Southeast Queens Press Epaper by Queens Press

Volume 13 Issue No. 25 June 22-28, 2012

PAGE 18

PRESS Photo by Veronica Lewin

CUT IT OUT

Parents and community leaders protest the proposed loss of the Jamaica Avenue Head Start, a program that helps children in Southeast Queens prepare for kindergarten. By Veronica Lewinâ&#x20AC;Ś..Page 3.

Online at www.QueensPress.com

News Briefs St. John’s Wins Contest

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 22-28, 2012

St. John’s University recently beat out 100 other challengers in the North East Competition of the second annual Campus Conservation Nationals. The Campus Conservation Nationals is a competition between universities to reduce the usage of energy and water during a three week period. St. John’s saved 2.6 pounds of carbon dioxide, saving $1,740,000. The prize was a VirtuWatt, an online application which monitors energy usage in real time and helps plan demand response programs. This allows people to reduce their power usage and costs while it is happening. The students campaigned every day in the cafeteria and dorm buildings and set up a student pledge board. Tip sheets were put up around campus on how to conserve energy. St. John’s University has a required Discover New York class, which involves an aware-

ness of sustainability in New York City. Goldsmith said the City is a highly populated area with not many access points. Five years ago, St. John’s joined on to Mayor Mike Bloomsburg’s University Challenge 2030. It is a challenge to reduce 30 percent of carbon in 10 years by 2017.

Gun Buy Back In an attempt to keep the streets safer, the NYPD and Borough President Helen Marshall hosting a gun buy back program this Saturday. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 23, people can return a working handgun and receive a $200 bank card, no questions asked. A $20 bank card will be issued for the return of working shotguns and rifles. Firearms can be dropped off at the St. Benedict the Moor Church, located 171-17 100th Ave. in Jamaica. Guns must be placed in a box or a plastic or paper bag before arriving at the drop-off site. If

transporting the gun by car, the gun must be transported in the trunk of the vehicle. Participants are welcome to submit as many operable guns as they would like, but payment will be issued for a maximum of three guns. Active or retired law enforcement officers and licensed gun dealers are not eligible to participate in the program. For more information, call 311.

Missing Funds At Unisphere The Flushing Meadows Unisphere, Queens’ most impressive emblem, may soon be emblematic of something other than world peace: missing money. At least $90,000 raised by Unisphere Inc., the nonprofit fundraising group for Flushing Meadows Corona Park, has been misspent, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. At the center of the controversy is 82-year-old Estelle Cooper, who ran Flushing Meadows

Corona Park for the last 17 years before stepping down in January to found a Republican consulting firm, Cooper and Company, with her grandson Michael Balsamo. Cooper also relinquished her role as the head of Unisphere Inc. Phil Ragusa, chairman of the Queens GOP and the nonprofit’s accountant, said he realized “something was amiss” with Unisphere Inc.’s books in November 2011 when he compiled them to file tax returns. Cooper, who Ragusa said was often late in handing over the books, had continually made thousands of dollars in ATM withdrawals. Ragusa notified conservancy chairman Bruce Bendell, also the CEO of the Long Island City car dealership Major World, that he had discovered irregularities. The ATM card was canceled and outside investigations commenced not long after. On Jan. 6, Cooper, under pressure from the nonprofit’s executive board, resigned her posts from the park and Unisphere Inc.

Ragusa said he was aware of multiple investigations into Cooper’s actions at the park. Both the Queens District Attorney’s office and the City Dept. of Investigation declined to comment on any ongoing investigations. Cooper, who could not be reached for comment, is not a stranger to Parks Dept. controversy. In the summer of 2011, her daughter, Ilene Balsamo, drew fire for allegedly not paying some camp counselors and vendors involved in her community day camp, which she operated in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. In 1994, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani appointed her as an assistant parks commissioner and administrator for Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Upon her retirement, the Parks Dept. said that Cooper had brought many improvements to Flushing Meadows Corona Park, including new synthetic soccer fields, the Flushing Meadows Aquatic Center and the Al Oerter Recreation Center.

Presstime

Community Rallies To Save Hollis Program Childcare in Queens can cost parents more than $500 a month. Luckily, for parents on smaller budgets, the Administration for Children’s Services operates Head Start programs throughout the city to help little ones be better prepared for kindergarten. Because of Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s Budget proposal, these programs are now on the chopping block. Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) hosted a rally last Friday outside of the Committee for Early Childhood Development Head Start’s branch in Hollis, located at 193-04 Jamaica Ave. Dozens of parents and children stood at the corner of Jamaica Ave and 193rd Street to call on the City Council to prevent the Mayor’s proposed cuts from going through. If the push is unsuccessful, more than

6,500 children throughout the city will lose access to Head Start and after-school programs. “Without a doubt, early childhood education is needed to make sure that the children have the right start for their educational maturity,” Comrie said. “That they have the right opportunities and given early skills so that they can be successful as students.” Over the past 46 years, the Jamaica Avenue branch has won several awards for their pre-kindergarten program and was reaccredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Head Start teaches tots how to count, read and write before they start school. The program also teaches children languages other than English. They also provide speech classes for children struggling with speaking. PS 35 PTA President Michelle Samuels said her daughter could

Rockaway Hospital Gets Money To Heal BY VERONICA LEWIN

Start program, the church was approved for the program and has been growing ever since. Head Start is sponsored to serve 210 children and Executive Director Mojisola Bafunso said there has been a waiting list since September of at least 30 students. “There is need in this neighborhood. We have to service the families who need this program to continue,” Bafunso said. Reach Deputy Editor Veronica Lewin at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or vlewin@queenspress.com.

Resorts World Tops Casino Revenue List BY DOMENICK RAFTER The question many were asking last year, would New York City’s first casino be a success, has been answered, at least for now. Resorts World Casino New York City announced this week that it has become the single largest gross slot gaming revenue and tax-generating gaming property in the United States. The eight month old casino located at Aqueduct Racetrack in South Ozone Park said it has surpassed the Las Vegas Strip, Atlantic City, Connecticut and all other locales in revenue this year. ”Resorts World’s model has maximized gaming revenue for New York State in a manner that has not been replicated by any other facility in the nation,” said Michael Speller, President of Resorts World Casino New York City. “We are proud of the incredible revenue Resorts World has generated to support the education of New York’s students and the more than 3,000 jobs we have created for hard-working New Yorkers. This is a partnership that works” Resorts World New York generated gross gaming revenues of $57.5 million in May, outpacing Mohegan Sun, which came in

In its first eight months, Resorts World Casino New York City has generated more revenue than any other casino in the country. second at $55.4 million. Resorts World’s said 70 percent, more than $40 million, in monthly gaming revenues went to education, the horse racing industry and other state entities. To date, Resorts World Casino New York City has sent more than $252 million in taxes to the state, with more than $162 million earmarked for education. The first gaming floor of the casino opened for business on October 28, while its second casino floor opened two months later. The first few weeks in operation saw huge crowds that

caused lines to develop outside the casino and snarled traffic on Rockaway Boulevard and North Conduit Avenue. The casino currently houses only the VLTs, another term for the slot machines, and electronic table games. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has thrown his support behind legalizing full gambling in New York State, which would allow actual table games at Resorts World New York. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400 Ext. 125

June 22-28, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Now the lone hospital on the Rockaway Peninsula, St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, has received a little help from the state. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday that the Far Rockaway hospital will receive $5,357,680 in grants to expand services after the closure of Peninsula Hospital Center. Ten hospitals and nursing homes throughout New York City were awarded a total of $72.9 million. The grants were made available through the State’s Health Care Efficiency and Affordability Law. “These grants to hospitals and nursing homes in New York City will help our health care facilities deliver better quality care in a more efficient and cost effective manner so all New Yorkers have access to the best care possible when it is needed,” Cuomo said. After a troubled nine months,

Peninsula Hospital Center went down with a fight. After the hospital’s closure was announced on April 26, a Peninsula creditor filed an injunction to prevent an abrupt closure of the hospital. The injunction sought to remove the court-appointed Lori Lapin Jones as the sole trustee, on the grounds that she was rushing the hospital through bankruptcy proceedings to return a profit to investors and other stakeholders and ignoring the medical needs of the Rockaways. The efforts fell short and the hospital formally closed the following week. The end of Peninsula means a loss of 174 beds in Queens, putting an even greater strain on St. John’s Episcopal Hospital. Future uses for the building are being discussed, such as opening a medical center in place of the hospital. Reach Deputy Editor Veronica Lewin at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or vlewin@queenspress.com.

jobs to stay in their homes. People are doubling up with renting rooms and renting to tenants,” the Councilman said. The Committee for Early Childhood Development was founded in the early 1960s by a group of young parents who met at the Grace United Methodist Church in St. Albans. While the parents shared parenting and life experience with each other, the church’s organist would care for the children. After numerous submissions and rejections to join the federally-funded Head

not speak before entering the Head Start program. “She came here and did speech, and let me tell you something, after three weeks I wished she would shut up because that’s how good the program is here,” Samuels said. Comrie said the proposed cuts are due to inflated housing prices in the 11423 ZIP code. While Hollis is known for its large houses and yards, the Councilman said looks can be deceiving. “The housing prices are over inflated. People are working four

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

BY VERONICA LEWIN

Grand Larcenies Spike Crime In 106th BY DOMENICK RAFTER

The 106th Precinct has seen a minor rise in the crime rate this year. But the issue is not a sudden overall crime wave that makes the streets of Southern Queens dangerous, rather the spike can be attributed almost entirely to a rise in grand larcenies. Grand larcenies in the 106th Precinct, which covers the neighborhoods of Ozone Park, South Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park and Howard Beach, are up

by almost 50 percent this year. Thomas Pascale, captain of the 106th Precinct, told Community Board 10 earlier this month that grand larcenies account for much of the small 3 percent rise in crime this year in the precinct. He said most of that is in the form of identity theft and stolen tire rims, which both fall under the category of grand larceny. The rise in grand larcenies is partially attributed to residents of the 106th Precinct being victims of identity theft, especially senior

citizens. One way perpetrators have been gaining personal information is through skimmers on the doors of banks. The skimmers take personal information from ATM cards used to open the bank doors after business hours to access the ATM machine and then encrypt the information on a used gift card from a store, turning it into a makeshift ATM card. He said the NYPD has been working with local banks to prevent skimmers from being installed in banks. Some banks have posted

security guards after hours, including on weekends when skimmers are often installed. Pascale said the precinct has been working on tracking the thieves using video and geographic patterns. The 106th Precinct, which has been asking for an increase in the number of officers since the opening of Resorts World New York City casino last fall, received 15 more cops last month. The new officers come from the NYPD's IMPACT unit, which

consists of new officers sent into high crime areas of the city. The jump in the number of cops comes just in time. Grand larcenies are up 46 percent this year with a huge 72 percent spike in May as compared to May 2011. However, overall crime, especially violent crime, is down more than 30 percent in the 106th Precinct since 2001. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400 Ext. 125.

Ozone Park, which were divided into multiple Senate and Assembly districts. The result was met with little success. Though the two neighborhoods were placed into the same Congressional district, drawn by a federal judge, the two neighborhoods remain divided into separate Assembly and Senate districts.

Now with City Council elections looming next year under new lines, Taking Our Seat is targeting Council district redistricting, aiming to unite the two neighborhoods and the South Asian community into a single district. In a briefing paper released last month, Taking Our Seat said lessons learned during the state process will help them now.

Taking Our Seat notes New York City’s term limits law will help them make their case during redistricting, with three Council members representing Southern Queens term limited; Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), James Sanders (D-Laurelton) and Jim Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows). Taking Our Seat suggests a new African-American

Southeast Queens district could be created out of Comrie’s and Sanders’ that will include Jamaica, St. Albans and Hollis that would be similar to the current district represented by Councilman Ruben Wills (D-South Jamaica). Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 125 or drafter@queenstribune.com.

South Asian Group Eyes New Council Lines

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 22-28, 2012

During the process earlier this year to redraw state and federal lines in New York City, Taking Our Seat, a group dedicated to uniting the borough’s South Asian community into one district, pressured state legislators to break up the gerrymandering of Richmond Hill and South

Protesters Seen, Not Heard At March BY MEGAN MONTALVO

Horns, noisemakers, loud shouts and cries of protest â&#x20AC;&#x201C; these were all missing from last Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s march to end stop-andfrisk. The silent march, which took place along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan on Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, drew participants of diverse ethnicities and ages. Residents of Queens as well as local community based organizations Chhaya Community Development Corporation and Desis Rising Up and Moving (DRUM) joined organizers 1199 SEIU, NAACP and National Action Network in support of the march against stop-and-frisk. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This issue impacts our community very severely,â&#x20AC;? said Seema Agnani, Executive Director of Chhaya CDC. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We strongly feel that people have a right to live in dignity in their own neighborhood.â&#x20AC;? Dealing with the issue of racial profiling is not new to the non-profit organization whose

Although the highwork primarily handles est statistics in stoptenant rights and forecloand-frisk incidents resure prevention for resiflect African-Ameridents of Jackson Heights. can and Latino comWhile conducting a munities as being afcommunity based needs fected the most by the assessment last year, policy, Fahd Ahmed, Agnani says residents reLegal and Policy Dipeatedly told the Chhaya rector at Desis Rising CDC that they felt they Up and Moving were being discriminated against in their own neigh- Groups from all over the five boroughs march silently (DRUM) reports that borhood. down Fifth Avenue in Manhattan on June 17 to protest other minority groups are being affected by â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many people choose NYPDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stop-and-frisk policy. the policy as well. neighborhoods like JackAmong the incidents being son Heights because they have a ties are impacted by policies such reported to DRUM, organization support network in the neighbor- as stop-and-frisk.â&#x20AC;? The Coalition reported that leaders say two young hood,â&#x20AC;? said Agnani. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be made to feel that the NYPD stopped a total of Bangladeshi residents said they 685,724 people last year, 84 have been stopped and frisked theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re criminals here.â&#x20AC;? According to the New York percent of whom were African- by the NYPD over 60 times, one Immigration Coalition, 2011 was American and Latino residents. of whom described an instance the highest year on record for Of those stopped, 605,000 of being forced to take his pants off on the street before being walked away with no charges. stops. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would like to see Bloomberg frisked in broad daylight. During the march, Thanu For concerned Jackson Yakupitiyage, Communications really take a stand on stop-andAssociate at the New York Immi- frisk and more provisions to be Heights residents like Abby gration Coalition said â&#x20AC;&#x153;The rea- put in place to make the NYPD Drucker, 66, the issue of racial son why the coalition is involved more accountable,â&#x20AC;? said profiling is not only multicultural; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also multigenerational. is because immigrant communi- Yakupitiyage.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I happen to be Jewish, and from my family history I know that to be considered an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is a terrible thing,â&#x20AC;? said Drucker. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would like to think that most Americans arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like this, but you hear about people just looking at Latinos and Asians and Muslims and Jews and AfricanAmericans as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; because theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not White and Christian.â&#x20AC;? Drucker joined in the silent march alongside fellow Jackson Heights residents and friends Karen Wellington, 57, and Jacqueline Sung, 69. Minutes prior to the march Drucker said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would like to think that there is going to be a significant amount of diversity that people will see that its not only the African-American and the Latino community thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s objecting to this. We are all appalled.â&#x20AC;? Reach Reporter Megan Montalvo at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128 or mmontalvo@queenstribune.com.

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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

5th Congressional District In the 5th District primary, which covers Southeast Queens, the clear choice is Greg Meeks. None of his primary opponents are near his level. Over the course of his 14 years in Congress, Meeks has established himself as a champion for his constituents. He has fought for remedies for foreclosures, for student loan relief and to create jobs for residents of his district. Meeks has maintained a focus on helping the residents of Southeast Queens. We can’t imagine any of his opponents would give as much time or effort to the betterment of the district. We urge residents of the 5th C.D. to vote Meeks.

Deputy Editor:

Veronica Lewin Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie

Electoral Mockery

Production Manager:

To The Editor: Going once, going twice, SOLD; the State of Wisconsin to the highest bidder. The Koch brothers and their fellow billionaire benefactors. Scott Walker’s puppeteers outspent Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett $31 million to $4 million; at 8:1, they are assured a prolific future return on their investment.

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen Reporters: Harley Benson Domenick Rafter Ross Barkan Megan Montalvo Interns: Asia Ewart Cristina Foglietta Art Dept:

Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend Advertising Director Shanie Persaud Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 22-28, 2012

Letters

Sr. Account Executive Shelly Cookson Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie Shari Strongin

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

This abominable distortion of our electoral system was made possible by the disgraceful Citizens United decision, which morphed “Corporations” into “Persons” by the four conservative justices on the Supreme Court. This allows a corporation’s “Person” as freedom of speech, to donate as much money as they choose to candidates of their choice. Yes, these

Letters are the same Conservative judges, legislating, that were nominated by Republican administrations. That is the same party that constantly decried that judges nominated by a Democratic administration would legislate from the bench. They give emphasis to the term hypocrisy. The Milwaukee debacle is merely a precursor of the 2012 general election, where Conservatives and their brokers in the secret Super PACs plan to spend $1 billion to buy the Presidential election. That is more than 32 times what it cost to buy Wisconsin, but less for each of the 50 States to buy the presidency. This is possibly due to the futility of trying to dupe the voters in the more enlightened Coastal States such as New York and California … at least the majority of the voters. This lamentable Citizens United decision has made a mockery of our once proud electoral system. John Molnar, Bayside

English First To The Editor: State Senator Toby Stavisky and Assemblyman David Weprin have introduced legislation requiring that voters be provided information in three more languages; Bengali, Punjabi and Hindi. bringing a total of nearly a dozen languages for voting information. I have a much better idea. Provide voting information in only one language - English. This is our common language for business, social and political communications. People who refuse to learn it should not have the right to vote, drive, or collect welfare benefits, rent subsidies or any other entitlements and privileges. The ultimatum for immigrants should be clear. Learn English or lose your right to vote. Richard Reif, Flushing

WRITE ON:

The PRESS of Southeast Queens, 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357 email news@queenspress.com

Can’t We All Just Get Along? A Personal Perspective BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE It is ironic that the same week we heard of the death of Rodney King in California we also learned that a 14-year-old boy in Brooklyn was blinded in one eye after a beat down by bullies at his school. Twenty years after King received an epic beat-down by bully cops in Los Angeles we are reminded of his plaintive plea to America following Los Angeles rioting after his beating, “Can’t we all just get along?” Sadly, we still can’t get along. Ostensibly, the Brooklyn teen wasn’t just beaten blind in one eye; he was being cursed with anti-gay epithets at his middle school. And there you have it in a nutshell. We still can’t get along because for too many of us, the superficial differences of race, religion, sexual orientation and such are still too big for us to get over. The narrow-mindedness of the few will always wreak havoc

on people. King, who was found dead in his swimming pool last weekend, said he forgave the cops who used excessive force in apprehending him after they ordered him to stop his car. Supposedly his driving made them think he was under the influence. The police will always stop you if they think your driving makes you dangerous to other people on the road. The problem with the King situation is that the officers became physically abusive. Many believed it was racially motivated. The jury that acquitted them did not. The looters and shooters who were said to be protesting what happened to King caused deaths, property damage and severe beatings to innocent people. King felt compelled to say something with the hope of stopping the crime wave his beating precipitated. With the advent of the Internet, bullying has taken on a new power. Not only are bullies able to beat, curse, push, tease and spit upon their victims in the school yard

and street, they are now able to humiliate them online. Kids are committing suicide because classmates are making their existence a living nightmare. Kardin Ulysse was an innocent child just minding his own business when some miscreants decided to teach him a lesson bully style. We all went to school with bullies. We’ve probably been bullied and maybe some of us even bullied others, even if we did not realize that’s what it was at the time. But to beat someone to the point where you blind one or both eyes is a new horror. It is so heartbreaking to see that little boy with an eye patch, as his dad wipes his eye and the mother holds his hands resting on his lap and weeps. As a parent, I know exactly how I’d be feeling. They’ve cost that child half his sight and other physical injuries. The blindness in his right eye has been diagnosed as permanent and the psychological damage will be just as permanent

because the blinded eye will be a constant reminder. As parents, teachers, preachers and coaches, we have to work harder at teaching tolerance. We have to get the message across that no matter how we may personally feel about people’s differences – whether real or perceived, it is not acceptable to bully and not our business to punish them for it. We need to get back to the time when children were taught the golden rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Kids are exposed to so much cruelty on TV and video games that they need to have that counterbalanced with lessons of kindness. We know there will always be bullies, but we have to make an effort to minimize it. Children have to be taught that whether they know someone is gay or they only assume they are, it is none of their business and certainly not an excuse to do harm to that person. We can do better.

Grace Meng: Making History And Friends By MICHAEL SCHENKLER How often do we get to be a part of history in the making? Next Tuesday, June 26, about a quar ter of t he Democrats in Queens, will have the opportunity to, for the second time in four years, take part in an historic election.

As one who marched on civil rights picket lines during his college days and beyond and recognized the reality of racism in our nation, the thought of a Black President in the White House was merely a very distant dream – not one that was going to be realized in my lifetime. The election of Barack Obama in 2008 smashed barriers I never believed I’d see toppled. Our nation has come a long way, and true equalit y, though still an elusive dream, was much closer to reality. For those of us who recognized it, entering that voting booth – yes way back in ’08, we actually had lever machine s and boot hs with curtains – and voting for a black man to be president was not

only casting our vote for the best man, but casting our vote to accelerate history. We not only believed in Obama, but we believed America had come of age and it was time to make a statement that skin color was not an impediment in this great nation of ours. We were privileged to participate in this historic chapter in the book of America. We are here once again, just four years later. In the County of Queens, the most multicultural county on Earth, in the melting pot of New York, we can again not only vote for the most qualified candidate, but once again reinforce our belief that the American dream is alive and well and is prospering right here in Queens County. Ne w York Cit y, Ne w York State, the entire east coast of the United States has never sent a person of Asian origin to the United States Congress. On the face of it, it is a fact that is both shocking as well as indicative of the institutional gerrymandering that had been done for years to divide minority communities. The system and the every-ten-year redistricting has always slanted the playing field against all minorities. While the 15th Amendment prohibiting denying one the right to vote on the basis of race, color or previous condition of servitude was enacted in 1870, it was not

GARY ACEKRMAN ENDORSES GRACE MENG: Retiring Congressman Gary Ackerman, who grew up in Pomonok and Electchester, selected the site outside of the Pomonok Library and Senior Center to endorse Grace Meng to succeed him in Congress. until 50 years later that women were granted the right to vote with the enactment of the 19th amendment in 1920. And then, another 51 years until 1971 for the voting age to become 18. In 1964 the poll tax was abolished with the passage of the 24th Amendment, eliminating another major obstacle to minority (and poor) voting. So we’ve provided for equal-

White Named Parks Commissioner someone whose experience is unrelated to parks. With relatively little time remaining in the administration and an anticipated exodus next year of those who are able to find jobs on their own, it will be difficult to design, fund and implement new programs. The city’s parks have thrived in the last ten years, due to the commitment of Mayor Bloomberg to minimize the effect of budget reductions and the appointment to the agency of dozen of competent professionals. A great deal of the good and the new in this administration has come from Parks & Recreation. It would be a shame to see this energy, zeal and momentum dissipate even before the election. Ms. White’s credentials indicate competence and achievement. She would probably do well in a large

number of positions, based on her record in fighting poverty through evaluating the work of other agencies. Her specific background in parks in comparable to that of Ms. Catherine Black, who was appointed Schools Chancellor on Jan. 3, 2011, and served until April 27, 2011, when she resigned. Her tenure was not regarded as successful. We share the hope that Ms. White will be more effective in parks than Ms. Black turned out to be in schools. We do wonder, however, if there were competent managers in Parks, some of whom Mayor Bloomberg has selected for his own administration, why they should not have been considered. The choice of commissioners is, however, a mayoral prerogative. StarQuest@NYCivic.org

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

June 22-28, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

By HENRY STERN The re signat ion of Adria n Benepe as Parks Commissioner and the appointment by Mayor Bloomberg of Veronica M. White as his successor may indicate a new attitude by City Hall as to what a parks commissioner should be. White is the founding Executive Director of the Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO), established by Mayor Bloomberg in 2006 to implement innovative ways to reduce poverty in New York City. The CEO works with City agencies to design and implement evidence-based initiat ives aimed at pover ty reduction. The position held by Robert Moses from 1934 to 1960, once one of the most powerful in city government, will, presumably for the next 16 months, be held by

ity of voting rights and still find many obstacles like a politicized redistricting preventing many America ns from par t icipat ing equally in the elusive dream. That brings us back to the current election. Grace Meng, a bright American women, who was born here 36 years ago, the child of parents who immigrated here from China to find a better home and to raise their family, is a candidate to re-

place Gary Ackerman in Congress. Grace Meng, who graduated from Car doza, Ye sh iva L aw School and became a public intere st at tor ne y before bei ng elected to the Ne w York State Assembly, is on the verge of becoming the first Asian elected to Congress from the East Coast and the first woman from Queens since Gerry Ferraro. Grace Meng, in the opinion of this paper and this writer, is clearly the class of the field – the most qualified candidate by far is on the verge of helping us all come another step closer to realizing the American Dream. The New York Times has endorsed her; Gary Ackerman has endorsed her; the UFT and all five of the Democratic Candidates for Mayor have endorsed her; just about every major elected leader in Queens have endorsed Grace Meng for Congress. She stands for the right things and she knows how to get things done. As I wrote last week, she is a woman of elegance and grace. For those Democrats living in the new 6th Congressional District, Primary Day, next Tuesday, June 26 will be the second time in four years to be a part of history in the making. You can vote for the most qualified candidate, Grace Meng, and at the same time cast a vote reaffirming the American Dream. MSchenkler@Gmail.com

Willets Point:

Proposal’s Housing Delays Raise Concerns

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 22-28, 2012

BY STEVEN J. FERRARI After decades of efforts to enact a development plan at Willets Point, Mayor Mike Bloomberg announced a new vision for the area during a breakfast hosted by the Queens Chamber of Commerce. The proposal, as laid out by the City Economic Development Corp., aims to expand on the City’s November 2008 Willets Point Redevelopment Plan, which created the Special Willets Point District and called for the development of a mixture of uses, including commercial, residential and publicly-accessible open spaces, along with 5,500 residential units, 35 percent of which would be designated as affordable housing. The $3 billion project announced last week is a joint venture of Related Companies and Sterling Equities Inc., the investment arm of the Wilpon family, which owns the New York Mets. After the decontamination of 62 acres in the district, the first phase of the project will create retail, restaurants and a 200room hotel on 126th Street. Seth W. Pinsky, the City EDC president, said the decontamination would begin at the end of 2013 or the beginning of 2014, with construction beginning sometime in 2015. The project needs to go through the public approval process – which includes an environmental impact statement and the City Council’s approval– before decontamination work could begin. Bloomberg said during the announcement that the project would create 12,000 union construction jobs and more than 7,000 permanent jobs once the project is completed. He cited the project as an example of the City’s recovering economy. “Investing in infrastructure and laying the groundwork for private investment are hallmarks of our administration’s economic development strategy,” Bloomberg said. “Projects like this one are part of the reason our economy is doing better than the rest of the country.” Subsequent phases of the

Images, provided by Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s office, of the Willets Point proposal. project will bring a one-millionsquare-foot retail and entertainment center on the west side of Citi Field and an additional 4.5 million square feet of mixed-use development, including retail, housing and office spaces. Pinsky said the project would be ongoing over the course of the next 10-15 years. Excited Officials After the announcement, a number of Queens officials attending the breakfast praised the Mayor’s proposal. U.S. Rep Joseph Crowley (DJackson Heights) said the project would be “great for Queens,” and would breathe new life into the surrounding areas. “This is going to be a project that extends from Flushing to Corona and really reinvigorates a community that has been struggling,” Crowley said. “Queens County will be grateful to the Mayor for years to come.” Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, who has been a vocal proponent for the building of a convention center at Willets Point, also praised Bloomberg for taking up the cause of Willets Point’s development. “Finally, under Mayor Bloomberg, we got moving with it. He took it up,” she said. “As a long-term advocate for the improvement of Willets Point, I’m pleased that this plan will advance the transformation of the site.” Housing Hangups Not everyone is pleased with

the plans for Willets Point, with the delay in the development of housing units being one of the chief concerns. Officials touted the housing aspect of the project, which would include up to 2,500 housing units. In keeping with the City Council’s 2008 development plan, 35 percent of the housing units built would be designated as affordable. Under the current proposal, however, the housing units would not be completed until the final phase of the project, which means the housing would not be available until roughly 2025. When asked why the housing component would take so long to be completed, Pinsky said the other aspects of the project needed to completed first. “This is the way that you get to affordable housing,” he said. Former Borough President Claire Shulman, another advocate for developing Willets Point, said she believed Mayor Bloomberg deserved credit for pushing the development through, but hoped for some modifications to the proposal. “Maybe we could use affordable housing before 2025,” she said. “We’re very short on affordable housing in that part of Queens.” Despite her concerns about the housing component, Shulman said she was supportive of the project, which she said would give the borough’s

economy a “shot in the arm.” “The willingness of the mayor to take this on, it’s a good thing,” she said. “This is not an easy project, but it’s a project that should move.” Pinsky said that if the developers did not fully follow through with the project – including the affordable housing component - Related Companies and Sterling Equities Inc. would have to pay a $35 million penalty. “We anticipate fully that this project will go as planned,” he said. Michael Rikon, an attorney representing Willets Point United in the group’s fight against the use of eminent domain at Willets Point, also questioned the project’s housing proponent. “They promised affordable housing and that was a complete lie,” he said. “It won’t be done until 2025, and no one will hold them to that.” Other Concerns Rikon said that he did not think the project would get City Council approval, noting that the proposal would be subject to “substantial attack” because the

City has not addressed problems that have derailed previous attempts at development. “Environment, traffic, none of that has been resolved,” he said. “We don’t think they can do it.” Members of Willets Point United said in a statement that the expanded scope of the project, without any environmental analysis, was irresponsible. “The prior version of the project – without the one-million-square-foot mall – already was to gridlock the Van Wyck Expressway and other area roadways,” the statement read. “This expanded plan will be unimaginably worse.” Another chief concern WPU has cited has been the use of eminent domain to acquire property on the site. Bloomberg said during his presentation that the City has reached an agreement with 95 percent of the business owners involved to acquire land for the project to go forward. Pinsky added that the City hopes to reach negotiated settlements with all the parties involved. “The City wants to take eminent domain off the table,” he said. State Sen. Tony Avella (DBayside), who has been critical of plans to develop Willets Point, expressed concern about the project. Avella noted that the City was planning to move businesses that have been at Willets Point for generations, and that instead the City should focus on traffic and infrastructure improvements, not business development. “Where are the traffic improvements, the infrastructure improvements?” Avella said. “The City should put in roads and sewers, and development will take care of itself.” Avella said he remained skeptical the project would get done. “How many of the Mayor’s projects have come to fruition? None?” Reach Managing Editor Steven J. Ferrari at sferrari@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 122.

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June 22-28, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

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Protective Measures

Auxiliary police officers hand out information on keeping personal belongings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including cell phones and purses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; safe on public transportation outside the 111th Street J train station.

Service Awards

Photo by Ira Cohen

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

Body Art

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 22-28, 2012

Borough President Helen Marshall stands with 20-year recipients of the Community Board Service Award during a recent ceremony. Pictured (from left) are Grace Lawrence, Prescilla Levine, Marshall, Maurice Braithwaite and Prescilla Carrow.

Photo by Ira Cohen

Performers from the BodyArt dance troupe prepare for their roaming dance performance, done throughout the Queens Botanical Gardens.

Police Blotter Compiled by STEVEN J. FERRARI

103rd Precinct Gunshot Victim At approximately 11:17 p.m. on June 11, NYPD responded to a 911 call of a person shot at 10445 164th St. Upon arrival, officers observed a 20-year-old African-American male with a gunshot wound to the head. EMS responded to the location and pronounced the victim dead at the scene. The victim has been identified as Charles Jones of Queens Village. There have been no arrests, and the investigation is ongoing.

Homicide At approximately 8:50 p.m. on June 10, NYPD responded to a report of an assault in the vicinity of 161st Street and 89th Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 35-year-old Hispanic male lying on the ground with severe head trauma. EMS responded and transported the victim to Jamaica Hospital, where he later died. Cause of

death has not yet been determined. The deceased has been identified as George Ayala of Jamaica. The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying four suspects in connection with the incident. The first suspect is described as an African-American male, approximately 6-foot, medium build with short black hair, last seen wearing a polo shirt with yellow and blue horizontal stripes, black pants and a black baseball hat with a yellow brim. The second suspect is described as an African-American male, approximately 5-foot-9, thin build with short black hair, and was last seen wearing a black button-down collared shirt, unbuttoned, black pants and a black baseball hat. The third suspect is described as an African-American male, approximately 6-foot-2, medium build and was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, dark colored pants and a red baseball hat.

The fourth suspect is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5-foot-8, medium build, and was last seen wearing a black T-shirt with white writing on the front, green long cargo shorts and a black baseball hat turned backwards. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers’ website at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

104th Precinct Assault The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect wanted for an assault. At approximately 2:20 a.m. on June 9, in the vicinity of Myrtle and Seneca avenues, the victim, a 22-year-old Hispanic male, and

the suspect engaged in a dispute that escalated to the suspect shooting the victim in the torso. The suspect is described as a 22-year-old white male, 6-foot, 200 pounds, with curly black hair and a white T-shirt. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). All calls are strictly confidential.

107th Precinct Accident Investigation At approximately 8:15 p.m. on June 6, NYPD responded to a motor vehicle and bicycle accident in front of 178-02 Union Turnpike. Upon arrival, officers observed a 39-year-old white male lying next to his bicycle with severe trauma to his head and neck. EMS responded to the location and transported the victim to Queens General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police determined the victim was riding his bicycle eastbound

on Union Turnpike when he struck a parked car at the location when the operator of the vehicle opened his door. The operator remained on scene. There is no criminality suspected and the investigation is ongoing.

110th Precinct Suspect Arrested The NYPD has arrested Maximiliano Lozada, 34, of Elmhurst in connection with a homicide that occurred on June 11. At approximately 8:50 p.m. on June 11, NYPD responded to a 911 call of a female stabbed inside 40-05 Hampton St. Upon arrival, police discovered the victim, Luz Paulino, 33, of the Bronx, with multiple stab wounds to the body. EMS responded and transported the victim to Elmhurst Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Lozada has been charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon.

June 22-28, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Faith

Notebook

Man Invents New Holy Water Dispenser Green Bus In Queens Green Bus

BY ROSS BARKAN

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 22-28, 2012

They came. They saw. They promoted environmental consciousness. Eleven Dartmouth College students visited the Alley Pond Environmental Center in Douglaston last Thursday as part of a 24-state, 12,000-mile cross-country trip. The travelers, who had just begun their summer vacations, arrived in the “Big Green Bus,” a donated 1998 Greyhound that runs on waste vegetable oil and features appliances that only use solar power and a composter. The students checked out APEC’s nature trails and gave tours of the bus to a group of roughly 40 interested individuals, emphasizing the importance of grassroots environmental initiatives. But they were also on hand to fill up their tank with more than 160 gallons of waste vegetable oil donated from Queens entities such as the New York Mets, the Courtyard Marriott JFK Hotel and El Ay Si Restaurant. To note the occasion, Queens Bor-

Photo courtesy of the QEDC

Queens firefighter John Hartel realized years ago that soap dispensers could dispense liquids other than soap. He swapped the soap for holy water, and he may just have a million-dollar idea. Hartel, a firefighter at Engine 251 in Glen Oaks, patented an automatic holy water dispenser that allows churchgoers to receive blessed water without dipping their fingers into dirty fonts. When his mother died last year, he put promotion of his invention on hold, but now he is set to meet with Chiarelli's Religious Goods, a distributor of ecclesiastical goods, about marketing this invention He also cares for a brother, Matthew, who has Down syndrome. Hartel is excited, and admits he is intrigued by the moneymaking potential of his invention. "I'm ready to move forward," Hartel said. The 45-year-old is married with two children and lives in Flushing, dutifully

worshipping at St. Mel Church. For almost a decade, he had the idea of a holy water dispenser to prevent the spread of germs at church, but it was not until the swine flu outbreak in Queens three years ago that Hartel realized his invention could be timely. He gained a patent and was driven out to a machine shop in eastern Long Island where his design became reality. St. Mel's is already using his holy water dispenser. Hartel created a company, JMH Castlerea, Inc., to promote his invention. Hartel has been attending conventions to spread the gospel of his dispenser and is a member of the Catholic Marketing Network. "I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop. The response to all of this has been unbelievable," he said. The dispenser will retail for about $400. Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127 or rbarkan@queenstribune.com.

Dartmouth College students visit the Alley Pond Environmental Center as part of a cross-country trip. ough President Helen M. Marshall and Councilman Ruben Wills (D-South Jamaica) presented proclamations to the bus riders and APEC. Marshall declared June 14, which is also Flag Day, as “Alley Pond Environmental Center’s Big Green Bus Day” in Queens.

A&E

Gilbert & Sullivan Meets Saturday Night Live BY TAMMY SCILEPPI “Gilbert & Sullivan In Brief(s),” the final production of the 2011-2012 season at Queens Theatre, bids a fond farewell and adieu to the theatre’s loyal and enthusiastic audiences – until next season. After its Queens run, the show will play in Edinburgh, Scotland for three weeks, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s most prestigious performing arts festival and showcase for new plays. So, what do Gilbert & Sullivan and Queens Theatre’s executive director Ray Cullom have in common? The witty duo never looked better than they do now, as col-

orful characters dreamed up by Cullom in this new production. And, as it turns out, they’re actually based on people he has met in his travels, while working on G & S operas and opera companies for almost 30 years in four major metro areas. For as long as he can remember, Cullom said he has been fascinated by the musicals of Gilbert and Sullivan. What does the show have in common with Saturday Night Live? A reviewer of an earlier version of this show called it “Gilbert & Sullivan meets Saturday Night Live.” The reference was to the fact that the show is “sketch based,” i.e. each of the 14 operettas is dealt with as an individual

sketch, separate and apart from the one that preceded it - and each of the sketches are fastpaced and comic. The throughline for the show is the four characters and their interactions with each other as “performers,” and how that changes over the course of 75 minutes. What can folks expect to come away with after the show? Our audiences who don’t know G & S already can expect to be highly entertained. The

A Winning Lunch Experience Café Henri 10-10 50th Ave., Long Island City (718) 383-9315 HOURS: Mon.-Sun. 8 am – midnight CREDIT CARDS: Yes, all major

Last Saturday marked the opening of the latest installment in the exhibition series “Caribbean Crossroads of the World” at the Queens Museum of Art. Complete with live musical performances and traditional Caribbean fare, the event attracted the attention of local residents, artists and fans of art world alike. “We always try to find that perfect counterbalance between the art world and the real world,” said David Strauss, Director of External Affairs at the Queens Museum of Art, “and tonight is exactly that.” The exhibit, which was organized in conjunction with Manhattan-based museums, El Museo del Barrio and The Studio Museum in Harlem, presented paintings, still photos, video installations and garments created by artists from the Caribbean archipelago. Strauss noted that with the rich influx of Caribbean cultures in New York City, the theme of the Caribbean seemed not only fitting but long overdue. “The fact that we are able to really delve into what the Caribbean basin is in the arts through its history and come up with three very powerful museums full of wonderful artwork speaks volumes,” said Strauss.

Within the larger, unified theme of the Caribbean, common topics of religion, gender roles and strained inter-cultural relationships between the islands echoed throughout many of the works. Inspired by an actual nun living in Curaçao, the painting of “The Black Nun” depicted the intricate contrast between the indigenous culture of the island and European influences. A native of Curaçao, painter Ariadne Faries said she first noticed the nun singing in a local Catholic church. “I was very inspired to see the combination of Africa, an origin that has a lot of gods, with the Catholic European robes she wore,” said Faries. Large crowds drew to a poignant video portrait entitled “Kima Momo” (translation the burning of King Momo), which exemplified the questioning of the roles of men and women in Carribean society. Of his work, artist Ryan Oduber said, “The piece is a critical look on the carnival. It questions the way men are raised for being macho.” The Carnival is an annual Caribbean tradition in which a fullday festival is held to commemorate the celebration of life the on the day before Lent begins. Oduber, who was born in Aruba, said he noticed a drastic shift in social roles once he moved to Holland.

Video Portrait “Kima Momo” on display at Queens Museum of Art. The inclusion of Oduber’s piece marks a personal first for the artist who never before had his work on display in New York. “It’s amazing to be a part of something so big,” said Oduber. “To be exhibited in Queens is magical.” “Caribbean Crossroads” will be on display though January and the purchase of one ticket at any one of the three participating museums will grant admission to all three. Reach Reporter Megan Montalvo at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 128 or mmontalvo@queenstribune.com.

June 22-28, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

Heading to a meeting in Hunter’s Point during afternoon rush hour on the 7 train is never something to look forward to, unless you happen to stumble upon Café Henri along the way. Such was my good fortune last Friday. As I surfaced to street level from the subway station at Vernon Boulevard and Jackson Avenue, I set my eyes forward to uncover the restaurant directly before me. My nose being aware of the bistro long before it reached my sight, I knew this was a stop I had to make. So I did. Once inside, a feeling of relief melted away my subway stress as my friendly server handed me the menu. It felt as though they had been expecting me. I started with the Café Au Lait, which

comes in a porcelain cup so big that makes you forget why you ever started guzzling down your cup of joe in a paper cup on the way to work every morning. Being lunchtime, I thought it was appropriate to sample their French fries with a side of burger, my thought being sure they have an amazing list of French fare no doubt, but can they win me over on an American classic? They did. The burger, thick and juicy, was sandwiched between a savory egg-brushed brioche bun and served with a side mesclune salad. As I grazed on my salad, I soaked in the soothing light reflecting from the grand chandelier onto the muted earth toned walls and fantasized about being in the South of France. When I came back down to reality, I realized I was in LIC and it was time for my meeting. As I left, I made a note to come back for brunch to try Les Classiques. After all, my server boasted that they do make a killer French toast. –Megan Montalvo

our dance series - and are soon to announce our theatre and family series. The theatre series will include a New York premiere of a major new musical, a re-staging of a classic Broadway play, and a new comedy by one of the most brilliant comic minds of our generation. “Gilbert & Sullivan in Brief(s)” runs through July 1. For more information, visit www.queenstheatre.org or call (718) 760-0064

Caribbean Cultures Collide At Queens Museum Of Art BY MEGAN MONTALVO

Restaurant Review

music is beautiful and is performed f lawlessly. The comedy never lets up, and I think they will leave wanting to know more about G & S and their work. For those who are familiar with the shows already - they will appreciate them on a different level - as it is full of inside jokes (verbal and musical) that will hopefully keep them laughing the whole time. What’s in store for the theatre next season? We have already announced

Queens Today 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.

RELIGIOUS FREE SYNAGOGUE Friday, June 22 Shabbat service at 8. Saturday, June 23 informal worship and torah study at 10. Friday, June 29 Shabbat service at 8. Saturday, June 30 informal workshop and torah study at 10:30. Free Synagogue of Flushing, 41-60 Kissena Blvd. 961-0030.

YOUTH

TEENS

SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

SUMMER EMPLOYMENT Call the LIC library at 7523700 for information on entry-level jobs in hospitals, government agencies, law firms, businesses, and more. METRIX LEARNING See Education listings. CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2. ART WORKSHOP Monday, June 25 a t t h e Windsor Park library. Register. TEEN GAMING Monday, June 25 at 4 at the Fresh Meadows library. FUN WITH CROCHET Monday, June 25 a t t h e Rosedale library at 4. TEEN LAPTOP Mondays-Wednesdays, through June 27 learn how to use laptops at the Hollis library at 4:30. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays Douglaston/Little Neck library at 4. JOB READINESS Tuesday, June 26 at the Far Rockaway library at 3. TEEN LAPTOP Tuesday, June 26 learn how

to use laptops at the Arverne library at 4. BEGINNERS CHESS Tu e s d ay, J u n e 2 6 a t t h e Rosedale library at 4. ADVISORY BOARD Tu e s d ay, J u n e 2 6 a t t h e Flushing library at 4. LIC CHESS CLUB Tuesdays LIC library at 4. BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays Windsor Park library at 4. STREET COMIX Wednesday, June 27 at the Lefferts library at 3:30. RESUME HELP Wednesday, June 27 at the Arverne library at 4. GAME DAY Wednesday, June 27 at the Howard Beach library at 4. KNIT & CROCHET Wednesday, June 27 at the South Ozone Park library at 1. SEWING CLUB Wednesday, June 27 at the Rosedale library at 4. DRAWING/WATERCOLOR Wednesdays Drawing and Wa terc o l o r c l a s s e s a t t he National Art League.9691128..

QUEENS LIBRARIES Many branches of the Queensborough Library offer toddler and preschool programs and more. Contact local branches. SCIENCE PLAYGROUND Through December 31 at the Hall of Science. 6990005. STORY BOOK LADY Saturdays 12:30-1:30 reading enrichment program for 6-9 year olds at Maria Rose International Doll Museum in St. Albans. $7.50. 2763454. SCIENCE LAB Saturdays Central library at 11. CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2. LEGOS Sunday, June 24 Hands-on learning with Legos at 1:30 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 U n i o n Tu r n p i k e , Fr e s h Meadows. FUN WITH CROCHET Monday, June 25 a t t h e Rosedale library at 4. MAKING BOOKS SING

Monday, June 25 at 4:30 at the Central library. ART WORKSHOP Monday, June 25 a t t h e Windsor Park library. Register. MAGIC SETH DALE Monday, June 25 at 4 at the LIC librar y. Tuesday, June 26 at 4 at the Fresh Meadows library. Thursday, June 28 at 3 at the Far Rockaway library. CRAFT KIDS Mondays at the Flushing library at 3. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at 4 Douglaston/ Little Neck library. BOOST MATH Tu e s d ay, J u n e 2 6 a t th e Central library at 4. JEOPARDY Tu e s d ay, J u n e 2 6 a t th e Queens Village library at 4. DREAM BIG W/ANIMALS Tuesday, June 26 at 4 at the S o u t h J a m a i c a l i b ra r y. Wednesday, June 27 at 4 at the Windsor Park library. Thursday, June 28 at 2 at the Douglaston library. Pet hedgehogs, bugs, frogs, bunnies and more in an in-

teractive live animal program. S TORY T I M E Wednesday, June 27 at the East Elmhurst library at 11:30. MAGIC JIM Wednesday, June 27 at the Langston Hughes library at 1:30 and 2:30. Thursday, June 28 at 1:30 at the Corona library and 3:30 at the Lefferts library. Friday, June 29 at 3:30 at the Ridgewood librar y. HAPPY STORY TIME Wednesday, June 27 at the LIC library at 10:30. LIBRARY BUDDIES Wednesday, June 27 and Friday, June 29 at the Auburndale library at 4. SAND ART Wednesday, June 27 at the Briarwood library at 4. PAPER PLANT CRAFT Wednesday, June 27 at the East Flushing library. Register. CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library. TIMELESS TALES Wednesdays at 10 at the Central library.

Borough Beat

Queens Dems Back Jeffries As Race Tightens Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 22-28, 2012

BY DOMENICK RAFTER When the new Congressional lines were drawn and approved back in March, much of the borough found themselves in new districts; among them, the roughly 47,000 people who live in Howard Beach and Ozone Park drawn into the new 8th Congressional district. Of all the districts that include Queens, the 8th has the least number of people from the borough. Stretching from Downtown Brooklyn through Bedford-Stuyvasant, East New York and Canarsie and along the Jamaica Bay shoreline to Coney Island, the 8th Congressional district has an AfricanAmerican majority, though less so than its predecessor, the old 10th district. Incumbent U.S. Rep. Ed Towns (D-Brooklyn) is retiring this year, setting up a fierce battle in next week’s

in Howard Beach, a neighDemocratic primary for borhood that is more than the seat between Assem90 percent white. The blyman Hakeem Jeffries neighborhood gained some (D-Brooklyn) and Counnational attention for a racilman Charles Barron cial incident in 1986 when (D-Brooklyn). three black youths were Jeffries, who has the chased by white teens, endsupport of the Brooklyn ing with one of the black Democratic Party and reyouths being struck and ceived the ballot line for killed by a car on the Belt the Working Families Party, is in a political brawl Queens Democratic leaders endorse Assemblyman Parkway. The incident with Barron. Barron re- Hakeem Jeffries for the 8th Congressional Dis- came up briefly during the press conference, but ceived the endorsements trict seat in Howard Beach on June 15. Crowley dismissed it, notof DC37, New York City’s largest public service union, and Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Jackson ing society has changed for the Rep. Towns, whose endorsement Heights) and other Southwest better since then. “I think that not only this comcame as a surprise. Barron at- Queens Democrats publicly tempted to unseat Towns in backed Jeffries for the seat and munity, but the city and the en2006, falling just over 4,000 urged Democratic voters in the tire county have changed,” Queens portion of the district to Crowley said. votes short of winning. Jeffries said the election is a The apparent closeness of the vote on June 26. Barron, a former Black Pan- good chance to show how dirace triggered the Queens Democratic Party to hold an official ther, has had a history of making verse neighborhoods can unite endorsement of Jeffries in disparaging remarks about on common issues. “I think there’s actually an opHoward Beach on June 15. Out- whites, but he has recently met side the Cross Bay Diner, U.S. with civic leaders and residents portunity to show how far we’ve

come in New York City,” Jeffries said. “I believe we can bring everyone together to work in our collective best interest.” Though the main population centers of the district are East New York and BedfordStuyvesant, there are Brooklyn neighborhoods with similar demographics to Howard Beach, including Marine Park and Mill Basin. Because the seat is one of the most Democratic in the country President Barack Obama won 86 percent of the vote there in 2008 – it is almost certain the winner of the Democratic primary will win the general election in November. However, Jeffries has already secured the WFP line and could stay on the ballot in November regardless of the results on Tuesday. Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400 Ext. 125.

Queens Today ENTERTAINMENT

MEETINGS JEWISH VETS Sunday, June 24 Jewish Wa r Ve tera n s o f t h e U SA Lipsky/Blum Post meet at the Garden Jewish Center. 4634742. ST. ALBANS CIVIC Sunday, June 24 St. Albans Civic Improvement Association meets 1:30 at St. Albans L u t h e r a n C h u r c h , 2 0 0 th Street and 119 th Avenue in the undercroft. VFW 4787 Mondays, June 25, July 9, 23 Whitestone VFW Comm u n i t y Po s t m e e t s . 7 4 6 0540. CIVIL AIR PATROL Mondays Falcon Senior Squadron at 7 at JFK Airport. 781-2359. GREATER WOODHAVEN Tuesday, June 26 Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation Meeting at 7:30 at St. Thomas the Apostle, 87-49 87 th Street, first floor, Woodhaven. MEN’S CLUB SOCCER Tu e s d a y e v e n i n g s F o re s t Hills Jewish Center 8-9:30. 263-7000. FRESH MEADOW CAMERA

Tu e s d ay s Fre s h M e a d ow s Camera Club. 917-6123463. ADVANCED WRITERS Tuesdays Advanced Bayside Writers’ Group meets at 6:30 in t he Terrace Diner, 212-97 26 th Avenue, upper level. FH VAC Wednesday, June 27 Fore st Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corp. 793-2055. BARBERSHOP Wednesdays Jamaica Chapter of the Societ y for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet

in Flushing. 468-8416. STAMP CLUB Thursday, June 28 Queens Stamp Club at the Forest Hills library at 5:45. CIVIL AIR PATROL Thursdays at 3 at August Martin HS, 156-10 Baisley Blvd., Jamaica. 525-6925. LEADD CLUB Thursday evenings and one Saturday afternoon. Recreation Socialization Program for Learning Disabled Adults. 18+, able to travel on public transportation. Arn310@aol.com information.

HEALTH WAITANKUNG Sunday s at 2. Total-body workout. Flushing Hospital/ Medical Center. Free. Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156. HATHA YOGA Monday, June 25 a t t h e F l u s h i n g l i b r a r y. Re g i s te r 661-1223. SPRING INTO MOVEMENT Monday, June 25 exercise experience at the Langston

Hughes library at 6. ZUMBA Monday, June 25 a t t h e Laurelton library. Register. ZUMBA Monday, June 25 at the Ridgewood library. Register. TAI CHI Mondays and Thursdays at 11 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695. $5.

SWINGING BLUES Saturday, June 23 Swinging Side of the Blues at the Central library at 2. ZO2 Saturday, June 23 at the Flushing library at 3. CINEMA TO MOVIE Saturday, June 23 May Fair Lady at the Fresh Meadows library at 3. FILM TRIVIA Saturday, June 23 at 3 at the Steinway library. LIVE JAZZ & R&B Sunday, June 24 live jazz and r&b 6-10 at Déjà vu, 180-25 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. BLUES Monday, June 25 Eddie Lee Isaacs and the Rockin’ Side of Blues at the Arverne library at 6. BLACK MUSIC Monday, June 25 celebrate Black Music Month with saxophonist Tony Smith at the East Elmhurst 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.

FILM SCREENING Wednesday, June 27 “Double Indemnit y” film shown at the Central library at 2:30. SCRABBLE TIME Wednesday, June 27 at the Forest Hills library at 2. SINATRA & MORE

Wednesday, June 27 tribute to the music of Sinatra, Manilow, Sedaka and others Woodside library at 4. DISCO DAYS Thursday, June 28 Throwback Thursday at 8 at Resorts World Casino, 100-00 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park.

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS FM POETS Saturday, June 23 Fresh Meadows Poets meet to discuss and critique their work at 10 at the Fresh Meadows library. KNIT & CROCHET Saturdays, June 23, 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28 at the Peninsula library at 10. FISHING Sunday, June 24 Fishing with IFISHNY at Socrates Academy in LIC. 9561819. METRIX LEARNING Monday, June 25 at the Central library at 1. OPEN LAB Monday, June 25 a t t h e Central library at 2. FUN WITH CROCHET

Monday, June 25 at the Rosedale library at 4. BALLROOM DANCING Monday, June 25 a t t h e Forest Hills library at 6:30. JOB READINESS Monday, June 25 a t t h e Woodside library at 6:30. INTRO INTERNET Monday, June 25 a t t h e Central library. 990-5176. RESUMES Monday, June 25 resumes and cover letters Central library at 6. JOB READINESS Monday, June 25 at the Arverne library at 5:30. PUBLIC SPEAKING Monday, June 25 at the Briarwood library at 5:45.

June 22-28, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

People Local students were named to the President’s List and Dean’s List for the winter 2012 quarter at Berkeley College. They include: President’s List Queens Village: Recquel Furbert. Dean’s List Briarwood: Sandra Ellinor Simonsson, Jennifer Umana. Queens Village: Monique Clark, Cheryl Cunjie, Mikhail Robertson. Caleb Williamson of Rosedale, a student at Saint Mary’s High School, was awarded the 2012 Saint Michael’s College Book Award for Academic Achievement with a Social Conscience. Carmela Morales of Jamaica was named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2012 semester at Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I. Rajamathangi Gounder of Queens Village received a

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bachelor’s degree in biological and chemical sciences with a concentration in biology and a minor in dance during spring 2012 commencement ceremonies at Wells College in Aurora. The New York Army National Guard recently announced the promotion of members in recognition of their capabilities for additional responsibility and leadership. Peter Vazquez of South Ozone Park, serving with the 107th Military Police Company, has been promoted to specialist. Dashon Andrews of Queens Village, serving with the Company B, 642nd Support Battalion, is promoted to private first class. Shelica Graham of Jamaica, serving with Company C, 101st Signal Battalion, is promoted to private first class. Martina James of Jamaica, serving with 101st Signal Battalion, is promoted to private first class. Tanisha Barrette of Spring-

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field Gardens, serving with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 101st Signal Battalion, is promoted to private first class. Shaun Holder of Springfield Gardens, serving with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2-108th Infantry, is promoted to specialist. Melvin Sealey of Jamaica, serving with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 27th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, is promoted to sergeant. Passionette Jacobs of South Richmond Hill, serving with the 145th Maintenance Company, is promoted to private first class. Eric Steinberg of Forest Hills, serving with the 1569th Transpor tation Company, is promoted to first lieutenant. Joy Flores of Forest Hills, serving with Signal Network Support, 369th Sustainment Brigade, is promoted to first lieutenant. Hakeem Toure of Saint Albans, a member of the incom-

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The New York Lottery announced the name of an area Lottery player who claimed a winning scratch-off ticket and received a cash prize valued at $10,000 or more. Karla Lituma of Ozone Park won $15,000 on the $3,000,000 Bonanza scratch-off game. Lituma’s winning ticket was purchased at the VDK Grocery, 1442 College Point Blvd., College Point. Garcia Catano of College Point won $20,000 on the New York Poker scratch-off game. Catano’s winning ticket was purchased at the Dhara News & grocery, 15-23 College Point Blvd., College Point.

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ing freshman class at SUNY Brockport, was awarded the Brockport’s Deans Scholarship.

Courtney’s dream of pursuing modeling finally came true this past year. After many years of wondering what it would feel like to walk down the runway and smile for the cameras, Courtney O’Buckley has joined the ranks of Shortstack models here in Queens. “I was always a big tomboy; I wore braces and played soccer. [Modeling] has always been an interest; it’s always been in the back of my mind,” she said. This being her first year in this business, Courtney quickly developed the notion of “having fun, while being professional.” “It’s more of an experience for now; I don’t see it as being something more,” she said “I’m having fun, but I’m dabbling my feet in the water.” Having just completed her first year at Queensborough Community College, Courtney is still on her feet a lot of the time; she works at Applebee’s and plays soccer constantly. In her free time, she can be found in Steinway with friends, playing guitar, singing, playing video games, or on Hillside Avenue with her mother and sisters. “On Sundays, I’ll go out shopping with my mom, and then we’ll try to have dinner that night with

The Politician & The Snake Dream Come True Models Of Queens

Courtney O’Buckley Home: Jamaica Age: 18 Height: 5’1" Weight: 110lbs. Stats: 34-29-40

At the Briarwood Community Fair, fearless Assemblyman David Weprin was trying to talk a snake into registering to vote.

A Big Diehl

my sisters,” she said. “It’s nice to spend time together.” Showing love for Queens, she says “Certain areas are suburban, and other areas are more active. You get the best of both worlds!” And advice for up and coming models? “You don’t know what’s in front of you if you don’t look. Start trying new things and jump into it.”

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens June 22-28, 2012

A Game of One-Upsmanship Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s announcement of a new development at Willets Point wasn’t the only topic of conversation during last week’s Queens Chamber of Commerce breakfast. Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey’s one-hitter against the Tampa Bay Rays from the night before also received a lot of play during the event. Less than two weeks after Johan Santana pitched the first no-hitter in Mets franchise history, Dickey looked like he might repeat the performance. He still might, as Mets manager Terry Collins announced after the game

that he planned to appeal the hit, saying it was actually an error on third baseman David Wright. Bloomberg, U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley and Chamber Executive Director Jack Friedman all congratulated team owner Fred Wilpon – who was also in attendance – on his pitcher’s accomplishment. But the one-hit talk couldn’t overshadow the planned expansion Bloomberg announced. Dickey should be used to that by now. The same night that he threw his one hitter, San Francisco Giants pitcher Matt Cain pitched a perfect game.

Shhh! If you want to root, root, root for the home team, you may soon have to do it quietly at Citi Field. The New York Mets are considering creating a “quiet section” in the second deck, with lower volume PA announcements and no music or cheering. While it’s rumored that the Mets want to make Citi Field friendlier for autistic children, maybe turning America’s pastime into a

This may be the only time to find the quiet section at Citi Field. silent film isn’t the best idea. What about the planes constantly flying to and from LaGuardia? Here’s another idea: if you want to watch the Mets in peace and quiet, stay home.

Mayor Bloomberg prepares to give the Mets some props.

Ever waited for a bus in the freezing cold after a night of drinking and thought “I wish I had the money to spend on a cab?” Many of us have, which is why it’s curious to us as to why people who can splurge for a driver do not, especially when they need it. Case in point, New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl. The star of the Super Bowl-winning team was in Astoria last weekend watching the Croatia vs. Ireland EuroCup soccer match. Diehl, who is of Croatian descent, watched the match, which ended in a Croatian victory, at Scorpio’s, a well-known Croatian bar. A few hours after the game,

Confidentially, New York . . .

Croatian Soccer fan David Diehl Diehl left the bar on Broadway and 36th Street in his BMW, but didn’t get far. Diehl sideswiped a series of parked cars a few blocks away and was later arrested for drunk driving - his blood alcohol level was registered at .182, way above the legal limit. Now Diehl faces a year in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted, which is considerably less than the cost of a cab from Astoria to Diehl’s home in West Orange, N.J.

Jet Blues The infamous JetBlue pilot who made headlines in March for his mid-air rant about Jesus, al-Qaida and 9-11 is in the news once again. Ten passengers on the plane, which was en route from JFK to Vegas at the time, filed a lawsuit in State Supreme Court in Queens last week. All 10 plaintiffs are from the New York Metro area and are claiming JetBlue knew the pilot was unfit to fly and are seeking unspecified damages for emotional distress. This whole incident has us begging the question, did the pilot sit in Van Wyck Expressway traffic on his way to JFK?

What’s Up their 1st Annual Fashion Show- tral Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., This free event will be held JUNE 23 at Guy R. Brewer United Democase & Afterparty. Fresh new at 2:30 p.m. Walkers For Wellness Club designers will be showcasing their cratic Club - 197-01 Linden Blvd., Looking for a fun way to im- designs as well as some of the at 7:30 p.m. Domestic Violence Workprove your health? Join the Walk- newest selections for the season. ers for Wellness Club at New A party will take place immedi- shop State Sen. Shirley Huntley JUNE 29 Hope Lutheran Church of Ja- ately following the fashion show. invites you to attend a series of Outreach and Assistance maica. Under the guidance of a Vendors will be selling accessoWalking 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.

ries, clothing, health & beauty, jewelry, makeup, perfume, and more. Space is limited. Tickets are $15. For tickets, contact Keisha at (347) 336-5268. A portion of the proceeds will be going to the above organization to aid in finding a cure for Crohn’s Disease. More information about Crohn’s Disease can be found at www.ccfa.org. This event will be held at 11458 170th St., from 7 p.m. to midnight.

Cash for Guns

JUNE 24 The Tribunes

Turn in an operable handgun with no questions asked and receive a $200 bank card for an operable handgun and/or a $20 bank card for the return of a rifle or shotgun. Sponsored by the NYPD and Borough President Helen Marshall. This free event will be held at Saint Benedict the Moor Church, 171-17 110th Ave., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Summer Fest

Swingin’ Side of the Blues Veteran blues singer/guitarist Eddie Lee Isaacs mixes jazz with the blues in this performance of music made great by such artists as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and more. This free event will be held at Queens Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 2 p.m.

Fashion Showcase JL Trezure Chest and Tink & Tinkers are pleased to present

JUNE 25 Kaplan’s Test Prep The Business, Science and Technology Division presents Kaplan Test Preparation Graduate School Admissions Seminar. This free event will be held at Queens Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 6 p.m.

JUNE 26 Walkers For Wellness Club See June 23 listing. At 7 p.m.

JUNE 27 Film Screening “Double Indemnity,” a 1944 American film noir, was based on James M. Cain’s 1935 novella of the same title. Mr. Cain, in turn, based his novella on a 1927 murder perpetrated by a married Queens Village woman and her lover whose trial he attended while working as a journalist in New York. This free event will be held at Queens Public Library’s Cen-

JUNE 28 Walkers For Wellness Club See June 23 listing. At 7 p.m.

Intro to Microsoft Excel Learn to use Microsoft Excel 2010 and its new features. This workshop explores these topics and many other basics of Excel 2010, including opening the application, creating new spreadsheets, navigating it, and entering data. It also provides an introduction to the many tools that will help you create and use your spreadsheets productively. Basic computer skills are required. To register, please call (718) 9905176 or (718) 990-5148 or visit the Job Information Center. This free event will be held at Queens Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 6:30 p.m.

Monthly Meeting The Guy R. Brewer United Democratic Club meets monthly on the fourth Thursday of the month. Refreshments are served. Come and see how you can help get the vote out for President Obama. For additional information, contact District Leader Leslie Spigner at grbudc@aol.com.

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, contact Simone Williams at (347) 731-1721 or visit thedaughtersofisisfoundation.org, 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.

ONGOING Job Club The Jamaica Neighborhood Center offers a free service to assist people from Southeast Queens with job-readiness skill sets in writing a professional resume and cover letter; interviewing practices and techniques; applying on-line procedures; elevator pitch and Microsoft Suite 2007. For additional information, contact 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.

Group Sessions Clergy United for Community Empowerment, Inc. Group Sessions are located at 89-31 161st St., 10th Floor, Jamaica, for the community on various topics such as Domestic Violence, Mental Health, Substance Abuse intervention, Decision Making, Condom Use, High Risk Behaviors leading to HIV, and self – esteem awareness. All group sessions offer light snacks and beverages. Group sessions are open to the public. Round-Trip Metro Card reimbursement is available at the end of each completed session. For further information call (718) 297-0720. All services are free.

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

Infant Mortality Clergy United for Community Empowerment’s Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative program provides the following services free of charge: case management services, parent skills building, crib care, breast feeding education, health education, nutritional information/education, referral for HIV testing, confidential one-on-one counseling, workshops, and women support groups. Call (718) 297-0720. Located at 89-31 161 St., 10th floor, Jamaica. Services are available Tue.-Thurs. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

June 22-28, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

Come celebrate the end of school and the beginning of summer at King Manor as we enjoy special historic activities, food preparation (ice cream!!), and other seasonal fun! Crafts, stories, and games are all part of this afternoon of seasonal family fun! This free event will be held at King Manor Museum, 153 Street at Jamaica Avenue, from noon to 4 p.m.

The Tribunes have a long history of a cappella vocal harmonizing on songs of the ’50s, performing solid gold oldies and sharing the stage with virtually all of today’s oldies artists and groups. This free event will be held at Queens Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 3 p.m.

workshops on domestic violence. Come learn about your legal rights as a victim. Invited panelists include: Safe Horizon; Queens Criminal & Supreme Court Program; Queens Legal Aid Society; Queens Legal Services; NYC Family Justice Center, Queens; Other State and City Agencies; and Community Based Organizations. For more information, visit huntley.nysenate.gov or contact Lois Menyweather at lmenyweather@gmail.com or Aiysha Jaggassar at (718) 5233069. Light refreshments will be served. This free event will be held at the SUNY Equal Opportunity Center, 158-29 Archer Ave., from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

FDNY Emergency Medical Service. Volunteers for the class follow along using the CPR Anytime Personal Learning Kit, which features an instructional DVD and an inflatable mannequin. All participants are able take home the kit at the end of class and asked to pledge to use the kit to show five of their family members and friends how to perform CPR. This class teaches basic CPR technique and is not a certification course. In Queens, the classes will be held the fourth Thursday of every month at EMS Station 54, 222-15 Merrick Blvd. In addition, please visit www.nyc.gov/ cprtogo for New York Sports Club locations offering free CPR classes starting in January. Please visit www.fdnyfoundation.org or call (718) 999-2413 for more information.

Vote this Tuesday to keep

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks

working for us. Strengthened educational opportunities for students by bringing NASA science and college prep programs to district schools. Brought home millions of our hard-earned dollars to redevelop downtown Jamaica and the Rockaways. Supported President Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to double U.S. exports by providing export assistance to small businesses. Sponsored a foreclosure prevention clinic to help struggling homeowners keep their homes. Kept St. Albans VA veterans property from private development.

A AND ENDORSED BY PRESIDENT BARACK OBAM U.S. SENATOR CHARLES SCHUMER.

In the June 26th Democratic Primary,

Re-elect 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.