Press epaper 021414

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH Pages 9-10 Volume 15 Issue No. 7 Feb. 14-20, 2014

PRESS Photo by Natalia Kozikowska

THEATER IN THE RED? The Black Spectrum Theatre in Jamaica is looking for new revenue sources to make up for losses in funding. By Natalia Kozikowska ‌ Page 3.

ONLINE AT WWW.QUEENSPRESS.COM

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 14-20, 2014

News Briefs Suspect in G-Unit Affiliate’s Death Nabbed

Police have arrested the man they believe is responsible in the Jan. 3 shooting death of ex-G-Unit rapper and longtime friend to 50 Cent, Jamal Green.

The suspect, Jamal Scott, 35, was nabbed by cops on Monday while at work at the Hyatt Place hotel in Manhattan. He was charged with second-degree murder, four counts of attempted murder, felony assault and possession of a weapon.

Scott has a long rap sheet of arrests – 10 in total, including criminal possession of a weapon, criminal sale, possession of a controlled substance and criminal possession of stolen property.

According to reports, Green was riding shotgun alongside his girlfriend in Jamaica when the masked shooter rolled up to his white Nissan SUV and began spraying bullets. His girlfriend, who was driving, suffered a graze wound to the neck and was taken to Jamaica Hospital in stable condition.

Green, who had been shot in the torso, was pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger, 21, was in critical condition at Jamaica Hospital after being shot in the neck and shoulder. The fourth victim, a 22-year-old man was wounded in his leg and taken to North Shore- Long Island Jewish Hospital and is listed in stable condition.

Five years ago, Green was arrested for pumping two .25-caliber bullets into Queens gangbanger Rashawn Carter. Carter survived the shooting and Green was convicted of attempted assault. Green had just been released from jail just two weeks before his death, after serving more than two years for the assault charge.

Bronx Teen Held As Sex Slave in Jamaica

Last week, a Bronx teen that has been missing since September was rescued from her captors by police.

The 14-year-old runaway was reportedly held by three captors who pimped her out, beat her and raped her.

According to reports, the alleged victim was held at a Jamaica home, located on 107th Avenue, for nearly three months against her will. Her ordeal finally came to an end when she managed to call 911 when the suspects were not paying attention.

After receiving the call, cops responded to the house on Feb. 3 and found the teen visibly upset. They arrested Lindsay Archibald, 32, and Stephen Garrison, 25, both allegedly

members of the Crips gang, as well as Quanesha Hunte, 23.

Woman Found Dead on Jamaica Subway Platform

On Feb. 9, around 11 p.m., police found an unidentified woman dead from a head injury on the F train’s 179th Street subway station platform.

According to reports, police first believed that the victim, believed to have been in her 50s, had been struck by a train but authorities are now saying that her sustained injuries are not consistent with the theory.

Investigators are awaiting the Medical Examiner’s autopsy results to determine the exact cause of death.

DEC Presents Mitigation Project In Howard Beach

City officials presented a project that aims to better protect Howard Beach from future weather events like Superstorm Sandy.

Representatives from the Dept. of Environmental Conservation attended last week’s Community Board 10 meeting to discuss the Spring Creek Hazard Mitigation Project for the first time.

During Sandy, flood waters from the storm’s surge engulfed coastal areas in Queens and throughout the City, including Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach.

The project would provide those areas with better storm protection by renovating Spring Creek Park, which is adjacent to 165th and 161st Avenues and 83rd and 78th Streets in Howard Beach. The renovation will boost up the inland protection for neighborhoods adjacent to residents’ homes, create a larger buffer between the park’s grassland and wetland and restore much of its natural habitat.

The DEC representatives touted the project as the first nature-based storm resiliency plan.

Following the presentation, some CB10 members raised some concerns about the project, concentrated on how that area of Howard Beach would be affected by the project and how the “old” side of Howard Beach also needs to be protected from future storms.

“While I appreciate this study and what the Governor is doing with this money, that wetlands the way it is, absorbed a lot of the storm,” said CB10 member John Calcagnile, adding he would like to see this project spread to the other side of Howard Beach.

According to the DEC, the entire project will cost more than $50 million and it will take an estimated 18 months to complete once construction begins.

Feb. 14-20, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Presstime

Black Spectrum Seeks Funding To Sustain Programs In its 44 years, Black Spectrum Theatre has put on more than 400 productions, produced 25 films and has trained upwards of 7,000 aspiring artists. But recent budget cuts and changing demographics are threatening the theater’s ability to sustain programming.

It was not long ago, Carl Clay, founder and executive producer at Black Spectrum, said the theater had the means to put on 15-20 events per season. This is no longer the case.

“It would literally take an asteroid to come down for us to be able to do that now,” he said. “I speak for the entire arts community – things are changing. Audiences are aging and the demographics are changing.

There is technological competition, more venues and more theaters so, when you add all of those things up, things are changing.”

In order to keep afloat, he said, Black Spectrum has significantly downsized its programming. In the last decade, funding from the State and the Dept. of Education has been scarce and as a result, the theater was forced to cut its free after school program for teens and put on fewer productions.

“We continue to be one of the Borough’s best-kept secrets,” Clay said. “If the current trends continue, it means we are going to really face

Photo by Natalia Kozikowska

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

Recent budget cuts and changing demographics are threatening Black Spectrum Theatre’s ability to sustain programming. a very serious question of operation – as do many arts institutions in the City.”

Black Spectrum Theatre was founded in 1970 by Clay, who was just a teenager at the time. The theater began as a summer workshop program primarily focused on putting on shows that explored issues in the African American community of Southeast Queens.

“Initially, we wanted to use the theater as a means of communicating with people about issues popping up in the community and that was very unique in itself in those days,” Clay

said. “Back in those days, everyone was just talking about art for arts sake – plays weren’t supposed to be getting involved in community issues.”

The theater’s first production, “Black Love,” dealt with drugs, specifically heroin – a huge concern for residents in Southeast Queens during the 1970s.

“It was so successful that we started taking it around the college circuits,” he said. “We were performing all up and down the Eastern Seaboard at colleges.”

It was not until 1978 that Black Spectrum found its first permanent

home – a converted drug store on Linden Boulevard and 205th Street.

Before then, the theater was limited to cultural centers and church venues.

Though the venue was small, Black Spectrum quickly grew to be a staple in the community by becoming the only professional theater company with a mission to reach out to people of African descent in Queens.

In lieu of the theater’s success and growing mission statement, Clay and its founders began to look for a larger facility to house the nonprofit.

The group, in conjunction with the Southern Queens Park Association, eventually chose Roy Wilkins Park as the Black Spectrum’s new home in 1986.

In the years that followed, Clay said that the theater has been more committed to shedding light on the issues that affect Southeast Queens.

Most notably, the nonprofit was the first theater to partner with the City Dept. of Health to create a program educating the community about AIDS. The company has also produced a film, “Babies Making Babies,” that dealt with teen pregnancy.

To donate to Black Spectrum Theatre, visit www.blackspectrum.com.

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

Queens Village Couple Proposes Charter School For D29

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

Photo by Natalia Kozikowska

Last week at State Sen. Malcolm Smith’s (D-Hollis) town hall meeting, Queens Village couple Lycia and Jeremiah Grant revealed that they are seeking funding to build a new charter school in School District 29.

The proposed charter school would be centered on a science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, curriculum, for students in grades K-5. Although the group is proposing grades K-5, the Grants said they are willing to look into a Pre-K program. A letter of intent has already been sent to State officials.

The couple, who attended the meeting on behalf of the group behind the proposal, said the initiative is intended to give parents in School District 29 more options for their children. Currently, there are two charter schools in the district with a waitlist of about 500 students.

“What we are concerned about it choices and options for parents in District 29,” Lycia Grant said. “Dis-

trict 29, as many of you are aware, like Colombia Teacher’s College and focusing on high-need students in the is the lowest performing district Pace University. community.

“We realize that is the trend of the throughout the Borough. As educa“We are targeting children with tors in Queens, we believe that par- future and that is what will best help special education or special needs, ents don’t have the kind of options our children be able to compete glob- ELL students, English language that are needed for their children to ally,” she said. learners, and students who are at The proposed charter school is risk,” she said. “We are targeting succeed – not just succeed in our slated to have an enrollment of 410 those groups because they are those community, but globally.”

“When our children are educated students within a period of five years, that really need the help.” and well-prepared, it helps Although the group is still everyone,” she added. “It waiting to hear back from the impacts crime in our comState, they asked Smith to munity, it impacts economconsider funding the school ics [and] it impacts the so that they can construct a sustainability in our comnew facility in the district. munity. We need to have as “We realize that in Dismany options as possible trict 29, co-location is not for our children and for our an option,” she said. “So, families.” in order to be able to give Lycia Grant emphasized parents the choice and opthe importance of having tions they are looking for, a STEM curriculum, adwe would like to have fundhering to the fast-growing ing for building needs.” field in science and techReach Reporter Natalia nology. She said that their Kozikowska at (718)357group has already secured Queens Village couple Lycia and Jeremiah Grant are seek- 7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowspartnerships with STEM ing funding to build a new State charter school in School ka@queenspress.com or @ programs at institutions District 29. nkozikowska.

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 14-20, 2014

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer has only been in office for a month but said he has hit the ground running.

Last week, the Comptroller stopped by the PRESS of Southeast Queens office to speak with the editorial staff about his recent progress and to weigh in on some of the Borough’s biggest fiscal stories of the year.

Stringer noted that the majority of jobs at his office have already been filled, including all eight Deputy Comptroller positions – seven of which were filled by women.

In addition to hiring staffers, Stringer said he has been busy with auditing City-funded agencies, most notably the Queens Library. The nonprofit and its CEO, Thomas Galante, have been in hot water after media reports alleged that taxpayer money was used to fund Galante’s $391,594 salary and $140,000 in lavish office renovations, which included a private outdoor smoking area.

In light of the scandal, Stringer, who gave the library notice of the audit last Tuesday, said he will be making sure New Yorkers are getting the best bang for their buck by auditing

all three of the City’s library systems, which operate in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan.

“We’re going to look at the financials, we’re going to look at performance and we will evaluate all the systems,” he said. “Eighty-six percent of their revenue comes from City money so I expect them to cooperate with the City audit by the City Comptroller.”

Although the cash-strapped library has laid off more than 100 employees over the last five years, Stringer was hesitant to comment on Galante’s six-figure salary, noting the sensitivity of the pending audit.

“I’m concerned about the issues raised but I don’t want to speak specifically to some of these issues because I don’t want to prejudice the audit that’s going on,” he said. “But I wouldn’t be doing this audit if I didn’t think there were some issues raised.”

Stringer also briefly spoke about the City’s decision to audit the New York City Housing Authority, following a series of reports that claimed the agency’s administrators were sitting on millions of government dollars while repair requests continue to pile up.

“I want people to get the sense

Photo by Luis Gronda

Scott Stringer Talks First Month In Office

Scott Stringer

that I am going to be an activist comptroller working very hard for the people of the City,” he said. “It [the audit] was one of the first things I was working on as comptroller.”

“I want to be a constructive voice on the issues that matter so looking at the New York City Public Housing Authority, for example, I think that’s in our reach because we can make good, sound audits that will help the City Council and the Mayor make informed policy decisions,” he added.

In addition to his City audits, Stringer said he spent the first month as Comptroller focusing on insuring his office is held to “the highest of ethical standards.”

“First and foremost, we’re banning placement agents. Those are the middle men who have been part of previous comptroller scandals,” he said. “Basically, they get paid a large fee to bring business to the pension fund and I made it clear, I don’t need a middleman for us to talk to the businesses.”

“Second, we are also going to implement a risk management process within our fund. Right now, we do not have professional risk management protocol to look at our assets allocation and see if the decisions we’re making are balancing the market,” he continued. “We are also setting up an audit committee so that I can continually look at way to make the pension fund more transparent.”

Although Stringer does admit there have been obstacles, he believes his office is handling them with stride and said he is excited to see what the future holds.

“The challenge for us is can we build the capacity of this office to meet the work that we want to do.

It’s a new job, it’s a big city, but I think we’re doing very well on the issues I care about,” he said.

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

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Feb. 14-20, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

By Luis Gronda Woodhaven Boulevard finds itself among the most dangerous roads for pedestrians, according to a report released last week.

The major thoroughfare, which runs from Ozone Park to the Queens Center Mall, had eight pedestrian fatalities between 2010 and 2012, the most for any major street in the Borough.

The report was released by the TriState Transportation Campaign, a non-profit advocacy group that petitions for better transportation safety throughout New York and surrounding states.

The group released its annual report on pedestrian safety and listed fatalities for each borough in New York City and town in New York State, as well as New Jersey and Connecticut.

The report said 38 pedestrian fatalities occurred in Queens in 2012, three more than the previous year.

A total of 115 fatalities occurred in Queens during the three years measured by the group’s report.

Along with Woodhaven Boulevard, Queens Boulevard, often called the “Boulevard of Death,” had five pedestrian deaths during

that time period. Two other major thoroughfares, Northern Boulevard and Union Turnpike, also had five fatalities. Those two streets, along with Woodhaven Boulevard, were also on last year’s report released by the same group.

Martin Colberg, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association, said the report is very concerning for him and many residents who walk on Woodhaven to get from one side of the avenue to the other.

“It’s definitely not the best thing to have a title for,” he said.

Colberg added that some safety measure must be taken in order to make it safer for pedestrians. Among the problems in that area he discussed included the amount of time a pedestrian is allotted to cross the lane. According to a video posted by Project Woodhaven, a neighborhood advocacy group organized by former WRBA president Ed Wendell, residents are given 38 seconds to cross the 10-lane intersection.

Colberg said more time needs to be given to people crossing the street so that they are able to make it safely.

“It’s really not that time to cross,” he said, adding that the weather can add more time to people crossing

Photo by Luis Gronda

Woodhaven Blvd. Has Most Pedestrian Fatalities

Woodhaven Boulevard had eight pedestrian fatalities between 2010 and 2012, the most of any intersection in Queens. the street. “Everything was iced up on the crosswalks and it takes more time to cross. The ice build up was probably three inches thick.”

In addition to the allotted time to cross the street, Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) said cars making the left turn from Woodhaven onto Jamaica Avenue are also dangerous for pedestrians because cars often speed when making that turn. Miller said there needs to be time set aside for pedestrians to

cross without any cars driving by and he has brought this up to the Dept. of Transportation in the past.

Both Colberg and Miller also said a sign identifying that pedestrians have died in that area in the past could also be helpful to alert pedestrians of the dangerous street, a sign that is in place on Queens Boulevard.

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

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 14-20, 2014

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

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Editorial Keeping Arts Alive The recent report that the Black Spectrum Theatre in Jamaica is having difficulties funding its programming is distressing news for anyone who appreciates the role that Southeast Queens has played in the arts and entertainment communities.

As we note in this issue, over the years the Borough has served as a home to a number of musicians, dating back to the Jazz Age, and has inspired artists to produce many successful albums.

Queens became the home – either permanently or temporarily – of legends like James Brown, Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong, whose home in Corona is now enshrined as a museum to his greatest works.

From the Jazz Age to the Modern Era, the cultural importance of Queens – especially Southeast Queens – has continued. Hiphop innovators Run-D.M.C. hailed from Hollis. Rappers 50 Cent, Nas, Nicki Minaj and Ja Rule all called Queens home.

Over the last century, Queens has thrived as a home to cultural touchstones, and Southeast Queens has been an important part of that. As we go forward, we have no doubt that the area will continue to produce the type of cultural that influences the entire world.

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Natalia Kozikowska Joe Marvilli Luis Gronda Trisha Sakhuja

Art Dept:

Rhonda Leefoon Lianne Procanyn Barbara Townsend Maureen Coppola Advertising Director Shanie Persaud Director Corporate Accounts/ Events Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie Shari Strongin Brenda Jones

A Queens Tribune Publication © Copyright 2013 Tribco, LLC

Michael Nussbaum Publisher Ria McPherson Comptroller

Letters Thoughtful Over Black History

To The Editor: February is Black History month. It’s good to set aside a particular time for celebration, provided that isolated time is not a “be all and end all” and doesn’t give people a subconscious green-light to forget about our debt of gratitude for the contributions of Black Americans during the other eleven months.

There are people who will exploit the commemoration for their own political gain and, in effect, be cynically trying to co-opt the legacy that they say they are honoring. Our acknowledgement must be nonpartisan and all-embracing.

Great men and women are not cloistered behind racial walls.

Let’s break the perhaps incriminating habit of highlighting only Black Americans who excelled in sports, entertainment or social activism.

Ignoring mathematicians, engineers and scholars whose transcendent brilliance serves and does all humanity credit smacks of a racism that may not be as venal but is still patronizing.

And let’s all have the guts to judge people on their merits. Condemnation or praise should be expressed without fear or favor when

it is prompted by behavior, regardless of race. It is not racist to criticize people unless that criticism was conceived and driven by racist impulse.

Divine and diabolical conduct is an individual phenomenon and crosses all races without boundary. No person or group deserves a pass. Let the path of every person’s life speak for itself.

Genuine brotherhood will only be achieved when behaving in its spirit becomes firstnature. Maybe it’s unrealistic, but we should strive to no longer make even mental notes of a person’s race. What matters is what they do and the kind of person they are. No excuses and no exceptions, for better or for worse.

Circling dates on a calendar is a memory aid but the calendar must be enshrined in our hearts and reflected in all our transactions.

A thoughtful Black History Month to all your readers!

Ron Isaac, Fresh Meadows

Faith And Self

To The Editor: I am an American Ahmadi Muslim middle school student. I was born in America and will never leave it. I love this country, America, because this country is my homeland. For me, loving my homeland is like

Letters loving my mother. Loving my country is part of my faith. This is the teaching of my beloved religion, Islam.

Islam not only teaches to love your motherland but to make positive changes in our country to make it better. It amazes me that America has so much to offer and that we live in such a wonderful country. This is the reason why many people migrate to this land of opportunity.

When any “Muslim” American wishes to hurt the United States, I wish someone were to tell him or her the saying of Muhammad (peace be on him), the founder of Islam that, “Love of one’s country is part of one’s faith.” I wish their parents taught them that to love America is their religion.

Mirza Ghulam Haseeb, Jamaica Hills Member, Muslim Writers Guild of America

Cut Back On Spending

To The Editor: Many people think that the federal government should help the poor. The federal government is supposed to be limited by what it can do by the U.S. Constitution. Because it has overstepped its authority, we have a national debt of $17 trillion. It also has caused additional taxation, regulations and inflation. It has caused businesses to leave our country, prices to rise and regulations that are unattainable for most small businesses. This has led to more people being poor, so now many think that we need more government to help the people that it hurt by its actions.

We need the federal government to cut spending!

This will cause lower prices, less inflation and businesses will be able to remain in this country which will lead to more employment. The poor should be helped and this can be done through local help by philanthropic and religious organizations.

By getting the federal government back to its constitutional limits, there will be less poor and we will all have a better quality of life.

Janet McCarthy, Flushing

Temple A National Treasure

To The Editor: Shirley Temple, America’s child star of the 1930s,was a true American treasure. Her precious smile, along with those curls and dimples, made her so endearing to the public. She brought joy and laughter to all of us, at a time when this nation was going through the Great Depression.

She also devoted many years of public service to our country, serving as our ambassador to the United Nations, among other things. She will always be a part of our American movie culture, like “The Wizard of Oz” and “Gone With The Wind.” Our deepest sympathy to her family, friends and colleagues. We have lost a truly wonderful person.

John Amato, Fresh Meadows

Kiner Will Be Missed

To The Editor: It is sad to read of the passing of Ralph Kiner, a true legend and who was most revered in baseball. Ralph Kiner and his Kiner’s Korner was a main staple for many Mets fans in his post game show on WOR. But he was more than that in his career as a major baseball player and as a broadcaster.

He was a true role model, and he was a man that loved our national pastime and believed you didn’t need drugs to compete successfully. Kiner hit 369 home runs in his 10-year career.

It is a shame some players in the age of steroids didn’t follow his example and who have disgraced the game by cheating, thinking this was the right road to greatness. Well Ralph Kiner didn’t think so and that is what made him great and will truly be missed.

Frederick R. Bedell Jr., Glen Oaks Village

WRITE ON: The PRESS of Southeast Queens, 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357 email news@queenspress.com fax: (718) 357-9417

Feb. 14-20, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 14-20, 2014

State of the City:

Mayor outlines Vision during speech In his first State of the City address since being elected, Mayor Bill de Blasio laid out several key initiatives he hopes to pass in the future.

Among the plans the Mayor discussed at LaGuardia Community College on Monday include free universal Pre-K, living wage expansion and asking Albany to let NYC set its own rate for the minimum wage. This was the second consecutive State of the City Address held outside of Manhattan, with Bloomberg’s final address held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

De Blasio began the address discussing income inequality, one issue prominently featured during his campaign. He said access to affordable housing, good paying jobs and affordable health care is becoming scarce because of the shrinking middle class.

“We understand that allowing the income gap to stretch further isn’t simply a threat to those at the bottom – but to every New Yorker,” he said. “And we also know this: New Yorkers’ personal commitment to tackling inequality knows no boundaries of geography or income.”

His first mention of paid sick leave drew a loud applause from the audience. De Blasio and the City Council agreed last month to expand the initiative to give paid sick leave to 500,000 more New Yorkers.

He citied the example of Queens resident Kathy Delahoz, who refused medical treatment after being in a car accident. Instead of the treatment, she went back to work because she did not want to lose a day of pay.

“Under the expanded Paid Sick Leave legislation, New Yorkers like Kathy won’t lose pay just because they put their health, or the health of their kids, first,” the Mayor said.

Universal Pre-K, a focus for the new Mayor, also drew loud cheers from the crowd.

He said he wants to raise taxes for those earning higher wages and put the program into effect this September.

“For those making between $500,000 and a million dollars a year, that means an average of about 970 bucks. But to the young minds that we help shape, the pre-teen lives that we keep safe, the generation of working New Yorkers that we put on a path to success; it will be priceless,” de Blasio said.

The Mayor also announced for

the first time that he will ask New York State to allow the City is take control of its minimum wage rate.

This is part of de Blasio’s plan to raise wages for low-income workers in the City.

Following the speech, State Sen. Dean Skelos (R- Long Island) said he would not allow de Blasio’s Pre-K plan to come to a vote on the Senate floor.

Supporters of the plan, including Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) released statements criticizing the senator’s comment.

“New York City needs a dedicated source of funding for universal prekindergarten. For Dean Skelos to say he will prevent a vote on this issue is very short sighted. Study after study has shown that children who receive early childhood education perform demonstrably better later in life than those who don’t receive it,” Dromm said.

Councilman Eric Ulrich (ROzone Park), while agreeing with the majority of the Mayor’s plans, does not see eye-to-eye regarding Pre-K and paid sick leave.

Regarding paid sick leave, he said it would not create jobs for the City’s small businesses.

“In order to thrive, I don’t think imposing unfunded mandates on them is going to be particularly helpful,” he said. “It’s going to be disincentive for them to hire additional employees or retain the employees they already have.”

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz was complementary of the

Photos by Luis Gronda

By Luis Gronda

Council speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Comptroller scott stringer watch Mayor de Blasio’s state of the City speech.

Mayor’s address in a statement sent out following the speech.

“His speech focused on the need to make sure our city continues to have a growing and vibrant middle class. Since the start of the Great Recession more than five years ago, the size of our middle class has been squeezed thanks to spiraling costs on one hand and stagnant wage growth on the other,” she said. “To his great credit, Mayor de Blasio has focused on five major points to address this crisis by improving education, increasing affordable housing, easing access to health care, expanding sick leave

and living wage laws and promoting immigrants’ rights.”

Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton) echoed Katz’s sentiments, highlighting the Mayor’s PreK and income inequality initiative.

“It is critical that we lay the foundation for our children to succeed by ensuring universal pre-kindergarten becomes a reality and every middle school student has access to after school programs. For far too long, we have avoided dealing with our inequality gap head-on,” he said.

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

Feb. 14-20, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Black History Month

The origins of Jazz and soul in Queens

By Luis Gronda Many of the classic jazz sounds you may have heard have come from Queens.

The area was home to several jazz musicians, who were either born in the Borough or called it home at some point in their lives. The list includes Louis Armstrong, James Brown, Clarence Williams, Eva Taylor, Duke Ellington and John Coltrane. Many of these musicians moved to New York to take advantage of the rising jazz music scene that occurred during the ‘50s.

Armstrong, who was born in New Orleans, La., was known for several famous jazz classics like “West End Blues,” “Potato Head Blues” and “Muggles.” Armstrong was a pioneer in the jazz music genre, including many trumpet solos in his songs, among the first to do so in jazz.

Armstrong settled in Queens in 1943 with his fourth wife, Lucille, at a house in Corona that is now the Louis Armstrong House Museum.

Despite facing prejudice during that time because of the color of his

skin, Armstrong continued to play gigs in New York, becoming a large part of the City’s emerging jazz scene.

He would remain in his Queens home until he passed away in 1971 at the age of 69. The house, located at 34-56 107th St., is now one of the most famous attractions in the Borough, drawing thousands on visitors each year.

Lucille continued to live in that house until her passing in 1983.

Since then, it is mostly preserved the way the Armstrongs had it when they occupied the house. According to a 2003 article in the Press of southeast Queens, the same woman who they hired to clean the home would continue to visit the house and clean exactly as the couple asked until she retired that year.

Louis armstrong (above) and James Brown (left) are music legends who called Queens home.

The Godfather of Soul, James Brown was one of several musicians to live in Addisleigh Park. He lived there from 1963 until 1968.

Brown was one of the founders of funk music and one of the most influential musicians in the 20th Century.

His songs captivated audiences and got them moving their hips like no one else during the height of his

career. Some of his most famous songs included “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag,” “I Got You,” and “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.” Brown recorded seventeen number-one hits on the R&B Billboard charts and ranked seventh on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 greatest artists of all time.

John Coltrane called Mexico Street in St Albans home during part of his life. The jazz musician and composer brought a different element to the genre during his prime, introducing slow, musical progressions in his songs rather than the fast-paced songs that were prominent before his time.

Some of Coltrane’s famous songs include “My Favorite Things,” “Body and Soul” and “Impressions.”

He also collaborated with Duke Ellington and Johnny Hartman on an album called “Ballads.”

Coltrane remains one of the most influential jazz musicians in the genre’s history and paved the way for a more free-form style of jazz.

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

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For more information about Jamaica Hospital’s complete list of services, call us at (718) 206-6000 or visit our website www.jamaicahospital.org

8900 Van Wyck Expressway, Jamaica, NY 11418

Jamaica Hospital has been serving the Queens community since 1891. Since that time we have continued to grow to meet the needs of the patients we serve. Over the years we have added many new services and have made many renovations and additions to our campus. Our staff understands your needs because we have years of experience meeting them.

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 14-20, 2014

Black History Month

The hip-hop Culture and its roots in Queens

By Trisha sakhuja The song “New York Times” by St. John’s alum J. Cole and Queens rapper 50 Cent perfectly explains the rap culture of Queens.

The lyrics, “In the concrete jungle of Queens trying to be kings,” from the rap duo’s song exemplifies how many hip-hop artists from Queens felt at one point in their careers.

From the popular hip-hop group Run-D.M.C. in the 1980s to A Tribe Called Quest, LL Cool J, Nas, Mob Deep, Ja Rule and Nicki Minaj, all of these stars have one thing in common: each have strong ties to the Borough of Queens.

They all grew up in Queens’ neighborhoods like Hollis, St. Albans and Jamaica, and went to local schools.

Even though they would later leave the Borough to find stardom, their legacies have never left the heart of Queens.

Ranked number five on MTV’s list of the Greatest MC’s Of All Time, Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, or more commonly known as Nas, is often named as one of the top hip hop art-

Queens natives run-D.M.C. and LL Cool j were instrumental in the music scene coming from southeast Queens. ists, who started his poetic saga from humble beginnings at the Queensbridge housing projects.

Some of Nas’ greatest hits include “NY State of Mind,” “Hate Me Now,” “One Mic,” “One Love” and “Memory Lane,” to name a few.

James Todd Smith, famously known as LL Cool J, is another household name many hip-hop and non hip-hop fans know. At 16-yearsold, he was creating mix-tapes at his grandparents’ St. Albans home. He was later signed by Def Jam records in 1984.

He is known for hip-hop tracks

including “I Can’t Live Without My Radio,” “I’m Bad,” “The Boomin’ System,” “Rock The Bells,” “Mama Said Knock You Out” and some popular romantic numbers like, “I Need Love” and “Around the Way Girl.”

LL Cool J parlayed his popularity in music to a career in Hollywood, starring in movies and TV shows in the last decade.

It is impossible to recount the hip-hop legends of Queens without mentioning Curtis James Jackson II, better known by his stage name 50 Cent.

He was born and raised in poverty-

stricken South Jamaica, where he was raised by his mother. Even though he almost competed in the Junior Olympics as an amateur boxer in the mid-1980s, rapping would make him famous and also cause some trouble with industry politics and quarrels.

50 Cent started rapping in his friend’s basement at the age of 21 and was discovered by Jam Master Jay of Run-D.M.C. He would later form the hip-hop group Guerilla Unit, known as GUnit, with his friends from Queens, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo, who worked to release several mixtape series, which earned them a lot of attention in the rap industry.

Some of 50 Cent’s greatest hits include, “What Up Gangsta,” “In Da Club,” “Many Men,” “I Get Money,” “Candy Shop” and “Window Shopper.”

The Queens hip-hop culture has come a long way and will continue to grow with newer faces like J.Cole and Nicki Minaj.

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

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Feb. 14-20, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Meeting With Cosby and Savage Officials met with Frank Savage (seated, left) and Bill Cosby after their performance last week, giving them proclamations. Pictured (back row, from left) are Deputy Borough President Leroy Comrie, State Sen. Malcolm Smith, Borough President Melinda Katz and Councilman Ruben Wills.

Photo by Joe Marvilli

Legislative Breakfast

Members of the United War Veterans Council gathered on Feb. 10 to accept cards and gifts donated by the office of the Borough President.

The UWVC will distribute the items to veterans at the Saint Albans Veterans Hospital as part of its Valentine’s Day Caravan, which collects and delivers thousands of donated cards and gifts to veterans and their families.

Queens DA Richard Brown recently held a legislative breakfast. Pictured are former Councilman Archie Spigner, State Sen. Malcolm Smith, Councilman Donovan Richards, Assemblymen Ron Kim and Michael Simanowitz, Councilman Mark Weprin, Sen. Michael Gianaris, Queens DA Richard Brown, Borough President Melinda Katz, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, County Clerk Audrey Pheffer, U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley, Councilman Paul Vallone, Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi and Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz.

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 14-20, 2014

Police Blotter dered the store’s employee to the ground, where he removed his wallet, containing $500, as well as $50 from the counter and fled the location. There were no reported injuries at the time.

Anyone with information should call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS, visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES), then enter TIP577. All calls are confidential.

This individual is wanted in connection to a robbery within the confines of the 103rd Precinct.

103rd Precinct

Robbery

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the following suspect wanted in connection with a robbery that occurred within the confines of the 103rd Precinct.

At 5:35 a.m. on Jan. 29, a suspect emerged from a dark-colored SUV and entered Mario’s 99 Cent Store, located at 108-10 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., donned a ski mask and brandished a firearm. The suspect or-

105th Precinct

Robbery Pattern

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance identifying suspects wanted in connection to three robberies within the 105th and 113th Precincts in Queens.

The first incident occurred at 5 p.m. Jan. 29. The suspects, one armed with a firearm, entered the Mejia Deli, 113-27 Farmers Blvd., within the confines of the 113th Precinct. While one suspect held the clerks back with the threat of a firearm, the other suspect jumped behind the counter and removed an undetermined amount of cash from the register, as well as the clerk’s wallet. There were no reported injuries.

The second incident occurred at 7:25 p.m. Feb. 1. Three suspects, all armed with firearms, entered a salon located at 220-06 Hempstead Ave., within the confines of the 105th Precinct, and forced the clerks to the rear of the store. The suspects then removed money, cell phones and hair products before fleeing the store.

There were no reported injuries.

The third incident occurred at 10:25 p.m. Feb. 2. Two suspects, both armed with firearms, entered the Farmer’s Deli Grocery, located at 114-25 Farmer’s Blvd., within the confines of the 113th Precinct, and demanded money. The clerk complied, and the suspects fled with an undetermined amount of money.

There were no reported injuries.

Anyone with information should call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS, visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES), then enter TIP577. All calls are confidential.

fines of the 106th Precinct.

At 4:10 a.m. Feb. 2, the victim, a 25-year-old male, picked up the suspects in his livery cab at the intersection of Marcus Garvey Boulevard and Fulton Street. The suspects requested to go to 133rd Street and Linden Blvd. When they reached the destination, while the victim was making change, the male suspect reached into the victim’s pocket, removed an undetermined amount of money and fled the taxi.

The first suspect is described as a light-skinned Black male, 20-25 years old, wearing a red-hooded sweatshirt and a black jacket.

The second suspect is described as a Black female, 20-25 years old, with a thin build.

Anyone with information should call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS, visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES), then enter TIP577. All calls are confidential.

106th Precinct

Got info?

Robbery

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance identifying two suspects wanted for a robbery within the con-

Call Crimestoppers at

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

Borough Beat

BY JOE MARVILLI Borough President Melinda Katz took a tour of the New York State Pavilion, joining community leaders and elected officials to find a solution for the decaying structure.

The tour was the latest step in a process that started in November.

This year’s 50th anniversary of the historic site’s construction led to renewed discussions and calls for an overhaul and repair from People for the Pavilion. With many options available, Katz and others took a tour, even entering the Tent of Tomorrow, to see what can be done.

The Borough President was joined

by Deputy BP Leroy Comrie, Assembly members Michael Simanowitz (D-Flushing) and Margaret Markey (D-Maspeth), Councilman Rory Lancman and representatives for U.S. Reps. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) and Grace Meng (DFlushing). Katz said that demolition of the site is something no one wants to see happen.

“I, for one, get annoyed when I

see it in movies as something that it’s not being used anymore. We need to make sure it’s a useful part of our history,” she said. “I think this is the generation that we can make something happen. If we don’t start the process, it’s never going to happen.”

Katz added that the significance of the Pavilion as one of the remaining structures from the 1964 World’s Fair makes it relevant to Queens’ history and culture.

“I think that’s an important aspect of our Borough,” she said. No matter how old someone is, either they or their parents have a story about the Pavilion.”

Markey agreed with Katz’s sentiment.

“I’m a collector of memorabilia from the ’39 and the ’64 World’s Fair,” she said. “It has a very special place in my heart.”

Walking into the Tent of Tomorrow, the Parks Dept.’s Flushing Meadows Corona Park Administrator, Janice Melnick, talked to Katz about the challenges renovation would face.

The roof of the Tent of Tomorrow was

Photo by Joe Marvilli

BP Katz, Electeds Tour Pavilion Site

Assemblymembers Margaret Markey and Michael Simanowitz, BP Melinda Katz, Councilman Rory Lancman and Parks administrator Janice Melnick tour the Tent of Tomorrow at the State Pavilion.

made of plastic and had fallen apart over time. As a result, the cables and steel structures have rusted and would need to be replaced.

The Parks Dept. also outlined the cost for several proposals on what to do about the Pavilion. The cheap-

est proposal would be to demolish the entire structure, at a cost of $14,264,661. Demolishing the Tent of Tomorrow while leaving the towers up would cost $10,613,075.

The restoration plan would bring the Pavilion back to how it was in 1964, with the price tag of $52,117,080.

Although there are not yet many details, a conceptual plan by Perkins+Will architects is also being floated around, which would improve and modernize aspect of the Pavilion, for the cost of $72,691,555.

To figure out which options to aim towards, the Borough President’s office will create a Pavilion task force dedicated to finding funding and deciding what to do with the site.

The members of People for the Pavilion were happy to have the backing of the Borough President.

“I’m really excited about what happened today. This is a positive, huge step,” co-founder Matthew Silva said.

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

Feb. 14-20, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

A&E

JFK Marker Celebrates Beatles’ Arrival “I actually feel like I’m with the Beatles at the moment.”

The Lord Mayor gave a plaque from Liverpool to Port Authority executive director Patrick Foye, who also talked about the momentous event.

“JFK airport Ken Dashow, State Sen. James Sanders, Liverpool Lord once again lived Mayor Gary Millar, Port Authority Deputy Executive Di- up to its reputation rector Deborah Gramiccioni and Assemblywoman Mar- as the gateway to garet Markey revealed the plaque honoring the Beatles’ America, welcoming four young lads from arrival at JFK. England off Pam Am Flight 101, ushering in a transformalemania still runs deep for many.

There was more than one type of tion of rock’n’roll and American culLiverpool representation at the event ture,” he said.

Deputy executive director Debothough, as Councillor Gary Millar, the Lord Mayor of the city itself, rah Gramiccioni added that the was on hand to celebrate his town’s Beatles’ music is universal, spanning most famous citizens. Deputy Mayor generations and having an impact on Wendy Simon of Liverpool was in at- music fans everywhere. tendance as well.

“I’m just looking around at this beautiful restoration, the grandeur of this building. Can I just say, you’ve taken me back 50 years,” Millar said.

Lavin Hits 200 Wins Steve Lavin often speaks of coach- last rites for a team that had lost ing icons he respects. There is St. five in a row, now winners in six of John’s legend Lou Carnesecca. And their last seven games. his current assistant Gene Keady, “I’ve never come off my position who Lavin calls “Mr. Miyagi.” of liking this team,” said Lavin.

D’Angelo Harrison’s three- “They’re an enjoyable bunch to pointer with a little over two min- coach on a daily basis.” utes remaining, gave St. John’s a Even for a coach that has made 65-63 lead, that they would the NCAA tournament eight keep, in what Creighton times, this St. John’s team head coach Greg McDerstands out. mott called “a great college “I’m as proud of this group basketball game.” It was the as any I’ve coached in terms 10th win against a ranked of…resiliency, gumption, fight opponent for the Johnnies back, character,” he said. in the Lavin era.

There was his first season St. John’s was coming St. John’s head at UCLA, 1996-97, when the off a 2010 season where coach Steve Bruins made the Elite Eight. they finished 13th in the Several times his Bruins beat Lavin Big East when Lavin was the top-ranked team in the brought in to replace Norm Rob- country. There was his first season erts. It was an impressive hire. A in Queens, when the Red Storm won coach who won 145 games in sev- 21 games and made the tournament en years at UCLA, and made five for the first time in nine years. sweet sixteen appearances left his Lavin believes that “sports is a job at ESPN to come to Utopia metaphor for life.” Maybe it was Parkway. this attitude that kept Lavin strong There were tough times. Critics when he was diagnosed with cancer, in Westwood said he was getting by which limited him to four games on on talented players and that his Xs the bench in 2011-12. Since returnand Os were lacking. A number of ing, Lavin has added 32 wins.

Red Storm fans were ready to read -David Russell

“To be a music fan is to be a Beatles fan,” she said. “In one of their most popular songs, the Beatles ask us to ‘Come Together.’ They remind us that we are all part of a universal family and that there is far more that united us, then divides us.”

While neither Paul McCartney nor Ringo Starr attended the ceremony, Millar said they were both supportive of the commemoration.

The only person related to the Beatles who attended was John Lennon’s half-sister, Julia Baird.

Ken Dashow of 104.3 concluded the speeches by perfectly summing up why the Beatles have continued to have such an impact throughout the last 50 years.

“Their music will always be cool.

The message ‘All You Need Is Love’ will always be cool,” he said. “They changed the game.”

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

Set Director Returns To College For Shoot

Lederman joined “The Leftovers” team due to the high quality of the An alumnus from Queens College pilot script and the chance to work returned to the school as the produc- with Lindelof.

“It’s really exciting to take his writtion designer for a new HBO show ten word and turn it into live action filming on campus last Tuesday.

Diane Lederman came back to and bring what I think is a rich and the college where she graduated in exciting story to life,” she said.

According to Lederman, Queens 1985 as a member of the production team for a new Warner Bros./HBO College was selected for a scene that series called “The Leftovers.” Cre- takes place in a psychiatrist’s office.

Location manager Damiated by Damon Lindelof, an Resnick thought the best known for “Lost,” college would fit well for the show revolves around the scene and Lederman The Rapture and those readily agreed. left behind in the comAlthough much has munity of Mapleton, acchanged at Queens Colcording to IMDB.com. lege since she graduWhile taking a break ated, Lederman said she from a shoot in Queens got emotional when she Hall, Lederman spoke stepped on campus to about coming back to the Diane Lederman find the best filming loschool where she studied film as a production designer, a promo- cation.

“When I first walked in the doors, tion that came after her work on the piI got very teary. When we were looklot of the show as a set decorator.

“It has been what I’ve been work- ing for the office, we walked the whole ing towards for most of my career. campus and it did bring back a lot of When I studied film here, I was just memories,” she said. “It’s changed a entranced with the medium itself,” lot but some of the old buildings are still the same and I’m still walking the she said.

Raised in Forest Hills, Lederman paths I walked 29 years ago.”

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) discovered in her first year on the job as a production assistant that her 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@queenstribune.com, or @Joey788. place was in the art department.

BY JOE MARVILLI

Photo by Joe Marvilli

Queens loves them, yeah, yeah, yeah!

On Feb. 7, 1964, four lads from Liverpool flew into John F. Kennedy airport on Pan Am Flight 101 for an appearance on the Ed Sullivan show.

Their names were John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, also known as The Beatles. The band’s arrival marked the beginning of Beatlemania in the United States and was honored last week with a commemorative marker in the terminal where they arrived 50 years ago.

“The Beatles stepped off a Pan Am plane from London for their first U.S. tour, ushering in a new era of rock‘n’roll and a sweeping transformation of American culture,” the plaque partially read.

The occasion was marked by speeches, special guests and a performance by a Beatles cover band called Liverpool. The group played “I Saw Her Standing There,” “Please Please Me,” “She Loves You,” plus a few more songs. As they played through the early Beatles classics, fans danced and held up signs to show that Beat-

Photo by Joe Marvilli

BY JOE MARVILLI

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 14-20, 2014

Queens today

FRIDay 2/14

La Voz dE TrEs

Flushing Town Hall will host a concert by New York-based world jazz trio, La Voz de Tres, at 8 p.m. Chilean vocalist Natalia Bernal, keyboardist Mike Eckroth and sevenstring guitarist Jason Ennis blend the infectious rhythms and nuanced songwriting traditions of Latin America, original compositions and choice picks from the Great American Songbook in an improvisational texture.

Tickets are $15 for the general public and are $10 for students and members.

For more information, call (718) 463-7700.

“LoVE Is Good”

The Kupferberg Center for the Arts will present a performance by Broadway singer Christine Andreas and her husband, pianist Martin Silvestri. Taking place at 8 p.m. in LeFrak Concert Hall at Queens College, the two will entertain the crowd with couple’s antics, a touch of humor and romantic ballads. Tickets cost between $38 and $59. Call (718) 544-2996 for information.

TWo oF HEarTs CoNCErT Resorts World Casino will host the “2 of Hearts Concert” featuring Brenda K. Star, Tito Puente Jr., Coro, and DJ Nicky G. Vic Latino will MC the show. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $20.

INdIECadE EasT

The East Coast edition of the independent video game festival returns to the Museum of the Moving Image for its second year, running through Feb. 16. The festival features talks and panels headlined by a diverse

group of gamemakers, academics, artists and journalists. For info, visit movingimage.us.

satuRDay 2/15 CarIbbEaN LEGENds

“Caribbean Legends of Love” Live in Concert at Resorts World Casino, featuring Lovindeer and Pluto Shervington. Music by Angels Caribbean Band.

Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $50.

FIddLE sErmoN,

by PETEr sCHumaN

Come hear strings pop and words echo in the Chapel of No Religion, installed at the Queens Museum. Peter Schumann has done fiddle sermons for at least 20 years as part of Bread and Puppet Theater’s summertime performance series at their farm in northern Vermont. The sermons, which always merge philosophy and news, are delivered while Schumann vigorously accompanies himself on a fiddle.

Each performance will be accompanied by bread-making, and bread-serving, by the artist, as he has done since 1963. The admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ events#ixzz2sf6sPvGr.

bIrd CouNT

Queens Botanical Garden will host the 17th annual Great Backyard Bird Count from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The results will be added to those submitted from around the world. To register, email sromar@ queensbotanical.org.

amazING GraCE

Jamaica Performing Arts Center will present “Amazing Grace From the Auction to White House” as part of its celebration of Black History Month. Performance starts at 7:30 p.m., with a second showing Feb. 16 at 4 p.m.

Tickets cost $20. For information, visit www.jcal.org.

suNDay 2/16

daNCE samPLEr

In celebration of the Lunar New Year, Flushing Town

SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK

FRIDay 2/14

TWELFTH NIGHT

Queens Theatre’s acclaimed Aquila Theatre will stage one of William Shakespeare’s funniest and most charming plays, “Twelfth Night.”

Set in the mystical world of Illyria, this is a tale of identical twins and mistaken identity that also explores themes of love and its ef fect on human behavior.

The show will start at 2 p.m. and will repeat on Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and on Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets range between $49 and $25.

For tickets, call (718) 760-0064.

Hall will show demonstrations of dance in its gallery at 1 p.m. Free tickets will be available on a firstcome, first-served basis, starting at 11 a.m. at the venue’s box office. Tickets are limited to two per person.

For more information, call (718) 463-7700.

Everywhere,” will appear at the New York Hall of Science. He will discuss his book in the Science Technology Library at 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Kaufman’s photographs reveal the hidden numbers unintentionally created by architectural details, shadows, light and natural elements. This event is free with admission to the Hall of Science. Call (718) 699-0005 for information.

sHorT FILm FEsT

Laughing Devil Comedy Club in Long Island City will present the Laughing Devil Short Film Fest, dedicated to promoting the art of short film, at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. The viewings will be interspersed with Q&As with the filmmakers. For information, visit www.laughingdevil.com.

CaLLIGraPHy WorksHoP

Welcome the Year of the Horse with this Flushing Town Hall workshop. Taking place at 3 p.m., the class will teach attendees basic calligraphy in order to write their New Year’s wishes on Chinese silk fans. Tickets are $10 for the general audience and $8 for members and students. To learn more, call (718) 463-7700.

moNDay 2/17

ELLIoTT kauFmaN

Elliott Kaufman, the author of the photography book, “Numbers

WEDNEsDay 2/19 ToddLEr sTory TImE

Forest Hills library will host Toddler Story time, which allows kids ages 18-35 months and their parents or other adult caregivers to enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays and movement games. Space is limited; preregistration is required. The library is located at 108-19 71st Ave. Call (718) 268-7934 to register.

tHuRsDay 2/20

NETWorkING EVENT mICHaEL boLToN

The Queensborough Performing Arts Center will host a concert by singersongwriter Michael Bolton. Starting at 8 p.m., the performance will feature many of the Grammy-winner’s hits, such as “When A Man Loves A Woman,” “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” and “How Can We Be Lovers.”

Tickets cost between $55 and $65. To purchase tickets or for information, call the box office at (718) 631-6311.

tuEsDay 2/18 WINE TasTING

Omega Wines, located at 23-18 31st St., Astoria, will host a free tasting of Greek wines and Ouzos for National Drink Wine Day. The tasting runs from 6-9 p.m. For information, visit www.omegawineandspirits.com.

The Glendale Chamber of Commerce will host a Business Card Exchange and Networking Meeting.

Special guests will include the Myrtle Avenue BID, the Greater Ridgewood Youth Council and AXA Equitable Business Solutions. All who are looking to network are welcome to attend. It will take place at Atlas Park Community Room on the 3rd floor in Market Plaza at 80-00 Cooper Avenue in Glendale. It will begin at 7 pm. Email pattig213@aol. com to RSVP.

d.b. rIELLy aT WINEGasm Award-winning singer/ songwriter D.B. Rielly will perform a wideranging collection of Americana music, spanning several genres including Roots, Blues and Country. D.B. promises his listeners an “instantaneous cure for all afflictions” from 9 p.m. till 11 p.m., located at 31-86 37th St. in Astoria. The cover charge is free.

Feb. 14-20, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

Profile

Queens Native Competes On ‘Jeopardy!’

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Earlier this week, Hollis Hills native and Townsend Harris High School alum Laurie Beckoff appeared on the trivia show “Jeopardy!,” competing in the show’s annual College Championship tournament.

Beckoff, the only contestant hailing from New York, faced-off against 14 college students across the nation for a $100,000 prize and an automatic spot on the show’s Tournament of the Champions.

“I take pride in being able to represent Queens,” the University of Chicago sophomore said. “I was the only contestant from New York and I was glad to represent my Borough and my hometown – it’s exciting.”

For Beckoff, it has always been a lifelong goal to appear on the show – and she has had plenty of practice. Every evening, Beckoff and her family tune in to “Jeopardy!” to play along with contestants while eating dinner.

“Everyone I know from home who has come to my house for dinner on a weeknight knows it’s tradition,” she said. “I’ve spent my entire

life watching the show.” show was “a little nerve-wrackThough Beckoff has qualiing” at times, the ambitious fied to audition for “Teen teen said she had a lot of fun Jeopardy!” three times previand is thrilled to have met her ously, she never advanced furnightly virtual dinner guest, ther than the audition round Alex Trebek. until November, when she got “It was unreal to get there the fateful call from the “Jeopand see the set I’ve been seeardy!” staff. ing my whole life – meeting “I was really speechless,” Alex Trebek and seeing how the she said. “When my phone show works,” she said. “I also rang and they said they were got to meet a lot of impressive from ‘Jeopardy!’ [and] my people with diverse interests heart started to beat faster. I and specialties and it was just was in complete shock when really fascinating.” they asked me to be on the Although the teen said she Hollis Hills teen, Laurie Beckoff, appeared on will likely be “hiding under the show.”

In order to audition for “Jeopardy!’s” College Championship show this couch” when the show airs, “Jeopardy!,” she explained, week – making her the only contestant from New Councilman Mark Weprin (Done has to pass a 50-ques- York. Photo by Sony Pictures.

Oakland Gardens), said he tion test online. Individuals could not be more excited to see who pass the test are then selected ardy!” archive questions and working his former intern on television. at random for auditions. Those on her reflexes.

“I got my DVR set for tomorrow “One of the hardest things was night to watch her on ‘Jeopardy!,’ Weselected from the audition round must take yet another 50-question working on my timing,” Beckoff said. prin said. “I bet you she knocked them test, followed by practice games and “It’s very strategic. If you hit the but- dead out there because she has a unique ton too early, you’re locked out. If combination of brains and personality. I interviews.

Preparing for the show after being you’re not quite fast enough, some- think she’s going to do very well.” selected was no easy feat either. The one gets in before you. The buzzer Reach Natalia Kozikowska at teen said she spent her entire winter definitely makes a huge difference.”

(718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowsThough she admits being on the ka@queenspress.com or @nkozikowska. break preparing by browsing “Jeop-

People Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester at the Pratt Institute in Manhattan.

They include: Holliswood: Stacey Pieri.

Ozone Park: Jessica Palenzuela.

St. Albans: James Antwine.

Local students received scholarships to attend Berkeley College.

They include: Jamaica: Solange Acevero, Flushing High School; Jemond Patterson, Hillcrest High School; Kenetth Toledo, George Washington Carver High School for the Sciences.

St. Albans: Roger Greenidge, John Bowne High School; Tecia Madurie, John Adams High School.

South Richmond Hill: Brian Parmanand, Richmond Hill High School.

Springfield Gardens: Sutanee Hutchinson, Law, Government and Community Service High School.

Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester at Hofstra University in Hempstead.

They include: Cambria Heights: Folorunsho

Atanda, Autumn Croker.

Hollis: Eitan Freund, Benjamin Lapinig.

Holliswood: Priyanka Singh.

Jamaica: Omari Errar, Mahia Rahman, Christina Sewell.

Ozone Park: Victoria Bohme, Dana Gibbs, Tiffany Gunnes.

Richmond Hill: Harmandeep Dhillon, Theresa Gilliam, Davinder Sachdev.

Queens Village: Hillary Alexandre, Gabrielle Cabrera, Guiberly Cadeau, Jessica Johnson, Semanta Prashad, Ashley Singh.

South Ozone Park: Gabrielle Cestone, Jumarlin Echavarria, Ronald Seemangal.

South Richmond Hill: Sasha Low. Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester at the University of Albany. They include: Addisleigh Park: Maria Bryan.

Cambria Heights: Delonie Plummer, Jasmine Adjaye, Khadeya Penson, Hans Hyppolite.

Hollis: Sachin Dominic, Aritra Saha, Gordon Chen, Urenna Onwuanaibe, Felisha Brown.

Jamaica: Osa Adewemimo, Fabienne Lamarre, Taylor Cox, Janay Campbell, Tenaya McDaniel, Ashleigh Phillip, Louis Pacheco, Ijeoma Nwike, Roli Royce, Jabari Richards.

Laurelton: Fabian Bramwell.

Queens Village: Abir Bose, Nadege Willis, Oluwaseun Olukanni, Cassandra Ehioghiren, Angela Lin, Marisa Depasquale.

Richmond Hill: Belal Assaefi, Rowena Chandradutt.

Rosedale: Jonathan Eustache, Ariel Lalanne, Eliyah Rogers, Murielle Henriquez.

St. Albans: Danielle Rias, Courtnee Clough, Kelsey-Ann Crawford, Simone Rowe.

South Ozone Park: Greg Hall.

Springfield Gardens: Tanisha Gilles, Alia Pope, Sophia Uwechue, Zari Ward, Donald Williams.

Md. Ali of Jamaica was named to the Dean’s List for the winter 2013 term at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va. Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semes-

ter at the University of New Haven in Connecticut. They include: Queens Village: Desiree McPherson, Moire Thomas-Waters.

Rockaway Park: Louis Maiocco.

Rashana Lydner of Jamaica was named to the President’s List for the fall 2013 semester at SUNY Brockport.

Jessica Jones of Jamaica was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester at Springfield College in Springfield, Mass.

Eriana Perry of South Ozone Park was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester at the College of Saint Rose in Albany.

Gregory Davis of Jamaica and Alisha LaHogue of St. Albans were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester at Marist College in Poughkeepsie.

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

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 14-20, 2014

Faith

Valentine’s Day Has A Religious Origin

BY JOE MARVILLI The story of Valentine’s Day is one that transitioned from the religious to the romantic.

While Valentine’s Day is known in modern times as an opportunity for flowers, chocolates and lovely dinners for couples, it had its start as a liturgical celebration.

The holiday, also known as Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is named after the Christian martyr. As there are multiple Valentines in Christian history, the holiday honors more than one, specifically Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni.

Valentine of Rome was a priest of the city who was martyred around 496 AD. His relics were kept in the Church and Catacombs of San Valentino, an important pilgrim site throughout the Middle Ages. They were eventually transferred to Santa Prassede, a basilica also located in Rome.

Valentine of Terni was the bishop of the city located in central Italy, though it was known at the time as Interamna. It is believed that he was

martyred from persecution during the reign of Emperor Aurelian. His relics are at the Basilica of Saint Valentine in Terni.

There are a couple of ideas for why the holiday falls on Feb. 14 every year. Besides being a possible commemoration of the anniversary of one of the Valentine’s deaths or burials, it is also thought to have been an effort by the Church to “Christianize” a pagan celebration called Lupercalia, a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture. That holiday was outlawed at the end of the 5th century, when Pope Gelasius I declared Feb. 14 as St. Valentine’s Day. While it was not initially associated with love, English and French citizens noticed that the date was also the supposed beginning of the mating season for birds, planting the seed that the holiday should be about romance.

Written Valentines did not start to pop up until after 1400, with the oldest known greeting in existence today having been written by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in

the Tower of London in 1415.

“For this was Saint Valentine’s day, when every bird of every kind comes to this place to choose his mate,” the poem partially read.

The holiday started to gain popularity around the 17th century in Great Britain. By the middle of the 18th century, it had become common for couples in all social classes to exchange handwritten notes or small tokens of affection.

Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, France and Australia. It is the A portrait of Saint Valentine receiving a rosary from second largest card- the Virgin Mary, by David Teniers III. sending holiday of the year, only coming in behind Christ- are sent each year.

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at mas. According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@ one billion Valentine’s Day cards queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.

Notebook

Campus Magnet

Basketball Coach Retires After 45 Years After coaching basketball for more than four decades, Charles Granby retired recently with an 87-48 win over Thomas Edison Technical High School, bringing his final win total to 722.

Granby started teaching at Andrew Jackson High School as a health and physical education major in 1969. The next year, he became coach of the Bulldogs. Despite retiring as a teacher in 1995, Granby

Photo by Bob Harris

continued on as a coach, even when the school was broken up into the Campus Magnet complex.

Over the course of his basketball career, which led him to the most wins all-time in the City Public School Athletic League, Granby worked to make sure his contributions to the lives of those he coached extended beyond the court.

Before each game, he would speak to his team, discussing excellence on and off the court, getting an education, setting priorities and fighting temptation. He would remind each of the boys he coached that they were role models.

Before his final game as a coach, fans who stayed to watch the game were given T-shirts that read, “Thank You Coach Granby. Bulldog Strong. Most Wins – All-Time New York Assemblywoman Barbara Clark presents Charles Granby with a citation during his City P.S.A.L.” The shirts were final game coaching the Campus Magnet Bulldogs. purchased by the five schools

that make up the Campus Magnet complex.

Granby also received a State Assembly proclamation from Assemblywoman Barbara Clark (D-Jamaica), who took part in a ceremony before the game. Clark recounted her time as a young PTA mother, when she met Granby. She explained that Granby was complaining about taking his team to the Penn Relays, because they had ragged uniforms. Clark was drafted into the cause.

During the presentation, Clark praised Granby for his deep regard for his students and all that he had done for them over the years. The Assemblywoman also promised his more honors in the future.

Now that he is retired, Granby said he plans to take a vacation and do some travelling. He also plans to take in some basketball games, including watching the New York Knicks and coming back to watch the Bulldogs play from time to time.

Feb. 14-20, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

What’s Up FEB. 15 Line Dancing Cambria Heights Community Church will offer co-ed adult mixedlevel line dancing from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church, 116-02 220th St., Cambria Heights. Loose fitting clothing, water and supportive shoes are highly suggested. No high heels or sandals. Medical clearance is advised. Cost is $10, exact change is requested. For information, call Barbara Fraser at (646) 229-0242.

Hands-On History: Tiny Valentine Celebrate with your loved ones at King Manor Museum, Rufus King Park, Jamaica. Create a miniature self-portrait inside a locket necklace and other 19th century-inspired Valentines to give to your sweetheart.

The free event runs from noon to 3 p.m. Visit www.kingmanor.com for information.

Caribbean Legends of Love Lovindeer and Pluto Shervington headline “Caribbean Legends of Love” starting at 9 p.m. at Resorts World Casino. Music by Angels Caribbean Band. Tickets cost $25-30.

Doors open at 8 p.m. For information, visit www.rwnewyork.com.

Candle Lights & Verses Live: Poets and Painters Valentines Edition This fantastic evening of poetry will also feature: a live painter; free chocolate covered strawberries; professional photography; a centered stage (360 effect); a live band; and a surprise monthly guest. Food provided by Southern Girls. Drink specials — wine, beer, mixed drink — available all night special.

The event will take place 7 p.m. at the Harvest Room, 90-40 160th St., Jamaica.

FEB. 19 “The Butler: A Witness To History” Explore African-American history through this inquiry into the life of Eugene Allen, the butler whose true life story, as told in Wil Haygood’s biography, ignited a nation’s imagination and inspired a major motion picture: “Lee Daniels’ The Butler.”

Pick up a copy of the book at the Reference Desk and come to share your thoughts. This free event begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Central Branch of the Queens Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica. For information, visit www.queenslibrary.org/events.

Pluto shervington

FEB. 21 Black History Month Awards Breakfast Join the PRESS of Southeast Queens as we celebrate the past and work toward the future with a Black History Month breakfast award ceremony and panel discussion. The event runs from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave. For information, call (718) 357-7400, Ext. 133.

Tribute to Chantal Legros The Southern Queens Park Association invites one and all to attend a tribute to Chantal Legros, former CEO of SQPA who suddenly passed away several weeks ago. The free event begins 6:30 p.m. at JHS 8 Richard S. Grossley School, 108-35 167th St., Jamaica. To RSVP, email thankerson@sqpa.org or call (718) 276-4630, Ext. 100/138.

ONGOING: The LP Fam’s Youth Basketball Through March 29, the Lincoln Park Basketball Association will hold a winter basketball clinic for boys and girls ages 8-15. The clinic will be held at the Queens Transition Center, located at 142-10 Linden Blvd., South Ozone Park, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parents or guardians must bring proof of age.

Registration fee is $40 and includes insurance, weekly training sessions and t-shirts. For more information, call David Reid (646) 241-4211 or Mike Glasgow at (917) 442-0479.

Homework Help The Laurelton Library will provide free homework help for children in grades 1-6. The library offers after school homework assistance in math, writing and other subjects.

The program runs every day after school, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays.

The library is located at 134-26 225th St., Laurelton. For more infor-

mation, call (718) 528-2822 or visit www.queenslibrary.org/branch/Laurelton.

Volunteer Coordinator, at Msyed@ forestdaleinc.org or (718) 263.0740, ext. 365.

Learn How To Play Chess

Employment Assistance

Every Thursday, the Rochdale Village Library will offer a free program to learn chess for kids and teens. The program is open to beginners, advanced players and everyone else in between. The program is held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Rochdale Village Library is located at 169-09 137th Ave.

Overcoming Barriers to Employment Every Friday, the Queens Central Library in Jamaica helps residents experiencing barriers to employment. A Job Information Center case manager is available on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to discuss potential problems you may have regarding child care, housing, immigration, degree evaluation, healthcare, goal and career planning, former incarceration, education and training and more. To schedule an appointment, call (718) 480-4222 or stop by the Job Information Center.

No registration is required and the service is free.

Forestdale STYA Youth Mentor Forestdale, Inc., an organization with a great history of supporting families in need and committed to empowering children in foster care and in the local community, is launching a new mentoring program in January 2014. This new program, called “Future Prep: Successfully Transitioning Youth to Adolescence,” or STYA, is designed to attract communityminded people who may not be able to commit to foster parenting, but nevertheless want to make a significant investment in the lives of children and their better future. We are looking for mentors (18 or older) to work with children ages 9-12 for one year. Starting in January, there will be four 10-week sessions throughout the year, each running for three hours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program will take place at the Hollis Community Center at 203-09 Hollis Ave. This is an excellent opportunity to truly make a difference is someone’s life, build meaningful relationships and be part of an enthusiastic, compassionate and supportive environment, in addition to a great learning experience with the opportunity to learn about a multitude of issues facing underprivileged youth in New York City today. For additional information, contact Mirzya Syed, Youth

Are you experiencing barriers to employment? A Job Information Center Case manager is available on Fridays, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., to discuss potential problems you may have regarding child care, housing, immigration, degree evaluation, healthcare, goal and career planning, former incarceration, education and training and more. To schedule an appointment, call (718) 480-4222 or stop by the Job Information Center at Queens Central Library.

Black History Month At JPAC The Jamaica Performing Arts Center is located at 153-10 Jamaica Ave. For more information, call (718) 618-6170 or email Jpac@Jcal. org.

FEB. 15 “Amazing Grace” “Amazing Grace – From The Auction To The White House” will take the audience through Black history in the United States. The Civil War, Emancipation Day, Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement and President Barack Obama’s inauguration will all be stops through history that the show will mark with dance performances and artwork from Queens artist Shenna Vaughn. This day-long event costs $20 and runs from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

FEB. 20 “4 Little Girls: Dance-ology” “4 Little Girls: Dance-ology” will be held at the center from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Students from the Edge School of the Arts, located in Laurelton, will depict the tragedy of the Birmingham Church Bombings, an act of white supremacist terrorism that killed four girls in 1963. Tickets range between $10 and $20.

FEB. 22 Cultural Gala The center will partner with Jamaica’s United African Dance Troupe for the “Sixth Annual Black History Cultural Gala,” occurring at 7:30 p.m. and repeating on Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. The dance troupe will work with the African Love Institute on a tribute to Nelson Mandela. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children under the age of 12.

Comrie Ready To Run?

While State Sen. Malcolm Smith's attorney is asking for his court date to be pushed back until after voters go to the polls, it looks like a prominent Democrat may be stepping up to challenge him in a primary.

Sources tell QConf that after being courted

by State Democratic leaders, Deputy Borough President Leroy Comrie may be ready to agree to run against Smith in the 14th Senate District.

Comrie, who likely would not side with the Independent Democratic Conference - the way Smith did - is seen as a strong candidate who could easily unseat Smith.

After 12 years as a City Councilman, serving as chair of the City's Land Use Committee and as Majority Leader, Comrie decided to run for Borough President. When Melinda Katz began to gain traction, Comrie was seen as the best option to be

Katz's second-in-command.

Less than two months into the Deputy Borough President's job, it sounds like Comrie is getting ready to start making trips to Albany.

State Democrats have soured on the embattled Smith, who is facing fraud charges connected to an attempt to run for Mayor as a Republican last year.

Despite the threat of jail time, Smith has continued to act as if he had not been arrested, annoying many who have been following the situation.

Comrie is also considered to be an ethical choice for the position, as well, since he does not go out of his way to fundraise. Officials believe he is more interested in taking care of his constituents than going out to raise money.

If Comrie cannot be convinced to go up against Smith, attorney Clyde Vanel is waiting in the wings.

Best Around

Kudos to Astoria's Studio Square, which handily won a competition for Ultimate Sports Bar, sponsored in part by ESPN. Studio Square beat out 7th Avenue's The Irish Pub with 83 percent of the vote.

Into The Great Wide Open As we celebrate Black History Month and honor legends who have fought for civil rights, Public Advocate Letitia James reminds us not to limit ourselves to just the month of February.

“I tend not to do Black History Month,” James said. “I tend not to celebrate it because I really don’t want to be limited to 28 days of the month. I celebrate the contributions of my African ancestry everyday of my life, 365 days.”

State Sen. Jose Peralta’s (DEast Elmhurst) annual African American Heritage Month celebration took place at the Langston Hughes Library on Feb. 6, where he honored significant individuals who are changing the face of the African American community and beyond.

It is there James spoke eloquently about the many tribulations the African American community has overcome to see equal rights today and reminded everyone of the amount of work there is left to do.

She said she uses this month only as a benchmark to see how much progress the African American community has made because the rest of the year is left to do more work.

“As we look into the horizon, I know I am the first African American woman who was elected Citywide, if I don’t do anything with this position, it will be nothing more than a historical footnote,” James said.

“You have given me this position to raise issues and to focus on those that have been ignored.”

Q

CONFIDENTIAL

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 14-20, 2014

Musicians OF QuEEns

Lee Ann Westover

QConf is edited by: Steven J. Ferrari

Contributors: Luis Gronda, Natalia Kozikowska, Joe Marvilli, Marcia Moxom Comrie, Michael Nussbaum, Trisha Sakhuja, Michael Schenkler.

Follow us on Twitter: @QueensTrib Like us on Facebook facebook.com/ QueensTrib

Biden: LGA Third-World Clearly, Vice President Joe Biden believes LaGuardia Airport needs an upgrade.

The second in-command compared the Queens airport to a “third-world country,” while speaking at an event in Pennsylvania last week.

Biden was discussing the country’s infrastructure when LaGuardia came to mind. “’If I blindfolded someone and took them at 2:00 in the morning into the airport in Hong Kong and said ‘where do you think you are,’ they’d say, ‘this must be America, it’s a modern airport,’” he said.

“But if I blindfolded you and took you to LaGuardia Airport in New York, you must think, ‘I must be in some third-world country.’ I’m not joking.”

Although we at QConf would hold off comparing LaGuardia to a third-world country, it is fair to say that it should be in better condition than it is. Obviously we – and the vice president – are not the only ones.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced last month that he would assume responsibility for renovation both LaGuardia and JFK airports.

Hopefully, Biden will then consider the airport part of the industrialized first world.

Lee Ann Westover has described her first professional experience with music as a trial by fire, an environment that she not only survived, but thrived in.

“I started going out swing dancing and came in contact with a vibrant music scene. It was the late 90s, right before swing became very hot. On a whim, I decided to join a friend's band as a backup singer. Swing's popularity started to grow exponentially, so we were able to start touring nationally within the first year I was in New York,” she said.

“I learned a lot and I learned it fast!”

Now, more than a decade later, Westover has entrenched herself in Queens’ music scene. Based in Long Island City, the singer-songwriter performs with three bands and has also released some solo music. Her main project is The Lascivious Biddies, a three-woman band that has been together for 13 years. The group, which includes Deidre Rodman Struck and Saskia Lane, blends together jazz, pop and cabaret.

“We are very close and have had the time to build a strong, close relationship that translates to a solid and electric creative relationship.

It's incredibly satisfying to sing harmony with the girls,” Westover said. “Over the last few years, the other two gals have had children, so it's also been a natural transition from our original cabaret-pop vibe into family music with the Itty Biddes.”

Besides those two bands, Westover also plays early 20th century roots music with

fellow ukulele player Emily Eagen, as Battle Annies. The two musicians have more in common than just their music project though. They both work in the Weill Music Institute program.

“Working with Musical Connections has been a lifechanging experience for me.

We travel around the City, writing music with people who really live on the fringes - in shelters and prisons, as well as in hospital settings,” Westover said. “I've felt so lucky to have been able to bring music into people’s lives when they really need it.”

Westover is not just a great collaborator though. She also records music on her own, having released a self-titled, five-song EP in 2009.

“I thought it would be fun to publish some of the recordings I had been putting together at home, just as a snapshot in time of what I was up to musically,” Westover said. “It was a fun project, but I am definitely overdue for another one!”

Westover can often be seen performing at LIC Bar, which is located just blocks from her home. She has been living in Long Island City for 17 years and said she enjoys everything the neighborhood, and Queens as a whole, has to offer.

“I am really very proud to live in one of the most diverse communities on Earth, and I never get tired of exploring its neighborhoods,” she said.

The Lascivious Biddies have a concert coming up on March 13 at the SoHo Grand Club Room and the Itty Biddies will play at South Bronx NeON on April 3.

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Healthy Living With Diabetes 10:30 am–1:00 pm Storytelling & Crafts 2:00–4:00 pm Winter Workout 5:00–6:00 pm

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