Southeast Queens Press Epaper

Volume 12 Issue No. 41 Oct. 14-20, 2011

PAGE 18

SECRET PRISON:

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

END THE ABUSE

Following reports of abusive conditions inside a private detention center in Southeast Queens that holds illegal immigrants, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio has signed on to the ongoing effort to move the facility out of the borough.

By Veronica Lewin…Page 3

Online at www.QueensPress.com

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Bayside Man Becomes ‘Mayor’ Becoming the Mayor of any American city can be a long and drawn out process.

Wrangling the political beast, clawing your way to the top, is a long and expensive process that leaves many forced to compromise their standards and backpedal on their morals.

But for one Bayside resident, it was all achieved with the flick of his wrist and the tap of a cell phone.

On Sept. 19, grilling fanatic Andrew Gorgi was named the honorary Mayor of Hunt Valley, Md., home of McCormick, the 122-year-old spice, herb and flavoring manufacturer that awarded him the not-just-ceremonial title.

Gorgi achieved political grace after generating nearly 850 FourSquare “checkins” at his home grill in Eastern Queens in only eight weeks, making the first time a mayor of the popular location-based social networking Web site has ever been granted an official mayoral title.

FourSquare is a social media Web site and mobile application that allows users to “check in” at their locations and awards badges and even Web-based mayoralties to users. With the grill sizzling with hamburgers and hot dogs and a tiny bit of persuasion, the 15-year Bayside resident was able to take first place in the online contest.

Although Gorgi admits that he turned down the formal decree to visit his Baltimore County office, he did not walk away empty handed; he received a year’s supply of McCormick seasonings and grill tools.

New Test Center Kicking-off National Protect Your Hearing Month, the Lexington Hearing and Speech Center unveiled its new state of the art audiology suite on Oct. 5.

Offering the latest technology in hearing screenings, the audio suite’s 156square foot space is designed with double four inch exterior panels which allows for more accurate test results.

The PC-based control board includes a clinical audiometer, a middle ear analyzer for more in-depth testing and a pediatric testing system.

The hearing suite was also designed to accommodate individuals who require assistance by others, such as parents or health aides, as well as those who use wheelchairs.

The Center’s officials hope the technology will help address the growing health concern of hearing loss among Americans.

According to the American Academy of Audiology, an estimated 36 million adults in the U.S. have some degree of treatable hearing loss, while over half of them are younger than the age of 65.

The Lexington Hearing and Speech Center is an affiliate of the Lexington School for the Deaf and provides a complete range of hearing testing and audiology services for infants, children, adults and seniors.

LeFrak To Overhaul Tower The LeFrak Organization will convert its aging Rego Park office building, the LeFrak Tower, into apartments.

The Wall Street Journal reported this week that the developer, whose most notable project is LeFrak City, will convert its office tower at 97-45 Queens Blvd. into 108 luxury apartments. The move would be the developer’s first project in the borough in nearly three decades.

LeFrak Tower, the green-colored curved 13-story office building on the northeast side of Queens Boulevard a few blocks south of 63rd Drive, was built in 1962. On the ground floor is a popular Chinese restaurant and a Chase bank branch. Currently, the offices in the building are occupied by doctors, a medical center and a school.

Cardozo Shows Off Talent Benjamin N. Cardozo High School held its annual College Exposure Day for its basketball team last week. The Oct. 5 event was set up by varsity Head Coach Ron Naclerio, and brought in dozens of college coaches.

The event consisted of Cardozo players running drills, followed by a 90-minute scrimmage. The star of the event was junior Jermaine Lawrence, who is being heavily recruited by some of the nation’s top teams.

Naclerio’s consistency and success since joining the coaching ranks in 1981 are part of the reason that these days are successful. With connections throughout colleges of the Division I, II and III ranks, not to mention junior college coaches and NAIA coaches, Naclerio is able to fill the gym to near capacity for these workouts.

Presstime

Caricature Draws Racist Accusations

BY VERONICA LEWIN

Political cartoons can be funny, witty and a quick way to draw attention to a current event. They can reflect the lessthan-balanced views of an otherwise objective newspaper or spark a conversation. Illustrations can also inflame communities. One cartoon in a Far Rockaway newspaper has an elected official making comparisons to the infamous movie “Birth of a Nation.”

U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica) is scrutinizing a story in the Oct. 7 issue of The Wave and says the political cartoon that ran alongside the story is a “racist caricature.”

Meeks, whose district includes a portion of The Rockaways, is up for reelection next November. The Wave lists Meeks’ ethical troubles, including New Direction Local Development Corp, a non-profit started by Meeks and State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Jamaica) currently under federal investigation for allegedly mishandling funds.

The political cartoon created by Elgin Bolling depicts Smith milking a cash cow - New Direction Local Development Corp.

- and saying “Ain’t nothin’ sweeter than makin’ profits from non-profits! Am I right, Greg?” Meeks, who is holding a bucket full of cash himself, replies “Sure you right, Malcolm! This cash cow here practically milks herself!” The vernacular used and the exaggeration of facial features, particularly Smith’s large lips, has the Congressman calling the cartoon racist.

“That kind of stereotyping of AfricanAmerican elected officials that goes back to the days of Reconstruction just can’t be tolerated,” Meeks said. He said more than 25 of his constituents who read the paper called his office in outrage.

“It’s not only an insult to me, but an

insult to every African-American In protest, Meeks wrote a that has seen that cartoon,” the scathing letter to the paper conCongressman added. demning the article and cartoon.

The article’s author and ManSchwach said The Wave will run aging Editor Howard Schwach the Congressman’s letter in its disagrees. “It’s not racist and it entirety in this Friday’s issue of was a reflection of the reality of the paper. Meeks is requesting a the situation. Meeks and Smith retraction and apology for the are tied up in several schemes to publication’s actions. Schwach get money and not do much for stands by his paper. the community,” Schwach said.

“Everything we say about him Bolling, a black cartoonist, deis true and the cartoon was refends his caricature, and says it is flective of the fact that these just that - a caricature. two guys are stealing us blind,” “The caricature is about exagSchwach said. geration; it’s about distortion,” If the paper does not write a Bolling said. “If an artist uses cariretraction, Meeks said he plans cature in his work, he has the task to contact the paper’s advertisof, in one panel, getting a mesers and other elected officials to sage across that a columnist has A controversial political cartoon as it appeared in The Wave, a bring attention to the paper’s the luxury of two or three para- newspaper for the Rockaways. depiction of blacks. The Wave’s graphs.” article has led the Congressman He added he did not expect his drawing City Councilmen Ruben Wills (D-South to push for ethical guidelines journalists to be interpreted as offensive and the Jamaica) and Leroy Comrie (D-St. should be held accountable to in an atbacklash is due to what readers perceive as Albans), two of the meeting’s alleged at- tempt to prevent similar articles from betendees, told the PRESS of Southeast ing published in the future. racist.

Bolling said his drawing gave a snap- Queens the meeting never happened. The “I’m a staunch believer in ethics in shot of the article it accompanied and Wave’s article states a member of the government, but I also believe there stressed his words were not coming from Congressman’s staff said Meeks has no needs to be ethics in journalism,” Meeks a racist perspective. “If I’m using a particu- plans to leave Capitol Hill because he has said. lar vernacular that they might use on the not been found guilty of ethical violations.

Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at street with a certain kind of cadence, I’m Meeks said this is an “out and out lie” and vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, referencing how I’ve heard some people his office has not spoken with The Wave. Ext. 123. of color speak,” the cartoonist said. He added the vernacular is not reflective of the entire black community and said assuming it is would be as “ludicrous” as The PRESS of Southeast Queens invited both Mr. Meeks and Mr. Smith to respond saying all black people play basketball and to the matter brought up in the cartoon regarding the alleged fleecing of the New enjoy fried chicken because some do.

Direction not-for-profit group. In an e-mail received Thursday afternoon, Mr. Meeks Meeks is also upset with misinformawelcomed the opportunity and has agreed to “explain and address the allegations” tion in the article, which heavily cites a in a future op-ed piece he will provide once he returns from an out-of-country trip New York Post editorial. The Post reported he is taking as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. We look forward in early October Democrats held a secret to printing his piece. As of our print deadline, we had received no response from Mr. meeting to pick Smith as Meeks’ successor Smith’s office. if he leaves or is expelled from Congress.

Editor’s Note:

End Abuse At Dentention Center: de Blasio

BY VERONICA LEWIN

pears that others are finding that it is true.”

The councilman and concerned constituents marched every other weekend for 18 months in protest of the detention facility. Some marches had turnouts of nearly 300 people, Sanders said, but the site remains open.

The Public Advocate wants the Dept. of Justice to investigate the accusations and strengthen oversight of contracted facilities. If GEO is found to have mistreated inmates, the public advocate would call for the termination of all contracts with GEO Group, which operates 7,000 out of 32,000 immigrant detention beds in the country.

To prevent the mistreatment of undocumented immigrants, de Blasio wants to establish an “Abuse-Free Zone,” which would prevent people from being sent to facilities with a history of mistreatment.

GEO Group declined to comment for this article.

Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123.

Oct. 14-20, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Allegations of abuse and mistreatment of immigrants have elected officials all over the city calling for an investigation into a Queens detention center.

Public Advocate Bill de Blasio held a press conference Oct. 6 to call for the investigation into private immigrant detention facilities amidst accusations of abuse. The Dept. of Homeland Security contracts private companies to house refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants awaiting trial.

GEO Group, located at 182-22 150th Ave. in Jamaica, runs a detention facility contracted by the federal government to detain those who attempted to enter the country illegally through JFK Airport while they await deportation procedures. The facility replaced the previous one in Rosedale and has 222 beds. According to de Blasio, two guards were convicted in 2009 for covering up the assault of an inmate. In 2004, 175 inmates went on a hunger strike to protest threats of depor-

the mistreatment of human beings.”

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement updated its national detention center standards in 2008. The new standards were implemented to maintain consistency, safe and secure operations and ensure access to legal representation. Since then, there have been allegations of sexual abuse, rioting and staff brutality at GEO Group facilities, particularly the one in Queens.

“Private, for-profit detention facilities are making a killing misJose Quizhpilem of Make the Road NY talks about the treating immigrants,” said Ana abuse in the detention center as Public Advocate Bill Maria Archila, co-executive direcde Blasio (behind) looks on. tor of Make the Road NY, the tation and the use of solitary confinement largest community-based immigrant orgaas punishment. nization in New York State.

Councilman James Sanders (D“This isn’t how our country should treat immigrants, regardless of their status,” de Laurelton) has been calling for an investiBlasio said. “We need a serious investigation gation of the detention center since 2006. into the charges leveled against this indus- “This facility, which has been poorly placed, try. Government should not be in business is a scandal waiting to happen,” Sanders with any company that seeks to profit off of said. “We said it five years ago and it ap-

Support Growing To End Deport Rule

BY JASON BANREY

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 14-20, 2011

The New York City Council is on the verge of passing a bill that would limit the Dept. of Corrections cooperation with federal immigration authorities, reducing the number of unnecessary deportations of immigrant inmates without criminal records.

Intro 656 would limit the city’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities, creating a category of persons whom the Dept. of Corrections could not detain for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The federal Criminal Alien Program allows ICE to identify, process and remove “criminal aliens” incarcerated in local prisons and jails throughout the U.S. “What they are doing at Rikers is running an alien program rather than a criminal alien program,” said Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights), chairman of the Council’s Committee on Immigrant Affairs.

The controversial initiative – currently being implemented in city jails – has been criticized by immigrant advocates for its unjust deportation of undocumented immigrants who have been arrested or detained, but who have not been convicted of a crime.

According to the DOC, 13,295 foreign born people were admitted into their facilities in 2010. ICE placed detainers on 3,155 of those inmates and subsequently took custody of 2,552 of them for potential deportation.

In 2010, of the inmates that were dis-

charged from the Dept. of Corrections to the custody of ICE, a little more than 49 percent, had no prior criminal convictions while only 20.8 percent had a prior felony conviction and 20.6 percent has a misdemeanor as their highest prior conviction.

“We need to stop needlessly and excessively deporting people who have had no prior criminal records,” said Quinn, who said she has had “productive discus-

sions” with Mayor Mike Bloomberg about the issue.

The bill, which was introduced in August, has received the support of 38 Council Members and was discussed at a hearing at City Hall on Oct. 3.

Immigration advocates joined Council members at a press conference heralding the prospective passage of the bill as a signal they hope reaches across the na-

tion to communities experiencing a record number of deportations.

“We have to offer hope and real solutions to this problem that’s breaking apart our families,” said Ana Maria Archila, coexecutive director of Make the Road New York.

Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 128.

City’s Asst HPD Chief Arrested

BY VERONICA LEWIN

A questionable cup of Joe has led to the arrest of a top City housing official.

Wendell Walters, Housing Preservation and Development’s Assistant Commissioner for New Construction, was joined by six co-indicted real estate developers at an arraignment last Thursday on a 26count indictment including bribery, extortion and money laundering.

The city’s HPD is the largest municipal developer of affordable housing in the country. Walters oversaw several programs, including two designed to enable the private sector, developers and nonprofits to build and rehabilitate buildings to provide affordable housing.

The indictment alleges Walters accepted about $600,000 in bribes from contractors and real estate developers beginning in 2002.

The assistant commissioner is suspected of meeting a general contractor around the city, where he would write down his demands.

The court papers say Walters would write “250” on a piece of paper, indicating he was demanding $250,000 as a bribe. In future meetings, it is alleged the contractor made payments to Walters of at least $25,000 each time, hiding the money in overnight mail envelopes, coffee cups and golf ball boxes.

Meanwhile, the contractor was awarded HPD contracts for six projects in the City, including the Guy Brewer North Homes in Jamaica. The value of these general contracts was often more than $10 million, the FBI said.

“New Yorkers relied on these defendants for the safe haven of affordable housing,” U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch said in a statement. “Instead, the defendants allegedly put their own greed over

the needs of low-, moderate- and middleincome New Yorkers.”

Walters, who has been an HPD employee since 1998, has been suspended without pay, according to the agency.

“There is no room for corruption or bribe seeking in government and these circumstances pain me deeply on a number of levels,” said Mathew Wambua, HPD Commissioner.

The agency is also reviewing the selection process for contractors and assessing if changes need to be made, according to spokesman Eric Beaderman. The scheme cost HPD hundreds of thousands of dollars in overpayments to developers.

If convicted, Walters and the other defendants face up to 20 years in prison.

Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at vlewin@queenstribune.com or (718) 3577400, Ext. 123.

Bridging Language Divide To Help

BY JASON BANREY

Photo by Jason Banrey

Following a federal disaster declaration on Aug. 31, the Rockaways were placed high up on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s list of heavily affected areas in the borough after Tropical Storm Irene slammed into Queens.

On Oct. 6, FEMA community relations specialists were deployed to educate borough residents in affected areas about the federal funding available to provide them with alternative options to help put their lives back together.

“Every disaster is a major disaster,” said Gregory Desrosiers, a community relations manager for FEMA who has traveled throughout the nation helping families and businesses rebuild what they have lost after natural disasters.

“Some lost as much here as those did after Hurricane Katrina, but I’ve found it affects the residents the same way,” he said.

As Tropical Storm Irene barreled over the borough, much of Queens was left unscathed. Despite the significant tree damage and downed power lines, many believed they dodged a bullet – but there was different reality in the Rockaways.

With the consistent hammering of rain, Arverne was swallowed between the bay and the ocean as storm drains overflowed, causing a significant amount of water to find its way into the homes of the neighborhood’s defenseless residents.

For Leon Johnson, the nity residents whose primary water was as far as the eye language is not English. could see.

Within New York City, “You could have had a there are 11 LEP specialists boat out here,” said Johnson who speak nine different lanof the significant flooding guages, including an extenhe witnessed near the dead sive list of Chinese dialects. end of Beach 70th Street After sustaining damage to after the storm passed. their ceilings and losing hun“People were stuck in their dreds of dollars of food houses and couldn’t even spoiled due to flooding, China get out if they wanted to.”

King, located at 70-01 Beach Waiting for the water to Channel Drive, was unsure of subside, Johnson checked how to address their situaon his property only to realtion. ize the basement of the Though previous attempts home he owned for 22 years to seek aid were near imposwas flooded with nearly sible due to a language barthree feet of water; his FEMA specialists speak in Mandarin to owners of China King restaurant, rier, FEMA brought in Mai Mercedes Benz suffered the which sustained damage and losses due to Tropical Storm Irene.

Banh, one of the disaster same fate. team members who could ex“The insurance company took my car during the Tropical Storm, but not covered plain the process in Mandarin, giving the away and my boiler is out,” Johnson said. by insurance.

Chinese restaurant the ability to earn If eligible, homeowners can apply for a back potential revenue they thought was “I didn’t know what other options I had, so they were the only ones who could prob- Small Business Administration Loan al- lost forever. ably help now,” he said of FEMA. lowing them to borrow up to $200,000 to The deadline to apply for disaster asAfter more than a month of waiting for repair or replace their primary residence sistance is Oct. 31, and is only available to financial assistance from his insurance while renters, if eligible, are capable of borough residents who sustained propcompany to allow him to get his vehicle borrowing $40,000 to replace personal erty damage between Aug. 25 and Sept. 5. back and to put his boiler back into opera- property lost in a disaster.

For more information, contact One special component of FEMA’s FEMA’s multilingual assistance helpline tion, Johnson thought he was out of options – and then FEMA visited the south- outreach is their Limited English Profi- at (800) 621-3362 or register online at ciency Specialists, needed in a county as disasterassistance.gov. ern peninsula.

FEMA is currently offering money to diverse as Queens. By connecting to the Reach Reporter Jason Banrey at homeowners in an effort to repair dam- needy through faith-based organizations, jbanrey@queenstribune.com or (718) 357ages sustained to their primary residence disaster teams are able to target commu- 7400, Ext. 124.

Oct. 14-20, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

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

Brian Rafferty Deputy Editor:

Joseph Orovic Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel

Editorial Shameful Political cartoons are as legitimate a form of free speech as the written word – often conveying a complex message in a more understated, simple way than a full page of text. They can be just as effective at critique as the best-written editorial.

But handled poorly, the message gets lost.

We are not in the business of tearing down other newspapers. It doesn’t serve anybody well. But the editorial cartoon run in last week’s edition of the Rockaway Wave was entirely inappropriate, which is a shame because it detracts from the editorial quality of the work.

The cartoon, which shows State Sen. Malcolm Smith and U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks milking cash out of a cow named New Direction Local Development Corp., indicating that Smith and Meeks were stealing from the non-profit they helped establish, is sardonic and clever. It sums up the public concern about New Direction funding and the pending ethical and possible criminal investigations into the pair of elected officials.

Unfortunately, the message is completely overwhelmed by the largelipped caricatures of the two black elected officials who are speaking to each other in implied ignorant, uneducated phrasing reminiscent of Steppin Fetchit. “Ain’t nothin’ sweeter than makin’ profits from nonprofits,” Smith says, with Meeks replying, “You right, Malcolm.”

The cartoon comes across as racist and mean rather than sharp and pointed. Though we praise the Wave for its legitimate editorial criticism, the decision to run such a blatantly offensive piece is ignorant at best and despicably divisive and hateful at its worst.

Letters

Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Harley Benson Domenick Rafter Jason Banrey Veronica Lewin Art Dept:

Sara Gold Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend Advertising Director James Mammarella Sr. Account Executive Shelly Cookson Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie Martin Moor Shari Strongin

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 14-20, 2011

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2011 Tribco, LLC

Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher

Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

Don’t Cut It To The Editor: Today, AARP Members from New York are calling their Congressional representatives or travelling to Washington, offices to deliver a message to our state’s Congressional Representatives: we are not pushovers or line items on a budget sheet.

This is part of a nationwide effort involving hundreds of thousands of AARP members who are saying in unison, “Do not cut Medicare or Social Security as part of the Congressional ‘Supercommittee’ deficit reduction recommendations.”

Addressing our national debt and the debt ceiling is an important issue vital to the welfare of our nation but Congress needs to look at reducing waste and closing tax loopholes that cost the federal government an estimated $1 trillion each year. With the downturn in the economy, lost retirement nest eggs, and rising health care costs, cutting Medicare and Social Security would have a devastating impact on seniors and the middle class.

The Congressional “supercommittee” is considering proposals behind closed doors

Letters that would shift health care costs onto seniors and cut our Social Security checks. Our nation’s seniors have spent their lives working for Medicare and Social Security benefits and earned a voice in any discussion about the future of these programs. The current closed door discussions are unfair to seniors and the middle class and we need to raise our voices until they stop threatening Medicare and Social Security benefits.

Proposals include cutting Social Security by $112 billion, which could cost seniors thousands of dollars over their lifetime, and raisng the Medicare eligibility age, which would increase out-of-pocket spending for 65 and 66 year olds by an average of $2,000 per year while increasing premiums for those already in Medicare.

The truth is, cuts to Medicare and Social Security would hurt real people. In New York State alone, there are over 3.2 million Social Security beneficiaries and 2.9 million Medicare beneficiaries.

Seniors do not receive lavish benefits from these programs.

Half of those aged 65 and older have an annual income of less than $18,500 per year. Today’s Medicare beneficiaries already must pay an average of $3,000 each year out of their own pockets for their medical expenses – and their out-of-pocket costs continue to rise every year.

With the downturn in the economy, lost retirement nest eggs, and rising health care costs, cutting Medicare and Social Security would have a devastating impact on so many people who are already struggling to stay

afloat. Seniors have spent decades paying into the system and they have earned the peace of mind that comes with being assured that Congress won’t make harmful cuts to the benefits they will need as they age.

Kristin Legere, AARP NY

No Respect To The Editor: As the economic recession continues unabated, with no improvement in sight, another important aspect to also note is that there seems to be a lack of respect and common courtesy in this country anymore.

When driving, there is no courtesy anymore. People run stop signs and red lights, make illegal U turns, change lanes without signaling and are just very nasty.

It seems that increasing road rage has become the normalcy.

When you hold the door open for someone, the words “thank you” are no longer in that person’s vocabulary. If someone bumps into you while walking, they do not say “excuse me” or “I’m sorry.” My parents raised me to be a respectful, decent and polite person. Our young people today need to be taught these values by their parents.

While many parents do work very hard to raise their children to be decent and respectful, there are those who need to be reminded that respect begins in the home. Do not expect the schools and teachers and administrators to do your job. Your children are your responsibility.

John Amato, Fresh Meadows

Sugar And Spice But Everything Nice? Not So Much!

A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE

There was a time when the occasional teenaged or young adult male would jump the subway turnstile, thereby “beating the fare.” You normally don’t see girls or women doing that.

Well, we’ve come a long way baby, and like the old cigarette ad which used that memorable line, this is a dubious achievement.

A small group of teen girls ranging in age from 14 to 16 were caught beating the fare and two police officers went after them.

The girls were just not having it though. They were caught on camera putting up a fight of epic proportions against the officers as a crowd gathered. It’s almost laughable that the cops had to call for back up to subdue four teenaged girls. But that’s a good thing. It means they restrained themselves from using “deadly force.”

The incident begs a lot of

questions, the first of which I’d say is what were girls that young doing out so late at night with no adult supervision? Sometimes kids sneak out of the house, like the one who was just stabbed and left to die on a Brooklyn street corner just about two weeks ago.

These are heartbreaking stories.

But sometimes there is just no parental supervision because the parents work a night shift or any number of reasons. The bottom line is that these young girls were out late at night and decided either by necessity or defiance, to cheat the MTA out of $2.25 each. The cops gave chase and mayhem ensued.

It is not our job to judge these kids; but you have to wonder what possessed them to physically fight the cops. History in this city has shown that to be a potentially deadly situation.

They are lucky they were girls.

Guys would probably not have gotten away unscathed.

This is not what we want to see our young women doing. Par-

ents, the church and even the school system, may be trying to teach young people right from wrong, but “out of sight, out of mind” remains true. However, they have to realize that there are consequences to breaking the law no matter how trivial it may seem on the face of it.

It is at once embarrassing and frightening to see these young people conducting themselves so recklessly. They endangered themselves, the officers and bystanders in the immediate vicinity. It’s good that they got caught as you hope that the trauma of getting arrested will teach them an invaluable lesson.

They, and many others, ought to learn from this embarrassing (and I hope they are embarrassed) situation that fare-beating is not tolerated and that it is indeed, a crime even if it seems petty. Sadly, small crimes can lead to bigger crimes if they go unchecked.

This incident offers such an opportunity. The young women

involved in the fracas will hopefully learn from this “moment,” and other young people can learn from it as well.

It is bad enough when the guys conduct themselves as ruffians, but it really is quite a shameful thing to watch the young women who should be leading this country in the future, behave in such a negative way.

This is not to say that they won’t grow up to be productive citizens whose youthful indiscretion will be sealed by the courts.

I fully expect them to straighten up and fly right before it’s too late.

Come on girls, you don’t have to be made of “sugar and spice and everything nice,” to conduct yourselves responsibly. Think about how many opportunities are available today compared to the times of Zora Neale Hurston, Gwendolyn Brooks and Mary McCloud Bethune; and yet they were able to rise.

Just find your own prize and keep your eyes on it.

Occupy Wall Street: Change Is In The Wind

By MICHAEL SCHENKLER Occupy Wall Street is not our enemy. You shouldn’t fear the protesters.

Such protests are as American as mom and apple pie. Freedom of speech, of expression, is what this countr y is all about. I revel in such demonstrations. As a matter of fact, in the past, I was very much a part of the protests that helped shape this nation’s policies.

In the 1960s, I marched on civil rights picket lines and in the 70s it was anti-war. Both those movements showed that the people can influence national policy. Although still imper fect, blacks today have achieved an equalit y – or close to it – unthought-of in the 60s, and it was the people in the streets that made it happen. Sadly, some of the brave people, including one I knew, Andrew Goodman, paid the ultimate price; he went to Mississippi to work to change the system.

And the Vietnam War ended after Lyndon Johnson was driven from office, with Republican President Richard Nixon heeding the

me ssage of t he people in t he streets to bring our boys home.

Sadly, some of those demonstrators in the streets also paid dearly – you may recall the four on the Kent State campus.

But we have a long and proud heritage of the people delivering messages of grievance to our government. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived and embodied the model of peaceful demonstration. He changed the nation. He taught us

how, and we are all better off for it.

And now, we have throngs in the street – small throngs right now — in a movement presently called Occupy Wall Street. And many of us really don’t know why they’re there, or what they want.

That is because there’s a difference bet ween the demonstrations of the 20th century and what we’re experiencing today.

The Civil Rights movement

Equality Pin of the 60’s

Peace Pin of the 70’s

Perhaps todays political statement

Occupy Wall Street photo collage by Mark Levy demanded equality and equal access for all. Not so easily measurable but easy to say, write, legislate and put on buttons.

And in the 70s, all we were saying was “give peace a chance.”

Today, our brothers and sister s who have taken to Zucot t i Park as part of Occupy Wall Street, have found it much harder to put a singular me ssage on a button, poster or as words to a song.

John Lennon, where are you?

The iconic troubadours have yet to come because the message is cacophonous and confusing.

More importantly, it is not a singular demand like “peace,” “equality” or “freedom.” It is a hodgepodge of reactions to an economic rece ssion clearly impacting the middle class on down.

Two of my friends, Mark Levy and his wife Celine Keating, both

Queens College grads from my era, participated in Occupy Wall Street.

It was their effort which inspired me to share my thoughts with you.

The “Occupy” protests – here and cropping up elsewhere in our nation — target the wealthy, the corporations and the politicians who jointly are responsible for our economic situation and make the rules and regulations by which it r uns or provide s mone y. T he money has bought access and the access has provided the rich and the big corporations with the opportunity to influence the regulating process and enrich themselves fur ther while e ver yone else struggles or experiences financial disaster.

The unspoken first demand as I see it, is that the rich and the big corporations must pay their fair share – pretty damn simple. The unspoken objective here is to separate the 1 percent who continue to financially benefit from the system (a system which provides trillions to the banks which stop making loans to small businesses and foreclose on and discontinue mortgages to the middle class, but continue to provide their huge bonuses to the wealthy insiders).

Well if 1 percent is benefitting, 99 percent of us are not.

The “Occupy” movement needs to reach the rest of us – the 99 percent, because as we’ve seen before when the people take to the streets in mass, change is in the wind.

Look towards Wall Street and beyond.

The rich are watching; the corporations are concerned; Congress is biding its time.

Are you listening?

Now quietly shout: “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore.”

Can you hear the winds of change?

Can you support the cause?

MSchenkler@QueensPress.com

Oct. 14-20, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Not 4 Publication.com by Dom Nunziato

To Tweet, Or Not To Tweet:

Queens Politicos Chart A Course On Social Media’s Unfamiliar Shores

By JOSEPH OROVIC

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 14-20, 2011

How well do you know your elected officials? Not in the banal sense of their actual name, party affiliation, voting records or any of the other political lucre they peddle during election season. Forget all of that.

If you’re an Astoria native, Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) may be a familiar face, now well into his third term in office. But how about his boyish joy in ripping along neighborhood streets, his Harley Davidson hog rumbling beneath his derriere?

Northeast Queens voters may be surprised by Councilman Dan Halloran’s (RWhitestone) penchant for rebuilding pickup trucks – and his everyman-like troubles with DIY repairs.

Sure, Assemblyman Rory Lancman (DHillcrest) doesn’t exactly spark cries of excitement whenever he addresses a crowd – but the guy is a veritable cutup on Twitter.

Such hobbies and personality quirks were once the domain of private life and perhaps the occasional sentence within a profile in community weeklies such as the one you’re holding. But the explosion of social networking sites has forced us to question the delineation between professional, public and personal life – and politicians aren’t immune.

from a bubbly tween’s. Hell, he even uses smiley emoticons and spurns proper capitalization and punctuation rules at will.

This, surely, is no way for a three-term councilman to present himself. Or is it?

Vallone asserts he made no conscious decision about how to approach Facebook.

“It just sort of unfolded that way,” he said. “I didn’t even want to start a page.

My staff made me.”

Little did his staff imagine the Facebook hound they created. Care for a sample? “so i was just working out in my “anticrombie” shirt, and there’s a guy working out in a “fitch” shirt. the mind boggles with the possibilities... :)” Vallone recently wrote, three hours after an extensive post about the dangers of hydraulic fracturing.

His doppelganger in sharing is Halloran, who posts anything of personal or professional merit with gusto. From a A New Era dog found in his district to bruises on his The post-Anthony Weiner era of po- calf sustained during some handiwork – litical tweeting and status updates has everything is game. constricted accessibility, but it has not “I think the personal approach is kind killed Facebook’s ability to make our of what Facebook is all about,” he said. “I elected officials more than just burly suits think it’s good to see I’m normal. If more touting legislation. elected officials did this on Some have bounded their pages, people may feel into the web’s 24/7 expresbetter about government.” sion-machine with abanOthers elect a safer don. Others have kept a route, like Councilman safe distance. But all have Jimmy Van Bramer (Dopened up a new avenue to Sunnyside), who has toned connect directly with their down the more personalityconstituents – their bosses. driven aspects of his social Yes, politicos must still networking persona. Gone be erudite, well-versed and are the personal status uplegislatively savvy. But now dates.

Instead, his they must also be human.

Facebook page has become Not in the baby-kissing Councilman Peter Vallone a de facto wing of his conphoto op way, or helping a Jr. is among the borough’s stituent outreach operation. constituent in need. Tech- more free-wheeling social “When I was running nology allows politicians to network users. and I got elected and took be one of us, connecting dioffice, I certainly underrectly via tools once unimaginable. If they stood that many more people were gohave a love of Led Zeppelin, or are hav- ing to those sites because they were coning troubles growing a garden, they’re free stituents or they were interested in the to share. things I was doing in politics and governBut how human is too human? ment,” he said. “The line between personal and private for elected officials is a Treading The New Frontier fine line and sometimes they can blur. I If you’re seeking authenticity online, definitely view it in a way where it’s more our borough’s politicos offer it in droves. of a public and professional outlet as opChief among the sharing offenders is posed to a personal one. Since I’ve been Vallone, whose Facebook status updates an elected official, I don’t think I’ve put can be of great substance to his constitu- up vacation photos.” ents – but sometimes are not far removed Others sit on the fence, like Lancman,

who has four outlets online to reach his constituents, but personally controls only one – and it shows.

He has arisen as the Twitter jester, known for his 140-character politicking mixed with cutting wit. But he admits to its pitfalls.

“If you have within you a capacity to be sarcastic or you like to use humor you have to be very careful because it’s very difficult to convey a nuanced complete message in 140 characters or less,” he said. “Something you might think is funny today or witty today, someone somewhere might find to be obnoxious or unprofessional. Twitter is a medium that invites thoughtless commentary.”

Establishing Identity Authenticity – even personality – has its useful limits, according to Baruch College School of Public Affairs Dean Dr. David Birdsell, who spends way more time thinking about this stuff than most people.

“I think that this is still very much in gestation and what the terms of authenticity are have yet to be defined,” he said.

Birdsell asserts the proliferation of social media adds an additional layer to the public persona a politician typically molds and maintains.

“Everybody who runs for office adopts a public face that’s based on who you really are, of course. There’s an identifiable personality,” he said. “This builds at least the prospect of proximity to constituents whereas before I’m not so sure it was always there. It allows you to get into an exchange.”

It’s All In The Use All of the elected officials have lauded social media’s ability to track issues in their district, often in real-time.

Vallone pointed to last year’s blizzard, and the lackluster cleanup that followed, as an exemplary moment in the very prac-

tical uses of Facebook.

“I wrote, ‘My block isn’t shoveled, how about yours?’ and got a ton of responses,” he said.

Major calamities tend to be when constituents benefit most from their representatives’ social networking habits.

“We were very active during [Hurricane Irene] and we used social media to a great extent to update people,” Van Bramer said. “We saw an instant jump in friends on Facebook and followers on Twitter.

There were a lot of folks who said, ‘Oh that’s a really good way to report things.’”

The communication is a two-way street. Van Bramer said he has sent photos of community hazards or issues posted on his Facebook page to various agencies, demanding they be addressed.

Various members of the elected officials’ staff also lauded the constituent-connecting aspect of social networking, but quietly lamented their bosses sharing tendencies.

“It’s obviously something I keep an eye on,” said Halloran’s Director of Communications Steven Stites. “It’s useful because usually if you want to know where the councilman is, you can check Facebook.”

Vallone recently reached a social networking milestone. He has approached Facebook’s 5,000-friend limit, and has regrettably had to start cutting some folks loose.

Maybe it is his flair for posting conversation-invoking status updates (despite his daughters giving him an epic FAIL label). Or maybe it’s his tech-savvy constituency. Whatever it is, he promises he won’t change – regardless of what office he runs for in the future.

“My staff has called me a 15-year-old,” he said. “If I get elected [to another office in the future], my page will never change.”

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

Police Blotter Compiled By DOMENICK RAFTER

101st Precinct

site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

Home Invasion The NYPD is asking for the public’s assistance in locating two men wanted in connection with a home invasion robbery that occurred Tuesday, Oct. 4, at approximately 2 p.m. in Rockaway Beach The two suspects approached the victim, displayed a firearm and forced him into his apartment at gunpoint, demanding his ATM pin number. The suspects went to the local ATM, withdrew cash and purchased clothing at a nearby store.

There were no injuries sustained by the victim as a result of this incident.

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

The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crimestoppers’ Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

105th Precinct Attempted Rape The NYPD is seeking the public’s help in identifying a man wanted for an attempted rape on Sunday, Oct. 9, at around 1:15 a.m. in the vicinity of 145th Road in Springfield Gardens. The victim, a 40-year-old woman, was approached by the suspect, a 30-year-old black man, 5foot-7, and 175 lbs, who pushed her to

112th Precinct Phone Robbery

Police are looking for this man in connection with an attempted rape. the ground, punched her several times in the face and attempted to rape her. The suspect fled the scene when a neighbor heard the victim’s call for help. The victim was taken to an area hospital with bruising to the face.

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

The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the following suspects who are wanted in connection with a robbery that occurred in Rego Park.

On Sunday, Sept. 18, at around 10:30 p.m., a 26-year-old Asian woman was walking in the vicinity of 61-25 97th St. in Rego Park, when the suspects approached her and slapped her iPhone4 from her hand causing it to fall to the ground. One of the suspects picked up the phone before they all fled to an unknown location. The victim did not sustain any injuries as a result of this incident.

The suspects are described as being four black teens, 14-16 years old, 5-foot5 to 5-foot-8, with medium builds.

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

The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crimestoppers’ Web site at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

Missing Man The NYPD is seeking the public’s as-

sistance in locating Derek Cox, 38, of 205-23 113th Ave. in St. Albans, who was last seen on Oct. 7 inside of his residence.

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

114th Precinct Gunpoint Robbery On Monday, Oct. 3, at approximately 1:40 a.m., a suspect entered a parking garage located at 38-32 13th St. in Long Island City and pointed a gun at a 47year-old man and demanded money. The victim complied and gave the suspect an undetermined amount of cash. Once the suspect obtained the cash, he ordered the victim to turn away and fled on a bicycle.

The suspect is described as a black man, 20-22 years old, 5-foot-6 to 5-foot8, 160 lbs with a skinny build.

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

When it comes to natural gas pipelines, there’s no such thing as too safe.

You can keep your family and your community safe by helping to prevent gas leaks.

Always contact your one call center for New York City at 1-800-272-4480 or 811 before you dig. Remember, some gas lines are marked, but others are not.

More importantly, you should know the signs of a gas leak. We’ve added a spoiled egg smell that makes natural gas easier to identify. You can also look for bubbles in standing water, a white cloudy mist or blowing dust, which indicates that an underground gas line may have ruptured; or, listen for a hissing, roaring or whistling sound.

If you smell, see or hear any of those indications, leave the area immediately, then call National Grid at 1-718-643-4050. Don’t make the mistake of thinking someone else will make the call. Be smart and be safe. Call before you dig and know the signs of a gas leak. A little prevention could make all the difference. ©2011 National Grid

Oct. 14-20, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Pipeline safety is something we take very seriously at National Grid. Even though most lines are buried underground, that doesn’t mean you can ignore them.

pix

Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson

For The Troops

Jackie Eradiri (l. to r.), Irene Marrone, Janice Bailey, Margaret Finnerty, Assemblyman Mike Miller and Dieter Vey are standing at the Ridgewood Older Adult Center with several boxes full of coupons. Assemblyman Miller came to promote a program where coupons are collected for American forces overseas. The project, run by Margaret Finnerty, has a goal of raising $1 million while having already achieved over $700,000 in coupon collections.

Stuart Randall (l.), president and founding partner of Bayfield Importing, and a former Sommelier Society of America instructor, recently joined London Lennie’s owner Leslie Barnes (c.) and wine director Brad Haskel for a staff tasting of top Bordeaux wines.

Day Of Service

S. Korea Honors Korean American children from Douglaston, Little Neck and Flushing who are members of the TKC Choir performed the Korean and United States national anthems in honor of South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, who received The Appeal of Conscience Foundation’s World Statesman Award at the Waldorf Astoria on Tuesday, Sept. 20.

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 14-20, 2011

Bordeaux Lennies

Assemblyman Rory Lancman and the Briarwood Action Network presented cards and pictures to the 107th Precinct that were drawn by children on this year’s September 11th National Day of Service, Sept. 27.

Officer Honored Queens Borough President Helen Marshall holds a medallion sent from Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha, Detective Charles LoPresti holds Declaration of Honor from Marshall and his wife, Lisa, holds congratulatory letter from Chief Kealoha during ceremony, Tuesday, Sept. 20, honoring LoPresti for lifesaving role he played in Kew Gardens after getting a call for help from Honolulu to the 103rd Precinct in Jamaica.

Borough Beat

Feud May Be Due To Picks – Again

BY DOMENICK RAFTER There are two groups calling themselves the Queens Republican Party and who eventually comes out on top will have to be settled in court. But this is not the first time an intraparty feud has bubbled up, and it may be for the same reason as the most recent skirmishes – endorsements.

After two separate factions held organizational meetings at the end of September, each appointing their own chairman, the New York State Board of Elections re-

ceived two separate copies of bylaws drafted at the two meetings held on Sept.

28; one signed by Phil Ragusa as chairman, one signed by Tom Ognibene as chairman with Bart Haggerty as Executive Vice Chairman.

Also, both sides claim to have the support of State GOP chair Ed Cox, but a spokesman for the state committee would not confirm if Cox has chosen a side.

The recent split in the party may have flared up due to disputes over endorsements. In last year’s gubernatorial race,

the Queens GOP membership had voted to endorse Rick Lazio; a last-minute change by a meeting of the County GOP executive board led to a switch in support to Steve Levy. The GOP ended up flipping to Meyers Merkel, then again, on Ragusa’s vote, back to Lazio at the convention.

This year, according to two Republican insiders, representatives of the Haggerty faction were backing Bob Turner for Congress while the Ragusa faction was pushing for Forest Hills attorney Juan Reyes.

Ragusa has said he will challenge

Ognibene’s election in court, but no official challenge has been filed as of press time.

Still in question is what legal arguments the Haggerty/Ognibene faction will use in court to defend their meeting as legitimate.

Paul Kerson, a Forest Hills election lawyer, said it is possible for lawyers to dig into decades-old legal precedents to make their case, though its unlikely a judge would accept legal decisions too far back.

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

‘Occupy Wall Street’ Spreading To Queens

BY JOSEPH OROVIC

PHOTOS BY MARY ELLEN MARK

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 14-20, 2011

Occupy Wall Street, the nearly monthlong protest that began in lower Manhattan, will cross the East River into our borough this week. But it will not be the now-ubiquitous New York General Assembly, as the protestors have dubbed themselves, taking to our streets.

Organizations – often politically influential – in existence well before the protests began have adopted choice parts of Occupy Wall Street’s agenda, taking on income inequality and corporate influence as causes.

They will take to the streets of Bayside and

Jamaica, marrying their own agendas to Occupy Wall Street’s, in what they call a sign of solidarity and support. A spokesman for OWS welcomed the support. “I think what’s happening is people who felt utterly powerless are now saying ‘Oh my goodness, I’m not the only one,’� said David Yale, one of MoveOn.org’s Northeast Queens coordinators.

MoveOn.org will push specific legislation called the Financial Speculation Tax, a one-quarter of a percent tax on stock trades, and two hundredths of a percent tax on futures, options and credit default swaps.

But it is organizations like MoveOn.org,

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with their legislation-specific bent and history of partisan support, that leave some members of the pundit-ocracy apprehensive. They argue a movement still in its infancy should avoid being co-opted by partisan groups.

But according to OWS spokesman Patrick Bruner, organizations like MoveOn.org are welcome to whatever slice of the pie may overlap with their own cause.

Outside groups can openly join the discussion, Bruner said, but OSW will not deviate from its message or endorse a cause outside their own. Still, he welcomed the expansion of the protestors’ message.

“If they think that our agendas overlap and they want to help us, that’s fine,�

Bruner said.

The protestors have taken to calling themselves the “99 Percenters,� a nod to the income disparity between the nation’s top earners and the rest.

The addition of MoveOn.org’s Queens excursions, which also include a 10 a.m. rally at Jamaica’s unemployment office on Friday, was a welcome addition to the ongoing “occupancy� movement.

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

A&E

U.S. Poet Laureate Comes To Boro

Called “one of America’s great narrative poets” by the librarian of Congress and “a large, ironic Whitman of the industrial heartland” by the New York Times Review of Books, U.S. Poet Laureate Philip Levine will read from his work at Queens College’s Rosenthal Library Oct. 19 at 6:30 pm.

Levine’s reading is part of the successful New Salon in Queens, a partnership

Photo by Francis Levine

U.S. Poet Laureate Philip Levine

between the Poetry Society of America (PSA) – the nation’s oldest poetry organization – and Queens College’s MFA Program in Creative Writing and Literary Translation.

Levine’s work is most famous for its urban perspective and down-to-earth view on the world of the vanished working class and their neighborhoods.

Many of his poems tap into his early memories of when he labored on the assembly line of automobile manufacturing plants in Detroit where he grew up.

His appointment as the country’s new poet laureate is an honor that caps a long and distinguished career. With 20 collections of poems to his credit, Levine has won just about every major writing award including a Pulitzer Prize in 1995 for The Simple Truth and a National Book Award in 1991 for What Work Is and in 1980 for Ashes: Poems New and Old. He taught for over 30 years in the English Department of California State University, Fresno, and was the Distinguished Poet in Residence for the Creative Writing Program at New York University.

Queens College English Professor and MFA Director Nicole Cooley will interview Levine after the reading. A reception and book signing will follow the

event, which is free and open to the public.

“We are thrilled to welcome Philip Levine to our campus,” said Professor Cooley. “His poetry means so much to our students and the community at Queens College.”

“It is an honor and a joy for our collaborative team to celebrate and hear Philip Levine so soon after the announcement that he is to be our next U.S. Poet Laureate,” said Alice Quinn, PSA executive director and former poetry editor of The New Yorker.

Upcoming presentations by the college’s MFA Program in Creative Writing and Literary Translation will include readings by translator and poet Christian Hawkey Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. in Klapper Hall 710; poet and fiction writer David Mills Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m. in Klapper Hall 304; and poet John Murillo Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. in Klapper Hall 333.

The Rosenthal Library auditorium is accessible from the main entrance of the library (on the 3rd floor) down the stairs to the right of the doors to the Louis Armstrong Archives.

Restaurant Review

Park At This Place PARK PLACE 41 Covert Ave., Floral Park (516) 775-9004 parkplacefp.com CUISINE: Creative American HOURS: Lunch and Dinner 7 Days CREDIT CARDS: All Major PARKING: Street RESERVATIONS: Recommended

Oct. 14-20, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

I’ve always been a foodie, and my life has revolved around food from as far back as I can remember. When you stumble upon one of those few, but far between great restaurants in your own town, it’s a real treasure.

Fortunately for my belly and the friend whom I was with we would soon become well acquainted with this hidden gem that resides in Floral Park – Park Place.

Upon entering the establishment created by restaurant owners Carlo and Sergio DeCiantis, I instantly felt a warm vibe as if I was right at home. From the soft colors that wrapped the restaurant, to the upscale sports bar that could entertain any enthusiast, Park Place felt like my type of place.

Chef Martarana felt the need to create a tasting menu of some of his best dishes that he had to offer. This made me happy because I probably would have spent the next 20 minutes drooling over the menu once again trying to decide what to eat.

Freshly shucked Malpec Oysters served with a homemade Jalapeño mignonette (a special for the day) was followed by beef short-rib spring rolls, filled with sweet succulent tender marinated short rib which was wrapped in its light and crispy shell accompanied by a carrot and cabbage slaw. The dish wouldn’t have been complete without the spicy remoulade dipping sauce that accompanied it. After just a few bites I was sent into a state of food bliss.

Shortly after we were introduced to spinach and artichoke-stuffed wontons that were accompanied by salsa, and a parmesan sauce to dip. The next two items were the homemade roasted but-

ternut squash ravioli, served over a brown butter, sage parmesan sauce where my friend and I found each other fighting over the last pieces. Next came small tacos which were filled with a tuna ceviche served over a perfect amount of guacamole and topped off with a spicy jalapeño.

Since we liked the spring rolls so much, the next item, traditional braised short-ribs served with a tomato demiglace accompanied by cippolini and homemade gnocchi, was the perfect upgrade. The meat was perfectly tender and soft. It melted in my mouth.

But we were far from done. Fried chicken, lamb chops, cavetelli, and lobster mac and cheese were swiftly placed down at the table. We didn’t know where to begin, but considering meat gets cold the fastest we started out with the lamb chops which were crusted with a Dijon herb breading. The meat was placed atop chopped bacon, asparagus, and potatoes. The tastes blended perfectly with each other, complimenting each bite as I got down to the bone. The cavetelli was served in a mushroom cognac cream sauce with some hot Italian sausage. The richness and creamy texture of the sauce, followed by the spicy kick from the sausage was a wonderful combination paired with the al dente cooked noodle.

Each dish was more creative than the next, and soon we were filled to the brim.

Almost.

Before I knew it we were staring down a small stack of deep fried Oreos served with vanilla ice cream. The other dessert was a spin on a French favorite, crème brulee, but in this case, an extraordinary peanut butter version.

Park Place should definitely be next on your restaurant list of places to go to. It offers a wide variety of dishes that could satisfy any person’s hunger and desires. Its warm cozy atmosphere makes you feel like it’s your home away from home. I know I’m already planning my next trip back.

–Eric Nussbaum

Faith

Church Helps Grandparents Again

BY VERONICA LEWIN For the past decade, one Southeast Queens church has been guiding older adults through a second stint of parenting.

The Calvary Baptist Church in Jamaica, led by Pastor Victor T. Hall, started a support group for grandparents raising their grandchildren. Group facilitator Mary Covington said grandparents may choose to be parents again when their children die, have drug problems or abandon their parental duties altogether. Older adults, who planned on enjoying themselves during the Golden Years, are now faced with a new challenge.

“Rather than having their grandchildren enter the system, they decided to care for the grandchild,” Covington said.

The support group helps grandparents who may feel alone seek advice from their peers. The church has a certified social worker help grandparents fill out forms to get any resources available.

If needed, the social worker will also accompany grandparents to school meetings for their grandchildren. Two parent coordinators from Southeast Queens schools assist with the support group.

Covington, who worked in the City school system for more than 30 years, saw a need for the support group when she

Word “I never told my own religion nor scrutinized that of another. I never attempted to make a convert, nor wished to change another’s creed. I am satisfied that yours must be an excellent religion to have produced a life of such exemplary virtue and correctness. For it is in our lives, and not from our words, that our religion must be judged.”

– Thomas Jefferson

noticed grandparents were replacing parents at parent-teacher conferences. The support group received funding from elected officials to get started.

Covington said the most common gripe with grandparents is a lack of money to support additions to the family. The Dept. of Aging provides emergency funding when grandparents first take From l. to r. Grace Mensah, Parent Coordinator Sandra Sandover parental responsi- ers, Mary Redfield, Councilman Ruben Wills, Ruth Williams, bilities, but many grand- and Roslyn Moor at the grandparents support group. parents struggle later on. Covington said a lot of people in the year, the church does the parenting and support group rely on their pensions and takes the grandchildren out on a field did not anticipate having to split their trip. fixed income with children.

Though the group meets at the church, In order to help the grandparents stay Covington stressed anyone from the compositive, the church plans frequent out- munity is welcome to join. The group ings where they can take a break from meets every second Monday at the being parents. Once a month, the group church, located at 111-10 Guy R. Brewer votes on the outing, which can be a trip Blvd., at 7 p.m. For more information, to a theatre or a restaurant. “They come contact (718) 297-2301. back refreshed with a different outlook Reach Reporter Veronica Lewin at and willingness to continue to rear their vlewin@queenspress.com or (718) 357-7400, grandchildren,” Covington said. Twice a Ext. 123.

Notebook Pearls Of Wisdom

PS 36 Teaches Respect, Enhances Kids’ Values Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 14-20, 2011

BY VERONICA LEWIN One elementary school plans to teach its students self-worth at an early age.

PS 36, located at 187-01 Foch Blvd. in St. Albans, is hosting two events this fall to promote self-respect and values.

On Friday, Oct. 21, the school will hold its first ever “Pearls of Wisdom” event at the school’s auditorium at 9:30 a.m. The school invites mothers, grandmothers, aunts and other women to celebrate the accomplishments of third, fourth and fifth graders.

The goal of the event is to teach girls how to respect themselves and prepare their minds for leadership roles later on in life. Guests are encouraged to wear pink and pearls to the female-only event. The school is asking for volunteers to read books, lead workshops and mentor young girls.

The idea for this year’s event came after the success of PS 36’s first-ever “Ties That Bind” program for boys in third, fourth and fifth grade. The event taught

boys how to dress for success and stressed the importance of striving to be a leader.

Men from all over the community came to speak to the boys about their career and give guidance on how to follow in their path. “It was very nice to have men that are leaders from all aspects of our community from politicians to policemen, teaching our young men how to tie a tie as well as sharing their words of encouragement,” said Dianne Archibald, school secretary. The second annual “Ties That Bind” program will be held Nov. 18 at 9:30 a.m. in the school’s auditorium. Volunteers are needed for the November event as well.

On Oct. 28, the school will hold a dedication ceremony to celebrate the school’s new park at the playground. Student artwork will be displayed at the event, which begins at 9:30 a.m. For more information on any of the school’s events, contact (718) 528-1862.

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

A musical journey of African-American women from Bessie Smith to Mary J. Blige

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“Sistas dares and succeeds in exploring a woman’s experience with humor, humility and sass.

I LOVE IT!” -Hinton Battle

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ST. LUKE’S THEATRE, 308 W 46th St Thur 8 pm, Sat 4:30 pm, Sun, 4:30 pm TELECHARGE.COM 212.239.6200 sistasthemusical.com

What’s Up SATURDAY, OCT. 15 Youth & Tennis The Youth and Tennis group meets every Saturday morning at Roy Wilkins Park Saturday. To learn more, call Bill Briggs at (718) 658-6728.

Walkers for Wellness Club Looking for a fun way to improve your health? Join the Walkers for Wellness Club at New Hope Lutheran Church of Jamaica. Under the guidance of a Walking Leader, you will walk two to three times each week at a comfortable pace with others along routes throughout Southeast Queens. The club is open to walkers of all ages and abilities. The walking schedule is Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m., and Saturdays at 8 a.m. Walkers meet at New Hope Lutheran Church, located at 167-24 118th Ave. T-shirts and pedometers will be provided. Contact Thurkessa Brown at (917) 553-1089 for more information.

D.C. March for Jobs and Justice Councilman James Sanders Jr. cordially invites you to “March on Washington D.C. for Jobs and Justice.” Come march for our future! If you are interested in this free event, please RSVP at (718) 527-4356 or Jsanders@council.nyc.gov immediately.

The bus departs from Councilman Sanders’ Office located at 234-26 Merrick Blvd. promptly at 7 a.m.

It’s My Park Day The Friends of Rufus King Park will be coordinating the day’s activities that are designed to improve the parks physical condition and make it more user friendly.

Volunteers are needed, all are welcome.

For additional information, contact Desmay Holness at (718) 739-2060, Ext. 17 or jncadvisory@yahoo.com.

This free event will be held at Rufus King Park, Jamaica Avenue at 153rd Street, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Job Search Boot Camp Spend one day at the library and learn all the best strategies for finding a job. By the end of the day, you and your resume will be “fit” to find your best job. The workshops will cover: Winning Resumes and Cover Letters, Effective Job Search Strategies and Acing the Interview.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., from 10:30 to 4:30 p.m.

If entertainment for the entire family is your goal, then visit the 10th Annual Farmers Market Jamaica.

This free event will be held at 90-40 160th St. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fall 2011 Theatre Institute Want to be an actor? Register for the Black Spectrum Theatre’s Fall 2011 Theatre Institute. Classes for children, teens, and adults are available. Six month class begins Saturday, Nov. 5th, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. This is your chance to learn acting, singing, dancing, stage make-up, and perform at the semester’s end on the world famous Black Spectrum stage. For additional information,

Salsa in Jamaica Back by popular demand, Salsa in Jamaica is a dance party celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Enjoy the sounds

by DJ Richie Ricardo and a live band playing salsa, merengue, bachata and more.

Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door. For additional information, visit jamaica-performingartscenter.org, contact the box office at (718) 618-6170 or info@jamaica-performingartscenter.org.

This event will be held at Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave., from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

SUNDAY, OCT. 16 Needlepoint and Etiquette Learn basic and intermediate sewing, quilting, and etiquette. For additional information contact Naida Njoku at (718) 276-3454, (917) 817-8653 or nuna321@msn.com.

This free event will be held at The Maria Rose Doll Museum, 187-11 Linden Blvd., from 3 to 6 p.m.

MONDAY, OCT. 17 Intro to the Internet Learn how to take advantage of everything the Internet has to offer. Participants will learn how to search and browse the Internet, write web addresses and navigate the Internet safely. To register, please call (718) 990-5102 or visit the Job Information Center.

This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 10:30 a.m.

Green Card Lottery Queens Library is making computers available for customers who want to fill out the online application for the Diversity Visa (Green Card) Lottery. Applicants who need help to scan photos can go to the Queens Library for assistance.

This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., from 3 to 8 p.m.

Male Initiative Program Join the York College Male Initiative Program for the first Barbershop Session of the Fall 2011 semester, a special session dedicated to Teacher Development.

For additional information, contact Jonathan Quash at quash@york.cuny.edu or (718) 262-3772.

This free event will be held at York College Academic Core Building - 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. from 5 to 7 p.m.

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

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

errors, how resumes and cover letters work together in an application and how to send a cover letter by e-mail.

This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 6 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCT. 18 Staying Healthy and Losing Weight Dr. Jesson Manukonda, M.D., will provide practical yet powerful lifestyle strategies for weight loss, fitness, disease prevention, and natural treatments for most diseases.

This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 6:30 p.m.

Own Your Own Business Learn how to develop an idea into a business plan. Participants will learn how to create a demand for your product or service, set goals and objectives, Budgeting and timelines, and how to identify resources and networks. To register, please call (718) 990-5102.

This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Talk of the Town Talk of the Town Toastmasters Club has Members from all walks of life, who share the desire to learn how to be better leaders and communicators. Visit, bring a friend, and start unlocking your hidden potential.

This free event will be held at Robert Ross Johnson Family Life Center, 172-17 Linden Blvd., at 7:15 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCT. 20 Walkers for Wellness Club See Saturday’s listing. At 7 p.m.

Green Card Lottery Queens Library is making computers available for customers who want to fill out the online application for the Diversity Visa (Green Card) Lottery. Applicants who need help to scan photos can go to the Queens Library for assistance.

This free event will be held at Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., from 3 to 8 p.m.

Getting a State or City Civil Service Job Are you ready for a Civil Service Job? Participants will learn how to look for Civil Service jobs, and how to prepare for Civil Service exams. To register, please call 718990-5102.

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

FRIDAY, OCT. 21 Senior Theatre Acting Repertory In this two-session workshop, customCalling all older adults: Join our galaxy

Intro to MS Word

ers will learn how to save files; cut, copy and paste text; format documents. Participants must possess basic mouse and keyboarding skills. Pre-registration is required in person at the Cyber Center Desk. For details, please call (718) 990.0769.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 6 p.m.

of STARs to perform theatrical works at the library with a great group of people while brightening your life.

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

Business Networking

Participants will learn about the different categories in Google, share documents online, organize your medical records, and much more. Must possess basic mouse and keyboarding skills. Pre-registration is required in person at the Cyber Center Desk.

For details, please call (718) 990-0769.

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

Community Networking Event to provide an opportunity for “Empowered Networking and Collaboration” with the nonprofit community, for profit businesses and faith based community, to develop and bring about social and economic change in our communities. For additional information, visit www.thedaughtersofisisfoundation.org or contact Simone Williams at (347) 7311721 or isis.staff@gmail.com.

This free event will be held at Young Queens Loft, 148-14 Liberty Ave., from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Pathway to Citizenship

Route 66: Finding Nat King Cole

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 19 Google Tips and Tricks

Part I: Are you ready to be a US citizen?

Part II: What documents do you need to present? Part III: What are the common barriers to naturalization? Part IV: Naturalization interview & beyond.

This free event will be held at the Queensborough Public Library’s Central Branch, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., at 6:30 p.m.

Write Your Best Cover Letter Participants will learn how to set up a strong cover letter and avoid common

board meeting. Community Board 12 is bounded by Hillside Avenue (south), the Van Wyck Expressway (west), North Conduit Avenue (south), and Francis Lewis Boulevard/Springfield Boulevard (east) encompassing the communities of Jamaica, South Jamaica, South Ozone Park, Hollis, St. Albans and North Springfield Gardens.

This free event will be held at Robert Ross Johnson Family Life Center, 172-17 Linden Blvd., at 7 p.m.

CB 12 Monthly Meeting Participate in your local community

Black Spectrum Theatre Company is pleased to present “Route 66: Finding Nat King Cole.” Come on out for an evening of theater and fine dining. Written and performed by Jeff Obafemi Carr.

Tickets are $45 for dinner and the show and $30 for the show. Dinner begins at 7 p.m.

This free event will be held at Black Spectrum Theatre, 177th Street and Baisley Boulevard, at 8 p.m.

Oct. 14-20, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

Harvest Festival

call (718) 723-1800.

This free event will be held at Black Spectrum Theatre, 177th Street and Baisley Blvd. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Profile

Lawyer Offers Child Support Help

BY VERONICA LEWIN One Laurelton lawyer is calling for changes in State child support law due to a crippling economy.

Cathy Middleton, author of “Girl, Get That Child Support,” and “Boy, Drop That Child Support,” counsels clients across the City on child support laws to prevent them going into the courtroom without any information. Her first book helps women get the child support they deserve, while the second book educates fathers on their rights in order to prevent overpaying.

Born and raised in Laurelton, Middleton has been practicing law for 15 years. She discovered she had a passion for law after reading “To Kill A Mockingbird.” Middleton said the book moved her and made her want to speak for the voiceless. For the past decade, she has been specializing in child support law.

Middleton said there is a rising number of fathers who are falling into child support arrears due to the economic downturn. Failure to pay child support can result in jail time, a suspended driver’s license or passport, or destruction of a credit rating.

Child support payments can be anywhere from 17 to 33 percent of income, depending on how many children are eli-

Cathy Middleton gible. A recent Center for American Progress study concluded half of fathers who fail to pay child support do not pay because they are having trouble making ends meet. Middleton said many of the fathers falling into arrears are living below the poverty level of $10,000. She said

most of these people are “dead broke” dads instead of “deadbeat” dads.

“It’s not because they don’t want to pay, it’s because they can’t afford to pay,” Middleton said. Fathers in financial trouble fall into arrears because they do not know the legal procedures to reduce or suspend payments.

Some fathers end up falling into arrears because they lack information. One City Human Resources Administration handbook helps custodial parents collect child support, but it does not educate noncustodial parents on what their legal rights are. Middleton said keeping both parents informed would be for the best interest of the child.

Middleton advises paying the full amount of child support each month, instead of paying a portion due to what the parent can afford that month. As soon as a parent realizes they will have trouble making payments in full, they should try to seek help in court. “If they don’t follow those procedures, they end up making a bad situation 10 times worse than it otherwise would have been,” Middleton said.

She said the family court system and the Office of Child Support Enforcement have not recognized how the economy can impact a parent’s ability to pay. A magistrate has the authority to issue an

order of support based on a parent’s most recent income. This could be troublesome for parents who are underemployed or unemployed. Middleton said a magistrate can determine a father has the potential to earn $150,000 today, even though he has been laid off from the six-figure job.

Middleton thinks there should be more objective criteria before determining payments. She said the solution starts in Albany.

“The State Legislature has to recognize there’s great economic difficulties people are facing right now and that there needs to be changes in the Family Court Act that reflect the difficulties people are going through,” Middleton said.

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

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Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 14-20, 2011

People JCG Check Cashing, located at 146-15 Jamaica Ave., announced its Grand Opening/Open House will be held Tuesday Oct. 18. The occasion marks the off icial launch of the MoneyGram ‘Red Shop’ concept, designed to bring greater awareness to local businesses and the range of services they offer to the community they serve. The ribbon cutting ceremony will be at 1pm. In attendance will be MoneyGram executives, local political representatives and community leaders .

JCG has been a part of the Jamaica Business District for the past 17 years providing vital financial services to community residents. The range of services includes check cashing services, money wire services and bill payment all aimed at serving the community with the convenience and reliability of the services offered to meet their everyday needs.

JCG Check Cashing has consistently contributed to the Financial Service Centers of New York (FSCNY) Scholarship Fund program which provides cash grants to college-bound students throughout the five boroughs.

Army National Guard Pvt. Jonnathan A. Meza has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history,

core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.

Meza is the son of Linares Chamorro and brother of Jennifer Meza, both of Jamaica. He is a 2004 graduate of Martin Van Buren High School, Queens Village.

Army National Guard Pvt. Bernard Alvarez 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. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

Alvarez is the grandson of Raquel Perez of Gouverneur Avenue, Arverne. He is a 2011 graduate of American Sign Language High School, Manhattan.

Matthew Harville has transferred to Armstrong Atlantic State University.

Harville is from Saint Albans. New students enter Armstrong at an exciting time.

More than 1,400 students reside on campus, helping students to build strong academic, social and community connections.

Queens DA Richard Brown announced that Richard M. Gutierrez, President of the Queens County Bar Association, has been named as the recipient of the District Attorney’s 2011 Hispanic Heritage Award for his hard work and dedication to the residents of Queens County.

“Richard Gutierrez is being honored here today because of his commitment to enhancing the practice of law in Queens County and his unwavering advocacy for the legal rights of his clients,” Brown said.

“He is to be commended for his 30-year legal career and his dedication to his heritage as a founding member of the Latino Lawyers Association of Queens County, where he also served as president.”

Gutierrez was born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn, by his mother, Jacqueline Reyes Gutierrez. He attended Brooklyn College and received a Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University Law School in 1982. Gutierrez began his career in 1981 as a legal intern for EssexNewark Legal Services, now called Legal Services of New Jersey, representing indigent clients in civil matters. In 1983, he joined the Legal Aid Society, Criminal Defense Division, where he remained for three years before starting his own prac-

tice, where he specializes in criminal defense, personal injury, medical malpractice and civil rights.

Gutierrez is the President of the Queens County Bar Association and is a member of the Grievance Committee, the Bar Panels Committee and the Executive Committee. In addition to being a founding member of the Latino Lawyers Association of Queens County, he is a member of the Puerto Rican Bar Association.

He is married to Yvette, his wife of 24 years, and they have two sons, Michael, 21, a junior at Pratt Institute, and Christopher, 20, a sophomore at St. John’s University.

In presenting the Hispanic Heritage award at a reception yesterday in his Kew Gardens offices, District Attorney Brown said, “Queens County’s greatest strength is in the diversity of its residents who represent scores of countries, making it the most diverse county in the nation. In our office we are particularly proud of the diversity of our staff.”

Tell The PRESS Send notices of graduation, awards, anniversaries, engagements and honors to: PRESS of Southeast Queens,150-50 14th Rd.,Whitestone, NY 111357 All announcements will be considered for publication without fee.

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

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

Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina.

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

THEATER CROSSING DELANCEY Oc tober 14 through 29 at the Douglaston Communit y Theatre. 482-3332 reservations.

KILLING KOMPANY The Killing Company performs mystery dinner shows.

1-888-SHOOT-EM for information.

TALKS

RELIGIOUS ASTORIA CENTER Saturday, October 15 Tot Shabbat at 10:45. Saturday, Oc tober 15 Shabbat Youth Program at 9:30. Astoria Center of Israel, 27-35 Crescent Street, Astoria. 2782680.

EMPOWERING RUTH S t a r t i n g O c to b e r 1 8 1 4 week course for women who have recently converted to Judaism. Reform Temple of Forest Hills. 261-2900.

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

TUTORING CLASSES Weekdays after school and on Saturdays Bridgesmart Tutors in LIC. 450-6493.

SCIENCE PLAYGROUND Weekends through December 31 10-6 and 2-5 Fridays at the Hall of Science. $4 plus general NYSCI admission.

DOG A DONUT Saturday, Oc tober 15 story time celebrating “If You Give A Dog a Donut” at 11 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows.

COOKIE MOUSE S a t u r d a y, O c t o b e r 1 5 Cookie Mouse visits Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 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, 187-11 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. $7.50. 276-3454.

MATH HELP Saturdays at the Flushing library at 10.

HOMEWORK HELP Saturdays 10-noon teen tutors available at the Bayside library.

CHESS CLUB Every Saturday at the Flushing library at 2.

S TORY TIMES Saturdays at 11 and Tuesdays at 10:30 weekly story times at Barnes & Noble, 1766 0 Un i o n Tu r n p i ke , Fre s h Meadows.

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

HOMEWORK HELP Mondays 3:30-5:00 teen tutors available at the Bayside library.

BABY & ME Monday, Oc tober 17 at the Bayside library. Register.

PENGUIN EXPLORERS Monday, Oc tober 17 at the Rochdale Village library at 3.

TEEN HOMEWORK HELP Mondays, Oc tober 17, 24, 31 at the Bayside library at 3:30.

INFORMATION LITERACY Mondays, Oc tober 17, 24 at the Windsor Park library at 6:30.

LIC CHESS CLUB Tuesdays, Oc tober 18, 25 at the LIC library at 4.

S TORY T I M E Wednesdays, Oc tober 19, 26 Happy Happy Story Time at the LIC library at 10:30.

S TORY T I M E Wednesday, Oc tober 19 at the Steinway library at 10:30.

CRAFTS Wednesday, Oc tober 19 at the Steinway library at 11.

BOOK MAKING Wednesday, Oc tober 19 at the LIC library. Register.

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

KNITTING

Every Wednesdays at the Bayside library at 4.

TOPS TRUMP CARD Every Wednesday tournament at the LIC library at 4.

CRAFT TIME Every Thursday at 3:30 at the Ozone Park library.

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

FAMILY STORY TIME Fridays, Oc tober 21, 28 at the Queensboro Hill library at 11.

GAME DAY Fridays, Oc tober 21, 28 at t he Bay Terrace libra r y at 2:30.

YU-GI-OH Fridays, Oc tober 21, 28 at the Queensboro Hill library at 4.

BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, Oc tober 21, 28 at the Bayside library at 4.

GAME TIME Fridays, Oc tober 21, 28 at the Windsor Park library at 4.

HEALTHY EATING Friday, Oc tober 21 at the Fresh Meadows library. Register.

STORY TIME Friday, Oc tober 21 at the Hollis library at 10:30.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays at 2 at the Queens Village library.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays at the LIC library at 2.

GAME DAY Fridays at the Queens Village library at 2.

FLASH FRIDAYS Every Friday at 3 at the Ozone Park library.

GAME PLAYERS Every Friday at the Hillcrest library at 4.

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

CHEMISTRY DAY Saturday, Oc tober 22 a t the Hall of Science. Free with NYSCI admission.

FLEA MARKETS FLEA MARKET Sunday, Oc tober 16 f lea market and ethnic bake sale from 9-4 at St. Josaphat, 35 th A v e n u e a n d 2 1 0th S t r e e t , Bayside.

ARTS & CRAFTS S u n d a y, O c to b e r 16 Bayside arts and crafts fair in the parking lot and street adjacent to the Chase Bank on 41 st Road and Bell Blvd and 41 st Avenue from Bell Blvd. to 213 th Street and the LIRR train station park.

CRAFT FAIR Sunday, November 20 American Legion Post 104 in Glendale. 821-9726.

THRIFT SHOPS Saturdays 11-4 at Bargain Boutique Thrift Shop, Queens Baptist Church, 9323 217 th Street, Queens Village.465-2504.

SENIORS AARP CHORUS Like to sing? The AARP Queens Chorus holds practice rehearsals for performances at nursing homes, rehab and senior centers.

523-1330.

AARP 1405 Monday, Oc tober 17 Halloween part y for paid members only with Flushing AARP chapter 1405 at the Bowne Street Communit y Church at 1.

NEW CLASSES Mondays comedy writing and Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline at the Kew Gar-

TEENS HOMEWORK HELP Saturdays, Oc tober 15, 22, 29 tutors at the Bayside library at 10.

CHESS CLUB Every Saturday at the Flushing library at 2.

TEEN HOMEWORK HELP Mondays, Oc tober 17, 24, 31 at the Bayside library at 3:30.

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

TEEN CHESS Mondays, Oc tober 17, 24, 31 at 6 at the Bayside library.

LI CHESS CLUB Tuesdays, Oc tober 18, 25 at the LIC library at 4.

TEEN TUESDAY Tuesday, October 18 at the Hillcrest library at 4:30.

BOOK MAKING Wednesday, Oc tober 19 at the LIC library. Register.

TEEN REC ROOM Wednesdays, Oc tober 19, 26 at the Steinway library at 4.

GAME DAY Every Wednesday at the Howard Beach library at 4.

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

RESUMES Wednesday, Oc tober 19 at the Arverne library at 4.

PREPARE FICTION Thursdays, Oc tober 20, 27 creative writing workshop at the Langston Hughes library at 6.

TEEN THURSDAYS Every Thursday at the Bay Terrace library at 3.

CHESS CLUB Every Thursday 4-5:30 at the Douglaston/Little Neck library.

BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, Oc tober 21, 28 at the Bayside library at 4.

GAME TIME Fridays, Oc tober 21, 28 at the Windsor Park library at 4.

GAME PLAYERS CLUB Every Friday at 4 at the Hillcrest library.

BLOOD FEST Saturday, Oc tober 22 Halloween show at noon at the Flushing library.

COVER LETTERS We d n e s d ay s , O c to b e r 2 6 cover letters for teens at 4 at the Arverne library.

WEB DESIGN Thursday, Oc tober 27 at the Arverne library at 6.

d e n s C o m m u n i t y C e n te r.

268-5960.

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

CHAIR EXERCISE Tuesdays low impact chair exercise at 11 at the Flushing-Fresh Meadows Jewish Center. $5. 357-5100.

STAY WELL Wednesdays at 10:15 at the East Elmhurst library for exercise and other health related programs.

WOMANSPACE Wednesdays Womanspace, a discussion group devoted to issues concerning women, meets 1-3 at the Great Neck Senior Center, 80 Grace Avenue. New members welcome.

STARS Fridays, Oc tober 21, 28 Senior Theater Acting Repertory at the Queens Village library at 10:30. 776-0529.

FREE LUNCH Saturdays, October 29, November 26, December 17 at Church of the Resurrection in Kew Gardens. 847-2649 reservations.

AARP 3654 Tuesday, November 1 AARP chapter 2654 meets in Bayside. 423-4237.

DANCE LESSONS Fridays, November 4, December 2 free dance lessons

PARENTS SAMUEL FIELD Y Diverse array of program and services for the needs of children of all ages, stages and abilit y levels. 225-6750.

ADHD OR PDD Daily after school programs to meet the needs of elementary school aged children who have learning disabilities and ADHD or PDD at the Bay Terrace Center, 212-00 23 rd Avenue, Bayside from 2:30-6:00. 225-6750, ext.

266.

ANIBIC Association for Neurologically Impaired Brain Injured Children, Inc. sponsors programs including Saturday Play Group (5-17), Tutorial (5 to adult), Weekend Respite (17+), Young Adult Program (17+) and Adult Respite Program (21+). 423-9550, ext.

243.

KIDS KORNER After School Center is at the Central Queens YM-YWHA in Forest Hills. 268-5011, ext. 201. Extended hours.

PLAYGROUP The CUMC Playgroup is accepting registration for its preschool parents’ cooperative program in Middle Village. Children 18 months to 4 years are eligible. 8942293.

TOUGH LOVE Tu e s d a y s at 7:30 p.m.

Toughlove International Parent Support Group for parents of out-of-control children (teens, pre-teens and adult children) meet at IS158 in Bayside. 393-7788.

at the Pomonok Center. 5913377.

AARP 4158 Tuesdays, November 8, December 13 North Flushing chapter 4158 meets at noon at the Church on the Hill, 167-07 35 th Avenue, Flushing. New members and visitors welcome.

AARP 3698 Wednesdays, November 9, December 14 AARP Chapter 3698 meet at Zion Episcopal Church, 243-01 Northern Blvd., Douglaston. Meeting at 1, program at 2.

AARP 29 Thursdays, November 10, December 8 at Grace House, 155-02 90 th Avenue, Jamaica.

MAMMOGRAMS Saturday, November 19 nocost mammograms with Communit y Board 6. Appointment needed. 7381111.

MISCELLANEOUS PICK PUMPKINS Through Oc tober 30 pick your pumpkins at the Queens Count y Farm Museum pumpkin patch, 73-50 L i t t l e N e c k Pa r k way. Fre e admission to patch.

MINI GOLF Through December 31 Rocket Park Mini-Golf 10-6 weekends, 2-5 Fridays at the Hall of Science. $6 adults, $5 children plus general NYSCI admission.

EDUCATOR RECEPTION Saturday, Oc tober 16 a t Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows from 2-5.

EXHIBIT QUEENS COLLEGE ART Oc tober 20 through January 13 “In Perpetuum: The Fall: Will Corwin” exhibition.

Queens College Art Center.

997-3770.

FLUSHING COUNCIL Through November 14 “Endangered Art/ists: China.”

November 19 through January 7 “Korean Painting Exh i b i t i o n : A Wa l k T h ro u g h Nature.” Permanent displays include “Jazz Live!”, “Flushing Town Hall:” Fact or Folklore,” an historical exhibition on Flushing Town Hall and its place in history, “Legends of the Queens Jazz Trail” 463-7700.

HALL OF SCIENCE Through January 15 Wild Minds: What Animals Really Think. Through February 5 Digital 11: The Alchemy of Change. Adults $11, children 2017 $8, college students with ID $8 and seniors $8. 699-0005.

MOVING IMAGE Through January 16 Jim Henson’s Fantastic World.

Museum of the Moving Image, 35 th Avenue and 37 th Street, Astoria. $15 adults.

777-6888.

SOCRATES SCULPTURE Through March 4 Emerging Artist Fellowship Exhibition at Socrates Sculpture Park.

956-1819.

Oct. 14-20, 2011 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

DUTCH INFLUENCE S a t u r d a y, O c t o b e r 1 5 “Dutch Influence on the American Kitchen and Life” at King Manor Museum at 5. $5 donation. 206-0545, ext.

13 SEASIDE BOOK Monday, Oc tober 17 “Light in August” will be discussed at 6:30 at the Seaside library.

BOOK CLUB M o n d a y, Oc tober 17 “Tryin’ to Sleep in the Bed You Made” will be discussed at 6:30 at the South Hollis library.

TEACH IN BRONX Thursday, Oc tober 20 Janet Mayer signs and discusses her book “As Bad As They Say? Three Decades of Teaching in the Bronx” at 4:30 at Barnes & Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows.

BUDGET TRAVEL Thursday, Oc tober 20 budget travel tips at 6:30 at the Steinway library.

GETTYSBURG Thursday, Oc tober 20 behind the scenes of the making of the 1993 epic film “ G e t t y s b u rg ” a t 7 a t t h e Bayside Historical Societ y. $5 non-members.

FLUSHING BOOK Friday, November 4 “The Help.” Friday, December 2 “The Stranger.” Flushing Book Discussion Groups at 1 at the Flushing library.

YOUTH

Meet Bianca

Join Shortstack On Saturday Oct. 15, Shortstack Models will hold auditions for its 6th Annual Charity Fashion Show at JHS 190, 68-17 Austin St., Forest Hills.

Shortstack is an eight-month self-esteem and modeling program for girls who do not meet the “normal” standards of the fashion industry. For years, girls have been rejected from the industry because they are too short. In order to audition for Shortstack however, all girls must be 4-foot-8 to 5-foot6, 14-22 years old. Experience and

weight are not a factor. Girls accepted into the program will be taught lessons on self-esteem, confidence, healthy habits and body image, along with tips and advice on how to pose for cameras, walk a runway, take part in interviews professionally and much more.

Auditions for Shortstack’s sixth year are by appointment only.

To book your appointment, visit wooshortstack.org/become-amodel. For more information, call Hal Eisenberg at (718) 916-6037 or e-mail info@wooshortstack.org.

* Meet the Shortstack Models Saturday, Oct 15 at Charity For Fashion Show, JHS 190, 68-17 Austin St. * Meet Bianca Golden Sunday, Oct. 16 at Le Bourgeosie Boutique, 94-29 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica, from 3-5 p.m.

America’s Next Top Model Bianca Golden, who was featured on this page just a few weeks ago, will make an in-person appearance on Sunday, Oct. 16, at Le Bourgeosie Boutique, 94-29 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica, from 35 p.m.

The Queens native will meet with fans, answer questions and take pictures. Bianca is a known and working model in the Chicago, L.A. and New York markets, has been signed by both Major Models and Ford Models, has done correspondent work for the E! Channel and the Tyra Banks Show and appeared in major television commercials for Macy’s, Apple, Sears and others.

The NAACP will also be on hand to conduct a voter registration drive. Refreshments will be served.

Bianca has graced the pages of Essence, Cosmopolitan, Vibe, Source and Style Bermuda, appeared on the runways of five consecutive seasons of NY Fashion Week. Now in her return to television, Bianca is reclaiming her title as “the most talked about breakout personality” of the hit America’s Next Top Model franchise.

We all know how comfortable New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes is on the field. But we didn’t know how calm, cool and collected he would be in his birthday suit.

Featured in this year’s ESPN Magazine’s Body Issue, our National League batting title champion needed only a day before deciding to show off his “little friend.”

“I’m ready man,” he said before baring his bum for the photo shoot which featured his all-star swing. “Let’s get naked.”

With Reyes hitting the free agency market, we sure hope the Mets decide to keep him.

We have an idea. If the Wilpons can’t afford him, they could always supplement his contract by getting him a centerfold in Playgirl. That’d definitely sell.

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 14-20, 2011

Bianca Golden Home: Hollis Age: 22 Height: 5’11" Weight: 129 lbs Stats: 34-24-34

Models Of Queens

Nice Package

Reyes Au Naturel

Landing On Their Feet

Bianca One More Time

Confidentially,

If you always wanted to show off your wiener, but never had the… uh… nerve to do it, one Halloween novelty store is giving you the chance with their special Weiner package.

Ricky’s, the drug store chain that’s got a love affair with kitsch and tchotchke, is selling an embarrassed-looking (or maybe it's midogle) Anthony Weiner mask for Halloween.

They do partner it on their web site with a gag pair of shorts that seem to be a little too short for a very well-endowed man, replete with the aforementioned Weiner package hanging out.

The Weiner package We didn’t have to look long and hard to find is now available the pictures; we’re sure that by now they’re all over Twitter. We just hope that New York . . . nobody’s suggesting that Bob Turner don the mask – we certainly don’t want to know how he measures up to the former Congressman.

MMA Arrest

Robin Lloyd The best part about New York’s political scene? You can overcome the sins of your former employer.

Just ask Robin Lloyd and Kamran Mumtaz, both former aides to U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner. The duo was recently hired by Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

Lloyd, who was Weiner’s legislative assistant, now works in the mayor’s Washington office.

Kamran Muntaz Mumtaz – a familiar face among the QConf staff – is now handling the Mayor’s press.

We want to congratulate the two on finding gainful employment after surviving Weiner-gate.

It’s always hard to move onto a new job after you really get to know a lot about your employer.

For the record, we don’t need to see your new boss’ Tweets.

Does anyone really still watch mixed martial arts any more?

Apparently they do.

Recently, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials arrested Queens native Mohamed Ali, 19, accused of running two Web sites which illegally streamed Pay Per View MMA and boxing events.

According to ICE officials, the sites have received more than 50,000 hits since they were shut down.

Where do they expect all those cheap skate, blood thirsty viewers to get their fighting fix now without having to pay an arm and a leg?

Confused by so many Medicare choices?

Relax. MetroPlus can point you in the right direction.

October 15 - December 7 is your chance to enroll in or switch your Medicare plan.

Don’t miss out! Come to one of our free Medicare Seminars. We’ll answer all of your questions and tell you what you need to do to take advantage of this time period.

Bellevue Hospital

Coney Island Hospital

Elmhurst Hospital

Conference rm. 2010

Auditorium

Auditorium A1-22

th

Oct. 19 , 26 10am-1pm Nov. 2nd, 9th, 16th , 23rd, 30th 10am-1pm

Oct. 18 th 9am-12pm Nov. 9 th 9am-12pm

Oct. 21 st 1pm-5pm Nov. 3 rd 1pm-5pm Nov. 22 nd 12:30pm-4pm

Gouverneur Hospital

Harlem Hospital

Jacobi Medical Center

Lobby of Healthcare Services

Rm. 3101 MLK Building

4th flr. Aud., Bldg. 1

Oct. 18 th 8am-1pm

Oct. 24 th 9am-1pm Nov. 7 th, 21 st 9am-1pm

th

Oct. 15th 9am-1pm

Conference rm. C (12th flr.) th

Oct. 18 9am-1pm Nov. 1 , 15th, 22nd, 29th 9am-1pm st

Kings County Hospital E-9 Conference rm. (9W01) Oct. 19th 9am-12pm Nov. 16th, 29th 9am-12pm

Lincoln Hospital

Metropolitan Hospital

Conference rm. 4

6th flr. Auditorium

Auditorium

Oct 21 st 9am-12pm Nov. 4 th, 18 th, 25 th 9am-12pm

Oct. 20 th 9am-2pm Oct. 26

th

9am-2pm

Conference rm. 5

Nov. 3 rd 9am-2pm

North Central Bronx Hospital

Queens Hospital

Woodhull

Rm. 6M-06

Auditorium

Solarium

Oct. 18th 9am-11am Nov. 2nd, 4th 9am-1pm

th

Oct. 18 9am-1pm Nov. 1 st, 3 rd 9am-1pm Nov. 9 th 2pm-5pm

Oct. 20 th 9am-12pm Nov. 18 th 9am-12pm

For detailed location information and to RSVP, please call us.

This information is available for free in other languages. Please contact our customer service number at 1.866.986.0356 foradditional information. Esta información está disponible gratuitamente en otros idiomas. Para obtener más información llame a nuestro Departamento de Atención al Cliente al 1.866.986.0356. MetroPlus is a Health Plan with a Medicare contract. This event will include sales presentations about all MetroPlus Medicare Advantage Plans. A sales representative will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call the plan. MetroPlus Medicare Advantage Plans are available in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens. H0423_MKT1081File&Use 10102011