Southeast Queens Press Epaper

Volume 13 Issue No. 34 Aug. 24-30, 2012

PAGE 18

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

TECH TIME

Mayor Mike Bloomberg traveled to Jamaica to reveal the City’s new program for small business owners.

By Megan Montalvo…Page 3.

Online at www.QueensPress.com

BEST IN QUEENS 2012

The PRESS will publish a special edition showcasing the places, people and things readers love about Queens.

The editors will comb the borough to find that great slice of pizza, that phenomenal rib shack, that beautiful vista or building that is part of what makes living in Queens so special.

But we need your help.

Send in the form below, name your “personal bests” and we’ll print your entry. Need more room? Send as many pages as you'd like or e-mail bestofqueens@queenstribune. com.

PR WIN IZ ES

YOUR NAME: YOUR ADDRESS: YOUR EMAIL:

Mail To: THE BEST OF QUEENS 2012

C/O The Queens Press, 150-50 14th Road, Whitestone, NY 11357 http://queenstribune.com/bestofq2012.html

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 24-30, 2012

FOOD & DINING Bagels: Bakery: Bar: 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: Toy Store: HEALTH & BEAUTY Hair Salon: Doctor: Massage Therapist: Day Spa/Nail Salon: Personal Trainer: Veterinarian: ENTERTAINMENT Bar/Nightspot: Local Band: Local Musician: Movie Theater: Theater Group: Park: SERVICES Auto Repair: Cleaning Company: Contractor: Electrician: Handyman: Landscaper: Painter: Plumber: Roofer: YOUR PERSONAL BESTS:

Please attach any additional comments, photos or information about your entries to this coupon.

For Advertising Information On "The Best Of Queens 2012" Edition Call The PRESS At (718) 357-7400

News Briefs U.S. Open 2012 Upgrades The United States Tennis Association announced this week a series of upgrades to the Billie Jean King Tennis Center in anticipation of this year's U.S. Open.

Construction has been finished on the newest show court - Court 17 - for this year's tournament. The court has full television broadcast capabilities, state-of-theart video screens and includes the Chase Review electronic line calling system.

With a capacity of 2,800, Court 17 is the fourth-largest spectator court at the U.S. Open. The pavilion around Court 17 will include new attractions for fans, including Bar 17, replete with televisions and the return of the player photo wall, where fans can take pictures next to life-sized images of their favorite players.

Bleacher seat capacity has been increased at the outer courts and now each court will be able to accommodate at least 340 spectators.This year's opening night ceremony will include a video and light show in Arthur Ashe Stadium for the first time and will feature a live performance of the song "Celebrate" by pop star Jordin Sparks.

The U.S. Open also has the goal of making the tournament an environmentallyresponsible and eco-friendly event. For the first time, all credential lanyards used during the tournament will be made from recycled tennis ball cans. Again in 2012, all serviceware in the U.S. Open Food Village will be 100 percent compostable, and the program will continue the site-wide composting begun in 2010. Carbon offsets have been obtained to cover all air and ground player transportation to and from the event. A MetroCard giveaway, in which 125 fans each day will win a round-trip MetroCard, will encourage the use of mass transit to the U.S. Open.

Pols Push For Business Breaks Assemblywoman Grace Meng (DFlushing) and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) promoted small and women-owned business tax breaks at a Flushing auto body shop, hoping to bolster the economy and each of their election prospects.

Together, along with Councilman Peter Koo (D-Flushing) and State Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing), the elected officials sought to promote federal legislation that would provide tax breaks for those investing in small business stock, double deductions for start-up businesses and allow more small businesses to write off up to $500,000 in tangible property like investments in machinery, among other provisions.

Meng, who is running for Congress in

the newly-drawn 6th District, is up against Councilman Dan Halloran (RWhitestone), while Republican attorney Wendy Long is challenging Gillibrand.

Both candidates sought to demonstrate they were both pro-business, with Gillibrand even asserting that "government does not create jobs." Titling their legislation the SUCCESS Act of 2012, Meng and Gillibrand spoke with the female owner of Great Bear Auto Repair and Auto Body Shop on Sanford Avenue.

SUCCESS is an acronym for Success Ultimately Comes from Capital, Contracting Education, Strategic Partnerships and Smart Regulation.

Later that day, Gillibrand also appeared with immigrant advocacy group Make the Road New York and State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) to advocate for an increase in the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $9.80 an hour.

Jewish Council To Honor Ackerman The Queens Jewish Community Council will honor U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Bayside) with a Lifetime Achievement Award during its annual Testimonial Dinner Aug. 27. The dinner will take place at the Hillcrest Jewish Center, located at 183-02 Union Turnpike in Flushing.

A frequent speaker at QJCC's Congressional Town Hall meetings, Ackerman has championed many causes important to the community, including social justice and the security of Israel.

Ackerman announced his retirement this past spring from the House of Representatives, where he has served 15 terms representing Queens and the north shore of Long Island. He is the ranking member of the House subcommittee on the Middle East and Asia, a key panel of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Financial Services Committee, where he sits on two subcommittees: Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit.

He is also the president of the International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians.

In honoring Ackerman, the council noted that he has consistently been responsive to the community's needs, authoring numerous federal laws governing healthcare, antiterrorism issues, postal measures and regulation of corporate and financial sectors.

Warren S. Hecht, president of the council, cited Ackerman's stature as an advocate of the State of Israel.

The Queens Jewish Community Council, located at 119-45 Union Turnpike in Forest Hills, is a not-for-profit social service agency that is pledged to improving the economic, cultural and social prosperity of the needy in Queens. For information, call (718) 544-9033 or email czalisky@qjcc.org.

Presstime

Mayor Unveils Digital Toolkit In Jamaica In an effort to move New York City one step closer to becoming the top digital city in the world, Mayor Mike Bloomberg unveiled a new set of digital resources for small business owners.

On Aug. 23, Bloomberg announced the creation of the Small Business Digital Toolkit at the Queens Workforce1 Career Center in Jamaica.

Lauded by Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) and State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Hollis), the Toolkit will offer courses to small business owners who seek to estab-

lish a stronger digital presence.

"The web can open up worlds of opportunities for these businesses, but many of them presently lack even their own website, let alone a social media campaign," Bloomberg said. "The Digital Toolkit will help New York City's entrepreneurs with the resources they need to engage more consumers online."

With the help of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr, small business owners will learn a variety of digital skills, such as launching websites, incorporating digital and mobile payment systems and creating online advertising campaigns.

Photo by Megan Montalvo

BY MEGAN MONTALVO

Courses for the Digital Toolkit begin on Sept. 20, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the NYC Business Solutions Center, located at 168-25 Jamaica Ave. in Jamaica. Subsequent courses will be taught by NYC Business Solutions instructors at additional center locations. All courses will be free, and owners interested in signing up should visit NYC.gov or call 311.

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

Mayor Mike Bloomberg touts the City's new Digital Toolkit, a series of courses for small business owners.

Tom White Jr. Honored With Street Sign

BY VERONICA LEWIN After years of serving the community, the late Councilman Tom White Jr. has received a permanent honor.

Southeast Queens elected officials held a ceremony Aug. 18 to officially co-name a major thoroughfare in the area. Sutphin Boulevard now shares its name with Thomas White Jr. Boulevard. White's family, including his mother Marie, attended last week's ceremony.

Last week's ceremony was held at 116th Avenue and Sutphin Boulevard, also home to the organization J-CAP. White founded J-CAP in 1980 and it soon grew

into one of the largest substance abuse treatment programs in the State. J-CAP runs several programs, including one for veterans and a Living Proof program for people affected by HIV/AIDS. "Thomas White Jr. was an affable man, but stern when he needed to be," said Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica). "He will always be remembered for his service to the people of Southeast Queens. His contributions to helping individuals suffering with substance abuse are unrivaled. I am proud to have played a part in this co-naming, Thomas White Jr. Boulevard."

Councilman White passed away Aug. 27, 2010 at age 71

after a battle with cancer. White served in City Council from 1991-2001 and ran again after Mayor Michael Bloomberg eliminated term limits for City Council members. White was reelected in 2005 and served until his passing. During his second time as a Council Member, he served as the chair of the Economic Development Committee.

Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) first met White while he worked for the Queens Library and said the late Councilman was always an advocate for the borough's library system. Van Bramer said he had an opportunity to learn more about White during a Council trip to Israel.

in general and New York City," Van Bramer said.

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

Abandoned Baby Found In Woodside

BY MEGAN MONTALVO On Aug. 19, police responded to an anonymous call made at approximately 11:30 p.m. about crying that was heard at the Woodside Houses, located at 5051 Broadway.

When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered a newborn baby girl wrapped in towels and pillow cases lying on a grassy area behind the housing project.

The baby was just a few hours old at the time and was immediately taken to Elmhurst Hospital.

A spokesman for the hospital has confirmed the baby appeared to be in good health and is "doing fine."

While investigators are conducting a search for the parents of the abandoned baby with the help of the Administration for Children's Services (ACS), both Borough President Helen Marshall and ACS have released statements urging parents who may be unable to care for their infants to make use

of the Safe Haven Program.

"There is no need for someone who may be desperate, in despair or in crisis to abandon their new born child to the elements. Under the Safe Haven Program, a person can surrender their infant to a safe place, such as a hospital, police station or firehouse without fear or prosecution," Marshall said in a statement released Monday.

If the parents of the baby girl do not come forward, ACS may petition the Family Court to request custody for foster care placement.

Those interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent should call ACS parent recruitment hotline, 212-676-WISH (outside of NYC: 877-676-WISH). For more information about the Safe Haven Program, call the abandoned infant protection hotline at 866-505 SAFE (7233).

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

Aug. 24-30, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Tom White Jr.'s family holds the new street sign honoring his accomplishments on Aug. 27.

"He was a very funny guy and he told funny stories. He was a very colorful figure and he certainly left a lasting imprint on Southeast Queens, and Queens

Communities Seek Unity With Redistricting

BY ROSS BARKAN

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 24-30, 2012

Hills). Advocates for a Gardens, now in the 23rd single district argued that District, is represented by the growing minority Councilman Mark communities of RichWeprin (D-Oakland Garmond Hill and South dens).

Ozone Park lack the opJoining Bayside and portunity to elect a repOakland Gardens, home resentative from their to a large Korean popuneighborhoods, or even lation, would increase a representative that the possibility of Queens makes them a priority. having a second Asian Some speakers went representative in the City even as far to blame the ACCORD Members hold up signs at the hearing to Council.

Glenn struggles of Richmond demonstrate their strength.

Magpantay, an attorney Hill and John Adams High for the Asian American Schools on a lack of atLegal Defense and Edutention from the City Council. port of the 20th District, which cation Fund, said this was needed Richard David, executive direc- incorporates downtown Flush- because the Asian population in tor of the Indo-Caribbean Alli- ing and is represented by Coun- Queens has increased more than ance, said the chopped up dis- cilman Peter Koo (D-Flushing), 300 times faster than the overall tricts were a reason why Rich- urging the council to draw a new rate of the borough. mond Hill lacked adequate com- district like the current one. AC"Keeping communities of inmunity and senior centers.

CORD members supported join- terest together will ensure that "There's a sense of frustra- ing Oakland Gardens, a neigh- Asian-Americans will have a full tion," David said. "The system borhood south of Bayside that and fair opportunity to elect canseems designed in a way to disen- some residents consider a part of didates of their choice," franchise us."

Bayside, into the 19th District Magpantay said.

Not all speakers were critical represented by Councilman Dan Reach Reporter Ross Barkan at of the current council lines. Sev- Halloran (R-Whitestone), which (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127 or eral from Flushing spoke in sup- incorporates Bayside. Oakland rbarkan@queenstribune.com.

PRESS Photo by Ross Barkan

Richmond Hill and Ozone Park have been torn asunder, slashed into four council districts and denied the basic resources other neighborhoods take for granted.

At least, that was according to the majority of speakers at the Aug. 21 City Council redistricting hearing, held in front of the 15-member redistricting commission. Advocacy groups, most of them in support of uniting the Richmond Hill and Ozone Park areas into a single council district and doing the same for Bayside and Oakland Gardens, packed the Flushing library to try to sway the council.

"We have been victims of redistricting that did not work," said Ozone Park community activist Kris Gounden. "The Caribbean, West Indian community has grown throughout Ozone Park through our will to live together.

Because of the shape of the voting district, we cannot vote to

elect someone who is born of us."

City Council lines shift every decade to reflect the results of the Census. The redistricting commission, with members appointed by the mayor and City Council, will draw new lines next year. Hearings are being held throughout the City.

The Asian American Community Coalition on Redistricting and Democracy, an alliance of 14 Asian-American organizations, dominated the hearing, demonstrating their strength by standing and holding up bright signs with words like "Keep Richmond Hill United Fair ReDistricting." Richmond Hill and South Ozone Park, with their large South Asian and Indo-Caribbean populations, are divided among the districts of four different council members: Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (DMiddle Village), Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica) and Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest

Residents Seek To Make Stop Sign A Go

BY ROSS BARKAN Assembly candidate Etienne David Adorno and local residents called on the Dept. of Transportation to install a stop sign at the intersection of 80th Street and 95th Avenue in Ozone Park.

The Aug. 20 press conference brought together concerned residents who believe that a stop sign is needed for south-bound 80th Street, where cars have even rammed into the home of one resident, Juan Guzman. Adorno is challenging Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) in the 38th District Democratic primary, though he did not use the occasion to blast Miller. Instead, he took aim at City bureaucracy, forcefully challenging the Dept. of Transportation to also install a stop sign on 81st Street and 95th Avenue.

“We live in a system that doesn’t put people’s lives as a first priority,” Adorno said. “How many accidents must occur before we need to take action?”

DOT installs stop signs after

lengthy traffic studies. Adorno said he wrote a letter to Community Board 9, which he is a member of, and spoke with Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) about the need for a stop sign.

Installing stop signs within New York City falls under the jurisdic-

tion of the City itself, not New York State. Adorno said he put in a second request on Aug. 20.

Outside of Guzman’s home on southwest corner of 95th Avenue, two yellow posts guard his home’s brick wall. Pictures submitted from a local civic

group, the Association of Mutual Help Unity and Solidarity, show a car smashing into the wall before posts were put in place.

Residents believe cars speed wantonly down 80th Street and need to be slowed down.

“We recently received a request

from the local community board related to this intersection and are initiating an evaluation of the applicability of stop signs,” said DOT spokesman Nicholas Mosquera.

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

BY JOHN L. AARON

Williams, USA national players will wear the colors of the Cinderella County of Essequibo.

Guyana is divided into three counties and demarcated by rivers bearing the names of the counties, Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo. With the migration of thousands of Guyanese to North America, that rivalry has followed the new immigrants here, with some 220,000 Guyanese living in America. Many of those reside in the New York metropolitan area.

The T20 tournament follows three previous high caliber cricket events over the years, and on the annual New York cricket calen-

dar: The Red Stripe/Guinness Championship, Ed Ahmad New York Caribbean Cricket Cup, and the 2A’s Mechanical, Inc. sponsored Guyana Inter-County T20 tournaments.

“We needed a top quality cricket event just like we previously had with those tournaments,” tournament organizer Telston Johnson said. “The players need it, the public wants it, and it’s a good thing for cricket in the metropolitan area.

It’s an opportunity for players to showcase their talents to cricket administrators and selectors alike.”

For the past several months Johnson, an all-rounder who hails

from the Essequibo region of Guyana and a member of the Big Apple Cricket Club in the Eastern American Cricket Association, has worked diligently to secure sponsorship from small businesses and individuals, rather than corporate sponsors.

A raffle will be drawn at the event this Saturday with a firstprize of an Android Tablet, second-prize is a digital camera, and the third-prize is a surprise autographed cricket bat.

The two-match event scheduled to start at 10 a.m. will be streamed live via www.newyorkcricket.com with live scoring provided.

Guyana Games Attract Quality Players

Team USA Skipper Steve Massiah will headline several talented national and international Cricket players in the 2012 Guyana Inter-County Games Aug. 25 at Idlewild Park in Rosedale.

Massiah will lead Demerara XI, one of the three participating county teams that will also include USA national player Amarnauth Persaud, while Guyana national player Jonathan Foo, USA national players Quasen Alfred, Kevin Darlington and Gregory Sewdial, will suit up for Berbice County.

Azurdeen Mohammed and Clain

Aug. 24-30, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

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

Steven J. Ferrari Deputy Editor:

Veronica Lewin Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie

Editorial Remember Our Past With the U.S. Open starting this week, tennis is on the minds of many Queens residents. The sport has a rich history in the borough, with an important focal point being the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, which opened in 1923.

In addition to competitive tennis events, some of the biggest names in music in the 1960s and 70s performed at the stadium, including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and even hometown boys Simon and Garfunkel.

The stadium has been vacant for decades, premier events moving to more modern venues, allowing the ravages of time to take its toll on the iconic Queens structure. With news this week of the potential sale of the clay courts near the stadium, it brings attention again to the decay of the stadium itself and the need to preserve the structure.

In the decades since the stadium has been used regularly, Queens has seen a new tennis center built, a new baseball stadium in Flushing and now there is talk of a new soccer stadium coming soon. It is a shame that through all of this, the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium continues to lie dormant. While we should continue to look to the future, we should make sure to not forget our history.

Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen Reporters: Harley Benson Ross Barkan Megan Montalvo Intern: Asia Ewart

Letters Crowley A Clunker To The Editor: "Obama's Car Czar Visits Whitestone” (Ross Barkan - Aug. 16-22), but neither Jay Williams or U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (on paper he is the Queens County

Art Dept:

Advertising Director Gerry Laytin

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 24-30, 2012

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

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2012 Tribco, LLC

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

gram. The "Cash for Clunkers" program was nothing more than a Three Card Monty street hustle.

First, taxpayers bail out failing auto manufacturers with tens of billions of dollars. Next, to generate sales to these same companies which taxpayers represent the majority owner — Uncle Sam offered $4,500 rebates to trade in older cars with poor fuel efficiency to promote the sales of cars with better fuel efficiency.

One billion dollars was insufficient, so Congress authorizes and appropriates another two billion dollars which doesn't exist. Add three billion dollars more on top of a record $1.7 trillion dollar deficit in Federal Fiscal Year 2009. Worse, we destroy the older cars.

At the end of the day, Uncle Sam took money out of one taxpayer’s pocket and put it in another. The temporary sales spike quickly ended. The used car sales market suffered from fewer available stock. College students, single parents, working and middle class Americans looking for a used car to get to school or work ended up with fewer but

more expensive used cars to select from.

The air quality benefits of newer versus older cars at the end of the day had an insignificant impact on the environment in most communities.

We should have introduced mandatory drug and alcohol testing for members of Congress before they vote on more crazy legislation such as "Cash for Clunkers" Many taxpayers can hardly wait until the 2012 elections to "trade in" Congress member Crowley and all the others elected from portions of Queens County for a fresh new model who is more efficient at not wasting our hard earned money.

Larry Penner Great Neck

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

Mad Science About Rape Pregnancy A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE

Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend

Democratic Party boss representing the 7th Congressional District with a local "voting address," the worst kept secret with political insiders is his primary Virginia residence) mentioned the infamous "Cash for Clunkers" pro-

Letters

You know you've said something totally moronic when even Rush Limbaugh calls it stupid.

And this week, that's exactly what happened.

U.S. Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.), who is also a Senate candidate challenging incumbent U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, gave his two cents worth in the abortion debate by declaring that a woman can, by choice, use her own body to prevent conception from acts of rape.

He declared that pregnancy from rape was "really rare…if it's a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down."

Of all the outrageous, insensitive, imbecilic things he could have said that day, he chose this. The issue for me at the moment is not about whether a woman should or should not abort a child conceived by rape. That is a decision that woman has to make for herself with the support of her family,

clergy and physician. The issue from my perspective is the mad science position this guy is using to support his pro-life position.

This is offensive on so many levels that it makes you shudder.

This is someone who has been making descions on our behalf.

By saying "if it is a legitimate rape" he is already insulting the victims of rape by calling their complaint into question. But that wasn't enough. He is also using mad science cooked up in his own halfbaked brain to suggest that a woman can will her body not to get pregnant from the attack.

Where do we get these people from? It's bad enough a woman falls prey to a violent sexual attack during which she must also be wondering if the attacker will immediately kill her afterwards or later by some terminal disease such as AIDS; it's also bad enough that this can lead to pregnancy and she has to make a decision about that embryo. But to have a lawmaker with great power to essentially doubt her story of rape and

then tell her she could've prevented getting pregnant through the sheer power of her own body, is adding insult to injury.

I wonder if he would change his tune if this were to happen to a member of his own family, such as a wife or daughter.

But thank God he said this before the election rather than after, because now he has incurred the wrath of colleagues "across the aisle" and of women, and of fullyevolved men everywhere across this country. Practically everyone with a national voice is calling for him to step out of the Senate race.

He ought to do just that. But even if he stays in, he can't possibly win.

No sane woman in Missouri will vote for him and he cannot win without them.

We can forgive the guy for the statement. But we don't have to have him in the Senate and if he's running for the Senate, he must be giving up his House seat. We will be rid of him in either case.

This kind of ignorance is dangerous; and we don't need someone

taking us in a whole new place of ignorance.

So what would a senator or congressman from Missouri have to do with us here in Queens? It has a lot to do with us, actually.

Akin’s assertion impacts women and girls everywhere in our country including right here in Queens.

If he continues to serve in Washington D.C., his views and votes are of concern to us.

And while Limbaugh's outrage isn't entirely altruistic, he sums up the matter quite succinctly: "This was an absolutely ridiculous thing to say, to start qualifying rape in any way, legitimate," he said, before adding his concern that a continued Akin candidacy would do harm to the Republican Party's chances this fall. Akin’s candidacy threatens that for them.

The frightening thing is that this guy sits on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. How crazy is that.

The sooner we get him out of there, the better for all of us.

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To order or for more information call 1-800-333-TOLL (8655), or visit ezpassny.com.

©2012 Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Aug. 24-30, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

You get all the benefits of MTA E-ZPass, but you control the amount of money in your account by reloading it with cash at hundreds of merchants in the metro area.

Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day

Festivities Kick Off U.S. Open

BY MEGAN MONTALVO For 16 years, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) has hosted a special day of tennis, interactive activities and musical performances for hundreds of children throughout the borough. This year, the festivities will return to Flushing on Aug. 25 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for the 17th Annual Arthur Ashe Kids' Day. While avid tennis fans may be looking forward to the U.S. Open games taking place at the center from Aug. 27 to Sept. 9, local families will be able to get a sneak peek of the field to participate in skill competitions with top athletes such as Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Kim Clijsters and New York Rangers All-Star Center Brad Richards.

Presented by the Hess Corporation, a global integrated energy company based in New York, Arthur Ashe Kids' Day is an event that honors the late tennis legend Arthur Ashe through the continuation of his mission to use tennis as a means to instill the values of humanitarianism, leadership and academic excellence in children.

The Message

than 250,000 youth annually.

After suffering from a heart attack and undergoing two heart surgeries, Ashe discovered he had contracted HIV from a blood transfusion. On Feb. 6, 1993, Ashe died from AIDS-related pneumonia.

He currently retains the title of being the only African-American man to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the Australian Open.

Saturday's festivities will take place the main stadium at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which has been named in Ashe's honor.

"We hope through the event signage, people will learn more about his legacy and feel inspired to follow in his footsteps," Fiur said.

Quddus and Jordin Sparks will host the Kids’ Day festivities, which will kick off the event.

The Celebration The Grounds Festival at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center will offer a wide range of free kid-friendly activities such as relay races, tennis tutorials and obstacle courses beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 25.

As part of the opening ceremony, visitors can catch a free concert at the Hess Express Stage where performances will be made by up-and-coming art-

PRESS photo by Ira Cohen

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 24-30, 2012

According to Michael T.

Fiur, executive producer of Arthur Ashe Kids Day, in previous years, many event visitors had not been aware of Arthur Ashe's legacy. To help raise awareness of Ashe's connection to the event, organizers of this year's kids' day will incorporate oversized signage throughout the venue with fun facts about the late tennis star.

"Arthur Ashe was a pioneer in tennis and did a lot for humanity," Fiur said. "He was really one of the first athletes to stand up as a role model for young people not only as an athlete, but also in his life."

Arthur Robert Ashe, Jr. is best remembered as a former World No. 1 professional tennis player.

Born and raised in Richmond, Va., Ashe went on to win three Grand Slam titles and was the first African-American selected to the United States Davis Cup team.

In 1969, Ashe founded the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network with partners Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder under the mission of developing the character of young people through tennis and education. Since its creation, the NJTL network has grown to include over 600 chapters, which currently serve more

Roger Federer played during last year’s US Open.

ists like the City Kids, Love Jones Girlz and Megan and Liz. The event will be held until 4 p.m., and families can participate in a rotating schedule of activities including story telling, face painting, juggling workshops and tennis games.

Fans of digital games can also indulge themselves with the Mario Tennis Open for Nintendo 3DS. Players of all ages and skill levels will be able to enjoy friendly competition and fastpaced tennis action with the Nintendo 3DS video game.

During the festival, the USTA also encourages visitors to stop by the neighboring Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand and Court 17 to watch tennis pros practice for the U.S. Open.

For the USTA, the event has become a staple opener to the professional games that follow just days later.

"We are thrilled to kick off the 2012 US Open with the 17th annual Arthur Ashe Kids' Day presented by Hess featuring the most popular names in sports and entertainment today," said Gordon Smith, USTA executive director and chief operating officer. "The event holds a long-standing history of providing a day of fun-filled family activities as attendees celebrate the life of Arthur Ashe and his mission to empower children of all ages through tennis."

In previous years, musical acts from big-named stars like Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Britney Spears have graced the main stage at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

This year's lineup will feature concert performances from Carly Rae Jepsen, singer of the hit single "Call Me Maybe," Owl City music artist Adam Young, American teen pop quartet Mindless Behavior and X-Factor break out singer Rachel Crow. Doors will open at noon, with the stadium show following at 1 p.m.

Those who are unable to attend the event in person can still enjoy all the fun from their home on their television sets.

On Aug. 26, CBS will televise the event nationwide from noon to 1:30 p.m. The broadcast will be hosted by pop singer Jordin Sparks and T V personality Quddus.

Sparks is best known for being the youngest winner of the hit singing show "American Idol" and is the star of the recently released Sony Picture film "Sparkle." Quddus is the current TV show host of the ABC summer music competition franchise "Duets."

General admission to the Arthur Ashe Kids' Day festival is free, and tickets for the stadium concert are on sale now through Ticketmaster. To purchase tickets, visit ticketmaster.com or call 1-866OPEN-TIX. General admission promenade tickets to the stadium show cost $10 and loge tickets are $20. For more information about the event, visit arthurashekidsday.com Reach Reporter Megan Montalvo at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 128 or mmontalvo@ queenstribune.com

Police Blotter Compiled by STEVEN J. FERRARI The defendant allegedly said her handgun while demanding cash son then fell to the floor on his and property.

Manslaughter hands and knees and The suspect has been identibegan gasping. She fied as Darren Hicks, 28, Black, Queens DA Richthen picked the child 5-foot-10, 150 to 180 lbs. The 11 ard A. Brown anup and roughly put incidents occurred between July nounced that Afriyie him down on the bed 3 and Aug. 2. The two latest inciGaspard, 29, of Fresh Meadows, was where he continued dents occurred on Aug. 2 within charged in the stranto make gurgling the 105th precinct, when the susgulation death of her sounds. The defen- pect demanded money from a victwo-year-old son bedant allegedly tim unloading a 7Up delivery Joshua Robles cause he was screamchecked on her son truck outside the Key Food at ing, crying and kick45 minutes later and 213-22 Jamaica Ave. and another ing. his eyes were partially open and victim inside a Boar’s Head deGaspard was charged with he was unresponsive. livery truck in front of the Rite first- and second-degree manAid at 222-14 Linden Blvd. slaughter, first-degree assault, Robbery Pattern Anyone with information is first-degree strangulation and enasked to call Crime StopThe NYPD is askdangering the welfare of a child. pers at (800) 577-TIPS ing the public’s assisShe faces up to 25 years in (8477). The public can tance in locating the prison if convicted. also submit their tips by following suspect, According to the charges, at logging onto Crime wanted for committing approximately 3:30 p.m. Aug. 10 Stoppers’ website at 11 gunpoint robberies while at home, the defendant’s nypdcrimestoppers.com son, Izayah Hall, was screaming, in the 103rd, 105th or by texting their tips to and 113th Precincts. crying and kicking, and the deCRIMES (274637), In each incident, the fendant put both of her hands then enter TIP577. suspect approached around her son’s neck and All calls are strictly squeezed for approximately one the victims, displayed Darren Hicks confidential. minute until he stopped crying. a black semiautomatic

District Attorney

102nd Precinct Homicide On Aug. 4 at 11:40 a.m., police responded to a report of a suspicious odor inside of 97-26 Van Wyck Expressway. Upon arrival, responding officers discovered the remains of Samantha Bermudez, 19, of Manhattan, inside a box in the attic. The investigation is ongoing.

104th Precinct Robbery/Sexual Assault The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the following suspect wanted in connection with a robbery and sexual assault.

At approximately 11:40 p.m. on July 29 in the vicinity of Greene Street, a 20-year-old female was approached by the suspect, Joshua Robles, 40, who displayed a firearm, sexually abused the victim and removed her prop-

erty. The suspect fled with the property in an unknown direction. Minor injuries were reported at this incident.

Robles is described being an Hispanic male, 5-foot-9, 155 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477).

The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers’ website at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO REVEAL YOUR IDENTITY TO HELP SOLVE A CRIME.

Aug. 24-30, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

pix

Soccer At Citi

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

Hoop Dreams Teams took it to the rim during the Hoop It Up 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the Citi Field parking lot this past weekend.

Ecuador defeated Chile 3-0 when the two teams played at Citi Field.

Photos by Ira Cohen

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 24-30, 2012

Fans of the Ecuador soccer team cheer on during the game.

Aug. 24-30, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Borough Beat

Forest Hills Courts Could Be Sold Club leaders are seriously considering a deal to sell off land at the historic West Side Tennis Club for $17 million, leaving the decaying Forest Hills Tennis Stadium alone.

The potential sale of the land, which includes several of the club's five clay courts, could lead to the development of new apartments, a source close to the deal told the Queens Tribune. Five clay courts lie on the club's property and the deal may not include a sale of all five. The developer, who WSTC General Manager Mauro Piccininni declined to identify, would be able to build low-rise attached houses and small multifamily apartment houses, which City zoning permits.

Two Forest Hills-based developers have been mentioned as potential buyers, though WSTC would not confirm the

PRESS Photo by Ross Barkan

BY ROSS BARKAN

The potential land deal would not impact the vacant Forest Hills Tennis Stadium. though this latest proposal would leave the legendary Forest Hills Tennis Stadium untouched.

Guarded by rusty chain-link fences, the 14,000-seat stadium hosted the U.S. Open until 1978, when the event outgrew its Forest Hills home and shifted to Flushing Meadows. Major musical acts like the Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel also performed there.

names of the companies.

Any deal agreed upon by the developer and WSTC's Stadium Committee would be subject to two thirds approval by votingeligible members. The Forest Hills Gardens Corporation would have to rubberstamp the deal as well.

Club members have rejected proposals by developers Cord Meyer and Stadium Arts Alliance,

Dating back to 1892, WSTC relocated to Forest Hills in 1913 and the stadium was built in 1923.

Last year, the Landmarks Preservation Commission rejected an application to make the stadium a landmark, citing water damage, spalling on its arches and crumbling concrete as reasons for its ineligibility. Were this sale to be approved, the fate of the stadium would still remain in limbo.

"Any proposal that does not include the restoration and preservation and mixed use for Forest Hills Stadium, we do not support," said Michael Perlman, president of the Rego-Forest Preservation Council.

The council spearheaded the failed efforts to landmark the tennis stadium, though Perlman still insists advocates should be at least entitled to a public hearing. Bordering Forest Hills Gardens, a private community of Tudor-style homes, WSTC would

be selling parcels of at least 7,200 square feet, the size of an average tennis court. Zoned R3-2, a zoning district used extensively outside of Manhattan, the club's land gives the potential developer some flexibility. Maximum heights of any buildings would be 125 feet, allowing for low-lying multifamily apartment houses that could remain within the context of the community. The Board of Standards and Appeals would need to approve any structures that violate the zoning.

"While the future of the West Side Tennis Stadium remains in question," said Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills), "I strongly hope that future proposals take into account the community at large and utilize the space in a way that is to the beneficial to the entire neighborhood."

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

Profile

Local Teens Lead Summer Program Photos by Kate Slininger/Homes for the Homeless

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 24-30, 2012

BY VERONICA LEWIN Instead of wasting the summer months away, two teens in Queens are spending their time being leaders.

Sheldon Barrow and Thalia Huggins are two of the Homes for the Homeless' four Teen Leaders this summer. The two assist counselors in making sure approximately 185 campers are safe and entertained during each two-week session. HFH offers three sessions every summer.

In 1989, HFH opened Summer Camps Kiwago, Lanowa and Wakonda opened in Harriman State Park, providing summer experiences to children living in homeless shelters of foster care aged 7-13.

"It's a lot of creativity and learning disguised as fun," said Camp Services Coordinator Dona Anderson.

This summer, HFH implemented a Teen Leader position

Sheldon Barrow to give adolescents a chance to return to camp for all three sessions while also being a mentor to younger campers. Anderson said the Teen Leader program has been more successful than anticipated.

"We really wanted to give those kids who were really particularly promising a chance to continue to come back to camp and grow," Anderson said.

Barrow, 15, learned about the summer camp program when he lived at the Saratoga Family Inn on Rockaway Boulevard. In 2009, he went to Camp Lanowa for the first time.

"I loved it so much, I wanted to get in for all three sessions," Barrow said.

After attending all three sessions at Camp Lanowa, Barrow went back the following summer.

The South Jamaica native said being a Teen Leader has helped him learn how to interact with younger people. Barrow plans to return as a Teen Leader next summer.

"I love this program with a passion," he said.

Huggins, of Far Rockaway, went to camp for two summers before returning this summer as a Teen Leader. Huggins lives near the Saratoga Family Inn and found out about the summer program from staff at the shelter.

She said the camp has helped

her learn how to deal with people better and be outspoken and mature. The camp has also helped her be more responsible, something she said she will take back to Queens with her at the end of summer.

Though this is the first year of the Teen Leader program, Anderson hopes to have Teen Leaders to return for future summers until the age of 18 and possibly become a general counselor after that.

For more information about HFH sum- Thalia Huggins assists counselors leading a mer camps, contact drama workshop at Camp Wakonda.

Queens Recruiter Harvey Robinson at (718) 244- son at (212) 529-5252.

Reach Deputy Editor Veronica 0670. For information on volunteering, visit hfhnyc.org/ Lewin at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 getinvolved or call Dona Ander- vlewin@queenspress.com.

A&E

League Gives Challenged A Chance

BY STEVEN J. FERRARI

Restaurant Review

More Than Pizza

alfredo sauce. Rocco himself stopped by our table to explain the restaurant’s homemade pastas.

After one bite of Rocco’s stringetti with vodka sauce, I forgot I was still in Queens. Bits of prosciutto made my taste buds dance and I felt like I was in the heart of Italy. The mushrooms in the alfredo sauce brought this popular Italian sauce to another level. We would have been content with the pasta being our main course, but Alex had much more in store for us.

Our eyes grew big as we saw our entrees work their way over to our table. I had the risotto with wild mushrooms, while Megan tried the sea bass marinated in tomato sauce served on a bed of couscous.

Always a fan of risotto, Rocco’s variation did not disappoint. The wild mushrooms were plentiful and flavorful and the dish left me wishing I had more room in my stomach.

Despite being stuffed, we did not pass up dessert – a cannoli for Megan and the homemade banana pudding for myself. The pudding topped with wafers was fluffy, delicious and reminded me of my grandmother’s recipe.

Coffee paired perfectly with our tasty treats.

In addition to Italian specialties, Rocco’s serves breakfast and American staples like Buffalo wings and burgers. We’ll be back to try the rest of the menu soon.

-Veronica Lewin

Members of the American Softball league. park for the three-hour games.

Novick said the league has anywhere from 25 to 45 players each week, ranging in age from 22 to 72. With the help of parents and counselors, the players each get the chance to take a swing and play the field.

The league will play its final game of the season on Aug. 25.

Novick said he expects everyone who signed up for the season to show up for the final game. After the game, players will receive a participation trophy.

Novick said he is already looking forward, not only to next season, but beyond that as well.

He said he hopes to expand the

league, not just in Queens, but throughout the City.

“I’d love to bring this kind of program to all five boroughs,” he said.

Registration for next season will begin in early spring. Information on registration will be available on the league’s website, www.americansoftball.org.

One thing is for certain: Novick will be there to helm the league for as long as he can.

“I’d like to do this for the rest of my life, forever,” he said.

Reach Managing Editor Steven J. Ferrari at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 122 or at sferrari@ queenstribune.com.

Comedy Comes To Queens

BY BARBARA ARNSTEIN Husband and wife Jason and Joy Marr, co-founders of the nonprofit Hip to Hip Theatre Company, are living their theatrical dream for the sixth consecutive summer: acting in, directing and sometimes co-starring in their company’s free family-friendly productions of Shakespeare’s comedies and dramas. This summer, in a dozen parks throughout Queens, including Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Jason played the lead in “Hamlet” opposite Joy’s Ophelia, and both acted in “The Comedy of Errors,” directed

by Jason, in which his wife played a leading role.

On Aug. 16, “Errors” was performed at the Voelker Orth Museum, a beautiful setting with many kinds of flowers, lots of greenery and a trellis full of grapes. The large, appreciative audience enjoyed the hilarious plot involving the misadventures of two sets of

identical twin brothers, separated soon after birth, who share only two names (Antipholus and Dromio) and were impressively played by only two actors, Alex Teicheira and Guy Ventoliere.

How is this possible when all four brothers are seen at the same time at the end of the play? The “other two” were briefly portrayed by the backs of two other actors, as was often done on the old “Patty Duke Show”. Confused? Imagine how Antipholus and Dromio feel when the play begins, as they arrive in the town of Ephesus, where, unbeknownst to them, their “other halves” live, and endless moments of mistaken identity immediately begin turning their day into comic chaos. Eventually the confusion engulfs a dozen other people, and the resulting fast-paced scenes involve slapstick, puns galore, a ridiculous ritual to treat imagined madness, and even love at first sight (involving the talented Elizabeth Ahrens as sweet Luciana).

Both Teicheira and Ventoliere excellently handled the marathon task of continuously switching back and forth from character to character, and all the dialogue involving rapid-fire punning, delivering two very entertaining performances of classic clowning. Joy Marr was wonderful as Adriana, wife of Antipholus of Ephesus. As she did when she played Kate in Hip to Hip’s “Taming of the Shrew” two summers ago, she eloquently delivered lines spoken by an assertive woman speaking for all women, as she seeks more consideration from a man. The monologue near the end in which Adriana describes the entire chaotic situation was a masterpiece of fast-talking.

For more information about the Hip to Hip Theatre Company, go to www.hiptohip.org or call (718) 729-8567. To join its mailing list for updates, email contact@hiptohip.org.

Aug. 24-30, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

ROCCO’S BRICK OVEN PIZZERIA 79-16 21st Ave., East Elmhurst (718) 721-3535 roccosbrickovenpizzeria.com CUISINE: Italian, American HOURS: Weekdays 6 a.m. to midnight, weekends 9 a.m. to midnight PARKING: Street DELIVERY: Yes CREDIT CARDS: Yes, all major When Rocco’s Pizzeria closed nearly six years ago, it left a void in this quiet neighborhood. Now, the eatery is back and better than ever with entrée options that rival the delicious pizza Rocco’s is known for.

The new Rocco’s is divided into two sides: a pizzeria and a more traditional dining room.

My eating companion, reporter Megan Montalvo, and I opted for seats in the beautifully decorated sit-down section. Black and white photos of Italian families adorned the walls and the floor-to-ceiling windows allowed the sun to shine in on a perfect August afternoon.

Megan and I started with an assortment of bread brought over

by Alex, our server. Overwhelmed at the sight of Rocco’s extensive menu, we decided to put our dining experience in the hands of Alex. He didn’t let us down.

Within minutes, two hefty bowls of pasta arrived at our table – one with homemade “stringetti” covered in vodka sauce and another with cencioni, a petalshaped pasta, smothered in

“There’s a whole bunch of programs like this for younger kids, but once they’ve grown up, they don’t have anything,” Novick said. “This is the only program of its kind that I’ve seen.

There’s nothing out there like this for adults with disabilities.”

The league spun out of the Achievers of America softball team, for which Novick served as head coach. The Achievers group played from the late 1990s to 2010, when the original organizer moved out of state. After a twoyear hiatus, Novick said he was receiving calls from group homes asking for a similar program.

“They enjoy it,” he said. “Everyone has fun out there.”

When he began to organize the new league, Novick said he turned to State Sen. Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) for help to get the proper permits and to make sure everything was in order.

“We couldn’t have done this without him,” he said.

Starting in mid-May, participants began coming out to the

Photo provided by Randy Novick

Softball leagues are a staple of summer, giving kids and adults a chance to swing a bat and run the bases. A new organization is aiming to make sure that all adults get that opportunity, despite any disabilities they might have.

Every Saturday this summer, developmentally challenged and handicapped adults from

Queens gathered at Kissena Corridor Park for weekly softball games organized by American Softball, a new organization founded by Randy Novick of Howard Beach.

Novick said the original idea for the league came when a friend’s son in his 20s, who was developmentally challenged, was looking for a softball league.

There was nothing out there for him.

Faith

End of Summer Celebration This Weekend

BY VERONICA LEWIN This weekend, children in Southeast Queens have an opportunity to put down the video game controller and get moving.

The Arms of Love Community Outreach Inc. is hosting its

second Back to School event this Saturday, Aug. 25, at the Merrick Park Baptist Church at 120-02 Marsden St. in Jamaica.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., children and members in the community can take advantage of a plethora of activities the organization is

Word

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

- Proverbs 9:9

offering. Just as last year, this year's theme is "No Batteries Necessary."

"We're trying to promote exercise and healthy living," spokesman Donald Edge said last year.

Kids will have the opportunity to hula hoop, dance, and participate in a double dutch competition and relay races.

Face painting will be available for children. Guests will be able to take advantage of health screenings. Participants will also be able to register for blood bank donations and mammogram screenings.

Just in time for the new school year, more than 200 stu-

dents will go home with a sling bag backpack full of school supplies. Arms of Love said they experienced an overwhelming turnout last year and they were able to accommodate 250 families before running out of supplies.

The aim of this weekend's event is to bring health awareness and resources to the community for the entire family. The organization’s goal is to empower, encourage, and enhance individual health and wellness as well as other skills to help them be productive individuals in the community and obtain desired employment.

Arms of Love is a non-profit,

faith based organization that strives to provide services to underserved youth and adults.

The organization offers a variety of services, including vocational training, career development and resume building. Edge said the organization's motto is "Reclaiming the village, come as you are and grow as you go."

The organization is making this event possible through donations from the community and local businesses and agencies. To donate or get more information about Saturday's event, call (646) 770-2382.

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

Notebook Back To School

School Supply Giveaway Comes To Queens

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 24-30, 2012

Just in time for the new school year, one organization is helping families in need by giving away school supplies.

ICNA Relief, a division of the Islamic Circle of North America, a New York-based national organization, will give out free school bags and supplies to neighborhoods across the city, including Astoria, Jamaica and Rochdale. The free school bags are filled with notebooks, pens, pencils, sharpeners, erasers, rulers, crayons and more.

On Aug. 26 from 4 to 6 p.m., free school supplies will be given away at the ICNA Al-Markaz Masjid located at 166-26 89th Ave. in Jamaica. On Friday, Aug. 31, eager school children can pick up supplies from 5 to 7 p.m. at the MAS Community Center, located at 25-15 Steinway St. in Astoria. The third and final borough giveaway will be held Sept. 2, where

school supplies can be picked up at Masjid Al-Ansar, located at 161-34 Fo ch Blvd. in Rochdale, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This event is part of ICNA's national Back 2 School Giveaway Project, which is hosting more than 30 similar giveaways across the country. The organization hopes to ease the stress of cash-strapped families and help more than 25,000 children nationwide before the school year begins. ICNA was able to bring school bags and school supplies and smiles to more than 3,500 children in the Big Apple last year.

"Many families in New York are under financial pressure; some have lost jobs and find it difficult to buy school supplies for their children," said Salman Khan, project director for ICNA NY. "We hope this initiative will cater to these needs of low-income families, and help build a better future for our children."

According to a survey by the American Association of School Administrators, budget cuts are more significant this school year than they were in either 2008-09 or 2009-10.

In the March 2010 survey, they found that 78 percent of districts planned to cut budgets in 201011, up from 64 percent in 2009-10.

To compensate for budget cuts, schools are asking parents to fill the shortfall by buying A student receives a backpack at last year's ICNA giveaway in Jamaica. not only supplies for their own students, but buy- lam is, "A person is not a Muslim neighbors as the Islamic faith obing supplies for the classrooms who fills his stomach while his ligates on Muslims. a s w e l l . F o r f a m i l i e s w h o neighbor is hungry." ICNA said For more information, visit struggle financially, purchasing they want to both help struggling back2schoolgiveaway.com. school supplies can be a chal- families provide for their chilReach Deputy Editor Veronica dren through the Back 2 School Lewin at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123 lenge.

One of the teachings of Is- Giveaway and also be good or vlewin@queenspress.com.

Photo courtesy of ICNA

BY VERONICA LEWIN

What’s Up BBQ, live jazz, face painting, arts AUG. 25 crafts and access to commuWalkers For Wellness Club and nity services provided by HPD, Looking for a fun way to improve your health? Join the Walkers for Wellness Club at New Hope Lutheran Church of Jamaica. Under the guidance of a Walking Leader, you will walk two to three times each week at a comfortable pace with others along routes throughout Southeast Queens. The club is open to walkers of all ages and abilities.

The walking schedule is Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m., and Saturdays at 8 a.m. Walkers meet at New Hope Lutheran Church, located at 167-24 118th Ave. T-shirts and pedometers will be provided. Contact Thurkessa Brown at (917) 553-1089 for more information.

Zumba The Eastern Queens Alliance invites you to join other participants in a fitness class with a contagious blend of upbeat Latin and international rhythms with easy-to-follow choreography, that provide a fun and effective workout. No prior experience necessary. For additional information or directions, call (347) 824-2301 or e-mail info@easternqueensalliance.org.

This free event will be held at Idlewild Cricket Field in Idlewild Park Preserve, 223rd Street and 148th Avenue, from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m.

Jump & Ball

Family Day The New York City Dept. of Parks & Recreation, Councilman Leroy Comrie, and Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica are presenting Liberty Park Family Day. Bring a blanket or a chair and enjoy a day of free games, rides, health screenings,

Eid Ananda Mela Join the Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts for a Bengali celebration of Eid. Enjoy live music, dance, colorful costumes, and other traditions of Eid, including Mehendi hand-painting and Eid sweets. Supplies are strictly limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

Queens Library is not responsible for any allergic reactions or illnesses as a result of sampling the food.

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

AUG. 26 Community Festival Join the Queens Museum of Art for the first community festival at the new and improved Corona Plaza!

A number of local organizations are coming together to celebrate the transformation of Corona Plaza into an expanded public space in Corona with an afternoon of art, books, music, dance, theater, science, and civic action.

This free event will be held at Corona Plaza, Roosevelt Ave between 103rd and 104th Streets, from noon to 4 p.m.

AUG. 27 Stay Well Learn how special exercises and relaxation techniques can make a difference in your life.

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

AUG. 28 Walkers For Wellness Club See Aug. 25 listing. At 7 p.m.

Science Camp The Idlewild Park Preserve is

(347) 824-2301 or email idlewildesc@easternqueensalliance. org.

This free event will be held at Idlewild Park Science Learning Center Trailer, 149-20 Springfield Lane, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Small Business Workshop

Domestic Violence

Do you have an idea for a business? Learn how to develop your idea into a business plan in our small business workshops. In this workshop on Tuesday evenings, participants will learn about creating a demand for your product/ service, setting goals and objectives, budgeting and timelines, identifying resources and networks, and getting ready to open your "doors."

For further information, please visit the Job Information Center or call (718) 990-0746.

This free event will be held at Queens Public Library's Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 7 p.m.

State Sen. Shirley Huntley is hosting a series of workshops on Domestic Violence. Learn about your legal rights as a victim. Invited panelists include: Safe Horizon, Queens Criminal & Supreme Court Program, Queens Legal Aid Society, Queens Legal Services, NYC Family Justice Center Queens, Other State and City Agencies and Community Based Organizations. For more information, visit huntley.nysenate.gov or contact Lois Menyweather at lmenyweather@gmail.com or Aiysha Jaggassar at (718) 5233069. Light refreshments will be served.

This free event will be held at the SUNY Equal Opportunity Center, 158-29 Archer Ave., from 6 to 8 p.m.

AUG. 29 Science Camp The Idlewild Park Preserve is presenting a series of back to school half day environmental science camps for youth. Get your little scholar ready to return to school by having him or her participate in one or more of these intensive three-hour hands-on science workshops. The theme of the series is: "The Secret World of the Garden". Today's session is "Night Life in the Garden", is targeted at 6-8 year olds. The series is sponsored by the Eastern Queens Alliance and its Idlewild Park Preservation Committee. Registration is required.

The cost is $8 per child. For information and to register, call

Foreclosure Prevention Queens Legal Services will be holding a free workshop for homeowners at risk of or going through foreclosure. Representatives will be on hand to discuss the stages of a foreclosure case, settlement conferences, post-foreclosure right, and the loan modification process and how to avoid scams. Call the office of Councilman Leroy Comrie to reserve your seat at (718) 776-3700.

This free event will be held at Councilman Leroy Comrie's District Office, 113-43 Farmers Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

geted at 9-12 year olds. The series is sponsored by the Eastern Queens Alliance and its Idlewild Park Preservation Committee.

Pre-registration is required. The cost is $8 per child. For information and to preregister, call (347) 824-2301 or email idlewildesc@ easternqueensalliance.org.

This free event will be held at Idlewild Park Science Learning Center Trailer, 149-20 Springfield Lane, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Mock Interviews Mock interviews let you make mistakes before they count. In this workshop, you will learn how to prepare for your interview, successfully deal with difficult questions, and follow up properly after the interview. Space is limited. To schedule an appointment, call (718) 990-5148, (718) 990-5176 or visit the Job Information Center.

This free event will be held at Queens Public Library's Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 9 a.m.

Nonprofit Organizations Nonprofit organizations are one of the fastest growing sectors in the economy. Are you interested in starting your own?

In this workshop, participants will learn what nonprofit organizations are, how to start a nonprofit, and how to secure funding for one. For more information, please call the Job Information Center at (718) 990-0746.

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

AUG. 31 Outreach and Assistance

AUG. 30 Are you a young woman beWalkers For Wellness Club tween 17-24 years of age and need See Aug. 25 listing. At 7 p.m.

Science Camp The Idlewild Park Preserve is presenting a series of back to school half day environmental science camps for youth. Get your little scholar ready to return to school by having him or her participate in one or more of these intensive three-hour hands-on science workshops. The theme of the series is: "The Secret World of the Garden". Today's session, "Night Life in the Wild," is tar-

assistance in applying for housing, completing college applications, financial aid or just need assistance and don't know where to turn? The Daughters of Isis Foundation is available for support. For additional information, visit thedaughtersofisisfoundation.org, or contact Simone Williams at (347) 731-1721 or isis.staff@ gmail.com.

This free event will be held at Young Queens Loft, 148-14 Liberty Ave., 2nd Floor, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Aug. 24-30, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

Bring the whole family out for a day of jump roping, basketball, free food, school supplies, drinks, giveaways and more. Come and enjoy a day of fun and relaxation.

Sponsored by State Sen. Malcolm Smith. For additional information, contact Tai White at (718) 454-0162.

This free event will be held at Daniel O'Connell Park, Murdock Avenue between 196th and 197th Streets, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

DEP, DOH, NYPD, NYFD, and more. For more information, call (718) 776-3700 or visit www.leroycomrie.com.

This free event will be held at Liberty Park, Liberty Avenue between 172nd Street and 173rd Street, from noon to 4 p.m.

presenting a series of back to school half day environmental science camps for youth. Get your little scholar ready to return to school by having him or her participate in one or more of these intensive three-hour hands-on science workshops. The theme of the series is: "The Secret World of the Garden". Today's session is "Weevils: they crawl, they fly and some even swim!", is targeted at 9-12 year olds. The series is sponsored by the Eastern Queens Alliance and its Idlewild Park Preservation Committee.

Registration is required. Cost is $8 per child. For information and to register, call (347) 824-2301 or email idlewildesc@ easternqueensalliance.org.

This free event will be held at Idlewild Park Science Learning Center Trailer, 149-20 Springfield Lane, from 9 a.m. to noon.

People ter of Crystal Walker of Queens, along with fellow sailors aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Farragut, conducted a series of maneuvers and interoperability drills in a passing exercise with an Italian frigate and submarine.

Tracie D. Hall

Kevin Watson

Queens Library has appointed Tracie D. Hall as its new director of strategy and organizational development and Kevin Watson as the new director of econtent services and strategy.

Both are newly created positions.

A librarian for a significant part of her career, Hall is formerly assistant dean of the graduate school of library and information science at Dominican University.

Hall was named a Library “Mover and Shaker” by Library Journal early in her career and has since served the library profession as a member of ALA Council and

as a frequent writer, thinker and speaker in the field.

Watson served as the branch head for the acquisitions and collections department at the National Agricultural Library in Maryland. Before that, he was director of business development for The Library Corporation and was the product owner for the online selection assistant.

He was profiled in Black Issues Book Review as one of the influential African Americans in the book industry.

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Tiffany R. Walker, daugh-

The New York Lottery announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning ticket from one of the Lottery’s live drawings. The following winners each received a cash prize valued at $10,000 or more.

Ferona Haly of Queens Village won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing Aug. 3. Haly’s winning ticket was purchased at the Springfield Fruit & Fish, 90-39 Springfield Blvd., Queens Village.

Lillian Barron of Bayside won $77,301 on the Take Five drawing May 5. Barron’s winning ticket was purchased at the Bayside Ems Pharmacy, 40-15 Bell Blvd., Bayside.

Rosalia Dimaria of Glendale

won $10,000 on the Quick Draw drawing Aug. 8. Dimaria’s winning ticket was purchased at the jie Zhou Er, 67-11 Myrtle Ave., Glendale.

Antoine Leopold of Rosedale won $10,004 on the Powerball drawing Aug. 8. Leopold’s winning ticket was purchased at the Adames Deli Grocery, 25013 H o o k C re e k B l v d . , Rosedale.

Michael Woods of Middle Village won $10,0 00 on the Powerball drawing Aug. 4.

Woods’ winning ticket was purchased at the Quick Stop, 71-17 Eliot Ave., Middle Village.

Local students received degrees during spring 2012 commencement ceremonies at the University at Albany. They include: Jamaica: Junwen Chen, Bachelor of Science; David Harel, Bachelor of Arts; Sheliza Samuels, Bachelor of Science; Tiara Sanders, Bachelor of Arts; Stefan Lutchman, Bachelor of Science.

Laurelton: Nkemjika Egwim, Bachelor of Science; Destiny Davis, Bachelor of Arts.

Queens Village: Jia Ren, Bachelor of Science; Tess McRae, Bachelor of Arts; Chyna Smith, Bachelor of Arts.

Rosedale: Maragret Van-Ess, Master of Arts; Nicole Jean, Bachelor of Science; Adeyemi Ojudun, Bachelor of Arts.

Saint Albans: Karyn Pygatt, Bachelor of Arts.

South Ozone Park: Rudley Severin, Bachelor of Arts.

Springfield Gardens: William Ogunleye, Bachelor of Arts; Tobi Atanda, Bachelor of Arts.

Tell The PRESS Send notices of graduation, awards, anniversaries, engagements and honors to: PRESS of Southeast Queens,150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357 All announcements will be considered for publication without fee.

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 24-30, 2012

Send typed announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 150-50 14 Road, Whitestone NY 11357.

Send faxes to 357-9417, IF YOUR ORGANIZATION MEETS ON A REGULAR BASIS, SEND ALL DATES FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR.

HEALTH WAITANKUNG Sundays at 2. Total-body workout. Flushing Hospital/ Medical Center. Free.

Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156.

WILLING HEARTS Monday, August 27 family caregivers relief with Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands Queens Village library at 6.

ZUMBA Monday, August 27 at the Briarwood library. Register.

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

EID S a t u r d a y , A u g u s t 2 5 Afghanistan: A Celebration of Eid with music and food at noon at the Langston Hughes library.

CHINESE OPERA Saturday, August 25 Best of Chinese Opera at the Flushing library at 2.

RAMADAN Saturday, August 25 Ramadan celebration with Turkish music, food and a surprise for the kids at the Broadway library at 2:30.

EID Saturday, August 25 E i d Ananda Mela: Eid Celebration with dance, music and hand painting at the Centrall library at 3.

FAMILY DAY Saturday, August 25 11 th Annual Detective Keith Williams Liberty Park family Day 12-4.

EART’ ACTE Sunday, August 26 electric sounds of Earth’ Acte per-

forming tunes from the 40s90s at the Queens Botanical Gardens. 886-3800. $2-4.

PIED PIPERS Sunday, August 26 Great Highland Bagpipes and More – The Pied Pipers of NY at Flushing Town Hall.

463-7700, ext. 241.

PLANET MUSIC Sunday, August 26 Great Highland Bagpipes and More “The Pied Pipers of New York.” Dance lessons at 1, concert at 2 at Flushing Town Hall. 463-7700, ext.

222.

NEW PLAYS Sunday, August 26 “The Confession.” Sunday, September 9 “Jessie and Sam.” Sunday, September 16 “Wish Play.” Sunday, September 23 “Donkey.” Sunday, September 30 “Zombie Love.” Sunday, Oc tober 7 “Brilliant Rose.” “The Ladder Series: A Staged Reading Series Aimed at Getting New Plays to the Next Rung” at the Creek and Cave, 10-93 Jackson Avenue, LIC. $7. www.ThePlat formGroup.org

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturday, August 25 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646748-8290.

SOUND EDITING Saturdays, August 25, September 8 at the Jackson Heights librar y. 592-9700, ext. 135.

PHOTOGRAPHY Saturday, August 25 Langston Hughes library at 11.

KNIT & CROCHET Saturday, August 25 at the Peninsula library at 10.

METRIX LEARNING Saturday, August 25 at 4 at the LIC library. Free online training through Metrix Learning.

INTRO INTERNET Saturday, August 25 at the Central library. Register.

INTRO EMAIL Saturday, August 25 at the Central library. Register.

SEWING CLASSES Saturdays 12-3 at Maria Rose International Doll Museum in St. Albans. 2763454.

SCRABBLE CLUB

Saturdays at 10 at Count Basie Jr. HS. 886-5236.

BOATING SAFETY Sunday, August 26 at Fort Totten with Flotilla 12-01 of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. 917- 952-7014.

METRIX LEARNING Monday, August 27 at 5:30 at the Arverne library. Free online training through Metrix Learning.

COMPUTER BASICS Monday, August 27 at the Glen Oaks library. Register.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Monday, August 27 Ozone Park library. Register.

KNIT & CROCHET Monday, August 27 at the Douglaston library at 4.

BEGIN EXCEL Monday, August 27 at the Central library. Register.

NEW YORK CARES Monday, August 27 to recruit new volunteers at the Forest Hills library t 3.

BEADING 101 Monday, August 27 at the Astoria library. Register.

SOCIAL NETWORKING Monday, August 27 at the Central library. Register.

METRIX Monday, August 27 at 1 at t h e C e n t ra l l i b r a r y. Fr e e online training through Metrix Learning.

BALLROOM DANCING Monday, August 27 at the Forest Hills library at 6:30.

BRIDGE Mondays except holidays 124 at Pride of Judea in Douglaston. Lesson & play $10.

Partners arranged. 423-6200.

DRAWING CLASS Mondays National Art League in Douglaston. 3610628.

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

BASIC COMPUTERS Tuesday, August 28 at the Rosedale library at 10:30.

INTERMEDIATE OFFICE Tuesday, August 28 at the Flushing library. Register.

INTRO POWERPOINT Tuesday, August 28 at the McGoldrick librar y. Register.

LEARN CHESS Tuesday, August 28 at the Rosedale library at 4.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. PASS IT ON. Still mailing your Con Edison bill? Online payment is simple and convenient.

Con Edison e*bill is an easy, fast and secure way to pay. And for every customer who enrolls, Con Edison donates a dollar to plant trees in New York.

LEARN MORE

facebook.com/powerofgreen

Aug. 24-30, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

Š2012 Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. Ad: Arnell Group

Go to conEd.com/ebill

Models Of Queens

Ashley Ashley Garcia Garcia Home: Home: Ozone Ozone Park Park Age: 17 Age: 17 Height: Height: 5’5" 5’5" Weight: Weight: 140 140 lbs. lbs.

Stats: 32.5, Stats: 32.5, 29.5, 29.5, 40 40

Hipster Haven Trying New Things “Mother knows best” sums up Ashley’s modeling beginnings.

Growing up in a house of three girls, Ashley’s mother suggested they all try new things. She was attracted to the “good posture” of modeling, and Ashley has run with it ever since.

“I did a lot of pageant work when I was younger. I also modeled for family shots in catalogs like JC Penny’s,” said Ashley.

It wasn’t until she was a junior in high school, when she spent the year in Madrid, that she got a taste of doing an actual show.

“I worked with [designer]

Catherine Bello. My eyes were really opened to how fun this all was.”

Ashley has just finished her first year with Shortstack Modeling. Being a full time model may be her future.

“I would do it. I have major respect for the industry, though I don’t agree with everything.

When I make it, I’ll have Shortstack to thank!”

When Ashley gets some downtime from her work, she still keeps busy: volunteering at a rehabilitation center, doing hot yoga, and trying lots of new foods. She is

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 24-30, 2012

Rant On Peter Vallone keeps on rocking that Facebook page.

Recently, a release was sent out to media describing not an event the colorful councilman would host, but a post he made on his Facebook page. Just in case anyone didn’t check Vallone’s page regularly, his staff was ready to keep you in the loop.

His post: “these 'cash for cars' signs are out of control - these are Queens and Brooklyn recently NAILED into TREES! don’t paheld a water balloon battle in tronize these jerks. i’m working Astoria Park. The Queens team, with sanitation to get as many outfitted with balloons and water taken down as possible. sanit guns, soaked the competition thor- doesnt drive around doing that oughly, winning big. The 30 mem- anymore unfortunately but will reber Queens squad, having tri- spond to 311 complaints, so call umphed again over the lesser bor- em in, and alert me and i will make ough, took their vanquished foes sure they come down. i’m also to Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden looking at what needs to be done to toughen up the laws to shut in Astoria to celebrate.

Reportedly, the drinking battle, these dirtbag companies down..”

Shakespeare couldn’t have unlike the water balloon battle, said it better. was a clean draw.

Water Fight

also preparing for her freshman year at Loyola University in New Orleans.

Of Queens, Ashley speaks adoringly.

“Not a lot of people know about all of the cultures in Queens, or the places to visit. Forest Hills, Austin St, Howard Beach, Astoria movies in the park; I love doing all of these. There’s serenity in Queens; it’s an adventure.”

For those looking to model in the future, she says “If you’re looking for confidence, it’s the best thing. Don’t change your view of yourself.”

Confidentially,

The fedora hat, the skinny jeans, the unkempt beards – Yes, that’s right we’re talking about the illustrious breed of human that is the hipster.

It may be hard to believe, but they do exist in Queens. Just ask residents neighboring 30th Avenue in Astoria. Locals have been complaining about the recent in-

surgence of sidewalk cafes cluttering up the sidewalks.

To that, QConf will be the first to lay the blame on the hipsters. Be warned Astoria, it may start with the sidewalk cafes, but don’t be surprised if your ‘hood is soon overcome with artisan cheese shops and overpriced coffee boutiques.

What Security?

Apparently, breezing through airport security nowadays is getting easier; one can even go unnoticed.

That was the case for Howard Beach resident Daniel Castillo on the night of Aug. 12.

Castillo, 31, began his day racing jet skis Daniel Castillo with his friends, seeing who was the fastest.

Unfortunately, Castillo’s vehicle broke down in Jamaica Bay at New York . . . around 7:45 p.m. When his friends didn’t notice their pal was missing, Castillo called his girlfriend to send help, which never arrived.

Castillo did the next best thing: swimming three miles to the closest destination, JFK Airport.

Soaked, without any form of identification and in a yellow life jacket, Castillo then proceeded to climb the 8 foot tall perimeter fence and cross various runways until he made it to Terminal 3.

He wasn’t stopped, or even noticed, until almost reaching the exit and was charged with criminal trespass.

It’s nice to know airports are protecting travelers from the likes of brightly colored jet skiers in ill fitting life vests.

Who We Are

QConf is edited by: Michael

The Trib needs a new cartoonist!

Send your submissions to MSchenkler@Gmail.com Submissions may be published and remain the property of the Tribune.

And you may be offered a permanent gig with a small stipend.

Schenkler. Contributors: Ross Barkan, Marcia Moxom Comrie, Steve Ferrari, Veronica Lewin, Megan Montalvo, Mike Nussbaum,

You can reach us by email at Conf@QueensTribune.com

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