Southeast Queens Press Epaper

Volume 13 Issue No. 9 March 2-8, 2012

PAGE 18

PENINSULA HOSPITAL

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

DIAGNOSIS: CRITICAL

After the State’s closure of the clinical lab, officials are wondering if the struggling hospital can be brought back to health.

By Veronica Lewin ........… Page 3

Online at www.QueensPress.com

News Briefs Wendy’s Shooting Gunfire broke out near a Jamaica Wendy’s restaurant Thursday afternoon, according to police. At least three men were shot outside of the restaurant, located at 138-41 Jamaica Ave., just after 3 p.m. EMS transported the men to Jamaica Hospital Center, where they are expected to survive. The shooting, which occurred after school and before the rush hour, disrupted the evening commute for drivers due to its close proximity to the Van Wyck Expressway.

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 2-8, 2012

Liu Campaign Treasurer Arrested Less than five months after a fundraiser for City Comptroller John Liu was arrested in a fraud scheme, a topranking official on Liu’s campaign staff has also been arrested.

Jia “Jenny” Hou, the treasurer for Liu’s mayoral campaign, was charged Tuesday morning with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of attempting to commit wire fraud and one count of obstruction of justice. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Hou, 25, of Queens, allegedly participated in a scheme that used “straw donors” to funnel large, illegal contributions above the individual limit authorized by the New York City Campaign Finance Board with the intent to increase the matching funds provided by the CFB. “New York’s campaign finance laws are not optional,” Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said. “They ensure that all candidates operate on a level playing field and that everyone plays by the rules.

“As today’s charges demonstrate, unlawful campaign conduct will not be tolerated,” he added.

In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, Liu expressed surprise at the arrest.

“I am stunned by this news about Jenny Hou,” the statement read. “These accusations against her are uncharacteristic and unexpected. Jenny is a smart, hardworking person who I hope will be treated fairly.”

In November, the FBI arrested Xingwu “Oliver” Pan during a sting operation on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and attempting to commit wire fraud.

Treatment Plant Begins Operation The ongoing effort to clean up the long polluted waters of Newtown Creek received a much needed boost last week.

A key component of the Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant went into operation, increasing the

plant’s ability to treat rainwater.

The so-called “south battery” of the plant, located on the Brooklyn side of the river that serves as a natural boundary between Brooklyn and Queens for three and a half miles, is part of an overall $5 billion upgrade to increase the plant’s treatment capacity from 620 to 700 million gallons per day of combined wastewater and rainwater flow. The plant contains three batteries, or tanks, that perform secondary treatment of wastewater, a biological process using naturallyoccurring bacteria to break down pathogens as wastewater passes through aeration and sediment tanks. The south battery consists of eight grit tanks, four aeration tanks, and eight sedimentation tanks.

The battery upgrade remodeled the existing grit, aeration, and sedimentation tanks that perform the secondary wastewater treatment process.

“Last year we experienced record rainfall, and we must continue to work toward ensuring that our wastewater treatment plants are capable of handling normal rain storms,” said DEP Commissioner Carter Strickland. “Our commitment has already led to achieving Clean Water Act compliance at Newtown Creek two years ahead of schedule, and completing the south battery at Newtown Creek will dramatically improve our ability to meet future challenges.”

A Superfund site since September 2010, Newtown Creek is notorious for its pollution. Decades of raw sewage, industrial waste and oil from the Greenpoint oil spill, the largest in U.S. history, have turned the creek into a stereotype of urban waterways. Since the creek is stagnant and has no current, 15 feet of black sludge has developed on the creek bed. The creek, which abuts the Queens neighborhoods of Long Island City, Sunnyside, Maspeth and Ridgewood, is surrounded by some of the most industrialized areas of the city.

Last May, DEP certified that the Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, located just north of Greenpoint Avenue in Greenpoint, is meeting the secondary treatment standards of the Clean Water Act — which requires wastewater to be treated to remove at least 85 percent of certain pollutants before posttreated water, known as effluent, is discharged into surrounding waterways—two years ahead of schedule.

DEP began the plant’s secondary treatment upgrade in 2000 as part of a Consent Judgment with the State of New York, and the completion of the south battery marks a key step toward meeting the requirements of that agreement. There is roughly $550 million in remaining design, construction and support contracts to be completed at the plant. The full plant upgrade will be completed in 2014.

Presstime

Hospital Closure Worries Boro Officials

BY VERONICA LEWIN

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

Peninsula Hospital Center was ordered by the state to shut down their clinical lab for 30 days. said he is working to keep the hospital open.

When the debt troubles of Peninsula Hospital Center were first diagnosed last summer, the borough braced itself for the death of yet another hospital. The summer months were filled with ups and downs, leaving residents wondering where they would go for medical care. The hos-

pital seemed to stabilize when Revival Home Health Care took over operations in place of MediSys last fall, but now the borough waits to see if the hospital will fully reopen after the 30-day suspension.

“Even though Peninsula Hospital is critical to the provision of medical care for residents of the Rockaway Peninsula,

College Point Postal Facility To Close

BY DOMENICK RAFTER The U.S. Postal Service’s College Point bulk facility is hard to miss. The sprawling brown building can be easily seen by drivers on the Whitestone Expressway. Recently, the facility has taken center stage in a local chapter of a nationwide story on the future of the post office.

Facing a national budget shortfall of more than $14 billion, the USPS announced in November that the facility, which serves as the main bulk sorting facility for the borough of Queens and part of western Nassau County, would close this year and be merged with a sister facility in East New York, Brooklyn. The move, one of hundreds nationwide, came with little warning and sparked outrage from local officials who protested the move, demanding the postal service reconsider.

In December, USPS announced it would give the facility a reprieve until May and pushed for Congress to act on fixing the postal service’s finances. But with little hope of that happening in an election year, USPS’ Triboro District Manager Frank Calabrese essentially threw in the towel on keeping the facility open in a letter to the President of the Flushing chapter of the American Postal Workers Union dated Feb. 22.

“After a review of the individual installations [in Brooklyn and Queens], it was decided that the consolidations were in the best interest of the Postal Service,” the letter stated.

Local officials pounced.

“Rather than take advantage of the time that has been bought for USPS by Congress in a recent moratorium on post office closures, USPS has decided to finalize their plans to shut down this facility,” said State Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing), who spearheaded the fight among local officials to keep the center open.

“This is like governmental ‘Jeopardy!’ – the USPS has the answers before we’ve asked the questions.”

According to a study released in November that suggested the closure of the Queens center and consolidation with Brooklyn, the USPS would save just under $31 million by closing the facility and combining it with the center in Brooklyn.

But local officials say the center’s closure could cost as many as 1,000 jobs and dramatically increase mail delivery time for Queens residents and businesses, further effecting USPS’ efficiency when stacked up against UPS or FedEx. The Brooklyn facility, some warn, is not readily accessible. The College Point center is adjacent to the Whitestone Expressway,

while the closest commercial highway to the Brooklyn facility, located near Jamaica Bay on the border of Brooklyn and Queens, is the Van Wyck Expresswayalmost four miles away.

Officials also warn the Brooklyn facility may already be overburdened and would not be able to handle the excess in mail. However, USPS says the decline in usage means the Brooklyn facility will be able to handle the expected amount of mail in the coming years.

“With the economic downturn, the Postal Service is facing declining mail volume and increasing costs. This has left us with excess capacity at many processing plants,” workers at the College Point facility were told last week. “We have to match our resources with mail volume to hold the line on expenses. This move will help us do that.”

Members of the New York Congressional delegation, led by U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-Hudson Valley), said they would challenge the planned closure, one of 223 nationwide and a handful in the state, but besides increasing funding for the postal service, an unlikely prospect in an election year, it is uncertain what specific steps Congress can take.

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

March 2-8, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Days after the State shut down Peninsula Hospital Center’s clinical lab for failing to meet standards, some are wondering if the struggling hospital will ever make a full recovery.

“If Peninsula Hospital closes, we are in a crisis,” Councilman James Sanders Jr. (D-Laurelton) said.

The City Dept. of Health named the Rockaways as a health crisis zone, and the closing of a central hospital in a densely populated area would make it difficult for residents to get the care they need.

“It’s a death sentence,” the councilman said. “It means that people will not get to the hospital in the time that they need.”

On Feb. 23, the State Dept. of Health suspended the clinical laboratory for 30 days after the Far Rockaway hospital failed a state inspection. Since the clinical laboratory is critical to the daily operations of a hospital, the DOH ordered Peninsula to shut down and transfer current patients to other facilities. St. John’s Episcopal Hospital is the only other hospital on the peninsula. Elected officials who represent the area surrounding the hospital expressed shock over Peninsula’s lab suspension.

“Putting patient safety at risk is outrageous and unacceptable,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Far Rockaway).

“Our hospitals and health care facilities must be held to the highest standard to protect the health and safety of our families.”

While the clinical lab is closed, other services at Peninsula Hospital Center remain open during the suspension. According to spokeswoman Liz Sulik, patients can still access the health center, specialty clinics and dental care. The emergency room is open to walk-ins. If a patient assessment reveals Peninsula is unable to provide care, the patient will then be transferred to another hospital.

Since September 2011, Revival Home Health Care has been running Peninsula Hospital Center. The company opened in 1994 and provides home health care service to residents in the five boroughs, Long Island and counties north of the city. Peninsula is the company’s first hospital. A spokeswoman at Revival Home Health Care declined to comment on the clinical lab suspension.

“There can be no doubt that this was a simple failure of proper oversight and careful administration,” Sanders said. He said he met with Peninsula’s Chief Operating Officer Todd Miller last week and Miller

patient safety is of paramount importance,” Borough President Helen Marshall said in a statement.

Marshall released a report in 2006 that warned Queens could face a health care shortage if the borough did not act quickly. The main finding of the report was that there are not enough hospital beds to serve the demand for health care in Queens. She said this results in people leaving the borough for specialties such as cardiology, orthopedics and cancer treatment.

The study recommended a new hospital should be put in western Queens to better serve residents. Two years after the report, New Parkway Hospital closed in November 2008, with the shuttering of St. John’s and Mary Immaculate following soon after. If Peninsula cannot survive, the borough will be left with roughly 3,600 hospital beds to serve more than 2 million people who call Queens home.

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

Groups Protest Wage Parity At Airports

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 2-8, 2012

A family of four in the Big Apple needs an income of $59,027 to cover basic necessities, according to a recent report.

Still, families struggle everyday to make ends meet with much less than that. Some of those New Yorkers include full-time airport employees who are scraping by on just $16,000 a year. Now, clergy, community leaders and concerned residents are speaking out against the poverty wages paid by some of the most successful companies in the world.

The Southeast Queens Clergy Coalition for Good Jobs and other community groups held a press conference last Friday at the Greater Refuge Church of Christ in South Ozone Park. The group of about 30 people gathered on the church’s steps to protest what they call poverty wages paid by airlines at the three major airports used by the city, all owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The press conference came on the heels of a new report from New York University’s Women of Color Policy Network, which revealed contract employees at LaGuardia, JFK and Newark are

PRESS Photo by Veronica Lewin

BY VERONICA LEWIN

At the three main airports, the report also revealed a wage gap between male and female employees. Nearly 75 percent of contracted workers earning more than $10 an hour were men. These low wages cause one out of 10 airline contract employees to hold another job to support themselves, in addition to supplementing income with public benefits.

Regina Gilbert has been a contract worker at JFK for the past six months and makes minimum wage, $7.25 an Southeast Queens resident Florence Johnson hour. “We are fighting for better speaks about wage disparity. wages, better benefits because we want to live just like everyone else,” not compensated enough to support she said. themselves, much less a family.

Because a majority of the employ“This is the introduction of a coali- ees live where they work, the consetion that is going to fight for justice in our quences of underpaying people often community and if they don’t give us that spread outside of the airports to the surjustice, we’re going to make sure that we rounding communities, often communiget it,” said the Rev. Raymond Blanchette ties of color. The study found more than of the Revelation Pilgrim Ministry. one-third of a contract employee’s inAccording to the report, many of the come is spent on housing. Because of people trusted to keep passengers and this, more than half of the people surtheir belongings safe are making a me- veyed reported having difficulty paying dian average of $8 an hour working as for a place to live. Low wages can cause baggage handlers, maintenance workers homeowners to fall behind on their and security officers, among other jobs. mortgage rates, further contributing to

the foreclosure problem in the borough.

The areas surrounding LaGuardia and JFK Airports have the highest concentration of foreclosures in the borough.

Florence Johnson, a lifelong resident of Southeast Queens, said she has seen firsthand how the neighborhood has changed with time. “I’ve seen it go from a place of hope and middle class and families trying to educate their children, to a place of despair,” Johnson said. “One of the largest employers in the state is allowed to treat people with indignity by paying them wages less than they can live on.”

While the Port Authority does not directly hire these employees, Executive Director Patrick Foye said he will work with the airlines to improve wages for contract employees. “As I told members of SEIU 32BJ at a forum this week where the report was released, I come from a union family and have directed Port Authority staff to review the findings,” Foye said in a statement. “I will seek recommendations on how we can work with our aviation partners on ways to improve the current situation.”

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

Hilton Makes Its Return To Queens

BY DOMENICK RAFTER Standing alongside the Belt Parkway in South Ozone Park, a line of hotels overlooks the highway and JFK Airport like a tall concrete forest. The hotels, right outside the airport’s property, are popular with pilots, flight crews, and visitors who do not want to pay the high hotel prices of Manhattan.

The names of the hotels are familiar: Courtyard by Marriott, Doubletree, Sheraton, but one of the names might seem new to you- or if you’ve travelled the Belt Parkway for a long time- a blast from the past.

Hilton has moved into the building that once housed a Holiday Inn and the JFK International Hotel at 144-02 135th Ave. The glistening blue lights illuminating

Officials celebrate the opening of the new Hilton near JFK Airport.

Hilton’s iconic name now shine over the Belt Parkway and one of JFK’s major runways.

“With our rich history of pioneering the airport hotel concept in 1959 in San Francisco, we are delighted to welcome this newly renovated, modern airport hotel near New York City to our global portfolio,” said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

The hotel features 356 contemporary guest rooms, ranging The new Hilton hotel boasts 356 guest rooms. from 263 standard and 64 executive rooms to 11 suites and 18 handicap- feet, Hilton New York JFK Airport also accessible guest rooms. Half of the hotel’s caters to business guests with an executive guest rooms overlook one of JFK’s busiest lounge and flight status board in the lobby. runways. Guests can enjoy a heated in- The hotel also provides a complimentary door pool and workout facility as well as airport shuttle 24-hours a day.

Hilton is no stranger to JFK. The coma coffee bistro in the lobby that serves a selection of drinks and grab-and-go pany owns the Doubletree hotel next door snacks. The hotel’s dining facility, Res- to the new Hilton and runs a Hampton Inn taurant 144 offers modern American cui- and Hilton Garden Inn nearby. Hilton sine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, com- also once operated the vacant curved plete with a private dining room that ex- hotel building overlooking the Belt Parktends an intimate, elegant setting for small way/Van Wyck Expressway interchange groups. With five meeting rooms includ- on the other side of the Doubletree building a ballroom measuring 3,784 square ing.

March 2-8, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

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

Editorial It’s Time To Go

As he has risen up the ladder of City government, John Liu has been a beacon for the Asian-American population of the borough and the City. His accomplishments have been impressive and he has clearly done a lot of good work for the City as both a councilman and the Comptroller.

However, John Liu, the candidate for mayor, has shown that he may not be the man City residents want in charge. This week’s arrest of his campaign treasurer – the second such indictment of senior Liu money people - is a sign that despite his accomplishments, he might not be the right man for the job.

As a candidate, Liu is the man responsible for making sure his campaign staff follows the letter of the law. As City Comptroller, Liu is the chief fiscal officer of the City. The voters have entrusted him with the billions in pension dollars and the finances of City agencies, but it seems that he is unable to oversee the finances of his own campaign.

If Liu cannot keep his campaign honest, why should we believe he is capable of running the Comptroller’s office – let along the office of the Mayor?

Given his recent spate of troubles, it is time for Liu to step aside as City Comptroller.

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Harley Benson Veronica Lewin Domenick Rafter Ross Barkan Jason Pafundi Intern: Brianna Ellis Joanna Gonzalez Art Dept:

Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend Advertising Director Shanie Persaud

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 2-8, 2012

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

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2012 Tribco, LLC

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

Letters Enough Is Enough To The Editor: I am writing to voice my disdain with what I see as a new fad

being used as a self-promotional tool amongst politicians who, quite often, are seeking higher office throughout this City and State. This new fad we are wit-

Letters nessing is the multitude of “State of the State” and “State of the City” addresses.

While I have no problem with the governor, mayors and heads of municipalities throughout New York giving addresses, the issue I have is that many elected officials have seen the attention that these speeches have received and have decided that hosting their own spin-off events would be a politically expedient way of patting themselves on the back while touting their ideas and achievements.

Recently, in New York City, we have seen the City Council Speaker, City Comptroller and Borough Presidents all host their own addresses. It is ridiculous and a complete waste of time and money to set up these events that often seem like campaign speeches without the banners and adoring supporters.

I rarely applaud our federal politicians for setting an example but neither the Speaker of the House nor the Senate Majority Leader has their own State of the Union addresses following the

President’s. I am sure many of our senatorial and congressional representatives would love to speak on behalf of the Union but it is simply not their place. In the same way it is not appropriate for the Council Speaker, Comptroller or any other elected official to speak on behalf of the City.

The shameless self-promotion and grandstanding needs to end. Our City and State face great challenges that deserve our undivided attention. All these self aggrandizing speeches really only serve to beg the question that with all of these great ideas and accomplishments by these politicians, why do we still face such serious problems?

Tony Avella, State Senator, 11th Senatorial District

WRITE ON:

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

The Dilemma Facing The Comptroller A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE There is always something exciting going on in New York politics, but it’s not always good.

Take the case of New York City Comptroller John Liu for instance. His campaign treasurer, Jia Hou, was charged this week for allegedly “steering fraudulent donations” to the comptroller’s war chest for a possible run for mayor next year.

Late last year, Xing Wu Pan, a fundraiser for the campaign, was also busted for allegedly trying to get around a campaign finance rule of limiting donations from individual donors to $4,950 by using “straw donors” to sign campaign finance forms. That is the same investigation that netted Hou. Following this latest arrest around Liu, the ever-blunt Ed Koch has reportedly said he “is toast.” One might suppose that the last thing on Liu’s mind right now is running for mayor. He’s

just going through the motions to present a front of normalcy. In reality, he is probably more concerned with keeping his current job and his freedom than joining the race for mayor.

Even his Council successor, Councilman Peter Koo, is hinting that if he was aware of the plot to circumvent campaign finance rules, he should step down from his job as Comptroller. If it comes to that it will be a very sad day. Liu was the first AsianAmerican elected to a legislative body in New York. He made that history 10 years ago when he was elected to the City Council.

I like John and I run into him occasionally because we both get our automobiles serviced at the same dealer. He’s a nice guy who has served his community and his city well. That is why this “straw donor” mess is so difficult to comprehend. Reportedly Pan was raising money for the comptroller using names of people who may or may not have given the money. It was attributed to them

through other people and the campaign would then receive matching public funds based on the funds raised.

A decade ago, Councilman Sheldon Leffler also got into steaming hot water for campaign finance troubles for accepting about $10,000 worth of money orders, which led back to one donor. It must have been the grace of God and the mercy of a kind judge that saved him from jail time.

However, the Harvard-educated attorney was found guilty, fined, given five years probation, community service and disbarred from practicing his legal profession. It wasn’t worth it at all – especially as he was nowhere near being a front runner in the polls.

Ambition is good. Overzealous pursuit can lead to desperate measures whether by ourselves or those ostensibly helping us.

Liu is a smart guy so it is a surprise to see him caught up in a mess like this.

He must indeed be under tre-

mendous stress. He knows that if this situation touches him personally he could be in serious trouble. It is also tragic that a young woman barely out of college has been arrested and could lose her freedom and limit her future.

When it’s all said and done, even if everyone is cleared, they will still have lost a lot. Some are even calling for Liu’s resignation.

I won’t join the chorus of voices calling for ouster. It is premature; and if he’s not guilty of wrong doing, then stepping down could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. But trying to play the race card is not a good move either.

For his sake and that of his family, I hope he really did not know anything about the shenanigans that were going on in his campaign. The job of mayor is not worth the consequences he’s paying right now.

Here’s hoping the ongoing probe turns up nothing on him.

Short of that, I wish him a really good lawyer and great fortitude.

Government Of The People, By The People . . .

By MICHAEL SCHENKLER with DOMENICK RAFTER Politicians aren’t exactly the most popular people in America at the moment.

Ask many as to why their opinion of our elected officials are so low, you might end up getting some form of “they don’t listen to us” as an answer. The lack of faith in the public’s ability to influence

legislation and policy has been blamed for notorious low turnout in elections and low approval ratings, especially for legislators.

Voters expressing cynicism in government will often say they feel outnumbered by lobbyists, corporate money or unions. Some look at the high incumbent reelection rates and partisan gerrymandering as signs their voice s won’t be heard- whether during debates or in elections.

Yet there are some recent examples of enough public outcry influencing policy makers. The Tea Party moved us to the right several years ago. Then in 2010, Occupy Wall Street was credited with reigniting an argument over the tax rate on the richest Americans.

When a bill to legalize samesex marriage came to a vote in

New York in 2009, some state legislatures who were undecided on the bill took the pulse of their districts. When announcing his “yes” vote, Queens State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. announced calls to his office were overwhelmingly supportive, when in 2009; they had been a majorit y in opposit ion.

Addabbo voted no that year.

It is possible to make your voice heard – possible, but not easy.

There are various ways to do this; phone, email, let ter, town hall meetings or organizing demonstrations. The most common and often effective way to do so is by phone. A simple phone call to your local representative’s office will be taken by office staff and noted. Often, elected officials wish to receive these calls during hotly

If You Build It, They Will Come why all the negativity?

The answer is simple. Our efforts as a City are far too Manhattan-centric. The U.S. Open is the most successful sporting event in Ne w York Cit y, responsible for more than $800 million of tax revenue annually. They play in Queens. Resorts World New York is attracting 20,000 visitors a day, earning the State $1 million daily.

It is in South Queens. Millions of people visit our City, State and Country daily through our major airports, both in Queens. It’s time that Queens is recognized as a land of opportunity for the hospitality, tourism and convention sector.

Lets rally behind this project.

Genting has proven to be a smart, reliable partner w ith experience building these t ypes of facilities around the World. They are willing to invest $4 billion of private money into this venture. It will guarantee thousands of jobs and billions in revenue. Stakeholders have a right to be concerned, many issues remain unresolved, but none are insurmountable.

Naysayer Michael J. Stengel from Marriott Hotels recently stated “Good luck. I know we’re not putt ing a hotel out t here any time soon”. That’s fine. If you don’t, others will and you’ll be sorry you missed the boat.

Welcome to Queens.

Jack Friedman is the Executive Director of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

make friends with the elected.

Using the legislative bodies’ websites is the easiest way to find contact information. Each legislator on every level lists their office location, email and phone number on their individual website and often list upcomi ng communit y events they will be appearing at or holding.

Type the following addresses into your browser and follow instructions to find your representative: • City Council: council.nyc.gov/ html/members/members.shtml • Assembly: assembly.state.ny.us/ mem/ • State Senate: nysenate.gov/ • Congress: www.house.gov Even if you get no response, or your representative took a vote you disagree with, an American citizen will always have the power of the vote. And if you don’t think one vote can make a difference, ask former Connecticut State Representat ive John Kovale ski. T he Democrat lost his 2002 reelection campaign by a single vote.

MSchenkler@QueensTribune.com

This column is in response to the following letter from a reader: I enjoy your informative articles and insights into the political issues and would like to request a little help from you..

When I read about a bill pending, or opposing views on an issue, I would like to voice my opinion. I’m sure alot of readers feel the same, as we don’t seem to have much ‘say’ lately in government.

Could you give information to me and your readers how we best get our voices heard?

I don’t like being part of the silent majority. I’d greatly appreciate your letting me know how I determine whom to contact Are calls and emails equally effective?

Thanks for your time and help.

Susan H. Fleming

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

March 2-8, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

By JACK FRIEDMAN negativity I say, “If we build it, they Welcome to Queens. Land of will come”. our region’s two major airports, The Queens convention cenhome to the United States Tennis ter was included in the New York Open and the New York Mets, the Cit y Regional Council’s strategic site of our City’s only casino. With plan. That group included promi2.3 million people livnent and well-reing in a borough that spected business leadcontinued to grow durers like Kathy Wylde of ing the sluggish the Ne w York Cit y economy of the past Par tner sh ip, Gail few years, with exciting Grimmet of Delta Airdevelopment in Long lines, Steve Spinola of Island City, downtown REBNY, Peter Ward of Flushing, Jamaica, the Hotel Trade s Astoria and more Council and others.

Queens is thriving. Yes They represented deQueens Chamber’s velopers, airlines, hosManhat tan, there are Jack Friedman other boroughs. pitality, business and So why are naysayers from other sectors vital to the New York Manhattan being so negative about City economy. They are all ManGovernor Andrew Cuomo’s recent hattan-based, yet as a group they announcement of plans to develop supported the Queens Convention the countr y’s largest convent ion Center in their plan. and exhibition center at Aqueduct Governor Andrew Cuomo, Racetrack in Southern Queens? Empire State Development CEO The same naysayers, I remind you, Kenneth Adams, and Mayor have been complaining about the Bloomberg all suppor t the plan. antiquated Javits Center and its in- Rober t Yaro, Pre sident of the abilit y to draw fir st-class trade highly regarded Regional Plan Asshows since it was built. They are sociation spoke at the Queens the same folks who run NYC & Chamber of Commerce last week Co., the organization tasked with touting the center as a transforpromoting tourism for all New mational project that can be a York City, yet acts as if Queens stimulus beyond Aqueduct and doesn’t exist. I don’t have an issue Southern Queens and in fact, will with those who want to insure we have an impact on all of Queens, address all the concerns that come Ne w York Cit y and the region. with building a facility of this size; These are no lightweights. These traffic, commute to Manhattan, are the thought leaders and policy truck access, etc. But to all the drivers for our City and State. So

contested debates over issues.

Emails and letters could be le ss effective, especially in scenarios where an issue is galvanizing a large portion of the population. Email addresses given to the public are usually generic ones that could receive thousands of inquiries a day. Personal letters could take a while to reach a local official’s office, especially since the 2002 Anthrax scares led to increased security measures for regular mail.

A community event and meeting one on one with constituents is the best way to emphasis your point of view with your local representatives. Town hall meetings are common, especially in smaller communitie s. However, security concerns in the wake of the assassination attempt on former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has not made it any easier to access an elected official.

Organizing or participating in a demonstration outside an elected official’s office or at a scheduled appearance certainly makes your point but may not be a way to

Festival Presents International Films

BY JASON PAFUNDI

The second-annual Queens World Film Festival, presenting challenging films from around the world and around the corner, kicks off March 1, with a world premiere film by an Iranian filmmaker at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria.

Festival founders Don and Katha Cato chose “War Story” because it represents what they treasure in independent filmmakers: commitment, passion and the determination to be heard.

“This filmmaker had no resources and sold his car to make this film,” Katha Cato said. “It is a decent film. It was a huge risk, a life and death risk, a personal risk for which he would pay clearly. He could lose what little freedom he has or worse.”

Katha said the festival likes films that take a fresh look at topics and themes.

“We like risk takers,” she said. “We like films that don’t suddenly become another movie halfway through, and we like films that stand up and demand to be noticed.”

The festival features more than 100 films that will be shown at three different

locations in Jackson Heights — Renaissance Charter School, PS 69 and Jackson Heights Cinema on 82nd Street.

The Catos used to volunteer at another festival in Queens run by Marie Castaldo that Katha called a “scam fest.” It is how the Queens World Film Festival was born.

“A few volunteers and us felt that a new festival was warranted, but then they discontinued their participation,” Katha said. “[My husband and I] continued and have remained committed because Castaldo embarrassed Queens, and we are determined to reverse that embarrassment and make Queens a destination for filmmakers and film lovers.”

Katha said one of the main goals of the festival is to support the filmmakers and bring their work to audiences who would otherwise never get a chance to view the films. She said they want to provide opportunities for people to see films

outside of today’s corporate formulaic studio structure.

“Story telling is basic to the survival of any culture,” Katha said. “We promote the telling of stories in a variety of formats that exist outside of the mainstream.”

She said the other big goal of the festival is to get filmmakers to realize that when they land at either JFK or LaGuardia airport and drive into Manhattan, that they are passing through Queens, a borough ready to be noticed.

“Queens can support a world class festival and all of the volunteers and festival associates that work with us are going to prove it,” Katha said.

Running a film festival, as one would imagine, does not come without its challenges. Katha said the two biggest challenges her festival faces are time and money. She said they are largely selffinanced with a small handful of sponsors.

“We need capitol to build the administrative support the events like this require,” she said. “We have great volunteers who work tirelessly for the festival, and we try to make sure they know how much we appreciate them. But I want to hire them.”

Time is also a factor because she works full-time and her husband is still making films. She said they need another 10 hours added to every day to get all the things in place so that the audiences and filmmakers have a positive experience.

Katha said she has big plans for the festival in the future. She hopes to get sustainable community partnerships, build a thriving educational element and have industry visibility.

“Most importantly, we hope our reputation with filmmakers is positive,” she said. “We would like to be known as a festival that supports filmmakers and helps them develop.”

For more information and to buy tickets, visit queensworldfilmfestival.com.

Reach Reporter Jason Pafundi at jpafundi@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 2-8, 2012

Five Films To Watch At Queens Festival Mr. Bricks After being shot in the head, a petty thug takes bloody revenge on the corrupt New York City cop who tried to kill him – and stole his girl. Brutality has a new name, and it’s Mr. Bricks. Tim Dax is Mr. Bricks, an ex-con left for dead in an empty New York City warehouse. All he wants is to find his missing girl Scarlet, and vows to kill anyone that gets in his way. But what if Scarlet doesn’t want to be found? Love is murder in this bloody tale of lust, desire and revenge.

Showtime: Friday, March 2, 10:30 p.m., Jackson Heights Cinema Screen No. 1 Are All Men Pedophiles We live in a society that condemns pedophiles, though biological instinct and world cultures throughout history suggest that an attraction to adolescents is as natural as it is unavoidable. The fashion industry on the one hand sexualizes ever-younger girls while those who act on these instincts are reviled. The apparent hypocrisy at the heart of society forces the question:

What do we mean when we talk about Pedophilia? Are All Men Pedophiles?

Showtime: Friday, March 2, 9:30 p.m., Jackson Heights Cinema Screen No. 2

elapse, he is not sure anymore about his proposal. And then Kate finally arrives.

Showtime: Saturday, March 3, 9 p.m., PS 69

Dinosaur Park Fed-up with his stalled writing career, Justin decides to move on with his life.

His first step is to propose to his longstanding girlfriend, Kate. To celebrate the event, Justin books a remote cabin. But as he waits for a very late Kate, Justin experiences a wave of inspiration. Suddenly, he can write again. As minutes

The Bag Hildy, a comfortably middle-aged woman who enjoys her life, is shocked to learn that her mother has been hoarding pills in order to kill herself. Worse, her father has agreed to a suicide pact with her mother. Understandably hurt and confused by what she sees as their betrayal, Hildy must decide if she should

try to interfere, or if she should respect her parents’ decision. The film is based on a personal experience by Marlyn Mason, who wrote the screenplay and also stars as the extremely conflicted Hildy.

Showtime: Saturday, March 3, 11:30 a.m., Renaissance Charter School Best Friend’s Charms We are raised to believe that Love and Friendship can bring a life of happiness and fulfillment. Through the use of character narration, visual metaphor and the intimacy and choreography of dance, this short film exposes the fragility of love, friendship and our carefully laid plans for our own futures. Dance is used as a central metaphor for the magical and difficult act of two people living as one. Friendships and romances blend together to unleash dark emotions and hidden desires whose outcome we cannot know.

Showtime: Saturday, March 3, 6 p.m., PS 69 - Jason Pafundi

Police Blotter Compiled by JASON PAFUNDI

102nd Precinct Robbers Wanted The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating and identifying three suspects who are wanted in connection with a robbery that occurred in Woodhaven.

Three men entered a private residence at 88-25 75th St. on Feb. 18 at 7:04 a.m.

The first suspect displayed a black revolver. The three suspects proceeded to punch the victims about the body in an attempt to remove property. The two victims sustained minor injuries as a result of this incident. The suspects fled in a 2010 or 2011 black GMC Acadia in an unknown direction.

Suspect No. 1 is described as a Hispanic male, 25, 5’9," 220 lbs., muscular, with a medium skin tone and shaved head.

Suspect No. 2 is described as a Hispanic male, 25, 5’10," 180 lbs. and medium skin tone. He was last seen wearing a black baseball cap and a black waist length jacket.

Suspect No. 3 is described as a Hispanic male, 25, 6’0," 180 lbs. and a medium skin tone. He was last seen wearing

a black waist length jacket and a multi colored bandana.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

112th Precinct Missing Woman The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance locating Mei Cheng-Chui, a 76year-old female from 72-02 Manse St. Cheng-Chiu was last seen at her residence at approximately 8 a.m. on Feb. 26. She is described as being 5’3" tall, weighing 120 lbs, with gray hair and brown eyes. She was last observed wearing a gray coat and two different colored shoes.

District Attorney Racino Employees Busted DA Richard Brown announced that

two employees at Resort World Casino at Aqueduct Racetrack have been charged with generating and distributing between 70 and 200 fraudulent casino player cards – each one representing $100 in casino credit – over the last seven weeks. Two casino players were also charged with unlawfully using at least seven of the cards at the casino.

Two of the defendants are casino employees Moises Jones, 29, from the Bronx, and Rolanda Roberts, 33, of Brooklyn. Both were arraigned on Feb. 21 on a criminal complaint charging each of them with one count of fourthdegree grand larceny, 24 counts of second-degree forgery, 24 counts of seconddegree criminal possession of a forged instrument, 24 counts of first-degree falsifying business records and 24 counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.

Jones was ordered held on $5,000 bail and Roberts was released on her own recognizance. The two each face up to seven years in prison if convicted and were ordered to return to court on March 9.

Teacher Charged DA Richard Brown announced that Brett Picou, a 30-year-old teacher’s aide from Far Rockaway, has been charged with sexually abusing six female students on multiple occasions between November 2011 and February 2012 at the school where he is employed, P.S. 52 in Springfield Gardens.

He is charged with seven counts of first-degree sexual abuse, seven counts of forcible touching, one count of seconddegree course of sexual conduct against a child and six counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

According to the charges, Picou hugged nine- and 10-year-old female students and moved his hands down their backs and then touched their buttocks on multiple occasions. In addition, it is alleged that the defendant slapped the buttocks of one child and held the buttocks of other female students as they walked up stairs.

Brown said the case came to light when school personnel overheard the students talking about the touching and notified the NYPD.

March 2-8, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

pix

Town and Gown Meeting

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

Wear Red

The members of the Greater Jamaica Development Corp. met to discuss “Town and Gown: The Fight For Social Justice, Urban Rebirth and Higher Education,” written by York College history professor Robert Parmet. Pictured (from left) are Dr. Marcia Keizs, president of York College; Dr. Howard Ruttenberg, professor of history and philosophy at York College; Parmet, Archie Spigner, former deputy majority leader of the City Council; Donald Vernon, York graduate; the Rev. Charlie Norris and Carlisle Towery, president of the GJDC. Photo by Walter Karling.

New Office Mr. Met and members of the New York Mets organization are pictured celebrating Wear Red Day, sponsored by the American Heart Association.

Councilman Ruben Wills was joined last weekend by Assemblywoman Vivian Cook, State Sen. Shirley Huntley, Councilman Leroy Comrie, Assemblyman William Scarborough, District Leader Tony Andrews, 113th Precinct Deputy Inspector Miltiadis Marmara and other constituents for the opening of Wills’ new satellite office in Rochdale.

Photos by Ira Cohen

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 2-8, 2012

Celebrating Black History

Councilman Leroy Comrie recently held a celebration of Black History at the Black Spectrum Theatre in Jamaica.

Adrienne Adams sang the National Anthem at Councilman Leroy Comrie’s Black History celebration.

The Hon. Hazel Dukes, president of the NAACP New York State Conference, was the keynote speaker at Comrie’s event.

Borough Beat

Houses Of Worship Face Attacks

BY ROSS BARKAN

Adar is supposed to be the most joyous month in the Jewish calendar. For Zvi Sporer and the congregants of Degel Israel in Kew Gardens Hills, the irony of last week’s alleged robbery is too crushing to even consider.

The silver crowns on top of the synagogue’s torah, each worth $3,000 and inscribed with the names of families who donated them to honor the deceased, were gone. According to police reports, everything stolen was silver: three torah crowns, two torah mini-crowns, three torah breastplates, four torah pointers, and one silver cup, all together worth as much as $15,000.

On Feb. 29, police arrested Efram Sanders, 28, of Flushing on charges of burglary, grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property.

Though police recovered all of the property, with the exception of two torah pointers, the robbery was the latest in a rash of crimes committed against religious

synagogue. “It was very hard to sanctuaries in Queens over the see something like this had past year. happened in 2011 in New “Just shock, I don’t know what York.” else to say,” a despondent Sporer On Feb. 25, Assemblyman said in Degel Israel’s threshold Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest) when asked how the congregation announced he was co-sponsorreacted to the theft. Sporer, who ing legislation with State Sen. lives nearby, has been a Jeffrey Klein (D-Bronx) that congregant at the 150-person synagogue on Main Street and This image provided by the NYPD shows some of the items stolen would increase penalties for 68th Drive for more than 30 years. from Congregation Degel Israel in Kew Gardens Hills. The items theft committed against houses of worship. The anThe robbery could have occurred were recovered earlier this week when a suspect was arrested. nouncement, made at Ohr on almost any day in the previous week because the torah lies in an upstairs on a Jackson Heights synagogue and li- Natan, did not formally mention the alroom that is rarely used during the week. brary buildings in November. That same leged theft at Degel Israel. Assemblyman It is also unlocked. Anyone can walk in. month, at the Rego Park synagogue Ohr Michael Simanowitz, who attended the As observant Jews embark on the Natan, the words “we will never be press conference, did allude to it, howmonth of Adar—Purim, a holiday that cel- friends” were found scrawled on its outer ever.

“It’s a special kind of cowardice to ebrates the Jewish people’s defeat of an walls. St. Bartholomew’s Church in ancient genocidal plot, occurs during Elmhurst was robbed of chalices and com- steal from the poor and the needy,” Adar—religious Queens residents of all munion cups worth thousands of dollars Simanowitz said. “It’s especially heinous when you do it from a religious institufaiths will warily look back at 2011 and in March of 2011.

“We have many people who went tion, a place of togetherness.” early 2012.

Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at In early January, the Jamaica Islamic through persecution, who went through center Imam Al-Khoei was firebombed. the Holocaust,” said Rabbi Nahum rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 357No one was injured. Swastikas appeared Kaziyev of Ohr Nathan, the Rego Park 7400, Ext. 127.

March 2-8, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Profile

Queens Girl Takes Unique Path To TV

BY JASON PAFUNDI The career path of the average sports broadcaster probably goes something like this: athlete growing up, intern during college at a TV or radio station, degree in broadcasting and a first job in a small town before moving to a bigger city. It makes for a very boring story.

But for Queens’ Erin Sharoni, her career path has been anything but.

Sharoni, after working in finance for five years and as a sideline reporter for St. John’s University, is now a co-host on CNBC’s “Sports Biz: Game On” and has been a guest host on NBC Sports Talk.

She was also recently announced as a host on SB Nation’s new 24-hour online sports network.

Born in what was then Booth Memorial Hospital in Flushing, Sharoni moved with her family to the Rego Park/Forest Hills area when she was about five.

She attended high school at the LaGuardia School for the Arts — from which the movie “Fame” was based. She was and still remains an avid artist, sculptor, drawer and painter.

“I credit my mother greatly for always suggested she enter a casting call for supporting my artistic endeavors and en- FILA. It was a moment that changed her couraging me to pursue my creativity from life. She was hired by FILA as one of the faces of a new marketing campaign, and a young age.”

She graduated from Wesleyan Univer- things snowballed from there.

“The decision to go to that casting sity in 2003 with a degree in studio art, but despite her love of all things artistic, call, on a rainy day when I almost didn’t go, really changed my life.” she did not see herself makShe talked to FILA about ing that a career. getting their new campaign After graduating, she inonto CNBC, and in October terned briefly in the creative 2010, FILA brought her to department at Def Jam the network, where she met records, but quickly realized Darren Rovell, the channel’s she did not want be a sports business reporter and graphic designer and stare at her current co-host on a computer all day.

“Sports Biz: Game On.” She worked as a personal FILA wanted her to have trainer at a fitness club on a social media presence, and Wall Street, which is how she Erin Sharoni though she first thought Twitgot started in finance.

After working for three years on the ter was silly, Sharoni gives it a lot of credit equity trading floor at Bear Stearns, she in making her who she is today.

When she was on CNBC for FILA, lost her job and was unemployed for 12 Rovell asked her why she was working in months.

“During the year I was unemployed, I finance, then tweeted a photo of her from started to explore my artistic side again,” the ad campaign. She went from around While she was looking for work, she 10 followers to more than 500 that day, was spotted at a party by someone who and that is when she was noticed by St.

John’s University, who invited her to a game and then asked her to be a sideline reporter.

She hosted a show about St. John’s on SNY that Rovell told Sharoni he really liked.

In June 2011, right around her birthday, Rovell called and invited her to be his co-host for his new CNBC sports business show.

In addition to her work on CNBC, the NBC Sports Network and SB Nation, Sharoni is a 2012 brand ambassador for FILA. She does modeling and makes appearances, films a monthly video segment and writes articles for their website.

She now has more than 7,700 followers @erinsharoni and recently signed with Creative Artists Agency, the largest talent agency in the world, with a roster that includes George Clooney, Tom Cruise, Will Smith, Kate Winslet and Brad Pitt.

“Your life takes such crazy turns. People always ask where you want to be in five years, but if someone would have asked me that, I never would have said this.”

Reach Reporter Jason Pafundi at jpafundi@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 2-8, 2012

People St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the University’s oldest division, has launched a new Graduate program in Public History to begin fall 2012. The program, geared at preparing a new generation of historians for careers beyond academe, combines advanced historical research with technology and electronic media for use in managing public and private information collections. The 33-credit Master of Arts degree program is part of a new, interdisciplinary initiative within St. John’s College called the Committee on Public History, Museum and Archive Studies.

For more information on the Master of Arts Degree Program in Public History, contact Dr. Kristin Szylvian at (718) 9905239; szylviak@stjohns.edu or visit www.stjohns.edu.

The New York Lottery announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning ticket from one of the Lottery’s live drawings Feb. 19-25. The following winners each received a cash prize valued at $10,000 or more.

Steven Levy of Bayside won $18,851 on the Take Five drawing Feb. 18. Levy’s winning ticket was purchased at the Garden City Super Pumper in Garden City.

Claudette Coltoff of Springfield Gar-

dens won $38,046 on the Take Five drawing Feb. 11. Coltoff’s winning ticket was purchased at Estevez Mini Market, 22314 S. Conduit Ave., Springfield Gardens.

Eric Clay of Jamaica won $38,046 on the Take Five drawing Feb. 11. Clay’s winning ticket was purchased at Around The Clock Deli Stop 1, 170-01 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica.

Testing, Testing:

Rebecca Jean-Paul of Cambria Heights was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester at the College of St. Rose in Albany.

Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester at SUNY Institute of Technology. They include: Jamaica: Jeremy Joseph.

Queens Village: Wen Gu. Springfield Garden: Omar Thompson.

Amy Guan and Lauren T. Shaman, both of Briarwood, were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester at Boston University in Boston, Mass.

Jing Ya Chen of Hollis was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester at Boston University.

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall and York College President Marcia V. Keizs test the stethoscopes at York College’s new state of the art nursing simulation lab, with assistance from professor Emily Davidson.

A&E

Book Inspires Reading In Cyber Age

BY ROSS BARKAN Kids are lost in cyberspace. Jeff Pflaum thinks he can pull them out and get them reading again.

Pflaum, a Bayside resident, is the author of "Motivating Teen and Preteen Readers: How Teachers and Parents Can Lead the Way," published last year by Rowman & Littlefield Education. His book offers more than a thousand ques-

tions to motivate adolescents to read actively. Working as an English educator for almost 40 years in Brooklyn public schools taught Pflaum that young people, more than anything else, require self-motivation to learn effectively.

They are also up against a mountain of electronic distractions that makes sitting still and reading more difficult than ever.

"When I taught, I wanted kids to be present with me," said Pflaum, who taught

Restaurant Review

Indian Cuisine Not To Be Ignored Namaste 31-15 30th Ave., Astoria (718) 626-2783 www.namasterestaurantny.com CUISINE: Indian HOURS: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily CREDIT CARDS: Yes-all major

New Bar Brings Live Music To Elmhurst

BY DOMENICK RAFTER Elmhurst is a neighborhood known for quite a few things;: its diversity, its history as one of the borough’s first settlements, its shopping and the neighborhood’s dramatic growth in the past few decades, but one thing the neighborhood isn’t often known for- its music scene.

Queens has lagged behind Manhattan and Brooklyn in music venues. But one Elmhurst locale is looking to bring the music scene back to the borough that gave the world such musicians as Run DMC, Cyndi Lauper and The Ramones.

Located at 80-12 51st Ave. near a busy stretch of the borough’s namesake street, Queens Boulevard, the Arena looks like

just another bar, but it takes its place in the borough’s nightlife scene as host to music as diverse as the borough itself. The Arena also hosts various dance parties from Latin to Hip-Hop, and is the new home of the infamous Berlin Goth event featuring live bands and DJs spinning Goth, 80s and Synth pop music on the first Friday of every month.

The Arena has food and an outdoor space with a waterfall that will make it a good summer spot. For more information on other upcoming events at the Arena, call (917) 822- 4628 or visit facebook.com/ArenaQueens.

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

March 2-8, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

He looked up at the waitress, hungry and ready.

“The curry is going to be spicy. Indian spicy.”

“I think I can handle spicy.”

It was typical cavalier Craig, fearless and reckless, but the Namaste journey had begun. We were both ready.

I spent a rainy Friday afternoon with my restaurant-reviewing pal Craig dining in Namaste, an Indian restaurant superior to any I’ve dined at thus far. Granted, my Indian food experiences—mass-produced college cafeteria food and an assortment of small restaurants—have not made me an expert, but I do know my way around a samosa. So does Namaste.

Sleek, a bit minimalist, and above all classy, Namaste sets the mood for a fine dining experience and doesn’t fail to deliver. During lunch hours, they offer both a buffet and full service dining. People who want to make up for disastrous Valentine’s Days, take note—your date will like it here. Your date may even like you afterwards. Try the chicken chat and vegetable samosas for appetizers.

Samosas are an Indian staple, a deep fried snack stuffed with either meat or vegetables. Vaguely triangular in shape, they have a magical crunch and always leave you wanting more. After finishing

my samosa, I immediately wished I had been a true glutton and ordered 10 more.

Chicken chat, a chicken and vegetable appetizer, also successfully whetted my burgeoning appetite. I was prepared for my main course. Judgment time had arrived.

Craig, as noted before, fancies himself some type of spice Caesar, though I wasn’t so conceited. I wanted a dish that granted me variety. I opted for the mixed grill, Craig for the chicken curry.

Succulent shrimp approximating the size of a baby dolphin, lamb superior to any that your mom’s butcher shop chopped up for you, and chicken of a higher order made my mixed grill a feast to lovingly recall years from now when feasts of that caliber will probably be a mere twinkle in a cyborg’s eye. Yes, it was that good. I tried some of Craig’s chicken curry. The spice was right and the chicken, rich and chewy, sated me.

For dessert, our waitress brought us an Indian rice pudding called kheer. We devoured it quickly.

“Namaste” is a word that yoga-practitioners will recognize. When the word is spoken to another person, it means the speaker is recognizing the divine spark that is within all of us. In India, it indicates a deep form of respect, with the word accompanying a bow.

It can be debated whether a restaurant has a divine spark, but what can’t be debated is that Namaste is a restaurant that should not be ignored by anyone who wants great Indian cuisine in New York City.

-Ross Barkan

grades two through six in Williamsburg about what they are reading.

Pflaum cites contemporary philosoand Bedford-Stuyvesant until his retirement in 2002. "I had all sorts of writing pher David Abram as a person who has programs to get them into the present. I helped him hone his approach, though Pflaum says he devised his inquiries and didn't take anything for granted." visualization techniques durAs a teacher, Pf laum ing his time in the classroom. started working on what he When Basal readers, oft-used called "the magic reading theliteracy textbooks, failed to ater of the mind." Detailed in interest his students, he simhis book and blogs on the ply needed to try something BAM Radio Network, else.

Pflaum's method is to push Like education historian readers to use their imaginaDiane Ravitch, Pflaum is an tion as thoroughly as possible. opponent of standardized Visualizing what one reads is testing in the classroom. The integral to understanding. To new, more carefully-scripted start readers on a mental jourclassroom is hurting students ney, he'll ask them to visualand teachers alike, he argues, ize certain phrases like broken and the joy of reading is beglass, puffy clouds, or a sunJeff Pflaum's book. ing stamped out. Teachers flower forest.

This works toward what he calls a "3- also are not taught what types of quesD holographic virtual reality." If a reader tions to ask of their students.

Think of a word that makes you feel transmutes symbols into images, and engages with them in three dimensions, they good, Pflaum wants a teacher to ask a will gain a greater appreciation and un- student, and repeat it silently to yourself. derstanding for what they read. Pf laum How do you feel?

"I give a kid a question, he writes a believes this will help reading compete response, and parents and teachers diswith current media.

With video games, smart phones and cuss the response," he said. "How do you high definition televisions, the classic art expand the response? How do you get a of reading may be losing its appeal among kid to dig deeper into reading life? That's students. But Pflaum believes effective the hardest thing in teaching and those questions can jumpstart any mind. For are the triggers that get kids to be selfexample, he would ask his students ques- motivated and take responsibility."

Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at tions like, are words just black and white, or something more? Once they begin to rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 357explain their answer, they are thinking 7400, Ext. 127.

Faith

Church Brings City Youth To Prayer

BY VERONICA LEWIN One church in Jamaica is giving youth across the city a chance to celebrate their faith.The Imani Youth Ministry of the Calvary Baptist Church is hosting its 83rd Youth Weekend celebration from March 16 through March 18. Young people from churches all over the city are invited to attend the three-day festival.

Word “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

- Romans 8:31

“It allows our young people from ministry offers programs throughout the the ministry hosts include the Internaacross the city to come together to freely week at the Imani Youth House, PS 40 tional Children’s Day Weekend, a Meexpress their worship,” said the Rev. and P.S. 140. The primary purpose of the morial Day barbeque and a basketball James Quincy III. Imani Youth Fellowship is to help de- tournament.

The upcoming event will kick off with velop teens in seven basic areas: educaThe Calvary Baptist Church, located a pep rally for Jesus beginning tional, financial, social, spiri- at 111-10 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., recently at 7:30 p.m. on March 16. The tual, political, cultural and rec- celebrated itS 83rd anniversary. The Rev. following day, the church will reational.

Victor Hall currently leads the congregaoffer “RELOAD NYC,” a onePhilosophically, the Imani tion. In 1992, Calvary opened the Calday training event in partnerYouth Ministr y believes in vary Baptist Church Senior Houses, a 101 ship with the Urban Youth teaching respect and responsi- unit facility providing housing to seniors Workers Institute. The workbility, through providing posi- from around the area. shop will be held from 9 a.m. to tive activities. One of the goals For more information about Youth 4 p.m. Registration for RE- The Rev. James of the ministry is to decrease Day 2012 or the Calvary Baptist Church, LOAD NYC is $25. On Sunday, Quincy teen pregnancy in the commu- call (718) 297-2301.

Faith Awards will be given to nity and prevent young men Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at Youth Day participants. The from entering the criminal jus- vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, weekend of celebration will conclude with tice system. Some of the other events Ext. 123. the “Youth Day Explosion Worship” beginning at 4 p.m. on Sunday. Guests will Keepin’ The Faith? The PRESS wants to hear about the special include the Rev. Byron Benton, the programs in your faith community.

Berean Baptist Church Community Drum Send your thoughts, stories, prayers and photos to: Line and DaVone Ministry. Around 500 people are expected to attend.

The PRESS at 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357 The Imani Youth Ministry has been All stories will be considered. Photos cannot be returned. serving the community since 1993. The

Notebook Youth Summit

Queens Kids Attend Albany Summit

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 2-8, 2012

BY VERONICA LEWIN

On Feb. 18, State Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica) headed back to the Capitol to address and meet with youth who came to Albany to be part of the Annual Youth Summit at the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Caucus.

According to the senator, nearly half of the youth traveled from Queens and the event has become increasingly popular over the years. Huntley said she has made it a priority to attend the summit and speak with youth on a myriad of issues such as education, bullying, and youth employment. “We must empower our youth and provide them with resources and confidence to fulfill their goals and achieve their dreams,” Huntley said.

One of the key components of this year’s Youth Summit was a forum about issues impacting teens today, including cyber bullying, teen suicide and school violence. Huntley spoke at the forum, as

counselors and other panelists. Speakers discussed how cyber bullying can occur through social media outlets such as Facebook, causing most victims to be unsure of exactly who is bullying them.

Panelists also spoke about the importance of tolerance and that bullying in any form should not be accepted nor condoned.

Huntley addressed the rash of teenagers committing suicide, and used it to justify why it is important to provide atrisk youth with guidance, counseling, and support. She discussed her bill (S. 3015B), which would enable the Commissioner of Education to develop and make available resources and training programs for staff in public schools. The resources and training will help staff identify students contemplating suicide and assist them with directing them to available resources for help.

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

State Sen. Shirley Huntley addressed the crowd at the Annual Youth Summit at the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Caucus in Albany.

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.

DINNER AWARDS Saturday, March 10 East Elmhurst-Corona Civic Association luncheon and awards ceremony in Jackson Heights. 426-3147.

IAAP Saturday, March 24 Queens chapter of International Association of Administrative Professionals meet. 516-437-7038 evenings.

ITALIAN LECTURE Sunday, April 24 “Leonard Covello” lecture at St. John’s starting at noon. $15.

Reserve by April 20th .

QUEENS TASTE 2012 Tuesday, May 1 at Caesars Club at Citifield. Contact disco erqueens.info/ queenstaste.

ELMHURST HOSPITAL Thursday, May 17 180 Years celebrating women’s health.maerkerj@nychhc.org.

FLEA MARKETS

RELIGIOUS SHABBAT AMERICA Friday, March 2 Shabbat Across America at the Little Neck Jewish Center. 2240404.Also at the Rego Park Jewish Center. 459-1000.

MOVING IMAGE Through March 4 Jim Henson Screenings and Programs. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 th Avenue, Astoria. 777-6800. $15.

TANGO Through March 18 world premiere musical at Thalia Spanish Theatre in Sunnyside. 729-3880.

FOLKLORIC MUSIC Saturday, March 3 Folkloric music and tango of Argentina at the Flushing library at 2.

MIENTRAS TANGO Saturday, March 3 Mientras Tango at t he Jamaica Performing Arts Center. 618-6170.

ONE MAN SHOW Saturday, March 3 Blood Ty p e : R a g u , a o n e m a n show, at St. John’s Universit y at 6:15. 990-7541.

MUSICA REGINAE Saturday, March 3 Praxis String Quartet at Church in the Gardens in Forest Hills. $20. 894-2178.

MURDER MYSTERY Saturday, March 3 at Temple Tikvah in New Hyde park. 776-4812.

BAARIA Sunday, March 4 film “Baaria” shown at St. John’s Universit y. Reserve by February 27 th . $15.

CONCERT Sunday, March 4 Irish traditional songs at the Central library at 3.

LIVE JAZZ & R&B Sundays, March 4, 11, 18, 25 live jazz and r&b 6-10 at Déjà vu, 180-25 Linden Blvd., St. Albans.

READINGS Tuesday, March 6 Colum M c C a n n . Tu e s d ay, M a r c h 20 Nicole Krauss. Tuesday, March 27 Chimananda Ngozi Adichie. Tuesday, April 24 EL Doctorow. 7pm at the Queens College Music Building, Concert Hall. $20. 997-4646.

BINGO Tu e s d a y s 7 : 1 5 A m e r i c a n Mart yrs Church in Bayside.

4 6 4 - 4 5 8 2 . Tu e s d a y s 7 : 1 5 (doors open 6) Rego Park J e w i s h C e n t e r . 4 5 9 -1 0 0 0 . $3 admission includes 12 games.

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

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

BLUE NOTES Wednesday, March 7 York College Blue Notes with Essentially Ellington Regional.

262-2412.

SOUTHWEST INVERSION Friday, March 9 Southwest Inversion performs at WaltzAstoria at 8. 23-14 Ditmars Blvd. $10 table fee.

GAME DAY Fridays 4:30 Woodhaven library.

BANANAGRAM/SCRABBLE Fridays Windsor Park library at 2.

GAME PLAYERS CLUB Fridays 2 Hillcrest library.

GARDEN FAMILY DAY Saturday, March 10 at the Queens Botanical Gardens, 43-50 Main Street, Flushing.

886-3800.

ORGAN RECITAL Saturday, March 10 at 6:15 at St. Josaphat in Bayside.

Free. 229-1663.

CHINESE E N T E R TA I N MENT Saturday, March 10 NaiNi Chen and Ahn Trio perform dance and music at 8 at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center. $15 advance, $20 at the door. 4825151.

OPEN MIC POETRY Monday, March 12 Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows at 7:30.

BLUES BROTHERS REVUE Saturday, March 17 at Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6311.

THOUSAND LAUGHS Saturday, March 17 Thousand Laughs at the little Neck Jewish Center. 224-0404.

TALONS Sunday, March 25 Talons at Alley Pond Environmental Center. $10. 229-4000.

CINDERELLA Sunday, March 25 Moscow Festival Ballet at Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6311.

HONEYBEES Sunday, March 25 honey and honeybees at Alley Pond Environmental Center. $8. 229-4000.

EXHIBIT SOCRATES SCULPTURE Through March 4 Emerging Artist Fellowship Exhibition at Socrates Sculpture Park.

956-1819.

NAL Through March 6 Small Works Members’ Exhibition 44-21 Douglaston Parkway 14 Monday through Thursday and Saturday. Free.

QUEENS PROJECT Through March 31 “Vignettes from the Queens Project”Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main Street.

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS HENNA PAINTING Saturday, March 3 at the Steinway library at 2.

JOB SEARCH Saturday, March 3 at the Central library. Register.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, March 3, 17, 31, April 7, 21 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-436-7940.

SEWING CLASSES Saturdays 11-3 at Maria Rose International Doll Museum in St. Albans. 2763454.

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

PET OWNERS Saturdays (not on holiday weekends) from 1-4 free Doggie Boot Camp at Crocheron Park in Bayside (weather permitting). 4545800. Reservations required. Donations accepted.

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP Sunday, March 4 2:30-4:30 at Kingsland Homestead in Flushing. $5. 939-0647, ext.

14.

WORD Monday, March 5 at the Central library. 990-5102.

CROCHET Monday, March 5 at the Rosedale library at 4.

RESUME WORKSHOP Monday, March 5 at the Arverne library at 5:15.

BEGIN CROCHET Monday, March 5 the Arverne library at 6.

COVER LETTER TIPS Monday, March 5 Central library. 990-5102.

BALLROOM DANCING Mondays, March 5, 12, 19, 26 at the Forest Hills library at 6:30.

BRIDGE CLUB Mondays except holidays 12-4 at Pride of Judea in Douglaston. Lesson & play $10. Partners arranged. 4236200.

DRAWING CLASS Mondays National Art League in Douglaston. 3610628.

LINE DANCE Mondays beginner to intermediate lessons in Bayside.

917-886-0519.

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

BASIC COMPUTER Tuesday, March 6 at t he Rosedale library at 10:30 and the LIC library at 11.

CHESS CLUB Tuesday, March 6 at the LIC library at 4.

INTRO WORD Tu e s d a y s C e n t ra l l i b ra r y.

990-0700 to register.

OWN BUSINESS

Ever y Tuesday Owning Your Own Business: The Nuts and Bolts of Getting Started 6:30-7:30 at the Central library.

LI CHESS CLUB Tuesdays LIC library at 4.

KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays Windsor Park library at 2.

PRACTICE LABS Tuesdays Arverne library at 10:30.

GET YOUR YARNS OUT! Tu e s d a y s a f t e r ev e n i n g Minyan at 8, knitters, crocheters, needlepointers, and others meet at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 2637000, ext. 200.

ONLINE LEARNING Wednesday, March 7 at the Central library. 990-5102.

BASIC COMPUTER Wednesday, March 7 at the Woodside library at 10:30.

RESUME DESIGN Wednesday, March 7 at the Central library. 990-5102.

GOOGLE AD WORDS Wednesday, March 7 at Queens Council on the Arts at the Kaufman Astoria Studios.

Contact at qca@queenscouncilart s.org INTRO INTERNET Wednesday, March 7 at the Windsor Park library. Register.

LEARNING LABS Wednesdays at the LIC library at 1:30.

KNITTING CLUB Wednesdays Bayside library.

Register.

INTRO COMPUTERS Wednesdays Central library.

Register.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE Wednesdays 10:30-3:00 Re f o r m Te m p l e o f F o r e s t Hills. $12 session, includes light lunch. 261-2900 DRAWING/WATERCOLOR Wednesdays Drawing and Wa tercolor classes at the National Art League.9691128..

OIL PAINTING CLASS Wednesdays Grace Lutheran Church in Forest Hills. 472-4055.

BOOT CAMP Thursday, March 8 at the Arverne library at 10:30.

NON PROFIT JOBS Thursday, March 8 at the Central library. 990-5102.

FLICKR Thursday, March 8 Flickr and Digital Photos at 6 at the LIC librar y.

LEARN TO DANCE Thursdays ballroom smooth and Latin dances at the Samuel Field Adult Center in Little Neck. 225-6750, ext. 236.

BOOT CAMP Thursdays learn computer

programs at the Arverne library at 10:30.

COMPUTERS Thursdays Glen Oaks library. Register. Rosedale library at 6.

QUILTING CLASS Thursdays 10-2 Maria Rose Doll Museum in St. Albans.

276-3454 East Elmhurst library at 12:30. .

COMPUTER CLASS Thursdays Queensboro Hill library. Register.

HEALTH BEREAVEMENT Starting March 3 at Grace Episcopal Church. 4616393.

BLOOD DRIVE Sunday, March 4 at Young Israel of New Hyde Park.

552-6449.

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

Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156.

CANCER SUPPORT Monday, March 5 Franklin Hospital’s Cancer Support Group 2-4 in the cafeteria.

516-256-6478.

TAI CHI Mondays and Thursdays at 11 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows.

670-1695. $5.

ALZHEIMERS Tu e s d a y , F e b r u a r y 2 8 Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills. 592-5757, ext.

237.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Tuesdays Western Queens Caregiver Network in Sunnyside. 5:30-6:30. 7846173, ext. 431. Also, 3:304:30 Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 : th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886.

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

DAY TOP Tuesdays support for family and friends of those affected by substance abuse. 1-8002Daytop.

ZUMBA Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695. $10 class.

MEDITATION Thursday, March 8 meditation for body, mind and spirit at the Hillcrest library at 6.

CO-DEPENDENTS ANON. Fridays 10-11:45 at Resurrection Ascension Pastoral C e n t e r , 8 5 - 1 8 6 1 st R o a d , Rego Park. Women only.

March 2-8, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

THRIFT SHOP Tuesday, March 6 9-2 at the Jewish Center of Kew Gardens Hills, 71-25 Main Street.

FLEA MARKET Sunday, March 11 flea market and ethnic Polish bake sale 9-4 at St. Josaphat’s RC C h u r c h , 3 5 th A v e n u e a n d 210 th Street, Bayside.

INDOORFLEA MARKET S a t u r d ay 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.

ENTERTAINMENT

Queens Today YOUTH

MEETINGS BEREAVEMENT Starting March 3 at Grace Episcopal Church. 4616393.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, March 3, 17, 31 learn how to communicate e f f e c t i ve l y. 1 0 - 1 2 : 1 5 a t Elmhurst Hospital. 424-9754.

COMET CIVICS Monday, March 5 at 7 at Bethzatha Church, 85-20 57 Avenue, Elmhurst.

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

781-2359.

HAM RADIO CLUB Tu e s d ay, M a r c h 6 E m e r gency Communications Service meets in Briarwood.

357-6851.

TALK OF THE TOWN Tu e s d a y s , M a r c h 6 , 2 0 learn the art of public speaking at 7:15 in St. Albans.

640-7092.

MEN’S CLUB SOCCER Tu e s d a y e ve n i n g s F o r e st Hills Jewish Center 8-9:30.

263-7000.

FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tuesdays Fre s h M e a d ow s

Sewer & Drain

Camera Club. 917-612-3463.

ADVANCED WRITERS Tuesdays Advanced Bayside Writers’ Group meets at 6:30 in t he Terrace Diner, 212-97 26 th Avenue, upper level.

BEREAVEMENT Wednesday, March 7 Be-

reavement Support Group at Holy Family in Fresh Meadows. 7:30. 969-2448.

TOASTMASTERS Wednesdays, March 7, 21 learn the art of public speaking at the Voices of Rochdale To a s t m a s t e r s C l u b i n J a maica. 978-0732.

SENIORS DUPLICATE BRIDGE Mondays Lunch, lesson and c o n g e n i a l p l a y. P r i d e o f Judea. 423-6200.

STAY WELL Mondays at the Central library at 10 and Wednesdays at 10:15 at the East Elmhurst library. Learn how special exercise and relaxation techniques make a difference in your life.

HOWARD BEACH Tuesday, March 6 “Medicare, Medicare D and Medicaid” at 10:30. Theatre Group starting at 10 Tuesday, March 13 “Fall Prevention” at 10:30. Wednesdays mah jongg at 10 and Zumba Gold 1:30-2:30. 156-45 84 th

Sewer & Drain

Street. 738-8100.

BEREAVEMENT Starting Tuesday, March 6 8 session bereavement group for seniors at SNAP in Queens Village. 454-2100.

AARP 3654 Tuesdays, March 6, April 3, May 1 AARP 3654 meets in Bayside. 423-4237.

TAX HELP Tuesdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27 at the Hollis library. 4657355.

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

Autos Wanted

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

APEC PROGRAMS March Alley Pond Environmental Center will hold Toddler time Nature Programs, Sunny Bunnies and Fledglings (for those 3-4). 2294000.

DR. SEUSS Saturday, March 3 at 11 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 U n i o n Tu r n p i ke , F re s h Meadows.

STORY BOOK LADY Saturdays 12:30-1:30 reading enrichment program for 6-9 year olds at Maria Rose International Doll Museum in St. Albans. $7.50. 2763454.

SCIENCE LAB Saturdays Central library at 11.

MATH HELP Saturdays Flushing library at 10.

HOMEWORK HELP Saturdays 10-noon Bayside

Autos Wanted

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Autos Wanted

me for pre-schoolers at the Douglaston library. Register.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesday, March 6 at the Hillcrest library at 3:30.

DANCE & LITERACY Tu e s d a y , M a r c h 6 a n d Thursday, March 8 and Tuesday, March 13 at the Cambria Heights and LIC library at 4. Wednesday, March 7 and Friday, March 9 at the Ridgewood library at 4.

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

LIBRARY BUDDIES Wednesday, March 7 at the Auburndale library at 4.

HAPPY HAPPY STORY Wednesday, March 7 story time at the LIC library at 10:30.

S TORY T I M E Wednesday, March 7 at the East Elmhurst library at 11:30.

KNITTING Wednesdays Bayside library at 4.

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

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March 2-8, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

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library.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2.

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

ANIMAL CARE Sunday, March 4 at Alley Pond Environmental Center.

229-4000.

BEAUTIFUL OOOPS Monday, March 5 making accidental art at the North Fore st Park libra r y. Register.

LITTLE TOT Monday, March 5 at the Hillcrest library at 4.

LEGOS BUILDERS Monday, March 5 at the LIC library at 6:15.

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

HOMEWORK HELP Mondays 3:30-5:00 Bayside library.

YOGA AND ME Tuesday, March 6 yoga and

Models Of Queens

Lindsay Curtis Home: Woodhaven Age: 18 Height: 5’ 2" Weight: 135 lbs Stats: 34-29-42 NYPhotoByNick

Math Major

While helping her friend Venus with makeup and photo shoots for models, Lindsay Curtis was eventually convinced to step in front of the camera.

The 18-year-old Woodhaven college student said it isn’t going to be a career choice for her, but rather a “side project.”

“I actually really enjoy it,” she said, “I do plan on continuing to model.”

Modeling will be a side project to her desired career, a math teacher.

Lindsay is studying at Queens College and hopes to teach math when she graduates.

“I really enjoy math,” she said. A graduate of George Washington Carver High School in Springfield Gardens, she involved herself in math classes and math challenges while there and was inspired by her math teacher to become one herself.

Whatever free time Lindsay has, which she admits isn’t often, she spends it with her friends.

“We don’t really do much,” she said. “We just sit at home and watch movies.”

Lately, she said, she’s been watching a lot of war movies, but her taste for movies and music is very eclectic.

“My iPod is very random,” she said, with everything from The Beatles to hip-hop.

Through The Nose

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 2-8, 2012

Mets pitcher Jon Niese reported to spring training on Monday, Feb. 20, about 10 lbs lighter — because he got a nose job.

And no, his nose itself was not carrying an extra 10 lbs on it, but the procedure allowed him to work out harder in the offseason and drop the weight.

At the suggestion of former teammate Carlos Beltran, who offered to pay for the surgery, Niese got the operation last October.

Beltran was traded to the Giants and now plays for the defending champion Cardinals.

Niese told reporters in Port St. Lucie that “the Jon Niese before the nose job. bill is in the mail.”

Considering Beltran signed a 2-year, $26 million contract in the offseason, writing that check shouldn’t be too difficult.

Winter Beach Blanket Bingo?

What Winter?

Atria, Kew Gardens threw a Winter Beach Party for residents, staff and families at the senior living facility last week.

The beach-themed celebration’s attendees were treated to tasty tropical drinks and live musical entertainment inside the facility. With the Mary Durniak (from left), Elizabeth weather the area has exMacellaro and Sue Ann Macellaro have some fun at the winter beach party. perienced, however, they probably could have packed a cooler, put on some sun block and headed out to enjoy an actual day at the beach.

Dan Halloran chalks up another Irish credential.

Irish Eyes Are Smiling The luck of the Irish is with ol’ Hollerin’ Halloran: The Irish Echo has honored Councilman Dan Halloran with one of their “Irish 40 Under 40” award. Halloran is an Irish-American, though he is no longer under 40 (he was 39 during the nomination process). He accepted his award Feb. 23 at Rosie O’Grady’s in Manhattan.

Unique for his non-Christian

orthodoxy among Irish Catholics (we won’t get into his religion here, that’s like beating a dead Pegasus), Halloran has been one of the more distinctive councilmen during his tenure in Northeast Queens. He’s also very adept at holding rousing press conferences and blaming City Hall for ignoring the needs of Queens.

It’s a green dawn for Irish Dan.

Queens Rocks

Party Time When thinking of Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), most of us don’t think about the words “Tea Party.”

Well, maybe if you’re a senior in his district, you do.

Comrie hosted a senior high tea event last week, where guests were encouraged to don their favorite hats. Maybe this is what the Tea Party originally had in mind?

Confidentially, New

American Idols Heejun Han and Creighton Fraker hail from Queens This season’s American Idol York . . . competitors are down to 24. With everything heating up for the semifinals earlier in this week, amazingly, 2 of the 24 future-stars still left singing hail from Queens.

Heejun Han, of Flushing, and Creighton Fraker of Astoria are both in the semifinal round, and sang earlier this week to the nation’s adoring “Idol” TV fans who will vote to select the finalists.

Fraker, 28, a preacher’s kid from South Dakota moved to Astoria eight years ago. His experience comes from singing in church choirs and local singing groups.

Han, 22, originally from Korea, cried as the judges told him he made it to the round of 24.

The viewers will vote which 12 will go on to the final round.

We hope they vote Queens.

What’s Up SATURDAY, MARCH 3 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.

Bangladesh Independence Celebrated Dr. Nuran Nabi, a councilman from Plainsboro Township, NJ and author of “Bullets of ’71-A Freedom Fighter’s Story,” a biographical account of the valiant struggle for Bangladesh’s independence, will speak. Shrejoni Shanskretik Samsad was founded in 2008 with the purpose of promoting Bangladesh’s rich culture locally and abroad will follow with traditional music and dance from Bangladesh.

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

Mientras Tango 2012

SUNDAY, MARCH 4 Cady Finlayson Band At Central Sizzling fiddle, favorite Irish traditional songs, and a driving acoustic rhythm section are hallmarks of this ensemble. Their music features lively jigs and reels, traditional ballads, and American folk with world music influences that are enjoyed

MONDAY, MARCH 5 Tips on Cover Letters Are you ready to apply for specific jobs and need to know how to craft the perfect cover letter? Participants of this workshop will learn: how to create a cover letter, how to avoid common errors, how resumes and cover letters work together in an application, tips for making your cover letter stronger, and how to send a cover letter by email. 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 6 p.m.

Simply To Empower Power Networking Simply To Empower invites you to the official grand launch of Queens, NY brand new business network “The Simply To Empower Power Network (The STEP Network)”. You are invited to meet, greet, grow your network, form strategic partnerships, build valuable business relationships and generate business opportunities with attendees from Queens, New York City and beyond. Hear literary leaders, and expert speakers as they strengthen your business knowledge with successbased educational tools, powerful new ideas, new technologies, valuable strategies, and innovative solutions that can be implemented into your business structure. The STEP Network is a warm, inviting, and professional atmosphere offering Grand monthly affairs that can potentially take your business to the next level. Admission is $10 For additional information, visit www.simplytoempower.com or contact Sherise Patterson at (718) 289-4080 or simplytoempower@aol.com.

This event will be held at Jamaica Export Centre, 157-11 Rockaway Blvd., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 6 Walkers For Wellness Club See Saturday’s listing. At 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7 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.

Online Learning Interested in upgrading your skills, practicing for a test, or learning more about computer software? Attend this informative session about free online learning opportunities. To register, please call 718990-5102 or visit the Job Information Center.

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

Domestic Violence Workshop Series State Sen. Shirley L. Huntley will present a Domestic Violence Workshop Series running from March to October.

The workshop will be on domestic violence against women. Come learn your legal rights as a victim. Invited panelists include: Safe Horizon, the Queens Criminal and Supreme Court Program, NYC Family Justice Center, and NYS Crime Victims Board.

For additional information visit huntley.nysenate.gov, or contact Lois Menyweather at (718) 523-3069 or lmenyweather@gmail.com.

This free event will be held at State University of New York (SUNY) Equal Opportunity Center, 158-29 Archer Ave., from 6 to 8 p.m.

Resume Design How do you make your resume stand out? Learn to apply the principles of design to get your resume noticed. 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, MARCH 8 Walkers For Wellness Club See Saturday’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.

Jobs in Non-Profits Non-profit organizations are one of the fastest growing sectors in the economy, are you ready to look for a job in a nonprofit? Participants will learn about; what non-profits are, job opportunities in nonprofit, how are the non-profits different,

resumes for non-profits. 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.

FRIDAY, MARCH 9 Intro to Microsoft Word Make your documents stand out! Learn to create and save Word documents; format text; copy, cut, and paste items; and insert pictures. 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 10:30 a.m.

Lovers Rock Lovers Rock, often dubbed ‘romantic reggae’ is a uniquely black British sound that developed in the late 70s and 80s against a backdrop of riots, racial tension and sound systems. Live performance, comedy sketches, dance, interviews and archive shed light on the music and the generation that embraced it. Lovers Rock allowed young people to experience intimacy and healing through dance- known as ‘scrubbing’- at parties and clubs. This dance provided a coping mechanism for what was happening on the streets. Lovers Rock developed into a successful sound with national UK hits and was influential to British bands (Police, Culture Club, UB40) These influences underline the impact the music was making in bridging the multi-cultural gap that polarized the times. The film sheds light on a forgotten period of British music, social and political history. Admission is $11.

This event will be held at Black Spectrum Theatre, 177th Street and Baisley Boulevard, at 7 p.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 online 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.

March 2-8, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

Be there when Meintras Tango 2012 takes the stage at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center. This brilliant evening of Tango will feature: The Octavio Brunetti Tango Quintet; Adriana Salgado Neira; Orlando Reyes Ibarra; Jennifer Wesnousky; and Carlos Canedo. Ticket prices range from $20 to $30.

This event will be held at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave., at 8 p.m.

by audiences all over.

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

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Sugg. Retail $299.99

Cadet Elongated Linen

¢ ¢ Sq. Ft.

50% Off • Venecia • Lizette • Serrano

Beige & Grey

WAS

1

$ $ 99 99

99

Sugg. Retail $2.69 Sq. Ft.

¢ ¢ Sq. Ft.

Sugg. Retail $99.99

Kitchen & Bath Faucets l Speciase Purcha

70% Off

10” x 14” Wall

Available In Assorted Colors Sugg. Retail $8.99 Sq. Ft.

§

Faucet Not Included.

Glass Floor & Wall Tiles

8” x 12” Wall

13” x 13” Floor

Starting At

39

§

Sugg. Retail $169.99

12” x 12” Floor

89

59

99 99

99 99

§

Matching Ceramic Floor & Wall Tiles

Glueless Laminate Flooring

Galaxy Pedestal Sink

Lux Tank & Bowl Set

Matching Sink Your Choice

all ciia ec pe S Sp e se as ha ch rc ur P Pu

all ciia ec pe S Sp e se as ha ch rc ur P Pu

LDR 0114725

l Speciase Purcha

ng At Starti

2

LDR 18915CP

99 99

l Speciase Purcha

Sq. Ft.

LDR 37915CP

SHOP AT HOME 24 HOURS A DAY: WeismanHomeOutlets.com

99 16 99 99 19 99 99 19 99

Sale Ends March 7, 2012

QUEENS

BROOKLYN

63-27 Metropolitan Ave..............718.497.0212

1175 McDonald Ave...............718.377.8871

• MIDDLE VILLAGE

• SPRINGFIELD GARDENS

• BOROUGH PARK

218-01 Merrick Blvd...................718.723.4000

STORE HOURS: • MON-WED 8-6 • THURS 8-8 • FRI 8-7 • SAT 9-6 •SUN 10-5 • SPRINGFIELD: MON-WED 8-6 • THURS 8-7 • FRI 8-6 • SAT 9-6 SUN 10-5 ***Pertains to cabinets advertised in today’s ad. All sales final. Not responsible for type errors or omissions. Photos for illustration only. § Manufacturers Sugg. Retail.