700 million would be the governor that he should “do even gone, Cuomo said, calling the teacher more for the 99 percent.” Cuomo picked expansion. up from where he left off in his speech U.S. Rep Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica) evaluation issue a “crisis.”

As a part of his plan to make improve- after Davie sat down, speaking with the agreed with much of what Cuomo said, though he said an introduction of casino ments to the States’ bridges and high- ease and levity of one with high approval gambling would mean new issues to ways, Cuomo said that New York needs ratings. Borough President Helen a boost to its “energy infrastructure.” He Marshall and CUNY Chancellor Matthew grapple with.

“We are in the casino business, al- also expanded on his plan for an “energy Goldstein both introduced the governor, though we’re calling it ‘racino,’ but our highway” that he compared to Dwight heaping praise upon his first year in ofchallenge is that we don’t have the same Eisenhower’s interstate highway-building fice.

Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at situation as, for example, Atlantic City, initiative in the 1950s. Great sources of where you have a casino or racino and a hydroelectric power are available upstate, rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 357block or two away a run down neighbor- Cuomo said, and there is demand for 7400, Ext. 127. hood.” Meeks said. “Our challenge is to make sure the neighborhoods are included in the rebuilding, infrastructure-wise, creating jobs-wise, and opportunities at the kind of facility you bring also fits within that community.”

Like Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Cuomo used his half hour at the podium to attack the teachers’ union resistance to introducing mandatory teacher evaluations; disagreement over the evaluations has centered as much on how to implement them than if they should be implemented at all, and Cuomo vowed, like in his State of the State address, that if school districts did not settle on an evaluation plan in a year, they would lose their share of the 4 percent increase in education spending.

“You know the only group that doesn’t have lobbyists in Albany? The students,” Cuomo said. “The shift in the focus that we need to go through is that education in many ways has become more about the business interests than the students’ interests. It’s almost that simple.”

Referring to President Barack Obama’s Race to the Top initiative—a program that promises increased federal education funding for states if they adopt Borough President Helen Marshall welcomed Gov. Cuomo to Queens on Thursday. certain educational policies like perfor-

Police Blotter Compiled by JASON PAFUNDI Upon arrival, officers discovered two males, both unconscious and unresponsive. EMS responded to the scene and pronounced the two DOA. Investigators have ruled that the men died of carbon monoxide poisoning but have not pinpointed the source. The apartment’s fuel burning devices checked out fine.

The first victim was KuoKung Chen, a 66-year-old Asian male. Victim No. 2 was Aaron Chen, a 29-yearold Asian male. Both victims lived at 90-08 101st Police seek this man in Ave. regards to a grand larThe two are father and ceny. son.

102nd Precinct Man Wanted

Police are looking for a man wanted for questioning in a grand larceny that occurred on Monday, Nov. 28, at 88-01 Queens Blvd., outside the Best Buy in the Queens Place Mall.

According to police, the incident took place at 5:18 p.m. The suspect used a stolen credit card to purchase items at the location.

He is described as being in his 20s, 5-foot-10, 175 pounds, and was wearing a dark-colored baseball hat, black hooded sweatshirt, black sweat pants and gray and white sneakers.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crimestoppers website, nypdcrimestoppers.com, or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637) and then entering TIP577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

Father, Son Dead On Saturday, Jan. 14, at 4:40 p.m., police responded to a 911 call of a wellness check at 90-08 101st Ave. in Jamaica.

107th Precinct Missing Man The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing man last seen inside of his residence at 84-50 169th St. in Jamaica.

Carl Snow, a 61-year-old black male, is described as approximately 140 pounds with gray hair and beard. He was last seen wearing brown pajama bottoms and a black

sweatshirt with white lettering.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crimestoppers website, nypdcrimestoppers.com, or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637) and then entering TIP577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

DA’s Office Man Sentenced

Queens County DA Richard Brown announced that Luis Zeledon, a 27-year-old from Richmond Hill, was sentenced to 10 years in state prison after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter charges. Zeledon admitted to stabbing his roommate’s friend in the heart in January 2010 following a verbal misunderstanding that escalated into a fight.

According to the criminal charges, on the evening of Jan. 10, 2010, three roommates were hanging out in their apartment with 28year-old Andy Herrera, a friend of one of the roommates. During an argument, Zeledon cut one of his roommates with a large kitchen knife.

Herrera came to his friend’s aid, using a chair as a shield, and was stabbed once in the chest.

He dropped the chair, ran out Carl Snow of the apartment and collapsed

in the building’s vestibule. He was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival at Jamaica Hospital.

Zeledon has been held in jail since his arrest in Jan. 2010 and was sentenced by Queens Supreme Court Justice Gregory Lasak.

Tea Partier Guilty DA Richard Brown announced that Mark Meckler, a co-founder of the Tea Party Patriots, has pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in connection with his possession last month of a handgun at LaGuardia Airport.

Meckler, 49, of Grass Valley, California, was immediately sentenced to one-year conditional discharge and to pay a $250 fine. His weapon will be forfeited.

According to Brown, Meckler presented a locked gun box to a Delta ticket agent at around 5:20 a.m. on Dec. 15, 2011, during check-in. The box contained a Glock 277 pistol and 19 9mm cartridges. Meckler told authorities that he had the weapon because he gets threats and added that he did not have state carry permit.

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

Jan. 20-26, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Southeast Queens Photos Edited By Harley Benson

Honoring King

Photos by Ira Cohen

pix

Blood and Baseball Mr. Met meets with a fan who decided to donate blood during a recent blood drive at CitiField.

Honoring Their Service Right: Press photographer Ira Cohen (center) was recognized for his 40 years of service as an auxiliary police officer with the NYPD. He is pictured with Brian McCarthy, executive officer chief of patrol, and Phylis Byrne, NYPD deputy inspector.

Councilman Ruben Wills (D-South Jamaica) and Assemblywoman Vivian Cook (D-South Jamaica) recently honored playwright Katori Hall and the cast and crew of "The Mountaintop," and its portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr. as a multifaceted leader. Pictured (from left) are Cook, Sheila McMorris, Kenny Leon, Jean Doumanian, Samuel L. Jackson, Angela Bassett, Wills and Hall.

Below: Queens Auxiliary Police Officers’ graduating class.

Photo by Ira Cohen.

Councilman For a Day

Meeting Time Opening Day Photo by Walter Karling

Councilman Mark Weprin (DOakland Gardens) relinquished his Council seat for a day to Max Gallagher of Holliswood, a seventh grader at Public School 178Q, who won Council Member Weprin's annual essay contest. Gallagher experienced what it is like to be Council Member for a day after Weprin chose his essay as the best among hundreds of entries. The essay question this year was, "What do you love about New York City?"

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 20-26, 2012

Go Long!

State Sen. Joe A d d a b b o J r. ( D Howard Beach) throws out the first ball during opening day ceremonies for the Victory Field Warriors football team.

During the Jan. 11 meeting of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation's Downtown Committee, Daniel Gutzmore (from left), Dhamana Shakespeare-Turner and Chairman William Martin discuss the meeting agenda.

Go Giants!

The Port Authority has lit the control tower at JFK Airport blue to celebrate the Giants in their upcoming playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers.

US Senator Charles E. Schumer joins Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Far Rockaway) and Assemblywoman Michele Titus (D-Far Rockaway) in the Chamber of the NYS Assembly in Albany, NY for the opening day of the 2012 legislative session.

Adams Visit

Kenneth Adams, president and CEO of the Empire State Development Corp., visited the Entrepreneur Space in Long Island City. Pictured (from left) are Seth Bornstein, Queens Economic Development Corp. CEO; Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan, Gail A. Roseman, Adams, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (DSunnyside, QEDC Board Chair Andrew F. Manger, Katherine Gregory and Bill Driscoll.

Borough Beat

More Disruptions Promised For 7 Train

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

The more you use something, the more likely it is that it will break or wear out and need repair. It happens with household appliances, cars, computers, and according to the MTA, subway lines.

After years of anguish over repeated closures and service changes along the 7 train, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (DSunnyside) and MTA officials held a town hall meeting Jan. 11 at Sunnyside Community Services to explain the reasons why the 7 has had so many disruptionsand is expecting so many more. The 7 will be off line west of Queensboro Plaza for 11 consecutive weekends starting this weekend through April 2. Besides the weekend closures, Court Square station will be closed at all times for 10 weeks starting Jan. 21 for rehabilitation.

The MTA’s reasoning for the constant closures stemmed from one simple pointit is one of the busiest lines in the system.

The 7 line runs nearly 600 trains and carries more than 425,000 people on any given weekend. According to Demetrius Crichlow, the 7 train’s deputy general manager, there are 26 trains running per hour during rush hour- or one every 2.1 minutes. The line serves the two busiest subway stations in the city; 42nd Street/ Times Square and Grand Central, and the

two busiest stations in Queens; FlushingMain Street and 74th Street/Broadway/ Jackson Heights. Even off-peak, the 7 train is a busy line. Many residents living along it are immigrants who work early and late shifts and use it all hours of the night. Between April and September, it is heavily utilized for Mets games and runs frequent service during the US Open.

But it was never designed to serve so many commuters. The line has three tracks between Flushing and Queensboro Plaza, the center track serves the express trains.

But between Queensboro Plaza and Times Square, the line only has two tracks and the century-old Steinway tube, which carries the 7 train under the East River, is not able to allow work to be done while the trains are running. The tunnel is too narrow to allow a person and a train to be in the tube at the same time safely. That means any work done on the tube- and there is plenty of it- must be done without trains running through it.

Sixty-three percent of the signal system in the tube is not modernized. An entirely new system, the Communications Based Train Control, which the MTA said will allow countdown clocks and more frequent service, is being installed and that installation will require closure of the tunnel this winter and more disruptions are guaranteed until its

completion, scheduled in 2018.

So why all the delays in previous years?

MTA officials at the town hall said the closures and delays were due to “preparation” work and repair work on the existing system. In 2011- Phase I of the Steinway tube overhaul is what shut down service so often. The MTA cleaned the rail bed, cleaned 4,200 feet of track on the Manhattan-bound side and 4,400 feet on the Queens-bound side, laid 8,000 new track plates and installed 8,000 feet of fiber optic cable and installed new switches

and power components. As part of Phase II, which begins this year, all signals in the Steinway tube will be modernized, the tube will be made larger to allow for future repairs to occur while trains are running, the track between Court Square and Queensboro Plaza will be replaced and work will continue on the 7 train’s expansion from Times Square to West 34th Street and 10th Avenue.

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

Koo Switching Parties

BY ROSS BARKAN Councilman Peter Koo (R-Flushing) is expected to announce that he will switch from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party on Monday. He is expected to announce the switch at the Queens Board of Elections, where he will officially change his affiliation.

“I have a good working relationship with the Democratic Party in Queens County,” Koo said. “After analyzing, I made the determination that I can best

serve the constituents of Flushing as an independent Democrat.”

Koo was elected in 2009 to the seat formerly held by Comptroller John Liu. In September, he endorsed Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Little Neck) in the congressional race against U.S. Rep Bob Turner (RMiddle Village) for Anthony Wiener’s vacated seat.

Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127.

Jan. 20-26, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Profile

Rochdale Man Documents 99 Percent weeks from start to finish. West is selling his art book for $75.

When William West first heard Since he turned the about a group of protesters taking Occupy movement into over Zuccotti Park last September, he ar t, West’s work has had a hunch it would be newsworthy. been featured throughInstead of watching from his couch, out the City. His 3D he grabbed his SLR camera and Embossed Surreal Exheaded to Manhattan to watch the pressionism collage Occupy Wall Street movement unfold was featured at New in person.

York University’s OcWest and his camera followed cupy Art Exhibition last the protestors for weeks. He was November and the there when the 99 percent marched New York Historical to the New York Stock Exchange.

Society libr ar y. He He saw the movement’s working (Left:) William West created an art book to preserve the Occupy Wall Street Movement. (Right): After the Giants hopes his artwork will groups come to fruition and was won the Super Bowl in 2008, West created a painting to capture the moment. even there the night the protestbe featured at more colors cleaned up Zuccotti Park to leges and local muse“The most rewarding part of this event Surreal Expressionism. He spent three ums in the future. avoid being kicked out. West wanted to have an unbiased account of the was seeing how people from all different weeks painting day and night before the Outside of Occupy Wall Street, West Occupy Movement, something he said walks of life and different associations Occupy Wall Street collage became a fin- has used his special painting technique some media outlets were not provid- came together for one common cause,” ished product. He believes he has the larg- to recreate other Big Apple events, inest collection of artwork preserving Oc- cluding the season premiere of the ing. The day the group marched to he said.

“Oprah” show and the New York Giants’ After spending days in Lower Man- cupy Wall Street.

Foley Square, West left his Rochdale The photos not used in the collage celebration following their 2008 Super Village home to arrive in Manhattan hattan, West had hundreds of photos by 5:30 a.m. to take photos. He said it documenting the day-to-day operations. ended up in a book, making West the Bowl victory.

For more information about West’s was unbelievable to watch what he He took eight of these photos and turned first black artist to have an art book dedithought was going to be the finale in them into an Occupy Wall Street collage. cated to the movement. Each page of artwork, contact (718) 527-8050 or the Occupy movement. When sharing He digitally altered the pictures on the book tells a visual story of each piv- historicwest54@yahoo.com.

Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at his first-hand account of the beginning Photoshop before using a toothpick-like otal event, including the Brooklyn of the ongoing protest, West couldn’t technique to paint the collage on canvas Bridge march. He publishes each book vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, – a technique West calls 3D Embossed in his home, taking him around two Ext. 123. help but smile.

BY VERONICA LEWIN

Photos by Veronica Lewin

People

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 20-26, 2012

Major General Patrick A. Murphy, adjutant general for the State of New York, recently announced the promotion of local members of the New York Army National Guard, in recognition of their capabilities for additional responsibility and leadership.

Jakub Jakubowski of Woodhaven, serving with the 133rd Quartermaster Supply Company, was promoted to the rank of specialist.

Antaun Leary of Springfield Gardens, serving with the 222nd Chemical Company, was promoted to private.

Andrew Puente of Astoria, serving with the 719th Transportation Company, was promoted to specialist.

Dereck Basdeo of South Ozone Park, serving with Company B 642nd Support Battalion, was promoted to specialist.

Herard Joseph of Bayside, serving with Company C 642nd Support Battalion, was promoted to staff sergeant.

Lizania Gonzalez of Astoria, serving with the Headquarters 27th Finance Management Company, was promoted to sergeant.

Jae Im of Oakland Gardens, serving with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company 1-69th Infantry was promoted to specialist.

Odelle Despot of Jamaica, serving with

the Headquarters and Headquarters Company 427th Brigade Support Battalion was promoted to captain.

Perfect Attendance: Photo by Bob Harris

Geoffrey Thompson of Jamaica was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester at American International College in Springfield, Mass.

La’Quetta Martin of Jamaica was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester at William Peace University in Raleigh, N.C. Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester at SUNY Geneseo. They include: Holliswood: Julia Passik.

Jamaica: Sabrina Amin and Nazibur Rahman.

South Ozone Park: Nikisha John.

Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester at SUNY New Paltz. They Include: Cambria Heights: Christine Picault.

Jamaica: Zoe Penina Baker, Nafiur Chowdhury, Elizabeth Colon, Luana Horry, Gabriela Minueza.

South Ozone Park: Peter Mulligan, Suzanna Musalin.

Local students received degrees during fall 2011 commencement ceremonies at SUNY New Paltz. They include: Cambria Heights: Chrisyine Picault, BA in journalism.

Rosedale: Christina English, BA in political science.

Air Force Reserve airman Weisler Dutes graduated from basic military train-

The Business, Computer Applications & Entrepreneurship High School in the Cambria Heights Campus Magnet Complex recently honored students who have 100 percent attendance this school year. Students who have made dramatic improvements in attendance were also honored. The students were given certificates, T-shirts and a pizza party. Assistant Principals Doreen Sherman and Atine Modesto arranged the event. ing at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Monil Dutes of Rosedale and is a 2001 graduate of High School for Arts and Business.

Air Force Reserve Airman Matthew D. Turner graduated from basic military training at LAckland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Harriett Turner of Arverne and Raymond Wilkerson of St. Albans.

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

A&E

One-Man Show Comes To Queens

havior and unexpected miracles.

“It’s a show that’s both edgy and wholeComedian John Fugelsang is no some,” Fugelsang said. “It’s like George stranger to the stage. In addition to tour- Carlin and Spalding Grey had a child.”

The show debuting at the ing his own act and making Queens Theatre is “a new and appearances on television, improved version” of an older Fugelsang is part of “Stephanie Off Broadway performance Miller’s Sexy Liberal Comedy Fugelsang toured with four Tour,” which recently became years ago. Since the show’s the first political comedy album maiden voyage, Fugelsang’s fato reach No. 1 on the comedy ther has passed away, which incharts for iTunes, Amazon and spired the new tour of the show.

Billboard.

The comedian said there’s But when he takes the stage Comedian John been a number of changes to at the Queens Theatre on Jan. 28, Fugelsang. the show since it premiered, he will be doing something differwhich he said he hopes will ent, something more personal.

“Guilt: A Love Story” is billed as “a make it a more enjoyable experience.

“It’s a more efficient version of the comedy of terrors.” Fugelsang calls it a comedy-drama-suspense-romance. The show,” he said. “You do these things and one-man show tells the story of his par- you take them on the road and they get ents’ courtship, a Catholic nun and a so much better.”

Fugelsang said he was a fan of solo Franciscan brother who broke their vows and married. He said it’s a tale of people theater and the challenges a one-man choosing love over religion. With his show represents.

“It’s very, very challenging to focus on father’s health failing, his mother makes a request that leads to the comedy of ter- myself and focus on religion,” he said.

Some of the stories Fugelsang said he rors, featuring Homeland Security disasters, celebrity white supremacists, bad be- plans to put in the show includes one of his

BY STEVEN J. FERRARI

Restaurant Review

A Great Pub Brunch SIDETRACKS RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE 45-08 Queens Blvd., Sunnyside (718) 786-3570 www.sidetracksny.com CUISINE: Fine pub fare HOURS: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

CREDIT CARDS: Yes – All major

the recall efforts of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. Since then, the tour has gone nationwide, raising money for progressive causes. The show has included guests like Rob Reiner and Lily Tomlin.

The trio’s tour has yet to hit New York City, but Fugelsang said there were plans to bring the show to the Big Apple before the 2012 elections in November.

Until then, Fugelsang said he was focusing on his one-man show. He said he was looking forward to bringing the revamped show back on tour and that he hopes the people that come out enjoy the performance.

“It’s a one-man show for people who hate one-man shows,” he said. “It’s the sort of thing you can bring the whole family to.”

Tickets for “Guilt: A Love Story” start at $40 and are available at www.queenstheatre.org.

For information, visit the website or call (800) 300-6985.

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

Celebrity Chefs Shine In Sun’s Winefest ’12

BY BRIAN M. RAFFERTY Though Queens is now home to a casino of its own, the beautiful Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct, there are still options outside the borough for those looking for a bit more from their gaming experience.

Sure, Resorts World has good food and some excellent dining, but Mohegan Sun, just a couple of hours away in Connecticut, has Iron Chefs and some of the best cooks in the world – some you know, other you may want to get to know better – taking part in the casino’s Sun Winefest 2012 held Jan. 27-29.

Iron Chefs Bobby Flay and Marc Forgione join Food Network stalwarts Donatella Arpaia, Robert Irvine and Elizabeth Falkner – along with celebrity chefs Jacques Torres, Todd English and many more for the annual tribute to finding the perfect pairing of food and drink.

The Grand Ballroom at Mohegan Sun will be transformed into the most soughtafter dining location on the East Coast Jan. 28 for the Celebrity Chef Dine Around. All of the above mentioned chefs, as well as Michael Ginor of Great Neck’s Lola and a slew of others will create one-of-a-kind dishes paired with wines selected by some of the best sommeliers in the country for a $175-a-head meal that cannot be beat.

The Elite Cru tasting earlier that afternoon will feature select vintages from premium wineries and producers, with guests noshing on oysters, shrimp and specialty food while hobnobbing with the winemakers themselves. At $200 a person, it is less expensive than the per-bottle cost of some of the vintages being poured.

Ginor has helped organize this year’s event, working to bring together some of the talent – and to throw a couple of his

own moves into the mix. The owner of Hudson Valley Fois Gras, Ginor will merge his delicacy with an organic egg producer’s product to make a foie gras flan.

“It will be a crème brulee-like dish that is a combination of foie gras, eggs and truff le with a wild mushroom fricassee,” Ginor said. “I want to expose guests to products they don’t really see.”

Other events include bourbon tastings, a cigar bar and the decadent Bubbles & Bon Bons, a celebration of chocolate, desserts and champagne hosted by Jacques Torres and featuring Elizabeth Falkner as well as Emily Luchetti and Lynn Mansel.

But perhaps the most fun is to be had at the two-day Grand Tasting, where the Convention Center at Mohegan Sun will be taken over by more than 1,000 wines, spirits and beers with food as well – for $70 a day of $120 for the two-day affair.

Tickets for the Grand Tasting, Elite Cru Tasting, Celebrity Chef Dine Around, Bourbon Tasting and Bubbles & Bon Bons may be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, sunwinefest.com, over the phone at (800) 745-3000 or in person at Mohegan Sun’s Box Office.

Ginor said he is looking forward to seeing his old friends from the basketball court – Flay, English and others – but is particularly interested in seeing “Iron Chef” runner-up Falkner’s dishes. “She has transformed herself from a pastry chef to the savory side,” Ginor said. “That is just a microcosm of the variety you can enjoy” at Sun Winefest 2012.

For more information on Sun WineFest 2012 events, including featured personalities and hours and area hotel information, visit sunwinefest.com or Facebook and Twitter at facebook.com/ sunwinefest andtwitter.com/sunwinefest.

Jan. 20-26, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

A birthday can be a good opportunity to try a new restaurant. So the occasion of a friend’s birthday gave me the opportunity to head into Sunnyside to try the brunch menu at Sidetracks Restaurant and Lounge.

The restaurant and bar are separated by a media wall of flat screen televisions.

The restaurant has three areas – a front area that has booth alcoves, a central space for communal seating and a back area separated by clear glass that can fog up with the flick of a switch for private parties. On the other side of the media wall is a 40-foot bar with seating space.

Sitting at a table in the back of the bar area, in view of the bar staff, the service was attentive as the party waited for the last of the arrivals. For brunch, Sidetracks offers diners a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary. While some of my friends sipped mimosas before eating, I opted for a cup of coffee.

Once everyone showed up and ordered more java, the waitress brought over a carafe so we could refill our own cups.

While she didn’t have to bring us more coffee, the waitress was on top of bringing more water and mimosas to everyone at the table.

The brunch menu is filled with a mix

of fine breakfast items, salads and sandwiches. Our party was partial to the breakfast items on the menu, including eggs Benedict and eggs nova. The French toast and Belgian waffles – both served with fruit – were also popular choices at our table. I opted for the Sidetracks steak and eggs – steak well done and eggs over easy – served with home fries. I also got a side of bacon, because the sign of a good breakfast place is the quality of the bacon.

The food was on the table pretty fast considering we were a big party that ordered a lot of food. My plate was delivered last, so I got to watch everyone else’s food come across. Watching the delicious selection of brunch go by made me hungrier for my own meal. I almost regretted my selection when I saw how good the French toast looked.

When I order eggs out at a restaurant, I find that I’m disappointed a lot more often than not. I almost always order my eggs over easy. Usually, the eggs come back anything but. The eggs at Sidetracks came back perfect, the yolk running over my plate as soon as I pierced them, making a good dipping sauce for the delicious steak that came with them. Even the home fries were done well, seasoned just enough to not be overpowering.

The steak and eggs was just right to meet my appetite, and the rest of my party seemed satisfied, too. A good happy birthday brunch was had by all.

With such a good brunch selection, I’m looking forward to trying lunch and dinner at Sidetracks.

—Steven J. Ferrari

many appearances on “Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” with David Duke, the wellknown former Grand Wizard of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. On the air, Fugelsang offered Duke sexual services if he would stop saying racist things on the show.

“My parents didn’t talk to me for a week after that, because I was talking dirty on television,” he said.

The performance at the Queens Theatre is one night only and after that, Fugelsang said he was taking the show back on the road. Fugelsang said he fell in love with the theater after doing a play reading there years ago with Richard Kind. The theater offered him a spot for a performance, he said and he jumped at the chance.

“It’s this incredible, gorgeous space that I didn’t know existed,” he said.

In addition to performing “Guilt: A Love Story,” Fugelsang is preparing for a tour of the “Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour,” with Stephanie Miller and Hal Sparks. The political tour started in Madison, Wis., last spring as an effort to raise money for

Faith

Gospel Siblings To Perform In Queens

BY VERONICA LEWIN R&B and Gospel duo BeBe and CeCe Winans are reuniting next month for a concert in the borough.

BeBe and CeCe Winans will perform at the Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College on Saturday, Feb. 18. The show will begin at 8 p.m. in the center’s Colden Auditorium. Tickets are available with prices ranging from $44 to $48. The performing arts center is located on the

Queens College campus, 65-30 Kissena Blvd. in Flushing.

Last October, the sibling duo was honored with their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. At this time, the Queens College concert is the only concert the Winans have scheduled for 2012.

The Winans first broke out in the music scene in 1982 as part of the singing group The PTL Singers on the Christian show The PTL Club. With the self-titled debut album in 1987, the pair became a

Word

“You who are journalists, writers, citizens, you have the right and duty to say to those you have elected that they must practice mindfulness, calm and deep listening, and loving speech.

This is universal thing, taught by all religions.”

Thich Nhat Hanh, 1816,in a letter to Mrs. H. Harrison Smith

powerhouse in the gospel and R&B genres.

The Winans released hit records for fourteen years until taking a hiatus in 1996. In 2009, they reunited to produce their latest studio album, “Still.” The album features Billboard chart-topper “Close to You” as well as “Grace,” which was nominated for a Grammy. Since its release, “Still” has been nominated for two Grammys and 11 Stellar Awards. The 2009 album is approaching gold sales status.

Last year the Winans made several talk show appearances, including “Oprah” and “Good Morning America.” Throughout their long careers, the siblings have won nine Dove Awards, three Grammys, two NAACP Image Awards and two Soul Train Music Awards. Three of their albums have reached Gold-certified status, and their self-titled debut album has been Platinum certified. Queens College is thrilled to have such talented artists perform at the college.

“The music of BeBe and CeCe Winans represents a rich cultural heritage that is alive and well in Queens as well as the metropolitan area,” said Vivian Charlop, director of Kupferberg Center for the Arts.

“We are thrilled to present this concert.”

To order tickets for the Feb. 18 con-

Photo courtesy of Queens College

CeCe and BeBe Winans will perform at Queens College on Feb. 18. cert, call the Kupferberg Center box off ice at (718) 793-8080 or visit kupgerbergcenter.org. Discount tickets are available for students, seniors and Queens College faculty. Special ticket prices are available for groups of more than 10. Parking is free at the facility.

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

Notebook Hillcrest HS

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 20-26, 2012

BY VERONICA LEWIN One Jamaica Estates high school is doing everything it can to help immigrant students succeed in Queens.

According to AP Social Studies Student Daniel Scanlon, Hillcrest High School, located at 160-05 Highland Ave., is becoming the choice for Bengali parents and their children. About 36 percent of the school’s population is South Asian.

Senior Walle Ahmed emigrated from Bangladesh in 2009 and began taking PreMed classes at Hillcrest High School. He will be graduating with the Annenberg Scholarship, an award that will provide Ahmed with a full ride to the college of his choice. Scanlon said Hillcrest High School’s combination of a close-knit community and a range of academic programs only offered in large schools makes the school a great fit for dedicated students.

Hillcrest High School was recently recognized by the Dept. of Education for their programs. The school was awarded an “A” and was one of only four in Queens to receive the highest ranking. The DOE analyzes graduation rates, Regents pass-

ing rates, credit accumulation, school safety and communication with parents before giving grades to city schools.

Hillcrest High School was also ranked the safest large high school in Queens thanks to its low conflict numbers.

The high school offers several Small Learning Communities, including PreMed, BizTek and Health Careers. Students who have an idea of what they would like to study in college can choose a community of small, hands-on classes. Students not seeking a career in business or medicine can choose from the following Small Learning Communities: Pre-Teaching, Public Service and Law, Theater or Humanities.

New immigrants are welcomed at Hillcrest High School and study at the Newcomers Academy, a supportive environment that introduces students to American culture. Scanlon said all students benefit from the programs offered at the high school, regardless of what their interests are.

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

Student Coat Drive: Photo by Bob Harris

Bengali Students Thrive At Hillcrest

Shown is a wall display from the Business, Computer Applications & Entrepreneurship High School in the Campus Magnet Complex in Cambria Heights. Danielle Jarrette was one of 53 people who donated coats for those in need this winter. The school partnered with New York Cares to donate coats to various homeless shelters in the borough. The coats were collected by the school’s Youth Service Club, advised

by Assistant Principal Atina Modesto. The students placed a note in each donated coat pocket saying “Enjoy your coat.”

Is Your School Doing Something Good?

Write The PRESS of Southeast Queens 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

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

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

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

THEATER CHERRY ORCHARD February 2-11 LaGuardia Performing Arts Center presents Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard in two versions – classical and e4xperimental. $5, $8 both performances. 482-5151.

TALKS

SCI FI MOVIES Saturday, January 21 sci fi movie marathon for teens at the Flushing library starting at 10:15.

PRACTICE SAT Saturday, January 21 Pract i c e Te s t f o r S AT a t t h e Ridgewood library at 10:30.

CHESS CLUB Every Saturday at the Flushing library at 2.

LAPTOP USE Weekdays at 3 at the Laurelton library.

HOMEWORK HELP Weekdays at the LIC library at 3.

3-D ECO ART ON CANVAS Mondays, January 23, 30 at the B r o a d wa y l i b r a r y.

Wednesday, January 25 at the Maspeth library. Create an environmentally themed painting. Register.

MAKE A WALLET Monday, January 23 make functional wallets using ordinary duct tape at the Windsor Park library. Register.

CHINESE NEW YEAR Monday, January 23 crafts, music and learn Chinese culture at the Briarwood library.

Register.

KING TRIBUTE Monday, January 23 tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr at the East Elmhurst library at 7.

TEEN STUDY Mondays through Thursdays at the Lefrak Cit y library at 4.

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

TEEN CHESS Mondays at 6 at the Bayside library.

HOMEWORK & GAMES Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays homework help and teen gaming at the Fresh Meadows library at 4.

AUDITIONS Starting January 24 rehearsals for Seussical Jr. at the Variet y Boys and Girls Club in LIC. 728-0946 information.

TEEN PICTIONARY Tuesday, Januar y 24 at the Flushing library at 4.

WORK WITH ANIMALS Tuesday, January 24 Working With Animals, Careers with Critters at the Broadway library at 3:30.

SAT PRACTICE Tuesday, Januar y 24 SAT Practice Test with Kaplan at 3:30 at the Whitestone library.

COMIC BOOK Tuesday, Januar y 24 at the Broadway library at 4. Write and create comic books.

LIC CHESS CLUB Tuesdays at the LIC library at 4.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays at the Windsor Park library at 4.

CROCHET & KNIT Wednesdays, January 25, February 1 at the Far Rockaway library at 2:30.

JEWELRY MAKING Wednesday, January 25 learn the art of beading at the Briarwood library. Register.

TEEN CRAFT Wednesday, January 25 at

the Flushing library at 4.

RESUME WRITING Wednesday resume writing for young adults at 4 at the Arverne librar y.

GAME DAY Wednesdays at the Howard Beach library at 4.

GAME DAY Wednesdays at the St. Albans library at 4.

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

KNIT & CROCHET Wednesdays at the South Ozone Park library at 1.

KNITTING CLUB Wednesdays at the Bayside library. Register.

MOTIVATIONAL WORK. Thursday, January 26 deal with every day issues at 5 at the Laurelton library.

OPEN MIC Thursday, January 26 Open Mic at the East Elmhurst library at 6.

ANIME Thursday, January 26 Anime Club at the Flushing library at 4.

KARAOKE NIGHT Thursday, January 26 at the Arverne library at 5:30.

TEEN THURSDAYS Thursdays at the Bay Terrace library at 3.

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

CHESS CLUB Thursdays at the East Flushing library at 5.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays crafts at the Briarwood library at 4.

YOUNG REFORMERS Friday, Januar y 27 Young Reformers Group at the L a u r e l t o n l i b r a r y. R e g i s ter.

GREEN COMIC Fridays, January 27, February 3 make a green comic at the Woodside library at 3:30.

TEEN HAPPY HOUR Fridays at 4 at the Flushing library.

BOOK BUDDIESS Friday, January 27 at the Fresh Meadows library at 4.

ORIGAMI CLUB Friday, January 27 at the McGoldrick library at 4.

TEEN FRIDAY Friday, January 27 at the Seaside library at 4.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays at the Briarwood library at 4.

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

CHESS TUTORIAL Fridays at the Woodside library at 4.

GAME DAY Fridays at the Woodhaven library at 4:30.

GAME PLAYERS CLUB Every Friday at 4 at the Hillcrest library.

TEEN FRIDAYS Fridays at the Seaside library at 4.

BOY SCOUT TROOP 1 Every Friday Men 12-17 who are interested in fun, friendship and adventure are invited to join Boy Scout Troop 1 Flushing/Bayside 8-10 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 36-01 Bell Blvd.

YOUTH FAMILY STORY TIME Saturday, January 21 at the Flushing library at 11.

PRE-SCHOOL CRAFT Monday, January 23 at the Windsor Park library at 1:30.

CRAFT KIDS Monday, January 23 at the Flushing library at 3.

MEDITATION Monday, January 23 meditation for children at the Forest Hills library. Register.

CHINESE NEW YEAR Monday, January 23 Chinese new year story and craft at 4 at the Ridgewood library and at 5 at the Briarwood library.

BOOST MATH Mondays, January 23, 30, February 6, 13, 27 Math games at the McGoldrick library at 5.

LEGOS BUILDERS Mondays, January 23, 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27 at the LIC library at 6:15.

PJ STORY TIME Mondays, January 23, 30 at the Central library at 7.

AUDITIONS Starting January 24 rehearsals for Seussical Jr. at the Variet y Boys and Girls Club in LIC. 728-0946 information.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays, Januar y 24, 31, February 7, 14, 21, 28 at the Hillcrest library at 3:30.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesday, Januar y 24 at the Windsor Park library at 4.

BOOST WORD Tuesdays, Januar y 24, 31, February 7, 14, 21, 28 BOOST Word of the Week at the McGoldrick library at 5.

WORLD STORIES Tuesday, Januar y 24 Stories from Around the world at 4 at the Mitchell-Linden library.

BOOST MATH Tuesday, Januar y 24 at the Central library at 4:30. For those 6-12.

ARTS & CRAFTS Tuesdays, January 24, 31 for those 5-12 at the Auburndale library at 4.

HAPPY HAPPY STORY Wednesdays, January 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 story time at the LIC library at 10:30.

JEWELRY MAKING Wednesday, January 25 at the Briarwood library. Register.

BOOST COMPUTER Wednesday, January 25 intro to PowerPoint and Excel at the Central library. For those 9-12. Register.

WINTER OUTFITS Wednesday, January 25 design paper winter outfits at the East Flushing library.

Register.

LIBRARY BUDDIES Wednesdays, January 25, February 8, 15, 22, 29 at the Auburndale library at 4.

BOOST HEALTH Wednesdays, January 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 BOOST health and science at 5 at the McGoldrick library.

S TORY T I M E Wednesday, January 25 for 18 months-3 years at the East Flushing library at 11:30.

BOOST READING Thursdays, January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23 BOOST Reading Buddies at 5 at the McGoldrick library.

ORIGAMI Thursday, January 26 Year of the Dragon origami at the Lefrak Cit y library. Register.

WINTER CRAFTS Thursday, January 26 winter crafts at the Seaside library at 4.

SCAVENGER HUNT Thursday, January 26 at the Windsor Park library at 4.

KIDS CLUB Thursdays, January 26, February 16 at the Hillcrest library at 5. For those 8-12.

DESIGN DAY Thursday, January 26 build, write, draw, paint and more at the Central library at 4.

For those in K-3.

FAMILY STORY TIME Thursday, January 26 at the Auburndale library at 4.

WINTER CRAFT Thursday, January 26 at the Queens Village library at 4.

COLOR & CRAFT Fridays, January 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24 Kids Coloring and Craft at 11 at the Queensboro Hill library.

ACTIVITY TIME Fridays, January 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24 at the Briarwood library at 3:30.

LIBRARY BUDDIES Fridays, January 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24 at the Auburndale library at 4.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays, January 27, February 10, 17 at the East Flushing library. Register.

BOOK BUDDIES Friday, January 27 at the Fresh Meadows library at 4.

GIRL SCOUTS Friday, January 27 at the Central library at 4:30.

PRE-SCHOOL CRAFTS Fridays, January 27, February 3, 10, 17 at the Sunnyside library. Register.

ORIGAMI Friday, January 27 at the McGoldrick library at 4.

TWEEN ZONE Fridays, January 27, Februar y 3 Tween Zone activities at the LIC library at 2:30.

READ TO ME Fridays, January 27, February 3, 10, 17 at 3 at the Briarwood library.

BOOST GAME DAY Fridays, January 27, February 3, 24 McGoldrick library at 5.

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

WINTER CRAFT Friday, January 27 at the Broad Channel librar y. First come, first served at 3:30.

YOUNG DISCOVERERS Saturday, January 28 Watching Weather for those 8-12 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000.

PICTURE BOOK Saturday, January 28 at the Broadway library at 1:30.

ANIMAL CARE Sunday, January 29 for those 8-12 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 2294000.

SENIORS FREE LUNCH Saturdays, January 21, February 18, March 17 All Saints Church in Richmond Hill. 849-2352 reservations.

KEW GARDENS Monday, January 23 Men Only workshop at 10.

Wednesday, January 25 Line Dancing Class at noon.

Friday, January 27 learn how to self-manage diabetes with North Shore LIJ rep at 1. Mondays Falun Gong (to purif y mind and body) at noon, comedy writing 2:303:30. Mondays and Tuesdays Get in shape, lose weight and feel good class at 1:30. Wednesdays Spanish conversation at 10 and Building muscle and strength at 11. Fridays Tai Chi/Chi Kung classes at 10 and Drawing/Painting at 1 (no experience needed). Kew Gardens Communit y Center, 80-02 Kew Gardens Road, suite 202.

STAY WELL Mondays at the Central library at 10. Learn how special exercise and relaxation techniques make a difference in your life.

SNAP BELL PARK Tuesday, January 24 11 am Medicare eligibilit y and coverage. Tuesday, January 31 11 am Tobacco sales and advertising that influences our youth. SNAP Bell Park Senior Center, 227-02A Hillside Avenue, Queens Village.

HOWARD BEACH Tuesday, January 24 seminar on changes to social sec u r i t y a n d M e d i c a re a t 10:30. Tuesday, February 7 Home Safet y for Seniors lecture at 11. 6 week computer classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced. $25.

Wednesdays mah jongg at 10 and Zumba Gold 1:302 : 3 0 . 1 5 6 - 4 5 8 4 th S t r e e t .

738-8100.

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

CHAIR EXERCISE Tuesdays low impact chair exercise at 11 at the Flushing-Fresh Meadows Jewish Center. $5. 357-5100.

STARS Wednesdays, January 25, February 1, 8 Senior Theater Acting Repertory meets at 10:30 at the Hollis library.

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

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

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Friday, January 27 AARP Defensive Driving at the Laurelton library. 479-8914 to register.

STARS Friday, January 27 Senior Theater Acting Repertory meets at 10:30 at the Queens Village library.

Jan. 20-26, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

ORGANIZED PEOPLE Monday, January 23 The 7 Habits of Ver y Organized People at 6 at the Baisley Park library.

AFRICAN PRESENCE Monday, January 23 Broader View: Exploring the African Presence in Early N e w Yo r k a t 6 a t t h e Laurelton library.

THINK POSITIVE Monday, January 23 The Art of Thinking Positive: You Are What You Think! At 6 at the Ridgewood library.

HOWARD BEACH Monday, January 23 “Tears of the Giraffe” will be discussed at 6:30 at the Howard Beach library.

SOCIAL SECURITY Tuesday, Januar y 24 at the Howard Beach Senior Center at 10:30. Social Securit y Informational Meeting.

POMONOK Wednesday, January 25 “The Historian” will be discussed at 2 at the Pomonok library.

FRESH MEADOWS Wednesday, January 25 “The Devil in the White Cit y” will be discussed at the Fresh Meadows library at 2:30.

LAURELTON Thursday, January 26 Images of America: Laurelton at 6 at the Laurelton library.

LITERARY ENCOUNTERS Thursday, January 26 Literary Encounter at 6 at the Corona library.

EAST FLUSHING Thursday, January 26 East Flushing Book Discussion meets at 10:30 at the library.

CONG. MACHANE Sunday, January 29 “Insights and Experiences of an Israeli Diplomat Representing the State of Israel in Countries Throughout the World” with Israeli Consul Shahar Azani. 7:30. Congregation Machane Chodosh, 67-29 108a: th Street, Forest Hills. 793-5656.

TEENS

Queens Today MEETINGS PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturday, January 21 public speaking and effective communication 10-12:15 at the Elmhurst Hospital Center Conference Room. 4249754.

ST. ALBANS CIVIC Sundays, January 22, February 26, March 25 St. Albans Civic Improvement Association meets at 1:30 at St. Albans Lutheran Church, 200 th Street and 119 th Avenue in the undercroft.

JEWISH VETS Sundays, January 22, February 26, March 25 Jewish Wa r Ve te ra n s o f t h e U SA Lipsky/Blum Post meet at Garden Jewish Center. 4634742.

VFW 4787 Mondays, January 23, February 13, 27 Whitestone V F W C o m m u n i t y Po s t meets. 746-0540.

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

FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tuesdays the Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets.

917-612-3463.

ADVANCED WRITERS Tuesdays Advanced Bayside Writers’ Group meets at 6:30 in the Terrace Diner, 212-97 26 th Avenue, upper level. Get feedback on your

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writing and develop your skills.

FH VAC Wednesdays, January 25, February 22, March 28 Fore st Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corp. 793-2055.

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

CDEC 26 Thursday, January 26 CDED 26 meeting at MS67, room B44A, 51-60 Marathon Parkway, Little Neck. Business meeting at 7, public meeting at 8. 631-6927.

LEADD CLUB Thursday evenings and one Saturday afternoon. Recreation Socialization Program for Learning Disabled Adults. 18+, able to travel on public transportation.

Arn310@aol.com information.

ENVIRONMENT FILM SERIES Monday, January 23 “Fresh” celebrates farmers who are re-inventing our food system at the Astoria library at 6.

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WINTER TREASURE Saturday, January 21 9:302:30 and Sunday, January 22 11:30-3:30 Winter Treasure Sale, Bake & Book Sale at Church of the Resurrection, 85-09 118 th Street, Richmond Hill.

INDOORFLEA MARKET S a t u r d a y s 9 - 5 a t Tr i n i t y United Methodist Church, 1 0 8 th S t r e e t a n d 8 6 th A v enue, Jamaica.

THRIFT SHOPS Saturdays 11-4 at Bargain Boutique Thrift Shop, Queens Baptist Church, 9323 217 th Street, Queens Village.465-2504. First and Third Wednesdays through June at Grace Church, 1415 Clintonville Street, Whitestone. 767-6305.

HEALTH KOREAN GREENS Saturday, January 21 at the Sunnyside library. Supplies limited. Be Healthy and Eat Korean Greens.

WILLING HEARTS ZUMBA Mondays, January 23, 30, February 6 Latin Dance Fitness Program at the Corona library. Register.

ZUMBA Monday, January 23 at the Arverne library at 6:15.

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ENTERTAINMENT JACKSON HTS 3AM Through January 22 “Jackson Heights 3AM” world premiere involving car dispatchers, drag queens, emergency room staffers, gamblers and insomniacs.

Free at PS69, 77-02 37 th Avenue, Jackson Heights at 7 and 8.

ADVANCE MAN Through January 29 part 1 of Mac Roger’s sci-fi epic “The Honeycomb Trilogy” at 3 and 8. $15 students and seniors, $18 general admission. Secret Theatre, 44-02 23 rd Street, LIC. MELAVA MALKA Saturday, January 21 Melava Malka and Concert f e a t u r i n g Yo e l S h a ra b i a t Congregation Machane Chodosh in Forest Hills. $28 at the door. 793-5656.

PEKING OPERA Saturday, January 21 Chinese Opera Societ y presents Peking Opera Performance at the Flushing library at 2.

DIVAS OF JAZZ Saturday, January 21 Divas of Jazz performed at the Peninsula library at 2.

ELVIS & CULTURE Saturday, January 21 Elvis Presley and the Birth of the American Youth Culture at 1 at Greater Astoria Historic a l S o c i e t y, 3 5 - 2 0 B ro a d w a y , 4 th f l o o r , L I C . 2 7 8 -

0700. $5 non-members.

PRE-LUNAR GALA Saturday and Sunday, January 21, 22 10-5 Annual PreL u n a r N ew Ye a r G a l a & Flower Market. Kung Fu and cooking demos, Dragon Dance performance, music, Feng Shui talk and more at the Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main street, Flushing.

ART SHAMSKY Sunday, January 22 Grand Slam Luncheon with a meet and greet with Art Shamsky at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. $30 adults. 2637000 reservations.

QUEENS MEMORY Sunday, January 22 Queens Memory Project 2:30-4:30.

Digital archive including maps, photographs and news clippings with recorded oral history. $5 members, $8 others at the Kingsland Homestead, 143-35 37 th Avenue, Flushing. 939-0647, ext. 17.

STAMP SHOW Sundays, January 22, February 19, March 25 Bayside Stamp Show at the Ramada Hotel, 220-33 Northern Blvd., Bayside 10-4:30.

ARE YOU MOM? Sunday, Januar y 22 “Are You My Mother?”is a colorful musical adventure for the family at Queens Theatre in the Park. 760-0064.

LIVE JAZZ & R&B Sundays, January 22, 29, February 2, 12 live jazz and r&b 6-10 at Déjà vu, 180-25 Linden Blvd., St. Albans.

RUSSIAN SONGS Monday, January 23 concert featuring Russian vocals Forest Hills library at 6:30.

CHICAGO SOUL Monday, January 23 at the Rosedale library at 6:30. Tribute to Curtis Mayfield and Sam Cooke.

ML KING JR Monday, January 23 tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr East Elmhurst library at 7.

SINATRA, DARIN… Tuesday, January 24 songs

by Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Natalie Cole and more at the Briarwood library at 2.

TASTE OF BAYSIDE Wednesday, January 25 69 at the Adria Hotel in Bayside. $35 at the door.

261-3517.

OPEN MIC Thursday, January 26 Open Mic at 6 East Elmhurst library.

LAURELTON HISTORY Thursday, January 26 learn about the history of Laurelton at the Laurelton library at 6.

GREAT LYRICISTS Thursday, January 26 Naomi Zeitlin’s tribute to great lyricists at the Windsor Park library at 2.

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Jan. 20-26, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

EXPERT WORK ON STOOPS BRICK, BLOCK & CONCRETE

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE: Monday Before 5 P.M. Unless Otherwise Specified

Staying Mr Met

Reports came out this week that the Mets are close to selling between four and seven minority shares of the team, valued at $20 million a piece. Though an anonymous Met told New York Magazine that maligned owner Fred Wilpon needs to sell the team, he has not indicated he will sell his majority stake. For now, Mets fans will have to accept this relatively small revenue may help the team fight their way out of the National League basement.

The stakes only represent a tiny share of the team. With the Mets in financial freefall, it’s not clear how great an investment it will ultimately be.

For Met fans, 2012 promises to be an adventure, and we hope not in the worst way possible.

Models Of Queens

Worth Every Dyme Crystal Dyme Home: Arverne Age: 24 Height: 5’7" Weight: 180 Stats: 38-28-25

Fred Wilpon is hanging on as the owner of the Mets

Jay-Z Gets 50 Cents Worth

While most celebrities rushed to Twitter to congratulate Beyonce and Jay-Z on the birth of Blue Ivy, some took it as a chance to make jokes.

Hollis native 50 Cent showed off his Photoshop skills last week by tweeting photos of a baby with Jay-Z’s face superimposed on it. Keeping things classy, Fiddy ended the tweet with the hashtag #BlueIvyCarter IS GEORGOUS. If making fun of babies isn’t a sign that your career is over, we don’t know what is.

Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 20-26, 2012

Earlier this month, Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City sent out a press release announcing that a woman from Astoria - the Donald's home borough - was selected for a visit from the casino’s prize patrol.

Upon arrival at her house, the prize patrol asked her to choose from three briefcases. Each case had one check for either $10,000, $15,000 or $25,000.

Everyone involved was excited when the woman chose the case holding the check for $15,000.

The excitement died down, however, when representatives from Trump Taj Mahal asked the woman to sign a release, allowing them to give her name out to the members of the press in attendance. She didn’t want her name published, she said. If she had known this was going to be for public consumption, she would have never agreed to it.

We’re not sure what she must have been thinking

Though she had thought about modeling, Crystal Dyme did not begin for real until 2009, when a manager got her started working in promotions for the Better Business Institution. She took a break and got back into it with photographer Derrick Jones in 2011.

She is a mother to three boys — Jaylen, 6; Michael, 5 and Jaifir, 1 — and attends LaGuardia Community College. She said that she is interested in modeling as a career, but admitted that it will require additional resources and more connections.

being photographed or raising her children, Crystal enjoys going out to clubs with her girlfriends, playing pool and going to concerts.

She is a music lover and is especially into Drake and Rick Ross.

She is originally from the Bronx but said there are more opportunities in Queens for her and her children in education and business.

“There are a lot of things I can do here with my kids that I maybe couldn’t do in the Bronx,” she said.

Crystal, welcome to Queens!

Family Biz

The Ramsundar family, Shane, Gomatee and daughter Shantal were convicted of grand larceny and other charges in connection with the scheme, which took money from immigrants seeking a better life in the United States.

The Richmond Hill family was sentenced to a combined 418 years in prison. At least they’ll be together for the holidays.

Queens is notorious for being home to “crime families,” but perhaps never any this nuclear.

A father, his wife and their daughter were convicted of defrauding 19 immigrants from the Caribbean of more than $1.8 million Prize patrol but who's the lucky lady? when the limos and the cameramen showed up in front of her house. Maybe she was just waiting for Ed McMahon to jump out of one of them.

A Giant Bet The NFC Championship isn’t the only thing on the line when the Giants play the 49ers Sunday.

Mayor Mike Bloomberg and San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee announced Wednesday that the two cities had a friendly wager on the game. If the Giants win, Mayor Lee will drape Giants flags over one of San Francisco’s iconic cable cars and send some sourdough bread to New York City.

In return, if the 49ers pull out a win, Mayor Bloomberg will rename 49th Street in Manhattan “49ers

“It’s something I definitely enjoy doing, and I really like taking pictures,” she said. “Sometimes you don’t feel like doing it, but it can be pretty enjoyable most of the time.”

Crystal said the worst experience she has had was during a photo shoot outside in sub-freezing temperatures while wearing next-to-nothing.

“It makes it harder to take a good picture and be focused on your pose and what you’re doing,” she said.

When she is not in school,

Street.” He will also send Mayor Lee a dozen New York bagels from Bagel Oasis in Flushing, a frequent winner of the Queens Tribune’s Best Bagel in Queens award.

“Just like Hakeem Nicks ran right past the Packers’ secondary, the Giants are going to breeze by the 49ers on their way to the Super Bowl,” Bloomberg said. “After Sunday, Niners fans will be left with a taste as sour as their famous bread, and the Giants will have their sights set on another trophy.”

On this, the Southeast Queens Press wishes him Lox.

Mayor Bloomberg looks forward to some sourdough.

Confidentially, New York . . .

What’s Up SATURDAY, JAN. 21 Walkers For Wellness Club Looking for a fun way to improve your health? Join the Walkers for Wellness Club at New Hope Lutheran Church of Jamaica. Under the guidance of a Walking Leader, you will walk two to three times each week at a comfortable pace with others along routes throughout Southeast Queens. The club is open to walkers of all ages and abilities. The walking schedule is Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m., and Saturdays at 8 a.m. Walkers meet at New Hope Lutheran Church, located at 167-24 118th Ave. T-shirts and pedometers will be provided. Contact Thurkessa Brown at (917) 553-1089 for more information.

Enrichment Classes The Queens Baptist Church is offering free reading and math enrichment classes every Saturday. Stop by the church and ask for Barbara Montgomery or Linda Day to register, or call (718) 465-2504.

This free event will be held at the Queens Baptist Church, 93-23 217th St., from 10 a.m. to noon.

Winter Basketball Program The Lincoln Park Basketball Association is offering a Fall/Winter Basketball Clinic for children ages 8-16 on Saturdays from Oct. 22 through Jan. 28. The $50 registration fee includes insurance, weekly training and a T-shirt. For more information, contact (347) 234-6833 or (718) 682-6938.

This event will be held at the Queens Transition Center, located at 142-10 Linden Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Queens Book Fair The Blackcurrant Press Company and the Black Spectrum Theatre Company invite all students, teachers, authors, and lovers of books to the first annual Queens book fair. The book fair will feature many authors including Tonya Pinkins, author of “Get Over Yourself,” Cheryl Wills, author of “Die Free”, Cathleen Williams, author of “Single Mother, The New Father”, Beverly A. Burchett, author of “Queen Kinni”, and the Black Spectrum Theatre Company’s own Carl Clay, author of “Poorducing Theatre and Film at Black Spectrum.” For additional information, call (718) 723-1800.

This free event will be held at Black Spectrum Theatre, 177th Street and Baisley Boulevard, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Maurice Brown is one of the most exciting young trumpeters in jazz. His improvisations are fresh, his chops dynamic and he’s writing what could very well become a new generation of hard-bop-meets-newgrooves standards. In one of the most startling debuts of the year, Brown announced himself as a triple-threat artist, equally effective as virtuoso trumpeter, versatile composer and supremely confident bandleader. He will perform with special guest Shaka, poet and activist.

Food will be available. Tickets can be purchased for $15 in advance; $17 at the door.

This free event will be held at Afrikan

SUNDAY, JAN. 22 Open Volleyball St. John’s University is offering open recreation volleyball. Come play with your friends, or come alone and join the group.

For more information, contact (718) 9907521.

This free event will be held at the Taffner Fieldhouse on Queens Campus, 8000 Utopia Parkway, from 4 to 9 p.m.

MONDAY, JAN. 23 Stay Well Learn new ways to take charge of your health and help your friends do the same.

Learn how special exercise and relaxation techniques make a difference in your life!

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

Introduction to Computers Get yourself up to speed on basic computer skills. Learn about parts of the computer, software vs. hardware, common applications, how to use the keyboard and mouse. Also learn how to open and close “windows,” use toolbars and scroll bars.

To register, call (718) 990-5102 or visit the Job Information Center.

This free event will be held at Queens Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 10:30 a.m.

sented live in concert at the Allen A.M.E. Cathedral. The price of the $20 ticket includes a copy of Fred Hammond’s new CD - God, Love & Romance.

This free event will be held at Allen A.M.E. Cathedral, 110-31 Merrick Blvd., at 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25 Picture Book Storytime Enjoy picture books, stories, songs, finger plays and crafts with your toddler.

Recommended for ages 18 months-preschool.

This free event will be held at the Queens Library Rosedale Branch, 144-20 243 St., at 10:30 a.m.

DIY Business Cards A business card can be a great way to stay in a new contact’s mind. In this workshop, you will learn how to create your own business card in Microsoft Publisher.

Participants will leave with 20 of their very own business cards. To register, please call (718) 990-5102 or visit the Job Information Center. Basic Computer skills required.

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

THURSDAY, JAN. 26 Walkers For Wellness Club See Saturday’s listing. At 7 p.m.

National Action Network Meeting

Social Media for Beginners

The Queens Chapter National Action Network is pleased to invite you to its general membership monthly meeting.

This month’s guest speaker will be Carl Clay, founder of the Black Spectrum Theater. For additional information, contact Lois Menyweather at (646) 2841689 or lmenyweather@gmail.com This free event will be held at Calvary Baptist Church,111-10 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., from 6 to 8 p.m.

Get an overview of, and create accounts on, today’s most popular online communities. Classes: Introduction to Social Media – January 26; Facebook Tutorial – February 23; Twitter Tutorial – March 22; Google+ Tutorial – April 19.

You must have basic computer skills and an email account. To register, call (718) 990-8501 or email socialmedia@queenslibrary.org.

This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 10:30 a.m.

TUESDAY, JAN. 24 Walkers For Wellness Club See Tuesday’s listing. At 7 p.m.

Laptops For Students Laptops are available Monday through Thursday for teens and children to use from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, call (718) 528-2822.

This free event will be held at the Queens Library Laurelton Branch, 134-26 225 St. from 3 to 5 p.m.

Own Your Own Business Learn how to develop your idea into a business plan. Participants will learn how to create demand for your product or service, set goals and objectives, budgeting and timelines, and identifying resources and networks. To register, call (718) 9905102.

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

Laptops For Students Laptops are available Monday through Thursday for teens and children to use from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, call (718) 528-2822.

This free event will be held at the Queens Library Laurelton Branch, 134-26 225 St. from 3 to 5 p.m.

Jobs in Health Care Are you ready for a career in the large and fast-growing health care sector? Participants will learn about: the expanding nature of the health care sector, health care organizations, education and training in health care, types of careers in health care, and where to look for health care-related jobs. To register, please call 718-990-5102 or visit the Job Information Center.

This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 4 p.m.

Entrepreneurial Thursdays God, Love & Romance Be there when Fred Hammond is pre-

The Financial Ministry of the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York will

be holding six workshops focusing on entrepreneurship/small business owners and individuals looking to start a business. This workshop will focus on social media strategy. This workshop will tell you how to develop a social media strategy for your business, give you tips on how to effectively market your business through social media, integrate social media into your marketing campaign and track it, and the advantages of hosting and launching a Twitter chat.

This free event will be held at Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York 110-31 Merrick Blvd. from 7 to 9 p.m.

FRIDAY, JAN. 27 Outreach and Assistance Are you a young woman 17-24 years of age and need assistance in applying for housing, completing college applications, financial aid or just need assistance and don’t know where to turn? The Daughters of Isis Foundation is available for support!

Contact the foundation for information or to schedule an appointment. For additional information, visit www.thedaughtersofisisfoundation.org, call Simone Williams at (347) 731-1721 or email isis.staff@gmail.com.

This free event will be held on the second floor of the Young Queens Loft, 148-14 Liberty Ave., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Oldies But Goodies The Queens Chapter of the National Action Network is pleased to present Oldies but Goodies Night. Join Queens NAN for its first fundraiser. The evening will feature live entertainment, dinner and dancing. Tickets can be purchased for $25 in advance; $30 at the door. For additional information, visit the organization’s Facebook page at or contact Lois Menyweather at (646) 284-1689 or lmenyweather@gmail.com.

This free event will be held at Thomasina’s Catering Hall - 205-35 Linden Blvd., from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

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

For additional information, contact Ethan Chazin, Job Coach, at (718) 7392060, Ext. 18 or echazin67@gmail.com.

This free event will be held at the Jamaica Neighborhood Center - 161-06 89th Ave. Services are available Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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

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

Jan. 20-26, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

The Maurice Brown Quintet

Poetry Theatre, 176-03 Jamaica Ave., at 8 p.m.