Press epaper 082214

Volume 15 Issue No. 34 Aug. 22-28, 2014

PRESS Photo by Jordan Gibbons

EAT HEALTHY, JAMAICA!

New program seeks to increase healthy options at local businesses.

By Jordan Gibbons ‌ Page 4.

ONLINE AT WWW.QUEENSPRESS.COM

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 22-28, 2014

News Briefs Third Chatpati Mela Is The Biggest One Yet

40K To Restore Hamilton Beach Playground

Featuring Marley Marl, Ralph McDaniels, DJ Vernon, and hosted by Ray DeJon. ProGIIHW FIRI½X XLI &S]W +MVPW 'PYF SJ 1IXVS 5YIIRW ProGIIHW FIRI½X XLI &S]W +MVPW 'PYF SJ 1IXVS 5YIIRW ERH .EQEMGE 5YIIRW =1'% (SSVW STIR EX TQ

Purchase Tickets at: RWNewYork.com

1 6SGOE[E] &PZH .EQEMGE 2= V[RI[]SVO GSQ

0SGEXI =SYV *VII 7LYXXPI 6;6IH)\TVIWW GSQ MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PLAY THE NEW YORK LOTTERY GAMES. PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY. 24-hour Problem Gaming Hotline: 1-877-8-HOPENY (846-7369).

After undergoing extensive damage due to Superstorm Sandy, the Hamilton Beach playground will get much needed funding for a renovation.

In a partnership with several elected officials and the Hamilton Beach Civic Association, Resorts World Casino will donate $40,000 to renovate the playground.

The funding will bring new equipment to the playground by the end of next month.

“We firmly believe that investing in our community is an essential part of giving back to those who have been nothing but supportive of Resorts World Casino since we opened our doors almost three years ago,” said Ed Farrell, President of Resorts World Casino. “The children of Hamilton Beach have been without a place to play since Hurricane Sandy severely damaged their neighborhood playground in 2012.”

The facility partnered with the three elected officials who represent Hamilton Beach - Councilman Eric Ulrich (ROzone Park), State Sen. Joe Addabbo (D-Middle Village) and Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Ozone Park) - to bring the money to the playground.

“I believe Resorts World cares about being a part of this community and for that I am truly thankful, as well as appreciative they are reaching out to Hamilton Beach, a geographically isolated neighborhood and one of the worst hit by Hurricane Sandy,” Addabbo said.

“This is an exemplary case of how elected officials, local businesses and community leaders work together to make a difference in the lives of our children,” Ulrich said.

Community Board 10 Chairwoman Betty Braton said the playground had been in disrepair for years and the damage caused by Sandy made it even worse. She said she is pleased the Racino has dedicated money to restoring the facility.

According to Resorts World, work at the playground will begin the first week of September and should be finished by the end Participants completed in a panipuri eating contest at the third Chatpati Mela. of that month.

Photo by Jackie Strawbridge

August 22 • 9pm

What began as a small Jackson Heights cultural celebration has in three years become a busy and highly diverse festival.

The third annual Chatpati Mela, held by housing advocacy nonprofit Chhaya CDC, brought both neighbors and visitors from across the City to Jackson Heights’ 78th Street plaza, next to Travers Park.

Stands offering samosas, dumplings, henna tattoos and bright clothing lined the street, with a panipuri eating competition at the center of the activity. Panipuri is a fried, bite-sized street snack popular in several South Asian countries.

Tenzing Chadotsang, Chhaya CDC deputy director and the day’s first panipuri eating contest winner, said Chatpati Mela has evolved rapidly since its conception.

“We started it about three years ago and it was just a small community event,” Chadotsang said. “We didn’t expect it to grow as much as it has.”

“It’s become more about people wanting to showcase their talents.

Then we realized that there’s a need for South Asians to have that kind of forum,” Chadotsang added.

He said that Chhaya CDC aimed to showcase little-known artists who represented a wide range of South Asian heritages.

This year’s festival included performances from Dance Theater of Neptal, the Bangladesh Institute of the Performing Arts and dance group Habibi Express.

Chadotsang said that Chhaya CDC is looking to continue expansion of the festival, although he cannot envision it taking place anywhere other than 78th Street Play Street.

East Elmhurst resident Nadia Ahmad was attending Chatpati Mela for the first time. “It’s exceeding my expectations,” she said.

“I think getting at the different groups within the South Asian community and understanding the diversity within one area is actually really important,” Ahmad continued.

Aug. 22-28, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Presstime

Rochdale Village Pleads For Proper Representation State Sen. James Sanders Jr. (DSouth Ozone Park) hosted a town hall meeting Tuesday night at the Holy Unity Baptist Church, across the street from Rochdale Village, to address the concerns residents of the housing complex have about management and the board of directors.

General Manager Marion Scott wrote a letter to Sanders denying his request to have the meeting on the property of the housing corporation because, “there is no precedent for an elected official having a town hall meeting to hear the concerns of the cooperators.”

“Rochdale has a very active Board and Management staff that is responsible for handling issues within the community,” the letter states.

However, residents said the meeting was arranged because those issues are not being handled at all.

Earl Roberts, a resident and president of the 113th Precinct Community Council, said the residents need a board that is interested in the people who live there.

“We need better customer service from management down to the board,” he said.

Roberts listed off a series of issues dents complied and they are still that have not been addressed in the waiting on about 100 residents to community, such as falling and miss- sign the new leases. ing bricks in the buildings that cause “They received a letter that they drafts, gas leaks and the need to sign the lease. lack of an exterminator They are required to to deal with the bed bug sign the lease,” he said. and rodent problems in “It is not our wish to the tenements. evict anyone.”

Several residents also There are no changcomplained about letters es to the lease and resithey felt were threatendents were informed ing that were sent to about the updates at residents from manageboard meetings, Greenment’s General Counsel span said.

Bill Greenspan to sign “If you pay your carState Sen. the new leases. They rying charges and rent James Sanders said people were told payments, there are no that they would be evicted if they changes,” Greenspan said. “They did not sign the leases and were told have no choice. They have to sign they could not get a copy of the new it.” agreements.

Residents said they were not The website does offer a sample happy with the 2.5 percent carrying lease agreement, but no rental fees charge increase that they will have to are specified on the documents. pay this year and next year, because Greenspan said that the housing the increase pays for operating costs development updated its proprietary and maintenance. But they said that lease that was approved by the board maintenance does not do their job of directors, submitted to State adequately.

Homes and Community Renewal, In October, the village will be which approved the lease and or- holding elections for board memdered its implementation. bers and a reoccurring theme during He said that 98 percent of resi- the meeting was the need to remove Photo by Jordan Gibbons

BY JORDAN GIBBONS

members who have not represented the residents.

“This year, we have a great opportunity to remove 10 people from that board,” Michelle Hall said. “We have to choose the right candidates.”

But, Joseph Toval, a former board member, said that the elections are fixed and that management does not abide by the election bylaws by having several methods to tally votes, such as voting booths and attendance proxies that are mailed to residents.

The election also requires a majority of the more than five thousand apartments in order to count the election, according to Toval. If the majority is not met, there is no quorum and the vote is nullified.

Sanders allowed the residents to voice their complaints at the meeting and then addressed how he plans to help them.

“As your servant, you put out a legitimate point of view,” he said.

“We’re going to do whatever we can to ensure that you have a fair election. The board is your representation. You need to ensure that that takes place.”

Reach Reporter Jordan Gibbons at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123, jgibbons@ queenspress.com or @jgibbons2

Joseph Addabbo Building Still Awaiting A Strategy

BY JORDAN GIBBONS Months after the discovery that several floors in downtown Jamaica’s Social Security Administration were underutilized, officials continue to call for measures to fill the empty space.

In April, the PRESS of Southeast Queens reported that the Joseph Addabbo Building, the Social Security Administration’s Northeastern Program Service Center, was severely underused because of staff attrition, transfers and layoffs from the SSA. There has yet to be any changes or strategies planned for the building, which was expected to provide employment for more than 3,000 employees and boost business in the surrounding community of downtown Jamaica.

A study on the building revealed that it holds only half the number of full-time staff that it was designed to hold.

Earlier this month, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) wrote a letter to Administrator Dan Tangherlini at the General Services Administra-

tion, urging the GSA to address the situation by developing a new strategy that is cost-effective for the longterm.

“It is important for the GSA to move forward with a plan to secure new tenants and use the Joseph Addabbo Building to its full capability,” Schumer said in the letter. “This space has been underutilized for far too long and a comprehensive plan for this space would more effectively utilize this public resource and help boost the local economy for both residents and businesses in Jamaica.”

Schumer said the GSA should work in a timely manner and extend outreach to new possible tenants, including other agencies, state and local governments, local businesses and nonprofit organizations to effectively use taxpayer dollars.

As of press time, Schumer’s office has not received any updates on the status of efficiently using the wasted space, a representative said.

“We are currently awaiting a response from GSA,” Marisa Kaufman, a spokesperson for Schumer said.

Sen. Charles Schumer began urging the General Services Administration to improve the underutilized floors of the Social Security building.

The SSA office did not immediately return a request for comment.

Reach Reporter Jordan Gibbons at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123, jgibbons@queenspress.com or @jgibbons2

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 22-28, 2014

Jamaica Businesses Making Healthy Choices Residents and employees in downtown Jamaica and St. Albans can now take advantage of healthier eating options at local businesses thanks to a collaboration of community leaders and organizations.

There are 18 establishments that have taken on the Jamaica Healthy Business Challenge organized by The Partnership for a Healthier Queens at Make the Road New York.

These stores have agreed to meet at least three healthy business steps to be named as a healthy business.

The organizations that have helped to reach out to business owners and guide the initiative include the Sutphin Boulevard Business Improvement District, Cultural Collaborative Jamaica, Cornell Cooperative Extension Services, the Catholic Charities and Public Health Solutions WIC Centers and the First Presbyterian Church of St. Albans.

The recommended choices represent some of the top changes that individuals can make to prevent heart disease, obesity, diabetes and some forms of cancer.

Simone Price, executive director of the Sutphin Boulevard BID, said that the promotion of healthy food will be beneficial to the entire com-

munity in Jamaica. ordinator at The Part“Jamaica, Queens nership for a Healthier is still classified as a Queens, said she was food desert,” Price said. impressed by some “We’re excited about this of the business ownprogram and the orgaers who were anxious nized efforts to improve to move some of their the healthy options availunhealthy products toable in the community.” wards the back and proThe initiative aims to mote water, fruits and reduce fried foods and vegetables. improve the placement “All of this is in the and promotion of healthy name of preventing products or menu items, chronic disease,” Goldincluding healthy lunch enberg said. “It’s also and snack combos. about reducing the unBusinesses who have Tyra Emerson, executive director of Cultural Collaborative Jamai- healthy advertising.” complied have made ca, points out the signs given by the program for healthy specials.

Andrea Blair-Dawchanges such as moving son, regional coordinaThe office of CCJ is directly up- tor at Cornell University Cooperative fresh fruit onto the counter next to the register, stocking healthy snacks stairs from one of the businesses Extension, said they got involved by near the entrance and selling baked involved, Deli and Grocery on 161st doing workshops in the community potato chips. The Partnership for a Street, and Emerson said she fre- to increase awareness of the possiHealthier Queens provides each busi- quents the deli often. bilities for healthier living.

“Everyday I started to see that ness with signs promoting the options “We became apart of this with Make outside the store and on the counter they were doing it and I started get- the Road New York to get the word out ting very excited,” she said. where food orders are made. about making healthier options,” she The project is funded by the Cen- said. “We know that it’s going to take Tyra Emerson, executive director of CCJ, said that they started the ters for Disease Control and Pre- businesses and governments to get invention and is not only focused on volved to address this issue.” process around six months ago.

“The initial step was to ask stores healthy eating, but also active living, For a list of participating businessand delis that were interested,” Emer- tobacco-free environments and re- es, visit queenspress.com. son said. “We went back and came up ducing underage and excessive alcoReach Reporter Jordan Gibbons at with the ideas and then we came back hol consumption.

(718)357-7400 Ext. 123, jgibbons@ Dahlia Goldenberg, project co- queenspress.com or @jgibbons2 to check that they had done it.”

Photo by Jordan Gibbons

BY JORDAN GIBBONS

Aug. 22-28, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

Two New Trustees Appointed To Library Board

BY JOE MARVILLI

forward to the challenge of monitoring the library’s finances, increasing Just weeks after half of its mem- transparency and continuing its adbers were removed, the Queens Li- justment to the 21st century. brary Board of Trustees will welcome “I hope to positively contribute new faces. and my first priority will Mayor Bill de Blasio be to work to ensure that appointed Jukay Hsu, the the Queens Library has founder and executive the highest standards of director of the Coalition corporate governance for Queens, to the library and fiduciary oversight board. A few days later, and remains a treasured Borough President Meinstitution that provides linda Katz selected Robcritical services to memert Santos, Vice President bers of our community,” for Campus Planning and Hsu said.

Facilities Management Santos, a resident of Jukay Hsu at CUNY. The additions Sunnyside, has had a were announced just long career in higher edthree weeks after the Mayor and BP ucation, cultural institutions, municiremoved eight trustees for the lack of pal government and construction. He financial oversight in the controver- was the COO at the New York Pubsies surrounding the library’s CEO, lic Library and worked as the Chief Thomas Galante.

Administrative Officer at Adelphi Born in Taiwan and raised in University. He also held positions Flushing, Hsu founded the Coali- in the Dept. of Housing Preservation for Queens, a nonprofit organi- tion and Development, the Flushing zation focused on transforming the Meadows Corona Park Development Borough into a hub for technology, Corporation and the Dept. of Parks entrepreneurship and innovation. and Recreation.

He fought in the Iraq War, where he Santos is a veteran as well, serving was awarded the Bronze Star Medal as a platoon leader with the 101st Airfor exceptionally meritorious service borne during the Vietnam War. His against an armed enemy. efforts earned him two Silver Stars The new trustee said he looks and two Bronze Stars for valor.

“It is an honor to serve on the Board of the Queens Library and to join other involved and committed citizens dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the Queens Library system,” Santos said. “Nothing is more important to the health of a community and the intellectual capital of its people than a public library and the Queens Library is one of the best public libraries in the nation.”

Katz’s representative said the BP is in the process of filling the remaining five slots, but has not made any

determination yet on who will get the seats.

The changeover came about due to frustrations from Katz and de Blasio over the trustees’ votes against removing Galante and their rejection of Comptroller Scott Stringer’s audit request. Last week, another trustee that had not voted to remove Galante from the board, Mary Ann Mattone, quietly resigned.

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

Parkway Hospital Sold Forest Hills’ Parkway Hospital has reportedly been sold for $1 million. The shuttered health center, which has been closed since 2008, was sold to Auberge Grand Central LLP, a Rego Parkbased realty firm in a foreclosure action. The hospital was ordered closed by the New York State Commission on Healthcare Facilities and was shut down despite a long battle by its owner, Dr. Robert Aquino.

#FUUFS )FBMUI 4UBSUT 5PEBZ The # 1 Cause of Hospitalizations in South East Queens is Heart Disease.

We Can Help.

For More Information or to Schedule an Appointment, Call 718-206-6742 Free Newsletter Subscription

8900 Van Wyck Expressway, Jamaica, NY 11418 • www.jamaicahospital.org

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 22-28, 2014

OF SOUTHEAST QUEENS 150-50 14th Road Whitestone, NY 11357 (voice) (718) 357-7400 fax (718) 357-9417 email news@queenspress.com The PRESS of Southeast Queens

Editor-in-Chief:

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed

Reporters: Jordan Gibbons Joe Marvilli Luis Gronda Jackie Strawbridge Art Dept:

Rhonda Leefoon Lianne Procanyn Karissa Tirbeni Maureen Coppola Advertising Director Howard Swengler Major Accounts Manager Shanie Persaud Director Corporate Accounts/Events Advertising Executives Shari Strongin Karyn Budhai

A Queens Tribune Publication © Copyright 2014 Tribco, LLC

Michael Nussbaum Publisher Ria McPherson Comptroller

Editorial Airport Wage Struggle Continues Living on or below the minimum wage in New York City is a grueling business. Stories of New Yorkers fighting to meet rent, pay for child care and eat well populate every Borough – many residents most familiar with this struggle can be found in Queens working low wage jobs at our airports.

In this climate, JetBlue’s lethargic response to the Port Authority’s recent directive to raise contract workers’ wages only hurts those who are already hurting.

The new rules stated that John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia Airport contract workers will receive a $1 per hour raise, Martin Luther King Day as a paid holiday and a phase-in to a $10.10 per hour wage, and were intended to bring some relief to struggling employees.

The airline brushes demands for action aside, stating that its business partners are responsible for the wages of contract workers. Somehow the other airlines at the airports – American, Delta and United – have all managed to comply with the Port Authority’s directive. JetBlue’s claim that it cannot control its partners’ behavior implies it is either lacking in management acumen or interest in the well-being of airport workers, neither of which can be seen as reassuring to potential fliers.

While the push for a higher minimum wage in New York City continues, any immediate work that can be done to give a little more comfort and flexibility to low wage workers must be commended. Any pushback against this work from multi-million dollar companies such as JetBlue must be questioned very seriously.

Letters End The Scourge Of Graffiti In Queens

To The Editor: The scourge of Queens and throughout New York City is that of graffiti vandalism. It makes you so angry and somewhat sad to see these senseless indiscriminate markings of these vandals throughout our communities. In Woodhaven, we are fortunate in that we have the Woodhaven Business Improvement District on Woodhaven’s Jamaica Avenue from Dexter Court to 100th Street where this degenerating vandalism is removed periodically at great expense, making our Woodhaven Business Improvement District 98 percent graffiti vandalism free. I would like to compliment Eric Ulrich, our NYC Councilman, on his allocation of funding to remove graffiti vandalism on the remainder of Jamaica Avenue in Richmond Hill and Ozone Park.

Also, the volunteer efforts of the Woodhaven Resident’s Block Association removing graffiti vandalism from our community mail boxes. As I have stated, this vandalism is a very expensive criminal act and in actuality a war between these vandals and we that

remove their markings. This war is one that we fight every day.

I believe our Civic Pride will prevail for we will not take the attitude of “I’m not going to paint it, for they’ll just do it again.” This is war which together we will win.

Maria A. Thomson, Executive Director, GWDC WBID

Prune The Right Trees

To The Editor: What is all of this ballyhoo about the Parks Dept. not pruning the correct trees in the boroughs?

This Parks Dept. and the office of the Comptroller need to better coordinate how and where this money is being allocated and used. We have trees that were pruned that did not need to be; we have trees that were in desperate need of pruning and were not even touched. The City cannot afford any more lawsuits from people who might suffer injuries due to falling branches or trees that have not been properly maintained.

Let’s get with the program and get this work done right!

John Amato, Fresh Meadows

Depression Destroys A Beautiful Life A Personal Perspective

By MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE Because Robin Williams was such a beloved performer, the effect of his recent death has crossed geographical borders and I feel compelled to address it in this space.

Everyone everywhere was shocked by Williams’ death last week, but not so much shocked that he died, though we were.

It is the way in which he died that has jolted us all awake to a disease of the mind that for too long we have kept under wraps.

From his stand-up acts to his appearances on talk shows to the comedic roles he played in movies and television, Williams, by all outward appearances, was a happy-go-lucky guy. Watching him on stage was always a dizzying, if delightful, experience. We knew that he had a drug problem, but thought he had successfully sought treatment.

How were we to know that

the man who made the world laugh was crying on the inside?

The laughter ended on Aug. 11, when the actor asphyxiated himself in his home. Friends who thought they knew him now say they really didn’t, because not once did he let on that he had been suffering from depression his whole life.

Depression is an isolating disease. No one wants anyone to know that they have this malady. It seems simple enough to think, snap out of it!

But clearly it’s not that simple.

If it were, then this force-ofnature-performer would have done it. Instead, Williams hid his suffering from the world.

But Williams’ death, like his life, has served a purpose. It brought clinical depression into the light; and from this tragedy, many are coming forward to confess that they too have been suffering. Mental health professionals are now able to tell the public that there are help lines and clinics and all sorts of help available for them.

I was extremely proud of

my church when during service last weekend, they made the announcement that “in light of Robin Williams’ death, please know that there is help for anyone suffering from chronic depression.” The speaker proceeded to announce that not only are there external hotlines but that in the back of their church program are the names and contact information for the appropriate elders who handle these crises for members.

We all go through moments of depression over a particular event or crisis in our lives. For some people, though, it is a chronic state of being. Robin Williams had endured a lifetime of emotional pain from the disease.

By all appearances, this wonderful comedian had nothing to be depressed over.

He had enjoyed a long and fruitful career. Almost every project he touched turned to gold. He could effortlessly segue from comedy to drama to animation flicks and was truly the most versatile actor of his

generation. And yet he was not happy. Adding to the misery, according to his wife, Williams had recently been diagnosed with early stage Parkinson’s disease. Poor guy.

There was something amiss in his mind that pushed him early on the morning of Monday, Aug. 11 to hang himself in his home. At any moment, he could have changed his mind and stood up. This was not one of those hanging from the rafters kind of hangings. This one gave him the opportunity to change his mind even after the noose had started to tighten; and yet he sat there and did himself in like that.

He did not even care that he had children who loved him and whom he loved and who would be hurt by this. In that moment of hopelessness, he only saw the darkness and wanted to end it.

We need to know that there are better options than the one Williams chose at a youthful 63. We will surely miss his presence. We feel cheated.

Aug. 22-28, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 22-28, 2014

Officials Demand More Resources For Pomonok Elected officials are calling for more resources to the Pomonok Houses after a tour last week revealed the need for improvements.

State Sen. Toby Stavisky (DFlushing), Assemblyman Michael Simanowitz (D-Flushing), Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest) and Monica Corbett, president of the Pomonok Residents Association, took a tour of the housing complex, getting a firsthand look at its state of disrepair. The officials strongly criticized the New York City Housing Authority for letting the situation get out of hand and demanded additional resources for upkeep.

Stavisky’s communications director, Elizabeth Wu, said that Pomonok was generally rundown and messy.

Dumpsters were overflowing with garbage. Other bags of trash were lying around or tied to railings because the trash compactor is broken. The garbage led to a rodent problem that was reported to the senator’s office several times.

The building the group visited had broken mailboxes that did not lock and a trash-ridden playground with paint peeling off the bars. The water fountain in the senior center has also been out-of-order for weeks.

plaints and taking them According to Corbett, the seriously; staff on site, 25 deterioration is partially due currently, is working hard to the lack of employees takto provide quality up-keep ing care of Pomonok Houses. given resource constraints Eight years ago, the 52-acre and the age and needs of complex was at full capacity the development,” the statewith 45 caretakers and addiment said. tional seasonal workers who The Pomonok residents handled outdoor upkeep. have also dealt with electriSince that time though, emcal problems, which are not ployees have retired or relocatrepaired in a timely fashion, ed but have not been replaced. as NYCHA only has one As a result, the number has team of electricians for all of whittled down to 12 full-time Queens and Staten Island, staff members. The seasonal according to Corbett. program has also been halted.

“Pomonok Houses like “Staff reductions at Pomo- State Sen. Toby Stavisky (left), Monica Corbett, Counnok are yet another example cilman Rory Lancman and Assemblyman Michael Si- all NYCHA developments of residents bearing the brunt manowitz called for improvements at Pomonok Houses are unique and special. NYof NYCHA’s failing manage- after a tour showed the complex in a state of disrepair. CHA needs to stop treating the core NYCHA stakeholdment. Instead of forcing tenants and the surrounding community extremely slow responses. Enough is ers (residents and frontline staff) as second-class citizens. We are what to suffer from the unseemly condi- enough,” Stavisky said.

NYCHA said that it is looking make the fabric of NYCHA,” Cortions of unkempt grounds, NYCHA needs to step up and maintain its fa- into the complaints about Pomonok, bett said. but disagreed about the number of Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at cilities,” Lancman said.

(718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@ Wu added that Stavisky has writ- employees there.

“NYCHA is looking into the com- queenstribune.com, or @JoeMarvilli. ten several letters about the problems at Pomonok to NYCHA in the past, but the situation at the complex continues to worsen.

“Nearly every day, my office gets a call from a Pomonok resident who is upset and frustrated by the deteriorating living conditions and NYCHA’s

JetBlue workers Still waiting On Raises

BY JACkIE STRAwBRIDgE Different day, same paycheck.

According to service workers union 32BJ SEIU, JetBlue Airlines has neglected to give mandated raises to its contracted workers at John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports.

In June, the Port Authority announced a rule that contracted workers making $9 per hour or less would receive a $1 per hour raise beginning July 31.

JetBlue contends that wages for contracted workers are the responsibility of its contractors.

“JetBlue pays all of its 16,000 crewmembers at or well above minimum wage and as we committed to the Port Authority, we are urging our business partners to do the same as each contract gets renewed,” a spokesman for the airline said in a statement.

32BJ SEIU president Hector Figueroa, however, said in a statement released last week that he expects more of the relationship between JetBlue and its contractors.

“JetBlue’s failure to issue raises for its contracted workers as ordered

by Port Authority executive director Pat Foye is indicative of the utter chaos and disorganization that exists between airlines and their contractors,” Figueroa said.

Photo by Steven J. Ferrari

BY JOE MARVILLI

JetBlue contract workers at JFk and LgA airports are waiting on a $1-perhour raise.

Chris Valens, a spokesman for the Port Authority, said, “we expect compliance from all airlines and contractors covered by the recently adopted rule and we are continuing to monitor their efforts.”

Samary Actevedo has been working in cleaning for a JetBlue contractor at LaGuardia for about a decade.

At a 32BJ SEIU rally in late June, she explained why a pay raise would be important to her.

“Everything’s going high, rent, all that,” Actevedo said. “We work hard for the money. We really, really, really need more.”

Reach Reporter Jackie Strawbridge at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, jstrawbridge@queenstribune.com or @JNStrawbridge.

Aug. 22-28, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Bridal Guide:

BY JORDAN GIBBONS

Preparing for your wedding can be a complicated process, but if you are planning to have the reception catered in a backyard, vineyard or in a garden, there are options that can make your decisions easier.

Off-premise caterers can usually have more competitive prices than a banquet facility since the catering halls often require that you use their services exclusively.

Your first step should be to select a venue that suits your needs. The details to keep in mind when choosing the location are your estimated guest counts, the hours for the reception and your ideal environment. Some catering companies can assist with the process and may even provide a wedding planner to arrange all of the details for you.

Remember that caterers typically begin booking weddings at least a year in advance. You should ensure any potential caterers have all the necessary permits and licenses, as well as insurance.

Once you narrow down your catering selections, arrange to have a tasting to make sure the quality of

the food is as good as advertised.

Also, if you are not sure on exactly what dinner options you would like to have, ask the chef to suggest some choices.

If you decide on a buffet style dinner or cocktail hour, ask the caterer to display the names and ingredients of all the menu items, which can help your guests try interesting options that they may have stayed away from.

Evaluating the capabilities of the caterer is also important. If they work out of a commercial kitchen, as opposed to out of someone’s home, they will have more access to equipment that can handle last-minute changes or unexpected guests.

You should find out if you will be required to rent items such as tents, tables, china, glassware and silverware before making any decisions.

It is also important to get all the contact numbers for the caterer and the person in charge of organizing your event in case anything changes at the last minute or you need to ask them any questions.

You can also ask your caterer for references from previous guests who have had similar wedding receptions.

One caterer that offers off-premise

Photos courtesy of Carlyle Catering

Planning Your Off-Premise Wedding

Carlyle Catering offers tent rentals, along with a selection of vendors to choose from.

services in the area is Carlyle Catering, which has Carlyle Off the Green that includes wedding planners who will help manage every part of the wedding from food and drinks, to music, lighting and furniture rentals.

They can also recommend a list of vendors for you to choose from as well as providing access to venues throughout Long Island and Manhattan.

Reach Reporter Jordan Gibbons at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123, jgibbons@ queenspress.com or @jgibbons2

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 22-28, 2014

Bridal Guide:

Behind The Scenes With Wedding Cake Bakers cess is getting to know the couple she is working with.

“I actually like to talk with them, to see how they met and get a feel for what their vibe is,” Bracigliano said.

Some of the more popular wedding cake themes Bracigliano has noticed over the past few years include beaches, art deco, simple ribbon and lace.

Both bakers stressed that couples should start the cake planning process early, to give themselves time to

A wedding cake has many roles – it must look beautiful, represent the life of a couple and taste delicious, all at once.

Denise Passarelli, the baker and decorator behind Denise Makes Cakes, said she does not take the responsibility of creating this type of dessert lightly.

“It’s a lot more work, it’s a lot more process [than other types of cake].

You get to really know the client a lot,” she said. “They’re really putting a lot of trust in you that you’re going to be able to fulfill their vision.”

Altogether, the process from brainstorming to baking takes several weeks, Passarelli said. She added that many customers come in with pictures and Pinterest boards full of ideas, while others let her take control of the design.

“Some people leave the creative decisions up to [me] and some people are very specific,” she said. “I like someone who will give me an idea but will let me choose some of the embellishments.”

One of Passarelli’s favorite accomplishments was a groomscake.

Photo courtesy of denise Makes Cakes

By JaCkie STraWBridge

denise Passarelli runs a one-woman bakery where she designs custom cakes.

“The groom was a huge fan of ‘Ghostbusters,’ so the bride asked me to make the Ecto-1, which is the car that they drove [in the movie],” Passarelli said.

She added that as an extra surprise to the bride, she made the cake flash with blue lights.

Lisa Bracigliano, who owns the Chocolate Swirl bakery, said that a crucial aspect of the cake design pro-

choose a bakery and cake design they are comfortable with.

“Start early, do a lot of research, have a clear theme in mind,” Passarelli said.

Denise Makes Cakes and the Chocolate Swirl can be found online at denisemakescakes.com and thechocolateswirl.com, respectively.

Reach Reporter Jackie Strawbridge at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, jstrawbridge@queenstribune.com or @JNStrawbridge.

Many Couples Fall For autumn Wedding Venues

By JOe MarViLLi When it comes to autumn weddings, the main appeal is the season and its effect on nature. Exchanging vows with a loved one among colorful tree leaves is an experience that cannot be duplicated during any other time of year.

If you are planning a wedding, one of the first Voelker Orth Museum’s garden creates a peritems to square away is the fect, scenic vibe for an autumn wedding. venue. Finding a location that takes advantage of the fall sea- ceremonies. The surrounding flora son should be a priority, but you also and wildlife also adds to its unique, need to prepare for poor weather. relaxing setting.

According to Bri Palillo, director “Our lawn, it’s lush and beautiful. of marketing at The Dover Group, It’s such a secluded little haven, just off clients are looking for colorful, bustling Northern Boulevard,” Gloria warm ceremonies when they book an Lomuscio, office manager at Voelker, autumn wedding. The Dover Group said. “We have wonderful foliage all owns the Coral House, a wedding and around. All in all, it is a lush backdrop catering facility in Nassau County. for a venue.”

“When clients look to book fall Besides being a great location for weddings, they’re often looking for a wedding ceremony, Lomuscio addfoliage, specific decor and a real fall ed that couples use the inside and environment, consisting of roaring outside of the Flushing museum for fires, and plenty of brown and or- their wedding photos. To learn more, ange hues,” Palillo said. call (718) 359-6227.

Palillo also recommended that A popular choice for autumn wedyou have a plan B, in case your out- dings is a barn, adding to the rural door wedding is ruined by a sudden feeling for the season. For a Queens storm. version of this type of venue, there is “Make sure you have a backup plan, Queens County Farm Museum. You as the fall is a very unpredictable time can rent the barn complex for a spot of year,” she said. “If you’re set on an that fits in any weather. It fits up to 120 outdoor event, make sure your guests people, including room for dancing. are comfortable if the weather is on Hold the ceremony outside, near the the chilly side.” season maize maze and the pumpkin There is no better borough then patch, then go into the spacious barn Queens to get in touch with nature for the reception. while staying in New York City.

For reservations, call (718) 347One of the best spots for a fall 3276, ext. 301 or email info@queenswedding is the Voelker Orth Mu- farm.org. seum, Bird Sanctuary and Victorian Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at Garden. The Trellis archway in its (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@ garden is a popular spot for wedding queenstribune.com, or @JoeMarvilli.

Aug. 22-28, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Police Blotter 102nd Precinct

Assault Arrest

On Aug. 18, the NYPD arrested an individual in regards to a July 30 assault incident within the confines of the 102nd Precinct.

The incident involved a pick-up truck that allegedly ran over an individual on 99th Street after a verbal altercation. The suspect in the truck dragged the victim several feet before fleeing the scene. The victim was transported to Jamaica Hospital and treated for abdominal and back injuries, as well as several abrasions.

Following an investigation, police arrested Joseph Caleca, 55, of Setauket, and charged him with attempted murder as a hate crime and felony assault as a hate crime.

104th Precinct

Collision Investigation

At 2:52 a.m. on Aug. 18, police responded to a 911 call of a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian

struck on Fresh Pond Road between 60th Drive and Elliot Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers observed a 32-year-old male, identified as Karoll Grzegorczyk of Ridgewood, unconscious and unresponsive with trauma about the body, lying on the roadway. EMS also responded and transported the man to Elmhurst General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Investigation revealed that the pedestrian was walking southbound on Fresh Pond Road when he entered the roadway mid-block, emerging between parked cars at the location. A dark-colored sedan, traveling southbound, struck the pedestrian before fleeing the scene. There are no arrests. The investigation is ongoing.

109th Precinct

Collision Investigation

At 9:50 a.m. on Aug. 13, police responded to Parsons Boulevard and 37th Avenue, where officers discovered a male in his 60s un-

conscious and unresponsive.

Further investigation determined that the male was riding a bicycle northbound on Parsons Boulevard and made a left turn onto 37th Avenue. He was then struck by a private ambulette that was travelling southbound on Parsons.

The cyclist was taken to Booth Memorial Hospital via EMS, where he was pronounced dead. The NYPD’s Highway District Collision Investigation Squad will continue to investigate the incident.

Grand Larceny

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

At 4:15 p.m. on Aug. 11, in front of 142-41 Franklin Ave., a male suspect approached a 50-year-old sitting in a wheelchair. The suspect placed his hand on the victim’s shoulder, snatched the chain from the victim’s neck and fled westbound on Franklin Avenue.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-tips, visit www. nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637(CRIMES), then enter TIP577. All calls are confidential.

112th Precinct

Robbery

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance identifying an individual wanted for a robbery that occurred at 5:45 a.m. on Aug. 11 inside of an apartment building on Saunders Street. The suspect approached a victim with a small bat and removed the victim’s wallet and cell phone.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-tips, visit www. nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637(CRIMES), then enter TIP577. All calls are confidential.

CALL CRIME STOPPERS 1-800-577-TIPS

Borough Beat

turbulent Jobs dispute Continues In LIC Weeks of dispute over hiring at a new Long Island City hotel have culminated in a tense back and forth between hotel managers and the community.

Queensbridge residents and members of nonprofit Urban Upbound gathered outside the soon to open Mayflower International Hotel last Friday morning to protest alleged unfair hiring practices there. The press conference followed an episode in which Urban Upbound CEO and senior pastor at Center of Hope International Bishop Mitchell Taylor was recorded on hotel cameras shoving an employee who confronted him at the door.

Taylor and a handful of employees then exited the hotel pushing and shoving, with Taylor briefly grabbing a pickaxe and waving it upside down at the workers.

Taylor issued an apology for the violence at Friday’s rally.

“I apologize for that kind of aggression and [that] incident, but I don’t apologize for standing up for my community,” Taylor said.

A number of other speakers issued

their support for Taylor regarding the altercation, including Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan (D-Sunnyside), who said, “I have no issues with what happened yesterday.”

Also present at the rally was Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (DSunnyside).

Urban Upbound called the press conference to contend that Mayflower was not living up to a verbal agreement to hire hotel employees from within the community.

According to the hotel, however, meetings had been held on the topic but no formal promises were made.

“What [Taylor] is trying to do is he’s trying to control the hiring process,” Elio Forcina, an attorney who represents Mayflower, said. “It’s an open process – anyone can give their resume in.”

“Textbook extortion scam,” Forcina added.

According to George Frangoulis, operating manager of the hotel, seven of the approximately 20 people he has hired so far are from Long Island City.

At Friday’s rally, Frangoulis noted that the hotel will host a job fair and open house within the community in about three weeks.

“All Bishop Taylor is asking from the hotel is a fair chance for the Queensbridge community to apply for job openings,” Kamian Allen, a spokesperson for Urban Upbound, said on Tuesday. “Friday was the first we’d heard of the hotel hiring seven locals. If that’s the case, we’re thrilled.”

The hotel has already Bishop taylor (center) and Urban Upbound held a held a preliminary hir- press conference and rally for jobs at the new Maying search in Flushing. flower Hotel.

Frangoulis said it was held in Flushing because the owners’ jobs, not false promises” and “if you build here, hire people from here.” main office is located there.

Queensbridge resident Margaret Confusion has also arisen regarding money that Urban Upbound Haywood attended the rally in solireceived from the hotel. Frangoulis darity with unemployed youth.

“We have a lot of young people asserted that the hotel gave Taylor $4,500. Taylor said that the money out here who have no jobs,” Haywas an unsolicited donation for an wood said. “I have family members Urban Upbound gala and amounted here, young people who need jobs.

I had to come out here and support to $2,500.

Friday’s ralliers, who included them.”

Reach Reporter Jackie Strawbridge community leaders such as Queensbridge Tenant Association president at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, jstrawApril Simpson, marched outside the bridge@queenstribune.com or @JNhotel with signs reading “we need Strawbridge.

Photo by Jackie Strawbridge

By JACkIe StRAwBRIdGe

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 22-28, 2014

Photo by Bensy Sanon

pix

Don’t Shoot!

A Work of Art

Locals gathered at Baisley Pond Park on Aug. 14 for a vigil for those who had been affected by the situation in Ferguson, Mo.

Photos by Bruce Adler

Photo by Walter Karling

Motown Philly Comes To Queens

Philippa Karterton and other members of the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning show off artwork on display during the PRESS of Southeast Queens celebration of culture held in Astoria on Aug. 14.

Stars of The Future

Future sluggers and fireballers received some expert training and advice from a couple of big-leaguers last week on Aug. 14. Eric Campbell and Josh Edgin of the New York Mets helped to conduct the annual YMCA Jr. Mets clinic at the Cross Island Y.

Legendary R&B artists Boyz II Men performed their greatest hits during a concert at Citi Field on Aug. 16. The group took the field after the New York Mets beat the Chicago Cubs, 7-3.

Aug. 22-28, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

A&E

Lic resident Performs On ‘america’s got talent’

By Jackie StrawBridge A world class contortionist has arrived in the Borough with plans to bend the minds of audiences across the United States.

Swiss contortionist Nina Burri

Nina Burri performed on “america’s got talent” tuesday night.

said she moved to Long Island City earlier this summer. Having already performed on the Swiss and French versions of the competition, she made her American debut Tuesday on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.”

Burri appeared on the show during its audition round in June, receiving rave reviews from judges Howard Stern, Heidi Klum, Melanie Brown and Howie Mandel.

“You know what seemed to be missing from that act? Bones,” Mandel said at the time.

Burri’s path to the “America’s Got Talent” stage has brought her across the globe and through many fields of performance. After working as a ballerina, commercial dancer and circus performer throughout Europe, Burri moved to China to study at Beijing’s International Arts School.

She said she became a contortionist to gain more control over her art and career.

“My wish was strong to be a soloist, doing my own work,” Burri said. “As a ballerina, you are usually in a big company, there [are] a lot of other girls that follow the

Voelker Orth welcomes ‘two gentlemen’ On Aug. 13, the Hip to Hip Theatre Company’s production of “Two Gentlemen of Verona” was performed in the garden of the Voelker Orth Museum in Flushing. The hilarious performance, which explored the themes of love and friendship, included masks, puns, slapstick and a human playing a dog.

The masks were from the tradition of commedia dell’arte farce, which features stock characters and clownish exaggeration. In “Two Gentlemen,” Proteus (Jonathan Dyrud) loves Julia (Joy Marr), and his friend Valentine (T.J. Gainley) loves Silvia (Lawryn Lacroix). Launce (Guy Ventoliere) loves his dog Crab (Drew Bloom).

When Proteus sees Silvia, he falls in love with her too and tells her father about Valentine’s plan to elope with her, hoping to get her himself. Before everything ends happily, Valentine is banished and, after being menaced by a group of three outlaws, bluffs his way into becoming their leader; Julia (disguised as a boy) becomes Proteus’s servant, and has to deliver his gift

to Silvia (who refuses it).

The many hilarious scenes (kudos to Carter Gill, the commedia consultant) included one in which Valentine takes forever to realize that the love letter he’s holding is meant for him. Marr beautifully handled the dual role of Julia and her gender-bending disguise, Sebastian, while Lacroix was an excellent and elegant Silvia. Lucetta, a servant, was well-acted by Sarah Gwynne Walker, who also amusingly plays an outlaw, while versatile Amanda Thickpenny portrayed three parts: Panthino, an attendant; Eglamour, a gentleman; and an outlaw, while the third outlaw was humorously played by Cassie Alexander. A modern touch was added when Silvia’s father, a Duke, is accompanied in one scene

by Darth Vader’s music from “Star Wars.”

For more information about the company, go to www.hiptohip.org.

To vote for this show to win a New York Innovative Theatre Award, go to www.nyitawards.com.

- Barbara arnstein

instructions of the choreographer.”

“Here, I can express myself as I wish. I have to please my audience, that’s the only thing,” Burri added.

She also noted that she enjoys contortion because it is “so crazy, so extreme – I can go always further and further in my development…[it] keeps you in shape and makes you alert of your body. It’s very satisfying.”

For Burri, performing for an American TV audience represented an opportunity to expand her brand.

“I decided one year ago I wanted to go on in my career and I was thinking America would be a very good option,” Burri said. “I went to audition [at] ‘America’s Got Talent’

because it’s a huge chance for me to be seen by American people and introduce myself to the American entertainment industry.”

Tuesday’s show, taped live at Radio City Music Hall, marked the last round of quarterfinals. She competed against several dance teams and singers, a magician and a child cardthrower, among others.

“I hope [the audience] has fun watching it, they feel some connection, and that I go in their hearts,” Burri said.

Reach Reporter Jackie Strawbridge at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, jstrawbridge@queenstribune.com or @JNStrawbridge.

QPac reveals Schedule

By JOe MarViLLi The new season at Queensborough Performing Arts Center is ready to start.

Between Sept. 14, 2014 and May 9, 2015, 15 performers will come to entertain audiences in Queensborough Community “the kings of Motown” will perform on Oct. 12 College’s 875-seat venue.

This season begins with at 3 p.m.

Broadway actress, Patti LuPone in her new concert, “COUL- Praagh will share an evening of mesDA, WOULDA, SHOULDA... played sages from guides, family and friends in that part.” On Sept. 14 at 3 p.m., the spirit. He will take the stage at 8 p.m.

Tony Award-winner will sing famous The Russian National Ballet will numbers from “Hair,” “Evita,” “Gyp- perform “The Sleeping Beauty,” sy” and more. starting at 3 p.m. on March 29.

On Oct. 5 at 3 p.m., celebrate On April 12 at 3 p.m., master Broadway’s Jewish musical legacy pianist/vocalist Kenny Brawner will with “Shalom Broadway.” transform himself into Ray Charles.

Another musical tribute will take On April 19 at 3 p.m., “The Doo place at 3 p.m. on Oct. 12 with “The Wop Project” will show the evolution Kings of Motown.” This Las Vegas of the genre in a one-of-a-kind conshow will display the skills and show- cert experience. manship that made The Temptations The American Jewish Symphony famous. will play on April 26 at 3 p.m.

If you are looking for laughs, check On April 30, QPAC will move out out “The Pirates of Penzance” on Oct. to Colbeh Mediterranean Grill in 19 at 3 p.m.

Great Neck for “Love Will Keep Us On Nov. 16 at 3 p.m., check out Together: Carole King, Neil Sedaka The VOCA People, an Israel-based and the Music of The Brill Building.” vocal performance ensemble that On May 3 at 3 p.m., see Chazz creates an innovative sound with just Palminteri perform his one-man vocals. stage version of the hit movie, “A Next up, on Nov. 23 at 3 p.m., Re- Bronx Tale.” nee Taylor will talk about her 60-plus The season will wrap up with years in show business.

“Men Are From Mars, Women Are The first show of 2015 at QPAC From Venus,” at 8 p.m. on May 9. will be a performance of Tango BueFor more information, visit www. nos Aires, one of Argentina’s cultur- qcc.cuny.edu/qpac/shows.asp. al exports. It will take place on Feb. Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at 12 at 8 p.m.

(718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@ On March 21, author James Van queenstribune.com, or @JoeMarvilli.

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 22-28, 2014

Queens today

FRIDay 8/22

FizzY DRink

Little Makers will present a family-friendly event on fizzy drinks at the New York Hall of Science. Cool off this summer with a cold, refreshing citrus drink. Explore the science behind citrus fruits and invent your own fizzy drink to enjoy. The workshop runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. There is an $8 materials fee per family. Call (718) 699-0005 to learn more.

iDiot BRiGADE

Born out of late-night drinking and picking in an upstate New York hayfield, the Idiot Brigade is a five-piece rollercoaster of a bluegrass band. These experienced New York City pickers bring infectious energy to a traditional music genre. With instrumentation including a stand up bass, fiddle, mandolin, guitar and dobro, they promise to get you stomping your feet and singing along.

Catch the Idiot Brigade at the Queens Kickshaw Friday from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. For more information, call (718) 777-0913.

BikE RiDE

An evening ride to end Alzheimer’s will take place at the Forest Park Carousel. Attendees can enjoy face-painting, magic shows and unlimited rides on the carousel for $10. It will cost only $3 to ride the carousel during the event.

The money will go towards the New York City chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

This is the third straight year this fundraiser has taken place at the carousel.

suMMER DAnCE PARtY

Resorts World Casino will host its “largest fundraiser of the summer dance party.” DJ Marley Marl will provide the tunes to the party at the racino. There will also be a special guest performer along with the DJ. The party is for those who are 21 years and older and there are no refunds. Tickets are $25 for a regular entry and $50 for a V.I.P ticket.

Resorts World Casino is

located at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. in South Ozone Park.

SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK

ConCERt

THURsDay 8/28

The show will feature four bands, Degreaser, Frustrations, Silk Purse and Cyanide Tooth. Tickets are $8 and the show starts at 8 p.m.

Trans Pecos is located at 715 Wyckoff Ave. in Ridgewood.

saTURDay 8/23

CAMP DRoPinn

Taught by award winning director, actor and Secret Theatre Director Richard Mazda, Camp DropInn is a casual acting camp taking place Saturdays this summer, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The workshops tackle a different subject each week, and are standalone, so participants need not attend every class. $15 per class, pay as you go. For more information, email classes@secrettheatre.com.

LinCoLn CEntER LivE

The Villalobos Brothers will perform at 3 p.m. at the Broadway branch of the Queens Library, 40-20 Broadway in Long Island City. The Villalobos Brothers masterfully blend the indigenous rhythms and melodies of their native Xalapa in Veracruz, Mexico, with the intricate harmonies of jazz and classical music.

This bilingual program delivers an intoxicating brew of musical brilliance and virtuosity that awakens the senses as it redefines notions of Latin music. For more information about Villalobos Brothers, please visit villalobosbrothers.com.

Suggested for ages 5 and up.

LEGEns oF oL’skooL ii

Resorts World NYC Casino will host live performances by Christopher Williams, Full Force, Meli’sa Morgan, Horace Brown, Johnny Kemp, Taana Gardner and Joyce Sims at 9 p.m., with doors opening at 8 p.m. Tickets cost between $25-80.

sUNDay 8/24 JAzz EnsEMBLE

The Afri-Garifuna Jazz Ensemble will play a free concert at Flushing Town Hall. Known for exciting and exhilarating performances, the Afri-Garifuna

sCHooLYARD GAMEs DAY Before Queens kids go back to school, they should head to the Alley Pond Environmental Center for its Retro Schoolyard Games Day. Games have been played during recess in schools for decades; through the years, the original games have evolved and new games have emerged. The classic schoolyard games children once played, however, are still fun today. Reminisce and bond with your children over activities that you probably participated in as a child.

This parent participation program is for children ages 4-12. It runs from 10 a.m. to noon and costs $18 for nonmembers, $12 for members. series takes place at Gantry State Plaza Park and begins at 5 p.m. For more information, visit licconcerts.com.

Park at 4 p.m. For more information, visit www. cityparksfoundation.org.

moNDay 8/25 Jazz Ensemble infuses the indigenous rhythms and music from Saint Vincent and The Grenadines with African, Latin and Jazz rhythms, creating a high-energy music-and-dance spectacular.

Dance lessons start at 1 p.m., followed by the concert at 2 p.m. For information, call (718) 463-7700.

tAstE oF iRELAnD

Come to Kingsland Homestead and enjoy the music, food and culture of Ireland to give you an experience similar to walking through a World’s Fair pavilion. Hosted by the Queens Historical Society, this event will include “Remembering Yesterday: Queens and Its World’s Fairs,” an exhibition that takes a look at both the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs held in Queens. Tickets cost $15.

To learn more, call (718) 939-0647.

soL LiEBEskinD At LiC ConCERts

Visiting from Argentina, Sol Liebeskind brings her jazz, blues, soul and funk inspired music to the LIC waterfront. This second free weekly performance of the LIC Concerts

WHitEstonE WALkinG touR

The Bayside Historical Society will present a walking tour through Whitestone, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Join historian Jason D. Antos and follow the path of the old Whitestone line of the North Side branch of the Long Island Rail Road.

Explore historic Beechhurst and old Whitestone Village.

The tour will meet in the Waldbaum’s shopping center parking lot by the Tropicana entrance. Dress appropriately for a warm afternoon and bring water. The tour costs $5 for BHS members and $10 for nonmembers. For information, email jasonantos@ aol.com.

CAR sHoW

PEP Boys on Metropolitan Avenue in Ridgewood will host a car show starting at 10 a.m. and running until 4 p.m. There will be music, prizes and special deals offered at the store as well. The PEP Boys in Ridgewood is located at 61-01 Metropolitan Ave.

LittLE RED’s HooD

Little Red Riding Hood gets a modern makeover with the City Parks Foundation Puppet Mobile. Bring the family out for “Little Red’s Hood,” a free, 30 minute puppet show, Monday at Astoria Heights

‘FRozEn’

Head to the Main Park House in Cunningham Park at 8 p.m. and enjoy a free screening of Disney’s “Frozen.” Sing along to “Let It Go” and watch Anna embark on an epic journey with iceman Kristoff to find her ice-powered sister. Call (718) 217-6452 for more information.

WEDNEsDay 8/27

‘oLYMPus HAs FALLEn’

Glen Oaks will hold a free screening of the 2013 action flick, “Olympus Has Fallen.” Terrorists attack the White House and take the president hostage, and disgraced former presidential guard Mike Banning must use his inside knowledge to help rescue him.

The screening will start at 2 p.m. The library is located at 256-04 Union Tpke.

Got EvEnts?

send all information to editor@queenstribune.com or mail to: 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, Ny 11357

Aug. 22-28, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

Profile

Photography Program Captures Positive Activities

BY JORDAN GIBBONS A Better Jamaica launched a new program, Jamaica Shoots, this summer, to train youth in the community how to become sports and action photographers.

The Summer Youth Employment Program supplied six 14- to 16-yearolds to serve as apprentice photographers for a total of 96 hours spread over six weeks.

Students were instructed to capture other young people participating in local youth sports and dance programs around the Jamaica community.

They attended pee-wee football, soccer, tennis, wrestling and dancing programs to learn the best techniques to use while practicing and fine-tuning their photography abilities.

Jimmy Fonsville, a member of the Southeast Queens Camera Club, volunteered to be the instructor for the first three weeks and Devin Allen, a freelance photographer, volunteered for the last three weeks.

Allen said he focused on teaching the kids how to use the camera’s manual settings as opposed to au-

tomatically letting the camera decide the settings for them.

“I gave them the settings that I thought were appropriate based on the lighting,” Allen said. “I tried not to be in their space, but made sure they had the right settings and let them do their thing. From there, they really began to improve.”

Allen said that at the start of the day, they reviewed photos from the Young teens from the Summer Youth Employment previous day on three spent six weeks this summer learning photography. large monitors in the classroom provided by the SUNY close up to their subject and get intiQueens Educational Opportunity mate with them,” he said. “Working Center. The students provided in- with teens was a learning experience sight into why they chose the angles for me as well.”

Nicole Washington, a student at and photos they did. From there they were given the assignment for the the Academy for Careers in Television and Film in Long Island City, day and went out into the field.

One thing Allen said he spoke to said it was fun to take pictures around the students about was using their the community.

“I basically liked the fact that we feet to zoom in on the action instead experienced something new,” Washof the camera’s lens.

“I tried to instill in them to get ington, 16, said. “My favorite pictures

were of the dancers when they were moving and being all together.”

Greg Mays, founder of A Better Jamaica, created the program by getting donations from Indiegogo and providing the rest of money to purchase three Canon ES Rebel T5i D-SLR cameras and a telephoto lens to help them capture action shots better.

He said that the program will continue next year with some slight modifications.

Program He plans to have the students upload the photos to Google Drive so that they look at them at night, edit them the next day and present them to their peers.

“We’re also going to show them instructive photos to teach the kids,” he said. “It will have them be even more deliberate with their work.”

View all the photos from the program at Jamaica311.com.

Reach Reporter Jordan Gibbons at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123, jgibbons@ queenspress.com or @jgibbons2

People The New York Army National Guard has announced the promotion of members in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Djama Amegan of Jamaica was promoted to private.

Darrol Anderson of Rosedale was promoted to specialist.

Roberto Barbier of Laurelton was promoted to private.

Sharron Beckett of South Ozone Park was promoted to specialist.

Martina James of Jamaica was promoted to sergeant.

Khalid Lewis of Jamaica was promoted to private.

Melanie Rodriguez of Queens Village was promoted to private first class.

Fatoumata Simpara of Jamaica was promoted to private.

Timothy Granville-Crooks of Rockaway Park, a member of the Colgate University Class of 2017, participated in a summer internship with the Blue Hill Boys & Girls Club.

Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder has announced a schedule for upcoming

mobile office hours throughout his district. The upcoming schedule includes: Aug. 26: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. JASABrookdale Village Senior Center located at 125th Beach 19th Street in Far Rockaway.

Aug. 28: 3-6 p.m. Waldbaums located at 156-01 Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach.

Sept. 7: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Young Israel of Wavecrest and Bayswater located at 27-16 Healy Ave. in Bayswater.

Sept. 9: 3-6 p.m. Rock ‘n Roll Bagel located at Corner of E. 21st Rd. & Cross Bay Blvd. in Broad Channel.

Knights of Columbus Council, 26215 Union Tpke, Glen Oaks. Candidates scheduled to attend include lieutenant governor candidate Chris Moss, state attorney general candidate John Cahill, state comptroller candidate Bob Antonacci and U.S. Congress candidate Grant Lally.

The Oratorio Society of Queens has announced that the group will hold auditions for its annual holiday concert, Handel’s “Messiah,” scheduled for Dec. 21. Auditions will take place 7 p.m. Sept. 8 and Sept.

15. For more information, call (718) 279-3006 or visit www.queensoratorio.org.

Amie McManus of Belle Harbor will attend the University of Dayton in Ohio for the fall 2014 semester.

The Republican Club of Queens Village will host a candidates night from 7:30-10 p.m. at St. Ann’s

Jennifer Alvarez of Woodhaven was commissioned as a second lieutenant with her graduation from Officer Candidate School on Aug. 16.

Alvarez will serve within the Medical Service Officer career field with the Company F, 169th General Aviation Support Battalion in Rochester.

American Family Community Services, a not-for-profit organization located at 37-63 76th St. in Jackson Heights, is planning to extend its community programs and is looking for bilingual volunteer professionals (English and Spanish) willing to provide professional services in education and social services.

Interested individuals can email info@americanfamilyny.org or call (718) 639-8370 The Latin American Cultural Center of Queens will offer art classes for children ages 8-16 from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturdays at ARROW Community Center, 35-30 35th St., Astoria.

Participants will develop fundamental techniques in painting, sketching, drawing and sculpting. Materials will be provided.

For information, call (718) 26107664 or email laccq@aol.com.

A defensive driving course for insurance and point reduction will be given at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 25-02 80th St., Jackson Heights, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 27.

For information and registration, call (631) 360-9720. Cost is $45.

Send notices of graduation, awards, anniversaries, etc., to: PRESS of Southeast Queens 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 22-28, 2014

Faith

By JaCkie STrawBridGe Astoria has seen enormous transformation in 90 years and neighborhood church Immaculate Conception reflects that change.

Immaculate Conception Church celebrated its 90th anniversary on July 26, the day its cornerstone was laid in 1924. Highlights of the church’s long history include the founding of the Catholic War Veterans of America in the 1930s, which now has posts throughout the country.

Immaculate Conception Church also prides itself on decades of dedication to children’s education programs. In the 1960s, Our Lady’s Pre-School brought religious education to the young children of the congregation.

Monsignor Fernando Ferrarese has been pastor at the church for about six years. He said he has witnessed “remarkable” change even in that short time, citing added children’s education programs as well as greater Latino and Filipino representation.

Today, the church conducts mass in four languages: English, Spanish, Italian and Tagalog.

“We pride ourselves on welcoming everyone to our community,” Ferrarese said. “We learn from one another’s perspective and it keeps us from a narrow parochialism.”

However, he added, “what has been consistent over the years is our

Catholic faith and the service to the Astoria community, which springs from that faith.”

The church’s community service programs include a parish food pantry and short-term shelter housing for homeless men.

Astoria resident Giovanna Traugott said she has been a member of the church for about 60 years.

“It was always very open, now it’s even more so,” she said.

“I’m always happy when institutions stay and grow,” Traugott added.

Ivania Castillo said she joined the church in the early 1990s, then moved away from Astoria, returning in 2006. She said that when she came back to Immaculate Conception, she noticed the growth of the Latino congregation.

“What I remember is we were in the lower basement in the church and when I came back, I guess because we are a big group now, we have our mass in Spanish in the upper church,” Castillo said.

Immaculate Conception Church will hold several events throughout the fall and winter to commemorate its 90th birthday. Coming up this fall, a celebration on Oct. 4 will commemorate the anniversary of the church’s first mass.

Reach Reporter Jackie Strawbridge at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, jstrawbridge@queenstribune.com or @JNStrawbridge.

Photo by Jackie Strawbridge

immaculate Conception Church Turns 90

astoria’s immaculate Conception Church is celebrating its 90th year of service to the neighborhood.

Notebook

Boys And Girls Club

Boys and Girls Club Gets Teen Center

By LuiS Gronda The doors opened on a brand-new clubhouse at the Richmond Hill Boys and Girls Club of Metro Queens Tuesday morning.

Several club executives and local elected officials who played a role in making the $10 million facility a reality touted its opening as the beginning for what is to come in the future.

George Russo, president of the Richmond Hill Boys and Girls Club, said the new building was built upon the same dream that they hope the kids that use the facility

will carry on as they get older.

“If you believe it, you can achieve it. If you have a vision and you’re willing to work hard and overcome many obstacles, you can realize that vision,” he said.

The 3,500-square-foot facility will offer a lot more programs and services to the thousands of children that use the club, according to Carol Simon, the club’s executive director.

Its main attraction is the AllStar Teen Center and Café, donated to the club by Major League Baseball and the New York Mets as part of hosting the All-Star

Game last year at Citi Field.

The teen center offers children a chance to relax and socialize with their peers in a comfortable environment. It has a flat screen television with an X-Box One hooked up to it, as well as several board games to play. It also has a small café that will offer food and drinks based on what the kids at the center would like to see served.

In addition to the teen center, the clubhouse will also offer the Helen Marshall Learning Center, named after the former Borough President who funded some of the project, a

Technology Center, the Pre-Teen Center and a high school regulation size gym.

The club will now shift its focus to renovating the old building next to the new teen center. Simon said that project will cost about $4 million, but they first must raise that money to kickstart the project. Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Ozone Park) has allocated $125,000 in State capital funding for that second phase, according to a press release from his office.

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

Aug. 22-28, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

What’s Up AUG 22 Fundraiser

District 28 Day

Resorts World Casino is hosting a fundraiser at 9 p.m. to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Queens and the Jamaica YMCA. DJ Marley Marl will be performing at the concert and dance party. Ray DeJon, founder of the Laffaholics Comedy Club will host the concert along with Video Music Box’s Ralph McDaniels and DJ Vernon. Tickets can be purchased at Resorts World Casino New York City on the lower level or at rwnewyork.com. Tickets will run from $25 to $50. The doors will open at 8 p.m. and the casino is located at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., Jamaica.

AUG 23 Block Party The Springfield/Rosedale Community Action Association invites local families to a Community Block Party located on 225th Street between 147th and 148th Avenues in Springfield Gardens on Saturday.

The event is free and anyone in the community is welcome to attend to join in celebrating family and civic unity. Attendees should bring chairs and picnic baskets. Health information and voter registration will also be available. The event will take place from noon to 6 p.m. The Block Party is also part of the year-long celebration of the association’s 25th anniversary.

For more information, email srcaainc@aol.com or call (718) 5254399.

Councilman Ruben Wills, Assemblywoman Vivian Cook, the City Parks Dept. and the Dept. of Transportation present District 28 Day, which features handball and wallball tournaments, rock climbing, bouncing rides and other fun-filled activities for families. The festivities will be located at Baisley Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wills will also be responding to an ALS Ice Bucket Challenge at 2:30 p.m. and introducing a new challenge at 3 p.m. The rain date will be on Sunday at the same time.

Carnival Friendly Church will be having its Back To School Carnival this Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. The carnival will feature pony rides, face painting, carnival games and a bouncy house.

There will also be vendors, food live music and free medical awareness information. Free school supplies will be given out while supplies last. The church asks for a $5 donation, which includes a hotdog or hamburger and access to all activies. There is free admission with your “VBS Pass.”

The event will be located at Friendly Church at 115-03 Sutphin Blvd.

For more information, call (718) 322-5433 or (718) 723-3716.

Town Hall Meeting The United Black Men of Queens invites everyone to come out and add your voice to the discussion addressing several critical issues facing Black men. “The State of the Black Male”

meeting will focus on a positive agenda for Black men in the community.

Keynote speakers at the meeting are Rodney Pride, who will be speaking about the Black male in the family and Patrick Jenkins who will be speaking about education. Refreshments will be served and there is parking near the meeting. The meeting will be held at the Harvest Room located at 9040 160th Street, Jamaica from 2 to 4 p.m.

AUG. 25 Participatory Budgeting Councilman Donovan Richards is holding his next participatory budgeting informational meeting in Springfield Gardens on Monday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be at Birch Early Childhood Center located at 145-02 Farmers Blvd.

AUG. 28 Back to School Fair Forestdale is hosting their Annual Back to School Fair for Forestdale families on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are expecting 500 guests and staff to be inattendance. There will be information booths sponsored by local health and community organizations, as well as a bouncy house, face painting and a sack race for the kids. All youth will receive backpacks filled with school supplies donated

by Forestdale’s generous supporters.

Contact Jesse Brown at (718) 2630740 or by email at jbrown@forestdaleinc.org.

AUG. 29 Back to School Councilman Donovan Richards is hosting a back to school event for students, co-sponsored by the Parks Dept. and Friends of Brookville Park at Brookville Park located at S. Conduit Avenue and 149th Avenue between 232nd Street and 235th Street in Rosedale. There will be tons of games and giveaways, including school supplies for the students. The event will take place from noon to 4 p.m.

OnGOinG Jump & Ball 2014 LL Cool J & Senator Malcolm A. Smith are pleased to present the 10th annual Jump & Ball Basket Ball tournament. The tournament begins August 1st and will hold every Saturday and Sunday until August 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, call (718) 528-4290. The tournament will be at Daniel O’ Connell Park, located at Murdock Avenue at 195th Street, Hollis.

Jamaica Farmer’s Market The Jamaica Farmers’ Market on June 20, 2014 and will run every Friday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. through November 20, 2014. The market is held on 160th Street just outside the entrance of the Jamaica Market between Jamaica Avenue and 90th Street. Free one hour parking is provided for Farmers Market customers only.

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NE W YORK COUNT Y OF QUEENS Index No. 22641/2013 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Plaintiff designates Queens Count y as the place of trial. Venue is based uponthe County in which the Mortgage premises is situated. RECEIVED 7/18/2014 COUNTY CLERK QUEENS COUNTY Capital One, N.A. –against- Charis Sachtouris, if living and if any be dead, any and all persons who are spouses, widows, grantees, m0ligagees, lienor, heirs, devisees, distributes, or successors in interest of such of the above as may be dead, and their spouses, heirs, devisees, distributes and successors in interest, all of whom and whose names and places of residences are unknown to Plaintiff, Fleet National Bank, New York City Environmental Control Board, New York

City Parking Violations Bureau New York City Transit Adjudication Bureau United State of America-Internal Revenue Service, New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Defendants.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your Answer or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the attorneys for the plaintiff within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if this Summons if not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgement will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $100,000.00 and interest, recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the County of QUEENS on June 30, 1992 in Book 3346, Page 906, which was consolidated with the mortgage recorded on October 15, 1996, in Book 4443, at Page 1523 in the amount of $38,750.00 by a Consolidation, Extension and Modification Agreement dated August 20, 1996, recorded October 15, 1996 in Book 4443 at Page 1535, which created a single lien in the amount of $138,750.00, covering premises known as 149-35 12th Avenue, Whitestone, NY 11357. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured

by the Mortgage described above. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the Mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case if pending for further information on how to answer the Summons and protect your property.

Sending a payment to your Mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated:

WILLIAMSVILLE, New York JUNE 26, 2014 By: Stephen J. Wallace Esq. Frenkel, Lambert, Weiss, Weisman & Gordon, LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, New York 11706 (631) 969-3100 Our File No.: 01-033536-FOO TO: Charis Sachtouris 149-35 12th Avenue, Whitestone, NY 11357 and/or 116 East 83rd Street, New York, NY 10028 United State of AmericaInternal Revenue Service New York State Department of Taxation and Finance ________________________ NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR DEUTSCHE ALT-A SECURITIES INC., MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-AR3, Plaintiff, against ANDRE BAKSH, et al., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and

Sale duly dated 4/24/2014 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Courthouse in Courthouse #25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on 09/12/2014 at 10:00AM, premises known as 197-17 100TH AVENUE, Hollis, NY 11423 All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Hollis, in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, BLOCK: 10844 LOT: 19. Approximate amount of judgment $650,805.60 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 15598/09. Joseph F. Defelice, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC, Attorney for Plaintiff, P.O. Box 540, Getzville, NY 14068 Dated: August 4, 2014 1106450

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 22-28, 2014

Musicians OF QuEEns

Skyscraper Blu The title of Skyscraper Blu’s new mixtape is “LABI,” which stands for “Living

CONFIDENTIAL

Q

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ QueensTrib

Above Basic Individuals.” For the Rosedale rapper though, that line is not a title, but his philosophy of standing out from the crowd.

“It basically means being better than those who choose to live a life of mediocrity,” he said.

When Blu was younger, he almost fell into the trap of settling for less than his full potential. While he had a strong passion for music, he said he was made to believe that he should follow more practical career options. One YouTube video changed all that though.

“Sometime around my third year in college, I saw this inspiring YouTube video

QConf is edited by: Steven J. Ferrari

Contributors: Bruce Adler, Jordan Gibbons, Luis Gronda, Walter Karling, Joe Marvilli, Marcia Moxom Comrie, Michael Nussbaum, Michael Schenkler, Jackie Strawbridge.

Follow us on Twitter: @QueensTrib @SEQueensPress

with Will Smith, which was enough to make me believe in my dreams again,” he said.

“The video is still up and it's called ‘Will Smith's Words of Wisdom.’ I recommend it to everyone.”

Since then, Blu has created his own hip-hop style that has a similar flow to Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, with an emphasis on strong lyrics. He said his music, which targets high school and college students in the urban community, is inspired by other artists and songs he hears. If a song resonates with him, he tries to take motivation from it, while contributing his own style.

When he writes his lyrics, they are planned out and slowly developed, which each line carefully constructed.

“I often like to plan ahead what I'll be writing about and

then from there I try to think of the most creative and relatable lines relevant to the topic,” he said. “It usually takes me days to write my verses because I'm so meticulous when it comes to my music.”

This thorough method led to the creation of “LABI.” Although it initially started as a mixtape, Blu said that it transformed into something closer to a full album during its production.

“At first, I just wanted to create a body of work exhibiting my talents as both a lyricist and a song writer. But eventually as I got more and more into making it, I began to really put my heart into the music and started treating it more like an album,” he said. “While it still does serve its initial purpose, it's more than just another mixtape.”

There are a few special

Malcolm In The Middle Of Political Conspiracy At a debate in Jamaica last week, State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Hollis) said that the charges he is facing for attempting to bribe his way onto the 2013 Republican mayoral ticket are based on racially motivated officials attempting to gentrify Southeast Queens.

He promised to provide names during his retrial in January, which would reveal the people who are trying to get him and other prominent Black leaders out of City politics. Essentially, he said he is an innocent man caught in the middle of a political conspiracy.

However, all of the details

he is ignoring do not seem to match this theory. He is one of six people who were arrested in 2013 for the failed bribery scheme.

Three of them are black and three are white.

Former City Councilman Dan Halloran was found guilty for his role in the scheme last month. Considering Smith was allegedly the centerpiece of that scheme, it is hard for us here at QConf to believe that he had nothing to do with the plot.

Also, Smith’s opponents in the upcoming September primary, former City Coun-

Trees Are Better In Queens

Come And Knock On Our Door During our cultural celebration last week, former Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. posed for this selfie with former QConf reporters Natalia Kozikowska and Trisha Sakhuja. With all the recent reboots of classic TV shows, we think this pic makes a great pitch for an updated version of the 1970s hit "Three's Company." The show would follow the former councilman and his two former reporter sidekicks as he looks to his future in Queens. The show sounds like a hit to us!

guests throughout the 16 tracks on “LABI.” Chanel Nicole, Fred The Godson, Patty Rockmore from Peace Fam, RP from Team Blackout and Karina all contribute their talents to the record, mixing their skills with Skyscraper Blu. Even as he has grown as an artist and his career has started to achieve lift-off, Blu remains close to his roots in Southeast Queens.

“Queens in general is where I've made unforgettable relationships, chased a lot of girls and had wild nights out with my friends,” he said. “They definitely make for some good stories that I think the average kid from Queens can relate to.”

For more information on Skyscraper Blu, visit www. facebook.com/skyscraperblumusic.

The Parks Dept. has a pruning problem – but not in Queens.

City Comptroller Scott Stringer released an audit last week indicating that tree pruning in the City has been mismanaged and wasteful.

According to the report, all Borough Forestry Offices – the bodies that manage the tree maintenance contractors – except for Queens’ “had weaknesses…which increased the risk of injuries to people and property from falling limbs.”

“I’m not going out on a limb when I say that Parks’ performance has been unacceptable,” Stringer said.

Manhattan and Staten Island had the poorest pruning, with the Bronx and then Brooklyn

showing better branches.

The Queens Forestry Office, meanwhile, had put controls in place that “appeared to be functioning and could be used as a guide to assist the other four Borough offices,” according to the report.

From our parks to our parties to now even our beautifully pruned trees – everything’s better in Queens.

cilman Leroy Comrie and attorney Munir Avery, are both Black. So, if this alleged culprit has some grand gentrification motivations, he seems fairly short-sighted.

Either way, it will be difficult for Smith to find time to represent the residents of his district while he is the middle of a trial and with Councilman Ruben Wills’ (D-Jamaica) powers in limbo.

Southeast Queens needs elected leadership who have the time and the ability to get things accomplished in the community.

Traffic Conundrum

Before the State Senate candidate's forum devolved into protests Tuesday night, proceedings had already been delayed by a late moderator.

NY1's Ruschell Boone was supposed to lead the forum, but did not arrive until halfway through State Sen. Tony Avella's portion of the proceedings.

When she finally got to the microphone, Boone apologized, saying she got caught in traffic in Flushing, then turned to the Senator.

"Can you do something about the traffic here?" she asked.

Avella, who was on time for the event, said, "I got caught in the same traffic," and noted he only represented half of Flushing.

CLASSIFIEDS

Attorney

Attorney

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Aug. 22-28, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

To Advertise in the Southeast Queens Press Classifieds Call (718) 357-7400 • Fax (718) 357-0076

150-50 14th Road, Whitestone NY 11357 Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Construction

Construction

NUNEZ CONSTRUCTION

We Specialize In Crack Repairs also Ceiling, Wall Repairs & Painting

EXPERT WORK ON STOOPS BRICK, BLOCK & CONCRETE

7 Days, Lowest Prices Free Estimate Licensed & Insured

718-219-1257

]ÉtÇ YÉÜÜxáàxÜ Attorney at Law

• Real Estate • Immigration • Family Law • Divorce • Wills/Estate

• Criminal (Dwi, Domestic) • Bankruptcy (Chap 7 & 13) Foreclosure (Stop Sale) • Landlord & Tenant (Evictions) • Adoptions 718-658-3200

145-11 Jamaica Avenue Jamaica, N.Y. 11435

Email: jamaicatty@aol.com Fax: 718-658-7772

FAST DIVORCE Licensed for NY/NJ

ANNULMENT PROXY MARRIAGE

THE PROCESS IS QUICK, EASY, LEGAL & AFFORDABLE WWW.DIVORCEFAST.COM

978-443-8387

WE ARE HERE TO HELP! Visit us online or Call Now!

SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR 50 YEARS

RAY INC.

Home Imprv.

Home Imprv.

Specialist In Home Improvement We Do Roofing Hot & Cold IF E Gutters & Leaders IC THE PR HT IG R T Chimneys Repair & Replace O IS N E IT Any Drain Cleaning WE MAK RIGHT Kitchen & Bath Tiles, Bonded. Lic & Insured

917-340-9623 718-756-8023

nunezforu.com Member of Angie’s List A Rating

NOW HIRING REAL ESTATE AGENTS Will train.

Free monthly homebuyer’s seminars.

Call us for more details and registration

718-454-9000 R.E. Services

ATTENTION LANDLORDS We have many qualified Applicants Looking for Apts.

Our screening process is thorough Background / Landlord / Tenant court history check

917-538-4916

DURHAM REALTY GROUP

Want 2 Buy LOOK

Old Clocks & Watches Wanted

By Collector, Regardless of Condition - Highest Prices Paid 917-748-7225

Records ♫ Old 33s-45s-78s ♪

Doo-Wop - Rock & Roll - Heavy Metal - Punk Disco - Latin - Blue Grass - Reggae/Calypso Soul - Blues - Jazz - Gospel - Ethnic Music Foreign Film soundtracks No Top Hitmaking Artists or Classical Charlie 516-612-2009

PLACE YOUR AD

718-357-7400 ext 151

Bus. Opp.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

FOR SERIOUS MINDED PEOPLE

718-285-2779

For Additional Information

Boiler Service

BOILER MAN

Installations • Water Heaters Repairs • Basement Heat Conversions • Separarte Zones Oil Tanks • Air Conditioners Household Renovations

516-815-8510 Handyman

HANDY HERMAN

Fixes Anything All Plumbing, Heating, Tanks, Boilers, Contracting & Repairs 516-815-8510

Tele Serv.

EARL CONSTRUCTION INC.

• Light Moving • Bathroom Tiling • Mason Work • Roofing • Siding • Carpentry • Dry Wall • Painting • Gutter Cleaning

No Job Too Large or Too Small

917-593-3926

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE: Monday Before 5 P.M.

Unless Otherwise Specified Press of Southeast Queens Policy: All advertisers are responsible to give correct advertising as it will appear. The Press will assume no financial responsibility for errors or omissions. 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 after the first week but no refund will be issued!

Best of Queens 2014

PR WIN IZ ES

On Aug. 29, the Queens PRESS of Southeast Queens will publish a special edition showcasing the places, people and things readers love about Queens.

The Staff will comb the Borough to find things that make living in Queens so special.

But we need your help!

Fill out our form online at queenspress.com/best-of-queens

Lucky winners will be chosen from online submissions to win prizes, including Mets tickets and dinners to area restaurants.

Or, fill out the form YOUR NAME: YOUR AddRESS: YOUR EMAIl:

Mail To: THE BEST OF QUEENS 2014 C/O The Queens Tribune, 150-50 14th Road, Whitestone, NY 11357 email us at: bestofqueens@queenstribune.com Food & dining Bagels: Bakery: Breakfast: Burgers: Butcher: Coffee Shop: Deli: Desserts: Diner: Ice Cream: Pizza: Seafood: Steak: Ethnic Food Asian: French: Indian: Italian: Latin: Other Ethnic:

REtail Book Store: Clothing Store: Florist: Hardware Store: Jewelry Store: Liquor Store: Mall/Shopping Center: Pharmacy: Supermarket: hEalth & BEauty Hair Salon: Doctor: Massage Therapist: Day Spa/Nail Salon: Veterinarian: Gym:

Museum: Local Musician: Movie Theater: Theater Group: Park: Athletic Facility: SERvicES Auto Repair: Cleaning Company: Contractor: Electrician: Handyman: Landscaper: Painter: Plumber: Roofer: youR PERSonal BEStS:

EntERtainmEnt Bar/Nightspot: Local Band: Please attach any additional comments, photos or information about your entries to this coupon.

For Advertising Information On "The Best Of Queens 2014" Edition Call The PRESS At (718) 357-7400