Queens Press

Volume 11 Issue No. 34 Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2010

PAGE 30

PRESS Photos by Ira Cohen

VA FURY

Veterans and community members unhappy with the plans for property at the VA Hospital in St. Albans ripped into Edwin Reed (l.), the developer awarded construction bids for the aging location.

By Sasha Austrie…Page 3

Online at www.QueensPress.com

Unwelcome Changes:

Presstime

Veterans Unhappy With New Facilities

plaza so that it will be a place for eating and recreation, and for community gathering," Reed For years, the St. Albans said. "It will also have an enCommunity Living Center has hanced train station." been at the epicenter of what a The plan would preserve 40 community of veterans deems to 65 percent of the land as are its needs versus the Vetergreen space. Also, the village will ans Administration. include senior and work force "This is one of the crown housing, which has a median injewels and there are some quescome range of 80 to 125. A new tions on what's going to happen school will also be on site. here," said Councilman James "We are trying to build a Sanders (D-Laurelton). community that is conducive for In a statement released on the neighborhood that we are June 17, the VA agreed to "replace the existing facilities at St. Veterans and St. Albans community members, along with Sen. in, but add to the quality of life," Albans with a new nursing home, Malcolm Smith, Assemblyman William Scarborough and Joan Reed said.

Those in the room were neipsychosocial rehabilitation do- Flowers demonstrate at a Rally to Save the St. Albans VA Hospital ther impressed nor happy with miciliary and expanded outpa- from private development with the hospital in the background. the plan. tient facilities."

Assemblyman Bill Scarborough At a town hall meeting hosted Jim Casey, a veteran, dubbed the (D-Jamaica) said he could not offer his support.

by Sanders on Monday night, veterans, "I have real concerns about this community members and elected officials healthcare facility as a "glorified nursing were introduced to St. Albans Village, LLC, home" and was upset that 25 acres of VA project," he said.

A veteran asked Reed why not build the development corporation pegged to land would be leased to the developer for St. Albans Village on under-utilized land develop the 55 acres of VA land.

75 years.

"From the veterans' standpoint the According to the United Coalition for in Roy Wilkins Park.

"We don't want anything near what most important thing in this particular Veterans and Community Rights, the comprocess that is happening […] is that you munity is saying "no to private develop- you are saying," he said. "It doesn't even are going to get brand new healthcare fa- ers, no to commercial development and meet our needs."

Reed answered that the Roy Wilkins cilities," said Edwin Reed, a representa- no to multifamily dwellings." Their wants tive of St. Albans Village, LLC. "Those and needs include "a full service hospi- Park was ceded to the City and the VA no longer controls it. facilities will include a healthcare facility tal" and "yes to land marking VA site."

Joan Handy, whose family has a long specifically for outpatient care, a domiReed said the corporation would deciliary and you will also get some transi- velop "things that would be beneficial to lineage of military service, asked about the tional housing. both veterans and for the neighborhood." density of the buildings and number of units.

Reed said buildings had not been de"In fact, it literally mirrors what is on the The conceptual plan for St. Albans Vilsite now, but it is brand new, state-of-the-art lage is themed around jazz and jazz greats signed yet, adding that the original request for proposals stated to build something and will be able to deliver much better ser- that have lived in the community. vices than what is there now," he said.

"The concept is also to have a jazz to get the highest value for the Veterans Photo by Juliet Kaye

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

Administration, but it has since been amended to "design what you think would make sense." He said that amendment reduced the size of units from between 4,000 and 5,000 units to about 1,000.

"Even that isn't settled yet because there is a lot of analysis that goes on," Reed said. "And we want to hear from all of you in the room. I, as the developer, don't know how tall [the structures] will be yet, but we are going to try to do something that is consistent with the home owners' community, that is primarily twostory buildings."

Stephen Epps, a member of United Coalition for Veterans and Community Rights, asked, "Can you tell me what your vision is of a jazz plaza and just how that is going to benefit any veteran in this room? How's it going to benefit their health and the health of these young people that are out there dying, getting maimed and are coming back?"

Reed answered that vets have a bevy of needs, which includes healthcare, housing and the possibility of long term viability.

"When you look at a development of this nature […] you want to have it and make it dynamic," Reed said. "Veterans can also enjoy entertainment like anyone else.

"The objective more than anything is to, No. 1, help build a quality healthcare site; No. 2, do development that is both conducive to veterans and to the community; and, No. 3, have a vision for the future and where we will be 10, 15 years from now," he said.

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123.

Hall Tower Blaze KO’s LIRR Service

BY JOSEPH OROVIC

PRESS photos by Joseph Orovic

Commuters wait for information about the lengthy delays on Monday.

sengers lined the station’s waiting area, puffing cigarettes, opening beers and voicing their discontent.

“If it’s not traffic, it’s something else,” said Linda Higgins, a nurse who runs a dialysis center in St. Albans. She, like many of her fellow commuters, did not learn of the LIRR’s curtailed service until she actually showed up at Jamaica station.

For Jimena Vargas, the wait with her 13-year-old brother grew more tedious by the second. She had waited for more than an hour, and there was no sign of a train arriving.

“I just wish they’d tell us what was going on,” she said. “This is really the only option we have. We The Hall switching station, where a fire caused the can’t take a cab out to Long Island.” shutdown of most of the Long Island Rail Road.

But some, unlike Vargas, footed the extra cost and did pay hefty cab fares to Jamaica because of the failed switch. There head east. A handful could be seen through- was no set timetable for a full recovery of out the span of an hour, dropping off and service Charles said, adding the LIRR was considering bus alternatives to tempopicking up passengers at the station.

As of press time, the LIRR was able to rarily replace the lost service.

Reach Reporter Joseph Orovic at restore service to about 65 percent of its usual rate, according to Charles, with a jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 357limited amount of transfers available at 7400, Ext. 127.

Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Long Island Rail Road customers were dealt a major headache midday on Monday, as a fire crippled nearly the entire system.

The blaze broke out at the Hall Tower, which houses the rail switching system needed to appropriately guide trains onto their respective routes. The 97-year-old structure caught fire just before 11 a.m., affecting straphangers’ commutes more

than a day after it originally started.

Authorities were still determining the cause of the fire Tuesday, though early theories blamed the previous day’s heavy rains, which could have caused a short circuit due to flooded cables, according to LIRR spokesman Mike Charles.

The scene at Jamaica Station, which rests just a few hundred feet from the site of the fire, was a mix of resignation and disappointment. Dozens of potential LIRR pas-

Park Police Enforce Rosedale Day Rules

BY REBECCA SESNY

In the aftermath of last year's Rosedale Day Family Picnic, Brookville Park was left in disarray and the surrounding community was angry at the mess and mayhem. Many were not happy when promotional signs for this year's Rosedale Day event dotted the neighborhood and advertisements went up on facebook.com.

Several residents had vocalized their irritation with the past event, which involved the sale and distribution of alcohol and what some considered lewd behavior, by contacting the Parks Dept. in the hopes of stopping the same shenanigans from happening this year. Following last year's event, trash was strewn across the site.

It was believed that when the promoters for this year's annual event applied for a permit, it was denied. The Parks Dept. was unwilling to discuss what permits had been issued.

On Aug. 21, what was shaping up to be a beautiful Saturday, two Parks Dept. officers and officials including Mark Edwards arrived to Brookville Park around 8:30 a.m. prepared to prevent the set up of the Rosedale Day's fourth annual event without the proper permits.

A group of community organizers under the name of welcometorosedale.com had arrived and produced a permit to set up for the Rosedale Day Family Picnic, but were referring to the event as a "community picnic" wanting to set up. They were told their permit had been revoked due to the promotion of a DJ at the event without

having obtained proper permission to have amplified sound. "Everything so far is copasetic," said one of the officers.

After a long wait and much negotiating the group was finally given the okay to start their event at noon. "The Parks Dept. gave us permission to have the outing but without music, inflatable bounce house, or cotton candy machines," said Prince Richard Roberts, a member of welcometorosedale.com.

"So we set up out tents where we gave out free food and drinks all day as well as 250 bags of school supplies for the kids."

The day's activities began promptly at 12 p.m. with the end of the day moved an hour earlier than advertised at 6 p.m.

Rosedale Day was a much more peaceful affair this time around with the focus being more about the family and the community.

"Members of the public showed up to the park after seeing the ads, expecting a family day," a Parks Dept. spokesman said.

"We allowed them to picnic in the park and ensured that the park closed at the scheduled 9 p.m. closing time."

"Park officials left us with Officer Cooper from the NYPD to assist us in clearing out the crowd," said Roberts, "Everyone left peacefully and myself and others stayed behind to clean up the park in our area, as well as areas where our event wasn't held just to make sure the park would be satisfied with the outcome."

The Parks Dept. and the community have not had any complaints about the event thus far and welcometorosedale.com is committed to holding the annual event as

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2010

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well as other outreach projects for the community in the future. "Mark Edwards agreed to sit down with me and the Rosedale Civic association in the near future to make this

event a pleasure for all," added Roberts.

Reach Intern Rebecca Sesny at rsesny@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 122.

2010 JAMS A Success The 2010 JAMS Festival turned out to be an undeniable success that attracted tens of thousands of residents and visitors to downtown Jamaica Avenue.

The party kicked off on Friday, Aug. 6, with the 2010 JAMS "Under the Stars" Concert held on the historic lawn of Rufus King Park located between 150th and 153rd Street on Jamaica Avenue. This un- JAMS 2010 Main Stage features old school recording artist forgettable concert fea- Rose Royce whose hits include "Car Wash" and "Wishing on tured a multicultural array a Star." of local emerging and professional artists such as the AMAN Tassa & Music Summer (JAMS) Festival. Tens Group, the spiritually magnificent perfor- of thousands of people flooded Jamaica mances the CCC Boot Steppers and Vy Avenue to shop, eat and enjoy the free Higginsen's Mama's Foundation for the entertainment. Like every year there was Arts-Gospel for Teens. To top it all off, an added theme to JAMS: going green and the ever-spicy and vivacious sounds of staying healthy. Both of these elements Aurora Flores and the Zon Del Barrio were in full force with booths set up for raised the roof. free check-ups on such components as The festivities kept going on Saturday, glaucoma, blood pressure, and even testAug. 7, with the 14th annual Jamaica Arts ing for diabetes, and HIV.

Outsiders are invading our community with big bucks, harassment and death threats.

“Don’t Let Them Stop Me” - Senator Shirley Huntley

Shirley Huntley has delivered to the community: $6 million in funding for various programs in Public Schools $3.4 million for Veterans and youth programs in district $20 million in capital items to repair Day Care centers and Senior centers $10 million for capital school projects and repairs

Democrat Shirley

Huntley

She Delivers!

Let’s Keep Shirley Huntley, Senator Huntley

Please stop by and volunteer: Huntley Headquarters 197-01 Linden Blvd. St. Albans, NY 11412 Or call us: 917-500-3888

Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

Please Vote ● Democratic Primary ● Sept. 14

OF SOUTHEAST QUEENS 174-15 Horace Harding Expwy.

Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 (voice) (718) 357-7400 fax (718) 357-9417 email news@queenspress.com The PRESS of Southeast Queens Associate Publisher

In Our Opinion: Arnold Thibou Executive Editor:

Brian Rafferty Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Harley Benson Sasha Austrie Joseph Orovic Domenick Rafter Jessica Ablamsky Editorial Intern: Angy Altamirano Jason Banrey Rebecca Sesny Art Dept:

Tania Y. Betancourt Sara Gold Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend Advertising Director Alan J. Goldsher Sr. Account Executive Shelly Cookson

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 27-Sept. 2, 2010

Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2010 Tribco, LLC

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

Editorial A Lost Generation In 1993, New York City voters first told the powers that be that two terms was enough for our council, borough presidents and citywide elected officials. We spoke again in 1998.

As a result, in 2001 most of the incumbents in City government lost their jobs.

In 2008, the Council and the Mayor stole that power back, granting themselves a third term, but promising to let the voters decide – again, in the future – if there should be two or three terms.

Well, that hasn’t quite happened. This week the Charter Revision Commission decided to ask the voters in this November’s ballot if there should be two-term limits – starting in 2021. That means that the Councilmen and others who just came into office last year will get to keep their three terms, and that that an entire generation of voters will have to wait for term limits to be in effect.

With 28 years lapsing between when New Yorkers first declared a need for a two-term limit and when the new law would go into effect, this is a mockery of justice and a further invalidation of the will of the people.

Whatever anyone’s stance on term limits is, it is up to the voters to decide. The previous sham of a decision to overturn that will leaves us with very little faith that, whatever the outcome of this November’s vote, the will of the people will be done.

Letters Enough Is Enough To The Editor: This year has really been a hot year for all of us. It’s not just about the weather and the high humidity that we have and continue to experience, it’s about the heat wave of violence that has hit the streets across America.

Though the epidemic of gun, drugs and gang violence has been around for decades, it has never been as profound as this. These horrible elements have invaded our lives at an unimaginable level, and almost every anti-violence organization in this country has denounced these cruel and brutal acts, to no avail.

I have spoken out, and will

continue to do so against these cowardly and brutal acts until our government takes a stand and says “enough is enough.” The lawabiding citizens of this country have said “enough is enough” of this madness and it really behooves me that many of our elected officials haven’t gotten the message. Those of us that are fortunate enough to be represented by NYS Senator Shirley Huntley and Assemblywoman Vivian Cook should count our blessings. They stand up and stand out (sometimes alone) for what is best for their communities, and are deserving of our continued support. We have enough wannabes with nothing but empty

Letters promises. This is election year so cast your votes wisely.

Wake up America! This is not rocket science! Our government can ship off our loved ones to fight in foreign wars for the rights and freedoms of others, but they cannot resolve the problems of our homeland. Perhaps that makes sense to you, but it surely makes no sense to me. We have our own problems right here in America.

We have poverty, joblessness, homelessness, mis-education of our youth, gun violence, illegal drug activity, gang violence, etc., that has taken a second and third seat to the problems abroad.

Sadly, we have a government that puts others before our own.

Enough, is enough!

If you don’t have a government “for the people, and by the people,” then you have nothing! Think about it. Our government (elected and appointed officials) are supposed to be representatives of the people, but are they really representing you, or acting independently and representing themselves for their own self-serving agenda?

Our government should treat its citizens better than this, and it is our responsibility to future generations that we demand our needs come first.

Liz Bishop-Goldsmith, President, Mothers Against Guns, Inc.

For Nunes To The Editor: There’s a reason why states like Washington, New Jersey and even Texas are leapfrogging New York when it comes to clean energy, green jobs, public health and protecting the environment:

too many of our state leaders in Albany do not prioritize these issues.

That’s a real shame because Southeast Queens has a lot of environmental concerns, from the inadequate mass transit to contamination that affects our drinking water from the Jamaica Water Supply system.

For these reasons, my organization paid special attention to the Sept. 14 Democratic Primary for State Senate in the 10th District.

We issued a detailed questionnaire that allowed the candidates to explain their positions, detail their track record and outline their vision for a better environmental future for Southeast Queens. We also set aside time for candidate interviews to meet face to face.

After careful consideration, the New York League of Conservation Voters has endorsed Lynn Nunes as the best candidate for Southeast Queens. He is an especially strong advocate for mass transit, which is sorely lacking right now. He has a plan to clean up vacant, contaminated sites and bring them back into good use. Mr. Nunes supports property tax breaks for homeowners and businesses that switch to solar power, and he has a strong plan for incentives to attract those “green jobs” that Albany has been promising for years.

For a healthier, cleaner Southeast Queens, we urge Democratic voters in Jamaica, Richmond Hill, St. Albans, Springfield Gardens, Laurelton and South Ozone Park to support Lynn Nunes on Sept. 14.

Marcia Bystryn President New York League of Conservation Voters

A Person By Any Other Name Is Not The Same A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE Romeo and Juliet, the quintessential Shakespearean play, begs the question, “What’s in a name?” then answers that “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

Well, yes, for roses, not for people. Whether it’s Capulet, Montague or Peng-Chu, people’s identities are tied to their heritage and they should not feel compelled to change them.

A New York Times article earlier this week reveals that new immigrants to this country no longer feel the need to “anglicize” their names in order to fit into their adopted homeland.

I’d say that is a step in the right direction.

It has been said that in the early days of immigration to this country, people would arrive at Ellis Island and even have a new spelling assigned to their names

because the originals were too “hard to spell,” or “too hard to pronounce” or simply not American enough. These bewildered new Americans had no say in the transliteration of their names and humbly accepted these new monikers. What a shame.

I have a former colleague from China who told me she changed her first name from its original Chinese to the very common Western name, Barbara. She was a child in school and wanted to fit in with her classmates and to make it easier for the teacher as well. I couldn’t but think that it was a desecration of her identity and I’m sure that, hindsight being 20/20, she would not do it today.

Names help identify who we are – but in the United States that is not always a good thing.

People can discriminate, sight unseen, just based on your name.

For better or worse, so much is assumed about a person based on their name.

So immigrants, whether covertly or overtly, are encouraged to assume new identities based on names.

But in more contemporary times, business people in Chinatown and Flushing have also changed their names voluntarily. And now-comptroller John C. Liu has said that upon arrival from Taiwan as a child, his parents changed his and his brother’s names so they would fit in better as well. His dad liked the Kennedy brothers and named them in their honor.

My late father-in-law’s uncle came in the 1920s and was told at immigration that “Comrie” ought to have an “e” following the “m.” He followed suite, making his and his children’s names, “Comerie.” As a result, we now have cousins we call “the Comehereies.” Were he alive today, that old man would probably change them all back to the original spelling.

But “the times, they are achanging.”

The Times article quotes Princeton University sociologist Douglas S. Massey as saying that “newcomers from overseas and their children no longer felt pressure to change their surnames beginning during the 1970s and 1980s, as they became more a part of American life and the Civil Rights movement legitimated in-group pride as something to be cultivated.’”

Today’s immigrants are far more assertive than their counterparts of yester-century. Everyone is more comfortable in their own skin and in what they bring to the table. Even those who come illegally are now fighting for “rights,” no matter where we stand on the side of that issue.

But it’s good to know that the trend of name desecration is reversing. So what’s in a name then? The answer ought to be, “Pride, baby, pride.”

New Schools Ready For Fall Debut

BY JESSICA ABLAMSKY

Local students will see some relief this fall from persistent overcrowding. At a price tag of nearly $240 million, Queens will gain 3,120 seats in grades 6-12, some of which were sited in temporary facilities.

Currently located in a former synagogue, Gateway to Health Sciences Secondary School will debut this fall in its brand new, $70 million building at the Queens Hospital Center at 160-20 Goethals Ave, in Jamaica Hills.

The 805-seat school will open for 201011 with grades 7-12, with a sixth grade planned for the 2011-12 school year.

The new four-story, air conditioned high

The new Metropolitan Campus in Forest Hills will house three schools and serve 1,700 students.

Located on the site of the former Queens Morgue, the Gateway School is set to open in two weeks.

school building features art, music and standard classrooms, science and technology labs and the usual school building fare.

Gateway will also house a District 75 special education school, P752. In 201011, the school will serve 42 kids in six designated classrooms.

Two notoriously overcrowded high schools in Central Queens, Forest Hills High School and Newtown High School, might have fewer faces this fall, thanks to the Metropolitan Avenue Campus at 9130 Metropolitan Ave. in Forest Hills.

Featuring three schools, the $158 million campus will house more than 1,700 students.

A District 75 school will provide 200 new seats, while Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School will offer grades 6-12 for 700 students citywide. The locally zoned Queens Metropolitan High School, with room for 1,000 kids, will accept students from parts of District 24 and 28.

Each fully air conditioned school will have its own administration area, cafeteria, classrooms, gym, library and meeting rooms. They will share the auditorium and outdoor recreation areas.

Although not technically new, the Young Women’s Leadership Academy opened a couple of years ago, the school is phasing in the last of its students this fall.

Located at 23-15 Newtown Ave. in Astoria, the $15 million renovation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel made room for 540 students in grades 6-12. Of those, 140 are slated to open this fall.

The all-girls school focuses on math, science, technology, community service and leadership.

Upgrades included renovation on 16 classrooms, such as art, music, practice and

resource rooms, a dance studio, guidance suites, full kitchen, library and tech lab.

Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at jablamsky@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 124.

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

citywide elections and any special elections after this year.

The vote was not unanimous and some commission members blasted the decision.

Commissioner Anthony Perez Cassino called on the restoration of term limits to take effect immediately if passed by city voters in November. He called the decision to delay implementation for 11 years a “disservice” to the public. But Commissioner Stephen Fiala called the decision to grandfather current officeholders a “thoughtful and balanced solution.”

City voters are also expected to vote on requiring public disclosure of expenditures made by entities and individuals independent from candidates to influence the outcome of a city election or referendum, as well as a measure to reduce the number of petition signatures needed by candidates for city elective office to appear on a ballot.

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400 Ext. 125

2-Term Limit Option Won’t Kick In ’Til ’21

Term limits will be on the ballot in November and city voters will have the opportunity to restore the two-term limit that was overturned by the City Council in 2008, but if they do, the law would not take effect for another decade.

The Charter Revision Commission voted to approve the ballot initiative that would include a grandfather clause allowing all present incumbents, including those elected in 2009, to serve three four-year terms. That means if voters approve the term-limit referendum, it would not take effect until 2021.

More than half of city council members, two borough presidents, Comptroller John Liu and Public Advocate Bill de Blasio are serving their first or second term and would be allowed to serve a third under the decision, regardless of how city voters vote on Nov. 2.

If voters approve the referendum, it would include those elected in 2013

Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Mosque Debate: Democracy Is A Messy Business

By MICHAEL SCHENKLER “The Ground Zero mosque debate is a good reminder that democracy, at its best, is a messy business.”

The Facebook post above of John Kominicki, publisher of Long Isla nd Busine ss News, brought home to me the absurdity of the debate that many of us have been immersed in.

Although I never intended the Mosque near Ground Zero to be my column topic or even my argument, some hurtful and bigoted words – as subtle as they may have been – have drawn me in.

The printed words, my email, Facebook page, Tweets, have pounded home the diversit y of opinion about American at titude towards the freedoms of the diversity of religions.

If you don’t know me yet, to me, there is no debate; Islam is

entitled to the same rights as Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, or atheistism or agnosticism. Believe, don’t believe, worship, don’t worship, where or whenever you want.

Period.

From the founding of this nation – as a matter of fact well before the founding – our land’s establishment was based on Freedom of Religion.

In 1657, the first document of religious freedom was penned in this land – right here in Queens.

The Flushing Remonstrance issued at the Bowne House beautifully articulated the right of the Quakers to worship as they pleased in spite of a ban by Governor Peter Stuyvesant. This precursor to the First Amendment is perhaps the greatest single contribution that our borough has given the nation.

The settlement of most of the other colonies was by those who came to this new land in search of the right to worship freely. The colonists wanted a chance to worship freely and have an opportunity to choose which religion they wanted to take part in.

Our Constitution’s First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of

religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

So how then is there a debate as to the right for someone to build a house of worship on land he owns? Would the debate exist if it were a Jewish temple, a Catholic Church, a Buddhist temple?

And by the way, just how close is too close? If 2 blocks is no good, how about 4? 8? A mile? All of Manhattan? How about we ban all mosque s bui lding in Ne w York City? The State? The Nation?

Let’ outlaw Islam! After all it was Muslim fanatics who destroyed the World Trade Center and killed some 3,000 people in the process.

Should we outlaw their religion or just lock them all up?

Sor r y, I’m get t ing car ried away.

Let’s just prevent a mosque from being built within 2 blocks of ground zero.

Then must we also prevent a synagogue or church?

If someone pause s at t he Trade Center Memorial to say a prayer, should we stop them?

If they take out a prayer mat and bow to Allah, should we stop them then?

Amazingly, according to a recent Sienna College poll, 64 percent of Americans believe the developers have a constitutional right to build a mosque near ground zero – only 28 percent say they do not.

As polls go, that’s as one-sided as you get. Even among those who oppose the mosque, agree by a margin of 51-42 percent they have a right to build it.

That leaves, my friends, very few options to those who are in opposition to the mosque.

1) They can – and I encourage them to do so – express civilly their opinion t hat sensit iv it ie s should guide the mosque’s builders to seek another location. The developers have pretty clearly said they are not moving.

2) This is America, the almight y buck talks. T he old Burlington Coat Factory site may just have a price. Let those who oppose offer to buy it allowing the developers to take a profit and find a more prominent location, but not quite as close to “Ground Zero.”

Hey, opponents, put your money where your mouth is.

Now, I have no objection if civil discourse or financial discourse

is used by the opponents to encourage the movement of the mosque. Such is the American way.

But to suggest that government should get involved in blocking the construction of a house of worship is antithetical to all our nation is about.

I’m sad that the issue has become a political football.

Government’s only comment should be to quote the First Amendment and not to make more of an issue out of what is an overly heated debate.

The President had to speak of religious freedom. I wish it stopped there.

The Mayor can wave the Constitution but could have not participated in the debate.

Harry Reid proved to be a disingenuous Democratic Leader and I hope should he return to the Senate, his colleagues make him pay by choosing another leader.

I can respect opposition, but only if they acknowledge the basic tenet guaranteed to all religions by our Constitution.

Anything less is un-American.

“The Ground Zero mosque debate is a good reminder that democracy, at its best, is a messy business.”

MSchenkler@QueensPress.com

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2010

Charter Commission Weighs Extra Term For Incumbents

By HENRY STERN Logically, the effective date The Charter Revishould be the next election sion Commission met for councilmembers, schedMonday evening to deuled for 2013. cide what amendments However, an effort was to t he Cit y Char ter being made to ‘grandfather’ will be placed on the only those councilmembers bal lot i n November. elected in 2005, so that The Commission’s recthey will be able to remain ommendations are in office until 2017, even if Henry Stern generally beneficial and should not the public votes in 2010 for a twoarouse much public controversy, term limit. except from diehards who want the That would be an enormous political process to be as arduous injustice. Members of the classes and arcane as possible. of 2001 and 2005 stretched the The Commission was ap- law to its limit by voting to extend pointed in March 2010. Its primary their own eligibility. They found a mission was to settle the issue of loophole in the Charter and drove term limits, which had been ap- right through it. Now, if the public proved by the voters in 1993 and votes for a two-term limit, it would 1996. In September 2008, when mean they must leave in 2013, as it was too late for anyone else to the Charter originally provided. As place a charter amendment on the a result, they are seeking to create ballot, Mayor Bloomberg proposed, yet another loophole by and the Council approved, a char- grandfathering t hemselve s into ter amendment overriding the public third-term eligibility. This would referenda in the ’90s, and provid- again frustrate the will of the voting third-term eligibility for them- ers if they support a limit of two selves. To make amends for this terms, with which polls indicate that last-minute power play, the mayor 71 percent of the voters agree. promised to appoint a charter comIf the Commission and its mission in 2010, with the expec- members seek to retain their good tation that the term limits issue reputations for integrity and indewould be resolved. pendence, they cannot allow this The Commission did agree to scheme to succeed. When the public send the issue to a referendum in repeatedly says, in its Orwellian November, but unfortunately there mode, “Two terms good, three is a catch. The issue of when term terms bad” the handful of limits, as approved by the public, councilmembers who created the will go into effect is in dispute. problem in the first place should

not be allowed to concoct another scheme to deny the public the right to vote on whether they should have third-term eligibility. The officials are tr ying to prohibit the jurors from even considering whether they should be allowed to profit from their misdeeds.

This was the time to close the door on this unfortunate chapter of New York political history. To allow the situation to carry over to 2017 would invite another referendum next year on the same issue. That would denigrate and obscure the other serious matters on which the Charter commission is charged with deliberating.

Close the barn door. Conclude this matter in 2011. Let the Charter Revision Commission go forward with constructive study of municipal issues, of which there are many, rather than stooping to reward the handful of self-serving councilmembers whose desire to linger generated this problem.

By the time you read this, you should know what deed was done.

GEESE Latest census, taken by AnneKatrin Titze, shows 114 geese, nine swans and numerous ducks on the Prospect Park Lake. The swans are members of two families, who are not always friendly to each other. The population consists of four adults and five cygnets. On July 7, Federal agents removed

and executed about 300 geese, but the lake is being repopulated as new Canada Geese arrive. They are apparently unaware of the fate that befell their brothers and sisters last month.

TREES The Pelham Parkway 87, originally marked for destruction for highway construction, have received a temporary reprieve after their cause was embraced by local newspapers, Regis Philbin of ABC, who grew up near Pelham Park-

way, and community activists. The city will review its design to protect both trees and cars.

A greater threat has arisen to the tree s on Pelham Parkway South. The proposed reconstruction of a sewer threatens the roots of mature trees on the sidewalk and in the park. The plans should be reviewed by the community and the city agencies involved, Design & Construction and Environmental Protection, before any excavation is begun.

StarQuest@NYCivic.org

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

What’s your EQ?

Are you an energy champ, an energy guzzler or an energy snoozer? To find out, take the Con Edison Energy Quotient Quiz at conEd.com/EQ or at facebook.com/powerofgreen

Which of these guidelines for preheating are correct?

Con Edison’s Energy Efficiency Program can give you:

A. when baking, preheat for 5 to 8 minutes

A. up to $1,000 in incentives for installing energy efficient heating and cooling

B. when broiling or roasting, preheating is unnecessary C. both of the above D. none of the above

B. a free programmable thermostat for a central A /C system C. all of the above...and more. Call 1-877-870-6118

answer : C

answer: C

When it comes to air conditioner shopping:

What is the most energy efficient way to store items in your fridge and freezer?

A. look for an Energy Star model that’s appropriate for the size of the room B. bigger is always better C. get the smallest one you can find to save energy

A. packed tightly in the freezer and loosely in the fridge B. packed loosely in the freezer and tightly in the fridge

Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

answer: A

answer :A ans

©2010 Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. Ad: Arnell

C. topped with cheese

News Briefs AÉROPOSTAL E AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFIT TERS H&M FOREVER 21 LOVE CULTURE Allstate's agents on panel Karen Merritt (l. to r.), Elizabeth Hanlon, Sally Guzzone, Yasiria Hernandez, Debbie Allen and Barbara Grimaldi.

Women Executives Rosedale agent Debbie Allen was among the female Allstate agency owners and financial specialists from across New York State that gathered at Tarrytown's Doubletree for the first Allstate Women's Executive Exchange forum, with Allen appearing on the event panel.

Held earlier this month, the Women's Executive Exchange provided a forum to network and brainstorm ideas on driving business growth and improving customer satisfaction, while listening to guest speakers from the company's legal and marketing departments in Northbrook, IL.

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2010

NAACP Candidates Forum

New Clothes. New Attitude. New School Year.

Some things are just essential.

The Jamaica Branch NAACP and the Epsilon Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. is sponsoring a Candidates Forum at Majority Baptist Church, 115-21 Farmers Blvd., St. Albans, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 2.

Invited participants are candidates competing for Assembly (Districts 29, 31, 32, and 33), State Senate (Districts 10, 11 and, 14), and the Congress (District 6). The media and community are invited to attend and ask questions of the candidates.

The right to vote is one of the most cherished characteristics of a Democracy. In fact, this country was founded on the principal of a participatory government. NAACP members and others fought and died for the right to vote in America. Our participation in this process ensures that their dying was not in vain. The local elections are paramount to the overall quality of life and well being of our community. In order to have full participation in the voting process, one must have knowledge of the candidates competing to represent the people.

The candidate's forum is an opportunity for the community to meet the candidates running for public office to represent the South East Queens Community.

Please feel free to contact Civic Engagement Chairwoman Carolyn Phillips at (718)-723-3653 if you have any questions or concerns.

Fire Island Trek MACY’S, JCPENNEY, AND MORE THAN 150 SPECIALTY STORES AND RESTAURANTS QUEENS & WOODHAVEN BOULEVARDS 718.592.3900 | WWW.SHOPQUEENSCENTER.COM

There will be nothing more satisfying to Queens attorney Theodore Davis than being "sunburned, sandblasted, and exhausted" as he makes his 10th annual and final 33-mile walk across Fire Island to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of

Metro New York on Saturday, Sept. 11.

At 43, Davis has logged 297 miles of beach, walking through high and low tides for Make-a-Wish, "for the kids." He starts his journey at the eastern-most tip of Fire Island National Seashore at the Moriches Inlet, and travels through Otis Pike Wilderness walking west to end at Democrat Point.

Since his inaugural walk in August 2001, Davis has raised more than $45,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York, raising $4,200 last year during his first ever "night walk" from sundown to sunrise. He is looking to beat his goal of total funds raised for the foundation of more than $60,000 on his last time out.

Davis came to do the charity walk by way of tragedy, having been distressed by the untimely passing of a friend's nephew.

Looking for a way to do charitable work, he found a desire to help children in need.

"About 10 years ago, I wanted to start doing something charitable," Davis said, "and I thought I would do charity for children. The walk has continued thanks to the generosity of friends and strangers."

Cross Island Y Mural Last Friday, under a bright afternoon sky, the children of the Cross Island YMCA unveiled their summer project at MS 210, Elizabeth Blackwell Junior High School in Ozone Park - a mural aimed at targeting cyber bullying.

The event marked the culmination of this year's "Summer of Service," an initiative spearheaded by the Bloomberg administration as part of a citywide service initiative aimed at engaging people in community service.

A part of "Summer of Service," the children of the Cross Island YMCA, funded by the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, aimed at bullying, especially the recent surge in cyber bullying on social networking sites like Facebook and through text messages. As a result, the 150 children enrolled at the Cross Island YMCA's program at MS 210 completed a mural along a portion of the school's outer wall in the schoolyard facing 97th Avenue.

The mural features some landmarks of the local neighborhood, including the "A" train, which runs above Liberty Avenue, three blocks to the south, about to enter a tunnel with words like "caring" painted alongside the cars. Children of different ethnicities play in the grass. Camp members and volunteers helped paint the final pieces of the mural during the event.

Police Blotter

105th Precinct Food Chain Robber The NYPD is seeking the public's assistance in locating a following suspect wanted in connection with three robberies that occurred in Laurelton.

On Friday, Aug. 6, at approximately 12:30 a.m., the suspect, along with another individual, entered a Crown Fried Chicken located at 229-07 Merrick Blvd. in Laurelton armed with firearms. The suspects then jumped over the counter and removed an unknown amount of cash from the register before fleeing.

On Saturday, Aug. 14, at approximately 2:40 a.m., the suspect entered the same Crown Fried Chicken armed with a firearm. The suspect then jumped over the counter and removed an unknown amount of cash from the register before fleeing.

On Monday, Aug. 16, at approximately 10:50 p.m., the suspect entered a Dunkin Donuts located at 234-26 Merrick Blvd. in Laurelton armed with a firearm. The suspect then jumped over the counter and removed an unknown amount of cash from the register before fleeing.

The first suspect, only involved in the first incident, is described as being 5-foot10 and 170 lbs. The second suspect, wanted in all three incidents, is described as being 5-foot-6, 170 lbs.

Anyone with information in regards to these incidents is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577 TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging

Compiled By DOMENICK RAFTER onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at sistance in locating a suspect wanted in Officers determined that a New York nypdcrimestoppers.com or texting their connection with a bank robbery that oc- City MTA bus was traveling south bound tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering curred in Fresh Meadows. on Farmers Boulevard when it struck the TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

On Saturday, Aug. 14, at approxi- pedestrian, identified as Mark Layne, 47, mately 2 p.m., the suspect entered the of 140-38 184th St. in Springfield GarQueens County Savings Bank, located at dens, in the intersection of 140th AvHandy Thievery The NYPD is seeking the public's as- 61-49 188th St. in Fresh Meadows, and enue. Layne was transported to Franklin sistance in locating an individual wanted passed a note demanding money to a General Hospital where he was proin connection with a robbery that oc- teller. The teller complied and the sus- nounced dead on arrival at 10:40 p.m. pect fled the location with an unknown An investigation was ongoing, with no curred in Rosedale. suspected criminality.

On Thursday, Aug. 19, at approximately amount of cash.

The suspect is described as a black 10:45 p.m., the suspect entered a Popeye's Fried Chicken restaurant, located at 245- man, 25-30 years old, 6-feet between 160 Missing Woman The NYPD is seeking the 01 Francis Lewis Blvd. in Rosedale, armed and 175 lbs.

Anyone with information with a firearm. The suspect then walked public's assistance in locating behind the counter and approached the in regards to these incidents a missing woman from St. victim, a 22-year-old black man, demand- is asked to call Crime StopAlbans. ing cash. The suspect shot the victim in pers at (80 0) 577 TIPS Brenda Wilson, 61, of 116the right hand before fleeing with an un- (8477). The public can also 23 Farmers Blvd., St. Albans, known amount of cash. The victim was submit their tips by logging was last seen inside of her resiremoved by EMS to North Shore onto the Crime Stoppers Web dence on Friday, Aug. 20, at site at Manhasset Hospital in stable condition. approximately 11 p.m. She is The suspect is described as being a nypdcrimestoppers.com or described as 5-foot-5, 200 lbs., texting their tips to 274637 black man, 5-foot-10 and 170 lbs. with brown eyes and black hair.

Anyone with information in regards to (CRIMES) then entering Police are seeking as- She was last seen wearing a these incidents is asked to call Crime Stop- TIP577. All calls are strictly sistance in finding blue jacket, blue jeans, with pers at (800) 577 TIPS (8477). The pub- confidential.

Brenda Wilson, who gray sandals, white hat and tan lic can also submit their tips by logging was last seen on purse. onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at Aug. 20.

Anyone with information in nypdcrimestoppers.com or texting their regards to these incidents is tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering Deadly Bus asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577 TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

On Wednesday, Aug. 18, at approxi- TIPS (8477). The public can also submit mately 10:30 p.m., police responded their tips by logging onto the Crime Stopto a 911 call reporting a pedestrian pers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com struck at the intersection of 140th Av- or texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) Note-Passing Criminal enue and Farmers Boulevard in Spring- then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly The NYPD is seeking the public's as- field Gardens. confidential.

113th Precinct

107th Precinct

Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Fine and Beautiful Homes

Marguerita’s

137-65 Queens Blvd Briarwood “The pizza is fresh with a nice restaurant in the back. Dinner and dancing every Thursday night. Catering for all parties – bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, christenings, etc.”

Shari J., Flushing

Cambria Heights “Homes that have been kept up; kept clean.”

Evangelist Rosaell Boston, Cambria Heights

Jamaica Ave off Guy Brewer Blvd.

Jamaica “Best tasting pizza for years.”

Sandra Bell Adams, Laurelton

Fish Taco Hut

Merrick Pharmacy

Beach 96th Street Rockaway Beach “I haven’t tried it yet, but I plan to, but I read it was very good.”

Elizabeth Marco, Queens

234-29 Merrick Blvd Laurelton “All your pharmacy needs under one roof.”

Arnold T., Jamaica

Bob’s Sneaker Corner Rockaway Blvd “Their selection is excellent.”

Guido Sipolino, Howard Beach

Gaby’s Pizza

Bellerose “Their veal parmigiana.”

Lisa Alexander, Bayside

204-23 Hillside Ave Queens Village “Best pizza in New York, according to Rachael Ray!” Arnold T., Jamaica

Cambria Heights

Jamaica

“Everyone works together for a better community.”

Evangelist Rosaell Boston, Cambria Heights

Jamaica “The buses and subways and trains are all right there.”

Sandra Pena, Jamaica

Cabrini’s

Central Library 89-11 Merrick Blvd Jamaica “It has a marvelous selection of media.”

Raida Hassain, Briarwood

CHC Association Cambria Heights “Who works hard to keep our community safe.”

Evangelist Rosaell Boston, Cambria Heights

Citi Field Flushing “I’m not a baseball fan but the field s amazing. Even if you don’t like baseball you definitely have to go there.”

Richard Bohan, Maspeth “It’s the only field we have in Queens. It’s the best in the world and the food is amazing.”

Edgar Rosas, Jackson Heights

Jamaica Avenue Jamaica “I grew up there. Everything you want is there and it’s a good place to have fun with your friends.”

Jose Santiago, Jamaica

Lady Jane Craft Center 137-20 Cross Bay Blvd Ozone Park “A family owned Queens favorite with a huge selection of arts and crafts and flowers that beats the larger chain stores. But wait… the bead shop is fantastic. It is THE place for all your upcoming holiday projects.”

Tom E., Queens

Met Food Parsons Blvd.

Jamaica “Good staff.”

Patricia McGrath, Jamaica New Credit Services 150-28 Hillside Ave Jamaica “Credit repair and debt settlement.”

Larry S., Jamaica

Queens “Trees convey life, beauty and sustain our environment.”

Michael Perlman, Rego Park

Queens Firemen All over Queens “They are awesome and no one gives them enough credit. They saved a family member.”

Tom D., Kew Gardens

Queens Public Parks All over Queens “Activities, free concerts, they are kept clean.”

Barbara, Flushing

Fabulous Optical 146-20 Jamaica Ave Jamaica “Best prices on fashion eyewear in Southeast Queens.”

Arnold T., Jamaica

Restaurants We have the best food.

Dohun, Queens

Riis Park Beach Breezy Point “Cleanest beach in Queens.”

Luisa Correa, Maspeth

Silver Moon Diner 235-20 Hillside Ave Queens Village “Quality and great selection from soup to seafood!”

Arnold T., Jamaica

129-21 Merrick Blvd Springfield Gardens “They are a great BBQ restaurant.”

Larry S., Jamaica

Songs of Freedom TV Show QPTV-check schedule Queens “Producer Joel Landy keeps us abreast of the truth much of the media ignore, through songs and interviews.”

John A. Todras, Kew Gardens

Sophia Pizza & Deli 112-14 Rockaway Blvd South Ozone Park “It has the best Italian entrees with great portions and prices.”

Emily Hoffenberg, Bayside

Southern Girls Merrick Blvd and 219th St Laurelton “Good Soul Food.”

Sandra Bell Adams, Laurelton

El Familiar Restaurant 87-81 Sutphin Blvd Jamaica “Great lunch specials and good Spanish food-$5.50. Mondays through Fridays.

Fast, friendly attentive eservice make this simply-decorated lunch spot a great choice if you’re on jury duty in Jamaica.”

Rosemarie DiCristo, Maspeth

The bank building in Downtown Jamaica is emblematic of the area’s architecture.

Property owners who preserve young-mature trees Smoke Pit BBQ Evident on select Queens properties

The Police & Fire Dept.

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 27-Sept. 2, 2010

2010

Alba Pizzeria

Queens firefighters, shown here battling a blaze at a Jamaica grocery store, are some of the Best of Queens.

Cambria Heights “Works hard to keep our community safe; 105th pct./fire dept. walks together to do their best to keep our family safe.”

Evangelist Rosaell Boston, Cambria Heights

Transportation All over Queens “You can get to anything.”

Patricia, College Point

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

Queens

best of southeast

Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

pix

Camp Felix

Southeast Queens Photos Edited By Harley Benson

Reach Out And Read

Boys and girls from The New York Foundling, one of the oldest and largest child welfare agencies in New York, showed off their talents with hip-hop star Darryl McDaniels of Run DMC at the Camp Felix Open House in Putnam Valley on Aug. 19. Campers from Queens were among the 100 children participating in the event.

Business With China Sen. Malcolm Smith shares the delights of reading with the children of St. John's Episcopal Hospital as part of the Reach Out and Read program.

The Third Annual International Trade Summit conducted by the Jamaica Business Resource Center was held at the Port Authority of NY & NJ facilities at JFK Airport. This year's meeting was on the topic of expanding opportunities for local area businesses in the People's Republic of China.

Photos by Walter Karling

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2010

Explaining China business fundamentals: Joseph Fawkner, Director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce International Development; David Hale, President of Smart Sourcing, a company that optimizes financial and operational programs in China; and Alvin Chan, an experienced chartered accountant in the China/Hong Kong realm.

Networking prior to the meeting: Thomas Chen, President & CEO of Chystal Window & Door Systems in Flushing, and the Rev. Edwin Reed, Chairman of the Jamaica Business Resource Center.

Giving the China trade summit keynote address: Shaogang Zhang, Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China

State Sen. Malcolm Smith welcoming the attendees.

U.S. Rep Greg Meeks comments on the importance of expanding USChina trade.

A light-hearted moment during the summit: Keynote speaker Shaogang Zhang, U.S.Rep. Greg Meeks, JBRC President & CEO Timothy Marshall.

Left: The Chinese Resources for Area Businesses panel taking a question from the audience: Timothy Marshall, President & CEO of JBRC; David Roman, Export Specialist for the US Export Assistance Center; K.L. Fredericks, US EAC Director for Bronx, Harlem, and Queens; Richard Thomas, Senior Business Development Specialist for the Empire State Development Corporation; Bruce Drossman, Export Finance Manager, Export-Import Bank; Leigh Wedell, Director of the American Enterprise Center; and Peter Tavolacci, National Sales Manager of HSBC US Bank.

A&E

Kids Day Returns To Tennis Stadium

Arthur Ashe Kids Day returns to the U.S. Open grounds at Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Saturday with an all-star line-up sure to make even the most stoic of children get weak-kneed looking at the cute-as-a-button faces of their favorite performers.

Admission to the grounds for the day is free, but tickets for the Stadium Show sell for between $10 and $40. Tickets are available onsite or at ticketmaster.com.

This year’s Stadium Show lineup is guaranteed to rock the house. The Jonas Brothers are returning to AAKD for an unprecedented third time and will be joined by fellow Disney star Demi Lovato along with David Archuleta, Allstar Weekend, Shontelle and the Bryan Bros Band featuring Daivd Baron.

There will also be special guest appearances by Nick Cannon and Olympic Gold Medalist Lindsey Vonn.

Don’t want to shell out for the show?

Performing on the grounds on the Hess Get Pumped Up Festival Stage are rising stars Cody Simpson, Burnham, Alexis Jordan, School Gyrls and Savvy.

Plus see exciting tennis matches and contests with world No. 1 Rafael Nadal,

Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Novak Djokovic, reigning U.S. Open champion Kim Clijsters and wheelchair tennis superstar Esther Vergeer.

The popular tennis and music festival, which includes interactive games, musical entertainment and tennis clinics, will be hosted by Adrienne Bailon and Quddus.

The Artists Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas, the platinum selling and Grammy nominated songwriters and musicians who perform as the Jonas Brothers, have sold nearly 9 million copies of their four albums. Known for their dynamic stage performances, their 2009 world tour sold over a million tickets and was one the best selling tours of the year.

For the past two years, actress and recording artist Demi Lovato has been on a non-stop upward trajectory in music and TV. Her solo album “Don’t Forget” debuted at No. 2 and her most recent album, “Here We Go Again,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, delivering a platinum-certified hit of the same name.

In the summer of 2007, at the tender age of 16, David Archuleta was finally old

Restaurant Review

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2010

Buddy’s: Oy, It’s Good

BUDDY’S KOSHER DELICATESSEN 215-01 73rd Ave, Bayside (718) 631-2110 HOURS: 9:30 am-9 pm, 7 days PARKING: Street CREDIT CARDS: Yes Buddy’s Kosher Delicatessen IS your grandmother’s kosher deli.

Buddy’s prides itself in being what owner Mike calls “the Last of the Mohicans,” the real last kosher deli in this area of New York City where everything on the menu is made fresh on the premises. The deli, which turned 60 this year, is a throwback to the mid 20th Century-type kosher delis you’d find on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

When you first walk into Buddy’s, the first thing you see is the long deli counter, not unlike those you’d see at any traditional deli. Behind the counter, you might find Mike and a few of his workers scurrying back and forth filling orders. On the wall behind them is the menu, which boasts everything from Hot Open Face Sandwiches; Turkey, Corned Beef and Tongue, a multitude of soups, and even Buddy’s special burgers.

In the deli counter, Buddy’s famous sides; cole slaw (more on that later), potato salad, pancakes, liver pate, and assorted salads, all made fresh on the premises, are on diplay.

“It’s healthier when it’s made fresh,” Mike explained.

Glance to the left of the deli counter and you’ll see a traditional bistro-style restaurant, with homey table setups; each table dons a bottle of mustard, which will come in handy for many of Buddy’s selections. On the walls, art that includes ads you would have seen at

Buddy’s when it opened in 1950, shows storefronts you’d find on the Lower East Side, large works of art that showed three baseball fields, designed to look like New York’s three professional fields in the 1950s; Ebbets Field, Yankee Stadium and the Polo Grounds. Many of Buddy’s customers come to order take out, especially during lunchtime, but there is plenty of room to eat in, and table service as well.

On this rather chilly, fall-like day, I decided to start my lunch with a cup of Mushroom Barley soup. Before the soup even arrived, a plate of cole slaw and pickles greeted me. Normally, this reporter isn’t a fan of cole slaw, but like they say, “When it Rome.” One forkful made me forget why I ever thought negatively of the tangy cabbage dish. Its flavor was rich, fresh and not at all dull. It wasn’t long before I found myself holding the plate of cole slaw closer to my mouth, enjoying every forkful.

Buddy’s homemade knishes are not the sort you find at street fairs. Though they come in both square and round shapes, I went for the round regular potato knish, nearly twice the size of a regular knish.

The forkful of potato exuded a peppery flavor that gave the knish a delightful kick.

For my main meal, I chose a pastrami on rye. The pastrami was sliced thin, but packed in the bread enough to make biting into the sandwich almost like biting into a hamburger. The meat was moist and fresh. A little mustard complemented the pastrami nicely.

I did not leave empty handed, bringing home a half pound of fresh roast beef for later, and, of course, some of the best cole slaw you’ll find in the borough.

—Domenick Rafter

enough to audition for American Idol. This was the first step on the path that led him to who he is today. He became the runnerup for the seventh season of American Idol and signed to 19 Recordings/Jive Records. His self-titled debut album contained the hit song “Crush,” which has sold over 2.3 million digital units to date, and went on to sell over 750,000 albums.

Shonetelle, a 23-year-old singer, songwriter and aspiring lawyer from Barbados, has no regrets about pursuing her destiny. Her unique story begins in the West Indies on the beautiful Island of Barbados.

She began to carve a reputation in the Caribbean music world by crafting songs for a number of top artists, all while attending the University. Before long, Shontelle scored a hit heard far beyond the Caribbean, writing the girl-power anthem “Roll.”

In 2009, San Diego’s Allstar Weekend was added to Radio Disney’s “Next Big Thing” competition and subsequently signed to Hollywood Records. A little

over a year later, the band’s high-energy pop-punk single “A Different Side of Me” has sold over 100,000 copies and topped Radio Disney’s Top 30 Countdown.

The School Gyrls not only look the part of sweet high school students, they actually are. These three pint-sized pop stars pack major charisma and talent into an adorable adolescent package. The group officially formed in November 2008 and have been hard at work ever since. They made their television debut as the School Gyrls with Nick Cannon on the season finale of E! TV Show “Party Monsters” in Cabo San Lucas in January 2009, and have since been busy recording their debut album which will be released under the Island Def Jam imprint in 2010.

The Bryan Bros Band’s latest record, “Let It Rip,” was originally released in late 2009 exclusively on Amazon.com where it reached No. 12 on the New Releases-Pop charts and No. 23 on the All Pop/Rock Albums chart.

Hot-Headed Politics On A Queens Stage Pick up your baseball bat, sharpen your butterfly knife, shine up your brass knuckles and choose a side as The Queens Players explore the classic story of politics, power, and betrayal – William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar.”

The third installment of director Richard Mazda’s gangland Shakespeare series brings you into the center of Rome, where civil strife and political infighting have ripped apart the very fabric of the fragile democracy. Resources are scarce, battle lines are drawn, and even those with the noblest intentions can’t escape without blood on their hands.

This production’s environmental style makes use of the multiple performance spaces at The Secret Theatre, carrying the audience through the play’s desolate, battle-scarred world. It is a “Julius Caesar” that is not just seen, but experienced,

with an immediacy that is in keeping with Shakespeare’s timeless drama.

The cast of The Queens Players production includes: Alex Cape, Anthony Martinez, Amelia Gonzalez, Ashley Denise Robinson, Bethanne Haft, Camilla Skoglie, David Fink, Elizabeth Bernhardt, Gil Ron, Greer Samuels, Jake Cullens, Jeffrey Coyne, Joe Mullen, Jonathan Emerson, Juan Castano, Kaitlyn Huczko, Kara Addington, Lena Gora, Michelle Pucci, Rachel Pfennigwerth, Sarah Bonner, Suzanne Lenz and Tyrus Holden Performances will be held Sept. 16Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. with a special matinee Sept. 25 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door. Get your tickets online at thequeensplayers.com. The Secret Theater is located at 44-02 23rd St, Long Island City. Call (718) 392-0722 for more information.

The cast of “Julius Caesar.”

Faith

Deacons Recognized For Sacrifice Wayne Wilson.

The Deacon’s Day service will be held The St. Albans Congregational at 4 p.m. on Sept. 19, at 172-17 Linden Church is honoring its deacons with a spe- Blvd. cial service next month.

Edwin Ward, chairman of the Deacon “It’s just a day where the whole church Board, said the celebration has been gocelebrates our deacons,” said the Rev. ing on for more than five years. The Rev. Timothy Mitchell of Antioch Baptist Church will be the guest speaker at the event, which is named “Standing in the Power of Prayer.”

“It’s a special day where deacons participate more in the service,” Ward said Deacons are the church’s spiritual leaders and an aide to the pastor. They also visit the sick and The St. Albans Congregational Church will pay tribute to its shut-ins on Comdeacons with an event called “Standing in the Power of Prayer.” munion Sunday.

“We are respon-

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

sible for the worship area of the church – the preparation of communion elements, which takes place the first Sunday of every month,” he said.

Ward has served in various capacities in the church such as trustee, usher and now a deacon for the past 10 years.

“It’s a lot of responsibility,” Ward said of his deacons position. “It’s a lot of work and it takes dedication, patience at times because you have to deal with the public.”

Ward said that being a deacon is considered a calling God put in your life.

“We feel that this is a privilege,” he said. “It takes perseverance and pride in your church.”

The church has been in existence for close to 60 years and has more than 55 ministries available to its congregation.

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.

Word

“The religious is any activity pursued in behalf of an ideal end against obstacles and in spite of threats of personal loss because of its general and enduring value.”

– John Dewey

Notebook Rosedale Jets

SEQ’s Jets Soar After Rite Of Passage At twilight, black and gold jerseys darted across the football field at Brookville Park on a recent Tuesday evening. The sun’s evening glow shed shards of light on young men that would soon undergo a “Rites of Passage” journey.

“Our children face some huge challenges when we look at our institutions, when we look at after school programs.

We are lacking tremendously,” said Jacques Léandre, president of the Rosedale Jets. “We are not in the position of luxury of providing just a sports program.”

The Rosedale Jets football team, which expanded to include cheerleaders, has existed for more than three decades.

On Aug. 19, Ééandre said he and coaches from the organization took 200 boys for the “Rites of Passage” journey, which will take place throughout a fourday, three-night period. The passage will include a video presentation, which will depict athletes like Muhammad Ali, Paul Robeson, Tommie Smith, John Carlos and Jim Brown.

“It will show them the relevancy of some athletes who walked social paths,” Léandre said.

He said the boys, ages 8 to 13, are taught “Sankofa,” which means “as you move to the future, remember your past.”

Léandre added the journey is to prepare them for football, but more impor-

tantly, life.

“It teaches them to be committed to the upliftment of their community, families and themselves,” he said. “They come back with a renewed sense of purpose.”

Ke-Shawn Alexander, 13, said the journey teaches him good morals, respect and hard work.

“Camp separates the boys from the girls,” he said.

Jordan Hodges, 10, has been a Jet for two years and this year marked his second time going through the program.

“I think it matured him a great deal,” said his mother, Tammy Hodges. “I think it is a great advantage for the kids; not even for football, but for young men.”

Robyn Williams said not only did “Rites of Passage” enhance her son’s football skills, but it showed him how to be a leader.

Nicole Marion said her 12-year-old son D’Ante Warner has made the journey five times.

“He was the only peewee to go to camp,” she said. Marion initially was afraid to send her son away for the first time at the age of 7.

“He outperformed the older kids,” she said, a small smile playing across her lips.

“I know something happened. He seemed to care about responsibility more, and that is strange for a 7-year-old.”

She said that not only do the Rosedale Jets present a stage for young men to be accepted, but it is inclusive for the family as well.

“It means solidarity,” she said.

Myles Semple, 19, a former Jet and a student at Utica College, said the journey gives you the strength to rely on yourself.

“You learn to take care of yourself and not to rely on mommy or daddy,” he said.

“It’s a great experience. It’s like being a part of fraternity. Once you are part of the team you are set for life.”

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123.

PRESS Photo by Sasha Austrie

Page 20 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 27-Sept. 2, 2010

By SASHA AUSTRIE

The Rosedale Jets on the practice field.

Profile

Nunes Faces An Incumbent - Again

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2010

Lynn Nunes is back - or maybe he never left. He claims he was just biding his time until he would have the chance to change the “culture of politics in Albany.”

Nunes, 25, who owns Five Star Realty in Richmond Hill, a real estate company that handles sales and rentals, went toeto-toe with Councilman Tom White (DSouth Ozone Park) on two occasions. First, he challenged the veteran politician’s district leader position in 2008. In the summer of 2009, Nunes came within six votes of beating White during a Democratic primary for his council seat.

This year, he has set his sights on State Sen. Shirley Huntley’s (D-Jamaica) seat.

Nunes said he reemerged onto the political stage because the issues plaguing both the state and city are parallel.

“Overall, the community is suffering,” he said.

Huntley is doing her best to quell the issues plaguing the 10th District, Nunes said, but it is just not enough. He claims Huntley has not delivered on her campaign promises of better schools or healthcare.

“Nothing has changed,” he said. “It speaks to how the problems are trying to be solved.”

He believes growing discontent by constituents will cause an uproar in the

technologically adpolitical world. vanced hospitals to “My race is a microthe district. cosm of what’s hapHe dubbed hospipening in the state,” he tals as social hubs and said. financial engines that Nunes referenced could fuel the unemployment, economy. healthcare, education, “No one is bringing the foreclosure crisis it up anymore,” he said assaulting Southeast of the hospitals. “Just Queens and civil rights because no one is lookas the district’s main ing doesn’t mean that issues. the problems don’t In terms of unemexist.” ployment, he said Nunes acknowlprojects like Aqueduct, edged that new hospiwhich would garner Lynn Nunes tals may be a long-term $380 million, 800 perproject, so to address manent and 1,300 conhealthcare in the short term, he proposes struction jobs, should be expedited.

“We need to make sure that projects clinics.

Education is another of his core isthat happen,” he said. Nunes added that though the Aqueduct Racino contract was sues. On his Web site, he touts that Senaawarded to Genting New York, Albany’s tor Lynn Nunes would ensure that the culture of political jockeying kept the education budget is “never cut not even by a single dollar.” project at a standstill.

He suggested the $380 million garnered On healthcare, he said the 10th Senatorial District has suffered for years with from Aqueduct should be used to shore up poor medical care, which was com- the education budget. Nunes also recompounded by three Queens hospitals shut- mended that “pork given to state legislatering their doors within the last two tors for their favorite program or favorite years. Nunes said he was fostering rela- charity” be added to the education budget.

“Trim the fat,” he said. “Go line by tionships with medical facilities to bring

line through the budget. Education is one program that shouldn’t be in the room when we are making cuts.”

There has been no easy way to tackle foreclosures, which have persistently plagued Southeast Queens and the nation, but Nunes promised he would address the problem head on. Nunes vaguely spoke of meaningful legislation that would have an impact on the current housing climate.

Marriage equality, which has become a hot button issue, is what Nunes dubs as a lack of equality and civil rights for some New Yorkers. A marriage equality bill was defeated 38-to-24 in December. Huntley voted against the bill while Nunes has been an avid supporter of marriage equality.

“Everyone who is a legislator needs to have an open mind,” he said, adding he would use discourse to push marriage equality in New York.

Nunes lets naysayers comments roll of his back. “He is too young. He needs to do more work in the community. What has he done?” He has heard it all in his two previous elections.

“These people didn’t matter then and they don’t matter now,” Nunes said. “This notion that you need to be a certain age or run through certain hoops is nonsense.”

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123.

People

Briarcliffe College President Dr. George Santiago, Jr. (l.) presents 2010 Hispanic Scholarship recipient Sasha Santamaria of Laurelton with $5,000 award and certificate.

Briarcliffe College has awarded Sasha Santamaria, of Laurelton, a $5,000 Hispanic Scholarship based on her qualifications, academic record, teacher recommendations, and winning essay.

Santamaria, a graduating senior from Christ the King Regional High School, begins classes this July in graphic design at Briarcliffe College’s Bethpage, Long Island campus.

“Ms. Santamaria is an exemplary stu-

dent, athlete, and peer model,” said Briarcliffe College President Dr. George Santiago, Jr. “She demonstrates what can be achieved by supporting educational opportunities within the Hispanic community. We are pleased she has selected Briarcliffe College for her higher education and equally pleased to confer this award as a measure of our belief in her future.”

In addition to pursuing art and maintaining a consistent B+ average, Santamaria is a dedicated basketball player. Christ the King Regional H.S. is known nationally as the home of the Royals boy’s and girl’s basketball teams, with a total of 13 Federation Championships spanning the last 16 years. She will join the Briarcliffe College women’s basketball team, the Lady Seahawks. The Seahawks finished the 2010 USCAA season ranked 15th in the country.

The Briarcliffe College Hispanic Scholarship program was introduced in 2008 in “recognition of the rapidly growing Hispanic population in the metropolitan area and the need for financial assistance to afford higher education.”

In her winning essay, Sasha Santamaria wrote: “I want my parents, my community and fellow Hispanics to see me as an example for how success can be attained to create a better future.”

Army Pvt. Brian M. Miller has graduated from the Basic Field Artillery Cannon Crewmember Advanced Individual

Training course at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.

The course is designed to train servicemembers to maintain, prepare and load ammunition for firing; operate and perform operator maintenance on prime movers, self-propelled Howitzers, and ammunition vehicles; store, maintain, and distribute ammunition to using units as a member of battery or battalion ammunition section; perform crew maintenance and participate in organizational maintenance of weapons and related equipment; and establish and maintain radio and wire communications.

He is the son of Claire E. Miller of Jamaica. The private is a 2008 graduate of Richmond Hill High School.

Air Force Airman Ricardo A. Wilson graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Rogelio Wilson of 148th Ave., Rosedale. Wilson graduated in 2000 from Thomas Edison High School, Jamaica, and received a bachelor’s degree in 2007 from Queens College, Flushing.

Air Force Airman Ricardo A. Wilson Army National Guard Pvt. Keyron C. Cooper has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

Cooper is the son of Curtis Cooper of Jamaica.

Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 23

What’s Up program called “Craftsmen Days” from Aug. 22-29.

From 12-2 p.m., the program will focus on cooper and barrelmaker.

King Manor is located in King Park on Jamaica Avenue between 150th and 153rd Streets.

SATURDAY, AUG. 28 Youth & Tennis The Youth and Tennis group meets every Saturday morning at Roy Wilkins Park Saturday. To learn more, call Bill Briggs at (718) 658-6728.

Kids Football The LP Fam’s Youth Organization will host youth football games at the Lincoln Park Baseball Field, 111th and 135th Streets in South Ozone Park.

The registration fee is $150, and includes the cost of a uniform, insurance, practice and trophies.

For more information, call (718) 5297911.

Jump & Ball Tournament Senate President Malcolm A. Smith and renowned hip-hop artist LL Cool J are pleased to present the Sixth Annual Jump & Ball Tournament. Please join Smith and LL for a basketball and a double-dutch tournament scheduled to run from Saturday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 29.

The event features basketball games, dancing and jump rope competitions, as well as spelling bees. The competitions are open to youth ages 18 and under. Refreshments and giveaways will be available throughout the tournaments.

For additional information, contact Tai White at (718) 528-4290 or twhite@senate.state.ny.us.

This free event will be held at Roy Wilkins Park, at Merrick Boulevard and Baisley Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Craftsmen Days King Manor Museum will hold a free program called “Craftsmen Days” from Aug. 22-29. From 12-2 p.m., the program will focus on decoy carving.

King Manor is located in King Park on Jamaica Avenue between 150th and 153rd Streets.

Immigrant Voices

Page 24 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 27-Sept. 2, 2010

NICODA, in collaboration with Contaminate NYC, presents “Immigrant Voices,” a variety event, featuring musicians, dancers, actors and visual art.

The event will take place at the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) 16104 Jamaica Ave. For more information, call (718) 658-7400.

Immigrant Voices will take place from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $10.

Job Center Orientation Join us for an interactive orientation to learn about our services, including workshops and assistance with your job search – books, newspapers, pathfinders, bookmarks & brochures, resume/cover letter reviews, and Queens Workforce information.

This free event will take place at 10 a.m. at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd.

NYC Fathers Forum 2010 The NYC Human Resources Administration Department of Social Services, in conjunction with The Greater Allen Cathedral of New York and NYC Office of Child Support, presents NYC Fathers Forum 2010. Come meet those who can help you

Immigrant Voices The weekend finale of the Annual Jump & Ball Tournament will be

NICODA, in colheld on Saturday and Sunday in Roy Wilkins Park. laboration with Contaminate with: child support employment; family court NYC, presents “Immigrant Voices,” a vaissues; incarceration / re-entry programs; riety event, featuring musicians, dancers, domestic issues; financial troubles; and hous- actors and visual art. ing. The event is hosted by Rev. Dr. Floyd The event will take place at the Jamaica Flake, Pastor, and Rev. Dr. Elaine Flake, Co- Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) 161Pastor and coordinated by Rev. Philip Craig. 04 Jamaica Ave. For more information, To register, call (718) 206-4600 or email us call (718) 658-7400. at fathersfamiliesfinances@gmail.com.

Immigrant Voices will take place from This free event will take place from 5-8 p.m. Tickets are $10.

11a.m. to 5 p.m. at Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York - 110-31 Merrick MONDAY, AUG. 30 Blvd.

Adult Chess Club

Saturday Science Lab Children ages 7-12 are invited to an hour of experiments and fun with Queens Library’s Discovery Team.

This free event will take place at noon at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd.

Garvey-Tubman Music Series The Margert Community Corporation and Councilman James Sanders, Jr. are pleased to present the 4th Annual GarveyTubman Music Series – Bobbi Humphrey’s Fabulous Friends Forever. This memorable concert will feature the first lady of flute, Bobby Humphrey, and Ronnie Laws, Tom Browne and Davell Crawford. For additional information, contact Councilman Sanders’ Laurelton Office at (718) 527-4356, or the Far Rockaway office at (718) 471-7014.

This free event will take place at 3p.m. at Brookville Park - Brookville Boulevard and at 143rd Avenue.

Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings.

The event is held at 6 p.m. every Monday at Queens Village Library, 94-11 217th St., (718) 776-6800.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 2 Adult Chess Club Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings.

The event is held at 6 p.m. every Thursday at Queens Village Library, 94-11 217th St., (718) 776-6800.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 3 Senior Theatre Acting Repertory Calling all older adults: Join our galaxy of STARs to perform theatrical works at the library with a great group of people while brightening your life.

Rehearsals are held at 10:30 a.m. Fridays at Queens Village Library, 94-11 217th St., (718) 776-6800.

SUNDAY, AUG. 29 Jump & Ball Tournament

ONGOING CPR Training

Senate President Malcolm A. Smith and renowned hip-hop artist LL Cool J are pleased to present the Sixth Annual Jump & Ball Tournament. Please join Smith and LL for a basketball and a double-dutch tournament scheduled to run from Saturday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 29.

The event features basketball games, dancing and jump rope competitions, as well as spelling bees. The competitions are open to youth ages 18 and under. Refreshments and giveaways will be available throughout the tournaments.

For additional information, contact Tai White at (718) 528-4290 or twhite@senate.state.ny.us.

This free event will be held at Roy Wilkins Park, at Merrick Boulevard and Baisley Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The FDNY Mobile CPR Training Unit will hold regularly scheduled free CPR classes in all five boroughs. The first Tuesday through the fourth Tuesday and the fourth Thursday of every month there will be Borough CPR training sessions in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island and Queens.

Training is free to anyone over the age of 14. The goal of this program is increase the number of people in New York City trained in bystander CPR Each class lasts 1 hour and participants in the class learn basic CPR skills from a member of the FDNY Emergency Medical Service.

Volunteers for the class follow along using the CPR Anytime Personal Learning Kit, which features an instructional DVD and an inflatable mannequin. All participants are able take home the kit at the end of class and asked to pledge to use the kit to show five of their family members and

Craftsmen Days King Manor Museum will hold a free

friends how to perform CPR. This class teaches basic CPR technique and is not a certification course.

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

Please visit www.fdnyfoundation.org or call (718) 999-2413 for more information.

Group Sessions Clergy United for Community Empowerment, Inc. Group Sessions are located at 89-31 161st St., 10th Floor, Jamaica, for the community on various topics such as Domestic Violence, Mental Health, Substance Abuse intervention, Decision Making, Condom Use, High Risk Behaviors leading to HIV, and self – esteem awareness. All group sessions offer light snacks and beverages. Group sessions are open to the public.

Round-Trip Metro Card reimbursement is available at the end of each completed session. For further information call (718) 297-0720. All services are free. Please call for next group date.

Infant Mortality Clergy United for Community Empowerment’s Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative program provides the following services free of charge: case management services, parent skills building, crib care, breast feeding education, health education, nutritional information/education, referral for HIV testing, confidential one-on-one counseling, workshops, and women support groups. IMRI provides referrals for Food stamps, GED, GYN, Emergency Baby Formula (qualifications required) and more. Call (718) 297-0720.

Located at 89-31 161 St., 10th floor, Jamaica. Services are available Tue.-Thurs.

9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HIV Awareness Clergy United for Community Empowerment provides intervention and curriculum-based prevention education sessions on HIV/AIDS, to reduce risk behaviors that lead to HIV transmission. Services are located at 89-31 161st St., Jamaica. Call (718) 297-0720 ask about our presentation to adolescents and men/women of color. Services are available Tue.-Thurs., 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Laurelton Flea Market A flea market has opened at 221-02 Merrick Blvd. On sale are a wide range of items, including household items, jewelry and clothing.

The market is open every Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CPR Class Learn to protect yourself and others at Heron Care Inc. For more information, please call (718) 291-8788. Heron is located at 168-30 89th Ave., Jamaica.

What’s Up With You?

Send your community events to the PRESS for a free listing at 174-15 Horace Harding Expwy, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. All events will be considered for publication, without a fee.

Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 25

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

Send typed announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 174-15 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina.

IF YOUR ORGANIZATION MEETS ON A REGULAR BASIS, SEND ALL DATES FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR.

ALUMNI

PS118Q Saturday, August 28 PS118Q and St. Albans Communit y Reunion for those 5766. 949-0741.

BAYSIDE 90 September 25 at Arnos Ristorante. 800-655-7971.

NEW TOWN 85 September 25 Newtown HS at Astoria Manor.

Marialoves2write@yahoo.com MATER CHRISTI 65, 70, 75, 80 Saturday, Oc tober 2 at St. John’s Prep, formerly Mater Christi. 721-7200, ext. 686.

OUR LADY OF VICTORY Saturday, October 9 class of 1970 reunion.

Olv70reunion@aol.com CARDOZO 84-85 November 6 at the Marriott in Melville. 800-655-7971.

CARDOZO 90 November 13 at the Marriott in Melville. 800655-7971.

Page 26 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2010

EXHIBIT QUEENS HISTORICAL Tu e s d ay s , S a t u r d ay s a n d Sundays 2:30-4:30 new exhibit “For Love of the Games: A History of Sports in Queens,” with other exhibits, “Unraveling History: Using Textiles to Date the Past,” “Kingsland: From Homestead to House Museum,” “Persistence: A Celebration of Landmarks in Queens – Past, Present, Future,” and “The Civil War’s La sting Memory.” Queens H i s to r i c a l Societ y at Kingsland Homestead, 1443 5 3 7 th a v e n u e , F l u s h i n g .

939-0647, ext. 17. $2 seniors and students, $3 adults.

NOGUCHI REINSTALLED Through Oc tober 24, 2010 the Noguchi Museum has completed a major renovation project. Wednesdays through Fridays 10-5, weekends 11-6. $10, students and seniors $5. 32-37 Vernon Blvd., LIC. www.noguchi.org.

BAYSIDE HISTORICAL “The Castle,” “Native Bayside/Native Voice,” “If The Hat Fits,” “The Women of Bayside” and “Bayside Life” On the Edge of Modernity” are on display at the Bayside Historical Societ y, 352-1548. Tuesday-Sunday 11-4. $3 donation.

HEALTH NARCOTICS ANON 7 days a week. 932-6244. www.westernqueensna.org.

FREE FITNESS Saturday, August 28 Karate 9:15-11:00. Idlewild Cricket Field in Idlewild Park Preserve, 223 rd Street and 148 th Avenue, Springfield Gardens. 866-4255.

HEALTH & LIFEST YLES Monday, August 30 at 6 at the Woodhaven library.

RECOVERY INC. Monday, August 30 anxiet y, fear, obsessions, temper, stress, depression – finding a way to cope is here. 3:30 at the Forest Hills library.

MEDITATION Monday, August 30 at 6 Meditation: A Spiritual Solution to Stress, Anger and Conflict at the Flushing library.

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

670-1695. $5 a class.

MS SELF-HELP Tuesday, August 24 Multiple Sclerosis Self-help group to share a common life experience for support, education and mutual aid 12:30 at the Howard Beach library.

YOGA DANCE Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1948. $10 class.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT E ve r y Tu e s d a y We st e r n Queens Caregiver Network in Sunnyside. 784-6173, ext. 431.

BLOOD DRIVE Thursday, August 26 from 2-8 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000, ext. 200.

OA Thursdays at the Howard Beach library at 10:30.

MEMORY LOSS Fridays Couples with one partner experiencing memory loss meet at the Samuel Field Y. 225-6750, ext. 236.

OA Fridays 6:30-8:30 at Unit y Center of Flushing, 42-11 1 5 5 th S t r e e t . S a t u r d a y s 10:30-noon at Resurrection Ascension, Feely Hall, 85-18 61 st Road, Rego Park. Beginners meeting except the last Friday of each month, which is a writing meeting.

CO-DEPENDENTS ANON. Fridays 10-11:45 at Resurrection Ascension Pastoral C e n t e r , 8 5 - 1 8 6 1 st R o a d , Rego Park. Women only.

REDUCE STRESS Saturday, September 4 at the Poppenhusen Institute.

358-0067.

CANCER SUPPORT Monday, September 6 Franklin Hospital’s Cancer Support Group meets at 2 in the Greenberg Conference Room. 516-256-6478.

PARKINSON Monday, September 6 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills from 3-5. 440-4200.

SHARP Saturdays, September 18, Oc tober 16 Selfhelp Alzheimers Resource Pro-

gram (SHARP). 631-1886.

OCA Saturdays 10:30-noon Obsessive Compulsive Anonymous meets at Resurrection Ascension Church, Feely Hall, 85-15 61 st Road, Rego Park.

CO-DEPENDENCE ANON. Saturdays the Bellerose chapter of Co-Dependence Anonymous, a fellowship of men and women seeking healthy relationships with themselves and others, meet at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 6 Commonwealth Avenue. Beginners 9:15, Open 10:30. 229-2113.

ALZHEIMERS Saturdays from 12-1:30 caregivers, friends and relatives of those with Alzheimer’s Disease meet at the Sunnyside Communit y Services. 784-6173, ext. 137.

SCHIZOPHRENICS Sundays from 10-11 Schizophrenics Anonymous self-help support group meets at LI Consultation in Rego Park. 896-3400. SOS (Significant Others of Schizophrenics) also meets.

SMART RECOVERY Sundays from 11:30-1:00 LI Consultation Center in Rego Park. Free self help group based on cognitive behavioral concepts dedicated to assisting individuals in overcoming all types of addictive behavior problems. 212-6311198 or check the web at www.smartrecovery.org AL-ANON Sundays 7-8:15 pm at Sacred Heart School, 216 th Street and 38 t h Avenue. Tuesday s at 8:30 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 82 nd Street and 3 4 th Avenue, Jackson Heights. 2 nd floor of the Parish House. 335-7379.

AA Sundays from 6-7:30 Total Freedom AA Group meets at Pride Communit y Center in Corona. GAY-2300 for info.

PARTNER ABUSE Sundays for women who experience all t ypes of abuse.

225-6750, ext. 248.

EPILEPSY Sundays Epilepsy support group meets in Queens. 212633-2930.

QI GONG Sundays 4-5 free Qi Gong classes at the Zen & Kung Fu Association’s Healing Center in Corona. 651-3752.

TAI CHI Mondays 3-4 and advanced 4-4:20 at St. John’s Hospital.

558-1198 to register.

GLAUCOMA Mondays from 9-12 and Thursdays from 9-2 free glaucoma screenings at Flushing Hospital. 670-5719 ALZHEIMERS Mondays to Fridays from 102 the Samuel Field YM-YWHA in Little Neck offers a day care and family respite program. 225-6750, ext. 221.

TAI CHI CLASS Mondays and Wednesdays the NY Hospital Queens Cardiac Center offers tai chi on Monday at 11 and 6:30 on Wednesday at 174-03 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows. $5 per person. 670-1695.

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS DEFENSIVE DRIVING Saturday, August 28 9-3:30 at St. Mel’s Church in Flushing. $45. 631-360-9720.

JOB INFO CENTER Saturday, August 28 at 10 at the Central library.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS Saturday, August 28 knit Christmas gifts at the South O z o n e Pa r k l i b ra r y. B r i n g knitting needles at 2:30.

EBRU Saturday, August 28 come and explore the beautiful Turkish tradition of Ebru (paper marbling) at the Sunnyside library. Register.

CITIZENSHIP Saturday, August 28 free Citizenship Application Assistance from 11-3 at Queens College. 445-0004 to register.

CAPOEIRA Saturdays through September 4 Brazilian martial arts from 12-1:30 at Socrates Sculpture Park. 956-1819.

YOGA Saturdays through September 4 Yoga at Socrates Sculpture Park from 9:30-10:30 or 11-12. 956-1819.

PILATES Saturdays through September 4 Pilates at Socrates Sculpture Park from 10-11.

956-1819.

SCRABBLE CLUB Saturdays at 10 at Count Basie Jr. HS, 132 nd Street and Guy R. Brewer Blvd. 8865236.

KNIT AND CROCHET Saturdays at the Seaside library at 2:30.

PET OWNERS Sundays (not on holidays) from 1-4 free workshops on pet behavior at Crocheron Park in Bayside (weather permitting). 454-5800.

KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at 4 at the Douglaston/Little Neck library, 249-01 Northern Blvd.

INSTRUCTION & DANCE Mondays and Fridays 7:158:00 dance lessons, dance from 8-11. Italian Charities of America, 83-20 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst. $10.

ADULT CHESS Mondays at 6 at the Queens Village library.

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

ZUMBA Mondays, August 30 Latin Dance Fitness Program at the Queensboro Hill library. Register.

COMPUTER CLASS Monday, August 30 at the Lefferts library at 10:30.

JOB INFO SERVICES Monday, August 30 at the Middle Village librar y. Register.

FABRIC BEADED Monday, August 30 Fabric Beaded Jewelry workshop for adults at 6:30 at the Rosedale librar y.

GET YOUR YARNS OUT! Tuesdays after evening Minyan at 8, knitters, crocheters, needlepointers, and others meet at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000, ext. 200.

ADULT SCRABBLE Tuesday, August 31 at the Fresh Meadows library at 1.

OPEN BRIDGE Tuesdays at 8 at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. Call 2637000 for fees.

SUMMER SCRABBLE Tuesday, August 31 at the East Flushing library at 3:30.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE Wednesdays 10:30-3:00 at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills. $12 session, includes light lunch. 261-2900.

WATERCOLOR CL ASS Wednesdays at 9:30 at NAL. Traditional and contemporary, all levels. 969-1128.

INDOOR SOCCER – DADS Wednesday evenings at the Forest Hills Jewish Center.

263-7000.

ZUMBA Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings at the Bay Terrace Jewish Center.

281-0912.

BASIC COMPUTER Wednesday, September 1 at 10:30 at the Woodside library.

SCRABBLE/CHESS Thursdays at 4 at the Windsor Park library, 79-50 Bell Blvd., Bayside.

QUILTING CLASSES Thursdays 10-2 at the Maria Rose Doll Museum in St. Albans. 917-817-8653 to register.

KNIT/CROCHET Thursdays at 6 and Fridays at 10:30 at the Fresh Meadows library.

QUILTERS Thursdays at 1:30 at the East Elmhurst library.

OPEN BRIDGE Thursdays from 8-10pm at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. $12 per player. 2756615 to register.

WOMEN & WORK Thursday, September 2 Women and Work at Queens College trains women. Call 997-4899.

MICROSOFT WORD Friday, September 3 at the Flushing library. Register.

COMPUTER COURSE Friday, September 3 at the Ozone Park library. Register.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, September 4, 18 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital.

457-8390.

ENTERTAINMENT SINATRA… Saturday, August 28 tribute to the music of Sinatra, Manilow, Sedaka and others at 2:30 at the Bayside library.

Z02 Saturday, August 28 melding the funk and swagger of the 70s with modern arrangements, Zo2 infuses the rock world at 2 at the Flushing librar y.

KOREAN MID-SUMMER Saturday, August 28 Korean Mid-Summer Days and Dance Festival at 6:30 at the Flushing library.

BLOCK PARTIES Saturday, August 28 119 th Avenue Block Part y starts at 2 at 199 th Avenue between Merrick Blvd. and Ring Place. 311. Also, the 80 th Street Block Party starts at 8 between 149 th Avenue and 151 st Avenue. 311.

BACK TO SCHOOL FEST Sunday, August 29 Back to School Festival at 10 at 39 th A v e n u e b e t w e e n 1 0 3 rd Street and 104th Street. 311.

POPPENHUSEN CONCERTS Sunday, August 29 Bill Popp and the Tapes perform original tunes, British hits and soft rock songs. Poppenhusen Institute, 114094 14 th Road, College Point at 4.

AMER. SONGBOOK Tuesday, August 31 Arnie Gruber and the Great American Songbook: Porter, Kern and Gershwin at 1:30 at the Bay Terrace library.

BINGO Tuesdays at 7:15 at American Mart yrs Church, church basement, 216-01 Union Tu r n p i k e , B a y s i d e . 4 6 4 4 5 8 2 . Tu e s d a y s a t 7 : 1 5 (doors open 6) at the Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd. 459-1000.$3 admission includes 12 games.

MOVIE SERIES Fridays in the summer enjoy a BBQ cookout and feature film in the schoolyard of St.

Joseph in Astoria. 278-1611 more information.

GREENPOINT AVE. FEST Saturday, September 4 starting at 11 at Greenpoint Avenue between 44 th a n d 48 th Streets. 311.

30TH AVENUE FEST Monday, September 6 starting at 11 at 30 th Avenue between 41 st and 29 th Streets.

311.

MISCELLANEOUS ADOPTION Tuesday, August 31 Family Focus Adoption Services discusses adopting children and teens in Little Neck. 2241919.

EDUCATORS Wednesday, September 1 Educator’s Open House at 4 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows. Introduction to the store, refreshments, prizes, discounts, more.

FLEA MARKETS OUTDOOR FLEA Saturdays and Sundays until November 28 St. Nicholas of Tolentine from 9-5 at the intersection of Parsons Blvd. and Union Turnpike, Jamaica.

WEEKLY FLEA Sundays 9-4 at Our Lady of the Angelus Church, school field, 98-05 63 rd Drive, Rego Park.

FLEA MARKETS Saturday, August 28 from 9-4 in the school yard at P S 6 9 , 7 7 - 0 2 3 7 th A v e n u e , Jackson Heights. Use 78 th Street entrance.

SIDEWALK TALK Friday, September 3 Sidewalk Sale starts at 8 at Myrtle Avenue between Wyckoff Avenue and Fresh Pond Road. 311.

Queens Today YOUTH

MEETINGS BELLA ITALIA MIA Saturday, August 28 Bella Italia Mia meets from 125:30. $5 members, $7 others. Christ the King HS, 6802 Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village in the CNL Paolucci International Building. 426-1240.

POETS Saturday, August 28 Fresh Meadows Poets meet to discuss and critique their poetry at 10 at the Forest Hills library.

FRESH MEADOW CAMERA Tuesdays the Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets.

917-612-3463.

ADVANCED WRITERS Tuesdays at 6:30 at the Terrace Diner at Bay Terrace Shopping Center and also t h e l a s t Tu e s d ay o f t h e month in the Communit y Room in Panera Bread at Bay Terrace Shopping.

BEREAVEMENT Starting Tuesday, August 31 a bereavement group will be held on Tuesdays at 11 at Temple Beth Sholom in Flushing. 461-4318.

TOASTMASTERS Wednesdays, September 1, 15 learn the art of public speaking at t he Voices of Rochdale Toastmasters Club in Jamaica. 978-0732.

KNIGHTS OF PY THIAS Wednesdays, September 1, 15, O c to b e r 6, 20 Queensview Lodge 433

RELIGIOUS

FM CAMERA Tuesdays at 7:45 the Fresh Meadows Camera Club meets. 917-363-6720.

QUEENS PRIDE Wednesdays Spanish and English Club (conversational level). Thursdays Movie Night. Fridays Café Social.

Saturday Art Club. Queens Pride House. 429-5309 information.

BARBERSHOP Wednesdays a t 8 t h e J a maica Chapter of the Societ y for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America meets in Mahoney Hall in Flushing. 468-8416 or 381-8689.

CIVIL AIR PATROL Thursdays at 3 at August Martin HS, 156-10 Baisley Blvd., Jamaica. August Martin Cadet Squadron. 5256925 or 835-6862.

GOLD COAST ROTARY Fridays the Gold Coast Rotary Club meets from 8-9 am at the Nor th Shore Towers Restaurant, 272-48 Grand Central Parkway. 516-4663636.

CODA F r i d a y s 1 0 - 1 1 :3 0 . CO DA Women’s Group 12 step meeting for healthy relationships. Resurrection Ascension Pastoral Center, 85-18 61 st Road. Freely Hall on Dry Harbor Road.

PARENTS MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOICE Wednesday, September 1 the NYC Department of Education discusses options in Districts 25 and 28. 2 at the Bay Terrace library.

THEATER KILLING KOMPANY Saturday, Oc tober 2 “ The Oktoberfest Murders!” at Riccardo’s in Astoria. The Killing Company performs mystery dinner shows. 1-888SHOOT-EM for information

DINNER EMERALD SOCIETY Saturday, September 18 4 8 th A n n i v e r s a r y D i n n e r Dance at Riccardo’s by the Bridge in Astoria. 815-6697.

TALKS POMONOK BOOK Monday, August 30 “Midnight: A Gangster’s Love Story” will be discussed at 2 at the Pomonok library.

TEACHING PRESSURE Wednesday, September 1 “The Pressures of Teaching” will be discussed by author Maureen Robins at 4 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows.

FLUSHING Friday, September 3 “The Book Thief” will be discussed at 1 at the Flushing library.

QUEENS LIBRARIES Many branches of the Queensborough Library offer toddler and pre-school programs. Contact your local branch for dates.

ALLEY POND Alley Pond Environmental center in Douglaston presents Sunny Bunnies for those 3-4, Wee Sprouts for those 18-23 months, Toddler Time for those 24-35 months and Fledglings for those 3-4 September through December. Call 229-4000 for exact schedule.

SCIENCE LAB Saturday, August 28 at noon at the Central library.

For those 6-11.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

S TORY TIMES Saturdays at 11 and Tuesdays at 10:30 weekly story times at 7 at Barnes & Noble, 1 7 6 - 6 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i k e , Fresh Meadows.

TEEN TUTORING Saturday, August 28 at the Bayside library at 10.

FANCY NANCY PARTY Sunday, August 29 at Barnes & Noble in Fresh Meadows.

Register 380-7077.

TEENS ZO2 IN CONCERT Saturday, August 28 melding the funk and swagger of the 70s with modern arrangement, ZO2 performs at 2 at the Flushing library.

TEEN TUTORING Saturday, August 28 at the Bayside library at 10.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at the Douglaston/ Little Neck library at 4.

SAT PRACTICE Monday, August 30 SAT free practice test at the Bellerose library. 1-800-273-8439 register.

TEEN GAMING Monday, August 30 at 3 at the Fresh Meadows library.

BOARD GAMES Monday, August 30 at 2 at the Sunnyside library.

BOARD GAMES Tuesday, August 31 at 2 at the Sunnyside library.

CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library.

BOARD GAMES Wednesday, September 1 at 2 at the Sunnyside library.

GAME DAY Wednesday, September 1 at 4 at the Howard Beach library.

BOARD GAMES Thursday, September 2 at 2 at the Sunnyside library.

B’NAI B’RITH YOUTH Thursdays for high school s t u d e n t s a t Te m p l e B e t h S h o l o m , 1 7 2 nd S t r e e t a n d Northern Blvd., Flushing at 7:30.

BOARD GAMES Friday, September 3 at 2 at the Sunnyside library.

GAME PLAYERS Fridays at the Hillcrest library at 2.

KNIT & CROCHET Mondays at 4 at the Douglaston/Little Neck lib ra r y. B r i n g n e e d l e s a n d yarn.

FAMILY READING ROOM Mondays during the summer at t he Fore st Hills librar y.

Register.

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Monday, August 30 at the Glen Oaks library at 10:30.

MAKE A SPLASH Monday, August 30 for grades 1-3. Register Glen Oaks library.

BACK TO SCHOOL STORY Tuesday, August 31 at 10:30 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60

Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows.

39 CLUES Tuesday, August 31 The 39 Clues Summer Reading Part y at 7 at Barnes & Noble, 1 7 6 - 6 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i k e , Fresh Meadows.

SUMMER READING Tuesday, August 31 at the Hollis librar y. Register.

CHESS Wednesdays at the Queens Village library at 3:30.

FLASH FRIDAY Friday, September 3 for those up to grade 7 at the Ozone Park library at 3:30.

SENIORS CLEARVIEW Brain Fitness Activities now available. Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26th Avenue, Bayside. 224-7888 to register.

FREE LUNCH Saturdays, August 28, September 25, Oc tober 30 at Church of the Resurrection in Kew Gardens. 847-2649 reservations.

STAY WELL Mondays at 10 at the Central library. Tuesdays at 2 at the Flushing library and Wednesdays at 10 at the East Elmhurst library. Special exercises and relaxation techniques.

AARP 1405 Mondays, September 6, 20 Flushing AARP 1405 meets at the Bowne Street Communit y Church, 143-11 Roosevelt Avenue at 1.

AARP 3698 Wednesday, September 8 AARP 3698 meets at the Zion Episcopal Church, 24301 Northern Blvd., Douglaston at 1.

FREE LUNCH Saturdays, September 18 at All Saints Church in Richmond Hill. 849-2352 reservations.

CARING CALLS Caring Calls is a communit y supportive care program designed to provide services by seniors for CUNNINGHAM PARK Monday-Friday 9:30-4:30 sit, relax or socialize at the Cunningham Park Field House, 196-10 Union Turnpike. 740-1999.

GENTLE YOGA Mondays Gentle Yoga for Seniors at Fort Totten. 3521548.

MEN 80+ Mondays men over 80 are invited for a “For Men Only” discussion group from 2-3 at t h e S a m u e l F i e l d Y. 2 2 5 6750, ext. 250.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE Mondays 12-4 $9. Lunch, lesson and congenial play.

Partners arranged. Pride of Judea Communit y Services, 243-02 Northern Blvd., Douglaston. 423-6200.

BRIDGE Wednesdays bridge at the Re fo r m Te m p l e o f F o r e st Hills, 71-11 112 th Street from 11-3. $10. 261-2900.

YOGA CLASS Wednesdays at 10 $1.

Ridgewood Older Adult Center, 59-14 70 th Avenue, Ridgewood. 467-2000.

FREE ART CLASSES Thursdays free craft classes, general arts and crafts, at the Middle Village Adult Center.

Call 969-1128.

SOCIAL DANCING Thursdays 12-3 at the Sunnyside Senior Center, 39 th Street and Queens Blvd.

Singles and couples. DJ, wood dance floor, Latin and American dancing. Free.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE Lunch, lessons and congenial p l ay. Pa r t n e r s a r r a n g e d .

Pride of Judea Communit y Services. 423-6200 CERC Crafts, canasta, bridge, line dancing, shape-up, quilting, discussion group, movies, dancercise, current events, singles chat, shape-up, couples club, duplicate bridge, dancercise, recently retired group. Lunch at 11:30 ever y day. Reser vations 423-8174.CERC, 51-60 Marathon Parkway, Little Neck.

YOUNG ISRAEL Ta i c h i , c u l t u ra l J u d a i s m , Make Your Own Greeting Cards, relaxation, stress management exercise, low impact exercise, bingo, current events, movies and guest speakers. Young Israel of Forest Hills Senior League, 68-07 Burns Street.

520-2305.

ALLEN COMMUNITY Keyboard lessons, Spanish, crocheting and knitting, art lessons, computer classes for beginners and advanced, Allen Singers, Drama Club, Hair Care, Aerobic, Beginners Bridge, Advanced Bridge, Creative Design, storytelling and rap sessions.

Allen Communit y Senior Center, 166-01 Linden Blvd., Jamaica. 658-0980.

SUNNYSIDE Sunnyside Communit y Services Senior Center, 43-31 39 th Street. 784-6173. Exercise, ballroom dancing, tai chi, movies, bingo, birthday parties, Senior Companion and Friendly Visiting prog ra m , Te l e p h o n e Re a s s u r ance Program, food pantry, Spanish, art, dancersize, ESL/citizenship, table games, billiards, guest speake r s , At l a n t i c C i t y, S u n d ay Coffee Club and more.

Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 27

BAY TERRACE Friday, August 27 Candle lighting at 6:50. Saturday, August 28 evening service at 7. Bay Terrace Jewish Center, 1300 209 th Street.

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, August 29 Open House and Barbecue from 24 at the Flushing-Fresh Meadows Jewish Center, 193-10 Peck avenue. RSVP 3575100.

REFORM TEMPLE Wednesday, September 1 Open House from 6-8. Saturday, September 4 dramatic reading of the Book of Jonah followed by group discussions at 7:30. Thursday, September 9 Tashlich service on the first day of Rosh Hashanah at 3:15. Friday, September 10 Rabbi Perelmuter will lead a study session followed by a Shofar Service at 10:30. Sunday, September 12 Open House from 9-noon. Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112 th Street. 261-2900.

TEMPLE TIKVAH Saturday, September 4 S’lichot at 9. Thursday, September 9 Family Community Rosh Hashanah Services geared to grades preK-6. All welcome at 2. Youth Communit y Rosh Hashanah Service geared to grades 7-12.

All welcome at 3:45. Saturday, September 18 Family C o m m u n i t y Yo m K i p p u r Service. All welcome at 2.

Yizkor Service at 5:30.

Temple Tikvah, 3315 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park.

516-746-1120.

meets in Whitestone. 7464428.

BEREAVEMENT Wednesday, September 1, Tu e s d a y, S e p t e m b e r 2 1 , We d n e s d a y, O c to b e r 6 , Tuesday, Oc tober 19 Bereavement Support Group at Holy Family Catholic Church, 175-20 174 th Street, Fresh Meadows in the church basement. 969-2448.

FLUSHING CAMERA Wednesdays, September 1, 15, 29 Flushing Camera Club meets at Flushing Hospital. 441-6210.

CATHOLIC VETS Thursdays, September 2, O c to b e r 7 , N ove m b e r 4 , December 2 St. Margaret’s Post 1172 meets in Middle Village. 326-1135.

QUEENS CENTRAL ROTARY Thursdays 6:30-8:30 Come learn if Rotary is for you.

465-2914; me1nc@aol.com CIVIL AIR PATROL Fridays 6-10 at Vaughn College of Aeronautics, 86-01 23 rd Avenue, East Elmhurst.

Academy WOMAN’S GROUP Fridays the Woman’s Group of Jamaica Estates meets at noon. Call 461-3193 for information.

SIBLING BEREAVEMENT Monday, September 6 St. Adalbert’s bereavement group for the loss of a sibling in Elmhurst. 429-2005.

HAM RADIO CLUB Tuesday, September 7 the Emergency Communications Service meets in Briarwood.

357-6851.

TALK OF THE TOWN Tuesdays, September 7, 21 learn the art of public speaking in St. Albans. 527-5889.

AMERICAN LEGION Tuesdays, September 7, 21 Edward McKee Post 131 meets in Whitestone. 7674323.

PARENTS BEREAVEMENT Thursday, September 9 St. Adalbert’s bereavement group for the loss of a parent in Elmhurst. 429-2005.

QUEENS TOASTMASTERS Mondays, September 13, 27 Queens Toastmasters Club meets. 525-6830.

FH VAC Wednesdays, September 22, Oc tober 27 Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corp meets. 793-2055.

BEREAVEMENT Thursdays, September 30, Oc tober 28 St. Adalbert’s Bethany General Bereavement group meets in Elmhurst. 429-2005.

DEBTORS ANON. Saturdays at 11:30 and Mondays at 7:30 Debtors Anonymous meets at Our Lady of Mercy, school auditorium in Forest Hills. 212969-8111.

CIVIL AIR PATROL Saturdays Art & Business High School Cadet Squadron at 8 a.m. at the school, 10525 Horace Harding Expressway, Corona. ssgdmp@yahoo.com CIVIL AIR PATROL Mondays Falcon Senior Squadron at 7 at JFK Airport, Federal Express, Building 260, Jamaica. Falcon Senior Squadron. 781-2359.

Latoya Myers Home: Richmond Hill Age: 25 Height: 5' 8'’ Weight: 125 lbs Stats: 34-26-36

From the time she was a child, Latoya Myers has wanted to be a model.

“Modeling has been a passion for me for a very long time,” she said. “When I was young, people used to say I should be a model.”

But her education was her first priority.

Once she graduated from college, she was given the chance.

“I was with a friend in the East Village one day and someone saw me and said I should be a model,” Latoya explained. She accepted the challenge to model, network and meet people.

Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Latoya’s first home in the United States was in Brooklyn.

She went to Delaware State and got her degree in social work and eventually settled in her current neighborhood of Richmond Hill.

She works for a local private company in social services.

As for modeling, Latoya does a few gigs here and there, fashion shows and video trailers.

“It’s sort of like a hobby right now,” she explains, “Not everything I do is a paying gig.”

In her spare time, Latoya enjoys going out to eat with friends or spending a quiet day a home reading, especially informational books, and watching movies that make her laugh.

Joan On Madge She is one year older and yet she still has a hot boy toy nearly 30 years her junior, a banging body that rivals her younger self when she was touched for the very first time.

The Material Girl, a former Corona resident, turned 52, on Aug. 16.

In honor of Madonna’s birthday Joan Rivers, comedienne, tweeted jokingly that she forget to teach the pop superstar a new game, “Pin the tale on the coroner.”

The 77-year-old plastic surgery queen should be well-versed in the rules of the game as she keeps trying to cheat maturity.

Models Of Queens NYPhotos By Nick

Shoplifting

Dishing With Mark

Mark Weprin may talk the talk about helping the needy as a Councilman, but he recently walked the walk, helping dish out dinner to the hungry at the Orenstein-MetCouncil-MASBIA Community Kitchen on Queens Boulevard. Is he planning to challenge Bobby Flay next?

Got sticky fingers? Well keep your thieving self out of Flushing’s mom and pop shops.

According to the Daily News, a number of Chinese small business owners have taken to publicly shaming shoplifters they catch red handed.

The owners reportedly reprimand the thieves, take their ID cards and demand a $400 payout as a means to make amends. If the thieves refuse, the shop owners snap a picture and post it up on their shop’s entrance.

It is coming from a culture that parades suspected prostitutes in handcuffs around public squares.

Queens Rap Feud Queens rapper Ja Rule has a full plate, juggling an attempted comeback while fueling a continuing beef with Queens’ own 50 Cent. Still, the former Murda Ink recording artist from Jamaica won’t let his resurgence be affected.

Ja claims Fiddy’s attempt to damage his credibility resulted in a loss of fans, but said he “was a much bigger selling artist than just platinum.” One of Ja Rule’s recent Twitter posts announced, “Rise and grind there’s money to be made!!! Oh yeah HATE is for SUCKAS lol…”

Fiddy probably does not have

much time to respond. He’s too focused on his budding film career, with a role in Joel Schumacer’s “Twelve.” He portrays – surprise surprise – a high-rolling drug dealer. We’re pretty sure he’ll have to work extra hard to play that role.

Confidentially, New York . . .

Page 30 PRESS of Southeast Queens Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2010

Inmate Cake Would you be willing to commit a crime for a good piece of carrot cake? Well, that can be arranged.

The New York Times City Room blog investigated what is being described as one of the best carrot cakes in the city: the one made in the bakery at Rikers Island for inmates.

The cake, legendary on the island, is only served to inmates and workers during holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, but it was served last week at the beginning of the Muslim holiday of Ramadan. The inmates bake roughly 2,500 loaves of carrot cake a year, in 25-loaf batches, which require 25 pounds each of sugar, already whipped eggs and shredded carrots, but no files or dynamite. Each loaf serves 20 people and weighs nine and a half pounds.

City Room has the entire recipe if you’re interested in baking some Cell Block Carrot Cake for your jail-themed Halloween …or bachelorette party.

Weinerboy Check out this little Weiner.

It looks like we were a few decades late on a potential Model of Queens, as the dashing whippersnapper seen above is now U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner.

The photo is the Queens Rep’s Twitter profile picture. The tweeting newbie had a hard time verifying it was indeed him to the microblogging site. We’re guessing the anachronistic pic is an attempt to prove he’s the real deal.

Regardless, we’re totally feeling the old-school 1970s Jewfro, Congressman. Bring it back – along with the public option. Please?

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MetroPCS Authorized Dealers Elmhurst 76-09 Broadway (@ 76th St.) 718-779-2235

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Far Rockaway 32-21 Beach Channel Dr. (@ Beach 32nd St.) 718-864-2029

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Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 31

Astoria 30-27 Steinway St. (@ 30th Ave.) 718-887-8042