Press epaper 053113

Volume 14 Issue No. 22 May 31 - June 6, 2013

PRESS Photo by Natalia Kozikowska

FLOOD CONCERNS

Frustrated residents marched on the Dept. of Environmental Protection headquarters in Flushing seeking action on Southeast Queens’ flooding problems.

By Natalia Kozikowska … Page 3.

Online at www.QueensPress.com

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 31 - June 6, 2013

May 31 - June 6, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Presstime

Flooding, no End in sight?

On Friday, May 24, elected officials, community leaders and frustrated residents protested at the Dept. of Environmental Protection’s headquarters in Flushing to demand the City take action to remedy a problem that has been plaguing them for decades.

“The basement floods every time it rains,” said Joan Davis, a South Jamaica resident who has lived in her home for 40 years. “Sometimes it even comes up to the steps, about a foot. In light rainfall, I might get a little bit but during heavy rainfall, I’m definitely going to take water.”

In 1996, the DEP purchased the Jamaica Water Supply and shut down the wells it operated in southeast Queens. As a result, the water table began to rise. From 1996 to 2007, it rose approximately 35 feet.

Davis, like many other southeast Queens residents, experienced some relief between August and November of 2012 when the DEP and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation ran one system of its wells.

The DEC indicated that within that three-month period, the water table had dropped eight to 10 feet.

Photo by natalia Kozikowska

By naTaLia KoZiKoWsKa

assemblyman William scarborough and his aide, Manny Caughman protest at the dEP headquarters in Flushing.

“We’re not talking theory; we know if they pump the wells, we will receive relief,” said Assemblyman William Scarborough (DJamaica), organizer of the protest.

“They will not pump the wells. We asked them to pump the wells, but they said they will pump the wells in 2018.”

Many have been anticipating the silver lining in 2018 when the Delaware Aqueduct will be closed and the City will need to find possibilities to provide drinking water

to New York City.

But the PRESS has learned that this may not even be the case.

According to a spokesperson for the DEP who chose to remain anonymous, reopening the wells is not a move set in stone just yet.

“We are not even sure we are reopening the wells. We are looking at it is a possible backup source,” the spokesperson revealed. “Studies are being done but right now, people can’t drink that water.”

According to the spokesperson,

although the DEP does own the property, it is not responsible for reopening the wells because the agency is not responsibly for regulating groundwater.

He went on to say that the DEP has been looking to help alleviate flooding in other ways and that the agency has already funded $1.5 billion in capital projects in Queens.

Despite the DEP’s claims, leaders and residents are still convinced that the agency should be held accountable.

“This just continues to show a disregard for the problems and the suffering in southeast Queens,” Scarborough said. “I think it’s because there are flooding situations in various places across New York City and I think at some point they reached the conclusion to state that it was not their issue to avoid ground water intrusion.”

“The fact of the matter is the only entity that can provide relief is the DEP, there is no other solution to groundwater,” he continued. “We’re pushing for funding and legal options – we’re putting everything on the table.”

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com.

Queens Pols Call for Table Gaming at racino

By Luis Gronda Amidst Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s plan to adopt table gaming for upstate New York, some Queens lawmakers are calling for the same plans for Queens.

Queens Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jack Friedman, along with a number of Queens elected officials, called on the Governor to reconsider his position on table gaming in New York State.

Earlier this month, Cuomo released a detailed report which aims to bring three casinos to different regions in upstate New York. This would create jobs and bring tourism to those areas where the facilities would be built. According to the Governor’s plan, the upstate NY region would be divided up into six areas, with one casino eligible to be built within each region.

“For years, neighboring states like Connecticut and New Jersey have benefited from New Yorkers leaving our state to visit their gaming facilities. We want to reverse this trend

by putting new resort destinations in Upstate New York, a strategy that will attract more tourists and visitors to come and shop at our local businesses, visit regional attractions, and help create new jobs in our communities,” Cuomo said in a statement announcing the initiative earlier this month.

But at a press conference held outside of Queens Borough Hall on Tuesday afternoon, Friedman and company countered that argument saying that the table gaming should be placed at Resorts World Casino New York in South Ozone Park because of the economic boost it has provided to the Borough and the City as a whole.

“It’s making a lot of money for the State and education; it’s creating jobs and businesses opportunities for Queens County,” Friedman said. “And the addition of table gaming would raise those revenues exponentially.”

According to the casino, Resorts World grossed $71.2 million in revenue in March of this year alone.

Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (DOzone Park) and State Senator Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach), two elected officials who have been at the forefront of bringing table gaming to Resorts World, also attended the press conference to show their support.

Addabbo said that the infrastructure already exists for table gaming at Resorts World and, in his estimation, they could get it up and running within one month if table gaming is passed. He added that it would add about 1,000 jobs to the Borough as well.

“Why reinvent the wheel? Resorts World has already done it. A proven commodity here in Queens,” he said. “We certainly want Resorts World to have a full gaming site in Queens when they start to do other sites other than the upstate ones.”

“Since they’ve opened up, they’ve only become a better partner for our community,” Goldfeder said.

“When we look to grow, we better make sure we grow with the right partners and I will say that Resorts World and Genting is the right part-

ner and Aqueduct is proven to be the right location.”

Stefan Friedman, a spokesman for Resorts World, said in a statement that the casino would support any plan that would allow them to enhance their partnership with New York State.

“As the number one slot machine revenue generator in entire country, we’ve proven that we can be successful here in New York, having sent nearly $500 million to the State’s education fund, and we’re willing to do more if given the opportunity,” he said.

Friedman declined further comment when asked how many jobs would be created at Resorts World as a result of table gaming and where in the casino the table games would be placed if there was table games there. Goldfeder mentioned that the Casino could house the table gaming on the third floor where the event space currently is.

Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127 or at lgronda@queenstribune.com.

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 31 - June 6, 2013

Jamaica BID Embraces Local Designers

In an effort to showcase Jamaica as New York City’s top urban fashion district, the Jamaica Center Business Improvement District will host its second annual red carpet fashion show on Saturday, June 1.

The free event, Jamaica Collections Fashion Show, seeks to embrace local designers and clothing stores. Local labels Onix Noir, Osun Designs, Elegance by Aneesa and Nubia Blaque will showcase some of their best one-of-a-kind creations.

A special segment will also be dedicated to upcoming fashion created from Jamaica Avenue’s trendiest stores.

“It’s going to be a fashion experience,” said Laurel Brown, executive director at the Jamaica BID. “We are New York City’s largest urban fashion district so it will be a blend of designed fashion as well as styled fashion.”

Part of the Jamaica BID’s mission is to reinforce the fashion brand of the district and overcome the misconceptions that people may have about Jamaica and shopping there.

“We’re trying to tell a story. We have amazing talent that comes

Courtesy of Laurel Brown

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

Last year’s fashion show attracted more than 200 attendees and this year, the Jamaica BID anticipates it could double that. here,” Brown said. “People think of Brooklyn or Harlem but we have just as much amazing talent that comes out of Jamaica so we’re really trying to showcase that.”

The Jamaica BID also anticipates that this year’s fashion show will help generate more foot traffic to the commercial area of the neighbor-

hood. At last year’s show, the group surveyed its attendees and learned that 14 percent of them had never been to Jamaica Avenue.

“We have a substantial amount of people who are just coming here and discovering the area,” she said.

The survey also determined that many of attendees who had indicated they have not shopped along Jamaica Avenue were much more likely to after the fashion show.

“We absolutely think there will be a connection to livening the shopping district downtown,” Brown said.

“Part of Jamaica is its niche for urban fashion. It’s not necessarily what you always see walking down the runway during New York Fashion Week but we are a nation of young people who really dress stylishly. We are very proud of that and we do think we should be celebrating that niche.”

To learn more about the fashion show, or to be put on the waitlist for tickets, visit www. jamaicacenterfashion. com. The show will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center located at 153-10 Jamaica Ave. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com.

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A Great Time For Fun In The Sun nounced its third annual concert for Sunday, June 30. This year’s lineup will include reggae legends Toots Hibbert alongside iconic hit machines Barrington Levy, Cocoa Tea and Queen Ifrica. Additional acts will be announced later. For more information about the concert, visit www.groovininthepark.com.

-Natalia Kozikowska Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Broad Channel The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful wetland estuary that many explore for its natural beauty.

The bay is 39 square miles and it is located in Queens but close to the Brooklyn border. Its main entrance is right off of Cross Bay Boulevard in Broad Channel and it is surrounded by the Rockaway Peninsula and Southern Brooklyn.

It has a visitor center where you can ask the park rangers for information before heading out on your nature journey.

In addition to the refuge itself, there is also Jamaica Bay Park that serves as more green space for residents that are looking for some fun in the sun. The park is 18,000 acres and

Photo by Ira Cohen

Roy Wilkins Park Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica (718) 276-8686 www.nycgovparks.org/parks/roywilkins Located in the heart of southeast Queens, Roy Wilkins Park is a great way to spend your summer days.

The 54-acre park is not only perfect for a morning jog, a family outing or a quiet stroll during a warm summer afternoon, it is also home to the Roy Wilkins Recreation Center. For its members, the park’s recreation center offers facilities such as indoor pools, weight rooms, basketball courts, dance studios, art studios, game rooms and libraries. During the summer, the center also offers a wide range of free programs and concerts suitable for people of all ages.

For those rainy summer nights, Roy Wilkins Park is also home to the Black Spectrum Theatre Company, a 435-seat space, where residents will be able to watch a multitude of culturally infused and enriching performances that often celebrate African American history.

A complete listing of events for Roy Wilkins Park is not yet available, but Groovin in the Park has an-

Roy Wilkins Park annually hosts the Groovin’ in the Park concerts this year set for June 30. located in the Bayswater section of Far Rockaway. It is accessible by a narrow shorefront strip along Edgewater Road and is a wetland sanctuary for the wildlife that lives in the area.

On June 2, the Wildlife Refuge will host Bike Around Floyd Bennett Field, giving residents and bike enthusiasts a chance to tag

along with a park ranger and tour the Brooklyn-based park that was once a municipal airport. The location for the event is at Ryan Visitor Center in Jamaica Bay Park and those participating are encouraged to bring water, sunscreen and dress properly for the ride.

-Luis Gronda

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 31 - June 6, 2013

Editorial City Turns A Blind Eye 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 Editor-in-Chief:

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Harley Benson Natalia Kozikowska Joe Marvilli Luis Gronda Trisha Sakhuja Art Dept:

Rhonda Leefoon Lianne Procanyn Barbara Townsend Alan Goldsher Director of Marketing Maureen Coppola Advertising Administrator Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie Nicole Douglas Shari Strongin

A Queens Tribune Publication © Copyright 2013 Tribco, LLC

Michael Nussbaum Publisher Ria McPherson Comptroller

For more than two decades, the people of southeast Queens have endured flooding in their homes during heavy rainfall and for years, frustrated residents have openly spoken out against the Dept. of Environmental Protection, demanding the City agency reopen the wells it operates.

Southeast Queens finds itself in a unique, yet unfavorable situation. The answer to their suffering seems simple enough.

Between August and November of last year, the DEP, in partnership with the Dept. of Conservation, reopened one system of its well and within that three-month period, the water table dropped eight to 10 feet – the people began to see relief.

But this relief was short lived and the DEP has since abandoned groundwater as part of its mission. Just less than five years ago, on Sept. 24, 2007, Emily Lloyd, the DEP’s former commissioner, made a statement where she acknowledged that the rising groundwater in South Jamaica was becoming a huge problem and said that reduction in groundwater “had to be as high a priority to the DEP as was installation of sewers.”

Sometime between 2007 and 2013, the DEP must have noticed that taking responsibility for groundwater was rather pricey and has since turned a blind eye to the people it serves.

Time and time again, residents have been told that in 2018, the wells will reopen but with the recent news that this may not even be the case, it is more important than ever the City lend a hand and work with our elected officials. The years of miscommunication only harm the families of southeast Queens.

If the DEP is the only agency with the power and means to help these people, they must be willing to compromise and if the DEP refuses to encounter the costs of operating the well, there needs to be pressure from our government, some form of legislation, demanding a solution.

Letters Diminishing Values

To The Editor: We are suffering from almost unbearable noise pollution affecting our quality of life and even our health. It occurs from early morning to very late at night.

What has been lost in the discussion, though, are the very severe economic consequences to our neighborhoods if the noise is not made to stop.

That is the loss of residential property values that will be suffered in Little Neck, Douglaston, Bay Terrace, Bayside, Auburndale, East Flushing and Whitestone. There are approximately $50 billion dollars of residential property alone in these areas.

The FAA, itself, has commissioned studies demonstrating the loss in property values as a result of noisy flight patterns. One often referred to was produced by Booz, Allen

and Hamilton, Inc. The general rule of thumb that these studies come up with is that property will decline one percentage point in value for each decibel of aircraft noise. These studies also demonstrate that more expensive properties suffer greater percentage losses in values than medium or low value properties. For residential properties alone in our area then, each one percent loss is about $500 million. We could expect total losses in the billions of dollars.

At a public meeting in Bay Terrace recently, the representatives of the FAA admitted that they had done no costbenefit analysis at all of their new take-off policy. All of us, and all of our elected officials, must make our voices heard.

Melvyn Meer, Bayside Member, Community Board 11

WRITE ON:

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

Children Are Dying At The Hands Of Peers A Personal Perspective

By MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE Burying their child is every parent’s worst fear; and this month two sets of parents in our immediate area are burying a young daughter each.

The first, D’ja Robinson, was buried last week after being shot in the head while sitting on a bus. She was 14 years old. Just like that. A kid going home from a birthday party ends up dead because some reckless boy was reportedly trying to shoot someone else’s kid.

He allegedly shot 11 holes into the bus where young Ms. Robinson was sitting just blocks from her destination. As if that tragedy were not enough of a shock, last week, a 12-year-old junior high school girl committed suicide because of alleged bullying – both the old fashioned kind and the cyber variety.

It makes you weep even if you had never heard of these children before their untimely deaths. You can not see this sort of thing and not be sickened by it.

Re p o r t s a re t h a t t h e wretched person who shot D’aja Robinson was angry at someone else about some sort of “Facebook diss.” Yes, apparently that is all it took for some foolish young man to cause someone’s baby girl to lose her life. He got some sort of electronic diss from someone else and starts shooting like a lunatic.

There are not enough words in our language to express the outrage we feel when some misguided boy can get hold of a gun and start shooting at other people. As for the bullying that drove a child to such despair, what have we come to that children can look at other children and violate their spirit to such a degree?

You hear about these

things happening all across the nation; but when it is at your local middle school, it sends shivers down your spine. For a 12-year-old child to be made to feel that desperate as to think death would be better than middle school, is a tragedy beyond belief. The school’s (IS 109) officials say they received no complaints from the child or anyone else.

The parents also seem to have been clueless to her plight.

Classmates now say she was upbeat and friendly and they had no knowledge of any bullying, which allegedly included dirty names usually (and sadly) reserved for street walkers. Supposedly a group was also planning to “jump” her. She was, some who went to her wake say, all of four feet tall.

Kids do not want to be perceived as “snitches” so they would rather suffer in silence than tell an adult of their anguish. The Dept. of

Education will need to hold workshops to train teachers, administrators and counselors to be more aware of bullying on their campuses and students need to be reassured that any report they make will be handled in a manner that does not expose them to further torture. Parents also need to be taught about the signs that indicate that their children are being bullied.

There is ‘don’t ask, don’t tell.” But this is don’t tell or I will make your life a worse hell. The victims are afraid to tell because they believe that if they tell, then the bullies multiply. They see their only option as suffering in silence or die at their own hands. Is this a new take on the term, “silent killer”? The school system should be doing more to help stop the bullying and to help the victims to develop stronger coping mechanisms.

These desperate actions have to stop.

May 31 - June 6, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 31 - June 6, 2013

By John L. AAron Summer in the City means different things to different people. In New York City with an 8,000,000 plus population comprising more than 168 nationalities and ethnic groups, summer has its own appeal, from foods, to cultural events, to celebrations, to sports. However, the sport of cricket has a special place on the summer calendar for many New Yorkers, especially those who hail from cricket-playing nations around the world.

Cricket, a sport some argue is close to baseball, while others argue not, is the one activity more than a few enjoy during the summer in New York City, as spectators and players. The Big Apple enjoys a distinct advantage over other cricketing communities around the nation, primarily because of the density of the population in the five boroughs and the ease of commuting from one ground to another. Played mostly outdoors, cricket attracts teams of a minimum of eleven persons each.

Then there are the staunch supporters and those who enjoy a rivalry between the sound of leather ball hitting a piece of English willow. How sweet a sound it is to the ears of the cricket aficionados?

There are seven or more leagues in the New York City area, all vying for a patch of grass that surrounds a 22 yard strip of hardened dirt, covered most times with a continuous strip of jute fabric, enough to cover the pitch between the two sets of stumps. At either end, the cheers are generated by those other batters sitting back in “the pavilion.” Such folk, especially those of Caribbean decent, may be the ones involved in the preparation of curried goat, fried rice, roti and curry, and a host of other sumptuous dishes that await the weekend warriors when the match is finally over.

Accompanying such delectable fare is a strong line-up of bottled beverages. The scenario described above is a cultural throw-back to the days when cricket was enjoyed in the Caribbean by scores of families at an all-day cricketing event in the park, not unlike the British aristocracy having tea and crumpets during the game in the mid-afternoon, or breaking for lunch between innings.

New Yorkers do not follow the English tradition when it comes to the enjoyment of cricket in the metropolitan area. Shouts of “Shabash!

Shabash!” can often be heard coming from many of the players and or spectators. Shabash simply means good luck or is often offered as encouragement for a job well done. The sideline pundits add to the flavor and dimension of the sport, particularly with the introduction of the shorter form of the sport in the cricketing communities. With three to six hour matches now an integral part of the cricket calendar, one can easily see or play in a match that allows them enough time to do their weekend chores in and around the home.

Cricket, the sport of some summer enthusiasts, is a clear indication of one’s cultural heritage and the ongoing desire to stay involved in a sport played during their early childhood days. With the exception of a few, many of the New York cricket leagues are grouped along ethnic lines, such as Pakistanis, Indians, Bangladeshis, Europeans, and West Indians, with the latter further broken down by countries in the Caribbean. The players are often comfortable enough to enjoy the sport in a recreational manner, and for the sake of hoisting aloft a trophy, whose price tag does not very often exceed $150, but means a whole lot more to many. To the vanquished, go the spoils and the all too familiar wait till next summer’s refrain.

Photo by Shiek Mohamed

If It’s Summer, It Must Be Cricket Season

Telston Johnson of Big Apple Cricket Club is seen here bowling during a game in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Jamaica Arts And Music Summer Festival BY nATALIA KozIKoWSKA

Photo by Shiek Mohamed

It would not be summer in southeast Queens without the annual Jamaica Arts and Music Summer Festival. The two-day JAMS Festival in Jamaica will celebrate the diversity of Queens for its seventeenth year and has become a staple in the community.

The JAMS Festival was created in 1996 by a collaboration of several cultural, business and civic organizations located in southeast Queens. Annually, it attracts over 185,000 residents and visitors to the downtown Jamaica area – a historically significant destination for shopping. Its goal is to embrace the culture of southeast Queens while providing a vehicle for tourism and economic development in the area.

In addition to its plentiful shopping opportunities, JAMS is the perfect opportunity to enjoy music in the warm summer night breeze.

Every year JAMS hosts an evening concert to kick off the next day festivities. The concerts pay homage to musical icons of jazz, R&B, rock and funk at the Rufus King Park. This year, JAMS will hold its Under the Stars concert on Friday, Aug. The JAMS Festival is a popular summer event in Ja2, at 6 p.m. and will maica.

Photo by Ira Cohen

Women’s cricket is on the rise in new York City.

feature a number of up-and-coming local artists that will put their own unique spins on popular songs.

The official start of the festival will be on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will be located on ten blocks of Jamaica Avenue.

The ten blocks will be closed off to vehicular traffic from Parsons Boulevard to 169th Street.

Walking around during the JAMS Festival, patrons can satisfy all of their shopping needs. Whether you are looking for a new outfit or going back-to-school shopping for your kids, vendors have it all.

The highly anticipated event is host to one of the largest tourist destinations in Queens. While shopping, visitors also have a large selection of food to choose from.

From popular choices like freshly roasted corn on the cob to freshly squeezed lemonade to unique Indian and Caribbean dishes, vendors are sure to showcase their finest foods.

May 31 - June 6, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

News Briefs Suspect For Murder Of 14-Year-Old Girl Wanted

On Saturday, May 18, at approximately 8:30 p.m., 14-year-old D’aja Robinson was tragically shot and killed by random gunfire while riding the Q6 back from a Sweet 16 Party.

Her bus, which was riding along Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica, was sprayed by 10 bullets – one of which struck the teen in the head.

The police have since identified a suspect, Kevin McClinton, who is wanted in connection to the shooting.

The pictured perpetrator is should be considered armed and dangerous. A $22,000 reward is being offered for any information that will lead to his capture and conviction.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by visiting nypdcrimestoppers.com or texting their tips to CRIMES (274637) then enter TIPS577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

Jamaica Man Pleads Guilty To Murder Of Newlywed

On Wednesday, May 29, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown announced that a 19-year-old Jamaica man, Ian Green, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and other charges in connection to a shooting death of a young Queens newlywed during a robbery spree in March 2011.

According to trial testimony, Rabia Mohammed, 23, and her husband of five months were walking in front of 90-57 204th St., just after 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 13, 2011 when Green and three other individuals, Tiquon Hodges, Corey Brown and Rohan Hankerson came up behind the couple.

It is alleged that two of the defendants threw Ms. Mohammed’s husband on the ground and that one of the defendants said to her, “Give me the bag.” In struggling with Green, he told her to hold onto her purse, Ms. Mohammed screamed and he pulled out a .9mm silver pistol and fired one shot, fatally striking her in the chest.

Kevin McClinton is wanted by police in connection to a shooting that took the life of 14-year-old D’aja Robinson.

A $22,000 reward is being offered for information that will lead to his capture and conviction.

In pleading guilty, Green also admitted his involvement in four other robberies that occurred between March 4, 2011 and March 17, 2011.

The defendant has admitted his guilt in four robberies that occurred over an eleven-day period and also admitted to causing the death of one of his victims, who was just starting a new chapter in her life when she was senselessly gunned down. His actions have caused a great deal of pain and inconsolable loss to the victim’s husband and family,” Brown said in the statement. “As such, the lengthy prison sentence to be imposed is more than warranted.”

Green pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree manslaughter, four counts of first-degree robbery and one count of criminal possession of a weapon. He has been sentenced a term of 25 years in prison.

Brown said that the other defendants, Hodges, 18, of 118-46 154th St., Jamaica, Brown, 19, of Brooklyn, and Hankerson, 21, of 147-16 Ferndale Ave., Jamaica, are presently awaiting trial on charges of seconddegree murder and other charges for their alleged involvement in the shooting incident.

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Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 31 - June 6, 2013

pix

Laurelton Celebrates Memorial Day

Photos by Ira Cohen

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

Elected officials, community leaders, Scout troops and others joined together to honor the memory of the U.S. military during Laurelton’s Memorial Day Parade on Monday.

May 31 - June 6, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Police Blotter 109th Precinct

Homicide

The NYPD is investigating the death of Joo Byun Young, 42, of Flushing. Young was reported missing after not having been seen since leaving her place of work at 4:30 a.m. on May 24. On May 29, Young was found dead inside an automobile outside 46-10 61st St., Woodside. The Medical Examiner ruled the death as a homicide and the investigation is ongoing.

Grand Larceny The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the following suspect wanted in connection with a grand larceny.

At approximately 8:15 a.m. on May 11, the suspect entered the Oceanica Restaurant, located at 37-02 Main St., Flushing, and removed a sum of cash from the register. No injuries were reported at this incident.

The suspect is described as an Hispanic male, last seen wearing blue and white striped pants, gray

baseball cap, gray hooded sweatshirt and carrying a gray backpack.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by visiting nypdcrimestoppers.com or texting their tips to CRIMES (274637) then enter TIPS577. All calls are strictly confidential.

112th Precinct

Burglary

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance identifying a suspect wanted for burglary.

At approximately 2 a.m. on May 20, the suspect entered the apartment building located at 77-34 Austin St., Forest Hills, and removed the key box from the front lobby. The suspect then used the key in the key box to enter the front door. The suspect then went to the laundry room, where the suspect attempted, unsuccessfully, to remove the cash box from the laundry room. The suspect then fled the scene.

Anyone with information is asked

to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by visiting nypdcrimestoppers.com or texting their tips to CRIMES (274637) then enter TIPS577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

113th Precinct

Arrest

At 1:40 p.m. on May 24, officers from the 113th Precinct were conducting a surveillance operation in the vicinity of Sayres Avenue and 167th Street when they observed the suspect adjusting an object in his waistband.

The officers, in plain clothes, approached the suspect, identified as Nicholas Morris, 17, of South Jamaica, and asked him what he had in his waistband. Morris told the officers he was carrying a gun. The officers then searched Morris and found a loaded 9mm firearm.

Morris was immediately placed under arrest and charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

114th Precinct

Assault

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance identifying and locating three individuals wanted in connection with an assault.

At 7:20 p.m. on May 7, while aboard a Manhattan-bound F train, the victim, a 28-year-old male, was engaged with a verbal dispute with three “dance show” train performers. As the train approached the 211stStreet/Queensbridge subway station, the three suspects attacked the victim, striking him numerous times about the head and body. The suspects fled the station and the victim was removed to Cornell Hospital for medical attention.

The three suspects are described as Black males, between 17-19 years old.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by visiting nypdcrimestoppers.com or texting their tips to CRIMES (274637) then enter TIPS577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

Borough Beat

Friends Remember Steve Pezenik Steve Pezenik, who lost his courageous battle with cancer this past Sunday, was a giant of a man who lived life to its fullest and always had the regard for others at the foremost of his mind.

I cannot recall where and when I met Steve but it was probably at some political event.

We were after all both political junkies. In short order, we became good and then dear friends. We worked on so many political campaigns and events in the Greater Queens community but it never seemed like work when you were with Steve. He made the time pass by quickly and made what we did seem like fun.

Over the past 14 months, Steve fought cancer like a lion, never complaining, taking his treatments with utter dignity. In doing so, he reminded all of us of the indomitable nature of the human spirit. He brought that spirit each and every day to his life, a life spent helping and caring for others. There was nothing he would not do to help either one person or a

whole community. He was, in short, the most selfless person it has been my pleasure to have known.

I shall miss my friend but his good works and the life he led set an example for all of us to follow. When I look up at the moon, I will think of his favorite song, the standard “Fly Me to the Moon” and wonder and dream.

Barry Grodenchik, Queens Deputy Borough President

Family, friends and colleagues of Steve Pezenik gathered [May 28] to bid farewell and celebrate the wonderful life of a loving father and husband, someone who was as selfless and caring an individual as any of us

Steve’s only reason for being on the Queens Jewish Community Council’s board was so that he could help the Jewish community. Whether it was delivering food to the home-bound, picking up Passover previsions from the matzah factory or helping with our events, Steve did it with a smile and with enjoyment, knowing that he was helping others. He was an inspiration to us all and will be greatly missed.

Warren Hecht, President of the Queens jewish Community Council

By TRiSHA SAkHujA

have ever come to know.

Steve was a great friend and trusted colleague. He will be dearly missed by the many of us whose lives he touched.

State Sen. jose Peralta

Astoria Approves Hallets Point Project Community Board 1 voted unanimously on May 21 to approve the Hallets Point waterfront project, which will be developed by a New Jersey based firm, Lincoln Equities Group.

Once the project is approved, it will include seven residential buildings with over 2,000 apartment units, of which 20 percent will be set aside as affordable housing. The project also consists of parkland, retail space, restaurants and a new K-8 school along the East River.

“We are also in the process of adding a youth community center to the plan,” said Lucille Hartman, district manager of CB 1.

“The community has welcomed the development as it is a plus for all of us,” said President of the Astoria Houses Tenants Association Claudia Coger. “We are looking forward to the process and the plans going in our favor. The multi-service community center will address the needs of the community for the youth and seniors.”

The next step in the process is approval of the zoning changes made by the Lincoln Equities Group and also approval from the City’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure.

Construction is expected to start in late 2014 or early 2015.

Reach Reporter Trisha Sakhuja at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, or at tsakhuja@queenstribune.com.

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 31 - June 6, 2013

Summer Fun

Jamaican Jerk Festival Returns

The highly anticipated Jamaican Jerk Festival will be coming back to Roy Wilkins Park this summer for its third year. The festival, which will take place on July 21, always attracts a large crowd of food lovers and this year will be no different. The event is anticipated to draw out more than 10,000 patrons.

The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival has the unique distraction of being “The Biggest Caribbean Festival in the USA,” with a reputation for delivering an enjoyable and rewarding experience to its attendees.

The festival is also a great marketing opportunity for those targeting a multicultural audience. The event offers a healthy mix of both professional chefs and home cooks as well as eager taste-testers.

Celebrate and enjoy some of the best Caribbean dishes at this day-long food festival. One $25 ticket to the 2013 Jamaican Jerk Festival grants you access to some of the unique dishes served up by vendors. Whether you are a vegetarian or a meat eater, the

festival’s large variety has something for everyone’s taste buds.

The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival also features a food court that will offer a variety of jerk foods including delicacies such as Jerk Fish, Jerk Shrimp and Jerk Lobster and even the innovative and unusual products like Jerk Ice Cream. Excite your pallet and explore spicy delicacies prepared through this age-old method of cooking, enjoy hot music and bask in the cool vibes. Attractions at this year’s event include the Publix Jerk Cook-Off Pavilion, which features cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs.

The Jamaican Jerk Festival is not just home to some of the best Caribbean Cuisine, it is also an opportunity to stroll around the beautiful scenery of Roy Wilkins Park in Jamaica all while enjoying a number of live musical performances that celebrate the Jamaican culture.

The festival, which is sponsored

by Jamaica’s own VP Records, always features a large number of

reggae performances. Last year, however, there were also a couple of percussionists and dancers sounding out African Caribbean rhythms. The crowd also got a taste of gospel and jazz music.

For more information about the Jamaican Jerk Festival or to purchase your tickets, visit www.jerkfestival.com.

Resorts World 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., Jamaica (718) 215-2828 www.rwnewyork.com You need not take a plane to Vegas or drive hours to Atlantic City, Queens’ very own Resorts World Casino has all you could need if you are looking to scratch that casino-itch this summer.

The casino, open from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. every night, may not have tables for blackjack or poker but does offer a wide range of alternatives like roulette machines and plenty of slot machines. Whether you are in the mood for a little bit of gambling or enjoying

the social environment with a cocktail, Resorts World is a great place to spend a boring summer night.

Fully equipped with a bar, Resorts World is also a great venue to watch entertainment. Look to Bar 360’s stage for some of the hottest new musical acts. Whether it is jazz, big band swing or a DJ spinning the top hits, there is always something for everyone to enjoy.

If you were on the fence about heading to the casino and spending a little cash, you can rest a little easier knowing that Genting, the company that owns Resorts World, donates one percent of its annual earning back to the community. Last year during its first anniversary celebration just days before Superstorm Sandy hit, the casino gave $500,000 to local organizations.

Since the casino has opened in October of 2011, is has also created more than 1,700 jobs, nearly double the initial estimate of 800 permanent jobs.

-Natalia Kozikowska

People been accepted as members of the Class of 2017 at Union College in Schenectady.

Local students received degrees during spring 2013 commencement ceremonies at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs. They include: Jamaica: Karen Abramowitz, Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude.

Rosedale: Michael Hyde, Bachelor of Arts degree.

Airman Keyana Barnes

Airman Jashaun Hightower

Air National Guard Airman Keyana Barnes graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Barnes is the daughter of Viviene Mills of Rosedale and Radcliffe Barnes of Tremont.

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

Hightower is the grandson of Mary Hightower of Queens Village.

Air Force Reserve Airman Jashaun Hightower graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio,

Adekemi Oyalabu of Springfield Gardens received a Master of Professional Accountancy degree during Spring 2013 commencement ceremonies at Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I. Loren Collado and Brandon Rosales, both of Jamaica, have

Army Pvt. Dekontee Friday has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

Friday is the daughter of Sherie and Tweh Friday of Rosedale.

Army National Guard Pvt. Joseph Husbands Jr. has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jack-

son, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

Husbands is the son of Joseph and Lesley Husbands of St. Albans.

Army Pvt. Blas Toral has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

Toral is the son of Miriam Chang and nephew of Patricia and William Chang, all of Jamaica.

May 31 - June 6, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

A&E

By NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA The Big Apple Circus returned to Queens this spring with its annual show for Outreach, a non-profit provider for drug and alcohol treatment services. For nearly two decades, the Big Apple Circus and Outreach have joined together to raise money for a good cause.

The performance, “Legendarium,” was held on May 22 at Cunningham Park in Fresh Meadows.

All proceeds from the sale of circus or raffle tickets purchased from Outreach benefited the expansion and enhancement of addiction treatment centers. By the end of the night, they had raised approximately $17,000 for the nonprofit.

“They’ve been a wonderful partner throughout the years,” said Christine Casiano, vice president and chief administrative officer of Outreach.

“It’s just been wonderful and a great place to be every year. I’ve been doing this for 19 years and they’ve just been very supportive of even getting the word out.”

The two-hour show featured a wide variety of talented and unique performers. The entire performance had the audience at the edge of their seats as aerialists soared in the tent and acrobats performed dangerous feats in the air.

One of the most unique performances came from the Dalian Acrobatic Troupe of China, a group of girls who combine bike riding

Food Festival Coming To Flushing

By JOe MArvILLI Calling Queens foodies! The Flushing Business Improvement District will kick off June with the second edition of their annual Food Festival.

Taking place on June 1 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., the event will be held at the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel at 135-20 39th Ave. The price of admission is $5 per person.

A range of 17 to 19 restaurants will be featured for attendees to discover, according to Flushing BID executive director Dian Yu. Around 12 of those eateries participated last year as well.

The first festival, held on July 27 at the same location, was invite-only, meant to advertise local eateries through food bloggers and critics.

City Comptroller John Liu, State Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing), Councilman Peter Koo (D-Flushing) and Nazli Parvizi, commissioner of the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, attended its inauguration.

This year’s event will be open to the public, with an estimated 400 to 500 tickets being sold. Both Stavisky and Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Flushing) are expected to attend.

“It was based on last year’s experience. Everyone had so much fun,” Yu said. “That’s why we decided to open it up to the public. It’s our goal to attract

people around the City to come to Flushing.”

Some of the eateries listed as being at the festival are Pho Hoang, Mulan Restaurant, Corner 28, Xin Yue Sichuan, Ku Shiang Restaurant, Yummy Sushi House, Taipan Bakery, Fayda Bakery, 101 Taiwanese, Deluge Restaurant and Rose House. All the participants that were invited are members of the Flushing BID. “The menu will have traditional dishes,” Yu said. “If the weather holds up, we will open up the balcony at the Sheraton.”

Tickets can be purchased at the Flushing BID office found on the sixth floor of 135-20 39th Ave. Yu said that there is no guarantee that any tickets will be left to sell the day of the festival.

Rob MacKay of the Queens Tourism Council had some words of encouragement for this year’s festival, stating that it worth attending.

“I’ve been looking forward to this Food Festival ever since last year’s festival ended. It is so much fun on so many levels,” MacKay said. “It’s also the perfect venue to learn about new or hidden restaurants in Flushing, which is basically an eating Mecca.”

“Our goal is to bring the spirit of the food festival back to Flushing and make it better,” Yu said.

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, or at jmarvilli@queenstribune.com.

Photo by Trisha Sakhuja

Big Apple Circus Holds Benefit For Outreach

The Dalian Acrobatic Troupe of China is one of the featured acts performing with the Big Apple Circus, which recently raised $17,000 for Outreach, a nonprofit provider for drug and alcohol treatment services.

with acrobatics in an artistic way.

In total, the group has performed in more than 60 countries and received more than 240 awards and prizes in domestic and acrobatic competitions.

Just as the performance kept the audience at their feet, there were plenty of moments they were able to sit back and laugh. The dynamic clown duo, the Acrobuffos, was highly entertaining and engaging. One

also could not help but smile during the segment when a number of playful dogs took the stage to show off their tricks and personalities.

The Big Apple Circus will be holding shows at Cunningham Park now through June 16. For tickets and information, visit www.bigapplecircus. org.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400, Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com.

Flushing House Hosts elder Law Seminars As in previous years, Flushing House has scheduled three “Elder Law Seminars” for the spring of 2013. The seminars will focus on how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid Redesign in New York State may impact health care and home care services for older adults.

Medicare changes arising from the ACA will also be explored, as well as asset protection trusts and estate planning.

Maria Alvarez, Executive Director, NY StateWide Senior Action Council, will give the first seminar on Saturday, June 1. Her talk is about the entire range of beneficiary issues i.e., how changes to coverage through Medicare, Managed Care and Medicaid, under the new rules of ACA and Medicaid Re-Design, will impact the scope, choice and delivery of benefits and services for older adults. Joining Alvarez is Eric Hausman, Independent Consultant specializing in Medicare Education and Training. Lani Sanjek, a former top official with StateWide, will also join the discussion.

Ronald Fatoullah, Esq., the noted elder law attorney, will give the second seminar on Saturday, June 8. Fa-

toullah will give an overview of the Medicaid program and explain how to protect one’s assets in the event long-term health care is needed. He will also review five essential legal documents that seniors should have – the importance of a (i) last will and testament (ii) power of attorney (iii) health care proxy (iv) living will and (v) living trust.

Ann-Margaret Carrozza, Esq., the noted elder law attorney and former NYS Assembly member, will give the third seminar on Saturday, June 15.

Seniors should know how to protect their homes. Carrozza will explore asset protection trusts for primary residences, and estate tax planning, in lieu of 2013 Federal estate tax changes. She will also advise seniors how to get the long-term care they need through Medicaid, while still protecting their assets.

All three seminars will be from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Flushing House dining room; there will be refreshments available and free handouts from the speakers. The seminars are open to the public -- admission is free. If you wish to attend, RSVP to (347) 532-3025 or to rsalant@ uam.org.

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 31 - June 6, 2013

Faith

First Presbyterian Church Teaches Forgiveness

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA On Saturday, June 8, the First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica will present their much anticipated dramatic play, “Esther House,” which aims to teach people the importance of forgiveness.

The show, which was directed and will be performed by members of Memorial Presbyterian Church of Long Island’s “Living World Ministry,” will mark the first time the dramatic play comes to Jamaica. In 2005, First Presbyterian Church had attempted to perform the play but did not have the resources. Eight years later, with the help of Memorial Presbyterian Church, locals will finally get to see it.

“It has been a great collaboration between the churches,” Donna

Winfield, director of the play said. “I hope that we will continue to work together on a different play. We are both creating workshops where we can develop more plays that people can adhere to, especially in this climate. I think it’s quite important that the churches become united.”

“I’m happy we have the opportunity to bring it back to the church,” said Stephanie St. Clair, a volunteer at First Presbyterian. “A majority of the writers are members of the church and we all got to get together.”

“Esther House,” explores the theme of forgiveness through the use of many different characters that live in the same apartment building.

Each of the characters endure their own struggles and battles with forgiveness.

“There are so many things in the

play that actually happen in real life and it all relates back to forgiveness,” St. Clair said. “We harbor so much.

By not forgiving and moving on, it poisons the person who is harboring those feelings of betrayal. Being a member of the church, you must forgive to move forward.”

The play will be open to the general public and St. Clair hopes that by hosting dramatic plays like this, the community will be more encouraged to come and worship at First Presbyterian.

“There are people who come who barely come to church and if we have a venue or platform where they can feel safe and don’t feel like they are being preached to, they can find the message of God through another form,” she said. “We’re trying to let the community know there are other

means they can gather.”

The play will be held at the First Presbyterian Church located at 8960 164th St., from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

For additional information, visit www.firstchurchjamaica.org, or contact Stephanie St. Clair or Donna Winfield at (718) 528-3027 or (516) 223-2062 or stclair2215@ aol.com.

Tickets are $5 and can be picked up at the church or purchased at the door.

For more information about the Memorial Presbyterian Church, visit www.mpcliny.org or call (516) 379-0905. Memorial Presbyterian Church is located at 189 Babylon Tpke., Roosevelt.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com

Notebook

Richard S. Grossley Junior High School

Jamaica Schools Hosts Health And Safety Fair On Saturday, June 8, the Beacon Program at Richard S. Grossley Junior High School in Jamaica will hold their first annual Health and Safety Carnival Fair.

The fair, which is free and open to people of all ages, seeks to increase health awareness and disease pre-

vention in community by providing important services such as health screenings and educational information.

In addition to promoting positive and healthy habits, the school’s daylong Safety Carnival Fair will provide disaster preparedness information

Photos by Bob Harris

Junior Tishanna Wickham (left) and senior Breana Channer (right) of the Leadership Class of Hillcrest High School have raised money for a group called Kids in Distress. The organization helps children who are in distressful situations, like Superstorm Sandy. Wickham and Channer cut out pieces of paper and wrote the names of students who contributed to the cause and the papers were hung on a bulletin board outside the Student Government area.

and crime prevention tips.

The special techniques and strategies taught at the fair could help save lives.

Students who take part of the Beacon youth programs are known to give back to the community by hosting events like these.

There are currently 80 Beacons located throughout the five boroughs of New York City, 21 of Students from the Math, Science Research and which are in Queens. Technology High School dine at I-Hop as a reward Each of the programs op- for achieving their goals. The students pictured are erate in the afternoons, members of the ARISTA Honor Society and have the evenings, the week- high grades and good attendance. ends, holidays and even the summer.

Each of its members strives to nity engagement and physical activmeet a number of goals and achieve- ity. ments. Academic enhancement, If you have an agency or business career awareness, school to work and are interested in showcasing transition, civic engagement, com- your health services at the Health munity building, artistic growth and and Safety Fair, contact Cat Roberhealth and fitness are all part of the son at (718) 276-4630 ext. 151. program’s mission statement.

The fair will be held at IS 8, RichBeacons programs are school- ard S. Grossley Junior High School based community centers that serve located at 108-35 167th St., Jamaica, children age six and older. The Bea- from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. cons also have adult programs that Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowsare designed to enhance skills and ka at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or promote social interaction, commu- nkozikowska@queenspress.com.

May 31 - June 6, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

Send announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 150-50 14 Road, Whitestone NY 11357. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina or email to queenstoday@ queenstribune.com Yearly schedules and advanced notices welcome!

ALUMNI QUEEN OF ANGELS S u n d a y , J u n e 3 0 60 t h anniversary picnic 1-5 at Sunnyside Gardens Park.

Free. Food and beverages will be sold. 9373244.

DINNER PRIDE BREAKFAST Sunday, June 2 PreQueens Pride Parade breakfast at the Jewish Center of Jackson H e i g h t s , 3 7 - 0 6 7 7 th Street.

March with Danny Dromm’s contingent right after breakfast.

ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT DAY Saturday, June 8 10-1 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000.

FOOD WASTE DROPOFF Saturdays 1-3 at the Broadway and LIC library.

FLEA MARKETS RUMMAGE/BAKE SALE Saturday, June 1 11-4 and Sunday, June 2 9-3 St. Josaphat’s, 35 th Ave n u e a n d 2 1 0 th S t r e e t , Bayside.

FLEA MARKET Sunday, June 2 Transfiguration Parish Hall, Maspeth 8-4.

DANCE LINE DANCING Mondays 6:30-9:30 at Kowalinski Post 4, 61-57 Maspeth Avenue. $7.

Cake and coffee. 5652259.

COUNTRY LINE Wednesdays 7-10 at the S TA R S Building, 8 Coleman Square, Howard Beach. $10.

ENTERTAINMENT

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS SOCIAL MEDIA Saturday, June 1 Far Rockaway library. Register.

YOUNG PROFS Monday, June 3 Young Professional Workshop at the Queensbridge library at 4:30.

BUSINESS BASICS Monday, June 3 Woodside library at 4:30.

BALLROOM DANCING Mondays, June 3, 10, 17, 24 Forest Hills library at 6:30.

JOB READINESS Mondays Job Readiness and computer assistance 2-6 at the South Jamaica librar y.

JOB SEARCH Mondays free job search and computer help every Monday 11-2 at the Astoria library.

BRIDGE Mondays e x c e p t h o l i days 12-4 at Pride of Judea in Douglaston. Lesson & play $10. Partners arranged. 423-6200.

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

BEGIN COMPUTERS Tu e s d a y s , J u n e 6 , 1 1 Flushing library. Register.

BEGIN WORD Tuesday, June 4 LIC library at 10.

JOB SEARCH Tuesdays, June 4, 18 Job Search Strategies and Resume Writing at the S o u th J a m a i c a l i b ra r y.

Register.

BASIC COMPUTERS Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25 Bellerose library. Register.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18 McGoldrick library at 11.

CRIMINAL RECORD Tu e s d a y, J u n e 4 J o b Searching with a Criminal Record at 2 at the Far Rockaway library.

SMALL BUSINESS Tuesdays Small Business Workshop at the Central librar y. Register.

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.

COMPUTER CLASS Wednesdays, June 5, 12, 19, 26 Woodside library at 5:45.

ART DECO JEWELRY Wednesday, June 5 Queens Village librar y.

Register.

CHILDCARE PROVIDER Wednesday, June 5 Professional Development

for Childcare Providers at the Central library at 6:30.

WATERCOLOR Wednesdays all techniques and subjects at the National Art League.9691128.

MOCK INTERVIEWS Thursdays, June 6, 13, 20, 27 Central library.

Register.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Thursday, June 6 at the LIC library. Register.

BUSINESS CARDS Thursday, June 6 Far Rockaway library at 1:30.

BEGINNERS GOOGLE Thursday, June 6 at the LIC library. Register.

INTRO COMPUTERS Thursday, June 6 Ozone Park library. Register.

PRE-GED CLASS Thursdays and Fridays through June 28 Cambria Heights library.

480-4300.

LEARN CHINESE Thursdays North Forest Park library at 6.

LEARN ARABIC Fridays, June 7, 14, 21, 28 Central library at 4:30.

JOB SEARCH Friday, June 7 at the LIC library Register.

SIGN LANGUAGE Friday, June 7 McGoldrick library at 5.

GOOGLE ACCT. Saturday, June 8 Getting More from Goggle Accounts at 2 at the Far Rockaway library.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Saturday, June 8 at Blessed Sacrament in Valley Stream. 516-8728062.

MEETINGS KNITTING CIRCLE Mondays, June 3, 17 6-8 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. $5. 2294000.

FICTION WRITING Monday, June 3 Hollis library at 6.

QUEENS ACADEMY Monday, June 3 Central Queens Academy Charter School open meeting 7-9:30 at 55-30 Junction Blvd., Elmhurst. 212-4378351 to attend.

TALK OF TOWN Tu e s d ay s , J u n e 4 , 1 8 , July 2, 16 learn the art of public speaking in St. Albans at 7:15. 6407092.

BEREAVEMENT Wednesdays, June 5, July 3 Bereavement Support Group at Holy Family in Fresh Meadows at 7:30. 969-2448.

BLUE PIPA Saturday, June 1 1:30 Blue Pipa, Inc. presents “From Harlem to Shanghai and Back” at the Flushing library.

TAMPOPO Saturday, June 1 comic paean to love, food and classic Westerns in Japanese with English subtitles at the Steinway library at 2.

LOCAL ARTISTS Saturday, June 1 local artists exhibit their work at the Cambria Heights library at 3.

GARDEN OF SULEYMAN Saturday, June 1 a Near Eastern Music and Dance Odyssey at the Flushing library at 5.

ASTRONOMY NIGHT Saturday, June 1 at 8 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000. $14 adults, $8 children.

NU URBAN CAFÉ Saturdays live jazz, r&b, open mic 8-midnight.

Free. 188-36 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. 917817-8653.

FH SYMPHONY Sunday, June 2 at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 374-1627.

405 B LUES BAND Sunday, June 2 The 405 Blues Band performs at the Central library at 3.

RUINS OF ATHENS Sunday, June 2 Astoria Symphony Orchestra and Choir at St. Joseph’s in Astoria. 917-460-4289.

MOUSE A COOKIE Sunday, June 2 “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” and other storybooks for the family at Queens Theatre in the Park. 7600064.

OUTDOOR FESTIVAL Sunday, June 2, Thalia Spanish Theatre’s outdoor festival in Thomson Hill Park, Sunnyside. 7293880.

BINGO Tuesdays 7:15 American Mart yrs C h u rc h in Bayside. 464-4582. Tuesdays 7:15 (doors open 6) Rego Park Jewish Center. 459-1000. $3 admission includes 12 games.

SCRABBLE Tuesday s Fresh Meadows library at 2.

CHESS Tuesdays 4 Rosedale library.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Wednesday, June 5 at 1:30 at Plattsduetsche Park in Franklin Square. $8. 516-775-2405.

FAMILY GAME DAY Thursday, June 6 at the B a y Te r r a c e l i b ra r y a t 3:30.

OPEN MIC

Thursday, June 6 Flushing library at 6:30.

JAZZ GIANTS Friday, June 7 Hollis Presbyterian Church’s Sons of Encouragement presents Conversation with Jazz Giants of Queens (Bill Jacobs, Steven Kroon, George Cables, Onaje Allen Gumbs) at the church, 1 0 0 - 5 0 1 9 6 th S t r e e t , Hollis. 776-4646. Free.

NU URBAN CAFÉ Fridays live jazz and r&b 9-midnight. Free. 188-36 Linden Blvd., St. Albans.

917-817-8653.

GAME DAY Fridays 4:30 Woodhaven library.

GAME PLAYERS CLUB Fridays 2 Hillcrest library.

STEVEN KROON Saturday, June 8 Steven Kroon Latin Jazz Sextet at the Hollis Presbyterian

C h u r c h , 1 0 0 - 5 0 1 9 6 th Street. 776-4646. $25.

7pm.

JACKSON HEIGHTS Saturday, June 8 slide lecture on the history of Jackson Heights at 10:45 and 12:15 at the Comm u n i t y C h u rc h , 8 1 - 1 0 35 th Avenue. Free. Exhibition of Vintage Photos and Memorabilia 10- at the Communit y Church.

Self-Guided Tour of Private Interior Gardens 124. $10 tickets. Sunday, June 9 escorted Walking Tour of the Historic District. $!0. Meet in front of the Communit y Church, 82 nd Street and 35 th Avenue. 565-5344.

OPEN MIC Sunday, June 9 Central library at 2.

STREET FAIR Sunday, June 9 Forest Hills Spring Street Fair on Austin Street.

HEALTH VICTORIOUS VOSG (Victorious Overcomers Support Group) is a 7 Victory Step Bible based support group that helps all those who are struggling with addiction and compulsive behaviors, anger, fear, depression, etc.

1-800 DRUGWAR. AUTISM WORKSHOP Saturday, June 1 Broadway library at 3.

YOGA Saturdays through September 8 9:30-10:30 and 11-12 and Sundays 1011. Socrates Sculpture, 32-01 Vernon Blvd., LIC. CANCER SCREENING Sunday, June 2 free skin cancer screening 10-2 at Forest Hills Hospital. 8301964.

TAI CHI Sundays through September 9 11-12 at Socrates Sculpture, 3201 Vernon Blvd., LIC. CHAIR YOGA Monday, June 3 Langston Hughes and Steinway library. Register.

STRETCH & TONE Monday, June 3, 10, 17, 24 Shape Up NYC at the LIC library at 6:30.

HEALTH INFO Mondays, June 3, 10, 17 health information from the Internet Langston Hughes library at 10.

BREAST CANCER Mondays Women Newly Diagnoses and Post Treatment 10:30-noon and Yo u n g Wo m e n w i t h Breast Cancer 7-8:30 at Adelphi Breast Cancer

Program. 516-877-4314.

METASTATIC BREAST Second and Fourth Mondays 1:30-3:00 at Adelphi Breast Cancer Program.

516-877-4314.

MEN BREAST CANCER Second Mondays 7-8:30 at Adelphi Breast Cancer Program. 516-877-4314.

CHAIR YOGA Tu e s d a y , June 4 Laurelton library. Register.

MEDITATION Tuesday, June 4 Richmond Hill library at 5.

OBAMACARE Wednesday, June 5 Free Synagogue of Flushing’s communit y forum on “How Affordable Care Act Affects NYers.” 7:30 at 41-60 Kissena Blvd., Flushing.

AEROBICS Wednesdays, June 5, 12, 19, 26 Shape UP NYC at the Central library at 4.

CHAIR YOGA Wednesdays, June 5, 12, 1 9 Wo o d s i d e l i b r a r y.

Register.

CHAIR YOGA Wednesdays, June 5, 12 Ridgewood library. Register.

BODY SCULPT FITNESS Thursdays, June 6, 13, 2 0 , 2 7 Le f ra k C i t y l i brary at 5:30.

CHAIR YOGA Thursdays, June 6, 13 Queens Village library and Auburndale library.

Register.

DANCE FITNESS Fridays, June 7, 14, 21, 28 Richmond Hill library at 5.

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Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 31 - June 6, 2013

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May 31 - June 6, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

Queens Today YOUTH QUEENS LIBRARIES Many branches of the Queensborough Library offer toddler and preschool programs and more. Contact local branches.

WHAT’S THAT SOUND? Saturday, June 1 “The Orchestra” at the Ridgewood library at 2.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

MATH HELP Saturdays for grades 48 Flushing library at 10.

SCIENCE LAB Saturdays Central library at 11.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2.

WORD GAMES Mondays, June 3, 10, 17, 24 McGoldrick library at 5.

S TORY T I M E Monday, June 3 Hollis library at 11:30.

ECO CRAFTS Mondays, June 3, 10 Sunnyside library at 4.

GAMES FOR KIDS Monday, June 3 Richmond Hill library at 5.

CRAFT KIDS Mondays Flushing li-

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S TORY T I M E Mondays at 3:30 at the Peninsula library.

BEGIN CHESS Mondays at 3:30 Windsor Park library.

KNIT & CROCHET Mondays Douglaston library at 4.

HOMEWORK HELP Daily McGoldrick library at 3. Monday through Thursday at the Fresh Meadows library at 4 and at the Rosedale library at 3:30.

SANDY COLLAGE Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25 Arverne library at 5.

SUPERHERO Tu e s d a y, June 4 Douglaston library at 4.

Wednesday, June 5 at the Cambria Heights library at 3. Monday, June 17 at 4 at the Windsor Park library. Create Your Own Superhero and Supervillain.

ORIGAMI WINDOW Tu e s d a y s , J u n e 4 , 1 1 Origami Window Display at the Langston Hughes library at 4.

KIDS CLUB Tuesday, June 4 Hillcrest library at 4:30.

TEENS KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18 Rochdale Village library at 5.

NATURE KIDS Tuesday s Sunnyside library at 3:15.

KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays at 5 Rochdale Village library.

CRAFT TUESDAYS Tu e s d a y s Cambria Heights library at 4.

CRAFTY FUN Wednesday, June 5 Briarwood library at 4:30.

SIGN, READ & PLAY Wednesday, June 5 Douglaston library at 1:30.

ECO CRAFTS Wednesday, June 5 Sunnyside library at noon.

READING FOR FUN Wednesdays at the Laurelton library at 3:30.

CRAFTIVITIES Wednesdays East Flushing library. Register.

CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 Queens Village library and 4:30 Poppenhusen library.

GAME DAY Wednesdays Howard Beach library at 5.

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CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2.

LAPTOPS Mondays-Thursdays Hollis library at 3.

SHSAT Tuesday, June 4 SHSAT practice test at the Central library. Register.

COLLEGE ADMISSION Wednesday, June 5 introduction to the college admissions process for high school students and parents at 5 at the Windsor Park library.

GAME DAY Wednesdays Howard Beach library at 4.

CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 Queens Village library.

FAMILY GAME Thursday, June 6 Bay Terrace library at 3:30.

PRE-GED CLASS Thursdays and Fridays until June 28 pre-GED Classes at the Cambria H e i g h t s l i b r a r y. 4 8 0 4300.

GREEN CRAFTS Thursday, June 6 Broadway library at 4.

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MANGA DRAWING Thursdays South Ozone Park library at 4.

CHESS CLUB Thursdays Rochdale Village library 4:30.

GAME DAY Friday, June 7 Sunnyside library at 4.

MAGIC TRICKS Friday, June 7 Whitestone library. Register.

RECORDING STUDIO Fridays, June 7, 14, 21, 28 Recording Studio Workshop: Audio Engineering, Editing and Mixing at 2:45 at the Far Rockaway library.

HAPPY HOUR Fridays, June 7, 14, 21 Flushing library at 4.

MOVIE AFTERNOON Fridays Central library at 3:30.

WII FRIDAYS Fridays at the Hollis library at 3:30.

GAME DAY Fridays at 4 at the Sunnyside library.

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AUDITIONS Tuesday, June 4 auditions for Theatre By The Bay’s “Guys and Dolls” at 7:30 and Thursday, June 6 at 7:30 at Bay Terrace Jewish Center, 13-00 2 0 9 th S t r e e t , B a y s i d e .

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WRITE SCRIPT Write a Book or Movie Script at the Community Learning Center in Jamaica. 291-1094.

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Unless Otherwise Specified Press of Southeast Queens Policy: All advertisers are responsible to give correct advertising as it will appear. The Press will assume no financial responsibility for errors or omissions.

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Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens May 31 - June 6, 2013

Musicians Of Queens Dry Clean Only

For those who miss the heydays of the 1990s, where no-frills, raw rock 'n roll dominated the scene, Dry Clean Only should be right up your alley.

DCO is an alternative-punk band from Middle Village that started in 2005. The band’s three members are Joey Wunsch on vocals and lead guitar, Connor McClelland on bass and back-up vocals and Ronnie Bruno on the drums.

The trio, who lists Green Day, Nirvana and Manchester Orchestra as influences, got their start in McClelland’s basement in 2005.

The childhood friends all lived on the same block in Queens, taught themselves how to play and started writing music together.

“When we first started playing, we had no idea what we were doing,” McClelland said. “It’s like growing up in life. We’re still trying to figure out where we are but we’re building momentum and taking steps in right direction.”

In their eight years, the group has played several famous venues in the City, such as Webster Hall, the Knitting Factory and The Bitter End. The band also played at a Vogue Maga-

Finding a Home for Sinatra We here at Qconf want to highlight a four-legged family member, Sinatra, a three-year-old Blue Brindle Pitbull, who belongs to a service man, Sal Lopez of Astoria.

Sal did everything in his power to find Sinatra a loving home, but his grandmother, Mary Lopez says everyone strays away as soon as they find out Sinatra is a pitbull.

“Sinatra is a very friendly, well-behaved pitbull, who is also good with children and even gets along with other small dogs,” said Mary. “He is also a very calm and collective pitbull, who hardly ever barks.”

“I call the rescue home everyday to make sure Sinatra is doing well because he is used to going on long walks with Sal and running

Sinatra around in the backyard,” she said. “I would love to keep Sinatra, but I can’t because I have a leg injury and he needs a strong owner to take him on walks.”

Before giving up on finding Sinatra a home, Sal reached out to the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, a coalition of 150 animal shelters and rescue organizations.

From there Sal was introduced to the Glen Wild Animal Rescue in South Kortright, New York, which is

Sinatra’s new home till he finds a permanent home.

“We are desperately trying to find Sinatra a permanent home because he comes from a loving household and I have a soft-spot for our service men, who have to make a very hard choice in order to concentrate on their military service,” said Jane Hoffman, founder and president of the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals.

Sinatra has been neutered at the foster home, received all of his shots and weighs about 50 pounds.

If you are interested in adopting Sinatra, email Liz Keller, founder of the Glen Wild Rescue Home at info@glenwildanimalrescue.org.

Astoria Coffee Wins StartUP! Cash An Astoria-based coffee company has received a big wad of cash for winning a contest.

According to a story in the Daily News, Astoria Coffee was one of three businesses that won a substantial amount of money in the seventh annual Queens StartUP! Business Plan Competition.

The other two companies selected for the money was Fabulous Fitness NYC in Springfield Gardens and M3D, an environmental sustainability company in Flushing. They won $10,000 each. The trio was chosen out of 30 businesses that applied according to the article.

Dennis Lee, the owner of

zine Party hosted by Conde Naste in 2010.

Though McClelland said the show did not go well due to equipment issues, DCO saw it as a great learning experience.

“It was the first time something went wrong in a gig and that really prepared us for the future,” McClelland said.

This past April, the trio released their second demo EP, “Swamp Donkey,” which contains five original songs and is currently available on iTunes. It was produced by Stephen Kellner and recorded in a couple of months at Harvestworks Studios in Manhattan.

“We attacked this EP a lot smarter than we have in the past,” McClelland said. “It makes me a little nostalgic. Something I wrote when I was 12 years old is being recorded when I’m 19.”

DCO is putting together a summer tour to support the new record. The band hopes to inspire kids to play together and feels that their childhood friendship will make them stand out among a crop of other young bands.

“We’re apart from other bands because of the relationships the three of us have,” McClelland said. “It’s cool to see that individual people can have a common bond.”

Helen Out Of The Loop?

As Queens Borough President, one might expect, or hope that Helen Marshall is up to date on New York City politics.

But once again, Marshall has found herself in headlines for being a little out of the loop.

During the Queens Democratic Party’s endorsement event last week, a reporter for a Chinese newspaper asked Marshall if she was disappointed the county had not backed John Liu for mayor and instead, thrown their support behind Christine Quinn.

According to multiple sources, Marshall seemed confused by the question and reportedly answered, “Well, he’s facing opposition in his re-election campaign for comptroller.”

City Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz quickly ran to Marshall’s aid and reportedly leaned over to explain to her that Liu, in fact, was running for mayor prompting another strange reply.

“Oh, I like him, I don’t know why we didn’t endorse him,” she allegedly said.

Perhaps if Marshall picked up The Queens Tribune every now and then, she would be up to snuff!

Who's Got Talent?

QConf is looking for some talented Queens residents to feature. If you are a model, a musician, a chef or an artist, we would love to hear from you!

Send an email to editor@queenstribune.com

Astoria Coffee, told the News that he plans on using the money to open up another shop in the area.

Who we are: QConf is edited by Steven J. Ferrari.

QConf Contributors: Luis Gronda, Natalia Kozikowska, Joe Marvilli, Marcia Moxom Comrie, Mike Nussbaum, Trisha Sakhuja.

Be sure to like us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ QueensTrib, and follow us on Twitter, @QueensTrib

May 31 - June 6, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

What’s Up May 31 “The Dhamma Brothers” This feature-length documentary follows the individual stories of a group of Alabama state penitentiary inmates who volunteer to participate in an intensive Buddhist meditation program. The film addresses particular issues, such as civil rights, the American penal system, the possibility of rehabilitation and religious tolerance and aligns with the educational standards presented in social studies, psychology, sociology, comparative religion and more. The showing will take place at 4 p.m. at the Central Branch of the Queens Library, located on 89-11 Merrick Blvd., between Jamaica and Hillside Avenues. Admission is free.

Black Light Performance Showcase Mount Moriah AME Church will showcase a vibrant performance filled with creativity, expression and artistry from some of today’s most dynamic performers, who will share a diverse blend of art forms in dance, inspirational spoken word, poetry, live music, drama, rap, comedy and more. The event is held in celebration of National Self-Esteem Month and creates a platform for individuals to learn how to develop self-confidence through creative expression.

Friends, family, co-workers, youth groups, community groups, Sunday school groups and the like are invited to join. All ages are welcome.

The event takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Mount Moriah AME Church, located on 116-20 Francis Lewis Blvd., in Cambria Heights. For more information, contact 1930yam@moriahcity. org or (718) 276-1908 ext. 162, or visit www.moriahcity.org.

June 1 Races with Community Mediation Services Come place your bets on the CMS handicap. Enjoy a fabulous buffet lunch and visit the paddock. Enjoy an afternoon of food, fun and championship horse racing. Proceeds will support CMS’ conflict resolution programs throughout New York City.

Ticket price includes admission, program, buffet lunch and paddock tour.

They are $65 for adults and $35 for children ages 3-12. Dress is business casual; no shorts, jeans or sandals will be permitted in the paddock.

The event will be held at Belmont Park, located at 21-50 Hempstead Turnpike; gates open at 11:30 a.m.

The buffet lunch is at 12 p.m. and the post-time is at 1 p.m. For additional information, contact Taniqua Hay at

thay@mediatenyc.org or (718) 5236868 ext. 251.

Special Education Queens Library, in connection with the Queens Special Education Parent Center, will present a workshop for parents of students with special needs. This workshop will focus on how a student is identified as having a disability and how the student can begin to receive specialeducation services. The event takes place at 3 p.m. at the Central Branch of the Queens Library. Admission is free.

The Jamaica Collections Fashion Show The Jamaica Center BID, home to New York’s largest urban fashion district, will present a red carpet evening of trendsetting fashion. Do not miss what promises to be a fabulous evening of fashion. The event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m.. at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, located at 153-10 Jamaica Avenue, across from Rufus King Park. Admission is free, though tickets are required. To be wait listed, visit: http://jamaicacollections-es2005.eventbrite.com/.

Kiwanis Club Evening of Poetry, Music & Dance The Kiwanis Club of Cambria Heights invites you to join them for an evening of poetry, music and dance. Join them for a night that will include a buffet dinner, dessert and beverages, including a cash bar.

The event will be held from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Southern Flair Restaurant, located at 169-77 137th Ave., inside the Small Rochdale Village Mall. Admission is $50. For additional information, contact Carl Johnson at (917) 975-1038 or Arlene Allen at (718) 578-6712.

June 2 Urban Book Club QUBC reviews books from various genres, including both fiction and non-fiction. Many of the books reviewed are urban themed and are voted upon by club members. Supplementary activities are also incorporated into club meetings on a regular basis. Meetings are the first Sunday of every month. All are welcome. The next meeting will be at 2:30 p.m. on June 2, in the Main Floor Meeting Room, at the Central Branch of the Queens Library. Admission is free.

The 405 Blues Band Come hear the classic sounds of B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, T-Bone Walker and many more.

The concert takes place at 3 p.m. at the Central Branch of the Queens Library. Admission is free.

Anniversary Awards Banquet The Queens County Section of the National Council Of Negro Women is celebrating 26 years of giving back to the community by adhering to the mission of this great organization which is: “To Lead, Develop and Advocate for women of African descent as they support their families and communities.” The event will be semi-formal, with a hot and cold buffet, open bar and a DJ. The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Antun’s, located at 96-43 Springfield Blvd., near Jamaica Avenue. Admission is $85. For additional information, visit ncnwqueens.org, contact Gladys Keller at (718) 723-5973, or e-mail ualemp9915@aol.com. For additional information, you may also visit www.ncnwqueens.org.

June 3 Education Town Hall Meeting You are invited to attend the District 29 Education Town Hall Meeting. Come and meet the candidates running for office in the Fall 2013 elections. Learn about their views on education issues including budget cuts and mayoral governance, which will affect the children, parents, teachers, and administration in School District 29Q. Invitees include: Bryan Block, Clive Vanel, Greg Mays, Daneek Miller, Joan Flowers, Joseph Marthone, Manuel Caughman and Sondra Peedeen. The event takes place at 7 p.m. at Campus Magnet High School, located at 207-01 116th Ave. Admission is free.

For more information, call CDEC 29Q at (718) 341-5408.

June 4 Job Skills This workshop will teach participants to identify, define and categorize their job skills, understand the difference between skills and duties, market skills to prospective employers and become aware of the skills most sought by employers. The workshop will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the Central Branch of the Queens Library. Admission is free. For more information, call the Job Information Center at (718) 990-0746 or (718) 990-8625.

June 5 Resumes and Cover Letters Does your resume and cover letter stand out from the crowd? Make them the best they can be by learning how to get started, different

types of resumes, what and what not to include and tips for making them stronger. The workshop will be held at 10 a.m. at the Central Branch of the Queens Library. Admission is free. For further information, visit the Job Information Center or call (718) 990-8625.

Mock Interviews Practice makes perfect with everything, including your interviewing skills. In this workshop, you will learn how to prepare for your interview, successfully deal with difficult questions and follow up properly after the interview. The workshops takes place at 2 p.m. at the Central Branch of the Queens Library. Admission is free, but space is limited. To schedule an appointment, call (718) 9908625 or visit the Job Information Center. Mock interviews are held on the Main Floor of the Central Library, in the Job Information Center.

Workshop for Childcare Providers This interactive workshop, given in partnership with the ACS/CUNY Informal Child Care Project, provides information and resources to informal (license-exempt) childcare providers throughout the five boroughs of New York City. Topics include building relationships and nurturing social and emotional development, how children learn, physical well-being and development and language and literacy.

The workshop takes place at 6:30 p.m. at at the Central Branch of the Queens Library. Admission is free.

Operation Safe Southeast Queens Senator Malcolm Smith will meet with commanders from the 102nd, 103rd, 105th, 107th, 112th and 113th precincts, as well as concerned citizens to discuss ways to combat crime in southeast Queens. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the District Office, located at 205-20 Jamaica Ave., on Francis Lewis Boulevard. It is free to attend.

What’s Up With You? Send your community events to the PRESS for a free listing at 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357 Call (718) 357-7400 or email editor@queenspress.com All events will be considered for publication, without a fee.

PUT CARE ON YOUR CALENDAR IN JUNE At EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care, you’ll find new ways to stay healthy, get well and live better with our free health and wellness programs.

Each month we’re bringing you events and activities that help make your community — and our community — a healthier, happier place to be.

EMBLEMHEALTH NEIGHBORHOOD CARE EVENTS CALENDAR

JUNE 1 Saturday Sarcoidosis Group Meeting 3:00-5:00pm

3

Monday Low Impact Zumba 10:30-11:30am Sitting Exercise Noon-1:00pm

4

11

Tuesday Healthy Living With Chronic Conditions 10:00am-12:30pm

13

Thursday Cell Phone Literacy for Adults 10:30-11:30am Meditation Made Easy 2:00-3:00pm

22

Saturday Healthy Living With Diabetes 10:00am-12:30pm

24

Monday Walk Away the Pounds 10:30-11:30am Sitting Exercise Noon-1:00pm

25

Tuesday Healthy Living With Chronic Conditions 10:00am-12:30pm

15

Saturday Healthy Living With Diabetes 10:00am-12:30pm

Tuesday Healthy Living With Chronic Conditions 10:00am-12:30pm

6

17

27

Thursday Dining Diversities for Diabetics 10:30-11:30am

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Friday EHNC Community Partnership 10:00-11:00am

8

Saturday Healthy Living With Diabetes 10:00am-12:30pm

10

Monday Walk Away the Pounds 10:30-11:30am Sitting Exercise Noon-1:00pm

Monday Low Impact Zumba 10:30-11:30am Sitting Exercise Noon-1:00pm

18

Tuesday Healthy Living With Chronic Conditions 10:00am-12:30pm

Thursday Understand Your Blood Pressure Medication Noon-1:00pm Caregivers Support Group 2:00-3:30pm

29

Saturday Healthy Living With Diabetes 10:00am-12:30pm

20 Thursday Dining Diversities for Diabetics 6:00-7:00pm

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For all events, RSVP: 646-476-1294

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