Southeast Queens Press Epaper

Volume 13 Issue No. 12 March 23-29, 2012

PAGE 18

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

JUST SAY NO

Queens’ City Council delegation came together to protest Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s plans to close eight schools in the borough.

By Veronica Lewin … Page 3

Online at www.QueensPress.com

News Briefs Empowerment Conference Young women in Southeast Queens will have the opportunity to get a selfesteem boost next month.

Every year, A Cause, A Concern, A Solution Network Inc., a non-profit founded by Christina Winslow, hosts a one-day Girls Empowerment Conference.

The conference teaches young women from 11 to 21 self-esteem, etiquette and personal development.

Winslow said it is important to educate young girls before it is too late. The conference also informs participants on postgraduation options, including college and the workforce.

This year’s conference will be held on Saturday, April 14 at York College from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Breakfast, lunch and dessert will be included. The all day event will feature giveaways, workshops, guest speakers, a rap session about bullying and a workshop for parents. Registration for next month’s event ends March 31.

Those interested in attending can register by emailing docjune607@aol.com.

SNUG

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 23-29, 2012

In ongoing work to improve public safety, the Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council has solicited the support of Avery Johnson of the soon-to-be Brooklyn Nets to join Team SNUG. The anti-gun initiative, spearheaded by State Sen. Malcolm Smith, is operating in 10 Districts throughout New York and is a success.

The Chicago-based organization Ceasefire is a consultant for the project, which uses a unique “Public Health” approach to reduce gun violence. As of March 20, the Far Rockaway initiative has reached a milestone with 35 consecutive weeks without any reported homicides or shootings in the Redfern Public Housing developments, which is known for its share of gun violence.

Mets Owners Ordered To Pay Inside the U.S. District Court in Manhattan on March 19, just before a civil trial against New York Mets principal owners Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz was set to begin, Judge Jed Rakoff announced a settlement between the team and a trustee for victims of convicted Ponzi schemer Bernard Madoff.

Rakoff said the Mets and trustee Irving Picard came to a $162 million agreement on March 16, and managed to keep the deal quiet until Monday’s announcement.

According to the deal, which was announced 17 days before the Mets open the 2012 season against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on April 5, no money will be paid for the next three years. Ad-

ditionally, Picard has elected to dismiss the amended complaint that alleged that Sterling Equities — the official name of the Mets ownership group — was willfully blind to the fraud conducted by Madoff.

Former Gov. Mario Cuomo was appointed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York to mediate the dispute between Picard and the Mets over the past year. Both parties thanked Cuomo after the settlement was announced.

With the season approaching, the cloud that this case hung over the team has seemingly dissipated. Sterling Equities was facing losses of more than $350 million if the case had proceeded to trial, and now the focus can be strictly on baseball.

Later that Monday night, multiple reports confirmed that the Mets had sold 12 minority shares in the team at $20 million each and had also repaid two loans — a $40 million bridge loan to Bank of America and a $25 million emergency loan from Major League Baseball.

It remains to be seen if the team will increase spending now that these financial issues seem to be in the past. The team underwent the largest decrease in payroll from one season to another in baseball history, going from $142 million last year to only approximately $95 million for this season.

Madoff is serving a 150-year prison sentence for cheating thousands out of nearly $20 million for years.

Center Uses Queens For Roof Study White roofs reflect more heat than black roofs, and this simple fact may revolutionize 21st century urban design, according to a new Columbia University study that used Queens as its testing ground.

Columbia’s Center for Climate Systems Research submitted the report, published this month in the scientific journal “Environmental Research Letters.” It found that white roofing surfaces with higher albedo (or reflectivity) are effective because they absorb less sunlight, keeping energy costs down and cooling overall city temperatures. Three facilities were monitored in the study: Queens Botanical Garden, Queens’ Museum of Modern Art and a Con Edison building in Long Island City.

The study began in 2007 because, as Stuart Gaffin explained, one of Columbia’s CCSR specialties is searching for ways to alleviate climate change. The real goal of the study, however, was not to necessarily figure out how to best drive down New York City’s temperatures. This mattered, though it was also the long term performance of existing roof types over time that captivated the researchers.

Presstime

Qns. Delegation Protests School Closings Despite public opposition to the proposed turnaround plan that would close eight schools in Queens, the Mayor’s Office and the Dept. of Education have not backed down. With a public hearing less than a month away, the City Council’s Queens delegation united last week to protest the closing of their schools.

Deputy Majority Leader Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) and other members of City Council stood with Borough President Helen Marshall near Borough Hall March 15 to call on Mayor Mike Bloomberg to stop the controversial “turnaround” plan before it comes to a vote next month.

At his State of the City address in January, Bloomberg announced his plan to close 33 Persistently Low Achieving Schools in the City as a way to secure nearly $60 million in federal School Improvement Grant

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

BY VERONICA LEWIN

Councilman Leroy Comrie (at podium) and other members of the City Council from Queens protest the turnaround proposal on March 15. money. In order to be eligible for the funds, Bloomberg and the Dept. of Education had to implement a federally approved improvement plan.

If passed on April 26, the following high schools will be closed: Flushing, William Cullen Bryant, Long Island City, Grover Cleveland, August Martin, Richmond Hill and John Adams. The schools would reopen, but under

a new name and with half of the original staff. The plan was immediately denounced by schools and communities.

Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) said closing his alma mater William Bryant High School, and seven others, would be devastating to the students.

“That will cause a level of disruption in the lives of these young people that we’ll never be able to

recover from,” he said.

Comrie said the turnaround plan was implemented in retaliation for the disagreement between the DOE and the United Federation of Teachers on teacher evaluations.

“This is not for academic excellence, this is not for academic progression. This is just truly out of spite because [Bloomberg] is not having his way on a certain issue,” Comrie said.

Though these schools ended up on the PLA list, administrations have been working to improve outcomes for students.

August Martin High School began their school improvement plan at the beginning of this school year and is already seeing progress.

According to PTA President Jose Ferruzola, the school’s graduation rate has risen to 70 percent in the last three years and has seen improvement on Regents exam scores. Though there has not been a vote on the

plan yet, Ferruzola said Principal Anthony Cromer will lose his job at the beginning of next month because of the turnaround plan.

“As far as I know, before any principal gets thrown out of the school, they have to go through the process. The process doesn’t begin until April, so why is he being let go April 1?” Ferruzola asked.

On April 16, there will be a public hearing on the turnaround proposal. Ten days later, the DOE will vote on the plan, which would go into effect immediately.

Marshall said this sudden change at the end of the school year will be detrimental to students, especially those who will be graduating two months later.

“If we can all take ourselves back to our last year in high school and how we were going to go to college, that’s a very shaky time,” she said. “This is not when they need trauma.”

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

NYCC Cleans Up Foreclosure Mess

BY VERONICA LEWIN

bors - the big banks - only care about their profits, not about what’s good community. This is no way to live.”

Some of the people who participated in the cleanup are worried about becoming another foreclosure statistic themselves. NYCC Member Tikhia Williams, who lives in Jamaica, was laid off when the economy collapsed and has struggled to make mortgage payments. Not only does Williams worry about losing her home, she worries about the impact it will have on the neighborhood.

“There are already two vacant homes on this block. It pains me to think that if I lose my home, that it will become Members of NYCC cleaned up trash from a vacant home, located at 109blight on the community,” 31 157th St., on March 17.

Williams said.

More than 11 million Americans owe more on their sure rate. In the borough, one in a foreclosure rate three times mortgages than their homes are nine homeowners is more than higher than the state average.

Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin worth and declining property 90 days delinquent on mortgage values from unkempt properties payments or in foreclosure. at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or continue to drive up the foreclo- Southeast Queens currently has vlewin@queenspress.com.

March 23-29, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

The foreclosure crisis that has disproportionately impacted Southeast Queens has more consequences than just damaged credit scores and “For Sale” signs.

Vacated homes can turn into a dumpster for passersby, causing problems for neighbors. Now, the community is taking action and protesting the banks responsible for the housing collapse.

On March 17, members of the New York Communities for Change Queens Chapter cleaned up the trash from the lawn of 109-31 157th St. in Jamaica and delivered it to a Citibank local branch, located at 168-48 Hillside Ave. Citibank foreclosed on the property in 2010.

“For a while now, many people have not been able to make their mortgage payments. Seeing the value of our homes decline because of the vacant properties is salt in the wound,” said Jean Sassine of Queens Village. “The

banks who caused the financial crisis should be taking responsibility for these properties. If they can’t, then they should leave them in the hands of families who would be happy to.”

The excess garbage in the community attracts rodents and other vermin and the abandoned homes create an environment welcoming to squatters and criminal activity.

The homeowners still living in the community are facing plummeting property values and quality of life issues because the banks that foreclosed on these properties are not doing their part to maintain them.

“Before the financial crisis, Southeast Queens was a community full of proud homeowners,” said NYCC Member William Seaberry of St. Albans. “We took care of our homes and lawns and watched out for our neighbors.

Now the foreclosure crisis has driven countless families out of their homes and our new neigh-

New Bill Would Point Way To Police Stations

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 23-29, 2012

Do you know where your local police precinct is?

Not all of the borough’s police stations are on major thoroughfares or near busy intersections. Instead, many are located on isolated streets far from major roads, hidden away from the most public places. That often makes them hard to find for citizens who may not know their way around neighborhoods off major streets. Responding to these complaints in the neighborhood they represent, two local City Council members are proposing legislation that will help you find your hidden police station.

Council Members Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) and Diana Reyna (D-Ridgewood) have introduced legislation that would mandate the Dept. of Transportation put up signs citywide directing people to their local precinct, similar to the signs that point people to hospitals

PRESS Photo by Domenick Rafter

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

and Middle Village, but is often difficult to find for residents who are not from Ridgewood.

“This is something that the community asked for,” Crowley said.

Crowley, who held a press conference with Reyna and other community leaders on Catalpa Avenue and Fresh Pond Road on March 15, came with a mock sign - a blue sign simply reading “Police Precinct” with an arrow pointing down Catalpa Avenue toward the Council Members Diana Reyna (at podium) and Elizabeth Crowley (third from r.) 104th Precinct building show a mockup of their proposed signs paving the way to police precincts. two blocks away. She and Reyna said they and museums.

Ridgewood, which is located at hope their legislation would force Under the bill, the DOT would 64th Street and Catalpa Avenue, DOT to install signs like that on be required to put signage in two blocks from Fresh Pond lampposts and telephone poles neighborhoods that deem them Road and far away from any other on major intersections directing needed. Crowley and Reyna rep- major thoroughfare. The 104th people to police stations. resent neighborhoods served by Precinct also serves the neighThe 104th is not the only the 104th Precinct in borhoods of Glendale, Maspeth Queens police station that is lo-

cated off a major thoroughfare.

The 105th Precinct in Queens Village is located on a residential street two blocks south of Braddock Avenue and four blocks east of Springfield Boulevard — the main north/south route through the neighborhoods the precinct serves. Other precincts like the 106th in Ozone Park and the 110th in Elmhurst are hidden in residential communities away from major streets. If the community boards and civic leaders say signs are needed, the bill would require DOT to install them on major thoroughfares close to the precincts.

Crowley added that she believed the cost of the signs would be minimal and Reyna said the bill would include a fiscal impact study to find out what the true cost of such a program would be.

The bill has been introduced and Crowley said she hopes to hold a hearing on it soon.

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

Ackerman: ‘It Was Time To Move On’

Think you can’t afford a home?

Think Again!

BY STEVEN J. FERRARI

that he was backing out of the race, Ackerman said it became “an ideal situaMaking his first public comments since tion” to announce his retirement from the announcement that he would not seek Congress. re-election, U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (DAs the new congressional districts were Bayside) said he wanted to find new ways being decided on, Ackerman said the final to make contributions. lines would be to his advantage if he “I’m still very energetic,” he said during decided to seek another term. Ackerman a conference call with reporters Tuesday said he was a teacher within the confines afternoon. “If I’m going to of the new district and he do something different, started a newspaper in the now’s the time.” district – Ackerman founded Ackerman sent out a the Queens Tribune in 1970. press release March 15 an“Queens has been my nouncing his intentions, just base my entire life,” he said. a couple of hours after As“I know the district intisemblyman Rory Lancman mately. I have stories about (D-Hillcrest) sent out a reevery neighborhood in that lease noting that he would district.” not run in the newly-created With nine months left on 6th Congressional District, his time in Congress, to avoid a primary run Ackerman said he did not against Ackerman. The have any other offers on the Congressman said he knew table and that he was unsure U.S. Rep. that his decision would of what he wanted to do next.

Gary Ackerman come as a surprise to many.

Until then, Ackerman “People were shocked I said he would continue to made the decision,” he said. “I’m shocked fight for the dreams of the people he has I made the decision to leave a job that I served for the last 30 years and to conlove.” tinue to try and make a better world for his Lancman met with Ackerman in the grandchildren. hours before both made their announce“If you don’t fight for your dreams, your ments. Ackerman said he told Lancman goals never come true,” he said. that he had not made a decision, but that Reach Managing Editor Steven J. Ferrari he did drop hints that he would not seek at (718) 357-3400, Ext. 122, or re-election. When Lancman announced sferrari@queenstribune.com.

Firebomb Suspect Faces Trial

BY VERONICA LEWIN

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March 23-29, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

The Queens man arrested for the New Year’s Day firebombings across Jamaica now faces federal charges.

An indictment was unsealed Monday charging Ray Lazier Lengend, of Jamaica, with hate crimes and explosives offenses stemming from his racially and religiously motivated firebombings that took place on Jan. 1. He is also charged with an explosives offense in connection with the firebombing of a Hillside Avenue deli.

A little before 8 p.m. on Jan. 1, a Molotov cocktail was thrown at a deli located at 179-46 Hillside Ave. According to police, Lengend was thrown out of the deli on Dec. 27 for attempting to steal milk and a Starbucks Frappuccino. It is alleged Lengend used glass Starbucks Frappuccino bottles in at least three of the attacks Sunday night.

Soon after, a homemade firebomb was

thrown at the home of Monty and Sonia Burnett on 107th Avenue, severely damaging the house.

Around 9 p.m. on Jan. 1, firebombs were thrown at the door of the Imam AlKhoei Islamic Center, located at 89-89 Van Wyck Expressway, while about 80 people were inside. The final attack occurred at a home on 88-20 170th St. that housed a Hindu temple. Police said the defendant picked his targets due to personal grievances. He allegedly targeted the mosque because he was not allowed to use the bathroom there. No one was injured in any of the attacks.

He will be arraigned on March 26 at the United States Courthouse in Brooklyn. If convicted of all charges, he could receive anywhere between 20 years to life in prison.

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

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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:

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

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Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 23-29, 2012

Advertising Director Shanie Persaud 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

Editorial Good Luck, Gary When the U.S. House of Representatives swears in its members in January, it will be without one of Queens’ strongest allies. U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman announced last week that he would not seek re-election to another term.

His tireless efforts in Congress include serving as chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia and made an historic visit to North Korea in the 1990s to discuss non-proliferation. When he returned to South Korea, he became the first person to cross the Demilitarized Zone since the Korean War. Before he became an elected official, Gary was a teacher in Queens.

In 1970, he began the second phase of his career when he founded our sister paper, the Queens Tribune, serving as the paper’s editor and publisher.

In addition to his hard work and commitment to the community, Gary has always made us a laugh. It is with that spirit that on page 8 of this issue, in his column, “Not For Publication,” the paper’s current publisher – and Gary’s longtime friend – has a little fun at his friend’s expense with an early April Fool’s joke.

We will always think of his public service with a smile.

During an interview earlier this week, the Congressman said he wasn’t sure what he would do when his time in the House of Representatives ended in January. Whatever it is he chooses to do, we know it will be with the best interests of the people of Queens in mind.

Letters Plug In To The Editor: We Americans had better start thinking of developing a vehicle

that only runs on battery power.

Never mind building electric powered plug-in cars, Hybrids or solar powered cars. Just build cars

Letters that run on battery power alone!

Period.

Place a battery into your car, drive approximately 400 or, 500 miles, pull into a battery exchange shop and change the battery like an empty propane gas tank. Then, proceed on your journey. Until now, nothing has been produced to achieve this task of all battery powered vehicles (BPV) and I predict that we are in for a terrible calamity in the near future. Perhaps we should employ graduates from MIT, Matchbox, Tonka, Nintendo, Intel and other manufacturers to team up with the car manufacturers and develop these cars. Or, just maybe, get some fifth graders to help. How about engaging the technical ingenuity of NASA to begin the development of these vehicles? Put the space exploration on the back burner for awhile and get this project started. Just imagine a car that will not catch fire when it’s in an accident because there isn’t any gasoline in it. Think of all that pollution, throughout the world, from the exhaust fumes, which cause illness to those that breathe in the fumes and reeks

havoc to the environment.

I’m sure that without the emissions from every car’s exhaust it will certainly have an effect on the global warming situation and especially our health. Just imagine: no more oil spills.

With all the turmoil erupting in the Middle East, it will not be long before those in power today will be gone tomorrow and those oil producing countries will cease to permit oil to be sold to the United States. Let’s face facts people! We are not adored by a lot of people on this planet. Does anyone remember the oil embargo of 1973? Those countries that had the oil held us hostage.

Have we not learned anything from that catastrophe?

I am going to laugh my butt off when some other country develops this BPV and begins to sell it to us. We have built rockets that placed men on the moon and yet we can’t develop this BPV. What happened to us? Did we become “Brain Dead”?

It’s time to get off our butts and begin developing these vehicles.

Martin Schwartz, Bayside

1 Million Hoodies On March For Justice A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE An unarmed black youth going about his business; an authority figure with a gun shoots him dead and claims self-defense and there is no prosecution, and if there is, they invariably get off scot free.

Where have we heard that one before? Right here in New York City over and over and over again.

This scenario is in the news once more, only this time it’s in Sanford, Fla. I had been trying to avoid hearing the details of this story because it is so very painful and offensive to me as a human being and as a mother of a son who looks like the many victims of this outrage.

But I could avoid the details no more because a mixed group of citizens in New York City earlier this week did what we’ve always done in this country marched against injustice. The march, known as “One Million Hoodies,” was in deference to

the kid’s fashion at the time of his murder. And yes, it was murder.

Trayvon Martin was a skinny 17-year-old allegedly walking through a gated community toward the home of his father’s girlfriend, who lives there.

George Zimmerman, a burly guy described as “white” by sight but Hispanic by his family’s claims, was the shooter. The name Zimmerman is traditionally not Hispanic and not Anglo. It’s usually associated with being Jewish. However he or his family identifies him, there is a lot of racial undertone to the case.

Historically, Blacks and Jews have had a mutually supportive relationship since World War II when the Tuskegee Airmen and others risked their lives to help free the Jews from the Nazi concentration camps. It was the humane and right thing to do.

They returned the favor during the Civil Rights Movement with many, such as Michael Schwerner and Queens College student An-

drew Goodman losing their lives along with James Chaney, while registering black voters in Mississippi in the summer of 1964.

Blacks and Hispanics have also had a supportive relationship, even voting for the same political candidates. But whatever the ethnic identity of Zimmerman, the real tragedy is that a child was shot dead in cold blood by another human being, drunk with the power of a gun.

But in the aggregate, he is not the only one guilty of this horrific act. The state of Florida is also complicit. They, along with 20 other states, have what’s known as a “stand your ground” law on the books. This provides latitude for someone to kill someone else and claim self-defense if they say they told the suspect to stand still and they do not.

When Zimmerman saw Martin wearing a hooded sweatshirt and walking through his fancy neighborhood, he apparently called in to 911 and was told not

to follow the suspect. But he did anyway. He’s not a cop. Why is he following this kid minding his own business?

What ensues between them is a matter of Zimmerman’s word against a dead teenager. How is it self-defense if you are the follower and the unarmed person being followed ends up dead? It’s an outrage.

I’m angry. I am so sick of this happening to our children. Authority figures tend to assume that hoodie equals hoodlum and therefore should be treated as such. Being young, black and male was this kid’s apparent offense.

For everyone who is as angry as I am or even just a little angry, please log on to change.org, a social action network, and sign the electronic petition calling for the arrest of the thug who shot and killed this innocent kid.

Nearly one million people have already signed. Let’s use the power of the Internet to make our voices heard.

Ackerman Act IV: The True Story Of Gary’s Retirement

By MICHAEL SCHENKLER I can imagine how busy Gary Ackerman must be. He’s ducking interviews, handling phone calls and trying to control the spin on the public story of why Queens and Nassau’s favorite Congre ssman (sorr y Joe) decided not to seek another term.

As regular readers know, Gary Ackerman started our sister newspaper the Tribune, has been my business partner since the late 70s and a close friend for 50 years, since 1962 – he was much older then; he’s much older now. As a result of our relationship, I am able to share with you the truth about the season’s biggest political surprise; Gary’s retirement.

The truth (which will formally be announced April 1), will probably shock and surprise many but I believe it will bring joy to the people of New York City.

Let me tr y to tel l the story chronologically: In On Dec. 10, 2008, Bernie Madoff’s sons informed the authorities that their father confessed to them that his asset management firm was a huge Ponzi scheme.

Ackerman, whose present district includes some of the wealthie st communit ie s on Nassau’s North Shore, met with a number of his constituents who were affected by the Madoff scandal including Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz, the principal owners of the New York Met s. Gar y’s distr ict extended through Queens all the way to parts of Jackson Heights and included then Shea Stadium and now Citi Field. Gary was a Mets fan since day one and could often be found at Mets games with some combination of his wife, three kids and four grandkids. Fred Wilpon knew Gary well and confided to

him the impact the Ponzi scheme could have on his personal and busine ss empire – including his prize holding, the New York Mets.

The story basically began to coale sce t he fol low ing mont h when Congressman Gary accompanied Mayor Mike Bloomberg on the Bloomberg jet for a visit to Israel. The two hit it off and Gary shared his perception that his favorite New York sports team was in danger of not having sufficient funds for a world-class payroll.

“Let me know if there is anything I can do,” Gar y said was Mayor Mike’s reaction.

Ackerman continued to meet with Madoff victims and continue to understand that his Mets, our Mets, could be in jeopardy.

Wilpon and Katz and their Sterling Equities, were long-time inve stors in Madoff’s firm, and were accused by Irving Picard, the

court-appointed trustee, of building their business empire by willfully turning a blind eye to signs of Madoff’s multibillion-dollar fraud.

Picard sought to recover nearly $1 billion from Katz and Wilpon, who, because of their sophisticated investment knowledge, should also be compelled to return their $300 million principal investment for the benefit of Madoff victims.

When the Mets started seeking limited par tners, Ackerman

Contempt For Fairness on District Lines activit y, aptly symbolized by the donkey and the elephant - to instantaneous, when unread bills are printed in the middle of the night to comply with externally imposed requirements of law. No law requires that any bills actually be read or understood, so that noncompliance is difficult to prove.

Nor would it particularly matter if the bills were Stern read, because the legislators rely on the decisions made by their caucuses, and the actual voting on issues is perfunctory.

I watched on the Internet the elaborate politene ss with which members addressed each other, as if they were in ancient Rome.

Whatever the subject, the broadcast proceedings cast the glow of an Animal House toga party over the declaiming solons, as they asked each other mock questions to which they had obviously prepared answers.

If I were younger, so much younger than today, I might have felt more demeaned by the proceedings taking place on the floor.

As it happens, however, familiarity eases indignation, so one sees the antic proceedings as what they are: an attempt by people of some ability to make sense out of legal proceedings and rituals, and to have an oppor tunit y to present

their views in a setting not designed for the distribution of information so that people can make more informed decisions than they would otherwise.

Perhaps the worst par t was the contempt shown for fairness and due process in apportionment.

As far as money is concerned, we are used to the insiders get ting more than their share; that appears to be a rule in business and life.

But denying people the right to vote, or hacking, stacking, packing and cracking the voters into packages where their influence is minimized beyond reason, with senior legislators braying in the background that they were in scrupulous compliance with the Voting Rights Act and defying anyone to contradict them did suggest the style and manners of a Southern courtroom sixty years ago. The fact that the same words and phrases are now being used to prove the opposite of what they were originally intended to mean leaves sorrow and discontent in the minds of those who worked so hard and so long for social change.

On the other hand, if you believe that people get the kind of government that they deserve, you might not be particularly disturbed

by Albany. In fairness, in redistricting you see the legislators at their worst, because their own personal interests are so directly affected by

the decisions that they are so deeply arranged in making and manipulating.

If one could take one sentence out of the deliberations, it should be gratitude that in our system, the powers of government are limited, because if the assemblage of our representatives had the authority to make decisions of greater impor tance to our lives, I would feel increasingly uncomfortable living in any area in which their writ would run.

StarQuest@NYCivic.org

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

March 23-29, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

By HENRY STERN The golden age of cooperation between the branches of New York State government appears to have settled into an era of relative tranquility, during which traditional relat ionsh ips bet ween longtime incumbents are likely to continue their gravitational impulse on each other, rather than remake State governHenry ment into anything much more significant than it has been since the years of drift began.

When unexpected events occur, there are likely to be changes which may be required to avert fiscal catastrophe. To the extent that it legally is able to do so, the system will absorb these changes so as to minimize their effect. It is like the effect of well-regulated air conditioning, minimizing the variations that actually take place from time to time.

When changes are required by law, the y are made at t he last minute, with minimal public attention. This promotes the aura of continuity, which is a hallmark of a government of modest aspirations, acting when circumstances require action, but not generating any great activity on its own.

What we did learn this year is that government can work, in its own fashion, which ranges from lumbering - the usual pat tern of

called Bloomberg and several others of his wealthier acquaintances and friends. Ackerman put together a fund of more than half a billion dollars and enlisted some of New York’s top merger and acquisition attorneys to structure a potential deal should things continue to go bad for the Mets owners.

Ackerman and attorneys met with Mets ownership and their attorneys to agree on contingency plans should a sale be necessary.

Two weeks ago, on March 6, the cour t concluded the Madoff trustee was entitled to $83,309,162, which represented “fictitious profits” received by Katz and Wilpon.

And as of Monday of this week, agreed to $186 million settlement.

The next week was a whirlwind of un-structuring and restructuring.

It is my understanding that the deal is done and will close before the season opener. It will have Wilpon and Katz retain a 25 percent interest in the team and they will continue to control “SportsNet New York” and SN Y.tv and the broadcast rights to the Mets for a period of five years.

Ackerman will serve as Managing Partner and has promised me the Mets will soon return to greatness.

With opening day April 5, look for the big formal announcement on April 1. You’d be a fool to miss it.

And Gary, please save me two seats behind the plate.

MSchenkler@QueensTribune.com

March Madness:

Queens Dems Back Meng For Congress

BY DOMENICK RAFTER The streets of Forest Hills were just coming to life on this abnormally warm March Monday morning. Overhead, planes taking off from LaGuardia zipped across the sky, while trains carrying thousands of commuters to Penn Station whizzed through the canyon created by the neighborhood’s apartment buildings. Life went on as usual in the central Queens neighborhood, seemingly unaware of the changing political winds occurring on the second floor of 72-50 Austin St. at Queens County Democratic Headquarters.

There, elected officials and district leaders from all across Central Queens gathered in a cramped room - its walls covered by past campaign signs and nowobsolete State Assembly district maps. State legislators, City Council members, district lead-

ers and other familiar faces in the Queens Democratic Party chatted over donuts and coffee as they waited to make official a historic candidacy for Congress.

Historic Nomination By a unanimous vote of those present, Assemblywoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing), a second-term state legislator from one of the borough’s most vibrant communities received the county party’s nod to replace U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Bayside) in Congress, in a new district that takes in the heart of Central Queens.

She was nominated at the Monday meeting by Councilman Mark Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens) who was one of six people considered for the Democratic Party endorsement for the seat.

“We’ve made our designation.

Our choice is Grace Meng,” Queens County Democratic Party

chairman and U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) announced to thunderous applause.

Crowley and Democratic leaders chose Meng after meeting with her, Weprin, Assemblyman Rory Lancman (DHillcrest), who dropped out of the race last week when Ackerman was still running, Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village), State Sen. Tony Avella (DBayside) and term limited Councilman James Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows). Lancman and Crowley have both announced they would campaign for the Democratic nomination in the June 26 primary despite Meng’s candidacy. Avella, Gennaro and Weprin all endorsed Meng.

“It’s rare in the business that you meet someone like Grace Meng, she’s hard not to love,” Weprin said. “From the first time

Grace Meng Two-term member of the New York State Assembly Born: Oct. 1, 1975 in Queens Meng is the daughter of Jimmy Meng, who in 2002 was the first Asian-American elected to the state legislature. Her father retired after one term and was replaced by Ellen Young in 2006. Meng defeated Young in the 2008 primary and was elected to represent Downtown Flushing that November. She is a graduate of Stuyvesant High School, received a B.A. from the University of Michigan and holds a law degree from the Benjamin Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University. She lives in Flushing with her husband Wayne and sons Tyler and Brandon.

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 23-29, 2012

Rory Lancman Three-term member of the New York State Assembly.

Born: March 1, 1969 in Queens Lancman was elected in 2006 after the retirement of former Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin. He represents a district that includes Kissena Park, Hillcrest, Briarwood and Richmond Hill. A graduate of Hillcrest High School, he also has a degree from Queens College and a law degree from Columbia Law School. He was a First Lieutenant in the 42nd Infantry Division. Lancman eyed a run for Congress to replace Anthony Weiner in last September’s special election, but was passed over for Assemblyman David Weprin. He announced a run for Congress earlier this year against U.S. Rep. Bob Turner, but redistricting eliminated the district. He lives in Hillcrest with his wife and three children.

Elizabeth Crowley One and a half term member of the New York City Council Born: Nov. 27, 1977 in Queens Crowley is the cousin of U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) and daughter of Walter and Mary Crowley, who both served in the New York City Council.

She has an M.S. in City and Regional Planning from Pratt Institute’s Graduate School of Architecture and a B.A. in Restoration and Preservation from SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology where she was a Presidential Scholar and graduated Magna Cum Laude. She was elected to the NYC Council in November 2008, defeating incumbent Anthony Como to finish out the term of Republican Dennis Gallagher and was elected to a full term a year later, defeating former Councilman Tom Ognibene. She represents the Western Queens neighborhoods of Maspeth, Middle Village, Glendale and Ridgewood. She lives in Glendale.

I met her, she’s someone I knew would be a star.”

Accepting the nomination, Meng called for unity and said she did not seek to see the ethnically diverse district segregated in the race.

“Our campaign for Congress to replace Gary Ackerman will resist any efforts to divide our communities,” Meng said. “We will reject any attempt to place one community against another.

We are all New Yorkers.”

The Sixth District Most of the territory in the new 6th Congressional District comes from the eliminated district of U.S. Rep. Bob Turner (RMiddle Village) who replaced former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner in a special election last year, but a little more than a third of it - including Flushing and Bayside - are carved from Ackerman’s old district. Although the district’s demographics put it at almost an even split between whites and Asians, the largest voting bloc in the Democratic Party in the district is Jewish voters. Many of the district’s Asian residents are not citizens and not able to vote. Among those who are citizens and registered to vote, many are independents. The Democratic primary is a closed primary and only registered Democrats can vote.

What advantage Crowley may have in the race is unclear. Both Meng and Lancman come from the eastern part of the district and the number of Democratic voters in the western part, which voted overwhelmingly for Turner in the 2011 special election, is fewer. Crowley could siphon some of the white vote from Lancman but may also take some of the women vote from Meng.

Rep. Crowley called for unity

and said he expects the party to be united in November regardless of the primary.

“We still hope we can talk to the others about the historical nature of [Grace Meng’s] candidacy,” he said. He did not comment in depth on his cousin’s campaign. Instead he simply shrugged his shoulders and said he had not spoken with her about it.

“My cousin is my cousin and I love my cousin,” he said.

The winner of the Democratic Party would be favored to succeed Ackerman in Congress. The district is solidly Democratic, and would have given President Barack Obama 63 percent of the vote in 2008. No notable Republicans have yet announced a candidacy for the seat, although some have been pushing Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone) to get into the race. Neverthless, Rep. Crowley, leading a party still reeling after the loss of Weiner’s seat last September, said he would not take any chances.

“We take nothing for granted,” he said.

If elected, Meng would be the first Asian-American sent to Congress from New York State or any eastern state. She would be only the second Chinese-American woman elected to Congress and the first Queens women elected since Geraldine Ferraro.

The primary is a first for Queens in a long time. The last competitive primary for an open Congressional seat was in 1998 when Weiner defeated then-Forest Hills Assemblywoman Melinda Katz by less than 500 votes in the Democratic primary to replace Chuck Schumer, who would successfully run for U.S. Senate that year.

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

New York’s 6th Congressional District Neighborhoods: Auburndale, Bayside, Briarwood, Electchester, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Flushing, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Hillcrest, Hollis Hills, Jamaica Hills, Kew Gardens, Kew Gardens Hills, Kissena Park, Maspeth, Middle Village, Murray Hill, Oakland Gardens, Queensboro Hill, Rego Park, Ridgewood, Pomonok Population: 717,707 (Voting Age Population: 585,332) Demographics (Voting Age Population): White, non-Hispanic 39%; Asian 38%; Hispanic 17%; Black 4% 2008 Presidential Election Results: Obama 63%, McCain 36%

Police Blotter Compiled by JASON PAFUNDI

106th Precinct Missing Man The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 71year-old Jamaica resident Vernell McCallum.

McCallum was last seen inside of the Resort World Casino on March 15, at approximately 5:30 p.m.

He is described as being 5foot-7, with brown eyes and black hair and was last seen wearing black corduroy pants and walking with a cane.

Anyone with information in regards to this missing person 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 enter TIP577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

Larcener Wanted The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect wanted for a grand larceny.

On Feb. 27 at 4:20 p.m., the victim, an 18-year-old Hispanic male, was walking in front of 118-05 Liberty Ave. when the suspect ran up behind him, removed his Beats by Dr. Dre headphones and fled. There were no reported injuries.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male between 16-18 years old, 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-9 and weighing 130-150 pounds.

Anyone with information in regards to this grand larceny is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at nypdcrimestoppers.com or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

incidents is asked to call Crime stoppers at 1-80 0-577-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 enter TIP577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

108th Precinct Suspect Wanted The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance with the whereabouts of Peter Kim, who is wanted in connection to a series of grand larcenies in the confines of the 108 pct.

On March 1, 12 victims were told they could move into 43-01 46th St. in Sunnyside after exchanging money with the suspect days before for an apartment that he advertised on “Craig’s List”. The suspect did not have permission or authority to rent the apartment.

Peter Kim (AKA Michael Hong) is described as a 31-yearold Asian male, approximately 5’8" tall and weighing between 130-150 pounds.

Anyone with information in regards to Peter Kim and these

109th Precinct Missing Boy The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in ascertaining the whereabouts of 14-yearold Wai Man Ng, of 25-09 College Point Blvd.

He was last seen inside his residence at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, wearing a blue jacket, blue jeans and white sneakers.

The missing is 5-foot-3 and weighs 120 pounds.

Anyone with information in regards to this missing child is

asked to call Crime stoppers at 1-80 0-577-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 enter TIP577.

Missing Girl The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in ascertaining the whereabouts of 16-yearold Yu Dai, who was last seen inside her residence at 132-29 Blossom Ave. at 3 a.m. on March 15.

She is 5-foot-5 and weighs 105 pounds and was last seen wearing a grey jacket and blue jeans.

Save 911 For The Real Thing!

Borough Beat

Occupy Queens Movement Goes On The Road

BY ROSS BARKAN

ated congestion and made the area safer for walking.

For Ray Dries of Occupy Queens, it is less a question of who is right and who is wrong than having a free discussion about the controversy in the first place.

“It’s really about getting people engaged at the local community level,” Dries, a Jackson Heights resident himself, said. “The think tank is part of it. It’s the old concept of the forum, the Greek agora, the idea that within a community people can come together on a regular basis and have real discussions about issues that are of concern for them.”

Dries, Cristian Mejia, Walter Ditman, and Daphne Calvo — who held the aforementioned recorder that will archive all think tank conversations, in conjunction with Occupy Wall Street, in the Taminent Library at New York University — worked together to encourage people passing by to jump into the conversation being recorded in the plaza.

Ditman, handing out fliers, ex-

plained that he does question the exact placement of the plaza, though is supportive of the idea.

“I think it’s a great idea, unfortunately I don’t think it was well thought out,” he said. “Although it’s beneficial, I think it’s, as I’m sure you heard from other people, it’s having a deleterious effect on the store owners.”

Arms spread wide, a furious business owner, Nooruddian Dashdi, agreed. He argued that his businesses “were hurting,” and said the plaza was encouraging drunkards. Facilitators asked him, as he was shouting, to give other people in the circle a chance to speak. Eventually, with his harangue complete, he did.

One woman taking part in the discussion did not like Dashdi’s attack on homeless people and vagrants.

“They’re people too,” she said.

“They have rights. Many of them are very bright.”

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

March 23-29, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Photo courtesy of Occupy Queens

It was not a whole lot like crossing the Brooklyn Bridge en masse, founding a now iconic micro-society in Manhattan’s Zucotti Park, or turning Times Square into a frothing sea of bodies and protest signs. Joined in a circle at the 37th Road Plaza in Jackson Heights, the apoplectic business owner, the soft-spoken teenager and the elderly woman who said her Congressman does not listen to her, spoke into a recorder so the others in the circle, and the unknown internet ears, would hear them. They spoke politely. They shouted.

And they did not, based on the volatile cadences of their voices, always agree.

Occupy Queens, an offshoot of the Occupy Wall Street movement, has been described as a leaderless resistance movement.

Its plate of grievances continues to fill — immigrant rights, income inequality and civil liberties abuses are just some of the myriad issues

that will arise at any given meeting. At the heart of Occupy Queens, at least currently, is not the word “occupy.” Do not bother trekking to Kissena or Flushing Meadows Corona Park to search for grizzled occupiers.

Look to the mobile think tanks instead — also called The People’s Think Tank — for where Queens’ more subdued Occupy movement is headed. Scheduled to meet every other week, the think Occupy Queens is holding community tanks are free form, outdoor discussion forums, called “think tanks.” discussion groups that seek This think tank occurred at the 37th to engage members of the Road Plaza in Jackson Heights. public in an open dialogue.

The topics of discussion will be in traffic, the side street flanked by flux, though Occupy facilitators — restaurants, bodegas and various they eschew the term “leader” in small businesses is now a pedesthe spirit of their proud opposi- trian mall. Tables and chairs wait tion to hierarchical organizations in the street. Elevated train tracks — will guide dialogues. In the in- lie a block away. Opponents of stance of the March 10 mobile the plaza, many of them business think tank at the 37th Road Plaza, owners, claim the plaza has harmed their businesses. Supportthe topic was the plaza itself.

Formerly open to automobile ers believe the plaza has allevi-

pix

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

Women Celebrated

Queens DA Richard A. Brown recently attended the first graduation ceremony of the Queens County Veterans Court.

Pictured (from left) are The Hon. Sol Wachtler, the H o n . M a r c i a P. H i r s c h , Brown, the Hon. Judy Harris Kluger, and the Hon. Fernando M. Camacho.

Free Exams The Greater Jamaica Development Corporation's Downtown Committee recently met in the Harvest Room of the Jamaica Market. Pictured (from left) are Simone Price, executive director of the Sutphin Boulevard Business Improvement District; Philippa Karteron, the executive director of the Council for Airport Opportunity; Laurel Brown, executive director of the Jamaica Center Business Improvement District; and William Martin, chairman of the downtown committee.

Photo by Walter Karling

Councilman Leroy Comrie celebrated Women's History Month with an event where women in Queens were recognized for their contributions to the city through writing, ministry and community service. Comrie is pictured with Dr. Lindamichelle Barron, publisher and president of Harlin Jacque Publications.

GJDC

Graduation Day

Queens County Bar Association hosted a mobile mammogram and clinical breast exam van at the Jamaica Supreme Court. Pictured (from left) are Barbara Flatts, Macon B. Allen Black Bar Association; Donna Furie, Queens Women's Bar Association; Morgan Lancman, Brandeis Association; the Hon. Cheree Buggs, Queens County Bar Association and chairwoman of the Cancer Awareness Committee; Peter Lane, Catholic Lawyers Association; and Terry Catapano-Fox, Columbian Lawyers Association.

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Queens Man Quitting Job For Africa

BY VERONICA LEWIN One Queens man is so determined to improve the quality of life in Sierra Leone, he’s quitting his job to take a hands-on approach to helping.

Al-Hassan Kanu, director of community affairs for Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), is leaving his job in July to return to Sierra Leone. After 14 years in Queens, he feels it is now time to go home and help.

He plans to run for parliament to be able to help people on a government level.

“I will walk. I will do it. I will give up everything go help those people back home, because they are suffering and I don’t believe I should be here enjoying what I enjoy and yet, the people of my country are suffering the way they’re suffering,” he said.

This past February, Kanu went back to his birthplace,

Sierra Leone.

Grassfield, Sierra Leone From 1991 to to visit with family and 2002, Sierra Leone friends. Residents soon was engulfed in a informed him about a civil war. The war shaky bridge structure in devastated the counthe Benk community try, leaving more that they called a “death than 50,000 people trap.” The wooden bridge dead, much of the was missing planks and infrastructure ruined safety railings, making it and displaced more a hazard to whoever than 2 million resicrossed. Three people in dents to neighborthe past year – two chiling countries. dren and an older woman Though the war has – were killed because of the dangerous bridge. Al-Hassan Kanu (holding shovel) rebuilds a dangerous been over for a decade, Kanu said the Kanu was asked to reno- bridge in Sierra Leone during his February visit. effects of the war vate the bridge by installing new wooden boards. In- don’t have good sanitation or are still quite visible in the country. “Life has not changed,” he stead, he and a group of resi- clean water,” he said.

During his month home, said. The poverty rate continues dents built a concrete bridge in two weeks, complete with safety Kanu said he used his own to increase as fewer and fewer money to install four light poles jobs become available. railings.

The controversial diamond While Sierra Leone is rich in in the area to make streets safer minerals, the country greatly for the people of Grassfield. He mining industry is one of the lacks natural resources. “There’s is working on obtaining old City few constants in the country’s people dying just because they bus stops that could be used in economy. While companies use

“blood diamonds” to sell expensive pieces of jewelry, the profits do not trickle down to the people who did the heavy labor.

“The people that actually go down there and get these diamonds do not have water to drink. It’s a disgrace,” Kanu said.

At the very least, he suggested the country’s economy could be stimulated by allowing people in Sierra Leone to wash or cut the diamonds after they are mined. “We can’t wash them, we can’t cut them? That can create jobs,” Kanu said.

In the meantime, he plans to collect clothes and send them over to Sierra Leone. “It’s my life. It’s what I want to do,” he said.

Those interested in helping can call (347) 419-3508.

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

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March 23-29, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

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People Amanda Alford of Jamaica has been selected to take part in the Student Technology Academic Resources program for the 201213 academic year ar Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn.

STARs are trained to assist university students and faculty with technological problems.

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 23-29, 2012

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

Specialist Diana Moise of St. Albans has reenlisted to continue service with the 14th Finance Detachment.

Sergeant Edgar Ochoa of Jamaica has reenlisted to continue service with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 169th Infantry.

Sergeant Njeri Shields of Jamaica has reenlisted to continue service with the Intelligence and

Sustainment Company, 42nd Infantry Division.

Army National Guard Private Joseph A. Suriel has graduated from One Station Unit Tr a i n i n g a t Fo r t L e o n a rd Wo o d , Way n e s v i l l e , M o . , which included basic military training and advanced individual training. During basic military training, Suriel received instruction in drill and ceremony, weapons qualification, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army doctrine, history, principles and traditions.

Suriel is the son of Marisol Vargas of Jamaica and Genoro Suriel of Manhattan. HE is a 2009 graduate of the High School for Law Enforcement and Public Safety in Jamaica.

Sidney B. Delince of Queens Village, a senior human development major at SUNY Oswego, will be taking part in an internship this spring through

the college’s Experience-Based Education Program. Delince will intern with the Oswego YMCA. The New York Lottery recently announced Berolyn Brown of St. Albans won $10,000 on the Lottery’s Bingo Boxes scratch-off game. Brown’s winning ticket was purchased at the D&C Mini Market Corp, 187-07 Linden Blvd., St. Albans.

The New York Lottery announced the names of Lottery players who claimed a winning ticket from one of the Lottery’s live drawings March11-17. The following winners each received a cash prize valued at $10,000 or more.

Bhupaul Mangalram of South Ozone Park won $10,000 on the Powerball drawing March 10. Mangalram’s winning ticket was purchased in Larchmont.

Qayaam Farrouq of South Ozone Park won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing

March 13. Farrouq’s winning ticket was purchased at Liberty Wholesale Beverages, 118-09 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park.

Air Force Airman Steven Joseph graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

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

Joseph is the son of Koucilla Joseph of South Ozone Park.

Justin Romo of South Ozone Park was awarded a Macintosh – Burkett Scholarship at SUNY Delhi. Romo is pursuing an associate’s degree in architectural technology and will receive $250 towards a Delhi education.

Sakirat Akadri of Jamaica was named to the winter High Honor Roll at Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Conn.

Pinewood Winner:

Nathanuel Dixon of Cub Scout Pack 263 in Rochdale Village won first place in the Wolves category at the recent Founder’s District Annual Grand Prix Pinewood Derby at Green Acres Mall.

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Laughs Served At Ventriloquist Show

BY ROSS BARKAN Maybe it was when the old lady puppet gave the flesh and blood man a lap dance, or during the colon’s rendition of the Ghost Busters theme song — who ya gonna call: gas busters! — that audience members unfamiliar

with the singular style of Bob Baker knew that this show was not going to be like any other that they had seen. Puppets in hand, Baker sought to electrify an ancient art with modern (and hilarious) sensibility. He succeeded.

Baker, 60, will tell you that

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two separate parts simultaneously. You’re speaking and acting for both people.”

This challenge comes into play when the puppet is expressing one emotion and the ventriloquist is expressing another entirely different emotion.

Baker, in essence, plays the straight man to Lucille Goldman, the octogenarian mentioned above who is primarily fascinated with trying to have sex with younger men. Midway through Goldman’s star’s turn, she was giving an amused man in the front row a lap dance.

Two more puppets, each as radically different as Goldman, sprung from Baker’s boxes. Sigmoid Colon, an anthropomorphic colon, made in his raspy voice just about every bowel-related pun that could exist, and Otis Bigelow, an elderly black puppet who toyed with preconceived notions of race (and puppetry), emerged to repeatedly scold Baker.

And what, exactly, do a gastroenterologist and ventriloquist ultimately have in common?

“They both make people feel good,” he said. “And they’re both hard to spell.”

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

New iPad A Hit In Queens

BY JASON PAFUNDI

As soon as Apple announced March 16 as the release date for its next version of the iPad, Woodside resident Anthony Watkins knew what he was going to do.

Watkins immediately called his boss and told him he would be taking that Friday off as a personal day. And just like he had for every recent Apple device from the original iPad and iPad 2 to the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, Watkins made plans to be in the front of the line on release day.

“I am a huge technology nerd, and I follow all the blogs and all

the rumor sites, so I knew the new iPad was coming,” Watkins said as he clutched his new device outside the tech giant’s newest store in Grand Central Terminal.

“My family thinks I’m crazy and my current girlfriend wishes sometimes I’d show more commitment to her, but whatever, I just love this company.”

Watkins was joined by hundreds, if not thousands, of fellow Apple fanboys to be the first to get their hands on the newest version of the top-selling iPad tablet.

The new device boasts a faster processor, 4G data capability, a new five megapixel rear camera and most-importantly, a high-definition screen that

Apple calls the “retina display.”

At the store in Grand Central, which at 23,000 square feet is Apple’s largest in the world, long lines were common throughout the day, but Apple staffers and security guards kept things organized and the lines to purchase the new device moving smoothly.

“I got to the store around 10 a.m. and got inside, got my iPad, got a cover and was out of there within an hour,” said Maspeth resident Miguel Ardeso. “And that is pretty good for a new product launch.”

Reach Reporter Jason Pafundi at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, or jpafundi@queenstribune.com.

March 23-29, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

Once again, here we were, the sun shining down on Bell Boulevard. I, the intrepid reviewer, was overdressed on an unseasonably warm March afternoon. My friend was not. He smiled. It was time for Thai.

Bayside’s Erawan Thai Cuisine deserves to be hyped.

The food is a riot of flavor and spice, sating in the type of way that makes dinner unnecessary if you have already eaten lunch. It was lunch time.

Craig Heed, my lunchtime companion, has accompanied me on these sorts of excursions before and provides a nice counterweight to my paradoxical food adventurism. For example, I will eat anything, but will not devour something that is too spicy. Craig is the sort of maverick who thinks “too spicy” is not spicy enough — his only fear is no fear.

As we discussed creating an insanely self-indulgent blog to compliment our fantasy baseball league, our great waitress brought out some rich appetizers. I devoured the beef and chicken satay, strips of meat impaled on a stick. Stealing Craig’s soy mustard, I closed my eyes and imagined a paradise of satay, in which all the

world’s paper currency has been exchanged for meat dipped in soy mustard. It was not a practical daydream.

We each ate duck for our main course and I, a tactical genius when it comes to ordering food, opted for the crunchy half duck known in Thai as Petd Num Daeng. The duck had little bone, maximum meat and unparalleled crispness. Yes, I have consumed larger and more intimidating ducks, but never a duck with so much zest. Even the bone had flavor. At Thai restaurants, I typically choose pad thai, a noodle dish, but I was glad to wade outside of my expanding comfort zone.

Dessert brought its own thrilling challenges. Our waitress suggested the mango sticky rice and fried ice cream. I was determined to continue my dessert streak and gain enough weight to not be sexy for beach season. Craig, unlike me, hates the beach. Little did I know, fried ice cream means your ice cream is literally lit on fire. This was fascinating and if I was just a bit dumber, I would have jumped the gun and eaten the ball of sugary fire, ruining my taste buds forever. Luckily, the ice cream was delicious, and I enjoyed stealing Craig’s mango and strawberry.

Erawan is the type of place you go to when you have tired of predictable, terrible food and want your life to change. Eat there, take a pal, take a date, or go alone with an enthralling paperback. The food will be masterful, regardless.

-Ross Barkan

long before he was Dr. Robert a lifelong passion was born.

W. Baker, a gastroenterologist at Baker looks more like a doctor North Shore University Hospi- than a ribald comic; when speaking off stage, the betal and an assistant spectacled, balding professor of medicine gastroenterologist is in at New York Univercharge, not the madsity School of Medicap ventriloquist who cine, he was a practicdreamt up characters ing ventriloquist and like Lucille Goldman, magician. Most of his a sexually-charged ocpatients, when they togenarian. do come in to comAll of the proceeds plain about their irriof his shows are dotable bowel syndrome The doctor is no nated to charity. He or submit to a dummy. has two children with colonoscopy, are aware of his more entertaining autism and tends to give to autism-related charities. side.

Two strong comedians, David “When I was in medical school, I performed in the Wade of NBC’s “Last Comic Borscht Belt in every stinking Standing,” and local favorite Lori little bungalow colony you’ve Palminteri, opened for him, but never heard of,” said Baker at his their fairly conventional joke-tell8 p.m. third Thursday of every ing could not prepare an unsusmonth show at the Great Neck pecting observer for Baker’s puprestaurant Simply Fondue. “I was pets — all hand-crafted by the docsmall time. I said, you know tor himself — and their wild peryou’ve paid your show business sonalities. The self-taught Baker dues when you do a show at one explained that an effective veno’clock in the morning for a triloquist must maintain two difbunch of drunks that just got ficult illusions, which he successback from a losing night in fully did once on stage.

“Illusion No. 1 is the illusion Monticello.”

Baker, who first began learn- that you are throwing your voice ing ventriloquism and magic — it is not possible to throw one’s around the age of eight, was voice. The harder illusion is to drawn originally to puppetry. At create the illusion of life, so that 9 years old, he saw Chicago ven- that puppet becomes a living, triloquist Terry Bennett flicker separate entity from yourself. across his television screen, and You’re basically an actor playing

Faith

Choir Helps Celebrate 350 Years

BY VERONICA LEWIN In a continuation of their 350th anniversary celebration, the First Presbyterian Church of Jamaica is hosting a concert on March 25.

The church, located at 89-60 164th St. in Jamaica, invites the community to enjoy a perfor-

Word “I live and love in God’s peculiar light.”

-Michelangelo

mance by the Milal Missionary transformed the church from Choir at 6 p.m. on March 25. The being solely a place where group will sing a variety of tradi- people can come to praise the Lord to a place tional and contempopeople could go to rary selections. The feel a sense of comevent is free, but donamunity. “We’ve altions will be accepted. ways seen ourselves Refreshments will be as being here to serve available for purchase. the community,” the In 1662, a group of Rev. Patrick Dutch settlers built a O’Connor said.

40-sq-ft church on The family-like what is now Jamaica qualities of the First Avenue. It soon grew Presbyterian Church into the community helped start several staple it is today. In organizations in the addition to building a neighborhood. Accongregation, the First Rev. Patrick cording to O’Connor, Presbyterian Church O’Connor the Jamaica YMCA, also housed many activities for the community on its Jamaica Hospital Center and Jcampus. One of the church’s SPOA all got their start inside the building’s served as a movie the- First Presbyterian Church. The ater, while other buildings had church also contributed money playhouses, bowling alleys, or for the founding of Princeton gyms. All of these amenities University.

O’Connor has been the church’s pastor since August 1992. He cites the upcoming Tree of Life Outreach Center as one of the church’s accomplishments since he began leading the congregation. The church acquired land next door to build the family resource center, which is expected to open later this year. The Tree of Life will seek to help those who are just starting out or ready to change their lives. It will encourage people to take the next steps, with its focus on helping youth, immi- The First Presbyterian Church of Jamaica. grants and those in recovery. The outreach center will tion, visit firstchurchjamaica.org.

Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin open later this year.

For more information about at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or the 350th anniversary celebra- vlewin@queenspress.com.

Notebook Martin Van Buren HS

MVB Senior Aspires To Be Engineer Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 23-29, 2012

BY VERONICA LEWIN One senior is spending his final year of high school doing everything he can to help his peers and the community reach success.

Bradley Stevens is the President of the Scholars Institute at Martin Van Buren High School.

The Scholars Institute is a group created to motivate high performing students to perform community service and increase their chances of earning a scholarship for higher education. As president of the Scholars Institute, Stevens is required to ensure members of the institute are doing their job and fills in whenever necessary. He is one of the few students who stay after school to volunteer in the Student Organization office. He also

assists Scholars Institute Advisor Shane Sweeting in planning school activities and organizing out-of-school events.

“Bradley takes the initiative when things have to be done; he doesn’t need directions to get him to complete a task,” said John Costellano, the senior advisor at Martin Van Buren.

Stevens is the Student Organization Budget Director and a member of the Arista Honors Society. He plays the piano in the high school band and is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Stevens is also a member of Martin Van Buren’s Art Club and Robotics Club.

Each spring, Stevens participates in the Junior Achievement activity. He and his peers travel to PS 33 to teach elementary school students about City gov-

ernment. Every Sunday, Stevens provides technical support to the Church of Christ in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, as well as anything else the church may need him to do.

His philosophy in life is, “Discipline and hard work are essential to productivity; thought without compassion and compassion and cooperation a society cannot exist.” Stevens has a GPA of 94 and is interested in studying Engineering or Computer Programming. He is applying to Cooper Union School of Engineering, Harvard College, The King’s College, Macaulay Honors College of CUNY and Hartwick College.

Coordinator of Student Affairs Brian Greenspan said Stevens is an exemplary student in every possible respect and

Bradley Stevens gets along well with all of his peers. “Bradley’s personality is devoid of pretense, yet he is loved by all who come in contact with him,” he said. “He is

an exceptional young man with a bright and promising future.”

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

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

MISCELLANEOUS MARCH FOR EARTH Sunday, March 25 celebrate the first day of spring, Earth Day, at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

886-3800. 10-1. Free.

METROCARD VAN Tuesday, March 27 1-3 at Forest Parkway and Jamaica Avenue.

RELIGION MITZVAH DAY Saturday, March 24 following the Shabbat service at 10 at the Reform Temple of F o r e s t H i l l s , 7 1 - 1 1 1 1 2 th Street. 261-2900.

WOMEN’S SEDER Sunday, March 25 at Te m p l e T i k va h . 5 1 6 - 7 4 6 1120.

DANCE

THEATER FUNNY THING Through March 25 “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way to the Forum” at Marathon Little Theatre in Little Neck. $18 adults. 229-4644.

RENT April 11-14, 18-20 at LaGuardia Performing Arts.

482-5151.

PSYCHO BEACH May 4 through 12 “Psycho Beach Part y” at the Shadowbox Theatre at Queensborough Communit y College.

631-6284.

RENT May 4 through 13 “Rent” at York College. 262-2412.

ANNIVERSARY Saturday, March 24 38 th anniversary of the Allen Communit y Senior Citizens Center 1-5. 658-0980.

SENIOR YOGA Monday, March 26 senior yoga starts for a series of 10 weeks at the Bayside Jewish Center. 10-11. First session free. Bring mat or towel, wear a tee shirt and sweats.

CLEARVIEW SENIOR Monday, March 26 Music Appreciation at 12:30.

Wednesday, March 28 “Review and Wrap-up” talk at 11. Thursday, March 29 “Medication Management” at 10:15. Friday, March 30 movie at 12:45. Call for title.

Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 2 6th Avenue, Bayside. 224-7888.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE Mondays Lunch, lesson and c o n ge n i a l p l ay. 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 librar y. Learn how special exercise and relaxation techniques make a difference in your life.

TAX HELP Tuesday, March 27 at the Hollis library. 465-7355.

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

BRIDGE Wednesdays Reform Temple of Forest Hills. 2612900.

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

STARS Wednesdays at the Hollis librar y. Senior Theater Acting Reper tory. 776-0529.

HORIZONS CLUB Thursday, March 29 Horizons Club for those 55 and over, meets at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 711 1 1 1 2 th S t r e e t a t 1 2 : 3 0 .

Comparison of the screen and stage versions of “Sunset Boulevard” and the career of Gloria Swanson will be discussed. $3 includes coffee and cake.

TAX HELP Thursday, March 29 tax counseling for low-income older adults at the Fresh Meadows library at 1.

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

AARP QUEENS CHORUS Fridays through March rehearsals at 1 at the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center.

523-1330 information.

TALKS SON OF APOLLO Saturday, March 24 “Revelations 911: Sun of Apollo” discussion and signing at 1:30 at Barnes 7 Noble, 17660 U n i o n Tu r n p i ke , Fre s h Meadows.

HONEY BEES Sunday, March 25 learn about the honeybee at Alley Pond Environmental Center.

229-4000. $8.

MOTIVATIONAL WORK. Monday, March 26 Motivational Workshop for Adults at the Laurelton library at 6.

BLUE OCEAN Tuesday, March 27 7:158:30 Blue Ocean strategies to take your career or business to new heights. Samuel Field Y. 224-0566.

SELLING CRAFTS Wednesday, March 28 learn how to sell your handicrafts online at the Central library. 990-5102.

CALLIGRAPHY Thursday, March 29 appreciation of classical Chinese calligraphy at the Flushing library at 6:30.

TEXTILES Sunday, April 1 Textiles and Costume in Early Central A s i a n P h o t o g ra p h y. $ 5 .

F l u s h i n g Tow n H a l l . 4 6 3 7700.

PARENTS PSYCHOLOGICAL CENTER Social skills program with the goal of increasing children’s self-esteem and social skills in a supportive environment. Queens College Psychological Center.

570-0500.

DINNER 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 20 th .

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

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

LIVE WOLF Saturday, March 24 wolf conservation center at Alley Pond Environmental Center.

229-4000.

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 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 k e , Fresh Meadows.

LEGO BUILDERS Monday, March 26 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.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesday, March 27 at the Hillcrest library at 3:30.

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

HAPPY HAPPY STORY Wednesday, March 28 at the LIC library at 10:30.

S TORY T I M E Wednesday, March 28 East Elmhurst Story time at 11:30 at the library.

LIBRARY BUDDIES Wednesday, March 28 at the Auburndale library at 4.

KNITTING Wednesdays Bayside library at 4.

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

GAME DAY Wednesdays Poppenhusen library at 4.

3D ECO ART Thursday, March 29 at the Astoria library. Register.

DANCE & LITERACY Thursday, March 29 at the Cambria Heights library and the LIC library at 4.

CRAFT TIME Thursdays 3:30 Ozone Park library.

KIDS COLORING Friday, March 30 a t t h e Queensboro Hill library at 11.

LIBRARY BUDDIES Friday, March 30 at 4 at the Auburndale library.

ARTS & CRAFTS Friday, March 30 a t t h e Briarwood library at 4.

DANCE & LITERACY Friday, March 30 a t t h e Ridgewood library at 4.

WII GAMING Friday, March 30 a t t h e Astoria library at 4:30.

TODDLER CRAFT Fridays Briarwood library at 10:30.

READ TO ME Fridays Briarwood library at 3.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays at 2 Queens Village and LIC libraries. Briarwood library at 4.

GAME DAY Fridays Queens Village library at 2.

FLASH FRIDAYS Every Friday at 3 Ozone Park library.

GAME PLAYERS Every Friday Hillcrest library at 4.

CHESS CLUB Fridays Auburndale library at 3:30. Tutorial at 4 at the Woodside librar y.

GAME DAY Fridays Rochdale Village and Windsor Park libraries at 4.

TWEEN ZONE Fridays LIC library at 2:30 for those in grades 5-8.

BOOST GAME DAY Fridays Central library 4:30 and 5 McGoldrick library.

CUB SCOUTS 351 Fridays at St. Nicholas of Tolentine. Boys in grades 15. 820-0015.

FANCY NANCY Saturday, March 31 at 11 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Un i o n Tu r n p i ke , F re s h Meadows.

TEENS LIVE WOLF Saturday, March 24 wolf conservation center at Alley Pond Environmental Center.

229-4000.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2.

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

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

TEEN CHESS Mondays at 6 Bayside library.

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

LIC CHESS CLUB Tuesdays LIC library at 4.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays Windsor Park library at 4.

RESUME WRITING Wednesdays 4 Arverne library.

GAME DAY Wednesdays Howard Beachme: and St. Albans libraries at 4.

CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 Queens Village library.

KNIT & CROCHET Wednesdays South Ozone Park library at 1. Knit at the Bayside librar y. Register.

KNITTING CLUB Wednesdays at the Bayside library. Register.

3D ECO ART

Thursday, March 29 create an environmentally themed painting at the Astoria library. Register.

MOTIVATIONAL WORK. Thursday, March 29 motivational workshop for teens at 5 at the Laurelton library.

DANCE & LITERACY Thursday, March 29 at the Cambria Heights library and the LIC library at 4. Friday, March 30 at the Ridgewood library at 4.

DANCE & LITERARY Thursday, March 29 Dance and Literary Workshop at the LIC library at 4.

JUST 4 TEENS Thursday, March 29 at the Hillcrest library at 3.

TEEN THURSDAYS T h u r s d ay s Ba y Te r ra c e l i brary at 3.

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

WII GAMING Friday, March 30 wii gaming at the Astoria library at 4:30.

DANCE & LITERACY Friday, March 30 a t t h e Ridgewood library at 4.

TEEN HAPPY HOUR Fridays at 4 Flushing library.

CHESS CLUB Fridays Auburndale library a t 3 : 3 0 . Tu to r i a l a t t h e Woodside library at 4.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays Briarwood library at 4.

GAME DAY Fridays Woodhaven library at 4:30.

March 23-29, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

SQUARE DANCE Saturday, March 24 at Alley Pond Environmental Center.

229-4000. $15 non-members.

YOUTH

SENIORS

Queens Today EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS

ENTERTAINMENT CON BRIO ENSEMBLE Saturday, March 24 at 2 at Vo e l ke r O r t h M u s e u m i n Flushing. $12. 359-6227.

CASINO NIGHT Saturday, March 24 casino and buffet 7-11 at the Comm u n i t y H o u s e i n F o re st Hills. 268-7710 reservations.

CINDERELLA Sunday, March 25 Moscow

MEETINGS IAAP Saturday, March 24 Queens chapter of International Association of Administrative Professionals meet.

516-437-7038 evenings.

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

JEWISH VETS Sunday, March 25 Jewish Wa r Ve tera n s o f th e U SA Lipsky/Blum Post meet at Garden Jewish Center. 4634742.

Plumb./Heat

Festival Ballet at Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6311.

BEAUTY OF BALLET Sunday, March 25 at 1 and 3 free lecture-demonstration of the School of American Ballet. 760-0064 reservations.

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

STAMP SHOW Sunday, March 25 Bayside Stamp Show at the Ramada Hotel, 220-33 Northern Blvd., Bayside 10-4:30.

LIVE JAZZ & R&B Sundays, March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 live jazz and r&b 6-10 at Déjà vu, 180-25 Linden Blvd., St. Albans.

GUERILLA ARTS Sunday, March 25 ACSM Guerilla Arts Ensemble at F l u s h i n g Tow n H a l l . 4 6 3 7700.

FOLK SONGS Monday, March 26 folk songs from around the world at the Windsor Park library at 2.

Violations

READINGS Tu e s d a y, March 27 Chimananda Ngozi Adichie.

Queens College Music Building, Concert Hall. $20.

997-4646.

SONG & POETRY Tuesday, March 27 song and poetry with Felix Gurt at 2 at the Briarwood library.

HEALTH PSYCHOLOGICAL CENTER The Women’s Relationship Building Group provides a safe, respectful and accepting environment to learn about 5the impact of attachment st yles through the life cycle, explore current patterns and learn skills targeted to helping develop healthy relationships and connectedness, as well as to enhance self-esteem and well-being.

Queens College Psychological Center. 570-0500.

ALZHEIMERS Tuesdays, March 27, April 10, 24 Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills. 5925757, ext. 237.

Furniture

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Saturday, March 24 at Holy Family in Flushing. 631-3609720.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Saturday, March 24 at the Knights of Columbus in Valley Stream. 341-0452.

SEWING CLASSES Saturdays 12-3 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.

TALONS Sunday, March 25 learn about hawks, falcons and more at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000. $10.

HONEY BEES Sunday, March 25 learn about the honeybee at Alley Pond Environmental Center.

229-4000. $8.

Upholstery

Queens Tribune Newspaper Travel

Travel

Autos Wanted

Autos Wanted

Central library. 990-5102.

BRIDGE Mondays except holidays 124 at Pride of Judea in Douglaston. Lesson & play $10.

Partners arranged. 423-6200.

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.

ONLINE LEARNING Tuesday, March 27 at the LIC library at 1:30.

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

990-0700 to register.

OWN BUSINESS Every 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 Tuesday s Windsor Park library at 2.

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March 23-29, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

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DEFENSIVE DRIVING Sunday, March 25 at the 109 th Police Precinct. 917841-7827.

VICTORIAN FLOWER Sunday, March 25 “The Victorian Bouquet and the Language of Flowers.” $20.

Bayside Historical Society in Bayside. 352-1548 to register.

BALLROOM DANCING Monday, March 26 at the Forest Hills library at 6:30.

JOB SEARCH Monday, March 26 at the South Jamaica library at 2.

POLISH RESUME Monday, March 26 at the Central library. 990-0700.

CROCHET Monday, March 26 at the Rosedale library at 4.

JOB SEARCH Monday, March 26 job search strategies at the Central library. 990-5102.

LI CRAFT CLUB Monday, March 26 at the Long Island Cit y library at 1.

JOB INTERVIEW PREP Monday, March 26 at the South Jamaica library. 9905135.

INTRO COMPUTERS Monday, March 26 at the

Models Of Queens

Acting The Part Ya Han Chang, like a lot of residents of Queens, loves the fact that the neighborhoods in the borough represent such an interesting diversity of cultural and ethnic groups. She enjoys sampling different cuisines, and likes that there are many places she can go for peace and quiet, unlike crowded and noisy Manhattan.

Chang, a 31-year-old who lives in Forest Hills, graduated from the American Musical and Drama Academy, and was focused on her musical and acting career, so she did not begin modeling until about four years ago.

She mostly does commercial work, but has had some lifestyle and casual wear gigs too.

She thought she was too short to be a model, but after working with photographers doing hair and makeup, she decided to step in front of the camera.

She is a professional musical theatre actress. When she is not involved in a Ya Han Chang production, she is busy pursuing a career Home: Forest Hills as a performing and recording artist, and she also teaches both voice and piano.

Age: 31 Though she's very busy, she does have Height: 5’7'’ time to enjoy things around the City, inWeight 127 cluding Flushing — where she works, 34-25-35 Forest Hills — where she lives, and Long Island City — with great night view along the East River.

Her goal has been to focus on anything connected to art and beauty, and being an actress, singer and model were careers she always wanted to pursue.

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 23-29, 2012

Keeping An Eye Out Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. may be the elected official with the most entertaining Facebook page.

Vigilante justice is one of Vallone’s specialties. He posted on Monday, March 12 (this has 121 “likes” as of press time), “hey guy with the dirtbike, i saw you run it up into astoria park and ran your tail down with my bike and wrote down your license, 96GT15. expect a visit from 114 [precinct] tomorrow. guys like you give us all bad name...”

But Vallone’s license plate

posting was to no avail and the aggressive hog rider posted on Tuesday: turns out dirtbag on dirtbike is using a stolen plate. what a surprise. 114 and i cant wait to see you again at the park :) hey i know why don’t you stop by one of the thurs night concerts or the fireworks show i fund?? i got a good look at your face, so i’ll say hi, we can catch up...

Dirt bikers beware, Peter Vallone is watching you. And he ain’t no Easy Rider.

(Above right):Vallone on his hog

Stiffing Uncle Sam Queensbridge’s own rapping scoundrel, Nas, is at it again. This time, he is accused of keeping $339,000 in federal income taxes he owed in 2010.

According to official documents obtained by celebrity news agency TMZ, the government has placed a lien on his property.

And not paying taxes, amazingly, is not a new thing for the rapper born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones. According to public Nas can’t stay out of trouble records, Nas is also on the hook for more than $6 million in back taxes from previous years.

So not only is Nas good at rapping and getting into feuds [see JayZ], but he is also good at stiffing Uncle Sam.

British PM David Cameron and U.S. President Barack Obama at a White House State Dinner, last week, dining on dessert with a Queens heritage.

With Queens For Dessert While Queens is quickly become the epicenter of the newish multicultural foodie phenomenon, it was some good ol’ eary American fare making the news. At last week’s White House State Dinner when British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha, were hosted and toasted by the Obamas, Queens food was front and center . . . for dessert.

According to State Dinner Program prepared by the White House: The dessert is Steamed Lemon Pudding, a nod to the traditional British treat. The pudding

is prepared with Idaho Huckleberry Sauce to unite the British and American favors. At the bottom of the pudding are Newtown Pippin Apples, which are believed to have been developed in Queens, New York in the early-18th century, and were grown by Thomas Jeferson and George Washington. Newtown Pippin Apples serve as a symbol of the American-British partnership—the apple was so favored by Queen Victoria that she had the customs duty on them eliminated.

Next time some grilled guinea pig from Corona?

Beginner’s Luck One Queens mom is thanking her tot for being $1 million richer.

Afsheen Ahsan credits her 2-yearold daughter, Anaya, for picking

Confidentially, New York . . .

her winning New York Poker instant scratch-off ticket.

She said her daughter reached up and touched the ticket at a Brooklyn convenience store, which she took as a sign to buy it.

Ahsan will receive $31,152 a year until 2031. Nice pick, Anaya!

Wedding Blues Days after a wedding, one of the things newlyweds look forward to is the arrival of photos from the big day. For one Queens couple, their candid shots became a part of a smear campaign. After complaining about missing photos, Richmond Hill’s Glamour Me Studio allegedly posted photos of Edward and Camile Handy Photoshopped into risqué poses.

The couple says the studio went out of their way to demean them, including Internet claims that Ed Handy is a sex offender and posting their home address online.

So much for wedded bliss.

What’s Up For additional information, visit MARCH 24 Walkers For Wellness Club www.simplytoempower.com/ great-jazz-in-queens.html, or conLooking 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.

Obama 2012 Obama for America could use your assistance in reaching out to folks in this battleground state.

Please contact Roslin at (718) 290-4725 or email her at layd edelta@aol.com to reserve your seat. Buses will depart at 188th Street at the Long Island Expressway. This free event begins at 8:30 a.m.

Poets and Passion

Great Jazz in Queens If you enjoy Jazz music, then Simply To Empower invites you to come and enjoy an evening of Great Jazz in Queens. Come enjoy ‘live’ soulful jazz music at The Wine and Cheese Jazz Party where jazz lovers are especially welcome.

MARCH 25 Milal Missionary Choir The First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica invites the public to a free, family-friendly concert featuring high-quality musical performances by the renowned Milal Missionary Choir. Guests are invited to rejoice in the exciting sounds of traditional and contemporary rhythmic selections. The concert is in celebration of the First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica’s 350th Anniversary which continues with a host of funfilled events for the community.

This free event will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, 89-60 164th St., at 6 p.m.

MARCH 26 Stay Well Learn new ways to take charge of your health and help your friends do the same. Learn how special exercise and relaxation techniques make a difference in your life!

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

Intro to Computers Get yourself up to speed on basic computer skills. Learn about parts of the computer, software vs. hardware, common applications, how to use the keyboard and mouse, open and close “windows,” use toolbars and scroll bars. To register, please call (718) 990-5102 or visit the Job Information Center.

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

MARCH 27 Walkers For Wellness Club See Saturday’s listing. At 7 p.m.

The Male Development Empowerment Center of Medgar Evers College and the York College Male Initiative Program invite you to the Crisis of the Black Male Joint Conference. This twoday conference begins on March 27 at Medgar Evers College and continues at York College the following day. Special guests include: Mark Lamont Hill, Dr. Ron Daniels and Minister Abdul Hafeez Muhammad.). Guests also include members of One Hundred Black Men, Inc. Don’t miss it! For additional information, contact Jonathan Quash at (718) 262-3772.

This free event will held at York College’s Performing Arts Center, 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn About Resumes Are you ready to apply for jobs? Are you avoiding common errors? Does your resume stand out? Participants will learn how to get started, what to include and what not to include on your resume and tips for making your resume stronger.

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

Selling Crafts on Etsy Learn how to sell your work online. To register, call (718) 990-5102 or visit the Job Information Center. Intermediate computer skills required. Learn: the basics of setting up an ETSY account, including choosing your name, market research, payment acceptance options, setting up shop policies and basic web marketing. Will also introduce legal and tax issues, including sales use taxes and licenses.

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

MARCH 29 Biz Social Media Did you know that social media is quickly becoming one of the most popular resources for business development? Participants will learn: what social media is, top social media websites, how best to use different social

media sites and tools for your business, how to market your business using social media and how to use social media to connect with your customer base. To register, call (718) 990-5102 or visit the Job Information Center.

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

Jamaica Y’s 85th Anniversary 2012 marks another year of service to the Southeast Queens community. More importantly, it marks Jamaica YMCAs 85th Anniversary. We invite you to celebrate with us for an evening of formal wear, dining, entertainment and recognition of the following Legacy of Leadership Honorees: Mayor Byron Brown, City of Buffalo, Dennis Walcott, NYC Schools Chancellor, the Rev. Patrick O’Connor, First Presbyterian Church, Patricia Chin, Founder of VP Records and Lee Jones, NBA. Special invited guest: 50 Cent, G-Unit Foundation. Tickets are $125. Ticket proceeds will benefit the 2012 Strong Kids Campaign. For additional information, visit ymcanyc.org/jamaica, call (212) 912-2202, or e-mail jamy85gala@ymcanyc.org.

This free event will held at Terrace on the Park, 52-11 111th Street, 7 p.m. to midnight.

MARCH 30 Consumer Law Clinic Be there when the St. John’s Consumer Law Clinic for seniors provides answers to all of your legal questions.

This free event will held at JSPOA Theodora G. Jackson Adult Center, 92-47 165th St., at 10:30 a.m.

APT Art Exhibit Opening Be there for the opening of an art exhibit featuring the works of Lee Guest. Mr. Guest’s work includes a wide range of oil paintings, acrylic and charcoals.

This free event will held at the Afrikan Poetry Theatre Café, 17609 Jamaica Ave., at 7 p.m.

Night At The Movies Don’t miss “Speedsuit,” a new independent film that takes a fresh look at teen bullying. An

estimated 30 percent of youth today report being bullied or engaging in bullying. Meanwhile, the lasting psychological and emotional effects of bullying continue to make headlines nationwide. Allen Weaver, writer and director of the movie addresses this worrisome trend with a film tailored to a young, modern audience. A donation of $10 is suggested.

This free event will held at the Afrikan Poetry Theatre - 176-03 Jamaica Ave., at 7:30 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 on-line procedures; elevator pitch and Microsoft Suite 2007. For additional information, contact Ethan Chazin, Job Coach, at (718) 739-2060, 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.

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

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

In Queens, the classes will be held the fourth Thursday of every month at EMS Station 54, 222-15 Merrick Blvd. Visit www.fdnyfoundation.org or call (718) 999-2413 for more information.

March 23-29, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

Earl Lovelace was born in Toco, Trinidad, and has lived most of his life on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. His books include “While Gods Are Failing,” winner of the BP Independence Award, the Caribbean classic “The Dragon Can’t Dance” and “Salt,” which won the 1997 Commonwealth Writers Prize. For “Is Just a Movie,” he has won the Grand Prize for Caribbean Literature by the Regional Council of Guadeloupe.

For additional information, call (718) 783-8345 or e-mail info@caribbeantheatre.org.

This free event will held at York College Academic Core Building, Room AC-3D01, 9420 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., from 3 to 5 p.m.

tact Sherise Patterson at (718) 289-4080 or simplytoempower@gmail.com.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

This free event will held at Jamaica Chamber of Commerce Center, 157-11 Rockaway Blvd., from 7 to 10 p.m.

MARCH 28 Crisis of the Black Male