Queens Press Epaper

Volume 11 Issue No. 37 Sept. 17 - 23, 2010

PAGE 26

VICTORY!

State Sen. Shirley Huntley celebrated her win in Tuesday’s Democratic primary against challenger Lynn Nunes, who has since accepted a nomination to run in the Nov.2 special election to replace Councilman Tom White.

By Sasha Austrie…Page 3

Online at www.QueensPress.com

News Briefs Mailbox Kaboom The normally quiet neighborhood of Jamaica Estates experienced some unusual activity in the early morning hours of Sept. 2 - a 2 a.m. explosion inside a U.S. Post Office collection box at Tudor Road and Tryon Place.

Responding were the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the City Fire Department, the NYPD and the Postal Inspections Service.

The incident does not appear to be related to terrorism or a mail bomb, said Glen McKechnie, a spokesman for the PSI. "They believe right now it's most likely fireworks," he said. "At this point, it's an ongoing investigation, and we don't believe it's related to any improvised explosives or anything else."

The box itself was not blown apart, he said.

"They are big, they are most likely cemented or riveted into the ground," he said. "It was more of those rivets coming apart as opposed to the actual destroying of the box."

This type of destruction is more common in rural areas of Suffolk County, and usually involves residential mailboxes rather than collection boxes.

"Anytime an improvised explosive device is put in a collection box, or any metal surface, it is a significant risk," McKechnie said. "The mailbox was big enough to absorb the damage, and the mailbox was blown off its ridges, but it was not spraying shrapnel around."

Anyone convicted of setting off this explosion can face up to three years in federal prison. McKechnie reassured that residents should not be afraid because this type of incident is very rare.

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 17-23, 2010

Excessive Dumping The residents of Glenridge Mews, an upscale development on 71st Avenue between Cypress Hills Street and Fresh Pond Road in Glendale, have had all they can take of the garbage that has been piling up under and around the adjacent railroad tracks.

For years, people have been discarding trash along Cypress Hills Street under the LIRR Bay Ridge line owned by Florida-based CSX Transportation, a cargo rail company. The problem also exists along Central Avenue and Otto Road on the east side of the tracks and along Shaler Avenue on the west side.

Ken Daniels, president of the Glenridge Mews Condominium Association, said the garbage problem has existed since he moved in nearly 20 years ago.

"It's disgusting," he said. "They leave bags of garbage with chicken heads and rotting fish; it smells, especially in the summer."

The Cypress Hills Street stretch is often traveled by residents of Glenridge Mews to access Myrtle Avenue and the Stop and Shop nearby. Daniels said Glendale residents walking to the Fresh Pond Road "M" train stop also walk by the trash heap and in the winter, the sidewalks along the street under the elevated train are not shoveled, forcing people to walk in the middle of Cypress Hills Street.

Daniels said he often contacts Community Board 5, which has its main office

on Myrtle Avenue only a few feet from the tracks, and they get Sanitation crews to clean up the area, but only when the community board asks.

Jamaica Avenue Hit/Run A man was killed recently in a hit and run accident at Jamaica Avenue and 85th Street in Woodhaven, and local residents say it is the just latest in a series of safety issues they attribute to lack of adequate lighting and security cameras along the stretch.

The accident happened on the morning of Sunday, Sept. 5, at the intersection. The victim, a 45 year-old man, was transported to Jamaica Hospital where he later died. Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association, said the accident underscores the need for security cameras and better lighting along the stretch of Jamaica Avenue that is the pride of the neighborhood of Woodhaven.

"If you drive down Jamaica Avenue at night, it's hard to see," Wendell said. "Especially under the 'J' station."

The hit and run occurred under the east mezzanine of the Forest Parkway "J" train station. The lampposts on Jamaica Avenue mostly face the sidewalk, leaving the street fairly dark at night, which could have contributed to the hit and run fatality. The man was hit by a dark colored SUV, which may have been nearly invisible in the darkness on Jamaica Avenue.

Lighting and security is bound to become more of an issue as winter approaches and the nightfall comes earlier, Wendell said.

"We have real good ideas and some security money left over from [former Assemblyman] Anthony Seminerio to work with," he said. "What we want is an expanded system so even if we started off with five or six cameras, we can add more to the system."

Restaurant Week On Tuesday, the Queens Economic Development Corp and Borough President Helen Marshall coordinated a tasty delight at Queens Borough Hall Plaza, where more than a dozen borough restaurants served up some of their signature dishes to launch Queens Restaurant Week.

QEDC Director of Marketing and Tourism Michelle Stoddart joined Mr. Met, Councilman Dan Halloran (RWhitestone) and Marshall to announce that more than 100 Queens eateries have agreed to offer special prices during the campaign, which runs Monday through Thursday Sept. 20 to 30.

Each participating restaurant has agreed to offer $25 prix fixe meals that include a choice of appetizers, entrees and desserts. Gratuity, taxes and drinks are not included.

This year there is even something included for the kids. Select restaurants are offering a Kids Eat Free special accompanied by the purchase of one Discover Queens Restaurant Week adult meal. The full list of participating restaurants can be found at discoverqueens.info. Discover Queens Restaurant Week is supported by TD Bank, JetBlue Airlines, Whole Foods, Restaurant Depot, Queens Mama's and the Borough of Queens.

Presstime

In Defeat, Nunes Finds A New Goal

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

With the polls closed Tuesday, a slow stream of volunteers trickled in. They joined those who camped out in the front room, eyes trained to the flat screen television before them. A little before 10 p.m., with 1 percent of precincts reporting, Lynn Nunes had taken 59 percent of the vote to State Sen. Shirley Huntley’s (D-Jamaica) 41 percent.

Though exuberance was tempered, there was a feeling of maybe, hopefully, Nunes would become the next senator of the 10 Senatorial District.

“So far, so good,” a volunteer remarked.

The mood started to slip. With 2 percent of precincts reporting, Nunes’ lead narrowed to 8 percent. Cautious optimism clung to the room’s occupants. With 4 percent in, Huntley took the lead; 61 percent of the vote was hers. It never went back Nunes’ way.

Bruce Friedman, a Nunes volunteer, tried to allay everyone’s fears, but the tide had turned. Before 11 p.m. though, officially only 5 percent of precincts had

results reported on TV, Huntley declared victory; she would continue her role in Albany.

Romeo Hitlall, a volunteer that logged more than 100 hours on Nunes’ campaign trail, said Huntley did not even let the process play out.

“This is how she works,” he said. “She doesn’t like to listen to anyone.”

Carolina Soto was disappointed, but not defeated.

“There will always be another opportunity,” she said.

Nunes, in the basement of his campaign office, was preparing remarks for those who crisscrossed Southeast Queens with his placards. It was a thank you steeped in sadness and grit.

“We fought a fight that needed to be fought,” Nunes said to his supporters. “We ran a race on the issues.”

In mid speech he stopped. All eyes focused squarely on Nunes. The room stood still in total silence. Moments later, his voice broke the silence.

“Just because we didn’t win doesn’t mean the road ends here,” he said.

With DiNapoli’s OK, VLT Deal Is Official

BY DOMENICK RAFTER

In a closed room, Nunes consoled some of his most fervent supporters.

Charles Harris said the loss would build character.

“It hurts,” he said. “It hurts just like last time. We are going to remember this.”

Harris referenced Nunes’ loss to White last year.

On Monday, Elaine Nunes, the candidate’s sister, declined her independent party’s nomination for the Nov. 2 ballot. Late Wednesday, Nunes accepted that party’s line on the ballot and threw his hat into the race for White’s Council seat.

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

Filings Submitted For 28th Council Seat

BY DOMENICK RAFTER Eleven candidates have filed petitions with the Board of Elections for the Nov. 2 special election to fill the seat vacated after Tom White Jr.’s death last month.

Former candidate Ruben Wills, who has been endorsed by Assemblywoman Vivian Cook (D-South Jamaica) and Nicole Paultre Bell, widow of Sean Bell who has the backing of U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica) both filed. They are joined by Hettie Powell, attorney Al Baldeo, former Councilman Allan Jennings, Harpreet Singh Toor, Charles Bilal, Victor Babb, Martha Taylor Butler, chief of staff to Assemblywoman Michele Titus (D-South Ozone Park), and Joseph R. Marthone.

Lynn Nunes, who nearly won the seat in 2009 and lost a Democratic primary against State Sen. Shirley Huntley (DJamaica) on Tuesday, is also listed with

the Board of Elections as a candidate.

Nunes’ sister Elaine, who filed for matching funds with the Campaign Finance Board and petitioned for the ballot, was not on the list obtained from the Board of Elections office on Thursday.

The BOE could not confirm but other sources said she declined nomination, thus allowing her brother to step in, which he did Wednesday.

The list may not be the final roll of candidates for the elections. Objections to petitions were filed this week up to Thursday night and could take another few weeks to settle out, according to the BOE. Specifications on objections must be filed by Sept. 22.

The winner will serve until a primary and general election is held for the remaining two years of White’s term next year.

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 125.

For Seniors:

Senate President Malcolm Smith was joined by Assemblywoman Barbara Clark at the eighth Annual Senior Appreciation Week luncheon at Antun’s Catering Hall.

Sept. 17-23, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Genting’s bid to manage the video lottery terminals at Aqueduct Racetrack cleared its final hurdle Monday, nearly six weeks after the Division of the Lottery gave the bid its seal of approval.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli signed off on the contract Monday morning and returned it to Lottery, making it effective immediately.

“After nearly a decade of false starts and broken promises, the VLT contract is done,” DiNapoli said on With State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s approval, work on Monday. the Aqueduct Racino is set to begin.

K.T. Lim, chairman of Genting Malaysia Berhad, said the company would ready to begin vendor contracts New York has ever construction. signed,” he said. “The VLT contract in“Genting Malaysia Berhad is honored volves hundreds of millions of dollars. It’s to have earned final approval to begin a 30-year license that carries the future of building a new facility at Aqueduct. We are New York’s racing industry on its back. My eager to immediately begin investing, cre- office did this right and we did it expediating jobs, sparking economic activity and tiously without sacrificing thoroughness. bringing New York a one-of-a-kind iconic, We took every step to ensure the taxpayers are safeguarded in this contract. It’s New entertainment destination,” said Lim. The bid, which was approved by Lot- Yorkers’ money; it’s my job to protect it.”

With the contract’s final approval, the tery on Aug. 3, got the OK from Gov. David Paterson, state legislative leaders state should now receive the $380 million and Attorney General Andrew Cuomo down payment Genting had promised to last month. It was awaiting approval from pay in its bid, and construction is expected DiNapoli, who has been accused of drag- to begin on the site with the VLTs exging his feet on the contract. DiNapoli pected to be operational in Spring, 2011.

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at patently rejected the idea that his office drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357took too long to approve the deal.

“This is one of the most important 7400, Ext. 125.

Friedman gave his support for a possible Nunes candidacy for the 28th Council District. Tom White Jr. died last month, and Nunes was one of many who have ratcheted up an operation to enter that race in special election timed with the Nov. 2 general election.

“I don’t think you should be ending your campaign for anything now,” Friedman said. “I really think you should not give up. You are a rising star and I don’t care that tonight you didn’t make it.”

He continued, “If we eliminate some people, this is a race you can win. We still believe in you and we still know you are a good candidate.” There are 11 people vying for the seat.

Parents Defy Rule To Raise Children

BY JESSICA ABLAMSKY

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 17-23, 2010

Sujit Dhakal has tried to protect his son from the consequences of the sin that began his child’s life, one that Dhakal no longer believes is wrong.

To Sujit Dhakal’s father, the sin was unforgivable, earning the young man the enmity of his entire close-knit clan. Eventually, it cost him everything.

A small, bespectacled man, Dhakal’s words come quickly. His mind moves quicker.

Nearly half a world from Nepal, where he was raised, he and his wife Ranu share a small Elmhurst apartment with their 8month-old daughter Samriddhi, and 7year-old son Samarpan.

Samarpan means sacrifice, Dhakal explained. The name is a constant reminder to the couple that their sacrifices made his life possible.

“He is the symbol of our love,” Dhakal said.

One of the world’s oldest religions, Hinduism’s ancient caste-based prejudices thrive in Nepal’s largely orthodox society.

Dhakal and Ranu’s story is perhaps the world’s oldest, the stuff that fairy tales are made of.

The first-born son from an elite caste, Dhakal was expected to marry a fellow Brahmin. Instead, he fell in love with a woman from the lower Newar caste. Although Ranu was not untouchable, she was an unacceptable choice for marriage.

The two met on the job. The deputy editor of a newspaper, Dhakal was assigned to oversee intern Ranu’s work.

Despite their different upbringings, they had values and views in common.

“She has a very good nature,” Dhakal said. “She is so calm. She always helps people. She has that kind of heart.”

When he proposed, it was to a woman he loved without ever having kissed.

“Once I tried, and she said, ‘No, you cannot until we are married,’” he said.

Ranu and Dhakal married in 2000 and fled to the U.S. six months later.

The couples’ experience is not unique.

The Nepali constitution may outlaw castebased oppression, but couples that dare to marry outside their caste face severe harassment, forced separation and social isolation.

Like Sarita Chaudhary and her husband Taulan Kohar. In April, a government minister forced them to separate because her husband was from a lower caste, according to a report from the International Dalit Solidarity Network.

Unlike untouchables, the lowest caste, Ranu can actually set food inside a temple where Brahmins pray, or engage in casual conversation. But an orthodox Brahmin will not touch any utensils or flatware that she has touched.

The mismatched marriage shocked the Dhakal family, but Dhakal was not a rebellious youth in thought or deed.

When he was growing up, Dhakal considered normal such treatment of their untouchable housekeepers. It was his intercaste romance that inspired a new way of thinking.

Ranu never wanted to come between in a boy’s life is a coming of age ritual Dhakal and his family, but he assured her, known as Bratabandha. A purification, it makes a boy a full participant in religious “I can give up my family for you.”

Although he hoped things would be life. Without it, he cannot take part in any religious ceremonies. different, after he proDhakal’s ceremony took posed, Ranu’s worst fears place at the holiest site in came true. “If you get marNepal, a shrine dedicated ried, you are dead to me,” to the goddess Sita, in the his father said after the region said to be her birthcouple’s two-year courtplace. This is what he ship. wanted for his son.

Despite his pleas, no one They planned to send from his family attended Samarpan to Nepal with their wedding. Not even his young nephews, whose in- Ranu and Sujit Dhakal with their Ranu’s father, where the boy would go through the clusion Dhakal begged for. son Samarpan. ceremony. When word He has since been disinherreached local orthodox reited.

“I knew when I got married that this ligious organizations, Samarpan’s life was would be the consequence,” he said. “I threatened, and the trip was quickly canchallenged him. I broke his tradition. I celled.

Instead, Samarpan will go through humiliated him in the eyes of society. I Bratabandha in the United States, where don’t need the property anyway.”

Discussing his wife, Dhakal proclaims he is safe.

The children might visit Nepal somerepeatedly that love has no boundaries.

Unfortunately, his family’s treatment of day, Dhakal said.

“I don’t want them to experience a his new wife presented an insurmountable obstacle. With his family, Ranu could not society that does not accept them,” he hold her head up high, something Dhakal said.

His mission now is to advocate for the could not tolerate.

“After we were married, there was not a end of caste-based oppression.

“I will be the advocate of intercaste,” condition that she could have stayed,” he said. “When it comes time to serve the food, Dhakal said. “There should be no barrier she is excluded; any ritual, religious thing.” [to love].”

Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at Now, it is their son who is suffering the consequences of their untraditional marriage. jablamsky@queenstribune.com or (718) 357In Hinduism, the most important event 7400, Ext. 124.

Anger Soaks Flooding Town Hall

BY SASHA AUSTRIE The water swirled up Edgewood Avenue. It rose quickly, pooling in June Brown's backyard. It inched toward her door and crept into her basement.

Brown said the water resembled Niagara Falls rushing down Edgewood Avenue in Springfield Gardens. She is still cleaning up after the Aug. 22 storm and has about $70,000 worth of damage.

At a town hall meeting hosted by Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton), Brown and other residents affected by the storm came to air their grievances to a bevy of city and state agencies.

Sanders and his constituents came armed with questions pertaining to storm sewer capacity and prevention.

Cas Holloway, Department of Environmental Protection commissioner, assured those in attendance that the storm sewers did not fail, but debris clogged catch basins preventing the water from emptying into the system.

There are 24 catch basins in Springfield Gardens, eight of which are seepage basins. Instead of collecting the storm sewers, seepage basins seep into the ground.

The storm dumped .88 inches of rain in 20 minute period, which was a two-year storm event that "picked up leaves and debris along the streets and clogged catch basin gratings limiting their effectiveness." The "two-year" storm is so called because it is the worst storm to be expected in a two-year period.

out in the future, Holloway said the Along with choked catch basins, DEP plans to modify or add new properties below street grade and catch basins, work with Sanitation to the possible removal of manhole better manage debris that may clog covers resulted in sewer backups, grates and prioritize Springfield Garflooded backyards and basements. dens in the Office of Emergency "I understand that this is a diffiManagement flood activation plan. cult and frustrating thing," Holloway He added that homeowners can said. "The infrastructure is there." also help to protect their property by Holloway said the debris colcalling 311 if they notice an oblected on the catch basin grate were structed grate, ensuring gutters are "localized debris that you'd walk draining into storm sewers, and inpast on any given day." The Departvesting in removable wooden barriers ment of Sanitation is responsible that would prevent water flowing off for cleaning the 144,000 catch baof streets or from higher elevations. sin grates in the city. A DOS repreAt the end of the meeting, Sandsentative said the streets in the The strewn appliances in June Brown's basement are the neighborhood were 95 percent result of flooding in late August, which was discussed by ers and many constituents had the same question as when they entered clean and the department was on a various city agencies at a recent town hall meeting. the meeting: how are we going to three-year cycle to clean all grates. ensure that this never happens again?

"There are 144,000 catch basins "I still have trouble with the idea that in the city and we cannot clean all of along with a water heater, boiler and home them," he said. "If we know there is a storm furnishings. Brown said her quality of life either our streets are overly filthy or [the the flash flood plan goes into action. We has deteriorated as she is still cleaning out storm sewers are poorly designed and not are proactive." her basement. She and her daughters have operating properly,]" Sanders said.

To the people who lost appliances such Brown and her neighbors did not ac- to wear masks because of the stench. cept the debris explanation.

"I just bought the house a year ago. as boilers and water heaters, Sanders said he will talk to Home Depot for donated "I had six feet of water I didn't have to Where am I going to go," she said. pump out," she said. "If it was debris, the John Graham, a representative from supplies and unions to provide discounted water would have stayed."

Comptroller John Liu's office, urged resi- service to fix the broken machines.

"The councilman is still very concerned She said the explanation feels as if the dents to file claims against the city within 90 city is absolving itself from responsibility. days of the flood. They have until Nov. 22. in ensuring that this doesn't happen "All they are doing is defending them"We are going to work closely with DEP again," said Donovan Richards, Sanders' selves," she said. to see if the city is liable," he said. Graham chief of staff. "He is still not very happy."

Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at Other than prevention, the concerns advised claimants to hold onto pictures surrounded reimbursement. Brown's and receipts for reimbursement purposes. saustrie@queenstribune.com, or (718) 357daughter's 2006 Hyundai was destroyed, To ensure the homes are not flooded 7400 Ext. 123.

SANABRIA & QUINTETO OKOBIO with special guest

NEA JAZZ MASTER, CANDIDO Saturday, September 25, 2010

â—?

7:00PM

YORK COLLEGE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Tickets available at the Box Office, 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd.

Call: 718-262-2840 or online at theatermania.com Major funding for this series provided by NYC Councilmembers Thomas White Jr. (28th-CD), Chair of Economic Development, and Leroy Comrie (27th-CD) Deputy Majority Leader New York City Council and Chair of Land Use Committee.

Sept. 17-23, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

$20.00 Adults / $10.00 Students & Seniors

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

Editorial Our Greatest Freedom Part one of the election cycle is now over. The ballot will soon be set for the Nov. 2 election, and yes, there are actually some races out there.

But if we don't vote, we all lose out, because then the victors are decided by a vocal minority rather than by the true nature of Democracy - one person, one vote.

The turnout for this Tuesday's primary election was abysmal, and without a major contest to draw people to the polls on Nov. 2, turnout may not look so good for the final contest in six weeks.

We are electing a governor, an attorney general, a state comptroller, both of our U.S. Senators, members of Congress, State Senators and Assemblymen all on one day. Short of Councilmen, that includes every legislative officer we have the opportunity to elect.

To turn our backs on the process at a time such as this would be a serious injustice and a slap in the face of the very democracy that offers us the right to cast our vote. We must not allow complacency or the perception that individual votes don't matter to keep us from our civic duty.

The last day to register to vote if you have not done so is Oct. 7.

Exercise your greatest freedom and vote on Nov. 2.

Letters the community, I will continue to work with our elected officials and alongside my fellow civic leaders to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.

Bob Friedrich President, Glen Oaks Village

of these people makes one question their level of intelligence. 9/ 11 is what it is, a day of respect and not disrespect.

Frederick R. Bedell Jr. Glen Oaks

A Safe Space

To The Editor: Did you hear about the recent short-lived candidacy of former New York State Conservative Party Executive Director and Republican/Conservative State Sen. Serf Maltese for Executive Director of the New York City Board of Elections? Six of 10 NYC Board of Elections commissioners (there is one Democrat and one Republican from each of the five boroughs usually sponsored by their respective county party organization) voted to select someone else, which may have been a blessing in disguise for Maltese.

By accepting this position, Maltese would have double dipped by also collecting Social Security and his handsome pension as a former State Senator, which would have robbed taxpayers. Double dipping by public employees is adding to public debt and depriving unemployed people of job opportunities. Mr. Maltese can continue serving constituents by volunteering his time with the League of Women Voters or other private non-profit civic associations.

Larry Penner Great Neck

To The Editor: I heartily support the construction of a mosque contiguous to Ground Zero solely on pragmatic grounds, since no Islamic terrorists in their right minds would blow up the Ground Zero site again, because then they would be blowing themselves up. I rest my case.

Joseph N. Manago, Briarwood

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

Letters You Asked For It To The Editor: I will be calling David Weprin today to congratulate him on his win in the Democratic Primary.

Although we were not victorious, I take comfort in knowing that we gave voters a choice in an election where usually there is none.

The results of the Primary elections citywide send a clear and resounding message that the status quo is acceptable. Although we have had five consecutive years of double-digit water rate increases, elimination of critical bus service, the imposition of a

sales tax on clothing starting Oct. 1 and crushing property taxes that have hit homeowners and co-ops hard, elected officials seem to be immune.

By re-electing all sitting incumbents, Democrat voters have sent a strong message that these representatives bear no responsibility for their actions. The message that resonates is that no one is held accountable for the actions of our state legislature. This disconnect between cause and effect seems particularly troublesome in New York.

As a fully engaged member of

Disrespect To The Editor: I was appalled after reading and watching on TV the vociferous demonstrations over the proposed mosque that took place at this year's anniversary of 9/ 11.This anniversary was supposed to be a day of remembrance, reflection and prayer for all the lives that were lost on that day of infamy. It is not a day to push forward an agenda either pro or con that could have been postponed a day out of respect for all those who lost their lives on that day nine years ago.

What could have these people been thinking? Maybe that the issue might lose steam and go away? I think not. The mentality

No Double Dip

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 Sept. 17-23, 2010

Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2010 Tribco, LLC

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

A Scion And A Pit Bull Will Fight This Fall A Personal Perspective

By MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE As primary elections go, this one started out as a bit of a yawn, but it ended with a jolt named Carl Paladino.

So many people were dismissing the gubernatorial candidate as “a nut” that he just sneaked in and took the Republican nomination from the clutches of onetime congressman Rick Lazio. In fact, he overwhelmed him.

Paladino, a multi-millionaire new to politics, will now battle it out with Andrew Cuomo in the general election to become the next governor of New York. It should make for great political theater – but wow.

Crown Prince Cuomo did not have a Democratic challenger for the nomination earlier this week.

He just marched into it with a seeming sense of entitlement. Like Charles of England, he has been waiting a long time to ascend the throne, in Cuomo’s case, the throne is the State of New York.

So sure was he that he’d win the nomination and cruise to victory in November, he did not even

show up, send an official rep or even pen a letter to be read at Tom White’s recent wake and funeral.

The death of an important political figure in our community did not register as a blip on the attorney general’s radar. As a resident and voter of this community, I am offended. But just when he thought he’d cruise to easy victory in November with Rick Lazio as the presumptive Republican challenger, it got interesting. Hurricane Carl caught him off guard.

He’ll now have to work for it.

Lazio underestimated Paladino and Cuomo does the same at his own peril. It is that kind of underestimation that led to our new president being named Obama, rather than Clinton.

But while this gubernatorial race promises to be an exhilarating one, let’s take a second look at Paladino, who is now being called “a Tea Party Candidate.”

The pit bull he drags around on a leash could be a metaphor for who Paladino is. He’s promising to take a bat to clean up Albany. And among his first order of business should he win is prom-

ising to eliminate state pensions for state legislators.

We know that there is a lot about Albany that does not work and they have taken a lickin’ for it in all sorts of media outlets. But trying to eliminate their pensions would be ludicrous.

But let’s not get too excited about that just yet. He can’t do it.

The governor does not have the authority to do that in a vacuum; and a Governor Paladino couldn’t just sign an executive order to do away with it. He’s just blowing hot air for votes. And that’s what most of his proposals are going to be.

There’s also the little matter of Paladino’s taste in forwarded email jokes. I’m not going to lie and say I’ve never forwarded an ethnic joke. I’ll cop to passing on “Jewish Grandma,” which did not seem offensive at the time. And ironically, I got it from a Jewish friend.

But this guy’s forwards are really racist and pornographic, according to reports. Chief among his faux pas, they say, are emails as well as videos on a neo-Nazi website, “Stormfront,” showing

African tribesmen under the title, “Obama Inauguration Rehearsal,” a picture of President Obama dressed like a pimp and Mrs. Obama dressed like a prostitute, a picture of a plane crashing into a group of Africans with the title “Run Niggers Run” and a video called “Proof The Irish Discovered Africa” that features monkeys dancing. And then there’s there are the pornographic videos said to be sent in emails, including one of a woman mating with a horse.

This guy scares me and no amount of explaining he will do in our churches will change my feeling of, “Let the buyer beware.”

Still, Cuomo did not even respect the diversity of the state’s population enough to pick a Black, Asian or Latino running mate.

Heck, he didn’t even try to create an upstate/downstate ticket.

Paladino may not be everyone’s flavor at the Tea Party, but at least he’s shaking things up a little bit for Andrew and that’s not a bad thing. If the political scion is going to inherit the Executive Mansion, then let it be hard-won.

Sept. 17-23, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

You Never Ask Questions When God’s On Your Side

By MICHAEL SCHENKLER Do you think your religion is better, holier, more just or more righteous than the other religions of the world?

Do you think following your religion makes you holier, safer, healthier, more at peace now, tomorrow or in some after life, than those who follow another religion or no religion at all?

Is your god (or is it God?) The God? The supreme deity only answerable to the name you call him or her? Or is he, or she, or whatever, a god by any other name?

Religion may be helping you personally. One’s faith often provides the motivation in difficulty

and the solace in bad times. But is religion really helping the world?

Nope, I’m not going to do the history thing. I’m not going to cite the Crusades, the Holocaust, the religious war the IRA fought with England or the 60-plus year war fought in the Middle East since one religion got a tiny corner of land surrounded by another religion.

There are more, plenty of others, and they are not my topic today.

As a matter of fact, I don’t really have a topic. I’m just tired of the Muslim bashing, the threatened Koran burning, the mosque moving, and the blaming of Islam for all that is wrong with the Western World.

Now, before you think I’m taking sides, I understand recent history. Today is 9-11. And no, I can’t forget either.

But do the fanatics represent the mainstream? Must the masses in downtrodden lands rise up against the fanatics in order to prove they are not extremists themselves?

Need Muslims here pray to Allah and then curse the acts of terror done in his name in order

to purify their religion in your eyes?

Do you really believe the religion is out to get you? Us? The written word of perhaps ever y religion has gone too far.

Perhaps times or values change or perhaps interpretations do.

I remember my son Lee’s Bar Mitzvah in 1992. Rabbi Donna Berman stopped Lee’s reading of the Torah a nd told those assembled, “We will skip this portion; it speaks of stoning the gays.”

You mean my religion advocated (or god forbid, practiced) violence against people because of their sexual orientation?

Do you think other religions may have writings, prayers, or history which could make men and women of good will cringe?

Does the sexual abuse scandal of the Catholic Church make all Catholics bad, sex abusers or evil?

Those who have failed to condemn their priests who sexually abused underage boys, are they evil?

God, are we all evil?

Do we ever forgive?

Do we ever forget?

My in-laws and my religion survived the concentration camps and yet one of my cars is German.

Am I wrong? Is it ever over?

Yup. On this occasion of the 9th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, perhaps it’s not a Muslim moment to shine. But we’ve all had our moments and history is lit tered with the bodies of victims of misguided religious leaders and fanatics.

You don’t really believe that anyone’s god (or is it God) is responsible, do you?

Do you think your religion is better, holier, more just or more righteous than the other religions of the world?

Do you think following your religion makes you holier, safer, healthier, more at peace now, tomorrow or in some after life, than those who follow another religion or no religion at all?

What lesson do you think your God would want mankind to learn from that horrendous day nine years ago?

Peace.

MSchenkler@QueensPress.com

With God On Our Side

by Bob Dylan Selected stanzas

Oh my name it is nothin’ My age it means less The country I come from Is called the Midwest I’s taught and brought up there The laws to abide And that land that I live in Has God on its side.

But now we got weapons Of the chemical dust If fire them we’re forced to Then fire them we must One push of the button And a shot the world wide And you never ask questions When God’s on your side.

So now as I’m leavin’ I’m weary as Hell The confusion I’m feelin’ Ain’t no tongue can tell The words fill my head And fall to the floor If God’s on our side He’ll stop the next war.

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 17-23, 2010

Rattner Credits Harry Wilson With Saving GM

By HENRY STERN A surprising ar ticle on the Internet — Wayne Bar ret t of t he Vil lage Voice wrote a column on “Runnin’ Scared,” the Voice’s polit ical blog.

That title was used in the 1960’s for a Voice column writ ten by Mar y Perot Henry Nichols (1926-96), a scourge of corrupt politicians.

The article was headed: “Harry Wilson’s War; Steve Rattner Credits Much of GM’s Rescue To Obscure Comptroller Candidate.”

It is a fascinating account by Rattner, the former car czar now under fire for paying the tribute required by the disgraced Alan Hevesi to do business with the New York State pension funds. In his new book, “Overhaul,” Rattner describes the Federal intervention which not only saved General Motors from bankruptcy and possible liquidation, but rescued thousands of suppliers to GM from the prospect of substantial losses. This would have led to escalating unemployment, primarily in middle America. He gives Harry Wilson credit for the government strategy and for persuading/threatening creditors, bondholders, unions and the company into accepting it.

Wilson, at this point practically a complete unknown, is the Republican candidate for State Comptroller, opposing incumbent Thomas P. DiNapoli, who was installed by Assembly Democrats, led

by Speaker Sheldon Silver, when

Hevesi was forced to resign from the position to which he had just been re-elected. DiNapoli has now been Comptroller for three and one half years, and is running for what would in fact be a second term.

Meanwhile, the state Stern has plunged further into financial disaster, with the Comptroller issuing periodic warnings against overspending. It is said in politics that the Comptroller must be more fiscally responsible than the Governor (or the Mayor), but how much more re sponsible he should be is debatable. There is a great difference bet ween pious statements and using the powers of the office to restrain spending.

However, considering: “Do not bite the hand that feeds you,” it is understandable that an unelected official not tangle too fiercely with the legislative leaders who gave him the honored position that he holds, an office that will benefit him for the rest of his life as his pension will be computed on his highest three years in salar y, and the job pays $151,500, which really isn’t much for the sole trustee of funds that have exceeded $120 billion.

The salary suggests: “He who pays the piper calls the tune.” The theme in both adage s, e voke s: “Whose bread I eat, his song I sing.”

When Hevesi was Comptroller, he received two pensions, one for his legislative service for 20 years, and

the other for his professorship at the Cit y Universit y of Ne w York. Hevesi was a triple dipper.

No one knows for sure what a person will do once elected, and we have been both pleased and disappointed over the years by the action and inaction of public officials. More often than not, their per formance falls shor t of their promises.

We have deliberately not gone into the details of what Wilson did with GM. They are laid out in Bar ret t’s ar ticle, and are relatively complicated for readers who are not that financially sophisticated. The plan, however, seems to have worked out well so far with the company showing multi-billion dollar profits midway through 2010. The success so far of the GM intervention reflects credit on the Obama administration and the people who put the plan together.

The difference between financial brilliance and political success, however, is wide and deep. Before there is any kind of a contest for State Comptroller, people will have to learn who the candidates are. If they know, they can make their choice, applying whatever standards they see fit. If they do not, the election is likely to be a formality. Races for lesser offices tend to attract minimum attention, and in this case there was no primary in either party which would have provided opportunity for exposure by the candidates. That has a disproportionate negative effect

on the less well-known candidate, in this case Wilson.

The next eight weeks will show us whether the Republican candidate can ignite wide spread feelings against incumbency and the public demand for fiscal responsibility and truth in budgeting into suppor t for himself. T he more people who find out about Harry Wilson, the more likely that possibility will become. But the odds are against Wilson because of the predicted Democratic blowout for governor a nd t he t wo S enate seats, and because the public is even less aware of the Comptroller race than the primar y for At-

torney General, where five candidate s are competing to oppose Daniel Donovan, District Attorney of Staten Island, the Republican nominee. The current AG is Andrew Cuomo, who is, as you know, seeking higher office.

The Republican ticket this year is stronger at the bottom than at the top. Their task is to identify themselve s to t he voter s a nd present their case. But in a state with 19 million people, spread over different media markets, that is far easier said than done, unless the ca ndidate approache s Bloombergian resources.

StarQuest@NYCivic.org

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

Waterfront Plan Goal Is Enhanced Access

BY JESSICA ABLAMSKY

The future of waterfront development in Queens seems to focus heavily on “humanpowered” boating, expanded access to the water and other recreational development.

According to recently released draft recommendations for the City’s Comprehensive Waterfront Plan, waterfront objectives include expanding public access to waterfront and waterways, supporting economic development, habitat restoration, preparation for climate change and other goals.

Draft recommendations are the culmination of eight public meetings, including one in each borough, and cover all waterfront areas in Queens.

Recommendations for key areas in Queens focus largely on public access and recreational opportunities, commercial development and habitat improvement.

“Human-powered-boat” launches are recommended for MacNeil Park in College Point, the Second Street boat launch in Hunter’s Point, the 80th Street Marina site in the Rockaways and feature an upgrade to the boat launch on Manhattan Avenue at Newtown Creek.

Improved public access is recommended in College Point at the Rock Crushing Site; in Hunter’s Point along the East River at the 44th Drive Parking lot and under the Queensboro Bridge; and in the Rockaways for the boardwalk at

Arverne by the Sea, city-owned sites at Beach Channel Park from 125th Street to 130th Street and Idlewild Park.

Habitat enhancement and/or protection is recommended along the East River in Astoria and Hunter’s Point at Pot Cove, Hallets Cove, the Broadway Street Extension, under the Queensborough Bridge, 44th Drive and Hunter’s Point South; along Newtown Creek in Hunter’s Point and Long Island City; and in the Rockaways in the Arverne Urban Renewal Area at a planned educational center and nature preserve and in Idlewild Park.

Other recommendations include improving maintenance of the Flushing Bay Esplanade, improving pedestrian and bike connections between Flushing and Willets Point on Northern Boulevard and Roosevelt Avenue Bridges, exploring options for redevelopment in the Anabale Basin in Hunter’s Point and promoting goods transport on Newtown Creek.

The deadline for public comment on the final plan is rapidly approaching. A public meeting to review the plan and accept comments is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 12 in Manhattan. To comment online, go to nyc.gov/dcp by Friday, Nov. 12 at 5 p.m.

The final plan is expected by the end of the year.

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

Pilot Van Plan Starts, Replaces Boro Buses

BY JESSICA ABLAMSKY

Sept. 17-23, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

The eagerly anticipated livery van program began service in the neighborhoods formerly served by the Q74 on Monday, Sept. 13, with the Q79 route scheduled to begin Monday, Sept. 20.

For a flat fare of $2, passengers can utilize vans licensed by the City Taxi and Limousine Commission and identified by TLC decals and the words "Group Ride Vehicle." Some are also labeled "Authorized Commuter Van." Pick up locations are marked by "Group Ride Vehicle Stop" signs, and can be used as drop off locations. Alternative drop off within the designated service area can be negotiated with the driver.

"The purpose of this program is to provide safe and reliable service in areas that have been impacted by the MTA's service disruptions, some of which were already challenged by limited transportation options," said TLC Commissioner David Yassky. "This is an exciting opportunity for the TLC to help introduce and test an entirely new kind of service that never before existed - one that we believe will help thousands of people get where they need to go in a safe and convenient way."

The pilot program is assured at least one rider; Ross Goldstein, a Queens College student who has spent the last few months begging rides, commuting with

friends and using alternate bus routes that sometimes took hours.

"It's been hard," he said. "It's even harder getting [home]."

Having heard a lot about the group ride program, Goldstein is thrilled to finally try it.

"Hopefully the commute will be a lot faster," he said.

The year-long pilot program is intended to provide commuters with a faster, more cost-efficient mode of transportation than was available after MTA service cuts. The program will have a strong enforcement component for unlicensed operators, who are not authorized to use group ride stops.

Vehicles will be seized and drivers fined.

Though success of the pilot is not assured, operators must offer service for a minimum of 90 days.

"Typically, new transportation services take months, if not a year for riders to become aware and integrate the new service into their routine," Yassky said.

On June 27, nine bus lines in Queens were eliminated. The most popular of those, the Q74 and the Q79, carried 2,100 and 650 weekday passengers respectively.

For more information on the group ride program, including maps of service areas, go to nyc.gov/tlc.

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

Police Blotter Compiled By DOMENICK RAFTER

102nd Precinct Robbery At Bally The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in providing information about a robbery that occurred in Kew Gardens.

On Saturday, Aug. 21, at approximately 9:40 a.m., a woman entered the women’s locker room at Bally Total Fitness, at 8002 Kew Gardens Rd. in Kew Gardens.

She removed a combination lock that was securing the victim’s locker and took the victim’s belongings, including credit cards, sunglasses and a cell phone. One of the credit cards was later used to illegally purchase items at the Queens Center Mall.

The suspect is described as a black woman, heavy set, approximately 5-foot4 to 5-foot-6, wearing black-rimmed sunglasses, a black tank top, dark pants and white sneakers.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

105th Precinct 81-Year-Old Killed On Wednesday, Sept. 8, at around 8:41 p.m., police responded to a report of a

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 17-23, 2010

THE HEART HOSPITAL OF QUEENS

pedestrian struck at 147-07 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. in Springfield Gardens. Upon police arrival, it was determined that an 81year-old black woman was crossing Guy R. Brewer Boulevard from east to west from the south side of the street when she was struck by a four-door gray 2010 Honda Civic traveling northbound.

EMS responded to the scene and transported the victim to Jamaica Hospital where she was pronounced dead. The investigation was ongoing at this time and there appeared to be no criminality on the part of the 31-year-old black man who drove the car. Identification of the victim was pending family notification.

108th Precinct Train Robber The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a man wanted for three robberies that took place on the 7 train in Woodside, Sunnyside and Long Island City.

In all three incidents, when the train came to a stop, the suspect would wait for the doors to open and then take the victim’s cell phone before fleeing the station. All of the victims were women in their 20s.

The suspect is described as 20-yearold black man, 5-foot-7. During two of the incidents he was wearing a white tank top, black shorts and a white do-rag.

Anyone with information in regards to

WHEN YOUR HEART IS IN QUEENS, YOU ARE IN EXCELLENT HANDS...

this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

113th Precinct Two Shot On Saturday, Sept. 11, at 1:06 a.m., at 140th Avenue and 157th Street in South Jamaica, police responded to a call of a person shot. The officers found a man and woman with gunshot wounds to their bodies. EMS responded to the scene and transported both victims to Jamaica Hospital where one, a 33-year-old black man, was pronounced dead on arrival. The other victim, a 28-year-old black woman, was in stable condition with a gunshot wound to the shoulder.

The investigation was ongoing.

115th Precinct Six Sought The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating six men wanted in connection with a robbery that occurred in Corona.

On Friday, Sept. 3, at approximately 8:30 p.m., six men entered a clothing store located at 35-61 Junction Blvd. in Co-

rona and demanded property from two men, while displaying a firearm. The suspects removed a large amount of merchandise from the location and struck one of the victims in the head with a firearm causing a laceration to his head before fleeing.

The first suspect is described as a black or Hispanic man, 5-foot-10 and 160 lbs.

He was last seen wearing a red hooded sweatshirt with dark pants. The second suspect is described as a black or Hispanic man, 6-feet and 180 lbs. He was last seen wearing a long sleeved white shirt with the number “9” on the back, and blue jeans with a blue cap.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

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

Today, there’s a Heart Hospital in Queens. This hospital is filled with expertise on the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac and vascular disease.

This means that you don’t have to leave Queens to find excellent heart care. And, with the opening of a new wing on the main campus of New York Hospital Queens, we have added more services to protect and restore heart health.

From state-of-the-art technology, to the most sophisticated procedures and comprehensive rehabilitation and wellness programs, you can find a higher level of heart and vascular care, right here in the Heart Hospital of Queens.

Our physicians and surgeons are board certified specialists. And, many highly skilled doctors throughout the area treat and refer their patients here.

Together with our talented nurses and technicians, they deliver a higher level of expertise you can trust. Whatever your heart needs — you will find it right here.

Ask your doctor, call us, or visit nyhq.org to learn more.

FOR MORE INFORMATION 718-670-2087 800-282-6684 (Find a Physician) 56-45 Main Street Flushing, NY 11355

nyhq.org A higher level of heart & vascular care.

Borough Beat

Parents' Goal Is Lacrosse For Kids

BY JOSEPH OROVIC

Ben Siciliano and Adam Morrow's interest has fueled their parents' drive to start a lacrosse league in Queens.

ever been involved with."

Siciliano's ambition (Morrow swears he is the superstar here) has one goal in mind.

"We want to field teams that are recreational," he said.

"We want to be able to have them come out twice a week and still have them play baseball."

To find out more about Forest Hills Lacrosse, email foresthillslax@gmail.com.

Reach Reporter Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127.

Sept. 17-23, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

The annals of Forest Hills' sports history include the U.S. Open, a flourishing Little League and Girls' Softball League, and soccer. Well, if the efforts of two Forest Hills parents pay off, you can add lacrosse to the list.

"Lacrosse?!" you may ask. Right. That's exactly the response Brad Siciliano and Liz Morrow are up against.

The duo has spent the better part of a year fulfilling the wish of their 10-year-old sons, Adam and Ben. The two bosom buddies' interest in the sport inspired their parents to begin a grassroots campaign to establish lacrosse as a go-to pastime for Queens' kids.

Realizing there is no solid foundation for lacrosse within the borough, Siciliano decided to set one himself.

"There is no lacrosse culture in Forest Hills," Siciliano said. "I'm approaching kids who have never even heard of the sport and families who have never been familiar with the sport."

Like its more popular counterparts, lacrosse requires a sizeable squad and space to play - but it has the additional burden of costly equipment. Adam and Ben aside, the parents lacked all three in the beginning.

In the spring of 2009, Siciliano began researching ways to begin a league - or anything really. Things did not start snowballing until May of this year, when he discovered a lacrosse program at St. John's University geared towards teenage boys.

"There didn't seem to be a beginner program," he said. "There's a pretty steep learning curve in lacrosse and we didn't want to throw them into a situation where they weren't happy because they were playing against kids so much better than them."

The Red Storm Lacrosse Assistant Coach Dan Paccione offered to host a five-week session for youngsters on St. John's home turf at a discounted price. "[Siciliano] didn't know how to introduce them to the game," Paccione said. "I told him I'd love to meet with them. Now we have flyers going up all over town."

Then things slowly began falling into place.

Armed with a field and a coach, Siciliano and Morrow focused on filling up the program's 25 open spots.

Siciliano realized many people have an unknown connection to the sport; several kids had lacrosse equipment just sitting around the house, unused.

"There's actually an interest and a desire but there's no outlet," he said.

A bit of research and help landed a chance encounter with Mat Levine, the de facto godfather of lacrosse in New York City. As the founder of the city's only lacrosse club, CityLax, he has been an invaluable guide for the two parents.

"I don't know anything about Lacrosse and starting a league from scratch," Siciliano said. "Mat spent hours on the phone with me, just talking through issues before we even started going forward."

But the question remains‌ Lacrosse?

Though Siciliano and Morrow both came from big lacrosse-playing colleges (Cornell and Syracuse respectively), Siciliano cannot pinpoint where Ben's enthusiasm for the sport started.

"I'm not really sure," he said, grasping for an explanation. "His godfather played lacrosse in Cornell and he's kind of seen it around."

Things are still on a small scale for lacrosse - both as a whole and certainly within the borough. Siciliano

is still struggling to find enough equipment. The gear can cost hundreds of dollars. He does not want that to deter kids from joining, so he has been seeking out donations and shelling out some of his own cash.

What surprised him most was the support of other lacrosse fanatics.

"I have been blind emailing lacrosse clubs in the Tristate area," Siciliano said. "People have called up, they've offered equipment, they've offered time to coach. The lacrosse community is the most supportive community I've

Incumbents Get Approval In Low-Turnout Primary

BY QUEENS TRIBUNE STAFF

For all the talk of 2010 being an anti-incumbent year, the borough’s voters failed to fit that narrative in Tuesday’s primary elections. All of the borough’s incumbent legislators on the state and federal level won their primary races this week, most by solid margins. Across Queens, a range of emotions from exaltation, disappointment, concern and surprise were apparent.

Highs and Lows

Photo by Jessica Ablamsky

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 17-23, 2010

The sun may have set on one of New York’s most bizarre, dynamic and infamous political careers. Hiram Monserrate garnered a third of the vote in his race against Francisco Moya for the Democratic ticket in the race for 39th Assembly district.

Monserrate conceded the race less than an hour after polls closed. The former City Councilman and ousted State Senator did not declare his political career dead.

“I got a lot of life left ahead of me,” he said.

The mood at CJ Sullivan’s in Bayside was jubilant when a visibly exhausted Ed Braunstein announced he won the Democratic nod to fill the seat being vacated

by Assemblywoman Ann-Margaret Carrozza (DBayside). Asked how he felt, the first word out of his mouth was, “tired.”

During his victory speech, which largely consisted a long list of names to thank, he told the crowd, “I’m thanking as many people as I can because in six weeks I am going to ask you to come out again.”

State Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing) successfully defended her seat from Democratic challengers Isaac Sasson and John Messer, to the delight of the crowd gathered at Sullivan’s. Surrounded by various state legislators and council members, Stavisky proclaimed, “We are on the way to reforming and cleaning up Albany.”

Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry (D-Corona) entered the VFW center at 98th Street and Northern Boulevard to rapturous applause after defeating his opponent Anthony Miranda. Among the supporters were the cream of Central Queens’ political crop; Borough President Helen Marshall, State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst), Council members Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst) and Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights).

“What I’m most happy about is we got rid of two M’s – Monserrate and Miranda,” Aubry said.

At Glendale’s iconic German restaurant Zum Stammtisch, the crowd was light, even an hour after the polls had closed. Across the street, Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Glendale) was in his campaign office as the runners from across the district returned, called and texted in results.

The hectic scene swelled to frenzy as the numbers started to become clear – Miller, who won his seat earlier this year in a special election, was running away with the Democratic primary.

At about 10:20 p.m., Zum Stammtisch’s front door

26th Assembly District winner Ed Braunstein (l. to r.) is joined

by State Sen. Toby Stavisky who defended her seat against two challengers, former Councilman Tony Avella, who is challenging Sen. Frank Padavan, Assembly members Grace Meng and Rory Lancman, and Councilman Mark Weprin at a victory celebration Tuesday night.

flung open and, surrounded by a sea of volunteers, Miller ambled in. State Sen. Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach), Councilwoman Liz Crowley (D-Middle Village), CB 10 District Manager Frank Gulluscio and a host of other political insiders were surrounding the campaign staff with Miller in the center.

A cheer rose up, with a standing ovation as Miller thanked his staff, his campaign manager, the volunteers, his fellow elected officials and, eventually, with some prodding from Crowley, the Queens County Democratic Organization.

Two blocks away, Miller’s opponent, Nick Comaianni, sat behind the desk of his campaign office.

Across the desk from Comaianni, president of Community Education Council District 24, was a giant, handwritten sign that read “Nick must go door to door!” Looking up at the sign, as the last of the pizza purchased for volunteers was being cleaned up or eaten and the stragglers were leaving, Comaianni shook his head.

“There’s a story to tell here,” he said. “But that’s for another time.”

On the federal level, U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (DBayside) defeated his primary opponent Patricia Maher by a large margin. He will face Long Island doctor James Milano in November. Milano, who had been endorsed by Queens Republicans, defeated 2008 nominee Elizabeth Berney of Great Neck, the choice of Nassau County Republicans, in Tuesday’s Republican primary for the seat.

U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Astoria) soundly defeated her primary opponent, attorney Reshma Saujani, to be nominated for another term in the 14th congressional district in Northwest Queens and Manhattan.

A Broader Electorate Statewide, only four legislators failed to win their primaries – the same number as 2008, including the scandal-plagued Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada Jr. (D-Bronx), who was defeated by Gustavo Rivera. Espada was a central figure in the 2009 coup that temporarily gave the Republicans control of the Senate.

The primary races for statewide office delivered a mix of surprise and suspense. Tea Party-backed Buffalo businessman Carl Palladino shocked Republicans by defeating former Long Island Congressman Rick Lazio to win the GOP nomination for governor. Lazio did win the nomination of the Conservative Party, meaning both Lazio and Palladino may be on the ballot in November on different party lines.

In the Democratic primary for Attorney General, Manhattan State Sen. Eric Schneiderman narrowly defeated Nassau County DA Kathleen Rice and will face Staten Island DA Dan Donovan, the Republican nominee.

Modern Menaces Tuesday’s elections featured the premier of the city’s new voting machines, which came with a new set of problems. Though some campaign volunteers could not cite problems at voting booths, conversations at Sullivan’s quickly turned to individual experiences with the new electronic voting machines.

The first in line at her polling place, District Leader Carol Gresser was handed the wrong ballot by poll workers.

Second in line, her husband Larry Gresser had issues of a different kind; the machine spit out his ballot at first. After his second try was successful, the words that flashed across the screen were in Spanish, which he fortunately understands.

“That’s not supposed to happen either,” he said.

“Hopefully they got it to speak in English.”

In Richmond Hill, Romeo Hitlall and Carolina Soto avoided voting machine issues, but their polling place did open an hour late. Hitlall said he went to vote at 6:30 a.m. at the Lefferts branch of the Queens Library, but it did not open until 7 a.m.

Reach the Queens Tribune at editor@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 122.

STATE ASSEMBLY District 24 (Democratic) David Weprin* Bob Friedrich 102 of 102 precincts reporting (100%)

4,494 1,994

69.27% 30.73%

District 26 (Democratic) Edward Braunstein John Duane Steven Behar Elio Forcina 99 of 99 precincts reporting (100%)

2,035 1,526 994 928

37.11% 27.83% 18.13% 16.93%

District 28 (Democratic) Andrew Hevesi* Joseph Fox 101 of 101 precincts reporting (100%)

2,984 1,961

60.34% 39.66%

District 33 (Democratic) Barbara Clark* Clyde Vanel 88 of 88 precincts reporting (100%)

3,185 1,586

66.76% 33.24%

District 35 (Democratic) Jeffrion Aubry* Anthony Miranda 79 of 79 precincts reporting (100%)

2,289 1,355

62.82% 37.18%

District 38 (Democratic) Michael Miller* Nick Comaianni 68 of 68 precincts reporting (100%)

1,756 538

76.55% 23.45%

District 39 (Democratic) Francisco Moya Hiram Monserrate 55 of 55 precincts reporting (100%)

2,711 1,356

66.66% 33.34%

9,535 3,500

73.15% 26.85%

6,475 4,874 2,965

45.24% 34.05% 20.71%

ST ATE SENA TE STA SENATE District 10 (Democratic) Shirley Huntley* Lynn Nunes 231 of 231 precincts reporting (100%) District 16 (Democratic) Toby Ann Stavisky* Isaac Sasson John Messer 234 of 234 precincts reporting (100%)

U.S. RACES House, District 5 (Democratic) Gary Ackerman* 16,048 Patricia Maher 7,221 452 of 457 precincts reporting (98.91%)

68.97% 31.03%

House, District 5 (Republican) James Milano 3,804 Elizabeth Berney 2,513 452 of 457 precincts reporting (98.91%)

60.22% 39.78%

House, District 14 (Democratic) Carolyn Maloney* 26,303 Reshma Saujani 6,231 513 of 513 precincts reporting (100%)

80.85% 19.15%

U.S. Senate (Democratic) Kirsten Gillibrand* 410,147 Gail Goode 130,179 14656 of 15385 precincts reporting (95.26%)

75.91% 24.09%

U.S. Senate (Republican) Joseph DioGuardi 169,255 David Malpass 152,600 Bruce Blakeman 84,290 14656 of 15385 precincts reporting (95.26%)

41.67% 37.57% 20.75%

ST ATEWIDE RACES STA Attorney General (Democratic) Eric Schneiderman 201,805 Kathleen Rice 188,298 Sean Coffey 97,557 Richard Brodsky 57,906 Eric Dinallo 46,267 15003 of 15385 precincts reporting (97.52%)

34.10% 31.82% 16.48% 9.78% 7.82%

Governor (Conservative) Rick Lazio Ralph Lorigo 15003 of 15385 precincts reporting (97.52%)

11,084 7,254

60.44% 39.56%

Governor (Republican) Carl Paladino Rick Lazio 15001 of 15385 precincts reporting (97.5%)

272,898 166,656

62.09% 37.91%

Lieutenant Governor (Republican) Greg Edwards 204,203 52.08% Thomas Ognibene 187,927 47.92% 15003 of 15385 precincts reporting (97.52%) * indicates incumbents

BUILDING A BETTER AIRLINE, NOT JUST A BIGGER ONE. With airline mergers constantly in the news (ours included), it’s easy to forget that size alone isn’t enough to lead this industry. No one who flies is waiting for a bigger airline; they’re waiting for one that’s committed to making flying better. To that end, we’ve taken a look at every part of the experience – from buying a ticket to getting your bags – and dedicated ourselves to constantly improving it. That’s an ambitious goal, especially at a time when air travel is under pressure from all sides, but the challenges of this industry have always been its fuel; that was true at Kitty Hawk, and it’s true today. So while we’re proud to offer over 5,500 flights a day, we won’t rest until each one of them is as convenient, comfortable, and hassle-free as possible.

DELTA .COM

Sept. 17-23, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

pix

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

York Honors 9/11 At Fest The Fifth Annual York Fest was held on the plaza at York College on Sept. 11, affording the opportunity for the College and community to remember the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

York’s president, Dr. Marcia V. Keizs, halted the festivities to call for a moment of silence in memory of all the victims, and to recall York College alum Ezra Aviles, a Geology major of the Class of 1982, who perished in the attacks on the World Trade Center that day.

York Fest was launched as a means for the College and surrounding community to celebrate the start of the new academic year, and to promote the diverse programs and people that make York an outstanding institution of higher learning.

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 17-23, 2010

York President Marcia Keizs addresses the York Fest crowd with a campus police veteran.

Officers salute as President Keizs lays wreath in memory of the victims of Sept. 11, 2001.

The crowd pauses for a moment of silence.

pix Photo by Juliet Kaye

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

Back To School BBQ

PS 156 held a Back To School BBQ Sept. 11 in the school yard. The K-8 school, located on 137th Avenue between 229th and 230th Street, gave students bags of school supplies containing loose leaf paper, binders, pens and pencils. Pictured: Assemblyman William Scarborough (back, c.) with Jia Brown, PTA President, Sheila Jackson, Asst. Principal, Kim Francis, Pres. of Concerned Citizens of Laurelton and Gina Charlot, PTA parent and students holding their bags of school supplies.

Grooving to the sounds of the York College Big Band.

Students show pride in being York Cardinals.

Geology Professor Nazrul Khandaker (in sunglasses) shows off specimens with students at York Fest.

Sept. 17-23, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

Profile

SEQ Loses A Man’s Man, Wright Jr.

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 17-23, 2010

Southeast Queens lost a true advocate when Frederick Douglas Wright Jr. died.

Though he was not a Queens native, Wright was an activist committed to service and his neighborhood's well-being.

"I was a better person for knowing him," said Janice Dayson, a friend of the Wright family. "He was a definite influence in my life."

Wright died of heart failure at the age of 83. He was buried at Calverton National Cemetery on Sept. 3.

A. Halim, Wright's son, said his father was attentive and supportive.

"It was important that we were well educated," he said. "He stressed education and individual responsibility."

Well before he came to Queens, Wright was committed to service. In 1951, he joined the Army and served as a nursing assistant at Tuskegee Veterans Hospital in Tuskegee, Ala. A letter written by Leah Gaskin Fitchue, Payne Theological Seminary's president, summed up Wright as a "man's man" that represented the "very best of an Afro-American."

In 1957, he moved to New York City, where he got a job at the Brooklyn VA Hospital and later at Pan American Airways where he worked for 32 years until

years. Throughout his tenure at the helm of the block association, Wright made improvements to the community, fighting for lamplights and traffic signs installed in the neighborhood.

Halim remembered days gone by when children were hit by cars because of a lack of stop signs; neighborhood streets would darken at dusk because of the scarcity of street lamps.

Dayson, who was a classmate of Halim, said Wright was named after Frederick Douglass, the orator and abolitionist.

"He lived up to that [name]," she said. "He took it very seriously that he was Community activist, father and involved citizen Frederick named after a great person.

Douglas Wright Jr. maintained a robust presence in the He was sharp as a tack. [He taught that you] should alcommunity until his final days. ways have pride in yourself and how you present yourself to the world." he retired.

Halim seconded the notion that his After retirement, Wright stepped up his community involvement. He was a father took pride in his appearance. As a member of the Jamaica Branch of the college student, his father was nicknamed NAACP. He was also 130 Block "Palm Beach" because of his immaculate Association's president for about 20 wardrobe.

Up until his last days, Wright was a f ighter. Doctors were in awe of his strength, according to Dayson.

Doctors remarked, "'this is incredible,'" she said. "'We can't believe he is still hanging on.'"

In illness, Wright maintained his role in the community.

"Even when his health started to fail he still continued to petition the politicians," Halim said. "He still wrote letters. He still remained a leader in the community."

Cheree Buggs, civil court judge, called Wright her friend. They met during her campaign for her civil court post. Though the two were not acquainted before her campaign stop at Wright's church, they soon struck up a friendship.

"He talked to me like he had known me for a million years," she said. "Getting to know him was just wonderful."

Through their friendship, Buggs found out that Wright and her father worked together at John F. Kennedy International Airport and also both her mother and Wright were from South Florida.

She said Wright espoused a strong sense of values.

"He represents a lot of my parents' generation," Buggs said.

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

A&E

Hustlers, Idiots And A Truth Seeker

BY JOSEPH OROVIC

The annals of history are rife with freethinking minds brimming with passionate beliefs supported by years of research. They often come in the form of pamphleteers, scholars or the vitriolic barroom drunkard.

Enter a weird, modern amalgam of all three - Ridgewood's Reverend Manny Jalonschi, whose blue-collar treatise, "Hustlers and the Idiot Swarm," denounces what he calls a "re-active paranoid swarm, under the rhetorical, cultural and political control of a few ideological strongmen."

Translation: Some of the very groups you support may not give a damn about you.

The book explores what Rev. Manny considers a long and concerted effort to dupe the nation's have-nots into an illogical fervor, supporting faux causes and chasing straw men while voting against their own well-being.

The book began with a simple question.

"How did they get so many people to agree with something so stupid, so to their disadvantage? It takes an effort to deny that a lot of the things people support

Author Manny Jalonschi amid some of his accumulated reference materials. are against their own interest," he said.

"Hustlers and the Idiot Swarm" provides a sizeable answer. An amalgam of history, rallying cry and poli-sci thesis, it aims to expose modern, politically-influ-

Restaurant Review

A Wicked Indulgence ery from the rustic bar with a red brick back wall. On the far side of the wall, at the end of the bar table, a giant mirror separates two wine displays which Tomic explains are "old world" wines from Europe and "new world" wines from the Americas.

For starters, Tomic suggested a platter of assortments: bleu cheese, a crunchy cranberry and nut bread, and some spicy almonds to go with a smooth sherry, the Toro Albala Viejisimo Solera Jerez, 1922 Vintage from Spain. The combination worked to create a pleasant-tasting appetizer or snacks over conversation.

Dinner revolved around a glass of wine; Riesling Spatlese Rebenhof Mosel 2007 from Germany. The fruity taste of the vintage compliments well a plate of roasted piquillo peppers stuffed with herbed goat cheese. Mixed together, the creamy texture of the cheese and the tangy flavor of the pepper creates the perfect meal; when put together with the Riesling, is a joyous occasion for anyone whose taste buds do flips over sweet flavors.

The menu also includes items for those who want more than just snacks.

At affordable prices, you can enjoy shrimp, filet mignon and chicken. Also try one of Winegasm's signature paninis or choices of hummus dip, a perfect snack over a fresh bottle.

For dessert, Tomic offered a surprise. Take a simple bowl of vanilla ice cream, some caramel topping, and another Toro Albala sherry, this time a creamy one. Pour a little over the ice cream, let it melt a little, and indulge.

This is your winegasm.

–Domenick Rafter

ample: Uber-rich Joseph Coors, best known for selling the taste of the Rocky Mountains in a beer can, founded the nonprofit, ultra-conservative Heritage Foundation with a hefty $250,000 donation. The string of posts got some attention and eventually evolved into the book's theme.

But Rev. Manny seems an unlikely flag-bearer for any cause.

At the time of the interview, he was saddled in a pretty-much-broken chair, his absurdly scrawny six-foot-something frame draped across the f loor. He has a stud piercing under his bottom lip, and a crop of facial hair kept in the "untidy goatee/beard" stage.

He speaks with a compulsion to recite facts, figures and historic turning points, while unapologetically lacing four letter words into his speech for dramatic effect.

Subtlety is not the Rev.'s strong suit.

But he goes through hoops to assert the book is not about him. It's merely his entry into a litany of volumes on the same topic. He hopes it adds to the rallying cry of fellow truth-seekers, and encourages more skepticism within the nation's middle-to-forgotten classes.

"I would love to make myself a pain in the ass," he said. "My ambition is to make regular, working-class dudes a pain in the ass."

You can check out more of his missives and order the book at reverendmanny.com.

Reach Reporter Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 127.

Tony-Winner Patinkin Sets 2nd Q’Boro Show Broadway's master songman, Mandy is thrilling that a performer of Mr. Patinkin, will bring his critically acclaimed Patinkin's caliber has chosen our audiBroadway concert, "Mamaloshen," to ences with which to share this very personal musical project!"

Queensborough's Performing In his 1980 Broadway debut, Arts Center (QPAC) at Patinkin won a Tony Award for Queensborough Community Colhis role as Che in Andrew Lloyd lege for an encore performance Webber's "Evita," and was nomion Sunday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. nated in 1984 for his starring role Headlining a banner year for as George in the Pulitzer PrizeQPAC as it celebrates its 45th Anwinning musical, "Sunday in the niversary season, the first show Park with George." In 1991 he of "Mamaloshen" was quickly returned to Broadway in the sold-out as demand for tickets came from across the New York Tony Winner Mandy Tony-Award-winning musical Metropolitan area and through- Patinkin will play a "The Secret Garden," and in out the United States. second show at 1997 played a sold-out engageThe concert, which trans- Queensborough ment of his one-man show, lates as "Mother Tongue," Community College. "Mandy Patinkin in Concert."

For more information about marks Patinkin's return to the The first show sold this event and other upcoming national concert stage after out very quickly. shows, call the QPAC Box Office having recently enjoyed both at (718) 631-6311; tickets are Broadway and off-Broadway success with "Mamaloshen." He will be available online at visitqpac.org.

Distinguished artists who have peraccompanied by Paul Ford on the piano formed throughout the decades at QPAC and Hanna Khoury on the violin.

"Many established artists are attracted include jazz legend Thelonius Monk; reby the idea of expressing themselves nowned dance choreographer Merce through their ethnic roots," said Susan Cunningham; 60's folksinger Judy Collins; Agin, Artistic Director of QPAC, who also the fabled Alvin Ailey Dance Company; noted that, by special request, Patinkin the great classical actor Alvin Epstein; and will end the evening with a few numbers more recently Ben Vereen, Chita Rivera, from his popular Broadway songbook. "It Marvin Hamlisch and David Cassidy.

Sept. 17-23, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

WINEGASM 31-86 37th St., Astoria (718) 932-3331 CUISINE: Wine Bar/Bistro HOURS: Mon-Thu 5:30 pm-2 am; Fri & Sat 5:30 pm-3 am; Sun 5:30 pm-2 am PARKING: Street RESERVATIONS: Not needed CREDIT CARDS: All major If you want to experience a fine winery, but don't have the resources or the time to take a trip to Tuscany, Provence, Napa Valley or even the North Fork of Long Island, then head over to Astoria and visit the wine bar on 37th Street with the provocative name.

Intimate and cozy, nestled in the middle of the block on 37th Street, just a hundred feet or so north of Broadway, Winegasm gives you the impression of being a posh winery far away without having to leave the borough.

Two and a half years ago, Dean Tomic came up with the idea to open a wine bar in Astoria. He said the eatery's suggestive name came from his wife, who discovered the word winegasm was slang meaning "the sensation of euphoria over finding and experiencing the perfect bottle of wine…Reveling in its first taste while appreciating its rarity leading to a moment of pure bliss…"

The idea behind Winegasm is to bring the feeling of a upscale winery down to a middle class level, where you don't have to be a character from "Dynasty" to enjoy fine wine.

Dim lighting creates a romantic scene. Distressed wood tables dot the tiled floor where inside meets an outside patio. In the middle of the floor, a long wood bar table separates the eat-

ential nobility, untangle neo-conservative narratives and debunk pre-election bogeymen (a.k.a. "wedge issues").

It's a self-published tome - at times sarcastic, angry, congenial and funny - rife with as many typos as footnotes. And it's exactly the presentation Rev. Manny wanted - warts and all.

"It needs to reflect an urgency and home-brewed history," he said. "I wanted to sort of have a clear working class narrative."

It's a history that mimics Rev. Manny's own.

The 30-year-old left his native Romania with his family, settling in Ridgewood at the age of 7. He bounced to Glendale and all around while working intermittently as a janitor, security guard, middle school teacher and counselor, before finding a home in Brooklyn.

He started a blog, Reverend Manny and the Twilight Empire, several years ago.

Oh, and full disclosure: He technically is not a clergyman.

"I claim no magic powers. I am no middleman of faith," he said of adopting his religious moniker. "I am, however, concerned for my spiritual community. My spiritual values focus on the human spirit."

The blog very slowly developed a following, which read along as Rev. Manny linked to what he believed was the most absurd news (or lie) of the day, then added his own dose of interpretation and sometimes anger.

He began following money trails and found an economically-privileged class funding many "values groups" that carry the banner of the working class. For ex-

Faith

Majority Baptist Celebrates 50 Years

For 50 years, Majority Baptist Church has thrived in the community of St. Albans. To commemorate its five decades, a 50th Jubilee Celebration will be held at 7 p.m. on Oct. 22 at the Sand Castle, located at 505 Franklin Ave. Rev. Edith Lazenby, a member of Majority Baptist, said all are welcome to celebrate. Tickets cost $150 for adults and $75 for children. The celebration will be a banquet rife with entertainment and dinner.

"We are celebrating the Lord because he brought the church through 50 years," she said.

The Walter Kelly Band, a steel band, will entertain patrons.

Earlier this year, congregants accompanied by Comptroller John Liu and Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans)

Word

"The religion of one age is the literary entertainment of the next."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

and became interested. Jones broadened the banquet, call (718) 659-4686. his base and included adult classes. Before Reach Reporter Sasha Austrie at long his flock had outgrown his home. saustrie@queenspress.com, or (718) 357"The classes grew so there was no- 7400, Ext. 123. where to put the people," Jones said. "They were in the dining room, kitchen, upstairs, downstairs."

A vacant bar and grill became the church's new home.

The vibrant flock that had once filled every available space in his home whittled to 19 members on the first Sunday.

Six women and 13 children came to the church to worship the day the doors opened.

Jones speculates the reason people didn't attend services was because of the scale the church operated on. People couldn't fathom leaving Abyssinian Baptist Church "for a hole in the wall."

The church has come a long way from a small bar and grill.

Throughout its 47-year existence, there have been approximately six renovations and additions. The first expansion the church endured was in 1967, when the church joined the existing bar and grill and a defunct Majority Baptist Church will celebrate its 50th Anniverbeauty parlor.

For information regarding sary on Oct. 22.

Notebook Broadway In Jamaica

Nonprofits Light Up Jamaica Ave. Deborah Cox's "Beautiful U R" hovered over the stage at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center. Countdown to show time had begun, but there were still tweaks and adjustments to be made.

The hours of rehearsal had slowly molded "Safe Space and Broadway Light Up Jamaica Avenue." The event is a collaboration between Safe Space, an agency that serves at-risk children and families in Queens, and Broadway in South Africa, a nonprofit that uses the arts to aid at-risk youth.

Frankie Grande, a former performer on the Broadway show "Mama Mia" and member of Broadway in South Africa, said the initial outreach was to children in the organization's eponymous nation. He said there was inspiration in South Africa and decided to bring the same passion for the arts to children in New York.

"I first took it as an extracurricular project," Grande said. "I nonchalantly approached it. I went to Africa and it changed my life."

Grande choreographed the dance for "Beautiful U R." The movements were in-

Photo by Clyde Hamilton

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 17-23, 2010

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

with Broadway stars.

Wonkly Martinez, 22, said the performance was exciting.

Martinez and Jerry Vaome, both 19-year-old break dancers, led the intro to the dance.

"When we started, I was in the zone," Vaome said.

Rob McKay, Safe Space's external affairs officer, said there were about 10 numbers, which included professionals, and apprentice dancers and singers.

Queens Borough President For the Safe Space and Broadway Light Up Jamaica Helen Marshall was also given a Avenue’s finale, all the Broadway in South Africa mem- lifetime achievement award. bers got on stage with all the members of Safe Space Cassie Aguilera, Safe Space's programs to sing the Hair classic “Let the Sunshine In.” LGBT outreach and art specialFrom the l.: Broadway in South Africa members Bran- ist, has seen a change in Safe don Victor Dixon, Christopher Spaulding, Frankie James Space's brood.

Grande (with microphone), Andrea Dora and Sean "I see their self esteem is way Bradford. up," said Aguilera.

JPAC donated its space for the performance. spired by the words of the song.

"It was a great opportunity with the "This is something I want to do for the rest of my life," he said. "I want to take idea of doing something for the community," said Nadege Noel, JPAC's general what I have been given and give back."

On Monday, 30 benefactors of Safe manager.

At Thursday's rehearsal, Chris Molnar, Space's programs took the stage at JPAC

President and CEO, said she has been witness to an evolution of their talents.

"The whole coming together of this event is indicative of what Safe Space is about," she said.

Ashley Lee, 20, a patron of Safe Space, said the opportunity to work with Broadway performers was a wonderful experience.

"It is an honor," she said. "It is enriching."

The performance not only allowed Lee to revisit her background, it also built her up.

"I am a lot more open to people," she said. "I'm a lot more trusting. I'm a lot more comfortable just being myself."

Davelle Bluez, 20, said he was thankful for the exposure since this is a prelude to his own Broadway career.

Courtney Reed, whose Broadway credits include "Mama Mia" and is currently in the cast of "In the Heights," said members of Broadway in South Africa understand the importance of sharing the arts.

"I hope they continue to feed their creative outlet whether it be dancing, singing, or acting," she said. "I hope people get inspired by what they've learned."

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

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

marched from the rock on Liberty Avenue and f lowed into the sanctuary of the church at 115-21 Farmers Blvd. St. Albans.

At the church, a banner was unfurled with the red emblazoned words, "The Church: remembering, rededication and rejoicing in the Lord during the season of Jubilee, Leviticus 25:10." Comrie bestowed the church with a proclamation signed by Council Speaker Christine Quinn and the late-Councilman Tom White.

Majority Baptist stemmed from one family's move from Harlem to Hollis in the 1960s. The Rev. Walter Jones and his family were the second black family in his neighborhood. They moved from the upheaval that Harlem was becoming to the stability of a Queens middle class neighborhood.

"Our thoughts were to move out of Harlem. We thought we were moving to Heaven," Jones previously said.

The church was born out of a need for religious instruction for black children in the neighborhood. Jewish and Irish children were dismissed during the day for religious instruction, but the black children had nowhere to go.

Jones and his wife opened the doors of their home. In a small expanse of time, Jones and a handful of followers built their own church.

Jones was already a minister, so he was a perfect fit. Adults started to take notice

BY SASHA AUSTRIE

The path to your first home.

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Sept. 17-23, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

What’s Up SATURDAY, SEPT. 18 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.

Seido Karate Japanese system Seido Karate emphasizes building of spirit, mind and body, using hand, elbow, and foot techniques.

Adults can learn how to defend themselves in a safe and friendly atmosphere every Tuesday and Saturday until Oct. 30 at the Jamaica YMCA, 89-25 Parsons Blvd.

All levels are welcome. The fee to participate is $120.

Free Walking Tour Come on out for a free guided tour and discover Jamaica Center’s rich past and hidden gems. One of the earliest settlements in New York, Jamaica boasts churches and cemeteries centuries old.

Stops include the private entrance to what was arguably New York’s grandest theater in the 1920s and, nearly unchanged, still resplendent today. The tour ends with a visit to 350-year old Prospect Cemetery and it’s meticulously restored Chapel of the Sisters. RSVP required as space is limited. For more information, visit jamaicacenter.org, call (718) 5262422, or send an e-mail to info@jamaicacenter.org. Tours are rain or shine.

This free event will be held at the King Manor Museum - Rufus King Park at 153 Street and Jamaica Avenue, 1 – 3 p.m.

Classical Ballet Studying ballet is one of the most effective and elegant ways of improving posture, grace, flexibility, and strength. No experience needed for these classes. Students are taught at the barre and must be 6-15 years old.. Learning ballet is a good foundation for all other dance styles.

The class will be held every Saturday until Oct. 30 at the Jamaica YMCA, 89-25 Parsons Blvd. at 11:30 a.m. The fee to participate is $110.

Page 20 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 17-23, 2010

Belly Dancing Kids between 6 and 15 years old will learn basic and traditional belly dancing movements. Movements will be built into a choreographed routine. The class is a great way to build self-confidence, balance and coordination.

No prior belly dance experience required.

The instructor was featured on “America’s Got Talent.”

The class will be held every Saturday until Oct. 30 at the Jamaica YMCA, 89-25 Parsons Blvd. at 2:30 p.m. The fee to participate is $110.

be provided by the award winning gospel artist, Rev. Scott Holley. For more information, contact Minister Val Gittens at (718) 749-4432, or the church office at (718) 206-4600.

This event will be held at Shekinah Youth Chapel, 111-54 Merrick Blvd.

Admission is $75.

Rally For Justice The United Coalition for Veterans and Community Rights (UCVCR) present a rally for justice to save the St. Albans VA from demolition. For additional information, visit ucvcr.com, send an e-mail to ucvcr@yahoo.com, or call (718) 4137311.

This free event will be held at St. Albans VA Hospital, 179th Street and Linden Boulevard from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Tom White, Jr. Banner Day Councilman White’s Banner Day celebrates the many different ethnic cultures in the diverse district and throughout Queens. Event attendees will also learn how to access government services, resources and find useful information. For additional information, contact the Councilman’s office at (718) 528-5712 or e-mail Audrey Lucas at alucas@council.nyc.org.

This free event will be held at from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Call for information about the location.

Continuing Education Open House Come on out if you are interested in learning more about the York College Continuing Education program. Meet instructors and learn about York’s programs.

Ten percent off if you register at the open house. Raffles and registration gifts will be offered. For additional information, contact Eartha White at (718) 262-2708.

When: Saturday, September 18th 10:00 am to 1:00 pm This free event will be held at York College Academic Core Building, 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Survival Skills 101 Come to Heron Care and learn selfprotection strategies, stress management techniques, self defense, and behavior modification techniques.

The event runs from Sept. 18 – 27, from 2-4 p.m. For more information, call (718) 291-8788.

MONDAY, Sept. 20 Adult Chess Club Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings.

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

Zumba Soaring Singles Mingle The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York Singles Ministry invites you to join them for fun, fellowship, and spiritual renewal at their first singles ministry conference. Saturday’s Day Two activities will include a day of workshops and will feature the following guest speakers: Rev. Eugene Harrison, Rev. Carla Calizaire, Dr. Marcia Lucas (Dean of Counseling at Nyack College). Worship leadership will

The Zumba program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves like merengue, salsa, cumbia, reggaeton, belly dance, flamenco, tango and samba which creates a mind blowing, one-of-akind fitness program. Zumba not only has long-term benefits, but will allow all to experience, in an hour, calorie-burning, body-energizing and awe-inspiring movements meant to engage and captivate for life.

This class will be held every Monday until Oct. 25 at the Jamaica YMCA, 89-25 Parsons Blvd. at 7:40 p.m. The fee to participate is $100.

Chicanas and Chicanos in Aviation The York College Fall Provost Lectures kicks off with a talk given by Dr. Robert Aceves. Like other industries, for many years aviation provided only limited opportunities for non-whites and women.

However, from the bi-plane to the space ship, Mexican-Americans have been significant, but unknown, contributors to American aviation history. For additional information, contact Holger Henke at hhenke@york.cuny.edu or (718) 2625338.

This free event will be held at the York College Academic Core Building (AC4M05), 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., from 1-3 p.m.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 21 Seido Karate Japanese system Seido Karate emphasizes building of spirit, mind and body, using hand, elbow, and foot techniques.

Adults can learn how to defend themselves in a safe and friendly atmosphere every Tuesday and Saturday until Oct. 30 at the Jamaica YMCA, 89-25 Parsons Blvd.

All levels are welcome. The fee to participate is $120.

Camera Club The Southeast Queens Camera Club welcomes photographers, beginners to advanced. Meetings are held the second, third and fourth Tuesday ever month at 7:30 p.m. at Roy Wilkins Family Life Center, 177-01 Baisley Blvd.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 22 Men’s Soccer Come have some recreational fun in a non-competitive and friendly environment. A great way to stay active and meet people who enjoy the sport. Soccer is played in Jamaica YMCA’s main gymnasium at 89-25 Parsons Blvd. every Wednesday, 7-10 p.m., until October 27. All levels are welcome. Rough play will not be tolerated. The fee to participate is $50.

Sewing 101 Learn how to be creative without spending a lot of money. Joining sewing 101, a class that will teach you the basics of how to sew from threading, stitching and setting a sewing machine for different features. Step by step, the instructor will guide you in learning how to also read a pattern, cutting and piecing. No sewing experience necessary. The class is open to anyone 13 and older. Homework may be required to complete a project.

The class will be held every Wednesday at the Jamaica YMCA, 89-25 Parsons Blvd., from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The fee is $150.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 23 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, 94-11 217 St., (718) 776-6800.

Business Networking Expo The Sutphin Boulevard BID and the Jamaica Center BID are pleased to present a Downtown Jamaica Business Networking Expo. Come out for a visit from city agencies; to learn more about energy saving programs; to learn more about community resources; and to have discussion with financial leaders. Space is limited.

RSVP today at info@jamaicacenter.org or call (718) 526-2422.

This free event will be held at the JFK Corporate Square Marketing Center, 9343 Sutphin Blvd. at 9:30 a.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 24 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, 94-11 217 St., (718) 776-6800.

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

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

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

In Queens, the classes will be held the fourth Thursday of every month at EMS Station 54, 222-15 Merrick Blvd. In addition, 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.

Sept. 17-23, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 21

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 SPRINGFIELD GDNS 73-78 September 25 part y cruise in Freeport. 845-323-3119.

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.

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.

EMANUEL UNITED Saturday, September 25 full course Hungarian Goulash dinner and entertainment at Emanuel Church in Woodhaven. $15 adults, $7.50 children. 849-1153.

Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 17-23, 2010

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

ENVIRONMENT NATIONAL ESTUARIES DAY Saturday, September 25 join Alley Pond Environmental Center for a festival to commemorate our local estuary – Little Neck Bay – and meet members of your neighborhood historic, health service, recreational, civic association, school groups and government organizations. Hike, listen to music, more. 11-3 at 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston.

Free. 229-4000.

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS WOMEN & WORK Free job training program for women at Queens College. 997-4899.

DRAWING CLASS S t a r t i n g O c to b e r 4 N a tional Art League will hold drawing fundamentals and advanced techniques 1-4 in Douglaston. 361-0628.

FABRIC BEADED JEWELRY Saturday, September 18 at the Jackson Heights library at 2:30.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, September 18, Oc tober 2, 16, 30 learn to communicate effectively at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-4367940.

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

886-5236.

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 Ne: 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.

INTRO COMP./EMAIL Monday, September 20 at the Fresh Meadows library.

Register.

BALLROOM DANCE Mondays, September 20, 27 at the Forest Hills library at 6:30.

COMPUTER CLASS Mondays, September 20, 27 at the Lef ferts library.

Register.

POETRY WRITING Mondays, September 20, 27 at the Woodhaven librar y. Register.

CHESS CLUB Mondays, September 20, 27 at the South Hollis library at 5:30.

SEARCH INTERNET Monday, September 20 and Wednesday, September 22 How to Search the Internet to Find a Job at the Arverne library and at the Far Rockaway library. Register.

POETRY WORKSHOP Mondays, September 20, Oc tober 18 poetry writing workshop at Barnes & Noble, 1 7 6 - 6 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i k e , Fresh Meadows at 7:30.

OPEN BRIDGE Tuesdays at 8 at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. Call 263-7000 for fees.

COMPUTER BASICS Tu e s d ay s , S e p te m b e r 2 1 , 28 and Friday, September 24 at the Astoria librar y.

Register.

ADULT SCRABBLE Tu e s d ay s , S e p te m b e r 2 1 , 28 at 1 at the Fresh Meadows library.

COMPUTER BASICS Tu e s d ay s , S e p te m b e r 2 1 , 28 at the Glen Oaks library.

Register.

WIRE SCULPTURING Tuesday, September 21 jewelry making workshop for adults at the Bay Terrace library. Register.

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

WATERCOLOR CLASS 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. 2810912.

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

QUILTING CLASSES Thursdays 10-2 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.

INTRO EXCEL Thursday, September 23 at Pomonok librar y. Register.

ADULT CHESS Thursdays at 6 at the Queens Village library.

OPEN BRIDGE Thursdays from 8-10pm at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. $12 per player. 275-6615 to register.

MANDARIN CHINESE Thursdays, September 23, 30 learn to speak Mandarin Chinese at the Flushing library.

Register.

WRITER’S WORKSHOP Thursday, September 23 at the Bayside library. Register.

WIRE SCULPTING Thursday, September 23 jewelry making workshop for adults at the Briarwood library. Register.

US CITIZENSHIP Thursdays, September 23, 30 Pathway to US Citizenship: Becoming a US Citizen and Building Your Civic Knowledge at 5:30 Lefferts library.

ADULT KNIT & CROCHET Thursday, September 23 at the Central library at 3.

ARTIFACTS & RELICS Thursdays, September 23, 30 Artifacts & Relics: Poetry as a Medium for Telling and Preserving Personal History at 6:30 Langston Hughes library.

JOB INFORMATION Thursday, September 23 Job Information Center Orientation at 7 Central library.

DANCE Thursday, September 23 Dancing for a Better Life at 6 t the Corona library. Zumba classes and more.

COMPUTER CLASS Friday, September 24 at the Ozone Park library. Register.

FRESH MEADOWS POETS Saturday, September 25 at 10 poets meet to discuss and critique their poetry at the Forest Hills library.

ENTERTAINMENT LUNCH/CARD PARTY Register by Oc tober 4 for the Sisterhood of Bay Terrace Jewish Center’s Luncheon Card Part y on Tuesday, Oc tober 19 at 11:30. $20 reservations. 631-5468.

MODERN DANCE Saturdays, September 18, 25 Queens Museum of Art presents Beginner and Intermediate Modern Dance in Mandarin Chinese at noon at the Flushing library.

AMAZING MAZE September 18 through Sunday, November 7 a 3-acre corn maze at Queens Count y Farm Museum. $8 adults, $5 children. 347-3276 information and times.

POWER OF POETRY Saturday, September 18 Juanita Torrence-Thompson and Sonia Sanchez read at 2 at the Langston Hughes library.

EID ANANDA MELA Sunday, September 19 Eid entertainment at 2:30 at the Central library.

STAMP SHOW Sundays, September 19, Oc tober 31, November 21, December 26 Bayside Stamp Show at the Ramada Hotel, 220-33 Northern Blvd., Bayside 10-4:30. 6457659.

CONCERT FOR LEROY Sunday, September 19 A Concert for Leroy, a tribute to the memory of Vincent Leroy Manifold, at Queen of Peace Chapel, 110-30 221 st Street, Queens Village at 3.

Reception follows.

RODGERS… Monday, September 20 Rodgers, Hammerstein & Hart featuring Diane Hoffman at 6:30 at the Glendale library.

LADIES OF SONG Monday, September 20 Linda Ipanema pays tribute from Lady Day to Doris Day at 1:30 at the North Hills library.

ELLA FITZGERALD Monday, September 20 Alva Anderson recreates the life and times of Fitzgerald at 6 at the Ozone Park 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.

BOLERO TO SAMBA Tu e s d a y, S e p te m b e r 2 1 Music of the Americas at 2:30 at the Maspeth library.

POETRY READING Wednesday, September 22 at 3 at the Hollis library.

BLUES Thursday, September 23 Swingin’ Side of the Blues at 6:30 at the Rochdale Village library.

CHINESE AUCTION Friday, September 24 United Methodist Church of Floral Park’s annual Steak and Lobster Dinner and Chinese Auction. $35. 516-354-4969.

JOURNEY TO THE WEST Saturday, September 25 A Story in the St yle of Beijing

Opera told in English and Chinese at 2:30 at the Jackson Heights library.

HORACIO LAGUNA Saturday, September 25 World Classics at 2 at the Peninsula library.

HISPANIC HERITAGE Saturday, September 25 learn to make balloon arrangements (noon), listen to mariachi band (2pm) and watch flamenco dancers (3:30pm) at the Langston Hughes library.

CHINESE MUSICAL ARTS Saturday, September 25 Love of Mid-Autumn Festival Concert at 2 at the Flushing library.

SYMPHONY 101 Saturday, September 25 Strings Attached: A Performance/Workshop for the Entire Family at 1 at the Forest Hills library and at 3 at the Sunnyside library.

RAT PACK Saturday, September 25 tribute to Sinatra, Davis and Martin at 2:30 at the Fresh Meadows library.

YORK JAZZ Saturday, September 25 Bobby Sanabria and Candido Camero at 7 at the York College Performing Arts Center. $20 adults. 262-3750.

COUNT Y FAIR Saturday and Sunday, September 25, 26 from11-6 at

t h e Q u e e n s C o u n t y Fa r m Museum. $7 adults, $4 children 12 and under. Livestock, produce, home crafts, pig racing, petting zoo, animal rides, more. 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park.

347-FARM. CALPULLI MEXICANA Saturday and Sunday, September 25, 26 at Queens Theatre in the Park. 7600064. $27.

CHURCH BAZAAR Saturday, September 25 10-5 and Sunday, September 26 12-3 at Holy Trinit y Russian Orthodox Church, 25-36 37 th Street, Astoria.

CON BRIO ENSEMBLE Sunday, September 26 Con Brio Ensemble will perform works by Mozart, Kodaly and Schumann at 4:30 at Church in the Gardens, 50 Ascan Avenue. $12. 459-1277.

SHINING THROUGH Sunday, September 26 the film “Shining Through” (starring Michael Douglas, Melanie Griffith, Liam Neeson) will be shown at 3 at t he Ba y Terrace Jewish Center. $5 donation. 13-00 2099: th Street, Bayside. Refreshments served.

MANDY PATINKIN Sunday, September 26 at 3 at the Queensborough Performing Arts Center. 6316311. $45.

HEALTH/HEALTH MEETINGS NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS 7 days a week. 932-6244. www.westernqueensna.org.

SHARP Saturdays, September 18, Oc tober 16 Selfhelp Alzheimers Resource Program (SHARP). 631-1886.

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

670-1695. $5 a class.

INTRO TO YOGA Mondays, September 20, 27 at the Lefrak Cit y library and the South Hollis library. Register.

MEDITATION Monday, September 20 Beginners Meditation at 6 at the Flushing library.

STRESS FREE LIVING Monday, September 20 at 6 at the Baisley Park library.

ZUMBA Mondays, September 20, 27 at the Hillcrest library. Register.

LEARN CPR Tuesday, September 21 at the LIC library at 3.

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 ste r n Queens Caregiver Network in Sunnyside. 784-6173, ext.

431.

BRAIN INJURY Wednesdays, September 22, Oc tober 27, November 24, December 22 Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group at Peninsula Hospital. 7342432.

LEARN CPR Wednesday, September 22 at 11 at the Maspeth library.

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

HIV Thursday, September 23 Ines’ Story – discover the magic of communication and learn how to protect your family from HIV at 6 at the Corona library.

STRESS FREE LIVING Thursday, September 23 at 2 at the Middle Village library.

INTRO TO YOGA Thursdays, September 23, 30 at the Jackson Heights library and the Steinway library. Register.

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, 851 8 6 1 st R o a d , R e g o P a r k .

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.

FAMILY HEALTH FAIR Saturday, September 25 starting at 10 at the LIC library. Health screenings, information and more.

Queens Today YOUTH

MEETINGS P-FLAG Sundays, September 19, Oc tober 17, November 21, December 19 P-FLAG, a support group for parents, families and friends of lesbians and gays, meet in Forest Hills. 271-6663.

NYC CORRECTION Mondays, September 20, Oc tober 18, November 15, December 20 NYC Correction Retirees Benevolent Association meets in Forest

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.

FALL SALE Saturday, September 18 from 10-2 at the Ladies Guild of Steinway Reformed Church, Ditmars Blvd. and 41 st Street, Astoria.

OUTDOOR YARD SALE Saturday, September 25 93 at All Saints’ Church, 21435 40 th Avenue, Bayside. If it rains, inside gym.

MISCELLANEOUS FARMERS’ MARKET Sundays 10-4 at the NY Hall of Science, 111 th Street and 48 th A v e n u e . F r i d a y s a n d Saturdays 8:30-4:00 at 160 th Street, off Jamaica Avenue.

Fridays 8:30-4:00 at the Queens Botanical Garden, Dahlia Avenue off Main Street.

COMMUNITY SINGERS Mondays through May the Communit y Singers of Queens, Inc. rehearses at Messiah Lutheran Church, 42-15 165 th Street, Flushing.

New members welcome.

658-1021.

ORATORIO SOCIETY Mondays the Oratorio Societ y of Queens rehearses at the North Presbyterian Church. 279-3006.

RELIGIOUS

reavement Support Group at Holy Family Catholic Church, 175-20 174 th Street, Fresh Meadows in the church basement. 969-2448.me: FH VAC Wednesdays, September 22, Oc tober 27 Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corp meets. 793-2055.

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.

JEWISH VETS Sundays, September 26, Oc tober 24, November 28, December 26 Jewish War Veterans of the USA Lipsky/ Blum Post meet at the Garden Jewish Center. 4634742.

ST. ALBANS CIVIC Sundays, September 26, Oc tober 24, November 28 the St. Albans Civic Improvement Association meets at 1:30 at the St. Albans L u t h e r a n C h u r c h , 2 0 0 th Street and 119 th Avenue in the undercroft. 276-4263.

SENIORS COMPUTER SKILLS The YMCA of Greater NY is conducting small computer classes at the Cross Island YMCA Senior Center and the Jamaica YMCA Senior Center. Contact 479-0505 or 739-6600 for information.

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

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

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.

STARS Wednesdays, September 22, 29 at 10:30 at the Hollis librar y. Friday, Sept ember 24 at 10:30 at the Queens Village library. Come join to perform theatrical works at the library.

CLEARVIEW Thursday, September 23 General Investing talk at 10:15. Friday, September 24 Art Show at 10 and “Keeping the Faith” movie at 12:45. Monday, September 27 M u s i c A p p r e c i a t i o n a t 12:30. Tuesday, September 28 Lunar Festival Celebration at 1. Wednesday, Sept e m b e r 2 9 Ta i C h i a t 2 .

Thursday, September 30 Speaker’s Bureau at 10:15 and blood pressure check at

9:15. Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26th Avenue, Bayside. 224-7888 to register.

POMONOK SENIORS Friday, September 24 Health and Wellness Fair from 10-2. Free flu vaccination, blood pressure and glucose screening. Mondays Tai Chi at 9. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Calligraphy lessons. Thursdays Yoga at 10. Every Friday hot continental breakfast from 9-10. Line dancing, English, Chair Yoga, Tai Chi, Relaxation, Bingo, Movies, Painting, Arts & Crafts, Aerobics, Quilting and Floral Arrangement. Pomonok Senior Center, 67-09 Kissena Blvd., Flushing. 591-3377.

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

PARENTS PARENT ADVISORY BD. Wednesday, September 22 Queens Borough President Marshall’s Parent Advisory Board meets from 6-8 in the Borough President’s Conference Room. 286-2626.

FREE SCHOOL HELP Free school help for students of all ages, parents and teachers. FreeSchoolHelp.com KIDS KORNER After School Center is at the Central Queens YM-YWHA in Forest Hills. 268-5011, ext. 201. Extended hours.

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 Through December. Call 229-4000 for exact schedule.

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.

SCIENCE LAB Saturdays, September 18, 25 at the Central library at noon.

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.

CHESS CLUB Mondays, September 20, 27 at 5:30 at the South Hollis library.

CRAFTS Monday, September 20 at 3:30 at the Queens Village library.

TURN OFF TV WEEK Tu e s d a y, S e p te m b e r 2 1 S u p p o r t N a t i o n a l Tu r n o f f Week at Barnes & Noble, 1 7 6 - 6 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i k e , Fresh Meadows at 10:30.

CHESS

TALKS NY WORLD’S FAIR Saturday, September 18 Ron Marzlock discusses the two World’s Fairs in Flushing Meadows at 3:30 at the Broadway library.

PREVENT FORECLOSURE Monday, September 20 at the Glendale library. Register.

FOREST HILLS Monday, September 20 “American Pastoral” will be discussed at 3 at the Forest Hills library.

PROPOSAL WRITING Thursday, September 23 Proposal Writing Basics at 2 at the Central library.

REAL TOKYO Thursday, September 23 Dave Wang will show photos of The Real Tokyo at 6 at the Hollis library.

HANDWRITING ANALYSIS Thursday, September 23 at 6 at the Pomonok library.

FRESH MEADOWS Thursday, September 23 God of Small Things” will be discussed at 2:30 at the Fresh Meadows library.

BUILDING WEALTH Friday, September 24 Building Wealth: Successful Strategies for All at 6 at the Central library.

SOFT SKILLS Saturday, September 25 author discussion with Lu Ming, who will talk about his new book at 2 at the Flushing librar y.

Wednesdays at the Queens Village library at 3:30.

STORIES & CRAFTS Wednesdays, September 22, 29 at 10:30 at the Bay Terrace librar y.

WII PLAY Thursdays, September 23, 30 at the Bayside librar y.

Register.

GREEN SLIME Thursday, September 23 all children wearing green will get a cup of green slime at 6 at the Whitestone library.

GIRL SCOUTS Thursday, September 23, 30 at 4 at the Queens Village library.

POETRY & ME Thursday, September 23 for those 6-12 at 4 at the Flushing library.

FLASH FRIDAY Friday, September 24 for those up to grade 7 at 3:30 at the Ozone Park library.

COLORING & CRAFTS Friday, September 24 for those 18-36 months at 10:30 at the Queensboro Hill library.

CRAFTERNOONS Friday, September 24 at the Ridgewood library. Register.

WII SPORTS Friday, September 24 for those 6-14 at 3:30 at the Maspeth library.

GAME DAY Friday, September 24 for those in grades 1-6 at 3:30 at the Queens Village library.

ART WORKSHOPS Saturdays Women’s Studio Center in LIC holds Children’s Art Workshops.

361-5649.

SHABBAT SCOUTS Sundays Shomer Shabbat B oy S c o u t Tro o p 6 1 3 meets from 6-7:30 at Young Israel of Windsor Park.

969-1571.

BOY SCOUT 138 Thursdays Boy Scout Troop 138 meets at 7:30 in the basement at 192-15C 64 th Circle, Fresh Meadows. For those 11 and older. 4542391.

CUB/TROOP 158 Fridays Cub Scouts and Troop 158 in Queens Village meets at Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 92-10 217 th Street.

465-1712 Troop, 468-5235 Cubs.

CUB SCOUTS 351 Fridays at St. Nicholas of Tolentine school cafeteria, Parsons Blvd. and Union Turnpike. Boys in grades 15. 820-0015.

CUB/TROOP SCOUTS Fridays from September through June Pack 357 a n d Tr o o p 3 5 7 m e e t s i n the Scout Room, 69-16 1 6 4 th S t r e e t , F l u s h i n g .

591-9514 Cubs, 279-9085 Scots.

SCOUTING Join Scouting in Queens.

212-651-2897.

TEENS CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

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

SHSAT TEST Monday, September 20 full length practice test at the Central library. Register.

CHESS CLUB Monday, September 20, 27 at 5:30 at the South Hollis library.

TEEN CRAFTS Tuesday, September 21 at the Queens Village library at 4:30.

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

TEEN GAMING Wednesdays, September 22, 29 at 3 at the Fresh Meadows library.

GAME DAY Wednesdays, September 22, 29 at 4 at the Howard Beach 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.

WII PLAY Thursdays, September 23, 30 at the Bayside librar y.

Register.

TEEN GAMING Thursday, September 23 at 3 at the Fresh Meadows library.

CREATIVE WRITING Thursdays, September 23, 30 C r e a t i v e W r i t i n g a n d Dance Workshop at the Hollis librar y. Register.

GIRL SCOUTS Thursdays, September 23, 30 at 4 at the Queens Village library.

TEEN ACTIVITIES Thursday, September 23 at 4 at the Hollis library.

THOMAS COMMA Friday, September 24 animated film about Thomas Comma, a comma looking to fit in at 4 at the Flushing library.

GAME DAY Friday, September 24 at 2:30 at the Bay Terrace library.

GAME PLAYERS Fridays at the Hillcrest library at 2.

SCOUTING The Rego Park Jewish Center will offer boy and girl scouting. 516-526-2492.

SAMUEL FIELD Y Basketball, SAT Prep, more at the Samuel Field Y’s Teen Center at PS169. 423-6111.

YOUTH GROUP Fridays t he Communit y Church of Little Neck will hold their Communit y Youth Group from 7-9. 46-16 Little Neck Parkway. 229-2534.

ART CLASSES Fridays the Alliance of Queens Artists in Forest Hills offers teen workshops. 5209842.

CATALPA YMCA Saturdays recreation, Weight room and fitness center available. 69-02 64 th Street, Ridgewood. 8216271.

TEEN CENTER Tuesdays/Thursdays 7-9 the Samuel Field Y. 423-6111.

Sept. 17-23, 2010 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 23

TEMPLE TIKVAH Saturday, September 18 Family Communit y Yom Kippur Service. All welcome at 2. Yizkor Service at 5:30.

Temple Tikvah, 3315 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park.

516-746-1120.

CONCERT FOR LEROY Sunday, September 19 A Concert for Leroy, a tribute to the memory of Vincent Leroy Manifold, at Queen of Peace Chapel, 110-30 221 st Street, Queens Village at 3.

Reception follows.

HILLCRSET JC Sunday, September 26 Sukkot Dinner. Sunday, October 3 Adult Education will feature the Coller Memorial Lecture at 9:30. Hillcrest Jewish Center. 380-4145.

Hills. 263-6334.

LOST MIRACLES Mondays, September 20, Oc tober 18, November 15, December 20 St. Adalbert’s bereavement support group, for the loss of a newborn or miscarriage, in Elmhurst.

429-2005.

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.

AUBURNDALE ASSN. Tu e s d a y s , S e p t e m b e r 2 1 , Oc tober 19, November 16, December 21 Auburndale Improvement Association meets at the Reception House, 167-17 Northern Blvd. at 7:30.

TALK OF THE TOWN Tu e s d a y, S e p te m b e r 2 1 learn the art of public speaking in St. Albans. 527-5889.

AMERICAN LEGION Tuesday, September 21 Edward McKee Post 131 meets in Whitestone. 767-4323.

BEREAVEMENT 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 Be-

People

Page 24 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 17-23, 2010

Zara Jane A. Watson of Jamaica, enrolled at Binghamton University, State University of New York, recently received the Nell Jackson Memorial Award.

This award is presented to a student with a strong academic record and a commitment to campus or community service.

Binghamton University is one of the four university centers of the State Uni-

versity of New York. Known for the excellence of its students, faculty, staff and programs, Binghamton enrolls close to 15,000 students in programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Its curriculum, founded in the liberal arts, has expanded to include selected professional and graduate programs.

College Credits:

Photo by Brian Greenspan

After a rigorous search for a Vice We all welcome Vice President Swirin to President of Institutional Advancement, the College and look forward to having York College, of the City University of this new executive partner on our team.”

Swirin, who comNew York (CUNY), has menced her tenure at hired veteran developYork on September 13, ment and non-profit also expressed delight in management expert, the move to York.

Dolores Swirin, the “York College is a former CEO of the Girl jewel in this richly diScout Council of Greater verse community,” said New York.

Swirin. “I am very enthuIn addition to the siastic about getting the Girls Scouts, Swirin’s word out about York’s brand of leadership has excellence in teaching made its mark on the and research. I am conLeukemia & Lymphoma vinced that, by raising Society’s New York City substantial funds and inChapter, the American creasing the visibility of Red Cross in Greater York College, we will be New York, Beth Israel able to offer educational Medical Center, and sevopportunities to those eral other organizations Dolores Swirin who can most benefit over the past 25 years. from them.”

Over the course of her Swirin also relates to many of York’s career, which has included a stint as a graduate-level adjunct lecturer in Public students, most of them immigrants or Affairs at Baruch College, Swirin has children of immigrants.

“As the first member of my immediate raised funds and awareness to strengthen the internal organization and the services family to graduate from college, I have they provide. She is now poised to take experienced first-hand the impact of York to new heights in the area of Institu- higher education on one’s ability to establish a meaningful and satisfying cational Advancement.

“I am delighted with the outcome of reer,” she said.

VP Swirin holds a BA in French from this search,” said Dr. Marcia V. Keizs, president of York College. “Ms. Swirin’s Columbia University and an MA in breadth of experience in fundraising and French Literature, also from Columbia executive management will position York University. She lives in Brooklyn with her to fulfill this vital area of our mandate. two young sons.

The students of Martin Van Buren High School, Queens Village, raised more than $1,450 for Haitian R elief under the auspices of COSA Brian Greenspan. Shown are Student Government members holding the cans they used to collect the money for Haiti.

St. Albans Age: 27 Height: 5’ 9" Weight: 125 lbs Stats: 34-25-35

Models Of Queens

Demi Davis

Photo: Ira Cohen Though Jimmy’s partner and parents were there for his swearing in last year, he may be willing to toss the old folks aside for a billionaire daddy.

Lookin' For Big Daddy Semi-Demi Demi Davis started modeling and making music at around the same time in 2007, and now sees herself as a “quadruple threat.”

In 2008 she released her first EP, “Genesis,” and last month her follow-up CD, “Femme Fatale,” hit the streets.

Demi met with somebody through MySpace who got her into a studio and taught her how to record.

“I worked with him and other producers,” Demi said. “There were a lot of trials and tribulations, and I went through a couple of managers who weren’t really that good.”

But taking her career in her

own hands, Demi has seen success.

Music and modeling are quite similar, Demi said. “When I do music I do video, I do photos, hair, makeup, album cover work; modeling is kinda in everything,” Demi said. Also an actor and dancer, Demi recently did a pilot

for a sitcom.”

Though she has been taking a break from modeling in recent months to focus on acting and music, with Fashion Week coming up Demi’s days have been getting busier.

“I’ve been getting back into runway shape,” Demi said. She’s also been working on an action film called “Furious Women.”

“I will be a superhero,” she said. “There’s martial arts, throwing stars, weapons, equipment – a lot of athletic stuff coming up.

There’s girls kicking butt.”

When not dancing, acting, singing or modeling, this “quadruple threat” enjoys hanging out with friends in Manhattan and St. Albans.

Brand-ing Astoria Excluding one former and one present members of the QConf staff, we’re pretty sure Astoria isn’t known for drunken playboys.

So imagine the neighborhood’s terror when British comedy oddball Russell Brand appeared in the area to shoot the remake of Dudley

Moore’s classic “Arthur.”

Brand has yet to star in a box office hit that would match his inexplicable celebrity status.

In fact, Brand’s visit may be the worst thing to happen to Astoria since the blackout of 2006.

Sweet dreams!

Page 26 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 17-23, 2010

Pro-Venus

Photo by Ira Cohen Venus Williams at the U.S. Open

In defense of Venus Williams: As one of the highest ranked female tennis players in the world headed into her 10th U.S. Open quarterfinal, when you enter her name into Yahoo, the top searched term is “dress,” complete with news reports about her outrageous fashion choices at competitions.

Thing is, we don’t care. Perhaps we should, since every major media outlet has relished picking apart her most recent creation, a pink fireworks-inspired nightmare.

If the world’s fourth ranked female singles player wants to spend her day tugging her dress down, then we say, “go for it.” If she wants the world to see her black and white Underoos, good for her. She’s an athlete. Can’t we just let her play?

Perhaps it’s the Anna Kournikova effect, but shame on us all for being so easily distracted from the game.

Russell Brand is in Astoria

Love is crazy and causes folks to do some stupid things. But to ask Mayor Mike Bloomberg to adopt you is taking it a step too far.

Here’s the short explanation: Bloomberg signed a bill requiring the city clerk to provide same sex couples with information on where they can get married.

A thankful Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer wondered aloud at a press conference if the Mayor may one day preside over his wedding.

The Mayor said he doesn’t do weddings, with the exception of his daughters. Van Bramer’s response?

“Well, if you’d like to adopt me, Mayor Bloomberg, that might work out well. My partner might appreciate that.”

We’re not exactly sure how the Councilman’s parents would feel about being dumped for a billionaire. Jimmy Van Bloomberg does have a nice ring to it though.

Tight Quarters

How high up did Ron Artest’s knees come in this tiny ride?

When was the last time you got in your car and needed a helmet? If you have spent more than 10 seconds thinking then you are obviously not Ron Artest.

The Queensbridge native was spotted in a little red race car that would be a better fit at a NASCAR track than the 101 Freeway.

Of course with the car being a bit unusual, Artest was stopped by police officers and he was cited for an expired registration. Supposedly, the car was not even registered to Artest, but someone in Tennessee.

Well, if we all win NBA Championships we can all borrow our friends red sports cars. We wonder if the Knicks are looking for a point guard, power forward, center? What are we saying, of course they are looking.

Confidentially, New York . . .

Tennis Match The angry Americans narrative has gotten so strong, even tennis isn’t immune.

The normally pacified and prim audience at the U.S. Open got some unwelcomed attention Labor Day weekend when a fight broke out in the stands.

The fight began after a woman slapped a man when he refused to stop using vulgar words after being asked repeatedly. (Welcome to New York, lady.) The situation escalated after the woman’s 74year-old father got physical with the man stopping the match.

The three were hauled off in handcuffs and banned from tennis matches at Flushing Meadows for three years. All three have filed civil harassment suits against each other assuring that this story won’t be going away soon.

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