Press epaper 092614

PRESS Photo by Jordan Gibbons

Volume 15 Issue No. 39 Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2014

CULTURE ON DISPLAY

Portraits of the culture of the Caribbean are featured in a new exhibit at York College.

By Jordan Gibbons ‌ Page 8.

ONLINE AT WWW.QUEENSPRESS.COM

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2014

News Briefs Malcolm Smith Thanks His Constituents

State Sen. Malcolm Smith (DHollis) released a statement this week, thanking his community and congratulating his opponent in the Primary election.

Smith thanked God, his family and his constituents for granting him 14 years to represent his community.

He also thanked his staff in the Senate and the campaign for their commitment to improving the lives of the people of Southeast Queens, the City and the State.

He wished State Sen.-Elect Leroy Comrie good luck and best wishes.

Missing Persons Walk Of Hope

The LaMont Dottin Foundation is having their first Queens Walk of Hope on Saturday to bring awareness to missing persons and the need to change current laws.

Arnita Fowler founded LaMont Dottin and has been fighting to change the laws that prevented her from reporting her son missing after he disappeared on Oct. 16, 1995.

He was a student at Queens College and was living with his grandmother in St. Albans at the time when he went to the post office and was never seen again. Fowler was serving in the Air Force and stationed in California at the time. She flew home and fought for a month to file a missing persons report for her son, who was over the age of 18, with the NYPD. She said she was told “it’s not unusual for black men to walk away from home.”

Fowler spent the next four years searching for her son by posting missing person flyers, constantly calling the NYPD and even hired a private detective. She finally discovered that her son had been found six days after she first tried to report him missing.

His body had been found in the East River on Oct. 24, 1995 but never identified. The FBI had notified the NYPD of a finger print name match in December 1995, but the NYPD never notified the family of his death or investigated his disappearance.

He was buried in a pauper’s grave in Potter’s Field.

The current laws prevent the immediate filing of a missing persons report with the NYPD if the person is between the ages of 18 and 64.

Assemblyman William Scarborough and State Sen. James Sanders (D-South Ozone Park) have proposed legislation to make the process of reporting a missing person less ominous for families. The LaMont

Dottin’s Law relates to reporting duties with respect to missing children and adults, establishes uniform standards for searching for missing persons, expands state databanks to approach missing children and adults and requires police departments to establish a trained missing person specialist.

To help spread awareness, join the walk from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rufus King Park, located at 89th Avenue, Jamaica. The walk will end at Blanche Memorial Church, located at 109-74 Sutphin Blvd.

York College Hosts The Hoarde

Vissi Dance Theater is bringing “The Hoarde,” a visceral story about love, betrayal, vengeance and redemption to the newly renamed Milton G. Bassin Performing Arts Center at York College for its season opener.

Lead by Artisitic Director Courtney Ffrench, “The Hoarde” brings an updated performance to Downtown Jamaica’s Arts & Cultural District, after a critically acclaimed tour in Japan.

The center is located at 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica.

The performance will be held on Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.

Tickets for “The Hoarde” can be purchased at the York Box Office or by calling (718) 262-2840.

Local Physician Pleads Guilty To Fraud

District Attorney Richard Brown announced last week that a South Richmond Hill physician pleaded guilty to defrauding insurance companies and the State Worker’s Compensation Board by fraudulently billing for medical tests never performed.

Dr. Rajpaul Singh, who operated Liberty Advance Medical P.C. at 133-13 Liberty Ave. until 2011, has been ordered to pay $65,000 in restitution.

“In carrying out his scheme, the defendant falsified medical tests by recycling old patient test results, which he then used to cheat insurnace companies of tens of thousands of dollars,” Brown said. “This case makes clear that law enforcement’s fight against insurance fraud is ongoing and that those who cheat will be held accountable.”

Singh pleaded guilty to first-degree falsifying business records and was sentenced to a three-year conditional discharge, with one of the conditions being that he makes his restitution payments.

Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Presstime

Miller Requests Moratorium On Dollar Van Apps

BY JORDAN GIBBONS At a press conference on Monday, Councilman I. Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans) asked the Taxi & Limousine Commission to place a moratorium on commuter van applications until they can provide safe enforcement and oversight.

His request was in response to the 22-year-old woman who is in critical condition after jumping from a commuter van that was fleeing from the NYPD on Sept. 14. Miller said that she awoke from a coma on Saturday.

“It got less attention because incidents such as this are not an anomaly,” Miller said. “This community

Photos by Jordan Gibbons

Councilman I. Daneek Miller held the press conference to call upon the TLC to act quickly.

BSA Approves St. Albans Housing Variances

BY JORDAN GIBBONS The St. Albans Cycle of Life housing development that received backlash from the community over the summer was approved by the Board of Standards and Appeals on Tuesday.

The proposal features a 67-unit affordable housing facility on Farmers Boulevard, between 118th and 119th Avenues.

The Dept. of Buildings rejected the original proposal, which caused the developer, Trinity Associates, to seek three variances from the BSA. The variances requested were changing the floor area ratio and zoning from a R3A contextual district, the height of the five-story building and limiting the on-site parking to 23 spaces.

Sharon Johnson, a member of the St. Albans Civic Association, has been against the size of the project since the community was first informed about the plans.

“I’m devastated,” she said after she found out about the BSA decision. “We plan on seeing what our other options are.”

According to the plans, there will be 33 one-bedroom units and 34 twobedroom units available for rent.

John Saraceno, president of Trinity Associates, said that the amount of units is necessary in order to get the grants and financial sources to allow the apartments to stay at an affordable rental rate.

“I think the community will see the value as time goes on,” he said.

“I think they will come around once they realize the benefits of the affordable apartments.”

Saraceno said the next step Trinity would like to take is to reach out to the community.

He said a percentage of the contractors are going to be minorityand women-based contractors in the area.

“It’s going to create jobs for construction workers,” he said. “There are also going to be jobs for management personnel that we need to run the facility.”

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

no longer stands for such behavior said. “We have to do something, we on our streets. It’s apparent that have to get better. We need a resoluthe Taxi & Limousine Commission, tion, quickly.” which oversees the commuter van Rosedale resident Jackie Campindustry, and even the MTA, have bell uses the buses for her daily ignored the needs for safe, reliable two-hour commute to Manhattan, transportation service here in South- but she refuses to use the commuter east Queens.” vans, which could shorten her trip, Miller said that there is an abun- because she said there are fights, acdance of illegal “dollar” vans in the cidents and too many of them are not community, but even vans authorized licensed. by the TLC often operate illegally by “I prefer not to take them because soliciting, picking up or discharging they are not safe,” she said. “Even passengers outside of their designat- when they’re licensed, they’re not ed areas and along bus routes, which monitored.” is a violation of City law.

Another issue Miller addressed NYC Open Data shows that there was a lack of accessibility for disare 344 authorized vans, with only abled and elderly commuters.

301 licensed drivers City-wide. But, Hollis resident Dustin Jones, a Miller said there are board member at probably that many Disabled In Action “We have to do vans driving on Arof Metropolitan New cher Avenue alone on something, we have York, said that accesa daily basis. sibility is not someto get better. We Licensed comthing you can call a muter vans have TLC privilege. need a resolution, license plates and a “Accessibility is quickly.” round TLC sticker, a right,” Jones said. to identify a licensed has a -Adrienne Adams, “Everybody driver and vehicle. right to use transchairperson, portation services Legitimate drivers need to have the right Community Board 12 in their community. insurance and must Commuter vans are be drug tested, finno exception.” gerprinted and screened for a good Jones was in an accident several DMV and criminal record. years ago and is now restricted to a Miller said that there are only wheelchair. Since then, he said he about 130 TLC inspectors and they has realized that disabled citizens place an emphasis on Manhattan and are often ignored. the airports, which allows countless The commuter vans do not have illegal drivers to drive recklessly and access for disabled people, so Jones illegally through Southeast Queens. is aware that his transportation opAdrienne Adams, chairperson for tions are limited to buses.

Community Board 12, said the issue “I shouldn’t have to sit there and of dangerous commuter vans has settle for less,” he said. “The TLC come up at CB meetings too many needs to step it up and they need to times, but they are still waiting for a do the right thing.” solution.

Reach Reporter Jordan Gibbons at “Typically, we see them parked (718) 357-7400 Ext. 123, jgibbons@ doubly, triply in the bus stops,” she queenspress.com or @jgibbons2.

Commuter vans at the Parsons Boulevard and Archer Avenue bus stops block off buses trying to pick up commuters, residents say.

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2014

Moving Towards An Action Plan For Jamaica To follow up on a meeting in June, the offices of Borough President Melinda Katz and Mayor Bill de Blasio are planning another community forum to gather ideas on how to shape the future of Jamaica.

Melva Miller, director of economic development for Katz’s office, attended a Community Board 12 meeting last week to notify residents of ongoing plans to move forward with the goal of creating an action plan.

The next step to creating a realistic and achievable plan will be on Saturday Nov. 22, to make it more convenient for residents and elected officials who could not attend the first meeting.

“This initiative was launched by the new administrations of the Mayor and the Borough President to come up with a community-based, neighborhood-based development initiative that’s a bottom up approach to developing communities,” Miller said. “This is the first time I can honestly say that multiple branches of City government have been… actively participating in this initiative.

We have weekly phone calls.”

The main area where they are looking to study is bordered by Union Turnpike to the north, Linden Bou-

levard to the south, the fices that are actively Van Wyck Expressway involved in the process to the west and Farmers are the Economic DeBoulevard to the east. velopment CorporaMiller said they have tion, Small Business weekly and sometimes Services, the Dept. of daily meetings with Housing Preservation the Dept. of City Planand Development, the ning. She also said that Mayor’s Community Afone group that was not fairs Unit and the Dept. represented at the June of Transportation. meeting was elected of“It really is a broadficials in the area, so based interagency efthey have been doing adfort,” Everett said. “This ditional outreach during Melva Miller and Stephen Everett updated residents on upcoming is a community-driven the summer to get them meetings to develop the Greater Jamaica area. project and we want to involved. see your support and They also have focus group meet- reach throughout the summer into that will help as we flesh out this Jaings planned for the next few weeks. the fall.” maica action plan.”

There will be two held at City Hall They are still looking for the right Then, they want to come up with for affordable housing and fore- possible projects and initiatives that location for the meeting and Miller closures. They are partnering with are realistic and attainable. also said that they are willing to lisCouncilman I. Daneek Miller (D-St. “In November… we’re going to get ten to ideas that are located outside Albans) for a meeting on work force input on how to shape these projects the immediate study area. and healthcare.

“We need to hear from you about and initiatives so they can meet the There will also be an art and cul- needs of the community,” she said. issues that we might not know about,” ture roundtable to cultivate artists, “After that, we will take that feed- Miller said. “Please help us. Please a youth development roundtable for back back, we will refine it and our reach out to me and we will make 16-to-18-year-olds and a young profes- hope is to come up with an action sure that your input and your ideas sionals roundtable for ages 19 to 26. plan to be released by the beginning are incorporated in this process.”

“One of the concerns we heard of next year for implementation into To reach Miller, email her at was, ‘how do we cultivate an environ- the community.” mmiller@queensbp.org. ment for young professionals to stay Reach Reporter Jordan Gibbons at Steven Everett, City Planning’s in Jamaica?’” Miller said. “So, we’re representative for Community (718)357-7400 Ext. 123, jgibbons@ really focusing on additional out- Boards 8 and 12, said that other of- queenspress.com or @jgibbons2.

Photo by Jordan Gibbons

BY JORDAN GIBBONS

Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

Disappointed Crowd At Success Academy Hearing It was not a Successful meeting.

As mandated by State law, the Dept. of Education held a public hearing Wednesday night regarding new Success Academy charter schools proposed for Queens. The meeting was held at PS/IS 128 in Middle Village and hosted by Community Education Council 24.

Three new Success Academy charters are proposed for Districts 24, 28 and 30, which span western and central Queens.

Speakers at the hearing, almost all of whom had backgrounds in education as teachers, administrators or PTA leaders, overwhelmingly expressed frustration and disappointment with the lack of active representation from Success Academy.

A Success Academy representative took notes at the hearing, but did not present plans for the new schools or answer questions.

“Most people think that this hearing is a sham,” Deborah Alexander, a member of CEC 30, said.

“What they’re going to say is that they did public outreach. This is public outreach,” Alexander continued.

CEC 24 vice president Peter Vercessi said that for him, the evening

felt like an episode of new charters. A pro“Seinfeld.” posal to share space “It’s a show about with a public school nothing,” Vercessi said. would require another “We’re commenting on public hearing, acsomething we know nothcording to the Dept. ing about.” of Education.

“The purpose of this Throughout the meeting is to gather comhearing, many speakments from the commuers stated that they do nity...There is significant not universally oppose information available charter schools, but about SA. This is one of instead take issue spemany hearings,” Success CEC 24 hosted a public hearing on new Success Academy charter cifically with the SucAcademy public affairs school proposals in Districts 24, 28 and 30. cess Academy network director Ann Powell and their proposal.

In the arresting timbre of seasoned said.

One attendee relayed a positive Councilman and Education Com- classroom teachers, many described experience with Success Academy. mittee chair Daniel Dromm (D- their experiences with overcrowding Maspeth resident Charlie Vavruska, Jackson Heights) also spoke at the and concerns about bringing Success whose teenage daughter attended elmeeting, reiterating some concerns Academy into overburdened neigh- ementary and middle school in D24, he raised earlier this summer when borhoods. said he met several Harlem Success “It’s like walking through Grand Academy families at a policy meetthe Education Committee asked the SUNY Board of Trustees to halt au- Central Station in my building,” one ing. elementary school teacher said. thorization of new charter schools.

The parents were pleased with the UFT District 24 representative education their children were getting, These concerns included admissions practices and attrition at Success Rosemary Parker said, “we have trail- and “[their children] all seemed like Academy schools and profits earned ers that are falling apart. We have an- they enjoyed learning and wanted to nexes on top of annexes…And then go to school,” Vavruska said. “I think by charter CEO Eva Moskowitz.

Absent dialogue with Success now you want to try and co-locate in that’s something good.”

Academy, attendees took the micro- one of our schools? Because there’s Reach Reporter Jackie Strawbridge phone to share their mostly unani- no space.” at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, jstrawSuccess Academy has not an- bridge@queenstribune.com or @JNmous worries about the three new nounced where they plan to put the Strawbridge. schools.

Photo by Jackie Strawbridge

BY JACKIE STRAWBRIDGE

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2014

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

Editor-in-Chief:

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

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

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

A Queens Tribune Publication © Copyright 2014 Tribco, LLC

Michael Nussbaum Publisher Ria McPherson Comptroller

Editorial

Letters

Overcrowding Concerns Need To Be Addressed

Library Policies Close Access

A public hearing held earlier this week to discuss a proposal for three new Success Academy charter schools has rightfully raised the ire of education advocates in the Borough, especially since the creation of the new schools would not ease the continuously-burgeoning issue of overcrowding in Queens schools.

The part of the proposal that raises the most concerns for teachers and parents is the plan to co-locate these charter schools in existing educational institutions, as opposed to creating a new space for them.

Schools in Queens are already filled to the brim with students.

Most schools in Queens are already suffering from problems tied to being over-capacity, not having enough seats for students, forcing them to hold classes in trailers outside the buildings.

These are nothing close to optimum conditions for learning. It is part of the reason why we have heard such outcries over plans for co-locations in City schools over the last few years.

With so many issues surrounding the City’s educational system and testing procedures causing uproars with parents, it seems as though students are already at a disadvantage when it comes to learning. We should be working to eliminate these disadvantages, not add to them, to ensure that the next generation is given the best education possible.

If the City hopes to introduce new educational institutions anywhere – but especially here in Queens – these institutions must be planned to help reduce the overcrowding. Without addressing these issues, adding new schools to the Borough does nothing but create more problems for students.

To The Editor: That full page of malarkey from the “removed” Queens Public Library trustees appears to be an advertisement (paid by the QPL?). It not only castigates Queens BP Melinda Katz for bringing much needed reforms to the institution but also insinuates that “Freedom of Thought” will be lost at the library. This is the height of hypocrisy in light of the QPL’s blatant blocking of some audio files you may want to save to your flash drive.

The issue is the selective blocking of intellectual content.

This includes podcasts of radio programs from Gary Null and Amy Goodman, an award winning investigative reporter.

A QPL technician advised me that to make these podcasts available for saving just like all the others, authorization by upper management was required.

Listening to audio podcasts at the library is not an option, where the library supplies no listening device and/or insufficient computer time is allotted.

At a later date, a spokesperson said that the blocking was due to a technical issue. (It remains unresolved.)

Fortunately, the New York Public Library makes all the podcasts equally available for saving to your flash drive. The Roosevelt Island branch is convenient via the F train and welcomes Queens residents wanting to download the QPL blocked audio files.

Clearly, the QPL is unfaithful to American Library Association’s guiding principles of “intellectual freedom and equitable access to information.”

Regrettably, we may have to wait for the replacement of QPL upper management for uncensored access like that of the NYPL. Thankfully, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz is making excellent choices in replacing the “removed” library trustees.

P.S. - Much to its credit, downloading legitimate software is permitted at the QPL. Bill Herbert, Richmond Hill

Public Advocate Finds Nail-biter Signature Issue A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE Public Advocate Letitia James brought an important issue to light this week and it stands to protect the public from harm right along with employees in that industry.

An investigation by James’ office found that there is little regulation in the nail salon business and that customers are at risk of infection and dangers from chemicals in the products used to create those elegant digits we love so much.

The investigation also revealed that not only are customers’ health at risk, but that the technicians’ health are also at risk due to the poorly ventilated work rooms.

Nail salon workers spend untold hours working and breathing in the potentially toxic fumes of their trade each day. They are mostly immigrants, many brand new to the country and speaking very little English. Most have limited employment options and this unregulated industry leaves them unprotected by

City/State health board regulations.

Customers are also at risk of infection from unsterilized instruments, toxic chemicals applied to hands and nails, and indeed, the same fumes the workers are inhaling from the toxic products. Kudos to Ms. James for taking on this issue!

This issue was a perfect storm and our advocate has put the spotlight on it with the goal of fixing the problem, not cause trouble for small business owners and their employees.

So how did we manage to go unprotected for so long with this beauty routine?

According to James, there are more than 5,000 nails salons State-wide and we have only 27 inspectors in the entire state.

Add to that, the James report says that of 10,000 chemicals in nail products, only 11 percent have been tested.

That is an alarming figure.

This lack of oversight leaves both the public and the workers who serve them at risk for serious health consequences.

I usually enter these salons for my eyebrows only, but as someone with a sensitive

lower respiratory system, I sometimes couldn’t even stay long enough for that brief eyebrow waxing due to the fumes. I stopped going a few years ago when my husband got me a really great kit with a 5X magnifier. The advocate’s investigation and actions in progress is welcome news.

According to the report, some nail salon chemicals are so dangerous that they have been suspected of being cancer-causing and could even have a negative impact on fetuses and reproductive health. The State has failed us in this matter. Nail salons are liberally scattered throughout my community and are very liberally supported by our women. To now know that both they, and the women – and men – who wait on them have been at serious risk is very alarming.

And this is why there is a public advocate. It is unfortunate that Michael Bloomberg gutted that office when he became mayor 12 years ago.

The expense of running a successful Public Advocate Office is one of necessity and should not be at the mercy of anyone who thinks it is unnecessary. It

should be equitably funded so it can be fully staffed to serve the public good. The Office of the Public Advocate is our official watch dog and no one is more doggedly determined than James is.

During his four-year tenure, Bill de Blasio tried his best to make it work. His signature issue was fighting hospital closings; and James too, is committed to that issue. But she probably has personal experience with nail salons.

Her strategy to advocate for both sides – the women and men, who frequent the salons and the unsuspecting workers, is admirably balanced. Those workers have no choice but to sit there all day six to seven days per week inhaling the harmful chemicals in poorly ventilated spaces. All workers deserve protection from harmful conditions in their places of employment and nail salon workers are no exception.

By bringing this into the open, James will have saved lives and health. She is doing her job and we are thankful for that.

Way to go, Tish!

Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2014

Capturing A Culture Through Photography When Mario Picayo first photographed a Caribbean carnival, he realized that he had found his calling in life.

When he returned to his dark room, he noticed that he had been focusing on the colorful, elaborately decorated faces of the participants and he wanted to keep sharing their stories through photography.

“These faces are telling history,” he said. “This started taking me down a rabbit hole. The deeper you go, you realize how much history there is and how important it is.”

The work of Picayo and Mariano Hernández is on display at the York College Fine Art Gallery from Sept.

18 to Oct. 15. The gallery entitled “Caribbean Carnival Portraits: The Photography of Mario Picayo and Mariano Hernández” features photos captured at 25 carnivals from all over the Caribbean by the two photographers during the span of more than 25 years.

York College unveiled the new exhibit on Sept. 18 to start National Hispanic Heritage Month.

York College President Marcia Keizs said that the idea came from one of York’s faculty in the Foreign Language department, who also happens to be Picayo’s mother.

“We have a lot of Caribbean stu-

Photos by Jordan Gibbons

BY JORDAN GIBBONS

Photographers Mario Picayo and Mariano Hernández gathered 25 years of photos for the York College exhibit. The costumes represent the Cachúas from Cabral’s Carnival in the Dominical Republic.

dents, so the faculty thought it would be nice to kick it off with this and I agree with them,” Keizs said. “We have a captive audience. They can come in and take pictures and they can critique the work.”

The opening event featured live music and an outdoor performance that featured teenagers in vibrant horned masks and bat-winged costumes running around and cracking bull whips that echoed throughout the courtyard in front of the Academic Core Building.

Picayo said that the performers were Cachúas, named after the horns on their mask, which are featured in the Carnival Cimarron in the small

town of Cabral in the Dominican Republic.

Picayo and Hernández have known each since the 1990s, but this is the first time they have collaborated to feature their art in one exhibit.

“Beyond their stellar success as works of art, these images represent valuable records of individuals who put enormous time and effort into annual events that create extraordinary memories for their community and its visitors,” Margaret Rose Vendryes, director of the Fine Arts Gallery, said.

Picayo said that during the African slave trade, it was very hard to maintain traditions, but the one way to keep them alive was through carnival since they were still allowed to create detailed masks.

The strongest heritage that is on

display in the photos is West African, but it has been completely transformed in the hands of the Caribbean people, he said.

After spending so many years covering carnivals in places such as Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba and the Virgin Islands, Picayo said it is more like a family to him now.

“It’s like brothers and sisters separated by miles,” he said. “You can change the costumes, but in its essence, it celebrates life. It is the best job in the world.”

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

Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

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Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2014

Police Blotter 106th Precinct

Assault

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance identifying an individual wanted with connection with a non-fatal shooting assault that occurred within the 106th Precinct.

At 3:55 a.m. on Sept. 20, in front of 123-07 Liberty Ave., Ozone Park, the suspect approached a 28-year-old victim, brandished a firearm and shot the victim one time in the torso.

The suspect then fled in a darkcolored SUV in an unknown direction.

The victim was transported to Jamaica Hospital where he is listed in serious condition.

The suspect is described as an Hispanic male.

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

All calls are confidential.

113th Precinct

City Employee Arrested

At 1:46 a.m. on Sept. 22, Takeea Staunton, 27, an off-duty NYPD School Safety agent, was arrested and charged with assault and harassment within the confines of the 113th Precinct.

Collision Investigation

At approximately 10:45 p.m. on Sept. 18, police responded to a 911 call of a vehicle accident on the Belt Parkway in the vicinity of 181st Street.

Upon arrival, police discovered two males with severe trauma. The first victim, identified as D’John Arias, 20, of Corona, was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, identified as Karim Carter, 19, of Jamaica, was transported via EMS to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A third victim, a 14-year-old male, sustained injuries to his legs and was transported to a local hospital where he was listed in stable condition.

A preliminary investigation revealed that Arias was operating a 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer westbound on North Conduit Avenue at an apparent high rate of speed when he swerved to overtake another vehicle and then attempted to swerve back into the left lane and enter the entrance ramp to the westbound Belt Parkway around 181st Street. The vehicle lost control, striking a light pole and then a tree.

115th Precinct

Grand Larceny

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance locating one male and one female wanted in connection with a grand larceny that occurred at approximately 7 p.m. on Aug. 21 at Omkar Jewelers, 37-50 74th St., Jackson Heights, within the confines of the 115th Precinct.

The suspects entered the store and the female suspect distracted the clerk as the male suspect reached over the counter and removed four bangle brace-

These two suspects are wanted in connection to a grand larceny. lets. The jewelry had an approximate value of $10,000.

The first suspect is described as a female Hispanic, approximately 5-foot-4, 180 lbs., wearing glasses. The second suspect is a male Hispanic, approximately 5-foot-10.

Anyone with information is asked to contact NYPD’s Crime Stoppers.

Got info?

Call Crimestoppers at 1-800-577-tiPS (8477) or text tips to CRiMES (274637) then enter TIPS577

Borough Beat

Queens College Talks Tech At Biz Forum Opportunities in the City’s growing technology ecosystem were discussed at a business forum breakfast last week.

Queens College hosted the breakfast on Sept. 19 in the Student Union Ballroom, where a packed house listened to a keynote address by Jukay Hsu, the founder and executive director of Coalition for Queens.

After an introduction by the college’s new president, Felix Matos Rodriguez, the Flushing-raised Hsu talked about technology’s impact on New York’s economy, how to spread that success to Queens and the jobs that tech companies are looking for people to fulfill.

Hsu said that even the most basic computer science knowledge, such as learning how to code, can transform an individual’s life or his or her community, if they use these skills and an idea to create a product or company.

“Technology is really changing the U.S. economy, New York’s economy as well. It’s one of the most empowering things in the world,” he said.

“Right now, if you learn to code, you can create new companies and products and solve problems that you see in your daily life or community.”

Hsu’s nonprofit, Coalition for

Queens, is dedicated to fosterThe other barrier to tech ing the technology ecosystem growth is the lack of available in the Borough. Its goal is to developer and technical talent take the diversity and innovain the City, leaving many job tion of Queens’ 2.2 million positions at tech companies. people and develop a robust “There are tens of thouhomegrown tech sector that sands of technical jobs unfuladds to the existing scenes in filled here in New York. How Union Square and Brooklyn. do we help support that and The tech scene in Queens, get people access to that?” particularly in Long Island Hsu asked.

City, has seen noticeable Coalition for Queens is growth as well, according to helping to increase access and Hsu. Popular start-up compagrow the tech community in nies, like peer-to-peer rideshar- Queens College’s president, Felix Matos Rodriguez the Borough through various ing services Uber and Lyft, (left), introduced keynote speaker Jukay Hsu at a events that it holds throughhave made the neighborhood business forum breakfast on Sept. 19. out the year. In addition to home for their New York meet-ups and hackathons, the headquarters. Songza, a free music Hsu said that technology is playing a nonprofit has a program called Acstreaming and recommendation ser- role in companies across the board, cess Code, which equips adults from vice, is based in LIC as well. in fields like finance, health care, underserved and underrepresented “People are thinking of New York design and more. The jobs are also backgrounds with computer proas a center of technology. It’s the generally high-paying, he added. gramming skills. number two hub, outside of Silicon Hsu also praised Queens College No growth and development Valley. There are great opportunities comes without obstacles though. for its efforts to prepare its students here in Queens as well,” Hsu said. Hsu outlined two of the tech sec- for a tech-based economy.

“What’s great about technology is tor’s biggest challenges in New York “Queens College educates more it’s fast-growing and it’s a huge driver City. He said that the industry is not computer science majors than anyfor economic growth. For every one very inclusive at the moment. Only where else in New York City. That’s tech job, over four additional non- 12 percent of developers are women incredible,” he said. tech jobs are created. That’s more and only seven percent are AfricanFor more on the coalition, visit than any other industry.”

American. However, he said this www.c4q.nyc.

For those who do not want to cre- challenge is part of Queens’ appeal, Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at ate or join a start-up, the growing as it brings diversity that could help (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@ tech scene may still benefit them. make a change. queenstribune.com, or @JoeMarvilli.

Photo by Joe Marvilli

BY JOE MARVILLI

pix Council Wins!

Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Hoops Court Ribbon Cutting Officials gathered on Sept.

19 for a ribbon cutting ceremony at basketball courts at Baisley Park Playground. Pictured here are NYPD Police Service Area 9 Queens Borough representative; Pastor Richard Hogan, Divine Deliverance Ministry; Robert Hogan, Baisley Park Houses Tenant Association President; Council Member Ruben Wills; Dr. David Norment, Principal, PS 140Q; Assembly Member Vivian Cook; Beverly Campbell, Executive Director, Afro-American Parents Day Care.

Honoring Dads

(Above) Last week, the City Council took on Mayor de Blasio’s office in a softball game in Brooklyn. Councilman I. Daneek Miller went 1-1 in the game while playing center field.

(Right) Councilman Donovan Richards slides into home during the softball game. The City Council team won the game. 17-13.

State Senator Malcolm Smith was the keynote speaker at “Dads Take Your Child to School Day” at PS 48 in Jamaica on Sept. 16, where he joined more than 100 fathers. The purpose of the event was to promote parent involvement and to encourage fathers to take an active role in shaping their child’s education.

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2014

A&E

in Flushing, Jerry rice Tells Kids Maker Faire returns To To Maintain Healthy Lifestyle Hall of

By Luis Gronda

implement those tips. Rice said the playbook includes tips on hygiene, germs, illness prevention, An NFL Hall of Famer nutrition and exercise. He added came to Queens to give kids they made it nice and easy for healthy lifestyle advice. kids and parents to follow.

Former wide receiver Jerry During his speech, Rice said Rice made a stop at PS 244 he always viewed himself as a in Flushing last week to enrole model during and after his courage young children to eat playing days and he plans on healthier and do more exercontinuing to conduct himself as cise just as the school season a professional. is getting underway.

Related to that comment, Rice was there with Lysol Rice said NFL Commissioner as part of their Healthy Habits Roger Goodell needs to make program. That program aims to lower the number of absen- nFL Hall of Famer Jerry rice spoke to Ps 244 sure the players know that there tees in school, especially dur- students about the importance of staying healthy. will be strict consequences if they get into trouble regarding ing cold and flu season.

A group of kids eagerly waited for cipal, Robert Groff, they have a 97 crimes like domestic violence and Rice in the school’s courtyard. They percent attendance rate and that can child abuse.

He also said that some leadership erupted in elation once the hall-of- be attributed to many of the school’s in the locker room is lost amongst famer appeared, chanting his name students staying healthy. over and over.

After Rice’s speech, the principal current players, because, with the Rice told the children that he was threw a couple of passes to the hall recent collective bargaining agreeable to play in the NFL for 20 years in of famer, which drew more cheers ment, many teams now prefer to go part because of maintaining a healthy from the kids as they looked on in with younger players on their teams, leaving older players without a job. eating diet during his playing days. amazement.

“I think the players should just recHe also encouraged the kids to cover After the event, Rice spoke with themselves if they sneeze or cough. reporters regarding the event and ognize that, ‘hey, look, this is a great “That way it prevents the spread of also commented on the recent news sport, one of the best sports ever and I should just conduct myself the right germs,” he said. “The less sick days related to the NFL. that you guys have, what are you doAs part of the Healthy Habits way,’ ” Rice said.

Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at ing? You’re still learning and when you program, Rice and Lysol created a learn, that can result in better grades.” Healthy Habits Playbook to advise (718) 357-7400, ext. 127, lgronda@ According to the school’s prin- families on how to be healthy and to queenstribune.com or @luisgronda.

Hajian Exhibit Comes To Botanical Garden

By JoE MarViLLi The Queens Botanical Garden’s latest exhibit will lead you on a journey through an artist’s own evolution.

“Elaine Hajian: The Evolution of an Artist” will open in the Gallery of the Garden’s Visitor and Administration Building on Sept. 30, displaying her varied work over the years.

Diving into the creative scene of 1950s New York, Hajian studied and trained in a wide variety of art genres, inspired by the diverse offerings she encountered every day. Landscapes, portraits, modern abstractions and many more styles were used to express her experiences as well as her refusal to be restrained by the art establishment.

“The pieces selected from her body of work are chosen to reflect the depth and breadth of her expanding vision and include landscapes, abstracts, portraits and experimental work,” Darcy Hector, director of

marketing and development, said.

Not only will visitors get a chance to view Hajian’s work, but they will have a chance to learn from her directly during an En Plein Air workshop on Oct. 4. Running from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., this introductory class will help artists enhance their artistic skills with charcoal and pencil drawing.

“I know the joy of creating art based on the living landscape and believe this workshop will be a wonderful introduction to this time-honored approach,” Regina Forlenza, the Garden’s visitor services and public program manager, said.

There is a $5 fee for the workshop and registration is required at www. eventbrite.com/e/en-plein-air-artworkshop-tickets-12475525633.

You can see “The Evolution of an Artist” between Sept. 30 and Jan. 17, 2015. An artist’s reception will take place on Oct. 26 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Visitor and Administration Building.

“I hope the show will communicate my intimate vision of the world through color, movement, form and expression,” Hajian said. “Creativity is a vehicle of self-expression, and the love of beauty in all things has provided me a lifetime of tremendous happiness.”

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

science

Blinking, beeping and blaring, countless fun and fascinating sights and sounds battled for attention at the fifth annual New York Maker Faire, held at the New York Hall of Science on Sept. 2021. Showcasing various scientific principles and ingenious creativity, it featured fighting drones, a wrist-mounted flamethrower, a cell phone charged by compost and boots enabling the wearer to move along at 20-25 miles an hour with minimal effort.

The BioBus that usually travels around the five boroughs introduced children to the incredible sights visible through handheld microscopes. Cyclists pedaled The Tick Tock Croc (five bicycles connected inside a crocodile shape) around the park each day and acrobats from Circus Warehouse practiced precarious poses.

A creative paradise for kids, it included outdoor tables under tents where they could carve rubber stamps, make soap with tiny toys inside and create puppets from assorted machine parts.

Indoors, a boy happily floated through the Hall’s lobby on a prototype hoverboard and another had his attention captured by one of the Hall’s regular exhibits, a screen that turns the actions of anyone in front of it into a series of undulating rainbows.

An inventor showed off his extruder, enabling any 3D printer to print with chocolate sauce, while in a darkened room in the Hall, a scientist demonstrated white screens that revealed full-color photos when viewed through 3Dglasses.

Elsewhere at the fair, people had fun watching small cars race, seeing artwork made from recycled materials and transforming comic book pages into pinback buttons.

For more information about the fair, go to www.makerfaire.com.

To learn about the ongoing creative projects for children at the New York Hall of Science at their Maker Space and Design Lab, go to www.nysci.org. The Hall is located at 47-01 111th St. and its number is (718) 699-0005.

– Barbara arnstein

Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

QUEENS TODAY

FRIDAY 9/26

NY CLASSICAL PLAYERS

At Flushing Town Hall, the New York Classical Players will present one of today’s most distinguished young violinists, Itamar Zorman, as he performs Beethoven’s “Violin Concerto.” The NYCP also introduces Bartok’s masterwork, “Divertimento for String Orchestra,” as well as one of the bestloved tunes ever composed, “Vocalise” by Rachmaninoff.

This free concert starts at 8 p.m. Flushing Town Hall is located at 137-35 Northern Blvd.

- uniting two culinary traditions of humble pickled cabbage. Enjoy the music of David Block, with dinner at this end-of-garden-season event. General admission costs $30 and is $25 for museum members. Reserve your ticket in advance by calling (718) 359-6227.

HALFWAY TO ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Start your St. Paddy’s partying early with Sunnyside’s Boulevard Bars 2nd Annual Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Music Festival at 6 p.m.

Participating bars include Bliss Street Station, Arriba Arriba, The Courtyard Ale House and Maggie Mae’s. All venues will have live music and drink specials with a $10 wristband and proceeds go to benefit services and events for wounded veterans. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ SunnysidesBoulevardBars.

SATURDAY 9/27

CLIMATE CHANGE

As part of the Natural History Museum’s residency at the Queens Museum, Juan Camilo Osorio of the NYC-Environmental Justice Alliance guides visitors through a talk and tour of the famous Panorama of the City of New York. By looking at the vast architectural model of New York City from the perspective of climate justice, visitors see directly the challenges and opportunities faced by urban planning for a changing climate. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Call (718) 592-9700 for more information.

OKTOBERFEST – FLUSHING STYLE

Join the Voelker Orth Museum in its garden from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for Oktoberfest – Flushing style. German American cuisine will be served alongside a sampling of Korean-American dishes

SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK SATURDAY 9/27 BAYSIDE DAY

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Bayside Day with the Bayside Historical Society at the Castle at Fort Totten.

Enjoy a vintage automobile parade, games and challenges, a beer and wine garden, a food tent and much more. Bring your own bike to decorate and enter the velocipede parade.

The festival is rain or shine and runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Call (718) 352-1548 to find out more.

by Spitfire. Admission is free. For more information, call (718) 728-7801.

THREE ASTORIA POETS

Queens Poet Laureate Paolo Javier will host three award-winning poets from the Astoria neighborhood at the Astoria Bookshop, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guillermo Filice Castro, Matthew Hittinger and Ocean Vuong will read from recent work. For more information, call (718) 2782665.

OK’TOGA’FEST

‘SAY GOODNIGHT GRACIE’ The Queens Theatre will start its 2014-2015 season with a performance of “Say Goodnight Gracie.” This one-man play, starring Alan Safier, traces the life of George Burns from his childhood to his early career in vaudeville to his meeting and relationship with his wife, Gracie Allen. There will be three performances over the weekend, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday and at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost between $25 and $42.

To learn more, visit http:// queenstheatre.org or call (718) 760-0064.

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI’S FESTIVAL Get outdoors for autumn with St. Francis of Assisi’s Eighth Annual Parish Festival, from noon to 9 p.m., with a preceding outdoor Mass at 11:30 a.m. Enjoy rides, food, a silent auction, games, a teen lounge and live music

Yep, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Don your favorite pair of bedsheets and knock off Ray Bans to celebrate a bountiful harvest with Pop Bar in true back to school fashion: with a kegger. Ten dollars gets you a bratwurst plate, a personalized red solo cub with five drink refills or a bucket of of 5 warsteiner bottles.

Raffle tickets for a golf bag or mani pedi will be picked.

No cover. For more information, call (718) 204-8313.

YARD SALE

The Woodhaven Residents Block Association will sponsor its second annual, “The Great Woodhaven Yard Sale.” On that day, several Woodhaven residents will make their antique possessions available for sale. Potential residents can bounce around to each yard sale like a flea market. More than 60 families participated in the event last year. The sale will begin at 9 a.m. and finish at 4 p.m.

The rain date for the yard sale is Sept. 28.

DINNER

Emanuel United Church of Christ will hold its annual pre-fair dinner. There will

be a full course dinner offered along with live music and other activities. It costs $20 to get in.

It will begin at 5 p.m. For information, call (718) 8491153.

and is free with Garden admission.

FINE ART SHOW

HARVEST TIME JAM

Ltauha Restaurant will host its first art show.

Every three months, the restaurant will host work from local artists at the establishment. It will run from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. The restaurant is located at 55-50 Myrtle Ave. in Ridgewood.

For more information, email Ltauhadinner@gmail.com.

PICNIC DAYS

The Onderdonk House will host its second-tolast Picnic Days event on Sept. 27. It is $5 per person and free for people 12 and under. It includes grills, picnic tables. The tables are first come, first serve and there are five available. You bring all your own supplies including charcoal and food. You can also bring more chairs, tables and blankets if needed. There is no alcohol allowed. A tour of the Onderdonk House is also included. The Onderdonk House is located at 1820 Flushing Ave.

SUNDAY 9/28

DESIGNING A WORLD’S FAIR GARDEN

Join the Queens Botanical Garden for a deeper look into its origins at the 1939 World’s Fair with Margaret Anne Tockarshewsky, the leading expert on this topic and Executive Director of the New Haven Museum.

Registration is required.

To do so, email rforlenza@ queensbotanical.org. The event starts at 2:30 p.m.

From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., smash and stir seasonal fruit into a yummy batch of homemade jam at the New York Hall of Science. This workshop is recommended for children ages 18 months and older and will be held in the museum’s Maker Space.

There is an $8 materials fee per family, plus museum admission. For more info, call (718) 699-0005.

MONDAY 9/29

BOOK TALK

New York Times Journalist Joseph Berger will discuss his book “The Pious Ones: The World of Hasidim.” He explores the world of Hasidim including what they believe in and their struggles. The talk will begin at 1:30 p.m. It is $5 minimum to get in and the suggested donation is $8. The talk will take place at the Central Queens Y in Forest Hills, which is located at 67-09 108th St.

TUESDAY 9/30 TOM STOPPARD

Queens College will start its evening readings series for the school year with Tom Stoppard. At 7 p.m. in the music building, the playwright and screenwriter will appear in conversation with Leonard Lopate. He is known for his work on films like “Brazil,” “The Russian House” and “Shakespeare in Love.” The event costs $20.

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2014

Profile Cambria Heights Resident Rides 100 Miles To Support Education

BY JORDAN GIBBONS Stephanie Perez-Gravesande immigrated to New York from the Dominican Republic when she was 14 years old and credits the Working In Support of Education Institute, or WISE, at her high school with providing her the skills to get ahead in the corporate world.

This weekend, Perez-Gravesande will participate in a 100-mile cycling event in Maryland to fundraise in order to give back to the program that helped her achieve goals she never knew were available to her while she learned a new language in a new country.

She started at the High School of Economics and Finance in Manhattan when she was 16 years old where the WISE program is fully integrated into the curriculum. The institute requires students to take seminars with industry professionals and complete field work by providing services and internships. Students access the business world and potentially meet role models to help give them an edge in the future.

“I understand the importance of the program in playing the role of helping me get to where I am today,” she said. “It gave me the information I needed to know to get ahead.”

As a sophomore, she was placed in an unpaid internship with a nonprofit. As a junior, she received a paid internship at a financial company.

Now, Perez-Gravesande is in alumni relations at a major financial institution. She also received her bachelor’s degree at the New York City College of Technology and her master’s degree at Long Island University.

“I truly believe that if I had attended a high school without a program focused on individual development, I would not have pursued higher education and would not be as successful as I am today,” she said. “There were quite a few challenges I was undertaking.”

After only being in New York for one year, she was still learning English as an ESL student and had no idea what options

Stephanie Perez-Gravesande

there were for her in America.

Her only plan at the time was to move out of her parents’ house.

“It opens your eyes and shows you the opportunities available to you,” she said. “It showed me what my options were and what were my limitations, which made me realize that I did not have any.”

While she was working on an internship, she introduced herself to someone who worked across the

street and that same person ended up calling her seven years later for the job she currently has. She credited the Stand Up and Be Heard public speaking class she took in high school with giving her the courage to start a conversation with her future boss.

The program requires students to work at nonprofits first and then they can get internships at a variety of institutions, such as the Board of Standards and Appeals, State Farm, Time Warner Cable, Small Business Services and the New York Marriott Financial Center, according to Kristy Nguyen at the WISE Institute.

Perez-Gravesande said she hopes to reach her goal of $15,000 to help keep the nonprofit institute alive for students at her alma mater.

For more information on how to donate, visit www.wise-ny.org/ seagullcenturyride.htm.

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

People Keith Mikell of Rockaway Park was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester at Ohio Christian University College of Adult and Graduate Studies I Circleville, Ohio.

Local students received degrees during summer 2014 commencement ceremonies at SUNY Buffalo State.

They include: Rosedale: Richmond Wills.

St. Albans: Stephen Alexander, Joanna Anderson.

Mamadou Samoura Air Force Airman Mamadou Samoura graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Samoura is the son of Oumou and Seydou Samoura of Hollis.

Local students were named to the Dean’s List and President’s List for the spring 2014 quarter at Berkeley College. They include: President’s List Jamaica: Bryan Johnson, Sophia Shand, Jose Tejada.

Rosedale: Natalee Beaufort.

South Ozone Park: Adrian Humes, Salome Shivrattan.

South Richmond Hill: Andy Delgado, Sharon Mohan.

St. Albans: Fatima Hall.

Dean’s List Jamaica: Sabrina Alishayeva, Jonathan Allen, Aimee Batista, Thomas Charles, Kirk Cooper, Mamoudou Diallo, Kirk Douglas, Syreeta Jen-

kins, Glenn Law, Candace Mitchell, Tanaka Mundangepfupfu, Sonia Prudencio, Sheryll Spence, Nia St. Kitts, Alma Ynoa.

Rosedale: Darryl Bayard, Phillisa Ellis-Montgomery, Ethan Joseph, Brittany Magloire, Shaniqua McIntosh.

South Ozone Park: Narissa Persaud, Karla Toala.

South Richmond Hill: Safeeya Basambar.

Springfield Gardens: Tracey Hazelwood, Romel Roachford, Laurel Walker.

St. Albans: Diane Hawley-Atherley.

NYFAC Tour

Andrew Baumann, President & CEO of New York Families for Autistic Children in Howard Beach, recently hosted a roundtable discussion with members of the Assembly to see first-hand how NYFAC and its staff impact lives. On hand were Assemblymembers Mike Miller, David Weprin, Nily Rozic and Phil Goldfeder.

Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

Faith Jewish Community Weighs In:

as Rosh hashanah approaches, ‘Winter is Coming’

By yossi and Mushky Mendelson Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is celebrated at a most unusual time of year. At first glance, the fall is the diametric opposite of everything new. With the dying leaves and the chill developing in the air, all we can think about is that “winter is coming.”

From a biblical point of view as well, Rosh Hashanah is the “first day of the seventh month” the first month being that of Nissan, the springtime month in which Passover is celebrated.

It would seem logical to celebrate the New Year in the spring, a time of renewal and rebirth, portent with hope for the possibilities of the year to come. Indeed, many cultures celebrate a New Year at this time; the Assyrian Kha b’ Nisan is now marked on April 1, the Persian Nowruz is still celebrated widely on the same date and the Babylonian Akitu was a week-long festival at the same time of year.

So why is the Jewish New Year in the fall and why so serious?

Most Jewish holidays follow the agricultural cycle and the autumn marks the end of that cycle. It is

when the farmer gathers the harvest, the product of the past year’s toil and begins to think about plans for the coming year.

Accordingly, the day celebrated as the Jewish New Year is the sixth day in the Torah’s account of creation.

On this day, scripture states, the first human was formed.

As such, the difference is fundamental. A springtime New Year is filled hope for what the new year might bring, but it is out of our control. The autumnal New Year on the other hand is when we consider our responsibility for what we will do in the coming year. Spring is about G-d and autumn is about humans.

The religious New Year takes this agricultural phenomenon as emblematic of all of our interactions with our world, be those interactions spiritual, cultural or political. At this time, we are to take stock of the impact we are having or not having on our environment and ourselves.

The negative effects of climate change loom ominously; the human race is called to consider what our part in this problem is. How responsible are we being in our interactions with the natural world?

Rosh Hashanah and Shemitta tell us that if we are the stewards of this earth, we must approach that stewardship with sobriety and seriousness.

This Thursday and Friday, Jews will gather in houses of worship for introspective prayers and awe inspiring liturgy. The high point of this will be the

sounding of the “Shofar,” a ram’s horn fashioned into a sort of bugle whose sound is powerful and stirring, prodding us to challenge the status quo.

Yossi and Mushky Mendelson are the Rabbi and Rebbetzin of Congregation Machane Chodosh a traditional, inclusive congregation in Forest Hills.

A Rosh Hashanah Ritual

speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito with Queens Jewish Council Members karen koslowitz, Rory lancman and Mark Weprin, dipping apples in honey, a Rosh hashanah ritual, prepared by Masbia’s Chef Ruben diaz at Masbia of Queens Tuesday evening.

Notebook

Campus Magnet Complex

local Principal Contributes To a Joy of Reading anthology

By JoRdan GiBBons José Cruz, principal of Math, Science and Research & Technology High School at the Campus Magnet Complex in Cambria Heights wrote about how he found his passion for reading in a recent anthology of writings on the joy of reading, “Open A World of Possible.”

When Cruz was in the Dominican Republic, he said, his mother would write him letters and postcards from New York City. These letters and postcards helped him realize his interest in reading at the age of 6.

Cruz wrote about how reading letters and postcards written by his mother to him in the Dominican Republic when she was in New York City made him realize his interest in reading at the age of 6.

“After reading and spending hours looking at the postcards, I began to

think that one day I was going to live in the Empire State Building and go swimming in the lakes in Central Park,” he wrote. “A week after my arrival at PS 165 in Manhattan, Ms. Guild, my teacher, gave my class a homework assignment I would never forget.”

She told everyone in the class to become a member of the Public Library. He went to the library that day with his mother and their passports.

“I did not believe it when the librarian told me I could borrow any book I wanted,” he wrote. “When I saw all the books, I was beyond excited. It was my first time in a library and my heart was pounding.”

Cruz still found reading difficult because he was still learning English, but he was not deterred.

He insisted on taking out as many books as he could carry.

“When I read, I was transported to another universe,” he wrote. “It

was as though the author had written me a letter, which I did not understand at first, but if I didn’t give up and kept at it, eventually I could.”

He referred to Ernest Hemingway, Guy de Maupassant and John Steinbeck as his good friends.

Cruz thanked his teachers, Mr. Newman and Mr. Erlich, for introducing him to all the great writers and Sister Grace Anne Troisi, a Sister of Charity and her friend Connie Anestis, who insisted he read the “great novels.”

“Reading not only introduced me to a universe I never would have known, it also kept me out of trouble,” he wrote. “The inner city is filled with opportunities to go in the wrong direction; there were gangs, drugs and plenty of other selfdestructive distractions.”

He recalled classmates who would talk about their peers who were shot,

stabbed or died of an overdose. He admitted not being perfect, but he said he was out of the loop of common tragedies in the community because he was busy exploring the world of reading.

“Man José, where have you been?

You never know what’s happening.

You miss all the excitement,” he said his friends would tell him.

“In fact, I was creating my own excitement, exploring yet another universe with my new literary friends that I met in the pages of a book,” he wrote.

Cruz is a product of City Public Schools, a graduate of Manhattan College, has a J.D. from CUNY Law School, a Master of Science from the Bank Street College of Education and has been principal of MAST High School for five years.

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

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2014

What’s Up Sept. 26 Senior Acting

ond and fourth Friday of the month.

Game days are the first and third Friday of the month. The Laurelton branch is located at 134-26 225th St.

The Queens Library Queens Village branch is calling all older adults for their STARs: Senior Theater Acting Repertory from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Join their galaxy of STARs and perform theatrical works at the library with a great group of people.

The branch is located at 94-11 217th St., Queens Village.

Calypso Cardio

Sept. 27 Hip Hop Legends On Saturday, Resorts World Casino is having “Legends of Hip Hop Vol. 2” at 9 p.m. Hip Hop has deep roots and a tremendous presence in New York City and Resorts World Casino New York City is bringing Hip Hop artists back to Queens.

The evening’s lineup will include performances by pioneer Grand Master Melle Mel, leader rapper and song writer for Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five, Chubb Rock, best known for his success in the early 1990’s including his hit, “Treat Em’ Right,” and acclaimed hip hop artist Rob Base, most recognized for his chart topping hit, “It Takes Two.” The concert will also feature DJ Marley Marl, who is widely considered one of the most influential producers in hip hop history, Spoonie Gee, T-Ski Valley, Fat Man Scoop and Chingy.

Tickets cost $20 to $125 and the doors open at 8 p.m.

Health And Fitness Councilman I. Daneek Miller’s next Family Health and Fitness Day will be on Saturday at Roy Wilkins Park, located at 177-01 Baisley Blvd. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event will feature free bike helmet fittings and giveaways, along with games, sports, health screenings and back to school information.

Meet Your CeC On Saturday, Community Education Council 29 will be hosting a “Get to know your CEC” back to school event from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at IS 59, located at 132-55 Ridgedale St., Springfield Gardens.

Scholastic has donated over 400 books to distribute to families during the event. Free school supplies, door prizes and refreshments will be given out and there will be a Home Depot kid’s shop and MetLife child ID photos taken. Families can meet their CEC members, the Superintendent will present the district’s test scores and there will be EmblemHealth nutrition and special education workshops.

Check out the Caribbean Carnival photos at York College’s Fine Art gallery until Oct. 15.

Sept 30 Legal Assistance

ONgOiNg Food pantry

Are you in need of legal assistance with immigration, family law, foreclosure prevention, housing or other issues? The New York Legal Assistance Group will have its Mobile Legal Help Center parked in front of the Councilman I. Daneek Miller’s district office located at 172-12 Linden Blvd., from noon to 5 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but RSVPs are preferred. To make an appointment please visit: https:// mobilelegalhelpcenter.acuityscheduling.com.

Greater Springfield Community Church distributes food every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., while supplies last, at the church located at 177-06 129th Ave., Jamaica. For more information, call (718) 527-0100.

participatory Budgeting The next phase of Participatory Budgeting for District 27 will commence on Tuesday with Councilman I. Daneek Miller’s first Neighborhood Assembly. The event will take place at Majority Baptist Church, located at 115-21 Farmers Blvd at 7 p.m. This is your opportunity to suggest project ideas that could potentially be implemented in the district.

For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Jessica Douglas at (718) 776-3700, or email district27@ council.nyc.gov.

OCt. 2 Community Meeting The Springfield/Rosedale Community Action Association community meeting on Thursday will have guest speakers from the City Dept. answering questions about property taxes, property assessments and property evaluations from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The meeting will be St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, located at 224-10 147th Ave., Springfield Gardens.

For more information, call (718) 525-4399 or email srcaainc@aol. com.

Jamaica Farmers’ Market The Jamaica Farmers’ Market is open every Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Nov. 20. The market is held on 160th Street just outside the entrance of the Jamaica Market between Jamaica Avenue and 90th Street. Free one hour parking is provided for Farmers Market customers only.

photo exhibit York College just opened their month-long photographic exhibit, “Caribbean Carnival Portraits: The Photography of Mario Picayo and Mariano Hernandez,” which pays homage to Caribbean carnivals. It features photos from Picayo and Hernandez, two of the Caribbean’s most prolific photographers. They have chased the excitement of Caribbean carnivals for more than 25 years and their work has been featured within the pages of books, magazines and brochures.

game Day The Queens Library Queens Village branch invites children in grades 1 to 6 to join them every Friday afternoon to play their favorite card and board games from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

game Club/Movie time The Queens Library Laurelton branch youth counselors play games and watch educational movies with teens every Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Movie days are every sec-

Every Friday, the Queens Library Laurelton branch hosts ShapeUp NYC: Calypso Cardio from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Instructor Debra Brown offers a total body workout that improves muscle strength, endurance and keeps the heart rate up to burn calories and strengthen the cardiopulmonary system. Space is limited and participation is on a first-come, first served basis. The Laurelton branch is located at 134-26 225th St.

Health Walk Join Council Member I. Daneek Miller for the 14-week Walking for Health Program starting at 7:30 a.m. every Saturday at St. Albans Park (173rd Street and Sayres Avenue). Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. All participants will receive a water bottle and knapsack. Also, BMI, blood pressure and height check-up will be available.

Please RSVP by calling Ms. Denson at (718) 776-3700.

After School New York City Department of Youth and Community Development has renamed the City’s Outof-School Time (OST) after-school program COMPASS NYC (The Comprehensive After School System of New York City) and the expanded middle school initiative as SONYC (School’s Out New York City).

For more information about programs provided through SONYC beginning this fall, visit their website here and stay tuned for updates throughout the school year.

immigrant Fraud protection If you or someone you know is a former client of the International Immigrants Foundation, Inc. (IIF) or the International Professional Association, Inc. (IPA), and believes they have been defrauded by either of these organizations, you may submit a claim form online or a printed form via mail, fax, or email. The deadline to submit a form is October 23, 2014.

For more information, please visit http://nylag.org/ipa.

Send your community events to the PRESS for a free listing at 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357. Call (718) 357-7400 or email editor@queenspress. com. All events will be considered for publication, without a fee.

Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK – COUNTY OF QUEENS INDEX# 703131/2014 FILED 8/14/2014 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS AND NOTICE Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial.

Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgage premise is situated. PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSCIATION, Plaintif f against CHAND KASODATT if he be living and if he be dead, the respective heirs-at-law, nextof-kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant(s) who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or inheritance, any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the Complaint, VICKRAM, CHAND, FIRST FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION, NYC ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD, and “JOHN DOE” and “JANE DOE”, the last two names being fictitious, said parties intended being tenants, or occupants, if any, having or claiming an interest in, or lien upon the premises described in the complaint, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Defendant(s). TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEYS FOR THE MORTGAGE COMPANY WHO FILED THIS FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT, A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AND YOU CAN LOSE YOUR HOME. SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY OR GO TO THE COURT WHERE YOU CASE IS PENDING FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO ANSWER THE SUMMONS AND PROTEC T YOUR PROPERTY. SENDING A PAYMENT TO YOUR MORTGAGE COMPANY WILL NOT STOP THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not serviced with this summons, to serve a notice

of appearance on the Plaintiff’s attorney within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may appear within (60) days of service thereof and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT: THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a mortgage in the sum of $340,000.00 dated April 28, 2005, executed by defendant(s) VICKRAM CHAND, to FIRST FRANKLIN, A DIVISION OF NAT BANK OF IN, recorded on June 8, 2005 in CRFN: 2005000332751 in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens. FIRST FRANKLIN, A DIVISION OF NATIONAL CITY BANK OF INDIANA assigned all of its right, title and interest in the Mortgage by way of an assignment executed July 28, 2005 to FIRST FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION. The assignment was duly recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on September 12, 2006, in CRFN: 2006000512908. FIRST FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION assigned all of its right, title and interest in the Mortgage by way of an assignment dated March 5, 2013 to PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION. The assignment was duly recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the Count y of Queens on May 14, 2013, in CRFN: 2013000197909, covering premises known as 114 27 135th Street, South Ozone Park, NY 11420, (Section 51 Block 11661 Lot 54).

The relief sought within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt described above. To the above named Defendants: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Hon. Thomas D. Raffaele, a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, filed along with the supporting papers in the Office of the Clerk of the Count y of Queens on 8/13/2014. This is an action to foreclose on a mortgage.

ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and

State of New York, (Section 51 Block 11661 Lot 54). Said premises known as 114 27 135th Street, South Ozone Park, NY 11420. YOU ARE HEREBY PUT ON NOTICE THAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. By reason of the default in the payment of the monthly installment of principal and interest, among other things, as hereinafter set forth, Plaintiff, the holder and owner of the aforementioned note and mortgage, or their agents have elected and hereby accelerate the mortgage and declare the entire mortgage indebtedness immediately due and payable. The following amounts are now due and owing on said mortgage, no part of any of which has been paid although duly demanded: By reason of the aforesaid, plaintiff has elected to declare the unpaid principal sum of the Adjustable Rate Note and Mortgage in the amount of $313,208.09 with accrued interest at 6.500% per annum, from June 1, 2012 to be immediately due and payable. UNLESS YOU DISPUTE THE VALIDITY OF THE DEBT, OR ANY PORTION THEREOF, WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER YOUR RECEIPT HEREOF THAT THE DEBT, OR ANY PORTION THEREOF, IS DISPUTED, THE DEBTOR JUDGMENT AGAINST YOU AND A COPY OF SUCH VERIFICATION OR JUDGMENT WILL BE MAILED TO YOU BY THE HEREIN DEBT COLLECTOR. IF APPLICABLE, UPON YOUR WRITTEN REQUEST, WITHIN SAID THIRTY (30) DAY PERIOD, THE HEREIN DEBT COLLECTOR WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED A DISCHARGE FROM THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT, YOU ARE NOT PERSONALLY LIABLE FOR THE UNDERLYING INDEBTEDNESS OWED TO PLAINTIFF/CREDITOR AND THIS NOTICE/DISCLOSURE IS FOR COMPLIANCE AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE New York State requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT You are in danger of losing your home.

If you fail to respond to the summons and complaint in this foreclosure action, you may lose your home. Please read the summons and complaint carefully. You should immediately contact an attorney or your local legal aid

office to obtain advice on how to protect yourself.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid, there are government agencies, and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by New York state Banking Department at 1-877-Bank-NYS or visit the Department’s website at www.banking.state.ny.us FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you

until they have completed all such promised services. Section 1303 NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving the copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you may lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.

Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING AN ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Kozeny, McCubbin & Katz, LLP. Attorneys for the Plaintiff, 395 N. Service Road, Suite 401, Melville, NY 11747 Our File 20607 ________________________ NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR DEUTSCHE ALT-A SECURITIES INC., MORTGAGE PASS-

THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-AR3, Plaintiff, against ANDRE BAKSH, et al., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated 4/24/2014 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Courthouse in Courthouse #25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on 10/24/2014 at 10:00AM, premises known as 197-17 100TH AVENUE, Hollis, NY 11423 All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Hollis, in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, BLOCK: 10844 LOT: 19. Approximate amount of judgment $650,805.60 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 15598/09. Joseph F. Defelice, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC, Attorney for Plaintiff, P.O. Box 540, Getzville, NY 14068 Dated: September 3, 2014 1110498

You Can E-Mail Your Legal Copy to legals@queenstribune.com to Place Your Legal Advertisement or

And The Vendy Goes To...

Q

CONFIDENTIAL

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2014

Musicians OF QuEEns

Sarah Glassman

QConf is edited by: Steven J. Ferrari

The King of Falafel & Shawarma on 30th Avenue was one of the winners of the Vendy Awards. Photo by Steven J. Ferrari.

If you’re hungry but busy in the Borough, you can get great meals all day long without stopping to sit down.

Five Queens food trucks and stands won coveted Vendy awards this year in the 10th annual street food competition, which took place on Governor’s Island.

Long Island City’s Ice and Vice and Corona’s Ricas Botanas Mexicana were finalists

in the “best dessert category;” Astoria’s El Rey Del Taco won a Vendy Cup and King of Falafel & Shawarma won a Master’s Cup; Bolivian Llama Party from Far Rockaway nabbed “Best of Market.”

We here at QConf think this is great news, and cause to celebrate – but we’ll take any excuse to grab a chicken platter and pita from King of Shawarma.

Parks Blacksmith Wanted If you are looking for a job that gets your hands dirty, this opportunity offered by the City might be right up your alley.

The Parks Dept. currently has a job ad out for a blacksmith. You could be the replacement for longtime Blacksmith Larry Hagberg, who recently retired after holding the position since 1984.

According to the job listing, requirements for the 100kper-year job include “repair existing metal structures

and fencing, play equipment, vehicles, metal parts of carts, enclosures, sweepers and other equipment as needed.”

The minimum experience is five years as a full-time blacksmith in the last 15 years or twoand a half years full-time plus experience being a blacksmith’s assistant.

Perhaps a Queens resident or native can nail down the interview process and be the next person to wield their hammer as the Parks’ blacksmith.

Sunday Drivers

Spotted on a recent Sunday morning on 35th Avenue and the Clearview Expressway: Yoobi Kim (7) chauffering her cousin Jaime Lee (2) in the passenger seat while Yoobi's other cousin Jayden Lee (5) is the spare power train in case the car konks out. Miniaturization marches on. Photo by Walter Karling.

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

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ QueensTrib Follow us on Twitter: @QueensTrib

JFK's Animal House

Investment firm Racebrook Capital will soon begin construction on The ARK at JFK, a multi-purpose animal handling and air cargo facility at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The vacant Building 78 will be transformed into what has been billed as the world’s only animal terminal, and the first USDA-approved full-service, 24-hour, privately-owned quarantine operation.

The facility will focus on the import and export of horses, pets, cats, dogs, birds, exotic special animals, zoo animals and livestock.

Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine will handle the veterinary hospital while The Spot Experience, who is partnering with Racebrook for the facility, will provide a team of veterinary technicians and animal behaviorists.

The ARK is expected to transport about 70,000 animals a year.

We are at QConf are confidant that JFK will be able to corral their new guests, since the TSA has so much experience herding airplane passengers as if they were cattle on a daily basis.

Music and performance has been in Sarah Glassman’s DNA for years, from her time in Kansas to her move to New York. While she was part of the theatrical and opera community, Glassman felt that something was missing, something that would allow her to pursue a more open road.

“Everything was already scripted and practically set in stone. It was in 2007, here in Astoria, when I first really started pursuing the art of songwriting,” she said. “Once I opened that door, the words and melodies just started flowing. It was an overwhelming, yet unbelievable feeling, and I knew I had found my true calling.”

Although she has transitioned to writing her own material, theater is still in her blood. It can be heard in her voice and song arrangements, specifically on “Toxic,” with its major piano chords and a pulsing beat. It is as easy to imagine the song being performed on Broadway or in a rock club.

Glassman’s experience in productions like “Into The Woods” helped her budding music career not only by developing her voice, piano playing and versatility, but also by improving her songwriting discipline.

“I think my experience on the stage has made me even more of a perfectionist, trying to master the arrangements of each tune I write, just as if it would be that of an orchestral score,” Glassman said.

“My songs also tend to be not just about the tune, but more importantly the lyrics.

The story.”

Those stories will be unveiled in Glassman’s debut EP, “Toxic,” due out this No-

vember. The six-song record is an outpouring of emotion, as she sings about heartache, family problems and other drama she was going through at the time.

Transforming these frustrations into songs was a cathartic experience, according to Glassman.

“I feel so much better now that I got it all off my chest. Now, I just love playing the tunes, as each one is a chapter in my life,” she said.

“I worked together alongside Dean Bohana at Rockgarden Studio in Greenpoint.

Together, we created a cool, smooth rock/blues sound that has a lot of soul and honesty behind it.”

Astoria has provided a solid foundation for Glassman, on which she has started to build her career. Moving to the neighborhood at the recommendation of one of her professors, Glassman fell for the intimate feel of the community. Nowadays, you can find her at many of Astoria’s bars and performance spaces.

“I've played several neighborhood venues, and I also worked as the karaoke host at my favorite neighborhood spot, Cronin and Phelan,” she said. “Astoria has become a home for me, and I couldn't be more humbled by the love and support I've received.”

With her debut EP on the way, Glassman plans to play at the LIC Bar in October and November, though she is still figuring out exact dates. She is also working on a mini-tour of the East Coast this fall.

If you want to learn more about Glassman, you can visit www.facebook.com/sarahglassmanmusic or www.soundcloud.com/sarah-glassman.

- Joe Marvilli

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Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

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