Southeast Queens Press Epaper

Volume 12 Issue No. 21 May 27 - June 2, 2011

PAGE 18

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Senators Shirley Huntley and Joe Addabbo are the only Senators from Queens who continue to remain silent on how they will vote on a marriage equality bill; local faith leaders weigh in on the debate.

See coverage Pages 8 and 14

Online at www.QueensPress.com

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 27 - June 2, 2011

Presstime

UFT, NAACP Sue To Save Schools The United Federation of Teachers and NAACP have jointly filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education to hold off the phase out of 22 schools and stop the co-location of 20 charter schools.

“It is outrageous that the UFT has … taken steps to try to keep students in failing schools and block families from access to better options in the fall,” Chancellor Dennis Walcott said in response.

“This shameful lawsuit is about one thing – protecting jobs for adults at the expense of what is best for our children.”

The court case is the second in as many years filed by the UFT and NAACP to stop the DOE from phasing out a horde of city schools. Last year, 19 schools, three of which were Queens high schools, were slated for phase out by the Department of Education. They were given a reprieve on March 26, 2010, by Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Joan Lobis. Her decision rendered the Panel for Education Policy’s vote to phase out the schools as “null and void.”

Of the 22 schools scheduled for phase out this year, 15 of them expected similar fates last year – including Jamaica and Beach Channel high schools. Though PS 230 and IS 231 are marked for phase out, they are not named in the lawsuit.

Leroy Gadsden, Jamaica branch NAACP president, said the outcome of

Photo by Ira Cohen

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

port promised was professional development and credit recovery for students.

“We got nothing,” he said. “We got hung out to dry.”

James Vasquez, Queens High School representative for the UFT, said the DOE “hamstringed the schools.”

Vasquez said Jamaica has suffered since it was designated for phase out.

In June of last year, 20 A lawsuit is hoping to protect Jamaica HS and others sched- teachers were excised because the DOE speculated uled to be “closed.” a small freshman class. In September, enrollment numbers did not the lawsuit would affect all the schools.

The lawsuit filed on May 18 charges match conjecture, but instructors were not the DOE with ignoring agreements it had replaced because of a lack of funds. reached as part of last year’s litigation to Vasquez said he’s heard of one Jamaica provide specific assistance to help many High School class that had 48 students.

“Tell me this is not neglect,” he said. of the schools it tried to phase out last Gadsden likened the phase out proyear. It also accuses the DOE of disregarding its legal obligation to seek the posal to the Tuskegee Experiment.

“We refuse to allow Bloomberg to turn approval of the state’s commissioner of education before the phase out procedure. back the hands of time with segregation Dept. of Education spokesman Tom in the public schools,” he said, adding the Dunn would not deny nor confirm the current proposal creates a system of the haves and the have-nots. charge.

Gadsden said his biggest concern is “We cannot comment on a matter bethe displaced students. He said smaller fore the court in a lawsuit,” he said.

James Eterno, Jamaica High School’s schools would be able to house 40 perUFT chapter leader, said some of the sup- cent of a neighborhood’s students com-

pared to the larger comprehensive high schools.

“We are talking about going to the farther side of Queens, Manhattan or Brooklyn,” he said. “They have to go wherever they can find seats.”

Gadsden continued that with DOE officials establishing a throng of small schools, Southeast Queens stands to lose between 2,400 and 2,500 seats within the next five years.

Walcott defended the DOE’s plan of replacing “some of the lowest performing schools” with new schools.

“Every day that our students spend in a failing school does deeper and deeper damage to their prospects of succeeding in life,” he said. “That is why we will do everything we can to defeat this lawsuit and fight for what is in the best interest of our children.”

In regards to co-locations and charter schools, the lawsuit alleges that the PEP approved plans that “illegally give charter school students more access to school facilities, including libraries, auditoriums and lunchrooms, than students in the public schools that would share their buildings.”

“We want all of our schools and all of our children to have an excellent education,” Vasquez said.

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.

Boro Rallies To Fight FDNY Closures

BY JOSEPH OROVIC Mayor Mike Bloomberg released a list of 20 fire companies slated for potential closure as a result of budget cuts, four of which are in Queens.

Engine 294 at 101-20 Jamaica Ave., Richmond Hill; Engine 306 at 40-18 214th Place, Bayside; Engine 328 at 16-19 Central Ave., Far Rockaway; and Ladder 128 at 33-51 Greenpoint Ave., Sunnyside were all on the Mayor’s list for possible closure.

If implemented, the moves could save

the City $55 million.

The outcry by local elected officials was nearly instantaneous and unanimously against the shuttering of any fire houses.

“Surely, in a budget of $67.2 billion that allocates less than 3 percent to the FDNY, there are priorities,” said Borough President Helen Marshall. “I believe that keeping firehouses open should have been one of them. These units not only respond to fires, but also medical emergencies, gas leaks, auto accidents and a multitude of other emergencies, and perform building

Ready To Fight:

May 27 - June 2, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Assemblywoman Barbara Clark’s Cambria Heights constituents begin to gather and stop for a quick photo before loading the bus to protest a developer’s commercial variance request of the City Planning Commission.

safety inspections.”

The City included a list of the estimated effects on response times to emergencies in the potentiallyclosing fire companies’ areas. While most went up by a little over a minute, many crossed the fourminute mark for first arrivals.

Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (DSunnyside), whose district is served by Ladder 128, expressed concern Bayside area leaders united outside of Engine 306 on 41st over his firehouse’s pos- Avenue to decry the mayor’s plan to close 20 firehouses sible closure. citywide, including four in Queens.

“I stand with the New York City firefighters that risk their lives safety compromised and its residents put each day to make us safe, and call on this at risk – this is unacceptable,” Crowley administration restore all firehouses slated said. “If the City moves forward with any for closure,” he said. “We must continue to of these closures, people who could have do everything possible to ensure these been saved will die.”

In Bayside, Councilman Dan Halloran, firehouses remain open for our neighborhoods to be safe and response times to Assemblyman Ed Braunstein and Sen. Tony Avella united to decry the potential remain low.”

Council members Elizabeth Crowley (D- closing of Engine 306. Other rallies and Middle Village) and Peter Vallone Jr. (D- press conferences sprang up. The Astoria), who chair the Council’s Fire and Woodhaven Residents’ Block AssociaCriminal Justice Committee and Public tion and the Richmond Hill Block AssoSafety Committee respectively, held a joint ciation plan a June 5 rally to save Engine rally on May 16 on the steps of City Hall. 294.

Reach Deputy Editor Joseph Orovic at “The Mayor’s list of the 20 targeted company closings illustrates how every jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 357corner of this city will be impacted, its 7400, Ext. 127.

Food Trucks, Pawn Shops In CB 13

BY SASHA AUSTRIE Food trucks are big business, and have hit the mainstream running, with their own television shows, social networks and streams of followers.

But not all operate at that level, and the members of Community Board 13 decided that enough is enough.

The influx of food vendors in the neighborhoods that make up the community board has been so intense that rather than generate the hipster love affair that trucks in parts of Manhattan or Brooklyn tend to get, they have made enemies.

“We have been getting complaints about the trucks infiltrating the community,” said

CB 13 District Manager Lawrence McClean.

“They have set up shop like they own it.

He added that food truck vendors have been seen dumping oil in neighborhood sewers.

The board crafted a resolution which states that food carts of any variety are not allowed to operate within the bounds of the board.

Sanu Thomas, a board member, said other than depreciating the value of neighborhood homes, food carts were not a good source of tax revenue, they are unsanitary and pilfer business from local shops.

“I’m sick and tired of them,” he said.

The resolution passed unanimously.

The board will distribute the declaration to

their local elected officials.

Taking on quality of life issues as their focus for the night, CB 13 shifted its gaze to pawn shops.

Board members claim that since the beginning of 2011, four pawn shops advertising the buying and selling of gold have taken up residence on Jericho Turnpike.

The pawn shop resolution passed unanimously. Its goal is to have the City Council and Nassau County Executive impose “restrictions to deter proliferation of such businesses.”

On a health-related note, Pediatrician Marc Jacobson presented the board with a program on the ills of childhood obesity. He said obesity had serious medical, psycho-

logical and social implications for children.

“There are three times as many kids overweight today than there were 20 years ago,” he said, adding that children are facing the same cholesterol issues as adults as early as 10 years old.

Jacobson said to help thwart childhood obesity, parents and guardians should adhere to the 5-2-1-0 plan: children should have five servings of fruits and vegetables, two hours or less of television, one hour of physical activity and zero or nearly zero sugar sweetened beverages (soda, sweet tea, sports drinks and juice) daily.

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123.

More Than 9,000 Jobs Created By Rail Project

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 27 - June 2, 2011

More details are emerging about the Harold Interlocking project in Sunnyside Yards, which received a $295 million boost from federal rail subsidies rejected by Florida.

The project is expected to create 9,213 jobs over the five years it will be constructed and boost economic activity by more than a half a billion dollars, according to a report conducted by U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Astoria), who announced the findings at a press conference on Skillman Avenue in Sunnyside,

only feet from the interlocking.

“This project will relieve one of the worst choke points in our entire transit system, pave the way for high-speed rail, and boost the economy by more than a half-billion dollars,” Maloney said. “New Yorkers know the value of investing in transit and we didn’t think twice about pursuing this funding after Florida foolishly rejected it.”

The project will alleviate a problem that plagues commuters at the busiest rail intersection in the country. It will give Amtrak trains their own dedicated track, so those

trains will not have to cross tracks used by the Long Island Rail Road. The U.S. Dept. of Transportation said the Harold Interlocking project would have to be completed before high-speed rail can commence between New York and Boston.

Maloney said the project and the Obama administration’s high-speed rail plans are important to New York and the country. High-speed rail has become a major means of transportation in Europe, Japan and China, and the rail system in the U.S. is “being left behind.”

“There is a place for government

spending on infrastructure,” said Denise Richardson, managing director of the General Contractors Association of New York, noting that the Northeast Corridor is a “profitable” railroad line.

The $295 million allocated comes from the $787 billion stimulus bill. The total cost of the Harold Interlocking is $368 million; the state will make up the rest of the funding. The project is expected to break ground next year and be completed in 2017.

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

Audit Shows Holes In DOE Reports

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

A New York City Comptroller Audit questions the “usefulness” of the Department of Education’s high school progress reports, which assigns schools an annual grade.

According to the audit, which focused on 10 high schools, three of which are slated for phase out, the DOE maintained adequate controls to ensure that the data reflected in the 2008-2009 high school progress reports were reliable. But the formula behind the Progress Report grades make it difficult for parents and educators to measure a school’s performance from one year to the next. Data from Jamaica and Flushing International high schools were used in the audit.

“It’s troubling that a system that is used to decide school closings leaves teachers and students confused about what they need to do to improve,” said Comptroller John Liu. “The Department of Education should not leave parents, educators or students in the dark when it’s deciding their fates.”

The audit was launched in March 2010 and initially data from 2008-2009 progress report was used. The data was expanded to include two immediately previous years and the following year. Staff members from the schools were also interviewed for the purpose of the audit.

Though the reports states that student records in the DOE data bases were “verifiable and representative” of the elements

used in preparing the report, “the audit did not assess the accuracy of student course grades and test scores awarded by teachers and recorded in the DOE databases or in source documentation.” The audit does acknowledge that progress reports are a consistent measure of comparison among peer schools in a single year.

The DOE contends that the progress report is a one-year snapshot of the school’s development and it is not meant to chart its growth over time.

“The discovery that we improve our progress report methodology annually is, in fact, something we announce publicly before grading schools each year, wrote Matt Mittenthal, a DOE spokesman. “We make changes to our metrics in response to community feedback.”

James Vasquez, United Federation of Teachers Queens High School representative, said the UFT thinks the audit “is a good report.”

“We’ll give the DOE credit that their computers are working,” he said. “Since report cards are so important to school grades there is a question of clarity, consistency adequate feedback is really important.”

James Eterno, UFT chapter leader for Jamaica High School, said the yearly formula changes breeds inconsistency, and it forces educators “to try to hit a moving target.”

The audit provides 10 recommendations, and in a written response the DOE

I Wish All My Friends and Neighbors A Safe and Happy Memorial Day

agreed with nine of them. The report states that though the DOE concurred with the audit’s proposal, “DOE inappropriately misinterpreted and even exaggerated, many of the audits ‘positive’ conclusions as an endorsement for the progress reports, while simultaneously discounting

its weaknesses.”

“It is much more than a grade,” Vasquez said. “It is much more than a number.

These are kids, these are people’s lives.”

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123.

Parkgoers Split On Ban

BY JASON COHEN Residents of New York City can now breathe easier. On Monday, a law banning smoking at parks, beaches and pedestrian plazas went into effect.

New York is now the largest city in the country to ban smoking in public areas.

The City has become an even more smoke-free place after already banning smoking in restaurants and bars. If caught smoking, a $50 fine will be enforced.

However, upon visiting parks in Queens, residents seemed split on the recent ban.

Bayside’s Crocheron Park is often filled with families, kids playing baseball, basketball, tennis and on the playground.

A mother from Flushing, who wished to remain anonymous, was at the park supporting her son in his baseball game, and said she knows firsthand about smoking since she was a smoker for 20 years.

“It’s wrong. You shouldn’t be told when and where you can smoke,” she said.

Another parent that disagreed with the ban was Orit Ezrani of Bayside. People have the right to smoke cigarettes, but if it is around children, that is crossing the line, Ezrani said.

“I don’t think people have the right to tell people not to smoke in the park,” she said.

Teacher Monica Rucynski, who grew up in Bayside and currently lives in Mineola, said she is thrilled that the government banned smoking in parks because it is disgusting and a bad influence on children.

Unlike other mothers at the park, she said she believes that no civil rights are being violated by banning smoking in public.

Dilcia Santos, 32, of Bayside, who has three children ages 7, 6 and 4 said she couldn’t be happier that the new law was passed. With her children always in parks having fun, they need to be in a safe environment, she said.

Reach Intern Jason Cohen at jcohen@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 124.

During this Memorial Day, Let us reflect on all we have to be thankful for in our family and community.

Senate Majority Leader

Malcolm A. Smit Smithh District Office 205-19 Linden Blvd., St. Albans, NY 11412 P: 718-528-4290 F: 718-528-4898

Albany Office Room 907 LOB Albany, NY 12247 P: 518-455-2701 F: 518-455-2816

Manhattan Office 250 Broadway, Suite 1930 New York, NY 10007 P: 212-298-5585 F: 212-298-5610

Email: masmith@senate.state.ny.us | Website: www.nyssenate14.com

GREGORY MEEKS 6TH DISTRICT 153-01 Jamaica Ave. 2nd Floor, Jamaica, NY 11432 718-725-6000

May 27 - June 2, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

Congressman

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 Associate Publisher

In Our Opinion: Brenda Jones Executive Editor:

Brian Rafferty Deputy Editor:

Joseph Orovic Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Harley Benson Sasha Austrie Domenick Rafter Jason Banrey Stefan Singh

Art Dept:

Sara Gold Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend Advertising Director James Mammarella Sr. Account Executive Shelly Cookson

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 27 - June 2, 2011

Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2011 Tribco, LLC

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

Editorial For Marriage Equality Queens has been a social leader since its inception. From the brave men who confronted authorities to demand equal protection for all religion in the signing of the Flushing Remonstrance to the fearless souls who rode for social freedom in the South during the Civil Rights era – some even paying for that freedom with their lives, we have always stood on the forefront of what is right.

How then, could it be possible that our elected leaders are not united in demanding equality, freedom and justice for all of our residents, friends and neighbors? How is it possible that two of our Queens State Senators – Joe Addabbo Jr. and Shirley Huntley – are still “undecided” on the issue of marriage equality? Why would they not speak publicly – to this newspaper, for this edition – to explain their position?

Their previous votes in 2009 opposing basic civil rights for a large percentage of our population were a slap in the face to all that is right about our borough.

No, not everybody agrees that marriage between same sex partners is right under God’s eye or from some people’s personal, moral perspective. But there used to be people who saw negro slaves as three-fifths human; who thought women lacked the mental capacity to cast important votes; who thought that people of certain nationalities were “less than” the rest of us.

That bigotry, ignorance and prejudice is now looked upon with disdain and a feeling of sadness for the blemishes left on our society by that perverse history. The harm of such contemptuous thinking is still felt today.

To continue to deny same sex couples equality feeds into the negative stereotypes, the hatred and the bigotry members of the LGBT community face every day. To ignore their plight or worse, to allow it to continue, is deplorable.

Sen. Joe Addabbo, Sen. Shirley Huntley – your silence on the matter is deafening.

Letters Misguided To The Editor: In an effort to close its current budget gap, the last week the Bloomberg administration announced that it was planning to close the FDNY’s Engine 306 in Bayside. This firehouse serves the Bayside and Bay Terrace area

and is vital to the safety of our community.

In addition, the safety repercussions of closing Engine 306 go beyond Bayside and Bay Terrace. If Engine 306 is closed, emergency responders will have to be called in from other areas.

This will take assets away from

Letters areas such as Flushing, Whitestone, Douglaston and Little Neck and put those areas at additional risk as well. When a fire emergency occurs every minute counts. Closing Engine 306 will put property and lives in Northeast Queens at undue risk.

I applaud our local elected officials as they have aggressively fought against the closing of Engine 306. Sen. Tony Avella, Assemblyman Ed Braunstein and Councilman Dan Halloran have worked together in a bipartisan manner to fight this travesty. They clearly recognize that our safety is of the utmost importance and they have moved quickly to stop this closure.

The fact that the Bloomberg administration is proposing to close a budget gap by putting the property and lives of the residents of Northeast Queens in danger is just one example of the misguided ideology of the administration. While I understand that the city, state and federal governments are each in financial crisis, it seems that each time the city faces such a crisis, the first places the Mayor seek to cut are our schools and our emergency services (police, fire and EMS).

Those areas should always be the last place we cut.

In addition, on a national level, our tax dollars continue to build schools, police stations and firehouses in Iraq and Afghanistan while we are closing schools and firehouses here in New York City. It is time that our Mayor and our federal government get their priorities straight and ensure that

our communities have good schools and our citizens can go to bed at night knowing that they are safe and, in the event of an emergency, an emergency responder is only moments away.

Steven Anthony Behar, Bayside

Pension Plan To The Editor: Congratulations to Queens Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer for being nominated to become the next Queens County Clerk. Ms. Pheffer did not obtain this appointment by replying to a classified ad in The New York Times help wanted section. Rather, serving as a long time loyal member of the Queens Party Democratic clubhouse machine earned her this promotion.

Current Queens Congressman and Democratic County Chairman Joe Crowley continues to practice “to the victor goes the spoils” in rewarding his loyal political allies such as Pheffer.

Will Ms. Pheffer collect her pension as a former State Assemblywoman while at the same time collecting a pay check as Queens County clerk? Will Ms Pheffer end up collecting two pensions along with Social Security, winning the trifecta? At the end of the day, taxpayers will be footing much of the bill. Will Ms. Pheffer will be a profile in courage and give up one of her pensions? Or will she just be another one of the boys in the political clubhouse backroom going after whatever comes her way? Time will tell.

Larry Penner, Great Neck

New President, Rare Opportunity For Haiti A Personal Perspective

By MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE Almost a year and a half after an earthquake devastated the island of Haiti, it has sworn in a duly elected president to lead it into a new day.

And while Haiti is geographically distant from our area, we do share our community with thousands of Haitian immigrants who have been affected by the tragedy in their homeland. In my own immediate circle, one of my daughter's two godfathers was born in Haiti and still has relatives there.

We have Thanksgiving dinner with his wonderful extended family every year. Our pediatrician is also Haitian, and we have cousins by marriage whose loved ones on the island were also directly affected. We all have neighbors and friends and colleagues who watched the horror unfold last year and who continue to worry about their homeland and their

families there.

So Haiti, after all, is not that far removed from say, St. Albans, in terms of "our common humanity" and our connection to people who once called Haiti home.

When the Haiti quake struck in January 2010, the world was rattled by the pain and loss of those directly impacted. That is why so many here are frustrated by the snail-pace of the rebuilding effort. Too many people are still living in tents as we head into a second hurricane season.

The good thing is that the presidential election is over and they finally swore in a new president last week. Now all eyes are on him.

How many of his campaign promises will Michel Martelly be able to fulfill given the reality of Haiti's situation? The earthquake inspired the goods and goodwill of practically every other country in the Caribbean and around the world, so he is taking office with a good start.

This is a rare opportunity and one

Mr. Martelly should seize.

The United States, Japan, Israel, England, Germany and former colonizer, France, were among the many nations joining the rescue and the relief efforts.

Tens of millions of dollars were pledged and cargo ships and planes are still delivering goods.

Because of all that has happened over the last 16 months, this could be viewed, to borrow from Dickens, as the best of times and the worst of times, for the new president. Physically, Haiti has been wrecked beyond belief, but on the other hand, for probably the first time in that nation's history, there are funds and almost complete global support for the island nation. In terms of morale, it is also in a bad way. But hope is easily restored with signs of progress.

Unemployment is quoted as being around 70 percent and the toll of living in tents, fighting off diseases and the litany of other ills means that the people need to see

signs of improvement in a hurry.

This new president, whose swearing in was witnessed by a host of international well-wishers on hand - including President Clinton - needs to get down to the people's business immediately.

The world is rooting for the physical resurrection of Haiti and the restoration of the people's hope. As the first colony to obtain independence from the European "mother country" (more than 200 years ago), the fulfillment of Haiti's promise has been far too long deferred.

Despite the unspeakable disappointments they have endured over the centuries, they now have an opportunity to turn this around.

This could become their best season with the support of the international community and strong internal leadership.

President Martelly declared at his inauguration that "Haiti is open for business."

Let's hope he means business as well.

News Briefs Dedication Honored

Stephanie Richardson Performing Arts and Media Technology, dedicated to teaching the performing arts to youth in Queens. Carl Clay emphasized the importance of education.

“Education is the fuel we must all fill up on in order to reach our most distant dreams,” he said. “To quote Frederick Douglas, ‘It is better to help build strong children than to fix broken men.’ Education is one of the only tool we have left to escape ignorance.”

Her Life’s WORC

Life’s WORC, a private, not-forprofit organization providing comprehensive support for individuals with developmental disabilities, proudly reported that Stephanie Richardson, Manager of Residential Services for its Rosedale residence, has been honored as a recipient of one of New York State Association of Community and Residential Agencies’ (NYSACRA) “2011 Excellence Awards.”

NYSACRA is a catalyst and leading advocate for people who have developmental disabilities and organizations that support them. Richardson was one of just six individuals who received one of these prestigious awards at the organization’s 34th Annual Excellence Award Dinner held at the Sagamore Hotel in Lake George.

NYSACRA’s 2011 Excellence Awards were given to “Pioneers of the Field,” including three executive directors and three frontline supervisors, of which Richardson was one, who “work long hours, find the creative and innovative solutions to complex problems, and give unselfishly of themselves every day.”

Richardson began her career at Life’s WORC more than 16 years ago. She assisted in the opening of the Rosedale Residential in 2000. It is a home for six women who were moving from the Bernard Fineson Developmental Center.

Richardson’s constant support and hands-on style have enabled the women, all of whom experience some form of schizophrenia, to have a strong foundation, helping them to reach greater independence and well-being.

With her support, the women have developed a strong sense of camaraderie, looking Woodie King, Chairman, CTC (l. ot r.); Fred Simmons, repre- out for one another as senting Sen. Smith; Assemblyman Scarborough; Sen. Huntley; if they were family.

Carl Clay; Honoree Arthur French; Ted Lange; and Councilman Richardson resides Comrie. in Cambria Heights.

May 27 - June 2, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Photo by Juliet Kaye

The Coalition of Theatres of Color honored award winning actor-director Arthur French with a Lifetime Achievement Award to commemorate his 50-year distinguished career in theatre, television and film at a special tribute hosted by actor Ted Lange on May 19 at Black Spectrum Theatre.

Ted Lange, known as bartender Isaac Washington on television’s “The Love Boat,” presented the award. Recently, Lange performed in Harlem as the Hon. Elijah Muhammad in a revival of “When the Chickens Came Home to Roost,” produced by New Heritage Theatre.

French, one of the founding actors of the Negro Ensemble Company, holds an Obie Award for “Sustained Excellence of Performance,” an Off-Broadway Lucille Lortel Award for August Wilson’s “Two Trains Running” and several AUDELCO Awards, including Best Director for his direction of the Harlem revival of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”

For more than 20 years, French has been a board member of Black Spectrum Theatre, which is under the direction of Carl Clay, its founder and executive director. French’s entertainment career spans key roles on Broadway, television and film. His major NewYork stage work include: Charles Fuller’s Pulitzer Prizewinning “A Soldier’s Play,” August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” Melvin Van Peebles’ “Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death” and “You Can’t Take It With You” with Jason Robards.

French was presented with proclamations by the offices of U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks, State Sens. Shirley Huntley and Malcolm Smith, Assembly members Barbara Clark and William Scarborough and Councilman Leroy Comrie.

“Arthur French is a acting legend with heart, soul and plenty of humility to go with it,” said Black Spectrum’s Clay. “As a board member of Black Spectrum Theatre for over two decades, he has watched his two children grow up in our acting program. His commitment to the theatre community is huge and his dedication to his craft is without question exemplary.”

In addition, the press conference featured the announcement of Black Spectrum Theatre’s upcoming charter middle school, Spectrum Charter School for the

The Senate Fight:

Marriage Equality Uncertain Without Key Swing Votes

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 27 - June 2, 2011

When the Democratic-controlled State Senate voted on marriage equality on Dec. 2, 2009, many expected it to pass; others thought it would be close with one or two Democrats voting no, and one or two Republicans voting yes.

Instead, it failed badly, with eight Democrats and all Republicans voting no. The State Senate has since flipped from a oneseat Democratic majority to a one-seat Republican majority.

When Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced he would push to legalize marriage equality, many saw the GOP-controlled Senate as an obstacle to passing marriage equality; in actuality, there are more committed "yes" votes now than on Dec. 2, 2009.

Some 26 Senators, all Democrats, have endorsed marriage equality. Five of those "yes" votes are in Queens. In 2009, only two of the seven Queens Senators voted yes. But State Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria), the chair of the campaign arm of the Democratic caucus, noted that even though Democrats lost seats in the body in 2010, they added supporters of marriage equality.

"When there 32 members [of the Democratic caucus], there were 24 yes votes; now with 30 members there are 26 votes," he said.

The change came despite three Democratic "yes" votes, two from Long Island and one from Buffalo, being defeated by Republicans. Democratic supporters of marriage equality picked up two Republican seats and Democratic State Sen. Tim Kennedy (D-Buffalo), who supports marriage equality, defeated former Sen. William Stachowski, an opponent, in the Democratic primary and later won the seat.

A Shift In Queens Three of the five "no" votes in Queens have been replaced by supporters.

Then-Sen. George Onorato was one of those "no" votes in 2009, despite a strong lobbying effort by LGBT rights supporters in Astoria and Long Island City. Onorato announced shortly after that he would retire at the end of his term.

He was replaced by Gianaris, who voted for marriage equality three times as a State Assemblyman and plans to vote for it again in the Senate.

"I'm a sponsor of the bill," he said.

"I'm a public supporter."

Gianaris said he wanted a vote on the floor whether it passed or not, so the public can see where their Senator stands.

In three races statewide last fall, Democrats who voted against were replaced by Democrats who will vote yes.

One of those was the Buffalo seat won by Tim Kennedy, the other two are in Queens; Gianaris and State Sen. Jose

breakers is traditional marPeralta (D-East Elmhurst), riage," said Conservative who said he would vote yes on Party Chairman Michael the bill and hopes big name enLong. dorsements will help it pass.

Often, votes received un"I am a strong supporter of der the Conservative Party marriage equality," Peralta said. line are enough to help elect "I am hopeful that the endorsea Republican in close races. ments and active lobbying of Five Republican Senators Gov. Cuomo and Mayor Jack Martins (R-Long IsBloomberg will help push this land), Mark Grisanti (R-Buflegislation across the finish falo), Patty Ritchie (Rline."

Watertown), Greg Ball (RFormer Sen. Frank Hudson Valley) and Jim Padavan, the only Republican Alesi (R-Rochester) - would in the Queens delegation in not have been elected in 2009, also voted no. He was State Sens. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and Shirley Huntley 2010 without the votes they defeated in 2010 by former (D-Jamaica) both voted no on a 2009 bill to legalize same-sex marriage. received on the ConservaCouncilman Tony Avella (DTheir votes are up for grabs this year. tive line. Without the ConBayside), who made supportservative Party, Republicans ing marriage equality a major Nunes. Huntley defeated him by a wide would have not only remained in the micampaign promise. nority, but would have lost seats in the The two Queens Senators who voted margin.

Outside of Queens, only one other State Senate. in favor in 2009, have not changed their Alesi is considered one of the more positions. State Sen. Toby Stavisky (D- Democrat remains undecided: State Sen. Flushing) and State Sen. Malcolm Smith Carl Kruger (D-Brooklyn), who is cur- "reachable" Republicans. Though he was (D-Hollis) both remain supporters of mar- rently under federal indictment on cor- nearly defeated in 2010, he recently atruption charges. State Sen. Ruben Diaz tended an Empire State Pride Agenda riage equality.

(D-Bronx) is a firm no. A spokesman for dinner in Rochester, where the topic was New Yorkers United for Marriage said marriage equality.

Undecided In Queens Though some Republicans, like Alesi, That leaves the two South Queens Diaz was the only Democrat they believed have remained uncommitted on marriage Democrats who voted "no" in 2009 as is "not reachable." equality, and Majority Leader Dean potential swing votes: State Sen. Joe Skelos has promised a vote, a number of The Minor Parties' Influence Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and Thanks to New York's fusion ticket Republicans are opposed. Grisanti has State Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica).

Neither responded for comment for this system, minor parties are often been considered a swing vote on the isarticle, but marriage equality supporters kingmakers in close elections. For many sue. Singer Lady Gaga asked fans at a have hit the streets of their districts try- state legislators, the small number of votes Buffalo concert earlier this year to lobby ing to build support for the legislation. they receive on the Independence, Con- him to vote yes, but Grisanti has said he Both have said in the past they would servative and Working Families party opposed marriage equality and would favote based on the response from their lines are often enough to push them over vor civil unions. State Sen. Marty Golden (R-Brooklyn) submitted a bill the top. constituents.

The Working Families Party, the fourth last week that would stop New York from Addabbo's district, which stretches from Sunnyside to South Ozone Park, in- largest in the state and one whose line is recognizing same-sex marriages percludes a large number of historically-so- coveted by many Democrats, does not formed in states where it is legal, somecially conservative Italian, Irish, German have a position on the issue; the Inde- thing the state has done since formerand Polish Catholic voters in Maspeth, pendence Party, the fifth largest in the Gov. David Paterson signed an execuRidgewood, Middle Village, Glendale, state, came out in support of marriage tive order in 2008.

"I am sending the message that there Ozone Park and Howard Beach. equality.

But the real power player among the is some normalcy in this great state when Huntley's Jamaica-based district has the largest number of churches per square mile minor parties is the Conservative Party - it comes to the principled idea that marin the country and the northern part of the third largest party after the Demo- riage is between a man and a woman," her district, in Kew Gardens and Forest crats and Republicans. The Conservative said Golden That bill only has two cosponsors, one Hills, is home to socially conservative Or- Party staunchly opposes marriage equality and has threatened to pull its support of whom is a Democrat - Diaz. thodox Jewish voters.

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at Huntley faced a primary opponent for any Republican who votes for it.

"In order to get the endorsement of drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357in 2010 who supported marriage equality, Richmond Hill businessman Lynn the Conservative Party, one of the deal 7400, Ext. 125.

Queens Senators on Marriage Equality District

2009 Incumbent

10-Jamaica

Shirley Huntley

11-Bayside, E. Queens

Frank Padavan

12-Astoria, Long Island City

George Onorato

13-Jackson Heights

Hiram Monserrate

14- SE Queens, Rockaway

Malcolm Smith

15- South, West Queens

Joe Addabbo Jr.

16-Flushing, Forest Hills

Toby Ann Stavisky

2009 Vote

Status

2011 incumbent

Re-elected

Shirley Huntley

No

Defeated

Tony Avella

Yes

No

Retired

Michael Gianaris

Yes

No

No

Stance Undecided

Expelled

Jose Peralta

Yes

Yes

Re-elected

Malcom Smith

Yes

No

Re-elected

Joe Addabbo Jr.

Undecided

Yes

Re-elected

Toby Ann Stavisky

Yes

Police Blotter 110th Precinct

Compiled By DOMENICK RAFTER

Elmhurst Hospital is asking the public for help identify a patient who was brought into the emergency room on Friday, May 20. The patient is a Hispanic male in his early 40s.

ers discovered the victim, Anthony Hilton, 22, of 118-15 205th St., St. Albans, shot in the neck and the torso.

EMS also responded to the scene and transported the victim to Queens Hospital Center where he was pronounced dead on arrival. There were no arrests and the investigation was ongoing.

East Elmhurst, police responded to a call of an unconscious man. Upon arrival, police found Judah Johnson, 33, of 5525 98th Place, Corona, with three gunshot wounds to the torso. EMS responded and pronounced the victim dead at the scene. There were no arrests at this time, and the investigation was ongoing.

113th Precinct

114th Precinct

From the DA

Unknown Patient

Found Shot On Thursday, May 19 at approximately 9:38 p.m., at the intersection of 120th Road and Lucas Street, in St. Albans, police responded to a 911 call of a person shot. Upon arrival, responding offic-

iPhone Thief

The NYPD is asking for the public's assistance in identifying and locating the following suspect wanted in connection with four Grand Larcenies that occurred in Queensbridge.

Three of the incidents took place at the corner of 41st Avenue and 21st Street on Monday, May 2, Friday, May 6, and Wednesday, May 11. Another victim was attacked on the corner of 40th Avenue and 21st Street on May 6.

In each incident, the suspect approaches his victim from behind and takes their iPhones from their hands, proceeding to flee on foot.

There were no injuries incurred in any incident.

The suspect is described Authorities are trying to identify an unknown man cur- as a black man, between 16 rently at Elmhurst Hosptal. and 20, approximately 5-

Teacher's Rape Rap

Police are looking for this iPhone thief.

foot-5 to 5-foot-9.

Anyone with information in regard to any of these incidents is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (80 0) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

115th Precinct Shot In East Elmhurst On Saturday May 21, at approximately 6:45 a.m. in front of 27-51 McIntosh St.,

A 42-year-old public school teacher has pleaded guilty to the statutory rape of a 15-year-old high school freshman on at least two separate occasions last year at her Jamaica residence.

Christine Williams, 42, of 127th Avenue, Jamaica, was employed as a fifthgrade Special Ed teacher at PS 80, located at 171-05 137th Ave., Jamaica. She pleaded guilty to third-degree rape.

According to the criminal charges, Williams engaged in sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old male student at her residence on at least two separate nights between Jan. 29, 2010, and Feb. 5, 2010.

She could face 90 days in jail and 10 years' probation at her sentencing on July 12.

In addition, Williams will surrender her state teaching license and, as a convicted sex offender, register with the state's Division of Criminal Justice Services, which will place her name in the Sex Offender Registry database.

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May 27 - June 2, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

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pix

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

King Park Cleanup Rufus King Park in Jamaica had its annual Spring facelift May 21. Area residents turned out with elbow grease and TLC under the auspices of the Friends of Rufus King Park, the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, and the Partnership for Parks. In addition to general cleaning and painting by a small army of volunteers, the day featured two art events: a public mural painting overseen by Reconstruct Art and an installation by the artist Okechukwu "Ole" Ofiaeli who turned locally-harvested sycamore branches into a work on the theme of the Underground Railroad.

Good, clean, old-fashioned fun! (And free too.)

Photos by Walter Karling

Gentlemen and Ladies, start your brooms! Volun- Jewel Grant readying the repast at day's end for teers from PS 182 get ready to sweep the park clean. the crew of hungry volunteers from PS 217.

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 27 - June 2, 2011

Andrew Manshel (l. to r.) and Jacqueline Langsam listen attentively as "Oke" Okechukwu explains the themed connection between the wood sculpture and the significance of the King Manor to the history of the Underground Railroad.

Artist Okechukwu "Ole" Ofiaeli applying the fin- Move over Jackson Pollack! The mural painters ishing touches to his themed Underground Rail- from Reconstruct Art and their finished masroad sculpture constructed from found sy- terpiece. camore branching.

Profile

New Leader Takes Helm At JCAL

image of an artist wielding a paint brush or elbow deep in moldable materials may When selecting the leader of an artis- pop into mind. tic organization whose mission is "to conWhen the Jamaica Center for Arts and tribute to the cultural enrichment," an Learning was looking to find the new chair of its board of directors, it sought a candidate with an artistic yet corporate background. Cherrie Illidge-McKenna received a unanimous vote from JCAL's board to be the organization's chairman.

"I have always been passionate about art," she said.

"I have always been a leftbrain, right-brain, so I could do with either one."

Her new role at the helm of JCAL is not her first experience with the organization - it is simply a continuation. IllidgeMcKenna has been a JCAL board member for a year. She said there were urgings for her to one day lead the organization, but in her minds eye, the vision was years away. The callCherrie Illidge-McKenna is the new chairman of JCAL’s ing came sooner than expected. board of directors.

With her new post

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 27 - June 2, 2011

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

comes the responsibility of raising the profile of the 38-year institution.

"I would like to see JCAL become one of the premier destinations for cultural arts," Illidge-McKenna said. "[JCAL is] one of the best kept secrets in Queens.

We'd like to say, the secret is out."

Illidge-McKenna is passionate about making a difference and leaving a legacy at the institution. She will build on the existing history and programs that JCAL offers.

"It's a phenomenal space," she said of JCAL's facilities. "I envision having standing room only in some of the programs."

Though her background is rife with corporate ties, her tenure with JCAL is not Illidge-McKenna's first venture into cultural enrichment. She was a founding member of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Multicultural Advisory Board, which was created to foster diversity, and she was the director of cultural affairs for the National Black MBA Association.

As a child, Illidge-McKenna indulged in artistic expression like most children, but she never envisioned a career that would lead to art.

"I was an engineering geekette," she said.

In college she noticed her knack for

problem solving and working with people.

"I don't like the technical," she said.

"I like solving problems."

Illidge-McKenna's interest in engineering earned her a degree in computer information systems from Hofstra, and her problem solving and people skills led to an MBA in marketing and management from St. John's University Graduate School of Business.

"When I realized I like working with people and problem solving, I switched," she said.

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123.

Got a Profile?

Send a photo with background and contact information to: PRESS of Southeast Queens 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357 All announcements will be considered for publication without fee.

A&E

Steckley Makes Faces for Army Bases

BY BARBARA ARNSTEIN “It was very humbling to go to the hospitals and see soldiers who had limbs blown apart, and to see they still have the will to go on,” said Ed Steckley, an illustrator, caricaturist, and one of 10 nationally-known artists who traveled to Iraq last October, to entertain wounded soldiers in hospitals on Army bases by drawing caricatures for them, on a trip arranged by the National Cartoonists Society and the USO. “It puts into perspective any little problems that we have here, like paying the bills”, the Sunnyside resident contin-

ued. “Any problem is small in comparison. We don’t always realize how lucky we are and how good we have it”.

Like Ray Alma, interviewed recently for this paper, Steckley went on a 10day trip, which included five days in Iraq, three in Kuwait and two in transit. The group of artists included several associated with popular comic strips, including Mason Mastroionni (B.C.), Dave Coverly (Speedbump), Chad Carpenter (Tundra) and Bill Hinds (Tank McNamara). Before that, he and others traveled to hospitals in Texas, Washington, D.C. and Germany.

Restaurant Review

Peruvian Charm Abounds jungle, a jaunt on the shores of Tumbes or a memory of the magnificence of Machu Picchu.

The restaurant is also a treat for any adventurous taste tester, the foodie equivalent of Evel Knievel, eager to sample fare from all four corners of the globe. And yet still the menu offers options for safe eaters, who prefer to stick with the simple stuff like pastas, pitas and burgers.

My guest and I began our meal with a Chicken Empanada. The appetizer was cooked to perfection. The crispy dough enclosure housed a well-seasoned poultry stuffing my guest and I devoured, leaving us both questioning why we decided to go halfsies on the starter rather than each enjoying our own. Just as our empanada experience drew to a close our entrees were brought out with precision timing.

My guest ordered Arroz Chaufa de Mariscos (seafood fried rice.) When her dish came out, our eyes both widened with amazement. The plate was overflowing with an assortment of seafood from mussels to squid. This was no skimpy serving of seafood; it was almost as if the chef had drained the entire Atlantic to make her meal. My guest praised the pairing of flavors and celebrated the shrimp size noting that her plate was void of any of the shrimpy (size-wise) crustaceans other restaurants all seem to be serving. In fact, after enjoying a sizable portion of the plate, she was able to wrap up a whole tin stuffed with seafood for her next meal.

I ordered an Aji de “Gallina”, a shredded chicken in turmeric and Peruvian yellow hot pepper cream. It was a departure from the type of dish I typically order and I was pleasantly surprised by the new taste sensations that tickled my tongue.

When our entrees were wrapped up to make their transition into the leftover stage of their life cycle, Torres came out with Leche Asada, a Peruvian style custard. We both inhaled the dish. The sweet dessert was a perfect way to close our first foray into fine Peruvian fare.

All and all, it’s simple: If you’re looking for a taste of Peru, El Anzuelo Fino is the restaurant for you.

Steckley and a soldier at a Middle East base. he certainly appreciated all they have to deal with on an ongoing basis.

“The heat was relentless,” he said.

“The sand is much finer and kicks up in clouds when you walk on it, and gets all over the place.”

Besides helping support our troops, Steckley regularly visits local hospitals, including St. Mary’s in Bayside, with other artists. “When I draw for children in hospitals, they usually put us in a recreation room and have the kids come in”, he said. “We talk with them, draw them and their parents or draw whatever they want, for several hours at a time, and try to cheer them up.”

All of his caricatures for patients give a whole new meaning to the phrase “put a brave face on things.”

Learn more about Steckley by visiting edsteckley.com.

House Of Blue Leaves: Queens On Broadway

BY ELYSE TREVERS In 1965, Pope Paul VI passed through Queens on his way to the United Nations to speak out against the Vietnam War. Using the trip as a catalyst, playwright John Guare created a cast of memorable characters living in Sunnyside in his awardwinning black comedy “House of Blue Leaves.” In 1971, the Jackson Heightsraised playwright won The Drama Critics’ Circle award for Best American Play, and in 1986 the show won the Tony for Best Revival of a Play.

In the most recent staging, actor/comedian Ben Stiller plays Artie Shaughnessy, a zookeeper, who is frustrated by his job and trapped by his schizophrenic wife, Bananas (played by the superb Edie Falco). He yearns to be a songwriter and his girlfriend, Bunny (a terribly miscast Jennifer Jason Leigh) convinces him to go California to see his friend Billy, a Queens boy who became a prominent moviemaker.

Despite some very dark, serious events, (a terrorist bomb, several deaths, mental illness) the script is very funny.

For one thing, Artie isn’t a very good songwriter. His music is ordinary and derivative, and often unwittingly, stolen. He doesn’t even realize that his first song “borrowed” the entire melody of “White Christmas.” His relationship with Bunny is humorous as well. Although Bunny is extremely generous with her sexual favors, she refuses to cook for him until they are married. In the meantime, he’s created a scrapbook filled with the dishes

she’s described to him.

Stiller is adequate as Artie, but a bit too stiff. He made his Broadway debut in the 1986 revival as Ronnie, the son. The family connection goes back even further when his mother, Anne Meara, appeared in the original show as one of the nuns.

Bunny is a wonderful character, babbling incessantly while claiming to be an expert on everything. She is supposed to be a bit chubby, but Leigh is as a poor a fit as the obviously stuffed dress she is wearing. She has some of the best lines, but they often fall flat. With the right actress, this role should have been hysterical.

Artie is torn between Bunny and hope, and Bananas and the bleak present. Edie Falco gives an award-worthy performance as the mentally ill wife ironically named Bananas. Falco is incredible, and when she’s on stage, it’s hard not to pay attention to her, even when another performer is speaking. She’s moving her lips, twitching her hands or staring blankly.

The play is about hope, mental illness and dashed dreams. This is a dark comedy, with lots of places for laughter, although sadly often not realized in this version. Often I see plays with excellent performers, but in second-rate material. “House of Blue Leaves” is a deliciously macabre play, but with the exception of Falco, is miscast.

Maybe the next revival will feature good actors, rather than celebrities.

“House of Blue Leaves” is playing in a limited engagement at the Walter Kerr Theater, 219 W. 48th St. Visit ticketcharge.com or call (212) 239-6200 for tickets.

May 27 - June 2, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

EL ANZUELO FINO 86-01 Northern Boulevard Jackson Heights (718) 426-8660 elanzuelofino.com CUISINE: Peruvian HOURS: 8 a.m. to midnight PARKING: Street CREDIT CARDS: All Major Located inconspicuously on a Northern Boulevard corner, El Anzuelo Fino’s royal blue awning makes the Peruvian mecca seemingly unimposing. At outward glance, the restaurant blends in with the long chain of eateries that line the busy street.

El Anzuelo Fino does not set out to be stuck up or snooty, the main motive is simple: to provide the community with fine Peruvian cuisine. This aim is reinforced clearly in the restaurant’s confident slogan, which asserts that El Anzuelo Fino offers the area “the best seafood and rotisserie chicken.” Based on the lunch rush of regulars, it would appear their self-assured motto is not merely false bravado but instead, the truth.

After nearly three decades of existence across the Western Hemisphere, the eatery has its recipes down to a science. The first El Anzuelo Fino opened in 1982 in Lima, Peru, situated almost 3,629 miles from the borough. After relocating to the United States, owner Amilcar Torres opened a second installment of the restaurant in Woodhaven in 1998. After receiving a warm reception in Southern Queens, Torres decided to shorten the travel time to the restaurant for Northern Queens Peruvian cuisine enthusiasts by establishing a third El Anzuelo Fino in Jackson Heights in 2008. The third restaurant’s opening rounded out Torres’ tradition of adding a new El Anzuelo Fino location with every new decade.

El Anzuelo Fino is a haven for any Peruvian looking to return to their roots through a traditional culinary experience. The cevice and extensive seafood offerings will transport patrons to another place, whether it be a hike in the Andres, a trek through the Amazon

The multi-talented Steckley, whose work has appeared in “Mad” magazine, “Cracked” magazine (many movie parodies, including those for the movies “Pearl Harbor”, “Unbreakable” and the James Bond adventure “Die Another Day” ) and a slew of other national publications.

He developed his great talent for caricature while drawing thousands of customers at Six Flags amusement parks in Chicago, St. Louis and Massachusetts, a talent he generously displayed in the hundreds of all-in-fun exaggerated drawings that he did for appreciative military patients and staff.

“Every morning, we would get up before dawn, hop into a windowless C-130 airplane, and they would fly us to the next airbase,” Steckley said. “We spent a lot of time talking to the soldiers, trying to make them feel better.”

When a volunteer was needed to document the entire trip, Steckley took the job. In one of his blog entries about it, he wrote, “It’s inspiring to hear everyone’s stories, learn where they’re from and to know we, as cartoonists, can indeed make a difference, even in a place as desolate and barren as the Iraqi desert.”

Though he was not living in the discomfort our soldiers deal with day-to-day,

Faith

Boro Pastors Shun Marriage Equality

BY JASON BANREY Mounting in opposition against the legalization of same-sex marriage, many religious leaders within the borough have been vocal about their stance on the issue.

Outspoken and firm in their beliefs, these individuals are guided by their faiths.

Despite their tones of tolerance and different religious backgrounds it seems clear: a large portion of the religious leadership within the borough’s faith commu-

Word

“We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot sur vive without human affection.”

HH the Dalai Lama

nity is opposed to marriage equality.

For Bishop Charles Norris Jr. of Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in Jamaica, his decision was written in the Bible a long time ago.

“Although God’s opposition to samesex marriage isn’t listed in the Ten ComBishop Charles Norris Jr. Imam Shamsi Ali mandments, it still is stated later on in the Where some argue that marriage equalBible,” Norris said. “Back then, it was an abomination for a man to lay with a man, ity should be considered a civil rights issue, Norris disagrees and counters that and it still is today.”

As a licensed officiate of the State of position with the Word of God. New York, Norris has the ability to per“God implemented civil rights a long form marriages. By entering the field of time ago, and it’s in the Bible,” Norris said. religion, his position of uniting a man and “Now, we’re coming in at the tail end of a woman in holy matrimony, he says, will that. We just need to get back to what’s in the Word.” always be based on the word of God. Despite the fact that his beliefs may “I’m not condemning the gay community, but it seems now that man wants to contradict the legalization of same-sex flip the script,” Norris said of the need to marriage, Norris does admit he still wellegalize same-sex marriage. “If passed, comes members of the gay community [same-sex marriage] could open up the into his congregation, but stresses it is up flood gate for other things which will al- to the individual to interpret the Bible as ter the scope of the future for the worse.” it was intended to be understood.

Shamsi Ali, Imam for the Jamaica Muslim Center, said that the position of Islam is similar to that of the Catholics and Orthodox Jews in regards to opposing the legalization of same-sex marriage.

“Islam follows the conservative view that a marriage is supposed to be between a man and a woman,” Ali said.

Acknowledging the importance of the issue within the LGBT community, Ali said despite his beliefs, the Islamic faith still respects same-sex couples and considers them to be a part of the community.

“If any individual chooses to marry, we will not shun those who have decided their partners for themselves,” Ali said.

“It is about the choice an individual makes which we respect.”

Yet when it comes to the decision of marriage equality, the issue becomes a different argument for Ali. “A law binds everyone else,” Ali said of the potential passage of same-sex marriage state legislation. “A law for all we oppose. But, if it does pass, it is the choice of the people and we must respect that.”

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

Notebook PS 33 Playground

Color Replaces Gloom At Playground Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 27 - June 2, 2011

BY SASHA AUSTRIE Though the Edward M. Funk Community Playground opened its gates in November, under brilliant blue skies the school community held the official ribbon cutting this week.

“It’s really a pleasure to be here on this gorgeous morning,” said Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott. He dubbed the playground, which the students of PS 33 help design, a “masterpiece.”

Although design elements were extracted from teachers and the local community, PS 33 students’ have left their mark all over the playground.

“A select group of second and third grade students had a vision and were given the opportunity to share it in their design of this wonderful program,” said Principal Eric Wagner. “Their intention was to teach the community the delicate balance nature plays on our planet.”

The playground houses a turf field, track, basketball hoops, outdoor classroom, amphitheatre, garden, game tables, benches, play equipment and a web climber. There is also a plaque on the history of Queens Village. Before the playground’s transformation, it was nothing more than a slab of grey concrete, de-

An overhead view of the updated playground. void of the colorful landscape that now inhabits the park.

“Without the students this would not have been possible,” Walcott said. “What you have here today is something that will

long go beyond where you are now.”

Marsad Kabir, a PS 33 student, said it was a pleasure to participate on the project, and he waited with bated breath to see playground’s completion.

The $1 million playground was funded in part by MetLife Foundation and The Star Foundation. It was created in collaboration with Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s PlaNYC Schoolyards to Playgrounds initiative, and it is the 26th community park that the Trust for Public Land has deigned and built.

“The neighborhood of Queens Village is underserved by parks and recreational space,” said Mary Alice Lee, director of TPL New York City Playgrounds Programs. “Through our PlaNYC partnership with the city of New York, TPL provided a safe space to play for the students, of PS 33 and their community.”

April Hawkins, MetLife’s director of Civil Affairs Program,” said the playground is not only a “tremendous legacy” to the students, but it will help revitalize the surrounding neighborhood.

Including the official unveiling of the park, PS 33 revealed a safety sign ay the entrances and exits of the new playground. The yellow sign is emblazoned with a hand, an eye and ear. It urges the community to stop, look and listen before crossing the street.

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.

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 14th Road, Whitestone NY 113572809. Send faxes to 3579417, c/o Regina.

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

TEENS

DANCE ISRAELI FOLK Mondays 7:15-9:45 at Hillcrest Jewish Center, 18202 Union Turnpike. $10 session. 380-4145.

LINE DANCING Mondays 6:30-9:30 at Kowalinski Post 4, 61-57 Maspeth Avenue. $7. Cake and coffee. 565-2259.

YOGA CLASSES Saturdays 10-11 and Sundays 9:30-10:30 workshops on Yoga. Other classes include meditation, Ayurvedic, yoga philosophy, Sanskirt language. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Jackson Heights. 646-912-1885.

YOGA IN THE PARK Saturdays through September 24 at Socrates Sculpture Park. 956-1819.

CAPOEIRA IN THE PARK Saturdays through September at Socrates Sculpture Park. 956-1819.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS 7 days a week. 962-6244.

Flushing.

PILATES IN THE PARK Sundays through September 25 at Socrates Sculpture Park. 956-1819.

TAI CHI IN THE PARK Sundays through September 25 at Socrates Sculpture Park.956-1819.

WAITANKUNG Sundays at 2. Waitankung is a great total-body workout.

Join these ancient Chinese exercise classes in the Flushing Hospital/Medical Center auditorium on 45 th Avenue between Parsons and Burling. Free. Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156 information.

NICOTINE ANONYMOUS Mondays 6:45-8:00 at the Center for Tobacco Control, 2 2 5 C o m m u n i t y D r i ve , Great Neck. 516-510-7826.

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

670-1695. $5 a class.

GAM-ANON Tuesdays Free Synagogue of Flushing and Zion Episcopal Church. Wednesdays All Saints Episcopal Church in Bayside, First Presbyterian Church in Forest Hills, Church on the Hill in Flushing and United Methodist Church in Middle Village.

Thursdays Free Synagogue of Flushing and Zion Episcopal Church. Call 1-877-6642469.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT E ve r y Tu e s d a y We ste r n Queens Caregiver Network in Sunnyside. 5:30-6:30.

784-6173, ext. 431.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Every Tuesday 3:30-4:30 at the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886.

ZUMBA Wednesdays the Sisterhood of Bay Terrace Jewish Cent e r , 1 3 - 0 0 2 0 9 th S t r e e t , Bayside, will hold Zumba Fitness classes from 7:30-8:30. $8 members, $10 others.

428-6363.

YOGA Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 6701695. $10 class.

OA Thursdays at the Howard Beach library at 10:30.

HATHA YOGA Thursday, May 26 at the Queensboro Hill library at 6.

OA Fridays 6:30-8:30 at Unit y Center of Flushing, 42-11 1 5 5 th S t r e e t . S a t u r d a y s 10:30-noon at Resurrection

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS

Ascension, Feely Hall, 85-18 61 st Road, Rego Park. Beginners meeting except the last Friday of each month, which is a writing meeting.

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

BLOOD DRIVE Sunday, June 12 9-2 at Queen of Angels Church in the Parish Center, 43-18 Skillman Avenue, Sunnyside. 646-541-6526.

FLEA MARKETS CRAFTS FAIR Thursday and Friday, May 26, 27 10-1:30 at PS721, 5712 94 th Street, Elmhurst.

YARD SALE Saturday, May 28 Annual S p r i n g Ya rd S a l e 9 - 5 a n d Sunday, May 29 12-5 at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 157-16 65 th Avenue at Parsons Blvd.

RUMMAGE SALE Monday, May 30 9:30-4:00 giant rummage sale. Tuesday, May 31 9:30-noon Bag Sale. Temple Beth Sholom, 171-39 Northern Blvd., Flushing.

THRIFT SHOPS Saturdays 11-4 at Bargain Boutique Thrift Shop, Queens Baptist Church, 9323 217 th Street, Queens Village.465-2504.

DINNER QUEENS GO RED June 9 Queens Go Red for Women Breakfast with the American Heart Association.

516-450-9123.

LICBDC REAL ESTATE June 15 breakfast in LIC. 786-5300, ext. 21.

JEWISH WOMEN June 21 luncheon by the NY section of the National Council of Jewish Women. 1-800829-NCJW. CENTENNIAL 2011 September 24 Queens Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the Centennial at Terrace on the Park.

TALKS HISTORICAL SOCIETY Thursday, May 26 the Queens Historical Societ y will hold an interview with the author Stefanie Pintoff 6:30-8:00 at the Kingsland Homestead, 143-35 37 th avenue, Flushing. $5 members, $8 non-members. 939-0647, ext. 14.

FRESH MEADOWS Thursday, May 26 “Lost Cit y of Z” will be discussed at 2:30 at the Fresh Meadows library.

RELIGIOUS TEMPLE BETH Monday, May 30 9:30-4:00 r u m m a g e s a l e . Tu e s d a y, May 31 9:30-noon Bag Sale.

Temple Beth Sholom, 172 nd Street and Northern Blvd., Flushing. 463-4143.

WOODBLOCK PRINTING Easy method in full color at the National Art League.

969-1128.

JH ART CLUB Classes in all art forms days and evenings for children and adults. 454-0813.

US CITIZENSHIP Saturday, May 28 Pathway to US Citizenship at the Steinway library at 3.

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

SCRABBLE CLUB Saturdays at 10 at Count Basie Jr. HS, 132 nd Street and Guy R. Brewer Blvd. 8865236.

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

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, June 4, 18 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646436-7940.

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

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

DRAWING CLASS Mondays at the National Art League in Douglaston. 3610628.

LINE DANCE Mondays beginner to intermediate lessons 6-9 in Bayside. 917-886-0519.

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

BEGIN ENGLISH

Mondays and Wednesdays free Beginners English Classes 10-11:30 at the Pomonok Senior Center, 6709 Kissena Blvd., Flushing.

591-3377.

COMPUTER CLASS Tu e s d a y, M ay 3 1 a t t h e Rosedale library at 10:30.

BASIC COMPUTER Tuesdays, May 31, June 7 at the Glendale library. Register.

QUILTERS Tuesdays at the Richmond Hill library from 12-2.

SCRABBLE CLUB Tuesdays at the East Flushing library at 3:30.

GET YOUR YARNS OUT! Tuesdays after evening Minyan at 8, knitters, crocheters, needlepointers, and others meet at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000, ext. 200.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE Wednesdays 10:30-3:00 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills. $12 session, includes light lunch. 2612900 INDOOR SOCCER – DADS Wednesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center.

263-7000.

OIL PAINTING CLASS Wednesdays 6-8 adult classes, all levels. Grace Lutheran Church in Forest Hills. 472-4055.

WATERCOLOR CL ASS Wednesdays at 9:30 at NAL. Traditional and contemporary, all levels. 969-1128.

YOUR CAREER Thursday, May 26 “Taking C h a r g e o f Yo u r C a re e r ” from 1:30-3:00 at the Central library.

US CITIZENSHIP Thursday, May 26 Pathway to US Citizenship at the Sunnyside library at 5:30.

COMPUTER CLASSES Thursday, May 26 at the Rosedale library at 6.

INTRO EXCEL

Thursday, May 26 at the Pomonok library. Register.

INTRO POWERPOINT Thursday, May 26 at the Pomonok library. Register.

CAREER POTENTIAL Thursday, May 26 discover your career potential at the Central library at 3.

QUILTING CLASSES Thursdays 10-2 at the Maria Rose Doll Museum in St. Albans. 276-3454 or 917817-8653 to register.

QUILTERS Thursdays at the East Elmhurst library at 12:30.

CHESS CLUB Thursdays at the East Flushing library. Register.

COMPUTER CLASS Thursdays at the Queensboro Hill library. Register.

KNIT & CROCHET Thursdays at the Fresh Meadows library at 6.

QUILTING CLUB Thursday, May 26 at the Laurelton library at 6.

JOB SEARCH Thursday, May 26 job search and networking strategies at the Richmond Hill library at 6.

BALLROOM DANCING Thursday, May 26 for beginners at the Woodside library at 6:30.

PAINTING WORKSHOP Fridays through June 24 N e w C re a t i v i t y a n d A d vanced Painting Workshop at National Art League. 1-646546-2296.

KNITTING CLUB Fridays at the Maspeth library at 10.

KNIT & CROCHET Fridays at the Fresh Meadows library at 10:30.

BASIC COMPUTER Friday, May 27 at the Auburndale library at 11.

COMPUTER CLASS Friday, May 27 at the Middle Village librar y. Register.

MEETINGS JEWISH VETS Sunday, June 26 Jewish War Veterans of the USA Lipsky/ Blum Post meet at the Garden Jewish Center. 4634742.

ST. ALBANS CIVIC Sunday, June 26 St. Albans Civic Improvement Association meets at 1:30 at St. Albans Lutheran Church, 200 th Street and 119 th Avenue in the undercroft. 2764263.

TOASTMASTERS Mondays, June 6, 20 True Potential Toastmasters meet at 7:10. 646-269-1577.

MEN’S CLUB SOCCER Tuesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 2637000.

WOMANSPACE Wednesdays Womanspace, a discussion group devoted to issues concerning women, meets 1-3 at the Great Neck Senior Center, 80 Grace Avenue. New members welcome.

FH VAC Wednesdays, June 22, July 27 Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corp meets.

793-2055.

ADVANCED TOASTMASTER

Thursday, May 26 learn the art and science of public speaking. 5256830.

HORIZONS CLUB Thursday, May 26 the Senior Quartet performs at a meeting of Horizons, for those 55 and over, at the Re fo r m Te m p l e o f F o r e st Hills, 71-11 112 th Street at noon. $3 includes coffee and cake.

WOMAN’S GROUP Fridays the Woman’s Group of Jamaica Estates meets at noon. Call 461-3193 for information.

THEATER DESIGN FOR MURDER Fridays and Saturdays, May 27, 28 and Saturday, May 28 at 2 at Zion Episcopal Church in Douglaston. $15.

482-3332.

MAIDS 2:45E Saturday, Thursday-Saturday, May 26-28 at 7:30 at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center.

KILLING KOMPANY Friday, June 3 “Graduation to Murder” at Riccardo’s in Astoria. The Killing Company performs mystery dinner shows. 1-888-SHOOTEM for information.

ANNIE AUDITIONS Tuesday and Thursday, June 14, 16 at 7:30 Theatre by the Bay will hold auditions

for “Annie Get Your Gun.” 428-6363.

MISCELLANEOUS DOG/CAT VACCINE Through July 30 Petland Discount locations offer low cost dog and cat vaccinations.

Contact your local store.

May 27 - June 2, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

REGENTS REVIEW In June Maspeth Town Hall offers Regents Review Classes. $80. 335-6049.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

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

GAME ON! Tuesday, May 31 at 3 at the Glendale library.

BOOST Tu e s d a y, M ay 3 1 a t t h e Arverne library at 3.

LAPTOPS Tu e s d a y, M ay 3 1 a t t h e Laurelton library at 3.

BOOK BUDDIES Tu e s d a y, M ay 3 1 a t t h e Laurelton library at 3.

READING BUDDIES Tu e s d a y, M a y 3 1 a t t h e Auburndale library at 4.

CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library.

TASK FORCE Thursday, May 26 at the Arverne library at 6.

READING BUDDIES Thursday, May 26 at the Auburndale library. Register.

RELAX & LISTEN Friday, May 27 Relax, Listen & Chat at the Bay Terrace library at 3:30.

BOOST Friday, May 27 at the Arverne library at 3.

TEEN BOOK BUDDIES Friday, May 27 at the Briarwood library at 3.

TEEN HAPPY HOUR Friday, May 27 at the Flushing library at 3.

LAPTOPS Friday, May 27 at the Laurelton library at 3.

READING BUDDIES Friday, May 27 at the Auburndale library. Register.

TEEN ARTS Friday, May 27 arts and crafts at the Briarwood library at 4.

TEEN DRAMA CLUB Friday, May 27 at the Central library at 4.

HEALTH

People Army National Guard Spec. Ricky C. Tyson is returning to the U.S. after a deployment to Iraq serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn, or Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations.

The soldiers return to Joint Base DixMcGuire-Lakehurst, N.J., for debriefing, evaluations and out-processing procedures before returning to their regularly assigned Army Reserve or National Guard units.

Operation New Dawn transitions and signifies a formal end to U.S. military combat operations in Iraq. The transition shifts the U.S. emphasis from predominantly military to predominately civilian as the U.S. officials assist Iraqis in accordance with the Strategic Framework Agreement.

The three primary missions of U.S. Forces include advising, assisting, and training the Iraqi Security Forces; conducting partnered counterterrorism operations; and providing support to provincial reconstruction teams and civilian partners as they help build Iraq’s civil capacity.

Operation Enduring Freedom is the official name given to anti-terrorism military operations involving U.S. troops and allied coalition partners. Active duty and reserve component members from all branches of the U.S. armed forces have been deployed to support the war against global terrorism outside the borders of the United States. U.S. troops serve in South, Southwest and Central Asia, the Arabian peninsula, the Horn of Africa, islands in

the Pacific, and Europe.

He served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.

Tyson, a wheeled vehicle mechanic with 13 years of military service, is regularly assigned to the 442nd Military Police Company, based out of Jamaica. His sister, Ceileen B. Tyson, resides in Springfield Gardens. The specialist graduated in 1997 from William C. Bryant High School, Long Island.

Army National Guard Sgt. Damaris D. Quinones is returning to the U.S. after a deployment to Iraq serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn, or Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations.

The soldiers return to Joint Base DixMcGuire-Lakehurst, N.J., for debriefing, evaluations and out-processing procedures before returning to their regularly assigned Army Reserve or National Guard units.

Operation New Dawn transitions and signifies a formal end to U.S. military combat operations in Iraq. The transition shifts the U.S. emphasis from predominantly military to predominately civilian as the U.S. officials assist Iraqis in accordance with the Strategic Framework Agreement. The three primary missions of U.S. Forces include advising, assisting, and training the Iraqi Security Forces; conducting partnered counterterrorism operations; and providing support to provincial reconstruction teams and civilian

partners as they help build Iraq’s civil capacity.

Operation Enduring Freedom is the official name given to anti-terrorism military operations involving U.S. troops and allied coalition partners. Active duty and reserve component members from all branches of the U.S. armed forces have been deployed to support the war against global terrorism outside the borders of the United States. U.S. troops serve in South, Southwest and Central Asia, the Arabian peninsula, the Horn of Africa, islands in the Pacific, and Europe.

She served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.

Quinones, a military police member with 12 years of military service, is regularly assigned to the 442nd Military Police Company, based out of Jamaica. She is the daughter of Zandra Lucas of Rosedale.

The sergeant graduated in 1998 from DeWitt Clinton High School, Bronx.

Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Jason M. Diaz is returning to the U.S. after a deployment to Iraq serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn, or Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations.

The soldiers return to Joint Base DixMcGuire-Lakehurst, N.J., for debriefing, evaluations and out-processing procedures before returning to their regularly assigned Army Reserve or National Guard units.

Operation New Dawn transitions and signifies a formal end to U.S. military combat operations in Iraq. The transition shifts the U.S. emphasis from predominantly military to predominately civilian as the U.S. officials assist Iraqis in accordance with the Strategic Framework Agreement.

The three primary missions of U.S. Forces include advising, assisting, and training the Iraqi Security Forces; conducting partnered counterterrorism operations; and providing support to provincial reconstruction teams and civilian partners as they help build Iraq’s civil capacity.

Operation Enduring Freedom is the official name given to anti-terrorism military operations involving U.S. troops and allied coalition partners. Active duty and reserve component members from all branches of the U.S. armed forces have been deployed to support the war against global terrorism outside the borders of the United States. U.S. troops serve in South, Southwest and Central Asia, the Arabian peninsula, the Horn of Africa, islands in the Pacific, and Europe.

He served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.

Diaz, a military police member with 14 years of military service, is regularly assigned to the 442nd Military Police Company, based out of Queens Village.

He is the son of Iris O. Diaz of Queens Village. The sergeant graduated in 1995 from Holy Cross High School, Bayside, and received an associate degree in 2010 from Excelsior College, Albany.

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Want to see the Macy’s fireworks? Go to New Jersey.

Do you remember the Macy’s with you. Nope, as the country fireworks display over the East celebrates its 235th anniversary – River on Independence Day last and the 125th anniversary of the year? That’s okay if you don’t – it Statue of Liberty – us folks on the was a trick question. The fairer side of Manhattan will have dunderheads at Macy’s decided to just set off our own fireworks to move the annual display to the again (which is illegal).

Hudson last year, offering The good news is that in addiHoboken a spectacular view but tion to the musical standards of short-changing Queens (and that “God Bless America” and “The other borough next door) of the Star Spangled Banner,” the disfantastic display. play is to be synchronized not to Well, if you were expecting a a classical score but to the music happy ending to the story and of Everclear, Katy Perry and were looking forward to watching LeeAnn Rimes. the fireworks from Western Hmmm… we might not be missQueens, you’d better bring a TV ing out on that much after all.

Doe, A Deer…

Last week, officers of the 111th Precinct in Bayside were delivered a diminutive doe by an anonymous local resident.

Estimated between three to four weeks old, the baby deer gave the boys-in-blue a surreal surprise they had never encountered before.

Although the precinct’s community affairs officer did state that “some guy” came in, and dropped off the eight pound doe, rumor has it that the small creature fled the frantic forests for the much more controlled and serene environment of the Bayside’s community.

The doe is scheduled to be raised in the protection of a wildlife nonprofit organization until it is of age to be released by itself into the wild.

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 27 - June 2, 2011

Models Of Queens

Future Director

Fireworks Bust

Icela David is constantly on the go. Whether she is running, lifting weights or playing racquetball, the aspiring model and film director never has enough on her plate.

Though she grew up in the Bronx, Icela moved to Queens seven years ago, and this is definitely the place for her.

“Everything that I could possibly need or want I can walk to,” Icela said.

For the past three years, she has been modeling part time and attempting to build up her portfolio with fitness and lingerie shoots for Model Rehab, Model Mayhem and Marcus Aurelius Photography. Although she hasn’t been paid for any of her work yet, she is enjoying it.

“I haven’t devoted 100 percent of my time to it,” she said. “It’s more fun than anything.”

Her true passion in life is producing and directing.

After receiving her B.A. in Film Studies from Hunter College she worked at various television studios including MTV where she produced, edited and logged video. Eventually, she expanded her horizons to the movie industry.

While working as an assistant producer at a television company, she met Philip, who has changed her life, she said. Together, they have written two film scripts, “Button Man” and “Enemy Mind.” For the past year, they have been filming a trailer for “Enemy Mind.” However, it is difficult finding agents who will take their work, because many agencies don’t take unsolicited, she said. They are also working on two other scripts.

While she isn’t writing, producing or modeling, she is at the gym lifting weights, running at Forest Park, doing yoga or playing racquetball with Philip. All of this physical activity and modeling is helping her prepare for figure competition in Hartford, Conn., in July.

“I try to keep myself busy I get bored quickly,” Icela said.

To read her blog you can go to shapelyalterations.com.

Icela David Richmond Hill Age: 35 Height: 5’ 3" Weight: 130lbs.

Stats: 34-25-34

Which Agency?

Friendly Skies

We at QConf have a love-hate relationship with press releases. We hate their ability to prevent a scoop, yet manage to provide virtually no information. We love press releases rife with typos, or general flubs.

So imagine our delight when Councilman Dan Halloran and Assemblyman Ed Braunstein sent out a press release decrying the proposed closure of Whitestone’s FDNY Engine 320… accompanied by a photo of the duo in front of a police car.

We won’t accuse them of being Johnny Come Lately’s on the issue. Nor were there any flagrant grammatical errors or typos. Overall, good job.

But Dan… Ed…, next time you want the FDNY to think you care about them, take a picture in front of a fire truck.

Tired of those boring inflight movies? Passengers on one Chicago to New York Delta flight recently got to see something much more exciting than “Hot Tub Time Machine.”

As Delta Flight 6562 was preparing to land at JFK on May 7, a young woman, said to be around 30 years old, decided the TSA shouldn’t be the only people to get a look. She took off all her clothes, leading flight attendants to try to cover her up with a blanket, which she resisted.

Upon landing, she was taken to Jamaica Hospital for evaluation – and presumably clothes.

Maybe Next Time

Confidentially, New York . . .

Republican Councilman Dan Halloran and Democratic Assemblyman Ed Braunstein are upset about cuts to the what?

Judgment Day has come and gone once again.

Harold Camping, a Christian radio broadcaster and president of Family Radio, spent millions, plastering billboards across the country this year in an attempt to convince the masses that the world would come to an end May 21.

After failing to predict doomsday back in 1994, Camping was at it again, enlisting the help of “latter day prophets” to spread his message all over the world.

Waiting anxiously for the Camping’s “fantastically great earthquake” to swallow all of earth’s inhabitants into oblivion many of us at QConf counted down the clock to the end.

In a less than dramatic fashion, Saturday was just as plain as any other. When nothing more than a leaf shook we all thanked the heavens for Camping’s epic failure.

Harold, better luck next year.

What’s Up SATURDAY, MAY 28 Calling HS Musicians!

The York College Summer Jazz Program will hold auditions from 9 a.m. to noon. SJP ’11 is a tuition-free, collegecredit program for NYC public HS students. Students study jazz performance for six weeks (July 5-Aug. 11, Mondays Thursdays) in a big band setting with professional jazz musicians. Students must provide their own instrument and be able to read music. No jazz experience is necessary. For more information, visit tomzlabinger.com/sjp11.pdf The event will be held at the York College Performing Arts Center, 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd.

Youth & Tennis The Youth and Tennis group meets every Saturday morning at Roy Wilkins Park Saturday. To learn more, call Bill Briggs at (718) 658-6728.

Walkers for Wellness Club Looking for a fun way to improve your health? Join the Walkers for Wellness Club at New Hope Lutheran Church of Jamaica. Under the guidance of a Walking Leader, you will walk two to three times each week at a comfortable pace with others along routes throughout Southeast Queens. The club is open to walkers of all ages and abilities. The walking schedule is Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m., and Saturdays at 8 a.m. Walkers meet at New Hope Lutheran Church, located at 167-24 118th Ave. T-shirts and pedometers will be provided. Contact Thurkessa Brown at (917) 553-1089 for more information.

MONDAY, MAY 30 Memorial Day Parade The Rosedale Memorial Day Parade will be held at 10:15 a.m., starting at 243rd Street and Mayda Road. There will be a memorial service at Veterans Square, Sunrise Highway and Francis Lewis Boulevard, at 10:45 a.m. A memorial ceremony will take place at the Rosedale-Laurelton American Legion Post No. 483, 135th Avenue and Brookville Boulevard, immediately following the service – with free hot dogs and ice cream.

Laurelton Memorial Day Parade

Adult Chess Club Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings.

The event is held at 6 p.m. every Monday at Queens Village Library, 94-11 217 St., (718) 776-6800.

Camera Club The Southeast Queens Camera Club welcomes photographers, beginners to advanced. Meetings are held the second, third and fourth Tuesday every month at 7:30 p.m. at Roy Wilkins Family Life Center, 177-01 Baisley Blvd.

Walkers for Wellness Club See Saturday’s listing. At 7 p.m.

Every Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Jamaica Neighborhood Center offers

Calling all older adults: Join our galaxy of STARs to perform theatrical works at the library with a great group of people while brightening your life.

Rehearsals are held at 10:30 a.m. Fridays at Queens Village Library, 94-11 217 St., (718) 776-6800.

ONGOING CPR Training

The Eighth Annual York College Science and Math Exposition 2011 is an essential component of an integrated approach to the teaching and learning of science and mathematics. For additional information, contact Jean Cesarius at jcesarius@york.cuny.edu or (718) 2625292. The Expo will: 1) Provide high school students with an opportunity to work side-by-side with York College students to make presentations to the York College community; 2) Provide high school students and teachers with the opportunity to meet York College faculty and develop relationships for future and continued research projects; and 3) Provide those interested with the opportunity to explore career opportunities through the York College student science and mathematics research programs.

The expo will be held 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the York College Gymnasium, 160-02 Liberty Ave.

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.

Resume & Job Readiness Councilman Ruben Wills in partnership with Teens Against Crime and Citizens Against Recidivism are pleased to present a free resume and job readiness workshop. For additional information, or to RSVP, call (718) 206-2068.

The free event will be held from 6-9 p.m. at the Queens Educational Opportunity Center, 158-29 Archer Ave.

Intro to Email In this single-session workshop, customers will learn how manage their own email account; send and receive email messages.

Pre-registration is required in person at the Cyber Center Desk. Participants must possess basic mouse and keyboarding skills.

Class runs from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 2 Walkers for Wellness Club FRIDAY, JUNE 3 York College Commencement The 41st Commencement Exercises of

tion Initiative program provides the following services free of charge: case management services, parent skills building, crib care, breast feeding education, health education, nutritional information/education, referral for HIV testing, confidential one-on-one counseling, workshops, and women support groups. IMRI provides referrals for Food stamps, GED, GYN, Emergency Baby Formula (qualifications required) and more. Call (718) 297-0720.

Located at 89-31 161 St., 10th floor, Jamaica. Services are available Tue.-Thurs.

9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Senior Theatre Acting Repertory

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1 Science and Math Expo 2011

See Saturday’s listing. At 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 31 Job Club

York College will take place on Friday, June 3, (rain or shine) on the Athletic Field (160th Street between Liberty Avenue and South Road). Graduates and students and faculty should be robed and assembled by 7:30 a.m. in the Gymnasium of the Health and Physical Education Building (HPEB). The procession will begin promptly at 8:15 a.m. The 2011 commencement speaker will be Aprille Ericsson, Ph.D., Aerospace Engineer, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Group Sessions Clergy United for Community Empowerment, Inc. Group Sessions are located at 89-31 161st St., 10th Floor, Jamaica, for the community on various topics such as Domestic Violence, Mental Health, Substance Abuse intervention, Decision Making, Condom Use, High Risk Behaviors leading to HIV, and self – esteem awareness. All group sessions offer light snacks and beverages. Group sessions are open to the public.

Round-Trip Metro Card reimbursement is available at the end of each completed session. For further information call (718) 297-0720. All services are free. Please call for next group date.

Infant Mortality Clergy United for Community Empowerment’s Infant Mortality Reduc-

HIV Awareness Clergy United for Community Empowerment provides intervention and curriculum-based prevention education sessions on HIV/AIDS, to reduce risk behaviors that lead to HIV transmission. Services are located at 89-31 161st St., Jamaica. Call (718) 297-0720 ask about our presentation to adolescents and men/women of color. Services are available Tue.-Thurs., 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Laurelton Flea Market A flea market has opened at 221-02 Merrick Blvd. On sale are a wide range of items, including household items, jewelry and clothing.

The market is open every Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CPR Class Learn to protect yourself and others at Heron Care with a CPR class that includes a certification from the American Heart Association. Please call (718) 291-8788 for more details. Heron is located at 16830 89th Ave., Jamaica.

PAL Volunteers The Police Athletic League (PAL) is looking for volunteers to continue its mission of serving New York City’s young people by donating their time and talents to help serve Queens youngsters at PAL’s Redfern Cornerstone and Far Rockaway Beacon in Arverne-Far Rockaway, PAL’s Edward Byrne Center in South Jamaica and PS 214 in Flushing.

PAL Centers in Queens offer a wide range of opportunities for volunteers of all talents. PAL’s Redfern Cornerstone and Far Rockaway Beacon are looking for people to participate in a center clean-up day. Volunteers are needed to tutor and mentor young people during the After School Program’s daily homework help sessions. In addition, individuals can also donate their time assisting the many special events held at PAL’s Centers throughout the year. PAL is also seeking professionals to give career advice and talk about their own careers to young people, as well as guest speakers who can share information on a specific hobby of interest to the youngsters.

To become a volunteer with the Police Athletic League or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, please visit palnyc.org. Volunteers will go through an application process that includes an interview, screening and an orientation. For more information, please contact PAL’s Volunteer Coordinator, Alexandria Sumpter-Delves, at (212) 477-9450, Ext. 390 or volunteer@palnyc.org.

May 27 - June 2, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

VFW Post 5298, the Laurelton Lions Club, and the Garden Club of Laurelton is pleased to present the 22nd annual Laurelton Memorial Day Parade. Bring the whole family out! The parade begins at the corner of Francis Lewis & Merrick Boulevards, and ends at the Veterans Triangle at 225th Street and North Conduit Avenue. For additional information, contact Mr. Fritz Casimir at (718) 496-5013 or fricasi@aol.com.

a free service to assist people from Southeast Queens with job-readiness skill sets in writing a professional resume and cover letter; interviewing practices and techniques; applying on-line procedures; elevator pitch and Microsoft Suite 2007.

For additional information, contact Lenin Gross, Job Coach, at (718) 739-2060, Ext. 18 or lgrossjnc@yahoo.com.

This free event will be held at the Jamaica Neighborhood Center - 161-06 89th Ave.