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PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

Volume 14 Issue No. 42 Oct. 18-24, 2013

REBUILDING IN QUEENS

Answering Questions About the Affordable Care Act …

Pages 7-12

Former President Jimmy Carter and his family came to Southeast Queens to rebuild a home as part of Habitat for Humanity.

By Natalia Kozikowska …

Page 3.

Online at www.QueensPress.com

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 18-24, 2013

News Briefs Comp. John Liu’s Former Aides Sentenced

Two aides who worked on the Mayoral campaign of Comptroller John Liu have been sentenced, ending a long investigation that had followed Liu throughout his run.

Jia “Jenny” Hou, the treasurer, received a 10-month jail sentence and faces the possibility of deportation.

Xingwu “Oliver” Pan, the fundraiser, will spend four months in prison.

Both sentences were the results of their roles in a straw donor scandal that supposedly funneled illegal contributions to Liu’s campaign fund.

In May, Pan was found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and attempt to commit wire fraud.

Hou was found guilty of attempted wire fraud, obstruction of justice and making false statements.

Hou was arrested in early 2012 and Pan was arrested in late 2011.

Liu, upset with the turn of events, strongly criticized the U.S. Attorney’s Office about the prosecution. The court case led the Campaign Finance Board to deny him matching public funds, severely damaging his Mayoral aspirations.

“For reasons I may never fully understand, the U.S. Attorney’s Office set out to destroy me with what has been described as an extraordinarily intrusive and exhaustive investigation.

Failing to find that I had done anything wrong, they proceeded to set up a weak man and a wonderful young woman,” Liu said. “Jenny Hou does not deserve this ordeal and injustice she has been put through. I am very sad but even more angry at what has occurred. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was wrong and should not be proud of its conduct.”

Pan and Hou plan to appeal their convictions.

South Road in Jamaica May Be Renamed

On Oct. 3, the City Council’s Parks Committee held a hearing on renam-

ing South Road in Jamaica to Tuskegee Airmen Way. Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica) joined two original members of the Tuskegee Airmen in Manhattan – Dabney Montgomery and Wilfred DeFour, to testify on the relevance of the renaming.

“We had this [Dept. of War] report behind us stating we could not take it and it was in this atmosphere and in our minds, we said, ‘We will fight, we will fight, we will fight!’

And, we not only fought, we won,” Montgomery said at the hearing. “I support the street renaming…it will be an inspiration to not only Black children but to all children, to be inspired and say I can do it too.”

The Tuskegee Airmen are most recognized for the fight against racism to overcome prejudice and segregation by becoming one of the most successful fighter groups during World War II. Both Airmen Montgomery and DeFour were part of the Tuskegee Experiment developed by the then Dept. of War to assess whether African American men could function under pressure and operate and maintain combat aircrafts. They proved to not only the Dept. of War, but to the world, that African Americans can pilot and maintain sophisticated combat planes.

“The Tuskegee Airmen have fought with honor and bravery, overcoming adversity in service to a country that once thought them incapable of flying,” Wills said at the hearing. “Etching their name in the permanent fabric of our City through the renaming of this street is a fitting tribute to the sacrifices they have made to protect our liberties and integrate the United States Armed Forces.”

Brief Us!

Mail your news brief items to: PRESS of Southeast Queens, 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357

THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NY & NJ Revised Draft Environmental Assessment Runway 4L/22R Improvements Project John F. Kennedy International Airport, Jamaica, New York

PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING The Port Authority will hold a public information meeting to highlight modifications in the revised EA document. The meeting will be held on October 24th at St. Peter’s Church at 7:30 p.m. in collaboration with Eastern Queens Alliance. The church is located at 224-04 147th Avenue, Queens, New York 11413.

Oct. 18-24, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Presstime

Former Pres. Jimmy Carter Comes To Queens Last Friday, former President Jimmy Carter, his wife Rosalynn Carter and the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity visited St. Albans to help renovate a one-family home for a Queens family who may not have been able to afford it otherwise.

As part of a week-long October celebration, which is part of the 30th Annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project, Carter, his wife and more than 1,000 volunteers have been renovating five single-family homes in Queens, as well as 10 homes in Staten Island that were damaged by Superstorm Former President Jimmy Carter works on Sandy. for Humanity volunteers.

In addition to the renovations in New York City, an estimated 3,000 volunteers will also join the Carters and then to Staten Island to show to help build and repair more than their love for New York City and af80 homes in five locations across the fordable housing in general, is moving. It’s inspired a whole lot of volUnited States.

Since 1984, President Carter has unteers across the United States to been the face of Habitat for Human- come out and build.”

“In general, it is the hardworking ity, inspiring thousands of volunteers to give a week of their time each families who simply need a break – year to help build homes and raise they need the opportunity that Habiawareness of the important role that tat could afford to them,” he added.

For more than two hours, 89-yeardecent, affordable housing plays in old Carter and his 86-year-old wife breaking the cycle of poverty. “[The Carters] are an inspiring joined 25 Habitat for Humanity volcouple,” said Neil Hetherington, unteers to work on the St. Albans CEO of Habitat for Humanity New home, building a deck at the rear of York City. “To have the President the house that sits on 112th Road.

In total, Habitat for Humanity and Mrs. Carter come to Queens,

Photo by Ira Cohen

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

thrilled, so we came in and decided to renovate it. Let’s bring hope to where there’s despair.”

“They are going to be working on a couple of homes in my district that were eyesores for over a decade,” Richards told the Tribune last week. “The neighborhood has been crying about these sites. We were pushing NYCHA to do something about these properties so we were very overjoyed when Habitat came in.”

Habitat for Humanity is putting an emphasis on helping local families who rent apartments into the homes which will range anywhere a home in St. Albans with other Habitat from $200,000 to $300,000 and rather then a typical mortgage, Habitat will offer loans that require only a one percent down paypurchased 38 one and-two-bedroom ment with a 30-year interest rate at homes in the Borough from the New two percent.

York City Housing Authority. Many A qualified family must earn beof the homes, including the five that tween 50 percent and 80 percent of will be renovated in Councilman the neighborhood’s median income Donovan Richards’ (D-Laurelton) and put in between 200 and 400 district, have been vacant and unliv- hours of volunteer time – also reable for quite some time. ferred to as “sweat equity.”

“NYCHA boarded up these housFor more information about the es because they could not afford to project visit http://habitatnyc.org. To operate them and so Habitat came learn how you can volunteer, contact in and said, we would love to make Councilman Donovan Richards’ disa transformative difference,” Heth- trict office at (718) 527-4402. erington said. “It’s a beautiful neighReach Reporter Natalia Kozikowsborhood, but there was this boarded ka at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 123 or up house that had vermin, animals nkozikowska@queenspress.com or living in it… the neighbors weren’t @nkozikowska.

Hollis Community Upset With Bank Closure

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Despite community backlash, Capital One Bank’s Hollis branch closed its doors on Oct. 19.

Late last month, State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside), Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) and Assemblyman William Scarborough (D-Jamaica) joined more than two dozen Hollis residents to rally against the branch’s closure, claiming it would have a considerable negative impact on its patrons.

“It is clear that the community here in Hollis values the services and convenience this bank provides and that is why hundreds of them have signed a petition in favor of keeping the bank open. From small business owners to bank customers, the community here in Hollis does not want to see this bank close down,” Avella wrote in an emailed statement. “I am happy to stand alongside Assembly-

man Scarborough and Hollis residents in support of their desire to see this bank stay open.”

The branch, located at 204-12 Hillside Ave., is located across from a large shopping plaza. But despite being located near the busy mall, Capital One representatives claim they were concerned with the branch’s accessibility.

“In addition to being difficult to see from the street, we found that there is insufficient parking and poor access for pedestrian traffic,” Ed Montesdeoca, region executive vice president wrote in an open letter to Avella. “The lack of drive-through facilities further complicates these short-comings. These issues prompted an overall evaluation of this location in relationship to our extensive branch footprint in Queens as the lease for the Hollis branch site came due to expire.”

“The decision to close the Hollis

branch was not undertaken lightly,” the letter read. “The determination to close this location was made after careful consideration and analysis of the potential consequences for the local community.”

The open letter went on to suggest that its current patrons who utilize the Hollis branch use the bank’s Queens Village location, located nearly two miles away on Jamaica Avenue. But this came as little comfort for the 207 Hollis residents who signed a petition against the closure.

“It’s located on a busy thoroughfare,” Scarborough said. “It’s located across from a busy mini mall and a lot of our constituents, particularly the older senior citizens, have used that location and indicated that it would be a hardship to be moved to a further location.”

Adding insult to injury, the letter also suggested that customers “who choose not to take advantage of the

other options” can seek financial services at nearby Chase and Ridgewood bank branches.

“I thought that was kind of ridiculous and not courteous, to be honest,” said Scarborough. “In essence, they basically said if this is not an option, we would suggest you go to Chase Bank.”

In addition to the impending inconveniences for those who utilize the Hollis branch, Scarborough is concerned that the bank’s closure is indicative of a disinvestment in the community.

“In my mind, it represents a disinvestment in the Hollis community,” Scarborough explained. “We have residents, who bank at that branch who put their funds in there. Capital Bank is benefiting from that. There are a number of people who are not very happy with this turn of events.”

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

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 18-24, 2013

Breast Cancer awareness Month in Queens

By Luis Gronda October is breast cancer awareness month and hospitals around Queens are hosting events to commemorate the occasion.

Every year in October, breast cancer awareness is celebrated across the country to bring attention to the disease that affects many women. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 232,000 new cases of breast cancer have been diagnosed this year so far and there is a one in eight chance that a woman will get the disease during her lifetime.

In light of this month, two hospitals in Queens, Mount Sinai Queens and North Shore-LIJ, are hosting events concentrating on bringing its awareness and new trends in treating the cancer.

LIJ launched a program this week that asks women in Queens to raise more awareness about the disease.

The program, called the Breast Health Ambassador Program, gathered about 25 women who will encourage other women to get a mammogram test or to quell any fears they may have about the diagnostic test. The 25 women selected were either breast cancer survivors or have a history of the disease in their family.

Twenty-five women attended a free program at north shore-LiJ to become breast health ambassadors. “By recruiting committed, personally-invested ambassadors in the community, we can potentially increase the detection rate, enhance prevention and lower the death rate of breast cancer,� said Dr. Jill Rabin, co-chief of the division of ambulatory care and women’s health programsPcap Services at the North Shore-LIJ Health System; and head of urogynecology at LIJ. “LIJ is committed to reducing any barriers for women to get mammograms.�

One example of this is Maxine Mahlstadt, a breast cancer survivor and a mom to three children.

Following a mammogram on her breasts that turned out to be a cal-

THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY and REQUEST FOR COMMENT and NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING Revised Draft Environmental Assessment Runway 4L/22R Improvements Project John F. Kennedy International Airport, Jamaica, New York In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), notice is hereby given that copies of a Revised Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Runway 4L/22R Improvements Project at John F. Kennedy International Airport are available for public review and at the following locations: The Port Authority of NY & NJ John F. Kennedy International Airport General Manager’s Office Building 14, 2nd Floor Jamaica, NY 11430 Attn: Jerry Spampanato Hours: 08:00 am to 04:00 pm

The Port Authority of NY & NJ Aviation Department Aviation Technical Services 225 Park Avenue South, 9th Floor New York, NY 10003 Attn: Edward Knoesel Hours: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm

The Revised Draft EA document for this project will be available at these locations until November 18, 2013. In addition, a copy of this document may be viewed online at: http://www.panynj.gov/ about/pdf/JFK-Runway-4L-22R-EA.pdf The EA responds to all of the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for preparation of an Environmental Assessment under NEPA and also documents compliance with Federal Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management. In accordance with NEPA, The Port Authority is inviting the Public to submit, in writing, comments on the Revised Draft Environmental Assessment prepared for the Runway 4L/22R Improvements Project at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

This EA is a revision of the Draft EA that initially advertised for public comment in May, 2012.

The Port Authority is accepting comment on this Revised Draft EA document until the official comment period for this document closes on November 18, 2013. Comments must be received by close of business on November 18, 2013 in order to be considered.

Comments on this EA should be sent to: The Port Authority of NY & NJ, 225 Park Avenue South, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10003, Attn: Edward Knoesel.

In addition, comments may be emailed to JFKRWYEA@panynj.gov with the subject heading “JFK RWY 4L-22R EA COMMENT.� If you have any questions on this notice please contact Edward Knoesel at address above.

PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING The Port Authority will hold a public information meeting to highlight modifications in the revised EA document. The meeting will be held on October 24 at St. Peter’s Church at 7:30 p.m. in collaboration with Eastern Queens Alliance. The church is located at 224-04 147th Avenue, Queens, New York 11413.

cium build-up, doctors did additional tests and found a tumor deep within her breast that could not easily be felt. Although she has survived since being diagnosed in 2011, she urged people who participate in the program to always check yourself and speak with your doctor if there is a potential problem.

Mount Sinai Queens will host a symposium on Oct. 22 that will discuss new trends in breast cancer treatment and prevention.

According to their website, six health professionals will be on hand to discuss the emerging trends for treating the disease, including Dr. Howard Greenberg, who is associate

chief of hematology and oncology and director of Mount Sinai Queens Cancer Program; and Panagiotis Manolas, who is the Chief of Surgery at Mount Sinai Queens.

Mount Sinai offers a multi-tiered approach to treating women who have breast cancer at their facility, the Mount Sinai Queens infusion center, which is right across the street from their main facility in Astoria. “We take a compassionate, comprehensive view to screening, diagnosing and treating the patient. We provide many services while navigating the patients through the complex system of cancer prevention and treatment,� said Dr. Gloria Morris, assistant professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and a medical oncologist at the program specializing in the treatment of all types of cancers with a particular niche in breast and ovarian cancers. Morris will also be at the panel hosted by the hospital.

The symposium will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Ricardo’s By The Bridge at 21-01 24th Ave. in Long Island City.

To reserve a seat for the discussion, call (718) 267-4333.

Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127, lgronda@ queenstribune.com, or @luisgronda.

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Oct. 18-24, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

Queens GoP Leadership debate Heads To Court

By Luis Gronda The first court hearing to decide the Queens GOP Party leadership was heard in court earlier this week.

The two sides have gone to court after a dispute over a Sept. 27 reorganizational meeting, which saw Republican Leader Phil Ragusa retain the position over former U.S. Rep. Bob Turner.

The vote has been challenged over concerns about how the meeting was run, including the vote being held on

a weekday afternoon, which allegedly prevented some members from attending the meeting.

According to Robert Hornak, the party’s executive director, although nothing of note happened at the first court hearing, the sides will reconvene on Nov. 7 to discuss more specific legal actions the Turner side is taking to overthrow Ragusa. Hornak was not present at the hearing.

He added that the opposition is allegedly hoping to have some proxy

votes counted that were submitted after the deadline set for the vote in addition to their complaint about the time of the meeting.

“It seems to me they’re throwing stuff against the wall and hoping it sticks,” Hornak said, adding he has no doubt the court will find the meeting was organized in the proper manner and Ragusa will be declared the winner.

Last week, Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) accused Ra-

gusa’s side of stifling support for Turner at the Sept. 27 meeting. Others countered that Ulrich and his associates were bullying the opposition and disrupting the meeting.

Ulrich declined to comment on the court case. Tom Ognibene, a former councilman and lawyer who is representing Turner in the case, could not be reached for comment as of press time.

Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127, lgronda@ queenstribune.com, or @luisgronda.

st. Mary’s dedicates Education Center To BP

By JoE MarViLLi St. Mary’s Hospital dedicated an early education center to one of its biggest supporters: Borough President Helen Marshall.

St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children honored Marshall at a ribboncutting and dedication ceremony on Oct. 9. Paying tribute to her commitment to the children of Queens, the hospital opened the Queens Borough President Helen Marshall Early Education Center in her name.

The education center is the only preschool in the City that is designed

to serve the needs of children with high levels of medical difficulties. The school takes care of more than 50 students, most who have come from underserved neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs. As these children’s medical conditions are too severe for them to leave St. Mary’s campus, the center offers them a chance to be educated, as well as treated.

At the ceremony, Marshall was joined by former Borough President Claire Shulman, senior principal of the Briarwood Organization Vincent Riso, and St. Mary’s leadership members.

“St. Mary’s is truly a unique institu-

tion,” she said. “The childhood education center is the fulfillment of a dream I share with all of you.”

The school is also an integrated classroom, teaching general education students at the same time as those with special needs.

“Educating our children is a critical part of the work we do here at St. Mary’s,” Dr. Eddie Simpser, Interim President and CEO of St. Mary’s, said.

“We strive to provide for the holistic care of our children.”

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.

st. Mary’s Hospital named its Early Education Center after Queensborough President Helen Marshall last week.

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To help make your life easier, we’ve created the My conEdison app for AndroidTM and iPhone.® Use it to pay your bill, view your billing and payment history, submit a meter reading, and more. It also lets you access our interactive outage map, showing you which areas are affected and providing estimated restoration times. Simply put, it’s an app that’s worth its weight in kilowatts. And you can download it for free at Apple’s App StoreSM and the Google Play Store.SM For more information, go to conEd.com/MobileApp, or visit us on Facebook or Twitter.

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 18-24, 2013

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

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Natalia Kozikowska Joe Marvilli Luis Gronda Trisha Sakhuja

Art Dept:

Rhonda Leefoon Lianne Procanyn Barbara Townsend Alan Goldsher Director of Marketing Maureen Coppola Advertising Administrator Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie Shari Strongin Wazeer Ali

A Queens Tribune Publication © Copyright 2013 Tribco, LLC

Michael Nussbaum Publisher Ria McPherson Comptroller

Editorial Time To Come Together President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act has become one of the country’s most divisive issues, shutting down the Federal government over the last three weeks and leading to a potential fiscal crisis not seen since the Great Depression.

The particulars of the law have been debated from the halls of Congress to the Supreme Court and back. Regardless of opinions, however, portions of the law have gone into effect this month, as millions of people have started the process of searching for an insurance provider through the Healthcare Marketplace that opened Oct. 1.

How much longer will voters allow these entitled “leaders” to act like petulant children before they have had enough? Americans are not better-served by a Congress that refuses to work together.

We need our elected officials to put their personal feelings aside and serve the interests of their constituents, not their own.

It’s unfortunate that mid-term Congressional elections are not held this year. Such an unpopular action as the government shutdown would never happen so close to putting Congressional seats up for grabs.

The PRESS hopes this issue answers some questions and provides a guide as we move forward, enacting a law on which only history can be the final judge.

The Vanishing Of An Autistic School Boy A Personal Perspective

By MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE A 14 year-old autistic Queens boy has been missing for nearly two weeks as of this writing and his family blames his school, The Center Boulevard School in Long Island City.

A video clip taken from the school’s security camera shows the teen, Avonte Oquendo, running out of a room into what seemed like a hallway then disappearing from view and seemingly into thin air.

Described by his mother as being non-verbal and fascinated with trains, searches for the boy have centered around and along subway tracks. It is a disheartening search. How could this kid have just vanished so easily without anyone seeing and saying anything!

With every passing day the likelihood of a favorable outcome of this search grows more dismal. One can certainly understand the family’s anguish, as well as their anger with the school.

A child who cannot speak, read or write manages to run out of the building and no

one thought to stop him. It seems like an amazing lack of engagement on the part of those charged with keeping the students where they belong.

The City’s collective heart goes out to the family, waiting day after day for word that this child has been found alive and well. But it is no surprise that his mother has hired an attorney. She intends to hold someone accountable for this dreadful situation.

So if this young teen with a train obsession is not on the subway, where is he? Is he holed up in an abandoned building or did something happen to him? If we knew the answers to these questions, we’d be okay.

The parents have pleaded that if anyone has him that they let him go because “Avonte cannot identify you.”

Every mother in this City must be hugging her child a little tighter as they watch this story unfold.

And while the school bears at least some responsibility for the child’s running out without being stopped, we have to say, hats off to New Yorkers for the generosity of spirit that has complete strangers joining the family and the NYPD in the

OP-ED

Cyber Bullying never Acceptable

By COunCIlMAn MARk WEPRIn This year, a girl who attends middle school in the district that I represent in Eastern Queens tragically took her own life; a friend of hers attempted suicide a few weeks later and was saved only by a classmate’s timely intervention. What could cause two twelve-year-old girls such intense pain that they no longer wanted to live? Persistent, mean-spirited, merciless taunting by their peers.

Most adults have developed the skills needed to defuse potentially serious interpersonal conflicts. Children, on the other hand, often lack the experience and emotional maturity necessary to cope with mistreatment by their peers. As a result, young people can be especially vulnerable, and today’s youth are facing a radically transformed environment thanks to modern communication technology, which can become a powerful tool for a schoolyard bully.

When I was a child, playground teasing and taunting certainly existed, but the bully had to be in close proximity to torment his or her victim.

Confrontations might sometimes escalate, but they were mostly confined to school property. Even the child search for this helpless child.

Anonymous donors have swelled the reward money for finding Oquendo. Knowing that the boy does not respond to strangers, the NYPD is now playing a recording of his mother’s voice urging her son to “come to the flashing lights” on a police van in the vicinity of wherever the search takes the officers. It’s a great ploy and we hope that this frightened child can hear the message and find his way toward the safety of the officers’ van.

One cannot help but wonder if this will happen at this stage of the case. For the child’s sake and that of his anxious family, we hope it is a great idea that was too late

whose school life was made miserable by a classmate could count on going home to a sanctuary to which the bully had no access. Today, even a child’s own home provides no haven from virulent electronic communications, because cyber bullying knows no boundaries. Yesterday’s face-to-face mocking and name calling have given way to harassment via email, text messaging, social networking sites and a variety of online forums that allow bullies to reach their victims anytime and anywhere.

Hearing directly from middle school and high school students in Queens about pervasive cyber bullying led me to introduce legislation, approved by the City Council and signed into law that requires the Commission on Human Rights to work with the Dept. of Education to address cyber bullying through anti-harassment programs.

While my bill was a positive step, the heart-wrenching recent incidents compel me as a leader to take further action. I am therefore calling for a comprehensive citywide initiative to institute training on bullying prevention for every student, teacher and administrator in the City of New York. The message that bullying is never acceptable and will not be tolerated must ring out loudly. in coming. Oquendo is at a greater disadvantage than many other children who disappear in that he cannot read and write, cannot speak and probably cannot discern danger. However, we keep hope that this story will have a happy ending.

There is a lesson here for schools charged with special needs children. All personnel in our schools should be aware that there are children in their midst who may not be capable of making safe decisions. Those who guard the doors must be alert and realize that if a child comes running out without purpose, he or she must be intercepted and returned where they belong.

Oct. 18-24, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

How Hospitals Are Reacting To The ACA

BY JOE MARVILLI Now that registration is open and the Affordable Care Act is ramping up for 2014 and beyond, the effects of the landmark reform will begin to be felt in a broader capacity. Many of Queens’ hospitals are getting ready for the impact by changing the way they take care of patients.

Some hospitals in the Borough have made plans for the upcoming changes, slowly moving away from reactionary healthcare. Rather than waiting until someone is sick enough to need a hospital bed, locations like New York Hospital Queens, Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital want to use preventative care to keep patients healthy all year around.

According to Stephen Mills, President and CEO of New York Hospital Queens, all hospitals across the country have collectively faced billions of dollars less in Medicare, Medicaid and commercial services. Observation rooms are being pushed to make sure patients in hospital beds absolutely have to be there.

“The goal is to get rid of beds, because they’re not needed,” Mills said.

“The other incentive is to take care of populations of people in the community. Primary care and specialty care out there in the community is where we’re going.”

As part of its move in that direction, NYHQ is setting up primary care and office centers throughout the Borough, in neighborhoods such as Astoria, Maspeth, Whitestone and Clearview, with more to come. These centers are open in evenings and on Saturdays, in order to accommodate the needs of their patients better.

New technology and medicine has allowed hospitals to perform simple surgeries and other procedures over the course of a day, limiting the need for long hospital stays.

“We are not utilizing in the hospital as many beds as we had,” Mills said. “We are moving to a smaller inpatient service and we are focusing on the out-patient.”

Mills added that the switch to a focus on primary care will help take the stress off of emergency rooms, since patients will have other venues to utilize. While a few hospitals in Queens have closed over the past

several years, he said the impact to patients who have severe medical problems is minimal.

“Five or six hospitals in Queens have closed in the last few years. Has anyone not gotten a hospital bed when they really needed one as a result of that? The answer is no,” he said. “The real demand has been to our emergency rooms, not for emergency care as much as primary care.

That’s why growth has been in the primary care arena. The more we can do in the community, the better off the system will be.”

NYHQ is not the only hospital making these moves. Both Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital are moving to keep their patients healthier, with specialized care that handles their needs efficiently.

Flushing Hospital recently opened a new ambulatory care unit with 32 examination rooms, meant to increase its out-patient services rather than focusing only on helping sick in-patients.

“This is about health maintenance, prevention. This is the innovative model of the future. This is what

healthcare needs to look like,” Dr. Robert Crupi, the hospital’s chairman of ambulatory care, said at the opening ceremony.

Jamaica Hospital is focusing its resources on accessibility, having signed on to about 90 percent of the plans available under the ACA healthcare exchange. It is working to partner with the remaining 10 percent as well.

“We continue to be a low-cost provider. We continue to be a high-quality provider,” David Evangelista, director of managed care at Jamaica Hospital, said. “In Queens County, we’re certainly going to be the leader.”

The hospital is also putting resources towards education, not just for its own staff, but for private physicians and community residents as well.

“Most people in the community don’t truly know what to expect from the exchange. We’ve done presentations of education with everyone in our organization,” Evangelista said.

“We are now going into the community, educating private physicians, letting them know what the exchange

is. We’re going to community events and doing education to the public.”

While these Queens hospitals have been preparing for the massive healthcare reform, the results of the legislation are far from certain. Hospital administrators are supportive of the law, saying that it will help some of the 400,000 Queens residents who do not have insurance.

“What will be the impact of the health exchanges? I don’t know,” Mills said. “The way it’s headed now is genuinely a good thing. NYHQ has been supportive of the law itself.”

Evangelista said that the ACA will force hospitals to further rethink how they do business, moving focus away from the individual and towards managing a population.

“The focus is going to be on keeping people healthy. It’s going to force providers to manage patients outside of the hospital,” he said. “Because of the reduced reimbursement, it’s going to force providers to transform how they think and focus on quality, not volume.”

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@ queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.

What Is The Healthcare Exchange?

One of the factors that has many people confused about the Affordable Care Act is its healthcare exchange program.

What is the healthcare exchange? Who qualifies for it? How can I apply? What happens if I decline to apply? What research should be done beforehand? All of these questions have likely passed through the minds of many Queens residents about the legislation.

The most basic answer is that the healthcare exchange is an organization marketplace that allows consumers to compare insurance options and choose a plan to enroll in. In each state, the product’s name is different. In New York, the official name of the program is New York State of Health.

“The creation of the exchange was to afford healthcare coverage for those who are currently unin-

sured,” David Evangelista, director of managed care at Jamaica Hospital, said.

It applies to any U.S. citizen who does not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. If you apply for either of those programs or you are an illegal immigrant or a non-resident, you do not qualify for the healthcare exchange.

The biggest benefit to enrolling with the program is the availability of care when it is needed. By enrolling, individuals will have access to a primary care physician and a hospital, all at a low cost.

The enrollment period will last until March 31, 2014 for the first year of the healthcare plan. Coverage will go live on Jan. 1.

There is a tax penalty for those who qualify and choose to opt out of enrollment. It will be $95 or one percent of your gross salary, whichever is higher. In subsequent years, the

penalty will increase. But if you are not eligible for a tax return, then you will not be penalized.

The easiest way to apply for the plan is to visit nystateofhealth. ny.gov and sign up for the exchange. According to Evangelista, the process is similar to booking a vacation online.

“It’s very much like going to Travelocity. You’re going to put in what you’re looking for. It will ask some basic questions about yourself, your family size, your family income,” he said. “It will take you to a page that lists all the insurance and give you different purchasing options.”

There are also certified enrollment specialists who you can call if you do not have Internet access.

To find the specialist for you, call the State’s health help line at (855) 355-5777 or visit the website.

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 18-24, 2013

Healthcare In Queens

Navigating The Cyber Marketplace

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA As of Oct. 1, Americans have been able to shop for health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act. But while the concept of shopping for your health insurance online seems convenient, users have reported problems and complications with the website.

“Early, the first couple of days, because of the overwhelming volume, people have said it was slower and harder to navigate,” said Jeffrey Hammond, spokesperson for the New York State Dept. of Health.

“But since then, we have done things to increase server capacity and those problems have gone away.”

Although many of the first reported problems have since been resolved, and although there are a number of resources available to the residents of Queens, not everyone has the time or ability to find the facilities that will help clarify the process. So the PRESS has put together a condensed and easy-to-follow guide to help the technologically-challenged navigate the cyber ‘marketplace.’

loading and printing If you live in for your own safekeepNew York, New ing.

York State Dept. of In the third section, Health is the Health you will be able to seInsurance Marketlect a health insurance place to serve you plan for yourself and and instead of using your family members. healthcare.gov, you The website will deterwill be directed to mine which plans are use the New York available for you, the State of Health webbenefits of the plans, site, www.nystateofthe doctors and facilihealth.ny.gov, to ties that participate in apply for coverage, the plan network as compare plans and well as the cost of enenroll. rolling in the plan.

Before you are On the following ready to enroll, you The NY State of Health website is the online portal for New Yorkers will need to have who want to participate in the new Healthcare Marketplace. To find pages, you will be able some important in- a health insurance provider suited to your needs, visit www.nystateof- to select and filter plans based on qualformation on hand. health.ny.gov. ity ratings, cost, metal Be prepared to enter your household size, your age, the select your login ID information, a level or even by doctor or facility. In ages of other household members, primary email address and a preferred choosing the right plan for you, you your zip code, your social security user ID. Before you will be able to will also get the option of selecting number and any previous medical answer any questions, you must first three types of health insurance plans conditions. confirm your NY.gov ID via email. – a medical plan without dental covIn your first step, you will be re- The email will contain an activation erage, a medical plan with dental quired to come up with a NY.gov ID link which will have you fill out three coverage and a medical plan with dental coverage only for children. user information, in which you must shared secret questions.

At every tier level, most individuals After answering and selecting your security questions and answers, will be offered a wide range of prices you will be directed to reset your from a variety of insurance compapassword. As a safety measure in nies. According to Hammond, it was selecting a password, try to avoid a goal for the New York State Dept. using your user name, real name, of Health to make sure the website is birthday or company name. You may easy to follow and user-friendly.

“We did try to make [the website] also want to pick a password that is significantly different from previous user-friendly and we provided the password so that your account and [demonstration] video, so we are trying to make it easier for folks to use,” information is not easily hacked.

Once you are finally logged in, the he said.

After you have selected the right website will direct you to its first set of health insurance plan for you and personal questions so that your identity is verified. When filling out this your family, you are most likely still first questionnaire, you will need to not insured. While you may have been know your social security number. The able to start shopping for the plan, website is completely secure, so there coverage purchased through the maris no need to be weary of your social ketplace will not begin until 2014. To security number being compromised. ensure that you are covered on Jan.1, In this section, you will also be able to you must send in your payment by Dec. 15. If you are still not covered by select your language preferences.

After you have been verified by the March 31, 2014, you will be obligated website, you will begin the second to pay a penalty on your annual taxes.

For a full video demonstration portion of the questionnaire process.

In the following steps, you will be of the individual and families apasked to list everyone in your family plication, visit http://www.healthbenefitexchange.ny.gov/resource/ – even if they do not file taxes or are video-demonstration-individualsnot looking for healthcare coverage.

It is important to note that the web- and-families-application.

For more information about how site does ask you for your race and ethnicity, but you are not obligated you can sign up for health insurance, you can call the New York State of to fill out this information.

When you have entered and re- Health’s hotline at (855)-355-5777.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowsviewed your household information, you will be asked to agree to the Mar- ka at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or ketplace’s policies on privacy, which nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ you are given the option of down- nkozikowska.

Oct. 18-24, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

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Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 18-24, 2013

Healthcare In Queens

Queens’ Biz Community Preps For ACA Businesses in Queens are preparing for the Affordable Care Act, which will go into effect on Jan. 1.

The healthcare legislation includes provisions meant to give small business owners new options for providing health coverage to their employees. However, the law is also looking to make life easier for small businesses, helping them find affordable insurance.

Several business leaders expressed concern over how the law will impact business, and are looking to get as much information out as possible.

Some of Queens’ Business Improvement Districts are working to make sure their business owners are as knowledgeable about the law as possible, such as a session held by the Flushing BID that drew 200 business owners.

“We will probably host smaller ones for four or five people, so they can have a personal touch. I think that will be a more effective way,” Dian Yu, executive director of the BID, said.

Felicia Tunnah, executive director

Photo by Ira Cohen

BY JOE MARVILLI

of Queens residents,” he said. “I predict that some local residents will find niches within Obamacare as consultants or care providers and create new companies. Watch. It’ll happen.”

Before the ACA, Many Queens businesses have expressed concern over small businesses paid the Affordable Care Act. Business Improvement Dis18 percent more in trict leaders have been reaching out to its members to premiums than large explain the new law. firms for the same benefits package. of the Jamaica BID, agreed, adding Premiums for healthcare could also that owners could always call the BID increase drastically if an employee gets cancer or has a heart attack, acwith any questions they have.

“I think everyone should get as in- cording to a document given out by formed as they can,” she said. “We U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Jackson will help fill in whatever gaps there Heights) during a discussion with small business owners in August. are in information.”

The document said that businessRob MacKay, director of public relations, marketing and tourism at es with fewer than 50 employees will the Queens Economic Development not have an employer responsibility Corporation, said the impact of the requirement when that part of the ACA on local businesses was not yet law goes into effect in 2015.

Beginning next year, businesses clear, though some will thrive.

“We don’t know if the local econo- with fewer than 50 employees will my has been affected yet, but I have in- have a sliding scale tax credit to help credible faith in the entrepreneurship them afford to offer employee cover-

age if they have average annual wages of less than $50,000. By gaining the ability to join a large pool through the Small Business Health Options Program, small businesses will be given access to the same affordable coverage that large businesses have today.

In 2015, businesses with 50 or more employees will have a shared responsibility requirement. They will have to offer affordable health coverage and have at least one full-time employee receiving a premium tax credit to avoid a penalty.

The SHOP Marketplace Call Center, a resource to help small businesses get information about the new regulations, is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer any questions. It can be reached at 1-800706-7893. Employers can also visit www.business.usa.gov/healthcare.

“These new provisions in the law will significantly improve the previous market, where small businesses often had difficulty obtaining affordable insurance or predicting their costs,” Crowley said.

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@ queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.

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Healthcare In Queens

aCa Gives More Options To students

By Trisha sakhuja Before President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law, many young adults were being cut out of their parents’ health plan policies because of their age.

One of the most appealing aspects of the law is addressing the health insurance problems of young adults because it allows adult children to remain on their parents’ health insurance up to the age of 26.

More so, beginning in 2014, New York law gives the option to permit young adults to remain on their parents’ policies until their 29th birthday.

That includes nearly all young people, even if they are married, financially independent and no longer living with their parents. Also, young adults can opt to stick with their parents’ plan instead of their employers.

Deepti Sakaria, 26, a graduate student in the Physician Assistant program St. John’s University, said she previously thought she would have to find a health coverage plan, but the ACA helps her because she is a

graduate student with go to now to shop for a lot of loans and is health insurance.” able to stay under her Young adults up to parent’s plan. the age of 30 will have Even though Methe option to buy an lissa Molfetas, 26, insurance plan that will a third-year law stucover only minimal serdent concentrating in vices. According to the health law at CUNY HealthCare.gov webSchool of Law, has site, the “catastrophic” been studying the plan’s premium is much ACA since Septemlower than the other ber, she said some the four precious-metal parts of the law are plans - Bronze, Silver, still confusing for her Gold and Platinum - but to understand. students and young adults have more options for healthcare through it covers the 10 essen“Not only is it diffi- the recently-opened marketplace, as part of the affordable Care act. tial health benefits and cult to understand, but three annual primary there is a lot of banter care visits at no cost. It with politicians and media outlets,” Mofletas and Nick Widzowski, 28, is known as the safety net coverage Molfetas said. also a third-year law student and the plan in case you have an accident or She said this leads to people form- President of CUNY Law Democrats, a serious illness. ing their opinions about the plan want to hold a healthcare seminar in “We know that most young peowithout actually learning about the the near future to educate their peers ple consider themselves invincible, ACA for themselves. so if they want to avoid paying the about the new options they have.

“All we know is, it is bad, but we Currently, Molfetas is insured fee of not buying into the four-tier don’t know why it’s bad,” Molfetas through her parent’s health coverage plan, just go to ‘catastrophic,’” said. “For me, the law has become a and her goal is to qualify for insur- Molfetas said. political battle about money, whether ance through her future employer, Reach Reporter Trisha Sakhuja at or not it is the government’s function but if that does not happen, she said, (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, tsakhuja@ to reimburse people for healthcare.” “Thank God there is a website I can queenstribune.com, or @Tsakhuja13. sj_sandy_letter_ad_2013b_Layout 1 10/14/13 2:02 PM Page 1

storm. And just like the ays, we survived the big Like much of the Rockaw the few hospitals in a of ure. St. John's was one Rockaways, we will end anchor in the storm. an stay open and serve as hard-hit flood zone to dry and lighted place, m, war a king see se d, tho We took in many in nee proud of our staff, many medicine. We are very and we offered care and ir own problems aside the put who s, themselve of them Sandy victims e first. and placed patient car sustained us during a is extended to those who Our deepest gratitude ke changes that will ma to e tinu con ry. As we difficult year of recove kaway's health needs Roc the et me Hospital to strategically position the r support. you for future, we thank you and challenges of the and survived the storm. for more than a century St. John's has served ce and we will do the ran insu lth hea ore you had We took care of you bef * ge. han Exc in the Healthcare same when you enroll we e of who you are or who all, but not the essenc to another century The storm changed us ted mit com ply dee is. We are are and what our mission vice. of quality care and ser

Wyckoff Heights Medical Center proudly serves as the hospital of choice for residents of Brooklyn and Queens

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Oct. 18-24, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

Police Blotter 109th Precinct

Fatal Collision

At 5:35 a.m. on Oct. 13, police responded to a 911 call of a motorcycle accident on the northbound Cross Island Parkway, near the Whitestone Expressway.

Upon arrival, police observed a 27-year-old male, identified as David Wilson of South Richmond Hill, with severe trauma about the body.

EMS also responded to the location and pronounced Wilson dead at the scene.

Further investigation revealed that Wilson was operating a 2008 Suzuki motorcycle, traveling northbound on the Cross Island, when he lost control of the motorcycle near the Whitestone Expressway, striking a barrier.

A passenger was also on the motorcycle at the time and was transported to a nearby hospital via EMS and was listed in stable condition with abrasions about the body. No

nience Store, 95-13 Queens Blvd., and removed cash.

other vehicles or individuals were involved. The investigation is ongoing.

112th Precinct

114th Precinct

Burglary Pattern

Robbery

The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance identifying and locating the following suspect wanted in connection with three burglaries within the confines of the 112th Precinct. In all three incidents, the suspect gains entry by breaking the glass front door.

The first incident occurred on Sept. 28 at approximately 10 p.m.

The suspect entered the Bellal Mini Mart, located at 101-22 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills, and removed cash.

The second incident occurred on Oct. 4 at approximately 2:30 a.m.

The suspect entered BNX 99 Cent Store, 98-88 Queens Blvd., and removed cash.

The third incident occurred on Oct. 9 at approximately 4:18 a.m.

The suspect entered JMD Conve-

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance identifying the suspects wanted for a robbery.

At approximately 8:50 p.m. on Oct. 7, the victim, a 21-year-old female, was walking in front of 11-43 30th Rd. in Astoria when the suspects approached her, pushed her on the shoulder and removed her iPhone. The suspects then fled the scene. There were no reported injuries.

The suspects were described as two Black females and one Black male.

115th Precinct

Fatal Collision

Police arrested Gilbert Echeverria, 35, of South Ozone Park in regards

to an incident earlier in the evening At 9:50 p.m. on Oct. 11, police responded to a 911 call of a child struck by a vehicle at the corner of Junction Boulevard and Northern Boulevard in Jackson Heights. Upon arrival to the scene, police determined that a white SUV was traveling northbound on Junction Boulevard and allegedly struck the victim, Jaied Figueroa, 2, of Corona, while crossing Junction Boulevard with his mother.

The operator of the vehicle, Echeverria, stopped and transported the victim and his mother in his vehicle to a local hospital, where the child was pronounced dead.

Upon arrival to the hospital and upon further investigation, police arrested Echeverria and charged him with vehicular manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and driving while intoxicated.

CALL CRIME STOPPERS 1-800-577-TIPS

Borough Beat

Republican BP Candidate Talks about Queens

By TRisha sakhuja

Photo by Trisha sakhuja

The son of Italian immigrants and union workers, Aurelio “Tony” Arcabascio, vying for the Queens Borough President seat on the Republican line, visited the PRESS of Southeast Queens to sit down with the editorial board on Oct. 14.

Some of the topics discussed included his top priorities, immigration, education, the Stop and Frisk policy, technology, the Willets Point development project and Community Board members.

A life-long lover of Queens, Arcabascio said he has experience in the technology sector and business for the last 33 years.

After college, Arcabascio played a year of minor league baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals and worked at General Electric. Later, he owned Crimson Technologies for 13 years.

Currently, he is a Team Lead Project Manager for North Shore Long Island Jewish-Health System in the IT/ infrastructure perspective.

He ran against State Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) in 2012 because he said “Democrats shouldn’t be the only one running and once in a while, they should be opposed.”

At the time, he garnered 15 percent of the vote.

Republican Borough President candidate Tony arcabascio is challenging Democratic candidate Melinda katz in the General Election.

As Queens Borough President, his priorities will be better education, healthcare, overall better quality of life, beautification efforts, redeveloping empty warehouses to create urban enterprise zones and creating a small business satellite office in the Borough, so employers do not have to travel to the Manhattan to process their paperwork.

“The quicker we get them up and running, the quicker we start collecting taxes,” Arcabascio said.

Arcabascio said he wants to give incentives to business owners, like one year tax cuts.

“My job for the 2.3 million people is to lean on the pockets of the

people,” Arcabascio said. “I am a people’s candidate.”

Arcabascio said his priority on day one is to assess the real state of Queens, so he can define the resources or get rid of the ones the Borough President’s office does not need.

In terms of appointing a Deputy Borough President, he said he wants someone who is knowledgeable of politics and has legislative experience.

Arcabascio said he has spoken to two Democrats about the position.

When the Arcabascio family of five first moved to Astoria, Arcabascio said his parents had to borrow money to come to this country. His father was a laborer and his mother was a seamstress.

Arcabascio said he understands assimilating to a new culture is difficult, especially because of the language barrier.

“We can’t accommodate everyone, but we have to be sensitive to the language barrier,” he said. “If I have any major impact as Queens Borough President, it’s for us to be more tolerant and accepting.”

When it comes to spreading the word about his campaign, Arcabascio said he does not have scripted routines when he goes to events. In terms of his social media campaign, he said he posts on Twitter and Facebook himself.

“You can’t say something that will make everybody happy, but the important thing is, whatever you say, they believe you and it’s the truth,” he said.

Arcabascio said he does not agree with Democratic candidate Melinda Katz’s proposal to build a tech center in Long Island City because it is too close to the waterfront and the rent for the luxury high-towers is too high for young adults to afford. Instead, he said he wants to renovate buildings in Maspeth, so it too can grow like the other parts of Western Queens.

On the topic of Stop and Frisk, he said the police are doing their jobs to prevent crimes, but “sometimes we have bad cops making bad stops.”

He said even though he is not a public safety expert, but having some knowledge of criminal justice, more cops need to walk their beats to understand their communities better, instead of riding in patrol cars.

Arcabascio promised to revamp the Queens Borough President website and upgrade Borough Hall.

On a final note, he said he would like the World’s Fair to come back to Queens.

Reach Reporter Trisha Sakhuja at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, tsakhuja@ queenstribune.com, or @Tsakhuja13.

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 18-24, 2013

pix

JCAL And JPAC Host Fall Gala Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning and the Jamaica Performing Arts Center held its fall arts gala on Oct. 11, honoring individuals who have been instrumental in enriching the lives of people who use JCAL.

WASA/Studio A Architect partner Mircea Calin speaks at the gala as Peter Magnani, co-chair of JPACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gala committee, watches on. WASA has received a number of awards for its redesign of the building outside JPAC.

Councilman Leroy Comrie with Borough President Helen Marshall.

Marshall was one of the galaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s honorees.

During a break in the festivities last week, pictured (from left) are Philippa Karterton, co-chair of the gala committee and member of JCAL board of directors; Claire Shulman, former Queens Borough President; and Carlisle Towery, president of Greater Jamaica Development Corp.

The Carl Bartlett Js. Quartet was one of the many groups providing entertainment during the Oct. 11 gala.

Oct. 18-24, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

A&E

disabled Actor/Writer Inspires In One-Man Play

BY JOE MARVILLI While he was born without his right hand, David Harrell did not allow this to hold him back in his life goals or become the centerpiece of who he is.

The Astoria-based actor, speaker and advocate’s award-nominated solo play, “A Little Potato and Hard To Peel,” takes a humorous and insightful look at his own life with a disability, chronicling his journey towards awareness that he cannot let his situation define him. He said he hopes the play makes that message clear to others who may be struggling with a disability.

The show was created in its raw form when Harrell was in North Carolina. Initially called “The Quest,” the performances shared his life through comedy and heroics. Once he got to New York though, he examined the show and changed it to match his new views on confidence.

“I think it was more important about not letting circumstances define us. The fact that I was born without a hand doesn’t define all I am,” he said. “It became this idea of find-

ing what would make me normal.”

The title, “A Little Potato and Hard To Peel,” came from a story Harrell’s grandfather told him when he was young. His grandfather said that the baseball team he used to play on was called “Little Potato and Hard To Peel.” Later in his life, after his grandfather had passed away, Harrell learned that the story was a tall tale with a message - do not let circumstances peel away your humanity.

“To tell his grandson this tall tale in a humorous way, it’s my way of celebrating that love he had for me,” Harrell said. “It’s easy to tell the story because in some ways it’s a celebration about it. I certainly had difficulties growing up. But I think because of a lot of support I had, I’m not embarrassed by it.”

Initially, this interest in acting came from an unlikely source in high school. Harrell had a crush on a girl.

This girl said he would look cute and be funny onstage, leading him to audition in the hopes of getting a date.

The date never happened, but the love of acting stuck. Writing was a more difficult process.

Another Baseball Team Could Call Queens Home

BY LuIs GROndA An upstart baseball league is looking to establish one of its teams in Queens.

The Independent Professional Baseball League is looking for a local investor to own a proposed baseball team that would play its home games in the Borough.

The IBL will be a league similar to the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, which is an independent league not affiliated with Major League Baseball. There are three divisions for the IBL, the Eastern, Midwestern and Southern. At least four teams would be in each division and the Queens team would play in the Eastern division.

Dan Malley, Director of Operations for the IBL, said Queens is a highly diverse and populous borough and they would like to tap into that market for the league. He added that they would like to bring a cheaper option for Queens residents that may not be able to afford a Mets or a Yankees game.

“It’s about bringing affordable family entertainment to the average person,” Malley said.

He added they would like the owner to be from the area and someone who is familiar with the community that it would play in and the entire Borough as well.

They are still looking for an owner and are hopeful of finding someone that wants to invest in the team.

Malley even posted a rough estimate on their website, investinibl. com, to show a potential owner how much it would approximately cost to run the team. According to their website, it would cost about $64,000 for expenses related to the team including $20,000 for payroll and $10,000 for travel to away games.

Malley said he could not speak specifically about where the team would play, but he did say they are looking for a currently existing stadium to play in and not build a brand-new stadium in the Borough.

The league is expected to begin this summer, with the mid-western division starting play, and the eastern portion of the league is slated to start play next year, according to Malley.

Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127, lgronda@queenstribune.com, or @luisgronda.

“The writing part of it is still very scary,” he said. “It’s been a process to trust my writing, trust my storytelling process and trust the collaborators I’ve brought in.”

Harrell is also the Disability and Programming Associate for Inclusion in the Arts. He works with casting directors to encourage them to cast disabled actors, particularly if the role calls for a disabled person.

His hope is to expand the diversity that has happened in Hollywood over the last 25 years to include disabled people as well.

“We want disability to start being part of that conversation. We still can’t see a person with a disability and think it’s not a plot point,” he said.

“Little Potato and Hard To Peel” will be performed on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m., Oct. 25 at 7 p.m., Oct. 27 at 4 p.m. and Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. “The Boy Who Would Be Captain Hook,” which is a variation geared towards children, will take place on Oct. 19 at 11 a.m. and Nov. 2 at 11 a.m. Both shows will occur at the Cherry Lane Theatre, located at 38 Commerce St. Both shows will be presented as part of the All For One Theater Festival, a showcase that specializes in

david Harrell, an Astoria-based actor and writer, uses the story of his life with a disability to encourage those with similar circumstances.

displaying one-man or one-woman performances. To buy tickets to the shows, visit www.afofest.org.

“I think it’s a powerful way to exercise the shared connection we have as human beings,” Harrell said. “You are who you are and that’s important.”

Reach Repoter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.

new Food, Crafts Market Comes To Long Island City

BY TRIsHA sAkHuJA A new food and crafts market is coming to the historic Standard Motor Parts building in Long Island City.

With food, jewelry, arts and crafts, photography and furniture, the market looks to be a one-stop shop for all the local City vendors.

The market, known as the QNS Urban MKT, will be open yearround, starting on Oct. 18 at 5 p.m. and on Oct. 19th at 11 a.m.

“The goal of the market is to garner a sense of community in Queens,” said Cassie Jones, program director of the QNS Urban MKT. “We are trying to honor all of the innovation happening here, as well the different cultures.”

Some of the cultures the vendors will showcase are Filipino, Caribbean and Peruvian.

It will operate on the first floor of the building on Fridays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. within a spa-

cious area next to the COFFEED shop and right below the Brooklyn Grange rooftop farm.

On Fridays, the market offers extra perks with live music, food, beer and wine. On Saturdays, access to the farm is until 3 p.m.

Aside from the usual facilities of the market, it will organize Ted Talk-style events that will showcase entrepreneurs in food, drink and tech, who will share their start up stories and teach short lessons about their craft.

Jones said the market is unique because it also provides an outlet for chefs through the pop-up restaurant program. A Vietnamese restaurant, Bunker, will showcase its food on the weekend of Oct. 25.

The building is located at 37-18 Northern Blvd., Long Island City.

For more information, visit www. qnsurbanmkt.com/#!contact/cz76, or call Cassie at (203) 247-9824.

Reach Reporter Trisha Sakhuja at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, tsakhuja@ queenstribune.com, or @Tsakhuja13.

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 18-24, 2013

Profile

Jamaica Business Owner Looks To Give Back

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA When you walk past Nations Fish Spot on Merrick Boulevard, it may look like any other restaurant in Jamaica, but behind those doors is an owner committed to bettering his community.

Saladin Buckhalter first opened Nations Fish Spot, located on 11464 Merrick Blvd., about four years ago, with the goal of helping community residents. Having worked for the Dept. of Corrections for nearly 30 years, he wanted to be able to help those individuals who may not have another opportunity.

“I’ve seen a lot of people come in and out of the prison system and a lot of them were good people that just lacked the opportunity necessary to change their lives,” Buckhalter explained. “For me, it is mandatory to hire within the community. So many businesses extract the economics out of the communities they are in, but

don’t provide a service back into the community.”

“In my opinion, if a business is not hiring within the community, then they are operating on the wrong page,” he added.

Unlike many small business owners, Buckhalter said he is proud that Nations Fish Spot is open and willing to hire community residents with a criminal background.

“They need that opportunity otherwise they will just go back into the prison system,” he said. “I’ve hired many people with records – absolutely.”

In addition to helping those in need find employment, Buckhalter, who also sits on the board of the nonprofit 100 Suits for 100 Men, has dedicated countless meals to those in need.

Last year, when Superstorm Sandy made its way through New York, the Allen AME Senior Housing in Jamaica, home to more than 300 se-

nior citizens, was left without power or heat for seven days.

Although no one was hurt due to the loss of power, the seniors had no access to a warm meal. Determined to bring the seniors some joy in a time of darkness, Buckhalter donated a large quantity of food to them.

“That was the greatest feeling in the world – coming there and seeing their eyes light up,” Buckhalter said. “They were so happy to see somebody that cared and was willing to bring them a warm meal during troubling times. That was one of the greatest feelings I’ve ever had in my life. We need to take care of our elderly.”

And it is not just the elderly that Buckhalter wants to help. Nations Fish Spot has also implemented a program which will reward students when they do well in school.

“Any young person who receives an A, or a 90 or better on their report card – they are able to come in, pres-

ent that and get free food,” he said.

“The hope is to keep inspiring them to do well in school.”

Similarly, Nations Fish Spot is dedicated to helping residents who may just be down on their luck.

“Every night, you see different people coming by asking for food and we will give free food to some of the local people that are not doing too well,” he said. “They will come by when we close and we will help – stuff like that happens on a regular basis.

“I’m trying to impact a community that really needs help. If all businesses take that attitude, we can really make a difference and change things around,” he added. “Business is a second love, but helping people and helping this community – that is my first love.”

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

People The Port Authority of NY & NJ will hold a public information meeting on Oct. 24 at St. Peter’s Church, 224-04 147th Ave., in Springfield Gardens, starting at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will highlight modifications to the revised draft environmental assessment to the runway improvements project at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Local students were awarded scholarships from SUNY Potsdam for the 2013-14 academic year, in recognition of their achievements and educational experience.

Timothy Chan of Douglaston was awarded the Anne Pease Breaky Scholarship.

Sebastian Howard of Queens Village was awarded the SUNY Potsdam Freshman Scholarship.

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng recently announced that the government shutdown has forced her to cancel the U.S. Service Academy Information Forum scheduled for Queens high school students and their parents, planned for Oct. 18 at Forest Hills High School.

Despite the cancellation of the forum, Meng is still accepting applications from students. Deadline for submission is Nov. 1. To receive an application packet, call (718)

445-7860 or (718) 445-7861 or visit http:///meng.house.gov.

Grand Marshal

The Italian-American Cancer Foundation’s mobile no-cost breast cancer screening van will hold three upcoming screenings in Queens.

They include: Oct. 19: Kalusugan Coalition, 3904 63rd St., Woodside.

Oct. 20: Tabernacle Community CME Church, 115-62 Farmer’s Blvd., Jamaica.

Oct. 27: Holy Child Jesus School, 111-02 86th Ave., Richmond Hill.

To schedule an appointment, call (877) 628-9090.

Artist H. David Stein’s exhibit “Deconstructed Flowers” will be on display in the visitor and administration building at Queens Botanical Garden from Nov. 5 through Jan. 26.

St. Luke’s Church in Forest Hills will hold a centennial celebration starting at 8 p.m. on Oct. 18. The procession will start from Station Square, where the church’s first services were held, to the church, located at 85 Greenway South.

Upcoming events at the Kew Gardens Community Center include: “Back Pain: Causes and Cures,”

Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) served as the grand marshal of the Howard Beach Columbus Day parade on Sept. 29.

with Dr. Nilesh Soni, 11 a.m. Oct. 29.

The Kew Gardens Community Center is located at 80-02 Kew Gardens Rd., Suite 202, Kew Gardens.

Church of the Resurrection, 35-09 113th St., will host its annual parish fair, Rez Round-Up 2013 from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 2. The fair will include baked goods, antiques and collectibles, Christmas items, raffles

and more. For information, visit resurrectionrichmondhill.com.

The Friends of Maple Grove Cemetery will present the Josephine Foundation Actors in a murder mystery dinner beginning 7 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Center at Maple Grove Cemetery, 127-15 Kew Gardens Rd., Kew Gardens. Tickets cost $25 for members and $35 for non-members. For information, call (347) 878-6614.

Oct. 18-24, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

Faith

Jamaica Church To Hold Pink Balloon Release

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Christ Church International of Jamaica will hold its second annual pink balloon release in remembrance of loved ones who have lost their lives and to express hope for all survivors.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer, the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer among females, is also the second leading cause of death among women, with an estimated 40,000 deaths per year.

Although breast cancer death rates have steadily decreased nationwide, Kelly Riggins, associate pastor at Christ Church International said that she has been hearing more stories about women who have been diagnosed with the disease.

“It seems like the number of women diagnosed is going up and the age of the women are going down,” said Riggins. “I’m hearing about it more and more in the Black community.”

timental as one of our dear members passed this year of breast cancer.”

“That’s why this is so important,” she went on to explain. “Early detection is key. We should be more awareness and conscious.

Tell your daughters and Last year, nearly 300 Southeast Queens residents tell your nieces to start joined Christ Church International for its first ever checking themselves pink balloon release in remembrance of loved ones early. It’s so important who have lost their lives and to express hope for all and it saves lives.” survivors.

Riggins said she feels that it is the responsiAfter hearing from some of her bility of Christ Church Internationparishioners who have been strug- al, and all religious institutions, to gling with breast cancer, Riggins was educate the community about breast inspired to create an event that will cancer and the importance of getting bring awareness to the cause – not screened for the disease. only as a means of recognition, but “Every Sunday this month, we as a means of educating the public of have information that we give out – the importance of mammograms. even to the little girls because they “We did it last year to really just also need to be aware,” she said. “It raise awareness. We have had mem- is our responsibility to care for our bers who had breast cancer and gone brothers and sisters, our neighbors through the experience,” she said. and ourselves. We have to come out “This year will be a little more sen- of the church and educate the com-

munity. We want to save souls, but we also want to save lives.”

Last year’s pink balloon release was a great success, Riggins said. Nearly 300 Southeast Queens residents came out to show their support for the cause.

“Some people drew hands on the balloons to release the situation into God’s hands,” she explained. “We have to support the cure and make sure we are aware. All we can do is hope and pray and the rest is in God’s hands.”

“When the balloons are gone and in the sky, released from your hands – that’s it,” she added. “All we have is God and we need to have faith in God – no matter what the outcome is.”

The pink balloon release will be held at Christ Church International on Oct. 27 at 1 p.m. It is free to attend and all are welcome to join.

Christ Church International is located at 122-21 Merrill St., Jamaica.

For more information about the event, you may call the church office at (718) 276-2799.

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

Notebook

Hillcrest High School

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Elizabeth Torres is not just an honor student at Hillcrest High School.

She is also an athlete, a musician and an outstanding citizen who volunteers her time for the betterment of the community.

Torres has a lot more on her plate than the average student. She is a member of Hillcrest High School’s chapter of the National Honor Society, a member of the school’s track team, a member of the school’s softball team and she often takes part in the annual school musicals.

The high school senior has a weighted 98 average and is ranked 13th out of approximately 700 students in her senior class. She has also been a part of Hillcrest’s awardwinning United Nations class and for three years, she has taken part in the UN Conference every May and June to improve her leadership skills. As part of the course, students simulate

a foreign conflict discussion at the UN building in Manhattan.

The star student also has a passion for the arts. Torres has been involved with the Theatre Institute of Hillcrest High School under the guidance of her teacher, director May Morrison.

In her freshman year, she performed in her school’s rendition of “Grease” and during her sophomore year, she sang three solos in the “Forty and Fabulous” show. Last year, when Torres was a junior, she also played the role of Nina Rosa in the play, “In the Heights.”

Torres’ passion for the arts goes well beyond acting – she also has an excellent voice. She sings in her St. Sylvester Church choir on Sundays and has been taking voice lessons on Saturdays for the past four years.

“Elizabeth has now starred in three musicals here at Hillcrest – most recently as Nina in last year’s ‘In the Heights,” said Morrison in a statement. “She is a joy to work with,

not only as an amazing voice, but also has a tremendous work ethic.

Elizabeth shines both onstage and in rehearsals, plus, she has become a true leader in each cast.”

In addition to being heavily involved with school activities, Torres is very involved with her community. Under the auspices of her high school’s Arista honor program, the senior performed a great deal of community service by doing school beautification projects, raising money for UNICEF, the Penny Harvest and the Red Cup. During her lunch period and other free periods, Torres volunteers in her chemistry class and works as an intern at Hillcrest’s college office.

Outside of school, Torres works as an editorial intern for an online organization called “The Project” – in which students write articles pertaining to the college admission process.

As of now, Torres said she hopes to gain acceptance to a good col-

Photo by Bob Harris

Hillcrest High School Senior Does It All

Elizabeth Torres, a senior at Hillcrest High school, has a weighed 98 average and is ranked 13th out of approximately 700 students in her senior class. lege to major in either chemistry or neuroscience and to minor in Latin American Studies or English Literature. Her dream is to one day work as a surgeon.

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

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 18-24, 2013

Queens today

FRIDay 10/18

http://queenscouncilarts. org/qca-3rd-space-queensliterary-town-hall.

satURDay 10/19

sAtURDAY NIGht LIvELY

If you need a comedic night out, go to The Laughing Devil for Saturday Night Lively, headlining Andy Hendrickson, Joe Larson, Jenny Z, Phil Hunt, Scott Sharp and Troy Alan.

Don’t be surprised if something unusual happens. This is the late show - the crowds are drunker, the comics are looser - this is the show where the best of the best push the envelope right off the table. Tickets are $10.

For more information, visit http://laughingdevil.com/ tickets.cfm?ShowID=1285.

CYNDI LAUPER

FALL hARvEst FEstIvAL

CALPULLI MExICAN DANCE

New York City’s own Calpulli Mexican Dance Company will return to Queens Theatre at 8 p.m. for a performance dedicated to the rich traditions of Mexico. The troupe will debut several new works with the help of artistic director Noemy Hernandez, musical director George Saenz and costume designer/co-founder Alberto Lopez. Tickets are $35 for general seating and $25 for rear side seating. The show will also take place on Oct. 20 at 4 p.m.

Come to the Fall Harvest Festival at Victory Field in Forest Park from noon to 3 p.m. There will be fall-themed activities like a pumpkin patch, various games, face painting, live entertainment and much more. Victory Field is located at Woodhaven Boulevard between Myrtle Avenue and Forest Park Drive. For information, call (718) 235-4100 or visit nyc.gov/parks.

hALLowEEN toUR

Greater Astoria Historical Society will host a tour of murder and mystery along the Long Island City waterfront starting at noon under the Hell Gate Bridge in Astoria Park. Bring water and sturdy shoes. Cost is $20 for non-members, $15 for members.

sUNDay 10/20

FREE CoNCERt

QUEENs LItERARY towN hALL

The inaugural 3rd Space event features “The Queens Literary Town Hall,” organized by Queens based artist, Audrey Dimola. The evening will be part performance, part soapbox and part networking opportunity, and will serve as a platform for local writers/literature lovers to connect to each other and to the literary organizations and reading series in Queens. The event will take place at the Queens Council on the Arts, at 37-11 35th Ave., Astoria, running from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Admission is $5. For more information visit,

sUNDay 10/20

Kupferberg Presents will invite the Queens-raised Cyndi Lauper to the Colden Auditorium stage. For her “She’s So Unusual 30th Anniversary Tour,” the singer will perform her debut album in full, including hits “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” and “Time After Time.”

In between numbers, Lauper will tell the audience never-before-stories about the album’s recording process.

The show will start at 7 p.m. and tickets range from $35 to $125.

BALé FoLCLóRICo DA BAhIA

Kupferberg Presents will open Colden Auditorium for a performance by Balé Folclórico da Bahia, a 25-member troupe of Brazilian dancers, musicians and singers.

Together, they will display the region’s most important cultural manifestations through an energetic theatrical vision of rhythm and choreography. The show begins at 8 p.m. For more information, or to buy tickets, call (718) 793-8080 or visit www.kupferbergcenter. org.

SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK

JAMEs DARREN AND sAL RIChARDs

James Darren and Sal Richards will perform at the Queensborough Performing Arts Center from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Darren has had a five-decade career that has spanned from film to television to music. His latest record is “Because Of You,” a collection of standards and big band swing. Richards is a notable comedian and impersonator who has gotten rave reviews all over the East Coast. Tickets cost $40.

The Flushing-Fresh Meadows Jewish Center will present a community-wide free concert, Shirathon 5, of noted area cantors, choirs and accomplished singers. The concert will take place at 2 p.m. Refreshments will be served. The Jewish center is located at 193-10 Peck Ave. For more information, call (718) 3575100.

wooDhAvEN stREEt FAIR

The Greater Woodhaven Development Corp. will host the Woodhaven Street Fair from noon to 6 p.m. on Jamaica Avenue, from 80th Street to Woodhaven Boulevard. This event will feature food, rides for kids and adults, live entertainment, many vendors and more.

ARt FoR FAMILIEs

Make costumes with your kids, from ages 5 to 11 at the Noguchi Museum.

Advanced registration is required. The Museum is located at 9-01 33rd Rd., Long Island City. The arts-and-crafts day starts at 10:30 a.m. For information visit, www.noguchi.org/programs/education/families.

band King of the World at 8 p.m. Come see the band play Steely Dan classics like “Deacon Blues,” “Hey Nineteen” and “Kid Charlamagne.” Resorts World Casino is located at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. in South Ozone Park.

MUsIC FoR AUtIsM

The Central Queens Y will host Music for Autism, starting at 1 p.m. The free show will feature Eric Schoene Rene, who is the main cellist of the Chelsea Symphony Orchestra.

The Central Queens Y is located at 67-09 108th St., Forest Hills.

moNDay 10/21

5th ANNUAL CoMMUNItY PARtNERshIP CELEBRAtIoN

Since the Fortune Society is grateful to its partners, it wants to celebrate and honor certain individuals and organizations that have provided vital services and support to formerly incarcerated communities. The evening will begin at 4 p.m. with networking, tours and food prepared by Fortune’s Culinary Arts program. The evening will continue with entertainment, the awards ceremony and dessert till 6 p.m. The event will take place at the Fortune Society, located at 29-76 Northern Blvd., Long Island City.

WEDNEsDay 10/23 stEELY DAN tRIBUtE

Resorts World Casino will host Steely Dan cover

tHURsDay 10/24 It’s GREEk (AND RoMAN) to ME

The Adult Education Committee of Hillcrest Jewish Center and Rabbi Manes Kogan will present “It’s Greek (and Roman) to Me,” a program on Jewish life under the Greeks and Romans. Liora Ben-Harari will discuss this period of Jewish history, going over topics like Alexander the Great, the Hasmoneans, Herod, the Bar Kokhba Revolt, the start of Christianity and the origins of rabbinic Judaism. The event is free, starts at 7:30 p.m. and takes place at 183-02 Union Tpke., Fresh Meadows.

Got EvENts?

send all information to editor@queenstribune.com or mail to: 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, Ny 11357

Oct. 18-24, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

What’s Up oCt. 18 Learning About healthcare Reform The EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care Center in Cambria Heights will host a series of free programs to help you get healthy. In this program, you will get to learn about the new healthcare reform laws and how it will affect you. The free program will be held at 10 a.m. at the center, located at 206-20 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights. For more information, call (866) 539-0999 or visit www.ehnc.com.

Low-impact Zumba As part of its new health series, the EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care Center in Cambria Heights will hold a free low-impact zumba class for all community residents. The free program will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the center, located at 206-20 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights. For more information, call (866) 539-0999 or visit www.ehnc.com.

oCt. 19 “Fruitvale Station” Screening Christ Church International will present a showing of “Fruitvale Station.” During the events based on this true story, on Jan. 1, 2009, the writer Rayan Coogler was in USC’s graduate program for Cinematic Arts. He was compelled to write this script about the last day of Oscar Grant’s life before being killed by a BART police officer. This movie was not written to promote riots or revenge but to seek acts of non-violence to insure a peaceful community.

For additional information, contact Pastor Kelly Riggins or Sister Akea Lyels of Christ Church International at (347) 878-5290. The movie will be shown at the Jamaica Multiplex Cinemas located at 159-02 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica. Tickets are $10. The movie will be shown from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Author talk with Robert Kolker “Lost Girls” is a haunting and humanizing account of the true-life search for a serial killer still at large on Long Island. In a triumph of reporting, and in a riveting narrative, Robert Kolker presents the first detailed look at the shadow world of escorts in the Internet age, where making a living is easier than ever but the dangers remain all too real. Come and meet Kolker at the Queens Central Library from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event is free.

Singing Workshop Do you love to sing? Then join the musical director of Braata Productions for an afternoon singing workshop! Space is limited and the event is free. Preregistration is required, online or by calling (718) 990-0728.

The workshop will be held at Queens Central Library from 3 to 4 p.m.

healthy Living Diabetes Class As part of its new health series, the EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care Center in Cambria Heights will hold a free program educating community residents about diabetes. The free program will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the center, located at 206-20 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights. For more information, call (866) 5390999 or visit www.ehnc.com.

Josephine Baker The Black Spectrum Theatre Company will present a documentary on one of the most famous and popular performing artists of the 20th century, Josephine Baker. “A Black Diva in a White Man’s World” looks at her life and work from a perspective that analyses images of Black people in popular culture.

The event will run from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Black Spectrum Theatre, located at 177th Street and Baisley Boulevard. It costs $12 for general admission, $10 for seniors and students under the age of 18. For more information, call (718) 7231800 or visit www.blackspectrum. com.

“Melvin & Jean: An American Story” The Black Spectrum Theatre Company will hold a screening of “Melvin & Jean: An American Story” from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Melvin and Jean McNiar hijacked a plane from Detroit to Algeria in 1972 with their two babies on board. They called it an act of political resistance. The hijacking was also an act of desperation committed by two people in their early twenties who saw no other way to escape what they felt was the constant state of racial oppression in America.

There will be a Q&A with director Maia Wechsler after the screening.

Tickets cost $12 for general admission and $10 for students under the age of 18 and seniors. Call (718) 7231800 for more information.

Music At CityRib CityRib, located at 89-14 Parsons Blvd., continues its October Music Fest with Renee Benot and The RB Project, who will take the stage from

8-11 p.m. There is no cover charge and drink specials will be offered.

For information, visit www.cityrib. com.

and cons of this potential co-location. The hearing will be held at IS 72 located at 133-25 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica.

oCt. 20 “Danse Macabre”

oCt. 23 Resorts World Casino Job Fair

Not for the squeamish or faint of heart! A contemporary tribute to the theatrical horror genre comes to center stage with dance and plays that combine physical and psychological terror with a strong dose of humor.

The show is free and will be held at the Queens Central Library from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Resorts World Casino will host a free New York City job fair. The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to noon.

The job fair will be located at 16825 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica. For more information, call (718) 557-6755 or visit www.nyc.gov/workforce1.

oNgoiNg: Early Exposure to tennis “After Earth” The Central Library will hold a tryouts Youth and Tennis Inc. will present free screening of the sci-fi film, “After Earth,” from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. M. Night Shyamalan teams up with Will and Jaden Smith in this sci-fi tale chronicling the journey of a father and son whose spacecraft crashes on the long-barren Earth 1,000 years in the future. For more information, call (718) 990-0700.

Youth Mentoring Meeting The National Council of Negro Women, Queens County Youth Section, is seeking girls 12 to 18 years old for their mentoring program.

The program will assist girls in developing into young women through leadership and etiquette skill training with mentorship, using real-talk and entertaining activities.

The first meeting will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at Dave & Busters in Westbury. If you are interested, please contact them on Facebook at “NCNW Queens Youth” and leave a message. You can also contact the Youth Advisor, Sakinah Black, at (516) 241-8800.

oCt. 21 National Alliance of Mental illnesses As part of its new health series, the EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care Center in Cambria Heights will hold a free workshop on mental illnesses for all community residents.

The free program will be held at 4:30 p.m. at the center, located at 206-20 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights. For more information, call (866) 5390999 or visit www.ehnc.com.

oCt. 22 Co-Location hearing The public is invited to a public hearing to solicit comments regarding the potential co-location of PS 332 with IS 72 and PS 993. Please come prepared to discuss the pros

their “Early Exposure to Tennis Program” for children ages 4-8. The tryouts will be held at the Roy Wilkins Tennis Courts located at the intersection of 177th Street and Baisley Boulevard. Scholarships and partial scholarships will be available for the talented youth. For more information, call (718) 658-6728.

Kickers Junior Soccer Club of SEQ Boys and girls ages 4-18, with or without skills, are encouraged to register for the free Kickers Junior Soccer Club of Southeast Queens. The kids will not only receive great training in the game, but they will also have the opportunity to engage in cultural and educational activities.

Kickers offers a year-round program, including indoor and outdoor seasons. Travel team opportunities are available. Experienced 12 to 13 yearolds interested in the travel program are being sought. Kickers coaches have received special training to work with youngsters and look forward to meeting you and your children.

To register, parents should bring two passport size photos and a copy of the young person’s birth certificate, or other documents, as proof of date of birth of participant. For additional information, contact: Fritz Casimir (718) 496-5013; Wilfrid Compere (718) 282-2291; Neville Barrett (718) 664-5187; Leslie Bourjolly (347) 279-4458; or Price Olivier (718) 723-0541. Registration will begin on Oct. 19 at 11 a.m. at Montbellier Park, located at Springfield Boulevad and 139th Avenue.

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

Page 20 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 18-24, 2013

Queens Today TEENS

Section editor: reGinA VoGeL

Send announcements for your club or organization’s events at least tWo weeks in advance to “Queens today” editor, Queens tribune, 150-50 14 road, Whitestone nY 11357.

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

FLEA MARKET KEW GARDENS FLEA Saturday, October 19 8-5 (raindate october 26) Lirr north Parking Lot, 82-60 Austin Street, Kew Gardens.

Heavenly Angels Animal rescue. Adoptions 12-4.

Benefits JHMc Pediatric department.

CRAFT & FLEA Saturday, October 19 St. elisabeth’s church, 6 Harvard Street, Floral Park 9-4.

RUMMAGE SALE S a t u r d ay, O c t o b e r 2 6 9-4 with ethnic foods. St. Josaphat, 35th Avenue and 210th Street, Bayside.

TALKS RIDGEWOOD Monday, October 21 “the Language of Flowers” discussed at 6:30.

ARCHITECTURE Monday, October 21at 6:30 at the Flushing library.

QUEENS VILLAGE Wednesday, Oc tober 23 “Gone Girl” at 11.

MCGOLDRICK Wednesday, Oc tober 23 book discussion at 1.

FINANCIAL STRAT. Friday, October 25 Windsor Park library at 2.

HALLOWEEN FEST S a t u r d ay, O c t o b e r 1 9 Flushing library at noon.

HOMEWORK HELP Saturdays through november 30 volunteer to help children at 10 at the Bayside library.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2.

MANNERS JEOPARDY M o n d a y, O c t o b e r 2 1 Flushing library at 4.

WII GAMES Mondays and Fridays McGoldrick library at 5:30.

TEEN ZONE Monday-Thursday Queens Village library at 3. register.

ARTS & CRAFTS Tuesdays & Fridays 5:30 at the McGoldrick library.

KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays, October 22, 29 Bellerose library at 3.

NUTRITION WORKSHOP Thursdays, October 17, 24 Lefferts library at 6. Learn to prepare food and manage weight and more.

NEEDLEWORK CLUB Tuesdays through November 26 Bayside librar y at 4.

CHESS CLUB Wednesday, Oc tober 23 Queens Village library at 3:30.

HALLOWEEN CRAFT Wednesday, Oc tober 23 Queens Village library at 3.

BOARD GAMES Wednesdays 5:30 McGoldrick library.

SCRABBLE CLUB Thursdays through November 26 east Flushing library at 3:30.

WII GAMES Thursdays, Oc tober 24, 31 5:30 at the McGoldrick library.

DRUM WORKSHOP Thursday, October 24 Lic library at 4.

GREEN CRAFTS

T h u r s d ay, O c to b e r 2 4 Broadway library at 5.

CHESS CLUB Thursdays through November 21 east Flushing library at 4:30.

BOOK BUDDIES Fridays through November 22 Bayside library at 4.

TEEN HAPPY HOUR Fridays through November 29 Flushing library at 4.

CHESS CLUB Fridays through November 22 Woodside library at 4.

CRAFT TIME Mondays, October 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18, 25 Steinway library at 11.

BABY AND ME Mondays, Oc tober 21, 28, November 4, 18, 25 Bayside library at 11.

FAMILY STORYTIME Mondays, October 21, 28, November 4, 18 Auburndale library at 3:30.

DANCE PARTY Tuesday, October 22 Baisley Park library at 4.

GET ELECTRIC Tuesdays, Oc tober 22, 29 Woodhaven library at 4:30.

ORIGAMI tuesdays richmond Hill library at 5.

ARTS & CRAFTS tuesdays at the north Hills library at 2:15.

NATURE KIDS tuesdays Sunnyside library at 3:00 and Woodside library at 4:15.

BOOK BUDDIES tuesdays through november 26 Windsor Park library at 4.

ECO CRAFTS Wednesday, Oc tober 23 noon and 4 at the Sunnyside library.

PRESCHOOL CRAFT Wednesday, Oc tober 23 Windsor Park librar y at 1:30.

HALLOWEEN CRAFT Wednesday, Oc tober 23 Bellerose library at 3:30.

SENIORS SENIOR FITNESS Through November 1 tennis at Astoria Park, tennis and yoga at cunningham Park, tennis at Flushing Meadow Park and tennis and yoga at roy Wilkins Park. call 760-6999 for 0065act times and locations.

AARP 3334 Mondays, October 21, November 18, December 16 at St. Kevin’s Parish center in Flushing. 224-0478.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Monday, October 21 Hollis and Laurelton libraries. register.

CHAIR YOGA Mondays, October 21, 28

Arverne library at noon.

CLEARVIEW SENIORS M o n d a y, O c t o b e r 2 1 dance aerobics at 10. Tuesday, October 22 music appreciation at 12:45. Friday, October 25 “A Little Bit of Heaven” movie at 12:45 and “You never Have to Stop Learning new things” at 10.Monday, Oc tober 28 dance aerobics at 10. clearview Senior center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 224-7888.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Tuesday, October 22 Forest Hills library. register.

STAR Wednesday, Oc tober 23 Glen oaks librar y at 2.

StAr Senior theater Acting repertory presents a variet y of drama/comedy scenes and musical numbers. Free.

YOGA Thursdays, October 24, 31 Flushing library at 1.

DRIVER SAFETY Friday, October 25 Glen oaks library. register.

ONGOING EVENTS SOUTH ASIAN Alternate Saturdays Selfhelp Br-PS Senior center in Flushing. indian-style activities, lunch. 886-5777.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE Mondays Lunch, lesson and congenial play. Pride of Judea. 423-6200.

MISC. CRAFTIVITIES Wednesdays through november 27 east Flushing library. register.

KNIGHTS OF QUEENS Wednesdays at the Queens Village library at 3:30.

REHEARSALS S at ur days , Sa c red M u sic chorale of richmond Hill holds rehearsals at St. John’s in richmond Hill. www.richmondhillny.com/ ArtsSMc.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED experienced in community outreach, social media, public relations and assisting in various activities with seniors at the Jackson Adult center.

657-6692.

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

S U P P L e M e n tA L S U M MonS index no.: 3885/10 d/o/F: 3/8/2010 tHe BASiS oF VenUe iS tHAt tHe ProPertY iS SitUAted in SAid coUntY Block: 10380 Lot: 0026 SUPreMe coUrt oF tHe StAte oF neW YorK coUntY oF QUeenS nYc tL 2009-A trUSt And tHe BAnK oF neW YorK AS coLLAterAL AGent And cUStodiAn For tHe nYctL 2009-A trUSt, Plaintiffs, -against- BUndo ASSociAteS, inc; dePArtMent oF FinAnce oF tHe citY oF neW YorK; GrAZe coMPAnY, inc.; neW YorK citY enVironMentAL controL BoArd; neW YorK citY trAnSit AdJUdicAtion BUreAU; neW YorK StAte dePArtMent oF tAXAtion And FinAnce; “JoHn doe no.

1” through “JoHn doe no.

100” inclusive, the name of the last 100 defendants being fictitious, the true names of said defendants being unknown to plaintiff, it being intended to designate fee owners, tenants or occupants of the liened premises and/or persons or parties having or claiming an interest in or a lien upon the liened premises, if the aforesaid individual defendants are living, and if any or all of said individual defendants be dead, their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, committees, devisees, legatees, and assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest of them and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, through, or against the said defendants named as a class, of any right, title, or interest in or lien upon the premises described in the complaint herein, defendants. to tHe ABoVe nAMed deFendAntS: YoU Are HereBY SUMMoned to answer the complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your Answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of Appearance on the Plaintiffs’ Attorneys within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, where service

is made by delivery upon you personally within the State, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner, and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.

YoU Are HereBY PUt on notice tHAt We Are AtteMPtinG to coLLect A deBt, And AnY inForMAtion oBtAined WiLL Be USed For tHAt PUrPoSe. the present amount of the debt as of the date of this summons: $33,145.28 consisting of principal balance of $27,851.04 plus interest of $3,969.24, and miscellaneous charges of $ 0.00; attorney fee $775.00 and title search $550.00. Because of interest and other charges that may vary from day to day, the amount due on the day you pay may be greater.

Hence, if you pay the amount shown above, an adjustment may be necessary after we receive the check, in which event we will inform you. the name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed: nYctL 2009-A trUSt And tHe BAnK oF neW YorK AS coLLAterAL AGent And cUStodiAn For tHe nYctL 2009-A trUSt, Unless you dispute the validity of the debt, or any portion thereof, within thirty (30) days after receipt hereof, the debt will be assumed to be valid by the herein debt collector. if you notify the herein debt collector in writing within thirty (30) days after your receipt hereof that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, we will obtain verification of the debt or a copy of any judgment against you representing the debt and a copy of such verification or judgment will be mailed to you by the herein debt collector. Upon your written request within 30 days after receipt of this notice, the herein debt collector will provide you with the name and address of the original creditor if different from the current creditor. note: Your time to respond to the summons and complaint differs from your

time to dispute the validity of the debt or to request the name and address of the original creditor. Although you have as few as 20 days to respond to the summons and complaint, depending on the manner of service, you still have 30 days from receipt of this summons to dispute the validity of the debt and to request the name and address of the original creditor. to tHe deFendAntS: BUndo ASSociAteS, inc: if you have obtained an order of discharge from the Bankruptcy court, which includes this lien, and you have not reaffirmed your liability for this lien, this law firm is not alleging that you have any personal liability for this lien and does not seek a money judgment against you. even if a discharge has been obtained, this lawsuit to foreclose the lien will continue and we will seek a judgment authorizing the sale of the premises. dated: March 4, 2010 Jason Kalmar, esq. roSicKi, roSicKi & ASSociAteS, P.c. Attorneys for Plaintiff Main office 51 e Bethpage road Plainview, nY 11803 Phone: 516-741-2585 Help For Homeowners in Foreclosure new York State Law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully. Mortgage foreclosure is a complex process. Some people may approach you about “saving” your home. You should be extremely careful about any such promises. the State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. there are government agencies, legal aid entities and other non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about foreclosure while you are working with your lender during this process. to locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the new York State Banking department at 1-877BAnKnYS (1-877-226-5697) or visit the department’s website at www.banking. state.ny.us. the State does not guarantee the advice of these agencies.

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Sir Paul Sings at Sinatra A music legend surprised Astoria students with a live performance last week.

Sir Paul McCartney, the iconic former member of The Beatles and current solo artist, rocked the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts last Wednesday.

McCartney appeared in support of his new album, appropriately titled “New,” which is his first album featuring new songs in six years.

The music legend played a 13-song set for the crowd at the school, including Beatles classics “Blackbird,” “Back in the USSR” and “Lady Madonna.” He also played Wings tracks like “Band on the Run” and three songs from his newly-released album.

From the looks of the set list, it sounds like it was a terrific show.

This QConf reporter is eter-

Jenn Dodd

Talented individuals of all kinds should email editor@ queenstribune.com for inclusion in a future edition. nally jealous of everyone that got to witness that show live. Come back to Queens soon, Paul!

The demonstrations will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lawrence Cemetery, located at 216th and 42nd Ave., Bayside.

Admission for both shows is $8 for Bayside Historical Society members and $10 for nonmembers.

Reservations are required. To reserve your tickets, call (718) 352-1548.

QConf is edited by: Steven J. Ferrari Contributors: Luis Gronda, Natalia Kozikowska, Joe Marvilli, Marcia Moxom Comrie, Michael Nussbaum, Trisha Sakhuja, Michael Schenkler.

Magic Tram Ride

Musical Suggestions

While walking through the East Village two weeks ago, this QConf reporter saw an awning for “Bayside! The Musical!”

Unfortunately, this stage show is not a sendup of life in Northeastern Queens. Instead, it is a parody of the 90s sitcom “Saved

By The Bell.”

Still, it got us thinking of what neighborhoods would make for great musicals.

Think about it. You can have an Astoria musical that

comedians oF QUeens

Got Talent?

Who Ya Gonna Call?

Looks like Queens residents are no longer going to have to call Ghostbusters now that the Bayside Historical Society is in town.

On Oct. 26 and Nov. 2, the Seekers Club will be holding a live paranormal investigation, explaining the tools and techniques used to discover ghosts and other forces beyond.

Q

CONFIDENTIAL

Page 22 PRESS of Southeast Queens Oct. 18-24, 2013

pits hipsters against the Greek population, ala “West Side Story.” And instead of a musical like “Mamma Mia,” which is based on the songs of ABBA, we can have a musical based on the Ramones called “Rockaway Beach!” A rap musical based on Southeast Queens would be another first.

As for some of our elected officials, we think something like “American Idiot” might fit quite well!

Let’s say you want to travel between Long Island City and Central Park. It’s a nice day and you don’t want to get cooped up in a subway car. Well, one project has come up with an idea: expand the tram.

The Forum for Urban Design recently put together a list of 46 proposals as part of its Next New York project.

The projects are all speculative imaginings of what the future of the City could look like. One concept is to extend the Roosevelt Island Tramway from Central Park South to Queens Plaza.

Of course, none of the projects listed are include in the yearly budget and many of them would surely be pricey.

But the view would definitely be nicer than the inside of a tunnel.

While it may be expensive and an offbeat idea, this QConf reporter thinks it would be a big hit. After all, some people will do anything to avoid taking the subway!

What happens when comedic actress Jenn Dodd doesn’t show up to her onewoman show?

Dodd recently premiered her first solo show, "No Show: A One-Woman Show," on Oct. 10. The show runs through Oct. 25 at Stage Left Studios in Manhattan.

Dodd said she's been working on the show over the course of the past year.

“By the last show, I will have it exactly how I want it,” she said.

After she fails to arrive for her own show, many different personalities take advantage of the empty stage.

In this quirky, fast-paced comedy, Dodd’s inspiration to portray each oddball character is through an “amalgamation” of ideas.

By coming on stage from different parts of the theatre, Dodd plays characters like Trish Casino, a Psychic medium and a "drunk chick laugh-pukes at wedding" YouTube star; Kyle Baxter, a technician by night, video gamer and role-play expert by day; Rhonda Tuttle, Dodd's Southern, cougar aunt hoping to meet husband number seven; and last but not least, Tiffani-Tori-Amber Sweetin, a washed-up child star and Dodd’s understudied understudy.

The show goes through many costume and wig changes, which Dodd said are an important part of the show because visual cues help the audience identify the character she is embodying.

From the age of 14, Dodd

was acting in class plays and at the local medieval fair in Texas.

Acting brought her to New York after she was accepted into the Circle in the Square Theatre School. Since graduating, she has created more than 50 original characters.

Most recently, she joined the cast of the off-Broadway play, “The Gong Show,” in which she plays multiple original characters. She is a member of The Final Edition Radio Hour, a satirical, political comedy program that airs on the Progressive Radio Network.

Dodd is also last year’s Andy Kaufman Award finalist, which she said “was a great experience” and wants to compete again this year.

Oddly enough, Dodd moved to the City on the day of the blackout in 2003, where she moved to Astoria and hasn’t left since.

By living and working in Astoria, she said “there is a lot of competition, but it is very healthy.”

Dodd said watching other comedians and actors in the Western Queens area keeps her on her toes.

When asked how she expects her audience to react to the show, she said “I would like to capture the element of surprise.”

In the future, Dodd wants to play a pre-school teacher who reads an inappropriate book to her class.

Tickets for the show are $20 with a $5 discount for seniors, students and military personnel. For more information, visit www.stageleftstudio.net, or call (212) 838-2134.

Oct. 18-24, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 23

ALL ROADS LEAD TO JAMAICA HOSPITAL

The many roads that make up our community are the same roads that lead to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

As your neighbor, our wide variety of clinical services are always available to you and your family.

Learn More About our Many Quality Services Including Emergency Medicine • Cardiology • Pulmonary Medicine • Ambulatory Care Advanced Radiology Services • Sleep Center • Obstetrics and Gynecology • Pediatrics

By Calling us at 718-206-6000 or Visit our Website at www.jamaicahospital.org