Volume 13 Issue No. 45 Nov. 9-15, 2012
PAGE 18
PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen
MEEKS RE-ELECTED
U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks said storm recovery would be his top priority after winning another term in Congress Tuesday night. By Natalia Kozikowska ‌ Page 3.
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News Briefs Twin Brothers Charged With Breaking Into Queens Cycle Shop As New York City struggles to recover from the devastating affects of Superstorm Sandy, two twin brothers from Jamaica have been charged with stealing a U-Haul truck and using it to smash through the gate of a Queens Village motorcycle shop. According to the criminal charges, Sean Martin was contacted by an individual identified as Chino on Oct. 30, and asked if he wanted to make some money. Thereafter, Sean and his brother, Anthony, allegedly waited outside a U-Haul facility located at 185-11 Merrick Blvd., with others until the facility closed at approximately 7 p.m. After the gate was cut, at least one of the unapprehended others went into the office and took the keys to a truck. It is alleged that Chino then drove the UHaul truck, with Sean Martin seated as a passenger, to New York Motorcycle, located at 222-02 Jamaica Ave., where video surveillance footage showed the twins approach the shop’s gate at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Oct. 31, and attempt to cut the gate using what appeared to be bolt cutters before walking away. The criminal complaint further alleged that minutes later the surveillance videotape showed the same U-Haul truck repeatedly backing up and smashing into the gate before the vehicle lodged itself inside the building, damaging the gate, the building and several motorcycles. The two defendants, as well as several unapprehended males, were then allegedly seen entering the motorcycle shop before fleeing. The Martins were arrested approximately an hour later when the vehicle Anthony Martin was driving was stopped at the intersection of Hempstead Avenue and 217 Lane for failing to signal a turn. According to a statement released by District Attorney Richard Brown, Anthony and Sean Martin, 24, of 119-26 177th Pl., Jamaica are the suspects identified with the crime. Both defendants were arraigned on Thursday of last week before Queens Criminal Court Judge Stephanie Zaro. The twin brothers are being charged with third-degree burglary, second-degree criminal mischief, third and fourth-degree grand larceny and possession of burglar’s tools. If convicted, both brothers face up to seven years in prison.
St. Albans Man Charged With Attempting To Cut Gas Line With Gun St. Albans resident, Sean Bailey, is currently waiting arraignment for attempting
to pull his white 2010 BMW ahead of another motorist on a gas line at the intersection of Astoria Boulevard and 43rd Street sometime between 2:30 a.m. and 3:05 a.m., according to a statement released by District Attorney Richard Brown. According to the charges, Bailey, 35, of 11-14 204th St., St. Albans, displayed a firearm, pointed the gun at a 29-year-old motorist and said, “If you don’t pull back, you’re not getting gas tonight.” The suspect was arrested shortly thereafter and police allegedly recovered a loaded .25 caliber Phoenix Raven pistol from his left boot at the ankle. Bailey is being held on charges of second-degree possession of a weapon and second-degree menacing. If convicted, he faces up to fifteen years in prison.
Queens Churches Hold Sandy Benefits Less than two weeks after Superstorm Sandy wrought devastation across New York City, a community of churches have come together to hold a relief effort to collect items for the victims. The Hurricane Sandy Benefit will take place at All Saints’ Church in Bayside on Nov. 10. The event is the result of a collaboration between several Episcopal Churches based in eastern Queens. The fundraiser will be hosted by All Saints, Grace Church, which is based in Whitestone, St George’s Church, which is based in Flushing, St. John’s Church, which is based in Flushing, St. Paul’s Church, which is based in College Point and Zion Church, which is based in Douglaston. If you would like to attend the benefit, All Saints’ Church is located at 214-35 40th Ave. in Bayside. Admission to the event is free with the donation of any one of the following: nonperishable food items, water, batteries, blankets, sweatshirts, socks for men, women and children, diapers and juice boxes. There will be food and a DJ for the entertainment of attendees.
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Meeks Secures Eighth Term In Congress BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA
Photo courtesy of Candace Sandy
Long-time incumbent U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica) has successfully secured his eighth term in the House, defeating Republican challenger Allan Jennings in the newly drawn 5th Congressional District. Meeks, who won the election with an overwhelming majority of 90 percent, will be representing the newly drawn district which now encompasses Nassau communities like Elmont, Inwood and Valley Stream, in addition to the Southeast Queens region. The Congressman said that his first and most important focus upon maintaining his seat will be helping those in his district recover from the devastation left behind by Superstorm Sandy. “The first thing is to make sure we work with folks to revitalize
the areas that were hardest hit by the storm,” he said. “There is going to be a lot of new responsibility now with the devastation of Sandy. I’ve been digging in there and helping individuals throughout the district, especially in the entire Rockaway peninsula [because] in January, I will be representing the entire peninsula.” Beyond restoring communities in his district, Meeks has plans to strengthen the economic conditions for homeowners in his district. “Above and beyond that [restoration efforts] it’s really about what this campaign was all about,” he said. “It was about helping creating jobs for folks. It’s about helping individuals who are still reeling from the home foreclosures issues, so we want to make sure that we stay on top of that and still save individuals from loosing homes,” Meeks said. Also on his agenda, the in-
Congressman Meeks casting his vote on Tuesday, Nov. 6. cumbent said he hopes to combat global warming, which he in part attributes to the cause of Superstorm Sandy. “We want to make sure that the airport continues to be a
friendly neighbor. We’ve got to make sure that environmentally, it does better because there are many individuals that live around the area,” he said. On a federal level, the Con-
gressman said that one of his primary focuses will be fighting for immigration reform. “In Washington, I am going to be pushing for the DREAM Act. It is important that we have immigration reform because one of the highest constituent services that we have in this office are immigrants – people who want to be legally citizens of the United States. Young kids who have been here all their lives, know no other country but the United States and yet after they finish high school, they are in danger.” Meeks defeated Allan Jennings, who previously lost the Democratic ticket to the incumbent. Jennings re-entered the race on the Republican ticket, despite being a registered Democrat. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queens press.com.
Sanders Calls For Resignation Of LIPA President BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA With Far Rockaway in the midst of its second week without power following Superstom Sandy, Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton) called for the resignation of Long Island Power Authority president Michael Hervey if power is not restored at least in part by Monday. “This is an absolute failure at every level on the part of LIPA,”
said the Councilman in a statement. “This is a display of incompetence that is so overwhelming it almost seems like a comedy routine. Let me be clear, if the power is not restored to the Rockaway peninsula soon, things will get dangerous. People will get hurt. Lives will be lost.” A spokesperson for Sanders explained that the loss of power is creating dangerous situations for residents.
“If you are sick and rely on medication – that’s a problem. If you’re diabetic and can’t put your medication in the fridge, it’s dangerous. If you’re elderly and immobile, you’re completely vulnerable,” he said. “To an extent, single women are also vulnerable [to rape and assault]. Those are the population groups we are most concerned about.” With the crisis in the Rockaways exasperated by a food supply shortage, a source who wishes to be anonymous revealed that LIPA officials are estimating it might take as long as three to four weeks to regain power back in the region. “LIPA needs to make it a priority. These timelines need to be expedited,” the source said. In addition to the lack of LIPA service, Sanders said there is another group missing from the Rockaways – the Federal Emergency Management Administration. “There is no question that FEMA was desperately needed in Breezy Point, with more than 100 homes burned to the
Councilman James Sanders ground,” said Sanders in a statement. “But there needs to be at least a presence that at minimum, lets people know that their government has not abandoned them and is aware of the situation.” LIPA could not be reached for comment as of press time. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@ queenspress.com.
Nov. 9-15, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3
PRESS Photo by Ross Barkan
Massive flooding in Southeast Queens as a result of Superstorm Sandy.
“The reality is that things are going to get dangerous. Sandy was a bad storm. What’s happening now is the lack of power is creating a crisis,” he said. “We are seeing break-ins and we are going to have things unreported. There are going to be assaults, rapes, murders and plenty of theft. At night, you can tell you are in New York City because of the skylines, but it looks like a Wyoming Prairie, it is that dark.” The spokesperson continued to share the Councilman’s sentiments, arguing that someone needs to take responsibility for the lack of action. “You aren’t going to blame the workers,” he said. “They’re out there working 12, 14 hour work days. This is a massive, massive failure. You can only attribute the failure to a leader – not the workers.” In addition to an increase in crimes such as looting, theft, rape and assault, the spokesperson noted that there are several different vulnerable residents in the Rockaways who are at risk as a result of the loss of electricity.
300 Seniors Left In The Dark For A Week than 300 senior citizens. When the center lost power late last As Superstorm Sandy made Monday, the elderly residents its way throughout New York last were left in the dark without heat week, hundreds of thousands for seven days. were left without electricity. Kevin Livingston, a local volWhile some had the luxury of unteer at 100 Soups for 100 Men staying at a family member’s or and concerned resident, exfriend’s house until power was plained that because the senior restored, the seniors at Allen housing center runs eight floors AME Senior Housing were im- up, the loss of power was devasmobile and had no choice but to tating to those inside. sit it out and wait. “You had seniors that were Allen AME Senior Housing in eight stories up and a lot of them Jamaica is a center home to more were stuck on those floors. When I went up to the apartments in the evening they were walking around with flashlights. It was freezing in their apartments,” said Livingston. “I was concerned that it was really cold in their apartments and a lot of them are bedridden.” Although luckily no one was hurt due to the loss of Restaurants Nation Fish House and Plate power, Livingston said that of Soul donate warm meals to AME Senior situations like these could Housing. be potentially life-threaten-
Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 9-15, 2012
BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA
ing to senior citizens. “There are a lot of seniors, especially in that area, and that’s deadly to them. They need electricity to see. There’s not heat and no hot water they can catch a cold and that can trickle down to other things,” he said. In an effort to bring some relief to the residents at AME Senior Housing, Livingston, along with a few other volunteers, delivered hot plates of food to the center. The meals were provided by two local restaurants – Nation Fish House and Plate of Soul. “Nation Fish House and Plate of Soul donated hot dinners on Friday night and it made them happy. They ate well. We had baked chicken, carrots, rice, green beans, apples and bottles of water,” he said. While Livingston is happy to report the center regained power on Tuesday morning, he does express discontent with Con Edison’s response time throughout the Queens area. “Governor Cuomo stated he
Concerned residents bring donated hot meals to the residents of a senior center. wants to hold these electricity companies responsible for putting power back on in Queens, so do I think they are working hard enough – no. If we were downtown Manhattan, it would be another story,” he said. Employees at AME Senior Housing were unable to comment
but did confirm that the center lost power for a week and regained power. They added that they too had provided their residents with hot meals. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@ queenspress.com
Volunteer Organizations Bring Relief To Rockaways BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA
Photo by Ira Cohen
As thousands of residents in the Rockaways are still left without essential resources following Sandy’s devastation, volunteer organizations throughout the City are offering a helping hand. With the National Guard still missing from one of the hardest hit areas in Queens, Councilman James Sanders (DLaurelton), along with a few volunteer organizations, have decided to fill their shoes by offering basic supplies like food, water, blankets and flashlights for those in need. New York Communities for Change is a community based organization that organizes in low and middle income neighborhoods to get working families the resources they need to fix problems in their neighborhood. Prior to the storm, NYCFC was already working with the Far Rockaway area but after the storm devastated the
Downed poles and power lines make it difficult to restore power to the hardest-hit areas of Superstorm Sandy. region, the organization refocused its efforts. Like Councilman Sanders, the members of NYCFC were concerned that the Rockaways were abandoned by the City. “People are really seeing the community that has been abandoned by services,” said Olivia Leirer, a spokesperson for NYCFC. “There’s just nothing else out there. Many people in Far Rockaway had no water, no power. Many of the people who
own homes out there have sustained lots of damage in their basements and had trees fall.” In an effort to ease the problem, NYCFC has been going door to door and talking to people about what they need to just make it through until the power comes back. They have been collecting donations of food, water, clothes, blankets, batteries, flashlights, candles and whatever other supplies people said they needed.
“One person said they had walked 40 blocks to try and find something and wound up finding one of the relief centers and were able to get some food and some water from there,” Leirer said. “We also have a team of organizers and volunteers knocking on doors finding out what people need and delivering supplies to them if they can’t get out to get it themselves.” The Rockaway Youth Task Force, a volunteer group stationed in the Rockaways, has also been coming to the aid of residents in need. President of the RYTF, Milan Taylor, said the group has deployed over 50 volunteers to the area and is similarly delivering supplies to those in need. “We’ve been going door to door in the high rises to identify those who are elderly and disabled or homebound. Those are the residents who aren’t able to come downstairs to the FEMA and Red Cross stations. They are trapped in their apartments be-
cause none of the elevators are working,” Taylor said. “After we’ve identified them, we’ve been making care packages and delivering them to each resident that needs them.” Taylor echoes many of the same concerns from elected officials and volunteer organizations regarding the lack of response in the Rockaways, arguing that because of its location, relief is limited. “There are only two bridges that lead off and on the peninsula so it’s not residents in the City can bike here or even walk here. We’re pretty isolated and this makes it difficult to transport materials residents need,” he said. The RYTF is currently collecting donations on its website for the victims of Superstorm Sandy. To donate, visit www.rytf.org. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@ queenspress.com.
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Nov. 9-15, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5
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OF SOUTHEAST QUEENS 150-50 14th Road Whitestone, NY 11357 (voice) (718) 357-7400 fax (718) 357-9417 email news@queenspress.com The PRESS of Southeast Queens Managing Editor:
Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:
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Regina Vogel Photo Editor: Ira Cohen Reporters: Harley Benson Natalia Kozikowska Ross Barkan Megan Montalvo Joe Marvilli Art Dept:
Rhonda Leefoon Candice Lolier Barbara Townsend
This week's election provided us with any number of important issues to watch in the coming months - including the President's re-election and the election of the first Asian-American woman from the East Coast to Congress. But a bigger issue that has emerged in the past week is this country's need to establish a new energy policy to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. In addition to the physical damage brought to the area by last week's Superstorm, the area has been nearly paralyzed by a gasoline shortage. Many homes have gone without heat and even more residents have found themselves without gasoline for their cars, keeping them from going to work and leaving them waiting in long lines hoping to get even the smallest amount of gas. The country's refusal to invest in energy alternatives is possibly the greatest challenge facing us in the coming years. Whether it be instability in the Middle East or shortages in our own supply, the country is at the mercy of forces beyond our control driving up prices and, at times, forcing families to choose between fuel and other necessities like food, rent and clothing. It is well past time that our elected officials started to make a dedicated effort to change our energy dependence, to invest in alternative strategies to heat our homes and power our vehicles. We call on our elected officials - especially our representatives in the U.S. House and Senate - to make this the top priority when the new legislative session begins in January.
Letters Library Update To the Editor: I want to update you and everyone in Queens about how Queens Library has responded
A Personal Perspective BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE
Sr. Account Executive Shelly Cookson
It’s a new day in our City and state. Weather conditions which used to give us a wide berth now come after us with all barrels blaring. Who would have thought New York City would have 80mile-per-hour winds? Well, Hurricane Sandy in her fury managed to show us that hurricanes and tropical storms are no longer the province of the tropics and the southern United States. They no longer discriminate. Sandy wreaked havoc on Virginia, Connecticut and New Jersey while crossing over into New York, driving thousands into shelters and leaving countless others homeless. Giant oak trees toppled onto houses, garages, fences, cars… and when it had at last withdrawn from our area, more than 40 New Yorkers were reported dead; and the living was
A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2012 Tribco, LLC
Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher
to community needs following the recent devastating storm, and what our plans are to serve the affected communities in the immediate future.
Letters More than 50 libraries opened for public service right after the storm. They provided important information, places to recharge personal cell phones and laptops, as well as a community space for people to just come in and share their experiences. With children out of school and many homes without power, a warm place with books and friendly faces was welcome. A handful of libraries sustained only minor damage but were without power. They were brought up as quickly as possible, most within a week. Four libraries in the southern part of Queens are badly damaged. They will need extensive repairs that are likely to take several months. But the community still needs us. The Book Bus was parked in front of the closed library at the foot of the Cross Bay Boulevard Bridge as soon as we were permitted to do so. Library staff was swamped with requests for information on everything from how to apply for FEMA grants to how to get a prescription filled. The Book Bus will be there several days a week until the library re-opens. In Far Rockaway, the library at Central Avenue and Mott Avenue opened to distribute emergency supplies. They were without power, and
glad to have an emergency generator to provide some computer and online access for people who need it. The libraries at Seaside, Arverne, Peninsula and Broad Channel need extensive repair. They were flooded with several feet of water. Perhaps more damaging, the wind got in through broken glass and blew the books and library materials into the water and sand, and they are a total loss. The library is exploring several options for providing temporary service while we rebuild. Libraries in Far Rockaway and Howard Beach will have expanded hours after re-opening so users in neighboring communities will have easier access to everything their community library provides. We will be starting repairs as quickly as possible. Staff will be relocated to temporary library spaces. But more than 100,000 library books, magazines and movies will have to be replaced. You can help. Please go to www.queenslibraryfoundation.org or phone (718) 480-4273 to find out how you can make a real impact. Thomas W. Galante, President and CEO, Queens Library
Southeast Queens Schooled By Superstorm Sandy
Advertising Director Gerry Laytin
Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie Shari Strongin Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 9-15, 2012
Editorial Energy Issues
left not only to bury their dead, but to pick up the pieces of their own shattered realities. More than 100 homes in the Breezy Point section of Far Rockaway were reduced to ashes. There were mass power outages that left people shivering in their homes because without electricity, the boilers were rendered temporarily useless. Local legislators were persistently in conference calls with Con Edison officials demanding that they work faster to restore power. They were emailing pictures of monster trees sprawled across roads and houses and yelling for the power company and others to do “get it done.” Ironically, most of the downed trees actually belonged to the City, not the homeowners. One home down the block from mine had three of these leafy monsters lying across its entrance and one on the detached garage. Parks Dept. and other workers
would come around and do very basic cutting and then move on to other blocks and areas to also give a lick and a promise to their tree problems, as opposed to fully removing the trees from one spot before moving on to another. But Sandy’s sadistic visit has taught us a whole lot. Namely, it taught us that when those charged with keeping us safe from these disasters tell us to get out of harm’s way, we really do need to listen. Many people in Zone A (near the ocean and canals) ignored the mayor’s warnings to leave until the hurricane passed. Some paid with their lives or the lives of their children, elderly parents or rescue workers. Just because dire warnings from Hurricane Irene didn’t materialize does not mean you ignore the possibility that this year’s threat won’t. The City also needs to think about the safety of its citizens by removing some of those older
gigantic trees. I was amazed at how shallow the roots of those giants are. It is also amazing that they did not fall before. Hurricanes and other natural disasters have been promised for New York for some time now. Those predictions are now starting to come to fruition. Nonetheless, we can all still be thankful that Sandy didn’t do worse than it did. We should also be grateful for the volunteers who came from across the country to assist Con Edison with power restoration, which is returning block by block; and to our own city workers and general citizens who pitched in to help. CUNY Colleges, including Queens College and York College, were also amazing in helping to take in evacuees. York had to cancel classes for nearly two weeks while it played host to more than 800 evacuee guests. What an experience this Sandy has been.
Nov. 9-15, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7
Superstorm Sandy
Small Business Feels Brunt Of Damage BY PRESS STAFF
Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 9-15, 2012
Bagel Time owner Fred Park serves coffee at the Whitestone bakery. While Sandy did not damage the store physically, the economic effects may be long-lasting. 10 employees working. As the Wyndham is struggling to reopen at the full capacity, the Riverview Restaurant, located along the East River at 2-01 50th Ave., also faced similar issues. Since Sandy hit, the Riverview has been unable to open for business, leaving their routine staff of 25 to 30 employees out of work. Although the owner has been working hard to make repairs with the intent to reopen at the end of next week, Riverview Event Coordinator Doris Nowillo Suda said many of their employees have begun seeking other means for work. “After Sandy, we had about two feet of f looding. All the fridges, food, liquor and Internet was damaged,” Nowillo Suda said. “It was devastating. I had to be honest with myself and my staff. We hate to see any of our employees go, but they have to do what is best for themselves.” As the restaurant nears its reopening, Nowillo Suda said she hopes the staff members will be able to return to work. “We don’t want anybody to forget about us,” Nowillo Suda said. “We want to send the message that we came back stronger than ever.” Perished Perishables Although Bagel Time in Whitestone did not suffer any
physical damage, the economic effects of Superstorm Sandy may have long-lasting consequences for the business. Fred Park, the owner of Bagel Time, felt that the lack of power, supplies and gas have all contributed to a perfect storm of economically-harmful problems for the small business located at 150-51 14th Ave. “It’s not normal. There’s no gas, no electricity, no food, no supplies,” he said. “For business people like me, it’s completely chaos.” The first sign of trouble after the storm was a lack of food supplies and a lack of available funds, since the Chase Bank the store uses remained closed until Thursday, Nov. 1. There was still some online banking available, but that did not help when customers needed change for their purchases. “For business owners, bank connection is very important for daily change. Cash management was very important throughout this week,” said Park. Since Bagel Time’s business is centered on perishable goods, delivery troubles compounded the already slowed-down sales. The company who supplies Bagel Time ran out of gas around the end of last week, making distributions far more sporadic. As
a result, supplies would start to run low or run out on days without a shipment. “We need dairy, flour, coffee and all that kind of stuff,” Park said. “If it’s out, we can’t do regular business.” The gas shortage has not only hurt Bagel Time’s delivery, but it has directly impacted their consumer base. Due to the presence of a gas station less than three blocks away on Clintonville Street, the car lines would clog up 14th Avenue. in front of the bakery. The gridlock stopped regulars who still have gas from accessing the streets surrounding the store. “We had tons of people complaining that they couldn’t come here because of the traffic mess. People don’t want to come out,” Park said. “I noticed a lot of people who work in Whitestone couldn’t come because of no public transportation in some areas and no gas either.” Park said he hopes things return to normal very soon, so the store can make it through the difficult winter months. The Bagel Time owner said he uses the usually strong business between October and December to cover expenses in January and February. “I just have to have patience,” Park said. “I hope that New York City gets back to what we were two weeks ago so we can get ready for Christmas.”
Photo courtesy of Alewife NYC
Clouded Waterfront Views In western Queens, a waterfront view of Manhattan typically means more business. But, during Superstorm Sandy, the close proximity to the very view that once attracted so many customers was exactly what put several establishments at a higher risk for flooding. At Alewife NYC, a popular pub on 51st Avenue in Long Island City, the damage incurred by four feet of flooding caused an eight-day closure. “It was not a pretty picture,” owner Patrick Donagher said. “Our fridges and motors were damaged, the floor will need to be replaced and we still do not have power.” Despite the repairs needed, Donagher said he has been work-
PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen
Rampant flooding, gas shortages and power outages are inconvenient for anyone, but they are especially disastrous for small businesses. After ravaging the New York metropolitan area, Superstorm Sandy brought economic activity, at least briefly, to a stand still. As New York City inches toward normalcy, the numerous damages the storm caused have burned deep holes in the wallets of small businesses across Queens. “Small businesses unfortunately bear the disproportionate brunt of lost economic activity,” said Comptroller John Liu. “The everyday goods and services provided by small businesses are the least likely to be postponed for a future date.” With gasoline scarce and power still out in some households, small businesses have found that their customer bases suddenly diminished. Liu said that as the region recovers from the storm, there will be an increase in consumer activity to match a pent up demand for goods. Businesses like restaurants, hotels and bars cannot necessarily make up for weeks of depressed demand, however.
ing to help storm victims in the Rockaways, Long Island and Staten Island. “What happened to our business is certainly unfortunate, but the important thing is that we still have a roof over our heads. Many others do not,” Donagher said. Once the business resumes operation, he said he hopes to host multiple events to help aid storm survivors. Currently, he has launched an online fundraiser for Alewife NYC at www.gofundme.com/ alewifenychelp and continues to open for a few hours during the evening to supplement the loss of income. Elsewhere in western Queens, larger businesses have also been working to recover from the storm. Due to a flooded lobby, restaurant and business center, the Wyndham Garden Hotel, located at 44-29 9th St. in Long Island City, anticipates being shut down for a month. The closure of the 128-room hotel that opened just seven months ago came as a shock for employees. “We knew the storm was coming, but we had no idea how much damage it would cause,” said Jeffrey Reich-Hale, director of sales and marketing. “Much of our electrical equipment was damaged during the flood. We’re not happy about it, but it could have been a lot worse.” To make up for the monetary loss, Reich-Hale said the hotel has opened its doors to FEMA employees and their affiliates. “Being able to house FEMA has allowed us to keep some of our employees working,” ReichHale said. “Right now, we are nowhere near being ready to open to our regular transient customers.” On any given month, ReichHale said the hotel earns anywhere from $400,000 to $800,000 and employs a staff of 15 to 20 employees. For the month-long closure, he said the hotel will not be able to earn anywhere near the usual revenue mark, with only
After Sandy, Alewife NYC experienced four feet of flooding, prompting an eight-day closure.
Police Blotter Compiled by STEVEN J. FERRARI
107th Precinct Bank Robbery The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect wanted in connection with an armed robbery that occurred at approximately 10:56 a.m. on Oct. 19 at the HSBC Bank located at 137-61 Queens Blvd. The suspect entered the location, passed a note demanding money, displayed a metal pipe, received an unknown amount of cash and fled on foot. The suspect is described as a Black male in his 30s, 6-foot with a slim build and wearing a NY Yankees baseball cap, dark jacket and covered the pipe with a newspaper. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers’ website at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIPS577.
All calls are strictly confidential.
114th Precinct Shooting At approximately 8:50 p.m. on Nov. 2, uniformed officers from Police Service Area 9 responded to 911 calls of shots fired and a male pointing a gun at people in the vicinity of 41-09 12th St. Upon arrival, officers observed shattered glass at a bus shelter and a male fitting the description of the suspect. The officers exited their marked department vehicle to approach the male, who immediately began to run from the officers. As the officers chased, the male turned and fired his gun at police, who returned fire in response, striking the male in the right thigh. The individual continued running until he encountered additional officers, dropped his gun and was taken into custody without further incident. The suspect was transported to Elmhurst Hospital and
is listed in stable condition. The individual, identified as Terrance Carew, 30, of Rosedale, was arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder of a police officer, one count of attempted murder, one count of robbery and one count of criminal possession of a loaded firearm. Prior to the arrival of police, Carew allegedly attempted to remove the personal property of a 53-yearold male victim then shot at the male as he fled. The victim of the attempted robbery did not suffer any injuries.
115th Precinct Burglary The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the following suspect wanted in connection with a burglary. On Oct. 26 at approximately 1:45 a.m., a suspect entered an Enterprise Rental Car company, located at 83-34 23rd Ave., without permission or authority.
While inside, the suspect headed to the vehicle refueling area and unhooked three hoses from gasoline pumps. He then turned the hoses on and left them laying on the ground, discharging several hundred gallons of fuel. The suspect fled the location in an unknown direction. The suspect is described as a white male, 5-foot-10, between 160 and 185 lbs. He was last seen wearing a gray and blue hat, black sunglasses, a gray sweatshirt and a black backpack. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477).
Borough-Wide Robbery Pattern The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the following individuals wanted in connection with two robberies in the confines of the 106th and 110th precincts. During these incidents, the first suspect displayed a firearm while the second
suspect removed property. The first incident took place at approximately 10:50 a.m. on Oct. 26 in the vicinity of 134th Street and Linden Boulevard, in the 106th Precinct. The suspects approached a male victim and removed property. The victim complied and the suspects f led the location. The second incident took place at approximately 11:46 a.m. on Oct. 28 in front of 48-03 108th St., in the 110th precinct. Again, the suspects approached a male victim and removed property. The victim complied and the suspects f led the location. No injuries were reported at the above incidents. The first suspect is described an Hispanic male last seen wearing a light blue sweatshirt, blue jeans, white sneakers and armed with a black firearm. The second suspect is described as an Hispanic male, last seen wearing a green Adidas jacket, blue jeans and black sneakers.
Nov. 9-15, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9
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Award Ceremony
Southeast Queens Events Edited By Harley Benson
Legislative Forum Major League Soccer recently teamed up with Metro Kids Soccer League for an awards ceremony celebrating the end of the soccer season in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. More than 1,000 youth players were presented with trophies and awards, as well as soccer prizes donated by MLS.
Rockaway Walk
Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 9-15, 2012
Queens Borough President Helen Marshall addresses Queens Interagency Council on the Aging’s 30th Legislative Forum at Borough Hall on Oct. 12. At left is State Senator Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing) and City Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica, second from left). Senior citizens, service providers and elected officials attended the session on aging-related issues.
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Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and U.S. Rep. Bob Turner (R-Middle Village) recently spent time talking with recovery workers and residents of the Rockaways.
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Profile
Queens Village Author Talks About Love And Fashion BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Inspired by Carrie Bradshaw’s character in “Sex and the City,” Queens Village native Nadia Cherubin jet started her career by writing about relationships and fashion. Using her own personal life experiences as her inspiration, the author has successfully published three books and maintained a blog. Cherubin knew she wanted to be a writer at a very young age. As a child, she excelled in writing courses and impressed her teachers with her talent. “I always used to write pretend stories. When I was going to class, I used to just write stories and my teachers always said I wrote really well. They were impressed,” Cherbuin said.
As the writer got older, she discovered that writing wasn’t just something she was good at – it was also therapeutic method she could use to mend a broken heart. “I write about how men do a lot of crazy things with women as far relationships. How does a guy breakup with you in a text message? Things like that. I’ve felt that writing gives me motivation. Whatever is negative, you can turn it into something positive. I’ve had a lot of bad relationships and they lasted long, but for some reason, it’s always over,” she said. In addition to writing about heartbreak and failed relationships, the author loves writing about fashion. She often attends fashion shows and parties to blog about the newest trends.
People
Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 9-15, 2012
The New York Lottery announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning scratch-off ticket and received a cash prize of $10,000 or more. Szczepan Malecki of Glendale won $10,000 on the $5,000,000 Multiplier scratch-off game. Malecki’s winning ticket was purchased at the Sal Gourmet Deli & Grill, 65-59 Myrtle Ave., Glendale. Allison Dibenedetto of Whitestone won $10,000 on the $5,000,000 Cash scratchoff game. Dibenedetto’s winning ticket was purchased at Kuber Convenience, 24-16 149th St., Whitestone. Cecelia McClure of St. Albans won $888,888 on the Super 8’s scratch-off game. McClure’s winning ticket was purchased in Elmont. Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League will hold a free women’s self-defense and crime prevention awareness seminar 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at the DGAL building, 149-50 15th Road, Whitestone. The event is presented by Tony Meloni, director of the New York Anti-Crime Agency. Free safety handouts will be distributed to the first 40 in attendance. To register, visit www. dwarfgiraffe.com. Local students took part in internships this fall through SUNY Oswego’s Experience-Based Education program. They include: Kwame Belle of Springfield Gardens, a senior journalism major, interned at the college’s Office of Public Affairs. Audrey Hinnant of Springfield Gardens, a senior broadcasting and mass
communication major, interned in the college’s Alumni Office. Arvin Tangalan of Jamaica has been named a 2012 SUNY Emerging Leader by the SUNY Student Leadership Institute. He is among a group of student leaders to be honored by the SUNY Student Leadership Institute at the SUNY Student Assembly Fall Conference in East Syracuse. Tangalan is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in hotel and resort management at SUNY Delhi. Borough President Helen Marshall has asked that any business owners whose business or commercial properties were seriously impacted by Superstorm Sandy call Melva Miller, director of economic development for the Office of the Queens Borough President at (718) 286-2655 or email mmiller@queensbp.org. In order to provide assistance to New Yorkers in a time of urgent need, the NYPD has established a donation point at Resort World Casino, 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., Jamaica. The NYPD is seeking donations of non-perishable food items, hygiene products and clothing. For information, call the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau at (646) 610-5323 or email communityaffairs@nypd.org. Paola Heras of Woodside took part in an internship through SUNY Oswego’s Experience-Based Education program. Heras, a sophomore public relations major, interned in the college’s Office of Learning Services.
“And as far as fashion and style — I love shoes. I have a shoe fetish; I love shopping,” she said. Straying a little far from her comfort zone with blogging and writing books, Cherubin decided to take a shot at poetry. Her most recent book now available on the Kindle, “Nadia C. Freestyle Poetry,” contains a collection of 14 poems that she performed at the Fountain of Youth Juice Bar in Queens Village. “A lot of people loved the poems,” she said. “That’s when I got the idea to put them all together and publish them,” she said. Intrigued by Cherubin’s poetry, a representative from the Outreach Program in Ridgewood asked the author to lead a poetry class. “He gave me the job as a volunteer. I knew this would inspire other children with writing. It makes me feel good to actually help a child. I can relate to what they are going through. Growing up, I saw my friends’ parents treat them a certain way. I think I was just able to talk to them,” she said. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at
Nadia Cherubin (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 nkozikowska@queenspress.com
or
A&E
Exhibit Brings New Life To Hall Of Science BY JOE MARVILLI Cultural connectivity may not seem like an important part of science. However, the “ReGeneration” exhibit running at the New York Hall of Science shows just how large of a role that factor plays. Presented in conjunction with Northern.Lights.mn, “ReGeneration” is an exhibit that
uses art and science to show how cultural vitality connects to immigration, urbanization and sustainability. Nine of the displays are enveloped by the tenth, an interactive cloud. Created by Living and SOFTlab, the “Common Weathers” project glows in response to text messages sent by attendees. Ricardo Miranda Zuniga’s project, “A Geography of Being,”
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When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
World’s Fair. Back in the present, Marisa Jahn and Stephanie Rothernberg worked with teenagers to re-envision the event as a celebration of people. While “World’s Fair 2.0” looks about 50 years into the past, “2049” shows what Scott Kildall thinks the future will bring. The artist imagines himself as a visitor from a future where resources are scarce, so he uses our garbage to build the imaginary devices he needs. Also looking towards the future is the “Tomorrow 2.0” exhibit, created by Carl Skelton, Joe
Fattorini and a group of high school students. Some of the ideas the students came up with for a future Flushing Meadows Corona Park include a methane house. A large group of collaborators led by Belgian biologist Angelo Vermeulen constructed “Biomodd [NYC4]” to show that the opposing forces of nature and technology can work together. “ReGeneration” will run until January 13 and is free with the cost of admission. Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, or at jmarvilli@queenstribune.com.
Corona Man Debuts New Documentary BY MEGAN MONTALVO As a child, Hai-Tao Wu had always struggled with attention deficit disorder. The condition, which causes impaired attention and concentration, had led him to several bouts with treatment and therapy in his native home of Taiwan. Though his experience had been a draining one, Wu said it inspired him to create. “Struggling with ADD was definitely difficult,” Wu said. “But, it taught me to find the beauty in life and inspired me to give a voice to people’s stories through film.” Seeking to dive into the film world, Wu moved to New York City in 2009 and enrolled in a media arts production program at the City College of New York. While working on his thesis, he came across an Iowa family who had lost their daughter to complications with a heart and lung condition. “Although my medical condition did not compare to what the family had gone through, I could not help but see similarities with their story and my own,” Wu said. With only two months before his thesis was due, Wu headed to Iowa to chronicle their lives in a short film he titled “Heartland.”
Hai-Tao Wu holds two awards “Heartland” won at the 2011 Fingerlakes Film Festival. “What this family had gone through was just incredible,” Wu said. “When I heard of how they lost their daughter and what they were doing to help others in their same situation, I knew I had to meet them.” Through tears, the Maynard family unveiled their struggle with the death of their daughter Erica Kate, who died after a heart transplant at the age of four. Despite the sorrow and loss of their daughter’s life, her parents, Rich and Traci Maynard, worked to help others facing similar difficulties by establishing the Erika Kate Foundation. “The family was so brave,” Wu said. “Following their story was
such an emotional experience.” After completing “Heartland” in 2011, Wu used his newfound emotional connection to volunteer with the Maynard family’s foundation. “I felt as if I were a member of their family,” Wu said. “I just wanted to be a part of their cause to help others.” While volunteering with the Maynards, Wu also began the submission process for the film festival circuit. In addition to winning the Best Documentary and Best Picture awards at the 2011 Finger Lakes Film Festival, “Heartland” has also been selected to screen at the Big Apple Film Festival, New Hope Film Festival and upcoming Bronx Film Festival. “I knew the Maynards’ story was very compelling,” Wu said. “But, at the time, I had no idea how powerful it would be. It has just been amazing to have the opportunity to share it with so many people.” Looking to the future, Wu said he hopes to debut “Heartland” to a wide-release audience and is also considering re-editing the film into a feature. Reach Reporter Megan Montalvo at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 128 or mmontalvo@ queenstribune.com.
Nov. 9-15, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13
shepherd’s pie, we discussed the food and clothing drives Irish Cottage has held for all those who have been ravaged by Superstorm Sandy. Donations can still be dropped off at the restaurant. Danny told There’s a place in Forest me he had come back from AriHills where old Ireland never zona to help his mother predied, and a piping hot pare for the storm. It ended up f looding her house in shepherd’s pie is always waiting. RESTAURANT Long Beach, Long Island, though the famIrish Cottage ily Bible, quite miracuFood & Spirits has lously, remained dry. been in Forest Hills The shepherd’s for more than a half pie was one of the century, serving up richest and most fillgreat traditional Irish ing meals I’ve had in food and American favorites. On a chaREVIEW some time. Ground beef, mashed potaotic Election Day, I ducked into the quaint restau- toes, peas and carrots swirled rant right off Austin Street to together to create a truly satistake in some tasty grub to fill fying lunch. I drenched my me up for a long night. I was shepherd’s in steak sauce and greeted by Irish Cottage’s pro- even dipped some soda bread prietor, Kathleen McNulty, in the mashed potatoes (I’m who hails from Donegal, Ire- not sure if they do that in Ireland. She recommended a land but I’m guessing they shepherd’s pie and some soda don’t). The shepherd’s pie is bread. Without hesitation, I Irish Cottage’s staple, but you should also try the pork chops, took her recommendation. Kathleen and her son onion soup and chicken curry. After I had devoured my Danny McNulty (who once played the role of “Harley” meal, I thought of all the great Keiner, Cory Matthews’ tor- things Ireland has given the mentor, on the ABC television world: James Joyce, whiskey, show “Boy Meets World”) St. Patrick’s Day and so on. made me feel right at home. Add Irish Cottage to the list. -Ross Barkan With the prompt arrival of my Irish Cottage Food & Spirits 108-07 72nd Ave., Forest Hills (718) 520-8530 Hours: Daily, noon to 4 a.m. DELIVERY: No CREDIT CARD: Yes, all major
uses various tools to help place attendees in the role of an undocumented youth. Kinetic sculptures, a graphic zine and a video game all help to show what life is like for those without a citizenship or visa. On a brighter note, “New York City Immigration Song” by Nick Yulman is a musical experience unlike any other. The project transforms data about immigrant patterns into a composition. Out of all the exhibits, “World’s Fair 2.0” makes the most sense for NYSCI, as it was built for the 1964 New York
Faith
Church Hosts Lunch-in For Sunday Teachers BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Majority Baptist Church of St. Albans hosted its annual Appreciation Lunch-in for its Sunday school teachers on Oct. 27 to celebrate the work and commitment of its volunteers to teaching the youth about God. Reverend Doctor Edith Lazenby of the church said the
lunch-in was held to honor the 13 school teachers for their diligence and excellence in teaching both the children and adults. “Nobody ever recognizes Sunday school teachers,” Lazenby said. “They take their precious time to teach the Bible to children as well as adults. It is so important that the children
Word
And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. -Genesis 1:29
get a grounding in the Bible and the adults to keep fresh on the Bible.” The event was organized by the church’s superintendent, Ethel Molloy, who presented each of the Sunday school teachers with an award. Also in attendance was Councilman Leroy Comrie (D - St. Albans), who also handed out awards to teachers. A few auxiliary officers of the 103rd Precinct were also present to show their support and appreciation. Joyce Starks, an assistant teacher for the church for more than 25 years, said she loved the lunch-in because it made her feel appreciated. “I loved it. I think it was a wonderful thing that the superintendent did for the teachers,” said Starks. “It was a little surprising, but once we got there, we saw all the work she had done to pull this off for us, it was just
wonderful. It was overwhelmingI enjoyed it. It gave me great pleasure to be part of it.” One of Starks’ favorite things about the lunch-in was being presented an award from Councilman Leroy Comire, but there were many other things the Sunday school teacher said she enjoyed. “They had a little singing group, which I liked, but really it was just the togetherness and celebrating this occasion together. All the teachers felt like they were doing something that was really fantastic and we got a chance to see how much our Pastor appreciated the things we were doing,” she said. Although only one student was able to attend the lunch-in, Lazenby acknowledged that the children were just as grateful for their teachers as the clergy and staff. “I think they both appreciate
and admire the Sunday school teachers because they are learning. They appreciate that someone will take the time out to teach them. Some places don’t have Sunday school,” Lazenby said. As for next year, Starks said she wishes to continue teaching and spreading the word of God. “I love teaching. It brings me great satisfaction to know I’m sharing God with others. Studying the Bible gives me a chance to see what God has done and it gives me great pleasure to inspire others with God,” she said. Majority Baptist Church is located at 115-21 Farmers Blvd., St. Albans. For more information about the Sunday school, call (718) 528-5197. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@ queenspress.com.
Notebook Jamaica Center
Learning Center Hosts Big Queens Drawing Day The Jamaica Center for the Arts and Learning will be hosting its first Big Queens Drawing Day on Saturday, Nov. 10 to celebrate 40 years of serving the community. The program is designed for children and families to celebrate arts in Queens County. Heng Gil Han, the event curator, said the exhibition will incorporate many Queens artists. JCAL held an open call in July, calling artists to submit drawings that they made. Seventy-five artists responded and all of them submitted from one to three drawings. Right now, JCAL will be showing of all the pieces at the event, with a total of 125 drawings. “We are inviting family members and children to the gallery,”
said Han. “These are all professional artists. Some of them have shown their work in Paris and in major museums so it’s very good for children to see these drawings to know what the professional artists are doing.” The Big Queens Drawing Day will feature a wide variety of artwork. “All of them are two dimensional drawings – pencil drawing, water color, and acrylic color. We have a variety of themes but most of them use pencil and water color. There are figurative drawings, abstract drawings. We have a lot,” said Han. With very few art galleries in the Southeast Queens area, Han said that it is important to hold events like these to enrich the community. “Many community members
do not have a chance to see contemporary art at all and I think it’s very important for children to be aware and be exposed to art. It’s important for parents to know that children need to see artwork,” he said. “It’s a very important educational component.” In addition to having artwork on display, Big Queens Learning Day will have a workshop featuring drawing stations for the creation of self-portraits, collages and color tape drawings. The workshop will be led by two well respected artists – Rejin Leys and Francie Scanlon. “Paper and pencils will be distributed in the gallery during the session. They can draw on their own. That’s a good way of engaging with others,” Han said. Big Queens Drawing Day is a free program open to the general public. The event will be held
from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The JCAL is located at 16104 Jamaica Ave. in Jamaica. For additional information, call (718) 658-7400 ext. 2132
or visit www.jcal.org. Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@ queenspress.com.
Raising Money For Cancer: Shown are members of the Leadership Class of the Humanities and the Arts H.S. in the Campus Magnet Complex, Cambria Heights, who are selling Cancer related objects to raise money for Cancer Research during “Pink Week.” The students are supervised in the school lunchroom by their teacher Tracy Gise (rear). Coordinating the project are students Autumn Canton and Brianna Crosse.
Photo by Bob Harris
Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 9-15, 2012
BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA
What’s Up ness knowledge, learn about busiNOV. 9 Zumba Gold And Free ness trends, and gain insights about starting and growing a busiHealth Screeings ness, as well as offering an introQueens Central Library will be offering a free Zumba Gold program for older active adults. The program will use dance moves mixed with exercise for an effective low-impact workout. It is recommended for participants to wear loose clothing and sneakers. Preregistration is required for each session. Queens ConnectCare will also be offering free health screenings (blood pressure, blood glucose and body mass index) and the opportunity to schedule an appointment at the Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center. Both events will be held at 10 a.m. and are free.
NOV. 10 Deferred Action Workshop
Author Celebration Queens Central Library will be hosting a program to honor Humayun Ahmed, a Bangladeshi writer who portrayed his countrymen, particularly the middle class, in simple, unostentatious language and with spellbinding intimacy. He won many prestigious awards and his novels have been adapted successfully for television, movies and the theater. This program will include discussions about the author’s life, a documentary, dance, musical interpretations, and drama. The program is free and will begin at 2 p.m.
Fashion Showcase & After Party JL Trezure Chest will be presenting its semi-annual fashion showcase and after-party hosted by JP Justice, a comedian. The $25 entry fee includes food, entertainment, giveaways and door prizes. Beverages will also be available for sale. Vendors will be selling merchandise on site like accessories, clothing, health and beauty, jewelry, makeup, perfume and more. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America www.ccfa.org. Fresh new designers will also be showcasing their designs as well as some of the newest selections for the season. An after-party will immediately follow the fashion show. For tickets or additional information, call Keisha at (347) 336-5268 or Joe/ Jay at (347) 672-0342 or (347) 319-1263. The event will be held from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at 114-58 170th St., Jamaica. Tickets are $20 in advance.
Business Plan Competition NOV. 13 The Queens Economic De- Small Business Workshop velopment Corporation has begun its 7th Annual Queens StartUP! Business Plan Competition in Sept. 2012. The competition gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to strengthen their busi-
Queens Central Library will be holding a program to teach locals how to develop a business idea into a business plan in our small business workshops on Tuesday evenings. Participants
NOV. 14 Southeast Queens Homeowner Forum The City of New York Department of Housing Preservation and Development in partnership with Councilman James Sanders, Jr. (D-Laurelton) and many other city governmental and non-profit agencies, will be hosting a Southeast Queens Homeowner Forum. Don’t miss this opportunity for residential property owners to get information on issues such as: lead/pest control, low-interest home repair loans and much more. The free event will be held at P.S./M.S. 156Q located at 229-02 137th Ave. from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
ONGOING Mobile CPR Program FDNY EMS instructors will come out to your site to conduct the CPR training using your facilities. The Be 911 Compressions Only CPR Program is brought to you free of charge by FDNY and NYC Service. The goal of the program is to train as many people as possible in basic CPR skills. In addition, participants will be briefly educated on the automated external defibrillator (AED) used to try and revive a person suffering from cardiac arrest. Though this program does not certify any participants, the FDNY and NYC Service believe increasing the knowledge of how to save a life is far more beneficial. The program welcomes all ages, as long as the individual can demonstrate competency in retaining the required skills. Appointments can be made Monday through Friday during the hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Classes may be approximately 20 minutes depending on the size of the group. For group registration of 10
or more participants or further information, contact the FDNY’s CPR Training Unit at Telephone Number (718) 281-3888.
Group Sessions Clergy United for Community Empowerment, Inc. Group Sessions are located at 89-31 161st St., 10th Floor, Jamaica, for the community on various topics such as Domestic Violence, Mental Health, Substance Abuse intervention, Decision Making, Condom Use, High Risk Behaviors leading to HIV, and self – esteem awareness. All group sessions offer light snacks and beverages. Group sessions are open to the public. Round-Trip Metro Card reimbursement is available at the end of each completed session. For further information call (718) 297-0720. All services are free. Please call for next group date.
Infant Mortality Clergy United for Community Empowerment’s Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative program provides the following services free of charge: case management services, parent skills building, crib care, breast feeding education, health education, nutritional information/education, referral for HIV testing, confidential one-on-one counseling, workshops, and women support groups. IMRI provides referrals for Food stamps, GED, GYN, Emergency Baby Formula (qualifications required) and more. Call (718) 297-0720. Located at 89-31 161 St., 10th floor, Jamaica. Services are available Tue.-Thurs. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
HIV Awareness Clergy United for Community Empowerment provides intervention and curriculum-based prevention education sessions on HIV/ AIDS, to reduce risk behaviors that lead to HIV transmission. Services are located at 89-31 161st St., Jamaica. Call (718) 2970720 ask about our presentation to adolescents and men/women of color. Services are available Tue.-Thurs., 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Merrick Flea Market A flea market has opened at 221-02 Merrick Blvd. On sale are
a wide range of items, including household items, jewelry and clothing. The market is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
PAL Volunteers The Police Athletic League (PAL) is looking for volunteers to continue its mission of serving New York City’s young people by donating their time and talents to help serve Queens youngsters at PAL’s Redfern Cornerstone and Far Rockaway Beacon in Arverne-Far Rockaway, PAL’s Edward Byrne Center in South Jamaica and PS 214 in Flushing. PAL Centers in Queens offer a wide range of opportunities for volunteers of all talents. PAL’s Redfern Cornerstone and Far Rockaway Beacon are looking for people to participate in a center clean-up day. Volunteers are needed to tutor and mentor young people during the After School Program’s daily homework help sessions. In addition, individuals can also donate their time assisting the many special events held at PAL’s Centers throughout the year. PAL is also seeking professionals to give career advice and talk about their own careers to young people, as well as guest speakers who can share information on a specific hobby of interest to the youngsters. To become a volunteer with the Police Athletic League or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit palnyc.org. Volunteers will go through an application process that includes an interview, screening and an orientation. For more information, please contact PAL’s Volunteer Coordinator, Alexandria SumpterDelves, at (212) 477-9450, Ext. 390 or volunteer@palnyc.org.
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Future Grads will be conducting an educational session on the Obama Administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. If you will be in the New York area, and would like to join the panel, or be a member of the studio audience, contact Future Grads as soon as possible so that you may reserve you seat. A few of the topics that will be discussed at the workshop include: What is deferred action? Who is eligible? How to request deferred action? Will USCIS conduct a background check as part of DACA request? What are the fees associated with the DACA application? How to prove that you qualify for DACA? If you have been paying taxes using an ITIN number. Do you list that on your application? What qualifies as “currently in school?” What is considered a “significant misdemeanor”? What type of offenses count towards the “three or more misdemeanor offenses”? For additional information, or to RSVP, call (516) 495-6722. The event is free and will begin at 10 a.m. You must call for the address.
duction to the vast resources at Queens Library. The free event will be held a Queens Central Library at 11 a.m.
will learn about creating a demand for a product or service, setting goals and objectives, creating budgets and timelines, identifying resources and networks, and getting ready to open your “doors.” For further information, please visit the Job Information Center or call (718) 990-8625. The workshop will be held at 7 p.m. and is free.
Borough Beat
Suit Filed Against Queens Library BY JOE MARVILLI A dispute over the release of minutes from the Queens Library’s Board of Trustees has led to a lawsuit from the union that represents the library’s employees. On Oct. 23, Local 1321 filed a lawsuit against the Queens Library for refusing to give them copies of minutes from Board of Trustees’ meetings. The union, part of District Council 37, had been fighting to gain access to the minutes since January 2012 and was met with repeated refusals, according to 1321 president John Hyslop. The lawsuit was filed with the Queens Supreme Court. According to the litigation, the Queens Library is obligated to release the minutes to anyone who requests them, as the meetings are open to the public. The Queens Library is a New York
State Association Library. Therefore, the union believes it is subject to the New York State Education Law (Section 260) and New York State Public Officers Law (Section 106). Section 260 of the State Education Law says that every meeting, including a special district meeting, of a board of trustees of a public library system “shall be open to the general public.”
Section 106 of the New York State Public Officers Law says that “the minutes of meetings of all public bodies shall be available to the public in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Law within two weeks from the date of such meeting.” “In January, I made what I thought was a simple request for the Board of Trustees’ minutes. I did not think the library’s admin-
istration would be so adamant about not sharing them,” said Hyslop. “The refusal to share the minutes baffles me, even after they learned of their obligation to provide them.” The library countered the claim, stating that records are readily available to the public. “We are a responsible and transparent organization. For over a century, Queens Library has main-
tained written records of its Board meetings that are currently housed in the Central Library and available for review,” Joanne King, library communications director, said. “It is an unnecessary and expensive administrative burden for the library to distribute these records upon request.” Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, or at jmarvilli@queenstribune.com.
Banks Corp. Starts Sandy Relief Fund
BY JOE MARVILLI
The New York Community Bancorp Family of Banks announced the establishment of a relief fund for victims of Hurricane Sandy. Announced on Nov. 5, the NYCB Family of Banks is creating the NYCB Cares Matching Fund to allow its customers and
employees to easily make donations. The company will match the funds contributed in their branches. The donations will be made to the Salvation Army. Sandy hit close to home for the business, considering that both the corporate headquarters and 206 of its branches are within zones affected by the superstorm. “To see so many people in
crisis in our own backyard is both saddening and shocking; you can’t help but be affected and want to do what you can to ease the pain,” NYCB President and CEO Joseph Ficalora said. A similar program was put in place after Hurricane Katrina hit the United States in 2005. The NYCB expects to contribute as much as $150,000 to the Sandy
relief fund. If you would like to make a contribution, you can do so at any of the NYCB Family of Banks’ branches. To find your nearest local branch, go to www.nycbfamily.com or www.amtrust.com. Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, or at jmarvilli@queenstribune.com.
Queens Today
Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 9-15, 2012
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!
THEATER MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S Through November 10 “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Queensborough Communit y College. 631-6311. LEARNED LADIES Through November 11 Gingerbread Players of St. Luke’s Church presents Moliere’s “Learned Ladies” at the church, 85 Greenway South, Forest Hills. $12. 2687772.
YOUTH
TEENS CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2. LAPTOPS Mondays, November 12, 19, 26 at the Hollis library at 3. KNIT & CROCHET Mondays Douglaston/Little Neck library at 4. LAPTOPS Tu e s d ay s , N ove m b e r 1 3 , 20, 27 at Hollis library at 3 and Arverne library at 4. FUN WITH FABRIC Tu e s d ay s , N ove m b e r 1 3 , 20, 27 at the Douglaston library. Register. COLLEGE PREP Tu e s d ay s , N ove m b e r 1 3 , 20, 27 at the Far Rockaway library. 327-2549 to register. MANGA Tu e s d ay s , N ove m b e r 1 3 , 20, 27 at the Baisley Park library at 4. LIC CHESS CLUB Tuesdays LIC library at 4. BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays Windsor Park library at 4. TOTE BAGS Wednesday, November 14 at the LIC library at 4. FREE SAT/ACT
Wednesday, November 14 at the Briarwood library. 800273-8439 to register. COVER LETTERS Wednesday, November 14 at the LIC library. Register. DOLL MAKING Wednesday, November 14 at the Woodside library. Register. WATERCOLOR Wednesday, November 14 at the Windsor Park library. Register. RESUME HELP Wednesdays at 3 at the Arverne library. GAME DAY Wednesdays St. Albans library at 4 and the Howard Beach library at 4. CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 Queens Village library. ORIGAMI WORKSHOP Thursdays, November 15, 22, 29 at the Seaside library at 5:30. LAPTOPS Thursdays, November 15, 29 at the Hollis library at 3. FUN WITH FABRIC Thursdays, November 15, 29 at the Douglaston librar y. Register.
HOMEWORK HELP McGoldrick library. Call for hours and days. CRAFT KIDS Mondays at the Flushing library at 3. SLIME TIME Tu e s d a y, N o ve m b e r 1 3 Briarwood library. Register. MANGA Tu e s d ay s , N o ve m b e r 1 3 , 20, 27 at the Baisley Park library at 4. READ TO A DOG Tu e s d ay s , N o ve m b e r 1 3 , 20, 27 at the North Hills librar y. Register. GO GREEN ANIMAL Tuesday, November 13 a t the Sunnyside library at 4. HEALTHY THANKSGIVING Tuesday, November 13 at the Central library at 4:30. CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Tu e s d ay s , N o ve m b e r 1 3 , 20, 27 at 11:30 at the Glen Oaks library. FUN WITH FABRIC Tu e s d ay s , N o ve m b e r 1 3 , 20, 27 at the Douglaston librar y. Register. ARTS & CRAFTS Wednesdays, November 14, 21, 28 at the Auburndale
library at 4. CRAFTIVITIES Wednesdays, November 14, 21, 28 at the East Flushing library at 4. READING FOR FUN Wednesdays, November 14, 21 at the Laurelton library at 5. PRESCHOOL CRAFT Wednesdays, November 14, 28 at the Windsor Park library. Register. THANKSGIVING CRAFT Wednesday, November 14 at the Fresh Meadows library at 3:30. BUGS AS PETS Wednesday, November 14 at the Ozone Park library at 3:30 and the South Ozone Park library at 5:30. TOTE BAG Wednesday, November 14 at the LIC library at 4. HEALTH & SCIENCE Wednesday, November 14 McGoldrick library at 5. ORIGAMI WORKSHOP Thursdays, November 15, 22, 29 at the Seaside library at 5:30. FUN WITH FABRIC Thursdays, November 15,
29 at the Douglaston library. Register. KIDS ZUMBA Thursday, November 15 at the Seaside library at 3:30. CREATE YOUR STORIES Thursday, November 15 Central library. Register. FAMILY STORY TIMES Thursdays, November 15, 29 at the Bay Terrace library at 11:30. CRAFT TIME Thursday, November 15 Howard Beach library at 3:30. BOOK BUDDIES Thursday, November 15 South Jamaica library at 3:30. PRESCHOOL SCIENCE Thursday, November 15 Central library. Register. THANKSGIVING CRAFT Thursday, November 15 at th e W i n d s o r Pa r k l i b ra r y. Register. OPTICAL ILLUSIONS Thursday, November 15 at 4:30 at the Kew Gardens Hills library. PING PONG… Every Thursday ping pong, board games and coloring at the Seaside library at 4.
Models Of Queens
Making it Work A Jamaica High School graduate, Mizz Dada, began her modeling career as a summer job. Now studying dental hygiene at City Tech University, this beauty hopes that career is a plan B to a fulltime modeling career. “I really want to get my foot into the door for modeling,” she said. “I go to every casting call; I’ve asked a bunch of casting directors if I can help them just to get to know the business.” Told for many years that she is “skinny,” Diana has decided to put her size to work. “I use that as a positive more than a negative,” she said. “I think I do a great job in modeling.” When not in school or in front of the lens, Diana spends her time going to the movies, often by herself. “That way I can laugh like crazy,” she said. She also likes to go to area theme parks and there’s a bowling alley on Sutphin Boulevard where she likes to hang out. “I’m a very determined model,” Diana said. “I’m driven to be where I need to be. I’m very passionate about what I do.”
SPLIT PERSONALITY: Trib photographer Ira Cohen and Mitik the walrus pup at the Coney Island Aquarium.
I Am The Walrus
The resemblance is just shocking. Pictured side-by-side are photos of our beloved QConf photographer Ira Cohen and the newborn orphan walrus pup Mitik at Coney Island. Thankfully, both weathered the Superstorm devastation and are doing fine. Sandy may have dampened our shores, but she could not dampen our spirits. Goo goo g’joob.
Photo Bomb Mizz Dada Home: Jamaica Age: 20 Height: 5’ 6" Weight: 115 lbs Stats: 34-27-34
Welcome To Whitestone One of the victims of last week’s Superstorm Sandy was the “Welcome to Whitestone” sign that sits at the intersection of 149th Street, 14th Avenue and the Cross Island Parkway. While parts of Whitestone went without power for a few days after the storm – the QConf offices were thankfully unaffected – and we know there will always be a warm welcome for all visitors to
Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 9-15, 2012
Get To Walking As he toured Sandyaffected areas of Queens in his new district, U.S. Rep. Steve Israel offered a QConf reporter a lift to a different section of the neighborhood to check out the damage with State Sen. Tony Avella. Unfortunately, once they got to the new area, Israel had to run to another important event soon afterwards, leaving the intrepid reporter two miles from his car and stranded in Glen Oaks. Luckily, he had his walking shoes on!
Brazilian model and New York City resident Nana Gouvea chose an usual backdrop for her most recent photo shoot – the wreckage left behind by Superstorm Sandy. Last week, the model took to the streets of New York to pose seductively with downed trees and destroyed cars, EGO reported. Many internet users were upset by the model’s blatant lack of respect for the climbing death toll and the millions of families who suffered massive property losses as a result of the storm. Gouvea’s comments on the photo shoot did not exactly help. In an interview with EGO, she spoke about how much she loves
Nana Gouvea & superstorm hurricanes, saying they give her an opportunity to spend more quality time with her husband, who just so happens to be the photographer.
Confidentially, New York . . .
A New Arrival! Baby Ulrich is here! Councilman Eric Ulrich and his wife Yadira welcomed Lily Ulrich into the world on Halloween at 7:42 p.m. She weighs 7 lbs. and 10 oz. Both the mom and baby are doing well. The Ulrich family thanks everyone for their prayers and wellwishes.
Nov. 9-15, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19
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