Volume 13 Issue No. 24 June 15-21, 2012
PAGE 18
WILLS’ WOES
Online at www.QueensPress.com
Press Photo by Ira Cohen
Councilman Ruben Wills has been booted from the budget-making process after failing to comply with a state investigation. By Veronica Lewin…Page 3.
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Wills Loses Some Council Member Powers BY VERONICA LEWIN Amid a state investigation, Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica) has lost his privilege to make decisions regarding City money. First reported in the Wall Street Journal Monday night, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn suspended some of Wills’ powers as a Council Member. Quinn removed Wills from the budget negotiating team and banned him from allocating funds to community groups. The matter is being reviewed by the Council’s Standards and Ethics Committee. A spokesman for Wills declined to comment. The loss of power stems from Wills’ decision to plead the fifth regarding $33,000 in member item funding allocated to the nonprofit organization New York 4 Life. Wills was issued a joint subpoena earlier this year in connection to his alleged misappropriation of the money. As stated on Wills’ City Council website, New York 4 Life is a “nonprofit organization which has helped single mothers champion critical issues
such as civic literacy and financial empowerment.” The organization was founded in 2006 and Wills serves on its board of directors. The $33,000 in question was allocated to fund a breakfast for single mothers, a luncheon for single fathers, a campaign to fight childhood obesity and an “adopt a commercial strip” program. After numerous attempts by the State Comptroller’s office to meet with Wills to discuss the spending of the funds between November 2011 and January 2012, a joint subpoena was issued on Feb. 10. Wills served as chief of staff to State Sen. Shirley Huntley (DJamaica) from January 2007 to July 2008. According to court documents, Huntley secured the $33,000 state grant for New York 4 Life in May 2008. The senator herself has not been indicted or accused of any wrongdoing, but her office has been the target of federal and state investigators for more than a year. In December, Huntley’s niece and top aide were among four people indicted for alleg-
Councilman Ruben Wills edly pocketing member item funds intended for the Parents Workshop Inc., a nonprofit organization founded by Huntley. With the exception of one undated invoice of $980, the documents provided to the Attorney General’s office did not account for the $33,000 allocated New York 4 Life. On March 20, Wills invoked his Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination when the Comptroller’s office and the Attorney General’s office asked
questions. The court documents state that Wills and his attorney walked out less than an hour after the hearing started while being asked about transactions associated with the New York 4 Life bank account. Wills was the sole signatory when the funds were deposited into the bank account. While most of Wills’ legal troubles were cleared up before being elected into office, some matters followed him into City Hall. The Councilman pled guilty on Nov. 10, 2011 to criminal mischief in the fourth degree in Manhattan criminal court. According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, Wills entered Inner Circle Communications, a public relations firm in Chinatown, on Aug. 14, 1996, and removed and damaged office property. In 1997, Wills agreed to an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal, which meant the case would be dismissed provided the defendant stayed out of trouble. He failed to appear in court and a bench warrant was issued. The Councilman returned to court in March 2011,
nearly 15 years later. He was ordered to serve three days of community service and pay $2,500 in restitution to the public relations firm. The 28th District Council seat has seen its ups and downs over the last decade. From 2001 to 2005, Allan Jennings represented the district, which includes South Jamaica, Rochdale, Richmond Hill and South Ozone Park. Seven years ago, Jennings was censured for sexually harassing two female staff members. He was also fined by the City Council for creating a hostile work environment. Tom White Jr. was re-elected to his former seat in 2006, where he served until his passing in August 2010 after a long battle with cancer. Wills won a special election in 2010 after White’s passing. He then won the Democratic primary in September 2011 and ran uncontested last November for the remaining two years of the late-Councilman’s term. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or vlewin@queenspress.com.
Boro Reacts To Aqueduct Racetrack Plan Failure BY DOMENICK RAFTER
ward for development. to build the country's larg"We want to still conest convention center at tinue to bring more jobs, the Aqueduct Racetrack more quality of entertainwill not come to fruition," ment here and provide a Sen. Peralta said. "Fortuquality product for the nately, there is another community," he said. viable venue in Queens Braton said CB10 still that, I hope you will agree, supported development has numerous significant at the site, but they were advantages over other lonot losing sleep over the cations reportedly under consideration elsewhere The proposed $4 billion convention center at Aque- "world's largest convenin the city. That site is duct Racetrack appears to be dead, Gov. Andrew tion center" project fallCuomo admitted recently. ing through. Willets Point." "I don't think too many The potential site at Aqueduct presented transportation the transportation around Willets of us will be terribly upset if we're issues as the site is only accessible Point would be minimal because not the world's biggest convenby bus or by the A train subway the infrastructure already exists tion center," she said. "But cerline, on which a ride to Manhat- with a web of highways, a subway tainly we will all be working to see tan could take an hour. The con- and LIRR line already connect- that development takes place on that site." vention center proposal reignited ing to the site. What that will be, however, is As for Aqueduct, Patrick ideas to resuscitate the old Rockaway Beach LIRR line which Jenkins, a representative for still uncertain. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter runs from Aqueduct and connects Genting, said the company would to the LIRR Main Line in Rego be involved in whatever process at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 125 or Park. Peralta noted upgrades to Gov. Cuomo decides to put for- drafter@queenstribune.com.
June 15-21, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3
Uncertainty. That is the word Community Board 10 Chairwoman Betty Braton used to describe the more than decade long dealing the board has had with the process to develop Aqueduct Racetrack. That word continued to play true after Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that his plan to build the world's largest convention center at the site where less than a year ago a casino opened went bust. "Since January there hasn't been any information that has come out of the governor's office to us in regard to the [convention center] project," she said, noting that all information on the convention center idea came to CB10 from Genting. That led to uncertainty over whether the project was moving
forward. Once Cuomo announced its cancellation, uncertainty over what will actually be built at the site permeated the community board. While the governor has stood by the idea of building a convention center, it is no longer definite that one will be built at Aqueduct Racetrack. "We really don't know what process will be used," Braton said. The governor hinted that there would be a bid process for a convention center project and a handful of gaming companies including MGM Grand have expressed interest in a bid. Where a potential convention center will go is still up in the air, though Willets Point has emerged as a possible location. That caught the attention of State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-Corona), who wrote to Gov. Cuomo pitching the site. "It was tremendously disappointing to learn that your plan
Fresh Produce Returns To Downtown Jamaica BY VERONICA LEWIN
Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 15-21, 2012
In 1975, a farmers market opened in downtown Jamaica. Over the years it has evolved into a one-stop shop and summer favorite in Southeast Queens. The Jamaica Market was originally located on Archer Avenue and 153rd Street. Over the last three decades, it has moved to various locations within a threeblock radius. The market moved to its current location in 1990, 160th Street between Jamaica Avenue and 90th Avenue. Sponsored by the Greater Jamaica Development Corp., the Jamaica Market has grown from a place with just fruits and vegetables to a place with anything from hot food to clothing. The Jamaica Farmers Market will open for the summer on June 29. The farmers market will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The market will close for the season on Nov. 17. “The community is always excited that it’s coming,” Manager
Angela Mohan said, who has been with the market for 17 years. While the farmers market is open, Community Markets and GJDC host free events at the downtown Jamaica farmer’s market. Throughout the summer and early fall, residents can attend cooking demonstrations by the Cornell University Cooperative Extension. There will also be nutrition sessions available featuring the fresh produce of the season.
On Aug. 11, the market will host a corn roast from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 11th annual Harvest Festival will be held on Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. “We look forward to them returning each year,” Mohan said. Last year, the Farmers Market began accepting WIC and EBT cards to help make fresh produce available to all. The farmer’s market offers one hour of free parking to Saturday shoppers. The
voucher is available at the manager’s tent. Year round, the Jamaica Market is home to a variety of eateries and stores adjacent to the farmers market. The Jamaica Market is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The market occasionally opens on Sundays for special events. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or vlewin@queenspress.com.
One vendor showcases his fresh vegetables at the Jamaica Farmers Market, which will return on June 29.
Pizzeria Owner’s Murderer Sentenced BY DOMENICK RAFTER
The man convicted for the murder of Gerardo Antoniello, the son of an Ozone Park pizzeria owner gunned down in his parents’ home, has been sentenced to 50 years to life in prison. Francis LaCorte of Ozone Park was convicted on a series of charges including second-degree murder, first degree robbery, first degree burglary in April in connection with
Antoinello’s shooting death. Queens DA Richard Brown said LaCorte was convicted of orchestrating and planning the robbery of Antoinello’s father, Bartolomeo Antoinello, former owner of Romeo’s Pizzeria on Cross Bay Boulevard at his home on North Conduit Avenue in Ozone Park on Sept. 9, 2009. During the robbery, which occurred after Antoinello returned home from work, Gerardo Antoinello, Bartolomeo’s 29-
year-old son was shot and killed while coming to his father’s aid. His murder shocked the community and the elder Antoinello sold the pizzeria. He later passed away. Three other suspects pleaded guilty in connection to the murder already. Vincent Mineo, who helped LaCorte plan the robbery, pleaded guilty to first degree burglary, first degree attempted robbery and fourth-degree conspiracy in February and was sen-
tenced to 20 years in prison. LaCorte and Mineo also conspired with others to commit two other robberies at Queens residences in August and September, 2009. Two other accomplices, Jason Burrell and Rashod Cowan, both pleaded guilty to first-degree burglary and first-degree attempted robbery and will be sentenced in August. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 125 or drafter@queenstribune.com.
Queens College Honors Briarwood Activist BY ROSS BARKAN When Andrea Veras saw broken car windows and festering garbage, she decided this was not the Briarwood she knew and loved. Rather than flee, she dug in her heels and decided she was not going to take it anymore. Veras, a recipient of Queens College’s John S. and Yorka C. Linakis Leaders Scholarship, is a community activist in Briarwood. The $1,000 scholarship is presented to Queens College undergraduate and graduate students for outstanding academic performance and community service. Veras, a 2012 winner, earned her master’s in governmental affairs from Queens College while working as a paralegal at the Legal Aid Society. School and work, however, could not keep her from fighting for the betterment of her community. Always passionate about social justice, Veras began to notice two very disturbing trends in her nor-
mally peaceful neighborhood: garbage was being dumped illegally and cars, suddenly, were being vandalized. In 2011, Veras co-founded the Briarwood Community Group with Patricia Brierre. Eventually, it was renamed the Briarwood Action Network. Veras organized carpools for residents to attend the 107th Precinct’s monthly meetings so their voices could be heard. A breakthrough came for her civic association last May when
more than 150 residents attended a meeting to address the vandalisms and illegal dumping along a retaining wall on Main Street between Manton Street and 84th Road. On that same block, numerous cars had been broken into, creating a blighted stretch in a normally attractive neighborhood. Police patrols were increased and the vandalism suspect was arrested in June of 2011. Yet the solving of a few com-
munity issues has not made Veras any less of a vigilant activist. Whether it’s fundraising for the Briarwood Public Library or working to ensure that the seemingly endless construction on Queens Boulevard does not adversely affect Briarwood’s quality of life, Veras is still working to keep the community safe. Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127 or rbarkan@queenstribune.com.
Andrea Veras
Summer Events Planned In Eastern Queens BY ROSS BARKAN Summer is on the horizon, and this means all kinds of fun for scenic Northeast Queens. On Sunday, June 24 at 6 p.m. the Bayside Historical Society is hosting a lawn concert at 6 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the magnificent vista of the Long Island Sound. Located at Fort Totten, the Bayside Historical
Society holds the key to Bayside and Northeast Queens’ rich past. Sources confirm there will be some great rock music played. At Fort Totten Park on July 6 at 10:30 a.m., enjoy Puppets in the Park presents “Bessie’s Big Shot.” It’s an original puppet tale of an independent cow making her way through life, following her dreams. At Crocheron Park on July 11 at 10:30 a.m., specifi-
cally at the Buz O’Rourke Playground, enjoy music and movement activities for children from birth age up until 7 years. Head over to Alley Pond Park on July 12 at 10:30 a.m. to relish a Morning of Music with Darlene Graham. The interactive performance features folk and remixes of familiar children’s songs that will keep everyone singing and dancing. Return to Buz O’Rouke Play-
ground on July 18 at 10:30 a.m. for live storytelling and head to Alley Pond Park on July 20, also at 10:30 a.m., for Plaza Theatricals presenting a live performance of “Cinderella.” For more information, call (718) 352-4792 or visit nyc.gov/ parks. Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127 or rbarkan@queenstribune.com.
June 15-21, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5
Editorial OF SOUTHEAST QUEENS 150-50 14th Road Whitestone, NY 11357 (voice) (718) 357-7400 fax (718) 357-9417 email news@queenspress.com The PRESS of Southeast Queens Managing Editor:
Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:
Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:
Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor
Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen
Reporters: Harley Benson Veronica Lewin Domenick Rafter Ross Barkan Megan Montalvo Interns: Asia Ewart Cristina Foglietta Art Dept:
Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend
Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 15-21, 2012
Advertising Director Shanie Persaud Sr. Account Executive Shelly Cookson Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie Shari Strongin
A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2012 Tribco, LLC
Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher
Misplaced Priorities
If you are physically disabled or have simply injured your leg, don’t bother taking the subway in New York City. Only 20 percent of stations comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Try taking the subway across the borough and finding an elevator. You’re more likely to see Mr. Met leading a seminar on astrophysics at Queens College than an elevator taking passengers to the platform. With all the gripes people have about the MTA – legitimate gripes – the most overlooked flaw of the largest subway system in America is the lack of accessibility at stations for the physically disabled. All the worse, considering the Americans With Disabilities Act was passed in 1990, 22 years ago. Yes, buses are available, but those buses often take a long time to navigate the dense Queens landscape. Subways can shoot quickly from one location to another. If you lack a car and have an emergency not requiring an ambulance, the subway is your best bet. But a significant portion of the population does not have that same option. The MTA is always facing budget shortfalls and is chronically underfunded. Yet we live in the wealthiest city in America, a crown jewel of the world, and we can’t provide access to our public transportation system to everyone. It’s clear that we put our money where our priorities are, and it’s a shame that people with disabilities aren’t a priority. The MTA needs to address the chronic shortage of elevators and ramps in stations and right this awful wrong.
Letters No Center Needed To The Editor: The PRESS editorial “A New Idea” in its June 8-14, 2012 issue concerning a convention center
has it all wrong and evidences a lack of substantive knowledge of the issue. It is not a new idea, but an old idea and a bad one. Several years ago The Brookings Institution issued a report that
Letters raised serious issues about convention space. The report stated “You’ve got cities around the country building new or expanded convention space at a very rapid rate in a market that is already glutted and over supplied.” It also stated: “In an environment where every major center around the country is sharply discounting rental rates or giving space away and throwing in incentives, the likelihood of any succeeding is remarkably thin.” It also pointed out there was a decline in attendance. Were the above in and of itself not enough to suggest the foolishness of the “world’s largest convention center,” reference is made to the Javits Center on the West Side of Manhattan while structurally sound is currently undergoing an extensive taxpayer funding of $1.4 billion renovation purported to make it more competitive. The idea is to then demolish Javits when this new “super” center is completed, presumably this valuable tract of land will then be turned over to fat cat real estate-mogul friends of the far too many myopic politicians in this state. Wait, there is more. At the end of the day, conventioneers also want to be where the action is. That is Manhattan,
not the boondocks of Aqueduct and not Willets Point. As to Willets Point, there is also talk of a 1,000 room hotel, this in an area already choked with congestion and the Grand Central Parkway, Van Wyck Expressway and Northern Boulevard, traffic arteries that are incapable of being expanded. The claim it will bring jobs to Queens is nonsense. Queens is part of New York City and it would be illegal to limit jobs to Queens residents. The public should question why a proposed convention space is tied to a gambling casino and the huge sums of money floating around to buy political support. What the people of this city and state need, is a functioning Legislature and Governor who do not believe their only constituents are special interests. What we do not need, is another convention space, albeit a useless one. Benjamin M. Haber, Flushing
WRITE ON: The PRESS of Southeast Queens, 174-15 Horace Harding Expy. Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 email news@queenspress.com
Forum Delivers Finance Info For College A Personal Perspective BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE Since the day our children are born, we think about college and we start saving for it with their “baby money” received at their christenings and birthdays. But before you know it they are high school seniors and you wonder two things: where did the time go? How will we pay for college? No matter what you do, college costs a lot more than when your child was born. You have to play catch up. U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks held a forum at York College earlier this week to address the issue and the experts he brought in were indeed helpful. Meeks has already put two children through college so to put it in Clintonian terms, he feels our pain. In a perfect world, your kid
does all the right things in school and gets a free ride through college. If you have such a kid, give him or her a big hug of gratitude and maybe buy ‘em a car in a few years. But most kids are not like that, so what is our recourse? There is still a lot of scholarship money out there for which they can qualify. Many are small scholarships, but if they apply to enough places they add up. There are also local scholarships high school students qualify for by being engaged in community service. On a college tour I participated in this spring, a young woman at one of the colleges told us she got a scholarship for being left-handed. Another student got a scholarship for having one green eye and one brown. Go figure. But the point is there is money to be had if you look
around. These small scholarships definitely help. Two of Meeks’ experts were particularly helpful to parents at the event this week. There was a fellow from the U.S. Dept. of Education who gave out the web address fastweb.com, and I was delighted to note that they boast “over $3 billion worth of scholarships.” Product scholarship was also another suggestion. There are addresses and telephone numbers on all products. He advised writing to ask for scholarships. Again, they are miniscule, but the mathematics is encouraging. The Congressman also had someone in from Consumer Finance (consumerfinance.gov) who addressed the pitfalls of taking out private loans for college. Like anything else, let the buyer beware.
Consumer Finance cautions that there are pitfalls to private college loans, such as interest rates that could be higher than public loans like Stafford and such. Loans can be renegotiated to more manageable payments such as interest only, until the borrower can resume regular payments. This forum was well worth the time and if U.S. Rep. Meeks should host another in the district, I highly recommend it. According to Meeks, there is also relief for those who have already graduated from college and repaying loans. College is expensive but there are ways to finance it that won’t leave us paying back a loan 20 years after graduation. More information can be obtained from Meeks’ office at 15301 Jamaica Ave., second floor, or by calling (718) 725-6000.
Grace: noun, simple elegance or refinement By MICHAEL SCHENKLER It’s not the chest-t humpi ng speeches, the outrageous, assertive claims, or the insistence on knowing all the answers that distinguishes one elected official from another. It is the quiet and effective bridge-building and diplomatic cooperation that makes the real difference.
to relate: “Grace Meng, Flushing’s Favorite Daughter, Wants to Bring Her Nice-Gal Politics to Washington.” Written by Colby Hamilton, one of the regulars of the WNYC radio blog, the article captures the Grace Meng I’ve known since I met her, when she first ran for public office in 2008 challenging the hand-picked candidate of Community hero John Liu as well as the Queens County Democratic Organization, because Grace believed she could make a difference. Hamilton’s article brought me back to why Grace Meng was different from the hundreds of electeds I’ve gotten to know steering our sister newspaper the Tribune and covering politics for the past almost 35 years. Hamilton’s take on Grace: “She’s also emphatically not of the ruthless political mold: In his nomination of Meng as the county organization’s pick for the open seat, Councilman Mark Weprin ech-
oed what nearly everyone mentions when they talk about Grace Meng. ‘She’s hard not to love and she has character, commitment and confidence without a hint of arrogance—and in this business, that’s rare,’ Weprin said.” “Besides winning the straw poll for political Ms. Congeniality, Meng’s immigrant family and political doit-yourself background has positioned her as the aspirational candidate in the Grace Meng and Michael Schenkler race. She represents that clasIt’s not the chest-t humpi ng sic New York political storyline of a rising community that, through the speeches, the outrageous, assertive success of its favored daughter or claims, or the insistence on knowson, can say its finally made it . . .” ing all the answers that distinYes, Grace is different, and I guishes one elected official from believe it was Democratic chairman another. It is the quiet and effecU.S. Rep. Joe Crowley who intro- tive bridge-building and diplomatic duced her by remarking that her cooperation that makes the real remarkable personalit y and gifts difference. It’s Grace. are best described by her name, MSchenkler@Gmail.com “Grace.”
Photo by Ira Cohen
It’s not often that an online political blog gets me to react. For the most par t, I read them with great skepticism, recognizing them for what they often are: one person’s viewpoint, unfact-checked and unedited. In gerneral, they do
not bode well for the future dissemination of news in our nation. The historic and long-effective newsrooom is challenged by the on-going generation of stories by wannabe journalists with varying ability lacking the editorial expertise and supervision provided in a professional print newsroom. However, I just star ted reading “The Empire ”(empire.wnyc.org) online. The Empire is a comprehensive online local political offering of WNYC radio. In the limited time I’ve been reading it, I have found it to be “fair and balanced” unlike those talk shows which which only claim to be. According to their website, “WNYC 93.9 FM and AM 820 are New York’s flagship public radio stations, broadcasting the finest programs from National Public Radio and Public Radio International, as well as a wide range of award-winning local programming.” Just last week, I read an article to which I was very much able
One Person, One Vote; Or One Dollar, One Vote? tial amount of public business is transacted at fund-raising events. Clearly, these events provide contributors with an opportunity to meet with the candidates they support and to try to influence them. The press repor ts only the most egregious instances of the heady mix of contributors and lobbyists who seek to influence government. To some extent, lobbying is constitutionally protected free speech, based on the people’s right to petition their government for the redress of grievances. To draw the line between free speech and speech which is anything but free because it is bought and paid for by unions and corporations (now that they are given the status of ‘people’) is a difficult challenge, because we are on the slipperiest of slopes. The courts are likely to go back and forth on these issues, with the differentiation of their views based on social and economic concerns on which the judges may differ. There are no absolutes here, and the basic attitudes of nine judges, appointed by a number of different Presidents, are more than likely to vary with the political attitudes of the times and their backgrounds. The practice of requiring do-
nations to political campaigns or related causes as a condition of obtaining access to public officials is called “pay to play”. It is fundamentally wrong because it violates the principle of government on the merits if decisions are made on the basis of financial contributions by people seeking jobs or contracts with the state. It is very difficult to prove the wrongful intent of a particular donor when the candidate has made a general appeal to the public for financial support and has received thousands of donations, some of which are undoubtedly motivated to a greater or lesser extent by self interest. If a law makes every transaction suspect, it is not likely to be that effective in sifting out the bad gifts from the good ones. And the fact that donors, good and bad, are likely to be repre sented by learned counsel, is a further disincentive to an agency taking the initiative on policing this area. There is also the problem of mixed motives, which is sometimes the case for a donation. How one regulates transactions regarding gambling as a revenue measure for the state raises questions if only because of their enormity. The secret manner in which these mea-
sures were agreed upon at a private location upstate also suggests the need for close evaluation of the merits of the plan. The proposal by Genting and the Governor is likely to receive intense scrutiny from both friends and enemies. The extremely large size of the commitment to the Committee to Save New York raises again the issue of state spending.
To be fair, the unions are free to spend whatever they can raise to present their point of view, and contributions from private sources are not practically unlimited, so the merits are not overwhelming for either side. A great deal will depend on how the program is administered, and in that area one’s track record is outstanding. StarQuest@NYCivic.org
Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato
June 15-21, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7
By HENRY STERN Elections are the best way to decide public issues in a democracy. The word democracy means ‘rule by the people’, which is a fair and reasonable way to determine which policies a government should follow, and who should be selected to lead that government. A basic principle of democracy is one man, one vote, a rule the courts have frequently invoked to determine questions brought before judges. One man, one vote (now, more properly one person, one vote) is meant to support the concept that each citizen’s influence should be equal. In realit y, however, some people’s influence is always greater than others’, no matter what system of reckoning is used. The most obvious barometer of influence is money. A man who can give a million dollars to a candidate is much more likely to be listened to than a contributor of $1. It would be impossible to write a law under which every citizens views would receive equal attention and respect. But it remains a legitimate goal of reformers to minimize the disparity in resources between candidates. The major distinction between citizens and interest groups lies in their access to candidates. A substan-
5th Congressional District:
Meeks Faces Rare Primary Challenge
Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 15-21, 2012
Greg Meeks U.S. Representative If the Congressman is selected once again to represent the people, he plans to work with the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development to secure funding to make sure public housing in the district is structurally sound. Nearly half of the borough’s public housing developments are located in the new 5th Congressional District. “We’ve got to change the priorities in Washington, which means that I need a Congress that can put forward some of those policies and you’re not going to be able to do that with a Republican-led Congress,” Meeks said. Despite the size of the cur-
The newly drawn 5th Congressional District now includes all of the Rockaway Peninsula, Jamaica Estates and parts of Nassau County.
Photo by Scala for Congress
On June 26, registered Democrats will choose who they want to represent them in the newly drawn 5th Congressional District based in Southeast Queens. The district now includes all of the Rockaway Peninsula, Jamaica Estates and parts of eastern Nassau County. Fifty-five percent of the district’s voting age population identifies as black. U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (DJamaica) is being challenged by Michael Scala, Joseph Marhtone and Allan Jennings, who is running as a Democrat and Republican. Meeks has been representing Southeast Queens since 1998 and has only faced one primary challenge during his 14 years in office. “The truth of the matter is you never take any election or campaign for granted,” Meeks said. “It’s an honor to represent the people.” Scala, raised in Rosedale, recently received his Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School. He is also known in the music community as the rapper Pizon. Scala said his presence in the hip-hop community has helped him spread the word about his
bid for Capitol Hill. He decided to run in October after becoming fed up with Congress. “The priorities were just in the wrong place and I felt like we needed some regular people from the community,” Scala said. The PRESS of Southeast Queens spoke with Meeks and Scala about their priorities for the 5th Congressional District. Marthone and Jennings did not return requests for comment as of printing.
PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen
BY VERONICA LEWIN
U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks
Attorney Michael Scala
rent deficit, the Congressman thinks that the government should be investing in infrastructure right now, something he called ‘short-term pain for longterm gain.’ To help curb the high unemployment problem in the district, Meeks wants to maximize small business opportunities as well as the district’s airport. John F. Kennedy Airport could provide even more jobs in the community than it does now. The Congressman also plans to work to add jobs at the Aqueduct and Belmont Racetracks and work with local groups to try to lure at least one big-box retailer to the area. While parts of the Affordable Care Act are being contested in the Supreme Court, the Congressman is not concerned that President Barack Obama’s health care plan will be found unconstitutional. “It took president after president to try to pass a health care policy that is good for all Americans and I think that’s what this policy does,” Meeks said. As for stop-and-frisk, Meeks believes that there are ways to keep the streets safer without violating a person’s rights. “Stop and frisk, in the way that it is being instituted here, is a violation of individual civil rights basically,” the former prosecutor said. In order to improve education in the country, Meeks said students should be provided with more opportunities to make the country a better global competitor. In the past, students would go on field trips to explore environments and cultures different
than their own. Now, with constant government cuts, school districts are struggling to provide those same opportunities to new students. Southeast Queens has the highest concentration of foreclosed homes and delinquent mortgages in the borough. Meeks said financial literacy is the key to preventing the crisis from worsening. During his time in office, Meeks has hosted several workshops to educate constituents about home ownership and help underwater homeowners find some relief. Michael Scala Attorney To fix the public housing problem, Scala would work to end the government cuts if elected to the House of Representatives. He plans to work with local officials to be a stronger advocate than what he said the people of the district are getting now. Scala said that investing in infrastructure and job creation is critical now, despite the country’s deficit. “One of the reasons for the recession was because our infrastructure wasn’t up to par. If we invest in our infrastructure now, it will not only create jobs in the short term which will boost the economy, but it will help in the long term as well,” Scala said. He added that with a stronger infrastructure, companies will have good incentives to invest and hire domestically, stimulating job growth. Scala hopes that all of the Affordable Care Act will be upheld, as some of the provisions have been beneficial to millions
of Americans, such as allowing young adults to stay on their parents’ health care plans until the age of 26. If certain provisions of the Affordable Care Act are overturned, Scala suggested introducing smaller pieces of legislation to help make health care accessible to all. According to the New York Civil Liberties Union, 203,500 New Yorkers were stopped, questioned and frisked during the first three months of 2012. Out of those stopped, 89 percent were not found to be armed or dangerous. Scala supports the recent probe into the NYPD’s stop-and-frisk procedures, something he said was creating psychological warfare in the district. “I want to know what the policy even is. I want to know what would make somebody suspicious in their eyes. I want an articulation of the policy because, right now, we’re not even getting that,” he said. To improve schools in the country, Scala said the focus should be taken off of standardized testing and Congress needs to work harder to prevent cuts to education. Scala said one of the first steps to ending the foreclosure problem in Southeast Queens is creating jobs. He and Meeks both think that educating constituents about predatory lending scams could keep people out of mortgages they cannot afford. He plans to push for stronger regulations against the predatory lending practices that caused the housing market to plummet. After The Primary The winner of the June 26 primary will face Allan Jennings, who is running as a Republican this fall. Jennings served as a Democratic City Councilman from 2001 to 2005 until being censured by the Council for creating a hostile work environment. Most recently, he unsuccessfully challenged Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica) for his former 28th District Council seat last September. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or vlewin@queenspress.com.
Police Blotter 103rd Precinct Man Shot On June 9 at approximately 1:56 a.m., NYPD responded to a 911 call of a male shot in front of 106-44 Ruscoe St. Upon arrival, police observed the victim, a 34-year-old African-American male, with one gunshot wound to the torso. EMS responded and transported the victim to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
109th Precinct Grand Larceny The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect wanted for a grand larceny. On April 29 at 6:25 p.m. in front of 80-35 Jamaica Ave., a white male, approximately 30 years old, used a cloned bank card to remove U.S. currency from a bank account that was not his own.
Compiled by STEVEN J. FERRARI Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS Suspects Sought (8477). The public can also submit their The NYPD is asking for the public’s tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers’ assistance in identifying and locating two website at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by individuals wanted in connection with a texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577. grand larceny. All calls are strictly confidential. On April 13 at 7:10 p.m., two male suspects entered the Yogi Lala Jewelers, located at 30-07 Steinway St., pretending to shop for jewelry. The males acted in concert, distracting the staff and loos- Driver Sentenced ening the glass showcase by cutting out Queens D.A. Richard Brown anthe case’s silicone and then removing nounced that a livery cab driver who property without permission or authority unlawfully solicited a fare from a famto do so. ily of four from Panama at John F. The first suspect is described as an Af- Kennedy International Airport last rican-American male, approximately 50 February and then unlawfully imprisyears old, 6-foot, 180 lbs., with dark skin oned them in his vehicle as he f led and a bald head. from authorities has been sentenced to The second suspect is described as an six months in jail. African-American male, approximately Bhupinder Singh, 38, of 30 years old, 6-foot, 200 lbs., with dark Ridgewood, pleaded guilty last month skin and a Caeser hair style. to first-degree unlawful imprisonment and was sentenced in Queens Criminal Court to six months in jail and five years probation. According to the charges, Singh illegally offered arriving passengers at JFK Airport his services as ground transportastudents every year. They are adults who tion for hire on Feb. 21, 2012. As Port are learning to read, write and converse Authority police observed Singh escort a in English, as well as students who are family of four from Panama into his vetaking pre-GED classes. The $3.86 mil- hicle, they blocked Singh’s vehicle with lion expansion and renovation will in- their unmarked police car. When officers clude expanded classroom spaces, more identified themselves as police, Singh computers and listening stations, more locked the vehicle’s doors, put it in restudy and conversation group space and verse and drove around the officer. As Singh attempted to flee the scene, new handicapped-accessible restrooms. It is being built on adjacent vacant cityowned property of which the library already had use. The roof and HVAC equipment will also be replaced and self YOU DON'T HAVE TO service check-in technology will be inREVEAL YOUR stalled. IDENTITY TO HELP The expanded Adult Learning Center SOLVE A CRIME. is expected to open for public service in the fall of 2013.
114th Precinct
News Briefs Library Construction Queens Library at Rochdale Village, 169-09 137th Ave., will be closed on June 18 through June 20 to accommodate construction. Customers may renew materials through the library’s website, www.queenslibrary.org, or via phone at (718) 990-8508. Library users are encouraged to use any of Queens Library’s other locations. The Adult Learning Center at the Rochdale Village branch is being expanded to more than double the existing space. The Adult Learning Center, one of seven that are part of the Queens Library system, serves hundreds of adult
District Attorney
one of the victims grabbed the steering wheel and caused the vehicle to crash into a guardrail, causing minor injuries to the victims. Singh then fled the vehicle and ran away on foot until he was subdued.
Robber Sentenced Queens DA Richard Brown announced that Rafael Then, 28, of the Bronx, convicted last month of stealing a Lexus automobile from a Woodside car dealership in October 2006, has been sentenced to 23 years in prison. According to testimony, Then walked by a porter at Baron Auto Mall, 55-11 Northern Blvd., Woodside, on Oct. 15, 2006. The porter was moving cars, getting them ready to be put away for the night, when he moved a black 2003 Lexus GS 300 onto the sidewalk. As the porter walked away, the defendant yelled to him. When the porter turned, Then was pointing a gun at him, demanding the keys to the Lexus. Once he had the keys, Then told the porter to go inside and say nothing, but the porter called the police instead. The Lexus was discovered 12 days later by Bronx police officers who were using a mobile plate reader to search for stolen vehicles. The reader alerted the officers that the license plate affixed to the Lexus was stolen. The officers then determined the vehicle itself was stolen at gunpoint in Queens. The defendant was arrested when the police, who were surveilling the stolen car, observed him entering the vehicle.
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Award Winner State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo (center), received the ItalianAmerican Legislators Conference 2012 Senate Award for his efforts in promoting the positive influences of ItalianAmericans in government at their annual conference dinner in Albany. Presenting the award to Sen. Addabbo was Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (left) and President of the Italian-American Legislators Conference, State Sen. Joseph Griffo (right).
Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson
Jazz Night The Downtown Jamaica Music Festival opened last week with a Jazz Night. The York College Ambassadors got into the groove under the architecture of the Jamaica Performing Arts Center.
Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 15-21, 2012
During the 36th annual Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty legislative breakfast, Deputy Queens Borough president Barry Grodenchik presented the Chesed Award to Steven Pezenik, a tireless community leader who has worked to better Queens.
Photo by Ira Cohen
Mambo Negro, a cuttingedge jazz band with a Latin flavor, performed at Jazz Night. Photos by Walter Karling.
Met Council Award
June 15-21, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11
Borough Beat
Occupy Queens Takes Aim At Big Banks BY ROSS BARKAN In another context, cardboard costumes and ringing cowbells would mean an early Halloween or the rituals of a bizarre street festival. In the bustle of Jackson Heights, they were symbolic of qsomething else entirely — an attack on large American banks. Occupy Queens, an offshoot of the Occupy movement that swept across America last year, has been meeting weekly and plotting public events, or “actions” as they call them, to ensure the anti-corporate movement maintains its momentum. Police successfully cleared Occupy encampments in New York and elsewhere and the movement, though now firmly entrenched in the public consciousness, has endured criticisms that it lacks a central focus. On June 9, about two dozen members of Occupy Queens led a march through Jackson Heights with the much more specific aim of encouraging residents to move their money from banks like J.P. Mor-
cipitated the financial crash of 2008 that has mired economies worldwide. Banks like J.P. Morgan Chase have also come under fire for their risky investment and trading practices. A recent bad bet cost the bank $2 billion. “Chase, your kingdom will come down,” sang the Occupy Queens protesters, waving signs and beating drums outside of a 75th Street J.P. Morgan Chase branch next to Roosevelt Avenue. Coalescing at the 37th Road Plaza, an oft-used site for their community outreach efforts, the two dozen protesters, ranging from the college-aged to the elderly, snaked up Roosevelt Avenue and eventually veered down 82nd Street. The protesters blasted out chants like “housing is a human right” and “banks get bailed out, we got sold out” as the 7 train clanged overhead. A black Chevy Impala believed by protesters to be an undercover NYPD car trailed the procession. Eventually, an auxiliary police car emerged to follow them when they reached
the housing crisis; we have tons of abandoned homes, tons of foreclosed homes and yet we have homeless people. It’s the inefficiency of the market.” Though seemingly silly, the variegated cardboard houses worn by protesters symOccupy Queens protesters march down bolized the ongoing Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights on June foreclosure crisis plagu9, hoping to raise awareness of their anti-big ing Queens and the rest bank message. of the country. Foreclosed homes have began Chase, Bank of America and come a part of the bleak landCiti Bank to local credit unions. scape of Southeast Queens esThey banged drums, sang, pecially: Rosedale and handed out literature and swag- Rochdale have foreclosure rates gered in cardboard cutout houses more than two times the rest of to make their point clear. Queens, according to the Fed“This is a conscience-raising eral Reserve Bank of New York. march to expose what we think Critics have assailed large banks is wrong with these banks, how for predatory lending practices they corrupt democracy and how that bated families into buying they’re corrupting the homes they could not afford and economy,” said Occupy Queens then foreclosed upon them when member and Jackson Heights those same families fell behind resident Damien Finneran. on mortgage payments. The “We’re particularly focused on burst of the housing bubble pre-
37th Avenue. One protester handed a flyer to a stern-faced officer. The Occupy movement has drawn mixed reactions from Queens elected officials. While Councilmen James Sanders (DLaurelton) and Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) have embraced the movement’s ethos, Councilman Peter Vallone (DAstoria) criticized the group’s Zucotti Park occupation for drawing police presence away from Western Queens. “Because of the Occupy movement, the entire city in Buffalo took out money from Chase bank to the tune of $45 million and put it in a local bank,” said Occupy Queens member and Jackson Heights resident Susan Lippman. The Buffalo Sewer Authority transferred the money to First Niagara Financial Group. “That deserves more publicity. It’s going to be a long hard struggle because the banks are powerful.” Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127 or rbarkan@queenstribune.com
Profile
SEQ Woman Brings Home Two Gold Medals Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 15-21, 2012
One local sensei took home the gold at a recent karate competition in Nicaragua. Cheryl Murphy of Jamaica Hills won two gold medals at the Pan American Federation Championships, held from May 29 to June 2 in Nicaragua. The second degree black belt won her weight class and the women’s open division at the competition. It was the first time in USA Traditional Karate history that a competitor won in the open weight division. Murphy, 33, trains two to three hours a day, six days a week. On top of training, she teaches children and adults at the Harakenkojuku Karate Association in Hollis. Murphy said karate could be a fun way to help children to focus and become
more coordinated. “When they get it, it’s like you got it. It’s a great thing,” she said. Murphy moved from Washington state to Queens when she was 3 years old. At a young age, she participated in gymnastics, dance and music. She began studying karate at the age of 6. Her mother took her out of karate classes for a period of time because she did not think she took it seriously. In the meantime, she would still participate in gymnastics. While waiting for her mother to pick her up, she would watch the karate class that was taking place. Eventually her mother put her back in karate classes, where Murphy continued to perfect her skills. While attending college at Morgan State University in Maryland, she found a karate school
Photo by Forrest Briggs
BY VERONICA LEWIN
Cheryl Murphy she could train in between her studies. She has been the only black female on Team USA for the last 10 years and has done fairly well in the past. It was five years before she made the Pan American podium as an individual competitor.
This past April, Murphy won a gold medal, two silver medals and a bronze medal at the US Open Karate Championship and North American Cup Championships in Las Vegas. She is being eyed to be selected for competitor of the year. Before she retires, Murphy hopes the Olympic Games will include karate as a sport. “I’m just hoping at some point that’s going to happen,” she said. Unlike other countries, the United States government does not sponsor people who participate in international competitions. Because of this, Murphy must work while she trains because training is so expensive. “This is just literally for the love of it,” she said. She said she enjoys the discipline and camaraderie that ka-
rate has allowed her to experience. At this point in her life, she said she has a love/hate relationship with the sport. Murphy hopes to be victorious at the World Championships this fall, which will be held in Paris. While Murphy is passionate about karate, it is not something she sees herself doing for the rest of her life. She said she has set quitting dates in the past, but found herself not being able to stick with them. Also, as Murphy gets older, injuries take a little longer to heal. She plans to reevaluate after the World Championships. “I’m not going to give myself a time limit, however, it is coming to an end,” Murphy said. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or vlewin@queenspress.com.
A&E
Rapper’s Debut Takes Listeners On A Journey
BY CRISTINA FOGLIETTA
J. Whizz, a Jamaica native, sends his audience on a journey in his first album "The Platform" by First Class Republic. The album comes out June 19 and the artist says it is part one of a trilogy. "God gave me a gift and I want to present it to the world,"
Whizz said. Whizz said the album is based on the concept of "be careful what you wish for, cause you just might get it." "The Platform" is about an artist who becomes rich and famous but loses his girlfriend, friends and family. He then has a decision to make about his life, which is made at the end of the album.
Restaurant Review
A Sweet Cut
Butcher Bar 37-08 30th Ave., Astoria (718) 606-8140 www.butcherbar.com HOURS: 11:30 a.m.–11p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m. to midnight Fri.-Sat. CREDIT CARDS: Yes, all major
his hobby became his passion. He said his friends gave him the name J. Whizz at 15 years old, he was always telling stories and the name stuck. "The world would be invisible without music," said Whizz. Whizz says his musical inf luences are Jay-Z, Nas, Kanye West and Bob Marley. He said his concepts are similar to Nas and his creativity is similar to Kanye. "Music is art; it can express a lot of things and people make their own interpretation," he said. "My Love" is more romantic while "The Lights" is about fame and stardom. "Dream Come True" is a conceptual song which explains part of the album's story. He said he thinks listeners will enjoy his song "Mr. Perfect." Whizz said "The Platform"
J. Whizz sets the tone; the second album will have a different tone and feature special guests. "It's cool that I have the freedom to do and create whatever I want. True love is music," Whizz said. "The Platform" is on sale June 19 on iTunes, Amazon and other digital retail stores. Reach Intern Cristina Foglietta at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 124 or news@queenstribune.com.
With Renovations Done, Kupferberg Center Reopens BY ROSS BARKAN Queens College celebrated the renovations of their Selma and Max Kupferberg Center for the Visual and Performing Arts on June 11. Elected officials and Queens College administrators hailed Max Kupferberg for his $10 million donation to his alma mater that made the renovations possible. Four arts venues within the Kupferberg Center were reopened: the Godwin-Ternbach Museum, Music Building, Goldstein Theatre and Colden Auditorium. The renovations, which took two years, include redesigns to lobbies and facades, as well as new landscaping, signage and updated security systems. Funding came from several donors, but Kupferberg's contribution was the largest, encouraging more donations, according to Kupferberg director Vivian Charlop. Kupferberg, a part of the first Queens College class of
1941, worked on the Manhattan Project and founded the Flushing-based electronics manufacturing firm, Kepco Inc. Queens College President James Muyskens, Borough President Helen Marshall and Queens College officials lauded the center for its contribution to the culture of Queens. Muyskens said that the Kupferberg center is a driving force in the "Queens renaissance." "Today we celebrate the vision and generosity of Selma and Max Kupferg, two selfless benefactors who share the college's belief in the life-changing power of the arts," Muyskens said. "Thanks to their support, Queens College is now firmly on the path of making the Kupferberg Center the best arts center in Queens." The Kupferberg Center provides music and dance performances, art exhibitions, plays and literary events year-round. The center also encompasses the Queens College Art Center, De-
partment of Drama, Department of Theater and Dance, Aaron Copland School of Music, Louis Armstrong House Museum and the Department of Media Studies. Councilman Peter Koo (DFlushing) spoke at the ribbon cutting and former borough president Claire Schulman was in attendance, though she did not speak. Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), head of the City Council's Queens Delegation, attended as well. "I just hope God is listening," Kupferberg joked after praise had been heaped upon him. "Vision is one thing, but the importance is what actually happens. It's a pleasure for me to be here." Koo had some especially lofty words for the Kupferberg Center. "In Manhattan, they have Carnegie Hall," he said. "In Queens, we have the Kupferberg Center." Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127 or rbarkan@queenstribune.com.
June 15-21, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13
In a neighborhood riddled with local butchers, Butcher Bar dares to take the whole concept of farm to table a step further. Think locally sourced meat exclusively hand-picked by the owner. The moment you step inside the bar, you are greeted with friendly service and southern decor. Blonde wood encompasses the restaurant from floor to ceiling and gives patrons a calming, sauna-like feel. In the kitchen, locally grown wood is also used in the smoker. The butcher counter features daily chef specials both seasoned and cut to precision. A chalkboard containing the names of "This Week's Farms" assures buyers that the meat they are taking home is local and fresh. Only organic, grass-fed meats make the cut at this carvery. If you are coming in on an empty stomach, not to worry, Butcher Bar also serves everything they offer over the counter. On my recent visit, I tried the 50/50 sandwich. It is 50 percent beef brisket, 50 percent pulled pork, and 100 percent pure deliciousness. The brisket, which undergoes a 12-hour dry rub smoking process, is so tender and juicy that
it will have you begging for more. The bar's original sauce rounds the sandwich out nicely with a savory tanginess. If you are feeling adventurous, try the habanero sauce. Eater beware, this sauce starts out sweet on the taste buds but finishes hot enough to grow hair on your chest. For a safer route, I recommend trying the sweet and spicy sauce instead. Another brisket favorite is the burnt ends sandwich. The servers affectionately refer to the burnt ends as "Meat Candy." For those who prefer poultry over beef, the pulled BBQ chicken sandwich is a close rival. As for sides, the house slaw is refreshing and light. It is a nice substitute over a traditional side salad. The mac and cheese comes in a hearty portion and is lightly dusted in BBQ spices. The corncakes with honey butter are delightfully light and fluffy mini versions of their standard squarecut cornbread counterparts. As for dessert, my dining experience would not have been complete without trying the apple cake. Sugary and crisp, the cake is a tasty re-invented take on the all-American apple pie. If you are visiting during peak dinner hours, opt to have your meal on the outdoor patio with a jar of the bottomless iced tea. Although the restaurant is still awaiting their liquor license, they do allow patrons to BYOB. How many other butchers can compete with that? -Megan Montalvo
Whizz says songs on this album are unlike anything heard on the radio. "There are millions of ideas out there, my job is to untap as many as I can," he said. The album has many different tones. Whizz says it starts out being bright and happy and changes to being dark and depressing. There are some songs that are stories by themselves and songs in into other stories. "I wanted to make a visual masterpiece," said Whizz. Whizz put a lot of time and thought in to his album to incorporate different personalities and make it very visual. "I want people to know that all rap is not a cliché, it has concept," said Whizz. There is even a trailer for "The Platform." Whizz has been rapping since he was 8 years old and said his older cousin taught him how. Whizz says at 12 years old
Faith
Gospel Group Hopes To Travel The Globe BY ASIA EWART If two suggestions to spread God’s Word through music weren’t enough for Jonathan Mack to do so, he didn’t know what was. After being skeptical at one pastor’s urging to form a choir in 2002, Mack put the idea of singing professionally behind him. It wasn’t until 2006, when another pastor suggested the same thing almost verbatim, that he took it more seriously. “[Singing] was never my plan; I wanted to be a teacher, and then a principal. Just because I could sing didn’t mean I
wanted to do it forever. But when God wants something done, it’ll get done,” says Mack, the leader of Jonathan Mack and the Crusade Ensemble. Raised in the church from the time he was small, Mack took to singing in the choir very early on. “I sang from the time I was very little. I was singing in the adult choir at age three, and directing by age six,” he said. “It was just something to do, but it became a lot more serious when my pastor died.” At 10 years old, following his pastor’s death, the church began
Word “Blues are the songs of despair, but gospel songs are the songs of hope.” -Mahalia Jackson
to separate. Mack saw the world was our first althat there was a need for bum, ‘Never Lose Your faith, so he stepped in to Press.’ It affirms that we as direct the choir full time. Christians stand on the His passion for music word of God.” blossomed, and Bethel Currently, Jonathan Temple Church of God in Mack and the Crusade EnChrist took notice. Mack semble are in the studio workbegan putting together ing on their sophomore althe occasional small bum, “Scriptures,” and prechoir for youth conferparing for a series of shows ences as he got older, and in August. in 2005, opened them up “‘ Scriptures’ is us literto whoever wanted to ally singing scriptures. It is a learn. The following year reminder that everything we was when he was apdo isn’t off of our own intelproached by a second lect; it is off of God’s. If I pastor who echoed the Jonathan Mack and the Crusade Ensemble’s can get the word of God out urging of the first: to cre- debut album; available now. through song, then I have ate a full-fledged choir of done my job.” dedicated members. In “Never Lose Your August 2006, Jonathan Mack hasn’t happened yet, but we’re Press,” released in May 2012, is and the Crusade Ensemble came praying,” he said. currently available on Going overseas was another tatemusicgroup.com and will be into existence. “It’s been six years already; reoccurring suggestion made to released on iTunes on August 7. technically seven. We’ve gone him, once in 2006 and again in For booking, contact Brittany above and beyond Far 2010; Mack took these sugges- Mcguinn at (347) 904-0805 or Rockaway. We’ve sang in all five tions as signs from God to the Crusade Ensemble at boroughs, twice in Atlanta, Geor- spread the Word through music. crusadeensemble@yahoo.com. “As far as music goes, it gia, in Connecticut, New Jersey, Reach Intern Asia Ewart at and Delaware. We’re also hop- should always tell a story or have (718) 357-7400 Ext. 124, or ing to go overseas someday. It a message. Our first message to news@queenspress.com.
Notebook
Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 15-21, 2012
Art Contest
SEQ Students Help Celebrate NYC Water Supply BY VERONICA LEWIN Southeast Queens students were recognized for their creativity at the home of the New York Mets last week. The Dept. of Environmental Protection Commissioner Carter Strickland joined the New York Mets to host an awards ceremony for the 26th Annual Water Resources Art and Poetry Contest at Citi Field on June 6. More than 700 primary school students from the five boroughs were honored for creating original artwork and composing po-
etry that reflects an appreciation for New York’s water resources, wastewater treatment system, and the importance of water conservation. Yahira Tejada of PS 50 won the art category for second and third graders. Nayeli Gomez of PS 50 won the poetry category for second and third graders. Farzana Alam and Moitrayee DasGupta of PS 131 were praised for their artwork in the fourth and fith grade category. The ceremony was held at Citi Field, and the artwork and poems were displayed on the
stadium’s large outfield screens and monitors throughout the stadium. In addition, Mayor Michael Bloomberg issued a proclamation honoring all of the students who participated. Strickland was joined by Eric Saretsky, vice president of Queens Ballpark Company, the managing organization for Citi Field. “This contest provides students with a great opportunity to learn about the amazing systems that supply more than nine million people with world class water, and helps us raise aware-
ness about the importance of maintaining our water supply and wastewater treatment systems so that future generations will continue to enjoy New York City Water,” Stickland said. Saretsky spoke to students about the importance of green infrastructure in managing storm water and water consumption at the stadium. Artist Nung-Hsin Hu spoke about poetic and artistic expressions to highlight water conservation. Many students were given the opportunity to read their poetry and discuss their artwork.
Students from more than 50 schools participated in this year’s Water Resource Art and Poetry Contest. From the more than 700 submissions, a group of judges selected 37 winners to be this year’s Water Champions. Strickland presented the 37 Water Champions with certificates of recognition during the ceremony and each student who participated in the contest received a certificate acknowledging their contribution. Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or vlewin@queenspress.com.
Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL
Send typed announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 150-50 14 Road, Whitestone NY 11357. Send faxes to 357-9417, IF YOUR ORGANIZATION MEETS ON A REGULAR BASIS, SEND ALL DATES FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR.
FLEA MARKETS THRIFT SHOPS Saturdays at Trinit y United Methodist Church, 86-02 108th Street, Richmond Hill. 347-251-8583. Saturdays 114 at Bargain Boutique Thrift Shop, Queens Baptist Church, 93-23 217 th Street, Queens Village.465-2504. First and Third Wednesdays through June at Grace Church, 14-15 Clintonville Street, Whitestone. 767-6305.
ENTERTAINMENT WILD OCEAN Through June 30 “Wild Ocean” and “Tornado Alley” 3D Theater presentation at the Hall of Science. 6990005. CREATIVE ENSEMBLE S a t u r d a y, J u n e 1 6 Yo r k College Creative Ensemble. 262-2412. FUN DAY Saturday, June 16 Fun Day at the Ridgewood library starting at 10 with flea market, crafts for kids, readings for children, face painting, food and more. KUNQU Saturday, June 16 Beaut y of Kunqu, a form of Chinese musical drama at the Flushing library at 2. THE BLUES Saturday, June 16 at the Langston Hughes library at 2 and 3:30. STREISAND TRIBUTE Saturday, June 16 t the Peninsula library at 2. ANNUAL CONCERT Sunday, June 17 43 rd Annual Spring Concert with the Children’s Orchestra at Queensborough Commu-
nit y College. 516-869-9696. QUINTET Sunday, June 17 Quintet of the Americas perform 2L305:00 at Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main Street, Flushing. 261-7664. STAMP SHOW Sunday, June 17 Bayside Stamp Show at the Ramada Hotel, 220-33 Northern Blvd., Bayside 10-4:30. Free admission and free parking. 645-7659. LIVE JAZZ & R&B Sundays, June 17, 24 live jazz and r&b 6-10 at Déjà vu, 180-25 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. MOTOWN Monday, June 18 Greatest Motown/Oldies Classics at the Windsor Park library t 2. TRIBUTE Monday, June 18 tribute to Sinatra, Como and Haymes at the Middle Village library at 7. SALSA Mondays Resorts World Casino holds Monday Night Salsa events. Lessons 7:30. 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone ark. 215-2828. Free.
EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS the Forest Hills library at 6:30. JOB READINESS Mondays, June 18, 25 at the Woodside library at 6:30. LEARNING LAB Tuesday, June 19 at the LIC library at 1:30. INTRO COMPUTERS Tuesdays, June 19, 26 at t h e O z o n e Pa r k l i b r a r y. Register. SMALL BUSINESS Tuesdays, June 19, 26 at the Central library at 7. INTRO INTERNET Tuesday, June 19 at the Queens Village library. Register. BASIC COMUTER Tu e s d ay, J u n e 1 9 a t t h e Rosedale library at 10:30. INTRO MICROSOFT Tu e s d ay, J u n e 1 9 a t t h e Maspeth library at 1. COMPUTER CLASS Tu e s d ay, J u n e 1 9 a t t h e Sunnyside library. Register. INTRO EXCEL Tu e s d ay, J u n e 1 9 a t t h e Central library. Register. INTRO COMPUTERS Tu e s d a y e ve n i n g s a t t h e Central library. Register. LI CHESS CLUB Tuesdays LIC library at 4. KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays Windsor Park library at 2. PRACTICE LABS Tuesdays Arverne library at 10:30. GET YOUR YARNS OUT! Tu e s d a y s a f t e r ev e n i n g Minyan at 8, knitters, crocheters, needlepointers, and others meet at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 2637000, ext. 200. ONLINE LEARNING Wednesday, June 20 at 10:30 at the Far Rockaway library. COMPUTER BASICS Wednesdays, June 20, 27 at the Windsor Park library. Register. KNIT & CROCHET Wednesday, June 20 at the South Ozone Park library at 1. JUST WRITE! Wednesday, June 20 cover letters, business letters, etc at 1:30 at the LIC library. JOB READINESS Wednesday through June 20 J o b R e a d i n e s s W o r k shops at the Central library at 6. INTRO COMPUTERS Wednesday mornings at the Central library. Register. PRACTICE INTERVIEWS Thursdays, June 21, 28 at t h e C e n t r a l l i b r a r y. 9 9 0 5148. GAY PRIDE Thursday, June 21 at 6 at the Broadway library. Cel-
ebrate Gay Pride Month with a Fierce Cooking Show. LEARNING LAB Thursdays, June 21, 28 at the Far Rockaway library at 10. COMPUTER BASICS Thursday, June 21 at the Glen Oaks library. Register. COMPUTER BOOT CAMP Thursday, June 21 at the Arverne library at 10:30. JOB SEARCH Thursday, June 21 interactive program in partnership with Globe Language Services at the Flushing library at 2. INTRO COMPUTERS Thursdays, June 21, 28 at t h e O z o n e Pa r k l i b r a r y. Register. BASIC COMPUTERS Thursdays, June 21, 28 at the Rosedale library at 6. EVENING CRAFT CLUB Thursdays, June 21, 28 at the Fresh Meadows library at 6:30. LEARN TO DANCE Thursdays ballroom smooth and Latin dances at the Samuel Field Adult Center in Little Neck. 225-6750, ext. 236. QUILTING CLASS Thursdays 11-3 Maria Rose Doll Museum in St. Albans. 276-3454 East Elmhurst library at 12. KNITTING CLUB Friday, June 22 at the Maspeth library at 10. KNIT & CROCHET Friday, June 22 at the Peninsula library at 12:30. MICROSOFT Friday, June 22 at the Central library. Register. METRIX LEARNING Friday, June 22 at 1 at the Central library. Learn about free online training through Metrix Learning, including certifications in Office, Quickbooks, Adobe. BEGIN COMPUTERS Friday, June 22 at the Middle Village library. Register. KNIT & CROCHET Fridays, June 22, 29, at the Fresh Meadows library at 10:30. OPEN LAB Fridays 2-5 at the Central library. COMPUTER BOOT CAMP Fridays through July 27 at the LIC library at 2. FM POETS Saturday, June 23 Fresh Meadows Poets meet to discuss and critique their work at 10 at the Fresh Meadows librar y. FISHING Sunday, June 24 Fishing with IFISHNY at Socrates Academy in LIC. 956-1819.
June 15-21, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15
INTERMED. COMPUTER Saturday, June 16 Intermediate PowerPoint. Central library. 990-5148. INTERMED. COMPUTER Saturday, June 16 at the LIC library at 2. KNIT & CROCHET Saturdays, June 16, 23, 30 at the Peninsula library at 10. POWERPOINT Saturday, June 16 at the Central library. Register. ONLINE LEARNING Saturday June 16 at the Far Rockaway library. 327-2549. PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, June 16, 30 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-436-7940. COOKING WITH FIRE Sunday, June 17 Cooking with Fire on Father’s Day with the Brooklyn Kitchen and the Meat Hook at Socrates Academy in LIC. 956-1819. BEGINNERS EMAIL Monday, June 18 a t t h e Fresh Meadows library at 10:30. INTRO COMPUTERS Monday, June 18 a t t h e Central library. 990-5176. ARTIST WORKSHOP Monday, June 18 instruction in drawing realistic and abstract portraits at the Forest Hills library at 2. JOB SEARCH Monday, June 18 Job Search Strategies at 6 at the Central library. JOB INFO SERVICES Monday, June 18 a t t h e Middle Village library. Register. CRAFTS CLUB Monday, June 18 a t t h e Broadway library at 12:30. EMERGENCY PREP Monday, June 18 learn how to make a plan, gather supplies and be informed in case of an emergency. Jackson Heights library at 6. INTRO COMPUTERS Monday, June 18 a t t h e Flushing library at 10. POETRY WRITING Monday, June 18 a t t h e Woodhaven librar y. Register. METRIX LEARNING Mondays, June 18, 25 a t the Central library at 1. Learn about free online training through Metrix Learning, including certifications in Office, Quickbooks, Adobe. OPEN LAB Mondays, June 18, 25 at the Central library at 2. FUN WITH CROCHET Mondays, June 18, 25 at the Rosedale library at 4. BALLROOM DANCING Mondays, June 18, 25 at
People Andrew Nici of Rego Park received a Bachelor of Science degree during spring 2012 commencement ceremonies at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. Nici will now continue on to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Shannon V. Robinson of Springfield Gardens received a degree in mathematics during spring 2012 commencement ceremonies at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania. Chauncey F. Velasco of Jamaica was named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2012 semester at Stonehill College in Easton, Mass. Vanessa McLeod of Jamaica received a Bachelor of Science degree in social sciences during spring 2012 commencement ceremonies at Mercer University in Atlanta, Ga. Shannon V. Robinson of Springfield Gardens received a
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degree in mathematics during spring 2012 commencement ceremonies at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania. Annibel Tejada of Ozone Park and Patricia Vasili of Ridgewood were named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2012 semester at SUNY Oswego. Local students received degrees during spring 2012 commencement ceremonies at Dominican College in Orangeburg. They include: Ozone Park: Amado Conanan, Doctor of Physical Therapy; Jignesh Kotecha, Doctor of Physical Therapy. Woodhaven: Crystal Ramos, Bachelor of Science in nursing; Ann Lam, Doctor of Physical Therapy. Timmi Nunez of Ozone Park was named to the Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll for the spring 2012 semester at Piedmont College in Demorest, Ga.
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Christina Campisi of Howard Beach was named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2012 semester at Mount St. Mary College in Newburgh. Jennifer Alweiss of Rego Park received the President’s Leadership Award from the University at Albany. Frank J. Mandaro of Kew Gardens received a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications studies during spring 2012 commencement ceremonies at Colby-Sawyer College in New London, N.H.
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Jaclyn A. Spezzano of Forest Hills received a degree in biomathematics during spring 2012 commencement ceremonies at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania. Daisy Mercado of Kew Gardens received a Masters degree in public administration during spring 2012 commencement ceremonies at Marist College in Poughkeepsie. Brian Bomser of Kew Gardens was named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2012 semester at Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Fla.
2012 commencement ceremonies at Clark University in Worcester, Mass. Julia Karsten of Forest Hills was named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2012 semester at Mount St. Mary College in Newburgh. Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2012 semester at Alfred State College. They include: Jamaica: Diamond Franklin. Queens Village: Camille Romero. Springfield Gardens: Traci Forrester.
Tell The PRESS
Elias Derian of Forest Hills graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and economics during spring
Send notices of graduation, awards, anniversaries, engagements and honors to: PRESS of Southeast Queens,150-50 14th Rd.,Whittestone, NY 111357 All announcements will be considered for publication without fee.
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Melissa Wolf of Richmond Hill was named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2012 semester at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn.
Pageant Problems Queens native Donald Trump is in the center of controversy one more time. His Miss America Pageant has come under fire once again. Miss Pennsylvania Sheena Monnin is claiming the event is rigged and that she knew who the top 5 contestants would be before the show even began on June 3. This didn’t sit well with The Donald and he announced he would be suing Monnin for her false claims on “Good Morning America” last week. Not only is she a liar, Trump says, but Miss Pennsylvania is a sore loser for Sheena Monnin, the target of not making it to the top 15. Donald Trump's ire. “It’s absolutely ridiculous,” Trump said. “She lost and if you look at her compared to the people who were in the top 15, you would understand why she’s not in the top 15. It’s a very, very sad situation.” Harsh, Donald. But Miss America is a scholarship contest and not a beauty pageant, right?
See You Soon Though Johan Santana pitched the Mets’ first no-hitter and Whitestone native Mike Baxter saved it with a stupendous catch, Baxter will be out of commission for a while after crashing into the outfield wall. The catch will live on in the minds of Mets fans for generations, and the kid from 150th Street will always be a part of that Whitestone's Mike Baxter legend. But Baxter will be out for six weeks, and that’s a long time. Queens is an entertaining place, though, and the idle Baxter should be able to find something to do while he heals his rib cartilage. Hey Mike, 150th Street, Whitestone, that’s where the Trib office is. Take a walk and stop by. We’ll help you keep busy until we come to Citi Field to watch you in July.
Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 15-21, 2012
Stories To Tell None of us remember what happened during our first birthday party without the aid of our family telling embarrassing stories. The son of Rafael Diaz, however, will undoubtedly have no shortage of stories about his first birthday. Instead of celebrating with his family, Diaz spent the day in police custody. Diaz jumped over the railing from his field-level seats at Citi Field after Johan Santana threw his no-hitter. He made it as far as the pitcher’s mound, joining in on the pile-up of Mets players before he was snagged by security. Diaz reportedly earned himself a lifetime ban from Citi Field and gave his son a story he could tell for the rest of his life. He probably won’t be winning any father of the year contests, however.
Middle Village Masterpiece Modeling is one of the many hobbies Kasey says adds to her self esteem. The third year model at Shortstack Modeling says that being in front of the camera makes her feel good about herself. Though not seeking to model professionally, she likes to have fun with it in her spare time. “My cousin did it, and I found out everything through her. I model more for fun and raising my self esteem. Everyone [at Shortstack] is so happy and carefree; it’s a sisterhood,” she said. The recent Christ the King High School graduate does many hours of gymnastics when she isn’t at shoots; she began when she was five and does it competitively to this day. In addition, she enjoys spending time in her neighborhood of Middle Village. “I grew up here; everyone grew up here. It’s a real family type atmosphere.” On living in Queens, she says, “There are a lot of things to do; it’s never boring. I love going dif-
Confidentially, New York . . .
ferent places with friends.” Being a model for this long has given Kasey a good look at the industry. She says to girls looking to break onto the scene, “Pursue your career, and don’t ever give up. Always keep trying. Eventually, if you really want it, you’ll get it.”
Kasey Brutkiewicz Home: Middle Village Age: 18 Height: 4’10" Weight: 100lbs. Stats: 33.5-27.5-36
Models Of Queens Dairy Mill? In a county as diverse as Queens, the issue of language on store signs is one that constantly comes up. Whether it be Chinese and Korean signs in Flushing, Spanish signs in Corona, Greek in Astoria or Polish in Ridgewood, the issue of bilingual signs is big in our borough. But most importantly, regardless of the language, is to spell your store’s name right. That’s a lesson one Ozone Park deli seemed to forget. The popular grocery Dairy Mill grocery store on Cross Bay Boulevard replaced their sign with a new one, Spellcheck is not for grocers? leaving customers confused when they looked up and saw Mill spelled M-E-L-L, not once, but twice, while spelled correctly on a third sign. Perhaps this is forgivable in a world where our phones spell our words for us. Do sign makers have autocorrect?
What’s Up centage of arrests that occur as a Summer Music Festival JUNE 16 Let’s Go Fishing Rufus King’s youngest son result of stop and frisk activity. It’s back. The Downtown JaWalkers For Wellness Club Frederick liked to “fish” for pigs According to an analysis by the maica Summer Music Festival. 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.
Health Walk State Sen. Malcolm Smith is kicking off the summer with a mile-long walk around Brookville Park and a Zumba workout. For additional information, contact Tai White at (718) 454-0162 or twhite@nysenate.gov. This free event will be held at Brookville Blvd and 149th Ave. near the playground from 10 a.m. to noon.
Empowerment Forum
Family Day The New York City Dept. of Parks and Recreation and Councilman James Sanders are pleased to invite you to Family Day at Springfield Park. Come on out for a day of inflatable rides, arts and crafts, live DJ and music and face painting. This free event will be held at Springfield Park, Springfield Boulevard at 145th Road, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Returning to Work There are unspoken numbers of men and women in our local community who are unemployed or underemployed, and several who were formerly incarcerated. It is difficult for all kinds of people to find employment in this economy, but minorities and especially those among us with criminal records and without diplomas and degrees have a strikingly challenging battle to fight. The traditional channels of education and job-seeking do not always welcome everyone with these backgrounds, but we must identify the best ways to gain employment and to empower each member in our community to earn a productive living. For additional information, or to RSVP, send an e-mail to events@farmersblvd.org. This free event will be held at African Center for Community Empowerment - 111-20A Farmers Blvd., at 4 p.m.
JUNE 17 Rally and March On Fathers Day, there will be a Silent March to 79th Street and Madison Avenue to protest the lack of action by the Mayor to stop the NYPD’s Stop and Frisk practices. The stop and frisk numbers are increasing; so is the per-
New York Civil Liberties Union, more young black men were stopped and frisked by police last year than actually live in the city. We are calling all men to come out and show your support to end racial profiling in New York City. For additional information contactWilliam H. McDonald, President/CEO of Advocates for Change, at whm6363@gmail.com or advocatesforchange183@gmail.com. This free event will be held at 110 Street and 5th Avenue, Manhattan, at 1 p.m.
JUNE 18 Stay Well Learn new ways to take charge of your health and help your friends do the same. Learn how special exercise and relaxation techniques make a difference in your life! This free event will be held at Queens Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 10 a.m.
Tonight will feature New Kingston and DJ DubMaster Chris. This free event will be held at Union Hall Street, between Jamaica Avenue and Archer Avenue, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
JUNE 22 Outreach and Assistance Are you a young woman between 17-24 years of age and need assistance in applying for housing, completing college applications, financial aid or just need assistance and don’t know where to turn? The Daughters of Isis Foundation is available for support. For additional information, visit thedaughtersofisisfoundation.org, or contact Simone Williams at (347) 731-1721 or isis.staff@gmail.com. This free event will be held at Young Queens Loft, 148-14 Liberty Ave., 2nd Floor, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
350th Anniversary Gala JUNE 19 The oldest Presbyterian Walkers For Wellness Club church in the United States, First See June 16 listing. At 7 p.m.
JUNE 20 Personal Safety Summit The NYPD Community Affairs Bureau is launching a series of citywide “Personal Safety Summits” to focus on providing residents and business owners with specifically targeted information in an effort to increase community safety and awareness. The next summit will be held at York College. The hour-long meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in Lecture Hall 3D01 and feature six important topics: Local Gangs (“Crews”), Burglary Prevention, Cell phone Safety, Prescription Medication Abuse, Tire and Rim Theft and Identity Theft Related to Domestic Violence. For more information, call the NYPD office at (646) 610-5323, or visit www.nypdcommunityaffairs.org.
JUNE 21 Walkers For Wellness Club See June 16 listing. At 7 p.m.
Presbyterian Church in Jamaica invites the community to join in celebrating our 350th anniversary. The occasion will provide the opportunity to honor a group of distinguished guests who have contributed to the advancement of the community and share the overall vision of the church. The event will be hosted by the Hon. L. Leach, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Appointment Secretary. Tickets are $200. For additional information, visit www.firstchurchjamaica.org or contact Rosslynn Pieters at (718) 525-4775 or Ross52100@aol.com. This free event will be held at Leonard’s of Great Neck, 555 Northern Blvd. from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
ONGOING Job Club The Jamaica Neighborhood Center offers a free service to assist people from Southeast Queens with job-readiness skill sets in writing a professional resume and cover letter; interviewing practices and techniques;
CPR Training The FDNY Mobile CPR Training Unit will hold regularly scheduled free CPR classes in all five boroughs. The first Tuesday through the fourth Tuesday and the fourth Thursday of every month there will be Borough CPR training sessions in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island and Queens. Training is free to anyone over the age of 14. The goal of this program is increase the number of people in New York City trained in bystander CPR Each class lasts 1 hour and participants in the class learn basic CPR skills from a member of the FDNY Emergency Medical Service. Volunteers for the class follow along using the CPR Anytime Personal Learning Kit, which features an instructional DVD and an inflatable mannequin. All participants are able take home the kit at the end of class and asked to pledge to use the kit to show five of their family members and friends how to perform CPR. This class 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.
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) 2918788 for more details. Heron is located at 168-30 89th Ave., Jamaica.
June 15-21, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19
Empowerment. Oppression. Historically these have been very forceful words that conjure up images and memories of the civil rights movement and similar struggles from the history of nations around the world. Farmers Boulevard Community Development Corp. is using these terms in a somewhat different manner for a series of forums. Farmers Boulevard is a hub for a significant concentration of daycare centers, pre-schools and K-5 public elementary schools. The forum will bring together parents, educators, pre-school directors and community stakeholders to identify the most important action steps and investments that the community must make to secure a bright start for young ones. For additional information, or to RSVP, send an email to events@farmersblvd.org. This free event will be held at African Center for Community Empowerment - 111-20A Farmers Blvd. at 11 a.m.
when he lived at King Manor! Instead of fishing for smelly pigs, try your hand at fishing in our magnetic pond. Decorate your own fish to take home with you and see who can tell the best tall tale about the biggest fish caught! For families with children. This free event will be held at King Manor Museum, Rufus King Park, from noon to 3 p.m.
applying on-line procedures; elevator pitch and Microsoft Suite 2007. For additional information, contact Dhamana Shakespeare-Turner, job coach, at (718) 739-2060, Ext. 18. This free event will be held at the Jamaica Neighborhood Center, 161-06 89th Ave. Services are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
President Obama strongly supports Gregory W. Meeks for Congress. “Congressman Meeks is an important partner who has fought to create jobs, strengthen the middle class, reform Wall Street, help responsible homeowners stay in their homes, and make health care accessible and affordable for tens of millions of Americans who lack coverage.
Hard working families in Southeast Queens and Nassau County will benefit from his dedicated and determined leadership in Congress.”
— PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
In the June 26th Democratic Primary,
Vote For GREGORY W.
MEEKS FOR CONGRESS
For more information or to get involved, call (718) 883-9800 or visit www.congressmangregorymeeks.com. Paid for and authorized by Friends for Gregory Meeks.