Southeast Queens Press Epaper

Volume 13 Issue No. 40 Oct. 5-11, 2012

PAGE 18

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

ALBANY BOUND

Councilman James Sanders looks to the future after his primary win against State Sen. Shirley Huntley.

By Ross Barkan ‌ Page 8

Online at www.QueensPress.com

COME PLAY IN OUR NEW ROULETTE SPORTS PIT!

It’s a non-stop party atmosphere!

Our 4,000-square-foot Pit offers roulette, waitress service and TV sports action.

Plus: nearly 5,000 slots and electronic XEFPI KEQIW ½X ]SYV WGLIHYPI

News Briefs Little League Coach Sentenced For Sexual Abuse Former “Rochdale Village Little League Coach of the Year”, David C. Harshorn, 54, of 170-10 144th Avenue in Rochdale Village, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for sexually abusing three boys in his home between July of 2009 and August of 2010. The defendant allegedly also used two other teenage boys in a sexual performance which he filmed. The allegations surfaced when one of the victims told his mother, who then contacted police.

According to a press release from the District Attorney, Richard A. Brown, the former Little League coach pleaded guilty to sexually abusing three boys. He also admitted to filming two additional teen boys engaging in sexual acts with each other. A search warrant executed on Hartshorn’s home recovered many movies on VHS and DVD, depicting young boys engaging in sexual acts and images – some as young as ten.

In the release, Brown said, “A coach can have a lasting impact on a child’s life.

In this case, unfortunately, it is not in a good way. The defendant has admitted to being a sexual predator who took advantage of his position as a Little League Coach to get close to boys before abusing them. For that reason alone, the prison sentence meted out by the Court today is more than warranted.”

Hartshorn has been held without bail since his arrest in February 2011. He pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree criminal sexual act, two counts of second-degree sexual act and two counts of use of a child in a sexual performance before Queens Supreme Court Justice, Richard L. Buchter, who imposed the 18 year sentence.

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 5-11, 2012

Residents Frustrated After Flooding Meeting

www.rwnewyork.com In Queens, near JFK Airport at Aqueduct Racetrack. Take or Q37.

Free shuttle at Jamaica/Sutphin Boulevard Station @ Archer Avenue.

Shuttle access via LIRR or trains.

110-00 Rockaway Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11420 Call toll free: 1-888-888-8801 Must be 18 years of age or older to play the New York Lottery Games. Please play responsibly.

Noah would feel right at home in Forest Hills.

Over the past two months, heavy rains have led to flooded homes and businesses throughout Forest Hills, angering residents. A town hall meeting hosted by the Dept. of Environmental Protection and Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) left attendees and the Councilwoman even more exasperated. DEP representatives told residents at the Forest Hills Jewish Center on Sept. 27 that barring a drastic and very expensive revamp of the Queens sewer system, there is little that can be done to prevent the flooding that occurred during three rain storms in August and September.

“The town hall was very frustrating, DEP said there was nothing they can do,” said Koslowitz in a follow-up interview

with the Queens Tribune. “What’s underground is inadequate, not only for Forest Hills, but Rego Park too.”

The town hall came as a result of complaints bombarding DEP and Koslowitz’s office about three rain storms on Aug. 1, Aug. 15 and Sept. 8 that overburdened the local sewer system. Austin Street f looded on Aug. 15.

DEP Assistant Commissioners Ed Coleman and Mark Lanaghan explained that the Forest Hills sewer system was built to handle only 1.5 inches of rainfall an hour, a rate lower than the 1.75 inches that other City sewer systems can process.

Residents Consider New Rail Options A half century has passed since trains last rumbled on the Rockaway Beach Line. Now covered in leaves and garbage, the tracks remain, as do two competing visions for how they should be brought back to life.

Woodhaven residents packed the Queens Tabernacle on Sept. 29 for a forum hosted by the Woodhaven Residents Block Association to voice their opinions about what should be done about the abandoned rail tracks in their backyards. Two distinct proposals, at odds with each other, were offered for residents to consider, though many stuck to the belief that the tracks should be left alone.

Andrea Crawford, chair of Community Board 9, presented in support of the Queensway, a proposal to turn a stretch of the rail line into a greenway akin to Manhattan’s High Line. Along with Friends of the Queensway, a nonprofit group, Crawford is working with the Trust for Public Land to fund a feasibility study for the greenway. The abandoned line runs from Rego Park to Ozone Park and continues to the Rockaways, though Friends of the Queensway is targeting a three mile stretch of the rail line that travels through Forest Park to first transform into a greenway.

While Crawford envisions the Queensway eventually reaching down to the Gateway National Recreation Area at Jamaica Bay, public transportation advocates want the rail line revived. John Rozankowski, who writes extensively on public transportation issues, spoke at the forum in support of a rail revival. Public transportation advocates like Rozankowski believe the rail line, which is owned by the City and not the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, presents a golden opportunity to create a much-needed public transit link for south Queens residents, reduce traffic on Woodhaven Boulevard and the Van Wyck Expressway and drastically cut down the time it takes for Queens residents to commute to Manhattan.

Presstime

Leaders Urge PA To Tighten Security

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Security workers at John F. Kennedy International Airport formally filed a complaint with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) last Thursday, alleging that post-flight security inspections are often rushed, potentially causing dangerous situations to flyers and residents. The complaint was signed by 30 of the 120 workers employed by JFK’s security contractor, Global Elite Group.

Once a plane lands and the all the food crumbs, candy wrappers and empty bottles are thrown away, airport security agents are federally mandated to conduct a thorough search of every cabin for items left behind by passengers. These security agents are also required to open every overhead bin and back-seat pocket

one by one to ensure that any weapons, explosives or drugs that may have been left behind are removed before the plane takes off for its next flight.

But last week, various reports emerged, stating that security workers at JFK are told to cut corners to avoid delaying flights and revealed that their employees are undertrained and often under-equipped with nonfunctioning metal detectors.

This is not the first time a JFK Airport security contractor has been called into question.

In August, a TSA complaint was filed against JFK Airport security contractor Air Serv, a company named one of the worst employers in New York City by United NY. A New York University study determined their airport workers make a median of $8 per hour, with most earning

minimum wage, despite having more than $400 million in revenue in 2010.

In an effort to urge the Port Authority to tighten its security, 21 local politicians, leaders and clergyman of Southeast Queens have sent and signed a letter to the Port Authority executive director, Patrick Foye, voicing their concerns.

“Airline security contractors who either do nothing to correct, or that even encourage shoddy security practices are doing us all a disservice and make our airport and our community less safe,” the letter read. “These airplanes fly over our homes, cargo and passengers coming to and from the airport drive through our streets, and many of the workers employed by these and other companies at the airport live in our community.”

Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton) is adamant that the inadequate safety measures taken at JFK, one of the world’s busiest airports, could potentially lead to disaster, as echoed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

“Any time that we place the value of making more money over people’s lives, you are going to find a situation that is inherently unsafe,” he said. “Nowhere in American history has this taught us to be more careful than with the aftermath of 9-11. The world is not a safe place – there are those that are looking to harm America and looking for us to drop our guard, and this can not happen at JFK.” Camille Rivera, executive director of UnitedNY, seconded Richards’ concern that low wages and few benefits are only exasperating the poor security mea-

sures taken at JFK. “Substandard training and wages not only jeopardizes the safety of our city – it jeopardizes the safety of our country,” she said. “I don’t think that they have the right training or the right wages they need for the right support to get the job done. If you pay better wages and increase training there is less turnover and more consistency. It creates a better work environment for everyone.”

Representatives from the Port Authority were scheduled to attend a meeting to address these concerns at The Eastern Queens Village Alliance, Inc. on Oct. 4.

The Port Authority did not return requests for comment before press time.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123, or email nkozikowska@ queenspress.com.

Ragusa Out, Turner In At Queens GOP?

BY ROSS BARKAN

district leaders and already have mechanisms on the ground.”

Ragusa did not respond to requests for comment but Vincent Tabone, Queens Republican Party executive vice chairman, affirmed that Ragusa still had the support of the party.

“Chairman Ragusa indicated he’s running for re-election and is willing to sit down with Bob Turner in the future to help build the party and bring people together,” Tabone said.

If Ulrich defeats Addabbo, McClelland said Ragusa’s ouster could be a “fait accompli.” As long as Ragusa has the support of his executive committee and district leaders, however, removing him from power will be a challenge for his opponents. He is up for reelection next year. When asked about Ragusa’s prospects, Ulrich was much more guarded about the possibility of a successful coup.

“I’ve stated before and I’ll state it again, we need change in the county leadership,” Ulrich said. “My main focus right now is winning this Senate seat.”

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

Oct. 5-11, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

The Queens Republican Party, more divided than ever after an ugly State Senate primary, may have a new leader sooner rather than later.

Party Chair Phil Ragusa, who backed Juan Reyes in a failed primary challenge against Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), is reaching a “tipping point” for some GOP insiders, according to one operative.

Ragusa, Republican chair since 2007, survived an attempted coup from former Councilman Tom Ognibene last year, but his hold on the party could be in jeopardy after Ulrich, an ally of Ognibene’s and a favorite of State Senate Republicans, trounced Reyes in a divisive primary that left some Queens Republicans wondering whether Ragusa had taken a personal feud too far.

U.S. Rep. Bob Turner (RMiddle Village), left without a district to run for after new Congressional lines were drawn this year, expressed interest to the New York Post last week about leading the Republican Party in the future. Turner, like Ognibene

young councilman and Ulrich, is from the crushed Reyes, a Forest southern half of Queens Hills attorney, by 40 and Ragusa is based in points. The Reyes camthe north, but Turner’s paign drew condemnaupset victory over Astion from Republicans, semblyman David including former Mayor Weprin (D-Little Neck) Rudy Giuliani, for mailin a special election last ings that attacked Ulrich year lent him widefor once dining with reaching credibility Councilman Jimmy Van among New York ReU.S. Rep. Bob Turner’s upset victory last year may Bramer (D-Sunnyside), publicans.

Turner did not re- have propelled him to be the frontrunner for the head of who is openly gay. The mail sought to galvanize spond to requests for the Queens Republican Party. social conservatives in comment as of press time, though the GOP operative a tipping point for a lot of people. the 15th Senate District but only who engineered his Congres- Not only was it a silly endeavor added to the bad press Reyes sional victory, Bill O’Reilly, said from the start, but it was done in was receiving. Ulrich is challengif Turner were “truly interested, such a way, offensively and very ing State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. that should be seriously dis- heavy-handedly, that it upset a (D-Howard Beach) and is only a slight underdog in the race, aclot of people. cussed.”

“When you add the fact that it cording to political observers.

One Queens GOP operative Local Republican Party mawho spoke on the condition of was against a guy like Ulrich, who anonymity said Turner would be everybody except for hardcore chinery failed Reyes, an indicator a unifying force for the Republi- Ragusa-[Vincent] Tabone loyal- that Ragusa’s grip on the party is can Party and that Ragusa’s time ists agree is a shining star in the weakening, said longtime politiin power may be coming to an party and a real good chance to cal operative James McClelland, win the seat…it went from being now chief of staff for Councilman end.

“Turner has the gravitas that petty infighting to really canni- Peter Koo (D-Flushing).

“In a primary, you’d think a comes with being in Congress balizing the party,” the operative candidate that has county backand he’s an independent guy who added.

With Senate Republicans fun- ing has the formidable backing,” has shown the ability to work with all kinds of people,” the neling tens of thousands of dol- McClelland said. “They’re the operative said. “Juan Reyes was lars into Ulrich’s campaign, the ones that are supposed to rally

Town Hall Focuses On Park Protest

BY MEGAN MONTALVO

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 5-11, 2012

PRESS Photo by Megan Montalvo

Following two recent town hall meetings, the Fairness Coalition of Queens organized an emergency meeting at the Community Church in Jackson Heights on Oct. 1 to voice their concerns about a string of proposed developments pending for Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

With more than 200 residents in attendance, park-goers made it clear that they are not in favor of any changes.

“Promises by developers for jobs have been proven time and time again to be worthless. Developers will say anything to get free land to build on,” said Georgia Southworth of the Jackson Heights Green Alliance.

According to the coalition, which is comprised of a group of nonprofit religious and community organizations, FMCP has been poorly funded for years with budgets far below Central Park or Prospect Park.

The group contests that the

Sen. Jose Peralta (Dparkland is threatened by Elmhurst) and Assemcorporate interests who blyman Francisco want the public asset for Moya (D-Jackson their own private gain at Heights), who were the expense of the largely not in attendance, working class, immigrant came under fire for population of Queens. their support of the “Billionaires want to put proposed MLS soccer a shopping mall on stadium. parkland, and I can tell you “Tonight our from my own experience elected officials in that promised jobs will be Jackson Heights poorly paid, without benheard the community efits, and most likely parttime. Salaries for these jobs On Oct. 1, more than 200 residents packed the Commu- speak loudly and are so low that it’s impos- nity Church in Jackson Heights to protest against clearly that giving our park away to corporasible to raise a family with proposed FMCP developments. tions is not acceptthose wages,” said Maria Alvarez, a member of Make the who are lobbying for alienation able,” said Edwin Westley, presirights to add two new stadiums dent of the Jackson Heights BeauRoad.

In addition to protesting and concert venues on parkland. tification Group. “Flushing Meadagainst the Willets Point develIf approved, the develop- ows Corona Park needs to be opment, which would construct ments also plan to add several fully funded. Not ignored and a 1.4 million-square-foot enter- parking garages and new roads mismanaged.”

In response to meeting, Moya tainment venue partially on pub- inside the park.

While Councilwoman Julissa issued a statement defending his lic parkland, residents in attendance also expressed concerns Ferreras (D-Elmhurst) and Coun- stance.

“The proposed Major League over proposals made by the cilman Daniel Dromm (D-JackUnited States Tennis Associa- son Heights) were on hand to Soccer stadium has tremendous tion and Major League Soccer, address the community, State potential to provide positive recre-

ational and economic benefits to our community that cannot be ignored, but it is still very much in the development process which I am happy to be a large part of,” Moya said. “It is far too early to come out against a project that has not had the opportunity to present publicly. I have been working hard and arranging meetings between community groups and Major League Soccer to discuss the proposal, and I feel confident that in the end, through open dialogue, that there will be compromise.”

Moving forward, residents expressed their plans to possibly seek landmark status for the park and demanded that Mayor Mike Bloomberg address their complaints.

“I want to hear Mayor Bloomberg talking about how he’ll increase funding and support for the park—not how he’ll give it away,” Westley said.

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

Glen Oaks Village Curbs In Disrepair

BY JOE MARVILLI While Glen Oaks Village has grown and changed in its past 65 years of existence, the community's curbs have never been replaced or repaired.

Since 1999, the co-op's president, Bob Friedrich, has sent letters to both politicians and City agencies in an attempt to get the sidewalks of the community fixed. The area's 10,000 residents are still waiting, with no sign of maintenance in the near future.

"We've gotten absolutely zero response," said Friedrich. "The curb situation here is creating tripping hazards for residents, especially the seniors."

There are virtually no blocks in the Village where the sidewalk is whole. In most sections, entire segments are missing, making both parking and walking difficult for citizens. The lack of curbs is also creating a flooding problem. Rather than the stormwater being channeled down the streets, it makes its way into the

grassy section of the sidewalk and has started to erode the ground near the street.

In some areas, the erosion has gotten so bad that street signs are starting to lean over due to the compaction of soil.

"It seems to me that the City would be smart to simple fix the problem," said Friedrich.

Friedrich sent his first letter about the issue back in 1999 to Community Board 13, asking the Budget Committee to request funds for curbing. Four years later, he contacted the Dept. of Transportation, requesting a curb replacement program to be established for the community. It also includes a priority list for repairs.

He also sent a letter in 2006 to David Weprin's (D-Little Neck) office, which included a detailed report for budget allocation for the repairs. The total budget request based on city pricing was $1,284,393 at the time.

According to a representative for Assemblyman Weprin, who

Glen Oaks Village President Bob Friedrich points out the erosion caused by the lack of curbing. was a City Councilman at the time, the matter is being looked into and he will do whatever he can to fix the problem.

Current Councilman Mark Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens) wrote to DOT Commissioner

Janette Sadik-Khan on Sept. 10 of this year about the issue, attaching a letter from Friedrich as well as the photos he took of the erosion.

"We better get [a response] soon. It's literally decades long to get these things replaced," said

Weprin "It is unfortunate the city is complete backlogged on them.

It's not something most people would want to do themselves."

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

TITO PUENTE JR. ORCHESTRA

$20.00 Adults / $10.00 Students & Seniors

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

Call: 718-262-2840 or online at www.york.cuny.edu For more information call 718-262-3750 Major funding for this series provided by NYC Councilmembers Leroy Comrie (27th-CD), Deputy Majority Leader NY City Council and Chair of Land Use Committee, and Ruben Wills (28th-CD), Chair of Substance Abuse Sub-Committee.

Oct. 5-11, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 7:00PM

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

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Editorial Take A Step Back The people of Queens have spoken, and now it is time for our elected officials to take notice. Residents have spoken out against the proposals for stadiums at Flushing Meadows Corona Park at several meetings in recent weeks. It is clear the proposals are not popular ones.

Yes, a Major League Soccer stadium could bring a new focus on Queens. And yes, the expansion of the USTA’s Billie Jean King Tennis Center could greatly enhance the annual U.S. Open experience.

Taken one at a time, there may not be any opposition to the proposals.

The problem arises when these proposals stand side-by-side at the same time. It is clearly a case of too much all at once, and the opponents of the proposals have a legitimate gripe with the potential loss of park space in the Borough’s most prominent park.

As the opposition grows, it is time for our elected officials to step in and fix this issue. Instead of focusing on pushing through both new stadiums, look at what would be best for the residents of Queens, including the ones who have been vocally opposed to it.

It’s time to do the right thing for the people of Queens.

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen Reporters: Harley Benson Natalia Kozikowska Ross Barkan Megan Montalvo Joe Marvilli Art Dept:

Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend Advertising Director Gerry Laytin Sr. Account Executive Shelly Cookson

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 5-11, 2012

Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie Shari Strongin

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2012 Tribco, LLC

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

Letters Mitt Tanks Again To The Editor: If you’ve been following the presidential campaigns, you’ve witnessed the classic hoof-inmouth disease from the Republican presidential pick, Mitt Romney, on several issues, both

here and abroad. Seems like the more Mitt talks, the more he buries himself. Why? Because, Mitt can’t stop being who he is.

Mitt’s the classic rich kid; the boy of privilege who went to private prep school, Harvard, and moved through a life of the haves and rich socialites. He’s never had

Letters to work a second job, or go to night school to get an education, nor has he had to work to pay the rent. His family never ate pasta a couple nights a week because it was a cheap meal, and money was tight.

He married into the same crusty culture. He’s the male Leona Helmsley, the Queen of Mean, who said “only the little people pay taxes.” Maybe Mitt isn’t so mean, but the way he looks at our society is in the same callous vein. He sees the job creators, and the poor schmucks who aren’t good or smart enough to have their own company, so they need a job as a handout. And, he hides his money out of the country so he doesn’t have to pay taxes like the little people.

He’s a cold plutocrat who smiles now and then. It takes a stone-cold person to close companies, fire hundreds of people, take their pensions, make millions for yourself, and sleep at night like he did at Bain. Paul Ryan, his running mate, says our country is made up of “makers and takers”.

Same mindset. Given a chance, they would have their Bain way with the country by gutting any social program they viewed as a handout such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps

and many others. They would undo all of the social progress this country has made over the last 75 years, and then some.

Mitt used the long-used Republican talking point that 47 percent of the people don’t pay income taxes at a private wealthy fund raiser last spring as he talked to an audience of other 1percenters. A hidden recording of that speech made national news and the statement finally got the debunking it deserved.

Just the sound of it makes you think that 47 percent of the people are tax cheats, government dependent, or low-lifes. Of that group, 28 percent pay payroll tax, 10 percent are elderly on low incomes, and 7 percent are those making less than $20,000 annually, like many Walmart employees. Now, he’s in damage control trying to explain away what he really meant that he meant that he meant rather than what he said. Oops.

Look for other faux-pas to come. Now, Mitt says he’s going to spend more time talking to everyday Americans. The next few weeks should be classic Mitt.

Give him the mic, let him talk.

Tyler Cassell, Flushing

The Debate Left Us Wanting More A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE Everyone says “Obama was off his game” in this week’s debate with Republican challenger, Mitt Romney. It is not an inaccurate assessment. But it is not fatal.

There are two more debates to go and Obama will get back his mojo and “slay” Romney in the next go ‘round. Debates are important in the overall scheme of a presidential campaign. But they are mostly for the undecided voters who are essentially challenging the candidates, “Make me make up my mind to vote for you.”

To that end, if you were leaning toward the challenger, then perhaps the incumbent president did not sway you away from the Romney leaning. In fact, he might’ve nudged you toward Romney with that performance.

But by and large, Obama did not

do serious damage to himself.

Where Romney had some weak moments, such as how he would pay down the deficit and create jobs, he still did not lay out a definitive plan so that was either an inadvertent wasted opportunity or a deliberate stall.

At the same time, Obama did not do that either. He has the advantage of incumbency so viewers of Wednesday’s debate are no clearer than they were before on the two candidates.

However, the lack hurts Romney more than it does Obama.

Let’s face it, the challenger needs to show us why it makes sense to abandon the sitting president and vote for him instead. I don’t think he did that this week. The TV talking heads all measured Romney’s “presidentialness” as part of their assessment of his performance and all agreed he did come across as presidential.

But looking the part and being the right person for the job

are two different things. Romney said a lot during the debate and he said it without mangling the sentences and without serious gaffs. He had a lot of facts and he was more aggressive than Obama was, but he did it without being disrespectful to the president. I guess you could say “his mamma raised him right,” on that one.

I was somewhat disappointed that Obama, an attorney by training, allowed a businessman to out-talk him in content and facts.

Some viewers are now saying that Obama’s relatively passive performance was a ploy and he was simply waiting to pull out the big guns for the next two debates. It may also be that Romney has had more time to prepare, since his current occupation is solely as candidate for president. Obama, on the other hand, is so busy being president he is encumbered with phenomenal other responsibilities,

thereby restricting his debate practice time.

Whatever it is, he needs to find a way to give as good as he gets on Oct. 16 when the next face off takes place. My mind is made up about whom I will vote for come Nov. 6; nonetheless, I would still like to see sparks fly during the debates. I want to be treated like I still need convincing through these debates.

Not once did Obama sock it to Romney on the matter of “the 47 percent” Romney claimed he was not worried about because they won’t vote for him anyway.

That was a gift from the debate gods and he did not use it. Why? Because Romney has “stuff” on Obama, too - most notably unemployment. The numbers there are still dismal. Perhaps Obama figured he’ll give ol’ Mitt a pass and save it for next time.

He’ll have to step it up for the next time because this one was a real dud.

Council Speakers: When Will They Ever Learn?

By MICHAEL SCHENKLER Okay, my outrage is just beginning.

It is a long path until next year’s election – we’re not even through this one. But when City money is used to bolster the candidacy of one Mayoral hopeful, I get angry.

As I sat down to write this column at a little after 2 p.m. this past Sunday, the TV was on chan-

nel 2 (CBS) and my mother-in-law was watching “Food, Faith & Culture,” an interesting show on the diver sit y of Ne w York – w it h Queens-specific scenes — highlighting the role of food in Sikhism, Islam and Judaism.

Yummy.

The Giants weren’t on until nighttime and the Jets could wait until the second half.

The show, the Queens scenes and the food held my interest until around 2:20 p.m. when a “Diver sit y” commercial was aired.

“Hello, this is Council Speaker Christine Quinn” or something like that said the recognizable voice of the council boss and Mayoral wanabe. It was a 30-second, multicultural lovefest with terrible production values – as bad as you ever see on network television. But the message of “Love Love” and “Hate

Hate” is of course a seller in our great city. At the end of the painfully bad commercial with a solidly good message, was the City’s logo (NYC) taking ownership for the spot.

The Speaker of the City Council was elected by one district out of 51 in the city. She represents 1/51 of our population. She is not our public spokesperson, the Mayor is. She is not to be lavished with promotional funds to spread her name around our city. She should not be the beneficiary of taxpayer funds or City-owned property to elevate her image as she prepares to run for Mayor. Not on our backs, Chris.

Eleven years ago, Queens’ Peter Vallone Sr., then Speaker of the Council, showed up at my office as a Mayoral candidate with more than a half a dozen city staff-

ers – besides a driver. I challenged the use of City resources on a campaign stop. Vallone asserted his right. I opposed him. The people rejected his candidacy – he finished third in a field of four and did not make the run-off.

Mike Bloomberg ultimately beat Mark Green who beat Fernando Ferrer in a runoff – how quickly we forget.

In 2005, four years later, the stor y was some what t he same.

Then Counci l Speaker, Gifford Miller, had used the council mailing budget to put his name and face in the mailboxe s of almost the entire city. He caught it from me and many others in the press. The people agreed and Giff finished a poor fourth in a field of 4 (Ferrer, Weiner, Fields, Miller). In the General Election, Bloomberg beat Ferrer again.

Now, we have the th ir d Speaker in a row running for Mayor. She too apparently thinks it’s okay to use City resources to tr y to get elected. There is still plenty of time for her to recognize she was wrong i n usi ng Cit y money to put her name and voice on a TV commercial. She can apologize, reimburse the city and pledge to only use campaign funds outside of her district.

In a competent field which includes former Comptroller Bill Thompson, Public Advocate, Bill DiBlasio, Comptroller John Liu, Manhat tan Beep Scot t Stringer a nd ne wspaper publisher Tom Allon, we have lots of choices.

Anyone using City funds to further their campaign de serves your disdain.

They have ours.

MSchenkler@GMail.com

Reform An Elusive Goal, Can Legislature Cure Itself? ics was established through the Public Integrit y Reform Act of 2011. The commission has the authority to oversee and investigate the legislative and executive branches along with lobbying entities in matters of ethics and disclosure. Many consider the rules governing its decision making process to be overly inhibitive, due to the nearly unanimous voting requirements for launching an investigation. After its first meeting regarding a matter of investigation, The Governor mentioned the possibility of creating another panel in order to make sure that the scope of the probe was appropriately broad.

It will take coalitions of likeminded individuals and organizations to change Albany’s ways. It will take years, and there will be disappointments and defeats along the way. Individuals you have helped elect may turn out to be unstable, ineffective or malleable.

Nonet hele ss, t he str uggle must continue. If we give up, the public sector may deteriorate further due to a lack of citizen participation and oversight. We live in a competitive world, with other nations, states and provinces vying for our assets and resources.

We are not accusing people of evil designs, although that locution applies to a few. The problem is that the current course of

self-serving conduct is accepting a situation that is unsustainable. The sooner New York recognizes this, the easier it will be to change course.

Governor Cuomo is the key player here. What he does in the next two years will impact both the future of the state and his own prospects for advancement. His elect ion a nd h is first t went y months have given us hope, but

the disappointments we suffered under his predecessors make our reading of the future guarded. How long will the governor stick to his professed ideals? And what w ill happen if he feels compelled to yield on one point or on many?

And what will be the effect of next year’s mayoral election on the citystate dynamic? Sadly, time is not our friend.

StarQuest@NYCivic.org

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

The Trib needs a new cartoonist!

Email submissions to MSchenkler@gmail.com.

Oct. 5-11, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

By HENRY STERN prisals and political isolaThe issue of ethics tion. reform in Albany has “Reform” proposals are bounced around for sevmade periodically and good eral years. Everyone is government groups often supposed to favor it, but rate legislators on their resomehow it never hapsponse s to t he se i nit iapens. tives. Some measures will The controversy sometimes pass one house caught fire in 2006 or another, but the track Henry Stern when the Brennan Cenrecord on laws approved by ter for Justice, affiliated with New both houses and signed by the govYork Univer sit y School of Law, ernor is meager. The politicians was said to have concluded that have found a way to appear to New York State had the most dys- support reform without risking any functional legislature in the coun- privilege s and prerogatives that try. they might lose if reforms were to Although it cannot be stated be enacted. Legislators, who genw it h cer tai nt y t hat Ne w York erally behave like other people, not State’s legislature is the worst of much better and not worse, canthe 50, and there may be several not be relied upon to voluntarily rivals for that title who are even limit their own authority. Rattling more deficient in particular areas, the bars of their cages in Albany is it is generally known that New unlikely to induce any leopards to York is close to the bottom, which change their spots, or any lions to is a pathetic location for the Em- lie down with lambs. pire State, whose motto is excelIn a political universe, the way sior. to achieve change is to elect Our governance is unsatisfac- people who are committed to it, tory in areas that go beyond the and to watch them like hawks to personal corruption of public offi- see that they do not retrogress or cials. There is an institutional submit to the rule of the power standoff in the bicameral legisla- brokers who have run the store for ture. The gerrymandered houses decades. are dominated by their leaders, who An attempt at such oversight make decisions on issues which are occurred in 2011 as a result of important to them. Individual leg- Governor Cuomo’s stated desire to islators are forced to toe the party turn around state government. The line, under threat of budgetary re- Joint Commission on Public Eth-

Councilman James Sanders:

Setting Sights On Albany introduced the possibility of a convention center in South Ozone Park to complement the new racetrack casino, elected officials saw Cuomo’s bold declaration as the perfect time to rekindle talk of a rail revival.

“I’m in favor of a convention center in our district. I would want to go a step further and build a high speed rail that would link the convention center and make it possible to commute quickly to lower Manhattan,” Sanders said.

Older residents recall that the Rockaway Beach Branch could transport residents from south Queens to Manhattan in twenty minutes, a now unimaginably short amount of time. In Richmond Hill, Sanders said he would fight much harder for an elevator at the Lefferts Boulevard stop on the A train.

“Our residents need not take the stairway to heaven. It’s unfair to the elderly and the infirm to climb stairways on these busy days.”

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 5-11, 2012

As he wiped the tears from his eyes, Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton) spoke on Sept. 13 like a man who was gratified and weary, emotionallyspent after a long campaign to unseat a troubled incumbent.

Sanders, who defeated the indicted State Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica) in a hard-fought primary last month, is poised to take her place as the new state senator of the redrawn 10th District, which includes his base in Far Rockaway, Southeast Queens and Richmond Hill. The emotional high of his victory party now gone, Sanders said he is ready to embark on a mission that is never easy, particularly for elected officials: spark economic growth in a district that continues to struggle.

Southeast Queens, as Sanders knows, is the epicenter of the foreclosure crisis in New York City and has a stubbornly high unemployment rate. Sanders, in an interview with the Press of Southeast Queens, said sparking an economic renaissance in the area will be his first priority.

“I’m not trying to be a super councilman, or be a councilman plus,” Sanders said. “We need to make sure there are super council people taking care of the job.

I want to focus on economic development. I want to play my strong card.”

Sanders said he considers economic development his “strong card” because he was the former chair of the Committee on Economic Development in the City Council. He also cited his experience working as a community developer for the former U.S. Rep., Rev. Floyd Flake, whose church ran a 300-unit housing complex for the elderly in Southeast Queens. Flake, a power broker in Southeast Queens, has been hailed for his economic and spiritual leadership but was also criticized for selling that same housing complex to a for-profit partnership that included himself.

John F. Kennedy Airport, Sanders said, is an underutilized economic engine in the region.

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

BY ROSS BARKAN

Councilman James Sanders He proposes creating a new bus line from the Rockaways to JFK Airport.

“We tied the airport in so poorly, especially with Southeast Queens,” he said. “We get the traffic, the noise pollution, but we don’t get jobs and business. We have something as ridiculous as the situation in the Rockaways where you have the highest levels of unemployment in Queens.

There are jobs in Kennedy, but no bus to take you from the Rockaways to Kennedy. The quickest way is the train to plane, which will cost you seven dollars a day. If you have an entry level job, you’ve priced yourself out.

You’re spending at least 35 dollars on transportation. The entry level job is not worth it.”

Sanders wants to do more to help minorities find work in his district and in the City at large.

As a member of the City Council, he authored Local Law 129, which increased the percentage

of contracts awarded to women and minority firms.

“I want to ensure there is a fair and even playing field for all communities in all our great communities. I’m certainly not speaking of a hand out. I’m speaking of a hand up.”

Railing for Rail Sanders, like Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach), is another elected official calling for the revival of the Rockaway Beach Branch, a longdead Long Island Rail Road line that once ran from the Rockaways to Rego Park, cutting through neighborhoods like Ozone Park and Woodhaven.

Shuttered in 1962 and now owned by the City, public transit advocates and elected officials see the rail line as a way to drive economic growth in south Queens and take automobiles off the Van Wyck Expressway.

When Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Going North As any casual news observer knows, the State Legislature has been hammered with bad press.

Sanders’ campaign was aided by the arrest of his primary opponent, Huntley. Attorney General Eric Scheniderman charged Huntley with covering up a member item scam in regards to the Parent Workshop, a nonprofit organization she founded.

Assemblyman Vito Lopez (D-Brooklyn) and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (DManhattan) are under investigation after reports surfaced that Silver had used taxpayer money to settle sexual harassment claims brought against Lopez.

Both are likely to be reelected, but Lopez stepped down as head of the Brooklyn Democratic Party.

Sanders is promising, like legislators before him, to be a reformer in Albany.

“The days of roads to nowhere and other grand schemes may be coming to end,” he said.

“You have to make sure you are speaking of real economic growth. I also have the advan-

tage that I can get along well with all groups.”

Sanders prided himself on uniting a racially and ethnically diverse coalition of voters to propel him to victory. His district has a high Black and South Asian population.

“I don’t believe there are Republican or Democratic ideas.

There are good ideas or poor ideas. I am not going up there just to be so partisan and wrap my arms around everything Democrats do and reject everything Republicans do.”

“Let’s let logic rule,” he added. “Going up there, I’m a lifelong Democrat and I believe in the positions of the Democratic Party on the national level.

At the same time I am saying we need to listen to the other guy.

Being a marine vet, I know you’re in foxholes with a little bit of everybody. The views you hear are vastly different than the people you hear in your circle of friends. I’ll bring with me a healthy dose of reality.”

Unlike other elected officials, Sanders is not shy about proclaiming that state legislators deserve a pay raise. In the City Council, Sanders earned more than $100,000, but when he heads to Albany, his salar y will be $79,500. Though legislators have not had a pay raise since 1999 and Silver is pushing for one, the issue can stir resentment in New York City, where an average salary is under $50,000. He argues a pay raise will recruit “the best and brightest” to government.

With legislative sessions lasting only from January to June, critics argue serving in the State Senate and Assembly is not a fulltime job. Sanders wants legislating to be a full-time job, and said he works upwards of 50 hours a week in the City Council.

“These legislators have not had a pay increase in 14 years,” he said. “In anger of some of the misdeeds of some members, we’re taking it out on the whole lot. We need an independent body to look at the salaries of all State workers.”

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

Police Blotter Compiled by STEVEN J. FERRARI asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477).

102nd Precinct Accident DOA On Sept. 25 at approximately 6 a.m., police responded to a 911 call of a person struck by a vehicle on Queens Boulevard, at the intersection of Hoover Avenue. Upon arrival, police determined that an unknown vehicle traveling on Queens Boulevard struck a 38year-old Hispanic male bicyclist, who was also traveling on Queens Boulevard. EMS responded and transported the bicyclist to Jamaica hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The investigation is ongoing.

103rd Precinct Attempted Rape The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in locating an individual wanted in connection to an attempted rape that occurred on Sept. 27 at approximately 1:20 a.m.

The father of the victim, a 3year-old Black female, discov-

Accident Investigation

This suspect is wanted in connection to an attempted rape. ered the suspect in his daughter’s bedroom and removed him from the location. The victim was transported to Jamaica Hospital in stable condition for evaluation.

The suspect is described as an Hispanic male, 25 to 35-yearsold, 5-foot-7 and wearing a grey shirt and black jeans.

Anyone with information is

On Sept. 30 at approximately 11:30 p.m., police responded to a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian at 147-13 Jamaica Ave. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 60-year-old female, identified as Mary Gater of Jamaica, unconscious and unresponsive. EMS also responded and removed the victim to Jamaica Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Further investigation revealed a silver 2006 Chrysler 300 sedan, operated by an 85-year-old Asian male, was traveling eastbound on Jamaica Avenue, just east of Sutphin Boulevard, when he lost control of the vehicle, drove onto the sidewalk, and struck the pedestrian, who was standing in front of the location.

The operator of the vehicle remained on the scene. There is no criminality suspected and the investigation is ongoing.

106th Precinct

Queens DA

Robbery

Identity Theft

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect wanted for a gunpoint robbery. On Sept. 16 at approximately 4 a.m. in the parking garage of Resorts World NYC Casino, the suspect approached an 18-year-old male and a 19-yearold male, displayed a firearm and demanded property. The suspect then emptied the victims’ pockets obtaining cash and fled on foot in an unknown direction.

The victims were not injured.

The suspect is described as a Black male, 20 to 28 years old, 6foot, last seen wearing a white sweater with a blue and orange diamond pattern, blue jeans, white sneakers with black shoe laces and a black Phoenix Suns cap.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers’ website at nypdcrimestoppers.com.

Queens DA Richard Brown announced that a South Ozone Park man who allegedly held himself out to be a Harvard graduate with plans to open a medical facility has been charged with eight counts of first-degree identity theft and other charges for allegedly stealing the identities of six doctors and two others in a ruse in which he claimed to be interviewing for positions at the facility and seeking investors to finance it.

The defendant is identified as Delloyd “Tom” Hill, 50, of South Ozone Park. He was arraigned on Sept. 27 on a criminal complaint charging him with seconddegree grand larceny, second-degree forgery, first-degree identity theft and first-degree scheme to defraud. The defendant faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted and was ordered to be held without bail and to return to court on Oct. 16.

Oct. 5-11, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

pix

First Class

Southeast Queens Photos Edited By Harley Benson

Fair Time

Mayor Michael Bloomberg on September 12 attended the first graduation for the CUNY Fatherhood Academy at LaGuardia Community College, a program that assists young fathers who are unemployed or underemployed in learning parenting skills, prepares them to obtain employment, earn their GED where necessary and enroll in, and graduate from college.

Alzheimer Walk

Assemblywoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing) and Rotary Club President Anthony J. Civitano (at left) with members of the Rotary Club of Flushing at the 2012 Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 30 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

New Addition The Major Homes family grew on Sept. 13 with the birth of Lytal Hila Kersch, weighing in at 8 lbs., 10 oz., to Jason and Chavi Kersch. Lytal, pictured here with her father and grandfather, Mitch, kicks off the fifth generation of the family at the home renovation company, located in Bayside.

Photo by Ira Cohen

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 5-11, 2012

Viva La Comida

Photo by Jo-Ann Raskin

The 14th Annual College Fair was held at the Robert Ross Johnson Family Life Center in St. Albans. Representatives from dozens of colleges and universities provided parents and students with invaluable information and advice on getting into college and financial aid and scholarship information. NYC School Chancellor Dennis Walcott was the keynote speaker and stressed the importance of a college education. Pictured include the Rev. Dr. Henry Simmons, Pastor of St. Albans Congregational Church; Walcott and Assemblyman William Scarborough, joined by some of the students attending the College Fair.

Jackson Heights residents came out to enjoy a day of food, folks and fun during the Viva La Comida celebration on 82nd Street.

Borough Beat

Crowley Addresses Doctor Shortage

BY MEGAN MONTALVO At a time when the country faces a looming doctor shortage, medical schools have responded by expanding enrollment numbers in an effort to combat the Statewide population increase.

However, despite this expansion, some fear not enough work is being done to address an impending lapse in the healthcare system.

Seeking to create a boost in the number of available physicians, U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (DJackson Heights) announced the introduction of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2012 on Sept. 28.

If passed, the legislation would expand the current cap on the number of Medicare-supported training slots for doctors by helping to ensure teaching hospitals can meet the growing demands for physicians.

“We face a cruel irony: retiring baby boomers and the newly-insured, now covered through the Affordable Care Act, will be accessing our health care system in greater numbers, but we won’t have nearly enough doctors onthe-ready to deliver the health care services they’ll need,” Crowley said. “A doctor shortage is something we just can’t ignore.”

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the U.S. is expected to face a shortage of 45,000 primary care physicians in addition to 46,000 surgeons and medical specialists by the year 2020.

Under the proposed legislation, the number of Medicaresupported hospital residency positions would increase by 3,000 slots per year over five years, bringing the total number of slots available to approximately 102,000.

The increase would give State

hospitals the ability to train about 500 new doctors while placing an emphasis on expanding residency slots in primary care and other specialties necessary to meet the needs of a growing population.

Reinforcing the need for added support, members from the Association of American Medical Colleges, Greater New York Hospital Association and the Healthcare Association of New York State

have spoken out in favor of the Crowley’s announcement.

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

Library Nears Completion

BY JOE MARVILLI

Queens College’s Rosenthal Library is nearing the end of its first major renovation in its 24year lifetime.

Having started the project in January 2012, the library made significant improvements to its services on both levels two and three. The $2.6 million worth of funds used for the work was allocated six years ago by Borough President Helen Marshall.

The library recently opened the main entrance to level three again.

The circulation desk has been rearranged, giving students easier access to both the self-checkout machine and library assistants.

The Charles J. Tanenbaum Room was also added, providing students and professors with a high-tech seminar space.

“All these renovations really help improve our public services,” said Chief Librarian Robert Shaddy.

The computer lab on level two has also undergone a few large upgrades. Much of the funding went to upgrading connectivity and

improving the air conditioning.

Kiosks will be inserted to levels three and two, although they haven’t been mounted. All installations and touch-ups will be completed by late October or early November.

Now that the renovation is almost complete, the administration will look to the future and decide what to do with a subsequent $4.2 million grant given by Marshall a couple years ago.

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

Oct. 5-11, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Profile

St. John’s Alum Shines in Ryder Cup

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Before Keegan Bradley made his rookie debut at the 39th Ryder Cup, he was a golf legend at St. John’s University. The rookie, who once dreamed of being like Phil Mickelson, has not only gotten the chance to play alongside his idol, he has become an inspiration and role model to the golfers at his alma mater.

As crushing of a defeat as it was for the United States at the Ryder Cup this year, Bradley’s 3-1-0 record was the most points (three) by an individual American, along with Jason Dufner, Dustin and Zack Johnson, and Phil Mickelson. He became the first American rookie to win in his first three team matches since Loren Roberts in 1995.

His powerful Ryder Cup performance comes as no surprise to Frank Darby, his St. John’s

University golf coach. Darby, who coached Bradley from 2004 to 2008, said that he always knew that he was destined for greatness.

“I knew there was a tremendous amount of potential right off that bat. He had a good reputation coming in.

He has firepower. He made birdies. His make up and his swing were really strong,” Darby said The coach recalls Bradley’s unmatchable passion for golf during his college years and attributes much of his success to the love he has for the sport. “He’s always had that appreciation for the game,” he said. “A lot of people like to play the game but Keegan loves to play the game.”

In his four years at St. John’s, the pro-golfer clinched nine collegiate titles and ranked in the

Keegan Bradley top 30 in the country. During his last two years at the university, his stroke average was over par.

“He was a great leader,” said

Darby. “I think we are going to see him in twenty years or so and he will be a Ryder Cup captain,” he added.

Although it has been four years since Bradley has played on St. John’s turf, his impact is long lasting.

The university is proud to call the pro-golfer one of their own and the feelings are mutual.

“He talks about us [St. John’s] more than any other golf professional on tour. He’s really proud and carries the logo on his bag.

It’s great for St. John’s and it is one of the best things to happen to St. John’s,” said the coach.

Darby, who still keeps in touch with the star player on a regular basis, said Bradley has been extremely receptive to helping the new St. John’s golfers.

“My guys will text him and ask him for advice every once in a while and it is a unique experience for them,” he said. “It was an honor to have him as my player and it is an honor to have him as a close friend. He is a mentor to all of my players now just like Phil Mickelson was to him.”

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 123, or nkozikowska@queens press.com.

military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions.

Knott is the son of Bernice and Ferdinand Knott of Jamaica and is a 2008 graduate of Bayside High School.

tion of their capabilities for additional responsibility and leadership.

Timothy Deluniversita of Ozone Park, serving with Company B, 642nd Support Battalion, is promoted to sergeant.

Steven Govea of Richmond Hill, serving with Company F (Forward Support Company Infantry), 427th Brigade Support Battalion, is promoted to specialist.

Jessenia Williams of Woodhaven, serving with the 145th Maintenance Company, is promoted to specialist.

Got A Profile?

Send a photo with background and contact information to:

PRESS of Southeast Queens 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 5-11, 2012

People The New York Army National Guard recently announced the reenlistment of members in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve the community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Sgt. Johnathon Aaron of Cambria Heights has reenlisted with the 727th Military Police Detachment Law and Order.

Staff Sgt. Kehinde Ayeni of Queens Village has reenlisted with Company E (Forward Support Company Infantry), 427th Brigade Support Battalion.

Specialist Chante Coleman of Hollis has reenlisted with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 369th Sustainment Brigade.

Specialist Gullit Etienne of Jamaica has reenlisted with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2-108th Infantry.

Specialist Carla Jackson of Springfield Gardens has reenlisted with the 719th Transportation Company.

Sgt. Irshaad Mohamed of

Hollis has reenlisted with the Company D, 1-69th Infantry.

Private Kristina Thompson of Laurelton has reenlisted with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3-142nd Aviation.

Staff Sgt. Abismael Gonzalez of Richmond Hill has reenlisted with the Headquarters, 106th Regiment (Regional Training Institute).

Army National Guard Pvt. Stephen M. Pritchett has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions.

Pritchett is the son of Linda Pritchett of Rosedale and is a 2009 graduate of Martin Van Buren High School, Queens Village.

Local students have been ad-

mitted to Alfred State for the fall 2012 semester. They include: Cambria Heights: Alethia Mitchell, health information technology program.

Jamaica: Nickoy Aarons, mechanical engineering tech program; Shanice Adams, undeclared; Roshawn Ambrose, accounting program; Darisa Dorsett, undeclared; Ludny Jean-Baptiste, liberal arts and science – social science program; Aaron Lewis, undeclared; Trevon Smith, educational opportunity program.

South Ozone Park: Maliek Dejesus, computer information systems program.

Sarah Ali of Jamaica has been admitted to Emerson College in Boston for the fall 2012 semester.

Army Pvt. Brett G. Knott has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics,

Tyrell Davis of Jamaica, a cadet in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Class of 2016, has joined Virginia tech’s regimental Band, the Highty-Tighties.

Emmanuel Moreno of Ozone Park, a student at St. Lawrence University in Canton, is studying abroad in Spain.

Inderjit Singh of South Richmond Hill received a Masters in Business Administration degree during summer 2012 commencement ceremonies at the University of New Haven in Connecticut.

The New York Army National Guard announced the promotion of members in recogni-

Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Andres Rodriguez graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

He is a graduate of Richmond Hill High School.

A&E

BY MEGAN MONTALVO

For the past two years, Queens World Film Festival has been the premier event for movie lovers to watch and submit motion picture art.

Created by co-directors Don and Katha Cato, QWFF allows cinephiles to catch new and emerging artists across several local venues throughout the Borough.

For the upcoming roll out in March 2013, the husband and wife team hopes to surpass their previous success both in the number of submissions and audience attendance.

"Last year, we had an overwhelming outpouring of support from the community," Katha Cato said. "This year, we are hoping to have 5,000 people in attendance."

Beginning at the Museum of Moving Image, located at 36-01

Restaurant Review

Buffet Beauty New Grand Buffet 34-45 48th St., Long Island City (718) 278-8889 CUISINE: Chinese, Buffet DELIVERY: Yes. CREDIT CARD: Yes, All Major

queen struggling to balance his fame with his social life.

Though QWFF is still in its early years, the Catos have been long-time supporters of film and know how to bring top-notch quality to the local circuit.

Don Cato is an experimental and feature filmmaker with a strong academic background. His films have screened at an international and eclectic group of venues and festivals, including the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Cannes and Lincoln Center. He currently teaches at the New York Digital Film Academy.

After earning her BA from California Polytechnic University in Pomona and an MFA in Improvisational Theatre from the University of Oregon, Katha Cato moved to New York with her theater company Forplay Improvised Theatre and pioneered the Improvisational Herald format into the mainstream comedy scene.

"I'm all the noise and he's the quiet artist; that's why we make such a great team," Katha Cato said. "Organizing the events has

On Sept. 27, Don and Katha Cato screened award-winning films from last year's Queens World Film Festival at Z Hotel. been a lot of work, but thankfully we have such a great team of volunteers. At the end of the day, there is nothing like seeing people watching the films and smiling."

The Catos are currently accepting submissions for QWFF 2013.

Artists from Queens and abroad are welcome to submit entries.

For more information, visit queensworldfilmfestival.com.

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

Hall of Science Hosts Third Maker Faire

BY BARBARA ARNSTEIN

When you see printers creating 3D items, robots doing all kinds of things and a suit for dancers generating sounds and sights, then you know the annual Maker Faire is back at the New York Hall of Science in Flushing. The event, known as the "Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth," held this year over the weekend of Sept. 29-30, brought together scientists, engineers and artists and offered countless hands-on activities, acrobats performing aerial acts, a huge version of the game "Mousetrap," and much more. It celebrates robots and recycling, ingenuity and innovation, creativity and cool technology, and to honor it, Mayor Bloomberg proclaimed the week of Sept.

24-30 to be "Maker Week."

At the Young Makers pavilion, students from New York City's MOUSE Corps presented projects to help the visually-impaired, including a wristband to help users discreetly locate items on a plate. Visitors thumbwrestled, using levers to control the thumbs of giant red and blue hands. Kids pedaled a floating bike in a kiddy pool, controlled underwater toys and raced childsized vehicles. Adults rode mechanical bulls and mastered an intricate tabletop maze. Parents and children alike admired models of the Eiffel Tower, Yankee Stadium, the Taj Mahal and other famous structures made from toothpicks, and interacted with "the Wizard of Fun," a colorful robot head that made facial expressions. Musicians played with a choir of electronic singing faces, and riders scooted

along in little cars shaped like cupcakes and rode bikes with big butterfly wings.

One of many stage presentations, "Art and Science and Making Things," featured bestselling author and entrepreneur Seth Godin; another, "Going Big: From Maker Movement to New Industrial Revolution," included Chris Anderson of "WIRED" and Bre Pettus of MakerBot. One of the most popular attractions, the 3D printer, can create any design in three-dimensional form, by forming the item layer by layer, a technique perfect for creating prototypes of inventions, household necessities, figurines and so on.

The New York Hall of Science is located at 47-01 111th St. in Queens. For more information, call (718) 699-0005 or go to www.nysci.org.

Oct. 5-11, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

The beauty of a buffet, as any good American knows, is choice. Walk into a great buffet, like New Grand Buffet in Long Island City, and you are presented with a wide array of food options never dreamed of before. That is the American way.

Some buffets fail because they undercook food or provide too few options for experienced diners to enjoy. The minipizza is stale, the ribs are lukewarm and the dessert is unexciting. But New Grand Buffet, a Chinese food buffet with many American offerings, falls prey to none of these problems.

To start off, we packed our plates with as much food as physics and decorum permits. Buffets mean overeating, and good buffets mean overeating in style. We loaded up on chicken teriyaki, white rice, broccoli, fried shrimp and miniature pizza. Buffets are all about pacing yourself and ensuring that when the race to gluttony is finished, the stomach is not destroyed beyond repair.

Among the delectable highlights were the baked stuffed clams. Filled to the breadcrumb-covered brim, these little treats were filled with chicken, shrimp and veg-

etables. Bursting with a variety of flavors, the clams could almost make up a meal on their own. But the seafood bonanza didn't stop there. The fried shrimp were tasty bite-sized bits that never felt too fried or too undercooked. Every piece was just right.

Let's say you've had your fill of fried food, or even cooked food for that matter. New Grand Buffet has got you covered there as well. A mouth-watering display of sushi was available for the picking, including fan favorites like California rolls and shrimp and rice. While sushi is usually a nice snack, we were free to pile on as much as we'd like, trying the many different types they had to offer.

Just when we thought we couldn't handle any more of the entrees, we discovered the dessert table. The cakes, cookies and pastries were all scrumptiously sweet. We finished the meal off with some soft-serve ice cream we poured ourselves into mini-cones.

Given its short distance from not one, but two shopping centers, New Grand Buffet is an excellent pick for any shoppers who want to grab a satisfyingly filling lunch or dinner.

Even if you are not shopping in the area, you might just want to head over and see what delicious options await you.

-Ross Barkan and Joe Marvilli

35th Ave. in Astoria, the 2013 festival will feature films for the categories of animation, documentary, narrative and LGBT. Last year's schedule spanned four days and combined screenings at the historic Jackson Heights Cinema and Renaissance Charter School.

To showcase the 2012 award-winners, the Catos organized a rooftop screening of three event films on Sept. 27 at Z Hotel in Long Island City.

"It's so exciting to see everyone come out in support of Queens World Film Festival," Katha Cato said. "We are going on three years now, and we're proud to say we're still going strong."

The screening showcased a stop-motion flick by local filmmaker Elliot Lobell entitled "Andrew: Story of a Closet Monster," the short narrative "Easy Street," a commentary on racism by Russell Greene and the 2012 QWFF winner for best female and male actor, "Queen"

by Adam Rose, a story of a drag

PRESS Photo by Megan Montalvo

Film Festival Readies For New Year

Faith

Chapel Of The Sisters Presents ‘Romance And Ruin’

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Since 2009, Chapel of the Sisters, located in Prospect Cemetery of downtown Jamaica, has been offering free local jazz performances for the music lovers of Queens. This fall, the program

known as “Jazz at the Chapel,” has expanded its musical genre performances to include something completely out of its comfort zone – classical music.

On Tuesday, Oct. 16, Chapel of the Sisters will be hosting a special presentation of classical

Word And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. -Luke 2:40

music called “Romance and Ruin.” The event, which will begin at 7 p.m., will include music from wide array of classical composers like Robert Schumann, Claude Debussy, Mozart and G.F. Handel. The program lists Lesley Zlabinger as the soloist for the event and Catherine Frank as the pianist.

The song cycle for the program will include one song originally composed by Schumann, “Frauenliebe und-Leben,” three songs originally composed by Claude Debussy, “Nuit d’etoiles,” “Voice que le printemps,” “Paysage sentimental,” the secular cantata “Lucrezia,” originally composed by G.F. Handel and four songs originally composed

by Mozart – “Ridente la calma,” “Warnung,” “Als Luise die Briefe” and “An Chloe.” All of the songs in the song cycle echo and express the triumphs and perils of romance.

Artistic director of Jazz at the Chapel, Thomas Zlabinger, could not be reached for comment by press time.

“Romance and Ruin” at Chapel of the Sisters will be open to the general public at no

cost. It is recommended to arrive early to ensure a seat. Chapel of the Sisters is located at 94-15 159th St. in Jamaica. The performance will be held in the chapel’s Illinois Jacquet Performance Space.

For additional information visit jazzatthechapel.org.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@ queenspress.com.

Keepin’ The Faith? The PRESS wants to hear about the special programs in your faith community.

Send your thoughts, stories, prayers and photos to: The PRESS at 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357 All stories will be considered. Photos cannot be returned.

Notebook Martin Van Buren H.S.

Martin Van Buren Students Express Themselves selves every semester.

“So often students do not have the opportunity to either Every semester, students at express themselves or to showMartin Van Buren High School case their abilities,” he said. are given the opportunity to take “Open Mic Night is one of the center stage and showcase their few events that I run that does abilities. From reading poetry to rapping, to singing and dancing, not have academic perquisites, so it is open to any student who Open Mic Night, a tradition at wishes to participate.” the school since the late Last semester, more 1990s, is open to all than twenty students unique forms of expresparticipated in the sion. event.

Coordinator of StuGreenspan believes dent Affairs, Brian that the event is not only Greenspan, has watched a great outlet for stuthe program become indents to express themcreasingly popular over selves, it is also brings the years. When he was students closer together. first asked to take the po“The school has a sition of student affairs somewhat rigid struccoordinator in 2005, his ture so it’s not always first Open Mic Night was easy for students to held in the teacher’s cafspend time together in eteria to an audience of a less pressured enviless then a dozen. ronment such as an af“It slowly got bigger, ter-school event,” he until soon it was too big said. “Open Mic to hold in the teacher’s [Night] gives kids a cafeteria and it had to be held in the auditorium,” Martin Van Buren student Gerlande Lucas singing at chance to get together to respect the art, exGreenspan said. Around Open Mic Night on March 1.

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 5-11, 2012

BY: NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

130 students now attend the event. Often teachers and alumni will also attend to show their support for the participants.

Greenspan, who also teaches English at the school, runs the event and is glad Martin Van Buren provides students with a platform to express them-

Martin Van Buren student Michael Macintosh performing at Open Mic Night on March 1. pression, opinions, and talents of their peers, and have fun in the process.”

This semester’s Open Mic Night is open to the general public and is scheduled for Nov. 2 at 2:10 p.m at Martin Van Buren.

Martin Van Buren is located at

230-17 Hillside Ave. in Queens Village. To attend, contact Brian Greenspan in advance at bgreens2@schools.nyc.gov.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@ queenspress.com.

What’s Up OCT. 6 Unity In The Community Join the National Action Network as they march against gun violence, crime, underemployment and everything else that needs a change from 9 a.m. to noon at the Pathmark on the corner of Merrick and Springfield.

For information, call the Rev. Phil Craig at (718) 527-0100, email unityinthecommunity2012 @yahoo.com or visit www.nationalactionnetwork.net.

Historic House Festival

Soul Train Tribute The New Vision Choir of the Presbyterian Church of St. Albans will present a tribute concert to “Soul Train,” featuring music from the 1970s, 80s and 90s, at 8 p.m. at IS8, 108-35-167th St. The cost is $25 per ticket.

For information, call Mary Greene at (347) 351-8036 or Dauphine Buggs at (718) 4818144.

OCT. 7 Historic House Festival

Enjoy crafts, stories and learn about the history of tea. Bring your favorite stuffed animal or doll for a fun afternoon at the King Manor Museum from 1 to 3 p.m. A free tour of the museum will also be offered.

For information, call (718) 206-0545, Ext. 13, email programs@kingmanor.org or visit www.kingmanor.org.

Enjoy a free tour of the King Manor Museum between noon and 2 p.m.; From 3 to 5 p.m., author Sarah Rose will discuss her best-selling book, “For All The Tea In China: How England Stole The World’s Favorite Drink And Changed History.”

For information, call (718) 206-0545, Ext. 13, email programs@kingmanor.org or visit www.kingmanor.org.

Open House

Sunday Concerts

The Jamaica YMCA, located at 89-25 Parsons Blvd., will hold an open house for its programs from noon to 4 p.m. The Y’s programs include basketball, soccer, karate, kickboxing, swim classes, dance, rumba, spinning, belly dancing, yoga and more.

First time visitors should be 18 or older and must have a photo ID.

Shusmo is a New York band playing innovative and original music using a wide range of influences, with Arabic music at its core.

Its rich and versatile repertoire blends different genres and winds past all the barriers, dividing Arabic maqam from down-and-dirty funk, Latin spark and swinging jazz.

The band will perform at the Central Branch of the Queens Library in a free concert at 3 p.m.

Phone Bank

Fundraising Night Allan G. Pope and Isaac Brown will host a fundraiser for President Barack Obama from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Linden House, 200-19 Linden Blvd. The goal of the $100-event is to put Southeast Queens on the radar as supporters of the president.

Checks should be made payable to “Obama For America.”

For information, call Allan Pope at (718) 528-7708 or email allangpope@nyc.rr.com.

OCT. 10 Weekly Phone Bank Laurelton residents are invited to join a weekly phone bank to Pennsylvania to support Democrats in the 2012 General Election. Bring a cell phone, charger and enthusiasm to 22619 Merrick Blvd.

For information, call James Howard at (718) 525-4033.

Observatory Open Night The York College Observatory is open to the public every second or third Wednesday of the month, rain or shine. Gather in Room 2E01 of the York College Academic Core Building, 9420 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., at 8:30 p.m., then proceed to the fourth floor entrance terrace off the G corridor.

For information, call Tim

OCT. 11 Learn To Fish Here’s your chance to learn to fish. Fish for free with the I Fish NY Program at Baisley Pond Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will learn about the fish in Baisley Pond Park and how to fish. For information, call (718) 482-4022.

Health Care Forum The Central Branch of the Queens Library will host a forum on the expanding nature of the health care sector, health care organizations, education and training in health care, types of careers in health care and where to look for health care jobs at 4:30 p.m.

To register for the free program, call (718) 990-5148 or (718) 990-5176.

OCT. 12 Dinner Dance The United Black Men of Queens County will hold its 37th Anniversary and Scholarship Awards Dinner from 7 p.m. to midnight at Terrace on the Park.

The $125 event will honor: Jacques Leandre, Esquire, Outstanding Youth and Community Leadership Award; Daneek Miller, Outstanding Labor Leadership Award; Philippa L. Karteron, Outstanding Service for Community Opportunities Award; George Hulse, Distinguished Service Award; Bishop Charles L. Norris Senior, Humanitarian Award; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Epsilon Pi Omega Chapter. Fifteen male scholarship winners will be acknowledged.

ONGOING Mobile CPR Program FDNY EMS instructors will come out to your site to conduct the CPR training using your facilities. The Be 911 Compressions Only CPR Program is brought to you free of charge by FDNY and NYC Service. The goal of the program is to train as many people as possible in basic CPR skills. In addition, participants will be briefly educated on the automated external defibrillator (AED) used to try and revive a person suffering from cardiac arrest. Though this program does not certify any participants, the

FDNY and NYC Service believe increasing the knowledge of how to save a life is far more beneficial.

The program welcomes all ages, as long as the individual can demonstrate competency in retaining the required skills.

Appointments can be made Monday through Friday during the hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Classes may be approximately 20 minutes depending on the size of the group.

For group registration of 10 or more participants or further information, contact the FDNY’s CPR Training Unit at Telephone Number (718) 281-3888.

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

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

Please call for next group date.

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

Call (718) 297-0720. Located at 89-31 161 St., 10th floor, Jamaica. Services are available Tue.-Thurs. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HIV Awareness Clergy United for Community Empowerment provides intervention and curriculum-based prevention education sessions on HIV/

AIDS, to reduce risk behaviors that lead to HIV transmission.

Services are located at 89-31 161st St., Jamaica. Call (718) 2970720 ask about our presentation to adolescents and men/women of color. Services are available Tue.-Thurs., 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

The market is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

PAL Volunteers The Police Athletic League (PAL) is looking for volunteers to continue its mission of serving New York City’s young people by donating their time and talents to help serve Queens youngsters at PAL’s Redfern Cornerstone and Far Rockaway Beacon in ArverneFar Rockaway, PAL’s Edward Byrne Center in South Jamaica and PS 214 in Flushing.

PAL Centers in Queens offer a wide range of opportunities for volunteers of all talents. PAL’s Redfern Cornerstone and Far Rockaway Beacon are looking for people to participate in a center clean-up day. Volunteers are needed to tutor and mentor young people during the After School Program’s daily homework help sessions. In addition, individuals can also donate their time assisting the many special events held at PAL’s Centers throughout the year. PAL is also seeking professionals to give career advice and talk about their own careers to young people, as well as guest speakers who can share information on a specific hobby of interest to the youngsters.

To become a volunteer with the Police Athletic League or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit palnyc.org. Volunteers will go through an application process that includes an interview, screening and an orientation. For more information, please contact PAL’s Volunteer Coordinator, Alexandria Sumpter-Delves, at (212) 4779450, Ext. 390 or volunteer@palnyc.org.

Oct. 5-11, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

The Elmer H. Blackburne Democratic Club will hold its weekly phone bank from 2 to 4 p.m. at 226-19 Merrick Blvd.

Teams across New York will be making calls into Pennsylvania.

Bring a cell phone, a charger and enthusiasm.

For information, call James Howard at (718) 525-4033.

Paglione at (718) 262-2082 or email paglione@york.cuny.edu.

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

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

Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina or email to queenstoday@ queenstribune.com Yearly schedules and advanced notices welcome!

MISCELLANEOUS FARMERS MARKET Fridays 8:30-4:00 at Dahlia Avenue off Main Street, Flushing.

FARMERS MARKET Saturdays through November 17 8-4 at Roy Wilkins Park, Merrick and Baisley Blvds.

GREEN MARKET Sundays through November 18 Douglaston Greenmarket at the LIRR station, 235 th and 4 1 st Avenue. www.grownyc.org/follow.

RELIGIOUS

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 5-11, 2012

TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM Friday, Oc tober 5 Shabbat Services at 8. Saturday, October 6 Shabbat Services and Torah Study. Sunday, Oc tober 7 9:30 Breakfast and Adult Education. 7:30 Simchat Torah Services. Friday, Oc tober 12 Shabbat Services at 8. Sunday, October 14 Adult Education at 9 : 3 0 . $ 3 . Te m p l e B e t h Sholom, 171-39 Northern Blvd., Flushing. 463-4143.

DINNER NETWORKING LUNCH Fr i d a y, O c to b e r 2 6 9 0 t h Annual Salute to Commun i t y Le a d e r s N e t wo r k i n g Luncheon in Flushing. 6852802.

ENVIRONMENT GARDENING CLUB Saturdays help with our vegetable and shade garden at the Steinway library at 4.

COMPOSTING Mondays through November at the Steinway library 6-7:30.

YOUTH

TEENS PRACTICE TEST Saturday, October 6 personalized score report pinpointing your strengths and weaknesses. Register Princeton Review at 800-273-8439.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2.

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

HEALTH SERIES Tuesday, October 9 Healthy Relationships at 3:30 at the Central library.

HOMEMADE MOVIE Tuesdays, Oc tober 9, 16, Thursdays, Oc tober 11, 18 and Monday, Oc tober 15 the Lefrak City library at 4:30.

Three week contest to write and produce a homemade movie.

LIC CHESS CLUB Tuesdays LIC library at 4.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays Windsor Park library at 4.

TEEN SPACE Wednesday, Oc tober 10 Maneuvering Your Way around the library at 4 at the Windsor Park library.

RECYCLED JEWELRY Wednesday, October 10 at the Steinway library.

RESUME HELP

Wednesdays at 3 at the Arverne library.

GAME DAY Wednesdays St. Albans library at 4 and Howard Beach library at 4.

CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 Queens Village library.

PICTURE PERFECT Thursday, October 11 Using Social Media for Slideshows and Digital Videos at 5 Pomonok library.

ORIGAMI WORKSHOP Thursdays, Oc tober 11, 18, 25 Seaside library at 5:30.

TEEN THURSDAYS Thursdays Bay Terrace library at 3.

CHESS CLUB Thursdays intermediate level at the East Flushing library at 5. Sunnyside library at 5.

BOOK BUDDIES Friday, Oc tober 12 at the Fresh Meadows library at 4.

CHESS CLUB Fridays Auburndale library at 3:30.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays Briarwood library at 4.

GAME DAY Fridays Woodhaven library at 4:30.

STORYTELLING CONCERT Sunday, Oc tober 14 at the Central library at 1.

SENIORS/AARP EVENTS SENIOR FITNESS Through November 2 tennis, yoga, fitness walking at Astoria Park, Cunningham Park, Flushing Meadows and Roy Wilkins Park. Call 7606999 for times and activities.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE Mondays Lunch, lesson and c o n g e n i a l p l ay. P r i d e o f Judea. 423-6200.

STAY WELL Mondays at the Central library at 10 and Wednesdays at 10:15 at the East Elmhurst library.

AARP 4158 Tuesday, Oc tober 9 entertainment. North Flushing chapter AARP at noon at the Church on the Hill, 167-07 35 th Avenue, Flushing.

BASIC COMPUTER Tuesday, Oc tober 9 South Ozone Park library at 10.

CAREGIVERS Tuesdays Caregivers Support group at 3:30-4:30 Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886.

ELDER LAW We d n e s d a y, O c t o b e r 1 0 6:30-7:00 at the Sunnyside Communit y Ser vice, 43-31 39 th Street, Sunnyside. Elder law, how to protect your assets and Medicaid eligibilit y.

WORD

Wednesdays, Oc tober 10, 17 Lefrak Cit y library at 11.

STARS Wednesdays Senior Theatre Acting Repertory at the Hollis library at 11:15.

BRIDGE Wednesdays Reform Temple of Forest Hills. 261-2900.

HORIZONS CLUB T h u r s d a y, O c to b e r 1 1 “Tracing Your Family Tree” is the subject at the Horizons Club, for those 55 and over, at 12:30 at Reform Temple of Forest Hills. $3 includes coffee and cake.

AARP 29 T h u r s d a y, O c to b e r 1 1 AARP 29 meets at noon at Grace House, 155-02 90 th Avenue, Jamaica.

AARP DEFENSIVE Friday, Oc tober 12 at the McGoldrick and Cambria H e i g h t s l i b ra r y. R e g i st e r 276-6790.

STARS Fridays Senior Theater Acting Repertory at the Queens Village library at 11.

HOWARD BEACH Fridays in Oc tober digital camera class. Sunday, October 14 defensive driving. $17 AARP members, $19 others. 156-45 84 th Street.

738-8100.

QUEENS LIBRARIES Many branches of the Queensborough Library offer toddler and pre-school programs and more. Contact local branches.

FAMILY STORY TIME Saturdays, Oc tober 6, 20 at the Flushing library at 11:30.

STORY BOOK LADY Saturdays 12:30-1:30 reading enrichment program for 6-9 year olds at Maria Rose International Doll Museum in St. Albans. $7.50. 2763454.

SCIENCE LAB Saturdays Central library at 11.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2.

SHABBAT SCOUTS Sundays Shomer Shabbat B o y S c o u t Tro o p 6 1 3 a t Yo u n g I s ra e l o f W i n d s o r Park. 969-1571.

BABY & ME Mondays, Oc tober 8, 15, 22, 29 at the Bayside library at 11.

SEASIDE CRAFT Mondays, Oc tober 8, 15, 22, 29 at the Seaside library.

Register.

CRAFT KIDS Mondays at the Flushing library at 3.

CRAFT TUESDAYS Tuesdays, Oc tober 9, 30, November 6, 20, December 4, 18 at the Forest Hills library at 3:30.

ORIGAMI POP-UP Tuesday, Oc tober 9 at the St. Albans library. Register.

BOOST MATH DAY Tuesdays, Oc tober 9, 23 : at the Central library at 4:30.

PRE-SCHOOL CRAFT Wednesday, Oc tober 10 at t h e W i n d s o r Pa r k l i b ra r y.

Register.

PRE-SCHOOL STORY TIME Wednesdays, Oc tober 10, 17 at the Maspeth library at 12:30.

FALL CRAFT/ACTIVIT Y Wednesdays, Oc tober 10, 17, 24, 31 at the East Flushing library Register.

INTRO POWERPOINT Wednesday, Oc tober 10 at the Central librar y. Register.

STORY TELLING We d n e s d a y, O c t o b e r 1 0 for Hispanic Heritage Month at 3 at the Woodside library.

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

TIMELESS TALES Wednesdays at 10 at the Central library.

S TORY T I M E Wednesdays at the Seaside library at 11.

GAME DAY Wednesdays at the Howard Beach library at 4.

CRAFTERNOONS Wednesdays at the R i d gewo o d l i b ra r y. Re g i s ter.

PRESCHOOL TIME Thursday, Oc tober 11 at the Bellerose library. Register.

HISPANIC HERITAGE Thursday, Oc tober 11 at 4 a t t h e S t e i n wa y l i b ra r y.

Storytelling for Hispanic Heritage Month.

FAMILY STORY TIME Thursdays, October 11, 18, 25 at the Bay Terrace library at 11:30.

CAVE WRITING Thursdays, Oc tober 11, 18 at the South Hollis library at 4:30.

PING PONG… Every Thursday ping pong, board games and coloring at the Seaside library at 4.

WHO TOOK CHEESE? Thursdays, Oc tober 11, 18, 25 8-12 year olds will r e a d “ W h o To o k m y Cheese?” at the Central library at 4:30.

ORIGAMI WORKSHOP Thursdays, October 11, 18, 25 at the Seaside library at 5:30.

ARTS & CRAFTS CLUB Thursdays at the Seaside library. Register.

S TORY T I M E Friday, Oc tober 12 at the Astoria library at 3:45.

INTRO TO SCRATCH Friday, Oc tober 12 at the Central library. Register.

EARTH STORIES Friday, October 12 at 4 at the S t e i n wa y l i b ra r y.

Wednesday, Oc tober 24 at 4 at the Astoria library. Friday, November 2 at 3 at the Woodside library. Earth Stories from Long Ago. KIDS STORY TIME Fridays, October 12, 19 at the Arverne library at 11.

PRESCHOOL CRAFTS Fridays, October 12, 19 at the Sunnyside library. Register.

HISPANIC HERITAGE Friday, October 12 at 4 at the Langston Hughes library.

Storytelling for Hispanic Heritage Month.

BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, October 12, 19, 26 at the Fresh Meadows library at 4.

READ TO ME Fridays this autumn for those 3-7 at the Briarwood library at 3.

KIDS ACTIVITIES Fridays :at 3:30 at the Briarwood library.

GAME DAY Fridays at 3:30 at the

Queens Village library.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays Briarwood library at 4.East Flushing Register.

Ozone Park at 4.

GAME DAY Fridays Windsor Park at 4.

CHESS CLUB Fridays Auburndale library at 3:30 and at the Windsor Park library. Register.

CUB SCOUTS 351 Fridays at St. Nicholas of Tolentine. Boys in grades 15. 820-0015.

SCOUTING Join Scouting in Queens.

212-651-2897.

CUB/TROOP SCOUTS Fridays September through June Pack 357 and Troop 357 in Flushing. 5919514 Cubs, 279-9085 Scouts.

THINGS THAT GO BUMP Saturday, Oc tober 13 at 3 at the Ridgewood libra ry.

Wednesday, Oc tober 17 at 3 at the North Hills library.

M o n d ay, O c to b e r 2 9 a t 3:30 at the Maspeth library.

Things That Go Bump in the Night: Multicultural Scary Stories.

STORY TELLING CONCERT Sunday, Oc tober 14 at 1 at the Central library.

FLEA MARKETS OUTDOOR FLEA Saturdays and Sundays through November 25 94:30 at St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Parsons Blvd. and Union Turnpike, Jamaica.

FAMILY FLEA MARKET Saturday, Oc tober 6 11-4 at the Bay Terrace Countr y Club, 217-14 24 th Avenue, B a y s i d e . Ve n d o r s , p o n y rides, dj, pumpkin decorating, face painting, refreshments, more.

RUMMAGE SALE Saturday, Oc tober 6 10-4 and Sunday, Oc tober 7 124 at St. Luke’s Church, 85 Greenway South, Forest Hills.

AUTUMN BOOK & FLEA Saturday, Oc tober 20 9:303:30 and Sunday, Oc tober 21 1 1 : 3 0 - 3 : 3 0 b a k e a n d book sale at Church of the R e s u r r e c t i o n , 8 5 - 0 9 1 1 8 th Street, Kew Gardens.

CRAFT & VENDOR SALE Saturday, November 3 104 in the school gym at P S 1 1 3 , 7 8 - 2 3 8 7 th S t r e e t , Glendale. Visit Santa, refreshments.

FLEA MARKET Thursdays-Sundays MFM flea market at 221-02 Merrick Blvd., Springfield Gardens.

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

Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156.

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

670-1695. $5.

MS Tu e s d ay s , O c to b e r 9 , 2 3 National Multiple Sclerosis Societ y meets at 1 at the Howard Beach library.

HEALTHY FOODS Tuesdays, October 9, 16, 23 Healthy Foods, Healthy Families at Lucille Rose Daycare Center. 990-5197.

ALZHEIMERS Tuesday s, Oc tober 9, 23, November 13, 27, December 11 Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills. 5925757, ext. 237.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Tuesdays Western Queens Caregiver Network in Sunnyside. 5:30-6:30. 7846173, ext. 431. Also, 3:304:30 Selfhelp Clearview Sen i o r C e n t e r , 2 0 8 - 1 1 2 6 th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886.

Va r i o u s s e r v i c e s a t t h e Queens Communit y House, 80-02 Kew Gardens Road.

268-5960, ext. 226.

AUTISM Tuesdays Qualit y Services for the Autism Communit y holds workshops for families and friends of autistic children and adults. 7-AUTISM, ext. 1219.

DAY TOP Tuesdays support for family and friends of those affected by substance abuse. 1-8002Daytop.

WELL SPOUSES Wednesday s, Oc tober 10, November 14, December 12 well spouses or partners of the chronically ill and disabled meet at St. Charles Rehab Center in Albertson at 7. 516-829-8740.

OA Wednesdays Overeaters Anonymous at the Howard Beach library at 11.

ZUMBA Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695. $10 class.

RECOVERY INT.

ENTERTAINMENT Thursdays, Oc tober 11, 18, 25, November 1 Recovery International meets at the Forest Hills library at 2:30.

MEDITATION CLUB T h u r s d a y, O c to b e r 1 1 Meditation Club at 5:30 at the Bellerose library.

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

SUPPORT GROUPS Alcohol, drugs, domestic violence, martial issues, dep ression, anxiet y, phobia, etc. Woodside Clinic. 7791234.

EXHIBIT FOR THE BIRDS! Through November 18 “For the Birds! Fanciful Follies for Our Feathered Friends: at the Voelker Orth Museum, 149-19 38 th Avenue, Flushing. 359-6227.

Rung” at the Creek and Cave, 10-93 Jackson Avenue, LIC. $7. www.ThePlatformGroup.org LIVE JAZZ & R&B S u n d ay s , O c to b e r 7 , 1 4 , 21, 28 live jazz and r&b 610 at Déjà vu, 180-25 Linden Blvd., St. Albans.

OPEN MIC POETRY Mondays, Oc tober 8, November 12, December 10 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 U n i o n Tu r n p i ke , F re s h Meadows at 7:30.

OLYMPIC HIGHLIGHTS Tuesdays, Oc tober 9, 16, 23, 30 Olympic Highlights at 4 at the Seaside library.

MONTE CARLO NIGHT T h u r s d a y, O c t o b e r 1 1 Monte Carlo Night at 6 at the Douglaston Manor. $100 per person. 805-6796, ext. 133.

ASTORIA JAZZ BAND Saturday, October 13 featuring Fred Staton at the Steinway Reformed Church at 3. 917-667-5331 tickets.

RECEPTION Saturday, Oc tober 13 reception for the “For the Birds!” exhibit at the Voelker

Orth Museum, 149-19 38 th Avenue, Flushing from 2-4.

COMMUNITY FAIR Saturday, October 13 the Cross Island YMCA will host its 1 s t A n n u a l C o m m u n i t y Fair, Auction and Carnival 11-6. 238-10 Hillside Avenue, Bellerose.

JAPANESE DANCE Saturday, Oc tober 13 Japanese Classical Dance at 2 at the Flushing library.

ECHOING VOICES Saturday, Oc tober 13 musical presentation of stories of American immigration at 2:30 at the Fresh Meadows library.

STORY TELLING CONCERT Sunday, Oc tober 14 at the Central library at 1.

WOODHAVEN ST. FEST Sunday, Oc tober 14 32 nd Annual Wonderful Woodhaven Street Festival 12-6 on Woodhaven’s Jam a i c a A v e n u e f r o m 8 0 th Street to Woodhaven Blvd.

HISPANIC HERITAGE Sunday, Oc tober 14 NYSCI celebrates Hispanic Heritage at the Hall of Science.

699-0005.

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS BECOME A US CITIZEN Saturday, Oc tober 6 at the Flushing library at 3.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturdays, Oc tober 6, 20, 27 public speaking and effective communication at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-7488290 information.

HISTORY OF PHOTO Monday s, Oc tober 8, 15, 22, 29 History of Photography: A MoMA Teleconference at the Queens Village library. Register.

SMALL BUSINESS Tuesdays, Oc tober 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Central library. Register.

INTRO EMAIL Tuesday, October 9 at the McGoldrick library at 11:30.

COMPUTER CLASS Tuesdays, October 9, 23, 30 a t t h e S u n n ys i d e l i b r a r y.

Register.

JOB READINESS Tuesdays, Oc tober 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Woodside library at 6.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Tuesday, October 9 at the Flushing library at 10.

COMPUTER BASICS Wednesdays, Oc tober 10, 17, 24, 31 at 10:30 at the Arverne librar y.

GENEALOGY Wednesdays, Oc tober 10, 17 at the Central library at 6:30.

PICTURE PERFECT Thursday, Oc tober 11 Using Social Media for Slideshows and Digital Videos at 5 at the Pomonok library.

MICROSOFT OFFICE Thursdays, October 11, 18, 25, November 1 at the Arverne library at 10:30.

FICTION WRITING Thursdays, Oc tober 11, 18 at the Langston Hughes library at 5:30.

LEARN CHINESE Thursdays, October 11, 18, 25 at the North Forest Park library at 5:30.

ORIGAMI WORKSHOP Thursdays, October 11, 18, 25 at the Seaside library at 5:30.

INTRO COMPUTERS Thursdays, Oc tober 11, 25 at the Ozone Park library.

Register.

COMPUTER TUTORING Thursdays, October 11, 18, 25 at the Woodside library.

Register.

MOCK INTERVIEWS Thursdays, October 11, 18, 25 a t th e C e n t ra l l i b ra r y.

Register.

INTRO WORD Friday, Oc tober 12 at the Hillcrest library. Register.

INTERMEDIATE WORD Friday, Oc tober 12 Intermediate Microsoft Word and Excel at 1 Arverne library.

Oct. 5-11, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

MOVING IMAGE Through October 14 Films of Kenji Misumi. Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. 412. Adults. 7776800.

AMAZING MAIZE MAZE Weekends through Oc to ber 28 at the Queens Count y Farm Museum, 7350 Little Neck Parkway, Flor a l Pa r k . 3 4 7 - FA R M . $ 9 adults, $5 children.

ELLA Through Oc tober 7 “Ella” at Queens Theatre in the Park. 760-0064.

SOUL TRAIN TRIBUTE Friday and Saturday, Oc tober 5, 6 tribute to Soul Train at JHS8, 108-35 167 t h Street, Jamaica. $25. 4818144.

FAMILY FLEA MARKET Saturday, Oc tober 6 11-4 at the Bay Terrace Country Club, 217-14 24 th Avenue, B a y s i d e . Ve n d o r s , p o n y rides, dj, pumpkin decorating, face painting, refreshments, more.

ARGENTINIAN TANGO S a t u r d a y, O c to b e r 6 Argentinean Tango, Spanish Flamenco, Puerto Rican Cuisine starting at noon at the Langston Hughes library.

AESTHETIC REALISM S a t u r d a y, O c to b e r 6 Ethnics Is A Force! Songs about Labor at the Flushing library at 2.

CHINESE FILM S a t u r d a y, O c to b e r 6 screening of “Warriors of Qiugang” (Mandarin Chinese with English Subtitles) at the Sunnyside library at 2:30.

SPIRITS ALIVE Saturday, Oc tober 6 Spirits Alive 2-5 at Maple Grove Cemeter y. 523-1876.

BLESSING OF PETS Saturday, Oc tober 6 Blessing of the Pets at 11 at Church of the Resurrection, 8 5 - 0 9 1 1 8 th S t r e e t , R i c h mond Hill. 847-2649.

CONCERT Sunday, October 7 Shusmo plays original music using a wide range of influences with Arabic music at its core.

3 at the Central library.

WALKING TOUR Sunday, October 7 walking tour of Maple Grove Cemetery at 10 and again at 1.

523-1876.

PAT COOPER S u n d a y, O c t o b e r 7 at Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6311.

NEW PLAYS Sunday, Oc tober 7 “Brilliant Rose.” “The Ladder Series: A Staged Reading Series Aimed at Getting New Plays to the Next

Holy Crap

A Real Dream

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 5-11, 2012

Let’s Dance!

You can dance if you want to, but when it comes to the videogame “Just Dance 4”, you don’t have to leave your friends behind.

Even though the title indicates it is the fourth game in the series, “Just Dance 4” is actually the sixth main entry of the franchise. Coming out on Oct. 9, the game was developed by Ubisoft and features 48 music tracks for people to shimmy along too. Included in the song list is Queens-born artist Nicki Minaj, with her smash single “Super Bass”. Other hit songs listed are “Umbrella” by Rihanna, “Oops, I Did It Again” by Britney Spears, “Rock Lobster” by the B52s and “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley.

Among the game’s new features is a dance battle mode, where you can face off against your friends and see who the better dancer is. If you’d rather work together, a bunch of songs will allow

Queens raised Nicki Minaj either duet or group performances.

“Just Dance 4” will be available for the Xbox 360, the Playstation 3 and the Nintendo Wii. It will be one of the release titles for the Wii U when it hits stores on Nov. 18.

When it comes to modeling, Roseanne Ludwigson has covered a wide range of styles. The 19year-old Middle Village native is experienced in editorial, promotional and runway modeling.

Roseanne got into the business when she appeared in one of Donald Trump’s beauty pageants.

She received the People’s Choice Award, which she said opened up a lot of doors. Her new contacts led to an upswing in offers.

When not modeling, she follows another lifelong interest, majoring in illustration at the School of Visual Arts. Roseanne’s college studies fit nicely with her high school achievements. She won the Art Award at Christ the King High School.

When she’s not studying or modeling, Roseanne loves to read, garden and cook. She also spends her time at Queens Center Mall for shopping and Atlas Park. She goes to Queens Center for the movies.

“Queens has everything, really. It has great stores, great entertainment,” she said. “There’s always interesting people to meet.

I’ve always lived in Queens and I always will” Although she has lots of interests, her top passion is modeling.

Roseanne will be featured in a twopage spread called Fall Discovery next month in “Style” magazine.

QConf is edited by: Michael

Models Of Queens

After a long awaited arrival, the bathrooms at Elmhurst Park have finally reopened. Not to be confused with the traditional restroom, this $2.3 million comfort station features a striking facade of curved brick and glass blocks, decorative geometric tiles, diaper changing tables and handicapped-accessible stalls.

While local park-goers are appreciative to have access to toilets, civic leaders are saying that the renovations are too pricy. Their chief complaints are that the changes have created an overbuilt and oversized eyesore.

The sticker shock has QConf wondering if the new porcelain thrones are not In Elmhurst Park, you can go in style . . .in made of gold the new bathrooms pictured.

She hopes it will be the gig that gets her noticed by the big modeling companies.

“I’m really hoping to be discovered by one of the top agencies,” she said. “That’s my real dream.”

Roseanne Ludwigson Home: Middle Village Age: 19 Height: 5’9 Weight: 116 Stats: 34-23-33

No Respect

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

Conf@QueensTribune.com

Confidentially, New York . . .

Metsopholies

Mr. MeT-Rex

Back on Sept. 20, the New York Mets were put out of their misery in style. The Malaisin’ Mets fell to Phillies 16-1, mathematically disqualifying them from the playoffs.

Starter Jeremy Hefner, no relation to Hugh, faced seven batters without recording an out. The Phillies scored eight runs in the first inning. Whitestone native Mike Baxter did homer, though.

Beat the Mets, beat the Mets, step right up and beat the Mets…

On Wed., Sept. 26, Field Station: Dinosaurs’ 15-Foot T-Rex and Met’s mascot, Mr. Met had some fun with fans at Citi Field.

Field Station: Dinosaurs is a 20acre Jurassic outdoor exploration with 30 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, including three T-Rex’s and a 90-foot Argentinosaurs that can be seen from the Empire State Building, MetLife Stadium, traffic helicopters and some flights in and out of Newark Liberty Airport.

The Mets just can’t catch a break, even from New York City’s mayor.

During a radio segment on Sept.

21, Mayor Michael Bloomberg talked at length about the arrival of the Brooklyn Nets, the borough’s first professional team since the Dodgers left in 1957. While he welcomed the team to their new home at the Barclays Center and talked about his excitement of a basketball Subway Series, he wasn’t as kind to the struggling Mets.

“You want both teams to be good. It’s sad that the Mets have sort of fallen apart here,” he said.

It certainly didn’t help lighten the Mets fans’ spirits after a devastating 16-1 loss against the Phillies. To add insult to injury, Bloomberg praised Yankees manager Joe Girardi.

“I met him a few times, we got together when he first came here,” he said. “I congratulated him, he’s a great manager.”

Open Columbus Day

Bigger Selection • Same Family Values Since 1916

0 DUE AT SIGNING

$

0 DOWN • $0 BANK FEE • $0 FIRST MONTH • $0 SECURITY DEPOSIT

$

NEW 2013 Hyundai

Sonata GLS auto, a/c, p/w/l, CD, stk#H4015. $0 due at signing, no sec dep req. Excludes tax, title & MV fees

199

$

LEASE FOR

PER MO 48 MONTHS

ASK ABOUT OUR AMERICA’S BEST WARRANTY™ • 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Protection • 5-Year/60,000-Mile Bumper-to-Bumper Coverage • 5-Year/Unlimited Miles 24-hr. Roadside Assistance

LOCATED ON THE CORNER OF HILLSIDE AVE & 144TH STREET, JAMAICA SHOWROOM HOURS: MON-THUR 9-9 FRI 9-7 SAT 9-6 SUN 11-5

TOLL FREE!

1-800-917-8586

MUST PRESENT THIS ADVERTISEMENT AT THE TIME OF SALE IN ORDER TO RECEIVE ADVERTISED PRICES ON ADVERTISED VEHICLES. Prices include all costs to be made by consumer except tax, title & MV fees. Prices incl. all manufacturer rebates & incentives. Not Resp. for typos. Programs subject to change prior to publication. Cust. resp. for excess wear/tear. Lease includes 12k mi/yr @ .20¢ over p/mi. Ttl pymt/Resid: Sonata $9,552/$11,320.40. Offers can not be combined. Pictures are for illustrations only and may vary from actual vehicle. All loans subject to primary lender approval. Nemet Motors since 1916. NYDCA#1395645, NYCDMV#1395645, 6410429. Offer expires 10/11/12.

www.NEMETHYUNDAI.com