Southeast Queens Press Epaper

Volume 13 Issue No. 27 July 6-12, 2012

PAGE 18

DON’T TURN AROUND

Online at www.QueensPress.com

Press Photo by Ira Cohen

The Mayor’s plan to reform 24 failing schools – including August Martin High School – has been found to violate collective bargaining agreements with the teachers unions.

By Ross Barkan…..Page 3.

News Briefs MLS Seeks Queens Stadium The most popular sport in the world is about to have more of a foothold in Queens, as Major League Soccer has been in talks with local officials to iron out the final creases of a proposal for a new stadium.

The proposal entails a 20,000-to25,000-seat stadium on the northern end of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. The time frame for construction of the stadium, although not definitive, could be finished within 24 months.

The Queens stadium would represent the 20th addition to a competitive and diverse MLS league.

“Major League Soccer remains committed to securing a 20th team for the League that would be located in New York City. We are thrilled about the prospect of being in Queens and bringing the world’s sport to the world’s park,” said Risa Heller, a spokesperson for Major League Soccer.

There are also proposals to refurbish the surrounding ball fields and creation of eight acres of park elsewhere in the city to replace the converted park space.

The project has been tipped to create roughly 2,000 construction jobs, 200 fulltime and 900 part-time jobs, in what many would consider one of the toughest economic climates experienced by Queens’ residents.

The project to bring a second soccer stadium and franchise to the New York Metro area has been a key initiative for the league, after a laborious elimination period. This is an important period for local business and soccer fanatics alike.

The New York Red Bulls play at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J.

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 6-12, 2012

Streets Repaved The smell of hot tar, for once, will actually be a welcome scent to the nostrils of Ozone Park’s drivers.

The Dept. of Transportation, along with Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), announced at a press conference at 101st Avenue and 80th Street that South Queens, particularly Community Districts 9 and 10, would have many of their roads repaved over the next several weeks. DOT Commissioner Janette SadikKhan joined Ulrich to hail the battle against potholes, a perpetual problem for the City’s roadways, and explain that the DOT is in the process of paving 300 miles in the borough and 40 miles within Community Districts 9 and 10.

Some roads in the area that are being repaved include 101st Avenue from Drew Street to 88th Street, 103rd Avenue from Woodhaven Boulevard to Liberty Avenue, 106th Street from Park Lane South to Jamaica Avenue, 102nd Road from 84th

Street to 90th Street, 90th Street from Rockaway Boulevard to Liberty Avenue and 80th Street from 101st Avenue to Liberty Avenue.

Ulrich said he has been pushing for more repaving in South Queens, especially on roads that have not been touched in 20 years. DOT officials revealed that resurfacing will begin on July 9 between 58th Street and 65th Place, Woodhaven Boulevard between Myrtle Avenue and Union Turnpike and Northern Boulevard between Bell Boulevard and Douglaston Parkway.

Group Pushes For Propane Availability The residents of Broad Channel possess beautiful vistas of Jamaica Bay and quick access to beaches, but what they do not have is what the rest of the City takes for granted: natural gas.

Their approximately 925 homes and 50 businesses use propane tanks rather than natural gas because no gas line runs to Broad Channel. The Broad Channel Civic Association has led the push for natural gas. Propane can be more dangerous than natural gas because it does not dissipate in the air as quickly, making explosions more likely, though propane is not considered a greenhouse gas, unlike natural gas. Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Far Rockaway) recently sent a letter to Mayor Mike Bloomberg asking the City to subsidize a National Grid project in Broad Channel. The Mayor’s office did not respond to requests for comment.

Though his release referenced the financial burden that Broad Channel residents have dealt with due to their use of propane tanks, Goldfeder in an interview said safety was his priority in advocating for natural gas instead of propane.

The FDNY did not comment on whether or not propane is on a list of substances to be banned, though the FDNY’s fire code lists cyclopropane as one of its banned compressed gases.

When inhaled, cyclopropane is an anesthetic and has a different molecular composition than propane. The FDNY only cautioned that propane tanks should not be installed indoors or below ground level. Spare propane cylinders should not be stored, according to the FDNY.

Brief Us! Mail your news brief items to: PRESS of Southeast Queens 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357

Presstime

Turnaround Plan Now In Jeopardy

BY ROSS BARKAN

PRESS photo by Ira Cohen

“Turnaround” has, at least temporarily, been turned around.

An arbitrator ruled on June 29 that the City’s plan to reform 24 failing schools by dismissing half their staffs violated collective bargaining agreements with the teachers and principals unions.

The ruling thwarts Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s far-reaching and contested plan to raise the achievement level of lagging City schools, including seven in Queens, and secure nearly $60 million in federal funds for the reformation process known as “turnaround.”

For Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott, the ruling is a significant setback and they said they intend to fight further through an appeal to the State Supreme Court. The United Federation of Teachers and the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators hailed arbitrator Scott Buchheit’s ruling.

Marshaling student and political support, the UFT frequently protested the Mayor’s “turnaround” plan up until the moment the Panel for Educational Policy voted on April 26 to replace half the staffs and principals of 24 high schools Citywide and give each school a new name. The seven Queens high schools impacted are: Flushing, Newtown, Long Island City, William Cullen Bryant, August Mar-

tin, John Adams and Richmond Hill. “[This] decision is an injustice to our children that — if allowed to stand — will hurt thousands of students and compromise their futures,” Walcott and Bloomberg said in a joint statement. “We will appeal the decision because we will not give up on the students at these 24 schools.”

The “turnaround” schools have already been given new names, a move that angered students and parents who believed the identities and histories of the schools were being stripped away. Before the April 26 PEP vote, raucous public hearings, mass rallies and indignant elected officials were all commonplace at the schools that would eventually close. With its federal funding jeopardized, the DOE could switch to one of three other federal models for school improvement.

“Enough is enough, it’s time for the mayor to stop,” said Dermot Smyth, a Queens UFT representative. “Let these schools be put back together.”

The DOE began the “turnaround” process after it could not agree with unions leaders on a new teacher evaluation system. In Queens, the closed schools had received multiple “F” grades on their yearly reports, though school advocates said that in many of the cases, it

Parents, teachers and officials protest the City’s turnaround plan during a public hearing in February. was unfair to compare the failing schools to other schools in the City that did not face the same economic, social and lingual challenges.

Many of the schools affected by “turnaround” have high English Language Learner populations. Compounding this challenge, those same schools tended to draw students from poorer socioeconomic backgrounds. At a February town hall meeting in Oakland Gardens, Walcott said

that “demographic breakouts” were another reason for some schools lagging behind others.

Since students no longer have to attend high schools in their own districts, higher-achieving students can opt for superior schools in neighboring districts. High schools like Flushing have been losing top students in their own districts to schools like Bayside and Benjamin Cardozo, one district east.

“With the arbitrator’s ruling,

the DOE and UFT are presented with an opportunity to reevaluate the entire plan and come up with new ideas,” said Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills), a member of the City Council’s education committee.

“It is my hope that the problem is approached in a timely and efficient manner in that it prioritizes our children first.”

Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127 or rbarkan@queenstribune.com.

BY VERONICA LEWIN Now that it seems unlikely that Peninsula Hospital Center could be brought back to life, help is on the way for the remaining hospital on the Rockaway Peninsula.

Councilman James Sanders Jr. (D-Laurelton) announced last week that St. John’s Episcopal Hospital received a new MRI machine. The machine was purchased in part with a $1.6 million investment by the City, which was secured by the Councilman last year.

Following the closure of Peninsula Hospital earlier this year, the need for advanced medical equipment and screening techniques became urgent as the Rockaway Peninsula brainstorms to avoid a health care crisis.

“This MRI machine will give the doctors at St. John’s hospital a vital new tool for the detection and treatment of degenerative disease, brain tumors, spinal trauma and other dangerous maladies that threaten our health,” Sanders said. “With St. John’s

now the sole facilitator of all hospital services in the Rockaways, it has become even more urgent that the hospital and its staff are fully prepared with the state of the art medical equipment they need to render medical services to all the patients on the peninsula.”

Sanders said the new MRI machine incorporates the latest technology available to make the experience as quiet, comfortable and gentle for the patient while providing medical examiners with innovative new scanning

techniques. The machine’s diameter is 11 centimeters larger than an average MRI, and doctors are now able to view different bones, body systems and functionality with minimal usage of contrast dyes, which carry the risk of toxicity.

St. John’s Episcopal Hospital received more help last month. Through the State’s Health Care Efficiency and Affordability Law, the Far Rockaway facility will receive $5,357,680 in grants to expand services after the closure of Pen-

insula Hospital Center. Ten hospitals and nursing homes throughout New York City were awarded a total of $72.9 million.

After a troubled nine months, Peninsula Hospital Center closed on April 26. The Rockaway Peninsula lost 174 beds, which put a greater strain on St. John’s Episcopal Hospital. No definite plans have been made for future use of the facility.

Reach Deputy Editor Veronica Lewin at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or vlewin@queenspress.com.

July 6-12, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Rockaway Hospital Gets New MRI Machine

Court Says IG Can Investigate ICCC

BY ROSS BARKAN Last month, a New York appellate court dealt another legal blow to the nonprofit Indian Cultural and Community Center, ruling that the Inspector General’s office may continue to investigate their controversial land deal.

Now, the ICCC is seeking an appeal to the State Supreme Court, ensuring that the battle over the proposed construction of two nine-story senior residence towers on a 4.5 acre parcel of Creedmoor Psychiatric Facility will continue

to simmer. Detractors of the ICCC believe that the Indian Orthodox Christian group acquired the land for far less than it was worth in 2008 and have since misled the surrounding communities about its intentions to build inclusive senior housing. Civic leaders, Community Board 13 and State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) have led the charge, alleging the ICCC’s proposed buildings are too big, “out of character” with residential Bellerose, and will be built for Indians only, not the entire community. Critics have also charged the

housing plan is not in actuality a nonprofit venture.

The ICCC insists that it is building senior housing for all seniors and that much of the angst bubbling up from their proposal is a reflection of racial tensions between predominately white civic associations and the South Asian community. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has been investigating the ICCC’s land deal for the past year. When former Inspector General Ellen Biben joined the investigation, the ICCC claimed that the IG’s

office was wasting taxpayers’ money by carrying out an investigation almost identical to the AG’s office. The IG is responsible for investigating wrongdoing among employees of New York State, including elected officials.

In 2008, the ICCC originally purchased two pieces of land at Creedmoor for $1.8 million with the intentions of building a community center. When the land’s value was later assessed at $7.8 million, a deal fell apart to purchase a third parcel of land.

If Avella, perhaps the ICCC’s

most strident critic, is re-elected this fall, his redrawn district will not include the Creedmoor Psychiatric Facility. Avella called the redistricting process “shady” and argued that parties influenced by the ICCC purposely ensured its land would no longer lie in his district, though he could not offer concrete evidence to prove this assertion. The contested 4.5 acres are now in the district of State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Hollis).

Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127 or rbarkan@queenstribune.com.

$63K Stolen From Resorts World Casino

BY WAYNE DEAN DOYLE

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 6-12, 2012

A cool, calm and collected individual strolled into the profitable and popular Resorts World New York City Casino at Aqueduct Racetrack on June 29 and robbed an estimated $63,000.

The casino since its inception last October has proven a prosperous business with more than $40 million in revenue for the state last year.

The incident occurred at approximately 5 p.m., when an unknown assailant brazenly slipped a note to a cashier, demanding

she hand over the cash or else he would kill her.

The suspect pointed to his waistband and indicated that he had a gun, but it was unclear whether he actually had a weapon.

The NYPD described the male as being approximately 30

years old and 5’ 8” tall. He was wearing a blue shirt, blue jeans and black sneakers.

The incident raised concerns about the security at the new casino.

State Sen. Joseph A d d a b b o J r. ( D - H ow a rd Beach) said that he would like

to see additional security hired.

Requests for comment from The Resor ts World Casino were not returned as of press time.

Reach Reporter Wayne Dean Doyle at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125 or wdoyle@queenstribune.com.

Tri-Athlete Turns Tragedy Into Triumph

and

ConnectCare present

BY MEGAN MONTALVO

POWER OVER PRESS Photo by Megan Montalvo

DIABETES

FREE health screenings,

diabetes education and a Zumba class!

Wendy Link, 29, looks out towards her favorite view of Manhattan from the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge. five month recovery. The surgeon drilled eight screws into her shin, created a bone graft made from a cadaver and inserted a titanium plate for support. Looking back at her pictures from the surgery, Link recalled handing her phone to a nurse and asking her to take pictures.

“Nothing like this had ever happened to me, and I wanted to document it; a part of me wishes I could have been a fly on the wall to watch what was going on,” said Link.

Through all the pain, Link still remained true to her upbeat personality.

“Right before I was wheeled into the operating room, I asked the doctor ‘Just give me a sexy, pretty scar.’ I guess that was just the girly girl in me,” said Link. Though the request got a chuckle from the doctor, he managed to accommodate her wish.

From outward appearances, it would be difficult to know just how much Link has gone through. “I have pain every day, but so do a lot of people,” said Link. “I just keep going and work through it.”

When it comes to the upcoming triathlon, indeed she will be working through it as well. Link notes that with everything she has experienced, she can definitely see the symbolic correlation between her life and her upcoming competition.

“Life is like a triathlon,” said Link.

“You have to take it one step at a time and suffer a little bit, but in the end when you accomplish your goals, no one can ever take that away from you.”

Reach Reporter Megan Montalvo at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 128 or mmontalvo@queenstribune.com.

Thursday, July 12 Central Library

89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica 12:30 PM - FREE Health Screenings by Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center

1:00 PM - FREE Diabetes Education by

American Diabetes Association followed by a FREE Zumba Dance Class.

Come dressed for exercise!

For more information 718-990-5154.

www.queenslibrary.org ® Connecting YOU with Health Care!

Participants should consult with their physicians before undertaking any exercise, nutrition or health-improvement program.

This program is made possible with a generous grant from The New York State Health Foundation.

July 6-12, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

In the City that never sleeps, an average day might include just that, with nonstop work, commuting and meetings, not to mention balancing a social life. You practically have to be superhuman to maintain your sanity.

For Wendy Link of Astoria, some may call her the new Wonder Woman. She doesn’t have an invisible jet, the bulletproof bracelets or the lasso of truth, but she does help to save lives through her fundraising efforts with her “Team in Training” for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

On July 8, Link will be running, biking and swimming her way to help find a cure for blood cancers in the Aquaphor New York City Triathlon. Though this is the first triathlon for the athlete, Link is no stranger to the competitive world of sports. She has been dancing since she was two years old and competed in numerous long-distance bike rides and marathons.

“I grew up dancing my whole life, and I’ve always been very competitive,” said Link. “Like most athletes, I’m a go-getter type of person; that’s just always been my nature.”

With no exaggeration of the term “gogetter,” Link definitely measures up to the true meaning of the word. Just one year ago while competing in “The Ride to Montauk,” a 70-plus mile-long bicycle race on Long Island, Link suffered an earth shattering accident with a motorist. Link was hit by an oncoming car while cycling, and she was thrown from her bike underneath a parked vehicle. The driver neglected to stop, and Link lay on the roadside for what seemed like an eternity to receive medical attention.

“It was very traumatic,” said Link. “I was just screaming. The whole back of my bike was mangled.”

As Link waited for assistance, she managed to maneuver herself into an upright position and remained positive. “At first I was like, ‘no everything is going to be fine, nothing is wrong,’” she said.

She did not know it at the time, but once she arrived at the Hospital for Special Surgery, Link found out that she had a tibial plateau fracture, which meant that her tibia had completely torn and separated from her knee cap.

“I could feel constant pain, and I knew I definitely couldn’t walk on it,” said Link.

“For some reason, there was a part of me that just stopped feeling it.”

At the hospital, Link underwent a grueling invasive surgery, which resulted in a

Letters

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 Deputy Editor:

Veronica Lewin Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed

Look Closer The decision last week by the Supreme Court to uphold the Affordable Care Act as constitutional was an historic step towards guaranteeing that millions of Americans will have healthcare for the first time.

Republicans have asserted that the ACA is an example of the government overstepping its bounds and big government run amok, while ignoring an important issue to many Americans: the legislation will ensure that if Americans – including the estimated one million City residents who are currently uninsured - need healthcare, they will receive it and, hopefully, not face financial ruin to do so.

Despite the decision from the country’s highest court, however, the ACA is sure to continue to be a polarizing topic throughout the country as we head into the Presidential election season. President Obama will laud the decision as a victory, while Republicans will use it as a rallying cry to send the President back to Chicago after just one term.

In the last week, many Republicans have stated their desire for a Mitt Romney win in November, in the hopes that the former Massachusetts governor would repeal the so-called “Obamacare” legislation.

The hope is ironic, since the ACA shares much of its identity with similar legislation pushed though in Massachusetts … by former Gov. Mitt Romney.

Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel

Letters

Give Us News To The Editor: We are getting no help from the television newscasters in understanding what the Obamacare issue is all about.

First, it is not the president’s job to create laws. Second, the “law” is unconstitutional in that it is not the job of government to be involved with healthcare. Practi-

cally everything the government in Washington touches is made worse: public education, government spending, wars, housing, just to name a few. Healthcare should be locally controlled or be influenced by state governments not the federal government. And one more thing, Romney says he will “reform” the healthcare law. What a phoney conservative! He should be seeking to abolish the monstrosity not reform it.

Frank St. George, East Rockaway

SOUND OFF Send your thoughts, ideas, opinions, outrage, praise, observations about our community To the PRESS of Southeast Queens 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357

Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Time To Collect

Reporters: Harley Benson Ross Barkan Megan Montalvo Wayne Doyle

To The Editor: There is another solution to the ongoing debate in Washington between President Obama and Congress on how to rein in college interest costs. Millions

Interns: Asia Ewart Cristina Foglietta

Who Is Accountable For This Violence?

A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE Art Dept:

Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend Advertising Director Shanie Persaud Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 6-12, 2012

Collecting some of these outstanding debts could easily preserve current 3.4 percent interest rates for Stafford student loans and fully fund all Pell grants.

Despite being successfully employed for years at well-paying jobs, there are several hundred thousand former students with ample incomes who refuse to pay off their student loans.

Deny federal and state tax refunds to those deadbeats who look for a free ride at our expense. Colleges can tap into their billions in endowment funds. College Presidents and professors can accept salary freezes on their six figure incomes to help reduce costs.

Larry Penner, Great Neck

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

Independence Day is a popular holiday for most. It is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices Americans have made over the last 236 years to make and to keep this country a place where people from all over the globe can come to realize their dreams – even dreams they didn’t know to dream in their own places of birth, sometimes.

But on this special holiday earlier this week, an MTA police officer was attacked, by a man with a history of attacking or expressing desire to attack authority figures.

Edgar Owens, who has been bold enough to go into local police precincts and asked to be arrested or else he’ll punch an officer in the face – and reportedly followed through on that threat — attacked Officer John Barnett with a knife to the face on Independence Day. In return

of Americans benefited from attending college on student loans. This has given them access to joining the middle class.

Taxpayers are left with over $1 trillion in uncollected debts.

he paid with his life.

The incident took place at the Jamaica station of the Long Island Railroad when the suspect allegedly stabbed the officer under one of his eyes. In searing pain and unable to see from the injured eye, Officer Barnett reportedly told the suspect to drop the knife. He refused and posed further danger to the officer and public. Barnett then fired four shots, with three hitting Owens.

The attacker, Owens, has been described as someone who was “unhinged” and that seems like a logical description given his history. Sane people don’t do what this man allegedly did to Officer Barnett and others. It is deeply troubling that he was allowed to be on the streets where he could wreak this kind of havoc rather than being in a place where he could be treated and monitored for his mental health.

Officer Barnett could lose his sight in the injured eye. In addition

to the physical and emotional ramifications of that probability, it could also mean an early retirement for this brave officer, who has served not only our city first as a regular NYPD officer and now as an MTA officer, but who also served our country with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

How ironic that he survived two wars in two countries physically intact, as far as is known, and he was almost killed by a fellow-citizen on home turf.

New York is a city populated mostly with sane and decent people. But every so often you find someone roaming the public sphere that should not be in our midst. These include incidents of people attacking innocent bystanders with heavy objects to the head, pushing people off subway platforms or perpetrating random or premeditated stabbings and shootings.

It seems ironic that we are not even able to be angry at the people

e-mail:news@queenspress.com

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who commit these crimes, no matter how dreadful. The reason being that if you are mentally ill, then you supposedly don’t know what you are doing and therefore are not fully accountable for your actions.

So if the attacker is not responsible for his/her actions, then who is? Have we failed them and in so doing, failed to protect our citizens? These are questions to which we, the laypeople, have no answers.

He should not have been allowed on the streets to do harm to those charged with protecting the public. Officer Barnett is expected to live, but the status of his vision is yet to be determined.

His family has expressed gratitude for his survival and so has everyone else of goodwill.

Independence Day always brings out our pride in being citizens of this great nation; and we hope this injured hero of our city and nation is able to get back to serving the public.

A Look At The Dizzy World Of Politics

By MICHAEL SCHENKLER FIGURE THIS ONE OUT Republicans eat their young.

Or so it seems.

A Republican in the New York City Council is a rare thing indeed, where they’ve averaged less than a handful – that’s fewer than 5 – since the new 51-member Council was formed by Charter Revision in 1990.

HERE COMES ANTHONY? With none of the large group of NYC Mayoral wannabes appearing to gain traction or have magic, and the pundits playing the name game with a list of imaginary candidates including Ray Kel ly and Meryl Tisch, we should watch for the rehabilitation of Anthony Weiner.

Yes, the man who a year ago was brought down by his name and tweets and quietly disappeared into the New York cityscape is stirring anew. Watch for his name and listen for his passionate voice as the once most-outspoken advocate of Obamacare now has the opportunity to recall his roll and polish off the mantle.

CUOMO V. BLOOMBERG It’s been a strained relationship at best between New York’s t wo super powerful polit icians: Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

Bloomberg, who by his personal largesse had for a number of years acquired the ability to rely on the Republican Senate to insure that the State legislature would not take action in contradiction of one of his major initiatives.

But a combination of the omnipotent UFT and the Bloomberg effect wearing thin as the lame duck mantle erodes the Blooms magic.

As the legislative session was drawing to a close, Cuomo intro-

Count the UFT owing a biggie to Cuomo as he looks to the future and perhaps a statement about the Mayor, who apparently has no political future.

A recent Facebook post duced a bill on the controversial Teacher Evaluations, which played to the teacher union and in opposition to the Bloomberg position.

Gov. Cuomo said the legislation was a compromise and included “important points” raised by the teachers union and “reflects much of [Bloomberg’s] perspective.”

Mayor Bloomberg said, “I believe that parents have a right to full disclosure when it comes to information about their child’s education, and I am disappointed that this bill falls short of that goal.”

UN-GREEN-HOUSE Republican control of the House has brought us more than a movement tr ying to role the clock back legislatively.

It has brought us Styrofoam, according to a recent article in The Hill which began: “The House rejected a Democratic proposal on Friday that would have prevented the House from spending appropriated money on polyst yrene foam foo d and beverage containers in its cafeterias.

Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) offered this proposal as an amendment to the 2013 Legislative Branch appropriations bill, but Republican opposition led to its defeat in a 178-229 vote. Only 10 Republicans joined Democrats in supporting it.

Moran’s amendment is the latest of several Democratic attempts to bring cardboard or other more environmentally friendly containers back to House dining areas.

MSchenkler@gmail.com

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

July 6-12, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

On the other hand, through the magic of gerrymandering, the Republicans manage to hold on to a very slim majority in the State legislature. Since 1965, there have been only t wo years where the Dems regained the majority and proceeded to flub it all as four horsemen – Espada, Kruger, Diaz, and Monserratte – sold their souls back to the GOP. Every single seat in the State Senate has real value. So when the Republicans have a chance to capture a new one or one they recently lost, you’d imagine that all of their resources would go towards that effort.

Not so in Queens.

Bright, aggre ssive and dynamic City Councilman Eric Ulrich has been convinced by the Senate Republican Leadership – read Dean Skelos – to challenge State Senator Joe Addabbo Jr. the man who once represented his Council District for the seat once held by GOP Serf Maltese.

This swing seat, newly redrawn to favor Ulrich-who political insiders believe will out work and outspend Addabbo-should be at the top of the Statewide list of GOP “A” seats.

And while the State Republicans are prepared to pour resources into the race, the Queens Republican Party is prepared to try to upset the State GOP applecart.

As part of the ongoing war between the Rugusa and Haggerty Republicans, the “official” Par ty has set out to Primar y popular Ulrich with Juan Reyes.

ACK From the Wall Street Journal’s Washington Wire: “Gar y Ackerma n Disclose s ‘Priceless’ Gift.

Buried beneath individual retirement accounts, dividend income and an ownership stake in the Queens Tribune on retiring Congressman Gary Ackerman’s final financial-disclosure form, which became public Thursday, was a gift.

Its source, the Democrat from Long Island wrote, was the people.

He de scribed the gif t as ‘t he blessed opportunity for 30 years to pay back, in some small measure, the good things that happened to me.’ Under value, Mr. Ackerman wrote ‘priceless.’

Mr. Ackerman, 69 years old, is a colorful figure, wearing a carnation to Capitol Hill ever y day and living on a houseboat called Unsinkable II. (The original Unsinkable sank.) He announced plans to retire earlier this year. In April, he gave an emotional speech to the Nassau County Democratic Party expressing his gratitude for being allowed to serve in Congress for three decades.”

A year ago, after bobbing and weaving trying to hold onto his seat, Weiner was pressured out by the Democratic leadership who paid the price by choosing banishment over rehabilitation for Weiner and wound up with a longtime Democratic seat going to the GOP’s Bob Turner. Not only could Weiner have held that seat, he could have been a player.

New York City veteran pundit Prime New York’s Jerry Skurnick may have summed up a new attitude towards Weiner in a Daily Beast piece: “I still can’t get over a guy resigning over a sex scandal without sex... It’s like putting someone in prison for stealing Monopoly money.”

But as long as there is a vacuum in the Mayoral race and no one filling it, the former Congre ssman who, like his mentor Chuck Schumer, never met a microphone or camera he did not like, must be attracted by the spotlight.

He was just a little over a year ago the clear front-runner to replace Mike Bloomberg as Mayor.

If there is an opening for Anthony, the time is now. Once the energetic former Congressman gets his foot in the door, there is no telling where it may lead. The path to Gracie Mansion must still be on his mind.

Keep your eye on him, once he get s star ted, watch for t he headline: “Weiner On A Roll”.

Just when Queens can return to the glory days of having a member in the powerful GOP caucus – remember Frank Padavan brought home the bacon — the Queens GOP would rather continue its internal war than advance the party or the Senate Majority.

Call it leadership?

Call it loyalty?

Call it stupidity?

Call it eating their young.

Affordable Care Act

Officials Hail Decision; Boro Residents Wary

BY VERONICA LEWIN AND ROSS BARKAN

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 6-12, 2012

In what was the most anticipated ruling since Bush v. Gore, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 54 last week to uphold President Barack Obama’s healthcare act, setting off celebration in Queens political circles and mixed reaction elsewhere.

The June 28 decision, a ruling that was surprising because Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court’s more liberal members, upheld the primary legislative accomplishment of Obama’s first term, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Known informally as “Obamacare,” the act mandates that all Americans must carry health insurance or pay a penalty; insurance providers cannot discriminate against Americans with pre-existing health conditions and individuals can be covered under their parents’ healthcare plans until they are 26, among other provisions. The Supreme Court ruled that Congress also has the authority to expand Medicaid but cannot strip states of federal funds if they refuse to participate in the expansion.

“This decision elicits a collective sigh of relief from 33 million previously uninsured Ameri-

cans who will receive coverage under the ACA,” U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica) said in a statement.

U.S. Rep. Bob Turner (RMiddle Village) called the Supreme Court decision a disappointment.

“While declared constitutional, the Supreme Court’s ruling does not change the fact that it is still a very bad law,” Turner said. “Congress has already found many mandates in Obamacare that would hurt small businesses and kill jobs. Several more taxes and burdensome regulations on small businesses are set to go into effect in the next two years. Congress must now rededicate itself to repealing Obamacare and replacing it with commonsense proposals that will lower health care costs for all Americans.”

While Democrats hailed the act as a way to ensure that every American has health insurance – a goal that has eluded presidential administrations for decades – Republicans decried the mandate portion of the Affordable Care Act as an encroachment on individual rights because it forces all Americans to purchase health insurance. In 2014, states will have to set up healthcare exchanges to ensure everyone can purchase health in-

surance. People who cannot qualify for Medicaid but also cannot afford insurance may be eligible for government subsidies.

The penalty for not having insurance, ruled as a tax by Roberts, would start at $95 or up to 1 percent of income and grow in later years. For families, it would begin at $2,085 or 2.5 percent of household income.

Former U.S. Rep Anthony Weiner was one of the lawmakers who helped the Affordable Care Act become a reality. He likened reaction to the Affordable Care Act to when Social Security was created in 1935.

“People said Social Security was an outrageous expansion of government, creeping socialism, and now it’s hard to find people who won’t protect it, fight for it,” the former Queens representative said.

While some view calling the President’s signature legislation “Obamacare” as an insult, Weiner views it differently.

“I’ve been eager to call this Obamacare,” he said. “In the years to come, I want to watch my conservative friends call it that when it’s successful and popular.”

Residents shared their thoughts outside of the Queens Library’s Whitestone branch on

Starting in 2014, all Americans will be required to have health insurance or pay a penalty.

The Affordable Care Act is raising questions in the Queens medical community.

Monday afternoon.

“The whole healthcare bill is up in the air, it does have some good points to it, but I am afraid that some people will benefit more than others,” Marie Foca said. “Premiums will also go up significantly, which people will not be too happy about.”

Over in Broad Channel, some residents expressed concerned with certain provisions of the act.

“It’s great for the kids, but I don’t think people should be penalized for not having insurance,” Pat E. said.

In a borough 2.3 million people call home, good health care can be hard to come by.

Because of the lack of primary care doctors in the area, many people head to the emergency room whenever they get sick. At the borough’s public hospitals – Elmhurst and Queens Hospital Center – emergency rooms are clogged with patients. Because public hospitals are required to treat anyone who walks through the doors, regardless of insurance, many have trouble staying afloat. The Affordable Care Act could bring some relief to the congested hospitals of Queens, including public hospitals run by the Health and Hospitals Corporation.

“New Yorkers will now benefit from increased access to primary and preventive care, added help in finding and using insurance coverage, and an overall focus on spending our healthcare

dollars more wisely,” City Comptroller John Liu said in a statement. “As implementation of the law continues and funding streams change, the Comptroller’s office will be monitoring closely to ensure that the Health and Hospitals Corporation has adequate resources to carry out its critical mission of serving the City’s most vulnerable populations.”

House Republicans announced plans to push for a full repeal of the Affordable Care Act beginning next week.

“Republicans must act in the interest of Americans now, and put the politics aside. Instead of rhetoric about repealing the ACA, it is time for Republicans to work toward successful implementation,” Meeks said.

Reporter Wayne Dean Doyle contributed to this article.

Medicaid Expansion The Medicaid expansion is a central part of the law, accounting for roughly half of all the uninsured people expected to gain coverage, according to the Congressional Budget Office. It estimates that 17 million uninsured people will gain coverage through Medicaid, at a cost to the federal government of $930 billion from 2014 to 2022.

Police Blotter Compiled by STEVEN J. FERRARI

105th Precinct Fatal Accident At approximately 2 p.m. on June 24 in the vicinity of Cross Island Parkway South Service Road and 115th Avenue, police observed the victim of a motorcycle crash, a 28-year-old African-American male. The victim was removed to Franklin Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The investigation is ongoing.

113th Precinct Rape Suspect The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in ascertaining the whereabouts of Emmanuel Elmore, who is wanted for a rape.

Elmore, 25, is described as an African-American male, 5-foot11, weighing 165 lbs.

At approximately 12:50 a.m. on April 20, the suspect, armed with a gun, approached the victim, a 21-year-old African-American female, in Jamaica and

forced her into an alley. Once inside the alley, the suspect raped the victim and then f led the scene. The victim was brought to an area hospital where she was treated and released.

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.

114th Precinct Homicide Members of the NYPD Violent Felony Apprehension Unit arrested Jason Bohn, 33, of 28-25 33rd St., at about 8 p.m. July 1 at a restaurant in White Plains. Bohn was charged with second-degree murder, aggravated contempt, first-degree criminal contempt and tampering with physical evi-

dence. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

Police had been seeking Bohn in connection with a homicide at his residence. NYPD responded to a call – allegedly from Bohn – that indicated that a female was unconscious at his residence.

Upon arrival, police discovered Danielle Thomas, 27, face up in the bathtub covered in bruises and lacerations. The cause of death was listed as blunt force trauma to the neck and torso.

115th Precinct Bank Robbery The NYPD is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a Hispanic male wanted in connection with a bank robbery that occurred at approximately 4:05 p.m. on June 22 at the Sovereign Bank, 75-15 31st Ave. The suspect entered the location, passed a note demanding money to the teller, received an unknown amount of cash and fled the location on foot.

The suspect is described as in his 30s, 6-foot, 180 lbs., with a goatee.

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.

Robberies The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect wanted in connection with three robberies.

The first incident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. on June 24, when the suspect entered the Laundromat located at 94-23 Astoria Blvd. and, while claiming to have a gun, demanded money from a 56-year-old Hispanic woman. The victim complied and the suspect fled with an undetermined amount of money. There

were no reported injuries.

At approximately 2:55 a.m. on June 25, the suspect, armed with a gun, entered the Laundromat at 37-24 103rd St. and demanded money. The victim, a 55-year-old Hispanic woman, complied and the suspect fled with an undetermined amount of money.

The final incident occurred at approximately 6:15 a.m. on June 26, when the suspect entered a third Laundromat, at 101-02 37th Ave., armed with a gun and demanded money. The victim, a 41year-old Asian female, complied and the suspect fled with an undetermined amount of money.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic man in his 20s.

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.

Borough Beat

State Bill Updates Child Porn Legislation

BY MEGAN MONTALVO

less than 16 years old and will extend to protect attorneys who use pornographic images in court cases as evidentiary support. The bill is expected to become effective as law once it signed by Gov.

Andrew Cuomo, who is a supporter of the bill.

Simotas, who will soon be a first-time mother to her expectant baby girl, said she hopes the revised law will give a newfound

sense of comfort to the numerous families in our communities.

Reach Reporter Megan Montalvo at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 128 or mmontalvo@queenstribune.com.

Flushing Company Fined $94K For Safety Violations

BY WAYNE DEAN DOYLE Core Continental Construction Company has been slapped with fines with a proposed total of $94,380. The fines are a result of repeat violations of health and safety regulations, and a failure to protect the welfare and safety of the company’s staff, according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration office in Manhattan.

The inspection of the Flushingbased company found very similar

hazards, which OSHA cited in both 2008 and 2010. Conditions cited include employees exposed to falls of 15 feet to the sidewalk from a scaffold not fully planked and lacking fall protection, as well as electric shock hazards from exposed electrical panels, and the use of frayed and ungrounded extension cords to power a tile cutter.

These conditions resulted in the issuance of citations with $71,280 in fines for six repeat violations. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has

been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.

“The recurring nature of these hazards is disturbing, especially given their potentially lethal nature,” said Kay Gee, OSHA’s area director. “Proper and effective safeguards must be maintained on all job sites at all times,” said Gee. Reach Reporter Wayne Dean Doyle at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125 or wdoyle@queenstribune.com.

July 6-12, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Children are inarguably the most innocent and helpless members of our community. They completely rely on the decisions of the adults around them to shelter them and give them a voice. On June 19 that voice came from the Assembly and Senate, which passed a bill that strengthened the Child Pornography Prevention Act of 1996.

Supported by Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas (DAstoria), the bill brought New York legislation in line with federal law by making it illegal to knowingly access child pornography on the Internet.

“Technology is constantly changing and we have to keep thinking of creative ways to address this issue that affects the most vulnerable people in our society,” Simotas said.

The updated legislation stemmed from the court ruling in

The People v. James D. Kent on May 8, where evidence in the case had shown that the defendant had accessed images of child pornography on his work computer, but lacked evidence showing that he knew the images would be automatically stored onto his hard drive.

The New York Court of Appeals ruled that viewing child pornography on the Internet without taking further action to possess it, such as printing, downloading or saving the files, does not constitute possession of child pornography.

“There is obviously an illness in people that want to view these images,” Simotas said. “We are continually trying to clarify the details that would help us to catch these people in the act and make sure justice is served.”

The legislation will make it a class E felony to knowingly access a site with the intent to view a sexual performance by a child

Photos by Ira Cohen

pix

Grooving

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

Congratulations Councilman Leroy Comrie addresses the crowd at Groovin' In The Park before introducing Jimmy Cliff.

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 6-12, 2012

U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman congratulates high school seniors from Queens who have been accepted to United States Service Academies. Pictured (from left) are Thomson Phung of Queens Village, who will be attending West Point; Ackerman and Melissa Gabriel of Queens Village, who will be attending the Air Force Academy. Not pictured is George Hatzioannides of Oakland Gardens, who will be attending Merchant Marine Academy.

Jimmy Cliff performs at Groovin' In The Park at Roy Wilkins Park in Jamaica on Sunday.

Multi-Platinum recording artists Boyz II Men pose with Assemblywoman Vivian Cook, Community Board 12 District Manager Yvonne Reddick and Councilman Ruben Wills before their performance at Groovin' In The Park on Sunday.

July 6-12, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Faith

Hollis Church Plans Fall Pilgrimage

BY VERONICA LEWIN

David’s Tomb. The church group will also take a boat ride on the The Hollis Presbyterian Sea of Galilee. English-speaking Church is planning a pilgrimage guides will escort the Hollis Presto Israel to celebrate its byterian Church 90th year in Southeast throughout the tour.

Queens. Scheduled for Arrangements include Oct. 15 to 25, the pilroundtrip flights, hotel accommodations, bus grimage will take a transportation and group of at least 30 two meals each day. people to see the holy The Hollis Presbytesites recorded in the rian Church, located at Old and New TestaThe Rev. 100-50 196th St., was ments in the Bible.

Mark Chapman founded in 1922 by Dr. The group plans to Frederick Todd Steele. visit Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Garden Tomb, the Five adults and two children atChurch of the Nativity, the Old tended the first service, which was City Walls of Jerusalem, the held in a Union Chapel which beChurch of the Holy Sepulcher, longed to the Jamaica Reformed the Mount of Olives and King Church and was located near Ja-

maica Avenue and 189th Street.

When Steele resigned in 1929, there were 451 members and a Church School of 400. Rev. Dr. Mark L. Chapman, the church’s 11th and current pastor, joined the church in 2008 to take over the bustling congregation.

Over the past 90 years, the Hollis Presbyterian Church has tried to expand its reach to include the surrounding community. Some of the church’s projects include trying to save Jamaica High School and improving the lives of black men in Southeast Queens.

The Hollis Presbyterian 99 Percent Club was formed this past January to address issues such as foreclosures, neglected properties, and cuts in vital social services

in Hollis. A rally was held April 21 to address the urban blight caused by vacant property in the area, specifically five vacant buildings. “Hollis is a community of faith comprised of the 99 Percent,� said the Rev. Mark Chapman, pastor of the Hollis Presbyterian Church. “And as such, we want to see just, affordable housing in our neighborhoods, not only because it will help our community remain safe and economically vibrant, but because it’s the right thing to do.�

Those interested in going will be meeting at the church on July 7 at 3 p.m. for information and to view a presentation on the Holy Lands.

For more information, call

(718) 776-4646 or email hollispresbyt@msn.com.

Reach Deputy Editor Veronica Lewin at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or vlewin@queenspress.com.

Word

“The soul passeth from form to form; and the mansions of her pilgrimage are manifold.� —Georg Hermes

Notebook Campus Magnet Complex

High Schools Reflect On Progress Made

BY VERONICA LEWIN

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 6-12, 2012

After a successful school year, the Campus Magnet Complex is looking towards next year.

The Campus Magnet Complex consists of four smaller high schools: Business, Computer Applications and Entrepreneurship High School, Humanities and the Arts High School, Law, Government and Community Service High School and the Math, Science, Research Tech-

nology High School.

The complex’s Steering Committee is coordinated by Assemblywoman Barbara Clark (D-Queens Village). The principal of each high school in the complex sits on the committee, as well as, assistant principals, PTA members, staff and members of the community.

At meetings this year, speakers have come from the Public Schools Athletic League, Queensborough Community

College, the Dept. of Education and the State Dept. of Labor. As a result of these meetings, the Campus Magnet Complex has developed a partnership with the 21st Century Community Learning Center at Queensborough Community College.

The Campus Magnet Complex announced that, beginning next year, students will be able to participate in the Fire Dept.’s Explorers Program and an Army

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Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program to allow students to pursue potential career paths while still in high school.

Each principal in the Campus Magnet Complex provided an update for each of their schools.

Herman Guy, principal of the Business, Computer Applications and Entrepreneurship High School, said many of his students attended the Career Pathways convocation in the QCC Humanities Theatre where

they received certificates for completing college-level courses.

He said approximately one-third of his students received at least three college credits.

Next year the Campus Magnet Complex hopes to continue to grow and offer as many opportunities as possible for the students of the four high schools.

Reach Deputy Editor Veronica Lewin at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or vlewin@queenspress.com.

A&E

Queens Crossing Opens Green Exhibit

BY ROSS BARKAN For most of humanity, a rubber tire represents a crucial component of a car, a way to zoom from point A to point B. Exploded tire rubber, to those same people, is irrelevant. For Peter Hiers, it is the way he speaks to others.

Hiers, a master of turning the rubber he finds near highways into mesmerizing new forms, is one of eight artists selected by jurors to appear in Crossing Art’s newest exhibit, Going Green II. Painting,

photography, sculpture and even computer animation adorn the walls of the downtown Flushing art gallery, tucked into the ground floor of Queens Crossing Mall.

Held in conjunction with the 2012 Queens Art Express of Queens Council of the Arts, Going Green II selected artists Elly Cho, Callie Danae Hirsch, Marietta Patricia Leis, Christina Massey, Yeon Ji Yoo, Lorin Roser, Nina Kuo and Hiers from a global pool of more than 70 submissions. Going Green II is the second annual

Restaurant Review

A Culinary Adventure

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CREDIT CARDS: Yes, all major

“Exodus” by Yeon Ji Yoo. the rips, even the metal wires, those are the mark of the natural forces that overpower our industrial prowess and our arrogant belief that our industries can subdue nature.”

When a curious visitor enters the exhibit, they will be confronted with Yoo’s “Exodus” sculptures, haunting pieces that resemble otherworldly creatures in motion.

Tree branches serve as legs for the black-furred creatures. Built of papier-mache and covered by synthetic flowers, the series of sculptures purposely do not resemble any known being. Yoo only uses recyclable materials in her art.

The creatures, she said, are always on the move and represent

how nature is constantly in flux, forever changing, even in death.

Decomposition ensures that the natural world is never static.

When a man-made object is no longer functional, it decays in a natural landscape, eventually overwhelmed by forces that mankind can never truly tame.

Leis, an Albuquerque native, has traveled worldwide and witnessed both ecstasy and suffering. While in Thailand, she was surrounded by magnificent landscapes, as well as human poverty.

Her lush paintings and intricate use of the color green represents more to her, and to her audience, than simply the beauty of nature.

“There’s so much abundance, and also scarcity,” Leis said. “That kind of is what the exhibit is about. How much abundance and how we still haven’t learned to share.”

The exhibition runs through Aug. 14. Crossing Art is located at 136-17 39th Ave., Flushing.

Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127 or rbarkan@queenstribune.com.

Recording Studio Launches Live Monthly Performances

BY MEGAN MONTALVO Music fans have a new place to catch up-and-coming artists in Astoria. Located just a few steps from the famous Bohemian Hall Beer Garden, the Ears and Gears Recording Studio has opened its doors to the public for it’s new monthly mini concert series, “Live at Ears and Gears.”

From its unassuming house front, it’s hard to imagine the bevy of musical delights inside, but don’t be fooled. The venue, which doubles as home to owner Mor Mezrich, hosted a live musical performance from American Idol Contestant Devyn Rush on June 30. Rush, who was known on the hit show as “The Singing Waitress,” kicked off the night with her rendition of the popular hit song “Call Me Maybe” and continued through the evening with

a presentation of her self-written debut album “Time,” which dropped on iTunes on June 28.

Rush says much of the inspiration behind the album came from her life lessons. “A couple of the songs are about breakups, and a couple of songs are about figuring yourself out, so there’s really something in it for everyone,” said Rush.

One of the songs on the EP that is particularly close to the song writer is “The Alchemist.”

Named after the process of turning metal into gold, Rush uses the inspirational song in her anti-bullying work with national prevention organization “Hey Unique, Gifted, Lovable You (UGLY).”

“The song is really special to me because I go to schools throughout the country and sing it to kids to teach them about selflove and accepting the good with the bad to turn it into the best you that you can be,” said Rush.

A wall-to-wall audience packed into the studio for the event, which drew both fans of Rush as well as locals from the music industry. The idea that started it all sprung from a birthday party turned jam session that Mezrich recently hosted. “I just love Astoria; we have so many great musicians here,” said Mezrich. “A lot of the people that I work with are very talented artists that are going to have a bright future, and this is a great way to showcase that.”

The next “Live at Ears and Gears” event is set for July 28, and will be scheduled every last Saturday of the month going forward on an RSVP basis.

Video of the live performances will also be available on www.earsandgears.com.

Reach Reporter Megan Montalvo at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 128 or mmontalvo@ queenstribune.com.

July 6-12, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

Jet skis dot the shimmering bay. The A train traces the horizon like a long finger. Sailboats rock gently within your reach, and you remember that you are not on a nautical adventure, after all: you are at Aqua House.

Tucked away in Broad Channel, mere steps from the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge, Aqua House is a hibachi and Asian fusion restaurant that is worth your journey south. Once you pull into the last turn before the bridge, make sure you sit out on the deck that grants you startling vistas of Jamaica Bay. On a sweltering afternoon last week, I arrived after my dining companion, who you may remember from previous reviews of mine, Craig J. Heed. He is known in Nassau County circles as a connoisseur of Japanese cuisine.

I fancied myself dining on a ship deck, the breezes of the bay gently ruffling my whiskers; my reverie was broken not by Craig’s incisive and troubling wit but by the appetizers, succulent daisy shrimp. Served with wasabi mayo and chili sauce, the

daisy shrimp is also garnished with a hint of lemon. It was the perfect way to warm up my taste buds and prepare our expectant stomachs for a main course.

Known for my greediness when it comes to appetizers, I ate most of the shrimp and left Craig with only a few morsels.

At Aqua House, you cannot ask for a better environment for food consumption. Sun splashed our deck, the salty waters lapped below and the sky, its vault of clear blue, was open before us like an empty plate waiting to be filled.

For Craig, a chicken-lover and hater of unfulfilling meals, it was the chili chicken that arrived for him. As the name suggests, there is chili and there is chicken, but it is so much more, as my furious fork could attest to. Sauteed chicken with chili sauce served with fried shumai and vegetables creates the type of blockbuster meal that mouths, minds and hearts rarely forget.

Salmon teriyaki greeted me.

The sauce alone made this a meal worth savoring for my drive home. Unfortunately, I could not save any for later because I wanted it all at that moment. All of the delicious salmon was for me, and me alone.

Take a drive down to Broad Channel, soak up some sun and spend an afternoon or evening at Aqua House. Your meal time is precious. Spend it by the water.

–Ross Barkan

juried exhibit for QCA. As its title implies, Going Green II explores the juxtaposition and conflict between the natural environment and mankind. Every piece of art, whether it’s intricately-painted wooden blocks mounted to a wall or papiermache sculptures that look like they were hatched from a nightmare, speaks to this collision of mankind and the natural world.

The rapid industrialization of nations worldwide and the continuing technological boom of this new century have raised troubling questions for humanity. Can this pace of growth be sustained without adversely impacting the planet that we all live on?

Hiers, who designed a swirling vortex out of the stray rubber he assiduously picked up from the shoulders of highways, believes the price being paid is far too high.

“Once I pick up the rubber, I don’t alter it, that’s the way it is,” Hiers said. “These rips and tears have both the imprint of our technology and our industry. But then

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.

MISCELLANEOUS BATTLE OF BANDS Entries through August 31 for Resorts World Casino’s Battle of The Bands. talentscout s@rwnewyork.com MEET THE LIBRARIANS Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25 meet the Steinway librarians at 3 so they can answer questions, recommend library materials and more.

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 6-12, 2012

SENIORS STAY WELL Mondays at the Central library at 10 and Wednesdays at 10:15 at the East Elmhurst library. Learn how special exercise and relaxation techniques make a difference in your life.

CAREGIVERS Tuesdays Caregivers Support group at 3:30-4:30 Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886.

STARS Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25 STARS (Senior Theater Acting Repertory) meets at the Hollis library at 10:30.

COMPUTER BASICS Wednesdays, July 11, 18 computer basics for seniors at the Central library. 9900769.

INTRO COMPUTER/EMAIL Thursdays, July 12, 19 intro to computers and email for seniors at the Flushing library at 10.

WII GAMING Thursday, July 12 for seniors at the Fresh Meadows library at 2.

60+ SINGLES Thursday, July 12 1-2:30 Coffee social. Meet new people over coffee and cake. $3, free CQY members. Central Queens YMYWHA. 268-5011, ext. 160.

YOUTH

TEENS CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2.

MOVIE MONDAYS Mondays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Flushing library at 2.

SUMMER READING Mondays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 at the St. Albans library at 2.

EFFECTIVE TEENS Mondays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 7 Habits of Highly Effective Te e n s a t t he Po m o n o k l i brary at 3.

YU-GI-OH! Mondays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Seaside library at 2.

READING PROGRAM Mondays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 at the St. Albans library at 2.

HARRY POTTER BOOK Mondays, July 9, 16, 30 at the Woodhaven library at 2.

NH GAZETTE Mondays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 North Hills Gazette newsletter at the North Hills library.

Register.

EFFECTIVE TEENS Mondays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Pomonok library at 3.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens.

SUPPORT WRITING Monday, July 9 support writing college admissions and scholarship essays at 3:30 at the Hollis library.

MOVIEMAKERS CLUB Mondays, July 9, 16, 30 at the Woodhaven library at 4:40. Ages 8-15.

CHESS CLUB Mondays, July 9, 16, 30 at 6 at the Bayside library.

DREAM IT Tuesdays, July 10, 24, 31 at the East Elmhurst library at 2:30.

MASTER MINDS Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24 at the LIC library at 2:30. Brain teasers, puzzles, games.

TEEN TUESDAYS Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 31 at the Bay Terrace library at 3.

SUMMER READING Tuesdays, July 10, 31 at the Hillcrest library at 3:30.

JEOPARDY TRIVIA Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 at the Seaside library at 3:30.

TEEN GAMING Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 at the Fresh Meadows library at 4.

ORIGAMI Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 Seaside library at 4.

LIC CHESS CLUB Tuesdays LIC library at 4.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays Windsor Park library at 4.

KNIT & CROCHET Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25 at the South Ozone Park library at 1.

RESUME WORKSHOP

Wednesday, July 11 at the LIC library at 1:30.

ANIME SUMMER Wednesday, July 11, 18, 25 at the Flushing library at 2.

ROLE PLAYING Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25 Bayside library at 3.

FREE E-BOOKS Wednesdays, July 11, 18 at the Douglaston library at 4.

CLAY CREATIONS Wednesday, July 11 at the North Hills library. Register.

FACEBOOK Wednesday, July 11 at the C e n t r a l l i b ra r y. 9 9 0 - 5 1 4 8 register.

MOCK INTERVIEWS Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26 at the Central library. 9905148 register.

READING CLUB Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26 at the Flushing library. Register.

MASTER MINDS Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26 at the LIC library at 2:30.

Brain teasers, puzzles, games.

GAME TIME Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26 at the North Hills library at 3:30.

TEEN SPACE Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26 at the Windsor Park library.

Space limited. 3:30.

TEEN GAMING Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26 at the Fresh Meadows library at 4.

GAME DAY Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26 at the Woodhaven library at 4.

ECO JEWELRY Thursday, July 12 at the Broadway library. Register.

TEEN THURSDAYS T h u r s d ay s B ay Te r ra c e l i brary at 3.

CHESS CLUB Thursdays East Flushing library at 5.Sunnyside library at 5.

GAME DAY Friday, July 13, 20, 27 at the Seaside library at noon.

TEEN HAPPY HOUR Fridays, July 13, 20, 27 at the Flushing library at 2.

READING CLUB Fridays, July 13, 20, 27 Fresh Meadows library at 3.

BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, July 13, 20, 27 at the Bayside library at 4.

READ & REVIEW Fridays, July 13, 27 Read, Renew, Return, Review at the Glen Oaks library. 8318636 register.

CHESS CLUB Fridays Auburndale library at 3:30.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays Briarwood library at 4.

SCIENCE WORKSHOP Saturday, July 7 Animals Alive. Friends of Maple Grove in Kew Gardens. 5443600 reservations. $5 nonmembers.

BABY & ME Mondays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 Bayside library at 10:30.

READ TO ME Mondays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Fresh Meadows library at 10:30.

ANT FARM IN CIT Y Monday, July 9 at the LIC and Broadway libraries.

Register.

MAKE & TAKE CRAFT Mondays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Central library at 3.

HARRY POTTER BOOKS Monday, July 9, 16, 30 at the Woodhaven library at 2.

Ages 8-15.

BOOK CIRCLE Mondays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 Ridgewood library at 3.

READ TO A DOG Mondays, July 9, 16 at the North Hills library. Register.

MOVIEMAKERS CLUB Monday, July 9, 16, 30 at the Woodhaven library at 4:30.

INTRO DRAWING Mondays, July 9, 23 at the Pomonok library at 5.

WII GAMES Mondays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 at 3 at the Windsor Park library.

CHESS CLUB Mondays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Bayside library at 6.

T WILIGHT TALES Mondays, July 9, 23 at the North Hills library at 6.

PJ STORY TIME Mondays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Central library at 7.

READ TO ME Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24 at the Glen Oaks librar y. For those 3-5 at 10:30.

EXPLORING PLANTS Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 Astoria library at 1:30.

READING CLUB Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 Astoria library at 2.

STORY & CRAFT Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 Central library at 2.

MYSTERY BOOK CLUB Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 Seaside library at 2.

SUMMER EADING Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 at the St. Albans library.

Register.

ARTS & CRAFTS Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 at the North Hills library.

Register.

READ TO ME Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 at the Cambria Heights library at 2:30. Pre-school-K. SUMMER READING Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24,

31 at the Arverne library.

Grades 4-6 at 3.

ORIGAMI Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 at 4 Seaside library.

READ TO ME Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25 at the Auburndale library at 10:30. 18-36 month olds.

FAMILY FUN TIME Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25 at the Broadway library at 10:30.

FILM FEST Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25 at the Central library at 10:30.

READ TO ME Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25 at the Fresh Meadows library at 10:30.

S TORY T I M E Wednesday, July 11 at the Hollis library at 10:30.

DREAM BIG Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25 at the LIC library at 10:30. Toddlers and Pre-K. READ TO ME Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25 at the Glendale library at 11.

WE DREAM & WISH Wednesdays, July 11, 18 at the East Elmhurst library at 11:30. 18 months-3 years.

READING CLUB Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25 at the Fresh Meadows library at 1.

WACKY WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays in the summer at 1 at the Whitestone library. Ages 1-12.

DAY AT THE BEACH Wednesday, July 11 at the Middle Village library. Register.

WEDNESDAY WONDERS Wednesdays, July 11, 25 at the Central library at 2. Ages up to 12 and caregiver.

READING CLUB Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25 at the Queens Village library. Register.

READER BOYS Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25 St. Albans library at 2.

SCHOOL BUS Wednesday, July 11 at the Whitestone library at 2. Ages 6-12.

BOOK CLUB K-2 Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25 Woodhaven library.

READING CIRCLE Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25 at the North Hills library at 2:15.

BULETIN BOARD CLUB Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25 a t t h e A u b u r n d a l e l i brary. Ages 8-12 at 3.

CRAFT FUN Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25 at the Bay Terrace library at 3.

ROLE PLAYING CLUB Wednesdays, July 11, 18,

25 Bayside library at 3.

DREAM BIG Wednesdays, July 11, 18 ,25 at the LIC library at 3.

Grades 1-5.

BOOKMARK DECORATING Wednesday, July 11 at the Pomonok library at 3.

ECO ORIGAMI Wednesday, July 11 at the Sunnyside library. Register.

SUMMER CRAFT Wednesdays, July 11, 18 at t h e W i n d s o r Pa r k l i b ra r y.

Register.

BOARD GAMES Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25 Auburndale library at 4.

ARTS & CRAFTS Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25 Seaside library at 4.

GAME DAY Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26 at the Bay Terrace library at 1:30.

ARTS & CRAFTS Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26 at the North Hills librar y.

Register.

MAKE & TAKE CRAFT Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26 at the Central library at 3.

Ages 6-12.

COOL COLLAGE Thursday, July 12 at the Pomonok library at 3.

MAGIC TREE HOUSE Thursdays, July 12, 19 at the Peninsula library. Register.

PJ STORY TIME Thursday, July 12 at the Whitestone library at 6:30.

Ages 6 and up.

WHEELS ON THE BUS Thursday, July 12 at the Whitestone library at 6:30.

Ages 3-6.

CRAYONS & MARKETS Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26 at the Seaside library at 2.

TALKS BOOK CLUB Monday, July 9 “Still Missing” discussed at 2 at the Windsor Park library.

BOOK DISCUSSION Monday, July 9 “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” discussed at 6:30 at the South Jamaica library.

FOOD RULES Wednesday, July 11 book discussion of “Food Rules: An Eaters Manual” at 2 at the Pomonok library.

BOOK TALK Thursday, July 12 “The Clan of the Cave Bear” discussed at the Glendale library at 6:30.

NIGHT BOOK CLUB Thursday, July 12 “The Lonely Polygamist” discussed at 6:30 at the Windsor Park library.

Profile

Jamaica Man Takes On Garbage Problem

BY VERONICA LEWIN Having a sense of community is something that can be lost in the hustle and bustle of New York City. Living in a neighborhood where you do not know your neighbors can cause people to break laws, such as not curbing your pets and littering. One Jamaica man is trying to change that.

Joe Moretti moved to Jamaica in November 2010. He said it took him a few months to notice the plethora of garbage in the neighborhood because of the rough winter the borough experienced. As soon as the snow and salt cleared in 2011, Moretti could see his neighborhood littered with trash.

“I started seeing garbage everywhere I was going,” he said.

He noticed overflowing garbage cans on major thoroughfares, such as Hillside Avenue.

He said he also saw unwanted mattresses and tires being dumped all over Jamaica.

While the foreclosure crisis gained national attention in 2008, Jamaica has been suffering from failing mortgages since the 1990s. The housing collapse has left the neighborhood with an abundance of empty homes and vacant properties. Moretti said these deserted properties have become a trashcan for some people in Jamaica. Besides being an eyesore, he said vacant properties become an inviting place for rodents and criminal activity and prevent attracting new people to the neighborhood.

In addition to illegal dumping at empty homes and lots, Moretti said he has noticed dumping at public places in Jamaica. Since moving to the neighborhood, he said he has noticed people dropping off their garbage near the sidewalk

Joe Moretti of the post office on 89th Avenue.

Prior to moving to Jamaica, Moretti lived in Long Island City for 16 years. Though Long Island City was mainly industrial at the time, he said his old neighborhood did not have the garbage problems he sees on a daily basis in Jamaica.

“You do see there are some issues, but not anywhere near what is happening in Jamaica,” Moretti said.

He said seeing other people treat Jamaica like a garbage can makes it easier for others to do the same thing. While outside of his apartment on 170th Street, he said he once noticed a woman leave her car, dump a soiled diaper on the sidewalk and walk away to her destination. Moretti believes widespread apathy is to blame for the garbage problem in Jamaica. In a neighborhood of more than 200,000 people, it can be easy to litter without any consequences.

“They just throw it like it is nothing,” he said.

He believes that some of the illegal dumpers do not even live in the community; they just come to Jamaica to drop off their unwanted belongings.

He also blames absentee

landlords and property owners for not taking care of their properties. He said many of the property owners do not live in the community, so they may not be aware of the garbage that has accumulated at their property.

Moretti said the elected officials who represent Jamaica are not doing enough to keep the area clean. He said he has reached out to lawmakers on the City and State level, but his attempts have been unsuccessful.

“It needs to be addressed by everyone in Jamaica,” Moretti said.

In the near future, Moretti hopes to organize community cleanups to help beautify his neighborhood. In the meantime, he said he plans to keep contacting elected officials for their assistance with the garbage problem.

Reach Deputy Editor Veronica Lewin at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 or vlewin@queenspress.com.

Queens Today HEALTH

ENTERTAINMENT

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, July 7, 21 learn how to communicate effectively. 10-12:15 at Elmhurst Hospital. 424-9754.

VFW 4787 Mondays, July 9, 23 Whitestone VFW Community Post meets. 746-0540.

CATHOLIC VETS Mondays, July 9, August 13, September 10 American Mart yrs Catholic War Ve t e r a n s P o s t 1 7 7 2 i n Bayside. 468-9351.

CIVIL AIR PATROL Mondays Falcon Senior Squadron at 7 at JFK Airport.

781-2359.

LIONS CLUB Tuesdays, July 10, August 14, September 11 Lions Club of Ravenswood at 6:30 at Riccardo’s by the Bridge, 21-01 21 st Avenue, Astoria.

MEN’S CLUB SOCCER Tu e s d a y e ve n i n g s F o r e st 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.

WAITANKUNG Sunday s at 2. Total-body workout. Flushing Hospital/ Medical Center. Free.

Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156.

ZUMBA Mondays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 at the East Elmhurst library.

Register.

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

670-1695. $5.

ALZHEIMERS Tuesdays, July 10, 24, August 14, 28 Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills.

592-5757, ext. 237.

MS SUPPORT Tuesday, July 10 National Multiple Sclerosis Societ y Support Group at 1 at the Howard Beach library.

INTRO YOGA Tuesday s, July 10, 24 a t the Hollis library at 2. Bring mat and optional cushion.

AUTISM Tuesdays Quality Services for the Autism Community holds workshops for families and friends of autistic children and adults. 7-AUTISM, ext. 1219.

WORLD CASINO 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park. Free admission.

LATIN BEAT Saturday, July 7 at the Central library at 3 and 5.

LIVE JAZZ & R&B Sundays, July 8, 15, 22, 29 live jazz and r&b 6-10 at Déjà vu, 180-25 Linden Blvd., St. Albans.

OPEN MIC POETRY Mondays, July 9, August 13, September 10 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows at 7:30.

ROCK AND ROLL Monday, July 9 Rock N Roll Music at 6:30 at the Flushing library.

SALSA Mondays Resorts World Casino holds Monday Night Salsa events. Lessons 7:30. 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone ark. 215-2828. Free.

SCRABBLE Tuesdays Fresh Meadows library at 1 and East Flushing library at 3:30.

GAME DAY Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26 Woodhaven library at 4.

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS DEFENSIVE DRIVING Saturday, July 7 at Holy Family Church in Flushing.

631-360-9720. $45.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, July 7, 21, 28 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital.

646-748-8290.

KNIT & CROCHET Saturdays, July 7, 14, 21, 28 at the Peninsula library at 10.

WORD BEGINNERS Saturday, July 7 Central library. Register.

SOCIAL MEDIA Saturday, July 7 Far Ro c k a w a y. Re g i s t e r 3 2 7 2549.

BEGINNERS EXCEL Saturday, July 7 Central library. 990-5176 register.

KNIT & CROCHET Mondays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Douglaston library at 4. Bring your own needles and yarn.

WORD BEGINNERS Monday, July 9 Central library. 990-5102 register.

JOB SEARCH Mondays, July 9, 30 Job Search Open Lab at the Arverne library at 5:30.

INTRO COMPUTERS Mondays, July 9, 16 Flushing library at 10.

ONE-ON-ONE COMPUTER Mondays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 assistance at 1 at the Far Rockaway library.

COVER LETTER Monday, July 9 formatting your cover letter at the Central library. 990-5176 register.

COMPUTER BOOT CAMP Mondays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Far Rockaway library.

327-2549 register.

BALLROOM DANCING Mondays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Forest Hills library at 6:30.

METRIX LEARNING Monday, July 9, Friday, July 13 at 1 at the Central l i b r a r y. L e a r n a b o u t f re e online training through Metrix Learning, including certifications in Office, Quickbooks, Adobe.

INTRO WORD Tu e s d a y , July 10 McGoldrick librar y. Register.

BASIC COMPUTER Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24,

31 Rosedale library at 10:30.

BASIC COMPUTER Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 Arverne library at 10:45.

BASIC COMPUTER Tuesday, July 10 LIC library at 11.

INTRO COMPUTERS Tu e s d ay, J u l y 1 0 a t t h e Ozone Park library. Register.

ONE-ON-ONE COMPUTER Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 assistance at the Far Rockaway library. 327-2549 register.

LEARNING LAB Tuesdays, July 10, 24 at the LIC library at 1:30.

SMALL BUSINESS WORK. Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 small business workshops at the Central library. 9905148 register.

INTRO COMPUTERS Tuesday, July 10 at the Central library. 990-0769 register.

LINKEDIN Wednesday, July 11 at the C e n t ra l l i b ra r y. 9 9 0 - 5 1 4 8 register.

METRIX LEARNING Wednesdays, July 11, 25 at the Far Rockaway library at 10:30.

July 6-12, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

MEETINGS

People Army Reserve Pfc. Anniela M. Vaccaro has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Vaccaro is the daughter of Neal and Norma Vaccaro of Fresh Meadows and is a 2009 graduate of Archbishop Molloy High School in Jamaica.

Sade Jones of Jamaica was named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2012 semester at Ithaca College.

Sarana Hyatt of St. Albans received a Master of Science in exercise science and nutrition during spring 2012 commencement ceremonies at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn.

ark, Del. They include: Jamaica: Maya Orr. St. Albans: Chanel Weekes.

Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2012 semester at Marist College in Poughkeepsie. They include: St, Albans: Alisha Lahogue.

Jamaica: John Lu. Anira Figueira, a sixth form student from St. Albans, was named to the honor roll for the spring 2011-12 term at the Kent School in Kent, Conn.

Chauncey Francis Velasco received a Bachelor of Arts degree during spring 2012 commencement ceremonies at Stonehill College in Easton, Mass.

Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2012 semester at Herkimer County Community College in Herkimer. They include: Hollis: Khaaliq Q. Evans-Barley.

Jamaica: Tyesha T. Coleman, Shanequa Michelle Hughes.

Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2012 semester at the University of Delaware in New-

Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the s p r i n g 2012 s e m e st e r a t Quinnipiac University in

Floors

Floors

Hamden, Conn. They include: Ozone Park: Severino Randazzo.

Richmond Hill: Patricia Jawor.

Woodhaven: Dana Cubillan.

Yana Mayayeva of Richmond Hill was named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2012 semester at Colby College in Waterville, Maine.

She is the daughter of Murad Mayayeva of Richmond Hill.

Local students received degrees during spring 2012 commencement ceremonies at Layfayette College in Easton, Pa. Hemendra Bhola of Ozone Park received a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and law.

Stephanie Rodriquez of Richmond Hill received a Bachelor of Arts degree in American studies and Spanish (double major).

Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2012 semester at Boston University. They include: Ozone Park: Tyler I. Dias.

Floors

Howard Beach: Rocco M. Bagnarol, Jessica A. Jimenez.

Local residents received degrees during spring 2012 commencement ceremonies at Boston University. They include: Howard Beach: Cody Alongi received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science; Jessica A. Jimenez received a Bachelor of Arts degree in international relations.

Andrew Bahr of Richmond Hill was named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2012 semester at Lafayette College in Easton, Pa. Kevin Ruiz and Kasie Rodriguez of Richmond Hill were named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2012 semester at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Conn.

Chloe Fuentes of Woodhaven was named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2012 semester at Delaware Valley

College in Doylestown, Pa. Melissa Wolf of Richmond Hill received a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology during spring 2012 commencement ceremonies at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn.

Kelly Velasco of Ozone Park was named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2012 semester at Marist College in Poughkeepsie.

Daniel Levin of Forest Hills earned a JD degree during spring 2012 commencement ceremonies at Albany Law School in Albany.

Matthew T. O’Brien of Forest Hills earned a Bachelor of Arts degree during spring 2012 commencement ceremonies at Western New England University in Springfield, Mass.

Kenny Pescetto of Kew Gardens was inducted into Phi Omega Epsilon senior honors society at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ.

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Unless Otherwise Specified Press Policy: All advertisers are responsible to give correct advertising as it will appear. The South East Queens Press will assume no financial responsibility for errors or omissions. We reserve the right to edit, reject or reclassify any ad. All ads are prepaid! NO REFUNDS, FUTURE AD CREDIT ONLY. Ads ordered to run more than one week as part of a consecutive week rate may be cancelled a fter the first week but no refund will be issued!

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July 6-12, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

Floors

Classified Deadline:

Luna: Going For It! Luna Siracusa

International Tribune

Models Of Queens

Home: Middle Village Age: 17 Height: 4’11" Weight: 103lbs.

Stats: 31.5-25-26-5

Trib cartoonist Dom Nunziato in Montreal, Canada, where he is out with his family at a "Five Guys Burger and Fries" and is pleased to find on the wall a Queens Tribune review with a French translation. Magnifique!

Oh, Fiddy

If there wasn’t a seasoned professional in the world of teen modeling before, there is now. Luna began her modeling career in the sixth grade and has been working her way up ever since.

“I heard about my first agency [Extra Mile] through a friend. I’ve always wanted to be on TV and in movies, so I did it,” she says.

Luna went on to be an extra in different movies and TV shows, including Spiderman 3, Ugly Betty, and Law and Order. Later, through classmate and “Models of Queens” model Kasey

Brutkiewicz, Luna auditioned for Shortstack.

“Kasey suggested that I audition. I did, and I got in; I’m really glad I did! It’s such a positive program.”

Luna has since been with Shortstack for four years. Looking to the future, she excitedly hopes to continue her modeling career as an adult. She is also preparing for her freshman year at Manhattanville College.

When she’s not modeling in fashion shows, Luna works at a summer camp and plays both soc-

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens July 6-12, 2012

Poodle Puncher

Ok, so the truth is, we have all had them. Those days when you just want to punch something … inanimate. Not for Queens resident Ted Shuttleworth, though. He prefers something a little more animate, say…. a four-pound poodle.

A former “NYPD Blue” television writer Shuttleworth, of Sunnyside, was arrested on Saturday for allegedly punching his poodle in the face so hard that it died of a brain injury.

The dog suffered a traumatic brain injury after the attack, which upon arrival to the vet, eventually led to the death of the poor pooch. We wonder if the show was still on air, if this particular plotline would have shown up in an episode of the popular police drama.

Love Porn On the way to the subway in LIC, QConf spotted this bold proclamation of love along Skillman Avenue.

Etched in concrete for all the passersby to see, we ask the anonymous artist: If you love it so much, why don’t you just marry it?

cer and hockey. Her soccer team, the New York Freedom, just recently brought home a victory all the way from Italy. She is also big on hanging out with her friends.

“Bowling, movies, the city; we do a lot of everything.”

These feelings reflect her outlook on Queens.

“It’s a safe area, with close contact to everything. I love it.”

For those looking to model in the future, Luna says with confidence “It’s a lot of hard work and dedication, but it’s all worth it. Go for it.”

Driving on the Long Island Expressway can be a terrifying experience for any Queens driver.

For Jamaica’s own 50 Cent, it proved to be dangerous.

A bulletproof SUV Fiddy was riding in was rear ended by a Mack truck last week. While his injuries were minor, his press people took it as a major publicity opportunity.

Moments after the crash, 50 Cent on his way to NYHQ thisis50.com posted a photo of the rapper sporting a neck brace and being carried away in a stretcher.

NYHQ released him the next morning and he's said to be doing just fine.

A bulletproof SUV may protect you from getting shot a tenth time, but it apparently offers little protection from Mack trucks. Sorry Fiddy.

Showdown inbrought theout Aisles the worst in some

The air rage at Queens’ airports continue! This time, a delayed flight from LaGuardia to RaleighDurham Airport in North Carolina

Confidentially, New York . . .

people, including a flight attendant.

While in the midst of a fivehour delay last week, a flight attendant for American Eagle airline became so fed up with angry passengers that he allegedly dared upset flyers to get off the plane.

The outburst reportedly came after passengers experienced a three-hour rain delay, 40 minutes of taxiing and then needing to turn the plane around to refuel.

The attendant, who said he had served tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, was reported to have told passengers that he had never felt as anxious as he did while dealing with those on the flight.

Port Authority police were called to investigate the situation, and the flight was eventually cancelled a mere seven hours after its planned departure.

The recent spate of airline incidents begs the question: where are these airlines advertising for new hires?

What’s Up the art work produced in the manage your professional iden- a federal resume, and how to JULY 7 Walkers For Wellness Club ArtAccess Open Studio between tity, build and engage with your prepare and submit a KSA 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.

Latin Beat Alexander Wu and the ZigZag Quartet take a journey across Latin culture through music and dance to find the threads of salsa, samba, tango, and meringue throughout classical, jazz, and modern musical compositions.

This is a Lincoln Center Local Event. For all ages. Performances at 3 and 5 p.m. Once seating capacity is reached for the first show, tickets will be distributed for the second show. Ticket holders must arrive at least 15 minutes before the second show starts for ticket to be valid.

This free event will be held at Queens Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 3 p.m.

September 2011 and June 2012.

ArtAccess is a unique program of the Queens Museum of Art designed specifically for visitors with special needs. Adults with special needs and their families are welcome to explore self-expression through art in an open studio atmosphere two Sundays a month in Studio B. For registration or information about this program contact Mitra Dejkameh at (718) 5929700, Ext. 136 or email mitra@queensmuseum.org This free event will be held at the Queens Museum of Art, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, from noon to 2 p.m.

JULY 9 iPad Stories The Queens Museum of Art and the Queens Library present a pilot program for families affected by autism. Participants will use the iPad for problem solving through storytelling. The free program will take place every Monday through July 30. Registration is limited to families. For more information or to register, call Jennifer Candiano at (718) 592-9700, Ext. 130 or email autisminitiatives@queensmuseum.org.

The free event will be held at the Queens Library’s Forest Hills branch, 98-27 Metropolitan Ave., from 5 to 6 p.m.

JULY 10 Walkers For Wellness Club See July 7 listing. At 7 p.m.

JULY 8 Bike Bonanza

Illstyle and Peace Productions Illstyle and Peace Productions is a multicultural dance company that creates works rooted in hiphop blended with an eclectic mix of performance disciplines including tap, DJing and beatboxing. With a mix of gravity defying moves and upbeat music, families will be captivated.

This free event will be held at Rufus King Park, Jamaica Avenue at 153rd Street, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

ARTACCESS

JULY 11 LinkedIn Workshop

Join the Queens Museum of Art in Studio B as we celebrate

LinkedIn is a social networking website that allows you to

Resumes and Cover Letters Are you ready to apply for jobs? Do your resume and cover letter stand out from the crowd?

Make your resume and cover letter the best that they can be in this workshop. Participants will learn how to get started, types of resumes, what to include and not include, and tips for making your resume and cover letter stronger.

For further information, visit the Job Information Center or call (718) 990-5148 or (718) 9905176.

This free event will be held at Queens Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 1 p.m.

Facebook Learn about the social media site everyone is using, and how you can use it to stay in touch with loved ones, keep up with the news, and leverage your network for your job search. Attendees will receive help to set up a new Facebook account and answer questions about using it. To register, call (718) 990-5148 or (718) 990-5176, 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.

JULY 12 Walkers For Wellness Club See July 7 listing. At 7 p.m.

Federal Resumes Are you ready to apply for a federal job? Do you know how a federal job resume is different from a corporate one? In this program, participants will learn the nature of federal employment, the “do’s” and “don’ts” of

(Knowledge, Skills and Abilities) statement. This program will be held in the Central Adult Learning Center. For more information, call the Job Information Center at (718) 990-0746.

This free event will be held at Queens Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 4 p.m.

JULY 13 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 more 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.

Film Screening The Black Spectrum Theatre Company, in association with ArtMattan Productions, are presenting a screening of the Haitian film “On the Verge of a Fever.” As the people of Haiti struggle to rebuild a country devastated by earthquake, perhaps they can shed some of their troubled past without losing their vibrant culture. Admission is $11.

This event will be held at Black Spectrum Theatre inside Roy Wilkins Park, 177th Street and Baisley Boulevard, at 7 p.m.

ONGOING 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

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.

Call for next group date.

HIV Awareness Clergy United for Community Empowerment provides intervention and curriculum-based prevention education sessions on HIV/AIDS, to reduce risk behaviors that lead to HIV transmission.

Services are located at 89-31 161st St., Jamaica. Call (718) 297-0720 ask about presentations to adolescents and men/ women of color. Services are available Tue.-Thurs., 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

July 6-12, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

Experience 17 miles of Queens’ finest biking through eastern and northern Queens with your family. More than 1,500 riders are expected to participate.

The ride starts and ends at Flushing Meadows Corona Park with a rest stop at Little Bay Park.

Check-in opens at 8 a.m.; speeches begin at 9:30. The tour departs at 10 a.m. and the Bike Bonanza is from noon to 4 p.m.

This event will be held at Flushing Meadows Corona Park from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

professional network, and access knowledge, insights, and opportunities. In this workshop you will learn how to use LinkedIn to look for employment, network, and keep up with colleagues.

For further information, visit the Job Information Center or call (718) 990-5148 or (718) 990-5176.

This free event will be held at Queens Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 10:30 a.m.

trained in bystander CPR. Each class lasts 1 hour and participants in the class learn basic CPR skills from a member of the FDNY Emergency Medical Service.

Volunteers for the class follow along using the CPR Anytime Personal Learning Kit, which features an instructional DVD and an inflatable mannequin. All participants are able take home the kit at the end of class and asked to pledge to use the kit to show five of their family members and friends how to perform CPR. This class teaches basic CPR technique and is not a certification course.

In Queens, the classes will be held the fourth Thursday of every month at EMS Station 54, 222-15 Merrick Blvd. In addition, visit www.nyc.gov/cprtogo for New York Sports Club locations offering free CPR classes starting in January.

For more information, visit www.fdnyfoundation.org or call (718) 999-2413

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Located in Queens next to JFK Airport at the Aqueduct Racetrack. FREE Shuttle between Jamaica/Sutphin Boulevard trains.

Station & Casino. Pick up at Archer Avenue/Sutphin Boulevard. Accessible via LIRR or 110-00 Rockaway Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11420 'EPP XSPP JVII [[[ V[RI[]SVO GSQ Must be 18 years of age or older to play the New York Lottery Games. Please play responsibly.