Southeast Queens Press Epaper

Volume 13 Issue No. 47 Nov. 23-29, 2012

PAGE 18

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

SEEKING ANSWERS

Residents gathered at a meeting in Far Rockaway to hear from representatives from LIPA, FEMA and others on a recovery status report.

By Natalia Kozikowska ‌ Page 3.

Online at www.QueensPress.com

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Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 23-29, 2012

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News Briefs Gang Members Convicted in Shooting of 13-Year-Old Gregory Calas, 21, and Nnonso Ekwegbalu, 19, both members of the notorious Crips street gang, have been convicted of first-degree manslaughter for the 2009 shooting death of 13-year-old Kevin Miller. Both defendants have also been convicted of first-degree assault for wounding another teen. The two victims were struck by stray bullets fired during an altercation between a Crips street gang and a rival Bloods street gang, according to a statement released by District Attorney Richard Brown.

According to the statement, Calas, a St. Albans man, acting in concert with Ekwegbalu, a Springfield Gardens man who also armed and firing a gun, discharged his .380 semi-automatic revolver on Oct. 2, 2009, at approximately 3:15 p.m., in front of 208-15 Linden Blvd. in Queens, in the direction of three persons with whom he had just had a physical altercation. The Blood gang members were unarmed and fled. One of the defendants’ bullets struck 13-year-old Kevin Miller, an innocent bystander in the head, killing him. Another bullet struck 17-year-old Pedro Garcia, injuring him in his left leg.

The gunshot wound required Garcia to be treated at a local Queens Hospital.

“The defendants in this case cut short the life of an innocent 13-year-old student and wounded a second teen who was working at a car wash by engaging in reckless – and ultimately fatal – gun violence. The streets of Queens County must not be turned into deadly battle grounds for these rival gangs,” said Brown in a statement.

Calas was convicted of first-degree manslaughter, second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. Ekwegbalu – whose case was heard by a separate jury, was convicted of first-degree manslaughter, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and one count of criminal possession of a weapon. Both men face up to 50 years in prison.

Pol To Parks Dept.: Hurry Tree Removal With reports of more than 15,000 downed trees throughout the City as a result of Superstorm Sandy and Nor’Easter Athena, the aftermath has many local residents begging the question: when will we fully cleanup?

According to Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski, the answer is “months” from now.

In a recent news report, Lewandowski said, “People might be frustrated by the backlog but it really tells us what’s going

on out there. We certainly have our challenges before us. It will take a few months before we fully clean up.”

Since making the statement, Parks Dept. officials have revealed that 3,906 of the 5,615 work orders created for downed trees in Queens have been completed.

But, for the hundreds of neighbors in the heavily-affected areas of the Borough, work may still not moving fast enough.

To raise concerns about the time table, State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) issued a letter to Lewandowski.

“I recognize that clearing streets and roadways is a priority and that crews from outside New York City have been brought in to help with the removal of fallen trees,” Peralta wrote. “I am also aware that completing some of your work is contingent on Con Edison clearing sites of electrical hazards. That fully cleaning up will take ‘months,’ however, strikes me as an inordinately long time frame.”

Although the Parks Dept. has yet to respond to Peralta, representatives have confirmed that Queens has indeed suffered the brunt of the damage from both storms.

“Queens suffered considerable tree damage and we’re working swiftly to correct the problems,” said Philip Abramson, a spokesman for the Parks Dept. “Parks crews are working around the clock to address the considerable damage wrought by these storms and will continue to do so.”

In addition to working to minimize the total number of downed trees, as of Nov. 15, the Parks Dept. completed 2,094 of the 3,297 work orders created for tree limbs down in Queens.

This number joins another 595 completed work orders for the 1,348 hanging limbs that were called into 311 post-Sandy and Athena.

Despite the repairs however, Peralta said that given the coming winter season, the biggest issue with the months-long time frame is yet to come.

“There are many sidewalks that were badly damaged by uprooted trees in my district and throughout Queens,” he said.

“Until the tree stump and roots are removed, they cannot be repaired. Come snowfall, this could potentially be disastrous. It’s an accident waiting to happen.”

As he continues to await a precise timeframe for completion, Peralta urged residents with downed trees and other problems to continue to call 311.

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

Presstime

Far Rockaway Residents Demand Answers With thousands of Far Rockaway residents still without answers, Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton) held a comprehensive meeting Tuesday night, giving frustrated locals the opportunity to ask questions and express their opinions about the response of state and federal agencies in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

Nearly 100 residents flocked to P.S. 104 demanding answers from representatives of the Long Island Power Authority, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration, National Grid and the Dept. of Sanitation.

“It’s simply unacceptable that at this point, four weeks after the storm, so many people are still without power, and without answers,” Sanders said in a statement. “We are bringing all the principals to the table in a sweeping, across-the-board meeting of every agency that has any responsibility for the welfare of our residents during an emergency. With everyone in the room, I am hopeful that we can conduct a retrospective and prospective analysis of what happened during Sandy,

Photo by Ira Cohen

and how we can build upon and improve our collective performance for the next super storm.”

LIPA, the first agency to speak, began its presentation by giving the audience a status update.

Robert Rowe, representing LIPA, explained that the substations located near the Rockaways, which had been destroyed by flooding, have been fully restored and running for a week.

Despite having operational facilities, Rowe said that the 20,000 plus customers that are still without power are not in the condition to have power restored because it poses a fire hazard. He noted that those customers must first replace crucial electrical equipment that have been submerged with water and receive proper certification before LIPA can act accordingly.

“We are working closely with the City to identify those facilities that have been flooded, get the proper certification from the Buildings Department that they are safe to re-energize and we are energizing them when the certifications are received,” said Rowe.

Of the 34,000 customers the company serves in the Rockaways, 10,000 customers, whose homes were not flooded,

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

Councilman James Sanders led a meeting to give representatives from LIPA, FEMA and other organizations a chance to update residents of the Rockaways on progress made since Superstorm Sandy. have had power restored. To date, 15,000 meters are still out.

FEMA, in conjunction with the SBA, the next agencies to present, focused primarily on educating the audience about the steps one should take in order to receive federal aid. FEMA rep Chuck Bonza reassured residents that the agencies will stay for as long as they are needed to answer any questions they may have regarding the process.

Melanie Littlejohn, representing National Grid, reported that the agency had not lost any gas services but did stress the importance of getting inspections, especially if equipment has been submerged under water.

“You need to have a certified

electrician come in and evaluate whether or not your electric equipment is operating and operating safely. It can be unsafe,” she said.

“Chances are if your equipment has been submerged under water, it is not operating safely or effectively.”

After each agency was finished with their presentations, Sanders opened the floor to questions, giving dozens of frustrated residents the chance to ask questions they have been desperately searching the answers for.

“Why do I still not have power?” asked Dalton Gayle of Dickens Street in Far Rockaway. “My home was not flooded and I still do not have power. I’ve been trying to reach LIPA for weeks. I have a toddler who is asthmatic.

I, myself, am asthmatic.”

Several other locals in attendance directed similar questions to LIPA, claiming their homes had not been damaged by the storm but were told they needed certification to have their electricity restored.

LIPA reps responded by saying they will look into the matter and if their homes indeed had not been flooded, they promise to have “someone there first thing in the morning.”

Others, like Stella Okunola, expressed frustration with FEMA and the SBA, arguing the agencies are not doing enough to help small business owners who are currently struggling with the loss of income. Having just lost her daycare center to massive flooding, she wondered why FEMA was granting money to people who are unemployed, and why she, a hard working citizen, has received no aid.

“I only have $20 in my pocket.

What am I supposed to do?” she asked, in which FEMA reps simply responded by promising to help Okunola in filling out an SBA application.

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

Officials Hesitant To Blame Cuomo For LIPA “I don’t think that Cuomo could have foreseen what LIPA’s problems would be and their shortcomings,” said State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (DHoward Beach).

Local elected officials eagerly attacked LIPA, a statecreated public authority governing power-supply matters in Nassau County, Suffolk County Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently called and the Rockaway Peninsula. for an investigation into how public Cuomo appoints LIPA’s trustutilities have responded in the wake of ees – there are five vacancies Superstorm Sandy. out of 15 slots – and LIPA picks contractors, now National Grid agencies assisting in the storm and soon to be the Public Service relief effort was lacking — one Enterprise Group.

Cuomo recently created the clergy leader begged for a relief “czar” — but these criticisms, eas- Moreland Commission to invesily sticking to Mayor Mike tigate how LIPA, Con Ed and Bloomberg, did not reach Cuomo. other public utilities responded

to Sandy and Hurricane Irene.

The commission includes former Queens congressman Rev. Floyd Flake.

Elected in 2010, Cuomo had the authority to fill LIPA’s vacancies, like its Chief Executive Kevin Law, who retired that year.

Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach), representing much of the Rockaways, agreed with Addabbo that Cuomo should not be criticized for his handling of the storm. In a press conference in early November, Goldfeder, like other elected officials, denounced Bloomberg.

“When there is a situation like Sandy that was completely unequivocally mishandled, the Mayor’s got to own up,” Goldfeder said.

Councilman James Sanders Jr. (D-Laurelton), representing Far Rockaway, is another vocal LIPA critic who was reluctant to also critique Cuomo. Sanders was elected to the State Senate and will begin his term next year.

He said he would use the success of the Moreland Commission to ultimately judge the Governor.

“I think Hurricane Irene was a warning sign to all of us,” Sanders said. “It certainly should have woken everyone up and apparently it did not, especially when they [LIPA] did their own internal audit which showed glaring deficits. There’s a leadership problem that needs to be looked at.”

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

Nov. 23-29, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

As residents, civic leaders and elected officials continue to condemn the Long Island Power Authority and various City agencies for their response to Superstorm Sandy, one elected official has skillfully avoided almost all criticism: Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Still hobbling behind the rest of Queens, most of the LIPAserved Rockaway Peninsula was without power in the weeks following the brutal storm. Along with residents, local elected officials took turns blasting LIPA, a New York State authority, for not quickly restoring power to the area. Critics also lamented that coordination between the various City, State and Federal

Photo by Ira Cohen

BY ROSS BARKAN

Brownfield Work Enters Third Phase

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 23-29, 2012

Greater Jamaica Development Corporation held a kick-off meeting last week, entering the third phase of its Brownfield Opportunity Areas project after being delayed by Superstorm Sandy.

The projects, which will be funded by the Dept. of State, will support an aggressive marketing strategy to attract private investment for the redevelopment of the Jamaica Station Area. It will also support preliminary design studies for infrastructure improvements, focusing on enhancing pedestrian and vehicular routes leading into Station Area.

In 2008-09, GJDC completed a BOA Nomination study that analyzed the market potential of and identified strategies for sites in a 40 block radius near the confines of the Long Island Rail Road/ JFK AirTrain Station Area. Although unsure of the environmental contaminants that may be present in some of its developmental sites, representa-

tives of GJDC are confident that they can revitalize the area and improve the economic opportunity in the community.

"There are some development potentials that are just tremendous," said Richard Werber, director of business services at GJDC. "Jamaica has one of the greatest mass transit systems in the City. We have AirTrain, we have subways, we have buses and the Long Island Rail Road.

People can get anywhere from there without a car."

Werber explained that the redevelopment of the 128-acre site will be beneficial to the community of Jamaica by improving retail variety and quality. GJDC anticipates that the project will introduce more "tablecloth" restaurants, hotels and give residents better access to fresh meats, fruits and vegetables.

Additionally, Werber noted that its project will create several economic opportunities by creating jobs and affordable housing scaled to the community infrastructure.

"Jobs are huge. If we are going to be redeveloping the downtown area, let's not just think about housing and retail in the vacuum, but what kind of jobs are going to come out of it," he said.

Mark Nieves, director of capital projects at GJDC, explained that the redevelopment of the area will include the beautification and reconstruction of five infrastructures including Station Plaza, Atlantic Avenue, the LIRR underpass, the 150th Street underpass and the Archer Avenue streetscape. All projects are being currently funded.

According to Nieves, Station Plaza's project design is 90 percent complete. It will create new subway entrances, canopies and a roadway realignment which would widen the sidewalks. There is $22 million allocated to the project and any money left over will go towards building amenities, concessions and plazas. This project will also require the City acquisition of nine properties along the Archer Avenue and

Sutphin Boulevard intersection.

The date of completion will depend on when the properties have been acquired.

The Atlantic Avenue extension is an $11 million reconstruction project. It will construct a new street, linking Atlantic Avenue with 95th Avenue. It will also build a viewing park, amenities and playgrounds pending on City approval. Similarly to Station Plaza, the date of completion will be heavily influenced by the acquisition of properties by the City, but Nieves predicts that the bidding process for the project will begin in July 2013 with construction completed by 2014/2015.

The rehabilitation of the LIRR underpass was a $12.8 million project. The project is mostly complete, with GJDC only waiting for its certificate of compliance so it may rent out the 5,600square-feet of retail built. A large portion of the construction budget included the renovation of the LIRR railroad, providing pro-

grammable lighting over the sidewalk and installing large dome lights over the street.

GJDC's first BOA project, the 150th Street underpass, will require partnership with the LIRR and the Dept. of Transportation.

This particular project will focus on beautification and safety improvements through lighting, landscaping, painting and other cosmetic treatments.

The last BOA project is the Archer Avenue streetscape between 147th and 150th Street.

The goal of this project is to improve the vehicular and pedestrian experience. It will continue the street work and roadway improvements of Station Plaza going eastbound.

For additional information regarding the development activities in the Station Area, you may visit www.gjdc.org/brownfieldopportunity-area-program.com.

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

Bus Co. Proposes Traffic Light On Rockaway Blvd.

Representatives from Logan Bus Company, the second largest school bus company in the tri-state area, attended Tuesday night's Community Board 13 meeting, asking the board for its support in installing a signalized intersection on Rockaway Boulevard in Springfield Gardens.

The proposed traffic light would be designed to accommodate the company's anticipated new facility so that buses may safely leave the depot.

The company recently acquired a New York City Dept. of Transportation approved signalized warrant analysis which found that the proposed signalized traffic intersection is warranted and would not have a negative impact on traffic flows on Rockaway Boulevard during peak hour of operations. However, the DOT disagreed and requested it gain the approval of the community first.

Joseph DiGiacomo, general

manager at Logan Bus Company, said the company would require a 10-acre site along Rockaway Boulevard to better serve and accommodate the students in Queens to make their bus trips shorter and less hectic.

DiGiacomo noted that the proposed bus depot, whose future lies on the outcome of its proposed signalized intersection, would be environmentally beneficial.

"Because the trips are shorter, it will have a positive environmental impact on the community," he said. "We will become much more fuel efficient as well as time efficient for the students who reside at a ten school [radius] within Community Board 13 and the Rockaways."

The proposed facility would station approximately 480 school buses, half of which would be large buses and the other half, small buses. According to DiGiacomo, approximately 400 school buses will be actively utilized during a typical

PRESS Photo by Natalia Kozikowska

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

weekday and the remainmet with some opposition, CB13 ultimately ing 80 would be considered spares, only to be ruled in favor of Logan used in case of breakBus Company under the downs or special occastrict contingency that sions. Both the facility the bus company and the construction represent the proposal and have the approval quired on Rockaway Boulevard would be of the Springfield Garfunded by Logan Bus dens Civic Association.

Company.

Of the board members Most CB13 board present, 18 voted in famembers, including Disvor of the motion, two members voted against trict Manager Lawrence McClean and First Vice the motion and one Chair Tanya Cruz, General Manager of Logan Bus Company, Joseph member chose to abseemed supportive of the DiGiacomo, presented the company's plan for a sig- stain. proposal, citing the de- nalized traffic intersection on Rockaway Boulevard in Representatives of pot would bring children Springfield Gardens.

Logan Bus Company promised CB13 that it to school in a more timely matter and reduce would be present at emissions based on its proxim- Boulevard [and] Rockaway Bou- Springfield Gardens Civic ity to schools. Other board mem- levard. As a matter of fact, last Association's next meeting on bers, like Bess DeBetham, de- Thursday I almost had an acci- Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. President of clared they would not support dent there. I think there is traf- the SGCA, Lonnie Glover, fic congestion there. The design could not be reached for comsignalized traffic intersection.

"I can not support [the pro- of the traffic signal - it is not a ment by press time. posal] because of the traffic," well laid plan. I travel that road, Reach Reporter Natalia DeBetham said. "We have traf- so I can't support it."

Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 Although the proposal was or nkozikowska@queenspress.com fic coming from Guy R. Brewer

Nov. 23-29, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

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

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie

Editorial Happy Thanksgiving We’ve been through a lot in the past month. Many Queens residents were left without power in the weeks after Superstorm Sandy. The hardest hit of us were left without homes. Schools have been shut down; businesses have been shuttered and gas has been scarce in the wake of what has been called the worst storm to ever hit New York.

For most of us, we are thankful that things are finally starting to get back to normal after a chaotic month. However, too many of us are still feeling the effects of the storm and have yet to fully recover from the losses we have suffered.

Thanksgiving is a time to sit around the table with family and show appreciation for all that we have. In this time of need, we should also be grateful for all that we can provide. When you sit to enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner this year, we ask that you keep in mind all those who have been affected by the events of the last month.

Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

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

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

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 23-29, 2012

Advertising Executives Merlene Carnegie Shari Strongin

A Queens Tribune Publication. © Copyright 2012 Tribco, LLC

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

Letters Co-Op Tax Issues To the Editor: Recent news reports indicating that the New York State Legislature may not reconvene this year could be bad news for Queens co-op and condo owners. At the end of the legislative session in June, leaders reached a deal to extend and enhance the co-op and condo real property tax abatement, which was due to expire. Unfortunately, the Legislature adjourned without enacting the measure, instead plan-

beleaguered co-op and condo taxpayers.

The bill would, for the first time, increase the value of the tax abatement for middle class owners while limiting the tax break for those who own apartments that they do not use as primary residences or those who own units valued above a certain level.

These measures would help local residents to deal with the outrageous real property tax assessment increases that the New York City Department of Finance has

Letters imposed over the past few years.

I have successfully fought alongside co-op and condo leaders to limit the increases, and the passage of the co-op condo tax abatement bill by the State Legislature represents our best opportunity to stabilize the situation in the short term.

For most Queens co-ops and condos, the tax abatement is vital, and its elimination would surely wreak havoc on the budgets of co-ops, condos, and the middle-class families who make their homes therein. I urge Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to call the Legislature into session as soon as possible to address this matter, and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg to do everything in his power to avoid sending out painfully high property tax bills to co-ops and condos next year.

Mark S. Weprin, Council Member

Give Thanks To The Editor: I think this Thanksgiving we need to truly remember the true meaning of Thanksgiving. The first part of the word which is thanks means to be thankful for all God has given us, but the other part of the word which is giving and that means giving to others

in need. This year I believe we need to remember all our friends and neighbors that are truly hurting from the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. There are many that have been left homeless and hungry and are in greater need this year. I understand many of us are hurting from this recession and are hurting ourselves. But I ask the many that can to give this holiday season to your local food pantry, soup kitchen or houses of worship that distribute to the needy. I would also like to point out that these people are not only hungry during the holidays but 365 days of the year and more so this year. Remember this too that there are many households where children don’t have enough to eat and some who may go to bed hungry. So give what you can for even a little means a lot to those who have lost everything.

Frederick R. Bedell Jr., Glen Oaks Village

WRITE ON:

The PRESS of Southeast Queens, 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11357 email news@queenspress.com fax: (718) 357-9417

Thanksgiving In Aftermath Of Tragedy A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE As we celebrate Thanksgiving in the immediate aftermath of a surprising superstorm, I can think of at least a dozen things for which to be thankful this season, not the least of which is that my family, neighbors and friends all survived and did so without injuries or irreparable property damage.

But what of those who did not fare so well? Hurricane Sandy left in her wake incalculable losses.

Our fellow Queensites in Far Rockaway and Howard Beach are suffering. The superstorm has rendered hundreds, if not thousands, homeless and many injured.

Across our City more than 40 died, including two precious little boys who drowned in Staten Island when their mother lost her grip on them. I cannot imagine

the grief that mother and father are enduring. And yet I cannot but marvel at the good fortune most of us experienced in the face of so much devastation.

In my direct area, most of us did experience power outage for several days, or more than a week in some cases; and with that, extreme cold in our homes. But at the end of it all we can still give thanks that unlike so many others, at least we still had homes in which to shiver even if there was a tree lying across it.

So many in Breezy Point saw their homes literally go up in flames. So many others in the Rockaways also saw their homes damaged beyond repair and placed on the city’s demolition list. Some homes flooded to the point where they will not be livable for at least another six months.

The people who suffered the

most from this storm may not feel celebratory nor feel they have anything for which to give thanks.

On the face of it, that is an understandable sentiment. But it could still have been worse. If you lost your house but not your life or that of your child, parent, spouse or other loved ones, then there has to be gratitude. If you did not sustain serious injury to your person, then indeed that is another reason for thanksgiving.

I am also thankful that we live in a city where even when the utility company is slow in getting the electricity working again or the city is slow in getting the trees of your house, you still know they will come.

The resources we have here in our City and state are second to none. Our first responders are the best trained anywhere; and there are none more committed to duty than they are; so I am thankful this

Thanksgiving that I live in such a place as this. I think we learned a lesson from the tragedy of New Orleans and it helped us to prepare. Nonetheless, many did not heed warnings to move to higher ground and paid the price.

I hope that we have now learned the lesson that we are not beyond the reach of natural disasters and that when a mayor or governor says run for your lives, we should run for our lives indeed.

If the threat materializes, then we will be glad we listened. And if it doesn’t, then we will have lost nothing. It is clearly not worth it to ignore the warnings of those in place to protect our best interests.

So this Thanksgiving Day, I will count my blessings, try to do some volunteering and hope that the lesson Sandy taught us will not have been lost on us.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Police Blotter Compiled by STEVEN J. FERRARI

102nd Precinct Homicide On Nov. 15 at 4:30 a.m. inside of 86-01 Forest Park Drive West, Woodhaven – Forest Park Bandshell parking lot – police responded to a 911 call of an unconscious person. Upon arrival, police observed an unidentified Black male, unconscious and unresponsive with stab wounds to his body. EMS responded and pronounced the victim, identified as Thomas Dudley, 21, of Brooklyn, dead at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

102nd and 106th Precincts Robbery The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance with the whereabouts and identity of the following individuals wanted in connection to and for questioning in regards to a robbery pat-

Justin Ortiz and five other individuals are wanted in connection with two robberies. tern. In two separate incidents, the victims are approached by a group of six Hispanics, male and female. The female suspects spray the victims with mace and the male suspects punch the victims and take their property.

The first incident occurred on Nov. 10 at 10:45 p.m. in front of 84-15 Sutter Ave. The victim was an Asian 40-year-old male. The second incident occurred on Nov. 11 at 1 a.m. in front of 97-28 81st St., and the victim was an Hispanic 20-yearold male.

The suspects are described as: Justin Ortiz, 18, Black with

black hair and brown eyes; an Hispanic male, between the ages of 17-20; an Hispanic female, 16-17, wearing a red and black jacket, blue jeans and riding a bicycle and is a person of interest; an Hispanic female, 16-17 years old, wearing a black and grey jackey, blue jeans and tan or yellow boots, also a person of interest; an Hispanic female, 1617 years old, blondish colored hair, wearing grey sweatpants and a black shirt; and an Hispanic female, 16-17 years old, wearing a jean jacket.

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.

112th Precinct Robbery The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the following suspects who are wanted in connection with a robbery.

On Nov. 13 at 1:28 p.m., the

suspects went to the residence of the victim, a 90year-old male, located in the vicinity of 63rd Drive and Queens Boulevard, stated they were electricians and needed to survey the location for any problems. Once inside, the suspects removed an unknown amount of cash and jewelry before punching the victim as he attempted to prevent them from fleeing the location. The victim received a black eye and did not request any further medical attention.

The suspects are described as being white or Hispanic males, 30-35 years old.

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.

Nov. 23-29, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Council Redistricting

Final District Lines Draw Praise, Criticism

BY ROSS BARKAN

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 23-29, 2012

A chaotic year of redistricting in New York City is about to reach its end, as the 15-member Districting Commission approved redrawn City Council districts last week.

While not as widely-scrutinized as the State Senate and Assembly redistricting process, the City Council’s decennial redrawing of district lines still attracted criticism from voters’ rights groups and minority advocacy organizations. The City Council is likely to approve the new district maps, released on Nov. 16, creating a few opportunities for insurgent candidates but also ensuring that many incumbents will be poised to return to office when their terms expire next year.

The City Council must vote on the new maps by Dec. 10.

Chopped Up Varying in small but significant ways from the Queens draft proposals unveiled last month, the finalized district lines drew praise from former critics. But some civic and good government groups across the City lamented that there would be no public hearings on the final City Council map.

“There are certainly some improvements where neighborhoods have been put back together, but we’d like to see the City Council hold additional hearings on the maps before they take a vote,” said Rachel Fauss, policy and research manager with Citizens Union. “The public as of now doesn’t have the opportunity to formally weigh in on the maps before this happens. If the Council approves them, they will become the official maps.”

Civic leaders from the predominately South Asian Richmond Hill and South Ozone Park were incensed that current district lines carved up their communities among four City Council districts.

With the westward shift of the 28th Council District’s Lefferts Boulevard boundary, Richmond Hill falls more squarely into a single district, represented by embattled Coun-

cilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica). Stripped of his ability to make decisions about public money earlier this year, Wills is under investigation for allegedly misappropriating $33,000 in member item funds.

Now 20 percent Asian, the 28th District could produce several viable primary challengers for Wills, who was elected in 2010 after the previous councilman, Tom White Jr., died in office. Though the district is still 54 percent Black, ambitious South Asian and Guyanese civic leaders from the Richmond Hill area could provide a push to become the first individual of their ethnicity to serve in the City Council.

“There is undeniable progress in the map from the last map,” said Ali Najmi, an organizer with SEVA NY, a civic group based in Richmond Hill.

“I can see they made an effort to put more of Richmond Hill together. It’s not a perfect map and there could still be more done.”

South Ozone Park, civic groups also noted, is still not placed into a single district.

Line in the Sand The subtle shifts in boundary lines in the Richmond Hill area were the result of an intense lobbying effort by several organizations. The Asian American Community Coalition on Redistricting and Democracy, a coalition of 14 Asian-American advocacy organizations, and the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund were at the forefront of a push to ensure that the new district lines would increase the voting power of the burgeoning Asian and Hispanic populations in Queens and the rest of the City.

Parts of Richmond Hill still remain in neighboring districts and Najmi insisted that Richmond Hill and South Ozone Park should have been placed into their own district. AALDEF created a “Unity Map,” a redistricting proposal that was to some extent incorporated in the District Commission’s final version, to account for the rapid demographic changes in the Borough.

The Asian population of

successfully represented the past four years,” Crowley spokesman Eric Yun said in a statement.

The goal of bringing Maspeth and Middle Village into a single council district has long been a challenge, said civic leader and former Republican Assembly candidate Tony Nunziato.

“I’m happy the communities stay together,” Nunziato said. “I don’t like gerrymandering where even businesses don’t know which council member to call.”

The final proposal for new City Council district lines.

Queens grew 300 times the rate of the rest of the Borough in the last decade and ACCORD advocated for districts to represent that growth. Once the final City Council map was released, ACCORD praised the new district alignments in southwest Queens, but disagreed with the shape of Councilman Dan Halloran’s (RWhitestone) 19th District, which does not include Oakland Gardens, a neighborhood with a growing Asian population that ACCORD hoped would be joined with nearby Bayside.

“The Bayside area is a disaster right now,” ACCORD spokesman James Hong said.

Unlike before, Briarwood, home to a growing South Asian population, will now be divided between the 29th and 24th Districts, another point of contention for advocacy groups.

Briarwood was previously kept solely in the 24th District.

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association fumed that Woodhaven was split between Councilman Eric Ulrich (ROzone Park) and Councilwoman

Elizabeth Crowley’s (D-Middle Village) districts, despite remaining only in one district in the draft map proposal.

“The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association is writing to our council members, Elizabeth Crowley and Eric Ulrich,” said Alexander Blenkinsopp, a spokesman for WRBA. “We hope and expect them to oppose the lines as they have been proposed. They need to know that a vote for these lines is a vote against Woodhaven.”

Crowley’s office, however, put out a statement praising her new 30th District. Uniting the ideologically similar neighborhoods of Maspeth and Middle Village, the district could be more Republican-leaning than its predecessor. Crowley defeated Republican Tom Ognibene, now a member of the Districting Commission, in 2009.

“Under the new lines drawn by the redistricting commission, Council Member Crowley’s district would continue to include a diverse group of hardworking middle class families that she has

Incumbent Victory The lack of radical district boundary shifts from the last map is not accidental. Protecting incumbent elected officials is one of the many aims of the bipartisan District Commission.

Eight members of the commission are appointed by the City Council party leaders and seven by the mayor. The commission must include at least one member from each borough and include racial and language minority groups.

“Incumbency protection was a dirty word 20 or 30 years ago,” said Carl Hum, executive director of the Districting Commission. “When it came to districting, we equated that with secret backroom deals. The evolution of case law in districting comes to embrace incumbency protection. Sometimes legislators create relationships with constituents. It’s a legitimate concern and legitimate principle to consider in districting.”

Andrew Beveridge is not so sure. A redistricting consultant and sociology professor at Queens College, he lamented the lack of competitive elections on the City and State level. Beveridge said New York should look to California for redistricting guidance. The Golden State redrew their Congressional district lines with a more nonpartisan commission, creating a highly competitive political environment.

“The nonpartisan redistricting had a cataclysmic effect on California, for the good,” Beveridge said.

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

Borough Beat

Penalties Mount For Gas Gougers

BY MEGAN MONTALVO As the gas shortage following Superstorm Sandy begins to subside, several gas stations throughout the State are beginning to face legal prosecution bearing potentially staggering fines.

On Nov. 16, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that his office has notified 13 gas station operators – including three in Queens – of his intent to commence enforcement proceedings against them for violations of the New York State Price Gouging statute.

“Everything was crazy during the shortage.

But, I know that gouging is something we would never do.”

-Aydin Serdlig

The filing is the first in what the Attorney General’s office said would be a series of gas gouging charges.

“Our office has zero tolerance for price gouging and we are taking action to send a message that ripping off New Yorkers is against the law,” Schneiderman said. “We will do everything we can to stop unscrupulous individuals from taking advantage of New Yorkers trying to rebuild their lives.”

Out of the 13 stations notified in New York City, Long Island and Westchester, Queens and Suffolk Counties tied for the most violators with three stations each.

In Queens, the stations were listed as a Mobil at 40-40 Crescent St. in Long Island City, a Shell at 70-18 Northern Blvd. in Jackson Heights and a Delta at 13-09 14th Ave. in College Point.

Customer complaints

chronicled the charges at $4.89 at the Mobil, $5.50 at the Shell and $5.00 at the Delta.

Despite having been notified

by Schneiderman’s office of the violations, an employee at the Delta in College Point is denying that gouging ever took place.

“I worked everyday during the gas shortage,” said Aydin Serdlig, who has been an employee at Delta for 10 years. “I don’t know what they [the Attorney General’s office] think, but we never gouged anyone.”

During the crisis, Serdlig said the station charged $4.49 — which is $0.52 more than what they are currently charging at $3.97 — to make up for the higher cost the station had to pay suppliers.

In addition, Serdlig said the station had to raise their routine staff from one employee per shift to six.

“Everything was crazy during

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crime punishable by up to one year in prison.

“These gas stations in particular apparently see fines as the cost of doing business. Anyone who would try to profit from another person’s pain during an emergency deserves to face jail time.”

If any of the 13 accused gougers provide justification for temporarily driving up the cost at the time of the shortage, such as the need to hire security or additional staff, it is possible that the gouging charges may be dropped, Schneiderman’s office said.

In the meantime, he is encouraging people who believe they may be a victim of price gouging to call the Attorney General’s Consumer Helpline at 800-7717755 or find a complaint form online at: www.ag.ny.gov.

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

Nov. 23-29, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

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the shortage,” he said. “But, I know that gouging is something we would never do.”

Although calls made to Mobil and Shell were not returned as of press time, Schneiderman stated that in the case of the Mobil station in Long Island City, the price per gallon was posted at the roadside as $3.89.

At the time of the customer complaint, the line for the station was three city blocks long.

When the customer got to the pump, the price sign noted a cash price of $4.89 for regular gas and a credit card price of $4.99.

Subsequently, the consumer paid the $4.99 using his credit card “because he was low on cash and needed the gas.”

“Clearly, the penalties that exist are insufficient to protect the public in times of crisis,” said Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (DAstoria), who is calling on Albany to make price gouging a

pix

Sandy Relief

Southeast Queens Photos Edited By Harley Benson

Feed The Children

EmblemHealth employee volunteers sort non-perishable food items donated by the community for the EmblemHealth Sandy Relief Effort.

The event was held on November 17 at the EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care Cambria Heights location to support Far Rockaway residents impacted by the storm.

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) worked with Feed The Children and Avon to arrange a food distribution for 1,200 needy families in Queens, in collaboration with Elohim Community Development Center in Richmond Hill.

Community Unity

Photo by Joe Marvilli

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 23-29, 2012

Sean Harris and Kanai Harris of Cambria Heights receive an EmblemHealth Care Package from Crystal Harrison, a Health Solution Manager for EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care Cambria Heights, after making a donation during the EmblemHealth Sandy Relief Effort.

City Comptroller John Liu, State Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing) and religious and community leaders held a press conference in front of MasijidSaaliheen Mosque in Flushing on Nov. 20 to show their unity after a vicious stabbing took place. The victim, Bashir Ahmad, 57, was stabbed multiple times around 5 a.m. The act is being looked into as a possible hate crime and the attacker is still at large.

The EmblemHealth Sandy Relief Effort collected non-perishable food, baby items and clothing from the community to support Far Rockaway residents impacted by the storm.

Nov. 23-29, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Profile

Native American Group Focuses On Awareness

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA The Northeastern Native American Association, located in St. Albans, is the first and only Native American community organization based in Southern Queens and the only Native American organization to be run by a female chief. Established in 1991, the group focuses on bringing cultural awareness to the community as well as providing a home where Native Americans can come together.

"We established this organization to overcome the feeling of isolation that many urban Native Americans feel," said Winter Flower Gibson, the principal chief of the NENAA. "We wanted to provide support and somewhere for Native Americans to go and practice their culture and we wanted to educate the public about Native American culture."

Gibson admits that many people have misconceptions

to bring awareness. about the culture which is In 2011, Chief Winter why the NENAA seeks to Flower Gibson and educate the general public NENNA's spiritual leader, and fight stereotypes.

Bear Claw Cintron, "People are just amazed started the NENNA that there are Native AmeriWellness Center. Gibson cans still here and living, esexplained that she felt the pecially in Queens. They general public needed a think it's a dying culture," she place to gain physical, said. "A lot of the school kids spiritual and emotional also have the misconceptions that we live in teepees Bear Claw Cintron, left, and Chief Winter Flower wellness in these troubled and reservations and we Gibson, right, at a 2011 pow wow in Baisley times. The center offers an array of services and is dress in our regalia everyday. Park, Jamaica. open to everyone.

We teach them that we live The services offered at the in houses just like them and the tival where the Native people only time we wear our regalia is from all over come dressed in their wellness center include Reiki, a regalias that representing their Japanese form of healing comwhen we do ceremonies."

When the NENAA was first tribe. They'll have food - Native monly referred to as hands on started, it reached out to the American food like buffalo, veni- healing, which is a form of alternative medicine; Angel Therapy, community by holding pow son, and alligator," said Gibson.

Due to lack of funds, the based on the notion that comwows, a religious ceremony cherished by Native Americans. The NENAA has been unable to municating with angels is the key first Native American Pow Wow host a pow wow since 2011 but to healing; and Past Life Regresin Queens was hosted by the Gibson said the organization sion, a technique that uses hypgroup in Roy Wilkins Park in Ja- has expanded by holding lec- nosis to recover memories of t u r e s , s e m i n a r s a n d o t h e r past lives or incarnations. maica in 1994.

The center also provides ser"It brings awareness to our cul- events in schools, libraries, ture and entertainment. It is a fes- churches and community fairs vices like Domestic Violence

Support Groups, Anger Management and Talking Circles.

"I find this wellness center as being a very, very important component in this society because it is a place for people to come and hang up their hat and get not only the spiritual healing, but the mental healing and the physical healing all in one."

For more information about the Northeastern Native American Association, you may call (718) 978-7057 or email northeasternnative@yahoo.com.

To contact the NENNA Wellness Center for rates and appointments, you may call Winter Flower Gibson at (917) 4356027 or email nennawellnesscenter@yahoo.com.

Additional information about the center can be found on their website, www. nenaawellnesscenter.com.

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

People

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 23-29, 2012

Elaine Carey, Ph.D., Chairperson and Associate Professor at St. John’s University, has been elected to a three- year term as Vice President of the Teaching Division of the American Historical Association commencing January 2013.

Air Force Reserve Airman Robert W. Wynter graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eightweek program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Wynter is the son of Doretha Wynter of Queens Village and is a 2010 graduate of Campus Magnet High School in Cambria Heights.

Army Pvt. Denise Y. Peels has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks

of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches and field training exercises.

Peels is the daughter of Yvette and Dennis Peels of Springfield Gardens and is a 2011 graduate of Martin Van Buren High School in Queens Village.

Air Force Airman Jasmine T. Pierce graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and

has unanimously approved the recommendation of the Honors Committee in selecting Chad Gehani, past president of QCDS, as the recipient of the Emil Lentchner Distinguished Service Award, to be presented at the Jan. 12, 2013, Officers Installation and dinner dance.

Chad Gehani basic warfare principles and skills.

Pierce is the daughter of Craig Pierce of Laurelton and is a 2010 graduate of Thomas A. Edison High School in Jamaica.

The Board of Trustees of the Queens County Dental Society

Queens resident Paula Wiszowaty was recently inducted into Mu Kappa Tau Honor Society at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

Queens College’s Office of Global Education Initiatives and its Center for Jewish Studies will offer alumni and friends “Wine Making: Past and Present,” a tour in Israel Jan. 8-9, 2013. The tour will include a visit to Recanti Winery and Vineyards, Galil Mountain and other wineries and vineyards.

Cost per person is $5,200 and includes land package, airfare from New York City, hotel, transfers, some meals, bus and tour guides, entrance fees, tips

and travel insurance.

For information, call (718) 997-4530 or email tourwithshur@gmail.com.

LaGuardia Community College will host a free introductory workshop on its American Sign Language program 5:45 p.m. on Dec. 12 on the college’s campus, 31-10 Thomson Ave., Long Island City.

To register, visit laguardia.edu/ ace/registration.aspx. For information, call (917) 832-1138 or email katb@lagcc.cuny.edu.

Tell The PRESS Send notices of graduation, awards, anniversaries, engagements and honors to: PRESS of Southeast Queens, 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357 All announcements will be considered for publication without fee.

A&E

Walking For Pennies: Playing For Sandy Relief

BY JOE MARVILLI

Restaurant Review

Luck Of The Irish

WNYC Honors LIC Radio Host

BY MEGAN MONTALVO As the voice of WNYC’s “Spinning on Air” radio show, David Garland of Long Island City is no stranger to the word “eclectic.”

For the last 25 years, he has featured songs from artists that some might call anything but ordinary, including Yoko Ono, Connie Converse and the Brooklyn indie rock band Grizzly Bear.

“I love featuring artists that many would classify as unclassifiable,” Garland said.

“There is something so inspirational about finding these musicians and sharing them with the rest of the world.”

To commemorate Garland’s work in radio, WNYC hosted a celebration in his honor on Nov. 14 at the Jerome L. Greene Performance Space in Manhattan.

At the event, Yoko Ono joined her son Sean Lennon to perform “Higa Noboru,” a song featuring spoken word with piano and electric guitar accompaniment.

Later in the evening, Ono also was joined by avant-garde composer and improviser John Zorn to perform a special duet for Garland.

“David Garland is the perfect

David Garland (right) watches as Yoko Ono performs at a reception in Garland’s honor last week. radio host,” Zorn said. “He has impeccable taste, an open mind, a far reaching curiosity and a voice that makes you want to listen closer and deeper than ever before.”

Though modesty curbs Garland from classifying himself as an innovator of sorts, many in the music industry have praised him for providing an alternative to mainstream radio.

One of whom is Diane Cluck, an American singer-songwriter who describes her music as “intuitive folk.”

During the course of Garland’s celebration, Cluck said that if it was not for his unusual taste in music, so many artists would lack

exposure to a larger audience.

“I always strive to approach music from a different perspective,” she said. “Being featured on a show like ‘Spinning on Air’ helps others do the same.”

In addition to single-handedly producing content for his own weekly show, Garland is also an evening host on WNYC’s sister station, Classical WQXR, and the host of a weekly program about film scores, “Movies on the Radio.”

When not on the air, he also plays a 12-string guitar, writes songs and occasionally performs at live venues throughout the City.

“It’s all about the music,” Garland said. “There is something so exciting about being able to share my unusual tastes with my listeners. My music might be categorized the same way - hard to classify but fun to listen to.”

“Spinning on Air” airs every Sunday at 8 p.m. on WNYC 93.9 FM. To watch the full video of Garland’s 25th anniversary par ty, visit his website at www.davidgarland.com.

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

Nov. 23-29, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

If you have traveled down Roosevelt Ave. or Woodside Ave. lately, you would be hard pressed to miss just how booming the restaurant scene is in the neighborhood of Woodside.

One of the premier eateries in the area is Sean Og’s Tavern, a venue that mixes classic Irish meals with all the pleasantries of a modern pub.

Given that it is a tavern, my friends and I started off with something to drink. By the time I got there, one of my friends had gotten a cocktail that she said I just had to try. Taking a sip, I was almost overwhelmed by the taste of vanilla cake batter. The drink was pretty simple, a mix of Pinnacle cake vodka and ginger ale. The taste and flavor was superb though. I instantly bought one myself.

While the drink isn’t a specialty of Sean Og’s, it’s not every bar that has cake vodka in stock.

We left the bar and made our way to the classy seating in the back. Above us, dozens of novels formed a line above the doorframes. It was a cool touch that added to the homey feel of the restaurant.

Sean Og’s menu offers a mix of both British/Irish dishes like bangers and mash as well as typical American favorites like burgers and chicken and waffles. I went with the broiled pork chops; a choice I knew was the right one as soon as the food arrived. Both pork chops were gigantic, nearly covering the entire plate. The meal was juicy and well-cooked, with minimal interference from bones. Apple sauce was on hand for dipping, adding a delectable flavor that’s not usually associated with pork chops. A heaping pile of mashed potatoes rounded out the meal.

Whether you are looking for a drink, a quick lunch or a satisfying Irish dinner, Sean Og’s has got you covered. If you ever want to experience the best of Woodside’s growing restaurant business, head directly to this tavern. You won’t be disappointed.

- Joe Marvilli

Photo by Megan Montalvo

Sean Og’s Tavern 60-02 Woodside Ave., Woodside (718) 899-3499 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. Sun. – 12 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Delivery: No Credit Card: Yes, all major

Lyrically, the album is do have with kids,” Bridges introspective, discussing said. “This was our first opwhat it means to be an portunity to do something artist in today’s society. like this.”

It also goes over Bridges Both Bridges and Jobe and Jobe’s previous jobs share vocal and guitar duties, as dog walkers, thus crewith some additional mandoating the band’s name, lin from the former. Their muWalking for Pennies. sic is a style they’ve playfully “It’s been a struggle to described as Mo-grass, a mixfigure out how to keep ture of Motown and bluegrass. your job flexible enough The bluegrass side comes from Bridges, who Walking For Pennies performs at a benefit for the and pay enough so that has been inf luenced by victims of Superstorm Sandy at the Sunnyside you can actually make it work,” Bridges said.

Bonnie Raitt and other Community Services Center.

For the rest of the country-ish artists. Jobe’s main source of creativeness leased on Oct. 2, 2012. It was year, the group plans to finish and came from listening to James recorded over a period of two put out a benefit single, titled “Huryears, with the band ricane.” It will be released through Taylor. website, www.

“I pretty much took James intermittingly recording when their Taylor’s greatest hits and learned they could at Ears & Gears stu- walkingforpennies.com. All the proceeds will go to the Red Cross’ it,” Jobe said. “That was the be- dio in Astoria.

“It was good because we recovery efforts from the ginning of me playing guitar.”

A cover of Taylor’s “The Fro- were able to make the choices superstorm.

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at zen Man” closes out the band’s that we wanted to make and we debut album, “Forget About didn’t have time as a constraint,” (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, or at jmarvilli@queenstribune.com.

Wonderland,” which was re- Jobe said.

Photo by Joe Marvilli

While Neeley Bridges and Andy Jobe may perform under the name Walking for Pennies, this past weekend, they were Playing for Sandy relief as well.

Walking for Pennies was one of many acts to perform at the Restaurants United for Sandy Help Benefit at the Sunnyside Community Services Center on Nov. 18.

The event, which went from 4 to 8 p.m., was packed to capacity, getting to the point where people had to wait outside for others to leave.

The entrance fee was $10.

Unlimited food and bar bracelets were $10 each. Attendees also had the option of purchasing a combo unlimited food

and bar bracelet for $15.

For Walking for Pennies, Sandy hit close to home, as their apartment lobby in Long Island City was f looded with several feet of water.

“We lived with my parents for nine days,” Jobe said.

The audience greatly enjoyed the band’s concert. Adults swayed along to the four-song set in the background. A group of children danced wildly in front of the band, some of them even climbing the fence between the crowd and the songwriters to get a better view. The band took it all in stride, charmingly conversing with the kids in between songs.

“We got asked to do it through the connection that we

Faith

Temple Presents ‘The Ivory Wilderness’ The original play was written by the church’s play writer and missionary, Krisite Blake, and will feature 12 actors. Nicols also anticipates that the show will bring out a fairly large crowd.

“Saturday’s show is almost sold out and Sunday’s show is two-thirds sold out,” he said. PS 50’s auditorium, the event location, holds approximately 300 seats.

Nicols hopes that the play will act as a blueprint for those who are not necessarily equipped with how to deal with challenges in their lives and he feels that the show will teach the audience a valuable lesson that is often forgotten.

“In the play, you’ll see you’re really not alone. When people go through things, one of the main challenges is realizing you are not alone. As we deal with issues, one of the things people should remember is that there is a commu-

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA The True Zion Gospel Temple of Jamaica, along with Compassion Outreach Ministries, a non-profit organization that distributes resources to the community, will present its sixth play early in December. The production, “The Ivory Wilderness,” follows the life of a mother who is struggling with the loss of her recently deceased husband.

“The play tracks her response to an epic, shattering type of change that takes place.

She’s pregnant with another baby and she loses, untimely, her husband of over 20 years,” revealed director and Event Coordinator Paul Nicols. “Ultimately, we see the encouragement of her family, the church and some interesting characters along the way to help bring the mother back to a place where she realizes where she went wrong.”

nity around you,” he said.

This strong message could not come at a better time in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, Nicols said.

“I had run into a young lady that lives in the Far Rockaway area and she had come across one of our flyers and she inquired about what the concept of the play was. When I gave her the breakdown, all she could say is ‘I will be there.’ This was a woman who basically lost everything – her entire apartment got flooded out,” he said.

Previously, The True Zion Gospel Temple held its plays at the church, but because the shows were becoming increasingly popular with the public, Nicols said they needed to relocate to a bigger area like P.S. 50.

The new stage at the school will perfectly accommodate the atmosphere the director is trying to evoke.

“You will get a semi-Broadway experience,” he said.

“The Ivory Wilderness” will be presented on two days – Saturday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. The shows will be presented at PS 50 Talfourd Lawn Elementary School’s auditorium, located at 143-26 101st Ave. in Jamaica.

Tickets are $6 for persons age 4 or older, but the church will offer group discount rates for

groups of five or more. Group rates are $5 per person in a group. All proceeds will go towards the Compassion Outreach Ministries.

For additional information or to purchase tickets, you may visit www.truezion.org or call (718) 657-9646 or (516) 9038790.

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

Word “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

-Hebrews 11:1

Notebook JCAL

JCAL Hosts Holiday Family Fun Day The Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning will be kicking off its 40th year anniversary by hosting a Holiday Family Fun Day for the residents of Southeast Queens. The Holiday Family Fun Day will feature arts and crafts and live musical performances sure to get locals in the holiday spirit.

“We have periodic Family Fun Days throughout the academic year,” said Juan CarlosSalinas, education manager at the JCAL. “We are going to have a couple of different musicians playing. This year we are going to have a guitarist. We are also going to have our kids who participate in our vocal classes will be doing some holiday song, as well as our vocal instructor.”

Although the event will fea-

Photo by queens.about.com.

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 23-29, 2012

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

The Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning will be hosting a free Holiday Family Fun Day on Saturday, Dec. 8. ture plenty of music, the main primary activity for children and parents alike at the Holiday Family Fun Day will be arts and crafts, said Carlos-Salinas.

“There will be these huge tables where kids can create all these arts and crafts and parents can participate as well. It’s usually holiday themed and it gives

kids the chance to express themselves creatively and to make something they can take home with them,” he said. “We will be doing holiday portraits as well.”

In a neighborhood that is seemingly lacking in the arts, Carlos-Salinas said he thinks is it extremely important that the JCAL host events like these for the Southeast Queens community.

“Jamaica often does not have enough creative art-focused activities that they can be with their kids,” he said. “I think sometimes there is this feeling that Jamaica gets shafted by a lot of the greater powers in New York and we are determined to show them that there is something here for everyone. There’s something here for the families and there is an alternative to going to see a movie. You can engage

with your kids.”

Holiday Family Fun Day will be held on Saturday, Dec. 8 and is free for all who attend. The event will be held from noon to 2 p.m.

For more information about this event or any JCAL events in the future, you may call (718) 658-7400 or visit www.jcal.org.

The Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning is located at 16104 Jamaica Ave. between 160th Street and Union Hall Street.

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

Is Your School Doing Something Good? Write The PRESS of Southeast Queens, 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357

What’s Up NOV. 23 Poetry Open Mic The Afrikan Poetry Theatre will be presenting an open mic call to all poets and rappers. Don't miss a great evening of words spoken differently. The event will begin at 8 p.m. and will be hosted

by Distinguish. Tickets are $5.

The Afrikan Poetry Theatre is located at 176-03 Jamaica Ave.

NOV. 24 Business Plan Competition The Queens Economic Development Corporation has begun its 7th Annual Queens StartUP! Business Plan Competition in Sept. 2012. The competition gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to strengthen their business knowledge, learn about business trends and gain insights about starting and growing a business, as well as offering an introduction to the vast resources at Queens Library. The free event will be held a Queens Central Library at 11 a.m.

Comedy Night The Black Spectrum Theatre will be presenting a comedy show, "Are You Kidding Me?" featuring Phyllis Yvonne Stickney and several other guests. To purchase tickets, or for additional information, visit www.blackspectrum.com or call (718) 723-1800. You must call for the time. Tickets are $30.

The Black Spectrum Theatre is located at 177th Street and Baisley Boulevard (Roy Wilkins Park).

NOV. 25 Sunday Movies

NOV. 26 Stay Well Queens Central Library will be hosting a free program to teach

NOV. 28 Job Search Strategies Queens Central will be hosting a workshop for participants to learn what is needed to start a job search: general and careerspecific websites; safely finding and applying for jobs online, including creating an account at a major job search website, posting a resume online, emailing a resume and following up after applying online. For more information, please call the Job Information Center at (718) 9000746. The event is free and will begin at 10 a.m.

Child Care Workshop In partnership with the ACS/ CUNY Informal Child Care Project, join the Queens Central Library for an interactive workshop providing information and resources to informal (licenseexempt) child care providers throughout the five boroughs of New York City. Topics include: building relationships and nurturing social and emotional developmen, how children learn, physical well-being and development, language and literacy. The event is free and will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Small Business Workshop Learn how to develop a business idea into a business plan in our small business workshops on Tuesday evenings at Queens Central Library. Participants 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, visit the Job Information Center or call (718) 990-8625. The event is free and will begin at 7 p.m.

NOV. 29 Scribbler's Salon Scribbler's Salon is a meeting and learning space where writers can discuss the craft of narrative, submit their writing for group critique and swap ideas and ex-

periences. The meeting will be held at Queens Central Library at 6 p.m. and is free.

NOV. 30 Citizens Against Recidivism Citizens Against Recidivism will be hosting its sixth annual awards program - a black tie affair to commemorate 20 years of service. Contact Citizens Against Recidivism for information about sponsorship opportunities, to place an ad in their journal or to inquire about purchasing tickets.

You must call for the price. The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The awards program will be held at the Alhambra Ballroom located at 21-16 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.

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 8931 161st St., Jamaica. Call (718) 297-0720 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 cleanup 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, please 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.

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.

Nov. 23-29, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

Queens Central Library will be hosting a Sunday movie night featuring the film, "Think Like a Man," starring Chris Brown, Gabrielle Union and Kevin Hart.

The movie is based on Steve Harvey's best-selling book, which follows four interconnected and diverse men whose love lives are shaken up after the ladies they are pursuing buy Harvey's book and start taking his advice to heart. The movie is PG-13 with a 122 minute duration. The event is free and will begin at 2 p.m.

the public about special exercises and relaxation techniques can make a difference in your life.

The event is free and will begin at 10 a.m.

Queens Today MEETINGS

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!

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturday, November 24l1012 at Elmhurst Hospital. 646748-8290.

GARDENING CLUB Saturdays in the Steinway library court yard at 4.

JEWISH VETS Sunday, November 25 Jewish War Veterans of the USA Lipsky/Blum Post meet at the Garden Jewish Center. 4634742.

ST. ALBANS CIVIC Sunday, November 25 St. Albans Civic Improvement Association meets at 1:30 at St. Albans Lutheran Church, 200 th Street and 119 th Av-

HEALTH SCHIZOPHRENICS ANON. Sundays in Rego Park. 8963400.

CHAIR YOGA Monday, November 26 introduction to chair yoga at

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 23-29, 2012

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

FLEA MARKET Saturday, November 24 at Grace Episcopal Church, 14 th Avenue and Clintonville Street, Whitestone. 25 cents admission 10-5.

JEWISH WOMEN Monday, November 26 National Council of Jewish Women, Lakeville Section meets at noon at Clinton Martin Park, Marcus Avenue for a White Elephant Sale.

FLEA MARKET Saturday, December 1 9-4 at Our Lady of Hope, Eliot A v e n u e a n d 7 1st S t r e e t , Middle Village.

CRAFT & BAKE Saturday, December 1 104 and Sunday, December 2 9 - 3 S t . J o s a p h a t ’ s , 3 5 th A v e n u 3 a n d 2 1 0 th s t r e e t , Bayside.

HOLLY BAZAAR Saturday, December 1 All Saints’ Holly Bazaar 9-4.

214-35 4 0th Avenue, Bayside.

FLEA MARKET Sunday, December 2 at American Mart yrs Church, B e l l a n d Un i o n Tu r n p i ke , Bayside 9-4.

HANUKAH BOUTIQUE Sunday, December 2 Children’s Book Fair at Temple Tikvah, 3315 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park 10-1. 516-746-1120.

the Broadway library. Register.

ZUMBA EXERCISE Monday, November 26 at the LIC library. Register.

CHAIR YOGA Monday, November 26 Broadway library. Register.

ZUMBA EXERCISE Monday, November 26 at the LIC library. Register.

NY CARES Monday, November 26 New York Cares will hold a meeting to recruit new volunteers at 3 at the Forest Hills library.

ALZHEIMERS Tuesday, November 27 Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills. 592-5757, ext. 237.

MS Tuesday, November 27 National Multiple Sclerosis Societ y support group at 1 at the Howard Beach library.

REL AX/MEDITATION TIME Tuesday, November 27 relaxation and meditation time at 5:30 at the Seaside library.

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

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

268-5960, ext. 226.

CANCER AWARENESS Wednesday, November 28 at the Queens Village library at 1:30.

MEDITATION CLUB Thursday, November 29 at the Bellerose library at 5:30.

RECOVERY INT. Thursday, November 29 Recovery International meets at the Forest Hills library at 2:30.

ZUMBA FITNESS Friday, November 30 at the Woodside library. Register.

enue in the undercroft.

TABLE TENNIS CLUB Monday, November 26 at the Seaside library at 1:30.

BONE DIGGERS CLUB Monday, November 26 Oceanus Bone Diggers Club at the Seaside library at 5:30.

KNIT & CROCHET Monday, November 26 at the Douglaston library at 4.

VFW 4787 Mondays, November 26, December 10, 24 VFW Post 4787 meets at 19-12 149 th Street, Whitestone at 8. 7460540.

NY CARES Monday, November 26 New York Cares will hold a meeting to recruit new volunteers at the Forest Hills library at 3.

COME WRITE IN Tuesday, November 27 at the Pomonok library at 5.

GRACI REPUBLICAN Tu e s d a y, N o ve m b e r 2 7 Angelo Graci Republican Club meets at 8 in the Communit y center of Christ Lutheran Church, 101 st Avenue and 86 th Street, Ozone Park.

KNIT & CROCHET Tu e s d a y, N o ve m b e r 2 7 Windsor Park library at 1:30.

WOODHAVEN CULT. Wednesday, November 28 at 1 at Emanuel United Church of Christ, 91st Avenue and Woodhaven Blvd.

Topic is Genealogy.

SEASIDE WRITING Wednesday, November 28 at the Seaside library at 1.

TRAVEL CLUB Wednesday, November 28 at 3:15 at the Seaside library.

KNIT & CROCHET Wednesday, November 28 So. Ozone Park library at 1.

FH VAC Wednesday, November 28 Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corp. 793-2055.

COMM. DIST ED 26 Thursday, November 29 C o m m u n i t y D i st r i c t E d Council 26 meets at 7 for a business meeting and public meeting to follow at MS67, 51-60 Marathon Parkway, Little Neck.

SCRIBBLER’S SALON Thursday, November 29 discuss the craft of narrative at 6 at the Central library.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Thursday, November 29 at the Briarwood library at 5:45.

CDEC 26 Thursday, November 29 at MS67, 51-60 Marathon Parkway, Little Neck. Business meeting at 7, public meeting at 8. Room B44A.

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS INTRO INTERNET Saturday, November 24 Central library. Register.

JOB INTERVIEW Saturday, November 24 Far Rockaway library. Register.

INTRO EMAIL Saturday, November 24 Central library. Register.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Saturday, November 24 public speaking and effective communication at Elmhurst Hospital. 646-7488290 information.

START UP! Saturday, November 24 business plan competition at the Central library at 11.

METRIX Monday, November 26 at the Central librar y. Register. Free online training through Metrix.

EVENING CRAFTS Monday, November 26 Fresh Meadows library at 6.

BALLROOM DANCING Monday, November 26 at 6:30 Forest Hills library.

BEGINNERS FRENCH Monday, November 26 at 5 at the Woodhaven library.

BEGIN CROCHET Monday, November 26 at the Arverne library at 5.

Bring hook and yarn.

ENGLISH CONVERSATION Monday, November 26 Douglaston library. Register.

COMPUTER Monday, November 26 Poppenhusen library t 11:30.

INTRO COMPUTERS Monday, November 26 at the Central librar y. Register.

JOB SEARCH Monday, November 26 at the Arverne library at 5.

INTRO COMPUTERS Monday, November 26 at the Fresh Meadows library at 10:30.

DRAWING CLASS Mondays National Art League in Douglaston. 3610628.

KNIT & CROCHET Tuesday, November 27 at the Auburndale library at 2 and the Windsor Park library at 2.

JOB READINESS Tuesday, November 27 at the Woodside library at 6.

BEGIN EXCEL Tuesday, November 27 at the Flushing library at 10.

DOWNLOAD EBOOKS Tu e s d a y, N o v e m b e r 2 7 at the Flushing library at 10.

COMPUTER BASICS Tuesday, November 27 at the Queens Village library.

Register.

CONVERSATION CLUB Wednesday, November 28

at the Seaside library at 5:30.

OFFICE SUITE Wednesday, November 28 at the Far Rockaway library at 5.

KNIT & CROCHET Wednesday, November 28 at the South Ozone Park library at 1.

BEADING 102 Wednesday, November 28 at the St. Albans library. Register.

JOB SEARCH Wednesday, November 28 at the Central library at 10 and the LIC library at 10:30.

ANIMAT./POWERPOINT Wednesday, November 28 at the Arverne library at 4:30.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP Wednesday, November 28 at the Central library. Register.

SMALL BUSINESS Wednesday, November 28 at the Central library. Register.

INTRO COMPUTERS Wednesday, November 28 at the Pomonok library. Register.

WATERCOLOR Wednesdays all techniques and subjects at the National Art League.969-1128.

ORIGAMI WORKSHOP Thursday, November 29 at the Seaside library at 5:30.

COMPUTER QUICK TIPS Thursday, November 29 at the Central library at 12:15.

MEDITATION Thursday, November 29 at the Bellerose library at 5:30.

FREE LEGAL MUSIC Thursday, November 29 Central library. Register.

MICROSOFT OFFICE Thursday, November 29 at the Arverne library at 10:30.

COMPUTER TUTORING Thursday, November 29 computer tutoring with NY Cares at the Woodside library. Register.

INTRO POWERPOINT Thursday, November 29 Central library. Register.

PUBLIC SPEAKING Thursday, November 29 Briarwood library at 6:15.

ENGLISH CONVERSATION Friday, November 30 at the Windsor Park library. Register.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Friday, November 30 at the Middle Village library. Register.

EXCEL Friday, November 30 at the Central library. Register.

JOB SEARCH Friday, November 30 at the Astoria library. Register.

INTRO WORD Friday, November 30 at the Hillcrest library. Register.

ENTERTAINMENT CINEMA Through December 16 “Cinema and Its Doubles” at Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. 777-6800.

COLOMBIA-BRAZIL Through December 9 celebration of Carnival traditions at Thalia Spanish Theatre in Sunnyside. 729-3880.

WORLD CASINO 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park. Free admission.

THE VAULT Saturday, November 24 Wes Houston presents “The Vault.” Add a little groove to your coffee in Queens Village. 468-9308.

BEAUTY OF KUNQU Saturday, November 24 at the Flushing library at 2.

LIVE JAZZ & R&B Sunday, November 25 live jazz and r&b 6-10 at Déjà vu, 180-25 Linden Blvd., St. Albans.

MEZZO SOPRANO Monday, November 26 Inbar Goldman performs at 6 at the Forest Hills library.

NUTCRACKER SELECTIONS Monday, November 26 at the Flushing library at 7.

SCRABBLE Tuesday s Fresh Meadows library at 1 and East Flushing library at 3:30.

CHESS Tuesdays 4:30 Rosedale library and 4 at LIC library.

SOUTH ASIA ON FILM Wednesdays through April 25 at 4:30 at the GodwinTe r n b a c h Museum at Queens College. 997-4747 for titles and other info.

GAME DAY Fridays 4:30 Woodhaven librar y.

SOUL CONCERT Saturday, December 1 to benefit the Howard Beach Judea Center Hurricane Sandy Relief Effort at the Howard Beach Judea Center. $20. 845-9443.

STEEL BAND Sunday, December 2 at the Central library at 3.

TREE LIGHTING Sunday, December 2 annual tree lighting with the Bowne Park Civic Association at the Park, 32nd Avenue b e t w e e n 1 5 6th a n d 1 5 7 th Streets, Flushing at 4:30.

347-200-1599.

CAMPBELL BROS. Sunday, December 2 African American Gospel music with electric steel guitar and vocals at Flushing Town Hall.

463-7700, ext. 222.

MUSICA REGINAE Sunday, December 2 at Church in the Gardens in Forest Hills at 4:30. 8942178 ticket information.

Queens Today YOUTH EARTH STORIES Wednesday, November 28 at 4:30 at the Sunnyside library.

HEALTH & SCIENCE Wednesday, November 28 at the McGoldrick library at 5.

ARTS & CRAFTS Wednesday, November 28 at the Auburndale library at 4.

CRAFTIVITIES Wednesday, November 28 East Flushing library at 4.

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

TIMELESS TALES Wednesdays at 10 at the Central library.

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

GAME DAY Wednesdays at the Howard Beach library at 4.

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

ORIGAMI WORKSHOP Thursday, November 29 at the Seaside library at 5:30.

MAKE A BUTTERFLY Thursday, November 29 at the Flushing library at 3:30.

SCIENCE LAB Thursday, November 29 at the Central library at 4:30.

VIDEO GAME ACADEMY Thursday, November 29 at the Pomonok library at 4:30.

FUN WITH FABRIC Thursday, November 29 at the Douglaston library. Register.

FAMILY STORY TIMES Thursday, November 29 at the Bay Terrace librar y at 11:30.

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

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

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Friday, November 30 at the Ozone Park library at 4.

VIDEO/BOARD GAMES Friday, November 30 at the Rochdale Village library at 4:30.

KIDS CAN COOK Friday, November 30 at the East Elmhurst library. Register.

SCRATCH LEVEL 2 Friday, November 30 at the Central library at 4.

LEGO WORD BUILDERS Friday, November 30 at the Glendale library at 4.

ORIGAMI POP UP Friday, November 30 at the Bellerose library. Register.

TIGER TOTS Friday, November 30 kung

fu Briarwood librar y. Register.

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

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

GAME DAY Fridays at 3:30 at the Queens Village library.

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

Ozone Park at 4.

GAME DAY Fridays Windsor Park at 4.

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

NATURE PHOTO Saturdays, December 1, 8 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000.

TALKS AUDIO BOOK CLUB Monday, November 26 at the Seaside library at 11.

STEINWAY Monday, November 26 “Olive Kitteridge” discussed at 6:30 at the Steinway library.

LOCAL MATTERS Tuesday, November 27 This is What Democracy Should Look Like at 6 at the Flushing library.

POMONOK Wednesday, November 28 “No Time Like the Present” discussed at 2 at the Pomonok library.

E. FLUSHING BOOK Thursday, November 29 book discussion at 11 at the East Flushing library.

FRESH MEADOWS Thursday, November 29 “Kabul Beaut y School” discussed at 2:30 at the Fresh Meadows library.

BAY TERR ACE Friday, November 30 “Sandcastle Girls” discussed at 11:30 at the Bay Terrace librar y.

ELDER LAW Friday, November 30 Estate and Elder Law: Planning During Uncertain Times: Hot to Weather the Storm 10-12 at North Shore Towers. 224-5863, ext. 201.

POST HOLOCAUST DISPLACED Sunday, December 2 “Idiots, Imbeciles and the Loathsome Diseased” – The Hidden History of Post-Holocaust Displaced Persons at 1 at the Kupferberg Holocaust Center at Queensborough Communit y College. 2815770.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2.

LAPTOPS Monday, November 26 at the Hollis library at 3.

SAT/ACT Monday, November 26 at the Pomonok library. 800273-8439.

SKATEBOARD VIDEO Monday, November 26 at the Peninsula library at 6.

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

LAPTOPS Tuesday, November 27 at the Hollis library at 3 and the Arverne library at 4.

FUN WITH FABRIC Tuesday, November 27 a t the Douglaston library. Register.

AUTHOR VISIT Tu e s d a y, N o ve m b e r 2 7 Yo u n g a d u l t a u t h o r Ta r a Altebrando visits the Corona library at 4.

COLLEGE PREP Tuesday, November 27 at t h e Fa r Ro c k away l i b ra r y.

327-2549 to register.

MANGA Tuesday, November 27 a t the Baisley Park library at 4.

LIC CHESS CLUB Tuesdays LIC library at 4.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays Windsor Park library at 4.

ANIMATION/POWER POINT Wednesday, November 28 at the Arverne library at 5:45.

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 Thursday, November 29 at the Seaside library at 5:30.

RAP SESSION Thursday, November 29 at the Laurelton library at 5.

VIDEO GAME ACADEMY Thursday, November 29 at the Pomonok library at 4:30.

LAPTOPS Thursdays, November 29 at the Hollis library at 3.

FUN WITH FABRIC Thursdays, November 29 at the Douglaston library. Register.

TEEN THURSDAYS T h u r s d ay s B ay Te r ra c e l i brary at 3.

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

brary at 5.

BOOK BUDDIES Friday, November 30 at the Bayside and Fresh Meadow libraries at 4.

HAPPY HOUR Friday, November 30 at the Flushing library at 4.

WII GAME DAYS Friday, November 30 at the Poppenhusen library at 4.

CHESS CLUB

Fridays Auburndale library at 3:30.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays Briarwood library at 4.

WII FRIDAYS Fridays at the Hollis library at 3:30.

GAME DAY Fridays Woodhaven library at 4:30 and the Windsor Park library at 4.

SENIORS

THEATER

ZUMBA GOLD Monday, November 26 at t h e E a s t E l m h u r st l i b ra r y.

Register.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Monday, November 26 at the Queens Village librar y.

468-8300 to register.

BASIC COMPUTER Tuesday, November 27 at the South Ozone Park library at 10.

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

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Thursday, November 29 at t h e W i n d s o r Pa r k l i b ra r y.

468-8300 to register. $17.

HORIZONS CLUB Thursday, November 29 those 55 and over meet for “Belle Silverman, the Brooklyn Diva” program about Beverly Sills at Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 7111 112 th street at 12:30. $3 includes coffee and cake.

KEW GARDENS Thursdays relax and improve your health 10-11. 8002 Kew Gardens Road, suite 202.

ELDER LAW Friday, November 30 Estate and Elder Law: Planning During Uncertain Times: Hot to Weather the Storm 10-12 at North Shore Towers. 224-5863, ext. 201.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING Friday, November 30 at the Laurelton library. 479-8914 to register. Also at the C a m b r i a H e i g h t s l i b r a r y.

276-6790 to register.

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

I SAY TOMATO November 30 through December 9 “You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up!” at Queens Theatre in the Park. 7600064.

WE TELL THE STORY December 7 through 15 newly crafted evening of theatre at Queensborough Communit y College. 6316311.

PARENTS

ENVIRONMENT

OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, November 28 the magnet School of Multimedia, Communication Arts and Journalism in Queens and the Magnet School of Health and Wellness in LIC. 759-4977. All grades can apply.

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

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

RELIGIOUS TEMPLE BETH Friday, November 23 Annual College Homecoming Service and Rededication of painting of first Temple Beth Sholom, Board of Tr u s te e s . S a t u r d a y, N o vember 24 Shabbat Serv i c e s a n d To ra h St u d y a t 10. Friday, November 30 Shabbat Services at 7:30.

Temple Beth Sholom, 17139 Northern Blvd., Flushing. 463-4143.

LITTLE NECK JEWISH Sunday, December 2 “Maps, Peace and Securit y: A Look at Israel and her Neighbors through Maps” at 10:30. Wednesday, December 19 “Israel Advocacy: What Does it Mean to b e P r o - I s r a e l To d a y ? ” a t 7:30. Little Neck Jewish Center, 49-10 Little Neck Parkway.

DINNER COMRIE KICKOFF Sunday, January 6 Antuns. 347-808-8920.

at

Nov. 23-29, 2012 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

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

HOMEWORK HELP McGoldrick library. Call for hours and days.

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

SCIENCE LAB Saturdays Central library at 11.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2.

FURRY FRIENDS Sunday, December 2 at Alley Pond Environmental Center. 229-4000.

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

LEARN TO CROCHET Monday, November 26 at the Arverne library at 4.

TUNEY TOTS Monday, November 26 at the Douglaston library. Register.

STORYBOOK EXPLORERS Monday, November 26 at the Central librar y. Register.

FAMILY STORYTIME Monday, November 26 at the Auburndale library at 4.

WORD OF THE WEEK Monday, November 26 at the McGoldrick library at 5.

CRAFT KIDS Mondays at the Flushing library at 3.

OPTICAL ILLUSIONS Tuesday, November 27 at the Briarwood library. Register.

COMMUNITY WORD Tuesday, November 27 at the Central library at 4:30.

KIDS CLUB Tuesday, November 27 at the Hillcrest library at 4:30.

MANGA Tuesday, November 27 at the Baisley Park library at 4.

READ TO A DOG Tuesday, November 27 a t the North Hills library. Register.

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Tuesday, November 27 at 11:30 at the Glen Oaks library.

FUN WITH FABRIC Tuesday, November 27 at the Douglaston library. Register.

PRESCHOOL CRAFT Wednesday, November 28 at the Windsor Park library.

Register.

TEENS

He’s No Knucklehead

Remember the Elmo After dealing with a week-long sexual accusation case, Kevin Clash, the famed Elmo puppeteer, can finally return to Sesame Street.

Last week, reports of Clash’s alleged gay sexual encounter with a minor put him under legal fire, forcing him to take a leave of absence from Kaufman Astoria Studios, where Sesame Street is filmed, in order to deal with the accusation.

The accuser, Sheldon Stephens, 23, said he and Clash allegedly engaged in sexual acts when he was 16 and Clash was 45 – a claim which was later retracted.

In response the Stephen’s retraction, Clash released a statement that read: “I am relieved that this painful allegation has been put to rest.”

Though Clash’s image might be slightly tarnished in light of the ordeal, Elmo managed to walk away unscathed.

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Nov. 23-29, 2012

High Tide Given the destruction from Superstorm Sandy, many people are giving what they can to help the recovery effort. One Brooklyn resident is showing his charity in a different, and not legal, way.

The anonymous man is using his position as a marijuana dealer to raise money for the Rockaways.

His peddling has so far raised $700, which he said he will use to buy hot meals, baby supplies and blankets for storm victims.

“Look, there are probably some people down there who want some marijuana — but that’s not going to clothe and feed them,” he said.

While we here at QConf do not condone drug dealing, but do commend this man’s contributions and his ability to think outside the box.

Or outside the bong.

QConf is edited by: Michael Schenkler. Contributors: Ross Barkan, Natalia Kozikowska, Joe Marvilli, Marcia Moxom Comrie, Steve Ferrari, Megan Montalvo, Mike Nussbaum.

You can reach us by email at Conf@QueensTribune.com

Confidentially, New York . . .

Home: Richmond Hill Age: 18 Height: 5’3 Weight: 90 lbs.

Stats: 32-26-34

Models Of Queens

Pitching to an incredible 20-6 record in the 2012 season, Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey was named the 2012 National League Cy Young Award winner. He is the first knuckleball pitcher in history to win the Cy Young and the first New York Met to win the award since Doc Gooden in 1985. Tom Seaver who nabbed it in both '69 and '73 is the only other Met to win the coveted pitching award.

The 38-year-old received 27 of the 32 first place votes and was second on the other five ballots, earning the title by a huge margin..

With an impressive 2.73 ERA, Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey Dickey beat out the 2011 winner Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers and Gio Gonzalez of the Nationals. The star pitcher also led the National League in innings pitched (233.2), shutouts (three) and complete games (five).

The Mets have at least one thing to smile about.

Melissa Persaud

She’s just starting out in the modeling world, but Melissa hopes that her early successes turns into a career. She got interested in modeling when she heard about the Miss Teen New York competition and decided to enter. To her surprise, she was selected to be a contestant.

Since her 2011 appearance in the pageant, Melissa has studied modeling at the Barbizon NYC modeling school, which piqued her interest even more. While she has plans for life without modeling, Melissa would be happy staying in front of the camera.

“If I can make it big, why not?” she said. “That would be a dream.”

Melissa said she already has some offers from agencies, but hasn’t yet decided which to take.

In her spare time, Melissa loves to read, having recently gotten into the “Discovery of Witches” series

by Deborah Harkness. She also loves writing when she gets the chance.

“It’s a really good way to get your feelings out,” she said.

The writing may have helped to lead her into her “back-up” career choice: reporting. Enrolled at Pace University, Melissa is studying communications in the hopes of one day being a TV news personality. Her dream job? Reporting on Fox News.

“It’s the news channel my family and I grew up watching,” she said.

“And someday I hope it’s the channel people watch me on.”

Tune Into Melissa BINGO!

Right after President Barack Obama won re-election, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer announced he would hold a lottery on Dec. 14, for residents in New York to win a chance to go to the Jan. 20 Presidential Inauguration ceremony in Washington DC. Enter by Dec. 13 at: www.schumer.senate.gov/Contact/ inauguration.cfm. Two tickets will be given to each lottery winner, although Schumer’s office did not announce how many tickets would be raffled off.

While Schumer’s office said they had gotten a large number of requests for tickets, chances of winning are probably still better than playing the New York State Lottery.

Hey, you never know.

Are They Blue?

The Mets have new road uniforms and they are much less hideous.

Though they aren’t likely to improve their winning percentages, the new all blue jerseys are quite swanky.

Much better than the black, which had no connection to the team’s history. In a literal sense, a dark era in Mets history is coming to end.

In a figurative sense, not so much.

At least the Mets will be looking fresh in 2013.

Let’s hope they start looking harder for wins, too.