Volume 13 Issue No. 17 April 27 - May 3, 2012
PAGE 22
PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen
FLOOD WATCH
New wells being installed in St. Albans should relieve flooding concerns that arise in Southeast Queens during heavy rainfall. By Veronica Lewin ‌ Page 3.
Online at www.QueensPress.com
OF THE The Press of Southeast Queens and its advertisers are pleased to once again present our “Mother of the Year” contest. Our Mother’s Day issue will feature winning entries plus thoughts from the children of Queens. This is our small way of paying tribute to the moms out there who help make Queens a better place to live.
Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 27 - May 3, 2012
The contest rules are simple. Just submit 250 (typewritten when possible, otherwise legible) words or less as to why your mom is special. You or your mom must be a Queens resident. Entries must be received by Friday, May 4, 2012. Enclose a photo of mom, with her kids if possible (sorry they can't be returned).
Mother's Day Prizes Include:
Mail entries to “Mother of the Year” Queens Tribune, 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357.
Over $1,000 In Prizes Plus
The entries will be judged in three age groups: A) 8 and under; B) 9-12 and C) 13 - adult. Judging will be based on content, creativity and sensitivity. We are open-minded about this contest and even mother-in-law entries will be accepted. Don't Delay: get your entry in today and pay tribute to your special "MOM" (and get Mother's Day gifts too!)
Mets Tickets
OVER $1,000 IN PRIZES Attach this or a facsimile to your entry
CONTEST RULES
Age
Your Name Address Phone Mom's Name Mom's Address Phone
Mail to “Mother of the Year” Queens Tribune, 150-50 14th Road, Whitestone, NY 11357.
1. Submit 250 words as to why your mom is special. You or your mom must be a Queens resident. 2. Entries must be received by Friday, May 4, 2012. 3. Give your age (18+ acceptable), address, phone number, plus mom's name and address. 4. Enclose a 4x6 photo of mom or mom and her kid(s) where possible; put full names on back of photo. Sorry, they can't be returned. 5. Mail entries to “Mother of the Year,” Queens Tribune, 150-50 14th Road, Whitestone, NY 11357. 6. The entries will be judged in three age groups A) 8 and under; B) 9-12 and C) 13 - adult. Judging will be based on content, creativity and sensitivity.
Presstime Station 24:
Flood Relief Could Be On The Way For SEQ BY VERONICA LEWIN
Station 24 History The Station 24 facility is known as the West Side Corp. site, where chemicals from a dry cleaning plant seeped into the well and created a toxic water condition. Activating the wells will begin the long-delayed
BY DOMENICK RAFTER Delta Airlines Flight 1063 lifted off the ground at JFK Airport nearly 20 minutes late on April 19. The Los Angeles-bound Boeing 757 that rose from Runway 13R was barely clear of the airport property when the routine transcontinental fight hit a snag in the form of a flock of birds. Only seconds into the flight, one of the plane’s engines failed, stricken after ingesting a passing bird. Calmly and with relative ease, the pilot of the plane, carrying 179 people, and air traffic control at JFK guided the jet in a
April 27 - May 3, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3
Birds, Blown Tire Disrupt Two Flights At JFK
PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen
Every time it rains in Southeast Queens, homeowners brace themselves for the likely flooding that will take place. A couple of inches of rainfall – such as the Earth Day downpour – are all that it takes to dampen basements due to the high level of standing ground water. While this problem has plagued the community for decades, hope may be on the way in just a couple of weeks. The Dept. of Environmental Protection invited Assemblyman William Scarborough (D-Jamaica) and community leaders to take a tour of Station 24 on April 20. Located on the former Jamaica Water Supply campus on 180th Street and 106th Avenue in St. Albans, the wells are expected to be activated next month.
cleanup of the ground waTo combat this, the DEP is ter at the site, and the water installing additional catch will be cleaned of toxins and basins beginning next then flow out to Jamaica month. The pilot locations Bay. This project will reare at 155th Street and Linmove up two million galden Boulevard and 165th lons of ground water per Street and Linden Bouleday from this area and vard. should also begin to lower The State and City spent the ground water level in $12.3 million to prepare the surrounding area, easStation 24 to be put in use ing the flood problem. Stanext month. An ever-tighttion 24 is expected to begin ening fiscal budget could pumping on or around May make it difficult for the gov14. The DEP expects conernment to put more offline stant pumping at Station 24 wells back into use. Other for 10 years, before the solutions may be needed to chemical levels pose little rid Southeast Queens of its to no threat. long-standing flooding According to the DEP, problem. the aquifers beneath Queens Station 24 at the Jamaica Water Supply campus will begin pumping in about two Professor Ratan Dhar, and Brooklyn have been weeks. coordinator of Environmenused for water supply since tal Sciences at York Colbefore the 1900s. In 1996, the cess water underground with no relief, Irving and Sarah Hicks are lege, said there are several soluagency purchased the system place to go. Over the past 16 not thrilled about their new noisy tions to combat the issue of floodfrom Jamaica Water Supply. Due years, the standing ground water neighbor at Station 24. The Hicks ing, but each has its pros and to water quality problems, 36 of level in Southeast Queens has live on the other side of the fence cons. One solution addresses the the 68 wells were not active when risen to 30 feet, leaving many from Station 24 and are con- issue of flooding while also aeshomeowners to deal with satu- cerned the pumping next door thetically improving the borough acquired by the DEP. Until 1996, Jamaica Water rated basements each time there will cause a nuisance. – planting more trees. Supply would pump millions of is heavy rainfall. Dhar said planting hybrid “What I’m concerned about is gallons of water out of the ground the amount of water they’re go- Poplar trees would help deConcerns daily. When the DEP took over, ing to be pumping out and if it’s crease rising water tables in While many are excited at the going to be backing up into my addition to supporting the the agency started bringing water from upstate, leaving the ex- potential to see some flooding basement,” Sarah said. City’s initiative to plant more She said she called the DEP trees. The hybrid Poplar tree last summer after smelling an odor soaks up a tremendous amount coming from the adjacent facil- of water, which could help ity. The DEP came to clean the lower the water table levels in sewers, which caused water to Southeast Queens. Dhar said a back up in the Hicks’ basement. 5-year-old tree soaks up about In order to prevent flooding, the 100 liters a day. Dhar said plantcouple shut off their water sup- ing these trees would be more ply. While Station 24 is pumping cost effective than pumping the loop over Nassau County and there have been more than 2,500 nonstop, Sarah plans to keep the water out of the ground. back into the airport without in- bird strike incidents, including water shut off as much as posWhat’s Next cident. No one was injured. The 250 last year, at JFK alone, sible to avoid the potential This summer, the DEP will occurrence was caught on video though most are non incidents. backup. by one passenger who filmed the While Mrs. Hicks said she is identify which of the Jamaica Flight 1063’s bird strike was takeoff and caught the flock of the second incident in less than glad the DEP is doing something Water Supply Company wells can birds flying past the plane’s win- 24 hours afflicting a Delta jet at to alleviate the pumping prob- be put into use next. Pumping of dow on the right side. JFK. On Wednesday, April 18, lems, she hopes it is not at the those wells will remove additional ground water from SouthThe event has lit another spark Delta Flight 185, a Boeing 767, expense of her home. in the ongoing debate over birds blew a tire on takeoff from Paris, “We shouldn’t have to be east Queens and provide more relief from flooding. Scarborough and airports that came to the France, bound for JFK. The plane worried about that,” she said. said he is cautiously optimistic forefront after the “Miracle on completed its flight, landing at that Southeast Queens will see Other Solutions the Hudson” in January 2009 JFK with its blown tire without While high water tables leave some flood relief in the upcomwhen US Airways Flight 1549 any injuries or serious damage to landed in the Hudson River after the jet. new rainfall with few places to ing year due to these efforts. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin a flock of birds was sucked into Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter go, some of the flooding woes in the jets engines on takeoff from at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 125 or Southeast Queens are due to a at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or LaGuardia Airport. Since 1990, drafter@queenstribune.com. lack of catch basins in the area. vlewin@queenspress.com.
Health Center Could Ease ER Burden
Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 27 - May 3, 2012
These days, good healthcare is hard to come by in Queens. The closure of four hospitals in four years has put a strain on the healthcare system. If you get sick in Southeast Queens, your options are limited: spend hours waiting to be seen by your primary care physician or spend hours waiting in an emergency room. One medical center in Laurelton is hoping to ease the pangs caused by a lack of available healthcare. Rapid MD medical center, located at 217-14 Merrick Blvd., has been open for the past three years. However, Dr. Samual Okonta is concerned that passersby have not noticed the walkin medical facility or are unaware of all the services it provides. The office of Councilman James Sanders Jr. (D-Laurelton), along with community healthcare advocates, held a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday to increase awareness of the facility
PRESS photo by Veronica Lewin
BY VERONICA LEWIN
could take about a half hour, barring any traffic. When you arrive, the wait could be hours. Okonta said Rapid MD is a faster, local option for people without the time to wait. Most of the patients in the waiting room Wednesday were seen within minutes. If a patient’s medical needs are too great, they will be sent to Jamaica Hospital Center or Franklin Hospital in Valley Stream. Rapid MD has the potential to be a onestop shop for people Dr. Samual Okonta, Chief of Staff Donovan Richards, and community leaders who need acute medical care. The facility boasts celebrate the urgent care center on Merrick Boulevard. a pediatric center, an Xburden on emergency rooms. ray room and will soon have an on Wednesday. “We need more facilities like Because of the lack of primary eye examination room. Rapid Rapid MD in this community,” care doctors in the area, many MD can provide splints for brosaid Donovan Richards, Sand- people head to the emergency ken bones or stitch up a deep room whenever they get sick. For wound. All of the medical center’s ers’ chief of staff. Rapid MD and other urgent residents east of Jamaica, driv- lab work is done in-house. Okonta care facilities can help lift the ing to Jamaica Hospital Center said the facility sees around 20 to
25 patients a day. Prior to starting the medical center, Okonta was a Managing Partner at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, now the lone hospital on the Rockaway peninsula. Realizing the need for urgent care facilities in the neighborhood, he opened his own facility on Merrick Boulevard. “What we’re trying to offer is an option for when you want to see a doctor but you can’t see a doctor,” Okonta said. He hopes the urgent care center can help decrease wait times in emergency rooms. Rapid MD is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. If the need increases, Okonta said their hours will be extended. The facility accepts most insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. For more information, call (718) 7121428. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or vlewin@queenspress.com.
Liu Audits Slam Co-Op Assessments BY ROSS BARKAN
227 percent higher than the DOF’s formula should have allowed. Liu’s second audit criticized the DOF’s Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal system (CAMA) for assigning property values to co-ops. The audit said the DOF made inaccurate comparisons, including assessing a condo building in Flushing by weighing it against a rental property in Far Rockaway. Liu accused the DOF of assigning “arbitrary values” to co-ops and condos throughout the borough. The audits recommended that the computer system select appropriate comparable properties, revaluate properties that were over and under-assessed this year and notify the public of changes in assessment methods, evaluating those changes to ensure assessment criteria are consistently applied. One 2011 DOF assessment riled residents in particular: adjacent co-ops in Beechurst were
assessed at radically different rates, 147 and 101 percent. Warren Schreiber, president of the Bay Terrace Community Alliance, said he knew immediately something was amiss with the DOF’s assessments.
Liu said the audits were not yet referred to the City Dept. of Investigation, though he would not rule out that option. Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127 or rbarkan@queenstribune.com.
Beacon Rally: Photo Courtesy: Borough President’s Office
It was the cry heard around Eastern Queens: the assessments were just too high. Handed out by the Dept. of Finance early this year, co-op and condo property tax assessments seemed to hit Queens particularly hard, raising market values on average by 32 percent and increasing tax bills. Two recent audits handed out by Comptroller John Liu confirmed the concerns of elected officials, civic leaders and co-op residents, bashing the DOF for failing to explain changes it made to market value calculations and flawed decision-making. “It shouldn’t be up to these complaints and electeds getting involved,” Liu said. “The inaccurate assessment and market values obviously affect property taxes.” An April 13 press conference outside of Cryder Point co-op in Beechurst brought together numerous elected officials, includ-
ing Borough President Helen Marshall, to celebrate the audits. The first audit addressed the DOF’s methodology, which changed in Fiscal Year 2008-09, for assessing property values. According to the audit, this change created tax and market value volatility, pushing the DOF to revert to their old methodology for Fiscal Year 2011-2011. This switchback also led to angst for co-op residents, sending market values up as much as 50 percent and increasing taxes. The first audit also accuses the DOF of assigning “questionable” market values for co-ops by ignoring “comparable” nearby rental properties and instead choosing higher-valued properties to assess with the co-ops. At least 10 percent of Queens coops received higher property values than should have been allowed, according to the audit. The audit cited an instance in which a Forest Hills co-op was given a market value that was
Borough President Helen Marshall (c.) is flanked by youngsters on steps of Borough Hall, where she hosted a rally on April 19 with Campaign for Children to support restoration of funding for child care, Beacon and After School programs. Marshall told the crowd that during tough economic times, “The last thing that we should be slashing is essential early education and after school programs that children and hard-working families need to survive.”
resents... York College P
$15.00 Gen Admission / $12.00 Seniors / $10.00 Group / $5 Students with ID Suitable for mature audience only YORK COLLEGE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Tickets available at the Box Office, 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. Call: 718-262-2840 or online at www.york.cuny.edu Major funding for this series provided by NYC Councilmembers Leroy Comrie (27th-CD) Deputy Majority Leader NY City Council and Chair of Land Use Committee, and Ruben Wills (28th-CD), Chair of Substance Abuse Sub-Committee.
April 27 - May 3, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5
2012 • 7:00pm Friday, May 4, pm 5, 2012 • 7:00 Saturday, May 2012 • 3:00pm Sunday, May 6, , 2012 • 7:00pm & 7:00pm Friday, May 11 , 2012 • 2:00pm Saturday, May 12 , 2012 • 3:00pm Sunday, May 13
OF SOUTHEAST QUEENS 150-50 14th Road Whitestone, NY 11357 (voice) (718) 357-7400 fax (718) 357-9417 email news@queenspress.com The PRESS of Southeast Queens Managing Editor:
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Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 27 - May 3, 2012
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Editorial Keep Moving Forward Looking at the unique, diverse and successful businesses of Queens serves as a stark reminder of the world we live in. No, they’re not all going to be around in five years – heck some of them may shut down in the next five months, but that’s the way businesses work; they tend to be cyclical. There is no simple trick to keeping your doors open, but one thing is certain: no business that plans to be open next year is sitting back and saying. “We’ve got it good.” Owning and running a business requires a constant push for savings, for growth, for efficiency and for reaching to the next level. When times are tight, we tighten our belts; when competition moves in, we learn to be competitive; when we find ourselves under attack, we go on the offensive. Strategy, purpose, drive and ambition all contribute to the formula that creates progress. We’ve enjoyed sharing with our readers a collection of some businesses that meet these ideals. There are so many more that go unsung, and we have only painted a picture of a small slice of business success in Queens. We have also sent up a signal that, despite the economic woes of the last few years, this borough knows how to succeed, and how to keep moving forward.
Letters RIP Dick Clark To The Editor: I am saddened as many are as we read or heard the news of the passing of Dick Clark, who was
called America’s oldest teenager. My prayers go to his family at this time. He was larger than life and brought Rock and Roll into our homes for many years. I remem-
Letters ber living in Queens Village in the 60s and watching “American Bandstand.” I got to see the latest dances and the newest singers who got their start on his show and who went on to the big time. Let’s not forget for decades we brought in the New Year with Dick Clark. Now on the many different shows he hosted it was said he hated to say goodbye but would say, “So long” or “So long for now.” Let me say then Goodbye, Dick, and thanks for the memories, for you will truly be missed and as a teenager of long ago let me also say, “Thanks for a rocking roll good time.” Frederick R. Bedell Jr., Glen Oaks Village
License Them To The Editor: About 10 percent of the nation’s elevators are in New York City, and yet New York City, unlike Los Angeles and Detroit, does not require elevator mechanics to be licensed. Ad executive Suzanne Hart’s tragic death was only the most recent face of this quality-of-life concern. We now know that elevator
fatalities, including 19 deaths in NYC since 2003, are likely to be caused by human error in the course of fixing and/or maintaining elevators. Metro recently reported that elevators here are 14 to 17 times more likely to have accidents than in locales where mechanics are licensed. In this year alone, the Buildings Dept. has recorded 12 elevator accidents. It is an odd loophole that we have strict inspection requirements for the elevators themselves, but not such strict requirements for mechanics, as according to Dept. of Buildings Commissioner Robert LiMandri. With decaying infrastructure and some of the oldest housing stock in the nation, New Yorkers deserve to be able to live and work in multistory and high-rise buildings safely. In light of this, the lack of licensing seems dangerously foolish—and able to be easily changed through political action. Urge your City Council member to support the pending bill that would require licensing of elevator mechanics. Roberta Winters, Richmond Hill
Revenge Is Not Sweet, It Destroys Lives A Personal Perspective BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE It was almost inevitable that some misguided avenger would take their frustration based on race out on someone else regarding the Trayvon Martin case. It happened before, following the outrageous outcome of the Rodney King police brutality trial. Now, an Alabama man — Matthew Owens - has been left in a coma after a bunch of “about 20 African-American adults,” supposedly “wielding chairs, pipes, paint cans and brass knuckles” decided to take out their anger on the injustice in the Martin case. Civilian community watchman George Zimmerman shot and killed the unarmed teenager and was initially not arrested. The beaters in Alabama allegedly did this because Owens told a bunch of black children playing basketball in the streets that they “should not play in the streets.”
And oh what a bloody mess ensued – literally and figuratively. When will people learn that they can’t just take the law into their own hands in their desperation to see justice served? Vigilantism is never the answer. How does it change Martin’s death or help his family when they see a bunch of people abuse someone innocent of their son’s murder and call it revenge? All they have done is exacerbate a bad situation while seriously injuring a man to the point where it could still turn fatal. Nerves have been on edge ever since Martin’s death in February. But there is never any sense to meting out our own justice to avenge the wrong perpetuated against us. Violence begets violence. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s mantra was that “hate can’t change hate, only love can change hate.” Don’t these people realize that beating someone and killing or almost killing him is hard jail time?
Supposedly after Owens’ beat down, the departing beaters uttered the ridiculous “Now that’s justice for Trayvon.” So let’s review! Zimmerman, the 28-year-old Hispanic guy shoots an unarmed kid walking through his gated Florida community because he thought he “looked like he was up to no good.” He racially profiled a child and shot him dead, claiming selfdefense. The only person who should be punished for that is Zimmerman. However, unlike Zimmerman’s own actions, it is not up to any civilian to take the law into his or her own hands. This case has reached a boiling point because Zimmerman was initially not arrested and, but for protests around the country, would not have been at any time. To make matters worse, after the state, bowing to pressure and finally arresting Zimmerman, he was released on a paltry $150,000 bond. Still, if it is true that the
“gang of 20” used Martin’s murder as reason for beating a guy for telling their kids they should not play in the streets then that is really, really outrageous. Crime is crime no matter who the victim and the perpetrator may be. I am still filled with anguish over the violent act Zimmerman committed against a kid who was just going about his business. I’m also angry that he has been granted bail and at a comparatively paltry sum. Ankle monitor or not, he could still go on the lam from trial. But we cannot go crazy beating up others for street justice against people innocent of that particular crime. Taking the law into our own hands is illegal, dangerous, stupid and just plain wrong. It seems that people who usurp the legal process (and Zimmerman did that too) are acting like lunatics and are a danger to society. Save us from the saviors, please!
News Briefs Empowerment Conference Young women in Southeast Queens will have the opportunity to get a selfesteem boost next month. Every year, A Cause, A Concern, A Solution Network Inc., a non-profit founded by Christina Winslow, hosts a one-day Girls Empowerment Conference. This year’s conference was held at York College on April 14 and was sponsored by State Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica). The conference taught young women from 12 to 21 self-esteem, etiquette and personal development. Winslow said it is important to educate young girls before it is too late. The conference also informs participants on post-graduation options, including college and the workforce. In 2005, Winslow founded ACACAS, a non-profit that strives to empower the lives of everyone from youth to seniors. “We have to work together to save our young ladies. There is no age when to begin to reach them anymore. The time is now,” Winslow said.
Gas Price Solutions
County Market Opens The Queens County Market opened its doors for the first time on April 14 at Sunnyside Community Services on 39th Street. The market had more than 20 vendors, half of which were from Queens. According to the market’s website, its mission is to connect Queens communities with local food businesses by providing a marketplace for producers to sell their goods. The market supports entrepreneurs and small businesses by providing low-cost and affordable means to introduce, test and market their food product while building a local customer base. The market was founded by Katrina Schultz-Richter, a Queens native who said she has always been passionate about the hospitality industry, which is where her education and experience is based. “My first job at 15 was in a bagel cafe in Northern Queens,” she said. She spent several months looking for the perfect space for the market, and though a friend suggested that she participate in food markets that were already popular in Manhattan and Brooklyn, Schultz Richter knew that her customers and target audience was always in Queens. “It’s where I wanted to stay,” she said. “I had that a-ha moment and now here we are with the launch of this event.” Because she has lived in the Sunnyside and Woodside area for the past six years, Schultz Richter was looking for a location in Western Queens, but she was open to places where a thriving foodie community existed. She chose the Sunnyside Community Services facility in part because it can accommodate a large group of people as interest in the market steadily increases. Though the market will accept any food business as long as they are licensed, permitted and insured, Schultz Richter has put a priority on showcasing Queensbased businesses. “Whether you are a baker, a chef, a caterer or a food manufacturer, we would love to hear from you,” she said. After this first market, Schultz Richter said she hopes to continue as a monthly market with the support of the community and vendors. She said she is looking forward to receiving applicants from Queens who have food businesses that reflect the diversity found here.
April 27 - May 3, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7
State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) has announced he is introducing legislation in the State Senate that would require the City to compute its sales and compensating use tax for gasoline and diesel fuels at a flat, cents per gallon, rate rather than the current percentage per gallon rate. At Kramer’s Service Station in Flushing, Avella joined the fray of local elected officials positing solutions to high gas prices. Councilman Peter Vallone (DAstoria) has argued that gas taxes should be suspended for the summer months. Now running for congress, Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone) has also placed lower gas prices at the center of his campaign. “As we all cry out in pain over the rapid increase of gas prices the past few months, the City is quietly sitting back and collecting an unfair and underserved surge in revenue,” stated Avella. “Not only are consumers being gouged by the base price of oil but they are also being gouged by the City collecting a percentage rate. With the rapid increase in gas prices, the City is receiving an undeserved windfall tax revenue at the expense of its commuters.” Gas prices are skyrocketing this year due to a variety of factors, including tensions in the Middle East and energy demands from growing nations like India and China. Recently, it was reported that a surprising boost in global inventories, particularly supply increases from Saudi Arabia, may drive gas prices back down. Avella argued that with prices in New York
still over four dollars a gallon, a new way to assess gas taxes is needed. Currently, New York State taxes consumers a flat rate of 8 cents per gallon for retail gas sales. The flat rate remains constant regardless of the fluctuation in the price of gas. The City charges consumers a percentage of the sale price per gallon of gas on top of the State’s sales tax.
The Queens Congressional Races Worth Following
By MICHAEL SCHENKLER The people of Queens have three Democratic Congressional Primaries taking place on June 26.
Running from eastern Queens all the way though the center of the borough to Maspeth, is the 6th Congressional District which has received a great deal of attention of late. Who is in? Who is out? Who is who? Subject to the challenge process and the absurd ballot access standards of New York which helps keep those in power in power, we’ll try to answer the question.
Assemblywoman Grace Meng, an attorney from Flushing, has received the endorsement of the Queens Democratic Party, the Independence Party, the four frontrunner NYC 2013 Mayoral Candidates and several labor unions. Assemblyman Rory Lancman, an attorney from Hillcrest, has received the endorsement of the Working Families Par ty, former Mayor Ed Koch and a considerable number of labor unions. Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley from Glendale, has received the endorsement of several labor unions. The three frontrunners were all born in Queens and had been involved in the public sector before being elected to office. Pundits view this as a likely race bet ween Meng, who leads in fundraising and endorsements and Lancman who got an early start by declaring and running for a seat formerly held by Republican Bob Turner – Anthony Weiner before
him – which vanished as part of the redistricting process. Crowley has so far run a credible campaign but trailing in institutional support makes her a likely third. Also in the race are Dr. Robert Mittman and Juan “Ada” Sheng. Mittman, who I first met many years ago, is an allergist living in Bayside with a practice on Bell Boulevard – to the best of my knowledge has had no previous political involvement. To date, he has not adequately engaged the public or the press for us to get a read on if he can be a factor in this election. Mittman, as an allergist, has on and off for years advertised in the Tribune — see page 9 of this paper. Jua n “Ada” Sheng, of Briarwood, according to her Facebook page, is a graduate of Brooklyn College in 2010 with a Masters in Television and Radio. I’ve never heard of her before she filed petitions for this office. Insiders say that her petitions are unlikely to withstand likely scrutiny.
Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 27 - May 3, 2012
The Rich Become Reformers
By HENRY STERN Now that Governor Cuomo is in midst of the second year of his first term, people are pointing to his success as a manager and executive. His popularity rating is 68 percent (Quinnipiac poll) and while there are certainly disputes over specific measures he proposes to eliminate the perennial state debt, one would have to say that he is well-poised to make the effort. The next challenge Cuomo tackles should be campaign finance reform. A new coalition of business, civic and philanthropic leaders called Ne w York Leadership for Accountable Gover nment (N Y Lead) has formed in response to a line uttered by Cuomo in his State of the State address this year expressing his desire to enact campaign finance reform on the statewide level. The group, whose members include David Rockefeller, restaurateur Da nny Me yer, a nd Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes. was described in last week’s Times. In the ar ticle, Frederick A. O. Schwarz Jr., chief counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice, says, “It’s a double victor y. You have lower amounts of money that can be given, and No. 2, o r di n a r y p e op l e b e c o m e e n gaged in political campaigns and c a n d i d a te s c h a n g e t he i r a p -
proach to campaigning.” While no bill has yet been submitted in Albany, it appears likely that the proposed statewide campaign finance system would be modeled on New York City’s Campaign Finance Board. While the CFB system has deficiencies, the advantage of mirroring the city’s approach is that it is well-tested and one that is already familiar to a large portion of the legislature. Governor Cuomo’s strong words in favor of campaign finance reform are a comfort to the civic warriors who were so recently defeated on redistricting. Like independent redistricting, campaign finance reform is a worthy effort. If the legislature blocks his proposals, it only shows how they belong to their donors. Cuomo is in a no-lose situation. One of Andrew Cuomo’s gifts is his ability to achieve successful polit ical results w ithout the appearance of having degraded himself or incurring major obligations to other politicians in exchange for their suppor t. T he legislature largely has been forced so far to swallow this. The next few months will give time for the reform proposals to be considered by the legislature. The Republicans in the State Senate are under no obligation to re-
form anything, at least until 2022 when redistricting will beckon again. The Democrats, whose selfinterests also lie in maintaining the status quo, deserve equal suspicion in regard to their sincerity in addressing this issue. It is in the intere st of good government and fostering legitimate competition both between and within the political parties that incumbents be contested by credible candidates who will give voters the opportunit y to make choice s that they have so long been denied. When Cuomo tries to influence the political hacks of both parties, he is clearly acting in the public interest. Of course, it is also true that Governor Cuomo did not follow through on his oft-repeated promise to veto the lines which he did not find satisfactory. One fascinating aspect of Albany polit ics is the w idespread practice of people publicly supporting policies which they personally believe are ruinous and unsupportable. We would compare it to trying to solve a crosswords puzzle in which the answer to each clue is an antonym. One re sponse is that t he y deserve it. Our response to that is that the legislature may deserve it, but do we? StarQuest@NYCivic.org
The in again, out again adventure of civic activist Jeffrey Gottlieb and attorney Stephen Green, both from the JFK Democratic Club, appears to be over with no candidate seeking the ballot. The question remains whether the 40 year old disclosure s and L ancman’s claim of being the real Jew in the race will have any impact on the outcome of this one. While Republicans and third party candidates will appear on the November ballot in many of the races discussed on this page, the only one that can be considered to have even a long shot chance is Queens Councilman Dan Halloran the Republican and Libertarian candidate in the 6th District. Clearly this is the race to watch. THE OTHER RACES As of this writing, in the 5th District, of southeast Queens and a bit of Nassau, former Councilman Allan Jennings, a man with many lives, is on the ballot against Congressman Greg Meeks, as are t wo ot her ca ndidate s, Michael Scala, a Rosedale native and Joseph Marthone. In a ver y small por tion of Queens abut ting Brooklyn is a Democratic Primary between Brooklyn Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries and Brooklyn Councilman Charles Barron to replace retiring Congressman Ed Towns in the 8th District Jeffries is the odds-on favorite against Charles Barron, who is known as an aggressive activist. The irony of a black man from Brooklyn serving as a Congressman from a portion of Queens that includes Howard
Beech is not lost on this writer. Howard Beech will long be remembered as the Queens embodiment of racism as a result of a 1986 incident that began at New Park Pizza, where three black men were chased by a group of whites and ended with the death of a black man, Michael Griffith, on the Belt Parkway which was followed by a never ending series of protests on both sides and a trial which convicted a large group of white teenagers. In New York’s 7th District, a District drawn through the Latino neighborhoods of Brooklyn, Manahattan and Queens, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez faces a challenge from Councilman Erik Dilan, Dan O’Connor and George Martinez. In any race, especially in New York, incumbents are favorites. Put an incumbent in a race in a field of four, even if several are hand-picked by a wily County Leader, the uneven playing field with name recognition, staff, resources and money is slanted greatly towards the incumbent. We have yet to follow the political gamesmanship of Brooklyn Democratic Leader Vito Lopez in this one, but would be surprised if he can overcome Velazquez’s likely win. The rest of the Borough of Queens will see Democratic Candidates Congressman Steve Israel in the east running on Long Isla nd’s nor t h shore t hrough Nassau to Suffolk, incumbent Congressman Joe Crowley in the north crossing the Throggs Neck Bridge into t he Bronx a nd Congre sswoman Carolyn Maloney swimming the east river to her predominantly Manhattan District. MSchenkler@QueensTribune.com
Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato
Police Blotter Compiled by JASON PAFUNDI
105th Precinct Burglar Wanted The police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating and identifying a suspect (one of three) wanted in regards to a burglary that occurred on Sunday, March 18, at approximately 3:40 a.m. At that time, inside of 221-22 Linden Blvd. (Johnny’s Liquor Store), three male suspects entered the location and forced open the register with a crowbar, removed an undetermined amount of currency and fled the location. Suspect No. 1 is described as a black male, age 18-20, 5’10", 160 lbs and was last seen wearing a black or blue hooded jacket with a crowbar in his hand. There are no descriptions available of the other two suspects. Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800577-TIPS (8477). The public
can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP 577. All calls are strictly confidential.
112th Precinct Missing Woman The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 32-year-old Lina Rafailova. She was last seen leaving her residence located at 77-34 Austin St. on Friday, April 13, at 8 p.m. Rafailova is described as being 5’3" and 140 lbs., with brown hair and eyes. She was last seen wearing a green sweat suit with black Nike sneakers and a black hat.
113th Precinct Rapist Wanted The NYPD is asking the
public’s assistance in identifying a suspect wanted for a rape. On Friday, April 20, at 12:50 a.m., the victim, a 21-year-old black female, was walking in the vicinity of 190th Street and 111th Road when the suspect, armed with a gun, approached her and forced her into an alley where he raped her. The victim was taken to an area hospital where she was treated and released. The suspect is described as being a black male aged 20-25, 5’4"-5’5" tall with a thin build. He was wearing a black Champion hooded sweatshirt and a grey scarf.
District Attorney Cold Case Solved Queens DA Richard Brown announced that a grand jury has charged 37-year-old Andrew Caballero of Flushing with second-degree murder for the 1995 fatal stabbing of a male acquaintance. The victim had
been stabbed several times in the back and upper body and then pushed off the roof of the defendant’s apartment building. Caballero, who faces up to 25 years to life in prison, was ordered held on $350,000 cash bail or $750,000 bond and to return to court on June 21. According to the investigation, the victim, Jason Kollman, 21, was with the defendant on the roof of Caballero’s residence at approximately 8 p.m. on Feb. 1, 1995, when Caballero stabbed Kollman several times in the neck, chest and back and then pushed him off the roof, causing him to land on a f if t h - f l o o r f ire escape. Kollman was pronounced dead at around 11 p.m. by EMS personnel at the scene. “Murder cases may grow cold but they are never closed until justice is served,” Brown said. “The defendant must now face the consequences of his alleged actions.”
Sex Trafficker Sentenced DA Richard B rown announced 33-year-old South Ozone Park resident Michael Summerville, who admitted to being a sex trafficker and forcing a female runaway under the age of 16 to perform sexual acts for pay at various locations in Queens County has been sentenced to ten years in prison. Summerville, who has been held in jail in lieu of $250,000 bail since his arrest in December 2010, pleaded guilty last month to the crime of sex trafficking before Acting Supreme Court Justice James P. Griffin, who imposed today’s indeterminate sentence of five to ten years in prison. Brown said that, according to the criminal charges in the Summerville case, Summerville befriended the then 14-year-old victim in January 2010 after she ran away from home. Engaging in sexual activity with her, Summerville eventually pimped her out until she managed to return home.
HELP WANTED April 27 - May 3, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9
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Flying Food Group:
Providing Those Flying The Friendly Skies DiverseFood 6thForDistrict Could BY ROSS BARKAN
tional customers. Among the airlines that use FFG are Air France, Air India, ANA, British Airways, China Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JAL, Lufthansa and Qantas. For now, the delectable food will only be available on international flights. A reason for FFG’s success is its attention to a diverse food palette. A multi-ethnic chef staff hands a wide array of cuisines, including American, Chinese, French, German, Halal, Italian, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Thai and Turkish. FFG’s Food Safety and Operations Team, headed by internationallyknown food safety expert Dr. Paul Hall, oversees industry-leading practices. The food comes out of a $30 million catering kitchen. Sue Ling Gin was served an unsavory pastry and coffee on a flight many years ago and was inspired to found Flying Food Group in 1983. Since then, Flying Food Group has been combating that old standby comedian’s joke about the lousytasting airline food. Queens, in
Foster An Ugly Campaign PRESS Photos by Ira Cohen
What do you think of when you hear the term airline food? Rubber chicken? Fizz-less soda? A packet of peanuts either drenched in too much salt or dry enough to turn to dust in your mouth? Something almost as bland as the romantic comedies those airlines force you to watch? Let us face facts: airline food has a reputation problem. Much like the Yeti, that legendary beast that probably does not exist, good airline food can seem elusive. Unlike the Yeti, it is not as elusive as you think. Right here in Queens, airline food is getting the boost that it needs. No longer will airline patrons suffer thousands of feet above a raging ocean, their food needs unmet. Flying Food Group is here. Relocating to JFK Airport, Flying Food Group is making airline food that is more than a packet of stale pretzels. FFG produces custom prepared food for airlines, pulling in revenue of
Flying Food Group moved into its JFK Airport location in 2009. $369 million in 2011. The company services more than 70 airlines, primarily long-haul carriers. Fresh Food Solutions, FFG’s retail business, provides private label packaged foods for classy retail partners in the grocery, food service and specialty markets, including more than 4,000 Starbucks.
Food offerings include walnut shrimp, tandoori chicken and duck prosciutto. FFG worldwide has 3,500 employees operating from a network of 18 American production facilities and a kitchen in Shanghai, China. They produce almost 300,000 meals and snacks daily for local, national and interna-
A chef prepares food for an upcoming flight. addition to being the most diverse place on Earth, has a pretty rich culinary heritage as well. Within Queens’ borders, almost any type of food or drink can be uncovered. At Flying Food Group, that richness is real, even when you are thousands of feet in the air. Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127 or rbarkan@queenstribune.com.
Resorts World New York City Casino:
A Complete Entertainment Destination In Queens When one stands in the parking lot of the Resorts World New York City Casino, it is hard to believe that it was only less than two years ago that the concrete under foot was once losing a battle with weeds and a dilapidated racetrack grandstand - a relic of a popular form of entertainment that has lost its luster. The question of what to do with Aqueduct Racetrack hung over the communities surrounding it for decades. The ideas were numerous; a shopping mall, a football stadium, a neighborhood. In 2001, the state approved the idea for a racino at the site. It took a decade before the slots opened for business, but in October 2011, Resorts World New York City Casino opened in the renovated track and the aging grandstand found
PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen
Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 27 - May 3, 2012
BY DOMENICK RAFTER
Slot machines at Resorts World New York City Casino. a new life as a casino and entertainment venue, while continuing as a place for racing. In its first five months in business, Resorts World, the first American enterprise from Malay-
sian-based entertainment company Genting, made more than $100 million, adding that money to the state’s education coffers. Why has the casino been successful in its opening year? Re-
sorts World’s President Mike Speller, a veteran of the gaming industry, said the goal of Resorts World New York City is not merely to be a casino, but rather a complete entertainment destination. It doesn’t just offer slot machines, but two upscale restaurants, a buffet, a food court, shopping, a bar with the borough’s largest television, live music and, of course, horse racing. Resorts World New York City sought to attract those who would normally head to Atlantic City or Mohegan Sun as well as those who have long layovers at JFK Airport, only steps away from the casino floor and attract them, not only for the gambling, but also for the various other forms of entertainment and food. In February, the casino hosted a Chinese New Year celebration on its third floor Central Park events space.
“This is an opportunity for New Yorkers to have a Vegas-like experience without having to leave the city,” Speller said. The move was a success. During the first couple weekends, the casino was filled to capacity, much to the chagrin of the surrounding community, not used to the spotlight placed on their quiet enclave and the traffic the first weekends caused. But over time, the community and the casino have developed a more symbiotic relationship. In the future, the casino is eyeing shuttles to and from JFK Airport and area hotels. A proposed convention center is planned for the site and eventually hotels, turning the once out dated and forgotten racetrack into a bustling entertainment center. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 125 or drafter@queenstribune.com.
Borough Beat
Simotas Named Chair Of Smart Power NY
BY JASON PAFUNDI
project that Gov. Cuomo’s Energy Highway Task Force has called for. We need to Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas (D- put New Yorkers to work, dramatically Astoria) was named the chair of Smart reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ofPower NY, a coalition of business, labor fer a significant source of reliable replaceand environmental groups, as well as local ment power for New York State.” Cuomo’s stated energy policy, which and state elected officials just launched to advance a clean energy agenda encourages job growth and innovation to revitalize the for New York. state’s economy, is being enThe new coalition is advocatdorsed by Smart Power NY, ing for access to safe and reliable specifically his effort to resources of power, a reduction of power existing power plants. carbon emissions, job creation “As a longstanding advoand policies that will help New Yorkers save on their power bills. cate of clean energy, I support repowering projects because In its first action, Smart Power they create jobs, reduce polluNY sent an open letter to Gov. tion and decrease ratepayers’ Andrew Cuomo last week callbills,” said State Sen. Mike ing for him to support the Astoria Assemblywoman Gianaris (D-Astoria). Repowering Project, which Aravella Simotas The Astoria Repowering would update an old power plant in Astoria with new, environmentally effi- Project has been stalled for years despite the wide-range of support from business, cient equipment. “The Astoria Repowering Project is labor, environmental groups, local and state the environmental equivalent of replacing elected officials and the community. The an old diesel-powered truck with a Prius,” Public Service Commission and Dept. of Simotas said. “This is exactly the kind of Environmental Conservation have already
granted permits for the repowering plan. According to the plans, the project will create 500 construction jobs for a 30month period, displace less efficient units and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by one million tons each year — which is the equivalent of removing 185,000 cars from
city roadways — and reduce emissions by 98 percent on peak days and by 76 percent annually as compared to current emissions from the site. Reach Reporter Jason Pafundi at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, or jpafundi@queenstribune.com.
April 27 - May 3, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11
Photos by Walter Karling
pix
Annual Reception
Southeast Queens Photos Edited By Harley Benson
Step To It
Queens County Bar Association recognized the Queens County Judiciary and the Bar Association's past presidents during a recent reception at its headquarters in downtown Jamaica. Immediate Past President Chanwoo Lee received a plaque recognizing her service to the organization and the legal community from President-Elect Joseph Risi Jr.
The South Ozone Step Team performed during the Child Center of NY's inaugural gala to honor role models and innovators.
Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 27 - May 3, 2012
Jurists in attendance (from left) were Randall Eng, District Attorney Richard Brown, Joseph Golia, Nicholas Garaufis, Seymour Boyers, Sheri Roman, Peter Kelly, Daniel Joy and Charles LoPresto.
Queens County Bar Association Past Presidents gathered for a picture. Pictured (standing, from left) are Seymour James, 2001-02; Robert Bohner, 1993-94; James Dollard, 1985-86; Douglas Krieger, 1981-82; Howard Stave, 1982-83; Steven Wimpfheimer, 1999-2000; Steven Orlow, 2008-09; David Adler, 1998-99; David Cohen, 2007-08; (seated) Michael Dickman, 1978-79; Wallace Leinheardt, 1977-78; A. Paul Goldblum, 1979-80; Jules Haskell, 1973-74; Herbert Rubin, 1971-72; Edward Rosenthal, 2002-03; Chanwoo Lee, 2010-11; and Gary Darche, 1989-90.
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Queens Native Makes Fencing History Queens native Benjamin Bratton probably did not expect to see his name in the same sentence as Jackie Robinson, Arthur Ashe and Tiger Woods, but after what he just accomplished, that is exactly what is happening. Bratton made history as the first African-American to win
team gold as the U.S. Men’s Epee Fencing team became the first American team to ever win the world title, earning the gold at the 2012 World Fencing Championships in Kiev, Ukraine, on April 14. The 26-year-old Bratton and teammates Seth Kelsey, Soren Thompson and Cody Mattern defeated six-time defending
Restaurant Review
A Sweet Dining Experience Whitestone Diner, 149-21 14th Ave., Whitestone, (718) 7466761 CUISINE: Diner DELIVERY: Yes CREDIT CARD: Yes HOURS: Open every day, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Bratton was awarded a full scholarship to St. John’s University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in 2007 and a master’s in psychology after leading the Red Storm fencing team to two silver medals at the NCAA Fencing Championships. He was a three-time fencing All-American. After graduation, he earned a spot on the men’s national team and would soon be considered one of the best fencers in the world. As a national team member, Bratton competed in five world championships, and the team brought home a silver medal in the 2010 competition in Paris. The World Championships is an annual competition organized by the International Fencing Federation and is considered the most prominent international fencing competition other than the Olympics. With the victory, Bratton also became the youngest American ever to win a team gold at the world championships.
Benjamin Bratton, a world-class fencer from Queens. Bratton is training and hopes to compete in the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, when epee fencing will be a team sport — it is only an individual competition at the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in London. Reach Reporter Jason Pafundi at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, or jpafundi@queenstribune.com.
Race Helps Runners Find Deeper Focus BY ROSS BARKAN As rain and wind slashed through the brutal Sunday night, flooding highways and blinding eyes, Dipali Cunningham was methodically jogging through Flushing Meadows Corona Park. On Monday morning, when the sky was the color of Northern Boulevard pavement, Cunningham was still running. When this story appeared several days later - on April 26 - DiPali was circling the park, accumulating an inhuman amount of mileage. With almost no fanfare, a few dozen runners come together every year in Queens to run what is roughly the distance between New York City and Raleigh, North Carolina. Runners typically complete the equivalent of two or three marathons in a single day. “Before I ran marathons, I sup-
pose, I looked at marathon runners the way I look at these guys now,” said Allison Roe, winner of the New York and Boston Marathons. “Run and become, become and run,” is the mantra of the Self-Transcendence Six and 10Day races held annually in Flushing Meadows Park, where runners from several continents, and Queens, race for six or 10 days. They are not obligated to continually run, but the winners of the races are those who run the most miles. Copious rest stops are ill-advised, unless you are comfortable with losing. Unlike marathons, runners win no money, and throngs of spectators do not line the route; a small pack of loyal supporters and family members are what the runners have, as well as the curious and confused onlookers that wander into the park to see these strange
people run. And run. And run. Cunningham, a Jamaica resident and native of Australia who has ran as much as 700 miles in a 10 day period, practices mediation to enhance her mental and spiritual strength. Some runners go home at night and resume racing in the morning but the best, like Cunningham, break for one to two hours of sleep in small tents set up in the park. Mobile kitchens help refuel the runners. The races are sponsored by the Sri Chinmoy marathon team, named for the legendary Indian spiritual teacher and artist who died in 2007. The 10-Day Race, kicked off by Roe, began on April 18 and the Six-Day Race began on April 22. They will each end on April 28. Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at rbarkan@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127.
April 27 - May 3, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15
Diners are an American classic. Though there has been much bellyaching about the decline of the diner in Queens, many great diners still remain. At Whitestone Diner, the diner tradition is upheld and the gods of food that watch over us all smile benevolently. On an unusually chilly April afternoon, I arrived at Whitestone Diner to meet the food maestro himself, Craig J. Heed, who you may remember from previous restaurant reviews. He is a no-frills kind of a guy, a burger and pizza man, but he knows how to distinguish the contenders from the pretenders. I should say that it does not have the gaudy, lavish interior that you will find at New Jersey or Long Island diners, where a trip to the diner is like being beamed into a giant rococo painting. Whitestone Diner is the type of place that earns solid grades for ambiance and superb grades for food, and if you want to eat and have a good chat, it is the place to be. No appetizers for us that day.
Though Craig is known in food circles as an “app” man, we went straight for the jugular: the main course. Craig conquered a chipotle burger. I devoured chicken souvlaki with a side of Greek salad. Greek salad is a favorite of mine, though I am not Greek. Though the Greek economy is going down the tubes, Greek salads remain a force to be reckoned with. Whitestone Diner is not an exception. As our wonderful waitress brought us our main courses, Craig and I discussed the particulars of young adulthood, such as how we won a dodgeball championship in college and why my fantasy baseball team is not that good. Good food and good conversation go together like souvlaki smothered in tzatziki sauce, wrapped in a pita, of course. Though I lamented my poor fantasy baseball season, I was able to drown my sorrows in wonderful tzatziki sauce. Dessert was a cherry pie for me and blueberry pie for Craig. Again, it was a classic, but the classics are what make this country great sometimes. Each slice had a scoop of ice cream – vanilla - and I thought about what it would be like to dwell on a planet made entirely of ice cream. Perhaps it would be almost as sweet as dining at Whitestone Diner. -Ross Barkan
world champions France in the gold medal round by a dominating score of 44-37. In order to reach the finals, Team USA defeated world-class fencers from five continents. “It definitely meant a lot for me to end the season on such a high note,” Bratton said. Bratton, who was born and raised in the borough, began fencing when he was 11, and he joined the Peter Westbrook Foundation, an organization that teaches fencing as a vehicle to develop life skills in inner-city youth. Bratton gives Westbrook much of the credit for his success. Westbrook, a six-time fencing Olympian has just as many compliments to give Bratton as he receives from him. Bratton now volunteers to coach other inner city youth to help create a new generation of fencers. “There are not enough words to describe how proud we all are of Ben and his historic achievement,” Westbrook said.
Photo courtesy of Streetfly Studios
BY JASON PAFUNDI
Faith
Church Brings Hope To S. Ozone Park BY VERONICA LEWIN Three years ago, Pastors Sharon and Curtis Ramkhelawan received a vision from God in Houston, Texas. His instructions were to open a ministry in New York City that would provide a place for people to feel at home. The couple sold their home, gave away all but one of their vehicles and left the Lone Star state for the Big Apple. Shortly after arriving, HopeNYC had its first 3 p.m.
Word “God never shuts one door, but he opens another.”
-Irish proverb
service with six people in a dojo in Ozone Park. Word spread quickly and the church soon needed a new meeting place. They temporarily moved to a member’s home until they found a space on Liberty Avenue. In less than three years, HopeNYC grew too large for that building as well. “We were stretched to our seams; we were about to burst,” Assistant Pastor Danielle Ramdial said. The church had to begin holding two services to accommodate the bustling congregation. At the beginning of 2012, the church was able to find an even larger place to call home. The new facility, located at 142-82 Rockaway Blvd., can hold up to 1,000 people as well as offices and facilities for children. The church is planning to host a grand opening service Sunday, May 6, at 10:30 a.m. Bishop Marlo Ramdial will be the guest speaker at the event.
who will establish Hope Lunch will be served followmission clinics. Curtis ing Sunday’s service. holds degrees from the Since 2009, HopeNYC University of Houston has strived to make an imand is a chaplain and lipact in the community. Durcensed minister with the ing their annual Easter egg Church of God. hunts, the church has Ramdial stressed treated children to 10,000 that HopeNYC is open candy-filled eggs as well as to anyone who wishes giving away 30 bicycles and to join. She noted that 10 scooters ever y year. while Southeast HopeNYC also hosts the Queens has an abunborough’s “largest banana split” annually, a 40-foot From left: Senior Pastors Curtis Ramkhelawan dance of churches, sundae. During and Sharon Ramkhelawan and Associate Pastors some can be selective when it comes to welChristmastime, the church Danielle Ramdial and Jude Ramdial. coming members. collects more than 1,000 “Regardless of race or color, After moving to the United toys for Queens’ children. The Ramkhelawan’s emi- States, Sharon spent a decade everybody is going to have a grated from Trinidad & Tobago as the Youth Pasto r a t home here at HopeNYC,” about 15 years ago. While living Woodforest Worship Center in Ramdial said. HopeNYC holds service on in Trinidad, Sharon spent sev- Texas. Curtis intends to use his edu- Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and on eral years serving as Youth Pastor at her father’s church, the cation from the New York Col- Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. For Mountainview Church of God. lege of Podiatric Medicine as a more information, visit She earned a bachelor’s degree means to spread the message of hopenyc.com. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin from the University of the West Hope in Christ through medical Indies and is an ordained min- missions. He heads the team of at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or ister with the Church of God. medical professionals at Hope vlewin@queenspress.com.
Notebook Martin Van Buren H.S.
Future Doctor Leads Martin Van Buren Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 27 - May 3, 2012
BY VERONICA LEWIN
One aspiring family doctor is spending her remaining time in high school making a huge splash in the community. Naomi Charles, vice president of the senior class at Martin Van Buren High School, has an extensive list of extracurricular activities inside and outside of the school. The Rosedale resident is a service monitor for the guidance office and teachers, including Coordinator of Student Affairs Brian Greenspan. During her time at Martin Van Buren, Charles has participated in the Drama Club, Piano Club, Desi International Club, peer-topeer mentoring and the Dance Team, among other activities.
One of her most important activities is serving as a member of the Borough Student Advisory Association. Once a month, Charles joins students from schools across Queens to meet with Dept. of Education officials. Students discuss important issues in their schools and communities, as well as brainstorm solutions to the problems. At one meeting, members learned how to write grants to obtain money for their schools. “I realized Naomi had school spirit last September when she fought to reduce prices on senior dues and prom costs,” said John Castellano, senior advisor. “She really has a love for her student body and she works hard
to make their senior year the best school year of their lives.” While involved with the Leadership Class, she attended the three-day World of Difference Institute presented by the Anti-Defamation League. Speakers presented a peer training and peer leadership program which taught the students how to relate with each other and be tolerant and understanding of people who may appear different than them. Outside of school, Charles has been involved with the Girl Scouts since the sixth grade. She has often tutored children in the neighborhood independently and through her church, the Francis Lewis Church of God. As a Scout Leader, she helps girls
with homework, sells cookies and coordinates fundraisers and events. She has also volunteered her time at soup kitchens in Manhattan. As a member of the Francis Lewis Church of God, Charles is on the youth committee, the youth group, youth choir and attends Bible study classes. She has also coordinated bake sales, raised money for Haiti and choreographed praise dances. From 2008 to 2010, Charles worked with City Model and Talent, where she modeled and took acting classes. She took the skills she gained during those two years to teach children in the neighborhood acting and help them become confident on stage or in front of the camera. Charles
studied at the New York Learning Center Piano School as well. Charles thanks many people for her accomplishments. “First, I want to thank God because without him, I don’t think anything would be possible; My family because they are my No. 1 support group and they have believe in me and have faith in me,” she said. She also thanks the faculty and staff at Martin Van Buren for helping her grow as a person. Charles is currently on the Principal’s Honor Roll and has plans to attend Long Island University’s C.W. Post campus to study pre-med. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or vlewin@queenspress.com.
Profile
Man Fights To End Corporate Bullying BY VERONICA LEWIN After experiencing it first hand, one man is traveling around the city spreading the word about the effects of bullying outside of the schoolyard. Michael Brown has been advocating to end what he calls corporate bullying in several forms – workplace, music, entertainment and sports. While workplace bullying may be the most relatable, Brown believes bullying takes place outside of the traditional office environment. To help get the word out, Brown works with New York Communities for Change in an attempt to end injustice in the city. According to Brown, workplace bullying refers to repeated, unreasonable actions of an individual directed towards an employee, intended to intimidate, degrade, humiliate or undermine.
Workplace bullying also includes actions which create a risk to the health or safety of the employee. It often involves an abuse or misuse of power. Bullying behavior creates feelings of defenselessness and injustice in the target and undermines an individual’s right to dignity at work. According to the New York Healthy Workplace Advocates, one out of six people are bullied at work. “A lot of people are fearful for their jobs or well being because they’re being bullied by their employer,” he said. Before beginning his “Stop Corporate Bullying” campaign, Brown was a part-time employee who kept asking to be hired full time, but said his boss kept making excuses to not promote him. Feeling helpless, he became an advocate for himself and was
Michael Brown able to eventually become a fulltime employee through his efforts. He then decided to take his cause out of the office. “I started this campaign because I was being wronged and I knew a lot of people who were being wronged as well,” Brown said. While workplace bullying is
not a new problem, it has garnered attention in recent years after employees have committed suicide because of tumultuous work environments. “People are dying from this because of the stress,” he said. Because people are beginning to speak out about workplace bullying, it has gained the attention of elected officials. Brown supports the Healthy Workplace Bill that has yet to be passed by the State Legislature. The bill would provide legal redress for employees who have been harmed, psychologically, physically or economically. It will also provide legal incentives for employers to prevent and respond to mistreatment of employees at work. Brown cited corporate greed as the reason people are being
bullied in various industries. He believes the music industry is using up-and-coming artists as pawns to make a quick buck, instead of preparing them for a long-lasting career. “The music is horrible right now because they’re not being trained, not being groomed for longevity. They’re just being taken advantage of,” he said. Brown has also partnered with Julian Turner to begin the Music Emancipation project, a movement designed to diversify radio stations. He has been touring the city to increase awareness of all forms of corporate bullying. “I’m hoping to make some type of positive change,” he said. For more information, visit newsmediacorner.com. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or vlewin@queenspress.com.
April 27 - May 3, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17
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.
Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 27 - May 3, 2012
SENIORS STAR Looking for actors to audition for established Senior Reper tor y Company. 7760529. SENIOR EXERCISE Saturdays at SNAP of Eastern Queens in Queens Village. 453-2100 information. KEW GARDENS Monday, April 30 British Art talk at 1. Thursday, May 3 Senior Moment art exhibit at 10. Kew Gardens Community Center, 80-02 Kew Gardens Road, suite 202. DUPLICATE BRIDGE Mondays Lunch, lesson and c o n g e n i a l p l ay. P r i d e o f Judea. 423-6200. STAY WELL Mondays at the Central library at 10 and Wednesdays at 10:15 at the East Elmhurst library. Learn how special exercise and relaxation techniques make a difference in your life. SENIOR COMPUTERS Tuesdays through May 29 basic computer class at 10 at the South Ozone Park library. AARP 3654 Tuesday, May 1 AARP 3654 meets in Bayside. 423-4237. CAREGIVERS Tuesdays Caregivers Support group at 3:30-4:30 Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886. BRIDGE Wednesdays Reform Temple of Forest Hills. 2612900. STAY WELL Wednesdays at 10:15 at the East Elmhurst library for exercise and other health related programs. STARS Fridays through May 25 Senior Theater Acting Repertory meets at the Queens Village library at 10:30.
YOUTH
TEENS ESSAY WRITING Saturday, April 28 at the Far Rockaway library at 2. ECONOMICS & ARTS Saturday, April 28 high school and college students seeking careers as actors, dancers, fashion designers, singers, cartoonists learn how their hobby can lead to economic success. 11-3 at York College, 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica. 516767-9341 information. CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2. AUDITIONS Sunday, April 29 2-4 and Monday, April 30 7-9 auditions for “Into the Woods.” 894-8654. TEEN GAMING Monday, April 30 Fresh Meadows library at 3:30. LAPTOPS Monday, April 30 laptops for use Hollis library at 4. JEWELRY MAKING Monday, April 30 at the Windsor Park library at 4. CULTURAL ENRICH. Monday, April 30 Ms. B’s Cultural Enrichment Corner Pomonok library at 4:30. ART LESSONS Monday, April 30 learn drawing techniques at the L a n g sto n H u g h e s l i b r a r y. Register. TEEN STUDY Mondays through Thursdays at the Lefrak Cit y library at 4. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays Douglaston/Little Neck library at 4. CHESS & CHECKERS Mondays through May 28 at 3 South Ozone Park library. HOMEWORK & GAMES Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays homework help and teen gaming at the Fresh Meadows library at 4. LIC CHESS CLUB Tuesdays LIC library at 4. BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays Windsor Park library at 4. CHESS & CHECKERS Wednesdays through May 30 at the South Ozone Park library at 3. SISTER TALK Wednesdays through May 30 Pomonok library at 4:30. GAME DAY Wednesdays St. Albans library at 4. CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 Queens Village library. CHESS & CHECKERS Thursdays through May 31 at 3 at the South Ozone Park librar y. TEEN THURSDAYS T h u r s d ays B ay Te r ra c e l i -
brary at 3. CHESS CLUB Thursdays East Flushing library at 5.Sunnyside library at 5. CHESS & CHECKERS Fridays through May 25 at 3 at the South Ozone Park librar y. LOCKER ROOM Fridays through May 25 Life’s Locker Room is for young men in middle school and high school at the Pomonok library at 4. CHESS CLUB Fridays Auburndale library at 3:30. ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays Briarwood library at 4. GAME DAY Fridays Woodhaven library at 4:30. SIGN LANGUAGE Saturday, May 5 at 3 at the Broadway library. Monday, May 14 at 6 at the Pomonok library. Monday, May 21 at 6:30 at the Lefferts library. SOCIAL MEDIA Saturday, May 5 at the Far Rockaway library at 10:30. INTERNET DATABASE Saturday, May 5 at the Langston Hughes library at 2.
PARENTS BD. OF TRUSTEES Wednesday, May 2, June 6 Renaissance Charter School’s Board of Trustees meeting at 6:45. 35-59 81 st Street, Jackson Heights. 8030060. LA LECHE LEAGUE Thursdays, May 3, 17 information and support to mothers who breastfeed at 6 at the Forest Hills library.
THEATER ANNIE Through April 29 “Annie” presented by the Gingerbread Players at St. Luke’s. $12. 268-7772. MUSIC MAN Through May 6 Andrean Players at St. Andrew’s in Flushing. 917-753-8410. AUDITIONS Sunday, April 29 2-4 and Monday, April 30 7-9 auditions for “Into the Woods.” 894-8654. PSYCHO BEACH May 4 through 12 “Psycho Beach Part y” Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6284. RENT May 4 through 13 “Rent” at York College. 262-2412.
QUEENS LIBRARIES Many branches of the Queensborough Library offer toddler and pre-school programs and more. Contact local branches. TIMID TURTLES Saturday, April 28 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000. EGG HUNT Saturday, April 28 Spring Egg Hunt at Flushing Memorial Fields, 149 th street and Bayside Avenue at 1. 9390195 to register. SKIPPY JON JONES Saturday, April 28 at 11:30 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 U n i o n Tu r n p i k e , Fr e s h Meadows. STORY BOOK LADY Saturdays 12:30-1:30 reading enrichment program for 6-9 year olds at Maria Rose International Doll Museum in St. Albans. $7.50. 2763454. SCIENCE LAB Saturdays Central library at 11. MATH HELP Saturdays Flushing library at 10. CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2. S TORY TIMES Saturdays at 11 and Tuesdays at 10:30 weekly story times at Barnes & Noble, 1 7 6 - 6 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i k e , Fresh Meadows. CULTURAL ENRICH. Monday, April 30 Ms. B’s Cultural Enrichment Corner at the Pomonok library at 4:30. TEATRO IATI Monday, April 30 “The Brave Calf” at the Jackson Heights library at 3:30. FLOWER POWER CRAFT Monday, April 30 at the Hillcrest library at 5:30. PJ TIME Monday, April 30 at the Central library at 7. ETIQUETTE Monday, April 30 Etiquette and Character Education at 4:30 at the Hollis library. LEARN TO CROCHET Mondays through May 21 at 5 at the Arverne library. PAPER CRAFTS Mondays through April 30 McGoldrick library at 5. FAMILY WII ZUMBA Mondays through May 14 Lefrak Cit y library at 6:30. CHESS & CHECKERS Mondays through May 28 at the South Ozone Park library at 3. CRAFT KIDS Mondays at the Flushing library at 3. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at 4 Douglaston/
Little Neck library. CHESS & CHECKERS Tuesday s through May 29 at 3 South Ozone Park library. ERIC CARLE Wednesday, May 2 Eric Carle Story time at 11 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 U n i o n Tu r n p i ke , F re s h Meadows. BRAIN FUN Wednesday, May 2 Woodhaven librar y. Register. TIMELESS TALES Wednesdays at 10 at the Central library. S TORY T I M E Wednesdays through May 30 at the East Elmhurst library at 11:30. HOMEWORK HELP Wednesdays through May 30 at the Far Rockaway library at 3. CHESS & CHECKERS Wednesdays through May 30 at 3 at the South Ozone Park library. CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library. LIBRARY BUDDIES Wednesdays through May 30 Auburndale library at 4. REPTILE EDVENTURE Thursday, May 3 at 4 at the C a m b r i a H e i g h t s l i b ra r y. See, touch and learn about reptiles and amphibians. HOMEWORK HELP Thursdays at 3 at the Far Rockaway library. CHESS & CHECKERS Thursdays through May 31 at the South Ozone Park library at 3. ARTS & CRAFTS Thursdays through May 10 Auburndale library at 4. TERRIFIC KIDS Thursdays through May 24 at the Cambria Heights library. Register. LOCKER ROOM Fridays through May 25 Life’s Locker Room is for young men in middle school and high school at the Pomonok library at 4. HOMEWORK HELP Fridays through May 25 Far Rockaway library at 3. CHESS & CHECKERS Fridays through May 25 at the South Ozone Park library at 3. CHESS CLUB Fridays through May 25 Auburndale library at 3:30. HOMEWORK HELP Fridays through May 25 at the Woodside library at 3. KIDS ACTIVITIES Fridays at 3:30 at the Briarwood library. GAME DAY Fridays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library.
LIBRARY BUDDIES Fridays through May 25 at the Auburndale library at 4. READ TO ME Fridays Briarwood library at 3. ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays Briarwood library at 4. East Flushing at 4. Ozone Park at 4. GAME DAY Fridays Windsor Park at 4. CHESS CLUB Fridays Auburndale library at 3:30. . CUB SCOUTS 351 Fridays at St. Nicholas of Tolentine. Boys in grades 15. 820-0015.
TALKS PEARLS OF WISDOM Saturday, April 28 authors of “Pearls of Wisdom: 30 Inspirational Ideas to Live Your Best Life Now!” at 1:30 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 U n i o n Tu r n p i ke , F re s h Meadows. ART IN EUROPE Saturday, April 28 Forest Hills library at 2:30. WOMEN & ART Saturday, April 28 Women and Art in the 2011 Libyan Revolution Flushing library at 3. LOUIS ARMSTRONG Sunday, April 29 “What a Wonderful World: The Magic of Louis Armstrong’s L a ter Years.” $5. Flushing Town Hall. 463-7700. AUTHOR TALK Monday, April 30 Marilyn Berger discusses her book “This Is A Soul.” Central Q u e e n s Y, 6 7 - 0 9 1 0 8 t h Street, Forest Hills. $6 suggested donation. 268-5011, ext. 151. JANE AUSTEN Monday, April 30 Alternate Austen – Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: A Book Discussion at 6:30 at the Pomonok library. STEINWAY Monday, April 30 “The New Kids” will be discussed at the Steinway library at 6:30. AESTHETIC REALISM Wednesday, May 2 at 6 at the Flushing library. HOLOCAUST Thursday, May 3 The Holocaust Through the Eyes of a Child Survivor at the Kew Gardens Hills library at 2. BUDGET TRAVEL Thursday, May 3 Steinway library at 6:30. FLUSHING BOOK Friday, May 4 “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” discussed at 1 at the Flushing librar y.
Queens Today
ENVIRONMENT TREE GIVEAWAY Saturday, April 28 BaysideWhitestone Lions Club will host its first Tree Giveaway 11-2 at A&S Nursery, 23-02 Francis Lewis Blvd., Whitestone. RECYCLING Monday, April 30 Recycle at the Broadway, Steinway or Woodside libraries. EARTH WEEK Tuesday, May 1 “Oakland Park” lecture 7:30 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000. $8.
HEALTH FAIR Saturday, April 28 Walk-athon and Health Fair 10-4 at the track and field on 160 th Street between Libert y Avenue and South Road. 516233-0476. INSTRUCTION TO YOGA Saturday, April 28 at the Lefferts library. Register.
RELIGIOUS REFORM TEMPLE Friday, April 27 Shabbat service to celebrate the 64 th anniversary of Israel’s independence at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 7111 112 th Street at 8. FREE SYNAGOGUE F r i d ay , A p r i l 2 7 Yo m Ha’atzmaut Shabbat Service at 8. Saturday, April 28 informal worship and torah study at 10:30. Sunday, April 29 Hebrew School at 9:30. Family Education at 10:30. Free Synagogue of Flushing. 961-0030.
FLEA MARKETS FLEA/YARD SALE Saturday, April 28 (raindate April 29). Greater Ridgewood Historical Societ y’s outdoor flea market and communit y yard sale at the Onderdonk House, 1820 Flushing Avenue, Ridgewood. ALL SAINTS Saturday, April 28 Spring Rummage Sale at All Saints Church, 43-12 46 th Street, Sunnyside 10-3. FLEA MARKET Sunday, April 29 9-4 flea market and ethnic Polish bake sale at St. Josaphat’s C h u r c h , 3 5 th A v e n u e a n d 210 th Street, Bayside. FLEA MARKET Sunday, April 29 (rain date May 6) at the Maspeth Federal parking lot, Grand Avenue and 69 th Street 10-3. SPRING BOOK SALE Sunday, April 29 Spring Book Sale (books, music CDs and more) at the Bellerose Jewish Center, 254-04 Union Turnpike, Floral Park. INDOOR FLEA MARKET Mondays through June 25 10-3 at the Free Synagogue of Flushing, 41-60 Kissena Blvd. Saturdays 9-5 at Trinit y United M e t h o d i st C h u r c h , 1 0 8 th S t r e e t a n d 86 th Avenue, Jamaica. SPRING FLEA Saturday, May 5 12-4 at the Bay Terrace Countr y Club, 217-14 2 4 th Avenue, Bayside. Rain date May 6.
BLOOD DRIVE Saturday, April 28 in Jamaica. 670-1211. Sunday, April 29 in Flushing. 6706324. ZUMBA Monday, April 30 Richmond Hill library. Register. ZUMBA Mondays, April 30, May 7 Latin Dance fitness program at the Rosedale library. Register. LEARN CPR Monday, April 30 South Ozone Park library. Register. ZUMBA Monday, April 30 at the Corona library. Register. TAI CHI Monday, April 30 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 6701695. OVEREATERS ANON. Wednesdays 11 at the Howard Beach library. CAREGIVERS Thursday, May 3 at the South Ozone Park library at 2. BREAST HEALTH Thursday, May 3 at the Baisley Park library at 6. NAMI WALK Sunday, May 5 Queens/ LI NAMI walk at Jones Beach. Walk to change the face of mental illness. 3477284.
DINNER KINGSLAND HOME Sunday, May 6 the Queens H i sto r i c a l S o c i e t y fo r the Queens Preservation Council will hold a luncheon honoring James Driscoll, QHS Vice President of Histor y. 939-0647, ext. 17. YOUNG ISRAEL Sunday, May 6 Young Israel of New Hyde Park and Lake Success Jewish Center will hold an Israel Bonds Breakfast honoring Debbie and Chuck Waxman. 212-4465858. GOLF TOURNAMENT Monday, May 7 Little Sisters of the Poor’s 23 rd Annual Golf Tournament and Dinner. 464-1800. SCHOOL SISTERS Tuesday, May 8 School Sisters of Notre Dame Educational Center’s “A Night Out Italian St yle” dinner/ fundraiser in Howard Beach. 335-7759. CARD PARTY/LUNCHEON Thursday, May 10 Sisterhood of the Jewish Center of Oak Hills will hold a card part y and luncheon in Bayside. 631-0100.
SPENT Through May 6 “Spent” performed at Queens Theatre in the Park. $25. 7600064. GREEK PLAY Through May 6 the Greek Cultural Center in Astoria presents “In Laws From Tirana. 726-7329. AUGUST WILSON Saturday, April 28 an evening with August Wilson at the Central library at 2. MURDER MYSTERY Saturday, April 28 murder mystery at the castle with the Bayside Historical Societ y. 352-1548. CLIFTON ANDERSON Saturday, April 28 Clifton A n d e r s o n a t PAC a t Yo r k College. 262-2412. #7 TRAIN Saturday, April 28 World of the #7 Train tour. Register jaconet@aol.com FAIR Saturday, April 28 Martin Luther HS Fair in the gym. $50 includes buffet dinner and dessert. 894-4000, ext. 133. CARIBE Saturday, April 28 Caribbean songs from Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic at the Thalia Spanish Theatre in Sunnyside. 729-3880. BLUES Saturday, April 28 Swinging Side of the Blues at the Cambria Heights library at 3. BOOK FAIR Saturday, April 28 Queens Spring Book Fair 12-5 at the Jamaica Farmers Market, 904 0 1 6 0 th S t r e e t , J a m a i c a . Panels, networking, book signing, guest speakers, poetry and more. SPANISH OPERETTAS Sunday, April 29 Zarzuelas and Boleros at the Thalia Spanish Theatre in Sunnyside. 729-3880. SPRING PART Y Sunday, April 29 Latin American Cultural Center of Queens’ Spring Par t y at 2:30 in Corona. 261-7664. ARBOR FESTIVAL Sunday, April 29 11-4:30 at Queens Botanical Gardens. 886-3800. ANTIQUE AUTO SHOW Sunday, April 29 33 rd Annual Antique Auto Show at t h e Q u e e n s C o u n t y Farm Museum 11-4. $5. 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park. WAYNE NEWTOWN Sunday, April 29 Way n e Newton performs at Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6311. LIVE JAZZ & R&B
Sundays, April 29, My 6, 13, 20, 27 live jazz and r&b 610 at Déjà vu, 180-25 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. PATTI AUSTIN Monday, April 30 at York College. 262-2412. GREEK FOLK Monday, April 30 Greek Folk Music and Dance at the East Flushing library at 6. FLAMENCO CANTE Monday, April 30 Flamenco Cante and Guitar at the Sunnyside library at 6. JAZZ Tuesday, May 1 Jazz at the Chapel at York College. 2622412. BIG BAND Thursday, May 3 York College Big Band. 262-2412. JACK COLE PROJECT May 3-20 musical tribute “Heatwave: The Jack Cole Project” at Queens Theatre in the Park. 760-0064. DEAF HISTORY Friday, May 4 Ninth Annual Celebration of Deaf History, Culture and Language at LaGuardia Communit y College. 482-5324. XOREGOS COMPANY Saturday, May 5 at the Forest Hills library at 2:30.
Xoregos Performing Company presents One Act Gems, one act comedies from Coward, Fitzgerald and more. LAUGHTER Saturday, May 5 Laughter at the Library at 3 at the Fresh Meadows library. JAZZ Saturday, May 5 York College Summer Jazz Program auditions. 262-2412. MARIACHI REAL Sunday, May 6 Mariachi Real de Mexico at the Central library at 3. QUEENS FARM Sunday, May 6 celebrate Springtime at the Queens Count y Farm Museum, 7350 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park 11-4. $5. Sheep shearing, spinning demos, recycling, more. 347-FARM. GUERILLA ARTS Sundays, May 6, 13, 27 Guerilla Arts Ensemble at F l u s h i n g Tow n H a l l . 4 6 3 7700. FOUR PREPS Sunday, May 6 Mal Z. Lawrence with special Guests The Four Preps at Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6311.
EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS ESSAY WRITING Saturday, April 28 at the Far Rockaway library at 2. DEFENSIVE DRIVING Saturday, April 28 at the Knights of Columbus in BOATING SAFETY Saturday, April 28 US Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Boating Safet y Class in Fort To t te n , Ba ys i d e . 9 1 7 - 9 5 2 7014. DEFENSIVE DRIVING Sunday, April 29 at the 109th precinct. $25 collected at 10am for the 10-4 class. MOTIVATIONAL WORK. Mondays, April 30, May 21 at the Laurelton library at 6. POWERPOINT Monday, April 30 introduction to PowerPoint at the Maspeth library at 6. INTRO COMPUTERS Monday, April 30 Fresh Meadows library. Register. JOB READINESS Monday, April 30 Arverne library at 5:30. LIC CRAFT CLUB Monday, April 30noon at the LIC library. KNIT & CROCHET Monday, April 30 Douglaston/Little Neck library at 4. UNDERSTAND COMPUTER Monday, April 30 at the Flushing library at 10:30.
Wednesday, May 2 at the Central library at 1:30. BEGIN CROCHET Mondays through May 21 at the Arverne library at 6. BASIC COMPUTER Tuesday, May 1 at the LIC library at 11. RESUME WORKSHOP Wednesday, May 2 at the LIC library at 1:30. BASIC COMPUTER Wednesday, May 2 at the Woodside library at 10:30. JOB SEARCH W/CRIMINAL Wednesday, May 2 at the Far Rockaway library at 3. Friday, May 4 at the Arverne library at 10:30. For formerly incarcerated job seekers. JOB READINESS Wednesdays, May 2 through June 20 Job Readiness Workshops at the Central library at 6. INTERMEDIATE COMP. Thursday, May 3 at the LIC library at 10. STAMP CLUB Thursday, May 3 at the Forest Hills library at 5:45. BOOT CAMP Thursdays through May 24 Arverne library. Register. PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturday, May 5 communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-436-7940.
April 27 - May 3, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19
TALK OF THE TOWN Tuesdays, May 1, 15 learn the art of public speaking 7:15 in St. Albans. 640-7092. HAM RADIO CLUB Tu e s d ay s , M ay 1 , J u n e 5 Emergency Communications Service meets in Briarwood. 357-6851. COMM. DIST. ED. COUN. Wednesday, May 2 Communit y District Education Council 26 invites all to a meeting at 7 at Nathaniel Hawthorne MS, 61-15 Oceania Street, Bayside to honor newly appointed principals and bid farewell to retirees. Special dance performance. KNIGHTS OF PY THIAS Wednesdays, May 2, 16, May 6, 20 Queensview Lodge 433 in Whitestone. 917-754-3093. TOASTMASTERS Wednesdays, May 2, 16 learn the art of public speaking at the Voices of Rochdale To a st m a s t e r s C l u b i n J a maica. 978-0732. BEREAVEMENT Wednesdays, May 2, June 6 Bereavement Support Group at Holy Family in Fresh Meadows. 7:30. 9692448. FLUSHING CAMERA Wednesdays, May 2, 16, 30, June 6, 20 Flushing Camera Club at Flushing Hospital. 479-0643. STAMP CLUB Thursdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 at the Forest Hills library at 5:45. LA LECHE LEAGUE Thursdays, May 3, 17 information and support to mothers who breastfeed at 6 at the Forest Hills library. MEN’S PRIDE GROUP Thursdays, May 3, 17 Queens Pride House Men’s group 7-9. 429-5309. TOASTMASTERS Saturdays, May 5, 19 learn how to communicate effectively at 10 at Elmhurst Hospital. 424-9754.
ENTERTAINMENT
HEALTH
MEETINGS
People Frederick Louis Antoine was recently elected to the Student Senate at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia. He will serve for the 2012-13 academic year. Antoine, an economics major, is the son of Millicent E. Gregory of Queens Village and is a graduate of Aspirations High School. In recognition of Women’s History Month, Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz recently held a Women History Month award ceremony, recognizing six women for their accomplishments in community service, sports and philanthropy. Honorees included Bea Klier, a 94year-old world traveler, researcher and philanthropist, and Lynne Wang, 10-year-old competitive swimmer. Other honorees include: Loraine Donohue, a longtime member of Community Board 4 who has been active in civic causes for more than 40 years. Gail Gordon, a member of the AIDS Center of Queens County,
a member of Community Board 4 and vice chair for the 112th Precinct. Sylvia Hack, founder and president of the Kew Gardens Improvement Association and former chair of Community Board 9. Lydia Musheyev, president of Family Serenity and administrator of the social adult day care center in Forest Hills. The New York Lottery recently announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning ticket from one of the Lottery’s live drawings April 814. The following winners each received a cash prize valued at $10,000 or more. Sudhir Patel of Hollis won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing March 27. Patels winning ticket was purchased at Estate Pharmacy, 169-01 Hillside Ave., Jamaica. Mario Hilario of South Ozone Park won $10,000 on the Powerball drawing March 31. Hilario’s winning ticket was pur-
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tional Guard at F.S. Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach. Airman 1st Class Ricardo Narainsingh of Jamaica completed training for the U.S. Air Force Basic Military training course at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
Stephanie Persaud of South Ozone Park, a marketing and management major at LIU Brooklyn, was a member of the winning team at an international marketing competition held at the Universidad Europa de Madrid, in Valencia, Spain. Persaud, 20, and her teammates invented three wine products and developed marketing for a Hong Kong market. “We were the only group to do three wines and the only group to create an ad, as well as a product label and bottle design,” Persaud said.
Army Private Shaomari G. Smith has graduated from the Basic Field Artillery Cannon Crewmember Advanced Individual Training course at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. The course is designed to train servicemembers to maintain, prepare and load ammunition for firing; operate and perform operator maintenance on prime movers, self-propelled Howitzers, and ammunition vehicles; store, maintain, and distribute ammunition to using units as a member of battery or battalion ammunition section; perform crew maintenance and participate in organizational maintenance of weapons and related equipment; and establish and main-
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April 27 - May 3, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 21
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The New York Army National Guard recently announced the reenlistment of members in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard. Master Sergeant Aubrey Budhu of Jamaica has reenlisted to continue service with the Early Entry Element, 369th Sustainment Brigade. Sergeant Atasha Gurahoo of Queens Village has reenlisted to continue service with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 369th Sustainment Brigade. Specialist Carla Jackson of Springfield Gardens has reenlisted to continue service with the 442nd Military Police Company. Specialist Joel Reyes of South Ozone Park has reenlisted to continue service with Company A, 642nd Support Battalion.
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tain radio and wire communications. Smith is the son of Mark A. Smith of Laurelton.
Aracely
Bolivian Bombshell
Home: Woodside Age: late 20s Height: 5’ 3" Weight: 113 lbs Stats: 32-24-34
An eagle eyed Glittarazzi spotted Anthony Weiner and wife Huma Adebin on the subway.
Living The Life
Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens April 27 - May 3, 2012
It’s been almost a year since U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner left office in a blizzard of scandal and seemingly disappeared from sight. Since then, the man who once ran for mayor moved out of his Forest Hills apartment and left the borough all together. Now it appears the former politico has reappeared amongst the bourgeoisie. Weiner and his wife, former Hillary Clinton staffer Huma Adebin, were spotted riding a subway in Manhattan last week. The ex-Congressman, whose seat was won by U.S. Rep. Bob Turner in September, was reading the paper wearing an orange pullover while his wife was checking her Blackberry, making use of the new subway station WiFi. One fellow rider said the couple, who appeared to have weathered the scandal, got off the train at Herald Square.
Too Busy? Dr. Robert Mittman, a Bayside allergist, filed petitions to run for Congress in the newly-drawn 6th District. The word was he had 2,700 signatures, though no one seemed to know much about the good doctor. Was he involved in politics previously? What are his political positions? Is he Jewish? The answers to these questions did not come easily. Apparently, the receptionist in his Bell Boulevard office admits Mittman won’t return phone calls about his candidacy. He’s “very busy being a doctor,” his receptionist said. News flash Dr. Bob: Congressmen are very busy too.
The subways are good way for a potential mayoral prospect to get a good view of life as a common folk. Just ask Mayor Bloomberg.
Hmmm! Models Of Queens Living Diddy’s Life
Seen in a window on Austin St. We’re not sure how we feel about fashion for young girls this season.
Ever wanted to know what it was like to live like a hip-hop mogul? One Queens man got to experience the life of Sean “Diddy” Combs. Quamine Taylor of Jamaica traveled to East Hampton to live like the rich and famous. Thanks to an unlocked basement door, Taylor walked in and began treating himself to clothing, food and Ciroc, a high-end vodka. When he set off an alarm, he
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do Actor Peter Facinelli, who grew up in Ozone Park, and his wife Jenny Garth recently announced that the couple had filed for divorce. The pair had been separated for some time and were reportedly working on the marriage for the sake of their children, Luca, 14, Lola, 9, and Fiona, 5. Citing irreconcilable differences as the cause, Facinelli and Garth said in a statement that they were committed to raising their daughters together. There was no comment on Ozone Park's Peter Facinelli whether the former “Beverly Hills 90210” starlet had chosen to get back together with Dylan or Brandon.
Aracely Penaranda said that she was never really interested in modeling, her passion being more in the realm of acting. Since we last caught up with her, the Bolivian beauty said that she has really enjoyed her time as a model and being in front of a lens. “I mostly wanted to act, and I was always a dancer. But certain people approached me about different things like modeling, and I just went into it,” she said. She said she enjoys getting the opportunity to be a different person, adopt a role and express herself in ways she normally would not. “I would love to do anything more for petites or more creative, to use my acting skills,” she said. She has a degree in management information systems, but Aracely admits that the career path wasn’t for her, trading in the info systems for finance and real estate. In her free time, she has been training as a runner. When she manages to find some other free time in Queens, she usually goes to the movies, her local pub for a drink or out to a nearby restaurant. Aracely, who says her mother and grandmother are the most important people in her life, is also a big fan of both types of pool – the kind you play and the kind you swim in, “though I really haven’t had a chance to go [to either] much lately.”
was able to convince police and the security company that he was a relative of the star. The party lasted for nearly a day, until a break-in was reported. Maybe people who own mansions should lock their basement doors?
Confidentially, New York . . .
What’s Up with a “who’s who” of diverse APRIL 28 giants including Frank Walkers For Wellness Club musical Foster, McCoy Tyner, Clifford 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.
Y’s Healthy Kids Day
Stay Well Learn new ways to take charge of your health and help your friends do the same. Learn how special exercise and relaxation techniques make a difference in your life. This free event will be held at Queens Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 10 a.m.
The Tragedy of Tupac
Benefit Concert
Just who did shoot Tupac Shakur? If you really want to know, then you need to check out the Black Spectrum Theatre’s production of “The Tragedy of Tupac or Who Shot Me?” Written by George Carroll and Christina Tyler. Tickets are $25; $20 with a college ID. For more information, visit / www.blackspectrum.com or call (718) 723-1800. This event will be held at Black Spectrum Theatre - 177th Street and Baisley Boulevard, at 8 p.m.
You are invited to attend the York College Foundation’s 5th Annual Scholarship Benefit. This year’s event will feature a performance by Patti Austin. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the York College Merit Scholars. The evening will honor: Lisa Ellis, Founding Operational Partner, Fireman Capital Partners; Charles Murphy, Senior Vice President, Turner Construction and Councilman Leroy Comrie. For additional information, contact Mondell Sealy at (718) 2623810. This event will be held at York College Performing Arts Center 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., from 6:30 to 11 p.m.
APRIL 29 N Da Brick of IT The Afrikan Poetry Theatre is pleased to present an art exhibit opening for “N Da Brick of IT” by Fabric Artist, Oathrowback. Come on out! Wine and cheese will be served. This free event will be held at Afrikan Poetry Theatre - 176-03 Jamaica Ave., at 7 p.m.
MAY 1 Walkers For Wellness Club See April 28 listing. At 7 p.m.
Intro to PowerPoint
gon-free talk to introduce late bloomers, grandparents, technophobes, and the digitally challenged to all the wonders of computers, email, the Internet, and other technology gadgets. The program also covers the latest social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, and activities such as blogging and how to get the most out of them. This free event will be held at Queens Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 1:30 p.m.
Job Workshop Series Join us for this interactive workshop. On May 2 and June 6, we will teach tips for writing resumes and cover letters. On May 9 and June 13, our experts will cover preparing for the interview. On May 16 and June 20, the library will equip you with even more job-searching techniques. This free event will be held at Queens 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 Sen. Smith, 205-20 Jamaica Ave., from 7 to 8 p.m.
MAY 3 Walkers For Wellness Club
In this two-session workshop,
See April 28 listing. At 7 p.m.
skills are required. The class runs from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Preregistration is required by phone or in person at the Cyber Center desk on Tuesday evenings. For details, call (718) 990-0769. This free event will be held at Queens Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 6 p.m.
tions in this class. Basic computer skills are required. Classes are offered in Spanish. Preregistration is required at the Cyber Center. This free event will be held at Queens Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 6:30 p.m.
An Evening with August participants will learn how to APRIL 30 create a slide show, how to add Microsoft Excel Intro Wilson A dramatic presentation of Empowering Children to photos and images and how to Learn how to create a create handouts. Basic computer worksheet and perform calculascenes from the acclaimed plays Succeed Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Fences, and The Piano Lesson, by prominent African-American playwright, poet, and essayist August Wilson. This free event will be held at Queens Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 2 p.m.
Clifton Anderson Quintet The Clifton Anderson Quintet will perform at York College. Clifton’s career reflects work
The Community District Education Council 29 Male Initiative Committee is pleased to present “Empowering Our Children to Succeed.” As you know, some of the schools in our community aren’t doing as well as they should be. The CDEC 29 Male Initiative Committee has decided to take a proactive approach to this situation that we find our schools in. We are inviting those who are willing to share their life experiences and best practices to come
MAY 4 MAY 2 RENT: No Day Like Today Understanding Technology In what is the first-ever colJoin us for a reassuring, jar-
laborative effort among the The-
atre Discipline and the York College Performing Arts Center, York College Theatre presents “RENT,” with music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson based on Giacomo Puccini’s opera La Bohème. “RENT” tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive in New York’s Lower East Side in the thriving days of Bohemian Alphabet City. Tickets are $15; $12 for seniors; $5 for students. To purchase tickets, visit www.rentatyork.com/ tickets.php. This event will be held at York College Performing Arts Center, 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., at 7 p.m.
CPR Training The FDNY Mobile CPR Training Unit will hold regularly scheduled free CPR classes in all five boroughs. The first Tuesday through the fourth Tuesday and the fourth Thursday of every month there will be Borough CPR training sessions in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island and Queens. Training is free to anyone over the age of 14. The goal of this program is increase the number of people in New York City trained in bystander CPR Each class lasts 1 hour and participants in the class learn basic CPR skills from a member of the FDNY Emergency Medical Service. Volunteers for the class follow along using the CPR Anytime Personal Learning Kit, which features an instructional DVD and an inflatable mannequin. All participants are able take home the kit at the end of class and asked to pledge to use the kit to show five of their family members and friends how to perform CPR. This class teaches basic CPR technique and is not a certification course. In Queens, the classes will be held the fourth Thursday of every month at EMS Station 54, 222-15 Merrick Blvd. In addition, please visit www.nyc.gov/cprtogo for New York Sports Club locations offering free CPR classes starting in January. Please visit www.fdnyfoundation.org or call (718) 999-2413 for more information.
April 27 - May 3, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 23
While summer is the ideal time for kids to get up, get out and grow, the sad reality is that many kids lose exposure to activities that stimulate their mind and body, causing them to gain more weight and fall behind academically. As part of the Y’s Healthy Kids Day, the Jamaica YMCA is holding a free community event to help parents begin thinking early about ways to keep their kids both physically and intellectually active this summer. For additional information, contact Sheila ClarkHawkins at (212) 912-2205 or by e-mail sclarkhawkins@ymcanyc.org. This free event will be held at the Jamaica YMCA, 89-25 Parsons Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Jordan, Stevie Wonder, Dizzy Gillespie, Merv Griffin, The Mighty Sparrow, Lester Bowie, Paul Simon, Muhal Richard Abrams, WyClef Jean, and Dionne Warwick among others. Clifton’s Broadway credits include Dreamgirls and Nine. Tickets are $20 for adults; $10 for students and seniors. For additional information, call (718) 262-2559. This event will be held at York College Performing Arts Center 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. from 7 to 9 p.m.
out and let the students of JHS 231 know that the community cares about them and their future. This free event will be held at I.S. 231, 145-00 Springfield Blvd., at 9 a.m.
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