Southeast Queens Press by Queens Press

Volume 13 Issue No. 13 March 30 - April 5, 2012

PAGE 22

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

FLATLINED

After nearly a year of problems, Peninsula Hospital closed its doors this week. After the closure, nurses gathered on the lawn to protest the decision and the loss of about 1,000 jobs. By Veronica Lewin â&#x20AC;Ś Page 3.

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Plug Pulled On Ailing Peninsula Hospital PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

BY VERONICA LEWIN After 104 years, Peninsula Hospital was laid to rest on Monday. Six months after Peninsula was diagnosed with bankruptcy, the complications at the Far Rockaway hospital just grew too great for treatment. The hospital pulled the plug this week, marking the fourth death of a Queens hospital in four years. The news sparked a sit-in the following morning, though the hospital’s doors were already locked. Nurses gathered on the hospital’s lawn to protest the loss of their jobs. The closure came weeks after the hospital announced it would be rolling out two rounds of temporary layoffs to conserve money. Now, around 1,000 jobs are on the line. Borough President Helen Marshall said she found the announcement “bewildering,” especially after receiving a letter from the State Dept. of Health on March 12 assuring that the department was working closely with Peninsula to help the hospital come back to compliance. Marshall also took an “I told you so” stance, saying she saw the potential for

Staff at Peninsula Hospital staged a sit-in on the hospital’s lawn Tuesday morning to protest the hospital’s closing. this healthcare strain years ago. “I warned about today’s crisis more than five years ago when my office commissioned a study on the Vision for a Comprehensive and Sustainable Healthcare Delivery System in Queens,” she said in a statement. In 2006, her report warned that the current healthcare system could not sustain the need in the borough and suggested opening a new hospital in Queens. “No one listened,” she said. In November 2008, New Parkway

Hospital closed, with the closing of St. John’s and Mary Immaculate following soon after. The City Dept. of Health named the Rockaways as a health crisis zone, and the closing of a central hospital in a densely populated area could make it difficult for residents to get the care they need. Marshall said St. John’s Episcopal Hospital is already experiencing an unmanageable number of patients due to the loss of Peninsula. Peninsula’s demise began last

summer, when their ballooning debt woes became public. Each employee received a Warn Act notice last July. On Aug. 1, the hospital submitted a draft closure plan to the State Dept. of Health. Three weeks later, MediSys, which operates Flushing Hospital Medical Center and Jamaica Hospital Center, ended its affiliation with Peninsula. Since September 2011, Revival Home Health Care has been running Peninsula Hospital Center. The company opened in 1994 and provides home health care service to residents in the five boroughs, Long Island and counties north of the city. Peninsula was the company’s first hospital. “The failed attempt by a company with little experience in rehabilitating and operating a hospital, while admirable, made a bad situation worse,” Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Far Rockaway) said in a statement. The State Dept. of Health approved the appointment of Chapter 11 Trustee Lori Lapin Jones last week. According to court documents filed Monday, the State determined that a tremendous amount of effort, time

and funding would be required to bring the hospital back to life. On Feb. 23, the hospital’s clinical laboratory was deemed too dangerous to operate. The State Dept. of Health suspended the clinical laboratory for 30 days after the failed state inspection. Patients were transferred to other facilities, such as St. John’s Episcopal Hospital – the peninsula’s only other hospital. The loss of revenue during this suspension only made the hospital’s debt problems worse. Councilman James Sanders Jr. (D-Laurelton), who lives in the Rockaways, mourned the loss of the historic institution. “However, my primary concern is for the health and welfare of the people of my district,” he said. “This cannot be allowed to turn into a health care crisis for the Rockaways.” The nursing home at Peninsula Hospital is expected to remain open, according to officials. Future uses for the building are being discussed, including the possibility of opening a medical center in its place. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or vlewin@queenspress.com.

Congressional Races Take Shape In Boro BY DOMENICK RAFTER

Park in Long Island City. The district Maloney will be running in will be based on Manhattan’s East Side where she lives, but will continue to include most of Astoria and all of Long Island City. The district, numbered the 12th, will also include Greenpoint and Williamsburg in Brooklyn, which Maloney represented in the 1990s. The Southwest Queens neighborhoods of Ozone Park and Howard Beach are now part of the new 8th district, which also includes the Brooklyn neighborhoods of East New York, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Canarsie, Mill Basin, Brighton Beach and Coney Island. A three-way Democratic primary is expected between incumbent U.S. Rep. Ed Towns (D-Brooklyn), Assembly-

man Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn) and City Councilman Charles Barron (D-Brooklyn). Last week, Queens Democrats officially endorsed Ed Towns for the seat to represent the 47,175 Queens residents who live in the district, but Jeffries received the support of the Working Families Party. “Now more than ever, we need progressive champions like Hakeem Jeffries who will stand up for working class, middle class and poor people,” said Working Families Party Chairman Dan Cantor in a statement. Much of Ridgewood and all of Woodhaven will be in the new 7th district where U.S. Rep. Nydia Velasquez (DRidgewood) will run and likely face Councilman Erik Mark

Dilan (D-Brooklyn) in the June primary. Bay Terrace, Bellerose, Douglaston, Little Neck and Whitestone will see the name of U.S. Rep. Steve Israel (D-Long Island) on their ballots in June. Israel, who is chairman of the national Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee — the body in charge of recruiting Democratic candidates for Congress — will run in the district that extends from the Whitestone Expressway to Kings Park in Suffolk County. Suffolk County retirement counselor Stephen LaBate is the lone GOP candidate petitioning for November. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 125 or drafter@queenstribune.com

March 30 - April 5, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

The race for the 6th Congressional district may be the marquee federal election in Queens this year, but in the other six districts that make up part of the borough, there are some races developing. Though the news was overshadowed by the endorsement in the 6th district, U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) announced last week that he would run in the new 14th district, which includes much of what he current represents in Northern Queens and the Bronx. This district added the neighborhoods of Corona and Sunnyside and is 47 percent Hispanic. Crowley is not expected to face a challenge in

the Democratic Primary. U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica) is running again in his Southeast Queens-based district, now numbered the 5th. He will have some new areas to campaign in, including Jamaica Estates, all of the Rockaway Peninsula and the Nassau County neighborhoods of Elmont and Valley Stream. Meeks may face a primary challenge from a 29-year-old hip-hop artist and Rosedale native, Michael Scala. U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Astoria) kicked off her reelection campaign in her new district that now covers three boroughs instead of two. She stopped in all three over the weekend, making her first appearance at Gantry Plaza State

NYCLU: DA’s Interrogation Unconstitutional BY VERONICA LEWIN

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 30 - April 5, 2012

A pre-arraignment interrogation program used by the Queens District Attorney’s Office could soon be deemed unconstitutional following the filing of a legal brief by the New York Civil Liberties Union. The NYCLU filed a legal brief March 20, arguing that the DA Office’s program - nearly five years old - is unethical and unconstitutional. The brief states when people are arrested and held in jail solely on a police officer’s assertion, the Constitution and State law require that a judge swiftly determine whether or not the arrest was valid, appoint an attorney and determine the conditions of release to allow a person to return to their lives pending the disposition of the criminal case. The union contends that under the DA’s program, wealthier suspects who can afford counsel are allowed to proceed directly to court for a post-arrest hearing.

Suspects who must wait for a court-appointed attorney are intercepted by the DA’s Office and interrogated by prosecutors. “The district attorney’s program violates constitutional and ethical protections that are designed to ensure fundamental fairness and balance in the criminal justice system,” NYCLU Senior Staff Attorney Taylor Pendergrass said. “Any program where legally trained prosecutors intercept unrepresented suspects on their way to court and direct them into an interrogation room is unconstitutional and unethical. The program should be ended immediately.” A spokesperson for Queens DA Richard Brown declined to comment as the matter is being litigated. However, sources close to the DA say that the interview program, which started almost five years ago, is designed to get the charges right and ensure that the innocent are never wrongfully convicted. All interviews are vid-

eotaped and interrogations are not conducted until the person has explicitly waived their Miranda rights. The interviews can help the DA’s Office dismiss cases before any charges have been filed and reduce charges or lower bail recommendations in other cases. While many people refuse to speak with the DA’s Office, some

are eager to explain their side of the story. The NYCLU says this violates an ethical rule prohibiting lawyers from making misleading statements and an ethical rule prohibiting lawyers and prosecutors from giving advice to nonlawyers whose interests are adverse to the lawyer’s interests. The NYCLU’s brief argues

that the program violates the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, noting that in 2004 the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a similar interrogation program in Missouri v. Seibert. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or vlewin@queenspress.com.

Broken Sidewalks Work Begins BY DOMENICK RAFTER Living in one- or two-family private houses on tree-lined streets is a luxury in New York City. There are not many places where it is possible, but there are plenty of places in Queens where this type of neighborhoods exists. But living on a quiet tree-lined street does not come without its problems. Sidewalks and trees often battle it out for space, leaving behind a perilous situation

for pedestrians. City law places the responsibility for broken sidewalks on the homeowner to pay for, which can often run up to $2,000. In 2005, Mayor Mike Bloomberg and Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe established the “Trees and Sidewalks” program where the Parks Dept. would fix sidewalks affected by tree growth at no cost to the homeowner. The program scores the severity of a problem on a rating between 60 and 100, but fixes

them based on when the complaint was filed. City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) said sidewalk issues are a very common complaint made to his office from his district, known for its suburban-style tree-lined streets. To expedite the problems in his district, he allocated $1.1 million to fix 317 broken sidewalk issues. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 125 or drafter@queenstribune.com.

Halloran Announces Bid For Congress Flanked by the Queens Republican Party, Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone) forcefully announced his bid for the newly-drawn 6th Congressional District, stressing a fight against rising gas prices, a bolstered defense of Israel and job-creation through lower taxes and deficit reduction. Halloran officially kicked off his campaign on March 26 in Flushing’s Bowne Park, only blocks from his home. He became the fourth candidate to declare his run for what is a New York City rarity — a wide open congressional seat. Since U.S. Rep Gary Ackerman (D-Bayside) announced he was no longer seeking reelection for a 16th term, candidates have been scrambling to fill his imminent vacancy; Queens Republicans urged Halloran, one of the more recognizable members of the City Council, to run for the seat.

PRESS photo by Ira Cohen

BY ROSS BARKAN

Councilman Dan Halloran announces his Congressional bid at a press conference at Bowne Park in Flushing. “This president [Barack Obama] came in and spent trillions of dollars, has run up the national deficit to a point at which we’ve never seen in the history of this country,” Halloran said. “The job damage that he has caused, with unemployment well over 8 percent, is still not getting the attention it deserves in the White House.” Like his potential Democratic congressional opponents Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest) and Assembly-

woman Grace Meng (D-Flushing), Halloran trumpeted his support for Israel, linking strong Israel-U.S. relations to a matter of national defense. Locked in a showdown with Iran over Iran’s alleged nuclear weapon ambitions, Israel and its safety has been a key issue for most of the 6th District contenders because of the district’s large Jewish voting bloc. Including heavily Jewish neighborhoods like Kew Gardens, Kew Gardens Hills and Electchester, the 6th District is

also home to large Asian and other immigrant populations. Former State Sen. Frank Padavan, who himself did not rule out a challenge against State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) in the fall, introduced Halloran as someone who “says what he means and means what he says.” Halloran is known for his somewhat unorthodox and combative approach to politicking since his victory over Kevin Kim in 2009. In early 2011, Halloran accused sanitation workers of purposely slacking during a snowstorm in order to protest Bloomberg administration policies. A Dept. of Investigations inquiry found no wrongdoing. Later that year, he was videotaped haranguing employees of an Auburndale car dealership about alleged noise violations. He also graced, in full pagan garb, the cover of the alternative weekly the “Village Voice.” Raised in an Irish Catholic household, Halloran later converted to Theodism, a type of neo-pagan-

ism that draws on pre-Christian beliefs. An attorney by trade, Halloran is also known for his libertarian beliefs and his strict adherence to constitutionalist principles. He has openly supported Ron Paul’s presidential candidacy but aggressively rejects Paul’s isolationist approach to foreign policy. Considered a rising star in the Queens Republican Party, Halloran was also joined by fellow Councilman Eric Ulrich (ROzone Park), Queens Republican Chairman Phil Ragusa and former New York State Conservative Chairman Tom Long. Religion, too, was not far from Halloran’s mind. “It’s time to talk about our values in our community and remember that God is part of the equation, however we see him,” he said. “This race will not be distracted by non-issues at any time.” Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127 or rbarkan@queenstribune.com.

Queens Library Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center Proudly Presents

Schedule of Events 12:00 noon The Music and Poetry of Gil Scott-Heron 1:00 a.m. Film Screening: “Black Wax Is That Jazz” Gil Scott-Heron (1998) 2:15 p.m. The Poetry of Gil Scott-Heron David Mills 3:30 p.m. Panel Discussion “The Life and Contributions of Gil Scott-Heron” Herb Boyd, Moderator Panelists: Dr. Keith Gilyard, Dr. Tony Medina, Dr. Aldon Nielsen, Sistah Sonia Sanchez; Nana Camille Yarbrough, Atiba Wilson 4:30 p.m. Professin’ the Blues B 4 Quo’tet * program subject to change

Free Admission · All are Welcome 100-01 Northern Boulevard Corona, New York 11368 For more information call: (718) 651 1100 www.queenslibrary.org · www.libraryactioncommittee.org Funding for this program is provided in part through grants received from the New York State Council on the Arts, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, New York City Council Discretionary Grant from Council Member Julissa Ferreras, Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall, Queens Library, Library Action Committee of Corona-East Elmhurst, Inc., and from private donations and contributions.

March 30 - April 5, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

Spectacular Saturdays @ the Library Series Good Vibrations… A Tribute to Gil Scott-Heron Saturday, April 7, 2012

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

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed

Editorial Health In Crisis After months of being on life support, complications finally became too great for Peninsula Hospital to overcome. Now that the plug has been pulled on the troubled facility, Queens officials must take action now to ensure that health-related concerns do not become overwhelming for the borough’s remaining hospitals. In the last four years, four Queens hospitals – New Parkway, St. John’s, Mary Immaculate and now Peninsula – have shut their doors. The closures leave the 2.3 million people in the borough with just over 3,500 hospital beds. On the Rockaway Peninsula, with more than 100,000 residents, only St. John’s Episcopal Hospital remains. With so few options, Queens residents have no choice but to leave the borough for health care, which is not only inconvenient to the infirm, but undoubtedly costs the borough money. Poor management has run rampant in the borough’s hospitals and has brought us to where we are today. We can only hope that a new hospital can be established to help provide care for Queens residents, as long as the management of the new hospital can prove they actually know what they’re doing.

Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel

Letters

Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

10,000 Abortions? Reporters: Harley Benson Veronica Lewin Domenick Rafter Ross Barkan Jason Pafundi Interns: Brianna Ellis Joanna Gonzalez Art Dept:

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 30 - April 5, 2012

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

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

To The Editor: To those who are truly opposed to a so-called “Abortion Mill” opening in Jamaica, I have a counteroffer for you. Since you have so much time

on your hands, how about starting a charity to support those 10,000 a year expectant mothers through their pregnancies, take care of their children until they come of age to be on their own? Of course, they will expect a college education so they can

Letters become upright citizens like you who have nothing better to do except tell other people what they can or cannot do with their own bodies. I expect you’ll allow the mothers visiting rights every other weekend. Welcome back to a world of slavery of a person’s body and mind. Oh, also try to find work for their unemployed fathers who would like the dignity to help support their children. Dear God, please defend us from the do-gooders. Alan Jacobs, Valley Stream

Reconsider MTA To the Editor: Few, if any, would disagree with the proposition that New York City and the surrounding towns, villages, and counties constitute the heart of the national and global economy. Fewer seem to recognize or appreciate, however, that our robust transit system is the lifeblood that sustains that heart. We, the executive board of the Long Island City Alliance, a civic group advocating for issues affecting western

Queens, were dismayed to hear that the majority Republicans in the State Senate have proposed to zero out the MTA’s capital funding in the upcoming budget. The Senate majority’s claim that this potentially crippling blow to the region’s transit system will “control spending and create jobs” is laughable at best. The MTA is currently working on two major projects, East Side Access and the Second Avenue Subway, that will greatly improve connectivity and commute times within the metropolitan area. Both of these projects would likely be shut down if the Senate majority’s proposal passes, wasting tens of millions of taxpayer dollars invested in building a better, more-connected city. This will also have the effect of terminating the thousands of construction and support jobs currently active on both projects. We at the Long Island City Alliance urge the State Senate to reconsider this misguided and counterproductive decision and restore the MTA’s capital funding to the budget. The Long Island City Alliance

Let’s Not Say ‘Good Night’ To Gracie A Personal Perspective BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE For 60 years, New York City’s Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence of the mayor of the city. Now if Mayor Michael Bloomberg has his way it’ll be as George Burns used to say to his wife, “good night, Gracie.” A decade ago, we elected our wealthiest mayor ever and he chose not to live there. Bloomberg, a billionaire several times over, already had his own Manhattan mansion and decided to forego the official residence of the mayor. He thought Gracie Mansion was best used as a place for meetings, dinners, tours and for weddings for people such as former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, who married his former mistress there. By not using the public mansion as his private residence, the mayor argues, it has saved tax payers’ money since about 20 staffers, who would have served

the family’s personal needs, were laid off. Fine, we don’t have a problem with that. With 21 months left on his third term, Bloomberg has publicly stated that the next mayor should also provide for his or her own housing while serving the people of our city. Is he also going to suggest that his successor forego the salary as he has been able to do, too? Mayor Mike, you just can’t do that. The home of Archibald Gracie (1755-1829) was purchased and dedicated as the home of sitting mayors going forward from 1942. It was a smart decision then and it is just as smart today. If Bloomberg would like all future mayors to do as he has done, with regards to housing, then he may want to consider buying and dedicating a duplex to that cause. Average people running for mayor can’t afford that. Let’s say the next mayor has a modest home in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx or Staten Island, and there is an emergency

that requires his or her presence in Manhattan. Isn’t it more practical to live in Manhattan where the seat of city government is? Mr. Mayor, go gently into that good night and let the next mayor figure out his or her own living arrangements without interference. This idea is as autocratic in origin as Giuliani’s idea to continue being mayor into the first several months of 2002 was. Giuliani, many will recall, thought himself such an indispensible post-9/11 leader that in the two weeks leading up to the rescheduled mayoral election, he asked the candidates to agree to let him continue governing for the first three months of their term so his recovery efforts from the attacks would not be interrupted. Some agreed, but Bloomberg and Fernando Ferrer told him no way. You have to move on with dignity. It’s more important to leave the school system in better shape than it is now. Better to leave the infrastructure, the economy, healthcare and a litany

of other things in better shape than they are now than to worry about how much we’ll save by not having the next mayor living in Gracie Mansion. What are we going to do next, ask the next governor not to live in the Governor’s Mansion? Ask the next president not to live in the White House? Really? Are the governor and the president supposed to commute? Are they supposed to entertain visiting dignitaries at a Motel 6 down the interstate? It sounds really ridiculous, doesn’t it? Well, it is also ridiculous to expect the next mayor to ask visiting dignitaries to sleep on the couch in his modest home in Queens. It’s the people’s home, yes. But the mayor represents the people and it should serve as home for the duration of the time in office if he or she so chooses. Come on Mayor, let’s not do this. It’s disingenuous and impractical.

News Briefs LIRR Elmhurst Station

Think Again!

Elmhurst. LIRR officials are planning to attend.

Easter Egg Hunt Affinity Health Plan, in partnership with Council Member Leroy Comrie, is hosting its 11th Annual Easter Egg Hunt. This free event will take place Saturday, April 7, at St. Albans Park in Jamaica. The Easter egg hunt will feature amusement rides, coloring contests, music and an appearance by Affinity’s mascot Rex. Also, Healthplex, a dental program vendor, will be on site to give out toothbrushes and provide free dental screenings for children. The New York Knicks Groove Truck will be distributing prizes, and there will be performances by a celebrity impersonator and the “Executioner” for Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater C.P. Lacey, R&B singersongwriter Monifah and Jeff Redd. There will also be performances by up-and-coming child stars Breje and Dylan Jenet Collins. “We’re glad to bring the Easter Egg Hunt to the community, and we take pride in our long standing partnership with Deputy Majority Leader Leroy Comrie,” says Denise Rogers, Affinity’s director of community relations. “Together, we’re enriching the social and cultural life of the people we serve.” Also commenting on the event, Council Member Leroy Comrie stated, “For 11 years, I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Affinity Health Plan to bring smiles to the faces of Queens’ children. It is through these types of partnerships – where community members and local businesses work together – that collectively we will plant the seeds of improvement for the betterment of our neighborhoods and the future of Queens.” “Doctor” Bob Lee, radio personality at WBLS-FM, will host the festivities. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 7, at St. Albans Park (on Merrick Boulevard) in Jamaica; 12 pm – 5 pm, rain or shine. The egg hunt will begin at 1:30 p.m. All children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent. For more information call (888) 5439070 or visit www.affinityplan.org/ EggHunt.

Free Homebuyers’ Workshop at Ridgewood Savings Bank 230-22 Merrick Blvd. Laurelton, NY 11413

APRIL 3, 2012 6:15pm to 8:15pm Learn more about SONYMA and other affordable housing programs. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, Ridgewood Savings Bank offers access to a wide range of affordable housing programs. Join us and let our staff of knowledgeable professionals guide you through the entire homebuying and mortgage process.

'SFF 3FGSFTINFOUT t -JNJUFE 4FBUJOH Call (718) 276-3500 to reserve your seat.

Coaches Needed The LP Fam’s Youth Organization Inc. is looking for volunteers to coach youth football for the Lincoln Park Giants. The teams will participate in an organized youth football league this fall. Coaches will receive nominal reimbursement for travel expense. Those interested can call Paul Cox at (718) 835-8416 or (917) 607-2421.

www.ridgewoodbank.com MEMBER FDIC

March 30 - April 5, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

The 9:40 a.m. Long Island Rail Road train from Port Washington zipped by across the elevated overpass above Broadway in Elmhurst at 10 minutes past 10 a.m. on its way to an on-time arrival at Penn Station; the metallic train cars blurry to the eyes as they rolled by. In a flash, the train was gone. Less than a minute later, the 9:49 a.m. from Penn Station heads in the other direction, at a slightly lower speed despite being a few minutes late. Then, the tracks were quiet once again. Elmhurst is merely a pass-through neighborhood for the trains of the busy Port Washington line. About halfway between the Woodside and Flushing stations, the trains don’t stop anywhere near here, but it wasn’t always that way. Until 1985, there was a station above Broadway in this vibrant, growing neighborhood. It was closed due to low ridership and dismantled, but the signs of the old station support buttress over Broadway and diagonal cuts in the stone structure where stairs once were - still exist. Now, with the surrounding neighborhood growing, represented by the underconstruction apartment building overlooking the ghost station, U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) and Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) want to see the Elmhurst station come back to life, and have found an ally in the LIRR itself. “We’re trying to get this station back to give Elmhurst the options other neighborhoods have,” Crowley said. Below Broadway, the M and R trains give Elmhurst residents a 30-minute commute to Manhattan. The LIRR would cut that commute in half. LIRR President Helena Williams backed the plan and noted work being done along the Port Washington line, such as a new “pocket track” in Great Neck, allow them to run more trains and serve more passengers. “It is operationally feasible to stop trains in Elmhurst,” Williams said. “Not only have Elmhurst changed, but the LIRR changed.” Williams said the station was closed 27 years ago because fewer than three dozen passengers used it per day. Crowley and Dromm believe many more than that would use a station in Elmhurst now, especially once the East Side Access project is completed and trains run to both Penn and Grand Central Terminal. The next step will be a survey conducted in the neighborhood to gauge interest in a possible station. Part of that will include a town hall on general transportation issues to be hosted by Dromm on April 11 at 6 p.m. at St. James Church in

Think you can’t afford a home?

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 30 - April 5, 2012

The Tribune Anniversary Story: Thanx For The Memories director I had met at the paper. Next, was a time of growth for the Tribune. The East Coast saw its first four-color community newspaper page as the Tribune continued its tradition as industry innovator, introducing color to community journalism. The launching of three editions of the new Western Queens Tribune completed the community picture and created the first and only boroughwide Queens newspaper chain. Photo by Ira Cohen

By MICHAEL SCHENKLER I’m not the father . . . but I raised the kid. The father, Gary Ackerman, a guy who has been making news lately, gave birth to the Tribune 42 years ago – yes, the Congressman is a multi talented guy. It was 1970, Gary and a handful of brave colleagues began the Flushing Tribune, a monthly newspaper from a single desk in the rear of a Main Street real estate office. A year later, in May of 1971, the Tribune moved its offices to a more spacious storefront at 46-25 Kissena Blvd. in Flushing. And as 1971 became 1972, the Tribune launched the first of its regional edit ions in Forest Hills and announced that it was changing its name to the Queens Tribune, saying that “The second-largest county in New York State and the sixth largest in the nation needs its own paper.” And a college friend of Gary Ackerman by the name of Mike Schenkler began a series of Tribune contests. Although the contests are only very occasional now, I have been a fixture at the Trib for most of the past 40-plus years. The Tribune began 1973 by entering its third year as a weekly, rather than a bi-weekly paper. The National Newspaper Association gave the Tribune a special award for its 1975 fifth anniversary souvenir Bicentennial edition — third place in the entire nation for Bicentennial coverage. President Gerald Ford presented the award in Washington, D.C. Rober t Mose s, Ne w York’s master builder, wrote a full-page exclusive column for the Tribune on his concerns about the upcoming celebrations of the nation’s Bicentennial in 1976. “Cousin” Bruce Morrow of rock ‘n’ roll radio fame began a regular music column for the Tribune. A local weather column was started by a Queens teacher, Ir vi ng Gikovsky, who later went on to fame as television weatherman “Mr. G.” In Febr uary 1977, Tribune founder a nd publisher Gar y Ackerman put to rest months of speculation and formally announced his candidacy for the post of councilman-at-large for Queens. Ackerman stepped down as editor of the paper in order to run for the Democratic nomination, and David Oats was named execu-

Schenkler and Ackerman tive editor of the Tribune. I served as Ackerman’s campaign chairman. MY JOURNEY BEGINS In 1979, Gar y Ackerma n stepped down as Tribune publisher and was sworn in as State Senator. That’s when I, a New York City school principal, took over running the paper, after school, part-time. Three years later, this writer, the Tribune’s second Publisher, became Ackerman’s partner, and left the school system to run the Tribune full-time. And the long strange trip continued — a trip of community journalism based on the principle that all news is local and community advocacy is not only the right but obligation of those charged with bringing neighborhood news to the neighborhoods. In 1981, a young musician who wanted to be a writer took his first job as a journalist with the Queens Tribune. This former Tribune managing editor would go on to set records on the NY Times Best Seller list. Mitch Albom, author of “Tuesdays With Morrie,” like so many others, got his start with this paper. In 1983, Gary Ackerman won a special election to replace Ben Rosenthal in the Congress of the United States. In 1985, Borough President Donald Manes proclaimed Queens Tribune Week in honor of this newspaper’s 15th birthday. Manes cited the “dedication, commitment and hard work of its publisher, editors and staff.” In the same year, I married my wife Lillian, a former Tribune art

THE TRIB GOES PUBLIC In 1989, Ackerman and I sold the Queens Tribune to a publicly traded media company News Communications with me continuing on as Publisher while both of us served on the Board of Directors of the public company. For its 20th Anniversary Edition, the Trib bound itself inside of a glossy cover. This was the first time a community newspaper was stitched-trimmed and wrapped in a glossy – a practice that set the industr y standard for special editions that endures today. I was named pre sident of News Communications Inc., with overall responsibilities for the operations of it and its sister papers, Our Town, Manhattan Spirit and Dan’s Papers . The compa ny moved its corporate office s from the west side of Manhattan to the Tribune Building on the service road of the LIE making it one of the top 10 Queens-based public companies. Former Mayor Ed Koch began writing a movie review column for the Tribune and other papers of the News Communications group. The Queens Tribune celebrated its 22nd anniversary with a record 116-page issue that proclaimed Queens Count y as t he epitome of the classic Melting Pot, more than 100 nationalities calling this borough home, and filling its streets with the aromas, sounds and sights of the “old country,” wherever the old country may be. The Tribune exposed the dangerous friable asbestos at Terrace on the Park resulting in a cleanup of the building and dismissal of the franchisee. The Tribune claimed victory in its 10-month, eight-part battle with the U.S. Postal Service to preserve the names of Queens neighborhoods in addresses. And there was Avery Mendez,

a homeless man who told the Tribune that his Thanksgiving wish was for a warm place to sleep and a meal, only to be found the day after Thanksgiving on his Flushing streets dead of. . . well, homelessne ss. The Tribune continued to innovate, and by the mid 90’s was publishing three annual glossybound specials: the Official Guide to Queens, the Best of Queens and an Anniversary Edition. Nineteen years ago we launched the Web’s first comprehensive community news site in the Metro area. As the Tribune entered the new millennium, it welcomed a new partner in the news, as the PRESS of Southeast Queens made its debut – offering in-depth weekly coverage to a previously underserved area of our borough. WE RETURN TO OUR ROOTS As 2002 drew to a close, the ownership of the largest weekly newspaper in Queens changed hands as the Queens Tribune was acquired by an investment group headed by myself and founder Congressman Gary Ackerman. Committed to the same principles of communit y journalism which marked its growth, the new, old Tribune ow nership remembered the past and blazed forward towards the future. This writer was recognized for the second time by the New York Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest in the “Best Column” category.

The year 2006 began with a new and exciting acquisition for our Tribune publishing company. In 1838, America’s poet, Walt Whitman was a journeyman printer whose addict ion to the writ ten word was only equaled by his passion for people. Whitman put the two together when, at age 19, he established a newspaper in the town of Huntington, The Long-Islander. Today, 174 years later, we have the privilege of publishing Whitman’s Long-Islander, the second oldest weekly in New York State. HAPPY 42ND ANNIVERSARY Today, as the Tribune celebrates it s 42nd Anniversar y, I look back with pride at its many scoops, victories and accomplishments. I also look back at its people -- scores of bright, creative, curious and talented journalists who received their start at the Queens Tribune. And one of them, a guy named Ackerman, who gave birth to our paper, has decided to start another chapter in his remarkable life. His legacy began on the pages of this paper and have now been writted on the pages of papers across the country and globe. As we celebrate the 42nd Anniversary of the Queens Tribune, I celebrate its founder, his accomplishments, his vision, our friendship. Gary, thanks for the memories . . . and those to come. MSchenkler@QueensTribune.com

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

OP-ED

True Justice Still Remains Out of Reach BY STATE SEN. SHIRLEY HUNTLEY

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Trayvon Martin, whose young and precious life was taken away far too soon. The senseless murder of Martin, an unarmed black youth, has sparked a national outcry for justice. This has placed a spotlight on the controversial law “Stand Your Ground” law. This law gives anyone a license to kill if they “reasonably believe that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself, herself or another.” The State of Florida has seen homicides almost triple since the law was enacted in 2005. What is even more alarming is that similar laws are already in effect in more than 20 other states and subsequent tragedies could arise. My Senate Democratic col-

leagues and I cannot and will not support Senate Bill S. 281, which is similar to the “Stand Your Ground” law in Florida and have demanded that the sponsor of the bill, State Sen. George Maziarz (R-Newfane), withdraw the legislation. I would like to share my memory of a time when our community thought this sort of senseless killing would not happen again. At 5 a.m. in South Jamaica on April 28, 1973, 10year-old Clifford Glover was shot. The two officers, Thomas Shea and his partner, believed the African-American boy and his stepfather were guilty of robbery. Glover and his stepfather were afraid of the two officers and ran from them, believing they themselves were about to be robbed. Glover was hit by at least two bullets. Residents were outraged and frustrated following the shoot-

State Sen. Shirley Huntley ing. Shea was put on trial for murder. He was the first New York City police officer ever to be tried for murder while on duty. Shea was found not guilty on June 12, 1974. We thought that this would never happen again. However, the tragic murder of Sean Bell in 2006 in Jamaica, which occurred

before I represented the area, was another senseless killing of an unarmed black male. The officers involved in that shooting received no prison sentences and three of them were allowed to resign with full benefits. The killings of Amadou Diallo, Danroy Henry and Ramarly Graham also highlight the risk our minority males face when they are automatically deemed suspicious because of the color of their skin or the clothing they are wearing. The pattern of shooting unarmed minorities first and asking questions later has occurred all too often with the result being the death of an innocent individual. As a mother and grandmother it is unconscionable to see how our minority youth are stopped, frisked, beaten and even murdered due to how they look and dress. Members of the media have made irresponsible statements

about Trayvon’s hoodie being a reason why he was targeted. His attire shouldn’t be a litmus test for suspicion, and media focus should instead be on the quick triggers of those who committed these murders without cause. It is frightening to know that a cold-blooded killer is free and at large among the public, still in possession of the gun he used to kill young Trayvon. We must recommit ourselves to pursue justice and police accountability. This fight will grow each day until Trayvon’s killer is arrested for murder. A tragedy of this magnitude reaffirms my belief that justice is rarely given, but must be demanded through mobilization and action. I have and will continue to make my voice heard and will work with others who realize our young minority males are being unfairly targeted and killed by those engaging in reckless, often unpunished actions.

inside on his back unconscious with trauma to the face. EMS responded and pronounced him dead at the scene. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information in regards to this investigation 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 by texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

Upon arrival, police observed a 23-year-old black man with a gunshot wound to the head in the doorway area. EMS responded and pronounced the victim dead at the scene. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. The name of the deceased is pending family notification. Anyone with information in regards to this homicide is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

Police Blotter Compiled by JASON PAFUNDI

107th Precinct Robber Wanted

110th Precinct Man Shot and Killed On Sunday, March 25, at 8:33 p.m., police responded to a 911 call of a vehicle accident at Horace Harding Expressway and Junction Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers determined that a male operator of a 1997 Acura sedan crashed into another vehicle at the location. Police observed that the operator of the Acura, identified as 32year-old Tesfari Davis, had a gunshot wound to the neck and

multiple gunshot wounds to the leg. EMS responded and removed Davis to Elmhurst Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. There are no arrest(s) at this time and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stopper s Website at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

Elderly Man Killed On March 26, at approximately 8:30 a.m., police responded to a report of an unconscious person located at 95-19 43rd Ave. in Corona. Upon arrival, police observed 89-year-old Demaso Llano lying

114th Precinct Man Murdered On March 25, at approximately 1:09 p.m., police responded to a call of an assault located at 4-03 Astoria Blvd (Astoria Houses).

Save 911 For The Real Thing!

March 30 - April 5, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect wanted for a bank robbery which occurred on Thursday, March 22. At approximately 11:15 a.m., inside of the Dime Bank located at 176-47 Union Turnpike the suspect entered the location, simulated a weapon but did not display it and verbally demanded money. He fled the location without any currency. There were no reported injuries as a result of this incident. The suspect is described as a white male in his late 30s, 6 feet tall and weighing 170 pounds. He has a mustache, dark brown hair, a bump on the left side of his nose and overlapping teeth. He was last seen wearing a brown leather jacket, gray t-shirt, and blue jeans. Anyone with information in regards to this robbery is asked

to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stopper s Website at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

J-CAP:

White’s Legacy Lives On 32 Years Later At 6:55 a.m. on a Friday morning, Sutphin Boulevard is empty. A thoroughfare usually packed with pedestrians and droves of cars is surprisingly silent near the Baisley Park Library. However, inside J-CAP’s Main Treatment Center at 11630 Sutphin Blvd., there’s a different story. The residents have been up for nearly an hour and a roommate dispute is disrupting the schedule. “I want him kicked out of the program!” a man shouted. “I’m not living with him anymore.” Though not every morning starts this way, the Structure Team immediately knows how to mediate the situation. Just like a resident assistant in a college dorm, structure members are on the front lines for all resident disputes. The only difference? Structure members are in the treatment program, too.

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 30 - April 5, 2012

About J-CAP J-CAP was founded in 1980 by the late Councilman Thomas White Jr. It soon grew into one of the State’s largest substance abuse treatment programs. JCAP strives to give back to the borough. The organization’s choir is often asked to sing at

community events, including the groundbreaking of the Rochdale Village Library Adult Learning Center earlier this month. J-CAP runs several programs, including one for veterans and a Living Proof program for people affected by HIV/AIDS. A lot of the work the organization is able to do is through the help of volunteers and donations. Some who enter the J-CAP treatment program are mandated by the court, while others choose to enter the rigorous program themselves. Residents are subjected to a 17-hour schedule – from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. – filled with counseling, classes and occasional breaks. Morning Meeting After breakfast, a handful of residents began setting up for morning meeting, which starts promptly at 8 a.m. On this particular Friday morning, residents lethargically filed in and grabbed a seat, awaiting the start of the meeting. After a rundown of the schedule, residents began to stand up in front of the group and share. One woman said she felt blessed because her sister felt she was well enough to visit with her children. Another resident stood up and sang “No Diggity” in honor of Women’s History Month. By

PRESS Photos by Veronica Lewin

BY VERONICA LEWIN

the end of morning meeting, the entire room appeared to be uplifted and ready to take on a day of treatment. “That’s what morning meeting is all about,” Cottingham said. How It Works J-CAP only has eight staff members at the treatment facility. One of the things that makes J-CAP unique is that the day-today operations are run by residents given extra responsibilities. Structure members help residents stay on schedule and are responsible for knowing where each resident is at all times. “We teach them to run this like a business,” said Ricky Cottingham, Senior Program Director of J-CAP. One of the reasons J-CAP works is because it is run by people who have been there before. Both Cottingham and CEO Diane Gonzalez are former clients at J-CAP. “As someone who’s been on there, been on drugs and did all of the wrong things, it was my passion to give back,” Gonzalez said. When Gonzalez was 13 years old, she was busted by her parents for using marijuana and acid. They called White directly, and she was admitted to the outpatient program. After nearly a year of using while in the outpatient treatment program, she became a resident at JCAP. “Whatever you put into the program is what you’re going to get out,” Gonzalez said. After becoming clean, Gonzalez maintained a close relationship with White. “I love him. He was my best friend,” she said of White.

Matthew C. One night, Matthew’s cousin took him to a strange part of town. He took out a glass pipe and a Members of the J-CAP Choir sing at the ground-breaking ceremony of the white rock and began smoking crack. Rochdale Village Adult Learning Center on March 9. “I didn’t really under-

One J-CAP resident shares his thoughts on criminality at a group session March 2. stand the euphoric feeling of crack at the time,” he said. Though Matthew was 16 at the time, he said his road to drug use began 14 years prior. Both of his parents were users and remembers seeing them party and abuse drugs when he was a toddler. “Those were my examples. So I went with my examples and I began to use drugs,” Matthew said. He started with marijuana before moving on to harder drugs. In 1999, he moved to New York City from Texas to escape the bad influences in his life. He soon became a chef and was able to stay clean, despite temptation while walking back to his Washington Heights apartment. One night, he gave in. After being sober for almost four years, Matthew started sniffing cocaine. It took him more than three years to seek help, but Matthew didn’t realize staying clean was a 24/7 job. “I thought I was cured, but in actuality you’re never cured from this disease,” he said. His own father started selling drugs to him and Matthew started using again. He struggled with his addictions for years, which led him to fail as a housing manager. While at a shelter, Matthew asked his roommate to

recommend a good outpatient program. “J-CAP” was the response. For more than five months, Matthew has been enrolled in JCAP’s treatment program. In between classes, he works on writing scripts. He hopes to be a home health aide after he graduates the program. “I’m one of the clients who appreciates the help that they give me, so I’m moving along in the process,” Matthew said. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or vlewin@queenspress.com.

J-CAP Philosophy “Our lives have a value beyond our expectations. When we become aware of our negativities and strive for change, the key to success is to be honest with ourselves and our brothers and sisters. Where do we live? J-CAP. What are we striving for? Happiness. How do we achieve it? Through each other. We, the residents of J-CAP have the ability to learn right from wrong and teach others right from wrong.”

Borough Beat

Activist Calls For Repair Of Headstones BY ROSS BARKAN

Four headstones at the Old Towne of Flushing Burial Ground have yet to be restored and its conservancy co-chair, Mandingo Tshaka, is attacking the Parks Dept. for not upholding its promise. The Conservancy has argued that the headstones, destroyed in 1936 when then Parks Commissioner Robert Moses built a playground over the cemetery, should be brought back, and both the Parks Dept. and Borough President Helen Marshall have agreed with Tshaka. Marshall allocated $100,000 to replace the headstones which originally honored the African-American Bunn family. In a letter to Comptroller John Liu, formerly a Flushing Councilman, Tshaka writes that the “Conservancy feels that lack of progress may have been deliberate.”

“Racism is a bitch, you know,” Tshaka told the Queens Tribune. “All of my people’s burial grounds have been turned into parks.” The black activist gained local fame in the 90s when he fought for what was then called “Martin’s Field” to be recognized as a burial ground. At the time, it was entirely a playground. In 1996, the Parks Dept. commissioned a $500,000 archeological study in response to Tshaka’s activism. The study found that the site had served as a final resting place for between 500 to 1,000 individuals. Death records for the town of Flushing revealed that from 1881 until 1898, 62 percent of those buried there were black or Native American and 34 percent were unidentified. More than half were children under the age of five. Tshaka said he had met last year with the Parks Dept. but wants the process expedited. He

met with a Parks Dept. designer, Steve Whitesell, who had envisioned an obelisk to commemorate the deceased. The Parks Dept. did not specify, however, when the new grave markers would arrive.

“Parks met with the Olde Towne of Flushing Burial Ground Conservancy last spring and jointly decided that any monument should honor all of those interred at this site,” a Parks Dept. spokesman said.

“The Conservancy has agreed to revise their design to reflect the memorial’s purpose as a collective tribute.” Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 127 or rbarkan@queenstribune.com.

Roslyn Siegal Passed Away Roslyn Siegal (nee Faberman) passed away in Queens on March 8 at the age of 85. She was surrounded by her family. Roslyn was born in New York City; some of the happiest days of her life were spent in Delray Beach, Fla., where she and her beloved husband, Harry Siegal, moved in the mid 1970s. Roslyn

left a career at Chemical Bank to join Harry in Delray, where she worked for many years at the Board of Elections. Roslyn is survived by her three daughters, Eileen Head (Dr. Tom Head) of Binghamton, the Hon. Bernice Siegal (Kevin Lynch) of Queens and Dr. Meryl Siegal of Berkeley, Calif., and four grandchildren: Dr.

Michael Head (Shprese), Hadassah Head, Rebecca Lynch, Sara Lynch and her cousins, nephews and nieces. Roslyn will be greatly missed by friends and family; she continued to make new friends throughout her life fueled by her quick wit and sense of humor. Donations in Roslyn’s memory can be made to the Friends of Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Florida or the Music Fund at Ozanam Hall, Bayside, N.Y.

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Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

The Latest Fashion

Guys and gals strutted their stuff showing off the latest fashions during the event.

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 30 - April 5, 2012

The Jamaica Center Improvement Association held its latest Network Now gathering at the Applebee’s in Jamaica. The event featured guest Patricia Chin, the brains behind VP records – the world’s largest independent reggae label and the creator of Riddim Driven Men’s Clothing. Pictured above (from left) are Laurel Brown, executive director of the JCIA; Melissa Hodge-Miller, JCIA district service manager; Chin and fashion and beauty blogger Danielle Gray.

Profile

Darling Diva Takes The Stage BY VERONICA LEWIN Linda Colon-Derry is a second grader at the Cambria Center for the Gifted. Unlike most 7-year-olds, her weekends are filled with posing and primping. Linda has been performing in pageants since October 2010. Her first pageant was the “Darling Divas,” where she won the “Mini Supreme” award. Placing in her first competition allowed her to compete in a national competition the following January. Other pageants she has participated in include Princess Dreams and Miss NY Latina. This past weekend, Linda competed in her sixth competition, the International Prince & Princess Competition in White Plains. Her mother, Liza, insists that she is not like the mothers seen

on “Toddlers and Tiaras,” a television show often criticized for tots prancing around in makeup, bikinis and high heels. Liza only enters her daughter in natural pageants or “natural glitz” pageants, which allow contestants the option of wearing makeup and hair extensions. Liza said her competing in pageants has helped boost her daughter’s confidence and public speaking skills. To save money, Liza said she purchases competition dresses at department stores and bedazzles the dresses herself with rhinestones. “She wants to go on stage and have a sparkly dress,” she said. Liza raises money for her daughter to compete by selling Avon cosmetics. Some of

Linda Colon-Derry Linda’s talents include playing musical selections on the keyboard. Though Linda enjoys com-

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 30 - April 5, 2012

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peting in pageants, her mother often reminds her that her education is the most important thing. “She knows that schoolwork comes first,” Liza said. During the competition last weekend, her mother had her work on homework between events to ensure all of her work would be done by the time they arrived home in Springfield Gardens. Liza also tries not to schedule pageants too often and makes sure they do not interfere with her school schedule. At most, Linda competes in pageants once every couple of months. Liza said she will continue to enroll her daughter in pageants as long as Linda expresses an interest. “I really, really like doing pageants and what I really like about

them is that it makes me comfortable in front of a really big crowd,” she said. It gives her a lot of experience in preparation for fashion competitions when she gets older. Linda said her favorite competition was her first, the Darling Divas competition. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or vlewin@queenspress.com.

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

A&E

Steakhouse Owner Makes Way To TV

BY ROSS BARKAN

Willie Degel played middle linebacker in high school, did not attend college, loves his steakhouses and wants you to know exactly how much he loves them and why he succeeded. The kid from Queens is now a television star too, though he wants you to know, in his blunt, combative way, that this is not

what defines him. He will tell you what defines him — in his own words, he is unafraid of failure, and he is also unafraid of talking about himself. Failure, he said behind his mahogany desk on the second story of Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse in Bayside, is about looking yourself in the mirror and seeing why you screwed up. In Degel’s estimation, he has looked in the mirror plenty.

Restaurant Review

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hidden cameras, he sits in a control center and observes how a restaurant, which has asked him to help improve their operation, is treating its customers. Fake diners keep the restaurateurs on their toes. Degel will then tell them, loudly, what they did wrong. “It’s like football, I’m the middle linebacker, I was captain of the defense. The restaurant business is the same way. I don’t want customers coming in until my people are in place,” he said. Likening his workers to “troops,” one can easily see why Degel was originally cast for a truTV pilot called “America’s Toughest Boss.” The 44-year-old paints his portrait for you and allows you to part the velvet rope to observe it: he is a good Catholic boy of Irish German descent who attended three high schools, graduating from John Bowne; he is a proud toiler who, as a teen, gladly threw himself

into personal projects like rehabilitating cars and selling meat, loathing the act of standing still. In himself he sees an American ideal, a restless striver who can never quite be content. Before Uncle Jack’s — named for a relative — there was a converted biker bar on Flushing’s Main Street called Cocktails, named not for a relative, but for the 1988 Tom Cruise f ilm, “Cocktail.” He owned it with the savings from various smaller ventures like selling cars and was able to eventually purchase the then cheaper Bell Boulevard property for Uncle Jack’s eventual 1996 opening. Imbuing Uncle Jack’s with his taste for “the classic,” including a décor that evokes early 190 0’s steakhouses, the money rolled in and Degel expanded. Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at (718) 357- 7400, Ext. 127 or rbarkan@queenstribune.com.

Faith Leads Singer To Record Contract BY BRIANNA ELLIS With her heavenly-hearted jazz and gospel sound, Petula Beckles knows how to soothe the spirits of many listeners. Beckles is a soulful songstress who captures the word of Christ and turns it into miraculous music. Born in the island of Tobago, Beckles grew up in a religious household as a Seven Day Adventist member and still attends church each Saturday despite her hectic schedule. One of Beckles’s six brothers taught her how to sing her first song, “Try Jesus,” as a child. Her grandmother also used to sing whatever came to her emotionally, singing from her heart and scatting. Beckles even utilizes this jazz method in her music today. “I do it when writing a song or even recording,” she said. “Sometimes things come in full blast, sometimes little proportions,” she laughed. Beckles migrated to New

York at age 18, but resided in timony through music. “My music is to encourage other states before settling in Queens. She attended school in and uplift people through these the southwest, earning a full trying times. I consider myself a scholarship to sing with the music minister who can spread God’s love and inChamber Choir and vite people to come Choral at Navarro to Him,” Beckles College in Corsicana, said. Texas. She persuaded lis“It was not until I moved to Florida teners to do so in 2008, when she rethat I truly experileased her solo debut enced Christ myself,” album, “My Song of she said. “I started reJesus.” This contribally studying the Petula Beckles uted to her current word. I had a better contract with Tate Music Group. relationship with Him.” Beckles is on her My Song of The more she prayed, she said, the more success followed. Jesus 2012 tour in New York, GeorWhile living in Florida in gia, Florida and more until May. Some of Beckles’s musical 2005, Beckles started music professionally and in 2006, re- inf luences include Nat King leased her first single, “Today I Cole, CeCe Winans and Babbie Will Shout.” Gaining exposure Mason. Beckles will get the from various labels, Beckles em- chance to meet Babbie Mason in braced music completely in De- her Georgia home in April. Reach Intern Brianna Ellis at cember 2007. She admits she wasn’t a songwriter at first, but intern@queenstribune.com or (718) began sharing her story and tes- 357-7400, Ext. 124.

March 30 - April 5, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

The new Hilton New York JFK Airport hotel offers a lot for the guests of Queens. For us residents who want to feel like we’re on vacation without leaving the borough, there’s Restaurant 144. Immediately after I sat down, Dana, who has been working at the hotel for 16 years, greeted me with a glass of water. I was impressed with her knowledge of everything on the new menu. The lunch menu ranges from buffalo wings to freshly made soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers. After being tempted by everything on the menu, I decided to start with the Pork Pot Stickers. While I waited for my appetizer, Dana brought me a freshly made glass of fruit punch – a blend of pineapple, orange, cranberry and cherry juices with a splash of club soda. She said she learned the recipe on a trip to the island of Jamaica. Maybe it was the unseasonably warm weather, but I sure felt like I was sitting on a beach the second I took a sip. I resisted the urge to gulp the glass’s contents before my appetizer arrive. Luckily, I didn’t have to wait long. The pot stickers, perfectly

garnished, looked delicious. They were flavorful and crispy without being too greasy. The sweet chile sauce had just the right amount of heat and the combination almost made me wish I’d ordered a second plate. That is, until my lunch arrived. I ordered The Wall Street, a hearty burger topped with cheddar, bacon and egg. Yes, egg. The egg is usually cooked sunny side up, so be prepared to get a little messy. I was apprehensive about seeing breakfast on top of my lunch, but – as Dana assured – it did not disappoint. The fusion of protein and iron danced in my mouth and almost distracted me from the gathering of crispy, piping hot fries that accompanied my burger. Just when I thought I couldn’t eat another bite, a plate of mango mousse arrived at my table. The mousse was light and fluffy and complemented the final sips of my fruit punch. I happily cleaned the plate. Though dining at a hotel without being a guest can feel out of the ordinary at first, the staff at Restaurant 144 makes you feel like you’re staying in the Presidential Suite. Whether you have family or friends coming to the Big Apple or just want to try something new in Queens, Restaurant 144 is definitely worth a visit. I’ll be sure to come back to experience the dinner menu. –Veronica Lewin

“Don’t be scared of failing, but let’s not fail on the same thing over and over again, that’s a nono,” Degel said. “What I used to say to my brothers in college, you’re paying $200,000 for this college degree and I say, man I made only $50,000 worth of mistakes and I’m making a hundred grand in a year and when you’re coming out of college, you’re working for me before you get set up. My brothers used to laugh.” The stocky Degel, with his round pugilist’s face and propensity for shooting out sentences like bullets, is the owner of the tony Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse and its two Manhattan locations. He is also the star “Restaurant Stakeout,” a new show on the Food Network. In the reality show, which airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m., Degel critiques various restaurants the only way one of four brothers from the streets of Flushing would — with brutal honesty. Utilizing

Faith

Oratorio In Hollis This Good Friday BY VERONICA LEWIN

With Easter Weekend approaching, one church in Hollis is hosting a concert. On Good Friday, April 6, the Hollis Presbyterian Church is presenting “The Seven Last Words of Christ,” a sacred oratorio by Theodore Dubios. The show will be performed by Hollis

“God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble.” - Pslams 16:1

cent projects includes the establishment of the 99 Percent Club. The group is pushing for low- and moderateincome housing put in the empty buildings on Hollis Avenue. “ We have a great need for affordable housing,” he said. If housing is out of the question, a community center for the children who frequently pass by would be a reasonable alternative. Chapman said the club is currently brainstorming other ways The Hollis Presbyterian Church will perform “The Seven Last Words of Christ” the buildings could be on April 6. utilized. “We’re going to continue to raise the issue hood in pop culture and the me- 22. For more information about of those abandoned buildings,” dia. This event is aimed at bring- any of the church’s events, conhe said. ing attention to the issues fac- tact (718) 776-4646. Chapman said a panel is ing young males in the commuReach Reporter Veronica Lewin planned for next month to ad- nity. The church is also hosting at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or dress the images of black man- an anniversary concert on April vlewin@queenspress.com.

Notebook March 2012 Learning To Learn:

Pinkology:

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 30 - April 5, 2012

Photo by Bob Harris

Two physical education teachers at Hillcrest High School in Jamaica, MaryAnn Meyer and Gisele Ruiz, were invited to demonstrate their techniques of maximizing student learning to undergraduate students at Manhattan College. The activity was sponsored by the New York State Alliance of Health, Physical Education and Dance. The young teachers focus on social interaction and cooperative games to build self-confidence and encourage the students to do more. They tell the students what they are looking for in skill building and then the students assess each other, help each other and develop their own methods as part of developing social responsibility. They learn kick boxing and yoga during the program.

The Humanities and the Arts High School in the Campus Magnet Complex in Cambria Heights celebrated Women’s History Month by holding seminars for 10th and 11th grade young women and a “Pinkology” Auditorium activity. Health issues, emotions, relationships and scholastics were emphasized. The students were given literature and had discussions about abuse, relationships and other issues. Young ladies were also told where they could get help from various community organizations. The girls were divided into three groups with the colors of pink for breast cancer, red for heart disease and purple for domestic violence.

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

Word

Presbyterian’s Chancel Choir, as well as St. Alban The Martyr Episcopal Church’s Chancel Choir. The show begins promptly at 7:30 at Hollis Presbyterian, located at 100-50 196th St. The Hollis Presbyterian Church is celebrating its 90th anniversary in the community this year. The Rev. Mark Chapman and his small congregation have been trying to do what they can to improve the neighborhood. “It’s an effort on the part of our church to become more deeply involved in the community,” he said. Some of the church’s projects include trying to save Jamaica High School and improving the lives of black men in Southeast Queens. Chapman hopes to improve the community by collaborating with other churches, businesses and business improvement districts that share the same goal. One of the church’s most re-

What’s Up kdblanding@aol.com, or William MARCH 31 McDonald at whm6363@ Walkers For Wellness Club H. gmail.com. Looking for a fun way to improve your health? Join the Walkers for Wellness Club at New Hope Lutheran Church of Jamaica. Under the guidance of a Walking Leader, you will walk two to three times each week at a comfortable pace with others along routes throughout Southeast Queens. The club is open to walkers of all ages and abilities. The walking schedule is Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m., and Saturdays at 8 a.m. Walkers meet at New Hope Lutheran Church, located at 167-24 118th Ave. T-shirts and pedometers will be provided. Contact Thurkessa Brown at (917) 553-1089 for more information.

Single Mothers Debate Join Councilman James Sanders Jr. as he celebrates Women’s History Month 2012 with a hot topic debate: can single mothers raise boys to be men? A panel of experts will debate, educate and motivate on an issue we must tackle as a community. Come out and bring a friend. For additional information, call (718) 5274356. This free event will be held at Black Spectrum Theatre, 177th Street and Baisley Boulevard, from noon to 3 p.m.

Youth Empowerment

Art Exhibit Opening Be there for the opening of an art exhibit featuring the works of Lee Guest. Guest’s work includes a wide range of oil paintings, acrylic and charcoals. This free event will be held at Afrikan Poetry Theatre Café, 17609 Jamaica Ave., at 6 p.m.

Spring Swing The Jamaica Performing Arts Center, in collaboration with York College, hosts a night of live music and entertainment. Come out and enjoy swing dancing to a live band with drinks and refreshments. Founded in 2007, the York College Big Band is the college’s premiere jazz ensemble consisting of students, alumni, faculty, staff, and members of the greater college community. The ensemble specializes in swing, Latin, and funk and is an integral part of life on the York College campus. For additional information, contact the JPAC box office at jpac@jcal.org or (718) 618-6170. A donation of $10 is suggested. This event will be held at Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave., at 8 p.m.

APRIL 1 Concerts at Central Howard Leshaw’s prominence in the world of jazz is undeniable. The liberal dose of swing he applies to traditional Yiddish klezmer music is all it will take to make listeners both old and new sit up and take notice. This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 3 p.m.

APT Art Exhibit 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 be held at Afrikan Poetry Theatre Café, 17609 Jamaica Ave., at 3 p.m.

Promote Your Business at the Simply To Empower Power Network’s Grand Networking Affair. Meet, greet and build business relationships with Business Professionals from NYC and beyond at the Simply To Empower Power Network (The STEP Network) Grand Networking Affair. Promote your business, connect with new people and exchange business cards at the Queens-based STEP. It is a great place for you to find giveaways, food, business books, inspirational and motivational products and other services from which to learn and grow. Guest speaker Jim Nemley will present “Steps To Building Your Extraordinary Business.” The STEP Network is a professional atmosphere offering grand monthly affairs that can potentially take your business to the next level. Admission is $10. For additional information, visit www.simplytoempower.com or contact Sherise Patterson at (718) 289-4080 or simplyto empower@gmail.com This event will be held at Jamaica Export Centre, 157-11 Rockaway Blvd., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

on and off, how to use the keyboard and mouse, how to open and close “windows”, and how to use toolbars and scroll bars. Preregistration is required in person at the Cyber Center Desk. Classes are offered on Wednesday mornings (9:30 a.m.) and Tuesday evenings (6:00 p.m.). For details, please call (718) 990-0769. This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 6 p.m.

APRIL 4 Intro to Computers In this single-session workshop, you will learn the basics of using the computer: how to log on and off, how to use the keyboard and mouse, how to open and close “windows”, and how to use toolbars and scroll bars. Preregistration is required in person at the Cyber Center Desk. Classes are offered on Wednesday mornings (9:30 a.m.) and Tuesday evenings (6:00 p.m.). For details, please call (718) 990-0769. This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 9:30 a.m.

Day of Solidarity As we approach the 44th year

APRIL 3 since the assassination of Rev. Walkers For Wellness Club Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the See Saturday’s listing. At 7 p.m.

Youth Tech Initiative Program The Daughters of Isis Foundation and Literacy for Urban Empowerment Corporation are pleased to present Youth Tech Initiative Program (Y-TIP) - free Microsoft Applications Computer Training for young women 16-24 years of age. For additional information, visit luecorp.tripod. com, or contact Luequita Oliver, program coordinator, at (917) 292-5176 or send an e-mail to s i m o n e w i l l i a m s @ thedaughtersofisisfoundation.org This free event will be held at the Young Queens Loft, 148-14 Liberty Ave. from 6 to 8 p.m.

Intro to Computers In this single-session workshop, you will learn the basics of using the computer: how to log

South East Queens County Young Democrats invite you to join them in celebrating his life and legacy as he fought for the workers’ and unions civil rights. Please bring your banners and wear your organization’s insignia. The group will convene at the Jamaica bus terminal on Merrick Blvd. For additional information, call Jacques Leandre at (347) 6132315 or send him an e-mail at seqcyd@gmail.com. This free event will be held at Jamaica Bus Terminal (across from the Queens Public Library on Merrick Boulevard) from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Job Readiness Workshops Join us for these interactive workshops. The topics are: Resumes/cover letters on April 4; Preparing for the interview on April 11 and Job search techniques on April 18. This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s

Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 6 p.m.

Operation Safe State Sen. Malcolm Smith’s crime prevention initiative, Operation Safe Southeast Queens, will take place on the first Wednesday of every month. For additional information, contact Tai White at (718) 454-0162. This free event will be held at District Office of State Senator Malcolm A. Smith - 205-20 Jamaica Ave. from 7 to 8 p.m.

APRIL 5 Walkers For Wellness Club See Saturday’s listing. At 7 p.m.

APRIL 6 Outreach and Assistance Are you a young woman 1724 years of age and need assistance in applying for housing, completing college applications, financial aid or just need assistance and don’t know where to turn? The Daughters of Isis Foundation is available for support! Contact the foundation for information or to schedule an appointment. For additional information, visit thedaughtersof isisfoundation.org, call Simone Williams at (347) 731-1721 or email isis.staff@ gmail.com. This free event will be held on the second floor of the Young Queens Loft, 148-14 Liberty Ave., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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.

March 30 - April 5, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

The NAACP New York State Conference Youth and College Division is presenting “A Day of Youth Empowerment and College Awareness.” Join them for a day dedicated to educating the youth and community about: ACT vs. SAT - which one do colleges want and why; what to expect that first year of college; using social network as a tool, not as a hindrance and understanding the challenges and opportunities of being prepared to withstand the growing cost of tuition. Registration will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. Middle school students are especially welcome; it’s never to early to learn this process. For more information or to RSVP send an e-mail to NYSYCDNAACP@yahoo.com or contact James Richardson at jbrrich@yahoo.com, or Karen Blanding at

This free event will be held at Springfield Gardens Educational Complex, 143-10 Springfield Blvd. from 2 to 8 p.m.

APRIL 2 Networking Affair

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.

DINNER CONSERVATIVES Thursday, April 12 the Queens Count y Conservative Part y will host its annual S p r i n g C o c k t a i l Pa r t y i n Howard Beach. 474-3826. 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. ELMHURST HOSPITAL Thursday, May 17 180 Years celebrating women’s health.maerkerj@nychhc.org.

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 30 - April 5, 2012

FLEA MARKETS INDOOR FLEA Saturday, March 31 at Trinit y U n i te d Methodist C h u r c h , 8 6 th A v e n u e a n d 108th Street, Richmond Hill. CRAFT/FLEA Saturday and Sunday, March 31, April 1 at Forest Hills HS, 67-01 110 th Street. 9-4. CRAFT/BAKE/FLEA Sunday, April 1 8:30-1:30 a t M a r y ’ s N a t i v i t y, 4 6 - 0 2 parsons Blvd., Flushing.

THEATER RENT April 11-14, 18-20 at LaGuardia Performing Arts. 482-5151. MUSIC MAN April 27 through May 6 Andrean Players present “The Music Man” at St. Andrew’s in Flushing. 917753-8410. PSYCHO BEACH May 4 through 12 “Psycho Beach Part y” at the Shadowbox Theatre at Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6284.

ENTERTAINMENT CON BRIO ENSEMBLE Saturday, March 31 at the Forest Hills library at 2:30. SING-A-LONG Saturday, March 31 sing-along to “West Side Story” at Queensborough Community College. 631-6311. SPRING SWING Saturday, March 31 Spring Swing with the York College Big Band at JPAC. 262-2412. BOTANICAL GARDEN Saturday and Sunday, March 31, April 1 8-6 the Queens Botanical Garden opens with tours, children’s activity table and more. 8863800. RED STAR ARMY Sunday, April 1 at Queensborough Community College. 631-6311. KLEZMER ENSEMBLE Sunday, April 1 Howard Leshaw’s Klezmer Ensemble at the Central library at 3. LIVE JAZZ & R&B Sundays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 live jazz and r&b 6-10 at Déjà vu, 180-25 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. GOLDEN AGE Monday, April 2 Golden Age of Radio at 2 at the Queens Village library. STORY TELLING Monday, April 2 Intergenerational Storytelling workshop on “How We Came to Queens” at the Hollis library. Register. BINGO Tu e s d a y s 7 : 1 5 A m e r i c a n

Mart yrs Church in Bayside. 4 6 4 - 4 5 8 2 . Tu e s d ay s 7 : 1 5 (doors open 6) Rego Park Jewish Center. 459-1000. $3 admission includes 12 games. SCRABBLE Tuesdays Fresh Meadows library at 1 and East Flushing library at 3:30. CHESS Tuesdays 4:30 Rosedale library and 4 at LIC library. EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday, April 7 barnyard Easter Egg Hunt at the Queens Count y Farm Museum 12-4. $5. 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park. 347-FARM. GIL SCOTT-HERON Saturday, April 7 tribute to Gil Scott-Heron with a screening of “Black Wax Is That Jazz,” a discussion of his poetry and a panel discussion at noon at the Langston Hughes library.

RELIGIOUS PASSOVER SEDER Friday, April 6 the Jewish Center of Kew Gardens Hills. 263-6500. Reservations required. SEDER Saturday, April 7 Seder at 5:30. Reservations. Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 7111 112 th Street. 261-2900.

HEALTH WAITANKUNG Sundays at 2. Total-body workout. Flushing Hospital/ Medical Center. Free. Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156. CANCER SUPPORT Mondays, April 2, May 7, June 4 Franklin Hospital’s Cancer Support Group 2-4 in the cafeteria. 516-2566478. ZUMBA FITNESS Mondays, April 2, 9, 16 Latin dance fitness program at the East Elmhurst library. Register. FAMILY WII ZUMBA Mondays, April 9, 16, 23, May 14 at 6:30 at the Lefrak Cit y librar y. Bring a towel and bottle of water. TAI CHI Mondays and Thursdays at 11 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695. $5. CHAIR YOGA Tuesdays, April 3, 10, 17 introduction to Chair Yoga at the Douglaston/Little Neck library. Register. CAREGIVERS SUPPORT

Tuesdays Western Queens Caregiver Network in Sunnyside. 5:30-6:30. 7846173, ext. 431. Also, 3:304:30 Selfhelp Clearview Sen i o r C e n t e r , 2 0 8 - 1 1 2 6 th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886. AUTISM Tuesdays Qualit y Services for the Autism Communit y holds workshops for families and friends of autistic children and adults. 7-AUTISM, ext. 1219. DAY TOP Tuesdays support for family and friends of those affected by substance abuse. 1-8002Daytop. OVEREATERS ANON. Wednesdays through May 30 a t 1 1 a t t h e H o w a r d Beach library. ZUMBA Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695. $10 class. DIABETES 101 Thursday, April 5 Diabetes prevention and management at the Peninsula library at 7.

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS LINK UP WITH LINKEDIN Saturday, March 31 at the LIC library. Bring electronic copy of resume at 2. BOATING SAFETY Saturdays, March 31, April 28 US Coast Guard Auxiliar y’s Boating Sa fet y Class in Fort Totten, Bayside. 917-952-7014. SPRING WORKSHOP Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 15 Celebrate Spring with free workshops in Mexican Paper Art and Andean Instrument-Making at Flushing Town Hall. 4637700. PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, March 31, April 7, 21 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-436-7940. 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 Bay INTRO COMPUTERS Mondays, April 2, 16, 30 at the Fresh Meadows library. Register. MEDICAL OFFICE Mondays, April 2, 9 Center for the Women of NY trains medical office assistants at 1 at the Forest Hills library. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21 at the Douglaston/Little Neck library at 4. Bring your own needles and yarn. JOB READINESS Mondays, April 2, 9, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 28 at the Arverne library at 5:30. LEARN CHINESE Mondays in April at 5:30 at the North Forest Park library at 5:30. BEGIN CROCHET Mondays through May 21 at the Arverne library at 6. JOB READINESS Mondays through May 14 at the Woodside library at 6:30. COMPUTER BOOK CAMP Mondays through May 28 at the Far Rockaway library. Register. BRIDGE Mondays except holidays 12-4 at Pride of Judea in Douglaston. Lesson & play $10. Partners arranged. 4236200. DRAWING CLASS Mondays National Art League in Douglaston. 3610628.

LINE DANCE Mondays beginner to intermediate lessons in Bayside. 917-886-0519. ADULT CHESS Mondays and Thursdays Queens Village library at 5:30. INTRO COMPUTERS Tuesday s through May 15 at the McGoldrick librar y. Register. COMPUTER CLASS Tuesdays, April 3, 10, 17, 24 at the Sunnyside library. Register. BASIC COMPUTER Tuesday, April 3 at the LIC library at 11. BASIC COMPUTERS Tu e s d ay, A p r i l 3 a t t h e Ozone Park library. Register. INTRO COMPUTERS Tu e s d ay, A p r i l 3 a t t h e Maspeth library at 1. INTRO COMPUTERS Tu e s d a y eve n i n g s a t t h e Central library. Register. OWN BUSINESS Ever y Tuesday Owning Your Own Business: The Nuts and Bolts of Getting Started 6:30-7:30 at the Central library. LI CHESS CLUB Tuesdays LIC library at 4. KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays Windsor Park library at 2. PRACTICE LABS Tuesdays Arverne library at 10:30. GET YOUR YARNS OUT! Tu e s d a y s a f t e r ev e n i n g Minyan at 8, knitters, crocheters, needlepointers, and others meet at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 2637000, ext. 200. INTRO COMPUTERS Wednesdays, April 4, 11, 25 at the Windsor Park library. Register. BASIC COMPUTER Wednesday, April 4 at the Woodside library at 10:30 and the Bay Terrace library. Register. KNIT & CROCHET Wednesdays through May 30 at the South Ozone Park librar y. Bring needles and one skein of yarn. 1. RESUME WORKSHOP Wednesday, April 4 t the LIC library at 1:30. INTERVIEW PREP. Wednesday, April 4 at the Bellerose library at 2. CRIMINAL RECORD Wednesday, April 4 Job Searching with a Criminal Record at the Far Rockaway library at 3. Friday, April 6 at the Arverne library at 10:30. JOB READINESS Wednesdays through April 18 at the Central library at 6.

INTRO COMPUTERS Wednesday mornings at the Central library. Register. DUPLICATE BRIDGE Wednesdays 10:30-3:00 Re f o r m Te m p l e o f F o r e s t Hills. $12 session, includes light lunch. 261-2900 DRAWING/WATERCOLOR Wednesdays Drawing and Wa tercolor classes at the National Art League.9691128.. BASIC COMPUTERS Thursday, April 5 at the Ozone Park library. Register. WRITING GROUP Thursdays, April 5, 12, 19 at 6:30 at the Broadway library. EVENING CRAFT Thursdays, April 5, 12, 19, 26 at the Fresh Meadows library at 6:30. BOOT COMP Thursdays through May 24 at the Arverne library. Register. LEARN TO DANCE Thursdays ballroom smooth and Latin dances at the Samuel Field Adult Center in Little Neck. 225-6750, ext. 236. QUILTING CLASS Thursdays 11-3 Maria Rose Doll Museum in St. Albans. 276-3454 East Elmhurst library at 12. INTERMEDIATE COMP. Thursday, April 5 at the LIC library at 10. KNIT & CROCHET Fridays, April 6, 13, 20, 27 at the Fresh Meadows library. Bring own materials. BEGIN COMPUTERS Fridays, April 6, 20 at the Middle Village library. Register. LAPTOPS Fridays, April 6, 13 laptops provided at the Steinway library at 10:30. MAH JONGG Fridays, April 6, 13, 20, 27 a t t h e Wo o d s i d e l i b ra r y. Register. CHESS CLUB Fridays through May 25 at the Auburndale library at 3:30. SOCIAL MEDIA Saturday, April 7 at 10:30 at the Far Rockaway library. ESSAY WRITING Saturday, April 7 at the Far Rockaway library at 2. LEARN TO SAIL Saturday, April 7 free open house at the Boathouse, Flushing Meadows/Corona Park from 11-3. Get information about youth and adult sailing courses. 347-4381863. INTERMEDIATE COMP. Saturdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, June 3, 10 at the LIC library at 2.

Queens Today YOUTH

MEETINGS 3, 17 Queens Pride House Men’s group 7-9. 429-5309. CIVIL AIR PATROL Thursdays at 3 at August Martin HS, 156-10 Baisley Blvd., Jamaica. 525-6925. LEADD CLUB Thursday evenings and one Saturday afternoon. Recreation Socialization Program for Learning Disabled Adults. 18+, able to travel on public transportation. Arn310@aol.com information. WOMEN’S GROUP

Fridays Woman’s Group of Jamaica Estates meets at noon. 461-3193. GOLD COAST ROTARY Fridays 516-466-3636. CLUTTERERS ANON. Fridays Learn how to gain control of your life by eliminating your clutter. 7127656. TOASTMASTERS Saturdays, April 7, 21, May 5, 19 learn how to communicate effectively at 10 at Elmhurst Hospital. 4249754.

TEENS CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2. TEEN GAMING Mondays, April 2, 9, 23, 30 at the Fresh Meadows library at 3:30. LAPTOPS Mondays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 laptops for use at the Hollis library at 4. ART LESSONS Mondays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 learn drawing techniques at the Langston Hughes library. Register. CULTURAL ENRICH. Mondays, April 2, 16, 30 Ms. B’s Cultural Enrichment Corner at the Pomonok library at 4:30. FAMILY WII ZUMBA Mondays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, May 7, 14 at the Lefrak Cit y library at 6:30. TEEN GAMING Tuesdays through April 24 at the Fresh Meadows library at 4. LAPTOPS Tuesdays through April 24 at the Hollis library at 4. CHESS & CHECKERS Wednesdays through May 30 at the South Ozone Park library at 3. LANYARD MANIA Wednesday, April 4 at the Briarwood library. Register. JEWELRY MAKING Wednesday, April 4 at the Flushing library. Register. TEEN GAMING Wednesdays, April 4, 11, 18, 25 at the Fresh Meadows library at 4. LAPTOPS Wednesdays through April 25 at the Hollis library at 4. LITERACY WORKSHOP Wednesday, April 4 at the Steinway library. Register. SISTER TALK Wednesdays through May 30 at the Pomonok library at 4:30. GAME DAY Wednesdays St. Albans library at 4.

CHESS & CHECKERS Thursdays through May 31 at 3 at the South Ozone Park library. TEEN GAMING Thursdays, April 5, 12, 19 at the Fresh Meadows library at 3:30. CREATE COMICS Thursday, April 5 create cool comics at 3:30 at the Lefferts librar y. ANIME CLUB Thursdays, April 5, 12, 19, 26 at the Flushing library at 4. LAPTOPS Thursdays through April 26 at the Hollis library at 4. MECHANICAL TOYS Thursdays, April 5, 26 Physics of Mechanical Toys with LEAP at the Jackson Heights library. MAH JONGG Fridays, April 6, 13, 20, 27 a t t h e Wo o d s i d e l i b ra r y. Register. TEEN GAME DAY Friday, April 6 at the Broadway library at 4. BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, April 6, 13, 20, 27 at the Fresh Meadows library at 4. LAPTOPS Fridays through April 27 at 4 at the Hollis library. TEEN MOVIE NIGHT Fridays, April 6, 20 at the Hollis library at 4. LOCKER ROOM Fridays through May 25 Life’s Locker Room is for young men in idle school and high school at the Pomonok library. INTERNET DATABASE Saturday, April 7 sessions for teens at the Langston Hughes library at 2. SOCIAL MEDIA Saturday, April 7 learn about social media at the Far Rockaway library at 10:30. ESSAY WRITING Saturdays, April 7, 14 at the Far Rockaway library at 2.

FANCY NANCY Saturday, March 31 at 11 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 U n i o n Tu r n p i ke , F re s h Meadows. EASTER WREATH Monday, April 2 create a paper plate Easter wreath at 4 at the Middle Village library. Register. ETIQUETTE Mondays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Etiquette and Character Education at 4:30 at the Hollis library. CULTURAL ENRICH. Mondays, April 2, 16, 30 Ms. B’s Cultural Enrichment Corner at the Pomonok library at 4:30. FAMILY WII ZUMBA Mondays through May 14 at the Lefrak Cit y library at 6:30. STORY TELLING Monday, April 2 Intergenerational Storytelling workshop at 5 at the Hollis library. PJ TIME Mondays, April 2, 16, 23 at the Central library at 7. READ TO A DOG Tu e s d a y, A p r i l 3 a t t h e North Hills library. Register. COMMUNITY WORD Tuesday, April 3 at the Central library at 4:30. ASTRONOMY Tu e s d a y, A p r i l 3 a t t h e Lefrak Cit y library at 4:30. MATH DRILLS Tuesdays, April 3, 17, 24 at the McGoldrick library at 4:30. WORD OF THE WEEK Tuesdays, April 3, 10, 24 at the McGoldrick library at 5. FAMILY STORY TIME Wednesdays, April 4, 11, 18, 25 at the Bay Terrace library at 10:30. FAMILY COLORING Wednesdays, April 4, 11, 18 at the Bay Terrace library at 11. SEASONAL CRAFT Wednesday, April 4 at the Fresh Meadows library at 3:30. LANYARD MANIA Wednesday, April 4 at the Briarwood library. Register. EASTER CRAFT Wednesday, April 4 at the Central library at 4. REPTILE EDVENTURE Wednesday, April 4 at the East Elmhurst library at 4. Thursday, April 5 at the Corona library at 4. Friday, April 6 at the Central library at 2. BUILD A HAIKU Wednesday, April 4 at the Flushing library at a4. LITERACY WORKSHOP Wednesday, April 4 at the Steinway library at 4. HEALTH & SCIENCE

Wednesdays, April 4, 18 at the McGoldrick library at 5. PRESCHOOL CRAFTS Thursdays, April 5, 26 at the Windsor Park library at 1:30. EASTER CRAFT Thursday, April 5 at the Maspeth library at 3:30. ARTS & CRAFTS Thursdays through May 10 at the Auburndale library at 4. EASTER CRAFT Thursday, April 5 at the Central library at 4. MECHANICAL TOYS Thursday, April 5 the Physics of Mechanical Toys at 4 at the Jackson Heights library. TERRIFIC KIDS Thursdays through May 24 at the Cambria Heights library. Register. WII GAMES Thursdays through April 26 at the McGoldrick library at 5:30. TOTS & TOYS Fridays, April 6, 20, 27 at the McGoldrick library at 10:30.

TALKS 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. WINDSOR PARK Monday, April 2 “Truth and Beauty” discussed at 2 at the Windsor Park library. LAURELTON Monday, April 2 “Cheesec a ke a n d Te a r d ro p s ” d i s cussed at 6:15 at the Laurelton library. NORTH HILLS Monday, April 2 “Families and Other Nonreturnable Gifts” discussed at 6:15 at the North Hills library. KAREN KOSLOWITZ Tuesday, April 3 council member Karen Koslowitz speaks at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills at 8:30, 71-11 112 th Street. Discussion of the NYC budget. GEORGE ONUORAH Thursday, April 5 an evening with George Onuorah and Cheryl Wills at 6 at the Langston Hughes library. WINDSOR PARK Thursday, April 5 “The Hare with Amber Eyes” discussed at 6:30 at the Windsor Park librar y. FLUSHING Friday, April 6 book discussion group and film screening at the Flushing library at 1.

EASTER CRAFT Friday, April 6 at the Whitestone library at 3. LIBRARY BUDDIES Fridays through May 25 at the Auburndale library at 4. BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, April 6, 13, 20, 27 at the Fresh Meadows library at 4. GIRL SCOUTS Fridays, April 6, 27 at the Central library at 4:30. EASTER CRAFT Friday, April 6 at the McGoldrick librar y. Register. GAME DAY Fridays, April 6, 20, 27 at the Woodhaven library at 4:30. FAMILY STORY TIME Saturdays, April 7, 21 at the Flushing library at 11. CHILDREN’S THEATER Saturdays, April 7, 14, 21 LaMicro Children’s Theater a t t h e S u n ny s i d e l i b ra r y. Register.

PARENTS LA LECHE LEAGUE Thursdays, April 5, 19, May 3, 17 information and support to mothers who breastfeed at 6 at the Forest Hills library.

SENIORS TAX COUNSELING Mondays, April 2, 9 at the Hillcrest and Sunnyside libraries at 1. SENIOR COMPUTERS Tuesdays through May 29 basic computer class at 10 at the South Ozone Park library. TAX COUNSELING Tuesdays, April 3, 10, 17 at 1 at the Auburndale library. Tuesdays, April 3, 10 at 1 at the Hollis library. AARP 3654 Tuesdays, April 3, May 1 AARP 3654 meets in Bayside. 423-4237. TAX COUNSELING Wednesdays, April 4, 11 at 10 at the Laurelton and Windsor Park libraries. COMPUTER BASICS Wednesdays, April 4, 11 basic computer use at the Central library. Register. TAX COUNSELING Thursdays, April 5, 12 at 1 at the Fresh Meadows and North Forest Park libraries.. STARS Fridays through May 25 Senior Theater Acting Repertory meets at the Queens Village library at 10:30.

March 30 - April 5, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturday, March 31 learn how to communicate effectively. 10-12:15 at Elmhurst Hospital. 424-9754. COMET CIVICS Monday, April 2 Comet Civics regular monthly meeting at 7 at Bethzatha Church of God, 85-20 57 th Avenue, Elmhurst. CIVIL AIR PATROL Mondays Falcon Senior Squadron at 7 at JFK Airport. 781-2359. HAM RADIO CLUB Tuesdays, April 3, May 1, June 5 Emergency Communications Service meets in Briarwood. 357-6851. TALK OF THE TOWN Tuesdays, April 3, 17, May 1, 15 learn the art of public speaking 7:15 in St. Albans. 640-7092. MEN’S CLUB SOCCER Tu e s d a y e ve n i n g s F o r e st Hills Jewish Center 8-9:30. 263-7000. FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tu e s d ay s Fre s h M e a d ow s Camera Club. 917-6123463. ADVANCED WRITERS Tuesdays Advanced Bayside Writers’ Group meets at 6:30 in the Terrace Diner, 212-97 26 th Avenue, upper level. BEREAVEMENT Wednesdays, April 4, May 2, June 6 Bereavement Support Group at Holy Family in Fresh Meadows. 7:30. 969-2448. FLUSHING CAMERA Wednesday, April 4, 18 at Flushing Hospital. 479-0643. KNIGHTS OF PY THIAS Wednesdays, April 4, 18, May 2, 16, May 6, 20 Queensview Lodge 433 in Whitestone. 917-754-3093. TOASTMASTERS Wednesdays, April 4, 18, May 2, 16 learn the art of public speaking at the Voices of Rochdale Toastmasters Club in Jamaica. 978-0732. LIONS CLUB Wednesday, April 4 Bayside-Whitestone Lions Club meets at 25-59 Francis Lewis Blvd., Flushing at 7. 428-7285. BARBERSHOP Wednesdays Jamaica Chapter of t he Societ y for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet in Flushing. 468-8416. LA LECHE LEAGUE Thursdays, April 5, 19, May 3, 17 information and support to mothers who breastfeed at 6 at the Forest Hills library. MEN’S PRIDE GROUP Thursdays, April 5, 19, May

People

Air Force Airman Tevin R. Cachola 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

Plumb./Heat

core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Cachola is the son of Dorys Cachola of Springfielf Gardens. Courtney Lyons, a sport management major from Jamaica, is a member of the Syracuse University Sport Management Club. The SU Sport Management Club is a student-run organization of the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. The club recently held its seventh annual Charity Sports Auction at the Carrier Dome, raising $30,444 for the Upstate Cancer Center at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. The New York Lottery announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning ticket from one of the Lottery’s live drawings March 18-24.

Violations

Furniture

Beverly Farrell of Jamaica won $30,539 on the Take Five drawing March 20. Farrell’s winning ticket was purchased at the 147 Jamaica Convenience, 14714 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica. Medwin Fontin of St. Albans was named to the Dean’s List for the 2012 winter term at Coate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Conn. He is the

Local students received degrees during fall 2011 commencement ceremonies at SUNY Delhi. They include: Jamaica: Jatee Kearsley, Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts. Queens Village: Connie Calix, Associate’s degree in Business Administration.

Welcome: The Ozone Park Kiwanis welcomed new officials elected to John Adams High School’s Key Club. Pictured (from left) are Kiwanis President Johna Cohan, Key Club President Glenda Mancilla, Vice President Eugene Donohue Jr., past president Marie Senat and Kiwanis Vice President Paul Cappacello.

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Rockaway Park: Catherine Warren, Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Resort Management. South Ozone Park: Ryan Maloney, Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology Management and an Associate’s degree in Computer Information Systems. Springfield Gardens: Marc Thomas, Associate’s degree in Automative Technology.

son of Mr. and Mrs. Gracien Fontin.

Photo courtesy of NYPhotoByNick.

Air Force Airman First Class Karina Y. Rivera graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Rivera is the daughter of Yolanda Rivera of South Ozone Park and Ramon Gonzalez of Jamaica and is a 2006 graduate of John Adams High School in South Ozone Park.

Models Of Queens

Baby On Board Searing Assemblywoman Aravella Roebuck Simotas (D-Astoria) has a lot on Liaising with customers, Takiya her plate working in the State AsRoebuck dishes out fashion viewpoints stimulating the style Macy’s clientele, hoping it will make the world a little more chic. “I love it,” Takiya said. “It gives me the opportunity to give my input to people who don’t know a lot about fashion.” From a young age, as the daughter of a fashion designer, Takiya became interested in modeling. The combination of fashion and her knack for dancing drew her towards the limelight. Given her first modeling gig after being scouted by the California based clothing company, “I Love Being Black,” Takiya’s modeling career took off. As a model, she believes her dance experience will help her land future gigs, while developing a career that she believes will eventually migrate onto television. Look to the stars Takiya, we can’t wait to see ya’.

Takiya Roebuck Home: Rosedale Age: 21 Height: 5' 2'’ Weight: 118 lbs Stats: 34-25-36

Money For Something

Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens March 30 - April 5, 2012

There’s no need to visit Staples for a new desk chair, just buy it from the governor. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that he will put state vehicles, office supplies and other unused state property up for sale on an Ebay-style website, nysstore.com, starting in April to help raise money for the state’s coffers. The sale will start with 500 vehicles. “By selling unneeded equipment and supplies, New York State will reduce operating costs and cut back on excess spending and inventory,” the Queens-born governor said. So prevent a tax hike; buy Eliot Spitzer’s old iMac.

No Space So winter was kind of a bust. The mountains of snow we saw last year never materialized despite the Halloween snow scare we got. We didn’t have to park on sheets of ice or hire a Sherpa to find the subway. This year Arctic temperatures didn’t find their way here, instead we were greeted with months of unseasonably warm readings. It was so warm in fact that some Queens residents are ditching the winter gear. As the temperature hit 70 degrees last week and the calendar heralded the vernal equinox, we found this sign of impending springtime on a sidewalk on Clintonville Street in Whitestone. Someone decided to take the time to toss out a space heater into the trash. The heater didn’t look old or worn out, so it left us wondering if perhaps this winter that wasn’t made it just a waste of much-needed New York City living space. We hope for their sake there’s no late season freeze.

Watch for nystore.com

sembly, from attending committee meetings and speaking on the Assembly floor in Albany to visiting with her constituents and holding events in Astoria. And her plate is about to get even more filled. Simotas, 33, and her husband John Katsanos, announced that they are expecting their first child in July. “We were overjoyed to receive this wonderful news, and we are grateful to have our family nearby to help us with the transition,” she said. “I believe that my new role will give me greater perspective

Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas about the challenges that working mothers face and I look forward to continuing my work in the Assembly advocating for families in our community and throughout New York.”

The Donald Trumps A-Rod One of Queens’ most famous sons, Donald Trump has never been shy about expressing his distaste for New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez. Calling A-Rod out as selfish and a “less than average baseball player now that he is unable to use drugs,” Trump calls out the ballplayer so often, you would think he was the President of the United States. On a recent episode of his “Celebrity Apprentice,” Trump was at it again. He praised Debbie Gibson when the 80s pop star said she didn’t care who got the credit, as long as her team won. Trump managed to throw A-Rod under the bus while praising his teammate. “That’s a Derek Jeter-type

Confidentially, New York . . .

Donald Trump and A-Rod back when they smiled at each other. statement,” he said. “We love Derek. That’s not an A-Rod statement.” The All-Star took the comments in stride; after all, it couldn’t be any worse than comments from the late “Boss,” George Steinbrenner.

On The Hunt Finding a nice apartment in Queens can be tough under the best of circumstances. Apartment hunters don’t need phony Craigslist ads to make the task any more difficult. But that’s what about a dozen people experienced when a man told them they would be able to move in to a nice apartment on 46th Street in Sunnyside – a block from Queens Boulevard and a 7 Train stop - and collected thousands of dollars in deposits from people on an apartment he didn’t own. Police are seeking a suspect in the case. No word on whether the apartment had a spare room big enough for a dozen unexpected guests.

March 30 - April 5, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 23

QUEENS LIBRARY CONNECTS ME TO

JOBS

“I work at Queens Library, helping other people to search for jobs: for free.” Nazarae, Queens Library Employee

www.queensl ibrary.org Queens Library is an independent, not-for-profit corporation and is not affiliated with any other library system. 6031b-1/12